Tennessee and Texas….
I had a wonderful week in Tennessee and I am back now in my 400 square foot apartment in Texas! I spent some much needed girl time with Mama on Monday. It was great to run errands and just be together. I have missed her so much over the last three months. She is a wonderful friend and mother.
Tuesday and Wednesday were VERY lazy. I don’t have TV in my apartment. I took the opportunity of catching up on all of my favorite shows. I think I really needed time to just be. Not to think, just rest. I did get a paper written, so I didn’t beat myself up too much ☺
Thursday we headed to Chattanooga for Thanksgiving with the Pratt’s. I just love my family. They lift me up, they care and we have so much fun together. I am so thankful to have them - each and every one of them. I am also so glad that my brother Thomas knows how to fry a turkey so well! All of the food was wonderful, but the best part was just enjoying each other’s company.
Friday I spent the day with Daddy. We have so much in common. I guess those commonalities will only continue to grow as I persist in my studies. We have a playful rivalry between Sewanee and Seminary of the Southwest. He is big SSW fan now so I thought he would enjoy a SSW sweatshirt for his birthday. He told me jokingly that he would wear it inside the house ☺. I am so thankful for my Daddy and our time together. Believe me, it helps to have an amazing father, who happens to be a priest, while attending Seminary.
I am back in my apartment and so glad to see my sweet puppy Owen. I told Owen when we woke up this morning that this weekend was all about writing! I have several projects and papers due by December 12th. I have a feeling that my computer will get lots of good use in the coming weeks. I ask your prayers during these difficult two weeks.
I really did miss my seminary community while I was in Tennessee and I am excited to be with them again in Texas. I am also very thankful for all of you and the many blessings God has given us all. I celebrate you all in my heart and prayers.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…Mary Balfour
Seminary of the Southwest Christ Chapel
The view I get to experience everytime I attend Christ Chapel!!!!!!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Home Sweet Home!
Home Sweet Home!
I am in Tennessee with my family and it feels so good!!! I made it home on Friday in time to spend the evening with my two wonderful brothers, Knox and Thomas, and my amazing parents. I can’t tell you what a treat it is for the five of us to be together. Knox lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, so we don’t get to see him often. We have been blessed this year by having the opportunity to see him twice. It was wonderful to share a meal together and just be in the same room with them!
Yesterday we made the short journey to Franklin to celebrate with my cousin Nerren and his bride to be Victoria. All of my cousins and their spouses, on my Mom’s side, were there except one. My cousin James and his wife Courtney were not able to join us. Again, a huge treat to get to hang out with them!!! We had a ball being together and celebrating with Nerren and Victoria.
Today my heart was full when my Daddy gave me communion then gave Mama, Thomas and Knox communion. This hasn’t happened in many years, worshipping together! It was great to worship Christ together. My brothers and I just go back from lunch. I am so thankful to spend time with them.
I really needed to see my family. As much as I love seminary, there is nothing like home sweet home. I look forward to updating you all on my week in Tennessee. May you all enjoy this special week remembering all that God has blessed us with.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…Mary Balfour
I am in Tennessee with my family and it feels so good!!! I made it home on Friday in time to spend the evening with my two wonderful brothers, Knox and Thomas, and my amazing parents. I can’t tell you what a treat it is for the five of us to be together. Knox lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, so we don’t get to see him often. We have been blessed this year by having the opportunity to see him twice. It was wonderful to share a meal together and just be in the same room with them!
Yesterday we made the short journey to Franklin to celebrate with my cousin Nerren and his bride to be Victoria. All of my cousins and their spouses, on my Mom’s side, were there except one. My cousin James and his wife Courtney were not able to join us. Again, a huge treat to get to hang out with them!!! We had a ball being together and celebrating with Nerren and Victoria.
Today my heart was full when my Daddy gave me communion then gave Mama, Thomas and Knox communion. This hasn’t happened in many years, worshipping together! It was great to worship Christ together. My brothers and I just go back from lunch. I am so thankful to spend time with them.
I really needed to see my family. As much as I love seminary, there is nothing like home sweet home. I look forward to updating you all on my week in Tennessee. May you all enjoy this special week remembering all that God has blessed us with.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…Mary Balfour
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The importance of Hospitality.....
