Higher Things Blogosphere

Bloghardt's Reflector : All Smiles before a Wedding....

Bloghardt — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:50:06 -0400

"Anan's (not so) Randomness!" : When Does it Cease to be a Skirt?

Anan — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:42:09 -0400

Ok. So we've been getting hand-me-downs from peeple at Bosch. Today we got a bag of stuff that's mostly my size. Some of it is obviously bleck, especially the mini skirt. That thing looks like something chewed on it... I think it's supposed to be that way. I tried it on as an experiment. Gah! It's the scariest feeling! I totally grossed myself out.

So why are girls so enthralled by feeling half naked? Hmmm? *shudders* It's just wrong. Add a very tight shirt that's just long enough to touch the top of the "skirt" and you're "All That", otherwise known as "Nothing At All".

If only I had the guts to have a nice sweet little talk with all my peers who are "attired" in this manner. It's more than likely that I will simply continue to avert my eyes, even as I instruct my brothers to do so.

"Anan's (not so) Randomness!" : My Kind of Dance Class

Anan — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:34:31 -0400

I still hate dancing. Despite that... I think I'll take dance classes and do the that whole thing at some point (maybe in college) just to be rebellious against... something. Though I still prefer that dance classes stay on canvas and in the past.

It's very likely that I'll be too busy in college with regular classes, and that's ok too. In fact it's fantastic!

Anlic_Sceadu : Finals Coming Up...

Kelsey Fischer — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:49:18 -0400

The great joys of finals have just begun here at SHSU...so I thought I would just post some random words of wisdom, from the crazy mind of Kelsey Fischer:

"Life is like a box of chocolates. You may not like all the chocolates in the box."

Thank You...those are my very random thoughts for the day...enjoy ;-p

"Anan's (not so) Randomness!" : Oh the joy of Tuesday

Anan — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:35:54 -0400

The desktop let me on Gmail for the first time in weeks. I is so velly happy. Even better than that is the fact that it's Tuesday. Why is Tuesday so great? Chiefly because nothing happens on Tuesday. I don't have to go anywhere if I don't want to, Monday is over, and everybody is gone but Benjamin for most of the day.

As crytical as I am of pretty much everything ever made, I am far from being a movie crytic. I don't care if it's good or not. If it's entertaining and isn't horendously unappropriate then I'm happy. Ahem. I get a big "kick" out of "27 Dresses". It's about dresses! Woot! It is sadly lacking in the homemade dress department. If I feel like watching a movie with dressmaking in it I'll have to resort to "Enchanted". Needless to say... I bugged Mom until she went out and got 27 Dresses last week. Then we had to watch it two times. *contented sigh*

When does the Narnia movie come out anyway?

Amiga: Luvable lutheran's blog : The Job Hunt! and other divergent thoughts

mt1goal — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:56:03 -0400

The Job Hunt! and other divergent thoughts

Some of you may know that I’m approaching the end of my graduate school career and am in the process of making the transition yet again to the real world. I’m searching for a real job as my family puts it. I have been unsure about my exact day to finish as my university allows for graduation every month. I’ve been making slow and steady progress to avoid burnout and to complete my doctoral degree. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting much brighter! I am working on my last major section of my dissertation and then have two page long sections and editing to comply with publication requirements. Then I will be done with my dissertation and my committee will have 2-4 weeks to review it before I make an oral presentation on the material and am questioned by my committee in my oral defense. Upon successful completion of all of that, I will receive a PhD.

However, one also needs to have successful employment in order to use those skills that I’ve been learning for sometime in service to my neighbor in my vocation of training. I’ve been watching local job sites for health care institutions and organizations for about the past year as I like the area in which I live. However, my discipline is an emerging area. In fact an article in US News and World report describes it as an “ahead of the curve career.” Ideally I would like a position that melds my undergrad training (laboratory medicine) and my graduate training (informatics) into work in the specific vocational field of pathology informatics. I’ve seen job postings at Stanford and Harvard and have applied or emailed for more information. These did not pan out. Locally, I’ve only found one or two positions requiring doctoral training and it would be in some sort of general health informatics vocation. That is alright too as laboratory data consist of 80% of the information in the electronic medical record and used for clinical decision making (my focus area). Most of the positions have been at the Bachelor training area and maybe some at the Master’s level. It’s been challenging at least.

