Dear SPT,
It is finished! About 1-hour ago the order to stop writing and print was given. (The exam was held in one of divinity school’s computer lab). Over the 3 hours of the exam I wrote 6 full pages (typed and single spaced)
answering 5 questions. Overall, I feel that I performed quite well. That is, I believe that I passed!
The school handbook notes that there are 4 grades that one can receive on the exam. In order to get a pass on an essay question, a score of a “B” is required. The categories of grading the entire exam are as follows:
Pass – Student learning objectives related to the major comprehensive examination have been met or exceeded. No further work is required.
Pass with Recommendations – Student learning objectives related to the major comprehensive examination have been met; though potential areas for improvement exist. Recommendations given are optional, but in the best interest of the student should be completed. No further work is required.
Conditional Pass – Student learning objectives related to the major comprehensive examination have not been met; and remedial work is required. While no section has been Failed, remedial work which may include additional reading and/or writing must be submitted before the major comprehensive exam
is rendered completed. Upon successful completion of examination conditions, the department chair forwards a memo to the Records Office indicating the conditions have been met.
Fail – Student learning objectives related to the major comprehensive examination have not been met; and one or more sections of the exam must be rewritten following department guidelines. The retake must be completed at the next regular scheduled time with exceptions granted only by the Academic Exceptions Committee. Note: a Fail on even one section of the Examination renders a Fail on the entire exam until relevant sections can be rewritten.
My gut feeling is that I passed all of the essays outright; at the very least, I got a pass with recommendations. I don’t believe that I failed any section/essay question. When I opened the exam and looked at the questions I felt a rush of confidence, for I discovered that I was likely able to answer well any of the 11 questions that were posed. It was comforting to learn that my study method covered the right material at the appropriate level. I chose the following 5 questions because I could remember more minute details:
(1) Describe the biblical and historical development of the doctrine of the Trinity.
(2) Describe and evaluate the theological views concerning the imputation of original sin (per Rom 5).
(3) Describe the person of Christ and the heresies that the Council of Chalcedon dealt with.
(4) Describe and evaluate the various views of the Lord’s Supper.
(5) Describe and evaluate the various views of the rapture.
The studying method for this exam, the pace and energy of study, the recall this morning at 9:00 am, and the successful outcome of the exam, where all possible because of the grace and goodness of God. I am excited that the Holy Spirit brought you and me together as a team to pull off what presently feels like a win! I also believe that the Lord ordained that the manner in which this exam was to be accomplished for me was through hard work supported by many prayers and reliance upon him. The time limitations on studying for this exam made it tough, but your prayers made it possible.
Thank you for supporting me through this ordeal. I’m glad it is over!!!
Cheers,
Dan
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
SPT 06
Dear SPT,
This is the last week that I will need to intensive prayer support. The exam is coming this Friday (March 17th). Show time is 8:45 am; the exam begins at 9:00am.
Last week was productive. The tasks I set for myself were all accomplished. It was a lot of work, but each day a little more was whittled down until there was nothing left. I finished going through my 125 pages of typed study notes and the creation of study outlines. Outlines for 33 questions were created (using 48 typed 4”x6” cards [8pt font], but don’t worry I have reading glasses). I was also able to work through all the comments on my thesis from my second reader and prepare a “defense draft.” The draft will be printed out
tonight and turned in on Wednesday (right on schedule).
I feel a certain peace about the coming exam. I hope it is due to both a certain level of preparedness and faith in the goodness of God, but sometimes I wonder if it is not just a surrendering to the inevitable. The former certainly seems more likely, yet either way, know that I am ultimately surrendering-with-faith to His divine providence. This is most important!
This week my plan is to study by continually reviewing my note cards and returning to read my note pages. I’ve also begun an exercise regiment, which hopefully will continue with more intensity after this week (I know Amy would be happy if it did). I’m going for a run around campus before I begin my studies, and then I plan to go for another run late in the evening to take my mind off studies. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will include study sessions that will go till midnight. On Thursday, my plan is to do some light
reviewing, watch a movie, and get a bunch of sleep. I’ll wake up early on Friday morning, review my note cards once more, pray, and then sit for the exam.
