Comments on: When Things Don’t Go As Planned

By: Starting Another Seminary Semester

Starting Another Seminary Semester — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:54:51 +0000

[...] I made the decision that I will be sitting this round out.Â As I’ve mentioned before, things aren’t going as planned around here.Â I’ve decided that I’ll take one class that meets on Tuesday nights and [...]

By: Jerald

Jerald — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:19:14 +0000

Guys/Ladies it is truely an encouragement to see others fighting in this battle to make this world a better place. I know it is a struggle, and i am right there in it with you, but don’t give up on what God told/showed you. He said in Habakkuk (2:2-3) to write the vision and make it plan. If he told you that this was what you were suppose to do you just have to stand. Remember Paul and all his letters from prison to the various churches, and how it was thru his struggle that many believed. When you guys are faced with all this turmoil, but with a pure heart you still are able to smile and press on and say thank you Jesus when those that know you see you or ask…..that does more to them and this world than anything that TBN or T.D Jakes can do, and that is nothing taken from them but people are looking at the life those who profess the faith are living. So I say press on each of you towards that prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. And as I pray for you please pray for me. i thank God for every one of you!

By: Brian Sullivan

Brian Sullivan — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 01:46:03 +0000

Did you win the lottery?

By: Terry Delaney

Terry Delaney — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:34:37 +0000

Man, am I glad I did not take a summer course! Although I think I have written more papers in the form of book reviews this summer than I did during both semesters.

Anyway, one of my drill sergeants in basic training used to always say that our diet must consist of rubber bands and ex-lax! We must always be flexible and ready for change at any moment. That is perhaps the only piece of advice I retained from basic training (other than walking in step and holding my roles of quarters).

It still remains somewhat of a motto I live by to this day. Now that it is strengthened by the knowledge of Christ as Lord and Savior, it makes my life so much easier.

By: Jeff Patterson

Jeff Patterson — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:53:56 +0000

Ryan, I appreciate watching from afar, your faith, diligence, common sense (which is in fact, uncommon) and sense of humor. I will remember to pray for discernment and especially clarity mixed with some sovereign joy.

jdantzlerw, Terry and Jake, I think it is encouraging to read and resonate with the similar challenges of our Brothers in Grace.

Similar spot here … except for the slow part. >> much work = little money (???)

Last fall we took the plunge for me to quit my job and attend full-time (had two years scattered with part-part-time) fully expecting something to change after one year. Still uncertain of the exact path ahead.

We’re doing option 7: have faith, register full-time for me, some school loans, look & hope for a flexible job, Kari finishing up her last class in the Fall, while pregnant.

(All but the baby subject to change.)

Back to a summer class project due tomorrow…

By: Paul Fuller

Paul Fuller — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:13:38 +0000

Hey Ryan, I dropped out in Mar 2007 to "transition" to a different seminary. We had hoped our house would sell in a few months and we would start back in to school in the fall. We waited and waited. Then we took a huge step of faith and decided to move to KY and wait until our house sold. Well, our house sold--in June 2008. And instead of being able to put aside a chunk of money for savings, we had the privilege of coming up with about $15K to give the bank in order to get rid of the house (over the last 15 months, the value dropped well below what we paid for it in 2004). So now, I am choosing your Option #2--I'm taking only 1 class this fall, auditing another, and building up our savings. Then, God-willing, in the spring of 2009, I'll be back into it full-swing. Realize, my original plan was to graduate in May 2009. That ain't happening now... Sometimes we don't get the things we want right away and it's in those times that I'm reminded that God's grace can be a disappointing grace (to borrow from Paul Tripp). We will be praying for wisdom as you face ahead in the journey. Paul Fullers last blog post..Call Me Paranoid...

By: Jake Belder

Jake Belder — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:43:52 +0000

I am dealing with a similar situation, and from your possible options, I chose to go with number two (except I’ll be doing 3 classes). I am working a data entry job right now which is pretty dull, but pays okay, and they are being very flexible with me so that I’ll be able to keep it come fall. My hope is to go part time this year, and then save up a bit so I can crack down on it the final year and get it all done (note: I’m doing an MATS, a two-year program, stretching it to three).

These are tough decisions, man, and responsible choices have to be made. It definitely is not how I planned it. But it’s okay. I’ve learned a lot in that big classroom called life, and always need to be reminded that my plans are not necessarily God’s plans.

Hope it all works out for you, and of course, will be praying for you all.

Jake Belders last blog post..Newbigin: The Urgent Task of the Church

By: Terry Delaney

Terry Delaney — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:15:37 +0000

Amen!

Brother, we will be praying for your family. I appreciate your openness in this post since most seminarians will have to deal with this sort of thing at one time or another.

If there is anything I can do to help at all, please let me know. God bless.

By: A Little Update : The Daily Burns

A Little Update : The Daily Burns — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:44:40 +0000

[...] I don’t typically link to articles I write on my seminary blog, but I thought I’d make an excpeption today.Â In today’s post I am sharing the challanges of our personal journey through seminary. [...]

By: jdantzlerw

jdantzlerw — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:16:17 +0000

I've been going through, and continue to go through many of the things you are talking about in this post. There just never seems to be enough money to cover, tuition, books, daycare, rent, etc. Over the last month or so I've been reworking my budget and trying to figure out what I'm going to do in the fall as well. Thanks for the post, you gave me some insight into my own situation and reminded me that most of us in seminary are struggling with many of these same things. jdantzlerws last blog post..iPhones and the Church