I work a lot.

I am not embarrassed about that. I love what I do and I love to equip and encourage pastors and church leaders. I decided to cut back my travel in 2009 and started to implement that in 2010. And, I also decided to take my family with me.

One of the things I have learned lately is the need for family retreat. Last week, we took one of those retreats. I spoke on Transformational Church along with my co-workers. But, we also made a point of getting some time away.

We have made a point of making a trip to Glorieta each year. It is a tradition for our family. We get here early and have time as a family.

So, last week, we flew in on Friday. I spoke at Desert Springs Church (a non-denominational church pastored by Ryan Kelly) and then led three sessions at Glorieta. There was some emailing and there were some meetings, but we had some great family time at Glorieta.

Let me encourage you to consider a family retreat. I love the fact that LifeWay provides a "Minister Getaway" personal retreat rate of $39 per night for ministers and their families .

While we were there, we did some trout fishing on the Pecos.

And did some goldfish fishing at the Glorieta duck pond.

And enjoyed some time on the dock overlooking the chapel.

Donna and I walked the beautiful prayer garden.

We rode a trail.

And my kids made new friends at camp.

I don't like to use my blog for much promotion, but I want to
encourage you to get away with your family. And, I wanted to let you know about the pastors' rate at Ridgecrest (Black Mountain, NC) and Glorieta (near Santa Fe, NM). You can click here for more info about Minister Getaways at Ridgecrest and here for Glorieta.

We are headed there each year... and have started a little tradition.

Here they are in 2009:

and here they are in 2010.

I hope you will find some time to get away with your family...