It has been a while since I have written a blog. Maybe because my
last one caught the attention of one of my professors, and I didn't want that
going into finals. I thought that it would be appropriate to
write something as this year comes to a close. I was going to write it
"tomorrow" but since I am hopped up on a triple
shot cappuccino that I made on the machine that we got for Christmas
(thanks Laura) I guess I'll write now, seeing as it is officially just past
midnight pacific time on Monday morning.
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This year has been
so awesome. Last new year’s eve, Emily was 4 months pregnant with Brynn,
who was born in May. I was in my 8th year teaching at Portland Christian
Schools, and life seemed quite grand actually. And it was, until June,
when I received the news that I would no longer have full time
employment from the school, I searched my heart and prayed to know what the
next move would be. As the summer progressed, it became so clear through
divine construction that I was meant to go to Multnomah Seminary, and start the
M.Div Chaplaincy Program. In the first semester, I have learned so much
and have been challenged in so many ways. I would like to credit Dr.
Metzger, Dr. Robertson, Dr. Josberger, and Dr. Clemen for having such a big
impact on what has been a life altering semester. As I progress into
semester #2 starting in one week, I look forward to
more mind-blowing activities and challenges. .jpg)
As I think about
the future, I am faced with the unknown. While I think that I have my
whole plan worked out, who knows if my plan and God's plan are going to be the
same path. I have all these grand ideas (even an aspiration to become the
Chief of Chaplains for the US Navy) but I know that they do not mean
a thing if they are not what God has in store for me. I am reminded of Christ
in the Garden of Gethsemane, when He prayed, "Not my will, but [the
Father's] be done."
It is so hard to
trust the will of God. For us, we currently are still trying to sell our
house in North Portland. That's right. It went on the market
in September, and within 36 hours we had 3 offers on the property. I
was convinced that God was moving in that situation, but now it is December
31st, and the bank is still dragging its feet and we have not closed. I
trust that God will provide an end to this financial nightmare we are in, but
it is hard to do things in His time. 
As I look into the
future, I am worried for my family. If I do become a Navy Chaplain
like I feel called to be, it will mean a significant time away from my wife and
girls. If this is God's will, I know we can do it, but I know that it
will be hard. I have been able to be home a lot more ever since I lost my
job at the school, and one thing I cannot bear is the idea of missing seeing my
daughters grow up. Even a six month deployment sounds like an eternity.
I am so thankful for the time that I have now, and in the next 2-3 years,
to be around and be with them. I am also so thankful that they are
healthy. In a couple of weeks, we are going in to see a specialist in the
Deformational Plagiocephaly clinic at OHSU because Brynn's pediatrician things
that she has a small deformity in her skull. It sounds a lot
worse than it actually is, considering that at this very moment a very dear
friend of mine is sitting in the PICU at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital with
a child who has a blood clot in her brain. My heart breaks for them and
again, I have to question "How can this be a part of God's plan?"
I know that Dr. Josberger would say that is the "wrong
question," but still, I have to ask it sometimes.
Again, I would be amiss not to mention and thank my beautiful, caring, and supportive wife, Emily. She has been my constant friend and #1 cheerleader through this whole transitional period. I know it may sound cliche, but I honestly could not be doing this program without her. And to our friends and family who have lifted us up in prayer and supported up, we are forever grateful.
I hope that the New Year will be a great one. I cannot wait
to see how God will direct our paths, and if you have time, I still covet your
prayers for:
- Closure on our house sale
- My studies
- Our family (Emily's Mom especially is having surgery on Jan. 21)
- God's continued financial, physical, and mental provision.
- For my ministry at Rivercrest Community Church
Daniel
12-31-2012
