Prayer Request

Dear friends, during the past few weeks I have had two very unexpected physical challenges which have both resulted in tests, procedures and surgeries.  These will continue in the days ahead.  I would appreciate your prayers during this time.  Also, please pray that somehow I will be able to attend my granddaughter's wedding on Saturday afternoon, October 3.  Thank you for praying.  God is good, all the time.

Online Ordering

         The Pandemic has certainly changed the ways that we do many of our normal activities.  Some of the changes have been good, others not so good.

          Because of our age and physical difficulties our doctors have warned us not to be around other people for any activity.  That has hit us very hard in our relationships with our family, our friends and our church family.  We miss being with them and doing things with them.  For us this isolation has been the hardest part of the Covid threat.

          But a necessary activity has been shopping.  Obviously this is something that must still be done.  One shopping challenge we haven't solved has been getting our medicine.  And since our pharmacy does not have a drive up window we have been forced to go in to pick them up.

          However we have been using both CVS.com and Walgreens.com for items that don't require scripts.  At first these services were both slow and several times items were not available online.  That meant looking for another similar product or buying a different quantity.  And there are still some things not available at either site, such as thermometers.

         Amazon has been one of the best sources for various supplies over these months.  You can buy almost anything that you need online at their site.  Delivery is usually fast.  If needed, returns are very easy.  We have used this quite often, even for some medical needs, and we have been very satisfied.

          Now we have been rather dissatisfied with both Lowes and Home Depot.  We did have a few garden items sent to us from Lowes, but there are several other items that were out of stock or not available for curbside pickup. 

          The same was true with Home Depot.  However we did order a metal trash can from them for curbside pickup only to wait for almost a day to get a confirmation that we could pick it up.  And their website claimed to have five in stock.  So why did it take hours to get one ready for us?  When dealing with them I called to see if we could get a can of spray paint with out trash can order.  I know paint is generally not available online.  The clerk said "yes, no problem".  But when I tried to complete the order online it wouldn't allow me to do it.  So, no paint.

          I also tried to place a simple order for curbside pickup on Stauffer's Home and Garden Center but found the first pickup date wasn't for two more days.  I decided I didn't want to wait that long for this item so I canceled it. 

          During the pandemic we had to make two major purchases online.  Our washer broke down and no appliance stores were open for customers.  However we did find one online that a dealer was able to deliver and set up for us.  It is working but we might not have bought it if we could have really shopped and physically compared models.  I also bought a new computer online but I had also done that years ago and I knew what I needed and wanted.

          Ordering meals to take out has generally gone well, especially at Country Table and Isaac's.  However when I tried at Centerville Diner I had trouble processing the order online since I didn't have a google mail account.  I could have called my order in, but sometimes I am a little stubborn.  But even if I did call they don't offer curbside service and I would need to go in their restaurant to get my order and that would defeat my purpose for ordering.   It does appear that some restaurants still have a few things to learn about online ordering and curbside service.  I think they may have to learn if they want to stay in business.

          But our biggest experience in online buying has been with groceries.  We have not stepped into a grocery store in months.  Most of our business had been with two Giant grocery stores and with Stauffer's of Kissel Hill.  Originally it was very hard to get convenient pickup times with any of them.  But either they have added more times or they've lost customers.  Now this process is much better.

         We stopped dealing with Giant because you never know in advance which of the up to 20% of the items ordered would not be available.  You wouldn't know until you arrived for pickup.  But they did pack your order in nice paper bags with handles and that is nice.

          Most of our grocery shopping is now done with Stauffer's.  We don't care for all the plastic bags they use. But they do let you know in advance which of your items are not available and that is nice.  I just wish they would adjust their website to show which items are not available before you order. That would allow time to choose a substitute.  However, we are adjusting and we order from them at least once a week.

         I wonder if this online ordering will continue after the pandemic - if there is ever an end to the pandemic.  It is hard on older folks who don't have computers or computer skills.  But I think it is probably here to stay and will improve s time goes on.

          I haven't mentioned recent medical changes since I haven't yet had to use phone or video visits which will probably expand in the future.  However, I appreciate the medical portals and the personal information available on them.  And I have used these quite often to communicate with our doctors and this has been convenient.

         So we continue to adjust our routines as the pandemic continues.  And much of this has been good and improving.  I wonder what additional changes we will see in the future.  Unfortunately, one change I may face is the need to purchase a smart phone.  My budget has prevented me from doing that so but all of these changes may soon force me to "bite the bullet" and eliminate something from my budget so that I can get one.  What will that be?  Time will tell.  Change, change, change!

Uncle John

My Uncle John was a special man who was a great influence on my life, especially by spiritual life. After almost 102 years here on earth, the Lord recently took him to his eternal home. In honor of him I have decided to share his obituary with you.

John Henry Derck was born on December 21, 1918, the eighth child of Jerry and Sarah Derck, in a little farmhouse in Northumberland County, PA. When he was born, the doctor lifted him up and said, "He's so scrawny, he'll never make it!" How wrong he was! On Sept. 7, 2020, at 101 yrs., 8 ½ months, John went to be with the Lord, having lived a long and good life with a grateful heart for God's loving favor across a lifetime.

