Extremely Delinquent...

Unfortunately, and to your grave disappointment ; ), I have been extremely delinquent in updating my blog. Well fast forward through finals. I made it through, didn't quite make the grade I wanted, but am content. God uses disappointments and things we really wouldn't have chosen for ourselves to bless us, change us, and glorify His name.

This summer I had the amazing opportunity to intern for a company that improves piston designs and manufactures pistons. I learned SO much and was greatly affirmed that mechanical engineering is the right major/field for me. Actually doing some real engineering work was very enjoyable and educational! I had not really been wanting to change majors, but I wondered if I would actually like engineering once I finished school since working in the real world is so different from classes. Now I know!

I also had the opportunity to take 8 hours of Chemistry at a community college this summer. I learned a lot, thoroughly enjoy chemistry, and am grateful for the chance I had to meet and get to know some new people back home.

Now, I have been back at school for 11 days. I prepared for and then worked new student orientation. Working with others and preparing for all of the new students was great fun, exhausting!, and worthwhile. I was definitely pushed physically but am so grateful for the honor of serving the new students with a group of amazing people.

I have not only been delinquent in updating my blog but also in contacting one of the most important people in my life. (When she reads this she will know who she is.) Let's just say, expect a call from me this evening!

Well, classes start tomorrow. I am a little eager, a little scared, and a bit sad. I don't like change, and I miss those who are now gone from school. But, I also have the privilege of meeting many new students and continuing to build friendships with those who have returned. God said there is a time for every event under heaven. I trust Him and praise Him for that.

Please feel free to send me an e-mail, reply post, or whatever. I would love to hear from you so I can better pray for you.

Take care and until next time,
-Beth

Sleepy

After studying really hard and taking a Calculus II final, I am exhausted! I have three more finals this week, but my most difficult one is now over! Yeah! As I was walking to the class for the final, I saw one of my favorite people. She stopped me and asked how I was doing. (When she asks, you answer, because she REALLY cares!) Well, I was feeling a little negative about the exam, and she told me that I had been faithful and worked hard. All I needed to do was to do my best, wrap it up, put a bow on it, and give it to God! That is all God wants. He isn't concerned about grades; He just wants my best. So, I took the test, did my best, and gave it to God. I can't guarantee grades, but He doesn't want that!

As Luke 12 says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV) I want my treasure to be in heaven, not in some transcript or grade book! I am abundantly grateful that God sent this dear friend to cross paths with me when I needed her. It was truly a God appointment.

I hope you are having a good day, and maybe you are going through finals too. I pray for you, that God will give you peace and help you to do your best from where you are. God will meet you there.

Take care,
Beth

Finished!

For those of you who have been watching my blog, I would like to inform you that I turned in my final research project 30 minutes ago and it is due in 1 minute! Yeah!

After staying up until 4 this morning working on it, I am tired, but I am happy. I have one test tomorrow and a project demonstration tomorrow, then finals next week. I praise God for getting me through all of this stuff! He is good, gracious, and supremely sustaining!

Anyway, Beth's niche in cyberspace may soon undergo a makeover. It may just become a place where I let you peak into my life a little bit.

However, I would like to thank you for not becoming disgusted with my slowness and lack of communication. Sometimes my life belongs almost solely to God and my classes.

Take care,
B-mer

My Strategic Position

I have come to the conclusion that women should not be drafted into the military, at least not as in the traditional meaning of the word draft. Women as a whole gender are not physically or psychologically prepared for such positions. Nonetheless, women should serve their country like the men do. They should perform civil service. This is not to say that I agree with socialist plans, but I believe in serving one's country in some way. I need to see how this could be carried out practically. Should it involve serving in government agencies, hospitals, and schools? Much more thought is needed on this topic, and those thoughts should take place on a brain with a little more sleep.

Thoughts and Research...

Okay, honestly, I am exhausted and not really interested in thinking too much about the draft and women at this time. I don't know what to say about desiring for women to keep their legal rights to vote and hold office and not requiring them to register for the draft as long as men are. I believe that there are fundamental differences between men and women, but how do I justify letting women have the rights but not the responsibilities that have traditionally belonged to men.

There are many reasons for not drafting women. Physiological differences, traditional family and societal roles, unit cohesion, and the potential for sexual abuse all are worth consideration. What is the right answer?

I am too tired to think about it more tonight. I hope something will click in my brain by tomorrow.

Discussion

I have stumbled over another person contemplating the issue of drafting women (http://matthewdicks.blogspot.com/). Theoretically, I agree. If women seek equality under the law, they should be willing to bear the responsibilities equally as well. We must be consistent with our ideologies.

Personally, I differ in my beliefs. I believe that women are equal, but different than men. Men are to protect women, and women are to support men. I belive that fighting for women is a part of men's design. Culture has changed over the centuries, but truth has not. Therefore, we cannot say that because times have changed womens roles have changed too. This should not be!

Paper

I have been working on the next stage of my research paper. I will be very happy when "Beth's niche in cyberspace" becomes my space after the paper is done. I am learning some things while I research and a write. First of all, my outline is on my closet door - in the form of sticky notes. It is really neat how that works. Well, I need to get back to my funky closet door. The rough draft of the paper is due tomorrow, but I think it will be ready. God is being gracious to me!

More personal posts are on their way! I promise to write one some day that doesn't even mention drafting women or school at all!

Take care-