ROLAND CARL SCHLUETER

ROLAND CARL SCHLUETER

1895 – 1966

Thomas Schlueter*

I’m writing this blog as I return from celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the church that first served by my grandfather – Roland Carl Schlueter.

The year was 1895 and in the next several years the United States would see under President McKinley, a war with Spain, which took place near its southern shores. It would witness a treaty signed at Paris to end the war and a treaty signed to acquire Puerto Rico. Hawaii would also be annexed and Galveston, Texas would be devastated by a hurricane. President McKinley would be later assassinated.

The United States within this period of time would be going through trying times, so would Fred Schlueter. Fred was a traveling salesman.  His suitcase, full of a wide array of shoes and other needed implements, accompanied him as he traveled by horse and buggy.  Trains provided his travel on longer journeys. But right now, it was not his business that was bothering him, nor America‘s current events. He was focused on his wife Bertha, who was about to give birth to a child. The day was September 16, 1895 and by the end of it, Roland Carl Schlueter would be the newest child in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Roland's life would be busy his first years. At the age of six, he would start grammar school in Milwaukee and three years later he was enrolled in school in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Two years later he finished his last three years of grammar school in Madison, Wisconsin. The year was 1909.  Through those years of early schooling he heard firsthand about the devastating earthquake of San Francisco, the admittance of Oklahoma as a state, and the fabulous journey of Admiral Peary to the North Pole.

He was only fourteen years old when he ventured off to Clinton, Iowa to enroll at Wartburg College and became a member of the Quinta class, which offered training in music. He also was actively involved in sports and served as captain and catcher of the baseball team.  He was adept at both violin and trombone and held a prominent position in the musical organizations and swung the baton for the "College Sextette” for several years. He gained great popularity among the students and was elected as student monitor in his senior year at Wartburg.

Prior to his graduation in 1914, he answered God's call into service. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in June of that year, he headed out for Dubuque, Iowa and Wartburg Seminary to study in theology. The enrollment at Wartburg was about thirty students but the curriculum was disciplined and tough.  While he was there he took courses common for becoming a Pastor, such as New

Wartburg Seminary

Testament and Old Testament exegesis, history of philosophy, church history, homiletics, liturgy, and other pastoral courses. Four professors were on staff. They were M. Fritchel, M. Reu; George Fritchel and G.J. Zeilinger. Between these four professors, all the courses, about twenty-five, were taught.  It was not odd that in one year all your courses were taught by the same professor.  This happened for Roland during his senior year at Wartburg. The seminary, being located in the heart of land occupied by German immigrants of English courses for those who spoke only German.

During his stay at Wartburg, the campus itself went under change and the present buildings on the main campus were dedicated in 1916, during his third and last year on campus. Travel was still mostly by horse, horse and wagon or horse and buggy and the overall layout of the campus included a large wagon turn, not a parking lot. The requirements for getting into seminary were not strict or very formal. The only admission information that was received from him was a single piece of paper with handwritten information on it. It informed the seminary when and where he was born, the name of his parents and where and when he went to school. The total cost of seminary was one hundred dollars per year or three hundred dollars total, unless it was decided that the student was in need, or very scholarly, and eligible for a scholarship. According to records, Roland was charged only one hundred and fifty dollars.  Nothing was noted in his records to why he had to pay only half.

His Call

On June 10, 1917, he received an official call into Pastoral ministry from President Theodor Bogisch in San Antonio.  On July 29, 1917 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin, Roland Carl Schlueter, at the age of twenty-one, was ordained into pastoral ministry by Rev. O.J. Wilke. For the next forty-nine years, he would faithfully serve the Lord and His churches.

