Midterms, transitions, March and deep thoughts

A month’s worth of thoughts

Perhaps a rather odd feeling reminded me to blog. Perhaps that feeling is the nag of unfinished homework from school. But the feeling that I haven’t written in a month, also comes to mind. Hopefully nobody went crazy over the past month without an update. right? good.
It’s odd to think that its already march. I can’t hardly believe it. Even thinking about where I am right now, makes me amazed. So odd to think about not even a year or two ago. I’m glad that God has me where I am right now. Come to think of it, I probably say something like that every blog I do. Maybe that’s annoying to read. oh well!

It seems there have been some large changes around work too. Good ones, I would say, overall. Not without their moments, but overall positive. I’m glad that I have my church body around me; it has been great to take this past month and begin to intentionally develop deeper relationships with others through lunches, and breakfasts, and the like. I think I have been guilty of overlooking the ability to create more community in the church. I have used the excuse of being ‘new’ for far too long to still not be developing quality friendships with others.

Jack started something big
when he showed his kids the way they ought to live
he said “money good” and “money fine”
but ‘wont stand the test of time
Comon’ kids I’ll show you where it’s at
‘aid follow me I’ll show you where it's at
        Going to the House of the Lord
        I’m goin’ to the House of the Lord
        Going to the House of the Lord
To worship God
To worship God
-west coast revival

“Only what’s done for Christ will last...“

Seems that last month was a bit strange indeed. Suppose, I would say that, because a friend passed away and went to be with her Lord. What a great reminder of why we still have breath. After all, we’re breathing because of grace. God knows, that I should be dead because of the wrongs that I have done. Seriously. And frankly, the same is true for you.
But I found myself this past week staffing the memorial service, in and out of tears. And honestly it was for two reasons. The first was simply the grief of losing someone that I knew for 5+ years. But even more so was the grief of knowing that the room was filled, with tons of non-christians; who at the end of the service walked out ignoring the Gospel. It seems reminiscent of Lk. 17:30-31 where the rich man wants to go back and warn people about God’s wrath, by going back in person. But instead Christ tells him, ”If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced, even if someone raises from the dead.“ What a cutting observation, about the hardness of the heart of those who have heard from God! What a miracle salvation must be, if greater things than in this passage must be done to convince a sinner.
So it was good to celebrate a life that has the same passion to save others, indeed, doing what ”will last“. How odd that only in times like this, God’s grace becomes fresh, alive and clear. What a strange thing salvation is. how oddly it advances, and how oddly it is spread.

only one life,
‘twill soon be past;
only what’s done
for Christ will last.
-piper DWYL

Savior, he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
he is mighty to save
        Forever author of salvation
        He rose
        and conquered the grave
Jesus, conquered the grave
-Hillsong

Midterms, and paperwork

”Deadlines are closer than they appear“ was aptly observed by someone to remain unnamed. Indeed this must be the case, as in a little less than a week, Greek class is having its first midterm. Perhaps that has spawned on this blog, in an effort to avoid the work associated with studying for the ”A“ (that I’m going to get, don’t worry)..
Aside from Greek class, I’m sorta wondering about Talbot. Now there’s a fun sentence. Hurrah. Well, I’m playing with the idea of transferring. Granted I would have to get accepted to the place that I would like to go, but that’s sorta assumed at this point. I could be crazy but I’m filling out an application to go to TMS (the master’s seminary). I’m not sure another 60 units at Talbot is something I can stomach. So ironically I’m transfering to somewhere where I’ll likely start over at 98 units. But the only upshot is that I’ll likely break even fiscally. And if I can spend the same amount of money, and get a better, more practical education.. well its worth considering. I’m not in a pastoral role right now, and I’m not married, so I still have some time to hike the extra 30-40 miles.
I suppose this all won’t change till at least summer, so they’ll be plenty more dramatic drawn out decisions, spanning blogs upon blogs. I’m anxious to find out if there is really someplace better out there to learn how to teach and disciple others. Seem the direction of talbot isn’t as such, at least from my impression. Hopefully nobody tries to kill me for saying that...

I will go, I will go
I will go, Lord send me
To the world, To the lost
To the poor and hungry
Take everything I am
I'm clay within your hands
I will go, I will go, send me

Let me not be blind with privilege
Give me eyes to see the pain
Let the blessing You've poured out on me
Not be spent on me in vain
Let this life be used for change
-Leeland

Practical time management

I should get back to homework. but first dinner... catch you in the next episode