And now its February....

Time for another update! I was avoiding it at first because I was in denial that I am back into the swing of things. But alas, I am. Tatum and I had a wonderfully relaxing break over Christmas. It was the first time that both of us had off of school since June 1st, so we were definitely excited. We spent some time in Colorado with family and in Idaho with friends. We talked about things other than school, played the wii, enjoyed snow, watched some movies, went skiing, and ate more food than we really needed. We definitely got the relaxation we needed for the final push of school. It is hard to believe that I am done in 5 months and Tatum is done in 6 months. Go ahead. You can let out a cheer!

This quarter in seminary is going to be a challenge because I am taking both of my classes independently. That means I do not have to go to class, but it also means I do not technically have deadlines. Just one: at the very end. For those that know me, that is not ideal. I have set my own deadlines and have already missed most of them. Good times. So please pray for diligence since I really want to graduate.

Regarding Flood, the first few weeks back included a 3-day staff retreat, the big growth group launch (at least big for me), and the Fripple Awards, which is our thank you event for all of our volunteers. The retreat was good, but unfortunately it made me realize how much I have on my plate over the next couple months. The Fripple Awards were also a success as almost 200 people came out to celebrate what Flood has done over the past year. We really do have amazing volunteers and its always fun to see how God has worked through each one of them over the past year. We also shared the vision for the year which is centered on the theme of Risk. I’ll share more as things come into fruition.

Our growth group launch was the biggest ever on the guys side. We have 5 new groups and 3 other groups with a few openings. We will see if everyone that signed up actually follows through with it, but we filled up each group by the end of the last church service. I am blessed with the leaders that God has put around me and I’m really excited to see where the men’s ministry goes over this next year. I’ve included the big things coming up next month in case you want to put some prayer behind it. February will definitely be a busy month.

➢ New to Faith → Our next New to Faith class starts on February 8th. I’m not sure how many will be participating, but prayer is always needed as seekers wrestle through their questions and roadblocks.
➢ Growth Group Leader Training → We will start up another training on February 8th. We are hoping for a few more guys, which will force two trainings.
➢ Men’s Event → The next men’s event will be on February 23rd. Todd Langerveld, who has been on staff with Campus Crusade for the past 25 years, and discipled Pastor Matt, will be in San Diego and will share on dangerous friendships. We are really excited to see how God uses him.
➢ Soma Conference → Febraury 26-28 marks our annual Soma conference, where we talk through how God has created us and His desire for wholeness in our lives. Todd will be staying the whole week and will be the keynote speaker for the conference as well.

Thank you for all of your support and prayers. It is a blessing to serve at Flood and you all make it possible and make it a joy. Its crazy to think that I am in the final leg of my internship. And it will be fun to celebrate with all of you.

Eric

World Series Update

This update is incredibly difficult to write.  Not because it invokes any sort of pain, but because it is almost impossible to summarize a trip where I experienced one of my biggest dreams in life:  seeing the Phillies win the World Series.  Whether I am a loser for having this dream is up for debate, but while on this website, we will assume that it is an admirable dream.  One that makes you smile.  And think of butterflies.   

Background story:  Remember that dance at my wedding, where I absolutely killed our first dance consisting of fox trot, swing, salsa, and a splash of quick step?  I'm not bragging, just pointing out reality.  For me to pull that dance off is nothing short of miraculous (or sinful depending on your outlook).  Anyway, for those that don't know me, I'm actually not a huge fan of dancing.  In fact, agreeing to take dance lessons was only birthed out of our biggest disagreement of the engagement.  My response to her request was similar to:  "If I'm going to spend 10 weeks of my life in a dance studio in order for you to have your dream, then I get to live out my dream when the time comes."  Words spoken like a future sacrificial husband.  Anyway, Tatum took the incredibly favorable odds and agreed that I could go to a World Series game if the Phillies are in it.  Backdrop complete.

 

When the dream came into focus:  NLCS series.  I was in the middle of one of the busiest months of my seminary career.  I was recording the games and watching them at 10pm.  The last thing on my mind was going to the World Series.  When they beat the Brewers, my friend Wick, who was the best man in my wedding, let me in on the secret.  Since he works for the Padres, he was able to reserve 4 WS tickets at face value to each game in Philadelphia.  In other words, more was riding on the series that I had realized.  I almost convinced myself that I could not go.  Luckily everyone around me is not as dumb as I am.  I bought the plane ticket when the Phillies were up on the Dodgers 3 games to 1.  We bought Tatum's ticket after they clinched.  The trip was happening.  I was speechless.  Especially when Wick dropped off the tickets with an authentic World Series Phillies jersey for me to wear. 

I could write a whole book on this weekend, so I will just give you a few of the highlights.  If you want every little detail, just ask.  I really don't mind telling them.

Ø  Sat next to Mitch Hamels on the flight into Philly.  Yeah, that's Cole Hamel's brother.  I tried to talk to him as much as I possibly could while maintaining my cool, "no-big-deal" façade.  Learned about pitching and his brother.

Ø  Went right from the airport to Game 3.  Getting there 2-1/2 hours early is not as cool when the game is delayed another 2 hours.  Great game that ended with a walk-off squibbler.  Crawled in bed at 3:45am.  Quite a day. 

Ø  Tatum went to Game 4, which was quite a treat.  The only game with good weather and four home runs.  Even Joe Blanton was hitting home runs!  She had a blast seeing me in my element and enjoyed all the energy that comes with the Phillies dominating.

Ø  Game 5 was 3 days long.  The rain did not bother me at first due to adrenaline, but the game got ridiculous.  Then we had to stay around another hour to find out if the game was officially suspended.  Then came the decision.  Do I spend $250 to change my flight to watch the rest of the game?  Plus use two more vacation days?  Well, I decided I could not afford that.  Therefore, God took care of it and cancelled my flight.  I was the only one in the airport who was ecstatic at the "inconvenience."  I then stood at the game the following night with full confidence that they would win.  Ok, a few doubts. 

 

Overall, I watched 27 innings without the Phillies trailing at any point.  I was able to go with my wife, my brother-in-law, and 6 different friends.  I own 4 rally towels.  I drove from Lancaster County to Philly (1-1/2 hour drive each way) 6 times in 6 days.  Our tickets were row 4 of the upper deck.  And I watched the Phillies clinch a World Championship for the first time in 28 years!  This picture sums up how I felt.