Guidance + Servanthood

GUIDANCE

"The rules of the Lord are clear, & righteous altogether." Psalm 19:9

"God's Word demonstrates that He did not want our journey to end in destruction. It reveals how we should live in response to what He did for us by sending His Son, our Savior, to defeat sin & show us the way to eternal life. Where He leads, we follow." [Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]

The Servant

"Behold the Servant, the delight of His Father, filled with the Spirit, headed to the cross. Behold Him as He sets to work, & be in awe. He is not noisy or threatening. He doesn't cry aloud or lift up His voice or make it heard in the street. There is about Him a quietness, a gentleness. A bruised reed He will not break. A faintly burning wick He will not quench. This is the justice He brings:  a tender, healing hand that works not to condemn you, but to save you, not to destroy you, but to heal you. And He continues His patient work all the way to the end--to the cross. Do you see & hear His silence before Pilate? He is faithful 'bringing forth' justice--the setting right of what has gone so utterly wrong. On the cross it was all against one, but that One was for us all. Faithfully & without fainting He walks the path of love 'to the end,' to the fulfillment, till He established this justice to the ends of the earth." ["Behold My Servant," William Weedon, The Lutheran Witness Feb. 2019]

PRIORITIES

"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." Psalm 127:1

"If we place more value on the things of this world, there won't be room for what's most important. However, if God & His Word are given first place, the blessings of the rest will follow." [Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]

Abortion

"The pro-abortion forces blinker themselves against how the vast majority of people consider an unborn child. Even before her child is born, a mother--& her family--sacrifices for her child, protects her child, prays for her child & dreams for her child. She talks to her child, & often names her child. She takes her child to the doctor.
       "Her unborn child, in short, is already what it will be after he or she is born--a cause of worry & joy, & ceaseless wonder at the miracle of life."  ["It was a travesty in New York," Rich Lowry, Norfolk Daily News, 3/19]

College

"Young people don't need elite schools to succeed; they just need to finish high school, get a full-time job, & get married before having children." ["More Misconceptions about College," Mona Charen, National Review Online, 3/22]

Capitalism

"Without even one centrally planned government program, the need for pencils arose. Without any meddling from a presidential candidate or member of Congress advocating socialism, pencils were invented, produced & sold, meeting the demand for them." ["Erasing capitalism? First, consider the pencil," Tom Purcell, Omaha World Herald, 3/23]

There Is No Place Like . . . Texas

"Are all leashed animals really welcome at Petco? It was a question raised by a Texas couple & their pet, Oliver, a 1,600-lb Ankole-Watusi steer. With Vincent Browning holding the steer's leash, Oliver entered the store in Atascocita, TX. Oliver tilted his horns--measuring 9 1/2 feet from tip to tip--to the side to avoid hitting the automatic sliding doors. Oliver was welcomed 'with open arms,' Browning wrote." ["Proving a point, or two:  Steer welcomed at Petco, OWH, 3/23]

. . . California

"Misery in Bay Area:  44% of resident say likely to leave . . . " [Drudge Report, 3/25]

Liberals

"The media have become an amen chorus of liberals chanting liberal refrains to liberals." [Kyle Smith, NRO, 3/25]

"People on the left say whatever advances their immediate agenda. Power is their moral lodestar; therefore, truth is always subservient to it." [Dennis Prager, NRO, 3/26]

Wednesday Whimsy

• "Proof at last:  Women & men born to be different," [Drudge Report, 3/25]
• "Men-Only Cuddling Group Aims to Provide Healing Experience . . . " [Drudge, 3/26]

Food for Thought

"Protester eats raw pig's head outside vegan festival [ditto]

Depression or depression? + Politics + Wisdom

Depression with a Capital D

As I see it, there's a difference between clinical depression--depression with a capital D--& depression with a small d. The latter form of depression might include descriptors such as feeling temporarily or occasionally gloomy or distressed. Capital D Depression means nearly ALWAYS feeling gloomy and/or distressed. 

