Walking at Christmas

Well, Christmas day is upon us. What a wonderful day it is, as we...
    ...reflect on the birth of the Savior and what He did for us.
    ...spend time with family.
    ...eat, eat, and eat some more.
    ...talk to family scattered around the country.

God has been very good to my family this year. When I stop and reflect upon all He has done, I can do nothing but marvel in His unceasing goodness. He has met all of our needs and provided innumerable blessings beyond those needs.

As I reflect upon Christmas and all that it means to me and to my family, I am once again left in awe of God's goodness. We are so completely undeserving of the love that He has shown so freely to us. Mankind is worthless and yet priceless at the same time. Nothing that we have or can offer carries any value (Isaiah 64:6), yet God placed a value on us that caused Him to send His son to die in our place (John 3:16). We have no value in or of ourselves, yet we have had incredible value assigned to us, all because of God. He made us to be valuable.

The date of the first Christmas may be open to debate, but the event itself is not. God sent His son to die in our place that we might have the opportunity to have our sins forgiven. We sinned against Him and He took the initiative so that things might be made right. We can have a restored relationship all because He loved us. The birth of the savior demonstrates His great love for us. Mankind shows our love for self; God showed His love for us.

As we move through Christmas, let us keep a focus on our God and His great love for us.

Walking Around the Christmas ... Year

Well, where does the letter begin this year? There has been such change in our family over the last 12 months. One thing that did not change – we are still in central Pennsylvania.

The year began with Johnny, Justin, and Brianna making the daily trip to Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy and Becky to work at Messiah Lifeways. As this year began, Justin was a senior in high school and Brianna a freshman. The kids were very busy during the first few months of the year, with basketball and then music and drama. Justin graduated from high school at the end of May and began to make plans to attend Bob Jones University majoring in Information Technology with a Business minor. 

This year, we celebrated birthdays 47 (Johnny & Becky), 18 (Justin), and 15 (Brianna). We also celebrated anniversary 24 for Johnny & Becky.

Becky began the year continuing work in the Gift Development Office at Messiah Lifeways. Johnny continues his ministry in administration, teaching, and coaching at EBCA.

In July came radical changes to the Walker family. Josie was born on July 16. That resulted in Becky resigning her position at Messiah. That changed our family financial structure from a two income family to a one income family, that one being a Christian school administrator. All this with Justin preparing to leave for Bob Jones one month later. Just a “few” changes. Josie keeps Mommy busy and awake.  She resembles her big brother in many ways including looks and sleeping habits (or lack of sleeping habits). Though Josie was not in our plans, God had other plans.  She will keep us young!

Since July, our family has seen God miraculously provide. We weren't exactly sure how college would be funded when we had two incomes; we were without a clue how it would happen with only one income and an additional child, yet God has demonstrated time and again that He indeed is the One we can trust for everything.

In the meantime, Brianna began her sophomore year of high school. She played volleyball in the fall and is serving as the team manager and statistician for the boys basketball teams. Due to a change in enrollment, her team is not playing this year, but she has taken advantage of the opportunity to continue to be involved. She has been a great blessing this year she is helped out around the house. Brianna did have the opportunity to once again be involved in the KCEA All-State Choir.  

Justin seems to be enjoying college life – roommates, dorm life, managing his time between studies, work and social affairs. It sure seems strange to not have him at home on a daily basis though he keeps in touch with us often.  It’s nice to pick up the cell phone or send a quick text.  My, how times have changed since we were in college. Who knows, by the time Josie is in college laundry service will be provided in the tuition cost.

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

The Walkers – Johnny, Becky, Justin, Brianna, Josie (& Charity)

Walking Thankfully

Well, Thanksgiving day is here and I want to take a moment to reflect on God's goodness over the last year. I know that I will not think of everything, therefore I will forget someone/something, but I will make mention of many of those for which I am indeed thankful.

• God, Himself

When I think of all that God has done for me and for my family, I can do nothing but marvel. He has been so incredibly wonderful and He continues to be so. I often reflect that He is the God that provides and protects -- we have seen His provision in marvelous ways this year. His will is not always easy to discern, but He always is present to guide through His Word and His Spirit.

