Walking to the Farm

I have been able to take some time off to spend with Josie recently to watch (guard) her on days that she was off school. Twice in a two week period she had a day off and the weather has been decent, so we needed to find something to do besides sit around the house.

On Tuesday, we went toward Lancaster to visit Roots Market and to Kitchen Kettle Village. (see pics here)

On the following Monday we visited Paulus' Farm and Market. They have the normal market, but also petting areas and play places. (see pics here)

We had a great time both days spending time together, getting outside, seeing the wonderful produce, seeing the animals, and tasting the treats at Kitchen Kettle.

Working as a manager now, I have the opportunity to take some days off (with pay) to spend with the family. It feels odd, but I get over that feeling soon enough. Josie and I have been to Hershey Chocolate World probably three times in the last month. We really like free or cheap activities.

God has blessed by allowing us the time to do things together and to have a lot of things to do within a fairly close distance. For this and so many other things we are thankful.

Walking Again

It has been a long while since I was here, but I do want to make mention of today. It is Easter, or Resurrection Sunday 2019. We have so much to be thankful for as we contemplate the meaning of this wonderful day and the events that took place 2000+/- years ago. (Take a moment or two to read and reflect on I Corinthians 15.)

The resurrection was unexpected by the disciples and rejected by the scorners and unbelievers of the day. That sounds a lot like today. Believers make mental ascent to the resurrection and unbelievers reject it as impossible. Truth be told, it was and is impossible, save for one significant detail: the power of an almighty God who was working His plan for the redemption of mankind. That empty tomb carried then and still carries today such great value and tremendous meaning. Christian apologists have for centuries explained the resurrection and provided logical, rational proof and evidence, but one will only believe in the Christ who raised from the dead if he is willing to accept it as impossibly possible. From eyewitness accounts to the writings of 21st century apologists, it becomes apparent that one rejects the resurrection because he chooses to do so. So, what does the resurrection mean to the Christian?

First, the resurrection differentiates Christianity from all other religions. Christians often comment on the empty tomb, but do we (they) really grasp and fully comprehend it? The founders and leaders of ALL other religions died and remain dead (physically), but Jesus Christ rose from the dead and in so doing, conquered sin. What He offers is not a good way to live, but the only way to eternal life. We serve a risen Lord.

Not only do we serve a risen savior, but a savior that has defeated sin. In rising from the tomb, Jesus Christ, the son of God, conquered sin and defeated the enemy (Satan). To this day and beyond, Satan yet tries to win in his battle against God. To use a phrase that is not new, he  has already lost and doesn't know it. Our great, almighty, omnipotent God defeated sin and death and offers to mankind the victory if we will but accept it. To those who have, we can live in victory if we live in His grace and allocate His power to fight the battle. The resurrection is the evidence that we already have the victory.

In conclusion, in the resurrection we have the offer of life eternal in the next life and the promise of victory over sin in this life. We have a God that reigns on high and is concerned with us as individuals. He makes His grace and power available to us that we might live in Him, not merely survive the difficulties and challenges of life. It is His resurrection that empowers the believer and offers us a hope for the future, a future for Him and with Him. He are a couple of resources on the resurrection for your reading/watching pleasure.

John Ankerberg

John MacArthur

Charles Stanley

Alistair Begg

Enjoy!

Walking Out, Walking In

Well, we are leaving 2018 and entering 2019 and it again gives one time to pause and reflect. Often we do that via the annual Christmas letter, but I want to take another moment as we enter the new year.

• God has richly blessed my family. We have had all of our needs met and have experienced health and safety, for the most part. There have been the occasional sniffles and colds, but no serious issues.

• We have jobs that have met each need. Even my "part-time" package handler job at FedEx Ground had PLENTY of hours through the summer, so needs were covered. In November, I finally accepted a managerial position at FedEx. Even more hours now. 

• The kids had a good year. Josie began kindergarten and is doing well and enjoying school. Brianna began her junior year of college as she continues her pursuit of her degree. Justin continued in his IT job and continued his hobby of climbing. He mostly goes to an indoor climbing facility. 

• Bec continues in her job for Penn State University. She drives to Hershey and back each day, but enjoys her job. She also gets to see her mom each day, for at least a couple of minutes and sometimes more.

There is so much more that I could recount. God has blessed in so many ways. I often pray for His blessing on the family mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, and financially. God has indeed richly blessed and provided. He continues to show Himself to be faithful. 2018 was a good year; may 2019 be equally blessed.

Another Christmas Day Walk

• We hold these truths to be self-evident that...

• We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...

• Fourscore and seven years ago...

• It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom...

• Call me Ishmael.

These opening lines and those of other documents, speeches, and books often bring to mind the monumental works from which they are taken. Some of those works changed the course of of a people or maybe of a country. Then there are these words: 

• And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

These words begin the narrative of the event that changed the history of the world, the history of all people in all places. Add to them the familiar words from John 3:16 that tell us why Jesus came to earth (God loved mankind) and we have the basis for the greatest story of love ever told. I choose to not call it a love story because God's love has been, for the most part, unrequited. And yet, our great, all-knowing God still chose to send His Son to this sin-cursed earth to be born, live, and to be killed that we might have the means of eternal life with Him. To think that God Himself came to earth to live among sinful men.... Even the love that His children have for Him pales in comparison to His love for us.

