GroshLink

In Waiting for Jesus to Show Up, I mention the encouragement I received from G.P. Taylor's Shadowmancer (Note: CT Author interview).  More later. ...  For today, let me add that Hayley loves Taylor's Doppleganger Chronicles. Yes, here's one case of a reluctant reader spurred on by illustra-novella (i.e., mixture of prose, comic sequentials, and graphic illustrations). I'm hoping to check out the 2nd volume shortly, but that requires a run to Quarryville (i.e., the only Lancaster County library w/this September 2009 release in stock).  I think it's worth it for both of us, as we read a fair amount of it together and well-written children's books deal with major life themes in such a helpful manner ;-) 

In the mean time, Hayley's reading the 1st volume again. Amazing!  Anyone else reading the Doppleganger Chronicles?  More of my thoughts on the author, his books, and their impact in our household coming. ...

Check out ESN's Week in Review: Last Minute Shopping Edition.

As we journey through Advent, I particularly appreciated Mike's inclusion of the link to the WSJ Opinion piece Seen and Not Heard in Church. If the topic of the realities/value of intergeneration worship is of interest to you, as it is for our family, be sure to read the article and skim the comments.  Some of our thoughts coming. ...

Hoping to get out of the house to see a great sports film which has much more to say about the inner journey of leaders who are willing to take risks in a larger context.  Yes, I have high expectations of Morgan Freeman in this story of reconciliation and self determination directed by none other than Clint Eastwood.* 

In addition to a critique of being master of one's fate and captain of one's soul, I'm also very interested in the reviews, history/testimonials, and the feedback, e.g., NY Times Review (A. O. Scott, Final Score: Future 1, Past 0, December 11, 2009). 

*I must confess that based upon the footage and some of the feedback on the NY Times Review, I have lower expectations of Matt Damon. 

So what happens to all that you share with (and on) Facebook? I recently came across 5 Ways to Stay Safe and Private on Facebook, a summary of the excellent NY Times article, 5 Easy Steps to Stay Safe (and Private!) on Facebook, and was inspired to spend some time upgrading my account while watching The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

Brad Pitt as Jesse James
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Advent musing:  As we enter the happy holiday season, what friends and family do you trust and how much?  Take a moment to consider how you express the love and the good news which was given for (but not understood or accepted by) many created in the very image of the One bearing Life.  How can Facebook be an avenue (at times a first step) to give testimony to the Light instead of an avenue to encourage the darkness?   

Yesterday, we brought the Advent/Christmas materials down from the attic. How great it was for the girls to have off school, due to deer hunting season, enabling them to have a morning peeking into the manger set (Eden said, "Thank-you so much mommy!"), opening children's books, and joyfully decorating the house. 

So Advent readings on Sunday, decorations on Monday, Advent Calendar on Tuesday.  Hope you didn't start you 24 day Christmas Countdown 2 days early ;-)  If so, it's really no big deal, just add another box or two ... BTW, I've seen sites to make your own on-line.  Anyone use an on-line Advent calendar or a computer program w/graphics?  If so, please forward me info/links.  I'm interested in learning more about these possibilities.

Personally, how am I dealing with all the hustle and bustle?  I found a quiet place for Following the Star before digging into some serious office work. Still resting in and meditating upon yesterday's text:

He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. -- 1 Kings 19:11-12

May you find this telling of the story a blessing to be shared among family, friends, members of your local congregation, neighbors.  As I've mentioned in early posts (e.g., Come quickly, Jesus!) our whole family has been blessed by the The Jesus Storybook Bible.  We'll be reading it several more times in the coming years as the children grow.

Lots to share from our time in Austin, TX, for Scott & Andrea's wedding.  For those who have been waiting for some Wedding pictures.  Here are a few of my favorites (click on them to see them in larger form).  More pictures coming, along with some stories/reflections.

Later today we'll celebrate Scott (Theresa's brother) & Andrea's wedding.   

Pray for

1. Eden to be ready to go down the aisle as flower girl :-)
2. Strength, energy, and joy to be evidenced by our whole family throughout the celebration with Scott & Andrea's wedding.
3. God's blessing, leading, and direction to be upon Scott & Andrea's marriage.
4. Enough sleep/rest tonight in order for us to get-up, pack, and fly out tomorrow. Particularly pray for Eden and Lily to sleep through the evening.

