Sabbath Rest

Between camping outings

2009-07-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

Bev and I returned this evening from 4 days/nights of camping and Sabbath resting at Camp Swatara. The weather was beautiful (minus the thunderstorms and multiple inches of rain that occurred on Saturday afternoon, evening, and night). We read, walked, did some bicycling, and basically just enjoyed one another's company as my Sabbath rest is quickly coming to an end. The picture is our camper set up on what is now another favorite site, #16.

Tomorrow and Tuesday while Bev is working I'm riding my HD to Franklinvillle, NJ to spend a little time with my sister, Lori, and her partner, Steph.

On Thursday I'll be accompanying Mark Easteadt for his licensing interview with the District Ministry Commission. Later in the day on Thursday Bev and I will both be heading back up to Camp Swatara for the church camping weekend and the opportunity to start to reconnect with the congregation in this context. Bev and I will traveling home and to Harrisburg on Saturday morning for the Celebration of Life service for Doris Frysinger who lost her 2 year battle with cancer on July 4. Doris was a fellow ANE District Office employee with Bev before her retirement. I'll also be leaving Camp Swatara again on Sunday morning to return to preach at Florin COB and reconnect with the congregation in that context in worship at 10:45 a.m. After worship back to camp for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon before we pack up and head back to Mount Joy.

My Sabbath rest has been an opportunity for God to "get back into me." I confess that before I left on Sabbath rest I was drained and going through the motions without a lot of spiritual passion. That passion has been revived and God has been and continues to show me through the work of the Holy Spirit how God still has much to show me about my life being lived for him. I'm eager to share more about all that with you in worship at Florin on Sunday, July 26, 10:45 a.m.

You can take this as a warning or a promise but be alerted to the fact "that I'm not the same Eric I was on April 16!" Thanks be to God! See you real soon!

Sabbath Rest is winding down

2009-07-06T18:18:00.001-07:00

The Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego was a wonderful place to experience Annual Conference. With housing, restaurants, and meeting space all on their grounds as well as a nearby mall and other eating establishments all in walking distance it was a nice package.

The first picture is of the conference banner with the logo: "The Old Has Gone; The New Has Come: All This is From God." That theme served us well in worship, business, and other AC activities.

The second picture is of the new moderator, Shawn Flory Replogle and moderator-elect, Robert Alley being consecrated at the final business session on Tuesday, July 1. Our AC moderator for 2009, Dave Shumate was an excellent moderator who practiced discernment with Southern wit and humor. He was ably assisted by AC Secretary, Fred Swartz who always does a remarkable job of keeping the delegates informed and on task. I'll be sharing bits and pieces of AC in worship beginning on Sunday, July 26 and for several weeks following in worship to help the congregation understand the AC deliberations and actions of 2009.

San Diego was simply wonderful! Weather was perfect and we were able to see some very interesting sights two of which are pictured: Old Town and a walking trip across the US/Mexico border into Tijuana. We also spent time at Seaside Village, Cabrillo State Memorial, Coronado Island, a drive north up Hwy 101, the scenic oceanside highway, the San Diego Zoo, during our ten days in the area.

AC is in Pittsburgh, PA in 2010 and will be the first for new AC Manager, Chris Douglas who replaces Lerry Fogle who retired after serving ten years in this position.

The remainder of my Sabbath Rest time is being spent between home and Camp Swatara where Bev and plan to get away for a few days. I'm feeling refreshed and renewed and looking forward to getting back with my sisters and brothers at Florin on July 16. We will also be participating in the church camping weekend at Camp Swatara, July 17-19, but I'll be returning to Florin on Sunday, July 19 to preach in worship at 10:45 a.m.

San Diego

2009-07-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

My apologies for not posting any blogs from San Diego until today. I've had limited internet access ever since we arrived; and I'm living on "borrowed" internet time currently!

Annual Conference was good and I encourage the reader to go to www.brethren.org and link to Annual Conference for a full update.

San Diego is beautiful and we've been able to see some of the area prior to AC and now following. Our plans for today are to visit the San Diego Zoo and tomorrow to catch a trolley ride to the US/Mexican border and walk across for a short visit. Yes, we brought along our passports!

Sabbath Rest time is quickly getting by and there are only several days left. I'll be back in the pulpit at Florin COB for one service on 7/19/09 due to the church camping weekend. I understand that Sunday, 7/26/09 is also one service and I'm being invited by Leadership Team to share in that service about my Sabbath Rest. This I intend to do with lots of pictures and stories.

Go west young man!

2009-06-23T16:53:00.001-07:00

Ok, how about "go west middle-age couple?" Bev and I are doing last minute packing and preparing to leave tomorrow, 6/24/09 for San Diego and the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference which begins on 6/26/09. We'll also have a few days after conference in the San Diego area as part of my continued Sabbath Rest. We'll be returning to PA on 7/4/09. Then I have about 12 days of Sabbath Rest left to experience.

Be in prayer for Annual Conference officers, Mission and Ministry Board, Board Staff, Program and Arrangements Committee, Standing Committee Delegates and AC congregational delegates (which includes Bev and me). There are some possible controversial business items coming before the delegates; therefore pray for a spirit of calm, peace, and unity in the gathered assembly.

The picture? We're at the Dead Sea and have coated ourselves with the mud which is supposedly really good for your skin. When you see us again maybe we'll actually look younger? :)

Heading for PA!

2009-06-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

It's 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 20 and some packing of the car is complete and remainder will occur in the morning before I begin my journey back to Mount Joy, PA after 3 wonderful and Spirit-filled weeks in North Carolina! If all goes as planned tomorrow I should be home around 6:00 p.m. Then two days to get organized for our trip to San Diego for continued Sabbath Rest time and serving the Florin congregation as delegates to Annual Conference.

Last night and again today, Carol Yeazell (interpretation) and I led the "Empowering Couples"workshop for 11 married couples of His Way COB. It was an anointed movement of God's Spirit as many of the participants admitted never having had any type of marital teaching or support before. God has used this time to put into the hands of these couples some ideas, suggestions, and principles that they can use together to strengthen their couple/family relationship. Praise be to God for this opportunity and for what God has done and will yet do with these who seek his face!

Yesterday for lunch I had some of the best tamales I've ever eaten along with some rice that was absolutely delicious. I even was blessed to bring 8 tamales home with me to share with Bev upon my return. The one picture is of Doris and her daughters and a close friend who provided the lunch.

My Sabbath Rest time is progressing quickly and I continue to thank God for the experiences that I've been blessed with. My prayers remain with the Florin COB in our time apart that God will bless you as well as you seek to follow the Light! Shalom.

The blessings continue!

2009-06-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

I continue to be on the receiving end of numerous blessings as my Sabbath Rest time with His Way COB continues to draw to a close.

