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CSDI Executive Committee
CCSG Advisory Committee
Study Design and Organizational Structure
Study Management
Tenders, Bids & Contracts
Sample Design
Instrument Technical Design
Management and Budgeting
Shared Language Harmonization
Pretesting
Interviewer Recruitment, Selection, and Training
Face-to-Face Surveys
Telephone Surveys
Self-Administered Surveys
Paradata and Other Auxiliary Data
Data Harmonization
Data Processing & Statistical Adjustment
Survey Quality
Special Topics (In Progress)
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Survey Lifecycle Figure
Peter Granda and Emily Blasczyk, 201 6
1. Decide what type of harmonization strategy to employ, taking into account that many harmonization efforts will require some combination of strategies.
2. When deciding which variables to harmonize, create an initial plan and define clear objectives about what you want to achieve. The plan should include making all data conversions reversible.
3. Focus on both the variable and survey levels in the harmonization process.
4. Develop criteria for measuring the quality of the harmonization process. This includes testing it with users knowledgeable about the characteristics of the underlying surveys, the meaning of source variables, and the transformation of source variables into target variables.
5. Provide the widest range possible of data and documentation products about the entire harmonization process.
Harmonization refers to all efforts that standardize inputs and outputs in multinational, multicultural, or multiregional surveys, which we refer to as "3MC" surveys.
Harmonization is a generic term for procedures used predominantly in official statistics that aim at achieving, or at least improving, the comparability of different surveys and measures collected. The term is closely related to that of standardization (see Sample Design and Questionnaire Design). Harmonizing procedures may be applied in any part of the survey lifecycle, such as study design, choice of indicators, question wording, translation, adaptation, questionnaire design, sampling, data collection, data coding, data editing, or documentation. The need to harmonize arises for all 3MC surveys. This is particularly true if the goal is to combine the data into a single integrated dataset.
There are two general approaches for harmonizing data: input harmonization and output harmonization:
Input harmonization aims to achieve standardized measurement processes and methods in all national or regional populations included in the 3MC survey. Comparability can be realized through standardization of definitions, indicators, classifications, training, and technical requirements.
Output harmonization begins with different national or regional measurements, possibly derived from non-standardized measurement processes. These measurements are "mapped" into a unified measurement scheme. Thus, only the statistical outputs are specified, the individual countries/regions may decide how to collect and process the data necessary to achieve the desired outputs. (Granda, Wolf, & Hadorn, 2010; Lyberg & Stukel, 2010; Multinational Time Use Study [MTUS], 2014; Doiron, Raina, L'Heureux, & Fortier, 2012). It is also possible to incorporate output harmonization in the original planning to produce datasets for 3MC research as the Luxembourg Income Study has done for many years with both individual and household level data collected from many countries since 1983 (http://www.lisdatacenter.org/).
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Goal: To ensure that survey and statistical research teams follow accepted standards when creating harmonized data and documentation files, and use a harmonization strategy that best fits their basic source materials and the objectives they wish to achieve.
Consider "input" harmonization when the survey process is centrally coordinated.
"Input" harmonization, usually applied in a multi-national context, seeks to impose strict standards and protocols from the beginning for the whole survey process by which each national survey applies the same survey procedures and a common questionnaire (see Sample Design and Translation). Also known as "prospective", this strategy is meant to assure a high degree of comparability. Some adaptations may occur for individual data collection sites, but the goal is to maintain comparability (Doiron et al., 2012).
Procedural steps
1.1 Provide detailed specifications, protocols, and procedures for all aspects of the survey process. The different specifications (Data Protocol, Sampling, Translation, etc.) of the European Social Survey (ESS) and the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Toolkit are good examples (ESS, 2010; The Demographic and Health Surveys Toolkit, 2014).
1.2 Decide which items to standardize.
1.3 Consider if variations may be necessary to account for site-specific interests. This can either be due to site specific research foci or resource limitations (Doiron et al., 2012).
Consider "output" harmonization, also known as retrospective harmonization, when the survey collection process is largely determined at the level of individual countries or cultures and there is minimal or no agreement on standardization.
This type of harmonization is implemented through two main strategies: "ex-ante" and "ex-post." In practice, a study may utilize both strategies.
Ex-ante refers to measurements designed to be comparable and harmonized in data processing. When comparability has been considered during survey planning, the understanding of concepts, common goals, and specific targets can be established for the data collection process. The precise wording of the survey items may vary but the items seek to capture the same concept (see Questionnaire Design and Adaptation).
The second variant is an ex-post strategy, by which statistical or survey data are deemed inferentially equivalent and made comparable after the fact through a conversion process (Fortier et al., 2011). The items to be harmonized were not designed to be comparable, but are assessed and edited to achieve commonality. An ex-post strategy can be used in situations where existing repositories will be exploited for comparative research or where intensive early planning is not possible because of financial or policy constraints.
1.4 Use an ex-ante strategy whenever possible. This enhances comparability since harmonization is addressed at the planning stage of each national data collection, as well as at the end of the process when creating harmonized data files.
1.5 Implement an appropriate planning process.
1.6 Use an ex-post strategy only if no consideration regarding harmonization has been given by data collectors at the start of data collection(s), but researchers later believe (e.g., because of common concepts or similar questions across surveys) that a harmonized data file can be produced through a conversion process to create comparable variables or statistics. The Integrated Public Use Microdata Series, International (IPUMS-I) and The Integrated Fertility Survey Series (IFSS) are two such examples (www.international.ipums.org); (IFSS, 2014).
1.6.1 For any ex-post plan, ensure that data access, intellectual property, and any other ethical or legal issues are resolved for all intended source studies prior to beginning harmonization with the source in question (Fortier et al., 2011). Even if study investigators have their data publicly available, it is advisable to obtain permission from them if planning to harmonize their data with other datasets. An individual study's data use agreement may not apply, and a formal request to the respective research ethics or data access committees may be necessary (Doiron et al., 2012).
1.7 Record all decisions about the "conversion" process systematically. One option is to use two separate databases to record all work: a production database which stores the original and harmonized materials, and a user's database which provides the analysts access to the overall process.
1.8 Make provisions so that all data conversions can be traced back to the original data.
1.9 For any output harmonization technique, adopt a detailed "data processing plan" that includes descriptions of how the producer(s) of the harmonized data deal with the following:
1.9.1 Differences in study design, such as panel or cross-sectional design, and/or in mode of data collection.
1.9.2 Differences across studies with regard to what is measured (e.g., definitions of study population, concepts, variables).
1.9.3 Differences in how to measure (e.g., scale of measurement, wording and routing of questions, respondents asked).
1.9.4 Differences in how estimates are generated (imputation, weighting, or nonresponse adjustments).
1.9.5 Procedures used to create and define harmonized variables, including any harmonized weights calculated.
1.1 Input harmonization involves adherence to appropriately standardized methodologies throughout the survey lifecycle. For example, the ESS seeks to collect data every other year, uses face-to-face interviews, aims to collect high-precision data, applies detailed sampling and fieldwork protocols, uses standardized translation protocols in all participating countries, aims to achieve standardized response rates, adopts consistent coding procedures, and creates and distributes well-documented datasets in a timely fashion. All of these procedures require greater organizational capabilities and resources throughout the planning and data collection stages. The results are transparent, high quality, and can produce more valuable public-use data files at the end.
1.2 Not all comparative research will be able to follow the same procedures, so it is important to decide which methods are best, given the actual resources, survey process structure, and the intended level of precision. In addition, the creation of such common standards and their implementation at the local level requires considerable expertise. This also may not be available in all 3MC contexts. The Generations and Gender Programme is a large, longitudinal 3MC survey that studies relationships between parents and children and also between partners. It is conducted using both a paper-and-pencil instrument (PAPI) as well as computer-assisted Interviewing (CAPI) and seeks to follow consistent harmonization practices. While much harmonization work occurs centrally, individual country teams are urged to follow certain procedures to improve comparability. This method requires considerable coordination among components of the survey teams at all levels (Kveder & Galico, 2014).
1.3 Flexibility can be designed. Research sites in different countries may not be able to follow the same procedures, so it is important to decide which methods can be adapted and define procedures for adapting given the actual resources, survey process structure, and the intended level of precision. For example, the Malaria Indicator Survey is an optional component that can be conducted with or without biomeasure collection (www.dhsprogram.com). The creation of such common standards and their implementation at the local level requires considerable expertise. This may not be available in all 3MC contexts.
1.4 In a working paper, Roland Gunther describes in detail the harmonization efforts surrounding the European Community Household Panel (ECHP) (Gunther, 2003). This survey was designed from the beginning to use input harmonization, with its design of uniform questionnaires as well as detailed definitions, rules, procedures, and models to make comparability across nations easier, and is exemplary of the use of input harmonization. After the first phase of the project, a few countries decided to cease collecting national samples for the ECHP, and instead to conduct their own national surveys, resulting in the need to do ex-post harmonization. Those doing the harmonization work learned that this kind of ex-post harmonization was resource-intensive and required staff experienced in both the original source and target formats of the ECHP framework. They also had to know in detail how their national questionnaires differed. Common problems included concepts heavily affected by national contexts, as well as differences in scales of measurement, variable coding schemes, and definitions of concepts. Solutions to such problems were often found through ad hoc decisions about recoding, combining, or collapsing variables, and almost never through estimation techniques.
1.5 These harmonization strategies are almost never applied exclusively on any single statistical or survey data collection. Depending on specific cultural and national characteristics, data producers should consider strategies that will enable them to collect their data in the most efficient manner. In some situations, they may want to combine strategies. For example, data producers may start with an input harmonization plan, but should be prepared to do some ex-post output harmonization to account for differences across cultures. For example, the Demographic and Health Surveys has standardized instruments but also provides a Standard Recode Manual (DHS, 2015).
1.6 Health researchers, in particular, emphasize the importance of ex-post output harmonization. Because of the volume of datasets generated by national governments and individual investigators which affect public health policies, the desire to pool cases cross-nationally to increase sampled sizes is highly desired. To insure comparability investigators involved in this process developed a very systematic approach to harmonization and encouraged its use throughout relevant research communities.
1.7 Output harmonization projects also generate copious amounts of metadata describing the source variables, target variables, and the entire harmonization process. This new metadata provides researchers with opportunities to analyze this information and create additional linkages. For example, individual variables can be grouped into substantive categories or concepts to enhance the analytical power of a new, harmonized dataset.
2.When deciding which variables to harmonize, create an initial plan and define clear objectives about what you want to achieve. The plan should include making all data conversions reversible.
Creating a harmonization plan from the beginning of the project allows data producers to document all of their decisions at the time they are made. In case errors occur or are identified by users at a later time, all data conversions should be reversible.
2.1 Before fieldwork, consult with experts or an advisory committee on a systematic design process, and with methodology groups to investigate comparability issues. If pre-fieldwork coordination is not possible, form an advisory committee of researchers knowledgeable about the subject matter at the beginning of the harmonization process, if possible, and consult with them regularly.
2.2 Show the advisory group results of the harmonization process at different points in the process to allow for possible changes in rules used to create new variables.
2.3 Consider establishing a testing group of users knowledgeable about the subject matter separate from the harmonization process, who provide feedback on the analytic usefulness of the data before they are released publicly.
2.4 Implement a systematic conversion creation process with appropriate quality controls.
