tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71596117332045146572011-08-02T13:25:55.118-04:00Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.comBlogger2971100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-77749956947582222972009-12-15T17:11:00.003-05:002009-12-15T17:27:26.230-05:00

I just received one of the best gifts that I could possibly receive this time of year. No, I didn’t get enrolled in the "Jelly Of The Month Club" (the gift that keeps on giving all year round) It was much better than that. And No, I didn’t get a $500 Visa Gift Card. (it was even better than that) It wasn’t even a 50 inch, High Definition, Plasma Screen TV (believe it or not, it was even better

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-44428660092791168412009-12-14T07:53:00.001-05:002009-12-14T08:01:09.886-05:00

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the music. There is just something incredibly special about Christmas music. Perhaps it is the fact that we only sing it at one time each year, perhaps it is because of the memories that it represents, or maybe it is just because it is so awesome:) Whatever the reason, it is something that I look forward to all year.Last night was the Annual

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-66117273601836405902009-12-11T10:03:00.001-05:002009-12-11T14:31:43.603-05:00

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, at least that is what the song says. As for me, the jury is still out on that one. It is certainly one of my favorite times of the year, and I can say that I look forward to it every year, and I have to admit that Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year, it is also my favorite worship service in the year, so all in all I would have to lean in

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-83813231665908355332009-12-02T08:35:00.000-05:002009-12-02T08:39:10.977-05:00

Two days in a row, I’m on a roll now. Let me address a couple of questions that I have been asked.1.“Have I still been swimming?”Well, yes and no. I have run into a bit of an obstacle. I have been dealing with bronchitis/ sinusitis/ coughing/ yucky/ stuffy /headstuff / cheststuff (I would call it Hymunglifungli) since about the first of October and that has put a definite crimp in my desire to go

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-22016109978995068382009-12-01T16:45:00.002-05:002009-12-01T16:50:36.902-05:00

Ok! Ok! After some significant prodding, I will try to get back in the saddle again and be more consistent with my posts. In reality, it is actually a good thing that I haven’t been posting much lately. As you remember, I started this blog because of the extreme stress that I was under last year with my final year of seminary, a trip to El Salvador and the Commissioning process and writing seemed

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-20082727380403830972009-11-07T08:29:00.003-05:002009-11-07T08:45:29.234-05:00

Have you ever had the experience of simply watching and witnessing as the Holy Spirit works? I very much have been sensing that movement of the Holy Spirit here recently, and right now, I am doing my best to either hold on tight or get completely out of the way.I have been spending a little time here recently reflecting back upon the last four months that we have been here in Corydon and I see

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-25452475236888605492009-11-06T08:44:00.003-05:002009-11-06T09:09:21.001-05:00

I know, I know, I did it again, I went a very long time without posting something. To be honest, I wasn’t planning on posting anything today, but I stopped by my blog this morning for the first time in quite awhile and I read the heartfelt, passionate comment left by my good friend Nancy on my last post and she inspired me to begin writing again. I encourage everyone who hasn’t done so already to

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-25849631148890341262009-10-23T10:13:00.002-04:002009-10-23T10:20:11.897-04:00

Well, I have done it again, let more than a week go since my last post. It really isn’t that I don’t have anything to say, and I can’t honestly say that I don’t have the time. Perhaps it is the fact that what I really want to say are about issues that as a pastor, I really should let go or at the very least only weigh in on from a theological perspective, even though many of my colleagues don’t

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-42400822350521258012009-10-15T21:36:00.004-04:002009-10-15T21:46:05.109-04:00

Ok, I have to admit that juggling and preparing for 3 Bible Studies is a bit of a challenge. I am having extreme episodes of Déjà vu, and wondering if I have already told this story or explained about one word or another to this group. But for the most part I have decided that it is ok to retell a few stories:) Besides, I often tell them more for my own benefit than I do theirs anyway:)Tonight we

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-59568492080649506662009-10-14T08:02:00.002-04:002009-10-14T08:05:48.252-04:00

Today we are beginning a new Bible Study. I had a request from a parishioner to have a daytime study which intrigued me and after a little thought I decided to go forward with it. We decided to hold this one at the parsonage, which is a neutral spot so I hope to draw people from both churches, and if nothing else, it means that I don’t have far to go:)I think that we are going to study 1

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-73371067780634025942009-10-13T08:54:00.003-04:002009-10-13T09:11:02.121-04:00

I sometimes have to wonder what the world that we live in is coming to. I really do try to understand where others are coming from. I struggle to view issues from as many points of view as possible, but I have to admit that I am finding it increasingly difficult to do so.In about 10 minutes of reading the news this morning (which is always a tremendous mistake for me anymore) I found no less that

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-34147272738812593922009-10-10T08:29:00.003-04:002009-10-10T08:35:27.285-04:00

Today is a special day in the Higdon clan. In just a few hours, 3 generations of Higdon’s will take our annual pilgrimage to the Pumpkin Patch at Huber Farms to pick out just the right pumpkins. We will begin the pilgrimage with a stop at the JayC Food store here in Corydon to pick up a picnic lunch of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and whatever else looks especially good from behind the deli

