Enough Is Enough!

During the last three weeks we have participated in activities involving the deaths of eight of our acquaintances and because of physical problems there could even be several more in the weeks ahead. I had commented on this experience in a recent blog, but today I want to share with you some observations and personal opinions that have resulted from these experiences. First, it continues to bother me that folks will come to a visitation just minutes before the service is to begin and expect to still visit the family. It is rude and not fair to the family who must prepare themselves for the emotional service ahead. It isn't fair to those who've come on time and now must sit and wait for the service to begin. How should you deal with such inconsiderate folks? Announce the visitation time to end 15 minutes before the service is to begin and then cut the line off when it reaches the point where folks can no longer get through the line in the allotted time. A related problem is those in line who expect to spend 5 or 10 minutes greeting family members while other stand and wait. Offer your sympathy and quick memories and move on. If you want to say more, visit them or take them out for a meal a few weeks later when everybody forgets them and loneliness really sinks in. And then there are the greetings themselves. Please don't use the Christian "cop out" that "I'm praying for you" - unless you really are. And don't say that "if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know". That sounds so noble but you know you aren't going to be asked for help by the grieving person. Instead, take them out for dinner a few weeks later or drop by their house to do some errands. Take your mouth out of gear and put your legs into motion. And please don't quote Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." This certainly is true, but it hurts and isn't much comfort when a loved one has just been taken away, especially if the grieved are questioning why the death has happened. The knowledge and impact of this truth will come later to those who are grieved. I also get bothered about the hundreds of dollars spent on flowers which are often left to decay after the service. I used to dig graves at a cemetery in Sunbury and would watch beautiful expensive flowers just rot on the closed graves. Instead, give to a memorial fund that the family designates - but as financial secretary of our church I know that few people ever do this. Maybe it just isn't as "showy" as a large basket of flowers. Then there is the funeral service itself. I do think the pastor should build the service around the wishes of the departed or their loved ones - that makes it more memorable. But I personally don't care for an "open mike". I've seen all sorts of things happen with this. Sometimes nobody has anything to say - embarrassing. Sometimes folks folks talk forever - boring. We were at one recently where the comments went on for well over an hour. Sometimes I think participants just want to call attention to themselves and what they did for the departed. And there are times when the speaker gets so emotional that nobody knows what they are trying to save - this also happened at a funeral we attended recently. It is good to hear personal reflections but it would be much better to have the speakers planned ahead of time or to have comments submitted before the service for the pastor to read. Then there are differences in the way funeral directors run things. For example, I think it is terrible when the family must close the casket with mourners watching. That should be a private time. We were at a funeral recently where the funeral director asked the mourners in the sanctuary to be quiet while they waited for the family to be seated. Unfortunately everyone stopped talking, the music stopped, and we could then hear the family crying as they closed the casket behind us. That was uncomfortable and unnecessary. And finally, we attended a viewing of the father-in-law of a friend of ours. When we left we didn't take one of the funeral folders because we didn't really know the man and didn't want or need one. The funeral director apparently thought that was terrible of us and she questioned us at length about who we were and why we were there when we tried to leave without one. That was really none of her business. We finally "escaped", without a folder. When we got to our car I told my wife that we should have told her that we were just visiting funeral homes this week to look at dead people. Now would that have been good funeral etiquette?

The April Fool

As a teacher I was always looking for creative and unusual ways to get a point across to my students. I was always sure that given a chance I could teach a fake lesson and my students would follow along, take notes, nod their heads in agreement, and not challenge what I said. And so I began a tradition of every few years on April 1 teaching the Looflirpa Theorem. And I was generally very successful in pulling it off. One year I was so successful that even though the next day my students were told that it was fake and we reviewed the incorrect steps, I still had a student who tried to apply it on the final exam. Well I thought that if I could pull this off in the classroom I could probably do the same thing to our friends by e-mail. And so about a decade ago I began a new "tradition". After we returned from a trip to Florida I prepared an e-mail which said that we had so much fun there that we were purchasing a home and moving there in a few months. My April Fool's Day e-mail was so very effective - the best one ever - that we had friends calling and tearfully saying how much they would miss us. That one has been hard to beat. But every year since then I have sent out an e-mail presenting a "fake" problem - a new law that was passed, a tax increase on gum and candy, a charge for bulk mailing our prayer chain e-mails, etc. Some have worked, others have not. Last year I shared that Taco Bell was obtaining the naming rights to the Liberty Bell and would rename it the Taco Bell. This really upset a number of folks until they went to my link and realized that it was my annual prank. But each year it has become harder to do one since folks now are expecting it and are on guard. I had decided to "retire" this year and give it up. And I probably should have quit while I was ahead. However, several folks wrote to me or talked to me on Sunday morning and wondered when I was going to send out my annual e-mail. A few years ago even our pastor mentioned this "tradition" in one of his messages. So I thought I'd give it one more shot and late Sunday afternoon I sent one out informing folks that I might have spread a virus that would affect everyone in my address book beginning April 6 (my birthday). I always prepare a web page and send folks to it to reveal that it is an April Fool's Day joke. I provided a link to this page telling them that there they would find the remedy and protection for this virus. But this year I ran into numerous problems. Several reported back that the link wouldn't work for them and wondered what they should do to avoid the virus. I either sent them another link or told them to relax since it was just a joke. When I received numerous "complaints" about the enclosed link I had to send out another bulk e-mail with a new link. Some wanted to make sure that the e-mail really came from me before they clicked on the link and got another virus. One waited to have the tech person at work check her computer. A couple of others called us because they were worried about what we had done to their computer. And a few others ignored it completely or assumed that it was a joke and didn't even try the link. Only a few replied that they were tricked and thought it was funny. One said "you got me once again" and another "hook, line and sinker - we are still laughing about it!" It is interesting, however, that despite the reactions and concerns, my counter on the linked web page shows over 130 hits. Maybe this year I may have gone too far. I probably upset a number of folks and have others who didn't check the link worried about the April 6 virus. Hopefully after April 6 I will be forgiven. So maybe it is really time to "retire" this "tradition". Maybe this year I was really the April Fool!

