Walking along Where Led

Here are some ponderings from the mind of a midnight shift package-handler. Most of the good thoughts come in the midst of a rush of boxes, usually between midnight and 2AM.

1. How should we respond when we are not treated kindly?

1 Peter 2:19-25

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

2. How do we know what the next step should be?
Abraham followed after God though he did not know where that would lead. What he did know is that God is trustworthy.

Hebrews 11:8

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.

3. How much of the future does God reveal as we follow Him?

The Israelites followed the pillars of fire and cloud -- day by day. When He moved, they moved; when He stayed, they stayed.

Exodus 13:21

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

As we go though life, it is filled with uncertainty, even when we think we have it all figured out. One "bad" day, be it a doctor's visit, news from family or friends, or an incident on the roads could radically change the course of life. When these things happen, our recourse should be where we have always been, in the arms of our Heavenly Father. He knows when we are mistreated and He desires to lead us in the way that we should go. Often we pray that God would lead and direct, as if He has not been doing that up to this time. The issue is not the leading, it is the following. We need to pray that He would help us to follow His leading and directing. Romans 8:28 declares that He will work things to His glory, even when we do not understand the "whys" of what we are going through. He knows what is good, truly good. We only think that we know what is good, and that only from our perspective. He is the one that knows the beginning from that end and can be trusted with our lives, every step of the way. Trust and obey, quite simple yet incredibly difficult.

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 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 Around the House

For the last few weeks, every possible moment has been spent at the new casa. We have had quite the work crew there, especially on Saturdays. Pictures maybe seen here. God has geatly blessed by allowing family members to have the talents and skills to assist in the renovation project. Almost feels like an Extreme Home Makeover. In the last two weeks we have turned a great corner:

• Painting is mostly done -- touch-up is left
• HVAC unit has been installed
• Carpet was installed
• Hardwood floors are being finished

It seems as if the place is getting close to move-in ready. That is probably good, as we plan to move next weekend. I intend to post pictures and perhaps even a video tour this next week. Life has been fairly busy lately, so I have not kept up with that part of life. I think I have two weeks worth of pics to upload yet; maybe tomorrow afternoon I can get to that, providing I finish a HUGE project I am working on. Oh well,we shall see.

Walking Around The Walls

https://plus.google.com/photos/109656897877397331311/albums/5697983902965179809?authkey=CKycyv37qvyr_gE

Well, guess what we have been up to lately! We are currently practicing Extreme Home Makeover, Walker Edition. We are also learning magic -- we made wall unit air conditioners disappear. It amazing how much has been done so far, and yet to think how much work is left. I think the best part is sitting back and watching Becky work. JUST KIDDING! God has given us great weather for the work so far, but winter is actually arriving, at least in regards to temperature. Mucho worko to do-o. Painting starts soon. Can't wait!

Walking on Air

Yesterday was absolutely incredible. Here are the pictures that show some of the work done -- https://picasaweb.google.com/109656897877397331311/HouseOnCambridge02?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCM_04tizk4DcxwE&feat=directlink . We got so much done around the new house. Many thanks to those who gave of their time and energy to aid us in the renovation. God has been so wonderful to us and has given us such wonderful friends and family. I must sit in amazement at His wonderful grace and blessing to me and to my family.


Today is New Year's Eve. As I think of the new year that is now upon us, I think of goals for the coming year. One that keeps coming to mind is from Philippians 3 where Paul declares, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death...." That first clause, "That I may know him," reaches off the page and grabs me every time I read or think of the passage. One of my great desires for the coming year is to really get to know my God. That knowledge comes from reading about Him and through fellowship with Him. Too often I try to fit God into my mold or box, seeking to make Him fit my notions and ideas. As I read in the scriptures, I need to be willing to get beyond the black words on a white page and dig into the meaning and application of the truths found within the pages of the Bible. As I enter 2012, my great desire is to get to know my God and to properly reflect Him to those around me.


