Walking Around the Christmas Tree

Well, Christmas has finally come. It is such a wonderful time of the year, as we spend time with family and reflect on the birth of the Savior.

• The school program was Dec. 14.
• School dismissed at noon on Dec. 21.
• We had a special caroling service at church on Dec. 23.
• The annual Christmas Eve service was on Dec. 24 (obviously).
• Christmas celebrated.

God has been so very wonderful. When one stops to think of the many blessings that God has given, it can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, we often focus on the disappointments of life and miss the blessing. Even in the midst of disappointment, there are lessons to learn and opportunities to see the hand of God at work. As we sit around the table and partake of the bountiful meal, I can see the provision of God in every aspect of life. Of course, the blessing of Christmas is the gift of the Son as our Savior. He is such a wonderful gift that offers us blessings throughout our lives.

As I was reading an online periodical this last week, I came across a statement that I thought was amazingly intriguing -- "Sin - it's the reason for the season." When I thought about it, it was such a profound statement. Jesus came because of our sin. We celebrate the season because He came, but He came because of our sin. When we realize the seriousness of our sin and understand that Christ came to offer forgiveness, it is amazing that He loved us enough to offer salvation. Christmas should draw our attention to the birth of the Savior, of course, but also to the sacrifice of His life in our place on the cross.

The forgiveness that God offers is much like an "... of the month club," a gift that keeps on giving. God offers forgiveness at the time of salvation and also throughout life when we confess our sins. Again, a great blessing that we often fail to consider.

Have a great day. Merry Christmas to all.

Walking, Walking, Walking

Recently, the annual KCEA (Keystone Christian Education Association) All-State Choir concert at the PA Capitol rotunda took place. It is always a highlight of the school year. This year, the choir was made of around 145 high school students. In that setting, with all of the marble, tile, and granite, the sound is incredible. This year, both of the Walker children were a part of the choir. I sat in the rotunda for two concerts relishing the privilege of listening to the kiddos as they sang. It was a wonderful opportunity, especially as this was Justin's 4th and final year. it was great to see Brie make the choir in this her freshman year so that both were in together this one time. 

Basketball season in well underway. Both of the kids participate, so the schedule is fairly full. At least with Justin now driving, he can run the taxi on occasion. I am not able to get to every game, but I do enjoy seeing the kids participate. Of all the things that changed in the move from TX, the one that I miss the most is coaching basketball. But hey, that's the way things go.

There are a few verses in the Bible that talk of walking, but these are often in my mind:

• Colossians 1:10 - That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

• Colossians 2:6 - As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

As I go thorough each day, I need to keep my focus on the Savior and His desire/will for my life. The only way that I can walk with Him is to know where He is and what He wants. The only way to know those things is to be constantly in the Word, seeking Him. Paul wrote in Philippians 3 that it was his desire to know God better. So it should be for each of us.

Recently, Justin had to do a demonstration speech for class, and he chose to demonstrate a tennis ball mortar. I do not have video of the actual demonstration, only of one of the trial runs. He really enjoyed building the apparatus and then firing it off.

Enjoy.

Walking through the Storm

 

Welcome to my recent life. Storm prep followed by waiting and watching. Clean-up in my area should be fairly minimal; however, there are about 50 million leaves to rake after things dry out. Mark 4:37-41 (and parallel passages) come to mind during times like this. If my God is sovereign over all things, He is sovereign over this event also. So far, we have received 4 inches of rain. The winds have been blustery, but not too bad. Between my time in Florida followed by time in south Texas, I have been through more than a few tropical storms. I like the storms (as long as I do not deal with storm surges or eye walls); this particular storm was to move right over the top of us with strong winds and heavy rains, but it ended up being slightly less than expected. The best thing is that our power never went out. Having been in our house only since the first of the year, we are still learning what to expect with different weather events. We did get a little seepage in the basement, but there is less than a pint of water so far; of course, there is another 2" +/- expected. We will see if anything worse develops.

Over the last weekend, the athletes from EBCA participated in the KCEA Fall Sports Tournaments. Justin  (soccer) and Brie (volleyball) both were involved. Both teams finished second in the events.The kids each did well. Justin made the All-Tournament Team. I obviously was able to see Brie play; I was able to see Justin for a couple of minutes before the VB first round game.

Well, got to go. Enjoy and stay dry.