A Ride Of Contrasts

It was an interesting ride. We needed a runner for our Awana van and we couldn't find anyone to help us out. So I had to fill in. Now that's a job for a younger man, not one who is approaching 71! Climbing in and out of the van at each stop, disciplining some of the riders, and putting up with all the noise was tolerable a few years ago, but at this age ..... Anyway, it is an interesting ride. Our first stop was an inner-city location. It was an extra warm night for March and people were seated outside on their steps. Kids were running and playing. Music was loud. It seemed like a mini United Nations. It was considerably different than neighborhoods than I had ever lived in. It probably is an experience that all of our leaders should have since it gives you a perspective of where some of our clubbers come from. When we left that area we drove through more suburban neighborhoods that more of us could relate to. Then we traveled through an area filled with mansions, including Wheatland, the former home of President James Buchanan. What a contrast. I would love to go through some of these mansions. These folks must have staff to take care of their properties. Next we drove through more commercial type neighborhoods - large stores, shopping plazas, fast food restaurants, and similar establishments, many of which were no longer occupied. Finally, as we approached our church we passed scenic rural areas and even fields of cattle. These farms and pastures are what many folks picture when they think of Lancaster County. It was amazing to me that during a 30 minute drive we could see such contrasts. But I also realized that all of these areas - with the exception of the pastures - are really mission fields filled with people who need to know the Lord. And the Lord has given us this fertile area to reach folks of all cultures, all races, and all social levels. And that might have been a reminder that I needed and it actually made the ride for this 70 year-old a little easier. Thank the Lord for our van drivers who run this route every week and for dedicated leaders who share love and the Gospel with these van riders each Wednesday. However, hopefully I've learned what I needed to be reminded of and in the future, maybe some younger men can take this trip and be reminded as well.

Four All Who Reed And Right

It is amazing how often we who have grown up in the United States murder the English language. Imagine what it would be like if we had to learn English and it wasn't our native tongue. For those of you who think algebra is hard, think about the following "poem" which was recently sent to me.

We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes;
but the plural of ox became oxen not oxes.

One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,

yet the plural of moose should never be meese.

You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice;

yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.

If the plural of man is always called men,

why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?

If I spoke of my foot and show you my feet,

and I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?

If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,

why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?

Then one may be that,

And three would be those,

yet hat in the plural would never be hose,

and the plural of cat is cats, not cose.

We speak of a brother and also of brethren,

but though we say mother, we never say methren.

Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him,

but imagine the feminine, she, shis and shim.

So don't ever let him and shim ever tell you that English is easy.

Grade Yourself

Did you take the achievement test? If not, please go back to my last blog and answer the eleven questions listed there. When you have done that, please grade your test paper. Here is what you need.

ANSWERS:

(1) Johnny's mother had three children. The first child was named April The second child was named May. What was the third child's name? Answer: Johnny of course

(2) There is a clerk at the butcher shop, he is five feet ten inches tall, and he wears size 13 sneakers. What does he weigh? Answer: Meat.

(3) Before Mt. Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world? Answer: Mt. Everest; it just wasn't discovered yet.

(4) How much dirt is there in a hole that measures two feet by three feet by four feet? Answer: There is no dirt in a hole.

