What Do You Want To Be? 8-7-2003
“What do you want to do when you grow up?” At each stage of my life the answer was different. When I was 6, I wanted to be Roy Rogers. He rode around on a horse and always was the good guy. (I also had a crush on Dale Evans.) He was always happy.
When I was 12, I wanted to be an airplane pilot. Pilots wore cool uniforms and flew all around the country. They smiled and looked friendly.
When I was 13, I wanted to be a schoolteacher. Mrs. Singenberger had the prettiest smile. She had a way of making me feel as if I was someone special. She cared about me and my problems. She listened and I was on top of the world.
When I was 17, I wanted to be a Pastor. Pastor Swanson smiled at me. He encouraged me. He let me teach adult Bible class. He was happy in his position.
I chose to be a Lutheran teacher/principal because it was a stepping stone to becoming a Pastor. Pastors had to be teachers, administrators and make good speeches. I figured I would teach and be a principal so that I had the skills necessary to be a Pastor when the time came. However, along the way I found that I really enjoyed what I was doing. I liked the kids. I liked writing policies. I liked making a budget.
Each time I moved – it was to a position that held a promise, provided a challenge, and was fun. I still have fun. I look forward to going to work. (No, not the commute – arriving at work.) I like my co-workers. I like the contacts. I enjoy answering the phone and e-mails. I love it when I can help others.
This past week we hosted a group of 60 high school students and exposed them to many different career choices at Lutheran Hour Ministries. The point of the presentation was that each career is a way of serving Christ and making a witness. For me, serving Christ and making a witness is the most fun I can have. I pray that all workers can serve God, make a witness, and have fun.
When I was 12, I wanted to be an airplane pilot. Pilots wore cool uniforms and flew all around the country. They smiled and looked friendly.
When I was 13, I wanted to be a schoolteacher. Mrs. Singenberger had the prettiest smile. She had a way of making me feel as if I was someone special. She cared about me and my problems. She listened and I was on top of the world.
When I was 17, I wanted to be a Pastor. Pastor Swanson smiled at me. He encouraged me. He let me teach adult Bible class. He was happy in his position.
I chose to be a Lutheran teacher/principal because it was a stepping stone to becoming a Pastor. Pastors had to be teachers, administrators and make good speeches. I figured I would teach and be a principal so that I had the skills necessary to be a Pastor when the time came. However, along the way I found that I really enjoyed what I was doing. I liked the kids. I liked writing policies. I liked making a budget.
Each time I moved – it was to a position that held a promise, provided a challenge, and was fun. I still have fun. I look forward to going to work. (No, not the commute – arriving at work.) I like my co-workers. I like the contacts. I enjoy answering the phone and e-mails. I love it when I can help others.
This past week we hosted a group of 60 high school students and exposed them to many different career choices at Lutheran Hour Ministries. The point of the presentation was that each career is a way of serving Christ and making a witness. For me, serving Christ and making a witness is the most fun I can have. I pray that all workers can serve God, make a witness, and have fun.
Sounds of Comfort 8-14-2003
Bunny and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary at Forest Park (in St. Louis) at The Muny’s presentation of “South Pacific.” The Muny is an outdoor theater; hence the staging limitations and possibilities are different from an indoor venue. To set the stage for the show, a vintage B-25 bomber flew at a low altitude with its wheels down over the audience. This was the first time I was that close to a flying B-25 bomber. The deep-throated rumble of the engines vibrated my body as it flew overhead. I will never forget that sound.
I thought of my dad and his brothers, all WW II vets, and how many times they heard that same sound – the awesome roar of a B-25 bomber. My dad was stationed in England prior to D-Day. He would tell us kids about how the sky was black with planes headed towards France for the invasion. He heard lots of bomber engines. I pictured how that sound must have been like the sound of angel’s wings to infantry soldiers pinned down by enemy fire. The rumble of the bombers meant that they would be delivered – the roar meant deliverance. However, that same roar meant terror for the enemies.
What other sounds can fill you with comfort? My mother’s voice on a warm summer night filled me with comfort. My brothers and I would be fooling around – postponing bed – and mom would yell out, “Simmer down in there.” Those words brought comfort – we were watched over, protected, nothing in the night would get us. (Yes, there were times mom’s voice would strike fear into our hearts, too, as we participated in some hi-jinks.)