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-46471145244579701332009-10-09T07:24:00.002-04:002009-10-09T07:35:15.749-04:00

I saw this video on Facebook the other day and thought it was great. So as a part of my effort to lift up traditional family values, here is my first installment, a lesson on why you should have respect for our senior citizens:)Apparently a woman was video taping her boys while they were skateboarding, heard a noise behind her and well… I will let you figure out the rest on your own.I will leave

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-5070999214673351452009-10-07T16:09:00.003-04:002009-10-07T16:35:12.172-04:00

So I guess maybe you noticed that I haven’t posted anything for awhile. To be honest I have actually seriously thought about discontinuing my blog altogether. I have become so frustrated here lately that I have had to ask myself if this is something that I even want to continue doing. Let me try to explain.I see our nation going in directions that are almost abhorrent to me. I watch as our

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-61291233978567718972009-09-22T12:26:00.003-04:002009-09-22T12:35:23.790-04:00

Next week will be a momentous occasion. Our little Grandson Andrew will turn 3 years old. As we were deciding what to get him, there was really only one thing that came to mind that he truly couldn’t live without and that is a drum set of his very own. First of all let me explain that Andrew is not just an everyday boy who likes to beat on pots and pans with wooden spoons. Andrew is already an

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-320687519722610212009-09-18T10:04:00.002-04:002009-09-18T10:13:10.820-04:00

This morning I have a bunch of random thoughts floating around in my head so, I am afraid that you will just have to bare with the hodge podge that is my brain today:)First of all, I am continuing along on my “Swim the Ohio” journey, I have now completed 144 out of the 1023 laps for a total of around 4.3 miles. So far so good! One continuing benefit is that I have also now lost 20lbs since

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-25259459094128577262009-09-16T10:38:00.002-04:002009-09-16T10:48:25.571-04:00

Yes, I know that this may be hard for you to believe, but I found out in no uncertain terms that not everyone values my charming insight, loveable, sarcastic wit and humble, sage wisdom. :) I was pursuing through Facebook the other day when I ran across a rather long but interesting thread submitted by a friend of mine. Somewhere toward the end, there appeared what I thought was a rather rude

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-11454040828431345962009-09-15T08:39:00.003-04:002009-09-15T08:58:04.240-04:00

Yesterday was a very challenging day. To begin with, after I left the YMCA, I had that feeling that you get when you feel like you are beginning to come down with something, but you really aren’t sure what it is yet. (Thank goodness I feel much better today)Then, when I got home, I had a phone call from someone who was experiencing a personal crisis, followed immediately by someone else whose 18

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-79433880257443957522009-09-14T10:36:00.002-04:002009-09-14T10:40:20.280-04:00

Today I officially resumed my quest to “Swim the Ohio.” After a 2 week hiatus because of the maintenance work being done on the YMCA pool, this morning I resumed my journey. I can’t believe what a difference two weeks made in my conditioning, or should I say lack of conditioning. Two weeks ago when I walked out of the pool, I actually felt pretty good. This morning, it was more like, when I

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-65718329829954416342009-09-12T21:27:00.006-04:002009-09-12T21:49:21.296-04:00

Ok, on a much brighter note from yesterday, I was at a friend's house this evening and they shared this video with me. I thought it was really funny and I hope that you can take the time to watch it. For my Star Wars/Sci-Fi fans, count and see how many references to your favorite Sci-Fi movies you can find. This is definitely a departure from some of my more recent posts! Enjoy!BlessingsPS: Don't

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-83713368582124111452009-09-11T09:43:00.003-04:002009-09-11T10:03:26.923-04:00

Today is indeed an important day to remember. I will never forget, I was just waking up, listening to the morning news on the radio, perhaps beginning to think about motivating and deciding what this new day would bring, when I heard the words over the radio that there had been a small plane crash into the side of the World Trade Center. My only thought at that time was, how stupid could a pilot

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-36240382481421326242009-09-09T22:08:00.002-04:002009-09-09T22:11:49.765-04:00

For some reason I just haven’t had much to talk about recently. Or, perhaps it is just the fact that this has been a difficult, long, emotional week. Saturday night at 11:10 the call came that my parishioner that I had been to see so many times down at Jewish Hospital had passed away. Breaking the news to the congregation was especially hard on Sunday morning. The visitation was held on Monday

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-9825811568641963932009-09-05T14:48:00.001-04:002009-09-05T16:42:13.123-04:00

I don’t think I have been doing such a great job lately in keeping up with my blog posts. Of course, some of that could have to do with little details like not getting home until after 1:30 this morning because of a parishioner fighting for his life at Jewish Hospital. So far he is still hanging in there, but now it is in his hands and God’s, so we continue to pray.I will also mention that we

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-75710380703868385092009-09-02T15:59:00.005-04:002009-09-02T16:13:55.682-04:00

Ok, I know that I am a real sap for a dog story, and I usually resist the temptation to subject you to my dog obsession, but this one was just too good not to pass on, especially with the thought of Mimi so fresh in our hearts.Enjoy:)This is one of the kindest things, there's no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service. Our