If you think current politics are making you depressed, take heart. Politics may leave you feeling frustrated, anxious, distressed, gloomy, or all-of-the-above. This does NOT mean that you are clinically depressed.

Who WOULDN'T be depressed (small d) by all the brouhaha caused by the Mueller investigation? Or what about the poisonous partisanship evident in the fighting between Republicans & Democrats? Or the outlandish statements & proposed policies by one party's presidential hopefuls? 

That's my mental health insight(?) for today.

Political Potpourri

"Today, Attorney General William Barr released his summary of the 'principal conclusions reached by the Special Counsel & the results of his investigation.' The document is slight on details, but it contains a key quote from the special counsels report itself. 
       "Here it is, in full:  'The investigation did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities.' This is unambiguously good news. If you doubt this, consider the alternative. Just imagine the bomb that would detonate in the American body politic if we discovered through this investigation that a sitting president worked with a hostile government (arguably our chief geopolitical foe) to try to tip the balance in a close election.
       "Instead, Americans should feel even greater confidence in the legitimacy of the 2016 election." ["Barr's Letter Contains Unambiguously Good News for the U.S.", David French, National Review Online 3/24.]

My Takeaway

• Conservative pundits were right all along when they predicted that there was no collusion.
• So was President Trump
• TDS [Trump Derangement Syndrome] is way worse than Bush Derangement Syndrome ever was.
• President Trump suffered from close associates who let him--and us--down.
• I would still vote for Trump given the alternative.
• For another take on the Mueller investigation, check ouT "After Mueller's Exoneration of Trump, Full Disclosure," Andrew McCarthy, NRO 3/23.

WISDOM

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

"This wisdom sees beyond the here & now, looking back on what we've learned & lived through in the past while focusing on the future. Which begs the question:  How might my words & deeds today bring glory to God who has secured my future in Christ?" ["Psalms for Lent," Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]

Free-for-All Friday

Water + More Water + the Electoral College + Snowplow Parents

TRUTH

"Lead me in Your truth & teach me." Psalm 25:5

"Sometimes the way of truth means humbly setting aside our way for what God shows us is His way . . . " [Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]

Flood News

"Nebraska has 93 counties. As of WED evening, a staggering 79 of those counties declared emergencies. Residents from at least 29 counties have been ordered to evacuate, which may not count all the places where Nebraskans ran from the floods all on their own." ["Rising water cracking sound & a mad dash to escape," Omaha World Herald, 3/21]

" . . . there are so many roads out & bridges washed away that county governments have run out of barricades & are using warning flags instead." ["News of flood hard to process," Diane Becker, Norfolk Daily News, 3/20]

"State officials say the flooding that swept Nebraska has caused nearly 31.4 billion in estimated losses & damage. Gov. Pete Ricketts says roads, levies & other infrastructure had sustained an estimated $449 million in damage. Damage to private homes & businesses has reached $85 million so far, & farmers have experienced $400 million cattle losses & $440 million in crop losses."  [Radio Review, WJAG News Talk, 3/21]

"Nebraska's governor surveys the damage from a helicopter--sees bridges washed out, dikes pierced, dams overcome. One third of Nebraska is directly impacted by the flood, he declares. So far. All of this is the product of record snowfall & a bomb cyclone, an epic drop in air pressure that triggers massive weather events. Another word for it:  historic. Still another:  apocalyptic . . . 
       "Water overflows & undermines Water rises & ruins & ravages. At the same time, water cleanses, rejuvenates & restores. Water baptizes. Water kills . . . 
       "One day, this water will recede. And thousands of Nebraskans will restart & rebuild with the work ethic that quietly courses through us. Water again will become what we covet. And, yet, what we curse." ["Nebraska flood of 2019: 'Historic' is an understatement," Todd Cooper, OWH 3/19]

Political Potpourri

"The preamble to the Constitution describes a 'more perfect union,' which is not the same as 'perfect union.'"  ["The Burn It Down! Democrats," Kevin Williamson, National Review Online, 3/21]

