5 Things David Wants You To Know This Week (2/23/18)

Welcome back!  As always, feel free to check out the past recommendations and inspirations.

1) National Headlines → Billy Graham

There are two headlines that have my attention this week. First, is the continued conversation about the Parkland shooting last week. The students have spoken out against Congress’ inaction, particularly during a town hall in Florida with Senator Marco Rubio.  There was frustration that the Florida legislature voted down measures to ban assault weapons. The fact that this is still dominating the news cycle gives me hope that this may be a tipping point. Not necessarily for gun control laws to be passed, but a tipping point that our society has had enough mass shootings and is ready to do something, anything, about it.

But, I wrote about that last week. The second headline I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the passing of the legendary Rev. Billy Graham yesterday. He was often known as “America’s pastor” and was arguably the most well known Christian in the world during the entire 20th century.

Rev. Graham was beloved by many and will be deeply missed. However, he did not want us to mourn his death. If you have never read or heard any of his wisdom, I encourage you to check out his many works. Or if you want the shortened version, feel free to check out some of his quotes

Thanks for the memories Rev. Graham. Enjoy your eternal home!

2) Wisconsin Headlines → Spring Elections

Tuesday was election day in Wisconsin! Elections for many state and local offices were held and I hope you got out and voted. The highest profile battle was among Tim Burns, Rebecca Dallet and Michael Screnock for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Tim Burns ended up being the odd man out, receiving only 17.6% of the vote, as only two of the three would move on to the general election in April.

“Sauk County Judge Michael Screnock and Milwaukee County Judge Rebecca Dallet will compete for a 10-year term on the state’s highest court in the April 3 general election.” -Wisconsin State Journal

“Dallet, who is backed by some liberals, came in second after receiving the support of hundreds of judges and lawmakers across the state” (WI State Journal). Dallet did her best to thread the needle of being to the left of Screnock and the right of Burns on the political spectrum.

Screnock, a conservative judge backed by many Republicans including Governor Walker, earned 46.6% of the vote. “That support and financial help drew criticism from his opponents and liberals who said Screnock would be a “rubber stamp” for Republican lawmakers if elected to the court” (WI State Journal). 

The spring general election is on April 3rd. So, take some time between now and then to ensure that you are registered to vote. Don’t know how? Check out this link! Go perform your civic duty and make your voice heard in April! 

3) Writer’s Choice → Lenten Reflections

Lent started yesterday and I am trying to be more intentional this year. That said, I will be offering a reflection every week during Lent for the coming Sunday’s readings.

Gen 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18; Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19; Rom 8:31-34; Mark 9:2-10

The Beloved Sons

Have you ever done something radical during Lent? Perhaps slept on the floor? Given up meat? Taken only cold showers? These can all seem like fairly bold ways to shake up our routine and strive towards communion with God. While these things may genuinely be a sacrifice, they pale in comparison to Abraham’s radical obedience to the Lord.

The readings skip over some of the most gut-wrenching moments in the story. Isaac asks Abraham, “Where is the sheep for the burnt offering,” and Abraham replies, “God will provide the sheep.” He even binds Isaac and raises his hand to slaughter his beloved son.

One of my favorite depictions of Abraham and Isaac on the mountain

Abraham’s trust and obedience to the Lord was absolute. Even to the point of sacrificing his beloved son. Just as the Father sent his beloved Son to die for the sins of the world. In the Gospel, the Lord explicitly tells Peter, James, and John that “”This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Paul brings this full circle for us in his letter to the Romans writing,”He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all.”

So, in our obedience to God during this Lenten season we can take heart. For in these small sacrifices we make during this time, we die. However, as St. Paul put it, “Christ Jesus it is who died—or, rather, was raised.” We die to ourselves, in order to be raised with Christ.

4) Recommendation of the Week → Eisenhower’s Box

In honor of President’s Day, I want to share some of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s wisdom. The above matrix can help you prioritize your life. You can place things within the matrix by determining if they are important and urgent, important and not urgent, not important and urgent, or not important and not urgent. The important but not urgent usually contains the most fruitful things in life like prayer, exercise, calling loved ones, spending time with family and friends, etc. However, since they do feel urgent we frequently let these things slip through the cracks. You might yourself living in the not urgent and not important quadrant of television, social media, gossip, etc. I urge you to make time for the important but not urgent things, namely by cutting some of the not urgent and not important things in life.

