I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and praying about what God is teaching me during this time.  I confess I’m not always the sharpest knife in the drawer, since sometimes God has to tell me several times before I get it.  Today rather than tell you about specific events, books or people that God has been using during this time, I simply want to share a few things God has been teaching me.  I share these from my heart and pray that you receive them as such.  Don’t try to read anything into them, simply receive them at face value.

• Getting my eyes off of Jesus and onto people and problems is a really bad idea.  It makes me forget how really awesome God is and when placed beside Him how really small this other stuff is.
• Anger, fear and guilt will eat me up!  God wants us to bring those things to Him and not live with them.
• There is an ugly side of me that wants to rear its head, but God has something else planned for me.
• It’s not ok to build walls and want to withdraw when you feel hurt.
• I really do love people!
• We are all truly broken people in need of love, grace, redemption and a new beginning!
• True life change can and does happen all the time – when we’re ready to trust God and move forward.
• Nothing is more important than my relationship and walk with Jesus.  Nothing.
• Jesus actually said that when we’re weary and burdened we can come to Him.  Because His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  Some of this other stuff that is heavy is not from Him.

You might have noticed that my list doesn’t include anything specifically about the church.  There is nothing specifically related to vision and direction for FBC.  The reason for that is the fact that God is first of all interested in molding me into the person He has in mind for me to become, and then guiding me as I shepherd @ FBC.  As I finish up this sabbatical time there will be things I share that relate to vision for FBC, but for now I simply want you to know that God is working on me.

To better prepare for my return I have committed to fasting each Tuesday.  I share that carefully, because we’re not to fast for men, but rather in secret for our Father.  However I want you to know my heart and I realize there is power in sharing a commitment with others.  I am also committing to a Daniel Fast for the three weeks leading up to Easter.  If you want to know more about a Daniel Fast please check out this website:  http://danielfast.wordpress.com/2009/01/06/daniel-fast-guidelines-2

I love you guys and pray for you.  I’m expecting God to do great things as we continue to seek Him with our whole heart!