Shows
Gleaning and GatheringCultivating Memorable Moments (GNG EPISODE 112)What makes moments memorable, and why do they seem so elusive? SummaryIn this conversation, Eric and Rebecca discuss the importance of cultivating memorable moments in life, exploring how social media and the pressure to create perfect memories can detract from genuine experiences. They emphasize the value of being present, the balance between structure and spontaneity in planning family activities, and the role of gratitude in recognizing and enhancing ordinary moments. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the significance of intentionality in memory-making.Takeaways
2025-11-1124 min
Gleaning and GatheringCelebrating Well With The Band Of The Happy Few (GNG EPISODE 90)All of my celebrating these past few days has caused me to glean and reflect on what makes for a good celebration. An important element are the PEOPLE with whom we are celebrating.
Who's in your "band of the happy few?" There are some questions for you to reflect on from one of my favorite authors, Gordon MacDonald (A Resilient Life.)
2024-11-1922 min
Gleaning and GatheringThe Joy of Beginning (GNG EPISODE 89)My reflections on starting Victory Inner-city Ministries along with thoughts from The Founders Evolution by Scott Ritzheimer.
Not everyone is an entrepreneur, but there are problems to be solved that will require new structures. You might be one of the people to do that!
2024-11-1138 min
Gleaning and GatheringWhy Systems Matter (GNG EPISODE 88)When you're young it may seem like passion is enough to power through, but through the years, I have learned the importance of systems.
In this episode I share what I am working on with regards to group coaching and Two Months Towards Transformative Action - our program to help leaders start the new year with a new system. I'm super excited about it.
2024-11-0421 min
Gleaning and GatheringConversations with Calvary Life Fellowship (GNG EPISODE 87)I am grateful for the influence of Wayne Ostrander and David Odell. They have spent over 60 years with Calvary Life Fellowship currently located in Kasilof, AK.
At a recent Prayer Convocation at Fellowship Farm, I caught up with them. In this episode, they share some of the stories and history from their time in ministry and being led by God's Spirit.
2024-10-3146 min
Gleaning and GatheringDesigning Our Days (GNG EPISODE 86)Are you living with purpose, or do you feel like your life is happening to you?
Here are some thoughts on designing our days.
2024-10-2425 min
Gleaning and GatheringMemories of Mode - Why You Need A Place Like This in Your Life - GNG EPISODE 85These are a few more of the conversations that I had with my friends from Mode Camp, reflecting on their collective memories of this place and the people that have shaped it.
2024-10-1835 min
Gleaning and GatheringLiving and Leading with a Full and Grateful Heart (GNG EPISODE 84)Are you leading with "everything in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom?" Maybe it's time to do something about that.
We are offering a FREE Schedule Optimization Workshop - October 15 @ 7:00am ET
October 22 @ 7:00am ET
October 29 @ 7:00am ET.
For a limited time, you can sign up at himelickfamilyconsulting.com and receive a resource that has helped me as a leader be able to move towards health. I'm happy to share it with you.
2024-10-0919 min
Gleaning and GatheringHow Victory Acres Began And What It Is Becoming (GNG EPISODE 83)It all began with a prayer retreat in October 2005. God has done a lot in these past 19 years, and we believe that He has great things in store for the days ahead.
Do you need a place to reflect and to reconnect with God? How long has it been since you took time to seek God in extended prayer? Maybe you need to think about a time of your own.
2024-09-3015 min
Gleaning and GatheringPriorities and Putting Your Project in a Box (GNG EPISODE 82)"Work expands to the time allotted to it." Prioritizing and then defining a "box" for your project before you begin (and become emotionally involved) is important to maintaining balance in life.
This is something that I have been gleaning, especially lately. This is a good, old-fashioned episode of me behind the microphone blathering away. If you're having problems with insomnia, I have been told that it may be helpful to listen. It may help put you to sleep.
You're welcome...
2024-09-2118 min
Gleaning and GatheringShaping the Soul of Your Family (GNG EPISODE 81)Mode Camp has been a place that has shaped our family over the past decade.
What are the places and people that are shaping the soul of your family? Are you being intentional about the influences that will form your children's philosophy and worldview? It matters more than you may think, and it all goes by very fast.
I challenge you to think about it!
2024-09-1116 min
Gleaning and Gathering75 Years of Intentionality: Conversations from Mode Camp (GNG EPISODE 80)Our time as a family at Mode Camp is one of the highlights of our year as a family over the past nine years. Ten days in late July and early August to slow down, to hear from God, and to spend time with dear friends has been deeply enriching to us.
