I wasn’t the only person in the Hicks family to graduate this year!

Well, I have played the part of a sloth, physically speaking, for several months now. Due to various distractions, primarily finishing school, all things having to do with physical fitness have been on the back burner for me. And, trust me, it shows/feels. I am not happy with it, but God is good in that He gives us options to do something about it.

Thus, since I am finished with school, I really have no reason to not step-it-up a few notches and get back into an exercise routine of sorts. The struggle, though, is cutting back on two things I really enjoy: food and beer. Okay, three things: I really like sweet tea also. Since finishing up my college courses a few weeks ago, I have been walking/jogging on and off.

I have begun today a bit stricter regiment which includes a bit of weight training with some small dumbells I have. I have drank primarily water today, and lots of it, along with three portioned meals.I will keep this up for a time, until my stomach (internal) shrinks back down, requiring less to fill me. Then I can be a bit less careful about eating things I actually enjoy, because I’ll be filled up with a lot less.

I walked/ran a few miles today, and will do so again tomorrow, hopefully developing a habit to get back into things. However, I am considering an investment into the sport of Road Biking at the end of June. A friend of mine has been doing this for a few years, so I might try to feed of his wake in getting started. Dr. James White is apparently also an avid Road Biker. My reason for considering this instead of doing what I’ve always done before (run) is because I think it will be a lot easier on my knees.

Until I get started with the Bike, though, I have to stay doing something regularly; so I would appreciate any and all prayers as I try to get this part of my Pilgrim’s Progress back on track to the glory of God. Thanks!

Well, it’s about time. After graduating from High School in 1997, I was determined on finishing a college degree quickly. However, I had no idea what I wanted a degree in. At the time, I was hesitant to get a degree in ministry because the University at which I was attended gave scholarships for those purporting a call to Ministry. Since I was unsure, I didn’t want to take advantage of that and manipulate the scholarship funds in that way.

I only spent one semester there. I returned home and began a community college program, getting all of my lower-level undergrad requirements out of the way. Still, no direction. Well, as tends to happen to directionless folk, life simply happened. I decided to take some time off from school, got married, had my lovely daughter, Chloë, and worked to pay bills. Since that time some unforeseen frowning providences hit me hard, and drove me back to school beginning January of last year (2007). I have busted my rump since then going to school full time, working, and still trying to be available for teaching and exhortation at Church when asked.

God has been so gracious to me, and this last week I officially graduated from Texas A&M University - Texarkana with a bachelor’s degree. Well, it took long enough since 1997 I suppose! . Nonetheless, I am so grateful to God Who, in His mercy, pushed me through these last four semesters to finally finish up this phase. Now, I hope to get some things in order, so that I may better provide for more family, Lord willing. After setting some of those things in order, I will seek a seminary education, so long as my perceived inward calling to the ministry is affirmed and confirmed by the people and ministers of God.

Thank You, Lord. I am humbled because of Your goodness to this wretched sinner.

Disclaimer: This song is purely satire and not, in any way, a Biblical representation of the God Who rules and reigns. Rather, any reference to “deity” or “god” of any sort is not to be understood as being the Triune God of Scripture.