Abolishing the Electoral College would make parties even weaker by further incentivizing populist politicians to work outside the system to cultivate celebrity & cults of personality . . . Most of our political problems today are a result of our political gatekeepers surrendering to the mob." ["Abolishing the Electoral College Would Be a Mistake," Jonah Goldberg," Drudge Report 3/22]

Parenting

"The New York Times informs us that the 'helicopter parent'--the hovering nervous ball of anxiety--is out. Constant surveillance of children is not enough. Now we have 'snowplow parents,' who rush ahead of their children & clear out all obstacles in their paths." ["There Goes the Neighborhood," Michael Dougherty, NRO 3/22]

Food for Thought

"Kale now one of the most pesticide contaminated vegetables . . . " [Drudge 3/21]

Hostile Culture + Pray! + Trust

A Post-Christian Society

"As Christians face the increasingly hostile environment of a post-Christian society, it's all too easy to fall back on our animal instincts--to run, fight or hide, blend in or--worse yet--compromise, forming dangerous & unstable alliances with the world around us.
       "Think, though, about Jesus' prayer for His disciples in John 17: 'I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.' (John 17:14-15)
       "In Christ, we, like the apostles who came before us, don't belong to this world anymore. Yet here we are--& here we will stay, until He calls us to Himself. Far from running away or hiding (as if we could!), we stand out. We can't help it. Wherever we are, whatever we do, we know who we are--& Whose.
       "It's not easy, but we don't go it alone. By the Holy Spirit, Christ gathers us into His Church, where we find ample love, companionship & encouragement along the way.
       "This is life together, set apart. May you be blessed as you reflect on what it means for you . . . " [Rachel Bomberger, The Lutheran Witness, March 2019]

Prayer

"Are prayers a substitute for action? I think prayers are very important--& can make a huge difference. The Bible, such as the Gospels, is filled with all kinds of amazing things that happened in answer to prayer. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, & tomorrow. This may be a cliche', but this motto applies here. 'Pray like it all depends on God & act like it all depends on you.'" ["What's This Mantra Against 'Thoughts & Prayers'?, Jerry Newcombe, Townhall 3/21]

TRUST

"But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God." Psalms 31:14

"God in Jesus has done what we could not--defeat our ultimate enemies of sin, death & the devil. We can trust every challenge to Him." [Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]

Whatever Wednessday

Flooding + Adulthood + Fascism + Weed + Thought for Today

Due to last week's unprecedented flooding in Northeast Nebraska, there are still many roads that are impassable, bridges that were taken out, & communities facing critical issues, such as the lack of potable water. Many roads & highways have been decimated & will require not just repair but rebuilding. It may take months if not years to alleviate all the devastation.

On a personal note, Lois & I need to get to Lincoln on SAT, & we fear that it may take us up to 4 hours instead of the usual 2+, since we will to drive roundabout routes.

Orphan Grain Train [I write for this international relief agency.], among many other agencies, is seeking to provide relief for victims of the flooding. You can find out how to help by visiting ogt.com.

Adulthood

" . . . People don't become adults until 30s, say brain scientists." [Drudge Report, 3/20]

Electoral College

"In our era of viciously divisive politics, the states are arguably more necessary than they have ever been. Critics of the Electoral College bristle at the insistence that it prevents NY & CA from imposing their will on the rest of the country. But the Electoral College guarantees that candidates who seek the only nationally elected office in America must attempt to appeal to as broad a geographic constituency as possible--large states & small, populous & rural--rather than retreating to their preferred pockets & running up the score. The alternative to this arrangement is not less political contention or a reduction in anger; it is more of both." ["In Defense of the Electoral College," the editors, National Review Online, 3/20]

Childhood

" . . . childhood is just different than it used to be. It' far more scheduled." ["A Southern Parent's Take on the Admissions Scandal," David French, NRO, 3/19]

Liberal Fascism

"The color of one's skin one's sex, one's ethnicity, one's religious heritage & the kind of sexual partners one chooses have become the only things that matter in today's popular left wing culture. Content of character & quality of thought--core requirements of a responsible citizen in a free country--no longer matter in our bizarre world gone crazy." ["Liberal Fascists Ambush Chelsea Clinton," Star Parker, townhall.com, 3/20]

Legalize Pot?

