This last week on this Sabbatical journey was very fulfilling as well as interesting. I will get to the interesting part in a moment.

We have been preparing this month for our big event, the baptism of Patrick Nello Strickland! Completing the finishing touches on honey do chores, re-working all of the flower beds for the front and back yards, and getting the food and accommodations ready for our out of town and out of state guests.  So fulfilling to see our children, grandsons, parents and other family members arrive at our home with such joy and then for all to gather at the church for this wonderful occasion. It was a beautiful ceremony filled with emotional laughter and tears as well as deep spiritual ritual, meaning, reflection and perspective. God is so good and kind. So all is well, right? Oh, did I forget to mention my son became extremely sick the day before and my daughter-in-law during the night. Well you guessed it, while everyone was gathered at our home, my wife and I both had to retire from the party to our bedroom suite because we became terribly ill. The celebration for Patrick’s new spiritual journey continued on regardless of our non-presence or hosting the party we had planned all month! Talk about perspective, celebrating with others even when we were in our sick bed! What a great lesson (looking back but not during the time it was actually happening to us)! My children and family are great hosts and our home is set up for everyone to make themselves at home and they did! It was a great celebration! Come to find out it was not the flu but evidently bad sushi the four of us shared Friday evening! Never again sushi from this particular place, however, the lesson learned was more than just about bad sushi but about how to see this event and the journey from a different perspective. A perspective, viewpoint of joy and celebration from a sick bed! How odd?

The Bible is full of faith heroes (some call saints) who could see joy and celebration of the journey from the particular perspective they were experiencing whether it was pleasant or very unpleasant or even to the point of death. Jesus is our finest example and hero:

Hebrews 12:1-3 “So then, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us, too, put aside every impediment — that is, the sin which easily hampers our forward movement — and keep running with endurance in the contest set before us, looking away to the Initiator and Completer of that trusting, Yeshua — who, in exchange for obtaining the joy set before him, endured execution on a stake as a criminal, scorning the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Yes, think about him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you won’t grow tired or become despondent.” (Complete Jewish Bible Translation)

Now to the interesting part? It so happened that my wife and I while resting from our sickness (yes, this is the first time we were both sick together) watched a movie called “Tracks”. The movie tells the story of Robyn Davidson, who in 1977 set upon a 1700 mile journey in Australia’s most roughest terrain and desert by herself, her dog and a few camels to reach the Indian Ocean. The “Camel Lady” as she was called, took to this journey to find maybe answers for her mother’s death and other losses in her life. Through her journey she found the kindness of others to guide her along the way. OK, I’ll get to the interesting part. At the end of the movie this is her quote. Something I was not expecting at all. Here is her statement, “It is not what we pack on the journey that matters, it is rather what we leave behind”. So the journey has meaning and significance when its events are viewed from various perspectives and these include ahead, during and behind. Whether the perspective is from a milestone church event, a father’s and grandfather’s (Pa) eyes, a  sick bed view of helplessness, a 1700 mile camel journey movie or a 56 year old birthday, God allows life events for us to experience His kindness, grace and love. Nothing can change or separate us from His Perspective and that’s my view these 56 years today! Amazing.

Blessings,

Don (Donie)

Romans 8:28

This past Sabbatical week was filled with relaxation, responsibility and relationships! The Lord has been reminding me about the power of teamwork when accomplishing significance. The book I am reading Finishing Well, The Adventure of Life Beyond Halftime the says following:

“Success commonly means using your knowledge and experience to satisfy yourself with fame and fortune. Significance, however, means using the same knowledge and experience to serve others—that is, to change lives. The outcome defines the difference and changes your attitude toward what you do.” I realize that God changes lives and my responsibility is to have an attitude of expectancy with complete rest along life’s journey. The outcome pressures of the past, present and future is on an all loving and all powerful Heavenly Father and His enduring plan. My role is be a positive and encouraging team player.

Relaxation- I have been able to enjoy some restful naps throughout the week. This was odd at first having purposeful naps! I will have to say at the end of the week my mind and body have been rested. It is amazing how the body, mind and spirit can work together as a team to accomplish a goal and its purpose. When one is out of balance, the mark can be missed!

