JOURNAL I
Sunday, July 21, 1996 Kansas City (See also 2.3.2 Three Chronology Worksheet
Departure date. Mark and Toby came down yesterday to help us get ready, Volvo turned over. Up at 3:30 to airport where Mark left us to return home.
CCO will be good for us, unwinding, loosening us up, dealing with academic paranoia toward the Church, and good fellowship.
Monday, July 22, 1996 Kansas City
Started Ephesians in Greek. Group work is limbering us up, occasional remarks still indicate insecurity and felt inadequacies cover up--need to recognize before making. Lunch with Stan Ingersol. Rescue mission service with Bill Kirkemo was deeply moving. Robin, Steve, & Federica shared. Recognizing my withdrawal mode of operation and trying to come out of it in all the activities.
Tuesday, July 23, 1996 Kansas City
Eight hours sleep, relaxed and rested. Spoke briefly and satisfactorily with Jerry Lambert. Breakfast with the Sims, talked too much with them? And also later with the LaDues? Had lunch with Bill, Brian, and Roselyn (sp). Discussed frustrations with Bonnie, again perhaps too much? It is time to put my paranoia aside and shut up. My own spirit is a problem I need to continually deal with.
Wednesday, July 24, 1996 Kansas City
Asked David Hayse what "without cause" means--answer just legalese! Still talking too much. Roselyn showed us pictures and shared, very helpful. Corbetts met us at Blue Hills, spoke with Larry Lott about Elijah Verge.
Thursday, July 25, 1996 Kansas City
Sought correct perspective for the day. Good chat with Brian and satisfactory visit with Tom Noble. Toured NPH. Am coming to terms emotionally with the shift from Academia to World Missions. Friday, July 26, 1996 Kansas City
A good day, highly emotional, goodbyes, communion, toured headquarters with Dwight Sponegal. Saw Julie. Out with Colesons for the evening.
Saturday, July 27, 1996 Kansas City
Olympic bombing last evening. Bill Kirkemo took us to the airport. Very little sleep from Chicago to London.
Sunday, July 28, 1996 Scotland
Vera H. met us at the airport--met Jim and Marion halfway. Visited and managed to stay up till 8:30.
Monday, July 29, 1996 Scotland
Ephesians 4:1-6, a text for our time at ENBC! Walked the town and visited the Rob Roy center in the morning, toured the Trossachs in the afternoon.
Tuesday, July 30, 1996 Scotland
Stomach ache in the night, up at 4:15 sick. Stayed home and slept till noon while Betty and Marion took the bus to Sterling, castle, etc. Visited with Jim and went for a walk in the afternoon.
Wednesday, July 31, 1996 Scotland
First normal early morning time. Took bus to Sterling, caught the train to Glasgow, and visited with Sydney and Bessie Martin. It was meaningful just like old times, the transforming impact of deeply spiritual people. It was very difficult to bid them goodbye. Last time? Jennifer took us to the station.
Thursday, August 1, 1996 Scotland
Jim took us to Dunblane (shooting of children) where we caught the train for a day in Edinburgh. Walked Princes Street, visited New College, St. Giles, Royal Mile, and James Thin’s. On the way back had a lovely hotel dinner with Jim and Marion's daughter Ronda who had just taken delivery on a new Honda Civic
Friday, August 2, 1996 Scotland
Great walk with Jim. Met Vera at a cafe on the way to spend a day with her. Had lunch at her apartment and went to an exhibition of an architect's work. Jim took us back by way of Fintrye where he had pastored. Quite different country.
Saturday, August 3, 1996 Scotland
Ehpesians 6:5-6 should characterize my basic attitude & behavior at ENBC. Good walk with Jim again.
Sunday August 4, 1996 Scotland
"For Thee I wait all the day: (Psalm 25:5, 21; 27:14; 37:7, 9, 34). Church at Thornhill. Delightful in its simple dignity, meaningful hymns, prayers, and message. Lunch at Kippen. Drove to Rob Roy grave and lower highlands--Killen Church & falls. Thornhill epithat for James Hughes, died at age of 40 after serving there 1796-1800:
"his life and death did both express, what strength of grace was given, his life a lamp of holiness, his death a dawn of heaven."
Monday, August 5, 1996 Germany
"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime" (Ps. 30:5).
Said goodby to Jim, Marion, & Vera at Glasgow airport as we took off for London/Zurich. A little delay over not having a visa. BA person was very nice.
Dan Pasute met us in Jeanine's car. Apartment roomy & adequate. Met Jeanine and unpacked one suitcase before going to bed at 11:00 a little high.
Tuesday, August 6, 1996 Germany
Unpacked in both apartment and office, good chats with Dan, Jeanine, and Antonie. Dan took us to Schaffhausen to bank and to Gottmadingen for shopping. Dan began sharing about the past difficulties of the past, has a familiar sound!
Wednesday, August 7, 1996 Germany
Computer is connected and works with their paper. Made a feeble beginning on syllabae.
Thursday, August 8, 1996 Germany
Spent the day with Mack and Margaret Bailey shopping and a visit to the Rheinfall. Beginning to get their view on working with Jeanine and Uwe. They are a couple from West Virginia who have been volunteers for the summer.
Friday, August 9, 1996 Germany
In the morning Bailey's took us to Singen and to Schaffhausen to orient us and pick up an item or two, even to a secondhand store. Potluck in the evening to say goodbye to the Bailey's and hello to us as well as the Wilsons and Hollemans. Impact people were leaving as well. Good fellowship with some of them.
Monday, August 12, 1996 Buesingen, Germany
Saturday was a quiet day in the office, two syllabae pretty much done. Sunday was church Antonie speaking on "God is near to the broken hearted." Dinner in Singen with Baileys and Jeanine. Fellowship time with the Bailey's in our apartment. Jeanine came and we had a good time. Am learning to tease her. She is still puzzled as to who I am theologically. Guess Dan Berg had told her that if she thinks he is a liberal, wait until Carver shows! Will let her find out! Dan came for lunch today.
Wednesday, August 14, 1996 Buesingen, Germany
Mother passed away a year ago today. She would have been 99 last Saturday. Dan gathered Antonie, Brian, and I for prayer in his office Monday. We took our first car trip to Gottmadingen yesterday grocery shopping. Betty got discouraged over the laundry yesterday. Been rainy and overcast yesterday and so far today. Routines are getting established. Need to find energy/time for personal affairs.
August 15, 1996 Buesingen, Germany
Early morning routine is established. Trust contemplative prayer will become more of a reality. Reading booklet on Teresian prayer-- helpful. Working on "Listening" message for Sunday. Need to practice it more. Shopped in Herblingen yesterday. At Dan Psasute’s last night for two hours.
August 19, 1996 Buesingen, Germany
Yesterday spoke in Church here in the morning, "Listening." Worked harder to get it in mind--went well, but still too bound to mss. Need more outline form. Thirty in attendance. Some said they found it helpful. Met the Feias, Wycliff people in Switzerland. Went to Open House last evening to hear Dan Pasute--an apartment up two flights of stairs.
Friday we went to Titslee )sp?) in the Swartzwald for our first tourist outing. Good scenery, enjoyable town, but tiring. In the evening Jeanine came over for a couple of hours to talk and play.
August 20, 1996 Buesingen
Began typing in Betz & Stewart notes on Colossians and reading F. F. Bruce. Beginning to see more clearly now how to handle short course. Patricks showed up on campus yesterday. The place is beginning to buzz. Last evening was faculty/staff barbecue at Merishausen in a Shuetzenhaus. A good informal time. Early morning time is meaningful. Attitudes are much better than before we came. KC and rest has done marvels as well as quiet time. Trust I can live consistently out of the quiet hours.
August 21, 1996 Buesingen, Germany
We left home a month ago today by the calendar. Two meetings yesterday. Involved myself perhaps properly in the "professionalism" issue, but probably should not have spoken up on the "window" issue. Today I am determined to practice "day silence"! Reading the GNT and attempting to practice Teresian "Lectio Divina" is a joy and hopefully effective. Contemplation remains elusive. Jerry M. remains on my mind.
August 22, 1996 Buesingen, Germany
"Day silence" was only partially successful. Reading Colossians in Greek remains a joy. Went for a walk last evening with the Patricks. Began to eat with the students.
August 23, 1996 Buesingen, Germany
Hope to continue "day silence." For early morning started Edith Stein biography. Also in Muto & Van Kaam along with GNT, now primarily Colossians. Am learning to practice Lectio Divina Teresian style. Someday contemplatio will materialize! Had supper with the Patricks last evening. More about the Dan Berg story. Should I write up what I know?
August 24, 1996 Buesingen, Germany
Worked all morning, went to Stein am Rhein in afternoon, need to go back to see Zwingli mural, visit monastery museum etc. Did not know his connection. Barbecue for entire community last night. Ended up at a table with a Russian girl, a boy from Sicily, and a couple from Holland. Had a good talk with Jeanine, Larry, and Dan. Not feeling too well. Old ache in the groin.
August 26, 1996 Buesingen, Germany
Feeling better. Took it somewhat easy Saturday. Good talk with Klaus in office. Get acquainted gathering Saturday evening--helpful. Jeanine preached yesterday on John 17:18, worked on the kathos. She is a missionary speaker! Insightful particularly in first point. Could have depended more on Gospel for the biblical substantiation of her points. Ran into Tom Finley yesterday. Good to see him. Trust the friendship does not make anyone nervous. Jess and Joan Soulia were over last night along with Carolyn Johnson and the Patricks. A nice time. Reading Ephesians in Greek. 2:1-10, overwhelming!
August 27, 1996
First day of class. Marcus, Edwin, & Connie. Overly nervous first meeting. Trust I can settle down today. Missed prayer meeting. Saw Munot with Patricks and Carolyn last evening, as well as Rheinfall from this side. Today we go to an organ concert at noon in Schaffhausen.
August 28, 1996
Class had normal ethos yesterday. Still behind. Went to organ recital at noon in Schaffhausen. Very tired when night comes. Yesterday was first chapel--choruses, testimony, and prayer, yet delightful. The mixture of nationalities is awesome.
August 31, 1996
Week has gone well in class. Finished Colossians yesterday, but put off exam and beginning Ephesians until Monday. Walked the last three nights. Took Jordan B. with us to Gottmadingen yesterday for Lebensmittel. Today we head with the Patricks to Lake Constance. Still in awe of the providence which has allowed us this unique privilege of service at this stage in our lives. Highly impacted by my reading of Edith Stein's biography.
September 2, 1996
We arrived a month ago today. We feel at home. Inconveniences are minor. A little confusion on the wash today. Carolyn Johnson and Jess & Joan Soulia are here teaching the short term. Trip to Mainau (sp?) was most enjoyable with the Patricks, flowers, castle, etc. Church was good with Larry preaching and John in charge. Walked last night to Bergkirche for a service about the church led by Carolyn. Most enjoyable. Baby cried 1 1/ 2 to 2 hours beginning around 3:30 a.m. Feel like I have made inner progress, the tests are probably yet to come!
September 3, 1996
Handed back first grades--nervous! Spoke to Marcus about the baby, trust no offense was taken. In relation to being here over against the last years at PLNC I feel like I have been released from prison, set free in an unreal world to read, pray, study, and teach.
September 5, 1996
Early mornings going well. Challenged by Edith Stein. Working on prayer in Luke. Looks like a green light. Class is satisfying, some mark/time moments. Learning how to teach here. Famous last words. Betty and I walked to the Bergkirche last evening. Found Jeanine's sister's grave. Liz joined us. Learned new walking roads.
September 9, 1996
Fall term classes begin today. college level class.
Carolyn Johnson, Jess & Joan Soulia left early this morning. Carolyn came in to say goodbye last evening. Stupidly I began to talk about adjusting to the way things apparently work at ENBC, and since the undertone was a mite critical, the psychological/spiritual door was open to talk about the past, our frustrations in getting here. When she left we were both depressed about our "talk." When will I learn that the first little shaft of negativism opens the door to "agenda" compulsions that are not under as much control as one thinks. The "checks" of the Spirit are on target and important! We had allowed ourselves to get on somewhat a negative vein with the frustration that attended the last few days of the week. Church was great both services, John Haines in the morning, and a "do-it-yourself" program in the evening. I am finding church delightful and hopefully I am getting freer of my negative agendas from PLNC chapel which carried over into church. The word by Patrick's friends from NC on God as Father was most meaningful.
September 10, 1996
Meeting the first two classes was most enjoyable. Must control my little "humerous" agendas better. Might be misunderstood. Betty got off to a good start as well. Meet Systematic today, the largest class and the most difficult, for me, subject matter. Edith Stein continues to impact me.
September 12, 1996
Classes continue to be a joy. Hebrew is started with Hans, Larry, and Tanya. Took Cynthia Buchanan and Alexei Derkatch with us to Gottmadingen yesterday--enjoyable. Long walk with the Patricks last night. Finished Edith Stein this morning. Must find her book on St. John.
September 17, 1996
Back at it after the retreat in Beatinberg, Jungfrau area. Enjoyed the scenery and the experience of traveling in Switzerland. Rode with Jeanine and Abraham. We went through Berne and back through Luzerne. The retreat with Wilifred Acke speaking on "transparency" and the fun time (served as judge) was a real help as we come to terms with where we are and what we are doing. The walk in the Muerren area with the students was great as well. Tired yesterday. Elke Mueller was here when we returned. Was great to visit with her. She will soon be in Mexico. A determined lady. Face systematic today. Last Thursday was difficult, hopefully I have a new grip on it. Will work on sermon next.
September 18, 1996
Systematic went better. Got so involved in sermon that I blanked out about chapel. Missed Antonie--disappointed in myself. Sermon seems to be settling on the prayer life of Jesus. Went for ride last night to locate restaurant and Thangen. A good morning--an hour attempting to pray, an hour reading for my courses.
September 22, 1996
Spoke this morning in Church on The Prayer Life of Jesus. It was the right message, too long, so stayed too close to notes. Rattled change and keys, so I heard. Lord, you allow me to humble myself. How I must need it to prevent hubris! Worked a lot of hours on it--used Edith Stein. Learned again that I should not be anxious to speak. To be true to a message, it takes hours of hard labor!
Friday took Jeanine and Patricks to Widers in Bietingen. Most enjoyable. Stopped at Dan’s on the way home. Classes going well from my perspective.
September 26, 1996
Chapel preaching changed to next Tuesday. Will probably stay with "My Three Johns." Larry will be gone to Kiev. Antonie is also gone, Holland for an extension course and then to Kiev. We are making travel plans. Hard for me in some ways, because studying and teaching is so important to me at this "reprieve" stage in life. Played games with Carol and Brian Betts from NM Monday night. We moved out of our extra bedroom.
October 1, 1996
Fellowship night went well with at least 36 people coming and going during the evening. Took the boat to Stein am Rhein on Saturday--saw the church, Benedictine Monastery, and painting of Zwingli preaching. Lunch in the Rathaus square. Good weather, most enjoyable day. Sunday Jeanine spoke and in the afternoon we went with Martin Wandel to a Herbfest in Dachsen, Switzerland. Mobs of people.
Today I speak in chapel. "Three Johns" seems right.
October 9, 1996
Chapel (10/1) went well. Got confused on ending time so could have sung the two verses of "Come Thou Fount." Classes going well. Systematic remains problematic. Must give it more attention. Went to Triberg & Titisee Saturday. Took Davide and Daniel. Dropped muffler, got too late a start. Went to Gottmadingen to church, so now am preaching next Sunday there. We now have a different car, perhaps it will fulfil our needs. Planning trip to Rothenburg. Going well. Early mornings need help. Back to Greek NT?
October 12, 1996
Saturday took Jordan and Cynthia to the Bahnhof at 7:15, and then took Tanya, Olga, and Daniel to Singen. Enjoyed Karstadt department store. Spoke today with Olav as interpreter at Gottmadingen. The preparation/anticipation gives me more satisfaction than the delivery. Why? Wrong expectations? The nature of the sermonic/prophetic task--both human effort and divine mystery? Out of my history and hangups I am not an upfront person, but want to be? Benjamin went with us and led the service beautifully. Going back to Luke GNT as part of my early morning prayer/reading. Also Psalms. Helpful and necessary.
October 24, 1996
This is getting harder to keep up with--getting too busy? Black family in Church last Sunday. Regional directers, etc., have been meeting. Interesting attempt at a conversation with Don Owens--being a GS changes things. Meeting missionaries--Romania, Hungary, Sunberg (Russia), Portugal, Spain, Italy (Pastor). Bruno Radi giving an evangelism-church growth seminar. Leave tomorrow for a week. Reading Tuoti--helpful, challenging. Ate today with Nice's future in-laws and Stefan.
