Wicked Hearts

For months now the news has been filled with stories about Jerry Sandusky.  And, if you are like me, you are now sick of it and wish that we could just move on.  But we can't.  The trials and accusations will continue, probably for years.  The media continues to press the issues trying to blame everyone and tear down the university and the football program.  Many who have always hated Penn State and Joe Paterno continue to call for NCAA sanctions and even the "death penalty" which would result in the dropping of PSU football for years.  None or this makes any sense since Sandusky was not even an employee of the school or a coach when all of these sad events took place.  But many writers and announcers pour on their contempt for the school and the football program by spreading blatant untruths and nobody seems to challenge their lies and deceit.  I don't pretend to know where the fault, if any, at Penn State may lie nor if there was a cover-up. but I would agree with one thing that Governor "One-Term" Corbett just said when he admitted that it was originally very hard to collect evidence because of the outstanding reputation that Sandusky had around the nation. He was strongly admired for not only his coaching success but for the organization he had built to help thousands of underprivileged children.  He was very well respected, a model citizen to so many. Even today, many still can't believe what he has done.  And so I can understand that administrators, without any concrete evidence, would be very reluctant to make charges against him that probably couldn't be proven.  But it appears that many, whether it be right or wrong, are going to continue to face charges of cover-ups and improper actions.  And so, because of one man, many adults are dealing with the pain of sexual abuse, administrators are going to be charged and lose their jobs, an honest, admired man, Joe Paterno will have a tarnished image, Penn State's fine academic and athletic reputations will need to be rebuilt, and thousands will deal with the deep disappointment and shock of the entire situation. Many will bear the pain. And all of this is because of the sin of one man.  But we should be reminded that is was the sacrificial action of one man, the Lord Jesus Christ, that provided all of us with a way to deal with our sin.  And while we condemn the actions of Sandusky, we need to be reminded that we live in a world of sin where so many are infected with evil desires and sin actions - from the highest ranking officials and celebrities to those with nothing.  God's Word reminds us that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  I often picture a huge wall with loads of ladders of all sizes.  Some are longer than others.  But all fall short of the top.  Throughout this whole Sandusky scandal, I have often been reminded of the verse Jeremiah 17:9  "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"  Only the Lord knows our hearts.  And people often hide that wickedness until some event stirs them to react with the wickedness of their heart.  That's why our hearts need the transforming that only the Lord can provide. The verse which I most often pray to the Lord talks about those inner things that nobody but He can see.  Psalm 19:14  "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in they sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."  Hopefully the Sandusky affair will one day be an event of the past but in the meantime may we live in complete dependence upon God and in His will.

Billions down the drain

Several weeks ago I wrote a blog about all of the waste in the election process.  In that blog I mentioned the vast sums that were raised to get a person elected.  I commented that this was so sad because of the huge national debt that we are growing.  If only folks, like the Hollywood movie stars, would join and raise support to bring down this debt that has become an anchor around our necks.  But little did I realize how bad this election spending really is.  Then Reader's Digest came out with an article outlining what is spent based on the president's present and past election drives.  To me it was so startling that I feel that I need to share some of the results with you.   Based on Obama's record-setting 2008 expenditures, here are some of the expected 2012 expenditures just for him.  Travel - $61 million, including $3 million for rental cars and $45 million for commercial flights and $5 million for private planes.  About $65 million will be spent on staff.  Then there is the $435 million spent for advertising.  And much of this will probably be negative.  $54 million will be spent on operations, that is for offices, rent and utilities, computer equipment, etc.  Oh yes, $400,000 of that will be to keep staffers and volunteers fed and caffeinated, and, of course, $35,000 for pizza.  Then there will be $30 million spent on fund-raising, including telemarketing, direct-mail firms, postage, etc.  And this will be used to fill our mailboxes with unwanted requests for money, not to mention the many calls that will interrupt our daily lives.  And you can't forget polling for $28 million.  Phone calls and focus groups to let us know before we even vote who will win.  And finally, $34 million with be spent on events. A  5,000 person rally will cost about $75,000.  And don't forget the $2,000 for portable toilets, including flushable units for the candidate and major donors.  So once again, Obama will spend over one billion dollars to get himself reelected.  But so will the Republican candidate.  That means over two billion dollars will be spent to get a president elected this year.  Wouldn't it be nice if we had two billion dollars to put towards the national debt?   But dream on.   But I guess there is a bright side to all of this.  the candidates will be putting two billion dollars back into the economy.  Or would this just balance out what is being taken out?  We need an economist to answer that question.  And it may finally add some jobs throughout the nation.  Maybe this is what Obama meant when he promised to add jobs to the economy.  But as I've said before, remember that poly means many and ticks are bloodsuckers.  So would that make politics many bloodsuckers?

