tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7326123390147731182024-03-19T04:47:12.569-04:00Vintage GraceTelling the Story of God's Faithfulness
Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.comBlogger1981125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-9780794498170053762024-03-18T23:56:00.001-04:002024-03-19T00:00:49.649-04:00Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrctbeuvmArv_7ZLRhYldbr390Xo-aIXxeDQR4jcCeBQ8rclOcIaFvLh9cU1YPo6OTPzWi7rOCoBd98KPiY9AB3R7MZGiGYoAnQir9SzFpI8b2QhyJgEb7I0XPvxb0wBLRKMhp8bzStd3eg88hTh2ia6SFnllhoOGNLv7xhuypYG0Wae61DaCJy-7gFGpV/s4032/IMG_8437.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrctbeuvmArv_7ZLRhYldbr390Xo-aIXxeDQR4jcCeBQ8rclOcIaFvLh9cU1YPo6OTPzWi7rOCoBd98KPiY9AB3R7MZGiGYoAnQir9SzFpI8b2QhyJgEb7I0XPvxb0wBLRKMhp8bzStd3eg88hTh2ia6SFnllhoOGNLv7xhuypYG0Wae61DaCJy-7gFGpV/w480-h640/IMG_8437.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beautiful blue skies with a brisk breeze </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">capped our Tidal Basin walk today.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQHCBfX2x7RlGaQkmSXF5euwbojWUNw9tpERcSbDqtu0C4u3dO1OpIEjo-dnO7Z5NM3o08JY6JepuJ6DDfouZK1m3VKpshDw5cNGTET-SnvsM5BhTh3UXoPnhgALFS0ctwa5oeAXbl7JAMNsqC5T3mG95CEQIFUXniUAdJsI8oAa5vo1gZxpqdnrs2CuA/s4032/IMG_8449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQHCBfX2x7RlGaQkmSXF5euwbojWUNw9tpERcSbDqtu0C4u3dO1OpIEjo-dnO7Z5NM3o08JY6JepuJ6DDfouZK1m3VKpshDw5cNGTET-SnvsM5BhTh3UXoPnhgALFS0ctwa5oeAXbl7JAMNsqC5T3mG95CEQIFUXniUAdJsI8oAa5vo1gZxpqdnrs2CuA/w480-h640/IMG_8449.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were sneaking in a visit today before</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> some closer to home days coming up.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcQoCSGp3y8vSWvp9ePY_FBJ8xpVJu5SNuRV2h7JPSv9TJqXbKppmF9EUpvx3GWvMav7k1R8MA9_cNQe1KddnnY79gL7iJzoWv2dzfbAlFU_0wGn-CH3wvQXkxIxnJYPWceaIc5xdDu4w-nTslK0kMJmK1QLktGazJLdYEYyDa7WoqxPgm_kurjvCg3dz/s3121/IMG_8426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3121" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcQoCSGp3y8vSWvp9ePY_FBJ8xpVJu5SNuRV2h7JPSv9TJqXbKppmF9EUpvx3GWvMav7k1R8MA9_cNQe1KddnnY79gL7iJzoWv2dzfbAlFU_0wGn-CH3wvQXkxIxnJYPWceaIc5xdDu4w-nTslK0kMJmK1QLktGazJLdYEYyDa7WoqxPgm_kurjvCg3dz/w620-h640/IMG_8426.JPG" width="620" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Iconic vistas are a reminder of why</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> so many people trek to this spot in the Spring.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is also the story of these views that are going away.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D0cQ-1lhc30g7WpjwmgI5vt8GzL6WmG8oEQXaPMJu1l-K7vuzXXWQorWexvVa4NanCBTxbJFCirRaIT9lEX309QUbPQKLXHXVKd1JE8iyT-DN0mrfzIqz8uotcIQOWyy_zQPaFajqSDqDXnU3pfgrLt-u13hS50QIrqnQfZ2slLaffE3-cqQMFNY9Jtb/s2404/IMG_8472.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1614" data-original-width="2404" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D0cQ-1lhc30g7WpjwmgI5vt8GzL6WmG8oEQXaPMJu1l-K7vuzXXWQorWexvVa4NanCBTxbJFCirRaIT9lEX309QUbPQKLXHXVKd1JE8iyT-DN0mrfzIqz8uotcIQOWyy_zQPaFajqSDqDXnU3pfgrLt-u13hS50QIrqnQfZ2slLaffE3-cqQMFNY9Jtb/w640-h430/IMG_8472.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The first cherry trees were planted here</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 112 years ago as a gift from the city of Tokyo.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtKqoJn117fMyY9YJOcRTZDlN5zLuI74PncjS4nKBVW-BtDhHnLECiC-KkAGT0uZA3mtetnNGZjKPwR3SotHXyT8tuJTJz8Kg6LYdzKTzGXZ1QUdoKewhUJsdMhHI_E8Mln68bb0n7X6xhPWlb-V6q4mdTHOh6y7tAsDnoq-p3_2RB-VktEeXiygMfBzQ/s1800/954C4BEF-84BD-4038-B9F7-16A0C5B5A396.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtKqoJn117fMyY9YJOcRTZDlN5zLuI74PncjS4nKBVW-BtDhHnLECiC-KkAGT0uZA3mtetnNGZjKPwR3SotHXyT8tuJTJz8Kg6LYdzKTzGXZ1QUdoKewhUJsdMhHI_E8Mln68bb0n7X6xhPWlb-V6q4mdTHOh6y7tAsDnoq-p3_2RB-VktEeXiygMfBzQ/w640-h640/954C4BEF-84BD-4038-B9F7-16A0C5B5A396.jpeg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">But, there has been significant damage </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">to the seawall that keeps the twice a day tides at bay.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have been walking this basin for 36 years. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We can see the huge change to the trees with the </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">eroding soil that exposes the roots </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and the damage of continual flooding. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is the mascot "Stumpy",</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> who has been determined to bloom, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">no matter what the circumstances.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJf5EK-mvBbmAp9AAN9b6JbIxzs-WpmJ4byLkN2eusauuOfDG2MivTqyUgI5OQcpBcwcH4FU1PoCDwehf4G_PfYvzOnIeOi6CNHG-cqYGSXdKFwVs_rPHbYMUMjofV8wZUZk10_6Qm-sezMH5hS8zuMh7LQBi10nt1HC1qcvhA7ziWfzWMiK6B96nuki0q/s2540/IMG_8420.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2074" data-original-width="2540" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJf5EK-mvBbmAp9AAN9b6JbIxzs-WpmJ4byLkN2eusauuOfDG2MivTqyUgI5OQcpBcwcH4FU1PoCDwehf4G_PfYvzOnIeOi6CNHG-cqYGSXdKFwVs_rPHbYMUMjofV8wZUZk10_6Qm-sezMH5hS8zuMh7LQBi10nt1HC1qcvhA7ziWfzWMiK6B96nuki0q/w640-h522/IMG_8420.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Portions of the seawalls have settled as much as 5 feet since the late 1800's to early 1900's. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Nearly 1/2 of the cheery trees </span><span>will be removed for this restoration project. </span><span>It will take years for the trees to grow back for this sort of cherry blossom views. They plan to complete the project before the 250th anniversary of American Independence in 2026.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfhhhXOdssf_BKkkLKKCkGZjhvXqvh-gswFNkXwfpK9aSkhe8oJd9RTtUUGKsU-mz0YR5Fh3NfQJ5Zmw8AwOVOtm2kbXV1-sk597Yiiy0j4MTBmFaJWUgqMVodG4liXINgD23BgXm-CO8j51QKNb_2DxmHsGvIpGcRQqr7L24IUL_ou5CyEiccFS5qwMl/s4032/IMG_8474.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfhhhXOdssf_BKkkLKKCkGZjhvXqvh-gswFNkXwfpK9aSkhe8oJd9RTtUUGKsU-mz0YR5Fh3NfQJ5Zmw8AwOVOtm2kbXV1-sk597Yiiy0j4MTBmFaJWUgqMVodG4liXINgD23BgXm-CO8j51QKNb_2DxmHsGvIpGcRQqr7L24IUL_ou5CyEiccFS5qwMl/w480-h640/IMG_8474.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RXoZ5DYD6OzZkNaVYzipE6rQgH0SeCmWhh9lxWvX4o6ePDSJN8pq2cmkHYJ9IjL8sCX1P3XRNrgKSrAtTWNk9K-MYn4jmw3NYYIyMVLA4HSrFmTtMuWTP7zolezc0AEVf5wbhrg91UJdP-faK9qUgzj-NyVNw6DuKLW21e9S1CQqSJJrTuhF0RIedg1P/s4032/IMG_8462%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RXoZ5DYD6OzZkNaVYzipE6rQgH0SeCmWhh9lxWvX4o6ePDSJN8pq2cmkHYJ9IjL8sCX1P3XRNrgKSrAtTWNk9K-MYn4jmw3NYYIyMVLA4HSrFmTtMuWTP7zolezc0AEVf5wbhrg91UJdP-faK9qUgzj-NyVNw6DuKLW21e9S1CQqSJJrTuhF0RIedg1P/w480-h640/IMG_8462%202.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It has been awhile since we visited down here.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It was good to be back.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkUxDbx-aELBOpPQ4EErJIM_CXGJY3-6Z3OfIA75330-sBebN6mdRXPDL-jSAY9iTtaE9yE42vw-qHQmeB9V3ROyNZgpqtX-SlZenwnhpmnA1qdai1J92ztLWrNitJzA9ntioGqUE9aEQkUNYejrfdO5K8QIP3W4QVkh4B4pHS_kt_zRTV_t55J53bTr2/s1800/958D14ED-211E-465C-B8C4-B04FE049D4B0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkUxDbx-aELBOpPQ4EErJIM_CXGJY3-6Z3OfIA75330-sBebN6mdRXPDL-jSAY9iTtaE9yE42vw-qHQmeB9V3ROyNZgpqtX-SlZenwnhpmnA1qdai1J92ztLWrNitJzA9ntioGqUE9aEQkUNYejrfdO5K8QIP3W4QVkh4B4pHS_kt_zRTV_t55J53bTr2/w512-h640/958D14ED-211E-465C-B8C4-B04FE049D4B0.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Loved our stroll with Jonah and Sara.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(though momma had her work out today).</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tTaHTMWg4AkdPBFEtpJJuRDSV6sVWjEXuv1CGIpuQSQ9Pkj_XAKtcoOor9M0Ddq8r6Nb4mKkznGTPC2UiaM9jKn9I7BI-9I_WwniTjecnF7alACr5hyktVR1KDaZvZqQ9TKVrbjUYh3BcNZGAXPRRrTvDQTW8v30I3HGqFaMD5on2Us6qvgc_Bj5eYSD/s4032/IMG_8466.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tTaHTMWg4AkdPBFEtpJJuRDSV6sVWjEXuv1CGIpuQSQ9Pkj_XAKtcoOor9M0Ddq8r6Nb4mKkznGTPC2UiaM9jKn9I7BI-9I_WwniTjecnF7alACr5hyktVR1KDaZvZqQ9TKVrbjUYh3BcNZGAXPRRrTvDQTW8v30I3HGqFaMD5on2Us6qvgc_Bj5eYSD/w480-h640/IMG_8466.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Still lots of giggles with this little guy.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyJ0sAxWyjhdDgCQtH4Xt1UwtI1cJXvDfrlPJhOhD8GH2gXIZQhpE_4NLhZGLC84i4aglad5tq4fEg5Ml8UwgkB15S_pG8C4ouIBiemm-sUuxyGri5E66vKzCk1usbMVwHWX09LQVnc1e0tArWL7NfV4eG3RkaIKa5MsFjGxyoXxXaEq5st5IOZfYc6Vi/s4032/IMG_8471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyJ0sAxWyjhdDgCQtH4Xt1UwtI1cJXvDfrlPJhOhD8GH2gXIZQhpE_4NLhZGLC84i4aglad5tq4fEg5Ml8UwgkB15S_pG8C4ouIBiemm-sUuxyGri5E66vKzCk1usbMVwHWX09LQVnc1e0tArWL7NfV4eG3RkaIKa5MsFjGxyoXxXaEq5st5IOZfYc6Vi/w480-h640/IMG_8471.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Our walk today was all about contrasts.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The pink and white blossoms.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The struggling old trees and the healthy, vibrant</div><div style="text-align: center;"> younger trees away from the water's edge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAb9ssmtp8lwhc10rXLMsBe1RiEvmdjHrq9JTxciXF5lNIahKruBzi-ak6fL2AP848qeRBhqYGK9MRWimD1sUJWp9eBi_lYTdnwGcaJubW0rIeqoV8qP7Rt-Q1i56LUfo_RryduAZaxjnjP308RFjhoRCtyNYzsDkEmZ6jiBvzZ4cfOTGszonw5h_vQIQ/s1800/5265A94F-4050-4DB7-955C-8D71FD3DD670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAb9ssmtp8lwhc10rXLMsBe1RiEvmdjHrq9JTxciXF5lNIahKruBzi-ak6fL2AP848qeRBhqYGK9MRWimD1sUJWp9eBi_lYTdnwGcaJubW0rIeqoV8qP7Rt-Q1i56LUfo_RryduAZaxjnjP308RFjhoRCtyNYzsDkEmZ6jiBvzZ4cfOTGszonw5h_vQIQ/w512-h640/5265A94F-4050-4DB7-955C-8D71FD3DD670.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You just can't beat a walk on "peak day"</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in the sun with the undulating, frothy </div><div style="text-align: center;">blossom laden branches.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A true treasure of Washington D.C.</div></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-47844853572721817392024-03-14T09:19:00.004-04:002024-03-14T09:19:19.438-04:00Levi is 8 and Isaiah is 6<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-M1AxnnmV7s_gbg4x6TZ30FVkH230fl5uWBmnZ03H_-QiWrPK0xHIDNy0TjsFT4lLF0cISc9dNCkTctSsjkPKlKiL2KY-Eis7GOHbjeSGW-8KYklIjYvHdKdhyphenhyphenCREmuD7uPSwM5jNv4Vag_i93mVxvW6Isye0bftcKRBHJUexUy-yKeDoqfuPcBYqb6RI/s1800/IMG_8258.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-M1AxnnmV7s_gbg4x6TZ30FVkH230fl5uWBmnZ03H_-QiWrPK0xHIDNy0TjsFT4lLF0cISc9dNCkTctSsjkPKlKiL2KY-Eis7GOHbjeSGW-8KYklIjYvHdKdhyphenhyphenCREmuD7uPSwM5jNv4Vag_i93mVxvW6Isye0bftcKRBHJUexUy-yKeDoqfuPcBYqb6RI/w640-h640/IMG_8258.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some birthday celebrations around here lately.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Levi is eight and our second grader is </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">growing up just too quickly.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOvBUk9750ShF9ambd5Lh5udjv2vnwVXCVA79GAPEKpIpP7aaGHFLJ7IFRwy7NcWn8ubyApgdrrleHwzhJtxmOAJoASuYXF0grPKw6pZQW9uA0y91zDENI99TVvwZwHErsuovAJtq4G3dJ5jU5opqxC_volSRzIsYyOaTlZooIuxy86-6PeqslGQq9Xy_/s1800/IMG_8259.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOvBUk9750ShF9ambd5Lh5udjv2vnwVXCVA79GAPEKpIpP7aaGHFLJ7IFRwy7NcWn8ubyApgdrrleHwzhJtxmOAJoASuYXF0grPKw6pZQW9uA0y91zDENI99TVvwZwHErsuovAJtq4G3dJ5jU5opqxC_volSRzIsYyOaTlZooIuxy86-6PeqslGQq9Xy_/w640-h640/IMG_8259.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Always good for a meal together</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> and ice cream time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gwACZU-4DvsK9bBOde42jfQ4kZIIuuVRrkLtgNSyBSQYkJ962tYVgo7qqpDYvZz26U44xZNER2h3Nz8zr1UxdzdjRHvRS-qWB0JH6rcpwgYPXwBpUhTdfNsBUeMFk9FGqrgFmBP1zFpULUoZoJcL5yEZb-VrElVx2y3IIOa_8_46r0hEDeVBOrgOYalh/s1800/IMG_8270.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gwACZU-4DvsK9bBOde42jfQ4kZIIuuVRrkLtgNSyBSQYkJ962tYVgo7qqpDYvZz26U44xZNER2h3Nz8zr1UxdzdjRHvRS-qWB0JH6rcpwgYPXwBpUhTdfNsBUeMFk9FGqrgFmBP1zFpULUoZoJcL5yEZb-VrElVx2y3IIOa_8_46r0hEDeVBOrgOYalh/w640-h640/IMG_8270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah is 6 and rocking his glasses</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> and Kindergarten.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdWe5BAcT5P7eaeq1dkXTisMGuXwLfdFAGEenr24Ej4kaDoK3h36K8YQ1ISwyK_g-QjJtVYyjxW3sG3S4MBYYxMag7L6BQDMAwRn3h89NHEvKS6_X8q2grvoG-EosYXoi_lhNXBkpDRyita1MFa47VTTaagNFNoAy-X871tiiF99vG8cbKoRNYVrhntZ2/s1800/IMG_8272%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdWe5BAcT5P7eaeq1dkXTisMGuXwLfdFAGEenr24Ej4kaDoK3h36K8YQ1ISwyK_g-QjJtVYyjxW3sG3S4MBYYxMag7L6BQDMAwRn3h89NHEvKS6_X8q2grvoG-EosYXoi_lhNXBkpDRyita1MFa47VTTaagNFNoAy-X871tiiF99vG8cbKoRNYVrhntZ2/w640-h640/IMG_8272%202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So for birthdays this year we are once again</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> doing experiences with those that live near us.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> We took the Metro downtown to DC to the </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Museum of the Bible for lunch </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">before our Matinee play.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Schools closed for voting helped that out)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXbbqUmfKrSS1VlXTgDSmppDA_Pj8_34Zsk3-WnpVW6z1kl9McoJ1pSi6hxXEayUS4rLl1xkAxXY9Vy0qO5xlvv21rY3I6Fna5-IaKwnNcHHk8jRtbZKMpu2LU1fD7UDhOe4xdYJP1F531_Bp8IVpv4lVbLm1D4H0j_yx8vSHoGgBx_jq1X8k87h8kLAQ/s1800/IMG_8271.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXbbqUmfKrSS1VlXTgDSmppDA_Pj8_34Zsk3-WnpVW6z1kl9McoJ1pSi6hxXEayUS4rLl1xkAxXY9Vy0qO5xlvv21rY3I6Fna5-IaKwnNcHHk8jRtbZKMpu2LU1fD7UDhOe4xdYJP1F531_Bp8IVpv4lVbLm1D4H0j_yx8vSHoGgBx_jq1X8k87h8kLAQ/w640-h640/IMG_8271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prince Caspian is the live theater there right now.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We took Levi to see The Boy and his Horse </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">last year and he loved it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So another C.S. Lewis book was just the right thing!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We especially loved Aslan!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is one of the favorite movies at our house,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> so they knew the story.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This theater company does an amazing job</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> with the very large puppets.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Memories made and we give thanks</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> for all of these fine young men.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jonah and Mom got to be the special guests</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of the birthday boys.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-37753534401956188442024-03-13T11:20:00.003-04:002024-03-13T11:23:05.540-04:00Worship into the Week- Look and Live<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOfhQjV7lzJf4cI9w8UU-uTOdGYOvM6nt4SiQJaQCAI-mFSTCUcjHqOT_tJiGXARxYTaE5FyQbNiqCQ4oPk1JYY39XjiZn-LfIdSSw-8TvzYyigy2rcRCLyz_6mz3rn5oEjnWjhurM6DyQ6iv-K2LiwVsuQN8aQU1u0maowmAUBe2CYBX4hkXarvO24nd/s3495/IMG_8247.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2213" data-original-width="3495" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqOfhQjV7lzJf4cI9w8UU-uTOdGYOvM6nt4SiQJaQCAI-mFSTCUcjHqOT_tJiGXARxYTaE5FyQbNiqCQ4oPk1JYY39XjiZn-LfIdSSw-8TvzYyigy2rcRCLyz_6mz3rn5oEjnWjhurM6DyQ6iv-K2LiwVsuQN8aQU1u0maowmAUBe2CYBX4hkXarvO24nd/w640-h406/IMG_8247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Worship into the Week-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Numbers 21:4-9</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Bronze Serpent</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The people cried out that they were going through</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a harsh and miserable time.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even the food the Lord provided was "worthless."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty much a "woe is me" tragedy drama scene.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, it got worse.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Poisonous fiery serpents rained down upon them</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> or just appeared on the land.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, for crying out loud. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And they did.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So they come to Moses and plead for his help.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Moses intercedes on their behalf to God.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God gives Moses a plan.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Moses makes a bronze serpent and sets it on a pole.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Notice- that God doesn't remove the snakes. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">He gives them a way of deliverance and protection.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">They HAVE to look in the right direction to be saved.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> This generation will not see </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the Promised Land- like Moses.