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-15516475809492514242009-09-01T22:49:00.001-04:002009-09-01T22:51:11.762-04:00

I think by now you know how much I enjoy being out on the water, especially when I get a chance to go kayaking. I think I discovered one of the sources of that love a few days ago. Do you remember, or did you ever read the book or see the movie called "Paddle-To-The-Sea?” I have no doubt that the movie and the book had a tremendous impact on me as a young person. I was probably 9 or 10 when I

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-13183426219666227462009-08-30T22:06:00.002-04:002009-08-30T22:12:36.426-04:00

Guess what I signed up for… Nope that’s not it, guess again…No, I already did that… No, that’s not it either, besides, you know I would never do that! Ok, Give up? I signed up to swim the Ohio River. You don’t believe me? Oh, you do believe me, but can’t believe I would be that dumb. Oh, you believe I could be that dumb, but you figured Karen would be able to talk me out of something like that…

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-45696498151676011072009-08-27T08:39:00.002-04:002009-08-27T08:44:48.562-04:00

First of all, I think that you would all be very proud of me. It has been almost two weeks on Facebook with some of the most outrageous statements and posts made to date and I haven’t responded to a single one, except in the way that I promised, being kind, uplifting and helpful:)With that being said, I have to admit that I have been putting some thought into my gut reactions. I have been trying

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-85409575434971082862009-08-26T21:45:00.004-04:002009-08-26T21:52:04.136-04:00

You know, sometimes things just don’t work out the way that you plan them. I have been spending a little time here lately trying to get my old RC airplane stuff back up into operation. The first challenge that I encountered was when I realized that perhaps my radios were too old. In 1991 there was a law passed that all transmitters and receivers must be “Narrow Band” Do you suppose that my radios

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-39056108364526127232009-08-24T19:52:00.002-04:002009-08-24T19:55:50.322-04:00

After a long day, it is nice to sit down at my computer, Odie sound asleep at me feet and all is well with the world. Today was a very challenging, rewarding, difficult, blessed day. I began the morning very early, heading up to Jacob’s Chapel UMC to meet with their pastor and then begin our trek northward to Indianapolis. Our first stop was the Cracker Barrel in Sellersburg where we met the 3rd

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-63022636270225231942009-08-22T22:33:00.003-04:002009-08-22T22:40:20.191-04:00

I have been feeling a little out of the loop and a little out of sorts here lately as I have been reading the emails that my seminary has been sending out discussing the beginning of a new school year. I have also read many Facebook posts and read the thoughts of my colleagues as they prepare for another year of seminary education. What is missing this year? Me:(The interesting thing (sad thing)

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-9562589519766346572009-08-20T16:42:00.003-04:002009-08-20T16:58:38.393-04:00

I let a rather important anniversary slid past the other day without really any mention at all. August 12th was the one year anniversary of the beginning of my blog. Over the period of one year I have posted 266 blogs, which compared to 365 days in a year, that isn’t too bad of a percentage. I have had 5061 visits which compared to some of my juggernaut blogging friends that isn’t many, but it is

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-66147935259712951132009-08-18T20:52:00.003-04:002009-08-18T21:50:57.892-04:00

I just thought I would make a public pronouncement that I am really angry with my son Ben… (Right now, if Crystal, his wife, is reading this, she is saying Uh ohh Ben, your dad is talking about you again, and if Ben is reading this, little beads of sweat are forming on his forehead:) But he did something the other day that I am not sure I will be able to easily forgive.Has everyone clicked on Ben

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-91649048986464671932009-08-17T14:02:00.001-04:002009-08-17T14:07:32.312-04:00

I have got to admit that I have been feeling a little encouraged and frustrated here lately. Now you might ask, how does one feel both encouraged and frustrated at the same time? Well that is the problem that I am having. This morning while swimming laps at the pool, I was reflecting on where I started from shortly after July 1st and where I am at now in my exercise program. I remember the first

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-49837432059513702132009-08-15T19:32:00.000-04:002009-08-15T19:36:15.660-04:00

As I sit here this evening pondering the past few days, I want to apologize for my last couple of posts. I have begun to realize that this health care debate has opened up some very deep wounds that I thought were basically buried or at least forgotten. I realize now that this just isn’t so. I know that I have shared with you that seminary was a wonderful and meaningful experience where I was

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-40014943951658277412009-08-15T11:45:00.005-04:002009-08-15T12:15:51.628-04:00

Ok, I absolutely wasn’t going to do this, but I just read an article that I think everyone should read. It is titled “How to Fight Health Care Fearmongers and Demagogues”by Robert Reich. In case you don’t remember, Robert Reich is a professor at the University of California at Berkeley and is a former U.S. Secretary of Labor.http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/512/obama-health-care.htmlThe reason I want

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-59593390499080699842009-08-13T12:50:00.004-04:002009-08-13T13:02:16.224-04:00

Ok, I know, it was clear back on Sunday that I posted my last blog. I have both been very busy and also uninspired to write. In reality I have written two blogs that I decided not to post because I really don’t want to start or enter any more arguments. But with that being said, here I go!I am so sick and tired of this Health Care debate, just as most of the people are who I read their posts and

