2025 Sabbatical

I have been afforded the opportunity to take a short, 31-day sabbatical by my church. I am taking it the entire month of May 2025. Here is something I found about the need for pastoral rest:

Pastoral burnout is often caused by a combination of emotional, spiritual, and physical pressures. Here are some of the main contributing factors:

1. Unrealistic Expectations – Pastors are expected to be available 24/7, provide counseling, preach inspiring sermons, lead ministries, and handle administrative tasks. This constant pressure can be overwhelming.

2. Lack of Boundaries – Many pastors struggle to separate their personal and ministry lives. Without time for rest and personal renewal, exhaustion builds up.

3. Emotional Strain – Shepherding a congregation means carrying the burdens of others—grief, struggles, conflicts—which can take a toll over time.

4. Financial Stress – Some pastors face financial insecurity, adding to their stress levels, especially if they feel undercompensated for their workload.

5. Isolation – Leadership can be lonely. Pastors may feel they have no one to confide in or fear admitting struggles, leading to internalized stress.

6. Conflict and Criticism*– Dealing with congregational disagreements, complaints, and criticism can erode a pastor’s confidence and enthusiasm.

7. Neglect of Personal Spiritual Life – Constantly ministering to others while neglecting personal spiritual renewal can leave a pastor feeling disconnected and empty.

8. Lack of Rest – Skipping vacations or taking few personal breaks can lead to chronic exhaustion and reduced effectiveness.

Burnout isn’t just an individual issue—it affects the entire church. When pastors are drained, their leadership and ability to care for their congregation suffer. Recognizing these signs and addressing them early is key to long-term health and ministry sustainability. 

Update on Third Novel

 I've been working on finishing the last couple of chapters of "Stumbling through the Darkness" the sequel to my award winning "Peering into the Darkness." I hope to have it published by the end of the summer. Meanwhile, here is a fascinating summary of "Peering into the Darkness."

When Josh Weston undergoes a routine eye surgery, he expects to see more clearly—but he never imagined it would open his eyes to the spiritual realm. Haunted by doubt and unaware of the demon whispering lies into his life, Josh begins to experience visions that defy explanation. As strange encounters escalate and angelic forces intervene, he’s thrust into a hidden battle between good and evil.

With the love of his wife, the prayers of a devoted aunt, and the support of lifelong friends, Josh must confront the darkness both around him and within. What he discovers will challenge everything he thought he believed—and reveal a truth that changes everything.

A compelling story of faith, awakening, and spiritual warfare, Peering into the Darkness reminds us that sometimes, to truly see, we must first believe.

Everyday Murder

 A murder occurs two or three times a day in my neighborhood.

A murder of crows, that is.

The caw of a crow is the first bird call that I learned as a child. Three or four crows assemble in my backyard tree two or three times a day. 

Invariably, it takes me back to a time when my grandparents had a trailer house at Grand Lake. There were many crows in my great aunt’s lake resort called “Shady Heights.” I remember that, especially in the mornings, crows would be cawing for what seemed to be for hours.

When I hear the crows in my yard, it makes me smile for it transports me back over 50 years ago, when everyone I loved was still alive.

Pain in the Back

 I hurt my back (most recently) in October of 2024 while moving a washing machine for a young widow in our church. I must have caused a bulged or ruptured disc. I was in constant, excruciating pain until a couple weeks ago.

I went to a chiropractor. It helped for a tiny bit each time but was too expensive to keep going.

I've used a medicine cabinet's worth of ointments and gels to alleviate the pain.

I've used a handheld back vibrator to the point of nearly wearing it out.

I've put ice packs on it several times a day.

In addition to the actual injury, I've had a mess of undue stress that has only aggravated the pain.

I'm not really sure what happened two weeks ago. But I praise the Lord that I am better!

Tofu or not tofu

 I have a confession to make. I hope you won't defriend me over this. Here it goes:

I like tofu. Well, sorta.

Now here me out. I lived in Hong Kong for three years. I like fried tofu in SOME Chinese dishes. I also like limited tofu in SOME Chinese soup.

Full disclosure. I will NEVER choose tofu over bacon, beef, or even chicken.

Judge away.

The Sting

 “It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

2024 Recap

 On a "school scale" that is, 1-100, I'd have to give this year a 68 D+.  Worse than average, but not a failure.

Others haven't seen it that way. There are some folks who think I have either failed, or am currently failing.

Don't get me wrong; God has continued to bless me abundantly! He certainly has never failed me.

I had some big milestones:

    I turned the big Six-O

    I published my second novel.

    Sally and I celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary.

    I marked 17 years in the pastorate and nearly 30 years in the ministry.

Most of the negative things that brought this year down to a D+ are things that I simply cannot write about in public. (Not that anyone really reads this blog.) 

I had a 5 week sabbatical planned for October, but due to circumstances, I had to postpone it until next year.

