Psalm One is doing a bit of remodeling in 2022. We’ve all had to adjust, re-calibrate, and retool a bit through the non-stop roller coasters of the last few years, haven’t we? Flex and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to flex and obey.

 

March marks 23 years of Psalm One Ministries. God has opened doors to serve far more than we could have ever imagined around Ohio, across the world, and through a pandemic. He is continuing to use us in strategic ministry, so I need a retreat myself before I lead the next batch of retreats!

 

In April, I am heading on an extended sabbatical, then continuing the ministry of Psalm One. Same Psalm One you’ve always known, just a new “back office”. Psalm One remains unchanged.

 

Sabbatical?

 

Why do you need a sabbatical?

• After 40 years of uninterrupted full-time ministry, I need an extended break before shifting to the next chapter of ministry. I need a furlough, but I have no desire to quit. I want to draw away with the Lord before returning to hands-on ministry with renewed insight, vigor, and strength. Jesus is my model in this. If He needed to pull away with the Father, how much more do I? I don’t think God is finished with me, so I want to pour out of a full cup again.

• When most people think of a sabbatical, it is often for the purpose of writing a book, continued education, or a special project. A pastoral sabbatical is about rest, refueling, and renewal. I need an extended prayer pilgrimage with time in the Word, in creation, and at Jesus’ feet. I need time to read and study. I need to have my heart, soul, mind, spirit, and body restored by God.

• This is what I teach. This is what I must do. Half of my ministry is coaching how to integrate sabbath into our lives so we keep our hearts alive toward God and don’t burn out in ministry. How can I teach others if I am a burned-out shell?

• The last few stressful, toxic, and combative years of upheaval have taken a big toll on my soul, and covid has taken a big toll on my health. I’ve weathered two bouts of covid and am still trying to heal from long haul covid.

• I cared for two aging and ailing parents 100 miles away for 9 years, then lost both my parents within two years. I’m so thankful to have been able to be there, but it depleted me.

• I want to combine my ministry, writing, travel experiences, photography, and whatever else God gives me in ways that bless, inspire, teach, and encourage people.

 

Where are you going?

I already have a couple of options, but I plan to be in several locations along the way. Does anyone know of anyplace affordable I could rent? Private, quiet, remote. Somewhere I can be alone to wander with my Bible, journal, and camera. Prayer, study, writing, photography. Ocean, shoreline, island, ocean, mountains, woods, lake, or ocean. Cottage, condo, cabin, crib, cow shed. Preferably most of my neighbors would have fur, fins, feathers, flippers, or even fangs. Willing to consider anywhere in the world (I get around), but well aware that border and travel restrictions could change at any point. Email or call me as soon as possible if you have any ideas.

 

How will you pay for this?

I will be using my savings and donations from people who want to support this prayer pilgrimage. Have you been encouraged, strengthened or blessed through my ministry? I would be honored if you would consider investing in this sabbatical. https://www.psalmone.org/donate

 

Be sure to choose sabbatical from the drop-down screen or otherwise indicate. Checks should be made out to Psalm One Ministries and mailed to the address below. Note the new P.O. Box. Please do not send mail to old PO Box and Oregonia address.  We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization so all contributions are tax deductible. Do not put my name on the check.

 

How can I pray?

I need a team of faithful people who will travel with me (vicariously—do not start packing) and pray for my time with Jesus, my safety, all the logistics. In return, you will be blessed and possibly entertained by occasional emails from the road, which might include wacky stories of weird adventures, divine appointments, whispers from God, and a photo or two. If you are willing to pray, reply with Sabbatical Prayer Team.

 

After the sabbatical, Psalm One will continue as always with:

• Bible teaching

• Christ-centered, Biblically based spiritual formation

• Soul care retreats

• Refocus and refuel retreats

• Care, consulting, counseling, equipping, and encouraging ministry families

 

Psalm One Ministries depends upon faithful people to invest in our ongoing ministry. We are still receiving donations to continue our work—and especially so I can hit the ground running once I return from my time away.

 

In the meantime, I am still here and available through March.

• Our online Matthew Study for men and women continues: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

• We are gearing up for the Wisconsin Pastors’ Wives Soul Care Retreat at the end of February. https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives

• The Sisterhood of the Fishbowl continues to be a lifeline of fun friendship for pastors’ wives on Thursdays: https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives

 

Pray for a seamless transition. Change is never easy. But we know God will to continue to use Psalm One. He will finish the work he has begun in us as we flex and obey.

 

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6)

 

Thanks for listening and praying,

Grace and peace,

Linda