November 12, 1996
Tagging on to the above, the conversation the next morning with Bill Prince was quite different, like with an old friend! Trip to Rothenburg and Muenich was relaxing and informative. Good to be home again. Seems like I am still catching up! Could not preach last Sunday because of throat congestion as planned. Scheduled for 12/1. When I first came I was anxious to speak in both Church and chapel. Now for some reason I have little emotional desire for either. Advance/retrogression in the journey of prayer? Reading both Merton and Tuoti.
November 16, 1996
Feeling better. Walking makes a difference on quality of sleep! Cynthia, Jordan, Annabell, Nice, & Olga went to Muenich for the weekend. Dorm #1 open house last night--Tanya, Tabea, Olga, Leslie, Nicol. Haven't really been able to get on top since trip. Attempting too much? Wearing down? Should be better next semester. Being in more intimate relationships with students makes me wonder how "rightly" I conducted my ministry in Pasadena/San Diego. I fled the students instead of eating with them. We will miss the young on our return. Can't quite understand my spiritual well being/desire to share and be involved feelings. Was there more hubris during the first weeks/months than I was aware of? What does the insecurity factor do to even one's spirituality?
December 8, 1996
The gap indicates my busyness. Last night was the all school Christmas buffet. Sat with Jeanine and across from Danil and Cynthia. Last weekend was their escapade that surprised them both--Milan Italy overnight--over which we lost some sleep because of our emotional involvement with them both. It should be history after this Tuesday's chapel when they will apologize to the community.
Went yesterday to Stuttgart to a Weihnachten market. Crowded, cold, and a frustrating difficulty with the car which fortunately wasn't serious.
Preached last Sunday on 2 Timothy. Went well but too tightly argued. If I preach again, I must lighten up. Nothing assigned and I have no urge to do so. Also told my story in chapel on Thursday, which was lighter and went better. Franklin and Greg are in Albania meeting Jim Bond, Dana, and Ron Gilliland. The Thanksgiving American dinner at Cooks was great with 18 there. Hopefully the improved atmosphere (and prayer, etc.) can heal some of the gaps we sense here.
Had interesting conversation with Klaus on the German Nazarene Church, students here, growth, the holiness message. The latter seems to be a Europe wide concern. Must ask the students about their perceptions.
December 14, 1996
Faculty Christmas coffee was delightful yesterday. Danil and Cnythia came over after she fouled up the supper and went to Gottmadingen mistakenly for practice. Danil spoke up in student chapel Thursday. Took Kromer’s out to dinner Thursday evening to celebrate Betty's and Larry's birthdays. Christmas caroling was delightful last Sunday evening in the village. Have been to two window openings this last week. Hope to do more.
Exams are next week. Must really hit it. Classes closed well. Christmas concerts are tonight in Gottmadingen and tomorrow here in the State Church.
Prayer is more difficult. Reading, mediating, even silence.
January 4, 1997
A busy season. Since car doors are frozen we took the bus to Schaffhausen yesterday and then the train to Singen shopping. Ate out at Bahnhof. Chuck and Carla Sunberg are here from Moscow. Hopefully we will be able to have them for a meal. He preaches tomorrow.
We had Christmas and New Year's parties, Christmas was a noon meal with the Sears here for the week. Students, NIVS young people from Romania (Michelle from orientation with Brian Wardlaw) and Sicily, the Wilsons, the Kromers, and Jeanine were present at the dinner.
Went to both Christmas concerts which went well. Patricks flew to Nashville immediately afterward.
Working harder on German. Dryness continues, a form of the dark night? Will preach the 12th. Working on the Kingdom of God in Luke.
February 15, 1997
Date indicates the fullness of the intervening time. The trip to Zermatt, the German-Austrian trips with Carol and Patrick, the Leadership Conference with Norm and Ron, and the beginning of the second semester.
The sermon on the Kingdom in Luke apparently went well. I am on again March 16. Probably Psalm 139.
My lifestyle seems to be becoming more pressured. Accepted article for Dunning's Festschrift which will not help. Also teaching two of Larry's courses while he goes to Texas because of step-father's death. A lot of faculty meetings lately, next week interviews! Marvel Salgado has come for a semester, but has been in hospital for a week. Checking on the results of a ski tumble a cyst was found and removed and some complications. Still much pain. Her mother has come.
The Update NRSVs came--96 of them. Eventually 108!
TO HERFE 1/1/02
March 4, 1997
Letters from Herb and Fran plus a phone conversation with David indicate a real turning around for Jerry's attitudes, etc. It appears to have taken place in January. About that time I felt it was write to apply Mark 3:15 to his situation. Any real connection? Will I ever know?
Have accepted a chapter for Ray Dunning's Festschrift. Working on John Wesley and John of the Cross. Edwin de Jong wants to help me.
Trips to Ulm, Einsiedeln, and Lucerne were made. Geneva this weekend with Juliana, Helga's daughter. First of April we are planning a trip to Florence and Rome.
German not coming to well. Need more discipline!
May 19, 1997
German remains a frustration. Going to try to hit it hard in preparation for Austria with the Sheas. The semester has gotten busier and busier, finally the last 3-4 wks all progress on the chapter ceased.
Trips to Florence and Rome went well. Also a drive to the Rhine below Koblenz where we stayed in Bacharach, took a river boat ride to St. Goar and back, and visited two castles.
Spoke yesterday in Church on "The Burning Heart." March 16 was "Search Me." For some reason motivation for preaching is lessening. Tired! Teaching "Holiness" in the two week session, very intensive--almost too much talking about such things. Today is Pentecost holiday. Trying to catch up, and get material printed out and xeroxed for the week.
May 24, 1997
Yesterday marked the last teaching day of this first year. Grades are in! Final all-school party of the year was last night. To teach this kind of course in two weeks, losing a holiday, was rough. The use of Foster, Prayer, made it different and emotionally heavier. Was weak on Wesleyan theology. Have talked publicly enough about spiritual things for a while. But am motivated to teach next fall. Good!
Monica Schlatter audited the course for its English impact. She and her husband are bound for Moody. She gave me a half hour to an hour four days this week just to talk German. Both discouraging and encouraging.
Tanya Bondareva is here for graduation. Gave her the paper on Divorce and Remarriage to read. She is still hurting and wondering.
Mary Nolan is here for five weeks helping in the library. She will go with us shopping in Schaffhausen this morning and then to see the new baby--Elina & Rene
This graduation weekend. Sheas are coming Wednesday and the true summer begins.
8/19/97
Back at ENBC after a travel & people-intensive summer. The 9 hour jet lag took its toll along with the people-tiredness. In the future we should be more guarded of our strength.
It is good to be back. A different feeling. All is familiar, a committment to fulfill, the goal of returning home, more changes than expected, and the inability to drive. But it will be a good year if we can rest well enough to be up to our tasks. We were asked for another year, but we feel we will have neither the strength/health or the time.
The Wilsons are unexpectedly gone to Chicago DS. Donahos are here and Selvidges are coming. Will Jeanine retire? Is Franklin Cook returning to the US with a new regional director to be appointed?
Our time at home was good but hectic. A week with Carol including a trip to Atlanta to see the children. Joe came back with us. A few days with Mark on arrival and then on departure. Social engagements with Dorothy Dykman, Art Seamans, Bible Study fellowship at Sheas, Come and Go Class, Ernie and Junita, Strawns, Christensens, Pagans, Welches, Herb, Powells, Helga Leonhardt, Millers, Irvines, Peggy Jo,
15 Sheila and Keith Holly, Whitelaws, Ridge and Barbara, Bill Ng. A trip to Arizona to see Ridge and Maurines. Dan was there with his new wife and son. Saw their home.
The rest of the summer was spent with the Sheas in Austria and with the Sears in Spain and Portugal--we are traveled out! Keith was not well so they will soon return to California.
Have done nothing all summer but share ENBC/Europe with SS class. Have tried to read some and keep a regular devotional schedule. It has not been too effective. This first week has been a deliberate effort to slow-down inside, spend less time with people, and rediscover the inner rhythm that is so indispensable for service here. Am succeeding. We are also beginning again to walk as we ought.
Am preparing to teach 2 Corinthians with Larry teaching 1 Corinthians during the pre-session. Have yet to begin work on fall syllabi. Energy and drive are slowly returning.
August 30, 1997
The first week of the pre-session on 2 Corinthians is past. Have not kept up with my proposed schedule. A good class and a good time so far--Daniel Paun from Romania, Walter Risto from Germany, Cynthia Buchanan from Alaska, Danil Opoikov from Russia, Peter Fehr from Switzerland, and Rene van der Vegt from Holland!
Am back to normal after two weeks to energy level and drive, but it is noticeably less than last year. Sleep from 9 to 5:30 with some time awake around 3 a.m.
Cooks are back and no doubt will stay. Greg N. is planning a Christmas wedding. A new couple, the Wiesens are joining the Regional Office in January. The school seems different this year with the SMT and viewed through more experienced eyes with the end of the year in view. All signs are though for a good year.
Am enjoying The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris. She awakens the creative writing urge and the monastic interest. Must write Father Charles. Early morning time is somewhat satisfactory again. Can't live too fast!
Tomorrow I will dedicate Eline and Rene's baby, Timotheus. Last night was the faculty party. Regional people were there.
September 14, 1997
Today is the first Sunday for Rev. and Mrs. Paton, a young Scottish couple--three children. Thomas Vollenweider is here to install them in both churches.
We went yesterday to Kreuzlingen and Constance, going by train and returning by boat, with the Donahos. Rained all day but fun anyway.
Invitation came this week from Ted to spend some time at Kenya. Unexpected--our thinking is perhaps after being home a while.
Fall semester is one week underway. Two classes going fairly well.
The Selvidges have come. We are doing our best to acclimate them and enjoy their fellowship.
September 25, 1997
Almost two weeks since last entry. Classes gong well. Retreat at Lake Maggiori in south Switzerland went well. Spoke on Truth, My Word, and Freedom (John 8) on Sunday morning following Jeanine and the Donahos. I thought it went better than with most retreat speakers who “try” to appeal to youth.
Good words from Mark (e-mail) and Carol (letter), including Robb. Why did he put down Robb Swain? Alysa sent us a long e-mail as well.
Going to Singen with the Selvidges tonight, and perhaps to Inter-Laken next weekend.
Preparing to preach in chapel the 21st and the Sunday before at Steve Gebhardt’s church.
October 23, 1997
Again a long laps. Too busy? Chapel Tuesday went well. A struggle to get the message under control, especially, ”Live in the Future.” Walter Risto commented it was the “closest” message he had heard in a long time. It needs restructuring and has potential, but for when?
The weekend with Steve Gebhards and his parents, Renate and G. Butter, was delightful in fellowship and the sites iWorms. Preaching in Kaiserslautern was not so satisfactory but still had its joys in seeing the church, etc.
The trip to the Jjngrau area was thrilling with Bill and Becky. We are scheduled for Rothenburg with them in November.
This year has more subtle frustrations—no car, etc., with seemingly no tought by some for our grocery shopping needs—at least they don’t ask, so Betty skips Thursday chapels and goes with Liz. The dynamics are different, the absence of the Wilsons? Betty’s English III calss is only Rene. But Janine is a blessing. Our second year? Even the Monday morning prayer meeting is a disappointment. No Sunday night activities, etc. Perhaps we are psychologically ready to be home for a while—before going to Kenya!
We are awaiting the election of PLNC’s new president—R. Benefiel, D. Copp, R. Foster [Bob Brower!], L. Gresham, S. Green, E. Robinson? Norm is calling First Church to prayer as the countdown begins.
Next week is break. Hope to write as well as catch-up. But need to go a place or two.
November 15, 1997
Again a long gap. Bob Brower accepted the presidency Wednesday. I assume it was the best choice. Been attending Pro Christ in Gottmadingen this week Sunday-Wednesday, and then again tonight. It shows me how woefully my ordinary German is, about which I am severely frustrated. What should I be doing about it? Or is it merely an ego-frustration? I am thinking about asking a German student to talk with me once or twice a week. Should I go some to Gottmadingen church? Church here does not need me like it did.
Teaching remains an enriching experience. Am mentoring Walter Suckau, Walter Risto, Edwin De Jong, and meeting with Olga Britcova for spiritual counseling. A prayerful challenge. Have the first draft of the first half of my two Johns comparison finished. Hope to begin reading on the Wesley part today.
At times living in such a close community causes thoughts and emotions that have to be dealt with. The mix is different this year. At times I regret leaving after this year and at others I am looking forward to it. It is the best decision, I don't doubt that.
Going to Rothenburg this next weekend with the Selvidges. Skipping a day of the small church seminar.
Am reading Frances De Sales, and Athanasius on Saint Anthony. Slowly finishing the pastorals in Greek.
December 2, 1997
Another two weeks gone by. The skipping of the Friday of the Small Church seminar backfired. My way of telling Larry backfired because it included Bill and Becky too who are under different rules, which I had forgotten. Betty had told Jeanine as well but apparently she did not understand or had forgotten that we were leaving on Friday. So Bill was reprimanded and I was told by Jeanine what we had done. From her perspective they aren't even supposed to leave on Friday afternoon without permission. But when Bill went in to talk to Larry, he was apparently very unspecific! So one, I set things up, but second it looks like Larry waited to see if Bill would specifically ask permission and when he didn't he complained to Jeanine, or some faculty member complained to Larry, etc. I still have not put it behind me because things don't add up right. I need to talk to Bill again, and maybe to Dan P. Perhaps I don't understand.
We are going to Nuernberg Saturday if we can get a hotel room--the famous Christmas Mart. Larry, Mary Jo, and her nieces were here this weekend. It was the Christmas banquet. A nice visit with Larry.
Still struggling with some attitudes about above frustration and a few others, more Betty's concerns than mine, but therefore mine!
December 9, 1997
Above senario appears to be that when Bill said nothing to Larry, the latter (after we had gone) checked to see if Bill had spoken to Jeanine and therefore set the stage for Jeanine to talk to the both of us. My only feeling is that Larry, if he had a problem, should have talked direct to Bill. Maybe he didn't, and the problem was only Jeanine's. At any rate I learned a lesson on how not to tell Larry things. When in doubt do not be presumptious or humorous. I will not speak of it do Dan, but drop it.
The Nuernberg trip was enjoyable--all in one day which was sufficient. An interesting visit with a young British ballet dancer on the return trip.
Main concern is how to best make progress in German. More time is needed regardless of how I proceed.
December 15, 1997
Christmas concert was yesterday, and went well with a full house. This is exam week, exams on Tuesday and Wednesday. Faculty meeting today. Concerned about deleting of Dan's Spirituality course. Becky leaves Wednesday. We will go to airport with them. We go to Prague on Saturday. Riding with Steven.
Reading Nouwen's The Return of the Prodigal based on Rembrandt's painting. It is the most spiritually penetrating of his books that I have read. So far the treatment of the elder son is the most challenging. The younger son was lost in lust and needed to be saved. The elder son was imprisoned by resentment and needed to be sanctified. He was already in the father's house, all belonged to him, but he was refusing to go to the party! Did the lost son stay in the father's house, and did the elder son enjoy the festivities? The father is the mature Christian? Finished his biography last week and have ordered a copy.
Word came this week that Megan Christensen has lukemia and will be undergoing chemo-therapy for two years. Wrote them an e-mail. Val called and is getting a time-share in Hungary for next summer. Also an invitation to teach in Cyprus next summer was accepted. The January 5 date for the second semester in ANU may push us.
Heard from Steve Carver, sounded kind of a dutiful response, and no reaction to my mention of Laurie. How long should I wait before sending another? Also received a Christmas card from Jerry, with a yellow pad note, "I forgive and seek your forgiveness, Jerry." I responded with "I accept your forgiveness and reaffirm mine of you." I trust it was not too self-serving!
January 8, 1998
Again, a long time between entries. After the trip to Prague and Christmas here, I have been rigidly focusing on the JW-JC essay. Progress has been slow, but exhilerating. Finished finally yesterday Wesley's relation to mysticism.
The Prague trip was enjoyable. Rode with Stephen Gebhardt and two Chinese girls (Wurzberg) to Hof where we took to train to Prague, arriving after ten. Enjoyed the architecture mostly. It was a ten and a half hour train ride back, but great German train from Prague to Lindau.
Christmas went well after the snafu with the committee. Had a Christmas eve gathering at Patricks. Becky S. is in the States, coming back this Saturday Been feeding Bill quite a bit. Bill Patrick has gone to the States for an operation on his nose.
