Somebody go roust out Kim.
Those of you who are parents know what it’s like to be angry and worried at the same time.
She usually stops in to say “Hi”. That’s what I do.
Elvera has a urinary tract infection. (Don’t know what that is, but I think it explains some odd behavior yesterday morning. She is still in bed now. Waiting for the lady who comes on Tuesdays to help me with breakfast. That is because she isn’t supposed to have milk with the medicine she takes. It’s all complicated. That’s why I’m waiting.)
Anyhow
I am reminded of the old days when neighbors would honk and wave as they drive by.
Just a signal to say: “Everything is OK here”
Nobody knows or cares now. They have “find friends” on the phone. Everybody has someone tracking them> Even Becky’s kids have phones now.
Good morning.
Sorry to hear of Elvera’s UTI. I hope it clears quickly.
We are back into rainy days. It’s not suppose to be drenching like last week.
Being back at the office yesterday when it was business as usual and not on a
slower paced Sunday made me feel a bit sad. I even had trouble reading the appointment book because the header days/dates have all been written in light pencil. Difficult for me to read since I need higher contrast.
Husband and daughter leave again today. Off to Boise to help tend the little folk during the quarantine.
The Catholic contingency was alarmed. It appears she is not yet a member. She had dinner with a couple of the ladies last night and visited the bishop, whatever that means. When husband told the lady that daughter would not be around for a while, he learned that there are three more meetings they want done before Palm Sunday. Perhaps they ought to have mentioned that to us and we could have explained the situation and coordinated something different At the beginning, I was clear that if it needed to be communicated, it had to come from their mouths to our ears. Oh well. I do hope this does not mean purgatory for her but that is what it is looking like. Maybe that concern will help her to turn to Christ and the efficacy of His sacrifice
Good Morning! Is that a woodpecker up there?
Chas I do hope Elvera feels better soon. Those UTI’s can be miserable 😢
Folks around here in our neighborhood honk and wave most times. That is one aspect that endeared us to this area. When we looked at this house for the first time a young man who was probably around 7 or 8 at the time, was walking down the road and he waved to us as we turned the corner. I remarked to husband that I wanted to live here…so now we do and we love the friendliness and quiet of the area. 😊
There are people who like to verbally spar and/or debate and there are those who don’t. I fall into the camp of those who don’t. I don’t enjoy arguing for any reason and especially not for “sport”. There are those who are quick to apologize when they realize they have hurt someone’s feelings and there are those who don’t. Some even double down on their position.
My husband falls under this description. He despises Donald Trump to the point it is causing problems in our daily lives. I don’t like Trump, but I don’t let it bother me to the degree that he does. I have even told him that I am afraid the Secret Service is going to know on our door and haul him away for questioning. I can’t have a rational conversation with him about it. When I have tried, I can tell he isn’t listening, he is formulating his rebuttal and even interrupting me. I eventually tell him I am not going to argue with him, and I walk away. He tells me that because he is from the East Coast that “they just enjoy debate”. It isn’t debate when you talk over the other person and refuse to acknowledge they may have a point.
I am not one to defend my position multiple times. I will state it once or twice; then shut up about it and either shut down or go around you. I have enough conflict in my daily life and certainly don’t want to add more.
Because I am a REALTOR and have to abide by the Code of Ethics, I do not discriminate against anyone based on Color, Disability, Familial Status, National Origin, Race, Religion, Sex, and now Sexual Orientation or Identity. I have agents in my office who are Jewish and those who are Muslim. I have atheists, agnostics, and all forms of Christians from Anglican to Pentecostals. I respect them all and have to treat them equally. I even make sure there are food choices for my Jews, Muslims, and Vegan/Vegetarians and I make sure they know there is something they can eat. I make sure my agents know they don’t discriminate in any way. “The only thing you care about, is that their money is green, and they can either buy the house or have the right to sell it”.
I would just appreciate the same courtesy.
Cheryl, you hurt my feelings over my religious beliefs and when it was pointed out to you, you glossed over it and moved on. I grew up in a very legalistic church school and my “rebellion” was to tell my parents I was joining the Catholic Church as soon as I was able. My mother went into damage control and made sure I became a Methodist. The first time anyone told me that God loved me was in an Episcopal Church. That is why I have adopted their ways, although in the Anglican Church.
As I said before, I will refrain from now on from mentioning my beliefs because I will “keep the peace” at all costs…even to my own detriment.
Michelle, the Tetragrammaton, the four Hebrew letter יהוה, transliterated Yahweh/Jehovah, in the Hebrew Scriptures functions the same way, as a symbol for God. One symbol the article doesn’t mention is one that is ubiquitous at a certain season, and one that some less knowledgeable Christians have taken uneccessary offence over,l. That is the single use of the Greek Chi, which appears to us as X, to symbolize Christos/Christ. This is the origin of the much debated X-mas.
Kim, during the night I thought about e-mailing you to ask if I had hurt your feelings, but I had no internet and I couldn’t. I too don’t enjoy debate for the sake of debate. I truly don’t know what I said that’s offensive–all I “remember” saying was sighing aloud in regret that a debate topic had come up again. But the last thing I want to do is hurt you, and I hoped that wasn’t why you weren’t around here. The possibility hadn’t even occurred to me till last night somehow.
For what it’s worth, I lay awake till 3:00 in the morning or something like that, sad at having few friends and having those I do have suffering greatly right now (Nashville just hit with a horrible series of tornadoes, a cousin with health issues for herself and her family that I can’t even imagine, my college best friend with her family and church basically imploding around her, and multiple people close to me died in the last few years). My husband was sick for five weeks with pneumonia and is in his second week with the flu, and it’s barely March. And he’s considering self-isolating. Me, I’m still dealing with the side effects of the flu, and for a week or two before it I kept thinking I had a cold, so I’ve missed Bible studies and any events more recent than Sunday morning a week ago. My only sister rejected me two years ago, and what looked like it might possibly be a chance to heal that breech by seeing her in person, a family reunion this summer, might not happen if the pandemic worsens. My husband is wondering aloud whether even to go see family for Mother’s Day (which would be our first time to see family of any sort since Christmas, when he got sick); we haven’t even talked to the mother of our granddaughter for weeks (she loves us but doesn’t keep in touch well) and the other daughter is super busy.
