Micah to the Rescue

On April 27, 2026April 27, 2026 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

What do you do Saturday afternoon when you know your laryngitis isn’t going clear up by Sunday morning, and you have to teach Sunday school, run a worship service, and preach a sermon? You send out word to all your usual pulpit supply contacts for backup. But what if they all have prior commitments and can’t fill in, or don’t see your desperate communications in time?

That was the situation this past weekend as the countdown to Sunday morning grew shorter. I happened to mention the challenge to my daughter Bethany by text, and she said, “Maybe Micah could do it. He’s been working on a message.” Long story short, I took her up on the offer. Micah did a Maundy Thursday devotional at our church a few years ago, and it was very well done. I’ve also been in enough Bible studies with him to know how well he handles the Word.

So, my son-in-law Micah White preached his (first ever) sermon at Christ Community Church yesterday. It was wonderful. He also played the guitar in our Praise Team since our regular guitarist was on vacation. He just slipped right in there like he’s always been part of the team.

It seems like this multi-talented man is always saving my bacon, in more ways than one. While it may be true that I recently graduated from “mechanical idiot” to “mechanical novice,” I still need Micah’s help from time to time when it comes to assorted issues with my car, lawn tractor, electricity, etc.

He’s extremely well rounded, and he always helps out in a kind a gracious way, never making me feel ridiculous because I don’t know how to fix something. It’s truly amazing how many gifts God has given this young man. Maybe even more amazing is the fruit of the Spirit he so consistently display.

Micah’s sermon was titled, “Bad Gardener, Gracious God,” and it traced the major occurrences of garden imagery in Scripture, front to back. His approach was what we practitioners call “biblical theology,” and he did it extremely well. He asked for feedback early Sunday morning on his manuscript, and I didn’t have much to offer since he covered all the bases so well.

Best of all, Micah loves Jesus, takes care of my daughter, and is knocking it out of the park when it comes to the fathering the two most adorable munchkins on the planet, Samuel and Levi. How blessed we are to have Micah be part of the family.

Post-Holiday Update

On January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

My apologies for such a long hiatus. Life has been full and meaningful since posting three weeks ago. I just needed that “long winter’s nap” to recover from everything. 🙂 But I’ve missed you! Anyway, our Christmas Eve candlelight service was rich and wonderful, not to mention well attended. Samuel and Levi practiced their parts (singing “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World” while standing next to me with lit candles), and they nailed it.

After worship, we watched—at Drew’s request—the first part of Jesus of Nazareth, focusing on the Gospel Infancy Narratives. Peter Ustinov hits it out of the park as Herod the Great. Olivia Hussey (what a name for someone playing the blessed virgin Mary!) is likewise stellar in her role as the mother of Christ. In fact, except for a few duds along the way, this epic film from the mid-80s is very well cast and perfectly set. I have the script almost memorized.

Our Christmas Day celebration was magical, too, especially with the boys growing in their awareness of what the fuss is really all about. After verifying that Jesus was in the manger, and singing “Happy Birthday” to him, we read together from Matthew 2 and then opened our gifts. Christmas dinner followed, and then the kids were off to their next stop.

The next day we traveled to Delaware and spent half a week with Sonya’s siblings and their families. The food and desserts we enjoyed were amazing, but my stomach (thankfully) can’t hold what it used to, and it (unthankfully) lets me know that in various ways! It’s great to be down 65 lbs., but I’d still like to go 15 more. That might require getting back in the pool. We’ll see.

On Sunday, January 4, we hosted an Epiphany party at our house for neighbors, friends, and church members. That, too, was well attended, and it was fun to connect with all who came. I get a little sad when all the festivities are over, but there’s much to look forward to in the coming year. Leading the list is Andrew’s wedding in May. In addition to planning on all the arrangements, he and An are looking for a house close to where they work.

Right now, Sight & Sound is in their “changeover” period, which means long and strange hours as they get ready for their new show (Joshua). It’s a massive effort to coordinate all aspects of a major theater production. The new cast rehearses during the day, which pushes the tech team to have to work second- and third-shift hours. But I’m already getting hints that it’s going to be amazing.