For those positions in which I’ve applied, I’ve gotten a few phone calls for interviews. I’ve found out that many organizations like to perform a screening or phone interview to let you know about the job and ask about your training to see if you are qualified for the position. One interview with a national healthcare leader focused more on research informatics and although I could probably perform such a job, I am really interested in clinical informatics. It was evident by the end of the conversation that I was not a good match for this position. Another interview was by phone and then I was invited to visit the worksite in person. The manger gave me a tour and I was invited back for the 2^nd interview in person at their hospital site. One of the interviewers was a colleague who graduated with his MS from my program this summer. He knew my strengths and weaknesses and also knew what type of training our program afforded. I believe that it was narrowed down to myself and another internal candidate and the other person was offered the position since they already were familiar with that institution. I was a bit hesitant about the position as it only required Bachelor training and I probably wouldn’t be challenged to my full potential. I had it as a back up in case other positions didn’t work out.

The most promising position in the fall was with a health care organization that provides quality and financial analyses to university health centers across the nation. I had a phone interview, followed by an in person interview in their Chicagoland location. There were adding a department and so there was quite a bit of uncertainty with what they exactly wanted and how many employees they would be adding. Their divisional Vice President was impressed with my interview, but they decided to change the position I applied for to a more technical one and go with another candidate. He did say that they would be posting a position in which would be a good fit for me in the Spring. I have yet to see any postings in that regard, so I’m unsure if this organization would work out.

Spring ahead and in March I saw another healthcare organization offering what appeared to be very interesting jobs that are a great fit and ideal for my skills. I am familiar with this physician organization and applied for two positions (3 jobs) as they add a division as well.

In preparation for my transition to the real world, I’ve begun scanning a couple of clothing chains that offer professional attire. Jeans and a T-shirt just won’t cut it. That will have to be delegated to my weekend wear. I pulled out my leather portfolio and resume paper to print copies of my resume, references, and curriculum vitae (request more for academia positions). I’ve read up on job websites to make sure that I am current with the latest in job search strategies, tips, and etiquette. In the fall, my university offered a meal etiquette course to teach people the art of fine dining in case a meal is part of the interview process. I mean I know quite a bit, but I learned other tips as to which way to pass the food, which direction you spoon soup, and other etiquette which very well may make the difference between landing the perfect job and not. I knew that you use silverware from the out side in, but there were a few new formalities I learned as well.

In purchasing business attire, I’ve scoured one chain’s nearby outlet to look for steals. I have an aunt and several friends that shop the chain. My one friend who grew up sewing her own clothing says that it is well made. I figure I can not only get professional attire, but attire that fits and will last. I’ve also found steals like wool suit coats originally for $200+ for $20 or less. In fact on Saturday, I purchased one jacket for 95% off! Sometimes though I’ve had to bite the bullet and make a $50 or $100 purchase if it means a versatile piece that is well made and coordinates with many outfits. My friend who sews has also been my fashion consultant. Although I can color match and find clothing that fits, she knows way more about how certain tailored pieces are supposed to fit, as well as color rules such as wearing a lighter color on top. It also helps to have another set of eyes to look at the all around fit as I don’t have eyes in the back of my head!

The nice thing about this chain is that they have larger and petite sizes as my body shape has changed a bit over the years. In fact, I found out my foot grew a half a size in recent shoe shopping. Who would have known? So one thing I learned is sizing doesn’t really matter, as it’s important that your clothing and shoes, fit so that you are comfortable. I found a light grey suit with each piece in slightly different sizes. Later on I found a silk shell in a pale yellow with a medallion print that looks superb with the suit. The suit has pants, a skirt and jacket, but in formal interviews one wears a skirt with the jacket. One of my fall suits is a navy jacket, cream shell and paisley long skirt. I found some incredibly comfortable wedge pumps from Clarks at their outlet. I put together that outfit, an upgrade from college suiting. It worked well for two interviews, but since the latest round of interviews is with a physician organization, I wanted attire that portrayed me as a “power professional.”

