Christmas 2013... Another Year Has Passed

As the final hours of Christmas Day wind down, I find myself more in awe of the Advent season than ever before.

I may or may not have admitted this before on Facebook or in this blog, but I used to hide from Christmas. I looked back to see if I had ever commented on this and just how far back it was. I found a post I made on December 24th, 2010. It essentially said the way I had felt for nearly 35 years. There were a lot of friends who died and bad memories that tended to always land right around the end of December.

Even going to a Christian high school, the "reason for the season" seemed dim for me for many years. And on top of that I really started to despise the comercialization. That just seemed to make it worse. I can remember a few Christmas seasons that went fairly well, but it never really kicked in for me until at least 2011.

It was an easy transition. The cause was easy to determine also.

The more committment I made to learning from scripture, the better my life has become. It clearly has an effect on family life. No... it does not make everything (here on Earth) perfect, but, knowing that all of scripture comes together to tell the grand plan of salvation for Man really does make a huge difference.

As my priorities allign with my beliefs, the more important Christmas becomes.

I will tell you a short story from this week and leave it at that for this entry. We do not have a lot of exterior Christmas decorations. We have a lighted pink pig, with wings and a halo. It has a red scarf around its neck.

Yeah... doesn't really fit the topic does it? But... my youngest daughter loves pigs. Her nickname is pig. There are stuffed pigs. pig shaped jewelry boxes and pig flashlights. So there really was no way we were getting out of the store back in 2012 when the lighted yard pig was spotted without buying it.

This year we added a Rudolph... complete with blinking red nose.

That left me with a single strand of white lights. Last year I wrapped them around a metal lawn cross and used it as well. The cross is always in the yard. I do move it from time to time, but it is always out there and has been for at least six years.

When I started to put this all together a few days ago, Rhiannon came out to help (mainly to make sure I installed "her" pig correctly). I pulled the cross out of the ground and laid it aside, simply to reorganize. I put the lights on a small ornamental tree shaped bush.

I then put pig in place. I unboxed the new Rudolph and staked it in place. Then I ran the extension cord and plugged it all in. Everything lit. All would be well and there would be no frantic, last minute search for a new pig.

I then turned around, picked the cross up off the porch and stuck it in the ground in a new location.

I heard an audible sigh.

I turned to see five year old Rhiannon smiling at me. She then said, "For a minute I thought you were going to forget the true meaning of Christmas."

I was stunned. She gets it. She thought I was going to forget the cross.

The words of Christ from Mark 10:15 came immediately to my mind...

"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

My mind shot back to how much I did not care for going to a Christian High School back then. Now I count it as the greatest asset of my past, along with many trials and tribulations. I now see the value in the things I remember from back then. I had an education for those four years with a Christian foundation.

I see that same foundation now in several of my children. Luke and the twins had the advantage of a Christian preschool. Michael, Luke and the twins all have the advantage of being at Evansville Lutheran School (I wish I would have had Michael there before 5th grade... he is now an alumni). My point is that they not only know what they believe, but they can each articulate it fairly well for their current ages.

They pray at the family meals. We adults seldom get the chance to lead the prayer. I have heard Michael now explain communnion very succinctly and accurately several times now. They get it better than I ever did at their ages. God has blessed our family with these opportunities for Christian education.

It simply reinforces what I said earlier. The more we learn, the more Christmas and other church holidays mean to us. I made the comment to a Pastor from one of the Evansville circuit churches the other day that this Advent has left me "speechless." It finally unfurled in this short blog entry.

All I have wanted to listen to this season are the hymns... not the Christmas songs of Bing or the secular stations. I have read LCMS Advent sermons from across the nation this last month. I feel strengthened and blessed and better prepared to talk to others about why my faith is where it is.

Anyway, Christmas is no longer sad for me. The bad things I always anticipated happening are now dim in the rear view mirror. Of course I no longer view death the same way anymore either. Advent and Christmas are now times of fulfillment and awe.

As these last few hours fade, the kids play with presents and tomorrow will be a work day for many. My mind is now focusing on the fact that the church year now runs headlong toward Easter. In just a few short months, we will move from celebrating the arrival of God as an infant to acknowledging the completion of His will in His death and resurrection. All of which had been grandly foretold by the prophets. A manger... then a cross and an empty tomb.

Our Pastor recently lead an depth study of the Gospel of John. It helped. John fills in a lot of things the other Gospels do not, being written later than the first three. He did note that it was odd to be approaching Christmas and discussing the crucifixion at the same time. But one without the other would be moot.

Merry Christmas! Share your faith. Do it in a way that lets Christ do the work. If we do it without Him we will surely mess it up. He will give you the right words.

For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:11 ESV.

In closing, I am going to let my historically curious side (which is also fed by my EMS-tainted humor) relay a new tidbit I was recently made aware of... Everyone is aware of the ancient St. Nicholas. He put coins in children's shoes, paid a dowery once and was known for gift giving. A friend, Mike Eppler, posted a meme on St. Nick with a peice of history I did not know.

St. Nicholas was attendance at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. Apparently there was some discor regarding the true divinity of Christ. Arius had taken the view that Christ was merely man. At that, St. Nicholas apparently walked over and (depending on the account) pummeled him, or at least punched him in the face for being a heretic.

I have a new found liking for St. Nicholas.

Let me tell you about Evansville Lutheran Troop 310...

