Sunday, October 12, 2008

Vacating Vacation

Wow!! It's been a great vacation! I've been away from the "Blogging Bunch" for too long. In the words of LL Cool J, "Don't call it a comeback!"

So much has transpired since the last time we have talked. I'll start with my appreciation. The one thing that I hoped and prayed for this appreciation was some great preaching. I was not disappointed! Pastors Miller, Owens, McGhee and Culver really preached out of their souls!! I was really appreciative of all that took place.

I was really excited because the end of my appreciation meant the beginning of my vacation. This was the 1st vacation I've had since the beginning of my ministry. Nicole and I got a chance to get away from everything for a week. This was some much needed time for us!! This last week, I spent at home doing some reading. I got a chance to read some books that have been on my shelf for a while.

The thought of staying home for the 2 Sunday's that I was not at BBC was very tempting, but something in me just would not let me stay away from the Lord's house on the Lord's day. Last Sunday, I went to New Zion Temple M.B.C. in Hammond, Indiana, where Rev. Brandon Jacobs is the pastor. This is a fairly new church plant, but I had a great time. The worship was very spirited ans Pastor Jacobs is some preacher! Today, I visited the Rock of Ages Baptist Church of Maywood, Illinois, where Rev. Marvin E. Wiley is the pastor. I was blessed by this worship experience as well! I am grateful to God for the opportunity to worship at other churches to get a "view from the pew." I am presently seeking God on ways to make our worship more efficient and effective and it was good to see what goes on at other churches.

Well Tuesday it all starts back! I must admit that I am excited about my return to the church! I miss preaching and teaching and fellowshipping with the Saints at BBC. I am grateful for this time away, but I am also grateful to return. I am relaxed, refreshed, and ready to pursue the things of God with more passion and power! God really ministered to me during my time away and I can see clearly the direction that He wants us to take!

I have so much more to say, but I will conclude by saying that it's good to be back and I'm looking forward to reading all of the posts and comments that I missed these past weeks! God Bless!!

8 comments:

Pastor A. A. McGhee said...

Dr. Spoon,

It's good to have my brother back relaxed, refreshed and ready to go!I'm sure the saints at BBC are anxiously anticipating a word from their pastor. Looking forward to fellowshipping with you this week.

Pastor Lance A. Mann said...

Welcome home Spoon, so glad that you got the rest that is needed for each of us. I know that the Bethlehem Church will be the great recipient of a rested Pastor who is ready to turn the world upside down. God be praised!

Lance

HALLELUJAH said...

Welcome back!!!



Brother: Wilson

Fitts said...

I can totally can relate preacher! I love taking vacations but I can't wait to get back to the saints. I'm looking forward to reading more of your post.

Pastor Kevin Lanier Pullam said...

It's great to hear that you were encouraged by the appreciation services, relaxed and renewed by the vacation, and enlightened by the fellowship with the other congregations. I know exactly what you mean and cannot wait until such time that Sis. Pullam and I can do the same. It's great to have you back and we are looking forward, just as BBC, to what you have brought back from your "mountain top moments."

Kevin

Vietta P's two cents worth said...

So happy you and your wife had precious time to spend together. I have missed you. I checked on your blog everyday. Glad to hear you are excited to get back into your preaching and teaching.

Welcome back.

Rev. Barney said...

Nothing does a son's heart good like know his spiritual father is home. I missed our conversations. I never looked forward to a vacation like I look forward to the one I have comeing up in December.

Now that you are back, I pray the people do not overwhelm you on your first day back. God bless you and the family.

Clinton Smith said...

Good to have you back with us my brother! Glad to hear all went well during your anniversary and vacation.