200 Hymns

It was October 19, 2008 when I decided to create a weekly hymn blog.  I'm not sure why I did it except that it seemed like it might be fun.  Since then I've kept this blog going and I am astonished by the results.  While this personal blog is only read by about 60 - 70 readers per week, the hymn blog now averages over 750 hits per week! By the end of June over 42,000 visits will have been made to that blog. I have trouble comprehending that so many people would choose to visit it each week.  And on June 24 I will post my 200th hymn on that blog.  Now I don't receive many comments on these weekly entries, but many that I have received have been very interesting.  Here are a few samples. On "Master The Tempest Is Raging", Betty said, "Thanks for your blog. It's a blessing to me. I was looking for the lyric of the song which our women's group will be singing for Mother's day. I'm excited about it because it means a lot to me. Growing up in Africa with my grandmother, we lived in a slum like area and it would rain for days. We wouldn't be able to leave our bed because our home was filled with water. My grandmother, a devoted Methodist, would sing this song in Kru, a Liberian dialect. And since then when I hear or sing it, it reminds me of faith in Christ in the midst of any storm. Be blessed and continue the good work." On "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart" by Rufus McDaniel, Tania said, "Thank you for posting the background information, I am his Great-Great Granddaughter and had no idea he wrote hymns. I stumbled upon this article by accident."  On "Your Faithfulness", anonymous said, "Amazing. God is truly amazing. When darkness overwhelms everything and even if it seems that all things are nonsense, one thing we must hold on: GOD IS FAITHFUL AND WILL BE FOREVER FAITHFUL."  On "All Hail The Power",  Tammy Jost said, "Thanks for the post on another great hymn. I grew up singing it and then sang another version of it when I was singing with a trio in Bible School. I hadn't heard the background of it before. This is such a special blog. Thanks again."  On "I Shall Know Him", Barbie Shadrick said, "thank you for posting a blog about hymns. Sometimes, when I can't pray for despair or sadness or maybe even sin, I begin to sing. I find that hymns have a soothing ointment for my heart. After I sang the hymn, using each verse as a prayer or praise, I find that I can begin to pray and read His word with peace and even joy. Today, I looked for the song, 'I Shall Know Him', and found this page. You have been a blessing to me, thank you."   On "Wonderful Name He Bears", anonymous said, "Hi. I have been singing this particular hymn since I was a little girl. My aunt actually paid me to sing it at an Easter program because I was so scared to sing in front of people. Today I am almost 50 and my 11 year old niece wants to learn the words so that she can sing it in her church. You are so right, the words are very very touching. I know your blog is old, but I just found it today and it was right on time."  For the same hymn, John Cochrane said, "I remember singing this hymn in sunday school way back in the late fifties and early sixties and have never forgotten it. The sunday school was in the town of Sawtell NSW Australia run by the late Mr Tom E. Towel. A wonderful hymn of praise to our wonderful Lord."  On "It Will Be Worth It All", Terri said, "I also did a google search to encourage a sister in Christ through her trials and found this blog. Perfect!" .  And Karen added, "thank you for the words that I have searched for and not found in several hymn books. Our ladies Bible study is working through 1 Peter and our fellowship is teaching end times. This song is so appropriate. A letter from a missionary today reminded me of that song and I finally found it on your site. We will sing and rejoice tonight." And those are just a sampling of the comments that I have received.  I admit that most times when I go to write I ask myself why am I continuing to do this.  But comments like these make me realize that there is a need for such a blog.  People do miss the old hymns and they do still minister to people's needs.  I never anticipated that this blog would be such an avenue of ministry and I am humbled by the response. And, Lord willing, I will start working on the next one hundred!

