Courageous...

we were made to be courageous
we were made to lead the way
we could be the generation that finally breaks the chains
we were made to be courageous
we were made to be courageous
we were warriors on the front lines,
standing unafraid.
but now we're watchers on the side lines,
while our families slip away.

where are you men of courage?
you were made for so much more.
let the pounding of our hearts cry,
we will serve the Lord.
we were made to be courageous,
and were taking back the fight.
we were made to be courageous,
and it starts with us tonight.

the only way we'll ever stand,
is on our knees with lifted hands.
make us courageous,
Lord make us courageous.
this is our resolution, our answer to the call,
we will love our wives and children,
and refuse to let them fall.
we will reignite the passion,

that we buried deep inside.
may the watchers become warriors,
let the men of God arise.
seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God
seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God
In the war of the mind i will make my stand,
in the battle of the heart, in the battle of the hands.
in the war of the mind i will make my stand,
in the battle of the heart, in the battle of the hands


If you haven't seen the movie Courageous, I highly recommend it.  Here's some information about it:
Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, David Thomson, and Shane Fuller are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.
While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they're quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.
When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children?  Check out this link for more info - http://www.courageousthemovie.com/about

Personal Reflection...

Well, I've been in Seminary for 6 months now.  I look back and I can't believe that it's been that long, yet other times I feel like I have been reading these utterly confusing theological books for half of my life.  I've struggled with so many things along my journey this far... health issues - negotiating time between God, family, school, church, life - keeping my enthusiasm for what I am learning "in check" and trying not to push new thoughts on others - realizing that I can't be everything to everyone... and all the while having that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I'm not qualified to pursue this calling. 
I have discovered when you are in Seminary, you become your own biggest critic.  As a result, I have found myself asking people to become my accountability partners.  It's been difficult to hear some things that have been revealed to me through them (I'm only human), but when I reflect back on the situations that were discussed, I do see where I have room to grow in those areas.  I need to know what I can change to become the best minister I personally can be, and I'm glad that God has placed mentors in my path that are able to openly share with me where they see room for improvement.
I am so blessed to have the support that I have had during the discernment of my calling.  I have the most wonderful family and friends that I could ever hope for.  I know that I have made huge mistakes in the past, and it is comforting to know that, not only God, but those close to me have forgiven me for those mistakes.  I know that I can count on so many of you for continued support during the next year and a half of my journey.  Thank you!

Every Time I Breathe

Dancing with God - Cajun Style

Something to Say - Matthew West Lyrics