2.5 Identify and become familiar with software tools that facilitate a comparison of variables from different surveys, in order to determine if and how these could be harmonized. Such tools often work from a common database that stores all the information about each variable.
2.6 Establish partnerships with producers of harmonization tools. This may be more beneficial than creating new tools, which often requires costly programming efforts.
2.7 Where software tools are unavailable or impractical, use manual comparisons in making harmonization decisions and consult with substantive and methodological experts in doing so.
2.8 Identify and become familiar with interactive documentation tools that allow for proper and transparent documentation. For example, the DataSHaPER (http://www.p3g.org/biobank-toolkit/datashaper) and Opal (https://www.maelstrom-research.org/what-we-offer/open-source-software) are tools designed to harmonize epidemiological data.
2.1 Realize that not all concepts measured in the survey process are equally amenable to harmonization efforts. For example, cross-national harmonization of the number of births and marriages is a far easier task than comparisons of divorce rates where local laws, customs, and data collection methods may differ substantially. Other concepts, such as international population migration, may not, due to a lack of precise definition and great variety in measurement criteria, lend themselves to harmonization at all, or only at the most basic level. Three characteristics that could influence harmonization potential are (i) the relative importance to the research intending to use the harmonized items, (ii) the individual the item targets (for example the participant, the participant's family members), and (iii) the period of time to which the variable refers (Fortier et al., 2011).
2.2 Good decision-making about the harmonization process will benefit from the use of software tools, as well as input from a diverse group of survey researchers who can offer advice on various procedures and techniques to use when producing harmonized files. The ISSP Data Wizard (German Social Science Infrastructure Services, 2010) was used by the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP). It was one of the first tools developed to support procedures that were previously performed manually to harmonize data at the cross-national level. The tool offered rule-based checks, automation of partial steps, and the visualization of certain conditions, to make the harmonization process more efficient, easier, and less susceptible to mistakes.
2.3 The European Values Study (EVS) formed a number of work groups, both before and after fieldwork. The aim on the one hand was to set standards at an early stage, and on the other to consolidate and merge data which had been cleaned by participating national survey teams. This project produced an integrated source questionnaire and a set of equivalency tables to assist secondary researchers. The project web site makes all of this information easily accessible (EVS, 2014). These processes and products provide critical information to secondary users of these data.
2.4 The DataSchema and Harmonization Platform for Epidemiological Research (DataSHaPER) is one potential tool for output harmonization. Fortier's 2011 paper showed that using the DataSHaPER across 53 studies, 64% of "essential" constructs from those selected could be harmonized completely or "partially". This estimate used the most conservative criteria and evaluation of harmonization potential would likely improve this statistic (Fortier et al., 2011). A newer version of this tool is Opal (https://www.maelstrom-research.org/what-we-offer/open-source-software).
Harmonization efforts usually concentrate on comparing and integrating information involving specific variables across data files. However, it is equally important to consider the overall characteristics of the surveys that make them good candidates for harmonization, and to report the decisions involving this process to end users.
3.1 Recognize the different aspects involved in converting source variables, which might include variable concepts or scales of measurement, into target variables. The concept of citizenship, for example, presents significant challenges to researchers who want to investigate this topic (Minkel, 2004).
3.2 Describe similarities and differences between the source variables and the target variables, including discussion of universe statements, question wording, coding schemes, and missing data definitions. There may be an unavoidable loss of information resulting from harmonization, such as if a variable that was continuous is being harmonized with a categorical variable (Fortier et al., 2011).
3.3 Consider file-level attributes when creating the harmonized data file, including how survey weights, imputation procedures, variance estimation, and key substantive and demographic concepts will change in the process.
3.4 Pay particular attention to sampling designs and data collection methods in making assessments about the degree of comparability between different surveys. See Survey Quality for a discussion of how quality profiles can be developed and used to assess comparability in a 3MC survey.
3.1 Data producers must recognize the degrees of individual item or variable persistency when creating questionnaires and collecting data. Item persistency over time is very important in generating harmonized data files. There are considerable differences, for example, between an "absolute" persistent variable, such as "country of birth," and a less persistent variable, such as "country of citizenship." The concept might mean different things in different countries, is subject to change, and could be reported validly for multiple countries by some respondents (Minkel, 2004).
3.2 Quota sampling destroys comparability (Häder & Gabler, 2003; Heeringa & O'Muircheartaigh, 2010). Harmonization will not make data from quota sampling comparable with data gathered via probability sampling. The ISSP is an example of a 3MC survey program that abolished quota sampling.
3.3 The European Social Survey (ESS) provides detailed insight into weighting issues and makes this information available. See the ESS data site for each survey round for the latest version.
3.4 The Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (2014 ) created a harmonized data file from three comparable surveys on mental health. Data producers created a pooled weight for the harmonized file, based on race/ancestry groupings and on the geographic domains of the sampling frames of each individual survey. Understanding the specific characteristics of each input file was an essential part of creating a harmonized output file (Heeringa & Berglund, 2007). All of this information was provided to users in a comprehensive explanation of the original and harmonized weights.
Researchers may analyze harmonized files in new and unexpected ways. It is crucial to provide them sufficient information about the concepts and definitions presented, and the assumptions underlying the decisions made in their construction.
4.1 Devise procedures to judge the quality of the harmonized outputs based on such quality criteria as consistency, completeness, and comparability.
4.1.1 Consistency can be judged by comparing the results from multiple independent efforts of harmonizing a variable; completeness is assessed based on the degree to which the original information is preserved in the harmonized data; and comparability is the degree to which the harmonized outputs can accurately report important social or economic concepts over time or between countries or cultures.
4.1.2 The Statistical Office of the European Communities (EUROSTAT) proposed the following set of quality criteria when reporting statistics which also apply to harmonization outputs (Database of Integrated Statistical Activities, 2014; Joint UNECE/EUROSTAT Work Session on Statistical Data Confidentiality, 2009):
Relevance of the statistical concepts.
Accuracy.
Topicality and timeliness of the dissemination of results.
Accessibility and clarity of the information.
Comparability of the statistical data.
4.1.3 Strictly speaking, these traits apply to official statistical data. However, many of them would apply equally to academically produced survey data, particularly those regarding the comparability of social, economic, and demographic concepts in a 3MC context, and the accuracy of estimates.
4.2 Be prepared to modify and update harmonized datasets after public release, based on comments from the research community, if errors are uncovered, or if certain variables need further explanation.
4.3 Prepare presentations at social science research conferences that describe the harmonization process to potential users.
4.1 The usefulness of well-harmonized data is clearly recognized by many international organizations. The United Nations Economic and Social Council recognized the importance of harmonizing environmental data collection activities in order to produce comparable indicators on the environment and its relationship to the economy. They determined to bring the System of Environmental-Economic Accounts (SEEA) to an international statistical standard. The SEEA now provides the first international standard for environmental-economic accounting (United Nations Economic and Social Council, 2005; see also http://unstats.un.org/unsd/envaccounting/seea.asp).
Regardless of whether utilizing input or output harmonization as a strategy, all aspects of the survey planning, collection, and dissemination process should be considered when producing harmonized data files or creating accompanying documentation. Users should have access not only to the harmonized end result, but also to detailed information about all steps taken by the producers, as well as source materials, in order for them to fully understand what decisions were made during the entire process.
5.1 Define the elements of the harmonization process and start documenting it from the beginning in order to ensure that all decisions are captured even before a definite plan to produce a public-use data file exists.
5.2 To the greatest extent possible, document each target variable with information from all source variables, transformation algorithms, and any deviations from the intended harmonized approach.
5.3 If possible, provide users with access to the original data files used in producing the harmonized file. If direct access to original data is not permissible due to confidentiality concerns, implement procedures to assist users in proper check-backs or re-transformations. Also consider implementing some form of restricted-use data agreement to allow access under controlled conditions.
5.4 Prioritize providing users with the code or syntax used in creating new variables for the harmonized file.
5.5 Provide users with as complete as possible documentation, including crosswalks, which describe all the relationships between variables in individual data files with their counterparts in the harmonized file. An interactive, web-based documentation tool is often the best way to present such documentation.
5.5.1 Include original questionnaires and information about the data collection process whenever possible.
5.6 Report on as many of the following elements of the data lifecycle as it applies to the particular harmonization process:
Study Design and Operational Structure:
5.6.1 Project planning.
Sample Design, Questionnaire Design and Instrument Technical Design:
5.6.2 Sampling frame.
5.6.3 Sample size.
5.6.4 Sample design (See Instrument Technical Design,
Questionnaire Design, Sample Design).
5.6.5 Duration of the field period.
5.6.6 Instrument construction and design.
Adaptation of Survey Instruments and Translation:
5.6.7 Translation and adaptation (See Translation).
Data Collection:
5.6.8 Mode(s) of interview.
5.6.9 Respondent follow-up if panel survey.
5.6.10 Data collection methods (See Data Collection: Face-to-Face Surveys, Data Collection: Telephone Surveys, Data Collection: Self-Administered Surveys, and Survey Quality).
Data Processing and Statistical Adjustment:
5.6.11 Editing.
5.6.12 Item nonresponse.
5.6.13 Unit nonresponse.
5.6.14 Any special treatment given to demographic and country-specific variables.
5.6.15 Sample weights.
5.6.16 Variance estimation.
5.6.17 Data production, including both planned and ad-hoc decisions implemented during variable conversion.
5.6.18 Documentation production.
Data Dissemination:
5.6.19 Dissemination (See Data Dissemination).
This list is based on documentation provided in the Integrated Health Interview Series (IHIS). The IHIS is an effort to provide an assortment of variables from the core household and person level files from the National Center for Health Statistics' seminal data collection effort on the health conditions for the US population from 1969 to the present. It provides extensive user notes and FAQ pages to describe how their harmonization project coped with several of these components (Integrated Health Interview Series, 2014).
5.7 Consider archiving the original and harmonized data with a trusted data archive to ensure continued availability of all data and documentation files and long-term preservation. See Data Dissemination for additional discussion regarding archiving.
5.1 The Eurobarometer Survey Series, in operation since 1973, now includes several dozen cross-sectional surveys, all of which have been harmonized into single cross-national files before being made available to researchers. These surveys are released initially with basic information about each study and the characteristics of all variables, and are then further processed by the social science data archives, led by German Social Sciences Infrastructure Services, to include variable frequencies, more complete documentation, and online analysis services for researchers (Eurobarometer Survey Series, 2014). Such partnerships between data producer and social science data archives encourage long-term preservation, enhance access, and make it possible to continually improve services to the research community.
5.2 Some harmonization projects have gone to great lengths to describe their procedures in specific detail. For example, the Multinational Time Use Study (MTUS) has a User Guide and a comprehensive description of its coding procedures used in creating its harmonized data file (MTUS, 2014). Similarly, the Generations and Gender Programme (GGP) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Population Activities Unit (UNECE-PAU) provides reports and guidelines about how the organization implements its harmonization decisions (Kveder & Galico, 2014). These projects provide transparency to both creators and users of these data and serve as an example for others to follow.
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Robust return to the ring from Gemmy, offloading two boldly colourful riddims for new Bristol imprint, World Of Wonders. On 'Jah Know' he reinforces a trademark blazing purple sound with sliced-up breakbeats in a very individual style, designed to drive the dance mad but holding back from the brukkout with really sophisticated restraint. Flipside, 'They Live Under The Stairs' toys around with a triplet synched rhythm reminding of the H.E.N.C.H crews production values but on more dextrous and dazzling vibe.