Here are a few conversations from our time together this past month...
2024-09-0415 min
Gleaning and GatheringMartin Barnard: The Value of Enduring Friendships (GNG EPISODE 79)This conversation with my friend, Martin Barnard, on the value of enduring friendship was such a joy to prep and record. NOTE: It was recorded in a narrow window of time over zoom, which explains why things are seemingly cut short at the end. However, it is a window into our busy worlds and our friendship.
As someone who has listened and given feedback on GNG since it began, thank you, Martin, for taking time. It is a privilege to call you my friend.
2024-08-1321 min
Gleaning and GatheringBecoming an Emotionally Healthy Leader (GNG EPISODE 78)I'm reading the book, The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Pete Scazzero right now, and I was also reflecting on a podcast episode that I listened to last week talking about some of the same topics.
I want to be a leader who is giving my family and team "the gift of an emotionally healthy me." What about you? How are you showing up for your family and team, and what are you doing to make it better?
2024-07-1718 min
Gleaning and GatheringCelebrating, Serving, and Making Memories in Alaska (GNG EPISODE 77)Sharing the details of our trip to AK and life lessons that we have been gleaning along the trail. We celebrated our 25th anniversary with an ice cream cone and a boatload of hard work. While it may not have been most people's idea of a great time, it was perfect for our family, and we are thankful for the opportunity.
If you'd like to learn more about the work of Chena Camp, I encourage you to check out this link: https://www.alaskalizzie.com/chenacamp
2024-07-0832 min
Gleaning and GatheringBeautiful, In His Time (GNG EPISODE 76)Some reflections from Ecclesiastes 3 on life and living one day at a time.
2024-06-1517 min
Gleaning and GatheringJarod Hinton on a Battle Plan for Engaging Culture as ChristiansThere are no friends like old friends. Jarod and I played on a soccer team together in high school (almost 30 years ago.) It was a joy to reconnect with him recently.
He husband, father, and bi-vocational pastor living in Toomsboro, GA.
He has written a book called Battle Plan (available on Kindle.) I encourage you to check it out.
(For Duncan and anyone else who cares: This is the first episode recorded "virtually" so we are still working out the technical part.)
2024-05-1533 min
Gleaning and GatheringDavid Spivey on Godly Manhood and Men Arise (GNG EPISODE 74)On this episode of GNG, another great conversation from my time in TN. This time I discuss Godly manhood and the ministry of Men Arise with David Spivey.
https://godlymanhoodtoday.com/
2024-04-2915 min
Gleaning and GatheringTim Cooley: Change and Spiritual Transformation (GNG EPISODE 73)"We don't really change people by shouting at them, not even by shouting loudly."
There was a lot to chew on in this short conversation, but this line of thinking was key. Early Methodism understood this, and they gave us a great example.
2024-04-2318 min
Gleaning and GatheringDarrell Stetler II on Making Disciples and Discipleship in the Home (GNG EPISODE 72)How can we pass along our faith to our children? How can we make disciples who then make disciples?
I enjoyed a great conversation (both on and off mic) with my friend, Darrell Stetler II from Oklahoma City at the recent Interchurch Holiness Convention in Gatlinburg, TN.
I encourage you to listen and to check out his material!
https://www.discipleshipinthehome.com
2024-04-1914 min
Gleaning and GatheringDoing Life Together As a Family (GNG EPISODE 71)Through the years, we have done our best to "do life together" as a family. Kaylynn gives us her perspective on what that looked like.
I laughed. I cried. It moved me, Bob.
2024-04-0731 min
Gleaning and GatheringRE-Planning: Moving forward in Spite of Setbacks (GNG EPISODE 70)We've all been there. Your initial plan didn't work out the way that you hoped. What do you do? How do you keep moving forward?
Here are a few thoughts and stories from my experience.
2024-03-2531 min
Gleaning and GatheringIONA: Growing Communities of the Heart (GNG EPISODE 69)In Waking the Dead, John Eldredge gives this picture of a community of the heart, "Living in community is
like camping together… for a month, in the desert… without tents. All your stuff is scattered out there for everyone to see.”
Growing communities like Columba did at Iona in A.D. 564 is not very glamourous; It is hard, messy work. But growing communities of the heart to shine as lights in this dark world IS the way forward.
