Merry Christmas to All

Well, Christmas (the event - packages, etc.) is mostly past, though Christmas day is not even half over. It is amazing how good God has been, even in just the past few weeks. Mom and Dad were able to come visit for a week, even though their car was remodeled and is in the shop. Some of the items we were hoping to get for the kids were on really good sales; the weather has been pleasant (as pleasant as mid-December can be). God has just showered poured dumped His blessings upon us. Later today we will gather with the whole family and celebrate Christmas together with them. Christmas is indeed all about the coming of the Savior, but one of the ancillary benefits is the opportunity to spend time with family. It is especially wonderful when that family shares a common love for God and the things of God. My God not only meets my needs, but He also provides so many things that can only be described as wants. When one thinks of missionaries or military that can not spend the holidays with family, it makes such a time even more special when it can be done. I am so thankful to God for the family He has given, both my natural family and my family by marriage. The greatest gifts that we have cannot be purchased on Amazon or at WalMart; they come only from God. He sent His Son to offer salvation. He places us in the families that He ordains. He gives health and protection. He alone can meet our needs and give us provision. He is a great and wonderful God.

One of the interesting things about Christmas is the time that we celebrate Christmas. In the Old Testament, often we find a statement that says something like "in the third month, on the twelfth day of the month," something happened. Yet when it came the birth of the Messiah, there is no direct statement of the time and very little implication about the time. The time that we celebrate Christmas is not what is important, else God would have had the gospel writers record the date. What is important is that we take the time and reflect on the work of God and the gift that He has offered through Jesus Christ His Son. The Bible tells us that salvation is only available through Christ. No matter what we accomplish in life; no matter how much we accumulate, we can never gain entrance into God's family. That comes only receiving Jesus Christ as our Savior. We hear it often said that we need to celebrate Christmas throughout the whole year and not just at Christmas time, yet we often get so caught up in our routines that we neglect to mediate on our God and the many blessings that He has given us. At this Christmas season, let each of us commit to making Jesus Christ the central focus of our lives. Merry Christmas.

The Walker’s Christmas Epistle (e-version), version 21

My, what a year this has been. God has showed a step or two of the road ahead, but we still wait on Him for what the future holds. Here is a mini-recap of the year.

With the move and the changes in life, there was basketball for the kids as the year began, but not for Johnny. It felt odd, but this is what God has at this time. As you might expect, school and school activities dominate the calendar.

This year, we celebrated birthdays 44 (Johnny & Becky), 15 (Justin), and 12 (Brianna). We also celebrated anniversary 21 for Johnny & Becky.

Becky is the Assistant Office Manager at Country Meadows of Hershey. Her job is a 25-45 minute commute (depending on traffic) from the house. Unfortunately, she has to work every other weekend, but at least she has consistent work.

Johnny began the year working part-time at Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy. Beginning in March, he added evenings at FedEx Express to his work schedule. He continued at FedEx until late August, when he began full-time ministry at Emmanuel. This year he is teaching Physical Science (9), Earth Science (7-8), Math 7, Consumer Math (12), and Elementary Computer (1-6). Johnny also coached the school volleyball teams. The varsity team finished runner-up at the state tournament.

Justin is now a sophomore in high school while Bri is in 7^th grade. Both kids are able to participate in sports: basketball (both), soccer (Justin), and volleyball (Brianna) at EBCA. As we enter the winter, both kids are preparing for basketball season. They also sing in the choir and play the handbells. Justin is playing the trumpet; Brianna plays the flute. For the second time Justin was able to participate in the Keystone Christian Education Association All-State Choir. The 170 voice choir put on two concerts in the rotunda at the PA capitol. It was thrilling to see and hear. Also, Justin was admitted to the Honor Society this year. Both kids are doing very well in all that they do.

Speaking of winter...well, let’s not. Last winter central PA received more snow than had been received in many years. Johnny and the kids were able to go sledding a number of times, something we never did in Texas. It was a lot of fun. We also had the great “privilege” of shoveling A LOT of snow - didn’t need to do that in TX either.

We know that God is faithful. It has been exciting to see Him accomplish His will. We trust that you will enjoy the blessings of God during this Christmas season.