This will be a tough one for me.

It will be difficult, in anything short of a book, to describe the last three years of building a new Boy Scout Troop. The story of the start is nothing short of knowingly climbing on board a roller coaster. This whole thing started over a year before we got close to actually launching.

We were in the process of changing churches. We were driving almost thirty miles round-trip to church on Sundays. We were all set to visit St. Paul's Lutheran Church which was about four miles from our home. We were set to go there the next Sunday... but the weekend before, we had been visiting a few Boy Scout Troops trying to figure out where my son was going to go when he finished the Cub Scout Webelo program.

We had just gotten in the car after visiting a Troop. My ten-year-old son Michael then asked, "Dad? Are there any Lutheran troops?"

"Not locally, no."

Silence for a few minutes.

"Why?" He asked.

I said, "Not sure... from what I understand, the last one in the area folded about thirty or forty years ago. I think it was at Redeemer." Not too sure of the facts on the time frame, but it was what I had heard.

Michael and I at Philmont the summer
before he asked about starting a Troop

More silence.

His eyes brightened. "WE SHOULD START ONE!"

I lost it. I am sure my voice raised at least a third higher. "Are you nuts? Do you know how much work it is to start a Boy Scout Troop?" I had taken Woodbadge in 2006 and had heard the stories from those who had started units.The wife and I were fresh from having just led the revitalization of a fifty year old Cub Scout Pack (that I had attended as a child in 1971). If you have ever been led into adult Scouting with the phrase "It is only one hour a week," then you know what was racing through my head.

He did not look too disappointed at my reaction, so he dropped it... until the next day. He brought it up a few more times the next day. Each time, I gave him a reason as to why this was simply not possible.

The day following shook my world. I got a call from a gentleman that had attended a Cubmaster training program I had helped teach. Just so happened that he was the Cubmaster of a fairly new Cub Scout Pack... at St. Paul's Lutheran. He called to ask a question: "Have you ever thought about starting a Lutheran Boy Scout Troop?"

He might have thought I had hung up on him for a moment.

The words just came out... not as I wanted them too... "My son and I were just discussing that yesterday."

The discussion was only about ten minutes long. I told him we could speak more this coming Sunday because we were already planning on attending the church where he was a member. I prayed.

People talk of being led to do something. Nothing like a child's idea coming to fruition with the call of a person I barely knew, from a church I was already planning to attend... all in less than 48 hours.

I had recently told myself that I was not going to say no to things asked of me (which I had conveniently forgotten when Michael asked about starting a troop). I met with the Pack Committee of Evansville Lutheran Pack 310, chartered through the school ran by St. Paul's Lutheran and the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. It was going to happen.

We just needed members. Boys who in this age of blue-tooth headphone online role-playing might actually want to start a fire, cook a meal, pitch a tent, catch a fish, hike and shoot a bow... and learn duty to God and Country. Plus this was a chance to do it in a place I wanted to be to begin with... within the LCMS.

The BSA requires five boys to start a unit. I prayed again.

The first sign-up meeting failed. Two boys attended. But... they were solid. They wanted in. We waited a couple of months and tried again. We got four. I prayed again.

I wondered if it was a bit selfish, but I wanted my son in a troop at his church. I wanted to work within the church and with Scouting.

We got permission from the local council to start with the four we had as long as I wrote a plan to get more boys involved. The very first Troop meeting we got the fifth boy. Three months later we got six more.

That seems like a lifetime ago. In August, it will have only been three years.

People would inquire about joining. I distinctly remember a call from a Lutheran Pastor who was moving to the area and had a son in Scouting and another preparing to turn eleven who might be joining. I think that was in late 2011, cannot remember. I do remember telling him that we did not have much equipment yet, but we were trying. I did tell him two things... that we were distinctly Lutheran and that what we lacked in Equipment we made up for in Patrol Method.

We are truly a "boy led" unit. Those boys decide what we do. They lead their patrols. We mildly nudge them (as adult leaders) to succeed and we sometimes let them fail (so that they learn).

Here it is 2013. Where are we today?

• We have been a "Gold" level unit award winner for 2011 and 2012 in BSA's Journey to Excellence program. 
• We have our first Eagle Scout.
• We have another Scout with an approval from the Council to start his Eagle Project.
• We have two more Life Scouts who will be working on Eagle projects within the year.
• We now have tents, phenomenal camp stoves, dining fly sets, axes, sports equipment and some extra supplies to use for those who may not have their own personal camping equipment (we still need a good Troop trailer though!).
• We have had a Scout earn the BSA National Medal of Merit for life-saving actions.
• We logged 530 hours of service during 2012, with over 80% of that being within the Evansville Circuits of the LCMS.
• We now have 19 registered young men in three patrols (Jackalope, Wolves and Piranha).
• We had both patrols attending Summer Camp in 2011 earn Honor Patrol status at OBSR... the first time we ever went!
• We staged our own Summer Camp in St. Louis at BSA Camp Beumont in 2012 (We also attended a large LCMS church in Des Peres, Missouri also where we were welcomed by the congregation).
• We have camped a lot of places and seen a lot of things.
• We applied for our first Philmont Trek for 2014 but unfortunately did not get pulled in the random selection process.
• We are now planning for a Philmont Trek in 2015.
• We had three boys attend National Youth Leadership Training in 2012 with one of our youth on staff.
• We have a youth on staff for the same NYLT program this year.
• We have a Scout attending the inaugural 2013 National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel who is a Patrol Leader within that contingent.
• We have custom neckerchiefs in the colors of the school which hold Luther's Seal and the five Solas in Latin.

