A tour of one of my favorite places: My Study (part 1)

I don't think I'm alone in this, but I'm fascinated with the place where a Preacher studies. Some might call it a Study, or a an Office, but whatever it is called, I love to sneak a peek. I love to browse the bookshelves, check out the desk, and even glance at the art work. Maybe I'm just weird, but I guess I've always loved offices. When I was much younger I used to pretend that I was a businessman, even dressing the part. I had my own bank - GI Joe Bank & Loans (at least I think that's what I called it). My older brother would even let me keep his money for him! OK, I am weird, but I wanted to be a banker. God had other plans for me, but I still enjoy a good office/study.

My study is one of my favorite places in the world. It's my domain, my territory, my kingdom - but I'm getting carried away! On a more spiritual note, it's actually HIS domain, and it's where I am privileged to do much of HIS work. In this place I plan, prepare, pray, pastor, and get ready to preach. I spend more time here each week than I do at church, because much of my life is about preparing. If I do well here, I do well there. If I goof off here, I miss the mark there. You get the point. The carpenter has his workbench, the mechanic has his toolbox, the office-worker has his cubicle, and the preacher has his study.

In both of my pastorates I have had a dedicated room in my home that served as a study. I did have one at a church one summer, but that was only for a couple of months, so I don't count it! Anyway, there are pros and cons to having a study at home verses having one at church. I'll not get into that here; I'll leave you to read the pastoral theology books at your leisure, but I like having a study at home. The commute is great, the hours are flexible, the dress is whatever you choose. Enough said.

Are you ready to begin the tour?

Good.

We'll take our time as we move around and allow time for some interesting (hopefully!) facts about what you see.

Let's begin today with my current view:

I spend a lot of time with this view!
Years ago I hand wrote all of my sermons,
now I type them. I think my typing has
greatly improved with this exercise.

Looking just a bit to my left. Just ignore that
overflowing in-box! I have for a while!

Current Sermon Series Folder, a book I'm
reading, my wallet and new phone. I just
ventured into the smart-phone world, and
am glad I did!

A look to my right. Bibles, weekly worksheet clipboard,
digital recorder, phone, mp3 player, cd player, other stuff.
The white remote is for my ceiling fan - how lazy is that!?

Your view, if you were literally visiting. Oh, I
guess I would be in the picture then, though.

A close up view out my front window - cold!!
That swing-set keeps traveling across the yard!
The boys swing on it so hard it gradually moves
to the right. We keep moving it back because we
don't want it to end up in the road!

The pecan tree is now "naked" after the recent storms.

A close up out the side window. You see why I call
myself the "country parson!" Looks like December now.

My calendar, just back of my left shoulder.
This one featured major league ballparks.
My team is this month - the Braves!
Can't believe it's almost time to throw this
one out and put up a 2011 one.

Next time we'll explore a little more. Before I sign off though, I thought you might like to see another study.

Here's John MacArthur's study:

John MacArthur - Study Tour from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.