My life experiences range from terrifically boring to sad & boring. So glad I can share with you. Would have done it sooner, but I just found out blogs are free.
How fast of a reader you are will determine how much time you will waste today. I am referring specifically to this DLmail. Not much here. Take the following for an example.
This week I gave up my long hair quest and went from this...
...to this in about 10 minutes.
While I have your attention, let me mention that this coming weekend is a celebration weekend in Discoveryland. No small groups. Last week we had small groups and they seemed to go quite well with our full compliment of leaders (thanks Kevin, Em, Amy & Joe). Although I was a treat to look at with my stunning long hair last Saturday, I was battling a cold and had a persisent cough that was sure to put off my small group of girls. Thankfully Amy was on and all was well.
Um, uh, what else is there to touch on? Anyone else getting nostalgic for strongarm dictators? They are dropping like flies. First Hosni, now Moammar, who is next to bail? Fidel? Kim? These guys have been around for my entire life basically. The world news just won't be the same without them.
I really am the shallow end of the brain pool. So sorry. See you Saturday. (Be sure to read Jeannine's and Jake's emails to be inspired, read mine as a last resort).
It has been one of those weeks. I have been really busy with several things, thus I barely found time to connect with you all via DLmail. This week I have been concentrating on growing my hair out. At some point in the life of every famous hunk, the hair must be grown long (facial hair as well, but I don't have the energy for more than just the top of my head right now). I will update you periodically on my progress. Let's just hope I can come close to the awesomeness of these dude's hairs. I also received several text messages this week. Took more than a little concentration to respond to those as well. You get my gist...BUSY!
Last weekend we averted tragedy when Amy stopped by the room and volunteered to sit in with a group. You see those poor kids nearly had myself and Em as the only leaders (due to viruses and family commitments for Joe and Kevin). I hope Amy was blessed a little as she joined us as the first witnesses to our newest teacher, Steve Snyder. There is an old saying that goes like this... "Those who can't, coach." (I am using coaching as an example because I am a coach, but you could easily substitute the word "teach" there.) Well, Steve CAN. He is a professor of acting in the theater department at Bradley U. He showed us that he CAN by teaching with content and drama. Not always easy to nail both. I look forward to seeing him on stage again. For this weekend I expect Joe, Em and Kevin. Click here for the small group info if you don't already have it. Click here if you need to catch up on any of the main stage preaching. Come prepared. Pray for and with these kids. It means so much. Keep this question in mind as you prepare...What would you do if you were king for a day?
Blizzardpolousa 11 hit on Tuesday and changed all of our weeks. My week became a blur of hair growing and texting. For others it was snow removal. Still others had kids home from school unexpectedly and had to assist them in avoiding boredom. Some missed work, then I am sure had to make up for work missed. For me, today was a return to normalcy. The dog and I made it out for our walk/quiet time. Due to some scheduling necessities we went out an hour or so earlier than usual which meant we would be out during sunrise. I love the sunrise. We stopped and waited for it when we knew it was imminent. Take 30 seconds with me and enjoy some of God's creation (with a little BNSF horn blowing heard faintly in the distance) with me. You have 30 seconds don't you?
The beautiful lighting of the early morning is a gift from God. Enjoy the beauty today.
My morning routine rarely varies. Part of my routine includes 45-60 minutes of exercising our dog Shafer. We have 300 acres of fields and woods very close to home where he hunts and runs off leash each day. I walk a 2-3 mile trail along fence lines and wooded areas while he doubles or triples my mileage going in and out, back and forth. We see wildlife regularly. It is a great place and time for both me and him. I almost took the camera today, thinking I will get some bald eagle pics (got pretty close to one on Friday), but I didn't.
The first 20 minutes today were absolutely ordinary. I think as I walk. It is my quiet time (and I can't fall asleep while walking in 20 degree temps and low wind chills). Today my thoughts were dominated by the start of the 21 day fast that Northwoods and many other churches are encouraging. Pam and I have decided to participate (this will be my third year of it...I have never made it the entire 21 days for a variety of reasons). I was really battling the thoughts of doing the fast this year as I walked. I was walking up a hill, nearing the crest, thinking, thinking, thinking while Shafer was pointing at his favorite "game" tree, the one with the squirrel and mouse nest, about 50 feet in front of me. Then my thoughts suddenly changed as I looked past Shafer and saw a coyote, 40 yards away, and coming toward us. Shafer is bold and social. The coyote, in his eyes, was certain to represent just another dog to meet. But this wasn't just another dog. Shafers natural aggressive style of charging full speed to meet a new friend was certain to be viewed as a threat and there was going to be a fight (which means a lot of blood & a vet bill), or a flight (which means a fast and high endurance coyote running from a fast and high endurance dog, being chased by a formerly fast and high endurance white guy...which equals lost dog). I yelled to Shafer to come, and without turning his head north, he did so. With my yell, the coyote stopped and sat down. And stared at us. Coyotes are not large. Except when they are staring at you. Their 40 lb. frames seemingly triple in size as they glare at you, sizing you up. The stare down lasted maybe a minute. Much of that time I was regretting not having my camera. So I got out my phone and tried to take a pic without much success (the coyote really blends in with the winter grass...dang cell phone camera!). Finally the standoff ended, with Shafer dragging me toward the coyote and the coyote slinking off about 30 yards west through the trees before turning south again to avoid us. He stopped and turned around to look at us as many times as I did the same to him. It was an uneasy encounter.
