We're Here

I realize that I have been silent for awhile.  We had a great trip out here and are enjoying our home and neighborhood.  I'm sure you would listen to more details, but I need to write them later.

For now, I need your help.

For the 4th, we are inviting about 50 people to our house (half of whom we do not know.)  I am racking my brain for the right menu.  I need it to be affordable, yummy, special, but not pretentious.  I will have a grill.

Thoughts?  Recipes.

Would love to hear from you.

BTW- our new address is:

502 Newton St.

Seattle, WA 98109

Four Weddings & a Funeral

A whirlwind- that's the only way to describe the last two weeks.  There has been much joy, laughter, and tears.

Let's start with the weddings:

1- Baccalaureate-  the class of 2008's last time to worship together with the faculty.  It was beautiful- a glimpse of heaven.  One  professor said that we were on the verge of being charismatic when the congregation sang my favorite song- the Lion of Judah.  "And the earth will reply, You shall reign as the King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords!"

Rob gave his testimony.  It was raw, redemptive, and encouraging.  I hope that it will be available online.  I will let you know when it is.

2- Graduation-  So sweet, and the culmination of so much hard work.  I thought I would cry, but I smiled and clapped and yelled like everyone else.  I was very proud of Rob and amazed at God's faithfulness to us.  I conducted a choir singing "Alleluia" by Randall Thompson.  Filled with graduates, wives, faculty, staff, and children, it was a great picture of the CTS community.

Rob kissed Dr. Chapell when he received his diploma.  Dr. Chapell said, "I guess we're all just one big happy family."  Funny.  

Many of our family members and some of our dear friends came into town to celebrate with us.  Thank you!

3- What else?  The PROM- My dear friend Rae threw us an 80's prom.  Funniest night ever.  There were plenty of preservatives (think Twinkie tower and cheese puffs), some very bad outfits (including a nasty pantsuit), and some great dancing.   A night under the stars!  (Pictures are on facebook.)

4- Particularization-  Our church plant, South City, became a particular church Sunday, May 18.  What a blessing to be able to see and celebrate God's faithfulness to his bride and to this city.  It was a good reminder of the joy of the call of church planting- people come to Christ and his kingdom is spread on the earth!  We love our pastor Jay Simmons and are sad to be saying goodbye to our St. Louis church.

Funeral- One of my classmates, and a beautiful baritone, lost his wife to cancer.  She was 50.  I attended the funeral Monday, May 19.  I sat there and wept as I listened to a husband eulogize his wife with the hope of the gospel and the resurrection.  The irony of the timing was not lost on me.  Amidst the celebration, there are still tears.  

BUT, I was also reminded that ministry is about walking alongside those whom God loves- that one day we might all be reunited to him forever.  Madeline Owens is with her Savior.  Ministry is done in the context of this hope.

The movers come tomorrow, and Friday, we head west.  We leave many good friends, and what has been the most amazing opportunity and experience.

Our journey will take us to Grand Canyon, Vegas, LA, San Fran, and then to our new home. Pray for safety and good family time.  Much love.  Claudia

We Have an Address!

It has been a crazy week!  I am officially done with my seminary career!

I have some thoughts about my last exam that I want to share, but I must wait until Thursday because I pledged not to discuss it......:)

After searching the internet in every spare moment, we faxed a lease on a house.  

Actually, no other house worked out and so I have to assume this is where God wants us to live:

It's great and we would love to have you visit.

I was telling my friends tonight that I need to retrain my brain.  I don't have any papers or tests or theological books to read.  Strange.  However, that means I am looking for good books that you read for FUN- a novel concept.  I have to start with Keller's book, but would love some other suggestions.

When I write again, I may have an actual diploma......(Rob has one more tomorrow- you can do it honey.)

Milestones

Last night, the faculty wives had a celebration for graduating women (wives and students.)  The faculty wives are very caring and truly love being a part of the seminary.

They gave us each a rock and had us think about God's faithfulness while we were here.  They suggested that we start a rock collection of the milestones in our lives- similarly to Abraham's altars.    

I thought about a few that I would share with you:

-the fact that Rob and I have both been able to get degrees and study is a blessing

-God has always provided for us financially

-although we didn't think it possible, we have made some best friends here

-we both know more, yes, but also love Jesus more

-our children have thrived here

-we have lived across the hall from two very dear families that we will love forever

-we have had opportunities to serve the kingdom with our gifts

-we have realized how much we need partners in the gospel

-our marriage is so much better

-lastly, although we have grown and been sanctified, we know more of our sin now than ever and that Jesus still loves us- that's faithfulness

Tomorrow, my daughter will take vows in front of the congregation and partake of the Lord's supper.  I am looking forward to seeing how God uses this means of grace in her life.

I have a rock for her.

Shame Fest 101

This morning, our chapel rehearsal ran late.  We were rockin' to IG5's Litany Song.  Bass was loud and drums thumpin.

A professor had to stop lecturing, come upstairs, and tell us to be quiet.

Lovely.  Way to go out with a bang.

The Beginning of the End

days left of school: 14

exams: 3

tests: 1

papers: 1

chapels: 2

sunday am worship: 5

New Fitness Regimen

I always want to work out, but don't always have the time or tenacity.

UNTIL NOW.....have you played Wii Sports?

My arm is so sore from playing tennis that I can barely lift it.  Plus, I am really good at virtual tennis.  I always wanted to play AND I get to hang out with my son.

Furthermore, when we box, we have to open the windows it's such a workout.

Soon they are coming out with Wii Fitness- including Yoga.

Please, let's all commit to being Wii Healthy this year.