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-63561521230939043792009-08-09T19:59:00.003-04:002009-08-09T20:19:47.788-04:00

I had the chance to watch "Paint Your Wagon" a couple of nights ago and for the life of me I can't get this song out of my head. "When I get to heaven, tie me to a tree, for I'll begin to roam and soon you know where I will be."This movie came out in 1969 and all I can say is that they don't make movies like this one anymore. I am pretty sure that my kids would find it boring, but me, on the

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-18890803779194687092009-08-08T20:34:00.002-04:002009-08-08T20:55:28.271-04:00

I think by now you have figured out that I love dogs. Big dogs, little dogs, fast dogs slow dogs, fluffy dogs or wiry dogs. It doesn't matter, there is just something about their ability to show unconditional love that I just can't resist. I ran across this piece the other day by Dave Barry that I thought was really great. I am not sure where to credit it to, it came by email, but I thought that

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-9502564696951769492009-08-07T08:40:00.002-04:002009-08-07T08:45:33.316-04:00

Well, another week is beginning to wind down. (Or is it just beginning?) The bulletins are ready for Sunday, my sermon is about 80% ready, and about all that I really have left is to figure out what to do for a children’s message. It really is a little funny when I think about Sundays. Most of the time I think about, and refer to it as the beginning of the week, but in reality, at least for me,

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-23155887610638784472009-08-05T22:14:00.002-04:002009-08-05T22:22:47.615-04:00

For those of us who seem to be plagued by this awful disease called procrastination, (I know, it is a self inflicted illness) tomorrow always looks like the perfect day to get things done. Unfortunately, there always seems to be another tomorrow followed by another one, followed by a… well you get the picture. I had such high hopes for my office. I was going to have all my books organized into

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-2575163381713182602009-08-04T20:40:00.002-04:002009-08-04T20:46:42.673-04:00

These past few days have been wonderful and memorable. Karen has been spending the last week at her Mom’s house, while I have been here, taking care of the home front. Sunday, after church, Odie and I went up to Seymour to meet Ben and Crystal and the kids and from there we made the journey over to the Quad Cities to visit everyone and most importantly, to pick up Karen.The journey, although long

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-65089406990001088552009-08-01T11:21:00.004-04:002009-08-01T14:40:13.112-04:00

Two of the greatest qualities in life are:Patience and Wisdom. This was just too good not to pass on. And you will have to trust me when I say that Odie doesn't posses either of these qualities (the same could probably be said for his owner) :)Blessings

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-88477093543702807072009-07-31T12:01:00.002-04:002009-07-31T12:12:50.344-04:00

I am not sure how many of you had the "pleasure" to view Bill Maher’s interview on CNN a few days ago, too be honest, I’m really not sure what to even say about it. If this was just one person stating his or her views, I wouldn’t even bring it to your attention, because it wouldn’t be worth my time to write about it or your time to read about it. But what he is saying, his view that America is a

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-90772361027677137772009-07-30T10:20:00.000-04:002009-07-30T10:23:09.207-04:00

I bet that you are tired of hearing me complain about Facebook, well today I have something very positive to say. Now, don’t get me wrong, every complaint that I ever had is still valid, but I now have to admit that Facebook also has the possibility of being very special as well. For the past couple of days I have been catching up with a dear old (well not that she is old, or I am old, or well,

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-15467756927991446482009-07-28T10:40:00.002-04:002009-07-28T10:45:06.498-04:00

This morning I did something that I have never done before in my life. Before I tell you what it was, let me take you back and tell you a little bit about the experiences that I have had in my almost 50 years on this earth.First of all let me begin by saying that I am not now, nor have I ever been a strong swimmer. I have always been just good enough to keep myself from drowning and that is about

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-90361384352899209072009-07-26T22:43:00.002-04:002009-07-26T22:51:27.792-04:00

These past few days it just seems like things haven’t worked out the way that I have planned them. No matter how well thought out, and how much care I have put into my preparations, not one thing has gone the way that I had worked out in my mind. But with that being said, about the time that I was about to say poor me, something else happened that would make me grateful that adversity had struck.

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-55346274779719774182009-07-24T16:57:00.002-04:002009-07-24T17:02:39.645-04:00

I think I was just put in my place this morning. I hope that you don’t mind my talking so much about my YMCA experiences, but everything else seems to be going along pretty well, and I can’t let you think that my life is a bed of roses now can I? I would rather share a few of the thorns with you, and besides, they are a lot more fun to write about. Of course, I could tell you about the challenges

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-25190900575204890622009-07-21T19:34:00.003-04:002009-07-21T19:42:59.036-04:00

We have been continuing to be faithful to our trips to the YMCA, well with the exception of yesterday, we just decided that we would sleep in a little bit. I have actually made a little change in my workout routine. I decided on Friday that I would just spend my time swimming laps in the pool instead of doing the treadmill and the bike. So far I have found that the most enjoyment that I have had

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-15901031298311060202009-07-20T15:11:00.001-04:002009-07-20T15:13:43.360-04:00

