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Arthur & Patrick from IVCF-CMU Undergrad give a site walk-thru and receive a vision of the future. Hope to have them back for a campout and some time on the Ginder (Theresa's) Family farm just over the hill. Who will be the next visitor from 'da Burgh?
re-appraisal. Hope to wrap-up the mortgage aspect and start building by early September. In other news:
1. On Saturday, had a great time w/friends from Grove City College: passed along E.T. (to Jen and Randy), feasted on crepes (thank-you Becky), cooled off poolside w/Hawaiian shaved ice (thank-you Arlan and Marcy)
2. Continue to become part of the family of God at Elizabethtown Brethren-in-Christ as last night we partied w/the Followers Fellowship Group over homemade vanilla, peach, and ginger ice cream (29 kids w/parents in tow). We had a number of conversations regarding services/physicians in the area to address Eden's health concerns and our pioneering work among faculty in South Central PA.
3. Move to the Ginders on Monday, August 21
4. Hayley and Ellen start at Donegal Springs Elementary School on August 28.
we're receiving the building permit for our property and our first direct mail delivery.
In other news, we've been blessed by the family Sunday School Class offered by Greg's home congregation, Elizabethtown Brethren-in-Christ In addition, Baby Eden fell asleep in the nursery this morning, very much an expression of the grace of God as she has cried in nursery so much that we have had to pick her up during the Sunday service most every week of the past several months. We're mostly settled into Tom's parents house, only a few runs to the storage unit for various 'necessities.'
On Tueday, we successfully waded through all the paperwork and enrolled Hayley & Ellen in Donegal Springs Elementary School for the fall! In addition the postmaster visited our property over lunch and gave us permission to place our mailbox. Last night Theresa's dad installed the mailbox, we should be able to start receiving mail tomorrow! Hope to be able to pick-up Milanof-Schock library cards on Friday morning. Turns out its One of the Best Small Libraries in America. We just found our first lost items in our storage unit -- special thanks to Alan, Carl, Eunice, and Jay for their great job packing! Praise God for the answers to prayers for the 'little concerns of life' which seem to become so big in our eyes.
We're in the packing . . . moving frenzy. Special thanks to Heather, Kristen, Melissa, Serina for helping w/the girls. Way to pack boxes (Amy, Amy, Jean, Maggie, and Nicole)! Loved the meal Lydia. Rob and Josh -- way to dismantle the boxspring and carry it out the front door. So much easier than when a few good men bent it up the stairwell :-) Alan, we very much appreciated your walk-thru packing assessment.
(More)Please share w/us your favorite memories from our time w/you in 'da Burgh!
Click here to enter the site and explore links, pics, and so much more as we walk with Christ as a family in ministry. Check out a report on faculty camp.
Good report from Eden's Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) evaluation this morning. The tubes in her ears are functioning well, fluid is not interfering w/her hearing. The ENT is for the first time saying that she may regain hearing in her left ear, because her other neurological symptoms are improving. It is possible that the auditory nerve may recover. Praise God! We meet w/our primary physican at Children's Hospital on Thursday morning, followed by an MRI. We are looking for the MRI to reveal a continued decrease of the actual size of the brain bleed.
(More)Up With Grups was forwarded to us by Theresa's sister. Happy to report that we don't fit in with
He owns eleven pairs of sneakers, hasn't worn anything but jeans in a year, and won't shut up about the latest Death Cab for Cutie CD. But he is no kid. He is among the ascendant breed of grown-up who has redefined adulthood as we once knew it and killed off the generation gap.
En route to United 93 I visited an Urban Outfitters just for the cross-cultural experience :-) Talk about not fitting in . . . the books, the sneakers, the t-shirts, and the music (it was so loud that the manager couldn't concentrate in her office and had it turned down). I should say that I did appreciate seeing The Giving Tree.