Yesterday (Tuesday) I was the guest in the home of Limone, Lourdes, and Pablo. They are a gentle and quiet couple who shared a very large meal with me and other guests from the congregation. Pablo is six and a real delight! I was blessed with the laughter of my Latino friends as we were treated by Pablo to a couple DVD's of a Costa Rican Christian ventriloquist named "Coco and His Gang."

Today, Pastor's Raul and Lidia were invited back to the home of the Cordero's for lunch so that I might meet Martin Cordero, husband and father who works second shift and was unable to be at the dinner in their home last week. Laura Cordero made some of the best beef taco's I believe I have ever eaten. They have three beautiful children: Melissa, David, and Kevin. David took me on a tour around the family property to show me all the improvements his father has made.

Tonight, I attended my last of the Wednesday evening prayer/praise/study sessions at the church and was treated to some interpretation by Martha during the study time. Martha has a desire to become more skilled in her English to help with interpretation more in the congregation. She did very good at helping me to understand what was being taught/shared. Again I was reminded of how selfless these sisters and brothers are when it comes to worship and being committed to their Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

I am going to miss these sisters and brothers in Christ when Sunday arrives and it is time for me to return to PA!

Final days in North Carolina

2009-06-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

With the passing of this last weekend I'm now down to my final few days of sharing with the sisters and brothers in Christ at His Way COB. Yesterday was my second and final opportunity to preach and I shared from Philippians 2:1-11 and some other selected passages on "Humility Incarnate." It was affirmed to me afterwards that this was a word from God for the congregation at this time. I also intend to share this sermon with the Florin COB upon my return from Sabbath Rest.

This evening I was treated to a nice and simple dinner in another members home, Lily, prepared for the other guests and my self a dish called "papousa" from El Salvador. Very tasty and filling! We were not able to stay too long as Lily was on her way to a computer class that she is taking. She is a Spirit-filled sister in Christ!

Tomorrow will involve some more reading time and continued preparation for the married couples workshop being offered this Friday and Saturday at the church. I believe there are 20 or so couples who have signed up and so it will be a good size group to work with.

For your added reflection I'd like to share a couple of quotes from the book, Dissident Discipleship:

"Because my life is in God's hands, I will never take my enemy's life into my hands." - John Howard Yoder.

"Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary use words." - St. Francis of Assisi

"If disciples don't love one another, according do Jesus. No one has much reason to believe their message. I suspect this is a fail-safe mechanism Jesus built into the gospel: the only messengers who should be trusted are those who exemplify the message." - Brian McLaren

Salaam and Shalom!

More and more families to meet and food to eat!

2009-06-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

On Thursday for dinner and again today for an early dinner, I was invited along with Pastor's Raul and Lidia to His Way COB members homes for a meal. I have so enjoyed being invited into these members homes and getting to know them and to enjoy such wonderful food and hospitality. It is now completely evident to me that in the Latino culture hospitality is very important and people love having guests (especially a "gringo" like me) to share their home and their table!

Thursday evening meal was at the home of Mario and Evelyn and their son, Mario. Evelyn prepared a wonderful Honduran meal. Mario is a painting contractor and Evelyn is a homemaker who keeps the books for Mario's business. They are deacons in the church.

This evening we were invited to Oscar and Vivian's home for Columbian meal. Muy Bueno! Also in attendance besides the Pastor's Raul and Lidia, Gene Yeazell and me, were two friends of Oscar and Vivian, and two other members of His Way COB, Martha and Rene.

Gene suggested that when I get back to PA I should suggest that Florin COB members should have Bev and I to visit in their homes for a meal so I can tell my "multicultural" stories. What do you think Florin folk?

Tomorrow I'm going to do some local sight-seeing and ride my bike some more. On Sunday I preach in worship and I've requested that they make a copy of the worship service so I can share it when I get home with those who are interested. On Monday, I plan at this time to make a day of visiting the Biltmore Estate.

Monday-Thursday of next week have meals scheduled for every day! On Friday evening, June 19 from 7-9 p.m. I'll be leading a married couples workshop and the same again on Saturday, June 20, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Carol Yeazell will be helping with interpretation. I'll be heading back to PA on Sunday, June 21.

Bendiciones! (God bless you)

Day 56 of Sabbath Rest

2009-06-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Amazingly I'm concluding day 56 of my Sabbath Rest. I'm being blessed and refreshed in so many ways but it is all (as I anticipated) going way too fast!

The sisters and brothers of His Way COB continue to welcome me and care for me. Last evening I had dinner with two families who combined their efforts to feed me and Pastor's Raul and Lidia (see picture). Then today for lunch Sister Ruth had Pastor's Raul and Lidia, their grand-daughter, Tatiana and me for lunch (see picture of Ruth and Lidia, and one of Tatiana- I could take her home with me- she is so cute!).

Earlier tonight I went to Wednesday night service at His Way COB and heard a guest evangelist from Venezuela. My friend Willie, from the youth group, has been doing personal interpretation for me. It was a good worship experience and message from the Venezuelan brother from II Chronicles 25:9.

For those who are interested, I did see the movie, "Angels and Demons," yesterday. It is a good movie and I would recommend it to those who are interested in a dramatic movie about the Catholic church and the secret organization, "The Illuminati." I recommend reading the book first. I found it to be a much better movie than it's precursor, "The DaVinci Code." While the movie differs from the book in some aspects it is a close remake and I believe while the movie could have portrayed the Catholic church in a very negative light, I don't believe that it does so to any extreme.

What a day this one has been!

2009-06-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

After a rousing worship service on Sunday and some reading later into the night, I slept in on Monday morning until 8:30 a.m. I couldn't believe I slept that late but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise after the events of my day today.

After reading, journaling and praying this morning I decided to take my bike back on the Parkway ride from a previous destination, Sleepy Gap Overlook, elevation 2930 feet up to the top of Mount Pisgah. I passed through 7 tunnels on my way to the top. I about bit off more than I could handle! Though it was only eleven miles to the top the elevation topped out at around 5,000 feet. It took me 1 hour and 20 minutes to go 11.2 miles up and it only took 30 minutes to come down! I was one tired puppy when I got back to my car to load up my bike. It's amazing what uphill climbs at higher elevations will do to you! Suck the wind right out of your lungs! Now, I can say I did it! Still, I'm not ready to ride with Lance or Floyd, either one!

This evening I rode with Pastor's Raul and Lydia to dinner prepared at the home of Jim and Patricia and her two children, Aranzasu and Edgar. Also joining us at the table was Patricia's brother, Miguel. We ate dinner and all talked together until near 10:00 p.m. Jim and Patricia have been married just 6 months. They are expecting their first child in December. They are very excited! Miguel is a single father of two children, 7 and 4 years. He has been a follower of Jesus for about 2 years and he spoke with me candidly about his life and the new direction that he has found and is seeking with Jesus. As is true for many in this economy, Miguel while working in a factory currently, having lost his construction job, is seeking God's will for his life.

