Criminals: Church or Jail?

Fox News published an article about a town in Alabama in which non-violent criminals can either choose to go to church or serve time in jail.  Authorities say that Operation Restore Our Community begins next week.  The city judge will allow non-violent criminals to choose between going to church every Sunday for a year or pay off their sentence either by serving time in jail or paying a fine.  If the offenders decide to go to church, they must check in weekly with the pastor of the particular church and then the police department as well.  If the offender goes to church for a year, then the case will be dismissed.  Bay Minette Police Chief Mike Rowland says that the program could change lives that are headed down the wrong path.  So far 56 churches are committing to the program.

I found this article very interesting.  I thought that the program was a neat and great idea if used in the correct way.

Today in society, countless numbers of individuals are place in jail for all sorts of crimes.  Many of these individuals seem to just return time and time again to the jails throughout their entire life.  Their problems or behaviors are usually not solved, but rather just kept to a manageable state until they can get back out into the world and act the same way they did before.  By giving the option of either going to a church for a year or going to jail/paying a fine, I think there might be more success stories.  While just going to church does not save a person or necessarily change them, we can pray that they will be confronted with the gospel and their sin and in turn dedicate their life to Christ.  God is the only one who can change their life, so hopefully by attending a church for a year, many individuals will become transformed by God's saving grace.  I think that this is a much better idea than just putting people through jail time and time again. It would be interesting to see how the level of crime and those going in and out of jail is affected by this program.  I think this is a great idea as long as the churches participating are Biblically driven, Gospel-saturated churches.  I would love to see more programs like these implemented in towns and cities all over the United States. 

How about you, do you think this is a good idea or not?  Do you think this will have a positive or negative affect on the community? 

Possible Execution of Iranian Pastor

Fox News published an article about a pastor in Iran and his possible execution.  On Thursday, the White House condemned the conviction and possible death sentence of a Christian pastor in Iran.  Youcef Nadarkhani, age 32, was converted to Christianity at age 19.  He has been the pastor of a church that meets in his home since it is against the law to have a chapel or building for his faith.  When asked to repent, Nadarkhani stated: "Repent means to return. What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?" The judge replied, "To the religion of your ancestors, Islam," according to the American Center for Law & Justice. "I cannot," Nadarkhani said.  Nadarkhani could be executed at any time or he could be released, depending on what the Iranian government decides. 

My heart is heavy after reading this article.  I am so thankful for men and women like Nadarkhani.  I pray that I might act in the same way if I were ever in a situation like this.

I am so fortunate to live in America.  I have no idea what it is like to be a Christian in an area where it could cost you your life for your faith.  I am blessed so much that if I am not careful, my blessings can become a curse.  I am so blessed to live in a nation that allows me to openly live out and profess Christ, that it is extremely easy to take it for granted.  It becomes the "norm" for me while I forget that others, like Nadarkhani, are possibly losing their life for their faith in Christ.  When I hear of stories like these, I must remember the gift that I have been given.  I pray for Nadarkhani and his family as well has the church that he has been leading.  I pray that God grants them the grace and strength to continue to proclaim His name no matter what path God leads them down.  Isaiah 41: 9-13 says, "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." 

Exodus 15:2 says, "The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him."  May God renew their strength and cause them to praise as He reminds them the salvation found in Him.  May God remind me of the seriousness of His call.  To God be the glory in every situation!

Cards Win Wild Card

Fox News published an article concerning the St. Louis Cardinals.  The St. Louis Cardinals won Wednesday night, beating the Astros 8-0.  The Atlanta Braves lost their game in the 13th inning 4-3, enabling the Cardinals to clinch the wild card race.  The Cardinals had one of the greatest comebacks in baseball history as they won 23 of their last 31 games.  Cardinals pitcher, Chris Carpenter struck out 11 and allowed two hits in his 15th career complete-game shutout with the St. Louis Cardinals.  Three weeks ago, the Cardinals had virtually lost all hope.  However, they decieded they would finish the year strong and unexpectedly, they won the Wild Card. 