If you get up our way, give us a call. Friends are always welcomed.

A Blessed Time

It has been a while since I last updated, mostly due to typing tests and quizzes, volleyball (coaching, and tournament), and other causes of general busyness. It has been quite busy lately, but all has been good. God has been blessing and meeting needs.

The last half of October was BUSY with volleyball games. The varsity team participated in the KCEA (Keystone Christian Education Association) AA Volleyball Tournament. The team played exceptionally well, missing the title by one point. I was very proud of their effort. They put up with a lot throughout the season, having what amounted to a rookie coach. I had coached volleyball before, but it was years ago and the game has changed radically since I last coached VB. The girls had a new coach and a new system with little time to adjust. They really played well, especially during the tournament. The team that defeated us in the championship game had played in the finals perhaps three of the last four years, winning two of those years.

This week (Nov 15-18) I attended a Student Leadership Conference with 20 students from Emmanuel. There was a total of 120 students present at the conference. We had a tremendous week. Keven Brownfield was the preacher, while Chad Williams was the teacher. The young people from EBCA learned much and have a great desire to apply what they learn. I am looking forward to seeing the work of God in their lives in the days to come. I have attended many of these conferences over the years and I am continually reminded of the impact the preaching/teaching has. The material is regularly updated, the speakers change... the conference stays fresh and new to the students. It is a tremendous tool in young lives.

We returned to EBCA on Thursday afternoon and then 19 students from EBCA left for KCEA All-State Choir rehearsal. This is a great event that is an annual highlight for the students. Students go through an audition process and those that are accepted have the opportunity to participate in 2 concerts in the PA capitol rotunda. The sound is awesome in that setting. The choir had 170 members; they sounded wonderful.

Much more is going on, but time does not allow elaboration. Enjoy.

An Encouraging Walk

On Tuesday of this week, Justin was admitted as a member of the National Honor Society. Bec & I were so pleased, and yes, even proud. While Justin is still growing and maturing, the growth in the last year or so has been amazing. Both of the children are doing marvelously well, involving themselves in so many areas, including athletics, music, art, etc. I stand back as a dad and just breathe out thanks to God for all that He has done. It has been wonderful to see. Psalm 40:5 tells us of David's feeling that God's works were many and wonderful; all I can say is that I whole-heartedly agree. They are more than can be numbered and greater than I can understand. Congratulations Justin and Brie! I am proud of both of you.

What a Wonderful Walk

Well, last week was the annual Keystone Christian Education Association (KCEA) Teachers' Conference at Willow Valley resort just south of Lancaster. It was a two day event (Thur-Fri) with great keynote speakers and NUMEROUS workshops. It was very well done. One of the great blessings here at EBCA is that the ministry pays for the hotel room for the family, if they are able to attend. We had a wonderful time. Bec was able to take some time off from work and join us at the resort. She spent most of her time working on devotionals for upcoming speaking opportunities. Possibly the best part of the event was seeing both Justin and Brie serving. Some of the teens from EBCA attend the conference to help with the technology team. KCEA records most of the workshops to make them available for CD purchase. The teens help deliver mics and digital recorders to the various speakers and then retrieve the equipment and take it to the tech leaders. It was super to see them involved and helping, all the while having a great time. I loved the conference, but it was equally good to see the Walker clan enjoying themselves.

Volleyball season is about halfway over. The varsity team is doing well; junior high is progressing. The girls really are great. Tonight on the way back from a varsity game, the team sang hymns and gospel songs most all the way home. It was such a blessing to hear them sing and enjoy what they were singing.

The school year is well under way. It has been very busy so far, with new classes, volleyball, senior class projects, etc. I really enjoy it, but it sure does keep me busy. The kids are doing well in school. They are involved in everything that they can do, from art to music to sports. God has greatly blessed our family and He continues to do so. He is so very wonderful to us.