Received word Monday (1/5) that Cotton passed away 12/31. Felt bad that I did not know sooner, but it made the question of going easier to decide. Mark and Carol were not up to snuff on how to contact us quickly. Did talk to Maurine yesterday morning at 3:00 a.m. Talked to Gene as well. They were at the Funeral Home. Will call when she gets home.
August 13, 1998
I did not intend such a long neglect of this, especially during the summer. The Spring semester was heavy with the writing of the JC-JW essay as well as the dynamics of the community. How much to catch up is the question.
We arrived home in SD, met by Mark and Robbie, August 5. It was great to be in our own home again. Betty is supremely delighted. But the task of getting resettled and reorganized seems overwhelming. The house was in great shape considering the work that went on, for which we are forever in the debt of Ernie and Junita. Dust is the only remaining problem.
Herb is on sabbatical so I am being asked to teach the class some. Hope I can find the proper balance. Would like Herb to continue with the Bible Study I don't need to lead anything. I trust that is the truth.
So car needed work, a new answering machine, VCR, and TV. At work on medical appointments. Initial prostrate exam was positive. Betty and I are both struggling with our knees.
Socially we have been out with Junita and Ernie, the Irvines and the Mallecoats, and Dorothy Lane last evening. Went to All Souls and Norm and I had coffee afterward Dexter will be in town tomorrow so will meet him and Herb for lunch.
The week at Carol's went reasonably well with the weekend trip to Atlanta to see David. Did not see Tony and Debbie. Mixed feelings about that. The children are all doing well, as are Carol and Pat. Carol is reevaluating her job due to some structure changes that impacted her functions negatively. She is beginning to handle them well.
The last day's at ENBC were fulfilling, and our departure moving, with Selvidges, Daniel, Larry, Burmeisters, and the Fehrs out to bid us goodbye. Bill S. took us to Zurich and remained with us until we went through passport control. Made my only swim in the Rhein with Daniel Psaute the last week.
The two years were enriching, the opportunity to just teach a gracious gift of God, the friendships most meaningful, and the travel opportunities unforgettable. Two years were enough, and the last year was more difficult for several reasons, the fascination stage was over, no car, and the frustrations of living in such close community with varied and new personalities. If we had stayed longer, we would be as emotionally involved in the College as in our pre-retirement years. With Bill S. in charge the College is in a position to make real progress. Enrollment will be up. The opportunity to make some acquaintance with the workings of the Eurasia region was interesting and helpful.
July 4-18 was spent in Cyprus with Gordon and Pat Johnston teaching the Pauline Epistles in the Eastern Mediterranean Bible College Robert Thompson (ed. Staples' Festschrift, Ph.D. candidate at University of Oklahoma in Philosophy was the other teacher. We enjoyed living, eating, going in taxi to school, and teaching with him. Teaching was through an interpreter with all Arab students--a new experience! Arab's present were Raja Nweiser (interpreter, pastor, Lebanon), Amer (interpreter) and Fadia Halasa (cook, Jordan), Majid Bsharat (Jordan), Shadi Bqain, Rami Halasa (Jordon), Steeve Habash (Jordan), Manspir Twal (Jordan), Sana' Hallasa (Jordon), Shahade Twal (Jordan), Marleine Mouchantaf (Lebanon, school principal), and Elias Hanna (Syria). It was hot, ate down below overlooking the Mediteranean in which I swam twice. We did some sightseeing, once with all the students. Very dry.
Will work further backwards next time.
August 16, 1998
This morning is the Come and Go breakfast, and this afternoon Robbie is racing with the whole family coming down including Alysa and her boy friend.
Last night, we had dinner at Pagan's, a delightful renewal of friendship. His adjustment to retirement may be more difficult. He looked tired, but he continues to go full blast.
Friday's lunch with Ed Dexter and Herb at Humphrey's was refreshing. In the afternoon we purchased/ordered two recliners for the family room.
Am struggling over how to go with computers, whether to stay with Apple or go to IBM compatible with a laptop for Africa. There are arguments both ways. Will keep asking questions, and will attempt to get on PLNU e-mail with the LC-III as the first step. Perhaps I should look at the Toshiba. Need dual voltage and DC Rom capacity.
The last days at ENBC included a meal out with Juliane Schliemann with a concerned conversation about Steve Gebhardt and Olga Britcova. We had a breakfast with Bill and Becky, and a last coffee time in Schaffhausen with Bill.
The last night among those who came over were Larry and Lark Kromer. The dynamics with Lark this last year are somewhat of a mystery. Her resignation as Hostess at a crucial moment plus the request to resume her responsibilities opens up some problems that Bill is having to struggle with. The Stultz's arrived a week before we left as well.
August 21, 1998
Time is passing faster than our reorientation to life at home. Wednesday night we ate with Finger's at Jr's. Monday Jeff and Charisse were down. Tuesday morning went to All Souls and some time on campus.
Mark called about the time they arrived with the news that he had been laid off his job. So sleep was difficult that night. Called this morning, and he seems to be handling it well. We are praying that it be a new challenge, a time in which he can position himself in a more satisfactory way, even if he means relocation. Jill is really supporting him. Carol will help him in job search techniques.
Sunday with Mark and family was a good time. Robbie had bad luck, threw his chain and then tossed out of race mistakenly. They thought he had been lapped. Alysa's boy friend seemed nice, from Boston, mother Lithuanian and Father Italian.
Early morning times are good, reading Let Eveninq Come, Karl Wojlyta on John of the Cross, and a new biography of Blaise Pascal. Also attempting to read JW's Journals. Struggling with computer. It is discouraging. Probably time just to work with specific programs. Getting more enthused about going IBM compatible!
August 31, 1998
The decision appears to be made not to go to Kenya. Reasons are primarily our health and energy, Mark and Carol's judgement that we should not attempt it, and the health hazards there at our age. Will attempt to e-mail Ted and Leah today.
My feelings are mixed. Physically I do no feel up to it, have no drive at the moment for the classroom, but was attracted by the experience of being there and the chance to renew fellowship with the Esselstyn’s and the Marangu’s. So in one way I am disappointed, in another, relieved.
Now comes to adjustment to "retirement" which frankly seems emotionally difficult. I don't even want to teach the "Come and Go" class. Am I struggling with mild depression or just emotional exhaustion. It is good to really be alone. Even my quiet time is not too meaningful apart from the reading. Sunday morning activities along with lunch out leave me exhausted for the day.
Saturday night we were invited to Shea's along with Christensen’s. A nice time of fellowship.
Wednesday we ate at the faculty dining room with the Welchs at Dorothy's insistence. A good time of renewing acquaintance with several. Tuesday night we went Chinese with the Jackson’s.
Sunday, November 28, 1999 Tuscon, Arizona
For some reason this journal has been neglected for almost two years. Should I try to catch up summary fashion? Later!
We are in Tuscon visiting Ridge, having been with Maurine, etc., in Mesa over Thanksgiving. Robbie came over Thanksgiving evening and we had a best-ever visit. Yesterday we took Ridge to Super K-Mart. Today we will take a ride to Green Valley and have lunch at Tubac.
While here I want to think a little about how to organize for better academic production. First to identify the tasks:
1. Work on disks, files, sermons, etc., scanning, hard copy, etc. 2. Financial concerns & records, redo files, etc., 3. Research & writing 4. Miscellaneous tasks—SS, e-mails, letters, bills, etc. Half-day calling
What about 3 on Mondays & Thursdays 1 on Tuesdays & Fridays 2 & 5 on Wednesdays? 4 as necessary and on Saturdays All to be interrupted by retired life-style activities & obligations
Saturday, December 11, 1999 San Diego, CA
Today is Betty’s birthday and the Come and Go party at Reubens. She intends to go even though the recovery from her surgical biopsy Wednesday has left her sore and often in some pain, but quite a lot better today. We get the results on Wednesday when she goes back to the doctor’s office. It has been a long anxious wait since we became aware of the need for a biopsy the 3rd week in September. We are intensely hoping for an all clear.
Have been struggling in my soul (and pride!) over my terribly inadequate contribution to the new faculty panel discussion on tradition Thursday night. Having misunderstood somewhat what was going to happen, I did not prepare enough, presumed on memories and emotions. What came out was nostalgia, reinforced by the wounds of the post-Pasadena years. I probably came off bitter and negative, and did not realize what I was doing until I sat down and reflected on it. It seems that so much in the inner psych remains unhealed as well as inability to handle properly my present inner relationship to the ongoing life of the institution. The old temptations to be what I am not as a public persona deluded me again. When will I listen obediently to the inner voice and stay in the world that is authentically mine?
So far the schedule worked out has not worked! But at least it is there.
Catching up on the gaps in the Journal events since January 1998 include the writing of the John Wesley/John of the Cross study, sharing it at the Scholars’ meeting at ENBC, its publication in the Tower the summer of 99, the trip to the British Isles in May 98—Scottish friends and Wesley sites, trip to Eastern Europe with Val and Millie, the two weeks teaching in Cyprus, coming home at the end of July, deciding not to go to Kenya, Betty’s health problems, a trip to Arizona, 50th anniversary celebration with all the family in San Diego, appearance of Lyosha, visit of the Butters with Steven, Betty’s Bells Palsy, WTS in Bethany, a trip to Arizona, Elke Mueller’s visit, trip to Fresno to plan fall trip to New England with the Schroeders, the New England trip visiting places and seeing people—Mickey Bojor, Diana Yount, Bill & Becky Selvidge, Alysa, Marvel Salgado, Curt & Mary Lake, Carol, Conny Link & Davide Cantarella, Paul and Lavonne Grey, and Don and Dora Sylvestor. On our arrival home from Europe, Mark was laid off and was without steady work for a year, but finally joined the Staff of Saddleback with the position of Director of International Mission.
Assessing these months since being home they are characterized by some disappointment (Nairobi), reconnecting with the needs of the family, catching up on health issues, getting financial affairs in order, beginning to sort through the accumulation of years (disk, files, etc.), finding out how we can serve, readjusting to being home—friends, church, college, and attempting to find out who we are in these changed circumstances and more limited energies. Again I put too many projects on the plate, and have difficulty adjusting energies to priorities. Devotional life is a consistent priority with attention given to the wisdom of John of the Cross on openness to inner transformation beyond any human effort, and more time in intercessory praying. Some changes appear encouraging, other areas continue to pop up that are painful—as this week!
Sunday, May 20, 2001 San Diego, CA
Why so long to get back to this journal? Have we allowed life to get too full? Has life been too ordinary to record? The motivation to write again is prompted by the call from Al Truesdale, Dean at ENC, Thursday, May 10, asking us to consider coming to ENC as Religion Department Chair. They want me there while they search for an appropriate Chair person and begin to rebuild the department. The consequence is that tomorrow morning I am flying back to confirm the feeling that we should go. I start with a meeting with the Dean and the President for dinner after they meet me at the airport. The next day is an informal faculty reception, an informal student reception, a meeting with the department, and an evening pizza party with students. The student meetings are probably religion and philosophy majors. Wednesday will be with Bill Selvidge who will put me on the plane for home.
At first the idea seemed perfectly ridiculous for we had already said no to Corlis McGee at ENBC for even a semester pleading lack of energy etc. And this is more demanding, at least emotionally! But as I was trying to say no to Al and perhaps weakening to the point of saying we would think about it, Betty leaned over, patted my arm, and said “tell him we will think and pray about it. So we did. Bud and Georgia Schroeder came in the next day for Commencement weekend at PLNU. By Monday morning early Betty and I consented together that we were not up to it, that it was not for us, and would say no. But two calls from Al later with a modifying of our load, a reemphasis on why they wanted us, we said we would pray more about it and give a final answer in the morning. Come morning the readings in Losungen were Psalms 27:1 and John 14:1! With them came a sense that this is what we are supposed to do. When Betty joined me, she had come to the same conclusion. My assurance is that if we are responding to a divine call, then we can go in the confidence that if we live obediently and prayerfully we can relax and watch what the One who calls intends to bring about during our year at ENC!
Administration again? In a troubled depressed situation? Three profs will be leaving the department! Regular classes? Would energies and emotional strength hold up? Leaving important ministry duties here? All the details involved in being away for an academic year? Writing and files put on hold? Positive things are that both Mark and Carol were positive from the start. Alysa will be nearby, we will be closer to Carol, and it would be interesting to live in New England for a few months. Bill and Becky Selvidge are there and hopefully they will stay around. So we are apparently off to another new adventure, in my mind more of a faith-risk than any we have previously undertaken.
Now what all has taken place since 12/11/99? Betty has had two attacks of Bells Palsy, March 99 and March 2000, the effects of which are still slightly with her. Not sure when my hernia surgery was. Otherwise we have gotten by with normal testings, etc. In May-June 2000 we drove back to Alysa’s graduation from Vassar Mark, Jillian, Sally and Robert were there) and David’s graduation from High School with great reception afterward (Carol, Rachel, Michelle & Erica came). Saw relatives and friends on the way—Nora Ann, Gene, Doris & Bob, Onetta and Dutch, Agnes Cornell & family, Eleanor, Rachel, Burris’s, Cubie’s, Marvel before her wedding (dinner with family and Bruce McCormick), week on Block Island, Lake’s, Schlatters, and all across Texas. August found us on an Alaska Cruise with Keith and Betty Pagan. Writing up lectures on devotional life from Life of Holiness, one chapter to go! Sharing it with Marion Golden and Sydney Martin. Started series on the Lord’s Prayer the first Sunday of Advent 1999 which is not yet finished! Sharing with Sydney Martin and Pagan’s pastor. Appearance before New Faculty Seminar went better in my opinion than in 99. Have draft turned in for the shared monograph “Remembering” with Margaret Stevenson for the Centennial Celebration. It is due to appear September 12. Also had a month of Sunday evenings on John book at Linda Vista in March.
Alysa went to work in Boston after graduation. Erica was born in April to Joe and Michelle. The day after their wedding in June Pat asked Carol for a divorce (2,000). Apparently another woman had been in his life for several months. The negotiations are about to come to an end with their divorce. She is doing well at this time, but the hurt was deep. She maintains loving relationships with his children. Robert has moved to Eugene, Oregon where he hopes to go to school in the fall. He had been in Phoenix after High School bike training and racing while working for Starbucks.
Devotional life has been more effective, particularly time given to intercession. Reading has been linked up with the Lord’s Prayer series. If we go to ENC this area will need even more careful attention!
Friday, June 15, 2001 Cincinnati
To begin with ENC. The visit there was affirming. Everyone received me warmly including the faculty in general. My need to be there was further impressed upon me, but met few majors. Hopefully just the news will help. At the Pizza party Alysa came with me, heard Al lay on the syrup, and later remarked, “Grandpa, I love you dearly, but that was a little much!” So I signed the contract before leaving. I have had no doubts since about the rightness of it, just a few anxieties about adequate strength.
We are in Cincinnati about to leave for Gatlinburg, picking up Alysa on the way. Carol’s friend Mary and David will also be there. It was been a restful and productive time here working on Carol’s list and on e-mail. Met her friend Carmelo. Ridge called while we were her with the news of Ross Hayslip’s death.
The trip in retrospect. On the last day we happened to see signs in Indiana to St. Meinrad Seminary and the town of Santa Claus. So visited both. The former was beautiful in architecture and grounds. Branson, MO, was ok, enjoyed mostly the Welk and the violinist shows. The night with Chris and Connie Carver was nice but tiring. Darrell Moore and his wife were also there. He has retired about 18 miles south. The weekend with Paul and Lavonne in Bethany was most meaningful. It is always good to renew fellowship with them and to hear Paul’s take on things. Went to church twice at Bethany First Church. In the morning Mel’s sermon was on Peter taken from my book and F. B. Meyer. His sermon followed my outline. He fessed up at night, for he did not know we were there. By chance Gideon Tredoux and his wife were speaking at night, so we were privileged to renew fellowship with them as well. Went to see Dr. Gresham and Esther Schandorff. A call to Lois Brown’s room was not answered.
December 23, 2001 San Diego
Back in SD after our first semester in at ENC for R &R, etc. It is good to be in our own home and remember who we are and where we are in life. It is almost an unreal world for us in Quincy. But we are not dreading the return for we have been affirmed in our decision to be there by students, faculty, and administration. Not least is the confirmation is the privilege to be with Alysa and with Bill and Becky Selvidge, again in a transition stage.
