GroshLink

I came across Episode IV of This Is Gonna Hurt Documentary by Nikki Sixx and Sixx:A.M., http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe6QRG8Lcis, while exploring Amy Purdy's story. If you're not familiar with how This Is Gonna Hurt Documentary comes at the questions of "What is Beauty?" and "What is a Freak?", then be prepared for a Halloween shock (Warning: If Mötley Crüe's not for you, then you may have to take a pass on the video and go straight to the questions).

How do you understand beauty? How do you relate to those whom are considered "freaks" by those around you, by the larger culture/world? Would you offer a different lens to embracing outsiders and their uniqueness? Stay tuned: more on Amy Purdy and embracing "the outsider" in future posts. . . .

What are your perceptions/understandings of Christians . . . God . . . the Kingdom of God . . . heaven? 

A friend in an on-line discussion group brought "Shane Claiborne: 'Another Way of Doing Life,'" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfOGLXwtyCU (38:07), to my attention. If you haven't had the time to interact with material by Shane Claiborne, I'd encourage you to check this presentation out -- and share it with others :)

PS. I bet this caught my attention because of related material in my most recent Emerging Scholars Network Blog post, Finding Calcutta: Find yourself in doing, not criticizing (10/27/2011), which has Mary Poplin, Mother Teresa, and Phil Thuma in the mix.

PPS. Thank-you Vern!

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. …

“Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall. With bitterness archers attacked him; they shot at him with hostility. But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, because of your father’s God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the breast and womb. Your father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, thanthe bounty of the age-old hills. Let all these rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince among his brothers. -- Genesis 45:4-7; 49:22-26

A Scripture text/story which shouted out to me while writing for the Emerging Scholars Network Blog on Mary Poplin's Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service (InterVarsity Press. 2008). Joseph's story has been told many times around our breakfast table. It is a timeless and intergenerational narrative of God's complex call to lean upon him no matter the cost. To God be the glory!

Our family will start tomorrow with the "Hallelujah Chorus," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyviyF-N23A
. . . in anticipation of snow like what they have in Alaska :) 

 

HT: David. Thank-you! The piece brought much more than a smile to my face after a full day, week, month. . . . To God be the glory!

The other day I was reminded of Harry Chapin's Cat's in the Cradle and the call to be a true father -- with the added longing of becoming more "like Our Father in heaven" who waits patiently upon the homecoming of both the younger and the older children. After a brief search, I came across this beautiful piece which begins with family reflections (Harry's widow Sandy & their son Josh), moves to a performance by Harry Chapin, and concludes with a brief tribute to a talented artist who regretably died at 38 years of age in a car accident, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etundhQa724. 

 

 

In another performance Harry attributes to his wife the concept and a number of the key lines "Cat's in the Cradle." Material "stolen" from her, the way all great artist's come about their great work. But a song which quite frankly scared him, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s5r2spPJ8g. As you look back and look forward, does the song scare you? Be honest ;)

Note: Not to be confused with Cat Stevens' Father & Son.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. -- Colossians 3:1-17.

First of several Scripture texts which shouted out to while writing for the Emerging Scholars Network Blog on Mary Poplin's Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service (InterVarsity Press. 2008). To God be the glory!

Morning has broken at our house, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL_yON7--N8. Enjoy the new day with our family.

 

 

To God be the glory!

HT: Marie.

 

"Penny," said ________. "That's what I'm going to call that horse. She's the color of a new copper penny. It's a good name for her, isn't it?"

"Aye," said Ben. "Because she's an independent-minded horse, that's for certain. Call her Penny for her independence, too."

________ smiled. From then on, she thought of the horse as Penny -- beautiful, independent, bright, shining Penny.

Who is receiving Eden's attention as I tuck her into bed as Mom is with the oldest twin at gymnastics? Fill in the ________ . What an opportunity to read a book which I most probably would never otherwise read. . . . Sesame Street's over. The television's now off. A rush past me, footsteps down the stairs. I hear the violin has started to play in the background. 

