As my laundry is going, I feel the need to write. Week one is over and yes I've survived. I now have a picture of the demands placed upon me. I have yet to start working or preparing to teach next Sunday at the Retirement Home Service for my PCM. Those 2 things will drastically determine my time. I MUST continue to pray. On a temporal level... this seems nearly impossible. Then I remember that many who have come and gone before me here at Moody have accomplished this task and even more I'm sure. I've never taken full time classes before. I wonder if I'll ever have time to build and maintain friendships while I'm here...? Friendships that last, that is. When the time comes, will I have time to devote to getting to know a woman God may place in my life... whomever she may be? That's not something I'm thinking too seriously about at the moment though. I just wanna meet my brothers and sisters and get to know my spiritual family here.
I've spent the majority of the day listening to the Bible on audio and writing chapter titles for one of my classes. I've now finished Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It hits me that soon I won't have the luxury always of spending an entire day doing schoolwork. Hmm... I'm listening to a sermon by Adrian Rogers right now and he's quoting D. L. Moody. That's cool. I've pretty firmly chosen Adrian Rogers to do my report on for my History of Biblical Exposition class. I enjoy his passion and now I'll have the opportunity to look at his life and 5 of his sermons more in-depthly.
I'm also excited to preach in the streets soon. I don't see where I'll find time for that either, but there's too much in me not to let it out. "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" I have no wife or family to worry about neglecting and I'm sure I'll find my burnout limit, but I have to keep in mind why I'm here and who I am. I can't stop thanking God for His gracious provision and direction to put me here in Chicago at Bible College! I still can't get over it! I'm in Chicago!! I'm living in a dorm!! I'm away from home!! I just can't believe it... who would've known I'd be here a few years ago? It's funny.. I've found that I'm a few years older than many of those I've met so far. I really wish I didn't take that year off after I graduated High School.
My morning devotions are still going. They're shorter, but they're going. I've been reading the copy of My Utmost For His Highest that I was given before leaving home. It belonged to the father of a woman in our church and she gave it to me. I've visited Moody Church. It's alright... although I think the worship is a bit more rigid than I prefer. The sanctuary is beautiful for sure though. Tomorrow I visit a small church right near school with a friend... they had a Bible study that used a WOTM video last Sunday night. They need to be careful or they might draw me too easily...lol. After this week it will be quite some time though before I visit a local church.
During orientation weekend, the school showed the new Batman movie. I wanted to walk out partly through it. I left near the end. I hoped at least the language would be cleaned up... especially when it took God's name in vain. I toss 1 Cor. 10:23 back and forth in my mind as I did that night. Is this an issue of my conscience? Do I have a point? Am I beginning to compromise or am I becoming the stronger brother mentioned in Romans 14? I'm going to try to just stay from those unanswered situations when it comes to movies until I have a more firm answer on where my conscience stands.
My current prayer agenda:
-Clearing my job transfer and possibly getting some replacement income until then if needed.
-Is it God's will that I work while being here? I want to ask Him to provide so that I don't have to... I could do so much more for the kingdom. Of course, I'll continue to try for a job until God provides if He desires.
-Efficiency in studying and time mgmt.
-That I would continue to settle in with my new campus-sized spiritual family
-That I would be able to encourage my roommate in spiritual growth
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
A Whole New World
Well, I'm on pg. 25 of a history about Moody we're required to read for orientation purposes. It's over 100 pages!! But it's interesting anyway. Since classes haven't started, I've decided to write a bit...
The flight was fine and everything worked out. I'm still missing a few things and am waiting for my computer to arrive via mail. I've come to know the 2nd floor cpu lab pretty well these past few days. I'm all unpacked though and things are setup for the most part. Classes begin Monday and while I'm excited, I don't know entirely what to expect. I've also been struggling with a heavy bit of familiar introversion. I'll pray that it leaves me in time as God grows me to adapt to this new environment. The tension in my neck is already beginning to alleviate. One of the things I'm also prying for is that the Lord would keep me humble and with a sound mind as I study. I can't get sidetracked or off on big distractions. I also need to have a balanced perspective with the ladies on campus. It's time to build oodles of friendships! The main thing has to be the main thing. Devotion to the Lord and studying His Word must come first.
I'm alread getting used to things here though... which is VERY awesome. It seems somewhat easy to settle in. I slept better last night even though my pillow and sheets haven't arrived (Caleb let me borrow his sleeping bag). I'm already acquanted with "Rapping Chad" (video available on youtube) and Johnnycakes. I know my roommate and have met him before, but he hasn't arrived on campus yet. I understand it might be interesting to room with him... we'll see what's meant by that...?