Walking around

Written on Sat, 9/29

Well, the KCEA 39th annual Christian Educator's Conference at Willow Valley (near Lancaster, PA) was a great blessing. I thoroughly enjoy the event, though I must admit sitting around for two days wears me out. it was a blessing to see people that I have known for some time.

• Suzanna (Garlick) Gonzalez was there, so it was good to see her for a few minutes.
• One of the workshop speakers, Dr. Bob Dalton, is the father of a young lady that used to teach for me in TX.
• Evangelist Ron DeGaard was a speaker. I have known Ron for a number of years. He is out of Bible Baptist Church in Matthews, NC, a church attended by an old HS friend.
• Dr. Marty Marriott, president of MBBC, was there as a speaker. I enjoyed speaking to him for a brief time.

There were others at the conference that I know, but these helped make the event a bit more special. The workshop and general sessions were all beneficial. The speakers did a magnificent job.

One of my great thrills is to see my kids help with the A/V. The help mic the speakers, set up the computers and projectors, etc. I love seeing them use their gifts as they are willing to serve. It causes me to rejoice in God's continuing goodness.

We got home Friday evening and got Justin packed. I dropped him off at the airport at 7 Sat. morning as he joined a small group headed to Green Bay for the Packers game. He is having what is probably a "once-in-a-lifetime" weekend, thanks to a gentleman from church. I am thrilled for Justin that he gets this opportunity. He is sitting in the endzone seats, just two rows in. Should be a great time.

Back again... (10/11)
Justin's time in Green Bay was great. He is in the crowd in the photo gallery on www.packers.com, along with 1 or 2 other people.

EBCA had its annual Benefit Auction on 10/6 -- it went remarkably well. God greatly blessed and used to event to meet needs that the school has.

More to come, but on another day.

Walking to the Diner

Well, we have a new leader in the Diner Duels. The all new Lower Allen Diner has pretty good blueberry pancakes and, get this, free WiFi. Sounds like the place to eat. Pancakes were fairly tasty, too. I guess I can give them another try.

Another great thing about the location of the house God provided to us -- I can sit in the house and hear cars on the track at Williams Grove. Even tonight, there was action on track. My guess is that it was practice for a team preparing for the National Open featuring the World of Outlaws coming up soon.

God has been very good to our family over the years. He continually shows Himself to be faithful, meeting need after need. Not only does He provide for our needs, He goes way beyond and provides the desires of our hearts. The kids will be attending the Harvest Rally this weekend. They really look forward to the event, as  it is a highlight of the year for them. Coming Sept 28-29, the KCEA Annual Christian Educator Conference in Lancaster. Again, it is a great blessing and a very beneficial event for our family. I really enjoy the opportunity to listen and learn, to fellowship, and to relax (a very little bit). Justin has the privilege to go to a Packers' game soon. We are thrilled that he has the chance to go. In early November, Justin (& perhaps Bri) will head to WI to visit Northland International University and Maranatha Baptist Bible College. He wants to attend MBBC, so it should be a helpful trip for him.

Life has been very busy with school/school events. Volleyball & soccer seasons are underway. Classes are going full-bore. All of the administrative responsibilities continue as always. I am always looking for ways to improve what is happening at school, both in the classroom and outside the classroom. God has continued to bless and meet the needs that we have at the school. The construction is well underway. The work on the new classrooms should begin within a short while. It is exciting to see the work progress.

Well, time to go. Have a great day!

Walking through the Casa de Walker

House Pictures

Here are pictures of the house as it is today. There is still some work to do, but thanks to all those who have helped with the project, it looks GOOD now. Enjoy the pics.

Walking into the Classroom

Well, another school year is underway and the Walker family is sure busy. Between work, volleyball, soccer, school activities, house projects, and...you get the idea - life is BUSY. Of course, most people could say the same thing. We are still working on the house -- finish work, like painting trim and other such tasks. Enough to keep everybody busy.

I have had the opportunity to teach Sunday School for the past few weeks. We have been looking at Postmodernism, especially its effects on the church and on the home. It really is an interesting study to see how current culture impacts all that we do.

This year EBCA is again sending students to the Student Leadership Conference. This year, however, it is a one day event in Frederick, MD. I prefer the week-long conference, but we needed to tweak our schedule to allow a college trip to WI. Both kids are involved in the Leadership Conf and one, if not both, will be involved in the college trip.

Soon I will post more "house" pictures. Much has changed since we moved. Many pictures are already posted online and more are coming.