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their lack of trust in the wilderness </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">has a harsh response from God.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am reminded of my own crying out</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> in wilderness experiences.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Feeling abandoned and questioning</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the wisdom of God.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What happens when dreams and hopes </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">of my own fade into the horizon?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even in my worst failures and disappointments,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God has provided for me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, I too, have to look to HIM,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">to Jesus and to the cross.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep my eyes on Jesus.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEiAzqoRFGQNSMnAbpnDRLRaMY1q5y651oAjmi9T6f22c2LikVzKnys0YG00UMnAfraY7nZwpH8Ct57gNd9HNBV0xL0olhCa68XFW-ShmmpTtnMI2k0wsm5YW0AjoysqbYsanycMqnfM5X1htEFDnpwNqlu3QfeUwYd1axFDoIiuR1Vnb8yFjl0wb-bgX/s1274/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-13%20at%2011.12.50%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="948" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEiAzqoRFGQNSMnAbpnDRLRaMY1q5y651oAjmi9T6f22c2LikVzKnys0YG00UMnAfraY7nZwpH8Ct57gNd9HNBV0xL0olhCa68XFW-ShmmpTtnMI2k0wsm5YW0AjoysqbYsanycMqnfM5X1htEFDnpwNqlu3QfeUwYd1axFDoIiuR1Vnb8yFjl0wb-bgX/w476-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-13%20at%2011.12.50%20AM.png" width="476" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Bronze Serpent o</span><span style="font-size: large;">n Mount Nebo</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">from one of our trips to Jordan.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visual Faith Graphics</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/vcy-graphics-only-march-2024">vcy-graphics-only-march-2024</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Worship into the Week Printables</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/worship-into-the-week-march-2024">worship-into-the-week-march-2024</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Colored pencils</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Magazine cutouts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stamps</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><div class="post__content mt-5" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 2.8rem; margin-top: 3rem; text-align: start;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 2.8rem; margin-bottom: 3rem; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 2.8rem; margin-bottom: 3rem; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 2.8rem; margin-bottom: 3rem; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p></div><div class="post__footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 1.6rem; letter-spacing: 0px; line-height: 2.8rem; margin: 3rem 0px; text-align: start;"></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="text-align: start;" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-65607769879129993822024-03-09T23:17:00.005-05:002024-03-09T23:24:52.516-05:00Worship into the Week- The Authority of Jesus<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyOub20x3iG-whyphenhyphenaUgioFzoNbzzZERO2f3prOZ8HQIGQjsSPVysrKIGk31RchHYq14hneRsXi8lKNwStFUIiNOvEv8Ga-kSGL2H18emQTOucBXdcdEs6Gv1Cma-1NBfKjFnTDWGBnmEZm1tsQ4JjLH6PIceKpFYnQY_jsOQNrkiOtURnxwGJt6ONvd-sj/s3433/IMG_8211.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2136" data-original-width="3433" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyOub20x3iG-whyphenhyphenaUgioFzoNbzzZERO2f3prOZ8HQIGQjsSPVysrKIGk31RchHYq14hneRsXi8lKNwStFUIiNOvEv8Ga-kSGL2H18emQTOucBXdcdEs6Gv1Cma-1NBfKjFnTDWGBnmEZm1tsQ4JjLH6PIceKpFYnQY_jsOQNrkiOtURnxwGJt6ONvd-sj/w640-h398/IMG_8211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Worship into the Week-</div><div style="text-align: center;">John 2: 13-25</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus Cleanses the Temple</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The solemnity of the festivals and sacrifices </div><div style="text-align: center;">at the Temple had been hijacked by the sale of animals</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and the money changers.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In this section of the story in the Gospel of John,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> there is the clear pointing to the authority of Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus went up to Jerusalem like many </div><div style="text-align: center;">of the faithful Jewish for the Passover.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His action to overturn the tables and disrupt the selling</div><div style="text-align: center;">set out his authority to dictate temple practice.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmWUYSB6QuvAZUg41QX0D088gqkDqPUKbrtVRc35lTtCocs97oN9piqt26_gdnjRhgYUSWJX2o841CyDFcZvs8UF6hgg5_y2tS3ZSPAe_2Yv03xTm70lLfxnyBQnIFuPg5RxqF4EjH-V3Q1WguVKbs5fyG2pG6x6ojHA-9Ebd7SKG8i5YyBHdhUJ8Fu0m/s2348/IMG_8212.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2348" data-original-width="1551" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmWUYSB6QuvAZUg41QX0D088gqkDqPUKbrtVRc35lTtCocs97oN9piqt26_gdnjRhgYUSWJX2o841CyDFcZvs8UF6hgg5_y2tS3ZSPAe_2Yv03xTm70lLfxnyBQnIFuPg5RxqF4EjH-V3Q1WguVKbs5fyG2pG6x6ojHA-9Ebd7SKG8i5YyBHdhUJ8Fu0m/w422-h640/IMG_8212.JPG" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>A piece to help us understand this clear announcement</div><div style="text-align: center;"> of his authority is identifying </div><div style="text-align: center;">the temple as "my Father's house."</div><div style="text-align: center;">His disruption of the economic practices of the temple </div><div style="text-align: center;">was a public display that he was not just an average pilgrim</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in town for the Passover.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He is the Son of God.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His zeal for God's future plan of salvation </div><div style="text-align: center;">gives us a hint that he is willing to endure any suffering</div><div style="text-align: center;"> for this plan of His Father.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This raised questions by the religious leaders </div><div style="text-align: center;">as they wondered how he could give these announcements.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe a "sign or wonder" would be proof. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, there is the misunderstanding</div><div style="text-align: center;"> about "raising the temple." The leaders think about </div><div style="text-align: center;">how long it took to build the Temple </div><div style="text-align: center;">and Jesus is talking about being raised from the dead.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus is using Resurrection terms that wouldn't be clear</div><div style="text-align: center;"> until the 3 days after his death.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus is using this teaching here to point the people</div><div style="text-align: center;"> to himself as the new temple.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take aways might be:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Does my heart need "cleansing" to keep the focus</div><div style="text-align: center;"> on the important things?</div><div style="text-align: center;">How can a church best use their economic resources</div><div style="text-align: center;"> to point others to Jesus?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Supplies:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Visual Faith Printable</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/vcy-graphics-only-march-2024">vcy-graphics-only-march-2024</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Worship into the Week Printable</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/worship-into-the-week-march-2024">worship-into-the-week-march-2024</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Magazine cutouts</div><div style="text-align: center;">Distress ink</div><div style="text-align: center;">Colored pencils</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stamps</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(85, 85, 85); color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.8rem; margin-bottom: 3rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(85, 85, 85); color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.8rem; margin-bottom: 3rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(85, 85, 85); color: #555555; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.8rem; margin-bottom: 3rem; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="text-align: start;" /></div></span><p></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-84560095881450011392024-03-06T23:57:00.006-05:002024-03-07T00:31:50.853-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom- Number 17 #becauseofconcordia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYOJ4Q8w6VvGG2TdVxkCXhfs4ZMoIhAjM7iCxUDk-XOb0EQ3dOSZJlJDJRCYMNhB8eChwyYQcx3IRNoIaze2i15nh3yVbPkGOcg-46OpzPElJJHODMZNNyZirmxwXBYtmz28HOy3a0Bn3Tfnpx12w-qg18oaJD3WRddxSCAaofMHhaIbAvlfCwRyfF2Qw/s2989/IMG_8124.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2941" data-original-width="2989" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYOJ4Q8w6VvGG2TdVxkCXhfs4ZMoIhAjM7iCxUDk-XOb0EQ3dOSZJlJDJRCYMNhB8eChwyYQcx3IRNoIaze2i15nh3yVbPkGOcg-46OpzPElJJHODMZNNyZirmxwXBYtmz28HOy3a0Bn3Tfnpx12w-qg18oaJD3WRddxSCAaofMHhaIbAvlfCwRyfF2Qw/w640-h630/IMG_8124.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">David Smalls- CUAA Student Government President</span></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">with Rev. John and Connie Denninger.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I was encouraged to write a number of blog posts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> in the past 3 weeks telling the story of</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> amazing Concordia Connections.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">What I wasn't prepared for was the personal blessing</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> that would come out of that endeavor.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had told David that on my next trip to Ann Arbor,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I wanted to come to campus </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and meet him and personally shake his hand.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">That is a great "hope it happens" kind of thing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So a week ago, I get a text from David announcing</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> that he would be in DC for Spring Break visiting his brother.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Was there any night we could meet up for dinner?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where his brother works.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sure- that sounds great.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1hv7sdTy1if9R1iSTVjgRDtbARkOpibkR18o0zsCf5O8JZ0eY4_z5fPmONtARzjBjtVgrRpjXuBhBmaddh7kRsoSKk0bZZEKle8sFckH3zNqLtj5hGG4H_jOVQKrUX5R7laZpDE0EkOG68JqJ21RLBMnte6l_LGx3danqQ1gSLmyPlWPu80e_zeLEn1K/s4032/IMG_8127.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2824" data-original-width="4032" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1hv7sdTy1if9R1iSTVjgRDtbARkOpibkR18o0zsCf5O8JZ0eY4_z5fPmONtARzjBjtVgrRpjXuBhBmaddh7kRsoSKk0bZZEKle8sFckH3zNqLtj5hGG4H_jOVQKrUX5R7laZpDE0EkOG68JqJ21RLBMnte6l_LGx3danqQ1gSLmyPlWPu80e_zeLEn1K/w640-h448/IMG_8127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We arrive at Surveyor at The Thompson near Nationals Park, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Navy Yard, Washington DC.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Brother Dervin is the Executive Chef at this restaurant.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">David is the youngest of eight children </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and you can tell his older brother likes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to take care of "the younger brother."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW0T0HfQc9DhTvcuVVE8N3l85dLNvI6FKWfMbFB_BQHzYyXAs8LNINo0sovQWdXLj-gEDMisbGubpBqFx8YsaCa-p54u1EQeetExQqbIUgKTfmAZJiEF7cEQunmw3Mzqcdqp965lHUWjH0_XzlYv6gQuEAE8PiuMUKx39GaeMOnEdAUhYSnaXDYe_NKua/s1800/IMG_8173.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzW0T0HfQc9DhTvcuVVE8N3l85dLNvI6FKWfMbFB_BQHzYyXAs8LNINo0sovQWdXLj-gEDMisbGubpBqFx8YsaCa-p54u1EQeetExQqbIUgKTfmAZJiEF7cEQunmw3Mzqcdqp965lHUWjH0_XzlYv6gQuEAE8PiuMUKx39GaeMOnEdAUhYSnaXDYe_NKua/w640-h640/IMG_8173.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The surprise was a very special 3 hour meal</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> prepared by Dervin.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fancy food, carefully prepared and delicious.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKCAZlPb_l3xuBItzxMnNUgqtwopPN31_fTwBxJ1pSidgoaKigGb6YAcvAmQDEq4OE8vRCp58wLY3HqFX6sHwOUSoY6BYNqG_UMFsdWrEWBKJTBQ5ba_8fSe0kxrK3HQAPsSMmh4SucAHag5kyFmVzbrJGTO0MpEL7Ea5VuOq2iO8agubOATWNGeaqUUB/s1800/IMG_8174.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKCAZlPb_l3xuBItzxMnNUgqtwopPN31_fTwBxJ1pSidgoaKigGb6YAcvAmQDEq4OE8vRCp58wLY3HqFX6sHwOUSoY6BYNqG_UMFsdWrEWBKJTBQ5ba_8fSe0kxrK3HQAPsSMmh4SucAHag5kyFmVzbrJGTO0MpEL7Ea5VuOq2iO8agubOATWNGeaqUUB/w640-h640/IMG_8174.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The joy of the evening was the conversation,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> as we were able to hear the heart </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">of this young servant leader.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prepared to do "what it takes" in his leadership role.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Willing to be mentored and learn from others.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A humble heart that sees he is in a place to give, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">serve and pull others up.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It only takes a short conversation with David to hear words</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> like prayer, listening and HOPE.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">He is ready to come back from Spring Break </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and roll up his sleeves to be the voice of encouragement.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">He understands the hard work ahead.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> He doesn't step aside from the challenge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> facing CUAA right now and into the future. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The students at CUAA have a man named Smalls</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> ready to lead like a Giant for the future of CUAA.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We couldn't have seen the blessing of meeting</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> this young man </span><span style="font-size: large;">a month ago.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But now, we testify that even in the hard, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">the bad and the hurtful,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God is still making connections of heart </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">that bring GOOD things to His Kingdom people.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-61904679769296844622024-03-02T23:48:00.002-05:002024-03-02T23:57:24.706-05:00Worship into the Week- Blessed to be a Blessing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZJYVzwSytGeG7y3d78aj3Iw7ZwwD2_5VXWNLMjrqhQ9CWpd-fCpgN83HB_LwDEPh-LQ9K7C-h07WNU42KtCXQpwIfUV1NP1ROZgV_V2cQuSZ8KQFf6CgeG3yXLlb0895c0cKovZxMAzSWujfb7TYIArpJxgklg20ECZeX5gsZQZxIKKDslK92X_2pl-X/s3449/IMG_8102.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2135" data-original-width="3449" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZJYVzwSytGeG7y3d78aj3Iw7ZwwD2_5VXWNLMjrqhQ9CWpd-fCpgN83HB_LwDEPh-LQ9K7C-h07WNU42KtCXQpwIfUV1NP1ROZgV_V2cQuSZ8KQFf6CgeG3yXLlb0895c0cKovZxMAzSWujfb7TYIArpJxgklg20ECZeX5gsZQZxIKKDslK92X_2pl-X/w640-h396/IMG_8102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Worship into the Week-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Genesis 17: 1-10, 15-16</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blessed to be a Blessing</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God comes to Abraham and establishes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> his everlasting covenant with him.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Covenant- a contract between God and his people. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God makes promises to his people and usually </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">requires certain conduct from them.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love looking at this section of Scripture</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> and seeing all of the "I will."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God is the heavy lifter here.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God is also the faithful one.