After the initial phone screening interview, I was notified of making it to the second interview. This too was supposed to be a phone interview, but when I mentioned I would be in Chicagoland during their interviewing timeframe, they invited me in person. I really wanted to get a pair of black power pumps. So I set out on a 3 day shopping mission. I also accented the outfit simply with some pearls. My purse also didn’t match as it is brown. I found a light grey purse with the Ralph Lauren logo in black patterned over it. It looked sharp with the suit, the look I wanted to attain. A few days beforehand I got a fresh haircut. I also painted my nails the day of. Nail polish usually doesn’t stay on my fingers long due to their activities. I wore the pearl necklace and matching earrings. I wanted to look my best and the small details are said to complete the look if you will. Interviewers are said to notice how you take the effort in your personal grooming and if your hair is long and straggly, it is supposed to convey that you don’t take care of yourself and may reflect how you will act in the workplace setting. Obviously many other folks have studied this way more than I have. However, I’m willing to expend the extra effort if it lands me a job that provides for my future.

For the second interview I drove from Minnesota to Illinois and stayed with my family. Then I got up early to head into Chicago. I caught the tail end of rush hour and the roads I was on were deconstructed. I arrived early enough to have an iced tea at Caribou Coffee, my favorite coffee chain. It allowed me to regroup, use the bathroom and review my interview notes once again. In my leather portfolio I had a fresh notepad, a pen, space for business cards, and extra copies of my resume and references on resume paper.

I’d also mentally prepared for the interview by reviewing university career center handouts on interviewing questions, especially those on behavioral interviews. Behavior interview questions are designed to see how you have responded to work situations in the past, as a predictor to how you’ll respond in the future. Ie if you are confrontational and argue a lot with colleagues when provoked, you probably will in the future and may not fit well with existing employees or a stressful workplace. The best way to respond to such situations is to think of events in your past that you can use to describe your response and how you handled a situation or how you work as a teamplayer. I wrote down examples from my past jobs, and as well as volunteering in helping with planning last year’s HT conference. For describing one of my most stressful experiences and how I coped with the situation, I described planning the outdoor ballgame as part of conference entertainment. I realized I had no control over the weather, but had to plan accordingly. I also knew that busing would need to occur over a few hours at the beginning and end. Of course I was hoping and praying that God would provide beautiful sunny weather with the perfect temperature. As the week approached the forecasts were for Thunderstorms the day of the game. I was hoping that those riding the buses over early would be protected by the buses from the rain, and then if inclement, would not remain in the open, but rather shelter themselves in the concessions area near the restrooms where there is covered shelter out of the elements. For those leaving on later buses, I assumed they would stay in the dorms to keep dry. Some may also have brought umbrellas and rain gear in preparation for any showers. A few hours before the game, I did contact the ballpark and they would make sure that if there were any weather warnings they would communicate it to folks over the speaker system and direct them to shelter. If the game were called (and it would be after all had arrived and had their meal at the park), the last set of buses was to wait at the park so there would be shelter there and near the concessions so everyone would be safe. I discussed this with the bus company too a few hours before the game. Thankfully the severe storm warnings occurred during the last sessions while folks were in the buildings. I was up in my dorm room monitoring the weather reports on my laptop in case we need to make any decisions for the safety of conference attendees. Of course everything with the weather was all in God’s hands. There was rain and many of the early attendees coped with it well and those unprepared with rain gear bought Saints ponchos to keep dry. Those arriving later were treated to clearing clouds and a beautiful sunset and ballgame complete with the HT choir voices singing the national anthem. It was a great night at the park after all even though there the weather was challenging to cope with.

So I made it to the interview and checked in with the receptionist. I met with a consultant who’s groups was interviewing the early round candidates. We had a nice conversation and I was able to address his questions. I was a bit nervous as I caught a cold a few days earlier and my voice was beginning to get affected. I also didn’t want a blue tongue from cough drops. I did use one and my voice held out until after the interview. It went well as I was invited back for the third and final interview. I’d be contacted to schedule that one in the next few weeks. I’d also been asked for my CV, which I said I’d have to email since I didn’t’ have it with me.