April 14, 2019 April 14, 2019 Rev. Robert Moeller, Jr.
"Isaiah said these things because he saw His glory and spoke of Him. Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in [Jesus], but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God" (John 12:41-43).
The news spread quickly that Jesus was in Bethany, and large numbers of people headed there to see Him. With the influx of pilgrims in Jerusalem getting ready for the Passover, it wasn't long before a great crowd had gathered. No doubt, their curiosity was doubly piqued, since they would also be able to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had recently raised from the dead. Realizing they were losing the battle for public opinion, the chief priests decided to kill Jesus. They would do whatever was necessary to end Jesus' popularity. They added Lazarus to their hit list, for many Jews believed in Jesus because He had raised Lazarus from the dead.
Jesus had arrived in Bethany on Friday. The dinner at Mary and Martha's, the anointing by Mary, and the gathering of the crowd took place after His arrival, with the Sabbath intervening. On the next day—Palm Sunday—the ever-growing crowd learned that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They cut palm branches and went out to the road to meet Him, receiving Him with all the pomp and circumstance of a king as the Jewish leaders feared they might.
The people hailed Jesus with words from Psalm 118:25-26: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" This was from the Hallel, sung as part of the Passover feast. For centuries, Jews had sung it in anticipation of the Lamb of God on His way to be their sacrifice. But they weren't thinking of sacrifice that day; they received Jesus as Israel's King.
It happened spontaneously, but it was foretold years earlier. Jesus rode a young donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. The messianic King from David's line entered Jerusalem amid the praise and glory of the crowd.
The Pharisees cursed their bad fortune. Every threat they had made, every trap they had set, every accusation they had leveled, hadn't accomplished a thing. Jesus was, on that day, more popular than ever. The Jewish leaders reacted as we often do when we realize we are no longer in control—frustrated and fearful. "Look, the world has gone after Him," they exclaimed in classic hyperbole.
What Jesus came to do He likened to a seed of grain. That seed remains nothing but a lonely seed unless it is planted. But when it is buried in the ground and dies there, a plant grows from it and bears fruit. Similarly, Jesus would not bear the fruit of His mission until He first died. All His miraculous signs had no eternal benefit without the miracle of the cross and the empty tomb. The Son of Man had to die for the spiritual harvest to come, the harvest of souls for eternity.
When Jesus warns against loving our lives, He means putting this earthly life first. When we believe in Jesus and have eternal life in Him, worldly living loses its attraction. Everything worldly carries sin's taint. Only in Jesus does the good life, eternal life, become ours. It would be better to lose this earthly life than to lose Jesus. Our faith in Jesus, however, carries a price. We must follow where He leads. We face sacrifices. We risk the scorn of others. But we do so with the promise of the heavenly Father's honor and with praise and thanksgiving for His Son.
Jesus had come to Jerusalem to die. As true man, He was troubled by what He faced. The triumphant procession did not change the reality He knew was coming. He already felt the burden we associate with Gethsemane. He opened His soul for us to look in. Jesus was not a robot, heading for the scrap heap without feeling. As true God, He did not simply switch off all sorrow and suffering. His sufferings would be intense beyond measure because of our sin. Still the God-man never wavered from His assigned path. He had come from heaven for this very purpose, prepared for this time. He was there to bring glory to God.
Jesus turned attention from Himself to His Father, praying, "Father, glorify Your name." The Father answered Jesus' prayer aloud from heaven. His name had been glorified and would continue to be glorified. By sending His Son in the flesh and through His Son's miraculous signs, the Father received glory (John 1:14). In the events to come, Christ's work of salvation—His death, resurrection, and ascension—would most assuredly glorify God's name further.
The crowd needed to hear the voice as a sign that a truly cosmic event was being set in motion—the confrontation God had predicted in Eden (Genesis 3:15). The judgment of this world would be based on the outcome. The judgment is an ongoing process, as people either in faith accept, or in unbelief, reject Jesus as their Savior. The ruler of this world, Satan, would be driven out as the Seed of the woman emerged as the risen victor. Jesus would break the devil's power over us.
For all this to happen, Jesus was headed for death by crucifixion. He told the people as much, using an image most of them would have understood, at least in principle. He would be lifted up from the earth on a cross. That lifting up would affect all human beings. Through it and His subsequent exaltation, Jesus would draw all people to Himself. At the cross, all people must invariably accept or reject Jesus as Savior. There are no other paths.
This crowd had just hailed Jesus as the Christ in the line of King David, and now they heard Him talk about Himself as the Son of Man, saying that He must be crucified. They searched for understanding. They believed from Scripture that the Christ would be eternal but assumed that meant He would set up an eternal kingdom on earth. It didn't make sense to them that the Christ would die. Rather than try to explain away their doubts; He called for them to trust in Him. They didn't need all their questions answered just then. They needed only to believe.
Still, not all who were gathered that Palm Sunday believed in Jesus even though He had done so many signs in their presence, including the raising of Lazarus. This too, fulfilled messianic prophecy. Isaiah had prophesied this unbelief, and Jesus had quoted him elsewhere to show why many Jews didn't recognize His messianic claims. They were locked away in their own unbelief.
Isaiah prophesied these things because He had seen the glory that comes from God. In his vision, Isaiah saw the Messiah's great suffering to achieve our salvation and the Messiah's glory, restored in the resurrection and ascension.
Many rejected Jesus, but some, even some of the leaders, believed in Jesus. Sad to say, the Pharisees succeeded in intimidating them, so they hid their real views for fear of being put out of the synagogue. They loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God in Christ.
We should not be surprised at this faintheartedness. Our own lives display it today. How often do we Christians fail to confess our faith because we fear the reaction of those around us? How often do you and I love the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God?
The fact is, we really have a hard time understanding glory as God defines it. We're used to glory in human terms. A person finds glory when he is surrounded by power, strength, and prestige. When someone is glorious, he seems invincible. That's hardly the appearance of the beaten, bloody Man hanging on the cross.
But God measures glory in a different way. In God's terms, glory is achieved by doing His will. Something none of us is capable of doing ourselves. Not perfectly. Not all the time. But Jesus does, and He does it in our place.
Against all appearances, God is glorifying His name at the cross because Jesus is fulfilling His Father's plan of salvation, dying the death of sinners so that sinners can be raised to eternal life. That hill outside Jerusalem is a more glorious mountain than Sinai; on Mt. Calvary, Christ defeats sin, death, and the devil.
When the Greeks wished to see Jesus, Jesus pointed them to the cross. That is where the Son of Man is glorified. As a pastor, it is given me (and all pastors) to point you to the cross, time and time again. We do so with reason, because there is your salvation. There you will see the glory that comes from God.
In Christ, you have much more than what the world appears to offer. The world's glory consists in displays of power, popularity, wealth. All of them are so fleeting. Look how long it takes for the cheering crowds of Jesus' triumphal entry on Palm Sunday to turn to chants of "Crucify Him!" on Good Friday. How quickly a celebrity can go to persona non grata with one rumor of scandal. How quickly wealth can disappear with a bad investment or shaky economy.
Jesus' glory is to do His Father's will. His death is glorious, because by His death He saves you from the devil, the world, and your own sinful nature. Furthermore, He continues to accomplish His Father's will, visiting you by His Word and Sacraments, working in you forgiveness, life, and salvation.
This is a world of trouble and anxiety because this is a world of sin. You'll be tempted to love the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. In the midst of trouble, trial, and temptation, Jesus visits you with that glorious forgiveness. Where you might be frustrated at your station in life, He calls you His child and an heir of the kingdom of heaven. He reassures you that this time of tribulation will pass and that He will use it for your good and for His glory.
Remember that glory in times of grief. There is little in life that is more heart-breaking than the death of a loved one. Like all people, Christians must also endure grief. But with the grief, they also have the hope of the grain. In the midst of mourning, you know that Christ was put to death and buried in a tomb. You also know that He rose from the dead three days later. You also have the confidence that He is the firstfruits of those fallen asleep, and He will raise His people to everlasting life. Those who have died in the Lord are delivered from suffering; and because they have died in the Lord, they will be raised up to eternal glory on the Last Day.
Remember that glory when troubled by guilt. The devil still accuses; but since he has no access to the throne of God anymore, he whispers the accusations into your ear instead. He would abuse your conscience and try to convince you that, despite Jesus' death, you still stand guilty before God. He seeks to make your guilt appear far more real than the cross. But the devil has been lying since he first slithered into Eden, and his accusations are falsehood at the foundation. Have you sinned? Yes, that much is true. Do you still stand guilty before God? No, because Christ has died to take away your sins. The true blood of Christ has covered and removed evidence of your sin before God. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
The glory that comes from God is found in the cross, because that is where the Savior saves you. By gloriously fulfilling His Father's plan for your salvation, Jesus takes your sins away and give you eternal life. He rescues you from tribulation, from guilt, and from death. He declares you His holy, innocent child, and makes you an heir of eternal life. Because of His death, the risen Lord now utters these glorious words to you: You are forgiven for all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 24, 2019 March 22, 2019 Rev. Robert Moeller, Jr.
May 5, 2018 Rev. Robert Moeller, Jr.
"For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree" (1 John 5:7-8).
Is pure doctrine so important that it is worth arguing about? Worth ruffling a few feathers? Worth enduring suffering for? St. John certainly thought so. His first epistle, from which comes our text, is wholly and vigorously polemical, aimed at false teachers and the heresies they were putting forth.
Before the end of the 1st century AD, false teachers had already arisen within the Church. "They went out from us," John writes, "but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us" (1 John 2:19). These false teachers had apparently established themselves as a separate community. They continued to make vigorous propaganda for their cause (2 John 7, 10), an early form of Gnosticism, which constituted a threat to the Church (1 John 2:27; 3:7).
It was no wonder that they deceived many and that many who remained in the Church were perhaps not fully convinced that the Church had been in the right when it separated itself from them. Or there might well have been some who were still secretly attracted to this brilliant new theology.
The false teachers deceived many, but they did not deceive John. The eyes that had seen the Word of life in the flesh (1 John 1:1) saw these men for what they were. They were, in John's clear vision, not prophets of God, but false prophets (1 John 4:1). Their words were inspired not by the Spirit of truth, but by their spirit of error (1 John 4:6). They were not the Christ's, but the very embodiment of the Antichrist, the spirit of the Antichrist (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3), who inspires the lie.
What was this lie? They denied the full humanity of the Christ. They denied that Jesus, the man in history, was the Christ, the Son of God (1 John 2:22; 4:3), who had come "in the flesh" (1 John 4:2). We get a hint of how far this denial went in the words of John that state positively the significance of the Christ who came in the flesh: "This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood" (1 John 5:6).
These words are in themselves somewhat obscure, but they become clearer against the background of the heresy of Cerinthus and his followers, of which Irenaeus has left us a description (ANF 1:352). Cerinthus taught that Jesus was a man among men, a superior man but still merely a man, the Son of Joseph and Mary. At His Baptism, the heavenly "Christ" descended upon Him in the form of a dove and enabled Him to reveal the hitherto unknown God and to perform miracles. At His Passion, however, "the heavenly Christ" again left Jesus, and only Jesus the man suffered and died. In other words, the Christ came "by water" (the Baptism of Jesus), but did not come "by blood" (the Passion and death of Jesus).
With this false theology, the cross of Jesus, the shed blood of the Son of God, which the apostolic witness celebrated as the crown and culmination of the ministry of Christ, was thus ignored or relegated to the background. The blood of Jesus, the Son of God, was no longer the blood that "cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).
Where the cross is not taken seriously, sin is no longer taken seriously. Men, whose proud piety centers in their assumed knowledge of God and ignore the cross in which God has revealed Himself as both the Judge of sinful man and the Forgiver of sinners, can think of sin as something that need not concern them. They can say, "We have not sinned," and thus make a liar out of God, who has in the cross declared all people have sinned (1 John 1:8, 10) and has in the cross given His Son as the "propitiation… for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:2).
Such a piety is more palatable to this world than the truth. The offense of the cross is gone, and the lives of Christians are no longer a walking indictment of the sins of the world. The world that does not recognize the children of God (1 John 3:1), but rather hates them (1 John 3:13), can come to terms with these men and with the Christ whom they proclaim, because He is a toothless lion, not much different than the next holy man or cult leader or self-help guru. St. John says of these heretics: "They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them" (1 John 4:5).
Over against these men and their teaching, John asserts, the full reality of the incarnation, the eternal Word becoming flesh, the fact that life and communion with God are to be found in Jesus, the Christ, who came and died for people's sin in the flesh, or they will not be found at all. John meets the danger that threatens the Church by a powerfully positive restatement of what the Christian life really is, a passionate appeal to recognize in action the full measure of the gift and the full extent of the claim of that grace of God which has given us fellowship with the Father and with the Son.