On January 31, 1942, he married Ellen Kauffman, just one month before being drafted into WW II. He was proud to serve his country in the medical corps in the 29th division of the Army on the European front. He survived D+1 at Normandy.

Ellen wrote to him faithfully every day of the three years they were apart and the two were thrilled to start their new life together when John returned from war in 1945. Following his service to our country, John began his career with the JC Penney Co. in Sunbury, PA, that lasted 40 years. He managed stores in Lancaster, PA, Fredericksburg, VA, Derby, CT, and Pottstown PA. He was a merchandiser at heart and loved his work.

Throughout all those years, he and Ellen involved themselves in serving the Lord. Trying to live lives pleasing to the Lord was the centerpiece of their life together for 73 years until Ellen went to be with the Lord in January 2015. Prov. 10:7 reads, "The memory of the one who trusts in the Lord will be a blessing." What blessings there are in our many memories of this precious man!

He was generous-hearted. He loved to give to others, whether it be flowers and vegetables from his garden, bargains from Penney's, financial help for those in need, support of missions, or candy from his candy jar. He loved to share whatever he had. God says He loves a cheerful giver- how much He must love John!

John could not be with someone long without sharing some encouraging, uplifting word. "Thanks for coming into my world!" "Keep up the good work!" All who know him have been nourished by his kind words. He loved to play games. He was known in the neighborhood for playing baseball in his backyard with his own children - and the kids from the neighborhood. What a great dad he was! As an adult, Scrabble was his favorite game and he was still able to beat the best at 100. In later years, he favored "Go Fish" and "Old Maid" with his greatgrandkids.

How he loved to read broadly – his Bible, books about Israel, world news, medical books, National Geographic. In these last 6 months, while most of the world was fixated on distressing news, he was reading the inspiring biographies of 19th century Christian leaders, Charles Spurgeon and George Mueller.

John was known for a contented heart and for his gratitude. Ask anyone at Milestone Senior Living in Rhinelander where he resided for 11 years. The kindness of the staff was always rewarded with his genuine words of thanks even to his last moments. They felt his appreciative heart. In conduct and speech, he was a true gentleman. He treated women with honor and respect. His words only expressed the gracious man he was.

One of the greatest gifts he gave his family was that he was a faithful man. He was faithful to his wife through the three long hard years of their separation because of the war and for the rest of their life together, cherishing her over a lifetime. And, he was equally faithful to the Lord in all things. His children and grandchildren have received the blessing of living their lives under his covering prayers, even to his final days. What a priceless gift he gave to his son, Jerry, and his daughter, Nancy – and to their families. He was a man who loved the Lord, loved his wife and loved them faithfully. To them all, he has been a hero.

His life is a legacy of what it looks like to follow Jesus Christ across a lifetime. Through war, through many trials, through the lockdown of his assisted facility in COVID, he held on to his faith in Jesus Christ. He was greatly concerned that our country has fallen away from their trust in God. He was troubled that men have shrunk back from praying in the name of Jesus. Yes, John held onto his trust in Christ to the end – and Jesus Christ held on to John, keeping him, mind, body, and soul, providing for his every need supernaturally, proving that John's lifetime of 101 ¾ years could not outlast God's favor.

He will be dearly missed by his son, Jerry and his wife, Maryann Derck, and by his daughter and her husband, Nancy and Bill Long; his five grandchildren: Amy Long, Trevor (Cassie) Long, Betsy (Nate) Koch, Ben (Klara) Long, Elizabeth Derck, as well as his 11 greatgrandchildren: Jaden, Josie, Maia, and Tobey Long; Lewis, Emma, Pippa, and Magnolia Long; Bekah, Kenny, and Kara Koch, as well as nieces and nephews, dear friends and some very special caregivers. His memory will continue to spur them on to love and good deeds.

In heaven, what joy for him to be welcomed home by his Lord, Jesus Christ, along with Ellen, his wife, his mother and father, his 11 siblings and many other family members. Often, in these last months, he would ponder aloud, "I wonder what they are doing in heaven." It is a joy to us to know that Dad now knows! A father to the fatherless is God. Psalm 68:5 To John, who lost has daddy when he was 7, God's promise to be a wonderful Father proved true. God's favor lasts a lifetime. Psalm 30:5b True to His promise, John's lifetime did not outlast God's favor. God promised, "I have upheld you since your birth and have carried you since you were born. Even to your old age and your white hair, I am He, I am He who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:3,4

Across a lifetime, God kept every line of His promise to John, and on Sept. 7, 2020, He rescued him from death and took him to heaven. Grandchildren are the crown of the aged and the glory of children is their father. Prov. 17:6 The grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were truly John's crown and delight. And Jerry and Nancy are thankful it was into Dad (and Mom's) world God brought them – even though Dad always said good bye to them by saying, "Thank you for coming into MY world!"

A man full of age shall be preciouser than pure gold and shining. A person of great age and maturity shall be more precious or rare than gold. Is. 13:12 WYC To all who know John, he is preciouser and more rare than gold.

The Memorial Service for John will be Monday, September 21, 2020, 10 AM, at the Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church, Three Lakes, WI. There will be no formal visitation, but all are welcome to attend and join the family in this time together. Burial will immediately follow at the Three Lakes Cemetery.

