Pastor Appreciation Month

Thanks to everyone who sent cards, e-mails, called with a "phone hug" or stopped me to share appreciation this month. I am always amazed at the outpouring of love and support. Let me share a few that just stand out to me. First, my small group! Wow, what a generous outpouring of love toward Jen and I! Thanks for the gift certificates and free babysitting. You will be hearing from us soon. Secondly, I found an anonymous envelope today with my name and a smiley face on it and $50 inside! It was perfect and came at just the right time! Finally, well, I guess pictures would tell a better story on this one. It had to do with my office and lots of balloons. By the way, the only person I can "blame" on this is Jacky Burgjohann, so, THANKS JB (and many others)!

time of refreshing pics

More than appreciation

You may or may not know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I don't talk about it publicly, for obvious reasons, but it is true. In my years in ministry I have received many cards, gift certificates, e-mail, letters, money and special invitations during this month, and each one has been meaningful and appreciated. With that said, I don't think anything will ever begin to touch what I felt last week at the "time of refreshing retreat". From the moment I arrived and they parked my car through Thursday on the golf course, we (all 8 ministers) were made to feel like royalty. I didn't feel like a minister in the trenches, but royalty at the country club.

I know that many of the guys from that retreat are looking at this blog (hey guys, BAM) so I want to include some pictures, but before I do, let me just recap a few of the highlights. Each event that I mention here was perfect for our group and especially beneficial for me:

• There were several learning sessions each morning with Bob Russell, Elders from Southeast Christian or other folks. I loved learning, listening, sharing and growing on a daily basis!
• The food was incredible and a-plenty!
• Tuesday afternoon we went to the Louisville Bat Factory and then Ruth's Chris Steakhouse!
• Wednesday afternoon we met the chaplain at Churchill downs and then toured the museum. We then went to Southeast Christian for a tour. A bowling tournament followed at King Pin lanes (you were a great partner Tracy). Finally, we were treated to a delicious meal at the home of Bob and Judy Russell!
• Thursday afternoon concluded the week with a round of golf and lunch at a prestigious country club in North Louisville!
• I can't write about this "BAM" retreat without mentioning the FULL CONTACT FOOSBALL or the late night gab session on the back porch.
• I really loved that we never had to worry about a thing. Every detail was planned out, everything paid for, transportation provided and we always got VIP treatment!
• The best part however, was the life-long friendships I KNOW I received in the 7 other ministers. Only God could of placed this group together. I can only imagine the networking that will go on in the next weeks, months and years to come. I really appreciate each one of you guys! I actually miss you and hearing BAM!

Let me conclude (how many conclusions is this?) by saying thanks to a few different people.

• to my wife! She never hesitated to support me during this week. She never complained (where I could hear her) about watching kids or being a "single mom" for a week. I could not have done this without you, thanks Jen!
• to the Elders of LCC! You not only gave me the time away, but supported me with 2 Sunday's out of the pulpit! You will never know how much I appreciate it and appreciate you!
• to my staff! You all picked up the slack even when it got a lot crazy. You are the greatest staff around, I love and appreciate each of you! Way to go on the sermon Sunday, however, I am not sure why everyone thinks I look better with a beard and mustache?
• to Bob Russell! WOW! Your humble heart and appreciation for those in ministry is breath taking. You really do want to encourage and "pass the torch". Thanks also to EVERYONE who work or volunteer for Bob Russell Ministries, you are all great! If you are a minister reading this and would like to be a part of the "time of refreshing", please check out this website: www.bobrussellministries.com
• to "The Londen Institute"! This group allows adults to get higher education in an expedient manner. They have bought into this retreat and have helped fund the experience. God bless your work! Please check out their web site at: www.londeninstitute.com
• to those in my group! Each of you opened up your life and heart and accepted me! I learned so much from each of you and continue to thank God that you were all placed in my life!
• to those at Cincinnati Christian University who suggested my involvement! I don't know who you are or why you would choose me, but GOD BLESS YOU!
• to anyone who I may have overlooked! It was a life-changing experience for me!

I will show everyone more pics in my next post!

B. Out!!

A great group of guys! BAM!

Bob Russell treats us to dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Louisville. Left to Right... Bob, Ross, Tracy, ME, Tony, Ben, Bob, Sam & Mark.

What a place!

I was blown away by Country Lakes Christian Camp and Retreat Center. The story goes, that an Elder at Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Ky, came into an Elders meeting while they were building their new facility and said that he had found a piece of land that could be made into a camp. The Elders said he was crazy, since they were in a building program and money was tight, so he purchased it and began to build.

When I arrived here, I was shown to my room and then they parked my car. I was treated like royalty, it was amazing. One of the employees handed me a prayer walk booklet and I headed out to spend some time with God. I have included pics of the camp as well as my prayer walk.

A Time of Refreshing

I was asked by someone at CCU (Cincinnati Chrisitan University) last spring to send in a application to attend a special retreat lead by Bob Russell at Country lake Christian Camp in southern Indiana. I filled out the application knowing that only a few guys would actually get in. Well, I was accepted! This is a $500 week for FREE! I could not wait! I made it through the summer and into the fall, finally on Monday, it was time to experience a "time of refreshing". The following is a chronicle of my trip south...

• I said goodbye to my family



• I stopped for gas



• I got a haircut




• I stopped by church



• I left Ohio



• I passed the "88 bus crash marker"



• I stopped for lunch



• I found Louisville



• I went into Indiana




• I passed Lafe Dozier's Dream Church



• I arrived at Country lake!

More later!

The calm before the storm

Tuesday morning was finally beautiful in Southwest Ohio and the Richard family took advantage of it. One thing the leadership of LCC encourages is quality time invested in family. What better quality time on a beautiful cool fall day than Shaw Farms (check them out at http://www.shawfarms.com/ in Milford, Ohio). We arrived around 10 am and spend around an hour enjoying everything (well, almost everything, since the hayrides were closed). We concluded our morning with lunch at skyline and then Caleb went to Kindergarten. I hope you enjoy the pics below and if you get a chance, stop by shaw farms before the end of the month. Oh yeah, one more thing. The reason for the title: Tuesday morning was the calm, Tuesday evening brought the FLU and three days of storm! It's all good now! Thanks for each of your prayers!

More fall pics! It was only 90 degrees on this day!

Lauren finds the leaf pile! This car is cool! Caleb and simran (piano student)!



Caleb caught a leaf ! Lauren loves the slide!