A Big Deal... Or Two.

Well, a couple of things have popped up since my last update... As my time at seminary draws to a close, I am looking toward the future with excitement and anticipation. Things haven't gone as I planned, but it's been a great experience. Here are a couple of things that I'm thrilled about.

First off, I have started dating a fantastic girl. Her name is Ginger. (And she does not have Facebook, so don't bother.) She's a wonderful girl who loves Jesus. She's graduating this May with a Master of Arts in Counseling. She's witty, smart, and funny. She plays guitar and sings like an angel. Oh, and she's beautiful. Have I said she's fantastic?

Secondly, my plans regarding further education are going to be put on hold. My Ph.D. applications have not come back positively; one school turned me down, another deferred me for "further review," and the third denied my application for their doctoral program but accepted me for their Th.M. instead. These were not the results I had hoped for, obviously. I've had health struggles for the past couple of years as well; by God's grace and good medical care I've been able to continue studies, but I'm hesitant to begin another degree before these issues are resolved. Bearing both of these things in mind, I'm going to return to Tulsa after graduation. I'm currently looking for a job as an adjunct or online faculty member; a ministry position would be a definite possibility as well. I would ask for your prayers for God's continued providence and peace regarding the future. I would like to pick up further studies later, but I do not feel comfortable beginning another degree at this time. I'm happy to return home and see friends and have fun times, and I'm excited to pursue possibilities in the Tulsa area. I don't see this as a step back, or even a step sideways; these are just the steps I'm taking. Life is good.

Oh, and I got a haircut today. That's kind of a big deal.