It was not that different from staring this fast in the face again. It isn't just another fast. I have fasted several times through my adult life, but they were always "just another dog." A meal to pray through here and there. A few times I fasted for a day. But this 21 day fast isn't just another dog. It's the coyote that looks as big as a wolf. It's tougher. I am not sure I am up for the run in with it again. There were a few moments this morning when I wanted to let Shafer go and see what happened. He had to be twice the size of the coyote. His heritage includes hunting coyotes (of course the hunter behind him is supposed to be carrying a gun). But I didn't do it. Too much risk. Same with this fast. There is risk. I have been through it before. It isn't easy. It isn't comfy.
But here I am nearly 13 hours in, engaging the fast, thinking & praying. Day one is always the same. Pretty good. But I know if I continue beyond this first day of encounter, there will be a fight. I am so human.
Hey, this is a DLmail, and not a RickLmail, so... thanks for serving last Saturday Joe, Em & Kevin. We had a pretty good night. Kevin and I talked about it a bit and he couldn't remember when the group of boys as a whole participated so well. January is usually a good month at church. People return to church to start the new year off, determined to make it their family routine again. Hopefully the numbers we are seeing will continue, allowing these kids to really connect with other kids, us leaders and the teachers, growing them in their faith. Something to pray about. Click here for the small group leader info if you need it. Click here if you want to watch or just listen to Cal's sermon from this past weekend.
Who needs a pair of men's size 10 Merrell waterproof snow boots? Just like last year (remember last December's boot extravaganza?), Josh got just one season out of these. Worn for maybe 10 hours (most of those hours were documented here) these boots could possible help you to have as much fun as this guy (this will make sense assuming Merrell doesn't change the photo soon). I wear Merrell all the time and look how cool I am and how much fun I seem to be having constantly. So, be like me and buy these boots for yourself, your man, or your kid with the man sized feet. Make me an offer. You might be surprised how low these will go for.
Rick, Pam, Josh & Erin hope you and your family have a most wonderful Christmas!
2010 brought a few changes. We added a member to our household in March. Shafer just celebrated his 1st birthday and he has brought much joy to our home. Josh & Erin are no longer the only kids they know who do not have a dog.
Josh, now in the 8th grade, has spent the past year growing. Looking up to his mom a year ago has changed to looking down at her. Next year we expect him to do the same to his dad.
Erin is also growing much these days. She is in the 5th grade and loving it. This year she acquired a roommate when Shafer arrived. He sleeps on the foot of her bed, and is always by her side.
Pam & Rick...well...do you really want a report on grown ups???? Didn't think so. (CLICK HERE to see pics from the making of this newsletter)
...God's gift has restored our relationship with Him
I don't blog much for Discoveryland anymore. You see, while I may be dumb, I am not stupid. Jeannine and Jake send you all the info you need as leaders each week. Most of what I would send would be redundant. I have been kicking back and taking full advantage of that lately (that's why I look like I am 24 months prego). But then I realized I have something they don't. Some sweet pics. So, be encouraged good and faithful servants. You serve well. And you look fantastic doing it. Big thanks to Amy, Joe, Tim, Em, Kevin & Josh. Thanks for being there for the kids.
It's that time of the year. The kids get up in the dark and go to school before the sun comes up. Above is a pic of the sunrise (also called u-di-ga-lv-yi), a good ten minutes after I dropped them off at school.
This Saturday we change gears ever so slightly as we learn a bit about Moses. I am expecting larger numbers at church this weekend, although I base my expectation on nothing at all. Just seems like it. Last weekend we had slim pickens and in a strange move, I actually released Joe & Tim to go into the grown up service. Seemed like 5 guys leading 16 kids was silly. This week we will be short, with Em gone. Hoping Kevin, Joe, myself and maybe Tim can handle things. My prediction...38 kids. Here is your small group info if you don't already have it. Click here to see Cal from last weekend if you missed it.