• God's forgiveness

There are so many wonderful attributes of our God, but the one that has been on the forefront of my mind recently is His willingness and readiness to forgive. I guess it was as I was reading in I John that it once again struck me that He wants to forgive.

• Jesus Christ

If it were not for the gift of eternal life that was made possible through His death on Calvary, what, really, would we have to be thankful for? His great love that was demonstrated on the cross should indeed cause us to live a life that reflects Him to those around us.

• Family
• Mom and Dad

I am so grateful for the parents that God has given me. Their willingness to provide not only the necessities of life, but also the lessons that needed to be learned. They were generous and caring. They were deeply involved in ministry, though both were busy with life beyond the church. They gave and served, setting a wonderful example of a Christianity in action.

• Siblings

I do not get to see them often these days, but I am very thankful for my brother and sisters. We had a lot of fun times growing up and now, should I need something and they be able, I know I could turn to them for help. They make a wonderful family.

• Spouse

I am so blessed by the wife that God gave me. When I am asked how we met, I answer, "I am from Michigan, Bec is from Iowa; I went to college in Florida, she went to school in Wisconsin, and we met in Tennessee." There is really no explanation other than that God planned it out. Life (God) has thrown numerous curves into our road over the years. but through it all, Bec has been there faithfully managing the family. She is truly a blessing from God.

• Children

God has blessed our family with three wonderful children. For many years, the family was complete with Justin and Brianna, but this past summer God added Josie to the flock.

• Justin is finishing his first semester at Bob Jones University where he is studying Information Technology (IT). He is learning responsibility as well as academics. He is a great kid for whom I have great admiration. He is learning how to manage himself, his schedule, and various responsibilities.
• Brianna is just a whirlwind of activity. She is busy with school and its associated activities. She is involved in sports when possible. Changes is school enrollment have affected her class size and her athletic teams, but she has maintained a good spirit and seeks to make the most of her situation.
• Josie is just Josie -- what do you expect from a 4 month old. She is growing, almost sitting up straight, almost rolling over, almost driving. Well, maybe not driving. She is a special blessing from God that helps us see more clearly the provision of God.
• Family by Marriage
• I have been doubly blessed, not only with a wonderful family by birth, but also with a great family by marriage. I sometime hear of family struggles with in-laws and I think of how blessed I have been. God has definitely been very good to me and given me wonderful family.
• Ministries

I have been blessed to serve in two wonderful ministries. Both Faith and Emmanuel have been ministries that were focused on God and sought to serve people. Each is made of folks who have a love for God and seek to please Him. Two different geographic regions and two different groups of people, but one mission to serve God.

• People I've served with

In each ministry I had the privilege to serve alongside some wonderful individuals. I am always amazed at how God put different people together to make one unified staff. I have served with some of the best, folks completely dedicated to God. Pastor and teachers, secretaries and custodians; I have been wonderfully blessed. I think especially of Pastor Apple, Pastor Harris, and Pastor Crews; I count it an honor to have been a part of those staffs.

• People I've served

I have served some wonderful students and their families. As I think back and occasionally hear of their successes, I am grateful  of the privilege that I have had to invest my life into theirs lives. Some are in ministry, others in business. Many are currently in college, studying in preparation for the next phase of their lives. The families represented by those students have been great to serve. Some of my fondest memories are interaction with student and parents.

• People who have served me

At each stop along the road of life, God has had people to serve me and my family. Sometimes, those people do not even know the impact of their involvement. They are simply going about life as they feel led, but they are serving on behalf of the Almighty and being a blessing to me. Even as I have sought to be a blessing to others, God has used many folks to bless us. I could honestly name dozens of individuals here. Those people that helped to meet needs or were just there to talk. They made the busyness of ministry so much more enjoyable as they served my family through friendship and sacrifice.

Thanksgiving is a great day, a day that is set apart for reflection and gratitude. I am indeed thankful to all that have aided as I/we have journeyed to this point. May God richly bless each of them as they have been used to be a blessing to me and my family. For each of them I am thankful.

Walking Back into View

Hey, what do you know - I am still here. Life has been quite busy recently, even turned upside down, it seems.

• In mid-July, Josie came to visit us for the next whole bunch of years. She is a sweetie.