2024-03-1717 min
Gleaning and GatheringA Father-Daughter Discussion of Rootedness, Constancy, and Place (GNG EPISODE 68)Kaylynn is back, and we are discussing this year's NDPx theme: Rootedness from Colossians 2:6-7.
In an age of mobility, we must recover the virtue of "blooming where we are planted." Constancy is key to all the other virtues, and that happens in a place and with a people.
2024-03-1040 min
Gleaning and GatheringGetting "Unstuck:" Perspective and Life Lessons for Leaders - GNG EPISODE 67There are times in our lives as leaders that we don't feel like there is any pathway forward. We feel stuck. The good news is that you can get "unstuck." This episode offers some perspective and life lessons for leaders who are in the battle.
For more information, on NDP you can check out: victoryacres.org
For more information on The Rooted Life Plan, personal retreats, and coaching, visit: himelickfamilyconsulting.com
2024-02-2929 min
Gleaning and GatheringGleaning at Sunrise - GNG EPISODE 66I've always wanted to record a podcast at the beach... at sunrise, and today I did. The audio is terrible, but the view was spectacular.
2024-02-2309 min
Gleaning and GatheringA Father-Son Conversation On Longing for the Light: EPISODE 65A report on "Longing for the Light," the all-night, inter-church prayer movement that happened on February 16 in 33 different locations around the U.S. (and Internationally.)
For more details look at: longingforthelight.org
2024-02-1924 min
Gleaning and GatheringLeadership Lessons From the Lewis and Clark - (GNG EPISODE 64)Leading "off the map" starts by people being able to trust us "on the map." Are we the kind of resilient leader that people can trust and how can we become a person that is trustworthy?
In this episode, I dig into some of the challenges that I'm facing personally and offer some thoughts on leading in crisis and change.
2024-02-1026 min
Gleaning and GatheringEPISODE 63: A Seat At The Table - George Muller, Lessons Learned, and Ministry WITH YouthMore lessons from the life of George Muller, (particularly when God doesn't answer prayer the way we wish He would.) Asking good questions like, "What is happening? What does it mean? And what is God inviting us into?"
More talk about NDP and how we need to develop ministry with and by young people, not just ministry FOR young people.
2024-02-0321 min
Gleaning and GatheringEPISODE 62: George Muller and Christian Ministry Fundraising PhilosophyI have been reading form The Work of Faith through George Muller edited by Abbie Morrow (originally published in 1899 by The Office of the Revivalist, Cincinnati, OH, Martin Wells Knapp; reprinted in 2005 by Alleghany Publications, Salem OH.) Fascinating read and lots of good stuff gleaned.
Today, Kaylynn and I discuss fundraising philosophy in light of Muller. I have lived in this space for the past 25 years and the things that I share here are meant to be "helpful hints to fellow strugglers." I don't have it all figured out, but this has been a huge area for...
2024-01-2744 min
Gleaning and GatheringEPISODE 61: A Beautiful Farm; The Value of Sticking with A People and A PlaceKaylynn and I start a wide-ranging conversation that includes an article from Front Porch Republic entitled "A Beautiful Farm." From there we discuss the USDA agricultural policies of the 1970's that have led to our current situation. We discuss the value of "sticking with" a place and a people, and we end up talking about Abraham and faithfulness.
It was fun to record whether you ever listen to it or not, but I hope you'll "glean and gather" with us.
2024-01-2150 min
Gleaning and GatheringEPISODE 60: Work and Christian AmbitionHere are some reflections from I Thess. 4 about Christian ambition and witness. Our ambition should be to:
1. Live a quiet life
2. Mind our own business
3. Work with our hands
So that we will have what we need and not be unnecessarily dependent on others and gain the respect of those who are outside the faith.
2024-01-2018 min
Gleaning and GatheringEPISODE 59: The Nehemiah Discipleship Program Plans for 2024, Vocational Discipleship, and Developing Leaders at Every LevelKaylynn's back! It was such a joy to record this episode with my eldest daughter. It was a free flowing conversation about NDP, the need for the church to be engaged in "vocational discipleship," and how we should be developing leaders at every level.
2024-01-1441 min
Gleaning and GatheringEPISODE 58: Longing for the Light; Leading our family to GodI am sharing from my life over the past few weeks, planning for "Longing for the Light," a muti-site, interdenominational prayer movement that God has impressed on my heart.
Also talking about leading our families towards God and how we do family devotions.