God has been very good and has blessed us in so very many ways. Justin and I were able to go to Williams Grave Speedway this weekend -- the Grove is all of 7.5 miles from the house. (We can faintly hear the cars when they are racing.) We enjoy going to see the sprints and the late models, but especially the 410 sprints.

  

It is wonderful that we are so close to the track. Actually, there are numerous tracks within 60-90 miles, but we usually visit the Grove. 

The KCEA Annual Christian Educators Conference is at the end of the month. It is a highlight for our family. The kids help with the AV setup and teardown. We really enjoy the event.

Well, time to go. Enjoy!

Walking Diner to Diner

Since the bakery closed I have been on a tour of diners, checking out the various breakfast menus. Mostly I am focused on pancakes, particularly blueberry pancakes. So far I have visited four different diners; the fare is good, but alas, no wifi. Can't have your cake and eat it too, I guess. So far, the winner for taste and price is probably Brothers Diner. Good pancakes, lots of blueberries, great price. Works for me!

Well, the kids are at camp for the week. They really look forward to this week. It very well could be the highlight of their year. I simply pray that God uses the week to impact their hearts and that the kids are willing to listen and learn.

The start of the school year is just around the corner. We are looking forward to a great year at EBCA. Volleyball practice starts Monday morning -- should be a great season. We have some good players on the team; now to get them ready to work together.

God has been so very good to our family. So often I just sit back and say, "Wow." He meets each and every need. It is incredible to reflect back on His many wonderful works. Reviewing and meditating on the providences of God indeed gives cause for rejoicing. To think that this great God, the creator and sustainer of the universe loves and cares for me; what an amazing truth.

Well, adios. Enjoy!

Walking Around "DC," Day 4

Well, one last day of our trip. We spent very little time in DC (none of it out of the car). [See later picture.]

First, it was breakfast.

 I ordered one or two for delivery.

 

Our first second stop was at the National Museum of the Marine Corps near Quantico. Justin, Brie, and I were there  in the Spring, but the kids did not get to see everything. We had a great time.

Justin and his new backpack for school.

Brie practicing for PE.

Brie tying the knot -- NOT!

I already found the hotel room for our next trip. Bedding leaves us plenty of floorspace.

Brie modeling the new school uniform.

Our new discipline tool. You only misbehave once.

For the in-laws -- you'd better be on the lookout.

Maybe this was the new uniform.

Justin checking out his new deer rifle.

 

Bec in front, Bec in back. Cool.

Not our day, but not much different. We went from Triangle, VA to Baltimore. Some of the trip was smooth, some was close to this.

We stopped at Inner Harbor for a late lunch. There are so many great places around Inner Harbor, but we needed to stay near just for ease of travel.

I have walked by this place many times. Today, we actually ate there. It was a great treat, but to much food; therefore, no cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory.

Almost home.

Walking Around DC, Day 3

Once again, the day began on the hotel shuttle. Shuttle service is 24/7; a very nice benefit.

We entered the Metro system at the end of the Yellow Line, the Huntington Station. 

And then it was to the train.

 Our first stop of the day was the Newseum -- a museum about news. It wouldn't sound like it was too interesting, but there was material for kids and adults alike. We spent the majority of our day at the Newseum.

 There is a front page from every state in the USA on display outside and inside the Newseum. Every paper included the CO movie theater shooting.

Brie found her kind of place -- somewhere to use the phone. 

We found a section of the Berlin Wall. 

One COOOOL feature of the Newseum is the 6th floor terrace. It overlooks Pennsylvania Ave, giving a great view of the Capitol.

My kind of town -- hot dog carts everywhere.

Great! Brie is running for office!

I remember this ... the first day of USA Today. The experts said a national paper could not last.

A reporter's truck from Bosnia. Notice the bullet holes all down the side. 

After we left the Newseum, we went for a walk. Chinatown was on the path.

The Verizon Center, home of the NHL Caps, the NBA Wizards, etc. 

Weather began to act up, so we went to an upscale shop to buy sweatshirts. Honest Abe's caters to the tourists with $5 t-shirts and all the other "stuff" one could want.

Our mid-afternoon meal was at Johnny Rockets, an old-style soda shop. Burgers were great.

It is a zamboni for the street. This thing is about the size of a SmartCar. I want one!

We found the Big House.

We also found the Dept. of the Treasury.

And then it was time to head back toward the hotel. We made a couple of minor, short stops on the way. Relax, sleep, prepare for Sunday and then head back to PA sometime Sunday.