Sara and I have arrived in the Sierras, Shaver Lake, CA our home away from home this time of year. I enjoy coming up here for a number of reasons. In the slower pace of summer it gives me a place to reflect on what God seems to be doing in my life and a place to write the projects on my heart. Coming here also takes me back to the places where I vacationed in my childhood—alpine lakes, mountain meadows, and rocky outcroppings to scan the horizon by day or the undiluted stars at night. It is hear that God has often spoken to me in ways that have been transforming as I go for a hike in the woods. No place on earth restores my soul more than here.
It also gives me four weeks visiting with my dad as he just turned 91. He still cuts firewood, clears his driveway of snow in the winter and continues to listen to Jesus now two years out from my mom’s passing. It also brings us near the Central Valley where Sara and I lived for 25 years and were we raised our children. We have lots of people in this area that we have known for multiple decades and it is always good to catch up with them as well, or at least as many as we can fit in.
Today two people we’ve known for over forty years and have shared this journey of faith with in two different congregations are coming up for the day. I love those connections. The nourish my heart, but to have them Sara and I have stayed very intentional over the years of inviting people back into our lives and have probably done it far more than others have done it with us, but they always seem to appreciate it.
And we’ll also get some vacation time in with our children, grandchildren, and other extended family who enjoy these mountains as much as I do. But since we’re not close to all the things we do at home, things will slow down a bit at Lifestream. We’ll still be filling orders, but not quite as fast as we normally do. I’ll still blog a bit, but not as much as normal and I’ll still respond to emails, but that, too, will take more time. This time is about listening and refreshing not keeping up with demands on my time. I hope y’all understand and give me some added space.
My podcast at The God Journey will continue for the next three weeks, as Brad and I had recorded some in advance, but after that we may have a brief hiatus as we are taking some time out this summer.
I am continuing the book discussion about Finding Church and today we’ll start chapter 5. It’s not too late to join us. You can jump in at chapter 5 or review the previous chapters there as well. This chapter shows how quickly and easily the history of our religious institutions departs from Jesus’ priorities by putting a premium on managing believers rather than helping them learn how to live in the fullness of his love.
Finally we’re in the last few days of getting people signed up for Israel. There are a few slots left and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but registration must be completed by August 1. You can get all the details here.
