Friday Night Dinner and Study (12th)—Dinner at 1830 (All-American Potluck)—please have your kids eat before coming as we have a babysitter from 1830-2130. We will then look at what it means to love our neighbor.
Saturday (13th): White Elephant Gift Exchange from 2:00-5:00. Fun for the whole family. Find a gift in the basement, attic, garage, or anywhere else and wrap it up. Before opening them we will then select gifts, trade gifts (aka, steal one that you think looks promising), and then unwrap them! You are welcome to bring a gift per person in your family (for example, if you have five people in your family you can bring five gifts and then each of your kids can select and participate at well.) The more unique your gift is the better!
Friday the 19th: Dinner and Study. Potluck theme: “Breakfast for dinner.”
Saturday the 20th: Christmas Caroling to our Neighbors—7pm
Sunday the 21st: Graf Chapel Evening Christmas Program
Monday the 22nd: The Chapel will be caroling through the barracks. Meet at 5pm at the chapel. See CH Hammond for more info and bring cookies to share with soldiers!
Christmas Day: Brunch for single soldiers at 1030 (let Brian know if you want a ride). Christmas dinner for everyone at 5:00 followed by games, puzzles, dessert, etc.
Tuesday the 30th: Swimming at the Weiden pool (4pm)
New Year’s Eve: Dinner for single soldiers at 1730. Pie and Game Night for everyone from 1900 until….??? Single soldiers are welcome to stay the night.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Past and Future!
Past: It was great to have so many of you join us for Thanksgiving dinner and the Christmas Market. I think we had around 30-35 for turkey dinner and 40 to see a very cool (and cold!) parade at the Medieval Christmas Market! Thanks also to all of you who invited friends to join us.
Future: This Friday we will resume our weekly Friday Night Dinner and Study. The potluck dinner theme is Mexican! Please bring your kids fed as we will have a babysitter from 6:30-9:30. The study will be on loving God as we look at what is commonly referred to as the Greatest Commandment:
"Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?'
Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'" Matthew 22:34-40
We will look at loving God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Next week we will look at the second commandment, loving our neighbor as yourself.
Please call or email with questions!
Future: This Friday we will resume our weekly Friday Night Dinner and Study. The potluck dinner theme is Mexican! Please bring your kids fed as we will have a babysitter from 6:30-9:30. The study will be on loving God as we look at what is commonly referred to as the Greatest Commandment:
"Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?'
Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.'" Matthew 22:34-40
We will look at loving God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. Next week we will look at the second commandment, loving our neighbor as yourself.
Please call or email with questions!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
It Is Good To Give Thanks!
Psalm 92: 1-5
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,
With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,
With resounding music upon the lyre.
For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
How great are Your works, O LORD!
Your thoughts are very deep."
It is indeed good to give thanks to God. Why?
1. For His Lovingkindness--How have you experienced His love towards you lately? Was it through the love of a friend? Through a good experience? Through salvation given in His Son Jesus Christ? We love because God first loved us!
2. For His Faithfulness--Keep your eyes open to how God is faithful to you. Consider what He has promised in the Bible and how He has been faithful to those promises. And give thanks!
3. Because He has made you glad. God's actions make us glad. Every good thing is from God. What has made you glad lately? It is a gift from God. Give Him thanks.
4. For His works. God works in marvelous ways still. Aimee and I have seen this first hand. Consider the amazing works of God. They may happen regularly (the sun does rise each day!) or they may be less frequent. Either way, keep your eyes open to how God is at work and then give thanks!
These are really just a few reasons to give thanks. Keep reading through other Psalms and you will find many more reasons to give thanks. My prayer is that your Thanksgiving holiday is full of thankfulness to God. It is good to give thanks to Him.
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,
With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,
With resounding music upon the lyre.
For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
How great are Your works, O LORD!
Your thoughts are very deep."
It is indeed good to give thanks to God. Why?
1. For His Lovingkindness--How have you experienced His love towards you lately? Was it through the love of a friend? Through a good experience? Through salvation given in His Son Jesus Christ? We love because God first loved us!
2. For His Faithfulness--Keep your eyes open to how God is faithful to you. Consider what He has promised in the Bible and how He has been faithful to those promises. And give thanks!
3. Because He has made you glad. God's actions make us glad. Every good thing is from God. What has made you glad lately? It is a gift from God. Give Him thanks.
4. For His works. God works in marvelous ways still. Aimee and I have seen this first hand. Consider the amazing works of God. They may happen regularly (the sun does rise each day!) or they may be less frequent. Either way, keep your eyes open to how God is at work and then give thanks!
These are really just a few reasons to give thanks. Keep reading through other Psalms and you will find many more reasons to give thanks. My prayer is that your Thanksgiving holiday is full of thankfulness to God. It is good to give thanks to Him.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgiving Dinner
Please join us on Thursday for a traditional Thanksgiving meal! Anyone is welcome! Consider your friends and co-workers in the barracks, those whose have a spouse deployed, or anyone else that would enjoy a home-cooked meal. Dinner is at 5:00 pm. Brian will be on post at the CMR at 4:30 in our blue VW van to give a ride to those who need it (if you are planning be at the CMR, give him a call so that he will be sure to look for you). After dinner we will watch some football, play games, put together puzzles, or whatever your Thanksgiving tradition is! Feel free to bring any games or puzzles you enjoy.