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everlasting- lasting or enduring through all time.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Forever- without an end, to exist forever.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Created for immortality- from Abraham's offspring to </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">throughout all generations.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God is still working out his forever plan.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Praise him for that great blessing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visual Faith Printable</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/vcy-graphics-only-february-2023">vcy-graphics-only-february-2023</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Worship into the Week Printable</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/worship-into-the-week-february-2024">worship-into-the-week-february-2024</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distress ink</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Colored pencils</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Magazine cutouts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Postage stamp</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div data-hveid="CCsQAQ" style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-81530773385647604342024-03-01T23:52:00.001-05:002024-03-01T23:52:14.294-05:00Calendar Journaling- February 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjwEGBdzMzAeMnjF274BhA5N8eduYJE0xGdzN1iJss6_S6qL6J0cIbtaek3dPlZKqZvMhbjkx7LLyy3mN4k-kEcgpjvU4rY8ZSKM7ZvGO9XqKHXWnatSM6bq2wUmjCACry8_Ra5M4b6NbqCLvYwM_Nmahq13i1UAcpoOeUJfIc_QhGj4TO0kqj4j2oQhd/s3447/IMG_8089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2209" data-original-width="3447" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjwEGBdzMzAeMnjF274BhA5N8eduYJE0xGdzN1iJss6_S6qL6J0cIbtaek3dPlZKqZvMhbjkx7LLyy3mN4k-kEcgpjvU4rY8ZSKM7ZvGO9XqKHXWnatSM6bq2wUmjCACry8_Ra5M4b6NbqCLvYwM_Nmahq13i1UAcpoOeUJfIc_QhGj4TO0kqj4j2oQhd/w640-h410/IMG_8089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Calendar Journaling February 2024</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finishing up the second month in the Visual Faith® Ministry</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Common Book with the calendar journaling for my devotions.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Changing up what I call this process and see how I like the focus.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don't really do much with either icons or doodles.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My take aways tend to be just words.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love looking through the month to see the story</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of my devotion time in little squares.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am finding that the 08 Micron pen </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">gives good space for finishing up filling in the letters.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prismacolor pencils are working </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">for the filling in with some color.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some days are just the words. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then another day I sit down and color in a few days.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have been rethinking the words-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "In the beginning, God..."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It does really start with that very simple phrase.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to devotional time </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">in March to see more of the story.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Devotion book-</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>New Morning Mercies</i> by Paul David Tripp</span></div><p></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-49550213207116357552024-02-29T17:42:00.008-05:002024-03-10T14:09:23.155-04:00Devotional Journaling- Psalm 37- Leap Day 2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq0Kdb3qkLziF7jTnZN0CwDsNeFUmMnYiHQUiESZXnjgbnhCet6SUr2ANKWS0ko2UV0xRy0N9HYxHBnEg4MhhUC5t2qMfH3LdTzEF6VHcMSkUnviBCDdixGpqYHU-i2ThzzXx1mhCgzCgU4oRJ4Ro3mUht2awqrvxwH7NwQjZbVdGXvt9P98RKse-2_Fn/s3780/39EE9E21-9899-4DBC-87E2-A881C56B8D1E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghq0Kdb3qkLziF7jTnZN0CwDsNeFUmMnYiHQUiESZXnjgbnhCet6SUr2ANKWS0ko2UV0xRy0N9HYxHBnEg4MhhUC5t2qMfH3LdTzEF6VHcMSkUnviBCDdixGpqYHU-i2ThzzXx1mhCgzCgU4oRJ4Ro3mUht2awqrvxwH7NwQjZbVdGXvt9P98RKse-2_Fn/w512-h640/39EE9E21-9899-4DBC-87E2-A881C56B8D1E.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I return to my Psalm prayer journal often on days for</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> more focused prayer time. Next up was Psalm 37. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I needed to read it from The Message.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just a black Sharpie non-bleeding pen,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and 4 colored pencils.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I call this process Psalm Summaries or </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Praying the Psalms.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Psalm distilled down </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">to my take aways for TODAY.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Moving through my day with:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Quiet down before God,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">be prayerful before him."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">AND</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"God, ALERT, is also on watch."</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-75538881126586190672024-02-28T16:51:00.006-05:002024-02-28T16:53:25.858-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 16 #becauseofconcordia<p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLppsXNhSvVfvw7XUK1N8CJTOoT02g91mOGJvKSUq4lk5w8IiOttmoRyo-q8mKAgFA7dps1CjKmIRV-LgyrJlZIqtORTgsvxt09ZBSUkuXylD44H0j3giVtUYGpOy_7zDlhfTWQ41WYTGcoZudPuawuQpTZ3oMGNqZYEg_B8BnoF6W7MmjMZ6a5YH1cFiY/s1150/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%203.14.55%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1014" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLppsXNhSvVfvw7XUK1N8CJTOoT02g91mOGJvKSUq4lk5w8IiOttmoRyo-q8mKAgFA7dps1CjKmIRV-LgyrJlZIqtORTgsvxt09ZBSUkuXylD44H0j3giVtUYGpOy_7zDlhfTWQ41WYTGcoZudPuawuQpTZ3oMGNqZYEg_B8BnoF6W7MmjMZ6a5YH1cFiY/w564-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%203.14.55%20PM.png" width="564" /></a></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Let's talk about prayer. It is the center focus abounding in this traumatized Concordia Ann Arbor Community. There</span> have been times on our knees in prayer. They have joined together in worship and praise. Gratitude abounds for a God that sees you in the mess of the world, right now and right here. Prayers of lament have been flooding the gates of heaven. God, where are you? What is happening? Where are you in the middle of this situation? Are you listening? Do you see us? Are you still in control? That is the place where we find ourselves, as we move into the time for another vote by the CUWAA Board of Regents. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTlQ7mJZf8q-UKL3xI0r1e9H2F8cNqNn-ZASY9U4amh0YIGAqa0vczx95-MvvcpJbKploeALbFOGOPukjxQyC58wR_77vzvDGZVB7Z9A3DX2fXU-POWkXZ8xbKroqSNaiLtLUpQB-gq9BEQg4dQn_nUA_aT_9Hua0c8sIb7UsZsv5yqYU1SzVcirkjLlf/s1378/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%209.21.14%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1132" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTlQ7mJZf8q-UKL3xI0r1e9H2F8cNqNn-ZASY9U4amh0YIGAqa0vczx95-MvvcpJbKploeALbFOGOPukjxQyC58wR_77vzvDGZVB7Z9A3DX2fXU-POWkXZ8xbKroqSNaiLtLUpQB-gq9BEQg4dQn_nUA_aT_9Hua0c8sIb7UsZsv5yqYU1SzVcirkjLlf/w526-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%209.21.14%20AM.png" width="526" /></a></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">The leadership at this campus has shown a Godly presence for shaping this response. Another university setting might have seen walk-outs, demonstrations, sit-ins, and picket lines. This community has flocked to services at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity on campus. Multiple efforts have been made in other churches and venues for prayer and praise. We give thanks that in this time of distress that this leadership has gone to the ONE who really has the power in all things. </span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">Visual Faith® Ministry has stepped in with prayer resources to support this focus on prayer. We give thanks for Jessica Meier- the first grade teacher at St Paul's Ann Arbor, Michigan for her design of 4 prayer cards. These cards have blessed many as they prayed. Then the actual visual, physical prayers were given to students on campus. They hold this picture of prayer in their hands and hearts. That resource can be downloaded for free right here:</span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/cuaa-prayer-cards-by-jessica-meier">cuaa-prayer-cards-by-jessica-meier</a><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1ccXmAg-9j02_5AU8_HZWTVe5py4UBh6t5t7IDgbnT4Fccje1ZQXuLfISPR33dkRDYb_qCUKLi4lHwCuJMrXfcRxu6lN5BwF07tiwUPjnHbDvf1viLKLJuXuZay5N7d0FFijoIqmuEc6kzcP5t2Kgx48oXKkBQI2bw_D7E2te-90dJCkVoqfCXu0eF5F/s1800/IMG_8073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1ccXmAg-9j02_5AU8_HZWTVe5py4UBh6t5t7IDgbnT4Fccje1ZQXuLfISPR33dkRDYb_qCUKLi4lHwCuJMrXfcRxu6lN5BwF07tiwUPjnHbDvf1viLKLJuXuZay5N7d0FFijoIqmuEc6kzcP5t2Kgx48oXKkBQI2bw_D7E2te-90dJCkVoqfCXu0eF5F/w640-h640/IMG_8073.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="text-align: left;">So, as we come up to the Board of Regents meeting and vote we have many questions. Who has listened? Who is humble enough to say... let's start over. Who has been willing to look at another way to solve the problem? Is there a heart to say- maybe we got this wrong?</span></span></span></span></div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">But, let us remember in this difficult time to pray-- Your will, Lord. Your plan, Lord. Your great design for your Kingdom, Lord. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">We trust that God is still in charge of His church. He moves the universe according to His plan. Yet, we are bold to pray- let there be future years for students to enroll and graduate from CUAA. We are believers with an "even yet", and "even though", heart response. A vote can and may be challenging to hear and receive. BUT, we still have a God worthy of worship and praise with a heart of gratitude. So we give thanks and pray. Please join us to devote some specific time in God's Word to pray Scripture right into this very time for the future of Concordia Ann Arbor. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span>Jessica Meier is the oldest daughter</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span> of John and Connie Denninger.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span>We give thanks for her service</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span> to the St Paul's Lutheran School Community.</span></p><span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; text-align: left;"> </span></div></span>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><br /></p><div><br /></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-91643914642720396862024-02-27T18:18:00.005-05:002024-02-27T18:21:17.211-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 15 #becauseofconcordia<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbEfM7jJv2V6bmAnzRuy_6kdHr98g__AtDN4ZQ6J7_OVtLaTdkh07L0GG7J3IOateX1fkTP6UxIQm3PQSM5Po-s-hk4gGtEa_1ngpsAfyiybcKXvSieHRF-noD6u73oWodXw1cWC9RmquHFTCUM_7DZjEFVf4OEB4nCLIZq6P9796jh5eC4QmPjrNwBYw/s1778/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%209.09.30%20AM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1778" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbEfM7jJv2V6bmAnzRuy_6kdHr98g__AtDN4ZQ6J7_OVtLaTdkh07L0GG7J3IOateX1fkTP6UxIQm3PQSM5Po-s-hk4gGtEa_1ngpsAfyiybcKXvSieHRF-noD6u73oWodXw1cWC9RmquHFTCUM_7DZjEFVf4OEB4nCLIZq6P9796jh5eC4QmPjrNwBYw/w640-h352/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%209.09.30%20AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><span style="background-color: white;">All of the CUAA Athletic community have taken some hard knocks in that past two weeks. They have been blamed for budget deficits, missing the "purpose" of the University and called out for "taxing the bottom line." The athletic programs have grown in both diversity and quality and the campus has a high margin of campus students who are involved in the athletic </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: medium;">programs. The excellence in music has been touted in both personal posts and in the insightful views into the campus worship community and connecting concert activities. Listen carefully in this post and hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit working in the heart of a student amidst busy campus life.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>When the Story Blesses the Kingdom</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Chase Maynard </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQNH3cRxYyOrmwHxTMemoiQSOb0ukduhherNaBHZEBkycs_YMsgrcibLnd4xZU4cDI4Nt7PiqOlg8eKKP-4WGIXDVvCbm62zxHM23wJT1aia5a2XgmHZoCNpLTyu6yRJGmbKTrt3iCfGeRl1qAm3zIKZO02-nCosV41eXqPTVVzH6miiDWMFK3G-uzzNN/s609/IMG_8066.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="593" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQNH3cRxYyOrmwHxTMemoiQSOb0ukduhherNaBHZEBkycs_YMsgrcibLnd4xZU4cDI4Nt7PiqOlg8eKKP-4WGIXDVvCbm62zxHM23wJT1aia5a2XgmHZoCNpLTyu6yRJGmbKTrt3iCfGeRl1qAm3zIKZO02-nCosV41eXqPTVVzH6miiDWMFK3G-uzzNN/w624-h640/IMG_8066.jpeg" width="624" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I came to CUAA to play football.</span></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I grew up in a small community down near Columbus, Ohio. Living in a small community has its perks. You really see the people around you and spend time with them. When I was looking for colleges, I knew that I had to go to a smaller school. I was looking for a small school experience. There is this big family now with everyone and you never have to feel alone. The professors, coaches, and staff create this loving environment for the students and the athletes. I have never felt more comfortable in a school where I can be myself and don’t have to worry about what others think. The friendships I have made here will last for my entire life here on earth. Some of these people will be at my wedding. The Lutheran culture at CUAA is unique as a university setting.</span><p></p><div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="section" style="background-color: white;"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEg57Oi79G_SSYZVf2BB1FcCOkZX_9FKwfgk9yqsjkC6BTfeJfyrG71Qh_pfhApjuq03tc9fBvHHR4ai7kgU9mtT01iQlmDbwrC6KUF9Y1w1LyUwf7L2ZZW_Lhe0-2t2EfiqEGiL-xaTUKW_WFKeP5hRjrUOQbeyKX-KjpxoitBdHCjK-HTAvNv5YR8Bp/s512/IMG_7269.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="341" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEg57Oi79G_SSYZVf2BB1FcCOkZX_9FKwfgk9yqsjkC6BTfeJfyrG71Qh_pfhApjuq03tc9fBvHHR4ai7kgU9mtT01iQlmDbwrC6KUF9Y1w1LyUwf7L2ZZW_Lhe0-2t2EfiqEGiL-xaTUKW_WFKeP5hRjrUOQbeyKX-KjpxoitBdHCjK-HTAvNv5YR8Bp/w426-h640/IMG_7269.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large;">I had a wonderful growing up household. We always went to church on Sundays and I used to complain about going to church. Services were too long and I needed help to understand the Bible. My mom was always "bugging me" about reading it. She always just showed me Jesus. I was arrogant and I was stubborn. My mom worried that I was never going to "see the light". Coming to this school has opened my eyes and changed me. I began to see the power of the Holy Spirit and make connections in the classes I took. Freshman year I was hanging out with my friends who started to talk about Jesus. I listened to them share how Jesus loves you more than anything else. I could feel something in my body stir that I have never felt before. That night I prayed and the rest is history. I just hit 365 days in a row on my Bible app and I’m very happy for God's work for that life change. I started to go to Night of Worship and attend Chapel almost every day. Reading God's Word is now a constant in my life for guidance. This school and the people here helped to direct my life for eternity. I believe Jesus is mine and He put me here for a reason.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQtJHpewTBtOw6FT_E8w9oqnJmHF5FRkWpXrACzNnRr0DERPy-6WU3g7nJDjvpMQmBpNfmiDlQRbMT4lVQIAH_HRgryTkDvk55FExF5doW6yUOAd5Zodd-EAaHa8voIcmMAmVFXn0mLFa5vC7IGFeKCPQGkeUD61hk71c7qjOgZpARNgC1LCDWIJhh_WN/s1792/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-27%20at%209.53.02%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1792" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQtJHpewTBtOw6FT_E8w9oqnJmHF5FRkWpXrACzNnRr0DERPy-6WU3g7nJDjvpMQmBpNfmiDlQRbMT4lVQIAH_HRgryTkDvk55FExF5doW6yUOAd5Zodd-EAaHa8voIcmMAmVFXn0mLFa5vC7IGFeKCPQGkeUD61hk71c7qjOgZpARNgC1LCDWIJhh_WN/w640-h410/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-27%20at%209.53.02%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">CUAA has also impacted my whole family. My brother, Hunter, attended Concordia Ann Arbor and had a wonderful football career here. He was an education major just like the rest of my family. I came to his games and I saw the brotherhood of CUAA football. You can just sense the coaches want to be here. They are a constant presence to help an athlete achieve the highest. My brother would call and share</span></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large;"> why this place would be great for me. He never came home, because he was having the most fun ever. In the summer he would go back up and hang out with friends or go to summer football workouts. </span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large;">During football season my family comes to all the games and shows support for me and my teammates. Before football games, you can see parents tailgating in the parking lot. When we travel to away games, we sometimes have more fans than the Home Team sometimes. Concordia shows up and we never will stand down from anything.