The lockdowns are over. People are coming out of the security of their caves and joining the rest of the human race. Restaurants are up and running. County and state fairs will be open this summer. Festivals abound. Art shows, live theatre, concerts in the park are alive again. We are all so eager to be normal, but exactly what is normal?
This past weekend, my little town of Anoka, MN, had an event called River Fest. It included food trucks, antique flea markets and people mingling all along Main Street with parking at a minimum. The local brewery and wine bar were open and full to the brim with visitors. On the Highway coming out of Anoka, at least 150-200 motorcyclists were participating in a race for military veterans. Another town right next to us was holding their own event called a Fun Fest. A parade and bands marched through the city and booths were set up along the way to introduce the citizens with area businesses. Today, my husband is attending an art festival in one of the parks and I imagine there will be many folks looking to buy art or just breathing in the excitement of being with others. It seems that once the restrictions were lifted, everything went back to the way it was and then some.
Are we setting ourselves up for another season of Covid. The variants don’t seem to respond to vaccines. The drug companies are again scurrying around trying to change that. Masks are no longer required unless you have not been vaccinated. Soon there will be a giant bonfire to rid ourselves of those breathing restrictive little face coverings. I’ll be right there to light the fire.
Churches are back to indoor worship services. Retail stores – small and large – are now reaping the benefits of those stimulus checks. Kids are getting ready to go back to normal school in the fall. Are we ready for this sudden, swift re-entry into the world of the living? I think everyone is very eager to be with others. We’re so finished with living in isolation, yet is it really safe to go into the water? The conspiracy theorists are already looking at the pandemic as a political ploy for both sides of the aisles. Though the numbers of deaths from the CDC and individual family experiences remain. I don’t think this could’ve been anything but a pandemic and maybe even one of the signs of the end times. Now we hear of droughts across the plains, which will cause prices to rise for grain and meat. The locusts haven’t appeared yet, nor the frogs, but don’t be surprised if they do.
I don’t know what to believe, other than the fact that God is still the same as He was before this whole thing happened. He’s the same as He was when He delivered the people out of Egypt. He’s the same as He was when the Titanic went plunging into the depths of the sea and wars broke out in various parts of the world. He will be the same when He decides to end this world. We can count on it. We don’t need to live in fear of that day. It only leads to a better place with no more war, sadness, tears, disease or sin. In a world that is constantly changing it’s reassuring to know that we have One in control who never changes. His Word, the Bible also remains the same, even though newer translations arrive over the years..
Change can be for our good in many areas of life, but consistency in the things we put our trust in can only be achieved through the Creator of the world. He knows what will happen next. He’s already arranged it. He has a perfect will and when we have faith in it, we will know how to be still and know that God is our rock and salvation.
In ancient times tending a flock of sheep was considered a necessary part of society. Sheep were important for their milk, their fleece and their meat. Being a shepherd was often delegated to the youngest male in a clan instead of his inheriting land. The job description went something like this. Must be willing to give up any normal family life, because of extensive time away from home and a nomadic life style. Tend to a herd of stubborn animals that think nothing of straying from the flock. Protecting them with your life. Making sure that each and every one of them makes it safely to its destination. Compensation: Nothing to very little.
The correlation of our Savior as the Good Shepherd is so beautifully connected to what Jesus is to us. He had nothing of earthly value except the sheep under His care. He went from town to town and trudged across miles of rugged country to tend to their spiritual needs. He protected them from the greatest predator of all – the devil, He healed many, He performed miracles, He fed them with the nourishment of God’s Holy Scriptures, He led a life of infinite perfection and took all the foolishness of the flock on His own shoulders when He died on the cross and rose again to life.
He protects me daily with the armor of His salvation and is constantly at my side as I face adversity, fear and anxiety. He is also with me in the good times – encouraging me, lifting me up and spurring me on.
Sheep are known to be rather dumb animals. They think nothing of roaming to greener pastures just to fill their bellies. They have one goal in life and that is to do their own thing. Aren’t we so much like them? We travel through life, often with no real direction. We say we are spiritual people, but we don’t take time to feed on the Word of God. We always look for things that will please us rather than God. We stray like those silly sheep. We need someone to keep us on track – on the narrow way – on God’s path.