(5) What word in the English language is always spelled incorrectly? Answer: Incorrectly

(6) Billy was born on December 28th, yet her birthday is always in the summer. How is this possible? Answer: Billy lives in the Southern Hemisphere

(7) In California, you cannot take a picture of a man with a wooden leg. Why not? Answer: You can't take pictures with a wooden leg. You need a camera to take pictures.

(8) What was the President's name in 1975? Answer: Same as is it now - Barack Obama

(9) If you were running a race and you passed the person in 2nd place, what place would you be in now? Answer: You would be in 2nd. Well, you passed the person in second place, not first.

(10) Which is correct to say, "The yolk of the egg are white" or "The yolk of the egg is white"? Answer: Neither, the yolk of the egg is yellow.

(11) If a farmer has 5 haystacks in one field and 4 haystacks in the other field, how many haystacks would he have if he combined them all in another field? Answer: One. If he combines all of his haystacks, they all become one big stack.

OK, how did you do? Remember, 10-11 Proficient, 8-9 Satisfactory, 6-7 Basic, 0-5 Remedial. If you need some tutoring, I could offer you a good rate. On second thought, I'm retired now and maybe you need more help than I could provide. Just live with it!

Achievement Testing

Many public school students are presently involved in the annual Pennsylvania state assessment tests. It is a time of stress for many of them. It is very time consuming and costly but our state officials thinks it is necessary and beneficial. That is a discussion for another time. But I thought that it would be good for you to take a similar test, so I am presenting you with eleven questions on a variety of topics. I will provide the answers for you in about two days. In the meantime, take the test and keep track of your answers. A score of ten or eleven means you are proficient. Eight or nine indicates satisfactory. Six or seven rates you as basic. Anything less than six is remedial. So give it a try and you can grade it yourself. Here we go!

(1) FAMILY LIVING Johnny's mother had three children. The first child was named April. The second child was named May. What was the third child's name?

(2) MATH There is a clerk at the butcher shop, he is five feet ten inches tall and he wears size 13 sneakers. What does he weigh?

(3) GEOGRAPHY Before Mt. Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain in the world?

(4) SCIENCE How much dirt is there in a hole that measures two feet by three feet by four feet?

(5) ENGLISH What word in the English language is always spelled incorrectly?

(6) FAMILY LIVING Billy was born on December 28th, yet his birthday is always in the summer. How is this possible?

(7) LAW In California, you cannot take a picture of a man with a wooden leg. Why not?

(8) HISTORY What was the President's name in 1975?

(9) PHYSICAL EDUCATION If you were running a race and you passed the person in 2nd place, what place would you be in now?

(10) ENGLISH Which is correct to say, "The yolk of the egg are white" or "The yolk of the egg is white"?

(11) AGRICULTURE If a farmer has 5 haystacks in one field and 4 haystacks in the other field, how many haystacks would he have if he combined them all in another field?

Record your answers. The correct answers will be revealed in a couple of days.

Warning Signals

I have been frustrated this winter by the signal on my dashboard which indicates low tire pressure. It would come on as soon as the temperature dropped. When we took a trip and the air warmed or when we checked the tire pressure and added just a little air, the signal light would turn off. However, recently it came on again and I just assumed that when we took a long trip or when the weather warmed it would go off as it had in the past. But this time it didn't and I decided just to ignore it because we were due to have the car serviced. Two Saturdays ago we decided to travel about two hours to Emmaus to attend a funeral. When we left at 7:30 in the morning I thought our rear tire on the driver's side looked a little low. We stopped at Sheetz for coffee and I decided to use their air pump to check the tires. I was surprised that this tire took a considerable amount to get it back to the suggested pressure. But it looked fine and we took off for the funeral. I was also pleased to see that once again the dashboard warning light went off. We returned later that afternoon without any problem or warning light. However, Sunday morning the light came back on and the tire looked a little low once again. Then I checked more carefully and noticed a screw in the tire. We decided that before we had a flat tire we'd leave the car at the local garage for them to check on Monday. And sure enough, not only did they find a screw in the tire but they also located a nail. I can't help but wonder now how long these were in the tire - all winter, a month, a few days? Looking back I am so thankful that the tire didn't go flat while we were traveling, especially when we were going 65 mph on route 222. We always pray for the Lord's protection when we travel and I feel that His protection was really obvious this time. I guess I also learned that you shouldn't ignore warning signals, not only in the car, but in life. The Bible warns us of the dangers of doing our own thing and yet so often we just go ahead and ignore the warnings. And doing that can be dangerous.

