RAIN AT LAST

I guess most working stiffs know that the economy isn't as rosy as our politicians would have you believe.  That is why I continue to stock up whenever there is a sale.  Today I bought 10-29 oz cans of peaches for $1.00 each.  I bought several items that were on sale for $1.00 each and will go back and get some more food items.  I guess you might call it my grocery piggy bank.  If anything, I can share my abundance with those that may be in need in the future. Unlike the movie THE POSTMAN , "stuff isn't getting better."  We labor under the false premises that our politicians and government feed us.  "Man doesn't live on bread alone."  If each and everyone of us could or would, we should do as the Mormons do and put away enough food for a year or more.

I noticed in the news that the Federal Bank has manipulated the interest rates to just about zero.  The government can not pay its bills this way and I don't see how it can go on like this much longer.  If the government goes belly up so will the working class of America, the elderly and the poor, and even the traditional middle class.  The politicos will not go hungry or go without.  Therefore, I urge one and all to stock up whenever possible and be more than discrete about what you have and where you have it.  I've always heard that "Charity begins at home."  If you can not take care of yourself, you can not take care of others.

It has been raining a nice steady rain this afternoon and eve.  We really needed it and I'm sure the farmers are happy about it as well as the firemen.  There have been a few brush fires and it could have gotten worse.

I paid the house insurance.  I got the basic home owner's policy.  I just couldn't afford the policy that was suggested.  Next I have to pay for auto insurance which jumped up, too.  You have no choice as it is the "law."  So I will be basically poorer for a couple of months.  It isn't like I am frivolous and wasteful, and I know I am far better off than many, but I would be happy if I could just keep a little bit form me and not for thee.

I had intended to go to bed before 12 A.M. last evening.  I all most made it; just after 12.  I did sleep a little later 'though.  I didn't get up until 8 A.M.  and even then I didn't want to.  A good night's sleep is so yummy...better than desert.  I finally got my lazy self moving and went to 12:05 Mass.  Tomorrow is 1st Friday.  It is hard to believe that we are going into June already.

+++

BUT AS FOR YOU,

BELOVED,

BUILD UP YOURSELVES

UPON YOUR HOLY FAITH,

PRAYING IN THE

HOLY SPIRIT.

Jude 1: 20

You never hear much from Jude at Mass or in the Divine Office.  I just thought I would give him a little "space" here.  He was, after all, an apostle, too.  I think of him as a quiet man that didn't have a lot to say, but preached and taught what he believed in.  Peter and Paul were pretty vocal and left behind to the first Christians, many letters-epistles-teachings.  And you know what they say: "It is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease."  In other words I would say that the louder and more verbose, get the most notice in the readings of the day or in the Divine Office.   Just my opinion.  Are you a squeaky wheel?  Perhaps we should all be heard from more often.

END

P.S.  I love watching the little Gold finches

that come to the bird bath

in the morning.

 

My joy is all tuckered out

My bed is calling my name.

Yes, I am tired.  It's been a long day.  I didn't get home until nearly 8 P. M.  I did most of the things I set out to do except buy gas.  The price of gas jumped overnight.  I knew it was too good to be true.

Tomorrow will be busy, but at a more lazy, sedate pace.  I think I will sleep late if my body clock doesn't sound off and wake me up.  Bzzzz, goes the inner clock when I don't want it to.

The retirement gathering was a success.  I didn't have too many left-overs to drag home.  Most of the deviled eggs were scarfed down as was a lot of the fried chicken.  Too many deserts were had by all-.including me.

So this another short post.  I am going to bed soon...well before mid-night.

+++

FOR YOU SHALL

GO OUT WITH JOY

AND BE LEAD FORTH

IN PEACE.

Isaias 55: 12

"The fruit of the Spirit is Joy"

END

More like Mary and less like me

RAIN, WE GOT RAIN!  It did rain a little this after noon, but not nearly enough.  I hope it rains again tonight, as predicted.  It cooled down a few degrees, too, and that was a welcome relief.  Yea, Mother Nature!  Do it again.

This was a busy day.  I got a lot done.  I got a haircut, went to the eye doctor, got groceries, washed and dried cloths, made peanut butter cookies, ordered fried chicken for a retirement get together, boiled eggs for deviled eggs and...and managed to get what prayers I pray...in...somewhere in the middle and here and there.  Did I forget anything?  Whew!  Tomorrow will also be busy.  I will finish the deviled eggs, load up the van, get gas($3.30 now) and run to where I am going.
.  Which is crazy, I think. 

I forgot to mention in last night's blog that the blog was visited from Egypt and Israel.  I hope that they come back to visit.  This a short post...just because I am tired.

 +++

PUT ON THEREFORE,

AS GOD'S CHOSEN ONES,

HOLY AND BELOVED,

A HEART OF MERCY,

KINDNESS AND HUMILITY,

MEEKNESS, PATIENCE

Colossians 3: 12

We are ALL called to practice and live these virtues.  God knows I fall sort so often and my little mean or human streak rares it ugly head.  Over the years I have learned control some of my thoughts and words, but sometimes my tongue detaches from my brain and I put my foot deep into my mouth...all the way back to my tonsils.  I think it is called cranial-vocal cavitation. In other words I make a lot of useless noise.  So, I do pray that I can recover from this dread disease as it causes more harm than good.