John had been an eyewitness of Jesus' ministry, His Passion, death, and resurrection, and ascension. In the introduction to his first epistle, John tells us how he had seen and handled and touched the body of the resurrected Christ, and that life is found only in fellowship with Jesus Christ.
But notice how the apostle does not rely solely upon his own testimony: "This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree" (1 John 5:6-8).
Because so much of the way God deals with people is subtle and indirect, because so much of our life with God is hidden (Colossians 3:3), and because Satan and his false teachers seek to lead us astray, we believers are vulnerable to doubts and misbelief. Amid competing viewpoints, how can you tell who is telling the truth? How can anybody be sure of anything about God?
The Lord Himself long ago established for the Israelite courts a procedure for determining the truth (Deuteronomy 17:16; 19:15). The procedure was to find two or three objective witnesses besides the plaintiff. Jesus Himself used that format as He established His claim as the Savior before a skeptical crowd of His countrymen: "If I alone bear witness about Myself, My testimony is not deemed true. There is another who bears witness about Me, and I know that the testimony that be bears about Me is true" (John 5:31-32). Jesus cites John the Baptist as His witness, and then cites His heavenly Father, whose booming voice at the time of His Baptism publicly affirmed Jesus as His beloved Son.
As to what specifically John means by "the Spirit and the water and the blood," there are three interesting interpretations. Each has some merit, and I think the full answer is in a combination of the three. Let's consider them briefly.
For many centuries, going back at least to Saint Augustine in the 5th century, many Christians assumed that "water and blood" was an allusion to the separated fluids that ran from the pierced side of the crucified Savior. John was right there by the cross at the time, and in his Gospel account, he immediately points to those separated fluids as proof that Jesus Christ was truly dead, proof that the sacrifice for the world's sins had truly been made. He wrote: "He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: 'Not one of His bones will be broken.' And again another Scripture says, 'They will look on Him whom they have pierced'" (John 19:35–37).
John's point in our verse, then, is to contradict the false teachers' claim either that the death of Christ never happened or that it was only the death of Jesus but not the death of the heavenly "Christ" that happened on the cross.
A second possibility appeals to many commentators. They understand the words water and blood to refer to the beginning and ending of Jesus' public ministry. Cerinthus and the other gnostic teachers denied the two natures of Christ, claiming that the "Christ" from heaven simply came down and rested on the man Jesus during His teaching ministry. They were more interested in Jesus as a teacher of morality than as the personal sacrifice of God's Son for the sins of the world.
John's references to water, then, would be to Jesus' Baptism. At the Jordan, the Father's voice boomed out His authentication of Jesus' identity as His Son and His approval of the Son's mission. The reference to blood would be to the crucifixion, where the words of Jesus and signs and wonders that occurred at His death convinced even a Roman military officer and his execution detachment: "Truly, this was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54).
Another interesting and scriptural possibility for the meaning of blood, water, and Spirit is that they are references to the means of grace—Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the Word of God. These three things, after all, are our lifeline to Christ. This is how we know. The Scriptures are the foundation for everything we know about God. They alone bear sure witness to the creation, fall, promises, incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. What better way to drive doubt from our hearts than to go to the Word!
The sacraments personalize the Gospel in a most wondrous way. There is no mistaking, who is receiving God's grace when the water of rebirth and renewal splashes on someone's head in God's triune name. There is no mistaking for whom God's love and forgiveness are intended when the body and blood of the Lord Himself are placed right in someone's mouth.
Do you see why all this is important? Why allowing this error to gain traction would be so deadly to your faith? Because if it was not Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God incarnate, both true God and true man, all the way from His birth to His Baptism to His suffering and death to His resurrection and ascension—if it is not this one and the same Jesus who is your Savior, then you have no Savior!
If Jesus were just a man—a really righteous man perhaps, who suffered and died on the cross—well, good for Him, maybe God would reward Him. But that wouldn't do you any good. On the other hand, if Jesus is indeed the very Son of God, and He sheds His holy blood for you and for all the other sinners of the world—well, then His suffering and death have infinite value, sufficient to cover the sins of the whole world and to win your forgiveness and thus your eternal life.
Which He does. And because He has, you are covered and cleansed by Jesus' holy blood. Indeed, you are forgiven for all your sins.
March 16, 2018 Rev. Robert Moeller, Jr.
And they said to Him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" (Mark 10:37-38).
Fellow theologians. Yes, that's right. I called you a theologian. Regardless of the level of your religious training, you are a theologian. All of us are theologians. Being a theologian just means thinking and speaking about God. And it is impossible to go for long without thinking about God. Things happen. Accidents. Tragedies. Death. Disaster. Disease. Disappointment. And there is also good fortune. Unexpected success or escape from danger. Experience of great beauty or pleasure. Sheer grace. Chance encounters that determine our lives. Love.
With each of these things—good or bad—we begin to wonder. God pops into our thinking and conversation. We may cry out in agony, "Why God?" or in relief, "Thank God!" or in praise, "Thank you God!" Or we may just use God's name to curse. Sooner or later we are likely to get thinking about God and wondering if there is some logic to it all in our lives, or some injustice. We become theologians. Then the question becomes: What kind of theologian will we be?
Actually, there are only two kinds of theologians: theologians of the cross and theologians of glory. In comparing the two, we find the theologian of the cross looks at the adversity and suffering in the world and recognizes it as a consequence of sin. He further prays to God in faith and trust, and says, "not my will, but Yours be done, O Lord." And he knows that, come what may, he is the baptized and redeemed child of God, and trusting in Christ the crucified, he bears all the crosses that the Lord lays upon him and rejoices in the promise of eternal life.
The theologian of glory, on the other hand, views life as quid pro quo—you get what you give. Adversity and suffering are a direct punishment for either unbelief or weak faith. Strong faith means earthly wealth and prosperity—health without suffering, joy without sorrow. If you're a true believer, you'll have no earthly cares because your every wish is God's command, and you can simply tell Him to remove all thorns and crosses, and He will do it speedily.
Imagine your favorite boss gathering you all in the breakroom to tearfully announce he is stepping down because he has a terminal disease, and you have the nerve to pull him off to the side to ask him if he'd be willing to recommend you to management as his replacement. Talk about insensitive!
But even their starting premise exposes their glory theology: "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You." This is a textbook example of how the modern theology of glory treats God. One uses God as a means to an end—for health, happiness, and all other personal purposes.
Jesus responds: "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" Such language might recall the Lord's Supper and Baptism, but here Jesus is using it as figurative language for what is going to happen to Him. Jesus refers to His passion and crucifixion as drinking from the cup and being baptized.
You might remember the Old Testament references to someone drinking from the cup of God's wrath. This is what Jesus is talking about—the cup of suffering and a baptism of blood. He does not come right out and ask James and John, "Do you want to come and be crucified as I will be?" But perhaps that would have been easier for the disciples to understand. At this point, they still do not accept that Jesus must be tortured and killed. They seem to think He's going to establish His eternal Messianic kingdom with a wave of His hand!
The inability of the disciples to comprehend and accept the passion and death of our Lord is a consequence of the theology of glory, and it continues to show itself today. While the theologian of the cross accepts suffering and turns to the Lord for strength in the certain hope of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life, the theologian of glory is in spiritual danger when he encounters suffering, because he has been led to believe that suffering will not be a part of the Christian life.
Our Old Adam also wants us to believe that our conduct as God's children will somehow insulate us from hardship. This is what makes the theology of glory so deadly, for it is often far more subtle than the obvious examples.
Anyone who is familiar with the words of Jesus should be suspicious of those who preach of the excitement of the Christian life. We've all heard those enthusiastic types who talk about how your life will be changed forever when you receive Jesus into your heart. There are those who truly believe that becoming a Christian will solve all your financial difficulties, fix your troubled marriage, and make you a better person in general. And in the end, it creates a false sense of security because it teaches you to believe that God owes you something.
But what happens to such a Christian (who, by the way, may truly have a living and saving faith) when he receives word that he has a terminal disease—or loses a loved one—or loses all his worldly possessions in a natural disaster or house fire? Will faith built upon such a faulty foundation stand in the storm?
The Scriptures reveal the consequences of this glory theology. One need look no farther than Jesus' disciples, who gathered together and hid in fear after He was crucified. That first Good Friday did not end in quiet reverence and hopeful anticipation of the first Easter morning. No, there were followers of Jesus who were left in the depths of despair because they expected the kingdom of glory to come without suffering, and they thought all was lost because Jesus had died.
The Lord Jesus told James and John that they didn't know what they were asking when they said they wanted Him to grant them whatever they requested. And it is the same for you today. When your theology of glory trumps your theology of the cross, you begin to expect the Lord to grant you your every wish, and you expect Him to explain Himself when He lays crosses upon you. But when your crosses appear to outnumber your blessings, you will be tempted to despair and to doubt your Lord's provision for you. Your Lord has promised to grant you everything you need, but not everything you want.
Christ Jesus is not a means to an end. He is The End. And He has taught you how you are to pray. No prayer for temporal blessings should be rendered to God without including, "Thy will be done." For prayer, itself, is communion between the Christian's believing heart and his Lord. And the believing heart will seek only that which is in accordance with the holy, just, and perfect will of God.
The nature of one's prayers, however, is only the beginning of the difference between the theology of glory and the theology of the cross. James and John started out with a request for a "blank check," but upon further questioning from Jesus they revealed their greater error of seeking glory without crosses.
Dear Christians, do not be deceived. Do not expect a Christian life that is free from serious illness, strife, and suffering. For if that is the theology you embrace, you will have no place to turn when you do hear bad news from your doctor, your banking statement, or your newspaper. For the theology of glory, the bad news of life chokes off the good news of the Gospel. Glory theology does not deal sufficiently with our sin or its effects. Sin is an inconvenient sidebar—a slight bump in the road. Or it is looked upon as a sign that one does not have true faith.
But glory theology rears its ugly head in the most disgusting manner when it tells the Christian that his suffering is a result of his weak faith and secret sins. It has little use for the suffering and death of Jesus, for in glory theology, Jesus did His thing 2,000 years ago—He died for our sins and is our Savior, but now we can focus on more pertinent things like how He can help us run a better business, fix our broken relationships, and teach us how to be healthier.
But once again, Christ Jesus is not a means to an end. He is the end. And He is the one and only focus of the theology of the cross. Theology of the cross keeps its eye on the ball, who is the crucified and risen Christ. And He is the Christ who came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. It is the Christ who is not your self-help guru, but the Christ who shed His blood and died for your sins and was raised again for your justification.
What are we to say to this? "Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints!" Rejoice, dear Christians, when you face trials and sufferings for they drive you to the cross. They force you to focus on the only source of true comfort, peace, and hope—Christ and Him crucified for your sins.
Jesus said that anyone who would be His disciple must pick up His cross and follow Him. But He also promises you blessed and eternal rest in Him at the end of this life. Christ Jesus, your Lord has already conquered sin for you, and has defeated the greatest and final enemy, death itself. And this He has done so that He might promise you full forgiveness of all your sins.
As God's children, you will indeed drink the cup of suffering as long as you are on this earth. You will be harassed by the unbelieving world, you will face trials and hardship, and you will be tormented by conscience and contrition over sin. Yet Christ Jesus has promised to give you peace from these crosses. He forgives you of your iniquity—He absolves you of your sin and separates them from you as far as the east is from the west. He invites you to His altar, where He gives you the visible and tangible promise in His body and blood that were given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins.
Furthermore, He invites you to come to Him at all times and places through prayer, in the knowledge that all of your crosses, whether they be sickness, bereavement, doubt, or fear, are all temporary and are placed upon you to re-center your focus and life on Him.
And remember, when you ask God to remove these things from you, that Jesus Himself prayed the Father take the cup of suffering away from Him, and He did not. Had the Father granted His dear Son His request, He would not have gone to the cross—and where would that have left you now?
Remember also, that St. Paul, when he suffered from a certain thorn of the flesh, asked the Lord three times for relief, and God said, "My grace is sufficient for you." And God did not remove the suffering from Him.


