Kalamazoo Area Emmaus

Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T06:56:00.002-05:00

Family and friends - that's a given. Home and furnishings - that's a given. Bright sunshiny days - that's a given. Food on the table - that's a given. Pretty much everyone in this area will say thanks for those things.

God - He's the Giver of the given. I am so thankful for Him watching over me and providing all the "givens" of my life.

A sense of self-worth

2011-10-27T12:41:00.000-04:00

I came to a realization today.

I no longer hear whispers in my ear saying things like: "You're worthless." "You're rude and overbearing." "You can't make a difference." Satan has given up on those; I have seen too much evidence that exposes those as lies. The love of Terri, my sons, my friends, the community, and Christ Himself have convinced me, imperfect as I am, that I am worthwhile.

But now a new whisper is happening. Fairly insistent lately. Built on the media parade of gloom about politics, money, and anger.

The new whisper is, "Wouldn't you be happier with Terri?"

Well, yes. Of course I would. But that leads to a conclusion and a realization.

First, the conclusion. While fleeing this world for Terri is so very attractive, hastening my death could very easily keep me from her for eternity. It would also cause immense pain to my sons and my friends. How selfish and stupid that would be! Therefore, I will love Terri AND this world by staying here and continuing my walk with Christ.

The realization? That my decision TICKS SATAN OFF. I have become an even higher-value target. Why else would the world expend any effort trying to change my mind?

So, I am going to practice smiling when I hear that whisper. It means that I am on the right track.

I wonder how many people I can love enough that they will become similar - or greater - threats to Satan? I don't know. I think I'll keep walking and see.

2011-10-20T22:05:00.002-04:00

I left for work about 15 or 20 minutes early this morning. I worked the later shift today so it worked out just right. I pulled my little truck over to the curb and got out. I stood on the street corner and watched for them. It was raining slightly. Kinda chilly. I really didn't mind so much. Pretty soon came a few motorcycles being ridden by what appeared to be older veterans. Then a police car. Then he came by. I never knew the young man in the hearse, but I felt as though he was a part of me. I, and the lady next to me, stood there with our hands over our hearts as the rest of the funeral procession came by. Capt. Drew Russell, lost at such a young age.

My heart was a bit heavier. It was a scene I was a bit familiar with as I had lost a nephew not so long ago and was part of the same kind of procession. Standing there in the chilly rain, giving a small bit of respect to one of our country's most recent casualties was the least I could do.

Drew Russell -- Jimmie Arnold May God forever hold you in His arms.

Lord, will we ever get it right and stop this foolishness of sending off our best and brightest to be killed?

Saved by a phrase

2011-09-17T08:37:00.003-04:00

Something that has been on my mind for several weeks since watching a very powerful video by Ray VanderLaan.

There is a phrase that Christ used at Gethsemane that saved us all. Knowing what was to come and the horrible torture and death He was to endure, the human Jesus prayed to the Father to "take this cup from me." This is when he prayed so strong that it brought blood, remember?
I don't know about you, but as a human - and Christ WAS both fully human and fully divine - I would do most anything to avoid the beatings and crucifixion. Being the weak human that most of us are, I probably would have cut and run.

But Christ didn't!

If you remember further, He finished that prayer by saying the phrase that saved us all. One that we all need to keep in mind and live by daily. The phrase?

"Your will, Father. Not mine."

Aren't ya glad !!!

God the What?

2011-07-17T09:14:00.003-04:00

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. I know those, but God the Farmer??? Got to thinking the other day about that. A farmer tills the soil, plants the seed, waters and weeds, and hopes for the very best crop. Isn't that what God does with us? Made us out of clay, showers us with Grace. Takes care of the "weeds" that come up in our lives. And He certainly wants the very best "us" that we can be.

Absense

2011-06-27T07:31:00.002-04:00

It’s been several months since I’ve written anything. It all started on April 1st, no April Fools prank, but a phone call from my sister in Bay City. Our 82 year old mother had suffered a stroke, a big one. After several days in the hospital she was starting to come around, but had lost the use of her left side and couldn’t speak. What seemed worse to us is that she didn’t appear to recognize any of her children. We were told that things might get better in a few more days, so we waited.

To make a long story short, her body died on May 1st at 12:30 in the morning. My two sisters and I were there at a Hospice facility in Bay City called Brian’s House when this happened. We know that she is now in heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen!

Well, the story doesn’t end there. Being executor of her estate, I and my brothers and sisters have work to do, responsibilities to take care of. One of many blessings during this time was that my mother’s financial situation was such that none of her children had to pay for any of her funeral arrangements. My folks never wanted to be a burden on their children.

I hadn’t spent this much time with my brothers and sisters since we were kids back in the 50’s and 60’s. The only difference was a younger brother, Roger, who came in to the family after I’d left home and was serving in the Navy. We all pitched in and each did tasks that needed to be done. We laughed and cried. For the oldest (me) and youngest, we heard stories that we missed either me from not being at home or for my youngest brother who hadn’t been born yet. These stories, of blessings or events, gave us information on how our life walk had thus far shaped us in who we are today.

There were times during this ordeal that it seemed like I couldn’t do or say all the things that needed to be done or said. But I kept remembering that I wasn’t alone, the Spirit of God was with me the whole time and helped me through the darkest hours. Next month we will lay our mother and father’s ashes to rest, next to my sister’s grave. Had my parents survived until this July, it would have been their 62nd anniversary. That’s still a mighty good track record.

I look forward to getting back to “normal.” I can see it on the horizon, like a ray of light shining through the cloulds, like hope of heaven and being in the presence of the Creator. Then I remember, “Don’t anticipate.” So I try to continue to be faithful each hour and day until then.

GLYASDI ~ Rocky

2011-06-25T08:49:00.002-04:00

There is something to be said about "routine." I start my day with pretty much the same routine. I read a daily devotional from a book called "My Time with God." Really neat - is a matching of new testament and old testament Scriptures along with a devotional by someone that enhances the Scripture readings. Then I get online to read the daily email from "The Upper Room." Everyone knows how neat those little devotionals are.

Then I check out other emails and then go to the Emmaus Blog. For some time now that has seemed kinda like a waste of time. But, ya know what? It really isn't. The time I spend looking for some new post or whatever, is more time I can spend with my thoughts and my God, and listening to what He might have to say to me.

Today is going to be a great day. I get to go help a good friend and, in doing so, spend some time with my son and my grandsons. Yup, looking forward to a great day.

Hopefully, God will give you a great day too!

Peace to all.

2011-05-04T09:51:00.002-04:00

It's been a month since Ken last posted on here - even longer for Rocky or for myself. This blog has become a part of my morning routine, but now, it doesn't even have the little "Words of Christ" piece. My thanks to whoever was providing that.

I feel something is missing here. I know for sure that Ken, Rocky, and I are not the only ones who have thoughts to share. Perhaps "Facebook" has taken the place of the blog?

I do miss it.

2011-03-15T07:45:00.002-04:00

The following was the devotional I gave this morning at the first South County Lenten breakfast for 2011:

In 1987, Dr. Gregory Stock published a little volume entitled “The Book of Questions”. One of the questions goes: would you rather endure one day of intense suffering, or a life of low-level but long-term pain?

It then goes on to ask, what is an immunization, if not enduring short-term pain to avoid a life of crippling disease? The suffering of polio, diphtheria, yellow fever, measles, and smallpox were before my time - but some of you may have seen them.

Life itself contains its inoculations. The “terrible twos” taught each of us that the universe contained other human beings - and that we were not in charge of them. Puberty taught us that we had the power to define ourselves as individuals separate from our parents. Both processes, as you know, involve moments of anguish for all involved. Both remind us that the universe does not revolve around us. They are no different than immunizations; they just take longer.

The point is that we grow through seasons, and the seasons often involve trials; but the long-term benefit is real.

Of course, we have a choice.

We can live according to our plan: Party On, Dude! Take care of Numero Uno! Numb ourselves, live for the pleasures of the day; look what you made me do; and oh, that person had so much life ahead of them.

We can live according to another human’s plan: Hating ourselves when we don’t meet their expectations; hating THEM when they don’t meet OUR expectations; or opening ourselves up to the learned helplessness of the abused.

These choices, among several others, make a fundamentally flawed assumption: that this life is all there is. That you only go around once. That after this life, if there is anything at all, there is reward or punishment based solely on the grade we earn for ourselves. It is all about us.

There is another choice. Listen to these passages of Scripture.

James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Romans 5:3-5: “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”

2 Timothy 1:7: “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind.”

Matthew 5:11-12: Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

God became Christ, came down to Earth, and suffered like none of us will ever suffer to show us this: This life is just the start! If we will allow ourselves to get our vaccinations - if we will persevere through life’s lessons - if we let life be about His plan, and not ours - we will have a future that we did not earn, but that will still be greater than ANYTHING we can imagine. No other belief system in the world has that message.

As many of you know, God granted me the incredible blessing of a beautiful wife for 32 years. Terri passed away August 3d of last year, at the age of 53, as I held her hand. And I have never, and will never, endure such pain again in all eternity.

If this world is all there is, then that is a sick, cosmic joke. If this world is about justice for my actions, then my life can only be an abject failure. But if Christ is who He said He was - and I believe He is - then I have been immunized against ANYTHING this world can throw at me. I have persevered through that loss, and therefore I can persevere through ANYTHING this world can throw at me. I can continue to find joy, and spread joy. And when this life is over - because I will live for Christ, not for me - someday, I will get Terri back. Because she accepted Christ’s gift, and lived her life for Him.

Ladies and gentlemen, this Lenten season is about deciding who is in charge. It is about rolling up your sleeve. And it is about accepting God’s leadership, which - through joy, tribulation, and perseverance - will surpass the boundaries of your imagination.

Compared to eternity - it’ll only pinch for a little bit.

God Bless,
Dr Ken (how are YOU doing?) FP

2011-02-12T08:17:00.001-05:00

There is a universal observation among parents, that when a child comes to you and says “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”; all you have to do is start listing the endless things they could be doing, like “Have you finished your home work? Have you started reading that book you have to do a report on next week? Is your room cleaned up? Did you pick up your dirty cloths and put them in the hamper, like I’ve asked for the 3rd day now?” The parent can keep the list going until there isn’t any oxygen left in the room, but the “bored” child will be long gone, having thought of something to do other any of the “top 25” listed items from the parent.

I’ve said this to my children and so has my wife, Sandi. It’s one of those things you learn through those “informative years” as your children grow and you seem to get buried by the overwhelming duties and responsibilities of taking care of a family.

