Tag: Midway Menno Pixie

Talking To Myself – Remembering Grandpa Eber

Shannon Martin1 Comment

eber and cakeAugust 29, 1918 is a day that doesn’t have a holiday marked on it.  No historical feats are rememberd on that day.  The calendar by all accounts reflects this as just another day.  Our household, however, holds that date near and dear to our hearts.  Today marks the 97th anniversary of Grandpa Eber’s birthday.

It seems like only yesterday we were sitting next to him in our family pew at Midway Mennonite Church in Columbiana, OH.  The dear gentleman attended this church almost his entire life.  The days have been quickly passing by and it doesn’t seem possible that he has been eternally home with his Lord and Savior for almost four years now.

Many things have changed in our lives since he went home.  This past month was an especially crazy one for our household filled with the busyness that comes when you move house.  This new homecoming has been especially sweet as we are just down the road from the house Grandpa Eber grew up in.  In a way, the prodigal son’s grandson has returned.  Home here just feels right knowing we are walking and driving the same roads he once knew so well.

We also cherish the memories of his hearty chuckle and the teasing twinkle he would get in his eyes.  Treasured moments we think back on and we recall many holiday meals spent in his company.  I will forever be grateful for his wise counsel that he gave on many occasions when we were riding in the car.

In reflecting upon this gentle giant of a man this evening I found among his poems a fitting piece to share with you as we honor his memory and celebrate his life story today:

Talking To Myself

You may listen in, but I’m talking to me, I marvel at all the things I see; beauty that meets the eye,  I prize, may soon be gone, I realize.

What a miracle is sight; the sunrise, and the sunset bright; and what we do between these two is surely up to me and you.

But I could shut the beauty out if I live my life with fear, and doubt.  Whatever the future I may face, may I live my life with faith and grace.

How marvelous the sounds I hear; great music that I hold so dear.  The sound of love from a friendly voice, life is so good, so I rejoice.

Is a little silent gloating allowed?  Of my family I am very proud; whatever their work, where-err their place, each one lives with style and grace.

Here I have been talking to me, I marvel at the things I hear and see; and in my life may I applaud the greatness of our loving God.

Don’t forget, I’m talking to myself, obsessed by beauty, not by wealth.  “Self” I say, “how can it be such good things are happening to me?”

-Eber S. Martin

eber birthdayA man who found great joy in the beauty of God’s creation all around him, Grandpa Eber was always filled with praise and thanksgiving.  If we could all see that same beauty that he saw in every thing and everybody, how blessed would our existence be?

Thank you Grandpa, for your constant encouragement.  Thank you for sharing your deep faith with me when mine was floundering.  We will always have you close to us in our hearts and memories, and look forward to the day when we can here you say, “Weellll then, who goes there? Is it you?  I hope it is you because it isn’t me!”, once more .

Finding God in the Every Day

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 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2, NRSV)

We have all heard at one time or another the passage in Hebrews that tells us to be kind to strangers because you just never know when you may be talking to an angel.  Isn’t that an awesome thought?  For anyone that knows me, one thought like that leads to another…

So of course the direction that my mind takes off in is to idealize what a perfect meal (because of course hospitality includes good food!) would  be like.  I envision starting off the meal with an herbed tomato salad made with dainty, vibrant heirloom tomatoes.  The main course should include angel chicken sitting on a bed of angel hair pasta.  Of course the only logical conclusion to this meal would be to finish off with angel food cake covered in juicy, ripe strawberries and swirls of fluffy, whipped cream.

The conversation around the perfectly set dining room table is deep and meaningful.  We cover important topics like relieving poverty, providing safe food and clean drinking water to all, and how to achieve world peace.

However, I don’t think that is quite what the writer of Hebrews was trying to convey in this verse.

Entertaining is stressful and messy.

Life is stressful and messy.

Last week I attended the MC USA biennial convention in Kansas City, Missouri as one of the youth sponsors with our MYF group.  We connected with old friends, became better acquainted with familiar faces, learned new things in seminars, and came together to worship and praise our God during daily worship services.

