Rick & Cindy Shideler

Wow!! I've got some great friends...

2010-08-22T20:41:00.000-04:00

Well I'm barely a week into my fundraising effort for my Team in Training event in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and I've already passed the $500 dollar amount. Thanks to all my GREAT friends and colleagues. You guys are awesome.

I'm busy getting a letter ready to mail out to some of my business friends to add to my fund raising. I've received nothing but encouragement and positive support for my endeavor. I'm beginning to think my goal is too low but I think I'll leave well enough alone as this is my first event. But I wont let up, I'll keep asking and encouraging everyone to support me.

I continue my training. I walked 6 miles this afternoon. Wasn't even tired afterwards. My feet are a bit sore but that's to be expected. A little pain motivates me more. I watched my little girl go through a whole lot more pain so this is the least I can do.

So thanks guys. I'm hoping for even more funds soon so watch this space for updates. Can't wait for October 17th.

If you want to make a donation to my Team In Training for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, you can do so on line at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/coh/columbus10/rshideler

After Camp Musings

2010-07-19T19:59:00.002-04:00

So it's been a little over 48 hours since camp ended and I find myself in an odd mood. One of those moods I feel like writing about. I write not so much to share my thoughts with you but more as therapy for me. It feels good to "talk" with my fingers.

For the last 8 days, I've spent 24 hours of every day at Camp Koinonia near Geneva, Ohio. I learned Koinonia means Fellowship in Greek. I was there for my first ever Senior High Extreme Camp. And what an experience.

Camp was simply awesome. I have to admit I wasn't sure it was for me after I got there. The camp grounds and facilities were awesome, the people friendly but I really didn't know anybody there except for a handful of the kids that went from our church. I felt a little alone and not sure what to do.

But counselors are no different than campers. After a couple days, barriers were knocked down and friendships and relationships formed. And I started having a blast. I came to meet a bunch of really cool people, most of them under 21 years of age.

The camp's main purpose is to draw the campers closer to God and Jesus by building relationships with Godly counselors, several teaching times, one on one sessions and just plain old fun and fellowship. But I wonder if the camp organizers realize just how much the camp ministers to the adults. For me, I think I got as much if not more than the campers did.

I've always looked forward to camps and conferences. I have never come from one where I didn't come away with that mountain-top experience. I left camp much closer to my Savior than before I went. Just being in nature, free of the world's distractions and listening to His creation was a big part of why that is. But I also had a great camp pastor, great co-counselor teachings and opportunities to commune with some really cool young adults.

Camp also reminded me of the pain and issues today's youth are dealing with. Death of friends, divorces, lying friends, family issues, dealing with authorities, etc. It almost seems unfair that they have to deal with so much at a young age. But these guys and gals are grounded in Christ and know that He can and will be their strength. It's still not fun leading a Job-like life but I know God is preparing them for some awesome opportunities to serve Him through these experiences.

I left camp tired and refreshed but in a sadly weird mood. It wasn't till I arrived at our church Sunday morning when I realized why. The worship service that Sunday was especially awesome. Not sure why. It was lead by the same people, kind of the same type songs. But I found myself really in a worshipful mood. I sang like I hadn't in a long time. I heard every word and sang the to God in a worshipping attitude. And I felt good.

Now church isn't supposed to be about me, it is supposed to be about God. But I believe, and the Bible teaches that if you obey God, he will reward you. I was rewarded with a joyful mood Sunday for my obedient service and worship. Thank you Lord! And I think this was the reason for my feeling good about worship time on Sunday. I prayed. Read scripture. Hung out with some good friends. And wrote some notes to my new camper friends. A great day!

But alas, I found myself in a sad mood again today. I think it was because of a mixture of a lot of things. I was tired (almost fell asleep during a meeting at work), I was missing my Jennifer (she started a new job in Warsaw, Ohio today) and I found myself humming campfire songs in my head all day. My mind was somewhere else and I didn't want to be at work. I was wallowing in a pool of self-pity, wishing I was back at camp and with my baby girl by my side.