I e-mailed a craft group I’m in in January about hosting an event in February or March, and people were divided about which would be better and I decided let’s go with March, but I still haven’t e-mailed back, not even to tell them well it looks like March and not February. I’ve kept hoping I could invite them to my home, not to meet at the church, but I’ve had few emotional reserves and not enough to do anything “frivolous” like cards. Now it seems like it’s better to meet at the church–realistically I can’t ask a group of people into my home for a few hours after my husband has had two serious illnesses so far this year, lest anyone bring another. So our desires for this house–including a dining room so that we can host people–still wait to come to fruition while I watch my husband grow old in front of me. We’ve been sitting in a different spot at church, to keep away from germs, and leaving as soon as it’s over, and he has missed more than he has been there since mid-December, though he finally got two or three weeks in a row before he got the flu.
Oh, and my sister hasn’t forbidden me to contact her children. But her 19-year-old son (still at home) with whom I share a photography interest hasn’t answered any e-mails since August, so I think she has either forbidden him or otherwise disabled from that end. Her son who is out of the house will answer the phone if I call, but of course a young man isn’t all that excited about talking to his aunt even if he’s polite. The children talk to me when I call for their birthdays but reading between the lines I sense that they realize I never call the house anymore except to talk to them. This after I invested heavily in their family from the time their parents married, wondering if I would ever marry and thinking if I didn’t, my sister’s children would be the closest I’d ever have to having children, and that if they ever needed me, if their parents died and they needed a home, I would know them. Meanwhile my sister got into cult-like churches and called me with requests like “If my husband and I die, please drive to my church and make an announcement that if anyone wants to take all five children, let you know, and I want you to agree to it.” But apparently they are all but cut off from me and the hope I had for this summer may be gone.
I have long said that as many ugly things as this world has, there is more good than bad in it. Last night I lay in bed asking myself if I’m wrong about that. There is sorrow and pain everywhere I look right now, and I’m up to my neck in it.
Kim, there is enough sorrow and pain in the world; we don’t need more of it. Can we continue to be friends? I’ve long thought about dropping this blog myself since we talk about the same old things continually and it seems only Roscuro and I like posts more than two paragraphs long. But I’ve been around here since 2003, since before my mother died, and I know you guys and love you.
Back to Michelle’s article on symbols, the stairs one looked familiar to me, and I realized it was because of its resemblance to the Egyptian ankh. The article mentions that the stauros is first seen in Papyri, and I wondered if that was deliberate on the part of Egyptian believers. The use of the ichthys had a brief revival of popularity in the late 1990s, as part of the whole WWJD merchandising.
We continue to see evidence of the fallen world all around us and it probably will get worse. We need to expect that. But God goes through it with us. He alone is the good that always outweighs the bad. He puts other Christians in our lives for encouragement and edification. We hope others can always experience the Fruit of the Spirit exhibited through our lives where we live physically and also as we present ourselves virtually.
I am grateful that AJ has been dedicated to providing this blog as a safe place for us to meet and show that we care about each other. Sometimes that can mean being more careful about how we word what we say. Sometimes it might mean being aware of hot topics and being gentle in discussions. May God grant blessings to all here as we continue to examine ourselves according to His standards, feel conviction, and work through faith in His sanctification process. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.
Cheryl – Hey! I read and often “like” long posts! 🙂
Seriously, though, I am sorry you are going through so much. Life can be so hard, and often those hard things come down upon us seemingly all at once. I am feeling kind of the same with some matters in my life. 😦
I hope that neither Kim nor you go away permanently. We may not always have exciting discussions, but our “chatting” is a nice way to keep in touch.
As for the discussion in discussion, I may be naive, but I did not see it as a full-out debate, but rather as some people sharing their views on a certain matter.
Yep Cheryl some of us read the posts more than two paragraphs long but some of us desire not to get squished. 🙃
Reading the debates/discussions I do find myself either disagreeing or agreeing, even thinking “whoa”!!….but mostly choose not to weigh in. By reading the comments I do get to know the posters better and I do form opinions.
Cheryl you have had a rough go of it as of late and I am blessed to lift you before our Lord. That is what I like most about this blog…carrying one another in support and prayer.
Kim I am happy to see you and understand. I have “gone away” for short periods with no one’s notice just to regroup. I love ya’ll and am blessed to call you friend….
Kim, so glad to see you. I hung a new (white eyelet) shower curtain yesterday — I’d bought it a couple years ago and it was still in the package in the linen hall closet — and am weighing more cheap ‘tweaks’ to brighten up the kitchen.
Cheryl, thank you for sharing your season of some struggle with us, and how this current ‘plague’ scare has some very real implications for many. I have been in touch with a man from Carol’s former church — he’s helped her in the past — who has a very serious lung condition as it is and now is on oxygen full time. He has grown sons and family to care for him, but those are the folks (including my friend Carol and those in her home) I worry about right now. I think of many at church, as well, who are older and have chronic health conditions.
And the national politics don’t help our moods sometimes.
I’m busy with work these days, often don’t have time for more than a ‘check-in’ here myself. But I so appreciate all of you, we’re united in Christ but have some diversity among us, to be sure.
Off to do a cruise industry vs coronavirus story today. Everyone’s on high alert here — some of it’s an overreaction, but I think it’s also somewhat understandable as this virus is still new, seems to spread very quickly, and neither we nor the scientists/MDs haven’t fully gotten our heads around it all just yet. It’ll pass. But for now, people are a bit on edge — and the social isolation it could cause is a concern.
Speaking of which ….
From the NYT:
View in browser | nytimes.com
The New York Times
BREAKING NEWS
A one-mile “containment zone” will limit gatherings in New Rochelle, an epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak that’s just outside New York City.
