Social Commentary
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Religious Beliefs and National Identity: The 4th of July Dilemma
Of all the animosities which have existed among mankind, those which are caused by a difference of sentiments in religion appear to be the most inveterate and distressing, and ought to be depreciated. I was in hopes that the enlightenment and liberal policy, which has marked the present age, would at least have reconciled Christians…
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Navigating Aging: Overcoming Limitations and Embracing Happiness
You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at everything that barks. Winston Churchill Glancing at Facebook, as I drank my morning coffee, I was greeted with a large photo of Rachel Maddow. Written across the image was the message, “Rachel Maddow is dumb.” My first reaction was,”no”. Or “non”, on…
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Summer’s Children
School Grounds I wondered what it would be like to live in a world where it is always June. L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island Elementary schools have changed a great deal since I was a student. The school across the avenue from our condo is private, with lush green lawns and ancient trees, surrounded…
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It’s Complicated
Serving God is doing good to man, but praying is thought an easier service and therefore more generally chosen. Benjamin Franklin The bookclub I belong to chooses a genre each month instead of a particular book title. In April, we are reading American history. Benjamin Franklin’s biography by Walter Isaacson has been sitting on my…
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Charity
A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes Charles Spurgeon Over the past few weeks I’ve written about faith and hope. I think the virtue of charity is worth considering. By this I mean the theological virtue where by we not only love God, but love…
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Art’s Influence
Oh, some as soon would throw it all As soon a part away. And some will say all sorts of things, But some mean what they say. Robert Frost If you are looking for me on a Monday afternoon you will find me downtown at the Central Library. In the basement, surrounded by stacks of…
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Holiday Self-care
Have patience with all things. But, first of all with yourself. Francis de Sales An article I saw about slowing down, a message citing holiday fatigue, a blog post from my friend, Barb, titled Permission to Rest. I’ve learned when God whispers in my ear it’s a good idea to listen. It’s the holidays and no…
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For Whom The Bell Tolls
Never send to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee. John Donne Some of you may recognize this photo from a prior post. I am drawn to it, again and again. It is the site of a wedding reception, we attended, held in an orchard. I fantasize about Thanksgiving dinner set here…
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Celebrating the Holidays
The season when to come and when to go, To sing or cease to sing, we never know. Alexander Pope The title of the sculpture in this photo is actually, “I See What You Mean.” Interesting, because I’ve never heard it called anything but, “The Blue Bear”. I took the photo from my son’s condo,…
Aging with Grace 