Journalistic Jargon

Time to catch up

2009-01-23T21:48:00.003-06:00

It's been a long time since I've posted anything to this blog, but I think it's about time I post something, even though I'm sure my readership is in the toilet right now.

I guess one of the reasons I haven't posted in some time is because I've not been working as a journalist for about 1 1/2 years, and I feel that the name of my blog is somehow an inappropriate description of me now. When you're out of the field for this long and longer, it is increasingly more difficult to get back into the field. I'm not sure if I will ever go back, or if I will ever be able to go back into journalism, and I'm not entirely sure it bothers me anymore.

One of the reasons is because I've been disgusted by some of the attitudes and behaviors I have encountered in other journalists. I am almost at the point where I'm just ready to say, "You know what? I did the best I could and got screwed by the people I came to depend on one too many times. I'm done." But there's a part of me that's wondering if I should keep trying to get back in for no other reason than the fact that I enjoyed the work and was relatively good at it.

My last job ended three weeks after I missed the announcement of a homicide on police scanners (probably because I was either in the bathroom or had just ended my shift and was walking out the door so the next guy could take over). I got a call on my cell phone while I was driving home from the guy who took over the newsroom after my shift ended, and he asked if I was aware that there was a homicide. I told him no, but that he had better call out the on-call reporter to go to the scene. I was surprised he called me instead of the on-call person! That wasted valuable time, and I guess the story got missed by our station because of it.

This same guy, I should mention, was a recent college graduate who had just been hired to fill the full-time position that I (an 8-year veteran of the journalism/reporting field at the time) had been denied. I am fully convinced that he was given the job for the following reasons: (1) He's a man, (2) He graduated from the same college that my boss did, and (3) He was a member of the same fraternity as my boss. Oh, and they attended the same church. Can't forget that little tidbit.

I had very strongly considered quitting after he was given that full-time position instead of me, because it was the second time I had been passed over for promotion. Also, I began looking into the past of the station under my boss's command, and realized that he had NEVER hired a woman for a full-time position in the news department in all of his 29 years as the news director. Yeah, I really didn't have a shot.

When I was called to my boss's office on that last day, I knew he was going to fire me. He had called me on the phone the Friday before and told me that he needed to visit with me in his office before my Monday shift, and that it was "very important" that I make it and be on time. He'd never talked like that before, and had a certain tone in his voice that told me it was all over. I had the weekend to think about what my reaction would be, and decided that because of all the frustrations I had been going through with him and the fact that I had considered quitting before, that I wasn't going to fight being fired. But I also wasn't going to confront him on it because I knew that since I had been a good employee, I could use his reference and good words in my job search. I didn't want to burn that bridge.

So, why am I talking about it now? Well, partly because I know that he has little chance of seeing or hearing about this blog or post, and partly because I really don't know if I'll ever go back to that life. Also, I've not dropped names of my former boss, any of my co-workers or the station that I worked for, so it's virtually unsearchable from this vantage point. You'd have to know an awful lot of information about me in order to find that out, and if you know the required information, chances are you know who I'm talking about anyway.

Also, I'm wondering if it's a good thing to try to go back to journalism anyway, because I'm a conservative Republican, and I always get eaten alive by the majority of journalists who are liberal Democrats. I'm not the kind of person to put up a huge fight with others, especially when fighting won't help me keep or improve my job, and, in fact, would cause me more career harm than good. I have my beliefs, and I won't waver from them, but I also don't do a very good job of explaining my points of view, which is one of the reasons I get eaten alive so often by co-workers and peers who disagree with my beliefs.

But I'm doing well, anyway. Next month, I will celebrate two years as a newborn photographer. In the last two years, I have become the right-hand lady to the only trainer in town, and have become so in-demand that my District Sales Manager insists I work five days a week, even though I'm part-time, to increase the possibility of meeting our daily sales goals. I'm still enjoying my job, too, which is more than I can say for a lot of people who get hired and then don't show up for the duration of their training. Who knew finding reliable help could be so difficult?

Anyway, that's been the last several months in my life in a nutshell. I'm going to try to do a better job of posting on this blog this year. Maybe I'll get my readership up again eventually. :)

Anyone still in the mood for some campaigning?

2008-07-18T17:27:00.000-05:00

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Remember in Times of Trial

2008-03-30T16:14:00.005-05:00

This morning, in church, we sang a song that really seemed to hit home with the changes that seem to be inevitably coming in our synod, brought to light with the cancellation of Issues, Etc. I thought I would share the lyrics here for meditation, and also as reference for prayer.

"Oh, for a Faith That Will Not Shrink," TLH #396, from Luke 17:5; St. Peter; Wiliam H. Bathurst, 1831, alt.; Alexander R. Reinagle, 1836

Oh, for a faith that will not shrink
Tho' pressed by many a foe;
That will not tremble on the brink
Of poverty or woe;

That will not murmur nor complain
Beneath the chast'ning rod,
But in the hour of grief or pain
Can lean upon its God;

A faith that shines more bright and clear
When tempests rage without;
That, when in danger, knows no fear,
In darkness feels no doubt;

That bears unmoved the world's dread frown
Nor heeds its scornful smile;
That sin's wild ocean cannot drown
Nor Satan's arts beguile;

A faith that keeps the narrow way
Till life's last spark is fled
And with a pure and heavenly ray
Lights up the dying bed.

Lord, give us such a faith as this;
And then, whate'er may come,
We'll taste e'en now the hallowed bliss
Of an eternal home.

This is beautiful as a prayer, asking God to keep our faith strong and steadfast in the midst of tumult in the world. It could just as well be prayed in our current struggle with the changes in our synod.

President Kieschnick, it appears, is trying to "transition" the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod into a "seeker-sensitive/purpose-driven" church, as opposed to the "Gospel-driven" church it has always and historically been.

No good can come of this. It will turn the LCMS into a denomination that is not unique to any other. The LCMS is quickly becoming a church body that embraces gimmicks and marketing ploys, fads and catch phrases. It is becoming a church body that is more concerned with fitting in with the world than changing it and resisting its wiles.

Remember these words from John 15:18-20... (From Bible Gateway)

18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'^[a] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

If we are so concerned with what the world thinks as to look and act just like the rest of the world, then the world will accept us as its own. But that's not what we are here to do. We are not here to "fit in" with the world, but to let the world know that it is sinful, and that God, Himself, is the cure.

Yes, we will be hated for it, persecuted, spat upon (hopefully not literally, but figuratively). That is what happened to Pr. Wilken and Jeff Schwarz: They preached and helped spread the Word of God without dressing it up in fancy catch phrases, songs that are not hymns, or gimmicks. They, in fact, rejected such nonsense, and I believe (as do many others) that they lost their jobs and their radio program because of it.

Verse 20 ends: "If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also." This is why Issues, Etc. had such a large following.

In fact (and I hope President Kieschnick takes note of this), since the program was canceled, people who were not already familiar with Issues, Etc. have been finding and listening to recordings of the show, liking what they hear and signing the petition! In other words, the cancellation of the show has served to only increase its popularity and demand for its return!

Confessional Lutheranism is not going away anytime soon. We may have to hold services apart from the LCMS eventually, but we will not and cannot relinquish or compromise our faith just because our current leader tells us that we have to conform to the world. Doing so would be giving in to the devil.

Issues, Etc. Is Gone; What Now?

2008-03-22T17:20:00.002-05:00

I think that the cancellation of Issues, Etc. has caused a lot of us who usually don't post much on our blogs to do so more often. In fact, it's surprising how much you start to do when the ability to do something you once enjoyed is taken away.

For those of us who heard about the show's cancellation and the firing of Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz early on, our tone has changed (somewhat) from outrage to action. We are still demanding answers from the LCMS headquarters, and want to know who pulled the plug and why. We are still angry that this was allowed or forced to happen.

So, what do we do now? We need to continue to spread the word about what has happened. Even at this point, there are a lot of people who don't know, primarily because they don't subscribe to the same e-mail lists as a lot of us do, and don't usually listen to the program online – maybe just on Sunday nights. There was a program on last Sunday night, but unbeknownst to any of us, that was the last Sunday night broadcast. And those who don't have access to the internet or don't use it like many of us do won't likely know anything about this until they talk to others at church tomorrow morning, or try to listen to the program tomorrow night and realize it's not on.

Realize that this program was listened to by not just those in the LCMS, but by other Lutherans and by other Christians not associated with any branch of the LCMS. Talk to your friends about it, even if you think they wouldn't have a connection. The more people who know about it, the better. Maybe they'll sign the petition, too. At the time of this posting, there were about 3,440 signatures. Mine was one of the first 25. (Because I don't publicize my name on my blog, that's the only narrowing you're going to get. Those who know me know which signature is mine.)

What more can we do? Look at my last post and take down the contact information. Write real (paper) letters if you can – e-mail only goes so far, and many of those on the list have programs designed to send back a generalized form letter to the sender. You can call the LCMS headquarters at 1-888-THE LCMS and ask to talk to someone who isn't just taking down notes, but rather someone who has some kind of authority in this position. Don't allow yourself to be transferred to just anyone: ask to whom you are being transferred and why.

There is talk about protesting the decision on the steps of the "Purple Palace" which is the LCMS headquarters in St. Louis, MO, one of these Saturdays coming up. No specific date has been determined at this point, but consider attending. One commenter on Pr. Weedon's blog suggested making it a vigil instead of a protest, so that the negative connotation of a protest is removed. (His was comment number 70-something.)

Bottom line: As I said in my previous post, we cannot sit by and idly take this kind of abuse by the "powers that be." If they are willing to cut the most confessional and best Christian radio program there is, and fire Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz, it seems they will stop at nothing to take away every trace of real Lutheranism there is. Countless pastors have been thrown out of the LCMS for non-Scriptural reasons; they were thrown out for BEING FAITHFUL to God, to the Lutheran faith, to those they served.

With so many congregations throwing away good Lutheran liturgy and hymns in favor of big praise bands, contemporary music and "feel good" messages (I won't even attempt to call them sermons), the line between what is and is not Lutheran has been blurred to the point that those from Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc. backgrounds can go from their own churches to a so-called LCMS church and find nary a difference.

Those of us who are staying faithful to the confessions and to Scripture are becoming fewer and fewer, and are understandably skiddish about speaking out too loudly for fear that our pastors will be made to join the list of those thrown out for faithfully doing the jobs they were trained to do in the LCMS seminaries!

If we're going to survive these evil trials (yes, they are evil), we need to stick together and fight. We need to stand up for our pastors and for the right to remain Lutheran, and not let the world influence our worship, but rather have our worship and faith influence the world in which we live.

Issues, Etc. and the Travesty of its Cancellation

2008-03-20T09:52:00.006-05:00

By now, I'm sure many of you have heard about the cancellation of the very popular radio program "Issues, Etc.", which was hosted by Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Mr. Jeff Schwarz. And if you've heard about this, you likely also know about the OUTRAGE it has caused amongst those who listened to the program.

It is still not known WHY the program was canceled, or by WHOM! A statement was put on the KFUO-AM website stating that the decision had been made because of "programmatic and business reasons," but those reasons are never given. What's even worse, especially for Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz, is that THEY were never given a reason for what happened!

Now, I don't know about you, but if I'm terminated from a job, I would like to know why.

There are literally hundreds, probably thousands of people not just in the United States, but WORLDWIDE who are very upset and hurt by the decision to cancel this show. I've read comments from people who've said that Pr. Wilken and the show in general were responsible for their conversion to Lutheranism, and in some cases, Christianity.

It wasn't just Lutherans – and certainly not just Lutherans in the Missouri Synod – who listened to the show on a daily or weekly basis, but also those from various other denominations who enjoyed and benefited from listening to the confessional Lutheran pastor who ran the program, and his equally confessional guests. One of the reasons for this was that the Gospel and Law were presented in truth and in love and deep devotion to Christ and His church on Earth.

To cancel this show abruptly, without warning or explanation, is a devastating travesty, and none of us should take any of this sitting down, and we don't have to.

There is a petition circulating that you can sign your name to, and hopefully it will make an impact at KFUO, the LCMS headquarters, the LCMS Board of Directors, and the Board of Communications. It's being targeted at the "Purple Palace" and KFUO directly, because it is thought that these organizations were primarily responsible for canceling the show and firing Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz.

It appears that a PROTEST may be in the works, as well. The idea is to protest in front of the LCMS headquarters, and possibly also in front of KFUO in St. Louis, Missouri, very soon. How soon? We don't know. Pastor William Weedon of Hamel, Illinois, is asking that we keep these problems and the people involved in our prayers, and try to make it through the rest of Holy Week and Easter focusing on these very holy events instead of getting riled up. I know that's not going to be easy, though.

The Wittenberg Trail administrators have created a fund that you can contribute money through PayPal to Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz, but if you don't feel comfortable with doing that, you can send a check or money order to this address:

"Schwarz/Wilken Fund"

St. Paul Lutheran Church

P.O. Box 247

Hamel, IL 62046

Also, Darth Nemoyer has listed a LOT of information on his blog about this event, and has even listed websites and other blogs where the issue about "Issues" is being discussed.

We CANNOT allow our confessional pastors to be persecuted, fired and left to fend for themselves, especially when OUR SYNOD, the same entity that gave them their training and congregations by means of callings or placements, is the one that is throwing them to the curb because they're being FAITHFUL! Issues, Etc. was the ONLY Christian radio station that taught correct Christian doctrine from a Lutheran standpoint. It was the ONLY one that guided confessional Lutheranism, and helped not just pastors, but laity... and even people in other denominations!

WE WILL NOT SIT IDLY BY AS CONFESSIONAL LUTHERANS ARE SYSTEMATICALLY WEEDED OUT IN FAVOR OF FALSE DOCTRINE. WHETHER THE DECISION CAME FROM PRESIDENT KIESCHNICK, KFUO OR SOMEONE ELSE, THESE PEOPLE DID NOT DESERVE TO BE TREATED SO POORLY, AND THOSE RESPONSIBLE SHOULD BE ASHAMED THAT THEY DID THIS DURING HOLY WEEK!!!!!

Join the fight. For Issues, Etc. For Pastor Wilken. For Mr. Schwarz. For all that is holy, right and salutary! Pray that evil will not take over our synod, and that we have the courage to stand against it when it comes knocking. If we allow this to continue, evil will overtake this synod. WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE! God save us all.

Lutheran Carnival LXVII

2008-01-13T16:30:00.000-06:00

I would like to thank the few people who sent in their submissions for this edition of the Lutheran Carnival. Thank you for helping to continue the Lutheran Carnival. Your submissions are very much appreciated. The rest of the posts listed are those that have been drafted from other people's blogs.

A reminder: If your post is listed in this Carnival, don't forget to post a link on your blog directing readers to the Carnival.

Now, ON WITH THE LUTHERAN CARNIVAL, edition LXVII!!

Our church father for this edition is Claus Harms, and the following about him was found on Wikipedia. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a picture of him, so if you know where I can find one, please let me know by leaving a comment at the end of this post.

Claus Harms (May 25, 1778 – February 1, 1855) was a German clergyman and theologian.

Harms was born at Fahrstedt in Schleswig-Holstein, and in his youth worked in his father's mill. At the University of Kiel he repudiated the prevailing rationalism and under the influence of Schleiermacher became a fervent Evangelical preacher, first at Lunden (1806), and then at Kiel (1816).

Harms's trenchant style made him very popular, and he did great service for his cause especially in 1817, when, on the 300th anniversary of the Reformation, he published side by side with Luther's theses, ninety-five of his own, attacking reason as "the pope of our time" who "dismisses Christ from the altar and throws God's word from the pulpit."

As a musician, Harms sought to restore Lutheran hymns back to their original state. To this end, he researched the original texts from people such as Luther, Gerhardt, and others, hoping to find the original texts for the hymns his people were singing. In this he was mostly successful - the textual reforms he made still remain in hymnals today. He was unsuccessful, though, in restoring the tunes to their original states. The Renaissance-style tunes employed by the early Reformers had largely been smoothed out, such that the lively syncopations common to music of that era had been replaced by simple, plodding meters. His attempts met with early resistance, and he abandoned the project.

Besides volumes of sermons Harms published a good book on Pastoraltheologie (1830). He resigned his pastorate on account of blindness in 1849, and died on the 1st of February 1855. See Autobiography (2nd ed., Kiel, 1852); Michael Baumgarten, Ein Denkmal fur C. Harms
(Brunswick, 1855).

And this from Lutheranwiki.org:

Claus Harms was born on 25 May 1778 in Fahrstedt, a small community in modern Dithmarschen County (northwest of Hamburg between North Sea and Elbe River). On the next day he was baptized at the church in neighboring town of Marne and named after his father's father. He was the first child of his parents Christian, a miller, and Margarethe nee Jochims.^[1] In the May of 1784 the Harms family moved to neighboring St. Michaelisdonn (30). Having outgrown the local school at age 13, Harms began to be instructed by the local pastor, F. E. C. Oertling (1757-1837), a rationalist (44), in various subjects, including, Latin, high German, geography, history, the classics, and religion. For religious eductation, Harms is told to copy the manuscript of Oertling's rationalistic explanation of Luther's Small Catechism (46). At this time, Harms experiences first-hand the commotion created by rationalistic pastors in the by-and-large traditionally Lutheran congregations (48f.).
After a year and a half, Harms quits his instruction with Pastor Oertling, much to the satisfaction of his father; he again spends more time working for his father. In 1793 Harms is confirmed (51). In his autobiography, he only remembers moralistic teachings from confirmation instruction. Unusual for the time -- and against Harms' own later judgment^[2] -- he receives communion right after confirmation. Having for now finished his formal schooling, Harms continues to read Pietist and rationalist devotionals (52)...
In the fall of 1799, Harms moves to Kiel to attend the university (68). The Kiel faculty is dominated by rationalistic professors; the one exception, the "biblical supranaturalist" and friend of J. G. Herder, J. F. Kleuker (1749-1827), is shunned by faculty and student body alike. Harms cannot bring himself to attend an entire seminar on the confessions (70f.). In 1800, student Harms preaches his first sermon in Kiel (74). As his rationalism takes on an "aesthetic" bent -- after reading the German writer F. Schiller -- he is censured for this by his strictly Kantian professor (75f.).
As he works his way through the curriculum, neither Schiller nor Kant satisfy the young student any longer. A friend gives him a copy of Schleiermacher's 1799 On Religion: Speeches to the Cultured among Its Despisers. He reads the book several time and is deeply impressed by it (79):

... and on this walk it was that I, at once, recognized the vanity and nothingness of all rationalism and all aesthetics and all knowledge and all activity of the self in the work of salvation; as by lightning, I realized the necessity that our salvation has to be of a different origin.

