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.