Morning, Chas. It is nice to be on the same day for a short while.
I checked my mailbox today and had actual mail. Chas, I finally got your Christmas card. The gift had been taken care of, but it was so nice to see you card. And to read the story of “Joy to the World.” To see your signature coupled with Elviras. Thanks for brightening my day in June.
I believe summer begins on the 21st, which would begin winter here.
Good morning! Though we are in Arizona, our bodies are still in Missouri, so I wake up rather early for hear. But it’s 80 out here on the patio, even though it’s only 6:11AM. Tucson is in a heat wave. It’s supposed to be 100 by 10AM.
Good morning. It is around sixty five here this morning, where we live in Pacific time as Jo mentioned. Yes, we have mountains, but we also have the seaport. And a rather odd time zone line.
Peter, that’s exactly why my tentative plans to go to Arizona this year didn’t involve going in June. I’m not sure my body could handle that now, and I know for sure my husband’s couldn’t!
It feels pleasant here today. I have the ladies’ Bible study group in a few minutes. Art and I went to Sam’s early so I could pay the credit card bill and pick up a few things. There was no one in the front of the store at all for me to give my payment to nor anyone to speak to like a cashier. It was odd so I went to pick up a few things and still there was no one to check me out until the lady who lets in early shoppers, the Business Plus members, came over to check me out and take my bill payment. I asked if they are short handed and she said yes, in all areas.
I think I’ll need to water again after work today. We’re going up to 86 today, or so says the coastal forecast. Inland will be way hotter and I have a friend (we’re both bothered by hot weather) staying in Arizona with her mom where it’s especially hot. I guess Peter is maybe used to the Arizona heat.
So I think today will be doing some more reopening interviews with folks, I did one yesterday along with another story.
I am currently reading Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin again as it is currently a reading assignment for my youngest two children. Just finished Alice in Wonderland.
UPDATE: 6 residents from L.A., Riverside, Ventura counties chosen for $1.5 million prize in California's "Vax for the Win" program https://t.co/AimHB3tZjS
“Like victims of a traumatic injury relearning the steps that once seemed second nature, we are remembering to dance.” In his recent article for The New Yorker, Adam Gopnik explores the ways post-pandemic New Yorkers are beginning to gather, to feast, and to talk again. From restaurants to theaters, people are tentatively executing the steps of social and public life—and it often feels awkward.
In the church, too, we are relearning the once-familiar habits of book discussions and fellowship meals, of prayer meetings and casual conversations in the church hallways. For the first time, we may be seeing the faces of visitors we’ve worshiped alongside for months. And getting to know new people doesn’t come as naturally as it once did.
In this week’s featured article, Blake Glosson gives us the tools we need for what he calls “The Neglected Ministry of Asking Questions.” His “FORKS” method may not completely remove the awkwardness from church coffee hour with strangers, but it will certainly help. “All questions lead somewhere,” Glosson reminds us, and the questions we ask fellow believers on Sunday morning are often the first steps in a relationship that will last for eternity.
I’ve forgotten where it was, bu tI toured such a cave once.
They turned alt the lights to demonstrate total darkness.
Interedting. We are unaware that we almost have some source of light. Even at night.
I’ve said it before:
I’ll likely say it again”
But I am thankful each time I see on TV about the people on our southern border trying to get into America.
We are blessed more than we can possibly realize.
God bless America.
WE may not be perfect, but we are the destination of millions.
My favorite adventure was when I went on a caving trip with a date and a group from Georgia Tech. I have had few adventures in my life but I classify that as one. It was a cave up near the northern state line in AL close to a nuclear power plant. We had to sign release from liability forms before we went in. We did not encounter any bats, FYI. We had on those headlights that shined directly in front of us. Since I am afraid of heights, it is a good thing I kept my light on the path directly ahead and did not look to the sides. We were following a stream and had to go up through the stream path to another level so someone blocked the water while we went through that space. Now that I consider the whole scenario it seems like something I would never do had I known about that part, but it worked out fine. I have never ever in the rest of my life gotten so dirty as I got on that trip. It was truly memorable fun.