2024-01-1127 min
Gleaning and GatheringEPISODE 57: Rhythms of Renewal: A Challenge for the New YearIn the middle of your busyness are you taking time for rhythms of renewal? In this episode, I am challenging you to seek the face of God and to live in health as you move forward with you plans.
2024-01-0212 min
Gleaning and GatheringPartnering with Parents: An Interview with Heartland Christian Headmaster, Scott ClemensHeadmaster Scott Clemens of Heartland Christian has been a personal friend and huge blessing to our family over the past nine years our children have been connected there. I interviewed him him today about education, discipleship, and Heartland's mission of partnering with parents to develop Christ-like leaders.
2023-12-2333 min
Gleaning and GatheringThe Spark of Spiritual ConnectionHave you had the experience of knowing that God put you together with someone? There was a "spark" of connection, and you knew it was more than just common interests.
In this episode, we explore that idea and its connection to Spiritual friendship, or guardians of the soul.
2023-12-1631 min
Gleaning and GatheringLiving With HOPEThis Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent 2023, and this past week I had a conversation with Karissa about this season. "Jesus is coming, and this time is all about getting ready for His return."
Her eyes lit up, and she began to jump up and down. "Jesus is coming!! When, when?! I want to see Him!!"
Living with hope is to live everyday with that child-like wonder, excitement, and expectation that we see in the lives of Simeon and Anna in Luke 2. We aren't "just waiting;" we are living in hope!
2023-12-0313 min
Gleaning and GatheringPreview of Cultivating WonderHere's a little taste of the episode Kaylynn and I recorded this week...
2023-11-2601 min
Gleaning and GatheringCultivating Wonder in Our ChildrenIn this wide-ranging conversation with co-host Kaylynn, we talk about all manner of things, but the conversation centers on cultivating a sense of wonder in our children's education and experience. "Why does that happen? How does that work?" If you send them out with wonder, they will find their answers.
2023-11-2629 min
Gleaning and GatheringFamily Traditions: Cultivating Life Giving RhythmsOn this Thanksgiving, I am thinking about the past... and our future. I am thinking about the yearly rhythms that for us have become the "sound track" of our life as a family.
Are we just marching to the drumbeat of culture, or are we cultivating a deeper life as a family through the things we celebrate and the traditions that we repeat year after year?
2023-11-2316 min
Gleaning and GatheringWhy Eating Together As a Family MattersHospitality to others starts with having a vibrant family table. While we are still developing, we are thankful for the opportunity we've had to welcome many guests to our family meals together.
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Our Chicken and Rice Recipe
5 lbs of chicken legs
2 cups of rice
4 cups of "fluid"
- water
- milk
- cream of chicken soup
- onion soup mix
Combine in a large pyrex dish (10x13.) Place the rice and fluid on the bottom and the chicken...
2023-11-1130 min
Gleaning and GatheringVictory Acres: Looking Back and Looking ForwardIn this episode I am looking back while looking forward. How did the farm come about? How did NDP begin? And where are we headed next. I share a "history of the future" at Victory Acres.
2023-11-0933 min
Gleaning and GatheringFresh Vision for an Old Farm: How God is leading Victory AcresSitting down with my daughter, Kaylynn, to discuss the vision of Victory Acres farm was a real treat. I'm excited to see what God is going to continue to do on this former, seven-generation family farm.
2023-11-0536 min
Gleaning and GatheringNext Steps: Learning to Wait on God's TimingReflections from our lives and some next steps that we are taking.
2023-10-3021 min
Gleaning and GatheringPower and WeaknessThis is a recap from my message at the Gathering yesterday on power, weakness, and the tabernacling of God.
(Drawing on Marva Dawn's book, Powers, Weakness, and the Tabernacling of God.)
I tried to show that we are in danger of being seduced by the world into following it's pattern of power rather than following the way of Jesus in humility and weakness.
"Just try to imagine that the Pattern is called a 'Lamb.' That alone is a scandal to the natural mind. Who has any desire to be...
2023-10-2328 min
Gleaning and GatheringDiscerning and Sorting IdeasIn the avalanche of ideas and opportunities, how do we discern where we should focus our limited time and energies? This episode explores some of the principles that I have found helpful in the process.
2023-10-1623 min
Gleaning and GatheringTransitionsSooner or later, you will probably face a transition. This episode explores a personal transition and some observations on how to navigate them.
2023-10-0941 min
Gleaning and GatheringThe Winding RoadTrouble doubles as an opportunity for God's will and wisdom to be revealed. Am I just focusing on the problem at hand, or am I staying open to what opportunities God may be using those problems to uncover.
