Ode To Benjamin

This blog is dedicated to my wonderful husband, Benjamin!! I am just amazed at how much he has achieved, how hard he has worked, and how he has still been able to be a wonderful husband and father to our children.

First we have...Degree #1 - Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Union University, Jackson, TN.

Being married only 5 months when he graduated from Union I don't think I actually realized how much he would achieve. I remember Benjamin telling me that in his first class at Union the professor came in and told them that if they didn't already love to read then they needed to check their calling because he would have to devote a large amount of time to reading everyday in this profession. This was totally not who Benjamin was. He was the outdoors man, the athlete, the one who had plenty of other physical activities to do rather than sit down and read. Which leads us on to...

Degree #2 - Master of Divinity with Christian Ministry and Biblical Languages, Southeastern Seminary, Wake Forest, NC.

Look at those young birds!! : ) In the spring of the 2005 we came to visit Southeastern for the first time and there wasn't much question on if we would go or not. One, because it was the only school that offered the program he wanted to take and two, because we completely felt this is where the Lord was calling us. From the first time we walked on Campus it felt like home to me.

I don't think it was until we came to Southeastern that I really saw Benjamin get serious about his studies. You could see in him that now he was doing something he LOVED. He was eager to learn and wanted to learn to the best of his ability. Actually, he REALLY became a bookworm. ; ) He still loves to be outside, but most of the time he has book in his hand or is listening to one on his ipod .

 





Degree #3 - Master of Theology in Christian Ethics, Southeastern Seminary, Wake Forest, NC.

And, two babies later we have degree #3!! This is where I have to brag on how good of a daddy Benjamin has been. His schedule has looked like this for over a year now.

• 6:30 am - Wake Up, Shower, Get Ready
• 7:20 am - Wake Up Emma Claire, Get her Dressed, Feed her Breakfast
• 7:35 am - Leave for Work
• 12:00 pm - Usually a Lunch Meeting
• 5:00 pm - Leave Work for the Day and Head Home
• 5:30 pm - Get Home, Change Clothes
• 6:00 pm - Wake Up Kids from Naps, Eat Dinner
• 6:30 pm - 8 pm - Family Time
• 8:00 pm - Until - School Work, Sometimes he goes to bed at 10pm sometimes 2am

Do you really see anytime in there for a break? He has to be really disciplined in his schedule so he can make sure that he has enough time for his studies but also enough time to spend with the family. He has done an AMAZING job at balancing both!  I don't know if I'm more proud of the 3rd Degree or how hard he works to make sure he gives his best to all his top priorities in his life.

Degree #4 - Ph.D  in Theology, Trinity College, University of Bristol, Stoke Hill, Bristol (UK).

And....this is our new adventure! Benjamin was the first person that the University of Bristol has allowed to work long distance. He does have a professor that he works directly with who is right now located in Canada which makes it possible to have more one-on-one face time. This was such a HUGE honor for Benjamin and says so much about who he is and how hard he has worked to get here. He more than deserves it and I am so proud of him. I can't wait for his graduation because you better believe I will be there with bells on! I love him so much and can't really even imagine what it will be like when he is finally done with school. (which we do have a couple more years left) He might hear me ask him a couple of times if he doesn't have a book he needs to go read. : ) You only have one more graduation left!!

I love you so much, Benjamin Quinn. God has really shown in and through you as you devote your life to learning more about Him in hopes to reach and disciple others with the Gospel of Christ.