We arrived home Wednesday night to a cold house after a long day, 3 am in Cincinnati to 9 pm in San Diego. Our five-hour layover in Providence was blessed with Bill and Becky driving down for lunch with us. Our time with Carol was most meaningful. We had Christmas with Carol, David and Rachel. David had surprised his mother by coming unannounced to all but Rachel. Since we wrote last Carol’s divorce from Pat has been finalized, and just as she gets all in order on her own, refinance, etc., she is laid off without warning from Forethought (11/12). Alysa was laid off the following Friday, but she knew it was coming. In the long run for Carol it is hopefully a blessing in disguise as she as the opportunity to redirect her career and perhaps relocate, but the intervening financial insecurity is no fun. Interviews are coming.
At ENC the students have opened their hearts to us, Tom and Steve seem most grateful to have us there, and faculty in general have made us most welcome. The top floor of Angell Hall with the Education faculty is a delightful place with their acceptance and warmth, as well as several of the faculty power-brokers, e.g., Nancy Detweiler, John Free, Lowell Hall, Tillie Cassler, and Jim Cameron. And of course it is interesting to be able to work closely with Dean Richard Stephens and interim President Al Truesdale. The latter live in the same floor in Young Hall with us and Esther T. has made an effort to involve Betty in various women’s activities—both College and local Church. As they often also eat in the cafeteria we find ourselves eating with them two or three times a week. Wayne and Lee Dunlop (Leads) have been especially friendly to us, inviting us to their home for Thanksgiving. Others who have had us in their homes are the McCormick’s, the Henck”s, the Camerons, and of course Bill and Becky Selvidge. And we have eaten a few times with the Truesdale’s, in and out of the DH. Often at noon in the DH we are able to lunch with various faculty.
In the Division faculty recruitment is the big task. We are looking for two, Bible, and Practics, and then there is the question of Division Chair. Our first candidate, brought in fundamentally by Al for the Chair position, Carl Leth, pastor of Detroit First Church and a Ph.D. from Duke, did not interview at all well for the ENC situation. We are working now on a Bible person. But with both Tom and Steve interviewing, we may be looking to fill not two positions, but four! An interesting time. Also in the Division is John Neilson as Missionary in residence, on his way to Eunc, Mary Lou Shea as adjunct in Bible (Dan has cancer), and Fred Fullerton as adjunct in Youth Ministries.
As to the state of ENC itself it is still in financial crisis with a big issue being the search for a new President. The latter is going slowly, and much of the former will depend on new leadership. How ENC came to be in this mess is a complicated story in itself, problems endemic to the college location/history/situation, the conduct of the past administration, and the function of the Board of Trustees and its Chair. One is tempted to make the charges of incompetence and irresponsibility—at least major financial miscalculations were made, and the ability of the past administration to maintain a good morale on campus was lacking.
December 25, 2001 San Diego
Today is Christmas. Going to Mark’s at noon. All his children are home. Last even went to 5 p.m. Christmas presentation in Rancho Santa Fe where Keith Pagan serves. Kay Wilder was in the choir as well. We went the Van and Millie. Gene and Barbara came as well and we ate together afterward celebrating Millie and Betty’s birthdays. Program was Christmas songs by the choir, most familiar, some not, plus appropriate Scriptures, prayers and hymns. Well done with class with no attempt at flash!
Back to catchup. We are trying to see the Boston/New England area with Alysa, Selvidge’s, and others. Trips include one to Plymouth and the Mayflower with Bill and Becky where we toured the Mayflower, stood on Carver Street overlooking Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower. Striking was the plague indicating that every Thanksgiving the American Indians in the area gather at it to mourn the loss of their land, culture, etc.
Another was a trip into the White Mountains of New Hampshire with Bill and Becky to see the leaves, an area we visited briefly again at the ENC faculty retreat at Lincoln. We went with Al and Esther. It was a good retreat and I was privileged to lead the communion. Fred Fullerton, Wollaston pastor, gave the message. On the way home we visited the Shaker village at Canterbury. Another highlight was two visits to Trinity Episcopalian in Copley Square, a 125 year old church where Philips Brooks used to hold forth, a statue of him is just outside. First I went with Steve McCormick and Jerry ?? to a regular service with the Eucharist. The music and the liturgy were something else. Then later to the Messiah at night after dinner again at McCormick’s. Our second time to be there this fall.
Another highlight was a leisurely trip up the Maine coast spending the second night in a delightful resort in Rockland. We saw much of the coast below Portland enjoying eating in various restaurants.
Just before leaving we took Jan and John Neilson out to Legal Sea Food with a certificate from PLNU, and went back to their apartment for desert. More catch-up next time.
December 30, 2001
Thursday had breakfast with Rick Morrison, and Friday lunch with Russ and Rosemary.
Today SS and then after Church baptized Alexa Dawn Workman, daughter of Anita and Michael Workman. Only family were present including son Blake. We went to the Marine base and had lunch with the family group.
Leaving in the morning on our eleven day trip meeting Kevin Mellish and family tomorrow on the way. Our rental car is a Buick Regal, like Val loves to drive.
January 1, 2002 Fresno
Trip up was pleasant. Visit with Kevin, Jeanine, and Dakota Mellish. I was impressed by his enthusiasm and approach to his studies. He seems to be an excellent scholar and shows the promise of an exciting teacher. Has one of three chapters of his dissertation submitted, one more hopefully in March, and then the final one in the summer. But he could make no promises. Too bad he is not further along. Jeanine does not work.
To review a little our June trip to Carol’s and General Assembly included a few days in Gatlinburg with Carol, David, Carol’s friend Mary, and Alysa who flew in from Boston. Because of the flying trip to ENC our itinerary had to change. We stopped at Ridge’s, Sylvestor’s, Gray’s, spent a night with Chris Carver and wife in Missouri, and two or three nights in Branson, Missouri. We enjoyed the latter, but a little goes a long way. Than it was on to Cincinnati, stopping by St. Meinard, the mother house of the Prince of Peace Abbey.
At General Assembly the high points were seeing the Selvidge’s and our friends and former students from ENBC. On the Sunday afternoon we took the Holleman’s and went to Nashville, IN, for dinner. A very satisfying visit. Our trip home took us by Mineola, Texas, for a couple of nights with Larry and Lark. Another stop by Tucson comprised the trip home. From then on we began to get in gear to go to ENC, which still seems the inescapable right thing to do, about which we were even becoming excited.
2002 Books Read Inserted 9/27/07
January 4, 2002: John Grishom, Skipping Christmas. Doubleday, 2001. January 7, 2002: Mary Caswell Walsh, Hidden Springs of Hope: Finding God in the Desert of Suffering. Ave Maria Press, 2001. January 13, 2002: Ladislaus Boros, Christian Prayer (Ueber das christlicfhe Beten, 1973). The Seabury Press, 1976. After being introduced to him through another book (?) I found this in a bookstore along the road in northern California on my way to a pastors’ retreat with Michael Christensen and I believe Michael Dotson. The opening chapters were found to be very personally helpful and were used among other places in the Life of Holiness class.
January 15, 2002: Nora Roberts, Heaven and Earth. Jove Books, 2001. Second of a trilogy. Next is Face the Fire. January 18, 2002: David McCullough, John Adams. Simon & Schuster, 2001. This was a most enjoyable read while living in the very area where John Adams lived. We were able to visit several of the sites, a church, the John Quincy Adams library, and a family home.
January 26, 2002: N. T. Wright, What Saint Paul Really Said: Was Paul of Tarsus the Real Founder of Christianity? Eerdmans, 1997. This was used as a textbook for my afternoon UD NT class at ENC. His similar book on Jesus was used in the fall. These were among the first his books that I have read. My list shows only his book on the Lord’s prayer being read earlier.
March 3, 2002: Charles Williams, ed., The Letters of Evelyn Underhill. London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1943. This little book read devotionally over a few months, marked my new interest in Evelyn Underhill, awakened by a use of her by Don Xerxes (?) at the ENC faculty retreat.
March 20, 2002: Nora Roberts, Dance Upon the Air. New York: Jove Books, 2001. April 14, 2002: Margaret Cropper, Life of Evelyn Underhill, With a Memoir of Lucy Menzies by Lumbsden Barkway. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1958. Knowing my interest in Evelyn Underhill this biography was given to me by Tom Oord, professor of Philosophy, as I continued reading her.
April 15, 2002: Bernard Anderson with Steven Bishop, Out of the Depths: The Psalms Speak for us Today. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 3rd ed. Revised and Expanded, 2000. I think this may have been used in the OT course at ENC, a book that in an earlier edition had been given/recommended to me by Keith Pagan. A meaningful treatment of the Psalms for the soul.
April 21, 2002: Susan Howatch, Ultimate Prizes. New York: Fawcett Crest, 1989. April 23, 2002: N. T. Wright, What Saint Paul Really Said: Was Paul of Tarsus the Real Founder of Christianity? Eerdmans, 1997. May 3, 2002: Bernard Anderson with Katheryn Pfisterer Darr, Understanding the Old Testament. Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, abridged 4th ed., 1998. The basic text for OT at ENC.
May 3, 2002: Paul J. Achtemeier, Joel P. Green, Marianne Meye Thompson, Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001. Basic text for NT course at ENC.
May 8, 2002: Douglas V. Steere, ed., Spiritual Counsel and Letters of Baron Friedrich von Huegel. New York: Harper & Row, 1964. My first and only attempt to read von Heugel. He did not speak to me much for some reason. Would like to see his little book on prayers.
May 15, 2002: Terence E. Fretheim and Karlfried Froelich, The Bible as the Word of God In a Postmodern Age. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1998. May 20, 2002: Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese? New York: G. P. Putman’s Sons, 1998. May 21, 2002: Margorie Stockwell, Oscar M. Stockwell: The Lord’s Boy. Kansas City: Nazarene Publishing House, 1992. June 28, 2002: Flannery O’Connor, A Good Man is Hard to Find, And Other Stories. San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1948. July 9, 2002: Alastair de Watteville, The Isle of Iona: Sacred, Spectacular, Living. Romsey Fine Art, 1999. I believe this book came as a gift from Sydney Martin.
July 10, 2002: Nora Roberts, Face the Fire. New York: Jove Books, 2002. August 5, 2002: Stan Telchin, Betrayed! London: Marshall Pickering, 1981. August 6, 2002: David Ross, Scotland: History of a Nation. Lomand Books, 1958. August 11, 2002: Nicholas Sparks, The Bend in the Road. Random House, 2001. August 14, 2002: Karen Robards, To Trust a Stranger. Pocket Books, 2001. August 30, 2002: James H. Jackson, Sr., and Kathryn McConnell, Empowering a Vision. San Diego, CA: Point Loma Press, 2002. September 18, 2002: Arthur F. Seamans with Darrel R. Falk, The Brightening Lamp. San Diego, CA: Point Loma Press, 2002. September 19, 2002: Kathleen Norris, The Virgin of Bennington. New York: Riverhead Books, 2001. October 2, 2002: Harold S. Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. New York: Avon Books, 1981. This was read during and for the SS series on Job.
October 4, 2002: J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit. New York: Ballentine Books, 1937, 1938 and 1966. October 8, 2002: J. R. R. Tolkien, Smith of Wootton Major & Farmer Giles of Ham. New York: George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1949. October 8, 2002: Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid. Trans. H. P. Paull, Viborg: Norhaven A/S, 2001. October 21, 2002: J. F. Freedman, Bird’s-Eye View. New York: Warner Books, Inc., 2001. October 24, 2002: Annie Dillard, The Writing Life. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1989. October 28, 2002: J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Part One: The Fellowship of the Ring. New York: Ballentine Books, 1954, 1965, 1966. Read in relation to the movie series.
November 14, 2002: Annie Dillard, Holy The Firm. New York: Harper & Row, 1977. November 20, 2002: Kathleen Norris, Journey: Selected Poems 1969-1999. University of Pittsburgh Press, 2001. December 10, 2002: Humphrey Carpenter, Tolkien: A Biography. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1977. I loaned this to a young lady, a clerk at the Pontiac dealership on Miramar. She left there without ever returning the book.
December 25, 2002: James E. Miller, The Rewarding Practice of Journal Writing: A Guide for Starting and Keeping Your Personal Journal. Fort Wayne, Indiana: Willowgreen Publishing, 1998.
February 9, 2003
No entries for a little over a year. So we will reflect backward. Today we go to El Cajon for Church and Carol, dog-sitting for M. C. will meet us there and we go out to dinner with Janine and Ed Metcalf. Yesterday we drove to Lake Forest, went to the 4:45 p.m. service at Saddleback, and out to dinner with Mark & family celebrating his 51st birthday. A good time. Service was as expected, loud contemporary music followed by 45 minute presentation by Rick Warren helped by Tom Holladay and two lay testimonies.
Present activities include the SS series on Job, working on #15 & 16 on cc. 18-19. They are heavy for some and very meaningful for others. Copies go to several folk outside the class—Keith and Betty Pagan, Keith’s pastor, Phyllis Bliesner (Junita’s friend), Dan Lightfoot, Helyn Fay, Edwin de Jong, Marion Golden, Kay Wilder, Bill Ng, Tammy Finger, Pastor Norm, and Betty Kochendorfer until she passed away February 14, 2003. Need to work harder for a lighter, practical edge to them. Continuing also on Pastor Norm’s Pastoral Care team with Hodson’s and Cecil Miller on my list. The monthly breakfast with the team is a meaningful time—Reuben, Hutch, Roy, and Maxine. Visited Betty Kochendorfer in her terminal illness and also keep in touch with Phyllis Skidgel. Do we need to go see Elvis? Elke Mueller was in San Diego at some point in the fall in real need of rest. She kept too busy here and did not have a quiet enough place to stay.
Projects include getting the Corlett files ready for the Archives, putting NTS lecture on 1 John on computer, getting books ready to send to Steve S. Carver, cleaning up files, and re-organizing and cleaning out study. Need to get back on the “Burning Heart” manuscript. It was not accepted for a Wesleyan Monograph. Reuben Welch & I have been asked by John Wright to teach a two weekend M.Min. course in the fall at PLNU on “The New Testament, its Literature and Theology.” Meeting Wednesday we sketched out some possibilities. Reuben is interested in “Preaching From” approach and I in the Lord’s Prayer and 1 John. Both of us have an interest in biblical authority, I from a post-modern perspective.
Things are going well for Carol at work. She will be promoted as of May 1 to Associate Dean of the San Diego facilities, excluding military locations—a rapid rise that at times overwhelms her. David is joining the army, but has not been called up as yet. She is waiting the resolution of Pat’s attempt to get more money out of the house. Court date is in May. Hopefully it can be resolved without her going.
Christmas was spent with Mark’s at Julie’s place. Carol was in Cincinnati. A trip to Fresno over New Year’s to visit the Schroeder’s was enjoyable, seeing Jim and Marion Golden as well. They are coming this coming weekend as Carol goes to Cincinnati. The two major events in the fall were Betty’s surgery in which a stint was put in her main heart artery. That part of the operation went well, but the invasive procedure was difficult and painful for her and she was bruised and sore for weeks afterward. All in all she is feeling better. Needs to walk more and be more careful about her diet.
The other was a trip to ENC at the invitation of Rick Stephens the Dean to consult with the Department on their curriculum revision. We stayed in their home, enjoying great fellowship, and touched base with as many as we had time to. The McClungs were not there. Department is doing well and they have their revisions well in hand. It was an affirming and most enjoyable time. Attended Wollaston Church but did not get to Trinity. Took the Debi and Betty to the Christmas store in Cape Cod instead. Morale was up at ENC and it appears that their major financial problems are getting solved, and so soon back to the normal survival problems.
Back to the Spring semester at ENC. Kept at the hiring process, Steve and Tom eventually accepted positions at Mount Vernon and Nampa respectively. Bill Malas was interviewed and hired, as was Jeff Barker and Mary Lou Shea. But Scott Daniels did not see fit to come as Chair person. Eventually took a pastorate in Texas. Talented and interesting young man. It is working out fine at ENC, however. Bill will be chair next year and the adjunct in Philosophy is coming on full-time. Last name is Fountain. Classes went well, but I began to tire as the Semester wore on. We got with Alysa once a week which was great. Shortly after we left at the end of May her car burned up in downtown Quincy so she took the settlement and moved back to Oregon. She is presently working for the same company she worked for in Boston, working on a project in Orange County. We have seen her at least twice, Thanksgiving at Mark’s and then she spent a weekend with us.
We drove home from ENC via Gettysburg and Hershey picking up Carol in Cincinnati for the drive to San Diego with the two cars loaded. We stayed overnight with the Sylvestors in Albuquerque. We arrived in SD on a Friday and Carol reported for work on Monday. Carol is living with us during her transition months with Rachel in an apartment in Cincinnati and David in College in Georgia. Her furniture is in storage.