The nurse who is retiring tomorrow: I have never heard a bad, mean, unkind word from her in the 21 years that she has worked at the nursing home.  Her name is Mary and maybe that accounts for some of her goodness, for she is good.  I wish I were more like her and less like me.  I'm working on it.

END



BREAD AND WINE AT THE TABLE

I guess that I am back. I have not recovered all the research or pages that were lost, but am moving on anyway.

I could tell you that it has been hotter than hades for the last week of May...and it isn't even June yet...but you know that, don't you.  Someone on the east coast complained about the weather being 84 and humid.  They should be in the greater Ohio Valley where it has been in the 90's with really dry, dusty conditions.  I watered the grass some, just to get the dust down and there is an Ozone Alert which should go away tonight...if we get a little rain.

I have been a little busy and a lot lazy due to the heat.  The next two days will be very busy for me, but at least the temperature is supposed to be "down" into the upper 80's.  Maybe I can attack all the things that need to be done and make progress without melting like The Wicked Witch of the West...or wherever she did abide.

Even 'though I have not been posting this past week, this blog has had visitors from Paraguay, South Korea, South Africa, Kenya, Bulgaria, India, even Mongolia and Malaysia.  Some visitors just come and look, but many come back.  I try to keep up with all the visiting countries, but sometimes I miss one or two.  I have a condition, you know.  It's called brain drain or empty cranium...which means I am forgetful at times or just don't pay proper attention. 

+++

ALL YOU THAT THIRST

COME TO THE WATERS:

AND YOU THAT HAVE

NO MONEY

MAKE HASTE,

BUY AND EAT;

COME YE,

BUY WINE AND MILK

WITHOUT MONEY,

AND WITHOUT ANY

PRICE.

WHY DO YOU SPEND

MONEY FOR THAT

WHICH IS NOT BREAD,

AND YOUR LABOR

FOR THAT WHICH

DOES NOT SATISFY YOU?

Isaiah 55: 1-2

***

I suppose this passage sounds a little contrary, but if you read all of Ch. 55 in Isasas it will make perfect sense.  We tend to burn ourselves out seeking and working for the material wealth and goods of the world.  When in reality all that we need is food on the table, a roof over our heads and a bed to sleep in.  Note that the passage refers to water, bread and wine.  That is what we find and expect for our spiritual nourishment when we come to the table of the Lord-the Eucharist-salvation and spiritual satisfaction.  Anything else is extraneous.  There is nothing wrong with having more than just the basics of survival: just remember where and from whom everything comes.  And if you can share any abundance that you receive, then do so and ask only for prayers in return.

END 

Hacked but Thanks Anyway

OK, so I was hacked.  I lost a lot of research and programs.  The only thing untouched was my bank account.  I guess they thought my bank account was pathetic and not worth the effort.  By Monday I should be posting again as I am now getting back into "My Fathers Business."

Being online or active with a computer is always risky, but I will pick up from where I left of, hoping that I will be "hack free" in the future.

I would like to thank readers from;
Paraguay
South Korea
The Dominican Repuplic
Keneya
South Africa

I would like to thank all that have stuck to and visited this blog this past week in spite of the fact that I have put nothing up.  Thanks.

WE SPRING FROM THE EARTH: TO THE EARTH WE RETURN

We are on the verge of being called a "local drought."  The ground is hard and dry.  I tried to use a spade to work the soil, but didn't make even the slightest headway.  I then set the mower down to its lowest cutting setting and mowed out as much as possible for my tomato patch.  Then I tried cultivation with my little electric tiller.  I turned up a lot of dust and was covered with it.  OK, some water from the hose to soften the ground.  Spit and spew.  I got a liberal dose of mud in my face.  I did make a little progress, 'though.  I am trying to make a garden bed where there has never been one and the grass roots are deep and thick.  I raked off as much of the grass that was turned up and will start again tomorrow.  I'll get it done.  I will soak it again and try the spade again.  I will not be deterred by Mother Nature!

I think I must be sick.  I went to bed "early" last night.  And I had taken a nap yesterday afternoon, too.  Yesterday we had temps in the 90's and that is sure to make one sleepy.  Today, which closing rapidly, started out warm, but has cooled down.  Summer is just around the corner and coming on strong.

Other than getting dusty, dirty and mud splattered, it was a nice day.  I got cloths washed early and other stuff done, too.  I had designated this day to be a "work day" and did put my "shoulder into it."  Of course, now I have a sore shoulder because I moved the refrigerator so I could clean behind it.  Well, it's a good thing I am tuff and generally unbreakable.

++++

IN THE SWEAT
OF YOUR BROW
YOU SHALL
EAT BREAD
TILL YOU RETURN
TO THE GROUND,
SINCE OUT OF IT
YOU WERE TAKEN
FOR DUST YOU ARE
AND ONTO DUST
YOU SHALL
RETURN.

Genesis 3: 19

Rest in Peace,
Aunt Alma,
who passed
away this day.

END

NO GET UP AND GO FORMULA

HARDER THAN ROCK

When I said was tired I wasn't kidding.  I slept late this As morning.  And it is hot now and that makes me sleepy, too. 