Tomorrow evening I'm invited to dinner with yet another family. While tonight's offering was Mexican, tomorrows is from Argentina, and I'm told I'm in for a real treat. I haven't had a bad meal yet! Gotta keep pedaling though, eating way too much!

Tomorrow I'm planning on a matinee viewing of "Angels and Demons." If I get there I'll be sure to provide a review as promised. Salaam and Shalom!

Looking forward to worship!

2009-06-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

In less than one hour I'll be heading for my second Sunday worship experience with Iglesia Jesu Christo Elcamino. Having led the youth of the congregation on Friday evening and most of the day Saturday, I'm blessed with simply being a worship participant this Sunday. I'll be preaching again on Sunday, June 14.

While we did not have the number of youth anticipated we were blessed with a number of youth who fully participated in the weekend workshop: "Guy Talk/Girl Talk." This topic covered a large number of timely topics and issues that teenage boys and girls are facing today. I was blessed by the insights and the maturity of this group as well as their commitment to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. A number of mothers from the congregation prepared a bountiful lunch for us and made sure that we had enough (and then some!) physical sustenance to see us through the day! The pictures are from Saturday.

This evening after worship I'm planning to go a local cinema to see the movie "Angels and Demons." I've read the book since being on Sabbath Rest and now I'm eager to see how the movie stacks up. I'll provide a movie review later in another blog if I do in fact get there tonight.

Eating well and enjoying koinonia (fellowship)

2009-06-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Let me see... Birthday dinner celebration Tuesday night; lunch at Pastor's Raul and Lydia's on Wednesday; Thursday lunch at Samuel and Maria's; and today lunch at Anjelica's (with her mother and sister); lunch tomorrow at the church with youth retreat; dinner invitation to another family home on Monday evening. I am eating well and enjoying a wonderful variety of Latino food (soups, chile relennos, beans and rice, barbequed ribs, tacos, tostones, fruit drinks, la leche (3 milk cake)... all mucho gusto!

Yet, as good as the meals have been the fellowship (koinonia) is wonderful. I'm experiencing a people who work hard, love their family, love the Lord Jesus Christ, and committed to their church. I have been welcomed and embraced as a "gringo" as though I were a Latino myself!

This evening I led a session with the youth/young adults of the church and will continue to same tomorrow. Those who attended and participated tonight were engaging and participated actively. I hope for a few more in attendance tomorrow.

The pictures are of some of those who've had me to their home for a meal and of the youth event tonight at the church.

On the road again!

2009-06-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway again today for a bit of morning biking. Met a fellow biker, Al, from California who's visiting his son and we exchanged taking pictures for each other at this elevation point. The highest I've been yet on the Parkway and also set a new downhill speed on the Parkway of 39.9 mph! Rode 14 miles total, first seven were almost all uphill, ugh!

Early dinner today with Pastor's Raul and Lydia Gonzalez consisted of appetizers, red beans and rice, barbecued ribs, tostones (deep fried green bananas), green tea, mango ice cream, and Dominican espresso- yum, yum!

This evening I spent from 7-8 p.m. at the church in a prayer and praise time; followed from 8-9 p.m. a session with youth/young adults in John 15 and I John 4 on the topic of love: God's love for us, our love for God, God's love for others, and our love for others (irrespective of any differences).

Currently reading Dissident Discipleship, by David Augsburger and re-reading, United by Faith, by Curtiss Paul DeYoung, Michael O. Emerson, George Yancey, and Karen Chai Kim.

Breaking bread together

2009-06-02T17:37:00.000-07:00

Beginning today it would appear that I'm going to have lots of opportunities to "break bread" with my sisters and brothers in Christ. This evening I was invited by Gene and Carol Yeazell to join them in celebrating one of their "adopted" granddaughters 8th birthday. The birthday celebration was at a local Mexican restaurant owned/operated by another of Gene and Carol's "special families," Arturo and Elaina Torres. I was able to meet Elaina and her three children but Arturo was working at another restaurant they own. The birthday celebration was for Daniella, along with her sister, Hillary and her parents, Oscar and Andrea Nunez (see picture). They are wonderful family from Costa Rica who have found a new life and purpose in God in the USA. Pray for Oscar who is employed but is hoping to get called back to a former employer and work he liked very much.

Carol leaves tomorrow morning for some consulting work with the Pacific Southwest District COB in California. Tomorrow evening Gene and I are invited to dinner at the home of Pastor's Raul and Lydia Gonzalez and then on Thursday we're both invited to lunch at another members home, and then again another meal invitation for Friday. If I don't keep bicycling and walking regularly I'll be coming back to PA weighing more than I did when I left! I did get a good brisk walk in today and it's back to the Blue Ridge Parkway tomorrow morning for bicycling!

Today reading from Howard Thurman, For the Inward Journey, and the chapter "Growing With a Sense of Values," I am compelled to share this reading with you, "I Want to Be Better":

The concern which I lay before God today is my need to be better:

I want to be better in my ordinary day-by-day contacts:

With my friends-

With my family-

With my casual contacts-

With my business relations-

With my associates in work and play.

I want to be better in the responsibilities that are mine:

I am conscious of many petty resentments.

I am conscious of increasing hostility towards certain people.

I am conscious of the effort to be pleasing for effect,

not because it is a genuine feeling on my part.

I am conscious of a tendency to to shift to other shoulders

burdens that are clearly my own.

I want to be better in the quality of my religious experience:

I want to develop an honest and clear prayer life.

I want to develop a sensitiveness to the will of God in

my own life.

I want to develop a charitableness toward my fellows

that is far greater than my most exaggerated pretensions.

I want to be better than I am.

I lay bare this need and this desire before God in the quietness

of this moment.

I hope this reflection on "values" speaks a word of encouragement and challenge to you as it has to me. Salaam and Shalom.

Biking and Reading

2009-06-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

What an incredible day this has been. After a leisurely early morning of coffee, breakfast and some reading/journaling, I loaded up my bicycle for another run at the Blue Ridge Parkway. On Saturday I rode north from the entrance. Today I chose to ride south. What a ride! I rode a total of 18 miles round trip but the clincher was that on my way south the last two of the 9 I rode before deciding to turn around was a steady uphill climb in which I was able to average only about 6-7 mph. When I turned around as the sign will testify I was at 2930 feet elevation and it was still uphill from there to Mount Pisgah which is over 5,000 feet elevation! Riding back down at one point I hit 38.5 mph!