Jump ahead a week and I was trying to find a campus career center person to review my updated CV. I hadn’t updated it in the last 2 years so I was trying to make it current, yet also tailor it for this interview and make it easier to read. I got an appointment within 2 days with a professional who reviewed my CV and gave helpful pointers. Content was great, but spacing and other formatting changes would make it even easier to read and better for HR/interviewing folks. It took me two days of work, but I emailed it off to my previous interviewer. Again the little things to help you get the job.

Meanwhile I was transitioned to an Human Resources lady who would be my primary contact going forward. She wanted to schedule me to meet with the executive vice president and general manager of the department in the next few weeks. I didn’t tell her this, but I really didn’t want to drive another 6-7 hours back there again after just returning from there. If I had to, I’d suck it up and bear the cross. Furthermore my sister said they should pay for my travel if they want to interview me. Being that I live close to an airport, it would be better timewise so I could meet them sooner if I flew down. It would take me a day to drive to IL, one to drive into Chicago and interview, and one to drive back. By flying I could be there in an hour or so and save them and me time. So I asked if they cover interview travel expenses. The reply is if they book the travel they can direct bill, and if I’m there on business and drive to their office they will cover the interview related expenses. Good Deal! I don’t want to appear that I’m taking advantage of them, but as a poor college student this would be a huge help. It allows me also to keep making progress on finishing my degree by having 2 extra days to work instead of travel.

So yesterday I got up at 0245am and got myself ready. I had everything laid out and had previously gotten cash at the ATM in case I had to pay for the cab up front and get reimbursed. The HR lady had sent me my flight itinerary and then indicated I’d take a cab to their office. I’d asked if there was a secure place to store my laptop and she said there was. It was part of my disguise of being prepared. I brought an extra pair of nylons and extra nail polish, toothpaste and a hairbrush in case I needed to freshen up before the interview or had issues. My hair was having issues and in my rush out the door, I messed up one of my nails so I redid the polish while waiting for the plane. I tried to work with my hair at the airport upon arrival and made sure I was presentable the best I could be.

I had emailed an aunt who was previously in academia (she has a PhD), but travels often for her work. I asked if I should bring a garment bag with extra shoes or anything and she said no. I didn’t want to give the impression that I couldn’t’ stand professional attire for the day. Ok, so as much as I hate wearing nylons, I bore the cross. In hindsight it wasn’t as bad as I expected and my toe only poked through at the end on my way home. She also advised me on doing my homework on the organization and interviewers, which I’d done. Most importantly she and many of my friends and family shared that they were praying for a successful interview. After pastor’s recent sermon on prayer, it was just what I needed. Of course my prayer has been if it’s God’s will that I have this job to serve my neighbor to the best of my ability I’d like to have an offer. IF God’s Will is otherwise, I’m ok with that too. I might be a bit disappointed, but He ultimately knows what’s best for me and my neighbors around me.

My friend who served as my fashion consultant and my aunt also said to make sure I don’t’ have wrinkled clothing. Now, I am not as talented as Anna (ANAN’s blog) and able to sew my own clothing. I probably am not even as talented as Madre (see her blog post on ironing for HT pastors) with the iron. My friend told me to steam my wool suit coat. One of the seamstresses at church, the one whom I’ve hired to alter the good deals I’ve found on the professional wear gave me tips on ironing wool a few months ago when my newer dress pants had gotten wet. Wool should be dry cleaned and not washed, but I wanted to wash out the liquid ASAP before more damage occurred to the fabric so I did launder them at home. However after line drying they were quite wrinkled. I asked the seamstress and looked online and it appeared I could iron them safely without melting the fabric or otherwise destroying them. (Let’s just say my mom had an ironing accident with a nice blouse that I remember as a child. She was in tears and about to throw it out, when I told her to check with grandma as my grandma was talented with sewing. Sure enough grandma was able to cut off the scorched melted collar and flip it around so you never knew. Unfortunately I learned the bad habits of my mom in taking everything to grandma to fix sewing wise. Grandma succumbed to her cancer on January 1^st and I do miss her advice, but have learned that there are many other talented seamstresses out there. I’m glad I’ve met a few at church and that is why I admire ANAN for her talents. I did not take home ec in high school (it wasn’t required as it was for previous generations) and although I’m not adverse to sewing, I just haven’t learned all the tricks of the trade. Sure I can do simple stitching, but I prefer to have professionals handle more complicated things like alterations, replacing zippers, and dealing with challenging fabrics. In college most of my wardrobe was wash and wear and I joked that I never ironed until after I graduated. Mom did it and I still let her sew on buttons when I’m at home. )