Additionally, their film, A Great Awakening, is set to release in theaters on Easter weekend. Andrew has a small role in it, and Sonya is an extra—a townsperson attending Whitefield’s revival service. With multiple takes for that scene, she says she got saved seven times during the filming. 🙂

Yesterday we celebrated Micah’s birthday here at our house, complete with a big dinner from Tosco’s. His boys love him to pieces, as do we. He’s such a good husband and father, and he just got elected (unanimously) to be a deacon at his church. He’s also a big cheese where he works, and they love the value he brings to the practice.

My own research and writing efforts have included a massive study on the Trinity, along with my doctoral dissertation on the torn veil in the temple. Both are going well, albeit slower than I would like. The outside teaching and speaking calendar is also coming into view, and it looks like the year ahead will be full and inspirational. I suppose my main prayer request would be for good health, energy, and focus to accomplish it all. There’s a lot of noise in the world right now, and it’s all too easy to be sucked into the vortex of its never-ending brokenness.

Until the warm weather returns, I’ll be inside the house building forts with Samuel and Levi. They recently discovered the magic of creating their little man caves, and I’m here for it.

Be well.

Less on the face means more in the belly!

I wonder where Andrew gets his silliness from.

Every year Micah defiles our Nativity scene. This year it was a Crystal Cave sign.

Getting ready for the kids to stop by on Christmas morning.

Lyrics we were singing to my mom when she went to be with Jesus.

Speaking of mid-80s, here’s a schmaltzy one from that period. Anyway, it’s nice to be back.

Missing the Boys

On August 3, 2025 By Tim ValentinoIn General2 Comments

Bethany and the boys traveled to North Carolina this week along with Sonya to visit Sonya’s brother, so I’m missing Samuel and Levi right now. I’m grateful for the Face Times we’ve had, but I’d rather play with them in person and give them belly zerbits. It sounds like they miss me almost as much as I miss them, but they’re having a blast.

Uncle Joel works at (and lives right next to) a golf resort, so he took the boys on a ride in his golf cart. I think they’re hooked. Aunt Donna had a massive spread of Thomas the Tank Engine trains for them to play with. So, they’re feeling all the love. In the meantime, I’m just getting caught up on some projects that have piled up during my recent speaking gigs. So is Micah. We pledged not to bother each other this week. We’re just two introverts meeting together in separate places. 😊

Levi’s Dedication Day

On May 15, 2025May 16, 2025 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

Levi was dedicated to the Lord this past week at his home church. It was fitting that the occasion fell on Mother’s Day. During the ceremony, Samuel burped. And just in case anybody missed it, he smiled and said, “Burp!” At one point, Levi yawned, and the pastor said, “O.k., I’ll hurry up.” It was delightful to be there.

After church, we went out to eat and then hung out at our house for a bit. The video below shows Levi walking around with a doughnut, complete with icing on his nose. The first pic is from the dedication, and the other is from Saturday’s swim lesson with Samuel. Only three more sessions to go. Levi keeps asking when it will be his turn. I’m ready whenever they sign him up!

“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Passing Along the Family (Sports) Business

On April 15, 2025 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

I just found out that I’ll be taking Samuel to Saturday morning swim lessons at our local YMCA. The 30-minute classes start later this month and go through early June. The best part is that I’m allowed to go in the water with him to help him work on his skills!

I’m beyond excited to spend some quality aqua-time with this little guy. He already loves the water with the protection of assistive flotation devices, but now it’s time for him to learn how to swim. Maybe someday he’ll take up the sport and swim competitively like yours truly. But whatever he and his brother get into, I’ll be in the stands cheering them on.

Below are a few recent pics. Some are from our church’s Easter Egg Hunt, some are from the birthday bash we had for Andrew last week, and some are from the current parking lot renovation project at our church. Enjoy!

Samuel won the top prize at his church’s egg hunt.

The boys and I checking out the construction project. Do you like our matching Phillies hats?

And little boys love construction vehicles.