Graduation

Fifty-three years ago I graduated from Warwick High School in Lititz as part of the third class to graduate from that new district.  Since then my brother and sister and two nephews also graduated from Warwick and my father served as president of the Board for several years.  But last week my grandson, Josh, graduated with honors and I had the privilege of returning and attending.  As a former educator I have attended about 40 graduation ceremonies since my high school graduation.  A few were held outside but many were in hot, sweaty, uncomfortable gymnasiums.  However, Josh's was in the comfortable Calvary Church with its padded seats and air conditioning.  That made it easier to enjoy a service that went two and a quarter hours to graduate 356 seniors.  Incidentally, Penn Manor graduated 453 in just an hour and three quarters.  Schools could take lessons from Penn Manor which has learned how to run an efficient ceremony.  The Warwick ceremony had many very nice touches.  The band played two great numbers during the prelude.  Unfortunately most of the audience behaved as they do during church preludes - they talked, laughed and made it hard to listen.  The school board members, seated on the platform, set a poor example by talking and laughing along with the audience.  That was sad.  The entrance of the graduates was impressive since they entered from the balcony, down the open stairways on both sides of the auditorium, and through the aisles to their seats in the front middle sections.  That was a great touch.  The graduates and audience were fairly well behaved during the long program but there was the usual cell phone ringing, crying kids, air horn, and several beach balls (these were quickly confiscated by faculty members).  I was impressed by the fact that 80% of the class will be continuing their education and they earned more than a million dollars in scholarships.  I thought it was unusual that various groups were recognized, in addition to the school's honor students.  These include honor students in French, Spanish and I think German, a few organizations which I didn't recognize, students who attended Career and Technology Centers (formerly Vo-Tech) and members of student council.  This could have been done at an awards program to save time.  And where were the math, science, history, English, and music honor students?  I guess the languages were more important.  The four class officers played a prominent role in the ceremony.  They congratulated each graduate and then received their diplomas last.  The president closed the program by speaking to his class members.  This was a very nice touch.  I was class president my junior and senior years and my name didn't even get listed in the bulletin.  Another interesting touch that took up much time was having the senior homeroom teachers announce the names of their students as they came to get their diploma.  In several cases the students first went to hug the teacher before going to receive their diploma.  However, it was interesting that six or eight of the homeroom teachers weren't there.  I guess their contract didn't call for them to get any extra pay for participating.  Maybe I am being tough on them, but I worked with high school teachers for 39 years and I know how some of them think.  But it was a nice touch for those teachers who attended.  Now the one complaint I have about this ceremony is the same one that I have about all of them.  I've now attended over 40 graduation services and I can't recall a single point from any of the hundred plus speeches that I heard.  I guess the student speeches are traditional and can't be dropped.  But why must the high school principal, the superintendent and the school board president need to speak?  Cut them out and you save 20 - 25 minutes from the long program and nobody will even miss them.  Anything they do say is usually forgotten within 24 hours.  Now if I was ever asked to speak what I think I would do is bring three balls and try to juggle them.  I would say this is what life is like, now get your butts out of here into the real world, get a job, earn a living and pay your taxes so that we can keep this education cycle going.  Short and sweet - might be remembered a little longer.  But I will never get that opportunity ... fortunately.  Oh yes, congratulations Joshua.  We are proud of you and will keep praying for you.

It's My Birthday

June 14 is my birthday.  But those of you who know me will say that I must be losing it.  My birthday is really April 6.  Yes, April 6 is my first birthday, my physical birthday, and this year I turned 71 on that day.  But June 14 is my second birthday, my spiritual birthday.  And on June 14 I will celebrate my 67th birthday in the family of God.  For you see, I was only four years old when my Aunt Ellen, who we visited last week in Wisconsin, led me to the Lord.  Now I will admit that I knew little about Biblical theology at that time, but I do know that I knew that I was a sinner and that Christ died for my sins.  And in childlike faith I accepted His precious gift of salvation at that time.  And over the years I have learned much more about that gift and I have grown in the Lord.  But nothing has changed the assurance that I received as a youngster that I was now in God's family and nothing could take that gift away from me.  But there are critics out there who don't believe that a child can be saved.  It is sad to hear that argument because Christ himself welcomed the children and talked about childlike faith.  But as we get older and think we are more intelligent we try to make this decision so much more difficult.  We debate the theology of salvation.  We set up our own standards and we often even judge those who believe they are saved.  And at times our so-called wisdom may just build up obstacles for others. In reality, it is so simple that a child can make this decision yet so profound that outside of God's mercy and grace it can't be explained. I guess my experience and the experiences of many others is one of the reasons so much of my life has been devoted to reaching children.  I started helping to teach children in a Good News club in junior high.  In senior high I was teaching Sunday School and then leading the youth department.  In college I worked in DVBS's.  Later I became Sunday School Superintendent.  Then for 25 years we had a family ministry, traveling weekly to present about 100 programs a year for parents and children.  In the summers we would lead an average of six summer rally Bible Schools.  Then it was Awana and for 30 years we have worked in that special ministry to reach children with the Gospel of Christ.  Now if you tell me that children can't be reached for the Lord, then that will contradict what I have personally seen happen in all of these years of ministry to children.  And it will tell me that the decision that I made 67 years ago means nothing.  But that will never happen because the presence of the Lord in my life all of these years is the best proof that I need that children can be saved and their lives can be changed.  For it is still very real to me.  As Jesus said, don't prevent the little children to come to Him for of such is the kingdom of God.  Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so!