I will add to this list in a few minutes as a lot unfolded for us in the last two weeks.

The purple neckerchief is for the Troop, the yellow one for
the Cub Scout Pack

About two weeks ago, thanks to some donors within two LCMS congregations, we were able to complete all of our essential equipment purchases. That took a great weight off my shoulders and marked a milestone for the troop. The Troop and I are VERY thankful for this.

Last week we attended Summer Resource Camp at Old Ben Scout Reservation. We reorganized the boys into two new patrols for camp so that we could shake things up with some temporary patrol leaders and reorganization. The goal... reinforce patrol method, teamwork, and managing hectic schedules. At this camp, you gain points for participation in a wide variety of challenges. You get more points for winning challenges. All of this leads toward awards at the end of camp for the three top scoring patrols.

Mike Eppler and Jay Coy have done an amazing job for the last seven years setting up and running this resource camp. Jay keeps the point scores very quiet until the end of camp.

There are also patches distributed for "Honor Patrols." These are patrols that score above a preset level of points throughout the week. Everyone attending gets a very colorful camp patch. Those in patrols making enough points to be Honor Patrols get a "ghosted" patch of a single color as well.

The challenges are things like participating in events, scoring in the Top Shot competition, playing in water games, having the best patrol stave, using pioneering skills and knots to build a campsite gateway, having the best patrol spirit and many more. It requires team work and ability to split up also.

The patrol staves are interesting in themselves. The patrols make a flag for this blank stick. They decorate it. Throughout the week, as they participate in challenges, they get any number of items and trinkets that hang from the stave. It has to go anywhere in camp that the patrol goes.

We put five of our younger Scouts in one patrol. They called themselves the "Crazy Eights."

The four older boys attending (two Star Scouts and two Life Scouts) reorganized into the "Random" patrol.

It is hard to get points for every possible activity while trying to win a few as well to get the extra points. The schedule is purposefully designed to overlap to make the boys, delegate, plan, take advantage of strengths of certain scouts and also allowing scouts to get to the events they really want to get to do... all within a schedule filled with merit badge opportunities.

During that final nights campfire we learned that once again, both of our patrols had made Honor Patrol status. I was elated for them. It warms the Scoutmaster's heart to know that a three year old troop can pull this off. I was not prepared for what happened next.

I had thought that the Random Patrol might have a shot at 3rd place for overall "Outstanding Patrol." They announced the 3rd place patrol and it was not one of ours from 310. No biggie, we had still performed well with two honor patrols. I turned off the camera and put it away.

They announced 2nd place. We applauded.

Then I heard: "The first place Outstanding Patrol for the 2013 Old Ben Scout Reservation Summer Resource

 Camp 2013 is... Troop 310 Random Patrol!"

I dropped the camera.

Those four boys obviously did not hear it. They were still sitting! I sent the word down the line... "GO!"

They jumped up, not sure of what had just happened. Then it dawned on them. They went to the front of the campfire stage and accepted their winning plaque. They each also got a first place bead necklace and their choice of a BSA knife.

Once again, I was more than happy. I have watched this group for nearly three years now... forming, storming, norming... and finally PERFORMING. They were able to adapt into a group of four that took on the challenges and succeeded (against patrols that in some cases numbered six to eight boys).

The night before, one of our Scouts who serves as the Troop Chaplain's Aide had led us through an awesome devotional with well connected readings and prayer that he had readied for a smaller troop level campfire at our site. It was a great opportunity to listen, expound and discuss our faith.

The "Duty to God" does not start or end with the BSA. The BSA just enforces it as an important responsibility in our lives. This scout made a great verbal connection that a good devotional assures that the Gospel is in the message. He stated it frankly and with authority. Several nodded quietly.

Random Patrol

These really are not boys... they are young men. One hundred and fifty years ago, boys of their age might be already working very hard jobs or even supporting elderly parents as the overall breadwinner for the family unit. These boys know how to lead and they know how to work. I would describe them as "strong" in faith as well.

Following the closing campfire, the traditional Order of the Arrow call-out was held. The OA is the BSA's National Honor Camping Society. Two young men from the Random patrol were called-out into membership along with one of our adult leaders (my wife... who I have not yet blogged about but will soon). You are only elected to the OA by your peers and they are told to vote based upon your character and ideals.

We are all home now... well, most of us anyway. I have another scout in the unit who is still up at the same scout camp on staff for the BSA National Youth Leadership Training Course. My wife is up there too serving as a camp cook and health officer. Next week we will be doing Boards of Review for rank advancement as these boys get closer to the goal of becoming an Eagle Scout.

Being in Scouting is about being busy and making an impact. For me it is a support mechanism for a personal ministry that also happens to include the outdoors and the teaching of life skills. To me, the fact that we are chartered through an LCMS school and try to serve as many LCMS congregations as we can is no accident.

The BSA is in the media at the moment. Reactions to the new membership policy are varied. I have wanted to tell this story for a long time, but with the events of the past three weeks (both nationally and within our unit) I felt now was the time.

The future is before us. I do not know what tomorrow will bring. I am hopeful. I am worried. I am still doing my job as a Scoutmaster. I will do my job with these youth. But I also need to assure everyone engaged in this endeavor knows... As for me and my house, we will follow the Lord.