Check out The Juice of Life written by Tom Long, an IVCF Volunteer who was in the Pittsburgh area when I started on staff. Lots of cool Hawaiian links and if you'd like to know my thoughts on the book check out my on-site review :-)
Participation in Pittsburgh Urban Christian School's Spring Production prompted Ellen to declare last Friday, The best day of my life! Ellen then pointed out how she enjoyed her preschool production and looks forward to future opportunities. I wish all of you could have been there for the music, concept, and performances. What a blessing the PUCS community, particularly their Kindergarten instructer Mrs. Merryman, has been for Hayley and Ellen as they have grown much in knowledge, confidence and maturity over the past several months.
We came across iheartpgh.com in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this morning. Wish this would have been around a decade ago :-) How about the piece on Pittsburghese? As time allows, we hope to add a category regarding local congregations and the people of God in 'da Burgh. Anyone interested in helping out? Which reminds me, would you join our family in prayer for the work of Kingdom of God in 'da Burgh, prayer requsts hosted at Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation.
FYI: Sites which we've found helpful at times include
http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/And I nearly forgot to mention, nothing can surpass Rick Sebak and WQED's History Series, with What Makes Pittsburgh Pittsburgh premiering tomorrow at 8pm on WQED/Channel 13. We've found Carnegie Library our source for those we didn't see on 13.
I'm sure others will come to mind. Do you have any suggestions (maybe even your own blog/site) to add?
Separation Anxiety: Twins are caught in tug of war as schools, parents debate keeping them together in the classroom caught our eye and that of Hayley & Ellen's kindergarten instructor. We've found it helpful to have them together in preschool and kindergarten. As fraternal twins that get along well but don't need one-another.
Theresa's thoughts:
The article does a fine job of presenting the dilemma, especially for people who may not have thought about it before, but it doesn't offer much in the way of solutions. In fact, it confirms my somewhat relativistic opinion that whether or not you should separate twins in school depends on the individual kids. In our case, I prefer that Hayley and Ellen not be separated, at least not yet. And we've had no indication from either their preschool or kindergarten teachers that it is a problem to have them together. Both teachers have told us that Hayley and Ellen play independently of each other and are not competitive. They also seem to have some friends in common, and some more exclusive friends. At recess they sometimes play together and sometimes play independently. Which all goes to confirm to me that they are growing and developing confidently and securely. And since they've been able to accomplish this while being in the same school class for 2 years, I don't intend to change it.
It surprised me that Minnesota was the only state to allow parents to choose whether or not to separate their twins. I naively assumed that most schools would give the decision making power to the parents, who know their kids the best. And I think the argument that if you allow twins to choose to stay together in class, then other parents are going to want the freedom to choose a buddy for their child is weak. Even having a very close friend is not the same situation as having a twin. And, if two unrelated children are so co-dependent that they can't function in separate classes, there are other issues there that need to be addressed.
I prefer that schools look at the individual twin families and base the decision to separate or keep together on the dynamics between the twins. A blanket policy either to always separate or always keep together does a disservice to the children.
"I don't know what I want to say," Hayley.
"I know what I want to say to our website," Ellen. "I want to say . . . should I say something about Barbie? Barbie is a wonderful toy to play with and I have a Barbie room with lots of Barbie stuff. They are so much fun to play with . . . I make Barbie stories. Everytime I go to the Squirrel Hill library I do Barbie on the computer."
"I don't know what I want to say, you pick it," Hayley.
"That's not how its done Hayley," Daddy.
"I like school very much and I love playing with my friends. And I like my Daddy and Mommy, who is on a retreat. But Daddy isn't on a retreat right now. He is watching us. That's all."
The extremists talk about religion - and spew messages of hate. Religious moderates must denounce this bigotry and reclaim Scripture as the shared document of all. When flamethrowers hold up Scripture and say, "It says this," moderates must hold up the same text say, "Yes, but it also says this." The Bible is simply too important to the history of Western civilization - and to vital to its future - to be ceded to one side in the debate over values.
Teach, Don't Preach, the Bible picks up from where the author perceives Yesterday's ruling by a federal judge that intelligent design cannot be taught in biology classes in a Pennsylvania public school district leaves off. The author advocates placing the teaching of the Bible back where it belongs in our schools: not in the science laboratory, but in its proper historical and literary context.
