Up way, way (too) early to cover a port blockade/labor action in the dark w/light rain that, so far, according to photographer who’s already out there (I was just heading out the door), doesn’t look like it’s happening. We’ll monitor for a while, but looks like we may be off the hook.
It’s going to be a warm day here. I am amazed that the lilacs thrived during the freezing weather. It was like a health tonic preserving those flowers. They are the most the bush has ever produced. Love that since my mother gave me the bush.
Good morning, all. Yes DJ, you are up too early! I hope you can monitor the situation from someplace warm and dry.
I was reading Psalm 37 that Kathaleena referenced yesterday on the news thread. That’s a good place for such a timely reminder. Perhaps news and scripture, especially Psalms, are best read together to keep things in perspective. It’s a reminder that as things are now, so they have been in the past, and shall be in the future until the Lord returns.
The cave photos were interesting. My husband doesn’t like heights or caves, so neither are something we see a lot of. Ironically, we visited the cave in Hannibal, MS, on our honeymoon trip, since we were passing through somewhat. We have an underground mine that was turned into a tourist attraction and is now part of a state park. For a while it was used for a science experiment. A man, who is on our praise team participated in that. The mine goes about 2,500 ft. deep. There is a cage elevator to take people down. I have been on that tour several times. My husband did go once years ago. It is all fascinating to me.
This fallen world keeps surprising and upsetting us! lol
It’s not the way it was meant to be, but it “is,” we are reminded so often in Scripture and by events around us.
I’m back in my sweats, having plain yogurt & berries for breakfast. I actually could easily fall back asleep, but only 2 hours until the usual work day begins …
A widowed friend died a week ago of savage cancer at 51. She was 41 when her husband died.
They leave behind four children 25 and under.
I caught up with Caring Bridge today and read about her death. What a fine way to greet her Savior:
Jenn passed peacefully around 11pm, listening to the final pages of CS Lewis’ The Last Battle.
“The dream is ended: this is the morning.”
And as He spoke He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story.
All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”
Thank you so much for the kind birthday wishes. My work friends had pizza and chocolate cream pie for me, and my guys had birthday cupcakes with candles. It was a pleasant day.
Went through a box of pictures last night. Very emotional. I had nine years here after my husband left before I went to PNG. Wow, we did so much and in most every picture there were the three families that surrounded us and helped to raise my children.
I also found the box with the very oldest pictures. I am taking some of those to my ex on Sunday at a family party for a little. Not sure if he even has any of his parents. God led me to find those pictures. We will see how He uses them in His way.
M, had expectant and joyfully thrilling chills when I read that. Rejoicing that she is with her Saviour. Sad for her children.
Jo, it’s good to be reminded of those who surrounded and lifted you all up. Several years after my mom passed away I was going through a box and found all these cards and caring notes from our church family. For some reason I hadn’t remembered that anyone had cared at the time. I obviously wasn’t all together at the time. It was lovely to read their thoughts and know how much they cared years after.
Praying for you as you take the other pictures to your ex.
Last part of Russell Moore’s email this morning — direct links to articles are on the link to his piece.
I had a dog with diabetes, giving the insulin shots twice a day seemed overwhelming at first, but he did well and we had another 18 months of what was a pretty good run, considering.
___________________
… After I wrote last week about the melancholy dog song I’ve come to love, several of y’all have asked how our dog, Waylon, is doing. I mentioned that he seemed lethargic and was constantly drinking water. Turns out, our intuitions were right—something is wrong. Waylon has diabetes. He’ll require insulin shots (which I didn’t even know they made for dogs) twice a day for the rest of his life. There’s some question as to whether that will work, but for now, he’s hanging on.
Two thought-provoking pieces in recent days deal with questions about pets and suffering. One is the cover story of the new issue of Christianity Today on how to make sense of animal pain in light of the goodness of God. The other is The New York Times essay this week by our friend Tish Harrison Warren on why pets matter. And, of course, I would refer you to maybe my favorite piece ever on this subject: “Why I Will Never Live Without a Dog Again” by my late friend Mike Gerson.
“Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain,” the other Waylon once sang. Everywhere else, though—this side of heaven—we do. Sometimes even the suffering of the animal who’s stood by us through good times and bad can remind us that “the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Rom. 8:22).
