In the fall of 2013, Lutheran Campus Ministry of Southwest Minnesota State University launched a level of giving program in the hopes to increase our giving. It was instituted in the beginning of 2014. Thus, we have two years under our belt and are going into our third year. I am going to share with you the giving levels and then share with you how many are in each category and then ask you if you will join our team.
We named our levels in comparison to "levels" of schooling since we are at a university.
Church Levels
Graduates: $ 2,500 +
Seniors: $1,000 - $2,499
Juniors: $500 - $999
Sophomore: $250 - $499
Freshman: $1 - $249
Individual Levels
Graduates: $1,000 +
Seniors: $500 - $999
Juniors: $250 - $499
Sophomore: $100 - $249
Freshman: $1 - $99
Church that Give
Graduates: 1 in 2015 and 3 in 2014
Seniors: 1 in 2015 and 3 in 2014
Juniors: 4 in 2015 and 10 in 2014
Sophomores: 1 in 2015 and 8 in 2014
Freshman: 24 in 2015 and 25 in 2014
Individuals that Give
Graduates: 0 in 2015 and 0 in 2014
Seniors: 1 in 2015 and 1 in 2014
Juniors: 1 in 2015 and 1 in 2014
Sophomores: 3 in 2015 and 4 in 2014
Freshman: 5 in 2015 and 9 in 2015
In 2014, we had 49 churches give and 15 individuals give. In 2015, we took a step back and received gifts from 31 churches and 10 individuals.
We are needing to step up our donors in 2016. We want to ask you to join our team of givers. Great things are occurring in the ministry and to keep the momentum going; we need finances and in addition to our donations down this year; we will be losing some of our grant money.
If you want to know more about our ministry and what is happening on campus; please let me know. I would love to share with you some of the great things occurring. Thanks for your prayers and consideration.
The thoughts and writings on this blog are the thoughts of Jeff and do not necessarily represent the views of Grace First Parish of Russell and/or Lutheran Campus Ministry of Southwest Minnesota State University.
Friday, January 01, 2016
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Our Adoption Story
The journey that we are sharing with you today is one that expands over two years. If we take a look back, the journey is really one of over five years, but we will begin with the journey starting in September of 2013.
Stacey and myself began to take foster to adopt training classes in September of 2013. Stacey and the kids had only been in Minnesota with me for about three months. We had taken the classes in both Ohio and Indiana so they story of adopting was one that we have been very familiar with for a long time.
In September and October 2013, we took the 36 hours of training that is necessary from the state to be able to foster or adopt children. After the classes, there was plenty of paperwork to fill out and there was components of the house that we needed to do to make sure that it would pass home inspections.
After five months, we received our foster care license with the approval to enter into the adoption process. The paperwork was processed and approved on March 27th, 2014. Thus, it took us approximately six months to get our license after we started class.
On April 15th, 2014, we had a meeting in our home with our caseworker and the county caseworker to map out a plan for adoption. Stacey and myself had already done extensive research; even before our classes and showed them ten to fifteen families that we were interested in that were currently in the Minnesota Foster Care System.
We were a little shocked with the resistance that we received and all the no's and wall blocks that seemed to come from the county and state and them not wanting to pursue any of the children that we were willing to open our home to. Some of them, were sibling groups up to three, which we were approved to but there was no movement. In the meantime, we did open our home up to various children who needed temporary placement.
Summer of 2014, we started to make inquiries about children outside of the state through Adopt US KIDS. We were amazed at how many caseworkers from other states were very interested in our family and was sending information to our caseworker for us to review.
We were successful in adopting through Adopt US Kids and here is the story of how Summer entered our house and officially became Summer Elizabeth Greathouse on Wednesday, December 16th, 2015.
Here is the 14 month timeline after our inquiry:
On August 12th 2014, we made an inquiry om a brother and sister from Kentucky. Through Adopt US Kids, we made inquires on children in states that we had lived in. Our thinking, maybe wrongly, was that this could/would make the child more comfortable with us because we had once lived where they lived.
On September 2, 2014, our matching study paperwork was submitted. The matching paper being submitted meant that the agency in Kentucky, after reviewing our home study thought that we might be a suitable home for the children. The children at the time was 15 and 16, so they had the ability to choose during this process as well.
