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Getting the Third Degree ~

After 18 months of intensive study, having read close to 100 books, having written nearly 750 pages of  graduate level theological reflection, I can finally say...it is finished!

On Saturday, May 10th, 2008 I received my Master's Degree in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College Graduate School (my third- and possibly not final - earned degree).

On top of that...as I sat in the bleachers in my cap and gown reading through the commencement brochure I turned to the academic awards page and my eyes locked on to this...

The Robert E. Coleman Award in Evangelism and Leadership is given in honor of Robert E. Coleman for his internationally acclaimed career in evangelism, especially in the areas of mentoring, teaching, and preaching.  The award is giving to the student who, in the judgment of the faculty has demonstrated unusual giftedness in the areas of ministry, writing, and academic excellence ~ ~ ~ James D Botts

Tears filled my eyes as I read those words.  My good friend and mentor Dr. Rick Richardson presented me with this award...which was awesome since only 16 people received awards out of a graduating class of 125.

Though I graduated with honors and a 3.95 GPA, it wasn't easy!  I could not have done it without the love, support and frequent forgiveness of my lovely wife Rose and three awesome boys ~ Stephen, Josiah and Daniel.

Now that my career as a full-time theological grad student has come to a close, I'll be posting on my blog more regularly.  My next post will announce what God has invited the Botts family into next...hint, hint, hint...it's awesome and were are excited - click here to preview our next ministry!

Make the most of now!

Have you ever heard the incredible story of the common Mayfly?  They have a life expectancy of just one day.  So they have to cram all their living into one twenty-four hour period.  Check out their fascinating story at this killer website and be sure to watch "The Story of the Mayfly" and take the time to "Give Life to a Mayfly."

What a great way to live life...taking it one day at a time.  It kind of reminds me of something Jesus said once.

If we got serious about living life one day at a time, maybe we'd be less annoyed with our loved ones, our food might taste better, and who knows, we might actually feel the presence of God in a real way.

So how can we make the most of now?

Today ~ Be fully present.  The past is over, the future is not yet, all I have is the present.  Living in the present means I make a decision to live my life under imperfect conditions.

Today ~ Meet God in the moment.  God isn't active in the past anymore.  He's not making the future happen yet.  God works in moments.  Don't miss your God moments by looking past the present.

Today ~ Learn to enjoy being.  Even though I'm not the person God meant for me to be yet, that doesn't excuse me from enjoying life as a person on a growth journey with Jesus.

So how are you going to embrace life and make the most of now???

         

 

Relax and enjoy the ride...

Would you let a 5 year old drive your car?  Of course not!  They'd totally wreck the car, hurt themselves, and probably hurt others.   A car is just too much power and responsibility for a 5 year old to manage.   The steering wheel belongs in the hands of the person who can handle it.

Yet, so often in life I want to take control from God, grab the wheel, and drive my life.  When I'm in control, I crash into things, I collide with others, and I create wreckage.  The bible teaches that the steering wheel to my life belongs in God's hands, not mine. 

Something inside me used to resist giving God control of my life.   For some reason I automatically thought of letting God take control as a negative thing...but not so much any more. 

Here's what I've come to experience...

1.  Riding shot gun is totally relaxing ~  When I'm not at the wheel, I don't have to worry about a thing.  I get to just sit back, find some cool tunes on the radio and relax.   

2.  Being a passenger is more fun ~ There are 2 things I can do as a passenger I can not do as the driver: (1) take off my shoes and put my feet on the dash board (2) put my hand into the wind and do that "up and down" hand in the wind thing.

3. The passenger seat has a better view ~ Wildlife and mountains, or clouds and fields, you get a way better view of these wonders from the passenger seat.   It's impossible to keep your eyes on the road and be inspired by the scenery at the exact same time (unless you're cross eyed).   

4.  Only passengers can daydream ~ One time I was daydreaming while driving and had to slam on my brakes and pull on to the shoulder of the road to avoid a major wreck.  The only safe place to daydream is from the passenger seat.            

Letting God take the wheel, and giving Him control of my life is not easy...but it's definitely a way better way to live. 

Every time I get stressed out I say, "God, this is your program, I'm just going to kick my shoes off, put my feet up, stick my hand in the wind and daydream about how great it is to not have to be in control of everything."

All in favor of a free ride?