If you are planning to attend but have not let us know, please call or email so that we have an idea for numbers. However, no RSVP is required so you can always join us at the last minute. If you would like to bring something, just bring your favorite side dish to share. Again, there is no requirement or expectation for you to bring anything.
Don’t forget that on Saturday we will be going to a Medieval Christmas Market in Guteneck. We will meet at the Graf Chapel parking lot at 1:00 and caravan! Attached is a rough translation of their web-page .
We look forward to seeing you this weekend!
If you are planning to attend but have not let us know, please call or email so that we have an idea for numbers. However, no RSVP is required so you can always join us at the last minute. If you would like to bring something, just bring your favorite side dish to share. Again, there is no requirement or expectation for you to bring anything.
Don’t forget that on Saturday we will be going to a Medieval Christmas Market in Guteneck. We will meet at the Graf Chapel parking lot at 1:00 and caravan! Attached is a rough translation of their web-page .
We look forward to seeing you this weekend!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Weekend Events
This Friday we will have our first Friday Night Dinner and Study! We will have a potluck dinner at 6:30 followed by worship and a lesson on God's Love for Us at 8:00 . Please bring an Italian-themed dish to share for dinner. (If you are single you do not have to bring a dish!) Childcare will be provided from 6:30 to 9:30 but please bring your kids fed as dinner is for adults only.
Then join us on Saturday (1:00-4:00) as Brian's parents will be hosting a craft and baking day. They are bringing years of experience with them to teach you how to do such things as make your own sourdough, create fun Christmas bags, and several other fun projects. You are welcome to bring your creative projects and skills to share with the group as well. Childcare will be provided from 1:00-4:00.
Don't forget we will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner on the 27th!
Then join us on Saturday (1:00-4:00) as Brian's parents will be hosting a craft and baking day. They are bringing years of experience with them to teach you how to do such things as make your own sourdough, create fun Christmas bags, and several other fun projects. You are welcome to bring your creative projects and skills to share with the group as well. Childcare will be provided from 1:00-4:00.
Don't forget we will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner on the 27th!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
St. Martin's Day Parade
Our town celebrated St. Martin's Day this evening and Jacob and Owen's Kindergarten had a parade downtown. They both made lanterns at school and then sing songs and walk through town with their class. Here are a couple clips and photos from the night.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Much Fun
We had a great time this Saturday as we opened this new Hospitality House with a BBQ and dedication. Thanks to everyone (about 75!) who joined us for some great fellowship, burgers, dogs, and weather that was about 20 degrees above the forecast! We are especially grateful for those who helped cook, clean, and our wonderful musicians (thanks Phil, Susan, and Cydney)!
This Saturday we will be showing the movie "Amazing Grace" at 7:00 PM. We will also have a babysitter and movie going for the kids. We look forward to seeing you then!
A little info from the Amazing Grace Movie website:
Amazing Grace, based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, is directed by Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, Coal Miner's Daughter) from an original screenplay written by Academy Award® nominee Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things).
The film stars Ioan Gruffudd (Black Hawk Down), Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich), Romola Garai (Vanity Fair), Michael Gambon (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), Benedict Cumberbatch (Hawking), Rufus Sewell (Legend of Zorro), Ciaran Hinds (Rome) and introduces Youssou N'Dour.
Gruffudd plays Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. Albert Finney plays John Newton, a confidante of Wilberforce who inspires him to pursue a life of service to humanity. Benedict Cumberbatch is William Pitt the Younger, England's youngest ever Prime Minister at the age of 24, who encourages his friend Wilberforce to take up the fight to outlaw slavery and supports him in his struggles in Parliament.
Elected to the House of Commons at the age of 21, and on his way to a successful political career, Wilberforce, over the course of two decades, took on the English establishment and persuaded those in power to end the inhumane trade of slavery.
Romola Garai plays Barbara Spooner, a beautiful and headstrong young woman who shares Wilberforce's passion for reform, and who becomes his wife after a whirlwind courtship. Youssou N'Dour is Olaudah Equiano. Born in Africa and sent as a slave to the Colonies, Equiano bought his freedom and made his home in London, where he wrote a best-selling account of his life and became a leading figure in the fight to end the slavery of his fellow countrymen.
This Saturday we will be showing the movie "Amazing Grace" at 7:00 PM. We will also have a babysitter and movie going for the kids. We look forward to seeing you then!
A little info from the Amazing Grace Movie website:
Amazing Grace, based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, is directed by Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, Coal Miner's Daughter) from an original screenplay written by Academy Award® nominee Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things).
The film stars Ioan Gruffudd (Black Hawk Down), Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich), Romola Garai (Vanity Fair), Michael Gambon (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), Benedict Cumberbatch (Hawking), Rufus Sewell (Legend of Zorro), Ciaran Hinds (Rome) and introduces Youssou N'Dour.
Gruffudd plays Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. Albert Finney plays John Newton, a confidante of Wilberforce who inspires him to pursue a life of service to humanity. Benedict Cumberbatch is William Pitt the Younger, England's youngest ever Prime Minister at the age of 24, who encourages his friend Wilberforce to take up the fight to outlaw slavery and supports him in his struggles in Parliament.
Elected to the House of Commons at the age of 21, and on his way to a successful political career, Wilberforce, over the course of two decades, took on the English establishment and persuaded those in power to end the inhumane trade of slavery.
