Schwartz Illustrated

How to Get Out of Debt

2008-10-15T19:13:00.001-04:00

Certainly Uncertain

2008-09-30T14:18:00.003-04:00

I have to admit, I have been watching and to listening to a lot of news these days. There are two reasons why I'm so interested in our current "crises" ... I'm concerned. And I'm fascinated. I'm sure that many of you share these feelings with me.

Many of us are concerned about our job security, our retirement plans, nest-eggs, college savings for our kids, our future president, our economy/nation as a whole. I'm right there with you.

On top of that, many of us are fascinated. Fascinated at how we got here. Fascinated at how quickly things can turn south. Fascinated that we didn't learn more from the Great Depression. Fascinated at the uncertainty of a seemingly strong and certain economy.

This is my take: As a society (and I'm including myself), we have put our certainty in an uncertain area. And now, as a result, we are entering a period of relative uncertainty. Follow me? "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

In times of such uncertainty, the wise one will invest in that which is certain. What is certain?

We have gotten to this place by storing up treasures on earth (where things are uncertain at best), let us respond my storing up treasures in heaven (where things are certain at worst)! What does it mean for you to store up your treasure in heaven?

It will require faith and courage on your part, but it will result in certainty and eternal rewards! THAT'S SOMETHING YOU CAN BANK ON!

The Twins are Breakin it Down

2008-07-22T20:55:00.002-04:00

Tera and Toby are always dancing and having fun together. This time they took it to another level and we caught it on tape!

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We miss you, Nana!

2008-04-11T12:27:00.003-04:00

Floride Morrison Glover
Dec 9, 1917 - April 2, 2008

At 2pm on Wed, April 9 we had a beautiful Episcopal funeral service that would have honored her greatly. She was a very humble person and she probably wouldn't have wanted us to talk much about her, but we did anyway! There were three wonderful eulogies (my sister Jenny, my cousin Frances, and my mom's cousin Kay) that focused on how she lived her life and the mark that she has left on us all. And then I gave a homily that focused on the spiritual realities that surround her death and eternal life. You can read the the transcript of my Homily below, because I believe it is a message that will bless us all.

Ecclesiastes 3 says, “There is a time for everything … there is a time to be born and a time to die … a time to weep and a time to laugh … a time to mourn and a time to dance.”

Today is a time for all of these things. I have experienced this range of emotions this week but right now I want to focus on why today is a time to laugh, to dance, and to be born.

The reason that we can rejoice today is that hers was a life not wasted. What do I mean by that? Nick read, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

She epitomizes this passage. Rather than trying to take hold of that which is temporary and seen such as recognition, indulging in material comfort, and making much of herself, she tried to take hold that which is unseen and eternal – giving love, prayer, and money to others, making much of other people, and indulging in making others happy. And we have all seen the affects of what happens when someone lives their lives for the unseen.

Living for what is seen has temporary and incomplete rewards, while living for what is unseen has eternal and full rewards. To illustrate this point I did an experiment with my 2-year-old Tera. She has a sweet tooth, just like her great-grandmother, and M&M’s are her favorite …

I went up to her the other day holding out a shiny blue M&M, and said “Tera, would you rather have this M&M (which obviously represents the seen and temporary) or would you rather have a fully funded college savings plan?” (Obviously representing something unseen but with longer and greater reward). She was looking at some family photos and she looked up at me and said matter-of-factly, “ Cowwege pwan”.

“OK Tera, let’s try again. Do you want this M&M or a college savings plan?” “Cowwege, pwease.” She ruined my theory that humans have a natural inclination to choose the seen over the unseen … but my point is that unlike Tera and unlike Nana, sadly most of us often choose to take the so-called M&M rather than going after that which is unseen and eternal.

She lived her life for the unseen and today her body lies here but she is experiencing the eternal reward of fixing her eyes on what is unseen. So, what is this unseen thing that scripture is talking about?... It is Jesus himself!
He is both the source that provides the ability for us to fix our eyes on the unseen, AND He is the unseen object on which we are to fix our eyes!

But here’s the catch. We cannot just wake up and decide to fix our eyes on what is unseen. We cannot just one day decide to have the faith, and hope, and love, and humility that she had. Those things have one source … and that source is Jesus.

As Nick also read, Jesus has indeed gone to prepare a place for us. An eternal place that we are to look forward to. A place that is made especially for us, and also a place that we are made especially for. And Jesus is our only entry into that place.

We cannot get there by trying to be good people. Goodness was not Nana’s way into heaven and it is not our way into heaven. Jesus is our way. He is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

I had the opportunity to speak with her a few weeks ago about what I would say today, and she wanted me to make one thing clear. She wanted you and me to be reminded of Jesus’ love. It is not her kindness or patience or generosity that makes her a special person … it is Jesus. It is not her goodness or her unselfishness that has gotten her into heaven … it is Jesus.