I tried to dig a place in the yard for plants, but the soil is like dried clay and the garden fork never made a dent in the ground.  If it will rain overnight as predicted that will help soften up the soil.  I know my little electric tiller will never go through the hard dirt.  Hope and pray for rain, just so I can get my small garden in.

I finished up the front yard and did a small amount of trimming.  So then my neighbor did their front yard.  Now...if they would just mow the back yard and clean it up.

Again I am putting out a short post and going to bed early because I will be getting up early.  So what you see is what you get.

+++

AND NOW

I COMMEND

YOU TO GOD

AND TO THE WORD

OF HIS GRACE

WHO IS ABLE

T BUILD UP

AND GIVE THE

 INHERITANCE

AMONG ALL

THE SANCTIFIED.

Acts 31: 22

END





A FORMULA BLOG?

Today I saw on the stats that a couple readers from India and Greece must have visited this blog.  I still have never had anyone from China drop by.  I don't really think they can, but it would be a banner day for this poor blog.

I am pretty tired tonight so I won't post much.  Really...there isn't much new to post or say.

Contrary to good intentions I didn't get much done today.  I had made tentative plans for some work to be done, but somebody must have stole my plans...or I lost them.  Has anyone seen my day plans?  No?  Oh.  Didn't think so.  Well, in that case I won't make any plans for tomorrow.  My schedule may disappear and the day may have a blank page with nothing written on it.  "The best laid plans of mice and man often go astray."

+++

IN ALL THY WAYS

ACKNOWLEDGE HIM,

AND HE SHALL

DIRECT THY PATH.

Proverbs 3: 6

I'm working on a secret formula.  I am going to perfect an elixir of ambition.  When I get it just right I'm gonna bottle it and sell it.  Right now it is in the experimental phase.  Unfortunately the formula recipe keeps failing.

END

Lillies of the Field

I picked today as a "lazy day" as I had some errands to do-take care of.  I went to the pharmacy to pick up my eye drops and forgot my debit card.  However, I did have my very old fashioned check book with me and that took care of that.  I think that writing a check will become a forgotten art!  I did have to come back home and retrieve my card because I wanted to get a few groceries and go out to Captain D's.  I do like the fish there.  Thus, the day went.

Tomorrow I need to finish up the yard work.  I also need a new trimmer.  I want to get the new Troy trimmer with the electric start, but they are expensive so I will think about it for a while.  I can't pull the cord on my old trimmer or on the mower.  The mower does have an electric start so that helps a lot. 

Today I hurt my wee little finger.  I slammed the washing machine cover down on it. OUCH!   I thought I broke it and did a little dance for a minute or two.  I guess I will recover.

We need rain.  There is rain all around, but not here.  This is just the way the weather was last year.  It started out well, but then became a drought and the gardens did not do well.  I hope I won't need to water my tomato plants.

+++

CONSIDER HOW
THE LILLI ES
OF THE FIELD GROW:
THEY NEITHER TOIL
NOR SPIN,
YET I SAY TO YOU
THAT NOT EVEN
SOLOMON
IN ALL HIS GLORY
WAS ARRAYED
LIKE ONE OF THESE.

Matt. 7: 28-29

I shouldn't worry about the tomatoes or the lack of rain.  So I won't...too much.  We get what we get according to God's will.  I am still looking at resources pertaining to prayer.  I have not forgotten.  The more I read and study the more I conclude that  prayer, the act of prayer, the immersion of prayer, can not be dissected or defined.  It is different for each of us, individually personal.  Sometimes there is no defining, as prayer in itself is a mystery of special grace.

END



SING AND SOAR TO THE HEAVENS!

After mowing the backyard this afternoon I sat down to rest and watch the birds search through the grass for easy pickings of bugs and worms.  Sometimes birds are very much like people.  A Robin just wants to live and let live until a bigger, meaner bird such as Grackle comes swooping in, thinking itself to be the Bird of Paradise.  It is a Bully Bird, aggressive and hostile, as some people are.  Then there is the smaller birds such as the Sparrows, Finches and even the Cardinals.  For the most part the smaller birds do not like confrontations with any of the other species.  These are sort of like "People Birds" because most people don't like aggressive conforntations either.  The Dove, a strong, larger bird is docile and gets along with almost all the other feathered friends that visit my bird bath and yard.  Although larger and probably well able to to defend itself, the Dove would rather make love and not war and coo from morning to night.  I kind of like the Dove and the Robin.  I enjoy watching the birds and hearing them sing-I can't fly and I can't sing, so I depend on God's creatures to lift up their songs and soar to the heavens for me!

This year there seems to be less birds to watch.  There are too many stray cats and barking dogs.  The cats are feral and hungry and the dogs just like to announce their presence all the time.  I guess we live in a dog eat dog, cat eat canary(bird)society.

I work very hard to keep my yard neat and presentable.  It irks me that my neighbors do not do the same.  It irks me even more that the air really smells of animal feces.  IRK! IRK! IRK!

+++

ARE NOT FIVE SPARROWS

SOLD FOR TWO FARTHINGS,

AND NOT ONE OF THEM

IS FORGOTTEN

BEFORE GOD?

