Wichita

We went to Wichita today to visit the Sedgwick County Zoo. It is an awesome zoo and the kids had a good time. It is always a blessing to spend time with Joy, Derek & family.

I have a new cell phone. Same number. I will tell you the story...sometime.

We will be overnight tomorrow night in Noblesville, IN. London is seeing a concert there before we return home.

Jeff

To Hesston

Yesterday, we left the small town of Yoder for the metropolis of Hesston, KS. We are spending a couple of days here with my sister, Joy; her husband, Derek; and children, Cedon, Caryn, and Callie. We have already had a ball!

I am able to post a few more pictures now. Will do my best to narrate.

Therin riding Grandpa Ken's mower in Colorado. He was Sam Hornish, Jr., if Sam raced tractors and sported a mullet.

My brother, Jeremy, catching my trout on the Rio Grande River. You'd think he would be a bit more generous with his elder brother.

This is a shot of the beauty of Colorado near South Fork. The picture does not even come close to doing it justice.

Therin and Savannah enjoying the high life in South Fork.

The mountain we climbed in Palmer Lake.

The fam part way up the mountain. Therin was not feeling so hot at this point (the paleness on his face is not a problem in the photo). He did recover.

Palmer Lake - my hometown - from half-way up the mountain.

Savannah celebrating her conquest. She shouted from this rock, "I'm the queen of the world!"

London and Therin celebrating in similar fashion. They did not say anything about being queens, however.

Yes, I am wearing an OSU hat. Kept my feet on the ground as I hiked a couple of miles back to the reservoirs that moisten Palmer Lake. For you nature buffs, there is a dragonfly-like beast on my hat. In his/her clutches is a moth. Good eatin'!

The Smiths at the Garden of the Gods. I have been here a million times and the rock formations still amaze me. I do not know what the person to the left in the photo is doing behind that bush.

I really love this picture. Enough said...





Here is the mystery for the day: what made me take this photo of Kathy's mom's chalkboard? Hint - I have never known Nina to be a particularly political person, but she seems to have turned thoroughly Democrat!

Hope you are not too bored after all of that.

We leave for home on Wednesday. Will be in A-bold late Thursday sometime.



Jeff

Meade and Stuff

We enjoyed our time in Meade. It was good to connect with family we have not often spent time with. Savannah formed an instant bond with Kathy's six year old cousin, DJ, not to mention DJ's kitten, Junior (who is female). Kathy's aunt Maggie cooked us an amazing Filipino meal. Her spring rolls were outrageous.

On the way to Meade, we stopped in Greensburg. This town, if you will remember, is the one practically wiped off the map by a tornado last year. To drive around town and observe the simultaneous presence of both death and life, both ends and beginnings, was a cause for pause. All over there were plots that formerly held homes, now overgrown with weeds, still sporting bent over basketball goals. I wondered if I waited long enough if I would hear the happy echoes of children scampering about near their homes. There is no indication that rebuilding will occur in these spots.

On the other hand, there are beautiful new homes sprouting up here and there. Businesses are rebuilding, and Greensburg is committed to being a place that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly, a model for us all. MDS, Habitat, and other organizations continue to have a presence in this community.

This town will never be the same. But God has not left her. From what was broken is emerging something new and God-breathed. This is a reminder to us that our God is a God who is not bound by what was or what we had hoped for but is instead intent on rebuilding lives through His unfathomable grace and power. May His name be praised forever! I cannot wait to see Greensburg in three, five, ten years!

If you ever have the chance, stop in Greensburg for a look-see. Spend some money. Check out the world's largest hand-dug well. It truly is amazing, even though you cannot venture into its bowls since the tornado. Then travel a few more miles west and stay at the Moon Mist Motel in Meade where you will be greeted by terribly friendly folk, enjoy a pleasant room, and even have the chance to hold a tiny pot-belly pig, pet a bunny, and avoid being butted by an aggressive little goat. This part of the world is Americana at its best.

