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.

4 Kids

It is Christmas! I am in Iowa with my daughter Sarah, her husband Tim, Asher and little baby Eva. I put a picture of them up above for you to see. We didn't have church today because of the snow storm. We did watch a puppet chapel video and played in the snow. I took this picture of a Christmas tree out in a field. I thought you would like it. I pray that you have had a very nice Christmas and that you remember all that Jesus did when He came to earth.

4 Others

It is still snowing. The wind is blowing. The snow if drifting. My son-in-law Tim just came in from shoveling again. We thanks God for a warm house, hot turkey dinner, and family to spend Christmas with. When flying here, I talked to a young soldier who was going home to spend Christmas with family before shipping out overseas. I have been praying for him. At this time when we are so blessed, remember to pray for those that are suffering or serving that we might live in freedom. God bless you this Christmas and give you wisdom when sharing that blessing.

I love the snow!

4 Kids

I love the snow. When I was a kid, we used to dig tunnels in the snow, build snow forts, and go sledding. We just had a big snow storm. Allot of adults got all upset about it. The streets were hard to drive on and the whole city slowed down. I liked it. The Bible says, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they will be whiter than snow. Every time it snows, I am reminded of the great sacrifice Jesus made so that we could be saved from sin. Have a great Christmas and if it is white, thank God.

4 Others

We did Christmas on Saturday with Aaron and Tim and their wives and kids because Darlene and I are going to spend Christmas with our daughter Sarah and her family. We had a record setting snow storm here on Saturday. 23 inches in Philly. I think we only had about fifteen to twenty inches in my neighborhood. The wind was supposed to come in and drift it, but we escaped that. I loved the snow. The neighborhood looked like God threw glitter on it. I got to serve my neighbors by snow blowing the ends of their driveways. What a blast! I am doing final packing for our trip. Got to go. Have a blessed Christmas. Did I mention that I love the snow?

The Shoes

4 Kids

Hi! First, I want to wish you a very merry Christmas. Kids call me PG. That stands for Pastor Gruber. When I was a children's pastor in Minnesota, two girls started calling me PG as a joke. Others picked it up and I have been called that ever since. I wear red Chuck Taylor high tops everywhere I go. I do have other colors that I wear, but most people know me for the red ones.

My office is even decorated with high tops. I am pretty sure someone will get me a new pair for Christmas.

So now you know, I am PG and I wear red shoes. These are both ways you can identify me. Another way is that I love Jesus and live for Him. I trust that at this Christmas time, you will be identified as a believer in Jesus. Sure, people identify you by your name or the kind of shoes you wear, but wouldn't it be nice if they also knew you were a Christian? Show that you love Jesus by serving others, obeying your parents, and playing nice. Some kids only do those kinds of things in order to get better presents on Christmas day. I know that you can live right just because you love Jesus.

4 Others

This year, at our faculty Christmas dinner, our college president and his dear wife gave everybody a high top Christmas ornament. (Each year they give us an ornament representing a place they have visited or something special that has happened at the school that year.) The high top was to remind everybody that our first Master's degree was awarded this year. Why the high top? Because I was the student that earned that degree. How cool is that? We all have a cute little high top as a memorial to this achievement. I am blessed.

The ornaments given each year have become a tradition among our faculty and staff. Christmas is a time when families, churches, and businesses practice a variety of traditions. Everything from sleigh rides to bonuses to acting out the Christmas story before opening presents is represented in these traditions. Before you get wrapped up in the tinsel of the day, stop and think about your traditions. Perhaps this is a good year to start a new one. Or maybe you should just reinforce the value of the long-standing ones. God bless you and your family this Christmas.

A shout out to Miss Maggie who is home from Africa for Christmas. God bless.

PG

Ah, Christmas

Our Daughter Sarah and Eva Marie

4 Kids and Others

Ah, Christmas. It is a time of excitement that far outweighs any other time of year. As the day approaches the excitement builds. For most it is simply excitement about giving and receiving gifts. There is much more to Christmas than that. Christmas is the celebration of God's great love for us. He loved you so much that He sent His one and only Son to this earth.