The GPS

We just returned from a week in Wisconsin.  It was a great trip because we were able to spend time with a special uncle and aunt who are in their mid 90's. My aunt led me to the Lord as a youngster and both of them stood with my parents when they were married.  In addition, we had a wonderful chance to spend time with my cousin Nancy and her husband Bill who run Honey Rock Camp which is part of Wheaton College's program.  We also loved northern Wisconsin with its many lakes and woods and beautiful scenery.  This was our third visit there and we'd love to return.  And since we had been there before I didn't really rely on maps because I generally knew where we were going.  However, we were surprised when our rental car included a GPS.  We had never used one before.  Where we travel we generally know where we are going and so purchasing one is an expenditure which we have never made.  But we really enjoyed using it on this trip and it did help us around a few detours.  Then the next to last day that we were in Wisconsin, we decided to visit Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison.  We had been there two years ago and were fascinated with its beautiful gardens.  Even though I thought I knew the way, I decided to use the GPS.  We had no problem getting there but on the way home I was sure it was taking us the wrong way.  It was taking us back by a different route that went through town rather than on the interstate.  So we finally stopped and tried to reprogram it.  And again it insisted that we were on the correct route.  At that point, without a map, I had no choice but to follow its directions, even though I was sure that I was correct.  But I wasn't correct - the GPS knew more that I did and we shortly reached our destination.  I should have trusted it instead of my own instinct.  Later, on the radio, I heard the old hymn "Have Thine Own Way Lord".  As I listened, the words reminded me of my recent GPS experience.  I wanted to go my way even though the GPS knew better than I did.  Isn't that the way we often treat the Lord?  He has a plan for us, He knows all of our ways, and He wants to guide us daily.  But often we think we know better and we act according to our will and wisdom and soon we are in trouble.  Fortunately, even in times like that, He is always there.  Maybe He needs to tell us "recalculating" to get our attention and get us back on the correct path.  So today as I recall my GPS experience I am reminded of the words of the hymn which say, "Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still."   Now maybe I do need a physical GPS to help when I am driving, but I know that I do need to daily depend upon my spiritual GPS which is God's special gift.

Sacred Vows

We have just been invited by our newest neighbors to attend a picnic at their house later in June to witness them renew their marriage vows on their 20th wedding anniversary.  We are looking forward to that event to get to know them better, to encourage them in their married life, and to support the sacredness of marriage.  We have witnessed other couples do this, especially on their 50th anniversaries.  Now that is a very nice thing to do and I respect those who do it.  However, we have not chosen to do this because we feel that we remember and obey our vows daily and have done so for 50 years.  On June 2, 1962,  we were asked "Do you take this one to be your true and wedded husband/wife and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to love, honor, cherish, obey, and protect her/him and her/him only ... and we have done that and will continue to do so.  I'd give my life for her if I had to.... to forsake all others ... I have honored that for 50 years ... and we said yes to that vow on our wedding day and we would never consider doing otherwise.  Then the vows continued ... to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer ... the poorer part came in the early days of our married life.  And while we had little then, they were good years as we sacrificed together and saw God work and provide.  All young couples should have to go through such challenging times to learn to depend upon the Lord, to grow closer to God and closer to each other. What precious memories.  As far as the richer, I doubt that we ever experience what some call riches, no matter how many years we have together.  But when I look at what God has provided for us (see my June 2 blog) I realize that even if I had all the money in the world, I couldn't be richer than I am now. ... in sickness and in health ... and we have experienced both.  From kidney stones to cancer, from biopsies to a variety of tests, from feeling lousy to feeling great ... to love, cherish and obey .... not difficult at all .... till death do us part.  I think the worst thing in life is the death of a long time spouse. I can't even imagine the pain and loss that widows and widowers face.  It is something that you wish would never happen.  But, unless the Lord returns first, it is an experience that couples can't avoid.  And if both know the Lord then all one can ask for is the very special peace and comfort that only the Lord can provide in those times of deep sorrow and hurt.  Now I know it is an old fashioned idea, but I believe that a vow made before God and other witnesses is sacred and must be kept.  Unfortunately, more and more couples today never get over caring only about their own personal needs and sacred vows mean very little.  They are just another formality to be forsaken if and when it becomes convenient.  Oh may more couples realize the sacredness of making and keeping marriage vows before the Lord. And so, as we begin our second 50 years together, I don't feel the need to have a special ceremony to renew these vows.  But, I do feel the need to live them out everyday - or 24/7 in today's jargon.