TEXAS

One month after he was ordained, Rev. Schlueter headed south and was installed as a missionary pastor at a multiple-point parish in the high plains of the Texas Panhandle. He would receive an annual salary of $600. His violin, purchased in Madison, Wisconsin, as well as a Rand McNally Pocket Atlas of Texas also made the trip. Away from the farmlands, forests and lakes
of Wisconsin and Iowa, and also the girl he loved, Roland would spend the first year of service helping small parishes get started on strong foundations. The towns listed on his Letter of Call were Lubbock, Slaton, Tahoka, Post and Wilson, Texas. He was stationed out of Slaton/Posey at Immanuel Lutheran Church, which had been organized as a congregation on May 16, 1915, and he was installed as their first resident pastor. Rev. A.L.E. Weber was there previous to Roland. Pastor Weber must have been a large man for even Roland, at nearly six feet tall, was classified as "Der Kleine Pastor,” compared to “Der Grosse Pastor Weber.” The church met in private homes from 1915 until 1920.

A home used for worship

Even in his short year and one month in the Panhandle, he became a well-loved pastor who dearly loved his people.  A story regarding his time in the area shared that he was always seen on a bicycle with a Bible and a shotgun – the latter was protection from snakes and varmints.  From Slaton, he would start making monthly trips to Wilson, which was about fifteen miles away, and under his guidance a congregation was formally organized for the Wilson Christian Lutherans on January 29, 1918 with seven charter members. Deep gratitude for his service was granted him when he returned for the 35^th anniversary of the Lutheran churches in that area of Texas. 

WISCONSIN

Roland was now faced with a major decision. A larger church, First Lutheran, of Galveston, Texas

Checking out Galveston

showed interest in calling Roland to serve as their pastor.  At the same time, Zion Lutheran Church in Superior, Wisconsin was asking him to serve them. The question here is if his future wife had any influence on his decision? On November 12, 1919, he married Anna Herbener in Mayville, Wisconsin.  Her father, Konrad Herbener, performed the ceremony. Roland had already served five months at Zion Lutheran.  At Superior, two building programs were in effect. At the church, renovations had begun on the building complex such as redoing the basement. Membership grew, and the membership loved their pastor. Anna was also showing her talents with singing, playing the organ and teaching. The other building project was “in” the parsonage.  The first stage took place on August 20, 1920 and her name was Margarete.  The second stage took place on September 4, 1921 when Arnold Earl was born. Ruth came on January 21, 1924. So, by the time his years at Superior had ended in May of 1924, Roland and Anna had a son and two daughters. In that month of May, Roland received a new pastoral call to Dr. Martin Luther Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where he would serve eight years and where their last child, Eleanor, was born on October 5, 1930. Oconomowoc must have been dear to his heart for here is where he returned in retirement. The lakes, the fishing, and bowling were his pastime away from the parish. Building programs also went on here and by the time he left in 1932 he had again gained the heart of his people, especially the youth. While be we there he became heavily involved in the Luther League, both locally and statewide. He was editor for some time for the Lutheran Herald of the Luther League Department. He loved kids and they were probably his greatest joy-giver.

IOWA

In June of 1932 he was called to Waverly, Iowa to accept a position at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Pastor Schlueter would be in leadership at Waverly, Iowa for eleven years and during those years he was tested much in regard to whom was his master - man or God? While he has at St. John's he was classified as a young energetic pastor with deep love and concern for the young people. He was associated, starting here, with the Bible Camps in Iowa and greatly so. He was very, dedicated to his members and was deeply appreciated for his interest in education. Each week he would venture off to the public schools to talk to students about religion and Christianity. During his stay at Waverly an educational unit was added on and dedicated at St. Paul‘s. It should be said in review of his work and leadership at Waverly, that he was a strong influence on the youth and education of Iowa. But what about those tests of leadership?

During his years in Waverly, he was faced with the difficulty of answering to certain higher-class members of his congregation. They felt since they were among the upper class of education and wealth that they should have more from their pastor than those lacking position and gifting. They confronted him with their demands. His answer came through his preaching and teaching which was without compromise.  He was a pastor and preacher to all the people and even under the pressure of forced resignation, he continued faithful to the Word of God and preached it equally to what he considered and equal people in need.  His honesty, love and concern paid off with blessings and a deep love from the congregation. In the deepest regrets, St. Paul’s released him when he received a call from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa.

