Thanks for Journeying with me.

I wrote my first blog entry in March of 2007 with the encouragement of my former boss. (Thanks Paul!)

Originally it was my intention to blog about the experiences  of being a woman in ministry, a seminary student, and a first year pastor.  I thought this would be a wonderful way to use 21st century technology to share ideas and struggles, and successes with others who might possibly have similar journeys and use it as part of my field placement. 

I then found myself in a new journey, one of having to leave all that was familiar and comfortable to unfamiliar and uncomfortable.  So, I added another component to this blog and that was about transitioning from a very large church to a much smaller one.   

I have learned much in the past year.  I have learned from some of you who also are willing to share your experiences on your own blogs.  I thank those of you who have been supportive and I thank those of you who have been challenging. 

         What was never intended, but unfortunately occurred was that this blog became a stumbling block for some of my brothers and sisters in Christ.  It has caused people to become hurt and angry.  It has caused them to take time away from their work and other events in their life to read this.  This was something I had never anticipated. I am sorry that this has happened and that some postings caused such distress for them. 

Blogging has been an interesting experience and I have enjoyed it, but I realize that time is short and there are people out there who need Jesus.  That became very evident to me today with a conversation I had with an 82 year old woman who is coming to the end of her days.  82 years old, and no one had explained who Jesus Christ was to her.  So, I am going to be saying goodbye to all of you for now in the blogosphere.   Time is short, life is busy, and I need to prioritize where to best spend my time.  For now, I realize that time needs to be spent continuing to obey Gods call to me to grow His church.  So, for now, I will be busy doing that.   I’ll probably pop in on some of your blogs from time to time, though.

Thanks for journeying for a while with me. 

Darlene