Comments........

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Anonymous has left a new comment.....":

Shannon I did not jump your case and I have read it from beginning to end. I even posted regularly until you started slamming Matt. I stopped making any comments at that point. I continued reading because occasionally someone would say something nice and I needed that. Then, you just continued to defend yourself and this site and you would write the occasional bash comments in between so called memories. You confuse me when you argue that you are not bashing and that is not what this site is about because you do quite a bit of bashing in between your memories!
Posted by Anonymous to Don't Even Get Me Started at November 30, 2007 8:06 PM

But you have to admit....as would anyone reading....that my posts have become MUCH more dry C&P'd news. And then lately defending my right to have my own blog. I started off with memories and shock in my heart at this. Then tossed in some pissed and ready to fight. I have become more careful in my words and posts and what I think is okay to let come through without hurting those that are like-minded with me. I still have not met Kari's family......but I feel them. I still cannot explain my "role" in Kari's story. But I have felt her hand on me since she passed. I cannot let it go. It's not in me. I'm trying to be careful. But seriously, it's my blog. I answer only to myself...and my God-given conscience.

Okay. That was my reply comment. I apologize for saying "pissed" and not editing it. It's just the word that fits. Sorry.

Anonymous has left a new comment.....

I want to make sure that comments are being read. There are quite a few. The ones I feel comfortable with letting pass through, I do. FYI: This whole thing is 1 blog. My entries are called posts. Comments to those posts are called comments. It's frustrating to read someting like the comment below saying, "....your opening statement on this particular blog......" That's an opening statement on a particular post. It's not the opening statement on this blog. Big difference.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Outstanding? Wonderful person?":

Shannon I have no dought you will not post my comment but here goes.You say over and over that you are not here to bash or start anything and that this site is in honor and memory of Kari. What exatly then is your opening statement on this paticular blog other than bashing? I have to admit this is the first time I have seen you bash him this way! Why is it that you decided to do this after all the defending of yourself of the opposite? I have to wonder where the memory of Kari is in that!

Dear Anonymous,
Please.
Please.
Please.
Read this blog from the beginning forward....not the reverse.
You will see how this blog was meant to be.
You will see how it took on a life of its own.
You will see how I decided to tone it down.
You will see that I don't say everything that I want to say. I am trying.
I will leave the rest to the Courts and to Our God Almighty.
But read this blog in order before you jump my case, please.
I'm not perfect. But I am growing...and honing my "bite my tongue" skills.

Shannon

Fund Raiser

Kerrville's DailyTimes.com : Community Turns Out for Baker Fund Raiser

By Alison Beshur The Daily Times

Published November 19, 2007

Sporting a green “Live Strong”-type bracelet inscribed with the word “Defense,” Matt Baker strolled around the Louise Hays Park Pavilion chatting, shaking hands and hugging attendees at a fund raiser to help fight a case against him.“ It’s unbelievable to know the support I have,” Baker said. “Some of the people, I don’t know who they are. ... It’s amazing.”

In late September, Baker was arrested on a warrant that alleged he murdered his wife in April 2006 in their home near Waco. Her death had been ruled a suicide, but was later changed to “undetermined.”

After her death, Baker returned to Kerrville, where he had grown up, attended school and his parents still live. He brought his two daughters ages 7 and 11 and found a job working as a substitute teacher for the Kerrville Independent School District.

His late wife’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit, ordered depositions and then gave some of that information to the Hewitt Police Department for a criminal investigation.

Baker has not charged been formally by a grand jury in McLennan County. The next grand jury meeting is Nov. 28.

Since Baker was released in late October, his family has continued to receive an outpouring of support. Some of that was evident at Sunday’s fund-raising event. Attendees not only bought tickets for barbecue plates and baked goods and placed bids on silent auction items, but they also simply wrote checks to help with Baker’s defense fund. By the end of the night, more than $7,500 had been raised.

“I think we’re going to have a successful fund raiser, helping his family out with immediate needs,” said Brenda Hughes, an owner of Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q and one of the organizers. “It’s heartwarming to see the support and people not necessarily wanting anything in return.” Her son, Tyler “Buzzie” Hughes, said Baker was his substitute algebra teacher for three months last school year. Aside from teaching the subject, Baker also gave him advice and made comments to cheer up the now 16-year-old sophomore.