BUT EVEN THE VERY HAIRS

ON YOUR HEAD

ARE ALL NUMBERED.

FEAR NOT THEREFORE:

YE ARE OF MORE VALUE

THAN MANY SPARROWS.

Luke 12: 6-7

I always did like this particular Bible verse.  Maybe because I am simplistic and it is easy to absorb, or maybe because I am nature oriented.  I don't know which, but I lean toward both explanations.  I just hope I don't lean too far and fall over.

END



YOUR BIBLE IS YOUR TEXTBOOK

OK.  Sister has her tomatoes and now I have mine.  I got six Better Boy plants and six sweet green pepper plants.  Now if I can just get them in the ground tomorrow.  Digging is more difficult as my arm just ain't what it used to be.  But I will get it done.

I wrote a lot last evening so now my brain is dryer than a Texas desert.  I guess they have deserts in Texas.  I'll have to ask my brother.

Somehow I have gained back three pounds.  I'm not happy about that.  I will have to be more attentive to what I am eating or packing away.  More veggies, vegetable soup and boiled eggs are back on the menu.

Since I got carried away with myself last night I will not post very much tonight...you get a break.

+++

CHIEF OF ALL NEEDS 

FOR HUMAN LIFE

ARE WATER AND FIRE,

IRON AND SALT,

THE HEART OF THE WHEAT,

MILK AND HONEY,

THE BLOOD OF THE GRAPE,

AND OIL AND CLOTH:

FOR THE GOOD

OF ALL THESE

ARE GOOD,

BUT FOR THE WICKED

THEY TURN OUT EVIL.

Sirach 39: 26-27

Interesting passage, huh?  There was a lot of wisdom and knowledge before our enlightened society came meandering through history and into the 21st century.  The writers of the Old Testament were "street smart" or desert smart about survival, culture, and applying what they learned and knew to their daily lives.  We should be so smart.  We should learn to do the same.  Got smarts?  Get some.  The Bible is a Holy Textbook.  Use it generously.

 

END

PEACE I GIVE YOU...

The Bible says that there "will be wars and rumors of war" in Mark 13: 7 and in Matt. 24: 6-7.  It seems as if we have been a perpetual conflict, "Police Action or undeclared wars since I was a kid.  When is war justified?  When is war the only solution?
Most wars have been fought for:
 1. power
2. food
3. territory
4. religion

When wars are conducted for power it is a classic case of showmanship of who has the biggest stick with the most clout.

Some wars are really about food and the lack of the basic elements of survival

Most wars that I know of, of are fought over land expansion and about who controls the the riches or material wealth of the county and the people.

And then there is religion.  Wars have been waged over what someone or a group of someones would have you believe in and how the subjects practice one deity.  Or not.  There are nations in this modern day that forbid the organization or commitment to ANY deity or prescribed religion.

In my mind most "modern warfare" is drive by international greed and profit.  As long as a nation can keep a war going there is money to be made and lots of it.  We, in America, will never know where or how much of our tax dollars were spent in killing the innocents as well as the enemy.  We will just never know.  "I saw the enemy and it is me."

Thus said, we have been in a war with Afghanistan for 11 years now and the President says we will be in Afghanistan for another 10 to 12 years.

Afghanistan is a failed war.
Our government is a failed body of law makers
George Bush and Obama have failed this nation.
Afghanistan is another Viet Nam.

We have sent our very best into an endless conflict to die, be maimed or broken.  Why?  For what?  For freedom for other nations while we are losing ours.  Really?  Really.

Is this what God wants for this great nation?  We are to fight proxy wars and defend proxy boarders, but ignore our own?  No.  We were founded on Christian principles and values with room for diversity.  It seems as if we, as a nation have abandoned all that we profess to believe in while many of our Senators, Congressman, and government leader become lethargic and stray from faith and country.

YOU and I can demand better.  WE can demand an end of fruitless wars, conflicts and skirmishes.  WE can not police the world.  We should lead by example, not by gun or silver.  WE can do it.  WE should do it. GOD wants us to do it.  "Peace I give you, Peace I leave you."  So said Jesus Christ.  What do WE say?

END

FEED MY SHEEP...HONOR THEY MOTHER...

I must be tired.  I even went to bed "early" last night.  I crawled into bed just before midnight and I think I'll do it again tonight.  I do need to get up early in the A.M.  Sunday, you know.

I have tomatoes in the back of the van..and Golden Glob Sweet Peppers.  These will go to the nursing home for them to plant out on the patios for the residents...and for themselves, of course.  I also need to fix a small package of rare doughnut seeds for one of the Sisters.  She may kill me...actually she is pretty good natured and does appreciate a good joke.

It has been raining lightly most of the afternoon.  The real rain is supposed to come overnight and in the morning.  I brought my umbrella in from the van and hung it on the door knob in case it is pouring when I go out in the morning.

I washed the dishes "late" as I don't want to get up to a sink full of dirty dishes when I get up early tomorrow.  I made spaghetti and sauce this afternoon and was messy.  I splattered the sauce.  If you are going to make good spaghetti sauce you really should splatter some...just to prove that you've been cooking.