We were hardly in SD until Rachel called. Tony had pulled her flight pass so she could not go back to Cincinnati. So Carol had her leave Tony’s house, bought her a ticket at full price, and got her back to Cincinnati. Tony went to Cincinnati, harassed Rachel, tried to get her de-enrolled from her school and attempted to get the police to force Rachel to return to Atlanta with him. The police called Carol and she was able to put a stop to it, at the price of a tremendous emotional expenditure. Eventually Carol had to return to Cincinnati for a court appearance. She won completely but the whole deal cost her $2,000 that she could little afford. The result was of course complete alienation between Carol and Tony, as well as us, and Tony’s relationship with Rachel was severely damaged. He has been working on its repair, helping her look at Colleges, etc. David is there now, waiting to be called up, merely co-existing with them.
What forgiveness means is an issue with us. Being dropped from WTD by Tom P. for my sins at ENC has been a wounding thing. Am trying slowly step by step to get the facts. Big issue is at what point should I just drop it. Perhaps the last e-mail to Tom will bring some kind of resolution in my mind. Feel some kind of need to share with Tom Oord, but is it legitimate? Or is it a matter of wounded pride plus a subtle desire for a touch of revenge? Or need for some sense of vindication? The feeling is that I was dealt with harshly on hearsay evidence, with no consideration for my age, etc.
Have begun to read slowly The Imitation of Christ and find that it does speak. Recent books that have been effective are Underhill’s Worship and Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies. Devotional time takes an hour to an hour and a half that is the most satisfying personal time of the day. Going in one day a week to the Wesleyan Center is a good change of pace—the big computer, the library atmosphere, the opportunity to touch base briefly with faculty, and the sight of students is uplifting to the spirit. So all in all, all is well within and without given the normal challenges of life. The dark cloud is the dark cloud of invading Iraq which is a questionable move, but who knows?
October 2006
Dear Patrick I have been thinking about you for a few weeks so it is time to write. I trust your second year at SNU is off to a great start. As far as I can tell your successor here is off to a good start, but I known nothing of the operation of the "innards" of PLNU, thankfully. You probably know more than I do. I know you are a fan of the Quaker Parker Palmer, so thought you might enjoy the attached SS lesson copied primarily from a Quaker Anthology. It got too long as you can see. But it is ready when we get home. We are in Cincinnat almost a month now visiting Carol and are due to return to SD Thursday. Saw grandkids and great grandchildren on a fast drive to Atlanta and back. Visited some old friends at MVNU, and getting some good reading done. Ventured for the first time into Wendell Berry at your recommendation: THREE NOVELS: NATHAN COULTER, REMEMBERING, A WORLD LOST. I think you recommended JAYBER CROW so perhaps I will try it next. Read Barbara Brown Taylor's LEAVING CHURCH, Roger Lundin's biography of Emily Dickinson (fascinating), Harold Kushner's OVERCOMING LIFE'S DISAPOINTMENTS, and am half through a recent biography of Benjamin Franklin--a truly American character--was he who we are? Brought along 1776 on George Washington, but was given the Franklin book so tackled it first. May begin 1776 on the plane going home. Am about finished too with a book on 2 Corinthians to keep my mind in the neglected commentary which I have to hit hard on return. Am working on 5:1-10 in progress. Got an invited to the Global conference in Amsterdam so am going regardless of its pace--arrive 3/31, come home 4/4 and expected to be alert with 9 hours jet lag! Wish I were younger. But only for that week! Seeing a few sites here with Carol and go with her on her work (office and school furniture sales) occasionally. She is also doing some adjuct teaching for MVNU, NBC, and NU. The latter two online and the first in their Cincinnati location. She remains single, has a friend of four years, and is enjoying life in her very attractive, but modest home. Out of her family room you can see a nice deck and trees with "green" leave on them following a small stream. The leaves are starting to turn, however, which is also nice. Our greetings to our friends there when you find one (Paul and Labonnr Gray, especially). Blessings on you and Lori on the plains. Frank
May 2-13, 2007
ITINERARY—FRANK & BETTY CARVER
May 2 (455-455) Quality Inn, 1165 South Bluff, St George, Utah 435-628-4481, Exit 6, #428930 Cancel before 4 pm on the1st.
May 3 (387-842) Comfort Inn, 400 Jurassic Avenue, Fruita (Grand Junction), CO Exit 19 970-858-1333 #42894989 Cancel before 4 pm same day
May 4 (272-1,114) Monty Hoffmann, 6505 W. Hoover St., Littleton, CO 80123, 303-795-8457 Maurine Hoffman, 5130 W. Ken Caryl Ave, Littleton, CO 80128, 303-922-7836
May 5 At Littleton, Co
May 6 (246-1,360) Alamosa Comfort Inn/side trip to South Fork, Rogan & Caroline
May 7 (205-1,565) Don Sylvester, 4935 Skyline View Ct. N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87111, 505-,296-9732
May 8 At Albuquerque
May 9 (285-1850) Larry Hoffman, 5823 North Mesa Drive #938, El Paso, Texas 79912, 915-307-3100
May 10 At El Paso
May 11-12 (425-2,275) to Chandler/Phoenix Comfort In, 255 North Kyrene Rd, 480-705-8882 #432080 Verna Frey 480-832-8393 23834 South 150th Street Lunch with Dan & Family 11-11:30? 480-984-6292/Fell through David & Myrna Whitelaw 623-647-7535 10915 Roundelay Circle, Sun City
May 13 (381-2,656) Phoenix to San Diego
September 27, 2007 Catch-up from 2/9/03
This week finds us with Carol in Cincinnati relaxing and visiting with Carol. Early morning coffee again with Carol is as delight. My private time is spent reading and working on the documents I brought with me. These include this journal, the chronology of our lives, my next SS lesson on 2 Cor 8-9, and some work related to the commentary, particularly Young & Ford and hopefully Dan Power’s dissertation. Am catching up with Christianity Today and the Christian Century as well as Sayers‘ biography of C. S. Lewis. So now to get on with the task of filling in from February 2002.
Perhaps the list of books read will be a good place to start. This list begins while we were teaching at Eastern Nazarene College. Perhaps a few annotations at selected books will be a good exercise and suffice.
2003
January 4, 2003: J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Part Two: The Two Towers. New York: Ballentine Books, 1965. January 8, 2003: Nora Roberts, Midnight Bayou. New York: Jove Books, 2001. January 20, 2003: Nicholas Sparks, Nights in Rodanthe. Warner Books, 2002. January 26, 2003: Evelyn Underhill, Worship. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1937. January 29, 2003: Annie Dillard, An American Childhood. New York: Harper & Row, 1987. February 3, 2003: Archibald MacLeish, “J.B.” A Play in Verse. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1956, 1957, 1958. February 7, 2003: Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith. New York: Anchor Books, 1999. This was a most enjoyable and refreshing read to encounter her for the first time. Read two more of her books and heard her in PLNC Chapel and interviewed by Dean Nelson.
February 15, 2003: Gustavo Gurierrez, On Job: God Talk and the Suffering of the Innocent. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 1985. Mined this for SS lessons on Job furnishing helpful insights from time to time.
February 22, 2003: The Prayers of Saint Therese of Lisieux, tran. Aletheia Kane. Washington, DC: ICS Publications, Institute of Carmelite Studies, 1997 (French 1988). February 26, 2003: The Collected Poems of Hart Crane, ed. Waldo Frank. New York: Liveright Publishing Corporation, 1933. March 8, 3003: Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For? Zondervan, 2002. March 14, 3003: Fedrico Ruiz, Project Director, God Speaks in the Night: The Life, Times, and Teaching OF ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS. ISC Publications, 1991. A favorite saint whose works I have read twice and taught a seminar as well as written a published paper comparing him with John Wesley.
March 24, 3003: Blaise Pascal, Pensees: Notes on Religion and Other Subjects, Ed. Louis LaFuma, tran. John Warrington. New York: Dutton, 1960. A classic, finally read.
March 30, 3003: Stephen S. Carver, Paul and Judaic Soteriology, A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Division of New Testament Studies in Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Divinity. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, North American Baptist Seminary, 1992. April 11, 3003: Anne Lamott, Crooked Little Heart. New York: Pantheon Books, 1997. April 12, 3003: Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. San Francisco: Pantheon Books, 1994. May18, 2003: John Irving, The Fourth Hand. New York: Ballentine Books, 2001. May 24, 2003: Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead, 50th Anniversary Edition (New York: Penguin Books, 1943-1993). May 26, 2003: Thomas a Kempis, The Imitation of Christ. New York: Image Books, 1955. Another classic, finally read. Read often by John Wesley in his early years.
May 26, 2003: The Collected Letters of St. Teresa of Avila, Volume One 1546-1577. Translated by Kieran Kavanaugh. Washington, D.C.: ICS Publications, Institute of Carmelite Studies, 2001. May 27, 2003: Lynn Curtis, Compiler, Love Stories, Introduction by Rosamunde Pilcher. New York: St. Martin’s Paperbacks, 1990. June 7, 2002: Katherine Graham, Personal History. New York: Vintage Books, 1997. June 26, 2003: Janette Oke, Love Comes Softly. Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship, 1979. June 27, 2003: Kathleen Norris, Dakota: A Spiritual Geography. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2001, 1993. The first and probably the most enjoyable of her books for me. Her use of the land, home country, was delightful and informative.
June 27, 2003: Arthur F. Seamans, In Spirit and In Truth. Rough Draft, June 20, 2003. Must see if I can get this.
June 29, 2003: John N. Wall, Jr., George Herbert: The Country Parson, the Temple. New York: Paulist Press, 1981. George Herbert was a joy to become acquainted with. Had at least one SS lesson on him.
July 2, 2003: Nora Roberts, Montana Sky. New York: Jove Boos, 1996. July 6, 2003: Hans Kueng, Mozart: Traces of Transcendence. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1993, German 1991. July 14, 2003: J. Gerald Janzen, Job: Interpretation. Atlanta: John Knox, 1985. My primary inspirational commentary for the SS series on Job. He often gave me the “connecting point” to a Job passage. My primary exegetical commentary was the volume NICOT by John Hartley at APU.
July 17, 2003: Eugene H. Peterson, Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity. Eerdmans, 1987. His writings on spirituality and ministry spoke often relevantly to me.
July 23, 2003: Karl Barth, Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart. Eerdmans, 1986. August 1, 2003: Karl Barth, Prayer, 50th Anniversary Edition with Essays. Westminster John Knox, 2002. August 10, 2003: Barbara Kingsolver. The Poisonwood Bible. New York: Harper Perennial, 1998. August 17, 2003: The Letters of John. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996. August 20, 2003: Simon Tolkien. The Final Witness. New York: Random House, 2002. Novel by the son of the author of The Lord of the Rings.
August 30, 2003: Weigelt, Morris, & E. Dee Freeborn, Living the Lord’s Prayer. Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2001. September 2, 2003: Roger Hudleston, ed. The Spiritual Letters of Dom John Chapman, O.S.B. London: Sheed and Ward, 1946, 1935. September 6, 2003: Thomas C. Oden, The Transforming Power of Grace. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1993. September 13, 2003: Evelyn Undershill. ABBA: Meditations based on the Lord’s Prayer. New York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1940. September 19, 2003: E. F. Scott. The Lord’s Prayer: Its Character, Purpose, and Interpretation. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1951. September 22, 2003: A. S. Bryant, Possession: A Romance. New York: Vintage International, 1990. October 19, 2003: Jean-Pierre Caussade. Abandonment to Divine Providence. Tran. John Beevers. New York: Doubleday, 1975. October 19, 2003: Barbara Kingsolver. Prodigal Summer. New York: HarperCollins, 2000. November 4, 2003: Jean-Piere Caussade, Spiritual Letters of Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Translated by Kitty Muggeridge. Wilton, Conn: Morehourse-Barlow, 1986 (French 1900). November 14, 2003: Anita Diamant, The Red Tent. New York: Picador USA, 1997. November 26, 2003: Friedrich von Huegel, Friedrich von Huegel: Selected Writings. Compiled and Introduced by P. Franklin Chambers. London: Collins, 1965 (1945). December 9, 2003: Donna Fletcher Crow, To Be Worthy. Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books, 1986. December 19, 2003: Nora Roberts, Sullivan’s Woman. New York: Silhouette Books, 1984. December 28, 2003: Celtic Prayers of Today and Yesterday. Lion Giftlines. December 29, 2003: Prayers Across the Centuries. Wheaton: Harold Shaw, Publishers, 1993. December 29, 2003: Robert E. Webber, The Younger Evangelicals: Facing the Challenges of the New World. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002. December 31, 2003: Connie Griffith Patrick. The Land of the Long White Cloud: Nazarenes in New Zealand. Kansas City, Missouri: Nazarene Publishing House, 2003.
2004
January 7, 2004: Art Seamans. The Dead One Touched Me From the Past: A Walk Through the Centuries. St. Johns, NL: Breakwater, 2003. January 14, 2004: Faye Kellerman, The Forgotten. William Morrow, 2001. January 23, 2004: Oswald Chambers, Studies in the Sermon on the Mount. Cincinnati: God’s Revivalist Press, 1915. January 27, 2004: Evelyn Underhill, Concerning the Inner Life. London: Methuen & Co., Ltd., 1926. February 2, 2004: Adrian Plass, The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass Aged 37 ¾. Glasgow: Harper Collins, 1987. March 6, 2004: Jon Krakauer, Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith. New York: Doubleday, 2003. March 8, 2004: Nancy M. Malone, Walking a Literary Labyrinth: A Spirituality of Reading. New York: Riverhead Books, 2003. March 10, 2004: Nicolas Sparks, The Notebook. New York: Warner Books, Inc., 1996. March 12, 2004: Helen Waddell, The Desert Fathers. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1957, 1936. March 23, 2004: Bill Cosby, Fatherhood. New York: Doubleday, 1886. March 23, 2004: John Baille, Our Knowledge of God. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1939. April 9, 2004: Rudolf Bultmann, The Old and the New Man in the Letters of Paul. John Knox Press, 1967 [German 1964]. April 10, 2004: Margaret Magdalen, Jesus, Man of Prayer. InterVarsity Press, 1987. April 14, 2004: Frank Baker, Charles Wesley’s Verse: An Introduction. Epworth Press, 2nd ed., 1988 (1964). April 15, 2004: Henri J. M. Nouwen, Out of Solitude. Ave Maria Press, 1974. April 16, 2004: Laura Hillenbrand, Seabiscuit: An American Legend. Random House, 2001. April 26, 2004: Thomas R. Kelly, A Testament of Devotion. Harper & Row, 1941. May 11, 2004: Anthony Bloom, Beginning to Pray. Paulist Press, 1970. One I have read many times in the past.
May 13, 2004: Thomas Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge. Penquin Books, 1994 (1886). May 16, 2004: Henri J. M. Nouwen, Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life. Doubleday & Company. Inc., 1975. May 17, 2004: Raymond Paul Zirblis, Country Churches. MetroBooks, 1998. May 31, 2004: Berge S. Nagarian, Climbing On Top Your Troubles. Vienna, VAS: Xulon Press, 2001.
June 14, 2004: George W. Rice, My Walk Across the Church: 30 Years on the Assembly Line. Nazarene Publishing House, 1986. June 27, 2004: Robin Maas, Crucified Love: The Practice of Christian Perfection. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1989. July 2, 2004: Colleen McCullough, The October Horse. New York: Pocket Books, 2002 July 16, 2004: Brennan Manning, Lion and Lamb: The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus. ChosenBooks, 1984. July 16, 2004: Nicholas Sparks, The Wedding. Warner Books, 2003. July 19, 2004: Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering our Hidden Life in God. HarperSanFrancisco, 1998. July 23, 2004: Evelyn Underhill, Practical Mysticism. E. P. Dutton, 1915. July 24, 2004: Sam Powell, Holiness in the 21st Century: Call, Consecration, Obedience, Perfected in Love. Point Loma Nazarene University, 2004. July 28, 2004: Jaroslav Pelikan, Back Among the Theologians. Fortress, 1986. July 28, 2004: Doug Webster, The Easy Yoke. Navipress, 1995. August 6, 2004: Evelyn Underhill, The Spiritual Life. Ariel Press, 1937, 1963. August 13, 2004: T. B. Mastin, Suffering: A Personal Perspective. Broadman Press, 1967. August 25, 2004: John Baillie, The Idea of Revelation in Recent Thought. Columbia University Press, 1956. September 14, 2004: Deborah Douglas and David Douglas, Pilgrims in the Kingdom: Travels in Christian Britain. Upper Room Books, 2004. September 16, 2004: Kenneth W. Stevenson, The Lord’s Prayer: A Text in Tradition. Fortress Press, 2004. October 19, 2004: Henry Bett, The Hymns of Methodism. The Epworth Press, 1913, 1920, 1945. October 19, 2004: S. T. Kimbrough, Jr., Lost in Wonder: Charles Wesley, The Meaning of His Hymns Today. Upper Room, 1987. October 23, 2004: Michael Lodahl, All Things Necessary to Our Salvation: The Hermeneutical and Theological Implications of the Article on the Holy Scriptures in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. Point Loma Press, 2004. October 25, 2004: Nicholas Sparks, Message in a Bottle. Warner Books, 1998. November 9, 2004: Bernard Lord Manning, The Hymns of Wesley and Watts. London: The Epworth Press, 1942. November 12, 2004: Dana Greene, ed., Evelyn Underhill: Modern Guide to the Ancient Quest for the Holy. State University of New York Press, 1988. December 3, 2004: Mark R. Quanstrom, A Century of ????????? December 4, 2004: : Janette Oke, Love Comes Softly. Minneapolis: Bethany Fellowship, 1979. December 9, 2004: Ronald Blythe, Divine Landscapes. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1986. December 26, 2004: Stephen S. Carver, The UnGospel: The Life and Teachings of the Historical Jesus. Wipf & Stock, Publishers, 2004. December 27, 2004: Thomas Hardy. Tess of the d’Urbervilles. Second Edition, W. W. Norton & Company, 1979 (1891). .
