FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024 - LOVE

 FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024 - LOVE

From 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

If I speak in the tongues of men or angels but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

I’m assuming that “Love” here is “agape” love—the unconditional love for and from God. It is complete, Perfect, Consoling, Compassionate, and Peaceful.

*****

If I am super bright (and can “fathom all mysteries and all knowledge”) but don’t have unconditional love - “I am nothing.”

Even if I were to be the epitome of generosity, giving away all my possessions to the needy, without the presence of love, these acts would hold no value, leaving me with nothing.  

If I can move mountains - but I don’t have supernatural love - I am still nothing.

Agape Love, in its essence, is perfect. It is a love that surpasses human capabilities and understanding. As imperfect beings, we are far from attaining such LOVE.

*****

I view perfect love as something that humans can’t obtain on our own.  It is a supernatural - beyond what we can do.  If I desire that perfect love, I must ask God for it.  I’ve  quoted Dorothy Day frequently:

“I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.”

*****

Maybe we have somebody who is impossible to love—we pray, “God, give me that supernatural love so I can love that person.” 

If somebody calls us “a jerk,” “a worthless person,” or “a fool,” it can be hard to love them.  If somebody spits on us and yells at us - I (we?) have to LOVE them (agape) - unconditionally.  

I have a friend whose father greatly abused her as a young girl - and even killed her brother in an angry fit.  It would be hard for her to love her father unconditionally.  

Maybe your spouse cheated on you - (let’s assume a male) and had many girlfriends and had sex with a lot of women.  Can you “agape” love him?  (or her - it is a two-way street).  Can you unconditionally love them?  

What did Jesus say on the cross? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  Then he fell on his knees and cried, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

*****

But I have to keep trying - “I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.”

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS US

Karen Anne White, Friday, April 26, 2024

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024

 THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024 - SPECIAL DAYS

Time for some fun today.

There are several National Days (on the https://nationaltoday.com/april-25-holidays/ ) Calendar.

HUG A PLUMBER DAY

Yes, plumbers are wonderful!! I remember Andy in Madison, SD. He was a man with a great heart and a vocabulary different from mine!!! (Some well-placed profanity).

Yes, I tried to fix a drippy faucet and broke the sink!!  (Yes, I am not handy).  So, there is water squirting around - and there was no cut-off for the sink, so I had to shut off the water to the house.  Andy to the rescue!!!  

NATIONAL TELEPHONE DAY

National Telephone Day!!  Can you imagine a world without telephones?  Time to start the smoke signals!!!  

Okay, I am not much of a phone-call person. I prefer to email or text rather than dial a number, and then I get a lot of spam calls in a day. But the telephone is important to everything that we do. (And I am “always” on my iPhone—texting, emailing, doing my Duolingo German lessons, and playing (way too many) games.

HAIR STYLIST DAY

In the past, I went about six weeks between haircuts—and then just standard trimming. But now, I can get my hair styled. I went to the stylist on Monday, and I think I really came out well (see photo).  

A transgender friend says she used to go to a barber and get her hair cut, but now she goes to a stylist. It is maybe 20 times more expensive and takes more time.  

I am still frugal. I go to the local beauty school and help students learn to style their hair.  

MANI-PEDI DAY

In a similar vein, I have gotten my nails (toes and fingers) done.  I have done it myself some, but I am not a pro like the mani-pedi stylists!!!

LIBRARY WORKERS DAY

I have been a library user since third grade.  I don’t physically go to the library as much as I get audiobooks electronically (through a library consortium).  THANK YOU LIBRARIANS!!!

NATIONAL LINGERIE DAY

Hmmm - how do I write about this?  (Carefully)

I do have lingerie.  And I appreciate my lingerie.  (No, I don’t have pictures!! <grin>)

*****

Every day is a special day.  Psalm 118: "This is the day which the LORD hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."

Every day, every moment of every day is special.  I am to love every moment, every day, every person.  “I can only love God as much as the person I love the least.”  

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen White - loves YOU!!!!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 2024

 Tuesday, Wednesday April 23 and 24,2024 History is Written by the Victors

The phrase “History is written by the victors" is often attributed to Winston Churchill, but there is no evidence that he said it. The phrase implies that history is not based on facts, but on the winners' interpretation of them. The victors can force their narrative down on the people. The phrase is often used in tweets from WWE wrestlers, on Pinterest macros, and at Brainy Quote. 

