Happy Halloween!!!

I guess the realization that this is our last Halloween here is making me a little melancholy.

We really have enjoyed the fun with the neighbors/neighborhoods we've lived in. Now the kids are getting older and this is probably Lainey's last "official" Halloween jaunt... Christi will probably be going around 'til she's 90.

I'm the official candy-giver-outer-guy and relish the job. Kaitlyn wants to supplant me this year so we'll see what happens.

Everyone have a great and safe Halloween!!! Boo!!

Stunning...didn't see this coming.

The media is biased. No duh. Anyone with half a brain sees it and has for years. I saw it first when I was in college at SIU. I was in the radio/TV program there and fancied myself the next Tom Brokaw or Mark Giangreco. The teachers were liberal. The curriculum was liberal. The older students were liberal. I was... not. News reporting is just that. Reporting. I have chucked most of the newspapers/stations that I watched growing up.

I am not asking for my side only: I just want both sides presented. If their idea's better, fine. You get the impression that the only way that they can get ahead is to make their opinion/candidate look better by attacking any opposing opinios/candidate.

The Pew research company that did this study is non-partisan, BTW. This wasn't any conservative study. It is the facts.

Next time you watch the news, you need to give the conservative coverage a more discerning view and discard 70% of the liberal coverage. Even then the coverage will be just even. Barely.

BTW2 - When Fox news says they are "fair and balanced", they really aren't lying. Interesting how the other networks say that Fox is conservative, isn't it? Conservative must mean fair. Makes be glad to be one.

"Congratulations, Jeff!!! Welcome to North Florida..."

So began my official offer letter today. So. It's official. We're going to Florida.

Holy Cow!

Now that it's officially official, it's sinking in and I'm exhausted. I guess I didn't realize how much this had been affecting me.

I'll try to post more tomorrow.

WE'RE GOING TO FLORIDA!!!

Oh, man - we're going to florida...

Switchfoot - Dare You To Move

Ears to Hear

How do you hear God?

When you have a big decision in front of you, how is God made part of that decision?

Through this whole Jacksonville move decision, we were/are sliding all over the place. Honestly, the first day or three we didn't really seek God too much. I'm not sure if it was on purpose, though I think not. Mentally we were reeling a bit and unsure. Yeah, there were a few "hey, God, what do you think?" prayers going up, but so much of it seemed to be coming straight from Him. We had mutiple "signs". You know, like "signs and wonders" with not a lot of wonders. Things that really had us amazed, confused, and, I guess, a little confident. It culminated last Sunday with a song that was played (video is on the blog), "Dare You To Move" by Switchfoot. How in the world do these things happen?

I believe in signs in addition to counsel of friends and colleagues balanced with what I see in scripture. There is a lot about belief and faith in all of scripture. The easy is rarely the right. One that hit me the most said that the steadfastness of what you believe once you are enlightened (given an answer) is the fruit of your faith and God will bless you and prolong your days, even though you have sinned against him.

Why is God so good to us even though we don't deserve it? Because that's who he is. Our loving, Heavenly Father. Slow to anger and rich in love. That's why we serve him.

I'd love to hear any other stories of decisions and God's place in them (or even if he wasn't part of it and what happened.)

In Memory of Martha Mensinger Husband

In Memory of Martha Mensinger Husband

FactsBorn: January 25, 1905

Place of Birth: New Troy, Michigan

Death: October 21, 2008Place of Death: Berrien Springs, Michigan

Biography
Martha Mensinger-Husband, 103, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, formerly of Stevensville passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at Meadowview Gardens, Berrien Springs. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, October 24 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Stevensville with Rev. Gerald Schroer officiating. Burial will be in Lincoln Township Cemetery, Stevensville. Friends may meet with the family from 5-7 PM Thursday at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home. Martha was born January 25, 1905 in New Troy the daughter of the late Michael and Amiela Ratz. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville. Survivors include two daughters – Lorraine (Paul) Baginski and Leatrice Buck; a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Mensinger; seven grandchildren – Larry (Kathy) Baginski, Janice (Roger) Wolkow, Jerry Mensinger, Ronald (Darlene) Mensinger, Shirley (August) Zielke, Wayne (Debra) Buck, and Linda (Lane) Heatherwick; 12 great grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren. Martha was preceded in death by two husbands – August Mensinger in 1959 and Courtney Husband in 1978; a son, Leroy Mensinger; seven brothers and five sisters.

