GroshLink

“Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matt. 11:28 MSG)

Today, the Disciples Fellowship Group at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ will discuss Chapter 5, Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity (Keri Wyatt Kent. Zondervan. 2009).* Theresa prepared the below material to facilitate the conversation (Note: study posted in PDF here). You'll note how our fellowship group's consideration of Rest has themes similar to what is found in Theresa's God at Work Testimony (6/19/2011).  Feel free to share your thoughts with us by comments, email, personal conversation ...

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Thank-you to Miller for passing along the below material. Please take a few minutes to prayerfully consider . . .

James Smith, "Abide with Me" (1859)

One great part of the work of the Holy Spirit in the heart is to . . .
 empty us,
 strip us of self,
 lead us to feel our own weakness, and
 bring us as poor sinners to look to Jesus alone, as our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
And just in proportion as we feel our need of Christ, and realize our absolute nothingness without Christ--shall we prize Him, enjoy Him, and exercise dependence upon Him. (More)

Click here to open/download our August 2011 Prayer Calendar in PDF.

We rejoice in God's provision through the people of God for the work to which we've been called among Christian Scholars and Health Care Professionals. A thank-you video for your partnership in ministry is posted at http://animoto.com/play/OYdQgwsTKvovFe5ai2WlNw

With regard to the numbers: Upon final calculation we finished the year within $500 of our budget. We expect this difference to be made up by the end of the summer. God provides for the advance of His Kingdom. To God be the glory!

Can't wait for orientation to begin at PSU-Hershey College of Medicine next week!

If you're in South Central PA, don't forget about the opportunity to assist with Tuesday lunch outreaches by providing food. AND that in October we'll partner with both Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church  and Penn State Hershey Christian Medical Society (CMS)/CMDA to feature Phil Thuma, MD, director of the Malaria Institute at Macha Mission Hospital in Zambia, and a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health. Phil Thuma, MD, will speak at Elizabethtown in Christ Church on Sunday, October 23, as part of the Christian Scholar Series, http://www.etownbic.org/thuma/, and at PSU-Hershey College of Medicine during the CMS' Tuesday, October 25 lunch lecture.

For Christ’s love compels us… I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation (II Cor. 5:14—6:2).

Earlier this week Kami L. Rice (who recently joined InterVarsity staff to work with graduate and professional students in Nashville) began an Emerging Scholars Network (ESN) guest blogging series with Heading East: Kami in India, http://blog.emergingscholars.org/2011/07/heading-east-kami-in-india/. If you're not already subscribing to the ESN blog, I'd encourage you to take the time to track with Kami's series.

Also related to India, today I posted on Pandita Ramabai (1858 – 1922), drawing from Dennis Hollinger‘s highlighting of Pandita Ramabai as an example of 'Head, Heart, & Hands' faith, http://blog.emergingscholars.org/2011/07/head-heart-hands-pandita-ramabai/.

If you watched yesterday's clip, Response to the complaining Christian An unsaved person's perspective of Christians (James Smith*) you may also have come across this a clip of James Smith's Swallowed up in a Worldly Church (James Smith), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1snT8SoHHA. 

May the people of God in their life and witness boldly testify against the evil works of the world AND point to the Kingdom of God with the love of Christ. By living and doing such may we become more and more like Christ as individuals and a people, i.e., the Body of Christ's Head, Heart & Hands. Hold me accountable to do such. To God be the glory!

*James Smith (1802—1862) was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel/London Metropolitan Tabernacle in London from 1841-1850. He ministered at Cambray Baptist Church, Cheltenham from 1855-1862. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer: Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was popular during his lifetime and a project for posting on-line exists on Facebook :) The quoted section of The Book You Will Like! (James Smith. 1859) is a significant part of the chapter I won't be persuaded. "Check it out" on Google books, pp.52-59). Wish I had more time to dig into the richness of the writings, testimonies, and devotionals of the people of God. On the day of judgment may it be shown that shared the love of Christ with my neighbor!

Yesterday, I was inspired to post on An unsaved person's perspective of Christians, excerpted from James Smith's* The Book You Will Like! (1859). As I browsed the internet to learn more about James Smith, I came across the below Youtube clip, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1snT8SoHHA. May we find it a blessing as we begin a new day of becoming more and more like Christ as individuals and a people, i.e., the Body of Christ's Head, Heart & Hands. Hold me accountable to do such. To God be the glory!