50 Great Years!

So much to smile about

50 years sounds like a long time.  A half century sounds even longer.  But to me, the past 50 years of married life have gone by so quickly.  And I would not trade them for anything.  Dianne and I were brought together by the Lord who has guided us with His faithfulness and presence.  We may be unusual because in 50 years we have never had a major disagreement or fight.  On our honeymoon the Lord gave us Psalm 92:13, "Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."  We have tried to follow those words for 50 years and we rejoice in God's goodness.  Now how do you describe 50 years?  Well let me make an attempt by listing 50 things for which I am especially thankful.  1-3  are Craig, Ken and Tim, our three sons.  They love and serve the Lord and are great fathers.  What more could we want?   4-6 are Kisha, Sandy and Wendy, our three daughter-in-laws.  We love them like daughters and thank God for them.  7-13 are Zach, Josh, Taylor, Noah, Chloe, Lexie and Brodie, our seven grandchildren.  All have asked the Lord to be their Savior.  14 -17 would be our parents.  All four loved the Lord and modeled Him to us.  All four are now with Him in heaven. 18 would be our extended family.  We have been blessed with grandparents, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, in-laws, cousins and nephews and nieces who love the Lord.  19.  Friends - we have been blessed with numerous friends who have enriched our married life over 50 years.  Many of them are now in heaven.  20-23 would by the four homes that we have lived in.  Each were special provisions with special stories about them. The present one has now been our home for almost 42 years.  24-25 Two estates settled, at the same time.  I'm not sure that I ever want to be an executor again but we learned much and saw so many special answers to prayer during that time.  26 - My special job as a teacher/administrator for 39 years.  Few people can stay that long at one place and say that they enjoyed it all.  It was God's special provision to us and a definite answer to prayer when I had to choose from four job offers nearly 50 years ago.  27 - Many part-time jobs over the years that supplemented a teacher's salary and enabled Dianne to stay at home and be a full-time mother.  These included writing questions for Educational Testing Service, teaching adult ed, doing homebound instruction, coaching, working for the Sunday News for 25 years, Books In Print editorial staff. chief statistician for PIAA basketball play-offs for 25 years, Cherry Hill Orchards, software prep for ISC, consultant for an Addison Wesley geometry textbook and working with my wife for the Lancaster County Election Bureau for ten years.  28 - The opportunity for us to travel and visit 25 major cities in the U.S. and Canada as part of my job responsibilities.  This included speaking at five major national conventions.  29 - Having a family ministry for 25 years including and presenting almost 100 programs a year.  We won't know until heaven how many families were touched by the Lord, but we do know that it taught our boys many lessons and developed in them special strengths and skills which they use today.  30 - Over 40 years of ministry at Pinebrook working with children and music.  For most of those years it was a ministry in the summer but for the last ten it has been with hymn sings and retreats throughout the year.  31 - Multiple opportunities to serve, often side-by-side, for 50 years in our church.  This has included Sunday School (teachers, department leader, superintendent), music (piano, organ, solos, duets, choir, administration, Christmas Eve program leadership), adult Bible studies, elder and committees, prayer chain coordinators.  32 - Awana.  What can I say about the opportunity to lead for 30 years, to minister to children, and to provide training for adults.  Together we have now completed all three levels of Awana college training in Hershey, Pittsburgh and Chicago.  These years with this great program have been very special.  33 - 50 represent 18 operations and procedures under anesthesia.  They include numerous biopsies, only one of which has shown cancer.  In addition there have been many dozens of other tests.  But through all of this we thank God for the health and life that He has given us.  We don't know what lies ahead, but God is faithful and He goes before us.  So there are 50.  I could easily list another 50.  We just say, thank you Lord for 50 great years together.  Our desire is to continue to live for Him and to serve Him here on earth as long as He gives us the health and strength to do so.  And, by the way, 50 years goes faster than you can imagine.  So use your today to live for Him.

So Much To Learn

It's that time of the year when our schools send out another wave of graduates to face the world.  Hopefully they have learned their lessons well.  But so many of the important lessons in life are only learned through experience.  Recently somebody sent me a list of things that are learned with time.  I thought it was so good that I am passing it on to you.  I only wish that I had written it.  Here goes.  (1) I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."  (2)  I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll  miss them when they're gone from your life.  (3)  I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.  (4)  I've learned that people will forget what you said ... people will forget what you did ... but people will never forget how you made them feel.  (5)  I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.  (6)  I've learned that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.  (7)  I've learned that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.  (8)  I've learned that money doesn't buy class.  (9) I've learned that under someone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.  (10)  I've learned that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?  (11)  I've learned that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.  (12)  I've learned that the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.  (13)  I've learned that no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.  (14)  I've learned that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.  (15)  I've learned that a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.  (16)  I've learned that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.   And finally,  (17)  I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Helicopter Parents

People have often asked me how I thought students changed over the 39 years that I was in education.  That question was always hard to answer because conditions had changed so much over the years.  More students now stay in school.  More opportunities and advanced courses are available.  Technology has changed so much.  Standardized testing and government interference have increased greatly. And parents and home life have changed radically.  Single parent families are now common.  Kids go home to empty houses.  Conditions have changed, but I'm not sure if students have changed that much.  However I do feel that many are now more immature.  And much of this I blame on parents.  In my opinion they have become more involved, demanding, and defensive concerning their children.   Teachers and schools are now blamed for many student problems and shortcomings in parenting.  It wasn't unusual, later in my 39 years in education, for parents to defend their child's lack of effort and failure to meet deadlines.  They often demanded special assignments and extra attention.  Many intervened in situations when the students should have been conferring with the teacher and taking the responsibility for their actions.  For that reason I was not surprised when I recently read an article in the local newspaper with the title "Helicopter parents swoop in on adult children's job hunts, too". The article began by describing a "polished well-dressed woman (who) went booth to booth (at a job fair) passing out resumes, asking about job openings.  Not for herself, however.  For her son. He just graduated.  He has a degree.  He's sharp.  He doesn't know what he wants to do, but I think he'd be good at human resources."  Claudia Buck, the author, says "For baby-boomer parents, who have diligently - some would say obsessively - followed their children from diapers to diplomas, that encounter was perhaps the next logical phase of the so-called "helicopter parenting."  To back up our opinion she shared a 2007 survey of 725 U.S. employers who interview college seniors for jobs.  23 percent of them reported that parents "sometimes" or "very often" get involved.  Here's how:  Attending the interview - 4%; Advocating for promotion/ salary increase - 6%; Negotiating salary/benefits - 9%;  Making interview arrangements - 12%; Complaining if son or daughter isn't hired - 15%; Attending career fair - 17%; Promoting their child to company hiring managers or officials - 26%; Submitting resume on student's behalf - 31%; Obtaining information on company - 40%.  Now I spent nearly 36 years hiring math teachers. Here is my statistic.  Chances of me hiring you if your parents got directly involved - 0%.  I wanted teachers who could speak for themselves and be responsible, not still controlled by their "loving" parents.  I guess some parents will never let their "children" grow up and take responsibility.  It is hard to see your children get rejected, but it is a life lesson that they need to learn.  For that's the way life is.  Well, after reading this article, I realize that my feelings about interfering parents weren't just the result of growing older.  Many others are experiencing the same thing.  Cover them in prayer.  Give them helpful advice.  But let them loose to learn real life lessons and make their way to success or to failure. 

