While I am briefly out of my media silence and at Starbucks posting my most recent installment from the trip, I thought I would take a moment to make a live installment. No. I did not make a typo in my title for those of you already picking at this post. Give me a minute and I will make it work.
This week has been absolutely wonderful. The weather in Wisconsin has been relatively comfortable and mild in comparison to Texas. The hottest day got up into the upper 80s and was very humid. Otherwise it has been very comfortable and pleasant in the 70s…you are hating me already, aren’t you?
What has been really wonderful has been the freedom from the distractions and infringements on my time with God and with LeAnn. The media fast is not easy for us, but has brought a renewed awareness of quiet time with God and one another. Yes, we missed the finale of The Bachelorette and some of the news and events of the week, but in place of these usually necessary parts of our days we have experienced some amazing experiences of God. We both have promised one another to make this quiet time a more prevalent part of our days when we return home.
While we have been at Cedarly, we have read more than we have in the past 6 months. We have watched all types of birds feeding at the many feeders around the property. We watched a fox scatter the squirrels and chipmunks that were gleaning below the bird feeder in an attempt to feed her young. This morning we saw a wild turkey and her 6 chicks feed outside the window, not ten yards away. LeAnn and I have hiked, talked, played, dreamed, and communed with God and one another.
This live post is an announcement to those we love who are following our trip that we are truly alive and well. In many ways, it is the most alive I have felt in some time. I sit here with new energy, new excitement, new perspective, and new hope in the things God has in store for us at Holy Covenant.
One of the books I have read was an advance copy of the book we will be using for our churchwide study, Three Simple Rules. It is an easy read with thought-provoking insight into the profound impact that following these three rules can have on our lives and our relationship with God and one another. I am excited to have the opportunity to preach and teach some of the insights I have experienced in reflecting on this book for myself. I hope you will take the time to read it and encounter it for yourselves.
Well, that is enough for now. We feel your love and prayers all the way in Wisconsin…aye! Please pray for the rest of our week together, for LeAnn’s flight back to Houston this weekend, and for my continued road trip/sabbatical journey. I rejoice to share that I am alive in Christ and ready to follow faithfully where God leads me.
Grace and peace!