Where he leads, I will follow. There is no crisis of Faith for me in this. My Faith is firm. If we are able to

Several of the young men of Evansville Lutheran
Troop 310

keep our scouting units, I will rejoice and move forward, working as our charter organization desires. There are some great, spirit-led men in the LCMS working on the decisions that will be made.

If not, I am sure I will have a period of great remorse, but I will follow whatever those who are far more learned in Theology than I decide. I am loyal to Scouting... but I am also purchased at a great price, the blood of my Savior Jesus Christ. I am reminded of this and comforted each time my lips touch the cup.

In this I will always rejoice.

Life Scout Michael Turpen

I care greatly for these young men. My hope is that I will continue to serve through being their adult leader in this "game with a purpose" (Lord Baden-Powell). They all do very well in this game and get better each day.

We have several closing in on Eagle... at least four at the time of this writing including my son, Michael.

If not, I am sure that I will be guided in my next role, just as I feel I was guided to this one.

Please give thanks in all that you do. Remain focused and help someone along their road tomorrow. Not because you have to help though. Baden-Powell once said, "Boys have to learn to do good without reward." We are thankful for the ability to serve and expect no merit from it for it is the right thing to do.

Till next time on the 4F trail that is this blog, may His blessings be with you.

Lee (Scoutmaster... one of many vocations).

Scooter Support Parent

I have no youthful frame of reference for this entry. I never had a scooter as a kid. Not sure I even remember them existing.

One of the things I have grown accustomed to this year has been the fact that we probably made one of the best purchases a parent could buy for the money. Sometime back now, we got the twins each a Razor brand scooter. These metal, two-wheeled pieces of lightning get more use than any toy I have ever seen. I also have to believe they are good for physical fitness because in the absence of a hill they are 100% four year-old powered. They fold up, even down to the steering shaft and handles, making them easy to transport in a car. They are sturdy (they have been in hundreds of crashes at this point, and the things have been thrown over obstacles by their maniacal small-fry owners on numerous occasions). I have only had to make one minor repair when an spring-loaded adjustment button got out of place. Easy fix.

Peter's is a bright yellow with the "Hot Wheels" logo emblazoned all over it. Little did we know when we bought it that the logo would be so applicable to it's rider (driver? operator? What are you when you control a Scooter???).

Rhiannon's is silver and pink (of course) with multicolored LED's in the wheels that light up when it rolls. The lights make this thing a sight to behold at dusk or even in the dark (yes, we have been there... many times).

We started out letting them ride in the street in front of the house. This is always done with parental observation of course and they are pretty good about getting out of the street when a car is still over a block away. Peter is a bit more advanced that Ree as he can jump up and flip the Scooter in a new direction or hunker down lower than the grips and ride it while squatting. Neither of them use the wheel brake. They just drag a shoe, sometimes using the shoe in a cornering maneuver. They are good at getting these things rolling and then balancing and moving side-to-side to keep it going without using their feet to push all the time.

This skill was earned at a price of course. They fell... and they fell... and they crashed... and they flipped. They still do. All the time. This has taught them that even if they are bleeding, it is part of the fun they get from these metal freedom-givers (at least in the eyes of those younger than five).

Here is where we are these days: We drive to Evansville's Dress Plaza overlooking the Ohio River. We park near the Museum of Arts and Sciences. I walk behind them while they ride on the Green Way. We pass the Four Freedoms Monument. We travel down the entire length of Dress Plaza to Casino Aztar. We then turn to go up Main Street, stopping at the water fountain at Old National Bank Building for fun.

We then proceed up Main to Subway... usually apples or chips and fruit juice eaten in front of a 113 year old fountain. They eye Angelo's Italian Restaurant every time we pass, but have not yet asked to go in.  Up to the Ford Center, and back down the other side of Main Street. Then they eye Milano's much the same way they do Angelo's (even more so tonight after they saw kids their age eating Spaghetti at a side walk table tonight). Need I describe further? I

Old National Bank Fountain

think not. A news crew would have an amazing time filming the antics of the twins as they ride.

You get the point, I am sure. They are unstoppable on these "Razors."

People walking on the Main Street Walkway stop to watch as they curve around, slide to stops, or balance riding while looking backwards. It is unusual given their size. They wait for me to catch up at each intersection (yes, I can't keep up). Daddy is back their explaining to every bystander who asks how I have no clue how they do it or where they get their endurance.

This trek is usually two and a half miles in length.

They know the intersection rules. They wait just back from the edge of the curb. They know the white hand on the crosswalk sign tells us when we can go. We cross. Then I am soon left some 50-150 feet behind as they weave past walkers, benches, fountains (usually a wide circle back, slide to a stop and dismount... no

113 Year Old Fountain on Main Street

fountain can ever be left unexplored).

Each trip is not without mishap. The cuts, bruises and pains happen EVERY trip. So... what I am going to describe to you now is the work of an adult paramedic whose is tired of being caught unprepared... The Scooter Support Backpack (yes, I am aware that I have truly lost it).

In a small day pack, I have now placed the items needed to keep these two absolutely happy while on their several hour foray into Downtown Evansville. These are the "must haves" for a fully enjoyable trip without having to cut it short to go back to the car:

1 Digital Camera.

6 Kool-aid Jammers (Make sure the straws are attached or someone will be unhappy (It's Ree. In the words of Bruce Banner in the Incredible Hulk: "Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry."

