Shhhh...

Today is my favorite day of October. Not because it's the 22nd, but because it is the day I scheduled my monthly retreat.

Earlier this year I began the process of getting away for most of a day to worship, pray, listen and whatever else I feel led to do (read, write, plan, etc...). I have been going to a cabin in the woods in a beautiful setting.

It just so happens that today's retreat comes at an interesting time. I am extremely busy right now and a big part of me would rather stay in my office and plow through some of the things I'd like to get done. However, experience has shown me that these times of quiet listening have been some of the most productive times I have (which goes totally against my nature).

So, I am going to trust God that He is going to show up in a mighty way today. I can't wait!

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10a

Unplugged

Picture from http://www.firstpeople.us/

Rest. A good thing, right?

Well, to be honest, in my past, I've looked at it as a dirty word. I felt lazy or unproductive when I was resting or doing nothing. It is only recently that I have started giving myself permission to do nothing. I know that sounds strange to some, but it's the truth.

In fact, for the past year I have really been trying to make Sundays my Sabbath day. I try not to do a whole lot. And you know what? Sunday has become my favorite day of the week.

Despite my Sabbath day, I have been running pretty hard lately. So, I am going to "unplug" from a few things for a week or so. Updating this blog is one of those things.

I plan to post again sometime around the end of March if you'd like to come back then. Thank you for checking in with me.

Blessings to you!

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

Be Still

For our anniversary this year, Connie and I decided to take a weekend getaway to Kelleys Island. We had gone there last year and stayed in a bed and breakfast there which was great so I decided to make reservations there again. Unfortunately, I was a little late in doing so, so we got one of their smaller rooms which did not have its own bathroom.

When we arrived, we were surprised to see that the room not only was smaller, but the bed was too (It was a double bed!). Some of you may be wondering why this is a big deal. Well, I'm 6' 8" tall so I was going to be hanging off the bed more than normal.

In any event, we tried not to focus on that and to just enjoy each other and the island. Well, that is exactly what we did. We had an awesome time and even were able to sleep a bit though we weren't as comfortable as we would have liked. It truly was a fantastic, relaxing weekend!

We both realized that we need to carve out more time out of our hectic schedules to be with each other. We also recognized that we need to do the same with God.

Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10

Be Still...

Over the past couple of weeks I have encouraged at least three people to take a retreat for the first time. Each of these people were either really stressed or they were feeling somewhat disconnected from God. I was encouraged to add this to my repertoire about a year and a half ago and it has really helped me…in so many ways, especially in my relationship with Christ.

Because I have been a little stressed lately and because I am seeking His direction in a lot of areas of my life, I thought I better take my own advice. So…yesterday, I had a retreat of my own. It amazes me how different each one is for me.

Sometimes I get some incredible revelations while other times I feel God’s presence in amazing ways.

Yesterday was not one of those revelation days. But, it was a day filled with His presence and peace. I spent some time praising Him. I did some reading. I did some praying. I spent time simply being quiet before the Lord. I spent about three and a half hours in all, maybe four.

And you know what? The second half of my day went very smoothly. Do you think there is a connection here?

It’s amazing how things work when you put Him first.

“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10a

Be Vewwwy Quiet....

A couple of years ago I was wrestling with the direction God wanted me to go in my life. A good friend and accountability partner asked me when the last time I had taken a day and just spent it with God.

"Uh...never," was my response.

He challenged me to schedule this day within two weeks of our time together.

This was not something I was excited about. Truth be told, the thought of it intimidated me. What would I do during this time? Won't I be bored out of my mind? But...I was challenged. So I scheduled it...and brought along my Bible and a concordance and actually spent that time with Him.

It was incredible to say the least. God really spoke to me about a couple of things.

I have since tried to make this a regular part of my schedule. I have tried to do this at least quarterly. This morning is one of those mornings. I am taking a "mini-retreat," about four hours or so to just seek His presence.

I have gone from dreading this time to looking forward to it and expecting to hear from Him--cool stuff! I highly recommend it--in fact I challenge you to try it!

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10a

Be Still...

Things have been a little hectic in my life lately. It has all been a good hectic though.

God has been doing some amazing things in the past several months.

This past year I was chairman of the National Day of Prayer Breakfast in Toledo. Our speaker for that May 1st event was Ray Hilbert from Truth@Work in Indianapolis.

After the breakfast, Ray and I spent a couple hours getting to know one another at a local Bob Evans. Little did I know that during our brief time together God was going to show up in such a big way!

We discussed the possibility of starting the Truth At Work concept in NW Ohio and I was very excited. It was as if God was telling me that this is what He has been preparing me for. So I decided to go to Indianapolis to observe one of their half-day sessions. This included a group of business owners and key executives who gather together each month to discuss issues that are critical to their personal, business and spiritual success. During this executive roundtable the group was guided through a highly structured and proven program that helped them advise one another on how to handle critical business and personal issues from a Biblical perspective.

Ray is coming to Toledo next week to conduct a couple of private briefings regarding Truth@Work. The purpose of this is to inform Christian leaders from our area as to the benefits of this program and to invite them to participate in an executive roundtable group.

As a result, I have been sending out invitations, learning as much as I can and preparing for these meetings.

I feel as if I have been running hard.

In the Bible, when Jesus sensed that He had been going hard, he retreated to a quiet place to be with His Father. When I have a lot to do, the thought of going off and “doing nothing” and being with God doesn’t seem logical. However, I am going to follow Jesus’ example this morning and have a personal retreat with God. I am hopeful that I can be still enough to hear what He wants me to hear.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a

Be Still

I’m off this morning to Catawba Island for a day with God. Last December, I took my first spiritual retreat like this, just me and God, and it was incredible. He revealed some cool things to me and I felt His presence in a big-time way. I immediately scheduled my next one, which is today.

I am really seeking some direction from Him so I can’t wait to see what God has in store today!

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a