The End of the Path

The most recent path we have been on found me spend weekday evenings "tossing" boxes (carefully stacking, for those who ship overnight packages). That path came to an end Friday night as I finished my time at FedEx Express. I really did enjoy the time there and the job was greatly used by God to meet the needs of the family throughout the summer. It was supposed to be 20ish hours per week; throughout the summer I have been over 30 hours every week. I tried to figure out how I could teach and keep the evening job, allowing us to prepare for a house purchase at whatever time God allows and, looking ahead, Justin's college in just a couple of years. I could have done both jobs, but I was leaning (85%+) to dropping the evening work when I was asked if I could coach volleyball at EBCA this year. I enjoy volleyball and I have coached before, but I gave that up probably 12 years ago and the game has changed significantly since then. Since I can only be in one place at a time, at least until cloning is perfected, I needed to relinquish my position at FedEx.

Back to volleyball. There is a missionary on deputation in the church and he just happens to be a volleyball coach. He is coming in to assist with practices, teaching the girls and me at the same time. We should have a pretty good varsity team this year; the junior high team will be a work in progress as they are young and inexperienced. The best part of coaching is, obviously, McDonald's after away games.

Now for the day job. I will be teaching a potpourri of classes this year -- two mid-level science classes, one junior high math class, yearbook, elementary computer, and Rosetta Stone (no teaching, just supervising). I will be stretched for sure; I have taught most of these classes before, but it has been a while. None of them are in my primary fields, but I am looking forward to it.

So, one path comes to and end and a new road lies before us. I am thankful for the opportunity and relish the challenge to serve our great God and seek to have a Godly impact on the lives of the students. Oh, by the way, we are still waiting for guests. Come visit sometime.

one Year Later

My, what a year it has been. One year ago the Walkers left the Rio Grande Valley and headed to points unknown. Hebrews 11:8 was sort of the theme for the trek: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." We moved to PA so that we might await the leading of God as He directed to the next place of service. With Bec's folks living in Hershey, we had a place to stay that was near a major airport (BWI) and major interstates so that we could travel to look at schools, if need be. One year later, we are still here in the Harrisburg area, specifically Mechanicsburg, looking ahead to the privilege and opportunity to serve here at Emmanuel. God has shown what we could not know -- whither we went." Not only did God know where we were going, why we were going, and for what were we going, He has shown His provision along the way.

As we were preparing to leave Texas, a large number of folks from Faith helped load the moving trucks. Their generosity and strong backs are still appreciated. Loading would not have been possible with their help. Another great blessing was Nikki Irvin taking her time to help drive up to PA. She was a great help.

Since we arrived in PA, we have had two Texas friends "come" to visit (actually, they were in the region) and we were able to visit with the FCA seniors for a while when they were on their Senior Trip. Being so far from the RGV, we know we will not be able to see those friends often, so every visit is special.

Over the last year, there have been many times when I have wondered how we got to the point where we are. Prior to last June, there were know plans to leave Texas; we had every intention of continuing at Faith for another seventeen years. Yet, as we look back, it is obvious that God was directing every step of the way. It was similar to the bird learning to fly. It may not be convenient, but it is necessary. God accomplished His purposes in whatever means He chooses. We simply need to submit to His leading and obey His will.

The last year has truly been an adventure, but it has been a time of growth and promise. God has been faithful and has shown Himself to be in control of every situation. We have 17 years worth of friends in Texas and are making new friends after 1 year in PA. Thank you to all who have been a part of our lives over the years.

Walking with Friends

One of the great blessings that I have been given as I have been involved in ministry for the last 18 years is the friendships that I have made. One of the great "curses" of ministry is the lack of opportunity to see friends due to moves. Many of my friends over the years have moved to other parts of the country, and now I have moved (almost exactly one yr ago). I try to keep in contact with folk, but it is not the same as seeing them and sitting down to talk over pie and ice cream -- and of course, iced tea. God has been very gracious and has given me a great many wonderful friends that are now scattered all around the country. Should I have the opportunity to travel, then I will get to see them; otherwise, I guess they need to come to central PA to visit us. I expect to see you soon.

Walking Day after Day

It has been great to see God at work this summer. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 33:3. God promises not only to answer prayer, but to answer in a way that is beyond what we can understand. He does not do the absurd, but He does go above our expectations.