Responsibility-I took responsibility this past week to do something I have been “to busy” to get accomplished.  No one ever seeks to have a colonoscopy if they are in their right mind, however, it is necessary towards responsible healthcare for yourself and the ones who love you and count on you. So, I sought the advise of a learned sage on the matter, Jeff Foxworthy. I will tell you that my experience was a dream compared to his. As his friend Larry the Cable Guy says, “Get-r-done” seemed to be my battle cry. The day of preparation before the procedure was not that bad. My physician and his staff were very professional, caring, supportive and knowledgeable in this hour procedure. As a team, they provided excellent care as each had their own role towards one goal, the health of their patient, me! The results were good and I will do this again in 5 years.

Relationships-It was great to work again at our church food panty this week. Working together with Ginger, Sue, Kelly and Larry was an awesome experience and I observed first hand how God uses each person’s talent, perspective, energy and communication style to accomplish His purpose and plan while serving each family’s need. However, those of us serving seemed to be more blessed. Working with Tiffany and Barbie, administrators of our church food pantry, demonstrated how a Christ centered, service oriented, organized plan can accomplish great things even though some activities may appear chaotic at times. “No man is an Island” by Tenth Avenue North is a great song that has been on my mind this week which shares the importance of Teamwork on a journey of significance. The whoever is much more important and relevant than the where ever, however, whenever or whatever. Enjoy!

This coming week will be filled with family activities including the baptism of my grandson, Patrick! I am looking forward to seeing our family together. Getting the house ready to celebrate and entertain as well as finishing a few projects is making me smile already. Hoping you enjoy your week!

Blessings to each of you!

Don (Donie)

Romans 8:28

John 5:17Amplified Bible (AMP)

¹⁷ But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now [He has never ceased working], and I too am working.”

Wow! What a last week concluding with the wildest Super Bowl in History. Can you believe it? But for me, this was not the highlight.

My week started with serving and comforting my wife and littlest daughter who came down with the flu. I also served as a nurse for my little dog who had surgery. My household is doing much, much better. My readings have been great reminding me of how God’s plan and purpose are done with such love and care.

Working with our church food pantry was a great time of service and enjoyment. Our church has such wonderful people who give of their time and resources to people who feel despair and need encouragement or maybe have had setbacks such as job loss or sickness. Many of these families don’t even go to our church and come from referrals. My job of unloading supplies and placing produce in bags was so fulfilling knowing that God’s love is demonstrated through each carrot, each can of corn or each bottle of shampoo given. Each bag of supplies was given with such respect and love for each recipient. Being aware of God’s love demonstrated each day through His presence was such a focus for me this last week.

The most memorable event and picture I have of His love with such power occurred when I was in line to get drinks at Sonic one early morning. Even at Sonic (with their crazy commercials), God’s love was reaching out to me! I was waiting in line waiting for our order when to my left I saw a big and brilliant sun rise coming with such majesty and enclosed in that brilliant circle I saw an excavation tractor (like the one below). I wish I had taken a picture with my phone! The Holy Spirit immediately reminded me of the above verse in John 5 and how the Father is working each new day to demonstrate His love, good plans and the expectation of Himself to partner with me (and all of us) in each moment. Isn’t interesting Pastor Steve’s Sunday’s sermon was on this same subject regarding God’s love for us from His perspective. Coincidence? Being thankful for each occurrence of His love whether big or small and knowing He partners with me to do His “love work” each day with complete Sovereignty is very freeing even at Sonic!

Looking forward to the second week of this journey filled with working at the church food pantry, Doctor’s appointment, home projects and resting in His Word.

Blessings to you all!

Don (Donie)

Romans 8:28

Psalm 46:10, 11

10 ‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Excitement to wait! What? That is exactly what I am feeling this first day of my Sabbatical. It is with a grateful heart to the leadership of FD and the team I am privileged to work with to start this Sabbatical time.

My devotion this morning in Psalm 46 confirms this time period or season of waiting. It is awesome how God uses songs and calendars to demonstrate how resting is a part of His plan. Selah is that powerful action of rest, listening and contemplation used in musical scores. Where as calendars are used to rest or re-set our time into His timing: a day, a week, a month, a year, 7 years and 50 years.

I am looking forward in my time of Sabbatical to read and rest, volunteer with our church food pantry, visit and take care of family, finish a few projects around the house and to re-organize some priorities including catching up on health appointments and play some golf. Having a plan to follow God and aligning His plan into mine is the foundation going forward! So having a plan to not have an agenda is pretty awesome and freeing. Ready, set, wait!

Blessings to each of you!

Kind regards,

Don (Donie)

Romans 8:28