Kathy's father, John, underwent surgery this morning in Wichita to remove a growth from his eye. Kathy and I had the privilege of accompanying him and Kathy's mom, Nina, to this appointment.

In that we live so far from extended family, it has been a rarity for us to be able to do this kind of thing so we were blessed to be present. Though it is a special thing for me to be able to make hospital visits with the Central congregation in a pastoral capacity, it was good to do it as just a plain old son-in-law as well.

The surgery went well and John is home and thriving this evening.

The office where the procedure was performed was constructed in such a way that we were able to observe the surgery as it took place. That was way cool! I did not even faint once.

God continues to be good. I'm not surprised.


Jeff

Duh

There are some of you who have claimed that I am not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. Here is clear evidence. Yesterday, I plunged into a swimming pool with my cell phone in my pocket. When I realized my error I quickly removed it from my swimsuit but could only look at it with misty-eyed sympathy as it buzzed feebly but pathetically.

As I anguish in denial at the true condition of my beloved phone, the phone itself is nested in a Tupperware container filled with dry rice. Trying to remove some of the moisture, you see. Maybe I will try the microwave tomorrow...

On another note, it has been over 100 degrees the last two days. Yeowza.

Tomorrow we head for Meade, KS to visit Kathy's uncle Dave and his family. The challenge for the day: see if you can find Meade on a map!

Selah.


Jeff

Yoder

On Saturday, we left Colorado for Kansas. We got a bit of a late start in that we had breakfast with friends from Colorado Springs mid-morning. It was a delight to be with Will, Kat, and Ryan O'Hearn. Will has been a dear friend to me for years.

We were sad to leave Colorado - our family and friends - but understood that there are more loved ones yet to see.

Our trip to Kansas was uneventful and that is really good. God has answered our prayers in keeping us safe and the van intact. This is especially true in light of London's driving two hours during the trip! (Just kidding, London).

This morning, we worshiped with the S. Hutchinson Mennonite Church. This is Kathy's parents' congregation. We were made to feel welcome and appreciated. Kathy even got to sing, thus providing her with a "fix." She no longer is experiencing the heebie-jeebies.

This afternoon, we had lunch with Kathy's folks at their home along with Mike & Vonnie (Kathy's bro and wife), Leonard & Ruth (Kathy's aunt & husband), and Marv & Dorothy (Kathy's aunt & husband). The food was dynamite and the company pretty good, too, although I did fall asleep a bit prematurely (though not during church).

This evening we just hung out. Tomorrow, I have been instructed that we will be going to Salt City Splash water park and then to eat pizza. I'm game.

Last week, Therin, London, and I hiked a couple of miles back to reservoirs that provide water for Palmer Lake. I had fished these plenty while growing up and almost always caught something. The three of us spent hours there doing all we could to lure fish to their peril this time around but without any luck. I found myself getting really irritated by this lack of fishing production, finally threatening God to just quit fishing altogether and completely (it is unclear when God actually entered this whole scenario!).

Within seconds, however, I was reminded that patience really is important in fishing because I cannot force the fish to bite the lure no matter how pretty I think it is. I was then further reminded that patience in life is triply important because there is not a lot that I can manipulate. I was still further reminded that when we engage in ministry, particularly evangelistic ministry, patience is vital as well. Many people during Jesus' time of ministry did not accept his message. Why would I expect that they would accept mine?

Sometimes it takes more than a couple of fishing trips to catch fish. Sometimes our prayers are answered in terms of years instead of hours and days. Sometimes we never see the fruit of that we planted while ministering to someone. Another person will be the one who receives the joy of harvest.

Patience is not having to control the outcome of whatever circumstance is before us. It is receiving with awe the gifts of blue sky, fresh air, and the company of sons on a fruitless fishing junket and calling the junket a life-changing experience. It is thanking God for making us wait to have our prayers answered because of the way it shapes and forms our character. It is celebrating the reality that when we have done God's will in ministry, fruit beyond our comprehension is being birthed even though we may never taste it firsthand.

Patience is letting God be Lord of our lives.

It's late...