Ok so I got out my steamer that I had gotten when I studied in Germany. I filled it with water and waited a few minutes to start steaming. A puff would come out when I pressed on the button, but ti didn’t’ seem to be removing the wrinkles. In fact, it seemed to be making more as it caused the fabric to bubble where it previously hung smooth. I wanted to cry out for my sewing friends! I definitely needed help! Here I was ruining my outfit for my interview in less than 24 hours. This was a crisis. Arrghhh! I stopped before I did further damage with the steamer, but then I remembered how using the iron on my wool pants worked splendidly. I went into my other bathroom and filled up the iron and waited for it to heat up. I then got out a flour sack towel to serve as an ironing cloth as my seamstress previously advised. I did begin to iron and it didn’t do any more damage. It took me some time and experimenting on the bubbled areas, but I was able to significantly reduce them. I think I’ll take my jacket to the dry cleaners for a professional clean and press. I can’t afford it every time so my aunt recommended Dryel at home dry cleaning. It’s probably not the same, but it works well in cleaning and freshening up my professional wardrobe as most of it requires dry cleaning. I bucked up and bore the cross again and decided I can bear with the changes and requirements of a professional wardrobe if that is what my profession dictates. I still am more comfortable in jeans and a T or even wearing a casual dress, but one thing professional attired gives is confidence.

Not to sound prideful, but dressing up makes one feel important and professional and on equal ground as lawyers, doctors, and the like and more importantly it gains you respect. I mean I’ve heard many bible studies on why pastors dress the way they do. I mean the white collar and black shirt has theological implications, but also it sets them apart in society and designates them in their vocation. How many times have you heard about a pastor dressed for the office having people come up to them or fleeing because of their personal problems and that they recognize the pastoral office? Similarly, seeing a deaconess in their blue uniform sets them apart from their fellow parishioners or the public and gains them the respect of their vocation. It shows people that this is someone just like a pastor who has had theological training to be able to lead bible studies to women and children, provide mercy care to the sick and dying in the hospital setting, and be a servant of mercy in soup kitchens and the like in community service to the homeless, Christian and non Christian, just to name a few of their vocational hats. However, their distinctive uniform also sets them apart from the pastor to let people know that they are not preaching and teaching and providing Word and Sacrament and only those duties limited to the office of the holy ministry (OHM). Their uniform also sets them apart from other religious bodies and denominations who have a misunderstanding of the OHM and try to ordain women in these roles. Those women try to dress like pastors and perform the same duties, while the deaconess understands her vocation and how it is different. That said, both the pastor and deaconess uniform are also a confession of the faith. It sets them apart from other religious bodies that have men and women serving. I mean those pastors uncomfortable with their office and wearing the uniform of the vocation if you will and preferring to be more like the people dressing in a suit and tie can be mistaken for a businessman, doctor, lawyer, or regular ol parishioner. What sets him apart upon first glance? Nothing. Likewise for a deaconess, if a deaconess is not in their uniform, perhaps it is while they are not working and just running errands in their community, people won’t know of their special vocation of mercy and care to their fellow humans. Out of the uniform, these special people look like ordinary Joes.

Likewise doctors, judges, firemen, police officers, the military and other vocations requiring the uniform look like an average person. When they are in jeans and a T shirt, say on weekends, does it command the same amount of professional respect? No. Nobody would know of their education and training to be in that vocation. How many times have you heard of an illness occurring in a public venue where they request the services of a doctor or nurse. It’s because outside of their uniform they are not distinguishable from the general public. There is respect earned and given from professional attire.