5) Inspiration of the Week  →Kayla Rhuby’s National Anthem

This week’s inspiration needs a little context. It has been hard for me to feel patriotic this week. The gun control debate in the wake of the Parkland school shooting has left tensions high. The Olympics wrap up on Sunday, and despite some great performances (women’s hockey and Shaun White to name a couple) Team USA has been less than stellar. Lastly, Fergie sang a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner that was, well, interesting and has drawn criticism to say the least.  With that all said, this incredible performance of the national anthem from Kayla Rhuby (a high school senior!) kept popping into my head. This video focuses on Challenger the eagle and the 9/11 tribute, but you can still hear Kayla’s performance. Also, she is set to release an album this year! You can also check out more of her music on Soundcloud here!

Peace, love, and all the above,

DJE

5 Things David Wants You To Know This Week (2/15/18)

Welcome back!  As always, feel free to check out the past recommendations and inspirations.

1) National Headlines → Florida School Shooting

17 families are heartbroken in Florida this week. Another school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School left 17 adults and children dead. This is the second mass shooting (the Las Vegas shooting) that I have written about in the relatively short lifespan of this blog. That piece covered some thoughts on the role of the NRA, politicians sending “thoughts and prayers,” and what could be done to stop this in the future.

There have been plenty of arguments in the last 48 hours of whether the solution is stronger gun control, mental health initiatives, or perhaps everyone should be allowed to carry a gun to defend themselves. Regardless, we can all agree that mass shootings should not happen.

Here is a morbid thought experiment: name the most recent mass shooting in the US prior to Florida. Las Vegas? San Bernadino? Sandy Hook? Columbine? Others? Do all of those city names sound too familiar? My point: there are too many of them.

So, how do we get to policy and change?

Well, people on all sides of the debate need to decide if they want this to be political or if they want to actually commit to ending gun violence. Rather than casting blame on either sides ideas (“This could have been prevented with stricter gun laws!” or “If someone in the school had a gun, they could have stopped him!”) lawmakers and citizens alike need to sit down and genuinely listen each other. Put aside politics, put aside lobbyists, and put aside preconceived notions. Have a real debate. And not about whether guns or people or something else is to blame. A debate about how we end gun violence in this country. A debate about how we want to shape our future.

2) Wisconsin Headlines → Assembly Passes Welfare Package

Governor Walker called a special session on the state’s welfare system earlier this year. Today, the Assembly passed a package of bills as part of that session. No Democrats supported the bill and a few Republicans voted against it as well.

Walker and Republican lawmakers have touted the bills as a way to help people transition from government assistance to self-sufficiency when the state’s unemployment rate is at a historically low 3 percent, but Democrats say the package is an election-year ploy that would harm the needy in an effort to appeal to a conservative base. –Cap Times

The most prominent feature of the package would expand requirements for food stamp recipients “from 20 hours a week to 30 hours a week, and extend those requirements to parents of children older than 6 years old, who had previously been exempt” (WPR).

“Other bills in the package would:

• launch a pilot program to pay out the earned income tax credit monthly, rather than annually, for some individuals.
• create a “pay for performance” system for contractors that provide services in the state’s worker training programs.
• allow the state to partner with private businesses to provide social services, and base state payment to those organizations on determined performance metrics.
• require child support compliance to be eligible for the state’s Medicaid program.
• authorize the state to apply for a federal waiver to offer health savings accounts in Wisconsin.
• authorize new state food stamp cards that include photo identification.”

Source: Wisconsin Public Radio

The package is now off to the Senate who may take it up as early as next week. If it can pass there, Governor Walker is likely to sign it in to law.

3) Writer’s Choice → Lenten Reflections

Lent started yesterday and I am trying to be more intentional this year. That said, I will be offering a reflection every week during Lent for the coming Sunday’s readings.

“Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

Genesis 9:8-15, Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:12-15

Lent is a time of penance. During the season of Lent, we fast and pray, we deny ourselves, and serve others. It is a time to do good things.  He came so that we “might have life and live it to the full” (John 10:10).

Lent is a time of reconciliation. Repent! Jesus commands us to do so in the Sunday Gospel. To love him. To turn to Him. To follow Him. To walk in His “way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

Lent is a time of renewal. The readings remind us of Noah and God’s covenant with him. Noah obediently followed the Lord and was able to abide in his love.

Choose the Lord this Lenten season. It is not about giving up chocolate, or simply formulating good habits. It is about following Christ. It is about believing in His conquering death. It is about walking with Christ. It is about imitating Christ.

Even if you think, “I have been a pretty decent human and haven’t killed anyone.” What kind of standard is that? We aren’t called to be pretty decent, we are called to be like Christ. So, “repent (Go to Confession!) and believe in the Gospel.”