St.Paul Lutheran in Monona

For nineteen years he served faithfully the congregation at Monona, and while there he went through many trials, hurts, and joys. He came to Monona during World War II and he quickly faced a family crisis. His oldest daughter married Myron Dettmann and almost immediately Myron was off to the war in Germany. His son, Arnold, was now in his first year at Wartburg Seminary following his father's footsteps. Roland ad Anna were seeing their family grow up and leave the fold of a close family relationship. In 1945, Arnold, on the same day in May, was ordained a Lutheran minister and married to Helen Dettmann, Myron's sister. Arnold immediately left for Moville, Iowa to start serving his first parish. Myron returned from war safe and sound. Margarete and he had two daughters before she died suddenly in 1950. Roland was in Texas at the time celebrating an anniversary with one of his first churches.  He was actually on a tour of Carlsbad Cavern in nearby New Mexico when he learned of Margarete’s death.  When he finally received the news, because there were only two phones in Slaton, Texas, it took him seemingly forever to return to Iowa. Bad weather threatened the plane flight home. After his return, Myron and the two girls moved in with Roland and Anna.  They would stay with them until Roland’s retirement.

At Monona, the congregation grew and was a beautiful community of faith. Items came up during his years in Monona such as the Right for Women to vote in church. Since he had experienced this in Waverly with approval, he was easily in favor of this and in 1952 it was passed. In the same year the church building was struck by lightning causing thousands of dollars of damage.

Mrs. Julie Dettmann Kurth, my cousin, wrote the following about him: “He was Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran in Monona for 19 years. His memory isn't far from my mind these days. He was an important part of my growing up, and I, as many others were always under his watchful eye. My memory of him is his dark hair, his humor and teasing, his beautiful singing voice, his bow ties, his powerful sermons, his strong serious voice and strict ways and opinions. He walked with God all of his life and his faith was strong and unwavering. He had a love for books, music and teaching like many of his family members…He spent many of his short retirement years fishing on his lake.”

Also, in 1952, Roland heard the news that the author of this blog, a grandson, was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and from this point on my personal experience will enter into the story. In 1955, when our family had moved to Monticello, Iowa, I had the opportunity for seven years to grow to deeply love my grandfather. He truly had a deep love for his congregations and his family. I have many treasured memories of our adventures in the parsonage at Monona.  We would go out of town to the Monona Farm where my mom’s family all lived. I was staring Fourth Grade when we moved to the Gulf Coast of Texas when my dad started serving a congregation in Dickinson, Texas. My memory of his love for people came to the surface when a member of my dad’s congregation mentioned to me that it was my grandfather's inspiring sermon which he gave on one visit South, which brought her and many friends into the congregation’s membership.

I remember our laughs when a young child thought my dad was Jesus and so when Grandpa entered the room – he was God. He showed a deepest of love for all the people he met.  My greatest treasured memory comes in two parts – separated by many years.  Grandpa loved hymns and would often go to the church to play the organ and sing.  I would join him and our favorite hymn was Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.  I could stand right next to him and sing as loud as possible and my voice was drowned out by his deep baritone voice. Years later, as I was preparing to enter the pulpit and preach at a congregation I served in Abilene, Texas, we were singing that same hymn.  I remember tears of fond memories in my eyes, but then I felt the tight grip of a hand gripping mine.  I turned to see no one but knew immediately that a certain saint was encouraging me.

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Even when he finally retired back to Oconomowoc in 1962, he spent every week for his last four years in the Lord's service. He preached almost every Sunday in churches up to a day’s journey from home. He would spend a week up to six months at churches with no full-time pastor. He truly and deeply loved the Lord and all His children.  He passed into glory on May 13, 1966.  I praise the Lord for the accomplishments, the influence, the faith and the love of my grandfather. It was his note in a greeting card on the day I confirmed my faith in Jesus that set the stage for my lifetime service to God. He simply encouraged me with:

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).