I thank the Lord for the almost 80 years that I had to learn from the influence of my Uncle John. Thank you Uncle John "for coming into MY life."

Our Land Of Plenty

          The United States - the marvelous land of plenty.  And compared to other countries around the world this has been a true description.  God has blest us over many years. In many other countries there is severe famine and folks are dying for lack of necessities.

          Now despite our plenty we have too many homeless who are in real need.  Folks are surviving without a place to live, food to eat or other necessary items.  And so we have many food banks, shelters and government  programs to try and provide for them.  But much more is needed.

          Despite our plenty, some will remember times in our history when this wasn't so.  The few depression survivors who might still be alive will testify of the times when so many things were limited or not available.  Those were hard times for so many.  And the same could be said about the years during World Wars when things like food stamps and coupons were necessary to survive.

          Now we are dealing with a worldwide pandemic and shortages of many things are beginning to develop.  Some of those are in medicines, especially those made or using ingredients from China.  I had one that was taken off the market because of its potential to cause cancer.  Now I can't get its replacement because it is backordered.

          Recently when I was in the hospital I needed an infusion of magnesium because my levels were critically low.  Because they had problems getting mag for infusions they sent me home with some pills - the same as I had been taking at home.  And some drugs have now become so expensive that many folks can't afford to take them.  This in the land of plenty?

          The pandemic caught many of us off guard.  For awhile we couldn't get things like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, paper towels and some food goods.  However, now we have stocked up on enough toilet paper on to last us for years.  We now order all of our groceries online and often we are only able to get about 70% of what we order because the rest is out of stock.  But we don't really suffer when you consider that many people around the world can't even get a daily meal.

          Then came the appliance shortages.  Early in the pandemic our washer died and we had to get a replacement.  At that time all the appliance stores were closed due to the virus.  We had to go online and find one that would fit our confined space.  We did find one and fortunately we found a dealer who would still install despite having their storeroom closed.  So we bought, it was installed and we are now living with one we might not have chosen if we could have shopped in person.  But today they only last from 8 to 10 years so we will probably soon have to shop for one again, hopefully when the pandemic is over.

          Then we had our kitchen fire and our microwave above our stove had to be replaced because of smoke damage.  The restoration crew removed it for us and we had to go shopping for a new one.  What an eye opener that experience was.  Now we had heard all the stories on the news about the shortages but we weren't prepared for what we found.

          First we went to L H Brubaker which has three stores and has sold us all of our appliances for decades.  Then we actually had to have an appointment to be admitted to their storeroom.  When we arrived we were stunned to see how empty it was.  I think they only had about 25% of what they normally had on the floor.  They had just two microwaves to install about stoves. despite listing about 75 on their website. The salesman told us that it might take months to order and get one in.  He could not even give us a possible date.  Then he did find one in another of their stores that would at least fit our space but it would have fewer features than  our old one.  He told us that they could put it on hold for us but that they were a month behind in installations.  Would we wait for over a month to get a lesser product?  We decided to look elsewhere.

          So we prayed about it and asked the Lord what to do.  The night before we had been talking to a friend from our church who suggested that we try Gochnauers in East Petersburg.  And she said that we should say that our friend Scott sent us.  So we took her suggestion.

         We were pleasantly surprised to find that they had about five on display and they even had the newer model of what we were replacing and in the color we wanted.  And I don't know why, but we were surprised when they said it could be delivered and installed in a week.  We said "sold" and it is now installed.  Why should we doubt that God does answer our prayers even with shortages in a time of pandemic?

          But this hasn't happened for many people.  During this time we know of a relative who needs a new kitchen stove.  They were able to buy one at a nationally known store but now they can't get it until October.  My son told me of a hunter friend who has been trying to get a freezer for two months and one of the men on our restoration crew has also been trying to get a freezer for two months.  So the shortage is real.  Companies reduced production for the safety of their employees when the virus hit and most retailers can't afford right now to take a chance on buying and stocking large supplies of appliances until  they see where the economy is headed.

          So we are so thankful for all that the Lord has provided for us - a washer that is working, medicines that we need, our home that did not burn down, a new microwave and plenty of food.  In fact we are planning to have fresh corn on the cob tonight, along with fresh peaches on ice cream.  Than you Lord for providing all that we need and much more.

Sixty Years Apart

          Two important events 60 years apart came together last week in an event which we will never forget.  It's amazing how the Lord controls these things.

          SIXTY YEARS AGO - My wife's parents insisted that she buy an expensive set of Lifetime Stainless Steel Cookware that her uncle sold.  At the time she was working in a bank and had no thoughts of getting married, but her parents thought it would be a good investment for her.  So she bought it, stored it and didn't use it until a few years later when we got married and began housekeeping.

          The set did have a lifetime guarantee and a few times over the years the company did replace, without charge, some pieces that turned out to be defective.  These items were very high quality and we used them hard over the years.  Today a new eight piece starter set would cost about $1,200.  Her original set was a much larger set.

          NOW JUMP AHEAD 60 YEARS TO A WEEK AGO - I was having some dental problems and I called our new dentist about 10:45.  I knew they closed at noon but I thought maybe I could at least get an appointment for the following week.  I was surprised when they said if you can get here in 15 minutes we can see you today.  Now that was a challenge because we were at least 15 minutes away and faced the prospect of heavy Friday traffic to get there.  But I said that I'd be there.