On September 8, 2014, Summer's brother decided that he did not want to leave Kentucky and chose not to enter the adoption process. We were uncertain what this really meant for the process.
On September 10, 2014, our caseworker came over to show us her "file" and share with us her life story. We learned everything anyone could ever want to know. We won't share those details with the obvious exception that over time, both of her parents had parental rights terminated and that is why she was in the foster care system looking for a forever family.
On September 17, 2014, we informed our caseworker and the Kentucky agency that we were still interested after previewing her paperwork.
On October 9, 2014, Summer met with her case worker and after previewing our family study and understanding that her brother did not want to be adopted gave the county the green light to begin the adoption process.
On October 21, 2014, the first step was completed when Summer filed separation papers from her brother so she could be adopted.
On December 11th, 2014, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children was completed. This process seemed to take forever as all the paper work flew back and forth from Minnesota to Kentucky.
On January 16th - 18th, 2015, Stacey and myself traveled to Kentucky to meet Summer. We were in Kentucky for 48 hours. On Friday afternoon, we met the team that worked with her: teachers, counselors, foster mom, therapist and caseworkers. On Friday night, we met with her at her foster home. On Saturday, we spent the whole day together. On Sunday, we went to church and then lunch and this is the selfie she took and captures the first time we were together.
On April 3, 2015, we picked Summer up and signed the paper work for her to be placed in our home and for us to begin the process of adoption. The placement had occurred but much was still needed to be done prior to her officially being adopted. Official adoption could not take place until she was with us for six months.
On April 5, 2015 (Easter Sunday 2015), here is the picture of us together for the first time in our home church (at that time), St. Stephen Lutheran in Marshall, MN.
We were told that you have to wait six months to petition the courts, so the clock began to tick and the calendar days were flipped; albeit slowly.
On September 2, 2015, we were able to meet with the lawyers to begin all the legal documentation that needed to occur. There were still a lot of i's to be dotted and t's to be crossed. By now, you would think that we would not be surprised at this, but we were.
On October 7, 2015, we were informed that all paper work had been officially submitted at the courthouse and the adoption would be occurring soon.
On October 20, 2015, the lawyer called us to confirm that we had a court date. The date would be Wednesday, November 4th at 1:45 pm.
On November 3, 2015, Our lawyer gave us a call to let us know that the adoption would NOT occur on the next day because the state of Kentucky did not send the original paper works. They sent copies. We need to have the original birth certificate and the original termination. They were gone for the day, so no answers on why this occurred. This is just unbelievable.
On November 12th, 2015, our lawyer contacted us and told us that the official paperwork had arrived and that the new adoption date would be December 16th, 2015.
December 16th, 2015 at 3:45 pm, we walked into the courtroom and adopted Summer Elizabeth Greathouse.
Here is the photo of us in the courthouse minutes after it was official with the lawyer and judge.
Thus, 20 months after our license got approved, we welcomed a 16 year old daughter into our home; well, technically, she will not be 16 till Christmas Eve.
Welcome to this crazy family Summer Elizabeth Greathouse.
Stacey and myself began to take foster to adopt training classes in September of 2013. Stacey and the kids had only been in Minnesota with me for about three months. We had taken the classes in both Ohio and Indiana so they story of adopting was one that we have been very familiar with for a long time.
In September and October 2013, we took the 36 hours of training that is necessary from the state to be able to foster or adopt children. After the classes, there was plenty of paperwork to fill out and there was components of the house that we needed to do to make sure that it would pass home inspections.
After five months, we received our foster care license with the approval to enter into the adoption process. The paperwork was processed and approved on March 27th, 2014. Thus, it took us approximately six months to get our license after we started class.
On April 15th, 2014, we had a meeting in our home with our caseworker and the county caseworker to map out a plan for adoption. Stacey and myself had already done extensive research; even before our classes and showed them ten to fifteen families that we were interested in that were currently in the Minnesota Foster Care System.
We were a little shocked with the resistance that we received and all the no's and wall blocks that seemed to come from the county and state and them not wanting to pursue any of the children that we were willing to open our home to. Some of them, were sibling groups up to three, which we were approved to but there was no movement. In the meantime, we did open our home up to various children who needed temporary placement.
Summer of 2014, we started to make inquiries about children outside of the state through Adopt US KIDS. We were amazed at how many caseworkers from other states were very interested in our family and was sending information to our caseworker for us to review.