I tickled Samuel all night at Tino’s Texas Roadhouse birthday dinner.

Did I mention that little boys love dirt?

The Snowboyz

On February 15, 2025February 15, 2025 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

Life with these little guys keeps getting better and better. They’re eager for warmer weather, but they enjoy the snow, too. It’s the bitter cold they can do without. (I’m guessing that’s genetic.) Samuel informed us a few weeks ago that we’ll be joining him and his brother Levi at the Outer Banks later this year. O.k., then. It’s a date!

Bonus

Here’s a rich and helpful song for those clinging to faith in the hard times. We just started singing it at our church.

Post-Holiday Collage

On January 11, 2025 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

The past month has been a flurry of hospitality at our house, so I haven’t had a lot of time to write blog posts. From the various Christmas parties and out-of-town guests we’ve hosted, to last week’s church Epiphany party at our place, I’m now ready for that long winter’s nap. Before collapsing, I thought I would share some random photos from the last several weeks. As always, the highlight was standing at the front of the church with the whole crew at the end of the Christmas Eve service, holding candles during “Silent Night,” “King of Kings,” and “Joy to the World.” Samuel took his role very seriously, holding his (battery-operated) candle high for Jesus. Alas, we don’t have a picture of that precious moment. Otherwise, Enjoy!

The renovated kitchen made serving a breeze.

Our guests seemed to like the beverage center, complete with the tea collection.

By tradition, the boys “camp out” in their living room on Christmas Eve.

Joyful Samuel getting ready for bed in his new PJs.

Uncle Joel playing baseball with the boys in our backyard.

Samuel had to show off his tree fort that Papa made him.

Over Christmas, “Buddy” is the name of a dog, not an elf.

Boom whackers were a hit for the cousins.

Grown-ups playing Mexican Train, always a blast.

We took the boys to Cabella’s to see the animal displays.

…and posed for the annual picture when they were here.

We got the boys a snow rocket, which they love (with or without snow).

The Sheer Delight of Tractors and Trains

On November 12, 2024November 12, 2024 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

It’s been far too long since I’ve posted pictures of our munchkins, but these little guys continue to be a source of great joy and delight in my life. I’m beyond blessed to be able to watch them on Wednesdays and Friday nights (i.e., the pizza and sleepover night). A few shots below show their love of tractors and trains. You can also see their Trunk-or-Treat costumes—a firefighter and a Dalmatian, with Mom and Dad serving as the firetruck. Super adorable! My own “trunk” this year conveyed yet another post-season collapse by the Phillies. Only one word came to mind for the sign. 😊

The Boys and Beowulf

On June 11, 2024June 11, 2024 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

We had a glorious time with our munchkins last week—nine whole days while mommy and daddy took a second honeymoon to Cabo, Mexico. We went to the pool, did tractor rides, visited a petting park, played at the playground, got ice cream, read stories, played in the toy room and backyard, went to church, and had a blast every single day. The best part was getting to do daily cuddles at nap time and bedtime. It’s a deep joy to just hold Samuel and Levi and watch them as they fall asleep. We created some treasured memories that will last a lifetime. The pics and clips below are just a few highlights of the many I could share.

In other news, my sister moved into our place earlier today. She was exhausted from the journey and is a bit weaker and thinner than I had expected. And getting the place ready was a lot more emotional than I thought it would be. I set around pictures and knick-knacks from the old days, along with dishes, plates, and other items from our time growing up in East Reading, PA. Featured prominently are some of my mother’s counted cross-stitch creations. Then there are the bowls of nonpareils, spearmint gummies, and Swedish fish that our Nana always had setting out during the year.

Cancer is a dragon, but love is the Beowulf that can slay it in the end. Rumor has it that eternity is an exuberant and sanctified mead hall. So, onward we go to the heavenly Heorot, one day at a time.

Addendum

The kids at our “Stellar” VBS got a kick out of tonight’s character, Luna. In large measure, that was because she has blue hair. More than one child encouraged to make my hair blue, too. What do you think?