</span><p></p></div></div></div></div><div class="page" title="Page 2"><div class="section" style="background-color: white;"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTW0FP426WOrTNn6HcGfIknusaYoCpJjeVXJFhGDuxAK7ycNVdeiQw9M1yYg2xHReYiQMmKJVwcMu7oCccNaSaJamm8cC_PKJv7knqLW2OanOwiP_UluXis8EaUIrZ9pYBXfAbZptqFdXTK9sN-jFbI5bQJR4Q4PFh79ait44WhuA0Qoy5RWVCNUwJFwY/s1207/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-22%20at%2011.54.57%20AM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1207" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTW0FP426WOrTNn6HcGfIknusaYoCpJjeVXJFhGDuxAK7ycNVdeiQw9M1yYg2xHReYiQMmKJVwcMu7oCccNaSaJamm8cC_PKJv7knqLW2OanOwiP_UluXis8EaUIrZ9pYBXfAbZptqFdXTK9sN-jFbI5bQJR4Q4PFh79ait44WhuA0Qoy5RWVCNUwJFwY/w640-h610/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-22%20at%2011.54.57%20AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large;"><p><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>This school is strong, loving, and committed to students. We can't believe what is happening now. Dear President Ankerberg and Board of Regents, please read all the letters you are receiving. So many people have poured their lives, time and their money into this school. We are growing and people want to join the ride. This school is creating disciples of Jesus. Jesus wants us to spread His word. Please let this school spread His love and help us to welcome others who don't know YOU. Our school means “Hearts together”. We are all one big family that want to live as one.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Chase Maynard is a sophomore at CUAA.</p><p style="text-align: center;">He is a part of the football team </p><p style="text-align: center;">and is majoring in Secondary Education Mathematics.</p></div></div></div></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-19644232143318601372024-02-26T21:24:00.002-05:002024-02-26T21:27:18.697-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom- Number 14 #becauseofconcordia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKsMLRq3LgMF3Vycz0uLpLt_OVomktjDNahOFuFXq9CRSQUpZl1RneEqgFfUNs17eP_LXsI-r1ZI7JI6Gbh9ogBi_PK840TGWVeUvJMFt7n6piZKg84D6QLJMI3gDkcczUVfFMPvFpcjEpnYvrEeWCGP3waS5rR9JG730Yg67K94MRkzt4eppy7fVI0Qv/s998/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%204.02.36%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="948" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKsMLRq3LgMF3Vycz0uLpLt_OVomktjDNahOFuFXq9CRSQUpZl1RneEqgFfUNs17eP_LXsI-r1ZI7JI6Gbh9ogBi_PK840TGWVeUvJMFt7n6piZKg84D6QLJMI3gDkcczUVfFMPvFpcjEpnYvrEeWCGP3waS5rR9JG730Yg67K94MRkzt4eppy7fVI0Qv/w608-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%204.02.36%20PM.png" width="608" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: right;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: right;">Baptism of Alfonso- Sea of Galile</span><span style="text-align: right;">e</span></div><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Concordia Ann Arbor community has spent time</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> in the past two weeks with many reflections of memories and </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> time and life spent on this campus. The question hovering for many </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>of us </span><span>is the question of the lost future. The loss of church workers is a given, </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">as well as the loss of overall students in the Concordia University System.</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But, what about the Kingdom loss? </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">CUAA has been a place where students just might stumble across</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> the subtle work of Gospel centered lives. </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It has also been the outright manifestation of lives captured </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and readjusted by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here, Pastor Dan gives a glimpse of just one of those classes at CUAA</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">where you walk where Jesus walked, and leave "forever changed."</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When the Story Blesses the Kingdom</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dan Flynn</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have been blessed to take around 250 students and chaperones </span><span>from CUAA </span><span>and </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>CUW to the Holy Land. Each trip has its own personality </span><span>and its </span><span>own experience that have always blessed me beyond words. I have </span>watched two different sites of the same university unify and bond into <span>a community</span><span> that I never anticipated. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg4pGvmXxwM57hF2b8Lbtgwwmbx1FTfPYdLTI6WEXYcoUZsmLNiaRFUSgNvmBRwHtMjdpFoeYWUywe9vjd8jEQcZ4l2qfhzmdsjPcv6AJ3JmetW6U9f_Bvk598ru9BfrN5L7cwPhkzr9SMURvmVO-FXAGg0Z3EHG9lM-HxZRloLwhqeW8_YEydeezbdKe/s1192/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%204.02.58%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1192" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPg4pGvmXxwM57hF2b8Lbtgwwmbx1FTfPYdLTI6WEXYcoUZsmLNiaRFUSgNvmBRwHtMjdpFoeYWUywe9vjd8jEQcZ4l2qfhzmdsjPcv6AJ3JmetW6U9f_Bvk598ru9BfrN5L7cwPhkzr9SMURvmVO-FXAGg0Z3EHG9lM-HxZRloLwhqeW8_YEydeezbdKe/w640-h506/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%204.02.58%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Negev Desert</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My deepest desire is that my students have an encounter with Christ. We travel throughout the Holy Land encountering Biblical sites as well as cultural experiences. Riding a camel in the Negev Desert or floating in the Dead Sea or doing a jeep ride in the Golan Heights with a lecture by an Israeli are powerful. These experiences create amazing conversations. Of course, we step into the Scriptures and walk where Jesus walked. </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yes, I did baptize Alonzo last January 2023 at his request. The 40 of us were deeply moved watching Alonzo and me step into the Sea of Galilee and immersing Alonzo in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The class applauded and we wept. Communion at the Garden Tomb always brings tears as they encounter the resurrection. </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbrvFu_JxyQZiPJ97xPGiiggfJKnQlXY226VEYBfTfEytfra6c8QG9qrnsh6qb7lFj2att_pWKFUgVI6MYHrEFKzfxVMyqqc-37OTgTNGv0CH98U2ke1w7oxgOe0akP68MmXRKYs3uD2fgP992vO1jKKcy5gzKHJawY34rltGIlYn7ao9CW9JB5-WcNd7/s850/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%204.03.29%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="738" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbrvFu_JxyQZiPJ97xPGiiggfJKnQlXY226VEYBfTfEytfra6c8QG9qrnsh6qb7lFj2att_pWKFUgVI6MYHrEFKzfxVMyqqc-37OTgTNGv0CH98U2ke1w7oxgOe0akP68MmXRKYs3uD2fgP992vO1jKKcy5gzKHJawY34rltGIlYn7ao9CW9JB5-WcNd7/w556-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-26%20at%204.03.29%20PM.png" width="556" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Church of the Nativity Bethlehem</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The relationships sustain past the trip to Israel. Either at Mequon or Ann Arbor, students continue to talk and share. Often their faith is encouraged well beyond a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Concordia Invitation Tourney (CIT) became a reunion, and the stories live on. </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So now, because of Hamas, twenty-four of us are going to Greece to explore the cities of the Apostle Paul. The conversations of faith will happen. My deepest desire is what Paul writes in Ephesians 4:3-6, </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal;">Now all of this is at risk and I’m grieving. The CUWAA President, the administration and Board of Regents are moving so quickly. I can’t get a handle on how to manage the hurting students and how the staff must feel. Yes, the hurt I’m feeling. I delight in my students, and I am passionate that they would know Jesus. Whether it is walking down the Mt. of Olives or instructing in my classroom- Jesus is the center of the Concordia Ann Arbor </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">experience.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, I pray and hope.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rev. Dan Flynn</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">is an Adjunct Theology Professor </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">at CUAA. He also serves as the </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">vacancy pastor at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">in Bloomfield Hills. Michigan.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-91647206807442086532024-02-26T00:02:00.008-05:002024-02-26T09:25:46.813-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom- Number 13 #becauseofconcordia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzpfid-HukOmxaMjleEDhAhU1-jkdRz5MPEbj7B3c8kcAyvSHwAxGioCniyH_T2yYlEWuarnTxUx5uxI5WO58hgRboYBEPmErCU1SnD1aFkKP80VS53QzDAGiAGwHepNiQTSRyekmGGfhCtj5OknrzQT-eK7Ghvuz4lyioU4Mw9blWIjy55-wxh6biL0k/s1130/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%206.54.47%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1130" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzpfid-HukOmxaMjleEDhAhU1-jkdRz5MPEbj7B3c8kcAyvSHwAxGioCniyH_T2yYlEWuarnTxUx5uxI5WO58hgRboYBEPmErCU1SnD1aFkKP80VS53QzDAGiAGwHepNiQTSRyekmGGfhCtj5OknrzQT-eK7Ghvuz4lyioU4Mw9blWIjy55-wxh6biL0k/w400-h376/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%206.54.47%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Parents and guardians are working hard </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">to makes sense of the past two weeks </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">with the news of possible change at Concordia Ann Arbor. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Something doesn't makes sense, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and information just doesn't add up.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Their struggle to help students decipher the drama </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">is complicated because they, as parents,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> are in the very same boat.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whole families have been sideswiped and left off kilter.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This post shares the joy of watching a child </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>make a </span><span>college choice and the great disappointment </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">with that very career on the line this week.</span></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>When the Story Blesses the Kingdom</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Ellen (Schlueter) Landskroener</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> I grew up in Michigan and had my eyes set on Concordia Ann Arbor</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span>from an early age. </span></span><span style="text-align: left;">My parents sent all three of their children to Concordia. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"> My brother Paul (91-95) and I both graduated with degrees in church work. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Concordia was the perfect setting for us. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;">We had professors who loved and nurtured us. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: left;"> Fellow students became like instant family and still are close friends today. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1951c19d-7fff-d3b2-5354-121db52485fd"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliBdFmrO8FtzruH-6jUE_jNpWaR8ly1LPUkaHEyNCU6fPuM2qgh3n8hEtpNbtx6GPpBZ6dcwPhYPnNDkL_MzQcb-5bxrYGAIiiCQ04JUnrm1tOCe5qoLrWoAFr0_w6vFCzaMBfwOJ4kinyzL2rOF6vnjhi7x3XMpk2zrlo8o3sLyeAEXT-pe18-oJ1AUg/s914/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%206.55.05%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="914" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliBdFmrO8FtzruH-6jUE_jNpWaR8ly1LPUkaHEyNCU6fPuM2qgh3n8hEtpNbtx6GPpBZ6dcwPhYPnNDkL_MzQcb-5bxrYGAIiiCQ04JUnrm1tOCe5qoLrWoAFr0_w6vFCzaMBfwOJ4kinyzL2rOF6vnjhi7x3XMpk2zrlo8o3sLyeAEXT-pe18-oJ1AUg/w640-h520/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%206.55.05%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our oldest daughter, Abigail, visited Concordia </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">many times as a student in Lutheran elementary school. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> She participated in tool time (a youth event). </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She ran on the track on campus for state track meets. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She attended music festival. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Abigail fell in love with Concordia Ann Arbor. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Abigail felt God’s call into the teaching ministry and knew that this campus</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">was where she wanted to go. She started Concordia in the fall of 2021. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p6NwWNVHqXuOvZb8foHnumaWULlFlLuv1UpuXGAguNInmDDHkUQutoI6ar9_9tl3YXJ6yO6gfGBEd3tD5krztace6RgniTtQSaBjQpFQcvGbu-pu61EzQKLMHoNo1RfU5XQyxeKkrOet2qhTKWf8G1XpBXVmMdrbXZFHoMjvjqD_xYLTjU9eabMnEn7L/s1180/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%206.54.17%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1180" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5p6NwWNVHqXuOvZb8foHnumaWULlFlLuv1UpuXGAguNInmDDHkUQutoI6ar9_9tl3YXJ6yO6gfGBEd3tD5krztace6RgniTtQSaBjQpFQcvGbu-pu61EzQKLMHoNo1RfU5XQyxeKkrOet2qhTKWf8G1XpBXVmMdrbXZFHoMjvjqD_xYLTjU9eabMnEn7L/w640-h586/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%206.54.17%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are absolutely crushed at the proposition to reimagine the campus. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is not an option for her. She wants to attend chapel. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She wants to walk the campus, live in the dorm, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and eat with her friends in the cafeteria. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Abigail is a CMRA (Christian Ministry Resident Assistant) on campus. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She wants to lead devotions and attend Night of Worship. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is just a few of the amazing things that are happening on campus.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HbxYHUh6J56wkm4SsW7RomV-UxDwMHqKLAZbXAIo4M03uHgNeizrEvpUEP9W9wGtjbGPJWJvTaNk8pujlJ0pRc6oZRUI3KHnNyrdn0o_u8myV7zBqOdC3FC42zM6dw9eX9XYlTTn4uBVAglIY7pRa_I44MpsUiccOjzRK1u6ozGUXha8JJVZ2AjvK_w0/s1094/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%206.54.36%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HbxYHUh6J56wkm4SsW7RomV-UxDwMHqKLAZbXAIo4M03uHgNeizrEvpUEP9W9wGtjbGPJWJvTaNk8pujlJ0pRc6oZRUI3KHnNyrdn0o_u8myV7zBqOdC3FC42zM6dw9eX9XYlTTn4uBVAglIY7pRa_I44MpsUiccOjzRK1u6ozGUXha8JJVZ2AjvK_w0/w624-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-25%20at%206.54.36%20PM.png" width="624" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lord is working here on this campus </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and eyes are being opened to the light of the Gospel! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Abigail has also grown so much in her own Christian walk </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">while at Concordia Ann Arbor. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We, as parents, don’t want her time there to end abruptly. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We pray that President Ankerberg and the Board of Regents will allow her</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and her fellow classmates to continue what they’ve started. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please, don’t change the Concordia we know and love</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> into something unrecognizable to the students. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please remember CUAA is a HEARTS TOGETHER campus with CUW.</span></p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ellen is a 1992 CUAA Alumni.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She serves as the art teacher at </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trinity Lutheran School in Toledo, Ohio.