We were successful in adopting through Adopt US Kids and here is the story of how Summer entered our house and officially became Summer Elizabeth Greathouse on Wednesday, December 16th, 2015.
Here is the 14 month timeline after our inquiry:
On August 12th 2014, we made an inquiry om a brother and sister from Kentucky. Through Adopt US Kids, we made inquires on children in states that we had lived in. Our thinking, maybe wrongly, was that this could/would make the child more comfortable with us because we had once lived where they lived.
On September 2, 2014, our matching study paperwork was submitted. The matching paper being submitted meant that the agency in Kentucky, after reviewing our home study thought that we might be a suitable home for the children. The children at the time was 15 and 16, so they had the ability to choose during this process as well.
On September 8, 2014, Summer's brother decided that he did not want to leave Kentucky and chose not to enter the adoption process. We were uncertain what this really meant for the process.
On September 10, 2014, our caseworker came over to show us her "file" and share with us her life story. We learned everything anyone could ever want to know. We won't share those details with the obvious exception that over time, both of her parents had parental rights terminated and that is why she was in the foster care system looking for a forever family.
On September 17, 2014, we informed our caseworker and the Kentucky agency that we were still interested after previewing her paperwork.
On October 9, 2014, Summer met with her case worker and after previewing our family study and understanding that her brother did not want to be adopted gave the county the green light to begin the adoption process.
On October 21, 2014, the first step was completed when Summer filed separation papers from her brother so she could be adopted.
On December 11th, 2014, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children was completed. This process seemed to take forever as all the paper work flew back and forth from Minnesota to Kentucky.
On January 16th - 18th, 2015, Stacey and myself traveled to Kentucky to meet Summer. We were in Kentucky for 48 hours. On Friday afternoon, we met the team that worked with her: teachers, counselors, foster mom, therapist and caseworkers. On Friday night, we met with her at her foster home. On Saturday, we spent the whole day together. On Sunday, we went to church and then lunch and this is the selfie she took and captures the first time we were together.
On February 6-8, 2015, the whole family traveled to Kentucky to meet her. We picked her up from school and went to a cabin at the state park. It was simply an opportunity for us to spend the weekend together and see how we "gelled". It was also an opportunity to see how the four kids would respond to one another; not that you can tell everything in 48 hours. Here is the first photo that we snapped of all four of them together.
On February 9, 2015, the Kentucky cabinet called to ask how the weekend went and to see if we were still wanting to move forward in the process. We said yes.
On February 27 - March 6, 2015, Summer visited us in Minnesota for a week. This was her opportunity to see where we lived and how our lives work in a "normal" week of life. We were concerned how the week would go, especially with Isaiah, Jacob and Bethany in school and her not being in school. The visit seemed to go well.
On March 9, 2015, I was in New Orleans for a mission trip with Lutheran Campus Ministry when I received a phone call from Kentucky. The phone call was to inform us that Summer would be placed in our home. Here is a photo from where I was at in NOLA when I received the news.
On April 5, 2015 (Easter Sunday 2015), here is the picture of us together for the first time in our home church (at that time), St. Stephen Lutheran in Marshall, MN.
We were told that you have to wait six months to petition the courts, so the clock began to tick and the calendar days were flipped; albeit slowly.
On September 2, 2015, we were able to meet with the lawyers to begin all the legal documentation that needed to occur. There were still a lot of i's to be dotted and t's to be crossed. By now, you would think that we would not be surprised at this, but we were.
On October 7, 2015, we were informed that all paper work had been officially submitted at the courthouse and the adoption would be occurring soon.
On October 20, 2015, the lawyer called us to confirm that we had a court date. The date would be Wednesday, November 4th at 1:45 pm.
On November 3, 2015, Our lawyer gave us a call to let us know that the adoption would NOT occur on the next day because the state of Kentucky did not send the original paper works. They sent copies. We need to have the original birth certificate and the original termination. They were gone for the day, so no answers on why this occurred. This is just unbelievable.
On November 12th, 2015, our lawyer contacted us and told us that the official paperwork had arrived and that the new adoption date would be December 16th, 2015.
December 16th, 2015 at 3:45 pm, we walked into the courtroom and adopted Summer Elizabeth Greathouse.
