Hi there! Happy Father's Day! If you're not a Father you came from one, so happy day to you, too. (*wink!*) There are four Fathers I want to honor tonight ~ and in so doing I will hopefully honor more than the four I mention because every Father has laid foundational stones in the lives of their children. And that means, whether they think so or not, there were some positive stones laid as well. Of the four Fathers I mention tonight I would venture to say there are/were more positive than negative, but even friends who have heart-wrenching memories of the negative stones laid by their Father still can point to some positives they laid as well. So thank you for allowing me to publicly honor those I love and have the honor myself of knowing them as Fathers...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This past Tuesday night I was driving home from the music studio where I teach one day a week listening to a CD by Barbara Rainey (http://www.familylifetoday.com) about what being a Godly wife looks like and thinking about the kind of night Scott had with the boys. It never fails that I have similar visions as in "Twas the Night Before Christmas" where the children are snuggled sound in their beds with visions of a really great, fun and laughter-filled night of wrestling with Daddy dancing in their heads. Of course, that's what I pray & hope for ~ a night of mutual fun and laughter between Daddy & his boys, but it is rarely the case. Too often than not I come home to find a bedraggled Scott slumped in the corner of the couch gazing at Sports Center in a rather stupefied state while all around it looks like mayhem, chaos and a general disaster zone. As I walk inside I will sometimes hear from the (now) still, quiet southern corner of the house, "Mommy! You're Home!" and wonder why the boys are still awake at 10:00 at night...and when I ask Scott how his night was all I will get in return was, "it was a night." And as I'm driving down the street wondering what will greet me at the door tonight it dawned on me...the jobs I have, no matter how demanding, frustrating, and exhausting they may be, will never be as stressful and difficult as Scott's is as a Husband, Father, employee and child of God. It hit me smack dab between the eyes and it was if a light of understanding, no, make that a spotlight of understanding, was illuminated in front of me.
You see, as much as I envy Scott the ability to go to work and come home from work I will not understand the weight of responsibility that simple act carries with it. And as much as I sometimes complain about his unwillingness to "step up" and lead (or should I say, lead the way I would lead?) I will never have to stand before God and answer for the role I played in being the Spiritual head of my family. As the boys grow up and walk on the road to puberty and eventually manhood I will not be the one who will have the responsibility of modeling for them how a man should treat a woman in the way God has defined. (yes, I play a role within that area, but they will not look at how I treat other women and say, "oh! that's how I should treat my female friend/ date/ girlfriend/ fiancee/ spouse!) I do not carry the weight of having to "be a man" when I feel like crying over the losses I will experience in life. I do not carry the weight of tamping down my natural reactions to a girl on the street who has chosen to disregard her own self-respect by dressing a bit too provocatively in order to keep my life pure in an area all too easy to hide from the outside. I do not carry the weight of being a Godly Son, Husband, Father and Man in the year 2005 ~ nor will I ever. For that I am grateful, and because of that I am moved to a greater respect and admiration for the men in my life who do carry that weight and do it with a tremendous amount of humility.
It started with my Daddy ~ yes, at 35 he's still my Daddy. I remember walking down the corridors of the Sioux Empire Mall in Sioux Falls side by side when I was a bumbling 13 year old and he reached out and put his hand around the back of my neck as we walked. He made a joke about it and kind of "jerked" me around as we walked, but what it said to me was that no matter what changes I go through I'll always be his girl and he loved me no matter what. And, of course, it was in every time I did something he was proud of and he choked up (probably much like he's doing right now) and made some smart-aleck comment about me being a little turd (which, in Tooley-speak means "I love you, you little shit!" sorry if that offends you...it's truly a term of endearment and it makes me laugh just knowing I actually typed that in my blog! LOL!) Yeah, my Dad's the best Dad in the whole wide world!
Of course, if you were to ask Caleb & Micah who's the best Daddy in the world they wouldn't say PaPa T or PaPa Pete - nope, they'd say "DADDY!" And I'd have to agree with their answer, too. I remember the first time Scott thought he was going to be a Daddy. I wrote about it in my Mother's Day entry, but it truly is not a memory I will ever forget. The look of rapturous joy that crossed his face was absolutely priceless. It was similar to the look of pure, undefiled awe he wore the morning of November 25, 1999 when he looked at his drugged-out wife on the operating table in Whittier hospital and choked out, "honey, we have a little boy." Which, in turn, was somewhat like that moment on June 5, 2002 in the operating room at Mercy Medical Center when he gleefully grinned at me after seeing Micah for the first time. Scott, you are the kind of Father I want my boys to look up to. YOU are the right man for this job, and I am honored to stand beside you and help you be the Father God made you to be. I love you.