Our time was filled with endless opportunities to know and hear God’s voice.  We rose early to gain new insights or fresher understandings of things we already knew at the multiple seminars that were available.  We were servants together in city-wide service projects.  The fellowship and opportunities to be community together were plentiful.  The nights ran late with worship services and were followed by more recreation time together.  A fellow convention attendee said at the end of the week they were physically exhausted but spiritually filled.

The Emmaus Road in Luke 24 was the scripture focus.  Some very gifted musicians, teachers, and preachers helped us to unpack this scripture through a series of dramas, songs, and sermon messages.  We came away with the understanding that even though we may not see him, Jesus is always walking with us.  Even in the bad times in our lives he is there, using the situation as part of the process, and ultimately there is a purpose in all that is happening that he can use to help teach us and mold us into something new and better.  This is a very brief synopsis of the messages last week, and doesn’t even begin to convey the talent of the gifted people who facilitated all of the worship services.

As the week came to a close, Kim Litwiller, Associate Conference Minister for the Illinois Mennonite Conference, opened the worship service on Saturday night, just as she had done for all of the youth worship services throughout the week.  She told us how sad she was to see the week close, but rather than asking us what we were taking away from our time together, Kim asked us, “Where did you see God this week?”

Where did you see God this week?

The question took me by surprise.  All week I had been looking for what God wanted to do with me, but I don’t know that I was looking for him around me.  My eyes were apparantly blinded.

Which made me start thinking.

Are we so busy looking for angels that appear in rays of glowing heavenly light among us that we miss  the angelic moments brought to us by humanity?  Do television shows and movies now have us conditioned to be looking for the extraordinary rather than paying attention to the everyday ordinary occurences and people?

What if while you are following the advice of the writer of Hebrews and showing hospitality, just in case it is an angel, you yourself are being used by God to be someone else’s angel?

During that last opening message, Kim used an illustration of where she had seen God during the convention.  She told a story about a moment in her week to the 2000+ people (youth and sponsors) gathered, that she said could have been quite embarrassing for her.  She had just come back to the hotel after her morning run and stopped in the lobby to get a cup of coffee.  She had a flavor shot put into the cup and turned to walk to the coffee dispensers when she accidentally dropped the cup.  The sticky liquid in the cup spilled on the floor and the bottom of the counter.  A woman standing close by very quickly came to Kim’s aid and helped her to get it cleaned up and on her way again.  In that woman, at that moment in time, Kim saw God working.

Are we paying attention to how God is using those around us for his purposes?

Are we aware as we are helping others that God is using us for his purposes?

How often do others see God through the random acts of kindness we are offering to others?

Perhaps the writer of Hebrews should have instructed us to act as angels to others by showing hospitality, empathy, and compassion rather than to watch for one of them.  By helping others through good deeds and servant acts when they are in need, God is using us to help spread the light in his Kindgom.

For the most part, we will probably never know how our acts of kindness have uplifted or encouraged others.  Every now and again God does allow us to see the good we did with just a random act of kindness though.   In the most unlikely of ways.

The woman at the hotel coffee counter that quickly came to help that morning was me.  Never in a million years did I image that simple act would be remembered or have any kind of impact.

We, the children of God in his kingdom on earth, are the hands and feet of Jesus.  Let’s use those hands and feet to spread his love by showing his love through acts of kindness in a dark and cruel world. Let’s take turns carrying each others crosses and bearing each other’s burdens.

Each one helps the other, saying to one another, “Take courage!”  The artisan encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer encourages the one who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, “It is good”; and they fasten it with nails so that it cannot be moved. (Isaiah 41:5-7, NSRV)

Finding Narnia

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Never before had I felt so nervous.  I have stood at the front of our sanctuary countless times before, but this time it was different.  I was not there to lead worship or hymns, it was not the start of a night at vacation bible school.  It was after the offering prayer on that particular Sunday morning, and the regular announcements were done.  The only thing left for me to do before turning the service back over to Pastor for the benediction was to make an announcement that was very personal to me…

Level Setting:

For the past several months I have been struggling to discern what God is calling me to do.  I had spent many hours in prayer, sought the counsel of prayerful people, started a blog, but still couldn’t quite figure out what that little, quiet voice was trying to say to my soul.  Until we had a guest speaker in our pulpit.