The "C Word"

If we live long enough most of us will have experiences with the "C word".  It may be our friends who are afflicted with this dreaded diagnosis.  Often it may be closer to home such as a beloved family member.  This can be devastating, especially when the disease is discovered with no warning.  We have all heard sad stories of folks who find they have an advanced case and within a few quick weeks they are no longer with us. And we've heard of those who have battled with it for years before losing the battle.  It can be a devastating situation.  We all hope that it will avoid us.  But sometimes it doesn't.  That is the nature of the world that we live in.  A few days ago the "C" word, that is cancer, was used by my doctor in an evening telephone call to me.  He called to tell me that my recent biopsy showed cancer cells.  He said that it is low risk right now, and I guess that is comforting, but it still is cancer - the same type my brother died of just three years ago.  Now I'm not sure yet what the treatment will be and I won't know until we meet with the doctor on June 1.  That is the earliest meeting with him that we could schedule. Having such a meeting is not exactly how I wanted to observe our 50th wedding anniversary, but often such things are out of our control.  I knew this day would eventually come because the statistics were against me with my family history.  And, I do understand mathematics and probability.  I guess I just hoped that it would be sometime in the future, not now.  And this did take me a little off guard since I didn't have the normal symptoms.  But the specialist just wasn't sure, again because of my family history, and he recommended more tests and a biopsy just to be sure.  And his intuition was correct.  Now I have watched many wrestle with cancer.  In particular, I was impressed with the way that my brother handled his 15 year battle and also with the way that my my Aunt Thelma handled her very brief battle.  They were so positive, even when in horrendous pain, and they drew nearer to the Lord as He comforted them in their journey.  And both had the hope of an eternal home with the Lord and being reunited with loved ones.  I don't know what lies ahead in my journey, but I pray that I may also stay positive and be an encouragement and a testimony to others who watch my journey.  There is so much that I would like to see and do before I leave, and maybe God will grant that to me.  But I also must admit that the older I get, the better the alternative - heaven - really looks.  And I have learned that God's ways are always best and right.  God is good, all the time. And He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.  So the journey ahead may be long or it may be short, but I know He will lead me now as He has always done in the past. Great is His faithfulness. Hopefully my cancer is really of low risk and treatable.  But if not, the future is still very bright.

An Old Friend

Each Spring I enjoy sitting in my recliner, on our back porch, and watching our beautiful rhododendron as it bursts into bloom.  The plant is actually like an old friend for it has been there for  over 40 years.  It has often been an encouragement to me as it shares so many life lessons.  It has continued to thrive over the years while most of our other plants have gotten diseases and have died or have just disappeared. Gone. As you get older you experience the same thing as close ones are called home to eternity and are no longer here.  All of the men who were in our wedding party are now with the Lord. For some reason the Lord has allowed me to continue. Our beautiful plant has had its share of diseases, too, but with careful care it has continued to grow and bloom.  Annually I have had to prune and cut out limbs which are no longer healthy.  I often wonder if it will continue to thrive after my pruning.  I am reminded of how the Lord also prunes us through problems and sickness and spiritual teaching. And we all experience this pruning and should grow as a result. He does this for us so that we may bloom more beautifully for Him.  And my annual pruning has also changed the physical shape of my dear old friend.  It is no longer as symmetrical as it had been and it has holes were branches have been taken out. But it is still beautiful as it blooms.  And I guess that I no longer look the way I used to - somehow our shapes change as we get older.  Now my old friend continues to survive with regular care.  I do feed it regularly.  It needs its food, just like I need my spiritual food.  But I think there might be another secret to its survival.  It is planted near the main down spout where all the water from the back half of our large ranch style home flows when it rains.  Now the water doesn't run over the trunk or roots which would make them rot.  But, it does soak into the ground so that the plant can pull from it as a needed source of nourishment.  This reminds me so much of the verse in Psalm 1 which says "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."  What a reminder to me that I also need the spiritual nourishment to keep me growing and being fruitful. And every spring, for over 40 years, my old friend has bloomed and produced beautiful fruit or flowers.  And shouldn't that be our desire and goal?  Too often as folks get older they withdraw from ministry and from opportunities to grow spiritually.  They become stagnant and their fruit is no longer bountiful and beautiful.  What a tragic way to live.  Now I don't know how much longer my plant will survive.  Every year I think it might be its last year.  But the same is true of my life.  Our years are numbered and in God's control. We don't know what tomorrow may bring.  So, to my friend, my beautiful plant, keep blooming while you are able.  And thank you for your annual reminders of how to live and bloom.