Jeff

Chatauqua

Today was a really good day.

• I had my best day of devotional writing in over a week. My focus was simply more acute. Perhaps it is the Colorado air! Can't wait to see what the Lord will do tomorrow.
• All six of us climbed Mt. Chatauqua (elevation 8340 ft.) which is in my parents' backyard (virtually). We flatlanders needed to stop here and there in that the trail was quite steep, but we finally made it to the top. When Savannah reached one point near the summit that had a most excellent view she peered out at the landscape in the distance and said, "I can see the whole world! This is amazing." She was right. Later she told me that I should use the term "deer droppings" instead of "deer poo" because that "grosses little girls like me out." I'm learning.
• Kathy and I cooked supper together this evening. I made too much spaghetti.
• I spent time with my grandma. In our conversation she reflected on what is so important in faith and how these "vitals" can quickly become obscured. Her stories were indicative of her attentiveness to the Holy Spirit in all of life. I am reminded of what a blessing it is to have people in our lives who live faith out evidently. We learn so much from this and are empowered and encouraged. I am also reminded of how important it is for all of us to live genuine lives of faith. It makes a difference in the lives of others whether we know it or not.

The Lord never fails.

Jeff

The Mountains

Check out this blog, you Mennoists. I think the words there are words for all of us to ponder carefully: http://gregboyd.blogspot.com/2008/06/word-to-my-mennonite-friends-cherish.html

What do you think?

We enjoyed our three day stay in South Fork. London caught a trout. My brother caught ten. I felt bad about putting a hook in a poor fishy's mouth so I graciously allowed them all to steer clear unscathed. I did wade out into the river on two occasions in order to unsnag snags (I suspect that fish were pranking me!). It was cold.

By the way, Ron Dilbone, green drakes (accompanied by a copperjohn) were the food of choice for hungry browns.

While some of the boys fished, the girls and Therin did some shopping and hiking. Here are Kathy, Savannah, Therin, and Evie (our niece) on a trail near Beaver Reservoir. Therin is the weird one.

On Monday, we took the scenic route back to Palmer Lake. We followed the Rio Grande through Creede, Lake City, etc. and over Spring Creek and Slumgullion (which means, incidentally, "an unappetizing stew") passes. This route is called the "Silver Thread." We were awed by the sheer escarpments, maroon rocks and soil, opportunistic sage brush, and jagged, snow-spotted peaks. We were able to view the Lord's creation from over 10,000 feet and remember that He is the consummate and perfect Artist.

We ate lunch in Lake City at a place called No Name Restaurant. Seemed like an appropriate place for us Smiths. On placemats at each table, it was noted that on a menu in this restaurant many years ago one could get filet mignon and a pot of coffee for $2.00. This made me quite nostalgic. The contemporary food was good, too.

On the downside we were also awed by the price of gasoline in some of the more remote mountain towns: $4.45 and above per gallon. I did find some 85 ethanol fuel for $2.89 in Divide but the sign said it wouldn't work in my van. I decided not to risk it but just barely.

Following a trek through the area containing Blue Mesa Reservoir (96 miles of shoreline) and Gunnison, we enjoyed our ascents and descents of Monarch and Wilkerson passes. We saw quite a few pronghorns, some deer, and a bevy of chipmunks. We did not see, unfortunately, any elk or bears.

We also got to see one of the most infamous locations in all of Colorado. This is the spot, near Lake City, where Alferd Packer supposedly killed and ate five of his companions when they all became lost and starving on a journey during the winter of 1874. He claimed his innocence. This is Alferd. He looks innocent to me. Bon apetit!

If you are interested, you can check out Alferd's story http://wikipedia.com.

Despite the aesthetics of the Colorado mountain journey, it is clear that the Lord is working on me, especially as it pertains to my identity as a pastor. I find it quite disconcerting to not have that mantle right now. How am I to be viewing myself? How am I to be relating to others? It almost feels like I am walking around naked. This has implications for my relationship with my Heavenly Father, for the work I will resume in September, for the rest of the sabbatical as well. Stay tuned!

