Today about 9:30 Bob and I will take the cakes to Independence to the First Christian Church for their dinner this evening. We are so blessed to be able to share in their mission in this way.
Afterward I will have my hair done before we eat lunch at Big Cheese. Then I will come home, deliver Bob back to his home and go to work.
Last night I watched part 1 of the American Experience documentary on Clinton. Regardless of his wild reputation, I always thought he turned out to be a great president. He learned the job on the job. After he convinced congress to pass his budget, for the first time in forty years, we had a surplus. He is even greater now because, like Carter, he has spent his retirement years doing service projects. I believe part 2 is tonight and I want to watch it too. I have read his and Hillary's books and admire her for her intelligence and the fact that she stayed with him through all he put her through because she decided she would be miserable without him. I always wanted her to become president but being Secretary of State has worn her out. I have watched several of his speeches and he has a phenomenal mind and memory. And he has always said she is more intelligent that he is. Her intelligence was what first drew him to her. He admires her greatly.
People seem to forget that other presidents also strayed. Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy and I am sure there were others, strayed but that was before the cable wars and the press respected their personal privacy. The Republicans tried to crucify Clinton but the press also pursued him.
Anyhow, it is an interesting documentary.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Next Sunday's Sermon
On this first Sunday of Lent, the season that guides Christians through the crucifixion of Jesus and the declaration by his followers and disciples as the Messiah, we explore the ancient Hebrew version of the flood story. To understand Jesus outside of his Hebrew context is to misunderstand the Son of Man, therefore it is appropriate that we start the Lenten season within the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
An ancient global flood story is not unique to the Israelites. The flood story we have today appears to be a combination of two separate Hebrew accounts; one derived from the northern kingdom, Israel (referred to as the “P” source), and one derived from the southern kingdom, Judah (referred to as the “J” source). But both accounts seem to pull similarities from some widespread Babylonian flood narratives. A major difference is that in some of the non-biblical accounts, the flood occurs as a means of population control, whereas in Genesis it occurs as a result of sin, but then God commands them to be fruitful and multiply.
This week our section of the story occurs after the flood when God makes a covenant, not only with Noah, but with all creation. Verse 6:18 in Genesis states that a covenant will take place, but only now is the covenant revealed. In the flood narrative the reader is led to understand that no creature, human or otherwise, outside of those on the ark, was spared from the raging waters. Noah then becomes the new Adam or first man. From the writer’s perspective God is aware that humanity will fall again, yet makes a promise to preserve us regardless of our response. This occurs before Israel is established; before Abram responds to a call to journey in the wilderness. Therefore the covenant God makes is not just with the righteous of Israel, but with all creation independent of their religious beliefs.
A careful reading of the passage reveals that the covenant is first a reminder to God that comes in the form of a rainbow (9:14–16). In the ancient context originally given, a [rain]bow was known as a divine weapon, with lightning bolts representing arrows that inflicted judgment. By establishing a new understanding that the rainbow will now be a symbol of peace, the listeners are once again reminded that God can take anything and turn it into something good, something that fulfills God’s greater purpose of reconciling God’s relationship with creation. As the gathering clouds build up, no more is judgment passed, but instead the rainbow is a reminder to God that peace shall be the order of the day in the midst of the storm. This is not to say that the rainbow in the midst of the storms cannot serve as a symbol of hope to humanity, but this understanding is secondary to what the author understands to be God’s promise to creation.
From very early on in Israel’s understanding of its relationship to God, the people realized that they were just the mouthpieces of what God desired for all of creation.
Regardless of our response to God, God is always looking for ways to reconcile with us. God’s intimate relationship with all of creation gives reason for all of us to have hope. God has not abandoned us and will not abandon us. We are all God’s creation and God always has our best interests at heart just as we have our own children’s best interests at heart.
We all have times of storm clouds in our lives. No one escapes these times. But we can be assured that God is with us and will give us the strength to endure the worst of times. This is the hope we long for and need. All of us need to feel that we are never alone. God has assured us of God’s everlasting presence. Sometimes we feel that presence in the form of a friend who comforts us during the bad times.
Recently Bob and I were discussing some of these bad times and our responses to them. He confessed that he never felt the necessity to attend a support group before Phyllis’s illness, but now finds it very comforting to share with others and have them share their experiences with him. It is so comforting to know others have dealt with the same trials we endure. That in itself gives us hope and strength.
