Question #3

3.  When was the last time you allowed yourself to wonder?

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Pastors can get so busy, so caught up with attending to the needs at hand, that they can lose their availability to be open to the moment.  I encourage you to take some time to wonder.  Perhaps it's on a walk outside in nature.  Perhaps it's watching a young grandchild play.  Perhaps it's stopping with one verse or even a small phrase in your Bible, to wonder at the grand gift of life that God has given us.

Perhaps today, or this week, you can find some time to wonder.  Even just for a few moments.

Thanks for Your Patience & Question # 2

I'm back at my PRC computer after a few months away, and looking forward to encouraging you to take good care of yourself, so that you can take good care of others in ministry.  It's a beautiful, sunny, warm winter day here in Lancaster.  Our building is right next to a Retirement Community.  We have many retirees to take a walk outside for fresh air and exercise, or to enjoy a good talk with a walking buddy.

Back to questions, which I just got started on in the fall.

2.  Have you taken some time for fresh air and exercise lately?  

If not, when might be a good time to do so?  How about this afternoon?!  (No matter when you are reading this message.)  Even if it's just 15 minutes, it might lift your mood and give you needed perspective on whatever challenge is facing you.

Leave of Absence

The questions will have to wait!  I'll be on a leave of absence from the Parish Resource Center until January, as I attend to some writing projects in my Scripture Echo business.

Peace to you, until then.  Take good care of yourself!

Tracey Marx

Question #1

Let's start out with a tough one!

1.  What are you doing that is sabotaging your desire to take good care of yourself? 

We all choose unwisely, for all kinds of reasons.  Take a look at the choices you are making through the day, throughout the week.  What is getting in the way?  What is unhealthy?  What is dragging you down? 

And then...

What would it mean for you, if you were to give this up?  How would things be different for you? 

And then...

What is your prayer for yourself?  What help do you need from  God? 

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Take a deep breath.  Relax.  Spend some gentle time in prayerful instrospection, this fall.

QUESTIONS

This fall, I am  going to be asking some questions.  I encourage you to answer honestly, and to consider what you might feel called to do in response.  Or, what God might be calling you to do! 

Tim Bistline Blogs About Self-Care for Youth Pastors

See Tim Bistline's blog about Self-Care for Youth Pastors at our PRC blog http://www.prcyouthnetwork.blogspot.com/. 

Watch the Fish

Scroll down to the bottom of this screen and watch the fish swim.  Relax, take a deep breath.  Accomplish nothing for 3-5 minutes.