And, Pete, I can't write about great Fathers without saying thank you to you, too, for being the kind of Father who would raise a son like Scott. Your continual support and encouragement of him and of us is greatly appreciated and simply not taken for granted. I am thankful that Scott has not only a great Father in you, but a great Friend as well.
You've probably figured out who the fourth Father is ~ and, really, I have to say He is the perfect Father. As I open my Bible to the Psalm in today's reading I open it to Psalm 136 and I'm struck with just how awesome He is. You see, the fact that He knows everything about my past, present & future; knows every thought, word and deed I have ever had or did and still loves me for me is overwhelming in and of itself. However, when you put on top of it the fact that He knows I will never be fulfilled, content and complete outside of Him so He put on a robe of human-ness to give me the opportunity to be all of those things is completely mind-boggling. And not only that, but... He doesn't hold grudges, doesn't discipline in anger, allows the perfect consequence to teach the lesson every time, comforts when comfort is needed, strengthens when strength is called for, gives wisdom when asked for it, forgives without question, loves unconditionally, creates incredible things of beauty just for enjoyment's sake, laughs with and delights in those things He creates, consistently looks on His creation with patience and not irritation, freely gives grace & mercy to those who truly don't deserve it, takes vengeance when it is necessary, never gives up or leaves, and IS ALWAYS VICTORIOUS! Those who don't know Him may call Him a crutch. You may say He is more like an electric fence or bark-collar waiting to zap you when you've messed up. You may say He is many of the lies we hear regularly about Him, but it doesn't make it so.
If you want to know who The Perfect Father really is...read this: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103&version=65,
this: http://www.anchorlife.org/html/chara_toc.htm
or this: http://www.needhim.org/
And so I come full circle - the reason the three earthly Father's are who they are is simply because they know they are made by The Perfect Father. My prayer for each of them, and for each of you, too, is that you will know the Perfect Father and find in Him the life He created you for - life eternal with Him.
Happy Father's Day! God bless!
(and here's a little bit of history for ya...)
(from the website holidays.net)
Father's Day, contrary to popular misconception, was not established as a holiday in order to help greeting card manufacturers sell more cards. In fact when a "father's day" was first proposed there were no Father's Day cards!
Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.
The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day." In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.
Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Friday, June 17, 2005
Thursday, June 16, 2005
When fear hits
Lately it seems that many people I know are hitting some pretty hard places in their lives. Even now as I write I'm blinking back tears trying not to let my mind wander to what could be possible, but instead focus on the known. That's what fear is, isn't it? When we let our minds focus on what could be possible rather than focusing on the known? I'm tired of fear having such power in my life. Fear holds me back from telling someone I care about them in case they react the wrong way. Fear holds me back from pursuing goals and dreams because I might fail. Fear holds me back from actually engaging in life because something may happen to someone I love and then I'll be struck with a sadness at times too great to bear. Fear holds me back from letting my children find out who they are because there are bad people in the world and what if something happened to one of my boys ~ how could I live? Fear, unhealthy fear, the fear that comes from letting your mind go to what could be possible rather than focusing on the known is nothing but evil trying to get a foot-hold and keep you from being who God made you to be.
I know - some of you are reading this and you're thinking, "but, Trayc, fear is not always a bad thing." I know! Good fear keeps me from walking down a dark alley in the middle of the night (or broad daylight) so I can be safer. Good fear keeps me from walking away from my faith when God doesn't make sense/I can't find the ability to trust Him right now because He IS still God and I don't want to be a pile of salt. Good fear keeps me from sending the boys off to play in the park without instruction to stay where I can see them at all times. Yes, there is good fear. I'm not talking about that today, though.
No, today I'm talking about the kind of fear that just pisses me off because I'm so sick of the way satan tries to get in there and fool us into thinking God's not really on our side and that He's not really in control. I hate that he convinces people that God isn't really who He says He is and that we believe him because we're afraid he might be right. I hate that that slimy, slithering yuck gets into our heads and gets us to believe that he is more powerful than God and if we don't worry about something then he's going to win. HE WILL NOT WIN ON GOD'S WATCH! And, just so you know...GOD'S WATCH IS ETERNAL!