I loved this article.  I was so happen when the Cardinals won their game on Wednesday night.  I can only hope that they keep up their winning streak and do well in the post season.

There was great rejoicing in our family when the St. Louis Cardinals won and the Atlanta Braves lost on Wednesday night.  I posted last week about the Cardinal and their situation.  When I posted last week, I had very little hope that the Cardinals could win and that they could move on to the playoffs.  However, I was wrong.  They did indeed win and I am so happy that they did.  My whole family are Cardinals fans.  I have known no other team to cheer for other than the Cardinals.  I kept telling my family when the Cardinals were losing and not looking good in the middle of the season, that they were going to do really bad and then probably get really good towards the end and win the World Series.  While I did say this, I didn't quite believe it all the way.  I am so glad that the Cardinals have surprised myself and my family.  I hope that the Cardinals can do really well in the post season.  It would be so fun to see them win it all, especially since they did not have a great season.  I always love it when the "underdogs" or someone unexpected wins something.  I hope the Cardinals can pull things together and stun everyone in the post season.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr. once said, "I never expect to lose. Even when I'm the underdog, I still prepare a victory speech."  Go Cards!

Cardinals Lose Again

Fox News published an article about the St. Louis Cardinals and their loss to the New York Mets on Thursday.  The Cardinals allowed six runs in the ninth inning to lose 8-6.  The Cardinals also lost an opportunity to gain ground on the Atlanta Braves for the wild card race in the National League.  Cardinals reliever Jason Motte allowed four runs in the ninth inning.  Then Marc Rzepczynski faced only one batter who hit a single and scored the game-winning run on Willie Harris's hit.  While Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said it was disappointing, he still had hope.  La Russa was optimistic about winning the series and was gearing up for the next night's game. 

This article makes me sad and disappointed.  I am a Cardinals fan and I wish that they would win more games.  If only they could stop making silly errors, that would help.

The Cardinals lost again.  I have been raised all my life to be a St. Louis Cardinals fan.  I have known no other baseball team to cheer for.  While I do wear some Cardinals gear and keep track of their status, I would not call myself an intense fan.  I do understand and enjoy the game, but I just do not faithfully watch them and keep up with team statistics like some do.  However, my grandpa and uncle are avid Cardinal fans.  Every time we get together during this time of the year, it seems like half of our conversation is about Cardinal baseball.  I haven't talked to my grandpa since last nights game, but I can imagine that he is highly disappointed and frustrated with them.  I have to say that I do feel bad for the pitchers.  I always feel bad when they mess up or are charged for the reason of losing the game.  I know that everyone makes mistakes, but I always feel bad because they get blamed for it.  I know, I'm such a girl when it comes to that aspect.  I do hope that the Cardinals can pull it together and win the wild card race.  However, I will not be surprised if they lose their opportunity.  Nevertheless, go Cardinals!

Who are you rooting for?  Are you a Cardinal's fan or are you one of those sad Yankee fans?

Woman Hit By Space Junk

Fox News published an article about a woman that was supposedly hit by space junk many years ago.  On January 1997, Lottie Williams was walking through the park in Tulsa Oklahoma around 3:30 am.  When she saw something in the sky that resembled a shooting star, she was in awe.  She had never seen anything like this.  Next thing Lottie knows, she has been hit by something.  The weight was comparable to that of an empty pop can.  When she turned around, she discovered that she had been hit by a metal object.  Lottie took the object and her story to several people.  Eventually the object was tested by the Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies.  After studying the object, it is believed to be from the Delta II rocket that launched in 1996.  Lottie Williams is now featured as the only individual to ever be struck by space debris.

I found this article very interesting.  I thought that it was amazing that someone has actually been struck by something for space and lived to tell the story.  This must be one fun story to tell.

