a purely awesome day.

this past week/weekend has been full of preparations {photo id's, mmpi tests, biblical assessment tests, orientation, prof introductions, leadership meetings, syllabus overviews, [more] book buying...and lots of praying *wink} before starting school next week.

this coming tuesday is the big day.

thursday was a monumental day in the journey of our seminary training. it was the new student orientation and it solidified a very important point for us. as we sat there, surrounded by an environment of prestigious faculty with a solid biblical heritage that is the foundation of this 'harvard of evangelical schools', we were reminded of one of the many great truths of the God we serve. that is, He is in control. He had put us in those chapel seats for that moment. a moment of realization - that the next few years are going to change our life. we will change the way we love God, wholly, and the way we love others.

we have a plan built for us that is intentional. soaked in integrity and integrated with His truth. we are humbled that we have been called here.

the hubby specified it perfectly saying, "i feel spoiled. it's a privilege to have been accepted. it feels like i get to enjoy a four year bible camp." i quickly added "bible boot camp" at the end of his quotation. the work is going to be hard for him, but i have no doubt he is fully capable to achieve beyond what he's called to do. that's just the way he is and what makes me proud to stand next to him.

it's so easy to get trapped in the temptations of doubt. one of the things i appreciated the most were the key note speakers, including the president, dr. bailey, who focused on the daily challenges the students {and their families} may possibly face. things like balancing our time between studies, work, family and required ministry hours. things like not giving up {a favorite quote: "it's always too soon to quit."}. things like intentionally developing a relationship with someone that is different than you. things that challenge us to think and act for the better. the best theology that was stated yesterday was this: "you have been ordained to be here...God is in control." things don't have to be complicated to be profound. amen? amen.

as we find ourselves quickly {and what seems like suddenly} delving into the aspect of studying on this journey, we want to function with perspective. a perspective that is rooted in focusing on the word of a true and living God.

and to take heed of my favorite quote from our day at orientation by dr. donald campbell:

"don't doubt in the dark what God told you in the light."

-dr. donald campbell, 3rd president of dallas theological seminary