 

4) Recommendation of the Week → Ben Rector

People frequently ask about your favorite things as an icebreaker. I struggle with these because it is hard to pinpoint something that I would choose over all others. Ben Rector would certainly be the closest I would come to a favorite. He has a fun, passionate, and human sound to his music. I can’t help but sing along and smile when I hear his music. Check him out!

5) Inspiration of the Week  → Prayer for Beginners by Peter Kreeft

Lent has begun and maybe you want to dedicate yourself to more prayer time. Maybe you just find it hard to pray in general because you feel like you are just sitting in silence. This book is not just for beginners, but for anyone who wants to revitalize their prayer life. Peter Kreeft is logical, accessible, succinct, and entertaining. He is one of my favorite writers and is bound to make another appearance on the blog.

Peace, love, and all the above,

DJE

5 Things David Wants You To Know This Week (2/8/18)

Welcome back!  Today’s news was constantly changing. I wanted to post on Thursday, but with the most updated information. Things may have changed since you read this, but thanks for checking it out. As always, feel free to check out the past recommendations and inspirations.

1) National Headlines → Despite Budget Deal in Senate, Government Shuts Down

The government is shut down for the second time in a month.  The Senate proclaimed earlier this week, they had a two year budget agreement, but as of this writing nothing had been voted on.

What does the proposed budget deal contain?

The accord increases defense spending by $80 billion in fiscal year 2018 and by $85 billion in fiscal year 2019, while raising nondefense spending by $63 billion and $68 billion. It suspends the debt ceiling until March of 2019, ensuring Congress won’t have to deal with the legislative headache again until after this year’s midterm elections. –The Hill

How does each party feel about that?

Most Republicans are excited about the defense spending, but some Republicans worry about the impact of lifting the debt ceiling and the impact on the deficit. One of those is Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) who was pushing for an amendment to keep current budget caps in place, held up any vote on the bill.  Democrats on the other hand are thrilled about the domestic spending increases. However, there is no solution for DACA which has been a sticking point for the last few months. For example, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) spoke on the House floor for eight hours protesting the lack of progress made on DACA.

What’s next?

The government is shutdown. The feeling around Washington is that it is likely to be a short shutdown and could be resolved as early as Friday morning. The shutdown could be over before folks even wake up.

While Senator Paul and others are worried about spending, it appears the Senate has the votes to pass the bill. The House faces a rockier path. Democrats want Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI to make a statement, similar to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), promising a discussion on the future of DACA. There is also a contingent from the House GOP who, like Senator Paul, are worried about the increased spending.

Here is the latest from CNN as to what to expect:

• The next vote is at 1 a.m. ET. Paul will be allowed to speak again for an hour.
• Expect the final passage to happen after Paul’s remarks.
• The bill then goes to the House, where a vote will happen between 4 a.m. ET and 6 a.m. ET.
• Lawmakers think the shutdown could be over before most federal workers wake up tomorrow morning.

2) Wisconsin Headlines → New Outlets at the Dells

As you take a break from your waterpark adventures at the Dells to do some window shopping in the Dells, there will be new stores for you to check out. Columbia and Michael Kors headline four stores that will be stepping in to the Outlets at the Dells.

“Columbia will take over the Hollister space, neighboring Customer Service, said Michelle Zuelke, general manager of the outlets. Michael Kors will be on a corner, which used to be Aeropostale, near Banana Republic. Vera Bradley will take the place of the calendar shop. Francesca’s Boutique will fill half of the space that J.Crew occupied, she said.” -Wiscnews

These strategic changes for the Outlets came after a number of leases expired. I am blessed to live an area that is booming. The Kalahari Resort is expanding its conference center. Last week, Baraboo was ranked as the 15th best micropolitan in the US. Camp Gray is in the midst of capital campaign. What a wonderful place to live!

3) Writer’s Choice → Lent and the Olympics are Coming! 5 by 5 Style!

