Status: Employed

I've done it. I've actually done it: I signed a contract for employment next month. (Trivia: I did it on my 22nd birthday.)

I've been thinking and praying, praying and thinking, thinking and praying over my 'next step' these past few months and I believe that this is what God wants me to do.

NOW> I'm still bumming around this entire month though! Work starts on October 1st and I still have some time to culminate my vacation with a bang... whatever that means. I used to think that meant going on a trip to Europe at my dad's expense, but I've long since given up on that thought after seeing how much such a trip would cost. My conscience wouldn't let me badger my dad into letting me go to London even for a few days. End of that story.

END> So how is this long vacation going to end? Inspired by Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions, I am writing my own set of resolutions in keeping with Paul's exhortation to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. Inasmuch as they are in accordance with His will, I know the Holy Spirit will enable me to keep my resolutions to the glory of God's name. Being the forgetful human that I am, it is definitely wise to have a list to check back on once in a while (or every Sunday in my case). I'm actually enjoying the process of finding faults in myself then decidedly writing resolutions to amend my behavior. (I have 21 resolutions so far) The (longer) process of being faithful to what I've written is going to be a much more difficult road to travel. Even now I realize I've broken most of my resolutions. Nevertheless, thanks and praise be to the God who has promised that a victorious end will doubtless be reached.

(I wrote this entry last Sept. 6 but forgot to publish it until today.)

Desiring God Revamped

One of my favorite sites, desiringgod.org, has just been redesigned and reorganized. I'm pretty happy with the results.

Exploring the site led me to an article exhorting believers to minister to their pastors. Absolutely right!

Ever since I started thinking about full-time ministry, I've begun to see pastors and church leaders in a different light. I've realized that they are just like me, imperfect, weak, wrestling with temptations and fears and not always winning... they may have an M.Div or a doctorate in theology, but they too struggle with the mismatch between head knowledge and their experiences & feelings. Though looked on as spiritual giants, they are just as helpless, incapable of saving themselves and completely dependent on God's grace as we are. That's one reason why they should be prayed for. They need encouragement, support and prayers as much as (if not more than) the next person.

But I'm full of it aren't I? After reading a book called Partners in Prayer a number of years ago, I courageously went up to one pastor and told him that I wanted to pray for him. I just said that but I was never brave enough to approach him ever again. I occasionally remembered him in my prayers, but not quite often enough. I was always too concerned about myself to pray for others. (I was? or I am?) Disobedient and forgetful little brat that I am, I am grateful for God's patient and gentle reminders, which tell me that He is not willing to give up on me... not yet, not ever.