</div><br />Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-59108945554457407572024-02-24T20:37:00.004-05:002024-02-24T20:38:47.125-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 12 #becauseofconcordia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrLjiXoQRKw12YCsT7wj-SSqlq_2cKrUaPFhZRSFOlv3JlkpenRNWUcRUtybPnZI1S0UL0LVYFjhPoeSDs6YGt5UAkCY_sMsKPzd4CQ-qRBFaL6t6XuC8tforkDQe_F1T-iJCnzLLzbBGz7Zoq_aXpIsBRQBd9wdWkT5c4jHVgENAAo8OGMXSxnqqsHzc/s1256/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%207.50.44%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1256" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrLjiXoQRKw12YCsT7wj-SSqlq_2cKrUaPFhZRSFOlv3JlkpenRNWUcRUtybPnZI1S0UL0LVYFjhPoeSDs6YGt5UAkCY_sMsKPzd4CQ-qRBFaL6t6XuC8tforkDQe_F1T-iJCnzLLzbBGz7Zoq_aXpIsBRQBd9wdWkT5c4jHVgENAAo8OGMXSxnqqsHzc/w640-h534/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%207.50.44%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We may not always know where we are headed when we graduate from college. It is fairly certain that every student who attended CUAA stood at this point off the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and gazed out onto the Huron River from this vantage point. Wondering about life ahead. Choices. Challenges. People. Jobs. Relationships. Callings. Those answers came as the days moved forward. The strong tie that binds is the shared common experience of time on this campus. Uniting the classes from last century to the current class of 2024 is this trusted plan that the Lord carries all the yesterdays and all the tomorrows. We give thanks for that great gift.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When the Story Blesses the Kingdom</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Linda Sproul</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #050505; line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The most important people in my life, past and present are </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: medium;">#becauseofconcordia. I <span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">received</span> the best Lutheran education from </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: medium;">professors who cared for me like family. (and still do even 32 years</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: medium;"> later) I found my lifelong friends and had the greatest experiences </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 14.2667px;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="color: #050505;">like choir tour and the Boar's </span></span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">Head Festival. My husband daughter are</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">fellow alums. It was extra special to me to serve CUAA for 5 years as </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">director of donor and alumni relations.</span></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxqWvdX1ybUUpNr2tEI4pizB6o5UkN6p6eqhSqjhfVsTEEyvoq0jlyQAEmdrspdyVWq_NFpLgJysuA11efN048eieeSrpgDRFuLbTHq_CTN4y3XXR_Kru-vh4HxAv6FFG4iQmEqCXIwnfyxek1a_xeLzIvanDpazS1w3Siunj0k4DDeyNJFGX-f7W_BZq/s1060/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%204.16.54%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1004" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxqWvdX1ybUUpNr2tEI4pizB6o5UkN6p6eqhSqjhfVsTEEyvoq0jlyQAEmdrspdyVWq_NFpLgJysuA11efN048eieeSrpgDRFuLbTHq_CTN4y3XXR_Kru-vh4HxAv6FFG4iQmEqCXIwnfyxek1a_xeLzIvanDpazS1w3Siunj0k4DDeyNJFGX-f7W_BZq/w606-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%204.16.54%20PM.png" width="606" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Working with our fellow alumni was the highlight of my years on staff, Being Lutheran</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">my whole life and in church work for the past 30 years, I tend to know a lot of our </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">alums. No matter what year they graduated, CUAA truly is the tie that binds since we</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">all share such similar college experiences across all decades! It was an honor and </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">privilege to help the classes of 1969-1973 celebrate their 50th reunion on campus </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">with meaningful worship and friendship <span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">activities. It was like 50 years years hadn't </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">gone by at all! These are some of the most generous people I've ever met. Each </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">class has established their own $25,000 scholarship endowment! Our alumni treat </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">each other like family, because we are! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b>We do not want to be "reimagined." </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">I urge everyone to do whatever it takes to keep CUAA as we </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">know it today. We must continue the legacy of a Gospel focused invitation</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"> to share </span><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Jesus with all people, and raise leaders for tomorrow.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: trebuchet;">Christ first in everything!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9BteGRJfE4wNfCJsBCszO04pZBgDv8TE1vla0xs6vdJIGL0bEuXRWnx0q_I5pdUCMw-UKhMQOTOrLMiym58A1BYOYIjsGjCO9ZZp9YII1m2MvqpgNkG3ZBQ0Ep-LUMeYFNFNLYK0L4vz-tEeiRMQMHkXR2-eQwFW1rIimrvsiRMLKqA0eFPPhuiV-xzz/s1158/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-24%20at%208.25.49%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="942" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9BteGRJfE4wNfCJsBCszO04pZBgDv8TE1vla0xs6vdJIGL0bEuXRWnx0q_I5pdUCMw-UKhMQOTOrLMiym58A1BYOYIjsGjCO9ZZp9YII1m2MvqpgNkG3ZBQ0Ep-LUMeYFNFNLYK0L4vz-tEeiRMQMHkXR2-eQwFW1rIimrvsiRMLKqA0eFPPhuiV-xzz/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-24%20at%208.25.49%20PM.png" width="260" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><div><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Linda Sproul</div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Class of 1992</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Aptos, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Aptos, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-86736136370815345532024-02-24T19:43:00.006-05:002024-02-24T19:46:28.128-05:00Worship into the Week- Put My Trust<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx6DmCHvkJID0mc9CVqxv5zAuQesUXVSMqULdcfYTOnklmjVrgWLuVWFyyir34QnoPaN77COGHE5AWVcIjoI_rUeGaRwY7thSXr1NdW4LgqldPPXbM9mTFVdg2Qn3_3iPi5KxtRt0ZT5qWcHSUc4VBUSgK4biC1laB49DIuQnA2GVqIYVXLEmS_p-M7ie/s4032/4D68DE38-3419-4CA7-80BF-C7C40E0381E7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2782" data-original-width="4032" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhx6DmCHvkJID0mc9CVqxv5zAuQesUXVSMqULdcfYTOnklmjVrgWLuVWFyyir34QnoPaN77COGHE5AWVcIjoI_rUeGaRwY7thSXr1NdW4LgqldPPXbM9mTFVdg2Qn3_3iPi5KxtRt0ZT5qWcHSUc4VBUSgK4biC1laB49DIuQnA2GVqIYVXLEmS_p-M7ie/w640-h442/4D68DE38-3419-4CA7-80BF-C7C40E0381E7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Worship into the Week- Put My Trust</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 25:1-10</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a plea from a suffering soul. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But, we see that the speaker stills trusts </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">that God will bring deliverance and mercy.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, even with this trust,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> there is a cry of desperation from David.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even when we long for the presence of God </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">right in the middle of our troubles,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">we still also want to be delivered from the mess.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God, do you really see our hurt and distress?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We long to know we are not in this alone.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our closeness to God comes in the form of prayer.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arms lifted up. Hands open.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">May we claim this complete dependence on God </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and the deep need for His help.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visual Faith Printable</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/vcy-graphics-only-february-2024">vcy-graphics-only-february-2024</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Worship into the Week Printable</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/worship-into-the-week-february-2024">worship-into-the-week-february-2024</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Magazine Cutouts</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gel markers </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Colored pencils</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vintage stamps</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-40920253147123486912024-02-23T23:27:00.009-05:002024-02-24T10:48:38.581-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 11 #becauseofconcordia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWc4BZOUgsRB87RYNCfHDD-DMuQxpn7Vo8nvfKe39_Ne0wYsISyb4S4IuiR9n6x02xvyq-PtIhoKj_LdbaPkQ_NkHe6QBS3odn-6gHbU82NLwMln8ZaM4ENXuvJYD4sXgUD5OglCJoRvsIZWZKi1yKqFuF-ZYIKfnAGysP0XVE5g5ArhTZd-1-WhUnoOX/s763/IMG_8806%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="585" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWc4BZOUgsRB87RYNCfHDD-DMuQxpn7Vo8nvfKe39_Ne0wYsISyb4S4IuiR9n6x02xvyq-PtIhoKj_LdbaPkQ_NkHe6QBS3odn-6gHbU82NLwMln8ZaM4ENXuvJYD4sXgUD5OglCJoRvsIZWZKi1yKqFuF-ZYIKfnAGysP0XVE5g5ArhTZd-1-WhUnoOX/w490-h640/IMG_8806%203.jpeg" width="490" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes we just need to do something when we feel</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> a situation is out of our control. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is currently a project to shower the students </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">in dorms with some love, care and attention.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marissa Kulig is coordinating the effort with a team</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of alumni to collect the goodies to deliver to the students.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The CUAA Dorm Care Project developed soon after the</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> announcement of the challenging future for CUAA.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to be a part of this project - </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">here is the link to the Amazon wish list.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/NZM3LNM28UZI?ref_=wl_share">CUAA Dorm Wish List</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can be a helper and<i> do something</i> RIGHT NOW!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">When The Story Blesses the Kingdom</span></b></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Marissa Kulig</span></b></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I didn<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">’</span>t originally plan to go to Concordia. Growing up just outside Ann Arbor, I had plans to go to school anywhere BUT Ann Arbor. Yet, I found myself wanting to go to school for something very specific. I wanted to be a Child Life Specialist. I found out that CUAA had one of the best programs in the country and soon was enrolled at Concordia Ann Arbor for the fall of 2010. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I struggled intensely at first, as I wasn<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">’</span>t raised Lutheran. I wondered if CUAA truly was the place for me. After my freshman year, I realized that the financial situation was not good when I lost my student worker job in the marketing department. A merger with CUW was potentially in the works. I was encouraged by some to transfer schools and I heavily considered it. But, I decided to give it one more year. I<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">’</span>m eternally grateful that I did. The merger went through, finances balanced, and so did I. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgGGlGzhMpUajp3XuZoKdCkN0yRSyyNzWATRlvnUfZCt9iW-Xd2K0w3sp-0-DIzQNstM7LsE680AtIxCigSwFuWSpDMZXe07_L9eN1RJ21llL-e6WYmbHH2_fc7_ZekI6wbf8TpOz_XIckvkNZrzGnNImkRT265WUz6coyZPjAdW1d04EnLTiI9nZ1UtP/s1198/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%209.55.10%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1198" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgGGlGzhMpUajp3XuZoKdCkN0yRSyyNzWATRlvnUfZCt9iW-Xd2K0w3sp-0-DIzQNstM7LsE680AtIxCigSwFuWSpDMZXe07_L9eN1RJ21llL-e6WYmbHH2_fc7_ZekI6wbf8TpOz_XIckvkNZrzGnNImkRT265WUz6coyZPjAdW1d04EnLTiI9nZ1UtP/w640-h542/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%209.55.10%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Concordia slowly but surely became my home. I was involved in Campus Leadership, part of New Crew and leading Tool Time retreats. I was involved in choir, and thanks to Dr. Altevogt<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">’</span>s passion developed a deep love for all kinds of music. I laughed and cried in Dr. Looker<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">’</span>s English courses and fell even more in love with literature. My Family Life professors mentored me, cried with me, prayed with me, and fought with me every step of the way to accomplish my dreams. They became such a huge part of my life and I credit the person I am today to their love and guidance. I developed lifelong friends and have the most cherished memories. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am the person I am today because of Concordia University. While it wasn<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">’</span>t my first choice, it was exactly the school that my heart and soul needed. It became my home and a place I cherish almost more than anywhere else. Concordia and its community saved and changed my life and I couldn<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">’</span>t be more grateful. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUreTQwqgxIInhjzRbx38-GapUxCXRqIxK0CzCwo6w6jryC2oAOble1uc0ODYxzX-fm1WC0h1eWOMzCJGZbLUgsnlSN6X2Mkqk-e0w16E3HAcSMrAe7awQ3iwVIh1XSjvUSBqhRaQN8h60xNT1BEC0PTuUXMT7yoIo2NtX9X_m4EJAEGWIUd_nF-45h4B/s894/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%207.50.14%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="894" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUreTQwqgxIInhjzRbx38-GapUxCXRqIxK0CzCwo6w6jryC2oAOble1uc0ODYxzX-fm1WC0h1eWOMzCJGZbLUgsnlSN6X2Mkqk-e0w16E3HAcSMrAe7awQ3iwVIh1XSjvUSBqhRaQN8h60xNT1BEC0PTuUXMT7yoIo2NtX9X_m4EJAEGWIUd_nF-45h4B/w400-h366/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%207.50.14%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When I heard the news about the CUAA finances, my heart was crushed, because this school is needed. It is needed for kids like me who are looking for a place to call home. A place to find themselves. A place to know that they are SO much more than just a number. My hope is that through this Dorm Care Project, the students will feel loved. Seen. Heard. Valued. Wanted. I pray that like me, they will give Concordia a chance and they will stay.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>Marissa is a 2014 Alumnus of CUAA.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>Her degree was in Family Life with a Childe Life Concentration.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>She recently graduated with a </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>In the future she will be working as a therapist </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>with children and adolescents. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>Her goal is to use her Child Life education from Concordia </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>and specialize in working from the mental health side </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>with children and families who have medical issues </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>or a longterm medical diagnosis.</span></p></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-37640440321408369122024-02-22T21:31:00.005-05:002024-02-23T11:24:03.263-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 10 #becauseofconcordia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VCrNjhFVJYsCQMeZNSD48B_pNBjaO7VziR4QVYpox_lDKvBR5AkuUEReoMyzcV6hLa_V00dGX50EAIY43ZJiN32q3rRl_LX8NsEb0wal0BIo3mJYdCitNLFevGsH6Y1VOxxivtBB5PH_gzjSDL12y24DCWq9uvEDkHc_FH7oviqVxDyf5C5QLHkl2Wiw/s1112/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%209.26.09%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1112" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0VCrNjhFVJYsCQMeZNSD48B_pNBjaO7VziR4QVYpox_lDKvBR5AkuUEReoMyzcV6hLa_V00dGX50EAIY43ZJiN32q3rRl_LX8NsEb0wal0BIo3mJYdCitNLFevGsH6Y1VOxxivtBB5PH_gzjSDL12y24DCWq9uvEDkHc_FH7oviqVxDyf5C5QLHkl2Wiw/w640-h506/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%209.26.09%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div> Students at St Paul Lutheran School- Ann Arbor, MI<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The news about CUWAA swirls on social media with all sorts of bylines and interpretations. There has certainly been a passionate response from students and alumni. Here alumni Philip Krupski lays out a call to action for classmates, churches and ministries. This is not a time to lament- </span><span style="font-size: large;">"there is nothing I can do about it." </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Tim. 1:7 </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>When the Story Blesses the Kingdom</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Philip Krupski</b></span></p><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: small;"> </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">My four siblings and I all attended there. Since I was the youngest, professors called me by my sibling's names, even my sister's. That reflected a caring family, not a corporate machine. This place is where all of us grew in our faith and grew in our skills and abilities to serve the Lord, Jesus Christ. