GroshLink

Just finished/released Campus Resources from InterVarsity Press: Compiled for Graduate & Faculty Ministry. Check it out!  You'll notice ...

1. books we've shared/highlighted
2. speakers we've worked with, including
   • Dennis Hollinger, President of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, who spoke for the Christian Scholar Series last Sunday, click here
   • Mary Poplin, Professor of Education at Claremont Graduate University, who will speak for the Christian Scholar Series on February 27, click here
3. new publications, for example ...
   • Clouds of Witnesses: Christian Voices from Africa and Asia by Mark Noll, Carolyn Nystrom(April 2011)
   
   
   • The End of Sexual Identity: Why Sex Is Too Important to Define Who We Are, by Jenell Paris(April 2011). Note:  Jenell is a professor of English at Messiah College.
     
   • The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions by Francis Collins, Karl Giberson (March 2011)

Bonus from Nick Laio of InterVarsity Press:  Coming Soon from InterVarsity Press: Constantine, Science, Business, and More (9/30, Emerging Scholars Network Blog).

Have you read my ESN blog post: No football. Campus tradition rooted in peace-making? If not, take a look.  Another post on Elizabethtown College's Church of the Brethren history coming next week.

For those connected with Messiah College, check out the post by my friend Devin, Photo Friday: No Football Team? Maybe Your College Was Started By Pacifists (inspired by No football. Campus tradition rooted in peace-making).

Join our family in rejoicing that Eden's eyesight continues to improve!! And for the quickest eye doctor visit ever -- in and out in 20 minutes! I'm not sure which stuns me more. -- 9/23/2010

This morning I read several selections from "My Very First Devotional Bible" (Zonderkidz) for my younger two. One used the illustration of car headlights when 'reflecting' upon Psalm 119:105, "Your word is like a lamp that shows me the way. It is like a light that guides me."  The really 'took to it.' 

As an activity the devotional suggested to have the child cover their eyes with their hands and try to walk in a straight line for five steps, turn around and walk back five steps to where one began.  Then you were to discuss why or why not you were in the same place.  The exercise wasn't necessary, they 'got' both the 'mental pictures' and the walking was too dangerous in our limited amount of space.  But maybe I'll come back to it later in the day, could probably use some activities with 1/2 day.  Note:  even 1/2 day kindergarten has 1/2 of their school day. 

Apparently we're not a big biking family. It has literally been 3 years since I was on my bike, but I enjoy the idea of biking on the rail trail, so I thought I'd take the plunge. And for good measure I thought I'd invite the twins along. They were enthusiastic about going. We got started a little later than I had planned, but all was well. We arrived at the trail, I gave them a few trail biking etiquette tips and we were off. We stopped a few times for E. to wipe bugs off her face. After a few minutes I told the girls to tell me when they feel like they're halfway done, because at that point we need to turn around and go back. And as if that was a cue, H. tells me she's tired and wants to go back. "WHAT????" was my compassionate reply. And for good measure I checked the time. 12 minutes. Yes, we had only been riding for 12 minutes. Which sparked a conversation where E. noted that this was indeed the longest they had ridden. Geesh. We truly are not a biking family. But we don't allow the girls to ride on these crazy country roads (unlike I did when I was younger than they, but we won't go there). So I had to agree with E. However, I was not about to give in after only 12 measly minutes! I took the lead -- my strategy was that they would have to follow me and therefore they couldn't wimp out on me. I managed to eek out 5 more minutes before I heard, "I have to go to the bathroom." Well, that pretty much trumped everything. Besides, it was getting dark there in the woods (did I mention we got off later than planned?).  (More)

Pray for Tom as he prepares for the upcoming event with Dennis Hollinger (President of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) on 9/26, Info/RSVP. Pray for Tom's ability to focus on the details which will enable this time to go smoothly and for guests from the community and various campuses in South Central PA to feel welcomed by the people of God at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ.  Pray for all who come to leave offering 'Head, Heart & Hands' to God in worship (as individuals, families, and the Body of Christ) more fully each and every day, every step of the way.

For more on the development of the Emerging Scholars Network in Central PA, read the article in the Elizabethtown-Mount Joy Merchandiser, Christian Scholar Series To Continue With Seminar. 

Thank-you to the daily asterisk* for reminding me of the below quote.

If a community withholds trust, it withholds membership.  If it cannot trust, it cannot exist.

Wendell Berry
Sex, Economy, Freedom, and Community

 

As my pastor recently wrapped up a study of Nehemiah, I've been thinking about whether one can enter a community unless one embraces a community's way of life and story. Many spend their time trying to find communities (educational, home, religious, vocational) which will meet most (if not each and every one) of their needs/desires/wants.