"Politicians are pushing to legalize recreational marijuana in NY, NJ, & PA, following 10 other states. But the Parent-Teacher Association, local heathy officials & pediatrician groups are pushing back, warning about permanent damage to youngsters' brains. If you have children, trust the PTA, not the pols." ["Pols Not Telling You about dangers of Legalizing Weed," Betsy McCaughy, townhall, 3/20]

ENVY

"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked." Ps. 73:2-3

"We have an advantage . . . because we know Christ overcame all sin, envy included.
[Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]

Floods + Contempt + Thought for Today

Nebraska Makes Drudge Report . . . Unfortunately

"Large parts of Nebraska & the U.S. central plains were underwater on Saturday after a late-winter 'bomb cyclone' storm triggered historic flooding along the Missouri & Platte rivers, tearing apart . homes & swallowing road ways." ["Historic floods hit Nebraska after 'bomb cyclone' storm," Drudge Report, 3/18]

"The rivers kept raging SUN as more Nebraskans & Iowans fled t shelters, first responders kept working through their exhaustion, & scores of volunteers offered supplies, food & prayers. The head of the NE State Patrol said the recovery would be a 'marathon.' With highways closed & farm land flooded, no one could offer a solid projection on how long it might take to put Nebraska back to where is was a month ago." ["Disaster, disruptions & exhaustion. Flood problems will not relent," Drudge Report, 3/18]

Many roads in Northeast Nebraska remain impassable, either because of continued flooding and/or massive damages. We are traveling to Lincoln on Saturday. We may have to drive all the way to & through Omaha in order to make it, which will add over two hours to our trip, one way.

Contempt

"The next time you are about to engage in disagreement over a contentious issue, ask yourself a question:  Am I about to use my values as a gift, or as a weapon to attack the other side? If you are about to use them as a weapon, stop. Find a way to use your values as a gift instead." ["Rejecting Contempt," Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review Online, 3/18]

WAITING

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him" Psalm 62:5

"Waiting on the Lord is an act of faith, because each time we wait we realize anew our dependence on God--for life, for forgiveness, for salvation. Our hope is in Him. He will not disappoint." [Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]

Sunday Devotional

WORSHIP

"O come, let us worship & bow down." Psalm 95:6

"Some view worship as something they bring to God; however, here in this psalm we are reminded that worship is a celebration of what God has done for us. Why worship? Because He is our God & we are His people. He made the world & all who live in it; He made us His own in baptism, worked faith in our hearts, & loves us to no end. As we gather within the fellowship of faith, we confess our sins & receive His gifts of mercy, grace & forgiveness. Of course, we would want to join with others & "come into His presence with thanksgiving" & "make a joyful noise unto Him with songs of praise" (Ps. 95:2) This is His day, not ours; Let us begin the day & end the day with praise!

"Worthy Lord, fill us with Your Spirit & accept our thanks & praise. Amen."

Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018

Sequestered Saturday

Water + Pigs & Pizza + Careless Woman + 2nd-Born Children

Water, Water Everywhere

"Officials credit 'world-class' levees after water levels drop. Norfolk officials were breathing a sigh of relief Friday after water levels dropped several feet overnight, allowing nearly a third of the city to return to their homes & businesses. Mayor Josh Moenning thanked first responders, city workers, businesses, volunteers & the entire city for helping one another while coping with floodwaters . . . More than 1,000 people stayed at shelters overnight (on Thursday). Thirty-two people were rescued by first responders . . . " [Omaha World Herald, 3/16]

"Full or partial evacuations had taken place in at least 31 Nebraska communities, including Cedar Rapids, Beemer, Plattsmouth, Valley & West Point. Columbus (the state's 10th-largest city) had only a blacktop road to get in or out . . . " (Beemer is located about 20 miles to our southeast; West Point about 25 miles, also to our southeast. [OWH, 3/16]

        We took in an elderly couple on Thursday morning. We didn't know them, but they were friends of another staff member at Orphan Grain Train. Their home in Northeast Norfolk was located within the flood plain. A policeman banged on their door Thursday morning & warned them that if they didn't evacuate, they were on their own. Thankfully, they were able to return to their home yesterday morning.