Romola Garai plays Barbara Spooner, a beautiful and headstrong young woman who shares Wilberforce's passion for reform, and who becomes his wife after a whirlwind courtship. Youssou N'Dour is Olaudah Equiano. Born in Africa and sent as a slave to the Colonies, Equiano bought his freedom and made his home in London, where he wrote a best-selling account of his life and became a leading figure in the fight to end the slavery of his fellow countrymen.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Open House and Dedication
This Saturday (1 Nov) we will be having an Open House from 1500-2000. Please come see the wonderful house God has provided for His work. Addtionally, we will be serving dinner at 1730 followed by a short dedication of the house to God for his use.
Address:
Jahnstrasse 47
92676 Eschenbach
Directions:
From the only stoplight in Eschenbach...
Go up the hill through downtown.
At the top of the hill, turn left immediately before the church and then turn immediately right on Jahnstrasse.
Go past the hospital on your left until the road splits. Where the road splits our gate is on the right (yellow 47 on the sign). Park outside the gate near the large, 3-building school and walk in!
Phone: 0151-5467-8686
Address:
Jahnstrasse 47
92676 Eschenbach
Directions:
From the only stoplight in Eschenbach...
Go up the hill through downtown.
At the top of the hill, turn left immediately before the church and then turn immediately right on Jahnstrasse.
Go past the hospital on your left until the road splits. Where the road splits our gate is on the right (yellow 47 on the sign). Park outside the gate near the large, 3-building school and walk in!
Phone: 0151-5467-8686
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Swimming in Weiden
Here's the scoop on swimming this Saturday:
We will meet at 1300 at the pool and you can stay as long as you want. Waterslides for the kids and much fun to be had. And my handy-dandy computer translator told me their web-site says the following:
"For children the Weidener Thermenwelt is a true paradise! Gigantic water children's slide, Plantschbecken and white-water canal are only some of the highlights which must try out intrepid three cheese highs absolutely. The quite small dwarfs go it with mummy and daddy of course a little more quietly in. Indeed become the small water rats be from our toddler washbasin (33 °C) with play of water garden only more very much hard herauszulocken!"
So come be "small water rats" with us and have a lot of fun!
Cost for Adults
1-hr 3.50
2-hr 4.50
3-hr 5.50
5-hr 7.50
All Day 9.00
Cost for Children
1-hr 2.00
2-hr 2.50
3-hr 3.00
5-hr 4.00
All Day 5.00
Adults exceeding the time-limit are charged an additional fee of 1,00 € and youths 0,50 € for each additional half started.
Click here for a map.
Click here for the website for the pool.
Address:
Freizeitzentrum Weiden
Weidener Thermenwelt
Raiffeisenstraße 7
92637 Weiden i. d. OPf.
We will meet at 1300 at the pool and you can stay as long as you want. Waterslides for the kids and much fun to be had. And my handy-dandy computer translator told me their web-site says the following:
"For children the Weidener Thermenwelt is a true paradise! Gigantic water children's slide, Plantschbecken and white-water canal are only some of the highlights which must try out intrepid three cheese highs absolutely. The quite small dwarfs go it with mummy and daddy of course a little more quietly in. Indeed become the small water rats be from our toddler washbasin (33 °C) with play of water garden only more very much hard herauszulocken!"
So come be "small water rats" with us and have a lot of fun!
Cost for Adults
1-hr 3.50
2-hr 4.50
3-hr 5.50
5-hr 7.50
All Day 9.00
Cost for Children
1-hr 2.00
2-hr 2.50
3-hr 3.00
5-hr 4.00
All Day 5.00
Adults exceeding the time-limit are charged an additional fee of 1,00 € and youths 0,50 € for each additional half started.
Click here for a map.
Click here for the website for the pool.
Address:
Freizeitzentrum Weiden
Weidener Thermenwelt
Raiffeisenstraße 7
92637 Weiden i. d. OPf.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
House Happenings...
We had a great with about 30 people on Saturday at Pottenstein. The weather was a little cold at first but once the fog burned off it was a gorgeous day. We hiked up to the castle and ate lunch while looking around the grounds. Then 1/2 of us took a hike through the countryside to the rodelbahn (alpine slide) while the rest hiked down and drove. The slides were very fast and fun! A few of us did the cave tour but most of us will have to do it again another time! Pictures will come shortly.
This Saturday (25th) we will be going to the indoor pool in Weiden. We will meet there at 1300. Check back on here mid-week to get directions and details on cost. See you there!
This Saturday (25th) we will be going to the indoor pool in Weiden. We will meet there at 1300. Check back on here mid-week to get directions and details on cost. See you there!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Financial Disarray
Good words to consider in these times of financial disarray...
Matthew 6:19-33
MT 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
MT 6:22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
MT 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
MT 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
MT 6:28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:19-33
MT 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
MT 6:22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
MT 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
MT 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
MT 6:28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Pottenstein--Little Swiss!
We will be going to Pottenstein next Saturday (Oct. 18th) to enjoy all the leaves changing color. This is a great little town with lots to do (castle with museum, cave with 1-hour guided tours, alpine slide down the hills, and lots of hiking). It should be beautiful next weekend with the leaves changing so bring a lunch or some money to buy lunch. We can hike to the castle or you can park near it if you don't want to hike. The museum is 4.50 Euros for adults and 2.50 Euros for kids. The alpine slide is 2.00 Euros per ride.