*This was first written for Dr. Bernard Holm as an assignment for Church History at Wartburg Theological Seminary on May 7, 1975.  It was updated on January 30, 2018 after attending the 100^th anniversary of St. John Lutheran Church in Wilson, Texas.

Here are pictures of the churches in Superior, Oconomowoc, Waverly, and Monona that he served.

 

A Family Gathered to Celebrate!

Last weekend I was not able to attend the The Response in its entirety.  For almost a year we had been planning a celebration for my dad's 90th birthday.  The entire family from Texas, Massachusetts and Missouri was able to gather.  What a heritage!  Happy Birthday, Dad!  Mom celebrated her 87th in April!  Four generations gathered in Fredericksburg!  And by the way - we joined hands and hearts in prayer.  We responded as a family to or Governor's call to pray!

The Schlueter Family - August 6, 2011 - Fredericksburg, Texas

Adventures with Papa

Over the years of our marriage, my wife Kay has always thanked me for all the traveling adventures we've been on.  She fondly calls me "Park Ranger."  As our kids grew up, they often were skeptical about our trips.  Well, this weekend we successfully moved into the next generation.

We had promised our TXAPN Council Member from Johnson City - Cody Haynes and his wife Rene'e that we would come to Abilene, Texas this week to watch their daughter Shelbi participate in the Texas High School Rodeo Finals.  Shelbi was participating in three events: Barrel Racing, Goat Roping and Pole Bending.  We were able to make it last night in order to watch her race in the Pole Bending.

Well, we took grandson TJ with us.  And we had a great adventure. The proof is in the pictures!

He's Home

WELCOME HOME SON

Lt. Joshua Schlueter has arrived home from Afghanistan!  It was such joy to hear his ringtone (Noble Men of Kyle) on my phone this morning as I boarded my plane to San Antonio.  He arrived at Fort Drum, Watertown, New York and is now reunited with his wfe Andrea and son Nate.  I praise the Lord for protecting all of them this year with His grace and mercy.



I AM SO 
VERY PROUD OF YOU

His Name was Frank - A True Story

It was the summer of 1989.  Kay and I had been at Prince of Peace Church in Arlington for less than a year. It was an interesting first year.  Our third child, Amy, had been born in March. Even though we lived in a marvelous parsonage, our salary, at that time, was "ten percent" of the Sunday offerings.  With a small group attending the church, my weekly salary was anywhere between $25 to $50.  Many times extra food was provided by a woman in the church, who gathered "outdated" items from the local grocers.  We were never without.

It was a Saturday morning.  I received a phone call from a transient that was calling from downtown Arlington. My normal course of action was to refer such calls to the local mission organizations in town, BUT somehow this call seemed different.  The man on the phone, Frank Davis, was needing a place to stay for the night.  His dad, in Chicago, was going to wire money over the weekend. Knowing that we had a couch in the Fellowship Hall of the church, I decided to invite him in.  I was ready to head out to pick him up when my two older children, Josh and Katie, insisted on going with me.  I protested but conceded after several pleas on their part.  I told them to stay in the back seat of the van and not to talk to Frank when I picked him up.

Frank was basically non-descriptive.  Medium build.  Shorts. Tee Shirt.  Tennis shoes.  He hopped in the van and Josh and Katie immediately swarmed him.  When we arrived at home, Kay had prepared him a sandwich and offered to wash the clothes he was wearing.  He wore some of my clothes for the rest of the day.  He left the house for a short time to pick up some small personal items at a nearby convenience store. When he returned he wanted to call his dad in Chicago to make arrangements for wiring money.  He gave me the number for his dad, Grant Davis, and I dialed it.  His dad confirmed his story.  He was extremely grateful that we were helping his son.  He made arrangements to have the money delivered to the church the next morning during worship.