The Baby Jesus grew and lived just like you. He was tempted to do wrong, but never did. One day about 33 years after He was born, Jesus died on a cross for all of our sin. He was rich but became poor so that we also might be rich. I once heard somebody say, "Jesus came to this place, to take our place, so that we could go to His place."

Some would say that there are just 16 more shopping days until Christmas. I would say that you can celebrate Christmas every day. Jesus can be your Savior and friend. When you open presents this Christmas, think about opening the greatest gift of all. The Bible says that this gift is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. You open this by admitting you have done wrong, asking God to forgive you, and accepting Jesus as your Savior and Friend. Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.

I am also excited about visiting my children and grandchildren via Skype and in person. Sarah and her Husband, Tim just had a baby girl. Her name is Eva Marie and she is a beauty.

Merry Christmas.

Thanks-Living

4 Kids

Look for ways to live for God by serving others today. In children's church we talked about moving from a "Me" attitude to a "We" attitude. When you can learn to look beyond yourself and serve others you will be more content with who and where you are. The next time you see a Wii game system think, "It's not about me, it's about we."

4 Others

It's Monday and the leaves are clustered in gloopy piles around the yards. Still others remain clinging to their last hope as winter arrives with it's chilly fingers plucking them one by one from almost barren branches. I miss the crunchy time of just a couple of weeks ago when stepping on leaves made that distinctive crackle and crunch that calls out for us to stomp like little kids. Now the crunch is gone and leaves stick with soppy wetness to my shoes.

It's Thanksgiving week and I can't help but think that God looks for daily thanks. With Him, thanksgiving is not to be an annual event but rather a daily discipline. We are to be "thanks-livers." Darlene and I will make all of the traditional foods. This year we are adding Puerto Rican fare as well. Six to eight students are coming over along with our sons and their families. Holidays like this tug at my heart as I want to see all of my kids and grandkids. God knows when we will be with each other again. He is trustworthy and will fill any void left by those who are far away.

It has been a year since dad died. I received word right at Thanksgiving. We flew to Omaha for his funeral. I miss him. I miss his calls checking on my arrival after each ministry trip. I miss the gleam in his eye that I only see now in my grandchildren. It is a gleam of wonder at the world and a gleam of mischievousness that warns of impending creativity. I miss praying with dad and reading scripture with him. That's all for now. The good news is that grandpa Bob is sitting in the grandstands of heaven as part of that great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. He cheers us on this Thanksgiving as we continue our faith walk.

Bad Sausage-Good Day

4 Kids

Had a blah morning. I wasn't feeling well, so I prayed. God has been helping me feel better. When you are sick or hurt, God will help you too. He's really good at this. He's been doing it a long time.

4 Others

I went to brekky with Josh Torres this morning and must have ate some bad sausage. No worries. It came up again within the hour. Isn't it great that God made our bodies to reject the bad like that? I know, feeling sick is a bummer. I drove home feeling like I was still going to hurl, but it didn't happen. So I slept for a while and Tim and Brit came over. Tim showed me how to Tweet. I'm on Twitter at here.

My Facebook Friend

4 Kids

Hey kids! Did you know that God has your profile on his Facebook page? Every boy or girl who has said yes to Jesus' friend request has their names written in his book of life. Jesus wants all children to be his friends, be forgiven, and spend eternity at his big sleep-over in heaven. You can say yes to Jesus today. Read more about this in the Bible.

4 Others

I went to Facebook today. I haven't been there since mid-summer. I only had 229 friend requests. I said yes to a bunch of them. I said not to those I couldn't remember. At my age that is a whole bunch. If you are out there and made a friend request, got rejected by me, and are plotting revenge right now, relax. Don't take it so seriously. I just couldn't remember. Either that or I hit the wrong button. Sorry. God has requested that you become his friend. He is waiting for your reply. Today would be a good day to say yes.

We went to Star Wars the Concert last weekend in Philly. It was incredible! Lights, fog. an orchestra, choir and Anthony Daniels. A good time was had by all. Two hours of overstimulation was just what I needed. LOL

Other than that, the sun is shining and God is still good. Have a great day.