Harms calls this his "higher life's hour of birth, or better yet: the death of my old man according to his knowledge of divine matters" (ibid.). He -- in the words of J. H. Jung-Stilling -- "received from this book the impulse to an eternal movement" (80). However, he soon realizes that Schleiermacher does not help him in his struggle against the old man beyond this first impulse: his sermons, a first selection was published in 1801, turn out to be no bread at all; they are not a popular version of his Speeches Harms expected them to be (ibid.).
Harms instead turns to the territorial catechism explanations in use at the time. He prepares a catechesis on the sentence: "We men are all sinners, in our behavior [actual sins] as well as in our nature [original sin]." He works on the part on original sin "out of and according to my new-found faith according to the churchly confession." His fellow students greet his presentation with utter silence; his professor harshly criticises him "for placing some good pillars under the delapidated building of churchly faith" and admonishes him to stop doing that: "Then the old building collapses which cannot and must not remain upright any longer" (81).
In early October 1802, Harms goes through his written and oral exams before the (orthodox) general superintendent of Holstein, J. L. Callisen (1738-1806), whose son, J. F. L. Callisen (1775-1864) becomes one of the few clergy supporters of Harms during the theses controversy (82-84)...
In 1817, Harms, inspired by Luther's 1517 theses -- he calls them the "diapers of the Lutheran church" (117) -- authors his 95 Theses to draw Luther's work out of oblivion and to do something about a rationalistic bible edition that had been published in 1815.^[6] This public appeal was preceded by futile attempts to accomplish something with the church authorities that had approved the publication of said edition (117f.). The theses, published just before the tricentennial of the Reformation, caused St. Nicholas to be overcrowded on Reformation Day and caused a mighty stirr for the next two years, among the citizenry of Kiel (119f.), among the theologians (120-122), and among the church authorities (122f.). Looking back, however, he finds that his theses marked the beginning of many a student's and many a pastor's turn from rationalism to orthodoxy (128, 131-133). Asked by students of the university -- it belonged to St. Nicholas Parish -- Harms agrees to speak informally on various pastoral subjects; his Pastoraltheologie grew out of these weekly evening conversations (132).
In 1834, Harms is asked to become Schleiermacher's successor at Trinity Church in Berlin. He shows some interest but finally declines the call because he is assured to become the next senior pastor and superintendent at St. Nicholas in Kiel. This takes takes place in 1835 (166f.).
Twenty years later, on 1 February 1855, Harms dies peacefully. His burial takes place on 8 February at St. George's Cemetery in Kiel (202).

My husband also posted about Pr. Harms' publishing of the Theses. Unfortunately, most of you would be unable to read this post without joining The Wittenberg Trail (which you are all welcome to do), which is why I am going to post it in its entirety here:

I was delighted to see the completion of the 95 Theses of Claus Harms from German to English. You'll notice they apply today.

The first eight...
A Call to Repentance from Man-Centered Religion and Ethics, A.D. 1817 (Theses 1-8)

1. When our Master and Lord Jesus Christ says: "Repent!", he wants that men conform to his doctrine; he, however, does not conform his doctrine to men, as is done now, according to the changed spirit of the times, 2 Tim. 4:3.

2. Doctrine in relation to faith and life is now construed in such a way so as to accomodate men. This is why now protest and reform have to be repeated.

3. With the idea of a progressive reformation -- as this idea is defined and how it is brought up -- one reforms Lutheranism into paganism and Christianity out of the world.

4. Since the doctrine of faith has been construed according to the doctrine of life which has been construed according to the life of men, one has to start again and again with this: Repent!

5. In a time of reformation, this sermon addresses all, without distinguishing between the good and the bad; for also those who have conformed to the wrong doctrine are considered bad.

6. The Christian doctrine as well as the Christian life is to be built according to one draft.

7. If men were on the right way as to their actions, one could say: In doctrine go backward and in life go forward, then you will arrive at true Christianity.

8. Repentance shows itself first of all in falling away from him who has placed himself, or has been placed, in God's place; at Luther's time this was, in a certain sense, the pope, for him the antichrist.

The remaining here: http://www.lutheranwiki.org/The_95_Theses_of_Claus_Harms#The_95_Theses_of_1817

The following was a comment from "Michael Zamzow" on that post, listed here because it adds history and relevance:

The idea of progressive Reformation (semper reformanda) is a Reformed concept which is at the root of many of our current struggles in the Lutheran Church. Continuous repentance would be more in line with the Biblical witness and catechetical foundations of our faith. As Harms points out, it is not adapting the Gospel which is true reformation, but repentance. It is important to note the historical context of Harms' theses. The Reformation was being hijacked by the Prussian Union and Schleiermacher & Co.

Now, on with the rest of the Carnival:

The first post comes from Bill of The Covenant Blessing. He has submitted a post entitled, "God's Word is Alive." In it, he states, "I find that I have to constantly be on guard so that my favorite passages of scripture do not become familiar to me. This verse is one of the reasons that we must be careful to look at God's Word with an open spirit. If we allow it, His Word will change our hearts." Thank you, Bill. That is a good reminder for all of us.

Ritewinger of TheoCon, a Canadian seminarian, entered the Carnival with the post, "Because That's What We Do". In this thought-provoking post, he talks about having attended a midnight Mass with his father-in-law and his wife's grandma. He says that he spotted people kneeling for a time, but just to look around to see who was there, and then sitting back in their pew. Although he is thankful that these people have actually taken the time to go to church and sit in the pew to listen to the Word being presented to them, he says that it's also very important to know why we do the things we do in church, and not just follow the crowd "because that's what we do."

Excellent point, Ritewinger. I would love to see a follow-up on this post from you or another clergyman that goes into more depth to explain why we kneel, stand and (for some) cross ourselves in church, and why these actions are important and practiced. Maybe you can use that good seminary training you're getting to draw from as a follow-up post. :)

The last person to enter a submission was Dan at Necessary Roughness, with his post about "A Child's Brush with Sin and Forgiveness". Now, this is something everyone needs to know about Dan: He is very proud of his daughters, and it shows in every post he publishes about them. He spends the time it takes to teach them not just about God and what Jesus did for us, but what it all means. In this post, one of his daughters puts that knowledge to good use, surprising her parents in the meantime. Both of Dan's daughters are under 5 years old, but that doesn't mean they don't know what sin is, or the true meaning of repentance.

In his words, "Kids, I told her [one of his daughters], aren’t the only ones who mess up and don’t mean to. 'We daily sin much' and are in need of forgiveness ourselves. When these things happen, we pray, and we practice. We pray God to forgive us, and we practice doing things the right way. The absolution that we receive from the pastor in church is as real as our forgiving of our daughter."

The posts that follow are some that have been drafted from people who have submitted posts to former editions of The Lutheran Carnival, and whom I'm assuming (hoping, really) just forgot that there was another Carnival to submit to. ;)

My first drafted post comes from Pastor Snyder of Ask the Pastor. Pastor Snyder is a very talented and knowledgeable pastor from Missouri, and of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, and shows his talent in the form of an Epiphany Hymn that he wrote. If you decide to use this hymn at your church, or reproduce it in any way, please contact Pastor Snyder to ask his permission to do so, and DO NOT change any of the wording. It's his creation, after all, and he retains the copyright.

The next drafted post is from Orycteropus Afer, otherwise known as Aardvark Alley. This pastor of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod is known for helping us all to remember the saints who have gone before us, and what they did, as well as why they are to be remembered. In his recent post about Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa + Basil the Great of Caesarea, 1 January AD 379 with Gregory of Nazianzus, 9 May AD 389 and Gregory of Nyssa, 9 March AD 395, the Pastor tells us that, "Their defense of the doctrines of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Trinity, together with their contributions to the liturgy of the Eastern Church, make them among the most influential Christian teachers and theologians of their time. Their knowledge and wisdom continues to be heard and known in the Christian Church today."

Included at the end of his post is a collect to be prayed.

A post of political and religious importance comes from Timotheos of Balaam's Ass. In his post from Friday, he talks about why it's important to ask questions and know what you're talking about when comparing religions, such as Christianity to Mormonism, in "Mere Jesus Syndrome: Case in Point". He takes an excerpt from an interview of Presidential candidate Mitt Romney with Joel Osteen. Osteen doesn't ask questions when Romney says that Jesus is his savior, or that he believes in God, but it's important to do so, and Timotheos tells of a few things he learned by doing a quick 5-minute search of Mormon beliefs on their website. Do some comparing of your own before you cast your vote for President.

The last blog I am going to highlight is written by TKls2myhrt on Be Strong in the Grace. This lovely lady has recently posted the third installment of a series on "Koehler's A Summary of Christian Doctrine: The Holy Scriptures." In this post, Koehler is quoted as saying, "It is not our business to sit in judgment on what we have learned to be the plain sense of the Bible text, accepting what agrees, and rejecting what does not agree with our personal views and rationalizations." TKls2myhrt gives the example of her former Lutheran synod trying to twist the Scriptures into something that justified the ordaining of women, and how she doesn't question God's intentions that come from His Word.

I'm going to call that good for this edition of The Lutheran Carnival. Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope to see you all back again, since I'm hoping to be a more active blogger this year. I also encourage those of you who belong to the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to join The Wittenberg Trail, so you can have an even larger community of LCMSers to chat and share with.

Get Your Submissions in TODAY!!!

2008-01-11T09:36:00.000-06:00

Only five people have submitted posts for the Lutheran Carnival, and today is the deadline for submissions. If you have a post you would like to submit, send the following information to lutherancarnival AT gmail DOT com:

Title of Your Blog
Link to Your Blog
Title of Your Blog Post
Link to Your Blog Post
Summary of Your Blog Post

Have thoughts about the upcoming election from a Lutheran point of view? How about something significant in your life that you want to share? If I don't have enough submissions by the end of the day, I'm going to start drafting posts, and you'll just have to see if yours was one of them. :D

Lutheran Carnival Roundup!

2008-01-10T16:46:00.000-06:00

All right. Come on, people. It's time to put your hands on the keyboard and type up a blog post to enter in the Lutheran Carnival, which will be hosted here on Journalistic Jargon THIS Sunday.

So far, I have received four entries. That's not gonna cut it, folks. I know many of you are used to waiting until Friday or Saturday to submit your posts, but I'm going to challenge you to get them in at a time that's not "just under the wire."

I've put in a request on The Wittenberg Trail, but I'm not sure very many people are listening.

So, put your thoughts together and get typing! Let's get ready for a great carnival!

New Year's Resolutions

2008-01-03T20:52:00.000-06:00

Every year, people make resolutions. Some resolve to lose weight, some to fix relationships, and many make several resolutions and try to stick to them all.

I won't tell you what my resolutions are, but I can tell you that I, like many others, plan to keep my resolutions. What makes me think I have any shot at keeping them? I am praying for help and guidance. Not that that means I'll actually achieve my goals, but it does give me a fighting chance.

Praying. Now there's something that a lot of people could do more of. I know I could. Can we ever pray too much? Is there such a thing? No, I don't believe so. I mean, sure, some people could spend hours on end praying. Luther did, and he still felt that he was inadequate.

But the great thing about our Lutheran faith is that we know that there is nothing that says we have to do anything, or how we have to do it, or when or how many times. Some Christian denominations do give those regulations. They are, as my husband would label them, "pietistic."

Lutherans believe in a cross-centered theology, as opposed to a theology of glory or works-righteousness. That means that we recognize that there is nothing at all that we can do to get us closer to God or to get us into Heaven. Jesus did all of that for us.

So, how does that tie in to New Year's resolutions, you ask? Well, there are also some people who strive to be closer to God, who want to do everything they can to make it more likely that they'll get into Heaven when they die. Now, of course, eventually, they're going to mess up. And I'm guessing that it won't be more than a few days, if that long, before they do. Then, how are they going to feel? Are they going to be depressed? Will they be filled with despair?

The truth is that making a New Year's resolution to do better and try to get closer to God is good, but that's not what saves you: Jesus did all of the work for all of us. He is there to catch us when we fall. He picks up the pieces of our broken hearts, minds and bodies, and carries us home to Him.

So, when we fail to meet the goals we set out for ourselves in our New Year's resolutions, we may be frustrated and disappointed with ourselves, but God is there for us, and will be there to help us get back on track or realize more realistic goals. With His help, we can achieve many things.

Merry Christmas! It's not just another holiday.

2007-12-14T21:30:00.000-06:00

Everywhere you look, people and businesses alike are putting up their decorations, getting ready for this wonderful holiday season, and yet so many refuse to say what that holiday is! Now, who goes around putting up Christmas trees, wreaths, Christmas lights and buying presents for one certain day except those who celebrate Christmas? Would Jews dare to put up those decorations or buy presents and wrap them up like Christians do? Would Muslims? Only if they wish to be persecuted. (Although I did hear on "The People's Court" one time about a Jewish woman who hated her Jewish neighbors so much she actually put a wreath on her door to mess with them.)

Even the television shows are getting their panties in a bunch, saying, "Happy Holiday" (oftentimes omitting the final "s" that would give the greeting the implication that they are talking about more than one holiday). It's not a "holiday party" or "holiday dinner" or "holiday get-together, it's CHRISTMAS!!! Those who don't want to have anything to do with Christmas can just ignore the whole celebration, but they must acknowledge that this is a largely Christian nation, and therefore, Christian holidays will be celebrated.

Stores and other retail outlets can be the worst. They send you their "holiday catalogs" and other advertisements, not mentioning at all for which holiday they're marketing their tactics. It really bothers me, and I'm not the only one it bothers. Of this I am sure. Case in point: "Merry Tossmas". I think I'm actually going to start endorsing the views put forth in that YouTube video to the point that I'll follow through on what that guy does: toss the "holiday" advertisements and catalogs, while keeping and looking through those that acknowledge that it's Christmas that's being celebrated. And those will be the only ones I consider buying from.

Will you do the same?

Support and celebrate Christmas, and endorse "Tossmas" with those who decide to ignore the Reason for the Season: Christ and the Mass that is celebrated on the anniversary of His holy birth.

Lutheran Carnival LX is Up!

2007-10-07T18:37:00.000-05:00

Visit the Lutheran Carnival home page to see all of the latest posts, including one from yours truly, which can be viewed below. Leave a comment on the Carnival home page, or on the blogs of those whose posts you read. Let the bloggers know what you thought of their posts. I welcome your comments, as well as long as you follow my rules. Happy reading!

"...For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

2007-10-05T20:46:00.000-05:00

There have been so many trials and tribulations in my life, but none that I couldn't be comforted by the verse that this post's title refers to.

The verse is Joshua 1:9, which reads: "9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (NIV)

Think about it: what can you possibly go through that, as a Christian, you wouldn't be comforted by this verse?

I have, in my life so far, been through 19 foot surgeries, two hernia surgeries, sinus surgery (just to name the surgeries), lengthy unemployment of myself and my husband at the same time, am married to someone my parents didn't want me to marry but have (for the most part) accepted, losing countless loved ones, and more. I'm sure that many of you have been through some of the same, and maybe some things I couldn't even imagine. But whatever your trial, this verse (and many other favorites from the Bible) can be of great comfort.

How do I know this verse so well? It was my confirmation verse, one that was given to me as a source of comfort and inspiration when I was confirmed in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, by a pastor who is now President of the Kansas District, Pastor Keith Kohlmeier, who was the pastor of the church my family and I attended at the time.

Through all of these trials and tribulations, I have prayed and looked to this verse for comfort. Why? Because in it, God promises to be with us, standing with us and for us, no matter what happens to us. We can go through the worst life has to throw at us, and be given the best life has to offer, and we know that He is going to see us through all of it, because He loves us. He must, or He wouldn't have given His only Son to die for us, that we might live with Him eternally.

Is God telling us, in this verse, not to ever be afraid? Well, I'm sure He realizes that we might be afraid of things sometimes, but in this verse, He is telling us to let Him handle the hard stuff, to put our fears aside and let Him take charge. It's part of loving and trusting Him.

And the same goes for being discouraged. I'm sure a lot of you have also heard the phrase, "When God closes a door, he opens a window (or another door)." We might not always see that other "door" or "window," but there is a reason for everything that God allows us to experience in this life. We may need to learn a lesson, grow in our faith, or go through something so that we can be sympathetic or empathetic to others, or that we might be able to teach others something that we have learned as a result. And for those reasons, we need to remember that God is with us, no matter what.

"Be strong and courageous." Is God telling us, as some would have you believe, that we need to be physically strong, able to lift hundreds of pounds, brave mountain lions without weapons, or something of that sort? No. We are to be strong in our faith in Him and in the actions of His Son Who saved us, and be courageous against the things and people in this world and life that threaten and challenge that faith. Remember: babies and invalids can have faith – great faith, too, and most of them are anything but physically strong.

There is nothing in this life that can make God turn His back on us. He has so much love for us that He will never go away, and we will never be able to hide from Him, no matter how hard we might try. And that's not meant to be something to cause fear – rather, the opposite. We are to use that knowledge to go forward with life as Christians, with the knowledge that He will never abandon us, even in our darkest hours when we feel the most alone. All we have to do is pray and believe.

Praise be to God!

New Blog – Check it out!

2007-09-27T17:47:00.000-05:00

I've decided to create a new blog dedicated to the problems I've had with my feet in an effort to tell my story and to help others who may have similar problems, as well as to thank those who have helped me. Please, don't hesitate to visit, and add it to your blogroll! Here's the address for my new blog, Beautiful Feet: http://beautifulfeet.wordpress.com

Yes, it's hosted somewhere other than Blogger. So, yes, I'm trying something different. When you visit, let me know what you think.

The same rules apply there as here: no foul language, no name-bashing, and comments are moderated for everyone, just so it's fair and stays clean. If you have any questions, you may refer to the post that's already there, or scroll down in this blog to find my rules for posting.

I'll see you there or here! This blog will remain on this site... At least for now. :)

Baby shower time!

2007-09-26T00:06:00.000-05:00

So, this Saturday, I'm throwing a baby shower for two of my closest friends: Random Dan and Intolerant Elle, who blog together as Random Intolerance. Yes, it's a couple's shower. It will be the first one I've ever attended, and I'm actually planning it. I'm surprised that so many people have already said they're coming – guys included!

The Random Intolerants are expecting a baby girl at the end of October. I'm getting very excited to see her and hold her and (hopefully) be able to babysit her once in a while. My hubby and I have made jokes about her and my nephew ending up together when they get older. ;) Depending on who you talk to, those jokes are well received.

The guys, and whoever else wants to join them, will be playing poker after the gifts have been opened. Elle said, though, that her husband's family tends to break out into poker games at the drop of a hat, so we'll see how it works.

I'll give you an update close to or just after the shower. Nice to see you all again! :D

Update after months-long leave

2007-09-25T23:45:00.000-05:00

There are a number of reasons that I haven't blogged in recent months, work being one of the most important reasons. Sometimes, those who are in the media business need to keep a tight reign on the kinds of extracurricular activities, if you will, that we engage in. I didn't want my co-workers and listeners figuring out who I was online, and harassing me or causing problems for me at work.

So, since a lawyer I've never met decided to teach me a lesson after I accidentally cut his wife off while driving a company vehicle, I don't have that job anymore. Sad, I know. Especially since I was loving that job.

Also, I just underwent my 19th foot surgery last Monday, to remove a metal plate from my right foot that was put in during one of my reconstructive surgeries three years ago.

And an update on that adorable nephew of mine, who's pictured below: He's now 7 1/2 months old! He laughs these big belly laughs, smiles all the time, and absolutely loves his aunt: me. :D

I'm going to try to post on my blog more often, too. So, if you just happened to be stopping by to see if I'd actually added anything lately, thank you. Pass it on that I'm back! I'm hoping to contribute to the next Lutheran Carnival, too. I just have to come up with something to post about. ;)

Until next time!

I'm back!

2007-05-17T18:08:00.000-05:00

So I've been an inconsistent blogger. Have you missed me?

I've been working seven days a week for the last couple of months, between two part-time jobs. But I've been enjoying both.

