The fun continues...

....as the markets are bouncing around in horror at the election results. The same is true for the overseas markets and currency. It won't be long before Bernanke does another boost with the worthless money to balance the sell-off flood in the US economy. 

Meanwhile, in the last 48 hours, numerous major companies have notified their employees of the pending layoffs: Energizer, Westinghouse Beechcraft and Boeing (these 3 have military connections), US Cellular, Pratt and Whitney, Bristol Meyers (medical supplies), Darden Corp. (restaurants including Longhorn and  Olive Garden)....and so on. http://www.dailyjobcuts.com

                                     

In other news, which some of you will be glad to read, I am going to have lunch today with my lady friends, Lee and Jacquie, at The Club. I was invited there for breakfast as well but wisely opted for only one meal there per day. Marlena called to say the gang wants to start The Breakfast Club again but are waiting for me to make the call. Nice! But just not today!

The other groups are getting together again, too, including the walkers. Lee reports wearing mittens, a scarf, and head wrap for her early morning jaunts. Not sure how many do go out for the organized walk/talk group, but I do hope we get a decent turnout for The Breakfast Club!

So sad that people in the northeast have no power yet and are now dealing with snow on the ground. My friend, Joanne, called me yesterday and reported her spouse, Richard, is in CT working with FEMA. He is trying to help folks and distribute stuff or complete paperwork, fortunately staying in a motel instead of in a shelter. Long days for everyone, he reports. Some areas are getting help while others are still waiting...

                            

The WELS relief trailer was packed up last night with the needed supplies plus the winter coats, jackets, and blankets donated by the members of Victory. That trailer was packed full! (Tell me again how foolish it is send 'stuff' to the storm -ravaged areas...) 

                                       

Two members of the church are pulling the loaded trailer to NJ to off-load at one of our Synod's churches, or its designated space. Both guys are from up north so know about driving on snowy roads. Not sure about the driving on roads with trees lying over them! Wishing these fellows blessings on their trip and on those taking possession of the goods!

Another grueling night

On this cold evening, I am in the comfort of my home watching the Jaguars play again. At least the other team is playing, the Jags are just running all over the field. I did see our member, Sterling, in the pregame salute to our veterans, as he plays in the Navy band. The guys all look the same in their Navy uniforms but he's the only tuba player! The team is playing poorly, losing now 15-0 in the first half.

                                          

It took until last night for Justin and I to have a piece of torte, as neither of us had felt much like eating after the terrible loss on Tuesday night. The torte, cherry cheese torte, turned out nicely, another no-bake recipe I have had for years. In fact, the first time I had it was at my friend, Sue Z.'s, house. This has to be 40 years ago, at the very least. Makes me feel old to write in decades!

Justin was off from work today and both rejoiced that we were able to attend Bible study together again. It has been a long time since he could and he truly missed this class. He is not the youngest at the table since Erica goes now, too. Justin wanted badly to hear what Pastor had to say after the elections, and we were not disappointed. 

In addition to acknowledging our dismay, Pastor also offered us the assurance of the Lord being in control of all things, reminding us not to follow earthly princes, and so on. Nothing we did not already know, but it sure does help to hear these things from him, in his calming delivery. Now that he is a grandpa, he has the added 'concern' of what her future holds on earth and in this nation.

Justin lifted everyone's spirits by reporting the good news from Saturday---the IRS has decided not to pursue religious associations in regard to their tax exempt status. How that all plays out remains to be seen. Sadly, it would also help those churches remain tax exempt where the pastor calls for God to damn America. Nice, yes? NO!

The other day I had chatted with my friend via Facebook, after she had asked me to lunch. I explained I was making arrangements with my Bible history lady to meet somewhere in Middleburg for our classes to save on gas for Amber. "We will go next week one day", I promised her. Anyway, I had the privilege of meeting Amber in Middleburg at the house where a different lady friend babysits, which works great all the way around. It had been about five weeks since we got together, due to Amber's strapped financial situation.

Well, today, I came out of Bible study at Victory with Justin and Erica, where he pointed out a card attached to my driver's side window. We walked over to see what it was---a greeting card with two $50 gas cards in it "for your friend to get to Bible history class". Wow! The tears were flowing so hard that Justin had to drive! This same friend who asked me to lunch had bestowed this blessing for Amber because she says I am doing what she cannot do. We are all being blessed by this---the lady making the arrangements for the class, the gas being provided for, and the joy of being able to bring these stories, this History, to someone hearing it for the very first time!

Justin, Erica, and I went to PF Chang for lunch, something we'd not done for many months. We ate indoors due to it being winter here now (in the 50's!). Oh, that was so nice! I have another two meals left from mine but the young folks finished their meals. Both of them were going to the Jaguar game tonight and discussed the layers of clothes needed for this chilly night.

