It's here! Today only, save 29% OFF EVERYTHING at Naptime Inspirations!! Use coupon code LEAP29 at checkout. If you are local, let Theresa know what you'd like to buy and she'll do a private transaction to avoid shipping.
Comment: It's amazing to see this slowly grow in the basement, on-line, in local shops/events over the past year. Theresa's labors are fun, creative re-use. Your support of these endeavors are much appreciated. New ideas stream in every day . . . if you have some to add to the mix, please do such.
At our local congreation on Sunday morning I received a copy of "Schools confront gay, religious right" (Art Lindsay. Intelligencer Journal/New Era. 2/25/2012) with the assurances of prayer and concern.
Should campus ministries such as Christian Legal Society, Christian Medical & Dental Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, etc 'stop whining'** at Vanderbilt AND other campuses?
Should I go get 'a real job,' move off campus/underground, or 'loosen up' w/regard to what I have come to embrace as the open call of God, the people of God in higher education & beyond?
In previewing American Experience's The Amish later in the afternoon,*** I received a renewed sense of wonder and joy in the call to follow Christ alone as part of the Kingdom of God, resting my desire not in this world, but the new heavens and new earth. The inspiration came not only from the Amish, but also several of the academics who shared the story of the Amish. Yes, I consider The Amish (PBS. 8 pm, EST) a must see! De ja vu?
In addition to profound footage/interviews,**** the American Experience film will be a great conversation starter and educational tool. I'd recommend having some friends gather to watch it together. A shout out to the authors of Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy (i.e., Donald Kraybill, Steven Nolt, David Weaver-Zercher) who were intimately involved in the project. It's been great to get to know them over the past several years in my effort as part of InterVarsity's Graduate & Faculty Ministry/Emerging Scholars Network to become acquainted with the work of Christian scholars in South Central PA. To God be the glory!
***Elizabethtown College, where Donald Kraybill serves as a Sociology faculty & Anabaptist researcher.
****Wow, as you know the Amish don't talk to the media! This is an example of a scholar who has spent decades building bridges in his work. In Kraybill's case he was present during a tragedy for the community he "researched"/befriended, i.e., the Nickel Mines tragedy
Hmm. Not sure. Maybe I should note that currently I'm wrestling with writing summaries of Old Testament books. There is so much to dig into, it's hard to go through the material quickly. Last term I appreciated spending a week in a Psalm and writing the Final Paper on Psalm 19 (Intro/Survey of Modern Theories). Hard to stop writing, but I find great joy in sharing with others such as you :)
Note: The questions from this Monday Question Series came from a piece of paper I found in the recycling bin. I printed a draft of my most recent prayer letter on the other side and thought "Hey, these are interesting questions." I'm assuming one of the girls brought it home from a school or church activity . . . continuing to reuse valuable resources :) Earlier posts: Coolest Color?, Greatest Game?, Perfect Pet?, Peskiest Problem?, Very Best Vacation?
Just came back from a preview of PBS' American Experience on The Amish hosted by Elizabethtown College. The Amish is a must see (for personal, classroom, local congregational use/discussion): Tuesday, February 28, 8 - 10 pm. The work of two local scholars with whom we have connection/relationship receive significant attention: Donald Kraybill (Elizabethtown College) & David Weaver-Zercher (Messiah College). Chapter 1 posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSOn7NXWTbk.
I shared earlier today that it's Eden's birthday. She turned 7 today. And I posted a few baby pictures of her.
What you can't see in the pictures are the thoughts in my head as I watched her get those pictures taken. The picture of her in the basket was taken at the Picture People, just days after we were told that Eden had a brain tumor. I made it a priority to get her picture taken before surgery and chemo ravaged her tiny body. I scheduled the appointment just like a million moms do every day, but I didn't mention the morbid thoughts swirling through my mind. A few days after the basket picture was taken our doctor called, shedding the light of doubt on the original diagnosis. Maybe it wasn't a tumor after all, but instead a less life-threatening vascular malformation (a mass of blood vessels all mumbled and jumbled together in a way they shouldn't be).