A slight anxiety has set in as I am looking into my work transfer. I spoke with them and they've received no transfer form. They also said if I can't work Sunday... I can't work. As far as I know, Moody has a policy of no working on Sunday unless it directly is needed for the operation of the school. I need to contact Human Resources and also talk with the school and see what we can do... if anything. Otherwise, I'm on my own for a job. I understand the campus security pays well though. I might look into that.
We also had our Bro/Sis hangout last night. That was pretty cool. We hang out with our sister floor from the women's dorm. I just learned some of them aren't the corresponding floors and they don't match (guys floor 4 and girls floor 4, etc.). The ladies on our sister floor are pretty cool. We generally sit together when in the student dining room. Last night we went to the nearest Borders and played a get to know you game, where I blushed when it came time for me to talk and barely got through it. Then we had a wonderful time of prayer and song in the prayer chapel as Johnnycakes played the piano and we picked up our hymnals.
My practical ministry (PCM) for the semester is to be the preacher and leader for a group of 3 and conduct a worship service for a local nursing home. It's exciting on one hand and kinda scary on the other... then reality hits and I realize oh yeah... that's kinda exactly suited to my major and the calling God has on my life. So no time to whine! I've called on of our people and said hello already. I'll soon see what it takes to plan and prepare a worship service... and prepare a lesson to teach every week. Will I have time to go street preaching? I must make some kind of time. Spurgeon said, "don't let your fire go out while you're picking up sticks."
There's prolly more to say, but time is nearign for the evening social for all students. Here's my schedule...
Intro To Ministry 2p-2:50p Th
NT Survey 11a-12:50p T Th
The Church and its Doctrines 9a-9:50a MWF
Studying and Teaching The Bible 3p-5pm and 6p-8p (4 hr. class) T
History of Biblical Exposition 8a-8:50a MWF
15 hrs.
I also of course have the PCM I mentioned. That starts Jan. 22.
I'm ready for fun!
The flight was fine and everything worked out. I'm still missing a few things and am waiting for my computer to arrive via mail. I've come to know the 2nd floor cpu lab pretty well these past few days. I'm all unpacked though and things are setup for the most part. Classes begin Monday and while I'm excited, I don't know entirely what to expect. I've also been struggling with a heavy bit of familiar introversion. I'll pray that it leaves me in time as God grows me to adapt to this new environment. The tension in my neck is already beginning to alleviate. One of the things I'm also prying for is that the Lord would keep me humble and with a sound mind as I study. I can't get sidetracked or off on big distractions. I also need to have a balanced perspective with the ladies on campus. It's time to build oodles of friendships! The main thing has to be the main thing. Devotion to the Lord and studying His Word must come first.
I'm alread getting used to things here though... which is VERY awesome. It seems somewhat easy to settle in. I slept better last night even though my pillow and sheets haven't arrived (Caleb let me borrow his sleeping bag). I'm already acquanted with "Rapping Chad" (video available on youtube) and Johnnycakes. I know my roommate and have met him before, but he hasn't arrived on campus yet. I understand it might be interesting to room with him... we'll see what's meant by that...?
A slight anxiety has set in as I am looking into my work transfer. I spoke with them and they've received no transfer form. They also said if I can't work Sunday... I can't work. As far as I know, Moody has a policy of no working on Sunday unless it directly is needed for the operation of the school. I need to contact Human Resources and also talk with the school and see what we can do... if anything. Otherwise, I'm on my own for a job. I understand the campus security pays well though. I might look into that.
We also had our Bro/Sis hangout last night. That was pretty cool. We hang out with our sister floor from the women's dorm. I just learned some of them aren't the corresponding floors and they don't match (guys floor 4 and girls floor 4, etc.). The ladies on our sister floor are pretty cool. We generally sit together when in the student dining room. Last night we went to the nearest Borders and played a get to know you game, where I blushed when it came time for me to talk and barely got through it. Then we had a wonderful time of prayer and song in the prayer chapel as Johnnycakes played the piano and we picked up our hymnals.
My practical ministry (PCM) for the semester is to be the preacher and leader for a group of 3 and conduct a worship service for a local nursing home. It's exciting on one hand and kinda scary on the other... then reality hits and I realize oh yeah... that's kinda exactly suited to my major and the calling God has on my life. So no time to whine! I've called on of our people and said hello already. I'll soon see what it takes to plan and prepare a worship service... and prepare a lesson to teach every week. Will I have time to go street preaching? I must make some kind of time. Spurgeon said, "don't let your fire go out while you're picking up sticks."