When I first began to read this story, I was skeptical I must admit.  I didn't think that she actually got hit by something from outer space.  However, the further that I read into this story, the more I began to believe.  When I realized that object that had fallen was sent to the Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies, I was more apt to believe it.  Since they concluded that the object really did fall from space and was actually apart of a fuel tank from the Delta II rocket, I began to believe the story a little bit more.  It is crazy to think that someone was actually hit by a falling object from outer space.  I mean, what are the odds that this could actually happen to a person?  I'm sure that when she tells her story to people, they are probably skeptical like I was.  However, I guess that it can and does happen.  It is definitely something fun to tell your children and be remembered for.  Nobody will ever forget the lady that was hit by the falling space junk in a random Tulsa, Oklahoma park at 3:30 am.  This is just an odd story that it is hard to forget. 

So, what if it happens to you?  What if you were to get hit by space junk?  What would you say?

Attack of the Bees

Fox News published an article about thousands of angry bees causing choas this past week in California.  An estimated 60,000 bees attacked a man in a wheel chair.  The man reportedly fell out of his wheel chair and was screaming for help with 3 other men ran to his rescue.  Several businesses had to be evacuated and a street had to be shut down because of the bees.  The attack sent four men to the hospital with dozens of stings.  The four men made a full recovery.  The men suffered rashes, difficulty breathing, nausea, and vommiting.  The bees were tested and identified as Africanized bees because of thier agressive behavior.

I hate bees.  When I read this article I couldn't help but become alarmed.  I cannot imagine being attacked by that many bees! 

I have mentioned in previous posts that I am not a fan of insects.  I am one of those girls that can deliver baby goats, but I can't stand to be attacked by a flying insect.  I know that this seems odd, but it is the truth.  At my house, we have tons of red wasps!  They are everywhere.  I have gotten better over the years at realizing that if you don't bother them, then they will usually fly right past you.  However, I still get a little "bugged out" as my dad would call it, when an insect flies right by me.  This is the main reason why I like the winter better than almost any other season.  Therefore, I cannot even imagine being attacked by a swarm of 60,000 bees.  I would probably die of a panic attack if I were ever surrounded by that many bees.  I would not even know what to do if something like this happened to me.  I think the 3 other men who went to rescue the other man were extremely brave and deserve honor.  I am so glad that all four men made a full recovery.  I am sure that they will never forget that day. 

So, would you do if you were attacked by 60,000 bees?  Would you die of a panic attack like me or would you react in a calm manner to save your life?

Unique Foods To Appear at Museum

Fox News published an article about some unique food that will be presented in a museum.  A museum in North Carolina will being holding their annual Bug Fest Cook-Off soon.  The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is hosting the critter cook-off.  Executive Sous Chef at the Angus Barn will compete against Chef Michael Lee, and Executive Chef of Sono Sushi for the title of Bug Fest Critter Cook-Off Champion.  The chefs will have 50 minuets to make an appetizer, entree, dessert, and mystery dish using crickets, mealworms, wax worms, super worms, and a "mystery bug." 

I am completely "sicked out" to say the least.  This makes me sick to even think about what they will be doing.  I don't think I could attend this event.

I cannot even hardly write this post right now because I am thinking about how disgusting this is.  I cannot believe that someone would even eat something like this.  You must realize that this is coming from the girl who doesn't really like insects, or worms.  I do live on a small farm and I do deliver baby goats every year, but I just cannot take insects or worms.  I just don't like to hold them or catch them, let alone eat them.  I do realize that people eat crazy things like this, but I don't think I could ever do it.  I'm sure that in reality, if you don't think about it, it is not extremely terrible.  However, I just could not get over the fact that I am eating a worm, cricket, or any other critter like that.  If I would happen to ever be stranded somewhere and all I had left to eat was a cricket or a worm, I think I might just starve to death.  I'm sure that there are a lot of people that flock to see the cook-off, but I don't think I would be the first one in line if something like that were happening closer to where I lived. 

What about you?  Would you gladly be a taste-tester at a contest like this or would you be more like me and gag at the thought of eating a cricket?