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">For me, Dr. Heckert led me to understand grace, deeply. Dr. Foelber not only taught me the arts, but taught me to pursue excellence in what I do because we serve Christ. Professor Allen opened up the wonderful world of biology, so that I could be far more pastoral, caring for people who were ill. </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">Concordia days were filled with terrifying fears over being pushed so hard, yet tremendous joys from the relationships we built. </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;">What warns my heart is that stories of today's students and faculty sound the same.The Holy Spirit is at work at Concordia.There is less than</span></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"> a week before the Board of Regents <span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">meeting</span> on Feb 29. As alumni, please join me in pledging to the Michigan District Fund, or lead your ministries to do so. Let us be bold and strong in the Lord to do His bidding.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;">Here is the link to make your pledge:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTImLAd8MZMcjOaFM454oIwiNLNqPxA3cg5gIjReZTdC-stf02RVjoF4ik5cc2eBm7MCfEz5du4KXosQIEA7PDGxa63SXWTYH32RHqUrzk6tY-CoDeAxeSEHts2OI93w3N7pctWXRri8stiBw12eU9f2M6w-orM8MZzdLxr-zG9r_hEKn5v_3QWHJbBU9/s2052/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-22%20at%206.10.09%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="2052" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTImLAd8MZMcjOaFM454oIwiNLNqPxA3cg5gIjReZTdC-stf02RVjoF4ik5cc2eBm7MCfEz5du4KXosQIEA7PDGxa63SXWTYH32RHqUrzk6tY-CoDeAxeSEHts2OI93w3N7pctWXRri8stiBw12eU9f2M6w-orM8MZzdLxr-zG9r_hEKn5v_3QWHJbBU9/w640-h184/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-22%20at%206.10.09%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: large;">Click here to make your pledge:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: large;"><a href="https://michigandistrict.org/pledge-support-for-concordia-university-ann-arbor/">pledge-support-for-concordia-university-ann-arbor/</a><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOOFPUqzzjC6cz9BHf6CrWpKpXs8ZtLgmmgQe6haVJngdVKiW7r0ly8Yh_DyO8vnzDqJ-JLuzGarLxX2lAyibGaK1ge7wxHJkmoBMABXRU1rl8D7XaVTIZ7cWsnAQu7WfOjQMfRk58Y56bhU8WvNz7Lx7NKTLjfuctGXBzqnAdJffy5iLEEIRZ1VN0C0Z/s416/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%209.33.33%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdOOFPUqzzjC6cz9BHf6CrWpKpXs8ZtLgmmgQe6haVJngdVKiW7r0ly8Yh_DyO8vnzDqJ-JLuzGarLxX2lAyibGaK1ge7wxHJkmoBMABXRU1rl8D7XaVTIZ7cWsnAQu7WfOjQMfRk58Y56bhU8WvNz7Lx7NKTLjfuctGXBzqnAdJffy5iLEEIRZ1VN0C0Z/w215-h320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-23%20at%209.33.33%20AM.png" width="215" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Philip Krupski is a 1985 CUAA Alumnus.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He serves the LCMS Foundation as Senior Vice President</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> for Gift Planning Services.</span></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-80434720573955068432024-02-22T12:21:00.009-05:002024-02-22T21:43:26.753-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 9 #becauseofconcordia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilenXoLV27M59gQQFD_R5kVhCB-u9-xr_RRk5Afewxdh9d0S7ChjebgoWyeolCKY4UMBKpbg8u66GzcWo3jvXhF9b2r1kFREbsL-DMxRAkTNs3c5y3gSzS-7dVuq5xKQlDOiBexiFDXADmgy7ut3r-UFPDToKCHNGmbf63ajOjqvoiJEb82ogNjG2rQ8Kg/s1242/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%2011.49.43%20AM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="938" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilenXoLV27M59gQQFD_R5kVhCB-u9-xr_RRk5Afewxdh9d0S7ChjebgoWyeolCKY4UMBKpbg8u66GzcWo3jvXhF9b2r1kFREbsL-DMxRAkTNs3c5y3gSzS-7dVuq5xKQlDOiBexiFDXADmgy7ut3r-UFPDToKCHNGmbf63ajOjqvoiJEb82ogNjG2rQ8Kg/w484-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%2011.49.43%20AM.jpeg" width="484" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A spotlight has been shown on both the community of Concordia Ann Arbor and on the student leaders who have stepped forward in this time of distress. After watching the CUAA Student forum everyone is asking- "Who was that poised and eloquent young man leading the questions?" </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is a bit of the story.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">When the Story Blesses the Kingdom</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">David Smalls</span></b></p><p>Concordia is more than an institution of higher education. It is a place where people from every</p><p>walk of life come to truly develop in mind, body, and spirit. I am from the Bronx, New York and</p><p>came to CUAA on a bowling scholarship. In my senior year of high school, when deciding</p><p>which college to attend, I had no intentions of going to a small university, leaving out of state, or</p><p>even studying Justice and Public Policy. However, the moment I stepped on campus that all</p><p>changed. I knew CUAA would be my home away from home, not only for the next 4 years, but</p><p>for the rest of my life. The students, faculty, and staff were so welcoming, administrators knew</p><p>students by their name, the atmosphere was family-oriented, and the presence of God was clearly</p><p>on this campus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz6CInd2CMirYhYlXuWHx-RuEzTPQl7tZj9ofd0_Va27K265qYPz9EiuNra025zKSL5lVEPN5vqyHWbnF5dXwS3in1sVl6dCDw9B5TmBmkUVnwigBzo-5nBbWU0la7OFfIy4mbNPV4wkC-mjCJtvUZJ12-1_kIa4RFN5fFfMiUtZJYvWXWdjFMJ5pQk6K/s1207/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-22%20at%2011.54.57%20AM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1207" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCz6CInd2CMirYhYlXuWHx-RuEzTPQl7tZj9ofd0_Va27K265qYPz9EiuNra025zKSL5lVEPN5vqyHWbnF5dXwS3in1sVl6dCDw9B5TmBmkUVnwigBzo-5nBbWU0la7OFfIy4mbNPV4wkC-mjCJtvUZJ12-1_kIa4RFN5fFfMiUtZJYvWXWdjFMJ5pQk6K/w640-h610/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-22%20at%2011.54.57%20AM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Since starting at CUAA, I have built relationships with my peers that will last a lifetime. I’ve</p><p>made deep connections with Professors who continuously support me in my legal career path and</p><p>have even helped me acquire internships. Most importantly, I have strengthened my</p><p>relationship with God in ways I never imagined. As CUAA’s Student Government Association</p><p>(SGA) President, God has been using me through this leadership to be the voice of the student body.</p><p>In these current times of uncertainty, there is a desperate cause that needs a calm voice. </p><p>Many may know me from taking the lead at the student town hall, questioning President Ankerberg </p><p>and accompanying administrative members. The students want answers, we deserve answers and</p><p>our lives depend on it. CUAA depends on it. It is my hope that I can continue to represent the</p><p>student body to the best of my ability. I pledge to push the administration to be fully honest and</p><p>transparent with the CUAA student body and faculty going forward. I also pray that Christ remains </p><p>at the center of their hearts and minds and may God grant the CUAA community continued </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b> hope and peace!</b></p><p>I also want to remind you of the verse speaking to my heart right now: </p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A personal note shared here about David:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For the past two years he has had physical health challenges. A torn meniscus in both knees led to 2 knee surgeries. Suddenly, one day he couldn't feel his legs, went to the ER and found he had a benign tumor pressing again his spinal cord. Surgery removed the tumor and he went through 3 months of physical rehab to learn to walk again. CUAA was a huge support system during David's health journey, especially because the difficulties began when he was on campus. These people are part of his support system. The friends, bowling team, Residence Life department and professors gave him courage and hope. This is his first semester back as a student on campus. Time for a shout out for this young man.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">David Smalls </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Junior at Concordia Ann Arbor</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Student Government Association (SGA) President</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-81757521316765031532024-02-21T16:31:00.012-05:002024-02-21T19:42:29.088-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 8 #becauseofconcordia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5TX_IcO2qoCq7TdqycBQQdV-5vOoDtEQgfDAodtDutvqyZImIdh0orGRWXd-Rcfujrfa4AgrurgBuaq-fGEhRmVvKr5MiiAlM62Mkpnp0bK7bbgR4Ywe4laiJ6Kl2eHB2P6B88WQ8VQyP1xKFQIsJ60erMIF-_o8VSnfZh2qi3_r6oJyHQxHTWEz1U5u/s965/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%209.27.14%20AM%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="965" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5TX_IcO2qoCq7TdqycBQQdV-5vOoDtEQgfDAodtDutvqyZImIdh0orGRWXd-Rcfujrfa4AgrurgBuaq-fGEhRmVvKr5MiiAlM62Mkpnp0bK7bbgR4Ywe4laiJ6Kl2eHB2P6B88WQ8VQyP1xKFQIsJ60erMIF-_o8VSnfZh2qi3_r6oJyHQxHTWEz1U5u/w640-h490/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%209.27.14%20AM%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> photo by Heidi McClelland<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A thread in the stories shared about the Concordia Ann Arbor campus is that students were "met right where they were." That's on the path and in the journey of God's refining work in their lives. There is an expansive look at the culture of grace here at CUAA and a firm directive to live out the extension of the hand of Jesus to those arriving on campus. Here, Emily shares a story that blesses the Kingdom, because she was welcomed and included to be "a part of us." CUAA is not </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>a "one size fits all" campus. The faculty, staff, students and community know <i>the leader they serve</i> and seek to live out being followers of Jesus on mission </span><i><span>together. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">She<i> is</i> a part of the story that matters. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>When the Story Blesses the Kingdom</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>by Emily Cohoe</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span>I</span><span>’ve spent the last week or so being at a loss for words That was partially because I was in denial, but also because I felt I wasn’t the alumni you all wanted to hear from. </span></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I didn’t go into church work. Actually, I dropped my church work major and knew I wanted to work in a secular environment. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I didn’t love my Concordia academic experience. Actually, I got so frustrated that I looked to transfer. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I <span><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>didn’t stay in the Lutheran faith after graduation. Actually, I’ve spent the last 5 years deconstructing and reconstructing my ideas of what it means to be a Christian. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLJo4noFmIvYp6V68rZgjnHiCZcGnrNHap0Awxq3nVIfDP4I341tVHS1HrgrGuJInsE_AcHOKnExGD9b4Nwmz1mBY9pfRLZCYhArriwGzh3C2ezNON3L3NNKOUgeIMx0TQXmdrVNPI1fv2a29dVjDpwlDcbhi0IxQMMWkPtBM_I-a6Ag4a5XeTtI8zVX7G" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="914" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLJo4noFmIvYp6V68rZgjnHiCZcGnrNHap0Awxq3nVIfDP4I341tVHS1HrgrGuJInsE_AcHOKnExGD9b4Nwmz1mBY9pfRLZCYhArriwGzh3C2ezNON3L3NNKOUgeIMx0TQXmdrVNPI1fv2a29dVjDpwlDcbhi0IxQMMWkPtBM_I-a6Ag4a5XeTtI8zVX7G=w427-h640" width="427" /></a></div><br /></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Concordia was exactly what I needed at the time. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The people I met at Concordia were passionate, empathetic, and even a little bit quirky. But, they changed my life for the better and kept me going during some of the darkest times of my life. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">Before I transferred to CUAA, ( I was 300+ miles away at another college) when I got the news that one of my childhood best friends was killed. The day of his funeral was the day of one of my exams. I went sobbing to the professor's office shortly after finding out about Ryan’s death and asked if I could miss my exam to go to his funeral. She apologized, but said I would ultimately need to obtain a copy of his death certificate from his parents in order to be excused. If I didn’t ask for the death certificate, I’d get a 0 and fail out of the class. This ultimately would cause </span></span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">me</span></span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);"> to fail out of nursing school. Missing the funeral of my friend of over 15 years made my decision to transfer an easy one. I was lost, I needed change. </span></span></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Fast forward 3 years. I’m a sophomore at Concordia in the middle of finals week when I find out my grandma died. Her funeral was the day of my final math exam. Based on my first experience with death in college, I wasn’t optimistic I’d be able to miss my final. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Sobbing once again, I go to my professor's office with the news of grandma's death and that her funeral was the day of the final. She gave me the tightest hug and told me to go be with my family. She gave me her cell phone number and said to text when I got back in town. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I got back after finals were over and texted my professor. She said whenever I was ready, I could come take my exam. I went to campus and down to her office, where she had coffee and donuts waiting for me while I took my final. She even told me while I was gone, my family was on the daily prayer list for chapel. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaienRw24UVe5I-PHW4cqklgf7byIJe2lCAEJxHoF0qZYgUELyre_u7ml9VPtXTPoFF9bOvqPt1B1yhuxFKFBOX7eFliknHk06gc-IbD30hr1p7GiQn5B8RLlkFQT63ZueqOwvS9Q5OZH1mO4ABC0TWaJksjlKt9XaATVwhPEZ_TyqEUHbKryYzyOzjQ1/s1840/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-21%20at%203.19.34%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1840" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaienRw24UVe5I-PHW4cqklgf7byIJe2lCAEJxHoF0qZYgUELyre_u7ml9VPtXTPoFF9bOvqPt1B1yhuxFKFBOX7eFliknHk06gc-IbD30hr1p7GiQn5B8RLlkFQT63ZueqOwvS9Q5OZH1mO4ABC0TWaJksjlKt9XaATVwhPEZ_TyqEUHbKryYzyOzjQ1/w640-h404/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-21%20at%203.19.34%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The people of Concordia are what kept me there. <span>Then there also was the loud, obnoxious group of friends I met thanks to my high school friend who already attended CUAA. When I transferred, all 15+ of them welcomed me with open arms and became the people I relied on most throughout my undergrad. Known as ‘Squad’ on campus, we were constantly adventuring together on and off campus. These friends constantly showed up to any performance of mine, and would even make a big spectacle and dress up as if they were going to the Oscars, not a community theatre production.</span></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">There isn’t a place remotely close to CUAA. Their passion for all people and spreading the Gospel is so unique. While I didn’t go down the church work path, I love going back to campus and watching students find their faith and pursue their passions. Concordia Ann Arbor is a college worth saving.</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">My heart is with you, CUAA. You are a city on a hill.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Emily Cohoe</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span><span class="xt0psk2" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #050505; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n xd10rxx x1sy0etr x17r0tee x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/224462997580351/?__cft__[0]=AZVqqTSJ90A2_oEe6StcEHSw_j7pHlpHxtQbh37ES4AtvhnCNuuBvSyNaRpTXMuIEDNJ1eo4wQQDE5cEkECeSxcIWFT-G5ZbUhkfsODSLFM1DolO0qsVdM1mP-ockRgrThd_deRqh8ZZoqYONBNszjKtyr-bP8bpR4DU0FaVDejGVw&__tn__=-UK-R" role="link" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #050505; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">Concordia Ann Arbor Alum</a></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;">Class of 2019</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span>She currently lives in Perrysburg, Ohio.