A Wall Where A Door Used To Be...

I'm not usually given to metaphors... They are useful, but so much can be misunderstood from those types of descriptions.

So, I have a wall where a door used to be. Emotionally, I think. For roughly the last 24 months, my heart has been in a pattern of shifting. I've had trouble keeping connections that are years old. I know this may sound weird, but I really believe that God has grown me a lot during this time. Many of my old relationships and responsibilities were based unhealthily on what other people thought of what I did or what they thought I was like. As I worked on figuring out how to be a healthier person, I realized that I had a lot of doormat in me. A LOT.

Finally, I reached a point whereby I began to make my own decisions based on what I thought and what would be best for both me and my family. That created a sea change the likes of which hadn't occurred before in my life. I realized that I had value, I could think for myself, and was free to make mistakes. I'm thankful for that. Some people go their entire lives without that realization and empowerment.

On Friday, we are going to bury one of my favorite people ever; my Great-Grandma Husband (my dad's grandma). She and I always connected. During my surly teen years, she would seek me out at family events and tell me stories that made me admire her: She sang on WLS in the hey day of the 20's and early 30's. She buried 3 husbands and still had men 10 years younger than her trying to get her to marry them while at the old folk's home. Her dad was a traveling Pastor. At 103, last night, she breathed her last here on earth and saw her Savior with eyes that hadn't seen in years.

I'm proud to be her grandson, for sure. I'm more proud to be like her now. More independently minded, interdependently grounded, and dependent totally on God and his gospel. I think that Grandma Husband would be glad she gave me that gift more than just about anything.

Life is crazy. In "Parenthood", the movie, the grandma tells her stressed grandson and granddaughter-in-law that she went to the fair on a date. She rode two rides: the merry-go-round and the roller coaster. The merry-go-round was safe, but not much fun. The roller coaster was scary and unsafe, but so much more fun. She said she would rather have the roller coaster than be safe.

So would I. Time to find that new door.

I'm letting the cat out of the bag...

Surprisingly, no one asked anything about the pics and signs I left... Then again, only about two people ever read this...

So. It looks like we are going to be moving. yep. To Florida, no less. Jacksonville to be exact. That's what all of the pics have been of.

I was offered a position down there that will be a lateral move for me, but one where I will have much more opportunity in the near term and the future. I have to decide in the next two days and unless my current boss gives me some incredible news that would change my mind, it's gonna happen.

I can't believe it. Really. Rachel and I have never lived anywhere but in Will County for almost all of our combined 72 years. I might have lived in Boston for a year or so when my dad was in the service after I was born.

Now we're loooking at one of the best climates in the world with two seasons: Summer and Spring. Hurricanes avoid it because of it's geographical location. I've always wanted to live in the south. Rach has always wanted to live in Florida. The kids are psyched and God has kinda been all over this.

It will be a world change for all of us, but we are actually looking forward to it. Until we think of our friends and family, that is. Then the pain is almost unbearable. Our family is for it, but we really haven't told a lot of our friends.

That is going to be really hard.

We love you all.

@@@

Thanks, Erik!!! This is AWESOME!!!

Brain Nuggets posted this and it is awesome! This must be a church...I've never heard God and Jesus talked about so much!!

!!!!!!!

?

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changin'

I hate change but I love it.

I hate bad change - you know; going backwards instead of forward.

I found out last week that I have to move back into a supervisor role for the time being as our company is going through a major reorganization. You know what reorganization means: layoffs and plenty of them. So in order to "protect" me, they moved me back into a sup role.