The importance of Hospitality…
We have just completed Fall Visitor’s Weekend here at the Seminary of the Southwest. It was an exciting weekend! There were prospective students on campus from all over the U.S. The weekend reminded me of the importance of hospitality. Hospitality is a ministry. It is an important ministry that God we are called to by God.
The prospective students visited classes, participated in Chapel services and took tours of different students’ homes (my apartment was on the tour). We treated them to our local pub, finishing the weekend with a festival Eucharist, a fabulous dinner and dancing to a bluegrass band.
I was a part of team clean. I now know how the kitchen at SSW runs! It really takes an army to pull off this massive event. Everyone, and I mean everyone, helped make this weekend so special. I think our visitors got a real sense of our amazing community and what life as a seminarian is all about. I am honored to have been a part of this weekend and I can’t wait until we get to do it all over again in the spring!
I finished off the weekend by being a part of St. Mary’s, Birmingham, my home parish, annual meeting. I was “Skyped” in. It was AWESOME to see my Church again and of course all of the people that make it the special place that it is. What a gift to be able to be a part of the annual meeting even though I am so far away. I can’t wait to see them all in person soon.
I am heading to Tennessee on Friday, so next week’s post will be from there. I can’t tell you how excited I am to see my family and to get to attend a party for my cousin Nerren. Nerren is getting married in December and I am thrilled to be a part of the celebration.
Remember, I keep you all close to my heart and continue to love you all even from far away…
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…Mary Balfour
We have just completed Fall Visitor’s Weekend here at the Seminary of the Southwest. It was an exciting weekend! There were prospective students on campus from all over the U.S. The weekend reminded me of the importance of hospitality. Hospitality is a ministry. It is an important ministry that God we are called to by God.
The prospective students visited classes, participated in Chapel services and took tours of different students’ homes (my apartment was on the tour). We treated them to our local pub, finishing the weekend with a festival Eucharist, a fabulous dinner and dancing to a bluegrass band.
I was a part of team clean. I now know how the kitchen at SSW runs! It really takes an army to pull off this massive event. Everyone, and I mean everyone, helped make this weekend so special. I think our visitors got a real sense of our amazing community and what life as a seminarian is all about. I am honored to have been a part of this weekend and I can’t wait until we get to do it all over again in the spring!
I finished off the weekend by being a part of St. Mary’s, Birmingham, my home parish, annual meeting. I was “Skyped” in. It was AWESOME to see my Church again and of course all of the people that make it the special place that it is. What a gift to be able to be a part of the annual meeting even though I am so far away. I can’t wait to see them all in person soon.
I am heading to Tennessee on Friday, so next week’s post will be from there. I can’t tell you how excited I am to see my family and to get to attend a party for my cousin Nerren. Nerren is getting married in December and I am thrilled to be a part of the celebration.
Remember, I keep you all close to my heart and continue to love you all even from far away…
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…Mary Balfour
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Formation.....
Formation…
Formation is a word that we use often here at the Seminary of the Southwest. All that we are participating in, Chapel, classes and community, are a necessary, hard, fulfilling and loving part of this formation. It is this formation will make us great priests and leaders of the Episcopal Church.
Two of the events that were a part of my formation this week were:
Working on a group project. This is one of those very difficult projects that lead to a great ending. I worked with several of my classmates on a group presentation. Of course we all have different styles and organizations skills. When these differences were put together there was friction. One of my classmates described our differences and the difficulties we encountered as a storm. As a result of this storm we found ourselves having to communicate and pray about the issues at hand. Ultimately we were able to put together a project that made us all proud. Emotions are sometimes difficult to deal with, but often they lead us exactly were we need to be. This group project is great example of how our faith in God and others can lead us to a wonderful end result. Thank you to my classmates, who pushed me, loved me and helped form me this week.