Some things that have happened since I last posted:

The Gridiron production I was in, as part of the Society for Professional Journalists, went over famously, and it was said that it was the best in Gridiron history! That's fantastic, considering the Gridiron has been going for 40 years in this area!
The Greensburg tornado hit really close to home -- about 1 1/2 hours away from here. Since I work in the news industry, I ended up reporting on a lot of information relating to and directly affecting the residents of that hard-hit community.
I've been given one more day per week to work at my news job -- because a man who used to work Friday nights only COMPLETELY MISSED THE GREENSBURG TORNADO!!! He never got ANYTHING on the air. Not when it hit, not when it left behind the damage and the suspected dead, nothing during his air shift. So, I was offered his Friday nights when he was shown the door.

In other news, my little nephew, whose picture is below, is now three months old and weighs in at about 16 lbs. and some change. My sister has her figure back, for the most part, and is enjoying being a mother. My brother-in-law is enjoying being a father, too. And my husband and I are enjoying being Godparents.

There are a lot of things I'd like to post about, so hopefully, I'll find time to write about them. I would also share some pictures with you, but my husband has seemingly hidden the adapter that would allow me to download pictures from our camera. :(

I'll share pictures if and when I find it.

Busy Bee = Me

2007-03-15T22:30:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a while since I've posted anything on this blog, but I have a good reason... I've started working a second part-time job (not related to journalism) and am rehearsing most weeknights for an amateur stage production put on by the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. It's supposed to be reminiscent of Saturday Night Live, with singing and dancing, and the skits will have a journalism/newsy twist.

Between the two jobs and the rehearsals, I'm working day and night seven days a week. The exception for this night is that I was able to switch Thursday and Friday nights at the radio station with the guy who usually works Friday nights. It helps, because then I have a whole day, more or less, to get housework and errands done.

Well, my nephew is just over a month old now, and is still the sweetest, cutest baby boy I know. He will be baptized on March 25, and my husband and I have been asked to be his godparents! What a wonderful opportunity to honor God and serve Him, and to help my sister and brother-in-law teach him about Lutheranism, and the answers to "What does this mean?".

I am very happy, although I am so very busy. "This is most certainly true."

The picture above shows my nephew. Isn't he gorgeous?!

I'm an aunt!

2007-02-17T01:59:00.000-06:00

My nephew, my sister and brother-in-law's son, was born at 2:12 p.m. on February 14, 2007. He weighed 7 lbs. 4.5 oz., and was 19 3/4 inches long. Fortunately, I was able to be there in the room while he was being born, and got to see the whole thing!

The little family of three is happily at home, getting used to one another. I couldn't be more proud of my sister, brother-in-law and, of course, my nephew. I'll share pictures when I get a chance.

Review of the Rules for Commenting

2007-01-25T13:12:00.000-06:00

If your comment has been rejected, please review the rules I have for posting comments on this blog.

Post Number 300!

2007-01-19T23:51:00.000-06:00

And I'm celebrating by sharing some of the articles I've come across on the national wires. But, since it's so late, I'm only going to discuss one of them tonight. I'll save the others for daytime.

First, this one:

A North Dakota lawmaker says his state's ban on a man and woman living together without being married is unenforceable and encourages disrespect for the law.

Democratic State Senator Tracy Potter says the Legislature should repeal the law against cohabitation, which is punishable by a 30-day jail term and a one-thousand dollar fine.

Potter said citizens ignore the law and police don't enforce it. If they did, he said North Dakota would need a ten (b) billion dollar prison to hold all the violators.

But Tom Freier (FRY'-ur), a spokesman for the North Dakota Family Alliance, said repealing the measure would signal that the state doesn't value marriage and the societal benefits it brings.

He said research has shown that cohabiting ``poses a special risk for women and children.''

I know that this kind of behavior is becoming the norm anymore, but that doesn't make it right. Mr. Freier is right: there is a special risk that those who cohabit pose for themselves and any children who might live with them. These relationships, if they lead to marriage, are more likely than those who do not cohabit prior to marriage to divorce or have very serious problems.

I also agree that repealing the law would say the state feels that living together prior to marriage is an insignificant problem, and that marriage is not a meaningful institution.

Certainly, the jails would begin to fill if everyone who violated the law were arrested, but I propose a different solution that would keep the law valid: impose a daily fine on those who violate the law. The money collected could go toward city improvement, college funds for those who do not cohabit, etc. Those who are living together for so-called economic reasons would have to weigh those benefits against the daily fine they incur as a result of their behavior.

My guess is that a large portion of violators (although I have no evidence to back this up) are college-age people. They're not ready or willing to get married, or don't feel like they want to be tied down by a legally binding relationship, so they decide that they'll live with their partner for however long they please and when it doesn't work out, they can just leave with no strings attached.

College-age people are generally not well off financially, unless mommy and daddy are paying their way and giving them an allowance. But I have a feeling that if mommy and daddy knew or found out that their money was being spent on fines for illegal behavior, the money flow would disappear and the behavior would be curbed. And those who don't have much of an income, who would be in the majority, would not be able to afford the continuous fine.

Cohabitation prior to marriage is wrong. It's just as wrong as premarital sex, which is also becoming the norm. Waiting until marriage to have sex and/or live together until marriage is becoming the stereotypes of "squares" or those who "just can't get any." But consider the following:

If everyone waited to have sex until they were married, and once married, didn't have sex with anyone other than their spouse, how common would sexually transmitted diseases be?
Would people really know the difference between what was good or bad between the sheets if they had no one else to compare their spouse to?
How many children would grow up not knowing who their fathers are, unless they died?
How many children would be born or conceived out of wedlock?

I could go on and on and on.

This world is becoming a very sick and perverted place, and the immoral behavior being exhibited is becoming what's expected of people. If you don't have sex with your boyfriend or girlfriend, the view is that something is wrong with you, something bad happened to you in your past, or you've got irrational fears of getting pregnant.

What if you're just wanting to save the most precious gift you have for your husband or wife on your wedding night? Is that so wrong? I think it's wonderful. And I'll guarantee you that God looks favorably upon those who save themselves for their spouse, and their spouse only.

If you've been guilty of cohabitation without marriage, you've got some repenting and praying to do.

Getting ready to be an aunt

2007-01-15T16:31:00.000-06:00

With my sister and brother-in-law eagerly anticipating the birth of their son, their first child, in the next few weeks, I am getting excited about being able to see and hold my new nephew.

My mom and I were with my sister and her husband when she had her last sonogram. She was able to have "4-D Imaging" done since she was far enough along. The pictures that were taken actually showed his face with astonishing detail. He is going to be very cute. Of course, since he's my nephew -- my sister's son -- I already love him.

What was really cool about the sonogram was that the technician was able to determine my nephew's approximate weight, along with how much he might weigh when he's born. According to her estimations, my little nephew is going to weigh at least 8 lbs. when he's born, if he waits to be born until around his due date at the end of February.

My sister and brother-in-law have decided that they are going to try to have their baby at a birth care center that has birthing suites. I've seen the suites: my home economics class took a tour there when I was in high school and we were studying parenting. These suites are very large and very nice. My sister is wanting my mom and me to be present in the birthing suite when my nephew is born, which would be really cool! (I just hope I'm not working when I get the phone call!)

In the meantime, my mom and I had to postpone the baby shower we were planning to have had for my sister yesterday: it will now be held this coming Sunday. We got about five straight hours of sleet and freezing rain, topped with snow. The streets have not been safely passable for the last three days, but are better today since the sun came out.

One of the things I'm looking forward to doing with my little nephew (besides holding him, feeding him, changing diapers and playing with him) is helping him learn new things. I've always been excited about learning, and I pray that he will be, too.

I have to work tonight, so I'm going to end my post here. I'll be back, though, with pictures of my sister, my nephew and the trip my husband and I took to the Pacific coast to visit with his family.

West Coast Posting

2006-12-27T11:41:00.000-06:00

Since the evening of Christmas Day, my husband and I have been visiting with his family on the west coast. Although it's rainy here half the time, when the sky is clear, it's really very lovely. The view of mountains in the east, the smell of the ocean not too far away, and the knowledge that we might be able to see that huge wet oasis again is wonderful. (I've only seen the ocean once before in my life, and it was three years ago when we were last in this part of the country.)

Yesterday, we visited my husband's grandmothers, who are both in senior care homes. His maternal grandmother's doctor didn't give her more than just a few more months left to live, so we wanted to make sure we got up here to visit before it was too late. With prayers, maybe she'll be around long enough to see us have at least one child, depending on how long it takes us to start our family.

Saturday, we'll be having supper with my husband's paternal grandmother at the nursing home. When we went to visit yesterday, we looked over the menu and read it to her (she suffers from macular degeneration and can't see well anymore) so she could tell us when the food would be most appetizing. ;) She's a very sweet lady. Well, both grandmas are very sweet. I love them both.

My parents-in-law are wonderful people, too. I couldn't ask for more loving and fun in-laws. They love me and treat me the same as they do their own kids. And once in a while, they take my side over my husband's in a debate. ;) They're so cool!

I guess today we're going to do some site seeing. Mount Hood isn't too far away, the ocean isn't too far away, and I guess there are some really majestic canyons and waterfalls to see in this area. The landscape is so gorgeous, especially compared to my native Kansas.

Whenever my husband and I fly anywhere, I try to get a window seat on the plane so I can look out over the land below. I love looking at the mountains, the ocean if I can see it from my seat on the plane, and anything else that pops into my view.

This is a very beautiful part of the country, made more lovely by the family we're visiting. And although we're only going to be here for a few more days, I'm going to enjoy every minute of it that I can. Maybe next time we're in this area, we can come during one of the summer months, when, I'm told, there are lots of flowering trees and the sights are even more beautiful.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and I'll post more in the New Year.

Sleeping on a Cloud

2006-12-17T22:12:00.000-06:00

After more than four years, my husband and I finally have a real bed to sleep on! For the entirety of our marriage, we have been sleeping on a futon, which was absolutely killing my back. We are now proudly using our futon as a couch (and emergency bed if we have guests, so they can sleep on it), and have a new memory foam bed to call our own.

TempurPedic will tell you that theirs is the only one out there like it, but the reality is that there is another company out there that makes the exact same mattresses for about half the price, and they have the same 20-year warranty. So, we went with the other company: Sleep Level.

My husband and I did a lot of research into the kind of mattress we wanted to get, because this is something you don't want to have to be buying every five to ten years. I talked to my family doctor and also my orthopaedic doctor about it, too. They both said that this is the best mattress we could possibly get. About 98 percent of people who had woken up with back pain or other muscle pains reported that after sleeping on a memory foam mattress, their pain was dramatically reduced, if not gone completely.

I've only slept one night on it so far, and my back already feels soooooo much better! I had been seeing a physical therapist about it because it had gotten so bad! (But I stopped going a few months ago, even though I was still having problems.)

Now, I can't wait to get into bed at night. I pray that I'll be tired during the day so I can take a nap on the new bed, just because I like it that much! But today, I wasn't tired enough to need to sleep, even after sleeping only about 6 hours, compared to my usual 8! And I work until midnight tonight!

This bed is such a good investment. Actually, anytime you make an investment in your health, it's a good investment.

Sweet dreams!

My nephew will be born in two months!

2006-12-12T15:16:00.000-06:00

The picture at the right is a picture of my sister's pregnant belly as of one month ago. She's a little bigger now.

The lower picture is what she looked like in October.

I'm really looking forward to meeting my nephew. My mom is helping me plan a baby shower, which we'll have in January. The baby will be born in February, and the baptism will be in March.

My sister said she feels like she's starting to waddle now. And one of her frustrations is finding warm sweaters she can wear over her baby belly. Most maternity sweaters she's seen are really thin, and if she tries a non-maternity large sweater, it bags in the arms. Any suggestions would be great.

I've got some catching up to do!

2006-12-05T22:40:00.000-06:00

It's been some time since I've posted anything other than the rules for commenting on my blog (which, by the way, still apply). So, I've published another new post below this one.

My sister is now about 6 1/2 months along in her pregnancy, which means I'm going to have a little nephew very soon! It also means that I have a lot of planning to do before the baby shower I'm throwing for her in January!

The pictures of her belly that I posted before look so small now compared to how big she is now. And still, she is the cutest pregnant lady ever!

The little baby in her belly is very active. I've felt him move around and kick several times, and it is just the coolest thing in the world! I'm looking forward to meeting, holding and babysitting the little guy!

It makes me more anxious for my husband and I to try to have a baby, too. I want our kids and my sister's kids to be close enough in age that they can play together and relate to one another easily as they grow up.

In other news, my husband and I will finally be going to visit his parents and grandparents on the west coast over Christmas and New Year's. This will be the first time we've seen them in three years, because travel hasn't been very possible on either their end or ours for so long. Please pray for my husband's maternal grandmother, who is in very bad health and who will celebrate her last Christmas and New Year's this holiday season. We're basically going to visit with the knowledge that we're saying goodbye to her for the last time. She'll never know any of our kids, and that makes me very sad.

Also, my grandma's eye surgery went well, and she's able to see much better now. She still has to have a total knee replacement, which is scheduled for sometime in March. That's going to be very difficult for her, because she's not going to be able to go back to her hometown until she's completely healed. The reason is that she likes to help her husband (who is in a nursing home) stand up, get into bed, etc., and it's too stressful on a newly-remodeled knee for her to be doing that sort of thing. But she'll do it anyway, given the way to go back home too early. Please pray for her, too.

Nothing particularly interesting in the news today that I could share, unfortunately. I'll try to post something more before we leave for the west coast in a couple of weeks.

God bless you all.

Non-Christian Organization Serves Godly Mission

2006-12-05T22:32:00.000-06:00

I may not work for an organization that would be listed in a Christian business directory, but that doesn't mean that we don't do God's handywork.

Every year around Christmastime (and apparently for the last 30 years), the company I work for organizes a charity drive in which listeners call in to the radio station they listen to within our broadcast group, and "adopt" a child for Christmas. By "adopt," I mean that these kids have been put on a list by the local police department because they live in a family with little to no income, and would otherwise not get any gifts this Christmas.

Listeners called a hotline number, asked what the children wanted for Christmas, and bought those items and brought them to the station to be gift-wrapped and delivered by the police officers.

There are other times when we have charity drives or relay races or other fund-raisers for organizations that help children or adults with whatever may be plaguing them. Some may call these publicity stunts or things we do for public relations, but as someone who's actually gotten to know the people behind these events, I've realized that these people are different: Sure, the PR is good, but they really do care about these people that they're helping.

At a time when there are so many people all-too-willing to receive gifts this year, it's wonderful to see so many people volunteering to give to complete strangers without anything in return.

Trolls like Susan

2006-11-21T16:37:00.000-06:00

It seems that my husband and I have a few trolls that have been leaving uninformed, harassing comments on our blogs from people who obviously know nothing of what it is to be Lutheran, and feel they must "correct" our behavior because we're not pious enough for them. (Guess what: We don't care what trolls think about how pious we are. The comments of trolls don't matter enough to be displayed. Trolls are inconsequential to us.)

Because of this, I have enabled comment moderation. This means that before any comments are displayed on my blog, they will pass through my e-mail first for my approval or disapproval. Furthermore, any comments that I deem harassing or otherwise inappropriate for my blog will not be posted, and no one will see them.

This means that if you have a complaint, you'll need to leave an e-mail address for me to respond to if you actually want a response. If you are so embarrassed that you actually read my or my husband's blogs that you don't want to leave your name or contact information, then you have no business visiting or leaving comments.

If you are going to leave comments and want your comments to be displayed, I suggest you leave a comment that is non-threatening, non-harassing in nature, and give your real name. I will not respond to aliases or anonymous commenters.

Ground rules for commenting (if you expect your comment to be displayed):

1. No foul language. This is, and will continue to be, a family-friendly blog that even children can read without their parents fearing that they will be reading something inappropriate.

2. No commenting on topics not posted on this blog. This means that if you've found a questionable topic on another blog (a.k.a. my husband's), you may not post your comment on my blog in response to that topic.

3. No anonymous commenting. I don't care if you don't have an account with Blogger. Leave your name at the end of your comment if you don't have or don't want to create an account. Comments left without a name will not be allowed into the comments section for anyone to leave, and they will not be responded to.

4. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ME OR ANYTHING THAT IS POSTED ON THIS BLOG, YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ IT. That goes for any blog on the web, including my husband's. What's the point in visiting a blog you don't approve of unless you enjoy having your blood boil? Get a life!

5. I have the ability to track my visitors. If you truly want to be anonymous, you will be unsuccessful, because I can track where you live and I have your IP address. One way or another, if I have to, I can find out who you are and turn you in for harassment. I have the national and international connections through my media connections to find you and have you prosecuted, if I need to.

Bottom line: If I don't approve of the comments you're leaving, they will never see the world wide web. Anonymous commenters or those who use aliases will not receive responses. I don't tolerate disrespectful people on my blog. Other bloggers may be different. I don't care.

I thought that because of the longevity of my blog and the history of people who have commented on this blog before, I didn't have to spell out my rules in so many words. I guess now, I do. Those of you who are used to commenting on my blog and who have done so without problems or response from me don't have to worry about your comments not being displayed. They will be, I'm sure.

Those who read my blog generally consist of friends and pastors. Many of these friends are those who have been reading my blog and whose blogs I have been reading for a few years. Many of the pastors who visit have become friends or were friends before I started this blog. These are the people who are welcome in my comments section. Newcomers have to go through me first now. I'm taking back control of my blog.

Working on Sundays

2006-11-12T07:58:00.000-06:00

Usually, I work on Sunday evenings. I don't really like to work on Sundays, but I don't work too many other days of the week regularly, so I do so mostly for the hours and pay.

Today is the first (and hopefully only) Sunday that I have been asked to work on a Sunday morning. The only reason I consented to doing so is that the lady who usually works this shift had another commitment, and she couldn't find anyone else to take the shift, and she covered a Saturday shift for me not long ago. My boss knows that this is a big favor to be asking of me, because I told him some time back that I didn't want to work on Sundays at all, let alone on a Sunday morning or early afternoon.

To say that working or doing any kind of laborous work on Sundays is not a Lutheran statement. It's full of pietistic sentiments that I don't share, nor do many Lutherans. But Sunday, nonetheless, is a very holy day that should be kept holy. Remember that even Jesus worked, or rather performed miraculous works, on the Sabbath, against the wishes and understanding of bystanders.

So, this morning, my husband is going to church without me. I had to be in to cover this shift beginning at 5 a.m., and I don't get off work until 12:30 p.m. Even though our church is about an hour's drive from home, in the time I'm working here this morning, my husband has been able to sleep until about 7 a.m., be at church by 9 a.m., and be back to pick me up from work at about 12:30 p.m., without being late (I hope).

The good thing about working Sundays is that all of the newscasts are recorded ahead of time, so if I'm really on top of my game, I have all of the newscasts pre-recorded and in the system ready to play within about 1 1/2 to 2 hours after I arrive at work. That way, I can work on writing up or updating other stories, pay better attention to police and emergency scanners so I know exactly what's going on without being distracted ... and, in the evenings, watch my favorite show: "Desperate Housewives" while keeping the scanners pumping through my headphones in my right ear.

But since I don't work tonight (because the lady whose shift I'm covering this morning is working my regular shift tonight from 7 to midnight), I get to watch my show at home without those pesky police and emergency scanners distracting me.