Now, in our daily prayers, we usually don’t go to the Father with “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” But then again, maybe that’s how Sister Theresa got her start. For as surely as the day is long, there are plenty of things we could be doing for God, to be the hands and feet of Christ. In some circles, this is called Christian Action. It’s more than going to Sunday school, Bible study or attending Sunday services and dropping a few dollars in the plate (or bag) as it’s passed around.

Christian Action is being in tune with the world around you; in your home, work place and community. Too keep your eyes and ears open, and stepping in to help where you can with the gifts of time and talent God has entrusted to you. As it’s been said before, “You may be the only Bible people see.”

I had a conversation with someone awhile back and mentioned another person involved in a Christian project that was taking place. A comment was made, “I didn’t know that Tom* was a Christian.” The statement caused me to pause and later ponder. What in this persons eyes did they see or not see that caused them to make that statement? Could people make a similar statement about me? I did defend the statement made against the person it was directed to, since I knew a little more about the person then other, “Yes, he is a Christian and has been a loving father, husband and helps out in different community projects.” The problem here was that both individuals just didn’t cross paths enough in similar projects where they could see each other in Christian action.

So, getting back on track; are you bored? Have you asked your Father what you can do for Him? Have you kept you eyes and ears open to the world around you? Have you asked your pastor or youth minister if there is something you can do to help them (doing work for God)? Or do you do like some children do and go find yourself something to do other than the endless list of areas that deserve a higher priority? Think about it.

*The name was changed to protect the identity. Could it have been you they were making the comment about?

God Loves You and So Do I ~ Rocky

2011-01-27T09:26:00.003-05:00

Don't know if my pc just picked up on it , or if someone re-designed the appearance of this blog - either way, it looks great.

Thank you to whoever God gave the talent to do things like this!

I want to be a butterfly!

2011-01-19T11:17:00.002-05:00

Last weekend 33 girls attended the Flight of Hope Chrysalis Girls' Flight #41 in Kalamazoo. Amidst all the giggles during the Closing service, were real words of change, hope and love.

How many times have you heard, "I've never felt this much love," or "I want to share this with the whole world"? Think back to how you responded to the two questions: What has this weekend meant to you? and What are you going to do with it? Do you still feel the love? Are you still sharing it with the world?

Please keep these 33 girls in your prayers as they continue their next steps.

Also pray for the formation of a Boys' team. The February Boys' Flight has been pushed back and tentatively scheduled for June 24-26.

FLY WITH CHRIST!

Dr. David W. Hills

2011-01-19T11:13:00.002-05:00

The father of former Community Spiritual Director, Rev. David F. Hills, passed away Sunday. Please keep the family in your prayers.

View the obituary or sign the memory book here.

Day After

2010-12-26T08:49:00.002-05:00

So, it's now the day after Christmas. We have all heard the story again and again and we are convinced we are celebrating the birth of our Savior. What next? In the words of a song, now...

"Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills, and everywhere."

Weren't we told to do something like that?

New Year, New Me

2010-12-22T15:01:00.003-05:00

It’s that time of year again and like so many other years, millions of people will be making those “New Year Resolutions.” You know what I mean, and just like me, we say that “It’s a new year, I’m going to start fresh and this year I will ….” What follows is a host of things we know or want our life to be; from losing that extra weight, improving our health by exercising more and eating better, quit smoking, getting out of debt, save more, improve our education, take a trip, volunteer more and a host of other things; improving something that we feel we need to do to make us better.

According to Wikipedia, “Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, (a system where small measurable goals are being set, such as, a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.” There are other reports with different numbers, but they are all relatively close to each other.
So there you have it, we have good intentions. However, the numbers show that we’re not too successful in accomplishing our goals that we feel will improve our life, even when I doctor encourages us to “Don’t quit trying.”

There is also a theory that all this goal setting is related to our happiness. Happy people don’t feel they need New Year’s Resolutions; therefore the majority of people (40-45% American adults) that set these annual goals may be unhappy people and they feel that by changing their lifestyle with these new goals, they will become happy and live happily ever after. (I did mention that this was a theory – and it’s not mine)

For me, I’ve found one thing that did improve my lifestyle, and it is turning your life over to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit; and I didn’t have to wait until January 1st. To start, all you have to do is acknowledge “God, I can’t be the person I want to be. I surrender my life to you; show me what you want me to be.” After that, to know His will for your life you have to know about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And how will you know what Jesus would do if you don’t know what Jesus did? You need to read your Bible. Start with the book of John, then Matthew, Mark and Luke. That’s a resolution that you can start now. There is no waiting line or “Please hold” to talk to God.

What’s new for your life this year?
~ God Loves You and So Do I
Rocky Starland

2010-12-11T08:53:00.002-05:00

Good morning, world! What a great day to wake up and praise God. I started out with the Upper Room as usual and noticed a story rather familiar to all Emmaus folks. Odd how those little devotionals seem to always be appropriate for that particular day.

I recently finished another Max Lucado book titled "In the Grip of Grace." At the end of the book, he finishes with a series of questions. A couple of those really got me to thinking, so I thought I would pass them along.

For those who are super-active in your church: Do you live in fear of never doing enough? Or, do you live in gratitude, knowing enough has already been done? The other, very similar question is: Do you do good deeds to be saved? Or, do you do good deeds because you are saved?

These are questions I ask myself often. I sometimes doubt my own motives. I pray for the latter while fearing the former. I know in both my mind and my heart, that Christ died for me and that should always be enough, but do I do things to win "points" from above?

Another point made in the book that is well worthy of note: Can you remember when you first allowed Christ into your heart and felt saved and became a child of God? What a great feeling that was!! (For me, it was when I was baptized at the age of 12 and just knew that I was "right" with God.) As life has gone along, have you experienced hardships and felt that your prayers were no longer of any importance to God and just maybe you've done things that have separated you from His love?

Think again, my friends! When you first accepted Christ, and He accepted you, didn't you feel forgiven for all you had done? If God knew of your sins beforehand, and if God knows everything that will happen until the end of time, which he does, don't you think He forgave your future sins also? He knew of them then and STILL took you as one of His own.

Ain't our God just super-awesome!!

Bungee Cords

2010-10-18T23:19:00.004-04:00

I have been describing my current feelings as riding an emotional bungee cord, which in my reading, is typical for grieving spouses. My mood goes from peace to anxiety, joy to weeping, with very little ability on my part to control it. I usually hit both extremes part of every day.

Tonight, though, during my hospice "Grieving Spouses" workshop, I realized just how true that is...

...and that it is a source of comfort.

I had posted on Facebook a long time ago that the bond - the covenant - between Terri and myself could never be broken; but, stretched from here to Heaven, it tugged painfully. What is a bungee cord if not stretchable?

So - the bungee cord I am riding is not a torture device; it is a lifeline, provided by God when He blessed our marriage, and guaranteed not to break if I do not cut it. Like a bungee cord, the bounces will dampen with time; and eventually, I will be pulled up to peace and safety, where I can say, "that ride was terrifying at times, but I did it!"

And then I will enjoy the party for all eternity.

All of our Christian relationships are like that - ESPECIALLY our relationship with Christ. The saints that have gone before us are minding the safety lines; all we need do is love, and savor the moments of joy that the ride provides us. My Grandmother and Grandfather; Terri's Mom; and many others are adding strands of strength to that holy cord that keeps me from falling.

So, two words of advice:

First, keep your hands off the scissors. The pain of the ride is NOTHING as bad as the pain of cutting loose and free falling.

Second, Christ has asked his disciples to hand out extra cords. I've got plenty; you want one?

God Bless,
Ken

Butterfly Wings

2010-09-18T22:58:00.002-04:00

There are scientific studies that support the proof that “…a butterfly’s wings flapping in Brazil can cause a tornado in Texas..”; and all this is related to something call the “Chaos Theory.” In a nut shell, this all comes down to; small and what might seems like insignificant things can have major effects on the outcome of a complex sequence of events. In the “butterfly” case, the air pressure from the wings flapping can cause minute changes in air currents and when mixed with other atmosphere changes, well, it has an effect on the weather.

You know me; it got me to thinking about our Christian living. Each day we interact with people; face to face, on the phone and now via “the net” (Face Book, email, Chat rooms, Instant Messaging). All this communicating with other people (and this doesn’t have to be up close and personal, people can view us from a distance watching facial expressions and body language) will leave some sort of impression. It’s these impressions that we categorize and file away in our minds is what I’m thinking about.

When you categorize, you have to put a label on it, for example – guitars (duh). You can put them in order by the manufacturer, like Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, etc. From this point you could go further in separation to another identifier like acoustic or electric and on and on; do you see my thinking? If you came up to me and said “Fender” my mind goes straight to the file in my mind and opens it to a plethora of information with images of a Stratocaster, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Charlie Fritsche, wammy bars, all different colors, etc.

Now, if someone were to say “Christian”, what comes to mind? Does your file have many names of people who bring comforting emotions to your mind, or would it contain people who are walking contradictions of the model Christian – Jesus Christ?
So, back to where all this started; the very tiniest wrinkle on your face, be it from a smile or a frown, or the tone in your voice can have an effect on someone you might not even know is watching or listening to you. We all file stuff away and ponder their meaning from time to time and form opinions that affect our lives. Does your life reflect your adoration for the living-loving God whom wants “none to perish”? How will your “butterfly wings flapping” affect someone today in some way?
God Loves You and So Do I ~ Rocky Starland

Carol Baldwin

2010-08-23T11:02:00.002-04:00

Carol S. Baldwin, 66, of Niles, entered into eternal life on August 19, 2010, in her home with loving family by her side. Carol was born on December 8, 1943, in Benton Harbor, MI, to Fred and Mary Personette. She married Ollen Baldwin on September 6, 1963, in Buchanan, MI. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Ollen; a son, Robert Baldwin of Niles; two daughters, Leanne (Eric) Rakowski of Niles and Lorie (Troy) Hudgen of South Bend; four grandchildren, Krystal, Troy Jr., Andrew and Allison; and her sisters, Yonda (Roger) Lear of Baroda and Helen Steinke of Benton Harbor. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Fred Personnette; and by her sister, Arlene Bigelow. Carol was a kind and loving person who liked to help others. She was a nanny for two sets of families over the years. She loved to sew for her children when they were young, and for her grandchildren who loved getting new pajamas every Christmas. Carol loved to bake and decorate cakes. She made many wedding, graduation and birthday cakes for friends and family over the years. Everybody loved "Mother Baldwin cake." It was the best. Carol was a member of First United Methodist Church in Buchanan. She was a member of the United Methodist Women, the Praise Team, and served as chair for the memorial funds. She volunteered at RAM Love and was member of the Emmaus community. Carol was a very kind and giving person who will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 23rd, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Funeral services for Carol will be Tuesday, August 24th, at 10:00 a.m. in First United Methodist Church, 123 S. Oak St., Buchanan, with burial to follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles. Memorial contributions may be made to the following: First United Methodist Church, 123 S. Oak St., Buchanan, MI 49107; or to Hospice at Home, 2626 W. John Beers Road, Stevensville, MI 49127 Those wishing to sign her guestbook may do so by visiting www.swemfuneralhome.com.

