daddy4ms

I’ve enjoyed the last two days of rest and relaxing at my happy place, the beach. Here’s a few pictures from some quiet and peaceful times in Galveston. There’s just something about the sound of the waves, the feeling of sand in my toes and the fun of playing in the ocean that just refreshes me and makes me smile.  Thanks to a friend who encouraged me to always try and see the sunrise when you are at the beach!

Over the next week, I am going to be sharing my thoughts from Sabbatical.  Today's post is on the goal of rest.  When you are a pastor, it is hard to experience rest.  Even though you have days off, there are times when you are on call 24 hours a day. Tragedies happen and needs arise when someone needs you even on your day off.  Or it can be as simple as thinking about church, ministry, or congregation members even when you are "off" work.  I should say that my sabbatical was a "good" sabbatical meaning that I was not asked or required to take time off. After about a week, I realized that I needed some rest.  I was not burnt out or exhausted, but it was good to take a break.  Knowing that ministry and church was going on without me allowed my mind to rest.  It even gave me freedom to dream and ask questions.  Are we doing the most important things?  Why do we do _________? In addition to allowing my mind to rest, my sabbatical ga...

As you read this, I am in flight to Ft. Lauderdale, FL for the Liberate conference.  Last year, I went alone and this year I am bringing 6 people with me.  I will be sharing notes from the speakers on this site throughout the week.  Return Thursday-Sunday for new posts.  We are also including a little rest and relaxation today and then on Monday.

As I mentioned yesterday, I will be going on sabbatical May-July 2015.  I am thankful for this opportunity to rest, research, and be refreshed.  Below you find my tentative plans: As I prepare to go on Sabbatical in the summer of 2015, I have been praying about what this time of refreshment, renewal, and relaxation should include.   Here are a few possibilities: Time of prayer & reflection at beginning and end at these possible locations: IHOP-Kansas City, Humphrey’s Shed, & Crosswinds Retreat Center Attendance at various churches to observe what their Sunday morning looks like   Visits to specific churches who are ministering effectively to children, couples and families. Already contacts have been made to churches in Missouri and Texas. V acation-extended vacation with the family. One-on-one trips with the kids-I would like to allow each of the kids an opportunity to go on a 24-48 hour trip with me of their own choosing. Guatemala Mi...

Are you tired, weary or exhausted today?  Do you look around the house or dorm room or office and see long to-do lists? I know for many it is difficult to stop and rest.  God created the world in six days and then rested.  He did this not because He was tired, but because He was showing us the importance of rest.  2  And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3  So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. (Genesis 2:2-3) Stop what you are doing!  The dishes, laundry, yard work, etc. will still be there tomorrow.  Take a break.   Enjoy God's creation by going to the park with your kids, taking a walk with your spouse, read a book, or take a nap.  Whatever you do, just relax.  It's OK!