One of the most comforting sounds I have ever heard is the sound of little children reciting the Lord’s Prayer. When the children pray – they pray with their mouths and with their hearts. They implore their Heavenly Father to give them bread, forgive them their trespasses, and lead them not into temptation. I am comforted by not only their words, but their spirit. That sound also strikes terror into Satan’s heart. One little word from one little Christian will defeat Satan and all of his followers.
God be with you.
I thought of my dad and his brothers, all WW II vets, and how many times they heard that same sound – the awesome roar of a B-25 bomber. My dad was stationed in England prior to D-Day. He would tell us kids about how the sky was black with planes headed towards France for the invasion. He heard lots of bomber engines. I pictured how that sound must have been like the sound of angel’s wings to infantry soldiers pinned down by enemy fire. The rumble of the bombers meant that they would be delivered – the roar meant deliverance. However, that same roar meant terror for the enemies.
What other sounds can fill you with comfort? My mother’s voice on a warm summer night filled me with comfort. My brothers and I would be fooling around – postponing bed – and mom would yell out, “Simmer down in there.” Those words brought comfort – we were watched over, protected, nothing in the night would get us. (Yes, there were times mom’s voice would strike fear into our hearts, too, as we participated in some hi-jinks.)
One of the most comforting sounds I have ever heard is the sound of little children reciting the Lord’s Prayer. When the children pray – they pray with their mouths and with their hearts. They implore their Heavenly Father to give them bread, forgive them their trespasses, and lead them not into temptation. I am comforted by not only their words, but their spirit. That sound also strikes terror into Satan’s heart. One little word from one little Christian will defeat Satan and all of his followers.
God be with you.
Labor Day 8-21-2003
When I was 13 years old, I officially entered the workforce when I became a news carrier for the Mundelein News. I delivered the weekly newspaper to the 6 square blocks around my house every Thursday afternoon. I would roll and band the papers, pack them into my bag, sling it over my handlebars and ride through the neighborhood tossing the papers on the porches. In winter I had to dress for the weather and walk the route – in snowdrifts – over my head – uphill all the way – for miles.
In high school I found a job as a “maintenance engineer” for a small company that manufactured headsets for telephone switchboard operators. One Saturday I was told to. “Sweep the back dock and move everything.” Being Mr. Literal Man, I moved everything, including a 200 lb. flywheel for a punch press that was leaning against the wall. I rolled it, swept under it, rolled it back, watched it fall on my foot and passed out. That cost me my budding gymnastics career as I broke two bones in my foot.
I worked for Jewel Tea Company in their home shopper department, picking orders and putting away returns. The highlight of my day was when a salesman would return some Christmas chocolate that didn’t sell. We could eat all the food returns – really good in July!
Johns-Manville paid for my college education as I worked in their transit pipe division. The summers there gave me a great appreciation for all laborers. Workers who take pride in their work, put in their time, and give of themselves are the norm. I learned great work ethics “on the line” as well as an appreciation for labor.
As I labored in the workplace, I learned that we also labor in another field. People die everyday without hearing the Good News of the Gospel. As I labored in the factory, I was laboring in the mission field. God blessed the labor of my hands and I was blessed to see some of the fruits of my spiritual labor after I made introductions to the Savior.
As I celebrate Labor Day this year with a trip to Chicago to visit our son Rich and visit with family, I salute all who labor, in all their labors. I pray God will continue to bless the fruit of their labor.
God be with you.
In high school I found a job as a “maintenance engineer” for a small company that manufactured headsets for telephone switchboard operators. One Saturday I was told to. “Sweep the back dock and move everything.” Being Mr. Literal Man, I moved everything, including a 200 lb. flywheel for a punch press that was leaning against the wall. I rolled it, swept under it, rolled it back, watched it fall on my foot and passed out. That cost me my budding gymnastics career as I broke two bones in my foot.
I worked for Jewel Tea Company in their home shopper department, picking orders and putting away returns. The highlight of my day was when a salesman would return some Christmas chocolate that didn’t sell. We could eat all the food returns – really good in July!
Johns-Manville paid for my college education as I worked in their transit pipe division. The summers there gave me a great appreciation for all laborers. Workers who take pride in their work, put in their time, and give of themselves are the norm. I learned great work ethics “on the line” as well as an appreciation for labor.