Yesterday after church we were invited back to the Oak Grove church for a pitch-in dinner to welcome Karen and I to the church. I must say that it was really a great dinner. Of course the food was excellent, but what made this dinner stand out in my mind was the way that people stayed around after they had eaten. Most dinners after church seem to follow the pattern that as soon as the first

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-83288011751625692692009-07-18T09:14:00.001-04:002009-07-18T09:17:25.786-04:00

Saturdays are always busy days in the life of a pastor. I have been up since 6:30, went to breakfast with a parishioner, came home and caught up on emails, and now I am getting ready to head out for a visitation. (and it’s only about 9:00AM)Last night we went downtown to the band concert on the square where Fountain Church was serving the refreshments. I have been to these kinds of activities

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-54146146738109092032009-07-16T21:27:00.001-04:002009-07-16T21:31:56.940-04:00

Today has been a much better day. I hope that I never have to go through a day as difficult as yesterday was ever again, but reality says that there are more difficult days ahead, and maybe that is why God gives us these little creatures to love and care for so that we can truly grasp and understand the goodness of God’s creation and the idea of unconditional love.On a brighter note, I stepped on

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-28039697564581286832009-07-15T23:22:00.002-04:002009-07-16T16:15:14.793-04:00

As I sit here in my office this evening, I have a very heavy heart. I had to do something today that was perhaps the most difficult thing that I have ever done and I pray that I never have to do it again. This afternoon we took Terri (and Karen’s) dog Mimi to the vet and had her put to sleep. I have known for over a year now that this needed to be done, I have secretly hoped that she would just

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-48433802610971128922009-07-13T21:25:00.002-04:002009-07-13T21:31:32.022-04:00

I have to admit that I am really looking forward to tomorrow. One of my parishioners is taking me up to Lake Patoka for a fishing expedition. It has been a long time since I have had a chance to do much fishing and I am really looking forward to the opportunity to spend some quality time out on the water.We are starting to get more comfortable with our new home. We have met a whole lot of people

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-12991397437059198672009-07-11T18:59:00.001-04:002009-07-11T19:01:47.026-04:00

This evening feels like a good time to relax a little bit and catch my breath. It seems like we have been going almost nonstop for about as long as I can remember. I had thought that most of today would be a restful day, but it really hasn’t worked out that way. We began the day with a trip into Louisville to visit a parishioner at Jewish Hospital. I have actually been to four hospitals that I

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-36618704292405230262009-07-09T22:09:00.000-04:002009-07-09T22:11:04.341-04:00

This has been really an excellent week. We have started settling into a new normal, we have been consistent with our exercise program, my schedule of visitations has been a great blessings, and we have begun to see God working in some very significant ways in our life. We are really counting our blessings and looking forward to what God is going to do next!Today has been a long day! (but good) I

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-55889967245653128752009-07-08T20:49:00.001-04:002009-07-08T20:51:41.961-04:00

I feel a little bit like we have jumped into the water with both feet. Last night we went with a couple of our parishioners to a hymn sing that the Oak Grove church is a part of. To be honest I have no idea how we got there, but we went a long way down one road, turned onto another road, drove to a small country church out in the middle of nowhere, and lo and behold there were dozens of cars

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-58713010697682606132009-07-07T09:49:00.003-04:002009-07-07T10:00:45.638-04:00

This morning I fulfilled a promise that I made to myself when we found out that we were moving to this area. Yesterday afternoon, Karen and I went down to the YMCA and signed up to become members. It was a fairly painless process and we left feeling satisfied that we had accomplished at least that much. This morning, however, at 6:30 AM when the alarm went off, that was a different story. The

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-25288109044819648842009-07-06T08:57:00.002-04:002009-07-06T09:01:40.131-04:00

The word blessed just doesn’t seem to do justice for the way that I am feeling this morning. First of all, let me say that the first Sunday in my new churches went wonderfully. The people were so kind and welcoming, even when I didn’t do things quite the way that they have always been done. (or even as I had planned them) They didn’t even point out the obvious mistake when I missed the “greeting

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-92140925010793283302009-07-04T12:53:00.003-04:002009-07-04T13:12:36.429-04:00

"America, God mend thine every flaw." Ok that was the comment on Facebook this morning that started all of this so, you will just have to bear with me, especially since there isn’t a “dislike” option on Facebook.Out of all the things that one could say on this day, out of the countless expressions of gratitude that should be articulated for those who have given up everything so that we could have

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-35026000388425796132009-07-03T22:37:00.004-04:002009-07-03T22:54:53.713-04:00

Tonight is one of those times that I have so many thoughts going through my mind that it is difficult to just pick one and share with you. One thought that I have is, How many Bibles does one person need? I have 11 Bibles sitting on my desk, 2 more within arms reach, and then the “Bible Works” program on my computer that has more different translations, including Greek and Hebrew, than I could

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-77202012044087888492009-07-02T20:53:00.002-04:002009-07-02T20:57:13.860-04:00

As I sit here in my new office surrounded by enormous stacks of boxes, I am reminded of how very blessed I am. These past few days have gone about as seamlessly as I could have possibly hoped for. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous, everyone has been so kind to us, everything that I have put together has worked, and that is saying a lot when you are trying to get your stereo surround sound

