Santa Barbara, California

I will likely never come here again but how I will remember this view of coastline and sea. For this perch has been my place of respite these last four days. A shelter in the cliff and a place for me to sit and wonder over the majesty of God.  But a few feet away, it was reached by a stepping path from the back of our host's home.  And though here I am near the others, I feel as if I'm in another place. The shrubs and foliage shield me from view - and protect me from wind and cold.  Yet, I can peer over their tops, joyfully nestled in my perch, as a bird would from any sanctuary high in a tree. Indeed, it has been my solace - a perfect place for these days in Santa Barbara, CA.  

So that I wondered this morning of the hands of God.  When knowing my place there - I really am in 'sanctuary.' His hands form my refuge and from His hands I have my best view. Here, I am but a step away - yet safe and secure. For from His hands I see both the beauty of God and danger of sin, while knowing - all the while - the sheer joy of His perfect peace.  (Psalm 91) 

Blessings, 

Pastor Sam 

 

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Life has been 'fast and furious' since returning from Brasil on the 23rd of July. Two weddings, two funerals, more meetings than I care to count - coupled with delivering the last 3 messages of my summer preaching series, "the Accountable Church," has kept me 'running'.  But... at the completion of Sunday last  (Aug 11) I walked from the pulpit and up the east hall where waited a car to usher me to the airport. Two planes and a car ride later I was in shorts, at the beach - and, frankly, I have not moved since!

This year B and I have returned to Pawleys Island, South Carolina. http://www.townofpawleysisland.com/ This slow, quaint but beautiful place was first introduced to us in the early 90s, and over the last 20 years we've vacationed here at least 10 of those.  With us is our family - Taylor, Matt and Trey - along with Belinda's sister, her family and her mother and husband. Needless to say our beach rental is full - not just with people but with the comfort family brings. So that it has all been good, and I am grateful - and... not kidding.

Of course my prayer is that I'll be able to relax. To take a mental break from duties and task and move the focus of my creative energy away from the 'everyday' to place it, instead, on 'something other'.

Confessedly, I have never been good at walking totally 'away' from work and church - though long ago I quit fretting over this. It is simply who I am to think of parkwayhills - and what I love doing is to think of you.  But I have learned to change my pace, to slow down and relax - time permitting.  So this is what I am doing now - on this familiar isle called Pawleys.

As I do, I am praying some of the same for you. :-)


Pastor Sam
Eph. 3: 20-21