2010 Goals... or Goal

I only have one goal in 2010: Complete my Doctor of Ministry. Once the degree is obtained, I might set some new goals… and then again, I might go on vacation!

My New Golf Dream

We all have dreams and aspirations, things we would like to do one day… I just added one to my list: Play a round of golf at the Legends Golf & Safari Resort in South Africa. It is an amazing stretch of 18 holes designed by 18 different top-flight golfers, including Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie, K.J. Choi, Retief Goosen, Justin Rose, Trevor Immelman and Vijay Singh. And I'm sure each one of those 18 holes is a perfect mini-masterpiece of challenge and reward. Along with, apparently, a lion or two along the way, if we're to believe the brochures.

This course also has an Extreme 19th hole: Set high up on the impressive Hanglip Mountain and accessible only by helicopter, this par 3 hole is played from a vertical height of 430 metres. After a short, breathtaking helicopter flight, golfers have the opportunity of teeing off from one of three tee boxes, high up on the escarpment. With advanced technology in the form of four separate cameras and the latest tracking equipment, the golfer can follow and capture the tee shot and the flight of the ball.

The fairway is seeded with Cynodon grass and contoured to funnel the ball to the green below. In celebration of the African Renaissance, the green has been shaped like the map of Africa and is protected by a large waste bunker.

Golfers can choose to play this challenging hole in addition to their round of 18 holes, or as an experience on its own. A hole-in-one earns the lucky golfer one million US dollars!. Conceived by Graham Cooke of the UK, embraced by CEO, Peet Cilliers, and designed by David Riddle, the Extreme 19 is truly unique - an unforgettable golfing experience!



Awesome… I cannot wait to play there!

(This golf course was brought to my attention by yahoo sports)

Inspecting My New Year’s Resolutions

Each year I make New Year’s Resolutions and 2009 was no different. As most people have abandoned them by this point in the year, I wanted to inspect and report on mine. If you are unaware of my goals, simply click here to check them out. Here is my progress report:

• Educational: Finish my doctor of ministry degree

I failed to submit chapters 1-3 by February 13, but can still faicilitate my ministry project March 25-May 27. In mid-January I spent 4 days in KC working on it and meeting with my project chair which drastically changed my project, while also bringing clarity to what needs to be accomplished. Thankfully, I am still on track to turn in my final copy by August 10. Please pray for this work.

• Family: Be home at a scheduled time

This is still a struggle and improvement is needed. There are some nights where I do good, but for the most part this is a resolution where more resolve is needed.

• Marital: Monthly Date Night and a Getaway

We have had a monthly date night, but no getaway yet… maybe that will come soon after August 10!

• Physical: Run 3 miles a week

The real goal was to work out 3 times a week, and that has been surpassed consistently. Once the resolution was made, I think I have worked out 4-6 times each week. Not only am I working out, I am also making a conscious effort to eat better too.

• Spiritual: Be consistently studying the Bible

This has been going good. I restarted my systematic Bible study and have been deliberate not to preach or teach from the passages I am studying for my own personal growth. Good stuff.

They are going pretty good so far, but desperate and serious attention is to be given to my dissertation and scheduled time to arrive home.

New Year’s Resolutions for 2009

Here are my New Year’s resolutions for 2009. They are broken down by category and I have kept my professional goals to myself. Here they are:

• Educational: Finish my doctor of ministry degree
o February 13: Turn in Chapters 1-3
o March 25-May 27: Facilitate Ministry Project
o August 10: Turn in Final Copy

• Family: Be home at a scheduled time
o Monday @ 4:00 (Outreach from 6:00-9:00)
o Tuesday @ 5:00
o Wednesday
o Thursday @ 5:00

• Marital: Monthly Date Night and a Getaway

• Physical: Run 3 miles a week
o The real goal is to work out 3 times a week
o I want to run in the Dallas Turkey Trot this year too

• Spiritual: Be consistently studying the Bible
o ESV Journaling Bible
o I have someone walking through this with me
o This is meant to be in addition to preparing to teach or preach

Doctor of Ministry Work

Over that past 2 ½ years I have been working on my doctor of ministry degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. There are two main parts of the degree plan, classes and the dissertation. It has been difficult to organize my time in such a way that I can effectively complete this project, so my hope is that in sharing my plan of action to complete the project accountability will be put into place for this to take place. Here is schedule for this work:

• February 13: Turn in Chapters 1-3
• March 25-May 27: Facilitate Ministry Project
• August 10: Turn in Final Copy

For my accountability’s understanding: Before the actual ministry project can take place, the first 3 chapters must be submitted and approved. The three chapters describe a ministry area of concern (1), biblical rationale for why it is a concern (2), and how the student will address fixing the issue (3). Once the project is administered, then the student writes a detailed report of the project (4), finalized with the success of failure of the project (5).

Again it is my hope that in following this schedule, I will be able to complete my doctoral work and graduate in December, 2009. Please pray for this work and feel free to ask me how it is going. Thank you for your support!