Here is the photo of us in the courthouse minutes after it was official with the lawyer and judge.
Thus, 20 months after our license got approved, we welcomed a 16 year old daughter into our home; well, technically, she will not be 16 till Christmas Eve.
Welcome to this crazy family Summer Elizabeth Greathouse.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Grace First
I cannot believe that I have been at Grace First for four weeks. It has been a very busy YET fantastic four weeks. Worship attendance has been up, worship committee has been formed, confirmation has started and there seems to be excitement in the air.
I am still working on my schedule. Scheduling with the university chaplain position and the solo position at Grace first plus schooling (CPE) is definitely making the hours push up there but for the time being, I am managing.
Last Sunday was the first time that I presided over Holy Communion as the Vicar and on staff with them. We (I) decided that we would do communion in a manner that they had never done before. I think that overall it went well. I tried to create a hybrid of what both congregations were use to. Thus, we had individuals come up to receive the elements after the initial liturgy and then they returned to their seats and we finished the liturgy (words of institution) and took the bread and the wine (grape juice) together.
This Sunday, we have a baptism. The baptism will be the first for me at Grace First and it will also be officially the first baptism as the united Grace First Parish.
I am still working on my schedule. Scheduling with the university chaplain position and the solo position at Grace first plus schooling (CPE) is definitely making the hours push up there but for the time being, I am managing.
Last Sunday was the first time that I presided over Holy Communion as the Vicar and on staff with them. We (I) decided that we would do communion in a manner that they had never done before. I think that overall it went well. I tried to create a hybrid of what both congregations were use to. Thus, we had individuals come up to receive the elements after the initial liturgy and then they returned to their seats and we finished the liturgy (words of institution) and took the bread and the wine (grape juice) together.
This Sunday, we have a baptism. The baptism will be the first for me at Grace First and it will also be officially the first baptism as the united Grace First Parish.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Just Call Me ... Vicar ?
This morning, I made the official announcement that I have resigned from St. Stephen Lutheran Church (Marshall, Minnesota). For the last three years, I have been in a ministry position with St. Stephen and Lutheran Campus Ministry of SMSU. They created a full time ministry position three years ago and I am forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to serve in Marshall, a town that I had never heard of before coming up for the interview. Even though I am resigning from St. Stephen, I am remaining in Marshall.
Lutheran Campus Ministry has also dissolved the partnership agreement with St. Stephen and I am remaining with LCM as their chaplain and forever grateful for this ministry opportunity. I absolutely love life on SMSU and the students that I have the honor to walk alongside with.
So, what am I am doing and what is with the title of this post ?
Here is some of the background ....
In March, Lutheran Campus Ministry of Southwest Minnesota State University had our review. Every three years, the ministry gets reviewed by the Lutheran Campus Ministry State Board President, representatives from the synod (ELCA), and a peer. In the review, we take a look at our ministry and invite students, student leaders, faculty, staff and ELCA pastors to the table. the review went really well. The review got the ball rolling for me to enter into the candidacy process.
With me already having a masters degree in ministry and with me being ordained in the background that I grew up, my journey will be little different than those who are "just" coming out of college and walking their path of ordination.
Thus, I am blessed that I am going to be able to remain as the Chaplain as SMSU and I am going to be placed and called the "Vicar" at Grace First in Russell, Minnesota. Grace First is a church that has been formed with two churches merging: Grace Lutheran (ELCA) and First Presbyterian (PCUSA).
The term ....
The vicar is the vicarious symbol of the church, or better defined as a representative of a church. The term has since come to have many fine distinctions about a church leader or minister. It can also designate the status or training of a person working in a ministerial capacity in a church.
As I serve these two ministries, I will be pursuing my ordination in the ELCA.
Below are a few pictures of the town and the church:
 |
| The town of Russel is 15 miles from our house in Marshall |
 |
| A welcome sign coming into the town |
 |
| The Russell sign if traveling by the railroad system |
 |
| The Church that I will be serving |
 |
| The "old" church sign in front of the building |
 |
| The church building - Grace First |
 |
| The view of the town from the church parking lot |
 |
| SMSU students at Grace First in April |
We (our family) are still going to be connected to St. Stephen in many ways and LCM will still be involved in numerous ways as well. St. Stephen is one of our biggest supporters and we are so thankful for their generosity.