Schools and other large gathering facilities like community centers and houses of worship within the area will be closed for two weeks beginning on Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.
I have been reading some of the Paul David Tripp devotional book to my friend, Karen. Did I mention that a fairly newlywed couple at my church went to his marriage conference and had a great time?
I hear that Costco and K-Mart are out of tissue paper.
But in my travels this morning, I notice that Harris Teeter (local grocery chain) and Harris Teeter (local hardware chain) are well stocked. Shelves are not completely, but more than half full.
Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. is an American supermarket chain based in Matthews, North Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte. As of November 2019, the chain operates 260 stores in seven South Atlantic states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Supermarket News ranked Harris Teeter No. 34 in the 2012 “Top 75 Retailers & Wholesalers” based on 2011 fiscal year sales of $4.3 billion.[2]
On July 9, 2013, Harris Teeter under the ownership of the Bourgeois-Dickson family announced that it was being acquired by The Kroger Company for $2.5 billion.[3] The merger closed on January 28, 2014, though Harris Teeter retained its name, brand, and headquarters in Matthews.[4]
The toilet paper companies say that their supplies lines are not affected, so experts are a little at a loss for why there is such a run on it – the hand sanitizer shortages make sense, but this virus is not known to produce gastric symptoms. There are some hilarious memes circulating about it on FB, and a police officer in Australia actually invoked a pop culture reference when mediating a dispute over TP, telling those fighting that this wasn’t Mad Max (a reference to the post apocalyptic film series that depicts insane characters engaging in wild fights over basic necessities). My theory? A lot of people use TP in lieu of Kleenex.
I actually did a project for a math class in college comparing grocery store prices for steaks and Harris Teeter got into the sample. I don’t think I have ever shopped at one. That’s probably because so many of the bigger grocery stores are in this area. Competition would knock them out around where I live. Then again, there may be one in my area that I don’t even know about.
I had no idea that I was actually shopping at a Kroger store.
I didn’t know Harris Teeter was such a big chain. We didn’t have them in Northern Virginia. (I don’t think. I never did grocery shopping until we came to Greensboro.)
There is a concoction. I’m sure you have seen it advertised on TV, You mix an egg with the contents and cook them together. We have tried it and like it. But when I go shopping, there are several choices for ingredients. And no listing of ingredients on the outside of the container.
I don’t understand that.
They have pictures of the contents. But no indication of which is onions.
Sometime in the past few days, I saw an article title (on Smithsonian.com, I think) about the psychology behind hoarding toilet paper, but I can’t find it now.
I just received my next group of weekly donation envelopes for church. I give a tithe about every two months so I feel these envelopes are a waste of paper. Do other churches still use the weekly envelopes? A friend at church said she asked to discontinue receiving them but she still receives them.
One issue Italy is facing is the fact that COVID-19 is more dangerous to the elderly, and nearly a quarter of their population is elderly. This further increases the load on the healthcare system to the point that, despite shutting down operating rooms in order to use their ventilators (that is a huge deal, as not only are ORs still needed, but using those ventilators means compromising the standards of sterility required in the OR), not every patient who needs ventilation can receive it, and victims of heart attacks, car accidents, etc., also need ventilators. When I worked in West Africa, I experienced what it was like to know you could save a life if only you had the right resources, but because you didn’t have those resources, you watched them die. That is what first Wuhan, and now Lombardy are experiencing.
Well, if you’re hoarding water, you’ll need toilet paper . . .
This is what my Bible study discussed this morning in lieu of speech in Proverbs. I had all ten of us read a verse, respond to it and then open the discussion to everyone.
At the end, I asked them if they wanted to continue meeting. They all said yes. We’ll see what happens later in the week.
Here it is for now. It was very helpful to put our emotions into the proper place.
International Bible Society Bible verses on fear
1. THE SPIRIT GOD GAVE US DOES NOT MAKE US TIMID
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
—2 Timothy 1:7
2. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:6
3. I WILL FEAR NO EVIL
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
—Psalm 23:4
4. WHY WASTE TIME WORRYING?
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”
—Luke 12:25
5. NOTHING WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM GOD’S LOVE
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
—Romans 8:38-39
6. WHOM SHALL I FEAR?
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
—Psalm 27:1 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
—Psalm 111:10
7. GOD IS WITH YOU
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10
8. WHAT ABOUT FEAR OF DEATH?
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
—Matthew 10:28
9. GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
—Psalm 46:1-3
10. WHAT IF WE GO THROUGH SUFFERING?
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”
—2 Timothy 1:12
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:7
Several others:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has to do with punishment. He that fears is not made perfect in love
Sitting here, holding a sick sleeping baby, watching thirteen year old and chuckling as I was reminded of Chas. About three times a week, I have the younger two draw maps. Usually of Idaho and locations in it or from it, trying to give them an understanding of where they live. I have not given them any further direction but the locations and that they must draw and identify at least two routes between them. They have figured how to locate the names in the index and how to use the grid numbers and letters to pinpoint the locations. Son uses the square corner of a piece of paper to get the place found. His two favorite subjects are history and geography. Teachers who have worked with him before have expressed astonishment with his knowledge in those areas, telling us they had never expected him to learn to read. Thanks for praying!
I always figured that people started hoarding TP because they’re afraid of being quarantined and might not be able to go out and get more when they need it.
We were at Sam’s Club Saturday and they had plenty of their brand and of Charmin, but were out of other brands they usually stock, including our usual, so we had to switch.
Miguel found Trey in the bathroom at 0130 surrounded by his school books so that he could spend the day playing with Connor. They have done just that. I fed them a good breakfast and they have been outside ever since. I keep expecting them to come in hungry, but nothing yet.
My old church (2 churches ago) had the envelopes, but neither of my Presbyterian churches I’ve been in since have used them. I’d forgotten about those.