          I called my wife and said that we must leave immediately.  She is doing most of our driving now.  So we ran to our car and made it to the dentist just  in time.  Unfortunately they found more problems than I had ever had during my life.  About an hour later we were on our way home with more appointments scheduled.

         We were about four miles from home when my wife suddenly remembered that she had placed eggs in a pan to hard boil them.  Because we left in such a hurry we had forgotten to turn off the stove.  We rushed the remaining distance not sure what we would find after almost two hours on the stove.

          We rushed to the front door and when I opened it we heard the smoke alarm ringing and we were greeted with clouds of white smoke.  It was so thick that I had trouble seeing to get to the kitchen.  But I was able to remove the pot, turn the stove off and take the pot outside.  Fortunately there were no flames yet, just loads of white smoke.

          We opened windows and used fans.  The smoke slowly disappeared but a terrible smell remained.  We finally realized that we needed professional help.  The first company we contacted never responded.  The second responded and that evening they came and installed a large fan to clean the air and a deodorizer.

         The next day I had several concerns and questions about their equipment and tried to contact them.  It took five hours until I finally reached somebody who came out to check the equipment.  He added another air cleaner and replaced the deodorizer which apparently was defective.  So this equipment then ran until Tuesday.  It was very loud but took care of much of the smell.

          On Wednesday it was decided that we needed a cleaning crew and they sent us two technicians to begin working on cabinets, walls, rugs, etc.  Time will tell how effective their work was.  But thankfully we still have our house.

          NOW HOW DO THESE TWO EVENTS CONNECT?   Along the way we decided to try and replace the ruined pan.  We found a Lfetime dealer who told us that a replacement pan would cost $150.  However, he had a used one that he would sell for $50.  We said that we would take it.  He added that he was to be in the Lancaster area on Monday and would drop by to give it to us.

          He came and when he looked at our damaged pan he told us that we were very fortunate to have used the Lifetime pan because of the way it was manufactured.  He said that any other pan would have actually caught fire and we would have probably lost our house.  Amazing!  

          So we thank my wife's parents for making her buy this set of cookware.  We thank Lifetime for making such a durable product.  But most of all we thank the Lord for protecting us and arranging for our protection years before we knew that we would even need it.  God is so good!

          Now time will tell the final outcome.  Will  they be able to clean it enough?  Will we have any longtime effects from living here and breathing this smoke?  We don't know but we trust the Lord to keep caring for us.  Please pray with us about this.

          FRIDAY UPDATE - We have been working with the restoration company for the past week.  For four days they ran three pieces of equipment to try and clean and deodorize the air.  Then two workers completely cleaned our kitchen - counters, cabinets, doors and walls.  They decided that we had to replace our microwave because of smoke damage.  Thankfully, despite the severe shortage of appliances, the Lord led us to a dealer who had exactly what we needed in stock and can install it for us on Thursday.  Unless you’ve had to replace an appliance recently you probably don’t know what an answer to prayer this is.  Others wanted a month to install a microwave with fewer features.  Now they will have a company come to clean our curtains and drapes in our living room, dining room and den.  Hopefully that will eliminate much of the remaining smell.  Carpet cleaning is still a possibility. 

         Personally we are also dealing with some physical challenges which haven’t been helped by our stress and anxiety.  But again,  thankfully our house did not burn down.  We will appreciate your prayers!

(1)  I trust in God wherever I may be,

Upon the land or on the rolling sea,

For, come what may, from day to day,

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

(2)  He makes the rose an object of His care,

He guides the eagle thru the pathless air,

And surely He remembers me,

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

(3)  I trust in God, for in the the lion's den,

On battlefield, or in the prison pen,

Thru praise or blame, thru flood or flame,

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

(4)  The valley may be dark, the shadows deep

But O, The Shepherd guards His lonely sheep;

And thru the gloom, He'll lead me home

My heav'nly Father watches over me.

I trust in God, I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;

Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,

My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

The Battle is the Lord's

        Recently I have been reading in the Bible's books of history and it has been very interesting.  So many of the kings turned away from serving the Lord despite their knowledge of how the Lord had blessed them in the past when former kings had served the Lord. And they endured much pain and sorrow as a result. Unfortunately that sounds too much like what is happening in our country today as we continue to leave the Lord's ways. 

          But there were some kings who did serve the Lord.  They tore down the false idols and led the people back to the Lord. And then the Lord blessed them once again.  One of those good kings was Jehoshaphat, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 17-20.

          A story that spoke to me concerned his battle with the armies of several countries which had merged to attack him.  The scripture says that he was terrified when he received the news and he begged the Lord for guidance.  He then ordered everyone in Judah to fast. They did that and came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord's help.

          Jehoshaphat then stood before the people and prayed a powerful prayer asking the Lord to save them and rescue them.  He shared how they were powerless against the mighty army that was about to attack them.  He said they did not know what to do and were looking to the Lord for help.

          The response that they received from the Lord was to not be afraid or discouraged for the battle was not theirs, but God's.  They would not even need to fight.  They were told to take their position, stand still and watch the Lord's victory.