The visitor was from the C.S. Lewis Institute and his goal that morning was to introduce our congregation to his local office in Youngstown.  He talked about what the Institute was and the need for discipleship.  He was a very interesting speaker and passionate about his topic!  I couldn’t believe we had such a great place in such close proximity to us.

Then he mentioned that the Institute also offered a fellows program.  Intrigued by the few comments he had made about the Fellows program I  wanted to know more and stopped by the information table that was set up.  The very lovely wife of our guest speaker provided me with a wealth of information about this program.

The Fellows program is a year-long structure for people who want to learn more about discipleship and apologetics.  It involves a monthly time commitment, extensive reading, meeting regularly with a small group, and one on one time with a mentor each month.  It sounded a little overwhelming, but I put my name and email on a list of people who would like to receive more information, but I wasn’t convinced this was for me.  I went home inundated with new thoughts and questions.

Then the small voices shouted, “This is it! Seize it!”

All at once I realized that this could be the answer to all of my prayers, and began to talk about it in earnest with my husband.  He agreed that it did seem like the kind of program I would love, and he encouraged me to continue to pray about it.   It did indeed seem that this was all part of what the Spirit has been nudging me to do.

The application process was intimidating to say the least!  It started with a six page application that required essay type answers to questions about where I was in my spiritual life, how often I read my bible, what the quality of my prayer life was like, and what kind of spiritual gifts was I given?

In addition to the application I completed, I had to find two people to complete recommendations for me.  One had to be from the Pastor and the other from a person that has known me for a while and can attest to where I am currently at in my journey.

After all of the paperwork was in, I continued to pray as I waited for a response.  It came in the form of an interview request, and on a bright sunny afternoon in April I entered the offices of the C.S. Lewis Institute in Youngstown for what turned out to be a half hour interview.

Then the wait began in earnest.

A week passed.

Then another.

Followed by a third.

I was started to doubt that I had received the correct message from the Spirit.  Each day I eagerly stopped at the end of our driveway to check the mailbox.  For anyone that knows us well, they know that we rarely check our mailbox on a regular basis because all of our bills and expenses come electronically.  So the box is normally overflowing with flyers and junk mail before we get it.  But for three long weeks I was a faithful attendant to the poor little mailbox at the end of our driveway that is missing its little door.

Finally a letter arrived, and it was good news!

CS Lewis Acceptance

Such an awesome feeling to see how the hand of Providence moves!  All the things that I have been seeking will be tackled in this coming year.  So many expectations are building of what the coming year holds in store during this journey.

First and foremost is a better understanding of what I believe and why that will lead to a deeper, more meaningful faith.  One that will sustain me better in the storms of life and will draw me closer to my Maker.

My hope is that this program will help me overcome my “yes” person ways, allowing me to become more focused and intentional in everything that I do.  For the past few years I have been a Martha, scurrying to do every task that comes my way.  Now the time has come for me to be Mary, and sit at the feet of the great Teacher and learn his ways.

All of these things combined will help me to be better able to disciple and relate to those around me.  It will give me the confidence to lead our youth in Sunday school knowing that I can help them find their way.   The knowledge on theology and apologetics will also be greatly beneficial in my role as a worship leader.

The writer in me is eager for so many new experiences.  Perhaps this will be just the ticket to help me identify what my gifts are and how best to use them!

Back to my nerves at the front of the sanctuary:

On a warm morning at the end of May, with great trepidation I began to share the big news.  I had never before shared anything that related directly to me before my church family.  However that morning the story above came spilling out.  The support and love coming back from them is beyond fantastic.

Orientation for the 2015-2016 Fellows program is just a few short weeks away.  I can’t wait to dive in head first!  Some of my books have begun to arrive and the required reading has begun!  Looking forward to the adventures Yahweh has in store!

books

Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.” (Matthew 7:7, NRSV)

Change Is In The Air

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My Dear Reader Friends,

I am humble enough to know that no one other than myself realizes that I haven’t posted anything the entire month of April, however, please accept my apologies for the apparent slacking off on my part.  I am beyond excited to share with you some exciting things that have been going on in our lives that have been preventing me from spending time writing blog posts.  🙂

With the changing seasons, I find new and unexpected changes are springing forth for my little family.  We are in the negotiation process with lawyer and bank to finally purchase a home of our very own. Hallelujah! Good is God and he has showered us with many things to be thankful for already, but we can definitely feel his hand at work in all of this.

