Santa On A Fire Engine

4 Kids

It was a normal Saturday morning.  We had just returned home from a visit to the Phoenixville Farmer's Market when what to our wondering ears did we hear?  A Limerick fire engine with a character dear.  Sirens were blazing and we ran out there quick.  There on the engine sat good old Saint Nick.  He waved as they honked and rolled down our street.  His firemen elves gave out candy canes sweet.  Then with a rumble, they turned down the way.  We'd seen our fire Santa, it was a good day.

Here are some more pictures to enjoy.  Merry Christmas!

Darlene checking out the farmer's market.

Tim and Brittany helping to choose a Christmas tree.

Friends for Thanksgiving

Hey, I found that tree!

Stop & Listen To The Music

4 Kids

Here it is, Christmas time again and I am sitting in my office in Pennsylvania listening to music from the Charlie Brown Christmas Special.  It is a classic and the music is very easy to listen to while grading papers.  Did I mention that it is finals week and I am grading final projects and papers from students?  Did I also mention that it is important to stop and listen to the music once in a while?  I was in the store the other day and heard Silent Night while trying to choose a box of cereal to buy.  It was achum!

My old home in Minnesota has been getting pounded by winter weather while we move and live in relative freedom from huge snows and stadium collapses.
        When I was little, my mom used to remind me to dress warm before going outside.  She also encouraged me and my brothers and sisters to behave well so that Christmas gifts could be delivered.  As a child, I didn't know whether Santa was real or not, but I didn't want to take any chances.  So I did my chores and tried not to fight with my brothers.  Maybe you are doing your best to live right this December.  I hope so.  In fact, I hope you are doing your best to obey and do right even when Christmas isn't approaching.  When we do our best in December, we get blessed on Christmas morning.  If we know Jesus as our Savior and Friend, and do right every day, we will be blessed for eternity.  When I wake up on that eternal morning, I want Jesus to say, "Well done!"

I am praying that you will have a blessed Christmas. Stop and listen to the music playing at the mall.  Maybe they are singing about Jesus.

NYC 2010

4 Kids

Darlene and I went to New York City yesterday with a bus-load of friends from the college.  We chose to explore NYC via the subway trains.  It was fun and scary trying to figure out which train to ride on or what direction to go.  Next time, I will bring a compass.  We saw the statue of liberty from shore at Battery Park.

We also went to the Muppet Whatnot Workshop and had a puppet made.  Here is picture of Darlene playing with a random princess Muppet.

This is our Muppet as the puppet making elves begin their work.
They glued eyes, a nose and hair on her and dressed her in this spiffy karate uniform.  We now own a custom-made Muppet named, "Fred."  That is short for Fredericka.

We also had fun watching a show by the Blue Man Group.
These guys are crazy!  They played percussion on plastic pipes and other strange things.  They poured paint on drums and played them hard and fast.  This sprayed paint all over the stage and in part of the front row.  They did special skits using crunchy cereal and Twinkies.

Darlene and I with the Blue Men

I was holding a blue puppet next to a blue man.

It was a fun day and God helped us to navigate the big city.  Now we will get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving and the Christmas season.  God bless us everyone!

Party in the Yard

4 Kids

This year, some friends, (pictured here), helped us to turn Halloween night into a party in our yard.  we gave out grilled hot dogs, bottled water, hot chocolate, and bags of candy.  Around 150 kids came to our yard and enjoyed food, puppets, and the love of Jesus.

It is important for each of us to be a shining light in this darkened world.  You may not be able to have a party in your yard, but you can share God's love with friends.  One girl I knew invited friends to spend the night.  She would play Christian videos and music and talk with her friends about Jesus.  My daughter, Rachel gave a friend a Christian video as a birthday gift.  It wasn't long after the party, that Rachel and her friend, both eight-years-old, prayed together.

Look for ways this November to share God's love with relatives and friends.

Sharing God's love with puppets.

In Class

4 Kids & Others

Today I am in class.  In fact, I am in class all week.  All day, every day, I am in class.  This shouldn't sound strange as I am a college professor, but this week is different.  No down times.  No sitting in my office waiting for the next class time.  No time to read, write a blog, or play golf.  I am sitting in a class, taking notes and participating all day, every day.  I am learning how to be a better preacher this week.  I am learning about sharing Jesus with the people of planet earth.  Class is interesting, challenging, and crazy at times.  I like it.

Maybe you sat in classes all day today.  Most kids go to school on week days.  Your day is broken up into different subjects taught at different times with an occasional recess thrown in for fun.  Do you like it?

