Yep. That’s right Update #2.

Today I went to visit Bethel Seminary in San Diego. I am interested in their Masters of Arts (Theological Studies), or M.A (T.S.) with an emphasis in Biblical Studies.

Before I get ahead of myself. I want to share a series of confirmations I’ve received about Bethel. Normally, I’m reluctant to share because it’s not often that God says “go here, do this.” Because…

We have freedom.

I’ve learned one thing from the past eight years as a 20-something to find myself…unless it’s a sin issue…God doesn’t make, force, or require us to do things in which he gives us the freedom to choose. Kind of like which parking spot. Just pick one!

However going to seminary is a lot more complicated then that so that’s why I’m seeking wise council from mentors, peers, my family, friends, and church family.

So…here are my confirmations!

#1 – The Vice President and Dean of George Fox Seminary

He received his MDiv from Bethel Seminary, San Diego. This made me laugh because I hadn’t even realized that I could apply to a seminary in my own backyard. And the fact that he was a Bethel grad made me realize–hey why not check it out. THEN that’s when the confirmations started happening.

#2 – Reading my One Year Bible

Hosea 12:4, NLT jumped out at me. Literally. It read, “Yes, he (Jacob) wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face, and God spoke to him.”

I want to meet God face to face.

George Fox is awesome. And I wouldn’t trade their Distance Learning degree in Spiritual Formation for anything….until I realized that all I do is sit and write in front of a computer all day. So, face to face interaction…let alone GOD. SIGN ME UP!!!

#3 – Reading “Big God” by Britt Merrick

Page 126 reads, “Not only did Abraham confront culture and worship, but he was also willing to witness. It says in Genesis 12:8 that he went to a place called Bethel and called upon the name of the Lord…And in the Mosaic writings, when it says ‘called upon the name of the Lord,’ it generally means that he proclaimed the name of the Lord. Abraham was now witnessing about, testifying of, the one true God.”

Hello. There it is again. I am desperate to call upon the name of the Lord. To ask for his help in the ministry HE CALLED me too! Wow. I’m just so in awe right now

#4 – Karissa Braun’s Graduation Party

I met her roommate’s dad, Mark, who works for Bethel in their development office. He was VERY encouraging. It also happens that one of their other daughters is a missionary to a certain part of the country that my parents are as well. Dude! Love this…

#5- My friend Ronel

I met her via social networking/friends at The Rock Church, San Diego who attends Bethel Seminary and encouraged me to check them out!

#6 – On Campus Visit today

I know this S T R E T C H I N G it, but the recruiter for Bethel is a HUGE Nebraska Cornhusker fan and, well…anyone who is a fan of NE is my friend I was born and raised in Lincoln, NE until I was 7. We moved to CA so my parents could join staff with Campus Crusade.

Loved the visit. Excited to talk about all their professors, classes, opportunities, and divine appointments that would come about as a result of BEING there. The diversity intrigues me, the classroom connections, community, community, community. I cannot stress enough how I love my small group at North Coast. My growth group rocks and I can’t wait to be in a learning, growing community. It’s important as a leader to receive as much as I give–if not more.

So there you have it.

Next month as I wrap up my next book I’m going to be working on my application, and with your prayers I look forward to getting accepted and attending in the Fall of 2011.