Just some reflections from life and ministry...
2023-09-2032 min
Gleaning and GatheringAdding Value"Am I communicating because I like this topic, or am I communicating because I have a clear picture of a life I want to improve?" is the question Ezra Byers asked in a recent Facebook post about writing.
It set me to thinking... Where do I add value to other people's lives? That is the topic of this episode.
2023-08-3124 min
Gleaning and GatheringLiving A Life of BlessingAre you living out of a paradigm of blessing or cursing? This week I'm reflecting on Psalms 109 and the communities of blessing in my own life.
2023-08-1428 min
Gleaning and GatheringBelonging: Who Are Your People?If you get lost, is there anyone who will come looking for you? Does anyone "claim" you? Are you a part? Do you "belong?"
These are some questions that I've been chewing on this past week, and it is the topic of this episode of Gleaning and Gathering.
2023-07-1926 min
Gleaning and GatheringDeveloping Leaders: A Nehemiah Discipleship Training ConversationSitting down with the leadership trainees of this year's NDP summer training program was a lot of fun! We discussed some of the lessons that they are learning through the program and how it is helping them to develop their individual strengths. See what you think!
2023-07-1118 min
Gleaning and GatheringCelebrationLearning the discipline of celebrating well is something that I'm still working on, but this past week our NDP team took a day to celebrate.
2023-07-1021 min
Gleaning and GatheringSpiritual FriendshipWhile most Christians would agree that spiritual friendship is important, many see it as a beautiful luxury for which they don't have time or energy. Seeing spiritual friendship as a spiritual discipline necessary for the development of our spiritual life is not the view that everyone shares.
In this episode I explore the concept ,along with excerpts from Spiritual Friendship, the spiritual classic by Aelred of Rievaulx and ideas from A Resilient Life by Gordon MacDonald. My hope is that it will be an encouragement to you on your journey.
2023-07-0128 min
Gleaning and GatheringTill Death Do Us Part: Reflections on 24 years of marriageJune 19, 2023 Rachelle and I celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. In this episode, we reflect on questions like, "What would you want to tell your 20/21 year old self after 24 years of marriage?" It's a fun, free flowing conversation, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it.
2023-06-1626 min
Gleaning and GatheringThe Nehemiah Discipleship Program Report and Reflections on Christian UnityThis past week we hosted the Nehemiah Discipleship Program Experience at Victory Acres Farm. 40 young people from 6 different states completed the time of training and discipleship. Our word for the week was "UNITE," and our Scripture engagement passage was Ephesians 4. In a day of division, how are we as Christians to truly unite? That's the topic that I explore in this episode.
2023-06-0833 min
Gleaning and GatheringKeeping PerspectiveThere are times as a leader when you're not ok... and that's ok. How do you keep perspective in those moments? God has used Scripture and days of prayer like this past week to help me regain His perspective.
2023-05-1817 min
Gleaning and GatheringGleanings in Gatlinburg: Conversations from IHC 2023It was fun to set up a "mobile studio" at this year's IHC in Gatlinburg, TN and talk to various friends and family members. My daughter Rebecca Himelick, a student at God's Bible College, and Ethan Hoard, a student at my alma mater, Union Bible College, are featured in this episode.
2023-04-2816 min
Gleaning and GatheringOpportunities and Necessary EndingsAs leaders, we are surrounded by opportunity, but many of us are struggling to execute the necessary endings to provide the focus needed to get that opportunity to the finish line.
I hope that a piece from my story might help you as you are processing yours.
2023-04-2723 min
Gleaning and GatheringDietrich Bonhoeffer, Grace, and DiscipleshipSeventy-eight years ago on April 9, 1945 Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis at the age of 44, but his life and writings continue to challenge Christians everywhere.
His "experiment" in training church leaders for the German Confessing Church at Finkenwalde intrigues me, and his book The Cost of Discipleship challenges me. Running a farm dedicated to discipleship, hospitality and healing, I personally have much to glean from him, but I think you will find that we all do!
2023-04-0525 min
Gleaning and GatheringReaching the Unreached: A Conversation with Dr. Stephen GibsonDr. Stephen Gibson is the President of Evangelistic Faith Missions, Holiness Pilgrim Missions, and on the Board of Shepherd's Global Classroom. He was my first professor at Union Bible College and has been a long time friend and ministry partner.
