EMMAUS (pt.2)

After returning home from Garden on Sunday I am convinced that God uses a "plethra" of methods to draw his people to him through special and powerful ways. Obviously the Walk to Emmaus is one of them. In my prior post someone responded in a way that suggested the walk as being a prerequisite or and additonal work that must take place to get "closer to the gates of heaven". Far from it. Yes, it draws us closer to "Him" but JESUS is the only "gate" and faith in him allows us to enter. The Walk is merely one of many tools used by God to grow in our relationship with Christ. Disciple Bible Study, the Ashram retreat, small group bible studies, Promise Keepers, Women of Faith, etc., etc., are all used by God to draw us closer to him in faith. Praise God for the ways he helps us grow and the ways he "fires us up" for him. Would I like everyone to go on the walk? Sure! But it's by far not the only way people can draw close to Jesus. I'm for whatever God chooses to do.

We all know that life is filled with mountaintop and valley experiences. Why not pursue and experience the mountaintop when you can? There are always plenty of valleys out there.

I am so thankful for what God did in the lives of the women this past weekend. It was awesome to see him work in their lives and am excited for others to hear the stories.

Never apologize about an experience with God. Never!

Have a great week!

ANOTHER AWESOME WALK!!

Just returned from participating in the Walk to Emmaus at Garden City. It's always amazing to see what God does during those 72 hours together. Actually, it's miraculous.

It was humbling once again to be on the team. I was blessed to work with some unbelievable guys led by Steve Mayo (Lay director) and Tod Anthony (spiritual director). And then to observe God's work in the guys from the first day to the last was great - especially watching the guys from Leoti.

Thanks for praying for us all. Now our attention turns towards the women who will be attending this Thursday - Michelle Sheppard, Teresa Clark, Kendra Perry, Marilyn Wilbur, and Cindy Crays. Please keep them in your prayers. They are about to meet God in a new and exciting way.

How about some thoughts from some of you who attended who are reading this here blog? Love to hear from you.

You locals - ask Kevin, Jason, Craig, Gary, or Matt about their experience. See what they have to say.

De Colores!!

BY THE WAY, DID I TELL YOU.........

I'm going to be a GRANDPA -AGAIN!!!!! Congrats to Todd and Melissa. We are super excited as our little Grandson Brayden will have someone to play with soon. Melissa is due the 23rd of May. (Kyle graduates the 17th. Should be interesting). This is an answer to prayer. Yep, I'm going out to order my cane and hearing aids today. You know how it is being a grandpa and all.

Other excitement - Thursday the 18th kicks off the fall Walk to Emmaus in Garden City. We have 10 people from Leoti going plus a couple of us working the team. Be in prayer for Gary Wilbur, Jason Perry, Craig Sheppard, Kevin Clark, Matt Crays, Todd Schumacher, and me as we head to Garden tomorrow at 4:30. Can't wait to see what God has up his sleeve. (Does God have sleeves - or even arms for that matter?)

If you want to read a great blog, check out jesuscreed.org. Scot McKnight is a friend of ours from Chicago. He'll make you think.

Have a great weekend. Stay tuned for grandbaby and Emmaus updates.

Signing off...........................

P.R.

BITTERSWEET

I was saddened to hear of the death of one of my best friend's mom, Ellie Zerger, this past week at Marion. Actually, she died on my birthday, October the 4th. It was totally unexpected and was a shock to us all.

In the picture you see Reuben (Ellie's husband), and Julie and Tim, great friends from high school. I made a red eye trip to Marion Tuesday afternoon to spend a little time with them. It was a great evening although I wish it could have been for a different reason. It had been years since I'd seen them so we had a little catching up to do. Talked about our great times in school and especially the great times at their house where Ellie was more than hospitable. Needless to say, I never went hungry when I was at their house. She was such a great person and always treated me as one of her own. I am grateful I will see her again by virtue of our faith in Christ.

It's too bad that we seem to let time get away from us to the point that we don't stay in touch like we should. But, as is the case with good friends, when we do get together it's as if we have not missed a beat. Such was the case on Tuesday evening.

My prayers continue to go out to the family. I'd ask you to keep them in your prayers as well.

HMMMMMMMM..........

In case you are a person who likes to ponder.....................................


The Cubs will never again win the World Series. Never!

The Chiefs?? 10 yards rushing against the Jaguars? Are you kidding?? Larry Johnson should pay ME to watch him.

The Wildcats? Come on Josh Freeman. Maybe a little emotion? You had a chance to be a hero.

Hillary Clinton?? Enough said.

USC? Sorry for chuckling.

NBA and NHL?? Who cares?????

The WCHS Indians - can't expect to win when padding out only once a week and not practicing when the whole team is available to do so.

Network television - I've seen better stuff in a garbage dump.

Hallelujah, the wind has finally died down. Wow!

Awesome fall harvest - don't forget the Lord of the harvest. It's not about us.