No Regrets!

If only I could send her flowers.  If only I could send her a meaningful card.  If only I could give her a call. If only I could stop by to visit her.  If only I could take her out to eat.  If only I could give her a kiss.   If only I could tell her that I love her and wish her a happy Mother's Day.  But I can't.  And I haven't been able to do that for 18 years.  She was taken from us so unexpectedly and so quickly in an automobile accident.  In a moment everything changed.  Thankfully I was with her the night before, on her birthday, and I was able to wish her a happy birthday.  In some ways that seems just like yesterday and I still miss her. I will always miss her.  I think there is often a special bond between mothers and their sons.  And I had a special mother who loved and served the Lord.  I was blessed.  I realize now how much she sacrificed for her children.  Somtimes you need to be older until you really understand that. I wish I could say thank you to her once again.  I was blessed.  Now I don't have any regrets except that I can no longer share with her.  I know that she is now with the Lord and that she and dad are reunited.  She no longer has the physical ailments that bothered her here on earth.  And the Lord spared her from the difficult days that so many seniors endure in their latter years.  And I do not wish her back.  But at mother's day there is still a deep hurt that one feels when mother is gone.  Our days here on earth pass so quickly and it is so easy to forget those who we love.  If your mother is alive, make sure that you do something special for her this weekend.  If you are away from home send her flowers and call her and thank her for being your mother.  If you are close by, make sure that you at least visit with her or take her out for dinner.  You may never have the chance to do that again on mother's day.  You don't want to live with that regret.

Maybe This Time

After contacting the PUC and also posting a picture and the problem on UGI's Facebook page, there was a flurry of calls and e-mails from UGI on Friday.  It appears that I have now gotten their attention.  I am told that I will hear from them about their plans by the middle of next week.  No progress yet on when the work will actually be done, but at least I finally stirred things up.  So we'll see what happens next.


WORK WAS FINALLY DONE ON MAY 17!

UGI, clean up your mess - now!

Late in February UGI spent a week installing a gas line down our street.  The process went well until they reached our property and ran into heavy rock.  It took them several days to complete the line in front of our house - on our lawn.  And we weren't even getting gas to our house.  For several days their equipment dug up our lawn and created many deep ruts in the lawn.  The workers assured me that within a few days another crew would come to complete the work and restore our lawn.  Weeks went by and nobody showed up.  We were left with rocky soil, ruts and weeds.  So I tried to call UGI.  Twice, after long delays, I got cut off.  On the third frustrating try I finally reached someone who told me that UGI would be in touch with me the next day.  That never happened.  So I wrote a letter.  A few days later a UGI workman showed up to promise me that a restoration crew was on the way.  If it didn't show up he'd even hire somebody local to fix the problem so that I could cut grass and complete my spring lawn care.  Promises, promises! Weeks passed by again with no response.  Finally I wrote a second letter to the man who had visited us asking him for a date when the work would be done.  He never replied.  Finally I reached him on phone and he said that he would have the restoration crew contact me.  Unbelievably, within an hour I did receive a call from the foreman of the crew.  He told me that the work would be done within a week and definitely by last Friday. They were working in Lititz and would here in a day or two. I guess I wasn't the least bit surprised when that didn't happen.  And we are still waiting.  No work, no response, nothing!  If this is typical of UGI's customer service then they have talked me out of ever dealing with them.  I have been lied to, I have been misled, I have been ignored and I am frustrated and upset.  I don't know who to even contact. I don't trust any of them.  Is this the new American way - promise, lie and ignore? Maybe it is time to go public with my frustration.  So if you deal with UGI, when you pay your next bill tell them to clean up their job at 180 W. Charlotte St., in Millersville.  It's now two months and I am still waiting.  UGI, clean up your mess!   Stay tuned.