Christ Chapel and its loving attendees. Christ Chapel is a teaching Chapel. You might think of the students much like residents working in a hospital. It is a place that we can make mistakes and learn from them, and yet feel safe at the same time. That was certainly true for me this week. I was the lector at Morning Prayer on Thursday. I have read in Chapel a few times, so I was aware of the flow of the Daily Office. I somehow got the order confused and got up to read before we said the Psalm. Fortunately one of my classmates quietly stopped me. Once I did get up to read, it was a tough passage! You all know those passages in the Bible with lots of difficult names that you stumble over. This particular passage was from Ezra. It was chock full of difficult names! This wasn’t my finest reading moment even though I had practiced reading it several times. But with the help of God and those who were praying for me, I got through it. Despite stumbling through the passage, we worshipped God in Christ Chapel that day, just as we do everyday.
For a sneak peak at next week’s love note I will tell you more about my work-study and some of the amazing work that is being accomplished at SSW. I will also be able to report on Visitor’s Weekend. Please pray for our community as we welcome prospective students to our school. My prayer is that we can convey our love for this place to them.
I have many of you of my mind. I am specifically praying for those who are hurt, lost and broken and are looking for God to open a door for you. Trust, believe, have faith. He is holding both you and me tightly as we continue on this journey together.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…
Mary Balfour
Formation is a word that we use often here at the Seminary of the Southwest. All that we are participating in, Chapel, classes and community, are a necessary, hard, fulfilling and loving part of this formation. It is this formation will make us great priests and leaders of the Episcopal Church.
Two of the events that were a part of my formation this week were:
Working on a group project. This is one of those very difficult projects that lead to a great ending. I worked with several of my classmates on a group presentation. Of course we all have different styles and organizations skills. When these differences were put together there was friction. One of my classmates described our differences and the difficulties we encountered as a storm. As a result of this storm we found ourselves having to communicate and pray about the issues at hand. Ultimately we were able to put together a project that made us all proud. Emotions are sometimes difficult to deal with, but often they lead us exactly were we need to be. This group project is great example of how our faith in God and others can lead us to a wonderful end result. Thank you to my classmates, who pushed me, loved me and helped form me this week.
Christ Chapel and its loving attendees. Christ Chapel is a teaching Chapel. You might think of the students much like residents working in a hospital. It is a place that we can make mistakes and learn from them, and yet feel safe at the same time. That was certainly true for me this week. I was the lector at Morning Prayer on Thursday. I have read in Chapel a few times, so I was aware of the flow of the Daily Office. I somehow got the order confused and got up to read before we said the Psalm. Fortunately one of my classmates quietly stopped me. Once I did get up to read, it was a tough passage! You all know those passages in the Bible with lots of difficult names that you stumble over. This particular passage was from Ezra. It was chock full of difficult names! This wasn’t my finest reading moment even though I had practiced reading it several times. But with the help of God and those who were praying for me, I got through it. Despite stumbling through the passage, we worshipped God in Christ Chapel that day, just as we do everyday.
For a sneak peak at next week’s love note I will tell you more about my work-study and some of the amazing work that is being accomplished at SSW. I will also be able to report on Visitor’s Weekend. Please pray for our community as we welcome prospective students to our school. My prayer is that we can convey our love for this place to them.
I have many of you of my mind. I am specifically praying for those who are hurt, lost and broken and are looking for God to open a door for you. Trust, believe, have faith. He is holding both you and me tightly as we continue on this journey together.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…
Mary Balfour
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Happy Halloween!!!!
Happy Halloween!!!
In honor of Halloween, I gave the blog a new look. I have been trying to find some time to “spruce” it up and finally got to do so this week. We had a progressive Halloween party this weekend at SSW and it was lots of fun! I was a sixty’s girl with a FABLOUS pink wig! This is just another example of what a wonderful community I live in and how much fun we have together!
This week I had the honor of being a part of two prospective students visits to campus. I loved having the opportunity to give back to SSW, especially because it has given me so much. It is great to be able to show my school off. I hope to continue to be a part of prospective students’ visits to campus. It wasn’t that long ago that I was in their shoes, so it is a gift to be a part of their discernment process. I truly believe that if you are called to be a priest, then you should go to the seminary that is right for you. That is what I did and I am exactly where God wants me to be.
