WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2021 - HOLY WEEK - THAT'S THE WAY WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE IT

 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2021 - HOLY WEEK

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeslacouncil/2019/01/28/the-most-dangerous-phrase-in-business-weve-always-done-it-this-way/

(And, no April Fool’s Jokes today - or maybe the whole blog is one again???)

“THAT’S THE WAY WE ALWAYS HAVE DONE IT”

Now, at times that makes sense - and sometimes - it keeps us from growing.  Forbes Magazine (in the linked article) says, “Companies That Stay Static Don’t Succeed”.  Simply relying on past achievements can lead to stagnation.  However, when companies embrace a culture of change, they maximize their potential.”

The article continues, “Many of our problems stem from fear: of failing, of the new, of the unfamiliar. And the worst part? This dread can be subtle and might manifest itself in unfamiliar ways. There’s a difference between a company that sticks to its guns and one that’s simply afraid of change. Whereas the former may fizzle out, the latter is prone to failure from the start. Regardless, fear is one of the most potentially destructive impediments for businesses.”

“THAT’S THE WAY WE ALWAYS HAVE DONE IT”

As I have aged, I think I’ve embraced the concept that’s the way we have always done it.  I remember a poster on a friend's door - with a figure (Ziggy?) asking “Am I in a rut or in the groove.”  

In the past 50 years, computing has changed about everything in our lives.  I’m doing some substitute teaching - and my check gets directly deposited into my bank account.  I pay most of my bills online with direct payment systems.  Will cash disappear?  

I cook with a microwave.  I can have a cup of coffee anytime with my Keurig coffee maker.  I can program my oven to start heating dinner half an hour before I come home. I can get ice (and water) from my refrigerator’s door.  

In business, innovation is a major key.  Keeping up (or keeping ahead) of competitors is important.  Stagnating means dropping behind.  Some of the best personal products (like detergent or laundry soap) have used the slogan “New and Improved” with bright colors on their labels for years.   

SO HOW DOES THAT WORK WITH RELIGION

Since this is Holy Week and I’m trying to write on religious subjects, I’m trying to think of innovation with religious beliefs.  And, that is hard to do.

Let’s start with women in religion.  

St. Paul (writing in 1 Corinthians 14) says “Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings”

Or this: “But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head”. (1 Cor. 11:3-6 NIV)

And, one more “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.” (1 Tim. 2:11-15)

So, “That’s the way we’ve always done it” seems to apply in many churches.  So, male pastors, priests, congregation leaders; and women sitting with their heads covered, in submission, on the side (or the balcony) of the church.  (But, they can still be saved through childbearing!!!)

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I know of some denominations that adamantly abide by the comments from St. Paul (above).  (Some churches have even split based on these viewpoints - into liberal versions and conservative versions).  I write “LOVE WINS” and that “I can only love God as much as the person I love the least”.  

Can the “new and improved” concept apply to religion? Somehow it just doesn’t seem appropriate.

I think I’m trying to be equalitarian.  A lot has changed from St. Paul’s time.  At that time, women were slightly more than slaves.  It has barely been 100 years since women were allowed to vote in the United States.  World War II forced a change in our societal views of women.  We (as a country) needed the “Rosie the Riveter” to help build the equipment for the war effort.  And, in my lifetime, the view of women in the military has changed from office and clerical to on the battlefields and frontlines.  There are women senators and representatives.  There are women CEOs of companies.  More and more universities have women Presidents, Deans, and leaders.

In religion, things move slowly.  “Tradition” is a major part of some faith communities.  “This is how we’ve always done it” is considered stagnation in the business community, but the natural part of religious philosophies.  Can Catholics allow women priests?  Not yet?  Some day?  I don’t know.  My personal guess is that married priests will happen first (after all, Peter was married - scripture records that he had a “mother-in-law”).  How about accepting LGBTQ+ folks?

Aside.  As a neo-woman, I am learning more about life, gender, tradition, value, and viewpoints.  Yes, it can be humbling to be a woman.  (And, hallelujah, my former male ego - and I had a lot of ego, has been replaced by love!!)

So, in this Holy Week, Passover observance, spring awakening - is “This is the way we’ve always done it” still applicable?  I don’t know!!!  (Or, if you will “idk” in webspeak!!!)