I finished reading a book that I started yesterday loaned to me by Gene Yeazell, Blood Brothers: The Unforgettable Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel. I regret I did not know about or read this book before traveling to Israel, but I'm glad I've been able to read it. I suggest it to be a must read for every follower of Jesus Christ to have a better historical understanding of the Jewish/Palestinian conflict. I've already suggested to Bev that she should purchase this book, read it for herself and then place in the Florin COB library. It has been a real eye-opener for me and helps me to more fully understand why peace in the Middle East is such an illusory objective. Yet, as brother Elias Chacour lives his life for the Prince of Peace, so must we keep living with the objective, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called son's of God." (Matthew 5:9)

I post a picture of the "dividing wall" in Israel to keep the Palestinians in their place and as a reminder that "walls" do not make for peace but only the love of Jesus Christ shared and expressed one to another.

Just a reminder that you can (and I really would like to hear from you) reply to my blog. Just use "anonymous" and the go ahead and sign your name. By setting it up this way anyone can reply without having to have a password. I will simply read the your reply and then post it. This also allows me to screen unwanted reply's. So, let's hear from y'all! OK!!

Pentecostal Power!

2009-06-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

As I write on Monday morning I'm still in awe of the amazing worship experience I was part of yesterday afternoon. I was privileged to worship with IGLESIA JESUCRISTO EL CAMINO (His Way Fellowship COB) and to be afforded the opportunity to preach (with an interpreter) to the congregation.

Worship began at 3:00 p.m. and concluded at 6:15 p.m. I was invited by the Pastor's Raul and Lydia Gonzalez to assist with prayer, anointing and laying on of hands as worship participants continued to come forward for the final 45-60 minutes of worship. The presence of the Holy Spirit was undeniable and the visible evidence of lives being touched by the hand of God was incredible! I came away both energized and exhausted!

The congregation is now in their own building after beginning just five years ago as 6 people and now number between 150-200 people. The congregation is predominately Hispanic with congregants representing approximately 15 different countries (most South, Central America and Southern Hemisphere island nations). The people of His Way are a loving people who have found and are finding in the Lord Jesus Christ the freedom, purpose and new life that is promised in him.

This coming Friday evening and Saturday morning/afternoon I will be meeting with around youth and their advisors, Oscar and Andrea, in a Group Publishing curriculum, "Boy Talk, Girl Talk." I met a number of the youth in worship last evening and they are eager to get together with their advisors and myself around this material. I covet your prayers for our time together.

On another note after speaking with my sister Lori (who with her partner, Steph has been in Ohio this past weekend with our mother and stepfather) I received continued good news about our mother's continued improvement. It is now very evident that she was extremely overmedicated and while she still is afflicted with Parkinsons and dementia, mother has shown vast improvement in both her physical and mental capabilities. God be praised!

Beautiful North Carolina

2009-05-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

I arrived at my host's home on Friday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. and got settled in. The picture is the home of Gene and Carol Yeazell which in seven years has hosted (according to Gene) over 600 guests! It is a beautiful home and a beautiful area.

This morning and early afternoon I was given a tour of the area of Gene and Carol to help get a feel for the "lay of the land." Later this afternoon then I loaded up my bicycle and drove to the Blue Ridge Parkway (only about 15 minutes from the Yeazell's home). I rode 14 mountainous miles- and I was done for the day. That was on top of a short hike earlier today to a waterfall (see picture) in the DuPont Forest.

The rest of this evening is being devoted to reading and journaling. Tomorrow I preach at His Way COB. They worship at 3:00 p.m. and I've been "forewarned" to expect worship to last 2 1/2 hours. That' OK with me! I'll share some pictures of that tomorrow.

Some really good news- my sister Lori and her partner Steph are visiting in Ohio with my mother and stepfather this weekend. When I spoke with Lori last evening via the phone she confirmed what I've been hearing in my mother's voice in my phone calls- since my mother has been taken off a number of medications she has vastly improved. Lori said she looks 20 years younger. Praise God!

Heading South!

2009-05-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Well, a few days at home have flown by and now I'm prepared to leave early tomorrow morning, Friday, 5/29/09, for Hendersonville, NC where I'll be living for the next 3 1/2 weeks with Gene and Carol Yeazell (sister of Judy Mellinger). While there I'll be reading, reflecting, journaling, praying, and serving in ministry with His Way COB the intercultural fellowship that Gene and Carol have continued to support and give solid leadership to. Pastors are Raul and Lydia Gonzalez who used to be in ministry in Atlantic Northeast District. I'm excited about worshiping and serving with this congregation.

I'll be preaching on Sunday, May 31. I'll be facilitating a youth workshop for around 25 youth on Friday-Saturday, June 5-6. I'll be preaching again on Sunday, June 14, and I'll be leading a married couples workshop for about 20 couples on Friday-Saturday, June 19-20.

I'll be heading back for home on Sunday, June 21, following worship.

Bev begins working part-time for Smoker and Associates on Monday, June 1. She'll be working on Monday and Tuesday's while at the same time maintaining her part-time job with the Atlantic Northeast District. Keep us in your prayers as we are apart for this time.

Salaam and Shalom!

Transition Time

2009-05-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

We've been home from Israel now for three days (counting Sunday) and I feel like I'm back to the right time zone, finally! Sunday, yesterday and today has been a time of catching up on some things around home and making some additional plans for the next part: my trip to be involved with His Way COB in Hendersonville, NC from May 29-June 21.

I've also spent some listening to Bill Longenecker's sermon of May 3 and Valentina Satvedi's sermon of May 17. What a solid word from both of God's children delivered to God's people! I'm eager to listen to Bill's sermon of May 10, Sheri Weavers sermon of May 24, and Valentina's after it has been preached on May 31. God is blessing the Florin congregation in my absence with some inspired messengers!

I'll be preaching my very first Sunday with His Way on May 31 and I covet your prayers as I preach to this multicultural congregation on Pentecost Sunday. What an opportunity to preach on Acts 2:1-21 with such an emphasis on so many different peoples and languages coming together as the Holy Spirit came with power!

The Wailing Wall is the Holy City is divided for men/women only. The picture above is one I took of several men gathered around a scroll and praying at the Wall.

The other picture is daughter Erin and Evan who this coming Friday, May 29 will be 5 weeks old. He is doing very well!

A call to prayer

2009-05-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

If you're not already aware I call your attention to a "call to prayer and fasting" from current Annual Conference Moderator, David Shumate and his Virlina District colleague, Joan Daggett. This call to prayer and fasting is for the COB and the world at large. Citing Nehemiah 1:4 Moderator Shumate says that there is nothing more important than a season of prayer and fasting for the people of God as they seek God's wisdom and guidance for the church as it engages in kingdom proclamation and service.

This season of prayer and fasting is for a one week period, May 24-31. Bev and I have begun this discipline with others from across the denomination and invite you to join in. Simply go to www.brethren.org and follow the link. Feel free to let me know you've joined in by replying to the blog as "anonymous" and give your name as the end of the blog. "Anonymous" allows you to reply without needing to sign up for blogger and securing a password.

