Well starting a blog was a great idea, but it does not write itself and I have not been good about setting time aside to tend to it. So, I may or may not post a few catch up items but I will comment about my current week. Last weekend I was home and enjoying our lake with Kelly. We like to go out on the paddle boat (good exercise) and he fishes while I read to him (occasionally my book gets wet when the fish get rambunctious).
Currently we are reading Three Cups of Tea, the memoirs of Greg Mortenson, mountain climber and co-founder of Central Asia Institute which has built numerous schools in poor Himalayan villages. It is an interesting and inspiring book. This is a person who has really made his life count by bringing transformation to these remote places through education and resources. It has caused me to realize how much we take access to educational opportunities for granted. in addition to bringing education to these remote areas, the author also receives an education through the people he serves and I found that equally as fascinating. The simple lives of these villagers, defined by relationships and community, offer a refreshing alternative to the busy and fragmented lives we consider normative in our context. I would highly recommend this book. Reading and fishing on the lake is a peaceful way for Kelly and I to enjoy being together in God's beautiful creation. The picture above is taken from the boat as the sun was setting.
Early in the week I drove over toward Sioux City to spend a couple of nights retreating at the Grace Corner Bed and Breakfast. The proprietor is a Covenant pastor (Sue Radosti) who also offers spiritual direction and massage therapy. It was a relaxing and quiet place and I was the recipient of wonderful meals and service. Sue would say that her massage therapy is no less a spiritual experience then spiritual direction. I think I know what she means. After an hour and a half of a Swedish massage I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
After my stay at Grace Corner I traveled down through Omaha (stopped long enough to have lunch with our Midwest Conference staff) and then on to Topeka where I am currently staying with Heidi Wiebe, good friend and pastoral colleague. It is fun to be with Heidi outside the context of a denominational commitment. When I am not on Ministry Renewal Leave Heidi and I try to talk once a week by phone. I appreciate our friendship and ability to share from the heart.
After this I head toward Clay Center, Kansas......
