I spent the weekend at a ministry conference and have figured out a couple of things.

1. Sometimes putting your name in a drawing has dividends.

For me, it’s fun to put my name in when they give away something. Logos Software was giving away a MacBook Pro. (As a side note, my church gifted me with a Logos package, which is an incredible blessings!)

But I didn’t win the MacBook Pro.

Another place had a drawing and I actually won and I couldn’t be happier. There is a retreat center near the Twin Cities that I have used a couple of times over the years for silent retreats. Pacem in Terris is a great place to get away and let the silence do a powerful work. I was planning on going there in May regardless because my soul is in need of the repair.

I did win two nights at Pacem in Terris! I am far happier with that than a MacBook Pro. Honestly.

2. I need the benefit of conferences from time to time.

They can be helpful to equip for ministry and sometimes offer spiritual refreshing.

3. I need to find a different type of conference.

Right now these conferences seem to be in a different phase of emphasis and I go away with more voices in my head beating me up than I do having a sense of feeling refreshed. (And I don’t mean “beat up” in any really good way, either.)

Now, I have to get those voices out of my head, hear the voice of my Savior and deliver a word to a church I dearly love and a place I desire to pastor for many years to come.

Your voice, O Lord, is the one I desperately need to hear. Help me more clearly hear your call and stay obedient to the heavenly vision.