One man in the support group has a sister at the Winston unit at Windsor Place. He cannot bear to go see her in the condition she is now in.
One woman we are acquainted with at the support group has the complete care at home of both of her elderly parents who have Alzheimer’s Disease and a husband who has dementia resulting from a stroke. Neither us of can even imagine what she endures each day or how she even gets through the days and the nights are even more of a nightmare. Yet she copes. She has removed all the locks from the inside doors because her mother or dad may lock themselves in the locked room. She has a sister who has chosen not to help her with their parents. Without God, found by this woman in this monthly support group, she would undoubtedly not be able to cope at all.
God has covenanted with us never to leave us alone and never to leave us with more then we can handle if we will only depend on God’s Holy Spirit. That Holy Spirit may be found in you as you meet someone that can relate to you through a shared life experience.
In the tension of storm clouds building in your life, when has the promise of hope seemed redemptive for you? This story found in Genesis is about God’s grace and the assurance of God’s promises. That assurance of God's Holy Spirit is for each of us as we seek to be the source of strength for one another. To help and serve one another should be our life’s mission. Are we here for one another? As we recall God's covenant with all mankind, that is the tie that will help us to establish God’s Kingdom here on earth.
An ancient global flood story is not unique to the Israelites. The flood story we have today appears to be a combination of two separate Hebrew accounts; one derived from the northern kingdom, Israel (referred to as the “P” source), and one derived from the southern kingdom, Judah (referred to as the “J” source). But both accounts seem to pull similarities from some widespread Babylonian flood narratives. A major difference is that in some of the non-biblical accounts, the flood occurs as a means of population control, whereas in Genesis it occurs as a result of sin, but then God commands them to be fruitful and multiply.
This week our section of the story occurs after the flood when God makes a covenant, not only with Noah, but with all creation. Verse 6:18 in Genesis states that a covenant will take place, but only now is the covenant revealed. In the flood narrative the reader is led to understand that no creature, human or otherwise, outside of those on the ark, was spared from the raging waters. Noah then becomes the new Adam or first man. From the writer’s perspective God is aware that humanity will fall again, yet makes a promise to preserve us regardless of our response. This occurs before Israel is established; before Abram responds to a call to journey in the wilderness. Therefore the covenant God makes is not just with the righteous of Israel, but with all creation independent of their religious beliefs.
A careful reading of the passage reveals that the covenant is first a reminder to God that comes in the form of a rainbow (9:14–16). In the ancient context originally given, a [rain]bow was known as a divine weapon, with lightning bolts representing arrows that inflicted judgment. By establishing a new understanding that the rainbow will now be a symbol of peace, the listeners are once again reminded that God can take anything and turn it into something good, something that fulfills God’s greater purpose of reconciling God’s relationship with creation. As the gathering clouds build up, no more is judgment passed, but instead the rainbow is a reminder to God that peace shall be the order of the day in the midst of the storm. This is not to say that the rainbow in the midst of the storms cannot serve as a symbol of hope to humanity, but this understanding is secondary to what the author understands to be God’s promise to creation.
From very early on in Israel’s understanding of its relationship to God, the people realized that they were just the mouthpieces of what God desired for all of creation.
Regardless of our response to God, God is always looking for ways to reconcile with us. God’s intimate relationship with all of creation gives reason for all of us to have hope. God has not abandoned us and will not abandon us. We are all God’s creation and God always has our best interests at heart just as we have our own children’s best interests at heart.
We all have times of storm clouds in our lives. No one escapes these times. But we can be assured that God is with us and will give us the strength to endure the worst of times. This is the hope we long for and need. All of us need to feel that we are never alone. God has assured us of God’s everlasting presence. Sometimes we feel that presence in the form of a friend who comforts us during the bad times.
Recently Bob and I were discussing some of these bad times and our responses to them. He confessed that he never felt the necessity to attend a support group before Phyllis’s illness, but now finds it very comforting to share with others and have them share their experiences with him. It is so comforting to know others have dealt with the same trials we endure. That in itself gives us hope and strength.
One man in the support group has a sister at the Winston unit at Windsor Place. He cannot bear to go see her in the condition she is now in.