Problems of the Handicapped

Have you ever really thought about the problems that even moderately handicapped people face? I doubt that most of us do until we are faced with the problem ourselves. I imagine that probably was true even with me until my wife began using a cane. It has been interesting to see how folks interact with you when you are forced to use something like a cane. Now in all fairness, there are some people who are very considerate. They let you go ahead. They ask if they can help. They hold doors for you. Fortunately there are still some people with manners who are considerate of those with special needs. Now as you might expect, children are the worst problem. They run, they bump into you, they rush ahead, and they cut right in front of you. But they do that even to older folks who aren't handicapped. On a Sunday morning I have often been bumped by running children while I am trying to carry my coffee. At times that can almost be an adventure and even a little dangerous. But teens and young adults usually aren't much better. In the malls they don't get out of your way. You need to move for them. And they rush to beat you in and out of the doors, especially those which open automatically. But many adults act the same. It is common when we walk at Park City to have folks cut right in front of us or stop suddenly right in front of us. And many of them also like to beat you through the automatic doors. Then there are those who park in the striped areas between handicapped parking slots which are designed for vans and room for the handicapped to exit or enter their vehicles. As I said, I guess we just don't think much about those things until we have a handicap or we spend time with somebody who does. Maybe all students should be required to spend a day or two as a "handicapped person" to experience these problems. And we have also become more aware of the problems handicapped have with access to facilities. We have been learning the problems of dealing with steps when ramps and elevators are not available. On our trip to Commanders College last week, we visited the church where Awana really developed sixty years ago. Surprisingly it was not the least bit handicapped accessible. There were steep steps everywhere to get into the building and then again into the sanctuary. No ramps or elevators were provided. At one point my wife had to wait until everybody in our group had passed before she could begin difficult task of using the steps. She had struggled halfway when somebody from the church suddenly appeared and told her to be careful because they didn't have any insurance if she should hurt herself. We weren't sure whether to laugh or cry about his warning. But, unfortunately, that is often the attitude of people who aren't handicapped themselves - at least physically handicapped. And maybe that comment also tells you why this formerly thriving church, with an auditorium that seats about 400, now only averages 30 to 40 each Sunday. I sure hope this guy wasn't the church greeter!

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU ARE HAVING FUN

I don't know who to give credit to for the following cartoon but I guess it describes how I feel.  Last Saturday night we celebrated our 30th year of Awana at Faith Bible.  It has been our special joy to have started the program and then led it through these many years.  And in just a month, Lord willing, we will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary.  And as I said, time flies when you are having fun.  When we reflect upon the past we can't help wonder where all the years have gone and how fast they have gone.  And please understand, this happens to all of us.  And we can honestly say to the Lord, great is Thy faithfulness.  He has led us in the past and we know He will lead us in the future no matter what our coming days on earth may include.  God is good, all the time.

Source unknown

Saving Money

Today I want to share my plan to reduce the state and national debts.  Let's start by eliminating all primary elections.  Last Tuesday I spent almost all day from 6 am to 9 pm waiting for a few hundred voters to show up and exercise their freedom to vote.  Because it was a primary they could only vote for their party and in most cases there were no real contests.  Not including the cost of all of the equipment, it probably cost at least $1,000 in salaries, rentals, and materials to run our precinct for the 301 voters (16% of eligible voters) who showed up.  And this is not unusual for an annual primary. Now I think there are about 250 precincts in Lancaster County alone.  So there is about $250,000, plus I don't know how much more in costs for all the full-time staff that works for the election bureau.  In addition to handling absentee ballots and registration they must prepare, deliver and pick-up the equipment.  They must also spend weeks verifying the returns from each precinct.  Now multiply that amount by 67 counties and you can begin to see how much is spent, or let me say, wasted on a primary.  Now my suggestion is to eliminate the primary and let each party send out ballots or find another way to select their candidates.  And let those not selected by the party have their names placed on the final ballot by getting a minimum number of signatures on petitions.  Now that change alone would save millions annually for a state that is facing severe financial difficulties.  Then I would also reform national campaigns. I would eliminate super PACs.  One of these PACs plans to raise 240 million to influence campaigns this Fall.  Multiply this by all of these PAC's and use this money instead to support medicare or reduce the national debt.  Limit the amount that a campaign can spend - let's say 60 million dollars for a national campaign.  In his last  campaign our president is said to have spent almost a billion dollars - not million, but billion!  Wouldn't this have been better spent on reducing the national debt?  And a limit on campaign spending might even reduce the negative advertising that floods television.  It might also make it easier for a common person to compete and gain office instead of just the rich and connected as happens today.  And let's limit the campaign to three debates - we don't need more than that, especially if they are handled correctly and hit the main issues.  Maybe by curtailing campaign activities we would have kinder, more civilized campaigns that would be centered on the issues rather than on the negativity that we now experience.  And while we are reforming things, let's also eliminate the recorded telephone messages. I'm sick of them - they give me a negative impression of the candidate especially when I must interrupt a meal or other work to answer them.  And why are these calls exempt from the no-call policy?  Well I know such changes are just a dream.  Nobody will consider them seriously - maybe they make too much sense.  But if we are serious about saving money and reducing state and national debt, here would be a great place to start. As the debt deepens we will continue to spend millions and billions on the election "circus".  But I guess such changes would run counter  to the main goal of most elected officials to get themselves reelected over and over again.  Term limits?  Well that is another issue for another day.