6 Mild Slim-Jim Beef Snacks.

1 Can Pringle's Pizza Flavored Potato Crisps (yes, one whole can, the balance to be eaten later in the night).

1 Package hand-sized antiseptic wipes.

1 Instant Cold Compress (when they crash together, the worse of the two will get this... hazard of triage and weight I am willing to carry).

35 assorted Band-aids.

1 roll medical tape.

6 gauze pads.

5 butterfly closures.

1 tube Neosporin antibiotic gel.

10 cotton tip applicators.

4 finger splints.

1 spray can 30 SPF Sunscreen.

Apple Break

Overkill you say? Nay say I! This is what it takes to keep these two going. Do not think that they cry for a band-aid at every little wreck either. They just want the bleeding to stop so they can keep going. I kid you not... these two will get hurt, buck up, patch up... then back on the two-wheeled metal beasts to conquer another slight hill, long slope, or circling of a fountain without applying any "push."

So... if you ever see them on Evansville's walkway or Riverfront, don't try and get out of their way. They are good at the weaving part (while making you stare and laugh).

Never mind the band-aids either. Those are just covering the most recent sets of battle scars from the scooter wars.

Till next time on the 4F trail, May the Father bless and keep you. Thanks for reading.

Goodnight.

1009 Views... WHAT?!??!

Today realized the 1000th viewing of my blog. Not bad for less than a year. The thing that has astounded me though is where my readers are... It goes to figure that the majority would be in the United States. What surprises me are the next two countries listed in the stats.

Here they are...

USA                    783

Germany              110
Russia                  79
United Kingdom   5
France                 2
Ireland                 2
Brazil                   1
China                   1
Italy                     1
Malaysia              1

I guess I am curious more than anything... May be that the posts that wax more Lutheran are attracting my Germany readers. I really have no way to know for sure. I would also love to know what individuals from the other countries have seen in my blog that led them to read it.

The two highest viewed posts have been "A Trip To The Statehouse" and "1/12th of my Life (or why Popcorn?)". Those two are related to EMS and Scouting. I myself am more partial to the ones in the four part introduction and the ones where I discuss my beliefs.

So... I will ask my first request in this blog: If you would, take a moment to leave a comment telling me what you like about the blog (or do not like). Also, if there is something you would like to see more of, comment on that also. If you choose to comment in your language I will use the translate feature to read it. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!

God bless! ...and by all means keep reading!

On the Eve of Confirmation...

Michael on Pike's Peak in 2010

As I sit here looking over my handiwork of a few evenings, I find myself astounded. On the computer is a file
of pictures that I will have running as a slide show on a table at the Confirmation reception tomorrow following his first Communion.

There are 870 pictures. They range from about age three up to just a few days ago. Fourteen years of life. At least eleven years of pictures. Moment that are captured in a flurry of digital pixels. Instants in time that are going to be seen by family and friends. Many of these pictures he has never seen before, but he will remember the details when he sees each and every one. I am sure of it.

Pastor Eckels questions the Confirmands at St. Paul's.
Michael is in the green striped shirt.

Last night we sat and watched as two of our Pastors questioned each of the Confirmands they sat panel-style between the two podiums. Quite frankly... I was amazed at the depth of understanding in these eighth-graders as they proved and upheld their education in their faith.

All of them were a bit nervous as they sat facing a total of five local Pastors as well as family and members of a few different Congregations. But as the questioning got underway, their anxiety eased and they easily answered and showed understanding of their professed beliefs. In the majority of questions, they were even eager to raise their hands to answer.

I was proud as Michael answered the first three questions asked. It then went somewhat randomly with the raised hands. Good questions... answers filled with understanding.

It amazes me the depth of understanding represented by this group of Confirmands. They responded to each question. Their verbal explanations of the Apostle's, the Nicene and the Athanasian Creeds were without question.

Michael and I in 2008 at
Philmont in New Mexico.

These youth see the Truth. They see the Way, the Truth and the Life.

They quoted scripture upon the asking. It was written in their hearts.

Our Pastors have done a fine job in the shepherding and education of these youth.

Tomorrow, in just a few hours, they will be Confirmed and receive their first Communion. May they approach the Sacrament of the Altar with reverence, preparation and awe as they partake in that which was given and shed for them.

May they know the comforts of the believer.

Michael as Crucifier during
Lent in 2013

We will be there with them in this.

I, for one, am proud of the Faith my son has exhibited. He will enter a public high school next year. May he stand firm in his faith. May the Lord give him the strength to do so among his peers.

I have watched him grow from a small child to a young man capable of many things. He isn't perfect. None of us are... but he continues to grow in many ways. I for one am glad that his faith in God is at the forefront of his life.

I watched him present before a group of youth and adults today on the topic of packing a backpack. My hope is that he will use his God-given talents in many ways... but I hope that the presentation abilities will also be used to deliver the saving grace of the Word; the message of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Michael presenting today.

Soli Deo Gloria

On several occasions while extrapolating within the confines of the 4F blog, I have mentioned the "Five Solas." I want to take a moment and key in on one of them. My intent here will be to show examples and keep my comments in between very succinct and to the point.

"Soli Deo Gloria" or "Gloria to God alone."