There is so much that could be said about Christmas (particularly that first Christmas) and all of the individuals that played a role, from Mary and Joseph to the shepherds to the wise men, and obviously Jesus Himself. Then there are those sort of in the background: Caesar Augustus, the innkeeper, and so many others. What role do I play in the continuing story of Christmas? Am I willing to see the baby in the manger as the one who desires to save us from our sin? Am I willing to accept Him as my personal savior, the one who forgives me of my sin that I might have a restored relationship with God the Father?

On this Christmas day, take time to reflect on the goodness and graciousness of God that He showed to us so vividly on that original Christmas day when He came to save us from the awful consequences of our sin. Enjoy time with family and friends, but spend time with the Heavenly Father and give Him the praise, glory, and worship that He demands and deserves. And so, I say to all, Have a wonderful, merry Christmas.

A Quick Walk Through 2018

And now for the 2018 Walker Christmas letter with a brief summary of each member of the Walker household.

Johnny continued working nights as a loader at a FedEx Ground hub. He loaded trailers for the FedEx Ground semi-trucks you see on the highway up through November, then he took an operations manager position overseeing a team of loaders and occasionally still helps loading. (Chewy.com is not on the favorite list.) Working for a shipping company can lead to a love-hate relationship with the holiday season, but he still loves Christmas. Leaving for work at “O-dark” hour at night while the rest of the family is getting ready for bed is not enjoyable. Becky and Johnny often pass each other on the highway in the mornings as he is headed home to go to bed and Becky and Josie are headed to Hershey for work and school.

Becky continues in her role as a Gift Processor for Penn State University, working in Hershey. She works to record and receipt donations to the PSU Medical Center, especially the Children’s Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network and Four Diamonds. Weekdays can be crazy with work and getting Josie to and from school.  Weekends are a welcomed sight along with housework, spending time with family and the occasional opportunity to quilt, crochet or tat.  

Justin continues working for Appalachia Technologies. In his spare time, he enjoys rock climbing and the occasional hike. In July he spent 11 days in CA visiting his girlfriend (Rachel) and her family. Rachel came to PA for a visit during Thanksgiving.

Brianna continued as a student studying Elementary Education at Bob Jones University. She finished her sophomore year in the spring and began her junior year in the fall. During the summer she worked as a recruiter for JFC, a local job placing company. During basketball season, one of her campus jobs is to work as the team manager for the BJU Lady Bruins -  which she really enjoys.

Josie finished her winter and spring at Hilltop Christian Nursery School and then in the fall began Kindergarten at Lancaster Mennonite School, Hershey Campus. She loves her school and does well as a student. There is never a dull moment when Josie is around.  She continues to keep us young.  😃

Through all of the events of the year, it has again been amazing to see how God meets needs. God has continued to show Himself to be trustworthy and faithful.  We continue to enjoy our Cedar Hill Baptist Church family. We also spent a long enjoyable weekend together as a family in DC.

If you are ever in the Harrisburg-Hershey-Carlisle area, or perhaps visiting Lancaster or Gettysburg, feel free to give us a call to see if we can get together. We are 1 hour from Baltimore and 1 1/2 hours from DC depending on traffic.  

May you have a wonderful Christmas season and a very blessed new year.

107 Cambridge Dr. Mechanicsburg, PA  17055     (717)-458-8281    jwjbjwalker.blogspot.com    jwalker@juno.com

Walking with My Daughter

Well, today is my little girl's twentieth birthday. God has richly blessed me with three wonderful kids and Brianna is now "all grown up." She is still and always will be my little girl, though not the littlest. May God continue to guide and direct and may you always follow His leading. He wants the best for you as you seek to be the young lady He wants. Mom and Dad love you a bunch.

The Resurrection

Today we remember and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Man sinned, but God had a plan. His plan involved the death of his son that we might have redemption. The plan was necessary because of the sin of Adam and Eve as detailed in Genesis 3. It was foretold first in Genesis 3:15 and then again throughout the Old Testament. The plan culminated with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, the plan of God was not for the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, but the plan was for a means that man could have salvation from the penalty of sin. That salvation could come only through the sacrifice of God’s perfect lamb, his own son.

Think of the emotional swings experienced by the disciples and other followers of Christ. Following the crucifixion, they felt that life was over. All of their dreams and expectations had disintegrated before their eyes. Following the resurrection they were given a new sense of purpose and a new task to complete.

Now today we live. We live in the present, looking to the future, remembering the past.
     • The present:  We live for and serve a risen Savior. We have a task to complete, the same task given to the apostles and the early church. We need to know the task and accomplish it.
     • The future: We have the promise of life everlasting in heaven with our God. He is a great and loving God that longs to have us join him for eternity.
     • The past: We look back to the finished work of Christ on the cross. We have been given such a wonderful gift and we need to be thankful for it.

{I had planned on more, but typing on my phone keyboard gets old after a while.} Take time today and every day to reflect on the completion of God's plan.