My Most Memorable Moments in Peoria This Week
24 August 2012
1. Matt and Andy Cieslak
Matt and Andy blessed us by helping us move lots of stuff to Peoria to Joe and Grace's new apartment. Since we were gone the week before, it took away our stress by not having to figure out a rental van/truck.
2. We win!
Matt and Andy left two hours before we did. We beat them to the apartment by 5 minutes (and we took our time). Too many Starbucks stops for them!
3. First United Methodist Church of Peoria
This is the church Joe is the "Director of Contemporary Worship Arts." The place is huge and it is a downtown church that has deliberately stayed downtown, right next to some of the worst of the worst. It is a mainline church that has stayed true to its original message - to love God - and to love your neighbor - which they actively do. I am impressed.
4. The Vandervoorns
This couple took Joe and Grace in for a few weeks before they got into their apartment. They are a great generous couple. Lauri was Grace's connection for the school position. John is your typical Dutchman who has a scuba diving business. These two are complete opposites and are a blast to be with. I hope we get to spend more time with them.
5. Morton, IL
This is the school district for which Grace has the teaching position. It is called the pumpkin capital of the world - and here all this time, I thought it was Clarence, NY. The one thing I find disappointing about the school is that the teams are called the Morton Potters. Just what does that mean? I am afraid to guess...
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
26 June 2011
Reggie!
Reggie Sanders died a few weeks ago.
I have only known Reggie for a year. I have only had three contacts with him during the year. And yet I feel as if I have lost my dearest friend.
When I heard Reggie had died from a heart attack, I crumpled to my knees for I knew the body of Christ had lost a great warrior.
Reggie loved Dawn. In fact, I can’t say I have ever observed a husband that loved a woman as well as he loved his wife. I found it a bit annoying, because he was so much better at it than I am. He kept raising the bar for the rest of us.
Drat that man!
Bless that man!
Reggie encouraged me. That annoyed me too. He was so good at it. There was not a discouraging bone in his body. He always called me “The Apostle Paul.” It made me feel special. And it occurred to me today that I won’t hear that again, since in heaven that title truly belongs to someone else.
Reggie Sanders died a few weeks ago. And I cried. And I continue to cry. But it in no way diminishes the confident hope that is mine.
Reggie lives.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
John 11.25 (ESV)
I have only known Reggie for a year. I have only had three contacts with him during the year. And yet I feel as if I have lost my dearest friend.
When I heard Reggie had died from a heart attack, I crumpled to my knees for I knew the body of Christ had lost a great warrior.
Reggie loved Dawn. In fact, I can’t say I have ever observed a husband that loved a woman as well as he loved his wife. I found it a bit annoying, because he was so much better at it than I am. He kept raising the bar for the rest of us.
Drat that man!
Bless that man!
Reggie encouraged me. That annoyed me too. He was so good at it. There was not a discouraging bone in his body. He always called me “The Apostle Paul.” It made me feel special. And it occurred to me today that I won’t hear that again, since in heaven that title truly belongs to someone else.
Reggie Sanders died a few weeks ago. And I cried. And I continue to cry. But it in no way diminishes the confident hope that is mine.
Reggie lives.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
John 11.25 (ESV)
12 September 2010
Pops!
On 10 Sep 10, I became a grandfather.
My first thought about this is that I am far too young, but when I look in the mirror, it does appear I am suited for the job. My bald head, gray hair, and somewhat paunchy waist bear a stunning resemblance to the grandfathers in my past.
My second thought is grandfatherhood didn't happen the way I had anticipated. I understand that some will struggle with my struggle, but I had hoped that all my grandchildren would be produced from committed married relationships. It hasn't. I believe my daughter and her boyfriend have made it harder on themselves, but I do hope they will endeavor to make a home where our grandson will know the blessing of a committed marriage and loving parents.
My third thought is about opportunity. Once again, God's purpose for me as a disciple maker is front and center. It is my hope that our grandson will be influenced by the example of his grandparents. It is my prayer that he will see Jesus in us and want a relationship with Him too.
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11.1, ESV)
So I am off...off to be "Pops"...off to another new adventure...off to make a difference for God's kingdom.
My first thought about this is that I am far too young, but when I look in the mirror, it does appear I am suited for the job. My bald head, gray hair, and somewhat paunchy waist bear a stunning resemblance to the grandfathers in my past.
My second thought is grandfatherhood didn't happen the way I had anticipated. I understand that some will struggle with my struggle, but I had hoped that all my grandchildren would be produced from committed married relationships. It hasn't. I believe my daughter and her boyfriend have made it harder on themselves, but I do hope they will endeavor to make a home where our grandson will know the blessing of a committed marriage and loving parents.
My third thought is about opportunity. Once again, God's purpose for me as a disciple maker is front and center. It is my hope that our grandson will be influenced by the example of his grandparents. It is my prayer that he will see Jesus in us and want a relationship with Him too.
"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11.1, ESV)
So I am off...off to be "Pops"...off to another new adventure...off to make a difference for God's kingdom.
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