So meet us on Saturday at 1000 in the parking lot at the Graf Chapel (we will be in the dark blue 9-passenger VW van--its pretty hard to miss us!). We will caravan from there as it is about a 45 minute drive. Here is an English website I found about Pottenstein.
Call with questions or email (Cell: 0151 5467 8686 or briankleager@yahoo.com)
We hope to see you there!
So meet us on Saturday at 1000 in the parking lot at the Graf Chapel (we will be in the dark blue 9-passenger VW van--its pretty hard to miss us!). We will caravan from there as it is about a 45 minute drive. Here is an English website I found about Pottenstein.
Call with questions or email (Cell: 0151 5467 8686 or briankleager@yahoo.com)
We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
First Day of School
Owen's Backpack!
Owen and Brian with our friend's son Daniel.
Jacob crawling over the gators at Playmobil Land!
On their way to school!
Monday, September 29, 2008
German Definitions
shrank \shrəŋk\ noun: Closets used in Germany to store clothes and dishes. They are not built into the house. Unlike other civilized nations, Germans take these closets with them when they move. The end result is that they probably don't fit in their new house and whoever moves into their old house probably doesn't have any to fit either. Problems arise when foriegners move into Germany without shranks.
shrank fatigue \shrəŋk fə-ˈtēg\ adj: The condition foriegners experience in Germany after looking for, buying, transporting, and assembling shranks. Extreme fatigue sets in after driving home one hour from the store and discovering the shrank in the box is not the one you requested. It is too small. After recovery, one may then return to the store, exchange shrank, and verify the box is the correct size. Hospitalization might be required if after returning home again, with the correct sized box, one discovers it is the wrong color...
shrank fatigue \shrəŋk fə-ˈtēg\ adj: The condition foriegners experience in Germany after looking for, buying, transporting, and assembling shranks. Extreme fatigue sets in after driving home one hour from the store and discovering the shrank in the box is not the one you requested. It is too small. After recovery, one may then return to the store, exchange shrank, and verify the box is the correct size. Hospitalization might be required if after returning home again, with the correct sized box, one discovers it is the wrong color...
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The Rest of Jacob's Birthday
The Boys at Playmobil Land! The last picture is Jacob, Toby, and Jesse whose parents run a Hospitality House 90 minutes from us.
Read the post below for the first part of Jacob's birthday...
Jacob was indeed treated like royalty the whole day at school. Later the teacher let him pick two other kids and they went out in the hall. They then called them back in and Jacob got seated in a special chair (he described it like a king's chair). All the kids had palm-branches or something like that that they waved as he came in. That night he got to choose what we ate for dinner: Mac and Cheese! And he requested a carrot cake which Aimee had made.
Today (Saturday) we met some friends and their kids who run a Hospitality House about 90 minutes from us at Playmobil Land. It is a theme park that is just like the Playmobil toys and all the activities are like the toys. Large pirate ships, castles, slides, etc. to play on. The boys had a blast.
And we finally have internet up and running so more pictures will be added frequently. However, it is 11:20 PM and I am off to bed...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Jacob the Birthday Konig (King)!
Aimee dropped Jacob off at school today (his 6th birthday) and when he walked in all the kids came and surrounded him and were calling him the birthday boy! The teacher then sat him down and he started making a crown that he gets to wear all day. He was all smiles. He has been telling us for the past two weeks about what they do when it is your birthday and I think he had a lot of anticipation for it. And now that it is all coming true for him is very special. They are making him feel like royalty all day long. We are excited to pick him up at 1:15 and hear more about it. We will give a full update later.
(Unfortunately, still no internet at the house. But we will update his birthday events soon! Check back.)
Brian
(Unfortunately, still no internet at the house. But we will update his birthday events soon! Check back.)
Brian
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Our Stuff Has Arrived!
We were told that our container with furniture would arrive on Tuesday at 3:00 and that we would have three hours to unload it. We were thus surprised when it showed upt at 1:30 because none of our friends were there yet to help unpack! However, the truck driver said we could still have it until 6:00 to unpack. And to our surprise, we had more people than anticipated show up to help. We had 15 people there and it went very smooth. Aimee made them all brats for dinner and many stuck around to help put together beds and arrange furniture. By the time Aimee and I went to bed, our bed was put together and even had sheets on it (thanks to Sharon finding them in a box!). The only challenge was finding the bolts and hardware for the boys' bunkbed. I found them the next morning and while in the middle of putting it together, a friend showed-up unannounced because he figured we could use some more help! It was perfect timing. We got the bunkbeds up, my office rearranged, and a few other odds and ends done before we both had to go. The boys slept well last night (Owen's first in the bunkbed as he had been in a crib until we left Denver. He feels like a "big boy" now.).
And a few of you have asked about the boys' school situation (a big concern for us before we left). They are both in Kindergarten and there was no problem getting them in, although Jacob did get one of the last spots in his class. This is what we had been hoping and praying for (God continues to bless and bless). Jacob is in the oldest class and Owen is in the youngest. Both boys go three days a week from 8-12:15 and on the other two days Jacob goes from 8-1:15 and stays for lunch. They are both adjusting well to their classes and their teachers are great.
Hopefully the internet gets turned on at the hosue today! If so, I will try to get pictures posted in the next couple of days.