Most of his classmates don’t talk about the arrest, but many feel the same way about Baker’s arrest.“It’s a sore subject,” Tyler Hughes said. “No one wanted to believe it when we heard about. It was really hard to believe.”

Margo Walters said she felt “called” to attend the fund raiser to help a classmate she had known for decades and a local family who had given to others. The Bakers often served as parent sponsors for church activities and took in dozens of foster children.“Their hugs were genuine and free,” Walters said while finishing her plate of barbecue. “When you come together under God’s will, wonderful things happen.

Walters described her former classmate as “likable” and someone with a “genuine and awesome heart.” Of everyone she knew in high school, he would be her pick as the most unlikely candidate to face murder charges.“I was shocked when I heard,” Walters said. “I still am very puzzled by what is happening to this family.”

Changes - Effective Immediately

1. This is my blog.
2. Kari was my friend.
3. I believe with all my heart that she did not take her own life.
4. I am interested in truth and justice.
5. The evidence in support of Kari WILL NOT be placed on a blog in posts or comments.
6. The evidence will be provided to interested parties AT the trial. Not here.
7. This does not mean the evidence doesn't exist.
8. Investigators, law enforcement agencies, experts, witnesses, family and friends aren't going to talk and produce such evidence until the time is right.
9. They will not be pushed into speaking prematurely.
10. Just hang on.
11. I am interested in collecting information and news about this case as it unfolds.
12. I am interested in creating and maintaining a place of support for others seeking truth and justice for Kari.
13. Some of my early-on posts were very strong and passionate with all this stuff coming out again.
14. But in the last few weeks I have focused my posts to more news and facts related and also more memories.
15. I don't like way the comments area has turned into a wrestling match.
16. It's not taking this blog (this little community) in the direction that I feel comfortable with.
17. I am deleting comments with personal attacks on Kari.
18. I will moderate future comments.
19. As I said in yesterday's post, if this irritates the fire out of you, feel free to not engage.
20. You don't need to volunteer yourself to be irritated.
21. Neither do I.
22. This is a blog in support of Kari and truth and justice.
23. That's all.

Who are we to judge?

"God alone has the power to judge eternal judgement and/or final condemnation. But God commands believers to test, prove, judge and discern what is true and what is right and wrong. We are not to judge the hearts and intents of man, but we are to judge actions and discern right from wrong. The word 'judge' (Greek-krino) is used over 80 times in the New Testament and it means to call in question, discern, conclude, decree and determine." (letusreason.org - I don't know this organization but I liked the way this was worded so I used it.)

John 7:24, Hebrews 5:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Matthew 18:16, and 1 Thessalonians 5:21 as a start. The Bible is very clear and strong on this point.

Good Question: Who are we to Judge? (by B. Larson on ChristianityToday.com)

Common sense suggests that if no one ever judged other people, there would be no real human community. In a sinful world, no community can exist for long where nobody is ever held accountable: no teacher would grade a student's performance; no citizen would sit on a jury or call a failed leader to account. And, when you come to think of it, nobody would ever forgive anyone for wrongs he had done; we only forgive people for what we blame them, and we blame them only after we have judged them.

Is it right to judge others? (Good article by M. Randall)

Today it seems the most often quoted Bible verse is Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged." Some use it without realizing its true meaning and others, Christian and non Christians, use it to avoid accountability. Hypocrites for example would use it to avoid being challenged in their wrong doing. What does this verse really mean? Does this verse teach that we cannot judge others?

If someone believes there is good evidence and belief that someone commits a crime such as murder, they are not to just sit by and do and think nothing. They are to deliver the alleged offender to the authorities and prove, test and discern. This is what our criminal justice system is for. Surely no one wants to do away with the Courts and trials of all kinds because they are afraid to judge right from wrong and to free the righteous and rebuke and punish the evildoer. I do not and will not ever judge Matt's soul. If he did this and it's proved he did this beyond a shadow of a doubt, I pray that he repents and earnestly seeks God's forgiveness and receives it. I don't want him to go to hell. I am not trying to condemn him at all. And if he's innocent, what a wonderful relief and joyous day it will be when all this is officially put behind him. But this case needs to be tried. The truth deserves to come out. Don't we all want that?


