Thursday...

Well today was bitter sweet - we are finished. three years of classes done. 7 of us began a journey together and have been walking side by side for three years - from this point we go it alone.

We had an incredible time of prayer together - my request? More love. Simple I know, but this is what we are commanded to do - love one another and that is my hope. More love for Grace and the kids, more love for Zion, and more love for Jesus. May that Christ will expand my heart and help me to stand in love with all I meet.

Good times - what will I do with the blog? that is a question for tomorrow. As for now - got to clean up my stuff and get ready for a day of travel and the joy of squeezing my kids and Grace.

Thanks for keeping up with my journey - you are a big part of it.

Tuesday...

Had a wonderful two hour retreat time today. Spent a lot of time thinking and praying about Zion and my family. One aspect is my idea for my final project. That would be working at developing a greater sense of connection with God through service.

Lets face it we are mennonites and we are great at doing. But why do we do? Why does someone serve at the table of plenty? Do we think about our connection to God as we work at building the kingdom that Jesus himself laid the foundation for? Do we ever think about the deep connection that we create with our Jesus as we serve with him? There are some ideas brewing - one thought was to have the board paint my house:) But the paint still looks great - maybe we will have to spend some time at the MRC center or serving a meal at church.

We should never think of service as that thing that we "should" do because it is the "right thing." We serve because that is what Jesus is doing and we want to be a part of what he is doing. There was more, but I will have plenty of writing to do.

Hunter

Tuesday - Spirituality and health

Today we spent a great deal of time talking about our health.

The day began with some reflections on the Prodigal son - I sense a three part sermon series coming out of that.

As for health - well I am feeling convicted to take a week of vacation with the family this fall - believe it or not I have only taken one week of vacation in 5 years - I usually use my vacation days 1 or 2 at a time to go to lancaster - but the studies are amazing that people who take vacation are far more productive and healthier - but many today fear taking vacation because job situations are tedious and we fear losing jobs - TAKE VACATION! Darn it. It is good for you.

Basically our body and spirit can't be disconnected. Our relationship with God is affected by our overall health and well being. Over work, lack of sleep, poor dietary habits, and lack of exercise all have a bearing on our relationship with God. I personally have been exercising well, but my eating could be much better. The sleep will get better when the kids are older that is just part of life.

What about you? How is your health? When did you last have a physical? Take vacation?

Better internet!

Well we have a great connection at least in my room.

The retreat center is truly one of the most amazing places I have ever been. Today a hummingbird landed on a bush 5 feet away from me - as if I were receiving a date with the Holy Spirit itself.

Today I ran up the quarter mile hill - crazy incline - that got my heart pounding. As I forced my way up the hill, I tried to remember Zion faithful who are struggling with their own mountains to climb - we are not alone.

Finally - our lessons for the day - Sabbath. What keeps you from Sabbath? Landis Supermarkets is now open on Sundays - does anyone really take Sabbath seriously? Maybe we don't understand the intention? Sabbath is about taking time to recharge and spend intentional time with God - this does not have to be some sort of fasting experience. Maybe your sabbath would include resting with family and friends? Maybe it is a walk in the woods? Maybe a round of golf or a nap. Sabbath should be an intentional effort to find joy, peace and Jesus. My sabbath for the last three months has been on my day off with the kids. I intentionally decided to give them the entire day - no Zion stuff, no seminary reading - unless they were napping - and I tried with all my might not to lose my patience with them. this time created a lot of joy and connecting with my kids and the Jesus found in them. Lets keep talking about sabbath - what do you do?

At the retreat center...

Well we have arrived - it is a bit chilly and overcast, but the retreat center is looking like a wonderful respite from the city life of Pasadena. Hopefully changing pictures soon.

Saturday...

Walked a little this morning, tried to skype the kids with a bad internet connection and am now in the library. The library out here is amazing - nice place to pray and get a little work done. This afternoon I will be headed to a local garden that is supposed to be very nice - with Lauren and Barret Seitz - you would know Lauren as a Kratz - of Rod and Pat Kratz. Then off to dinner with the newlyweds. When you have spent a week in a far off land on your own, even the third wheel begins to look very palatable.

May tomorrows church service be filled with the Spirit of our living God, fellowship, worship, hope and joy. May that we would all expect to meet the risen Lord and be changed forever.

Ok Staff and leaders...

or any Zion member for that matter. WHAT IS OUR PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY?

This is a question that must be considered and addressed as we consider building. We certainly have one, but are we even aware of what it is. Do we need to reevaluate, and refine?

Lets pray on it - I will be - we can talk about it when I get back. If there is anyone reading this and you want to throw something out there - go for it.