Another big announcement is that I recently discovered that there is an office for the C.S. Lewis Institute located nearby.  They offer a Fellows program that is one year-long commitment and focuses on apologetics and discipleship.  I have been busy applying to be part of this.  Any prayers would be appreciated as I await the decision of whether they will accept me into the program or not.

Fear not, dear readers!  I have not disappeared or fallen off the face of the earth.  Nor have I become discouraged and given up the idea of writing.   As the awesome plans above come together things will begin to be posted on a more regular basis.

Some ideas I have been working on for upcoming posts include:

  • my calling and how the C.S. Lewis Institute may be an answer to prayers
  • being an only child in a blended family with siblings
  • the heavenly unfolding of how we found a house
  •  a piece on worship inspired by the hymn Gather Us In
  • a piece with the working title of “Couseling Sessions” – it hasn’t quite decided how it wants to come together yet, but includes some thoughts on the book of Job, as well as thoughts on not suffering in silence, especially when the storms of life are raging

Only time will tell how all of these events will play out, but I have no doubt at all that God is taking me and my family exactly where he wants us to be.  We are listening to his call and ready to go at his command.

Blessings and Shalom!

The Midway Menno Pixie

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord.  They shall be like a tree planted by the water, sending out its roots by the stream.  It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.  (Jeremiah 17: 7-9, NRSV)

Finding the Gate

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The dust is beginning to settle and another annual conference assembly is in the books.  I started out this weekend with great trepidation and it wasn’t without cause.

We fellowshiped together.

We worshipped together.

We felt frustrated with each other.

We continued to ignore some of the elephants in our midst, but identified other elephants.

We built up fences between us.

And then just when all hope seemed to be lost, when deep and permanent fractures seemed to loom on the horizon for the Ohio Mennonite Conference of MC USA, the Holy Spirit moved among us and helped us find a gate that opened in our dividing fence.

We, as a conference, have found a way to draw a line in the sand, but also leave enough space to allow grace and mercy to intercede when needed.

In the midst of emotional highs and lows, some very gifted pastors helped us to remember that we are all different and come from different places, and that is a good thing! While all six pastors that spoke to us delivered wonderful messages that were incredibly timely for the issues we were working on, two of these pastors in particular stuck out and struck deep chords in me.

Pastor Jess Engle started his time with us with a response time.  He asked us, “Who is the church?”, to which we all responded, “WE are the church!”  He made us look at each other and remember that we are all beloved children of God, not nameless, faceless foes on the other side of the fence.

Another pastor, Jessica Schrock Ringenburg from Zion Mennonite in Archibold, gave an inspired sermon during morning worship that was beyond amazing!  Her incredibly powerful message, paraphrased here, reminded us that:

Paul spent his time writing letters.  Letters to the early churches that were struggling in very similar ways to our churches today.  Each of those letters was about the same thing, addressing the various issues that were arising in those congregations.  The Gentile/Greek Christians who valued freedom and spirit leading that were at odds with the Jewish Christians who valued traditions and laws.  Just like us today, each of those groups thought that they had the market cornered on doing church the right way.  Their way.  Both sides wanted Paul to champion their way, but Paul picks neither as the right way.  He consistently remind them,that the only right way is the way of the cross.  Two thousand years later that hasn’t changed.

Church, and how we do church, is a very personal thing to each of us.  Just as we are all inherently different, no two people have the same exact idea of what it is we need to do in order to be the church together.  But Jesus showed us exactly how to be church together.  It is not the Church of Us.  It is not the Church of Them.  We are the church and the right way to be church together is to go the way of the cross.

Our pastors can rest easy with the blessed assurance that our conference is standing behind them.  Our leadership now has some clear action steps to take.  Only the Holy Spirit working among us could have stemmed the tide of destruction we were heading for as a conference.

Our work has only just begun.

We must now dig in and work diligently with each other as we continue to work through the remaining elephants in the room.  But won’t it be so much easier to extend hospitality to those elephants now that we have a gate which they can walk through?

Because of the gate, we can now move forward together.

Praise God, who is good!