There's prolly more to say, but time is nearign for the evening social for all students. Here's my schedule...
Intro To Ministry 2p-2:50p Th
NT Survey 11a-12:50p T Th
The Church and its Doctrines 9a-9:50a MWF
Studying and Teaching The Bible 3p-5pm and 6p-8p (4 hr. class) T
History of Biblical Exposition 8a-8:50a MWF
15 hrs.
I also of course have the PCM I mentioned. That starts Jan. 22.
I'm ready for fun!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Updates as I prepare to leave
My last day at work was Friday the 28th. It was a long day. I worked double shifts to reach a final workweek of just over 38 hours. I will leave with a good last check. I was finally able to get ahold of the human resources people in Chicago and in Dallas. I found out it's still possible to transfer to Chicago. That's surely a blessing. So I filled out the form and got that set in motion. My store manager actually gets to evaluate me and it has to hit the desk of the district manager as well. I'm glad to have that going.
Over the weekend I did some more shopping. My budget for clothes is now exausted and I think I have what I wanted to get. I was able to pick up 7 shirts at thrift stores for a total of about $40. I got a new pair of khaki's and some nicer shoes. I never thought I'd buy brown shoes, but there's a first for everything I suppose. My dad got me socks and underwear for Christmas. I picked up a couple pairs of longjohns for that cold winter weather. I also wasn't sure at first what kind of coat I should buy. My dad recommended a big parka. Someone at church suggested a Navy Peacoat. The peacoat has an interesting style to it and it's 100% wool to keep warm. I did some shopping and found a peacoat for just over $80, which is apparently good for coats these days... wow. Burlington wanted $120 for one. I feel kinda British when I wear it, but I like the style. If I had more time, I wanted to go to a nearby large military surplus store and maybe get a longer coat... possibly German, but oh well. I won't be able to clutter my bags with coats.
Sunday morning I went to open my church and turn the heaters on bright and early at 6:30am then headed off to my old church to say goodbye to the people there. I suppose I'll never stop being sentimental. I've been thinking about my high school reunion lately. It's years away and I'm already wondering who would be there.
I finally finished studying through the book of Romans with MacArthur's commentaries for the year. It's been good and I've learned a lot more in a more focused study than if I were just straight reading. this allowed me to branch off and study certain things within Romans as I was lead. However, I've chosen to return to the One Year Bible for the coming year. I'm finding that my discipline has been wavering this year and that shouldn't affect my morning devotions as it has. So this will help to get back on a better schedule and block of time.
The Jehovah's Witnesses returned Saturday. I asked them about the possible correlation between Rev. 1:8 and 1:17-18. Their immediate response was that Jesus was not saying He is God. The pre-supposition was hard at work. I just calmly said I wasn't debating whether or not He was God, I just wanted their thoughts on the passage. I'm finding this approach to be quite effective. They said they were doing a study of Revelation and invited me to it tomorrow. I asked them for a copy of their study guide. It's not always that you have the opportunity to know what they believe about some things in such detail. When the time comes and I teach Revelation, I should be able to make some good comments. It's really cool this way, because I get to plant seeds of truth that show their own contradiction and yet appear interested, while gaining materials that will help me equip believers more about the cult.
For Christmas my friend bought me Walter Martin's book, Kingdom of The Cults. The teacher has been discussing them in Sunday School at church. I've enjoyed helping him and hearing from him as we share what we've learned about the cults and how to witness to them with the high school students. I can tell they are benefiting from the study. I've also been listening to Walter Martin on audio at www.blueletterbible.com. The JW's don't know I'm leaving for Chicago in less than 3 weeks. As God gives the courage, I am preparing to implement one of Martin's suggestions the last time I see them. Please pray with me that they show up on the final weekend before I leave.
Left on the To-Do list before Jan. 10th: 1. Find medical records and get shots necessary for school, have the doctor mail the forms. 2. Sell my car or at least find someone committed to buying it. 3. Pack and decide what goes and what stays. 4. Move my room into a room in my grandpa's house in my new room. 5. Wash all the clothes I'm taking. And maybe more...
Well... Happy New Years!
