the final countdown

Anybody remember that song from the 80s? I loved 80s music. Still do.

So what does 80s music have to do with me coming back to post on this blog for the first time in more than 6 months? Absolutely nothing. Other than the title of the song. It's the final countdown. I know in my last post I said that we had decided to extend our stay an extra semester. But things change. New schedules come out and you realize that you can fit in 3 classes in the summer instead of just 1. To make a long story short, as of 10:01 AM yesterday I officially have less than 100 days until my graduation from seminary.

As I said above I was able to fit in 3 classes this summer, along with my Air Force tour to Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs. I currently taking my final 4 seminary classes and, assuming that I pass everything, I will graduate on December 12. That's when the fun really begins. I still have to get 2 years of pastoral experience before I can go on active duty with the military so we're looking for the place God has prepared for me to serve. Our lease on our apartment is up December 30 and we don't know if we'll still be here or moving elsewhere so we're not sure what to do about it. Oh, and Dee Dee is pregnant with our 4th child, which is due on January 15. Busy, busy, busy.

Speaking of the baby, yesterday was great in many ways. Not only did it mark the crossing of the 100 day plateau but Dee Dee had an ultrasound and we found out that we are having another boy. His name is Tyler Ethan and we are all excited to welcome him into the chaos that is our family.

Well, I know it's been a while, but you'll remember that in my last post I said I would be extremely busy during the Spring semester. Well, it lasted through the Spring and Summer, and into the Fall. I have 19 books assigned this semester, 2 of which I've already finished, 2 more of which must be finished, along with parts of 2 others by Tuesday. So I must bid you all adieu for now as I bury my head in a book for the night. I promise that more will be coming to this website in the future. Good night all.

and then there were 2... (update)

We have decided to reevaluate the timing of my graduation. I got all the syllabi for my classes and loaded everything onto my calendar. It was quite a bit of work but would still have been doable. The key came when sitting at community group on Wednesday. We are going through a series on money and our attitudes toward it. I was convicted by much of what was said and Dee Dee and I talked and looked over things after group. We realized that it will actually end up costing us less money out of pocket if I drop a class now and take an extra semester to finish instead of pushing myself to finish in December. So, I dropped my Personal Evangelism class and graduation has been delayed for an extra 5 months. A little more time and a lot less stress on me and my family is a good thing.

and then there were 2...

As in only 2 semesters remaining in seminary. I can't believe that I will actually (God willing) be graduating in December. The spring semester starts on Monday and I will be taking 15 hours. Before everyone starts telling me how absolutely insane I am, I've already heard it quite a few times. The thing is, I can either take 15 hours this semester, 6 in the summer and 11 in the Fall or I will have to go another semester. Since I'm not keen on putting off active duty with the Air Force for an additional 6 months, I'll just have to take 15 hours. Here's the rundown of my classes for the Spring.

Introduction to Old Testament II
Ministry of Proclamation (the preaching class)
Personal Evangelism
Biblical Worldview and Education Practice
Discipling Adults

So, if the frequency of posting here on the blog does not increase like I promised for the next few months at least you'll know why.

square peg, round hole

Ever been somewhere--church, school, job, wherever--and felt like the proverbial square peg in a round hole. I've been feeling that a lot lately. It's not that I'm trying to force myself, or being forced, into positions that I don't fit. This is occurring in places where once I fit into the slot like a hand into a glove. I just can't tell if I've changed shape or if the hole has altered shape around me. I guess it's a little bit, or possibly even a lot, of both. But regardless of which shape has been altered I know that I no longer fit correctly in some of the places where I am and I need a change. Pray with me that I would make the change that God wants for me to make.