I do not recall ever being in an actual cave. I take that back. In Greece, we stopped at some caves where people lived and kept their animals in caves. They had mangers built into the walls.
But I have been in mines. Abandoned ones. I have told you about it before but it did leave a lasting memory. Millions of tiny lights on the walls turned out to be the reflected eyes of thousands of daddy long legs, because they lived in the mines in winter. I did not know that at the time but thought the lights were pretty. Then up an incline, across, and down a ladder into a room about eight feet square with a hole in the bottom of one wall. We could hear water running in an underground river through it. Then, my brothers pulled up the ladder and left me there. When I yelled, they eventually came back and told me it would collapse if I kept yelling. I still like my brothers but am not fond of mines.
I am watching a bit of news and saw the panhandle of Florida is having some rough storms. Thinking of Kim and hope things are okay in Fairhope.
I heard something at church that made me want to see if anything is on the news about it. I hardly ever turn on the television. I think I have seen enough. A little goes a long way. Click.
Liquidating mistake: A small town in Florida accidentally sells its water tower in a blundered real estate transaction. “I don’t know where the blame falls here,” said a city council member. https://t.co/FnQoINoMCs#odd
And posted on Twitter by a reporter covering the Southern Baptist conference:
~ Somebody just cut the tension by coming up to the mic and exclaiming, “for the love of God, please turn on the AC!” Roars of laughter and ppl flapping their ballots in the air. On this the Southern Baptists are united. ~
One is known for his involvement in racial reconciliation efforts, and the other is a founding member of the anti-“woke” Conservative Baptist Network.
… Stone, a senior pastor in South Georgia and former chairman of the Executive Committee of the SBC, was named as a contender last week. He immediately garnered endorsements from Tom Ascol, president of Founders Ministries, and Gerald Harris, retired editor of the Christian Index who, like Stone, belongs to the steering council of the Conservative Baptist Network.
Founders and the Conservative Baptist Network have been among the most vocal challengers to what they see as the influence of critical race theory and social justice in the denomination. Stone acknowledges that, “the convention, at least on paper, is squarely within the mainstream of conservative theology,” but along with other network members has voiced concerns about “woke” beliefs in SBC entities and seminaries.
Litton, a senior pastor in Mobile, Alabama, and former SBC Pastors Conference president, was put forward Tuesday by the denomination’s first and only African American president, Fred Luter.
Litton was among the group of white and black pastors who issued a joint statement on the gospel, reconciliation, and justice last fall, and both he and Luter signed onto a recent statement “in opposition to any movement in the SBC that seeks to distract from racial reconciliation through the gospel and that denies the reality of systemic injustice.” …
… The Convention will vote on the candidates at its annual meeting in Nashville in June, installing officers for two-year terms. While SBC churches are self-governed, the president wields influence by setting missional priorities for the denomination, serving as a figurehead and spokesperson, and appointing committee members. …
______________________________
I survived market in the rain. I had my hood up and finally realized that I had not put on my mask. whoops! At least we were all outdoors and the rain washed away the germs.
now to go soak my vegetables in bleach water
Hoods are great, so much easier than clumsy umbrellas which I usually end up leaving somewhere and losing anyhow.
Love T Mattingly’s Twitter profile “pronouns” (it’s becoming standard in many circles to list your preferred — gender — pronouns in your profile, such as he/she/they etc.)
~ Orthodox, husband, father, grandfather, journalist, professor, music fanatic, mountain guy. Pronouns: Thee, Thou ~
DJ, we are studying fasting but not actively engaged yet. I don’t know for sure what is for dinner yet . . . but I am starting to think something quick and easy. Then again a nutritious chocolate snacking cake sounds good!