I'll bounce back soon enough I know but for now, I feel sad about not being where I was last week. And Facebook isn't helping. Pictures are being posted, comments being made and others saying many of the same things I'm thinking about - missing our camp families.

But God is Good! And He loves me so. I know He will allow me to see my camp family again soon. And my baby girl and her brothers as well. I can't wait.

Until then, I will ride the mountain-top emotions as long as I can and draw as close as I can to Him. I hope you will do the same.

BAAAAAAAAHHH.. Sorry, couldn't resist that.

And laugh all you want but one of my fondest non-spirtual memories of the week was the Baby Shark and Skype Hunting songs lead by Logan. I thought they were about the funniest things I've seen in a while. It felt good to laugh. Thanks Ninja Logan. Thanks Meagan, Jen, Sarah, Randy, Rachel and everyone else. And special thanks to Jon and Laura!! You guys rock.

Until next time, know that I'm praying for you guys!

Who Are You Working For??

2010-05-01T21:00:00.002-04:00

Who are you working for? This is a question that I wrestle with a lot lately. Don't get me wrong, I love working, am blessed with a rewarding job and I love my job. But I wrestle a lot with priorities. Priorities of life, not of work. Confused? OK, allow me to elaborate.

Shortly after I accepted Christ, I started down the ministry path God was leading me on to. At the time, I started working with the wee little ones on Wednesday nights. Later found myself involved in Vacation Bible School. Then onto more technical areas like sound, light and video ministries.

I always seemed to find time for these ministries. I enjoyed working at the church, with the staff and volunteers. I looked forward to it and found myself thoroughly enjoying it.

Life was good. Joy and Peace reigned thanks to my new best friend, Jesus.

Next, I found myself in another state, Another world actually. I couldn't find that "home" church. We bounced around from church to church looking for that perfect place. I was too naive to understand that such a place does not exist.

And the lack of connection to a ministry manifested in idleness. Ministerial idleness. I had no place to serve. Idle hands, idle mind. And for the first time since my salvation, I felt an empty feeling in my heart again. I didn't know what it was but it caused me to not have the same joy and peace as before.

I still loved my job. My family. My friends. But I wasn't "happy" in the spiritual sense.

Now I didn't realize then that my unhappiness was spiritually based. I knew something was wrong but I couldn't put my finger on it. I convinced myself that the unhappiness and hole in my heart was due to the separation from our family back home.

And so, we moved again. A little closer to family. This time, to a place in my opinion was God ordained. And a place I felt was like Heaven on Earth.

We found a church. And what a church. Great staff. Great members. Great families. Great Love for Jesus. Great vision. His Vision! And the best part, a place to Serve again!

Thanks to an awesome senor pastor and an even awesomer (apologies to my high school English teacher) youth pastor, I was quickly engaged again. I was leading. Teaching. Serving. WORKING!! And joy returned. Peace returned. All was right again.

Now I wont bore you with the details of the next chapter of my life but I find myself back in a weird place again. I've moved a couple more times again and have that hole again.

Not because I don't have a great church (I go) but more because I don't have the time. Or at least I've prioritized my life to not leave time for the work and ministry that brings the joy and peace of old.

So today my job is great but it is not a service of ministry. Not a calling of God. I have been blessed and gifted by God to work in the career I am in and for that I am eternally grateful to Him. But it does not bring spiritual peace and joy.

My job consumes the most valuable commodity we have on this Earth. Our time. And because it devours so much of my time, I have little left to serve in my church. In my community. In my ministry field. And little time to experience the joy and peace of serving an Awesome God.

And so I ask the question. Who am I working for? Me? My employer? My family?

My mind dreams of the day when I can return to the simpler life of serving God. Dreaming of leaving the hectic and insane pace of life that is now the American office. Everything seems to be urgent. We blow past people's needs, feelings and dreams in pursuit of the almighty dollar. And typically more dollars than we need.

I jokingly tell people who ask what I do for a living that I help rich people get richer. One day soon I pray I will be able to say that I am serving an awesome God with all my time. :-)

May 8th 2010

2010-04-25T15:40:00.003-04:00

The title of this post reflects a very important date in the Shideler house. Jason and Jennifer graduate college on that date. Jason from the University of South Carolina with a Media Arts degree and Jennifer from Anderson University with a Special Education degree. Mom and dad couldn't be any prouder!!!

