Odd Jobs

I hear a little old guy talking and as I look up from where I am seated on the floor, I smile and adjust my focus onto him. "You must have a really important job," he said. I kind of chuckeled cause I was litterally on the floor and typically jobs that require rolling around on the floor are not considered all that important. "Yesterday, you were working on that isle over there and today you are on this isle," he continued. "Thought I would stop by and say hi."

Besides making me smile and laugh, the man validated this work that I have been doing. I do not necessarily need validating, but it is very nice when it comes.

Over the last few months I have occupied my time with many jobs (both paid and volunteer): removing wood trim off front porch pillars, planting flowers and container gardening, updating the community resource book for Jubilee House, answering the crisis hotline for victims of sexual assualt, cat sitting, substitute Sunday School teaching, administration and communications for Gateway Conference's Leadership Summit, filling the pulpit, and doing merchandizing work at lots of (some near and some far away) small town pharmacies.

Over the last three weeks, my merchandizing job has kept me particularly busy. This month we have been working a very large catagory in each pharmacy. What had been four or six hour visits to each store grew to ten to fifteen hours in each store this month. I'm very grateful for the work and enjoy it for the most part. Overhearing conversations and observing behavior is sort of like doing an informal study on rural culture.

My mind and attitude are shifting a bit. This work may or may not be all that important, but being who I am in the presence of lots of different people is important. Even crawling around a pharmacy floor, cleaning shelves, organizing products, pricing them and visiting with people....could this be a way to carry out my vocation?

Perhaps you could say that the Lord has been convicting me about the subtle ways past and present that I de-value run of the mill "work." I have unintentionally adopted this idea that working in a church, doing some sort of officially sanctioned ministry is a higher form of serving the Lord than all other jobs. Please excuse me for being wrong!!!

The litmus test of all work, whether it be "secular" or "sacred" is whether we do the work intentionally to serve God. The "what" of the work is not as important as the "how" of the work is.

A scripture to meditate on: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

Vocation or Vacation

Two weeks ago when Will and I were in Lansing, MI, we went to see the Lansing Lugnuts play ball. It is a gorgeous stadium and we were able to park, walk to a wonderful restaurant recommended by Bruce Cromwell. The old train depot was converted into a restaurant called "Clara's". The food was very good and our server was fantastic, not to mention that we were seated up a steep flight of stairs and every time we asked for a beverage refill, he would have to run the stairs. He was in excellent physical condition, clearly, because he was never panting or sweating and remained very cheery through our whole visit.

At the ball game, we found our seats very near the foul post on the first base side of the ball park. Good seats. As we watched the game, I couldn't help but notice that the whole bunch of people around us acted like they knew one another. It was very puzzling! Perhaps we had gotten put in with a group from some kids summer program or a family reunion, I thought.

Soon enough it would become clear what was going on. The announcer was announcing all the special groups that were at the game that night. He said, "we welcome the Knights of Columbus as they come here to support vacations." WOW!!! I didn't know that the Knights of Columbus took such a firm stance in favor of vacations. Myself being very fond of vacations, I thought, oh, how wonderful!! But the reaction of those around me which included a priest was not so pleasant. They said "I cannot believe that he said supporting vacations and not vocations." The lady right next to me said "he cannot even pronounce our bishops name, what is wrong with him?!"

It so happens that we had picked to go to a lugnuts game on the night when the Knights of Columbus was promoting their year long campaign "Year of the Priest." There were tons of priests at the game and at one point, the announcers said, now everybody stand as the "sisters and seminarians" throw out free t-shirts donated by the Knights of Columbus. I stood and yelled my loudest in order to get a t-shirt. I was not successful, though constantly thinking how cool it would be to belted in the head with a t-shirt thrown by a sister with a good arm. I also had the urge to engage one of these priests or seminarians in some theological conversation but I was not able to find one that was not already engaged in some conversation. There was a table with all sorts of literature about the Roman Catholic Church. There was also a booth that seemed to be promoting the priesthood. (Perhaps you should visit the web site of Knights of Columbus and see all of this for yourself at www.kofc.org) I found it odd that they would present it in the same fashion the folks from mastercard do...."come here and see how you can get this thing for free."