What a trip!  The 10-4 adult to kid ratio worked out well with the rush through the terminal, the long flight, lunch at Subway, and the waiting in the hotel.  Lily even took a brief nap w/Theresa ;-)  We're soon heading out to dinner with Scott and Andrea.  Below's some pictures from the trip.

Later this morning our whole family will be flying out of Baltimore, with a number of Theresa's relatives, to celebrate Scott (Theresa's brother) & Andrea's wedding in Austin, TX. 

Pray for

1. Safe travel and low turbulence with/among the kids (Note: return flight on Sunday).
2. A time of true celebration as we hang out with Scott & Andrea.
3. God's blessing, leading, and direction to be upon Scott & Andrea's marriage.
4. Strength and energy for the whole family as we dive back into family, school, ministry on Monday morning.

Tonight on the News Hour with Lehrer, there was a summary/conversation of the presence/value of Sesame Street. I do not recall the below interaction between MacNeil and Kermit/Cookie Monster (after my youth), but no doubt an example of how Sesame Street interacts with kids and parents as more is taught than the basics ;-) Tomorrow morning, check out the Emerging Scholars Network blog for a piece on Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary.

[Note: will Polish subtitling]

Building upon The Lord is good to me. ..., Eden and I watched and discussed Johnny Appleseed Part II. I figured we had covered enough of Johnny Appleseed Part I with The Lord is good to me. ..., but maybe that film should roll "with some qualification."  

This morning, Eden and I prayed several prayers from A Child's First Book of Prayers (By Lois Rock, illustrated by Alison Jay, Augsburg Books, 2002).  This prayer attributed to John Chapman, American pioneer, developer of nurseries, & Swedenborgian evangelist/missionary brings back memories of a favorite picture book and the below Disney clip.  No doubt, the stories of Johnny Appleseed inspired me as a child to give praise to God for the creation, seek to care for the creation in a way which will bless my neighbor, and to love my neighbor.  If you would have asked me at the time, I would have told you that he was Presbyterian just like me. ...

The Lord is good to me,
And so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need,
The sun, the rain, the appleseed, 
The Lord is good to me.

PS.  Interested in more music/video on Johnny Appleseed?  Then check out the Swedenborgian Community.org: an on-line congregation. Comments on the broad teachings of the Swedenborgian Community delivered in a narrow context will have to wait for another day, but if you'd like to get a head start visit this post by the Swedenborgian Community.org: an on-line congregation. Note: I had some contact with members of their community when I lived in Pittsburgh.

Pray for complete healing/recovery for Hayley.  She came home from school Wednesday afternoon with a low fever and dry cough.  Her fever continued to rise on Thursday, but it's better today.  Other than that there's nothing out of the ordinary, i.e. nothing that warrants a doctor visit yet.  Hayley's largely been in her room and we're washing/sanitizing hands like crazy!  No other cases at present -- praise God!  Pray for Theresa and I to maintain patience and self-control, we're very tired due to Eden and Lily not sleeping well.  Pray for Lily to go back to sleep this afternoon and for Eden to give a nap at least a try.

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. -- Psalm 130:5-6, NIV

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

God has richly blessed our family's transition to Central PA. In recent months it has become more and more apparent the importance of having a team of people in regular prayer for us as we face complex familial and ministry decisions. I'm inviting you to officially join our 2010 prayer team.

Three options exist, please email us to let us know if you are open to making such a commitment.

• Regularly pray for our work, i.e., at least 1 x week.
• Distribute our monthly prayer calendar and encourage others to pray for us in the local congregation, small group, prayer gathering, etc with which you are connected.
• For those close to us geographically, we are looking a 4-6 person prayer team which meets 2 x a month. If you are interested, let us know if you would be available Tuesdays, 10 - 10:30 am, or Thursdays, 9:15 - 9:45 am. If you are desire to be part of a regular local prayer team, but are unable to make one of these times please let us know and we'll try to accommodate your schedule.

Theresa and I appreciate your support and care for our family and ministry. If you desire to become involved, please email us (groshes at groshlink.net) by Monday, November 16. Thank-you.

Day-by-Day by His Grace,

Tom Grosh
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Graduate & Faculty Ministry
Groshlink
Emerging Scholars Blog

Our Mission: "To establish and advance at colleges and universities witnessing communities that follow Jesus"

Our Vision: "To see students and faculty transformed. Campuses renewed. World changers developed."

