GroshLink

Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love (Psalm 147:8-11).

Are you mindful of, exploring, and soaking in the gift of God by which you're surrounded? It's not just another day . . . it's given to you, it's a gift . . . the only appropriate response is gratefulness . . . Are you cultivating gratefulness today, as you enter a new year? I pray you spend this day well, framed by the lens of Scripture. I read Psalm 145 and Psalm 147 with my children this morning. May such texts (and not the vauge spirituality of Louie Schwartzberg) be a guide for you as you embrace "One More Day" as a gift from God in the stunning beauty of creation, the relationships you find yourself in the midst of (maybe even more so during Christmas/New Year season), and material shared by Louie Schwartzberg/others.

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A Christmas Carol: In the bleak mid-winter for your meditation this Christmas Eve Day, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRobryliBLQ, as you prepare for worship Christmas morning. You may also find some of the comments of surprise, encouragement . . .

5. What can I give Him, 
  Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
  I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
  I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him, 
  Give my heart.

Several times this weeks I've heard from friends at our local assembly, "Eden's getting so big." She is. And she's getting so fast. PT is doing an amazing job. Pray for her to watch where she's going. Also receiving good outside reports on her reading acuity. Wow! To God be the glory!

God's gift of each day with her is precious. Do you remember when we were unsure whether she'd live through her first year? Now she's almost 7 and in first grade. What do I ask God the Father for this Christmas? His continued healing of Eden: head, heart, and hands. AND the patience/grace to be the parent I have been called to be.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." To God be the glory!

Photo taken en route to The Power of Forgiveness: Lessons From Nickel Mines (Sponsored by The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College. 9/22/2011)

In Responding to "The heavens declare the glory of God" (12/8/2011), I noted the focused attention I was giving to Psalm 19. I finished the final paper for Dr. Dorsey's Psalms class at Evangelical with more to proces, more say, more to revise, but such is the writing of a recovering perfectionist embracing the mystery of God manifested in His creation ;)

In order not to overwhelm my readers (and to encourage them to come back for more), I've divided the posting of the paper by sections. May you find the piece a blessing. Feel free to recommend revisions, corrections, affirmations . . . Heading out the door with my small upright dolly to help a family involved with the Penn State Hershey Christian Medical Society (CMS)/CMDA with a mid-academic year move. Pray for God's blessing upon their household. Catch-up with you later :)

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Note: "After Shock" YouTube link, http://www.youtube.com/v/IgnQZE9Q4fE.

In addition to the Facebook Event Page for 2/13-16 Christian Author Series: "After Shock: Searching for Honest Faith When Your World is Shaken," promotional materials are available for 

2/13 (6 pm, Elizabethtown Public Library, Elizabethtown, PA): Kick-off to a series which will focus upon campuses in South Central PA. 

• "Helping Haiti"/"After Shock" 1/4 page invitation
• "Helping Haiti"/"After Shock" 8.5 x 11 poster

Just getting the word out for those who work several months ahead. I'll begin promotion in the new year. If you're in South Central PA and would like a copy of one of his InterVarsity Press books, drop me a note. The suggested gift is $10 per copy.

For more on Kent Annan, author of two InterVarsity Press books and co-founder Haiti Partners, visit kentannan.org/bio/. Below's a picture of Tom with Kent at CCO's 2011 Jubilee Conference.

Coffee or Tea?

Tea. But frozen forms of coffee are acceptable.

As many of you know, I enjoy tea in most every form. I prefer those with less to no sugar, unless it's some form of tea which is really more like a "punch" ;) It's always great to have the ability to make one's own (sun, mint, hot).

Although married to a former Starbucks employee and one who almost always has a Starbucks coffee cup with me (see below in picture from WJTL 90.3 FM interview on 11/3/2011), coffee is not for me. But I will partake in Coffee ice cream and fraps of various forms. Chocolate and more sugar helps a lot :) 

Earlier posts in this series: What's in a name?, Bringing back 1990's?, Favorite Holiday?, Favorite Meal of the Day?, High School/College Hobbies?

A friend recently reminded me of the dangers of the last days. May you not find this to be the case in your household during the celebration of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany. Praying for the Father to grant the Body of Christ the grace through the ministry of the Word & Spirit to truly be salt, light, and leaven during dark times given a happy-faced veneer. . . .

