Reflections

We are back and ready to roll. So, today I thought I’d share a few things I’ve been thinking about.

1-Our church is BETTER! Our church isn’t, and should never be all about ME as the Pastor. I love watching from a distance and seeing great things happening in my absence. Great worship, teaching, serving…and more baptisms!

2-I am BETTER (part 1)! A part of our time away is for rest, but I also spend a significant amount of time planning our annual teaching schedule. I work on the different series that we’ll be doing throughout the year. In fact, I have the next 12 months planned out. I do this every Summer. Working ahead gives me (and our teaching team) the lead time to create and craft great messages from God’s Word.

3-I am BETTER (part 2)! People do different things to rest. I like to be active, so biking and hiking are a part of my rest. But I also like a good nap in the middle of the day if I need it. We ended our time with two weeks in San Clemente where we didn’t do much at all and it was good for our family.

4-Other churches were ENCOURAGED! My first three weekends away I was speaking at other churches in Central California. Each of these churches are special to me because of my relationship with the Pastor there (and others on staff). It’s an honor to be invited to speak and I look at this opportunity as an important one. I want to encourage the staff as well as the church family. It truly is an encouragement given because COMMUNITY is such a special place! I feel I have something to offer others because of our church. Thank you!

“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 NLT)