I learned a valuable, but costly lesson; I must watch who I trust.

I was making great progress on my third novel when things took a nosedive. I haven't had the gumption to write since August.

There is no pleasure in being accused of what the accuser is doing. 

This is by far the most I've written about the betrayal and the pain that follows. Through this, I have tried to keep Exodus 14:14 in mind," The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent."

I haven't tried to defend myself which my adversaries see as weakness or even guilt. I'm taking a cue from Jesus who didn't answer his accusers and let them make fools of themselves.

And, good grief! Don't think that I am taking a "holier than thou" attitude. I know my sin. As King David said in Psalm 51, "My sin is ever before me."

And I'm tired. So very tired. I started the year with gout and ending with severe back pain. Oh, and I just got over pneumonia.

May God bless us all in 2025! 

17 Years as Pastor

August 1 was my 17th anniversary of being the pastor of Immanuel Southern Baptist Church! There have been multitudes great wonderful things that far outweigh the not so wonderful things. I praise the Lord for His faithfulness to me, my family, and our church! I praise the Lord for all the wonderful relationships over these years. I look forward to seeing what He’s yet to do!

Turning 60

 There's no use denying it. I'm sixty years old.

When I was a kid, sixty seemed ancient. When I turned thirty, people who were sixty were still old, in my way of thinking. 

But now that I'm here, I realize age is just a number. 

My sister threw me a fantastic party. She worked for weeks pulling pics off Facebook and scanning others to have them in incredible themed displays. 

I invited a very select few people. I would have loved to invite everyone I know, but I truly wanted a more intimate setting.

Then they started telling stories. Some were embarrassing. Some were hilarious. And some were so sweet they brought tears to my eyes.

My life-long friend, Martin, came. He lives in Branson, Mo. I don't get to see him nearly enough. Although, we have the kind of friendship where we can pick up where we left off and not lose any time over it.

Earlier in the day, at my house, my wife, Sally, and two daughters (along with their families) presented me with a Webber grill! I was not merely surprised. I was overwhelmed.

On my actual birthday, July 15, my second novel was published. It's called Peering into the Darkness. It is Christian fiction, subgenre supernatural mystery. You can find it anywhere ebooks or sold or in paperback on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

I know this: I still feel very young on the inside. How young? I don't know. Maybe 17? Perhaps 22?

My hair has started turning gray. Oh, I had some gray before, but now? Wow! At least it isn't falling out.

I'm not going to complain about the minor body aches. Nobody wants to hear it and it wouldn't do any good, anyway.

However, I am going to brag on God! In my sixty years, He has proved Himself faithful. In my sixty years, He has ALWAYS provided for me. In my sixty years, He has given me joy. Real joy. 

God has led me all over this world. And He has made arrangements for me in the next, through faith in Jesus Christ!

I don't know how many years I have left on this earth. I have a wife that loves me, children that love me, and grandchildren who love me. My two daughters have married fine godly men. God is blessing the church I pastor like I've not experienced.

No matter what comes, Jesus is my Savior and sustainer! Happy, indeed, birthday to me!

Peering into the Darkness

My second novel, "Peering into the Darkness" is set to be published on July 15, 2024, by NEOK Publishing. Paperback will retail for $21.99; ebook for $6.99. It will be available on all ebook platforms.  Check back for pre-order links.

Here is the back cover blurb:

* * *

Joshua Weston is a pragmatic man. He believes only what he can see, much to the chagrin of his elderly Aunt Jean. She is deeply concerned about his lack of faith in God. Just prior to an ordinary eye surgery, she prays that he would be able to see what God sees. Not long after the surgery, he begins to see angels and demons and can even talk with them. Gathering a close group of confidants, he'll need all the prayer support he can get as legions of demons are determined to keep him from knowing their secret.

If you are interested in an autographed copy, please contact me at rick@rickboyne.com Sorry, but I am unable to autograph ebook copies. :D  

Jackpot! in ebook format

 My first novel that I published in 2022 is finally available in ebook format!  Unfortunately, there is a hitch with Amazon and it did not link my paperback and ebook. But, you can order the Kindle version here:

https://a.co/d/4m8Si6b

As far as I know, it is now available worldwide on practically every ebook platform including Apple Books and Barnes and Noble. 

Thank you for your support! 

Jackpot! eBook available February 1, 2024

 I am pleased to announce that my debut novel, which is already available in paperback will be available on all eBook platforms February 1, 2024. It can be pre-ordered on many of the platforms now at

https://books2read.com/u/mdPpad

It can be purchased as an eBook for $6.99 which beats the publisher's paperback price of $24.99 by $18!

Thank you in advance!

When Opinions Divide

 I recently looked at some Facebook pages of people who de-friended me over the past several years. Some of them defriended me because I held certain OPINIONS of things going on in the government or in certain disease related things.