And a few of you have asked about the boys' school situation (a big concern for us before we left). They are both in Kindergarten and there was no problem getting them in, although Jacob did get one of the last spots in his class. This is what we had been hoping and praying for (God continues to bless and bless). Jacob is in the oldest class and Owen is in the youngest. Both boys go three days a week from 8-12:15 and on the other two days Jacob goes from 8-1:15 and stays for lunch. They are both adjusting well to their classes and their teachers are great.
Hopefully the internet gets turned on at the hosue today! If so, I will try to get pictures posted in the next couple of days.
Monday, September 15, 2008
God's Blessings
As Aimee and I reflect back on the past month, we cannot help but give thanks to God for His incredible blessings. Our last days in Denver were a whirlwind but we really got to experience the love of all our family and friends as they saw us off. And now that we are getting settled here in Graf, we again are experiencing the love of God through His people. We have been blessed to have multiple friends from our Army-days living here who have let us live in their house, eat their food, borrow anything, and help us out in anyway possible. Plus we have met so many people through the Chapel that have blessed us in similar ways. A few examples:
• One family loaned us their van until we found one to buy.
• When our air-mattress sprung a leak, the next day a friend brought cots for the boys to sleep on.
• We were given lamps after we forgot that Germans take all their lights when they move out of a house!
• Several families have brought toys for the boys to play with.
• And maybe most importantly, we were given a coffee pot!!!
In all this the most amazing blessing has been God’s people. I was reminded of this as I read 2 Corinthians 9 this morning:
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God or the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers of you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (verses 11-15)
We cannot tell you how many times over the past few weeks that we have given thanks to God for the generosity of his people. God has used them in so many ways and they have been faithful to serve Him and us through their actions. Just yesterday a chaplain’s wife said that she wanted to put together an old-fashioned “pounding” for us. I had never heard of this but it is basically when a bunch of people buy stuff to fill a new neighbor’s pantry and shelves and help stock the new house. This will be amazing in itself and she asked if we had a deepfreeze to store it all in. We said that we didn’t and she replied, “We will trust God to provide” and in the meantime can just get stuff for your cupboards. That night we had some people come by to bring us a big rug and they asked what was on our list of needs. We told them about needing a washer and dryer and the challenge of getting a larger sized American set. After hearing this they replied, “Well how about a freezer, you will probably need one of those too. We would like to give you a freezer.” Aimee immediately got tears in her eyes and we told them of the conversation we had that morning with the chaplain’s wife. It truly is amazing to see how God uses the generosity of his people. And similar to Paul’s expression to the Corinthians, we praise God for the generosity of so many people in sharing with us. And in our prayers for them our hearts continue to go out to them because of the surpassing grace God has given us.
And God’s grace has not only been extended to us in the generosity of their giving stuff, but also in the giving of their love. We have felt so welcomed, wanted, and loved. People have taken us out to eat, had us in their homes for meals, helped us paint nine rooms in our house, laughed with us, cried with us, and genuinely been our friends. We are so grateful for the many people who have extended the love of God to us.
I look forward to posting more about what God does in the coming days. A couple ways you can be praying for us in the meantime:
1. Praise God with us for all the above blessings. And pray for His blessings as we continue to develop these relationships and build new ones.
2. Pray for the people God would have come to our house. One brigade will be deploying in a couple of months so pray for our ministry to the families that stay behind.
3. Pray for Aimee and I to “start-well.” Seasoned Hospitality House directors have advised us that we are beginning a marathon and not a sprint and that we would be wise to pace ourselves at the start. Pray that we would indeed do this as our personalities like to jump feet-first into things.
4. Our 40 foot container with our furniture arrives tomorrow (Tuesday). Pray that we will have enough people to unload it as it will come during the workday. And pray for us in the coming weeks as we unpack boxes. We feel like we just finished packing them!
Thanks for all your prayers, love, and support. Check back in a few days as we should have internet service in our house by the 19th and shortly thereafter we hope to have some pictures up on our here.
P.S. As I just looked back over this I realized I had barely mentioned our boys! Jacob and Owen are doing great. They are both in German Kindergarten (similar to our pre-school). Jacob is in the oldest class and Owen is in the youngest class. They both love it and are doing well. I asked them as I dropped them off one day last week to each learn a new German word for me. Jacob is picking up a lot of words and when I asked Owen if he learned any he said, “bitte and danke.” “Please and thank you.” They both keep us laughing a lot and have really enjoyed “camping-in” (Jacob’s description) at our new house. They are making new friends and Jacob even started practicing with a local soccer team last week!
• One family loaned us their van until we found one to buy.
• When our air-mattress sprung a leak, the next day a friend brought cots for the boys to sleep on.
• We were given lamps after we forgot that Germans take all their lights when they move out of a house!
• Several families have brought toys for the boys to play with.
• And maybe most importantly, we were given a coffee pot!!!