When school dismissed for the summer, I was intrigued by what the upcoming weeks would hold with only one part-time job plus Bec's job to meet the needs. There really was no time to try to compete with high school and college students for the few part-time jobs available. Thanks to God and His blessing, it was not necessary. I have been working 30-37 hours per week at Fed-Ex this summer. Because I work mostly afternoons and evenings, I have been able to spend some the kids doing different things. Our God truly is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides.

One of the fun things about working at a package shipper is seeing the various locations to which packages are headed. I have seen boxes headed to different places I have lived and others that I have visited. Of course, there is no time to stare at boxes, so it is a quick glance as they go by.

Brianna attended a week of summer camp at Mt. Lou-San Bible Camp in Harrisburg. She had a great week. Justin goes to the Wilds in NC in August. The kids continue to grow and mature (I think). Becky and I grew up attending camp and Justin has always enjoyed camp. Now Brie gets to attend. Camp is an essential part of our lives.

More news to come -- chores to get done.

Walking Worthy

One of the concepts that grabs my attention as I read through the book of Colossians is the concept of walking, especially walking "worthy." We are to walk in Christ as we go through life, but the command is once given (1:10) to walk worthy. Paul prays for the believers that they would grow in their spiritual life and that they would walk worthy of their position as a child of God. God has redeemed us and now He expects us to live as if we are redeemed. Throughout the book of Colossians Paul addresses various aspects of life, including our spiritual behavior, our home life, our conduct at work, etc. Every aspect of life ought be ruled by the principles of the Word. Walking worthy means that we need to no only be familiar with the direct commands of Scripture, but also understand the principles that are derived from God's Word. Let us each commit to walk worthy of the position that we have in Christ.

Walking and Watching

God has been greatly blessing by adding hours at FedEx lately. School is out; no morning hours there. It seems as if every day I have picked up at least 30 minutes, if not more (even as much as 3 1/2 hours) each day. That definitely helps to pick up the slack. God once again shows that He is capable of meeting any and all needs that we face. While at work yesterday, the thought that kept running through my mind was from Jeremiah 33:3 --Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. He has surely done that.

We have finished one academic year at EBCA and I am so very pleased with the way the kids have adjusted. They were involved in everything that was made available to them, from sports to music to drama. The adjustment has not always been easy, but through it all, God has been good. The kids are continuing their music lessons throughout the summer, though intermittently. Both kids have done well and are growing and maturing well.

As God Walks

The famly and I had the wonderful oportunity to travel this past weekend to Baltimore to see the seniors from the school I used to serve at as they concluded their Senior Trip. It was a great blessing, as be we there or not, they are still "our kids." The visit was fairly short (about 2 hours), but most enjoyable. The visit was another example of God's unending goodness. The small blessings that He sends to remind us that He loves and cares for us are so very wonderful. After we left the FCA group at BWI, we spent an hour at Inner Harbor, then moved over to Fells Point where we ate lunch at a pizza place profiled on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives -- quite good. Next time I get to Baltimore we will visit a BBQ place profiled on DDD.

Colossians 2 begins with Paul commenting on his concern for those he loved in Colossae. It is somewhat the same feeling that I have, now settled into ministry in PA and yet having those we love halfway to China, or so it seems. God has shown that He is faithful and He continues to meet our needs, even as He allows us to serve here and keep up with our friends there.

One of the interesting aspects of God as reflected in Scripture is His personification. We know that He is a spirit, yet He is described with the qualities of a man. He sees; He hears, He listens; He walks. In Genesis, God walks through Eden seeking Adam and Eve, though in His omniscience He knew exactly where they were. In Colossians, as well in other books, we find the admonition to walk. We are to walk with God, living out our knowlwdge of God. If we are walking alongside of God, He does not need to go hunting for us as He did for Adam and Eve. We need to stay close to God through meditating on the Word, which in turn increases our love for Him. As our love for God increases, greater is the likelihood that we will heed the "put off" and "put on" commands of Col. 3. Christlike living is the result of godliness, it is not godliness of itself. Many people "do" to demonstrate their love for God; He wants us to "be" and understand the doing is simply the natural result of "being." It all starts with our walk. Does God need to find us or does He sense us close by?