5 Things to do this Lent:

1. Spend 30 more minutes in prayer
2. Start a new routine (Exodus 90, Whole 30, Best Lent Ever)
3. Write a letter or make a phone call or do a random act of kindness for someone you care about every day
4. Volunteer
5. Try a new spiritual practice: Attend the stations of the cross, Go to Confession no matter how long it has been, Commit to reading Scripture, Enact the works of mercy

5 things to give up instead of chocolate (Courtesy of LifeTeen)

1. “I’ve never done it, but I’ve heard of people giving up the snooze button on their alarm clock. They said that it was harder than they thought, but it taught them a lot about discipline.” – Jessica, a Life Teen Missionary
2. “…this year I am giving up meat!” – Kimberly
3. “This year I’m giving up having my phone with me during the day because I’m always checking my email throughout the day. My hope is that having moderation I can be more present to the people around me. I want them to see my deeper connection with God.” – Kaitlin, a Life Teen Missionary
4. “I fasted for all of Lent one year. One meal a day really brings souls to Jesus, especially your own!” – Erika
5. “I’ve heard of people giving up their beds for Lent. They slept on the floor or the couch.” – Anna

5 Events I am looking forward to in winter Olympics

1. Curling: Way harder than it looks. Shuffleboard meets household chores.
2. Luge/Skeleton: ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING!
3. Hockey: A wrestling match but players get a wooden stick & knives on their shoes.
4. Biathlon: Guns and skiing? Yes please!
5. Speed skating: Suits like Fro-Zone? Yup. High speed? Yup. Lots of crashes? Yup.

5 stories to watch during the Winter Olympics

1. Countries make their Olympic Debut
2. Four New Events this Year
3. North Korea Sending a delegation
4. Russia Olypmics Ban
5. Wisconsin Athletes at the Olympics

5 Next Olympic sites

1. 2020 Tokyo
2. 2022 Beijing
3. 2024 Paris
4. 2026 TBD (Austria, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Sweden and others are in the running)
5. 2038 Los Angeles

4) Recommendation of the Week → Miracle/Cool Runnings

 

Two teams that were never thought to have a chance. Two teams that became a success. Cool Runnings is loosely based on a story about the Jamaican bobsled team that will leave you laughing the whole way through. Miracle is an inspiring true story of the 1980 USA hockey team winning the game dubbed “the miracle on ice.”

5) Inspiration of the Week  → Best Lent Ever with Dynamic Catholic

Want to up your game for Lent this year? Check out the free email program from Dynamic Catholic. Every day will help give you inspiring stories and a day by day guide to improve every day. Become the best-version-of-yourself this Lent and sign up!

Peace, love, and all the above,

DJE

5 Things David Wants You To Know This Week (2/1/18)

Welcome back!  I am sorry for the late post. The day got away from me! I hope you enjoy! As always, feel free to check out the past recommendations and inspirations.

1) National Headlines → State of the Union Address

Tuesday was President Trump’s first State of the Union address of his presidency. Already countless words have been used to break down the speech and its implications. Allow me to add some of my thoughts on the State of the Union. (Though if you want a quick breakdown from someone other than me, here is an article from the Hill)

General Thoughts:

The State of the Union (SOTU) is the height of political theater. The general sentiments are: “Let’s cheer when our party likes something” and “Let’s scowl when the President says something we deeply disagree with.” The clip above is 51 minutes. Trump’s speech took about 80 minutes in real time. That’s 30 minutes of clapping and applause just for show.

Some of the statements that stood out and will end up in headlines:

“The state of our union is strong.”

“This, in fact, is our new American moment. There has never been a better time to start living the American Dream.”

“…ending chain migration. (Applause.) Under the current broken system, a single immigrant can bring in virtually unlimited numbers of distant relatives.” (*Note: this is one of the few times Democrats openly booed and hissed during the SOTU)

“My duty, and the sacred duty of every elected official in this chamber, is to defend Americans, to protect their safety, their families, their communities, and their right to the American Dream. Because Americans are dreamers too.”

Odds and Ends

Trump and the White House touted their lines about bipartisanship. Though as a Republican president with a Republican Congress, there were plenty of plays to the base.

Trump also acknowledge 16 “Skutniks” (a “regular person” story the President acknowledges during the SOTU. Named after Lenny Skutnik who was used in such a way during President Reagan’s SOTU.)

Rep. Joe Kennedy III (yes, that Kennedy family. He is the grandson of Robert F. Kennedy) gave the official Democratic response to the SOTU. His speech was good and full of hopeful idealism. However, everyone keeps being preoccupied by the shiny spot at the corner of his mouth. Get over it folks.

Overall impact of the SOTU

Honestly, it will probably come to yield very little fruit. Policy-wise, Trump laid out four pillars for immigration and talked about his infrastructure goals. He did also called for Congress to keep Guantanamo Bay open. Trump also touted the strong economy and tax reform.