          Early the next morning the army of Judah went out to get in position.  Then the king told them to believe in the Lord and stand firm.  He told the singers to walk ahead of the army and sing to the Lord and praise His holy splendor. They sang "Give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness endures forever!"

          At the very moment they began to sing and give praise the Lord caused the opposing armies to start fighting among themselves.  And when Judah's army arrived at the sight of the battle they saw all of the opposing soldiers dead on the ground.  Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.

          What a marvelous and amazing victory!

         Now as I read that account I couldn't help but think of the battle we are facing today against a mighty, deadly opponent, Covid19.  There seems to be no hope for a victory and there is nothing we can do to gain a victory except to trust the Lord and seek His help.  Our country may not do this but we certainly can.

         But maybe instead of just asking for His help to save and rescue us, we need to do what the army of Judah had done - start by singing and praising the Lord.  I wonder how much I have been doing to live a thankful life before the Lord during this pandemic.  I tend to worry and complain about the situation rather than giving the Lord praise and living a thankful life.  Maybe I've had it all backwards.  What about you?

          So my personal challenge is to spend more time being thankful and praising the Lord for His provision, rather than begging for His help  He has protected us and has provided all that we have needed.  What a wonderful Lord who has protected His children for many centuries.  Praise His name!

          And the battle is His and not mine.  That is a challenge that Jehoshaphat has provided for me. 

Challenges for Teachers (LB)

LOOKING BACK - Repeating and editing a blog that I first published on February 22, 2011

          Did you read about the teacher from suburban Philadelphia who was suspended for her blog in which she called her students "disengaged, lazy whiners"?  She is fighting to keep her job because of her blog and it will be interesting to see what happens, especially since this blog was written on her time, not the school's. 

         Now let me say up front that she probably showed very poor judgment in sharing her thoughts publicly and if things are really that bad, she should quit and find a job elsewhere. That being said, I must admit that she had the courage to say what many many teachers would really like to say. 

         She wrote "My students are out of control. They are rude, disengaged, lazy whiners. They curse, discuss drugs, talk back, argue for grades, complain about everything, fancy themselves entitled to whatever they desire, and are generally annoying." Now I know that all students and classrooms are not like that. But, unfortunately, too many are. 

         Some of the comments that she wished she could put on student evaluations were interesting, such as "I hear the trash company is hiring". I think many teachers would like to have the courage to say that to a few of their students. It is sad that the trash company may be all that some students have in their future. 

          I also read "I called out sick a couple of days just to avoid your son."  Now thankfully that thought never crossed my mind, but I know it did to some teachers that I taught with. And how about "Just as bad as his sibling. Don't you know how to raise kids?" Now there is one that I sometimes thought of but never had the courage to say. 

          The biggest change that I experienced over 39 years was the difference in parents. Besides the fact that in recent years many students only had one parent, it was obvious that many had no parenting skills or common sense. They would defend their child even when the child was obviously at fault. They pampered their children and never said "no". They gave them everything they wanted without making them work for it. I think in many cases they were just plain scared of their kids. 

          Parents have become more demanding on teachers and schools to raise their kids for them and less demanding on their own children. Unfortunately I sometimes even found this to be true with Christian parents. It is easy to blame the schools and teachers for one's failures. It didn't used to be that way and it still isn't in many cultures, such as in Korean families. 

         Well I don't know what happened to this teacher who said publicly what many teachers would like to say. And while I can't support what she has done, I can understand the circumstances that drove her to write what she has written. 

          I seldom had serious problems during my years in the classroom and I often still miss the students. I was very fortunate.  But as I view what is happening, I am glad that I am now retired.  And today many teachers will need to face these attitudes, but also the threat of Covid19.  What a challenge!

Isolation of the Elderly

          Recently somebody forwarded to me an excellent article from Breakpoint Daily produced by the Colson Center.  It was written by John Stone Street with Maria Baer.  It highlighted some difficult but important issues that we should consider.  For that reason I am sharing it here.  
           But before I share the article, I actually prepared this blog before the real impact of the pandemic when isolation became a real issue for all of us.  It has especially been hard on seniors isolated in nursing homes where nobody may visit them.  Many seniors have died in hospitals without any family members allowed to be with them.  This is so very sad.

          My family doctor recently told me that one of his most difficult challenges for him during these times has been dealing with his elderly patients who are living alone.  He is about the only person from outside their facility that they get to see at this time and they are so lonely.  Again, so sad.
          And the long isolation has affected more of us, not only the elderly.  I long to be with my family again and especially with my grandchildren.  I miss our friends from church.  But the choice is simple, especially when you are a senior.  Keep isolated or risk catching the virus and possibly death.  So the article below has new meaning today.

          "A couple of years ago, I came across a strange story out of Japan in Bloomberg Business Week. Dozens of elderly women, it turned out, admitted to crimes of petty theft in the hopes of going to prison. "There are always people around," one of the inmates told a reporter, "and I don't feel lonely here."

          I remembered this heartbreaking story a few weeks ago when The Atlantic published David Brooks' latest piece about the nuclear family. Brooks argued that the nuclear family as we define it now, with mom, dad, and kids often isolated from extended family, was not the norm for most of human history. Our fragmenting into smaller and smaller, and ever more isolated, family units has hurt us, he said.

