How's it going at school?

     Probably the question I get asked most since coming to Southern by my friends and family back home is, "How's it going at school?", to which I mostly say "good" but I am sure when I respond, there must be a "deer caught in the headlights" look on my face, because I am learning so much stuff, that I wouldn't know what to tell them. When I say, "stuff" I mean good, usable, practical information that can be used in ministry.The same goes here in this blog, because ideas for writing are beginning to back up on me, but I will do my best to continue to try to pass on some things to you as I can, knowing that some will just have to be filed for later.
     The second most asked question is, "is it hard?" The answer to that is yes, it is somewhat difficult, but seems to be more of a "time management" issue. If you can keep on schedule with the work, it is doable. But, I've just been here 5 weeks, so I'm pretty sure I haven't seen the worst yet. I need to wait until next semester when I start Greek! The point I would like to make to those who ask that question, (since I know they secretly might want to do this) is that a person who is willing to try and invest the time and discipline themselves to study would do well.
     In Spiritual Disciplines class, we have been learning about Prayer and in particular how to "pray through scripture" as an aid to your prayer life. One of the nicer days last week we went outside by ourselves and put this into practice by selecting a Psalm to read and then "pray it back to God". Later we came back to the classroom and shared with each other how the experience changed us. Most came back with an excitement about their prayer life where there had been apathy. I would be glad to share with anyone more about this life changing (and biblical) way of praying. Just let me know.
     The Puritans! The Puritans! I have to tell you about the Puritans. I keep putting this off, but soon I will begin telling you about the most amazing of Christians, those known as the Puritans. I am learning about them by reading J. I. Packer's "A Quest for Godliness". There are some books you "have" to read at Seminary, and then there are those you "get" to read and this is one of those. Although, not perfect they seem to have been one group of Christians who had it "all together" as far as sound doctrine and practical living out of the Gospel. I plan on sharing more so check back in a few days!