We have messengers at the convention from our church. I haven’t a clue which way they will vote because I don’t really know them well. I could have gone since they asked if anyone on the Direction Team would like to attend.
Ed Litton, a pastor known for racial reconciliation, is surprise winner for SBC president
Ed Litton, an Alabama pastor known for his work on racial reconciliation, was nominated by Fred Luter, the only Black pastor to serve as president of the SBC.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — Ed Litton, senior pastor of Redemption Church in Saraland, Alabama, was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention during a session of the SBC’s annual meeting Tuesday (June 15).
A relative unknown, Litton has made racial reconciliation a hallmark of his work since at least the 2014 riots after the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. His election is considered a defeat for hard right conservatives in the Southern Baptist Convention’s recent battles over race, sexual abuse and gender roles.
Wasn’t sure if I was going to share this here, but since the SBC has been mentioned, here is a piece about some serious things going on within some of the leadership.
Dodgers vs. Philadelphia in about an hour, LA stadium is open and the fans are gathering (including my editor who scored some tickets and was heading up there with his girlfriend).
DJ, I’ve written a couple of answers to the pronoun thing in my head, but no one has asked me yet. But I imagine a questioner could be stumped either with it/its/itself or I/me/my/mine/myself. Or, if asked, “What pronouns do you use?” simply answer, “Of course that depends on whether I’m talking about a male or a female.” Then you go back to taking notes and leave them to splutter about how that isn’t what they meant.
What I intend to actually do, if ever asked, however, is simply look puzzled. Like, “Really, you can’t figure that out? Did you not study grammar, or was it biology you skipped?”
The now-popular pronoun choice is one of those things that can make us feel like we’re definitely on the outside looking in on a culture that’s gone somewhat haywire. I see it being used mostly on Twitter and email signatures but I doubt it will be around all that long. But I may be wrong (I know, shocking, right?)
As for the SBC, I haven’t read a lot about it (read Kizzie’s link and had seen some of those issues in earlier pieces I’d read). I have no idea if this will be perceived as a serious divide or not within the denomination. Churches, as it was pointed out, are autonomous under that form of church government so it may simply be something that doesn’t have that much of an impact either way.
I’m sure we’ve all gone through difficult times and issues that have affected our larger church bodies, it’s no fun yet is also a way God uses to refine and prompt more reflection, clarity and humility. But it’s never an easy process.
And I’m thinking with all the turmoil and division in our society at large right now, it’s going to affect the church body.
Wandering Views 
Good morning again.
I was stymied momentarily by the flag still flying here.
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Morning, Chas. It is nice to be on the same day for a short while.
I checked my mailbox today and had actual mail. Chas, I finally got your Christmas card. The gift had been taken care of, but it was so nice to see you card. And to read the story of “Joy to the World.” To see your signature coupled with Elviras. Thanks for brightening my day in June.
I believe summer begins on the 21st, which would begin winter here.
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Good night Jo.
I had plum forgotten abut the card. I ‘m glad you got it.
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Makes my day.
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I lay here this morning trying to think what I was doing today.
My calendar square was too small to contain everything, but when lunch out got canceled (I’m very leery of chewing anything), I felt free!
But the Lord cleared His throat: “Aren’t you leading Bible study today?”
I hope the ladies remember since I forgot to send a reminder!
Excited to see them again.
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Good morning! Though we are in Arizona, our bodies are still in Missouri, so I wake up rather early for hear. But it’s 80 out here on the patio, even though it’s only 6:11AM. Tucson is in a heat wave. It’s supposed to be 100 by 10AM.
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*hear -> here
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Good morning. It is around sixty five here this morning, where we live in Pacific time as Jo mentioned. Yes, we have mountains, but we also have the seaport. And a rather odd time zone line.
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It is 64 degrees here in northeastern Connecticut. Supposed to get up to the mid-70s. It’s a nice break from the heat wave we had last week.