As this has been one of the questions that has been bouncing around in my mind over the last few months: "What is vocation?" "Are those who are called to full-time Christian service the ones who have a vocation?" or is it as Dallas Willard once said: "All of us who have heard Jesus invitation to follow and have accepted have simply one vocation: following Jesus!!" He also advocates for those who are occupied doing another job along with doing some sort of ministry should not be called "bi-vocational" rather "tent-makers." What is the meaning of vocation? And does it have any similarity to the other word that so easily swapped with it: "vacation?"

Hiking the "Little Grand Canyon"

A few weeks ago, Will and I didn't have anything scheduled one Saturday so I decided that we would go hiking. We have had this book "Fifty Nature Walks of South Illinois" and had yet to go on any of them. As you may know, I have been getting in excellent shape and wanted to pick something that would be a bit challenging.

We gathered up stuff for lunch and lots of drinks. Basil was outfitted with leash and I attached her treat bag to my pocket. We left home around 8am and traveled south on SH 127 through Murphysboro. We followed the direction in the book and after only a couple minutes of confusion, we arrived at the trail head.

Here is what the copy from wildernet says about the hike: "A 3.6-mile loop trail that has drastic changes in elevation – from 350 to 700 feet at the trail head. In one ¼-mile section the trail rises 300 to 400 feet. The trail follows rocky creek beds, winds next to sheer, majestic bluffs. From the higher elevations there are panoramic views of the canyon, the Big Muddy River bottoms and Fountain Bluff. Interpretive signs explain the geological history."

The part that this copy leaves out is the devastating affect that the inland hurricane of May 5th had on this area. The trail was blocked with down trees. Some trees were not merely down, they had been uprooted. These were large, perhaps 150 year old, 8" in diameter trees. It was sad to see. And it also put us in a sticky situation. After descending the mossy rock creek beds to get to the bottom of the canyon, it seemed most desirable to actually complete the trail verses going back up those mossy rocks.

Basil did absolutely marvelous and constantly wanted to go under down trees instead of over them as her human parents preferred. We navigated through the woods, off the trail, walking along the rock bluffs, and rejoined the trail. We left the trail and rejoined it several times!

A couple of amazing things happened that day. We made it out alive!!!! The other amazing element came in the form of a person: Dan, the plant man. There was a moment when we were first realizing that we were in serious trouble, he suddenly appeared. During our conversation with him, we find out that he is a professor at a university nearby and that his specialty is ferns. Not only that, but he has lead dozens of groups of students on this hike throughout the years. He knows these woods. He helps us get through and then he disappears. No joke, we look up at one point and he is gone. It was very weird! As we were reporting the story to another couple who asked "where our friend went." Will responded, "well he might have been an angel or a ghost because he just disappeared."

We had a great day! The following Sunday, I told part of the story as a sermon illustration (YES, I filled the pulpit and I will blog more about this later). Exiting church, there was a man who grew up very near the little grand canyon and he was very familiar with it. He said: "WOW, you picked that trail as your first from that book and that is probably the most challenging!"

Sitting together at the feet of the Master

One of the "masters" that I have recently had the pleasure of sitting with is Eugene Peterson. He is humble and kind and yet very passionate about pointing to THE MASTER, Jesus. One of the wonderful things he said during our conversation after breakfast was: "schism is the enemy of the church" (He actually said that the reformers such as Calvin and Luther did some stuff right and yet they did a lot of harm to the church as well)

While reading the words of Wesley, I again come upon a great exhortation to the church to stop bickering and set aside petty differences for the sake of the Master. (Notes, paragraph 9 p.5) "Would to God that all the party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms, which have divided the Christian world, were forgot; and that we might agree to sit down together, as humble, loving disciples, at the feet of our common Master, to hear his word, to imbibe his Spirit, and to transcribe his life in our own"

"An Earnest Appeal to Men of Reason and Religion" from the Works of John Wesley (1743)

A skeptic inquires of John Wesley

He asks: "I hear....you preach to a great number of people every night and morning. Pray, what would you do with them? Whither would you lead them? What religion do you preach? What is it good for?"

Wesley replied: "I do preach to as mny as desire to hear every night and morning.

You ask what I would do with them: I would make them virtuous and happy, easy in themselves and useful to others.

Wither would I lead them? To heaven; to God the judge, the lover of all, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant.

