Pictures of Josiah

There are more pictures of Josiah at:

http://drodgers1.photosite.com/Pictures_of_Josiah/

Thanksgiving Break is over!

We were able to go to Pittsburgh to spend Thanksgiving day with my family. It was a good but quick visit. Joel loved playing with Jacob and Grammy. It was a quick visit because I had to get back to work on Friday afternoon. YES BLACK FRIDAY. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but I was told I missed out on those crazy, psychotic 6:00 am shoppers. I hope I didn't offend any early bird shoppers.

Now we are getting back in to school life:
Krista is talking with some of the girls who have returned. Please continue to pray for her ministry with the girls of Vibbard Hall.
I am preaching tomorrow (Tuesday) on James 4:13-17 and have a greek test on Thursday.
By the way Clark Summit now has water. The problem has been fixed and the students loved their extended break.

I was so gently reminded by a caring soul that I haven't posted recently about the Steelers. Thank you Pastor Tom for that reminder. Well, God knew I didn't need the distraction of a successful Steelers season this year.

Thank you for your prayers and support. God bless.

UPDATE ON THE WATER DILEMMA

It turns out the Abingtons (an area of several smaller communities South Abington, Clarks Green and Clarks Summit) was the hardest hit by the storms on Thursday night.

This storm caused a main water line to break. Late Saturday night they found the break and started repairing it. It seems there may have been some other breaks in the line.

Since Thursday the community has been using reserve water which is running out. We have water but have been urged to conserve, which is the reason for the pot-a-johns on campus. This afternoon Heritage Baptist Church right across the street from us lost water completely.

It seems like the workmen are coming closer to fixing the problem but we are not sure how the problem will last. Reports have been from some time tonight it should be fixed to sometime Tuesday.

Please praying for the whole situation and pray especially for the local government authorities here and the administration at the school.

What a weekend?!?!

the severe rainstorms here in northeast pa have caused quite a bit of flooding.
it also caused a water main break here in the clark summit area. repair crews are trying to find the source of the break. there are water reserve trucks in the area for drinking water. right now we still have water but we are not sure how long it will last.

they are not sure when the problem is going to be corrected. if the problem is long term, the big issues on campus will be showers and toilets.

The picture at the top of the page is showing the port-a-johns they have started setting up around campus if we need to start using them.

Please pray the problem would be taken care of as soon as possible.

One of the great things I love about being on campus

One of the great things I love about being on campus at BBC is the music in the air.

Every hour the bells in Jackson Hall ring out a hymn. This morning, after spending about two hours in the library editing papers and reading books, I walked out of the library and the hymn "All Creatures of Our and King" began playing.

What a great reminder for me that even in the midst of studying, working, going to class or whatever I am doing I need to lift up my voice and sing Alleluia to God.

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in Heaven along,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising moon, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
Refrain

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light.
Refrain

Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
Let them His glory also show.
Refrain

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
Refrain

And thou most kind and gentle
Death,Waiting to hush our latest breath,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod.
Refrain

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One!
Refrain

Toys for Tots

check out this article.
does anyone else find the headline strange?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15753237/?GT1=8717

No news is...

How would you finish that statement?

Well, we haven't updated in over a week so let me finish it from the Rodgers' perspective.

No news is a sign that lots of things are happening.

I haven't really had time recently to sit down and write.

Here are some recent photos: http://drodgers1.photosite.com/Octandnov/?page=1

Several class assignments quizzes and things coming due.

Working retail in November is definitely interesting. I have been getting a lot of hours. Maybe to much with family and my class load.

Life as RDs is always a challenge but we are learning more and more each and every day. Krista continues to build relationships with the girls.

Joel is growing up so fast. It is hard to believe that in less than a month he will be four years old.

Josiah is a little cutey with his "crooked smile" (a phrase used by my mom). He will be six months old on Joel's birthday.