"Daddy, I want to go to bed. When will Mom come home?" (the youngest)

Time for me to tuck in the youngest one. Wonder what we'll read? She's starting to look through the above mentioned book. Maybe I'll read the chapter book twice tonight. Eden borrowed it from the violinist.

 (More)

According to the most recent testing, for a Personal Foundations in Ministry class (Evangelical Theological Seminary), my preferences lie with what has been termed ENTJ. In case you're not familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^TM (MBTI^TM), I'm Extroverted (people person), iNuitive (sees possibilities), Thinking (makes decisions based on objective analysis), and Judging (organized/systematic). Supposedly, I'm one of "Life's Natural Leaders."

Honestly, I'm not much for these tests. I think I took my first at the Pennsylvania Governor's School for Teaching (1991) and haven't been convinced of their authoritative value. I appreciate Otto Kroeger and Janet M. Thuesen's TypeTalk: The 16 Personality Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work (Dell: 1988) focuses on the MBTI^TM as a preference indicator on a scale.

Questions:

• If you've taken the MBTI^TM, where do you fall? 
• Do you find the MBTI^TM (or similar tests), helpful (personally and/or for those with whom you work)? 
• Am I really an ENTJ? If not, how would you characterize me? Note: For more info on personality types, click here.
• Where does Theresa land on the chart? Do opposites attract? Or are we more alike than different?

More coming . . . 

In partnership with the church, Evangelical Seminary develops servant leaders for transformational ministry in a broken and complex world by nurturing rigorous minds, passionate hearts, and Christ-centered actions.

If you're in South Central PA, then don't miss When Thrift is Chic: Living More with Less in a Real Simple World. Valerie Weaver-Zercher, as part of the Christian Author Series, will share from Living More With Less at the Elizabethtown Public Library on Thursday, October 27. If you're not in the area, please still take advantage of the resources posted on the FaceBook event page, e.g., the great tips/conversation available through More with Less FaceBook group.

What a joy to partner with the Elizabethtown Public Library, see local Merchandiser article as part of InterVarsity's Graduate & Faculty Ministry/Emerging Scholars Network. More coming on the gathering and the unique partnership, but you can catch a glimpse by visiting Finding the Words through Baby Loss, A Reading (10/11/2011) and the draft schedule, 2011-2012 Christian Scholar Series (Draft).

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).

Praise: The whole family enjoyed celebrating my cousin Chris' wedding (congrats!). As for a road trip with one overnight in a hotel, I was encouraged by Eden's perseverance in the midst of continued growth, healing, and skill development. I woke up this morning with the sense that a 2012 summer roadtrip may be a possibility. Yes, I'm optimistic with the glass half full . . .

E.g., The younger two slept most of the night. They only had a 1:30 - 3 am intermission. They arose for the day at their usual time, 5:30am. The family had breakfast at 6:30am (would have shown up earlier if it was available earlier) and were for the most part in the pool by 7:15. Of course, this couldn't have been done with out the support of my parents. 

E.g., Lots of spills in the grass, on the gravel drive, etc. But Eden picked herself up, with some help at times, and kept going. All the exertion is part of what enabled her to sleep so soundly on Saturday and Sunday evening.

Eden has a hearing test today and it's causing her much angst. Pray for peace and patience not only for her, but also those seeking to serve her. Pray for the strength for physical therapy after school. 

PS. Wedding pictures coming :)

Tom introduces Finding the Words through Baby Loss, A Reading

After Finding the Words through Baby Loss, A Reading at the Elizabethtown Public Library, I wrote on the Facebook Event page:

 

Once again walked upon sacred ground. Hard to put tonight's session into words, except to say, 'Thank-you' to all who shared their stories & came to walk w/those who have experienced stillbirth. Pictures from the evening & some of my reflections coming. If you were present & desire to share, you are more than welcome to do such. If you are connected w/an organization being present for those w/loss, please post weblinks/info on this page. I've let several people know material will be available here. To God be the glory! ...