Kay and I weren't sure what we could feed him for supper since we would not be paid until the next day and our cupboard was pretty bare.  We did find a partial brisket in the freezer, a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and a can of sweet peas.  Supper was served followed by a long visit at our kitchen table.  He was unusually interested in our style of worship.  He played trumpet and wondered if he could play for us sometime.  He had once played for David Yonchi Cho's church in South Korea.  That comment seemed out of place coming from a transient, but the oddest thing was the insatiable desire of my son Josh to be near Frank.  He hauled out all of his Lego blocks and spent the evening building skyscrapers and houses.

The twin army blanket at my parent's home.

The evening ended with me setting up Frank in the Fellowship Hall.  We gave him a pillow, sheet and favorite Army blanket.  I announced that I would be over about 7 AM to make coffee.  The next day, I greeted Frank and made the coffee.  He had neatly folded the sheet and blanket.  I headed toward through the Fellowship Hall toward my office.  I left the room for only a second when I turned back to get something I forgot in the church kitchen.  Frank was gone.  The outside door had not been opened but I went outside immediately - finding him nowhere in sight.  I did not see him again.  I also noticed that the army blanket was gone.

The money was never delivered.  We held worship, and Kay, the kids and I headed home - pondering the events of the last hours.  After lunch I decided to call his dad again.  I still had his name and number.  I dialed it several times only to get a recorded message that it was not a working number.  I called the operator to discover that it was not only a "non-working" number - it was not a number at all.  The area code was non-existent even though I had dialed it successfully the day before.

I looked again at the the name and number.  All of a sudden - the name written on the paper stood out.  It read Grant O. Davis.  Kay and I stared at each other.  A few months later, during an early morning prayer time, the Lord confirmed to me that He Himself had visited our family that summer day of 1989.  One could say that our ministry has never been the same. 

Our experience reminded me of the Leo Tolstoy's Papa Panov that tells the same story.  The story ends with the following quote:

This was not a dream for he was wide awake. At first he seemed to see before his eyes the long stream of people who had come to him that day. He saw again the old road sweeper, the young mother and her baby and the beggars he had fed. As they passed, each whispered, "Didn't you see me, Papa Panov?"

"Who are you?" he called out, bewildered.

Then another voice answered him. It was the voice from his dream- the voice of Jesus.

"I was hungry and you fed me," he said. "I was naked and you clothed me. I was cold and you warmed me. I came to you today in everyone of those you helped and welcomed."

Then all was quiet and still. Only the sound of the big clock ticking. A great peace and happiness seemed to fill the room, overflowing Papa Panov's heart until he wanted to burst out singing and laughing and dancing with joy.

"So he did come after all!" was all that he said.

Yes, He did come and his name was Frank!

Christmas 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

We keep thinking that things cannot get busier. Maybe next year! You can keep up with most of our journeys and activities by going to my blog: http://tomschlueter.blogspot.com.  Blogging!  We have moved into a new era of communication.  With our ministry in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as well as all of Texas and the nation on the increase, we are now Face booking, blogging, tweeting, etc. As a matter of fact, most you will receive this letter via one of those methods.

The Schlueter Clan

It has been a marvelous year.  With ministry and leisure we have travelled most of Texas.  As a matter of fact we have literally been to or through over 400 Texas towns and cities this year.  We made another trip to New York State (Fort Drum in Watertown) to welcome our second grandson Nate in January. We’ve been to Washington DC, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico, Mississippi, Alabama and Israel for ministry.

Tom is still pastoring Prince of Peace Church in Arlington as well as overseeing the Texas Apostolic Prayer Network. Kay is a successful Pampered Chef consultant.  You can go to www.pamperedchef.biz/kayschlueter to view her job.  She will continue to watch TJ during the week but that job will increase with little Anna.  And how about those Texas Rangers!

Nate

Josh, Andrea and Nate.  Josh will be in Afghanistan until mid-March.  When he returns, they will head back to Watertown, New York before he starts Captain training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.  We await his next assignment (hopefully closer to home) when that training is finished. We saw Josh during his R&R in November. Andrea will finish her Masters Degree in Education in March.  Nate was born in January and he is absolutely wonderful. Please keep them in prayer as they go through major transitions. 