2005
January 15, 2005 T. Crichton Mitchell. Charles Wesley: Man with the Dancing Heart. Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1994. January 28, 2005: Samuel Powell, ed., It’s All About Grace. Point Loma Press, 2004. February 9, 2005: James Redfield, The Celestine Prophecy: An Adventure. Warner Books, 1993. February 20, 2005: Luanne Rice, Dance With Me. Bantam Dell, 2004. March 6, 2005: Edith Stein, The Science of the Cross. ICS Publications, 2002. March 23, 2005: Jan Karon, In the Mountain (?). Book on Tape. April 5, 2005: Amy Tan, The Opposite of Fate. Book on Tape. April 8, 2005: Luanne Rice, Follow the Stars Home. Bantam Books, 2000. April 12, 2005: Sandra Brown, Above and Beyond. Book on Tape. April 14, 2005: Nora Roberts, Blue Dahlia. Book on Tape. First of three. May 27, 2005: Evelyn Underhill, The Golden Sequence A Fourfold Study of the Spiritual Life. Harper & Brothers, 1933. June 16, 2005: E. D. Huntley, Amy Tan: A Critical Companion. Greenwood Press, 1998. June 24, 2005: Tony Hendra, Father Joe: The Man Who Saved My Soul. Random House, 2004. www.tonyhendra.com www.atrandom.com July 22, 2005: Ann Morrow Lindbergh, Gift From the Sea. Pantheon Books, 1955. July 29, 2005: Robert T. Petersson, The Art of Ecstasy: Teresa, Bernini, and Crashaw. Atheneum, 1974. August 23, 2005: Amy Tan, The Hundred Secret Senses. Ivy Books, 1995. September 16, 2005: Thomas Jay Oord and Michael Lodahl, Relational Holiness: Responding to the Call of Love. Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2005. October 16, 2005: Samuel Powell, A Theology of Spirituality. Abingdon, 2005.
2006
January 26, 2006: Kathleen Norris, The Quotidian Mysteries. Paulist Press, 1998. February 5, 2006: Coleen McCullough, The Ladies of Missalonghi. Arrow Books, 1987. February 8, 2006: Nora Roberts, Northern Lights. G. P. Putman Sons, 2004. February 13, 2006: Kay Cornelius, Alabama. Barbour Publishing, Inc., 2004 (1999, 2003, 2004). March 7, 2006: Catherine Whitmore, Plain Living: A Quaker Path to Simplicity. Sorin Books, 2001. March 19, 2006: Don Piper, 90 Minutes in Heaven. Revell, 2004. April 22, 2006: Dan Brown, The Da Vinci Code. Doubleday, 2003. This book and the movie that followed caught the attention of the Western world, especially in North America. Read the book, and saw the movie. A good read and interesting movie, but they had not been a challenge to the orthodox understanding of Jesus, it is doubtful that it would have gotten anywhere near the attention. In the light of the challenges of the last 150 years it made little impact on the minds of those who had any inkling of Jesus’ history.
April 30, 2006: Frank Moore, The Power to Be Free: Discovering Life in the Spirit of Christ. Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2005. May 14, 2006: Ken Schenk, A Brief Guide to Biblical Hermeneutics. Triangle Publishing, 2005. Shared with me by Keith Pagan, a sound elementary introduction by an Indiana Wesleyan professor.
May 29, 2006: Darrel Falk, Coming to Peace with Science: Bridging the Worlds Between Faith and Biology. InterVarsity Press, 2004. June 26, 2006: Brad E. Kelle, editor, The Wise Shepherd: Biblical and Theological Resources for the Pastoral Task. Point Loma Press, 2006. June 26, 2006: Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue. Warner Books, 2000. July 9, 2006: Marilynne Robinson, Gilead. Picador, 2004. July 26, 2006: Richard J.Mouw & Mark A. Noll, ed, Wonderful Words of Life: Hymns in American Protestant History and Theology. William B. Eerdmans, 2004. September 2, 2006: Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis. Zondervan, 2005. September 21, 2006: Andy Stanley & Bill Willits, Creating Community: 5 Keys to Building A Small Group Culture. Multnomah Publishers, 2004. September 29, 2006: Roger Lundin, Emily Dickinson: and the Art of Unbelief. William B. Eerdmans, 1998. September 30, 2006: Harold S. Kushner, Overcoming Life’s Disappointments. Alfred A,.Knopf, 2006. October 9, 2006: Barbara Brown Taylor, Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith. HarperSanFrancisco, 2006. October 11, 2006: Wendell Berry, Three Short Novels: Nathan Coulter, Remembering, A World Lost. Counterpoint, 2002. October 16, 2006: Nicholas Sparks, True Believer. Warner Books, 2005. October 16, 2006: Francis Young & David F. Ford, Meaning and Truth in 2 Corinthians. Eerdmans, 1987. October 19, 2006: Barbara Brown Taylor, Home by Another Way. Cowley Publications, 1999. October 19, 2006: Walter Isaacson, Benjamin Franklin, An American Life. Simon and Schuster, 2003. October 19, 2006: Nicholas Sparks, The Guardian. Warner Books, 2003. November 14, 2006: Barbara Brown Taylor, The Preaching Life. Cowley Publications, 1993. November 26, 2006: Barbara Brown Taylor, When God is Silent, Cowley Publications, 1998. December 31, 2006: Paul Tillich, Dynamics of Faith. Harper & Row, 1957.
2007
1. January 10, 2007: Nicholas Sparks, At First Sight. Warner Books, 2005. February 21, 2007: Rowan Williams, Teresa of Avila, Continuum, 1991. The best and most helpful interpretation of her that I have read.
March 5, 2007: Jan Harris, Quiet in His Presence: Experiencing God’s Love through Silent Prayer. Baker Books, 2003. March 28, 2007: Henri J. M. Nouwen, With Burning Hearts: A Meditation on the Eucharistic Life. Orbis Books, 1944. April 10, 2007: Rowan Williams, Grace and Necessity: Reflections on Art and Love. Morehouse, 2005. April 26, 2007: Elizabeth von Arnim, The Enchanted April. Doubleday, Page & Company, 1923. April 27, 2007: Deborah Smith Douglas, The Praying Life: Seeking God in All Things. Morehouse Publishing, 2003. May 1, 2007: Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre. Edited by Beth Newman in Case Studies in Contemporary Criticism. Bedford Books of St. Martin’s Press, 1966. May 8, 2007: Debbie Macomber, A Morning Comes Softly. Avon Books, 1993. May 11, 2007: Debbie Macomber, Susannah’s Garden. Audio, 2006. May 13, 2007: Francis Collins, The Language of God. Audio, ???. May 19, 2007: N. T. Wright, Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. HarperSanFrancisco, 2006. May 21, 2007: Michael Lodahl, When Love Bends Down: Images of the Christ Who Meets Us Where Are. Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2006. June 10, 2007: Maxine Walker, ed., Charles Wesley’s Hymns: ‘Prints’ and Practices of Love Divine. Point Loma Press, 2007 July 5, 2007: N. T. Wright, Paul: In Fresh Perspective, Fortress Press, 2005 July 16, 2007: W. E. McCumber, Square Peg: An Anecdotal Memoir. 2007. July 28, 2007: W. E.. McCumber, The Woman God Gave Me. 2007. August 12, 2007: Alan Burgess, The Small Woman. E. P. Dutton & Co., 1957. September 1, 2007: C. S. Lewis, Letters to an American Lady. Eerdmans, 1967. September 13, 2007: C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed. Seabury Press, 1963. September 18, 2007: Adrian Plass, Never Mind the Reversing ducks: a non-theologian encounters Jesus in the Gospel according to St Mark. Zondervan, 2002. September 19, 2007: Donald Spoto, Notorious: The Life of Ingrid Bergman. Da Capo Press, 1997. October 6, 2007: Elie Wiesel, Night. New translation by Marion Wiesel. Hill and Wang, 1972, 1985, 2006. I read this in Cincinnati after watching Ken Burns War. I had put off reading it for almost a month after Junita loaned it to me.
September 21-October 17, 2007
ITINERARY—FRANK & BETTY CARVER Maine—Ohio
Fri-Sept 21 11:20 am depart for Bangor on Delta #1714, Arrive Cincinnati 6:30 pm 7:25 pm depart on Delta #5340, Arrive Bangor 9:45 pm
Sept 21-24 Rick and Debi Stephens, Holden, ME (207-989-1028
Mon-Sept 24 11:10 am depart for Cincinnati on Delta #3570, Arrive Boston 12:24 pm 1:43 pm depart on Delta 0644, Arrive Cincinnati 4:01 pm 8GOA5 PS3MLL
Sept 24-Oct 17 With Carol Carver, Cincinnati, OH (513-598-8554)
Oct 12 Hampton Inn Anderson, Clemson, SC visiting Rachel
Oct 13-14 Alpharetta, Georgia-David & Melissa. Comfort Suites, 3000 Mansell Road, Alpharetta, 770-645-6060 Exit 8, SR400
Oct 15 Return to Cincinnati from Atlanta
Wed-Oct 17 9:20 am depart for SD on Delta 0691, Arrive SD 11.01 am. 8GOA5 PS3MLL
October 7, 2007 Catch up from 2/9/2003 continued
Continuing to work backward from our time in Cincinnati with Carol we rented a Hyundai on 10/1 and drove out to Williamsburg on #32 east to see Robert and Moira League. Robert was a 1968 graduate of PC who thought for himself and after a year at NTS went to New College Edinburgh. We corresponded during that period extensively about his intellectual journey and the church. There he met providentially Moira and married her. Coming back to the states it a Nazarene pastorate did not work out (his father was a Nazarene pastor) so after a time he became first a Methodist and then a Presbyterian pastor, mostly in Ohio. At the present time they both have health problems, but Moira has Lou Gerhig’s disease (?) affecting her speech and ability to swallow, with a life-expectancy of probably not more than three years. He will retire in January at 62 to give full-time in caring for her. Sad, but it is imperative that we keep in touch. Am sharing the knowledge of books on heaven and sending him the commentary on 2 Corinthians 4:7—5:10, “A Ministry of Suffering.” A brief visit to an Amish community 30 miles further east with a interesting and costly (?) store and the sighting of one horse and buggy followed.
Also on Thursday (10/4) we drove to Dayton for a Cracker Barrel lunch with Don and Norma Burris, old NTS classmates. A good time but it seems that the older we get, the less we have to talk about after about an hour of catch up. Our lives and mental frameworks are so different. This trip we had decided not to make the effort to visit friends in Mount Vernon. Following lunch we drove to the Zenia area and found the grave of Ruth and Ridgeley Paul in a neatly kept cemetery just south of #35 east on Valley Road (?). Brought back memories of their last night with us and the following tradegy. Have finished Elie Wiesel’s Night that I began to read after watching Ken Burn’s seven episode documentary “War,” beginning our last evening in Bangor. It was an increasingly difficult series to watch because of the loss of life, mistaken strategic judgments, and the evil and tragic nature of it all. It gave me a better overall perspective for the war in both areas, and reminded of me of the horror of it all that I could not grasp as an adolescent living through it. Saw in the Japanese determination to fight to the death and convince civilians to do the same, the reasoning that led to the nuclear bomb for the resultant saving of life. I was too young for the war itself, 17 in 1945, but would have possible been in the occupation forces if I had not been classified 4D, as a minister. Eugene did serve in Austria.
On the way we flew first to Bangor, Maine, to renew acquaintance and fellowship with Rick and Debi Stephens, September 21-24. Rick, now Chief Academic Officer at Husson College was in his first year as Academic Dean at ENC when we were there ion 2001-2002. Their house set in a tree-filled lot in ????, was a most attractive and adequate home. Debit is as great housewife and cook, and fed us marvelously. Our activities included a driving trip to Augustus, going on the interstate and returning in a fascinating drive through the countryside. Augusts was the site of a Christmas store! We ate at Camden Betty and I having shrimp and lobster respectfully. Sunday we attended the Baptist Church they have decided to become a part of. It was great to reminisce about our year and accomplishments together and to catch up on the intervening years and especially to chat about ENC and its progress under the presidency of Corlis McGee. Apparently she began with a negative attitude toward the previous administration and it did not take Rick long to decide that it was time for him to move on. So with Rick’s resignation the process began to replace all top administrators. Rick is happy at Husson, he showed us the campus, and with its vocational emphasis is a healthy institution. Schools of pharmacy and law are in the initial stages. All in all they are happily situated, with the only negative being a suitable position for Debi, which by definition is not available at Husson along with Rick.
On September 17, 2007, we submitted 2 Cor chs 1-9 to George Lyons with the “From the Text” yet to be written for chs 8-9. That brings the exegetical part of the commentary to 2/3rds completion apart from revisions. Some more thinking and reading needs to be done on 5:11—9:15. To write the commentary has been demanding but most enjoyable. Going to the PLNU campus Wesleyan Center has its own satisfactions. I find this kind of creative concentration very meaningful, in fact contributing to the purpose of retirement. So with four chapters per year I should be able to have the commentary as such written by August 2008. I have no idea as of yet what George thinks of what I have done. Not worried, because the more work he makes me, the more time he will have to give me.
Roberta Reed passed away August-September, 2007 (precise date?). Had the prayer at her memorial service on ???. Another service was held in Colorado. Saw her in Thornton Hospital a few days before she passed away but she apparently was not conscious of my presence. Should I have prayed anyway? Gerard was off doing errands so missed him. Did have some occasional fellowship with him before the Spring Semester ended in the Wesleyan Center. And we were able to have our traditional Valentine’s day, though belated, dinner at The Tickled Trout. Hopefully I can get with him when he returns to San Diego in November.
Over the July 4th weekend, 2007, we were privileged to spent a brief vacation time with Bud and Georgia Schroeder in the home or Ron and Jan MacCrory (sp) in Altadena. Their home is located in an exclusive area overlooking the city, seeing as far as down town LA. The house is spacious and luxuriously build and furnished. We saw the fire works in the Rose Bowl, went out to eat, watched baseball and took in I think two movies, “Evening” and “The Mighty Heart.” Friends from Jan’s work joined us for the fireworks. We attended first Church Pasadena seeing many old friends and had lunch with Ridge Jr. It was interesting to hear Scott Daniels preach. He appears well suited to the church, probably better than with us. Dee suits our present ethos better and Scott would have demanded more changes from us, probably more traditional, for he is a forceful more evangelical preacher who does not hesitate in his enthusiasm to “push the envelope” that would be questionable in a more academic environment where everything has “qualifications”! May 2-13 We drove to Denver, South Fork, Albuquerque, El Paso, and Phoenix. On the way to Denver we ran into snow (twice) and hail in Utah and into snow again on our descent into Denver. We stayed with Monty and Raina (4-5) enjoying a great visit with them, especially discussing Global Warming and of course the relation of science to religion. Maurine was brought over and a day was spent with her. Probably don’t call her enough. And I should note here that Gene and I call each other probably at least once a month. From Denver we drove through Colorado Springs to Alamosa where we stayed the night (6) before driving on to South Fork to visit Rogan and Caroline Taylor. We saw their Church, had refreshments (tea) with them, and a great visit, getting acquainted with Caroline, as well as seeing the area, their temporary home (Bill Bond’s cabin) and the one they were buying. Alamosa was where Gordan Golsan taught and where Rogan’s daughter is now attending College. Rogan, along with Bernard Hale and Fred Tedder are three students from out teaching in South Africa that we keep in touch with. Have had some e-mail contact with Henk Pietersie as well.
