The Creepiest Video Ever

Who would've guessed that a stuffed animal could be so creepy? US Cellular has been running a commercial lately that should really bring a warm, fuzzy feeling to those who watch. Instead, Dave and I scream every time we see it. Take a look. What do you think?

Wink wink, McCain McCain?

Some will recognise this cheerful face , but for those who don't, allow me to introduce you.
This is Rick Warren, pastor of the Californian mega-church Saddleback.

He's been in the US news recently after holding a forum for the two presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama. Having now watched the debate online, I feel Warren did a very good job in remaining fair and consistent in his questioning and attitude towards both candidates.

Last night, ABC's Nightline showed their reporter, Cynthia McFadden, interviewing Rick on his purpose and reason behind organising the forum. Again, the pastor did an excellent job in remaining fair and consistent in explaining his reasoning behind his church hosting this forum. It was not intended to be partisan nor influence the votes of the congregants.

Cynthia, however, clearly disagreed. She proceeded in what was perhaps the most biased news report I have ever seen. Her complete lack of respect for Warren was evident from the start and she did nothing throughout the entire interview other than trying to cajole Rick into voicing support for McCain. Why McCain? Evidently Cynthia believes that evangelicals will undoubtedly vote Republican and, no surprise, given the fact that she lumped all evangelicals together with the Religious Right.

As of yet, I can find neither the video or the transcript of the interview online. If you're interested further, though, have a look at the short Newsbusters article on this issue.

So, what makes this the single most biased interview I've ever seen?

Well, that's simple. At the conclusion of the interview, after stating that he was a registered independent, Warren indicated that he hadn't decided on who he would vote for. The jovial fellow also slipped in a little wink. Big mistake, Rick. Cynthia then took it upon herself to declare something to this effect:

"Though Rick said that he was undecided on who to vote for, his wink said McCain."

Now that's taking communication through body language to a whole new level.

A Sunday Tradition

During my childhood, I always awoke to the smell of cinnamon on Sunday mornings. My mom would wake up before the rest of us, pop the rolls in the oven, and let the delicious aromas wake us up. Once everyone was out of bed, we'd gather at the kitchen table and each grab a warm, gooey cinnamon roll. My younger brother would always ask for the middle one because he was sure it tasted best.

I had never planned to continue this tradition when I got married, but last week I decided it would be a nice treat to have for Sunday. Dave and I enjoyed our first batch of cinnamon rolls along with eggs and sausage for last week's brunch after church. This week, I actually woke up in time to make them before we headed out for the morning service.

Mmm! Dave and I both enjoy this weekly treat, and I'm so happy that we get to continue a family tradition that began years ago.

A Storm on the Horizon

On Monday night, I experienced my first real taste of just how bad the weather can get in the States. I've been here during bad thunderstorms, but I have never seen anything like what rolled through on Monday night. Absolutely wild storms came rushing through the Chicago/NW Indiana area, creating three tornadoes. One of said tornadoes touched down about 10 minutes from our front door. Flights were grounded, power was cut out and, in some areas, homes were left in tatters.

It was scary.

Watching the lightning and listening to the booming thunder is a frightening experience, but it is also a humbling one. Witnessing this display of the sheer power of nature really got me thinking about our time on this planet. We can predict weather and we can prepare for it, but the one thing we cannot do is prevent it. We are completely subject to its mercy, of which it has none. It is an uncontrollable, unstoppable force that has the potential to ravage everything we spent so many years to create. It takes homes, communities, lives with no remorse.

Where's the humility in that, you might ask?

Right here:

Matthew 8:23-27 (New International Version)

Jesus Calms the Storm

23Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

26He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

27The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

Even in the midst of the wildest storm, we can find comfort in the awe-inspiring power of God and he can bring peace to the most ferocious places. The storms, tornadoes and natural disasters of all degrees of magnitude will continue on this planet, but God's love reaches beyond our circumstances and to our very core.

1 John 4:18 (New International Version)

18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

How often do we hear yet another TV evangelist claim that a natural disaster, from Hurricane Katrina to the 2006 tsunami in Sri Lanka, is God's judgement visited upon us? I happen to believe the very opposite. I don't see God's judgement, but God's loving arms. Not in the natural disaster itself, but in the thousands who flock from across the globe to help the needy. The millions who cry out to both God and government for help.

In these times, we truly see who we were meant to be.

We see a people cast aside their differences and stand united.

We see a God who reaches into lives and calms the storms of fear that rage in our hearts.

We see love conquer all.

Honeymoon Highlights

The cottage had 2 bikes we could use, one adult and one child size. We took them out for a spin. You can see which one I got to ride.

The beach in St. Joseph

We managed to make two Dairy Queen trips during the week. I highly recommend their Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard and Waffle Bowl Sundae.

The obligatory photo with Big Boy

Honeymoons are fun!

Now that Dave and I are about to head home from our week away, we can share with you where we went on our honeymoon. We rented a cute little cottage in the tranquil, lakeside town of Stevensville, Michigan, and we've been having fun exploring the area (it's near the charming St. Joseph, Michigan), riding the waves at the beach, and reading. We've already decided we'll definitely be returning in the future to this lovely vacation spot. It's been a wonderful week.

We're married!

We'd like to thank all our friends and family for their support. We love you!