         Much of Brooks' piece, as well as the significant volume of responses it triggered, focused on the challenges of raising children without extended families. Unmentioned, but just as much at stake, is what the elderly population has to lose in these new modern arrangements.

          After all, it is one of the largest generations in modern American history, the baby boomers, that make up today's elderly. With far more boomers than there are Generation X-ers, the math just isn't working out. Who will care for them?

          The lack of a clear answer to that question explains a whole range of strange and heartbreaking stories like the thieving grandmas in Japan, or the increasing number elderly people who die alone at home and aren't discovered for days or even weeks, or tech companies betting on a profitable opportunity in artificial intelligence that can keep the elderly company.

          According to the last census, nearly 11 million Americans over 65 live alone. Another California study found that 43% of all seniors surveyed suffered from loneliness, whether or not they lived alone. Loneliness is especially hard on seniors.

          A seven-year UK study found that "the lack of social contact leads to an early death, regardless of participants' underlying health issues" because loneliness is linked to things such as "high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, a weakened immune system, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease."

          Still, our loneliness epidemic is even more a cultural problem than a math problem. After all, the generation whose parents are now aging came of age themselves in the Roe v. Wade era. We'll have to come to terms with what legally treating inconvenient lives as disposable will do to our cultural consciousness. Beyond the taking of innocent life, legalized, monetized, and popularized abortion kills a culture's sense of what life is even for.

          Inevitably, life post-Roe is too often evaluated, not in terms of its own dignity, but in terms of some sort of self-satisfaction bottom line. It's not hard to see where that slippery slope leads. Suddenly, we're toying with genocide against babies with Down Syndrome. Suddenly, we're exploring assisted suicide and euthanasia not only for the sick, but also the uncomfortable or the depressed.

         The criteria for so-called acceptable or even desirable death grows thin. It's that world, that culture, that group of people that is forced to deal with a growing number of isolated elderly.

          All of us grow less autonomous and more needy with age. Words like "inconvenient" and "burden," words used for decades to justify legalized abortion, are now being used for others. As Chuck Colson warned, a worldview that says we weren't made on purpose but happened by accident ends with the conclusion that life isn't beautiful anymore. Rather, it's a numbers game that favors the strongest and the wealthiest.

          The body of Christ has what the larger world needs if it to find a way to care for its aging population: the knowledge that all life is beautiful and valuable, even if it's vulnerable. We'll have to say that over and over, and we'll have to live it too: There shouldn't be a nursing home in the country not flooded with Christian neighbors during visiting hours.

          On that foundation, we can develop plans for our aging parents that hold them as integral members of our families, not distant obligations. We must innovate ever better palliative care, and the Church must become the leading place in our world where multi-generational relationships are both fostered and celebrated.

          Our kids, after all, are watching. One day, they'll have to decide how much of a burden we are to them."

          Now this article refers mostly to elderly who live alone or in nursing homes.  But their are many senior couples who are doing through the same problems - nobody, including their children, visit them.  They must deal alone with financial challenges and physical challenges and limitations.  They fight depression and nobody - including the church - seems to care.  They have no value and nobody needs them anymore.  And it is so much worse during a pandemic.

          Where are the folks who really care about others, especially the lonely?

Wonderful Grace

          The older one gets the more one recalls things that used to be enjoyed but have been forgotten over the years. Recently I came upon a television special by the Gathers that featured the work of Cliff Barrows, song leader for Billly Graham crusades. I began to recall the great crusades of past years which featured large choirs, outstanding music, great crowds and stirring sermons. I even recalled how I once attended one of his crusades in Times Square in New York City. That is a great memory.
           But what touched me most while viewing this special program was the huge choir which sang “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”. First, it reminded me of the great choirs that I used to enjoy at camp meetings and Bible conferences. It reminded me of the many hymn sings that I have led where folks sang the old hymns so heartily. I’m sorry, but in my mind today’s praise teams don’t begin to measure up to these memories.
           I was also reminded of the many old hymns, filled with doctrine and testimonies which still minister to me even though they are not sung anymore today. Now I don’t mean to get into the battle of hymns vs. praise choruses. But I must say, I really miss the hymns!
          One of those that I really miss is “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”. I love to sing it because of ts upbeat, bouncy meter and somewhat unusual refrain, which splits into two parts, with the melody alternating between the bass/tenor and alto/soprano parts. But I also love this hymn because of its great words. God's grace which is greater than our sins. Grace that reaches the most defiled and sets our spirits free. And where can our praise begin for such a wonderful Savior who deals with us with his great and wonderful grace? If your life has been touched by His grace then you need to praise and thank Him and sing of His wonderful grace.
           This excellent hymn was written by Haldor Lillenas who was pastor of a First Church of the Nazarene. In 1919 he published his first book, and three years later he organized his own publishing house. For the next 10 years, he traveled, preached, wrote hymns and published song books. Over his lifetime Lillenas wrote more than 4,000 hymn texts and tunes,
           According to Lillenas, In 1917, "Mrs. Lillenas and I built our first little home in the town of Olivet, Illinois. Upon its completion, we had scarcely any money left to furnish the little home. Having no piano at the time, and needing an instrument of some kind, I managed to find, at one of the neighbor's home, a little wheezy organ which I purchased for $5.00. With the aid of this instrument a number of my songs were written which are now popular, including “Wonderful Grace of Jesus.'" Incidentally, Wonderful Grace of Jesus was copyrighted in 1918, but not published until 1922 in the Tabernacle Choir Book. Lillenas was paid $5.00 for this song, just enough to pay for the little organ." 
          As you read the words and hear it sung, your heart should be filled with thanks and praise for the wonderful grace of Jesus that reaches you. Remember that it is by grace that we are saved. It is by His grace that we ae blessed daily. And it is by His grace that one day we will be with Him eternally. Now I enjoyed being reminded of the great music large choirs in the past. And I enjoyed being reminded of some of the great music of the past. And I especially enjoyed being reminded of the great hymn “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” and the wonderful truth it conveys.
           What great memories and I thank the Lord for them. Take time this week to meditate upon the great words of this hymn.