Going back to where I was, that is why it is important to show that you are comfortable with your vocation and the dress requirements. You want to be able to perform your job well, but in working with others you also want to have their respect. One of the questions I was asked is if I can work with physicians and I said yes and I’ve been successful in the past in that role. This position is with a physician organization so even though I’m not a physician, I will be representing them in their interests and interacting with them. Now physicians treat their patients, colleagues and other folks differently depending on the context in which they are operating. Sometimes they are in a role of authority (ie in treating a patient), while in other times it is more of a peer-to peer relationships such as with colleagues at professional meetings . While in my graduate training program, I’ve had to assume the vocation of physician in one of my courses and I was required to dress according to the code for their residents as I was treated the same. When I am dressed in my lab coat and work in the clinical lab, usually there is more of an authority atmosphere with physicians since they are acting in more of their patient care vocation. I’m no psychologist and I’m sure studies can go into more of the details of the differences. Bottomline, I need to be comfortable in professional attire if I am to be working with physicians and expecting them to be respectful to me in return. Jeans and T-shirt will cause disrespect regardless of my educational training and they will assume a position of authority instead of colleageality.

Hence why I wanted to be taken seriously and show my serious interest in this job interview and why I was fretting about the little details about having the power professional look. After security I stopped at caribou to get coffee and a scone for another breakfast. I knew my body would distract me with hunger pains if I didn’t keep it full. I didn’t’ want that to occur during an interview. The coffee also helped keep me alert at that hour. It was almost 3 hours since breakfast and so the scone was perfect on the flight while I was reviewing my notes and interview responses. Upon landing I freshened up in the bathroom and then called the cab. I had arrived early enough that I met the HR lady who found an office for me to wait for 2 hours until my interview. She had scheduled a buffer in case there were air or traffic delays. One rule is you never want to be late to an interview. I was able to start writing this and work on my dissertation on my laptop. I wanted to show them that I was a productive worker, yet flexible enough to adapt to changing situations. They didn’t need to know that my laptop bag also stored extra food, nail polish, a brush and other in case items to make things easier on me. The gentleman who previously interviewed me stopped in to say hi and wish me luck. That was very nice of him. The HR lady also asked me if I had breakfast and offered to purchase some in their cafeteria. I did get a water to rehydrate myself. I also stashed cough drops and other essentials in my purse to have during the interview. I purchased some new flavors that didn’t leave a color on my tongue.

I met the exec vp and it went well. We discussed aspects of the profession and I asked him to clarify a bit more about what makes the two manger jobs (3 positions) distinct. I also found some commonalities with colleagues that we had. Sometimes it’s who you know that gets you the job. I met these colleagues through an international Master Class in my field as they reside in another country. Next there was a change and the director I was supposed to meet was working on a huge project and so I briefly met her, then went off to interview with her colleague. This lady and I are both alumni of the same university and she is good friends with one of the deans of a related program at my university. Again good connections if they help or give me an edge over another candidate. She was very nice and helpful and asked more practical questions related to the day to day operations of the position. She also explained what things would be included in orientation and training so I can brought up to speed on the department especially if I represent their interests in meetings and the like. One thing I forgot to mention is a firm handshake and eye to eye contact are important too. They help convey your confidence and interest in the position and people you’d be working with. I felt everything went well and was positive overall. There were no major disasters like me tripping over my heels on the stairs or anything.

At the conclusion of the interview, the HR lady escorted me back to the entrance where she’d already called a cab. I didn’t want to keep either waiting so I forgot to ask about their hiring timeline for the addition of this new department. I did not get a job offer that day. However, they may be still interviewing other candidates and may be waiting for approval from their oversight committee that meets later this week. Overall I’m pleased with how things went. I finished early and got on an earlier flight home via standby. I also feel that I put my best foot forward and interviewed with confidence and graceful style. I hope they find me to be a candidate highly suited for their organization and one that is visionary to be able to carry this new department forward into the future and break ground in this emerging discipline. I hope they also see that I’m able to find what I have in common with people in a social context that allows me to easily network and build business relationships with people as this will also be an important aspect of this job.