I want to tell you all about my Liturgy class. My professor is so knowledgeable and has amazing energy. Sometimes when I am in class listening to him I think, wow, this is not the way I understood that! I don’t think he is trying to change my mind, he is just trying to get me to look at things through a different lens. It is refreshing to really feel like you are learning. The knowledge I am gaining often feels like it is seeping into my bones. This knowledge is going straight to my core and connecting my love of God in my heart with my love of God in my head. My professor often says just let this information wash over you. I am doing my best….
I have several group projects and papers due in the coming weeks. I ask your prayers during this challenging but growing time. I am sure that I will make it, but I must admit I am a bit anxious. I don’t just want to mark things off my list; I want to do the work well. I don’t tell him enough, but thank you Daddy for reading everything I write. My Daddy has given me a huge gift of taking on the role of reviewing many of my papers. He is encouraging and teaching me so much. Of course this is in addition to taking care of the hundreds of sheep that need him! Thank you Daddy for taking such good care of all your sheep!! I hope one day I can be half the shepherd you are.
Finally, St. Mary’s family, I will be preaching on February 19th at all four services. Please mark your calendars. It will be my great honor to preach once again in the Church that is supporting me so much on this journey. I miss you all daily and I carry you in my heart.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…
Mary Balfour
In honor of Halloween, I gave the blog a new look. I have been trying to find some time to “spruce” it up and finally got to do so this week. We had a progressive Halloween party this weekend at SSW and it was lots of fun! I was a sixty’s girl with a FABLOUS pink wig! This is just another example of what a wonderful community I live in and how much fun we have together!
This week I had the honor of being a part of two prospective students visits to campus. I loved having the opportunity to give back to SSW, especially because it has given me so much. It is great to be able to show my school off. I hope to continue to be a part of prospective students’ visits to campus. It wasn’t that long ago that I was in their shoes, so it is a gift to be a part of their discernment process. I truly believe that if you are called to be a priest, then you should go to the seminary that is right for you. That is what I did and I am exactly where God wants me to be.
I want to tell you all about my Liturgy class. My professor is so knowledgeable and has amazing energy. Sometimes when I am in class listening to him I think, wow, this is not the way I understood that! I don’t think he is trying to change my mind, he is just trying to get me to look at things through a different lens. It is refreshing to really feel like you are learning. The knowledge I am gaining often feels like it is seeping into my bones. This knowledge is going straight to my core and connecting my love of God in my heart with my love of God in my head. My professor often says just let this information wash over you. I am doing my best….
I have several group projects and papers due in the coming weeks. I ask your prayers during this challenging but growing time. I am sure that I will make it, but I must admit I am a bit anxious. I don’t just want to mark things off my list; I want to do the work well. I don’t tell him enough, but thank you Daddy for reading everything I write. My Daddy has given me a huge gift of taking on the role of reviewing many of my papers. He is encouraging and teaching me so much. Of course this is in addition to taking care of the hundreds of sheep that need him! Thank you Daddy for taking such good care of all your sheep!! I hope one day I can be half the shepherd you are.
Finally, St. Mary’s family, I will be preaching on February 19th at all four services. Please mark your calendars. It will be my great honor to preach once again in the Church that is supporting me so much on this journey. I miss you all daily and I carry you in my heart.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…
Mary Balfour
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Lovely Day, Lovely Week......
Lovely Day, Lovely Week….
As many of you all might know, I am a huge Bill Withers fan and “Lovely Day” is one of my favorite songs. Well this week I have had many Lovely Days in fact it has been a Lovely Week. So I have played Bill’s song several times on my ipod in honor of this week. As much as I absolutely love my classes (I am not being sarcastic here) it was time for a break. This is how I spent my week:
Monday: Coffee with my friend Vivian and I worked on a paper. I filled up my car with gas for the first time since August and it still had a half of tank left! I also went on my first thrift shop excursion. I loved it! I went in with a plan and a very strict budget (a whopping $30). I came out with some great finds and $2 to spare. As you all know I am on a very tight budget (I don’t have a job), so thrift shops are the way to go. Austin is known for all its wonderful thrift stores. I had so much fun I might never walk in a department store again. A sweet friend sent me a gift certificate to Whole Foods (the flagship store is here in Austin). So I ended the day with some fun treats from Whole Foods and a lovely phone chat with my Aunt Sally.
