Staff Sabbaticals 2024

A Sabbatical is a biblical concept based on the Sabbath. In Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, we teach that a weekly Sabbath is a time to STOP, REST, DELIGHT, and CONTEMPLATE - a time to rest and to disconnect from working and striving so we can focus on being with God. A Sabbatical is simply an extended Sabbath. 

Pastor Ric & Jen Jacobs Sabbatical

May 16 - August 8, 2024

My wife and I have learned a lot about surrender and dependence over the past few years! The challenges of parenting foster and adoptive children, caring for aging parents, as well as mental, physical, and emotional health issues have weighed heavy on our family. 


And at the same time, we are learning to practice gratitude and find joy in the struggle. God doesn’t always take away the unwanted circumstances, but He promises to be with us and sustain us through them.


The focus of our sabbatical this summer is the restoration of our marriage, our family, and our relationship with the Lord. We are trusting the Lord to RESTORE JOY as we rest and lean into His love for us and His goodness to us!


THEME: Restoring Joy (Psalm 51:10-12)

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.


Trips:

  • Hershey, PA (Ric & Jen) Fost/Adopt Conference 5/17-18

  • Omaha, NE (Ric & Jen, Robin) City Care (Networking & Learning) - 6/8-12

  • Long Beach Island, NJ (Ric & whole fam) - 6/17-19

  • Lakehouse Family Vacation - 6/22-29

  • Hilton Head, SC (Ric & Jen) Shepherd's Care - 7/20-27


Practices: 

  • Silence (Daily) & Stopping / Scripture / Journaling (Daily)

  • Continue Practicing Gratitude Daily…

  • Counseling for Individual Family Members / Jen & Me

  • Personal Worship - Create Spotify Sabbatical Playlist

  • Regularly watch The Chosen with family


Delight: 

  • Yardwork & Projects

  • Golfing, Fishing, Hiking, Running

  • Movies & TV series

  • Attend a Worship Event with Family

  • Hersheypark Day

  • Time with Jen and NO kids

  • Connecting with friends


Rhythms to Establish

  • Exercise - working out and slogging w/ Jen

  • Morning Devo Time for the family


Books/Podcasts: 

  • The Other Half of the Church (Wilder & Hendricks)

  • The Meaning of Marriage (Keller)

  • No Rules Rules (Hastings)

  • Gospel Fluency (Vanderstelt)

  • The Story of You (Cron)

  • Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast (Scazzero)

  • Global Leadership Network Podcasts

  • Vanderstelt 180 Discipleship Podcasts


Worship Visits

  • CCC Omaha

  • Journey Church Omaha

  • New Cumberland Alliance

  • LCBC West Shore

  • West Shore Evangelical Free

  • Christian Life Assembly