Many people ask me “How’s your sabbatical going?” I often pause before I answer. I do this because I think the same words may convey different questions. Some people ask out of politeness. Some seek a more in-depth answer. Some ask because they genuinely wonder, “What does one do on a sabbatical?” It’s sort of […]
Author Archive > e
The Toughest Job in the World
The most common response I received about my post yesterday (from my wife) was about how my experiences compare with this article. Before I share that, I’d like to offer perspective on this question: is being a pastor the toughest job in the world? I agree that each job has it’s unique set of challenges […]
Free Kindle book
A missionary friend of mine recommended a book to me called “Speaking of Jesus: the art of not-evangelism.” It’s free for a limited time as a Kindle download.
To Understand a Pastor
This is a typical article on some challenges in pastoral ministry. I am not endorsing the article, nor am I making comparisons with my own experience as a pastor. But if you want a pastor’s perspective, this may help. More interesting than the article itself are the comments that follow in the discussion. They exemplify […]
Has she left him yet?
Several months ago, I sat in Starbucks doing my work. I could not help but overhear a conversation at the table next to me. The first person shared about a mutual friend they had whose husband became an alcoholic. At one point both people wondered aloud, “Has she left him yet? No? Why not?” I […]
Saving Cross
One of my sons took the idea of the saving cross to new theological places yesterday during Sunday School. Behold, the saving cross! Happy Easter.
No-plans Saturdays
It’s Saturday, and we didn’t make any plans. Before my sabbatical, I would have felt irresponsible as a husband and father to not maximize a precious Saturday for my family. I would have tried to plan a road trip. Visit a museum. Spend time with friends. I’d have done something to “make the most” of […]
Family Worship
On Sunday we attended a church in Medford. I’m on sabbatical so I wanted to visit a few churches while I have opportunity. We visited the great folks at Redemption Hill Church. Our two older kids sat through worship with us. It was one of the first times my kids sat next to me during […]
2 down, 1 to go
We’re thankful for the first ever middle school Winter Teen Conference. Although I am now on antibiotics for my own case of strep throat, it was a great weekend. Um, so the only one in our family that hasn’t been treated for strep is Karen. Maybe you could pray for her. Thanks!
Lausanne Day 3 – sick in bed, Asian Americans
Thanks for reading, And, if you please, for praying for me. Here’s my update for day three. (Wow, that rhymes. Hee hee.) Today, our morning plenary sessions were on Ephesians chapter 2, how God took those who were far off and brought them near in Christ. Our thematic session was aptly on reconciliation, a powerful […]