Two weeks ago we had an incident in our church that, unfortunately, is too familiar. One of our pastors was found to have crossed some boundaries with female members of the group he was a pastor to. (before you immediately think he was a child molester or had an affair let me be clear that neither of those were the case...he allowed these girls to think of him more as a boyfriend than as a pastor. Why do we immediately jump to the worst and then dismiss the lesser, but equally sinful, breaches in boundaries as if they're no big deal? ANYway...)
Thankfully our head pastor didn't do that and there had to be an announcement every church hates to hear..."because of his choices he has resigned and will no longer be in leadership at this church." (notice he didn't say he was no longer welcome nor did he say he will no longer be with us. Instead, our pastor said the pastor in question is most certainly welcome at our church because our requirement to come into a church is to be a sinner ~ something we all qualify highly for ~ and because this is a place to find healing and help and hope...why wouldn't he and his family be welcome? They are more welcome now than ever before.)
Although it isn't criminal in nature, this event has had an impact on many people in our church.
Then, this last Saturday night we had a special speaker come to our young families group and speak to us about how we as parents can help prevent abuse in our children's lives. He speaks all over the US to teens and children about depression and suicide and safety, as well as to the parents about prevention and training in what to teach your children to keep them safe(r). That was a tough talk to sit through. That's a fear I hate because I have seen too many incidences of what that reality does. It can be a healthy fear, but it's a fine-line between healthy and unhealthy in my mind.
And then, Michael Jackson. 'nuff said.
And then, and then, and then. The list goes on. So many friends and extended family members looking at life and circumstances they are in wondering what will happen next. Of course our minds go naturally to the worst. Fear. Fear. Fear.
I just got a phone call and a circumstance I never thought I'd have to look at could possibly be. Instead of letting my mind go there (I'd be a basket case and can't afford that right now) I grabbed my wireless keyboard and started writing. (explanation for a possible randomness to this entry) So, in case some of you are facing fear, I thought I'd share my process in hopes that someone else's fears may be subsided in the truth as well. Here are some verses, quotes, thoughts and truths to set my fears running back to where they belong....
"Looking in the mirror in the light of the truth, there is nothing you can say and nothing you can do that will ever make God care more than He does for His treasure...God's treasure is YOU."
-Steven Curtis Chapman Treasure of You
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
-President Franklin D. Roosevelt
1Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.- Job 38:2 & 3
(then read the rest of 38 here... http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2038&version=51)
"In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But You remain the same, and your years will never end."
-Psalm 102: 26 & 27
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for YOU ARE WITH ME; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
- Psalm 23: 1-4
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him."
-I Corinthians 2: 9
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
- 2 Corinthians 4: 8 & 9
"Fear nothing in the things you're about to suffer--but stay on guard! Fear nothing! The Devil is about to throw you in jail for a time of testing--ten days. It won't last forever. "Don't quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing. I have a Life-Crown sized and ready for you. "
-Revelation 2:10
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!"
-John 16:33
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
-Acts 20:24
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
-Psalm 46: 1- 3, 11
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."
-Psalm 42: 11
Thanks for reading. I know my heart is at a much a slower rate than it was 15 minutes ago. I hope yours is, too.
I know - some of you are reading this and you're thinking, "but, Trayc, fear is not always a bad thing." I know! Good fear keeps me from walking down a dark alley in the middle of the night (or broad daylight) so I can be safer. Good fear keeps me from walking away from my faith when God doesn't make sense/I can't find the ability to trust Him right now because He IS still God and I don't want to be a pile of salt. Good fear keeps me from sending the boys off to play in the park without instruction to stay where I can see them at all times. Yes, there is good fear. I'm not talking about that today, though.
No, today I'm talking about the kind of fear that just pisses me off because I'm so sick of the way satan tries to get in there and fool us into thinking God's not really on our side and that He's not really in control. I hate that he convinces people that God isn't really who He says He is and that we believe him because we're afraid he might be right. I hate that that slimy, slithering yuck gets into our heads and gets us to believe that he is more powerful than God and if we don't worry about something then he's going to win. HE WILL NOT WIN ON GOD'S WATCH! And, just so you know...GOD'S WATCH IS ETERNAL!