Jesus is the perfect shepherd. He referred to Himself in just those words.
John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.”
When we feel like our lives have no direction – that things are falling down around us – when nothing good ever happens – when health fails, bills mount up, there is no hope – we can look to our Good Shepherd and ask Him to get us back on track. Not only do we ask in confidence, but we will receive the peace and comfort that He will answer.
Thank you, Lord, for being my perfect shepherd – for fighting off all my enemies – for guiding me to the gate that leads to heaven – for bringing me safely home – for giving your life to save me and all who believe in you and follow your ways. Amen!
The sun breaks through a heavy sky, filled with remnants of distant smoke and fires,
The air is too dry to produce sufficient moisture, yet there is something phenomenal about a Sunday morning.
The birds begin their concert as animals waken and browse their surroundings with sleep filled eyes.
The gentle breeze, the quietness, the peace that comes with a day of rest.
So often we choose to fill that day with extra activities when all we really need to do is enjoy the moment, breathe in the stillness, get closer to God by attending His sanctuary.
A sanctuary that is filled with His creation, no matter where it is. He is available to you anywhere. Walk with Him today and every day. He has masterpieces to share with you that you will never forget.
He has life giving water that will completely satisfy your thirst.
It was at the height of it’s opulence, this city from of old, It commanded respect and attention, its streets were paved with gold, It shone like the brilliant sun in the sky, reflecting its bright rays, Within the dark shadows secrets survived, infesting all the days.
The brilliance soon disappeared from all sight, as darkness slithered in, No one realized what was happening, knew nothing of this sin, The ominous shadows penetrated the brilliance of the day, Corruption and greed encapsulated and sent the good away.
That once shining and glorious city, no longer casts its light, What remains are shards of days long ago, decay, great loss and blight, If only the fire had been overseen, by those within her gate, Perhaps a flame would rise from the embers, and new life would create.
We should learn from our own sweet history, but we often fail the test, We think that we have the perfect answers, we think that we know best, Instead of trusting our almighty God, we struggle and we fall, Still patience abides in His gracious love, His love is meant for all.
Do you have a favorite teacher from your past? Since I’ve been around for a while, I’ve had and worked with a number of teachers. You can spot the dedicated ones a mile away. They’re the ones who care about their students and want to help them understand and learn things that will motivate them to want to learn more. They are motivators, encouragers, caretakers, nose wipers, those who get the kids into their boots so they can be warm during recess.
I’ve had a number of memorable teachers over time. When chalk boards and erasers were in use, there was the second grade teacher who always wore black. She didn’t need an eraser. As she went across the board with new information, she quickly eliminated what was previously written. It was obvious when she turned around. There was the 8th grade English teacher that assigned us to write a short play. I proceeded to write my first full length play, with a cast of thousands, music and dancing, elaborate costumes and a total of three acts. I was so excited about the assignment and expected a grade that would surely outshine anyone else. Instead I was told that the play was too long, had too many characters and could never be produced on the school’s stage. I was crushed and didn’t write another play until I was in my 40s.
There was the American History teacher who re-enacted the Civil War on the top of his desk. His horned rimmed glasses surrounded eyes that became those of an enraged general leading a charge. He was the one who should’ve served towels with his classes. I sat in the front row and the recipient of a spray of saliva which he delivered along with his lectures. There were many teachers that I admired, many that had apparent problems outside the classroom and those who I truly learned from. That last group also tended to seem interested in me rather than their delivery. They were the ones who saw something in me that I didn’t yet know existed.
When I returned to college at the age of 44, to take as many theatre classes as I could, I met a professor who inspired and taught with zeal and excitement, making the experience more than I could ever hope for. He schooled me in all the technical aspects of acting, directing, teaching and so much more – tools that I would continue to use throughout the rest of my working life.
Today teachers have many challenges. The technology they use now is enough to discourage most older women and men from teaching. With the recent pandemic, they had to learn a whole new way of relating to students on line. They had to change their technique along with adapting to new methods. Over the past 25 years or so, they’ve had to deal with parents who have not instilled the basic courtesy of respect for those in authority. They’ve also had to deal with students that don’t think they need to be educated. There is no method of discipline a teacher is able to administer and kids have kind of run the system themselves at times. I know there are parents out there that still teach their kids to be responsible for their actions, but the trend seems to be faltering.