No Vacancy

As we've gotten older, the trip to Pinebrook, very early Friday mornings, to lead hymn sings has gotten more tiring. So when we can afford it, we often try to reserve a motel room for Thursday night in Allentown. Then we just have an easy 40 minute drive in the morning. We have two hotels that we prefer but sometimes we are disappointed to find that they have no vacancy. It's hard to believe, but sometimes they run out of rooms far in advance. After this past week I am so glad that the same thing doesn't happen in heaven. Wouldn't it be terrible if all the rooms there were filled before our arrival. This week we had seven friends or acquaintances make the move to heaven. It was a very difficult week. Three of them were longtime members of our church. Four of them were relatives of our friends from church. We believe that all four knew the Lord. As our pastor said on Sunday, it was a bittersweet week - bitter for us who are left behind, but sweet for all seven who are now with the Lord. I am so thankful for the Lord's words in John 1: 1-3, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions (or rooms). if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." Over the years these words have been a comfort to many believers. And it is great to know that unlike the Marriott, Jesus said there were many rooms. There won't be any no vacancy signs. Even with the many who made the journey this week, there is plenty of room. And I've already made my reservation for my room. It is guaranteed by Jesus himself who also paid the entire bill. Have you reserved your room?

Remember Your Photo ID

By the time you read this, the governor of Pennsylvania will probably have already signed a new law that will require all voters in the state to present photo identification when voting. The bill has been debated for some time with both political parties - as one would expect in today's political climate - taking opposite sides. The Democrats claim that this will prevent elderly and poor from being able to vote because they won't have such identification. Now I question that because today you can't even go to a doctor without photo identification. Two solutions are presented for this concern. First the government will provide these cards for them - at public expense. That sounds like another government dive into debt and more intrusion into one's private life. The other solution is to allow these folks to vote on provisional ballots. As a judge of elections I really dislike provisional ballots because it is another time consuming process involving more government forms and paperwork. Now the Republicans claim to support this new law because it will cut down on fraud in elections. Personally I didn't know there was that much fraud with people voting illegally. I would suggest that a better place to start would be with the voter rolls which often contain names of deceased persons or people who've moved. I have even found a few double entries. And at an election I spend much of my time on the phone with the election bureau trying to track down folks who claim to be registered but are not in our books. Maybe this is a better place to improve the voting process. I am afraid the new law is more a matter of politics than it is a legitimate way to improve voting. Maybe the folks who actually work at the voting precincts should be consulted. Oh, but that would be too practical and novel. And our elected officials who have never actually run an election really know best. Now there are two things that upset me about this new law. The first is the timing. The next two elections are the heaviest of any that we have. We will be overworked trying to process voters in a presidential primary and election. We need more help but government can't afford it. We will be held up by people without cards and those who will criticize and blame us for the change. Yes, we often take the brunt of complaints from upset voters. Why not wait and begin to implement this law in one of the off elections when we sit there for long periods without any voters. It would make much more sense to do it then. But our government isn't always known for using common sense. The second thing that upsets me is that it is another government requirement on the top of many other "questionable" mandates that already exist. For example, there are four or five required posters of regulations that I am required to post for voters - at least three copies of each in both English and Spanish. In my nearly eight years of serving I have never seen anybody read any of these. But, by law, they must be posted. As judge I have multiple forms that must, by law, be completed for all sorts of situations even if I have nobody who needs those special services. I probably have about 20 envelopes that must be filled with various reports and returns. As one who prides himself in administrative and organizational skills, I would like to be able to take and redesign the entire voting process. But even if I did, my plan would probably never be approved because it would become partisan and the two parties would take opposite views and it would die a slow death in committee. So, in conclusion, please help us out by having your photo identification ready for us. Please don't make us turn you away or vote a provisional ballot. If you are going to forget your photo identification, please go to another precinct.