Twins Joined at Spine, Now Separated

Fox News published an article about twins who were born joined at the spine.  Doctors in a Memphis hospital were able to separate the two babies after a 13 hour surgery.  Joshua and Jacob, the two baby boys, were connected at the pelvis and lower spine.  They were separated on August 29th in the most complex operation that has taken place in that particular hospital.  The doctors discovered that the twins were conjoined when their mother was at 25 weeks gestation.  The twins will remain at the hospital for follow-up care.

I found this article very neat and fascinating.  I love medical stories, especially ones that have happy endings like this one. 

When I first saw the title of this article, I was intrigued by it.  I just had to read about these twins and their successful surgery.  I was amazed to find out that they were in surgery for 13 hours.  I cannot even imagine what they parents could have been going through as they would sit and wait to see if their babies would make it through the surgery.  It must have been a nerve-racking thing to say the least.  I cannot also imagine how tired the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals must have been after the surgery was finally complete.  I am fascinated by medical things.  I love to hear stories like this one and see how medical technology can help someone have a better life.  We are able to do so much with the knowledge we have concerning the human body and medical technology these days.  I am thankful for doctors and other medical professionals who are able to help us when we need it the most.  I hope that the two twin boys are able to make a complete recovery and have a normal childhood and life ahead of them. 

I wish the twins and their parents the best.  I am thankful for the ability we have to be able to aid families like these when they are faced with challenges. 

Chearleading Uniforms Too Revealing

Fox News published an article concerning chearleading uniforms.  From California to Florida, schools are wrestling with the issue of whether or not to set higher standards and rules for chearleading uniforms that are too skimpy.  One high school is making the chearleaders in the school cover up thier uniforms during school hours.  The principle of the school said that things were "hanging out" that they did not want to see when they wore thier skits to school.  A high school in Florida said that their chearleaders cannot even wear their uniforms to school unless the have additional clothing.  Many of the students (especially the chearleaders) are upset and say that the new standards and rules are not fair. 

I must admit that I am glad to see this happening.  The uniforms that many chearleading squads wear are completely schocking.  I am glad to see these new policies come about.

Many young girls, ladies, and women have no idea what it means to be modest.  Many do not even consider this word or what it means.  Many people think it is some outdated, ancient term that has no modern significance.  Many people think that you are being judgemental and will hurt the self-esteem of another person if you say that they are being immodest.  I must say that I believe in modesty.  Today in society, our culture has completely thrown modesty out the window.  We think that anything goes.  I must beg to differ. Most young girls and ladies have no idea what they are doing to a man when they dress a certain way.  However, some do know exactly what they are doing when they are dressing a certain way, and they like what they are doing.  Women that dress immodestly to get attention are not attracting the attention that would provide them with a long, lasting, and meaningful relationship.  They are attacking attention for all the wrong reasons.  The attention that they do attract will only last as long as they keep dressing that way and doing the things they do.  However, if someone desires a more meaningful and mature relationship, they will not dress in that way.  They will clothe themselves in such a way that causes the man to look at her face and personality, not her body.  I am glad to hear that schools are starting to crack down on uniforms.  I hope this might inspire others to dress more modestly.

"In matters of dress we wish neither silk nor rags," President Hinckley said.  "We seek for the clean look, call it a wholesome look, the bright and happy look of young men and women who walk with a sense of who they are, of what is expected of them, and of what they may become." ~Hinckley

Man Hides 7 Snakes, 3 Tortoises in Pants

Fox News published an article about a man hiding 7 snakes and 3 tortoises in his pants.  U.S. officials say that a man was trying to board a flight from Miami to Brazil with bags of exotic snakes and tortoises stuffed in his pants.  A spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration said that the man was stopped concerning the creatures in his pants after he passed though a body scanner in the Miami airport.  While this sounds like a strange story, the man is not alone in his idea of stuffing snakes into his pants.  Police say that a man from Arizona stole several snakes from a pet store by taking them out of their cages and stuffing them in his pants. 

I honestly laughed out loud when I read this article.  I have never in my life heard of a story like this.