To close, here is my official resignation letter:
St.
Stephen Lutheran Church Council:
I am
writing this letter to you today to inform you that I am resigning from St.
Stephen Lutheran church as the Youth Director, with the effective date of
August 31st. I have enjoyed
the last three years at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall. St. Stephen
has truly been a great place to serve.
In March, Lutheran Campus Ministry of
Marshall conducted their tri-annual review. The review went extremely well.
Since the review, I have been in conversation with the campus ministry board,
the synod office, seminaries and multiple organizations. I have decided that I
am going to enter into candidacy in the ELCA.
On September 8th, I am going to
begin my Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in Sioux Falls. In addition to the
CPE this fall, I will remain as chaplain at Lutheran Campus Ministry. I will
also be placed at Grace First in Russel as their “called Vicar” (solo minister)
on September 15th. In
January, after my reviews, I will continue to serve these two positions while
fulfilling my educational obligations from Wartburg Seminary in Iowa.
I am very excited and very nervous as I
enter into this new adventure. I would appreciate your prayers. St. Stephen
will remain steadfast in my prayers. We will remain in the community and hopefully
remain connected to St Stephen, if permissible. Bethany would continue through
confirmation, Isaiah would continue to teach Sunday School and Jacob would
continue to play in the band on their weeks of responsibility. As a parent, I
would love to be a chaperon on trips, if schedule permits.
In Christ,
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Kentucky Wildcats Shine
The University of Kentucky basketball team dominated their competition on Tuesday night. They played the # 5 team in the nation (Kansas) and took them to the woodshed.
They have done it by implementing a platoon system. I am writing for AOSN and you can find my insights on the system and game there.
They have done it by implementing a platoon system. I am writing for AOSN and you can find my insights on the system and game there.
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
Saira Blair
Saira Blair becomes the Youngest Lawmaker in the US and also probably will be the most misspelled one. I hope that individuals will pick up on her spelling quickly and not spell it wrong.
Congrats on being the youngest. I grew up in West Virginia, so it was nice to see a positive article coming out of the state. I have been out of the state more years than Saira has been alive :)
Great job on running the campaign out of your dorm room. Good Luck and may you make a change.
Congrats on being the youngest. I grew up in West Virginia, so it was nice to see a positive article coming out of the state. I have been out of the state more years than Saira has been alive :)
Great job on running the campaign out of your dorm room. Good Luck and may you make a change.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Breastfeeding & The Eucharist
This morning, an article came across my Facebook news feed that I wanted to share on my blog. Here it is: Breastfeeding and the Eucharist.
One of the many lines that stood out to me was the following:
May God meet your needs.
One of the many lines that stood out to me was the following:
Through the breaking of the bread, God invites us into the nursing relationship: the meeting of all our needs.
May God meet your needs.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
MBA: Here I Come
In an hour, I begin my journey.
I will update tomorrow as we have two events occurring in 10 minutes before I head to class:
- serving at a local church
- grill out for the college students
I will update tomorrow as we have two events occurring in 10 minutes before I head to class:
- serving at a local church
- grill out for the college students
Friday, January 10, 2014
Aimate: Faith Series
Today, the Animate DVD came in. Thus, I have popped it into the computer and am listening to it as I write this article and do an ad for the study. We are going to use the study for our Thursday morning study at the Campus Religious Center on the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University. Our ministry: Element 26 (Lutheran Campus Ministry) will be meeting for breakfast and then watching and discussing the series.
Here is the study:
January
23 - God | Faith is a Quest | Brian McLaren
How can we chart a course through the often-murky
waters of Christian tradition and find our way to God?
January
30 - Religion | Spirituality Is Not Enough | Lillian Daniel
In this age of religious pluralism, is it possible
or even desirable to stick with our age-old traditions?
February
6 - Jesus | The Revolution Of Love | Mark Scandrette
What does it mean to walk in the way of Jesus?
February
13 - Salvation | Abundant Life Now | Shane Hipps
The cross of Christ stands as a symbol of God’s
saving work. But what, exactly, does it mean to be saved?
February
20 - Cross | Where God Is | Nadia Bolz-Weber
Our theories about the cross tell us as much about
ourselves and our view of God as they do about Jesus and salvation.
