The challenges of the semester have been compounded by a recent illness and now I find myself with my health restored (I think) and only 11 days to finish what remains. That includes writing one paper (research 95% finished), and writing another (0% done). The weekend after, I fly out to Israel for 3.5 weeks. My hope all along was that the end would not be exceptionally busy, so I would have at least regular (if not extra) time to spend with the family before I disappear. I’m not really sure how it’s all going to happen, so if you think to pray for us, I’d appreciate it. Typically the last month of school is also tough for one of our kids, and that difficulty is increased when dad is not around.
Posts will likely be less frequent in the next five weeks, so I pass on a new “blog” that I recently discovered: Of First Importance: “Each day this blog will provide a thoughtful quote to help you remember what’s “of first importance”: the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Today’s post:
Our entire confidence in our acceptance before God is based solely upon the fact that Jesus was our legal representative in His sinless life and obedient death.”
– Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace (Colorado Springs, Co: NavPress, 1994), 68.
Hey Todd,
Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you and Kelli and the kids, and I’m glad you’re feeling better… I’m graduating in 10 days too, and getting there will be hard but worth it, and God will be faithful, as He always is.
Press on, Todd. We are praying for you and your family.
Todd, we’ll be praying for you and Kelli. Enjoy your time in the Holy Land. :)
Hey Todd,
Praying for you and for your family! Praying that God is your strength!
When are you going to Israel? Are you leading a trip?
I will be in Israel May 15th – June 2nd. It would be unbelievable if I was able to run into you! I miss IBEX and Israel and can’t wait to be back over there! And if I miss it after a few months, I can’t imagine how excited you are to be able to go back! Praying that your time in the Holy Land will be encouraging and revitalizing for your very soul!
Patrick Carmichael
Graduate school is fun, isn’t it? I am in a Masters program right now. One class per month (you finish a semester course in four weeks). In some classes it is 2 essays per week. Lots of work, but there is a nice payoff in the end (I’ll finally have my credential, plus a Masters in Education to boot).
Patrick – your dates sound like you’ll be on the TMS trip. If so, you’ll see plenty of me, as I’m leading the parallel DTS trip.
All – we appreciate your prayers.
I actually am co-leading a group from my church. Strange how it fell on almost the exact same dates. But I am hoping that I will still run into you sometime, maybe at Shabaan’s! :-)
Best wishes to you & your family, Todd, during your temporary separation. I always thank God for terrific people like you, & will definitely keep you in my prayers! Lookin’ forward to hearing about your trip at some point in the future.