Trick or Treat

Tonight, as in most communities, was Trick or Treat night. We took Jake around and then finally ended up at the Court House for Safe Trick or Treat. Jake collected so much candy he couldn't carry it all...and actually it was heavy.

One of the neatest places we went was this huge house that used to belong to Jake's pediatrician. They have gone all out making a graveyard in their front yard. This is a picture of our little Red Power Ranger trying to fight someone who really doesn't want to rest in peace.

Happy Halloween!

For All the Saints - Thank You

Today we celebrated All Saints Day...remembering all those who have come before us in the faith who have made an impact on our lives. As some of the names were read off and we were asked to consider those who were saints in our lives, I remembered some of the people whose walks of faith made an impact on me.

I was reminded of my high school Sunday school teacher, Dale, who was such a great presence in a time when many of us need direction. He was one of the most biblically literate people I've ever known. A farmer by profession, his true vocation was serving the God he loved so much. He has gone on to be wit God, but will forever be a key element of my faith life. I thank God for sharing Dale with me and with all those he touched.

I also think of my grandmother who was spiritual and true in her life. I remember from one of my earliest memories how warm and welcoming her house always was. How she was such a great hostess to all of her children and grandchildren. But the key element I remember from our visits to her house was the picture of Jesus she had hanging by the door. This same picture hangs in our house today. I miss you, grandma, and look forward to seeing you again. You are a true part of who I am today.

There are living saints who are still revealing God to me in so many different ways. There's my family...each and every one of them teaches me more and more about faith and about God. Jake helps to remind me of the wonder and amazement of children...Jim teaches me about the love of God and Christ...my dad teaches me the importance of a genuine and true faith...my mom teaches me the truth of making a joyful noise...there are so many others who have made me into the person I am today. Jim's mom has taught me to love and enjoy life to its fullest and think f life as an adventure. To all of these and many more family members who have made me who I am today I thank you all!

To Erv, Sissy, Marv, Jim W., Todd, Merv, and so many others that I have learned with and laughed with thank you for sharing your love of God with those you are called to serve. Thank you to those who I have had the privilege to serve with...to my "girls" Mary and Betty...to Linda a sister and good friend, and to the many others who have taught me more about myself and more about God through service together...you all are the best!!

And finally to the homies that have known me for the longest, thank you for keeping me grounded in your love and reminding me of where I came from so that I can focus on where I'm going...thanks Mary, Michele, Becky, Diedre and all you others who knew me when. I love you guys!

Thank you God for all those who come into our lives...for a moment or for a lifetime...all those we encounter make an impact upon our lives and our souls and help us to learn more about you. Thank you!

Oh pickles!

Well, yesterday wasn't such a good day for the Polar Bears. They played Capital and lost with a heartbreaking score of 16 - 14. This week they moved up in the polls after their big win over #2 Mt. Union, but I can only anticipate that we will fall a bit in the polls for this next week. Good try guys, two more games...one at home versus Wilmington and then they end on the road in Marietta. Hopefully they'll win next week as we hope to attend the game.

As my little boy says, "Oh pickles!"

GO BEARS!

SWEET! Another Sweep! They Left No Doubt

Well, I must say what an exciting night of baseball. I am so thrilled that the Sox not only won the World Series but they swept the series. Congratulations for a job well done. I have been a fan for a long time and it's awesome to see these guys finally get their recognition as an awesome ball team.

OK, now what am I going to watch on TV for high suspense and entertainment? I'm sure I'll figure something out.

Sweet!

Come On Sox!

Ok, it's the bottom of the 9th and the Sox are ahead by one run. If they can go 1-2-3 then they will sweep the series. Come on Sox...leave no doubt and put these whining nay sayers to sleep. Let's get er done.

Take That No. 2!!

Well, I must say this week has been one of great excitement. As I wrote earlier, Ohio Northern has been doing quite well in football this year. They started out nationally ranked at #5 of NCAA Division III teams. They dropped to 20th a while later as they experienced their first loss.

But, the Bears redeemed themselves this Saturday with a GREAT win over Nationally Ranked #2 team...Mount Union. The Bears started out strong and never seemed to give up the hope. They drew first blood as they scored early in the 1st quarter and continued on from there.