_________________
I am listening to the book, Women in the Castle which is set in the years following WWII in Germany. Today I thought what a strange juxtaposition as the times had progressed enough that they got to hear a symphony play. It brought the community to tears when nothing else had.
This reading/listening was after I recently read Station Eleven which was set in tbe dystopian time after a pandemic. Both books bring to light how much music helps people transcend horrific times.
I think my next book needs to be something lighter.
I’m reading “Untrustworthy” by Bonnie Kristian, who writes for CT and The Week — the book “takes a look at today’s chaotic information media environment and what it’s doing to us.”
“American life and politics are suffering from a knowledge crisis and the church is no exception. In ‘Untrustworthy,’ seasoned journalist Bonnie Kristian unpacks this crisis, showing how it strains our relationships, hurts our minds, pollutes our politics and damages our Christian discipleship. She explains factors that contribute to our confusion and helps us pay attention to how we consume content and think about truth. She also provides specific ways to take action to combat the truth crisis in our lives, families and church communities.”
Good morning, all, or is it afternoon? Beautiful day in the neighborhood. We walked in sunshine, then rain, now children are outside roasting hot dogs over the campfire in the snow.
A little excitement in the backyard a moment ago, neighbor’s cat and a squirrel were racing through, I’m not sure who was chasing who. Abby missed it all.
Wandering Views 
Up way, way (too) early to cover a port blockade/labor action in the dark w/light rain that, so far, according to photographer who’s already out there (I was just heading out the door), doesn’t look like it’s happening. We’ll monitor for a while, but looks like we may be off the hook.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Good morning, West Coast! I hope you are off the hook. Go fish instead and catch something on your hook!🐳🐋🐬🐟🐠🐡🦈🐙🐊🐚🦂
LikeLiked by 3 people
It’s going to be a warm day here. I am amazed that the lilacs thrived during the freezing weather. It was like a health tonic preserving those flowers. They are the most the bush has ever produced. Love that since my mother gave me the bush.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good morning, all. Yes DJ, you are up too early! I hope you can monitor the situation from someplace warm and dry.
I was reading Psalm 37 that Kathaleena referenced yesterday on the news thread. That’s a good place for such a timely reminder. Perhaps news and scripture, especially Psalms, are best read together to keep things in perspective. It’s a reminder that as things are now, so they have been in the past, and shall be in the future until the Lord returns.
LikeLiked by 4 people
The cave photos were interesting. My husband doesn’t like heights or caves, so neither are something we see a lot of. Ironically, we visited the cave in Hannibal, MS, on our honeymoon trip, since we were passing through somewhat. We have an underground mine that was turned into a tourist attraction and is now part of a state park. For a while it was used for a science experiment. A man, who is on our praise team participated in that. The mine goes about 2,500 ft. deep. There is a cage elevator to take people down. I have been on that tour several times. My husband did go once years ago. It is all fascinating to me.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Debra @9:43, amen to that.
This fallen world keeps surprising and upsetting us! lol
It’s not the way it was meant to be, but it “is,” we are reminded so often in Scripture and by events around us.
I’m back in my sweats, having plain yogurt & berries for breakfast. I actually could easily fall back asleep, but only 2 hours until the usual work day begins …
Mornings aren’t my thing.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Just glad I’m not standing out in the cold drizzle trying to interview truckers and longshore workers.
LikeLiked by 4 people
A widowed friend died a week ago of savage cancer at 51. She was 41 when her husband died.
They leave behind four children 25 and under.
I caught up with Caring Bridge today and read about her death. What a fine way to greet her Savior:
Jenn passed peacefully around 11pm, listening to the final pages of CS Lewis’ The Last Battle.
“The dream is ended: this is the morning.”
And as He spoke He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this is the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story.
All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”
LikeLiked by 6 people
That is wonderful, M! Thank you for sharing♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Morning! Teary upon reading your post M…with a thankful heart she is now home and covering her loved ones in prayer as they miss her❣️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much for the kind birthday wishes. My work friends had pizza and chocolate cream pie for me, and my guys had birthday cupcakes with candles. It was a pleasant day.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Good to hear that you were celebrated!