I agree. And I would go further by stating that we should also become familiar with the religious works and understandings which inform other cultures in our world. Why? Because, despite the teachings of our largely agnostic/atheistic educational subculture, the supernatural and the religious matter as the Other in various forms speak through circumstances, family, friendships and shape the frameworks of understanding which guide individuals, subcultures, nations.
(More)Yesterday, I had the opportunity to share my perspective on Halloween w/2 Korean students and in turn they shared some regarding family rituals in their culture. I was encouraged by their testimony regarding followers of Christ who seek to remain faithful to God by rejecting ancestor worship and widespread influence of Confusianism in the culture.
Facing Halloween as a follower of Christ w/young children has been complicated, I confess that my initial reservations emerge from the mass consumerism of the holiday (Note: According to the link below: Today, Americans spend an estimated $6.9 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country's second largest commercial holiday). Secondly, the fantastical nature of the holiday encourages, people to inhabit other worlds and the forms of other people, something that was a pattern in my childhood and now which I reject as I embrace Christ who created, called, and indwells me to be all he has created me to be. Not that we can't use our gifts of creativity and not that we don't play dress up, but it is overdone in the popular culture. Relatedly, the light hearted nature of our treatment of the dark side concerns me. It probably stems from some of the thoughts expressed by C.S. Lewis in The Screwtape Letters regarding not taking the devil/demons seriously as a way to influence a person's (and in our case a wider culture's) engagement w/the really real. Our materialism makes this holiday a time to consume not just candy, but also relationships and images in an unhealthy manner. Note: I think this is a particular issue among young adults who see this as a 'time to party.' We are distanced even further from the reality in which we live by sugar-coating it w/superficial spirituality. This combination of consumerism and materialism has a great forming influence on children and adult alike in our culture.
As a counter-cultural measure our children took part in a Harvest Party which directed attention along a more godly direction, but it did not occur on Halloween. To fill Halloween we went out with friends for dinner and play time at a Chik-Fil-A. Re-inforcing to me that counter-cultural lifestyle is greatly enhanced by community. I was burdened by not participating in one of the only American holidays that invites us to meet our neighbor. I'm still seeking to find more ways to engage our neighbors in conversation in our day-to-day living. If you have some tips, in addition to borrowing lawn tools, talking on your porch, inviting over for a meal, let us know. I would add individualism to the list of consumerism and materialism as the fine sounding arguments that we are warned against in the Scriptures. Hoping to do something w/All Saints Day next year, more on that when I have the time to write again.
For the history and development of Halloween click here. For a slightly different view check out Christianity Today
Old Words, Vibrant Faith* tells the story of Jars of Clay's recent hymnology project. I found the delving into their understanding of blended worship which does not loose sight of musical heritage quite encouraging (note: something which our local congregation, to some degree, also strives for) . . . particularly the link to the Moravianism of my family's past.
But I must admit that although I agree with much of the philosophy behind their endeavor, I connect with the work produced by the Sparks on a much more visceral level. Part of that most probably stems from knowing them, but even more I think Christ brillantly shines forth through their vibrant enthusiasm for Him, His people, and their offering of their gifts/family to His service. This has spilled over into our house, leading our family to join our voices in worship while the CD (or the memory of it) plays at home and in the car. Note: Earlier .
What did you [Jars of Clay] learn about the Moravians and John Wesley [in their recent hymnology project]?
The Moravians were selling themselves into slavery so they could be a witness to their masters of God's love and his work. That just blows our mind today. Today's all about freedom and self-discovery. We would never dream of the concept. And they were on a boat with John Wesley to America. These Moravians would come up at the same time every day and sing these hymns in German. And so John Wesley translated them into English. John didn't have a true conversion experience yet. He was romanticized by the idea of being a missionary, but hadn't had a full salvation experience before the Lord. But these Moravians were really pivotal in inspiring him and showing him what devotion is. "God Will Lift Up Your Head" was originally called "Give to the Winds Thy Fears," the first line of the song. And he translated it into English. That was one we found and really liked it. We wrote it once in the blues/gospel tradition, and it just felt like it needed an anthemic feel, so everyone can sing along that this is my battle cry, that God will lift up my head. You can defeat me and enslave me, but at the end of the day God is my help and my refuge.