LOVE DOES WIN!!

HUGS!!!

Karen

(And, a bad joke - why do Christians in Minnesota’s state capital read their Bibles more than Christians in AustinTexas?  Because St. Paul is an important person and Austin isn’t even mentioned in the Bible) 

 THURSDAY, APRIL 1ST - HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY

(But, I did my April Fool’s Joke last Sunday in my “Funday” - so today is serious)

What happened to Peter?

I think many people - Christian or Not - can identify with the apostle Peter.  I do.  I associate the word “impetuous” with Peter.  

The definition of impetuous is: acting or done quickly and without thought or care.

Kind of a shoot before you think or aim!!!

Peter is the only one of the apostles to get out of the boat when Jesus walked on the water.  Peter is the one who said Jesus was the Messiah, only to say something stupid a few minutes later.  Peter wears his thoughts on his sleeve.  When he has been fishing all night and not caught anything and Jesus says toss your nets on the other side of your boat, I can see Peter rolling his eyes - thinking “as if that would make a difference” - and then catching so many the net almost breaks.  Peter falls asleep while Jesus prays.  Peter blurts out “I’ll make three tents for you” when Jesus, Moses, and Elijah are together.

So - what happened to Peter.  At the Last Supper, Jesus says to Peter that he will deny Jesus.  Peter (of course) says “no way”.  And, Jesus says before the cock/rooster crows three times Peter will deny Jesus.   

In the garden, while Jesus prays, Peter falls asleep three times.  Then when the mob comes to arrest Jesus, Peter takes a sword and chops off the ear of one of the crowd.  (I don’t imagine that Peter had a lot of experience in sword fighting).  (strikes 1 and 2)

Then Peter is outside the house where Jesus is being tried and does deny Jesus three times. Luke describes this thusly:

And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.”  And he went out and wept bitterly.

Luke 22:60-62.

*****

So, my question - what happened to Peter?

He went out and wept bitterly.  

Have you ever been so remorseful that you have wept bitterly?  I can picture Peter totally devastated - the Man he had been following for three years - and believed in - was going to be killed.  He had (seemingly) wasted three years of his life - following a dream - and a dream that wasn’t going to happen.  It was all for naught.  They would kill Jesus and that would be the end of it.  What a waste of Peter’s time.  He could have been home with his wife (and presumably children).  He could be fishing.  But, here he was in Jerusalem - away from home, away from his family - and his life was shattered.  Three years - gone and nothing to show from it.  Three years of walking around Israel and what?  Nothing, Nil, Zilch, Zippo, Zero!!!

Did he go out and get drunk?  Did he go home to Capernaum?  (It would take several days - Google maps suggest 39 hours of walking.) Did he go out into the desert and hide in a cave?  

He couldn’t go to the temple - he already learned that his speech and clothing marked him as a Galilean.  Could he go back to where the other disciples were?  He didn’t want them to know how stupid he had been.  How he was never going to deny Jesus - and just so quickly he did!!!  

We didn’t hear of Peter for three days.  He is not at the crucifixion, he is not at the tomb.  He just is absent until the resurrection - when (Mark 16:7) the angel says “Go tell the disciples AND PETER”.  The angel explicitly said, “and Peter”.  

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What do you do when you reach rock bottom? When you realize that your dream didn’t work when you find out that you are a loser - what do you do?

Has your faith been shattered?  Has your best friend written you off?  Has your spouse kicked you out of your house?  Did you get fired?  Did a pastor, or somebody in the church go astray?  Has your country forgotten you and is marching to a different tune and a different leader?  

On this Holy Week - or Passover week - or whatever you are observing (or not) - where are you (and I) putting our thoughts?

Proverbs 13:12: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Follow your dreams!!!  (Don’t let the problems make you wept bitterly!!)

LOVE WINS!!

HUGS!!