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-21757545950043484342009-07-01T19:41:00.003-04:002009-07-01T20:09:59.198-04:00

Well, step one is complete. The Mayflower Truck came early this morning and then the fun began. It was actually rather funny, I was sitting on the front porch waiting for the movers to arrive and I saw a small Mayflower Truck pull up in front of the house. As I assessed the situation, all I could think was that there would be no way that all of our junk was going to fit on that truck. But no

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-75167582514410442442009-06-29T22:33:00.001-04:002009-06-29T22:35:18.697-04:00

If yesterday was a mountain top experience then today I am definitely back down in the valley. The moving truck will be here in 33 more hours, Ohhh noooooo! I think that we are getting pretty close to being ready, but there are so many small details left that I am just not sure if I am going to remember to get them all done. I am a little bit like Santa Clause, I am making my list and checking it

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-3988529088569289112009-06-28T22:16:00.002-04:002009-06-28T22:24:34.771-04:00

I don’t even know where to begin. These past few days at Annual Conference have been completely remarkable. The Worship services have been awesome, the lessons were both practical and inspirational. I have never heard the Bishop more on his game, (truly inspired) and the mission work on Saturday afternoon was a complete blessing. Then of course there is the little matter of the Service of

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-4006912136546995252009-06-27T22:36:00.002-04:002009-06-27T22:41:06.595-04:00

Tomorrow is finally the big day that I have been waiting for. The Commissioning/Ordination service will be tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM. We have been told that we are to be in our places at 9:30 AM robed and ready. That actually sounds good, I should actually be able to sleep in a bit tomorrow:) That is very unusual for a Sunday.Actually, it is after 10:30 PM and we just got back to our room

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-37305848528195468982009-06-26T22:33:00.003-04:002009-06-26T22:42:02.092-04:00

I must admit that the last few days have been rather momentous. They have been filled with exciting moments and significant milestones. Thursday night at Annual Conference I introduced myself at the Clergy Session to about 1000 clergy members from all over Indiana and a few minutes later the session voted that I should become a Provisional Member of Annual Conference. This has been such a long

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-29865961083553123672009-06-24T20:48:00.006-04:002009-06-24T21:15:52.092-04:00

Well, we have officially arrived at Annual Conference. The trip was uneventful except for the extremely heavy traffic. Once here, we found ourselves in what is either a brand new building or at the very least a newly remodeled one. The main dilemma that we have found is in the bathroom situation. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t really mean to complain, but let me share with you what I believe the

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-44063067234745328272009-06-23T21:22:00.003-04:002009-06-23T21:29:14.740-04:00

We are really getting close to being finished packing. There is only one room left that isn’t all done and I bet that you can guess which room that is… Yes you guessed it, My office! It’s not that there is a lot left to do, but some of these things I am going to need up to the very last minute, well at least that’s what I keep telling myself:)Tomorrow we have to deliver Odie up to Ben’s house by

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-12414215910498028862009-06-22T22:17:00.001-04:002009-06-22T22:21:12.153-04:00

Oh, did I mention that I am going to be Commissioned as a Provisional Member of Annual Conference on Sunday morning? With all of the excitement of graduation, meeting my new congregation, saying goodbye to my old congregations, moving, and starting the Residency in Ministry program, I almost forgot to mention that this Sunday is going to be one of the most important days of my life. I will

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-43336591699539381932009-06-21T20:54:00.002-04:002009-06-21T21:01:45.637-04:00

Today was a wonderful, memorable, affirming day. I knew that it was going to be difficult, but one of my pastor friends told me that I should look at today as a celebration, and it was with that attitude that I decided to approach my last Sunday.I thought that it was a bit unusual when one of the community pastors showed up prior to our worship service, but I figured that he wanted to share with

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-32543260816746353612009-06-20T07:25:00.001-04:002009-06-20T07:31:07.069-04:00

I had forgotten how difficult this moving stuff is. Even though our house now more resembles a storage facility than a house, there is still so much to get done. It is good to know that we aren’t into serious crunch time yet, but we are getting very close. Admittedly, Karen is the much better and quicker packer than I am. I really only have the one responsibility in the house and that is my

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-70636449172562440922009-06-18T22:43:00.002-04:002009-06-18T22:50:27.503-04:00

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher,

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-2967610492333696002009-06-17T21:53:00.002-04:002009-06-17T22:09:35.423-04:00

I didn’t mention it yesterday, but we lost a dear member of our family. At 3:30 PM on June 16th 2009, the tow truck came and took our 1991 Blue Chevy Corsica to it’s final resting place. While this might seem like a trivial matter to you, I must tell you that anyone who knows our family will tell you that it was anything but a trivial issue.We put over 250,000 miles on that car. Both kids learned

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-43158213262084004232009-06-16T22:32:00.002-04:002009-06-16T22:38:26.984-04:00

