Early one Saturday morning, several years ago, I was driving on an unfamiliar hilly road under the light of a full moon. I knew my destination and I had a road map to show me which roads to take. As the temperature dropped, fog began to develop in the low lying areas. on top of the hills the road could be clearly seen. there were road signs, stripes marking the edges, the center line and the no passing zones. The fog in the low lying areas was beautiful as the light of the full moon reflected off of the top of it. As I drove into the low lying ares, fog obscured my way. It was not nearly as beautiful as it seemed from the outside. Looking up, the sky was clear, the full moon was beautiful as it shone, not with it's own light, but with the light that it reflected from the sun. I strained my eyes to see the road. Everything that once marked the way so clearly was still there, but the fog made it hard to see. When the high beams were on, instead of lighting the way, they reflected off of the fog, making it even harder to see the road. Dimming the headlights made it easier to see the road right in front of me, but I could see only a short distance. Turning on the fog lamps helped a little, but still the way was not really clear. The only solution was to proceed very slowly, trying to stay out of danger. Each time I drove out of a low lying area and out of the fog, the way was clear for a little while until I drove back into the fog, repeating the whole process. As the dawn began to break, the temperature dropped, more fog developed, making the way even more dangerous. The headlights seemed help less and I slowed to a crawl. all of a sudden, just when it seemed that I could not go on, the sun burned away the fog and the road was clear.
As I was driving, I believe the Lord showed me that this is an example of how we go through life. The way is often unfamiliar, but we know the destination and the Bible is our road map of how to get there. The way is clearly marked out if we will but follow the signs and markings. There are mountains and valleys that we must go through. Sometimes when we are on a high place, we can look down into the valley, and there is something there that looks very beautiful from the outside, but then sin usually looks attractive, and it can give pleasure for awhile, but very quickly it obscures the way. All of the signs are still there, but our spiritual eyes are dimmed by sin. If we look up the the Lord, even while in the muck and mire of sin, He is still there reaching out to us, shining in the darkness. Trying to do things on our own, is like turning on the headlights. it may help a little, but the way is still not clear. we may come out of the fog of sin for a time if we work real hard and try to do what is right, but if we are doing it with our own strength, back down the hill and into the fog we go again. Then comes a time when we realize that we cannot break out of the fog no matter what we do. The fog just gets thicker and thicker, making life harder and harder. Finally the day comes when we realize that we cannot go on, we invite Jesus into our lives and the Holy Spirit to baptize us with his power. Just like the sun burns away the fog, making the road clear. the Holy Spirit will burn away the spiritual fog that surrounds us when we try to live on our own power.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
God has a plan for you!
I have been feeling like God is prompting me to share this story with friends and family. I think is is especially for the descendants of my parents, Lloyd and Sarah Litwiller, but everyone can be encourage by this story. I may not have all the details correct and if my mom, brothers or sister remember it differently, please let me know.
We lived in an old house on a farm a couple miles west of Delavan, Illinois. I think it was the summer of 1963 we started tearing the old house down, and building a new house. We lived in part of the old house until the new basement was done and moved into the basement where we lived until the summer of 1965.
During supper one evening as will often happen with seven kids, something was spilled and one of my brothers got the mop and cleaned it up. The brooms and mops were stored against the wall behind the furnace. The furnace flue came out the back and went up and out. There was an opening in the bottom of the elbow. When he put the mop away, my brother tried to stand it up against the wall and it kept falling over so he just shoved the head of the mop in the hole in the bottom of the flue pipe so it wouldn't fall over. He was less than 5 years old at the time and of course couldn't know about the danger of carbon monoxide. I have no way of knowing, but it was probably early enough in the fall that the furnace didn't run until during the night.
We all went to bed with no thought of what was about to happen. Dad woke up during the night with a terrible headache, and realized that he smelled fumes from the furnace. I remember Dad coming into our room, waking us up and telling us to get out of the house, and having a bad headache for a couple of days. He told us later that our sister had stopped breathing and he worked with her and got her started breathing again.
Many times I have wondered how much longer it would have taken for the whole family to have been killed by the carbon monoxide gas. I believe the God woke Dad up and made him realize what was going on so our lives would be spared. I can't answer the question of why sometimes tragedies happen and sometimes they don't, but I can testify to the fact that God saved our family for a special purpose. Dad is no longer here on this earth with us, but Mom is and the 7 siblings, their spouses, 24 grandchildren, 5 spouses of grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and one on the way.
The point of my sharing this is to remind all of us that God has a purpose for your life. Know that He loves you and cares about every detail of your life.
We lived in an old house on a farm a couple miles west of Delavan, Illinois. I think it was the summer of 1963 we started tearing the old house down, and building a new house. We lived in part of the old house until the new basement was done and moved into the basement where we lived until the summer of 1965.
During supper one evening as will often happen with seven kids, something was spilled and one of my brothers got the mop and cleaned it up. The brooms and mops were stored against the wall behind the furnace. The furnace flue came out the back and went up and out. There was an opening in the bottom of the elbow. When he put the mop away, my brother tried to stand it up against the wall and it kept falling over so he just shoved the head of the mop in the hole in the bottom of the flue pipe so it wouldn't fall over. He was less than 5 years old at the time and of course couldn't know about the danger of carbon monoxide. I have no way of knowing, but it was probably early enough in the fall that the furnace didn't run until during the night.
