Mountains and Valleys

It's been a long time since I updated this blog. I can assure you, the sporadic and inconsistent readers, that I have many good reasons for this. I feel bad about it nonetheless. I no longer plan to use this blog to relate to lectionary studies or analysis unless I get to a point in the future where I may wish to do so. I'm sure I'll get to the point where I am able to do what I intended with exploring different biblical/spiritual themes, but at this point there remain more pressing matters. I will still try to update more often as I have. No promises.

This post will definitely be more transparent as I will try to fill you all in on the busyness (and sometimes lack thereof) in my life. I am juggling quite a few things at the moment, although my burden has been eased a tad lately, and the first is that I am a candidate for ministry in the United Methodist Church. For those of you who aren't aware of what that means, my plan is to eventually become a local pastor (simply put). I have been a candidate for over a year, but for many reasons have not made much progress. The process where it stands has been a process of continual soul searching and self analysis as well as a struggle at times.
My family and I just changed churches, and while that aspect of our lives has improved, many other things have caused much stress.
The second thing I've been juggling is my former employer and the unemployment that I'd been collecting for around a year. I won't go into too much detail here, but my former employer challenged my unemployment and I recently lost the case and have been ordered to pay it all back. My advocate has appealed to the State Board on my behalf but this situation has caused my family and me much stress.
Thirdly, a friend introduced me to the possibility of selling life and health insurance through a network. I have been studying for the last three weeks or so. I failed the licensing exam the first time I took it but just passed the exam last Thursday. I'm hoping this will provide my family with good income and provide some stability for us.
Now you know why I haven't been posting so much. I have a tendency to get down even though I believe a positive attitude is a key factor in dealing with adversity. I can honestly say that that is a principle easier said than practiced. I have struggled with follow through my whole life. I am getting better at it though and passing my licensing exam was a huge relief. I actually started to re-prioritize my life not too long ago following an e-mail my Grandma sent me which focused on not getting down and maintaining a positive outlook.

I promise this blog won't always be about me, but I just wanted to let those that may have been reading a reason why there's been a dry spell. I'll try not to go that long without posting again.

God bless,

Jason