What religion do I preach? The religion of love; the law of kindness brought to light by the Gospel.

What is it good for? To make all who receive it enjoy God and themselves: to make them like God; lovers of all; content in their lives; and crying out at their death, in calm assurance 'O grave, where is thy victory! Thanks be unto God, who giveth me the victory, through my Lord Jesus Christ."

Renovare Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation

This October I will begin what Renovare is calling "a two-year experience of becoming like Jesus." As much as this sort of thing might be "programmed," it will include four one week intensive learning times over the span of two years in Menlo Park, CA. Among the teachers are: Dallas Willard, Todd Hunter, John Ortberg, Trevor Hudson, and Emilie Griffin.

The term "spiritual formation" has become sort of in vogue. It is often stripped from the context of "Christ-Focused" and used generically for the spiritual quest of human beings. Yet, at the core, we know that there is no real formation or transformation outside the way of Jesus. We do not follow some generic, vague spiritual quest. We follow Jesus. Jesus, as we discover in the Gospels, lived a very specific and human life. He also emptied himself for us. When we follow Jesus, we trust that His life will be planted in us and grow.

There is nothing that could be better than becoming like Jesus. This kind of language should not seem strange to those who are familiar with John Wesley. Holiness is defined as love of God and love of others. This is the life that we are created for, this is the reason for Jesus life and death, being transformed from the inside-out!

I'm going to put all the "God-talk" on pause and get real with you. I am currently not appointed to a church. After fourteen years of ministry, I found myself run down, frustrated, and very disappointed with the current state of church. Not only that, but I was frustrated with myself as a follower of Jesus and as a pastor. Though some would automatically assume that by me saying this, I am saying that I suffered some sort of "moral" failure or that I was burnt out. Neither of these are true.

I simply realized that I didn't seem to be able to lead a church without losing my own soul. I'm not exactly sure why it is, it just is! It may only be temporary and yet, it may not be. I'm not sure if/when I will return to functioning as a pastor. There are moments when this makes me incredibly sad. Yet, one thing I am very sure of is that I want, more intensely than ever before, to follow Jesus. I want to listen to His voice, to be transformed by Him into His likeness, to love Him more and to love others better.

It is not as though I think that some program is going to "magically" make me like Jesus. That would be unrealistic and perhaps idolatry. There are no formulas for things of the soul. There are no quick fixes or syrupy concoctions to take. There is not a pill you can buy at your local pharmacy or book you can purchase at your local Christian bookstore. There is simply a way that you choose to follow, like putting one foot in front of the other, with the coaching and strength of the One (Jesus) who leads and also stands beside you, and breaths His breath into your lungs.

I hope and trust that those who read my blog are praying for me. You are trusted friends and I do intend to post some-what regularly here as I engage in this institute. Check out www.renovare.us

"It aint all Preachin' and Prayin'"

A Tribute to Rev. Robert Thomson

I received news via the TCU Magazine that one of my beloved mentors/pastors/friends died. Rev. Robert Thomson pastored Hemphill Presbyterian Church for almost 10 years, even as he was in his 80's. The story as I heard it was that the powers that be couldn't find a pastor who wanted to serve a church in the urban core with an aging and declining membership. So, he entered the ministry out of retirement and served well there for many years. This is where (and when) we met. I responded to an add on the bulletin board at Brite Divinity School. It was a "bright" (excuse the pun) pink or green color with the bold title "urban missionary needed!" I immediately felt drawn to it and only a few days later was meeting with Pastor Bob and a couple others from Hemphill around a table. I told them of my passion for reaching urban people and my previous experience in the ministry. Pastor Bob was so precious, walking with a cane, sweet and soft spoken at times, but when he got "fire in his belly" either regarding revitalizing the church or the Word of God, he would turn beet red. His big hands would make big gestures while preaching. He really believed that following Jesus was costly and preached that. As a hotty seminarian I remember thinking that he preached the Matthew 16:13-26 way too much. Looking back, of coarse, I realize how stupid I was. Pastor Bob had it right. The essence of the Gospel is following Jesus (just as Pastor Bob did), denying oneself, taking up the cross! "For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it!" That is what Jesus said. In that firey Pastor Bob way, I can still hear this text ringing in my ears.