Karen

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2021 HOLY WEEK THOUGHTS

 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 2021 HOLY WEEK THOUGHTS / LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Yesterday I wrote about denominations.  Almost all have some historical basis.  Martin Luther disagreed with some of the practices in the Catholic Church (like buying your way into heaven through indulgences), so he led a movement that became the Lutheran Church(es).  King Henry VIII of England wanted children but wanted (needed?) to divorce his wife(s).  The Catholic church said no, so Henry broke off and started the Church of England - Anglican, Episcopal; John Wesley had some street meetings and broke off from the Church of England (not quite), and there were the Methodist and Salvation Army groups.  Other places had other people, that protested some doctrine, or tradition (or Tradition).  And, there are numerous Baptist groups (see below).

Today, I’m out on a limb a little with “authority” with religion. Some breaks (above) may have been justified, and some may not have been.

We have seen those people who seem to have an understanding of scripture and break off to form a splinter group.  Two such groups were the James Jones (and Jonestown group), and David Koresh (and the Waco group).  Sometimes the leaders of such groups get a “Messiah Complex” and take on the position of “a spokesperson for God”.   And, they start to predict the end of the world and the end times.  

It seems easy for a person to get an idea and run with it.  In the business world, we would call these people Entrepreneurs - but in these cases, they crossed some kind of imaginary line and became “sects” / “splinter” groups, and seemingly ran afoul of standard operating procedures.  

Thus, my look at “authority”.  One of my groups way-back-when was a quasi-independent Pentecostal group.  Every six months, a pastor would come through, talk with the leadership team, lead a service, and try to make sure everything was going smoothly.  Human beings seem to want to break out from authority (kind of “when the cats are away, the mice will play).   

I had a pilot friend talk about this once.  When flying he set his compass on North and adjusted his route accordingly.  But, true north and magnetic north are slightly different - and actually, Magnetic North has been moving around lately!!!  So, if you are flying based on magnetic north, over a long flight you will be off a little.  And, being off “a little” can grow to be off “a lot” over time.  So, if you first think something like reincarnation might be interesting, then eventually you espouse that concept as a ‘doctrine’ that might be a sect or splinter group.  

Some Biblical comments about false doctrines, splinter groups, and separation.

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.”  1 Timothy 1:3-5

“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales” 1 timothy 4 -7

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” 1 Timothy 6:3-5

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(Hmmm - godliness is a means to financial gain!!  I’m going to have my own television, YouTube channel, and ask for donations!!!)

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

“They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers opposed the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.”

2 Timothy 3:1-9

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I could go and start my own denomination, or my own religion.  I could say that “God led me to do so” - and who could say that God did not lead me in starting my own denomination?  (And, as mentioned before, ask people to support my ministry so I can drive a new BMW!!!)

So, where is the “authority” principle?  

In the past in the more formal aspects of Christianity were councils that determined the various creeds.  But, still divisions occurred.

I was looking at the following from the Baylor University Baptist Study program.  In some respects, all of the following have common beliefs and yet have separate organizations.

Alliance of Baptists
American Baptist Association
American Baptist Churches USA
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Conservative Baptist Association
Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC)
National Association of Free Will Baptists
National Baptist Convention/USA Inc.
National Baptist Convention of America Inc., International
National Missionary Baptist Convention of America
North American Baptist Conference
Pentecostal Free Will Baptists
Primitive Baptists
Progressive National Baptist Convention
Seventh Day Baptists
Southern Baptist Convention
Virginia Baptist Mission Board

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Now, this isn’t trying to suggest that these groups are not good, but it does seem that we can magnify differences.  An old “joke” (that isn’t so funny), is that one group/ congregation/ denomination sang four songs in their worship service and part of that group wanted only three songs - so split off from them.   

Years ago, when slavery existed in the United States, black people started their own groups.  In particular, was the AME church - the African Methodist Episcopal group. There were (in New Haven Connecticut), Catholic Churches that had a Polish orientation, Irish orientation, and Italian Orientation.  When joint activities and some parishes closed, many people thought they were losing their identities.

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To finish, religion seems to be important in many people’s lives - but unity and love across some of the religious boundaries seem hard to do.  Homework - go out and befriend somebody with a different religious tradition (and go out and befriend somebody with a different political viewpoint!!!)

LOVE WINS!!!

HUGS!!!

Karen 

TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 - WHY CAN’T WE GET ALONG?

 MARCH 30, 2021 - WHY CAN’T WE GET ALONG?

