OK, I confess. I have finally grown tired of living out of a suitcase. I have grown weary of packing and repacking the trunk. My hanging clothes in the back seat look like rejects from the dry cleaners and I have stuff in bags that I cannot find. The vagabond life is fun but there has to be a better way to handle all the "stuff" that you have and that you accumulate during 3 months on the road. When we get to Florida (probably on Saturday night) it will be good to unpack everything and organize it better than it is. This has been the longest stint with everything still in the car (or at least major portions of it) during the Sabbatical. Ah, if only the van hadn't been in such bad shape. It would have made the traveling portion much easier!
I have learned how to get along with much less than what I do at home. It is amazing how much stuff we have that we really don't need. I have managed to get along without all the extras that seem to crowd our lives. Maybe there is something to this simpler lifestyle idea after all. It is good not to be in the "rat race" to accumulate more stuff.
What can you do without? What has become too necessary to you? If you stepped back, what could you live just fine without? Jesus managed 3 years without a t.v., computer, car, wardrobe, living room furniture, and deodorant. Maybe the simpler life will make our lives, well, simpler to manage, live, and enjoy. Think about it.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Growing Up
Everyone wants to grow up when they are little. Just ask a child how old they are and they will increase their age by 1/4, 1/2, or "almost". When you are being treated as a child you want to be seen as an adult. At my Uncle Warren's funeral I mentioned all the times Susan (Warren and Margi's daughter) and I would have to sit at the "children's table" because their wasn't enough room at the "adult's table". Every teenager wants to be an adult and, more importantly, be treated as an adult. However, growing up is hard to do.
Both my boys are going through the joys and pains of becoming an adult. Joel is dealing with visas, loans, foreign currency and going overseas. Jonathan is dealing with blown head caskets (Sorry Doug, but the car motor is now shot and will be taken to be sold for parts), new motors, paying for classes, and setting up a new apartment in Indianapolis. In addition, both are having to do all the preparations for a wedding (Joel's is passed but...) and the joys of transitioning between being single and married. And neither of them has enough money to do any of the things they are preparing to do. Do you ever have enough money to do the things you are preparing to do? I think not.
No matter how you slice it, growing up is hard to do. As a father my natural instinct is to jump in and try and save the both of them. That is neither wise nor feasible. Everyone has to face these trials. They never come easy when you are the adult and have to make the final decision. Everyone may wish to be an adult, but there are some times it is just plain tough to grow up. I thank God that I am an adult and have gone through these trials. I sure wouldn't want to go through them again. Now I get to revert back to my childhood. I think I'll go play some games on the computer. Ha! Take that adulthood!
Both my boys are going through the joys and pains of becoming an adult. Joel is dealing with visas, loans, foreign currency and going overseas. Jonathan is dealing with blown head caskets (Sorry Doug, but the car motor is now shot and will be taken to be sold for parts), new motors, paying for classes, and setting up a new apartment in Indianapolis. In addition, both are having to do all the preparations for a wedding (Joel's is passed but...) and the joys of transitioning between being single and married. And neither of them has enough money to do any of the things they are preparing to do. Do you ever have enough money to do the things you are preparing to do? I think not.
No matter how you slice it, growing up is hard to do. As a father my natural instinct is to jump in and try and save the both of them. That is neither wise nor feasible. Everyone has to face these trials. They never come easy when you are the adult and have to make the final decision. Everyone may wish to be an adult, but there are some times it is just plain tough to grow up. I thank God that I am an adult and have gone through these trials. I sure wouldn't want to go through them again. Now I get to revert back to my childhood. I think I'll go play some games on the computer. Ha! Take that adulthood!
Monday, July 25, 2005
Being Refreshed
After a week of intense activity surrounding Joel's wedding, Joanie and I spent a day doing, well, nothing-just getting refreshed. There is a great deal that goes on when you do "nothing". For instance, today I got up around 9:00 or so. That meant that I got about 7 or 8 hours of sleep (we went out last night and ate a late dinner and caught an even later movie - one that ended around midnight). After getting less than 4 hours sleep the previous two nights and then driving 5 hours + to get back to Indiana, I was very tired. So, after checking emails and doing some reading and basic work on the computer, I took a nap. Is there anything more refreshing than a nap? What a joy. Don't tell me that doing "nothing" is not enjoyable!