When we think about past teachers, let’s remember that they have little time off. Once school ends for the year, they may get in a week or two of vacation. By July, they’re already thinking about their coming school year and are usually back in the classroom by the beginning of August. Their days don’t end with the final bell. They need to grade papers, read essays, prepare for the next day’s classes and have little time for themselves. They must stay true to curriculum. They follow certain protocols. They continue their own education to improve or grow their own knowledge. They attend meetings, counsel students, talk to parents and you might say their job is thankless for the most part – except for that one student they may touch during their career. That teacher is the one that will be remembered with positive vibes, when they have children of their own.
Proverbs 22:6“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
During the pandemic, I became addicted to watching old movies and television series. Most of the western movies tell tales of Americans pushing through the wilderness. Many made way for the coming railroads which would be made possible by cutting through mountains with the aid of hundreds of Asian immigrants who knew a lot about explosives. A band of men came from all parts of the globe – Asians, Germans, Scandinavians and Irish as well. This corps of strong, able bodies often gave their lives in the process of carving through forests and laying miles of track for the impending railroad industry. Of course all of that led to more interference in trespassing on land that wasn’t really theirs. The native Americans suffered greatly by the hand of those eager businessmen and settlers and to what end?
In most of the stories told, we hear about progress and building a country, but we don’t often think of the cost. Not only were lives and land lost, but a whole new civilization would be formed and corruptions would breed within those newly settle towns. It spoiled all that hard work because of greed. It might look that way to many American citizens today, but at the time, it seemed the right thing to do.
My great grandfather was a conductor on those early passenger trains which carried the eastern entrepreneurs across country. That doesn’t mean he was perpetrating the evil. He was just doing his job, as many Americans were now becoming reliant on this way of transportation. I remember him displaying the gold pocket watch from his days on the railroad. I recall him walking down to the train depot each day and convene with other veteran railroad workers and tell stories about those good old days. It had become part of his life all the way until his death. He no longer had the stamina to be a conductor, but he still had his memories and a voice.
We can fault our forefathers for being greedy – by stealing land that didn’t belong to them. We could dwell on those facts and grow angry because of it. We can demolish our past by tearing down monuments, works of art, National treasures because they mean nothing to the edification of America. We can despise the acts of buying and selling human lives into slavery. All of these memories can be erased in an instant, leaving us with what? No lessons to be learned from past mistakes. Closing our borders to legal immigrants, while thousands enter illegally. There would be no progress or fortitude to work hard towards that progress. Often when we close our minds to the past, we are never going to move to the future without the freedom of those old sins. Those wrongs will not be righted by ignoring them.
I have few memories of my great parents – only that they lived well into their nineties. My great grandmother suffered from rheumatism and her hands were gnarled with arthritis. She needed to cling to the wall as she moved from one room to another. He was at least a foot taller than she. They seemed to love each other, but emotion wasn’t a thing you wore on your sleeve in those days. I also remember the pocket watch and his trips to the train depot with great clarity. Those are the memories we should focus on.
Proverbs 19:13 “A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.”
I kind of bristle when I read some of the proverbs. Especially the verse above. I don’t consider myself a nag, but there have been times when I’ve felt like one. Maybe nagging fades when we get older. We no longer have the pep or the spunk to speak up or we’ve learned that it’s better to be patient in our waiting. Whatever the case may be, I feel like this is a definite slam against women in general. The truth is we are different than men in more ways than one.
When mankind fell into sin, all kinds of changes occurred. Not only did humans realize that they made a huge mistake, but there would be consequences for their disobedience. They would no longer have the gift of paradise. They would experience all the negative emotions that would lead to future disobedience. Men were assigned the task of taking care of the animals and the earth. After sin, the task became hard work and created aching bones, muscles and sweat. For women, they would endure pain in the whole child bearing process. Today those issues have been dealt with in not having children, birth control and abortion. All of which are forms of trying to take God’s place and doing things our own way.