Hello Again

2010-04-18T16:13:00.002-04:00

Well it's been over 6 months since my last blog. And just when I was about to delete this account and give up blogging, I was asked when I would blog again. Which got me to thinking about what I want to do when I retire. Which reminded me how much I love writing and would love to find a way to get paid for it in my retirement years. Which reminded me of a conversation I had with a biographer a while back who, when I shared my love of writing but relented that I couldn't seem to find the time to write, told me to make time and to write about anything and everything. Often. Practice! Even if it seems mind-numbingly boring..

And blogging was one suggestion she had. Soooo, since there is this obvious pent up demand to read my mindless rants (from my son Geoff), and since I need the practice, I commit to blogging again. At least as often as I can find the time.

So what shall I write on. I've decided to limit myself to what I know a lot about. And that might only consume about 3 sentences in my next blog. :-)

I guess one knows what they know and for me, that is easy. I know I am blessed and loved. I know I love serving and teaching. I know I want more than anything to be with the people I love more than being at work (or any other place.) And I know that God loves me so much that He gave my Jesus as my best friend.

So look for me to write about some of the above. And since I may someday take my desire to write to the next level, I welcome your feedback and input. Especially if you have the gift of writing yourself (hint hint Natalie Trout). :-)

See you soon. Take care all.

2009-11-17T06:29:00.000-05:00

Friends

2009-09-11T20:56:00.002-04:00

I'm in a pensive mood tonight and so I find writing to help unblock the mini log jam of thoughts in my head right now. But my available time and desire to avoid the complete boredom of my readers prevents me from writing a novel right now. :-)

Today wasn't a good day at work. No need to expand on why, most already know what's up. But I had a few bright spots along the way.

First, the smartest thing I did besides praying for strength today was to ask my deacon to also pray for me. She eagerly agreed but didn't stop there. She informed me that she would also fast today so that she could give full prayer attention to my challenge of the day. Wow.

Second, God placed a number of people in my path today to wish me well and offer words of encouragement. God is good! Thanks Lord.

Lastly, God placed a burden in my mind for those I had to speak with today. Some were angry. Some were tearful. Some were indifferent. But all were subjects of my prayers . I can't count how many times I whispered one sentence prayers today. But I trust my prayers will not go unanswered as I know God's will is the best for His children.

I am a blessed man. I have a loving family. A supportive deacon. And many good friends. These things crossed my mind several times today and helped to carry me through. God is good!

Sorry for such a long gap since my last post here. I wonder now if anyone even looks at blogs with the advent of Facebook. But even if no one reads this, my mind is clearer and happier for the ability to share thoughts.

And one last thing, as Jennifer reminded me today, 9 years and 1 day to retirement!! Till we move back to SEC country! And even better, only 3 weeks till I see my baby girl and smiling boy again.

Thanks..

They Are 21!

2009-04-02T09:03:00.002-04:00

Jen & Jason turned 21 yesterday. Where did the time go?

Area 51

2009-03-01T17:18:00.002-05:00

I have arrived at Area 51!! No, not the secret space alien storage facility in New Mexico. I hit the 51 lb mark in my quest to loose weight. This morning, on the scale I hit 236 lbs. That's down 51 lbs from my 287 weigh in in 2006. My goal is 220. I think I can see the finish line from here. :-)

My Inspirators and Imapctors

2009-02-10T19:33:00.002-05:00

OK. I've waited long enough. Here is my list of people who inspire or have had an impact on me in my first half century. In no particular order. And probably with many inadvertent omissions. No hate mail please if I left you out. :-)