Pastor Bob was also a student at Brite at this time. At age 85, he earned a D.Min. in preaching. His passion, his focus, his compassion inspired everyone! Including me. He thought that it would be cool to be preaching when he died. To my knowledge this is not how he went, but on October 5, 2008, he died. I will miss him and appreciate more than words can express his love for his Lord and the church.

Pastor Bob was my supervisor and I know that at time I must have stressed him out. At times he and I butted heads and battled a number of times. Now, looking back, I am grateful that he didn't smack me upside the head a couple times. He was so gracious and knew that the church was a place to give and forgive, an organism that all at once desperately needed to change and desperately resisted change, a living, breathing people of God who could love one another even in the midst of strife. Even in our own push and pull, we remained friends.

One final thought, as we met over breakfast and coffee at the Paris Cafe in Ft. Worth (usually with Mike Cooley also), we would discuss life, the church, ministry within it. He used to love to say, "oh well, Roberta, it ain't all preachin' and prayin'" It's true. Ministry in the church is NOT all preachin and prayin.

He was a beloved mentor/pastor/friend. So, I am lifting my coffee cup to you, Pastor Bob, in this tribute. The pleasure was all mine.

(**excuse the picture also, cause it is fuzzy. It is a picture of a picture from ten years ago**)

Psalm 4

"Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

How long, you people, shall my honour suffer shame?
How long will you love vain works and seek after lies?
But know that the Lord has set apart the fiathful for himself;
the Lord hears when I call to him.

When you are disturbed, do not sin;
Ponder it on your beds, and be silent.
Offer right sacrifices,
And put your turst in the Lord.

There are many who say, 'O that we might see some good!'
Let the light of your face shin on us, O Lord'

You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their grains and wine abound.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord,
make me lie down in safety."

**Questions to ponder**

Is it easier, more natural or understandable to sin when you are disturbed?

This Psalm has both singular and plural pronouns, meaning that it was writen to be used in public worship and in private/family devotional times. Think about a time when a group of people (corporate) suffered shame? Think about a time when you personally or your family undwent something "shameful." Did this experience drive you into the arms of God?

It is natural for us to try to make sense out of our tragedies. It was no different for the one who wrote this Psalm. William Willimon says that this question "what is God doing in this situation" is what we are taught to ask as Christians and it is generally what we should ask (God) ourselves. Yet, sometimes there is no good answer to the great "WHY" question.

Is there comfort in this Psalm for those unanswered WHY questions? What does the Psalmist do with those questions?

A couple thoughts about my trip to New Mexico

Being with my mom after her surgery was very interesting. The nurse in the post-op room told her directly, "YOU are not the boss!!" Pointing to me she says, "SHE is the boss!!" The jolt of happiness that ran through my blood is yet another piece of evidence proving that I prefer being in control. As I have mentioned here before, I am a recovering control freak...at least I know I have a problem!?

My mom hated that I was the boss and she is such a control freak that she would often catch herself in the middle of a bossy comment and say "yeah, I know I'm telling you what to do and you are suppose to be the boss, but I'm used to being the boss." I would also frequently catch her doing something that was off limits or highly questionable without supervision and she would get that look on her face like a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar. It was at times very annoying and delightful. I was very patient most of time and only had a few moments when I thought I might crack.

Her shoulder is fine. The surgeon was not able to repair her tendon around the rotator cuff like he had hoped cause it was too far gone. He cleaned up a lot of scar tissue and filed down a bone spur. She is very dedicated to recovering and is doing her physical therapy religiously. For those of you who were praying for her, THANKS!!!!

Along the way, I did finish 3 more books. I am reconsidering the goal of 90 books. I wanted to challenge myself and yet, I might have shot the moon. I may re-adjust the goal to be 90- 100 page books. For instance, the book that I most recently completed is not a thin, just for fun read, John Stott's Incomparable Christ (250 pages). It is just simply not right to commit to reading 90 such books. I could also adapt it to reading only children's books, but that would altogether defeat the purpose of this that being a challenge and enjoyable all at the same time. So, if you have any objection about me adjusting my count accordingly, please write me a comment and I will take it under advisement.