TJ

Katie, Tim, TJ and Anna.  The family grew again in 2010.  Anna was born in November just days before all of our family and Tim’s family showed up for Thanksgiving. Tim and Katie are still employed at the same aerospace company here in the Arlington area.  Katie will return to work on January 4 – following her maternity leave. They both are a tremendous help in the ministry at Prince of Peace Church. 

Anna

Amy.  Amy is in the middle of her senior year at Texas A&M University.  She is working towards her education degree. She will be a Fifth Year Senior because she has intentionally taken fewer hours to maintain a good work schedule as well as her ministry with a specific prayer team in Houston.  She will be in Guatemala with friends over Christmas break and next fall comes her classroom training.

As always, we are looking forward to next year and the exciting things the Lord has in store for us.  We ask His blessings and favor to fall on each of you.  May you have a joyous Christmas season and a Happy New Year!

Love and Blessing!

Tom and Kay Schlueter

It's Always Been a Special Time

I can clearly remember some of my early Thanksgivings.  In Iowa (early grade school) we would gather with family and friends for a large meal, but my favorite part was watching patriotic filmstrips (yes, I said filmstrips - not videos, DVDs, etc).  One was the story of the Pilgrims.

A memorable Thanksgiving took place during my first year of seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.  We went to the farm at Monona, Iowa.  The house was filled with family (my grandfather, aunts, uncles and cousins).  Snow was on the ground and we made ice cream with icicles.  My wife Kay was excited that we were going to have Turkey and dressing until she saw the dressing.  It was not.  It was stuffing.  She had to ask, "What is that?"  It was obviously not southern cornbread dressing.

Over the years we have had special gatherings of family in Iowa and Texas.  They comprise my fondest memories. 

Well. this is turning out to be another really memorable Thanksgiving.  We usually spend Thanksgiving with my mom and dad (we will see them at Christmas).  But this year my son Josh (home on R&R from Afghanistan) and his wife Andrea and son Nate will join us the day after Thanksgiving.  On Thanksgiving day Kay and I will have our daughter Amy, our daughter Katie and her family (Tim, Katie, T.J. and newly born Anna), Tim's parents (Bill and Debra), Tim's sister and family (Rik, Sarah and Piper), and Kay's brother Terry.The table will be set with a feast of food and friends.

It's hard not to be thankful when so many blessings have been showered upon us.  But our greatest gift and blessing is the Lord.  He alone is worthy of all thanks, praise, glory and worship.  In His Name,  I speak blessings over all of you!  Have a joyous and memorable Thanksgiving!

Glorious Day

ANNA KATELYNN LECKIE

Today, November 19, 2010, my granddaughter Anna Katelynn Leckie was born.  She is 20 inches long and weighs 7 lbs 13 ozs.  She is beautiful.  Mom Katie is doing fine.  TJ will meet his new sister after his afternoon nap.  Tim's parents arrived from Arkansas moments before she was born.  Bill and I declared blessings over our new granddaughter.

The other part of this glorious day is Josh.  He is returning home tomorrow for his R&R.  He will arrive at DFW airport tomorrow morning and we will have a chance to see him before he catches his connecting flight to Midland to see Andrea and Nate.

Thank you Lord.  This is a glorious day.

What's in Store?

After a fantastic visit in the Flagstaff and Grand Canyon area, it was time to head south to Phoenix.  As we were leaving Flagstaff I remembered that several friends had exhorted us "not to miss" Sedona.  It's beautiful in Sedona.  You can't bypass Sedona.

But we had just bypassed it.  Well, at least we had just bypassed the exit to Sedona.  I asked Kay to check map. 

"Are there any other exits?" 

"Yes, there's one coming up in just four miles."  It didn't look very impressive, as exits go, and I challenged Kay on her knowledge of the exit. She simply said, "It's marked as an exit to Sedona." 