Salaam and Shalom!

Home safe and sound!

2009-05-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

On the left is our Israeli guide, Raouf and on the right our bus driver, Mohammed. Two wonderful and very gracious men. We were blessed to have their guidance and become their friends!

The nine of us made it back to the USA safely today, Sunday, May 24. We arrived JFK International Airport, 6:00 a.m. after a long 12 hour flight all night. We cleared passport control and customs and were the Landis Luxury Coaches van with our driver, Bob, at 7:30 a.m. and were in the Florin COB parking lot at 11:00 a.m.

We've been reading the mail from the past week, went to the grocery for some necessary items, checked emails, made several phone calls to family, ate some supper and we'll soon be heading to bed for some needed sleep.

If you're wondering from the last blogs picture of Bev and me in our Dead Sea mud, we did clean up rather nicely and in fact look about 20 years younger! Not really, but it was a nice thought anyway!

It was a great trip and Bev and I or any of the other 7 pilgrims on this spiritual journey to Israel will be more than happy to share our story (and our pictures of course)!

I'll be around Mount Joy until Friday, May 29 when I'll leave early for Hendersonville, N.C. early in the morning for my planned visit of 3 1/2 weeks. I'll be preaching on Sunday, May 31 at His Way COB and covet your prayers for my preaching and my being engaged with this part of the Christ body while worshipping and working with them!

Salaam and Shalom!

The end is near!

2009-05-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today is our final day. We are sitting right now in our hotel lobby waiting for our dinner celebration. After dinner we will ride the bus with our driver, Mohammed, to Ben Gurion Airport at 8:00 p.m. Our flight leaves at midnight Israeli time and we are due back to JFK Airport at 6:30 a.m. EST.

It has been another amazing day with a visit to Masada the zealot stronghold where finally 950 plus Jews were killed by one another before the final zealot fell on his own sword. They would rather die than be taken and enslaved by the Romans. Two women and three children were spared by their son/husband/father and when found by the Romans were released because of heroism the zealots showed.

After Masada we went to Qumran the site of the Dead Sea scrolls. This too was an amazing place and has been well preserved.

Our last visit of the day and the trip was the opportunity to visit a public beach on the Dead Sea and the chance to float and slather oneself with the mud (it cleanses your pores actually and makes your skin feel silky smooth afterwards).

This truly has been the trip of a lifetime and while I'm ready to come home I would hope I could return again. Bev wholeheartedly agrees. We've enjoyed ourselves immensely and have been blessed. Praise be to God for all his blessings!

Salaam, Shalom, Peace!

Down to one more day in Israel

2009-05-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today was a lighter day in that we had the afternoon free to do what we wanted. Four of us decided to go back to the Old City where we walked the ramparts (portion of the top of the wall around the Old City- see picture) and where we did some shopping (basically haggling and bartering for some souvenirs and gifts) and ate a delightful lunch of hummus, falafel, salad, dill pickles and pita bread. The food here in Israel has been wonderful and have tried many different dishes.

This morning we went to the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the national Israeli Holocaust Museum. All three experiences were amazing and very touching. After having visited the Washington DC Holocaust Museum, now this one, and all the advocacy I try to do for Darfur I continue to be appalled that genocide, injustice and inhumane practices continue to this day. As God's people we need to be raising our voices in protest and action!

Tomorrow we travel from Jerusalem to the area of Qumran where we will visit one of the caves that provided the Dead Sea Scrolls; then on to Masada; and lastly ending with a visit to the Dead Sea and a swim. We return to Jerusalem to get cleaned up and have our final celebration dinner with our group, our guide and our driver. They have been a blessing to us all week.

Thanks be to God for this amazing land and people!

Israel and only two days left

2009-05-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

Today was another very full day that was spent in Jerusalem and most of the time in the Old City. We began after going through security to visit the West Wall (aka, the Wailing Wall). You pray at the wall separated by gender and it was a very interesting experience being there with people from around the world including Orthodox Jews, Christians of varying stripes, and less orthodox Jews.

After the wailing wall we then had to go through another security gate to enter the Old City. Our first destination was the Dome of the Rock which is controlled by the Muslims. We were able to see it and buy picture postcards of what it looks like on the inside as non-Muslims are not allowed to enter.

We then visited a number of church sites in the city built over "holy locations": the site of the pools of Bethsaida and the Church of Saint Catherine where Bev sang solo, "We are the Body of Christ," and brought tears to many eyes especially her own; the Church of the Holy Sephlecure where it is promoted that Jesus was crucified; and many of the points along the way of the Via Delorosa (The Way of the Cross).

We then left the Old City and went next to the church that has been built over the site where it is believed Jesus was brought before the high priest, Caiaphas, and held in a tomb like prison before being handed over to the Romans for scourging and crucifixion.

Our next to last stop for today was the Israeli Museum where we were treated to a model of the City of Jerusalem that included three different times it was built/rebuilt; the museum also included the opportunity to see portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Our last stop for today was the Garden Tomb where is is believed Jesus was laid following his crucifixion in the spot donated by Joseph of Arimathea. This visit concluded with our having communion led by Bill Longenecker.

Our guide Raouf, a Christian who is Aramaic by birth is proving to the be one the best guides possible. He is very well studied and knowledgeable.

More tomorrow. Salaam and Shalom!

Israel update

2009-05-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

Our group arrived in Israel safely on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. Israeli time. I had not had good internet access until now. So let me catch you up as briefly as I can with all the information and sensory overload we are experiencing.

Thus far we have traveled to and visited some/all of the following: Caesarea Maritime where we explored the ruins of Herod the Great's theater, hippodrome, palace, and harbor; Mount Carmel,s the site of the Prophet Elijah's showdown with the prophets of Baal and which overlooks the Kishon valley and here we also visited a Carmelite church; Har Meggido (think Armageddon) where we visited this excavated tel where 25 civilizations where built, destroyed, and rebuilt; Nazareth and the mountain overlook where the crowds attempted to push Jesus off the mountain after his words as recorded in Luke 4; visited the church of the Annunciation and the church of Cana (wedding feast miracle); Plain of Miggdol, place of Mary Magadalene; Church of the Beatitudes, a beautiful site overlooking the sea of Galilee; Baniass (think Jesus talking to Peter and telling him that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the church; drove the Golan Heights where we could see easily into Syria; crossed over the Jordan river as flows into the Sea of Galilee; visited the church site built over the ruins of Peter's mother-in-laws home; Church of Multiplication, celebrating the feeding of the 5,000; took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee (where we also had an anointing for healing for 4 persons in our group); Beth-Shean an excavated site that has Egyptian, Roman and Israelite ruins; Jericho and entered into Palestinian controlled territory (checkpoint where we had to show our passports); Bethlehem where we saw the Shepherd's Field and the Church of the Nativity.