LEE - My Dad. Taught me how to not overreact, work hard, have patience and love of country. The list is too long to go on. If you knew my dad, you know why he inspired me.
MIRTHA - My Mom. For showing me how to love, be assertive, and my love for just about anything Cuban.
CINDY - The wife. :-) For introducing me to Jesus Christ. Oh, and props for staying married to me for 25 years. That is automatic sainthood in the Catholic Church.
GEOFF - Son #1. For turning into a best friend after being my son for 24 years. And for teaching me that being proud (of you) isn't always a sin. Oh, and for willing to still hug me.
JASON - Son #2. For making me smile and laugh when I didn't feel like it. And for saying I love you. Proud of you too.
JEN - My favorite daughter. :-) For staying faithful and innocent in a world that shuns both concepts. And for still calling me daddy. Love ya "Baby."
ALLISON - For loving Geoff. And saying "yes." Can't wait for you to become a Shideler.
LIZ - For loving and caring for Jason. For making him happy which makes me happy.
JOHNNY C. - Facillitated and responsible for the greatest spiritual growth period in my life.
RICK O. - The greatest camp pastor, ever, by far, bare none.
DR. ORLANDO - For healing and instilling confidence in us in our darkest hour as a family.
JEFF B. - The example of spiritual wisdom and inner peace that I want to emmulate. For incredible teachings. The only pastor who brought me to tears during a sermon.
EVANS - For "Mo Hotter, Mo Better," for making me stretch my faith by taking me to a prison ministry session, for being a better worship leader than Tomlin. For his family. For our friendship. Love ya bro..
BILL F. - For thinking so highly of me. Always having a compliment or kind word when we meet. For being so Christ-like and compassionate.
BRENDA - My best bud at USA. For being my walk and lunch buddy. For having a sympathetic ear to my moanings and whinnings.
LUBA - For loving me and calling me her "American Daddy."
MARK - A former boss who taught me many things about leadership that I didn't realize until after we parted.
MARK - The current boss for trusting in me to run one of the largest aviation maintenance operations in the world.
GREG P. - Who taught me in ain't about the job, it's about the ministry.
EMILY - I live for your hugs! If you only knew how much they mean to me.
JESUS - For being my Lord, Savior, Mentor, Teacher, Brother, Leader.. Not enought space to list them all.

OK, this got a bit sappy. But its all true. I know I opverlooked many of you and for that I apologize. But take great pleasure in knowing that Jesus knows you made an impact on me and for knowing that, you should sleep very well tonight and in eternity. :-)

Love ya..

Our Newest Additions to the Family

2009-02-07T21:20:00.004-05:00

Please meet Teddy (left) and Bailey (right) Shideler. 10 week old Yorkie pups. And everyone said awh....

People Who Inspire Me

2009-01-11T21:03:00.004-05:00

I've been struggling with what to write about in this blog. Sure, the customary stories on what is going on in our lives, what our kids are up to, etc. make for good posts. I'm sure that is riveting reading. :-) Actually, I enjoy reading many of your blogs so I'm guessing a few of you somehow manage to enjoy mine. Although I can't imagine why.

Anyway, I've decided to fill the gaps in my writing with brief stories on people who inspire me. Some may be historical people who are no longer on this Earth and others might be still alive. Some I may have a personal relationship with and others I have never had the pleasure of meeting. But all will have had some type of impact on me and perhaps they will for you too.

I don't propose to go down a list I have or rank them as to their importance. So please don't think that because I list one ahead of another in my writing that they rank that way in my mind. It is more likely because I can't find the words to honor the person properly so I move on to one where I can. And some might have to remain anonymous for reasons that may or may not seem obvious.

With all that said, it seems like I've said enough for this post. So perhaps I'll stop here and just ask what you all think of my idea. Let the comments flow. Or not. :-)

Happy (Belated) New Year

2009-01-09T22:54:00.002-05:00

Well 2009 is finally here and..... yawn... OK, its just another day, another night, another year... It doesn't feel any different. I remember being younger and marveling about completing another lap around the sun. Marveling that it took a full 365 days (plus a leap second this time). Enjoying how excited everyone gets before and after the new year.

I can honestly say that they are a bit boring now. I'm not much of a party animal although we did make it to a new years party this year. In fact, I rarely even stay up to celebrate the moment.

But now, 9 days later, and I am starting to feel the marvel of the moment again. But for a very different reason.

