Retreating

I have been blessed by an opportunity to get away. At times we don't realize what an amazing blessing this truly is. Often in Scripture, Jesus goes away by himself to be closer to God, to recharge his battery, to be in communion with God. He encourages his disciples to do the same...to go off by themselves a little while. I am finding this trip a fascinating one. Although not entirely in my comfort zone. I am opening up more than I'm used to. Both to God and these random, previous strangers.

I see the need for some positive steps forward in my personal life, my professional life and my spiritual life. I guess getting away gives us time to take a deep look into who we are and where God is pushing us to go.

This is a necessary process in my life...albeit one that goes unchecked for too long. Opening ourselves to God exposes even the not so pretty parts of ourselves. But isn't it wonderful that God loves us still? I wonder what God has in store for me next?

A Diehard

I love the Steelers! We did the trick or treating and put the kids to bed all with the thought that it had to be done by 8:30 gametime. Does that make me a bad guy? I hope not. But it does get me thinking about my priorities. I am certainly a diehard Steeler fan. But I am also a diehard Dad, a diehard husband and a diehard preacher.

I have often wondered what if the people of this community were as passionate about their church as the are about their football team. What if we had that kind of enthusiasm rolling around? Don't get me wrong, Parkwood has a tendency to get excited about some things. But does it compare with Steeler hysteria? Maybe that is only wishful thinking. Most of my diehard Steeler friends would never miss watching the game. Wouldn't it be great to think people couldn't miss coming to church every week?

Wish I had more time to write but the Steelers almost ran a punt back...I just can't miss it!

Sabbath Time

I am working hard so I can get some sabbath. Does that make any sense? Many of us are working away to prepare for the E-vent in the life of Parkwood Church. The E-vent is a 6 week "sabbath" where we take a break from the fast pace life of the church and put our focus on deepening our relationship with God.

I am really excited about what God is going to do here at Parkwood. About 150 people will be meeting in small groups, talking about faith and most importantly talking to God. Too often we neglect prayer in our lives. And when we do, I am certain that God misses us! And I know that when my prayer life suffers other things in my life does as well.

It is time to rest in the Lord! I hope these next 6 weeks will be a restful and renewing time in your life. I will be praying for the church, my family, my friends and so much more. Do me a favor...pray for Parkwood Church, the Unbinding the Gospel Project, the E-vent and this pastor who could use all your prayers.

May God Bless You today!

Labor Day

When they say Labor day...they aren't kidding around! I labored in my back yard for a good 12 hours today. As I was making my travels from Home Depot to Lowes, I found out many others were using this vacation day for some good old fashioned home improvement as well.

Before you shed a tear for me, you should know that I loved every minute of my labor. We are building a fire pit (or as my wife calls it, an "outdoor living space"). And it has truly been a family affair. Gina and I don't do a whole bunch of projects together. She has her skills, I have mine. It is kind of refreshing to do something we love together. We work and get to sit back and see it take shape. Our creation is going to be a place to spend quality time with family and friends. It doesn't get any better than that!

Ready for Fall

It has been a wonderful summer...hot and packed with family activities. I have loved it! But, I am ready for the fall to come...especially here at the church. I am starting to feel a lot of excitement building around life at the church. It is good to feel that because as most "church people" know, attendance takes a drop in the summer months. I am not sure I have been this excited for fall church life in some time. We are participating in the Unbinding the Gospel project. The last few weeks we have been trying to inform the church family about what it is and what it isn't. The name itself Unbinding the Gospel can sound intimidating. I am so glad that it isn't!
What is it? It is a 6 week walk to a deeper relationship with God.

How? We join a small group and meet once a week for an hour.

What do we do? We read a chapter from Unbinding Your Heart, do a prayer journal, participate in a discussion and, most importantly, pray!

Who is invited? You name them...everyone is invited...member, visitor, neighbor...whoever. Our prayer is to have 170 people involved. It is a lofty goal, but I believe God is going to do something amazing!

When is it? Sign ups start on September 12th and groups start meeting the weekend of October 8th.


If I know anything (many friends will question how much I do), is that God does amazing things when we are faithful. I have no idea what will happen these next few months. What I do know is that this project has already charged my battery and deepened my relationship with God.

Anyone else up for some recharging....I know where you can get plugged in!

A New Experience

Here we go...the first blog of my life. Thought it might be interesting to throw some of my thoughts out there...you might not think they are so interesting but maybe it will be therapeutic for me!