Monday, August 31, 2020
Monday, August 24, 2020
Sunday, August 23, 2020
It's Been A While ...
It has been a while since I've posted on either of my blogs. This fine Sunday morning seems like a good day to address that.
As far as not posting goes -- it's mostly because I've just been spending less time on the internet. This is the first time I've turned this tablet on in several days. I haven't even been keeping up with my reading. I do need to get back to reading.
Here are a few things that have been happening in the "It's been a while ..." category:
*The other night I set the telescope out and took a look at Saturn and its rings, as well as Jupiter and its four visible moons. I had forgotten how frustrating a small, cheap telescope can be and yet still be fun to look through. Maybe I'll upgrade at some point -- maybe not. I've had this old refractor for about 30 years.
*I've been writing a few letters. Maybe I'll continue. It's a little weird writing an actual letter, addressing an envelope, and sending it out via snail mail. We've certainly advanced far beyond that when it comes to timely communication.
*Yesterday I managed to fit into my old shorts -- some from my much thinner days. Honestly, they are still pretty snug, but I'm happy that I'm making that progress. I'm getting to the point that my current shorts are harder to keep up, even with a belt. It's weird that I only have shorts that fit me at the extremes -- fat and thin -- but none that fit well in the middle.
*I put some air into the bicycle tires this week and went out for a short ride. Sacrebleu! It takes a lot of energy to move this fat ass around on even the slightest of hills! I realize that I have a cheap bicycle, but I also know that I am poorly conditioned for riding right now. I'll have to work on that. Ugh!
*I had the privilege of delivering the message at barchurch at the end of July and will be back up for the beginning of September. I'm a bit surprised at how difficult it's been to find a rhythm for sermon preparation. I haven't really figured out why, but it's a little frustrating. Maybe it just isn't my role anymore, or it could just be that -- it's been a while.
Right now my stomach is telling me that it's been a while since I've eaten, so I'm going to see what we have for a healthy breakfast. Have a grand week!
John
Friday, August 14, 2020
Fun Facts for Friday
Did you know ...
The Rosetta Stone was discovered near Alexandria, Egypt in 1799 by French Soldiers in Napoleon's army? The black rock was inscribed in three ancient languages. The first was Greek and helped date the stone to around 196 BC (during the rule of Alexander the Great). It also served as the basis for interpreting the two different versions of hieroglyphics that were also inscribed in the stone.
Now you know.
John
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Just Thinking
I've been thinking -- contemplating much more these days. Sometimes I think thoughts that might be worth sharing. Most of the time I doubt they would mean much to others as my thoughts are filtered through my experiences and would just be confusing without that same filter. However, more and more, I am trying to use the filter of the Holy Spirit -- The Christ living in me -- as I work through whatever thoughts are running through my mind.
I think I'm really going to need to expand that filter to include my words and actions in the coming months as we (the United States) get closer to our elections. There is just so much nonsense and my first tendency is always to call out the bullshit when I see it. The drawback to that approach is that people will rarely listen to your reason after you've told them that they're full of shit.
There's also the consideration that some relationships (most all relationships) are worth more than being right in a political argument, and so we put on our boots and dance through the manure like walking through the cattle barns at a county fair. Since my thoughts are filtered through my experiences, it's safe to assume that other's thoughts are filtered through their experiences. Rather than argue over the subject, perhaps a better approach would be to change the filter or perspective being used.
Not gonna lie -- this is going to take some practice.
I am becoming less likely to just scroll past inflammatory posts on social media. I somehow feel the need to call out false or misleading posts. How do I do that in a way that doesn't destroy relationships? Many posts have an element of truth along with elements of division and hate. Here's an example that I saw yesterday. I scrolled past it, but wonder if I should have said something.
While I certainly agree with some of what is written here, I am forced to see this as a hate centered post that bristles with nationalism and xenophobia rather than one of simple national pride.
Why? Because I've lived here for 60 years. I've lived in five different states, large cities and rural towns, traveled to the majority of states, have relatives from coast to coast and don't know a single case of someone actually being faced with having to set aside customs, beliefs, foods, flags, religion, etc. I don't think of Christianity as America's religion, but I've never believed that I've been in any danger for my beliefs in it nor from a freedom not to believe in it.
I understand that this is a relatively small sampling of our society, but I would be interested to know if I'm wrong about this. Has anyone experienced being forced not to celebrate, worship, etc., as described in this meme? Don't bother with "I know a guy..." stories. I'm asking about you, personally.
Somehow a threatening "...you are FREE TO LEAVE!!!!!" doesn't sound very unapologetically American to me.
Maybe I should just stay away from social media. It's going to be a long election season.
John
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Wednesday Wisdom
I have a number of quotes and memes that I was considering for today's post. Then I ran across this in my Twitter feed this morning.
Have a grand day,
John
Monday, August 10, 2020
Monday Motivation -- a cry for help!
Yeah, I could use some motivation.
I'm becoming increasingly comfortable in my quiet isolation. Part of me says it's unhealthy (from a social standpoint), but I'm not convinced that's true.
I fully recognize the privilege associated with sitting on my deck, smoking cigars, sipping bourbon, and reading a good book, but I also think maybe I should be making some contribution to society, standing up for the oppressed, or just being more productive. Most days I just don't feel like it. At some level, I've even convinced my self that staying away from people is a positive contribution to society.
So...
How about a little motivation?
Post a motivating meme or favorite inspiring quote in the comments and see if you can get my butt off of the deck this week!
Good luck
John
Friday, August 07, 2020
Good Friday!
Let's make it a Good Friday!
Tell me something good that's happening in your world.
And ... GO!
John
