Sunday, July 12, 2009

It Ain't So Bad

Well I have been here for one week today and there is one thing that has been confirmed to me. I am not as smart as I thought I was. I am learning quite a lot but some of the information as just disappeared into infinite. I am around some brillant people and I have some peers that are just as bum-fuzzled as I am.
I am pick up some good information that I know will really be helpful to me in being more prepared but there is some information that may never again be used except in an academic setting.
I have probably used my faith more in this week than in many because some of this can only be a approached by faith. I believe I can do this! By faith I confess this ain't so bad! I have been reminded again and again of Jesus' faithfulness during this time. Some day I will look back on this experience and say that wasn't so bad.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Academia don't you just love it?

The time for me to go to Perkins has finally come you would think I was a kid going from Jr. High to High School. I have finally reached the goal of being full-time in the ministry and now i must follow the process to the next step. COSS - Course of Study School is for people pursuing a License to preach in the United Methodist Church when you haven't received a college degree.

I am excited about the time at Perkins Theological Seminary at SMU but academics is not my strong suit. I knew when I signed up I would need to follow the guidelines of the Book of Discipline of the UMC and the COSS is one phase. This will test my faith because it is an area of fear for me because in the past I wasn't very good at school work.

I believe I can do this and that it will be a good and positive experience for me. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" I desire to be a good example for the people I minister too and I do not want to disappoint them. Because of their generous support all my financial needs have been met. PRAISE THE LORD.

God has been so very good to me over this last year and I give Him all the glory for what is going on in my life. He has been faithful and I love him for that support he has shown me.

I could not do this with out the support of my lovely wife of 38 years - Happy Anniversary!!
She has been there to encourage me and to prove read my papers and check my attitude when it needed checking. Thanks for your loving support your the best.

Academics I love you be kind!

Monday, March 30, 2009

You Asked for it!

It's days like today that make you wonder, "What was I thinking when I asked for this gig?" Then I remember it's because I really love my life and my vocation. I want to be the best darn pastor there is.
  • I love my church.
  • I love the people in my church.
  • I love the call God has put on my life.

I want to bring glory to God through my life. The physical fatigue will be renewed. I can do this!

  • Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
  • I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

I feel better already. What a mighty God we serve!! I can run through a troop and jump over a wall. halleljah. I am now going to sign off and rest in the Lord and the power of His might.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

WHY THEY CALL ME POPPA!!






This is my first reason to be called Poppa - Grandniece, Granddaughter - Sugie-Boo, the first born of my niece and her husband. -Macy Marie-








- Chloe Rene -
Here is my second reason. She is too sweet - Grandniece, Granddaughter - Glo-Bug, the second daughter of my niece and her husband. Isn't she Sassy!





This little man is last and certainly not least. Grandson -Brown Sugar, the Flyin' Mayan, the Squatty Guatey, brown-eyed sugar dumplin'. Son of my first born who lives in St. Louis. Have you see anything so cute?

-Eliot Samuel-


These three are the reasons they call me Poppa!






Wednesday, March 18, 2009

POPPA'S Gotta Brand New Bag

I am excited because this is my first posting on my new blog sight. This is really a big step for me because I am techicnically challenged. My kid's have both got blog sights and I guess I don't want to be outdone.

I will have to sit down with my daughter or son and get some help with things to post.

I have decided to do this adventure because of the things I've seen my daughter-in-law do. I want to be an encouragement to her and my son during this time in their lives because they have. had some spiritual battles parents can only sit by and pray for.

KT - if you ever see this posting I want you to know how proud Nanna and I are of you and Russ and the Elman. I wish there was something I could say to help with the hurts and frustrations you are walking through. I just know that God is faithful but his timing is hard to figure. If there is one thing I could share with you it would be from the Word of God.

"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! . . . Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praise shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." (Philippians 4:4-7 The Message)

Nanna and I pray for ya'll and we miss ya. God will be right on time. LOL Poppa Ike