Getting away, but still working!

Well, you may have thought I fell off the blogging earth, and I would argue that I in fact did just that.

Camp Sequanota--Confirmation Camp--12 youth--me--other Allegheny Synod congregations--one Southwest Penn Synod Congregation--Camp staff--bugs, aw yes, lots and lots of bugs--the biting variety!

Leaving Duncansville on Father's Day afternoon, we made our way to Johnstown for a Chinese lunch that would include the giggle laden poo poo platter. Bellies filled, we loaded up and headed the rest of the way to Jennerstown, Pennsylvania and made our way to the gates of Sequanota, translated "land of many waters." Living up to it's name, the next 2 1/2 days we observed many rains, including Rebecca (daughter/counselor) making emergency repelling from the zip line a reality. With everyone safe, times of worship were either held in the camp dining hall or with wet butts on rain soaked benches and then the heat moved in.

Sequanota nestled in the middle of the mountains of southern Pennsylvania promises to get you away from "the world" many of us have become accustomed too. NO WIFI and NO wireless connection meant for those without the fancy phones, a week without being connected.

What I discovered about myself in the midst of the week was that I needed it. I needed to be away from the busyness of stuff including web posting. For me as a leader, I am very good at scheduling stuff, but not great at scheduling time away. I love my people and want to be there for all, but what about me? If anything, what I realized most about being at camp, was how little time I take for myself often leaving vacation time and days off to slip away into an unknown abyss.

What about you? Are you too busy? Is it possible that we think we are too important to get away? or, is it possible that we are afraid that if we walk away for a time, we will no longer be needed. I don't know about you, but my insecurities often impact my ability to walk away.

In just a few days, Evangelical Duncansville and I will celebrate 9 years together. While it doesn't seem possible, I'm beginning to think that the wonderful folk I am called to serve, might be willing to let me get away for a time of renewal. Of course at this point, my calendar is fully booked until sometime in September and I'm not sure how to make it happen.

Jesus knew that time away was important--I hope you and I can both learn such a valuable lesson from the one who knows the concept of 'Sabbath' better than we often do!

PJ

When busyness gets in the way!

Well, most of you know that I have been eating in a more healthy way in order to be a healthier leader. Unfortunately this past week, things or should I say that I got out of control. Since September I had done so well to remain focused on 35 grams of fiber, my designated calories per day, the correct amount of fat, protein, etc. With the Allegheny Synod Assembly, a wedding, Sunday morning and construction issues pushed me into too many hours of work and I simply blew it. I tossed caution to the wind and ate what I wanted. Dang!

Let's just say, I have been in the same place so many times over history that I really thought this would be the trigger to send me spiraling into the abyss of eating out of control. The difference is that today, I awoke with a plan to drive to the store and purchase the high fiber fruits and vegetables and other items needed to get back on track, and I have.

Please pray for me in the days ahead so that I can remain focused on the long range goals of continued weight loss and becoming that healthy leader for the sake of the Gospel.

Food is my addiction issue--what is yours?

I'll be praying that God will help you with whatever you struggle with. Let us all get our heads together for the sake of the Gospel. God has blessed us so much  and is worth us doing what is needed for God's love to be shared with the world.

Blessings in the name of Christ,

Pr. Jaime

One God--Three Persons

Sunday, June 3, 2012 is Trinity Sunday in the annual progression of the church year. One God who comes to us in three persons shows us God's ability to meet us where we are. We need a creator--we need to know that there is someone greater than us who really does make sense of what can be overwhelming to figure out. We need a human--we need to meet this God in a tangible form that is subject to the same things that we experience in our wonderful, joyful, painful, dirty lives. We need to feel a part of something--so, God comes to us in spirit, to live with us, push us forward, dwell with us in our best and worst moments.

The scriptures tell us to worship this God, with all our hearts, our spirits, our minds. Join us at DELC on Sunday, June 3rd at 8 AM, 9:15 AM, or 10:30 AM to hear more about this God who knows what we need even before we ask!

Blessings in the name of the Father, +the Son, and the Holy Spirit...

PJ