Please stay with me this week. You can pray primarily that my studying will be efficacious with regard to content retention. I understand all the material; it’s now a matter of being able to get it out in detail and into an essay. Please also pray that I will think well when I see the exam questions on the day of the exam, so that I will be able to draw upon what I’ve studied to create quick and appropriate outlines to guide my essay writing. I’ll only have about 30 min. for each essay question, so there is no time to dilly-dally.
Lastly, please know that I am greatly encouraged knowing that all of you, close to 40 strong, are out there lifting me up in prayer. I do feel the Lord’s strength as the “day” approaches. I read Psalm 28 (Chinese) before bed last night and was reminded of the journey that I’ve been on over the past few months . . . I hope my journey ends like David's in the psalm. David begins the psalm with a cry for mercy, but ends in a wonderful course of praise. With your prayer support my cries of mercy have turned into praise. Let’s continue to pray that all will end well, that we may join together in a few days and offer praise once more to God for his faithfulness and goodness. "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Only 4 days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
This is the last week that I will need to intensive prayer support. The exam is coming this Friday (March 17th). Show time is 8:45 am; the exam begins at 9:00am.
Last week was productive. The tasks I set for myself were all accomplished. It was a lot of work, but each day a little more was whittled down until there was nothing left. I finished going through my 125 pages of typed study notes and the creation of study outlines. Outlines for 33 questions were created (using 48 typed 4”x6” cards [8pt font], but don’t worry I have reading glasses). I was also able to work through all the comments on my thesis from my second reader and prepare a “defense draft.” The draft will be printed out
tonight and turned in on Wednesday (right on schedule).
I feel a certain peace about the coming exam. I hope it is due to both a certain level of preparedness and faith in the goodness of God, but sometimes I wonder if it is not just a surrendering to the inevitable. The former certainly seems more likely, yet either way, know that I am ultimately surrendering-with-faith to His divine providence. This is most important!
This week my plan is to study by continually reviewing my note cards and returning to read my note pages. I’ve also begun an exercise regiment, which hopefully will continue with more intensity after this week (I know Amy would be happy if it did). I’m going for a run around campus before I begin my studies, and then I plan to go for another run late in the evening to take my mind off studies. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will include study sessions that will go till midnight. On Thursday, my plan is to do some light
reviewing, watch a movie, and get a bunch of sleep. I’ll wake up early on Friday morning, review my note cards once more, pray, and then sit for the exam.
Please stay with me this week. You can pray primarily that my studying will be efficacious with regard to content retention. I understand all the material; it’s now a matter of being able to get it out in detail and into an essay. Please also pray that I will think well when I see the exam questions on the day of the exam, so that I will be able to draw upon what I’ve studied to create quick and appropriate outlines to guide my essay writing. I’ll only have about 30 min. for each essay question, so there is no time to dilly-dally.
Lastly, please know that I am greatly encouraged knowing that all of you, close to 40 strong, are out there lifting me up in prayer. I do feel the Lord’s strength as the “day” approaches. I read Psalm 28 (Chinese) before bed last night and was reminded of the journey that I’ve been on over the past few months . . . I hope my journey ends like David's in the psalm. David begins the psalm with a cry for mercy, but ends in a wonderful course of praise. With your prayer support my cries of mercy have turned into praise. Let’s continue to pray that all will end well, that we may join together in a few days and offer praise once more to God for his faithfulness and goodness. "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Only 4 days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
Friday, March 04, 2005
SPT 05
Dear SPT,
This week was good in many ways. Amy, Kioni, and I returned to health and I continued to make progress in my studies (although my four days with the Air National Guard retarded my progress a little bit). Having completed my major textbook review the week before, this past week I began the process of reviewing my notes and making some outline study cards. As far as specific progress is concerned, I was able to review a little bit more than half of my notes and create 15 outlines. Work is not done yet, but tonight I am a bit more closer.
My plan for the coming week is to finish the current note review and outline creation task, then to move into the tough project of drilling myself repetitively through the outlines and rereading the notes for memorization.
My study to-date has made me thoroughly familiar with all of the content. The trick now is to remember all the pieces and parts so I can come up with them again when answering the essay questions.
The work thus far, although stressful, has been rewarding in two senses: (1) I am finding the review to be a wonderful pedagogical tool, refreshing many things first studied long ago (please note I took my first systematic theology course way back in 1997); and (2) I am being continually reminded of many truths about God and the Christian faith that perhaps time and distractions tends to make distant from our immediate conscious. If any of you have been praying for my deepening connection with God through the review of the material, know that your prayers are being answered.