The phrase has been used for millennia to describe how historical records can be skewed and shaped by political or cultural agendas. Historical accounts often reflect the perspectives and biases of those in power or who have achieved victory, while the experiences and narratives of the oppressed or marginalized are often overlooked. 

For example, the Bayeux Tapestry is propaganda that justifies William, Duke of Normandy's claim to the invasion and conquest of England. The tapestry was created during a time when few people could read or write. However, historians have been able to find more information written by others who were there or were told something different

*****

“The writers of the Bible were inspired by God, but they were “children of their time”, their writings determined by the cultural contexts in which they wrote. This view, while recognizing the special status of the Bible for Christians, allowed for errors.”

In our day and age, it seems as if some news articles (or the internet) are hyped up.  Sports seem well suited to the hype.  The Kansas City Chiefs won the latest Super Bowl 25 to 22 in overtime.  But writers supporting Kansas City might say, “The overtime victory was the result of excellent coaching, exquisite play calling and execution, and extraordinary attitude”.  The San Francisco 49ers might have another story - “The game was lost due to inept and inconsistent referee calls and faulty coaching.  We have fired our coach for not being able to win “the big one”.  

Bible writers may also have through in sufficient hype.

Exodus 9:5-6

5 The Lord set a time and said, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land.” 6 And the next day the Lord did it: ALL THE LIVESTOCK OF THE EGYPTIANS DIED, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. 

But later in this same chapter:

Exodus 9:18-19

Therefore, at this time tomorrow, I will send the worst hailstorm that has ever fallen on Egypt, from the day it was founded till now. 19 Give an order now to bring YOUR LIVESTOCK and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every person and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die.’”

(Time out—all the livestock is dead, but now Moses tells Pharoah to move them to shelters.)

Other plagues ensued:

On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals,  (Exodus 12:12 - hey - the livestock is dead)

At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. (Exodus 12:29) 

Karen adds:  Somebody “hyped” the story - All the livestock died in Exodus 9:5-6.  (Did they import new livestock overnight?)

*****

Now, I am a believer in the Judeo-Christian heritage.  But, I also think some skepticism is allowed. (Blind faith is like being a puppet). 

1 Corinthians 14: 33-35 “As in all the congregations of the Lord's people. Women should remain silent in the churches, They are not allowed to speak but must be in submission, as the law says.

How about head coverings?  (Catholics have this discussion): “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. I Corinthians 11:4-5)

I sometimes feel that some historical events of the Old Testament (Cain killing Abel) are embellished to “preach” morality rather than give the story.

*****

So, I retreat to 1 Peter 4:8  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

*****

I know (believe) that LOVE WINS

I know (believe) that LOVE TRANSFORMS

I know (believe) that LOVE COVERS A MULTITUDE OF SINS

Karen Anne White, ©, April 23-24, 2024

 

MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2024 - PASSOVER

 MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2024 - PASSOVER'

I wrote about Earth Day last week. Did it change your mind? Have you made changes in your use of plastics? Will you be using reusable bags when you go to the store?  

I want to write about another memorable event for one group of people - Passover.

Passover is the Celebration of when the Angel of Death killed the firstborn son in Egypt - with the exception that the angel did not kill the firstborn son on the houses that had blood from a perfect lamb painted on the door posts.  

The Hebrew people had moved to Egypt when Joseph was the primary administrator under the Pharaoh. During the famine, Joseph helped his family survive.

But, years later, the Hebrews had grown to large numbers in Egypt and had become slaves - according to the Biblical text.

But I found this:

“Although the biblical text clearly and explicitly documents Israel's sojourn in Egypt, some scholars reject the idea that the Hebrews ever dwelt there. They reject this biblical account as fiction because of a purported lack of archaeological evidence.”

That could be significant. 

*****

To me (yes, we all get to choose), I have loved my faith - and have accepted the Bible as God's’ Word.  

There are some things I question. 

 A woman should learn in quietness and complete 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. I Timothy 2:11-15.