In all this the most amazing blessing has been God’s people. I was reminded of this as I read 2 Corinthians 9 this morning:
“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God or the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers of you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (verses 11-15)
We cannot tell you how many times over the past few weeks that we have given thanks to God for the generosity of his people. God has used them in so many ways and they have been faithful to serve Him and us through their actions. Just yesterday a chaplain’s wife said that she wanted to put together an old-fashioned “pounding” for us. I had never heard of this but it is basically when a bunch of people buy stuff to fill a new neighbor’s pantry and shelves and help stock the new house. This will be amazing in itself and she asked if we had a deepfreeze to store it all in. We said that we didn’t and she replied, “We will trust God to provide” and in the meantime can just get stuff for your cupboards. That night we had some people come by to bring us a big rug and they asked what was on our list of needs. We told them about needing a washer and dryer and the challenge of getting a larger sized American set. After hearing this they replied, “Well how about a freezer, you will probably need one of those too. We would like to give you a freezer.” Aimee immediately got tears in her eyes and we told them of the conversation we had that morning with the chaplain’s wife. It truly is amazing to see how God uses the generosity of his people. And similar to Paul’s expression to the Corinthians, we praise God for the generosity of so many people in sharing with us. And in our prayers for them our hearts continue to go out to them because of the surpassing grace God has given us.
And God’s grace has not only been extended to us in the generosity of their giving stuff, but also in the giving of their love. We have felt so welcomed, wanted, and loved. People have taken us out to eat, had us in their homes for meals, helped us paint nine rooms in our house, laughed with us, cried with us, and genuinely been our friends. We are so grateful for the many people who have extended the love of God to us.
I look forward to posting more about what God does in the coming days. A couple ways you can be praying for us in the meantime:
1. Praise God with us for all the above blessings. And pray for His blessings as we continue to develop these relationships and build new ones.
2. Pray for the people God would have come to our house. One brigade will be deploying in a couple of months so pray for our ministry to the families that stay behind.
3. Pray for Aimee and I to “start-well.” Seasoned Hospitality House directors have advised us that we are beginning a marathon and not a sprint and that we would be wise to pace ourselves at the start. Pray that we would indeed do this as our personalities like to jump feet-first into things.
4. Our 40 foot container with our furniture arrives tomorrow (Tuesday). Pray that we will have enough people to unload it as it will come during the workday. And pray for us in the coming weeks as we unpack boxes. We feel like we just finished packing them!
Thanks for all your prayers, love, and support. Check back in a few days as we should have internet service in our house by the 19th and shortly thereafter we hope to have some pictures up on our here.
P.S. As I just looked back over this I realized I had barely mentioned our boys! Jacob and Owen are doing great. They are both in German Kindergarten (similar to our pre-school). Jacob is in the oldest class and Owen is in the youngest class. They both love it and are doing well. I asked them as I dropped them off one day last week to each learn a new German word for me. Jacob is picking up a lot of words and when I asked Owen if he learned any he said, “bitte and danke.” “Please and thank you.” They both keep us laughing a lot and have really enjoyed “camping-in” (Jacob’s description) at our new house. They are making new friends and Jacob even started practicing with a local soccer team last week!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Two Weeks and Counting
Two weeks from today we will arrive in Germany! Our household goods are packed and on their way to a ship in Seattle!? They should arrive in Germany around early to mid-September. Here are a few more pictures of our new house!
A Tree House For The Boys
Our New Town: Eschenbach
The Front Of The House On A Sunny Day!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Hosptiality House Eschenbach!
God has provided a house for a new Hospitaltiy House! I wish any of you could have journeyed with me to look for a house so that you could have seen the provision of God. So many details worked together to connect me with this house that I can't help but thank God for the way He brought it all together. The house is going to work great for this ministry and we are excited to move there in August! It is located in the town of Eschenbach and is only 5-10 minutes from the Army Post at Grafenwoehr.
A few special features on the house:
1. A room in the basement the size of a two-car garage we can use for ministry events.
2. A good-sized kitchen for lots of cooking!
3. A porch that will be wonderful to hang-out with people on.
4. A yard big enough for fun activites such as volleyball, croquet, etc.
5. A beautiful garden.
6. And Jacob's favorite: a tree house!!
There are many more big and little features that make this house great for sharing our lives and the gospel with the military at Graf! We thank God for how He has provided. Here are a couple of pictures:
A few special features on the house:
1. A room in the basement the size of a two-car garage we can use for ministry events.
2. A good-sized kitchen for lots of cooking!
3. A porch that will be wonderful to hang-out with people on.
4. A yard big enough for fun activites such as volleyball, croquet, etc.
5. A beautiful garden.
6. And Jacob's favorite: a tree house!!
There are many more big and little features that make this house great for sharing our lives and the gospel with the military at Graf! We thank God for how He has provided. Here are a couple of pictures:
Friday, June 13, 2008
Peaceful Waiting
I was praying for some friends this morning as they had requested I do. They had asked for me to pray that the Lord would give them peace as they wait on Him to provide for the specific things they are in need of. Without going into the specifics here, I realized that these two things are hard for our culture. Having peace and waiting. And somehow they really go hand in hand. It is hard to wait in a culture that is fast paced, always on the go, and looking for solutions to anything that doesn't happen quickly. And when we are forced to wait we have trouble experiencing peace in these situations. Just think about the last time you had to wait in a long line. Were you constantly watching the other lines to see which one was moving the fastest? Or think about the last time you sat in traffic. Did you have a sense of peace about having to wait? If you're anything like me, you have little peace because you are watching the other lanes so that you can strategically move back and forth and weave your way through the traffic jam!
Fortunately, God helps us in both of these things. His word speaks to both waiting and having peace. Isaiah 40:28-31 says the following:
"Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the aweary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."