Later that day we took off cross country to Albuquerque for two nights (7-8) with Don and Dora Sylvester, friends that go back before we were married. In fact he preached for me when I went back to Michigan for our wedding. Again catch up conversation and a drive with Don up the mountain with an education about the always changing flora. Don and I always have great fellowship about all kinds of topics, religious, church, political, even scientific. Dora’s health, of course, always remains delicate.
October 10, 2007 Catch up from 2/9/2003 continued
Since last entry we attended Springdale Church of the Nazarene again for Pastor Rick’s second sermon on family relationships, this time marriage. Impressive was the use of five couples in their wedding garb. While formally he preached from Colossians, this time it was from the classic passage in Ephesians 5. Rick’s hermeneutic is interesting. He takes the passage literally, formally ignores the time and cultural gap, but by the time he applies to text to the present the shift of spheres, though invisible (and unconscious?), the underlying theological truth is interpreted in terms of the present. In other words, his contemporary Christian understanding is made the literal meaning of the text. So what the text means is what it meant! But that is better than what the text meant is what it means? Even better in my book is to get at the theology that informs what it meant and interpret its meaning in the present. I wonder if he would buy my analysis? Also Sunday we drove out for a 4:30 pm dinner at Bravo’s with Sherri, Bobby, and Jean. A good yearly get together. Turned the car back in Monday and got new tires on Carol’s Explorer for the trip this weekend. A recent e-mail from Larry Hoffman indicates that Maurine is now pretty much confined to a wheel-chair. To continue our backwards survey, from Sylvesters we drove to El Paso, Texas, for a couple of days (5/9-10) with Larry and Mary Jo. One day we went for a drive by back roads to Las Cruces and had a great meal with Larry in a non-tourist Mexican restaurant. Next stop was Chandler 5/10-11beginning with a visit with Verna Frey in the morning and high tea with Whitelaws in the afternoon for a delightful visit before their three month trip to South Africa. They shared with us the divorce of their son Paul and motivated me to read the pertinent chapter in Richard Hays NT ethics. Chuck and Marge Higgins were out of town and an attempt to get with Dan Hoffman and family ran amuck of their family situation. A special treat was the opportunity to attend the Global Theological Conference in Holland March 30-April 4 (includes travel days) at the invitation of the General Church. The invitation came while we were here last fall, and the decision to go was difficult to make. Called both Robert Smith and Ron Benefiel (co-chairman with Jerry Lambert?) in the process. Betty said I could go if Bob would look after me. So I was able to travel with Robert Smith, John Hawthorne, Brad Kelle, & Michael Lodahl. When I checked in and arrived at my room, I discovered that my roommate was Bob Brown, PLNU President. This enabled some late evening meaningful conversations and a better acquaintance. The meaning of the conference for me was twofold, (1) the impact of the educational people from the international church—bright, passionate, and anti-colonial; and (2) seeing again many former students and acquaintances—sixteen former students, I think. I have a list of those and some notes from the conference in a file. Our small group included Paul Bassett, Ed Robinson, the new GS (?), a missionary couple, our leader from the Carribean, and representatives I believe from Argentina (?).
Apart from the normal holiday activities memory has to jump back to September/October 2006 when we spent a month in Cincinnati with Carol with the big event being the river boat festival (Tall Stacks?) with river boats from as far away as New Orleans. We rode one on the river. Rick and I did some Cincinnati sight-seeing, the railroad station and museum, and the high buildings downtown with views of the city, the river, and the sports stadiums. With Carol we visited an art museum. With the rented care we drove to MVNU, staying with David and Genevieve Cubie. We were entertained for dinner at Wayne and Lee Dunlops with the Varagieses as their guests (sp). The next day was a delightful lunch with Ted and Joan Esselstyn in their home out in the country.
In the fall of 2006 John Hawthorne from Warner Pacific College became Provost. Patrick Allen had gone to SNU a year earlier. Keith Bell had served in the interim along with his other duties. In August 2006 the 2 Corinthians commentary on chs 1-4 was submitted to George Lyons, the Pauline editor. To this date, 910/10/07) I have received no meaningful feedback on my work. Feedback is promised, however, when I return, for now he has through ch 9. The editing of Greathouse’s Romans was no doubt all consuming. In April 2006 Jerry McCant retired with plans to move to North Carolina. He had waited until very late in the year to make it known to Sam and others for his usual inter-personal reasons. In the Spring of 2006, in February I think, we went on a cruise in Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand with Keith and Betty Pagan. Plane from LA landed in Brisbane first, with another plane to Sydney. Spent two or three days there sight-seeing shopping. Bernard and Brenda Hale took us to a revolving restaurant and treated us all. Brenda is now fighting serious breast cancer. The cruise took us to Melbourne, Tasmania, Milford Sound (?), and various ports on the South and North Island on our way to Auckland. We walked the cities and took one bus ride into the interior to a cultural center and a sheep ranch, In Wellington, I believe, we were taken by bus to a delightful dinner in a local home which was open to us. In Auckland we saw Paul Webster-Harris, Juliette and children, went to their church and shared a picnic. Keith and Betty had a friend in Auckland, New Zealand, who took them a round and us as well for one of the days there. Fall 2005 saw Patrick Allen begin his time as Provost of SNU. Indications from him late indicated that it was not an easy year, but that Lori was happy and fulfilled. Some time in the Spring/Summer/Fall 2005 work began on 2 Corinthians for The New Beacon Bible Commentary. George Lyons is the editor for the Pauline literature. Check e-mails, contract, etc., for more precise dates. Towards the end of March and at the beginning of April 2005, with both cars we moved Carol back to Cincinnati, Ohio, to a new job and to a house she had bought some time in the previous fall or earlier (just when?). She began work for Tom Sexton & Associates selling school and office furniture, a job with a lot of new learning, and one that she is not totally suited for. Due to some unfair criticism she now feels free to begin to look for a position more suited to her training. She does teach on line for National University in San Diego, teaches live for MVNU in Cincinnati, and writes courses and teaches them online for Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs. On the way to Cincinnati we stayed overnight with Sylvestors. On the way to Flagstaff we had mid-afternoon snack with a friend of Carol’s, and then the drive to Flagstaff became rainy and foggy, making for a terrible drive, particularly trying to keep each other in view. Coming back we stopped east of St. Louis because of the basketball tournament, than on to Kansas City staying with Steve and Tricia McCormick. They gave a dinner one night inviting Bill and Becky Selvidge and perhaps Rob and Marcella Staples. Visited NTS and a nice chat with Ron B. From there we drove to Lincoln, saw Agnes and Oneata (sp) and Dutch Rickli. Nora was sick, and I am not sure if we saw Doris or not. Two days in Valentine with time with Gene went well until we went out to dinner together, which was a downer—wrong topic raised! On our way a drive through southern South Dakota with a stop at Wounded Knee turning south at Pine Ridge was a delightful drive. We stayed the night at Alliance where it snowed, so our progress on to Denver was delayed by an unscheduled overnight. Think now we stopped in Sydney (had we gotten a reservation) and made a reservation in Fort Morgan (?), going on into Littleton on the next day after the storm had passed. So our time at Montys and the visit with Maurine was shortened. My memory says we went on from there to Los Alamos for two nights with Larry, and then through Albuquerque (early lunch at Cracker Barrell with Sylvestors), and then on to Flagstaff for the night. Going through Phoenix we had an early lunch with Higgins and then on home.
October 11, 2007 Catch up from 2/9/2003 continued
I finished today the reading of Michael Casey, Sacred Reading: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina. My copy will probably stay with Carol and I may get a copy for Dee. The best I have read on the subject for reading Scripture devotionally and especially for reading the early Fathers of the Church.
Also completed was George Sayer’s Jack: A Life of C. S. Lewis, a biography by a close friend and seemingly very true to his life and character, over against some later studies who seek to denigrate his psychological health and Christian impact. The book was an eye opener for me with mixed feelings due I guess to his obvious “Britishness.” But a most interesting read and a help to understand his works, more of which I want to read as the list below indicates. The biggest impact on the biography comes from Lewis as a reader. As an activist American I have a hard time just reading over against production! Maybe I can get more reading in at night. My interest was inspired by viewing the two “Shadowlands” videos.
C. S. Lewis Bibliography
Douglas Gresham (stepson), Jack’s Life: The Life Story of C. S. Lewis. Broadman and Holman, 2005. Alan Jacobs, The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis. Harper- SanFrancisco, 2005. Walter Hooper, Through Joy and Beyond: A Pictorial Biography of C. S. Lewis, 1982. George Sayer, Jack: A Life of C. S. Lewis, 1988. By a former student and life-long friend. Appears definitive. Read as of 10/11/07. Brian Sibley, Shadowlands. Excellent short biography of Lewis with a particularly full treatment of his relationship with Joy. Basis of BBC film in which Lewis’s doubts after her death were exaggerated into a loss of faith.. Sheldon Vanauken, A Severe Mercy, 1979. Contains nineteen complete Lewis letters.
Perelandra, 1943. One of his two best novels reprinted in paperback as The Voyage to Venus in 1953. The Great Divorce: A Dream, 1945. Narnia series began in 1950. Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life, 1955. Til We Have Faces: A Myth Retold, 1956. Best Novel & aided by Joy. Reflections on the Psalms, 1958. . The Four Loves, 1960. Lectures on the themes of the novel. One of four inspired by Joy. An Experiment in Criticism, 1961. Different, critical of the critics. Worth looking at. A Grief Observed, 19??. The one of the four Joy never knew about.
Again, back to the catch up discipline. In April (?) of 200r John Wright approached me about teaching again “The New Testament and Ministry” M.Min. course in Albuquerque with Reuben Welch. He could not and their was difficulty getting a second teacher. After some consideration I told John that I would do it alone. I would give the whole first weekend to the Lord’s Prayer and the second to an inductive look at 1 John. Morale toward PLNU in relation to the M.Min. program was at a low so I did my best to have a spiritual impact. Darrel Falk, then graduate Dean came the second weekend to deal with the problems head on. I invited him to share his faith and science journey in relation to Genesis and evolution but not all bought his perspective. It was informative and enjoyable and he was well received as a person. So I was told I “saved” the program. Enjoyed the students tremendously and the teaching. Details of who should be in computer files somewhere. I was dead tired and could hardly speak when I arrived at Sylvesters for the last weekend. Norm Shoemaker was soon to take over the program in his new position which enlarged the scope of the School of Religion to the pastors.
End of April and first of May 2004 Betty and I flew to Tuxtla, Chiapas, Mexico, for a one week course on the Lord’s Prayer to Mexican pastors under the leadership of Fredi Arreola who served as the translator. Spoke three times in Fredi’s church [Record must still be on Toshiba] and twice for Juan Enriques (Oliva) who later left the ministry because of a difficulty in the church. On the two Sunday mornings the governor of Chiapas, Pablo, was present. Mara had sent leather bound Purpose Driven Life books in Spanish to him, Fredi, and the DS. He was excited over it and Pablo’s wife kissed me on the cheek! During the week Pablo had his official helicopter take the four of us on a sight-seeing helicopter ride over the mountains and a impressive bridge. On the Saturday Fredi and Anita drove us up to San Cristobel in the mountains to the east where we visited old shops and ancient church, and enjoyed a good meal. We stayed in the nicest hotel in the city, an enjoyable experience. April 2-9 we celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary (March 31st) with a week in Carol’s timeshare on a golf course in Scottsdale, AZ, seeing friends—Chuck and Marge Higgins, Ken and Marilyn Grider, Ernie Berry, and Ken and Verna Frey. A former PLNC student had a group over including Vanderpools and the Stowes for a meal to which we and the Higgins were invited. We also had a meal with Dan Hoffman and family. Did some work on the Lord’s Prayer while there. This was about the next to the last time that we saw Ken Grider. I believe he and Marilyn came to SD later and we had a meal together with Jerry, Herb, etc., at the Bay Club.
In January 2004 I taught a two week course at ENBC, The Pentateuch. Interestingly I had forgotten that I had given my old notes to Olga Britcova. I had wondered why I had so little on the Pentateuch. Spent the last weekend with Olav and Christina Schmidt and preached Sunday in his Methodist Church. Had a meal with the Hollemans (only a light hint that all might not be well in the College administer relationships), the Nielsens (he had invited me to teach and had our accommodations and instructions well in hand) and desert with Uwe and Christa Bürmeister. Also had a meal out with Juliane Schlieleman and with Steve and Olga Gebhart. The students in the class were from Bulgaria, Holland, Japan, Ireland, Romania, and Germany. Was convinced that this should be the last class I should teach with papers, exams, and evaluation. I had to discipline my energies radically to be prepared mentally and physically for class. The Leadership conference followed and Robert Smith came with some students. Saw as well more folk we had met from our two years there. Following the course we took the trains to Hof, Germany, where we spent some time with Tabea and Robert Andörfer. The connections on the train ride were fearfully close and we just about missed getting off at our destination! I spoke in their Bible Study on 1 Cor 6, using Robert’s German commentary. We shopped and took a ride. It was near the old East German border and Czech Republic border. The church was in an old hotel building and our room was way down the hall from the bathroom in the Lutheran nun’s apartment. The beds were single and the heat was turned off at night. And it was a cold spell at the time. From there we went to Zurich for two days, and then home.
October 2003 brought Reuben Welch and I together for a course for the first time in our long teaching career together. It was the Master of Ministry course, “The New Testament and Ministry.” He lectured on Matthew and I on the Lord’s Prayer. We attended and were supportive of each others’ lectures. A fascinating and meaningful time. Reuben’s reflective insights were most stimulating. George Williamson was one of the students. Darlene Forward, now divorced, and dating her future husband, was caring for the course.
From September 27 through October 14, 2003, we traveled with Bud and Georgia Schroeder to Glacier, Washington, for a week in the foothills of Mount Baker. Again we used Carol’s timeshare. We took a long trip one day up into Canada to a famous ski area and beautiful mountain scenery. There was also a small, but attractive town not far away that we shopped and ate in a couple of times. On the way home I came down with a miserable urinary infection, just after we ate in the sky tower in Seattle. I believe on the way up we stayed with Bud’s brother Mel one night, and on the way home we saw Robbie in Eugene. We ate near the University campus.
This brings the journal up to date in terms of remembered events. Tomorrow we head toward Clemson to see Rachel and to Atlanta to see David and Melissa.
April 8-26, 2007
PANAMA CANAL CRUISE ITINERARY April 8-26, 2008 Keith and Betty Pagan Frank and Betty Carver
This cruise is aboard Holland America’s 5-Star Volendam. We fly to Ft. Lauderdale Tues. April 8, cruise, disembark in San Diego, Sat., April 26.
KAP/BP FGC/BC
DAY Date Tues Apr 8 Continental 132 6:40 AM, Arr. Houston 11:54, 1548 1:10 PM, FLL 4:41 PM
Marriott SpringHill Suites, Ft. Lauderdale Airport, 4/8-11/08. KAP: # 83916915 Ph. 954 920 9696 FGC: #83958938 Hertz full-size in airport #D9341202874 Cabins: Carver 2678-E Pagan 2674-E
Land
Sail 1 Fri, Apr 11 Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 2PM Board 05:00 PM 2-3 Sat-Sun, April 12-13, Days-at-Sea
4 Mon, Apr 14 Cartagena, Columbia 07:00 AM 02:00 PM 5 Tue, Apr 15 Panama Canal 05:00 AM 07:00 PM 6 Wed, Apr 16 Day-at-Sea
7 Thu, Apr 17 Puntarenas, Costa Rica Meet Esther Uerkvitz de Arias 07:00 AM 04:00 PM 8-9 Fri-Sat, Apr 18-19 Days-at-Sea
10 Sun, Apr 20 Manzanillo, Mex 10:00 AM 07:00 PM 11 Mon, Apr 21 Puerto Vallarta,Mex Virtuoso Excursion: comp. 08:00 AM 10:00 PM 12 Tue, Apr 22 Mazatlan, Mex 09:00 AM 05:00 PM 13 Wed, Apr 23 Topolobampo (Los Mochis) 05:30 AM 11:00 PM 14 Thu, Apr 24 Cabo San Lucas,Mex 10:00 AM 05:00 PM 15 Fri, Apr 25 Day-at-Sea
16 Sat Apr 26 San Diego, CA 07:00 AM
July 21, 2008 Beginning catch up from 10/11/2007
As always we have to work backward. Saturday (7/19) was the Memorial for Willo Mae Beresford with very meaningful music—hymns, a choir, piano piece, one with four pianists, and solos with Keith Bell at the organ. All was most fitting, Scripture and meditation by Tom Goble. I had a good conversation with Willo Mae at Home Town Buffett a month before she died. She complained about her head and said she was getting some tests.