We are now in Jerusalem and staying the same hotel for 4 nights and traveling out daily from here for the rest of our tour which ends on Saturday. Stay tuned!

Preparing to leave for Israel

2009-05-16T04:38:00.000-07:00

It was good to return home to PA ever so briefly to prepare for our Israel departure this afternoon. Bev and I along with 7 others are being delivered to JFK airport by Landis Luxury Coaches and fly Delta airlines for 12 hours and 5,666 miles non-stop from JFK to Tel-Aviv, Israel and Ben-Gurion airport.

We spent the day yesterday doing laundry, getting packed, catching up on bill-paying, yard-work, banking, etc. Though the congregation has contracted with Wolgemuth Landscaping to mow the parsonage lawn while mowing the church property during my Sabbath Rest, our gracious neighbor, Dave Gerberich has been mowing our lawn each time he mows his own. I have a great crop of rye growing and going to seed where my usual vegetable garden is located. I actually had to pull some out yesterday to open up our raspberry bushes, rhubarb, and our compost container. It feels really strange not vegetable gardening this spring but it would have been inconceivable to try and pull that off as much as I/we are traveling.

I'm hoping that Valentina Satvedi (May 17) and Sherri Weaver (May 24) provide the same caliber of preaching that Phill Carlos Archbold and Bill Longenecker have provided in the first four Sunday's of preaching during my Sabbath rest. My thanks to the congregation for providing Lisa Breneman with such a nice surprise for Administrative Assistant day a few weeks ago.

Back in PA (briefly!)

2009-05-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

Bev and I arrived back home in Mount Joy, PA on 5/14/09 at 4:20 p.m. We had a very nice visit and overnight stay with my father and step-mother, Norman and Loretta Anspaugh yesterday and this morning before we left for home. We were also able to visit our good friend Linda (House) Crane and her husband, Dan at their business in Parklayne (near New Carlisle, OH), "Hot Dogs Plus" where we enjoyed not only a very nice visit but also some good sandwiches and delicious ice cream. It was a real blessing to see Linda looking so well and doing so good. Dan has been a real gift to her.

My father and stepmother are doing very well. My father actually let me drive his new dump truck last evening before we went to see Linda and Dan. It handled really nice and it's still a shock to know he's driving a Ford F-550 after driving General Motors all his life!

We've unpacked and gone through almost a months worth of mail and started doing laundry. Tomorrow is getting everything together and packing for our Israel trip. We leave Florin COB on 5/16/09 at 1:00 p.m. with Landis Luxury Coaches transporting 9 of us to JFK for our Delta airlines flight to Israel which leaves at 7:55 p.m. After driving over 1900 miles in almost 4 weeks I'm ready to let someone else drive and fly for the next leg of my Sabbath rest!

Salaam and Shalom!

Moving on

2009-05-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

Bev and I have had a wonderful time visiting family in the Eaton/New Lebanon, OH area from last Friday through today. Tomorrow morning we are having breakfast with our good friends, Mark and Sara Bowman in Brookville, OH then on to visit and spend the night with my father and stepmother, Norman and Loretta Anspaugh. While visiting with them tomorrow we're also going to visit a dear friend Linda Crane and her husband who own/run a gourmet hot-dog and ice cream shop near my parents home in New Carlisle. It will be good to see my parents and our good friend all in one visit!

We've spent a good deal of time visiting with Bev's family and we've also been able to make some positive steps forward in making sure that my mother and step-father are being well cared for. It was a plus to have my sister Lori from New Jersey here in Ohio at the same time as our visit.

Lastly (for now) I just had to share this picture of big brother Trevor holding his new baby brother Evan!

Once we arrive back home in Mount Joy Thursday evening we'll be sorting mail, doing some banking, getting haircuts, doing laundry, repacking or bags, and leaving for Israel on Saturday afternoon with Kathy Wenger, Nancy Dehmey, Donna Swords, Bill and Peggy Longenecker and two other travelers who are friends of Kathy and Nancy. We're growing increasingly excited about this opportunity to visit such an important and historical land.

A Great Mothers Day!

2009-05-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

This morning after an early morning bicycle ride, Bev and I worshiped at our home church, Eversole COB, with Bev's mother and aunt. A great worship experience and fellowship as we reconnected with many family members and friends.

We spent the remainder of the day today at Bev's sisters home with all of her children and their families. We had a wonderful meal and it was a great day of catching up with each other and reminiscing.

Unfortunately, my mother was not up to a family meeting today and so we are hoping to have that meeting on Monday morning.

I trust all of you had a wonderful Sabbath day and if you were celebrating Mother's Day that you were as blessed as we were this day!

Ohio News

2009-05-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Bev and I left Evansville, IN on Friday, May 8 at 2:30 p.m. EST and arrived in Eaton, OH at 8:30 p.m. EST. The drive took about an hour longer than usual because of three things: 1) Torrential rainfall for the first 3 hours of the trip, 2) I felt adventurous and Bev agreed and we took US 127 off of I-71 south of Cincinnati and followed it north through northern KY, up through Cincy and to Eaton, 3) I had to stop at a United Dairy Farmers and have a peanut butter milkshake made with chocolate ice cream and chocolate milk- they don't get any better than that! :)

This morning my three sibling I met for about 2 1/2 hours for conversation and lunch regarding our planned family meeting tomorrow with our mother and stepfather. We had a good conversation and are anticipating the same tomorrow as we attempt to provide support and guidance for our mother and stepfather who are encountering some significant changes to their health and ability to provide care one for the other.

We'll be worshiping at our home church tomorrow morning with Bev's mother, then to Bev's sister's for dinner with family and then later in the day our family meeting as described above.

Ohio Bound!

2009-05-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

We are on the move this afternoon, leaving Newburgh/Evansville, IN after 2 plus weeks with Erin and her family (Evan is two weeks old today!) and heading for Ohio to spend a few days with extended family before heading back to Mount Joy, PA and our trip to Israel.

We've thoroughly enjoyed this extended time of visiting with both daughters and their families between KY and IN. We've worshiped with both in their respective faith communities, seen some sites of interest, bicycled, read, slept in, and spoiling the grandsons as best we can. We'll be bunking with Bev's mother while in OH while visiting with as much extended family as we can. Saturday, May 9, is my planned meeting time with my siblings to discuss our ongoing caregiving for our mother and step-father, Marian and Don Woolery. We'll be with them on Sunday, May 10, Mother's Day and hopefully having a conversation that will help them to know that we are on the journey with them as they move through this later stage of adult life and development. Bev and I will see my father and step-mother, Norman and Loretta Anspaugh on way back to PA on Wednesday/Thursday, May 13-14.