I’m doing some Holy Week reflections.  

So, why can’t we get along - and especially - why can’t Christians get along?  

So, the Gospel of John 17:21 “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

This is what is sometimes called the “High Priestly Prayer” of Jesus - and Jesus, (who Christians believe is the second person of the Trinity) prays that “ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE”.

Sure - great idea - let’s hug and sing Kumbaya, or maybe “They’ll know we are Christians by our love”!!  WOW - Karen - I think you’ve hit about it!!!  We can be one!!!

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I’ve been around Judeo-Christianity all my life.  At birth, and until I married at age 26, I was a Methodist - or, more exactly - a United Methodist.  About 1970, the Methodist Church in the United States merged with the Evangelical United Brethren.  I (we) married in a Presbyterian Church - and were active in that denomination for five years.  (I even became an “elder”).  Then to a non-denominational Pentecostal Church for two years.  Then Four Square Gospel.  Then a North American Baptist Church, then the Catholic Church.  Along the way, I have attended services in Lutheran, Episcopal, Nazarene, Full Gospel, Evangelical Free, large mega-churches, and fellowships with believers in many Christian-related churches.   I have not been to Orthodox congregations. 

There are so many similarities between all the Christian denominations.  Some (or most) share a common statement of faith - a creed - Nicene or Apostles Creed - some with minor word changes.  All have baptism - although some stress “believer” baptism where the person chooses for him or herself (so, frequently after age 10 or so).  Some also expect full immersion in baptism, and others allow for sprinkling (especially) of babies.  

All have some form of communion - some have open communion and in others, it is closed (that is, you need to be a member of that denomination - or an associated denomination to receive communion).  Some have communion at every service and others less frequently - such as once a month.  Some have wine and some have grape juice.  In some through a consecration have the wine changed into the Blood of Jesus and in others, it is only a symbolic communion.

The expressions of worship can vary - from hymnals to PowerPoint slides   Some have choirs some don’t; some have organs, some have guitars and drum sets.  

There are, of course, differences.  Some have female clergy and some don’t.  Some are open and accepting of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, and others.  And, some have a strong, firm, and precise line that separates the LGBTQ+ from their services.  

Some differences are in highlighting certain scriptures.  Some take John 3:3 “You must be born again” as a foundation; some take John 6 where Jesus says “My flesh is real food, and my blood is real drink”.  

Some denominations have additional books - the deuterocanonical - which some don’t recognize.  As I understand that issue, these books were written in Greek, not the traditional Hebrew, and are somehow considered appropriate for some denominations and not even looked at in others.  My take on that is some churches might read Chuck Swindall or others as a form of worship and these deuterocanonical books are definitely faith-based books.  (All are in the Old Testament - if that makes any difference).

Some focus on only a few verses of scripture in a Sunday service, while others frequently have four readings - an Old Testament Reading, a Psalm, a New Testament Reading, and a Gospel reading.  Some groups of churches have a common lectionary - when across five or six denominational boundaries the same readings will be used on the same days.  (By that, the readings in a Lutheran Church for Pentecost, and the reading in an Episcopal Church will also be the same.

Let me draw an analogy - I like certain types of classical music.  So somebody might think I like Hayden or Mozart - but generally, I don’t.  (They don’t have tuba parts!!!).  Some people like rap and hip hop music; some like contemporary Christian Music.  Does that mean a Christian believer who likes hip hop and me who likes more traditional hymns have nothing in common?  Not so!!

Let me share two more scriptures to finish today:

Psalm 133:1 says “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

1 Corinthians 1:10 “ I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.”

And, while all of us call ourselves “Christians” or Christ-followers - we are really only humans - frail, finite, fragile Christians.  We can let our egos get hurt.  We looked recently at favoritism - and we fall into that issue.  If I showed up at my particular church in cut-off jeans, dirty, smelly, and nasty, I wouldn’t fit in.  At other churches, that is the general audience (like Salvation Army).  Am I to say worship lead by a rock band is not valid and the only acceptable worship is with hymnals and piano (or organ)?   Heaven Forbid!!!