Maybe eventually, I'll be a full-time employee and won't have to work at all on weekends. But, that could just be a pipe dream. One of the full-time guys here does work on weekends ... both days of every weekend.

I'm glad that I know that it's not commanded to do absolutely no work on Sundays, since Jesus showed us differently in the Scriptures, but I look forward to the time when I won't be asked or scheduled to work on Sundays. I enjoy going to church, and I enjoy spending quality time with my husband, making him suffer through an episode of "Desperate Housewives" with me. :D

The influence of Pentacostal/Charismatic Christians on our church services

2006-11-06T17:00:00.000-06:00

I know it's been a very long time since I've blogged about anything, and I apologize to those who've been waiting to read something new. I've thought a lot about what I wanted to post on this blog, and I've got a few stories for you. This is one of several, but it's one that explains a lot about what's going on in even our LCMS churches.

I got this story from the National wire service at work on October 5. It got me thinking: So that's why some LCMS churches have "happy clappy" worship services, praise bands, the Ablaze! movement, Promise Keepers, Heritage Keepers, etc. Our churches have lost track of what it means to be Lutheran, because they're paying too much attention to what the Pentacostals, Charismatics and Methodists are doing.

Without further adieu, here is the story to which I am referring:

WASHINGTON (AP) A new ten-nation survey of Pentecostal and charismatic Christians shows they are deeply influencing the Roman Catholic and mainstream Protestant churches and are poised to make a big impact on global affairs.

Pentecostals and charismatics are considered the fastest-growing stream of Christianity worldwide.

The poll by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that ``spirit-filled'' Christians, who speak in tongues and believe in healing through prayer, comprise at least half the population of Brazil, Guatemala and Kenya, 44 percent of Filipinos and nearly one-fourth of U-S citizens.

The study also found that charismatic and Pentecostal Christians increasingly are willing to bring their values into public debates, which could shape government policies in the years ahead.

And we wonder why our churches are so screwed up! It's not entirely President Kieschnick's fault, although he is certainly not blameless.

Election Day: What's your candidate's position on abortion?

2006-11-06T16:42:00.000-06:00

Lutherans for Life published a tract called "Is Abortion an Election Issue?" in 2000. Before you go to the polls, consider your favorite candidates' positions on abortion. It is literally a life or death matter.

The following are excerpts from the Lutherans for Life tract. The portions in quotes are direct quotations from text. The rest are paraphrases of my own:

God doesn't give Christians any "wiggle room" when it comes to destroying human life. "He says, 'You shall not murder.'

"We must not forget what abortion is. All the rhetoric surrounding abortion has deceptively blinded us to the truth. We hear it described as a 'right,' a 'choice,' or a 'medical procedure.' It becomes too easy – even for the Christian – to see abortion as just another one of those 'election issues.'

"Think about it! What is a candidate who supports abortion rights really supporting? Abortion is not on a par with a woman's right to equal employment and equal pay.

"Let's be honest.

"The candidate who supports abortion rights supports a woman's right to have her innocent child murdered. Abortion is not just an 'election issue.' Abortion is a grave sin. Abortion assaults God's Word of truth about the sanctity of human life and, therefore, assaults the Word Himself Who became flesh that we might have life. Abortion is a sin against God Who is the Author and Redeemer of life. Abortion is not an 'election issue.' Because abortion destroys human life, it is a spiritual issue."

...

"Therefore... a Christian cannot debate the pros and cons of abortion any more than he can debate the pros and cons of a rape or stealing or adultery. Abortion cannot be a 'right' for, in God's sight, it is a fundamental wrong.

"It is such a fundamental wrong that, when it comes to voting, a candidate's stance on the issues is irrelevant if he or she favors abortion. A vote is not a passive act. The voter participates in promoting the agenda of the candidate in an intentional action. A candidate who favors abortion should be disqualified from receiving a Christian's vote.

"Regardless of what our government deems legal, when it comes to abortion, 'We must obey God rather than man.' Those who have been called in grace and adopted as God's children through the merits of Jesus Christ should not sanction the destruction of preborn children."

...

"However, the Body of Christ is compelled to 'defend the cause of the weak and needy.' The Church is compelled to 'speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves' and to expose the 'fruitless deeds of darkness.' When a candidate for a government office promotes the sin of abortion, God's people must take action to oppose this sin and defend those affected by it."

This being said, I've recently found out that a candidate for Kansas Attorney General that I was hoping might win (and actually might) is a supporter of abortion. Since my husband and I moved, we didn't get any information as to where we would even go to vote, so I guess we're not going to. I'd rather not vote than place a vote for a candidate who supports killing babies.

My grandma needs your prayers.

2006-09-28T22:04:00.000-05:00

My mom and I went to a couple of doctor's appointments with my grandma today before driving her across the state to my parents' house in town. The doctors didn't have wonderful news for my grandma, though.

Looks like she's going to have to have a total knee replacement, and her eyelids are drooping into her line of sight, so she's going to have to have them lifted. The latter, she will be able to get done at the end of next month. The former has yet to be scheduled.

My mom is planning to call the doctor's office where she and I go for our orthopaedic foot problems. There are doctors there who specialize in knees, and we know they're the best in the state. She will be staying with my parents for a while after her knee replacement while she recovers, since she lives alone otherwise, and will need help getting around and getting things done.

Her visit here this time, though, is for a little vacation. She's going to be working on making a maternity outfit for my sister, and she will probably be doing some shopping with my mom, my sister and me.

Anyway, please keep my grandma, and the rest of my family, in your prayers.

Baby Belly Update

2006-09-19T22:33:00.000-05:00

It's time once again to visit my sister's ever-growing baby bump. Her hubby, Nick, has been taking monthly pics of her in the same outfit (as long as she's able to wear it, that is). She's already wearing maternity clothes and getting emotional over things she normally wouldn't have before. She's so cute!

In case you can't read those dates, the first one is 15 July, the second is 13 August, and the third is 11 September.

Famous Judge Makes a Visit

2006-09-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Judge Marilyn Milian made a visit to Wichita to speak at a satellite University location. I knew she was coming because, as as an alumn of the University, I get an e-mail with a listing of the events coming up.

I was planning to attend her speech, anyway, because I'm a fan of hers and The People's Court, but I made a proposal to my boss that I go there and get an interview with her. (She was going to be speaking about Hispanics in the media.) He agreed.

I got to the facility about 30 minutes before the event was to occur, and promptly found someone who was working the event, and asked if there was a media staging area. He said yes, and led me backstage where Judge Milian was getting ready to appear, and was talking to only about two other news outlets, both television.

I got to spend about 10 minutes talking to Judge Milian, about 8 of which was in interview form, which I recorded. She is very personable, very intelligent, very nice, and smiles a lot. She is every bit as beautiful in person as she is on television.

She responded thoroughly to every one of my questions, including questions about how she got her job, if she sees it as an opportunity to be a role model to other Latinas, etc. (She said, by the way, that that is a very cool by-product of her position, but not one that influenced her decision to take her job.) And she did so very willingly. She even recorded something for me in Spanish for the Spanish station at my workplace!

At one time during my interview with her, she said that I was asking too good of questions, because a lot of what I was asking, she was planning on talking about in her presentation!

Anyway, just before she went out on stage, she signed a T-shirt for me: "You Rule! Marilyn Milian". I thanked her for her interview and went out into the auditorium and got my sound equipment hooked up.

I tried to get pictures of her during her presentation, but she moves a lot and very quickly when she's talking. She has a lot of energy! So, here are a few pics from the back of the auditorium, where I was sitting and walking around (trying to keep a close eye on my property that I left in a chair).

What an interesting birthday!

2006-09-12T15:45:00.000-05:00

So far, it's been a very nice birthday. One part of the day has actually been amusing! I went to my exercise class today, and then my mom and sister took me out for lunch. That was really nice, and I got to see my sister's slowly-expanding pregnant belly, which was cool. (She is now 4 months along, and already unable to fit into her regular clothes.)

Then, I decided I should go outside on my patio and water my geranium, because it looked thirsty and I want to keep the blooms looking nice, and decided to do some weeding, but then, I couldn't get back inside my apartment! I was talking to my mom on my cell phone because she was having trouble reaching my grandma and wanted me to try. It was a good thing I had my cell with me because I couldn't get my sliding patio door to reopen!

I called the manager's office and told the lady there that I had gotten locked out of my apartment and was on my patio. After a brief laugh, she said, "I'll come over and let you back in. I'm going to have to walk through your apartment, though. Is that okay?" Like I'm going to say, "No, I want you to find another way to let me in besides coming through my apartment." Ha! Of course, I said, "Yes, that's fine! I don't care!" Less than five minutes later, she was over to let me back in.

She had some trouble getting the door open, herself, so she sent a couple of maintenance guys over to work on the latch. I don't think I'm going to let the door close all the way anymore, though.

Why couldn't I get out of my patio, you ask? 1) My patio is made up of a 4-foot-high stone-brick wall with a 2-foot-high lattice on top that goes around the entire perimeter of my patio, attaching to my neighbors' apartments on either side, and I have no ladder out there, and I'm only 5 feet tall. 2) I'm pretty sure my front door was locked, and I didn't have my key with me.

Anyway, my boss sent me an e-mail birthday wish this morning, and my husband and I are going to have dinner together tonight, and then we're going to see a movie.

Remembering 9/11: Not Only the WTC towers

2006-09-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

Five years ago today, I was in a waiting room after getting my alergy shots when I saw the television. No, it wasn't the towers I saw, it was the Pentagon. I had a good friend who had worked at the Pentagon until about a year before the attack. She had a doctor's appointment scheduled there that morning. Apparently, the doctor's office was in the part of the Pentagon where the plane hit. Fortunately, she missed her appointment. Had she not, she would have been dead, incinerated by the blast.

When people remember the terrorist attacks of that fateful day, they seem to forget that the twin towers were not the only structures that were destroyed that day, and the lives lost there were not the sum total of all the lives lost.

I'm not trying to downplay the events of that day. Not in the least. I am simply trying to remind people that yes, a couple thousand people died in those towers, but between the United 93 flight that crashed in a field leaving a 50 foot crater in the ground and the plane that hit the Pentagon, there were at least 1,000 more people who died in those crashes.

About 3,000 people lost their lives that day. They all deserve to be remembered and mourned, not only those who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center towers. Remember and mourn also those who died at the Pentagon and in that field in Pennsylvania aboard United 93. Pray for those who escaped death and survived those attacks. Pray for the families of those who didn't.

United, we stand; divided, we fall. In God we trust. If we forget those who died, if we do not honor their memories, they will be lost forever. Likewise, if we categorize races with the acts of a few members of those races, we lose our ability to stay united, we lose our cultural diversity that binds us together into this great nation in which we live. We lose the wonderful gifts of diversity that God has granted us with.

We need to remember that those who died did not die at the hands of every Muslim person in this world. We need to remember that not all of middle-eastern descent are terrorists, and not all are dangerous. Not even all of middle-eastern descent are Muslim!

Remember those who died, remember those who lived and live still to remember that day. Remember those who are stereotyped as terrorists and are not. Remember that we are STILL Americans, and this is STILL the greatest country in the world. Remember that we must ALL stand together, or we will ALL fall together.

God bless the United States of America, and all her inhabitants.

iiiiiiiiiiiWESTANDUNITED
iiiiiiiiiiiWESTANDUNITED
iiiiiiiiiiiWESTANDUNITED
UNITEDWESTANDUNITE
UNITEDWESTANDUNITE
UNITEDWESTANDUNITE

It's so true. I need the prayers. (and) Happy Anniversary to us!

2006-09-04T19:51:00.000-05:00

My husband got that shirt for me when we visited Little Sweden, USA. We went to just about every little shop in town.

I also got a Swedish cookbook, an anniversary hotplate, and a Swedish rosette maker. We stayed at a wonderful little bed and breakfast called the Rosberg House. Isn't it cute?

The room we were in is the one with the three narrow windows at the top of the house. It's called the Heritage Room. Appropriate for a town that is very proud of its Swedish heritage.

I think we'll be staying there again in the future.

Sonogram Pics

2006-09-03T17:11:00.000-05:00

My brother-in-law, Nick, edited my sister's sonogram pics so I could share them with all of you. See the baby?

My niece or nephew's first pictures!!!

2006-08-31T15:41:00.000-05:00

Thank you to my sister, Tonya, for giving me permission to post this picture!

Tonya is 13 weeks and 5 days pregnant as of today. My mom and I went to her first doctor's appointment with her on August 30. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat (159 beats per minute), and when she had her first sonogram, we got to see the baby for the first time. We could see the head, including the two hemispheres of the brain, in those pictures, as well as the legs and spinal cord.

In the monitor, we could even see the hand where the baby seemed to be waving at the camera!

This kid is going to be a performer. He or she was moving all around during the sonogram, waving... very active. It's almost amazing that my sister can't feel all that movement, but I guess the baby is still too small for that.

I'm guessing my brother-in-law, Nick, took the picture of my sister's profile. See her cute little baby bump!

Baby is due on March 3, 2007. Nick and Tonya should be able to find out the sex of the baby at her next appointment, which will be at the end of September.

Congratulations to the soon-to-be mommy and daddy of a very active, healthy baby!

Finding humor in tragedy

2006-08-28T17:21:00.000-05:00

I'll probably add more to this post at a later time, as I find more topics that suit the title, but for now, this little gem:

I was listening to the police/emergency scanners at work when I heard the dispacher send a call out that sounded something like this:

"Two vehicles have hit a house, again, that's two vehicles versus a house."
An officer chimed in, "Was the vehicles moving, or was the house?"

By the chuckle in his voice, I could tell he was obviously joking. But, if the "house" was actually a mobile home, I guess the house could have been moving, too.

Celebrations all around!

2006-08-23T13:52:00.000-05:00

As we prepare for the wedding of one Random Dan to one Intolerant Elle, and send them our congratulations, I am reminded of other wedding-related celebrations occurring this month and next:

My husband and I will be celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary on August 31!!!! If I can get enough time off, we might be able to go to a bed and breakfast in Little Sweden, USA! How cool would that be? On our wedding night, we stayed the night at a castle bed and breakfast here in town, which was cool! I can't wait (and hope) to see what a Swedish bed and breakfast is like!

Also, a good friend of mine since high school is having a bachelorette party this Saturday evening, and she is getting married on September 9. She and her fiance have been together just as long as Ron and I have, and they've been engaged a little longer than we've been married! That's a long engagement!

And then, on September 12, I will be celebrating my 26th birthday. Not that that's a big birthday to be celebrating or anything, but it's just another celebration that's happening soon. It also means, if you did the math, that I was less than two weeks away from my 22nd birthday when Ron and I got married. When my sister and brother-in-law got married, my sister was only a couple of weeks away from her 22nd birthday, too.

And the day before our anniversary, my sister has her first appointment with her OB, and will probably be able to hear her baby's heartbeat for the first time! She's about 11 1/2 weeks along now, and is just barely, barely starting to have a little bit of a baby bump!

So many happy events happening very soon! Congratulations to Dan and Elle, Congratulations to Lori and Chris, and congratulations to Nick and Tonya! And a big Wahooooo!!!! for Ron's and my 4th wedding anniversary!

A Complimentary Comparison

2006-08-15T21:39:00.000-05:00

I went to the radio station this afternoon to record a phone interview with the State Treasurer for another At Issue program. This time, it's about unclaimed property and money, and how to find it and collect it.

Anyway, I was a little bit early, so I decided to drop by my boss's office to say hi. (He likes me and doesn't mind people dropping by without notice.) He's been going through old interview audition recordings trying to find someone to replace a part-time lady who recently quit, and he asked me what I thought of a couple of recordings.

After he let me listen to a couple of them, he said, "There's just something about it that's just not there. I can't put my finger on it. But when I listen to yours..." And then he played my audition recording, which I haven't heard since I was hired. "I mean, there's just no comparison!" I smiled and said, "Thank you." He smiled back and said, "You're welcome!"

Every once in a while, he turns on the radio while one of my news broadcasts is on, just to listen to how I sound, what I've included in the newscast, to see how I'm improving, etc. He said he was listening to my 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. newscasts this last Saturday, and he was very impressed. I told him at my interview that one of my biggest strengths was my ability to take constructive criticism very well, and since then, he's dropped me a couple of e-mails with constructive criticism in them. But today, it was all compliments.

I told him that I like what I'm doing at the station really well. In fact, I said, I think I like it more than newspaper work, and I was doing that for seven years! He got the biggest grin on his face, and said, "Really? That's good! I'm glad!"

I'll tell you: Of all the places I've worked, I have never had such a cool boss. Even my co-workers are cool. No one has a bad word about anyone else there. They really do treat everyone with integrity and respect. . . like family. . .family that gets along really well. I like it!

The calling of a pastor

2006-08-12T15:44:00.000-05:00

The original post, which was published on August 8, has been removed by the author by request of those involved in the story. If you would like to read the post and/or comments, or would like to make a comment as to its contents, please e-mail me at mrs dot t dot swede at gmail dot com.

Independent at last!

2006-08-07T17:59:00.000-05:00

I'm at a point right now when I can transition from my cam boot back into shoes, and my foot is strong enough now that I can depress the clutch in my pick-up. You know what that means: I can drive again!

Ron got me behind the wheel to practice depressing the clutch tonight, and I ended up driving all around the apartment complex. No pain, whatsoever. Unlike driving before I had my surgery, when the plate in my ankle would cause a cramp that would not allow my foot to move. There were times that I would be driving and my foot would cramp up, but I couldn't stop because I was in the middle of traffic, and I just had to put up with the pain of the cramp when I depressed the clutch. Never again!

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

What a good-looking foot!

2006-07-26T17:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess that's a matter of opinion. I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of my foot.

This first one is my doctor's nurse cutting through the cotton that was wrapped around my foot/leg and the plaster bracing that kept it from moving.

This lady is wonderful. She has taken so many casts off of me and put new ones on, and is the same one who removed all the stitches I had. Fortunately, I didn't have any skin staples. Dr. Howell was nice to me. ;)

And, here is my foot, after the stitches were removed and steri-strips were put in place. The steri-strips are kind of like bandages that just keep everything in place after the stitches are removed.

You'll notice the "X" on my leg. They have to mark with an "X" or a "YES" the side that they're going to be operating on.

I have some residual swelling and bruising, but it's not bad. By the way, the yellow you're seeing there is bededine, not bruising.

This was a rather minor surgery, as I said before. All my doctor did was remove a metal plate and screws that were put in two years ago when he had to use bone grafting in the reconstruction of my feet. He also took off some bone spurring: some that resulted from that metal plate being loose, and some that had been there for years. In fact, the latter is some that the Shriners had considered removing when I was a kid, but were afraid that it would come back since I was so young.

I guess I'm not so young anymore. ;)

Fancy footwork

2006-07-25T10:40:00.000-05:00

Today is the day I get my splint off and have the skin staples and stitches removed. And best of all, I get to skip casting altogether and go straight into a walking boot. I'm going to try to remember to take pictures of the splint before it gets cut off my foot, the staples before they get removed, and then me in my cam boot, which, by the way, is the same boot I used two years ago when I had my feet reconstructed.

The "good news" you're all waiting to hear:

2006-07-21T22:13:00.000-05:00

My younger (but taller) sister, Tonya, and her husband Nick are expecting their first child! They recently celebrated their second anniversary in June, and it is assumed that it was the celebration of said anniversary that led to the expectation of this child.

