Rohnny Jobus....or, uh, Johnny Robus
Here is a picture of Leslie and I after my graduation this weekend. I finished classes at Saint Louis U. in December but they had the ceremony this weekend. I am working as a trader for a money management firm here in St. Louis and really enjoy my work. Leslie and I are in the process of looking for a house up here as we think we will stay here for a few years at least maybe even permanently! ....We hang out alot with Trey Otey and his wife here, kind of strange because Trey and I were never great friends while he was at Union. Just shows you the power of LXA I guess.

John Robus email: rohnnyjobus@sbcglobal.net and web page at http://www.robus.blogspot.com/.

Anchors Away, Anchors Away
Saturday I toured the U.S.S. Mischner, a U.S. Navy Destroyer that is 9 stories tall, 505 feet long, and home to 300 brave men. Pretty interesting to see the heli-pad, the Trident missle silos, talk with the crew, see the WardRoom, and put my hand on the wheel (photo above). I have a lot of respect for what our men and women in uniform do.

Is there anyone in uniform (friends or family) that you especially appreciate? Post their names below. Top on many of our lists I know is Bro. Jeff Edwards.

If you are interested in learning more, check out: http://www.mitscher.navy.mil/

Dan Shackleford Update....
A couple of things updating my life.
1. I graduated from Seminary last Friday night.
2. Tami and I are looking to go to the mission field about this time next year. Until then, we'll be staying in Wynne, AR, working at the church here.
3. The other thing is that we found out yesterday that our baby is a boy!
Anyway, have a good one. Talk to you later.
Dan

I just finally got the link to the blog through my old email account. It's great to hear such great things are happening to brothers, and scary to hear Mooney has a kid. New email: dustinmccord@insightbb.com. In ZAX, Dustin McCord "DIRTY" LZ520

Glee Club Remarks - Service, Honor, Stewardship
This past Wednesday night, I spoke to the U.S. Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club Annual Dine-In. The Dine-In is an annual military tradition – think “military + choir + fraternity.”

Since the Academy is home to some of our nation’s best and brightest students, they often have occasion to hear from some of our nation’s best and brightest leaders. Knowing that, I was admittedly surprised I was asked to join them. In my time with them, I pointed to 3 dynamics that we share in common, 3 characteristics that are areas where we can learn from each other as we prepare for the adventures and challenges ahead.

1. We share similar dynamics in our service - perceived public realities about our jobs are not realities; real service is not what the public thinks it is.

2. We demonstrate honor when as we quietly fulfill our duties. Quietly doing our duty without pomp and circumstance is honorable. What is honorable and respectable is a call faithfully answered, a charge kept - in quiet, unnoticed service.

3. We are both called to be good stewards. With great power comes great responsibility. Too whom much is given, much is required.

President Teddy Roosevelt said “a good Navy is not a provocation to war; it is the surest guaranty of peace.” As former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he understood America must have a forward-looking strategy for freedom. The service of the men at the Naval Academy is part of our strategy. Their honorable duties quietly fulfilled make America steadfast in a world of challenge and change. Their good stewardship of this moment gives pause to our enemies and strength to our allies.

Attended the Arrival Ceremony today for Austrailian Prime Minister John Howard on the South Lawn of the WH. PM Howard gave a stirring address without any notes that I thought you might enjoy. You can read it here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/05/20060516.html

President George W. Bush, Prime Minister John Howard, Mrs. Laura Bush and Mrs. Janette Howard wave from the South Portico of the White House during the State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn Tuesday, May 16, 2006. White House photo by Paul Morse

Do you have ideas of what YOU want to see on this blog? Email me your ideas. Of course, your submissions of pictures, updates, discussion-starters, questions, ideas, memories, stories, etc. are always welcome!

FYI
Adam Clark changed his email address that he's had forever and notified the world with a blast email last week. His new email address is FieldCmndr@comcast.net. He is wrapping up another school year of teaching high school band (there's a calling!) and over all enjoying life in the Nashville area.

Adam, you should respond with an update if you have time.

What's Da Deal With Da Vinci Code?

As you know, the Da Vinci Code movie is released on 5/19/06. I am personally interested in the development and distribution of film, art, and media that celebrates and commends the good, the true, and the beautiful. I am not someone who slips down the slope of fundamentalism into the mire of boycotts, cynicism, and withdrawl. That said, I will not be seeing the Da Vinci Code. The basic premise and story of the film challenges and contridicts the doctrinal foundations of Catholic and evangelical [read historic orthodox] Christian belief. I would encourage you to do 3 things:

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF about the viewpoints asserted in the film so you can have smart, informed conversations with others about it. Look here www.thetruthaboutdavinci.com and look here
http://www.redeemer2.com/webuploads/RedeemerNewsletter-2004-03.pdf for some information.

2. VOTE AT THE BOX OFFICE with your dollars on 5/19 by going to see another movie. Opening weekend is to Hollywood what the first Tuesday in November is to politicians. Your dollars are your votes.

3. POST YOUR FEEDBACK here to share what you learn, think, know, ask, observe. Disagree. Challenge. Concur. Add. Suggest. Let's think about together how we should learn from this moment in our culture.

Good Brothers and Good Times

Despite short notice and some fits and starts in planning, several of us did end up gathering together for dinner this past weekend in Nashville. So good to see the brothers!

Saw pictures of Chuck and Naomi's house...and what is left of their neighbors' homes. Amazing. (Chuck, want to post any of those?) Congrats goes to Charles on his new job at Bank of America. Sounds like a good opportunity.

Great to see Steve and Brandon both doing well in their first year of marriage to Cassie and Nikki respectively. Brandon gets ordained next month - congrats Brandon!

Clint Verner and his fiancee tie the knot in June.....Paul and Courtney in September.

Maybe living in a major metropolitan area has spoiled me, or maybe we were all just a bit full after dinner, but you can see our post-dinner festivities weren't exactly rowdy, rambunctious, or really just that engaging at all.....haha!

William Bradley Mooney - Awwww