*James Smith (1802—1862) was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel/London Metropolitan Tabernacle in London from 1841-1850. He ministered at Cambray Baptist Church, Cheltenham from 1855-1862. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer: Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was popular during his lifetime and a project for posting on-line exists on Facebook :) The quoted section of The Book You Will Like! (James Smith. 1859) is a significant part of the chapter I won't be persuaded. "Check it out" on Google books, pp.52-59). Wish I had more time to dig into the richness of the writings, testimonies, and devotionals of the people of God. What a joy it will be to be fully in Christ and with the complete Body of Christ in the new heavens and new earth!

Below is a passage from The Book You Will Like! (James Smith.* 1859), passed along to me by a friend. Posted as a response to the tragedy in Norway? Thoughts on it and/or The Aged Believers Cordial?

An unsaved person's perspective of Christians
(James Smith, "The Book You Will Like!" 1859)

I do not believe that you Christians believe your own creed -- for if you were persuaded that things really are as your Bibles teach, and that we poor lost people were really going to such a dreadful place as you say Hell is--then you would act more humanely toward us. (More)

Earlier this week, I introduced the book of Hebrews and read/discussed the first chapter with one of my children. The opening continues to me speak to me. May it likewise speak to you.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. -- Hebrews 1:1-4

To God be the glory!

Gordon T. Smith in Courage and Calling [InterVarsity Press, 1999] wisely noted, "If a vocation represents a call of God to serve him in the world, then that vocation is sacred because it comes from God. It therefore makes no sense to speak of a secular vocation; such a phrase is a contradiction in terms. A vocation, because it comes from God, is sacred."

This view of our work offers hope that God can and will be glorified in every sector of the world. ...

Quoted in a recent InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Alumni mailing. If you have not had opportunity to read Courage and Calling then click here for a longer excerpt.

God the Father continues to hear & answer the cries of His people in amazing ways in Eden's life. To God be the glory!

Join us in praise: Six years of daily eye patch wearing -- many battles but Eden (& her parents) persevered. Rewarded by NO MORE PATCHING!! We don't know who's more excited -- Tom*, Theresa, and/or Eden!

A little more: Yesterday afternoon, Theresa took Eden to the eye doctor for her annual dilation of pupils and eye exam.  Reports from the past year (we go every 3 months) show improved vision in Eden's left eye. We shared with a number of friends and family that we were hoping to finally hear that she does not need to wear any eyepatch anymore. Despite Eden's cold and missing of a nap, the visit and afternoon/evening went well.  Answered prayers.

Eden goes back in four months to see how things are, so it may not be permanent, but it feels like it! Pray that it will be permanent. To God be the glory!

*Over the past several days I've pushed for the eye patch right after the 6 am breakfast. The first part of the wearing occuring during a video.

Recently I was reminded of the importance of taking steps to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. As a brother in Christ who cares for those read/follow Groshlink, I pass along the link, http://safe-wise.com/phl/downloads/heat-stress-english.pdf, shared with me to provide a brief overview of the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of heat stress.

Any time you are working or playing in hot conditions, be sure everyone drinks plenty of water (about a cup every 15 minutes), takes frequent breaks in the shade (at least 10 minutes every 2 hours), and is well-fed. Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress in yourself and those with whom you hang (including me and our family). May God richly bless your work and play this summer.

End of the public service announcement from your brother in Christ :)

Looking for an easy summer fruit dessert (peaches/nectarines, blueberries), adaptable to the fall (apples w/cranberries)? Try what Theresa considers the World's Easiest Crumble. Our family vouches for it. Enjoy it with us :)

Crumble Topping
1 c. all purpose-flour (here's where I think you could use a rice flour or some other GF flour)
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/2 c. unsalted butter
1/2 c. chopped walnuts, opt.

Fruit Filling
Summer:
2 lbs peaches or nectarines
1 pt. blueberries

Fall:
2 lbs apples
1 c. cranberries
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. orange juice
1/2 t. orange zest

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. For the crumble topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl or food processor. Cut in the butter with pastry blender until small, pea-sized lumps appear. Stir in walnuts if desired.

Slice peaches, nectarines or apples and place in large bowl. Add the berries and toss to combine. Sprinkle the sugar, orange juice and zest over the fruit and toss gently.