 (1) Wonderful grace of Jesus, Greater than all my sin; 

How shall my tongue describe it, Where shall its praise begin? 

Taking away my burden, Setting my spirit free; 

For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. 

Refrain Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, 

Deeper than the mighty rolling sea; 

Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me. 

Broader than the scope of my transgressions, 

Greater far than all my sin and shame, 

O magnify the precious Name of Jesus. Praise His Name!

 (2) Wonderful grace of Jesus, Reaching to all the lost, 

By it I have been pardoned, Saved to the uttermost, 

Chains have been torn asunder, Giving me liberty; 

For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. 

Refrain Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, 

Deeper than the mighty rolling sea; 

Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me. 

Broader than the scope of my transgressions, 

Greater far than all my sin and shame, 

O magnify the precious Name of Jesus. Praise His Name! 

 (3) Wonderful grace of Jesus, Reaching the most defiled, 

By its transforming power, Making him God's dear child, 

Purchasing peace and heaven, For all eternity; 

And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. 

Refrain Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, 

Deeper than the mighty rolling sea; 

Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me. 

Broader than the scope of my transgressions, 

Greater far than all my sin and shame, 

O magnify the precious Name of Jesus. Praise His Name! 

 If you would like to hear the crusade choir sing this song, try this link.   CRUSADE

Covid19 Reflections

        The battle with Covid19 has been a long, tough one.  If you, like me, have spent most of the last five months isolated at home, then you habve probably developed many interesting thoughts.

          Recently a friend posted these thoughts which just might represent some of our experiences.

          1.   So let me get this straight, there's no cure for a virus that can be killed by sanitizer and hand soap?

          2.   Is it too early to put up the Christmas tree yet? I have run out of things to do.

          3.   When this virus thing is over with, I still want some of you to stay away from me.

          4.   If these last months have taught us anything, it's that stupidity travels faster than any virus on the planet, particularly among politicians and bureaucrats.

          5.   Just wait a second – so what your telling me is that my chance of surviving all this is directly linked to the common sense of others? You're kidding, right!

          6.   People are scared of getting fined or arrested for congregating in crowds. As if catching a deadly disease and dying a horrible death wasn't enough of a deterrent.

          7.   If you believe all this will end and we will get back to normal once we reopen everything, raise your hand. Now slap yourself with it.

          8.   Another Saturday night in the house and I just realized the trash goes out more than me.

         9.   Whoever decided a liquor store is more essential than a hair salon is obviously a bald-headed alcoholic.

         10.   Remember when you were little and all your underwear had the days of the week on them. Those would be helpful right now.

         11.  The spread of Covid-19 is based on two factors: 1. How dense the population is and 2. How dense the population is.

         12.  Remember all those times when you wished the weekend would last forever? Well, wish granted. Happy now?

         13.  Did a big load of pajamas so I would have enough clean work clothes for this week.

         14.  Sleeping late is considered lazy, but waking up early and taking an afternoon nap is fine.

         So what do you think?  Have you had any of the same thoughts?  Now let me think, what day is it today?

Schools - Open or Closed

        To open schools or keep them closed - that is now the big question.

          Some states have already chosen to open them while some politicians, including the President, are pushing to make this happen.  Others, especially the other political party, seem to want them closed.  So the next question is whether this is now a question of safety or of politics.

          It has always bothered me that folks who have never spent a day teaching in a public school make major decisions that greatly affect the classroom. I guess they feel qualified since once they were students.  These decisions usually involve curriculum and things like testing.  But now their decisions are about safety and the actual operation of schools and classrooms.

          Now how will teachers enforce the rules of wearing of masks?  They already often have faced the challenges of enforcing normal behavior expectations. But if the student's parents don't wear masks when they are recommended, won't their children also object.  Will they claim that it is their right not to wear them?  And will the administration defend the teacher and enforce the rules?  I  wouldn't want to have to find out.  It's just another potential battle for teachers to face.

          And what about social distancing?  Classrooms that I have taught in have generally had 30 student desks and they usually filled the classroom.  And there was seldom even enough room for rows and other equipment. And rarely did I have a class of fewer than 25 students - usually closer to 30.  So how would you separate your class of students under those conditions?

          One solution would be to reduce class size.  But how could that be done without hiring additional teachers?  And where are schools going to get the money to do that when their budgets are already stressed and under pressure?

