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.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
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.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
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?
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?
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