I took it and was immediately faced - not with a state highway - not with a county road - but with a National Forest Service dirt road called Schnebly Hill Road.  It simply read "Sedona. 12 miles" and headed into the forest.  Now understand - I had no idea what was even at Sedona.  Why are we going?  Why is it pretty?  What was in store for us?  After four miles of rough but manageable driving, the suspense was over.  We arrived at the Schnebly Hill Road Overlook and came face to face with some of the most beautiful red rock formations I have ever seen.

For the next eight miles we wound our way down the mountain through those formations.  God had something marvelously in store for us.  An exit that seemed insignificant, even wrong, turned out to be the highlight of our trip.  Isn't that just the way it is with our God?  Don't be too concerned with "the wrong exits" you have taken.  A very majestic, beautiful, grace-filled Lord is waiting for you at the Schnebly Hill Road Overlook.

The Red Rocks at Sedona

How Majestic is Your Work, O Lord

"Great are the works of the LORD;
         They are studied by all who delight in them.
    Splendid and majestic is His work,
         And His righteousness endures forever" 

(Psalm 11:2-3)

My undergraduate work at Texas A&M prepared me for work in the National Park Service. I was already assigned to Fort Union National Historic Site after graduation when the Lord arrested me for kingdom work as a pastor.  I met my wife Kay when I was working for LBJ National Historic Site in Johnson City and Stonewall, Texas.  I had mentioned in a previous blog that my family would travel and camp regularly as I was growing up in Iowa and Texas.  We visited all sorts of National and State parks.

On a trip to California for doctoral work at Fuller Theological Seminary in 1987, my family (Kay, my son Josh and my daughter Katie) joined me as I drove a camper from Texas.  We were able to visit Petrified Forest, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks on that trip.  BUT the highlight of the trip was in northern Arizona.  I have told many people over the years that there have been only two National Parks that took my breath away when I first saw them.  One was Yosemite but at the top of the list was Grand Canyon.

It has taken us 23 years to get back but Kay and I were able to visit Grand Canyon again today.  Once again I am overwhelmed by the creative ability of our Lord and God.  With His finger He carved out this majestic wonder.  It is indeed splendid.  On this trip we were able to hike partially down into the canyon.  Words can not describe our day.  Digital pictures can't either - but here are a few.

Happy Father's Day

Another Father's Day has come and gone.  For the first time in years I was not at home on this special day.  But that did not keep it from being special.  First I heard from my middle daughter Katie and my grandson TJ in Arlington.  At the time we were driving north on I-25 to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  We arrived in Albuquerque and while we were eating lunch my son Josh called from Afghanistan.  He is serving with the US Army Military Police and doing well. 

We arrived at our destination this afternoon (Flagstaff, Arizona) and while we were walking around the historic old town my youngest daughter Amy called from Guatemala. In the meantime I was able to talk to my dad who lives in Fredericksburg, Texas and I received Facebook greetings.  Wow - I love this ability to communicate.  It has been a grand day that was finished off with a Father's Day meal with Kay at Red Lobster - salmon, shrimp, scallops and asparagus.  There's that eating theme again.

By the way as we came into Flagstaff we were met by an enormous fire in the National Forest north of the city.  It is not causing us any problems.  The prevailing winds are going the opposite direction.  We will be able to safely go to Grand Canyon National Park tomorrow.  We are praying for a quick extinguishing of the flames and the protection of lives and homes.

God bless each of you!

Nate's Trip to Arlington

Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don't make. This weekend we had our second grandson, Jesse Nathaniel (Nate) Schlueter take his first visit to Arlington with his mom, Andrea. His daddy, Josh, is presently in Afghanistan. It has been a marvelous visit. Andrea (Dre) is an awesome mom. We have had a lot of fun watching Nate and playing with him. He met his cousin TJ and they love each other.

Nate went to our worship service this morning and was loved on by all the "grandmothers" of the house. He was in heaven but so were they. After services we adjourned to our backyard for a church cookout/picnic. And this evening the day ended with a beautiful sunset over Arlington.

Tomorrow Dre and Nate will head home to Midland. They are there while Josh is overseas. But before they go - its barbecue at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Its been a wonderful trip and we didn't go anywhere!