        Lutheran High Northeast took in about 300 people on Thursday night. Bel Air School, which is just down the block to our west, took in about 300 people. Both shelters maxed out. Our neighborhood was spared flood damage, although Derek (son-in-law) said that several of their neighbors had water in their basements. [Derek & Rachel live about a half-mile west of us.]

        At one time on Thursday, all major & secondary routes out of Norfolk were impassable. I was unable to travel to Lincoln for a Gamblers Assistance Commission Mtg. I was also unable to travel to North Platte yesterday for a Lutheran Laymen's League/Lutheran Hour Ministry Convention. [I was supposed to represent OGT.]

        Since we moved to Norfolk in 1997, we've experienced flooding along the Elkhorn River, located along the southern edge of Norfolk, but this flooding was unprecedented.

        One man was swept away when his vehicle was swamped in floodwaters. A farmer near Columbus (located 50 miles south of us) drowned when a bridge collapsed under his tractor. He was trying to rescue a trapped motorist.

        You can see videos of our floods in Northeast & other locations in Nebraska by going to youtube & searching for "flooding in Nebraska."

There Is No Place Like . . . California

"After 376 straight weeks, California is drought-free. CA is free of drought for the first time in more than 7 years, experts said THU." [Omaha World Herald, 3/15]

. . . Ohio

"The Xenia Police Dept. went on a little adventure SAT on E. Church St. to catch a runaway pig. The pig, whose name is Wilbur, was lured into the back of a police car by Officer Dan Smith using leftover pizza that was donated by a local citizen." [Drudge Report 3/16]

"Ohio man giving up food, drinking only beer during Lent . . . " [ditto]

. . . Michigan

"Drunken U.P. man shoots at snowbank after car gets stuck . . . " [Drudge, 3/13]

Whimsy

"Man named Sober arrested for DUI . . . " [Drudge, 3/14]

Internet knows you better than spouse . . . " [Drudge, 3/16]

"Plane turns around after mom realizes she left baby at airport . . . " [Drudge, 3/12]

Sorry, Carolyn

"Well, there's now scientific evidence that backs up the theory that 2nd-born children are indeed the troublemakers of the family . . . " ["Second-born kids are more likely to be troublemakers, science says," OWH, 3/16]

EXPECTATIONS

"O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth." psalm 54:2

"As baptized, redeemed, forgiven children of God, we, too, can have every expectation that He will deliver us. He knows our every weakness & gives ear to our every prayer." [Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]

Trapped!

Here's our situation in Norfolk & Nebraska at 8:15a.

• We are in a flash flood warning, winter storm warning, & high wind advisory.
• We are in a flash flood warning until 6:00p, Saturday.
• Right now it's sleeting; this is supposed to turn into a "wintry mix."
• Lois is home; Christ Lutheran School cancelled school, as did Norfolk Public & Catholic Schools, Lutheran High Northeast, along with ALL schools in Northeast Nebraska.
• The Orphan Grain Train office is closed.
• Police are evacuating homes in areas of Norfolk--something that we NEVER remember happening since we moved here in 1997.
• Several schools have been designated as emergency shelters for those who have had to evacuate.
• Highway 81 & Highway 275 are closed; all routes between here & Omaha & Lincoln are closed.
• I was planning to head to Lincoln later today, since I have a Gamblers Assistance Commission tomorrow. I'm grounded.
• I was also planning to travel to North Platte for a Lutheran Laymen's League/Lutheran Hour Ministry convention on Saturday; there is virtually no way I will make it there.
• The Elkhorn River, which runs just south of town, is rising rapidly. 
• We're seeing videos of levees that are threatening to fail outside Norfolk.
• I-80 is closed across Nebraska from Kearney to the Wyoming border.
• We are very blessed that we haven't had any water problem at home; many people are reporting flooded basements.
• Bel Air School, which is a block west of us, is one of the designated shelters, so we assume our neighborhood is "safe."
• Skyview Lake, which is a half-mile southwest of us, was reported to be out of its banks.
• We've had steady & sometimes heavy rain since Tuesday evening.
• The ground is still frozen & still partially covered in snow, so the water has nowhere to go. 