A portion of my reading as noted in an earlier blog is "For the Journey," the writings of Howard Thurman. Yesterdays reading "Keep Alive the Dream in the Heart" had a few notable quotes I share with you for your reflection and application:

"As long as a man has a dream in his heart, he cannot lose the significance of living... Men cannot continue long to live if the dream in the heart has perished... Where there is not dream, the life becomes a swamp, a dreary dead place, deep within, a man's heart begins to rot... The dream is quiet persistence in the heart that enables a man to ride out the storms of his churning experiences... Keep alive the dream; for as long as a man has a dream in his heart, he cannot lose the significance of living."

The masculine language is that of Thurman's era and yet applies to male/female alike. How is your dream?

One more day with all the boys!

2009-05-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

Kirsten and her boys didn't leave until after dinner this evening to return home to Wilmore so we had the entire day basically to be together.

In the morning we went to a local Newburgh community park where the boys played hard on some wonderful play equipment. As you can see from the one picture the grandsons weren't the only ones enjoying themselves!

After lunch we Kirsten, Gavin, Adam, Isaac, Bev and I all went to a local historical site, "Angel Mounds," an archaeological dig and reconstruction of Native American, "Mississippian Mounds," from between 1200-1450 C.E. with 11 different mounds and reconstructed buildings on 450 acres. The interpretive center where you begin your tour was very informative and instructive and served as a "field trip" for Gavin and Adam who are being home-schooled by their mother, who put them through the paces! The other picture is of the boys sitting in a dugout canoe in the center.

This quote was on the final wall as we were leaving the interpretive center, "Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It was loaned to you for your children. We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." (Ancient Indian Proverb) We will all do well to pay heed!

Hurray! All our grandsons together!

2009-05-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

This afternoon daughter Kirsten and her boys arrived at daughter Erin's for an overnight stay. Thus, we have all five grandsons in one location. It is chaotic and fun! After dinner this evening we all went "down to the river to play" (as opposed to "pray") and did what boys around water like to do, throw rocks in the water! At one point we were throwing big rocks into the water to create a big splash and after Jeremy lifted on rock to throw we discovered what you see above (two babies)- but we didn't move any more big rocks after that!

Then before bed tonight we able to get our first picture of all five boys together. I hope you blog followers aren't getting too tired of all my pictures and grandson stuff- but doggone it, I'm just one fairly proud grandpa!

Sabbath Day

2009-05-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

This morning Bev and I attended Christian Fellowship Church with our daughter and family. They've attended at CFC now about 6 years and are actively involved in a small group on Sunday evenings. Their church family and small group family have been excellent for their Christian growth and becoming more fully formed followers of Jesus Christ. CFC has a Saturday evening service and 2 Sunday a.m. services and I'm guessing they average between 2-3,000 a weekend in worship.

Today was the third in a message series on "Beginnings" and "A New Marriage- Part 3." Senior Pastor David Niednagel spoke today three key skills necessary for healthy relationships and marriage: 1) To treat all people as created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), 2) To allow my spouse to be my "helper" (Genesis 2:18-23), and 3) To be united with the kind of love that will hold it all together (Genesis 2:24) which includes eros, phileo, and agape. The conclusion asked, "How do I know when I have the right kind of love to be married?" Answer: 1) When I treat others with respect, value, and dignity, 2) Receive correction (from my spouse/others) as God attempting to complete what is lacking in me, 3) Keep commitments and put the needs of others before my own. Good message with some solid teaching.

We've basically practice Sabbath today and rested and enjoyed each others company. Trevor and I just finished playing together in his bounce house (see picture) and the other picture is of Evan on Saturday, May 2. Don't want to brag, but golly those two boys are mighty cute!

Bev is thoroughly enjoying her role as grandmother (changing dirty diapers included!). We may be heading back to KY on Wednesday before traveling to OH on Friday. We were going to OH from here, but Kirsten's boys have all been sick with the stomach virus I contracted at their house earlier in our trip. They had hoped to come here this coming week to see their new nephew, cousin, but they may have to wait now.

News from Newburgh

2009-05-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

The weather here goes from warm to cool, sun to rain, and back again. Yet, I've still been able to get some more yardwork done. Today, I was able to spread 4 yards of mulch and get all that done for the family.

Evan James went to the doctor this morning on his one-week birthday and he had gained 5 ounces and is looking so good the doctor doesn't need to see him for two months. He's sleeping at night for 4-5 hours at a time and is eating very well between nursing and formula. Big brother Trevor is adjusting very well to his little brother and has become his Pa-Pa's buddy. Does my heart good!

Amazingly we've been away today now for two weeks already- at this rate the Sabbath rest will be gone in a hurry!

I've listened to the first (April 19) of Phill Carlos Archbold's sermon's preached at Florin. It was an excellently prepared and delivered message that for me "hit the bulls eye" on multicultural ministry. I'd be open to hearing some reflections on this blog from those of you who heard his message and what your take is. I'll post my thoughts on #2 after I've had a chance to listen.

Continued greetings from Newburgh, IN

2009-04-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Amazingly, we've been Newburgh (Evansville), IN for a week already. In two days, Evan James Schmidt will be one-week old already! There he is resting with his mommy!

I continue to read and reflect on my reading and am enjoying doing some continued yard-work for my daughter and her family. Today, I even took my two-year-old grandson, Trevor to the hardware store with me. He was all excited about going to the store with Pa-Pa and then being able to share a milkshake with me, that we just had to stop and get before returning home!

I forwarded a link from ePISTLE today to Norma Baum, Prayer Coodinator, " "50 Ways to Become the Answer to Our Prayers," a call to action for the National Day of Prayer (and every day)". Be sure to ask her about it, I'm sure she'd be more that happy to share a copy with you.

Bev and I have been able to do some bicycling most days and are enjoying the somewhat flatter terrain. It's hilly around Newburgh, but once you get away from town a bit, it becomes very flat.

I'm looking forward to listening to Phill Carlos' first sermon yet tonight before I call it a day.

Not too much new from Newburgh

2009-04-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday was truly a day of rest for all the Schmidt's and the Anspaugh's. It was a warm day (close to 90 degrees) and Trevor played in his wading pool much of the afternoon. After a delicious dinner of marinated pork tenderloin prepared by Chef Jeremy in his "Big Green Egg Smoker Grill" we all took a walk along the Ohio River and watched Trevor throw rocks in the water. It was Evan's first stroller ride.

Today after Bev and I did some morning bicycling I did some tree and shrub trimming/pruning followed by Jeremy's helping me to do some work in their back yard with some drainage problems they were having.

I'm continuing my reading on the topic of aging and communicating with aging parents and others. It's important to realize that as persons age it is yet another developmental stage of life and not necessarily diminishing life issues as we so often tend to label older adults with.