When I read this article I couldn't help but laugh.  The things some people will do are just mind-boggling.  I am not a fan of snakes, so I cannot even imagine putting seven of them near me...let alone in my pants.  I get chills down my back when I think about what this man was doing.  What was going on in his mind to cause him to do this?  Did he think what he was doing was wrong? Did he even consider that he might get caught trying to smuggle 7 snakes and 3 tortoises from Miami to Brazil?  What happens if the snakes or tortoises get hungry?  I never cease to be amazed at the things some people will do.  I'm sure in his mind he saw nothing wrong with what he was doing.  However, for me I cannot help but ask, "What were you thinking?"  I can't help but wonder what would have happened if he would have made it through security, got on the plane, and then happen to "lose" or "misplace" a snake while he was in the air.  How would you go about trying to find your missing snake on an airplane full of passengers?  What would you do if you found a snake slithering over your foot as you fly peacefully through the air?  I am just glad that the security guards discovered the snakes and tortoises before he boarded the airplane. 

Maybe next time you board a plane you will think twice about who is sitting next to you.

Football Players Save Toddler

Fox News published an article about two Missouri Western football players that saved a toddler trapped inside a hot car.  On August 23, the two players were headed home after practice when they noticed a lady beating on the window of a car.  They deiced to turn around and see if they could help her out.  When they came up to the car, they noticed that there was a child inside.  The woman had accidentally locked her 17-month-old grandson in the car.  It was 95 degrees that day and the toddler was crying and getting sick.  One of the players finally broke one of the windows out of the car and they were able to rescue the child.  The toddler was a little dehydrated, but was otherwise okay thanks to the heroic acts of two football players.

I have to admit that this article warmed my heart.  I love stories like these that have a happy ending. 

When I first saw the title of this article, I was intrigued.  It is not everyday that you hear stories like these.  I thought that it was a neat thing that these two college football players saw a lady in distress, decided to turn around, and in the end the saved a life.  The two men could have easily drove past the lady and thought that someone else could help her out.  However, they deiced to be selfless and turn around.  I enjoyed this article because you don't find to many stories of selfless acts anymore.  It seems like the media is just consumed with self-centered events, stories, and entertainment.  I will say that I have enjoyed reading about the many selfless acts that have taken place due to the tornado, however.  It has been neat to see the countless number of individuals who have stopped what they were doing in order to help and serve others.  There are so many times that I wish that I was more like this.  I catch myself being so concerned with "me" that I forget to stop and serve.  It is so easy to focus on yourself, your needs, comforts, and wants.  However, when you step outside yourself and begin to serve others, your whole world changes. 

Next time when you see someone in need will you just act like you never saw it, or will you choose to stop and make a difference?

Strong Moms

Fox News published an article this week about stay-at-home moms.  The article stated that moms that stay home with their children lift a ton of baby each day.  The figure is based on a nine-month-old baby weighing 22 pounds and being lifted an average of 90 times per day to be fed, changed, or held.  This helps explain why so many mothers that stay-at-home are so tired by the end of the day.  It is a daily workout to take care of your child, plus manage your home. 

When I first read the title of this article, I just had to smile.  I enjoyed this article and I found it to be very interesting and true. 

Although I am not a stay-at-home mom, I can relate so much to this article.  I work in the daycare at Missouri Southern in the infant room.  I help take care of 5 different infants on a given day.  The article stated that, due to the daily workout, this could be why moms are so tired.  This statement made so much sense to me because I go home so tired from feeding, changing, and rocking babies all day long.  I hope someday that I might have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom.  I know that it will not be easy, but I feel like this is what I am called to do.  I believe that there is no greater privilege for a woman than to be a wife and a mother, if she is able.  We live in a society today that does not appreciate true womanhood.  A woman is somehow seen as "less significant" if she stays at home to raise her children and is the manager of her household.  Some people see stay-at-home moms as lazy and think that they are on vacation 24-7.  However, while there is an exception to every rule, this is not true for the authentic stay-at-home mom.  

After reading this article and working in the daycare this semester, I have gained an even greater appreciation for stay-at-home moms and what they do.  So, how will you look at stay-at-home moms?