February
27 - Bible | A Book Like No Other| Lauren Winner
Why read the Bible?
March
6 - Church| An Imperfect Family | Bruce Reyes-Chow
What does it mean to commit ourselves to the church
family, for better or for worse?
Friday, January 03, 2014
My Three Words
In a few different circles, I have seen individuals promoting 3 words. Each one of them is doing it in a very different format. I decided that I am going to choose three words and then develop 2014 around those three words. I am not being creative as many of them: using abstract words. However, I am using three w's even though I did not intentionally seek to use the same letter. The three words: wellness, writing and wisdom.
Word One: Wellness
The ELCA has been using the "spiritual wheel" for awhile. With wellness being one of my words; it was only an obvious choice (a wise choice - more on that in word three) to use the wheel. There are six components of the spiritual wheel:
- Social
- Emotional
- Physical
- Financial
- Vocational
- Intellectual
It is hope that I can improve my wellness in all these areas.
Word Two: Writing
I have never really been a good writer. I have never really invested much time and energy into it. Writing for me has always been limited to school reports, newsletter articles, a little blogging and not much more. However, in 2014, I want to focus on writing. I am not making any major goals: writing a blog every day or attempting to get a book published. However, I want to be more intentional in writing and sharing views and sparking conversation. I also want to try to use my writing to be more of an advocate. There are multiple places where a voice needs to be lifted up.
Word Three: Wisdom
Luke 2:52 - And Jesus kept on growing—in wisdom
In the past, when I led children/family ministry; we used 252 Basics and Wisdom is one of the key phrases that they use. 252 Basics is based off of Luke 2:52. So, maybe, I am going back to my childhood. In all seriousness, here is the definition of wisdom:
the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.
So, in 2014, I want to make good judgment in all areas of my life. I will need to have wisdom in making wellness and writing to occur. I will need wisdom in my daily life as I navigate my vocational waters of youth ministry and campus ministry. Thus, I want to have wisdom in my mind so as I go through my daily life, I can make wise choices.
There we go, my three words. Now it is time to place these four pictures up on my wall, so I can be reminded of them everyday that I am in the office.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
2014: Back to Blogging
2014 will enter the 9th year that I have been on blogger blogging. I have not blogged in a long time. The last post has been about 8 months ago. It actually took me awhile to get into it because of changes of emails and passwords.
It was interesting to see the 'data' on the dashboard. How many people were coming to the blog still and what they were reading. I then scrolled down to look at the years and how much I posted in those years. Here is the list:
2006 - 45 posts
2007 - 345 posts
2008 - 465 posts
2009 - 145 posts
2010 - 97 posts
2011 - 26 posts
2012 - 46 posts
2013 - 6 posts
Thus, it has been awhile since I have been active. I am hoping that 2014 will be a year where I will be active again. i I am also going to go back to blogging across the spectrum: life, church, campus ministry, family activities and more.
There has been a challenge of 3 words. 3 words are choosing 3 words that will define your year. I am planning on doing this tomorrow at my quiet time. Maybe, writing will be one of the three.
It was interesting to see the 'data' on the dashboard. How many people were coming to the blog still and what they were reading. I then scrolled down to look at the years and how much I posted in those years. Here is the list:
2006 - 45 posts
2007 - 345 posts
2008 - 465 posts
2009 - 145 posts
2010 - 97 posts
2011 - 26 posts
2012 - 46 posts
2013 - 6 posts
Thus, it has been awhile since I have been active. I am hoping that 2014 will be a year where I will be active again. i I am also going to go back to blogging across the spectrum: life, church, campus ministry, family activities and more.
There has been a challenge of 3 words. 3 words are choosing 3 words that will define your year. I am planning on doing this tomorrow at my quiet time. Maybe, writing will be one of the three.
Friday, April 12, 2013
April 12, 2013
Today, I downloaded a new app for my phone and went and tested it out. We have 2 feet of snow still and the weather was in the 20's BUT I wanted to get out and test it. Here is a snapshot:
Saturday, March 02, 2013
Winter Jam 2013: Omaha
This weekend, we took a 28 hour road trip to Omaha for Winter Jam.
SMSU - Lutheran Campus Ministry left on noon on Friday and drove to Omaha. We checked into our hotel (Comfort Inn) and decided to go fast food before we headed to the concert. Runza was close to our hotel and no one had ever been there before so we decided to be daring and try it out. I will NEVER eat there again - YUCK.