We all went to bed with no thought of what was about to happen. Dad woke up during the night with a terrible headache, and realized that he smelled fumes from the furnace. I remember Dad coming into our room, waking us up and telling us to get out of the house, and having a bad headache for a couple of days. He told us later that our sister had stopped breathing and he worked with her and got her started breathing again.
Many times I have wondered how much longer it would have taken for the whole family to have been killed by the carbon monoxide gas. I believe the God woke Dad up and made him realize what was going on so our lives would be spared. I can't answer the question of why sometimes tragedies happen and sometimes they don't, but I can testify to the fact that God saved our family for a special purpose. Dad is no longer here on this earth with us, but Mom is and the 7 siblings, their spouses, 24 grandchildren, 5 spouses of grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and one on the way.
The point of my sharing this is to remind all of us that God has a purpose for your life. Know that He loves you and cares about every detail of your life.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Home from Romania
One final post with details of our vacation in Romania. I will probably have more to say as thoughts come to me later on. We had a wonderful time, but it is also good to be back home in Kansas. I haven't traveled much, but I wouldn't trade the USA for anywhere in the world.
On Saturday, Jane and I visited the Romanian National Art Museum and the National treasures museum. Even though I am not a student of art, it was very interesting to see the collection at the museum. There are several galleries with art from old churches and monasteries, many pieces from the 1500's and 1600's. There are also copies of the Scriptures from that era. It made me realize again the miracle that God's word has been preserved for all these years. There is one wing in the museum for Romanian art, and another for European art. I did see one Rembrandt, and several of the old masters that I have heard of.
The National Treasures museum has a collection of gold, some of which dates back to the 15th century BC. Also some crowns and other pieces from Romanian royalty. I was amazed again at the history we had a chance to view.
Sunday was a day of relaxing most the day, then another meal with Florica's family at her home. What a privilege to spend more time with the family that had such an important part in our adoption process 19 years ago.
Monday it was up at 3:45 am, finish packing everything drive to the airport, then 18 hours of travel time, including waiting between flights. All went smooth until we got to the baggage claim at Wichita Mid Continent. Two of the four bags we checked didn't show up. We picked them up at Chicago and carried them through customs and rechecked them so we knew they were in the US. The lady at the United counter gave us a form to fill out and said they would bring them to our home when they got in, and about 9:30 this morning, they were at our home.
Blessings to all who read this
Phil
On Saturday, Jane and I visited the Romanian National Art Museum and the National treasures museum. Even though I am not a student of art, it was very interesting to see the collection at the museum. There are several galleries with art from old churches and monasteries, many pieces from the 1500's and 1600's. There are also copies of the Scriptures from that era. It made me realize again the miracle that God's word has been preserved for all these years. There is one wing in the museum for Romanian art, and another for European art. I did see one Rembrandt, and several of the old masters that I have heard of.
The National Treasures museum has a collection of gold, some of which dates back to the 15th century BC. Also some crowns and other pieces from Romanian royalty. I was amazed again at the history we had a chance to view.
Sunday was a day of relaxing most the day, then another meal with Florica's family at her home. What a privilege to spend more time with the family that had such an important part in our adoption process 19 years ago.
Monday it was up at 3:45 am, finish packing everything drive to the airport, then 18 hours of travel time, including waiting between flights. All went smooth until we got to the baggage claim at Wichita Mid Continent. Two of the four bags we checked didn't show up. We picked them up at Chicago and carried them through customs and rechecked them so we knew they were in the US. The lady at the United counter gave us a form to fill out and said they would bring them to our home when they got in, and about 9:30 this morning, they were at our home.
Blessings to all who read this
Phil
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Romania day's 6-8
We are back in Bucharest after our excursion to the Brasov area. We wanted to visit Brasov as that is where Carri was born. Ninel helped Jane through the adoption process in Brasov 19 years ago.
We left Bucharest with Ninel and Roxana Wednesday morning and drove up into the mountains to Brasov, not knowing exactly what the schedule was to be, just trusting them to plan things out for us. The 1st place we visited was Peles Castle at the town of Sinaia. We went on a tour, led by a guide who spoke in English, and there were too many details to remember. It was built from 1873 to 1914, and was very modern for its time. It has electric lights, running water, central heating and a central vacuum system. It is an amazing place, beautiful wood and marble everywhere.
Leaving there we drove through Brasov to resort area near Poiana. The bank Roxana works for, has an annual meeting for the directors of their branches at this resort, so she arranged for a very good rate for us. It is a beautiful place, and very nice accommodations. We moved into our rooms and went into Brasov for dinner and sightseeing. One of the town squares has many nice shops and cafe's around it. Once again I was amazed by the old buildings from the 1800's, most of the ones around the area we were have been restored since the overthrow of the communists in 1989.
Thursday we toured Bran Castle. This castle was built, beginning in the 1200's. It is where the legend of Dracula and vampires started. There is no way today to sort out fact and fiction, but the Count from which the legend comes from was a bloodthirsty person who killed many, many people, but was probably not any worse than many others in his day. It was very interesting to see something that is that old.