Do you know that sauna is good for health and body skin? If you frequently go to the steam sauna, it can help you reducing toxins and stress. You can enjoy the activity and receive a lot of benefits back. However, it can be burdensome for you to go out back and forth for the sauna. Now you can solve the problem of traveling by using an indoor steam sauna. The indoor steam sauna enables you to create a space where you can relax after coming home from work or school. You can share this comfortable happiness with family members too.
In case you are interested to learn more information about this special kind of steam sauna, you can go through the text below. It will bring the top 10 best indoor steam sauna that holds high-quality and useful features to serve you.
If you have spare space in your home, you can makeover a room of the indoor steam sauna. The sauna room has 59 inches width, 39.4 inches depth, and 75 inches in height which enables three people to enjoy the warm steam together. It comes with fully equipped. For instance, there is a control panel where you can set timer and temperature in the room. It has 8 carbon fiber far infrared heaters.
It is a couple indoor steam sauna room which allows two people joining together. This sauna mobile room is made of natural hemlock wood construction for durability and quality. To provide great heat and steam, it has 6 infrared carbon heaters. You can listen to music while staying in the sauna as it provides an mp3 auxiliary connection. Moreover, you can turn the power on and off easily by pressing buttons on the panel.
Some people want to try sauna but they cannot stand staying in the hot steam. Therefore, this special body treatment indoor steam sauna is the ideal. You can get therapy from the steam sauna with only your body. The product has two zippers and exposure holes for head and hands. Inside it is a chair so you can rest well and do other activity like reading or watching a movie.
Get to know this foldable indoor steam sauna unit. It won't take your space much because after using, you can deconstruct it easily. This product has a built-in chair that enables you to sit inside it while you can duck your head and hands out. Even though your body is trapped, you still can control the sauna machine through a remote control. You can take care of your health and beauty.
Are you suffering from stiff muscle and stress? Get yourself a nice therapy steam sauna to use at home. This is a collapsible indoor steam sauna which has zipper closures so that you can assemble and get out of it easily. It has 3 far infrared carbon fiber heating panels that can heat up to 140 degrees. In addition, there is a foot heating pad. It can endure weight up to 220 lbs.
You might have an idea that it takes you time and effort to build a personal sauna by yourself. But with this indoor steam sauna, you have to spend only a few minutes to assemble the steam sauna room and another 5 minutes waiting for heating. You will receive a foldable chair alongside to use during the treatment. You can detox and relax inside this product.
It is a healthy treatment for weight loss. If you want to eliminate some calories, you can choose this personal indoor steam sauna. There is a sauna box which can heat up the close space up to 140 degrees. By staying inside it for half of an hour, you will sweat and burn the fat in your body. Moreover, the steam sauna will help you have a good nice sleep afterward.
It is a mobile indoor steam sauna that you can take away easily. There are many tools included in a package such as a sauna tent, a set of tubes frame, an 800 watts steam generator, and a steam hose. You can use these to build a sauna room in minutes. In a result, you will get an area of 28 inches by 33 inches by 43 inches to rest and enjoy the hot mist flow.
You can get sweated without having to move physically. It is a sauna tent where you are able to delight in hot steam. You can use it in two ways. For instance, there is an additional canvas chair which you can take as a seat inside the tent. Or else, you can practice sitting on the floor like you dive inside a whole room. You can control the operation via a remote control.
Let's meet this last product among the best indoor steam saunas. It is a cute white and pink sauna tent. It contains a powerful steam generator which has a timer setting up to 60 minutes. This product is easy to use. You can set up the tent of 28 inches by 33 inches by 43 inches large and connect to the steam machine by yourself in a few minutes only. To add, you can open the lid of the steam generator and add water. It is very simple, isn't it?
Overall, having a special steam sauna at your home can bring plenty of benefits to you. You can enjoy the sauna at any time you want immediately. You have to spend only once and use it continuously. The steam sauna can soothe sore muscles, relieve stress, improve heart and blood circulation, and more. Plus, as you have already seen several best indoor steam saunas from above, you can consider then pick one to have in your household right away.