*****

While I wrote this about what I know (and there is a lot I don’t know).  I talk of the Judeo-Christian orientation and know that my Jewish friends have liberal, conservative, orthodox, Hassidic, and other forms of their faith.  I know a Missouri Synod Lutheran who thinks the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is all wrong.  

I am going to say we are humans - not God.  I can’t look at your heart or your head - but God can.  God is infinite, and I”m not.  And, I like to judge - but I am trying really hard NOT to judge!!!

Maybe we just need to say “LOVE WINS”  - because ultimately it is love that does win!!!

HUGS!!

Karen 

MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2021 SERIOUS STUFF

 MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2021 SERIOUS STUFF

We are in a holy season for at least two faith communities - Passover and Holy Week.  And, for our Muslim friends, Ramadan starts on April 12th - as a month-long religious observation.  

Hindus have Holi today (March 29th). The source I looked at says, “The festival also holds significance with respect to the end of the winter season and the onset of the summer season.”

Many traditions were developed years ago - maybe as the start of spring (with “Easter bunnies”, spring flowers, longer days, spring equinox, and more.  Even some out-of-mainstream groups get into the spring concept as some gather at Stonehenge for a vernal equinox celebration.

The ancient man tried to make sense of the world around them.  They observed the lunar cycles (and ‘moons’ became ‘months’).  The Egyptians learned to predict spring when the Nile River reached the flood stage.  

The dormant season (winter) has passed, so celebrations for spring seem to be in order.

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Some of the concepts for both of these events do overlap.  

Passover remembers the “passing over” of the Angel of Death by painting the door jambs with the blood of a spotless lamb.  

Easter and Holy Week also talk about a spotless lamb - but more in a philosophical sense.  

And, in both orientations - the lamb is slain - killed - intentionally.  The shedding of blood to atone for sins is a common theme.  Leviticus 17:11 says “for the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord.[e] It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible. “

*****

It also seems to me that the major religions of the world are aiming for holiness and purity.  Thus they have ways of purification - confession of sins, atonement for sins, even self-harm for sins.  

There also seems to be a way of meditating - prayer, meditating, retreats, formal and informal worship.  If God (or god) is infinite, and somehow was involved in the creation, how does one (‘man’) draw closer to Him/Her/It/The Force?  

So, while wars have been fought over religion, at the very basics are some common roots.  

The old concept of “an eye for an eye” 

Leviticus 24:19-20

“Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted— a fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whatever anyone does to injure another person must be paid back in kind.”

In a weird parallel aspect, if you did something wrong - you need to atone for it.  Some kind of “sin offering” - the blood of a lamb.  Maybe I was unfair to another, maybe I slandered another, maybe I had negative thoughts about another, (or maybe I should have helped my neighbor move and I didn’t!!) - then I need to make up for my thoughts, words, or deeds.  

In the modern judicial system, such misdeeds will have fines - or possibly jail time (and sometimes even community service time).  

BUT …

In the Judeo-Christian view, “an eye for an eye” might not apply

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:17-19.

That sounds as if somebody hurts you (or your eye), you DON’T retaliate - let God avenge it (“Vengeance is mine”).

(But, I really HAVE TO get back at the jerk that did this!!!  He hurt me - emotionally - and I’ve just got to hurt him!!!!   Too bad, at least in the New Testament concept, don’t avenge yourself!!!

Most religions have a concept of good and evil - and atoning for evil.   With that, comes the concept of morality - marriage, divorse, crimes.  Most religions will agree at least partially on the Ten Commandments - honor your parents, don’t steal, don’t covet anything of your neighbors - including his wife (or her wife or her husband), don’t lie, don’t cheat.  Most will also use the first commandments - in their context - No other God’s - don’t swear.  

So, why can’t we get along better?  (Too much secular and Nationalism in religions might be my answer)

So, in this Holy Week, I may tread in that area of religion.  (They (whoever they are) say “Don’t talk about religion and politics - and I guess I’ve violated that!!!)

LOVE WINS!!!

HUGS!!!

Karen

FundaySonday!!! March 28, 2022

 

SUNDAY YADNUF

Sunday, March 28, 2022

HAPPY SUNDAY -  SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!

News Flash.  As I was writing this week’s SUNDAY/FUNDAY, I got a phone call from United State Representative John Carter of Texas.  It seems Representative Carter is on a special “Start America” group - and was trying to find local (or national) groups to be part of the effort.