To God be the glory!
*Originally posted, but no longer available at http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter/2005/oct20.html.
On Sunday evening, our family had the opportunity to participate in A Celebration of Hymns: Concert for All Ages led by the Sparks. The time was a great encouragement to us. Ellen was dancing in the aisle! I believe that we first heard Greg & Rebecca about a dozen years ago at one World Vision's first 30 Hour Famines for college students.
Their music and life continue to evidence the Presence and Power of God as they assist with worship and young adult ministry at the local congregation we attend. I've gotten to know Greg over the past several years and their music is an expression of their life/walk in Christ, placing the focus on Christ and not 'branding' themselves. I'd encourage you to soak in some sample Hymns from their new release Rapture
I can't articulate it yet, note: there many times are no words for the mysterious work of the Spirit, but I was deeply moved by the time of worship that our family experienced with the Body of Christ last night. It touched roots of faith that extend beyond our short lives to the work of God among sinners across the ages who have come to him At the Cross and continue to find Him their Vision until they Fly Away with Him. More later, as I find words to express my experience/thoughts which almost kept me up all night praising God in song . . . let me know if the Spirit has likewise moved you by the hymns of the faith. Would love to read your stories.
1. Peel and quarter apples
For those looking for a slightly more scientific recipe . . .
(More)Are Transitions now smoother for Kindgartners? Hayley and Ellen definately were prepared in a significant way by Miss Rhonda at Greenfield's Community Church of God Academy.
Yet, I (Tom) would not have traded growing up in the family dental office. For quite awhile I preferred this learning community over formal schooling, something I still have not completely lost. I hope Hayley and Ellen look back to their InterVarsity neighborhood with fondness, but also adjust to the formal schooling more quickly. Such was one of goals in enrolling them in preschool. The choice of a preschool informed by a shared faith in Christ was also intentional, as seek to lay a foundation for following Christ as salt and light in a complex world . . . young women giving witness to God with their whole being (mind, body, and strength) day-by-day, each step of the way.
Remarkably well. I (Theresa) was pretty confident that they would enjoy their class and teacher, but I was anxious about how the bus ride would go. Especially since last night Ellen broke down sobbing about her fears. But this morning was great. They followed the new morning routine to get ready on time and as I started to get dressed the busdriver called to say that she was at the bus stop (20 min. before the scheduled arrival time). Allow me to interject here to say what you're all thinking --"Bus drivers call you when they are there and you're not?" I was surprised too (actually she called yesterday morning wondering where we were b/c the rest of the school started on Tues, but Kindergarten started on Wed.), but thankful.
When I took the girls to the bus this morning I talked with the driver and she gave me her cell phone number. It was one of those van-size busses. H and E are the first ones on and according to them it also picks up 3 boys (1 light and 2 dark as Hayley described them). H and E did not sit together (Hayley said she didn't want to sit with Ellen and she sat behind her. Tomorrow she might sit across from Ellen--is this more information than you need???). They won't ride the bus home until next week b/c Kindergarten only goes until 10:30am this week. Which means I pick them up :) Today I had to go in for new parent orientation anyway.
One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine? If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers, you will always find your way back. Sometimes it is only in your head. Sometimes it is right alongside their beds.
The last class of my old professor's life took place once a week, in his home, by a window in his study where he could watch a small hibiscus plant shed its pink flowers. The class met on Tuesdays. No books were required. The subject was the meaning of life. It was taught from experience.
The teaching goes on.
So concludes Tuesdays with Morrie. By God's grace I can answer this question in the affirmative. All through my life I have had teachers who walked w/me side-by-side, no more formative than a middle-school principal who pushed me to stop fading in and out of my selfish reality . . .
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