Some versions use the word "hope" instead of "wait." I think if we had the confident expectation in the Lord that biblical hope exudes then we would be able to better wait on Him. And then we would be able to better experience the peace that is talked about in Philippians 4:6-7
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Maybe it all comes down to our trust in God. The more we trust His good character and nature the more we can wait patiently with the confident expectation that He is going to do what is best for us. And as we wait for this we will experience His peace that truly does surpass all comprehension. It is my prayer for you reading this, as it was for my friends this morning, that as you wait on God that you will experience the greatness of His peace.
Fortunately, God helps us in both of these things. His word speaks to both waiting and having peace. Isaiah 40:28-31 says the following:
"Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the aweary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."
Some versions use the word "hope" instead of "wait." I think if we had the confident expectation in the Lord that biblical hope exudes then we would be able to better wait on Him. And then we would be able to better experience the peace that is talked about in Philippians 4:6-7
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Maybe it all comes down to our trust in God. The more we trust His good character and nature the more we can wait patiently with the confident expectation that He is going to do what is best for us. And as we wait for this we will experience His peace that truly does surpass all comprehension. It is my prayer for you reading this, as it was for my friends this morning, that as you wait on God that you will experience the greatness of His peace.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Remembering
God has taught us that it is good to remember. He even instituted special celebrations and ceremonies to help us remember things. For example, He told the Hebrews to remember the God who delivered them from Egypt, He established the Passover celebration to remember God's deliverance, and we still celebrate The Lord's Supper as a remembrance of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So it is good to remember.
Memorial Day is a day for remembering. I would encourage you to pause and remember the soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. As you remember them, pray for their families and friends. Pray for the soldiers who were with them, who were commanding them, who were trying to protect and save them. They too will have a difficult day remembering their brothers in arms who died while serving next to them.
While it is good to remember it may also hurt to remember. But often the pain is deep because of how special the person was to us. Remember him or her for that and thank God for the special times you were blessed to have with that person.
So it is good to remember.
Memorial Day is a day for remembering. I would encourage you to pause and remember the soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. As you remember them, pray for their families and friends. Pray for the soldiers who were with them, who were commanding them, who were trying to protect and save them. They too will have a difficult day remembering their brothers in arms who died while serving next to them.
While it is good to remember it may also hurt to remember. But often the pain is deep because of how special the person was to us. Remember him or her for that and thank God for the special times you were blessed to have with that person.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Brennan Manning and the Kleagers!
A TWO FOR ONE SPECIAL JUST FOR YOU!
On Sunday May 18th we will be sharing at Greenwood Community Church about our ministry with Cadence International. We will show a brief video during each service and then will host a lunch at 12:30 (following the final service). We would love for anyone to join us to learn more about what we will be doing as we serve U.S. soldiers and their families stationed at Grafenwoehr, Germany.
Service times are: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00.
As a bonus item, Brennan Manning will be preaching at all three services! Manning is an acclaimed author and speaker. You can learn more about him at his website.
On Sunday May 18th we will be sharing at Greenwood Community Church about our ministry with Cadence International. We will show a brief video during each service and then will host a lunch at 12:30 (following the final service). We would love for anyone to join us to learn more about what we will be doing as we serve U.S. soldiers and their families stationed at Grafenwoehr, Germany.
Service times are: 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00.
As a bonus item, Brennan Manning will be preaching at all three services! Manning is an acclaimed author and speaker. You can learn more about him at his website.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Easter Week--Three Small Betrayals
Good Friday. Ultimately it was good for us, but it wasn't good for our Lord Jesus. Consider just a few of the things Jesus experienced both on that day and the ones surrounding it.
After having an intimate meal with his closest followers he goes to pray. He takes Peter, James, and John with him saying, "My soul is deeply greieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with me." He is grieved to the point of death and essentially asks his friends to be with him in prayer. And yet what happens? They fall asleep--Three Times!
Would you feel somewhat betrayed if you had just told your friends about your impending death and asked them to stay awake through the night to pray for you. What if you were in the hospital and you asked a friend to stay awake and watch the monitors for you. And when you checked on this friend he or she was asleep? How would we feel if we asked a friend to pray with us because we were exceedingly worried and we found him or her sleeping? If Peter, James, and John would have had the time to reflect on this I wonder if they would have thought they had fulfilled the betrayal Jesus had told them about at dinner that night (Mat. 26:20-24).
Take some time to ponder your own life and the ways you commit small betrayals of the one who gave his life for your eternal salvation. Confess these betrayals to the one who loves you in spite of them. The Great News is that while Friday was not so good, three days later Jesus rose from the dead and he now sits at the right hand of God where he intercedes on our behalf!
After having an intimate meal with his closest followers he goes to pray. He takes Peter, James, and John with him saying, "My soul is deeply greieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with me." He is grieved to the point of death and essentially asks his friends to be with him in prayer. And yet what happens? They fall asleep--Three Times!
Would you feel somewhat betrayed if you had just told your friends about your impending death and asked them to stay awake through the night to pray for you. What if you were in the hospital and you asked a friend to stay awake and watch the monitors for you. And when you checked on this friend he or she was asleep? How would we feel if we asked a friend to pray with us because we were exceedingly worried and we found him or her sleeping? If Peter, James, and John would have had the time to reflect on this I wonder if they would have thought they had fulfilled the betrayal Jesus had told them about at dinner that night (Mat. 26:20-24).