Bedtime Catechism

On April 8, 2024April 8, 2024 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

Samuel’s tuck-in time usually involves a bedtime catechism of some sort. Below is a recent night featuring some Bible quizzing. I got emotional at the end of the clip because Isaiah 12:2b was the very first Bible verse I ever memorized (thanks to the VBS teachers at the Fairview Street Mennonite Church in Reading, PA a long time ago). I doubt, however, that I was this adorable in my recitation of it. Below are a few other recent snaps and vids. Enjoy!

And a couple shots of our sanctuary before an incredible day of celebrating the resurrection.

Image credit: freepik.com

In addition to which…

It was fun to watch the coverage of the eclipse and see even professional commentators get emotional at the spectacle (cf. Psalm 19:1). Andrew went to Ashtabula, OH (which was in the path of totality) to get better pictures. Sonya decided at the last minute to go with him, so I stayed home alone to celebrate with Oreos.

Just kidding. That’s a cool meme making its rounds on social media, but here’s an old song that comes to mind when it comes to all things eclipse.

The Boys and the Blossoms

On March 18, 2024March 19, 2024 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

There are so many reasons for joy in this neck of the woods right now. First, Andrew is thriving in his new role at Sight & Sound. He’s part of the lighting team for their newest production, Daniel, which premiered last week. From his description, theater lighting at that level is much more sophisticated than I had ever imagined, but he’s well suited and trained for it. (His undergrad studies were in film and media arts at Temple University.) Not many people get to say they work in professional music theater—let alone Christian musical theater. He says the show is not to be missed. I get to see it on April 11, which is his birthday.

Second, I got wonderful feedback on my latest dissertation chapter. I’m over the moon about it since this one had heavy doses of Sumerian and Akkadian in it, which I’m hardly an expert in but worked hard to get oriented to. It featured lots of Greek and Hebrew, too, along with a handful of other languages, but I was on edge about the Sumerian and Akkadian because the title of one of my readers is “Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Semitic Languages.” You can imagine the pressure a title like that conveys. It was, by far, the hardest chapter to write, so I really think I can pick up the pace now. Still, academic writing is awfully tedious, so we’ll see how it goes. I’m nerd enough to enjoy it.

Third, the boys continue to grow and delight everyone around them. How cool is it that we live just 10 minutes away from Samuel and Levi? We get to watch them almost every Wednesday and keep them overnight nearly every Friday, which is pizza night. Saturday mornings may involve some cartoons and pancakes. Oh, and the toy room. And yard time. Below are some pics and clips of these precious munchkins.

Fourth, the flower beds are starting to explode with signs of spring. My cherry tree is always stunning this time of year, and the daffs have really shot up, along with the hyacinths. I eagerly await the arrival of the tulips. Maybe they’ll get here by Easter, which just happens to be my birthday this year. But no one’s allowed to call attention to it. That day belongs to Christ alone.

Finally, below is an interesting tune by Coldplay, “Up with the Birds,” voted one of the top songs about springtime. I’m not sure I would have put it on the list, but a reviewer calls it “one of the most hopeful and optimistic things we’ve ever heard. The combination of cheerful lyrics and the enchanting string of instruments in the background has us feeling like we’re floating right into the warmer season.”

How ’bout we just stay in springtime?

Either way, enjoy!

No more pictures, Mommy. I’ve got things to do.

Micah gets a father-of-the-year award for this.

Double trouble at Home Depot.

Loving little Levi.

The flowering cherry is a gift I’ll always treasure.

And here. (I need to re-set the decorative rocks.)

The hyacinths await the arrival of the tulips.

Aquagenetics

On February 26, 2024February 26, 2024 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

Swimming must be in the genes. Micah and Bethany took Samuel and Levi this past weekend to a hotel in Grantville, PA, one with an indoor swimming pool. They had a great time. Both boys enjoyed a couple days splashing around in the water and playing with their toys in the room, along with some cartoon watching. They also enjoyed a good “break-ey” Saturday morning featuring yummy pancakes and “milkies.” The joy on their faces almost makes up for our not getting to keep them overnight on Friday. Forecasts call for spring-like temperatures this week, so maybe we’ll get to take them to the park on Wednesday, provided it doesn’t rain. But, hey, since they like the water so much….