The Bible says that our attempts at trying to work our way into God’s favor have fallen short and have earned for us eternal death and separation from God. But Jesus says, wait there is still a way.

Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love to us in this way: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That is love. When I sing to my daughters before bed, Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so … How do we know that he loves us? Because he died for us. Jesus, in essence, says, I will take the death that you deserve … and you can have the life that I deserve.

Yesterday, Jenny and I walked out to her grave. I noticed her epitaph. It reads, "In thy presence is the fullness of joy, at thy right hand are pleasures forevermore." That is Psalm 16 and it is so fitting for today.

Earlier I said that living for what is seen has temporary and incomplete rewards, while living for what is unseen has eternal and full rewards. During her time on earth, she chose the unseen. Today she is experiencing the fullness of joy in God’s presence and pleasures forevermore at His right hand. All because of the love of Jesus.

A couple of Christmas pictures for you to enjoy!

2008-01-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

Tera was pretty indifferent towards Santa this year. She's probably wondering what this fat guy in the red suit has to do with Jesus' Birthday. Next year, I would like to start teaching her about the real Saint Nicholas and how this tradition began.

Ava, on the other hand, got into the "Santa thing" so much that decided to try to become an elf. She did a pretty good job!

Eat More Chicken

2007-10-15T15:54:00.000-04:00

Last week, our Campus Outreach Virginia staff team went to Atlanta for the Catalyst Conference (a 2 day event designed to develop Christian leaders). Among the 11,000 participants were pastors, campus ministers, youth ministers, and business leaders from around the world. Each year our staff team attends this conference and returns with fresh vision and ideas for the college campus.

We also had the pleasure of spending some time with Truitt Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-a. He's the smiley old man in the middle. I've had the privilege of meeting Truitt on three separate occasions, although he would have no idea who I am, and each time he has told me about his family, his foster kids, the 13 year olds that he teaches in Sunday school, and why he believes business principles and biblical principles are synonymous. Here is a successful business man that puts his faith and his family before all else. I don't think that he would say that his successful business is a result of his faith, but rather his business is an expression of his faith. He serves God by serving people.

Hiking with the Howells

2007-10-15T15:36:00.001-04:00

To take advantage of the beautiful fall weather this weekend, we packed a lunch, invited good friends, and headed back to Cascade Falls for a scenic four mile hike.

As adults it's a lot harder to make new friends, but we've been blessed with the addition of Andy, Dawn, and Bella into our lives. Thanks for all the love and support you've given us. It's been a pleasure getting to know you and we sincerely look forward to more fun times together.

Tera and Toby dance

2007-07-21T16:04:00.000-04:00

Tera and her good buddy Toby are gettin' down to the Elmo song.

Tera goes pee.

2007-07-16T20:53:00.000-04:00

While playing in the kiddie pool, Tera shows off her ability to pee. But the joke's on her. Narrated by Mommy. Also featuring baby Ava.

The Wait is Over!

2007-06-01T11:46:00.000-04:00

Ava Florence Schwartz was born on May 31, 2007. All of us are doing well and Maria was awesome. Tera enjoyed meeting her little sister but wasn't overly impressed. We plan on going home from the hospital tomorrow (June 2), and we look forward to adjusting to life as a family of four!

Interview with Tera

2007-05-28T10:10:00.000-04:00

Tera discusses a few of her favorite topics such as family, friends, and daily activities.

One Month Later

2007-05-23T14:14:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that it has already been more than one month. It is even harder to believe that it actually happened. Things here in Blacksburg feel like normal ... until you pass Norris Hall, or see people still mourning at the memorial on the Drill Field, or go in to Squires Student Center and see the display of the of signs, banners, and mementos that have been sent to Virginia Tech from around the world. I regularly spend time at the coffee shop in Squires and I'm never prepared for the emotions that I feel when I walk in and see the countless thousands of signatures and notes that decorate every inch of each wall. It makes me feel what I felt on that very day. But maybe that's a good thing.

I know that it feels like there is nothing that you can do from where you are, but there is. You can help. If you would like to help us in the process of recovery, please visit our Campus Outreach Virginia website.

Waiting for Ava

2007-05-23T14:08:00.000-04:00

Tera is on the lookout for her little sister. Not really. She does know that there is something called "baby Ava" and that it has something to do with her mommy's rather round tummy, but she has no idea that she is about to start doing battle with a newborn for Mommy and Daddy's attention.

But we think Tera will be a wonderful big sister and hopefully they will one day be best friends. We'll let you know when Ava shows up!

Tera's Movie Debut!

2007-02-08T12:50:00.000-05:00

Tera now has her very own video on YouTube! You can watch it right here! We'll try to add some more recent footage in the near future.

Make Room for Another Girl!

2007-01-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

We are excited to announce the coming arrival of Ava Florence! Her due date is May 31, and everything has been healthy and normal so far. May 31 is the day that my (Andrew) mom died in 1986. My mom went by Florence, her middle name, which is why we wanted Ava's middle name to be Florence.