Michelle (water + TP) lol
But Kevin I think is correct (based on CNN story I read) — people are concerned about a broad-based quarantine becoming necessary at some point. And like Cheryl says, it “keeps,” you can’t go wrong with having extra rolls. 🙂
I usually buy the extra large packages of Scott brand at Smart n’ Final, I’m about half way through the last one of those I bought (20 rolls?).
(Scott single ply is recommended for old homes with old plumbing)
A former church member posted this on Facebook. I hope my copy and paste works.
“From another page…🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
A little FB group humour 😉 (must admit it’s stolen😲 shock horror!😁)…
Q: How many group members does it take to change a light bulb?
1 to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed.
14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently.
7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs.
17 purists who use candles and are offended by light bulb discussions.
6 to argue over whether it’s ‘lightbulb’ or ‘light bulb’.
Another 6 to condemn those 6 as stupid.
22 to tell THOSE 6 to stop being jerks.
2 industry professionals to inform the group that the proper term is ‘lamp’.
15 know-it-alls who claim they were in the industry, and that ‘light bulb’ is perfectly correct.
49 to post memes and gifs (several are of Michael Jackson eating popcorn with the words added, “I’m just here for the comments.”)
19 to post that this page is not about light bulbs and to please take this discussion to a light bulb page.
11 to defend the posting to this page saying that we all use light bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant here.
24 to discuss the merits of LED/swirly fluorescent light bulbs
44 to claim LED and fluorescent bulbs will kill you.
12 to post F.
8 to ask what F means.
7 to post ‘Following’ but there’s 3 dots at the top right that means you don’t have to.
3 to say “can’t share”
2 to reply “can’t share from a closed group”
36 People to post pics of their own light bulbs.
15 People to post “I can’t see S$%^!” and use their own light bulbs.
6 to report the post or PM an admin because someone said “f÷×$”
4 to say “Didn’t we go through this already a short time ago?”.
13 to say “Do a search on light bulbs before posting questions about light bulbs”.
1 to bring politics into the discussion by adding that (insert politician of choice) isn’t the brightest bulb. This usually takes place within the first three comments.
50 more to get into personal attacks over their political views.
5 admins to ban the light bulb posters who took it all too seriously.
1 late arrival to comment on the original post 6 months later and start it all over again.”
What I really want to know about the lightbulb post is if I should take it personally. The reason I ask is that yesterday I posted with a comment that mentioned a lightbulb! Here’s my Facebook comment which some of you have seen:
“Considering my daily duty and less than favorite chore of dish washing, I had a brilliant lightbulb in the brain moment.
If I switch the letters around the chore is known as Wish Dashing! And that is exactly what it is when I so much wish to be doing something more fun. Wish Dashing sounds so much more intriguing than plain old Dish Washing♡ Next time I ask my husband out for a night of Wish Dashing, he may even say Yes!”
I get the point about quarantine, but, even in Wuhan under lockdown, people were allowed to go get groceries (one member of each household). Now, if one is quarantined that would be a challenge. And there is something practical churches could do for people, delivering needed items to households under quarantine.
Janice – That light bulb post is so spot on for local Facebook groups! Funny how it is the same thing everywhere!
Another thing that sometimes happens on Facebook is when people scroll too quickly, and don’t read closely enough. I cringed at the result of that on a friend’s post the other day.
She had posted on her page that that day would have been her parents’ 43rd wedding anniversary. Her dad died a few years ago, and her mom lives in another state, but she was glad to know that her mom was spending the day with other relatives, so she wasn’t alone.
Well, a few people only bothered to see the part about the 43rd anniversary, and commented, “Happy Anniversary!” One commented, “Nice!” And like I said, I cringed.
I was not being serious when I asked if I should take it personally. I was poking fun at myself since I do often take ed things personally. A boyfriend while in my twenties told me I was like his grandmother in always taking things personally. So I was warned long ago about that. Now can you imagine how it felt being in my twenties and compared to his grandma? It’s hard not to take that personally!
Regarding offering envelopes, my church has them, but has never sent a new set every year. When you run out you just ask for a new box. Years ago the office said you would not get a giving statement unless you used the envelopes, but that went by the wayside some years back. Some people still like to use them, but fewer and fewer people do. As a member of the “Offering Counting Team” I’ve watched the use of envelopes go steadily down over the past 5 years.
Wandering Views 
It’s a little bird sitting on a toadstool?
Good morning everyone.
LikeLike
Somebody go roust out Kim.
Those of you who are parents know what it’s like to be angry and worried at the same time.
She usually stops in to say “Hi”. That’s what I do.
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Elvera has a urinary tract infection. (Don’t know what that is, but I think it explains some odd behavior yesterday morning. She is still in bed now. Waiting for the lady who comes on Tuesdays to help me with breakfast. That is because she isn’t supposed to have milk with the medicine she takes. It’s all complicated. That’s why I’m waiting.)
Anyhow
I am reminded of the old days when neighbors would honk and wave as they drive by.
Just a signal to say: “Everything is OK here”
Nobody knows or cares now. They have “find friends” on the phone. Everybody has someone tracking them> Even Becky’s kids have phones now.
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Good morning.
Sorry to hear of Elvera’s UTI. I hope it clears quickly.
We are back into rainy days. It’s not suppose to be drenching like last week.
Being back at the office yesterday when it was business as usual and not on a
slower paced Sunday made me feel a bit sad. I even had trouble reading the appointment book because the header days/dates have all been written in light pencil. Difficult for me to read since I need higher contrast.
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Good morning, all. I don’t follow anybody.
Husband and daughter leave again today. Off to Boise to help tend the little folk during the quarantine.
The Catholic contingency was alarmed. It appears she is not yet a member. She had dinner with a couple of the ladies last night and visited the bishop, whatever that means. When husband told the lady that daughter would not be around for a while, he learned that there are three more meetings they want done before Palm Sunday. Perhaps they ought to have mentioned that to us and we could have explained the situation and coordinated something different At the beginning, I was clear that if it needed to be communicated, it had to come from their mouths to our ears. Oh well. I do hope this does not mean purgatory for her but that is what it is looking like. Maybe that concern will help her to turn to Christ and the efficacy of His sacrifice
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Good Morning! Is that a woodpecker up there?