Here are is a list of some random things (from the serious to not so serious) going on with us.
1. November 28th is my next sermon in my Expository preaching class.
2. November 30th is my next BIG greek test.
3. (Not so serious) I need to overcome the depression I am going through as I consider the Steelers tremendous dropoff from last year to this year.
4. (Not so serious) The "BIG GAME" (OSU/UofM -listed alphabetically in an effort not to offend any family or friends) is still a big deal out here I thought could escape the madness in a move to PSU territory but it cannot be avoided. One of my profs grew up in Ohio and is a huge OSU fan. The chaplain is from Michigan.

The Day after Yesterday

Krista is getting better. Continue to pray for her.

It is Wednesday and I made it through all of my tests, my sermon and other things.

All of my projects were completed on time (I think)
I did well on my Greek test
I am not sure how I did on my Principles of Church growth test.
The sermon I preached on James 2:14-19 went o.k. It was weird to preach to 6 guys who were writing notes down during most of the sermon and knowing the notes were about my preaching style.

Thank you for your prayers.

PROSKUNEO worship concert!

We had a great time of fellowship and worship with some friends from the Dominican Republic on Friday night.

Josh Davis is a friend of our who taught with us in the D.R. was here in the area (well actually it was 2 hours away but well worth the drive) for a concert at the Calvary Bible Church, which is pastored by the father of Sharla, another friend who taught with us in the D.R.

We along with some other friends had the great opportunity to fellowship before the concert over dinner.

Then we went to the church for the concert and some other coworkers from the DR showed up at the concert. What a blessing.

Beyond all of the fun getting together with old friends was the worship time.

Friday was a difficult time because of it being the anniversary of my dad's passing away but I could not think of a better way to spend the time than worshipping my Lord and Savior.

I would love to say that the whole night was an amazing blessing but I must confess there were times driving home when I was struggling emotionally. Because of a faithful God and my dad's faith, I am confident of where he is today but still two years later there are questions I would like to have answered and conversation to have. I know these will not happen this side of glory and I know I need to continue to learn how to submit these things to the Lord.

Below is a picture of the group from the concert.
(my blogspot is having some issues with pictures)

Monday is done!!

A very busy week and lots of prayer needs and praises.

Krista is not feeling well. She has a bad sore throat and just picked up a prescription that will hopefully help her get better. Pray she would feel better quickly.

I have a five day work week this week. Please be praying that I would be able to be a godly testimony to my co-workers.

First week back to classes after four weeks of interim.

Monday classes are done.
Handed in my projects and took my test. Not sure how I did. Some of it seemed really easy and other parts a little more challenging.

I am going to begin my final preparations for tomorrow.
Greek Test
Preach a sermon on James 2:14-19
One of the quotes I am using in my message is a Jim Elliott quote:
"To believe is to act as though a thing were so. Merely saying a thing is so is no proof of my believing it."

We had a great time with the Jacobs last week.

And an amazing time worshipping with friends from the Dominican Friday night (read the Proskuneo post)

Praise and Prayer requests

Praises:

1. The Jacobs are coming visit this week from Tuesday to Friday. Pray for a good time together and much needed refreshment for us.
2. Krista has received encouraging feedback from several girls regarding her ministry as the Resident Director
3. A good day away for Krista and I. We went on a hike at a beautiful park that had some great waterfalls and scenery. (pictures coming soon to our blog) We also had dinner out.
4. My module class (one week intensive classes offered during the month of March) was very challenging.
5. For my job at Borders. The manager seems to be very flexible with my school schedule. Pray that as I finish training my hours will increase.
6. **Praise for the prayer, financial supprt we have been receiving from so many different people. God is so amazing.

