So it turns out that I happen to live only about 3 miles from the origins of the Santiago fire. My sister (who lives in Tustin Ranch and is directly adjacent to Irvine) called my family on Sunday evening to see if we were ok. Because I had been watching the fire spread quickly south (towards her area), I asked her if SHE was doing ok. It turns out she was watching the news from a friends house and had no idea that the fire was anywhere near her direction. To make a long story short, my sister ended up being evacuated later that evening, but her neighborhood was thankfully unharmed (although she actually saw the fire twist towards her home for about 5 minutes before the fierce winds pushed them away).

Although my family wasn't forced to evacuate, my ever cautious wife spent Sunday evening preparing to leave just in case...preparing a box for the cats, packing some essentials, etc. I couldn't keep my eyes off the television as I watched the fires blaze so close to where we were. To be honest, I wasn't ever truly worried, perhaps due to the surreal nature of it all (as opposed to my incredible life experience and maturity! [dripping sarcasm intended]) more then anything else.

At one point during the evening, my wife asked me what I'd pack if we needed to evacuate. Without answering, I thought of packing my brand new Playstation 3 into my backback along with my laptop. My instinctual mental response caused me to realize how materialistic I can be and it also made me stop and think about what I truly consider valuable...not so much in a materialistic/physical sense, but I suppose in more of an existential manner. I'm not trying to regurgitate some overused Christianese here, but really...where is it that I truly derive my value?

Ultimately, I honestly can't fathom what it would be like to lose my physical home, not to mention my wife and family. As important as these things are, I know (or at least I THINK I know..or maybe I have momentary glimpses of when I actually DO know) that the only proper place where I ought to derive my value from is my Creator. I'm appalled by how self serving I can be and how many things in my life I've turned into idols. In all circumstances, may God be the focal point and ultimate desire. In all circumstances, blessed be the name of the Lord. Is my soul legitimately marinating with such an utterly powerful and profound Truth?

The fires are no longer a threat to where we live, although we've seen probably 100 fire trucks pass through our area, and a shelter for some evacuees is merely 2 miles from us. However, the fires rage on. Knowing that the origin of these brutal flames were so close to my home, my heart goes out to those that have lost theirs. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be. God be with all the victims.

godspeed

Posted by Benjie at 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Having grown up in Southern California my whole life, the only two theological seminaries that I knew about were Talbot and Fuller. My father actually graduated from Talbot in the early 80's and not so coincidentally, most of my spiritual/pastoral influences just so happened to be Talbot graduates. Furthermore, everyone around me characterized Talbot as the "conservative" school and Fuller as the "liberal" school. Although I had no idea what those terms actually meant, let me assure you that in my worldview, conservative meant "the good guys," and liberal meant "the bad guys."

After receiving my calling into ministry during the early part of my undergraduate years, I soon began to contemplate where I ought to go for my seminary education. Whereas in my earlier years where literally all of my spiritual mentors were Talbot grads, I began to meet some incredible spiritual figureheads that had attended Fuller (imagine that!!). It was during these years where I truly began to research and consider which seminary would be the best for me. I made the requisite calls and made campus/classroom visits to both schools. More importantly, I began to interview and challenge every single person I met that had either attended, or was currently attending, either school.

Through this process, I began to gain a stronger understanding of each seminary. I came to realize that both seminaries had a lot to offer. Here is a brief synopsis/evaluation of my impression for both schools prior to making my choice:

a) Talbot has a very practical program for seminarians ie future pastors. Their program is designed specifically to be as applicable as possible for pastors in the ministry field. Additionally, the Talbot faculty as a whole is very committed to being involved in the lives of their students. It is more than likely that each student at Talbot would leave with at least one mentor figure from the Talbot faculty.

b) Fuller is a very diverse program and is very academic in nature. The seminary education is excellent and challenging. A close mentor that had graduated from Fuller offered this explanation, "If you want to learn WHAT to think, go to Talbot. If you want to learn HOW to think, go to Fuller."

Ultimately, I chose Fuller because I realized I had most likely learned almost all there is to know from Talbot because of the many influences I had growing up. I chose Fuller because I wanted to be spiritually stretched and challenged beyond my encapsulating comfort zones. Although I still feel that I would have had an excellent experience at Talbot, I believe I made the right choice in coming to Fuller. During this past year, I have been amazed by our unity and commitment to worshipping one God, even in the midst of such a denominationally diverse student body. The faculty at Fuller has been amazing. I am so appreciative to see so many of our renowned professors making a commitment to spend time with students outside of the classroom. Theologically/spiritually, I have been beyond challenged. To put it simply, we truly worship an amazing and gigantic God. God is bigger than any of our minds can fathom. Indeed, He transcends denominational lines and He is even bigger then the theology that we often try to box him in with. As a whole, Fuller recognizes this and is committed to pursuing and worshipping a God this great.

godspeed

Posted by Benjie at 11:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

well, i guess i'll start this blog off with an introduction...which may include a mix of necessary and unnecessary information. i'm sure i'll spend a lot of time on my spirituality and various other "deeper" issues in subsequent entries, so i'll try and keep this journal more lighthearted and 'introductory'. so here goes!

i'm now beginning my 2nd year at Fuller in the MDIV program. unlike many of my classmates, i actually grew up in southern california. i was born and raised in the city of orange, which is in the heart of orange county. i've been married now for almost four and a half years to my beautiful wife Rebecca and i'm about to turn 30 in less than 2 weeks (this is the first time in my life that i'm NOT looking forward to my birthday!).

personality and interests
i'm a laid back guy who loves to laugh with friends. i have somewhat of a memorable laugh (or so i've been told my whole life...) and i have a penchant for embarassing myself ie tripping, spilling, and talking WAY TOO LOUD. i'm a hardcore Angels fan (season ticket holder) but my love for the game of baseball itself transcends my team loyalties.

i guess that'll do for this entry....

and for new students, that is my first bit of advice. DON'T USE CONTRACTIONS when writing your essays. having been out of the world of academia for 5 years before starting Fuller, i had forgotten that contractions are a no-go when writing formal papers. so there ya go!

godspeed

Posted by Benjie at 5:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)