Hypothermia

Do you know anything about hypothermia? I know more about it today than I did last week. Normal body temperature is 98.6 °F. I like normal body temperature, even more this week. There are three stages of hypothermia. In stage 1, body temperature drops by 1.8-3.6°F. Mild to strong shivering occurs. (I know what that is like.) The victim (me and the other guy) is unable to perform complex tasks with the hands; the hands become numb. It only gets worse. In stage 2, body temperature drops by 3.6-7.2°F. Shivering becomes more violent. Muscle mis-coordination becomes apparent. Movements are slow and labored, accompanied by a stumbling pace and mild confusion, although the victim may appear alert. The victim becomes pale. Lips, ears, fingers and toes may become blue (we were on our way to stage 2). In stage 3 the body temperature drops below approximately 89.6 °F. You probably don’t want to hear what happens in stage 3. Not good. Did you know that heat is lost much faster in water? Did you also know that water temperatures that would be quite reasonable as outdoor air temperatures can lead to hypothermia very quickly? Water temperature of 50 °F can be expected to lead to death in approximately 1 hour, and water temperatures hovering at freezing can lead to death in as little as 15 minutes. So what? What is my point you ask? Well, when the baptistery heater decides to malfunction during the winter months the night before a scheduled baptism, both the baptizer and the baptized are subject to hypothermia. Do you know what it is like to preach after entering stage 1? Let’s just say that I don’t like baptizing in water that presents a threat to my well being. Believe me, that water was not at a temperature that would be reasonable outside, unless you are in the Antarctic. You should have seen his reaction when I immersed him in that ice cold moment of obedience. I asked the young man, “Have you ever been in water so cold?” He said, “No and I will never be in water that cold again.” We laughed about it through shivers and chattering teeth. Who says getting baptized is not a serious step of submission? Even though I am no fan of hypothermia, I am thankful to have these lighter moments of pastoral life to provide some good smiles and laughs. Hope you smiled a little too.

What an Atheist Thinks

If an atheist visited our church, what would he think about it? I hope he would think that the gospel was clearly communicated and that he saw Christians seeking to worship and obey their Lord. I would hope that he would say that he witnessed something intriguing and interesting but even offensive or at the very least confrontational. Anyone who believes that there is no God and attends a church that proclaims the truth and the gospel of Scripture could feel offended or at the very least should feel confronted. I would also hope that an atheist would also see love in our church, the love of Jesus, offered through the cross of Jesus. Evan Mintz is a Hanszen College sophomore and opinion editor and an atheist. He visited the largest protestant church in the nation and wrote an article about his visit. This troubling article certainly makes me ask the question about what he might have to say about our church or what he might have to say if he were to just hang out with me for a few hours. Makes me think.

ClearPlay

Have you heard about it? We love ours so I thought I would spread the joy. If you like movies but wish you could cut out all the parts that you don't like to watch or have your kids watch, then ClearPlay just might be for you. "ClearPlay is a revolutionary company that has provided a new option for families to enjoy DVD movies in their own homes without being exposed to objectionable content." Let me know what you think if you get one.