Once home, Justin got busy on a project I had for him of tightening the bolts on my headboard and foot board. Together we had to move the mattress and spring on the frame to allow for the tools to fit in. And, unfortunately for him, we pulled the bed away from the wall. Yep, go get the vacuum cleaner, Justin! 

I cannot believe I live in such squalor! Can dust bunnies and other assorted dust be considered squalor? I say 'yes'! He muttered under his breath how I should have put down carpet and been done with it. Like carpet doesn't get dusty??? He knows it does but then I wouldn't see it so clearly. 
****
The care and concern from others keeps on flowing. Linda and I were comparing notes tonight during The Five (we watch together, only 1200 miles and a time zone apart!). She remarked how many folks contacted her to see how she was after the results, and so on. The same was true for me as well, folks reaching out to share in the shock or tell their stories about dealing with it. 

One lady left me a phone message that she had put her head in the oven, but then remembered it was electric! She was kidding, of course. Another lady left me a message to report she'd had to go shopping for chocolate to soothe her crushed spirits. A friend from MN sent me the text of a Reformation anthem she had led at their service Sunday. We were all helping each other as best we could, most often using the Word as our source of comfort and assurance. 

Anyway, tonight I shall sleep under freshly laundered sheets and on a tight bed. I will sleep tight!

Regardless of November outcome, much hard work remains

by Mark Larson

This is an awkward column to write. Facing my deadline and knowing you may read these words before or after the election presents a challenge. While I can explore the political choices before us, I have to remember this may all be old news after Nov. 6. I will attempt to create something that is still “current,” no matter what.

I’m reminded of the age-old question from kids, “What did you do in the war, Daddy?” I didn’t serve in the military, but have done everything possible to support the troops even to the point of visiting and broadcasting from the war zones in recent years.

What’s the point of this? It’s essential to determine how we should be involved. We’ve all been going through political wars during the past several months, whether we like it or not. Each side is in a battle for victory, motivated by many things. Increasing numbers of Americans also decide on another way: opting out, not voting and hoping all this will soon pass.

Some people see this war as a “game” to be won. Others believe it’s a fight for our nation’s survival. You’ll find both views on both sides. There are also those who believe there are other things in life more important than who leads our land. Those folks are busy watching mindless television reality shows, embracing easy escapism. Bless their hearts.

But this is no game. Long after the dust settles we will continue to face choices, and after this election the to-do list is enormous.

No matter who is selected by voters to be our next president, the United States of America faces a dramatically risky economic situation, the onset of nationalized health care and spiking taxes, both federal and state, and continued worldwide instability. 

Unless Congress does something soon, what’s known as “Sequestration” will move into gear, forcing huge cuts referred to as “draconian,” unlike anything we’ve seen. It could mean a gutting of our military and additional pain on families and local economies. We could become dramatically weaker as a nation on the global stage.

Squeezing taxpayers
Still, the beat goes on in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. where the only constant is “change”… as in, “Have any spare change? Any we haven’t squeezed from you, the taxpayers, yet? We’ll take that, too, thank you.” Of course,they usually never say thanks.

Recent statistics show the national welfare rate has gone up more than 30 percent in the past four years. For every $7 taken in, the government spends $11. Let’s all take a deep breath here and say the word: unsustainable. Millions remain unemployed or underemployed. 

Elections have consequences. We face really big, important issues. Choices at any level should not be made on a whim or based on mood. Yet the media and various campaigns, which think it’s all a game and not a battle for survival, try to deflect and distract us with the trivial.

Meanwhile four Americans were killed in Libya on Sept. 11, and too many unanswered questions remain. Tensions and terror threats have increased here at home and worldwide.

In the game of politics, too often it’s all about winning at any cost.

Create diversions and make false accusations. Don’t worry about the debris and rebuilding afterward. Someone else can take care of that.

Faked reality
So many Americans remain content to sit in their willful ignorance, knowing only what doesn’t really matter. For example, viewers of the David Letterman Show may automatically think of the often-played (backward!) video of Governor Mitt Romney leading a rally crowd in singing “America the Beautiful” off-key. That was contrasted for months with the cool, on-key President Obama sounding like an Al Green musical clone, perfect and super cool.

This isn’t American Idol… it’s a battle for American way of life, and that’s changing before our eyes. In 2008, the big push was “Let’s elect the man who can give the best speech.” This year it’s been “Who can sing me the sweetest song?” And so it goes. ‘Tis the season.  

When the seasons changed and the promises disappear like vapors we plow into the Christmas season. More distractions, good and bad. But let’s remember that after this election, no matter who wins, it’s likely to be a very rough January and beyond. Fixing our problems is not going to be easy.


Pressing forward
So what have we learned in the current political war? A lot of things, I hope. Words mean things, and choices have consequences. Giving up any bit of liberty for temporary “security” never ends well. Ignoring facts and reality doesn’t make the bad things go away.

