Joke Theft + Froot News + S.C. vs S.D. + Weighty Thoughts

Last Friday & Saturday I attended the Nebraska District LCMS convention in Kearney. I attended as am emeritus member of the roster of commissioned ministers, & I also represented Orphan Grain Train. I came into contact w/many former colleagues, some of whom, like me, are officially retired.
         While it was nice to renew acquaintances, it also reminded me of my feeling that I left Lutheran High Northeast under a cloud. When I took a medical leave of absence in November 2014, it was abundantly evident that I was failing in my call as head administrator of the school that I helped get off the ground in August, 1997. The longer I was absent the more I signaled that things were not all right with me, & I needed additional care. Then in March 2015, I was told by the Board that it was best for both me & the school that I not return to duty. I continued in my medical disability until I officially retired in March 2017.
         It's been over 3 years since all this came down, & it still proves difficult for me to avoid the feeling that I left LHNE under a cloud & I would best be remembered for my failings in my ministry there.

Dept. of Shameless Joke Stealing

Norfolk Daily News late laughs (6/15):  "Froot Loops cereal has added a new flavor, Wild Berry. People who tried the new flavor say it tastes like 'wild berries, plus sugar, minus wild berries.'" [Conan]
        "Disney World announced they are finally serving alcohol at every restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. Parents will say, 'These giant teacups are spinning too fast,' & the kids will be like, 'We are not even on the ride yet.'"  [Jimmy Fallon]

There Is No Place Like . . . South Carolina

NDN (5/18):  "South Carolina's most talented escape artist may be a kangaroo. News outlets report the McCormick County Sheriff's Office announced THU that a mischievous marsupial was roaming the county for the 2nd time in 3 days. Maj Robert Christie says authorities have yet to discern how it escaped, but it's likely the kangaroo found a weak spot in the fence or a gate left open . . . Details about the kangaroo's THU morning exploits & capture were not released."

. . .  South Dakota

Omaha World Herald (5/19):  "162 voters say they live at one Walmart in South Dakota. There are 162 registered voters who have listed a north-side Rapid City Walmart as their home address. Pennington County Auditor Julie Pearson said the practice originated from individuals who travel full time in recreational vehicles & oftentimes stay overnight in parking lots of stores such as Walmart . . . "  COMMENT:  We have towns in Nebraska who do not have this many registered voters.

Thought for Today

"Yet we know that God's plans for our children extend far beyond the confines of this world.Every tiny child is a reminder to us of the Child who was born for our salvation & crucified that we might become children & heirs of the heavenly kingdom. God's desire for our children is not only that they be blessings to those around them, but that they come to know the grace & mercy of Christ Jesus. God desires that all children, whether swaddled in rough cloths in a refugee camp or fresh new blankets at a hospital, share in His own life, abundant & eternal." ["The Gift of Children," by Trevor & Elizabeth Sutton in The Lutheran Witness, May 2018]

Bonus Thought for Today

"If God cared enough to bridge the huge gap between His holiness & our lowliness, surely we can overcome gaps of mere gender, language, skin color, & income." From Grace Moments, Time of Grace, "God's stars appreciate diversity."