After getting up from my nap I read about fantasy football. Ah, what a joy. It's almost football season. Players are reporting to summer camp. Preseason games are on the horizon. And the Fantasy Football Draft in fast approaching (If any of the folks who play Fantasy Football are reading, Draft Day is planned for Labor Day Monday). Fantasy Football has become a wonderful diversion from the hustle and bustle of ministry over the years. It may seem like nothing to read about football, but it refreshes me.
Doing nothing is what rejuvenate the body - we call it sleep. It refreshes the soul. As a matter of fact, the body requires what is called REM sleep. Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is the deepest part of sleep that we enter just prior to waking up. While sleeping (i.e. "Doing nothing") our bodies are active and are refreshed by doing REM sleep. It seems that "doing nothing" is really doing something. Today, Joanie's Dad spent the day in bed. He wasn't feeling well. He had a cough, sore throat, and the general "blahs". Said he took a nap and got some extra rest. When we saw him this afternoon, we asked him if he was feeling better after his nap. He said he was. We didn't asked if he enjoyed "doing nothing". We knew that rest is not really doing nothing. It is providing health to body, soul and mind. It's not that taking a Sabbatical is doing nothing. It's just that doing "nothing" helps refresh the soul. It's kind of like taking a nap. You wake up refreshed and ready to go. I feel like I am waking up from a long nap. I have begun to feel refreshed. I feel like I am about ready to go.
After getting up from my nap I read about fantasy football. Ah, what a joy. It's almost football season. Players are reporting to summer camp. Preseason games are on the horizon. And the Fantasy Football Draft in fast approaching (If any of the folks who play Fantasy Football are reading, Draft Day is planned for Labor Day Monday). Fantasy Football has become a wonderful diversion from the hustle and bustle of ministry over the years. It may seem like nothing to read about football, but it refreshes me.
Doing nothing is what rejuvenate the body - we call it sleep. It refreshes the soul. As a matter of fact, the body requires what is called REM sleep. Rapid Eye Movement (REM) is the deepest part of sleep that we enter just prior to waking up. While sleeping (i.e. "Doing nothing") our bodies are active and are refreshed by doing REM sleep. It seems that "doing nothing" is really doing something. Today, Joanie's Dad spent the day in bed. He wasn't feeling well. He had a cough, sore throat, and the general "blahs". Said he took a nap and got some extra rest. When we saw him this afternoon, we asked him if he was feeling better after his nap. He said he was. We didn't asked if he enjoyed "doing nothing". We knew that rest is not really doing nothing. It is providing health to body, soul and mind. It's not that taking a Sabbatical is doing nothing. It's just that doing "nothing" helps refresh the soul. It's kind of like taking a nap. You wake up refreshed and ready to go. I feel like I am waking up from a long nap. I have begun to feel refreshed. I feel like I am about ready to go.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Transitions
I cannot begin to tell what this week has been like. My youngest son is married and off on his honeymoon and I am writing this blog from the apartment that Jonathan and Maria have rented for themselves once they get married on August 27th. Jonathan made the comment tonight at dinner that he is now the only Frymire unmarried! Five weeks and that will no longer be true.
Joel's wedding was a wonderful day. In spite of raindrops and thunderstorms, power outages and misplaced jewelry, nervous brides and strange VFW women, the wedding and reception went off without a hitch. Mark and Debbie Klecka are wonderful people who have raised an incredible daughter who is now my daughter-in-law. They have marvelous children at home that were incredibly impressive with their politeness, gentle spirits and gracious hospitality. We were blessed to stay with them and receive their friendship and fellowship.