           Then there is the challenge of feeding students.  One proposal is to have them served in their classroom.  I can't comprehend the logistics of doing this.  How would you deliver meals to all of these classrooms and clean up afterwards?  Where would the staff be found to do this?  

          What about control and spacing in the halls between classes?  What about the use of restrooms?  What about the cleaning of rest rooms and classrooms throughout the day?

          And then there is the challenge of busing.  In the past some busses have had to have three children sit in each seat - often without seat belts.  You would also need to double the number of buses and drivers and transportation is already a major expense for each school district.  And of course there could be the problem of discipline on the busses.  Do you think that will disappear during a pandemic?

          And what about curriculum?  Online work is one solution.  But you must be sure that each student has adequate access to a computer and to the internet.  And I have had experience writing computer curriculum and it is not an easy task and it takes much time to develop it.  And what about hands on activities, especially in things like science?

          And how would you handle absences and make-up work?  That was always a challenge for me when I was teaching.  And then there is the need for substitutes when a teacher is absent.  And, with the virus, you can be sure that teachers will use all of their sick days even if they don't catch the virus.  And where will qualified substitutes come from?  Schools often had trouble covering classrooms of absent students before the pandemic.

          And then there are the extracurricular concerns on the secondary level, especially  sports, marching band, musical groups and plays.  Already schools are running into problems with preseason practices.  How do you control Covid19 in such situations.

          I really don't understand how schools will be able to operate without additional funds and staffing.  And with the loss of tax revenue this past year, that will be a major challenge.  I guess we will just need to watch and see what happens.

          I really enjoyed my 39 years in the classroom but I am now very glad that I am retired and not dealing with all of these problems.  I'm not sure what I would do if I were a teacher.  With the physical problems that I have it might be a dangerous proposition to teach.  Maybe more older teachers will choose to quit or retire.  Then staffing would become even a bigger problem.

         And what would I do if I were a parent?  That would be a very difficult decision to have to make.  I pray for my family as they make those decisions for my grandchildren.  May the Lord give them wisdom and surround my grandchildren with His protection

70 Years

          Seventy years might seem to be a very long time.  But you might be surprised how quickly that time might go by if you are doing something that you really enjoy.

         Seventy years ago my father organized a group of families to form a new church in Lancaster.  These folks had been former members of  Mennonite Brethren in Christ Churches in Harrisburg, Lebanon and Mt. Carmel and they were then all living in the Lancaster area.

          The new church held its first service in a tent at the corner of Broad and Orange Streets in Lancaster on July 22, 1950.  There were 31 charter members and, at the age of 9, I was one of them.  This was the beginning of a very exciting era that has lasted for seven decades.

          The new congregation met for its regular services in Malta Temple in Lancaster.  This was a memorable experience for many reasons, including the fact that the building also housed a bowling alley.  It was a common experience to hear the noise of bowling balls and pins during our services.

          But on November 1, 1951, the congregation was able to begin meeting in the basement of its newly constructed building at the corner of Prospect and Hager Streets.  I have many good memories of members of the congregation working together there to complete their new building by doing such jobs as plumbing, carpentry and painting.  Shortly after that we were able to move upstairs to use the new sanctuary.

          In 1958 I started and led the first church choir.  A neighbor played the old piano for us since none of our regulars was a pianist.  In 1968 we finally bought a good piano and an organ was added in 1969.  After our marriage, my wife joined the church and became the church pianist/organist, a position she has held and shared for about 57 years.

          Over 70 years the original church building underwent three major additions and renovations.  Then while a new building was being built at a new location, we underwent two temporary moves until moving into its present location on Donerville Road on June 15, 2003.  Since then the new Stables Youth Center, a portable classroom and the Hoarce A. Kauffman softball field have been added to the property.

          The church  has provided many opportunities for service over these decades.  We've had numerous opportunities to teach Sunday School classes and Bible studies.  In fact my wife led the first women's Bible study there in 1972. We have been honored to have provided special music and have sung in church choirs for much of these 70 years.  I served as Sunday School superintendent for a number of years, elder for 30 years, and church financial secretary for 16 years. We have also directed the church prayer chains for over 50 years. But the most exciting ministry was serving as founder and commander of our Awana ministry for 38 years.  These were special highlights of our 70 years.

          It is hard to understand where 70 years have come and gone.  But, unfortunately it now appears that this part of our life may be passing.  Nobody anticipated the Covid19 pandemic.  But our family doctors have told us in no uncertain terms that we may no longer attend church.  It would be too dangerous with all the physical problems that we have.  We are not to let anyone push us into attending again until there is a reliable vaccine available.

          Now will there ever be a reliable vaccine in our lifetimes?  It is hard to even think about this, but our days of attending, fellowshipping and ministering in church may have come to a sudden end.  And that is very hard for us to understand and adjust to.  However, as one ages, it becomes a little easier to adjust when you are no longer needed or missed.  But it is hard to realize that you are forgotten and no longer part of what has been a vital part of your life for decades.

          But God has not left us alone.  He will continue to be with us in whatever days we still have here on earth, no matter if we worship Him in church or alone here at home.  And He has given us 70 special years with great memories.