Posted in Truth

There Still Are …

Truthful and Prophetic Voices.

Washington Times

“Let me make one final plea. Mr. President, millions have put their trust in you. And as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. And the people, the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, who wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants, and work the night shifts in hospitals, they — they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals. They pay taxes and are good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara, and temples.

I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.”

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde

National Prayer Service, Washington National Cathedral 1/21/25

Lord, in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayer

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Jesus, Matthew 25:40

Posted in Five Friday Happy Bringers

Five Friday Happy Bringers 1/24/25

My weekly gratitude journal, of sorts.

1. My insanely delicious baked Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks for lunch yesterday. And so easy to make.

(I pretend they’re healthy, with the addition of the celery and carrots.)

2. Still marveling at our rare Snow-vannah we experienced this week.

Looking right and left outside the door of our old mid-1800’s apartment building …

What’s a snow shovel? And where on earth would you buy one? Or even want one? Isn’t snow supposed to melt the next day?

We also don’t have sleds or sleighs or whatever you use to careen playfully down snow-covered hills.

So you have to improvise. Here’s a little video of grandson Gabriel doing just that in his front yard.

That’s called Minimalist Sledding.

And other grandchildren in their backyard across the state from us in Columbus, Georgia …

But this morning, everything doesn’t look quite so angelically white and inviting. Why didn’t someone tell me the beautiful powder turns into gray and slushy mush?!

Who wants to slide in that?

3. The priceless blessing of a warm dwelling. I so often take it for granted, but I know that everyone is not so fortunate.

4. Lavender!

I love its restful, calming scent.

Dried lavender still smells good.

Beautiful Red Oak Lavendar Farm we visited recently up in Dahlonega GA

More dried lavender in our living room

H.R. and I have enjoyed chocolate-lavender candy bars, lavender cookies, lavender salt and lavender tea. Have you had lavender in other foods or drinks?

4. The ability to lean.

Mcmillan Creek Greenway, Jesup GA

May you lean into some Good Moments this weekend.

More years (decades!) ago than I care to admit.

Posted in Encouragement

Sunday Evening Snow. At Least a Little Bit.

Grandson Daniel, along with his mom, are up in New York this weekend for more musical theater auditions for college next year.

After auditioning for NYU, Juilliard and Pace, their flight back to Savannah got canceled tonight because of winter weather.

So what to do?

Run outside and try to grab a snowflake or two, of course.

NYU

Posted in Five Friday Happy Bringers

Five Friday Happy Bringers 1/17/25

My weekly gratitude journal, of sorts.

1. Squirrels in our living room!

HR’s nickname is Squirrel.

2. The beauty of aging wood.

3. Clean water to drink. I SO take this incredible blessing for granted.

4. Our wonderful morning hike yesterday at J. F. Gregory Park down in Richmond Hill, about 45 minutes south of Savannah.

The park is home to a huge series of canals built in the 1800s (by enslaved persons) for rice cultivation. The canals flow into the Oveechee River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Seriously?

5. Flowers. We usually buy an inexpensive bouquet or two each week, divide them up and spread them around the house.

Flowers, like food, are essential to life.

Wait, I just realized you can see me taking that picture in the mirror.
Our study window, looking out over Savannah’s busy East Broad Street

May this weekend flower you with joy. At least, a little bit.