Men are workers, hunters and gatherers, as the saying goes. Women are meant to be caretakers of the home and family. They are to keep the home fires burning while man supplies the wood. So sometimes, when you run out of wood, a need is created which must be addressed. That’s when the nagging comes in, I guess. What starts as a simple requests is responded to with subjective hearing. When the request must be repeated a number of times it becomes nagging.
Times have certainly changed with all the modern conveniences we now have to tend to our needs. Still those inner parts of our makeup will often surface. Today, many men are the naggers and the wives are thebread winners. Today, you may not even know who is who anymore. Once again, the human race is trying to play God in almost ever area of our existence. They want to control the weather by spending billions of dollars to create alternate forms of energy. They can choose whether they have a child or not. They can abort a child almost to full term call it choice rather than murder. Every form of decadent behavior is deemed being a success. In fact, the world today is a constant dripping that seems bent on taking God’s place. Eventually, we will be able to determine when end of life should come. The list of man’s interference in God’s divine intervention is endless and will be until Jesus returns again.
We must remember who the boss is. It’s God alone that determines when a hurricane is necessary to stir up the waters and balance nature. It is God’s hand that turns a tiny seed into a plant that will feed many. It is God who brings about life and determines when it will end. Have we forgotten to trust in His will for our lives? Instead of complaining (nagging) about who is going to fix things, let’s return to prayer for God’s omniscience in our lives. He’s the only One who can repair the mess we’ve all created. Oh, and by the way, He did.
When I visited New York several years ago, there were cows everywhere. I ‘m not referring to herds of them running through the streets. Artists had painted these whimsical creatures to highlight some of the landmarks. My sister and I took photos standing in front of them, (before selfies) but I lost my camera so never had a chance to see them.
We place a lot of stock (not talking about cows here) in some of our famous landmarks in the USA. The Golden Gate Bridge, the Paul Bunyan statue, the monuments in Washington, DC and Mt. Rushmore, but they’re just reminders of the achievements of some, for the glorification of others and for destination spots for travelers.
The Statue of Liberty is one of those colossal monuments. It sits in the harbor welcoming newcomers to our country. She has been there since 1886 and was a gift to our country from France. The plaque at the base contains the words of Emma Lazarus and have served as a greeting to immigrants as they journey to Ellis Island.
During my stay in New York, two other monuments stood tall in the midst of the city. The twin towers were a symbol of world trade, but on September 11, 2001 those buildings were wiped out by a terrorist attack that changed our country.
Like all monuments and buildings which have been exposed to the elements, they eventually need repair, replacing or reconstruction. They are simply structures built by human beings and with work can be rebuilt. When it comes to people, we often need repair too. Like those aging edifices, we become tarnished with sin – broken by difficulty – stressed by the outside influences of life. We need rebuilding too, bur our rebuilding takes place internally..
When we place our trust in God, He will constantly repair and rebuild us. Our human nature will lead us to believing the lies of this world, but He will keep us on the road to heaven if we let him. He’s given us the promise of an open door to His kingdom – a place where we will never grow weary, feel pain, experience sorrow. All sinners – the wretched masses yearning to be free – will know the glory of God.
Fifty six men were signers of the Declaration of Independence. They represented the thirteen original colonies. That small group of patriots would cause a great reaction when it was released to the world.
What kind of men were these? Some were doctors and lawyers. Some were merchants. Some were farmers. They came from several walks of life. All of them had one goal and that was to be free from the tight hold of the British government. They’d been taxed beyond their means. They were also plagued by British troops, acting as police. Those who were to keep order often killed innocent victims and created havoc in the streets and across the countryside. This new land was still in its infancy, but it was comprised of ethical men who saw beyond the hard work necessary to build a new country. They were willing to invest in this union with their very lives if necessary.
The document was intended to be signed on July 1, but there were differences of opinion on the wording. It was presented to the Continental Congress on July 4th and adopted by twelve out of thirteen colonies. New York delegates had not yet received authorization from their home assembly to do so. Still July 4 was determined to be the day that our declaration of independence was established. The actual signing of the document did not take place until July 9th.