Imagine, my baby boy is now married. He was so impressive during the ceremony. Strong vows said with incredible conviction; mammoth tears as his Grandfather talked of having a great cloud of witnesses that look upon us (Hebrews 11) and that the crowd now included his Grandmother; joyous laughter as he received from Micah a stone from Fresno - taken from just outside the classroom where they first met more than a decade ago. Under enormous pressure to plan a wedding, finish the last of his undergraduate classes, apply for loans and visas to go to England, and pack up a house and move it to Illinois for storage, Joel was the consummate gentleman and sweet soul. He is married. What God has ordained has now come to pass. And one of my commitments to God has been completed.
When my sons were young (we didn't quite have the chance to do this with Doug) I made a commitment to God. I promised God that I would raise them to the best of my ability; that I would teach them about God and try and give them a good Christian example that would influence them for Christ (I said that very thing at both their dedications); I committed my resources to their education and fulfilled a commitment started by my father to pay for their college tuition (we still have a few payments left - any donations are always appreciated!); and to prepare them to be men who would honor their mother and learn how to treat their wives. This commitment is now complete with Joel and in 5 weeks will be fulfilled with Jonathan. God has been faithful. He has honored my vow. He has blessed my family. I am grateful to serve a God who can do such things. Amen and amen.
Joel's wedding was a wonderful day. In spite of raindrops and thunderstorms, power outages and misplaced jewelry, nervous brides and strange VFW women, the wedding and reception went off without a hitch. Mark and Debbie Klecka are wonderful people who have raised an incredible daughter who is now my daughter-in-law. They have marvelous children at home that were incredibly impressive with their politeness, gentle spirits and gracious hospitality. We were blessed to stay with them and receive their friendship and fellowship.
Imagine, my baby boy is now married. He was so impressive during the ceremony. Strong vows said with incredible conviction; mammoth tears as his Grandfather talked of having a great cloud of witnesses that look upon us (Hebrews 11) and that the crowd now included his Grandmother; joyous laughter as he received from Micah a stone from Fresno - taken from just outside the classroom where they first met more than a decade ago. Under enormous pressure to plan a wedding, finish the last of his undergraduate classes, apply for loans and visas to go to England, and pack up a house and move it to Illinois for storage, Joel was the consummate gentleman and sweet soul. He is married. What God has ordained has now come to pass. And one of my commitments to God has been completed.
When my sons were young (we didn't quite have the chance to do this with Doug) I made a commitment to God. I promised God that I would raise them to the best of my ability; that I would teach them about God and try and give them a good Christian example that would influence them for Christ (I said that very thing at both their dedications); I committed my resources to their education and fulfilled a commitment started by my father to pay for their college tuition (we still have a few payments left - any donations are always appreciated!); and to prepare them to be men who would honor their mother and learn how to treat their wives. This commitment is now complete with Joel and in 5 weeks will be fulfilled with Jonathan. God has been faithful. He has honored my vow. He has blessed my family. I am grateful to serve a God who can do such things. Amen and amen.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Courage
We often misuse the word courage. We apply it in sports events or public life. We deem people courageous for telling the truth or undergoing public or newspaper scrutiny. Courage has become a catchword for doing the right thing. I can't help but wonder if doing the right thing should be a matter of conviction and belief rather than a matter of courage. Courage is something quite different, I think.
Courage is taking your convictions and beliefs and being willing to put everything you have on the line for them. We met some friends of ours back in May at a movie theater (The Simpson's). They were getting ready to go to Romania to become missionaries. They have been lay leaders in their congregation. Now, they are putting everything they have and are on the line. I listened to one of the presentations at Campmeeting this year. It was a recognition of missionaries Stan and Marion Hoffman. They have spent their lives in Africa sharing the gospel with thousands and tens of thousands. They have been in the midst of civil war and been surrounded by revolutionaries with guns pointed at them. They have not only survived countless attacks but have flourished in their ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit. They have returned to the North America but have left their children and grandchildren behind to carry on the work of the Lord. Their book, "Amid Perils Often" is a powerful story of courage and faith.
