One Step Forward...

Have you ever had "one of those days"? You know, the days when it seems nothing goes right. When you get a lot of work done, but it seems that you do not get anything done. 

Have a great day.

Walking into the New Year...with Baby Steps

I often say in regards to things faced, "One step at a time." Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfus talked about "Baby Steps" in the movie "What About Bob?" One step at a time, one day at a time. Even during the steps, there are so many things happening that to cope without God seems nigh to impossible.

I began this on Jan. 7, our 25th anniversary. I finish it on Jan. 18, my 48th birthday. About the only thing good about the birthday is.............all the coupons for free food. I can handle free food, especially large burgers and fries. Perhaps I can even find a free coffee somewhere.

God has been so wonderful over the years. I do not fully understand how/why God has brought us to this point and I have no idea what He plans to do in the days to come. What I do know that God has been good, continues to be good, and will always be good. He alone has the right to define "good," yet I can trust that His love for me will ensure that His will is indeed good. That is a great blessing and a HUGE comfort.

when I reflect on the great blessings He has given:

• family, both Walkers and Holls.
• especially my wife and my kids. God has truly blessed me.
• friends all over the country, many that I do not get to see often enough.
• fellowship, the churches I have been privileged to serve in.
• furnishings -- all of the stuff that we have. Probably much more than we need, but another sign of God's blessing on our lives.

God has been so good and January brings some reminders of that with our anniversary and my birthday. As I read in His Word and see His acts and ways, I am reminded that He loves me and can meet my needs and more.

Walking into the New Year -- One Step at a Time

Well, to say that 2013 was full beyond belief (and measure) would be an understatement. What with Josie's arrival, Justin's somewhat departure and everything else that we encountered, it was an incredible year. We have seen God work in ways that defy our understanding. Life changes would seem to cause us to be in a place where we have no idea of the next step to take. However, with trust in God, we simply take the next step and trust that His direction is perfect. 2013 was a great year to see God meet needs in our family; I am looking forward to see what He will do and how it will be accomplished. All that we can do is follow Him one step at a time. 

In the meantime, my son is writing computer programs and my daughter is chewing on her toys -- Josie, not Brianna. Brie is busy in her own way, always finding something to do.

Have a great 2014. I am looking forward to see what God will do for us during the new year and I trust that you will see Him do great things as well.

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.