text:
Q: Error 405 cuando xmlhttpRequest realiza un post sobre una carpeta de servidor Me gustaría usar un código para cargar varios archivos al servidor. Mi servidor es un IIS 8.5 y he sondeado estas herramientas:
http://fineuploader.com/
y
http://blueimp.github.io/jQuery-File-Upload/
El problema es que ambos, me devuelven un error 405 cuando se ejecuta XMLHTTPRequest sobre  carpeta de destino.
¿Alguien me puede ayudar?

A: Esto puede deberse a:
1.- No estas especificando correctamente la ruta, incluye una ruta absoluta si es posible tipo http://www.midominio.es/almacen/fichero
2.- La carpeta no tiene permisos o el método de ejecución (GET,POST, PUT, etc...) no esta permitido.
En cualquier caso, ¿Nos podrías enseñar como tienes el código de la llamada?

A: El error 405 proviene de intentar usar un mètodo HTTP 'X' sobre un recurso que no lo soporta. Por ejemplo, hacer un POST a una URL a la que sòlo se le puede hacer GET.
Por lo tanto, la URL evidentemente existe, pero el mètodo HTTP no es soportado. Si la URL no existiese, te devolverìa un error 404.
Vas a tener que publicar algo de còdigo o nadie te va  apoder ayudar de manera sustancial.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and South Africa.
Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 967 km, Zambia 233 km.
English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%, indigenous languages: Oshivambo, Herero, Nama.