Over the weekend I did some more shopping. My budget for clothes is now exausted and I think I have what I wanted to get. I was able to pick up 7 shirts at thrift stores for a total of about $40. I got a new pair of khaki's and some nicer shoes. I never thought I'd buy brown shoes, but there's a first for everything I suppose. My dad got me socks and underwear for Christmas. I picked up a couple pairs of longjohns for that cold winter weather. I also wasn't sure at first what kind of coat I should buy. My dad recommended a big parka. Someone at church suggested a Navy Peacoat. The peacoat has an interesting style to it and it's 100% wool to keep warm. I did some shopping and found a peacoat for just over $80, which is apparently good for coats these days... wow. Burlington wanted $120 for one. I feel kinda British when I wear it, but I like the style. If I had more time, I wanted to go to a nearby large military surplus store and maybe get a longer coat... possibly German, but oh well. I won't be able to clutter my bags with coats.
Sunday morning I went to open my church and turn the heaters on bright and early at 6:30am then headed off to my old church to say goodbye to the people there. I suppose I'll never stop being sentimental. I've been thinking about my high school reunion lately. It's years away and I'm already wondering who would be there.
I finally finished studying through the book of Romans with MacArthur's commentaries for the year. It's been good and I've learned a lot more in a more focused study than if I were just straight reading. this allowed me to branch off and study certain things within Romans as I was lead. However, I've chosen to return to the One Year Bible for the coming year. I'm finding that my discipline has been wavering this year and that shouldn't affect my morning devotions as it has. So this will help to get back on a better schedule and block of time.
The Jehovah's Witnesses returned Saturday. I asked them about the possible correlation between Rev. 1:8 and 1:17-18. Their immediate response was that Jesus was not saying He is God. The pre-supposition was hard at work. I just calmly said I wasn't debating whether or not He was God, I just wanted their thoughts on the passage. I'm finding this approach to be quite effective. They said they were doing a study of Revelation and invited me to it tomorrow. I asked them for a copy of their study guide. It's not always that you have the opportunity to know what they believe about some things in such detail. When the time comes and I teach Revelation, I should be able to make some good comments. It's really cool this way, because I get to plant seeds of truth that show their own contradiction and yet appear interested, while gaining materials that will help me equip believers more about the cult.
For Christmas my friend bought me Walter Martin's book, Kingdom of The Cults. The teacher has been discussing them in Sunday School at church. I've enjoyed helping him and hearing from him as we share what we've learned about the cults and how to witness to them with the high school students. I can tell they are benefiting from the study. I've also been listening to Walter Martin on audio at www.blueletterbible.com. The JW's don't know I'm leaving for Chicago in less than 3 weeks. As God gives the courage, I am preparing to implement one of Martin's suggestions the last time I see them. Please pray with me that they show up on the final weekend before I leave.
Left on the To-Do list before Jan. 10th: 1. Find medical records and get shots necessary for school, have the doctor mail the forms. 2. Sell my car or at least find someone committed to buying it. 3. Pack and decide what goes and what stays. 4. Move my room into a room in my grandpa's house in my new room. 5. Wash all the clothes I'm taking. And maybe more...
Well... Happy New Years!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
This, This, is Christ the King...
I'm so thankful. Christians celebrate a kind of second thanksgiving as CHRISTmas is here. We are thankful for the birth of the blessed Savior, truly the King of Kings. We are thankful for God becoming man. May we proclaim this, rest in this, and remember this, allowing the appreciation of God's mercy in Christ to make impact with our souls afresh each year. I may have said this already, but this is one of the first years in a long time that I enjoyed the Christmas music regardless of the time it played. I remember last year as I was saddened by my family's celebration of the birth of a man they reject, yet not celebrating it. This year I rejoice in Him and am reminded to pray for my family. He receives all the glory. The moment I begin to think that my growth is by fleshly discipline, I'm reminded of grace. May God be glorified in your life and mine. We need not worry what others think of us or what they say, for we have a Savior who was born, died, was risen, and lives still. I hear a song playing recently by a group named Addison Road. I can't find the name of the song or give the lyrics, but I do remember that it expresses exactly how I think we should travel life.
I'm thankful and content this year. God has provided for me to go to Bible college. In fact I have even more than expected. God is good and deserves the only glory. I was looking for the title of my car recently as I prepare to try and sell it and I found $500. I was reminded that my dad said I should keep some money at home in case something came up. I forgot it was even there. What a wonderful Christmas this is! Things left to do before leaving: Get 2 shots (maybe more), try to contact and arrange things with my job down there, sell car, pick up a few more winter-ready items, pack, and move the rest of my things next door. This is my last week at work. I pray that I don't slack off for that reason. This will be a subtle temptation.
I ended this past semester with 2 B's, although one looked like it shoulda been an A-...? I'm waiting for reply from the prof. I haven't been downtown in 2 weeks due to finals and the weather. I can't wait to go back before I leave. My flight departs January 10th. I held my goodbye party this past Wednesday. Old friends, new friends, and true friends showed up. Some were a good surprise even. We watched videos, had some snacks, had some laughs... it was a good night.
