Accepted!

I guess it really didn't take that long, but it seemed like quite a wait to me.  I received word this morning that I have been accepted into the Master of Theology program at Dallas Seminary.  This represents the beginning of a significant change in direction in my life as I prepare for a greater role in serving Christ.  I am really looking forward to the challenges of learning both Greek and Hebrew.  Language was never a strong point for me.  It will be really cool to see God working in me to get through it.  But, the greater thrill will be to see how the Lord will use us in the future to the benefit of Him kingdom.

I have often thought of the seminary experience as both blessed immersion in the Word and fuel for the race.  To be prepared to handle the scripture from an educated and tested standpoint under the leadership of Christ and to be able to deliver the message passionately and clearly, will be a privilege.

There are many things yet to do and much prayer needed.  If you feel lead, please pray that the Lord will continue to prepare my heart and mind for this exercise.  Also, please pray that my family will be prepared and supported, that our financial needs will be met, that God would show Himself strong and faithful through continued encouragement and provision and that we will glorify Him throughout this chapter of our lives.  Finally, please pray that our place of ministry will be prepared, even now, for our service.

It is love that drives me to this place and a desire to spend the second half of my career engaged in things of eternal meaning.  Thank you, Lord for giving me the skills to employ in your service and the faith to yield to it. I'll admit, I am both scared and excited in ways hard to describe.  But, that's ok...let's get started!

Application Update

Just a quick update on the application process at DTS.  All of the reference letters have been submitted, as has my church validation letter.  DTS uses a unique process to request these letters.  They require that I submit the contact information of the preferred recommender, then they contact that person independently.  Really, it's pretty cool.  It is all done electronically.

Now, it is up to the admissions committee.  Talking to my admissions counselor revealed that my application will be forwarded for consideration next week.  He also told me the process would require about three weeks.  In the meantime, I need to work (I do still have a day job), prepare music for worship and plan September and October's Young Families SS lessons.  That's plenty!

Application In

What application?  That was the previous post.  Scroll down and start there.  However, after reading the previous post, you may be wondering exactly "Which one?"  I'm glad you asked; Dallas Theological, of course.

Yep, all the parts and pieces came together and have been submitted for processing.  I am very excited.  Our family is too.  I probably won't get to start until this spring, but that's ok.  There are still a lot of details to work out.  Not the least of which is paying for it.  However, we really believe that this is a prime opportunity to see the Lord provide and we are looking forward confidently expecting that He will.

The opportunity to prepare for the second half of my career life is a great privilege.  The chance to engage in work that counts for eternity is awesome.  Please don't get me wrong, we all have the opportunity to work each day for the Kingdom.  I'm really talking about the joy and privilege of doing so on a full-time basis.

So, I'll keep you posted... One of my favorite quotes is from Jim Elliott, missionary to Ecuador who, along with four others, was killed while attempting to evangelize the Waodani people through efforts known as Operation Auca.  He said, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."  That seems so appropriate here.