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Peter, that’s exactly why my tentative plans to go to Arizona this year didn’t involve going in June. I’m not sure my body could handle that now, and I know for sure my husband’s couldn’t!
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June in N. Carolina has turned out to b e nice so far.
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It feels pleasant here today. I have the ladies’ Bible study group in a few minutes. Art and I went to Sam’s early so I could pay the credit card bill and pick up a few things. There was no one in the front of the store at all for me to give my payment to nor anyone to speak to like a cashier. It was odd so I went to pick up a few things and still there was no one to check me out until the lady who lets in early shoppers, the Business Plus members, came over to check me out and take my bill payment. I asked if they are short handed and she said yes, in all areas.
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One of our problems is that Biden doesn’t perceive aproblem on the southern border.
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A lovely day here. Rain expected. That would be nice.
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Rain? Nice, mumsee. As Peter said, “Hear! Hear!”
I think I’ll need to water again after work today. We’re going up to 86 today, or so says the coastal forecast. Inland will be way hotter and I have a friend (we’re both bothered by hot weather) staying in Arizona with her mom where it’s especially hot. I guess Peter is maybe used to the Arizona heat.
So I think today will be doing some more reopening interviews with folks, I did one yesterday along with another story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t they have caves in Arizona? Why is Peter L not staying in a cave? Seems it would be a comfortable temp….
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https://rumble.com/vhwnh3-father-daughter-duo-crushes-critical-race-theory-in-58-seconds.html
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I am currently reading Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin again as it is currently a reading assignment for my youngest two children. Just finished Alice in Wonderland.
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I wonder what will become of public schools now fully immersed in the woke era.
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Guess I should have waited to get that vaccine
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From The Gospel Coalition:
___________________________
TGC | Weekly
“Like victims of a traumatic injury relearning the steps that once seemed second nature, we are remembering to dance.” In his recent article for The New Yorker, Adam Gopnik explores the ways post-pandemic New Yorkers are beginning to gather, to feast, and to talk again. From restaurants to theaters, people are tentatively executing the steps of social and public life—and it often feels awkward.
In the church, too, we are relearning the once-familiar habits of book discussions and fellowship meals, of prayer meetings and casual conversations in the church hallways. For the first time, we may be seeing the faces of visitors we’ve worshiped alongside for months. And getting to know new people doesn’t come as naturally as it once did.
In this week’s featured article, Blake Glosson gives us the tools we need for what he calls “The Neglected Ministry of Asking Questions.” His “FORKS” method may not completely remove the awkwardness from church coffee hour with strangers, but it will certainly help. “All questions lead somewhere,” Glosson reminds us, and the questions we ask fellow believers on Sunday morning are often the first steps in a relationship that will last for eternity.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/neglected-ministry-asking-questions/
______________________________
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It’s usually too cold to be comfortable for long in a cave.
And it’s too ark.
And to o quiet
And scary. I never liked caves.
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But Peter L loves caves. Hangs out in them all summer. Kind of like a bat.
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I’ve forgotten where it was, bu tI toured such a cave once.
They turned alt the lights to demonstrate total darkness.
Interedting. We are unaware that we almost have some source of light. Even at night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve said it before:
I’ll likely say it again”
But I am thankful each time I see on TV about the people on our southern border trying to get into America.
We are blessed more than we can possibly realize.
God bless America.
WE may not be perfect, but we are the destination of millions.
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That wass me. I don’t know what happened.
Partly due to my poor vision, I suspect.
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My favorite adventure was when I went on a caving trip with a date and a group from Georgia Tech. I have had few adventures in my life but I classify that as one. It was a cave up near the northern state line in AL close to a nuclear power plant. We had to sign release from liability forms before we went in. We did not encounter any bats, FYI. We had on those headlights that shined directly in front of us. Since I am afraid of heights, it is a good thing I kept my light on the path directly ahead and did not look to the sides. We were following a stream and had to go up through the stream path to another level so someone blocked the water while we went through that space. Now that I consider the whole scenario it seems like something I would never do had I known about that part, but it worked out fine. I have never ever in the rest of my life gotten so dirty as I got on that trip. It was truly memorable fun.