Next it was on to a ski area near Poiana, and a ride in the cable car to the top of the mountain, what a thrill, and what a view. It was a little hazy, but still very beautiful. Ninel told us he has skied that mountain since he was 5 years old.
After dinner in Poiana it was back to Brasov for more shopping. There are tourists there from all over Europe, Ninel knows several languages and he could hear people speaking German, French, Italina and Spanish. All I could understand was English. It was so interesting to just watch people while the girls were shopping. We talked about trying to find the hospital where Carri was born, but Ninel doesn't remember where it is, so we didn't even try.
Friday morning we headed back to Bucharest, on the way we stopped at a village to see a house where Ninel spent part of his childhood. His Mother and Father still own the house, but do not live there. Ninel has dreams of someday renovating the place and spending at least part of the year there. We got back to our hotel in time to spend the evening relaxing and reading on the 22nd floor sun deck.
Blessings to all who read this.
Phil
We left Bucharest with Ninel and Roxana Wednesday morning and drove up into the mountains to Brasov, not knowing exactly what the schedule was to be, just trusting them to plan things out for us. The 1st place we visited was Peles Castle at the town of Sinaia. We went on a tour, led by a guide who spoke in English, and there were too many details to remember. It was built from 1873 to 1914, and was very modern for its time. It has electric lights, running water, central heating and a central vacuum system. It is an amazing place, beautiful wood and marble everywhere.
Leaving there we drove through Brasov to resort area near Poiana. The bank Roxana works for, has an annual meeting for the directors of their branches at this resort, so she arranged for a very good rate for us. It is a beautiful place, and very nice accommodations. We moved into our rooms and went into Brasov for dinner and sightseeing. One of the town squares has many nice shops and cafe's around it. Once again I was amazed by the old buildings from the 1800's, most of the ones around the area we were have been restored since the overthrow of the communists in 1989.
Thursday we toured Bran Castle. This castle was built, beginning in the 1200's. It is where the legend of Dracula and vampires started. There is no way today to sort out fact and fiction, but the Count from which the legend comes from was a bloodthirsty person who killed many, many people, but was probably not any worse than many others in his day. It was very interesting to see something that is that old.
Next it was on to a ski area near Poiana, and a ride in the cable car to the top of the mountain, what a thrill, and what a view. It was a little hazy, but still very beautiful. Ninel told us he has skied that mountain since he was 5 years old.
After dinner in Poiana it was back to Brasov for more shopping. There are tourists there from all over Europe, Ninel knows several languages and he could hear people speaking German, French, Italina and Spanish. All I could understand was English. It was so interesting to just watch people while the girls were shopping. We talked about trying to find the hospital where Carri was born, but Ninel doesn't remember where it is, so we didn't even try.
Friday morning we headed back to Bucharest, on the way we stopped at a village to see a house where Ninel spent part of his childhood. His Mother and Father still own the house, but do not live there. Ninel has dreams of someday renovating the place and spending at least part of the year there. We got back to our hotel in time to spend the evening relaxing and reading on the 22nd floor sun deck.
Blessings to all who read this.
Phil
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Romania day 5
We got to tour the Parliament building today. This building was being built by Nicolea Ceausescu, the Communist dictator as a palace and meeting place for the communist party. He originally called it the "people's palace", but that was later changed. Our guide gave too many details for me to remember, but it is an impressive building. There are 3000 rooms, and these are not small rooms. Everything is marble, many different colors. Almost everything is made of materials from Romania, only a very small percentage is from other countries, and most of that was gifts from other countries. The size of the building is second only to the Pentagon building. There are really no words to describe the building. It is not completely finished, as there is a lack of funds. At present is used for the Parliament, and many of the rooms can be rented for private meetings and conferences.
We had a good visit with Ninel about his experience during the revolution when Communism fell. His family was really pretty well off as his mother and father both had good positions from working hard at their jobs. His father worked in the coal mining industry, dealing with equipment, and purchasing equipment for that industry. His mother had a very good position working for a university as a teacher, and as a supervisor of other teachers. Ninel was working in a factory. When the revolution started, the factory was locked down as the leaders didn't know which side they were on. Ninel volunteered to go out to try to convince the leadership that that they would not participate in the revolution, and when he got where he was going was locked in prison with others. Some of the others in the same prison were taken out and executed, and Ninel was sure he would be next. But I think it was the next day, they were released. It was really interesting to talk to someone who experienced this.
The economic situation was very bad for the next few years, but has greatly improved since free enterprise has taken the place of Communism.
Blessings to all who read this
Phil
We had a good visit with Ninel about his experience during the revolution when Communism fell. His family was really pretty well off as his mother and father both had good positions from working hard at their jobs. His father worked in the coal mining industry, dealing with equipment, and purchasing equipment for that industry. His mother had a very good position working for a university as a teacher, and as a supervisor of other teachers. Ninel was working in a factory. When the revolution started, the factory was locked down as the leaders didn't know which side they were on. Ninel volunteered to go out to try to convince the leadership that that they would not participate in the revolution, and when he got where he was going was locked in prison with others. Some of the others in the same prison were taken out and executed, and Ninel was sure he would be next. But I think it was the next day, they were released. It was really interesting to talk to someone who experienced this.