Flooding + Dangerous Selfie + Village Blacksmith + Thought for Today

It's been raining since before sun-up. In fact, we even had a thunderstorm earlier this morning. Today's high may reach 50 degrees, but rain is in the forecast all day & tomorrow. There's even a chance of snow tomorrow. WDTM?

Since the ground is still frozen, run-off from rain can cause flooding. Lois texted me to check the basement, since people at her school were reporting water in their basements. [I checked; our basement is--so far--dry.]

I have to travel to Lincoln tomorrow, so I'm hoping to leave town before it starts snowing.

Today's Whimsy

"Jaguar attacks woman trying to take selfie at zoo." [Omaha World Herald, 3/11]

Dept. of Shameless Joke-Stealing

"The village blacksmith finally found an apprentice willing to work long, hard hours. The blacksmith instructed the boy, 'When I take the shoe out of the fire, I'll lay it on the anvil, & when I nod my head, you hit it with this hammer.'
        "The apprentice did just as he was told. Now he's the village blacksmith." 
[Reader's Digest, Feb. 2019]

SELFISHNESS

"O Lord, . . . who shall dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly & does what is right." Psalm 15:1-2

"We have the most perfect picture of unselfishness in Christ, our Savior . . . He took our death upon Himself so that we might live forgiven here on earth & forever in heaven."
[Psalms for Lent, Jane Wilke, Creative Communications for the Parish, 2018]

Superfluous Saturday

It's shaping up to be a lazy Saturday. We woke up to light rain, which changed over to snow about mid-morning, but it only snowed half-heartedly, so I'm not sure that we even got an inch. The little woman is doing laundry. I had my quiet time, then read Jonah Goldberg's Saturday column, then browsed through last night's & this morning's newspapers. I plan to prepare for Tuesday morning's men's Bible study, since I will be covering for our pastor. And of course before we go to bed tonight, we will be setting our clocks for daylight savings time. Spring ahead!

What are we watching via CBS.com these days?

• NCIS
• NCIS New Orleans
• Magnum P.I.
• Blue Bloods

And we most recently started watching:

• Seal Team
• FBI

And I've been binge-watching Cheers on Netflix.

If you've keep up with my blog, you know that I enjoy road trips. I've got one coming up at the end of the week. I'll be spending THU night with the Worley's in Lincoln. On FRI I'll be participating in a Gamblers Assistance Commission Mtg, also in Lincoln, before heading to North Platte. I'll be representing Orphan Grain Train at the LLL/LHM Convention on SAT before returning to Norfolk on SUN.

" . . . while the media highlights crime, protests, grievances, & civil disorder, a majority of Americans still go to work unbothered each day." ["The Continued Resilience of Quiet America," Victor David Hanson, National Review Online 3/7]

"Give it a rest! Doctor say nap brings down blood pressure . . . " [Drudge Report, 3/8]

Grumbling + Food for Your Mood + Inspiration

G.O.M.E.R. Returns *

* Grumpy Old Men & Their Elucidating Rants

So, we're in another winter weather advisory again, from 9:00p tonight until 6:00p on THU. Advisories are a step below "watches", which are a step below "warnings" . . . & I'm getting a little tired of them. 

We could get 3-5" of snow, according to the advisory. Due to our arctic temperatures, the snow we've been getting isn't melting, so 3-5" could be significant. So could the freezing rain that might accompany this storm.

Most of our advisories, with one or two exceptions, have fizzled, so I'm trying to decide the advantages of knowing that you are in a winter weather advisory. Does it mean an advance trip to the grocery store to store up supplies? Does it mean canceling travel plans before an advisory turns into a watch turns into a warning? Does it feed our prejudices re:  global climate change?