What happens if you don't?

The Bible encourages us, as followers of Jesus, to give everything we do to the Lord.  You can dedicate your class time to Him.  Do every assignment, project, and paper for Jesus.  He can change the way you feel about going to class.  He can help you to begin loving the classes and teachers you have.  Let God help you with this today.

Thundering Waters

4 Kids

Darlene and I went to see Niagara Falls last weekend.  The Native Americans called these falls "Thundering Waters."  The falls are loud and wet and totally awesome!  We saw rainbows painted in the spray from the falls all day long.  Each time I spotted a rainbow I praised God for His promises.  You are probably not at Niagara Falls right now, but if you see a rainbow, stop and praise God for His promises.

Here is a picture of us standing near Horseshoe Falls.  I was amazed that God made such a loud, wet, fun sight for us to enjoy.  You don't have to be at a place like Niagara Falls to enjoy God's creation.  Today I looked out my office window and saw a tree and the cloudy sky.  I was amazed at God's creative work.  Look out your window right now and you can praise God for all that you see.

My Best Friend

For Kids and Others

Here I am in Southern California.  I am teaching at Vanguard University this week.  It has been fun meeting students and talking with new friends.  My best friend, Darlene is back at home.  I miss her.  We have been best friends for almost forty years.  That probably seems like a long time to you.  We like to hold hands while watching movies and walk in the neighborhood together.

Darlene always seems to make me smile.  She is loyal and kind and above all, loves Jesus with all of her heart.  The Bible talks about friends.  In one place it says that bad company corrupts good character.  The friends you hang out with can challenge you to love God more or can drive you away from God.  It is for this reason, you must choose your friends wisely.  Spend time with people who will encourage you to live for God and do what is right.

My friend, Darlene is one of those people.  She reads her Bible every day and loves to pray with me and for me.  I am a better person and closer to God because of her friendship.

I must go now.  It is raining and I am going to lunch.  I'll be looking for a table of Jesus-loving people to share my lunch hour.  Then in a couple of days, I will be back at home with my best friend, Darlene.  Oh, did I mention she is also my wife?

Apple Picking With New Grubers

Here I am apple picking in Pennsylvania.  

We have done this with Aaron, Jenny, and the kids since Caleb was a little guy.

First, we eat lunch.  

A local church group sells hot dogs and drinks to raise money for missions.

Mmmmmm, hot dogs.

We wait with our apple buckets...

...ride the hay ride wagon to the trees of our choice...

... and then...

PICK APPLES!

Some of the apples never make it into the bucket.

But, we always have fun picking apples, 

eating hot dogs, 

sitting on tractors, 

playing with gourds, 

and celebrating harvest time with family.

September is almost over!

September is almost over.  That means autumn is here, Christmas is coming, school has started, and the leaves are fading into hues of rusty color.  The people who make crayons can't come close to the vibrant yellows and oranges I am beginning to see as I walk the neighborhood.  All of creation was designed by God.  As leaves fall off the trees, and corn fields shuck their lively greens in favor of dried out browns, we know that the seasons will fall into winter and then to spring.  Flowers will again bloom and trees will sprout new greenery.  All of nature becomes a lesson in hope.  It tells the story of God's design, His faithfulness, and the new life He provides in Christ.

My wife, Darlene loves to stomp on piles of dry leaves.  Who doesn't?  The crunching sound of leaves under foot is one of her favorite things about autumn.  Think about yours. Is it apple picking with the grandparents?  Is it gathering huge piles of leaves and diving in with total abandonment?  Whatever you enjoy about fall, take time to enjoy God's Word, the Bible.  When the sound of crunching leaves meets your ears, remember that we serve a God of hope.  Spring will come.  All of the world around us reminds us that we can have new life in Christ.

Do you ever feel goofy?

4 Kids

Do you ever feel goofy? I know I do. When it is raining outside and I'm tired of watching TV, I feel goofy. When I haven't had enough sleep and I get together with friends, I feel goofy. When something silly happens and I can't stop laughing, I feel goofy.

I think there are times when we all feel goofy. In the Bible it says that there is a time for everything. Sometimes you are serious and sometimes you are silly. That is okay! What is not okay is being goofy when it is time to be serious. We all have something called, "self control." Self control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and helps us to control our words and actions so that we don't break rules or hurt other people's feelings.