Prayer requests:

1. Pray for my family this week. On Friday it will be the two year anniversary of my dad passing away.
2. For daily wisdom for Krista as the dorm mom of Vibbard.
3. Wisdom for Krista to know how to balance time with family and the girls and for me in balancing my responsiblities. To know where to draw boundaries.
4. For opportunities to have spiritually challenging conversations with people. For me at work and for Krista as she goes through her day.
5. Some of you may have heard about the big train wreck in Pennsylvania. It happened in the town my mom and sister live in. There were no injuries but pray for the clean up and the families that were evacuated. Links to the story. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,223097,00.html https://mail.bbc.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/21/train.fire.ap/index.html
6. A reminder of a previous, but important, prayer request. We start regular classes back up on October 30.

• On October 30th I have a test in Principles of Church Growth.
• On October 30th I have a project due in Principles of Church
• On October 30th I have a project due in Personal Evangelism
• On October 31st I have a test in Greek
• On October 31st I have a quiz in my preaching class
• On October 31st I have to preach my first sermon in preaching class. My passage is James 2:14-19

There are so many other praises and prayer requests we could share. Pray that we would be see God working in our lives. We know he always is but sometimes it is hard to take the time to see how.
We pray everything is going well.
God bless.

Fall Update

Check the link on the side "The view out our backdoor." Some great fall pictures.

I recently wrote a friend and said something like this "Life Gets Crazy. God is always Good."

We are continuing to learn what our roles and responsibilities are here. Joel, Josiah and Krista went to a corn maze on Friday with the girls from the dorm. They (Joel and Krista) said it was a lot of fun. It is called Roba Farms (http://www.robafamilyfarms.com/fallseason.htm).

I have been working "normal" hours at Borders (not 11 t0 7). It has been good to have a job. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us.

I just finished a week long module (one week class for one credit with some post-class work). It was a great class taught by Dr. Bill Rudd.

There have been challenges in dorm life, seminary, job and family but we know that God is bigger than anything we could ever face. Pray we would live that truth out daily.

I know may family and I would especially appreciate your prayers this month. Two years ago this month my dad passed away. Please pray for extra strength for us during this time. I know my mom and sister would appreciate the prayers and I would to considering what my schedule is like that Monday and Tuesday at the end of this month. Lots of work and lots of emotional stuff. Thanks.

Just wanted to give a quick post to let everyone know we are still here and the God is always Good.

Job Update

Thank you so much for your prayers.

I was great to get together with Pastor Tom last week. It was good to talk with him about what God is doing at Emmanuel and to tell him about what God has been doing here.

I do have a permanent part time job at Borders. I have been working there third shift for the last week and a half (as a matter of fact I need to leave in a couple of minutes). The temporary third shift job was an opportunity to get a foot in the door for regular shift times.

They have been very flexible with my seminary schedule.
A couple of specific prayer requests:
1. Pray I would get enough hours to meet the needs of our family.
2. Pray I would not get too many hours so that my studies would slide.
3. Pray I would be able to balance the husband/father/student/employee life.
4. Pray I would be honor God with my actions and attitudes at work.
5. Pray I would be a testimony of God's grace to my co-workers.

Many other things to post about but I have to get to work!
God bless!

A quote from one of my readings

I found a good quote in one of my reading assignments. The book is called Revitalizing the Sunday Morning Dinosaur: A Sunday School Growth Strategy by Ken Hemphill

The quote is:
Carnality is the attempt to do supernatural work with natural strength.

Well I looked up carnal at www.m-w.org. He are the definitions listed there:
1a: relating to or given to crude bodily pleasures and appetites
b: marked by sexuality
2 : BODILY, CORPOREAL
3a: TEMPORAL
b : WORLDLY

I don't want to try to do what God wants me to do in my own strength.

The Late Shift

Monday night was my first night working third shift (11pm to 7am) at Borders Bookstore. Please be praying that by the end of next week I would know if I would have a permenant part time position.

We take a month "break" from our regular classes during October. It is not a formal break. We have module (one week - 9:00am to 1:30pm) classes we can take for the weeks. A week class is one credit. I am planning to take two classes (two of the four weeks). We start classes back up on October 30.
On October 30th I have a test in Principles of Church Growth.
On October 30th I have project due in Principles of Church Growth.
On October 31st I have a test in Greek.
On October 31st I have a quiz in my preaching class.
On October 31st I have to preach my first sermon in preaching class. My passage is James 2:14-19.

