The subject that has been on a lot of our minds as well as being the topic of many conversations this past week has been the shooting incident at the school in Lancaster County. The main theme that seems to be coming out of this story is one of forgiveness.
Matthew 6:12 says, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” I don’t think I have ever seen such an example of forgiveness as we have seen the Amish people extend throughout this incident. Actually, it can be easy to say that we forgive someone when they wrong us – but it can be something else altogether to live out that forgiveness. However, that is what we have seen from the Amish people this past week. How was this forgiveness extended? The initial demonstrations of forgiveness that we heard about was their words of forgiveness, meeting with Mr. Roberts’ family, and asking that a fund be set up for the Roberts children along with the one to help the Amish families. Now today comes the word that about half of the people at Mr. Roberts’ funeral were Amish people. What kind of a message did that send to the Roberts family? However, the news that left me shaking my head was the news that yesterday some members of the Amish community had stopped at the Roberts home to deliver food. Friends, we can talk about forgiveness all we want to, but when we start living it, that will be the proof that we really believe what we say we believe. One man said the other day, “The Amish walk the walk as much as they talk the talk.” What a reputation to have! While I don’t agree with the Amish on all of their beliefs, I think all of us could learn some lessons from them in this area of forgiveness.
Thanks For Dropping In!
Yesterday was the annual Harvest Home at our church when the church people bring in food and other items to show their appreciation for their pastor and his family - at least I think his family was included!
Yesterday, we had the privilege of going on a fall foliage trip with Bro. Andy Cooley of Cooley Coach and Charter. Our trip took us to the northern part of Pennsylvania around Wellsboro. After having vacationed there several years ago, it was good to go back. This is a very beautiful area that I would reccomend if you want to see some beautiful scenery. I would also reccomend Bro. Cooley if you want to go on a bus trip.
Our first stop was at Animaland outside of Wellsboro. We saw alot of interesting animals there including these Jacob's (or four horned) sheep. I thought they were rather interesting looking critters!
Our next stop was at the Leonard Harrison State Park where we saw Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. What a wonderful reminder of God's handywork. To me, the ruggedness of the canyon is one of the things that makes it beautiful any time, let a lone with the different colors of leaves that the fall brings.
This picture was taken in the opposite direction down the canyon from the one above.
We stopped in beautiful downtown Wellsboro for lunch.
We also stopped at Patterson's Maple Farm where we were given a tour of their facilities. It was a very interesting tour where we learned a lot about the process of making maple syrup and the many products that are made from it.
Bro. & Sis. Cooley kept the trip interesting with trivia questions, jokes, stories, and other interesting things. Here, Sis. Cooley is reading us a story.
As we got off of the bus Saturday evening, this was the sight that greeted us - Tim Calhoun attempting to take pictures! Actually, he was trying to take pictures of us before we even got off of the bus!
We just returned today from a weekend vacation (too short!) at a cottage along the river. We had a great, relaxing time. The weather was cool but beautiful. We enjoyed the fire in the fireplace most of the time we were there.
I thought that it would be a good idea if I would post a picture of one of my favorite preachers while he is preaching. From where I was sitting, I could take this picture, and he was the only one that would know I was taking it!