• At the end of August/early September, Justin left for college. He now spends his days, nights, weekdays, weekends, waking hours, sleeping hours, etc. in Greenville, SC at Bob Jones University.

• Brianna has been busy with volleyball season at EBCA.

• Becky has been spending a lot of time at home with Josie. She began teaching Home Ec at EBCA last week, filling a position that became vacant about 3-4 weeks ago.

• We attended the KCEA Christian Educators Conference in Lancaster at the end of Sept. It was a great conference this year.

• EBCA had its annual benefit auction at the beginning of October. God greatly blessed the event. The people in the church and school were such a blessing, giving their support, efforts, and prayers.

Here are a couple of pictures of the family. The first is from early Sept. at BJU. The second is from Oct. 19.

Walking through the Valley

Psalm 23 has long been a passage loved and memorized by believers. One of the interesting things about the passage is that it covers the wide spectrum, from times of difficulty to times of plenty. This summer has had its share of ups and downs. And yet, even in the valley, God is ever-present and always able to meet our needs and to show that He is God. Valleys are no fun, but they are a necessary part of life.

This week has had two wonderful blessings -- on Sunday we were able to spend a bit of time with the Santos family. After church, we went to get pizza ... and sat and talked for about an hour and a half. It was a wonderful time to sit and chat with Eremer & Esther and with Ralph & Narrisa. The kids sat and talked with the Santos kids, so all enjoyed themselves. Then on Tuesday, we had Chick-fil-A with Russell and Debbie Raymer. After dinner, we went back to the house and talked for a couple of hours. It sure was great being able to spend some time with friends.

Friday, we took a day and went toward Lancaster, PA to spend to some time. It was Josie's first real car trip - she did quite well. We went to A&W -- what a fiasco. The service was polite, but the order fulfillment was pathetic. Orders were wrong, it took forever to get food, and worst of all, the rootbeer was not right. How can I go to A&W and get bad rootbeer? The only redeeming quality of the stop was the deep-fried cheese curds. They were, as Goldilocks would say, "Just right."

Saturday pm Brie made a peach cobbler. A couple of weeks ago she made a blueberry pie. All I need now is a pecan pie and a shoofly pie and she will have hit for the cycle. Sweet!

I realized the other day that I did not give thoughts from Philippians 4. Here they are:

• Paul admonishes the believers to “stand fast” in the Lord
• The believers are instructed to rejoice.
• We should have a testimony of moderation, or forbearance.
• Paul warns us to take our concerns to God and not to worry or fret.
• After we commit ourselves to prayer, the peace of God will encompass our hearts.
• God wants us to filter those things that find entry into our minds. Here are the criteria for what is allowed into our thinking.
• We are to listen and learn, all so that we can put into practice what we have learned.
• God will provide, though not always what I want or in the way I expect. He expects me to be content.
• I need to know how to fit into any situation, whether I am lifted up or brought low.
• It is God who empowers me to perform His will.
• The same God who used you to meet my need will meet your need.

Walking toward the Goal

The next installment in the study of Philippians in upon us. Here are some ideas from Philippians 3.

• The rule of teaching is Teach, Review, Learn. Paul is in the review stage.
• We need to be aware of the influences in our lives. There are those who would harm us, whether intentionally or not.
• My background does not guarantee my continued service. Each day I need to be committed to following the Savior.
• The things that I consider important so often are anything but important. I need to emphasize the things that God thinks are important. Everything else is inconsequential.
• My greatest goal in life should be to know Him better. To truly know Him means that I will partake even in the sufferings, acknowledging that His will and way are perfect. I trust that He will always do good.
• I need to strive for the goal that God has for me - His calling.
• God desires a unity within the church; a unity that comes from having a common goal and a common way to reach that goal.

Paul wrote about our walk with God and the many forces that will try to turn us from accomplishing that goal. We need to maintain a right focus and devotion as we walk each day with the Savior.

Walking by Faith, not by Sight

I was reading a book review today and came across this statement:
          A Dream So Big is not a theology of missions or a deep, doctrinal examination of the
     need the methods of mission. Neither is it meant to be. Instead, it's a ground-level look at
     one family's work in a needy place. It is real and honest: "As a missionary, I am ashamed to
     admit I don't like living by faith; I'd much rather have the money in hand than to know I'm
     going to have to trust God for it. But when I see him move, and know it could only be him,
     that is perhaps the sweetest experience on earth." It is wonderfully-written and thoroughly                  enjoyable; I highly recommend it.

