Overnight on Thursday we got 4-6 inches of snow. It was fun to go out in the snow with the girls this morning. We had a few errands to run so we put the girls in the sled and pulled them up into town. It was about a mile to the town hall, library, hardware, and post office. When we got to the center of town a car stopped ahead of us and a man jumped out and took our picture. It turns out he is from the Hesston Record a local newspaper. So it looks like our first morning in town we get our picture taken to be put in the paper next week. Sounds exciting.
It was a relaxing day of doing stuff around the house and just enjoying one another's company. My parents are staying with us for a couple days before they return to Ohio.
Friday, December 28, 2007
We're here
We arrived in-town on Thursday at roughly noon. A bunch of new friends showed up and helped us to unload the trailer in about 30 minutes! Wow!! Thanks to all who helped. The group consisted of college professors, fellow students, and friends and family of the previous two groups. We have had a few people stop by as well just to say hello and welcome.
It took us 6 hours to unpack all the boxes and make this place look like home. It even feels like home. So far, it almost feels weird that it doesn't feel weird. Does that make any sense?
We have thanked God for His blessings to us, and the safety and efficiency of our trip. The fact that the girls traveled so well is a miracle in itself.
It took us 6 hours to unpack all the boxes and make this place look like home. It even feels like home. So far, it almost feels weird that it doesn't feel weird. Does that make any sense?
We have thanked God for His blessings to us, and the safety and efficiency of our trip. The fact that the girls traveled so well is a miracle in itself.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Long drive
We are getting there! Wednesday we got up and left by 5am, here are some signs along the way.
INDIANA
ILLINOIS
MISSOURI
We were going to drive to Boonville, Missouri. But we decided that we could go farther and we also remembered the extra hour that we gain. So, we drove to Blue Springs, Missouri and got here around 5pm. Long day in the vehicle. We had nice clear driving weather until the last 3 hours it rained and snowed. The girls have done great. They watched lots of DVD's and also spent some time just singing and playing with each other. We finished the day with a swim in the hotel pool, before a much needed sleep. We should have roughly 4-5 hours left to get to Hesston today.
INDIANA
ILLINOIS
MISSOURI
We were going to drive to Boonville, Missouri. But we decided that we could go farther and we also remembered the extra hour that we gain. So, we drove to Blue Springs, Missouri and got here around 5pm. Long day in the vehicle. We had nice clear driving weather until the last 3 hours it rained and snowed. The girls have done great. They watched lots of DVD's and also spent some time just singing and playing with each other. We finished the day with a swim in the hotel pool, before a much needed sleep. We should have roughly 4-5 hours left to get to Hesston today.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Don't do it
As I mentioned in a previous post here, a friend that is a student at Asbury Theological Seminary, gave me the words of advice, "Don't do it." I can understand and agree with him on this. Going into Seminary or Pastoral Ministries training isn't something you totally choose to do. It is, in a sense, chosen for you. You don't wake up one morning and say, "I think that would be fun". You don't choose it after trying everything else and then saying, "Well, if I can't do anything else, I guess I could try this".
After conversations with those in ministry or preparing for ministry, and reading writings from those in these situations, I keep hearing this, "This is so fulfilling that I wouldn't want to be doing anything else, but I wouldn't wish it on anyone else unless they feel called to it."
I have also had a reluctance to make a decision to go into Pastoral Ministries training. It's sometimes hard to explain. I had an interest and a desire to pursue this for a number of years, but a resistance to making such a change and subjecting my family to moving and uncertainty. It took pushing and prodding by close friends, feeling an irresistible calling by God internally, my wife's unprompted acceptance of following the call, and numerous confirmations by people and circumstances. These things will also serve to be encouragement during the next number of years, when we face doubt and discouragement that will invariably come.
After conversations with those in ministry or preparing for ministry, and reading writings from those in these situations, I keep hearing this, "This is so fulfilling that I wouldn't want to be doing anything else, but I wouldn't wish it on anyone else unless they feel called to it."
I have also had a reluctance to make a decision to go into Pastoral Ministries training. It's sometimes hard to explain. I had an interest and a desire to pursue this for a number of years, but a resistance to making such a change and subjecting my family to moving and uncertainty. It took pushing and prodding by close friends, feeling an irresistible calling by God internally, my wife's unprompted acceptance of following the call, and numerous confirmations by people and circumstances. These things will also serve to be encouragement during the next number of years, when we face doubt and discouragement that will invariably come.
Ventrac Truck and Trailer
My dad thought it would be cool to put these pictures up on the web.
Ventrac truck and trailer:
Click on the ventrac link, if you are interested in this quality, versatile product.
VENTRAC by Venture Products Inc.
I just want to take this moment to thank the ventrac owners and employee's for making my time at Venture Products wonderful. I also want to thank each one who has helped us along the way. They have been a very giving and caring people during our time of loss (2002), during good times (2001-2007), and in sending us on our way (2007). They were so generous in fact that you might think they couldn't wait to get rid of me:) A big "Thank You" to the VPI guys and gals. You will all be missed.
Ventrac truck and trailer:
Click on the ventrac link, if you are interested in this quality, versatile product.
VENTRAC by Venture Products Inc.
