Some summer thoughts

I'm trying to get some things straight before leaving to join Wendy in France. In that vein, here are a few ideas we're considering for next semester:

1) Do a series based around the book Getting Things Done by David Allen.
This is for a few reasons:
a) Several of our members are starting new jobs that will likely require them to manage their time well.
b) We seem to pray for time management every week.
c) By managing our time, we will make time for God and, let's face it, that's what we really need.

As Wendy has pointed out, most of us, if not all of us, know things to do to manage our time well. This series, though, would offer us accountability--a chance to check in with others going through the same thing. I'm hoping that Alison, Art and Michele will also be able to benefit from this and interact with us through the blog or email. Lastly, and most importantly, this is a spiritual exercise. Paul writes to Timothy that, "...God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." Note that these three qualities are spoken of in one breath as being opposed to timidity. If we are not masters of our own lives, how can we work boldly for God's kingdom? We know that self-discipline is a fruit of the Spirit and as such comes from God. I hope we can work together to encourage one another to be good stewards of the time God has granted to each of us.

2. Start earlier.
From now on, I won't be the only one who has to get up to go to work in the morning. To that end, I think it's a good time to start meeting earlier. It would be great if you'd post comments regarding your preferred meeting-time. (Remember, it's not a bad idea to leave time to get some dinner.)

Actually, despite the fact that we are a Shack ministry, those are the only two new things we're currently considering. Let us know what you think!