Trip to New Mexico

On Wednesday, April 1 (yes, April Fools Day) I will be going to ABQ, New Mexico to be with my mom after she has surgery. She is having her rotator cuff replaced and will not be able to drive and will need some tending as she recovers. I'm looking forward to this time with her and with the rest of my family. My brother Bill just bought a Harley-Davidson, so maybe he will take me for a ride. His son, my nefew Tristan will be celebrating his 7th birthday while I am there. On Friday, April 10 (opening day for the Royals-against the Yankees-what is that about) is also Good Friday and not having my whole life centered around the suffering and death (and the church's re-enacting and embodying)of Jesus seems odd. I think that my sister Becky is getting us tickets to see the Alb. Isotopes. Then on Saturday I will take a plane to OKC and meet Will. We will celebrate Easter with his family in OKC. I've very excited about all of this. It will be good to get away and enjoy family.

90 books in 2009

A Japanese paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals;
He provides me with images of stillness,
Which restore my serenity.
He leasds me in the way of efficiency
through calmness of mind and His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day.
I will not fret
For His presence is here
His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment, His all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of activity
by annointing my mind with His oils of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours.
I shall walk in the pace of our Lord and dwell in His house forever.

A Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or FESTER like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or CRUST and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

Is being angry a sin?

You may remember a family member or parent with a raised hand, a clinched fist, a slammed door, crossing arms, flaring nostrils, a cutting remark, or a blank stare. These are destructive expressions of anger. These may cause a knee-jerk answer “yes” to the question: “is being angry a sin?” Without pausing to really consider it, we may automatically assume that anger is a sin. Anger caused all of this destruction and therefore, it must be a sin. Anger destroys relationships, marriages, families, churches and communities.

This is all very natural to think and feel, yet it is only partly true. Anger is a normal response. It is an emotional response to something that seems to threaten us. A switch is flipped inside of us alerting us to some danger. It is a sign that something is wrong.

A friend of mine tells a story about becoming angry with interruptions. He is a writer and just as he gets into the rhythm of his writing, inevitably the phone rings and it is a telemarketer. This phone call flips a switch inside him. He becomes angry. There are a number of reasons that this phone call could cause anger. Perhaps, he sees it as a threat because he is anxious about his writing, insecure, scared of failure, and the constant interruptions remind him of the question that taunts him: “what will happen if this book is not a success?”

Anger is understandable and natural. It is really all right to be angry. Scripture makes it clear that even God gets angry. Jesus was angry more than a few times. Perhaps, the most familiar incident was when he overturned the tables in the courts of the temple.

Being angry is not a sin; yet staying angry is a sin. Scripture calls this bitterness or resentment. Being angry is not a sin, yet, destroying relationships through words and actions is sin. Being angry is not a sin, but succumbing to fits of rage is a sin. Scripture calls this being quick-tempered or lacking self-control.

In Ephesians 4:26-27 it says (The Message): “Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.”

In fact, there are so many things that should make us angry: abandoned and abused children, corporate executives that beg for bailout money while flying around the country in private jets, untrue slander spoken about a friend, receiving notice that you will no longer have a job, vandalism, rape, poverty. We should all be angry about these social ills that threaten our community. We should be angry and that anger should fuel us with courage to speak up, to advocate for others, to offer a helping hand or a listening ear to those who are affected.

The next time you feel anger well up inside of you, prayerful ask God to help you figure out who, what, how it happened. Consider whether the threat real or imagined. Consider a good and appropriate response. Consider how you can cope with and express your anger as to help and not destroy other people.


(this is my article for the Ministers Forum, Leader Union, to be published this Wednesday, March 4)

One of the best sources on this subject is "The Angry Christian" by Andrew D. Lester. He is an American Baptist and former professor of Pastoral Care at Brite Divinity School. Check out my "library thing" on the side of my blog for copyright info.

Another question to follow up on the topic: how does someone in my position write about the constructive and destructive expressions of anger and not appear "angry?" I would love to hear comments about whether I seemed angry in this article. I am craving constructive critisism, so please, whatever you got, share!

How the "Others" live?