A Tale Of Two Stores

Let me tell you the tale of two grocery stores. The first one, let me call it store J, has been part of our town for decades. It used to be the place where all the town citizens would pass by each other when they did their grocery shopping. It was a friendly, clean store with great meat. It was known throughout the area as a great place to shop. Eventually it passed to the original owner's son and then a few years ago to some long time employees. Years ago the store moved to a new much larger location and then expanded there several times. Then it began to open on Sundays and the owners tried to add all sorts of extras, crowding the narrow aisles, in an attempt to keep up with area competition. Along the way it began to lose many of the special things that made it a unique local business. About a year ago or so, a brand new store that also had its roots in Lancaster County expanded and added a beautiful modern building about four miles away. Let me call it store S. It had the advantages of being big and modern with a large stock and variety of items. We began to shop there once in awhile, especially on days when we passed it on the way home from our morning walks at Park City. Now recently I have been doing much more of our grocery shopping and I have begun to notice some striking comparisons. Store J often has clerks stocking the shelves while folks are shopping and they often block the narrow aisles. Store S appears to do most of its stocking of shelves after hours. When you enter Store J you are generally ignored by the men and girls working outside while at Store S you are greeted with a smile and a welcome. When store J has a sale, these sale items are often gone when you go for them while at store S the shelves are generally full. The last two times I shopped at Store J for lunch meat it appeared that I was bothering the clerks who really didn't appear to want to serve me. I certainly didn't get a smile or even a thank you. And in one case I'm not sure if the clerk even knew what she was doing. At store S the clerks at the meat counter were friendly and smiling and shared specials and offered us free samples. At Store J there are never free samples although there is a small stand near the meat counter that appears to offer something even though it has always been empty and in the way. At store S there is free coffee, tea, samples of fruits, samples of special items and of course, free samples of lunch meat. At store J the clerks throughout the store appear not to want to be bothered but at store S they will go out of their way to help you find a product. At store J my wife recently witnessed a clerk being publicly humiliated by the owner. At store J the check out clerks generally have nothing to say and often appear to keep looking at their watches. However, a couple of the old-timers are exceptions to this. At store S the check-out clerks greet you, talk to you and appear to enjoy what they are doing. At store J employees appear to be there just for a paycheck while at store S it appears that they are there to serve you. In general it appears that folks enjoy working at store S while at store J they are putting in time. Now that has created a dilemma for us. We believe it is important to support local business and we have been regular customers for over 40 years. The previous owners were good to our boys who worked there. Their prices are as good as the competition. And many of our friends still shop there. It is more convenient for us and we know where things are. But in recent years something has been lost. Now how important are friendliness and service to retaining customers? Well last Saturday we had to go shopping and I asked my wife where she would like to go this time. She paused for a few seconds and said that she would like to go to store S. Now even though I knew it would take us 30 extra minutes and a half gallon of expensive gas, I agreed. And at least on that Saturday, store S happily served us and earned our $100 order. Convenience and tradition versus service and friendliness? An interesting question for today's shoppers.

Who Do You Believe?

So who are you going to believe? Last fall various weather persons (must be politically correct) made their predictions for the winter weather. Many called for above average precipitation and lower than averages temperatures resulting in considerable snow. Others had different predictions, but I don't recall hearing any of them predict the type of winter we actually had. But then that is a profession where you can be wrong much of the time and everybody accepts your errors. Maybe the only profession with less reliability is baseball where you can fail seven our of ten times at bat and still make millions of dollars. But then in February there were all the ground hogs who made predictions based on the seeing or not seeing of their shadows. They were surrounded by men who annually make fools of themselves dressed in white gowns and doing stupid things. And the verdicts of the many ground hogs? ... Generally six more weeks of winter. And what have we actually had? We've generally had spring like weather. Flowers are popping out of the ground and trees are budding. Many days have been pleasant and warm. Then there is the wooly caterpillar. The only one of these creatures that I saw last fall had a narrow dark band, a light body, and then another narrow band on the other end. I'm not into the business of interpteting caterpillar colors, but I assume that this indicated a very early snow, a mild winter and then a late snow storm. And so far the caterpillar wins the prize. After our October surprise we have had the fourth warmest winter here in history. Now I don't know what to conclude. Could it be that God's little creatures are better predictors than all the wise educated weather people? I do know that they have to be better than the groundhogs and all the crazy people who gather annually to make fools of themselves with the stated purpose of determining future weather. Well, take your choice. The only warning is that if the caterpillar is correct, we could still get another storm. But the band was narrow, so hopefully it won't be as bad as some of the serious March storms that I remember. March snow storms around here are what legends are made of. Hopefully no more legends will be created this winter/spring. And on March 11 daylight savings begins once again. Is your lawnmower serviced and ready to go? Mine is!

I Wonder Why?

Are there things happening around you that you just don't seem to understand? Well I can think of many that confuse me, but here are ten of those on my list. (1) Why do Comcast and PNC send me form letters each week inviting me to add their service or take their credit card? Why don't they save the cost of postage and lower my rates or increase the interest they pay? That would be more helpful to me. Instead of supporting the postal service, why not give me, the consumer, a break? ... (2) Last week PPL was installing a new pole a few blocks from our house. There were eight men there - four working, four standing across the street watching. Two hours later I passed them again - four working, one directing traffic and three watching, across the street. About 30 minutes later I drove by again - four working, four watching across the street. Why couldn't the job be done by four instead of eight and then PPL might have been able to lower my rates. ... (3) Why does our local grocery store stock the shelves during the day when they block customers in the aisles? Why not do it early morning or at night? And why don't they stock enough of the weekly sales items so that they don't quickly run out of them? ... (4) Why can the president and other candidates go out and raise multimillions of dollars for their campaigns when the government can't raise enough funds to reduce the terrible national debt. Maybe they should be forced to donate 50% of what they raise to save medicare, or social security, or reduce the national debt. I like that idea. ... (5) Why can't we get serious about trying to become energy independent? While the price of gas soars upwards towards $5.00 a gallon, we can't seem to get new pipelines approved or other alternatives started. ... (6) Why do people continue to text and talk on their cell phones while they are driving? Don't they understand how dangerous that is or do they just think they are immune to accidents? That's somebody else's problem ... (7) Is there any control at all on the costs of drugs. I have a relative that needed medicine to fight a special infection. The cost for a couple of weeks is $1,600. But their insurance said if they purchase a 90 day supply, they can get it for just $25. So I guess they are purchasing the 90 day supply and then throwing out what isn't used. Now does that cost make any sense? ... (8) Another strange cost has to do with airfares. Recently I was checking costs to go to Chicago. I found out that it cost more from Baltimore to Chicago, then it does from Baltimore to Milwaukee which includes a stop in Chicago. Now how does that make any sense? ... (9) Why do people who are struggling financially insist on having several pets? Why wouldn't they use the money spent on the cost of keeping the pets on more important personal things like food, clothing, gasoline, retirement, etc.? ... (10) Why do people come to a viewing and expect to greet the family five minutes before the funeral service is to begin? If you are coming that late, don't try to get into the viewing line. Have some respect for those who are grieving. And speaking of showing respect, I will respect your time and quit for today. Maybe one of these days I'll continue my lists of "whys".. Take care