Krista led her first dorm devotions on Tuesday. That is a devotional time with all of the girls from dorm. She talked about the fear of the Lord and what it is and isn't. The dorm theme passage is Joshua 1:9.

Joel started school last week. Kinderstart is a once a week program the elementary education majors do on campus on Thursdays. He also started Awana's Cubbies three weeks ago. We will have to get some pictures up of him in his Cubbies vest.

Josiah is really a smiler. He smiles when his cheeks are tickled. He is getting soooo big.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. God bless!!

UPDATE

Be sure to check out the pictures in the three previous posts.

CLASSES:
My first Greek test 91.8. Not bad. Most of the students did very well on the test and most of my mistakes were stupid little ones like accent marks or a missing letter or word. It is definitely getting more and more challenging.
Others classes are going well also. I am definitely learning a lot and reading a lot. At this point I have already read 6.5 books along with many articles. Add 95 Greek vocab words to that.
Please continue that in the midst of all the studying I would grow in my love for the Lord.

WORK:
My last post talked about my job offer at BestBuy. Well, much has changed since that post. Monday I am beginning my job at Borders Bookstore. It is a two week job that will probably turn into more. After prayerful consideration, the Borders opportunity just seemed like a better fit. Please be praying for this position and how it will fit together with my school schedule.

DORM LIFE:
We are still adjusting to life in the dorm. It is busy but good. Krista is definitely being stretched in different ways but she has been doing great. She has been getting to know many of the girls. She has had 2 trips to the emergency room with different girls and lots of conversations.
Joel loves having all these "big sistas" (as he says). As I mentioned in a previous post he is quite the little showboat.
Josiah is also making his presence known in the dorm. He does this by looking extremely cute or crying extremely loud.

Thank you for your prayers.

Please feel free to post on these blogs or email us.

God bless!!!

Trains, Trains and More Trains!!

We were able to see lots of old steam engines with grampa and gramma this week.

There is a steam engine museum near our house. It was a lot of fun. There is so much stuff to see and do there.
Here are some pictures from our visit.
http://drodgers1.photosite.com/SteamtownTrains/

Joel the Blackhawk helicopter pilot.

On September 21, the field behind our dorm became the landing pad for a Blackhawk helicopter. It was quite a site.
http://drodgers1.photosite.com/BlackhawkPilot/

The reason the helicopter was here at BBC&S was because September 21 and 22 were chaplaincy emphasis days. Chaplains from different branches of the military were here to share about their ministry in the military and to see if there were any students interested in the chaplaincy program.
BBS has a site explaining the chaplaincy program. The site also has links to chaplaincy sites for different branches of the military and different chaplaincy organizations.
http://www.bbc.edu/seminary/mdiv/chaplaincy.asp

Some pictures to look at.

Some pictures to look at.


http://drodgers1.photosite.com/BBCS/

Clarification!

I know my post from September 2nd read "Offered a job at BestBuy" and then later posts talked about needing a job or still looking for a job.

Here is the story.
I interviewed with BestBuy and it went well.
I was given information about the job and dress code.
They were going to check some things and get back to me about when I could start.
That was on September 2nd.
I contacted them this weekend but didn't hear back yet.
I still haven't worked a day yet for BestBuy so as I wait I am still out looking for jobs and would appreciate your continued prayers in this regard.

In other news we visited one of the church plants BBS has started through the Project Jerusalem program. It was very exciting. Please be praying for Project Jerusalem's churches throughout the Northeast.
If you are interested in finding what Project Jerusalem is you can go to
http://www.bbc.edu/churchplanting/
The church we visited was called New Life Baptist Church.


ONE OTHER NEWS ITEM.
HERE WE GO STEELERS!!