Hillbilly Musings: Coincidence

Monday, October 26, 2009

Coincidence

I'm not one to believe in coincidences, but things just seem to keep falling into place...

First, I decide to talk to my priest about starting the discernment process (two years ago). He throws up the first roadblock... I need to get my undergraduate degree first. Well, being a lowly civil servant with wife and our first child on the way, there is no way I can pay for it on my own. So I apply for a program through the VA to get my degree online. It's approved and now school is paid for...

Next, I start looking into seminaries. It did't look like I'd be able to afford it, and my GI Bill expires soon. Then congress passes the new GI Bill for veterans that served after 9/11/01 (that would be me) giving us more money for school, a stipend to live on, and pays for most of our books... and the expiration date is extended to 15 years from the date of discharge...

Now (though smaller miracles), I am scheduled to attend the fall visitation at Seminary of the Southwest on 11/13-14. I was concerned that I would be splitting my attention between my current school and the visit, but it turns out that my classes this term end on the 11/10 and start back up on 11/18. AND... the bonus for meeting our goal in a competition at work hits my account on ... 11/13.

Like I said, I am not one to believe in coincidences. It actually sort of scares me.

3 comments:

June Butler said...: Could be a sign.... I know what you mean about the "coincidences" being a little scary. I'll pray for you, Hillbilly.; October 28, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Rev. Raggsdale said...: Thank you Mimi...

You're new pic looks great by the way.; October 28, 2009 at 10:33 PM
June Butler said...: Thanks, Hillbilly. I get tired of looking at the same picture.; October 29, 2009 at 3:14 PM

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National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK.
Symptoms and Danger SignsWarning Signs of SuicideIdeation (thinking, talking or wishing about suicide)

Substance use or abuse (increased use or change in substance)

Puposelessness (no sense of purpose or belonging)

AngerTrapped (feeling like there is no way out)
Hopelessness (there is nothing to live for, no hope or
optimism)
Withdrawal (from family, friends, work, school, activities,
hobbies)
Anxiety (restlessness, irritability, agitation)Recklessness
(high risk-taking behavior)
Mood disturbance (dramatic changes in mood)

Additional Warning Signs of Suicide

Talking about suicide.Looking for ways to die (internet
searches for ho to commit suicide, looking for guns, pills, etc.)
Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or
worthlessness.
Preoccupation with death.
Suddenly happier, calmer.
Loss of interest in things one cares about.
Visiting or calling people one cares about.
Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.
Giving things away, such as prized possessions.

A suicidal person urgently needs to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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