Anyway, since my sister is my only sibling, this will be my first niece or nephew by blood. My husband's siblings have children (well, all but one does, that is), but I never get to see them, and they're not blood relatives. Don't get me wrong, I still love them, but since they're all at least 1,000 miles away, it's difficult to see them.

So now, I'm taking suggestions as to what kinds of games and gifts to have for her baby shower, which will probably be in February. I've got a few ideas, but I'd love to hear yours.

By the way, my sister has worked in day care for a number of years, and is currently in a supervisory position at the child development center at the local Air Force base. She gets asked lots of parenting questions by parents who know that she has learned enough by day care experience and in her studies in college to know how to care for kids, but she is not so familiar with the whole pregnancy thing. So, any advice you would like me to send along to her would be great, too.

Congratulations, Sis!

At Issue: Inflammatory Breast Cancer

2006-07-21T10:27:00.000-05:00

This Sunday morning, a program that I have spent weeks putting together will air on several radio stations in the city. Of course, this is a pre-recorded, prepared program that will run while I'm either getting ready for church or on my way there with my husband. And the cool part is that you can listen, too! Just go to the podcasting site, click on the link, and listen. I guarantee it's worth your time. It won't be up until Sunday, though, so if you try to listen before then, you'll be out of luck.

The topic on the At Issue program that I did is Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Although it only occurs in 1 to 3 percent of all breast cancers, it is very much an unknown cancer. My program is one that is meant not to cause fear or panic, just to inform, to educate the public.

As a bonus, you get to see how meant-to-be-a-journalist I am, and you get to hear my voice, which is an added bonus, since blogging doesn't really give you any clue as to what this journalist from Kansas sounds like.

I've interviewed two doctors (although one gave a better interview because he's the president of the Cancer Center of Kansas), and one woman who is in remission from Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It's a very eye-opening segment, which is worth your time to listen to. As I say at the beginning of the segment, it's information that could just save your life or the life of someone you love.

And because it can attack anyone, particularly women, of any age (Dr. Dakhil said he's seen patients from age 25 to 80 with it), I have a good feeling that it is relevant to the majority of those reading this blog, too.

If you have any questions, please post them in the comments section. If it's something you don't want to share with others, e-mail me at mrs dot t dot swede at gmail dot com. I'll do my best to answer your questions, and if I can't, I'll give you a reference for who can.

It's kind of cool that I got to do this, because in reporting on IBC in this way, I have kind of become a mini-information source. This is the most awesome way to expand my mind, and I love every minute of it.

Pennies – The currency, not the store

2006-07-20T10:54:00.000-05:00

A few days ago when I was at work, I asked one of my co-workers if he could go downstairs and get something for me out of the vending machine. I had 70 cents in dimes, nickels and a quarter, plus five pennies that I couldn't use in the vending machine. Of course, the item I wanted was 75 cents. The guy who had gone down to get that item for me chipped in a nickel, and I offered him the five pennies to make up the difference, but (surprise, surprise) he didn't want them.

But when you go to the grocery store (at least in Kansas, where everything has tax added to it), you end up with an uneven total most of the time, so if you're paying with cash and want to use exact change, you have to use pennies. And, conversely, if you don't have exact change, you get pennies back. Some people just tell the cashier to "keep the change" because they don't want the pennies.

Obviously, since pennies don't work in vending machines, they're not going to work at a coin-operated car wash or gumball machine or anywhere else. They seem to only be useful when paying for something in a restaraunt or in a grocery store and using exact change.

And now, the government is considering getting rid of pennies altogether, because the zinc used in their production (about 97% of their production, in fact) is costing the government more than the coin is worth to produce. I don't know about what you think, but if the government gets rid of pennies, everyone is going to have to make changes. Tax rates will have to be rounded not down, but up, to bring the total of purchases, etc., to the next nickel. That's a huge change for everyone.

But, as for the positive, that means no loose pennies hanging around that will never be used. It also means that if the government is going to phase them out, we need to start collecting what we have. They may be worth a lot more someday.

Vocations and Medical Science

2006-07-14T19:35:00.000-05:00

I am only 25 years old, and have already had 18 surgeries on my feet, two hernia surgeries when I was very young, sinus surgery when I was in high school, and if you want to count it as a surgery, I had my wisdom teeth removed. If all of those are counted, I have had 22 surgeries, and I'm not quite done yet with my feet.

As far as my feet go, I have had my bones cut through, realigned, pinned, and shaved, and even have screws in some of them. I have so many scars on my feet, they look like they've been through a war. And if life and the fight to be able to walk can be considered a war, then the anaysis is appropriate.

Every time, my bones and my skin have healed well, and after the appropriate recovery time, the bones have worked better than before. It is incredible the strides that medical science has made to allow me to walk, and at the same time, it is very understandable. Why? Because the scientists and doctors working to make this possible have been given the ability to learn and to use their knowledge to help others through their vocations, given by God.

Even if some of these scientists and doctors deny the very existence of God, He uses them in order to bring healing and hope to those who otherwise would have none. I'll give an example:

Who do you think started and is responsible for funding much of the Shriners' Hospital at its various locations throughout the US? You realize that all of the work they do and the help they offer to their patients is done free of charge, right? The organization responsible is none other than the Masons. Masons aren't Christians, but they help Christians all the time. They also help Buddhists, Hidus, Muslims and any other group that seeks help from the Shriners' Hospital.

Vocations are interesting things: You don't have to be a Christian in order to help a Christian. You don't have to believe in God in order to be used by Him to help those who do believe in Him. Of course, I think it helps your vocation if you are a Christian. Anything and anyone can benefit from being a Christian, the biggest benefit, of course, being eternal life in Heaven.

Anyway, to avoid total digression, God uses even those who do not know (or even defy) Him for the good of those who do. That is how a group such as the Masons, who fund and largely support the Shriners' Hospital, can be used and given a vocation that helps people like me. Without the help I was given through the Shriners, I would not have been able to walk at all. The doctors who have benefited from the teaching done at those hospitals would not have learned what they did and would not have been in the position to help me or any of the millions of others who have been helped.

Of course, I hope and pray that eventually, these non-Christians one day become Christians. Christ has loved them and has been using them all along, helping them carry out very special vocations, to improve and, in some cases, save the lives of countless people.

Thank God for His compassion and love for ALL of His children, not just those who love Him back.

This is the way we wash our clothes, wash our clothes, wash our clothes...

2006-07-14T15:44:00.000-05:00

The new washing machine is here! I guess I should say it's a Maytag Neptune front-loading washing machine. Take a look! Isn't that a cool washer?!

We didn't actually have to pay the price that is listed. Because the store we got it from doesn't advertise, we actually paid about $130 less than the price listed on that page. Of course delivery was $60, and we got the extended warranty that will last us 12 years.

In about another month or so, we'll be able to get the accompanying Maytag Neptune dryer, too! And, of course, we'll be saving about the same amount on that one, too.

These machines are so quiet, and very efficient. I'm looking forward to having the pair so I can do all my laundry in our apartment's laundry closet instead of asking my mom to take our laundry home with her to do it or finish it up for us. I mean, it's really sweet of her to take our laundry with her and do it for us, especially since I'm not able to carry anything or drive anywhere, but I'm sure she'll appreciate it very much when we have both a washer and a dryer.

Some goals are easier than others to attain.

2006-07-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

The apartment complex that my husband and I recently moved into provides washer and dryer hookups in every apartment, which is nice. It's what we wanted. But we have never had a washer or dryer since we've been married because the complex we moved out of didn't have hookups. And since every one of these new apartments has hookups, there is no central laundry room.

So yesterday, when my husband came home for lunch, we drove over to the appliance store I worked at when I was in high school. They don't advertise, so they can pretty much beat anyone else's prices on every appliance they sell, and they don't have delivery people: technicians only. That way, when the technicians deliver the appliances, you're assured that everything will be hooked up correctly, and they can tell you exactly how to operate and care for your new appliance. Then, if you have any maintenace issues with it, even years after your purchase, they know exactly how to fix it, and have a warranty on the appliances and on their work for the life of the machine.

Anyway, since washers and dryers are so expensive (any good one that will last a long time, anyway), we just got the washer. It will be delivered sometime today between 2 and 6 p.m. In about 4 to 6 weeks, we should be able to get the accompanying dryer, too.

These are two of our expensive goals. The next one is to get a SleepLevel bed (similar to TempurPedic), and then a family vehicle since we want to start a family. We're looking at some of the smaller Toyota and Lexus SUVs. My pickup and his sports car aren't exactly baby-friendly.

Four years is long enough to wait after getting married, I think. I'm ready to be a mom. Give me the sleepless nights, the spit-up, the poopy diapers... I can handle it. It would be a blessing to have a child. And the older I get, the more I want one. At least one.

Hey, at least we'll have the washer and dryer by then so I won't have to take all the spit-up stained clothes and cloths to the laudromat. ;)

And I know my parents are looking forward to being grandparents. Maybe before long, they will be. Only God knows for sure when that will be. That's one of the reasons they built the house they're living in now. It has two guest bedrooms and a nice full basement that my dad still needs to finish. I teased them about building a bigger house AFTER my sister and I got married and moved away. Oh, well.

Getting closer to normal life...

2006-07-12T09:31:00.000-05:00

This morning, my mom is getting rid of her cam boot, and is transitioning back into shoes. The problem, which will soon be solved, is that the shoes she had before her surgery will no longer work because when her arch fell, it messed them up. So, hopefully, I'll get to go with her to help her find a new pair.

And then tonight, I'm going to go back to work for the first time since my surgery. My boss called me yesterday to see how I was feeling and to see when I might be ready to come back. He said that if I wasn't feeling up to it, I could wait until tomorrow to come back, or wait longer if I needed to. What a cool boss! I've never had a boss who called me to see how I was feeling, or who was so understanding as to tell me to take as long as I need to before coming back to work. He rocks! And if he somehow comes across this blog (which I'm not advertising at work), I hope he sees that I'm very appreciative of his generosity.

I haven't been taking too many percocet or other pain pills lately, although I should probably take more ibuprophen to help alleviate the swelling. Yesterday, I was able to go about nine hours in between doses, when I could have taken one pill every three to four hours. My pain is very manageable right now, which is excellent.

When my hubby gets home, I think I'll have him take a picture of me so I can put it on this blog and you can see for yourselves how I'm getting around, and maybe see the parts of our apartment that have been organized!

As for the "news" I'm waiting to share, which I mentioned yesterday: it's my sister's news, which she asked me to hold off on sharing until she gave me the go-ahead. So, sis, when you're ready, let me know, and I'll do a special post on it!

Blogging from Bed

2006-07-11T08:18:00.000-05:00

I'll bet you're all just dying for an update by now, aren't you? Well, we have our computer back, have finished moving, and I just had my surgery yesterday morning.

The new apartment is wonderful. I have a lot more room to put things in my kitchen, I have a dishwasher, and to top it all off, the management actually manages things (unlike where we used to live, where I would have to call the owner about problems because the manager liked his video games too much).

I was the first case of the day yesterday morning. I had to be at the surgery center at 6:15 a.m., and my surgery was scheduled for 7:30. As far as I know, I got in at that time, and the surgery only took about 30 minutes. I got a one-inch-long metal plate removed from my left foot, along with the corresponding one-inch-long screws that held it in place. They were going to do a regional block, but it didn't work, so they had to use general anesthesia. Oh, well. I was still able to go home by 10:30 that same morning!

I think the regional block did eventually work, though, because for the longest time yesterday, I couldn't feel anything from my knee down. I couldn't even move my leg starting at the knee: it was all like dead weight. And the splint is heavy, made with plaster for a shell, my leg is wrapped in cotton, and it's all held together by more cotton wrapping and a large Ace bandage.

Now, though, I can feel my leg and am starting to be able to wiggle my toes again, but I have to be careful, because if I do it too much, it starts hurting.

I have other exciting news to share, but I'm waiting to hear from the people it most directly affects before I share it with the world. I'm just bursting about it inside, though, because it affects me in a large part, too, although not as directly!

Well, my Terrible Swede is back at work today after taking all of yesterday off so he could help me and be with me. My mom, who has been driving herself now for a couple of weeks!, is planning on being over here at my new apartment sometime this morning so she can help me like I helped her when she was in my place. I already have some tasks waiting for her for when she gets here.

I am so thankful to God for allowing me to have this surgery, keeping me from too much pain, and for putting people in my life who truly care about me and are willing to help me out, even if they have to drive for 30-45 minutes to get to me, as my mom does.

And I'm also thankful for those who were with me when I was getting ready to go into the operating room: My husband, my mom, my sister, and Pastor Brockman from our new home church.

God is so good. My recovery is only supposed to be one month. I'll be in this splint until July 25, and then I get to have a cam boot, which I can walk in. I'll have that for two weeks, and then I can start wearing my shoes again! Fabulous!

Anyway, I think I'm going to see if I can find any pants that will go over this huge splint. I may just have to wear my shorts again. I'll write again soon. Now that I have Internet at home again, I can promise that.

Women (and men): Take Note!

2006-06-26T22:01:00.000-05:00

Being a member of the media has its advantages. Among those advantages is the opportunity to learn about and inform and educate the public about issues of deep importance. And since I frequently have foreknowledge of these issues, I will, from time to time, share them with you, especially if I think they are education items of dire urgency. This is one of those issues.

There is a relatively rare form of breast cancer that doctors are just beginning to learn about and try to find a way to treat. It is called Inflammatory Breast Cancer, and it can be deadly if not treated immediately.

A quote from the above-linked site:

INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER (IBC) is an advanced and accelerated form of breast cancer usually not detected by mammograms or ultrasounds. Inflammatory breast cancer requires immediate aggressive treatment with chemotherapy prior to surgery and is treated differently than more common types of breast cancer.

The symptoms are seemingly odd: red spots that may first appear like bug bites, fast swelling
of the affected breast that can add up to a cup size within a week, spots that look like bruising
that never go away, retracted nipples. . . If it's not recognized and treated aggressively, as stated above, it can be deadly.

I usually don't post about things like this, but I feel that it is of the utmost importance. I've already talked to my boss about writing a series of stories about this for our newscasts, and he wants them done very soon. I have yet to find a local connection to this story, so if you know where I live and know of someone in my area who's dealt with this, ask them to contact me if they would be willing, even anonymously, to talk to me about it in an interview.

Here is a link to a news broadcast that was done by one TV station. Watch it. This is not something you should overlook.

Moving on up!

2006-06-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

To the east side of town, that is, and to a bigger, better apartment. That's right. My hubby and I are soon going to be moving out of our 400 sq. ft. apartment into one that is 836 sq. ft. in a complex that has a swimming pool and tennis court, and a nifty club house! When does this move take place, you ask? Saturday, July 1. Needless to say, I've been busy getting things ready for the move, and that's why I haven't been posting on my blog since the Carnival.

Also, just as a note, we're supposed to be getting repairs done on our computer, and we have to send it away for about two weeks, so we won't be able to chat, blog or send or recieve e-mails very well until then.

And another item of interest: If you remember me talking about having to have more surgery, or even if you don't, I have an update on that, too. I will be having a metal plate removed from my left foot on Monday, July 10. This is a small plate that was put in place to hold together some bone grafting I had done two years ago. The surgery will be done on an outpatient basis, and will take less than an hour. I'll be home later that day.

My doctor said I'll have a splint (non-weight-bearing) for two weeks, and then can move into a walking boot for two weeks. After that, I can ease myself back into shoes. Not bad. Then, a few months later, I'll have to have the same thing done to my right foot. The good thing is that I shouldn't have to miss work or school.

My mom is doing well, too. She should be able to wear regular shoes in about three weeks, but she should be able to drive before that. Which is good, because it'll soon be time to switch roles and let her drive me around! ;)

I'll give you another update and post again after the computer gets fixed. May God bless you and keep you until we meet again.

Lutheran Carnival XXV: Whitsunday

2006-06-04T19:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 25th installment of the Lutheran Carnival! Compiled below are some fascinating posts from a number of wonderful bloggers, but before we get to the Carnival of Lutheran Blogs, I would first like to bring to your attention that this is Whitsunday, the first Sunday in the church season of Pentecost.

For your benefit, and mine, I have found some information given on the LCMS website that summarizes this season.

The word "Pentecost" is derived from the Greek word for "fifty." The Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, occurred 50 days after Jesus' resurrection and 10 days after His ascension.

The day celebrates the sending of the Holy Spirit to the disciples following Jesus' ascension. On the 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover week, the Jews celebrated a festival of thanksgiving for the harvest.

It was known by a number of different names: Feast of Weeks (Ex. 34:22; Deut. 16:10), Feast of Harvest (Ex. 23:16), Day of First fruits (Num. 28:26). The "Feast of Weeks" was the second-most important festival for the Jews. (The most important was Passover.) This explains why so many people from all over the Roman empire were in Jerusalem on the day when the Holy Spirit was sent (see Acts 2:8?11).

The Day of Pentecost is seen as the culmination of the Easter season. In many calendars, the day is listed as "Whitsunday." This comes from the phrase "White Sunday," and refers to practice of the newly baptized appearing in their white, baptismal garments on that day.

The color of the day is red, symbolizing the tongues of fire that appeared on the apostles. In the early church, Jesus' ascension and the sending of the Spirit were celebrated together. By the seventh century, Pentecost had become such an important festival that the whole week following was set aside to observe it. Law courts were not in session, and most work was forbidden.

By the 12th century this was limited to only three days. In most European countries the Monday after Pentecost is still observed as a holiday.

Pastor Snyder of Ask the Pastor adds the following:

Our Pentecost is actually celebrated *49* days *after* Easter (IOW, on the 50th day *of* the Resurrection) but its Jewish counterpart obviously had a different numbering.

Deuteronomy 16:9-10 says, "You shall count seven weeks. Begin to count the seven weeks from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain. you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand, which you shall give as the Lord your God blesses you."

Now that we have introduced Pentecost, it's time to meet our Church Father for this edition of the Carnival: C. F. W. Walther! I searched through all of the previous Carnival editions, and was surprised that no one had highlighted him. Most people have referenced some of his works, but never highlighted him.

Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm (C.F.W.) Walther (October 25, 1811 - May 17, 1887), was the first President of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and its most influential theologian.

Born a pastor's son in Langenchursdorf in the Kingdom of Saxony (part of modern-day Germany), Walther enrolled at the University of Leipzig to study theology In October of 1829.

He had to take six months off from the university due to a nearly-fatal lung disease; during the time off he acquainted himself with the works of Martin Luther, and became convinced that Luther's theology clearly taught the doctrines of Holy Scripture.

On January 15, 1837, he was ordained as a pastor in the town of Bräunsdorf, Saxony. He was soon at odds with the government of Saxony, because he believed it departed from the faith and practice of historic Lutheranism and promoted false doctrine.

Controversy over Stephan Walther and many others who opposed the Saxon government's view religious policies came together under the leadership of a Pastor holding similar views, Martin Stephan from Dresden.

In November 1838, eight-hundred Saxon immigrants left for America, hoping for the freedom to practice their religious beliefs. The settlers arrived in New Orleans on January 5, 1839, and the majority of immigrants settled in the area of St. Louis. Stephan served initially as the Bishop of the new settlement, but, having been charged with corruption and sexual misconduct, was swiftly expelled from the settlement, leaving Walther as the one of the most well-respected clergymen remaining.