This episode was recorded while visiting him at his home in Southern Indiana and includes some of his story on the winding road of missions he has travelled as well as the genesis of Shepherd's Global classroom, training materials that are making it possible to provide local theological education to thousands of pastors and church leaders among...
2023-03-2129 min
Gleaning and GatheringMissions and Stewarding Relationships: A Conversation with Keith SchaperI enjoyed catching up with my friend and coworker, Keith Schaper this past week for a conversation about life, transition, and his work now in the area of donor relations at Evangelistic Faith Missions. I am thankful for the training that I received from my friend, Zach Clark at Leadership and Development Coaching.
While many leaders feel called to lead, they don't fully understand that part of leading is stewarding the relationships with the people who are giving to make that work possible. Why do people give, and why do they keep giving? We talk about that...
2023-03-1819 min
Gleaning and GatheringTaking Their Place at the Table: Helping Relationally and ResponsiblyA discussion about the church's role in charity and helping people to help themselves. How can we help in a way that is truly helpful? How do we help without undermining personal responsibility? How far should we go? How do we keep the safety net from becoming a hammock? How do we preserve the relationship while having hard conversations?
As with most things, there are no easy answers, but these are some thoughts for churches and individuals interested in moving beyond the "benevolence fund" mentality towards developing responsible, relational disciples.
2023-03-1142 min
Gleaning and GatheringEcclesiology: What is the Church's Purpose and Why It MattersWhat does it mean for us to be the church, and what is God calling us to as His people to be? Is it enough to just "have church," or is God calling us to more?
I explore the "Ephesians Paradigm" (thank you Dr. Stephen Gibson) and my own experiences in making a case for the church being more than just a "dispenser of religious goods and services."
I believe that the church is intended to be the Body of Christ - the continuing manifestation of Christ in the world, and that it is intended...
2023-03-0328 min
Gleaning and GatheringThe Changing Seasons of ParentingRebecca, our second daughter, turned 20 this past week. It got me to thinking about the changing seasons of parenting. My encouragement and admonition to young parents is, "Keep your eye on the ball! You have a narrow window of opportunity."
2023-02-2633 min
Holy Joys PodcastEric Himelick, Andrew Graham, and David Fry on the Asbury OutpouringEric Himelick and Andrew Graham join David Fry and Johnathan Arnold to discuss their experiences at Asbury University and the theology of revival.Support the show
2023-02-2455 min
Gleaning and GatheringA People After God's HeartJust sharing from my experiences these past few days, including my time at Asbury University.
2023-02-1418 min
Gleaning and GatheringRhythms and Rule of Life: What Kind of Leader Are You Becoming?What kind of a person are you becoming? The battle is won or lost in the day to day choices. Every choice is a vote for who you want to become.
A "rule of life" has been a helpful tool for Christians throughout the ages in becoming more disciplined and Christ-like. In this episode, I share some of my daily rhythm and "rule of life." Being rather than just doing is also a theme.
2023-02-0817 min
Gleaning and GatheringDesire: What Do You Really Want?Sit down and write out 50 things that you really desire. As we delight ourselves in God, He promises to give us the desires of our heart. Why? Because the things that we want as we delight in Him, are the things that He wants for us.
2023-02-0326 min
Gleaning and GatheringDelight: Making Our Soul Happy In The LordGeorge Muller wrote in his autobiography, "The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day is... to make my soul happy in the Lord."
Duty is not enough; we must find DELIGHT in Him. This truth has been something that I'm still learning, but I hope it is a help to you as well.
2023-01-2116 min
EFM PodcastEric Himelick - Missionary InterviewWith 25 years of inner-city ministry experience, EFM missionary Eric Himelick shares his passion for relational ministry. You'll be inspired by what God is doing through the ministries of AWAKE Café and Victory Acres.
To explore a partnership with our Urban Ministry Division efmmissions.org/umd
To discuss work opportunities at AWAKE Café message them here facebook.com/AWAKECafeDetroit
2023-01-1855 min
Gleaning and GatheringNavigating A Changing Leadership CultureGeorge Patton was a great leader, but leaders with that model of leadership struggle in today's leadership culture.
In this episode of the podcast, I explore that idea and share some of my favorite books in the "new" model of leaders as team builders.
Here's that list in case you didn't catch it in the podcast:
The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey
Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal
The Five Disfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, John King, and Ha...