The backdrop of the New York harbor was filled with British ships. On that day, George Washington, who was commander of the continental forces in New York, read the document to a crowd of citizens. They cheered the words. The cheering turned to rioting and the eventual vandalizing of a statue of King George III. They melted down the metal and it is said they used it to shape 42,000 musket balls for the revolution.
John Adams wrote to his wife this following thought:
“I am apt to believe that [Independence Day] will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
When we think about slavery, lets consider what would’ve occurred had not the Revolution taken place. We would all be under the thumb of a foreign nation and slaves to tyranny. Because we have this document, we can see that freedom is for all, not just a select few.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died fifty years later in 1826 on the same day, within 5 hours of each other. Both of these signers and patriots who stood up for freedom would go on to become presidents of the United States. They also had this in common. They died on the 4th of July.
For Minnesotans, a tropical heat wave is considered anything above 80 degrees. We were blessed with a lovely spring, filled with just the right amount of sunshine, low dew points and rain. Normally spring doesn’t last more than a few days here. However, somewhere in June, we jumped into summer with a vengeance. I love getting into my garden and spending time thinking about the beauty of God’s creation. Now I find it difficult to go out to get the mail. I know there have been extremes in temperatures lately, but when I look back a few years I see that this is really nothing new.
Since 1872, Minneapolis has had 10 days when the temperature reached or exceeded 105 degrees. Except for one date, July 31, 1988, when it was 105 degrees, all the other dates occurred in either 1936 or 1934. On the other hand, the nine coldest temperatures ever recorded, included the -34 degrees in 1970. Seven of the dates occurred in the late 1800s.
We have extremes here in the Tundra, but it always amazes me how God provides for all of His creation even when the weather is unbearable. The birds can still find water to refresh themselves, and food to sustain them. The animals are given the ability to find places to rest and hide during extreme temperatures. If God takes care of these creatures by giving them what they need, how much more will He look after the ones He created in His image. There are days when I think there will be no end to the waiting, or no relief from fear or anger or anything else. I try to figure things out myself and don’t rely on the only one who can really take care of me.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for providing for all my needs in good times in bad, in fair or bad weather. I know that I can count on you to provide for me and give me the true rest that comes only from your loving hands. Amen!
An American flag had seen better days, It had become battered and worn by the weather for over almost two years. It was our own personal flag. Like our nation it faced a time of isolation for a long time. The elements took their toll on Old Glory and she became shredded and worn. It was time to retire this relic and start fresh.
We purchased a new flag this spring and it seemed quite fitting that the time coincided with our freedom from fear of a world wide pandemic. Today as we celebrate our nation’s founding, let’s never forget the symbolism of our American flag. We have been through a very short history as a nation and yet we have overcome battle after battle. We’ve endured tragedies suffered because of war. Wars of many kinds have invaded America’s shores and fields of grain. The majestic mountains remain. The climate may be changing, but God never does.
As we pray for our country, let’s keep our unity in tact. We are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Our flag may have been replaced because of the physical damage done to it, but our God never changes. He will live forever.
A few years back, our then president made a statement that enraged many. He said that America was no longer a Christian nation. Since I’m a Christian, I felt a little miffed by the thought that we were no longer considered Christian. When you get right down to it, God isn’t available just for the United States. He loves the entire world. He loved us all so much that he sent His only Son to pay the price for our freedom from sin.
The founders were wise in establishing a separation of church and state. This allowed all faiths to come to America knowing they would have the freedom to worship as they pleased. That there would be no repercussions for doing so. When we say we are a Christian nation or a Jewish nation, an Atheist nation or a Muslim nation, we’re making our country like an exclusive country club with closed doors to those deemed unsuitable.
As we look back at our history we can see how those original references to God and Christian morality have been eroded and corrupted. Still we maintain the ability to go to worship where ever we choose. We can keep big government away from interference in areas that separate us in the first place.
I know there are many who might disagree with me, but I don’t feel I’m the only one entitled to God’s grace. I’m not entitled at all. In fact I’m unworthy to even enter His presence. The gift of grace is just that – a gift. It was given without any strings attached. My responsibility is grounded in the fact that I should be so overjoyed with the gift that I want others to know all about it too. If there were limitations on my ability to do that, my God would not be any the less powerful. He is able to get His Word out there without my intervention. It’s with His help that we can be used as instruments to do His will.
