August 7th - Day 2 of Sabbatical

Well, here we go.  My first ever sabbatical.  I'm embarking on a journey of rest.    

I feel stirred and excited for what's ahead.  I'm anticipating He will surprise me with His affection, affirmation and kindnesses from many directions throughout this season of time...that He will refresh me with His very self.  He's already been extravagant in so many ways...by granting this time, providing places to stay and laying out a schedule and flow that I think will be super life-giving.  

Here's a bit about how this time will roll:

• Weeks 1-2 Disengagement & Reflection: reflective on the last decade of life/ministry... review & evaluate 
• Weeks 2-4 Creative Space: listening
• Weeks 5-6 Forward praying/dreaming/planning/thinking

Each day will generally be broken into a 3 part day:

• 1/3 extended time with the Lord
• 1/3 study
• 1/3 fun

I probably won't post every day, though I am planning to do some reflective writing as well as attempting to capture major themes of things that I'll be reading throughout the time.  We'll see what happens and what makes it to the blog! 

------------

I discovered a few things yesterday while spending time with Him that have confirmed His orchestration of all this.  Jehovah Sneaky is at it again.  (I love it when He does that!)  Here's a bit about what the Holy Spirit unveiled which has overwhelmed me with His sovereign tender care:

• August 6th - Curiosity Lands on Mars:  I love it that the first day of my sabbatical is the day that the NASA rover Curiosity landed on Mars!!  It's taken months to get there (8, I think) and it landed on the first day of my sabbatical to explore Mars for the next two years.  How cool is that?  So Curiosity is embarking on her journey of exploring Mars and I'm embarking on my journey of exploring what God's done, what He's doing and where He's taking me.  I'm curious! :)
• My 42nd birthday is SMACK in the middle of my sabbatical...to the day.  I'm in a sabbath year (Biblically they occur every 7 years - read about it, super cool...especially if we respond to His word!) and my sabbatical time encompasses my birthday evenly on both sides.  This feels really cool because who else could make that happen so precisely other than Him?!
• I've had the book Seeds of Contemplation Thomas Merton in my Amazon wish list for probably 2 years.  I finally got it right before sabbatical.  Little did I know that another book (The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner) that I planned to read on sabbatical is full of references to Merton's book.  The overlap thematically is a bit overwhelming and awe-inspiring for this little soul.  

Bottom line, far beyond what I see and know and understand of Him, He sees me and knows me and is tenderly caring and providing for me.  He's lined up and prepared so many things outside of me to bless and strengthen me...to reveal His hand...He's surely doing the same within...drawing me deeper into His life and love.  He is always working His  goodness toward us...ever closing in on us to pour out His affection and love on us.  Amen.  Thank You, Father. 

east Africa 2009

They (whoever they are) say 'a picture is worth a thousand words' and I have to agree. So, for the most part in this post I'll simply grant you the opportunity to 'meet' some of the people and sights that make east Africa the uniquely beautiful, God crafted place that it is.


Thank you for sharing in this journey of faith with me...thanks for your prayers. They were powerful, effective and felt. He refreshed areas of my heart through being among people that were soft and responsive to His love. He envisioned me afresh with His great heart of love for the nations and His way with people...both the soft and the hostile. He affirmed that my place in the big scheme of things for this season is in central Texas. And as a restult, I've found hope and anticipation of His goodness renewed and strengthened. I'm blessed and thankful.


He is pouring out His Spirit across the nations. He is healing and transforming lives. We have receive such undeserved favor. He is inviting us to be a part. What an honoring invitation. I'm speechless...quieted by His goodness.

Uganda

Zanzibar

Staff Training 2009

Staff Training has been in motion over the last two weeks. We've just completed our intense value infusion to our 42 new staff members. It's a joy and delight to see these students complete their training and move on to their many places of service. Some will serve locally, while others pioneer new CP work in locations scattered across the planet. About half of the group will add to existing teams.

We covered the following value focused topics: Being a Seeker of Jesus; Authority of the Word; Grace v. Law; Brokenness and Spiritual Authority; Finances; The Local Church; Poverty and Diversity; Evangelism and Discipleship; Working within a Team; The Make or Break of Leadership.

In addition to core values teachings, we provided an abundance of practical training about organizational policies and procedures, and support raising.

New staff shared in our closing session that they were encouraged, strengthened and hopeful as they venture into the next season of their journey with God.