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span>She is the enrollment marketing manager at University of Toledo</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span> and oversees all enrollment related marketing.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span> She just received a Masters in Educational Psychology.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span><div class="html-div xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x18d9i69 x1h91t0o xkh2ocl x78zum5 xdt5ytf x13a6bvl x193iq5w x1c4vz4f x1eb86dx x1sxyh0 x1nvil2r" role="presentation" style="align-items: inherit; align-self: stretch; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 0; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; justify-content: flex-end; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: calc(var(--mwp-message-list-profile-start-padding,8px) - 2px); padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: start;"><div aria-hidden="true" class="xuk3077 x78zum5 x2lah0s x1fgtraw xgd8bvy" style="align-items: flex-end; display: flex; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; height: 28px; width: 28px;"><span class="x4k7w5x x1h91t0o x1h9r5lt x1jfb8zj xv2umb2 x1beo9mf xaigb6o x12ejxvf x3igimt xarpa2k xedcshv x1lytzrv x1t2pt76 x7ja8zs x1qrby5j" style="align-content: inherit; align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; justify-content: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; width: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="x78zum5 x1iyjqo2 xs83m0k xeuugli" role="none" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); color: #1c1e21; display: flex; flex-grow: 1; flex-shrink: 1; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; min-width: 0px; text-align: start;"><div class="html-div xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1h91t0o xkh2ocl x78zum5 xdt5ytf x13a6bvl x1eb86dx xhj03cu" role="presentation" style="align-items: inherit; align-self: stretch; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; justify-content: flex-end; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: calc(100% - var(--mwp-message-list-actions-width,70px) - 5px); padding: 0px;"><div class="x78zum5 xh8yej3" role="none" style="display: flex; font-family: inherit; width: 199px;"></div></div></div></span></div></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-2323702767223696702024-02-20T11:19:00.008-05:002024-02-22T21:47:52.044-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 7 #becauseofconcordia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAzRfJl0jrux_GfiR2sgnK445SV1_H5rgEjU6t-BoZOm0WRUoZIL0tl5uvtrfVx7Vawqf420AOtdtDs2r2APNO0S8yfammun2wBaEzAT1EE9pf6-HE7Ulibr4py_-nxCkv5h2BOgSqeAJw1K3bz9lQW5UZRC0VPkCG0dxsqbGfGE8iOpV0hlyCR1kOZ9y/s334/IMG_2777.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAzRfJl0jrux_GfiR2sgnK445SV1_H5rgEjU6t-BoZOm0WRUoZIL0tl5uvtrfVx7Vawqf420AOtdtDs2r2APNO0S8yfammun2wBaEzAT1EE9pf6-HE7Ulibr4py_-nxCkv5h2BOgSqeAJw1K3bz9lQW5UZRC0VPkCG0dxsqbGfGE8iOpV0hlyCR1kOZ9y/w359-h400/IMG_2777.jpeg" width="359" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">All of the Concordia University System schools have similar stories of finding lifelong friends and mates in their University setting. This is probably true of any college setting. When core faith values are </span><span style="text-align: left;">affirmed and the next generation is impacted-</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><i><span style="text-align: left;">that is </span><span style="text-align: left;">Kingdom perspective.</span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>When the Story Blesses the Kingdom</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ann Keegan Gillaspie</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Concordia Ann Arbor story began when I was a freshman in high school in the late 1970's. Every summer of my high school years, I was able to attend the Michigan District Youth Gathering on campus. It was the highlight of my summers. My spiritual formation blossomed as we canvassed area neighborhoods and shared our faith, had devotions in the dorms, sang praises to our Mighty God, worshiped in chapel and listened to amazing speakers. One of the most impactful parts of this ministry was finding so many other young Christians to share our faith journey with each other. From the very first youth gathering at CCAA, I knew that was where I would attend college. I ONLY applied to Concordia. Many people thought this was folly. How could I know I would be accepted there? In my heart I knew without a doubt that is where God was calling me. </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj068VjeGizNQoiryV3vzXTuu2x4aHkzkERYA4tzIshMHWXFxGG7fFx7AN5UbmRWA3BmI-qblJIrAcTO5O7VGa1Fs1o_wclzGT4e9_xkZ13vHq38Ki-ybPZEL5VRsBkWpN0nFzGozbZ0dCB-EWVVDT2N3a4DZ9wo1wv3rdHWI4BAjrKxSIXEx_YAu9lq9Nj/s2206/IMG_2774.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2206" data-original-width="1552" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj068VjeGizNQoiryV3vzXTuu2x4aHkzkERYA4tzIshMHWXFxGG7fFx7AN5UbmRWA3BmI-qblJIrAcTO5O7VGa1Fs1o_wclzGT4e9_xkZ13vHq38Ki-ybPZEL5VRsBkWpN0nFzGozbZ0dCB-EWVVDT2N3a4DZ9wo1wv3rdHWI4BAjrKxSIXEx_YAu9lq9Nj/w450-h640/IMG_2774.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-size: large;">God's light shines through Concordia into a dark world that no longer wants to acknowledge Him. It has prepared students as pastors, teachers, and leaders in their communities and congregations. Lifetime friendships grew here. Spouses were met here. Faith was grown and nurtured here. The advice and love of faithful Christian faculty was given here. Chapel services and evening devotions were shared here. The Word and Sacraments were faithfully administered here. It was <b>home</b> to students for 2-4 years where spiritual souls were fed. One of my favorite memories was being able to perform as the pauper in the very first Boar's Head Festival. Traditions like this stay with a person all their life. Michigan needs this spiritual home. We need to continue sharing God's light because it not only shines in the hearts of it's students, alumni and faculty, but in every person their lives touch. It is essential. I, along with countless others, cannot even imagine a world without this haven of faith, hope, love and peace.</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>Ann (Keegan) Gillaspie</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>Class of 1980</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>Married To Wes Gillaspie</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span>Class of 1979</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span>Pastor Gillaspie serves St. Michaels Lutheran Church</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span>in Richville, MI. </span>and they live in Frankenmuth, MI.</p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span>Ann served as a lead teacher at </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span>St. Michael's Community Childcare Center for 12 years.</span></p><div><br /></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-73556641256334368112024-02-19T11:43:00.004-05:002024-02-19T11:46:59.933-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 6 #becauseofconcordia<p> </p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVBsFa0ggFuKKMpSiXInCgHG9p1bY_S77fn0rRAro0KGeFv0D49wkYjPLfwztXrBSEMZJ5CUgshxkl5o57lrvK6EPweH5qWru21UFm9merxgkhSEXYX0w16qdElOONje5oiz4OExlcemFRpdxGEmmVVKmlEoXZTZlJF68NYznCLzVQ4ekgGL_qQAqQxLV/s1164/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%2011.06.14%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1164" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVBsFa0ggFuKKMpSiXInCgHG9p1bY_S77fn0rRAro0KGeFv0D49wkYjPLfwztXrBSEMZJ5CUgshxkl5o57lrvK6EPweH5qWru21UFm9merxgkhSEXYX0w16qdElOONje5oiz4OExlcemFRpdxGEmmVVKmlEoXZTZlJF68NYznCLzVQ4ekgGL_qQAqQxLV/w640-h426/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-19%20at%2011.06.14%20AM.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">This is what our conversations should be about when we speak to the future of Concordia Ann Arbor. How do we accomplish the mission of Jesus here on earth with the time and talents and finances of the people gathered on this campus? People are ready and willing to seek fruitful future structures and perhaps make hard changes to accomplish that mission. There are creative people on mission in our church. Let's widen the conversation. </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It is not a finance issue. It is about trusting in the God who provides. Let us be in prayer about heart changes for the mission of Christ in this university setting. A City on a Hill. This story that Blesses the Kingdom is a reminder that the passion for lifting up church workers is a generational model.</span><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Story That Blesses the Kingdom</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> by Beth Eleanor Krause</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">My Concordia story began in 1963 when mom and dad packed four little children into the car for a two hour drive to Ann Arbor. What was the reason for this trip? We rarely left our little community. (unless it was for a Detroit Tigers Baseball game!). We were headed to attend the organ dedication in the new chapel. I was in awe! In fact, walking across Geddes Road after the dedication, I fell and ripped my new tights. I always said I sure fell for Concordia, Ann Arbor! Fast forward 9 years and there was no question as to where I wanted to go to college. There was no question that I wanted to be a Lutheran teacher. The college far exceeded my expectations. I received a wonderful education. I experienced cross campus fellowship with other young people who were passionate about their Savior and bonded with the ladies in Hannah Hall. Oh, the fun we had decorating the CA (Central Area) for Winter Blast. We loved coming up with our songs for Songfest. I was blessed to teach in Lutheran Schools for over 40 years. </span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzhpRTyMNHFwVwpPwL7q7oL-klR9m479lTiqyhqe8-2mZ4qgVEfKfolD-AeTKMLe5pGTen8R76mI9KqkYWV4flok6RYccwYrfLiH3SlvJENhWF4hs8_M9XaZQUJTVpTxuQ6vSSg7s8gb3V3E0LhEv7S442VeR2-l3hg4eB9z6Kat4Wy_jocqx-foRV0uk/s3133/417630693_3752062965071276_8732121499041495369_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2097" data-original-width="3133" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzhpRTyMNHFwVwpPwL7q7oL-klR9m479lTiqyhqe8-2mZ4qgVEfKfolD-AeTKMLe5pGTen8R76mI9KqkYWV4flok6RYccwYrfLiH3SlvJENhWF4hs8_M9XaZQUJTVpTxuQ6vSSg7s8gb3V3E0LhEv7S442VeR2-l3hg4eB9z6Kat4Wy_jocqx-foRV0uk/w640-h428/417630693_3752062965071276_8732121499041495369_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the extended Appold family. 8 attended Concordia Ann Arbor. 3 became Lutheran pastors- Rob and Paul. (Missing here is David) 2 became Lutheran teachers- Patrice Appold and Beth Appold Krause.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My husband and I sent our three sons to Lutheran Schools. They had excellent Lutheran teachers. Now, our three grandchildren are attending Our Savior Lutheran in Lansing, Michigan. Their Bible insight and understanding brings tears to our eyes at times. I know my story isn't unique. I join with my fellow alumni and all people who value Christian education in prayer and action. Here are words of encouragement. Let us PRAY.</span></p><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ephesians 3:20-21</b></span> God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Beth Krause taught at Our Savior Lutheran School </span></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-size: medium;">in Lansing, Michigan for 22 years and is retired there. </span></span></div><div class="x1e56ztr" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is still "On Mission."</span></span></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-64025947934154813572024-02-18T18:51:00.001-05:002024-02-18T18:51:21.392-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom Number 5 #becauseofconcordia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqqoytaZx74ADbbQ7y1Vs1SOfSssLRIeVQ8xa0yml-XMk7lgsV9F5x1OzCGKpQb44RT1nQQYilqI9NDV1RnbdWUrNmB-XJiYkXpFrCv4QsgV3p9ehLy8OHNdJZc92SiCZYK0GfwoHGNbytvnay45unKzrVgD5rmjST9negm31iuvCfoPo5cmtKOs7ADC8/s1244/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.53.31%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqqoytaZx74ADbbQ7y1Vs1SOfSssLRIeVQ8xa0yml-XMk7lgsV9F5x1OzCGKpQb44RT1nQQYilqI9NDV1RnbdWUrNmB-XJiYkXpFrCv4QsgV3p9ehLy8OHNdJZc92SiCZYK0GfwoHGNbytvnay45unKzrVgD5rmjST9negm31iuvCfoPo5cmtKOs7ADC8/w556-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.53.31%20PM.png" width="556" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-89bdb9e4-7fff-fbde-f783-bed204fb24d3" style="font-size: medium;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is no way that I could put into words the full extent of the effect Concordia Ann Arbor has had on my life, but I’d like to attempt to share some.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First of all, it’s known to many that my father, Charles Winterstein, gave </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">everything</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to see that university thrive and succeed. Even after he was asked to step away from his position as a part of the merger with Concordia Wisconsin, he was a relentless advocate for Ann Arbor, for the Concordia University System, and for Lutheran Education in general. I would go so far as to say that, other than his family, there was nothing he was more passionate about.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To see this place, a place that I’ve known intimately since I was 11 years old, a place my dad poured everything he had into,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a place where I spent more of my childhood than I can reckon,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a place where I met my best friends in the world,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a place where I met my wife,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a place where I discerned God’s call for me into full-time ministry,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a place where I took ownership and responsibility for my faith,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a place where I experienced what it means for God to truly love me...</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To see this place discarded so easily breaks my heart.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3haffsmNaLvZWZXnWW2LjACfHKUkOLZDvZ11jPolA0rkm-bOclcSV_TtspL6RP2fqzfb-Ezb4ZblY4_1mq-lIEOZg5BqtBUv4xZIf1p3ddrUlsWKB3XyO2Af_CAuul36HSuTQ24x87s6SWlr3FvnOsZNTY-mwC8nVOSKQgGzBKeCtJZBNu0gOCNTrC-DF/s987/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.52.58%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="835" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3haffsmNaLvZWZXnWW2LjACfHKUkOLZDvZ11jPolA0rkm-bOclcSV_TtspL6RP2fqzfb-Ezb4ZblY4_1mq-lIEOZg5BqtBUv4xZIf1p3ddrUlsWKB3XyO2Af_CAuul36HSuTQ24x87s6SWlr3FvnOsZNTY-mwC8nVOSKQgGzBKeCtJZBNu0gOCNTrC-DF/w542-h640/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.52.58%20PM.jpeg" width="542" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Concordia Ann Arbor is more than a piece of land. It is more than a cluster of buildings. It is more than a bottom line. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Concordia is the sum of innumerable lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The work of raising up generations to follow the way of Jesus is not something that can be reckoned or quantified by the measures of this world. This is something built on faith, not fear; a mindset of plenty, not scarcity. This is Kingdom work. As soon as we begin to measure ourselves and our efforts by the standards of corporate success, we have lost sight of our calling.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAV3epBrFzxMtYIXG5MuzxEmEShko2P9PenETxPcin-1YJeFRYbjLgXnBIuILToXGwkv7CYKlky70d_BGhW7JJqmKLLrnG6IBHcjkcXIqJlmNdvexpQQpdEwa7QQz3Hoj1YluznXjKJvsmbLYt6dCT2rCVF6ncoA10pc3Ptt9TwUoiKy-Kct0ZUE51G5k/s1176/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.52.49%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="1176" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAV3epBrFzxMtYIXG5MuzxEmEShko2P9PenETxPcin-1YJeFRYbjLgXnBIuILToXGwkv7CYKlky70d_BGhW7JJqmKLLrnG6IBHcjkcXIqJlmNdvexpQQpdEwa7QQz3Hoj1YluznXjKJvsmbLYt6dCT2rCVF6ncoA10pc3Ptt9TwUoiKy-Kct0ZUE51G5k/w400-h390/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.52.49%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m sure the realities of this situation are farther reaching than any of us realize and this may be an awakening of sorts for many. Regardless of the outcome, though, I have faith. I have faith that the Kingdom of God cannot be stopped. I have faith that the Spirit will continue to move where it will. I have faith that no matter what the Concordia University System, or the Board of Regents or the LCMS decide to do, the Gospel will continue to change lives and lead all of creation ever onward toward that day when all is made new again.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">His mercies never come to an end;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They are new every morning;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Great is your faithfulness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Therefore I will hope in him.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lamentations 3:22-24</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Colossians 1:18</span></p></span> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thomas Winterstein serves as </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Director of Worship Arts at</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">St. Lorenz Lutheran Church in</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Frankenmuth, Michigan.