Yes, a community should reach out and extend hospitality, but that is not the same as entertaining, appeasing, selling out in order to twist oneself in every way possible to meet each and every need/desire/want of all who consider becoming part of a community or live within a certain geographic area. A community must locate itself in the unique call which it has been, e.g., what happens to a Christian college which bends over backward to open its door to students of all faith traditions. ... What happens to the people of God when they forget their call before God? ... More on this at another time.  Must attend to other matters.   Much on the plate today.  Pray for wisdom and discernment in a number of conversations.

The other day "My Very First Devotional Bible" posed the question, "What job do you want to have when you grow up?" as an introduction to the story of Samuel's call (I Samuel 3:1-10).  What was Eden's answer as we ate our breakfast?

• Orange Juice
• Vitamins
• Egg sandwhich
• Oatmeal w/grapes, banana, & brown sugar

"I want to be a doctor."

Was she persuaded to change her mind by the pictures of a firefighter, a teacher, or an artist?  No and no doubt that is only reinforced by her many books about doctors/hospitals, visits to doctors/hospitals, time with the PSU-Hershey Christian Medical Society, and 'the call to care' which is placed on her heart.

What do you want to be when you grow up?  If you have children (grandchildren, or great-grandchildren), what do they desire to be when they grow up?  The lesson focused on reminding the reader that our first job is to love God and others. 

"Speak. I'm listening." -- Samuel, I Samuel 3:10

May we likewise reply to the call of God (and the instruction of our elders) in our daily walk with God. 

"Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' -- Eli, I Samuel 3:9

May we as Eli (who comes through in this story) likewise encourage family, friends, brothers/sisters in Christ to listen to the voice of God.

Note:  I desire to become more and more like Christ each and every day ... in each and every way ... as I was created to be.  And I long to see others to do likewise.  What a joy first to follow Christ and be a part of His Body/people directed by His Father, Spirit, Word, Way, Truth, Life, and then to have a practical overflow through family, friends, Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship! 

Random thought:  After reading The Food Processor: A Virtuoso One-Man Band (Mark Bitman. NY Times. 9/14/2010), I'm curious about the impact of this kitchen tool.

Has the The Food Processor changed your cooking or that of your family (parents or grandparents generation)? 

Do you use it all the time? 

A simple "yes," "no," or "somewhat" is fine.

I'd say that we (or should I say Theresa) uses the Food Processor "some."  It is part of the repertoire -- I wash the parts of the Cuisinart: Little Pro Plus regularly ;-)  It's doesn't stay on the counter. That is due in part to save space, but also due to the desire to keep the blades out of reach of the children.  As such we store the Cuisinart under the island. Note:  much preferrable to storing the Kitchenaid Mixer under the counter and bring it out for regular use!

While reading through this morning's news updates I came across The Public’s Quiet Savior From Harmful Medicines (Gardiner Harris. NY Times. 9/13/2010), an article on the life/work of Dr. Frances Oldham Kelsey.

... On Wednesday, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, will honor Dr. Kelsey with the first Kelsey award. It will be given to a F.D.A. staff member annually. The award will come 50 years after Dr. Kelsey, then a new medical officer at the agency, first sat down to consider an application from the William S. Merrell Company of Cincinnati to sell a sedative named Kevadon, which was widely prescribed in Europe for morning sickness in pregnancy.

As it turned out, the drug (better known by its generic name, thalidomide) would cause thousands of children in Europe to be born limbless or with flipperlike arms and legs. With her probing analysis of Merrell’s application and her insistence on scientific rigor, Dr. Kelsey ensured that the effects in the United States were far more limited. ... -- The Public’s Quiet Savior From Harmful Medicines (Gardiner Harris. NY Times. 9/13/2010)

Some excellent research stories, one was particularly humorous as it underscored the dedication of researchers serving the public common good.  Makes the whole article worth a read ;-)

Taking a step back from the article, I am reminded of the immense value of a ministries such as ...