The twins and I [Theresa] had a great trip to Pgh to visit friends this weekend. I picked them up after school and we headed out. It was rainy and raw but only a few snowflakes mixed with the rain near Breezewood. We stayed with Mike and Shayna and let me tell you, it was hard to imagine when the twins were little that they would one day be my "easy kids." But they were so much fun to travel with. On Sat. we went to the Heinz History Center and had a great time there. I highly recommend it if you are visiting Pgh. This was our third time there but some of the exhibits change so there was plenty to see. And do -- it's a great museum for kids with lots of interactive exhibits. From there we went north to meet friends (Heather and Tami and their kids) at Wildwood Highlands in North Park. It was great to catch up with them. When we got back to the Bowling's house Toby and Chloe were there and we played a few games, all of which I came in miserably last. It's a good things I'm not a particularly competitive person :) This morning we left just before 9am so that we could be home in time to meet our friends Josh and Lydia who were stopping in at our house for a quick visit on their way BACK to Pittsburgh! We had the chicken corn noodle soup that I had prepared on Friday before I left and Tom heated up in the crock pot while at church this morning. Boy, life takes a lot of organization! So, a great time was had by all -- here and abroad. [Note:  Originally posted on Facebook, October 18, 5:13pm].

Even though Theresa and the twins are away ... Eden, Lily, and I wrapped up The Jesus Storybook Bible over dinner last night.  What an "end!"

John came to the end of his book [Revelation].  But he didn't write "The End."  Because, of course, that's how stories finish.  (And this one's not over yet.)

So instead, he wrote:  "Come quickly, Jesus!"

Which, perhaps, is really just another way of saying ...

 (More)

While painting/decorating small pumpkins with the Amish, petting alpacas, listening to music, and buying various treasures at Lancaster Central Market's Harvest Breakfast, our family enjoyed Morning Glory Muffins and Pumpkin Bread made from recipes in the Lighter Side of Lancaster:  Traditional Recipes Made Healthier.  This morning Theresa and I downloaded a free copy of the Lighter Side of Lancaster:  Traditional Recipes Made Healthier, provided by Lancaster General Health's Wellness Center.  We encourage you to check it out. ...

I think Football as a Second Language (Libby Nelson, Chronicle of Higher Education, September 28, 2009) provides an excellent campus outreach idea. We did some of this in 'da Burgh with 'da Stillers (who BTW don't appear able to stop w/o Troy), in addition to learning about the sports in other countries (which at times I found much more interesting).

As I think about it, I wonder how many Americans understand our form of football well enough to teach it? Since I have the four girls today, maybe I should give it another shot so they're prepared for the opportunity.

Ready. Set. Hike. ;-)

No, this isn't about VeggieTales. 

Hayley and I came across the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra which watching YouTube videos on how to play various instruments. Has anyone else come across the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra or spent time making vegetable instruments (such as those strewn across YouTube)?  How about this sampling of the Q&A which emerges with those who are pushing the cultural envelope. ...

are you all vegetarians or vegans?

no we are not. don't ask again. we've heard this question 3 million times.

are you serious about your music?

yes we are. this is not a just-for-fun project.

isn't it an ethical problem to play on vegetable instruments while elsewhere people die of starvation?

we have heard this question very often. if you are really concerned about the distribution of wealth then do something about it! read books about the real cause of hunger. change your own life and try to change politics. buy and support the right things. it is not people using vegetables differently than usual that make the world a bad place. it's all of us wanting too much. our own car, a new cellphone, a bigger house with air condition, more money...

actually our instruments cause less problems than traditional instruments, laptops, etc... their production needs much less energy and ressources and they are bio-degradable.

Worth a title in itself?  Maybe not, but just had to post it.  In my estimation, Federer is the most complete men's player of the Open era.  What do you think?  del Potro's powerful forehand had something to say about Federer's resume ;-)  Wow, what swings of dominance in the five set Championship match!  What will this 20 year old Argentinian show us in future years?  Better than Nadal and Federer. ... we'll see next year.

My Facebook friends know that my recent sickness granted me time to watch more sports over the weekend than I have in quite awhile.  I particularly enjoyed a fair amount of the U.S. Open, despite the rain delays.  For those of you who missed last night's Women's Finals. ...

News Update:  Kim Clijsters, a 26-year-old Belgian, became the first mother to take a Grand Slam title since Evonne Goolagong Cawley won Wimbledon 1980. Go mom!  I called it before the game, but not when she was a wild card.