So as we celebrate our freedom, let’s not forget to thank God for our country. It isn’t perfect, but God instituted government to create order out of chaos, so we must remain respectful of it. That doesn’t happen when we tear down monuments or turn our backs on the flag. Patriotism is something that should live in our hearts for all time.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan
During this time of social unrest, global rumblings, world politics and a stage filled with actors that seem to have no direction, I often wonder what kind of legacy have we created for the children of the future.
These little ones are getting a distorted picture of what our world can be. They’re exposed daily to tragedy, hopelessness and fear. They cannot even attend school without going through secured doors. The norm of their existence is peppered with negative news, bullying techniques on both sides, fear mongering, hatred and a social media that defines them.
Children are the future. They are the ones who will lead us some day. They need to know the cost of freedom. They need to be reminded that this place is worth preserving and that God is always at the helm.
I am genuinely concerned for my grandchildren and their children. As monuments are removed and destroyed; as art depicting battles from the past are eliminated from our public buildings; as words are revised and rewritten pertaining to the blood shed for the freedom we enjoy; as history is eliminated from the classroom – future generations will never understand what the cost was.
National pride has almost become extinct. The word “pride” has now taken on a totally new meaning. Now we opt for self-gratification, instant everything and a country that will bend easily to our own agenda, rather than one that serves all.
What do we tell these young people as they come out of colleges and high schools? How do we excite them for a future of success and accomplishment, when there seems nothing to be proud of anymore” We owe it to them to re-instill a love of country. America is worth the fight. Those of us who lived through several battles over the years, will attest to the fact. There are scars. There are still open wounds. Lives have been spent out of love for her, and the freedoms we hold dear are worth the battle.
We need to rekindle the flames of patriotism. We need to pray for our leaders. We must ask God to intercede so that there is something left for future generations to hand on to their children. Don’t turn your back on the flag. Don’t bend a knee in protest against the very nation that paid dearly for your right to do so. Don’t give up on America, because God never gave up on us.
There is hope for the future. God has provided for our eternal life with Him in heaven. In the time we have remaining, as parents and grandparents, we need to leave a United States for future generations. This means, putting aside our own interests and joining together as one nation, under God.
Three documents comprise the founding of our nation – The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Declaration relates a list of differences between the United States and Great Britain and expresses the reasons for separation. The Constitution describes the workings of this newly founded country, establishing a framework for the government of the people. The Bill of Rights includes the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. It defines citizens’ and states’ rights in relation to the Government. These documents laid the ground work and have proven to be timeless in essence and consistency over the years.
Of course amendments have since been made, but the base – the foundation – remains the same. We the people refers to all the citizens of the United States – those born here or those who have entered using the legal system to do so. Why do we place so much emphasis on these ancient documents? Do we still revere them as we once did? I hope there are still those in this country who appreciate the many lives spent in defense of them. I pray that patriotism is not dead. I know that no matter what happens, God has made it possible for me to enjoy the freedoms America has to offer and that there is a perfect life awaiting me after this one.
Protestors and activists will remain to stir the pot. They will cite all kinds of changes that need to be made to accommodate current trends and orientations. The beauty of this country is that it was designed to look after “we, the people.” Not only the rich or elite. Not just the homeless and poverty stricken. Not the average Joe, trying to make ends meet. Every single person living here has the same rights according to these documents. We are free in so many ways, and freedom is precious. When we remain in slavery or shackled to our own fears of success, we’re not truly enjoying what our founders chose to include in their papers.
We can look at these documents as dated pieces of parchment which no longer apply. We can pooh-pooh them and even laugh at their simplicity, but there again those words were designed to reach everyone. As true Americans, we have the right to call our leaders out if they go against the Constitution. We can expect them to work for us, rather than us working so that they can prosper. We can demand, in fact, that these public servants are accountable to each of us, because we are their employers.
When we think about Independence Day, let’s remember that there is a cost to anything of value. In this case, our founding fathers knew that there needed to be checks and balances to protect us from a growing government with plans of their own. This is what they were trying to change on that July morning in 1776.