Maybe as I have become a woman out of a big change in my life—a charge to LOVE EVERYBODY—I question that last sentence. I can not bear children (unless another miracle happens in my life). What about nuns / religious sisters who choose a life of service? They will not give birth to children—will they not be saved? And, in that story, the man comes out as good, and the woman comes out as bad!!

Many have pointed out that the Bible, as we know it, was written by men. I do think it was possible for the Hebrews to be slaves in Egypt and then the Angel of Death did pass over the homes with the blood of a lamb. That is the central point in my Jefriends'ends' history.  

The God I want to adore and follow - LOVES US. I will take John 3:16 - For GOD SO LOVED … God is LOVE. Yet much of the Old Testament history is negative - Cain kills his brother Abel; King David lusts after Bathsheba and has Bathsheba's husband killed so he can marry her.  

I think we all want to be children of God - we all want to be special - and we are very special. The Hebrew people wanted and needed a story - a history that says, “Hey, you are Special,” - and they are Special. Christians have a Virgin Birth of a Messiah, and an atoning death of that Messiah - and a fantastic coming out of a grave of that Messiah - and of His ascension into Heaven. “We are Special”.  

Other cultures have histories—Mohammed, Buddha, the Great Spirit, and more. They, too are “Special.”  

I pick and choose more and more from my familiar scriptures. “We are made in the image" of God”—yes, I believe that!! But I also believe that “God is"Spirit.” I am slowly working towards seeing how Big God is—INFINITE. (How else could there be 8 Trillion Galaxies?) God’s ways are not our ways

I can’t give up my faith, Like all weak humans, I need an anchor, a rock - to build my life upon.  

Today, I salute thousands of years and millions of people who are celebrating Passover - and the Exodus - when God led “his people” out into the wilderness for forty years before giving them the area known as Israel.  

God does work miracles. I know. I have received miracles from His/Her hands!!

And, I proclaim - Love Wins; Love transforms!!

Karen Anne White, © April 22, 2024

SUNDAY - FUNDAY - APRIL 21, 2024

 APRIL 21ST

EARTH DAY EDITION

Tomorrow is Earth Day.  Its been over 50 years since my first Earth Day.  I was teaching at West Grant High School and we picked up trash along the highway.  

Earth Day 2024 is concerned with plastic.  The theme is: “Planet versus Plastic”.

Wikipedia says:
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by Earthday.org, including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. The official theme for 2024 is "Planet vs. Plastics.

Planet vs. Plastics unites students, parents, businesses, governments, churches, unions, individuals, and NGOs in an unwavering commitment to CALL for the end of plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040 and an ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for generations to come. 

Studies indicate that humans consume about the equivalent of 50 plastic credit cards a year in micro-plastics!!!  (I’m not sure I eat a credit card of plastic in a week, but I probably do.  That micro-plastic is in our blood stream and throughout our bodies.  Research suggests that might a cause of strokes and other health issues as the microplastics build up.

*****

WOW - that’s scary!  Yes, I grew up with plastics.  Plastic bags at the grocery store, plastics clogging up our landfills.  There is the Great Pacific Garbage Heap - with much of it made up of plastics.

*****

ENOUGH SERIOUS STUFF.

FIRST SOME PUNS:

A polar bear walks into a bar and says to the bartender “I’ll have a rum …………………. and coke.”The bartender asks, “What’s with the big pause?”  The bear shrugs. “I was born with them.” (hint - Paws)

***

A photon checks into a hotel. The front desk asks if it has any luggage. It replies “no, I’m traveling light”

I can’t stand Russian stacking dolls. They’re so full of themselves.

Did you hear about the glass blower who accidentally inhaled? He got stomach pane.

What do you call a snail that isn’t moving? An escar-stay.

Did you hear about the new corduroy pillowcases? They’re really making headlines.

If you see an Apple Store get robbed, does that make you an iWitness?

Why couldn’t the pony sing in the choir? He was a little horse.

Did you hear about the woman who loved making archery supplies? Every day she went to work, she quivered with joy!

The past, the present, and the future all walk into a bar. It was tense.

Why did the hipster burn his mouth on pizza? Because he ate it before it was cool.

Don’t ever believe an atom, they make up everything.

I’m glad I know sign language, it’s pretty handy.

Why does Waldo (from Where’s Waldo) always wear a striped shirt? He doesn’t want to be spotted.