Two weeks ago we had an incident in our church that, unfortunately, is too familiar. One of our pastors was found to have crossed some boundaries with female members of the group he was a pastor to. (before you immediately think he was a child molester or had an affair let me be clear that neither of those were the case...he allowed these girls to think of him more as a boyfriend than as a pastor. Why do we immediately jump to the worst and then dismiss the lesser, but equally sinful, breaches in boundaries as if they're no big deal? ANYway...)
Thankfully our head pastor didn't do that and there had to be an announcement every church hates to hear..."because of his choices he has resigned and will no longer be in leadership at this church." (notice he didn't say he was no longer welcome nor did he say he will no longer be with us. Instead, our pastor said the pastor in question is most certainly welcome at our church because our requirement to come into a church is to be a sinner ~ something we all qualify highly for ~ and because this is a place to find healing and help and hope...why wouldn't he and his family be welcome? They are more welcome now than ever before.)
Although it isn't criminal in nature, this event has had an impact on many people in our church.
Then, this last Saturday night we had a special speaker come to our young families group and speak to us about how we as parents can help prevent abuse in our children's lives. He speaks all over the US to teens and children about depression and suicide and safety, as well as to the parents about prevention and training in what to teach your children to keep them safe(r). That was a tough talk to sit through. That's a fear I hate because I have seen too many incidences of what that reality does. It can be a healthy fear, but it's a fine-line between healthy and unhealthy in my mind.
And then, Michael Jackson. 'nuff said.
And then, and then, and then. The list goes on. So many friends and extended family members looking at life and circumstances they are in wondering what will happen next. Of course our minds go naturally to the worst. Fear. Fear. Fear.
I just got a phone call and a circumstance I never thought I'd have to look at could possibly be. Instead of letting my mind go there (I'd be a basket case and can't afford that right now) I grabbed my wireless keyboard and started writing. (explanation for a possible randomness to this entry) So, in case some of you are facing fear, I thought I'd share my process in hopes that someone else's fears may be subsided in the truth as well. Here are some verses, quotes, thoughts and truths to set my fears running back to where they belong....
"Looking in the mirror in the light of the truth, there is nothing you can say and nothing you can do that will ever make God care more than He does for His treasure...God's treasure is YOU."
-Steven Curtis Chapman Treasure of You
"We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
-President Franklin D. Roosevelt
1Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.- Job 38:2 & 3
(then read the rest of 38 here... http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2038&version=51)
"In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But You remain the same, and your years will never end."
-Psalm 102: 26 & 27
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for YOU ARE WITH ME; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
- Psalm 23: 1-4
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him."
-I Corinthians 2: 9
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
- 2 Corinthians 4: 8 & 9
"Fear nothing in the things you're about to suffer--but stay on guard! Fear nothing! The Devil is about to throw you in jail for a time of testing--ten days. It won't last forever. "Don't quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing. I have a Life-Crown sized and ready for you. "
-Revelation 2:10
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!"
-John 16:33
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."
-Acts 20:24
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
-Psalm 46: 1- 3, 11
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."
-Psalm 42: 11
Thanks for reading. I know my heart is at a much a slower rate than it was 15 minutes ago. I hope yours is, too.
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Everyone needs to laugh more...
Okay, this isn't a real questionnaire, but it's really quite funny! So, for this post, I'm just gonna share this with ya so you can enjoy a good laugh, too.... here goes...the beginning part is what was originally included in the message to make it seem real...click on the link above to check out some other funny hoaxes....ENJOY!
This was actually posted very briefly on the McDonnell Douglas web site by an employee there who obviously has a sense of humor. The company, of course, does not (have a sense of humor) - and made the web department take it down immediately. (McDonnell Douglas is one of the world's chief suppliers of military aircraft).
Thank you for purchasing a McDonnell Douglas military aircraft. In order to protect your new investment, please take a few moments to fill out the warranty registration card below. Answering the survey questions is not required, but the information will help us to develop new products that best meet your needs and desires.