Cynda Carson

2010-08-23T10:56:00.003-04:00

Cynda passed away suddenly Sunday morning, July 4, 2010 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. She was born August 27, 1941 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Donald and Joy (Rosier) Carson. She was a graduate of Gull Lake High School class of 1959 and retired from the Van Buren County Intermediate School District where she was a secretary. She was a member of the Lawrence United Methodist Church and currently a member of the Berrien Springs United Methodist Church. Cynda also served in the Kalamazoo Area Emmaus community as well as a member and past Worthy Matron of the Paw Paw-Lawton Chapter #256 Order of Eastern Star. Surviving are a cousin, Phillip Gray of Kalamazoo and many dear friends who will truly miss her.

A memorial service was held Saturday, July 10 at 11:00 at the Berrien Springs United Methodist Church, 310 W. Mars St. with Rev. Cindy Parsons officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bread of Heaven Food Pantry at the Berrien Springs U.M.C. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.

http://www.timeformemory.com/fh_obituary.cfm?obitid=33766&fhid=343&locationid=357#condolence

Dee Tyler

2010-08-23T10:54:00.001-04:00

Delos ‘Dee’ Tyler

HOLLAND, Mich. - Delos ‘Dee’ Tyler, 86, formerly of Cadillac, died Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010.

Dee was born in Cadillac in 1923 to Jennie and Clement Tyler.

He is survived by his wife, Dona; three children, Kirk (Sue) Tyler, Heidi Tyler and Heather (Mark) Torrance; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service will be at at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010 at the Holland First United Methodist Church, 57 W. 10th St., Holland, Mich., with visitation at 2 p.m.

Memories and photos may be posted online. Go to http://www.lakeshorememorial.com/. Click on Delos Tyler and then Enter. Memorial contributions may be made to UMCOR Haiti Relief Fund or Hospice House of Holland.

4th day

2010-08-19T08:32:00.002-04:00

Wow - I actually made it to a Fourth Day group this morning. Have to admit - it's been quite a while. Lots of excuses, but that's all they are - excuses.

I truly enjoyed the short time we spent together over breakfast. What a great group of Christians! What a great Savior! He shines through in each of them.

Seen Him lately?

And now a new season

2010-08-08T06:54:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm out of the desert place. Terri is singing in Heaven, and we celebrated her life yesterday.

Now - what is this place?

It looks so familiar. The landscape seems so familiar; the people are all people I know.

My amazing two sons, Matt and Jeremy, are here.

Oh yeah - I'm the unknown.

Half of my heart has been amputated. But yet - I am still loved; grace still abides; and my salvation keeps me going.

I guess I'd better start exploring this place... a bit scary, but I imagine there will be fun.

God Bless,
Ken Franklin

The Desert Place

2010-07-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

This is a part of the Bible I never thought I'd relate to.

The Sad Psalms.

The ones David wrote when he was running for his life.

I am in a place of suffering. I am in a chair at the bedside of my one true love, while she lives the last hours or days of her life.

She is breathing shallowly. She no longer has he strength to close her eyes completely as she sleeps. On the rare moments when she communicates, she is distant, but not confused. Thank the Lord, the medicines have stopped her pain and vomiting. She can no longer eat or drink because the tumor has closed off her stomach outlet.

I promised her when she entered Hospice that I would not let her suffer. We also have promised each other "No cutting in line" to Heaven - no suicide.

So instead, I have placed myself in a vulnerable place for the last, and worst, temptation of my married life on this planet.

If I let her linger here, am I letting her suffer? If I give her enough pain medicine to stop her breathing, am I usurping God and murdering her?

Then the Holy Spirit hugs me. There is no dilemma. Terri is not suffering. I am. And I am not alone.

This is the desert place, I will stay in it, and the Lord will deliver me. Under the inevitable suffering, there is peace. This season will end with Terri rejoicing and dancing in the presence of our Savior. I will grieve, supported by hundreds of friends. And I will Persevere. (there's talk 14 again.) I will press on toward the prize of serving God on this planet, and then embracing Terri again after a season.

My friends keep saying "you are so strong", sometimes followed by "you don't have to keep up a brave front." I. Am. Not. Strong.

I am uplifted.

The tears flow. I cry out. And I know it will get worse. The strength my friends see is the Lord's. If you see this as my strength, then I am not being an adequate disciple. I want people to see God's strength, and yearn for it. Because THEN Terri's life - and Earthly death - will be an Alleluia to the Lord.

This morning, Terri awoke and needed to use the bathroom. I went to get the wheelchair; but she said, "No. I want to walk." which meant shuffling as we held each other, like so many slow dances we have shared.

It felt so good. I told her so. She agreed.

An oasis in the desert place.

God Bless,
Ken

Fourth

2010-07-03T09:48:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday, America! May God continue to shed his grace on thee.

And may we, as Americans, wake up again and realize where our great country gets its greatness. As I remember seeing posted on the walls of the church in Buchanan during my walk:

America bless God.

Peace!

Some People Don't Have a Clue

2010-06-20T08:51:00.001-04:00

“Some people just don’t have a clue.” You heard it; you’ve probably even said it. But it’s true; there are those out there and even some close to us that just don’t get it. Of course that “it” can be anything from a life saving understanding of the universe or not knowing which handle is for the hot or cold water.

But where did they miss being taught the basic fundamentals of common sense? Is it something you’re born with (or not), learned at home, like you’re “ABCs” or in church or at school?

I just don’t understand. You see these people are in the news, in the paper, magazines and even on television. Why some networks even have shows dedicated to the results of these peoples actions. And we love to watch!
They are even mentioned in the Bible. Jesus talked about them, you know, “Those that have ears can’t hear…” Well, duh, everyone has ears, so why can’t they hear? Because they don’t have a clue. But many then and now still can’t see nor hear the message of the Gospel.

Even when you try to explain, show by your life, they just can’t seem to get “it.” They just continue to follow the life they have become accustomed to and can’t see nor hear of a better way. Yet they are lost and don’t even know it. Just the mention of God or Jesus and they look at you with dismay. You’ll get the look of “You’re trying to cheer me up with fairy tales?” or “Don’t throw you religious brain washing tripe at me.” And then they will continue to be restless and overcome by all life’s problems and complain with each breath they take.

As we awake each day, take the time to look and see; from the rising to the setting sun. Look up in the sky at night; see the stars and vastness of the universe, knowing it was created by a loving God and not just mysteriously happened by accident.

Stop from your busy schedule, close your eyes and listen. Screen out the noise of the traffic, the television and radio, stop and listen to the birds, frogs or even the buzzing fly… all created for a purpose from a living God for the balance of His kingdom.

It is my prayer that everyone could get “it” – the knowledge of the risen savior, Jesus Christ, son of God. And they would understand that you can be clueless and God still loves you anyway and so do I. ~ Rocky

Coincidence

2010-05-20T20:59:00.002-04:00

Rocky -
Your comments are important and more timely than you could possibly imagine. We have in our church, unfortunately, a serious and most troubling grumbling among many of our members. Some of the grumbling has to do with comments regarding other peoples' ways of worshipping our God. Your well written thoughts speak directly to that issue and I plan to share them with as many in our church as will read them.

Thank you, Rocky, for all you do in the furtherance of God's Kingdom here on earth.

GLYASDI
John

Feeling Special

2010-05-19T18:19:00.001-04:00

What does it take to make you feel special? Is it a complement on the way you look or from something you do? Maybe you have a skill that you’re especially good doing. I’m sure that if you took the time and thought about it, you’d come away with a few ideas on what makes you feel special.

How does it make you feel when you get a “good deal?” “Just for you, we’ll give you an extra 15% off the price” “JUST FOR ME?!” Or how about when it’s your birthday? I know that some restaurants will give you a free dessert or special half-price on your meal on your birthday. It makes you feel special. Plus they want you to bring your friends to join you.

How about some new clothes, shoes, a haircut (style or color)? Guys have these “boys toys.” If I get a new guitar or another piece of equipment, I feel special, usually because I’ve denied myself for awhile and put a little cash away here and there until I have the funds to get that special something, because “I’m special, I deserve it.”

Sometimes we feel special just because of the church we attend. We feel that our form of worship or beliefs at our church is better than those down the street or on the other side of town. And when we start feeling special, we have a tendency to look down our nose at others who don’t have what it is that makes us feel special. You see this kind of thinking is all just a state of mind.

Then along comes this guy named Jesus. He let his followers know that they should not consider themselves too highly. Jesus chose them, they didn’t choose Jesus. And Paul is also someone who reminds us that God chose us not the other way around “that no one would boast.” Or plainly, don’t think of yourself so special. Because God “chose the whole world…” So in that case, we are special, enough that God had a plan to win our hearts through Jesus going to the cross for us.

So when you wake in the morning, don’t get trapped by the other things that “make you feel special.” Dwell on the fact that God; the creator of the universe thinks so highly of us, that He wants a loving relationship with us from now through eternity. Now that is something you can feel special about each and every day.
God Loves You And So Do I ~ Rocky

Women's Walk #78

2010-04-24T08:15:00.001-04:00

As I reflect back on the Women’s Spring Walk of 2010 (as Co-Auxiliary Director) I think to myself; What was I so worried about?; What were we trying to accomplish?; and What went right?

Starting from the last to the first – Everything that mattered went right. The Holy Spirit gave me a peace that transcended yoga or medication (legal or illegal). This was a direct result of having the right people in the right place at the right time. Believe it or not I had a few people that were signed up to help the Auxiliary Team that didn’t show up! But God provided us replacements! Out of the clear blue, we had people come and say, “We’re here for our pilgrim and is there anything we can do to help? And, oh by the way, is there a place we could sleep tonight?” So for the entire weekend, I don’t believe we were short of good helpers.

