Labor Day Special Report (Aug. 28)

I couldn't believe that someone could combine two of my favorite subjects, baseball and calling, into one article, but Marvin Olasky did it in "Work & calling." And Gene Edward Veith's essay on "Arenas of service" was the capstone of your special report. Some are made to feel that if they are not involved in professional Christian service, they are not fulfilling their calling. We need Christians in all walks of life spreading salt and light. Al Shirah; Big Canoe, Ga.

I have always thought I should be helpful and cheerful at work but I never exactly knew why, which cut down on my actual cheerfulness. Knowing that God works through every calling has revolutionized and rejuvenated my sense of drive to work, not for myself but for the glory of God. Grant Allard; Turlock, Calif.

Your Labor Day Special Report reminded me of Ecclesiastes 5:19-20, my favorite Scripture referring to work: "When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work, this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life because the Lord keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." Albin Sadar; Sunnyside, N.Y.

The danger of separating the secular and sacred is such an important concept for understanding our work. I was glad to see WORLD devote an issue to it. And I loved how "Work & calling" was structured around ballgames and conversations. It made me feel like I was there. Jeremy Gabrysch; Austin, Texas

The articles on vocation as calling were excellent. We are failing in the area of the sacred because we have divided our lives between the sacred and the secular. Carl Abbott; Gerry, N.Y.

I was not looking forward to returning to work this school year because of the challenges at my school site. I greatly appreciate the encouragement to work in my calling and how this mindset should affect my attitude. Katy Smyrniotis; Downey, Calif.

"More than money" (Aug. 28)

Thank you for the fine article about two Christians in the marketplace. In 1969, as an established businessman and, more importantly, as a new believer, I was discipled by Dorothy Sayers' essay, "Why Work?" from her book Creed or Chaos. I never got over it. Can we imagine the incredible energy and impact around the world from believers seeking to honor God in their "secular" vocations? Alec Woodhull; Rockford, Tenn.

"Pushing paper in the kingdom" (Aug. 28)

Thank you for a fine column. Christians who think that what they do now on earth is a holding pattern until the time "we get to heaven" are a pet peeve. Work here has special meaning now and in the future, as I read the Scriptures, and Janie Cheaney encouraged believers that even the most boring work done now should be executed to the glory of the Most High God. Don Spencer; Lake Tapps, Wash.

"Shortage or surplus?" (Aug. 28)

Having outstanding teachers is a key to education reform, but students have the major responsibility of being ready to learn. In a population increasingly driven by entitlement, we need to discuss accountability for students and parents. D.J. DeJong; Falcon, Colo.

"Immigration equation" (Aug. 28)

On my last trip to Mexico I took a photo of a sign at the border warning visitors to "have your documents ready for inspection by Mexican customs and immigration authorities." Now I'm wondering why it works on their side of the border but not on ours. Linda Wisdom; Bishop, Calif.

You had a great comparison between those who obey our immigration laws and those who feel they can break the law as long as their "intentions" are good. Lisa Hope tells of her experience of becoming a citizen, as my father did, with an appreciation for the opportunity to become an American. Not so with those who choose to disobey the law. It is sad to see children suffer from their parents' actions. Trudy Camping; Phoenix, Ariz.

Dispatches (Aug. 28)

We were at our Florida condo three days after the BP oil leak began. Our prayers became radical pleas for supernatural intervention to save the beautiful Gulf and the livelihood of so many Americans along its coastline. Thank you for being the only news outlet even to hint at divine involvement in the mystery of the "missing oil." Elaine Neumeyer; Big Canoe, Ga.

I was touched by the deep inner struggle of atheist and author Christopher Hitchens. He has studied philosophy, science, comparative religions, and the Holy Bible, yet the only lasting hope for any of us lies in the first half of his own name. Wally Kroguletz; Sumas, Wash.

"Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" (Aug. 28)

My wife and went to see Scott Pilgrim based on Sam Thielman's review. We were extremely disappointed. Yes, it is funny if you want to laugh at sin. Malcolm Kinsinger; Washington, Ill.

"Dropping the ball" (Aug. 28)

What a shame that the only name that stood out to Mark Bergin at the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony was the one not known for personal greatness, Jerry Rice. The first words of running back Emmit Smith were to "thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," then he spoke passionately and articulately as he poured out honor and gratitude to all the people in his life who made him successful. Joni Halpin; Allen, Texas

"Talk talk talk talk talk" (Aug. 14)

I liked Mindy Belz's column. Our conversation seems to be going the way of our art. In the same way that modern art offers us meaningless shapes and lines, so American conversations seem to be shallow and loose. It is encouraging that the Bible can help us to recover our communication skills. Andrew Paulson; Apple Valley, Minn.

"Abdicating the crown" (July 31)

LeBron James, had he played in New York City, would have had to pay millions in state and city income taxes over the course of his contract. Florida has no personal income tax and as such attracts big moneymakers such as Rush Limbaugh and Tiger Woods. As the saying goes, follow the money. Janis Vitolins; Fishers, Ind.

"The end of accomplishment" (July 31)

This column was excellent. I agree with the three reasons Janie Cheaney cited as an explanation for why we have lost the capability to put a man on the moon since 1972. The best line is, "Vision, leadership, unity, and talent are ground to dust by bureaucracy." David Berry; Westminster, Md.

"Moments in time" (July 31)

"Moments in time" was a scorcher. I've been bothered by the idea of "incremental" for a while because I always wonder in which direction I'm heading. How far does a particular sin or bad or lazy habit move me away from the Lord, or a good work move me toward Him? I'm reminded of Paul's admonition in Philippians to "think on these things." The thought realm is where the real trouble starts. Malcolm Powers; Ann Arbor, Mich.

I am very thankful for your magazine. It reports happenings in a factual manner without a worldly spin on it, as the liberal media do. Robert Buri; Roseburg, Ore.

Thank you for an extremely high-quality magazine. You really bless me with your professionalism. Your graphic designer does a great job and all your articles are interesting. Peter Davenport; Tacoma, Wash.