I am thankful that I don't have to make weather-related school decisions, because all these advisories would do is increase my anxiety & blood pressure.

Oh, & while I'm at it, daylight savings time kicks in this Sunday. Am I the only one who detests the "spring ahead"?

Boosting Your Mood, continued

• "Mix in some chicken. Chicken breast is a lean, complete protein, making it a great source of tryptophan. Chop it into sauteed vegetables & a 1/2 cup of wild rice for a balanced meal that keeps lunch at work interesting.

          "In addition to these meal ideas, regular exercise, sun exposure, a high-fiber diet & a positive outlook are all associated with higher levels of serotonin.

          "As the snow piles up, anything you do to keep your mood stable will help keep yu focused on staying healthy & ready for the change of the season."

Source:  "5 foods that might boost your mood in cold weather," Niki Kubiak, Omaha World Herald 2/28

PROOF OF GRACE & GOD’S GOODWILL 

“I shall not die, but I shall live, & recount the deeds of the Lord.” Ps. 118:17

“Therefore the fiercer our sufferings are, the greater & more wonderful are the things that are worked in the saints. It is a proof of grace & God’s goodwill when they are disciplined by the cross & afflictions.” [Martin Luther Psalm by Psalm, Concordia Publishing House, 2017.]

Special TUE Edition of Mental Health Monday

5 foods that might boost your mood in cold weather, continued

"Include a few of the following meals below everyday to give your mood & energy levels a boost until this snow melts into spring.

• "Go nuts for oatmeal. All varieties of nuts contain tryptophan, & in combination with the heartiness of oatmeal, this vital amino acid will absorb better. I love 2-3 tablespoons of chopped walnuts . on my oatmeal with antioxidant-rich cinnamon to start my day.
• "Indulge in dairy. Milk & cheese are creamy sources of tryptophan, especially when combined into a homemade macaroni & cheese. Whole-wheat pasta is the key to better absorption of the tryptophan, & may result in a higher rate of serotonin production. Limit your portion of this high-calorie dish to about 1 cup & fill the rest of your plate with a leafy green salad to keep the meal lighter in calories.
• "Savor a little soy. Soy protein contains all the amino acids including tryptophan. Tofu will take on the flavor of whatever it is cooked with. Make a mean stir fry by combining your favorite Asian sauces & vegetables. Use brown rice as a better carbohydrate base over whit rice."

Source:  "5 foods that might boost your mood in cold weather," Niki Kubiak, Omaha World Herald 2/28

Mental Health Monday

Eating to boost your mood + Food for Thought + In-depth Temp Challenge

"5 foods that might boost your mood in cold weather," Niki Kubiak, Omaha World Herald, 2/28:  "If you are feeling the winter blues settling down on you just like the millions of snowflakes that have fallen outside, you may need more than a regular dose of vitamin D.
        "Serotonin is a neurotransmitter connected to overall feelings of happiness & well-being. Sunlight exposure & regular exercise will help keep serotonin levels up, but if you tend to hibernate in the cold or have been less physically active, chances are that you have lower levels of serotonin than in sunnier seasons.
        "Lower levels are related to increased depression, anxiety & poor sleep quality. Although serotonin is not a nutrient found in food, there are foods that are associated with its production. One of these nutrients is the amino acid tryptophan. It needs iron, vitamin B6 & B2, to be converted into niacin, which then plays an important role in the production of serotonin.
        "Tryptophan supplements are not recommended, & since it is an essential nutrient, it must be obtained through your diet. Fortunately, many common foods are good sources of tryptophan. It absorbs best when foods high in tryptophan are eaten in combination with quality carbohydrates, since they contain the necessary iron, B6 & B2. Include a few of the following meals below every day to give your mood & energy levels a boost until this snow melts into spring.

• "Eat your eggs how you like them. Egg yolks are a good source of tryptophan, so scramble two eggs over whole-wheat toast for breakfasst. Add a srving of colorful fruit on the side to round it out."

TO BE CONTINUED . . . 