What were we trying to accomplish? All the duties and roles to support the pilgrims of April 2010 journey on the road to Emmaus. We have a recipe – the schedule with all the ingredients, time slots and assigned people to pull this off, what some might look at as a, mountainous task. And it is! But all we have to do is follow the recipe. And we did – for the most part.

I might have been upset from time to time when it appeared someone wanted to add or delete ingredients to our “angel food”. But overall, we blocked what was unnecessary and left what some might consider “local flavoring.”

The success of a weekend is dependent on everyone. There is neither top nor bottom, just different roles; servants willing to carry out their responsibilities to the best of their abilities with the gifts that God have given them. And on this weekend, that happened, the Body of Christ giving of their time and talents.

Now the part that caused me to ponder in the first place? 1) Not having very many people show up for the walk-through meeting before the walk. 2) Not knowing if the late helpers paid for any meals they ate, (If a walk goes over budget on a weekend, this is usually where it is). 3) The “No-Shows.” When we depend on people and we don’t even get a call, I wondered if I dropped the ball about instructions I should have given.

I feel so blessed by the fact that First Baptist Church of South Haven was blessed too. And the cherry on top of this wonderful delight? New friends I made that I didn’t know before. Thank you Kalamazoo Area Emmaus Community – we were blessed to be a blessing!

2010-04-03T11:22:00.002-04:00

In re-thinking my previous comments, I noticed a major flaw in what I wrote about asking your own son to die for strangers. When God asked His Son to die for us, we were not strangers. God already knew each and every one of us - BY NAME. In spite of, or because of, who we are and all the evil we think and do, He still loves us enough to have sent Jesus to die for us.

Yes, even me.

Yes, even you.

Even more awesome!

2010-03-30T06:53:00.003-04:00

Take a look out your car window today. Observe the people on sidewalks, in their yard, wherever. Strangers all. Could you pick one of those and say to your child, "Son, I want you to bear unspeakable pain and die for that person over there."

Pretty tough concept, huh? God did it.

Awesome.

Grieving is Loving

2010-03-20T13:03:00.005-04:00

So many people passed away in the past two weeks. In addition to those mentioned below, a friend of my wife, Marie Stevens, died after a fall in her home. Night before last, my uncle, Glen Franklin, died of pancreatic cancer. I found out at lunch Friday while in clinic. I'm now the oldest living male in this branch of the Franklin family.

After a while, that cumulative grief wears one down.

But wait.

We cannot grieve without being able to love. And being able to love, and connect, necessitates grief.

The solution to the inevitable pain of grief is rest - in the Lord; loving the memory of those in the Lord's arms; and connecting to those who love you here.

Thank you, Lord, for designing your world - and your Word - that way.

The grief will fade at its own pace. In the meantime, the grace and love will never fade.

God Bless,
Ken

Ed Nierescher

2010-03-16T23:41:00.002-04:00

We ask for your prayers for our departed brother in Christ, Ed Nierescher, who passed away last Friday of complications from a stem cell transplant that was necessary because he had leukemia and lymphoma.

He was a former member of Westwood United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo and took his Walk to Emmaus in Sturgis a few years ago. He moved to Lansing and was treasurer for the Lansing Area Emmaus Community. He leaves behind a wife and two grown children.

Muriel Pierce

2010-03-16T23:34:00.001-04:00

Muriel Pierce, wife of Rev. Ward Pierce (Menden/West Menden UMCs), died March 16, 2010. Ward is the former Kalamazoo Area Emmaus Community Spiritual Director.

Visitation will take place at Eickhoff's funeral home Monday, March 22, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Two services will be held. The first service, at Mendon UMC, 320 W. Main Street, Mendon, MI 49072-0308, will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. The second service, at Lake Odessa Lakewood United Methodist Church, 10265 E Brown Road, Lake Odessa, MI 48849-9027, will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.

Graveside services will then be held Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at Sherman-Mesick Cemetery around 4:00 p.m. Rev. George Speas and Mr. John Waite will be officiating. They are long-time family friends. Sherman-Mesick Cemetery is located on M-37 & M-42 in Mesick, Wexford Co., Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Mesick UMC, Harrietta UMC, Brethren Epworth UMC, Lake City UMC, Wyoming Wesley Park UMC, Buchanan UMC, Lakewood of Lake Odessa UMC, Mendon UMC, West Mendon UMC or to the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Anyone wishing to send their condolences may send them care of the Mendon United Methodist Church, 320 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 308, Mendon, MI 49072-0308.

Once the obituary is available, there will be a condolence registration available located on the funeral home webpage at: www.eickhofffuneralhome.com.

An obituary will be posted to the webpage and in newspapers in the following cities: Cadillac, Grand Rapids, Hastings, Buchanan, Sturgis and Three Rivers.

The family appreciates the prayers they have received.

Marie Falconer

2010-03-16T11:03:00.003-04:00

Marie Falconer of Vicksburg passed away Sunday from complications of an abdominal aneurysm that got infected. Praise God that she is now embracing her husband, who passed unexpectedly not long ago. Her adult son and daughter could use our prayers.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 10:00-11:00 am with the service to follow. Both will be held at Vicksburg United Methodist Church.

http://www.lifestorynet.com/memories/56805/

Marie took her Walk to Emmaus in the fall of 2008 at Delton Faith UMC.

2010-03-13T07:56:00.002-05:00

Sitting here in my still very quiet house waiting for time to go to my 4th day meeting. I've read this morning's Upper Room as usual. (Very convenient to have it sent directly to my email daily!)

I really look forward to these short get-togethers. To join in informal fellowship other Emmaus people is REALLY good. It is a reminder. It is a "battery charger." It is at once a way to give to others in spiritual support and friendship, and to receive encouragement from them.

It seems amazing to me that it is sooooo difficult coming up with a time that a majority of our local Emmaus members can meet. We have a large number here who have gone on the walk, and yet we seem to gather only a very few at a 4th day session. Sometimes, we have as few as one show up! I know we all have busy lives, but.........

Counter Tops and Particle Board

2010-03-06T07:29:00.002-05:00

Recently, we did some remodeling work to our kitchen. Some extra counter space was needed and an extra cupboard. Well, you just don’t stop there; you might as well put on a new counter top too. After looking at a number of mind-numbing options, Sandi (my precious wife) decided what we wanted. I was just glad that the process is progressing. Oh, I forgot to mention that we wanted to replace all the doors and drawer covers too, with a new sink and faucet.

We were assured by the counter top people that the installed cabinets could handle the load (old counter-top is traditional Formica, new counter-top is quartz!). So yeah, everything is going smooth, except for a slight delay in the installation; which meant a few extra days of eating out, but hey, fewer dishes to do.

The day before installation, the old counter- top was removed. Things looked okay if you didn’t look too closely. But on further inspection, the chipboard back and sides show signs of the 20 years of age. The wise thing would have been to replace all the base cabinets, but that would have put us way over budget. And installation of the new counter-top was less than 24 hours away.

The main thing; the support was solid. The wall mounts were solid. With a little Elmer’s carpenter glue and some corner supports, things could be patched up. Whose going to look that close on the inside after all is done? It’s what’s on the outside that is seen and touched that count, right?

Well, maybe it’s that way for kitchens, houses and such, but for God’s creation, He knows our insides better than we do. We can make our outward appearance look nice and put on a glowing smile and still be miserable on the inside. You have to remember that Jesus was a carpenter; he knows that there is more to us than just an outward appearance.

God knows how “flakey” we might be on the inside, He’s still willing to lift us up when we say “I can’t take it any longer. I can’t do it without You Lord. I’m sorry for being such a disappointment.” God will take us just as we are, but he wants us to have the fullness of life and become like Jesus. His desire for all man-kind is ~“I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their (his) toil—this is the gift of God.”

It’s amazing what a little glue and support here and there can do. When is the last time you asked your carpenter (Jesus) to inspect your cabinets?

Are We Ready?

2010-01-09T08:32:00.002-05:00

Preparations are being made. I know some of the names on the Men’s team. I haven’t seen a list of the Women’s team yet, but I know there is one and the meeting places arranged and scheduled. I know that the board has been and continues to evaluate and discuss the things that need to be decided. I know plans are taking place at the location of the event. Preparations are taking place as you read this.

I’ve also received e-mails from some community members asking for prayers and asking for the receivers to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit on whom they should possible ask to attend the next set of walks. It’s all part of a process of “Getting Ready.”

If you go back to the very first talk, Priorities, and remember the process; imagination, will, planning and action, you will understand what it takes to get pilgrims “ready” for the next set of walks.

Relying on the Holy Spirit, can you imagine the people in your “circle” that would be likely candidates? Do they fit the criteria? (Are they active in their church, seeking a deeper understanding of their faith, physically able to participate in a weekend event, emotionally stable of the decisions they will endure?)

Relying on the Holy Spirit for assistance, do you have the will to carry out all the duties of being a sponsor? Can you pray for the individual on a daily basis? Can you take them to site on the start of the walk? Can you attend to personal matters for them while they are away from their family and home? Can you reach out and contact total strangers to collect the required Agape letters for your pilgrim? Can you bring this person to the first few gatherings that take place each month? Can you do what is possible to get them involved in a Fourth Day Group?

Relying on God, can you plan to meet with your potential pilgrim and discuss what the walk is, what it meant to you? Do you know someone to contact if they ask questions that you don’t know the answer to?

Relying on God, seeking His will, knowing what is required; can you take the action necessary to become that person’s sponsor? If the answer is “yes” then proceed with the plan.

If the answer to the above is “no” then:
Ask God – “Is it my will that is getting in the way, Lord? What must I do Lord, who should I talk to, to seek your will and know what I should do? Help me Lord to know your will and be the instrument you intended me to be.”

Preparations are being made. Will we, the Kalamazoo Area Emmaus community, be ready ? The time is now. Are you doing God’s will this very moment?

~Roc

What's a body to do?

2009-12-13T07:34:00.002-05:00

As I start preparing for the spring events; praying, making lists and talking with other people. I'm perplexed about possible candidates from my church.

There are several that are already "Emmaus" type people, and haven't attended the weekend event. My pastor, who couldn't envision taking a whole 3 days out of his schedule is always teaching and preaching on one of the weekend talks. Sandi and I will be sitting and listening; one of us will nudge the other and whisper "Changing our World" or "Growth through Study." And I will try to give that feedback to our pastor. "Pastor Jerry, you gave the core message of one of the talks on the weekend today in your sermon. Are you sure you haven't attended an Emmaus weekend?"