Following this crisis of leadership, considerable debate filled the settlement over the proper role of the church in the New World: was it a new church, or did it remain within the German Lutheran hierarchy? Walther's position, derived from his reading of Luther during a long convalescence, prevailed: this was a new church, free of prior strictures and structures.

Walther's Ministry

In May 1841 Walther became Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, a position he held until his death. Later that year, on September 21, he married Emilie Buenger; six children issued from this union. On April 26, 1847, the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod was founded. Walther served as its first president, a position he held from 1847 to 1850 and again from 1864 to 1878.

During his forty years of involvement in the church, Walther held several positions, including that of president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (founded at Perry County, Missouri in 1838), President of Concordia Theological Seminary, now of Fort Wayne, Indiana (1861), and founder of the St. Louis Lutheran Bible Society (1853). He also began and edited several Lutheran periodicals, including Der Lutheraner and Lehre und Wehre. He wrote a number of theological books; perhaps the best known is The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel.

Walther also vigorously opposed the theologies of non-Lutheran denominations in America, the influence of the major secular philosophies and movements upon Lutheran thought and practice and defended the doctrinal and cultural heritage of the Lutheran Church. He died in St. Louis on May 7, 1887, and was buried at Concordia Cemetery, where a mausoleum was later built in his honor.

Now, on with the Carnival!

I'm giving the Golden Journalist's Pen Award to the first person who sent in submissions for the 25th installment of the Lutheran Carnival. This award goes to "Der Bettler" of Hoc Est Verum. He sent in a post entitled, "Real Church Growth." In it, he discuses "A look at an alternative plan for church growth." A more in-depth look is given into how we can achieve growth in our church without sacrificing or diluting our own core teachings.

The runner-up for the Golden Journalist's Pen Award goes to the second person to submit posts, turning them in less than one hour after Hoc Est Verum. That person is Dan of Necessary Roughness with his post entitled "Paying for Consequences, Known and Unknown." He says, "The New York Times, in an article about HPV, puts forth the assumption that Christians oppose mandatory vaccination on religious grounds." Dan refutes this and goes on to attack the logic that we are to avoid sinful behavior simply because of its consequences.

Dan also submitted a post entitled "CEN and Vespers at Memorial in Houston." He describes having the opportunity to visit Memorial Lutheran Church and School on Christian Education Night and reports on the teaching and language skills of the senior pastor.

Dr. CPA of Three Hierarchies submitted a number of good posts: First, he uses two obscure byways of Christian history to illustrate the enduring relevance of Luther's reading of St. Paul's
epistles. In "How Do I Get a Gracious God?" in the Intertestamental Era, he shows that a Jewish apocryphal dialogue exemplifies the kind of temptation and despair that some would like to see as only a personal eccentricity of Luther. In "The Theodicy of Bondage of the Will in Novel Form," CPA illustrates this same movement from despair of God's mercy to reliance on Christ in the novels of Harriet Beecher Stowe.

In an older post, "What is Christian Liberty For?" he argues that multi-culturalism – of a specific kind -- is central to practicing and understanding Christian liberty. In "Is Fermented Mare's Milk Unclean?" he illustrates the theological and pastoral disaster that can strike when Paul is not read as making a general statement about all law in his statement that the Law can never justify, but as only including Jewish law or Mosaic law.

The next submission comes from Outer Rim Territories, who discusses The Baptismal Practice & Theology of the Early Church and Martin Luther. This post was written for a seminary class. If you are confused about certain elements of the baptismal rite (like candle, garment, anointing) or the historicity of the rite, it might be useful. The PDF chart comparing the rites is most useful.

Next is Pastor Klages from A Beggar At The Table, with his post "Pray for your Pastor." On behalf of pastors everywhere, Pastor Klages encourages his readers to pray for their pastors. Mrs. T. Swede's note: This is important. Pastors don't often get to worship on Sundays like the people they minister to; they are too busy working. When you pray for your pastor, you give him spiritual nourishment, too. It's also important to thank God for your pastor.

Frank at Putting Out the Fire submitted "Easter Hymn For Rogate," in which he gives us his thoughts on hymnody being a confession of faith. He continues his series of posts on hymnody with a look at how a hymn should reflect the doctrine of Sola Gratia set forth in Scripture. His hymn for Rogate is used to touch on the subjects of conversion, grace and justification.

And I am pleased to introduce, submitting to the Carnival for the first time, Old School Confessional, and his post, "Plagiarism in the Pulpit." This brief post laments the deplorable practice of preaching sermons that a pastor did not write himself. It invites discussion on this topic with regard to prevalence of the practice; importance of the issue; and pastoral fidelity to the Word of God, the congregation, and the ministry.

Then, we have the founder of our Lutheran Carnival, Random Dan (or, as my husband calls him, Dan the Geologist) from Random Thoughts of a Confessional Lutheran. In his post called "Tough Love," Dan explains why he is harder on LCMSers who go wrong than on others outside the LCMS. Mrs. T. Swede's note: In my opinion, it's easier to see where people are going wrong when you are firmly planted in the correct theology, and at the same time, harder to understand why they would stray.

Kelly of Kelly's Blog submitted "Mensa"-styled Bible puzzles. Kelly tries her hand at creating some Bible puzzles styled after a certain Mensa game format. Give it a whirl and see how you do. (This particular game plays a little like reverse "Outburst.")

Next, our organist friend Sean of Hot Lutheran On Lutheran Action submitted "The Confessional Lutheran Church: A Church That's All About You." Sean makes an unusual statement in his pitch for why the Confessional Lutheran Church has the most to offer: It's all about you! Mrs. T. Swede's note: Thank you, Sean, for telling us about how God serves us by His Word. I think this is something we should all take note of.

Aardvark Alley had its usual complement of church festivals and commemorations. Among them, he shined the spotlight on early Church historian and theologian The Venerable Bede. He also introduced his readers to clever continuations of C. S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters in Oh! The Wormwood and the Gall.

Some people, like Pastor Snyder (Thanks again, Pastor, for your help with the Pentecost info!), are a part of more than one successful blog, each with wonderful information and thought-provoking wisdom to share.

1.) Luther Library continues to review books on a wide range of topics. This week, Dcs. Emily Carder gave a glowing report, highly recommending Women Who Make the World Worse by Kate O'Bierne.

2.) Should there be Prayer in Public Schools? Yes and no, opines Pastor Snyder of Ask the Pastor. He gives his reasons why he wouldn't want to return to the "good old days" of his youth in the 60s. Among a wide variety of other questions with which he dealt, he dealt with issues of pastoral confidentiality as he discussed The Seal of the Confessional. He also discusses The Da Vinci Code: Mormons and the Marriage of Jesus, in which he explains what the Mormons believe and teach regarding the life of Jesus, and whether He was married.

TK of Be Strong in the Grace submitted a post which deals with a topic close to my heart. I always enjoy reading what she has to post, and this one is no different: Beauty of Private Confession and Absolution. This is something I find particularly comforting and wonderful, and I pray that everyone has the opportunity to read this. (I have also posted about private confession in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.) In TK's post, she talks about her family's first, but not last, experience with private confession and absolution.

And now, the very latest entry to the Carnival: Terrible Swede and his post Conflict of Interest. In this post, he asks for answers to the question of what pastors do when he and the local congregation that supports the him differ on theological issues (women elders, abortion, open communion, etc.). If you have an idea of how these issues can be solved or mediated, let him know.

Finally, a draft to the Carnival, recommended by Dan of Necessary Roughness. Pastor Borghardt of Bloghardt's Reflector brings us Gospel Freedom and Its Limits. In his post, Pastor Borghardt says "To prescribe an end to Gospel freedom is to put a Law on the Gospel. You don't wanna do that. Why? Well, if there is a limit on the Gospel, then we are lost. For, there would be a limit to Christ's all availing sacrifice FOR ALL men." To learn more on this topic, go to his site and read on!

Just as a reminder, the next Carnival will be hosted by A Beggar at the Table. Submissions are due June 16, and the Carnival should be up by June 18.

Also, more hosts are needed! If you would be willing to host Carnivals XXVII through XXIX, please send an e-mail to daniel dot sellers at gmail dot com, and put the words Carnival Host in the subject line.

The Carnival is ready to publish, but...

2006-06-03T22:22:00.000-05:00

My husband decided he wants to submit something, too. The problem is that he hasn't written it yet. His plan is to write it while I'm at work tomorrow afternoon. I have to be at work at 1:30 p.m., and I won't get home until around 6:30 p.m., so if he has it written by then, I might have the Carnival up by 7 p.m.

In the meantime, feel free to badger him by e-mailing him at t dot swede at gmail dot com. And thank you all for your submissions, and your patience. This is going to be an awesome Carnival, whether or not my husband gets his post submitted to me before I beat him over the head with the laptop. (Just kidding.)

All right, slow pokes...

2006-05-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

So far, only THREE people have sent submissions to this edition of the Lutheran Carnival! And it's Wednesday! Where are all of the regular contributors? This is going to be a really
lame carnival if only three people have submissions. So, start typing, people! You have until 7 p.m. Friday to get your submissions in. THAT'S TWO DAYS AWAY!

Come on, people. Don't let us down. For directions on how to submit your posts, see the link in my post below.

IT'S CARNIVAL TIME!!!

2006-05-28T18:50:00.000-05:00

All right, so it's been a while since I've posted anything. But I'm about to make up for it... Carnival style!

That's right, I'm hosting the next Lutheran Carnival right here on Journalistic Jargon. There are no house rules, so whatever Lutheran stuff you have, especially if it has to do with the upcoming church season of Pentecost, which starts Sunday, please send in your posts. If you have more than one post you'd like to send in, please do. If you have more than four, please pick your best four and send them in.

Make sure you follow the directions on the main Carnival site, and e-mail your summaries to lutheran carnival at gmail dot com. Let's make this a great one.

Update on my mom

2006-05-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, my mom got rid of her non-weight-bearing cast and traded it in for a walking cast. She is doing very well, and is thrilled that she no longer has to hop along. (Hopalong, that's funny! Just kidding. Sort of.) She'll be in the walking cast for a month, after which, she gets a cam walker, which is a plastic shell brace with a fabric insert that straps onto the leg for removable support. She'll have the boot for two weeks, so right now, she's half-way back to normal.

Thank you for all your prayers!

God is on my side

2006-05-10T22:44:00.000-05:00

You know, you hear people say that a lot, mostly when they are trying to intimidate others or brag on their good luck. But God really is fighting for you more often than you give Him credit for.

Disaster was avoided today, but by less than one car-length. God was truely looking out for me and the other drivers around me. Here's what happened:

I was heading home from my parents' house after helping my mom out today, driving on the highway at 70 mph, when some girl in a small Honda car pulled out onto the highway from a side street right in front of me. I had to slam on the brakes. In fact, I did so so hard that my tires squeeled for about five whole seconds. I honked at the driver of that car, and she seemed to be slowly speeding up. I had to slow down from 70 to about 35 or 40 mph in less than five seconds. I came within less than one car-length of smashing her back end in and disabling my pick-up. A crash like that would have totaled both vehicles, and would have seriously injured us both.

Before you ask, no, it was not possible for me to move into the lane next to me: there were other cars there, and at the rate of speed I was travelling and braking, had I tried to swerve or switch lanes, I could have rolled my truck. I'm just thankful that God was there to guide me and make me realize this in the split seconds it happened in.

Yes, God was protecting all of us who were driving on that highway today. Had he not, several people could have been in the hospital right now.

See, I could say, "God protects me from stupid drivers," but then I would also have to say that God protects them from me, and that he protects them from themselves and others who might not react in the same collected way that I did.

Whenever I'm afraid or uncertain of something, I try to always remember my Confirmation Bible verse: Joshua 1:9. It says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

It seems to work in almost every situation in which I am uncertain or afraid of something or someone. I always know that God is on and by my side. He guides me and the people around me. And although we're not always the best at listening to Him, He protects us and only allows those situations and people into our lives because He has a plan.

I have shared that passage with a lot of people, and it is always a comfort. Who wouldn't want to know that God is always there? I mean besides our sinful nature, which always wants to believe we can do it all without God's help?

If we're honest with ourselves, we know that the only way we can survive in a world at turbulent and violent as our own is if God is there beside us, guiding us and leading us, and oftentimes carrying us. Let's face it: if we were in charge and didn't have our Christian faith, we'd be no better off than the agnostics, athiests and non-Christian religions of the world who deny the One True God. One has only to look at the Islamic nations.

I have a reading suggestion for you. (What? This from the woman who hardly reads any book that's not assigned to her to read?) Yes, and I promise you will find it intriguing, one you won't easily be able to put down. It's called "The Great Divide: The Failure of Islam and the Triumph of the West" by Pastor Alvin J. Schmidt.

When you read this and further your understanding of just how wonderful our God truly is, especially compared to the other religion in this world that has millions of followers, you will also see just how powerful it is to know that our God, the One True God, is always with us, no matter where we go or what situations may try to take us from Him. His love is so strong.

Thank you, God, for being with me wherever I go, and for keeping me safe in the shadows of danger and death. Amen.

A Birthday Wish...

2006-05-05T13:41:00.000-05:00

Happy 30th Birthday to Random Dan, the geologist!

I've got mail!

2006-05-05T13:33:00.000-05:00

Fan mail, that is! When I was at work yesterday, I checked my mailbox, and to my surprise, I had a postcard in it from one of our listeners. Here is what it says:

"Congratulations on having 'Mrs. Swede' as a newscaster! Her diction is perfect. It is a pleasure to be able to understand her."

Of course, s/he used my real name, even though it was misspelled. This postcard came from someone I've never met before, but s/he likes my reports. I've never had fan mail before. I think I could get used to it, though! ;)

An update, at long last

2006-05-02T20:14:00.000-05:00

I've been keeping really busy lately. Every weekday, I help my mom do at home and around town what she cannot do herself. Today, it was taking my parents' poodle to the vet to have his teeth cleaned, Mom in tow. It's been kinda nice spending quality time with my mom. To her benefit, she's found out how well I've learned to cook!

As of today, my mom has one week left before she gets a walking cast. Before you get too excited, it's still going to be about two weeks after she gets her walking cast before she can walk without crutches, and she's still not going to be able to drive until she's completely free of casts and splints and everything.

So, that's what I'm doing during the daytime. And if you've been wondering why I've not said anything lately about searching for work, it's because I did find something. It's only part-time, but it's gaining me some attention, whether I really want to be publicly recognized or not: I've been hired as a radio news anchor. I only work one or two weeknights regularly, and I'm also working weekends. All of my hours are evening and nighttime. Most of the time, unless I'm covering for someone, I get off work at midnight, and get to bed at about 1 a.m.

I'm enjoying my work, although I wish I worked more hours and got more pay for my education and experience. On the plus side, my schedule is flexible and my boss is wonderful. I've never heard any of my co-workers speak ill of him. In fact, it's been the complete opposite: they have all said how understanding and kind he is.

The really cool thing is that I almost always know what's happening in the world/community before anyone else does, and it's up to me to get that information out there, and/or send out one of our reporters to get the info. I get to write up stories, record voice clips, and deliver that information to the largest listening audience in all of Kansas.

Now, this broadcasting group and the two stations (FM and AM) that I'm associated with play music, too. However, because of my personal preferences and because I'm way too busy to pay attention to it, I don't listen to the music: I focus on the news I'm reporting. It's important in this industry to make it seem as if you're talking directly to each and every person who's listening. So I pay close attention to the news, completely ignoring the music that's played, if I can help it. ;)

I'll type more later, I promise. :)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!

2006-04-19T16:59:00.000-05:00

In case you have not noticed or visited Random Dan's blog site, check out the reference to Intolerant Elle in his left sidebar. It's changed, and so have our plans regarding them!

My husband and I have known for a while, but we had to keep our fingers off the keys regarding this news because it wasn't our news to announce. My husband and Dan are best friends, so we will be attending the wedding, of course.

You may want to frequent Dan and Elle's blogs to get more information as they release it. I'd tell you more about it if it was my news to release.

It's time to celebrate!!!! Congratulations to the happy couple! May God bless you with many years (not tears).

Not again!

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

This morning, I went to see my orthopaedic doctor because for the last few months, my left foot has been cramping up on me, and in the place where I have a metal plate that was surgically inserted to keep a bone graft in place, it pops every once in a while, causing a jolting pain. I had to get a referral, believe it or not, to see the doctor who put that plate in, because my husband and I have an HMO insurance plan, and specialists aren't covered except by referral.

Anyway, when I saw my doctor this morning and told him what has been happening, he had a couple of x-rays done and examined my foot where I told him I have been having the pain. He came to this conclusion: I have a slight bone spur near the metal plate, and that metal plate needs to be removed because it's a little loose. It would, more than likely, be a same-day procedure, but I would probably have to be casted for a while until that area healed, but I'm not sure. Our conversation didn't get that far.

I told him that I would like to wait until my mom is able to get around on both feet before I have that done, because it would disallow me from taking care of her when she needs me. Also, I won't be able to drive after I have this done, because I drive a manual transmission pick-up and have to use both feet to drive it. He said that would be fine, and I'm scheduled to go back for a follow-up visit on June 6, at which time we will probably schedule the surgery.

By the way, for those of you who are keeping track, this will be surgery number 18 for me, between the two feet. I've had other surgeries in the past, too: two hernia surgeries when I was about 5 years old, and sinus surgery when I was in high school. I guess you could say I'm a mess. Surgery doesn't really scare me anymore. In fact, when my doctor was talking to me about it today, I didn't flinch or tear up or anything: I handled it very matter-of-factly.

See, when it's me, I don't care all that much, as long as it's nothing serious, and praise be to God that nothing I've ever had to have done was of a serious nature. But when it's someone else, like my mom, it really affects me.

Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that my family and I can never have enough prayers said for us. I've asked for prayers so many times that I know some of you are probably saying the same thing I am: "Not again!" Well, yes, unfortunately, it will happen again.

Maybe by the next time I need something done with my feet, the doctors and scientists will have developed working artificial feet and ankles, and I can just have them replace mine. You think I'm joking? My doctor told me two years ago that they're working on that, and I'd be "an exellent candidate." No joke. You will be amongst the first to know if that ever happens, though. It's probably very far away from being a workable invention.

Thank you for the prayers!

2006-03-31T21:19:00.000-06:00

Finally, my mom is resting semi-comfortably in her own house, after having been admitted for foot surgery Wednesday. She stayed Wednesday and Thursday nights in the hospital, and was released at about noon today.

She is doing remarkably well. She's able to get around fairly well with crutches, although she's too weak yet to get too far right now. I'm really quite astonished at her progress.

This is quite a role-reversal for me. All the time I was growing up, she was the one taking care of me while I was going through my foot surgeries, and now my sister and I are taking turns caring for her while my dad is working. Strange, but I'm glad that after all she's done for me, I can finally show her my compassion and do for her what she's always done for me.

Her recovery will take about three months, so your prayers for a speedy and healthy recovery are still needed. I will probably be giving more updates as time goes along, so stay tuned.

Once again asking for prayers

2006-03-29T08:34:00.000-06:00

My mom is having surgery on her right foot today at 2:30 p.m. CST. Please pray that the surgery and her recovery go well, and that her pain is minimized.

As most of you already know, I've gone through 17 foot surgeries, so I know what my mom is facing, but it's completely different when someone other than yourself has to go through the same thing. Please keep her and her surgeon and nursing staff in your prayers today, and during her three-month-long recovery period.