Seemingly this blog was selected at random (did somebody snitch on us?) and we will be featured on Good Morning America on Thursday this week.  They want me and at least two others (I was thinking LMG and RP) to be on a five-minute segment on how we spent our year of COVID and what we look forward to.  We would connect with ABC by Zoom.  They are going to get more information to me on Monday!!!  WOW!!!!

WOW - that sounds amazing!!  

UPCOMING

I am going to be on a national “Start America” panel (unfortunately by Zoom) sometime in April.  Again, I have no idea how that happened!!  (Too bad, air travel has been replaced by virtual meetings!!!)

SEKOJ

I heard that Josie and Paul were out driving and a huge rabbit carrying a basket of colored eggs jumped out in front of them.  And, as it was so sudden, Paul hit the rabbit.

He exclaimed “Oh No, I killed the Easter Bunny”

They jumped out and looked - it didn’t look good.  

But, then Josie, (always resourceful) grabbed her purse and sprayed something on the rabbit.  It took a few minutes before the rabbit started to move!!

Paul said “WOW” as the rabbit stretched and sat up, then got up and jumped around some.  

The rabbit grabbed her basket, picked up the colored eggs, and started to jump down the road, but stopped every few feet to wave back to them.

That was too much for Paul - “What was that?”

Josie answered, “Well, it was “hare spray with a permanent wave”!!

(Aside, Josie and Paul know where I got this story!!!!) 

*****

Q: What happened when the Easter Bunny married the rabbit of his dreams?

A: They lived hoppily ever after!

Q: How does the Easter Bunny stay fit?

A: Hareobics  

Q: Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg bad jokes?

A: They might crack up!

Q; Why don’t people paint duck eggs at Easter?

A: They quack too easily!

Q: Why do people paint eggs at Easter?

A: Because it’s much easier than wallpapering them!

Q:  How do you catch a rabbit?

A:  Hide in the bushes and make a sound like a carrot

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A little more serious.  Easter is a movable holiday.  Technically it is very astronomy-related.  It is the first Sunday, after the first full moon, after the Vernal (Spring) Equinox.  

So, in 2021, the Vernal Equinox was on Saturday, March 20th; the full moon was on Sunday, March 28th, so … the first Sunday after that was April 4th - Easter this year.

In theory, Easter could be as early as March 22nd (maybe) - with an equinox of March 20th - and the full moon on March 20th, and the next Sunday could be on March 21st.  Easter can never come as early as March 21, however. That's because, by ecclesiastical rules, the vernal equinox is fixed on March 21.  

It also could be as late as April 25th. 

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And, if you have Orthodox Christian friends, they may be celebrating Easter later.  Something about the first Sunday, after Jewish Passover, after the first Full Moon, after the Vernal Equinox!!!  (So, in 2021, our Orthodox friends will have Easter on Sunday, May 2nd).

This might not be totally true as some also follow the Julian Calendar, while most people follow the Gregorian Calendar!!! 

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While in Central Texas we might say “March showers bring April Flowers” (I learned this as April Showers bring May Flowers”)  

Showers are generally good in Central Texas.  As I write this (a few days early), Lake Georgetown is 66.9% full (so about 2/3rd full). Summers frequently bring on water restrictions (and we do like our lawns to be watered and green), so the more water and showers we have, the better off we are.    

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SPECIAL DAYS

March 28th, National Something on a stick Day

My son works as a TV reporter in Grand Island Nebraska - and covers the Nebraska State Fair (Actually he has been called “Mr. State Fair” from his coverage).  He gets to try all the foods on a stick for the news.  Fried Twinkies on a stick; Fried butter on a stick; (let alone, the “common” candy apples, creamsicles, shish kabobs, and teriyaki chicken, corn dog, and other simple things!!!)  I think I have developed a bias that any food on a stick is probably not really healthy!!

March 30th, National Doctor’s Day

I feel deprived.  I’m a doctor (of philosophy) - but this day is not for me!!!  My father used to say “My son’s a doctor but he doesn’t help anybody”.  (Hmmm - would he say “My daughter’s a doctor and she doesn’t help anybody” now?)