~ Jeff

Colorado

After spending the night last night in Lincoln, NE (it was somewhat disconcerting for me to stay in this city which is the home of the University of Nebraska and the Cornhuskers. They are mortal enemies of any self-respecting Colorado University fan and I always felt like someone was watching me. Creepy... It would be like a Buckeye hanging out in Ann Arbor! I wondered if I should be ritually cleansed upon leaving.), we arrived safely in Palmer Lake, CO late this afternoon.

We had another two good days of travel. God has protected us from accidents and held our van together, even when I tried to wipe us out early on Wednesday morning near the Archbold toll plaza (don't ask). We are grateful for that. Kathy and the kids have been most tolerant of my paternal shenanigans as well.

On arrival, the kids were very excited to see Grandma & Grandpa and to experience all the available goodies. I think they were awfully glad to be out of the van after so many hours on the road. I must say that they travel amazingly well and I wanted to hurt them only a handful of times (fewer even than Denver drivers).

Otto the dachshund has accompanied us on this trip. He did not throw up in the van even once! He did rub his slobbery nose all over the driver's and passenger side windows, however. Delightful.

This evening my parents had some extended family for supper so I got to see aunts, uncles, cousin, etc. They also invited some dear friends from childhood. I had not seen my friend, Randy, for twenty years. It was great to catch up with him and his parents. It was good to see that he is nearly as grey as I am!

Tomorrow we head for South Fork, CO to spend time in a cabin there. My brother and his family will accompany us as well as my parents. We look forward to sitting at the feet of some enormous, majestic mountains and expect to be inspired by the Lord in that setting. The trout are calling my name, "Jeff, come and catch us. We're bored here in this beautiful mountain stream."

Hope to have photos of talking trout to post soon. Other neat stuff, too.



Shalom!



Jeff

Protecting?

Last night I took a bike ride with Kathy and Savannah. We cruised around Archbold a bit doing our best to make the sojourn exciting. Riding on the embankment of the northern reservoir provided a few kicks especially when Savannah nearly careened off the side.

Later, I was following Savannah down Barr Rd., wanting to keep her safe from the dangers of the road. As I rode, however, it came into my head that if she swerved into the pathway of a car, there would be nothing I could do about it. She could be seriously hurt and I would be powerless to prevent it. That was a tremendously unpleasant thought.

Then I asked myself, Is this how God feels as he is tailing us, seeking to keep us safe and well? This is not to say that God is powerless in protecting us. He can as He wills. We do know that God, in His providence, does not always choose to rescue us from imminent peril nor does He always thwart the evil that actively seeks to wound and destroy us. He does not even rescue us from the repercussions of the poor choices that we make. And yet I believe that He is there close as we swerve perilously close to traffic, arms stretched wide-open, heart breaking as we plummet toward asphalt, weeping and bleeding as we weep and bleed, and devising ways to redeem us and heal us from the abrasions and contusions that have stopped our progress cold. This is grace.

And sometimes we must wallow in the aftermath of a disaster to which we have contributed until we have learned what the Lord needs us to learn. This, too, is grace.

It is always a struggle as a parent to know how much to protect our children, striking the appropriate balance between valid concern and choice- liberty (depending on the age of the child). One thing is sure. We cannot and should not protect them from everything.

This is the way of our perfect Parent.

Doing

An irritation amid sabbatical is the feeling that erupts, particularly during the evening, that I ought to be going somewhere or doing something other than hanging out. I reckon that part of the feeling is guilt. I am accustomed to spending three evenings during any given work week busy with church activities. When this is coupled with activities the children are involved in during the school year, I really am not home very often on weeknights. To be home more often, then, leads me to feel sort of empty - like I am not doing what I am supposed to be doing.

I suspect that the feeling is a shadow of what a meth addict feels like when he/she does not have ready access to the drug: achy, exceptionally dissatisfied, panicky. Though I am essentially a homebody, evidence points to my having been converted into an activity junkie. I do not feel normal until I get my fix.