I am spending some time to try and recognize nudges from God as a result of the current "grown up" series we have heard for the past several weeks. Sadly, with my diminished mental ability (brought on by under usage of my brain for the past 5-10 years), I only recognize nudges approximately 24 hours after they occur. I have had two clear nudges recently. Even sadder than my lack of recognition of a nudge is that once I realized what it was, my first reaction was, maybe. Shall I say that I am a work in progress? Can this old dog learn new tricks? We'll see. I am hoping the rest of you are more in tune with hearing God and much quicker to respond than I am.
I saw someone else get nudged in a different way last week. This guy I know mentioned that he might want to teach in our room. I am hoping that guy continues to entertain that thought and looks into giving it a try. I think he is more than qualified for the position. I am not going to say it was Kevin Stewart because I don't want any unnecessary pressure put on him. So "guy," think about it. We could use some teachers. Jake is on like every week now. All of us should be praying, not just for the kids we serve, or other leaders we serve with, but for ourselves. Pray that we will be used as God wants us to. That we will be open to His leading. That we will hear Him and act.
Like all good Christians do, the Lingenfelter family went to a driveway campfire cookout on halloween. Since I don't condone the celebration of this dark event, Erin was not allowed to dress up. Rather, as a practicing Cherokee, she wore her native attire, and it worked. She received treats just like the kids whose parents allowed them to dress up as things they are not. You didn't know our daughter was Cherokee? Silly you. While Pam's family came to America on the Mayflower, making her totally anglo, I am a mutt. I am 1/4 Croatian, 1/4 Italian, 1/4 German, 1/16 Cherokee, 1/16 Scotch, 1/16 Irish & 1/16 white trash. I didn't realize how into the 1/32 Cherokee our kids are until recently. School documents reveal that they are both Cherokees who practice tribal customs. I never knew the Cherokee tribe was so into Xbox and Justice clothing stores. It is also amazing to me that they (Cherokees) do far less hunting and gathering than I expected and watch a lot of movies while eating food purchased and prepared by their parents. They also like baseball and American Girl dolls. Crazy. If you are curious about how the paperwork got filed at school regarding their status as practicing Cherokees, just ask my wife.
As I took Erin to dance class last night (now I realize why it rains whenever she does a certain dance, she is practicing), we saw the sunset (e-ga-te-ga-wi). How beautiful. There are some positives to the short days of late fall/winter. Enjoy.
First things first, I did little bios of our team last week in the DLmail. Since I can't seem to remember to take my camera to church, I used photos of other people and associated them with the bios. The photos used were not random. They somehow, in my mind, were associated with the person, and not just because of appearance. Some were obvious, but some might have been vague. Since many of you are sporting types, make a comment on this post and try to identify the person in the photo. Or not. Not very many people read this blog, so this could be a major flop.
I didn't take my camera AGAIN last weekend. Since people rarely read anything that doesn't have photos associated with it, I will share with you throughout this post pics I took of our dog Shafer today during his morning run and practice hunt. It was a beautiful fall morning. Super exciting too as Shafer got attacked by a redtailed hawk, but it was over before I could get the camera on. He couldn't smell, see or hear that bird until it pinched his butt. Surprise!!!
Thanks to everyone who served last weekend. Tim came from out of nowhere and his serving was much appreciated. With Amy, Kevin, Em and myself, we had a really solid team. What we didn't have was the huge number of kids I kind of anticipated considering we had Bruce Wilkinson on main stage for the big people. Click here to hear and see his message (and as a bonus Chris Artis appears in the video singing). Thanks also to our leaders for their overtime. Saturday night the flow for the evening had the service ending 30 minutes or so earlier than it actually did. Bruce circled the airport several times before landing that evening. I do believe the service was shorter on Sunday. His message really works well with what we are going to be studying in the Factory this coming Saturday. God, prior to the Holy Spirit being on the scene, constantly nudged Joseph, and despite his circumstances, and because Joseph paid attention, he was redeemed over and over and blessed extravagantly. Click here for the lesson. Right now I am only expecting Kevin, Em and myself for Saturday. Joe is out of town this weekend.
Pam and I attended our 25th class reunion last weekend. Nothing like a class reunion to remind a person of all the insecurities they had forgotten they had those many years ago. Enough that one might need some pastoral consultation prior to and maybe even after the event. The person that Kevin S. emailed you about last week (his own unauthorized bio of me) wasn't at that reunion. He was replaced by some introvert with serious issues. While Pam effectively worked the room, I found myself hunkering down to a plate of meatballs and cocktail weenies sitting by a couple of the spouses who were nice enough to come. That worked for about an hour, then they moved away from me. I found some refuge hanging by a guy I have known since kindergarten. Since he was nice enough to harbor me for awhile I figure I better give him a plug for the equipment he created and is marketing. So there you go Shawn. That's Shawn in the red shirt.
