Entries Tagged 'Uncategorized' ↓

I just had my first fruit snack in many years and it immediately took me back to first grade recess. Wow, I used to love those things. But the best ones were the Gushers that exploded with juciness. The worst fruit snacks by far were the fruit leather that was peeled off plastic and ended up being a condensed ball of fruit goo in your mouth.

But I realized that fruit snacks do not really taste like fruit at all, but more resembles candy. That may be why I liked them so much.

I am no longer bumping around with bachelor degrees, for I have officially began my seminary saga. Classes do not start until next week, but I had orientation this week and appropriately have the fear of God before my eyes as I look at the course work ahead. The danger that I see before me is the tendency to study the word out of obligatory duty rather than willing worship. I know this is a danger because I have already spent four years at a Bible college and I know the slowness and evil of my own heart.

So I am heading into my this first semester, not questioning my call, but questioning my commitment. Am I ready to devote myself to the discipline of studying the word of God. Am I willing to make the sacrifices necessary to work for the glory of God?

TMS is where I want to be and I am thankful that the Lord brought me here. I look forward to how he will shape me through it, but the task seems daunting. I praise my God that His mercy is new every morning and His faithfulness is so great.

I apologize if the language seems crude and inappropriate, but bear with me for a moment. My good friend, Kberg, stayed with the Sarrs for a few weeks and during that time took this video, which shows the girls, Ellie and Abby, playing outside. The funny part comes in the last 20 seconds and you are going to want your volume up to hear what Ellie says.

Last Wednesday through Friday, I attended the Shepherds’ Conference. Three other guys from Slight went as well, all of whom had never been before, which made it a lot of fun to tag along with them. My dad slept in the bunk below me all week and was able to spend the week with Ian and I. I have had the privilege to attend this conference the last four years with my dad. Of course, it is always a blessing to spend time with the one28 staff also. You just can’t exchange that kind of experience for anything - being fed the Word of God with fellow men who want to see the body of Christ built up.

John MacArthur preaching:

Phil Johnson in his seminar on shepherding your flock during an election year:

A random photo my dad grabbed of the row of guys. I think I was the only one who knew the picture was being taken.

I learned many things that week, but I think I just walked away with an overwhelming sense of my inadequacy to do any kind of ministry and with a better understanding of the gracious work of our Lord Jesus Christ in the ministry of His people. Life is too short and hell too eternal for us to rely on ourselves.

I have now found my new favorite game: Free Rice. This game primarily keeps my attention because I love words and I love learning new ones. I also like a good challenge and if I can learn in that process than all the better. Not only does this game increase my vocabulary, but it also helps donate rice to people who need it.

I do wonder though, who counts all that rice? I mean, if you are donating specific amounts of rice, doesn’t that mean that someone somewhere is counting those small grains? I’ve heard my Dad explain futility as shoveling gravel from one pile to another, but I think counting billions of grains of rice just might top the list in terms of vain exercises.

Anyway, give it a try, you just might learn a new word or two.