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! -- II Timothy 3:1 - 5

Tonight's the Haitian Connection Network's (HCN) Holiday Hearts for Haiti Concert. Can't wait! I'll try to remember to take pictures :)

I've really enjoyed getting to know Kristen Anselmo Hertzog, Founder & Executive Director at HCN, as we've discussed Kent Annan's 2/13-16 visit to South Central PA. Note: Kent Annan's the author of two InterVarsity Press books, including "After Shock: Searching for Honest Faith When: Your World Is Shaken," and co-founder of Haiti Partners.

As you may have guessed, HCN will be involved in the 2/13 "Helping Haiti" gathering featuring Kent Annan (Elizabethtown Public Library, 6:30 pm. Come at 6 pm to chat when some friends in the area who are also serving in Haiti). 1/4 sheets for the gathering available at the concert (or by clicking here). 8.5x11 poster available here. To get involved, give me a call or drop me a note.

What a joy to co-labor with the people of God to advance the work of the Kingdom. Praying for God's blessing upon His work in Haiti. May God grant me the grace to discern how to be His head, heart, and hands to his glory!

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge."

To God be the glory!

In giving attention to Psalm 19 for a final paper (Psalms at Evangelical with David Dorsey), the life, work, ministry of Cal DeWitt came to mind. Here's some of the recently retired Professor, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, U. Wisconsin-Madison, thoughts on "Is environmentalism an unhealthy pursuit?" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB4xVSJaFmQ)

Hosted Cal in Pittsburgh and our family had the opportunity to hear him as part of an InterVarsity Faculty Camp at Cedar Campus a few years ago. Would love to have him speak in South Central PA. The wheels are turning :) 

PS. If you'd like a book on Creation Care to add to your Christmas list, I recommend you consider The Care of Creation: Focusing Concern and Action (InterVarsity Press, 2000). Cal wrote the chapter entitled, "Creation's Environmental Challenge to Evangelical Christianity." Yes, Theresa and I were biology majors at Grove City College and practice a form of simple living in concert with extended family :) Now where did those chickens get to . . .

What hobbies did you have in High School and/or College?

Basketball . . .

is the first one which comes to mind. I guess one may consider basketball a sport. I played on school teams from Middle School (Middletown Christian School) through my Junior year at Donegal High School. During my senior year, the school newspaper became an obsession :) At Grove City College I played intramural basketball.

Although on various teams, I always enjoyed playing basketball and marveling at the gifts of the ability to play (some with much better gifts than my own). I played because I enjoyed being on the court as individual part of the team with a shared task.

15 years out of college, I wish that I had more time to play and less concern about possible of injury when under the hoop. As the matter of fact, it's been quite awhile since I've been on court. I should calendar it in after the fall term ends. A gift for the holidays :)

More posts on hobbies coming, maybe a good present day example of a hobby is Groshlink ;)

FYI: Earlier posts in the series: What's in a name?, Bringing back 1990's?, Favorite Holiday?, Favorite Meal of the Day?

After much prayerful consideration, exploration of future direction in higher education, and a scholarship from a friend, I enrolled in SF511 Spiritual Formation in Ministry. God richly blessed me, my family, and those with whom I minister through the material explored in SF511 Spiritual Formation in Ministry. By registering for SF723: Christian Spiritual Direction, I took a second step in an emerging path toward a Masters of Spiritual Formation and becoming a spiritual director. This paper provides a mid-course window into the discernment process of whether to pursue a path toward a Masters of Spiritual Formation and becoming a spiritual director. The mid-course conclusion is a resounding, “Yes!” To God be the glory! -- From Spiritual Direction Reflection Paper: Masters in Spiritual Formation (11/14/2011).

“your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” From the Lord’s Prayer we ask for the coming of God’s kingdom and that God’s will be done here on earth. -- Matthew 6:10

A Scripture text (and prayer) which led me to prayer (and a meditation upon the Kingdom of God) while writing Finding Calcutta: Prayer and Our Calling -- based on a Sunday School which explored Mary Poplin's Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service (InterVarsity Press. 2008). Please join our family in praying the Lord's Prayer today.

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one,

for yours is the kingdom
and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.

PS. Beginning Black Friday with The Lord's Prayer (Nov 25, 2011).

The Lord continues to impress upon my mind 2 Peter 1:3-9, a significant text in Finding Calcutta: "An Adventure".* As such I commend these words for your prayerful consideration as you begin a new year through the celebration of Advent.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

*Today's Emerging Scholars Network Blog post (12/1/2011).