 

Earlier in the day I wrote my Facebook page . . . 

In the morning Janel met w/several mothers at the Elizabethtown Public Library. Over lunch, 40+ budding health care professionals listened intently as she spoke on "Supporting Families through Pregnancy and Infant Loss: A Parent’s Perspective." Several had extended conversations with her afterward. This afternoon my wife Theresa shared her joy in the opportunity to participate in the morning session. Can't wait for tonight & all the stories/resources which will be shared. If you're in the area & can make it, please come. For those who wonder . . . yes, this is a glimpse of "why I do & how I do what I do" :) To God be the glory! ...

 

The Facebook Event page. . .

 

Temporarily will serve as a resource page for families grieving children lost to still birth and those who walk alongside them in this difficult journey.

Includes several event affirmations:

• Nicole, Sweet Pea, "What a great presentation. As you all read your different stories there were many parts where we were all shaking our heads "Yes, yes, that's how we felt too". It is so nice to be around others who know our heartbreak. You 3 ladies are so articulate and your honesty in your stories is what made them so meaningful. Thank you!!"
• Angie, "Thank you for the invitation to share our work and our children. It was a privilege and honor. xo" 
  • Angie posted some reflections on the reading on her blog. FYI: Inspired by the reading, she's thinking of blog post readings shared on-line via mp3, video.

Check it out, pass the link along to those whom you know will find it a blessing.

 (More)

In case you haven't had the opportunity to follow the new Emerging Scholars Network Blog series on Mary Poplin's Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service (InterVarsity Press. 2008), I encourage you to dive in with the posts on silence and prayer:

• Finding Calcutta: To make possible true inner silence, practice
• Finding Calcutta: Prayer and Our Calling

PS. Interested in paging through all of my ESN blog posts? Click here :)

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. -- James 5:13-20, NIV

A text brought to my attention when reading Secrets of Your Family Tree: Healing for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families (a reading for Personal Foundations in Ministry, Evangelical Theological Seminary). 

In partnership with the church, Evangelical Seminary develops servant leaders for transformational ministry in a broken and complex world by nurturing rigorous minds, passionate hearts, and Christ-centered actions.

Today our household received an Alert Message by phone and email:

"The _____ Middle School Faculty and Adminstration are asking parents to remind students about the importance of completing homework, being respectful to each other and to the adults in the school, and attending regularly. These are vital pieces to a successful school experience and we need your help as a parent to reiterate these to your child. Thank you for your continued support and assistance in making the school experience a positive one."

Honest. I'm not joking.

Of course maybe you're already familiar with this communication style and can give advice as to whether this is typical Middle School protocol (for the framing of the realities of Middle School life after some time off*). Should I be concerned that there is something going on in the Middle School (outside of normal Middle School life) ;)

*Note: This is the second time we've received the message this fall. I believe the other time was also after time off.

Through the combination of seminary, maturing children, Bible quizzing, and Terri Roberts' focus upon "Anchor texts" during her presentation at The Power of Forgiveness: Lessons from Nickel Mines: Forgiveness in the Face of Tragedy: Five-Year Lessons Conference,* the Spirit has brought to my attention the importance of keeping the Word in front of me all my waking hours. As part of the overflow, I've chosen to posts text which I've been meditating upon. At first I'll try to just post the text so it may speak to you without my commentary, but I confess at times I will be unable to hold back. The first several are taken from a section on addressing dysfunctional family situations in Secrets of Your Family Tree: Healing for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families (a reading for Personal Foundations in Ministry, Evangelical Theological Seminary). 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. -- I Peter 5:8-9 NIV

*FYI: Amish once again front page news (& "witness") | Thomas. B. Grosh IV | Groshlink.net | Sep 27, 2011].

In partnership with the church, Evangelical Seminary develops servant leaders for transformational ministry in a broken and complex world by nurturing rigorous minds, passionate hearts, and Christ-centered actions.