Eventually Shawn tired of me dogging him and lost me somehow. Feeling conspicuous, and knowing Pam was doing alright on her own, I found another seat by a different group of spouses, who welcomed me warmly. Among that group was an actual classmate who felt the need to introduce me to these spouses with whom he had become acquainted. He introduced me as someone I never remember being in high school. His perception of who I was/am was way different than my own. I have to say, that made the night for me. So the moral of this story...there isn't one, I am just rambling. Sorry for the big buildup and no payoff.
My return to DLmailing started off well several weeks ago. Then I took a week off. Or two. Not because I wanted to, rather because I am gifted in laziness. I know, worst gift ever. But I claim it and work with it as best I can.
First things first. Thanks for serving God through Discoveryland. Our Saturday night numbers have been all over the board, from 20 to over 40 and up and down and all around. On the nights we have needed to give a leader a break (sometimes they get the runs), we have had enough people serving to send that "hypothetical" runs person home. Sorry I can't be more specific and just say "Kevin," but those HIPA laws are there for a reason. We have managed pretty well so far and I think we will soon be adjusted to the new flow and curriculum, which you can find here for this coming Saturday. If you find that you can't make it back on any given Sunday to attend the adult service, be sure to catch it here. In streaming video these days, remember?
Seriously, thank you for serving. You are part of a select few who sacrifice just a bit of each Saturday, but a really important bit.
We tend to rush so much at times and don't always get a chance to connect while at church. I know I often leave church and think about how I feel like I just didn't get a chance to talk to any grown ups, and I miss that. So with this DLmail, I am going to remind each of you who each other are. Keep in mind I have forgotten many key details and or simply don't know as much as I should, so I have taken some liberties with each bio.
Let's start at the top...GARY WEBB. Gary is one of the 4 executive pastors at Northwoods and he has responsibility over our service area. Gary is the tallest of the executive pastors and is currently the biggest loser among the staff at church. Back in the day we used to see more of this gentle giant, however since his responsibilities within the church were broadened, we see him only in passing and by appointment. I don't even know where his new office is! He is still our go to guy though and without his Godly leadership, conventional wisdom says DL wouldn't be quite the same.
JEANNINE VOTE Jeannine hails from the piney woods of Loosiana and serves as the Discoveryland Associate Director (I think). Northwoods almost didn't get her after Uncle Gary allowed the volunteers to meet her during her interviewing process. Jeannine didn't think some certain facetious/sarcastic type volunteer liked her. She took the job anyway and now you can see her occasionally on Saturday nights, more on Sundays (yes, I am keeping track!!) Jeannine now rotates herself into the teaching in the Factory. This has been a clear reminder to us volunteers that she not only can talk the talk of ministry, but she walks it also. Her gift of administration is second only to her gift of teaching which is second only to her gift of kindness. Wait, can I second something twice? I guess kindness leads, teaching second, administration third. Whatever, we appreciate Jeannine despite her height.
JAKE SUTTON Jake is pretty new to most of us. He is the reindeer that the other staff reindeer won't let play the reindeer games. He is too fit to enter. So while he gets to thrash certain staffers on the racquetball court, he will get last by default in the biggest loser game. Jake is one of those talented people (they usually are pathetically nonathletic, but Northwoods has a way of recruiting talented people who can actually throw a ball and are coordinated). His skills that I can see are musical, technical and teachical. He does it all well and the chicks dig him. He is also branching into my neck of the woods by exploring ChillicotheYFC Campus Life in his off hours.
Ladies next...AMY CROSE Amy is a fellow Chillicothean of mine who serves as a small group leader. She has the claim-to-fame of being our only female small group leader this year. She is currently giving up a bit of the third Saturday each month. She should know that her pay will go up 75% should she decide to become an every-weeker. She is an avid traveler, taking her family to the *ends of the earth in search of adventure. *should be noted that ends of the earth means however far they can drive the camper before it gets dark on a Friday, leaving only after school lets out and with the ability to return prior to 11AM on Sundays to catch the NFL games.
TIM THORSON Tim is the most rotational of rotational leaders currently. He got it in his contract this year that he will be there when his schedule permits. So we haven't seen him a ton this year. Like just once so far. But we love having him when we can. He is a gifted leader of kids. He is also my go to guy whenever my nuclear powered furnace or submarine break down. Yep, you probably can't tell by the white lab coat he never wears to church, but he is a bonafide nuclear engineer, phd. and all.