Enjoy the Fourth of July with celebration and excitement, because of the freedoms we enjoy, because of our founders and their ageless wisdom. Pray for our nation. May God bless America!
I promised to be back and here I am again. Unfortunately, you can’t get rid of me unless something of great magnitude occurs – like the breakdown of a computer. Who knew? I’m sure there are many who didn’t miss me for the last few days, but to those who did, thanks for being such loyal readers and commenters.
This old broad has an affinity to doing things a certain way and when things get in the way of that, I kind of lose it. I’m truly an old school writer. I love using flowery words and filling the page with imagery. I also enjoy laughter and do so whenever I can, but being without your writing instrument is near to cutting off an arm or leg. You become totally useless. I took a long time to give up my manual typewriter. I still like the idea of using a rotary phone. I enjoy the simple things in life and computers are not simple things.
I’ve had this machine for about seven years now. My last one bit the dust at about five years of life. These things come with a planned obsolescence clause. I found a man who knows everything about these necessities and he added two more years of life into my current computer. Like I said, change is difficult for me, especially when I get used to something and comfortable with it. So when I locked myself out of my writing tool, I had no choice but to return to the same professional with my problem. “We have to wipe it out completely and start over,” he said. It will cost $150 and you can have it by tomorrow.” To me $150 bucks requires several hours of work or cutting down on the groceries for a while. I refuse to go buy a new one, because I’d be paying it off until it fell apart or I do – which ever comes first. So to make a long story short, I went for the $150 fix.
Now, after changing all my passwords (a normally four hour project for me,) I’m ready to dig in again. I now have a brand new computer with all the updates I need and passwords which are now in a notebook just for them. I’ll probably have to get one of those safe deposit boxes from the bank, but I’m sure I’d be there every day, because I never remember my passwords.
Oh for the good old days, when all we had to worry about was changing a typewriter ribbon and using white out to correct our mistakes. Of course our hands became black with ink and we might get high on the white out, but at least we knew our work wouldn’t come to a complete standstill. Hooray for technology. It corrects our mistakes and creates new ones. It gives us almost perfect copy, unless we forget to proofread. It saves us time, unless we need to take it in for repair. Technology is great, but give me an old Smith Corona manual typewriter. At least I could still read the keys on the keyboard. My computer is like brand new and it’s fortunate that I still know how to type without looking at the keys.
“Be still, sad heart! and cease repining; Behind the clouds is the sun still shining; Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
We, along with the many other states, have been experiencing some extremely dry weather. The lush green of spring has gone dormant as the lack of moisture leads to the beginning of a drought in some areas. Some may say this is another means of God trying to get our attention and return to Him – casting off the ways of the sinful world and renewing our faith in His will. I don’t think God works that way. Or are the days of the ten plagues returning with a vengance? This pattern will soon be broken and the rain will fall to nourish the fields of grain and corn. They will reach their stems to the heavens and praise God for the refreshment. They will bury their roots deeply into the ground and their fruit will come forth and replenish the earth. In the meantime, we can thank God for keeping us free of deadly winds, damaging storms and flooding the streets on which we live.
We all have a time in our lives when the storms of every day living engulf us and cause us to fall into a deep state of depression. I’m not talking about the weather here. There are days when we coast along through life easily. Other times we’re overcome by difficulty, but as Longfellow so aptly said, “into each life some rain must fall.” Can you imagine life without the nourishment of rain? If we didn’t have it, we’d soon shrivel up and die. When the storms seem like they’ll never end – when one thing after another continues to pound heavily on us – when we become drenched with the weight of it – it’s hard to be positive. We fall deeper and deeper into the pit of self-pity and anxiety. When we remember that God has His hand on the sun, which continues to shine behind the clouds, we have something to hope for. He controls every aspect of the weather. His tears over our condition have washed us and made us clean for ever. Don’t let the tempests of the world overtake your thinking. The day is coming soon when there will be no more droughts or floods – when we will live triumphantly in a perfect paradise where ever day is blissful. The storms will come and go, but they also serve a purpose. Until the work is fully completed, kick off your shoes and dance confidentally knowing you are ready for the ride.
As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension.
I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog.
I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ.
My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.
