Okay, I didn't get there by February 2. I did complete the courses that had been "incomplete" before Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow last Tuesday. Today I finished the first of my last 3, Paul's Letter to the Romans. My grade on the final exam was 92%.

One of the questions that was asked in an ungraded assignment was "Identify 3 truths from Chapter 3 (in the textbook) that were meaningful to me, and discuss them with someone." I spent a little time thinking about this, and identified f… Continue

My weight loss program went backwards in December, primarily due to my not getting out of bed much with the stress fracture. I went from 434 to 443 pounds. In January my activity was still limited because of back pain due to 2 falls that screwed up my back. But the chart shows I've been able to reduce weight even without a lot of activity.

Now I'm able to be active. I'm beginning to walk. I've bought a BodyBugg to measure calorie burn. This is the armband/watch you see on the Biggest Loser, and… Continue

I just took the final exam for Acts, scored 88/100. Final grade reports for Eschatology and Prison Epistles have already been received, scored 94 and 88, respectively. I'm waiting for the final report on Intermediate Ministerial Internship, which probably requires something from my pastor documenting the work we did together, which will be done February 2.

I already did all of the reading for Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine, now I'll review the material and go on to the final exam. The mat… Continue

Progress Report:
1. I passed the final on the class that was to expire tomorrow, "Intermediate Ministerial Internship".
2. I paid for extensions on both classes I've already done all the work for, Eschatology and Prison Epistles. I'm half-way done with the exams, and should be able to finish before I leave at 6:00 for mid-week service.
3. I paid for extensions on two classes I already have the materials for, but have only done a little of the reading on (Acts, and Intro to Pentecostal Doctrine).… Continue

I have this day mailed my application for ministry credentials to the International Assemblies of God. If approved, I will be a "Certified Minister." Then I hope to step through their educational requirements for the next level, "Licensed Minister" in the next two weeks, and "Ordained Minister" requirements in 12 months.

I need prayer for diligence. I completed the educational component for Certified Minister shortly after my dog died in June, 2006. But for various reasons, including depression… Continue

I have a challenge I'd like to share. I was trying to come up with what I can do to help compassion365. I drink alot of coffee! I buy coffee everyday, at like $4.50 a day. What do you buy everyday? Coffee, soda, chips, candy, etc.
How about spending the next week watching what you spend and then on Friday, let's all skip 1 of whatever it is that we do and flood compassion365 with our "just a coffee" money! If we all did this once a month, we could easily make a difference in someone else's life.… Continue

Have you ever prayed to be blessed by the Lord without any idea what He may bring? What if you've been blessed, but missed it? What if you've been blessed with the heart and ability to bless others, but ignore your call, or waste it.
Have you ever watched a commercial for something and felt you heart tug at you as you think "Wow! I wish I could help with that." Then you go out to lunch or buy coffee.
I feel the tug and think, I give here, here, and here. I still have money to do the extra things… Continue

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18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

18 What is instructed a man concerning his own self-knowledge?

19-20 How does God regard human wisdom?

The following was written as a homework assignment in my Practical Ministry course, with an eye towards preaching someday in a wedding service.

This year I celebrated my Silver Wedding Anniversary. Marie and I were married in a big Episcopal Church in 1984, only 3 years after the fairytale wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana captivated the English-speaking world.

It was also only 5 years after the publication of a new Book of Common Prayer for the Episcopal Church in America. As lo… Continue