Getting Started…

6 years. Saying it that way doesn’t seem like a very long time. I’ve had clothes I don’t wear stuffed in my closet for longer than 6 years because, “You never know; I just might wear it one day.” Yet, a lot of life has happened during these last six years. I’ve had one kid graduate from high school. I’ve seen a lone gray hair enjoy my head so much that he went and gathered all his friends. I lived through a pandemic. My Chiefs got better. My vision got worse. I got a dog. I lost a cat, 3 fish, and 1 frog. I started jogging. I stopped jogging. I started jogging again. And I finally figured out what my teenager means when he says, “Is this a fire fit or naw?”

6 years. That is how long I have been the pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, and this summer my gracious church has granted me a 9-week sabbatical. It is an incredible opportunity and I do not take it for granted. However, Cornerstone has been so much a part of my life for these past 6 years that it would seem odd to leave them entirely behind. So, I’ve started this blog as a way to have a line back to the church even when I’m not with them. This summer I’ll be reading, traveling, thinking, learning, praying, and reinvigorating my love for the Lord, my family, and his church. This blog won’t be a running commentary of my sabbatical time. But it will be a periodic reflection on what God is teaching me throughout, as well as a tool to allow my church family to share a little bit in the journey.

So, if you are part of Cornerstone, thank you for the gift of this sabbatical! You are an incredible blessing, and I’m glad you are here to follow along. If you are not a part of Cornerstone, that’s ok, you can still join us. And if you are not connected to a local church in the Peoria, IL area then you are invited to join us! We will greet you warmly, sing joyfully, and proclaim the glorious gospel of Christ enthusiastically!