>Many of you have noticed that I have not been blogging regularly for the past few weeks. The reason, as many of you have read before, is because I am directing the Self-Study at Northern Seminary and right now I am in the midst of editing the final Self-Study Report.
Those of you who are related to an academic institution know that the process of the Self-Study is time consuming and requires a lot of work from all those involved. However, when the administration and the faculty finish their jobs, the director of the Self-Study has to finish the work, write the final report, and prepare for the visiting team.
And this is where I come in. All the work is done, the report is finished but now it has to go through an editorial process. The report is about 200 pages long and it is now in its 5th draft. The date I set for myself for the completion of all the work is June 29, 2007. Until then, I will have to work very hard to prepare the final draft of the report. In addition, I have to prepare for classes, teach, read papers, grade exams, and attend committee meetings. I have said nothing about preparing sermons and doing the work of a pastor. Being a pastor requires hours of work and preparation.
One day, when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they were afraid. Jesus identified himself to the disciples by saying: “It is I; do not be afraid.” At that, the disciples recognized Jesus and their fear was gone.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to be consistent with my blogging until after the Self-Study Report is completed and ready to be submitted. Until then, I will blog as often as I can. Until then, I may be late in answering some of your comments, but I will answer them eventually.
One day, if you subscribe to my blog, you will receive a new post dealing with some issues related to the Old Testament or maybe just a link to something I find interesting and want to share with you. When you receive that post, remember, that is just my way of saying: “It is I; do not be afraid.” And when you see that post, you will know that all is well with me.
Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary
Tag: Blogging
Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament 
>Thank you for including the picture/words for Bob Webber’s obituary. I’m glad that you included the picture of Bob smiling: WONDERFUL!There seems to be differing views about the time and venue for the memorial service. Christianity Today said it was at Northern. I had heard at staff meeting today (First Prest Wheaton) that it was on 5/15 at Christ Church (not 5/16). As far as you know, is your posting the most accurate? [Could you respond to my email address at pnburgess@mindspring.com? Thanks!]
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