Irene Reflections

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/28/irene-forecasts-on-track-not-up-to-speed-on-wind/

Hurricane Irene came as no surprise to forecasters says Fox News.  They knew the path that she would take and they predicted it almost spot-on.  However, the only thing they were uncertain about was the strength of her storm. 

While forecasters have made huge strides in predicting hurricanes and mapping out their potential path of destruction, they have not made much progress in being able to predict their strength.  Better computer models and data to go into those models are the two reasons for better predictions of the storms' paths.  However, predicting the strength of a hurricane is too finite of a task for a large global computer model to do.  There has been much improvement in hurricane predictions, yet there is still research to be done on how those predictions can be better. 

I found this article very interesting.  I am a huge weather geek. 

I love looking at the radar, watching the Weather Channel, and I get very excited when we have dramatic changes in weather.  My anticipation goes through the roof when I hear a big storm is headed our way.  So, it is a good thing that I live in an area where I can experience all four seasons.  I am amazed at how they can predict storms (like Irene), analyze the data, and know what to expect.  I think that it is so neat that they can gather endless amounts of information, calculate it, and then in turn know what the weather will be like.  I would not necessarily enjoy finding and calculating all that data, but I do find it interesting and amazing how they do what they do.  The National Weather Service has made huge improvements over the years in their ability to detect storms and give proper warning to those going to be affected.

As technology advances, and we learn more through the use of satellites and computes, I will be excited to see how weather predictions advance. 

Farmworkers & Rules

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/08/31/rules-seek-to-improve-safety-for-child-farmworkers/

Fox News reported that the Department of Labor is seeking to improve the safety of children and young adults working on farms. The new rules that they are proposing, would prevent children under the age of 18 from working in or around grain elevators, feed lots, or other places they see as unsafe.  The regulations that are currently in place have not changed in over 40 years.  Due to the deaths of several children involved with grain elevators, the Labor Department is seeking to change these rules.  The only exception is that the rules would not apply to children whose parents own or operate the farm.

I have to admit that I can see both sides of this story.

On one hand, I see the need to change and/or add rules because there have been several deaths with children and large equipment.  There is a definite need to ensure the safety of all who work on farms and you definitely do not want to be reckless and unconcerned about the possible dangers.  However, rules like these can be extremely bothersome and overbearing for individuals who are already mature, cautious, and responsible.  I don't live on a huge farm by any means, but I have been around hobby farming enough to know that there are some things that seem unsafe to individuals who have never been around certain things before. 

I guess the one plus that I could see in the proposal is that the rules would not apply to the children whose parents own or operate the farm.  So, like I said, I can see both sides of this issue. 

"Christain" Trending

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/08/29/god-and-jesus-becomes-hot-trending-topic-thanks-to-vmas/print

Within the last week, the VMA's took place in front of many views who flocked to see the show and results.  According to Fox News, there were plenty of "naughty moments" and intense language to go around.  However, they did report that there was some "positive influence" to come out of the show. 

Supposedly after receiving his award for Best Male Video, Justin Bieber thanked God and Jesus for blessing him and putting him in the position that he is in.  After receiving her award for Best Pop Video, reporters say that Brittany Spears immediately thanked God.  It was not long after the show that the words, "God and Jesus" were hot topics in the twitter world. 

When I first saw the title of the article that came up on Fox News, my heart became sick. 
I did not watch the VMA's nor did I even know what VMA stands for.  So, after briefly researching the topic and reading this article, I became aware of how unchristian this event is. 

I am a Christian and a follower of Christ.  I find it sadly interesting that Brittany Spears can wear next to nothing, sing the lyrics that she sings, and do the things she does and yet thank God for it all in the end.  I can assure you of this, that God had no part and will never have a part in giving His blessing or seal of approval on immoral things, such that as what Brittany Spears does. 

I am not being judgemental or hard-nosed, I am just calling apples, apples and oranges, oranges.  Just because someone thanks God or Jesus or says they are a Christian does not mean they are truly a follower of Christ.  There must be a lifestyle and a walk that matches the talk.