Debt Doubts
“How to Beat Debt” (Winter 2004) contains a lot of useful information about the dangers of debt, clues to a problem and opportunities to improve. Still, one phrase struck me.

In a section on mortgage refinancing, the article suggests there is an opportunity to “walk away with some cash.”
Isn’t this increasing debt—exactly the opposite of the point of the article? I realize the debt may be at a lower rate, but the article is not about lowering rates, it is about getting rid of debt. What am I missing?

Ed Storey
El Paso, Texas

Editor’s Note: You are correct that the ultimate goal is to eliminate debt. However, if pressing needs such as home repairs require borrowing, adding that amount to a first mortgage refinance and “cashing out” typically will beat most loan options, especially credit cards, which generally have higher rates. It also can be used to pay off higher-cost debt balances such as credit cards and second mortgages.

Make It Mandatory Reading
Your Winter 2004 issue (a terrific one) contained an article that every American should read: “How to Beat Debt.” The hard data in it should be taken to heart by even the tightfisted Lutherans of the planet. Altogether too many Lutheran families have slipped into credit card madness. This is creating problems for some parishes. We may have a rendezvous with debt, but with the help of Thrivent Financial, it may land on the Lutheran doorstep a bit more lightly.

Richard E. Warner
Marathon, Florida

Singing Praises
I so enjoyed “The Power of Music” article in your Winter 2004 issue, which gave a glowing description of contemporary Christian music and why people are listening. My daughter and son-in-law have a worship ministry that takes them all over the country, into churches of all denominations, to draw people to the Lord. Your article will help those who have not experienced contemporary Christian music to take a look at a new possibility for listening enjoyment and then be drawn closer to God!

I loved the statement “Martin Luther himself felt that music was a heavenly gift second only to the Word of God.” How true! Music is a powerful tool, given by God, and when used properly it can call many to His throne.

Donna Gahr
Broadview Heights, Ohio

Shelter From the Storm
This past summer my husband and I traveled to Minnesota to visit relatives and attend the Centennial Celebration of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Danube.

Shortly after lunch on June 11, we were heading into Spencer, Iowa, with the skies looking ominous. When we got downtown, we stopped to ask about the weather and happened to park in front of a Thrivent Financial for Lutherans office. A lady came out and asked us to please come in and go down into the basement with them to be safe. It must have been the safest place in town—even the roof of the basement was reinforced concrete.

I have been a Thrivent Financial member for 55 years, and my husband has been a member for the last 13 years. Never in our wildest dreams did we think Thrivent Financial would someday “physically” help us.

We later learned there were 33 tornadoes in Iowa that day, many of them near Spencer. We thank God Spencer was spared.

Glorene E. Lueth
Harlingen, Texas

How Impressive!
We’ve been looking over the biographies of the nominees for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans directors that accompany the ballots (Winter 2004 issue), trying to pick the three most qualified individuals. Wow, what a group of accomplished and highly qualified nominees! We are fortunate to be members of an organization that can offer so many gifted and willing individuals to serve it and help it grow for our benefit.

Kurt and Patricia Thoss
Palatine, Illinois

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