It is always an interesting time to hear what the priorities for the government are. The SOTU is hugely popular. Trump’s SOTU was the sixth most viewed SOTU since 1993 with about 46 million people. That’s more than double NBC’s Sunday Night Football (20 million), CBS’s Big Bang Theory (19 million) and the finale for HBO’s Game of Thrones (16.5 million with streaming and apps.

 

2) Wisconsin Headlines → Baraboo Ranks 15th among small cities

An economic research firm found Baraboo economic strength ranks 15th in the nation’s “micropolitan” market. Policom Corporation, the Florida research firm who conducted the study, defines micropolitan as cities with a population of 10,000 to 50,000. The study looks at over 550 micropolitan markets across the country. This adds to the list of Baraboo’s accolades in recent years.

“In September, the Circus City made U.S. News & World Report’s list of six up-and-coming American cities. In 2013, Smithsonian Magazine named Baraboo the No. 4 small town to visit in the U.S. The next year, the book “The Economic Viability of Micropolitan America” noted Baraboo as a success story.” -Baraboo News Republic

Mayor Mike Palm already stated that he is hoping to continue to move the city up the list.  With Devil’s Lake and the Circus World Museum among other things, Baraboo continues to thrive in south central Wisconsin.

3) Writer’s Choice → Super Bowl Week

This week the hoopla surrounding the Super Bowl takes over the Twin Cities. As you know by now, I am an avid sports fan. While my beloved Packers are not in the big game, you can bet I will still watch the spectacle. Here are a few thoughts and predictions from the best way to host a Super Bowl party to the outcome of the game.

Super Bowl Traditions: For years the Earleywine family has enjoyed watching the Super Bowl with some family friends. But, we are always sure to have two things: cocktail wienies and Jell-O the color of each team.

Prop Bets: During the Super Bowl bets are placed on almost every aspect of the day. These do not include the many in game bets such as who will catch the first pass or who will score the first points of the game. Here are some of the wackier prop bets and my best guesses (in blue): Shout out to USA Today for the wacky prop bets. 

What color will Pink’s hair be when she starts to sing the National Anthem?

White/blonde: 5/4
Pink/red: 7/4
Blue/purple: 5/1
Brown/black: 5/1
Green: 5/1

What color will Bill Belichick’s shirt be at kickoff?

Blue: 4/5
Gray: 3/2
Red: 15/2
White: 15/2

Will former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb’s vomiting incident from Super Bowl XXXIX be mentioned during the TV broadcast?

Yes: 3/2
No: 1/2

Will Justin Timberlake cover a Prince song during halftime?

Yes: 2/1
No: 1/3

How many times will “wardrobe malfunction” be mentioned during the TV broadcast? (Note: From kickoff to final whistle, not including halftime.)

Over 1.5 times: 17/10
Under 1.5 times: 2/5

Who will the Super Bowl MVP mention first in his speech?

Teammtes: 2/1
God: 4/1
City: 5/1
Coach: 7/1
Owner: 10/1
Family: 16/1
None of the above: 2/1

Which number will be higher?

Kickoff temperature in Minnesota: 2/3
Total points scored in the first quarter: 11/10

As for the actual game: I am looking forward to watching the teams that were clearly a cut above all season. I think the Eagles are being shortchanged a bit because they lost MVP candidate Carson Wentz late in the season. Also, because the Patriots are the Patriots and have such a track record for success.  I think Philadelphia will jump on the Patriots early, but Brady and the Pats will stage a comeback. Tom Brady will get the ball one too many times against the Eagles and sets the Pats up for a game winning field goal. Final Score: Patriots 24, Eagles 21 

 

4) Recommendation of the Week → Trivia by Pat

Trivia nights have exploded across the country in recent years. My good friend, Pat, hosts some of the best Trivia Nights around! Not only does he regularly host trivia, but he posts daily trivia on his Facebook page every day as well! Check it out!

5) Inspiration of the Week  → Man’s Search for Meaning

This book by Viktor Frankl is an incredible story of his time in German concentration camps.  Here is a brief synopsis from the website HighExistence:

“A blend between a memoir, a psychological investigation and a self-help book, Frankl delivers a powerful message: finding meaning lies at the core of being human. From his own experience as a psychiatrist combined with anecdotes from his time in the concentration camps, he tells us how important it is to find meaning in our own lives and what we can become if we don’t. Suffering, he conveys to us, is inevitable. But as to how we cope with it is dependent on ourselves. If we can find meaning, even in the worst acts our species has ever inflicted upon his fellow man, we will be able to move forward with renewed purpose.”

Peace, love, and all the above,

DJE