So many times when I served at Faith, we would comment that sometimes it would be nice to be at Sight Baptist Church; then we might see what God was doing and how He was going to work. But, indeed, we live by faith and not by sight. I need to trust in His leading, even when it may not make sense to me. I must always remember that while I cannot see the end of the path on which He is leading me, He knows the beginning from the end. I need to trust Him in all things at all times.

I have been taking 1-2 weeks per chapter as I pore over Paul's epistle to the Philippians. Here are some of the concepts from Phil 2 that stuck with me as I read that chapter over and again a couple of weeks ago.

• God desires that HIs church be single-minded. We should all be focused on Christ.
• We must NEVER allow selfish ambitions to enter into our lives. 
• God defines, in skeletal form, what Christlikeness is.
• Salvation should result in practical, daily living.
• There is no place in the Christian life for dissatisfaction.
• Paul cared deeply for those with whom he ministered.

Of course, there are more principles included in the chapter, but these lodged in my mind as I read and caused me to reflect on them. God's word provides me with the counsel that I need to live a life that is pleasing to Him; it my job to live such a life.

Walking Uphill

Ever had a day that seemed uphill, no matter what direction you were going? Even after cresting the hill, it is still uphill. What an exciting time, indeed. Yet, in the midst of the unending uphill climb God continues to show Himself to be the One that provides and protects. Even in the days that feel like you are treading water with weights on, God is still good.

Justin recently graduated from high school. He is now making plans to attend college and study engineering. It was a busy time, but it was very enjoyable. My parents, sister, and her girls came for a week and a half. It was wonderful to have them here. Then, on Saturday, a friend from Texas stopped by. It was a terrific surprise.

Now that Justin is through with high school, we focus our attention on college and all of the preparations that need to be done. There is much to get ready as we work through the summer and get ready for fall.

As I was reading in Philippians 1 this morning, I was again grabbed by some of the statements that Paul made and how poignant they are.Verse 6 is a "mouthful," indeed. Paul had absolute assurance that God would work out His will in Paul's life. I may not understand what God is doing and I may not always like how He is doing it, but I can be confident that He is doing exactly what He knows to be right and that as long as I am doing what He wants me to do, it will be accomplished.

Just looking over chapter 1 of the book, there are so many amazing principles to be seen.

• Paul's prayer for the people. I am always intrigued by the things that he prays.
• His acceptance of God's will, even when it appears difficult.
• His willingness to "accept" others that may be in ministry with wrong motives.
• His desire to live before God with no shame.
• The ever-present decision to made between better and best.
• An understanding that God is in control and that others see my reactions/responses to the pressures of life.

Not an exhaustive list, even from only chapter 1, but enough to reflect on as I go through the day. I must determine to be biblical in every instance, regardless of what else is happening around me. It is not always easy, but it is always necessary. And so I return to trudging uphill, trying to get through the tasks before me. Yippee!

Walking All Over

Well, yesterday was labor day (I know, it was Memorial Day, but it was labor day). I worked in the house, around the house, on the house, beside the house, and under the house (basement). What a day. I was able to get a number of projects done.

Things are very busy this time of year in the Christian school. Kindergarten graduation was last week; Baccalaureate was Sunday; Graduation is Friday; Field Day is Monday; and Awards Ceremony is Tuesday. The calendar is slightly full. In the midst of that, it is exam time for the HS grades.

With graduation just around the corner, it is an odd time. I have been handling graduations for years, but this time my son is one of those graduating. It has an unusual feel to it, for sure. And then the baby is due in two months, if she waits that long. There is every chance that Josie will make an early appearance.

God has been so wonderfully good to us lately. His provision has been remarkable. We will need to do some serious shuffling to adjust to the loss of an income, but He will continue to provide. He has been faithful and He will continue to be faithful.

Recently, I spoke in chapel on submission. God expects us to submit -- to Him and to everyone. If each person is willing to surrender his will to the wishes of others, life would be much easier and we would live pleasing to God. Too often, we seek to impose our will and not surrender our will. If we are to be Christlike, we must be willing to submit. Easy to say, difficult to do. It is my desire to live a life of submission as I seek to exemplify Christ day after day.