And now I get ready to head back over to the new home site and continue the renovation work. It shall be another busy, exhausting, yet very profitable day. Adios.

Walking through the Door

Well, this is a big day; today we closed on a house. We were looking, yet taking our time and God dropped a nice house right in front of us. Now we have a lot of work to do to get ready to move in. Over the next couple of weeks we will be removing carpet, fixing the hardwood floors, painting, and whatever else comes along. Yippee! It is amazing how good God has been through the process. The house is only about 3 miles from the school, so it does not take long to get to work. It is only about 4, maybe 5 miles from Bec's workplace.

I must give all thanks to God for His continuing goodness, care, and provision. His plan is perfect and the means that He uses to accomplish that means is always for our good and His glory. May we now glorify Him as we transition to a new home. Even now we sense that central PA is becoming more like home. The task is to make home feel like home.

Walking through Turmoil

No, not our turmoil. As we were readying for the new school year, we felt the DC earthquake. By the end of that week we were receiving the fringe effects of Hurricane Irene. What a week, at least for weather bugs. Then, this week we welcomed Tropical Storm Lee and the resultant flooding (13 1/2 inches of rain in one week). All we needed was a blizzard, a volcano, and forest fire to complete the natural disaster list.

The earthquake: In our location it was weak. At first, I thought that a large truck was idling outside the office, but when I noticed the computer monitor shaking, I realized it was more than that. It was a rather cool feeling, but then we had no loss or damage.

Hurricane Irene: Honestly, I was disappointed. Eight years in Pensacola; seventeen years near the Texas Gulf coast and now I get a "hurricane" that was a glorified rain storm. Of course, I did not have to deal with damage or power outages. That does make a difference.

In between the quake and the cane, the 2011-2012 EBCA school year began. It began so smoothly it did not even register as a disaster (of course, the kids may have different ideas). God has been very good; we started the year with 94 students, up from the 87 we were anticipating. We have all of the needed faculty in place.

Then this week we were visited by Tropical Storm Lee. It absolutely dumped rain on the central PA region. The Hershey area was hit hardest, but the region as a whole was hammered. Again, God was good -- no loss or damage to our stuff. Here is a picture of the Hummelstown/Hershey Pizza Hut -- just a little water.

And so we move on, undeterred by earthquake, hurricane, floods, or the opening week of school. God continues to bless and to not only meet our needs, but also to exceed our wishes. He is a great and mighty God who loves us and cares for us.

2011 Update

Well Christmas and New Year's of come and gone and we're back into the routine of things. As a family, we had a great holiday season. My parents came to visit and we had a wonderful time for the week they were here. Now the days go by fast and furious -- basketball for the kids, the annual church Teen Winter Retreat, KCEA competitions, and on and on and on. Justin came home yesterday with literature about class rings. I was excited and yet it was like, "Whoa!" What is my son doing with class ring literature? It is amazing that he is getting older, but I am not. I'm not sure how that works.

The holiday season was especially special this year as we were able to spend time with both sets of parents for the first time ever. God has so greatly blessed us with wonderful family. It is great to have a family with whom love is shared, but it is even better to have that family share a love for God and a desire to see His will done.

January 7 was our 22nd anniversary. We had an enjoyable evening as we tried out a new (to us) restaurant in Hershey. The portions were HUGE and the food was delicious. I cannot believe that 22 years have already gone by. As we often hear, "Where has the time gone?" Becky is so wonderful, patient, and loving -- I guess I will buy her a table saw or maybe even a Packers jersey. What better gift for the one you love? God has been so very gracious to me to give me wife like Bec.

Sat., Justin and I went with Pastor and another man from church, along with five other teen guys, to see the Penn State vs. Mich State basketball game. We had a great time. The game was close throughout and exciting right until the end. It had a slightly strange feel to it as the majority of the students are not back on campus yet.

Exams begin at school for the kids (and me). Then, right after exams they head to the Pocono Mtns. for the retreat. I trust that they will have a great time and that God will use the event to speak to their hearts.

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.