The Lord lavishes wisdom on us at the end of Psalm 46: "Be still, and know that I am God" (v.10a). Translation: "Stop moving. Stop your incessant motion and non-stop plotting. Quiet your worries and anxieties. Just be. Just be and accept that I am here with you and have everything under control. All of your activities do not cause me to love you more nor do they eliminate your problems (in context, win you the war). They do nothing but buy you personal satisfaction and admiration in the eyes of your peers which is nary more than getting your fix. For your health - stop. Let me take care of stuff. Listen. Receive my Spirit. Rest in me. Ingest my Word. Trust me."

A new discipline for me during sabbatical: to simply sit quietly with the Lord when I am feeling compelled to do something by virtue of guilt or over-functioning as opposed to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It seems likely that this discipline is not just for moments of sabbatical but for all of life.

Jesus modeled nesting with God in the Garden of Gethsemane as he slipped away to pray alone despite his understanding of the grave suffering to come. He prayed, "Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Mt.26:39c) and "...may your will be done" (26:42b). Was Jesus tempted to take matters into his own hands, to call down twelve legions of angels to smite his enemies? Certainly. Was he tempted to do something? Yes. Did he? No. And his Father's will was done.

I hope to learn how to rest in the Father's will.

~ Jeff

Home

We're home. Thanks for the prayers!

~ Jeff

The Beach

I am currently accessing the internet from a Travelodge hotel room in Woodstock, GA. Our time at Anna Maria Island, FL is complete and we are on our way home.

As I reflect on our time in Florida, "gift" is the word that leaps out at me. Beside Still Waters and the Taylor Foundation gave us the gift of a townhome while on the island. Because of their willingness to allow the Lord to work through them, we had everything we needed to live the beach life for a week. Further, the azur sky, scorching sun, scurrying anoles, crystal-clear surf, asundry shells, and elusive game fish, were all provided for our enjoyment by the Master of creation.

A swimming pool, new friends, bikes, rock jetties, and a cool restaurant, were also among the great provisions the Lord granted during our stay.

It is tempting to say, "Jeff, you've been a good boy and that is why you received such neat things while in Florida. Just keep being good and you'll get more!" The truth: None of these blessings were the result of my deserving anything. I am fallen, broken, sinful, and godless. I deserve condemnation instead of blessing!

But the Lord is so full of love that He blesses me despite my failures. He forgives me when I acknowledge my blunders and lifts me out of my self-destructive ways. He sets me under His tent, high upon a rock, and adopts me as His child. Then He takes care of me as any loving parent cares for a child. You see, I am blessed because God chooses to bless me as His kid. I have done nothing to merit this response.

May His name be praised for how He does this for any who will fall into His arms!

On another note...London had an adventure courtesy of Greyhound on Sunday. We put him on a bus in Tampa on Saturday so that he could meet up with the youth who were headed to WV for a service trip on Sunday. As the stated schedule went, he was to arrive in Huntington, WV about the same time as the youth would be arriving there enroute from NW Ohio. It was to work out just perfectly! Yeah.

London called at around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday from Wytheville, VA saying that his bus had wheel problems and would be delayed 3-4 hours. So much for perfect coordination. He called 4 hours later and noted that the problem had not yet been rectified and no one was telling him anything. He also said that he finished the novel he had been nursing for a week. I knew that trouble was brewing!

Feeling guilty, I called around to figure out what Greyhound was going to do to rescue my son from the peril of long-term boredom. By the time I navigated Greyhound's automated phone disaster, talked to a singularly unhelpful customer service representative whom I could barely understand, and finally got someone at the Wytheville terminal, a replacement bus had arrived and loaded. London was back on his way. He was only 7 hours late for the apponited rendevous.

Poor Benny Avina had to retrieve London after 11:00 p.m. in Huntington after having already driven a bunch. Thanks, Benny!

Yes, God is good and we can always trust Him to take care of our loved ones. It is the trusting that is the hard part.

In Christ ~



Jeff