Death is Not Dying

Rachel is 37 years old and will likely not see her 38th birthday.  She has cancer.  However, she is filled with hope through salvation in Christ.  On her website, she has provided a video of a talk she did for a ladies event sponsored by her church, Westside Church.  This video (lasting 55 minutes) is well worth the time that it requires considering it is drenched with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

What she says is so very important for all to hear.  I am so thankful to have happened upon this, it reminds me of the gracious love of our Savior.

(HT: Desiring God Blog)

"God So Loved the World"

Dr. John Piper is one my favorite preachers of God's word.  He brings the life giving word of God to bear for anyone who hears his sermon.  I love the introductory prayer...my heart is encouraged to pray like this and preach like this.  Not in my own power but according to the power of the Holy Spirit.  To view the manuscript notes while you watch, visit desiringgod.org.

Ref Tagger

I'm now using RefTagger, a web tool developed for Logos Bible software.  RefTagger takes scripture references that you enter into your blog, website, etc. and makes a tag for it linking it to your online Bible of choice (mine's the ESV).  At the same time, when you scroll over any of these scripture references, the text comes up automatically in a little pop-up window.  

This is a very helpful tool.  Visit desiringgod.org to see it used extensively.  But here is a small demonstration if you'd like to see it work here.

"It often amazes me how deep the Lord knows (Psalm 139: 1-4) me and yet still loves (Romans 5:8) me."

School's Out for the Summer

Just a couple of weeks away from graduation.  I'll have my MDiv degree from Luther Rice Seminary here in Lithonia, Ga.  It has been an exciting adventure, seminiary that is.  I have thouroughly enjoyed it.  I am however also ready for a bit of a break.  Not from learning just from having to turn in papers and other assignments and worrying about the grades.  However, I have also been looking at MACE degree programs.  Isn't that funny, not even finished with my last class yet and looking into new schooling.  

I actually have a bit of money to pay back to our government since they saw it fit to kindly pay for my schooling (with interest , of course).  Once I accomplish that task, I would like to go and get my MACE (Master of Arts in Christian Education) I would love to go to Southern Seminary but might go to New Orleans becasue they have a campus here in North Ga.  That's a year or two away so i do not have to make that decision just yet.  

What I really want to do now that I'm finished with my Masters is write.  I've got quite a few ideas floating around and would like to get something a bit more concrete going on with them. They would be children's books mostly short narratives but I do have a few Children's novels up my sleeves so to speak that I am anxious to begin the work on.  My cousin is an artist and has told me he will illustrate the stories for me.  He's really good so I am excited about that as well.  I would like to venture into some practical writing as well.  As of right now I do not have any ideas but might think of some work for Family Ministry or something, wee'll see.  

I am really looking forward to some free time with Allison once she's finished for the summer (she's an elementary school teacher).  

We shall see!