The pastor isn't the only one. Just last week our Children's director gave the devotion for the lighting of the Advent wreath. She talked about changing our world, our country, our state, our home town and our household. But the key to her devotion was starting with yourself! Then everything else will fall in to place. I gave her feedback later too. And she too is a very busy lady, not wanting to take 3 days out of her schedule. She has work to do for God.

So my situation is, should the non-Emmaus-Emmaus people still be pursued for attending the weekend? And if they did go, would they be too distracted at their own church? Would they try to get something done on a break?

I'm blessed to be in a church of non-Emmaus-Emmaus people. They hug, they pray, they know the message of God's love. They are a blessing to the unblessed each day and every Sunday. What a wonderful predicament!

Roc

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:59:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I'm thankful for "the usual stuff" like family, friends, possessions, and all that.

I'm also thankful that I can get up every morning and go to a job I really don't like. I know there are many people today who would just love to have any kind of a job but don't.

I am thankful for family members who are beating down some serious problems and coming out really good. Prayer does work.

I am thankful for some of the conflicts in our church. It has made me get a bit more involved and actually brought me a bit closer to God.

I am thankful for a daughter who lives so far away that I only get to see her a couple times a year. I know she is growing stronger and more independent. (Now, if we can just get her back into church!)

I am thankful for a wife who is now among the unemployed. She deserves a little time off and can maybe relax just a bit now before the next job comes along.

Mostly I am thankful for God, who lets me see the positives in the stumbling blocks that are sometimes put in my path.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

72 Hours - What was I thinking?

2009-11-25T09:02:00.000-05:00

I’ve experienced my own and worked on many since April of 1993. For some people, they surrender when they finally say “Yes” to the coaxing from their friends and sign the application. They have surrendered already and say “Yes, Lord, I trust you” before Thursday afternoon rolls around.

Than others will raise the white flag on Saturday before lunch, maybe Saturday evening as the emotional filled day and evening comes to a close. Because when we surrender to God, that’s the time we start to grow in knowing how he wants us to be like Jesus; leading us to make a difference in the world around us. Having us reflect on what’s important in life, priorities. Taking time to learn about Him and the world and people we come face to face with each day, growth through study, changing our world and being part of priesthood. And putting it all together and fellowshipping with like believers as the body of Christ. But that can only happen when we surrender and utter, “Not my will but Yours O God.”

I’ve also been present enough to witness those who come close but for whatever reason, just can’t seem to let go. Because something in our humanness makes it difficult to give in, to say “If I don’t trust in myself, what am I, who am I? What will others think?” We live in a world, where it is expected to take care of your own business and do it with success. We’ve seen and heard what happens when you fail, when you have to rely on others for assistance. They are pitied, and some, depending on how bad they fail, will be scorned, by non-Christians and believe it or not Christians too. I’ve seen it, I’ve heard it. So surrendering, saying “I can’t do this by myself any longer, Lord. Show me the way”, is a hugh step. I’ve seen some leave after the seventy-two hours still holding on to “I can take care of it myself” thoughts.

To me, the Walk to Emmaus is how the church should be, how the world should be. For 72 hours, if we allow ourselves, completely trust God and those who led us to this place and do what the leaders ask. It’s actually almost like a short vacation, not having to worry about making decisions and all the things that distract us from having our communion with God. But we’re not made to stay in that moment. There is work to do; on ourselves and in the world.

more on rules

2009-11-19T08:30:00.002-05:00

I am not a fan of blind adherence to rules. After all, blind adherence is just that - blind. (That may be one of the reasons I have not been more successful in my career than I have been!)

At the men's walk, I was of the opinion, initially, that the walk should have been canceled due to the low number of pilgrims. From what I saw of the walk and some of the impact it had on some of the pilgrims, I am exceedingly glad it was not. I too believe God chose those who were there for His reasons, and He permitted the walk to continue.

Yes, we should stay as close to the set of rules as we can, but.........

I am also glad that some of the great Christian men I know can disagree on some things, remain great Christian men, and rely on God for guidance.

Peace to all.

Balance, Rules, and Relationships

2009-11-17T07:01:00.002-05:00

Rocky gave me a lot of food for thought. But as a man who has worked in a society of rules and regulations for 25 years, alarm bells go off when I hear that the solution for ANYTHING is "Follow the Rules".

I do believe that the structure of the weekend is carefully crafted, and should be generally adhered to. However, God and his Word, in my humble opinion, have shown what man thinks of rules and what God thinks of rules.

Following the rules without prayer and listening can easily become worshiping the rules. We as humans are easily tempted to become the next set of Pharisees. And arguments as to the meaning of the rules make us likely to take offense at one another, which result in fractionation (we already have De Colores, Tres Dias, Emmaus, and I don't know how many other flavors).

Chiros and Chrysalis, wonderful ministries, came about by ADAPTING the rules to fit the sheep in need of feeding.

I agree that the structure we have, built through prayer and experience, should be used, with prayer and experience. But let's not limit God, who has changed the rules in mighty ways thousands of times to reach all of the children He loves.

Christ did NOT fit what we thought the rules are. And aren't we glad He didn't?

God Bless,
Ken

Following the Rules

2009-11-14T08:08:00.003-05:00

I was recently in contact with our regional rep (Cathy Eberly). I asked her about other communities that had "WAITING LISTS" - I haven't seen that in our community for a long time. I asked "What are they doing, so that we can learn from their success." To sum up her answer "They are following the rules." And the icing on the cake is 'It's not about the weekends, it's about the 4th Day.'

Now we are following the rules a LOT better than we have been in the past, but we still waffle when the hard choices come in to play. Like - the cut off for deciding the weekend event is two weeks before, registration forms in hand. We get close and the board has to make the call but we 'waffle'. "The teams have worked so hard." "I taked to my pilgrim and they say 'Yes' and I' bring the regisitration form Thursday evening." The list goes on. It was hard to do some table arrangements for the Men's walk due to table leaders and assistants having pilgrims on the weekend. Conference room members are not suppose to sponsor pilgrims. How can you do your sponsor duties while you're in the conference room?

Bottom line, we have to stop thinking about our own interests and think about the bigger picture. The Emmaus movement is to strenghten church leaders, not to give someone a weekend warm fuzzy. Until we do that we are misrepresenting the program. Christians have a label that they must be tolerant and accpting of all people and ideas. But Jesus didn't waffle when Peter refused to be washed by our Lord. He said "Unless I wash you, you will have no part of me." Talk about throwing the baby out with the bath water! Jesus knew what the disciples needed to be taught and how. Peter thought he knew better, for in his mind, he was unworthy. He thought he was being humble and maybe he'd be an example for the others. God had other plans, "My way or the highway!"

The Emmaus program has a plan and a 'recipe.' When you talk to the people that see all the communities and know what is and what isn't going on, then you can get an idea of what we need to do. Until then we will fall short. We've seen the Grand Rapids community die. We need to support our board and stand behind their decisions so they can do the right thing. The board signs a covenant saying they will follow the 'plan.' That is our permission to have weekend events and call them the "Walk to Emmaus."

We need to let them do the job without putting pressure on them because we might not get our way. I know it's hard because we have relationships that can be fractured and broken. There are still some people who are upset with me because of the way we changed 'Candlight.' I was on the board when we made the decision to 'follow the manual.' It's been years since we've done that, but if the subject comes up, my old friends get upset and start giving me flack.

The community needs to wake up or we will wind up like Grand Rapids. I believe in the Emmaus movement. Full weekends are awesome. Let's get back on track.

GLYASDI
~ Rocky

Fall - Leaves and Men

2009-11-06T07:48:00.003-05:00

Fall. I'm sure who ever started this word for this season was talking about the leaves from the trees.
Once a month I venture north to spend a 3 day weekend helping my brothers and sisters assist my mother, who lives in 53 acres of woods... It's a lot of trees and a WHOLE lot of leaves this time of year. As luck would have, my siblings have done 95% of the leaf picking up around the house. Now I can stay inside and stoke the fire and keep things cozy.
I know I'll have to do more than that, since the supply of wood in the basement won't make it through the weekend; oh well, a little excise shouldn't hurt me, huh?!
As I was traveling up last night, the news of the Ft. Hood killings were on the radio news and I thought "A world gone mad." I guess when you're hurting so bad that you don't care what happens, you just lose it and want to take it out on the world and you don't care any longer of the consequences that will affect hundreds if not thousands.
As the weeks pass, I'm sure that the people and events will be analyzed to death. Too bad the people involved weren't in Vicksburg a few weeks ago listening to a group of men talk about the things on their heart; with their plans for how God affected them. We as a community and individules, need to look around us and seek out the lost and hurting. Listen, listen, listen - love, love, love, and then maybe, just maybe there would be less Ft. Hood events.
Does anyone know when "woods" become "forest," like, how many arces?
DeColores ~ Brothers and Sisters - Rocky

Hello!

2009-11-03T21:42:00.002-05:00

Hi Troy! I am a new 4th day-er and came to the Gatehring at Vicksburg. Glad I did not wear a costume :) Had a wonderful time. many changes are starting in the lives of my wife and I since we walked. What a blessing! Praise the Lord!

I like the new name!!!

2009-11-02T06:08:00.001-05:00

Well done, Troy, you uberblogger, you!!

Gathering was wonderful, considering the competition with trick-or-treaters.

Looking forward to the next one!

It works!!!

2009-10-29T21:58:00.001-04:00

So easy. I just email to the address given to me in my settings>email & mobile>posting options and it is done. I may have to use this thing more often...

If you have never used it, you owe it to yourself to check this site out. It make bible study very efficient.
The Gateway

Testing this email to blog thing

2009-10-29T21:51:00.002-04:00

Just a submission to see how well this works. I think I will also add a photo.

And a link:

My blog getting done for a web development class I am taking...

2009-10-25T18:17:00.001-04:00

What an absolutely beautiful description of the Emmaus Walk ! One of the ladies at the closing service this afternoon described it as:

Reliving my baptism - out loud - in a crowd.

What a mental picture of a spiritual re-birth.

Well, THAT went well...

2009-10-19T06:15:00.002-04:00

8 hours great rest in my own bed last night -- still not enough, but a good start.

Up about 3 pounds for the weekend - the treadmill will handle that.

Fourteen new souls on fire for the Lord - Oh yeah. Great weekend.

GREAT weekend.

To put it in my son's l33tspeak, Satan was pwn3d to teh FACE.

--Ken

2009-08-24T20:38:00.002-04:00

Not since July 2 ?? Maybe blogging is now out of style in view of facebook and others.