I just returned from our Pre-Conference Briefing with the Bishop. I must admit that I really wasn’t looking forward to going. It required a trip up to Columbus, IN and it also took time away from packing the house up, which is, of course, an important priority right now. But I must admit that now that I have returned home, I am very happy that I attended. First of all it was good to see some dear

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-37942186264803074082009-06-14T21:23:00.002-04:002009-06-14T21:28:35.523-04:00

Today was a truly special day. The morning began with a trip out to the Jackson-Washington State Forest in Brownstown for an outdoor worship service with Crothersville and Cana UM churches. I can’t believe how beautiful the day was. Even though it began with the threat of rain, by the time the service started, the sun had come out.And, the food afterwards, Mmmmmm, that was great. I am certainly

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-86774224659996424772009-06-12T09:09:00.003-04:002009-06-12T09:21:49.045-04:00

I really need to simply quit watching the news. It seems like all I ever do anymore is get completely disgusted, but yet, for some reason, I feel like I need to watch just to make some attempt to keep up with what is going on in the world.Yesterday I caught a little bit about the most recent attack on Sarah Palin, more significantly on her 14 year old daughter. Now, first of all, in case you didn

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-21077198546789093782009-06-10T19:02:00.002-04:002009-06-10T19:09:03.422-04:00

Today was one of those days that I wasn’t able to accomplish anything that I had planned, but I can say that it has still been a good day. We began the day with an emergency trip to the dentist with my daughter Terri. She has been having trouble with a tooth for a while now, and it finally reached a point where something had to be done. Three hours later, Terri left the dentists office with a

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-84503355184546594452009-06-08T21:10:00.001-04:002009-06-08T21:14:55.539-04:00

These past few days have been filled with such great highs and lows. Our trip to the lake on Saturday was just wonderful. We had such a good time, and Ben and Crystal joined us with the kids and that made the day even more special. I kept my promise and took Mary fishing for the first time and she caught her first fish. I’m not totally sure, but I am afraid that it might have also been her last

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-40022185848533298552009-06-06T07:41:00.002-04:002009-06-06T07:52:06.569-04:00

I am finally going to do something today that I have been threatening for a long time. Today I am actually going to load up my kayak and head to the lake. I even went so far as to get my fishing license online last night. After I finished my sermon and the bulletins for Sunday, I went to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, filled out their little form, paid the $17.00 (money well spent)

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-71884087955639737662009-06-05T09:17:00.003-04:002009-06-05T09:44:57.170-04:00

I know that I have commented about this before, but I have to admit that I bounce back and forth between laughing and crying for my colleagues in ministry who also regularly make use of the new, high tech world of Facebook, Tweets and Twitters, blogs and a hundred other new high tech ways of communicating. The issue is not whether we as a pastor have a right to our personal views, because we

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-23015019205656533322009-06-04T09:23:00.003-04:002009-06-04T09:29:57.487-04:00

I think that if you have been following my blog for any length of time, or if you happen to fall into the category of family, you know that I have a tendency to think way too much. Well, if I did so before, I assure you that this time of transition for me has provoked a great deal of thought and reflection on almost everything that has happened over the past few years. Which brings me to my

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-28001755665283307262009-06-03T15:07:00.003-04:002009-06-03T15:19:13.943-04:00

Ok, I found a new web site that is just too cool:)http://www.entertonement.com/Just think of all of the posibilities! If I only knew how to add this as a ringtone on my phone, life would be perfect:)Blessings :)

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-8375223808109779812009-06-02T08:07:00.003-04:002009-06-02T08:23:28.806-04:00

Today we met with the movers for the first time. A very nice lady came to visit us from the Mayflower Moving Company, which is located in Madison, Indiana. It was interesting to watch as she walked through the house taking inventory of the furniture and boxes that have already started to find their way into stacks. In reality, the moving process in the United Methodist Church is rather

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-80894022379311178022009-05-31T21:07:00.003-04:002009-05-31T21:15:27.212-04:00

Well, reality is starting to set in. I think that I am truly beginning to wrap my mind around the idea that we will be moving, and for the first time, I am starting to understand how hard this is going to be. Today after church we had a graduation/going away dinner for Karen and I. It was such a wonderful heartwarming experience, but it was also much harder than I thought it would be to begin the

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-19379123314900272352009-05-29T07:45:00.002-04:002009-05-29T07:51:57.361-04:00

These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. I didn’t think that it was possible to be busier than I was in Seminary. It certainly is a good thing that I am finished with school or I really would be in trouble. Throughout the past four years, I always thought that it felt like I was living two different lives, my life over at seminary and then my life at home serving my churches. But

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-87298607761883287022009-05-25T09:03:00.003-04:002009-05-25T09:13:07.012-04:00

I thought I would let you know that I will be gone for a couple of days. I am leaving this afternoon to go to the Lake Placid Conference Center in Hartford City, IN to attend my first Residency in Ministry (RIM) Retreat. I will be participating in this program for the next 3 years as I work toward ordination. It should be an interesting retreat, but I am a little concerned to find out that we

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-7943344143664884242009-05-25T08:51:00.002-04:002009-05-25T08:58:19.565-04:00