Place the fruit mixture in a medium sized ceramic baking dish and sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips and place in the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 45 min. or until the top is browned and the fruit is bubbling on the sides.

Serves 6.

Finished Another Reading List for Tom (and the reaction papers -- they'll be posted when I have time). In a few minutes, I'm heading out to Leadership & Structure within the Brethren in Christ Church Core Course, hosted by Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church. Can't wait to discuss leadership. It's been awhile and I have changed some in my perspective. More on that later. . . .

“Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matt. 11:28 MSG)

On Sunday, the Disciples Fellowship Group at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ discussed Chapter 4, Part 2, of Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity (Keri Wyatt Kent. Zondervan. 2009).* Theresa prepared the below material to facilitate the conversation (Note: study posted in PDF here). You'll note how our fellowship group's consideration of Rest has themes similar to what is found in Theresa's God at Work Testimony (6/19/2011).  Feel free to share your thoughts with us by comments, email, personal conversation ...

 (More)

Earlier today my regional director confirmed we finished in the black. Waiting to hear the final numbers, but we were just over the line. God provides through His people for His mission. To God be the glory!

Did you know you can receive the Emerging Scholars Network Blog updates by email? If not and you'd like to, subscribe here & enjoy :)

Emerging Scholars Blog Subscribers

Note: As I've mentioned before, Emerging Scholars Network Blog posts are available at http://blog.emergingscholars.org/author/tomg/. I'm currently in a series based upon Dennis Hollinger's "Head, Heart & Hands: Bringing Together Christian Thought, Passion and Action" (InterVarsity Press, 2005). The most recent post in the series wrestles with "Distortions of the Heart."

"Head, Heart & Hands: Christian Faith and the Hands" will be posted on Thursday.

 

Over the past several years, Eden's participated in a summer weekday morning "camp" for "individuals with developmental or physical challenges." This is the first year she's been able to go "on her own" and engage well with the rest of the camp participants. Two significant parts of the transition have been

• caring for some other "campers"
• continued improvement in the ability to get around

It's such a joy to hear her enthusiasm for the camp, the campers, the helpers, and the program (including the crafts which she brings home). Praise God! What a joy to see the healing power of God evidenced in our Eden's (& our family's) daily life.

Watch out local EMS, Eden can't wait for the camp to visit your facility :)

With Quote: Simone Weil on Effort, Attention, & Unexpected Results, Hannah begins her first Emerging Scholars Network (ESN) blog series. Each Wednesday in July, Hannah will share brief reflections on a quote that she has found helpful as she has thought about her academic work.

Hannah is a musician, writer, and recent PhD recipient living in central Pennsylvania who enjoys being an active part of the Emerging Scholars Network's community in South Central PA.

Thank-you for posting Hannah! What a joy to have you part of the team :)

Click here to open/download our July 2011 Prayer Calendar in PDF.

Along the lines of what we posted July 1, your prayers has been a great blessing and encouragement to us.

Although we're waiting for the year end financial numbers, we know God has carried us through a challenging financial time. Honestly, whether or not we reach budget, we have sensed the Presence and Power of God in our home, our neighborhood, the local congregation of which we are members, and on the campuses we serve. God has provided bountifully through the people of God for His work with the Christian Scholar Series and Health Care Professionals (focused on Penn State Hershey) -- & beyond through the Emerging Scholars Network in too many ways to count and in ways too complex to easily share through words.* To God be the glory!

*None-the-less, we will try to keep sharing stories in the coming days, weeks, months, years :)

For Christ’s love compels us… I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation (II Cor. 5:14—6:2).

“Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matt. 11:28 MSG)

On Sunday, the Disciples Fellowship Group at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ discussed Chapter 4, Part 1, of Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity (Keri Wyatt Kent. Zondervan. 2009).* Theresa prepared the below material to facilitate the conversation (Note: study posted in PDF here). You'll note how our fellowship group's consideration of Rest has themes similar to what is found in Theresa's God at Work Testimony (6/19/2011).  Feel free to share your thoughts with us by comments, email, personal conversation ...

 (More)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Your year end giving has been a great blessing and encouragement to us. We're waiting for the final numbers, but God has provided bountifully through the people of God for His work with the Christian Scholar Series and Health Care Professionals (focused on Penn State Hershey) -- & beyond through the Emerging Scholars Network. To God be the glory! In Christ, Tom & Theresa