July 24, 2008 Continuing catch up from 10/11/2007
Today I begin “In the Text” on 2 Corinthians 13:14, the final verse in the book. Than left is three sections on “From the Text,” continuing the re-reading of the whole, and completing the Introduction. We attended the Wednesday lunch at Home town Buffett yesterday probably for the last time in a while. Not eating till 1 pm takes too much out of Wednesday afternoon with prayer meeting that evening. Also attendance is waning. Prayer meeting was with Marc Otto last evening. Well done, but I missed Dee’s more low key approach with more quiet and his ability to lead us in reflection on Scripture. Today we drive to Temecula for a 2 pm lunch with Paul and Eleanor Simpson.
[Prayer meeting. Deaths of Don Sylvestor, Bob and Mary Irvine, Don Powell. Panama, trip to Fresno.]
December 11, 2008
Today is Betty’s 83rd birthday. Bought her turtles and took her out to Peohes with Christensens. Harry Ford passed away early Saturday morning December 6. Services will be on the 19th at 10:00 am. I need to recover dates for the completion of 2 Cor commentary (see e-mail file). It has been an enjoyable and enriching journey beginning early in 2005—so almost four years. It has been written mostly in the Wesleyan Center at PLNU. Prayer Meeting was last evening—Cecil and Betty back after many weeks absence. Must listen, praise, and pray—not comment on Scripture meditation—always irrelevant to what others are thinking!
December 12, 2008 A great birthday for Betty—calls from both Mark and Carol, lunch with friends of many years, a Christmas movie—Christmas Choir, and a great nap! Today is Temecula and Simpsons. Events that need writing up are the Panama cruise, the visit of Tabea and Robert, and Carol’s wedding.
December 22, 2008 Painters came in and swept all the way to the family room ceiling. The trauma of having the entire first floor unlivable was unexpected. Life has had for me the feeling of “out of control.” Harry’s service was Friday 12/19 in the First Baptist Church of Pomona—well-done—generic Baptist by a young minister. Sunday School with Schleiermacher yesterday—excellent service with Dan and Dee. Will help Avery with books this afternoon.
February 1, 2009 With this month I hope to begin to be more faithful to the journal. It has been sadly neglected for several years. Today is Super Bowl Sunday—Pittsburgh and Arizona. Herb is teaching SS in Romans 8. Yesterday was breakfast with Elbert Labinski and George and Sherill Beail at the Omelet Factory in Santee. Always a good time. Drove to National City and picked up fabric for drapes. Carol and Rick have had to deal with snow, ice, and cold this week. Mark may be back from France and Rwanda. Rick W’s new magazine appeared this week. Wednesday was prayer meeting (led part of it for Dee) and lunch with him. Discussed the darkness metaphor as used by W. Paul Jones in his Weavings article. Went to All Soul’s Eucharist Tuesday am and stayed for breakfast for the first time in years. Monday was lunch with Roger and ? Bowman at Lawrence Welks. Gateway is getting a new pastor. Biggest struggle has been to get on top of piles in study, and catch up with personal affairs, important papers, as well as correspondence. Trying to go to WC two days a week and finish study on “the Burning Heart.” Need to recapture January’s events. April 11-19, 2009
ARIZONA ITINERARY
Sat-April 11 Arrive from San Diego--Chuck & Marge Higgins, 10314 Desert Rock, Sun City, AZ 85351 623-875-2824 Dinner with Higgins and Edna Floyd
Sun-April 12 4 pm. Check in at Cibola Vista Resort & Spa, 27501 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria, AZ 8538-31340 623-889-6700 #012585461 confirmation (305-668-3414 / 877-700-1154.-customer service at headquarters
Dinner with Thirl and Floyd Johnson, 18500 Diamond Drive, Surprise, AZ 85374.
Mon-Apr 13 With Don and Mary Alice Jensen (480-986-8631) 2160 South Primrose, Mesa, AZ 85209---Come for Breaktime at 10:00. (coffee) We'll have Lunch & Dinner at 5:30 & Talk. Highway 202 is a good road to travel. Get off at Guadaloupe exit. Turn right on Hawes RD. Turn left on Medina (This takes you into Sunland Village East) Go to South Primrose. Turn right to 2160. There we are. EZ.
Tue-April 14 11:00 am Verna Frey (480) 832-8393 23834 S 150th Street, Chandler, AZ 85249.
Wed-April 15 Harlan & Sarah Shippy 623-266-9864 harlanhs@aol.com 10320 West Sutters’ Gold, Sun City, 85351 Corlett book & bibliography
Thu-April 16 11:30 am Lunch with Whitelaws. 10915 W. Roundelay Circle, Sun City, AZ 85351 623-547-7535 Chuck and Marge coming at 2 pm. 4 pm “Saints Alive” Dinner, Retired missionaries and ministers, Gene Stowe in charge,
Fri-April 17 Free
Sat-April 18 Dan and Children, supper with Higgins
Sun-April 19 Cibola Vista Resort & Spa, 10 am Check out. Drive Home.
June 16-July 1, 2009
Tue-June 16 6:22 am Depart SD United #616, arrive Chicago 12:26 pm. Depart 1:31 pm United #7419 3:48 pm arrive Cincinnati. Drive to Atlanta on the 19 & return on the 22nd Joe & family return to Cincinnati
June 16-29 With Carol Home-513-598-8554 Cell-513-285-2005
June 19-21 Visiting David, Melissa, and Ryan. Staying at Comfort Suites, 3000 Mansell Road, Atlanta/Alpharetta, GA, (770) 645-6060 #82410153, $69 [#FGC0527, 800-424-6423]
Sun-June 21 On the way to Cincinnati overnight at Sleep Inn, 214 Prosperity Drive, Knoxville, TN, (865) 531-5900. #82410581, $69 I-75 ex 378 left, 1st rt. Executive Park
Mon- June 29 4:29 pm Depart Cincinnati United #7439, Arrive Denver 5:27 pm. To see sister, Maurine Hoffman. Staying nephew Monty Hoffman 1-303-795-8457
Wed- July 1 11:25 am Depart Denver United #763, arrive SD 12:42 pm
November 6, 2009
Yesterday was a time with Paul and Eleanor Simpson in Temecula. Lunch at Mimis’ after finding Black Angus closed for lunch. A very good time, including pie at their home afterward. Paul has just discovered that he has macular degeneration now in both eyes, hopefully caught early. This, added to his other health issues, is burdening both their lives.
Prayer meeting the previous night was meaningful as always. Good attendance, needs abound. Cecil is always with us and keeps us going!
Due to a combined service here we were with Keith at the Village Church last Sunday, Herb was with us and enjoyed it tremendously, as well as the lunch with Pagans and Kay at Café 56, one we have just discovered.
A contract came from Kansas City yesterday regarding my editorial work. Now I see I have Hebrews (Kevin Anderson) and Revelation (Carol Rotz) as well as 1 & 2 Peter and Jude (Dan Powers), the Johannine Epistles (Rick Williamson), and James (Jeannie Serrao). More on the first one came from George L this morning who had been away to Ohio for the funeral of his wife’s grandmother last week.
November 7, 2009
Reflecting on last week’s encounters on the PLNU campus revealed some possible truths about the retirement syndrome. If one, in part at least, defines oneself in relation to others, or one’s self-image is informed by how one is treated, then do the following observations hold true?
In the eyes of those who are not retired, who have their vocational positions by which in some measure to define themselves, are we retired folk, now out of the loop—on the shelf, sometimes treated as non-persons? Is there a reason why we are more relaxed and comfortable in the presence of those who like us are retired?
It appears that busy folk, when approached for a friendly word and conversation, are afraid that we will want to keep on talking and waste their time—I was that way!. Thus they are quick to inform us that they are on their way to some important responsibility. We are worthy of more extended attention only if they want something from us—help, sympathy, affirmation, advice. So is our task to give a friendly greeting on the move and keep moving?
If so, who are we? How do we integrate such into our self-image and so-called self-esteem? Accept it as a natural part of our retired situation, realize our limitations, and reduce our expectations from those who are not like us, retired? Then when they do desire our company and want what we have to offer, we are thankful and enjoy the time as one more gift of God’s grace to us.
Perhaps the most important lesson for us retired to learn besides the necessary respect for the limitations of the time of busy people, is that when we do encounter them, our words relate to them and their concerns, not to our own. Then we become God’s gracious gift to them. Perhaps the most significant thing we all can do, young to old, old to young, young to young, and old to old, is to endeavor in our mutual encounters to affirm the full personhood, dignity, and worth of others!
November 8, 2009
Significant yesterday was my visit to Avery Stone who at 90, keeps wishing to join his Winnie. His sense of humor is still with him, a thing indeed of joy. After a meaningful visit, we had prayer together. I prayed for his welfare, thanked God for him and for his friendship, and asked the Lord to continue to grant him health of mind and humor. When we ended, I said to him, I did not pray for your physical health, for I thought you would not like that. His response, “You are right.”
November 9, 2009
Am at the Wesleyan Center early, trying to be more efficient in getting around, quiet time, etc. So pray on the way in—did not finish, must throughout the day. Marc Otto spoke yesterday on the book of Ruth, did a good job, dressed in a suit. Herb’s lesson was most meaningful. I was struck with how scandalous to the rationalistic and empirical mind our faith is, Jesus, crucified, and risen—an obscure Galilean peasant, the meaning of the cosmos, and all of human life and history. Interestingly, how the historic church has traditionally interpreted those three, are under attack in the church today, particularly among many of its scholars. Our faith is a faith!
November 21, 2009
Had two hour breakfast with Ron Benefiel at Mimi’s. He shared the transitions taking place at NTS, especially in relation to the Nazarene Collegess. I wonder how PNLU will respond. Always a joy to be with him.
December 6, 2009
Paul and Eleanor Simpson came at 11:30 for lunch with us (and Cecil and Elbert) before attending the Messiah. We rested at the house between Cozy Mels (sp?) and driving back to PLNU. Another good time.
December 7, 2009
With Val & Millie we celebrated the girls’ birthdays at Peohes. A relaxed good time as we continue the long-standing tradition. Rain was bad, obscured one’s ability to see the lane markers. We cancelled going to the pastors’ Christmas dinner because of the storm, but by evening the rain had stopped. I was disappointed that we did not go, but would not have been able to get to the Wesleyan Center as early and rested as I have.
Record lunch with Gerard, 11/24, Bob & Tom’s classes 11/23, John Hawthorn? Check receipts.
December 22, 2009 Carol, Rick, and Rachel arrived. We ate lunch at the Black Angus before settling in at home. The house is now a different place with Rachel on the living room couch in the early morning.
December 23, 2009 We all gathered for a 60th anniversary celebration at Peohes. All the immediate family were here except Joe and David and their families. Pictures were taken but not formal group picture, regretfully.Ridge and Barbara joined us. A family Christmas gift exchange took place at the house afterwards. Mark’s family left for home in the evening. It was one of our best family times in years. Betty had worked hard for two months getting the house in shape and decorated for our time together, and the Christmas season with Carol, Rick, and Rachel here. Mark got Skype set up for me! Talked to David, and Michelle and children. The later had stopped to see Olav Schmidt & family on their way back from saying their final goodbye to Joe. December 25, 2009 Christmas day Joe flew to Afghanistan. We remained home for the day with a roast beef dinner. Rachel flew to Atlanta the next morning. December 26-27, 2009 Robbie and Alysa came down early Saturday evening for a good visit. Alysa stayed the night and went to Church with us—a combined service with breakfast served at the tables. Robbie stayed with a friend, came back Sunday afternoon and they later returned to their Dad’s. December 30, 2009 Rick and Carol returned to Cincinnati Wednesday am. Betty and I went to breakfast at Café 56 and then on to Canterbury Gardens. We remained home the rest of the week, worked and watched movies in the evenings. We started on putting away Christmas decorations and the re-reading of 1 John. January 1-4, 2010 Finished the final editorial read of 1 John on Saturday (1/2/10) and returned it to the author. Church was good, read the Scripture, and Herb had a good lesson on dreams. Back at work in the Wesleyan Center on Monday the 4th. Jeanne Serrao’s James arrived promptly on New Year’s Day. January 5-8
Since Herb is teaching again the editing task has been a top priority. The Introduction has been returned to Rick W. I hope to finish the primary editing of 3 John today—2 John is finished. Then a re-read and it will all be on Rick’s desk! We have a length problem which he will work on.
Monday Betty & I visited Ray and Bette Kelley, Tuesday we went to Ross and Audra with items that we were ready to give away, Wednesday was prayer meeting with Dee, another meaningful time. Thursday we saw Avatar in 3D, not worth the cost for us. But I guess a happening. Received word from Mark today that Tim Hansel died. Talked to Carol, she is working at home these last two days; Rick was outside blowing their recent snow off the driveway.
March 20-April 2
ITINERARY: NORWEST MARCH-APRIL 2010 (Dates = nights)
March 20 (Sat) Drive to Fresno seeing Velma Brumbaugh on the way.
March 20-21 (Sun) Fresno (Motel) visiting Bud & Georgia Schroeder Comfort Suites, Martens, 4635 N. Blackstone, exit at Ashlan, go N
Mon (22) 7 am Breakfast with Randy Benefiel at Sandy’s Country Junction Café/restaurant did not come off. Randy sick.
March 22-23 Auburn with Bill and Connie Patrick (Mon-Tue) See Hal Bonner 530-823-1509
March 24 (Wed) Motel, Medford, Oregon, Comfort Inn South
March 25 (Thur) Breakfast with Rollie Griffith and wife. On way to Portland. Did not see Patrick Allen at George Fox University, 414 N Meridian St, Newberg, OR 503-538-8383
March 25, 26, 27 With Alysa and Robbie, lunch together with Steve Carver, (Fri-Sat) 25th is Robbie’s birthday so dinner on the 25 and then again on the 26th with Sarah along. Shopped and saw much of Portland.
March 28 (Sun) Pendleton, Oregon Rodeway Inn, Pendleton Woolen Mills, 1307 Southeast Court Plaza, Pendleton, OR 97801, 541-276-6911, 800-568-3156
March 29-30 Nampa with George Lyons, Coffee with Carol Rotz, Chat with Fred Fullerton, Dinner with Hollemans the 30th
March 31 (Wed) Special 61st breakfast with George & Terry. Quality Inn Motel, Winnemucca, NV (61st Wedding Anniversary)
April 1 (Thu) Bishop, CA, Comfort Inn,
April 2 (Fri) Arrive San Diego 4:30 pm after a pork chop meal at Café 56.
Miles Estimate Actual San Diego 000 Visalia 310 Fresno Motels 350 350 363 363 Auburn 215 565 214 557 Medford Motel 355 920 351 928 Portland 272 1192 290 1,218 Pendleton Motel 195 1387 210 1,418 Nampa 215 1602 222 1,640 Winnemucca Motel 255 1857 242 1,882 Bishop Motel 370 2217 334 2,216 San Diego 325 2552 364 2,580
Speedometer registered 2,751 total miles driven: Nampa 000 000 Winnemucca 242 242 Bishop 334 576 San Diego 364 940
2-2:30 pm at Holiday Inn, 21011 E. Andrea Court, Visalia, CA (Velma) H-559-739-7376, C-559967-2891. 2302 E. Warwick Ave, Fresno, CA 93720, 1-559-322-0583 H (304-0877 C). Church at 430 Peach Ave, 10447 Bar Ranch Road, Auburn, CA 95603, 1-530-889-0776 7115 N. Tyler Avenue, Portland, OR 97203, 1-971-219-5662 (AC), 1-503-568-2049 (RC), Sally Oberg Stephen Scott Carver, Sirpa, Eric Eugene, Hannah Elizabeth, Sarah Anne, Renee; 645 SW 136th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005; 503-892-5755 Home, 503-517-1040 WPC; SCarver@warnerpacific.edu; Warner Pacific College, 2219 SE 68th Avenue, Portland, OR 97215 503-517-1000 Lewis & Clark Park, 16 miles E of Portland, off I-84. 4012 Ivy Drive, Nampa, ID 83686 1-208-467-8450 (H), gllyons@nnu.edu. NNU 623 Holly St. 208-467-8011.
2.2.3 TIME \@ "h:mm AM/PM" 10:09 AM DATE \@ "MM/dd/yy" 09/30/16