+++

EAT THY BREAD

WITH THE HUNGRY

AND THE NEEDY,

AND WITH THY GARMENTS

COVER THE NAKED.

Tobias 4: 17

We never hear much from the book of Tobias.  In chapter four he counsels his son on the ways to conduct himself and give honor and glory to God.  It is also reminiscent of the Ten Commandments, but is a more readable or understanding form, as a father would speak to his son.  Maybe that's why it is seldom preached or sermonized.  Maybe it doesn't sound "lofty enough" or spiritual enough for inspiration.  And since tomorrow is Mother's day, Tobias reminds his son(and us) all that the son's mother suffered for him.  I would consider it "a must read" or at least a "should read."  The Book of Tobias is also a foretelling of the coming of Christ.  Read Tobias.

Happy, Holy Mother's Day to any and all Mothers.  I wish mine were here to tell and wish it to.

END



Insurance for this life and the next

It's Friday already and I have nothing to say...or write about.  I did say I would be out today to see about my insurance.  State Farm wants to insure my house for $98, 000 dollars-replacement cost.  Of course it isn't worth anything near that amount, but that is what they said it would coast to replace it if anything were to happen.  It does have a nice lot.  That's all I can say for it.  Oh well.  I always call it my "tumble down house."

I will get my tomato plants tomorrow, but probably won't plant them until Monday or Tuesday.  It is supposed to rain Saturday night and into Sunday, but I don't think I will have them in the ground before the beginning of the week.  I have other things to do.  Other than what I have just written, there isn't a lot going on.  I like quiet days.

+++

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT

AND SALVATION;

WHOM SHALL I FEAR?

THE LORD IS THE

STRENGTH OF MY LIFE;

OF WHOM SHALL

I BE AFRAID?

Psalm 27: 1

 

HEREIN IS LOVE,

NOT THAT WE

LOVED GOD,

BUT THAT HE

LOVED US,

AND SENT

HIS SON

TO BE

PROPITIATION

FOR OUR SINS.

1 John 4: 10

We live in times where we have to have insurance on our cars and homes...and sometimes many live in fear. Our true insurance should be in our faith and devotion to the God who made us.  I am often tempted to drop home owners coverage, because it is so expensive.  I keep it, for at my age it would be difficult to start from scratch.  So, while I stay practical about insurance, I do trust myself into the care of the Lord.

END

GREAT AMERICAN BARK-OFF...SORT OF.

Whew!  18, 45 visitors and readers.  Hello to Hong Kong, by the way.

This has been a busy day.  The back yard looks good and the grapes are growing.

The Pit Bull next door chases the wheel on the lawn mower and tries to bite it through the fence.  Her pal, the black Lab tries to do whatever she does...she is definitely the leader of their little pack.  On the other side of the fence where the new neighbors are, there is a fat Golden Retriever.  They are all barking at once and tryng to tell each other who is boss.  I guess you could call it a barking party or a bark-off.  I am a captured audience.

The Golden Retriever did make me laugh 'though.  She was rolling in the grass on her back and barking at the sky.  I guess she was barking for the sheer joy of being a hefty
pampered dog-person.  However, funny as it was, I do not get to enjoy my yard or the work that I put into it.  It stinks out there!  Yes, Doggy Doo and lots of it.

As I have to go see about my car and house insurance tomorrow, I will be out again and will not get much done.  I did get to sleep in my bed last night, but still have things to put away.  I found lots of things that I forgot I had, which is good.  Now I won't need to go out and buy more things to put away and forget!

I did want to get more "research" done today on the thoughts of prayer.  There is only one of me and I didn't get it done.  In this beautiful weather there are just too many things waiting to be done.  I should hire a maid and a secretary...I wish.

+++

I WILL LAY ME DOWN IN PEACE,

AND SLEEP, FOR THOU, LORD,

ONLY MAKES ME DWELL

IN SAFETY.

Psalm 4: 8

I will go to bed soon and lay my head down in peace.  I worked hard this day and will pray the LOTH(Liturgy of the Hours)and place my well-being and safety in the hands of He Who made me.  How about you?

END







17, 000 AND CLIMBING

Today I have been trying to organize my bedroom.  I don't know if I can sleep in my bed tonight.  I have it piled up with stuff.  I don't know how I managed to accumulate so much "stuff."  I did make a little headway or progress.  Work a little-sit a lot.  That's me.

I continue to do a little meandering of the mind and think about and do a little research on the nature of prayer.  It is such an individual communication with God that I am sure that there are as many concepts about prayer as there are stars in the sky. Still, I think about it.  I also think that every breath we take is a prayer as well as a gift.  I have a lot of pondering to do.

Yes, I went back to the store and got the milk that I forgot to pick up yesterday...plus a couple of other items.  I guess I have spent a total of about $25.00 in the past two days.  I am sure that I will get a few things before the week is over that I have put off because I want to wait until the last minute or get "fresh."  Like tomato plants.  Next week will come about hot and summery; just right for tomatoes.


This week there were visitors from the Philippines and Australia.  I don't know how they find this site.  Some probably are here by accident, but the Russian readers are the most loyal  and always come back.  I welcome ALL readers.  I guess I have had over 17, 000 visitors, close to 18,000.  That isn't a lot in comparison to other sites, but it makes me happy to see those that keep returning.  Thank you all.