As I stood on the battlefield at Gettysburg I looked out over an area that held 175,000 men who
fought against one another. Most fought for ideals, beliefs, convictions. These convictions were so powerful that they raced at each other with abandon and sacrificed their lives for the cause. The picture at the right is a picture of one corner of The Wheatfield at Gettysburg. It is the area in the distance that has yellow flowers blooming across it. It was written that you could walk across The Wheatfield at the end of the battle and never touch the ground, because there were so many dead bodies lying there. The other picture is Joanie standing at the top of the ridge that made up the left flank of the Union army on Little Round Top. Confederate soldiers stormed this spot coming from the trees that are behind her in a failed attempt to come up the ridge and secure the high ground for the South. At the height of the battle, the Union soldiers 
holding this position, led by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, were out of ammunition. The Alabama regiments of General Longstreets Corps were about to charge again. Chamberlain ordered his men, the 20th Maine, to fix bayonets and charge down the hill. In a feat of courage seldom matched in a battle filled with courageous moments, the men charged down the hill, sacrificing life and limb, and turned the tide. The Union won the day. What courage! Not fake courage or supposed courage. Real courage. Like the men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, they put their lives on the line for what they believed. That is courage. Let us not misuse the word.
Courage is taking your convictions and beliefs and being willing to put everything you have on the line for them. We met some friends of ours back in May at a movie theater (The Simpson's). They were getting ready to go to Romania to become missionaries. They have been lay leaders in their congregation. Now, they are putting everything they have and are on the line. I listened to one of the presentations at Campmeeting this year. It was a recognition of missionaries Stan and Marion Hoffman. They have spent their lives in Africa sharing the gospel with thousands and tens of thousands. They have been in the midst of civil war and been surrounded by revolutionaries with guns pointed at them. They have not only survived countless attacks but have flourished in their ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit. They have returned to the North America but have left their children and grandchildren behind to carry on the work of the Lord. Their book, "Amid Perils Often" is a powerful story of courage and faith.
As I stood on the battlefield at Gettysburg I looked out over an area that held 175,000 men who
fought against one another. Most fought for ideals, beliefs, convictions. These convictions were so powerful that they raced at each other with abandon and sacrificed their lives for the cause. The picture at the right is a picture of one corner of The Wheatfield at Gettysburg. It is the area in the distance that has yellow flowers blooming across it. It was written that you could walk across The Wheatfield at the end of the battle and never touch the ground, because there were so many dead bodies lying there. The other picture is Joanie standing at the top of the ridge that made up the left flank of the Union army on Little Round Top. Confederate soldiers stormed this spot coming from the trees that are behind her in a failed attempt to come up the ridge and secure the high ground for the South. At the height of the battle, the Union soldiers 
holding this position, led by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, were out of ammunition. The Alabama regiments of General Longstreets Corps were about to charge again. Chamberlain ordered his men, the 20th Maine, to fix bayonets and charge down the hill. In a feat of courage seldom matched in a battle filled with courageous moments, the men charged down the hill, sacrificing life and limb, and turned the tide. The Union won the day. What courage! Not fake courage or supposed courage. Real courage. Like the men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, they put their lives on the line for what they believed. That is courage. Let us not misuse the word.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
A Week Like No Other
This will be a week like no other in our lives as parents. This week our youngest son will be married. It seems hard to believe. I remember that we brought him home from the birthing center just hours after he was born. How long ago was that? Last week? Two weeks ago? Where have the years gone?
I know exactly where they have gone. They have gone into countless books we have read together. To games and plays that I attended just to watch with pride the grand development of a brilliant and gentle young man. The years were spent visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Tampa; in countless trips to Anderson for Campmeeting and college; playing police officers in my office in Florida; times spent in the basement in New Albany; years spent around the table in Fresno playing games; and one glorious Saturday morning eating breakfast with a hundred other Boosters and knowing that all my sons where there and Boosters together.
I know exactly where they went. They have gone into trips back and forth to school and off to practices and rehearsals; in times at McDonald's and happy meals played with; in collecting comic books and X-Box games; reading in the car; decorating Christmas Trees; cooking together in the kitchen; in the joy of watching his face on Christmas morning for, even today, he has never lost the joy of Christmas in his heart.