Click here to open/download our October 2011 Prayer Calendar in PDF. We rejoice in your prayers and investment in the sharing the love of Christ with students, faculty, campuses, physician practices, hospitals. We ask you to particularly pray for the upcoming gatherings highlighted in the prayer letter (to which I'd add the PSU-Hershey CMS/CMDA Bonfire tonight -- interested in seeing lots of fall fellowship pictures, click here). If you'd like to be present for some of the gatherings (or learn more about them), check out their Facebook event pages.

More updates coming, but at present I must run to share materials about the upcoming events in partnership with the Elizabethtown Public Library, see local Merchandiser article and Library Webpage.

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).

A musing which took a more serious turn and I decided to post:

I meet (and have met) lots of "Crazy Ones," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rwsuXHA7RA, not only on campus, but also in the community (local, virtual), local libraries, my imagination (inspired by dreams, aspiriations, and media), various Christian communities, on the farms. . . . I used to think of myself as creative, but I've been quite humbled AND no longer see it as 'the end game/purpose for living' or the root of long-term social/creational change.

Some of where I'm at today: I begin each day celebrating the unique gifts each and every one of us has been given by our Creator, asking/praying for the courage to call/encourage myself, our family, those whom I labor, and beyond to offer the gifts we've been given by our Creator as a blessing to others -- to turn the tide of brokenness/sin with eager expectation of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to "coming through" as we are under under the shadow of the wings of God. Oh, how I long for the new heavens and new earth, BUT what joy it is to have glimpses of Kingdom of God here and now. In the end, God is quite a "Crazy One" to use the Body of Christ (of which I am only a small part at a particular time/place AND includes lots of "crazy ones" who have chosen to count the cost*) to be about his mighty healing, redemptive, transformational work. Related thoughts on vocation/call: Finding Calcutta: How do I get there? How should I prepare for the journey? (Tom Grosh. Emerging Scholars Network Blog. 10/6/2011), for a progression of thoughts on the ESN blog click here.

To God be the glory!

Addendum (10/6/2011, 10:23 PM): Two posts by Andy Crouch on Steve Jobs:

• A World Without Jobs: The Gospel of a Secular Age(written 1/18/2011, reposted in August after Steve Jobs retired)
• Steven P. Jobs, 1955–2011 (10/6/2011)

HT: Kevin for the link to the Steve Jobs Crazy Ones video.

*Note: A leader of one of the fellowships with which I partner was recently asked why he/she "wastes time" with such a work. What an opportunity it afforded to share the Good News. Join me in praying that the scattered seeds of the Word, will grow and bear fruit.

One of the two prayers for the new academic year in September’s Lamp Post:

Almighty God, in whose hands are all the powers of man; who givest understanding, and takest it away; who as it seemeth good unto Thee, enlightenest the thoughts of the simple, and darkenest the meditations fo the wise, be present with me in my studies and enquiries.

Grant, O LORD, that I may not lavish away the life which Thou hast given me on useless trifles, not waste it in vain searches after things which Thou hast hidden from me.

Enable me, by the Holy Spirit, so to shun sloth and negligence, that every day may discharge part of the task which Thou hast allotted me; and so further with Thy help that labour which, without thy help must be ineffectual, such success as will most promote thy glory, and the salvation of my own soul, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. -- Samuel Johnson (1752).

Faculty friends: Did you receive a copy of the Lamp Post on Friday? If not, please take a glimpse at The Lamp Post: A Resource for Christian Faculty (ESN Blog) and prayerfully consider subscribing/reading.

Note: The Lamp Post is an email publication specifically for Christian faculty, with articles and resources intended to help Christian faculty in their spiritual, academic, and community life on campus. 

Photo credit: Don DeBold via Flickr.

Hey local yokals: The Etown library is having a costume swap: bring in your costume (multiples?) this week during their regular hours and you'll get a ticket to come back on Sat. and pick out a new-to-you costume. I couldn't find it on their website, but it was in the Elizabethtown Advocate. I'm going to call today to find out if you get a ticket for each costume you bring in. AND when you're there on Sat. to pick out your costume, stop by the craft show and visit Naptime Inspirations! -- Originally posted by Theresa on FB.

