Always look on the bright side of life? Towards a Pauline Ethic of Contentment with Special Reference to Singleness

Although I think my thoughts on this topic will never be complete, I am pleased to say that my project is well and truly submitted.
Many of you who follow this blog will realise that this has been an ongoing theme for the last 2.5 years. So to actually get it done (including a major rewrite of 8000 words in the week before it was due), is very exciting.

Overall I am happy with it, of course there are several sections that I would rewrite if I had the chance, but I am determined not to look at it until the exams are over. No surprises, but I did end up pushing a few boundaries of the stereotypical understanding of sex and marriage in today's culture.

I think the most exciting thing is that the practical implications of this topic have already been evident not only in my life, but also in the way I have been able to share with others.


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2 exams away from exiting....

half way home

so I reached the 7000 word mark for my project during the week. There are several sections that need a serious reworking, but I am feeling better about where it is at than what I was this time last week (which can only be a good thing).
So, halfway there, only another 8000 or so words to go.

It has gone on the back-burner for the next 5 days as my old testament presentation and essay are due next week.

Nothing much else to report, deadlines are pretty much all consuming at this time!

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PS - you may notice some updated links to the right, check em out

hope, joy and contentment

I am writing the 3rd chapter of my project at the moment. It is on contentment and eschatology.
It is taking shape quite nicely and I hope to write several thousand words tonight (maybe doubtful seeing as I only got 3 hours sleep last night, but I say aim high).
My first chapter is almost finalised, while the second chapter is what I call a dismal attempt at writing (anyone out there interested in Stoic philosophy and want to proof it for me?), but hopefully this chapter will cheer me up a little, after all, this is where I get to talk about Jesus!

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4594/15000

writer's block

the words
where are they?
deadlines loom
each day closer
straws of inspiration
grasped at the door
books piled high
notes out the window
float down the street
the cry for help
a librarian answers
is more books the answer?


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Project: 3258/15000

September Slump

I fell into September slump a few days early this year. It is the time of year when I want to have a break, but there is a grim realisation that there isn't going to be one. I think it came early this year because I have been thinking about what I will be doing next year. I have been going to job interviews etc. It makes me want to be there now and frustrated with still being a student. 4 years is a long time when you don't like sitting still!

It is hard to believe that I am even feeling over my project. That's right, I am struggling to be content in my research of contentment.

So even though I didn't get the draft of my project done for today's due date, I am taking the weekend off in the hopes that I will come back refreshed ready to write many thousands of words.

That's right, I'm outta Sydney for the APEC weekend. I drive to Newcastle tonight, then fly up to Brisbane tomorrow and I'll be back on Monday.

Here's to a relaxing weekend.

High Tea

Yesterday I spoke at a Jane Austen style High Tea for St Tomas' North Sydney. I got to speak on Contentment and it was a great encouragement to me. I found I was quite nervous during my prep as I am so used to giving talks at youth events rather than women's events. But I was reminded of God's goodness and grace.
It was great to be able to put down on paper and formulate some of my project thoughts into a talk rather than into a chapter for marking.


Contentment
God is good
God is in control
Trust God

Can contentment legitimately be applied to relational aspects of life?

In the last week of term I had to turn in the first chapter of my project and this is the question that I was investigating.
I have been doing exegetical work on the passages in which Paul uses the word contentment (Phil 4:11, 2 Cor 9:8 & 1 Tim 6:6).

And one of the questions arose in my mind was the fact that in each context, Paul writes of contentment in financial or material matters.

Can or should we apply a framework of contentment to areas outside of material matters?
This is where I am focusing my current work and thoughts.

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I've been making multi-layered/flavoured jelly this afternoon

a fresh view

today was exciting with two trips into the outdoors and some real food
i went and saw the boys at UB's
ordered a pot of soy chai
it is stil a little hard to believe that I have gone over a week without coffee
just wondering how long that will keep up
you know you are a regular at a coffee shop when the barista offers to lend you money from the till

I'm hoping my attention span returns soon
I am thinking about the talk I am meant to be giving at a women's event next week
I hope my voice returns from gravel
the talk topic is Contentment
so at least the talk will make use of my project

one of the outings was to see a speech therapist
she gave me some exercises
there was a little concern
I am hoping to get in to see the a specialist without too much of a wait

my mind is that of a goldfish

is my project in danger of being polemical?