My amateur photographer friend, Michelle, offered to take the black and white picture (click for more). She took many. I don't remember what we talked about at the time, probably what poses I thought would be cute. But I know what I was thinking. Would my precious baby girl even live to see her first birthday? I wanted to have as many pictures of her as I could. I wasn't sure there would be a lifetime of photos. (More)
Yesterday, the oral surgeon took out Eden's fractured baby tooth. She recovered quickly and was wound up this morning as she began the celebration of her 7th birthday. What a joy to share One More Day. To God be the glory!
PS. Pray for Theresa as she continues to wrestle with insurance to cover various medical expenses for Eden, in particular the fractured tooth extraction and drops for the eye whose lid does not fully close.
Wow! A tough question. Although maybe it's mixing categories, getting snowed in on our honeymoon (January 6, 1996) over Christmas break our senior year was the most memorable and I think the very best vacation I've every enjoyed. A touch point to return year after year. I love sharing the story . . . which reminds me, where is the snow this year? Worked out well for a mid-February hosting of Kent Annan and Scot McKnight. I'd been praying for (and asking others to join me in praying for) good travel weather since late fall! To God be the glory!
Wow! What a joy to serve the Lord through visiting
5 college campuses: Franklin & Marshall (undergrad large group), Messiah (Chapel, Student Dinner, Alternative Chapel), PSU-Harrisburg (undergrad-faculty brown bag lunch), PSU-Hershey Medical Center (Christian Medical Society/CMDA lunch lecture), York (undergrad group dinner, large group)
Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church: informal conversation over dinner and then in the hall with the guys during choir
Evangelical Theological Seminary: brown bag lunch discussion. A first :)
Conversation to lead to next steps beyond the evening, including future opportunities with Kent throughout the week.
Tuesday: Messiah College (morning Chapel, evening presentation), Penn State Hershey Christian Medical Society (CMS)/CMDA
Wednesday: Penn State Harrisburg (brown bag lunch as part of C.S. Lewis Seminary), F&M (evening InterVarsity large group)
Thursday: Evangelical (brown bag lunch), York College (evening InterVarsity large group).
Yes, copies of is books will be available at his presentations. If you have interest in an After Shock discussion group, let me know. For more information on Kent's February 13-16 visit to South Central PA go to the Library Event Page and/or the Facebook Event Page.
To encourage "Linsanity," check out InterVarsity's recent blog post, InterVarsity in the NBA (Gordon Govier. 2/10/2012) ;) As some of you know from Facebook, I've been following Jeremy Lin for several years because an InterVarsity alum of Harvard wanted to be sure people were aware of one of their own and passed along Jeremy Lin: Taking Harvard basketball to new levels.
If you haven't done so check out Bowen's take on Lin (ESPN video w/footage, 2/12/2012). I think he's right on about four years in college . . . entering undrafted . . . getting cut . . . pressing on. Hope Lin gets some rest on the couch . . .
The Knicks’ Jeremy Lin — Faith, Pride and Points (Michael Luo. NY Times. 2/11/2012): "One more article on Jeremy Lin -- written by another Harvard alum -- both were involved in the Asian American Christian Fellowship at Harvard -- one of several InterVarsity Christian Fellowship chapters at that university." -- Comment: I particularly appreciated this article. Thank-you to my friends who keep me up-to-date on the excellent material going up on-line.
Maybe I'll watch some NBA again. The hoop is going up in the driveway next door. Can't wait for March Madness ;)
Yesterday via Facebook I read a good report from Tony Blair, President, Evangelical Seminary,
"Evangelical Seminary won re-accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools this week! That's the second group in one week who have looked at us very, very closely and liked what they've seen. It is good to enjoy the affirmation of our peers, and to hear others say what we already know... that what we're doing is good. Very good."
Praise God! As some of you know I've started taking classes at Evangelical. Yes, I'm once again enjoying the opportunity to be an official student at a very good school. To God be the glory!