Not Knowing Where You Are Walking

Though my schedule does not allow it so much these days, I greatly enjoy walking and bike riding. Though my schedule and finances do not allow, I also enjoy traveling. One thing that is for certain is that whether I ride my bike, go for a walk, or travel across the country, I need some familiarity with the area or a map (or GPS) to get around. Even with a map, sometimes one can get turned around and perhaps even, dare say it, lost. Perhaps more challenging than going to a new area is visiting an area anew after a long period away. You return and nothing looks quite the same. Landmarks have changed, perhaps even been removed; sight lines are different. These past few months have sort of had that feel. Everything is familiar, though only vaguely. it is the same, yet different. I can see that God is in control of everything and it is obvious that He has been meeting needs and providing, but is sure seems odd from this perspective. I know I am in the right neighborhood, but it seems to be a very large neighborhood. I just patiently wait to see if and when I arrive where I am headed. I must be close because everything looks sort of familiar.

One great blessing I had just this weekend was that the kids and I were able to go to Andrews Air Force Base outside of DC and see the Joint Services Open House Air Show. The show highlight was the Blue Angels. I have seen the Blues probably 8 times over the years, and every time is impressive. We had a blast. Justin took a couple hundred pictures. It was a long day, but we sure had a great time. God has given me a couple of great kids, that is for sure.

What a Week

My, was last week ever full. With Mothers Day upcoming, the shipping job went through the roof. Shari's Berries for mom -- seems like half the country was shipping them. There is a Shari's site close by, so we shipped MANY boxes of berries.

Looking for any excuse for a celebration, we recognized Cinco de Mayo in my class this week. It was a good reason to have Tres Leche in class. While on the topic of Mexican food, I have decided that there needs to be a Stripes convenience store located here in the Harrisburg area, just for the breakfast tacos. If they locate here, I will be first in line. I have found a decent Mexican restaurant, but still need a good breakfast taco.

The other need is to locate a good bar-be-que place. Haven't really looked yet, but that is on the horizon. Need to find somewhere to get some good flavor. Of course, with the current work schedule, the only real day to search for dining locations is Saturday. We have never really been a family that dines out on Sunday and I work until at least 9:30 every evening, so Saturday is the day. Becky works every other weekend, so it is me and the kids for lunch or dinner for the family. That being said, we do not eat out much anymore, so the word for the day: "whatever."

Enjoy dinner.

Walking with Curves in the Road

Over the years that I have been involved in ministry, two of the events that I have enjoyed the most are the Leadership Conference and the Senior Trip. God has been so good this year to allow me to participate in both events here at Emmanuel. While not necessarily the same as what I had done in the past, it sure has been a blessing to be involved in those events with the young people here at EBCA.

Meanwhile, I have the privilege of working (two jobs) while many in this region are without jobs. God continues to show that He is in control of everything. Truly, He is sovereign.

I am continuing to saunter through the book of Colossians. Colossians is, as I have stated before, probably my favorite book in the Bible, so I am really enjoying taking an extended time to read, study, and meditate on the book. Chapter 2, verse 6 has been a focal point for the past few weeks, especially the "so walk" statement. It is somewhat like the "act your age" command. If this is who you are, act like it. Perhaps at one time you were the recipient of the "what is your last name" speech. Others may be able to get away with _______, but no one by your name is going to do that. As Christians, we have a high standard of conduct to abide by. In this passage, Paul is telling us that if we are members of God's family, we are to live like we are members of God's family. That seems reasonable to me. Some of the issues addressed include:

1. Worldview, or personal philosophy
2. New life in Christ as we are forgiven of our sin
3. Pretense of rules-based religion
4. Need to focus on Christ
5. Put Off / Put On
6. Do all as to God
7. Relationships

Obviously, there is MUCH more in the passage, but these topics stand out as I read chapters 2 and 3. The entire Put Off / Put On section is worthy of lengthy meditation, especially as you reflect on the meaning of what Paul is saying. Often we read for the sake of reading, who cares about comprehension. When we really comprehend what is being said, it could and should radically change our lives.