Chas I do hope Elvera feels better soon. Those UTI’s can be miserable 😢
Folks around here in our neighborhood honk and wave most times. That is one aspect that endeared us to this area. When we looked at this house for the first time a young man who was probably around 7 or 8 at the time, was walking down the road and he waved to us as we turned the corner. I remarked to husband that I wanted to live here…so now we do and we love the friendliness and quiet of the area. 😊
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There are people who like to verbally spar and/or debate and there are those who don’t. I fall into the camp of those who don’t. I don’t enjoy arguing for any reason and especially not for “sport”. There are those who are quick to apologize when they realize they have hurt someone’s feelings and there are those who don’t. Some even double down on their position.
My husband falls under this description. He despises Donald Trump to the point it is causing problems in our daily lives. I don’t like Trump, but I don’t let it bother me to the degree that he does. I have even told him that I am afraid the Secret Service is going to know on our door and haul him away for questioning. I can’t have a rational conversation with him about it. When I have tried, I can tell he isn’t listening, he is formulating his rebuttal and even interrupting me. I eventually tell him I am not going to argue with him, and I walk away. He tells me that because he is from the East Coast that “they just enjoy debate”. It isn’t debate when you talk over the other person and refuse to acknowledge they may have a point.
I am not one to defend my position multiple times. I will state it once or twice; then shut up about it and either shut down or go around you. I have enough conflict in my daily life and certainly don’t want to add more.
Because I am a REALTOR and have to abide by the Code of Ethics, I do not discriminate against anyone based on Color, Disability, Familial Status, National Origin, Race, Religion, Sex, and now Sexual Orientation or Identity. I have agents in my office who are Jewish and those who are Muslim. I have atheists, agnostics, and all forms of Christians from Anglican to Pentecostals. I respect them all and have to treat them equally. I even make sure there are food choices for my Jews, Muslims, and Vegan/Vegetarians and I make sure they know there is something they can eat. I make sure my agents know they don’t discriminate in any way. “The only thing you care about, is that their money is green, and they can either buy the house or have the right to sell it”.
I would just appreciate the same courtesy.
Cheryl, you hurt my feelings over my religious beliefs and when it was pointed out to you, you glossed over it and moved on. I grew up in a very legalistic church school and my “rebellion” was to tell my parents I was joining the Catholic Church as soon as I was able. My mother went into damage control and made sure I became a Methodist. The first time anyone told me that God loved me was in an Episcopal Church. That is why I have adopted their ways, although in the Anglican Church.
As I said before, I will refrain from now on from mentioning my beliefs because I will “keep the peace” at all costs…even to my own detriment.
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Kim, thanks for being here and for being you. You matter in the Body, and you matter to me.
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I have a cold. Normally, I wouldn’t think twice about when to go back to work (once the symptoms abate), now there are so many questions.
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Interesting article about the historic symbols of Christianity:
https://www.reasons.org/explore/blogs/reflections/read/reflections/2020/02/25/how-to-appreciate-early-jesus-symbols
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Michelle, the Tetragrammaton, the four Hebrew letter יהוה, transliterated Yahweh/Jehovah, in the Hebrew Scriptures functions the same way, as a symbol for God. One symbol the article doesn’t mention is one that is ubiquitous at a certain season, and one that some less knowledgeable Christians have taken uneccessary offence over,l. That is the single use of the Greek Chi, which appears to us as X, to symbolize Christos/Christ. This is the origin of the much debated X-mas.
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I am happy to see you back, Kim.
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Kim, during the night I thought about e-mailing you to ask if I had hurt your feelings, but I had no internet and I couldn’t. I too don’t enjoy debate for the sake of debate. I truly don’t know what I said that’s offensive–all I “remember” saying was sighing aloud in regret that a debate topic had come up again. But the last thing I want to do is hurt you, and I hoped that wasn’t why you weren’t around here. The possibility hadn’t even occurred to me till last night somehow.
For what it’s worth, I lay awake till 3:00 in the morning or something like that, sad at having few friends and having those I do have suffering greatly right now (Nashville just hit with a horrible series of tornadoes, a cousin with health issues for herself and her family that I can’t even imagine, my college best friend with her family and church basically imploding around her, and multiple people close to me died in the last few years). My husband was sick for five weeks with pneumonia and is in his second week with the flu, and it’s barely March. And he’s considering self-isolating. Me, I’m still dealing with the side effects of the flu, and for a week or two before it I kept thinking I had a cold, so I’ve missed Bible studies and any events more recent than Sunday morning a week ago. My only sister rejected me two years ago, and what looked like it might possibly be a chance to heal that breech by seeing her in person, a family reunion this summer, might not happen if the pandemic worsens. My husband is wondering aloud whether even to go see family for Mother’s Day (which would be our first time to see family of any sort since Christmas, when he got sick); we haven’t even talked to the mother of our granddaughter for weeks (she loves us but doesn’t keep in touch well) and the other daughter is super busy.
I e-mailed a craft group I’m in in January about hosting an event in February or March, and people were divided about which would be better and I decided let’s go with March, but I still haven’t e-mailed back, not even to tell them well it looks like March and not February. I’ve kept hoping I could invite them to my home, not to meet at the church, but I’ve had few emotional reserves and not enough to do anything “frivolous” like cards. Now it seems like it’s better to meet at the church–realistically I can’t ask a group of people into my home for a few hours after my husband has had two serious illnesses so far this year, lest anyone bring another. So our desires for this house–including a dining room so that we can host people–still wait to come to fruition while I watch my husband grow old in front of me. We’ve been sitting in a different spot at church, to keep away from germs, and leaving as soon as it’s over, and he has missed more than he has been there since mid-December, though he finally got two or three weeks in a row before he got the flu.