1. PSU-CMS (affiliated w/CMDA) in which we are bridging physicians, medical students, nurses, nursing students, researchers, and graduate students in their 'call to care as followers of Christ in a unique university hospital setting.'  As you may know, I am currently preparing for another day at PSU-Hershey Medical Center with the Christian Medical Society. Today's weekly lunch lecture will feature a physician giving testimony to following Christ first in all aspects of life.  Tonight we'll provide a free dinner in the midst of a crazy study stretch for the next Anatomy & Physiology exam.  Pray for the materials to come together well for the two gatherings, a gift of hospitality for the leadership team, and insights in conversation/presentation with all those who will be involved.
2. Christian Scholar Series:  On Sunday, September 26, a unique partnership between Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ, Hearts & Minds Bookstore, and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship's Central PA Christian Scholars Network will bring Dennis Hollinger, President of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, to Central PA.  As you may know, Hollinger has written on and given counsel on a number concerns in the area of Bioethics. So in addition to passing out lots of copies of Hollinger's "classic," Head, Heart & Hands* over the past couple of weeks, I've also been sharing/recommending The Meaning of Sex:  Christian Ethics & the Moral Life (Baker, 2009) and Choosing the Good: Christian Ethics in a Complex World (Baker, 2002)** with members of the academic and medical community. If you're in Central PA, don't miss the opportunity to hear/interact with one of Lancaster County's own!  For more info and to RSVP visit http://www.etownbic.org/hollinger.

*FYI: Byron Borger's post here

**FYI: Byron Borger's post here

On Friday morning around 6 am, Eden shared her lack of interest in going to Kindergarten.  This was overcome by a dress-up time in one of twins old cheerleading outfits.  Dressed as a cheerleader, Eden quietly emptied some kitchen drawers and began designing "a project to bring to school."  What was she doing?  She was trying to write her name on some storage containers with a pencil.  After further discussion, she opted for writing her name on the back of a piece of paper.  When she saw I handed her the backside of a worksheet she brought home from school she responded, "You're in big trouble." (Note:  She's concerned about this trend of seeing her papers from school used as scrap paper).  And then proceeded to draw a picture of a cat and dog instead of writing her name.

Once her new project was finished, she was ready to dress for school and have "what we had for dinner last night" (i.e., french toast).  While Eden ate her french toast without syrup (so she didn't get her school clothes sticky -- her idea!), we finished a "call/response" reading of Phil A. Smouse's I Can Read God's Word. She choose the book because she "loves the pictures." During some of the sections she answered the questions, instead of repeating the text after me. But it was good to hear what she had to say.  FYI: PDF excerpt from I Can Read God's Word posted here.

As Theresa shared on Facebook, "I'm beginning to think that Kindergarten is a wonder drug for Eden! Yippee!!"  After some comments, she expanded, "[Eden's] Not sleeping any better, but just acting more her age.  Becoming more independent and a wee bit more reasonable.  I love hearing about her morning when she gets home.  She's always SO excited to tell everyone what she did.  I wish I was a fly on the wall at kindergarten.  I'm fortunate to have "Aunt Lois" there to spy for me :)"

Comment from Tom:   It's also been a wonder drug for Theresa ;-)  BTW, Eden has been sleeping later in the morning, even going back to bed some.  Where does that come from?

A few days ago I came across Learning to Talk the Talk in a Hospital (Theresa Brown, R.N. NY Times. 9/6/2010).  Many of us have received and/or provided health care in various situations.*

Musings which I hope to pull together to form a more well thought out post.  Have insights to share?

What does it mean to become part of a community which provides health care?  In particular, how can various levels of care to numerous people be simultaneously delivered well by a multi-layered team?  No doubt the specific skills and the communication of specific situations under consideration alongside appropriate responses is crucial.  I wonder if patients and trainees would find the context less demanding, if the language of health care become more common knowledge.  Could this be introduced more fully in physical education and/or Biology, possibly even a practical unit on entering the health care venue and how to ask good questions (or research various conditions)?  But is there interest?  And if there is how can this be held in tension with "know it alls" such as myself who are ready to explain it all after some on-line research and/or advise from others? 

It seems that Med-Speak is unique in the sciences (e.g., in contrast to the complex language in the research sciences) because it is articulated in the field among those in need of care (versus being cloistered in laboratories or conferences). 

*Note:  In addition to our family's various health concerns, I "grew up" in a Dental office.  Enabling me to have many opportunities to chat in the waiting room, chart, mail appointment reminders, maintain facilities, serve as an assistant.  While in college Theresa, joined me as an assistant.

 

 

Please post/share 9/26 Christian Scholar Series: Dennis Hollinger Poster (PDF) in helpful locations.  Whether or not you are able to join us for the day, please take a few minutes as you read this post to intercede for

• Dennis Hollinger (President of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary):  safe travel, good preparation/presentation, helpful interaction with the many who will come with lots of questions regarding the topics which he has to share.
• Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ's coordination of facilities, resources, and hospitality.  Praise God for this unique and growing partnership.
• Insight for Tom as he plans out the lunch lecture's food preparation, hospitality, program, publicity, set-up.