+++

WE KNOW

THAT ALL THINGS

WORK TOGETHER

FOR GOOD TO THEM

THAT LOVE GOD,

TO THEM

WHO ARE CALLED

ACCORDING TO HIS

PURPOSE.

Romans 8: 28

When I was younger I didn't have time to think 'though some might argue that.  Now that I am older I think my thinker is broken.  I may need instant glue for that.  Got some?  I wonder if I can put my brain in a sling...hmm.  Might work!

END

Some questions have no known answers

Today I have been semi-busy...which means that I didn't get a lot done.  I am doing a little research and will probably look a lot of things up for the next few days.  I have come to the conclusion that there isn't any all encompassing answer to all things and that all things are not of the intellectual possibiltity of knowing or ingesting.  Some things are just not meant to be. This isn't a new conclusion, but I thought I would try to delve into the mystery of faith and of prayer.  Some things are just beyond human understanding or interpreting.  What we don't know is greater than we can ever realize on the human level, but being inquisitive creations we try to put a literary spin on all factors, events, actions or emotions, that impress upon our wee minds.  Words are powerful, it is said, thus we try to impart our limited understanding of all things of God and man, in verbose compilations.  Whew!  That in itself was a mouthful of verbosity!  I gotta stop that!

I did need to got to the store and get a few items, and of course I forgot a few things which means that I will have to go back.  I have my mind on too many interesting ideas that are swimming about in my little brain.  I either need a bigger brain or to have less going on within it.  Take your choice!  Sometimes all the musings and...ahem...thinking that roils around in my shrinking brainiac of diminishing cellular connections...does worry me!  And makes me anxious!  Where oh where did I put my brain cells?  Oh well.

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WISDOM IS

THE PRINCIPAL THING;

THEREFORE GET WISDOM

AND WITH ALL THY GETTING,

GET UNDERSTANDING.

Proverbs 4: 7

SETTLE IT THEREFORE

IN YOUR HEARTS,

NOT TO MEDITATE

BEFORE WHAT YE

SHALL ANSWER.

FOR I WILL GIVE YOU

A MOUTH AND WISDOM,

FOR WHICH ALL YOUR

ADVERSARIES

SHALL NOT BE ABLE

TO GAINSAY

NOR RESIST.

Luke 21: 14-15

It sound so simple when you read it, but to live it isn't so easy.  I don't suppose life in the Spirit was intended to be all that easy or without effort.  If it were not a life without bumps and bruises along the way our existence would be very dull and with little merit.  We need to copy a famous financial ad...we must "earn it."  God's love for us is free, but we must love Him in return.  Right?  Right!

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What is it? Does anyone Know?

I always hate to write on a Monday.  I never have much to post.  I will welcome the readers from the Netherlands, Japan, Denmark and Hondurous.  They are welcome readers.

The temperture hit 91 yesterday.  Not as bad today and cooling down to about where it should be in May.  Locally there was some rain, but just 30 miles from here the rain came down in buckets-1 1/2 inches or so. 

I think it is time to get busy and plant some tomatoes and green peppers.  I like home-grown tomatos and green peppers that have naturel flavor and don't taste like paste board that has been picked green, shipped in or grown in a hot house.  Let nature provide the hot house...and she will.

There are a couple of subjects that I do want to write about, but I have to do a little thinking and even some research.  It isn't easy to convey the abstract and the "abstract" has been written about for centries, yet no one to this day fully understands prayer.  So, that will be my "home work" for a couple of days.  I am sure that anything that I do write will be dull, boring and really "abstract" in comparison to the writings of any of the saints.  I may not even understand my attempts myself, for who can truely understand what prayer is or how to pray.  Let me know if YOU do and you can be my "guest writer."

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THE LORD IS MY LIGHT

AND SALVATION;

WHOM SHALL I FEAR?

THE LORD IS THE

STRENGTH OF MY LIFE'

OF WHOM SHALL I

BE AFRAID?

Psalm 27: 1

I can copy scripture and write about scripture until my eyes pop and my fingers fall off, but it ALL must be about LOVE and intellectually and in faith, I know that, but sometimes it all seems so hard to put into practice. 

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IMPROVISE

Improvise:  I wanted to make some home made biscuits.  I don't own a rolling pin.  I have a cookie cutter somewhere-I just don't know where it may be.  You would think that I would have a rolling pin, but I don't.  They are a little on the expensive side so I never did buy one.  But I made my biscuits without the proper kitchen implements and they turned out just fine.  I made the biscuit mix and rolled out the dough with a heavy glass jar; that worked.  I used a small glass jar as a cookie cutter.  That worked out OK, too.  And they taste good.  Now I will have bacon, eggs, and,  biscuits for my breakfast in the morning.  My mother was the epitome of improvising.  She could make do, and did, with just about anything.  She had the original pioneer spirit, I think.  This I will admit to; the biscuits that I made are good, but not as good as my mother's were.  Nothing ever is.