They won and doused Mt. Union's 110 regular game winning streak.

How great is that?! It's awesome to see the Bears have a winning season let alone be nationally ranked. Now, let's move up in the poles and keep this dream alive!

GO BEARS!!!

M.T.S.O. & the Blessed Connexion

I just returned home from a great few days at the Methodist Theological School...where I went to seminary. It was a great experience as I attended the Schoolar Institute for Preaching...and Dr. Marjorie Suchocki was there as the guest speaker.

The topic was using film to preach the Gospel. It was a good conference and a chance to see many of the people I went to seminary with. The neatest moments were during meal times as many of us who graduated together all gathered around one table to share in food and fellowship. We reminisced about times spent in class and in the dorms. We sought to learn more about each other's ministries and family life.

As we joined together to eat, I was reminded of a couple of things. First, how often Jesus gathered with people around the table. There were many times that he would gather with his friends, new and old, to join in food and fellowship. I was also reminded of John Wesley's insistence in being connected with one another...the Blessed Connexion. As United Methodists, we are called to be in contact with each other. Doing this helps us to support each other and share ideas with one another.

As I left today, it was with some sadness as none of us knows exactly when we'll all be together again. But we left in the hopes that we will continue to keep in touch and we look forward to seeing each other again very soon.

Great Day of Sports

Today has been a GREAT day in sports. First, Ohio Northern won their Homecoming game over Otterbein 44-26. YEA BEARS!

Following that game, we traveled to Joan C. Edwards stadium to watch the Herd play their Homecoming game. It was a nail biter, but they finally beat UAB 20 - 19. Way to go Herd!

While at the Marshall game we also found out about Michigan's 25 - 27 win over Penn State. Go Big Blue! Then we also heard about WVU's win (after 3 overtimes) over Louisville...44 - 46.


We got home from the game to see the big win of the SOX over the Angels! Way to go guys!

The only thing that could make this a super super day?! Kasey Kahne wins the NASCAR race...and he's leading right now. Go Kasey! Don't hit the wall!

Great Night with Pauly

Tonight a few friends of mine and I went to see Pauly Shore at the Funny Bone here in Huntington.

I am a little reluctant to admit this, but I have been a great fan of Pauly since I don't know when. Could it be that I am stuck in the 80's? That's a definite possibility. I love Son in Law and the other movies of that time which gave Pauly his start. And since I'm a member of the MTV generation, it was neat to see someone that I kinda grew up with.

He was so fun-ny dude. I had a wonderful time! It was so great to spend the evening laughing at Pauly and some of his friends from his new show, Minding the Store. It was a great night.

Then after the show, Pauly stayed around to sign autographs and meet people. That's the first time I've been to the Comedy Club that the headliner stayed to do this. We couldn't take pictures during the show, but I snapped this one as Pauly was signing my photo of him. Check it out bud-dy. If he comes to a club near you, and you want to laugh til you hurt, I would highly recommend going, it's really a fun evening.

Sweet Sweep!

I am so excited the Sox won again. What a sweet sweep of the Red Sox. Way to go SOX! Now onto the next level. It's about time. Let's keep up the good work! Yay!

Gathering Together on the Street

Yesterday was World Communion Sunday. And every three years the churches of downtown Huntington gather together to celebrate World Communion Sunday together. We begin services at our respective churches then process out to one of the main avenues in town to partake of communion together on the street outside many of our churches. We meet at a crossroads where the street and avenue make the form of the cross. We gather together...forgetting all of the things that might separate denomination from denomination. We gather together...on the common ground that so many travel each day. We gather together...to celebrate the Holy Meal of our Lord. We gather together...in anticipation of the great banquet to be prepared for us one day. We gather together...as the Body of Christ knowing that our brothers and sisters around the world are doing the same.

Happy Birthday!

Today is my husband, Jim's birthday. Jake and I sang to him as we presented a beautifully decorated Spiderman cake to him. It is Jim's twin brother Tom's birthday too, a concept which Jake still doesn't fully understand. "Why is Uncle Tom's birthday the same day as daddy's?"

Happy birthday! We love you!