Tuesday: I did some reading for my Liturgy and Bible classes. Watched a video on the Old Testament with my friend Jodi (yes, this is how seminarians like to spend their free time). I completed my Clinical Pastoral Education applications (no small task I might say) and put them in the mail. Yeah!!! I got to visit with my very dear friend Camille by phone and picked up my buddies Seth and Amber at the airport. As a treat, I got to go to PTerry’s with them for a burger. The burgers were fantastic and the shakes and conversation were even better!
Wednesday: I watched more videos on the Old Testament, took Owen on a long walk and worked on another paper. I also wrote out all of the papers and projects I have due before the end of the semester and made a calendar. There are 10 of them and 4 are due on the last day of classes. Y’all start praying!!! I ended the day with my friends Samantha and James at a fun pizza place called Red House. Samantha and James have become dear friends and we always have a fun time together.
Thursday: Coffee again with Vivian and finished the second paper! More reading and video watching. Owen got a haircut and my apartment got a good clean. I got to go to dinner with a new friend Ainsley. It is exciting to get to know someone outside of the seminary. She was so kind to me and I am looking forward to spending time with her.
Friday: More reading, more videos and a girl’s lunch! We went to a wonderful sandwich shop called Foodheads and it reminded me of Julia’s in Sewanee. It was lots of fun to be with the girls at a fun restaurant and visit. I ended the day with ice cream with my fellow postulants from the Diocese of Alabama and VERY dear friends Seth and Donna.
Saturday: Great catch up phone calls with two dear friends Emily and Ashley. More videos, more reading, long walks for Owen and I; a wonderful day of relaxation!!!
I think I see a pattern, lots of reading, rest and great food in Austin this week! It will be back to regular scheduled programming next week but everyday this week was Lovely.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…
Mary Balfour
As many of you all might know, I am a huge Bill Withers fan and “Lovely Day” is one of my favorite songs. Well this week I have had many Lovely Days in fact it has been a Lovely Week. So I have played Bill’s song several times on my ipod in honor of this week. As much as I absolutely love my classes (I am not being sarcastic here) it was time for a break. This is how I spent my week:
Monday: Coffee with my friend Vivian and I worked on a paper. I filled up my car with gas for the first time since August and it still had a half of tank left! I also went on my first thrift shop excursion. I loved it! I went in with a plan and a very strict budget (a whopping $30). I came out with some great finds and $2 to spare. As you all know I am on a very tight budget (I don’t have a job), so thrift shops are the way to go. Austin is known for all its wonderful thrift stores. I had so much fun I might never walk in a department store again. A sweet friend sent me a gift certificate to Whole Foods (the flagship store is here in Austin). So I ended the day with some fun treats from Whole Foods and a lovely phone chat with my Aunt Sally.
Tuesday: I did some reading for my Liturgy and Bible classes. Watched a video on the Old Testament with my friend Jodi (yes, this is how seminarians like to spend their free time). I completed my Clinical Pastoral Education applications (no small task I might say) and put them in the mail. Yeah!!! I got to visit with my very dear friend Camille by phone and picked up my buddies Seth and Amber at the airport. As a treat, I got to go to PTerry’s with them for a burger. The burgers were fantastic and the shakes and conversation were even better!
Wednesday: I watched more videos on the Old Testament, took Owen on a long walk and worked on another paper. I also wrote out all of the papers and projects I have due before the end of the semester and made a calendar. There are 10 of them and 4 are due on the last day of classes. Y’all start praying!!! I ended the day with my friends Samantha and James at a fun pizza place called Red House. Samantha and James have become dear friends and we always have a fun time together.
Thursday: Coffee again with Vivian and finished the second paper! More reading and video watching. Owen got a haircut and my apartment got a good clean. I got to go to dinner with a new friend Ainsley. It is exciting to get to know someone outside of the seminary. She was so kind to me and I am looking forward to spending time with her.
Friday: More reading, more videos and a girl’s lunch! We went to a wonderful sandwich shop called Foodheads and it reminded me of Julia’s in Sewanee. It was lots of fun to be with the girls at a fun restaurant and visit. I ended the day with ice cream with my fellow postulants from the Diocese of Alabama and VERY dear friends Seth and Donna.