An Avalanche of Adorableness, Part 2

On January 11, 2024January 12, 2024 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

Below are more recent pics and clips of Samuel and Levi. They had a blast in the snowstorm last Saturday. Also included are some shots of the new Toy Room I made for them. Their great-grandmother’s bedroom has been repurposed in a way we think she would love. The long-term plan is to take out the inside wall of the addition and make the entire space a large primary bedroom suite, complete with a kitchenette, sizable bathroom, and massive walk-in closet. Emotionally speaking, we’re just not ready to do that yet. Besides, the boys will need a toy room for only so long, so now is the time to let them use it.

Samuel loves being outside in any kind of weather.

Levi is not a big fan of the cold just yet.

Do you want to build a snowman? Let’s go!

Samuel found a stick for one of the arms.

Samuel gave up one of his cheese sticks for the nose.

Brotherly love.

More brotherly love.

An Avalanche of Adorableness, Part 1

On January 11, 2024January 12, 2024 By Tim ValentinoIn General1 Comment

On the heels of the recent death in our family, I’m hopelessly behind in every area of life right now. What to do? Take a break and do something really fun—post pics and clips of my favorite munchkins. This entry is part 1, and I’ll try to get part 2 up shortly. These boys bring so much joy to my life. May God likewise grant them joy, health, and peace all the days of their lives.

The official Christmas 2023 Samuel picture.

The official Christmas 2023 Levi picture.

Levi got a moving crab to help inspire him to crawl.

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas.

Levi loving life.

Catching Up as a New Year Begins

On January 2, 2024January 2, 2024 By Tim ValentinoIn GeneralLeave a comment

We returned Sunday night from our trip to Hickory, North Carolina, where we conducted funeral services for my mother-in-law, Lorena Moore. It was good to re-connect with family, even on such a sad occasion. She is the second of 14 siblings to pass away, and most of her brothers and sisters came to bid her farewell. The outpouring of love and gratitude was both healing and refreshing. Here is a copy of the funeral bulletin:

Lorena Moore Funeral Bulletin Download

Speaking of funerals, today is the tenth anniversary of the death of Dr. David A. Dorsey, my Old Testament professor who I adored. I may post later today the eulogy I gave at his funeral. I miss him a great deal, as do the rest of us on the seminary faculty. He had a high view of God, a high view of Scripture, and a high view of others, even while he himself was the humblest (and smartest) person I had ever met.

Christmas was a real joy, despite the death in our family. We kept our plans in place, and the immediate family gathered at our house for several days to celebrate. The kids, of course, were adorable. They were a bit overwhelmed at times by the sixteen people and two dogs who assembled under our roof. It’s a fairly large place, but when you have two 2-year-olds, one 1-year-old, and a 5-month-old in the midst of all that activity, you get a meltdown once in a while. That said, they were all fantastic and got along beautifully.

We were heavy on the gifts for our kids and their kids this year, but Sonya and I went light on each other. We decided that our newly renovated kitchen—which was completed two weeks ago—was sufficient. One of these days I may get motivated and post a few pictures of it. We’re thrilled with the results. Next up is converting the “Granny Flat” (as we called it) to a master bedroom. We’re not in a hurry, though. We need to grieve and discern what’s next in our lives before moving any walls or reconfiguring things. A few life changes are coming, and those changes could affect what we do with the space.

My sister-in-law got me the complete set of Harry Potter DVDs for Christmas, which totally took me by surprise. I had watched them online years ago just to see what all the fuss was about, but that was during a time when I was burning the candle at both ends, and I kept falling asleep. It will be good to fill in the gaps of what I missed the first time around. I remember them being quite charming and creative with wonderful cinematography and casting. The magical worlds of Narnia and Middle Earth always trip me into the boundless, and I suspect the same will happen with Hogwarts when I’m alert enough to follow the storyline.

There’s so much more to write, but I’ll leave it here for now.

May you be supremely blessed in 2024.