PS. On Thursday Evangelical Seminary will be host an 11:30 am campus brown bag lunch with Kent Annan, author of two InterVarsity Press books and co-founder of Haiti Partners. For more information click here. What a joy to have this opportunity to partner in the work of the Kingdom of God!
A friend passed along the link to Rachmaninoff 3rd Concerto live with Horowitz (79 years old) at New York Philharmonic Orchestra (Zubin Metha, Leitung). Sit back to enjoy the exceptional quality and performance, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lusMu2LGIUM.
Pray for the next steps of care for Eden's fractured baby tooth. The fracture was caused by an improper bite (due to her developmental issues) applying too much regular pressure on one side of the mouth, even one lower tooth on the one side of the mouth.
After she expressed pain we took her to the dentist, who referred us to the oral surgeon. We're waiting for the Monday consult, at which time we'll also find out more of the specifics on what our health insurance will 'cover.' Thankfully the permanent tooth, even though there is not space for it to fully come in at this time, is just below the surface and will hold the space.
Pray for patience and insight for Theresa as she tries to resolve three health insurance cases, including this one. Pray for God's provision of the financial resources necessary maintain the current level of care for Eden. Pray for healing for Eden. Join me in longing for the new heaven and the new earth!
Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. -- Matthew 6:8
The other day I read "Buffalo Before Breakfast" (Mary Pope Osborne. Random House. 1999. 72 pages) with Eden in a day -- well I should credit Theresa for a chapter.
Fun! I really liked my introduction to the "Magic Tree House Series." Hoping Eden will check out another from the school library.
Agree/disagree with The 'Be Yourself' Myth (Karen Kelsky. Inside Higher Education. 1/30/2012) applied to higher education job interviews (or possibly more in general)? That is, should one have a persona during an interview? Do you think this may be of particular need for "nerds?"
As you may guess, I feel uncomfortable with the perspective of taking on a persona for interviews. But upon reflection I have made various concessions when sharing the complexity of ministry in higher education. On second thought, they were not concessions, but instead an exploration of building bridges of communication regarding the mission/work to which God has called me.
Am I ever not going to be who God has created/called me to be, "No!" But that doesn't mean that I do not require advice and counsel (even the active input of others) in the revision of various mission committee conversations, newsletters, powerpoint presentations, prayer calendars as I grow more and more into who God has created/called me to be as His servant.
Note: Pray for PSU-Hershey grad students considering next steps (applications, interviews, travel). Pray for the PSU-Hershey 4th year Medical students who interviewed & now are applying for residencies. They'll know their match in mid-March, i.e., except for the opthamologists who have already received word -- congrats Albert!
Today Theresa shares at the Penn State Hershey Christian Medical Society (CMS)/CMDA's noon lunch lecture What is her focus? Her journey with God through the various health care concerns of our family beginning with the loss of Elise Faith, journeying through my own and Eden's. Pray for her preparation and clarity in presenation. Note: The format will be an interview by CMS' team leader. Also pray for me as I provide 'the table of plenty.'
PS. The other week a friend passed along You Oh God Are A Refuge (New worship song)" -- a song which was a great encouragement to her during chemo treatment. I commend the song to you as the Lord walks with and carries you through difficult times. He is your refuge -- your only hope! If He is your rock, you will not be shaken. As you may guess the song also comes to mind with respect to our February 13 - 16 "Helping Haiti" series with Kent Annan, author of two InterVarsity Press books and co-founder of Haiti Partners.
Hmm . . . I've encountered a lot of whining this morning. Hard for the family to function and accomplish even the simple tasks. Pray for strength for this new day/week.
Note: The questions from this Monday Question Series came from a piece of paper I found in the recycling bin. I printed a draft of my most recent prayer letter on the other side and thought "Hey, these are interesting questions." I'm assuming one of the girls brought it home from a school or church activity . . . continuing to reuse valuable resources :) Earlier posts: Perfect Pet?, Coolest Color?, Greatest Game?