LikeLike
I do not recall ever being in an actual cave. I take that back. In Greece, we stopped at some caves where people lived and kept their animals in caves. They had mangers built into the walls.
But I have been in mines. Abandoned ones. I have told you about it before but it did leave a lasting memory. Millions of tiny lights on the walls turned out to be the reflected eyes of thousands of daddy long legs, because they lived in the mines in winter. I did not know that at the time but thought the lights were pretty. Then up an incline, across, and down a ladder into a room about eight feet square with a hole in the bottom of one wall. We could hear water running in an underground river through it. Then, my brothers pulled up the ladder and left me there. When I yelled, they eventually came back and told me it would collapse if I kept yelling. I still like my brothers but am not fond of mines.
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Those places will just collapse and kill you
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we never signed any liability release forms. Nobody knew we were in there. Not even our parents. Especially not our parents.
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Yes, there are caves in Arizona, but there is also air conditioning.
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I am watching a bit of news and saw the panhandle of Florida is having some rough storms. Thinking of Kim and hope things are okay in Fairhope.
I heard something at church that made me want to see if anything is on the news about it. I hardly ever turn on the television. I think I have seen enough. A little goes a long way. Click.
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I have my Bible study on Fasting in an hour.
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It is raining here. Time to go to market. Thankful for a waterproof jacket as it is difficult to shop outdoors with an umbrella.
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So what’s for dinner, Janice?
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Speaking of Florida and real estate (and Kim)
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And posted on Twitter by a reporter covering the Southern Baptist conference:
~ Somebody just cut the tension by coming up to the mic and exclaiming, “for the love of God, please turn on the AC!” Roars of laughter and ppl flapping their ballots in the air. On this the Southern Baptists are united. ~
LikeLiked by 2 people
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For some context for us non-Baptists in the room:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2021/january/sbc-president-race-mohler-stone-litton-crt-cbn.html
________________________
Two Pastors Join SBC President Race
One is known for his involvement in racial reconciliation efforts, and the other is a founding member of the anti-“woke” Conservative Baptist Network.
… Stone, a senior pastor in South Georgia and former chairman of the Executive Committee of the SBC, was named as a contender last week. He immediately garnered endorsements from Tom Ascol, president of Founders Ministries, and Gerald Harris, retired editor of the Christian Index who, like Stone, belongs to the steering council of the Conservative Baptist Network.
Founders and the Conservative Baptist Network have been among the most vocal challengers to what they see as the influence of critical race theory and social justice in the denomination. Stone acknowledges that, “the convention, at least on paper, is squarely within the mainstream of conservative theology,” but along with other network members has voiced concerns about “woke” beliefs in SBC entities and seminaries.
Litton, a senior pastor in Mobile, Alabama, and former SBC Pastors Conference president, was put forward Tuesday by the denomination’s first and only African American president, Fred Luter.
Litton was among the group of white and black pastors who issued a joint statement on the gospel, reconciliation, and justice last fall, and both he and Luter signed onto a recent statement “in opposition to any movement in the SBC that seeks to distract from racial reconciliation through the gospel and that denies the reality of systemic injustice.” …
… The Convention will vote on the candidates at its annual meeting in Nashville in June, installing officers for two-year terms. While SBC churches are self-governed, the president wields influence by setting missional priorities for the denomination, serving as a figurehead and spokesperson, and appointing committee members. …
______________________________
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I survived market in the rain. I had my hood up and finally realized that I had not put on my mask. whoops! At least we were all outdoors and the rain washed away the germs.
now to go soak my vegetables in bleach water
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hoods are great, so much easier than clumsy umbrellas which I usually end up leaving somewhere and losing anyhow.
