Today was my Graduation Ceremony and all of my family was there to celebrate.  There were three of us from my program who graduated together.  We made 8 out of 12 people who started the program together to finish.  I thought that was pretty amazing.  But the whole event was pretty surreal.  I truly can’t believe that I finished my Doctorate.  It is really hard to believe that I am really a Doctor.  I have pictures of me in fancy robes.  I have my final project bound as a fancy book.  I walked across the stage.  The president of the seminary said that we had graduated.  I have cards and some gifts from friends and family congratulating me.  However, even after all of that, it is still difficult to believe that I am done.  I have to say it was truly an amazing experience.  
     All of the reading, over 7500 pages in all.  All of the writing over 600 pages in all.  All of the hours researching, writing, thinking, processing was truly an amazing experience.  But the president of the seminary put it well in his charge to the graduates when He said, this was all about God.  This is not about my work, not about my writing, not about Amy’s sacrifice.  Everything this past seven year journey is all about is what God has done.  May God be glorified through the work that this degree has produced.  May God’s name be glorified through all of the changes and influence this work has placed upon our student ministry and church.  May God be praised.  Because if God is not praised, then all of this would have been a waste of time.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”