From Human Doings to Human Beings

Another photo of the cross at the lake in March.  This pastor couple is truly spending time at the foot of the cross.   The very best place to be.

They came from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to spend strategic time away from "doing" and entered into "being".  We are human beings but so often are eager to do God's work and become human doings instead.

A great book to read on this subject of solitude is written by James Anderson and titled, "For God's Sake, Rest!"
Press Here  to look at it on the web.

James Anderson has a convicting way to remind us how to keep our Sabbath Holy!

The Chapel

There is an open air chapel by the lake at the Shack Country Inn where we have gathered during our retreats for a variety of "events".  This photo was taken when one of the couples decided that they wanted to renew their wedding vows.  It was their 20th wedding anniversary and they were not believers when they were married.

The moment the other pastor guests got wind of this they sprung into action providing flowers, wedding cake, photographs that were stunning and a 'congregation' to witness this wonderful event.  One of the pastors did the recommitment vows and we all were stunned by the beauty of the place and the impromptu service.

It was a retreat that was memorable and still brings a smile to all of us who participated.

The Dinner Table

One of the best parts of the retreat happens around the  table.  No wonder Jesus has a feast waiting for us in heaven!  Just having the luxury of time to sit and listen to each person's answer to a basic simple question about themselves and then having them all listen to your story is a gracious way to make an ordinary dinner extraordinary.   This is the fine art of dining even if we having picnic fare.

Friendships have been cemented around this basic need to slowly eat, listen, laugh and enjoy the company of strangers who are now counted as friends.

Pulpit vs Office

Key and Kjung are church planters but this is only for the last 11 years.  Before that Key was a very successful businessman until, at the age of 52, he accepted his new role of 'Pastor" and planted a church.   It was a huge departure from all he had been trained for in the business world.  But with stalwart persistence, leaning on God, he persevered and another church has been born in their city.

These are his Key Comments
"There are some similarities between the business leadership and church leadership.  One thing for sure is that I could have been a lot better business man if I learned about the shepherding before I started my business.  Yes I cared for my people who worked for me, but it was always to the extent to make my business successful.  When the decision time came, the relationship lost to the profit.  I think you may be successful in business when you are truly successful in ministry, but not necessarily vice versa."