I've been home from my sabbatical for a few weeks. In some ways, it seems like it never happened. Coming back feels like walking back into the vortex of ministry and life. In other ways, every day has a difference because of my time alone with Papa. There are moments where the Lord's presence is so real - in the midst of the everyday - that it seems to make the everyday, unique.

I'm also being blessed with stories from people who are hearing from the Lord and allowing Him to work in their lives.

Ministry feels more like a spectator sport. I watch what God is doing, get involved when it's possible. Mostly it's just cool to see Jesus, the Minister, in action. The trick, for me, will be to remember this when the demands are .... so demanding.

The sabbatical continues - just in small doses.

Why Golf is soooo Important

I finally found a reason to justify golf! Golf is like … Christianity. I’m serious! This time away, God has been showing me so much about basic disciplines and important “first steps” every morning. When I do this, my day seems to have better balance. No, I don’t think God is extra loving or gracious on those days. He is ALWAYS loving and gracious. These disciplines keep ME focused on what REALLY matters.

The other day, after learning some good new techniques on my golf swing, I played 9 holes. (Connie also played her first round and did very good).

For the first several holes, my game was better than ever. Then, I began to fall apart. I stopped doing what I knew was important – and the results were immediate.

That is so true of my daily time with Papa. He is always there for me and always ready to show Himself to me. But, it is still my decision as to whether time is taken to seek Him, wait on Him, be with Him.

So, life is like golf! OK, maybe not. But it’s a good reminder that while God never changes, I need to be continually changing and seeking and submitting and waiting and enjoying Him ….

Pictures

Here are some pictures

We hiked over deep snow in the Cascades on May 23 to get the pictures above.

Connie took this along a little out of the way street on the Oregon shore.

These blooms are at a hidden rose garden overlooking the ocean.

God's power!

Sabbatical, first entry

I woke up with a deep desire to be alone with God. What makes this so unusual is the last few days I was unsure about this season. It seemed so inadequate to plan to seek the Lord. He is so beyond me - or anything that could ever be known. How can spending intentional time make that much difference? Yet, this morning God gave a longing to be with Him.

Tomorrow, I begin fives days of solitude. My only plan is to seek Him, wait on Him ......

Papa and I are going to have some amazing times together!

Beautiful Oregon Coast

At low tide, you can see the starfish and urchins clinging to the rocks. We gathered mussels and had a tasty treat









This island below contains thousand of Sea Murrens. They look a little like penguines and have a special curved beak that allows them to dive into the ocean and gather several fish at the same time.
















The low tide also allowed for some amatuer spelunking!

















At evening time yesterday, we came upon a gentelman who was prepring to hang glide. It was amazing to watch!

Watching a minister in action

I watched a good minister in action tonight. The kids love her and she has an ability to make them behave and learn without being too harsh. (Reminds me of her mother).

Time with some good men

I couldn't understand why my preparation for this retreat was so strange. Instead of preparng a series of new messages, I was compelled to do a set of talks of keeping our points of references in right places. This was geared for mature men who have already made important decisions about their walk with Christ.
I had never met the men and had no idea what they would be like.
They were mature godly men - the Lord knew.
Many shared that this time was exactly what they needed. They are trying to live godly lives and deal with the pressures of men, father, dads etc. So many of them were tired and needing a fresh time with the Lord. I led them in individual times of devotion, prayer and allowing time for reflecting on Scriptures.
It was a great time!
The campground was along the Snake River (Washington on one side and Idaho on the other). The valley is deeper than the Grand Canyon. I saw deer, turkey and elk.
I plan to go back to this area for a time of solitude.
Next few days will be a daddy-do list for Melissa - good thing Chuck is along with me!
I will do a team-building workshop with the church staff on Wednesday.