Dear Friends in Christ, It has been my practice the last several years to take a brief study leave prior to Lent. Sherre and I go away to a remote spot and spend time reading, reflecting, writing, sermonizing, praying and walking. Dr. Davis Chappell
It's a discipline that Jesus practiced. He often withdrew to lonely places where he prayed.
The longer I serve in this vocation the more I realize that working for God is no substitute for spending time time with God. This is the better portion. Sitting at the feet of Jesus empowers us to serve by His side. I am grateful for this time. I have just completed Alister McGrath's biography on CS Lewis, which I found especially meaningful. I have also enjoyed Eugene Peterson's new insightful book of poetry called Holy Luck. He has one in the collection called the "Lucky Sad". It is based on one of the Beatitudes; "Blessed are those who mourn." "Flash floods of tears, torrents of them, Erode cruel canyons, Exposing Long forgotten strata of life Laid down in the