EMORY MORRIS Em, as some call him, hails all the way from Dunlap and is in his second year as a small group leader. Rumor has it that Em is my wife's little brother. But as Christians we don't dabble in rumor, so just stop. Em is also the only current ChillicotheJFL Seniors coach serving in the Factory on Saturday nights. I think. Em's favorite color is black and blue and he enjoys moonlit walks during midday.
JOE PIEPER I know Joe the least, so it will be much easier to make stuff up about him. Doug Oberhelman was just appointed to the job I thought Joe was supposed to move into at CAT recently (blah, blah, blah). So, I am only kind of sure that leaves Joe as the #2 at work. What I know FOR sure is that Joe is a kind and warm guy who nurtures the kids we lead with more kindness than most anyone I know. He is perfectly suited for serving in DL. No doubt. When I think "I'm going to grab that little snot by the neck and...," Joe simply scootches over and sits by the little talker and quiets him down. Go figure. We like that Joe moved up to the Factory.
KEVIN STEWART Kevin is my man. I always know he has my back. It is good to have that kind of guy around. So I will enjoy it while I can, because we just don't know how long we will have Kevin around. You see, Kevin's hobby is stunt riding on sport bikes. He has seen 300km on a bike before. That is 180mph to you non-elitist who haven't driven the autobahn. I think he has seen 138mph whilst riding a wheelie. So I cherish every moment with him I get and I worry that I won't be able to lift my corner of his coffin when the time comes because I am so lazy anymore and never work out. He is also extremely gifted and can connect with ANY kid. Hard ones, easy ones. You name it. Ever wonder why my son Josh is always in our room? Look no farther than that shiny beacon we call Kevin's bald head. Kids dig Kevin.
RICK LINGENFELTER Dang, just ran out of MB's on this blog entry. Simply put, I ain't nothing to brag about. Sad but true. **Facetious and **sarcastic don't get you far. Look where I am.
Speaking of that(?), Joe let me know a couple of weeks ago that he has to miss this weekend (Oct. 16th). Kudos for giving advance notice. Amy will join us as we serve. Don't be surprised if I show up in long pants and a dark shirt (my work uniform). Don't have to work after church, but have to make an appearance at my, gulp, 25th high school reunion. **That will be fun.
This video, on the other hand, is *totally *serious.
What you can't see is that she holds up 2 fingers when she says 3 minutes. Classic.
We sent our kids back to school a little over a month ago. That was soon followed by the return of Discoveryland. A full 4 weekends of DL have passed. I am making an attempt to keep all the Saturday nighters connected by returning to publishing the DLmail. Of course, I am doing this now, but soon, we may have no kids even coming. Our technological world you know. For instance...
I will no longer attend church in person. Made that decision today when I dialed up the link to last weekend's grown-up service. Click here to get my drift. The September 25/26 message is now available in video form. As I watched Garland in vivid streaming color and almost stereo sound, it hit me. Now that I can hear AND see the service on my computer, I just might stay home. I can eat and drink while I watch. I can hit pause when I need to evac...take a break. Kids, the future is here! Text me or email me so that we can connect. Pic message me every once in a while so I can SEE how you are doing. Get this up and running in DL and we won't have to worry about finding enough people to serve.
Speaking of serving, thanks to you all who serve on Saturday night. Sorry if it seems like we haven't really hit our stride yet with the new lesson plans and the timing of the service flow. Do you agree? Click here for a digital copy of the Oct. 2nd plans. My concerns over not having enough leaders, in particular female leaders, is becoming less. The new flow lends itself to less small group time from what I can see. And so far, with the exception of the 9/11 service, we haven't had any small group time to speak of. So far, our leaders who have committed to coming each week are Kevin, Em and Joe. Amy has committed to the 3rd Saturday of each month and Tim will be there when he can. If you know of anyone interested in serving, let me know. If it's a man, ask him if his wife is interested in serving. Really, we have 1000 lbs.+ of men serving (even more if we throw in Josh) and a little over a 100 lbs. of women. We either need to enlist more females or put a push on the video version of Discoveryland. Just saying.
The October memory verse (maybe you are familiar with it): The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3
Pray for the kids and this ministry throughout this week as you prepare to serve this Saturday.
DYIN TO SERVE...is my general blog for church, family, friends, and some of the old CHEMOBARBIE posts from Pam's first experience with breast cancer in 2004/2005.
DYIN TO SERVE "THE OCHO"...is the blog that chronicles my Pam's breast cancer recurrence which began Nov. 2008.
The October memory verse (maybe you are familiar with it): The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3