Do you have a can do, make do, will do, kind of spirit?  Most of us can do a lot with a little, but we don't.  We either don't have to, don't need to or just don't want to.  It is very much the same when it comes to our inner divinity.  It is available for our development and spiritual growth.  We are consecrated with baptism and confermation.  For most of us...we languish and make paltry overtures to whom we profess to emulate and follow...and that would be...oh, you know, Jesus Christ, the guy on the cross.

It isn't any easy road to take or a smooth path to follow, is it?  When you are not perfect and everyone expects you to be without flaws, it is all that much more difficult.  You know where I am on that way fare; always stumbling, banging my head on the higher places and scraping my knees on the roughness of the road.  I have been told that I am hard-headed and that is truly a good thing in some ways.  It makes me stubborn and not willing to sit down on the side of the escarpment, watch other fall off the cliff or just plain pass me by.  I keep trudging along.  Sooner or later I will get where I'm going and you will too, if you keep that can do, will do attitude.

I got to thinking(that is never good)there would be no Christ to follow if Jesus had given up and there never was a crucifixion or resurrection.  One man, who never gave up on us, changed the world.

The Kentucky Derby is now another memory or part of the history of the Commonwealth.  "I'll have another one" won the roses.  There was a lot of hoopla before the big race and I fell asleep on the couch and missed most of it.  I woke up just in time to watch the "Running for the Roses" which lasted all of two minutes.  That suited me just fine.


We did get a little rain with lots of thunder and lightning.  The power went of for just a few seconds, just long enough that I had to re-set my electric clock.  We had a lot of noise, but very rain.

Also, I wish to say hello to the readers in Germany and the many reader in Russia, as well as Serbia and the United Arab Emirates.  Dwell in the Spirit and let the Spirit dwell in you.

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THE LORD BLESS THEE

AND KEEP THEE:

THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE

SHINE UPON THEE

AND BE GRACOUS

ONTO THEE:

THE LORD LIFT UP

HIS CONTINECE

UPON THEE

AND GIVE THEE PEACE.

Numbers 6: 24-26

GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD,

THAT HE GAVE HIS

ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,

THAT WHOM SOEVER BELIEVETH

IN HIM SHOULD NOT PARISH,

BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.

John 3:16

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Ahh-THE KKENTUCKY DERBY

Well, it didn't rain here, but just north of here.  A little rain may yet come this way.  Tomorrow, Saturday, is the big race day at Churchill Downs-the Kentucky Derby.  One of the jockeys won't make it to the races; he was arrested for beating up his girlfriend.  Why would any man beat a woman?  And by the way, the grass isn't blue in Kentucky, but a rich, dark green, especially when it rains.

I went out long enough to pick up my eye medicine and get a little gas for the van.  Gas went down to $3.51 per gallon.  Even so, that is high.  We seem to have reached two socio-economic levels-those that have and those that have just barly enough to scrimp by on.  I truly believe that the high price of gas is dragging this country down.  If wages or incomes were keeping up with inflation, we would still be a strong economic force.  A lot of people in other countries think that all Americans are rich or well off.  I wish that were the case.  Yet, we carry on as if we own the world.  We don't.  Our polititicans and government have frittered away the wealth and stature of this county.  I hope they all get voted out.  They are not servicing the country, but their selves.  Stay out of my nearly empty piggy-bank.

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WITH ALL PRAYER

AND SUPPLICATION

PRAY AT ALL TIMES

IN THE SPIRIT,

AND THEREIN BE

VIGELANT

IN ALL

PERSEVERANCE

AND SUPPLICATIONS

FOR ALL THE SAINTS-

Saint Paul to the Ephesians

Ch. 6: 18

on Assiduous Prayer

Yes, I have referred to this passage before-even recently, but it is a good passage to keep in mind, even if we "pray without ceasing," as the church wishes us to do.  As the verse continues, Saint Paul ask the Ephesians to pray for him, also.

We too, need to be prayed for and with, I especially. I may pray a lot, but I know that I am found wanting, far from perfect and with all the many pock marks on my soul.  Is your soul blimish free?  Help me erase all the little blemishes and pray for me as well.  Thank you.  Also, hello to the readers in Belgem, Bulgaria, and India.  Thanks for stopping in.

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A LAMB KNOWN IN THE CITY OF PETRA

Today I finished most of the yard work.  I say that knowing that it is never done.  The grass keeps growing and so do the weeds.  I try to stay ahead of the rain which isn't too hard lately.  We have not had a significant rain since early March.  The corn is up in the fields, but now want a little rain to slack the thirst of growing crops. 

Again, there just isn't much going on. Tomorrow I hope to start a long awaited project that has been dependent upon shoe polish.  I'll let you know how it progresses.  I hope it turns out.

This is a night that I could just climb into bed and sleep for about 12 hours...I must be getting old...you think?  So, this will be a short post.

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SEND FORTH, O LORD

THE LAMB,

THE RULER OF THE EARTH,

FROM PETRA OF THE DESERT

TO THE THE DAUGHTER

OF SION.

Isaiah 16: 1

Do you ever wonder why I sometimes put three crosses above a Biblical passage?  It is symbolic of the two men that also died on the cross that day of suffering.  Also, note that Petra is a real archaeological site in the desert and must have been well known during the times of the Old Testament.  A city carved in stone portelling the Lamb to be sacrificed in blood. The Lamb is mentioned multiple times in the O. T. while Petra is only referred to once, to my knowledge.

