Our new pastor

Some great news...this just in. We now have a new pastor set to begin his service with us in September.

The journey to this came about very slowly. But the process was very well done. We like to think that we had something to do with that. We met individually with each member of the search committee and emphasized the importance of keeping the whole congregation informed along the path of choosing a pastor. We also tried to get the idea acrossed that this pastor needed to be chosen by all the people.

The search committee did an excellent job of vetting our new pastor. They also did an excellent job of involving the congregation. Our new pastor was approved by a 93% vote. He also mentioned in his acceptance note that he felt good about how we went about the job of selecting a pastor.

Our new pastor is a down-to-earth guy...very people oriented. He feels that scripture is important and enjoys study. Another interesting aspect is his use of drama to help make his sermon point.

So we look forward to a good experience at church in the future.

Spring cleaning

she said

You may have noticed, if you are reading our blog that is, that we haven't been posting much lately. That is due to a lack of internet use at our home computer. So check back each week for a while...we still may be able to post on occassion...as well as "He" has internet use daily Monday - Friday (though "He" doesn't post often.)

We are in the process of moving and whether we have home internet connections in the future is uncertain at this time.

Each previous year we like to pretend that we are moving when we do our spring cleaning. It's a good practice because it forces us to make some decisions about all our "stuff." Now this year is the real thing...not a practice run. So moving is going to take some time...and thankfully we have no dead lines to meet as of yet.

We are also in the process of updating our "money pit" and that will also take time (as well as money!).

So remember us in your prayers...this can also be a stressful time.

Three Score Birthday

He said:

I turned 60 years old today!!

What an amazing thing.

Actually I celebrated my birthday yesterday with some of my family gathering around me. I enjoyed the time together very much. Family meaning, my better half, two of my siblings and their spouses and my oldest son and his wife and their two children also known as my grandchildren. We celebrated with my favorite German chocolate cake and icing. After visiting and enjoying each others company for several hours we went to the local Dutch type restaurant and their my wife and I were treated to supper. We then had some more visiting back at our house.

I received a number of birthday cards. The one birthday card that I received was full of information that took place the year I was born. For example, the VW car was first sold in the USA in that year with a whopping total of 2 for the whole year! When I was born my life expectancy was 62.9 years! Now by doing a bit of math, 62.9 - 60 = 2.9 years..... Hummmmmmmm... More interesting facts. Gasoline was 17 cents per gallon. Bread was 14 cents a loaf and postage was 3 cents. Ronald Reagan (yes our former President) starred in a movie called "The Girls From Jones Beach" but I can say I am sure I haven't seen it. I should check the library web site to see if it is available.

Another gift I received was an interesting book about farm machinery during the early years of mechanization.

One more gift that is yet to be realized is the one my spouse gave me. Knowing that I like trains she gave me a train trip. It could be one that the area train club gives several times through out the non winter months. These are day trips of usually several counties away with time to visit tourist attractions at the destination. Another option would be a trip to PA to visit family. This would involve traveling to Pittsburg by car to access a train with a decent time schedule and traveling east. If I choose this trip we would like to travel in the fall to see the trees when they are the most colorful.

As I turn 60 years old, I pause to reflect that my Lord has been good to me and the realization of the blessings He has sent my way. Yet also realizing that I don't in any way deserve or have earned the blessings. But understanding that God in his infinite wisdom, some how and for some reason has blessed me and my family. I have been learning about trust too as I get older. I fully understand there is no guarantee of tomorrow and that my life is only sustained by the Lord's will because my life is entirely in His hands.

God bless you.

Only one life

Two little lines I heard one day,Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Author Unknown

March madness

She Said:

Last evening, while we were quietly reading, a rumble of thunder disturbed us. This is the first week of March and yet, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, we are experiencing unusual weather. Along with the thunder came a downpour. So today when we made a tour of our gardens for the the first time this year, the ground was very squishy. A few daffodils are poking up. The forsythia is looking softer, getting ready for bloom. Some iris are greening up. Even at this early stage, before spring is on the calendar, there is evidence of the end of winter.

Of course by next week we will probably be digging ourselves out of a snow storm. But this springlike weather is sure welcome while it's here.

Spring Bible Memory Psalm 100

WE ARE HIS

She said:

For our spring quarter we will be learning Psalm 100 as Bible memory. We are using the NRSV. Each week I will say the psalm along with the student up to that week's new verse or partial verse. Perhaps this will help them learn the whole psalm by the end of this quarter. Each one that recites receives a lamb sticker and a treat. When the whole psalm is recited on their own by a child, a reward will be given. Or we may just all recite the psalm in a Sunday morning service. Our bible memory recitation takes place between the bells after Sunday school. We have a warning bell and then five minutes later the final bell. To let the children know that I am ready to listen I have a couple of stuffed lambs that make a sound like a lamb baahing. The children enjoy squeezing these while helping to distribute the stickers and treats. Plans are to have a visit from a real lamb before the quarter is over. Part of their reward will be one of the stuffed lambs.

Why I like jigsaw puzzles

She said:

I really like putting together jigsaw puzzles. But only certain kinds. I really dislike the kind that have very little differences in the pieces. And I dislike the kind that have too much of the same color within the picture. The kind I like best have something on each piece that gives a clue as to where it belongs in the puzzle. That way it is like solving a mini mystery in finding where each piece should go. Now these pieces shouldn't give away there clues too easily. They need to be somewhat of a challenge. Each puzzle seems to have its own pattern of discovery. Sometimes the color is the key and other times the shape is helpful. But when the color and shape work together giving clues of placement, that is the best and most fun. At times pieces just seem to fall into place. And then other times a certain piece must be left to the very end...nothing seems to fit and then suddenly you find it. For a winter past time there is nothing better than to piece a jigsaw puzzle!