Love T Mattingly’s Twitter profile “pronouns” (it’s becoming standard in many circles to list your preferred — gender — pronouns in your profile, such as he/she/they etc.)
~ Orthodox, husband, father, grandfather, journalist, professor, music fanatic, mountain guy. Pronouns: Thee, Thou ~
LikeLiked by 2 people
DJ, we are studying fasting but not actively engaged yet. I don’t know for sure what is for dinner yet . . . but I am starting to think something quick and easy. Then again a nutritious chocolate snacking cake sounds good!
We have messengers at the convention from our church. I haven’t a clue which way they will vote because I don’t really know them well. I could have gone since they asked if anyone on the Direction Team would like to attend.
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And the SBC results:
Ed Litton, a pastor known for racial reconciliation, is surprise winner for SBC president
Ed Litton, an Alabama pastor known for his work on racial reconciliation, was nominated by Fred Luter, the only Black pastor to serve as president of the SBC.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) — Ed Litton, senior pastor of Redemption Church in Saraland, Alabama, was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention during a session of the SBC’s annual meeting Tuesday (June 15).
A relative unknown, Litton has made racial reconciliation a hallmark of his work since at least the 2014 riots after the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. His election is considered a defeat for hard right conservatives in the Southern Baptist Convention’s recent battles over race, sexual abuse and gender roles.
https://religionnews.com/2021/06/15/ed-litton-a-pastor-known-for-racial-reconciliation-is-surprise-winner-for-sbc-president/
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Wasn’t sure if I was going to share this here, but since the SBC has been mentioned, here is a piece about some serious things going on within some of the leadership.
https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/character-is-destiny-for-the-southern?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxNDU4NjExMCwicG9zdF9pZCI6Mzc1MzQzMzcsIl8iOiJzMVVnTCIsImlhdCI6MTYyMzYxOTU3NiwiZXhwIjoxNjIzNjIzMTc2LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMjE3NjUiLCJzdWIiOiJwb3N0LXJlYWN0aW9uIn0.yURcLyEvaze81i0mDWmkFFGxmWUVNpca2iTXhDJY-zQ
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Dodgers vs. Philadelphia in about an hour, LA stadium is open and the fans are gathering (including my editor who scored some tickets and was heading up there with his girlfriend).
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DJ, I’ve written a couple of answers to the pronoun thing in my head, but no one has asked me yet. But I imagine a questioner could be stumped either with it/its/itself or I/me/my/mine/myself. Or, if asked, “What pronouns do you use?” simply answer, “Of course that depends on whether I’m talking about a male or a female.” Then you go back to taking notes and leave them to splutter about how that isn’t what they meant.
What I intend to actually do, if ever asked, however, is simply look puzzled. Like, “Really, you can’t figure that out? Did you not study grammar, or was it biology you skipped?”
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Kizzie, that seemed a reasonable article. My eyes did not have stamina to read it all.
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The now-popular pronoun choice is one of those things that can make us feel like we’re definitely on the outside looking in on a culture that’s gone somewhat haywire. I see it being used mostly on Twitter and email signatures but I doubt it will be around all that long. But I may be wrong (I know, shocking, right?)
As for the SBC, I haven’t read a lot about it (read Kizzie’s link and had seen some of those issues in earlier pieces I’d read). I have no idea if this will be perceived as a serious divide or not within the denomination. Churches, as it was pointed out, are autonomous under that form of church government so it may simply be something that doesn’t have that much of an impact either way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure we’ve all gone through difficult times and issues that have affected our larger church bodies, it’s no fun yet is also a way God uses to refine and prompt more reflection, clarity and humility. But it’s never an easy process.
And I’m thinking with all the turmoil and division in our society at large right now, it’s going to affect the church body.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good night Jo.
Good morning everyone else.
It’s 62 degrees outside.
Too cold for a June morning.
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