I have big news. If you've been reading this, you may have had hints of what's been going on. But I have been rather quiet about what's really been happening. But today, the word is spreading quickly. My "secret" is out.

On April 12th, I was accepted by Bishop Paul Zipfel as a seminarian for the Diocese of Bismarck. Last weekend I hopped on a plane and visited the Kenrick-Glennon seminary in St. Louis, Missouri (pictured above). It's all come together, and I'm now quite certain I'll be living there in a few months.

This morning I informed my employer that I will be leaving my position some time in July or August to attend seminary. He, in turn, informed the other managers in my office. And they told everyone else. Soon I had difficulty walking down the hall without answering questions. Thankfully, everyone has been either supportive or quiet.

I will miss working at Basin Electric. They are a great employer, with great compensation, and offer amazing opportunities to be involved with all manner of enterprise-level technologies. And I can't forget to mention the great people and work environment.

This has been a tough decision and I am making quite a sacrifice. But I honestly believe God is calling me to the seminary. There is no job offer that can compete with that. And after visiting the seminary and getting to know the amazing men studying there, I feel honored to have this opportunity.

Today is my one-year anniversary as a Catholic. Things have changed quite a bit in the last year, as many of you know.

For one, I began listening to podcasts. One of them is by a priest in the Netherlands, Fr. Roderick. He mentioned the idea of "12 on 12" that he'd heard somewhere on the Internet. Basically, the idea is to take 12 pictures on the 12th of the month and post them online for everyone to see. I liked the idea, but I'm a little slow. Before I knew it, it was the 17th. So I had to take 17 pictures.

Taking the 17 pictures today made me realize how much I enjoy my day. And how utterly boring it might appear to others. Try not to fall asleep as you follow me through my uneventful Monday.

Jason, semi-conscious, begins his day.

A bit more presentable.

I begin my early morning commute.

But before work, I head to the church.

And stop for a visit with the Big Guy before heading to the office.

Chocolate milk & chocolate chip muffin.... breakfast of champions, right at my desk!

A little e-mail before I get down to the real business.

Working on my Unix systems.

And dealing with customer problems (I'm frustrated here).

Here's my office, as I leave for the day.

Back on the bike for my enjoyable commute.

Bummer.... time to park the bike.

Hunting for supper in my rather barren fridge (hmmm, that milk smells funny).

Microwave, greatest invention... ever.

Teaching Dawn all about being Catholic.

Watching A&E's "God or the Girl" way too late into the night.

11:51!? I should be sleeping by now.

Good Night, see ya' tomorrow.

I discovered something surprising about CompactFlash memory cards. They can survive the washing machine AND the dryer. While folding clothes this morning, I found one of my expensive memory cards in with the socks, fresh from the dryer. I said "Oh @$*#!"

After plugging it into the computer's card reader, I was relieved. It still works. It contained a few photos I took in my cubicle. You know, that place where I hide all day long. I've mentioned it a few times. And now you can take a look. Exciting!!

Today is Holy Thursday. We remember Jesus' Agony and the Last Supper. Tomorrow, we remember his Crucifixion.

Christ knew the will of His Father, yet he was troubled at what must be done. Alone, he suffered greatly with the knowledge of his impending arrest and execution. He called out to the Father, asking that his burden be taken from him, adding that the Father's will should be accomplished. The burden was, thankfully, not lifted. The Father's will was accomplished, and so we can know Christ.

I recently made a life-changing decision based on my perception of God's will for my own life. Upon the first serious sign of commitment to this new decision, doubt and fear flooded my mind. There were sleepless nights and agonizing days as I struggled with my decision.

But after returning to prayer, the tempest subsided and I once again found peace. The reasons for my doubts are still with me. But, like Christ in the garden of Gethsemani, I know what I must do. I humbly accept the challenges that lie ahead and put my trust and faith in God.

Surely, I am blessed this Easter.