An Update

It has been quite some time since my last update, and returning to this space feels both familiar and strange. I was such an active writer and blogger. I would be at my laptop most days. This blog started in 2010 as a reflection of my journey into a life as a Christian. I then relaunched and rebranded in 2014 to be the Home Schooling, Parent, Disability, and Lifestyle blog that most people know me for. That was a great time. Then from 2019, things slowed and it's never been the same since, and I'm definitely not the top blogger I once was. However, the writer I once was is still very much present within me, but my focus has shifted. These days, most of my writing is devoted to sermons for church, academic assignments, study guides for the liturgical seasons and house groups, and the ongoing maintenance of our church’s online community and channels. As a result, sitting down to write for my personal blog has become less of a priority—even though I still live very much in the rhythm and lifestyle of a blogger.  

In my previous post, I wrote about James and the changes in co-parenting arrangements. Those circumstances remain much the same, though there is certainly more to share, and I hope to dedicate a future post to all that has unfolded.  

Two years ago, I mentioned that I was one year into my studies at theological college. I successfully completed that year with a First in Level 4 Theology, Ministry, and Mission. The following year, I advanced to graduate-level study and achieved a Second, which remains a source of great pride. Looking ahead, I plan to begin a course in Advanced Old Testament Studies this March. While it may sound dry to some, it is exactly the kind of biblical study that excites me. This course will serve as both a taster and a complement to the Master’s Degree in Theology, Ministry, and Mission that I will begin in September.  

The MA offers three pathways: Christian Spirituality, Planet in Crisis, and Ordained Ministry. At present, I am uncertain which direction I will take. While I have developed something of an eco-warrior streak, I live in the shadow of my remarkable wife, who is a passionate champion of Planet Earth. That pathway feels more suited to her than to me, and I doubt I could ever do it the justice it deserves. The Ordained Ministry pathway is currently unavailable to me, though I will explain more about that in due course. This leaves Christian Spirituality as the most likely option, and I intend to explore it further by auditing a couple of classes at the start of term.  

I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey thus far. For years, our church preachers would joke, “If I’m wrong, I’m sure Martyn will tell me,” and while I was once simply an intelligent, well-read armchair theologian, these courses have allowed me to grow beyond that. I now have the tools to tackle more complex issues, to draw upon a wider breadth of knowledge, and to employ both traditional and contemporary approaches so that everyone can engage with what is being said. Of course, undertaking an MA will be demanding, but I am hopeful that the investment will prove worthwhile.  

My health continues to deteriorate, yet I remain determined to do as much as I can, whenever I can, without pushing myself into situations that might cause greater harm. Much has changed in this regard, and I suspect an update on that front is also overdue.  

Finally, and perhaps most significantly, over the past year I have been engaged in the ordination process within the Church of England. This is something I have felt called to pursue for many years—long before I ever began writing on this blog. It has taken considerable time to reach this stage, and I look forward to sharing more about that journey in the posts to come.  

When I began writing today, I was unsure what direction this update would take. Yet, having shared these reflections, I find myself with much more to say. Perhaps this marks the beginning of a renewed season of writing here.  

Until next time,  

Martyn