The economic situation was very bad for the next few years, but has greatly improved since free enterprise has taken the place of Communism.
Blessings to all who read this
Phil
Monday, August 9, 2010
Romania Day 4
Another fun day. We were on our own as Ninel and Roxanna needed to work most of the day. They had shown us how to get to several interesting places within walking distance of our hotel. Some of them were shops that Jane and Carri really enjoyed. They found several things to buy of course, and it was great for me to tag along and observe the local people on the streets.
We visited a church that was first built in 1722, and has been renovated several times, but is still very much like it was originally built. No photos allowed inside, but I did take some outside. The church is across the square from the balcony where Nicolae Ceausescu gave his last speach before he was overthrown. When Jane was here in 1991, there were bullet holes in the outside walls of the church, and they have been plastered over. There is a monument to freedom in the square with a wall listing the names of the people who died in the revolution.
While walking back to the hotel, we were looking for a place to get something to drink, and came upon a Pizza Hut. We went in and got a drink, and a small snack. The menu is quite a bit different from in the US, they have a lot more European style things, but they do have Pizza, also Mountain Dew and Pepsi, which is understandable as Pepsi owns Pizza Hut.
We stopped by the National Art museum, but didn't realize that it is closed on Mondays, so will go tomorrow morning. Roxana has also arranged for us to tour the Parliament building tomorrow. It is open for public tours, but as she has some connections, we will get to see parts of it that most people don't get to see.
This evening we walked about a mile North of our hotel to, of all places, McDonald's. We wanted to try it once while we are here, just to compare it to the USA. It is pretty much the same, but the menu is a little different, more healthy foods, but they do have burgers, fries and shakes.
Blessings to all who read this.
Phil
We visited a church that was first built in 1722, and has been renovated several times, but is still very much like it was originally built. No photos allowed inside, but I did take some outside. The church is across the square from the balcony where Nicolae Ceausescu gave his last speach before he was overthrown. When Jane was here in 1991, there were bullet holes in the outside walls of the church, and they have been plastered over. There is a monument to freedom in the square with a wall listing the names of the people who died in the revolution.
While walking back to the hotel, we were looking for a place to get something to drink, and came upon a Pizza Hut. We went in and got a drink, and a small snack. The menu is quite a bit different from in the US, they have a lot more European style things, but they do have Pizza, also Mountain Dew and Pepsi, which is understandable as Pepsi owns Pizza Hut.
We stopped by the National Art museum, but didn't realize that it is closed on Mondays, so will go tomorrow morning. Roxana has also arranged for us to tour the Parliament building tomorrow. It is open for public tours, but as she has some connections, we will get to see parts of it that most people don't get to see.
This evening we walked about a mile North of our hotel to, of all places, McDonald's. We wanted to try it once while we are here, just to compare it to the USA. It is pretty much the same, but the menu is a little different, more healthy foods, but they do have burgers, fries and shakes.
Blessings to all who read this.
Phil
Romania Day 3
Started the day with a great breakfast at the hotel, and then relaxed around the pool for most of the morning. Carri and I went for a walk through the streets of Bucharest. I just love seeing the old buildings in the old part part of Bucharest. I don't know how old they are, but I am quite sure most of them date back to the early 1900's or before.
Roxana took us to a large shopping mall that just opened a year ago. It would fit in well in any city in the USA. There is an ice skating rink and rides for the kids, movie theaters with the same movies currently showing in the US theaters, and more stores than anyone would ever need. There is even a Starbucks.
One thing that really impressed me again is the growth of Romania since the fall of Communism in 1989, but I have to wonder if the young people who don't remember living under Communist rule will realize how precious their freedom is. Someone once said that people living in a free country are only one generation away from slavery to an oppressive government. I can definitely see that coming true in the USA, so many are unwilling to take responsibility for themselves, they want the government to provide for them, but don't realize that the only way the government can give them something is to steal it from someone else.
This evening we went to the home of Florica, one of the persons who helped Jane with our adoption 19 years ago. It was an emotional time for all of us. When I tried to express my gratitude to her for helping us and the way what she did has changed my life as well as Carri's and the rest of our family, I got choked up and had to wipe away tears. It was a special time and I praise God for the work He has done in all of our lives.
Blessings to all who read this.
Phil
Roxana took us to a large shopping mall that just opened a year ago. It would fit in well in any city in the USA. There is an ice skating rink and rides for the kids, movie theaters with the same movies currently showing in the US theaters, and more stores than anyone would ever need. There is even a Starbucks.
One thing that really impressed me again is the growth of Romania since the fall of Communism in 1989, but I have to wonder if the young people who don't remember living under Communist rule will realize how precious their freedom is. Someone once said that people living in a free country are only one generation away from slavery to an oppressive government. I can definitely see that coming true in the USA, so many are unwilling to take responsibility for themselves, they want the government to provide for them, but don't realize that the only way the government can give them something is to steal it from someone else.
This evening we went to the home of Florica, one of the persons who helped Jane with our adoption 19 years ago. It was an emotional time for all of us. When I tried to express my gratitude to her for helping us and the way what she did has changed my life as well as Carri's and the rest of our family, I got choked up and had to wipe away tears. It was a special time and I praise God for the work He has done in all of our lives.
Blessings to all who read this.