Food for Thought

• "Man lost in snow for 5 days survived on Taco Bell sauce packets" [Drudge Report, 3/4]
• "Vegan 'steaks' made with 3-D printer for 'conscious carnivores.' [ditto]

Wit & Wisdom of Jonah Goldberg *

* One of my two most favorite partisan pundits

"The first obligation of the state is to protect human life . . . And a delivered baby outside the womb or in the process of delivery is, simply, a baby." [Drudge Report, 3/2]

An OCD Temp Challenge

I present 2 interpretations of data gleaned from accuweather @ 6:50a this morning.

Wind Chill

#1, Ventura, Iowa, -33

#2, Norfolk, NE, -28

#3, Garrison, IA, -22

#4, Lincoln, NE, -19

#4, Beatrice, NE, -19

#6, Eagan, MN, -13

It's pretty impressive when the warmest wind chill is still -13.

Air Temperature

#1, Eagan, MN, -11

#1, Ventura, IA, -11

#3, Garrison, IA, -9

#3, Lincoln, NE, -9

#5, Beatrice, NE -7

#6, Norfolk, NE -5

And it's pretty impressive when the warmest air temperature is -5.

Dept. of Shameless Joke-Stealing *

* Courtesy of Reader's Digest, Feb. 2019

"I went to the doctor & he said, 'You've got hypochondria.' I said, 'Not that as well!'"

Frightful Friday

If it seems like I've been pre-occupied with the topic of abortion lately, it's because I am. The millions of unborn children slaughtered since Roe v. Wade is distressing beyond belief. The fact that judges & one particular political party are complicit in this holocaust is equally distressing. And then there is recent legislation which extends an abortion right to include a child born alive despite an abortion procedure.

Is it hopeless? I think there are positive steps that can be taken by those of us who rightly wear the label of "pro-life."

• We can pray.
• We can challenge any pro-abortion talk that we're exposed to.
• We can vote for candidates who favor a restriction of abortion rights or who actually oppose abortion for any reason.

I will make the point again that it is disingenuous for those who favor unrestricted abortion rights to hide behind the facade of "pro-choice." Support for unlimited abortion is a pro-abortion position, period.

Blood Money

"On MON, 42 Democrats & 2 independents voted against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act . . . The opposing votes shouldn't come as a surprise for many reasons, especially after looking at the money trail. According to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP), the senators opposing the act have received lose to half a million dollars, or more than $448,000, combined from Planned Parenthood in the last 5 years." ["Dems Opposing 'Born-Alive Act' Got Half a Million from Planned Parenthood," Katie Yoder, National Review Online 2/28]

Tyranny

"Even though man has lost this image through sin . . . his condition is nevertheless such that it can be restored through the Word & the Holy Spirit. God wants us to show respect for this image in one another; He does not want us to shed blood in a tyrannical manner." [Day by Day in Genesis, Martin Luther, Concordia Publishing House 2019]

Resolutions Update

Here's a progress report re:  by New Year's resolutions.

• Not to read any partisan diatribes re: the 2020 elections. It's a struggle, but for the most part I've been successful.
• Add to our list of National Park visits & cross something off our bucket list. We plan to visit Teddy Roosevelt & Glacier National Parks this summer. We've made our reservations for a cabin in Hungry Horse, MT, as well as hotels on our way there & back.
• Lose 10 lbs. Only 16 more lbs to go!
• Treat Sammy with more patience. I'm trying.
• Help put out all our Christmas decorations in 2019. Waiting for Thanksgiving break.
• Work out at least 3X/week. It's been more like once per week, but I've also had some issues re:  bronchitis to deal with. It's a struggle.
• Continue spending an hour or so in "quiet time" each day. I've been faithful.
• Write a devotion book for the 2019 Orphan Grain Train convention in September. I've started this project, but it's also been a struggle.
• Receive a DNA report from Ancestry.com. I sent my DNA sample on 12/31/18, but haven't heard anything yet.

Confidential Lesson

"I learned only one thing in private school, & obviously I can't tell you what it is, because it's private." [Reader's Digest, Feb. 2019]