text:
Karen Lee Batten, Drinkin' Song Review
by Seamus Fitzpatrick on March 26, 2021
Lord Huron, Mine Forever Review
Karen Lee Batten is a Canadian-based Country Music vocalist and songwriter. Her first distinctive musical memory came at the age of four when she memorized her father's vocals as she watched him in concert. The young British Columbia native of Abbotsford was enamored with music, sang in choirs at the elementary and high school levels, and entered vocal competitions using Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" as her reliable favorite. As a young adult, she was bouncing between serving jobs, hosting karaoke shows, and performing intermittent gigs when an unwavering sense of purpose pushed her to devote full-time energy to the music. Confirmation for her new path came when she was a Top 10 finalist on Canadian Idol, giving her immediate national recognition and an exciting industry entry point. She was drawn to the country genre for its close-knit community and stylistic openness towards rock and soul elements, and that is where she placed her focus and songwriting. Batten's new pursuits led her to release her first album, Every Moment, and her first music video on Canadian Country Music Television. Her sophomore album, Cause a Scene, arrived in 2014 and hit #1 in album sales and #40 on Billboard Soundscan in Canada in its first month, followed by four subsequent radio singles. Batten's commanding stage energy has been seen and heard at Rockin' River, Merritt Mountain Festival, Gone Country, Sunfest, Williams Lake Stampede, a showcase during Canadian Country Music Week, and she is an anthem favorite at NHL, CFL, and MLS games. For her third album, Under the Covers in Muscle Shoals, Batten teamed up with producers CCMA award-winning Mitch Merrett (MDM Recordings) and Michael Pyle (Bobby Wills) to create a set of hand-picked covers from the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In its first week in Canada, the 2018 album hit #2 on Billboard Soundscan and #4 on iTunes, later earning Karen Lee her 7th BC Country Music Association Award for Female Artist of the Year. Batten is now releasing her party single "Drinkin' Song," which continues to lay the groundwork for a new 2021 EP, produced by Merrett and CCMA Award-winning Jeff Johnson.
Bottom Line: "Drinkin' Song" starts right on it, and the first thing you will notice is Batten's enticing country voice with a rich timbre and stout delivery. The single is hot off the heels of her winning the BCCMA Fans' Choice Award in 2020 and the success of that year's single, "Too Strong." "Drinkin' Song" strikes a balance of electric guitars and acoustic instruments, giving the song a modern country edge. Batten's voice remains the commanding spotlight throughout the song as the addition of vocal doubling, vocal harmonies, and multi-layered instrumentation fill out the music sound stage. The band kicks into overdrive for the cadential figure, putting the urgency on the last call. Overall, Batten's voice is distinctive and intoxicating, with the production highlighting her brilliant artistry making "Drinkin' Song" an outstanding bar companion. That's the short of it!
Connect with Karen Lee Batten: Website |
Karen-Lee Batten · Drinkin' Song
Drinkin' Song
Drinkin' Song (single)
KLB Records
Single Rating
Elyse Saunders, Free Review
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Greg Rider, We Ain't Royal Review
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Development of Psychological Integrated Services of the Border Police in the Republic of Moldova (SPINS)
The Border Police (BP) in Moldova ensures border security based on the Moldovan legislation and following the policy recommendations of the EU Schengen Catalog and Border Code. It coordinates the development and implementation of the national Integrated Border Management (IBM) strategy.
As a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIA) subordinated agency, the BP undergoes a substantial restructuring in adopting a unified police structure of command and operations, including psychological services.
IOM supported the BP reform process and contributed extensively to the development of the National IBM Strategy for 2015-2017. The current project follows up IOM's recent support to the development of the Human Resources component, including organizational and psychological testing and assistance. It also aims to create within the BP a consolidated psychological support system, which would offer relevant assistance for both the BP staff and border crossing population.
The project objective is to contribute to the implementation of the state policy on IBM, through improving access to psychological services for vulnerable migrants and Border Police personnel.
The project consists of four main activities:
Developing and making available the system of Integrated Psychological Services of the Border Police.
Making a baseline assessment and recommendations for the system of Integrated Psychological Services;
Development of the standard operating procedures for psychological activities within the BP;
Development of training curricula for the National Border Police College and the Academy of the MIA on Psychological activities within the BP;
Editing of the Guidelines of Psychological Support, including Professional Stress Management.
Developing and making operational the database for supporting implementation of the Integrated Psychological Services.
Conceptualization and setting up the database on psychologic support;
Training of the BP psychologists on appropriate use of the database.
Renovating and appropriately equipping of seven psychological cabinets of the BP for effective delivery of services.
Refurbishment and setting up pf seven psychological cabinets at the BP central and territorial levels, including the Chisinau International Airport;
Delivery of necessary furniture and basic equipment for the psychological cabinets;
Ensuring adequate conditions for the BP to effectively deliver psychological services to the BP staff and migrants.
4. Capacity building for BP psychologists for aqcuiring new knwoledge, skills and abilities to provide tailored psychological support to all categories of vulnerable migrants and the BP personnel.
Assessment of the current situation at the BP on training topics;
Development of the consistent curriculums and corresponding training methodologies for BP staff on (i) Training of Trainers on psychological assistance within the Border Police authorities and (ii) on psychological assistance during mass influx of migrants and internal displacement of population.
Conduction of two trainings on the mentioned topics for up to 30 BP psychologists and selected staff aiming at enhancing the capacity of the BP in providing tailored psychological support to all categories of vulnerable migrants and the Border Police personnel;
Three study visits to EU countries fir the PBD psychologists on the following topics:
Organizing psychological assistance within the Border authorities;
Psychological assistance during mass migrants' influx and internal displacement of population;
Psychological assistance for conflict management and resolution.
Please download the project's leaflet here.
Friday, September 1, 2017 - 16:00 to Saturday, August 31, 2019 - 16:00
IOM Development Fund
Ministry of the Internal Affairs; Bureau of Migration and Asylum; Customs Service; General Police Inspectorate; Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons, fiscal and phytosanitary services; Human Rights NGOs, UN Agencies.
Beneficiaries:
Moldovan citizens, all migrants and foreigners interacting with Moldovan Border authorities, with a particular emphasis on women, unaccompanied children and other vulnerable groups. Border Police staff and students, as well as other MIA divisions.
Estimated budget:


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European Commission to allocate € 71.4 million to Portuguese national carrier
By Jose T. Finch on	 December 23, 2021 Portugal country
The European Commission has approved a € 71.4 million aid measure that will be allocated to Portugal's national carrier, TAP Air Portugal, as financial support to help the carrier recover from damage suffered from January 1 to June 30, 2021, due to travel restrictions and other measures imposed due to the Coronavirus and its new strains.
The financial aid follows earlier financial support for the national airline, approved on April 23 and December 21, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.
"As part of the compensation measure, the aid will take the form of either (i) a capital injection; or (ii) a loan convertible into equity. The choice between these forms of support will be made by the Portuguese government ", the statement reads.
According to the European Commission announcement, the damage caused by the rapid spread of the Coronavirus and its new strains is considered an exceptional event. Therefore, all measures to compensate Member States for damage caused by the virus are justified.
"The Commission noted in particular that the Portuguese measure would compensate for the damage directly linked to the coronavirus epidemic. He also found that the measure is proportionate, because the compensation does not exceed what is necessary to repair the damage ", underlined the statement.
TAP Air Portugal is the country's largest airline, which plays an important role in tourism and the country's economy. TAP Air Portugal accounted for over 50 percent of arrivals and departures at Lisbon International Airport.
In response to the coronavirus situation, the Commission of the European Union has approved a temporary state aid framework, in accordance with Article 107 (3) (b) TFEU to help Member States recover of the current pandemic situation.
The framework has been changed several times, on April 3, May 8, June 29, October 13, 2020, as well as January 28 and November 18, 2021.
In addition, on March 13, 2020, the EU Commission presented a Communication on a coordinated economic response to the coronavirus.
The same allows Member States to compensate companies and sectors for damage caused by exceptional events, such as those related to the coronavirus situation.
State aid rules also allow EU member states to help businesses manage urgent needs for rescue aid or other similar purposes.
Even though the aid is aimed at helping the Portuguese economy recover from the damage caused by the virus, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant to other countries has prompted several European governments to impose additional travel restrictions which may result in d 'other difficulties, especially for the travel and tourism sector.
Full list of countries open to Britons who are not fully vaccinated against Covid
European vacation guide: what you need to know
Portugal to vaccinate 1.7 million in two weeks as COVID infections rise
Selection of favorites to win the tournament
Jose T. Finch


Welcome to RNS Health and Wellness Centre, proudly serving Bradford and surrounding areas. At RNS Bradford Wellness Centre, we are dedicated to providing effective, patient-centred treatment that adheres to the highest professional standards in our safe, caring environment. Our primary goal is to facilitate positive change and a healthier lifestyle. Our expertise includes Registered Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care, Acupuncture and Custom Orthotics. We are dedicated to improving your health today for a better and more active life tomorrow.