Another idea that grabs my attention is the concept of spiritual pragmatism. Often we try to skip the steps that God has ordered as we try to reach a result without the necessary "trip." That is nothing more than "the end justifies the means"; we cannot bypass His principles as we walk through life. This leads back to the title for this entry. Sometimes we cannot see what God is trying to accomplish or where He is taking us, but we can know what He expects of us. His Word provides us with the "step-by-step directions" we need that allows us to reach His intended goal. We cannot take a bypass or a shortcut; we must live obediently day after day. Even in a world that demands to live apart from God, we can live Biblically as we seek to please Him. Those curves that we encounter are nothing more than opportunities to see our great God prove that He is in control of all things, even when have we no idea where we are. When we live according to the Word of God and seek His righteousness, He has promised to meet our every need. We can trust Him, even when there is a curve in the road.

Keeping My Eyes up As I Walk

One of the most natural things do, yet one the most unsafe, is to look down as you walk. I recall the words of one of my college professors when he told our class that we needed to look ahead as we walk. If we look down all we will see is the occasional lost coin; if we look up, there are lots of pretty girls to see. That was his idea, not necessarily mine. Now, I found a pretty girl years ago and she was/is a keeper. But, I was thinking about the application of keeping my eyes up while walking through life. As I continue my work in Colossians, one of the keys of chapter 2 is the need to be rooted in Christ; then, as Paul transitions into chapter 3, he says to set our affection on things above. If I am walking in the woods or through a swamp, I need to look down to ensure good, solid footing. However, as I walk through life I have the confidence of walking on the solid ground of the Biblical teaching. Footing is not the problem. David said that God took him out of the miry clay and set his feet upon a rock. Jesus told of the one who built his house upon a rock and saw it withstand the storms of life. No, the footing isn't the problem. In my life, often it is the focus that is the problem.

As we go through our days, we face a great variety of difficult situations. How we deal with them is determined by our focus on our God. Colossians two and three both deal with focus. Chapter two instructs us to keep our attention on Jesus, even as we avoid the influences of this world. Those influences take the form of enticing words, philosophy, vain deceit, tradition, and basic principles of the world. We need to keep focus on God and live as if we are dead to the influences of the world.

Colossians three takes a slight change of direction as Paul instructs us to seek the elements that are from God. We need to set our minds on the heavenly things and put to death the "qualities" of this world. If we truly love God and have our focus on Him, we will set aside the characteristics of this ungodly world and take upon ourselves the qualities that make us Christlike: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance,  forgiveness, and love. Paul then exhorts us to allow the scripture to dwell within us and for us to do all in the name of our God.

The conclusion of chapter three deals with personal relationships: spousal, parental, occupational, and spiritual. All that we do in each relational area should reflect well on our God and should show that we are clothed in the attire of Christ-likeness as seen in verses 12-14. These things can only happen when we get our eyes off the ground and the things that try to trip us and get our focus on God and His all-sufficient provision for our many needs.

Close to Where It Started

Back in 1984, I began working for A Beka Books as a college student. Throughout that school year and the next, I packed books into boxes to prepare them for shipping. From 1992-2009, I ordered boatloads of books and received them via shippers. Now here I am in 2010, working for a shipper. I recently began working at a national shipper loading packages into airline containers for shipment. Loads of fun indeed, but it is truly a blessing from God. As I wait for the Lord's direction and plan come fruition, this will allow us to continue along our present course. Come fall, I expect to be employed full-time at school, but God is using this job to help meet the needs and pay the bills of the family. Truly He is wonderful.

Since I moved in August, I have been waiting to learn what God had in store for us next. It seems as if I finally know what that next step is. It also seems that the way is being prepared even before I am aware of the need. What a surprise -- God works ahead of my feeble, human vision.

We have been so richly blessed by God over the last few months, or more accurately, many years. I have been able to do all that I have wanted to do, from coaching, working with kids, teaching, and administrating. Now it seems as if God is opening many of those doors again. While I will not need to do all that I had grown accustomed to doing, God is slowly preparing opportunities to minister and serve in the areas that I most enjoy. In the mean time, I pack shipping containers. God has once again shown Himself to be sovereign, working steps ahead of what we can see or envision.