I know exactly where they went. They were spent in all night vigils in the hospital; in gathering around the bed as Grandma "slipped the surly bonds of earth"; in tears of pain and hugs of healing; in Graduation celebrations and Red Barn plays; in Byrum Hall glory and Chorale magnificence; in kisses that chase away the darkness and bind us with a love no distance can break; in moving from buzz cuts to fades and from glasses to contacts; in one last trip together to Illinois with a truck full of what you own as you store it away and get ready for your life ahead with Shafali.
I know exactly where they went. They went into all the dinners I bought for the mountain of friendships he made over the years. They went to meeting countless friends he has made in his life. They went to all the times he made me laugh with joy at his improv troupe or his comedic acting. They went into the dedication service when he was but a baby and I placed him into the arms of God. They went into communion shared, baptism witness, prayers at the altar, and worshiping the Lord together.
I know exactly where they went. I just wish I could do them all over again. Except, I know the years ahead will forge just as many memories as the ones behind. And if I have to choose I choose the future. For there is no limit to what God can do with a young man whose heart is yielded to God and whose spirit is touched by His hand. Wherever the years have gone, God has given more ahead. God bless you, Joel. If you and Shafali have half the blessings in your life that you Mother and I have experienced in raising you, then your life will be full and filled with the kind of joy that one can only hope for. I love you, son. Have a great week.
I know exactly where they have gone. They have gone into countless books we have read together. To games and plays that I attended just to watch with pride the grand development of a brilliant and gentle young man. The years were spent visiting Grandma and Grandpa in Tampa; in countless trips to Anderson for Campmeeting and college; playing police officers in my office in Florida; times spent in the basement in New Albany; years spent around the table in Fresno playing games; and one glorious Saturday morning eating breakfast with a hundred other Boosters and knowing that all my sons where there and Boosters together.
I know exactly where they went. They have gone into trips back and forth to school and off to practices and rehearsals; in times at McDonald's and happy meals played with; in collecting comic books and X-Box games; reading in the car; decorating Christmas Trees; cooking together in the kitchen; in the joy of watching his face on Christmas morning for, even today, he has never lost the joy of Christmas in his heart.
I know exactly where they went. They were spent in all night vigils in the hospital; in gathering around the bed as Grandma "slipped the surly bonds of earth"; in tears of pain and hugs of healing; in Graduation celebrations and Red Barn plays; in Byrum Hall glory and Chorale magnificence; in kisses that chase away the darkness and bind us with a love no distance can break; in moving from buzz cuts to fades and from glasses to contacts; in one last trip together to Illinois with a truck full of what you own as you store it away and get ready for your life ahead with Shafali.
I know exactly where they went. They went into all the dinners I bought for the mountain of friendships he made over the years. They went to meeting countless friends he has made in his life. They went to all the times he made me laugh with joy at his improv troupe or his comedic acting. They went into the dedication service when he was but a baby and I placed him into the arms of God. They went into communion shared, baptism witness, prayers at the altar, and worshiping the Lord together.
I know exactly where they went. I just wish I could do them all over again. Except, I know the years ahead will forge just as many memories as the ones behind. And if I have to choose I choose the future. For there is no limit to what God can do with a young man whose heart is yielded to God and whose spirit is touched by His hand. Wherever the years have gone, God has given more ahead. God bless you, Joel. If you and Shafali have half the blessings in your life that you Mother and I have experienced in raising you, then your life will be full and filled with the kind of joy that one can only hope for. I love you, son. Have a great week.