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-72455312901030032842024-02-18T15:43:00.004-05:002024-02-18T15:45:06.488-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom- Number 4 #becauseofconcordia<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Dqr-eB0FzL32x4nk_HdzkWrQBsTbZenfi9tITx-mI25E0aHcuPb-eR2sZcd4KnunQ_3w1H-in_NBO9ax73eNacB6nS8Y0GnPjI-mdRXxK2FmWzix022Wx5BwkECBfJIAiiMwUMzK9_IXJ9HrvAYLN-bNysEG7rYhgmkyEx3sGM71aUjAhHmW-0w20LUn/s994/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.18.57%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="994" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Dqr-eB0FzL32x4nk_HdzkWrQBsTbZenfi9tITx-mI25E0aHcuPb-eR2sZcd4KnunQ_3w1H-in_NBO9ax73eNacB6nS8Y0GnPjI-mdRXxK2FmWzix022Wx5BwkECBfJIAiiMwUMzK9_IXJ9HrvAYLN-bNysEG7rYhgmkyEx3sGM71aUjAhHmW-0w20LUn/w640-h478/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.18.57%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My CUAA Story- By Joel Maier </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">(Shared with permission.)</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Everyone’s experience at Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) is unique as it is a personal experience. Mine is unique for those reasons and more specifically, because of the duration I was at Concordia. I only attended CUAA for my Junior and Senior year. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">During my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, medulloblastoma. I endured a 10+ hour surgery, 6 weeks radiation, and a full year of chemotherapy. Even after treatment was <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>finished for the next couple years, I was continually attending checkups and receiving test to make sure the cancer had not come back. I choose to stay close to home for help from my family in managing my care and attended community college my first two years. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ARKVFo73BrdNKmzFv5e7cjOQsUGr0ZQxxjJSoE7Ll15U1KAX06vlBvcBy1mFk_TQVJ_O4mAR3jXnm7VI4mv1mTvl_-GFuSuo9dpUqmYMFyt8sR9QLx5w-vK3YUT15JRsHsxjxtrsS24DhgrwxYqyrNaRuZFh_DbTr2M5kWk0L1pi46pAP2EcpH0Lg-W7/s966/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.18.32%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="966" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ARKVFo73BrdNKmzFv5e7cjOQsUGr0ZQxxjJSoE7Ll15U1KAX06vlBvcBy1mFk_TQVJ_O4mAR3jXnm7VI4mv1mTvl_-GFuSuo9dpUqmYMFyt8sR9QLx5w-vK3YUT15JRsHsxjxtrsS24DhgrwxYqyrNaRuZFh_DbTr2M5kWk0L1pi46pAP2EcpH0Lg-W7/w640-h470/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.18.32%20PM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was through my experience with cancer that I felt I wanted to find a profession to give back. To help people in the same way so many had helped my family and me. Concordia Ann Arbor provided me this outlet, the ability to give back. At Concordia I entered the Family Life Program and specialized in Child Life. Before even enrolling, staff from CUAA, Ben Freudenburg and Kara Doyle, sat with me and helped me discover Child Life. It is a profession that was perfect, one that I didn’t know I was looking for. As a Child Life Specialist at Mott Children’s Hospital, I was blessed to use my own experiences with the training of loving, caring faculty at CUAA to work with countless patients and their families. We helped children navigate the hospital system, a scary place, walking with them through various procedures from an IV to an invasive surgery. I worked in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) so I also figuratively and literally held the hand of family members during the grieving process when a child passed away. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zhrIPnBpM-NU13Z0d5mAnkD7rx2nwvYPztxm31p4lh_aA4-33XLtHpTNRRYiS8G3KKOsQ-simUy6vHpEqZEw31Zz3oQAYxWCn1ZcNeLUtv1YT6OFbhmz5fg4CNFxvRurV8BCZGAUT4mzgr82Z4iBzWiet7MeEr5NgF7Yf1oXhrXMBFq2NOwJPQTHyLTn/s539/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.18.46%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="539" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zhrIPnBpM-NU13Z0d5mAnkD7rx2nwvYPztxm31p4lh_aA4-33XLtHpTNRRYiS8G3KKOsQ-simUy6vHpEqZEw31Zz3oQAYxWCn1ZcNeLUtv1YT6OFbhmz5fg4CNFxvRurV8BCZGAUT4mzgr82Z4iBzWiet7MeEr5NgF7Yf1oXhrXMBFq2NOwJPQTHyLTn/w640-h592/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-18%20at%203.18.46%20PM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;"><br /></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Concordia Ann Arbor has impacted so many students like me. This positive impact does not stop there! That care was extended to every child I helped through a procedure, every crying parent I supported. These are some of those people who have been impacted by CUAA without even attending CUAA. Think about all the alumni of CUAA and all the individuals they impacted. The positive impact of CUAA has been nuclear and the expressed closure of CUAA will have negative repercussions. I will continue to pray for President Ankerberg, the CUWAA board of regents, and the decisions they will be making. I pray the communication that is urgently needed to shine light on this situation takes place. I pray that the quickness of the decision that President Ankerberg discussed in his email reporting the news will transition into a quickness for transparency. More information of their “financial analysis” needs to be communicated. It feels like nuclear weapon launch codes were unnecessarily included in the decision. </span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: medium;">John 1: 5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”</span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n xd10rxx x1sy0etr x17r0tee x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/becauseofconcordia?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZXJAeE6riGD2TW-lzpxv-KlMiwg0GB1g498GwZ7G7r2AMQH-itYctRhNZNMqJvoJT93W1jEnYv_k1SXGxPPwqkm1H3dQ3x214nkKcrXJ9x_tFPheDuuCh--JXRrE_gGEeG3twrsylwU3sw6heKadyZKtWvOsDK0IwX1-ApAOEmyCKKtY-0wgVq7QqZ-oDq32jk&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #050505; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#becauseofconcordia</a></span></div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="xt0psk2" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #050505; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x1ejq31n xd10rxx x1sy0etr x17r0tee x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg xo1l8bm" href="https://www.facebook.com/joel.maier.10?__cft__[0]=AZXJAeE6riGD2TW-lzpxv-KlMiwg0GB1g498GwZ7G7r2AMQH-itYctRhNZNMqJvoJT93W1jEnYv_k1SXGxPPwqkm1H3dQ3x214nkKcrXJ9x_tFPheDuuCh--JXRrE_gGEeG3twrsylwU3sw6heKadyZKtWvOsDK0IwX1-ApAOEmyCKKtY-0wgVq7QqZ-oDq32jk&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" style="border-style: none; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #050505; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: currentcolor; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">Joel Maier</a></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">Joel currently </span></span><span style="color: #050505;">serves as a pediatric</span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: medium;">behavioral therapist </span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: medium;">at the West Arbor Trinity Health</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: medium;"> IHA Medical Group office.</span></div></div>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-82378361375429703962024-02-17T19:42:00.001-05:002024-02-17T20:10:03.978-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom- Number 3 #becauseofconcordia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gYUnrdvW0WmlPZis2T5I_TKRfeyT7MVjKaobYkI6cBtNPpnlCM-HP0cyhckCVWdBxSTAl6Cq-fPG0CuAMP3iDdfLVF8TcgEDzAb-DDYREVTxrtQCv69qJ1qd1IUjUalQFtB60flvAEtJI6YcpI9hnUz9ROLGqk6OMHydNbBkQG_X7pk3fYg2P8-TQOKH/s1707/IMG_3244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="890" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gYUnrdvW0WmlPZis2T5I_TKRfeyT7MVjKaobYkI6cBtNPpnlCM-HP0cyhckCVWdBxSTAl6Cq-fPG0CuAMP3iDdfLVF8TcgEDzAb-DDYREVTxrtQCv69qJ1qd1IUjUalQFtB60flvAEtJI6YcpI9hnUz9ROLGqk6OMHydNbBkQG_X7pk3fYg2P8-TQOKH/w334-h640/IMG_3244.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Concordia, Ann Arbor had an invaluable influence in my personal and professional life that enabled me to develop a close walk with the Lord. I was blessed to form a close-knit family of friends that still have strong bonds today. The chapel was built in the center of the campus on purpose. We worshiped daily with the visual reminder that Christ was the center of our campus and our own life. A huge blessing was having our personal families close enough to come visit us and be involved with our Concordia family. It enabled groups of classmates to gather in homes of parents that were within driving distance of the campus. One of our classmates died of cancer. The spiritual impact of how Concordia gathered us for worship and led us to our Lord for strength made a lifelong impact. We are so short of church workers across the United States. To close this campus isolates the eastern part of our states even more from a synodical school. The incentives to train for church work become even more complicated because of longer distances to travel to get to a synodical college.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My deep concerns include the lack of transparency to all of us before this decision was announced. Noted is the ironic timing for a letter for donations the same week as the announcement was made. This leads to the question of- just where are those donations going? Our colleges, churches and schools are held to a high standard of financial responsibility and the leadership must know where they fiscally stand at all times. Perhaps, it is important to address short falls ahead of major decisions. My heart aches for the example just shown to our future church workers. Along with the devastating news, they may need to change their college and support system on short notice. This gave them no warning or preparation time to process this change of plans. I found this information below that clearly states the intent of Synod for our schools-</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "The colleges, universities and seminaries of The Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod exist to supply the higher education services needed to accomplish the mission of the church. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The objectives of the Synod include the recruitment and education of professional church workers. Therefore, central to the system of synodical higher education is the preparation of those who are called to serve through preaching, teaching and related vocations."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Are we making decisions to support this by having colleges readily available in the United States to train new workers? We all need to join in continual prayer for the ministry of Concordia, Ann Arbor. We also pray that God's will may be done in every aspect of our lives and that He will receive all the glory for the salvation He has offered to everyone. May He use each one of us to plant the seeds that will lead to eternal salvation of souls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shared with permission.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Written by Kay Howard-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Class of 1974.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Kay grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">was a Lutheran school teacher for 30 years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> She is now a retired teacher still supporting ministry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> in Fort Wayne, Indiana.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The painting on driftwood is the work</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> of Patricia Maier given as a gift to Kay.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px;"><br /></p><p></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-71110403857902707152024-02-17T19:05:00.008-05:002024-02-18T00:04:37.780-05:00Worship into the Week- Double Your Spirit <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbox5v658w9NbXvTILb-rsCJh_txp3mFXixeZvepYk_AfGeoJqIObEXjfrupohP2rYJ09mUT_lX3iLzJjDfw3ITDe02yqPdRcOHQ1tH8u5fjcVT6HHcix-oMV0zKUvBEpkCodDwEt5nNot0hrgsUe0Jvr32V-QWc2dEKr9gdhWtjxr3mcRxvSX3LILRAuF/s3098/IMG_7955.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="3098" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbox5v658w9NbXvTILb-rsCJh_txp3mFXixeZvepYk_AfGeoJqIObEXjfrupohP2rYJ09mUT_lX3iLzJjDfw3ITDe02yqPdRcOHQ1tH8u5fjcVT6HHcix-oMV0zKUvBEpkCodDwEt5nNot0hrgsUe0Jvr32V-QWc2dEKr9gdhWtjxr3mcRxvSX3LILRAuF/w640-h386/IMG_7955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Transfiguration Sunday- </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Readings from 2 Kings 2:1-12</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A double portion of my Spirit.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In some challenging days, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am asking for a double portion of the Spirit of the Lord</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> on our church and university leadership.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So many things to think about as we ask the Lord for guidance </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and seek the will of our Father for the future of his church.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtT92GLTkGjIaS1HxPO8zVEjYOXjJkMVJMOYLuoG9UcM6JUJEGO72Nm2C1OBzstnDE4e3pcbzU4z0NpeQzSecRvxtpZ76aO46vU2Zbzk2P2mUcgr3z_qqILh-B2dMMWDlGA9cg1iAChaNXJ44KP5gaRDM2KiQZsASrA9Tu5bISO30Ula1NiHvnH2yEVmr/s2983/6936CDD4-F3EA-4E5F-91E9-C77FD7CFAD93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2983" data-original-width="2387" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtT92GLTkGjIaS1HxPO8zVEjYOXjJkMVJMOYLuoG9UcM6JUJEGO72Nm2C1OBzstnDE4e3pcbzU4z0NpeQzSecRvxtpZ76aO46vU2Zbzk2P2mUcgr3z_qqILh-B2dMMWDlGA9cg1iAChaNXJ44KP5gaRDM2KiQZsASrA9Tu5bISO30Ula1NiHvnH2yEVmr/w512-h640/6936CDD4-F3EA-4E5F-91E9-C77FD7CFAD93.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lord, have mercy.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christ, have mercy. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let our hearts be transfigured </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">by your almighty power. Amen.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Visual Faith Printables</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/vcy-graphics-only-february-2024">vcy-graphics-only-february-2024</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Worship into the Week Printables</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.visualfaithmin.org/product-page/worship-into-the-week-february-2024">worship-into-the-week-february-2024</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Colored pencils</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Magazine Cutouts</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stamp</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732612339014773118.post-46422604558839073432024-02-17T14:59:00.005-05:002024-02-17T15:57:26.505-05:00When the Story Blesses the Kingdom- Number 2 #becauseofconcordia<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcl_LNkzVMHZMftseok8IeHJj0PljHW-7dx6ZHIUvoirg46Xud1WusKgNebhJE2EN-CbMeKZ3ZxiyA9vvpIU-R64Vhr5IQuvWm22cw_g1UM33Blgcd8I6LfxbooU45lLcg4TkeKVzIPEtUiEmSEmfkYWM8PkYc2oq4vkE_BQ5-0S7nc58-NgZF1bqwaWe/s1016/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-16%20at%201.34.06%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1016" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcl_LNkzVMHZMftseok8IeHJj0PljHW-7dx6ZHIUvoirg46Xud1WusKgNebhJE2EN-CbMeKZ3ZxiyA9vvpIU-R64Vhr5IQuvWm22cw_g1UM33Blgcd8I6LfxbooU45lLcg4TkeKVzIPEtUiEmSEmfkYWM8PkYc2oq4vkE_BQ5-0S7nc58-NgZF1bqwaWe/w640-h570/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-16%20at%201.34.06%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>Concordia- Ann Arbor has enhanced the paths </span><span>of many students and faculty with their strong desire an</span>d motivation to get people to the Holy Land. To see where the Gospel comes alive. To walk where Jesus walked. But, most of all to understa</span><span>nd His view of Kingdom purpose. We are blessed to have led 9 tours to Israel and on one of them we ran into a busload of Concordia- Ann Arbor friends. We give thanks for the determination to do hard things and the energy that CUAA alumni have shown to support the efforts on the CUAA campus.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A note from a blog post sharing a bit of THAT story. #becauseofconcordia</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiWQ9RmGUyo1_9lxtR9ic9qCTL8we_uI7cSQG6mjH7x0-QgsUCkrjxd3HgQpd3sfnd4TBYbW6-4yqu6yOLgqTUiA0K9CviX1g4M7IKOwzIS0Tt_Ql_SxtnwMW9JiSDVTDVHF9UrkyXZTG0ZtWaMIbt_l5kxyx790VyddB9l76RUgn2gDAk2J6nbs8N-QR/s904/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-16%20at%201.36.18%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="904" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiWQ9RmGUyo1_9lxtR9ic9qCTL8we_uI7cSQG6mjH7x0-QgsUCkrjxd3HgQpd3sfnd4TBYbW6-4yqu6yOLgqTUiA0K9CviX1g4M7IKOwzIS0Tt_Ql_SxtnwMW9JiSDVTDVHF9UrkyXZTG0ZtWaMIbt_l5kxyx790VyddB9l76RUgn2gDAk2J6nbs8N-QR/w640-h394/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-16%20at%201.36.18%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It may be a small world, but the Lord has a great Kingdom mindset </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">for his followers. Let us be about His business.</span></p>Constancehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02062312211635253656noreply@blogger.com0