French Toast, Flattops, and Frustration

On 16 July 1934, workers at Newport News Shipyard in Virginia began work on the second ship in a brand new class of warship for the United States Navy.  As will most ships, this first piece was the keel; the literal foundation of the vessel. If only they had know that they were laying the foundations of the most famous warship in US history.

Fast forward to 29 February, 2008.  The History Channel premiers a special 10 part series unlike any other.  Not only is it actually focussing on history (which is very unlike the History Channel as of late) but it mixes CGI, interviews, live footage, and expert opinions to paint a portrait of the life and service of one intrepid ship and her crew.  The show's title: Battle 360º.   The subject: USS ENTERPRISE (CV-6), aka: the "Big E," the most decorated ship in the US Navy.

What does this have to do with "french toast?"  And why am I posting about a show that you can watch on You Tube?  (Which you can watch here: Battle 360º E1 "Call to Duty")

Its pretty simple.  On the weekends over the last couple years, Meg has been working 8 hour shifts.  So Nate and I have had free-reign of the house.  By sheer luck or divine providence we kept from burning the place down.  And we bonded over breakfast.  Its amazing what one egg, a little milk and cinnamon, and 4-6 slices of bread can do.  Nate and I would sit at the table and eat our french toast as in the background I had episodes of Battle 360º playing on the laptop.

I had known that ENTERPRISE was one of the most famous and important ships of the Pacific War.  But I had not known how awesome her service record was.  During 4 years of constant combat, she earned 1 campaign star, 20 battle stars (the most of any USN ship, EVER), the Presidential Unit Citation (first carrier to receive this), numerous campaign and service medals, and the Royal Navy Admiralty Pendant.  Read that last one again.  The ENTERPRISE is the only foreign vessel to have received the 400 year award.  Impressed yet?  Because I was.  Then I started paying attention to the episodes.

The ENTERPRISE is the highest decorated ship of the US Navy for a reason.  She and her crew earned each and every award and accolade.  Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal even said that the "Big E" is the "one vessel that most nearly symbolizes the history of the Navy in this war."  The story of Bruno Gaido hit that home for me.  This mechanic manned the twin guns in the tail of a dive bomber  (which he was not trained to do) while the ship was under attack.  One of the attacking bombers was hit, and intent on crashing into the ship.  Despite the enemy plane slicing the tail off his plane, Gaido continued to shoot at it until it crashed into the sea.  For that he was granted a double promotion on the spot by Admiral "Bull" Halsey.  And that was on a quiet day.

The record of the "Big E" takes one from Pearl Harbor to the end of the war.  If there was a battle involving the US Navy in the Pacific, ENTERPRISE was probably there.

But, I my opinion, there's a problem.  This illustrious vessel has not been honored properly.  Don't think for a second that I am belittling the service of CVN-65, the current USS ENTERPRISE.  That amazing vessel has served longer than any other, a phenomenal 51 years.  Her deactivation in December of this year will be emotional for many in the service, I bet.

No, the problem I have originates 8 September 1966.  On that day a sci-fi television program first aired, staring an exploration vessel tasked to "boldly go where no man has gone before."  Perhaps if Gene Roddenberry (who, ironically served in the USAAF, therefore probably not very supportive of the Navy) had made his "Enterprise" a full combat vessel carrying at least two squadrons of fighters into battle, I wouldn't be as frustrated.

I also wouldn't be as "perturbed" if the Department of Defense would just do the right thing and stop naming carriers after people.  This came out a couple days ago while watching my family's favorite show: NCIS.  Every so often, Meg and I get on an “NCIS kick.”  This means having running marathon of all the episodes we own, though the episodes play as “background” as much as they are actually watched.

Anyway, enough tangent.*  One episode after the team is split up features Tony on the “USS Seahawk” with a case that requires the aid of everyone.  Careful attention to the photos reveal that “Seahawk” is CVN-74: the “John C. Stennis.”

Now, I love history, especially military history.  And aircraft carriers are a favorite of mine.  I pride myself with being pretty familiar with them, but the name “Stennis” drew a bit of a blank.  Who is he?
Well, apparently he was a Democrat from Mississippi, who had never served in the Navy.  Actually, he never served a day in uniform.  And we named a carrier after him for what reason?

This keeps happening, the naming of carriers after politicians.  I'm fed up with it.  The Nimitz class is mostly named for presidents or politicians supportive of the Navy.  Well, except for Stennis.  I'm still trying to find a connection between him and the Navy.

But, Nimitz class are old, and being replaced by a new class: Gerald R. Ford.  So far there are three on schedule for service by 2025.  Two are named for presidents who served in the US Navy: Gerald R. Ford and John F. Kennedy.  I can accept these names.