Take some time to ponder your own life and the ways you commit small betrayals of the one who gave his life for your eternal salvation. Confess these betrayals to the one who loves you in spite of them. The Great News is that while Friday was not so good, three days later Jesus rose from the dead and he now sits at the right hand of God where he intercedes on our behalf!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A little update on our journey...
It is no March which means we are about five months from moving to Germany! It is hard to believe it is coming that quick but we are super excited. Jacob is getting ready to move as he is in a German pre-school one day a week and is starting to pick up the vocabulary more and more. He's counting into the twenties in German and surprises us with new words now and then. Owen follows his big brother's lead and is counting to three in both English and German! He is very proud of himself as are his parents!! Aimee has stopped working part-time at the physical therapy clinic but still fills in when they need her. This has allowed her to shift more attention to getting us ready to move. Meanwhile, Brian continues with his final semester at Denver Seminary and will graduate in May. Then we will shift gears to full-time preparation for moving although at times it feels like we are preparing full-time already!
Friday, February 8, 2008
The Truthfulness of a Leader
A leader should always try to be truthful because this serves as a foundation for who he or she is.
Truthfulness is important for leaders because it serves as a key part of our ministry foundation. Once a follower believes that a leader cannot be trusted then everything the leader says or does comes into question. This questioning will gnaw at the minds of followers to the point that the foundation for which a leader presumes to stand on will no longer exist. A leader who cannot be trusted is like a boat with holes in the bottom of it—you just have to question why anyone would get in it.
Sadly, a lack of truthfulness will have the same effect in the mind of a follower even if it is just perceived (perception is reality for undiscerning people). For this reason it is important that a leader be above reproach in speaking and living truthfully. This includes avoiding negative sarcasm, admitting when wrong, and being consistent in speech and action. Hypocrisy between words and deeds means that we are not living as children of the light (Eph. 5:8-9). We are a mirror that reflects the light of Jesus Christ to others, and our truthfulness will ensure that this mirror remains polished to reflect The Truth.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth).
Ephesians 5:8-9
Truthfulness is important for leaders because it serves as a key part of our ministry foundation. Once a follower believes that a leader cannot be trusted then everything the leader says or does comes into question. This questioning will gnaw at the minds of followers to the point that the foundation for which a leader presumes to stand on will no longer exist. A leader who cannot be trusted is like a boat with holes in the bottom of it—you just have to question why anyone would get in it.
Sadly, a lack of truthfulness will have the same effect in the mind of a follower even if it is just perceived (perception is reality for undiscerning people). For this reason it is important that a leader be above reproach in speaking and living truthfully. This includes avoiding negative sarcasm, admitting when wrong, and being consistent in speech and action. Hypocrisy between words and deeds means that we are not living as children of the light (Eph. 5:8-9). We are a mirror that reflects the light of Jesus Christ to others, and our truthfulness will ensure that this mirror remains polished to reflect The Truth.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth).
Ephesians 5:8-9
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
A Great Name
I was thinking this morning about names. For the most part, names don't mean as much today as they did in the past. We choose names largely because of the way they sound or because they have been in our family. In biblical times, names meant much more. The meaning behind the name often reflected the character of the person. That is why the different names of God have such a deep importance to what we know about who God is and what His character is. We can know His character based on the names ascribed to Him.
But then I was also thinking about the name I have been given. My last name is Kleager and where I grew up this name has earned respect. I grew up in a farming town in Western Nebraska and there were quite a few Kleagers around. It was not uncommon for someone to meet me and say, "Are you Lou or Randy's boy" or "Is your Grandpa Clyde or Frank?" These are all Kleagers (and just a few of them in the area) and with our name came a sense of honor and respect. I continue to feel obligated to honor this name for which others have worked hard to establish credibility.
I also have another name that has been given to me. It is the name Christian. I am a Christian because God has adopted me as one of His children. I didn't do anything to earn this adoption but it was the gift of God through His son Jesus Christ. And as an adopted child of the Lord God, I can claim the name Christian. This name, while often slandered or ridiculed today, carries a deep level of respect and honor. I need not be ashamed to be a Christian because it is the most precious name I could have. The Almighty God, the God of all power and might, God of the entire universe has adopted me as His child and given me His name. I am humbled and grateful. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1
But then I was also thinking about the name I have been given. My last name is Kleager and where I grew up this name has earned respect. I grew up in a farming town in Western Nebraska and there were quite a few Kleagers around. It was not uncommon for someone to meet me and say, "Are you Lou or Randy's boy" or "Is your Grandpa Clyde or Frank?" These are all Kleagers (and just a few of them in the area) and with our name came a sense of honor and respect. I continue to feel obligated to honor this name for which others have worked hard to establish credibility.
I also have another name that has been given to me. It is the name Christian. I am a Christian because God has adopted me as one of His children. I didn't do anything to earn this adoption but it was the gift of God through His son Jesus Christ. And as an adopted child of the Lord God, I can claim the name Christian. This name, while often slandered or ridiculed today, carries a deep level of respect and honor. I need not be ashamed to be a Christian because it is the most precious name I could have. The Almighty God, the God of all power and might, God of the entire universe has adopted me as His child and given me His name. I am humbled and grateful. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" 1 John 3:1
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