If you are having free-time and being goofy is allowed then get goofy. Jump in the air and dance a jig and laugh your brains out. But if you are feeling goofy and it is time to be quiet and sit still, ask God to give you more self control. I know that, with God's help, you can act the right way at the right time.

I am feeling goofy right now and nobody is around, so I think I'll sing a song and draw a funny picture. Are you feeling goofy? Is it a good time to act out your feelings? If so, have some fun. I know I am going to do just that.

Summer Is Almost Over

4 Kids

Summer has been great! I have spent time with my wife, kids, and grandkids, floated down a lazy creek in Pennsylvania, and helped kids enter a deeper relationship with Christ. I have played golf, caught some fish, and helped a friend install a hardwood floor in his dining room. I have had a nice vacation. Through it all, I never took a vacation from God. He has been by my side all summer. This summer has been busy, but fun.

How was your summer? I hope you had fun doing some of the things that you enjoy doing. It is good to take time to relax. Play is a healthy thing to do. School will begin soon. Play will be limited to recess time, weekends and before and after school. It is important for our bodies and minds to take time to play. It refreshes us for the mental work of school and life.

It is also important to refresh your spirit. The spirit part of you needs time in prayer and reading God's Word, the Bible, each day. Don't limit God to Sundays. He wants to be part of your life each day. Spending time with Him will renew you, refresh you, and help you with the challenges of every day living.

Read your Bible and pray today. Summer is almost over, but God is still interested in every aspect of your life.

Another Day At Camp

4 Kids

It is another day at camp! Darlene and I have been speaking at boys and girls camp a few weeks each summer for 30 years. Today is day 3 of our third of four weeks of camp this summer. Each day is full of fun activities like tubing down the creek, playing in the inflatables, or shooting BB guns or bow and arrows.

Our part comes each morning and evening as we gather with the campers and staff members for service. In the services we use costumed characters, puppets, object lessons, and stories to help the campers grow closer to Jesus. We have fun communicating God's Word to the kids and then responding in prayer to the message of the day.

These last two weeks of camp we are sharing the stage with our son Aaron and his wife Jenny. They are talented children's ministers and we are having a blast! Their children, our grandchildren, Caleb and Ellie are helping too. I have included a couple of pictures of us for you in today's blog.

Remember, you do not have to be at camp to draw closer to God. He promises to draw near to you when you reach out to Him. The Bible says, "Those who seek God early will find Him." Spend some time seeking (praying), and draw near to God today.

Anniversary

4 Kids

Today is my wedding anniversary. That means that on this day, 35 years ago, I married Darlene. Darlene is the love of my life. I am so blessed that God has given me to her. We met in high school and got married young. Some people thought that it wouldn't last. We did one very important thing. We chose to put Jesus in the center of our marriage and relationship. Times haven't always been perfect and we have made our share of mistakes, but Jesus has always been there to guide, help, and direct us. We were just two kids from families that had gone through divorce. But God has kept us together and caused our love for each other to grow.

Jesus wants to help each one walking on planet earth get through this adventure called life. He wants to help you. He will help you in school and at home this summer. Someday, when you are old enough to get married, you can put your trust in Jesus to be the center of your marriage. I know, for those of you younger than 12, I have just grossed you out. Begin today to put Jesus in the center of all of your friendships. Then, when you are old enough to begin looking for that special someone, it will be natural for you to build that relationship with a shared love for Jesus.

It's My Birthday! May 20

4 Kids

Today is my birthday! I spent it in Detroit with Darlene, our daughter Rachel, and her kids. We had fun. I opened presents, went to a garage sale, and had dinner at a special place. The ice cream was great.

In the picture above, I am holding one of my presents. It's a pair of shoes that have every color I need to tell people about Jesus. The dark toes remind us of sin. The red shows us that Jesus died for our sin. The bright white stars remind us that Jesus cleans us from all wrong and the green encourages us to grow in Christ by reading our Bibles, praying, and spending time with other believers. The yellow represents the golden streets of heaven. When we have been forgiven by Jesus, he gives us new life and we can know that we are going to heaven.

I received other gifts too. Birthdays are a time when you celebrate with family and receive gifts. The best gift anyone can receive is new life in Jesus. In the last two weeks, I have seen and spent time with all of our grandkids. This has been the best birthday ever. I love the grandkids and praise God that their parents are living for Jesus and teaching them to love God too. I am proud to be the daddy of godly people who are now sharing Jesus with their own kids.