Saturday: Great catch up phone calls with two dear friends Emily and Ashley. More videos, more reading, long walks for Owen and I; a wonderful day of relaxation!!!
I think I see a pattern, lots of reading, rest and great food in Austin this week! It will be back to regular scheduled programming next week but everyday this week was Lovely.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…
Mary Balfour
Saturday, October 15, 2011
A few cooler days, if 91 degrees is cooler....
A few cooler days, if 91 degrees is cooler…..
It is Fall Break here at the Seminary of the Southwest!!! We are enjoying some cooler weather (only the low 90’s versus the high 90’s) but I will take it! I will say I was very ready for the break. While I really enjoy all of my classes and am learning a lot, everyone needs a break! It will be nice to catch up on schoolwork, sleep late and hopefully get to be a part of some fun Austin adventures.
One of the priorities of the junior class is to visit different Churches in the Austin area. The faculty asks us to do this to get a sense of where we might like to do our parish fieldwork. I have been to three different Churches - and they were all COMPLETELY different. I really enjoyed them all but nothing feels like St. Mary’s to me. I guess it is part of my formation to let go of my past and to be open to my future. It is very likely that the Church I will serve will be very different from St. Mary’s, so this exposure to different types of parishes is a good thing. We have to write a report after each visit. I think this is a very good assignment and I feel sure that God will lead me to the perfect field education experience.
We did have a Blessing of the Animals liturgy here at SSW. Of course Owen received his annual blessing. Lots of people have animals, so it was fun to meet them all. We also celebrated the founder of SSW, The Rt. Rev. John Hines. John Hines was Bishop of Texas and then the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church during the Civil Rights movement. It was fun to have his family and our Board of Trustees on campus. I really enjoyed meeting them all and learning more about this very special man.
I also am working very hard on my Clinical Pastoral Education applications. Next summer I will be an intern chaplain at a hospital. I am applying in Birmingham, Chattanooga and Murfreesboro. So stay tuned on where I will be spending the summer of 2012!
The Seminary of the Southwest admission’s department just produced new, FANTASTIC videos about SSW. I encourage you to check out these videos so that you can experience first hand my wonderful school. www.ssw.edu/videos
I hope this love note finds you all well. I continue to think of you all often and you remain in my daily prayers.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…
Mary Balfour
It is Fall Break here at the Seminary of the Southwest!!! We are enjoying some cooler weather (only the low 90’s versus the high 90’s) but I will take it! I will say I was very ready for the break. While I really enjoy all of my classes and am learning a lot, everyone needs a break! It will be nice to catch up on schoolwork, sleep late and hopefully get to be a part of some fun Austin adventures.
One of the priorities of the junior class is to visit different Churches in the Austin area. The faculty asks us to do this to get a sense of where we might like to do our parish fieldwork. I have been to three different Churches - and they were all COMPLETELY different. I really enjoyed them all but nothing feels like St. Mary’s to me. I guess it is part of my formation to let go of my past and to be open to my future. It is very likely that the Church I will serve will be very different from St. Mary’s, so this exposure to different types of parishes is a good thing. We have to write a report after each visit. I think this is a very good assignment and I feel sure that God will lead me to the perfect field education experience.
We did have a Blessing of the Animals liturgy here at SSW. Of course Owen received his annual blessing. Lots of people have animals, so it was fun to meet them all. We also celebrated the founder of SSW, The Rt. Rev. John Hines. John Hines was Bishop of Texas and then the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church during the Civil Rights movement. It was fun to have his family and our Board of Trustees on campus. I really enjoyed meeting them all and learning more about this very special man.
I also am working very hard on my Clinical Pastoral Education applications. Next summer I will be an intern chaplain at a hospital. I am applying in Birmingham, Chattanooga and Murfreesboro. So stay tuned on where I will be spending the summer of 2012!
The Seminary of the Southwest admission’s department just produced new, FANTASTIC videos about SSW. I encourage you to check out these videos so that you can experience first hand my wonderful school. www.ssw.edu/videos
I hope this love note finds you all well. I continue to think of you all often and you remain in my daily prayers.
Blessings to you all as the ride continues…
Mary Balfour
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)