I'm looking forward to listening to Phill Carlos Archbolds last two sermons online as soon as they are posted.

Home already!

2009-04-25T17:38:00.001-07:00

Born on Friday morning before lunch and home by supper time on Saturday nite! This is one amazing baby boy and mother! But of course, they're from good stock!

I/we trust that worship at Florin COB goes well tomorrow; our love to everyone and thanks for the thoughts and prayers for us and our family.

Some baby stuff

2009-04-24T18:04:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures taken at the hospital this afternoon. If all goes well, everybody will come home on Sunday.

Bev and I are taking care of big brother Trevor who was duly impressed with his baby brother. He is a ball of energy as a 2+ year-old.

We are blessed to have such a wonderful family and I thank God for his blessings.

Marcy Fahnestock loaned me a book that is a compilation of writings from Howard Thurman. Here is a portion of a Thurman quote from "The Growing Edge" (it seems appropriate to the events of our day),

Look well to the growing edge. All around us worlds are dying and new worlds are being born... The birth of the child- life's most dramatic answer to death- this is the growing edge incarnate. Look well to the growing edge.

He's Here!

2009-04-24T13:29:00.003-07:00

Evan James Schmidt entered this world on Friday, April 24, 2009, 10:47 a.m. CST. He weighed 9 pounds and is 20.5 inches in length. He's a big boy isn't he? Erin had a fairly easy delivery and only had to push for 10 minutes.

Big brother, Trevor, and grandpa and grandma are going to the hospital as soon as Trevor gets up from his nap.

Thanks for your prayers!

He

2009-04-24T13:29:00.001-07:00

New Location

2009-04-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

We've moved from Wilmore, KY to Newburgh, IN to visit with our daughter, Erin's family. She is still very pregnant and if nothing happens today, she is to go to the hospital tomorrow morning, Friday, for her labor to be induced. That's Trevor getting some help from Grandma with his tricycle.

I managed to pick up a stomach virus two days ago and still am not feeling the best but enjoying time with our family nonetheless.

Thanks to those of you who are reading the blog and leaving comments for me to review before posting. It's not that I don't trust you but it keeps unsavory people and/or comments being posted without some editorial control.

I'm currently reading a book titled Loving Your Parents: When They Can no Longer Love You, by Terry Hargrave. It is proving helpful to prepare me for a family meeting with my siblings and parents on Mother's Day weekend when we visit family in Ohio. I'm open to any comments and/or suggestions others may have who are already caregiving to aging parents with increasing health needs.

Warm here today and we're enjoying getting outside some. If I can get past this bug I hope to be back on the bicycle in a day or two. We'll let you know when the baby arrives. Shalom!

Biking, reading, playing, and sightseeing

2009-04-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

Rain all day Sunday, rain most of the day Monday, few sprinkles today and windy and cold (50 degrees). Been reading, playing with the grandsons, watching them ride their bikes, riding our bikes (10 miles Saturday) and rode 9 miles today on some back hilly/winding roads only to discover we had to ford a creek we couldn't cross because of high water levels! Had to retrace part of our route.

Went to Midway, KY this afternoon with Kirsten and the boys (Jeremy was in Ohio checking in on job interviews. Toured this quaint little town and drove through the heart of KY bluegrass horse country, saw horse farms that went on for miles with some barns that are nicer than a lot of houses!

Stopped and looked around at Pisgah Presbyterian Church as you see in the pictures. May head to Evansville, IN tomorrow as Erin's doctors appt. today indicated she starting to show signs of birthing in the next few days. If she does not go into labor by Friday her doctor will induce. Check this blog daily for updates!

Having fun with the Mills'!

2009-04-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

We arrived on Friday, April 17 and were greeted by the Mario Brothers on the far right, Mario and Luigi, and to their immediate left is Sheriff Toad!

After Mario and Luigi's soccer game this morning we went to the store and bought new bikes for the two youngest and helmets for all three! There they are in all their resplendent glory on the walk in front of their home. We're going to whip them into shape so they can ride some day with Grandma and Grandpa to Annual Conference!

Great weather here today in the Lexington, KY area. Tomorrow we worship with our family here with their faith community, Faith Alliance Church (Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination).

On the road!

2009-04-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, Friday, April 17 sometime in the early a.m. Bev and I are on the road to Wilmore, KY to see our daughter, Kirsten, her husband Jeremy Mills and their three handsome sons, Gavin in the middle, Adam to the right, and Isaac to the left. We're told that the three Mills Brothers are quite excited about our coming to visit them. We'll be at their home until we get word from daughter Erin that her labor has begun and then we'll travel to Evansville, IN to be available to help with Trevor Schmidt, our youngest grandson while his baby brother is being birthed.

Today, I attended a workshop at the Young Center, Elizabethtown College, and heard Michael Emerson present on the problem of racism in the church yet today. It was an excellent workshop and I actually got his autograph on two of his books I've read: Divided by Faith, and United by Faith.

Last day!

2009-04-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Today was my final day before beginning my Sabbath rest tomorrow, Thursday, April 16. Lisa Breneman, my Administrative Assistant has been a big help to me in getting ready for this Sabbath rest time and being an encourager and supporter. Pray for her and support her as she carries a bit more responsibility in my absence. I encourage you to also pray for Bill Longenecker as he begins his part-time interim pastoral ministry on April 16. He is a welcome asset to the congregation.

Tomorrow afternoon, 1-4 p.m. I'm attending a workshop at the Young Center, (Etown College Campus), "Divided by Faith: Racial Diversity and Anabaptists Today." This fits perfectly with my Sabbath rest focus and is a great way to begin. Dr. Michael Emerson, Professor of Sociology at Rice University is the workshop presenter. I'll hope to share some of my learnings in a later blog.

Shalom~

Still preparing

2009-04-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's only now 10 days until my Sabbath rest begins. Today, I was able to finalize the worship and preaching plans that need to occur over my time away from Florin COB. I'll be discussing and reviewing all of that tomorrow evening with the Worship Ministry Action Team. I feel very good about those coming to preach at Florin between April 19 and July 12. It will be a great learning experience for the congregation as Bill Longenecker, Phill Carlos Archbold, Valentina Satvedi, Sheri Weaver and Marisel Olivencia all come to preach once, twice, or more during my Sabbath rest. Pray that the remaining details all fall into place in the next ten days. Both Bev and I are excited about the first 30 days being time spent with family in Kentucky, Indiana (where we'll welcome into the world our fifth grandchild somewhere around April 20) and Ohio.

2009-04-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hey folks I'm just getting my Sabbath Rest blog set up. When you link to this blog you'll be able to keep up with my Sabbath Rest experiences. More later as I figure out how this all is going to work.