Oh, and my sister hasn’t forbidden me to contact her children. But her 19-year-old son (still at home) with whom I share a photography interest hasn’t answered any e-mails since August, so I think she has either forbidden him or otherwise disabled from that end. Her son who is out of the house will answer the phone if I call, but of course a young man isn’t all that excited about talking to his aunt even if he’s polite. The children talk to me when I call for their birthdays but reading between the lines I sense that they realize I never call the house anymore except to talk to them. This after I invested heavily in their family from the time their parents married, wondering if I would ever marry and thinking if I didn’t, my sister’s children would be the closest I’d ever have to having children, and that if they ever needed me, if their parents died and they needed a home, I would know them. Meanwhile my sister got into cult-like churches and called me with requests like “If my husband and I die, please drive to my church and make an announcement that if anyone wants to take all five children, let you know, and I want you to agree to it.” But apparently they are all but cut off from me and the hope I had for this summer may be gone.
I have long said that as many ugly things as this world has, there is more good than bad in it. Last night I lay in bed asking myself if I’m wrong about that. There is sorrow and pain everywhere I look right now, and I’m up to my neck in it.
Kim, there is enough sorrow and pain in the world; we don’t need more of it. Can we continue to be friends? I’ve long thought about dropping this blog myself since we talk about the same old things continually and it seems only Roscuro and I like posts more than two paragraphs long. But I’ve been around here since 2003, since before my mother died, and I know you guys and love you.
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This “who was the real Shakespeare” theory takes the cake: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/09/catalonia-pays-3-to-firms-linked-to-shakespeare-was-catalan-theory
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Back to Michelle’s article on symbols, the stairs one looked familiar to me, and I realized it was because of its resemblance to the Egyptian ankh. The article mentions that the stauros is first seen in Papyri, and I wondered if that was deliberate on the part of Egyptian believers. The use of the ichthys had a brief revival of popularity in the late 1990s, as part of the whole WWJD merchandising.
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We continue to see evidence of the fallen world all around us and it probably will get worse. We need to expect that. But God goes through it with us. He alone is the good that always outweighs the bad. He puts other Christians in our lives for encouragement and edification. We hope others can always experience the Fruit of the Spirit exhibited through our lives where we live physically and also as we present ourselves virtually.
I am grateful that AJ has been dedicated to providing this blog as a safe place for us to meet and show that we care about each other. Sometimes that can mean being more careful about how we word what we say. Sometimes it might mean being aware of hot topics and being gentle in discussions. May God grant blessings to all here as we continue to examine ourselves according to His standards, feel conviction, and work through faith in His sanctification process. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.
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Amen, Janice.
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Cheryl – Hey! I read and often “like” long posts! 🙂
Seriously, though, I am sorry you are going through so much. Life can be so hard, and often those hard things come down upon us seemingly all at once. I am feeling kind of the same with some matters in my life. 😦
I hope that neither Kim nor you go away permanently. We may not always have exciting discussions, but our “chatting” is a nice way to keep in touch.
As for the discussion in discussion, I may be naive, but I did not see it as a full-out debate, but rather as some people sharing their views on a certain matter.
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Yep Cheryl some of us read the posts more than two paragraphs long but some of us desire not to get squished. 🙃
Reading the debates/discussions I do find myself either disagreeing or agreeing, even thinking “whoa”!!….but mostly choose not to weigh in. By reading the comments I do get to know the posters better and I do form opinions.
Cheryl you have had a rough go of it as of late and I am blessed to lift you before our Lord. That is what I like most about this blog…carrying one another in support and prayer.
Kim I am happy to see you and understand. I have “gone away” for short periods with no one’s notice just to regroup. I love ya’ll and am blessed to call you friend….
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Kim, so glad to see you. I hung a new (white eyelet) shower curtain yesterday — I’d bought it a couple years ago and it was still in the package in the linen hall closet — and am weighing more cheap ‘tweaks’ to brighten up the kitchen.
Cheryl, thank you for sharing your season of some struggle with us, and how this current ‘plague’ scare has some very real implications for many. I have been in touch with a man from Carol’s former church — he’s helped her in the past — who has a very serious lung condition as it is and now is on oxygen full time. He has grown sons and family to care for him, but those are the folks (including my friend Carol and those in her home) I worry about right now. I think of many at church, as well, who are older and have chronic health conditions.
And the national politics don’t help our moods sometimes.
I’m busy with work these days, often don’t have time for more than a ‘check-in’ here myself. But I so appreciate all of you, we’re united in Christ but have some diversity among us, to be sure.
Off to do a cruise industry vs coronavirus story today. Everyone’s on high alert here — some of it’s an overreaction, but I think it’s also somewhat understandable as this virus is still new, seems to spread very quickly, and neither we nor the scientists/MDs haven’t fully gotten our heads around it all just yet. It’ll pass. But for now, people are a bit on edge — and the social isolation it could cause is a concern.
Speaking of which ….
From the NYT:
View in browser | nytimes.com
The New York Times
BREAKING NEWS
A one-mile “containment zone” will limit gatherings in New Rochelle, an epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak that’s just outside New York City.
Schools and other large gathering facilities like community centers and houses of worship within the area will be closed for two weeks beginning on Thursday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.
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The good news is it perhaps has peaked (?) in China judging by some accounts we’re now seeing.
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Janice, quit hogging all the rain. We were supposed to get a couple inches here starting today, but so far it’s not producing all that much …
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Some new ‘counseling’ devotionals out of Westminster on fear, anger, anxiety …
https://www.wtsbooks.com/collections/counseling-devotionals
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I have been reading some of the Paul David Tripp devotional book to my friend, Karen. Did I mention that a fairly newlywed couple at my church went to his marriage conference and had a great time?
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It is good to be able to share your struggles and see the perseverance of other Christians.
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I hear that Costco and K-Mart are out of tissue paper.
But in my travels this morning, I notice that Harris Teeter (local grocery chain) and Harris Teeter (local hardware chain) are well stocked. Shelves are not completely, but more than half full.
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The second “Harris Teeter”, of course, should be “Home Depot”.
But you knew that.