In my personal devotions, in the material studied, and in some of my brief conversations with some of you this past week, I have been continually reminded of God’s faithfulness and commitment to finish the good work that he has begun. Many of you have even encouraged me by confessing that you believe that I will do just fine on the exam. I do hope that the Lord is communicating through his people! I do have moments when I begin to worry again, but I have posted Bible verses on the kitchen cabinets to remind myself of what you and God have been saying to me. Thinking on these verses has been very helpful. I have continued to make further progress in trusting in God’s goodness and providential care (I really liked reviewing again the doctrine of God’s providential care; what timely material). I shall continue to do my part in being faithful to study hard and pray heavily!
Please focus your prayers this week in the following manner: (1) memorization, memorization, memorization; (2) continued progress in spiritual growth in the midst of this wonderful review of evangelical theology; (3) stamina and energy for the week; (4) refreshing and meaningful breaks with Amy and Kioni; (5) a sense of peace, calmness, and confidence that I am “getting it”; and (6) reasonable progress on amending my thesis per my second readers comments; (7) retention, retention, retention. Please be sensitive to the Spirit and feel free to pray in whichever way he leads you, for he knows my needs best.
Thank you all for your faithfulness and stamina over the past several weeks. Your prayer support has really been wonderful and likely more meaningful than you can know. Know that I am truly thankful. Please remain strong in your praying as I endeavor to do so in my faith and studies—only 13 more days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
This week was good in many ways. Amy, Kioni, and I returned to health and I continued to make progress in my studies (although my four days with the Air National Guard retarded my progress a little bit). Having completed my major textbook review the week before, this past week I began the process of reviewing my notes and making some outline study cards. As far as specific progress is concerned, I was able to review a little bit more than half of my notes and create 15 outlines. Work is not done yet, but tonight I am a bit more closer.
My plan for the coming week is to finish the current note review and outline creation task, then to move into the tough project of drilling myself repetitively through the outlines and rereading the notes for memorization.
My study to-date has made me thoroughly familiar with all of the content. The trick now is to remember all the pieces and parts so I can come up with them again when answering the essay questions.
The work thus far, although stressful, has been rewarding in two senses: (1) I am finding the review to be a wonderful pedagogical tool, refreshing many things first studied long ago (please note I took my first systematic theology course way back in 1997); and (2) I am being continually reminded of many truths about God and the Christian faith that perhaps time and distractions tends to make distant from our immediate conscious. If any of you have been praying for my deepening connection with God through the review of the material, know that your prayers are being answered.
In my personal devotions, in the material studied, and in some of my brief conversations with some of you this past week, I have been continually reminded of God’s faithfulness and commitment to finish the good work that he has begun. Many of you have even encouraged me by confessing that you believe that I will do just fine on the exam. I do hope that the Lord is communicating through his people! I do have moments when I begin to worry again, but I have posted Bible verses on the kitchen cabinets to remind myself of what you and God have been saying to me. Thinking on these verses has been very helpful. I have continued to make further progress in trusting in God’s goodness and providential care (I really liked reviewing again the doctrine of God’s providential care; what timely material). I shall continue to do my part in being faithful to study hard and pray heavily!
Please focus your prayers this week in the following manner: (1) memorization, memorization, memorization; (2) continued progress in spiritual growth in the midst of this wonderful review of evangelical theology; (3) stamina and energy for the week; (4) refreshing and meaningful breaks with Amy and Kioni; (5) a sense of peace, calmness, and confidence that I am “getting it”; and (6) reasonable progress on amending my thesis per my second readers comments; (7) retention, retention, retention. Please be sensitive to the Spirit and feel free to pray in whichever way he leads you, for he knows my needs best.
Thank you all for your faithfulness and stamina over the past several weeks. Your prayer support has really been wonderful and likely more meaningful than you can know. Know that I am truly thankful. Please remain strong in your praying as I endeavor to do so in my faith and studies—only 13 more days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
Friday, February 25, 2005
SPT 04
Dear SPT,
Another week has come and gone, and your prayers continue to be very much appreciated. Not as much was accomplished this week in comparison to last week, but perhaps it has been a blessing in disguise. I shall explain . . .