One woman we are acquainted with at the support group has the complete care at home of both of her elderly parents who have Alzheimer’s Disease and a husband who has dementia resulting from a stroke. Neither us of can even imagine what she endures each day or how she even gets through the days and the nights are even more of a nightmare. Yet she copes. She has removed all the locks from the inside doors because her mother or dad may lock themselves in the locked room. She has a sister who has chosen not to help her with their parents. Without God, found by this woman in this monthly support group, she would undoubtedly not be able to cope at all.
God has covenanted with us never to leave us alone and never to leave us with more then we can handle if we will only depend on God’s Holy Spirit. That Holy Spirit may be found in you as you meet someone that can relate to you through a shared life experience.
In the tension of storm clouds building in your life, when has the promise of hope seemed redemptive for you? This story found in Genesis is about God’s grace and the assurance of God’s promises. That assurance of God's Holy Spirit is for each of us as we seek to be the source of strength for one another. To help and serve one another should be our life’s mission. Are we here for one another? As we recall God's covenant with all mankind, that is the tie that will help us to establish God’s Kingdom here on earth.
President's Day
See that lump under my bedspread? That's Missy, my silly cat. She loves to crawl under there and hide. I guess she thinks I can't see her since she can't see me. Silly cat!Today is President's Day and I am off work. The office is closed. I will miss a half a day tomorrow too because I will be taking the cakes to Independence to the First Christian Church for their free dinner tomorrow evening. I will bake mine this afternoon and ice them this evening. In about thirty minutes I will call Juanita and see how her knee is coming along. She has been suffering with her knee for at least a month now. She wants to go to lunch if it ever clears up. Poor woman...she's 90 now and it has not been pleasant so far.
I was sick last night. I had stomach cramps and diarrhea all evening. I even missed most of 60 Minutes. Finally about 8:30, it stopped and I went to bed exhausted. I think it was the fish and chips I had for lunch. It was pretty greasy.
This week, I will work 8:00 until 5:00. That will make up for the lost four hours on Tuesday. I don't know what they will have me doing all those hours. I get paid this Thursday and it will be the first paycheck since I began working 28 hours a week. Maybe I will learn what my new pay will net.
My brother-inlaw read this blog this morning and came over to see if I was alrright today. He suggested we go over to Eggberts and have lunch so we did. They have a very nice and small chicken fried steak that is just the right size for us and is ony $4.95. We have had it on several occasions.
My grandson called this morning to tell me I could come out after 4:00 and see the new great granddaughter. They have named her Cheyenne Sky. I am really dying to see her. I will drive out there after 4:00 and perhaps take some photos too.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sunday Again
I had another good night's sleep last night. I awoke about 5:00 and Missy was wanting out. After I let her out I checked my e-mail and the blogs. Then I got my makeup on and dressed for church. I have decided to wear my dress clothes. I have several real nice suits that I wore when I was working and they were simply going to waste. We are really a casual group but I am pastor so I can get away with dressing up. :)
I will do the letters this afternoon after lunch. Then this evening I will stay home. Mona e-mailed me yesterday to say they both have colds and wanted to cancel their Living the Questions meeting. That's fine with me. I like to stay far away from people who are ill or who have colds.
I don't know where we will eat after the services. Usually John and Leslie make that decision and the rest of us just go along with them.
Today is my sister's 79th birthday. In her condition, she will not even know.
More later...
I will do the letters this afternoon after lunch. Then this evening I will stay home. Mona e-mailed me yesterday to say they both have colds and wanted to cancel their Living the Questions meeting. That's fine with me. I like to stay far away from people who are ill or who have colds.
I don't know where we will eat after the services. Usually John and Leslie make that decision and the rest of us just go along with them.
Today is my sister's 79th birthday. In her condition, she will not even know.
More later...
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Washday Saturday
I have my laundry going now and I will later vacuum the house. It is raining now. In about an hour, I will meet my brother-in-law for breakfast. I slept pretty well last night. However, after Missy woke me up I had to take a pill to get back to sleep. I prefer not to do that very much.
Later, about 9:30, I went to visit my sister out at Windsor Place. I took her a birthday card. Tomorrow she will be 79. She was asleep so I stayed twenty minutes and then left the card on the chair.
Later after I got my house cleaned I called Bob A and asked him if he would like to go to Bartlesville with me. It was overcast and dreary and I thought we might enjoy a change of scenery. He wanted to go so I went over and picked him up in about 20 minutes. We walked the mall. I ended up getting Maia a bithday gift. Her second birthday is next month. He found a great sale in Dillards and bought a new dopp bag and a nice cap and later a leather winter coat. He looked real nice in it.