Scene: Dinner Party. Guests and hostess are gathered around the pool table.

Graduate: So what is your project on?
Me: Towards a Pauline Ethic of Contentment with Special Reference to Singleness.
Graduate: *Snickers*
Me: Why are you laughing?
Graduate: No, no, its nothing. (Turns to other 4th year student) So what are you doing your project on?
4th year: (names his historical theological topic)
Graduate: hmmm, interesting. (nods in affirming manner)
Me: So his topic gets the approval, but mine gets laughed at? (grins at him and places hands on hips) Why?
Graduate: It just sounds as though it is in danger of being polemical.

Topic of conversation changes.
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Me (this morning): *groans with frustration*
Topics that fall into categories other than theology or historical theology (the bulk of projects being done this year) are still worthy of study?
And simply because my project topic has an obvious practical bent doesn't devalue its worth.

So let's think about the definition of polemic for a moment. Check it out one definition here.

Is my project in danger of being polemical?

distractions

sunshine, talking theology, computer games, king st, boys, the grapevine, whatever it may be, it is always better and has a higher priority than cleaning.

tomorrow my thoughts of cleaning get another day off. I head into town for some meetings. One of which is about work for next year.

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now back to writing some more words....
project word count: 400/15000

single, even if you are married....

I had another meeting with BSR again today re the project. Things are on target (so far).

We got to discussing 1 Corinthians 7.

A verse which I am left pondering:

This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none - ESV 1 Corinthians 7:29

Single, even if you are married....


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Amusing quote from the meeting:

BSR: so, are you always this organised?

Week 3

classes (other than chapel tomorrow morning) are over.

I've made a start on my Hebrews exegetical. Project work is going well - I have a file of stuff to read over the weekend and several books on loan.
I even have a lead on where I think I may start for my chick's chapel sermon on faithfulness.
I submitted an Issues in Theology topic.
So things are going along.

I had a slightly more productive day today - had my head in greek texts for 4.5 hours before coming up for a breather and wondered where the time had gone.

Tomorrow I will start reading Always Reforming for that upcoming book review that is due.
Tomorrow I will remember to buy my brother's birthday present.
Tomorrow I will unpack another box.
Tomorrow I will reply to some overdue emails.

Week 2 begins

I had my first meeting with BSR re the project. It went well, and I am feeling renewed and encouraged. We talked ideas, goals and methodology. Some tasks have been set to be done in the next 2 weeks, when we meet again.

Meanwhile, NT4 is a great joy to my soul.

project update

The list is out. Next to my name it says:

Topic: Towards a Pauline Ethic of Contentment, with special reference to Singleness.

Supervisor: BSR

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This weekend's task: a word study on contentment/self-sufficiency in the Pauline Epistles.

project thoughts

1. Towards an ethic of contentment with specific application to singleness.

2. Towards a Pauline Ethic of Contentment with special reference to singleness.

choices II

I've signed off my summer work and enrolled in my subjects for 2007.

Electives decided on:
Christology
Old Testament 4 (English)
Project
Social Ethics (Audit)
Hebrew 2 & 3 (Audit)

official word

Just got a call from the academic dean - the official word is that my application to do a project has been accepted. On the proviso of a critical review at mid-year.

That works well for me. I work better under pressure.

Heading over to his office now to get all the details.

choices

(all on the positive assumption that I will be doing a project this year - I really don't think about the other options!!)

Option 1
Semester 1 -
Core - Church History 4, Congregational Ministry 4, New Testament 4, Issues in Theology
Electives - Social Ethics, Christology, Project
Semester 2 -
Core - New Testament 4, Issues in Theology
Electives - Project

Option 2
Semester 1 -
Core - Church History 4, Congregational Ministry 4, New Testament 4, Issues in Theology
Electives - Christology (Audit Social Ethics)
Semester 2 -
Core - New Testament 4, Issues in Theology
Electives - Apologetics or Old Testament 4

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The electives I had leaned toward were Social Ethics and Christology as these are my strengths. So would prefer option 1. I just don't think that it is the wisest thing to do as it means a ridiculous amount of essays and exams in first semester.

Oh - and I will be studying Hebrew 2 this year.

i feel no hope re approval of a project.

talks, project and dating

talks are written.
outlines are sent.
only minor tweaking to be done over next couple of days.

application for project is in.
board meets on monday to decide.

date went well.