For more on the day visit http://www.etownbic.org/hollinger and Facebook Event Page.

PS.  Just a reminder to keep up to date with the below links ... more prayer requests and event info will also be on groshlink in coming days.

• Central PA Christian Scholars Network
• Emerging Scholars Network
• Emerging Scholars Network Blog.

 

All the conversation regarding the Elizabethtown Fair and cooking during the week I was at The Theology of the Church Brethren in Christ Core Class (taught by Terry Brensinger) led to the suggestion of Theresa hosting a recipe blog and/or an Adult Elective.

What does Tom think, "Due to the popularity of Theresa's recipes, gardening, and thoughts on child-rearing, it's time that I get her blog leading to a self-published book (and speaking tour) up and running ;-) ... Furthermore, would love to see next steps on a Simple Living Adult Elective alongside a community garden, cooking seminar to bless the local community."

There has been some positive response to these various ideas at different times. Anyone else have input at this time?

 

As some of your know (and mentioned in Recipe: Hearty Zucchini Bread),Theresa's entries to the Elizabethtown Fair 'placed well.'  Her rampant chocolate mint, has not only left it's mark in Pittsburgh, but also back in Lancaster County with a first place at the Elizabethtown Fair.  Anyone interested in some?  Theresa's still trying to give it away.  Maybe there would be more demand if we sell it ;-)

In a Facebook conversation regarding the mint, a request was made for the recipe for Lavender Lemonade.  For those not connected with Theresa via Facebook, here's the recipe.  Enjoy. 

Lavender Lemonade

Brew lavender tea using 2 t. dried lavender and 2 c. water.
Steep 5 min., strain out lavender and discard.
Cool tea.
Prepare frozen lemonade concentrate, replacing 1 part water with lavender tea.
Chill and serve.

Theresa's Disclaimer from her Facebook conversation: "I have never made lavender lemonade, but I've had it and it's good. I seem to be able to grow anything but lavender. I have made scented geranium lemonade with my (also) prize-winning scented geraniums :-). And today as I was simultaneously making homemade marinara sauce, breakfast casserole and supper (while keeping half an eye on 4 kids) I thought I should have my own reality tv show! People would tune in each week to see what insane endeavor will surely be the straw to break this camel's back."

Praise God for a good first four days of school for the girls! All three girls have found their teachers to be great matches. 

AND Eden was ready to go. Your prayers moved the heart of God. He worked through all the prep/patience/training of the past several years and summer focus.  Thank-you to all those who helped along the way in our family context, local congregation activities, the community, preschool programming, and the Kindergarten itself.

• Eden's first impression of the bus:  "Isn't it illegal not to have seatbelts."  Note:  we rode on a regular bus for the Kindergarten Open House the week before school started.  She was so relieved to have a seat belt on her bus.  A parent's dream with regard to car safety?
• Eden's first impressions of Kindergarten: They have a library!!! And she got to bring home a book! And it's about going to the doctor! Could life get any better? AND, she was so busy she didn't even remember that she wasn't getting a snack (she had been very upset to find out there was no snack).
• Key to getting her to go with joy to the last day of the first week:  Art class.  She couldn't wait for this opportunity and it was good.  She couldn't believe when I was using the backside of one of her pieces for directions.  BTW, she loved music the day before.
• Last day of the first week: "Mom, Mom! Listen to this. This is amazing! Today, our teacher, brought a snack and said we could have some animal cookies if we wanted them!!!" (This kids likes her snacks; can you tell?)

Continue to pray for good sleep for all in the house as we enter the next four days of school. And for each & every one of us to wake up filled w/the fruit of the Spirit, growing more into the likeness of Christ Jesus every step of the way.

As some of your know, Theresa's entries to the Elizabethtown Fair 'placed well.'  More on that in later posts. 

Her abundant zucchini crop not only produced a first place zucchini, but also led to a highly appreciated Hearty Zucchini Bread dish at the Elizabethtown Fair Workers Breakfast.  Note:  If you have a surplus of zucchini, you may also have an interest in Ravioli Zucchini Lasagna (Theresa made this the other night), Zucchini Appetizer, Zucchini (Crab)Cakes, Zucchini Parmigiana.