How cool is it that God has allowed us to complete another heavenly lap? That we didn't careen into the Sun or spin out into space. How massive the Earth is and yet so small that we can hop an airplane and be on the other side in a matter of hours.

OK, I'm in a pensive mood tonight, forgive me. But the point of it all is all this happened without us doing a thing. Not one man, women or creature had anything to do with our solar lap. Only God Almighty has the power to make a difference.

And what a difference. I have completed 50+ laps around the sun. 18,250 Days! 438,000 Hours! 26 Million Minutes!

God is sooooo cool. Have a great night all. And rest comfortably knowing that God is in control of all things, including our planet's orbit! Happy New Year!

Future NetJet Owners??

2008-12-27T16:14:00.003-05:00

Geoff & Allison touring a NetJets Sovereign..

Our First Christmas Party in Ohio

2008-12-21T21:23:00.003-05:00

We hosted our first Christmas party in Ohio and well, let's just say the pictures speak for themselves. Thanks to all for the fun and laughter and special thanks to Kyle and Leslie for the White Elephant Gift entertainment. :-)

Merry Christmas All... And Happy Birthday Jesus!!

Visit to Solomons

2008-12-11T21:23:00.003-05:00

Our trip to Solomons was our best yet. This was my third visit to Solomons and the best yet. We stayed in a bed and breakfast for the first time and loved it. It was small and quaint and the staff were the friendliest we have ever experienced. We will definitely be back.

We enjoyed seeing Geoff and Allison and got to see where they will be married. We met several of their friends and enjoyed some great times and meals together. All in all, an excellent trip.

Our next trip to Solomons may be on the wedding day. I hope not, one more visit before wouldn't break my heart.

Thanks Geoff and Allison for a great time. Love ya..

Here is Geoff and Allison at the place where they are to be married.

Emma...

Dinner at the Pier..

Our "hotel"...

My First 5K

2008-12-07T23:18:00.002-05:00

We've just returned from a visit to Solomons, Maryland to see Geoff and Allison and while there, I had the opportunity to participate in my first ever 5K event. OK, I didn't run but they had a walking event with the runners. I walked the 5K in 44 minutes and 32 seconds. And in 27 degree cold!! Good enough to earn me 4th place in the men's group. Woohoo!! I'm hooked. I'll be doing that again. Somehow, I am certain that one Evans and Cindy are smiling proudly. :-)

I'll post pictures of our visit soon. Until then, here is a picture of me walking.

Thanksgiving & Cold

2008-12-02T21:59:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving came and Thanksgiving went. Perhaps the quickest week of my life. The good news was I got to see Jen and Jason for 4 full days. The sad news is I only got to see them for 4 full days. Oh well, getting used to that since they will soon be out of school and really on their own.

Speaking of being on their own, we get to go see Geoff and Allison this weekend. We haven't seen them in 6 months. This will be our first time with them since they've become engaged. Our trip is both pleasure (to see them) and business (pick a rehearsal dinner site). The wedding date is set for next spring.

I apologize but I did not take a single picture during Thanksgiving. I think I wore myself out when I took over 450 pictures in Europe. I promise to take some at Christmas.

It's 20 degrees here!! I wish I were in South Carolina. Or at least wish it were spring. Brrr..

Take care..

Back in Business

2008-11-23T14:53:00.001-05:00

I finally got my blog back in business. What happened you ask? Well, I tried up loading a new blog template from a non-Google site and didn't realize it contained advertisements for certain, shall we say, non-Christian type business establishments. Let's just say I don't think most people who read my blog are looking for a date with a 18 year old girl in Westerville, Ohio. :-)

So I decided to delete the template and went back to good-old-faithful Google. Except the formatting was polluted with the leftover template data. After about 2 hours of fiddling with things, I decided to wipe the slate clean. Out with the old, in with the new. So a totally new blog. Problem is I don't have any previous blog history. No worries though, I don't think most people read the old ones anyway.

So I am back in business. Lesson learned? Yep, stay with the sure stuff you can count on. Hmmmm. A very Biblical teaching. :-)