And it’s not about “feelings.” Watch how often people talking politics preface their comments with “I feel…” or “My feeling is…” Election strategists love to massage those feelings, trying to persuade voters with offers of warm promises and “free” insurance coverage and even cell phones.

The only thing I know that is truly free is life in Christ, God’s gift of His Son. That truth makes me want to stay suited up and mobilized in the Lord’s army as our battle continues long after this election.

Before the election we must be informed and consider our actions and civic responsibilities. After the election, we must commit to pray for the president and our other elected leaders—now more than ever.

Deeply deeply saddened

How did this happen? It's like the OJ Simpson trial verdict being handed down...All the evidence pointed to guilt and yet, the jury found him not guilty. All the evidence pointed to this failed administration and the jury gave him a pass, and rewarded him with four more years. I can't see to type, I am so upset. My heart hurts almost more for Justin because he tried so hard to help our candidate. I cannot even comfort him....

Let me take that back....He just came in here and comforted me. I confessed that I was not being a good example for him, not showing the proper trust in the Lord, our one sure thing. In the morning, I might feel differently, but right now, emotionally crushed. I need a hymn or a Bible verse right now!

I am so concerned about my little nephews and how they will get along under these circumstances. 

Stephanie told me I missed a good class tonight, talking about End Times, which I love to read/hear about. As I try to go to sleep, I will pray for the Lord to come back for us, or, certainly, not turn His face from us!

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Still washing by hand

Monday morning I went to Bible study as is my usual routine. Before class began, I mentioned to Pastor how appreciative I was of the service we had on Sunday, the readings and hymns being just what was needed to help renew my confidence in what I already know---the Lord's mighty hand is present in all things. 

We sang "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" and one of the more familiar and well-liked communion hymns. I also mentioned being glad we used that hymn after singing newer ones more often during the Lord's Supper. Others piped up in agreement about all I had to say, and I was thanked for my input. After church I had told Pastor that I was experiencing serious 1st Commandment issues and reiterated this fact during our little chat before Bible study. The Word and the hymns go a long way toward soothing a concerned spirit.

After class we went to lunch at Longhorn. We were chatting about things not the least being the Jaguar game the day before. It was a wretched, ugly display and yet, some of us were wearing the "Jags for Romney" stickers on our shirts, given to me by Justin after the game. As we talked, the hostess came over and asked me about our stickers. She was a lovely Black girl and told us how she was not voting for PresBO due to his stance on Israel, abortion, and homosexuality. I gave her one of the stickers!

Later, as we ate, another waitress came over and asked about the stickers. She asked where we got them and I gave her the last of those from my purse. Of course, she cannot wear it at work but she was going to share with her family when she got home. She was Caucasian and was a single woman, I believe.

I shared with the ladies the travails of the dishwasher, telling them how the installers could not do it Saturday, and arrangements were made to have a plumber come Tuesday for the job. I was surprised the plumber I called agreed to do it, at least his scheduler did. The ladies also mentioned we were expecting rain on Tuesday, so I chuckled at having both a plumber and rain to deal with in one day!

Once home, I got a call from the plumbing people saying they had an opening in the afternoon and wondered if that would work. I said yes but was quite nervous about it. I called Gus to arrange the water being shut off for our stack of condos, and Jeff, my downstairs neighbor, to let him know. I sent an e-mail to Hugh, my usual go-to guy, and also called Connie, the maintenance lady. She said, "Oh man, I'm going home!" Thanks alot, Connie!

When the guys came, they looked at what needed doing, called the boss to let him, once they figured out where they were. I knew it! They didn't realize it was my building when accepting the job! The guy hesitantly looked things over, agreeing to do the job, under certain conditions. Turning off the water downstairs was not what was needed for this, since it was the hot water valve that was needed. He looked at my water heater, installed by his company by his boss, and he said, "No, not with that plastic faucet on there!" and they were done.

He called the boss to let him know and then handled the phone to me to talk with him. He was apologetic also and I reminded him he installed the water heater personally and should have changed the valve himself. I did so nicely but also in an attempt to prompt him to come and do the work. He refused, fearing a lawsuit from our association. Evidently there is some history there! Yikes. The two plumbers on site were extremely apologetic about the whole thing and wished me well. 

By this time I could barely swallow, my mouth entirely dry from stress. Gus turned the water back on for the stack, sad for me, and I let everyone know the status. I called another plumber for whom I had information and he agreed to come, in 8 days! Okay, I'll take it! His suggestion is to shut down the water to the entire building so he can replace the plastic valve to the water heater, the frozen valve under the sink, and install the dishwasher. 

Hugh sent out the notice in advance to the residents that next Tuesday we will be without water for about three hours as work is being done "in Unit 304", which would make everyone most agreeable to this inconvenience!

