I Knew It...Sleep is Overrated?!

Grace and Peace Be Unto You,

It is good to share with you in these beautiful Autumn days, the kingdom work of the 92 Baptist churches here in central Louisiana. But before I get into some particulars, allow me to digress for a drowsy excursus.

In the Daniel household, there is an ongoing discussion about my sleep peculiarities.  Basically, I go to bed around midnight and I arise around 6:00 a.m. in the morning. I fall into the category of nearly one third of all working adults--who get six hours or fewer of sleep a night. Strange as it seems to my wife, Linda, six hours of night time sleep seems to work just fine for me. To wit: my answer to the age old question: "Are you a morning person or a night person?" is to reply: "Neither, but I do lunch time really well!" That being said, though, sleep is vitally important.

The New York Times recently published an article entitled: "Rethinking Sleep" http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/opinion/sunday/rethinking-sleep.html?_r=0, in which the notion that an eight hour block of sleep is essential is challenged. Apparently, deep sleep is more significant than the length of time one sleeps. If you sleep deeply, and you are not sleep deprived, the good news is that you may be doing just fine...regardless of whether you sleep in longer blocks of time or in shorter blocks of time. 

The Bible speaks about sleep in numerous ways. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8). We can sleep well in the peace of the Lord. Also, the Bible informs us that God does not sleep: Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4). Thus, we can pillow our heads knowing that the One who keeps His people, will be on watch at all times. Relax, Christian servant...and sleep well my friend. Then, arise and enjoy the Fall beauty of our beloved Louisiana habitat, and labor as ye ought...as unto the Lord!

Many churches, it seems, have Fall Revivals scheduled. I pray that you will take note of nearby sister churches in revival and support them with your prayers and attendance. The Central Louisiana Baptist Association Annual Meeting will be held on October 14, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. (Executive Board at 5:00 p.m.), at Baptist Temple. The North Rapides Baptist Association Annual Meeting will be held on October 21, 2012,  with a Missions Fair at 5:30 p.m., followed by the 6:30 p.m., main meeting, at Alpine First Baptist Church. Support your local association by your attendance. Prayerfully, your church will consider transferring your Sunday night service that evening, to join with other churches for a grand annual gathering to be together in worship and service.

Oh, and by the way...sleep is NOT overrated!!

Blessings,
Robert Daniel, Director of Missions
Big Creek, Central, and North Rapides Associations

Robert's Schedule:
Wednesday Prayer Breakfast, September 26: 7:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church. Bus Trip for a Prayer Drive to Bethel...bus departs the Baptist Mission Center at 6:30 a.m..
September 30: Vacation
October 7: Vacation
October 14: AM at Trinity Baptist. PM is Central Association Annual Meeting at Baptist Temple
October 21: Wilda Baptist morning service, North Rapides Association Annual Meeting at Alpine in the evening.
October 28: Wilda Baptist AM and PM services. Pastor Joey Rudisill on mission in Philippine Islands.
November 4: Wilda Baptist (see above)
November 11: AM is open, St. Claire Baptist Church, PM, for community Thanksgiving Service.
November 18: Open
November 25: Open
December 2: Open
December 9: Homewood Baptist Church Annual Homecoming Service and Dinner on the Grounds
December 16: Open
December 23: Open
December 30: Open

Note: Open dates will become visits to churches to enjoy a time of worship with congregations around the three associations.