Went through a box of pictures last night. Very emotional. I had nine years here after my husband left before I went to PNG. Wow, we did so much and in most every picture there were the three families that surrounded us and helped to raise my children.
I also found the box with the very oldest pictures. I am taking some of those to my ex on Sunday at a family party for a little. Not sure if he even has any of his parents. God led me to find those pictures. We will see how He uses them in His way.
LikeLiked by 5 people
M, had expectant and joyfully thrilling chills when I read that. Rejoicing that she is with her Saviour. Sad for her children.
Jo, it’s good to be reminded of those who surrounded and lifted you all up. Several years after my mom passed away I was going through a box and found all these cards and caring notes from our church family. For some reason I hadn’t remembered that anyone had cared at the time. I obviously wasn’t all together at the time. It was lovely to read their thoughts and know how much they cared years after.
Praying for you as you take the other pictures to your ex.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Kathaleena, I too avoid heights, but I love caves. Strangely, when I’m in a cave the height doesn’t bother me. Weird.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Last part of Russell Moore’s email this morning — direct links to articles are on the link to his piece.
I had a dog with diabetes, giving the insulin shots twice a day seemed overwhelming at first, but he did well and we had another 18 months of what was a pretty good run, considering.
___________________
… After I wrote last week about the melancholy dog song I’ve come to love, several of y’all have asked how our dog, Waylon, is doing. I mentioned that he seemed lethargic and was constantly drinking water. Turns out, our intuitions were right—something is wrong. Waylon has diabetes. He’ll require insulin shots (which I didn’t even know they made for dogs) twice a day for the rest of his life. There’s some question as to whether that will work, but for now, he’s hanging on.
Two thought-provoking pieces in recent days deal with questions about pets and suffering. One is the cover story of the new issue of Christianity Today on how to make sense of animal pain in light of the goodness of God. The other is The New York Times essay this week by our friend Tish Harrison Warren on why pets matter. And, of course, I would refer you to maybe my favorite piece ever on this subject: “Why I Will Never Live Without a Dog Again” by my late friend Mike Gerson.
“Out in Luckenbach, Texas, ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain,” the other Waylon once sang. Everywhere else, though—this side of heaven—we do. Sometimes even the suffering of the animal who’s stood by us through good times and bad can remind us that “the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Rom. 8:22).
_________________
https://christianitytoday.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=9375084629cd055e6b819053bc9714de.12628&s=6f7904c41dc7e739480081ed6a4be3dc
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am listening to the book, Women in the Castle which is set in the years following WWII in Germany. Today I thought what a strange juxtaposition as the times had progressed enough that they got to hear a symphony play. It brought the community to tears when nothing else had.
This reading/listening was after I recently read Station Eleven which was set in tbe dystopian time after a pandemic. Both books bring to light how much music helps people transcend horrific times.
I think my next book needs to be something lighter.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I pray it all goes well for you, Jo, and that the gift is received as you and God would intend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m reading “Untrustworthy” by Bonnie Kristian, who writes for CT and The Week — the book “takes a look at today’s chaotic information media environment and what it’s doing to us.”
“American life and politics are suffering from a knowledge crisis and the church is no exception. In ‘Untrustworthy,’ seasoned journalist Bonnie Kristian unpacks this crisis, showing how it strains our relationships, hurts our minds, pollutes our politics and damages our Christian discipleship. She explains factors that contribute to our confusion and helps us pay attention to how we consume content and think about truth. She also provides specific ways to take action to combat the truth crisis in our lives, families and church communities.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good morning, all, or is it afternoon? Beautiful day in the neighborhood. We walked in sunshine, then rain, now children are outside roasting hot dogs over the campfire in the snow.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Gray, gloomy and very damp here today. I’m trying to do a story on a 200-year-old anchor that was pulled up by one of our fishermen.
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That sounds like a very heavy story! and rather old too.
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Jo, haha. All of that!
A little excitement in the backyard a moment ago, neighbor’s cat and a squirrel were racing through, I’m not sure who was chasing who. Abby missed it all.
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Jo!!!😂🤣
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And to make it worse, i envsioned a news anchor.
Too.Much.Television
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I think I had passed over the 200-year-old, 😃
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