
The other day I informed my PhD director and my cohort that I was going to halt my pursuit of a PhD in Biblical Studies. I know this is the right decision for me and my family. I am thankful that God has made this decision clear!
In this time I am excited to learn what it means to be married. Nathan has been incredibly supportive and encouraging when it comes to me in Academia; however, now it is time to put what I have learned to practice. I am really excited to continue learning on my own and encouraging y’all with this blog. Thank you all SO much for your love, care, support, encouragment and prayers, I am truly humbled.
I am in prayer about applying to another Seminary in which I can take classes in person. One of the biggest reasons why I am not continuing with this PhD program is that I am tired of online courses. I need people. I love people and I feel like I am too isolated. I honestly have no idea what is next; however, I am open to His leading! In all things I will remain open, honest, vulnerable and authentic as your “Blue Collar Theologian.”
Father God, thank You for the love and support that I have received from family, friends and this Word Press community. Thank You Lord that when Your people earnestly and honestly seek You, You will answer making Your will and way clear. May we be a people who are willing to obey and do what You reveal to us. Lord God, I humbly ask that You will teach married and single people how to live well. Lord God, may Your Body come together in these chaotic times to be a beacon of hope, strength and unity in the midst of diversity rather than sowing discord, fear and dissent. Lord God, redirect our thinking and actions where we are faulty. Lord God, give my brothers and sisters courage to live boldly for You, bringing You glory. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.
Hi Mandy, I am really happy for you! God’s continued grace, peace and blessings on you and yours!
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Hi, Bruce! Thank you for your prayers and support for me! I am SO thankful for you! I am committed to praying for you and your wife! Blessings to you on this Saturday and stay warm!!! Love, hugs and prayers, Mandy
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Wishing you the best going forward, Mandy.
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Thank you, David!!!
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Hi Mandy, we are praying for you.
I certainly understand the “people issue”. It is hard to learn when you are isolated.
Please let us know if we can be of help.
AND …. please continue on with the articles.
Blessings.
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Hi, Michael! Thank you SO much for your prayers and support! I am SO thankful for the work that you are doing! Praising God for you!
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So happy for the solid direction in your life and studies! God bless.
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Hi, Dee! Thank you pretty lady for your encouragement! I appreciate you and your support!! Love, hugs and blessings! Mandy
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Right back atcha Mandy! ❤️
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I know God will lead you to the right Seminary. God bless you as you continue your education. Also, enjoy your marriage. It is a blessing.
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Meghan, you are such a sweetheart and I am thankful for you! Thank you for encouraging me even in the midst of everything you are going through. Praying for you sister! Love, hugs and blessings!
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Thank you Mandy! Love and blessings to you too❤
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Hi ! I am praying that you will find another seminary, where you can take classes in person.
Many people are unaware of the work involved in pursuing a doctorate. Stay encouraged during this time of resting for a while.
I thought about stopping my doctorate about 50 times, at least, but in the end I completed it, with my family’s support.
Trust in what the Lord will do. Your compassion, and obvious love of the Lord comes through in your writing.
🤗
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Hi, Sally!! Thank you for your time and encouragement!!! Any church updates? I am praying for you and your husband!! Love, hugs and blessings!!
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Hi ! Thanks for your prayers. We so appreciate them. There is a church that we plan to visit, and we feel encouraged. The power of prayer is mighty. 🤗
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I agree, I too need to interact with people. I guess we all really do. We are not meant to be islands. You need to bounce ideas off each others to grow, Keep us posted!
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Thank you for your time, support and encouragement! I am sorry for my delay in responding! I am prone to wanting to be my own island. I had a friend tell me once, “why do people want to be islands? Throughout history, islanders were captured, raided, looted, infected with disease and had their huts burned down.” Ever since Matt shared that with me, I remind myself of that when I think that my deserted island would be a more desirable place. Thank you again for your time and encouragement! Love, hugs and blessings!!!!
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I love Matt’s outlook! A think a dessert island would be ever so much better than a desert island!
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You are SO funny!!! I totally appreciate YOU!!
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Than my work for today is complete! And I love you!
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💋💋💋
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Awesome Mandy!! Excited for what’s next for you! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
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Thank you, Stacey! I am so glad to be on this journey with you!! Love you so much!!
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I can tell you made the right choice. I am excited for the next chapter.
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Hey, Barb! Thank you for your support and encouragement!! I am praying for you with leading the message tomorrow! I look forward to reading/hearing how God shows up tomorrow!! Love, hugs and blessings!
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Thanks so much
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I know God has a plan for tomorrow, I am just along for the ride.
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Hi, Mandy. The fact that you see your own isolation, and title it as such, is a giant step in the right direction. You do what you see as His leading hand. Great place to be. God’s grip – Alan
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Hi, Alan! Thank you dear, sweet, kind man for your support and encouragement!! Thank you for always spurring me forward! Love, hugs and blessings! Praising God for you, Alan!
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Praying for God’s guidance
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Thank you, Jim!
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You are welcome!
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Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is one of the best in the world. And Louisville is a great place to live. Be sure to let me know if you end up here. You can come to my church, and I’ll introduce you to a few hundred awesome seminary students and their spouses. 🙂
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Hi, Annie! Thank you SO much for your love and support! I absolutely cherish you!! I was wondering, have my comments on your posts in your spam folder? It seems for some blogs my comments are sent to spam. I LOVED your post today! I am always excited when I see your blog posts!!! Lots of love and blessings!!
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I reckon you’re learning patience right now since everywhere is doing online courses because of the nonsense.
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