Chas
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Kizzie, I usually read and often write long posts. And have since the fist questions on infant baptism back in the day.
NancyJill, I have also disappeared for a bit. Many of us have. Good. As long as we come back!
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Chas, I didn’t know that.
I figured Harris Teeter stores were part of one of those strange southern chains. lol
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Oh wait. It is one of *those* southern stores, I see; it was only the 2nd reference that should have been Home Depot.
Well I’ll be …
I guess it was probably named for Harris Teeter, whoever he was or is?
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from wikipedia;
_______________
Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. is an American supermarket chain based in Matthews, North Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte. As of November 2019, the chain operates 260 stores in seven South Atlantic states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Supermarket News ranked Harris Teeter No. 34 in the 2012 “Top 75 Retailers & Wholesalers” based on 2011 fiscal year sales of $4.3 billion.[2]
On July 9, 2013, Harris Teeter under the ownership of the Bourgeois-Dickson family announced that it was being acquired by The Kroger Company for $2.5 billion.[3] The merger closed on January 28, 2014, though Harris Teeter retained its name, brand, and headquarters in Matthews.[4]
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I was going to post that, but DJ beat me to it.
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The toilet paper companies say that their supplies lines are not affected, so experts are a little at a loss for why there is such a run on it – the hand sanitizer shortages make sense, but this virus is not known to produce gastric symptoms. There are some hilarious memes circulating about it on FB, and a police officer in Australia actually invoked a pop culture reference when mediating a dispute over TP, telling those fighting that this wasn’t Mad Max (a reference to the post apocalyptic film series that depicts insane characters engaging in wild fights over basic necessities). My theory? A lot of people use TP in lieu of Kleenex.
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I actually did a project for a math class in college comparing grocery store prices for steaks and Harris Teeter got into the sample. I don’t think I have ever shopped at one. That’s probably because so many of the bigger grocery stores are in this area. Competition would knock them out around where I live. Then again, there may be one in my area that I don’t even know about.
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This article contains some useful data to understand what is going on and where the risk really lies: https://spiritualsoundingboard.com/2020/03/10/how-should-churches-respond-to-the-coronavirus-lets-talk/
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I had no idea that I was actually shopping at a Kroger store.
I didn’t know Harris Teeter was such a big chain. We didn’t have them in Northern Virginia. (I don’t think. I never did grocery shopping until we came to Greensboro.)
There is a concoction. I’m sure you have seen it advertised on TV, You mix an egg with the contents and cook them together. We have tried it and like it. But when I go shopping, there are several choices for ingredients. And no listing of ingredients on the outside of the container.
I don’t understand that.
They have pictures of the contents. But no indication of which is onions.
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Sometime in the past few days, I saw an article title (on Smithsonian.com, I think) about the psychology behind hoarding toilet paper, but I can’t find it now.
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I just received my next group of weekly donation envelopes for church. I give a tithe about every two months so I feel these envelopes are a waste of paper. Do other churches still use the weekly envelopes? A friend at church said she asked to discontinue receiving them but she still receives them.
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One issue Italy is facing is the fact that COVID-19 is more dangerous to the elderly, and nearly a quarter of their population is elderly. This further increases the load on the healthcare system to the point that, despite shutting down operating rooms in order to use their ventilators (that is a huge deal, as not only are ORs still needed, but using those ventilators means compromising the standards of sterility required in the OR), not every patient who needs ventilation can receive it, and victims of heart attacks, car accidents, etc., also need ventilators. When I worked in West Africa, I experienced what it was like to know you could save a life if only you had the right resources, but because you didn’t have those resources, you watched them die. That is what first Wuhan, and now Lombardy are experiencing.
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Well, if you’re hoarding water, you’ll need toilet paper . . .
This is what my Bible study discussed this morning in lieu of speech in Proverbs. I had all ten of us read a verse, respond to it and then open the discussion to everyone.
At the end, I asked them if they wanted to continue meeting. They all said yes. We’ll see what happens later in the week.
Here it is for now. It was very helpful to put our emotions into the proper place.
International Bible Society Bible verses on fear
1. THE SPIRIT GOD GAVE US DOES NOT MAKE US TIMID
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
—2 Timothy 1:7
2. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:6
3. I WILL FEAR NO EVIL
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
—Psalm 23:4
4. WHY WASTE TIME WORRYING?
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”
—Luke 12:25
5. NOTHING WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM GOD’S LOVE
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
—Romans 8:38-39
6. WHOM SHALL I FEAR?
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
—Psalm 27:1 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
—Psalm 111:10
7. GOD IS WITH YOU
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10
8. WHAT ABOUT FEAR OF DEATH?
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
—Matthew 10:28
9. GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
—Psalm 46:1-3
10. WHAT IF WE GO THROUGH SUFFERING?
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”
—2 Timothy 1:12
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:7
https://www.biblica.com/articles/10-bible-verses-to-inspire-godly-courage-when-fear-attacks/
Several others:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has to do with punishment. He that fears is not made perfect in love
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Well addressed, Michelle.
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Sitting here, holding a sick sleeping baby, watching thirteen year old and chuckling as I was reminded of Chas. About three times a week, I have the younger two draw maps. Usually of Idaho and locations in it or from it, trying to give them an understanding of where they live. I have not given them any further direction but the locations and that they must draw and identify at least two routes between them. They have figured how to locate the names in the index and how to use the grid numbers and letters to pinpoint the locations. Son uses the square corner of a piece of paper to get the place found. His two favorite subjects are history and geography. Teachers who have worked with him before have expressed astonishment with his knowledge in those areas, telling us they had never expected him to learn to read. Thanks for praying!
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I always figured that people started hoarding TP because they’re afraid of being quarantined and might not be able to go out and get more when they need it.
We were at Sam’s Club Saturday and they had plenty of their brand and of Charmin, but were out of other brands they usually stock, including our usual, so we had to switch.
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The longer things continue, the more glad I am I stocked up some extras, like TP and water. 🙂
It sounds like a less extreme idea every day. 🙂
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When you live in the middle of nowhere, you are always stocked up on essentials.