One of the main things we explore in the Akasha app is the different ways we can experience Love in our lives: Hurt Love, Self-Love, Gratitude, Compassion, Friendship, Romance and Passion for Life. These seven aspects of love represent all the different ways we can give, receive, express and be in love with all kinds of people: friends, family, strangers, lovers, dimensions of ourselves and even the world as a whole.
Love is unlimited. It's sewn into the very fabric of existence. That's why it seems to defy definition and explanation. It's everywhere and yet we take it for granted, so most of us are blind to the fact that Love leaves its traces all around us, in every moment.
Yes, it's an amazing feeling to spend Valentine's Day with a partner who loves you, to share a delicious meal, to enjoy a delightful time, to spend intimate moments together. But imagine the depths of joy you could access if you also really and truly felt just how amazing it is that the wind dances on your face, that the candlelight in the restaurant makes you warm and fuzzy on the inside, that the colors of your lover's shirt made your mind feel nice and calm, that the soft mattress underneath you as you sleep embraces you and holds you like a hug. And the subtle and soothing movements of your breath in and out of your body is the greatest magic of all.
Don't let popular culture and ads convince you that the only way to feel love is through flowers, chocolates, perfumes, being on a yacht with a gorgeous lover, taking trips to islands or sharing a popcorn at the movies. Love can be in all these things too, but it is also so far beyond these things. If you open your heart and bypass the judgments of your mind, you can fall in love with the whole of your life and embark on a beautiful journey to a state of free-flowing love that can never be contained. This state of love can help you unlock a reservoir of joy, peace and contentment in every moment regardless of circumstance. You can be in love with the very experience of being alive. And all you have to do to start living this way is to look around and realize how much you've been taking for granted.
The greatest love you will ever experience is the gift of love in everything. This form of limitless love enhances your relationships, helps you recognize the beauty of your own being and allows you to finally receive all of life without the negative filtering of your mind. Suddenly, that bouquet of roses you get on Valentine's Day will feel like more than just twelve flowers someone bought you—it will be the most intimate, loving experience of life itself.


Conor Byrne: Margaret Tudor: the Forgotten Tudor?
That is interesting. How different everything would have been if James had married Mary Tudor, and they had had children. England and Scotland might have been united much sooner.
"If not for the fact" —seems to be a familiar lament in history. If not for the fact that Henry VIII married Anne of Cleves —who knows, perhaps he should have married Marie de Guise instead. Then the history of England, Scotland and France would have been different. If not for the fact that Margaret had two unhappy marriages —history may have been different had she found someone earlier after her first husbands death to make her happy. But then, she would not have set the precedent of divorce for Henry VIII.
History is a funny (ironic) thing. If not for the fact that things happened the way they did, things would surely be different.


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Q: Restricting representations of the symmetric group to the cyclic group Restrict an irreducible representation $\chi$ of $S_n$ over $\mathbb C$ to a representation of the cyclic group of order $n$, $C_n$. Is there a combinatorial expression for how $\chi$ restricted to $C_n$ splits into irreducible representations of $C_n$?
I am able to compute this using the inner product on characters of $C_n$, but I wonder if there is another description using Young diagrams/partitions of $n$.


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25 Die Of Cholera Epidemic In Southern Yemen
ADEN, Nov 3 (NNN-SABA) – Around 25 people died of cholera and acute watery diarrhea, in Yemen's southern port city of Lahj, during the past two months, a medical source said.
The source of Lahj's Health Department, said that, "there is an increase in the death cases in Lahj, as a result of cholera and acute watery diarrhea, in recent months."
He said that the emergency statistics at the Health Department of Lahj indicated that, nearly 4,500 people are affected with cholera, according to medical tests.
The cholera epidemic, largely hits rural areas and villages, in the southern province of Lahj, due to the lack of health care there.
The health sector has been badly affected by the war in Yemen, which allowed the spread of cholera and other infectious diseases.
Cholera in Yemen has set the world's highest record with infection of over one million people and over 2,000 have been confirmed dead since 2017, according to WHO.– NNN-SABA


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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Clearwater, Fla. – In recognition of more than four decades of providing end-of-life care for patients and grief counseling for their families, Pinellas County, Florida has formally declared June 5, 2018 as Suncoast Hospice Day.
In its proclamation, the county references Suncoast Hospice's founding in 1977 by a group of volunteers who provided "the dying and their families with care, compassion, dignity and comfort, so that no one would die alone or in pain." From this inspired beginning, Suncoast Hospice has grown into a major community-based nonprofit employer in Pinellas County, with more than 1,100 employees, including physicians, advanced registered nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed social workers, certified nursing assistants, spiritual care coordinators, licensed grief counselors and general staff. In addition, Suncoast Hospice has grown from a handful of volunteers 41 years ago to nearly 2,000 throughout the county today.
Marci Pruitt, RN, vice president for Suncoast Hospice, said the declaration was well-deserved recognition for the thousands of people dedicated to making the end-of-life transition for patients and families a peaceful one.


When passing through the storms of life, please remember: 1. It could be worse. 2. It will get better. Stay strong, focus on what you can do, not what you cannot, and know that the clouds will soon part, and the sun will return again.


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Sha-Keria J. Hickman
Sha'Keria Shayonce' Hickman, was born October 7, 1988 in Chester, PA. She suddenly passed on her mother's birthday, June 17, 2019 at the age of 30 in London, UK. She was the eldest child of Dwayne Hickman Sr. and preceded in death by her mother StacyKay Ann (Smith) Hickman.
She was educated in the Christina School District where she studied under the Business Tech Program and was a 2006 Graduate of Hodgson Vo-Tech High School. She was a member of the Track and Field Team at Hodgson and made All State in the Shot Put and Discus Throw. She also participated in the CAA Junior Girls Basketball Program in Newark, DE. In 2006 she attended St. Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina. She attended Delaware Technical Community College and did an internship at Walt Disney World Resorts which allowed her to receive her Associates Degree in Restaurant/Hotel Management in 2013. Shay was the President of the Student Government Association.
Shay was currently employed at the Washington Street Ale House and the Westin Hotel in Wilmington, DE as a Bartender/Mixologist. Her first job was at Safeway (Genuardi's) Super Market as a Cashier. Her previous employments included working in the restaurant industry at several locations, Steak N' Ale, Cheeseburger Paradise, The Brio and TGI Friday as a Server. She began her career at Friday's as a Mixologist and continued at the Santé Fe Restaurant. In 2016 Shay won Best Margarita at the 3rd Annual Herradura Cointreau Margarita Contest at Starboard in Rehoboth Beach. In 2018 she won the Blue Coat Girl's Tri State Bartender Battle for the Best Bartender. Her dream was to become an Entrepreneur and open her own restaurant.
Shay was a member of the Daughters of the Tab Ministry at the Tabernacle of Praise Worship Church under the leadership of Sister Sylvia Brown and her mother StacyKay Ann (Smith) Hickman and a member of SWAT (Student with a Testimony) under the leadership of Sister Thelma Smith and the late Brother Willie Smith.
Shay was the Founder of Ladies of Radiance and a member of the Vanguard Society. Shay was a person who always shared an encouraging word and a smile to all who came across her path. In 2008 Shay played a major part in her mother's vision of feeding and clothing the homeless on Christmas Day down by the Wilmington Train Station in Wilmington, DE.
She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed family barbecues and spending time with her cousins and friends. She was an avid Eagles fan and enjoyed going to their games. Shay had a love for traveling.
Shay was preceded in death by her mother, StacyKay Ann (Smith) Hickman and her grandfather Willie Lee Smith.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted father, Dwayne Hickman Sr. and a loving brother, Dwayne Hickman Jr.; paternal grandparents, Pettus and Margret Hickman Sr.; Maternal grandparent Creola (Bumpers) Smith; four uncles, Pettus (Tonette) Hickman Jr., Pittsburgh, PA; Warren Hickman, New Castle, DE; LeFerria (Lenora) Smith, Sacramento, CA; Anthony (Carmen) Smith, Bear, DE; one aunt, Margretta Smith, Bear, DE; Godmother, Yolanda Bumpers-Granger, Wilmington, DE; two Godchildren Jamir Hill and Arkadia Lord, New Castle, DE; special friends Melissa Lord, New Castle, DE and Danielle Mead, Newark, DE and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Her Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00am on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2200 N Claymont Street, Wilmington DE, 19802; with viewing beginning at 9:00am
Her interment will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle, Delaware 19720.