2014 was one of my most interesting years. Im not sure if it was great, although I can say that it wasnt bad either. I completed the educational process at UTS so that I could apply for ordination in the UMC, and then decided to hold off one more year to move forward from licensed local pastor to seek provisional ordination. If youre not UMC this may make no sense, if you are you probably get it, if youre an Elder, Deacon, or LLP it definitely makes sense. I began my doctoral studies but Ive realized that my area of interest will be better served at UTS, so this next year will be spent doing a lot of reading, practical ministry, and getting everything together to resume formal doctoral work in the fall. In my personal life I experienced a few very important successes. Rachel Frost Greene and I were able to get one house sold, another completely remodeled, make it through four months of living 35 miles away from our home while this happened, Rach sold her business/buildings, became a real mental health therapist/clinician, and we are happier and stronger than ever. I learned this year that life really is solid when Christ is the center of your home and life. I learned this through the changes we undertook, the challenges our family faced together, the excellent things that are happening in our kids lives, and the highs and lows of pastoring. I have overcome some really difficult struggles with persistent anxiety. Ive learned the importance of practical ministry as a pastor. Ive learned that God is writing a new story for my life; not one that could have ended badly if I were to have remained where I was several years ago. There is so much more I could say but I want to say that Im very thankful for grace, restoration, and holy empowerment. Life is meant to be lived in the fullness of Gods kingdom kind of way. For me, this means no constant anxiety, no constant worry over things I cant change that happened many years ago, no acceptance of the old patterns of living that are not healthy or wholesome, and finding complete joy in Gods calling for my life. Im looking forward to another year of life, love, contented joy and peace, and the opportunity to see the reality of Gods kingdom love unfold in my little world. I love you all and pray that your 2015 is filled with exorbitant love, life, grace, peace, and prosperity of body, mind, and spirit... Jdg
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 12:40:23 +0000
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