After dinner, we battled 5:30 traffic and headed through the city. I dropped everyone off at the auditorium because of the traffic and crowd. I then and went to find a parking spot. After awhile, I found a place - albeit having to parallel park the 12 passenger fan. I then joined the crew - last row on the top-side. It was a capacity crowd. I am glad that they went in 5 minutes after the doors opened.
Overall, the concert was very good. Here was my quick fb status:
We got back to the hotel a little after midnight and decided to get pizzas. The Sports Bar was a little rambunctious; so we got them to go and hate them in the hotel room.
In the morning, we had breakfast at the hotel, did an early lunch at Noodles & Company. I had the BBQ pork sandwich - EXCELLENT. We then made the 4 1/2 hour drive back to Marshall.
2014, we will return - next time - a different city. Not because Omaha was bad, but let's road trip it.
SMSU - Lutheran Campus Ministry left on noon on Friday and drove to Omaha. We checked into our hotel (Comfort Inn) and decided to go fast food before we headed to the concert. Runza was close to our hotel and no one had ever been there before so we decided to be daring and try it out. I will NEVER eat there again - YUCK.
After dinner, we battled 5:30 traffic and headed through the city. I dropped everyone off at the auditorium because of the traffic and crowd. I then and went to find a parking spot. After awhile, I found a place - albeit having to parallel park the 12 passenger fan. I then joined the crew - last row on the top-side. It was a capacity crowd. I am glad that they went in 5 minutes after the doors opened.
Overall, the concert was very good. Here was my quick fb status:
About the concert tonight: Best set from start to finish: SideWalk Prophets. Best transitions: Matthew West and his story videos that inspired the songs. Best song of night: Tony, Steal the Show. Artist Gaining Respect : Amy's Grace. Disappointment of night: Red (which stunk BC I was looking fwd to them).
We got back to the hotel a little after midnight and decided to get pizzas. The Sports Bar was a little rambunctious; so we got them to go and hate them in the hotel room.
In the morning, we had breakfast at the hotel, did an early lunch at Noodles & Company. I had the BBQ pork sandwich - EXCELLENT. We then made the 4 1/2 hour drive back to Marshall.
2014, we will return - next time - a different city. Not because Omaha was bad, but let's road trip it.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Tumor Is Shrinking
Today, Bethany had an MRI and chemotherapy. A long day for her. But, we received great news. Her tumor is continually shrinking. Here is a little bit of information for the picture above:
WE HAVE SHRINKAGE! The tumor shrank approximately another 4 mm. The tumor started out at 25mm. After the first 12 weeks, the MRI showed 11mm shrinkage. This time (another 12 weeks) it shrunk 4 more mm. On the photo: The one on the left is today, the next one over is the one from November and the one second from the right is last June when we discovered the tumor had grown. The tumor is the bright white spot on the bottom left.
Bethany just finished up week 25 of 70. So, she has a long way to go but this is fantastic news. We thank God for the continue presence in our lives. We thank him daily for the doctors, nurses, and medicine that enables this to occur.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Hearty Taco Soup
On January 21st, 2013, we had Hearty Taco Soup for Lutheran Campus Ministry Dinner & Discussion. The picture above is the soup cooking. Below is the recipe that I created and used. Feel free to use/share. If you do not mind, I would appreciate you citing the recipie.
The base:
29 oz Tomato Sause
29 oz Tex-Mex Diced Tomatoes
14.5 oz diced size tomatoes w/ green chilies
14.5 oz Chili Beans with Cumin/Cayne sause
14.5 oz of black beans (drained)
14.5 oz of dark red beans (drained)
14.5 oz Black Eyed Peas (drained)
14.5 oz of Mexican corn (drained)
14.5 oz Hoppin John (Blackeyed Peas, tomato, onions, and jalepenos)
1 package of spicy ranch
Then for the meat:
3 separate 1 lb of ground beef and 4 oz of season blend cooked
- one w/ original
- one with cheese
- one with hot
The three meats added to the base.
Served over corn chips and topped with a 4 cheese blend and sour cream
Friday, January 18, 2013
What About Joseph ?
