Troy, Missouri

As you have probablly already read on other blogs, Revs. James Plank, Aaron McCarty, Matt Ellison and Jon Plank went to Troy, Missouri for a local IHC. We had a blast. God's presence was with us in many of the services. While we went primarily to minister to and encourage the people there, we also had a great time together. When you leave the central Pennsylavania area, you realize how fotunate we are to have so many "sister" churches around us. I believe we were a blessing to them all. Jim preached extremely well. Aaron preached a superb message and sang as good as I've ever heard him sing. Jon ripped up the piano as usual and provided us all with wonderful humor. I had never said this to anyone but my wife, but ever since I graduated my dream has aleays been to some how be able to be in a ministry team with Jim, Jon, Aaron and myself. I was overwhelmed when Jim called and proposed the idea. A dream come true. I am amazed how God keeps His promises. He said He will give you the desires of your heart I you will serve Him. It was an experience I will always cherish. Needless to say, our trip began and ended with laughter. It was great. Here are some pics, some of which are probablly duplicates you have seen elsewhere. But none-the-less, here they are.

Pastor Day

Ready for Home

Our fine dining.
Jon rippin' it up

IHC Banner
What a beautiful church


The only bear butt I will ever post
Practice.
Beautiful


Ha. Ha. Ha.

Nice.

St. Louis Arch
Jim's unique picture taking style.
St. Louis Cardinals Home Field
St. Louis Rams Arena
People at the bottom of the arch.

Checking in.
A limo picked us up.
My room
Jon blogging?

210

My weight-to-date. Recording a 5 pound loss from a week ago.

New and Improved

After two rides on my yardsale bike, I realized it wasn't sufficient. The tires would not hold air because they are cracked. Most importantly, it was a rather small bike. It's hard to imagine, but my knees practically touched the handlebars as I rode. So today I bought a new bike that will fit my riding needs. It was purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods and will play a great role in my thinning down process. Future updates will follow!

Ready! Get Set! Go!

Today is the big day. I started riding my newly aquired bike. I am on a quest to fulfill my promise to my congregation that I made January 2007. That promise was that I would be 24 pounds lighter come January 2008. Being the procrastinator that I am, I'm in a bit of a bind. My birthday is coming up, so I asked for a bike. I had one picked out and was going to purchase it until I found this beauty at the Watsontown Yardsales for $10.00. Quite a bargin. I know it's not as nice as Lance Armstrong's, but it will do the trick. So for the record, this morning I weighed in at 215. By January, I must weigh 191.

Gottcha!

What?! Is Pastor Randy Tolley a secret supporter of Michigan? I don't know. You have to decide. You know what they say, "Pictures don't lie"!

Memories

Tonight was a special night for me. As a dad, you always wander what sinks into your kid's heads. As a preacher and a dad you wander the same thing. Well tonight was Youth Emphasis at our church. We give the fourth Sunday evening to our youth department. They lead the service and our Assistant Pastor preaches. So I was enjoying the service from my seat. Testimonies were given very readily. They were spontanious. Justin was sitting in the orchastra playing his guitar as always. All of a sudden I heard a familiar voice. It was Justin's. He was testifying. It was his first time. He had leaned over to my sister Laura and said I want to do what every one else is doing. I want to testify. He told her what he wanted to say and at the next available spot he stood up and said, "I can't wait to go to Heaven because I love Jesus". I was touched. My prayer has always been, "Lord, whatever it takes, let my children grow up with a desire to serve you". Tonight was an encouraging moment along the way and a reminder of their tender spirits.

Anniversary Sunday

This past Sunday was our 60th Anniversary celebration. Our congregation started in 1947 in an old store front with just a handful of people. Today, we enjoy a a beautiful sanctuary and an average of 140 precious people. To God be the glory. Rev. John White, a former pastor, was a guest speaker.

Chambers Sues God

A US Senator decides to sue God. Check it out!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297121,00.html

Riding Bikes

Justin and Kayla love being outside. They are getting better at staying out by themselves, but still every now and then they say, "I want you to come out and sit in the chair". So I went out and took some pics.

Silence, But Only For A Moment

Today, on the sixth anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11, don't forget to take a moment to remember those who's lives were taken during that terrible act of terrorism our great nation.

Remember the families who's lives have been empty due to the absence of a loved one. The children who lost a daddy, a spouse who lost their other half. But pause only for a moment. After the thoughts of this tragedy has reawakened the anger deep within, don't forget to pray and support our troops who are continually fighting for freedom and keeping the battle out of our backyard. Don't be swayed by the liberal, ungrateful, unthankful "whatever" who are quickly turning this war into another Vietnam. Their continual bashing of the war efforts make dads and moms all across this great country feel as their children are dying in vain. The soldiers who are daily fighting for right are slammed with hurt they are hearing from the ungrateful slanders that come from the mouths of those who know nothing, except what the lying liberal media prints. These morons make my American blood boil because after all has died down and the emotion has gone, I still have not forgotten what our country faced 6 years ago. If it weren't for our brave soldiers, we would have faced it even more in America. God bless those who are still suffering from the tragedy and God bless our country and troops. We still are the greatest nation there is and I am pround of it and the privilege to be an American.

GO BLUE...Loyal No Matter What

Labor Day

Hamburgers over a charcol grill...TASTY.
Don getting the fire hot and ready.
Laura watching the comotion.
Justin, Stephanie and Rueben out fishing.
Nothing beats coffee over an open fire.

On Labor Day The Hallenbecks, Slavens, and Ellisons went on a picnic to Halfway Dam. It was a wonderful time to just relax and relax. There was no cell phone reception there so all was quiet. Lovely!

Friday Night Lights

Friday evening we started something new at our church. Every 2ND and 4TH Friday of the month we are meeting at the parsonage for food and fellowship. We play volleyball, horseshoes, and hillbilly horseshoes. For our first night, we had 38 people show up. It was great. We played volleyball under the light and then had a big bonfire. People left around midnight. I am already looking forward to the next get together.

The pot at the end of my rainbow!

Is That PaPa from West Virginia?

These were the words from Justin when he saw the bottom picture on www.foxnews.com. The top picture is of my dad, the bottom is of a Sen., from Idaho that is in trouble from some bathroom scandal. They do look somewhat alike.

The Ellison's

I do not post this picture so that everyone can see it, but I am trying to use it elsewhere and to do so it needs to have a URL. In my illiterate way, this is the only way I know to do it. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Joke of the Day

Chelsea asked her mom, "Do all fairy tales begin with once upon a time...?" Hillary Clinton replied, "No. Some begin with 'After I'm elected...'"

The Hallenbeck's

The view from Grandpa and Grandpa Hallenbeck's is amazing. It was such a beautiful day when we arrived. It was in the 70's and a small breeze was blowing. It was such a wonderful break from the 90 degree weather we had been experiencing in PA. It is so peaceful here in Duanesburg, NY.