A Special Sunday

There are a few very special days in the life of a grandfather and, Lord willing, this Sunday will be one of those for this grandfather. Two very special things are scheduled to happen in our second service that day. The first one is the opportunity for me to present an Awana Sparky Award Plaque to my second grade granddaughter. This award is the result of three years of hard work in our Awana program. It involves memorization of many verses, memorizing the books of the Bible, studying various Bible stories, completing missionary projects and numerous other handbook requirements. It takes much hard work but it provides these clubbers with a sound foundation in the Bible. Six of my seven grandchildren have now earned this award and the seventh, who is just in kindergarten, is already making great progress to reach this goal two years from now. Ten members of our family have earned this award and I will have had the honor of making all the presentations to them. But then there is a second special event that will occur at that service. My three youngest grandchildren will follow the Lord in believer's baptism at the conclusion of the service. All three have professed faith in the Lord and are now ready to make a public confession of their faith. And that is very special. Then all seven of our grandchildren will have taken this public step. I can't think of anything that should thrill a grandparent more than seeing the spiritual growth of their grandchildren. While a grandparent can have a major impact on the life of their grandchildren, I think it is sometimes as difficult as being a parent because there is a limit to what you can do to influence them. But one can pray. And we have done that daily. And we have even prayed for years for godly spouses for each of them, in God's time. In a time when many teens are leaving the faith and the world battles to control children, it is vital to bathe them in prayer. We live in a world of many temptations and cultural distractions. But God still answers prayer. And while as a grandparent I admit that I am feeling proud, yet I know that this is not my doing but it is God working in their precious lives. And for that I am thankful.

Speed Wins!

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth", 2 Timothy 2:15. That is the key verse of Awana, an exciting ministry for children that we have been involved in for 30 years. One of the activities used to encourage boys and girls to study and memorize the scriptures is the annual Bible quiz. Yesterday we spent 3.5 hours watching clubbers from numerous Awana clubs compete in this annual event. It is an exciting day and it is impressive to see these third through sixth graders respond to the questions. The quiz has three parts. One part is a written test which they all take. In this event all clubbers can earn a perfect score. The second event is a paddle quiz. Teams of two compete against each other using paddles labeled A, B, and C. When the question is asked and an answer is called for, all competing clubbers hold up a paddle to indicate their answer. So in this event all clubbers and teams could again earn perfect scores. The final round is a speed round in which all clubbers in that division have a button to push when they think they know the answer. So only one clubber gets the points for each question. In most cases the buzzer is pushed before the question is even completed. Then the clubber must answer in front of the 300 who are watching. When the answer is a verse, it must be said word perfect within 30 seconds. Now that is pressure. And this is the part that really determines who the are the winning teams and individuals. And I admit that I have very mixed feelings about this round. It is fascinating and impressive to see clubbers answer so quickly and so completely. But it is also hard to watch those who buzz in and then have their mind go blank when they are forced to answer. This round and the championships go not only to those who have prepared well, but to those who are aggressive and confident. Our clubbers are always prepared well but don't do well in this round because they are tentative and afraid of making a mistake in front of this many people. And I can understand that. I would have done well in the written and paddle rounds because I would have been prepared. But I would never have gotten any points in the speed round because I am an analyzer and need time to think through my answers before I speak. I also had a very bad experience, when I was in seventh grade, which still haunts me decades later. I was chosen out of the audience as the seventh grade representative to participate in an assembly in front of all the students, grades 7-12, at Lititz High School. Each grade representative was to watch a brief presentation by members of the library club and then identify the story. As it turns out, I was to identify the story of Esther. But my mind went blank and I had no answer. My self esteem took a big hit that day. Now nobody remembers that event except me but it took me years to regain my confidence to do something in front of a large group. And even today that "humiliation" still haunts me. So I have real empathy for those who have similar situations as some did yesterday. But I also have no alternatives to offer to Awana. For about 15 years I annually conducted three public math bowls in my school district for students in 4th, 5th and 6th grade. These were exciting. My format was similar with a written round, a round where all teams could get credit for each question, and then a speed round where three teams would receive points depending upon the order of their correct answers. But in that case the teams would show their answers to judges so that no individual was ever really put on the spot. That seemed to work well. But even though the Awana speed round stirs up bad memories for me, the quizzing is still a worthwhile event. I am sorry that more Awana clubs don't participate but I am glad that our kids do. And really, there may be disappointed clubbers, but there shouldn't be any losers, for the Bible itself reminds us that "Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." And what better reward could there be.

