From The Pastor’s Heart
8/24/08

Joyce and I would like to sincerely thank you for the time of spiritual renewal that you have provided me during the sabbatical. This time allowed me to get off the treadmill for a few weeks… something that I don’t even do during vacations.

It created an opportunity for me to prayerfully recapture an even larger sense of vision. I was able to read and write without thought of the next thing I had to do, so I was nurtured. Joyce and I were able to worship together and even share in communion together. I was able to refocus some priorities, and truly reflect on the call that God has put on my life. It was a remarkable time of restful and spiritual preparation for the journey ahead… and we sincerely thank you.

Just before it was time for me to return, I was listening to a new CD that I had received. It is Steve Green’s CD called “The Letter.” In it was a song entitled “Oh, I Want To Know You More” (I will be ordering the background tape). The words to that song truly capture the biggest part of what God did in the Mott’s life over the last month.

“Just the time I feel that I’ve been caught in the mire of self… Just the time I feel my mind’s been bought by worldly wealth. That’s when the breeze begins to blow and I know the Spirit’s call. And all my worldly wanderings just melt into His love. When my daily deeds ordinarily lose life and song, my heart begins to bleed – Sensitivity to Him is gone. I’ve run the race, but set my own pace and face a shattered soul. Now the gentle arms of Jesus warm my hunger to be whole.”

Chorus:  “Oh, I want to know You more. Deep within my soul I want to know You. Oh, I want to know You, to feel Your heart and know Your mind. Looking in Your eyes stirs up within me cries that say I want to know You. Oh, I want to know You more.”

Joyce and I sincerely thank you for your love, for your care, for this time… and for the remarkable words on cards and emails that we received from so many of you during this time. We love you dearly.

It is a joy to be your pastor.