1. [_] Mr. [_] Mrs. [_] Ms. [_] Miss [_] Lt. [_] Gen. [_] Comrade [_] Classified [_] Other
First Name:
Initial:
Last Name:
Password: (max 8. char)
Code name:
Latitude/Longitude/Altitude: / /
2. Which model aircraft did you purchase?
[_] F-14 Tomcat
[_] F-15 Eagle
[_] F-16 Falcon
[_] F-117A Stealth
[_] Classified
3. Date of purchase (Year/Month/Day): / /
4. Serial Number:
5. Please check where this product was purchased:
[_] Received as gift/aid package
[_] Catalog showroom
[_] Independent arms broker
[_] Mail order
[_] Discount store
[_] Government surplus
[_] Classified
6. Please check how you became aware of the McDonnell Douglas product you have just purchased:
[_] Heard loud noise, looked up
[_] Store display
[_] Espionage
[_] Recommended by friend/relative/ally
[_] Political lobbying by manufacturer
[_] Was attacked by one
7. Please check the three (3) factors that most influenced your decision to purchase this McDonnell Douglas product:
[_] Style/appearance
[_] Speed/maneuverability
[_] Price/value
[_] Comfort/convenience
[_] Kickback/bribe
[_] Recommended by salesperson
[_] McDonnell Douglas reputation
[_] Advanced Weapons Systems
[_] Backroom politics
[_] Negative experience opposing one in combat
8. Please check the location(s) where this product will be used:
[_] North America
[_] Iraq
[_] Iraq
[_] Aircraft carrier
[_] Iraq
[_] Europe
[_] Iraq
[_] Middle East (not Iraq)
[_] Iraq
[_] Africa
[_] Iraq
[_] Asia/Far East
[_] Iraq
[_] Misc. Third World countries
[_] Iraq
[_] Classified
[_] Iraq
9. Please check the products that you currently own or intend to purchase in the near future: [_] Color TV
[_] VCR
[_] ICBM
[_] Killer Satellite
[_] CD Player
[_] Air-to-Air Missiles
[_] Space Shuttle
[_] Home Computer
[_] Nuclear Weapon
10. How would you describe yourself or your organization? (Check all that apply)
[_] Communist/Socialist
[_] Terrorist
[_] Crazed
[_] Neutral
[_] Democratic
[_] Dictatorship
[_] Corrupt
[_] Primitive/Tribal
11. How did you pay for your McDonnell Douglas product?
[_] Deficit spending
[_] Cash
[_] Suitcases of cocaine
[_] Oil revenues
[_] Personal check
[_] Credit card
[_] Ransom money
[_] Traveler's check
12. Your occupation:
[_] Homemaker
[_] Sales/marketing
[_] Revolutionary
[_] Clerical
[_] Mercenary
[_] Tyrant
[_] Middle management
[_] Eccentric billionaire
[_] Defense Minister/General
[_] Retired
[_] Student
13. To help us understand our customers' lifestyles, please indicate the interests and activities in which you and your spouse enjoy participating on a regular basis:
[_] Golf
[_] Boating/sailing
[_] Sabotage
[_] Running/jogging
[_] Propaganda/disinformation
[_] Destabilization/overthrow
[_] Default on loans
[_] Gardening
[_] Crafts
[_] Black market / smuggling
[_] Collectibles / collections
[_] Watching sports on TV
[_] Wines
[_] Interrogation/torture
[_] Household pets
[_] Crushing rebellions
[_] Espionage/reconnaissance
[_] Fashion clothing
[_] Border disputes
[_] Mutually Assured Destruction
Thank you for taking the time to fill out this questionnaire. Your answers will be used in market studies that will help McDonnell Douglas serve you better in the future - as well as allowing you to receive mailings and special offers from other companies, governments, extremist groups, and mysterious consortia. As a bonus for responding to this survey, you will be registered to win a brand new F-117A in our Desert Thunder Sweepstakes!
Comments or suggestions about our fighter planes? Please write to: McDONNELL DOUGLAS CORPORATION Marketing Department Military Aerospace Division
This was actually posted very briefly on the McDonnell Douglas web site by an employee there who obviously has a sense of humor. The company, of course, does not (have a sense of humor) - and made the web department take it down immediately. (McDonnell Douglas is one of the world's chief suppliers of military aircraft).
Thank you for purchasing a McDonnell Douglas military aircraft. In order to protect your new investment, please take a few moments to fill out the warranty registration card below. Answering the survey questions is not required, but the information will help us to develop new products that best meet your needs and desires.