Phil
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Romania, Day 2
In the morning we went to a museum / park that has buildings moved in from different parts of Romania. There were many different types of houses, barns and artifacts from the early 1800's. There were several old churches that had been moved in also. The churches had paintings on the walls and some on the ceilings. Our hosts said it was ok to take pictures of them so I did in the first one, as I came out, I was getting ready to take another picture of the inside and a lady that worked there told me no, no. I think it is because they feel they are a sacred thing, even though it is a museum. All I could do at that time was say I'm sorry and move on.
Our hosts wanted to stop and get some coffee, so we stopped at the Hard Rock Cafe, Bucharest. I ordered coffee, or at least I thought I did. It was the strongest most bitter thing I have ever tasted. Good thing I had water also.
We spent some time driving around seeing more of Bucharest and the surrounding area. It is amazing to see the transformation in the small part of the city from what Jane saw here 19 years ago, just after the fall of communism. Our hosts talk about the great opportunities people have here now that private enterprise is allowed, and it is very obvious when you look around. The amount of new cars on the streets is just one example. The Dacha, which was the government owned car company and produced very poorly made cars has partnered with Renault and is making very nice cars now. There are BMW's, Audi's, VW's, Toyota's, and other nice cars everywhere. The country of Romania is experiencing somewhat of an economic downturn as is the US and most of Europe, but it it is still far better than it was under Communism.
We had dinner with Ninel, Roxana and his parents in the evening. Ninel and his mother, Florica were the ones who helped Jane through our adoption process with Carri. It was a very emotional time for Florica and Jane especially to get together after all these years and see the beautiful young woman Carri has become. I only hope that we can adequately express how much it means to our family for the work she and Ninel did to help us. We are invited to Florica and her husband's house Sunday evening. It will be a privilege to spend more time with them.
More later
Our hosts wanted to stop and get some coffee, so we stopped at the Hard Rock Cafe, Bucharest. I ordered coffee, or at least I thought I did. It was the strongest most bitter thing I have ever tasted. Good thing I had water also.
We spent some time driving around seeing more of Bucharest and the surrounding area. It is amazing to see the transformation in the small part of the city from what Jane saw here 19 years ago, just after the fall of communism. Our hosts talk about the great opportunities people have here now that private enterprise is allowed, and it is very obvious when you look around. The amount of new cars on the streets is just one example. The Dacha, which was the government owned car company and produced very poorly made cars has partnered with Renault and is making very nice cars now. There are BMW's, Audi's, VW's, Toyota's, and other nice cars everywhere. The country of Romania is experiencing somewhat of an economic downturn as is the US and most of Europe, but it it is still far better than it was under Communism.
We had dinner with Ninel, Roxana and his parents in the evening. Ninel and his mother, Florica were the ones who helped Jane through our adoption process with Carri. It was a very emotional time for Florica and Jane especially to get together after all these years and see the beautiful young woman Carri has become. I only hope that we can adequately express how much it means to our family for the work she and Ninel did to help us. We are invited to Florica and her husband's house Sunday evening. It will be a privilege to spend more time with them.
More later
Friday, August 6, 2010
1st day in Romania
We arrived in Bucharest Romania after 18 hours of travel. Josh, Lisa and Ivy took us to Wichita, Mid Continent airport. Left there at 11:40 am, flew to Chicago, waited about 3 1/2 hours and changed planes. We flew from there to Dusseldorf Germany, waited about 2 1/2 hours then off to Bucharest, Romania. No problems anywhere. When we walked out of the terminal at Bucharest, Ninel and Roxana were standing there with a sign that said Litwiller, they had arranged for transportation to our motel, the Intercontintental in downtown Bucharest.
After getting settled in and resting Ninel and Roxana picked us up to go out on the town for the evening. We got to tour a bank building where Roxana works which was built in the late 1800's, it is incredible. It is now used for offices and corporate meetings.
We walked around a little looking at other buildings, then to a restaurant. I think they said the name in English would be Beer Wagon, because many years ago they brought the beer there from out in the country in wagons. We had an incredible meal and entertainment. There were some Romanian dancers who performed right next to our table. One of the ladies came over to me and before I knew what was happening I was up trying to dance with her. Imagine that, if you can. Later on there were a lot of people dancing and they even did the Macarana.
After dinner, we spent some time driving around Bucharest, we stopped to look at the Parliament building from across the street. Roxana told us she has arranged for us to tour it later this week, so I will talk about the history of it then.
More later.
After getting settled in and resting Ninel and Roxana picked us up to go out on the town for the evening. We got to tour a bank building where Roxana works which was built in the late 1800's, it is incredible. It is now used for offices and corporate meetings.
We walked around a little looking at other buildings, then to a restaurant. I think they said the name in English would be Beer Wagon, because many years ago they brought the beer there from out in the country in wagons. We had an incredible meal and entertainment. There were some Romanian dancers who performed right next to our table. One of the ladies came over to me and before I knew what was happening I was up trying to dance with her. Imagine that, if you can. Later on there were a lot of people dancing and they even did the Macarana.
After dinner, we spent some time driving around Bucharest, we stopped to look at the Parliament building from across the street. Roxana told us she has arranged for us to tour it later this week, so I will talk about the history of it then.