Anyway - since it is Emmaus related --

Just wanted to share just how utterly AWESOME our God is. Due to some problems with a family member, I have had a rather heavy heart for the past few weeks. Then came last Saturday. What started out as a typical 4th Day meeting turned into an all-day practice for the upcoming Emmaus Walk.

After joining the group for the Worship time and Communion, I started to go on home. God said "Nuh Uh. You're not leaving yet." My friend, Dr. Ken, called me back in and I stayed for the day.

God knew that that was exactly what I needed, at exactly the time I needed it, in exactly the way I needed to hear HIM.

Thank You to God and to the Emmaus Community. My problems have not gone away, but my God has reminded me in whose hands to leave them.

Dan Brooks doing much better

2009-07-02T06:13:00.002-04:00

Thanks for your prayers. Dan has recovered and is expected to come home today. :)

2009-06-30T06:46:00.002-04:00

I just heard from Ken that my friend and table leader during my walk, Dan Brooks, is in the hospital. Please keep Dan and his wife in your prayers.

Great team so far!

2009-06-23T06:25:00.003-04:00

Well, we have all our table teams filled, and 3 men signed up already!

I'm trying to get one more musician, but otherwise, God has equipped us to run this fall's Walk.

Now, God, show us our pilgrims!

--Ken

The Walk Will Happen

2009-06-13T06:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks, John.

God gave us a little perspective Wednesday night.

The tumor that as come back is about a half-teaspoon scattered over 6-7 sites in Terri's lungs and liver.

God is bigger than the universe, and He is still in control. We have gotten email from hundreds all over the world praying for us. It's like a never-ending candlelight the size of the planet.

She feels completely well after her first dose of chemo Thursday - she'll get it every 2 weeks.

We will fight. We will win SOLELY because of God's greatness.

And we will be His disciples to the world.

--Ken

2009-06-12T22:02:00.001-04:00

It would be a good time right now to stop whatever you are doing and say a short prayer for our friends Terri, Ken, Matt, and Jeremy. This family needs our support as Terri does her battle against cancer.

2009-05-12T19:45:00.003-04:00

If any of you would like a small glimpse of the character and faith of the October Men's walk lay director, take a peek at today's "Upper Room" devotional. You can find it online at:
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/
What a privilege to call this man my friend!

2009-04-29T08:28:00.003-04:00

Been thinking about how well blessed I am. Especially in light of the past couple of weeks.

I was supposed to work the men's walk, but had a really nasty cold or flu or whutever. I went to the doctor with it (which I almost never do unless ready to die) and God arranged to have Timm and Laurie meet me there to let me know they had plenty of people to work and I could stay home and try to get better. Kinda nice to know for absolute certainty that He is watching over me.

Then, after being able to attend the two Saturday evening services and the closing service for the Women's Walk....... Well, let's just say the feelings and experiences of my own walk came flooding back into my life. I feel God's love and presence in my life daily, but the Emmaus services really brought it to the fore again.

I also had an opportunity to help someone last Sunday that was a total stranger. I won't go into details, but God and I (mostly God) were able to bring a small amount of comfort to a person in a time of great sorrow. There can be no better feeling than to help someone else in the name of our Lord and Savior.

I am truly blessed.

what a amazing time

2009-04-21T22:25:00.002-04:00

Hello gentlemen,

I just wanted to say that i had one of the greatest times in my life on the walk last weekend. It completely and uterly changed my life. It has showen me gods love and grace that is so amazing! Please forgive..I just hope im doing this right i dont blog very much i guess im just more old school and not used to blogging.I also wanted to add i wanted to thank everyone that helped me and showed me how great god is and how much he loves me. It gave me the strength from the holy spirit to go pray for my family yesturday and today for my grandfather who is slowly passing away from alzhiemers. I couldnt do it without the the holy spirit and my saviour jesus christ. thank you all.

god loves you and so do i

nole demond
table of Cornelius

The Holy Spirit says "Taa-Daa!" Again

2009-04-13T07:02:00.001-04:00

20 Men, 27 Women. Take that, puny forces of apathy in the world.

Ain't God cool like that?

See you on the walk!

--Ken

"Satan's in the parking lot" and in ....... apathy

2009-03-03T10:28:00.003-05:00

Hola!

Got your attention? Them's the facts. Remember the chat we had towards the end of our walk? That Satan was out in the parking lot, waiting for people like us? Do you think he only comes after us with bile, venom, and malevolence? He also is happy to utilize apathy, detachment and disinterest.

If you personally aren't interested in having ANYone you know feel as good as we felt after that walk or learn as much as we learned or feel God's love the way we felt it, consider if it is your own disinterest. Consider that it really truly could be something more.

I want people to know and experience Emmaus so they can better know and experience Christ's love. I cannot think of a good reason to NOT want people to go that are ready. We all know someone that is ready. Or two.

Pray on it. Act on it.

GLYASDI

What Troy Said...

2009-03-01T07:52:00.003-05:00

...Imagine that you've just won the lottery. 500 million dollars. Tax free.

Now imagine that the state has promised to match that prize for any person that you name.

Who would you pick?

Good. Now sponsor that person for the Spring Walk.

This is an amazing present, as you know. Why let it sit unopened??

God Bless,
Ken

Pilgrims past and future

2009-02-28T18:18:00.006-05:00

Hello all!!!

It is time. The walk is less than seven weeks away. We have ZERO men signed up. It is up to the past pilgrims (us) to seek out prayerfully and with action, if lead to, the future pilgrims. Nearly nobody goes on a walk without an invitation. Let's issue some. It is time.

For your convenience, the link to the registration page is here:
http://www.kalamazooemmaus.org/Registration.htm

GLYASDI

Prayer request

2009-02-27T11:12:00.002-05:00

Hello. Not a lot of notice and I am sure people have stopped reading this, but I'll take all the help I can get. I have a second job interview today for a job I think I'd enjoy. A prayer around 1:30pm would be awesome. I can use the help.

Also - the walk's a coming - got pilgrims?

-Troy

Ramping up for the Spring walk...

2009-01-11T08:00:00.004-05:00

...OK, in just 3 months, a large group of men, led by the amazing and righteous Cam Spence, will be giving all of their energy introducing a group of men to Christ in the life-changing way that all of you experienced. A week later, a wonderful group of women will be doing the same.

They only need you to do one thing.

Sign up some pilgrims.

Pull out your agape letters and relive that weekend. Then review your notes on the kind of folks the Community is looking for - the kind of men and women who will benefit most from this experience.

Then get them signed up - now.

We don't need the "are we gonna have this walk?" drama this time.

Thanks. :)

----Ken (and come share the fun and work on the walk!) Franklin

December 21 @ 6pm

2008-12-21T14:33:00.002-05:00

Today is December 21st. Tonight at 6 pm at my home church, in a blizzard, we will be having a 'Blue Christmas' service. From our church newsletter describing the service"

A quiet, contemplative way to move into Christmas when the celebrations grow cold because of loss of loved ones, the pain of illness or grief, the separation from family, the struggles of economy. Sometimes, we need to be in anticipation of hope without the expectation that joy is showing on our faces and being sung through our voices. This is a time to gather, reflect, listen to a variety of great music with a "blue side", and know that in the Christ there is deep hope. Bring friends who may be struggling with Christmas and find sanctuary at PCHUM.

I will be there. Partly because I do feel a bit blue over the whole job thing, but partly because I want to see what it will be like. Anyone that wants to join me is welcome. I am not sure anyone will even SEE this before the service, but if you do, and want to brave the roads, I would be happy to see you there. If not - no worries.

Merry Christmas.

And then...

2008-11-15T12:45:00.001-05:00

And then there was wonder. I wonder where God has me headed. I am no longer employed and available for whatever He has in mind. I wonder...

Downturn, they said...

2008-11-12T18:08:00.003-05:00

I humbly ask for your prayers. Worse things have happened to people, but this has never happened to me. I got a phone call earlier today and the company's #2 man and an HR rep want to fly out tomorrow to meet me because "there is going to be some corporate restructuring" and my position will "be affected." It sounds and feels like I am being let go. I will know more tomorrow and will post more then, but for now, please pray for me and my family that I can quickly discern God's plan for me and what I am supposed to do next.

Moving on

2008-11-05T08:45:00.003-05:00

For all those who are not happy with last night's results, you have options. You can editorialize. You can organize. You can protest. You can even move away. But this is the greatest nation in the world. Regardless of who our President is at present. If you have strong political beliefs, you will have to agree that we have had some lousy Presidents in history. And we have survived them. You may think that the 'good' or 'bad' Presidents are the opposite ones that I do, but that's fine. That is the crux of what makes this country great.

This country is in a quagmire. We need people with ideas and integrity. We need honesty and action. Pray for our government to have people where they need to be that can do and be what is needed. We can do so much good in the world. We need to get over our differences, pick up and move forward. Anger, fear, hatred and personal attacks are cheap and easy. They also are not what God would have us do.

"Love the Lord your God with all of you heart, all of your soul and all of your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself."

Love your neighbor...

Let's just do as we're told. The rest will sort itself out...

Time to Love Your Neighbor.

2008-11-05T06:19:00.004-05:00

I have seen a lot of amazing things this election. I have seen almost all of the adults in the country financially donate to a campaign. I have seen turnout massively increase. I have seen the trend of automatic incumbent re-election reverse. And I have seen many people embrace hope.

Unfortunately, I was also deluged by emails that decided "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor" was less important than "God will only love us if we elect a Republican."

I love all my friends, including the fellow Emmaus pilgrim that stated I was using Satan's eyeballs if I saw Obama as a good person.

Rudy Giuliani said it best last night. This morning, we are all Americans. If the new President fails, we fail. I pray for healing, and that the spirit of involvement in this campaign continues as a spirit of involvement in improving the country, here and abroad.

With all the glory going to God.

Thy will be done, Lord. Amen.

--Ken

Voting Day

2008-11-04T11:35:00.002-05:00

Go Vote! I won't try to influence anyone in any way, but please honor those that died so we may have this right. If you cannot decide, go to the polls anyway - pray on the way and pray in the booth. But go. It is too important to not go. Call all of those you know and love and get them out.

If anyone WANTS voting advice, call me at 553-6555.... (as if...)

But GO VOTE!!

This Beautiful Thing

2008-10-28T14:38:00.002-04:00

Christ has Died. Christ is Risen. Christ will come again.

That is all Emmaus is really about. I had several new 'views' of the Emmaus experience this weekend as well, as my wife got to Walk and had a very different experience than I did while having a very blessed, loving, wonderful experience that was all her own. I never anticipated that she would come 'floating' or skipping out of closing services like I did. And she didn't. But she loved it and is looking forward to working behind the scenes next time and already considering who she can sponsor.