"The fairy tale goes on - some how, I'm in the US Open final on Sunday beating both Venus and Serena along the way... am i dreaming???" -- the often "quoted" quote from Clijsters' Twitter page

Here's the touching video of her daughter Jada during the post-match interview and her 'run to the title' ;-)  May God continue to grant the grace for Kim's work (even as succesful, "celebrity" athlete) and family to truly mix. I don't know much about their family's personal life or faith, but I think their witness of placing a high priority on family is a strong statement to our culture.

They know of You in Hong Kong, they know in Baton Rouge
They know in Carolina, they know in Kathmandu
They know of You in Baltimore, they know in Germany
They even know of You in Nashville, Tennessee

It's amazing, so amazing, it's amazing how one man gets around
It's amazing, so amazing, it's amazing how one man gets around. ...

Yes, Charlie Peacock is in the background as I catch I few minutes to blog in a surprisingly quiet house on the threshold of a day which will be filled with the joy-filled playful shouts of kids at a friend's pool party. And what do I have to share in a few brief moments of time? 

School's in session!  Last night the Grosh family dinner devotions kicked off the new year with The Jesus Storybook Bible written by Sally Lloyd Jones and illustrated by Jago.  The girls are drawn into (and their parents affirm) the cliffhanger Story-telling approach of...

No, the Bible isn't a book of rules, or a book of heroes.  The Bible is most of all a Story.  It's an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure.  It's a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palance, his throne -- everything -- to rescue the one he loves.  It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life!

You see, the best thing about this Story is -- it's true.  

There are lots of stories in the Bible, but all the stories are telling one Big Story.  The Story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.

It takes the whole Bible to tell this Story.  And at the center of the Story, there is a baby.  Every Story in the Bible whispers his name.  He is like the missing piece in a puzzle -- the piece that makes all the other pieces fit.

And this is no ordinary baby.  This is the Child upon whom everything would depend.  This is the Child who would one day -- but wait.  Our Story starts where all good stories start.  Right at the very beginning ... (2007, p.14).

And they didn't want me to stop reading when I reached this part, but I did and picked it up this morning. ...

What a trip north to Old Sturbridge Village, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, and the Northeast Graduate & Faculty Ministry's Regional Staff Conference at Toah Nipi Retreat and Training Center. On the way back we even swung by Millbrook, where Theresa spent her early years.  We rejoice in your prayers.

Praise be to the Father for 

1. the Word (delving into John 4), Spirit, prayer, and people of God (both those praying for us and those physically present with us).  We received much encouragement, stepped into renewed accountability, and embraced greater clarity of focus for family/ministry in the context of the larger 09 Fall Campus Mission.
2. safe travel, even with the wipers giving out on the way back in the rain. The 4 girls did surprisingly well in the car, taking to the straight through Friday/Saturday return trip. Praise God for the provision of good housing and plently to occupy us for the whole journey (in and out of the car).
3. engaging vacation for our family (although we do need to unwind this week).  As the days passed Eden and Lily slept through the night better and better, despite the change of location partway through. What a joy to re-connect w/Heather and her kids at Old Sturbridge Village!
4. a week to adjust before school starts for the twins next Monday.
5. time for last minute preparations for the upcoming Tuesday - Friday class on The Brethren in Christ Theology of Salvation with Dr. Luke L. Keefer, Jr. Pray for Theresa as she's currently with three of the girls visiting the animals and entering items in the Elizabethtown Fair.  Note:  Can you hear Lily wailing the background.  Gotta go, but here are two teaser pics ...

 

We're ready to hit the road for vacation with some time at Old Sturbridge Village ... followed by Graduate & Faculty Ministry's Northeast Regional Staff Conference at InterVarsity's Toah Nipi Retreat & Conference Center, Rindge, NH.

Pray for

1. the Father, through the Word, Spirit, prayer, people of God (encouragement and accountability), to bring renewal and clarity of focus for our region as we enter the Fall 09 Mission.
2. safe travel. For the 4 girls to handle the car sitting time well. Note:  we've packed lots of books/car materials. Praise God for the provision of housing for the vacation part of our travels!
3. restful vacation time for our family, in particular that Eden and Lily will sleep through the night in the unfamiliar locations. Praise God for the opportunity to connect w/some friends to walk through Old Sturbridge Village!