Marnie Blackstone

TeleCounselor

B.S. in Bible, Lancaster Bible College, 2002; Th.M. in Historical Theology/Women's Ministry, Dallas Theological Seminary, 2013.

Worked in Admissions since: February 2009

Welcome to DTS-virtual style! I never stepped foot on DTS campus until I drove 33 hours from Maine to start my first semester. I learned about DTS, just like you are right now, browsing through the website and talking to some incredible people from TEAM Admissions. It is a privilege to now be a part of their family!

Many people ask how I came to DTS and the simple version is that I had to go to India first. The Lord’s call on my life came at a young age and He has allowed me the privilege to share His Word across the globe. However, it was not until I was teaching at a Bible College in southern India, that I knew I needed to make higher education a part of my permanent future. Honestly, DTS wasn’t even on my radar, despite countless DTS grads being in my life. Never did I think I would be granted the honor of learning from these great minds. Yet, God in His amazing grace took my application fee and little bit of faith and has brought me here.

Despite being the newest member of TEAM Admissions and only being at DTS for a couple months, I can attest to the fact that God is doing some amazing things here. If you are looking for a perfect place, look elsewhere. If you are looking for a real place, stay. Not only will you be equipped from some of the greatest theologians of the day, but you have the opportunity to become one of them. If you are willing to become a sponge and a learner, stay. If you are looking for a community of believers from around the globe, who get where you are and where you want to go, stay. Your best friends will most likely become people with different skin color, language and heritage. DTS is a unique breed, dedicated to challenge and equip you to fall more in love with The Word.

Come join the family!

What are your hobbies or outside interests?
Walking through the autumn leaves, snowshoeing through the forest, ocean waves and sand between my toes, capturing memories through a scrapbook, making a quilt, Pilates, baking after a long day, reading a good book curled up in a quilt, writing in my journal with a cup of chai, finding a great bargain, snow-mobling and four-wheeling at warp speed, laughing with an old friend, and last, but certainly not least...travel, anywhere, anytime

What made you decide to go to DTS?
As I packed to come to DTS, I found a Greek New Testament that I had purchased almost 5 years ago. Inside the front cover, I had written, “For when I go to Seminary.” “What took you 5 years?,” you might ask. Necessary life-changing experiences. Refinement isn’t ever fun, but it is good. God in His great patience, slowly conforming me to His image, has brought me here to equip me for a future He has designed.

What do you do on your day off?
Sleep in, clean, grocery shop, bills, laundry...basically, all that stuff that can’t get done in a normal day. Thrilling, huh?

What are your favorite foods?
Carbohydrates of any kind! But, who can pass up my Mom’s pot roast, a great Maine red hot dog (only those from Maine will truly understand the greatness!) or authentic Indian curry!

What is your favorite television show of all time?
Wow...of all time? Is that possible? I’ll give you my favorites. Childhood: The Cosby Show and The Wonder Years. Teens: Um...yeah, I try to forget those days! Adult: ALIAS (This could be all-time since I can quote it!), NCIS, Prison Break, The Unit.

What is the best part about working in the DTS admissions office?
The overwhelming since of family, the freedom to be who God has designed you to be, quirks and all, the privilege to love on people and get paid for it.

What is your favorite piece of literature?
Why all the questions that make you pick just one? The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom AND The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexander Dumas...Two of many!

What is your favorite quote?
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen-not only because I see it, but because by it, I see everything else." -C.S. Lewis

What is your favorite musical artist/group/genre of music?
So, if I had to pick, right off the top of my head, I’d say Country (no judging allowed!). But, my iPod has everything from Louis Armstrong, Josh Groban, The Beatles, Third Day, Selah, Phil Vassor, John Denver, Norah Jones, Casting Crowns and The Carpenters. The CD’s that get worn out the most though are mixes made by friends that sum up life experiences together...

What was your major in college?
Women’s Ministry

Who is the person you admire most and why?
My Bubby (nickname for my Dad I gave him at age 2) and Mum for living out real life ministry to me, not allowing me to be pegged as a PK my whole life, loving me enough to allow me to fall and being there to pick me back up, and for pointing me to Jesus.

Who is your favorite Bible character and why?
Rahab - a risk-taking, Jehovah-believing, culture-breaking, very cool woman

If you could have superhero powers, what would they be?
Invisibility. I would love to have a bucket of invisible paint that gets you out of those incredible awkward or intense situations! And, that help you get a birds eye view of what is REALLY going on!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Anywhere that I can see/hear a body of water and climb a mountain