Those are my birthday thoughts. We have a bunch of cake left over. We'll be eating some tomorrow. I wish I could share it with you. Next time you eat cake, celebrate a birthday, or spend time with your grandpa, remember that Jesus loves you and wants to make your life new.

This Summer

My dad and me with some of my brothers.

4 Kids

Summer is almost here. For me it means driving around the country seeing my wonderful kids and their families. It also means speaking in some boys and girls camps. The best part of all is that I get to spend more time with my fabulous wife, Darlene.

What does summer mean to you? When I was a boy, I got to run around all day and play with my brothers. We did our chores first thing in the morning so that the rest of the day could be ours. Mostly, I just wasted summer.

I want to encourage you to make your summer count for God. I know that you will have some vacation time with your family, but look for ways to serve God and others all summer this year. Maybe you could earn some money to give to missions, or help a neighbor with yard work for free. At the least, you can help around your house. Make this summer fun, but make it count too. I know you can do it. If you want to be great in God's kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.

4 Kids

I can sleep anywhere, anytime. My students have pictures of me sleeping in airports, on buses, in chairs, on couches, and even on a church pew. When I get tired, I lay down and go to sleep. God made our bodies to need rest. You may not be able to fall asleep just any old place, but when sleepy time comes and you go to bed, thank God for a place to rest your head. Kids who play hard need to get enough sleep to renew their strength. Be sure to take times to rest so that you can be more alert and fresh when it's time to play. I must need a bunch of strength because I am feeling sleepy just writing this.

Well, I am going to take another nap now. It is a cool and rainy day outside and there is a couch waiting for me. Have a nice day and remember that Jesus loves you. Oh, by the way, Jesus was sleeping in that boat when the disciples thought the storm would kill them. They had to wake him up to handle the problem. I guess Jesus knew that getting a nap when you can is a good idea. My time's up and the couch looks soft. God bless you until next time. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I don't feel like blogging!

4 Kids

I don't feel like blogging! I would rather fly a kite or fish for bass or even walk in the park. I feel like going to Disney World or swimming in the ocean or picking wild flowers. Maybe I could eat some pizza or mix some pudding with bananas or play with toy cars. I don't feel like blogging! I want to run in the sunshine or swing on a park swing or carve a new walking stick. I feel like stepping outside and screaming at the top of my lungs. I want to spread a thick layer of peanut butter on bread and eat every gooey chewy bite washing it down with fresh ice cold milk. I want to bake cookies with chocolate chips in them arranged so that every cookie has a happy face. I don't feel like blogging!

Maybe I should stop now and run to Starbucks for a flavored latte and a free pastry. Okay, talked me into it. Have a nice day and remember that whatever you find to do, do it with all your heart. Today is the day the Lord has made.

4 Others

Take some time to do what you want today. I little Sabbath time is good for you.

3-2-1-0

4 Kids

Today is one of those special days that rarely comes along on the calendar. March 3, 2010, or 3-2-1-0 is today's date. It is like a countdown day. When I was young, there were many rocket launches happening as America worked at sending people to the moon. I can remember counting down with the guy on TV as different rockets prepared to launch.

Then, my friends and I built model rockets. It was a huge thrill to countdown and watch something we had created fly into the sky at lightning fast speeds. The smoke trail behind each rocket shot up so high that it disappeared. Then we would watch carefully trying to track the rocket as it fell back to earth. Sometimes it would fall onto a roof or into a neighbor's yard or tree. But, it was always FUN!

Maybe you have counted down as you waited for the New Year or for a favorite show to begin on TV. I know you have counted down as the days passed leading up to Christmas, Easter, or even your birthday.

The Bible tells of a countdown that is happening right now. All of time is counting down until one day the trumpet of the Lord will sound and Jesus will return. It will be awesome to watch what happens when that countdown is complete. You can be ready for that special day by trusting Jesus with your life, living for Him, and serving those around you.

That's all for now. Today has been a special day. But, then, every day is a special day when you are living for God. There doesn't even have to be a rocket launch.

Gold Medal Finish

4 Kids

My wife Darlene loves the Winter Olympics. Each night she turns on the TV and I fall asleep as she watches skaters and skiers and other winter olympians competing in Vancouver. As I drift off to sleep, I am amazed at the determination of those who compete. Many of them began practicing when they were very young. Each one follows a very tough schedule of training for his or her sport.

Becoming a gold medal winner takes a great deal of time and effort. God has called each one of us to be strong finishers in the race called life. We can run the race of life and win with His help. It will take time in prayer and study of his Word, the Bible. Our spiritual and mental muscles will need to be trained on a daily basis so that when big turns or hard landings come, we can press on to the finish.