We went to Dinks and ate Bar B Q again. We just can't seem to get enough of Dink's Bar B Q.
We got home about 5:30 and I took him home and came home to Missy. She was hungry and cranky at being left alone all afternoon. Too bad.
Later, about 9:30, I went to visit my sister out at Windsor Place. I took her a birthday card. Tomorrow she will be 79. She was asleep so I stayed twenty minutes and then left the card on the chair.
Later after I got my house cleaned I called Bob A and asked him if he would like to go to Bartlesville with me. It was overcast and dreary and I thought we might enjoy a change of scenery. He wanted to go so I went over and picked him up in about 20 minutes. We walked the mall. I ended up getting Maia a bithday gift. Her second birthday is next month. He found a great sale in Dillards and bought a new dopp bag and a nice cap and later a leather winter coat. He looked real nice in it.
We went to Dinks and ate Bar B Q again. We just can't seem to get enough of Dink's Bar B Q.
We got home about 5:30 and I took him home and came home to Missy. She was hungry and cranky at being left alone all afternoon. Too bad.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Friday Again
My blood pressure is up some this morning. It is 128/72 in the left arm and 135/73 in the right arm. I imagine having my sleep interrupted last night was the reason....but who knows?
More later...
I talked to my brother-in-law this evening. He seemed depressed. He said he had a strange day. He had breakfast by himself this morning and then went out to visit an old friend. Then he intended to go see Phyllis. He thought it was 10:30. But when he looked at the clock again, he discovered it was really 11:30. So he didn't go today and he seemed depressed about it.
I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich yesterday noon and a grilled cheese today. I will have breakfast with my brother-in-law in the morning and then go see my sister after that. I have been having smoothies for supper.
Next Wednesday I turn in my time sheet. I should get my larger paycheck this next Thursday. It will be interesting to see what it will be.
More later...
I talked to my brother-in-law this evening. He seemed depressed. He said he had a strange day. He had breakfast by himself this morning and then went out to visit an old friend. Then he intended to go see Phyllis. He thought it was 10:30. But when he looked at the clock again, he discovered it was really 11:30. So he didn't go today and he seemed depressed about it.
I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich yesterday noon and a grilled cheese today. I will have breakfast with my brother-in-law in the morning and then go see my sister after that. I have been having smoothies for supper.
Next Wednesday I turn in my time sheet. I should get my larger paycheck this next Thursday. It will be interesting to see what it will be.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Thursday Again
I slept well again last night. I miss Slinky terribly but the improved rest is very welcome. I forgot my PINCH meeting last night and went to bed at 8:30. I simply could not stay awake.
I took my blood pressure again this morning and again it was low. The left arm was 112/63 and 100/60. The right arm was 116/69 and 101/64. I am glad I am not taking that blood pressure med. I would be wiped out if it was any lower.
I have no plans either tonight or tomorrow. In fact, the only thing I have planned this weekend is to go see Phyllis after I have breakfast with Bob A.
Sunday evening I am to go out to Basham's for dinner and Living the Questions group...if I don't forget and if someone offers to pick me up. I don't intend to drive out into the country after dark in my car. There are too many deer out and around. I may just give the DVD to Marilyn and stay home. We are supposed to bring a pasta dish anyhow and I will have to look up a recipe if I go.
I am off Monday for President's Day.
My latest great granddaughter was born today. They named her Cheyenne Sky. Eight pounds and two ounces and twenty inches long.
I took my blood pressure again this morning and again it was low. The left arm was 112/63 and 100/60. The right arm was 116/69 and 101/64. I am glad I am not taking that blood pressure med. I would be wiped out if it was any lower.
I have no plans either tonight or tomorrow. In fact, the only thing I have planned this weekend is to go see Phyllis after I have breakfast with Bob A.
Sunday evening I am to go out to Basham's for dinner and Living the Questions group...if I don't forget and if someone offers to pick me up. I don't intend to drive out into the country after dark in my car. There are too many deer out and around. I may just give the DVD to Marilyn and stay home. We are supposed to bring a pasta dish anyhow and I will have to look up a recipe if I go.
I am off Monday for President's Day.
My latest great granddaughter was born today. They named her Cheyenne Sky. Eight pounds and two ounces and twenty inches long.
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