So this beautiful thing that is Emmaus works the miracle again. And through the power of prayer and the love of God and through the beauty of true altruism, we can spread His word in a very personal, special way.

Thank you to all who prayed and worked and helped make this Walk a very special one, indeed.

2008-10-27T06:47:00.002-04:00

The last two weekends have given me the experience of the candlelight service from "the other side." Wow!

The feeling of the Spirit among us before the pilgrims arrive....

The obvious joy on the faces of the the pilgrims.....

It will take an exceptional reason for me to miss one of these. Ever.

A Nice Problem to Have...

2008-10-27T06:32:00.002-04:00

...great closing yesterday. We have many, many new and excited pilgrims.

In Vicksburg, however, that leaves us with a problem: most of them don't want to come to a 4th-day meeting at 6:30 am on Thursday morning.

So -- anybody have some alternatives, or want to start one? A lunchtime meeting, perhaps??

--Ken

I ♥ MAIL!

2008-10-24T16:08:00.005-04:00

As Registrar for the community, I get to be the first to know (besides the pilgrim and sponsor) who is going to be taking their Walk. I love opening my mailbox and seeing hand addressed envelopes with return addresses of strangers. It is especially exciting when I see an application from a first-time sponsor, like some you were for this fall's Walks.

Eventually I would love to have online registration. Since you are all tech savvy, I figure maybe someone knows how to make this happen. I would love to get registrations in my real and virtual mailboxes. Let me know!

~glyasdi
Mandana Nordbrock

All set. Well done.

2008-10-24T02:13:00.003-04:00

They are covered. I was up there tonight to drop off my wife and got to participate in Sponsor's Hour. It was really cool. I have done my first Prayer Vigil for this Walk and I think they are off to a smashing start. They have 26 pilgrims. They have an experienced Conference Room staff. And they have us praying for them. It's going to be a great weekend!

A little help?

2008-10-23T09:38:00.002-04:00

Gentlemen!

Hi. The Women's Walk is finally here. I am so excited for my wife to be on this Walk. I am praying, and I hope you will pray with me, that it is the weekend of her life. I hope this Walk is better than ours, and you and I know that would take a miracle. Please pray for these ladies...

http://www.3dayol.org/Vigil/GetVigil.phtml?pvid=2770&commid=128

Their prayer vigil has six openings as of this writing. Please don't let them go 'uncovered' for this time. We had no empty slots for our Walk. Take an hour, and pray for them by name.

Norma Applegate
Joan Bishop
Ardell Bontrager
Shauna Leigh Bungart
Gail Dorstewitz
Marie Falconer
Connie Gentry
Faye Harris
Connie Heidbrink
Debbie Julien
Suzanne Keenan
Mary Kline
Phyllis Lindsey
Nicole Malseed
Peggy McNeilly
Janet Lynn Olson
Pam Rhoades
Nichole Ridner
Beth Steele
Kim West
Kathy Wilson
Cathy Woolen
Renee Wortz

Thank you.

A great Walk

2008-10-19T18:35:00.004-04:00

Men -

I had the pleasure of being at last night's Candlelight Service and at (most of) tonight's closing service for the Walk in Delton. I can say with complete confidence that this was a great Walk. I had a friend there as a pilgrim and I look forward to getting his personal views on it, but from where I was sitting, they had an experience similar to ours. It renewed in me (not that I had ever 'come down' in the first place) the fire, the feeling of just how special this movement is and what it can do for people's lives. God was in that room with those men. Jesus was speaking to them via the unfolding of the weekend and the words of the speakers. The Holy Spirit was evident in abundance in their faces and in their words.

I saw some of the men from our walk there, but not as many as I thought I might have.

I get busy, too. Some people are much further away than I was with a 30 minute drive. Kids' have sports, jobs have demands and committee metting need to be held. I understand.

But remember what it meant to you that total strangers served so you could have the experience. Those strangers should be us. I am serving on next week's walk, when my wife will be a pilgrim. I am so excited for her to have this blessed experience.

Please pray for the walk next week. Pray for those women to have a weekend filled with love, discovery, and joy. Pray for God to put the words in the mouths of the speakers and for the Holy Spirit to overwhelm the ladies for each of the 72 hours.

If you can make the time to come down for the Candlelight Service, it would be great. We had a decent turnout last night, but there was plenty of room for more. Let's fill it to overflowing.

There are also slots that still need to be filled for the Prayer Vigil for the weekend. Copy and paste:
http://www.3dayol.org/Vigil/GetVigil.phtml?pvid=2770&commid=128
to be a part of this very special ministry.

Men - you remember what this meant to you and how it lifted you. Pass it on, stoke it up and spread this around. This is a good thing. You know it is what you should be doing.

GLYASDI

They Are Walking!!!

2008-10-17T02:21:00.008-04:00

Gentlemen of the Walk of Buckytown in April of 2008:

The following is a little something I penned to the men on the walk this weekend. I have posted it here for your perusal. Please keep these men in your prayers this weekend whether you have signed up for Prayer Vigil or not.

And if you haven't, the Women's Walk needs a lot of prayer Vigil coverage still and you can help out by copying and pasting the following into your browser address bar:
http://www.3dayol.org/Vigil/GetVigil.phtml?pvid=2770&commid=128

GLYASDI

-Troy

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2008-10-14T06:48:00.002-04:00

Just a couple more days ---

I am really looking forward to helping in some small way to provide for a new group of Pilgrims. Hopefully, they will have the same great experience I had in Buchanan.

Will I see you there in Delton?

Peace!

Amazing Grace

2008-09-30T21:39:00.001-04:00

Wow. I haven't said another word to my wife about it, but she walked up to me today and handed me her registration. She is going to Emmaus. Thank you, Lord. and Thank you to those who prayed for us. Wow.

Wow.

Please pray for the walks & I need a favor...

2008-09-29T09:48:00.002-04:00

Hi. The walks for this fall are at nine men and eleven women as of this morning. If you have someone in mind it is crunch time. On a related note: my favor request.... my wife has proven resistant to signing up to go. She never said she won't or doesn't want to, just that she'll think about it. I know in my heart she wants to and of course will love it, but I have been unable to present it in such a way that she can allow herself to sign up. We actually had an argument about it. It must be Satan at work as we never argue. Never. In twelve years of marriage, we have argued twice now and the other one was because I am an idiot. Not to be overdramatic, but I am sure this is Satan. Please pray for us. For her. For us to get past this. Don't pray for her to go, but for this to get settled the way God wants. And if you know my wife, PLEASE don't talk to her about it. That WON'T help. But we need your prayers. Thanks.

2008-09-22T17:53:00.000-04:00

Well --- Here's something worth shouting about....

Guess what's coming??????????

You don't have to shout!

2008-09-01T13:41:00.003-04:00

Yes, YES, for goodness sake, John, you don't have to shout!! :)

I read this blog every morning. I don't contribute often, because I've been the center of attention for too much of it. I an thankful, but this is a celebration of Christ.

Enjoy your time outside, John. :) I spent the morning cleaning out my office closet - and turning over 40 old techie purchase boxes into recycle cardboard. Lots more room in there now. I also found my old military medical records. And Jimmy Hoffa. I think. Maybe.

And the rest of you - what's going on in YOUR life?

God Bless,
Ken

2008-09-01T10:36:00.001-04:00

Hellooo Hellooo Hellooo Hellooo Hellooo

Anyone there there there there there ??????????????

I hope, if there is someone out there reading this, that you are reading this way after I write it. It is such a glorious Labor Day, you should be outside. That's where I am heading. I got some "things" that attach to the ends of my handle bars on my bicycle so that I can ride in a bit more comfort. I am going out to do just that.

Happy Labor Day

Peace!

Bicycling at 60

2008-08-16T14:51:00.002-04:00

no- not speed 60 age 60

Just took a tour of the village for about 45 minutes. First time on my bike in a long time. It was great. Nothing but me, a small amount of traffic. the wind, and God.

Was pretty much the same when I got back home. Nothing but me, a small amount of traffic in the house (dogs) and God ---- and the pain !!! Got to get me a long goose neck like I remember from way-back-when, or a set of those "U" shaped handle bars so I don't have to lean over so far.

Brett Favre, now we know

2008-08-14T22:21:00.004-04:00

I don't know why I didn't realize before, but on the drive home from work tonight, it came to me. I know the reason Brett Favre left Green Bay!!!

I am thoroughly convinced that my new best friend Fred moved to Green Bay to take over leadership of the Packers!!! I think his wife's new job was just a cover.

Fred, if you happen to see this, I hope all is going well for you and the family.

God Bless!!

John
GLYASDI

"This is True Love; You Think This Happens Every Day?"

2008-08-11T07:39:00.002-04:00

(above quote from the movie "The Princess Bride" - easily among the most quotable movies of all time.)

I too am amazed how easy it is to find true love when Christ is in it - and how hard it is when Christ is not.

I wish I could teach my sons that. My eldest, who knows Christ, is living with his girlfriend of 5 years in southern California. I know they love each other - but the world has unfortunately convinced them (at present) that marriage is somehow damaging to that love.

Sigh - I just have to keep praying, and reminding myself: "train them up in the way they should go, and when they are older they shall RETURN to it." Note that it does not say "STAY in it."

--Ken

marriage

2008-08-10T09:07:00.002-04:00

Had a great time yesterday at the anniversary open house of my friends, Ken & Terri Franklin - their 30th. At the table around me were several couples and we got to talking about how long we had been married. I would assume this to be a fairly common topic at an anniversary party.

The comment was made that marriages don't seem to last much any more. Then we found that the couples just at that table had been married 32, 33, 35, and 62 years. Then I kinda struck me that that indicated 2 things. First, that we were all a bunch of "old folks." But, more importantly, we were all friends from Church.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Tell ya something about the affect God has on our relationships with each other?

2008-08-07T12:06:00.001-04:00

AMEN and Hallelujah!!!! Don't look down it's really confusing. Thanks for stating so eloquently what the rest of us are probably thinking Ken. John, your answer is deinitely inspired. Have a great day guys.
GLYASDI
Diana

Keep your eye on the prize

2008-08-06T10:34:00.003-04:00

Ken, you remind me of something I read the other day (Perhaps it was in the Upper Room, which, if you folks don't already know, can be sent daily to your email.) Someone had written about how easy it is when riding his bicycle to follow and stay close to the white line on the side of the road when he keeps his focus ahead of him. It is only when he looks down that he starts to wobble.