Our sister trip was so much fun. Becky and I both flew to Phoenix where we rented a car and immediately drove to San Diego, CA. The first night we stayed at Mission Bay Hyatt and we were absolutely speechless at the view and our little balcony that let us enjoy our morning coffee out in the cool air. (by the way, the Starbucks coffee was delivered to our room) The fitness center was awesome, looking out at the ocean. Boats were docked there and it made me wonder what it was like to actually live life like this all the time. I wondered if the folks that enjoyed this view day in and day out get so used to it that the beauty was not really enjoyed. Do they ever get to the point where they do not pause, inhale the cool ocean air, and appreciate the enourmous beauty that is right at their fingur tips?

We couldn't have imagined how georgous the room or the view of the ocean could be more beautiful, but our second night was spent downtown San Diego near the convention center at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. WOW!!! I have never seen, much less stayed in such a place. It was straight out of "lifestyles of the rich and famous!!!" But it was not happening to them, now, it was happening to us. And who are we, but a couple poor girls from New Mexico, who grew up in a double wide trailor and were convinced that we had it pretty well. This dinning room was part of our suite, we had wine and cheese delivered to our room, we had three restroom, marble floors, all we could drink Starbucks coffee, and our suite allowed us three different views of the bay, ocean, water, downtown!





While visiting a resort in Scottsdale, AZ, my sister, a friend and I made reservations at Rosie's. It was a casual, yet beautifully decorated establishment. A hostess welcomed us and showed us to our table. We were greeted by several hospitable servers. Each of them seemed to take extra time engaging us in conversation and asking us how they could serve us. For instance, we ordered guacamole (table side) and a young man named Jim introduced himself and showed us all the makings for guacamole. He was charming and polite. We laughed together and talked as he made guacamole at our table. Another server approached and said, "Jim, they may want to eat their guacamole before next year. Let me show you how this is done since obviously you are more interested in talking than in getting their appitizer done." So he also engaged us in conversation and challenged us to try habenero peppers since we had commented that we really liked spicy food. Both of the servers worked together and Jim didn't seem to mind the humor and help of the other server. We were enjoying our experience so much that another one of the servers came and joined us for a laugh. The servers went over and beyond the call of duty and their attitude and work made this dinner an extra special experience. The food was excellent and the overall experience would be hard to top.

A Hymn by by John Whittier

O Sabbath rest of Galilee!
O calm of hills above,
Where Jesus knelt to share with thee
The silence of eternity
Interpreted with love.
Drop your still dews of quietness
Till all our strivings ease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress,
And let our ordered lives confess
They beauty of your peace.

Valley View Inn, New Bedford, Ohio

About six years ago, I became acquainted with a wonderful thing called Pastors Retreat Network. I was desperately desiring some rest and renewal. It was not a vacation that I needed or just a few days away from the demands of ministry. I was tired, but more than anything I wanted to spend time with God. Through a friend or two who had told me about PRN, I went to the website (www.pastorsretreatnetwork.org) and discovered what almost seemed too good to be true. They actually provide a five day retreat for full-time pastors....FREE! The accommodations, food and hospitality are top notch. The two that I have been to: Valley View Inn in Ohio and Cedarly in Wisconsin are surrounded with such natural beauty that spending time outdoors *even in the winter* is a must.

Here is a little bit of what the website says:

But one thing is more important still—maintaining a right relationship with God.

Our five-day retreats are designed to help you do just that.

The experience will profoundly affect your life and ministry—by changing your heart and helping you regain your perspective.

Imagine the renewal and refreshment you will gain as you:

Rest, without having to keep an eye on the clock
Spend time in prayer and Scripture reading
Take a walk and let God speak to you
Enjoy a meal with your hosts and fellow retreat guests
Read a good book
Nap, talk, play, meditate, or simply enjoy the view
Contemplate, journal or discuss the day’s experiences
Enjoy a “date” with your spouse
Grab a new friend and explore the community
Our retreats enable you to enjoy relaxation, solitude and contemplation. But we also appreciate God’s creativity and humor. Laughter abounds and often serves as the release necessary for a deeper experience with God and others.

Step away from the demands of your calling and step into a special place where you can more clearly feel God’s presence and respond to His call.

This time, Will was able to go with me. As you notice in the pictures, we were snowed in and had a wonderful time reconnecting with God and with one another. Now, I do plan on sharing a few more things from our time away here on my blog, so stay tuned.

However, if you are a pastor, go right now to the website and select a time in the next few months that you can devote to your first love and the reason you became a pastor.