Good quote about marriage

2006-03-24T10:52:00.000-06:00

"I love being married. It's so great finding that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." -Rita Rudner

Just ask my husband: it's so true!

WU Shocka-locka-locka!

2006-03-24T08:37:00.000-06:00

GO WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY SHOCKERS!!!!!!!

We are the Black and Gold

"We will, we will SHOCK you!"

Sweet 16, Baby! Yeah! GO SHOX!

My alma mater kicks @$$!

You know, I'm not really much of a sports fan, but when the university I graduated from is doing so well and gaining national attention at the same time, I can't help but be proud. This is the first time in 25 years that WSU has done so well as to make it to the Sweet 16 basketball tournament. Did ya catch that? I was only an infant!

In case you're wondering, yes, I know we have one of the strangest mascots there is: a shock of wheat that's supposed to look intimidating. Well, interesting history: When Wichita University, as it was known at the time, opened, most of the students worked on farms shocking wheat into bundles during harvest times in order to earn money to attend their classes. Those who did this kind of work were called Wheat Shockers. Well, the name stuck, and for more than 100 years, those who attend Wichita State University, as it is now known, are referred to by the name Shockers. (No, Dan at NR, it's not "shucking." That's what you do to corn husks. ;D)

GO SHOCKERS!

From drought to this!

2006-03-20T16:16:00.000-06:00

For several months, Kansas has had no rain, no precipitation of any kind. Now, we have had three days of rain in a row, and are expecting snow. This is a very welcome relief for many people, as most of the state has been in extreme fire danger for a very long time, and the crops that farmers are trying to grow have been dying.

For those of you not familiar, there are vast portions of the state that are unoccupied by people. The majority of these portions are comprised of farmland, on which is raised wheat, soybeans, alfalfa, maize (a kind of funny-looking corn used to feed cattle), some corn, sunflowers, and, of course, cows, horses, goats, pigs, etc. (These are not allowed within city limits, though.) For this reason, when the thousands of acres of land have caught fire, there were very few homes damaged, but the naturally high winds and few access roads made it difficult for these fires to be put out. Also, because these are generally unoccupied areas, there were few (if any) water lines to the affected areas.

Don't think, though, that the towns and cities have been out of danger, though. In fact, there is a greater danger where there is a large population of people, because people can be very stupid. You'd think that when the television news, radio news and newspaper have been telling people for months that we are in extreme drought conditions and that a burn ban is in effect, people would understand that this means they can't burn their trash in outdoor incinerators, and that it's not a good idea to throw their lit cigarettes into the grass or out of their car windows while driving down a road that has crispy dry grass on both sides. But, alas, people do very dumb things, and then think, "Oh, gosh, how horrible!" when they hear about the grass fires in town.

One fire got dangerously close to an LCMS church in Wichita!

We are hoping and praying that the rain we have and continue to receive will take us out of drought conditions, but we're not sure. Because our land has been parched for so long, it will take a lot of steady moisture to refresh the land enough that the grasses and crops won't catch fire after a day of no rain.

Please pray for those in the affected areas that their land and homes are spared, and that those who would be responsible for setting these fires (however ignorant of their involvement they may be) would have the common sense to properly dispose of their trash and cigarettes. Or that Divine intervention takes over and prompts them to avoid such behaviors that would contribute to the need to dispose of burning materials in the first place. :)

Prayer request for my mom

2006-03-15T17:02:00.000-06:00

At the end of this month, my mom is going to be having foot surgery similar to what I had in April (just before Easter) and at the end of July in 2004. (You may look through my archives to find postings on these, if you wish.) It will take about three months after the surgery before she's able to walk without assistance again. Please keep her in your prayers. She's never had foot surgery before and is scared and experiencing a great amount of anxiety over this.

Oh, what a laugh!

2006-03-14T17:48:00.000-06:00

Dan the Geologist found some people looking for a Lutheran Carnival to get involved in, but they think ours is run by right-winged, disgruntled Lutheran pastors, and are comparing us to Atilla the Hun because we don't believe that the ELCA is really Lutheran anymore, and that a lot of LCMSers have compromised their faith enough that they can't be considered true LCMSers. Well, part of that is right – the latter part. As for who is running our Carnival, the administrators are none other than three LCMS laypeople! Also, most of the people who submit posts to our Carnival are also laypeople.

Those on the message board Dan mentioned (and linked to) think that those who are submitting posts are all angry LCMSers. Here's what Dan had to say on that:

"Maybe my girlfriend (who is WELS) might dispute that, along with the current LC host. She belongs to the ELS. Of course, some of our contributers come from Canada (LCC) and England (ELCE)."

Well, to those who may be looking at this blog post, I am an LCMS laywoman, born and bred. I am a quia subscriber to the Unaltered Book of Concord, and, thanks to my husband who has studied in-depth the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, I have learned more about what it means to be a Lutheran and about why it's important to subscribe to the UBoC.

Am I a right-winged pastor? No, women have no place in conducting pastoral duties in the LCMS (or elsewhere, IMHO), and I have no desire to go against my beliefs and our Synod in order to do so. I am obviously not a feminist even though I am a very confident and educated woman. All of this, yet, I have submitted posts to the Lutheran Carnival a number of times. Hmmm... Rethinking in progress, people?

I'm no theologian, at least not in the sense of one who has done deep theological study at a seminary or otherwise, but I do know what Luther's Small Catechism teaches, and I do understand the teachings of the Unaltered Book of Concord, and I also believe that to go against these publications (which are expositions and explanations on Scripture) is to go against what the Bible teaches, the Bible being the ultimate authority since it is the inerrant Word of God.

I am not an angry person, although I disagree with much of what is going on within our Synod, and with the liberals who put 1960s and 1970s feminism and touchy-feely, pastorless group studies ahead of what the Bible teaches. There are other issues, but I'll leave it at that. But just because I disagree doesn't mean I'm an angry person, and anyone who has gotten to know me over the last couple of years that I've been blogging can testify to that. There are also people with whom I've attended church all my life who could testify to that, even if they don't agree with me.

I believe that most of those who submit posts to the Lutheran Carnival are like me, although, contrary to popular belief, not all are members of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Regardless, I consider these people friends, although there may be issues of belief on which we disagree. I still enjoy reading their posts and commenting on them, and love the fact that they contribute their thoughts and posts to the Carnival.

If you are Lutheran and you don't agree with us, you don't have to associate yourself with us. It's like a blonde who's hitting her head against a wall and saying "Ouch!" every time her head hits that wall. "Why do you hit your head against the wall like that if it hurts?" someone asks. She responds, "Because it feels so good every time I stop."

(BTW, I'm a very well-educated blonde who enjoys blonde jokes, in case you couldn't figure that out from my reference.)

One more question before I open this up to comments: Is it Christian behavior to bash other Christians for their beliefs? (Answer: NO! Don't do it. I'm simply setting these ill-informed people straight.) I do moderate my comments, and any that come across as un-Christian will be deleted and/or publically called for such behavior. Comments made in a public forum are subject to correction and admonission in a public manner by myself and/or others on my behalf, as long as they are done in a Christian manner.

Let's go to the Carnival!

2006-03-14T07:39:00.000-06:00

TK at Be Strong in the Grace is hosting Lutheran Carnival XIX. You've got to see all the wonderful entries. There are more submissions for this Carnival than there have been for any previous Carnival! Even some newbies have sent in their submissions. Go to it!

"Roe v. Wade for Men"

2006-03-09T17:57:00.000-06:00

On the news tonight was a report about a man who has struck a lawsuit to make Roe v. Wade apply not only to women, but also to men. Mr. Dubay said that his girlfriend told him that she was pregnant a couple of weeks after they broke up, and that he didn't want the child. She did, and used her parental rights to collect child support for their daughter.

You can read the story here. After you do (or before, whichever you choose, but it might help to have the full background), read my commentary below.

First of all, I don't believe that Roe v. Wade should ever have been passed. Here's why: In almost every case (excluding rape), a woman gets pregnant by doing something that she chose to do in the first place – SHE HAS SEX. Now, God instituted sex for a very important reason: procreation. So, unless you're ready to parent a child, you shouldn't be having sex in the first place. Forget the popular notion of relationship bonding or security. Sex does not equal commitment unless it is performed within the context of marriage (and even that is screwed up nowadays).

So, if sex is used in the way it is meant to be used, and is reserved for marriage, issues such as Roe v. Wade would not be issues at all.

Pregnancy and birth of children are gifts from God. When a woman becomes pregnant, God is using her body to bring forth a new creation. In other words, she should not have the choice of whether to keep or kill the child. This is not a "problem" that a woman or anyone else should feel compelled to "fix" by destroying the child. Pregnancy is a choice only insofaras the mother and the father had sex by choice and created a child as a result. Choice does not come into play after the child has already been conceived. Therefore, women should not have the "choice" to destroy the life growing within them, and neither should the men who father those children.

That being said, there is no reason that a man should be able to "opt out" of fatherhood. If you sew the seed, be ready to ready to reap what you have sewn. In other words, be ready to take care of a child if you decide to have sex, because that is one of the consequences.

The "equality" issue of men not being able to choose abortion over life is, in my view, a moot point, because I, and so many others like me, see Roe v. Wade as an abomination to God's Word and His creation.

The only time an abortion should be allowed is if the life of the mother is in danger of being lost. Other than that, if a mother finds herself unexpectedly pregnant (which shouldn't happen if she's having sex within the context of marriage), she should expect to carry the child to full-term and either raise the child herself with or without the help of the father, or give the child up for adoption.

Summary: If you do the crime, be prepared to do the time and pay the fine.

Scary, but interesting.

2006-03-09T12:29:00.000-06:00

Mount Vesuvius is waking up. This volcano hasn't had a major eruption since the year 75 A.D., but that may soon be changing. If and when it does erupt, more than 600,000 people could be affected, and a great many of those could be killed.

According to one researcher, "Using a standard statistical test, there is more than a 50 percent chance that a violent eruption will happen at Vesuvius next year. With each year that goes by, the statistical probability increases."

HT: The Discovery Channel

Rejected

2006-03-08T14:06:00.000-06:00

It has been 7 1/2 months since I lost my job at the local newspaper, and I have been to several interviews, inquired about countless job possibilities, and been to about five career fairs and expos (another of which is this coming Tuesday, and still another next month), and all I have to show for these efforts is a stack of rejection letters. I'm starting to wonder if God wants me to work at all.

I got another job rejection letter in the mail today from a company that would have been ideal. Incredible benefits, tuition reimbursement, opportunities unmatched by any other company out there... gone.

Sometimes I feel as though I've lost the most important race of my life, like I'm a loser at a game I thought I was the best at playing. I have the education, but I'm too young to have all the experience these employers want, and without a chance, I will never get the experience they want.

Other issues press me, too. For example, the church my husband and I joined while we were still engaged more than four years ago has adopted a practice that goes against not just our consciences, but against what is taught in the Scriptures, and they do not feel that their spiritual lives will be or are negatively affected by this. My husband and I are among six people who are leaving this church because of that position. (I will post on this later.) So, we're driving an hour each way to go to a different church, where we know we will not have to put up a fight every Sunday.

Someone told us recently that they almost think of us in terms of the fight we've put up as being somewhat prophetic. "A prophet is not welcome in his own home." No job (for me. Ron still has a good job, of course), no local church to go to... But hopefully things will look up for us soon.

If I'm not meant to work, then that must mean that God has other plans for me. I'm going to keep trying, though, just in case the right job is still out there waiting for me. It took me two years to find the last job I had, but most of that was because I was going through major reconstructive foot surgeries and it took me six months to be able to walk again. There is no such excuse this time.

Please pray that our local congregation sees its errors and repents, and that whatever God's plan for my employment or lack thereof is fulfilled according to His Will.

Concert Excitement Meets SciFi Blues

2006-03-07T09:28:00.000-06:00

Either Thursday or Friday, I was listening to these crazy deejays come up with a contest in which callers could call in, and if one deejay hit another with a can of pop (or soda or whatever you call it) from the top of their radio building while that caller was on the phone, that caller won tickets to see Kid Rock in concert in Kansas City, MO, this coming Friday.

As it turns out, I was on the phone when said can hit the deejay, and I won the tickets! So yesterday, I was working on finding us a motel room that's far enough away from the concert not to be booked solid, on our way to and from Kansas City, and that was within our budget. I finally found one that works, and while Ron was watching Stargate SG1 on the SciFi channel, he said, "Oh, no! The season finalies are this Friday! You have to find out if that motel gets the SciFi channel." Of course, they don't, so he told me he wanted me to find a motel that gets SciFi.

I said, "I'm sure the only hotels or motels that get that channel are in downtown Kansas City, and they charge about $90 a night, at least. We're not paying that for one night. I'll just find someone to tape it for us."

"Who's going to tape three hours of SciFi for us?" he said. "We'll just try to leave the concert at 9:30 or 10:00 so we can get back to the motel and watch the repeats."

"Ron, the concert starts at 7:30," I retorted. "I really don't want to leave if the concert isn't over at 9:30 or 10:00. I'll just find someone to tape it for you. . . Trust me. I'll find someone. Maybe my parents or my sister and brother-in-law. They get the SciFi channel."

He still wasn't satisfied, but he was tired after having taken some cough medicine with codeine in it that I got him from our doctor, so he went to bed.

In the meantime, I stayed up to chat on Tabletalk (Confessional Lutheran chat room). While grumbling about my husband's obsession, I got a very generous offer from Webcritter, whose husband watches the very same SciFi shows. She said that she and her husband will tape the shows for Ron and mail the tape or DVD to us. That way, we can still enjoy the concert, and Ron will be able to see the television shows he so covets.

So, Web, if you're reading this, let me know if I can, at any time, return the favor. My husband's begging for a different motel has ceased, and he is very appreciative of your offer.

I'll give you all an update after the concert.

Happy Birthday!!!!

2006-02-28T11:02:00.000-06:00

Today is the 34th birthday of the Terrible Swede, a.k.a. my husband. So, visit him at his blog and give him a big birthday greeting. (And feel free to harass him a little, too.) :D

Happy Birthday!!!!

By the way, we're both feeling better now, too.

Being sick is no fun.

2006-02-21T17:14:00.000-06:00

Several of you know from reading my hubby's blog that we've both been under the weather for several days. He, at least, was proven to have influenza B. While I was not tested, I'm sure that I caught that from him, on top of the ear infection I'm still trying to recover from.

I've not spent too much time on the computer at any one time because I've been dizzy due to the ear infection. I am feeling better than I was, but I'm still not back to 100 percent yet. My hubby is still coughing and taking cough medicine prescribed by the doctor, but seems to be feeling a lot better, too.

Thank you to all who have been concerned and have prayed for us.

I'll save you!

2006-02-16T11:02:00.000-06:00

You scored as Sir Lancelot. CHARGE!!!
You are Sir Lancelot, bravely cutting down
all who stand in your way, whether guards,
or kings, or brides...

Sir Lancelot

70%

Sir Galahad

60%

Sir Bedevere

55%

Knight Who Says "Ni"

55%

The Black Knight

55%

Sir Robin

50%

King Arthur

25%

Which Monty Python Knight Are You?
created with QuizFarm.com

Watch out! Dick Cheney has a gun!

2006-02-16T08:53:00.000-06:00

My favorite radio station posted this song parody to the tune of "Janie's Got a Gun." You've gotta hear it!

When a pastor's wife dies...

2006-02-15T15:16:00.000-06:00

Today, I went to the funeral of someone I really wish I could have gotten to know better. She was the wife of a pastor to whom I am close. Our church has never been so crowded as long as I've been there. It was so crowded, in fact, that the sanctuary ran out of hymnals, and I had to help a visiting pastor find more.

She didn't look her age, but she was about 61 years old. She was famous for her loving personality, her faithfulness to God and to family, and her recent love for quilting. She and her husband have three surviving children and several grandchildren. She died suddenly Saturday of a massive heart attack. Fortunately, she probably never knew what happened: she probably would have likened it to going from our world one second to Heaven at the blink of an eye.

I will miss her. My only regret is that I (and so many others) never got to say goodbye.

"I'm gonna stick with you forever!"

2006-02-14T08:14:00.000-06:00

For the love of my life, the man who's been at my side for 5 1/2 years, 3 1/2 of which has been in marriage. To him, I dedicate the lyrics to a song that speaks to my great love for him:

Stick Wit U by PussyCat Dolls

I don't want to go another day
So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind
Seems like everybody is breaking up
Throwing their love away
I know I got a good thing right here
That's why I say (Hey)

Nobody's going to love me better
I'm going to stick with you
Forever
Nobody's going to take me higher
I'm going to stick with you
You know how to appreciate me
I'm going to stick with you
My baby
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I'm going to stick with you

I don't want to go another day
So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind
See the way we ride
In our private lives
Ain't nobody getting in between
I want you to know that you're the only one for me
And I say

Nobody's going to love me better
I'm going to stick with you
Forever
Nobody's going to take me higher
I'm going to stick with you
You know how to appreciate me
I'm going to stick with you
My baby
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I'm going to stick with you

And now
Ain't nothing else I can need
And now
I'm singing 'cause you're so, so into me
I got you
We'll be making love endlessly
I'm with you
Baby, you're with me

So don't you worry about
People hanging around
They ain't bringing us down
I know you and you know me
And that's all that counts
So don't you worry about
People hanging around
They ain't bringing us down
I know you and you know me
And that's why I say

Nobody's going to love me better
I'm going to stick with you
Forever
Nobody's going to take me higher
I'm going to stick with you
You know how to appreciate me
I'm going to stick with you
My baby
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I'm going to stick with you

Nobody's going to love me better
I'm going to stick with you
Forever
Nobody's going to take me higher
I'm going to stick with you
You know how to appreciate me
I'm going to stick with you
My baby
Nobody ever made me feel this way
I'm going to stick with you

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Please help me figure this out!"

2006-02-10T16:29:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was quite a challenge for me, but my problem started well before yesterday.

My husband and I live in an apartment complex in which the manager resists doing anything for anyone, so I knew from the get-go that this was going to be a challenge.

Tuesday morning, I went next door to the manager's office (yes, he's one door over), and told him that my refrigerator was not working and that I needed to get it fixed before my food started going bad. He told me he would call the owner to see what he wanted to do. I gave him all day and never heard anything.

Wednesday morning, I went back to the office and asked the manager if he'd gotten in touch with the owner yet because my food was beginning to spoil. He said he'd tried to reach him and wasn't able to, but would keep trying. I didn't hear anything the rest of that day, either.

Thursday morning, just before 9 a.m., I decided to bypass the manager and called the owner at his workplace and told him that my refrigerator was not working, that I'd told the manager about it two days before and reminded him the day before, and that nothing had been done and I was doing what I could to keep my food from going bad. (I put most of it in bags in my truck because it was about 30 degrees outside.) He said, "I'll be there in about 10 or 15 minutes."

The owner showed up about 20 minutes later with the apartment manager, and told me that he had called an appliance repair shop and that they would have someone over that day sometime. At about 9:35 a.m., the repair shop van pulled in, and my fridge was fixed by 10:45 a.m. I waited a couple of hours and then put my food back in my fridge.

Then, sometime around 12:30 p.m., my Internet connection crashed on me. But it wasn't just the Internet I couldn't access. My husband and I got Vonage for our home phone service, and in order to use it, you have to have a broadband Internet connection, so when I lost that Internet connection, I had no phone. This was a serious problem.