I asked my four-year-old daughter, Rhiannon, to help me with this particular entry. I searched for images of “God.” I asked her to look at these and pick the ones that she thought most looked like God to her. In this experiment, I had no theory in mind on the front end; however I did wonder whether she would lean toward the visually powerful depictions, divine or even toward pictures of Jesus. There turned out to be a theme in what she picked (and I have included those pictures so that you might see).

Out of the three pictures that she picked, two of these artistic renditions were of Christ in His

Ree's First Pick

glorified state. Another shows God and the Ark of the Covenant (clearly a powerful depiction).

So many times these days we hear someone wondering:

“What is my purpose?”

“What am I supposed to be doing with my life?”

“Am I doing what I am supposed to be doing?”

“Am I good enough?”

“Nothing that I do seems important?”

And there are a ton of new age mystics, feel-good preachers, escapist activities and issue generating fanatics to throw answers back in return. In reality, what does the whole of scripture define our purpose to be?

Ree's Second Pick

Our purpose here on Earth? I think the mission of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod says it very well in summation: “In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world.”

As a member of the church, I closely associate with this purpose and its scripture-based truth. It is fairly easy for most of us to look through the whole of scripture and come up with a summation thought such as the one above for our lives (and particularly referring to the church as well).

But what about our purpose throughout eternity?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and


Ree's Third Pick

wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”  And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”  And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.”  -Revelations 5:8-14

Our purpose is to the glory of God alone. All that we do… all that we can do… is only enabled by the power of God. And not one good thing can come of our actions or deeds unless for the purposes of His will.

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” – Romans 7:18

So, here I dwell. My purpose, as a living, breathing creation of God, and that will continue in the form designated by Him after my physical death is simply to glorify Him. Look at the below complexity describing the Trinity and the overall feeling of a glory too great for words to describe:

“For the Father is one person, the Son is another, and the Holy Spirit is another. But the Godhead of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is one: the glory equal, the majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit: the Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, the Holy Spirit uncreated; the Father infinite, the Son infinite, the Holy Spirit infinite; the Father eternal, the Son eternal, the Holy Spirit eternal. And yet there are not three Eternals, but one Eternal, just as there are not three Uncreated or three Infinites, but one Uncreated and one Infinite. In the same way, the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, the Holy Spirit almighty; and yet there are not three Almighties, but one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God; and yet there are not three Gods, but one God. So the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, the Holy Spirit is Lord; and yet there are not three Lords, but one Lord.” –Excerpt from the Anthanasian Creed (5th-6th Century AD).

We use the word “glory” a lot in Christianity. But if we are to glorify God, just what are we to be doing, both now and later in His presence? We glorifying him by worship and being a servant to His tasks and His commands and being about… well… and I use this word reluctantly… about His WORK.

I understand that I just alluded to works. Just remember that this exposition is about “Glory to God Alone” not glory to us and our self. I am not alluding to the value of works toward our salvation. “Sola Gratia” and “Sola Fide” may be covered later. I am describing the fact that we glorify God by being an instrument of His will.

Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.
Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of Heaven, enthroned in worlds above,
Crown Him the King to Whom is given the wondrous name of Love.
Crown Him with many crowns, as thrones before Him fall;
Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is King of all.

-Verses 1 & 5, “Crown Him With Many Crowns,” Public Domain, LSB 525 Concordia Publishing House

For in the end we know what will happen. One infallible truth is that at a point in the future there will be a moment when all will realize the power and the glory of God:

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:9-11, ESV

I do not quote that as a scare tactic. I quote it as an answer to the questions first listed above. What should we be doing? What the Word instructs us to do.

Our purpose is His purpose. No more, no less. Sin clouds our judgment and our effectiveness at this task while on Earth. It will not cloud our judgment in glory.

The reason I asked Rhiannon to pick the “pictures” that most reminded her of God was that I wanted to see how a four-year old views God. I think what was relayed was far more powerful than what I would have thought. I expected her to pick a picture of a “nice, friendly Jesus.”

Alas, no… she picked ones with radiance, crowns and power.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever…

Some Links:

http://castingcrowns.com/music/the-altar-and-the-door

Listen to Tracks 6 and 7 (Altar and the Door & Somewhere in the Middle)

http://castingcrowns.com/music/lifesong

Listen to Track 2 (Praise You in the Storm)

http://www.worldvieweverlasting.com/2012/01/25/the-nss-sanctifor/

Doing good...

Retro Ree and Kat of the Vine

In many previous “4F” posts (as I have came to call this blog), I have mused upon Faith, Forests (Scouting, only once so far), and the Field (EMS). I think it is high time I turn toward family. After all this upper end of the list vocation is the sole reason why I do not exit EMS forever, grow my hair and beard and collect sea shells by the seashore.

I usually laugh inwardly at those who say “you couldn’t live without being in EMS.” They obviously do not know me very well. While EMS is a passion, vocation and focus for portions of my life, it could easily be replaced by things more important. But… EMS pays the bills, so I stay. And like any vocation, the work is definitely there to be done. And that work is testing me somewhat this week…

So, with that said (let me know if you ever get tired of that entry phrase… although it probably won’t change my usage)… let’s talk about a few members of zoo for a moment. We are going to start with the girl children (we shall discuss the boys later).

Hence the title, “Retro Ree and Kat of the Vine.”

The title is simply a paraphrasing of the descriptions to come. These two daughters, one age four, the other twenty-two are in some ways a lot alike and in others different.