This week I was able to complete in full the reading and note taking from Millard Erickson’s Christian Theology. But I have not had the energy to move beyond this major milestone and wonderful review to formulate possible exam questions and begin study of my own notes. Where is the blessing? Well, the
sickness that has engulfed me and my family, and caused everything to slow down, has forced me to get more sleep that I have been accustom to over the past several months. So perhaps, despite the coughing and sniffling, this week has been a bit of recuperation in preparation for another big push (although Amy has not slept well).
My plan for this coming week is to begin studying my notes and the formulation of mock essay outlines. I am planning to push hard this week on the studying, but there will be a little bit of a twist thrown into the schedule. This week, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I will be pulling duty with my Air National Guard unit in Peoria, IL. I should still have my evenings free for study, but I expect the study time to be reduced.
You can pray for me this week in the following ways: (1) pray that I’ll be able to formulate good and appropriate mock questions and essay outlines (10 to 12 should do the trick); (2) pray that I’ll be able to have a good and robust review of my notes; (3) pray that my reviewing of notes will translate into good retention; (4) pray for the full renewing of my family’s health, as well as mine; (5) pray for my 3-hours drive to and from Peoria, IL; (6) the second reader of my thesis will return his comments to me this week, please
pray that they will be of a nature that I can deal with them quickly without taking much time from my exam studies (the defense draft of the thesis is due on March 15th and the oral defense is scheduled for March 29th).
Thank you for your prayers. I am feeling the Spirit’s peace, although there is still much hard work to do. Thanks for keeping with me on this—only 20 days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
Another week has come and gone, and your prayers continue to be very much appreciated. Not as much was accomplished this week in comparison to last week, but perhaps it has been a blessing in disguise. I shall explain . . .
This week I was able to complete in full the reading and note taking from Millard Erickson’s Christian Theology. But I have not had the energy to move beyond this major milestone and wonderful review to formulate possible exam questions and begin study of my own notes. Where is the blessing? Well, the
sickness that has engulfed me and my family, and caused everything to slow down, has forced me to get more sleep that I have been accustom to over the past several months. So perhaps, despite the coughing and sniffling, this week has been a bit of recuperation in preparation for another big push (although Amy has not slept well).
My plan for this coming week is to begin studying my notes and the formulation of mock essay outlines. I am planning to push hard this week on the studying, but there will be a little bit of a twist thrown into the schedule. This week, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I will be pulling duty with my Air National Guard unit in Peoria, IL. I should still have my evenings free for study, but I expect the study time to be reduced.
You can pray for me this week in the following ways: (1) pray that I’ll be able to formulate good and appropriate mock questions and essay outlines (10 to 12 should do the trick); (2) pray that I’ll be able to have a good and robust review of my notes; (3) pray that my reviewing of notes will translate into good retention; (4) pray for the full renewing of my family’s health, as well as mine; (5) pray for my 3-hours drive to and from Peoria, IL; (6) the second reader of my thesis will return his comments to me this week, please
pray that they will be of a nature that I can deal with them quickly without taking much time from my exam studies (the defense draft of the thesis is due on March 15th and the oral defense is scheduled for March 29th).
Thank you for your prayers. I am feeling the Spirit’s peace, although there is still much hard work to do. Thanks for keeping with me on this—only 20 days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
Friday, February 18, 2005
SPT 03
Dear SPT (Special Prayer Team):
Thank you all for your prayers this week, they have been very helpful and noticeable. Let me explain by way of an update on my progress. In the review of my theology textbook I am now on chapter 57 (of 60); recall that I was on chapter 35 when your prayer support was first requested. I has been a very long, but productive week. To-date I have taken 120 pages of single spaced notes.
I expect to have the review of my theology textbook completed by this coming Monday evening and for the note pages to grow by approximately 12 pages. My study plan thereafter will be to continually review the notes that I’ve taken, to create sample essay outlines (without content included) on 4”x6” cards, and
then to also study the cards.
The progress made so far in studying is personally encouraging and my emotions have perked-up a bit. I am still quite nervous about the exam, but the tears have stayed away. Moreover, many of you have ministered to me by sending me Bible passages that speak of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and love. I have truly taken these verses to heart and have also been aided by my review of theological material that speaks to the same truths. In concert with your many prayers, God has changed my emotions, removed a great deal of my fear/stress, and blessed me spiritually. I have felt very close to him this past week. Thank you for your prayers.