While wrapping up a day, I came across a friend who posted this question on G+

I'm curious. How important is having dinner together as a family to you? To what lengths will you go to make it happen?

Wow! Great question. If you're currently living with family, how would you reply? If not, what was family dinner like when you were growing up?

Below is some of what I shared (in a slightly revised form, with more to come in the future):

A shared dinner (and breakfast -- in a loose sense) are very important to our family. We bend/stretch time and stomachs :) We include prayer, Scripture, and conversation (at dinner time we debrief the day by sharing highlights/struggles, i.e., examin-lite). On Wednesday we enjoy dinner and fellowship with believers at our local congregation before an evening of choirs and kids programming. What a blessing!

Corrie ten Boom's testimony has been a great encouragement to our regular practice. Why? Her father's (Casper ten Boom) devotionals were what fed her and her sister (Betsie) the Word which enabled them to share/be the Word (with some supplement by scraps of the Gospels passed along by prison nurses and hidden in clothing) while in concentration camps. Corrie's father's meal times and the kindness/hospitality which he extended during these gatherings shaped their family's life, practice, watch business, 'hiding place,' and gatherings while in concentration camps. As I've thought about preparing those whom I've been given charge for their next steps in Christ and how a home serves as a place of hospitality, Corrie's father has often come to mind. More on Corrie ten Boom's family in future posts. . . . Above: a ten Boom family picture from http://tenboom.org/aboutthetenboomsc48.php#photoalbum.

From our family's journey: With my current seminary class schedule, I miss one dinner a week. A short term concession which will not become a long term practice. I've found the material from the Psalms class fitting right into dinner conversation. During a recent dinner devotional time, one of our daughters shared about David's struggle with "being on the run" from Saul (stemming from her reading of Max Lucado's Facing Your Giants, which she has found a great encouragement in her walk). I furthered the reflection by reading and commenting upon Psalm 56, the focus text of research/discussion for my Psalms class the day before! How fun to discuss the metaphors in the text and various key words/translations which bring home the teaching. God weaves the stories and lives of the people of God in amazing ways. To God be the glory!

Initially I was forwarding The Money May Be Lacking, but a Library Refuses to Go Quietly (Dan Barry. NY Times. 10/1/2011) to share the "good" and "bad" news with a local librarian. As the email developed, I shifted toward a note of encouragement which focused on a particular program which I have recently come to really appreciate.*

Let me encourage you to take a few minutes today to visit your local library and/or share a note of appreciation for their hard work through challenging times. If you have the resources, consider a small gift to assist them as they press on during these difficult financial times.

*Recently I've been enjoying a monthly Genealogy Workshop. I've appreciated the research tools, hints, and personal mentoring as I've begun the arduous construction of a multi-generational genogram for a Personal Foundations in Ministry class (Evangelical Theological Seminary). As you may guess, the professor is zeroing in on how family traits/behavior/stories (positive/negative) are passed on through generations. I'm not sure how many stories of family dysfunctionality and their generational influence I can handle, but the wrestlings approached from the proper direction enable one to actively engage in the healing process in one's life with a ripple effect out into family, life, ministry.

Currently I'm reading Secrets of Your Family Tree: Healing for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families, which 'sets the stage' by reviewing the stories of David and Isaac. The professor made an excellent choice. It's going to take quite awhile to process through and discuss the material in Secrets of Your Family Tree. I encourage you to check to see if your local library (in the community, local assembly, campus) has a copy. More on the book (and family tree/genograms/storytelling) coming . . .

FYI: Reformation Day (Oct 31, 2007) is a post with some Grosh family history.

In partnership with the church, Evangelical Seminary develops servant leaders for transformational ministry in a broken and complex world by nurturing rigorous minds, passionate hearts, and Christ-centered actions.