Responding to whoever wrote responding that they agreed with me totally but....
I don't think that my postings and/or comments are evil in the least. I do feel passionately and probably come across that way a lot. I won't apologize for that. Until I see/hear evidence conflicting my opinions, I do not think/believe Kari took her own life. I don't think Kari "chose to leave her girls." It's a gut wrenching subject matter we're discussing and feelings and passions are heated. It's human nature. I've time and time again said I'm not condemning anyone. Not my job. But I am commanded by God to test and discern what is right and wrong and stand on the side of right....to pray....and let God work his plan. In this day and age and with my affinity to the internet and information and communication, I chose to start a blog with the links and information on this case. I never dreamed anyone besides me and a few of my friends and family would ever even see this. I really never dreamed that both family and friends of Matt's and Kari's would come here at all...especially with the frequency and number of hits each day that this blog is getting. Someone complained that this blog is too one-sided on Kari's behalf. Well, it is my blog. I post the news reports and I post my reactions to those reports, my thoughts and my memories. I'm not sitting on the fence on this and neither should my output. If you agree with me and find solace here, check back and keep in touch. If you don't agree with me and this blog just irritates the fire out of you.....I don't mean this rudely at all.....but you don't have to check back and keep in touch. Don't put more irritation into your life than you have already.

With such a passionate and intense subject matter as this, you would expect feelings and opinions to be expressed. Mine...and those commenting to mine and/or others. Yes, sometimes they are calm and sometimes they are more heated. But I don't find my posts or comments evil.

A few of my favorite quotes sum it up:

All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing. ~Edmund Burke

He who does not punish evil, commands it to be done. ~Leonardo da Vinci

When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail. ~Pearl S. Buck

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. ~Albert Einstein

Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously. ~God


We just need to examine the evidence so we can properly (not superfically) once and for all determine in this case.

Come on....Share a memory

I would love it if you guys that come and read and visit Kari's blog would share some of your memories of Kari...not only with me, but with any family and/or friends that might be reading along as well. Feel free to comment anonymously if you wish. Just share those memories. If you want to add your name, wonderful. Or even if you want to let us know a general "title" of who you are...for example, family, co-worker, church family, friend, parent of a child she taught, went to school/college with her....that would be nice. You don't have to keep it to one memory. Come back and share more as you think of them. Or comment off someone else's comment if it reminds you of something. Funny. Serious. Spiritual. Educational. Crazy. Let's make this post and comment section a sweet and voluminous tribute to our memories of Kari.

Who's first? ;)

Baker Returns Home to Warm Welcome

Article in the Hill Country Community Journal

By Tammy Prout

November 8, 2007

When Matt Baker got word his bond had been reduced and his parents were coming to get him, he only had one thing on his mind.“I wanted to hug my girls,” Baker said. And hug his girls he did on Oct. 25 in McLennan County.“We knew that there was going to be a lot of media there, so we were a little concerned,” Baker said. “But the jail administration allowed my family to drive right up into the covered area and the girls exited on the opposite side of the vehicle so that they were not exposed to the television cameras.”How did it feel?" “It was great. I needed that. We needed that,” he said.

An arrest warrant was issued for Baker in August, charging him with the death of his wife, Kari, who died in August of 2006. Her death was initially ruled a suicide by the Hewitt Police department, which then later assigned another investigator to the case and changed the ruling. Since he was arrested Aug. 21, Baker’s parents, Barbara and Oscar, have been caring for his children, ages 11 and 7, communicating with attorneys and trying to figure out how to come up with the funds it was going to take to get Baker home. The initial bond was set at $400,000, which was eventually reduced to $200,000.“I know this has been hard on them,” Baker said. “But keeping the girls routine was first and foremost on our minds.”While incarcerated, Baker spoke with his parents daily.“I called them every day and checked on the girls. We had to go over what was happening with the attorneys,” Baker said. “It cost $11 for 15 minutes.”Barbara and Oscar, like many area residents and students, are steadfast in their belief that Baker did not and could not have murdered his wife.“I have nothing to hide. I am an open book. I am accused of something I did not do,” Baker said. “I know that, and the people who know me know that.”