They laughed at me, even belittled me for questioning the popular narrative regarding presidents, both current and former. They ridiculed me for questioning the so-called science behind the last pandemic and completely dismissed me and my opinions saying things like "you better adjust your tin foil hat" or "you belong to a cult" or even better, "no TRUE Christian would never even dare think that way."

Well, I'll give them this: they are tenacious and consistent.

Despite recently exposed FACTS about government things and health care things, they are still towing the popular narrative, right down to thinking that everyone should still be wearing face masks. 

Wow.

Even when their FB posts where public and I could have commented on them, I didn't, because they have the right to their own opinion. 

I'm definitely not claiming to be perfect. I certainly am not. Nor do I expect others to be perfect. I do expect a certain amount of courtesy when giving a differing opinion among friends and former colleagues. Why can't we disagree without name calling?

I guess it comes down to this: when you see you are losing an argument to facts, quit the argument and start attacking the person.

I've been told numerous times to "follow the science."  Fine.  Whose science? The politicians' science? Big pharma's science? Liberal science? Conservative science?

When I was growing up, science used to be just facts. Now it seems it is whatever agenda the entity paying for it becomes "real" science.

How dare you tell me to not "question the science." I thought that's how you did science.

How dare you tell me to not question the news? I will question it until it quits reporting opinion as news. And then I'll still question it.

So, what is the purpose of this post? I'm not sure. Maybe I just needed to get it off my chest.

Thanks for listening/reading.

Jesus Is Enough

 When I was in my mid-twenties, I lived in Los Angeles. I was preparing for missions and was attending the Church on Brady. It was actually the First Southern Baptist Church of East Los Angeles DOB as the Church on Brady. It was led by pastor Thom Wolf.

It was a great time in my life. I was single and completely unencumbered by anything permanent. Don't get me wrong, I love being married and have been for nearly 31 years, but not when I lived in LA. 

Anyway, I got to interact with so many people who were completely sold out for Jesus. And I loved it. 

One day, I was having coffee with a man who had been a missionary in a very poor part of a very poor country. I'll not give his name. He told me of the extreme poverty in which people called home and it was horrifying. He said that a number of prostitutes had given their lives to Jesus, but they continued in prostitution because there was no other way for them to make a living. 

When I questioned this man, he answered, "Jesus Christ is not the answer to every problem."

That statement has bothered me for nearly 40 years and I do not believe it to be true. In fact, I say, "Jesus is the answer to every problem." 

Jesus changes lives. Jesus makes a way when there is no way. Jesus saves in entirety. 

JESUS IS ENOUGH!

How can I say that? Because Jesus IS God! The Bible says that everything that has been created, Jesus created! If He can speak the world into existence, He can rescue a prostitute from prostitution. If Jesus can speak light into existence, He can restore people and families. If Jesus can raise from the dead, He can give eternal life. Yes, Jesus is enough!

Why I Write

 I love writing. I've always had an affinity for it. Well, for telling stories, really. When I was young, I would make up stories to tell anyone who would listen. The problem I had then was telling the stories as if they were real, as if they actually happened to me.

That was dishonest and I know that now. But I never had the mentoring to channel the love of the story into writing. 

I did well on my writing assignments in high school and college. I laugh now thinking about how I bragged that I had to write a ten-page paper every week for a certain class. I also remember a class that demanded a rough draft before the final project. I would simply type out the paper on my Royal Electric Typewriter, then go back with a pencil and paper and "create" a rough draft. I always got ""A's" on my writing projects.

While we were missionaries, I would write a newsletter that went out to hundreds of people, telling them about what God was doing overseas. I'd also write about our children and include any fun personal stories. Due to a hard drive failure, I've lost all those emails.

When I became a pastor 16 years ago, I was prolific in writing blog posts here and on our church website. I also interacted with many other bloggers which introduced my writing to a couple of editors of Southern Baptist publications. I began writing missions articles and eventually wrote some larger projects including the International Missions Emphasis piece on Beijing for the International Mission Board. 

About 10 or so years ago, I began writing my first novel, "Jackpot!" which was finally published in 2022. Except for the fact that it made me a published author, it was a miserable failure. There was virtually no publicity for it from the publisher and I personally sold most of the copies that were sold. As of this writing, it ranks as number 1,395,097 in books on Amazon and number 43,198 in Religious Literature & Fiction on the same. 

I finished my second novel about a month ago and am currently seeking literary representation. I have only queried 17 agents so far and have had a negative response from three. I have big hopes for this novel and am praying for success.

That brings me to the purpose of this post. Why do I write? 

I write with a three-fold purpose:

1. To glorify God

2. To edify His church

3. To build His kingdom

I certainly don't seek fame. In fact, I love my anonymity. I don't seek fortune, although I would not reject it. My purpose is to write in such a way that Christians are encouraged and those who are not Christians would be drawn to God through His Son Jesus Christ. In those two things, I believe God will be glorified. 

That's why I write.