2023-01-1730 min
Gleaning and GatheringLiving A Life Without RegretWhat if I had 6 months left to live? How would I live it? What would I do or stop doing? I spent time reflecting on Psalms 39 this week and these are a few of my thoughts and the list of things I would do or stop doing. Food for thought...
2023-01-1518 min
Gleaning and GatheringA Father-Daughter Conversation (Part 2): Kaylynn's Philosophy of EducationKaylynn shares her philosophy of education, and we discuss great questions like "What is the difference between education and indoctrination?"
Great stuff to start season 2 of Gleaning and Gathering!
2023-01-0728 min
Gleaning and GatheringLife's Tapestry: Special People and The Lessons, Language, and Paradigms They Give to Us"There are certain people who enable us to be as we have never been before," Ed Farrell wrote. God has used people and the lessons, language, and paradigms they have opened to me to shape me in profound ways, and I am grateful.
My Grandpa, Verlin Himelick, was one of the wisest men I ever met. His love for God and his family is a heritage that I treasure. This episode cover photo is a picture of him and his young bride, Cora Mae, shortly after arriving back from the horrors of World War II as a...
2022-12-2428 min
Gleaning and GatheringChristmas and Hospitality: The Challenges and Opportunities of Making RoomI believe that Christian hospitality is one of the greatest underutilized tools for evangelism and discipleship. It can also be incredibly challenging. Here are a few stories, thoughts and reflections from my life. While I have a lot to learn, our lives have been greatly enriched by "making room" for others along our journey. Developing Victory Acres Farm as a place of hospitality and healing over the past 17 years has been a passion. We have housed over 50 long term guests, hosted over 70 agricultural apprentices and interns, and provided nearly 900 camper-nights of housing just this year! We've learned a lot...
2022-12-1928 min
Gleaning and GatheringA Father-Daughter Conversation on Discipleship, Education, and Parenting with Kaylynn HimelickI love having conversations with all of my children! Sitting down with Kaylynn this week to record this podcast was a highlight. We were interrupted several times. We recorded in the midst of a busy Himelick house (so you'll hear that.) It's a bit cut up because we restarted the conversation multiple times, but it's real and it's here. Enjoy!
2022-12-1630 min
Gleaning and GatheringDeveloping "Dollar General" PastorsLocal pastoral leadership is missing from so many places today, and there are a lot of reasons for that. These are some thoughts on church planting and developing local, Biblical leadership who will shepherd God's people.
I believe that God has many different expressions of the Body of Christ. While there is a place for the "Walmart" church, many contexts just need a "Dollar General" church.
2022-12-0635 min
Gleaning and GatheringEntitlement, Birdhouses, and Cultural Identity"A fish doesn't know he's wet," someone has said. Cultural identity is the "water" we are all swimming in. It can be healthy or it can be incredibly toxic. This podcast explores some of my thoughts and experiences on the subject.
I'd love to hear your version of "the birdhouse!"
2022-11-3022 min
Gleaning and GatheringLiving in Hope: On Anticipation and Advent"We live under the discipline of uncertainty," Gordon MacDonald writes in A Resilient Life. As Christians, we are living in hope. What does that look like? In the middle of a broken, frustrated world, how do we continue to have hope? The answer is found in the person of Jesus.
2022-11-2616 min
Gleaning and GatheringMy Top Productivity Tools and TechniquesThere are many tools and techniques that I have found helpful as a leader, and I want to share some of my favorites with you in this episode.
Special thanks to Michael Hyatt and Company and Zach Clark of Leadership and Development Coaching who have had a huge impact on my life over the past ten years. I am a different leader today because of their training and influence. While this is not a giant infomercial, I have found their tools and training helpful, and you might as well.
Some of these are just things t...
2022-11-2125 min
Gleaning and GatheringLeaders are Readers: An Introduction to Five of my "Book Friends"Leaders are readers. "I never let my schooling get in the way of my education," Mark Twain quipped, and the same is true for me. I have been blessed by numerous literary "mentors" who have opened my eyes and expanded my world. Here are five of mine. What are some of yours?
2022-11-1819 min
Gleaning and GatheringAsking Father: Reflections on Living Faithful, Grateful LivesThis past weekend we hosted the Victory Acres Board and celebrated our 17th growing season at Victory Acres. We took time to recount some of the "God moments" in our history and to reflect on Matthew 7:7-11.