Love forever,
Dad
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Activity and Rest
If the purpose of a Sabbatical is to rest and be renewed, then I think I can call this Sabbatical an unqualified success. We had a wonderful week with my brother Toby (at right) and his wife Linda. In the course of things, I got to spend some significant time with my other brother Scott (at left) and his three children. And for the first time in several decades I got to see my brother Toby's three grown children. What a joy! We ate well, slept late, saw and experienced much, reminisced for hours and days, saw other members of the family, and enjoyed it all. Just a few
glimpses:- We went to the Constitution Center in Philadelphia and saw a wonderful presentation about the Constitution. We spent hours looking around the exhibit hall seeing and reading about the history of the Constitutional Convention and the history of the Constitution itself. The picture at the left is the only place in the Constitution Exhibit Hall where taking pictures is allowed. It is in a room with life size bronze statues of the signers of the Constitutional Convention were displayed. Joanie and I got ours
with the president of the Convention - Guess Who? That's right, George Washington. His 6'4" stature easily outdistanced himself from everyone else in the room. We could have spent many hours going through the hall. We tried to go and see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, but the lines were too long and we had already seen them on previous trips when we lived in Pennsylvania. We did get a few shots of Independence Hall, however. - A Phillies Game with fireworks going off directly over our heads (even the paper casings were falling on our heads - it was amazing), Dinner with the whole family (we wished our boys could have been there but Toby, Linda and Scott are coming to Jonathan's wedding in August) at the place where Toby and Linda met 25 years ago, visits with family members, my Uncle Warren's funeral, a visit to the cemetary where my parents and grandparents are buried, and a look at the Atlantic Ocean (in the background above - my cousin lives on the beach block in Ventnor, N.J.) made for a full week. And, oh yeah, several Philly Cheestakes were consumed!
- Tomorrow I get to preach for Doug in his church here in Talmadge, Ohio. He is doing a great work here. He and Susan (a fine preacher in her own right!) have been here for nearly 15 years and have made great relationships and have a great impact on the church and community. I am so very proud of the two of them. They are both amazing people. What an honor to have them as part of our family.
- The boys are preparing for the big week next week. Joel is still taking classes at Anderson, packing up all his belongings for storage for a year, planning all the last minute details that are part of a wedding ceremony, and generally going crazy with everything he has to do. Jonathan isn't far behind. A fender bender yesterday (with Maria and her mother in the car) has not made things smooth for him. He continues to search for a job that will enable him to go to Seminary and work full time. Pray for him as he plans his wedding, a new
apartment, and all the preparations for life without Joel and with Maria. Times do change. - We are nearing the 3/4 way of our Sabbatical. While I have enjoyed the rest and relaxation involved, I am starting to get antsy to return to work. I will use August to get back in the swing of things as we prepare to head back to California the day after Jonathan and Maria's wedding.
Saturday, July 9, 2005
A Tribute
My Uncle Warren passed away last night. He is the last surviving member of my father's immediate family. He was the youngest of four children that included my father and his two sisters. Over the years, Uncle Warren lived the closest (just a few hours away in Ventnor near Atlantic City) and we spent more time together than with any other member of the family. He had an infectious laugh and a sensitive disposition. He loved me, kissed me every time I saw him, and encouraged me. When I went to the hospital to see him on Thursday he cried when he saw me and cried when I left. I loved my Uncle Warren.
On Tuesday we will gather for his funeral. His pastor is out of the country and won't be back for several weeks (he's in Iceland) so I will be conducting my Uncle's funeral. Just two months ago, when we started our Sabbatical, Joanie's Uncle Ray died suddenly and we attended the funeral. It certainly has been providential for us to be near our families while they have gone through the loss of a loved one.
I am again struck by the fragileness of life. I left the hospital knowing it would probably be the last time I ever saw Uncle Warren. But I had no idea he would be dead in less than 2 days. He lived 83 years - a good, long life. But death always comes too early. So, maybe we should live our days with joy and fullness. They are, as the Psalmist says, but a few short years and then they are gone.
God bless you, Uncle Warren. Rest in peace and enjoy your reward. Amen.
On Tuesday we will gather for his funeral. His pastor is out of the country and won't be back for several weeks (he's in Iceland) so I will be conducting my Uncle's funeral. Just two months ago, when we started our Sabbatical, Joanie's Uncle Ray died suddenly and we attended the funeral. It certainly has been providential for us to be near our families while they have gone through the loss of a loved one.
I am again struck by the fragileness of life. I left the hospital knowing it would probably be the last time I ever saw Uncle Warren. But I had no idea he would be dead in less than 2 days. He lived 83 years - a good, long life. But death always comes too early. So, maybe we should live our days with joy and fullness. They are, as the Psalmist says, but a few short years and then they are gone.