“Ree” is the nickname for Rhiannon, the youngest (by 5 minutes) of the Turpen girls. She is the fraternal twin of Peter Isaac (who we will explore in a later blog unless he has taken off my fingers with a baseball by that time, relegating my typing time to nil). Rhiannon is a fearless little sprite who truly claims (and mimics) a kinship with fairies and princesses.

I don’t think Ree has gained an ounce since she was two (I am being facetious of course) and she loves to climb trees, take 2.5 mile long scooter trips, ride her bike and be generally fearless. She also has not an issue one with calling out any of her brothers when something does not match her sense of right (of course she does tend to be defensive of her twin). She is very much a Daddy’s girl and always the first one to greet me when I come home in the evening.

Her other nickname is “Piggy.” She got this from eating three times as much food as her twin

Piggy (Ree) and Corky

brother when they were less than a year old. She put him to shame at the dinner table. Of course now he is the chunk and she the bean pole. However, this has given her a love of all sorts of pigs… from stuffed, to banks to even a pig shaped jewelry box. It’s all about the pig.

She likes watching music videos (and here is where the “retro” comes in). Meatloaf (I Would Do Anything For Love) and of course Stevie Nicks (Rhiannon) are at the top of her list. But she also likes the funnier stuff by Katy Perry and Psy as well.

Stevie Nicks (Landslide), Kid Rock (All Summer Long), Van Morrison (Brown Eyed Girl). As I have said before, Rhiannon is kind of a retro music kind of girl. Yes, i do think Kid Rock is sort of '70s at times...

 But then you throw in some Carly Rae Jepsen and Ree is all about that too...

Then it's back to Fleetwood Mac and "Silver Springs." I dont get it, but I can't say that I do not like her diversity in music.

Of course, I will not lie. Her first name comes from the Stevie Nick’s song “Rhiannon” which I really liked as a teenager and still am partial to today.

Rhiannon likes anything interactive. When she was two years old she learned the words to a common interchange between Commander Adama and Lieutenant Starbuck in the new version of the television show Battlestar Galactica. She usually likes the version from the Battle of Ragnar Anchorage:

Adama: “Good Morning Starbuck, What do you hear?”

Starbuck: “Nothing but the rain!”

Adama: “Grab your gun and bring in the cat.”

Starbuck: “Aye-Aye, Sir. Coming home!”

It is short, but she really gets a kick out of saying it back and forth and has wanted to re-watch the short video clip of one of the interchanges about a zillion times.  Reference video clip at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmqdsFq9fgs

She tends to actually listen in church (you should see it when her head spins around to ask a question about something just said in the sermon… priceless!).  Although for the longest time she thought Pastor Eckels was Jesus (she has since figured it out… but our Pastors are called and ordained servants of the Word so that association is logical to a young child). Of course, two of her brothers thought the same thing of Pastor Keller at an early age as well.

She is fairly particular about her clothing (appropriate to where she is going… and she usually picks it out herself too), hair (style), makeup (yes, I know… but she can be a little Diva at times).

She likes salad. I did not eat “rabbit-food” until my late twenties. She also likes Hockey too and is a huge Evansville Icemen fan.

I mentioned earlier that she is somewhat protective of her twin, but it does not stop there. She will jump in to defend in a moment anywhere where she feels someone or something is being harassed or abused (even the dog!). It is quite funny to see her through her 33 pound, four-year-old, stick-figure body in between two people with her chest out, arms thrown back, posture, stating, “You want a piece of me?”

Too funny.

She obviously likes to take up a cause.

Ree and Kat together...

On that point, let’s move to the oldest of the offspring. I cannot call her a kid any more as she is 22. But “Kat” is a graduate level student at Ohio State in the Veterinary Medicine program. She was accepted for early entry into the program during her third year of undergraduate studies at Purdue.

She and her Australian Shepherd “Mal” (short for Malcolm from “Firefly) live in Columbus, Ohio. She seems to be adjusting well to life on her own, but then again she has always been somewhat self-managing.

She has done well setting her own limits, adhering to her values and arguing those values as well.

“Kat” is short for Katherine. Fits well for a person who knew they wanted to be a Vet since the 2nd Grade. Kat has had an excellent GPA since around the fourth grade or so with honors classes in high school and the GPA continuing through her three years at Purdue.

I will be the first to say that I was not the most supportive parent with her decision to leave Indiana… after I love this state dearly and with there being only four other states I would like to live in (Colorado, Texas, Washington and New Mexico), Ohio still does not quite compute. But she has proven it was a very good option for Vet school.

One of my earliest memories concerning the tenacity of my oldest daughter has to be a day that I picked her up from school at what I think was her Kindergarten class. I still remember her at age 5, running to the car carrying this huge Teddy Bear (I think it was dressed in a Christmas motif kind of outfit). Here’s the set up. There had been a “Teddy Bear Tea Party” that day in the class. All of the students were supposed to bring a Teddy Bear. That is all I knew at this point… I was supposed to pick her up and make sure she brought her Teddy Bear home. She climbs into my truck, tosses the Teddy down, crosses her arms and says, “Teddy Bear tea Parties can be so annoying.” And that is a direct quote from a five year old.

So… I said, out of total astonishment: “So what was annoying about it?”