Wonderfully Made

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14. Recently so many of my blogs have focused on dear friends who have passed away. And while we rejoice that they are now with the Lord, I guess the flavor of these blogs has been a little heavy at times. And I guess that is understandable since we are walking through times that are challenging. And many of these challenges do relate to the multitude of physical needs of friends and those around us as well as those of our family and our own. But even as our bodies wear down we are reminded that God has known us from the womb and that He has wonderfully made us. He has a purpose for us whether our years number 40 or 90. And He hasn't made any mistakes. So with that in mind, I thought that today I should share a lighter thought with you on this blog. Here is a story which I just received this week in an e-mail. A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?" "Yes, sweetheart," he answered. "God made me a long time ago." "Oh," she paused. "Grandpa, did God make me too?" "Yes, indeed, honey," he said. "God made you just a little while ago." Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he?" "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14.

A Legacy

For several years I have been thinking much about the term legacy. It is my desire to finish well and leave such a legacy to those who follow me. But how does one leave a godly legacy to those who follow? Last week I once again viewed a great example of a godly legacy as I attended the funeral of my dear friend Jim Herrold and spent some time with his children and grandchildren. It was thrilling to see the two generations that Jim left behind serving the Lord and honoring the Lord. This is the impact and legacy that Jim left behind. During the service several of the grandchildren sang as a group. A granddaughter played an outstanding piano solo, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness". I know Jim would have been thrilled to see this. Jim's faith was evident in all parts of this service. The prelude ended with "The Longer I Serve Him, The Sweeter He Grows". The congregation sang "Because He Lives" and "All That Thrills My Soul Is Jesus", a hymn that Jim actually had requested at a hymn sing just hours before the Lord took him home. His son-in-law, Pastor Jim Lorch of Michigan, shared how even the last hours of his life modeled his deep faith and commitment. Late that afternoon Jim had spent over an hour talking on the phone to his daughter in Michigan. This modeled his deep love for his family. After the call Jim went to church to participate in a hymn sing. He loved being in the House of the Lord. This modeled his faith in God and his desire to worship. Finally, following the service he placed a call to encourage a new church attender who had fallen. This modeled his concern for others. Jim was always giving to others. Moments following the call, the Lord suddenly and unexpectedly took him home. His work on earth was done and his legacy had been established. Jim's pastor then shared a prayer which Jim prayed each morning. The prayer was found with his Bible and had four points. (1) Lord, I thank you that I belong to you and that you know what the day holds for me; (2) I ask you to take my life today and use it for your glory; (3) I ask you to cleanse me from anything which would hinder your work in my life; (4) I step out in faith today knowing that the Holy Spirit is filling me continually as I trust in you and obey your Word. Is it any wonder that Jim left such a godly legacy? He also had noted on the sheet, following this prayer, four verses which he labeled "peace" - Isaiah 26:3, John 14:27; Matthew 11:28, Psalm 23:2. Appropriately, the funeral service concluded with a soloist singing a song with the words, "Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful". That is my desire, is it yours? A godly legacy can best be created by living daily with the desire that God would take our lives each day and use it for His glory.