One of the decisions Barbara and Oscar made for their son was to seek the help of Guy James Gray, a 25-year veteran prosecutor, now operating a private practice.As was previously reported, it was Gray who was able to have Baker’s bond reduced.Barbara said she was apprehensive at first to make such an important decision on her son’s behalf.“My mom told me she had met with Mr. Gray and said she felt very good about him,” Baker said. “Her exact
words were that he was a ‘Godsend.’”After meeting with Gray, Baker said he agreed. “I know he would not have taken this case if he did not believe in my innocence,” Baker said.Keith Williams, a local attorney, family friend and Baker’s former Bible school teacher helped introduce the family to Gray. He will also assist Gray during the trial.Since returning home, Baker said he feels
loved. “I can see it in people’s eyes when I’m in the grocery store or dropping the girls off at school,” he said. “Sometimes they will just stop and let me know that they are praying for me and my family. That means so much."

”The Bakers will not publicly discuss Kari’s parents. However, it is they who filed and dropped a civil wrongful death suit against Baker, claiming he is the cause of the death of their only child. “We’ve been going through this now for a year-and-a-half. My girls and I have never been able to grieve,” Baker said. “I’ve lost my wife. My children have lost their mother.” To date, the case has not gone before a grand jury. Baker said he will trust Gray with his life.“There’s no evidence linking me to Kari’s death. I’ve taken and passed a lie-detector test,” Baker said. Patience, however, will have to be a virtue for the Baker family, as they put their trust in Gray and let the justice system work as it should.

I'm not positive....but I don't think that Kari was an only child. Doesn't she (didn't she) have a brother?

From a recent comment....

I wanted to share this comment because I'm afraid it might have gotten lost. It's a recent comment but it's on an older post. It's another eye witness to Matt and Kari's lives who shares her thoughts.

"I thank the Lord above that He, alone, is in control. I am saddened, broken-hearted and truly amazed that so many here choose to comment and present opinions anonymously.

I was a Youth and Music Minister at Williams Creek Baptist Church while Matt was Pastor. It was during that time that Kassidy, their second born, died. Honestly, I have tried to sit the fence on this one, to let God take care of it all. I care deeply for Matt and Kari and their girls. But this is what I know... After watching the pure and complete agony of losing a child, Kari would not and could not take her own life. It was absolute torture to WATCH her mourn for her daughter. I cannot even begin to imagine what torture it was for her to let go of Kassidy and let God take care of her. But here's the kicker... She did it. She knew that Kassidy was finally in a place where she was free to be all God created her to be without sickness and pain. Kari got there. She reached that point that no mother should have to endure.Conversely, Matt never seemed to let himself feel the pain of that loss. He was back to preaching immediately. A sign of strenth and resolve? I think not. More like a route to escape. A way out. A chance to run from reality and never truly come to terms with the loss of a child-- an innocent victim in a tragically lost world.

Do I think Matt killed Kari? I think that Matt was cheating on his wife and wanted to get out of his marriage without scarring his reputation or losing custody of his daughters. That's what I think.I pray that our Lord will guide my heart and my mind as well as all those who hold Matt's fate in their hands. I also pray that those who have opinions to state and thoughts to share will do so pubically and without shame of retribution. Peace to you all."

Example of "Collateral Damage"

As I've said before, the "collateral damage" resulting from what happened to Kari is far reaching. When pastors/ministers/preachers do such reprehensible things, it gives those with a bone to pick about Christianity in general fodder for discussion. I know that there are people of all faiths and religious backgrounds (be they 'leaders' or not) along with people with no religious faith that do horrible, evil things. But it's not a flaw of Christianity. It's a flaw of that human that did it.

I do not in any way fault this blogger for speaking his mind. It seems that plenty of "Christians" have torpedoed fodder to him and others with similar beliefs. It's just a different angle that Christians don't aways take into account when they stumble.....or crash into a brick wall is the case. Others are always watching. Our examples scream out to everyone around us. Here is an exerpt from Deep Thoughts:

"Former Baptist pastor and current part-time youth minister
Matthew "Matt" Baker was arrested for the murder of his wife yesterday. If one
is looking for proof that being a Christian bestows some higher
moral values on its adherents, this case will serve as a classic example of
why this type of reasoning is flawed.

The allegations are damming for a normal person, for a
pastor they show an utter lack moral conviction. Matt Baker was a pastor when he
starting having an affair. His desire to be with his new girlfriend is alleged
to have driven him to murder his wife. Baker is alleged to have researched how
to kill his wife via the Internet and then administering the drugs that caused
her death. "

Fundraising Info?

A couple of comments mentioned some big fundraising efforts on Matt's behalf. Does anyone have information on those?