I thought the problem was with my cable Internet provider, so I called. According to their readings, I had a secure connection. They told me that it could be a problem with my Vonage service: maybe since they share bandwidth, my router was overwhelmed. So I was told to call Vonage and see if there was something they could do and if the problem was on their end.

I was on the phone with a Vonage service tech who barely spoke English for almost an hour. He had me connecting and disconnecting, unplugging and plugging things back in. At one point, I got a dial tone on my phone, but I had no way to connect to the Internet from my computer. In the end, the Vonage rep told me the problem was not on their end, but maybe there was a problem with my Apple Airport Extreme (which serves as a wireless Internet router), and suggested I call Apple.

For about 20 minutes, I was on the phone with an Apple service tech. He had me switch a few wires around to no avail, and finally suggested I unplug and turn everything off for about five minutes. When I plugged everything back in and got them up and running, my Internet connection was back on and I had a dial tone on my phone.

I never did figure out what was wrong in the first place! I made my call to the cable company around 1:30 p.m., which is when I noticed the outtage, and didn't get the problem fixed until after 3 p.m. I still don't know what the problem was.

The good parts of yesterday were, though, that my sister decided she wants to rejoin Mary Kay and be my recruit, and I had a good session with my beginning ASL students at church last night.

And tonight, our church is hosting "A Night of Love and Laughter" to celebrate Valentine's Day, and a nice couple from our church bought tickets for us so we could go! So we're going! Yea! Maybe I'll tell you about it tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Baby drinks dog's milk

2006-02-09T15:19:00.000-06:00

This is a story too strange and funny to believe without reading the story. Go to the link to read the whole story. What would you do if it was your baby?

In the wake of the Riotous Cartoons, keep in mind...

2006-02-09T11:17:00.000-06:00

Talk is cheap. Free speech isn't.

As a journalist, I was taught much about First Amendment freedom, although I could have been taught more about ethics in journalism. But even I know that there are certain limits that must be placed on information that is published and broadcasted.

When I worked at our local paper putting engagement, wedding, birth, and anniversary announcements, among others in the Sunday paper, there were times when I had to have serious talks with those who had written their own announcements, because they had written something that we could not publish. (An example was information about family feuds.)

I know that other countries have different laws than we have in the U.S., and that poking fun at the decisions foreign leaders make can be very funny. I mean, geesh! We make fun of our own government all the time! But poking fun of those who have already terrorized and killed thousands of people might not be a good idea.

All I'm saying is this: Think before you publish. Free speech isn't always as free as you think.

Ahhh. . . Serenity. . .

2006-02-06T17:53:00.000-06:00

. . . in the form of a giant comma!

Guess I'd better play along

2006-02-02T08:29:00.000-06:00

My husband tagged me on Jan. 25, and I've been too distracted to notice until now. So, my dear, sweet hubby, here it is:

Four jobs I've had (in chronological order):

Celebrations Coordinator
Communities Reporter
Copy Editor
Reporter/Writer/Editor/Photojournalist

Four places I've lived (chronologically):

Great Bend, KS
Garden City, KS
Lebanon, MO
Wichita, KS

Four of my favorite foods:

Pizza
Grape leaves
Reuben sandwiches
Steak

TV shows I like to watch:

"That 70s Show"
"Days of Our Lives"
"Judge Judy"
"Veronica Mars" "(although I'm usually gone when it airs now)

Four movies I could watch over and over again:

"Miss Congeneality" (the original and the sequel)
"Patch Adams"
"The Notebook"
"Kill Bill" (both volumes)

Four places I'd rather be:

In bed, with my husband next to me
On the warm sands of the beach
In a house of our own
On vacation in a foreign country

Four websites I visit:

Four people I'd like to tag:

Okay, I'm done. Enjoy!

On the blending of Christianity with Islam

2006-02-01T14:30:00.000-06:00

Thanks to an e-mail sent through the CAT41 group (Confess and Teach for Unity), I found this article about how some Africans are "meshing" Christianity with the false religion of Islam to form what they call "Chrislam." Here is a portion of what they do to combine these two religions into one:

"Yet worshipers at 'The True Message of God Mission' say it's entirely natural for Christianity and Islam to cexist, even overlap. They begin their worship by praying at the Jesus alcove and then 'running their deliverance' - sprinting laps around the mosque's mosaic-tiled courtyard, praying to the one God for forgiveness and help. They say it's akin to Israelites circling the walls of Jericho - and Muslims swirling around the Ka'ba shrine in Mecca. . ."

"'You in the West are satisfied with one hour of church on Sunday,' says Mr. Balogun. But for people in Africa, who he says need so many solutions, 'This is about a practical way of life,' about a willingness to combine Christianity or Islam with their own traditions to 'see if they can make something new' - something that will help. . ."

"The broader context here is Africa's dramatic shift in recent decades to Christianity and Islam. During the 20th century, fully 40 percent of Africa's population moved from traditional religions to 'different shades of Christianity,' says Philip Jenkins, a history and religion professor at the University of Pennsylvania. It is, he adds, 'the largest religious change that has ever occurred in history.' There are debates about whether Christianity or Islam is spreading faster in Africa, but clearly they're both on the rise - and sometimes are the source of tension.
"In Nigeria's religious city of Jos (short for 'Jesus Our Savior') the government says 50,000 people died between 1999 and 2004 in sectarian clashes. Until a peace deal last year, Sudan's northern Muslims and southern Christians were at war for two decades.

"Clearly, the religious revolution is still shaking out. 'People are converting rapidly, but they don't necessarily have instruction' in the details of their faiths, says Boston University's Professor Robert. Nor have they had 'time for their belief system to solidify.' It is, she says, 'still shifting.' She argues that eventually the faithful will choose one religion or another, and the hybrids will fade away."

These people actually think that they are all worshipping the same God, but they don't even have and have never had proper instruction about their respective religions, Christianity or Islam. Yeah, it's great that these religious groups are finally able to get along without warring and feuding, losing countless thousands of lives, but how long can that really last?

This may seem great on the outside, but let's take a look at the inside: Members of two different religious groups who worship two different dieties and subscribe to two different religious texts, and who differ on whether Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the saviour of all humanity, are saying that there aren't enough differences to keep them apart, and that there, in fact, are enough similarities that they can be complementary to each other. Does this make sense?

Matthew 6:24 (New International Version)

24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

Now, I know that although that verse refers to money, but can't it also not apply to the serving of two gods?

The author of the article is already predicting that eventually, the faithful to each respective religion are going to separate out again, and when they do, it's going to be at least as bad as was before the two religions "merged."

Obviously, if you do much study into the religion of Islam, you will see that the faithful are commanded to war against all those who do not accept Islam. They are to either force people to submission or kill them, hence the word "jihad" or "holy war." If you want more information, go to this site. Although it may scare you, it gives a lot of detail about what their religion teaches all those who follow it faithfully.

My family has known very well for about 10 years a family who subscribes to Islam, but I doubt very highly that this mosque in town teaches the "true faith" of Islam. Because of the kind of friendship that my family has with the Muslim family we know, and from what I have learned about Islam, I know that this family is very liberal, and I believe their mosque is, too. For some reason, they are encouraged to have Christian friends, and treat them with kindness, love and respect. But this is very rare and a diversion from what their religion is supposed to teach.

Even the "liberal" Muslims could not worship with Christians, though. I know this because of my family's interactions with them. They were somewhat uncomfortable at our church when they were there for mine and my husband's wedding 3 1/2 years ago, but they were happy to be there for us. But, see, these are the exceptions, and I'm sure those who fully subscribe to the "true" religion of Islam would find these liberals just as much an abomination as they do Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists . . . you get the idea.

What do you think? Do you agree that Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God? If you do, do you then also agree that because of this, the two religions can never truly merge? How do you explain the merging of these two faiths, and where do you see "Chrislam" going, if it survives at all?

Lutheran Carnival XVI

2006-01-31T13:37:00.000-06:00

Make sure to visit my husband's blog and the latest edition of the Lutheran Carnival! Lots of great posts to read, all written by compelling authors – at least in my opinion.

I'm teaching again, and have some great students!

2006-01-23T13:46:00.000-06:00

I recently started teaching American Sign Language classes again at my church. Most of the students who attended in the fall semester have returned to continue their studies in the same book, and I've got a few people who've decided to begin their studies with me in a beginning class.

Of course, the second-level class wouldn't be a challenge unless I actually gave them assignments that forced them to utilize what they've learned. So, Thursday, I had them pair up, ask questions of their partners (in sign language), and introduce their partners to the rest of the class (in sign language). They had to use a combination of fingerspelling, signed-word recollection, expressive and receptive skills to complete the assignment. And they all did very well!

I'm really proud of the students I have had and have now. They're learning so well! I'm just hoping they increase their practice time and dedication, because without practice, recall is more difficult, and therefore, it is more difficult to know how to get out the words and phrases they want to use.

Also, an older deaf man who's visited our church several times returned yesterday, just in time for a pot-luck lunch. I spent some time talking with him, and I know he enjoys that because there aren't too many people he socializes with who know how to talk with him. He just turned 82, and walks everywhere he goes. I don't think he goes too far.

Anyway, I'm enjoying these students, and enjoying the opportunity I'm getting to use the sign language I've learned over the last decade.

[Note: Edited for content.]

What ever happened to self respect?

2006-01-19T10:50:00.000-06:00

I know that this world is full of sin and sinners, and that temptations haunt us at every turn, but we don't always do a very good job of avoiding those temptations. In fact, there are some people who willingly seek out those sinful deeds. In my opinion, the worst of those are (and sometime start with) those which hurt their own bodies, and can consequently hurt those around them.

I'm sure most people had those talks in school about sex and sexually transmitted diseases and how important it is not to smoke, drink or do drugs, but the reality is that a lot of people purposely seek out those vices without thought as to how to protect themselves.

I had long decided that I was going to save myself for whomever I married, because I believed that to give my husband my untouched body was the greatest wedding present I could possibly give him. And it was. It was also the best gift he gave me.

When I was in eighth grade, a friend of mine started dating a young man whom she said was a gang member from California. One day, she called me up asking about what our science teacher told us about using condoms. I warned her not to sleep with this guy, but she was insistent, so I told her to make sure she used a condom. Well, she did . . . a couple of times, but not every time. She got an STD.

I've always been very sensitive to cigarette smoke, to the point that if it's in the air around me, I start coughing, choking, and my eyes water and sting, and the only think I can do is get out where the air is fresher. So when some of my friends started smoking, I couldn't hang out with them anymore because the smell of the smoke on their clothes would trigger my reaction.

In high school, I wasn't popular because I didn't smoke, drink or do drugs. Only those who did were popular, and those like me who didn't were disrespected. I wasn't invited to any party that wasn't a birthday party thrown by the parents of one of my friends, but I didn't care because I didn't want to be one of those people. I cared more about myself than that.

Do I regret not experimenting with those worldly vices? No. And you know why? Because I know that God wants us to treat our bodies with respect. They aren't ours; they belong to Him. We're only "renting" them for the duration of our lives on this Earth.

In church last Sunday, our Epistle came from Corinthians 6:12-20 (from the ESV):

"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be enslaved by anything. "Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" – and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two will become one flesh." But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him.

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

I am continually surprised at how corrupt the youth of our country have become. When I was a freshman in high school, I remember a girl on my bus talking about how she slept with a boy and knew before she did that he wouldn't call her afterwards, but she didn't care. And I know that kids younger than high school-age are sleeping around, smoking, doing drugs, drinking . . . What else are they doing, and why?

Here is my opinion, taken from my own observations: It is becoming more common for both parents to work all day long, or for children to live with only one parent because of a divorce, and that parent has to work all the time. Parents don't spend enough time with their children to know what they're doing, and they don't have the guts to take a stand against their bad behavior.

Is it because those parents were not disciplined when they were young, and therefore don't know how to discipline their own kids? I suppose that's entirely possible. Being a parent means that you have a young life to guide and shape and mold into a responsible, self-sufficient adult. But there are a lot of adults out there having kids who aren't responsible or self-sufficient, themselves! What are they doing having kids? Oh, yeah. I forgot. Promiscuity is an acceptable thing nowadays, and birth control is taken with a grain of salt, with no regard for the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or getting pregnant.

You know what, though? This is totally unacceptable! Especially for Christians. We as Christians need to take a stand against this kind of behavior. We need to find a way to keep our children so busy they don't have time to get into trouble. We need to make sure they have positive role models who will steer them away from the evil vices such as sex, drugs, smoking and drinking, and will teach them to respect themselves. Of course, parents should be the ones to do this, but if they're working all the time and don't have the time to get to know their own kids (isn't that a sad situation!), they need to find someone who does and will.

There's something to be said for stay-at-home moms (and dads, as the case may be). When kids know that they have a parent who's always there for them and who isn't afraid to set boundaries to guide, mold and shape them, they're less likely to act out. The possibility drops more when those same kids are involved in after-school activities. Try martial arts, scouting, dance, sports, anything that allows them to interact with other youth their age and expend energy. The more active they are in positive environments, the better their attitudes will be and the less likely they will be to get involved with people who turn to those evil vices mentioned before.

It's just like getting a puppy who isn't totally housebroken. You have to be there to make sure you can train that puppy to do his business outside, make sure he doesn't chew up your brand new shoes or paper or trash, and you have to make sure he's fed. You wouldn't get a non-housebroken puppy and leave him alone in your house all day everyday unsupervised, would you? Well, if you don't plan to be around to take care of your children to make sure they're guided and molded in the right way, why would you assume they'll turn out just fine? Aren't you afraid they'll end up messing up their minds and bodies because you weren't there to show them how to respect themselves and others? It's the same thing.

And we wonder why our country's youth are acting so stupid and disrespectful and get into trouble all the time. Do we really have to wonder?

Now, I'm not saying I'm perfect. I'm not by a long shot. But I plan to be there for our kids when we have them. I may even decide to homeschool them if I get the courage to do so. That way I can keep a better eye on their growth and development without worrying that they're going to be doing things behind my back that I know will harm them in the long run. Kids will be kids, but a watchful parent is better than a nonobservant one.

"Thanks, but no thanks."

2006-01-15T18:48:00.000-06:00

In yesterday's mail, I received a letter from the place I'd interviewed where I thought I'd done really well. A letter in the mail is never a really good sign. It read as follows:

"Thank you for interviewing with us for the position of Communications Health Coordinator for ___ County. We appreciated the opportunity to meet with you and learn about your career goals.

"While we had a number of applicants for the County Relations position, your skills and abilities were impressive and made you one of our finalists. As well, you presented yourself very well in the interview. We have, however, offered the position to another candidate who has more direct experience relative to this position. . ."

I'm going to try tomorrow to get in touch with the main lady who was conducting my interview to see how close I came to getting the job, and to see what I could have done better or what kind of experience I was lacking, or whatever. I think she'd be honest enough to tell me. I also want to ask her if she would recommend me to whomever may have an opening that I might be qualified for. Who knows? She might.

I was really hoping for this one. I guess it just wasn't meant to be, otherwise God would have allowed it to happen.

I'm not giving up until I find the position I'm meant for. I know God will lead me there. It's just a matter of being patient enough and of listening to Him. And also praying continually for it.

No Heresy Here! :)

2006-01-15T13:05:00.000-06:00

You scored as Chalcedon compliant. You are Chalcedon compliant. Congratulations, you're not a heretic. You believe that Jesus is truly God and truly man and like us in every respect, apart from sin. Officially approved in 451.

Chalcedon compliant

100%

Apollanarian

42%

Monophysitism

33%

Monarchianism

Gnosticism

Arianism

Pelagianism

Adoptionist

Docetism

Donatism

Albigensianism

Modalism

Socinianism

Nestorianism

Are you a heretic?
created with QuizFarm.com

uggg...

2006-01-11T12:30:00.000-06:00

Well, today's interview didn't go as well as it should have in order to get me a second interview, I'm sure. There are several people interviewing for this position, and I think they're interviewing them back-to-back almost, because I interviewed right after another young lady.

I'm not too excited about this job anyway because it pays thousands less per year than the job I interviewed for yesterday, and I felt really, really good about my interview yesterday.

Interview went really well!

2006-01-10T17:59:00.000-06:00

Except for arriving a few minutes late to my interview (I didn't realize I'd have to hunt for a parking space in a parking garage), I believe my interview went really well this afternoon.

Four people were present with a list of intense questions with which to interview me for this "newly created" position. Each one of them works in a different area of the communications division of the County office building, so they all had various questions that related this position to the work they do. Many of the questions were introduced by two or three sentences to give the "set up". I think they were impressed with my answers. I know I was. At times, I was wondering who was talking while my mouth was flapping! :)

Anyway, at one point, the discussion was light enough that I got my interviewers lauging. Actually, that happened a couple of times! (I think they liked me.)

My next interview is tomorrow morning at 10:00. If I get that position, the pay won't be nearly as good as the position for which I interviewed today, but we could live with it. The work will be pretty similar, which is good because I liked the job descriptions!

As always, I'll let you know if I actually get a job offer. Thank you for your prayers.

Some work would be a blessing...

2006-01-09T20:00:00.000-06:00

Today, I got phone calls from two different companies who set up appointments for me to interview for new positions! That means I've got a total of three interviews this month so far, two of which are this week! I've got one tomorrow at 2:25 p.m. and another Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. My third interview is on Wed, Jan. 25.

A former employer of mine, for whom I interned in 2001-2, told me that for the places I scored interviews, a lot of people don't get interviews. She told me they must have been impressed with the information they saw in my online applications and on my resumes. She is also writing a letter of recommendation for me. Since she's a pillar of the community, her recommendation will go a long way.

As a contrast to the title of this post, my husband has been at work since 7:30 this morning and is still there at 7:45 p.m., with no idea of when he will get off and be able to come home. He and his co-workers are trying to finish a 600-page report for the FAA, and they are only about half-way done. The good thing is that since he hasn't already turned in his hours for the week, he can make sure he gets time off to make up for the extra time he's spending at work, something that doesn't always happen.

Oooh! Maybe he can take off early on Friday (or have enough extra hours to take the day off altogether)!

Anyway, I'll post again after my respective interviews to let you know how I think they went. One of these positions that I scored an interview for is one that I applied for online about two months ago. I really didn't think they'd call me. They get thousands of applicants for various positions every week, I'm sure. It's a huge company, and if I get the job, I'll be one of probably a hundred people or more who do the same kind of work in different departments throughout the company.

Okay. I'll stop blabbing now. I'll start again after my interview tomorrow.

Congratulations are in order!

2006-01-06T13:44:00.000-06:00

You absolutely must visit Rob, Devona and Olivia at their blog! THEY'RE EXPECTING ANOTHER BABY! Congratulations to the Braziers! This wonderful family of three is soon to be four. God is very good.

Blessings to you all! We look forward to seeing this pregnancy documented on your blog like your last one was with Olivia. Oh! Congratulations to Olivia, too! She's going to be a big sister!

Here we go again!

2006-01-06T13:19:00.000-06:00

Before I can even find out if I got a second interview with the last place I interviewed, I got a call this morning from a county employee who said they want to interview me for a position I'd applied online for!

This interview is Tuesday at 2:25 p.m. (CST) in the County Manager's office. Hopefully one of these positions will work out for me. Please pray for me!

I'll let you know what happens.