MORE ABOUT ME…

My name is Tim Patterson. I am a husband, father, Southern Baptist Minister, and Network Administrator/Engineer. I currently work at North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC. Erin is my wife and Veronica my daughter is just something special. I like reading, discussing theology, photography, sports, and being a couch potato when time permits.

Why Apparent Contradictions?

I have based a large part of my life on the premise that two statements that contradict one another cannot both be true. I am also aware that I sometimes live a life that seems inconsistent with this belief. Often times this creates apparent contradictions. I am now inviting you to be apart of them.

Resolutions...

I have been a fan of Jonathan Edwards for years (the theologian - not the cheating, fornicating politician from my hometown of Seneca, SC) and I am hard pressed to think of many other theologians that have had the impact of me that he has. Starting in 1722 he began writing a series of some of the most significant and staggering resolutions that have ever been written and he continued to until he had a total of 70 that he recorded his last in August of 1723. The weight of all his resolutions are far too much for me to attempt at this point in my life, but I am definitely going to be including some of his resolutions in with mine for the year. I am going to share some of mine with you now.

1.) Spend more time with family, and less at work (correlary: to spend less time with family that I am actually thinking about work).

2.) To not blame the dogs for that strange smell in the air when Erin and I are cuddling up on the couch.

3.) Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever. (clearly one of Edwards)

4.) To eat better, work out more, lose weight, get more sleep, and all the rest of the normal New Year's resolutions that most people have already started ignoring by this point in the new year. I just figured I would get it all out of the way now.

5.) To speak with grace, edification, and love. Unless someone is being an idiot and then it is totally fair game to tell them.

6.) Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it. (Edwards again)

7.) To never settle for mediocrity as a husband and father.

8.) To spend more time leading by example and to remember that the example is to be of the most ideal good and not what is easy, popular, or quick.

9.) Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can. (Edwards)

10.) Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live. (Edwards)

If you have any other ideas please let me know what to consider by leaving a comment below. These can be fun, funny, or profound so don't be reserved. If you are interested in reading the rest of Jonathan Edwards resolutions, please click the link below and enjoy greatness.

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards

2 comments:

  1. Tim said...
     

    It really stinks when you break your #1 resolution the day after you make it.

  2. Erin said...
     

    I resolve to watch all of the seasons of the Office with you before the end of January. :) Love you!

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Sunset on Halloween 08 from NGU

Anderson Mill

Veronica in the Leaves

Butterfly

Dragon Fly

Sailboat Passing the Cooper River Bridge

Bald Eagle

Early in the Morning