“For what can be known about God is plain… because God has shown it to [us]. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So [we] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:19-20)

STUDY LEAVE: One of my favorite “Clergy-Hubby” responsibilities is that of accompanying Rebekah when she takes a one-week study leave. Half the time she’ll go on her own – to a conference, retreat, or academic setting – but this week is one of those occasions where she’s at the beach, with a box full of books, planing calendar on one side and Bible on the other; talking with God about the coming 12-months; outlining messages and sermon series; praying for the church and its ministry.

As for me, the timing couldn’t be better, because I’m finally moving forward with my new book project. By this time next week I should have an annotated outline, an introduction, and at least the first chapter.

Please pray for both of us; that Rebekah’s time will be fruitful, and that I will be inspired to create the exact resource God has been waiting patiently to place in the hands of The Church, and by “The Church” I mean every faithful gathering of believers committed to becoming more intentional followers of The Living Way of Jesus.

THE SETTING: We couldn’t be in a more appropriate setting. Emerald Isle is part of North Carolina’s barrier island system, and the beach is pristine. Long, wide, flat stretches of walkable sand, where the Atlantic Ocean rolls in with the constant music of waves breaking on the shore, just outside the huge sliding glass doors that lead to our deck.

I’ll post a sampling of photographs from Monday evening after my signature. It’s been a while since we walked on the beach, and both of us feel overwhelmed by the combined weight of the stunning visual beauty, the sounds of the waves and the birds, the subtle taste of salt in the air, the texture of the sand, the gentle touch of the breeze; a sensory overload in perfect balance; the harmony of God’s voice in the work of his hand.

For both of us, our prayer is pretty much consistent: that we would walk closely enough with Jesus, and be attuned to the Spirit, in such a way that God will use the gifts he has vested in us to not only encourage others, but to equip them as they make their way along the road less traveled by, the Living Way.

 – DEREK