More later.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
My Birthday
Today I turned 55 years old. I have said many times that I wonder when I will feel as old as I thought my Dad was when he was my age. I know that it is all a matter of perspective, but it doesn't seem possible that I have lived 55 years. My oldest son says "you can only be young once, but you can always be immature." Sometimes I think I am trying to prove that true.
None of know how many years the Lord will give us on this earth, so I want to live every day to the fullest. Some days I accomplish that and some I don't, but it is a goal. It is my desire to live every day like it may be the last, and at the same time live like I have at least another 50 years.
I love to visit with older people and learn from their wisdom. Many years ago, I was visiting with a man in his 90's and he was telling about how his son thought he knew so much. He said that his son had knowledge, but he, the Dad had experience. I believe that is the difference between wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom is knowledge, seasoned or combined with experience.
One of my Pastors from many years ago said that the very point where we think we have arrived in our Christian walk is the point where we start to go backwards. That is true in every area of my life. The whole world is changing and moving forward. The world is not static, if I am not learning new things and moving forward, I am going backwards.
None of know how many years the Lord will give us on this earth, so I want to live every day to the fullest. Some days I accomplish that and some I don't, but it is a goal. It is my desire to live every day like it may be the last, and at the same time live like I have at least another 50 years.
I love to visit with older people and learn from their wisdom. Many years ago, I was visiting with a man in his 90's and he was telling about how his son thought he knew so much. He said that his son had knowledge, but he, the Dad had experience. I believe that is the difference between wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom is knowledge, seasoned or combined with experience.
One of my Pastors from many years ago said that the very point where we think we have arrived in our Christian walk is the point where we start to go backwards. That is true in every area of my life. The whole world is changing and moving forward. The world is not static, if I am not learning new things and moving forward, I am going backwards.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Going to Romania
Nineteen years ago began an adventure for our family that has only just begun. We had four sons, and had been talking about adopting a daughter for at least a couple of years. Through a series of miracles that I won't go into now, Jane left for Romania to try to find a girl to adopt. The communist dictator had recently been overthrown and the outside world discovered that there were a lot of children in orphanages that needed homes.
I remained at home to continue working and take care of our four sons, with the help of my wonderful Mother in law. I will try to share details here later, but for now I will just say that six weeks later, the boys and I picked up Jane and our new daughter at the Kansas City airport. As I recall, it was a Saturday, and the next day was Fathers day. What a blessing Carri has been to our family.
Jump ahead nineteen years. Ninel, is a man who along with his Mother helped Jane through the adoption process and they have been telling us for nineteen years that we should bring Carri back to visit Romania. We always said that someday we would, but it was always someday. I think it was about a year ago, we felt like now is that "someday" and started making plans to go. The passports are all in order, the plane tickets have been purchased, and Jane, Carri and I will be flying out of Wichita for Bucharest, Romania on Thursday, August 5. We are so excited, are just praising the Lord for this opportunity.
I remained at home to continue working and take care of our four sons, with the help of my wonderful Mother in law. I will try to share details here later, but for now I will just say that six weeks later, the boys and I picked up Jane and our new daughter at the Kansas City airport. As I recall, it was a Saturday, and the next day was Fathers day. What a blessing Carri has been to our family.
Jump ahead nineteen years. Ninel, is a man who along with his Mother helped Jane through the adoption process and they have been telling us for nineteen years that we should bring Carri back to visit Romania. We always said that someday we would, but it was always someday. I think it was about a year ago, we felt like now is that "someday" and started making plans to go. The passports are all in order, the plane tickets have been purchased, and Jane, Carri and I will be flying out of Wichita for Bucharest, Romania on Thursday, August 5. We are so excited, are just praising the Lord for this opportunity.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Lesson from a lawn mower
I learned a lesson while working on a lawn mower Saturday. One of my sons couldn't get his mower started, an asked if I could help. I have learned that it takes three things to make an engine run. The correct fuel / air mixture, compression, and ignition. The first thing I checked was the spark, or ignition. I got it working, and tried to start the engine with no results. Next I checked the fuel, after doing a little work on the carburetor, I tried again to start it with no results. Next I checked the compression which was high enough to run, but the engine still would not start. I even checked to make sure the timing was correct. Finally, I tried a new spark plug, and the engine started on the first pull. The spark plug would fire when it was out of the engine, but would not fire when it was in the engine under compression.
Later that evening, as I was thinking about the whole process, I believe the Lord showed me a spiritual application for what happened. Some people profess to have the fire of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and there is evidence that it is true when everything is going great, but when trials and pressures come into their lives, the fire is just not there. When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan river, the Holy Spirit descended on him and he was led into the wilderness, where he was temped by the Devil. Because of his relationship with the Father, and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was able to face the temptation and overcome the Devil.
Lord, continue to fill me daily with your Holy Spirit, so that I will withstand the tests of the enemy.
Later that evening, as I was thinking about the whole process, I believe the Lord showed me a spiritual application for what happened. Some people profess to have the fire of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and there is evidence that it is true when everything is going great, but when trials and pressures come into their lives, the fire is just not there. When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan river, the Holy Spirit descended on him and he was led into the wilderness, where he was temped by the Devil. Because of his relationship with the Father, and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus was able to face the temptation and overcome the Devil.