But CVN-80 is causing issue for me.  There's a petition out to name it after the "Big E," but a senator from Arizona has suggested the names "Arizona" or "Barry Goldwater."  While I like the suggestion that Arizona be honored like this, I think that having the name remain resting on the floor of Pearl Harbor is a greater honor.  As for Goldwater, he's half of the "Goldwater-Nichols Act," which re-structured America's military and attempted to eliminate the rivalries between the services.  And while that's great and all, remember that Goldwater served in the US Army Air Force, not the Navy.  Naming a carrier after him would be like naming a football stadium after a famous baseball pitcher.  Sure he's well respected, but the connection isn't there.

So, where am I going with this?  Simple: I can't eat french toast without thinking about the "Big E."  And I can't think about the "Big E" without hoping that the DOD takes the online petitions and proud history of the Navy seriously when it comes time to announce CVN-80's name.

And now I've got a craving for some french toast with melted butter, warm syrup, and powdered sugar.  I'm going to stop now before anyone shorts out their computer due to drool.

P.S. - Let me know what you think.  There's supposed to be a button labeled "comment."  Click it and give me feedback.  It could be about what I've written, about this endeavor, or about whether french toast or waffles are better for breakfast.  I want to hear from you.  Thanks.

*( Yeah, right.  This whole blog is nothing but one big electronic tangent.)

From a Terminal Extrovert

Well, I am not sure how qualified I am (Megan) to post here, since I am almost anything but a "Terminal Introvert". However, I am going to give it a try!

I have discovered I hate the internet. From the weird stuff people put on facebook to the fights moms get into about breast or bottle feeding. The chat rooms and forums and even, dare I say blogs! People will say almost anything as long as they can hide behind the computer screen. I have read so many posts and thought "Would you really say that to someone's face?"

The answer is usually no. If it is yes then you have some serious issues! What ever happened to "If you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all"? And I would like to coin a new phase! "If you can't say anything useful or interesting, please don't say anything at all!".

I don't want to know what you had for lunch. I certainly don't want to hear about how hot you think Taylor Lautner is. And I don't want to see pictures of you and your friends at the opening of the newest vampire movie!

I understand there are many great and useful things out there online. Many things can be used for good or evil and the internet is no different, but I am tired of all the bologna people think is so important! And since I am no different myself I shall stop ranting. It is not useful or interesting. But like everyone else I had to get my two cents in! You see I am just as bad as the rest, maybe worse, because I waste my time reading what I call junk! Judging and criticizing everyone else when I should be looking at myself. No one makes me sit at the computer and forces my eyes open. It is my choice how to spend my time and I think now I will go spend it snuggling with my good-looking husband! Clarity is an amazing thing!

Its been a long semester...

Yesterday was the last day of student teaching.  That means no more getting up a 5 to get to the school on time, no more 10 to 12 hour days, no more grading papers and making lessons until the wee hours, a no more having to deal with middle school students.  This has been one of the most emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally draining endeavors of my life.  But it has also been the greatest learning experience ever.  I have grown more in the last 18 weeks that I though possible.  I have found patience and endurance beyond what I imagined possible.  And I have discovered that I have not wasted the last few years chasing after this nebulous and fleeting concept of being a "teacher."

I am a teacher.  All that is left is to cross the stage at graduation and receive official documentation that says so.

And I am tired, so I think I might go pass out now and catch up on 4 months of sleep.  So, until tomorrow, peoples of the internet, good night and God bless.

A most profound question, indeed.

Here's another of my devotions.  Each of the verses I use are inspiring to me.  This one is key to me and my mission as a teacher.  As a teacher, my task is to teach students how to seek the truth.  But…

“What is truth?” Pilate asked. 

(John 18:38a)

I must admit, I have an addiction to learning.  Especially if that learning is at all related to Theology.  I can spend literally hours reading the cross-references in my self-study here.  I could spend more simply reading footnotes.

That’s a problem, though.  When Jesus was brought before the governor’s court, Pilate asked a somewhat strange question: “What is truth?”

Now, according to my Bible’s footnotes, he may have been sarcastic with his remark, or perhaps he was genuinely curious about the truth of why Jesus was there.  Maybe he was thinking something even more profound than that.  If you want I could even tell you what his little question was in Greek.

The problem is that all this thinking and information is distracting from the very thing Pilate asked.  All this searching and no truth to be found.

Sometimes we over-think things.  If I tried, I could probably teach an entire week on what “truth” is.  But does it matter?

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, says that seeking wisdom, seeking truth, is like “chasing after the wind.”  (1:17b)

So, what is truth?

