Decisions, decisions
I emailed someone from the admissions office last Tuesday, since I noticed from their web site that the school had received my MAT score. I asked him what time-frame I was looking at before a decision is rendered on my application. He said three weeks, probably four, since this week is spring break and everyone will be gone. So I'm probably not going to find anything out either way until that first week, week and a half of April most likely. Though I will let you know what happens as soon as possible after I know.
I saw nothing to dispel or change my preconceived notions about what the school would be like. So I have reconfirmed to myself that IF the school accepts me, I'm there. Make no mistake about it, the road there will be tough and full of obstacles but none that can't be overcome.
All in all my trip was great. I met some really cool people, from prospective students to faculty. The campus was nice, though I'm told not in the best neighborhood. From what I saw of Dallas, it appears to be a good place to live, though I suppose some parts are better than others. I do know this: just from looking at some advertisements - both real estate and apartments are much cheaper than here in the northeast. That would be very nice, especially for the budget conscious. Or at least I'll try to be....
posted by Tim @ 20:55
7 Comments:
Keep us posted. We'll send prayers and cross our fingers till you get your results!
"Make no mistake about it, the road there will be tough and full of obstacles but none that can't be overcome."
Obstacles you say? Like sacrificing the healthy relationship you have with your offspring?
And I just dare you to try and tell me about how Abe had it even tougher when he followed the bearded one's will.
"both real estate and apartments are much cheaper than here in the northeast. That would be very nice, especially for the budget conscious."
You know what else would be nice? NOT ABONDONING YOUR CHILDREN IN PURSUIT OF THIS FOOL'S ERRAND. I don't care how pretty the clouds were on the flight or how friendly the people down there were. If you do this, you're gonna blow it with your kids.
Green man, your the oldest friend i have (well, you're not that old, but you know what i mean), so i gotta tell you that this is wrong.
And as to all of you who are cheerleading for Green - i hope some of you, at least in your hearts, are praying to your gods that he won't be accepted.
I have to say these things as no one else seems willing to.
Maybe you'll hear them, but probably not.
shannon & dabich: thanks for your support. I appreciate it.
AG: Of course I expect you to see this as a fools errand, what with your overall view of religion being foolish all the way around.
However, V and M are warming up to the idea that I might be a pastor someday. V in particular was verbally and emotionally upset when I first told her of my plan. Why has she had a change of heart in such a short time? I believe it is because I prayed about my decision and the effect it would have on them. And I believe God has and will continue to work on their hearts & understanding of why I want/need to do pursue this.
Don't get me wrong, here. I know it will be hard on all of us for me to do this. I also appreciate your vocal opposition. It shows that you care. (But why I ask since you believe that life doesn't matter and stuff just happens - but that's a debate for another time.)
27Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
28Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"
29"I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God
30will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
Luke 18:27-30 NIV
Taking the passage in context, v. 18-26 Jesus is talking to a rich man who wanted to know what he needed to do to get into heaven. Jesus told him what he neeed to do, which made the man sad because he was very wealthy.
You can apply what Jesus said in v.27 to what follows in v. 28-30, thanks to Peter's statement in v. 28.
So the teaching here is plain: sacrifices come at a cost, otherwise they would not be sacrifices. However, God clearly understands the nature and cost of sacrifice. What seems to be foolishness in man's eyes God can use to His benefit.
You obviously think that because of this decision my kids will abandon me, but based on this I disagree. I actually think my relationship with them will be better having done this than not. And with God's help they will understand why I need to do this.
And, yes, I'm also considering a more expensive local seminary in Massachusetts as plan #2.
14 March, 2006 00:26
I said it from the begining - it's not the content that upsets me. If you were going to Arizona to study geology or to California for writing, I'd be equally opposed.
And as far as the little one's warming to the idea of you being a pastor, all well and good, but THEY'RE KIDS - they can't comprehend what it means for you to be away from them for 4 years. Four years is more than half a lifetime for the younger one - they can't conceive of the timeframe so while they may in fact be glad to see the end result, it's the process that will do the harm.
And by the way, just because I don't believe there's a grand meaing of life (TM) doesn't mean that i think it's ok for people to suffer. And suffer your kids shall.
I agreed with AM from the start. But as I said back then, I am keepin my mouth shut on this topic. So, this is all I have to say, I think your #2 alternative in Mass is a better option for your kids. They NEED a Dad.
AG & bluez: Believe me, this whole plan is not spur of the moment stuff. I've been mulling this over in my mind for quite some time, even trying to run from the decision for the last year or so. I originally intended on applying for Fall 2005 but for whatever reasons just kept putting it off.
I know my kids are young and they don't really comprehend 4 years, but it does go by quickly. And there never will be a good time to be away from them for an extended period.
I just can't let my life pass me by any more. I can't resist the calling and I can't run from it any more. I don't know how to explain it better than that. But I also have faith that if Dallas is not where I should be then the school will not accept my application.
That being said, I do appreciate both of your input on the subject. Never be afraid to voice your opinion. I'm certainly not.
Good luck to you!(whatever your choice may be)-One things' for sure...your calling will be answered, whether near or far you WILL spread HIS WORD. It's obvious that this is HIS WILL for you. *tears of joy*
BTW..off topic here, I just wanted to let u know i saw all of the pictures you posted and they were so cool! Thanks so much for sharing them. I really enjoyed reading the descriptions & looking at them.
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