Walking ... with nowhere to go

One of the blessings that we have had over the last couple of years was to meet up with the seniors from TX when they came this way on Senior Trip. This year, it is Justin's class, so we were looking forward to the chance for him to see his former classmates. However, it just so happens that when we were to meet (dinner on Apr 29), he will be at the Wilds in NC on his Senior Trip. Because it is his class - and I am such a nice guy - we went to DC for the afternoon on Sat. so that he could spend some time with his friends. Bec, Brie, and I will still hook up with the group in Lancaster Monday night, but it was special for Justin to spend a few hours with his friends. God greatly blessed on Sat -- the weather was great and the traffic was not too heavy. God has been so good to my family, providing vehicles that are trustworthy, a house that is close to the major roads, family to come and look after the pooch. We were able to visit with friends and have nothing really to do except sit/stand and chat. We spent some time in Georgetown and then in Dupont Circle, but we did not have any pressing plans -- nowhere to go.

Recently upon reading Eph. 2 again, I was smitten by the message of verses 4-7. God's love for us gives us life in Him and allows us to sit with Him in heaven. It is through His great grace that we can experience His love and kindness to us. I count myself to be so very blessed to partake in His riches. He has blessed in so many wonderful ways.

Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 

Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 

How wonderful is our God. He provides, He protects, and He is preparing a place for us in heaven.

Walking in the Elements

One must love "inclement" weather, though different people/places define "inclement" in different ways. We lost four school days due to "bad" weather, but the weather was really all that bad. In fact, it was not bad at all. Regardless, no school. So, we have school on Monday, April 1.

Organized athletics are done for the year at EBCA. Each of the teams represented themselves well in their respective season. The kids worked hard and did their best. It was somewhat bittersweet in that it was Justin's final season of HS sports. Now things transition to the arts, particularly music and drama. KCEA competitions are coming soon for each of the kids.

Justin is still working through the whole "what college to go to" question. I think he is close to making up his mind, but I am not sure that he wants to make the commitment. Sooner or later he will need to settle on one school unless he is planning to attend two schools in two different locations at one time. That would be a really cool concept, but tuition might be cost prohibitive.

God has continued to show Himself faithful as He meets our needs. It seems as if everyday I try to figure out how we are going to survive, but God always allows the supply to meet the need, either by stretching the income or lessening the needs. He is always faithful and always good.

Today is Easter, a specific day to recognize and meditate on the resurrection of the Savior. What a blessed thought and wonderful event, the resurrection of Christ that gives us the victory over sin. God truly loves us and showers His blessings upon us.

Not Walking, but Flying

Well, life can sure be interesting. The last number of weeks have been an absolute whirlwind. We did not walk through January, we ran through it. Nonstop. No passing "Go," no collecting $200. If it weren't for the knowledge that God is sovereign over all and that He can do as He chooses, I would have stumbled as I walked (rather, ran).

Basketball season is almost over. I have tried to make as many of the away games as possible, as this is Justin's final year. I have made many of them. The teams (boys and girls) are both working hard as they move toward the KCEA tournament to finish the year.

Amazing news around the Walker household. We are expecting another child, due near the end of July. The news can best be summed up in one word -- "SURPRISE." Yet, we know that God is good and has promised to provide for His own. 

Justin's senior year is drawing to a close and my, are we busy. College applications, scholarship searches, etc. It cannot be possible that he is almost 18 and almost through HS, but it is indeed the case. I still cannot figure out how he has gotten older and his parents have not. Must be a miracle.

Teaching has been keeping me busy. I have about too many classes to fill my day. I enjoy teaching and I enjoy the classes I teach, but I am ready to back away a bit if God will provide the staff required for me to do so.

I have been reading recently in Galatians and am once again captured by Paul's emotion as he "marvels" that the Galatian believers have changed their beliefs. It is astounding to me that someone could turn their back on the truth, but then the question is, "What did they really believe to begin with?" It is my desire to see my kids and my students hold firmly to the truths of God's word with no turning back.

Well, I shall try to return with more frequency. Adios!