Yesterday was another one of those mixed emotion days. First of all let me share with you the news about our future. It seems to me like every aspect of our future has been so uncertain for such a long time that it feels a little strange to at least have some glimpse into where we will be going and what we might be doing.Thursday evening we met with our new District Superintendent who took us to

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-27018166709120882792009-05-24T07:17:00.002-04:002009-05-24T07:22:19.944-04:00

I just have a few minutes this morning to hit the highlights of the past few days before heading off to church. On Friday, Karen, Ben, Crystal, Andrew and Mary headed off to that distant land of Ohio for one last time. We truly had a wonderful trip over, and once we got to the hotel we had an awesome time relaxing in the pool and hot tub prior to the Baccalaureate Service. Terri was able to join

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-34680609003923094602009-05-22T08:23:00.002-04:002009-05-22T08:24:17.583-04:00

I'm heading to Ohio for Graduation, See you all when we return!Blessings!

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-25447713625087029712009-05-20T10:01:00.003-04:002009-05-20T10:17:13.525-04:00

Ohhhh Nooooo You are not going to believe this! I am so upset with myself right now! Do you know what grade I got in my Foucault class that I have been ranting about for the past 4 months?Wait a minute, before I tell you my grade let me first share with you the comments that I received on my final paper and effort in class:“Your paper is so very well conceived, and demonstrates a clear

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-79806203451663906602009-05-19T22:17:00.002-04:002009-05-19T22:23:39.074-04:00

I have to admit that my eyes are very weary tonight. It has been a very hectic but still a good day. The first news of significance is that I finally hit the send button on my last paper for seminary. And I think that I did an excellent job if I do say so myself. Of course the professor may have something to say about that, but since the class is pass fail, I think that I am in pretty good

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-92043970684760790332009-05-18T07:49:00.003-04:002009-05-18T07:58:11.617-04:00

Yesterday was a very special day. I had the opportunity to go back to my home church, which just doesn’t happen as frequently as I would like, and see everybody again. The purpose for this trip was to recognize my graduation from seminary and also to share with them my experiences in El Salvador.Even though I knew that this presentation was coming up, I didn’t really start putting the nuts and

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-77035439389669038972009-05-15T07:40:00.002-04:002009-05-15T07:43:41.323-04:00

I love to make lists. I am not sure what I would do without my ever present list of things to do. I have even been known to get something done only to discover that it wasn’t on my list to begin with so I will go ahead, write it on my list just for the joy of checking it off. Well, yesterday was one of those days where I was able to check several things off my list. There have been a few things

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-21403182674492978422009-05-14T08:00:00.002-04:002009-05-14T08:07:20.102-04:00

Today is very much a day of mixed emotions. I have completed my last trip to Ohio (except for graduation) and now I have a weeks worth of work to get done today. I really don’t know what to say about being finished with seminary. There is a part of me that is ecstatic. I can’t believe that it is actually finished. As I look back, in one way, these four years have seemed like a lifetime. I almost

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-6381560370794902792009-05-11T22:50:00.002-04:002009-05-11T22:53:03.918-04:00

I have to apologize, this is about as long as I have ever gone without posting on my blog. This has been an incredibly busy last few days as I have been trying to get everything done for school as well as plan for our Mothers Day Banquet and prepare for the special services last Sunday for Mothers Day. In addition, I developed a pretty significant pain in one of my teeth and ended up going to the

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-62412003266619912092009-05-07T09:03:00.002-04:002009-05-07T09:11:03.652-04:00

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-45820451022349215642009-05-07T08:40:00.003-04:002009-05-07T08:47:08.643-04:00

I am sure that you have heard the expression that a cluttered desk is indicative of a cluttered mind. Well, if that is the case I’m afraid that my mind is ultracluttered. When I got home from Ohio last night, I went into my office and picked up the mail, which is always placed neatly on my office chair, but when I went to put it on my desk, I discovered that there was no longer any place to put

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-16013335187955909562009-05-05T18:14:00.003-04:002009-05-05T18:20:45.355-04:00

I have come to a very scary revelation. It is going to take me the next 25 years to even begin to digest and process what I have learned in these past four years of seminary. As I was sitting in my Foucault class this afternoon doing everything that I could to simply keep my mouth shut and not weigh into a conversation that could only end up badly for me. I realized that I can not simply dismiss

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-1764005943620043912009-05-04T08:08:00.004-04:002009-05-04T08:24:27.726-04:00

This week marks the beginning of a very hectic month. I have 19 more days remaining until graduation, but only 9 more days left until my last class and the completion of all of my course work. This Saturday is our Mother Daughter Banquet at church and Karen and I will be doing most all of the preparations for that, although we are very much looking forward to it. I have arranged to have a guest

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7159611733204514657.post-15691062394116964802009-05-01T20:03:00.001-04:002009-05-01T20:07:32.142-04:00

The month of May has always been a memorable month throughout my life. There have been some pretty great and memorable events such as graduations, concerts, recitals and a number of other things that will forever be a part of who I am. The awesome thing is that there are several events coming up for me in the next few weeks that are sure to add to the treasure trove of memories that I already

Pastor Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00142573261416224254noreply@blogger.com0