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