As I labored in the workplace, I learned that we also labor in another field. People die everyday without hearing the Good News of the Gospel. As I labored in the factory, I was laboring in the mission field. God blessed the labor of my hands and I was blessed to see some of the fruits of my spiritual labor after I made introductions to the Savior.
As I celebrate Labor Day this year with a trip to Chicago to visit our son Rich and visit with family, I salute all who labor, in all their labors. I pray God will continue to bless the fruit of their labor.
God be with you.
Answered Prayer 8-28-2003
“Does God answer prayer?” asks many a student after receiving a less than hoped-for grade on a test. The implication behind the question is, “I didn’t study that hard, but I prayed really hard, so why didn’t I get a better grade?” When I was asked the question about God answering prayer, I usually guided the questioner into answering the question. The answer came out, “Yes, God does answer prayer; sometimes He doesn’t give what is asked for.”
Yet, often God does indeed give us what we ask for – and more. My Mom prayed to live to see our son Russell’s 10th birthday – she saw his 19th. I prayed to find my misplaced department store receipt – I found it on the floor of my closet. (Why would anyone put a receipt on a closet floor? I also found my license plate renewal form there, too.) Many people have been praying for Bunny to recover from her cancer – what a response He gave us.
Bunny writes,
“Dear Family and Friends,
First of all I want to thank you for all of your concern and prayers on my behalf! God is good and continues to watch over me.
I received much good news today at my doctor's appointment following a series of tests this past Monday (August 11).
My chest x-ray was normal.
My bone scan showed only the original five spots of cancer damage. Nothing has spread. No new spots. The damaged bones will always be with me, but the current bone scan results are all good!
My creatin level decreased from 1.9 to 1.5 (high end of normal is 1.2 here). This involves a watch on the kidney/liver function and is a significant decrease – best level in 18 months. My cancer count was 8 - down from 41 just 21 months ago. The doctor says my cancer is in remission and the hormone therapy is effective at this time. If it reactivates/spreads, he has another hormone therapy to try. This is great news!”
I thank you for all of your prayers on her behalf. They are appreciated and treasured. I apologize for not sharing this news with you sooner; it took me awhile to be able to write about this coherently (too much emotion to control). When God grants a request in the affirmative, whether it is a small one or a large one, it makes one pause to acknowledge just how great and powerful God is. He cares for His children – all His children – in all things. I am so very thankful and humbled by His great gift of healing for Bunny. I have been given the gift of a partner – again. I thank God for His love.
God does indeed love you, too. He will always provide what you need – when you need it.
God be with you.
Yet, often God does indeed give us what we ask for – and more. My Mom prayed to live to see our son Russell’s 10th birthday – she saw his 19th. I prayed to find my misplaced department store receipt – I found it on the floor of my closet. (Why would anyone put a receipt on a closet floor? I also found my license plate renewal form there, too.) Many people have been praying for Bunny to recover from her cancer – what a response He gave us.
Bunny writes,
“Dear Family and Friends,
First of all I want to thank you for all of your concern and prayers on my behalf! God is good and continues to watch over me.
I received much good news today at my doctor's appointment following a series of tests this past Monday (August 11).
My chest x-ray was normal.
My bone scan showed only the original five spots of cancer damage. Nothing has spread. No new spots. The damaged bones will always be with me, but the current bone scan results are all good!
My creatin level decreased from 1.9 to 1.5 (high end of normal is 1.2 here). This involves a watch on the kidney/liver function and is a significant decrease – best level in 18 months. My cancer count was 8 - down from 41 just 21 months ago. The doctor says my cancer is in remission and the hormone therapy is effective at this time. If it reactivates/spreads, he has another hormone therapy to try. This is great news!”
I thank you for all of your prayers on her behalf. They are appreciated and treasured. I apologize for not sharing this news with you sooner; it took me awhile to be able to write about this coherently (too much emotion to control). When God grants a request in the affirmative, whether it is a small one or a large one, it makes one pause to acknowledge just how great and powerful God is. He cares for His children – all His children – in all things. I am so very thankful and humbled by His great gift of healing for Bunny. I have been given the gift of a partner – again. I thank God for His love.
God does indeed love you, too. He will always provide what you need – when you need it.
God be with you.