Look Alikes

Last week I went to a viewing of the father of a friend who attends our church. The father used to attend our church, but the mother never did because she was of another faith. I only recall having seen her once before and that was many years ago at a wedding. Dianne had to lead a Bible study that morning so she was unable to attend the viewing. But I felt to support our friends I would at least go to the viewing. The widow was seated and I was about sixth in line. I had planned to introduce myself to the widow and offer our condolences. However, when it was my turn, before I could even say anything, she said to me, "You must be a Kauffman". I was stunned. How would she know that? Then she said that she had worked with my father at RCA. But that had to be at least 30 years ago. I guess that the older I get, the more I look like my father. Several people have recently told me that. And I don't mind. I wish that I could be half the man that he was. But what is even more interesting is that several people have remarked that I remind them of my grandfather, Pastor Wolf. I find that very interesting because he was a stepfather and there is no blood line from him to me. My father's real father died when he was just a baby. His mother remarried and Pastor Wolf was the only father my dad had ever really known. And while there is no reason that I should look like him, I am honored that some think I do. He was a great man of God. It is very interesting to look at baby pictures and see how many of our children and grandchildren looked the same, especially as youngsters. Physical characteristics are so often shared in families and it is often easy to tell a member of the family just by the physical resemblances. I know of one father who advised his son when he became of dating age that he should look at the girl's mother because that is how the girl will probably look like 30 or 40 years from now. I'm not sure what I think of that advice, even though it may be true. But there is a more important resemblance that we should strive for, our resemblance to the Lord. Do people see Christ in our lives? Does our countenance reflect the Lord? Does our attitude show the love and grace of the Lord? Are people drawn to the Lord because of what they see in us? Physically we can do little about the characteristics that we inherit from our ancestors. Whether we like it or not, the resemblances will be there. But spiritually we have the choice. Is it our desire to become more like him each day? That should be our desire and goal each day of our life.

A Dear Friend

Recently a number of my blogs have been tributes to folks who have been instrumental in my life. In a sense they have all been about celebrations - some for things like anniversaries and others for things like graduating to their eternal home. Today's blog is another one of those for on Sunday night a dear friend, Jim Herrold, was suddently ushered into the presence of the Lord. Besides my wife, Jim has been my closest friend for many years and while we haven't spent much time together lately, I will miss him greatly. We have always been there for each other. He was an only child and always called me his brother and, while I did have an earthly brother who is also with the Lord, Jim was also like a brother to me. In fact my mother's mother was a Herrold and we often thought that somehow Jim and I must be related. But Jim knew little about his ancestors so we were never able to find a link. Jim came to know the Lord as a teenager and he dated an acquaintance of mine, Violet Johnson. Both lived in Shamokin. When he decided to attend Susquehanna University, Violet encouraged him to find me. It turns out that as freshmen we ended up in rooms right next to each other. And, we had much in common. We were both freshmen math majors. We both attended Bible Fellowship Churches. We had some friends in common. But most importantly, we both loved the Lord. We quickly became friends and for two years we roomed together. Then Jim married Violet. I was his best man. About seven months later I got married and he was in my wedding party. Incidentally, with his passing, now all three men in our wedding party are with the Lord. That fact is making me feel much older. We both graduated as math majors and we began to look for jobs teaching math. I took a position at Penn Manor High School. Late in August I was excited to hear that Jim also took a teaching position there and for three years we taught in rooms next to each other. During that time we lived about three blocks from each other and our families spent many happy times together. Violet and Dianne became close friends. We have special memories of taking the kids by sled to eachother's homes when it snowed. Then Jim took a job at Spring Ford High School, but we still spent times together and we always kept in touch. Later the Herrolds joined the summer staff at Pinebrook and we spent weeks together working there during the summers. And then Jim left teaching and went to Pinebrook full time. When he later took a job at Hatfield they moved to Gilbertsville and later to Boyertown. Through all these moves our friendship continued. We often joked about the fact that they had three daughters and we had three sons and that we had taken turns in having them. When Violet called to tell Dianne that they were expecting their fourth daughter, Dianne was happy to be able to tell them that we had gotten a dog instead. Then came the word that Violet had cancer. I remember making a special trip to be with them and crying together. It was hard to see her health decline, but together they displayed their strong faith and hope. About a year after her death the Lord brought a widow, Doris, into Jim's life and soon they were engaged and married. I had the special joy of again being Jim's best man in their wedding. We quickly learned to love Doris and it was obvious that the Lord had given both a special relationship after the sad deaths of their longtime spouses, both with cancer. And for about six years we have enjoyed seeing them together, once again enjoying life. Many second marriages have their problems - this one didn't - it had God's blessing. We have special memories of the weeks we had together at the Pinebrook Sr. Saints Retreats. I guess this retreat will never be quite the same for us anymore. Jim was a special friend who was always concerned about me and our family. So often when we discussed confidential problems, he would stop and pray for me. I will miss that. He loved the Lord with all of his heart and served him, even on the day that the Lord called him home. I was thrilled to watch his spiritual growth and maturity over the years and if often put mine to shame. His four daughters seem almost like our own and we have really learned to love Doris. She has become a dear friend. And for me, I am left with another hole in my life. One by one my close friends have moved to heaven ... Norm, Gary, Ralph, Terry, and now Jim. They have all been an important part of my life and I am thrilled that they are now celebrating in heaven ... but I miss them ... and I will really miss my dear friend Jim. Thank you Jim for your profound impact on my life.