The other day I was looking at a container of yogurt that expired Jan. 14th. It occurred to me that I would be out of the state and living away from everyone I know and care for before that container of yogurt expired. I can be so sentimental. Often I toss around the thoughts of where, why, and how God has brought me where He has. A year ago I didn't know I'd be taking steps I am now taking. I didn't know God would open the specific doors He has opened at this time. I didn't know all that has happened would happen. ...Such large changes in life. I didn't know. I've learned that I think God is most glorified exactly when we don't know. He is most glorified when we get a glimpse of His plan as our plan is frustrated, look up, and realize who's really in charge. I've been able to smile more in those times and rest assured that He has used it for His good anyway. I don't know where man's responsibility and God's sovereignty meet, but I still lift my hands high and sing praises in my heart for the things He has done.
May our steps always be taken in light of "not my will, but Yours be done."
I'm thankful and content this year. God has provided for me to go to Bible college. In fact I have even more than expected. God is good and deserves the only glory. I was looking for the title of my car recently as I prepare to try and sell it and I found $500. I was reminded that my dad said I should keep some money at home in case something came up. I forgot it was even there. What a wonderful Christmas this is! Things left to do before leaving: Get 2 shots (maybe more), try to contact and arrange things with my job down there, sell car, pick up a few more winter-ready items, pack, and move the rest of my things next door. This is my last week at work. I pray that I don't slack off for that reason. This will be a subtle temptation.
I ended this past semester with 2 B's, although one looked like it shoulda been an A-...? I'm waiting for reply from the prof. I haven't been downtown in 2 weeks due to finals and the weather. I can't wait to go back before I leave. My flight departs January 10th. I held my goodbye party this past Wednesday. Old friends, new friends, and true friends showed up. Some were a good surprise even. We watched videos, had some snacks, had some laughs... it was a good night.
The other day I was looking at a container of yogurt that expired Jan. 14th. It occurred to me that I would be out of the state and living away from everyone I know and care for before that container of yogurt expired. I can be so sentimental. Often I toss around the thoughts of where, why, and how God has brought me where He has. A year ago I didn't know I'd be taking steps I am now taking. I didn't know God would open the specific doors He has opened at this time. I didn't know all that has happened would happen. ...Such large changes in life. I didn't know. I've learned that I think God is most glorified exactly when we don't know. He is most glorified when we get a glimpse of His plan as our plan is frustrated, look up, and realize who's really in charge. I've been able to smile more in those times and rest assured that He has used it for His good anyway. I don't know where man's responsibility and God's sovereignty meet, but I still lift my hands high and sing praises in my heart for the things He has done.
May our steps always be taken in light of "not my will, but Yours be done."
Monday, December 10, 2007
A Big Change
So I got into Moody for the Spring...
I knew God would be more glorified if I had less of a financial cushion to rely upon when I got there. Please continue praying for my faith in Him to provide. My dad said it will be tight in the beginning with all the changes and things he will still have to do after the death of my grandfather. After a year at Moody, scholarships open up to me. This will also mean that has to be a good year for grades. I called the school and they'll be sending a more detailed packet this week with more information. I also called the store I'd be working at to get more info from them. Apparently the pay rate is such that an average clerk position like myself would top out at what my manager here in Texas is making right now. That's good to know.
I have a lot to do in the coming weeks. My current list is as follows: Sell my car, Move my stuff into grandpa's house so dad doesn't have to, finish working out transfer stuff with my job, arrange financial stuff and anything else once I get the packet, buy a plane ticket, change banks, and figure out what I'm taking and what I'm leaving. Oh... and study for finals. :)
I knew God would be more glorified if I had less of a financial cushion to rely upon when I got there. Please continue praying for my faith in Him to provide. My dad said it will be tight in the beginning with all the changes and things he will still have to do after the death of my grandfather. After a year at Moody, scholarships open up to me. This will also mean that has to be a good year for grades. I called the school and they'll be sending a more detailed packet this week with more information. I also called the store I'd be working at to get more info from them. Apparently the pay rate is such that an average clerk position like myself would top out at what my manager here in Texas is making right now. That's good to know.
I have a lot to do in the coming weeks. My current list is as follows: Sell my car, Move my stuff into grandpa's house so dad doesn't have to, finish working out transfer stuff with my job, arrange financial stuff and anything else once I get the packet, buy a plane ticket, change banks, and figure out what I'm taking and what I'm leaving. Oh... and study for finals. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)