Now I wait to hear a decision either way. Of course with an offer comes negotiating and other aspects of finishing the deal. I’d need to move and figure out when I can start. I’m not crossing that bridge yet. Meanwhile I need to get out my thank you notes and get my dissertation finished. I think I have about a month or two left. Changes are forthcoming in starting the next chapter in the book of life. I can said that God has definitely provided for my needs and is guiding me as to which direction to go by opening and closing doors. Hopefully there will be an open door to this company in my future.

Bloghardt's Reflector : St. Matthew 19: 4 - Wedding of Mary Bebee & David Walling

Bloghardt — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:47:15 -0400

St. Matthew 19: 4 - Wedding of Mary Bebee & David Walling
Christian Life Assembly, Carrollton, TX

In the name of Jesus, our Risen and Ascended Lord. Amen. What a great day for a wedding! We are in the afterglow of our Lord's Ascension Thursday.

Christ has gone through death and hell for us. Having taken on our sins, having died for our disobedience, He has risen.

Now, He has gone back to heaven. He is at the right hand of the Father. Our High Priest. Our Lord. Our Savior. Our Spokesman. Our Advocate. Our Defender.

Now no matter what the Father does, He does through His Son. He will not judge us as our sins deserve. He will not abandon us. He will not forsake us – not with His Son at His right hand.

Man has ascended to heaven. One of us is there in heaven at God’s right hand. Heaven is just right! Alleluia!

And as we await His joyful return, He has gathered us together for a wedding. This man, this woman, brought together by...MySpace?

That's what they say. Mary was looking for friends in her area. She came upon David's picture and asked to be his friend. David, as is his way, took his sweet time in replying. The rest is, well, right here before us!

Today, we learn that it wasn't MySpace. It wasn't that he was so cute. The One who did this... the only One who could bring this man and this woman together is... is the One who sits at the right hand of the Father.

What God has joined together. That's what Jesus says. He gives this man to this woman. He made this woman for this man.

Good Gifts. That's what Christ gives. He worked it all out so that you guys would get together – even using MySpace to do it. How's about Jesus, not only ascended to the right hand of the majesty and glory of God, but He even knows how to use the internet too!

And the One who brought you two together, promises to keep you two together. What He brings together, certainly no one shall divorce.

You see, there may come a time when the two of you look at each other and you think, “Not cute.” The beauty and splendor of this day may fade, the at least two kids you plan on having may distract and annoy you, and you the glow of this day may dim.

And you'll find quickly that Your love for each other won't carry this marriage through to the end. As much as you love him, Mary, it's not enough. As much as you love her, David, it's not enough.

And so what then? What happens when the warm fuzzies fade and your heart doesn't go pitty patter every time you think of each other? What then?

Then, you have Jesus at the right hand of the Father. You have the Lord of Heaven and Earth, who brought you two together this day, who promises to keep you together, who will carry you through until the day that He parts you.

The Lord's forgiveness – won for you on the Cross and delivered in the Word, the water, and His Body and Blood. That is what you need. That's what you need to center your relationship on. His gifts is what will carry you through... better or worse, sickness, health, richer, poorer – even death itself.

Now, David, you are given to be Christ in your marriage. You are to serve Mary, to love her, in the same way Christ loves the Church. Give up your life for her. Everything that you do from this day forward is to be for her.

Don't find faults with your wife as husbands so often do. The Lord doesn't do that to His church, so don't do that with your bride. When Christ looks at the church, He doesn't see her spots, wrinkles and blemishes.

Not a one. Not ever. Instead, He sees her holy, pure, glorious, without spot, wrinkles, or any such blemishes.

Be that for your wife, David. See her that way. And when sin tackles her, wash her sin away. Forgive her. Cleanse her. Always see her the same way Christ sees His Bride, the Church - through the Cross' forgiveness.

And Mary, your husband is gonna mess up. We do that. He's going to doubt. He's going to not measure up to Christ. He's going to do such things that make you wonder if he even has a brain.

Three words, “I forgive you.” Take the forgiveness won for you and give it to your husband. And that will rescue David from...well, David.