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The Pendulum Swings

I didn't get much done today other than what I had to do.  I put a few empty boxes out, along with the trash, for pick up in the morning.  Very exciting, yes?  I  also did a little laundry, a little shopping, talked to my sister in Virginia and brother in Texas.  So, I spent some time on the phone.  And...I went to the Golden Corral.  That beats cooking and washing dishes.  And that is pretty much it for the day.

I was so lazy that I just sat and watched a young rabbit scamper about in the yard.  That was more entertaining than TV.  The little rabbit lives under my shed in the back yard.  It is hemmed in by two big dogs on one side and a big dog on the other side.  I guess the little floppy eared, cotton tail is relatively safe in my yard as I don't have a dog.  Amazing how little it takes to entertain my pea sized brain!

I have been looking for the origin of my family's last name.  It goes all the way back to before the invasion from Normandy into England, around 1600.  Yup, there is a family crest n the mix.  I don't know how real it is or if it is something to "sell" to people looking for their family genealogy.  It doesn't really matter; we all come into this world the same way and we go out the same way.  I said before that I will take my teeth with me, but now I can say that the family crest will stay behind, somewhere in the annals of history.  No, I didn't reveal my last name here, and won't for security reasons.

FIRST I GIVE THANKS

TO MY GOD

THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

FOR ALL OF YOU,

BECAUSE YOUR FAITH

IS PROCLAIMED

ALL OVER THE WORLD.

Paul to the Romans,

ch. 1: 8

I read the other day that over half of Europe is now Muslim.  There is nothing wrong with becoming a Muslim as long as it is in the true context of the Koran and not a vehicle for hate, intolerance or violence.  There is enough of that already. As you can surmise I am a stanch Catholic...or at least I declare myself to be.  I do wonder how I would proclaim myself if  someone put a gun to my head and told me to convert or else.  Have you ever wondered?  This could apply to demands of any religion, social or political power; it has happened in the past, into the present and will occur again.  How strong will we be in the face of religious persecution?  The pendulum swings...both ways.

Welcome to the readers in Mexico and Brazil and everyone else.

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Prose and poetry and Mother Nature-God's own

Mother Nature has been taking some wrong turns lately or at least making a few detours.  She keeps sliding along, past and by us here where I am, while soaking other areas that are not all that thrilled to entertain her.  While acknowledging that the farmers have their fields planted early and could now use the rain, I was able to get the biggest part of the yard mowed this afternoon by dodging a few light sprinkles here and there.  I should have finished the front yard, but it was pretty warm and humid.  If Madam Rain Maker will stay away for part of tomorrow, I hope to finish my yard work.  Then the old girl can let loose and do what she does best, and that is to water all of God's creation and creatures.

I put about 4 pints or more, of bean soup in the freezer.  I could have put more away, but I've been enjoying it.  It isn't
hard to make good bean soup.  You need beans, onions, some salt and herbs with a couple quarts of water and time.  The longer the beans can sit and simmer, the better it is.  At least I think so.  The beans are a high fiber protein so you really don't have to add meat unless you want to.  I always want to.  It just makes it all that much better.

The power was cut off today at the height of the heat humidity, and with the loss of electricity, so went the A/C and fans.  However, I won't complain as the local power company has been busy upgrading and doing a lot of good maintenance work on the lines.  We have a really effective  power company here, and they are working all the time.  I guess that is why we seldom lose electricity when the nasty nature of the "Big Momma" raises her head and does NOT take a detour. 

Something happened next door; I don't know what.  A fire truck and an ambulance were out front for a while.  When the ambulance left they were using their sirens, so I guess some one was transported to the hospital.  I hope it wasn't something serious.

I am working on a new poem.  This one is a little harder to do as I am trying to conform it with one of the Psalms.  It takes a bit of thought and re-working, but it is coming along.

When I was in collage the instructor said poetry should not rhyme, but say the most with the least amount of words.  I am more inclined to like poetry that does have a rhythm or meter.  As I do not have to please any old English instructor, " I will just write poetry or prose "my way" and not by some ones else's dictates.  So...when I get it done I will post it here.  I just wish I could add some music to a couple of my poems.

THE WORKS OF GOD

ARE ALL OF THEM GOOD;

IN IT'S OWN TIME

EVERY NEED SUPPLIED.

Sirach 39: 16

CHARM AND BEAUTY

DELIGHT THE EYE,

BUT BETTER THAN

EITHER,

THE FLOWERS

OF THE FIELD.

Sirach 40: 22

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 I want many things, but I need very little.  Most of us are cut from the same patteren, dumbed down to desire whatever is being advertized, flunted on TV or acquired by our fiends or neighbors.  If the roof over my head does not leak, my bed is warm and cozy and there is food within the pantry, I am happy.  Perhaps I have aquired better traits with age and experience, or maybe grace and contentment come with gray hair;  it is part of the growing of the spirit, I think.  So be it.  I will take whatever grace that come my way.  I need it.

P.S.  Hello, French readers.  Hello to English readers...and more.

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