God bless you, Uncle Warren. Rest in peace and enjoy your reward. Amen.
Friday, July 8, 2005
The World Wind Tour Continues
We barely caught our breath from being in NYC and then down at the Jersey Shore (to visit my 83 year old uncle who is hospitalized), when we took off today for the historic district in downtown Philadelphia. What an incredible area. We saw Independence Hall, Constitution Hall, the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin's gravesite, visited a Quaker Meeting House, and viewed the Constitutional Museum - what a fantastic day! To top it all off we had a Philly CheeseSteak and will be going to a Phillies Game tonight. Tomorrow it's a dinner with both my brother's and their families. For those of you who read this and have your family living in the same city or nearby you, I am jealous. This is the first time I have seen my brothers in five years and only the second time we have been together in the last 10-15 years. I haven't seen my brother Toby's children since they were young - and all three of them are now graduated from college and into their careers. If you live close to your family, count your blessings. I know it can be hard to divide up your time and holidays going to and from family, but if you are in my shoes, you learn to appreciate the joy of being together. I am glad to have had this time to spend a week with my family. It has been so long. Enjoy your family. Give them a hug and a kiss the next time you see them and enjoy the moments. They may not always be there.
Thursday, July 7, 2005
Subways and Big Cities
By now the tragedy of the bombings in London have been all over the news. Hundreds and thousands of lives changed in the midst of doing nothing more than going about their daily routines. Innocent people caught up in the deadly ranting of fanatics. How could it not remind me of the tragic events of 911. This picture was one I took last night as a lark to be able to show folks that the subway in NY is still active and packed even at 11:00 at night. I could not have imagined how eerie a sight it would be to realize that Joanie and I had been in a subway only hours before the bombings in London took place. We live in a dangerous world - a fragile world. Our only real hope is in the life that is to come rather than the life that is now. Tragedy does not strike eternity. That's why the Book of Revelation says that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. The fragility and temporariness of this life will not go with us into the next. There we get to experience the fullness of God - and nothing can break the power of God in his fullness. Amen.
Visit to Ground Zero
It's very late and we just got back from NYC. What an incredible adventure. This is a picture from Ground Zero. You may recognize the cross from pictures in the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center. It was moving and emotional to be there. I will write some more about our trips to Gettysburg and NYC later. Tomorrow Joanie and I are going to Atlantic City. My Uncle Warren, who is nearing 90, has been hospitalized and it may be the last chance we get to see him. 
Wednesday, July 6, 2005
Off to the Big Apple
We are off to New York City today. Joanie and I hope to spend part of the day at Ground Zero. We are going over to Trenton, N.J. and pick up the train that will take us into Penn Station. From there we hope to go to Times Square and see if we can pick up tickets for a Broadway Show matinee this afternoon (Joel suggested "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"). Joanie and I have spent some time in the City before on vacation years ago, and it is quite an experience. Nothing like the Big Apple. We will let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
At Gettysburg #1
What an incredible weekend we had in Gettysburg. For the better part of three days Joanie and I got to spend anywhere from 4-10 hours each day on the Gettysburg battlefield. It was incredible. I took some pictures and will use them to discuss our trip and the meaning of the things we saw.
Here I am at the one spot I most wanted to go. It is the marker for the 20th Maine and locates the spot where my hero of the Battle of Gettysburg, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, held the ground on the far left flank of the Union position on top of Little Round Top. Without his courage and the courage of his men, the fate of the Battle and, indeed, of the Civil War would have been vastly different. I was weeping as Joanie took the shot. It was quite moving.
All I could think of was the fact that I have a debt of gratitude to all those, living and dead, who have paved the way for me and my family to live the kind of life we live. How fortunate I am to live in nation where people didn't just talk about what they believed or compromised what they believed but who fought and died for what they believed. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courage and actions. I stand on his shoulders today whenever I preach, speak freely, live in liberty, teach equality, and drive across state lines without incident or problems or fear. How great it is to live and die free.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)