For you both always have one very important thing going for you: At the right of God is the Man Jesus. Your Savior. Your Advocate. Your Ascended Lord.

And before you know it... the Lord will call one of you to Himself. You see, where He is at the right hand of God, you too by faith are already, and will be one day soon. He will carry you both through to that day.

Since that day hasn't come yet today, I guess we should stop talking and get you two married. In just a bit there will be no more "MySpace" but "our space."

For what God joins together, let no one separate. In the name of Jesus, our Risen and Ascended Lord. Amen.

Rev. Cwirla's Blogosphere : Intelligence and Static

Rev. William M. Cwirla — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:07:45 -0400

While searching for signs of intelligent life on the internet, I stumbled across a site for the SETI Institute. SETI stands for Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence, an attempt to find evidence for intelligent life in the universe by tuning in to the satellite radio of the cosmos. Check out this great video on the Allen Radio Telescope Array which was recently fired up at the Hat Creek Observatory in northern California.

The movie Contact, starring Jodi Foster, was based on a SETI project with Ms. Foster's character Ellie Alloway loosely modeled after SETI astronomer Dr. Jill Tartar. When I first saw Contact as an inflight movie, I thought it was pure science fiction. But the screenplay was written by Carl Sagan and, according to the SETI web site, it is "indescribably more accurate in its depiction of SETI than any Hollywood film in history."

Apparently there is more radio noise in the universe than AM talk radio in southern California. All of it appears to be just that, random electromagnetic static. The idea behind SETI is to focus lots of radio telescopes at lots of star systems and listen for any signals that rise above the static. This presumes they don't pick up our own music stations some of which are virtually indistinguishable from static.

In the movie Contact, science hero Ellie Alloway at the Phoenix Project detects a series of pulses in prime numbers on her radio telescope. Clearly more than random space noise. In the real SETI projects, scientists are looking for any concentrated, narrow band of electromagnetic radiation, sort of the cosmic equivalent of smooth jazz FM 99.6. The idea is that such a concentrated radio signal must emanate from an intelligence and cannot simply arise on its own.

So I find this interesting. Though scientists believe that "design" is undetectable, some , at least those who believe in ET, think that concentrated, coherent radio signals rising above the level of noise are a sign of intelligence. I also find it interesting that the Earth happens to be situated in such place in space that we can listen in on the universe's satellite radio. Location is everything.

This also makes me wonder. What if someone somewhere is listening in the electromagnetic noise that rises above the static in our neck of the universe, such as Don Imus, American Idol, and Wife Swap? Would they conclude that intelligent life existed here?

Rev. Cwirla's Blogosphere : The Ascension of Our Lord

Rev. William M. Cwirla — Fri, 02 May 2008 03:01:44 -0400

He has raised our human nature
On the clouds to God's right hand;
There we sit in heav'nly places,
There with Him in glory stand.
Jesus reigns, adored by angels;
Man with God is on the throne.
By our mighty Lord's ascension
We by faith behold our own.

(Lutheran Service Book #494)

Latest News : "Amen for a Day" Registration Opens!

Sandra Ostapowich — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:23:22 -0400

Once again, Higher Things is excited to announce that we are providing an opportunity for adults to visit our conferences this summer. Many people want first-hand information about our organization and our conferences. Here's your chance to find out for yourselves!

Individuals may pre-register to attend one day of a conference for $50 if pre-registration forms and payment is received by June 15, 2008. You will be notified by June 20, 2008 if your form has been received and will be given specific information about parking, check-in, etc. Walk-in guests will be accepted at the conference Information table for a fee of $60 per day.

"Amen for a Day" registration will allow you to personally experience an entire day's worth of conference activities.

You will receive admission all catechesis sessions, worship services, and entertainment events for that day (meals and housing will be on your own), as well as a conference T-shirt and a 1-year subscription to Higher Things magazine.

Please download the "Amen for a Day" Pre-Registration Form and mail it to the Conference Registrar at the address printed in the form by June15, 2008. Questions? Email conferences@higherthings.org or call 1-888-HT-CONF08.