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Miguel found Trey in the bathroom at 0130 surrounded by his school books so that he could spend the day playing with Connor. They have done just that. I fed them a good breakfast and they have been outside ever since. I keep expecting them to come in hungry, but nothing yet.
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TP keeps, so one can stock up on it “in advance.”
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Children…and the benefit of homeschooling…
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TP: that is my thought, Kevin B. If one has to stay home for an extended season, it is good to be prepared.
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Janice, our weekly tithe is done electronically, automatically deducted from our bank account. We don’t get envelopes.
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My old church (2 churches ago) had the envelopes, but neither of my Presbyterian churches I’ve been in since have used them. I’d forgotten about those.
Michelle (water + TP) lol
But Kevin I think is correct (based on CNN story I read) — people are concerned about a broad-based quarantine becoming necessary at some point. And like Cheryl says, it “keeps,” you can’t go wrong with having extra rolls. 🙂
I usually buy the extra large packages of Scott brand at Smart n’ Final, I’m about half way through the last one of those I bought (20 rolls?).
(Scott single ply is recommended for old homes with old plumbing)
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A former church member posted this on Facebook. I hope my copy and paste works.
“From another page…🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
A little FB group humour 😉 (must admit it’s stolen😲 shock horror!😁)…
Q: How many group members does it take to change a light bulb?
1 to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed.
14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently.
7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs.
17 purists who use candles and are offended by light bulb discussions.
6 to argue over whether it’s ‘lightbulb’ or ‘light bulb’.
Another 6 to condemn those 6 as stupid.
22 to tell THOSE 6 to stop being jerks.
2 industry professionals to inform the group that the proper term is ‘lamp’.
15 know-it-alls who claim they were in the industry, and that ‘light bulb’ is perfectly correct.
49 to post memes and gifs (several are of Michael Jackson eating popcorn with the words added, “I’m just here for the comments.”)
19 to post that this page is not about light bulbs and to please take this discussion to a light bulb page.
11 to defend the posting to this page saying that we all use light bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant here.
24 to discuss the merits of LED/swirly fluorescent light bulbs
44 to claim LED and fluorescent bulbs will kill you.
12 to post F.
8 to ask what F means.
7 to post ‘Following’ but there’s 3 dots at the top right that means you don’t have to.
3 to say “can’t share”
2 to reply “can’t share from a closed group”
36 People to post pics of their own light bulbs.
15 People to post “I can’t see S$%^!” and use their own light bulbs.
6 to report the post or PM an admin because someone said “f÷×$”
4 to say “Didn’t we go through this already a short time ago?”.
13 to say “Do a search on light bulbs before posting questions about light bulbs”.
1 to bring politics into the discussion by adding that (insert politician of choice) isn’t the brightest bulb. This usually takes place within the first three comments.
50 more to get into personal attacks over their political views.
5 admins to ban the light bulb posters who took it all too seriously.
1 late arrival to comment on the original post 6 months later and start it all over again.”
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I think I can see myself somewhere in all of that.😳😎
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Thanks for that 3:48 link, roscuro.
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Janice, haha
So what’s your point? lol
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That’s us!
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zap
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Hey DJ, Michelle, Jo and any other California resident, Did you read the Babylon Bee today?
https://babylonbee.com/news/nation-announces-plan-to-use-coronavirus-as-an-excuse-to-quarantine-california
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Oh, I was gonna get 57, but I see mumsee was here at the same time. Good job, little sister.
BTW- My dad is 94 today.
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At least you can celebrate that!
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The light bulb didn’t need changing.
Turn on the switch..
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What I really want to know about the lightbulb post is if I should take it personally. The reason I ask is that yesterday I posted with a comment that mentioned a lightbulb! Here’s my Facebook comment which some of you have seen:
“Considering my daily duty and less than favorite chore of dish washing, I had a brilliant lightbulb in the brain moment.
If I switch the letters around the chore is known as Wish Dashing! And that is exactly what it is when I so much wish to be doing something more fun. Wish Dashing sounds so much more intriguing than plain old Dish Washing♡ Next time I ask my husband out for a night of Wish Dashing, he may even say Yes!”
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I get the point about quarantine, but, even in Wuhan under lockdown, people were allowed to go get groceries (one member of each household). Now, if one is quarantined that would be a challenge. And there is something practical churches could do for people, delivering needed items to households under quarantine.
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Janice – That light bulb post is so spot on for local Facebook groups! Funny how it is the same thing everywhere!
Another thing that sometimes happens on Facebook is when people scroll too quickly, and don’t read closely enough. I cringed at the result of that on a friend’s post the other day.
She had posted on her page that that day would have been her parents’ 43rd wedding anniversary. Her dad died a few years ago, and her mom lives in another state, but she was glad to know that her mom was spending the day with other relatives, so she wasn’t alone.
Well, a few people only bothered to see the part about the 43rd anniversary, and commented, “Happy Anniversary!” One commented, “Nice!” And like I said, I cringed.
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I was not being serious when I asked if I should take it personally. I was poking fun at myself since I do often take ed things personally. A boyfriend while in my twenties told me I was like his grandmother in always taking things personally. So I was warned long ago about that. Now can you imagine how it felt being in my twenties and compared to his grandma? It’s hard not to take that personally!
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Yes, Kizzie. That is so awkward.
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Thankful to know Peter’s dad is 94! That is great!!
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Regarding offering envelopes, my church has them, but has never sent a new set every year. When you run out you just ask for a new box. Years ago the office said you would not get a giving statement unless you used the envelopes, but that went by the wayside some years back. Some people still like to use them, but fewer and fewer people do. As a member of the “Offering Counting Team” I’ve watched the use of envelopes go steadily down over the past 5 years.
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Kim and Cheryl, you are both treasured here and I’d miss you if you weren’t here.
I also apologize because I contributed 2 cents to the discussion I think you’re talking about long after it should have been dropped.
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