Lord, continue to fill me daily with your Holy Spirit, so that I will withstand the tests of the enemy.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
If it was easy, anybody could do it.
Although my Dad passed away several years ago, there are many time when it seems as if I can still sense his presence with me as I experience different things. Some times I can almost hear him saying things that he used to say. I am not sure if they are exact quotes or just the way I remember them. One thing Dad used to say, especially if something wasn't going right or easy was, "if it was easy, anybody could do it." This says two things to me. First, don't give up, and secondly, the person who is able to do the hard things will rise above the crowd. I have heard, and read several places that we make money by solving problems. The more difficult the problem, the more you are paid for solving that problem.
Many time when I am trying to solve a problem, whether it is trying to figure out how to get a piece of equipment working right at my job, or working through a difficult relationship, remembering my Dad saying, "if it was easy, anybody could do it", gives me the incentive to not give up.
We are told in Genesis 1:26 that God created us in His image. The Message Bible says we are made to reflect His nature. The God who created the universe, created us with the ability to solve problems, not give up at the first sign of trouble. Phillipians 4:13 says "whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."
Don't be afraid to tackle the difficult things, ask for the Lord's wisdom in every situation. He is faithful to be there, right beside you leading and guiding if we seek Him.
Phil
Many time when I am trying to solve a problem, whether it is trying to figure out how to get a piece of equipment working right at my job, or working through a difficult relationship, remembering my Dad saying, "if it was easy, anybody could do it", gives me the incentive to not give up.
We are told in Genesis 1:26 that God created us in His image. The Message Bible says we are made to reflect His nature. The God who created the universe, created us with the ability to solve problems, not give up at the first sign of trouble. Phillipians 4:13 says "whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."
Don't be afraid to tackle the difficult things, ask for the Lord's wisdom in every situation. He is faithful to be there, right beside you leading and guiding if we seek Him.
Phil
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Slide show added
I finally had time, or rather took the time to figure out how to add a slide show of the pictures I took while in Haiti. Several people have asked me if I could put more pictures up so they could see them. If you want to see larger pictures than appear on this blog, click on the picture and it will take you to a web album, where you can see the larger version.
The second team has returned home safely. They accomplished a lot while they were there. The new well was drilled and they put in the solar powered pump. The pump would not run at first, and after several calls to the manufacturer and the dealer, they did get it going, and it is pumping water into the tank which is on top of the boys dorm.
For those of you who want to know more about Lifeline, a new website is available. The address is haitilifelineministries.com. You will learn much more there than I am able to tell you, so instead of duplicating information, I will direct you there.
Continue to pray for Lifeline, the kids, and especially Nicole and Daniel
Phil
The second team has returned home safely. They accomplished a lot while they were there. The new well was drilled and they put in the solar powered pump. The pump would not run at first, and after several calls to the manufacturer and the dealer, they did get it going, and it is pumping water into the tank which is on top of the boys dorm.
For those of you who want to know more about Lifeline, a new website is available. The address is haitilifelineministries.com. You will learn much more there than I am able to tell you, so instead of duplicating information, I will direct you there.
Continue to pray for Lifeline, the kids, and especially Nicole and Daniel
Phil
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Peterson
This is Peterson, who is about two or three years old. He is one of the boys at Lifeline who fell in love with Carri. The first couple of days he just wanted to be held and loved on. As time went on he started to have a lot of fun. Carri taught him how to pucker out his lips, and she got this shot of him.
The more I get to know people from other countries and cultures, the more I realize that human nature is the same the world over. I was not surprised that as we were working on the the generator, some of the boys wanted to help. As soon as the tools came out, some of the boys were there watching, and wanting to help. Some of them brought bicycles where were we had the tools out and were adjusting chains and seats so they would work better.
One interesting thing I saw was some of the boys with cell phones. I wondered how they had to money for cell phone service. I found out that they did not have service, they just had them to play games on. They plugged the chargers in when the generator was running to charge the batteries. One evening, one of the boys was listening to a radio that ran on two C batteries. He didn't have any C batteries so he hooked up his cell phone battery to it with a couple of wires. I was impressed with his innovative mind. It was a reminder to me that the only reason we here in the US are able to do more things is we have more opportunity, it is not because we are any smarter.
Check back later for more pictures and stories of our Haiti trip
God bless you all
Phil
Monday, January 21, 2008
Photos from Haiti
It is great to be back home after a great trip with a wonderful team. It was such a joy to work with such a good bunch of people. I am putting up just a few pictures of the team and some of the kids. I am trying to get back to normal here at home, although I will never be the same as I was before. Anytime you are exposed in such a personal way to people from such a different part of the world from where you live, it changes how you view life.
This is Carri with a couple of girls that she grew close to. They had a great time working and playing together, even learning a little of each other's language.
Me with a group of kids. Anytime the cameras come out, everyone wants to get in the shot.
Clifford and one of our helpers, working on the Onan generator. I am glad to report that with the Lord's help, we got it running and putting out the correct voltage.