1. [_] Mr. [_] Mrs. [_] Ms. [_] Miss [_] Lt. [_] Gen. [_] Comrade [_] Classified [_] Other
First Name:
Initial:
Last Name:
Password: (max 8. char)
Code name:
Latitude/Longitude/Altitude: / /
2. Which model aircraft did you purchase?
[_] F-14 Tomcat
[_] F-15 Eagle
[_] F-16 Falcon
[_] F-117A Stealth
[_] Classified
3. Date of purchase (Year/Month/Day): / /
4. Serial Number:
5. Please check where this product was purchased:
[_] Received as gift/aid package
[_] Catalog showroom
[_] Independent arms broker
[_] Mail order
[_] Discount store
[_] Government surplus
[_] Classified
6. Please check how you became aware of the McDonnell Douglas product you have just purchased:
[_] Heard loud noise, looked up
[_] Store display
[_] Espionage
[_] Recommended by friend/relative/ally
[_] Political lobbying by manufacturer
[_] Was attacked by one
7. Please check the three (3) factors that most influenced your decision to purchase this McDonnell Douglas product:
[_] Style/appearance
[_] Speed/maneuverability
[_] Price/value
[_] Comfort/convenience
[_] Kickback/bribe
[_] Recommended by salesperson
[_] McDonnell Douglas reputation
[_] Advanced Weapons Systems
[_] Backroom politics
[_] Negative experience opposing one in combat
8. Please check the location(s) where this product will be used:
[_] North America
[_] Iraq
[_] Iraq
[_] Aircraft carrier
[_] Iraq
[_] Europe
[_] Iraq
[_] Middle East (not Iraq)
[_] Iraq
[_] Africa
[_] Iraq
[_] Asia/Far East
[_] Iraq
[_] Misc. Third World countries
[_] Iraq
[_] Classified
[_] Iraq
9. Please check the products that you currently own or intend to purchase in the near future: [_] Color TV
[_] VCR
[_] ICBM
[_] Killer Satellite
[_] CD Player
[_] Air-to-Air Missiles
[_] Space Shuttle
[_] Home Computer
[_] Nuclear Weapon
10. How would you describe yourself or your organization? (Check all that apply)
[_] Communist/Socialist
[_] Terrorist
[_] Crazed
[_] Neutral
[_] Democratic
[_] Dictatorship
[_] Corrupt
[_] Primitive/Tribal
11. How did you pay for your McDonnell Douglas product?
[_] Deficit spending
[_] Cash
[_] Suitcases of cocaine
[_] Oil revenues
[_] Personal check
[_] Credit card
[_] Ransom money
[_] Traveler's check
12. Your occupation:
[_] Homemaker
[_] Sales/marketing
[_] Revolutionary
[_] Clerical
[_] Mercenary
[_] Tyrant
[_] Middle management
[_] Eccentric billionaire
[_] Defense Minister/General
[_] Retired
[_] Student
13. To help us understand our customers' lifestyles, please indicate the interests and activities in which you and your spouse enjoy participating on a regular basis:
[_] Golf
[_] Boating/sailing
[_] Sabotage
[_] Running/jogging
[_] Propaganda/disinformation
[_] Destabilization/overthrow
[_] Default on loans
[_] Gardening
[_] Crafts
[_] Black market / smuggling
[_] Collectibles / collections
[_] Watching sports on TV
[_] Wines
[_] Interrogation/torture
[_] Household pets
[_] Crushing rebellions
[_] Espionage/reconnaissance
[_] Fashion clothing
[_] Border disputes
[_] Mutually Assured Destruction
Thank you for taking the time to fill out this questionnaire. Your answers will be used in market studies that will help McDonnell Douglas serve you better in the future - as well as allowing you to receive mailings and special offers from other companies, governments, extremist groups, and mysterious consortia. As a bonus for responding to this survey, you will be registered to win a brand new F-117A in our Desert Thunder Sweepstakes!
Comments or suggestions about our fighter planes? Please write to: McDONNELL DOUGLAS CORPORATION Marketing Department Military Aerospace Division
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Searching
"Search for the Lord and for His strength, and keep searching." Psalm 105:4
Today at our MOMS group I found out that one of the moms at our table, who is pregnant, will have to go in on Monday for a blood transfusion. Not for herself, for her baby. We were talking about making it through the chaos, and she spoke up to share some of the trials they've gone through. My immediate reaction was fear. Fear for the baby. Fear for her. Fear for her two little boys who are exactly Caleb & Micah's ages. Fear for her husband. Fear for her marriage. Fear for her faith. And, ashamedly, fear that I wouldn't have the guts to pray for her right then and there.