Making History!

What a great speech! A few things that I have been thinking about: 1. regardless of whether you voted for Obama, he is now our president. 2. We should pray for him and all governing officials. 3. The time is ripe for change and change is what we got.

Quotes of interest to me: "The world has changed and we must change with it."

"patchwork heritage is our strength"

"entering a new era of responsibility, cease it gladly, not grudgingly"

"less than 60 years ago my father would not have been welcomed in resturants not far from here, and now I am standing here..."

Would love to dialogue with any and all.....

A bit from "Letter from Birmingam City Jail" by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here are some words from King that have resonated with me for years, perhaps since I first felt a deep disappointment with the church. It has been 11 years. On the newly celebrated MLK holiday in 1998 I decided to pick up and read "A Testament of Hope" (the Essential writings and speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.). I read it just about cover to cover and could not put it down. His courage to choose the way of Jesus and to preach love in the midst of being jailed, stabbed, threatened, and the like gave me great courage to do the same. This was one of the most difficult periods of my ministry. The church was causing me great disappointment and I found in King a friend on the journey.

"But despite these notable exceptions I must honestly reiterate that I have been disappointed with the church. I do not say that as one of the negative critics who can always find something wrong with the church. I say it as a minister of the gospel, who loves the church; who was nurtured in its bosom; who has been sustained by its spiritual blessings and who will remain true to it as long as the cord of life shall lengthen...So here we are moving toward the exit of the twentieth century with a religious community largely adjusted to the status quo, standing as a taillight behind other community agencies rather than a headlight leading men to higher level of justice...Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep disappointment, I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. Yes, I love the church; I love her sacred walls. How could I do otherwise? I am in the rather unique position of being the son, and the grandson and the great grandson of preachers. Yes, I see the church as the body of Christ. But, OH! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and fear of being nonconformists. There was a time when the church was very powerful. It was during that period when the early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the churches were not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society...If the church of today does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authentic ring, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century."

On-line friends and such

Today (Monday) should be my off day. I did not and have not been sleeping much at night. I am sure that my friend Joe would tell me that it is because I am not trusting God. Well, he may be right! I am praying-"casting," but haven't really left some matters securely in God's hands. He says that we sometimes think of casting like casting a reel in fishing. We cast and then draw it back and cast again. He says that THAT is what I do. I'm trying! I'm crying, doing all the things that have brought me a breakthrough in the past, but nothing for now.

Joe is a perfect example of one of these guys that is connected to everyone. He has been a confidant to me over the last couple years. I think he is to lots of people. I wonder if he has anyone to confide in?

He is in his 50's and is on the cusp of societal change. Even though I and others have encouraged him to join on-line social networks such as facebook, he has resisted as of yet. Perhaps he knows that as "facebook friends and social networking are not adequate substitutes for authentic friends" (L. Gregory Jones)

Can we have authentic friendships on-line? Can we find support and encouragement via wires and signals and images? Is on-line social networking creating a next generation who cannot build, sustain and deepen authentic friendships?

Here is a little bit more of an article by L. Gregory Jones (Dean of Duke Divinity School): "We long for relationships with people who know us so well that their lives impact and influence ours. Young people love the high-tech world of multi-tasking and interactive media, but like the rest of us, they long for personal intimacy...A sociological study found that between 1985 and 2004 the average American's number of close confidants declined from three to two, and that those reporting "no close confidants" jumped from 10 to 25 percent...Why does a lack of confidants matter? We are created for relationships, and we long for support and encouragement from those who know us well....confidants sometimes know us better than we know ourselves. They can and do check our propensity for self-deception. They challenge us, support us and encourage us to dream even when we have given up. Even when they call us to account, we are confident that they are doing so with our intersts at heart. Duke's Pulpit and Pew project uncovered a significant amount of self-reported loneliness and isolation among American clergy...This loneliness ought to sound alarms among those institutions and people charged to support and encourage congregations and clergy. If there is any place in American culture that ought to encourage deep and lasting friendships, it's the church, and our pastors ought to be catalysts who nurture others' friendships. Can churches be vehicles for both extending social networks and deepening friendships, for laity and clergy alike?"

Such great questions and such great observations. I'm going to post this and write more about this later. I'm getting tired. Maybe I will sleep?