I just want to take this moment to thank the ventrac owners and employee's for making my time at Venture Products wonderful. I also want to thank each one who has helped us along the way. They have been a very giving and caring people during our time of loss (2002), during good times (2001-2007), and in sending us on our way (2007). They were so generous in fact that you might think they couldn't wait to get rid of me:) A big "Thank You" to the VPI guys and gals. You will all be missed.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Homeless and Unemployed
As of Friday afternoon, we are homeless and unemployed. Although this is to be a temporary state. We are currently enjoying a couple days living with my parents, and then on Wednesday, we will be moving to Kansas. We have a place to live while I am in school at Hesston. However, the unemployed part will most likely be more persistent for at least 18 months.
I don't mean to make light of those who are homeless or unemployed. That is a very serious reality for many people in our world. I cannot say I understand their feelings or know what they go through. Only God's grace will get them through.
I am so excited about the whole Hesston experience to come! I am excited about school work, reading, and papers. I am excited about formation, supervised ministry, and becoming.
Yesterday, I talked with a current student that is in another seminary and his words of advise to me after his first semester were, "Don't do it." More on that in an upcoming post called "Don't do it".
I don't mean to make light of those who are homeless or unemployed. That is a very serious reality for many people in our world. I cannot say I understand their feelings or know what they go through. Only God's grace will get them through.
I am so excited about the whole Hesston experience to come! I am excited about school work, reading, and papers. I am excited about formation, supervised ministry, and becoming.
Yesterday, I talked with a current student that is in another seminary and his words of advise to me after his first semester were, "Don't do it." More on that in an upcoming post called "Don't do it".
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Here am I, send me
This morning in Sunday School, we were looking at Isaiah 6. Isaiah saw a vision of God, and realized he was a man of unclean lips. God provided a fix for the problem, by having a live coal touch his lips and cleanse him. He then had no excuse but was able to say, "Here am I, send me."
This morning was also the morning when our Church had a time of sending for us. After many years of excuses, or reasons for not answering the call, we have finally said, "Here am I, send me."
It is getting more real by the day.
Less than a week left at a terrific place to work.
One more Sunday at a loving and nurturing church.
Just over a week to enjoying the familiar and enjoyable community.
We have a number of family gatherings and times to enjoy yet before we leave this area. I didn't include family and friends in the list of things that are ending soon, because they aren't. Family will still be family, and friends will still be friends. We are being sent, but we hope not forgotten. You know how to get in touch with us. We will miss you.
This morning was also the morning when our Church had a time of sending for us. After many years of excuses, or reasons for not answering the call, we have finally said, "Here am I, send me."
It is getting more real by the day.
Less than a week left at a terrific place to work.
One more Sunday at a loving and nurturing church.
Just over a week to enjoying the familiar and enjoyable community.
We have a number of family gatherings and times to enjoy yet before we leave this area. I didn't include family and friends in the list of things that are ending soon, because they aren't. Family will still be family, and friends will still be friends. We are being sent, but we hope not forgotten. You know how to get in touch with us. We will miss you.
Loved ones
The other day, a good friends mother went to be with God, after struggling with cancer for a couple years. The funeral service was a meaningful one for the family and friends across many years. I was especially touched by the sharing by the two sons. They expressed love for their mother, loss of that special relationship, and thankfulness for the witness she left of loving God and being faithful to him.
Loss of loved ones is never easy. My friend summed it up well, when he said, "We were prepared, but not ready." I am so thankful for my parents example to me, and for raising me as they did. I believe I will feel the same when the inevitable happens. We must all die sometime. What really matters is our relationship with Jesus Christ, the effect that has on how we live our lives, and the love that we share with others.
As we celebrate Christmas, keep these two things in fine focus:
1- The birth of our Savior Jesus Christ
2- The loved ones that need to know they are loved, before they are gone
Loss of loved ones is never easy. My friend summed it up well, when he said, "We were prepared, but not ready." I am so thankful for my parents example to me, and for raising me as they did. I believe I will feel the same when the inevitable happens. We must all die sometime. What really matters is our relationship with Jesus Christ, the effect that has on how we live our lives, and the love that we share with others.
As we celebrate Christmas, keep these two things in fine focus:
1- The birth of our Savior Jesus Christ
2- The loved ones that need to know they are loved, before they are gone
Friday, December 7, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Excerpts from Christmas Letter cont...
You may have noticed the opening of “Happy Next Year” instead of New Year. This year we have made a decision that will bring about some major changes in the next year. We are moving to Hesston, KS the day after Christmas. I will be a Student in the Hesston College Pastoral Ministries Program. Ever since we made the decision to go, it has felt like all our plans were aimed at next year. It has been a challenge to stay focused on the day-to-day, and the here-and-now. Well it is almost here, by the time you get this letter read, we could be on our way. We are planning to be in Hesston till June 2009, with a possible visit to Ohio for Christmas 2008. So, for many of you it will be “God be with you till we meet again.” Our plans after Hesston are completely unknown at this time. We are taking this journey of faith, with God, and we know He will lead us to the next place that He has prepared for us.
Excerpts from Christmas Letter
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Next Year;
It's that time of year. To reminisce about this past year and look forward to the year to come. We were reminded at our Church's first Advent Sunday of the irony that many celebrate Christ's birthday, without inviting the one who the party is in honor of. That would be Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Lord, our God. Time with those who are dear, giving gifts to those we love, and decorating remind us that something special happened. May we keep Christ in clear focus during this Christmas season.
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