2022-10-2427 min
Gleaning and GatheringCreating Kingdom Communities, Resisting the Wish-dream, and Sharing Life TogetherThe paradigm of "church as Christian witness" is not as common as it should be. I'm still learning what it looks like. In this episode I'm sharing from, The Gospel: How the Church portrays the Beauty of Christ by Ray Ortland (from the IX Marks, Building Healthy Churches series) and my own experience about what God is teaching us in regards to "being church" rather than just "having church."
2022-09-2431 min
Gleaning and GatheringThis is My Father's World: Thoughts on Agriculture and Reflections from Psalm 65On the 21st Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks I believe that we need to be reminded of the bigger picture. Psalm 65 does that. "Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet." This is still our Father's World! If there is ever a day that we need to be reminded of this reality, it is now. God is still in control.
2022-09-1122 min
Gleaning and GatheringThe Central Pathway: Living in LoveGod's message to me this past week is one that I wanted to share with you. While there are many roads and truths in the Christian life, there is one central pathway. Ephesians 5:1-2 shows us that way.
2022-08-2316 min
Gleaning and GatheringLife on the Trail: Valuing Moments, Mentors, and MilestonesAt 23 years of marriage and 25 years since starting in Indianapolis, I am waxing nostalgic, but I'm also thinking about those who are coming behind me on life's trail.
2022-06-2215 min
Gleaning and GatheringA Community of Necessity: Reflections from I Samuel 22 and Psalms 56Here are a few thoughts from David's life applied to some of the things that we are experiencing. What do you think are the opportunities in "Communities of Necessity?" How could you see us learning today from what David experienced here?
2022-04-2617 min
Gleaning and GatheringThe Solitary in FamiliesMy reflections from a funeral and how "helping people" is not a one way street. Thinking about Psalm 68:6 and Isaiah 24 and 25. Bottom line? God wins!
2022-01-2912 min
Gleaning and GatheringKeeping Chickens, Shepherding Hearts, and Rejoicing in AdversitySome experiences this past week got me to thinking about shepherding the hearts of those we are leading. I also share from the writings of George Mueller on the topic of rejoicing in adversity from Psalms 63.
2022-01-1918 minGleaning and GatheringEducated for Life - Audio BlogpostThis episode is also available as a blog post: http://victorygathering.org/2020/05/20/educated-for-life/
2022-01-0607 minGleaning and GatheringCommunism In a Bowl of Ice Cream - Audio BlogpostThis episode is also available as a blog post: http://victorygathering.org/2020/02/27/communism-in-a-bowl-of-ice-cream/
2022-01-0602 min
Gleaning and GatheringGoals: Planning While TrustingSetting Goals that are "subject to smash." Some thoughts on setting goals while still remembering that we serve a Sovereign God who may choose to overrule our plans.
2022-01-0612 minGleaning and GatheringHow to NOT Plant a Church - Audio BlogpostWith my tongue firmly in my cheek, this piece will show you what is really important... in reverse.
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://victorygathering.org/2020/07/28/how-to-not-plant-a-church/
2021-12-2902 minGleaning and GatheringBuilding in an Age of Deconstruction - Audio BlogpostThis episode is also available as a blog post: http://victorygathering.org/2020/11/24/building-in-an-age-of-deconstruction/
2021-12-2907 minGleaning and GatheringLoving Our Neighbor - Audio BlogpostThis episode is also available as a blog post: http://victorygathering.org/2021/09/02/loving-our-neighbor/
2021-12-2903 min
Gleaning and GatheringGrace and the Winter SolsticeToday is the winter solstice, and I was reading my journal from 2020. We all go through dark times, and 2020 was dark for all of us. But in the middle of it all, I found the light of God's grace in my entry from August 18, 2020. It reminded me (and I wanted to share it with you) that no what you may be going through, God's grace is still more than enough.
2021-12-2119 min
Gleaning and GatheringReflections: Finding My VoiceThis is my first effort at finding my voice and creating a podcast. I recorded it in February, shared it with my oldest daughter, and based on her feedback, I never posted it. (If you listen to it, you'll probably figure out why I really should listen to my children more.) In any event, I hope you find something I share helpful.
2021-12-2025 min
Wesleyan Missionary ChurchEric Himelick _ Being Jesus to the World - Mark 9Eric Himelick _ Being Jesus to the World - Mark 9
Intro: “Maybe Someday”, Matthew McPherson. https://mcphersonguitars.com/product/expressions-free-download/
Closing: “Grace for the Moment”, Merilee Barnard. MerileeBarnard.com
Church Website: ChicagoWesleyan.org
2019-08-2059 min