Some other things have transpired this week to inform Amy and I that there is more to our stress this month than meets the eye. All in our household have become sick. Kioni got sick first, followed by Amy, and now I am sick again.
We are all taking over-the-counter meds (Kioni has some prescription meds too), but none of us are sleeping well or breathing well for that matter. All of this has caused Amy to ask if perhaps the evil one is hoping to hinder our future ministry by making it more difficult for me to finish the degree program. I am sure that this is a possibility, certainly if we allow for the notion that evil one can work through indirect means like stress and sickness.
Nevertheless, we have you praying for us and God is faithful; he is our shield and defender! A good thing, however, has come out of this period of stress and sickness: although we three are experiencing a lack or sleep, feel crummy, and have short tempers, we are also all being driven to God in prayer. Even Kioni is voicing her little prayers thanking God for the pills and dailypraying for daddy at the library.
Please keeping praying for my study progress. It would be helpful if this week you include specific prayer for my retaining of information, as well as that God would guide me into focusing on the right material for the exam (by way of reminder, please know that I have no clue as to what the questions might be). Please also include significant prayer for all three of us with regard to the quick dissipation of our colds. Lastly, note that in addition to preparing for my exam, I am also preparing the defense draft of my ThM thesis, which is due to be turned in on March 15th (2 days before I take the exam). If you would also pray for this, it would be helpful.
Thank you very much for all that you have done in helping me through prayer this past week. Please do not stop praying—only 27 days to go.
By prayer,
Dan
Thank you all for your prayers this week, they have been very helpful and noticeable. Let me explain by way of an update on my progress. In the review of my theology textbook I am now on chapter 57 (of 60); recall that I was on chapter 35 when your prayer support was first requested. I has been a very long, but productive week. To-date I have taken 120 pages of single spaced notes.
I expect to have the review of my theology textbook completed by this coming Monday evening and for the note pages to grow by approximately 12 pages. My study plan thereafter will be to continually review the notes that I’ve taken, to create sample essay outlines (without content included) on 4”x6” cards, and
then to also study the cards.
The progress made so far in studying is personally encouraging and my emotions have perked-up a bit. I am still quite nervous about the exam, but the tears have stayed away. Moreover, many of you have ministered to me by sending me Bible passages that speak of God’s goodness, faithfulness, and love. I have truly taken these verses to heart and have also been aided by my review of theological material that speaks to the same truths. In concert with your many prayers, God has changed my emotions, removed a great deal of my fear/stress, and blessed me spiritually. I have felt very close to him this past week. Thank you for your prayers.
Some other things have transpired this week to inform Amy and I that there is more to our stress this month than meets the eye. All in our household have become sick. Kioni got sick first, followed by Amy, and now I am sick again.
We are all taking over-the-counter meds (Kioni has some prescription meds too), but none of us are sleeping well or breathing well for that matter. All of this has caused Amy to ask if perhaps the evil one is hoping to hinder our future ministry by making it more difficult for me to finish the degree program. I am sure that this is a possibility, certainly if we allow for the notion that evil one can work through indirect means like stress and sickness.
Nevertheless, we have you praying for us and God is faithful; he is our shield and defender! A good thing, however, has come out of this period of stress and sickness: although we three are experiencing a lack or sleep, feel crummy, and have short tempers, we are also all being driven to God in prayer. Even Kioni is voicing her little prayers thanking God for the pills and dailypraying for daddy at the library.
Please keeping praying for my study progress. It would be helpful if this week you include specific prayer for my retaining of information, as well as that God would guide me into focusing on the right material for the exam (by way of reminder, please know that I have no clue as to what the questions might be). Please also include significant prayer for all three of us with regard to the quick dissipation of our colds. Lastly, note that in addition to preparing for my exam, I am also preparing the defense draft of my ThM thesis, which is due to be turned in on March 15th (2 days before I take the exam). If you would also pray for this, it would be helpful.
Thank you very much for all that you have done in helping me through prayer this past week. Please do not stop praying—only 27 days to go.
By prayer,
Dan
Friday, February 11, 2005
SPT 02
Dear “Special Prayer Team” (SPT) friends:
The response that I have received from you has been overwhelming and greatly encouraging! Of those whom I invited to join my SPT, over 35, across 6 states, have responded with interest and a commitment to regularly pray for me during this difficult period. “Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped” (Psalm 28:6-7a). Through your prayer covenant I hear the Lord saying, “Look here; I have heard and I am your strength and shield!” and my nerves are calmed. Thanks to all of you for your care andprayers.