Tera is excited to be a big sister. Not really, she doesn't know what's going on. But we think that she will be excited to have a sister with which to share clothes, toys, rooms, secrets, and life.

This is a picture of Tera resting on her mommy's pregnant tummy. She never sleeps in our arms, but during Christmas Tera had a bout with pneumonia and all of a sudden she became very cuddly. She also didn't let Pooh out of her sight. Once the doctors figured out what the problem was, they gave her some antibiotics and she was back to her old self within a day.

Tera's favorite activities these days include walking around the house (she's walking really well now!), climbing up the stairs, "helping" mommy do the laundry by removing everything from the basket and then putting it all back in, reading books, cooking on her new kitchen set that she got for Christmas, and biting anything that she can get her mouth on (her molars are coming in).

In the Swing of Things

2006-10-12T14:14:00.000-04:00

As a family, we are really beginning to get into the swing of things here in Blacksburg. We've found a church that we have started to get involved in, Andrew has started meeting more students at Virginia Tech, and Maria has enrolled Tera in gymnastics classes!

After spending most of my (Andrew) first several weeks setting up the Campus Outreach office and getting things organized, I have been able to spend more time lately doing what I really love to do; interact with college students and hang out on campus.

As you can see, Tera loves being in the swing of things! There is a playground just outside of our back door and Tera takes advantage of it almost every day. She is a natural when it comes to anything dangerous or acrobatic. She would rather be upside-down than right-side-up and we are pretty sure that she is going to be a thrill-seeker. She is on the verge of walking, and when she does we are going to have to be on our toes becuase Tera's worst nightmare is having to sit still. We might have to buy her a cage. We really do love her rambunctious personality and we can't imagine having a quiet and laid back child. Every day is filled with smiles and laughs.

Her best friends are Tigger and Pooh and Isaiah and Toby Bradner. It seems like she learns a new trick almost every day. These days she is clapping, waiving, giving high-5's, kissing, and throwing and kicking balls. It's hard to believe that next month she will be one year old!

From Davidson to Virginia

2006-05-24T13:35:00.000-04:00

Davidson graduation was last weekend and my time as a campus minister at Davidson has officially ended. These 3 guys - Conor, Chip, and Josh - were freshmen when I arrived at Davidson and now they have graduated and we are all leaving at the same time. We have spent countless hours together talking about God, studying the bible, serving other people, praying for other Davidson students, planning events, and just having fun together. Conor plans to work for Habitat for Humanity, Chip is going into the Army, and Josh would love to go into full time ministry working in the inner-city. I'm going to miss seeing them everyday, but we look forward to staying connected.

This is the picture of the first time our Virginia Expansion team crossed the VA state line together. This is our entire team, minus baby Tera and baby Toby who were both sleeping the car. The team moved to Virginia this week, with the exception of the Schwartz's. We joined the rest of the team to help them move, but we were sad to have to leave and come back to NC. We need to raise about $1200 in monthly pledges before we move in early August. Please ask God to provide this funding for us.

What's Happening

2006-05-01T11:15:00.000-04:00

This summer, along with a team of 6 others, we are relocating to Blacksburg, VA to launch a new expansion of Campus Outreach. We are set to move on Aug 3, but the rest of our teammates are moving in mid-May. We plan to begin at Virginia Tech and Radford University. The goal of Campus Outreach is to help today's college students become tomorrow's leaders, and all of our training is based on biblical principles and the example of Jesus.

Half of our team is coming straight from Davidson College! Two of the guys, Collin and Doug (pictured below), were some of the ones that I had the privilege of mentoring for the past few years at Davidson. We're really excited that our efforts at Davidson are now overflowing to Virginia!

The Virginia Expansion team. Back row (L to R): Haley Devine, Adriana Pariz, Maria Schwartz, Julia Bradner. Front row (L to R): Collin Setterberg, Doug Rose, Andrew Schwartz, Matt Bradner (Isaiah). Not pictured: baby Tera Schwartz and baby Tobias Bradner.

Tera is a tiny little girl with a lot of energy. We are enjoying this stage with her, because we are afraid that once she starts walking and talking she will never stop. We love being her parents and she rewards us with lots of smiles and sweet moments. We're looking forward to raising her in the environment of this team and among the college students that we are ministering to.

Support Update

2006-05-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

As of May 24, we are at 75% of our monthly support goal. We need about $1,200/month by July 31 to reach our goal. We are looking forward to God supplying all of our needs over the coarse of this summer. This new support that we are raising will go toward meeting some new expenses, such as: baby needs, a new health insurance plan to include Tera and any future children, and rent for our new townhome in Blacksburg (a generous family has donated a place for us to live near Davidson, but we are raising money to pay for rent in Blacksburg).

Thank you so much to those of you who are supporting us, as well as to those who have recently increased or connected us with others to help meet our goal! We are so grateful for you! Please keep us in your prayers by asking God to provide for us.