Did I mention that I hate supervising? No? Hmmm.... Wonder why?

I know that I should be thankful for a job, and I really am. No pay cut, no changes in benefits, a sick three weeks vacation time... I just am really frustrated because I think that I can do so much more. It's like being stuck in the minors when you know you could give Manny a run for the money. Frustrating.

There is that word again: frustrating. I believe that is the theme for my life for the last 20 months. God is probably just teaching me a new kind of patience to help me grow. Maybe I can put aside my humaness for a few days and try to learn from it.

Meanwhile, I'm updating my resume.

Here Comes The Bride...

Well, it's over. Bethany is now Mrs. Andrew Lanagan. I have finally gotten as many brothers as I have sisters.

Bethany was breathtaking and the day was miraculous and beautiful. The wedding took place at a beautiful private country club in Homewood. It looked like a Tuscan church.

My favorite pic is my dad and Bethany. Two years ago we almost lost dad to a really bad blood infection. It is a great joy for all of us that he has led each of his daughters down the aisle and danced at their weddings.

Happy Honeymoon, Drew and Bethany!

In 27 hours...

In 27 hours, I will officiate my baby sister's wedding. Holy moly.

Bethany met Drew a couple years ago. Drew is a Mokena police officer and for those of you keeping track: my sister is a sergeant on the New Lenox police force and her husband, Ron, is a sergeant in Burbank. So, I have a grand total of 3 cops in the family. Again, I digress.

There has always been something different about Drew from the guys Bethany used to date. He has a quiet confidence about him. He's compassionate and loves Bethany fiercly... What more can a brother ask for? Both my sisters have guys that are deeply in love with them and want to protect and care for them for the rest of their lives.

I've been asked a million times now, "will you keep it together when she comes down the aisle?" and I have to answer only that I think so. I have no idea, but am determined to keep my composure for her. It's HER day, no one else's.

So, I offer only what I can: a prayer. God, blossom a love for these two like that love that Rachel and I share. No honey is as sweet, no oak is as strong, no joy is lacking.

I love you, Bethany. You'll always be my baby sister.

Thwack!!

This scene is from the beginning of one of the funniest movies ever...

The cat part would give Kelly a cringe: see if you can find it.

Apologies for the "s" word, but it kind of makes the scene.

So, why am I posting this? For a week, my White Sox were the old man that John Cleese's character wants to throw out, but he's still alive. In fact, you'll recognize some of the dialogue from my recent posts.

Well, yesterday, they got "thwacked" by the Tampa Bay Rays (Not, but still, yet not quite "Devil Rays" Rays). Anyway, their season is done, but it was a great ride.

I'm not a loser mentality kind of guy, but I knew they wouldn't go far. Not that they couldn't, but you kind of get a feel for team. Unless, of course, you are a Cubs fan. They don't know what ANY feeling is that comes from their team. But, I digress...

Thanks Sox for a great season. You weren't dead until you were and that was awesome.

(Prediction: White Sox will be in the 2009 World Series...)

GO SOX!!!

Justice delayed is NOT justice denied.

14 years ago, O.J. Simpson killed his ex-wife and her friend. Of that, I have NO doubt and neither do you if you have an ounce of common sense. Blood on his clothes, in his van, on site all matched him or his victims. The bloody gloves fiasco got him off and an impotent judge and prosecutor allowed it. The same shoes the same size. A late night trip to Vegas after the murders. A cut on his hand that had to come from a knife not a broken glass like he claimed. A multitude of other evidence as well.

He beat the wrap with a group of lowlife lawyers with no scruples or hearts. A jury with no courage freed a double murderer.

Now he may spend the rest of his days in jail. That is a good thing. He's a thug. A bully. A coward that uses his size, reputation, and rage to intimidate people to get his way.