Not what, who.  Jesus Christ, the Worthy Sacrifice, is Truth.  The answer Pilate sought was right in front of him, waiting to be sent to the cross.  John 8:32 says “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The truth is this: Christ came to live the perfect life that you could not, and pay the price that you deserve, so that you can be free to live with Him eternally.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we come before you this week, when we turn our minds to the truth of Your life and death.  We are reminded that we are the cause of Your suffering, and we are reassured by the truth that You came to free us.  Help us to be mindful of this fact not just this week, but throughout our lives.  Help us to seek You, the Truth, in all we do.

Amen

Some mountains aren't meant for moving.

Ever had one of "those days?"

You know the ones I'm talking about.  The ones that make you just want to give up.  I've had a few in the last couple of weeks.  I even wondered last Wednesday if I can finish Student-Teaching.  I was dead tired; drained physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually.  It seemed that God had put a mountain in my path that I could not move.  And then, in the back of my mind at half-past midnight, as Meg was giving me a much needed pep-talk, I hear this little voice: "maybe you're not supposed to move this mountain."

So, I found this verse and "chewed on it" for a couple of days.  I sat down last night after finishing my work for the day and got to composing.  And here is what happened.

Mountains:

He replied, “Because you have so little faith.  I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20

On August 27, 1883, a small island in Indonesia literally blasted itself into oblivion.  This volcanic explosion was the largest explosion ever.  Way bigger than “Little Boy,” about 16,000 times bigger.

That’s the sort of power the Jesus is describing here.  I’m not sure what the conversion between mustard seeds and the standard faith measuring units are, but its implied to be pretty small.  Even this most miniscule measure of faith has enormous power.  More even than the largest explosion in history.

Just imagine walking up to Mount Everest and saying “get outta here you pebble!”  With an impossibly loud groan, 357 trillion pounds of rock rips itself from the Earth and is violently tossed away.  Luke Skywalker, eat your heart out.

But what about when the mountain doesn’t get out of your way?

Obviously the “mountain” Jesus mentions is not a literal mountain, despite standing not even a mile away from the Transfiguration site.  Some of the “mountains” we have to face may be things like illness.

In cases like this, often the first thing we do is pray.  We want God to take our challenge away and make life easy for us.  We want Him to say “yes, I’ll get rid of it.”

Sometimes the answer is: “Not gonna do it this time, kid.  This isn’t a mountain you’re meant to move.  Now go get your good shoes and start climbing.”

Father,

Sometimes you allow mountains to block our path.  Help us to understand why, whether we are to wait for You move them or to climb them.  But especially remind us that whichever You require, it is Your will, not ours.

Amen

Devotions - Psalm 119:133

As part of my Student-Teaching II experience at Concordia, I have the opportunity to teach an 8th grade religion class.

One of the assignments I gave them was that each would compose a devotion and present it.  Prior to the first student devotion, I was presenting my own.  And I kinda feel like sharing some of them.

Here's the first:

Compass:

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

Psalm 119:133

How many of us have ever gotten lost?

Being lost is an experience we all have had from time to time.  A group of lost friends on a road trip is a classic set-up for a comedy, often leading to an adventure of discovery.  A small child who gets lost in a crowded store is a nightmare scenario for many parents, and kids.  It is in time like these that people seek out direction.

When my wife and I were getting ready for our camping trip last year, I bought a compass.  The instructions provided described how to use the compass to find a bearing: a direction to a specific object.  Specifically, it is the angle between the line I am traveling on, and north. Growing up I never was part of the boy scouts, nor did I go camping much, so I am still learning how to use this tool.

A lot of times people feel lost in their lives.  They complain that there is not a “guide book” with all the answers.  In the Psalms, we here a call for God to “navigate” us in life.  The writer realized who could guide him, and how that guidance is provided.  Through God’s Word, the Bible, we can find direction.  But sometimes those around us, and even ourselves, need training in how to use this “instrument of navigation.”

That’s why Christian education is so important.  And that’s why we are here: to learn how to use God’s Word in our lives.

Father, we ask for your direction in our lives and in our studies.  Help us to admit when we feel lost, and give us the strength to ask for guidance.  Help us to lead people to the right answers, at the right time.  And in all we do, to point to You.  Amen.

Genesis

Why does one start a blog?

Well, in my case it is because I am starting to get fed up with "social networks."  There has to be a better way to keep my parents and friends "in the loop.*"  This should be an adventure for all involved.  So, here we go.

I've taken to calling myself a "terminal introvert."  A little "do-it-yourself" character assassination isn't a bad thing, especially when it is true.  I am an introvert, ask anyone who really knows me.  That makes it difficult to converse with "normal" people.

Which is why social networking, texting, even cell phones are somewhat unappealing to me.  But I like writing.  I can write an occasional log of my events and thoughts and post it for people to see.  So that's why I'm here, a late arrival to the "information super-highway" and all its connectedness, tentatively testing the e-waters.

Well, no sign of sharks yet.

(* Check it out, my first "title drop.")