Walking the Many Miles

What a wild and wonderful week I just had. I was able to go to South Carolina to attend a teacher recruitment conference on behalf of EBCA. That was quite an honor. It also happened to be the first time I had visited BJU. I was not able to really see the school, as I was busy searching for teachers, but I was able to get a better understanding of the school and students than I had previously. That was one blessing.

Before the trip, one of our best friends from Texas came to visit for a day. He was not here for long; almost exactly 24 hours, but it sure was great to see him. Not only that, but he also brought fresh grapefruit. It was a great treat to have him visit. Thanks Clifton.

I arrived in SC on Sunday evening and went to my former pastor's house, as I was going to stay at his place for three nights. Well, what a great surprise. All of the Apple family, sans Carolyn and her family in TN, were able to come over. Also, others that I served with in TX, the Kelley and the Fortney families came over also. All that was really missing was Becky. I sure wish that she could have gone. It was wonderful to see friends that I have not be able to see for a few years.

Once I arrived at the conference, I found a friend of Bec's family from back in the IA days. Brad is now the administrator of a Christian school in MI. It was good to catch up with him for a couple of days.

I have numerous times over the years told students that I have been able to do all that I could have ever wanted to do, simply because I was where God wanted doing what God wanted. This was just another example of God giving an opportunity that I could not have manufactured. What a great week.

Then, to top things off, I came home and became ill. Yippee.

Colossians 1

I have been taking a LONG time to work through the book of Colossians. The plan is to take my time, but to try to gather as much as possible from the text. I anticipated taking, about six weeks to cover four chapters, but after four weeks and finding myself still in Chapter 1, I have decided that it will take longer than I anticipated. No problem.

One of my favorite parts of the book of Colossians is the book of Colossians. My favorite verse is Col 2:8; I love Col 1:17-18; the prayers of Paul are both educational and uplifting. Chapter 3 tells me how to develop as an individual and Chapter 4 shows Paul's love for his friends. It truly is a wonderful book.

I find Paul's prayer for the church at Colosse to be fascinating. When I see what he prayed for them, it causes me to reflect on my prayers for others. Often we pray and ask for generic, general requests, such as "help them to be healthy." Nothing wrong with asking for good health, but Paul was focused on the primary need: spiritual growth and in asking, he was specific. He asked for three specific things: (1) an increasing knowledge of the will of God; (2) that they would walk rightly; (3) that their faith would be strengthened. I read the verses and say to my self, " I need to pray that for myself, even as I pray that for others."

During this time of transition, I have sought to improve my walk and communication with my God. Paul's example and admonition is helping me to see the weaknesses in my life that need to be remedied. Eventually I may get to Chapter 2; for now, Chapter 1 is just loaded with material that I need to study in more depth.

What a Trek!

Well, we have been BUSY the last few weeks. After Christmas, we had the opportunity to move to the parsonage at the church we attend. The pastor has his own house, so the house was empty. It has been such a huge blessing. My in-laws were a wonderful help as we moved the belongings from their house and the storage shed. It was a long, yet fruitful week of work. Then came the arranging of furnishings. Even that has gone well. It has been so amazing to see God work during the transition.

One of the great things about the move is that the kids and I went from a 25 minute commute to school to a 45 second walk across the parking lot. Of course, now Bec has the drive to and from work. Oh well, someone has to sacrifice.

Basketball season is well under way. It is VERY odd this year, not being on the sideline. I have been able to attend most of the kid's games. They are both improving.

Currently, we are waiting on God to see what He has planned for our future. In the meantime, it is good to work in the school, even part-time. The kids are great to work with, so that makes it even better. Many of the students will be out next week participating in a basketball tournament in SC. That should be exciting for them.

Another exciting thing that has come about is that I was asked to go to BJU to recruit teachers for next year. That was completely unexpected. I have been thrilled at the opportunities that God has made available to me this year. I was able to attend the Leadership Conf. in the fall and now I get to take a recruiting trip. These are blessings that are difficult to explain. I have a great love for both of these activities. God is so very wonderful.


This year I want to do some book studies for my devotional reading. I am currently in Colossians, and will be for some time. It is a wonderful book that is full of practical teaching. I am looking forward to what God desires to teach me.

Sayanora