Simply Missional » Sabbath

Spirtual Focus

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:57:46 +0000

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Today I’m get to watch my kids. I do not like working, while I watch my kids…I get a bit to intense for them, so I don’t like the culture that is created. So, instead of trying to get a bunch of stuff done, I’m gonna switch gears and focus on the spiritual side of life. Spend time reading, praying,
thinking, etc! I’ll probably watch a message online, spend more time reading and try to enjoy these summer moments…they go quickly, and you only have so many!

Finding Margin

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:14:19 +0000

There is no doubt we are busy culture. Like most folks, my day started yesterday around 6:30AM and ended with falling asleep on the couch trying to do some reading for school at 11PM. I felt like the entire day was filled with constant activity. I’m no longer proud to be a busy person, matter-of-fact, actually I get worried when life gets to busy. Usually when the chaos comes we forget the most important things in life:

1. Prayer and scripture reading.
2. Spending time with my wife and kids. (my pups begins to growl at me when I ignore her for a longtime, ask Jasen Ashdown)
3. We ignore friendships that are important to us.
4. Our work becomes sloppy and not done well.
5. Our health erodes.
6. We don’t enjoy the things in life that are meant to be enjoyed like food, friends, discussions, good stories, rest, etc.
7. We ignore the needy and those who live in less fortunate scenarios.

I’m sure I could add plenty more to that list. Needless to say, I think it’s vital for our generation to take a moment, look in the mirror and ask ourselves, “why, why do we run so ragged, get so exhausted and become so proud that we “busy?”

It’s not worth it to me. I’m seeking more margins, more play, more vacations, more times with good friends. Work is constant, it will always be there. I love my work…I want to work hard, there will be season of chaos for sure. But I also want to treat life like a slow-cooker, not a microwave. Life is a marathon not a sprint. So stop running so hard!

Sabbath

admin — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:51:46 +0000

Now that my girls are back in school I have some freedom on Fridays. I do my best to make Friday a day that helps me to re-energize & relax. Therefore I do things like blogging, reading, working-out and hanging with people. It really helps me to stay focused and enjoy life.

I find it interesting how much the church focuses on having a great work ethic yet we just don’t care about rest/sabbath. Even though the sabbath command is in the ten commandments and all.

I think one of the best ways for the church to really tangibly help our culture is by giving them permission to slow-down. Yes work hard, dream big and do great things with your life. But also-slow down, relax and enjoy the moment that God has given you!

Part 5: If I Church Planted Again…Violating Rhythms

admin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:40:29 +0000

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made as a pastor is violating some biblical and natural rhythms. As a leader I must learn the importance of rest and relaxation. I’ve hit-it-hard these past few years at the Vista and I’m to the point of mental exhaustion. (along with Jeff)

When you’re tired you:

Can’t focus on God.
Treat people poorly.
Lose sight of the vision.
Focus & productivity become complex, therefore proper work does not get done.
Eat poorly and stop exercising.

As church leaders we deal with a different emotional bucket then most. We carry the burden of the church and the people and the gospel. It’s not that we work harder-our work is with people and people are complicated and messy and needy.

So If I church planted again….I would rest more by:

Shutting-off the cell phone.
Taking a sabbath weekly
Taking one long vacation a year and 2-3 mini getaways.
Not checking work email all the time.
Have key friends who are not apart of the church plant.
Find a spiritual mentor/director/counselor. I need to unload my junk at times.
Delegate as much as possible to people who are loyal and faithful.

Our goal is to finish the race strong. So rest up and enjoy life.

Slowing Down

admin — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:41:48 +0000

I wrote this post last week and forgot to post it:

I’m learning a few things about myself that I don’t like. While in NC I really found a pace-of-life that I liked. I felt very whole and content. Here is Austin I’ve allowed myself to once-again get “SUPER” busy. I’m working 7-days a week and I’m truly not taking time to recover or rest.

Now here is what’s amazing: I feel less productive & less creative.

Being busy has become a mantra for my generation. I want nothing to do with it. Matter-of-fact I think busyness is keeping me from experiencing the beauty of life. When I”m to busy I:

Don’t pray
Don’t listen
Treat people poorly
Become less creative
Withdraw from people
I fail at lovely my wife and kids
Eat poorly
Make poor decisions.

I’m sure I could add more. I think the church needs to be at the forefront to fight the need to feel important by being busy. Their is a reason why the Bible promotes sabbath.