So it is with those little "salad forks." It is so much easier to live life when we keep our eye on Christ and don't look down. Looking down only lets us see the doubts.

GLYASDI
John

The salad fork guys...

2008-08-05T14:50:00.002-04:00

...that's what I call the demons too short to handle a pitchfork, so they're issued salad forks instead.

I imagine that they sit on your shoulder and whisper in your ear.

What I'm hearing lately:

"This would have never happened if you were a decent doctor." "You've got a duty to do more - you're so blessed; volunteer more! What are you doing resting?" "You're ignoring your family - volunteer less. What are you, heartless?" "You better not waste a single day, since your wife is gonna die soon." "Why are you acting so strange? Have you given up on your wife? Isn't she going to pull through this? Where is your faith?"

In other words, everything I do is wrong, and I'm a piece of crap.

Well, don't worry about me - I'm fine. I recognize these lies for what they are - taking my eyes off Christ. As long as I walk in praise, I'll do all I can (including appropriate Sabbaths), and God will handle the rest.

But I wish those little salad fork guys would get out of town for a while. They're annoying.

--Ken

Hey this isn't so tough after all!!

2008-08-05T14:06:00.002-04:00

Greetings everyone!
I'm so excited that I figured this out (without the help of my computer geek daughter, no less)!
This is such a blessing to be able to keep up with others in the community who are not in my immediate locality. (Vicksburg; or the center of the universe as we know it)
I am excited about the growth in the excitement regarding the Emmaus experience and hope that we are doing all that is possible to grow the community even further. I haven't heard about the Fall schedule for the Women's walk, but I hope and pray that it will be fully staffed as wel as have a full complement of pilgrims.
Thanks again Barney for getting some of us less than computer proficient folks into theis world of blogging.

GLYASDI
Diana Pomeroy

Smarter than I first thought!

2008-08-03T13:33:00.002-04:00

When Barney first invited me to join his blog. I first thought his "what"? You see I am from the old school and I don't understand much of this computer language.
Then when I figured out that it was just a way to keep in touch and share our thoughts and lives I thought, "Why didn't he just say so."
So when I realized what a "blog" was I thought, "This is a great way to keep in touch."
But then I couldn't figure out how to do it.

BUT. . . . I guess I am smarter than I thought because I got my wife to do it!

It was a nice to read alot of what all of you had to say, and to hear about the up dates on Terri.

Thanks for including me Barney!

Timm Smith

Friday!!

2008-08-01T10:28:00.003-04:00

Hello. Friday!

Depending on your work ethic, you either have a fabulous summer weekend ahead of you or already underway.

Nice, sunny, warm days and cool, not humid, easy sleep-able nights.

What to do with the time? What to do with these 48 or 72 hours God has given us?

Tempus fugit is a Latin expression meaning "time flees", more commonly translated as "time flies". It is frequently used as an inscription on clocks. The expression was first recorded in the verse Georgics written by Roman poet Virgil: Sed fugit interea fugit irreparabile tempus, which means, "But it flees in the meantime: irretrievable time flees".

The meaning is sometimes used less colloquially as: "Meanwhile, the irreplaceable time escapes", expressing concern that one's limited time is being consumed by something which may have little intrinsic substance or importance at that moment.

The expression is succinct and poignant.

Everything in blue above was cut and pasted from wiki. But I like it. And so....

...this post will end. I have work to do.

God Bless you all.

Blessings

2008-07-31T10:31:00.002-04:00

I have been blessed. Mightily blessed. I have an amazing wife and two incredible kids. I have good health and a job and a nice little house.....
Sometimes I wonder why. I didn't do anything to deserve all this. God is sooooo good. I pray for Him to show me my purpose here, or to help me find it.
Maybe I am only here to bring these two kids to the world. Maybe I am here to help teach the Sunday School class I have been teaching and nothing else. Or maybe I have a much higher purpose and it is still coming.
But the BIG FEAR is that God has a plan for me and I am too busy with everything else to notice. Have I missed some signals? Have I been Troy-serving and not God-serving? I don't know how to discern the answer to these questions and they have been the same ones for nearly twenty years... What should I be when I grow up? Okay - just ranting. Short one today.

Please pray for Ken and Terri and the Franklin Family. And God Bless you all.

GLYASDI

Which Way is Well?

2008-07-30T21:26:00.001-04:00

We went for Terri's third round of chemo today. Before that, we got another CEA level (the blood tumor marker) to see if this second round was working.

After the initial surgery 2 years ago, the level was 3.1. It quickly dropped to 1 with chemo the first round. (Normal is 1-3).

Over the past 9 months, we had watched it go from 2 to 4 to 6 - and 6 was when the PET scan showed the tumor had returned.

We had gotten our hopes up that the level would drop quickly, the way it had the first round.

It came back 18.1.

After the initial shock, I was confused - there is no way the tumor could have taken off that fast in 3 months. Colon cancer just isn't supposed to work that way. I called my best friend, Karl Kerchief, who agreed with me - and wondered if this may in fact be elevated because the tumor cells were dying quickly. After all, there was much more tumor present than there was after the first surgery.

I did some internet searching of medical journals, and sure enough, there was a study of colon cancer in 2004 with chemo very similar to what Terri is getting. In 15% of the patients, there was a LARGE bump in the CEA between 2-6 weeks after chemo started - the average bump was triple the pre-chemo level.

Well, this was triple, 4 weeks into chemo.

Up is good? Down is good? Add to that the inherent unreliability of the CEA test, and we have been floundering a good part of the day.

Terri is still very upset (in addition to the usual nausea she has at the end of chemo day 1), but the oncologist also reminded us that this CEA was done at the Cancer center lab rather than the hospital lab, so comparing the two is not such a good idea. We'll have to treat it as a new baseline and see what happens in another 2-3 months.

As for me? I choose to believe that this indicates the cancer cells are dying wholeheartedly. I will support my lady love, and we will fight on.

Because I don't believe it is time to start dying yet.

Thanks for your love and prayers, brothers - they mean a lot.

--Ken

Aloha! Welcome to Wednesday!

2008-07-30T09:56:00.002-04:00

So. Wednesday. Hump day. Half over for this week. Yesterday, a well-researched and semi-intelligent post. Today.... a blank page. But I just can't leave it at that. If you guys won't post, I'll have to just blather to myself.

I have family in South Africa. My brother-in-law and his wife and two daughters and all the rest of my wife's family is there. Except for a few that have wandered off to New Zealand or the UK.

I was telling them a little about Emmaus - you know - that fine line between telling them what it is all about and spoiling it for them... I am hoping they will experience it for themselves.

Did you know that you could find an Emmaus community nearly anywhere in the world (including South Africa) if you go to http://www.upperroom.org/emmaus/community/default.asp ?

Or that you could find a Chrysalis community by checking here?
http://www.upperroom.org/chrysalis/finder/

(Chrysalis is the young person version of the Emmaus walk. Think rock music and a pizza room vs. our men's chorus and snack table) The ages include upper high school students (ages 15-18 and completed 9th grade) and young adults (ages 19-24 and graduated from high school).

I think we should not limit potential pilgrims to people at our church. Or in our town. Or in our age bracket. I think Emmaus/Chrysalis is a gift from God and that it could change the world. It has the potential to remove the politics / dogma that can be a stigma to Christianity and that it boils it (and us) down to the basics: Christ died for us and we need to seek him out.

Okay, I have to get on with my day. To update: two blog members responded to my cry for help from yesterday and one (almost 2!) new member has joined us. This is progress. But this blog does feel like the first ninety minutes at a two hour junior high dance. Sorta awkward and slow moving but with potential good stuff coming up... Somebody do something!

Cam sent me a nice email and Ken commented on my post (he said I am a scientific ninny and rather long-winded in a type-written way)... Also, Mandana has joined us, both as herself and in the person of the KAE (Kalamazoo Area Emmaus)! Fancy.

So anyway - I just wanted to say good morning/afternoon/evening for whenever you may or may not see this. And GLYASDI

Is the Bloom off the Rose? Can you feel the Love?

2008-07-29T10:22:00.002-04:00

Hi. Are you still on fire? Are you still floating?

I remember the day after our walk, I was both. On fire for Christ and ABSOLUTELY floating through my day. I restricted myself to only speaking to people from the walk so I wouldn't 'frighten' any normal people. I don't feel like that today. I still love my Lord. I am just more at equilibrium.
On our little walk in Bucktown, (for those of you that recall your high-school chemistry, an analogy) this little electron jumped three orbitals and couldn't have cared less about the Pauli Exclusion Principle.

If you didn't take chemistry or can't recall, "in atomic physics and quantum chemistry, electron configuration is the arrangement of electrons in an atom, molecule, or other physical structure. Formally, the quantum state of a particular electron is defined by its wave function, a complex-valued function of space and time.

Electrons are able to move from one energy level to another by emission or absorption of a quantum of energy, in the form of a photon. Because of the Pauli exclusion principle, no more than two electrons may exist in a given atomic orbital; therefore an electron may only leap to another orbital if there is a vacancy there." (plagiarized from wikipedia, therefore in the public domain, therefore the plagiarism didn't happen).

I just had to go look up if my analogy was correct, after I made it, so while I was at wiki, I did the cut and paste thing. Sorry.

Anyhow - to take an analogy that is a stretch and somewhat inscrutable at best a little further - I have now return to ground state but with a new magnetic quantum number. The magnetic quantum number, denoted m, with an allowable value of of an integer, -l to +l, including zero, determines energy shift of an atomic orbital due to external magnetic field. It indicates spatial orientation.

It indicates spatial orientation. I take up a new place in this world.
(you all thought there was no way I could bring this home....)

I now occupy the same home I did before. I fit into most of the same clothes (after finally recovering from a lot of caloric-expressed love in Buckyberg). I have the same job and the same wonderful family. But my orientation is changed. I look to the Lord.

I would like, I think, to stay permanently excited. To occupy that energy level from Sunday afternoon on our walk all the time. But I don't think anyone can. For one thing, I would be annoying to the power of a gazillion to those around me. But it wouldn't be special if it wasn't a higher state. It would be a plateau. Maybe that is what my heaven will be like.

I don't know. But I do know that I miss you all.

Please post.

Please pray for our brother Ken's wife Terri and for my father in law; who are both undergoing chemo right now.

Please pray for the upcoming fall walks. Think about your journey and about who should be on their own. Soon.

and finally - because it has been a while -

BARNEY!!
yes - good old ROY G. BIV, another chemistry reference, for those of you that've read this far....