She immediately launched into a diatribe about how everyone was supposed to bring a Teddy. She then added that there were prizes for the biggest bear, the smallest bear, the best dressed bear, the fattest bear… etcetera… etcetera… never uncrossing her little arms. She was chiefly incensed over the fact that everyone got a prize.

I indicated that I still was unclear as to why the party had been annoying.

She then looked at me. The arms unfolded, straight out, palms up in the typical “why” stance and stated, “But someone brought a stuffed Rabbit. IT WASN’T A BEAR!”

Not sure if that was a “just doesn’t fit the rules argument” or a recognition of an entitlement concept, but either way it was hilarious. It took me the entire ride to get her calmed down and let the anger go (all while trying to choke down the laughter).

I guess that story serves to show that she sets lines, limits and definitions and then abides by them. She has always been that way. That said, she is now technically, by the numbers, an adult.

An example of that line drawing, not crossing thing was her waiting until she was 21 to have her first drink. We actually made it where that first outing occurred with me. That trip required a trip to West Lafayette, then to Indy to find a Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant.



Kat at Oliver Winery in Bloomington

Now this is where the “Kat of the Vine” title comes from… she has taught me to really like and appreciate the differences in various wines. I have learned quite a bit with her instruction and the idea that we should do a wine trail together. She has went from that first drink to wine connoisseur in less than 18 months. She also introduced me to my favorite wine: Reggae Red from Easley Winery in Indianapolis.

The Uplands wine trail was a great amount of fun. I also learned that our tastes in wine differ between father and daughter (we also have denominational differences in our faith as well). I am still learning. I like the sweeter wines, although I am learning to like Pinot Noir’s (which I hear is a logical progression). I like some whites also, but Kat is all about the white wines.

I will insert here: Please do not judge on the wine… the very first miracle of Christ was at the Wedding Feast at Cana where the water was turned to wine. Please see a sermon reference link below concerning both wine and marriage…

Another topic where I find Kat amazing is in the area of strategy. We have often in the past played a

St. Louis 2004

game called “Pirates.” It is a constructible strategy game where you collect and build small ships punched out of credit card sized plastic sheets. It is played on a large table top. It is not an easy game to win at when confronted by a diabolical mind such as that of my dear daughter’s.

Then there is her love for animals...

The thing though that I find the most impressive about Kat is that she has kept a straight and narrow path. Be it alcohol, smoking, relationships, school… she has made it a point to do the right thing and stay out of trouble. Her Christian character shows through at all times.

Kat & Jerad

She currently is looking to work with a specific church ministry which helps children of divorced parents. And she is doing this while in grad school.

I love my daughters dearly. In many ways, I cannot convey this in the space given in a blog. Daughters are sources of great love. You worry about them. You always know that you have not helped them enough, but they grow and succeed anyway. I thank God for them.

Lastly, there is nothing better than that little hand on your shoulder and those little lips state, “This is a secret between us… You are the best Daddy ever.” When I heard this two nights ago, I smiled on the outside, but nearly cried on the inside.

What I give is not enough. It will never be enough. Why? It is simply because we want to give our daughters the world.

And they deserve it.

Till the next time on the “4F” trail… God Speed.

Reference (and fun) links:

One of my favorite sermon texts regarding two good gifts from God, Wine and Marriage: http://lcmssermons.com/index.php?sn=1574

Battlestar Galactica (new): www.syfi.com/battlestar/

Uplands Wine Trail: www.indianauplands.com

Easley Winery: www.easleywinery.com

Winzerwald Winery: www.winzerwaldwinery.com

French Lick Winery: www.frenchlickwinery.com

Wine Styles Store Evansville: www.winestyles.net/burkhardt

Tetelesti

During this week, I made it a point to commit myself to attending the varied services building up to Easter morn. It has not been without a good share of learning and an improved understanding of scripture. The three hour service of Tre Ore with the pastoral meditations on the words spoken by Christ during the Crucifixion was very god at invoking thought.

Pastor Knea's message on the words "It is finished," were particularly stirring. These words come form the Gospel of John, Chapter 19, verse 30:

"When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished," and He 

bowed His head and gave up His spirit."

These words have crucial meaning for us.

In the Greek, these three words are represented by a single word: Tetelesti.

It is written in the Greek to show that it has very directed meaning defined in our English as a very specific message. In other words, this was not a generalized statement. It was directed to show that in taking the soured wine that all of the prophecies concerning His death had thus been fulfilled.

When Christ said, "It is finished," He was speaking in reference to what is written in Psalm 69, verse 2:

"They gave me also gall for my meat and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink."

He was being obedient to the Father. He was fulfilling his purpose. This was yet another descriptor of his death similar to those in Isaiah, chapter 53 (which also clearly describes the mission behind His death).

It is crucial for us to know that His actions were atonement. His death was atonement for our sin. Isaiah clearly says this. The events of the day are predicted and fulfilled. He paid our debt.

So when you read this passage and your eyes rest upon "It is finished," know that this means so much more than just the end to His anguish or His death fast approaching. It means that the act has been fulfilled. The debt has been paid.

As our lips take His Body and His Blood, given and shed for our sins, remember that it is finished. The atonement for our sins was made complete. He said it himself. "It is finished."

Tetelesti! 

That was yesterday. It is now Saturday.

It was the Sabbath. While Mary and the Apostles grieved, observing the Sabbath, they had forgotten his promise of return. The next morning his Resurrection would be revealed.

For us this will be remembered tomorrow morning.