Although the SPT is of a considerable size, please do not think that your individual prayers are unimportant. The SPT is the size that it is for a very important reason: God, in his mercy and grace, has saw fit to design it as such. Therefore, you are part of God’s work and your individual prayers are very much meaningful and necessary. Again, thank you for covenanting to pray diligently for me from now until March 17th (32 more days).
I will send you regular weekly updates over the next month (hopefully on Sundays), but please find attached a basic prayer guide that you can print out and keep with you as a prayer reminder.
By prayer,
Dan
P.S.: I’m sending this message out as a blind copy so that you will not be inundated with a plethora of email addresses or possible replies.
The response that I have received from you has been overwhelming and greatly encouraging! Of those whom I invited to join my SPT, over 35, across 6 states, have responded with interest and a commitment to regularly pray for me during this difficult period. “Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped” (Psalm 28:6-7a). Through your prayer covenant I hear the Lord saying, “Look here; I have heard and I am your strength and shield!” and my nerves are calmed. Thanks to all of you for your care andprayers.
Although the SPT is of a considerable size, please do not think that your individual prayers are unimportant. The SPT is the size that it is for a very important reason: God, in his mercy and grace, has saw fit to design it as such. Therefore, you are part of God’s work and your individual prayers are very much meaningful and necessary. Again, thank you for covenanting to pray diligently for me from now until March 17th (32 more days).
I will send you regular weekly updates over the next month (hopefully on Sundays), but please find attached a basic prayer guide that you can print out and keep with you as a prayer reminder.
By prayer,
Dan
P.S.: I’m sending this message out as a blind copy so that you will not be inundated with a plethora of email addresses or possible replies.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Denied
I have found myself in a very tight spot: Dr. Feinberg (Chair of the Trinity ST department) has denied my request push the ThM/ST major comprehensive exam back a few weeks. Therefore, I will be taking the exam on March 17th at 9:00am (its a 3 hour essay exam). Needless to say, I haven't had much time
to prep for the exam, since last semester I was required to exclusively work on my thesis.
Currently, I'm working my way through Millard Erickson's theology and am at chapter 35 (out of 60); so far, I've taken about 50 pages of notes. My plan is to finish my way through the book and then go back and study my notes. I am currently spending about 6 hours each night on studying, but I think that I need to find a way to ramp up the time. I am very stressed out over the fact that my degree rides on this exam and that I’ve only had a month so far to study (2 ? months by the time the exam date comes). If I pass the exam, life at the Bush household should become much more happier. But if I fail, then the stress will rise to new levels (I can take the exam one more time if I fail, but not until October). (I’m already at the level of wanting seriously to cry often, no joke!)
My specific reason for writing this message to you is because I am seeking to put together a group of folks that will serve as a prayer team to get me through this difficult period. Without significant prayer and the Lord's grace, I don't think that I will make it. I'm asking those on my prayer team to pray deliberately for me once daily from now until March 17th. Will you please consider joining my prayer team? Once I’ve got a few folks on my team, I will send out some specific prayer guidance, as well as regular updates on my study progress.
By prayer,
Dan
to prep for the exam, since last semester I was required to exclusively work on my thesis.
Currently, I'm working my way through Millard Erickson's theology and am at chapter 35 (out of 60); so far, I've taken about 50 pages of notes. My plan is to finish my way through the book and then go back and study my notes. I am currently spending about 6 hours each night on studying, but I think that I need to find a way to ramp up the time. I am very stressed out over the fact that my degree rides on this exam and that I’ve only had a month so far to study (2 ? months by the time the exam date comes). If I pass the exam, life at the Bush household should become much more happier. But if I fail, then the stress will rise to new levels (I can take the exam one more time if I fail, but not until October). (I’m already at the level of wanting seriously to cry often, no joke!)
My specific reason for writing this message to you is because I am seeking to put together a group of folks that will serve as a prayer team to get me through this difficult period. Without significant prayer and the Lord's grace, I don't think that I will make it. I'm asking those on my prayer team to pray deliberately for me once daily from now until March 17th. Will you please consider joining my prayer team? Once I’ve got a few folks on my team, I will send out some specific prayer guidance, as well as regular updates on my study progress.
By prayer,
Dan
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