Recipe: Hearty Zucchini Bread

"I think of this as more of an egg casserole or hor d'oeuvres recipe. It would make a nice alternative to those tiny little quiches.   Or a side dish.  Leftovers are good for breakfast." -- Theresa

Mix together:

1 c. Bisquick
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
1/2 t. seasoned salt
1/2 t. oregano
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 c. oil
4 eggs

Add and stir:

1/2 c. chopped onion
2 T. parsley
3 c. thinly sliced zucchini

When mixed, spread in greased 10 x 6 pan.  Sprinkle with paprika and bake at 350 for 25-35 min.  Cut into squares and serve hot.

 

On Saturday, while the younger 2 and I enjoyed the morning at Daniel's Den (Note: a playground designed/hosted by Manor Brethren in Christ Church with the concerns of those with special needs in mind. Thank-you!), Theresa & the twins produced

• 2 apple crumbles
• a double batch of apple oat muffins
• ~10 quarts of apple sauce

Thank-you to the kitchen crew!  I had part of a muffin with most every meal since and can't wait to dig into a new season of apple sauce.

For those with interest in the recipe Theresa uses for Apple-Spice Oat Muffins ...

Heat oven to 400.  Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray. 
Combine

1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. old-fashioned oats
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. pumpkin pie spice

In a medium bowl whisk together

1 c. fat-free buttermilk
1 egg
1 c. peeled, chopped apples
1/2 c. chopped dried apples
1/4 c. unsweetened applesauce
1 T. canola oil
1 t. vanilla

Stir into flour mixture just until incorporated (batter will be lumpy). Fill muffin cups. Sprinkle tops with 1 T. oats plus 1 t. sugar.  Bake 18-20 min.

Each muffin: 165 calories, 2 g. fat, 4 protien, 32 g. carb.

 

Looking for some pop culture markers regarding first years (Class 2014)*?  Then swing by Beloit College's Mindset List. Below's a teaser. HT: Ivy Jungle Network Campus Ministry Update.

1. Few in the class know how to write in cursive. [Comment:  Some teachers in the Donegal School District encourage learning cursive.  Our twins have been blessed by such teachers and one of our girls "loves it now."]

2. Email is just too slow, and they seldom if ever use snail mail. [Comment:  One of my girls can't wait to get an email address.  I think that they'd all prefer cell phones, especially our 2 year old.]

7. "Caramel macchiato" and "venti half-caf vanilla latte" have always been street corner lingo. [Comment: What do you think Theresa?]

11. John McEnroe has never played professional tennis. [Comment:  I can't believe that he's become a "stable" part of the commentator team ... a little more flavor than Patrick?]

12. Clint Eastwood is better known as a sensitive director than as Dirty Harry. [Comment: Not a household name in our house.]

18. Fergie is a pop singer, not a princess. [Comment: Not a household name in our house.]

31. The first computer they probably touched was an Apple II; it is now in a museum. [Comment: An icon]

32. Czechoslovakia has never existed. 

34. "Assisted Living" has always been replacing nursing homes, while Hospice has always been an alternative to hospitals.

43. Russians and Americans have always been living together in space.

66. Galileo is forgiven and welcome back into the Roman Catholic Church. [Comment: A campus conversation which I can't wait to talk about with my girls.  I pray that they have the interest.]

*In 1992, 18 years ago (When Theresa and I graduated Donegal High School and entered Grove City College).

In fall 1992, Theresa and I entered Grove City College, after graduating Donegal High School in the spring.  Can you remember back eighteen years ago, the year most first year students were born?  I took a look at wikipedia to remind myself of ...

• Super Bowl XXVI: The Washington Redskins defeat the Buffalo Bills 37–24.
• Federal Republic of Yugoslavia founded
• Jay Leno becomes the new host of NBC's Tonight Show, following the retirement of Johnny Carson.  Comment:  Carson was so much better than Leno.  Do I belong to a previous generation?
• Václav Havel resigns as president of Czechoslovakia. Question:  Have you read Jim Sire's book on Havel?
• Lots of shifts in alignment in the former USSR.
• Brett Favre makes his first start for the Green Bay Packers.  Question:  Is he still playing this fall?
• Pittsburgh International Airport's new facility opens in Findlay Township, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ... Tom and Theresa "enjoyed" this facility a few too many times ;-)
• Prince Charles and Princess Diana publicly announce their separation. Note:  watching their 1981 marriage on TV remains one of my sharpest childhood memories.

What would you add to the list?

Quote came to me via the daily asterisk*.  Like it ... how about you?  Expresses what I found when submitting to God and the way of the cross. ...

I would not give a fig for the simplicity on this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity.

Oliver Wendell Holmes
qtd. in The Blue Sweater