Timed Essay Tests

Apparently, as a way of preparing us for the dreaded GOEs (General Ordination Exams) a few professors have decided that giving us timed essay tests would be helpful. What I have learned from taking two timed essay tests recently is that I AM SO SCREWED! I can't believe how much more difficult it is to write a simple essay under a time limit. For my Worship in the Episcopal Church course I had to write a 3 - 4 page essay on a question about previous BCPs. A simple question about comparing two BCPs and writing specifically about the theology of one of them. Really no big deal. I actually knew the answer, all I had to do was write it down in a semi-coherant way in 3 hours. I analyzed and prepared, and then wrote for three hours. I then printed the paper out and prepared to hand it in. Then I made the mistake of READING it. Uuuugghhhh! It was awful! I sounded like an idiot in my response. Three pages of "random thought - random thought - random thought." The only good thing about it was the intro paragraph and the conclusion. Everything in between is....well....crap! I don't know how I am going to pass the GOEs! Lord, have mercy!

A Surprise Gift

As I don't live "on-the-block," for those unfamiliar with Seabury-Western, I don't live at the seminary, but rather commute daily from my home in the far reaches of suburbia, I don't normally receive outside mail at school. Normally, my mailbox at school contains notices that I am to be a cantor on thus-and-such date or am scheduled to officiate at evensong. Last week, I was suprised to find a small parcel in my mailbox. Inside was a refrigerator magnet featuring St. Drogo, Patron of Coffee.(my fame as a coffe addict has apprently grown beyond the school) This one little gift lightened a very rough week and made me smile. The precious gift now has a place on honor in my study carrell in the library at school. Thanks so much to my wonderful friends, John & Raisin, for providing a ray of sunshine in a dreary week. I miss you both very much and think of you often. I pray that all is going well for you both. (and Maggie too! Much prayer for a healthy puppy!)