I am teaming up with Children International to help them sponsor children. This week, I am trying to get Joseph Guillermo sponsored. He is going to be 16 years old soon (May 28). He lives in Equador. With him being 15, his sponsorship will be a short-term commitment for you.
Here is a little more info:
He is 5'8" and weighs 123 pounds. His favorite subject in school is Math and his favorite pasttime is Soccer. His Father is deceased and he lives with his mom (Geovanna) and his sister (Fabiana).
Would you be willing to help him over the next 2 1/2 years ? The sponsorship is $ 25 a month and this will help provide education/health for him ?
If you are willing, please email me at Lutheran.Chaplain@smsu.edu
Here is a little more info:
He is 5'8" and weighs 123 pounds. His favorite subject in school is Math and his favorite pasttime is Soccer. His Father is deceased and he lives with his mom (Geovanna) and his sister (Fabiana).
Would you be willing to help him over the next 2 1/2 years ? The sponsorship is $ 25 a month and this will help provide education/health for him ?
If you are willing, please email me at Lutheran.Chaplain@smsu.edu
Friday, December 14, 2012
Minnesota Snow
I took this picture on Sunday, December 9th, from the back of our church. We ended up cancelling services because of how bad the weather was in town. But, staff was hanging out at the building to let individuals who came out that our services were cancelled. This was our (my) first real MN snow and my phone captured the beauty.
Monday, December 03, 2012
A tear
On Wednesday, one of the teenagers asked me if I ever cried being separted from my family during this time of transition. The question caused me to reflect for a moment and to be honest, it took me off guard. I do not think that anyone has asked me that question over the last 2 1/2 months. My response was that tears have come but it has not been an all out cry like when I departed Indiana to come to Minnesota or when I left them over Thanksgiving to come back to Marshall.
However, there are "triggers" that cause tears. Some of them may seem odd, but they are neverless triggers and they cause a tear to come down my face. Matter of fact, since the question was asked, only 4 1/2 days have passed but there has been a trigger for my wife, my daughter and my boys.
Here were the three triggers that have occurred over the last few days:
On Thursday, my daughter called me on her way to chemotherapy to let me know that she had landed a duet in her Christmas choir performance. The joy that she had was so exciting to hear and the happiness that she had that Stacey may be able to call in or video tape it and I will watch it later was definitely there. A tear fell because I am not going to see the performance "live and in person". I definitely miss those moments. I don't think that I ever took them lightly and treasured each opportunity to see our kids performing but now that I am gone and missing sporting events, band concerts, choir events, musicals and more; wow, it is tough.
On Saturday, as I was preparring for the Cookie Walk, a tear came down my face for my wife. Stacey loves to cook and bake and if they were in Marshall, I know that she would love the event. She would have definitely made cookies and she would have been at the event with me. Stacey has always been there and supported me and has helped out immensly in my ministry. We have always been together and she helps my ministry in numerous ways. She is not there. I miss her being by myside. Yes, I miss her help greatly but more than that, I miss her presence and us doing life together.
It may be crazy, I know. But, a tear came down my face on Saturday evening around 6:57 pm. Here is the crazy picture that prompted the tear. I know it is crazy, but let me explain (below the picture):
Georgia fell 5 yards short. My tear was not because Georgia lost. I wanted Alabama to win. The tear came because I had a flash back to 11 months ago. Isaiah, Jacob and myself went to Buffalo Wild Wings and ate way too many wings as we watched Alabama win the National Championship. Jacob is a huge Bama fan. We lived in Alabama for 3 years. He chose Alabama. When we moved to Alabama, I told them that they had to choose either Alabama or Auburn. He was 4, he chose bama because of the elephant, but it has stuck for the last 9 years. Side note: Isaiah chose Auburn because Melissa Joseph had on an Auburn shirt the first Sunday he was at church. So, as Alabama celebrated and Georgia was "rejected"; a tear came down my face because when the National Championship game comes around, I will not be with my boys watching it. Connection-Relationship with my boys.
It has been 2 1/2 months since I have been in Minnesota.I love Marshall, I love St. Stephen and I love SMSU. But, wow, do I miss my family and I cannot wait till we are all together under one roof. If by chance you are reading this and are taking family for granted; please pause a moment and enter a moment of thanksgiving for the time that you have.
Ella, thanks for asking the question.
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