March 31st, National Tater Day

I don’t eat potatoes too much anymore.  (My brain says they are mostly starchy carbs).  But, I do love potatoes!!  I like to make baked potatoes in my microwave (and yes, then smother them with butter, sour cream, and anything else.)  I visited a friend in Wimberley last week and we went out to eat.  I had chicken fingers (which were boring) and French Fries (which were very tasty).  (And, while I’m on the subject - when did chicken grow fingers?  And when did buffalo’s grow wings?  I’m confused!!!) 

If you can analyze my food choices, you might think I'm a non-nutritional eater - and you might be right!!!)  For the past two weeks, I’ve tried to emulate my bridge idol - Bob Williams with his intermittent fasting.  I have lost a few (COVID) pounds, and hopefully, the researchers who say such intermittent fasting might help with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.  

And …

Palm  Sunday is Sunday, March 28th; Good Friday is April 2nd, Easter is April 4th.  (And chocolate will be on clearance on April 5th [I hope]).  Passover starts at Sunset on Saturday, March 27th, and goes until sunset on April 4th.  More on those next week.

April 1 -  Major League Baseball opener.  Baseball used to be “America’s Pastime” - but I think football has surpassed it.  And, I find some people who like both college AND professional football - and some who only like college football.  To them, the pros are overpaid and not examples of “real” football.

And, there are more and more American’s who like “Fuitbol” - or Soccer. I like it for kids as an activity as there is so much running around and healthy aspects!

National Burrito Day

If you have eaten at a Chuy’s Restaurant, they advertise a “Burrito as big as ‘yo face’”.  I do like Chuy’s burritos.  I don’t see this too frequently - “Wet Burritos” - covered in Chilli con Carne or other sauce.  I remember my first taco (understand I was a native Iowan - and Tex-Mex foods were not common then) - when I went to visit my sister in Colorado and we had Tacos.  By now, I like most Tex-Mex and Mexican foods - but not too spicy!!!  I have friends (maybe some of you) who like it spicy and hot!!  

Friday, April 2nd - National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.  

Over the years, I have tried to avoid peanut butter - “just because” - but I can’t.  I’m getting used to the idea that peanut butter is just one of my habits (addictions?).  I do vary in my additional condiments - just some sweet, gooey, stuff to go with the peanut butter.  (Currently, it is apricot preserves or strawberry preserves).  And - of course - butter.  

WRAP-UP

Easter was a special day growing up (and maybe even more now).  We (my sister and I) searched for Easter Baskets in the house.  I don’t remember Easter Egg hunts in the park until our children were growing up.  Then Church (with lots of Easter Lilies), and dinner at my grandparents.  Having my maternal grandparents locally was a real blessing growing up.  

I do remember one particular Easter day (not for the right reasons).  I was about ten. It was maybe the warmest day we had to that point in Eastern Iowa, and a friend and I went hiking across a little stream (on the rocks in the stream) and up a hill.  (Later, I would be the paperboy to the new houses on that hill).  That evening we watched the Wizard of OZ.  Somehow, I got scared during the night.  I remember volcanoes erupted (too much candy???), coupled with the excitement of the day and I vomited. (Somehow, for a few more years, I associated the Wizard of Oz movie with getting sick!!!)

As our children grew up, we would frequently drive to Minnesota for Easter (my wife’s family) and one year our son “won” the 8-year-old Easter Egg hunt in the park.  I don’t remember what “winning” meant, maybe more candy, or a few coupons.   We too hid eggs in baskets in the house (it seemed like they were on window sills behind the curtains.  

For me personally, as I’ve grown older and (maybe a little different), the religious side of Easter means more now.  BUT, I did buy Cadbury Mini-eggs about a month ago (and finished them last week.  Chocolate is a magnet for me - oh well, I might have to buy another small bag!!  I did walk down the candy aisle the last time I was at HEB and “just about” got another bag - (so I do have some willpower).  

Have an awesome April Fool’s Day (and, no representative contacted me!!)

And, an amazing Easter (however you celebrate it!!!)

LOVE WINS!!!

Karen

  

LIFE IS GOOD!!!  LOVE WINS!!!  HUGS!!!

Karen