I have been a poser of sorts when it comes to blogging for about 5 years now. I am an irregular blogger. My blogging has mostly been about reflections as a Pastor serving a congregation in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and about other things happening my life as a husband, married to Debbie for over 18 years and a father of three boys.
There are other pastors I know who are professional bloggers. I have no idea how they manage to keep up with the amount of time blogging requires. I have found with the recent facebook phenomenon over the last year that facebooking is much easier to keep up with in my life. I have found that my blogging goes in spurts.
Debbie was saying to me this morning that there are people who actually read my blog. So, as 2009 has taken off here are a couple of my hopes for the New Year:
1. As I hear stories of pastors who have placed their call to serve Christ and the church over their marriages and families I want to continue keeping what really matters most to me as a follower of Jesus close to my heart. One area that really matters most to me is my love for my wife. I often forget to give thanks to God for the gift of my wife who has been one of my biggest encouragements and who has always supported me in my call to serve as a Pastor. She has been a friend to me in the best and worst of times in my ministry and the Lord continues to use her not only as a loving and gifted mom of three very cool kids, but as a school teacher.
2. I have a pastor buddy who once said to me, “don’t make the same mistakes I made early on in my ministry as a pastor.” What he said to me spoke volumes not only in regards to my relationship with my wife, but with my relationships with our kids. I pray that I will continue to be available and present, ready to be dad for our kids and a Christ like father.
3. My hope is to continue growing in my preaching. I love preaching. My desire in 2009 is to continue to find balance in the midst of what is expected of me in the congregation I serve and in my personal study of God’s Word. With this desire I want to become more diligent in what I read professionally and personally.
4. I have talked to a respected friend about the possibility of receiving spiritual direction. I think this is an area in my life that I know I can benefit from in my personal life spiritually and professionally as I disciple folks.
5. I am currently working at a doctor of ministry degree. I hit a couple of bumps this past Summer when Deb was part of district and state wide teacher lay-offs due to the education budget cuts in California. I am currently gearing up to continue working on this very important part of my life and calling as a pastor when it comes to my education. I know this degree will be benefit me in many different areas of my ministry and in my call as a pastor over the next 5-10 years.
6. For over a year now I have been a little more attentive to my health. I have lost a bunch of weight because of some more regular excercise. I have also (Although the holidays kicked my butt) started paying attention to what I am eating. I am no use to my bride, my kids, or my church if I am a big pile of mush. So, 2009 I will continue in my pursuit of getting healthy!
So, for you 8 or so readers. Be thinking about what you might want to do in 2009. We do celebrate Epiphany this week. What will you be giving back to the Lord in 2009?
May it be so Lord!