The next time you watch Olympics or any sporting event on TV, remember to train for your eternal gold medal finish.

4 Others

Read what I wrote for kids and do it.

Another Snow Day

4 Kids

When I was a boy, I loved snow days. When my brothers and I heard that school was cancelled due to snow, we howled with joy. The day suddenly carried with it endless possibilities. we could play, read, watch TV, or even create something new with paint or clay. I woke up this morning to a bright sun-filled sky. There is not a cloud in sight. But, the weather lady on TV says snow is coming. In fact, she says the we may get 12-20 inches of snow beginning at 4:00 this afternoon. That means tomorrow will be another snow day.

I can hardly wait. First, I get to see a beautiful snowfall. Then, I get to spend the day with Darlene, my wife. We could cook new recipes, watch a movie together, play some Wii Sports, or make a snowman. There are endless possibilities.

It makes me think that everyday is like a snow day. Oh, school and work are not called off, but each day is full of possibilities. Some time is planned for you, but the rest of the time you make decisions about what to do or where to go. Today will be a day of endless possibilities for you. It may not snow, but you can choose to do right. You can create, play, or even tell others about God's great love. Make the most of this day and every day. Then, when you get to have another snow day, you will already be in the habit of making wise choices.

4 Others

Last weekend we had more than 20 inches of snow in our area. The airport recorded 28.5 inches. That's a bunch of snow! Today and tomorrow we will be getting another 12-20 inches of snow. If the weather report is accurate, tomorrow will be another snow day. I am excited. Not so much about missing classes, but about the possibilities such a day presents. I am determined to redeem the time. I want this snow day to be a day of good choices and great memories.

As I write this, I think, "Why not make every day a day of good choices and great memories?" I know that there is something extra special about snow days. But isn't there something extra special about every day? I encourage you to pray today. Seek God's will for your day's activities. He will direct your steps.

Firsts

4 Kids

It is a new year. I saw the first snow, ate my first burger, watched my first TV show, and put on my shoes for the first time this year. Every time a new year comes, the first few days are full of firsts.

But which firsts are important? How long was the new year new before you first opened your Bible and read, said a prayer, or helped somebody? Perhaps for the first time in your life you will get to help in church, share God's love, or pray for somebody and watch as God heals them.

When you were a little baby, your parents watched as you grew your first tooth, took your first step, or said, "daddy," for the first time. These firsts got them all excited. Imagine how excited they will be when they witness firsts in your life of faith this year.

This year, put Jesus first in your life. Look for ways that you can serve him. Your life may be on the verge of another first. The good thing is that a first is just a beginning. When you first share Christ with a friend or relative, God opens the doors for you to continue to share again and again. If there is a first, then you can move on to the second and third and so on.

I taught my first class of 2010 today. Now I can move on to teaching the second and third and so on. I look forward to all of the times I will get to be with Jesus while reading my Bible and praying. It is already January twelfth. I am way past the firsts when it comes to time with God. I trust you are too. But, if not, don't get upset. Take some time right now to have a first with Jesus. He promises to be near to all of those who take that first step to be near to Him.

4 Others

Read the 4 Kids part and do it.

Worried? More Snow

4 Kids

I am in Nashville, TN. Everyone says it is going to snow here tonight. Some are worried that they will not be able to fly out tomorrow. God teaches us in His Word to trust in Him. We are not supposed to worry about things like snow storms or travel plans. We should always just trust Him.

You kids know that even adult Christians sometimes get worried about things. If you see that your parents are worried about something, pray for them. If you are worried, ask your parents and/or friends to pray for you.

4 Others

More snow! Snow in PA before Christmas. Snow in NE and Iowa at Christmas. Now snow threats in Nashville, TN. I haven't experienced snow like this in my life since moving from Minnesota eight years ago. I love it! Is it a bother? Sometimes, yes. Does it rearrange my plans? It can. Am I worried? No way!!! This is an adventure in life and I plan on experiencing it to the full.

On Monday, I was waiting for a flight at the Washington Reagan Airport. While there, the power went out. For over an hour there was no power, no flights, lights, or news. People around me were freaked out. Some thought it was a terrorist attack. I praised God, read, and relished the adventure. I arrived later that day in Nashville. I was tired and late, but I was alive and God was with me. He is faithful. He is with us. If you find yourself in the middle of an adventure, look to Jesus. He will bless and comfort you.