While I am filled with angst over this somewhat minor inconvenience and potential 'disaster', people are truly suffering from major disasters up north. Oh my! They have lost their homes, their livelihoods, power, are freezing and hungry, and yet my biggest deal is washing dishes by hand and potentially flooding out my neighbors again. A clean water flood, but a flood nonetheless. But I have a roof over my head, I am warm, fed, with a dry mouth from stress. They are begging for help. I do hope it arrives, now going on a week after the storm. 

The TV crews can get there but the relief agencies are having problems. One of the shows I listen to has its own relief program in place and had sent folks ahead of the storm to scope out churches to use as distribution points, etc. Once the storm hit, two semis of food and provisions were on their way to help out. I am not sure which state this was, but these relief workers were told they were the first to arrive---not even the State or Red Cross help had come yet. I know that at least one more semi of provisions had been sent since the first two, knowing they are meeting the needs of some folks. I wish I knew if they got to Staten Island or the other areas begging for the help. My heart hurts for them all.

Okay, one more day....

Other political junkies and those who are paying close attention to these upcoming elections are like me---glued to the TV set, plugged into the Internet, reading the polls, following the stories, listening to the speeches, tracking the tweets, wringing our hands, and some, handing out Romney stickers at the Jaguar game!

On the news this a.m. I saw a segment where former military folks including SEALS are planning to help 'stand guard' at some hot-spot polling places to keep an eye on things. During the last presidential election, one area had representatives from the New Black Panthers 'keeping an eye on things' at the polls, with batons in their hands. What is more disenfranchising---being met with a club or having to show your ID card??

Tweets have come in to some sites from folks threatening to riot if the election does not go the way they think it should. Guess which group that is! There really is great fear of even more societal breakdown if the election does not go a certain way, that civility will be a thing of the past. We don't have to concede to that, and those who are believers in the Lord and His mighty hand, will not. But as long as we continue to live on this side of heaven, it is necessary for us to help maintain a decent society as best we can.

I understand that attorneys on both sides are already poised to challenge the outcome, both sides expecting and perhaps already seeing tampering with the process of placing votes. Fortunately, where Justin and I vote, we use a marker to complete the ballot so don't have to be concerned that our vote will be 'changed' electronically like some areas are experiencing. He voted early on Saturday and told me he checked and checked and checked that he filled in the correct bubbles!

                    

My friend on Fleming Island has this draped on the fence outside his home, facing Highway 17

Justin was working with the Young Republicans before the Jaguar game yesterday, handing out stickers that said "Jags For Romney". He loves this stuff! He even liked having to defend his stand face-to-face with those passing through and not willing to accept his free stickers. Sadly, he did not catch a glimpse of our friends and former GS members, Mark and his son, Duane, visiting for the Jags/Lions game from the upper Midwest. What a hoot that would have been!

Mark will soon be heading out to the storm-ravaged northeast to serve our Synod's congregations and others with the services provided by the relief branch of our church body. One of the relief trailers is stored at Victory and I wonder if it will still be there Thursday when I go for Bible study, or will it be in New Jersey? Donations of cash are being accepted. 

One of our former members lives in NY, in Queens, and her area was spared, save for a huge tree that toppled, narrowly missing the neighbor's home. Besides the tree, the only loss were rain gutters one side of the neighbor's home. The next day she posted going to dinner with her friend so that is a good sign. Other areas did not fare as well. 

****

Besides the horror, death, and destruction  wreaked by the superstorm, the horror and death in Libya was bumped from the front pages. Here's the interesting part: many or most mainstream media did not cover this atrocity very much, if at all. Some strange bedfellows, Fox News and CNN, have been the leaders in covering this, and even the left-leaning Washington Post is covering the story. WP printed in the last few hours how the two former SEALS who tried to rescue the ambassador and his aide were not killed until 7 hours into the attack. A commercial airliner could fly from England to Libya and back again in that time frame. People want answers to why the help was not provided, when there were Naval ships off the coast, fighters 500 miles away in Sicily, and so on. 
                                               
I just saw a report about how military veterans are up in arms as well, wondering what's the deal. One thing the military depends upon is each one having the others' back, and it now seems that is not the case. Senate hearings won't be conducted until the 15th of the month, too late to influence the elections---or is it?

I will go and vote tomorrow, not for revenge, but for love of country, and for liberty!

A little cheese curd

                         

Today, when eating lunch at Chili's, this young family came in and sat across from us. Of course, I HAD to speak to them, since both Mom and Dad were sporting Packer gear. The mom said, "Even the baby..." as she lifted him from the infant carrier to show us. Sure enough, Packer gear from head to shoes! I asked if they were from WI and they said they were not, just Packer fans. How 'bout that???