When I was pregnant with Caleb I worked at our church in Whittier, CA. I absolutely loved working there. In fact, I was rather sad when I had to tell Pastor Bill that I was pregnant and would be leaving after the baby was born. (Then we ended up getting transferred...I wonder if that wasn't to keep me from going back...) Anyway, in the office I was surrounded by beautiful Christian women who were Moms and liked to celebrate with me the anticipation of a new baby in our lives. One particular woman taught me a valuable lesson. Her name was Kathy and she was the Women's Ministries pastor. Every time she sat next to me, no matter where we were, if we prayed she laid her hand on my belly and I knew she was praying for the child growing inside of me right along with the spoken prayer. At times like that fear of the unknown, anxiety over what was to come, whatever pent-up feelings I had over being a Mom simply melted away and instead I was filled with the peace that passes all understanding.
I have feared for my child's life while they were in utero, and I have experienced the pain of childbirth gone wrong...personally on a much lesser level than the experience of friends I love deeply...and in times like this morning those feelings come in and they cloud over me like a heavy veil. Then I run across a verse like Psalm 116: 1-2 which reads, "I love the Lord because He hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath." There was a time in my life ~ when I was single and had no one else to talk to more often than not ~ that I went through my day in a sort of constant conversation with God. I am reminded of that now, I believe, because it's time to get back to that discipline.
Is there something you used to do that you have simply drifted away from? Is it something that would bring spark and flame back to your relationship with Christ in an area of your relationship that is smoldering or even cold? Will you walk with me into that challenge of re-discovering that habit...discipline...commitment? Right now Scott is waiting for me to finish this so we can pray over Caleb's schooling choice. In this time in our world education choices, I believe, cannot be made blindly. As Caleb nears Kindergarten and Micah nears three I find the need to return to "dating" my first love...no, to fully committing my heart and soul, future and family into His hands daily...hourly...minute-by-minute.
Today at our MOMS group I found out that one of the moms at our table, who is pregnant, will have to go in on Monday for a blood transfusion. Not for herself, for her baby. We were talking about making it through the chaos, and she spoke up to share some of the trials they've gone through. My immediate reaction was fear. Fear for the baby. Fear for her. Fear for her two little boys who are exactly Caleb & Micah's ages. Fear for her husband. Fear for her marriage. Fear for her faith. And, ashamedly, fear that I wouldn't have the guts to pray for her right then and there.
When I was pregnant with Caleb I worked at our church in Whittier, CA. I absolutely loved working there. In fact, I was rather sad when I had to tell Pastor Bill that I was pregnant and would be leaving after the baby was born. (Then we ended up getting transferred...I wonder if that wasn't to keep me from going back...) Anyway, in the office I was surrounded by beautiful Christian women who were Moms and liked to celebrate with me the anticipation of a new baby in our lives. One particular woman taught me a valuable lesson. Her name was Kathy and she was the Women's Ministries pastor. Every time she sat next to me, no matter where we were, if we prayed she laid her hand on my belly and I knew she was praying for the child growing inside of me right along with the spoken prayer. At times like that fear of the unknown, anxiety over what was to come, whatever pent-up feelings I had over being a Mom simply melted away and instead I was filled with the peace that passes all understanding.
I have feared for my child's life while they were in utero, and I have experienced the pain of childbirth gone wrong...personally on a much lesser level than the experience of friends I love deeply...and in times like this morning those feelings come in and they cloud over me like a heavy veil. Then I run across a verse like Psalm 116: 1-2 which reads, "I love the Lord because He hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath." There was a time in my life ~ when I was single and had no one else to talk to more often than not ~ that I went through my day in a sort of constant conversation with God. I am reminded of that now, I believe, because it's time to get back to that discipline.
Is there something you used to do that you have simply drifted away from? Is it something that would bring spark and flame back to your relationship with Christ in an area of your relationship that is smoldering or even cold? Will you walk with me into that challenge of re-discovering that habit...discipline...commitment? Right now Scott is waiting for me to finish this so we can pray over Caleb's schooling choice. In this time in our world education choices, I believe, cannot be made blindly. As Caleb nears Kindergarten and Micah nears three I find the need to return to "dating" my first love...no, to fully committing my heart and soul, future and family into His hands daily...hourly...minute-by-minute.