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
What a joy to serve the Lord "One More Day!" God is providing for and multiplying His work on the local and national scene. We rejoice in having you on the team, interceding for and standing with us not only the labors in South Central PA with CMDA and Christian Scholars, but also nationally as part of the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN). You are a great encouragement during a stretching time.
As we enter the leadership selection process for PSU-Hershey Christian Medical Society (CMS)/CMDA, I implore you to join me in prayer for the challenges faced by campus ministries across the nation (e.g., 1/31 Vanderbilt Town Mtg, article, Youtube, Tom's ESN blog post Prayerful consideration & Discussion: Vanderbilt Town Mtg).
Next week Tuesday at PSU-Hershey Christian Medical Society (CMS)/CMDA, Theresa and I will provide lunch in partnership with friends from our local assembly.
During the presentation time, Jade (CMS/CMDA team leader) will interview Theresa regarding her journey/response to the loss of Elise Faith, my health concerns (cancer, seizures, fainting spells), and Eden's brain bleed/resultant developmental delays.
If you have wisdom you would consider important to impart to budding health care professionals, please drop us a line not only for this event but also our regular interactions with the CMS/CMDA community and those beyond. . . . e.g., I'm once again rounding up a group of Messiah College alum at PSU-Hershey to share with pre-health care professionals associated with Messiah College's MedAware. Date: 2/10. Hoping for the opportunity for a return visit to Grove City College (our alma mater) later in the spring.
Thank you for this. I read the final bolded section and let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. The difficulty of translating the pedantries of my academic discipline into feeding the hungry or healing the sick has always bothered me. Thank you for the reminder not to put the cart before the horse – that love is the basic characteristic of Christ-like service, and that it’s much harder to love someone well if you don’t know the truths that have shaped them into who they are.
Additional opportunities for those in South Central PA . . .
please consider joining our local assembly (maybe just for lunch addressing Universalism) on Sunday, February 19, to hear Scot McKnight, a recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus, AND Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University, Chicago, IL, speak as part of the Christian Scholar Series, http://www.etownbic.org/mcknight.
Sermon: The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited (Sermon part of 8:30am and 11:00am worship services)
Sunday school elective: Blue Parakeet: Why do people understand the Bible so differently? (10am - 10:45am)
Lunch discussion: Facing the Challenge of Universalism in the church and the academy (12:30 - 1:30 am). RSVP via email.
David C. Downing, R. W. Schlosser Professor of English at Elizabethtown College & author of several books on C.S. Lewis, will speak on the interaction between the fiction of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien AND the fruit/value of conversation among Christian Scholars.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Program begins at 7 pm.
Acorn Farms, Mount Joy, PA
RSVP via email or phone.
Once again, we rejoice in having you part of this Gospel mission, interceding for and standing with us in the confidence (power, reality, truth) that Christ has triumphed over the gates of hell.
On Sunday, I'm subbing for a Sunday School class which is a "Current Events Discussion." What topic/resource suggestions do you have to offer? Even if the material misses the class, the material will be posted here AND additionally may go on a blog (or 2), G+, Twitter, FB, etc :) Looking forward to your feedback.
Front Page Elizabethtown-Mount Joy Merchandiser coverage of upcoming Helping Haiti gathering (2/13, Elizabethtown Public Library, 6 pm), click here. To God be the glory!
If you're in South Central PA, I hope you can invite a friend and join us for the evening. Whether or not you're able to join us, I invite you to participate through
Prayer for preparations for Kent Annan's 2/13 - 16 visit to South Central PA, for more details visit
Note: Earlier today, I confirmed C.S. Lewis Seminar presentation (2/15, Brown Bag Lunch, PSU-Harrisburg).
Prayerful consideration/discussion of "After Shock: Searching for Honest Faith When Your World Is Shaken" (InterVarsity Press, 2011). For on-line, material begin with my Emerging Scholars Network posts. More coming . . .