This is Gretchen, a little girl that got very attached to me. The last evening, she was sitting on my lap while most of the kids were dancing the limbo under a rope. They knew it was our last night, and there were a lot of emotions very close to the surface. As I held her, I realized that tears were starting to come out of her eyes. Soon she was sobbing uncontrollably. All I could was to hold her close and try to comfort her. I can't imagine what is like for those kids to grow up with so little affection. It made me realize all over again, the most important thing we did on the whole trip, was just be with the kids.
This is Carri with a couple of girls that she grew close to. They had a great time working and playing together, even learning a little of each other's language.
Me with a group of kids. Anytime the cameras come out, everyone wants to get in the shot.
Clifford and one of our helpers, working on the Onan generator. I am glad to report that with the Lord's help, we got it running and putting out the correct voltage.
This is Gretchen, a little girl that got very attached to me. The last evening, she was sitting on my lap while most of the kids were dancing the limbo under a rope. They knew it was our last night, and there were a lot of emotions very close to the surface. As I held her, I realized that tears were starting to come out of her eyes. Soon she was sobbing uncontrollably. All I could was to hold her close and try to comfort her. I can't imagine what is like for those kids to grow up with so little affection. It made me realize all over again, the most important thing we did on the whole trip, was just be with the kids.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Home from Haiti
We all arrived in Wichita about 6:30 this evening. The trip was a great success. We didn't accomplish everything that we wanted to do but we got a lot done. There were a lot of tears shed in saying goodbye to the kids on Wednesday evening.
I will get some pictures up soon so that those of you who have been to Lifeline will be able to see how the kids have grown.
Phil
I will get some pictures up soon so that those of you who have been to Lifeline will be able to see how the kids have grown.
Phil
Monday, January 14, 2008
Monday morning
We have been working hard, getting a lot of work done.
The Onan diesel is running but now the generator is not putting out full voltage, so we are still working on it. Pray for us.
We had a minor disturbance last night. Some of the team heard some noises in the dining room about 1:30AM. The girls were blamed, but they would not admit anything. Finally the truth came out. Some of us were discussing how to get the 1500 gallon water tank on top of the 2nd floor of the boys dorm. All kinds of ideas were tossed around. Three jokers decided after everyone else went to bed to try to get it up there. The girls heard the noise, and looked out and thought someone was stealing the tank. They were scared. The jokers (Cliff, Doug and Steve) almost got it but finally gave up, and came back in. They were laughing so hard they couldn't breath. This morning, some more of us went out and tried to get it up before John found out, but he caught us in the act. We did get it up with a garden hose and some boards to pry with.
Yesterday we had an awesome time at church, even though it was in Creole. Steve preached with Daniel intrepreting.
I tried to put some pictures on, but the connection is rather slow and I waited almost 20 minutes to load 4 pictures, and gave up. I will put some on when we get home. Also Ken is taking a lot of video which he plans to post on youtube when we get home. More info on that later.
Blessings to all
Phil
The Onan diesel is running but now the generator is not putting out full voltage, so we are still working on it. Pray for us.
We had a minor disturbance last night. Some of the team heard some noises in the dining room about 1:30AM. The girls were blamed, but they would not admit anything. Finally the truth came out. Some of us were discussing how to get the 1500 gallon water tank on top of the 2nd floor of the boys dorm. All kinds of ideas were tossed around. Three jokers decided after everyone else went to bed to try to get it up there. The girls heard the noise, and looked out and thought someone was stealing the tank. They were scared. The jokers (Cliff, Doug and Steve) almost got it but finally gave up, and came back in. They were laughing so hard they couldn't breath. This morning, some more of us went out and tried to get it up before John found out, but he caught us in the act. We did get it up with a garden hose and some boards to pry with.
Yesterday we had an awesome time at church, even though it was in Creole. Steve preached with Daniel intrepreting.
I tried to put some pictures on, but the connection is rather slow and I waited almost 20 minutes to load 4 pictures, and gave up. I will put some on when we get home. Also Ken is taking a lot of video which he plans to post on youtube when we get home. More info on that later.
Blessings to all
Phil
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Arrival in Haiti
Hello to all who are here for information from the Team in Haiti
We arrived in Haiti as scheduled. Every flight along the way was delayed because of weather in Chicago except the flight from Maimi to Port Au Prince. It just made the layovers different. We left Wichita late, waited longer in Chicago, and shorter in Maimi.
We got to Lifeline about 10 am and went right to work. The guys are sorting and organizing in the warehouse. Clifford Good and I are working at getting the Onan generator going. The younger girls on the team are having a good time getting to know the kids and playing with them.
Nicole, Daniel and the Kids are doing well. Nicole said to tell you all thank you for all that you are doing, and please continue to pray for Haiti and the work here.
I will post more tomorrow and also some pictures.
Phil
We arrived in Haiti as scheduled. Every flight along the way was delayed because of weather in Chicago except the flight from Maimi to Port Au Prince. It just made the layovers different. We left Wichita late, waited longer in Chicago, and shorter in Maimi.
We got to Lifeline about 10 am and went right to work. The guys are sorting and organizing in the warehouse. Clifford Good and I are working at getting the Onan generator going. The younger girls on the team are having a good time getting to know the kids and playing with them.
Nicole, Daniel and the Kids are doing well. Nicole said to tell you all thank you for all that you are doing, and please continue to pray for Haiti and the work here.
I will post more tomorrow and also some pictures.
Phil
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