Thankfully, a man after my own heart, Ron Goldman (who's son was killed by O.J.) has dogged that slimeball for years after getting a 33.5 million dollar settlement when O.J. was finally found guilty by a civil court. In fact, if he hadn't gone that route, O.J. likely wouldn't have committed this latest crime. This memorabilia was being sold so that they could recoup some of that judgement.

Yes, he got 13 years out of jail, free to roam, date, play golf, and other stupidity. But his freedom is gone. His bravado and arrogance is leashed. Finally.

I don't know how everything works on the other side or where Nicole and Ron Jr. are, but I know they are long past caring about anything here on earth. For the families that were denied justice and have had to watch this idiot run free now have a little bit to be happy about.

Finally. Who's smilin' now, O.J.?

A little contest...

One of these was a winner and the other two were loser's yesterday....

Can you pick which one is which???

See the below post for the reference...

Round 1: Rays...

There was this great skit that was on Mad TV many years ago. It was a dating service for people that were in their thirties and getting desperate to find a mate. Well, mostly. It was called "Lowered Expectations".

I think that would accurately describe my view of the Sox this post season. Yes, they COULD go all the way. Anything's possible. But, reality rules my life and I don't think we can go. So any victory is gravy and I will cheer as hard for them as always. I just can see the truth of what is going on and what kind of team they are.

Be careful what you ask for...

So, for about, oh, 6 months now, the Cubs have clinched their division and not had any real challenges in their (what I believe and the numbers show) inferior League.

This cannot be debated with anyone intelligent because overwhelmingly the American League beats the daylights out of the National League in every head-to-head venue (inter-league play, All-Star Games, and Series). Nevertheless and proving the first point, the Cubs fans continue to try to excuse, explain, or change the facts regarding this.

I contend that the best teams in the National League are on par with the 2nd-3rd place teams in the American League. Again, the numbers don't lie.

So I've endured listening to Cubs fans rant on and on about their record being so good (couldn't be a lower class of competition), 1st place, and other things. My Sox, as has been detailed on this blog, have been struggling just to make the playoffs. We may get it handed to us now that we're there, but you can't win the Series if you don't make the playoffs.

Tonight, the Cubs got a bit of a comeuppance against a very good team, the LA Dodgers. The intelligencia have put the Cubs in the World Series since May. What they have forgotten is nothing is handed to anyone.

Cubs fans are the most abused, taken for granted, simple, faith-filled fans in all of baseball. By simple, I mean easy to read, not mentally (though there is a lot of that in the bleachers at Wrigley. I've seen it...). They just want their team to win. Finally. After a 100 years of futility and misery, they finally thought they had their team. They still might, by the way....they're not out of anything yet. What I saw was a group expectation of failure by their fans. Dempster gave up a Grand Slam that put the Cubs down by two runs in the 6th. What's the big deal? It's not the end of the world, right? Not if you saw what happened at Wrigley. The term "air out of a balloon" could never have grasped the depths of the lack of oxygen in that place.

Contrast that to last night. That Sox game was electric. If the pitcher got down, the fans cheered them to success. Every strikeout was like the last out of a big game. When there was a man on third with one out, the place was exploding and the team came through.

I couldn't help but wonder if the Cubs were wishing for their own "black out" tonight. Not physically, but enthusiasm-wise. I, deep down, don't think that the Sox fans are better fans than Cub fans as fans. I think we are just different. Were we before the '05 season? Probably not. We needed our team to prove us wrong and the Cubs need to do that for their fans as well. Then, all the goats, cats,and Bartmans in the WORLD won't matter.

It's OK Cubs fans. Eventually your faith will be rewarded. Go back at it tomorrow and let the Dodgers have it.

By the way....GO SOX!!!!! BEAT THOSE RAYS!!!!!

This captured the moment perfectly... GO SOX!!!

IT.......IS......ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hands down, bar none: The greatest sporting moment I've ever witnessed. The Sox pulled it off with the pitching, hitting, and defensive gem they've needed for 2 months.

Go Sox!!!