I dropped my toothpaste, I’m crestfallen.

Why did the scarecrow get an award? He was outstanding in his field.

All the toilets in the Austin Police Department headquarters have been stolen. The police apparently have nothing to go on.

I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was really just a play on words.

Why did the can crusher quit her job? It was soda-pressing.

What do you call a broken can opener? A can’t opener.

MUSIC

1968 Top Hits:

"Hey Jude": By The Beatles, 

"(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay": By Otis Redding

"Love is Blue": By Paul Mauriat

"Honey": By Bobby Goldsboro

"Mrs. Robinson": By Simon & Garfunkel

"I Heard It Through the Grapevine": By Marvin Gaye

1973 Top Hits:

 "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon

"Love Train" by The O'Jays

 "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" by Gladys Knight & the Pips

"Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)" by Four Tops

"The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" by Vicki Lawrence

"Midnight Train To Georgia" by Gladys Knight & The Pips

*****

WRAP-UP

Tomorrow is Earth Day - let’s take care of our planet.  I try to use my own bags when I go to the grocery store.  

And - ahead:

Mayfest at Walburg Restaurant (free - but you can buy food and drink)

Every Saturday in May - EXCEPT MAY 18th  (the group I play with starts at 7:00)

Bluebonnet Orchestra - Saturday May 18th - Klett Auditorium - Georgetown High School - FREE - Rhapsody in Blue; Afro-American Symphony; English Folk Song Suite - 7:30

*****

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!

Karen White

SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024

 SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024 - OH, HAPPY DAY

Some quotes today!!!

• "Retirement is the world's most extended coffee break. Enjoy your coffee!"

Some days, I have multiple cups of coffee, on most days. I’m entering the less coffee season (summer). I already have four containers of unsweet iced tea in my refrigerator. And I have become a warm-it-up-in-the-microwave person. I make my five-cup pot and drink wh.at I like. I’ll leave it in the pot or in a Yeti-type mug.  

Yes, coffee has caffeine. And caffeine is a drug.  Most of the energy drinks have caffeine as well.

• "Retirement should be healthy, wealthy, and happy."

I blundered into retirement.  I wanted a healthy and happy one.  We had the funds to travel and relax.  But finding two people married for 43 years and living together didn’t work out.  (My fault entirely).  If you are married and approaching retirement, do have a heart-to-heart talk.  Communication is the key!!! 

• "I hope retirement allows you to do whatever you always wanted but didn't get to."

I volunteer at a nursing home three or four days a week.  The residents there are not doing what they want to do.  They are waiting for death. Some made bad choices in life - obesity, diabetes, heart problems, joint problems. I suggest the following five things for a good and healthy retirement:  

1. Reasonable finances. You don’t need to be rich—you can get by without television or going to Movies. For me, I need a computer and internet access —and if that isn’t available, I go to the library. With my divorce, I found I had limited funds for about a year. I relearned how to be frugal. I can keep myself entertained.

2. Good health.  Get out and walk, go to a gym, join a granny basketball team!!!  Have regular checkups.  Don’t sit for more than four hours a day.  Get a good night's sleep.  Eat nutritious foods. My Medicare plan pays me $10 monthly if I walk at least 30 miles daily.  I like to walk; it keeps me healthy

3. Spiritual values.  Hey, we are all going to die.  Is there a God?  What is ahead of me?  I find peace in my faith. It is my “backbone”.

4. Social activities.  Have a lot of friends and do things with them.  Make new friends - don’t become a hermit.  I play social bridge; I play granny basketball; I play in an orchestra; I play in a band for Oktoberfest (and Mayfest); I worship with the same people, and they are friends.  I drive seniors who no longer drive.  Yes, I guess I’m social!!! <grin>

5. Mentally sharp. Get those crossword puzzle books or word find, do things that cause you to think, learn a new language, and play the piano. I spend too much time on my phone playing “Words with Friends” (a crossword-type puzzle), Sudoku, online (and on the table) jigsaw puzzles, and German language with Duolingo.

Yes, I will die someday.  I would prefer to have a heart attack in my bed instead of being in a nursing home.  The longer I stay in my home, the higher my quality of life. 

Please let LOVE WINS into your life. Please have a great attitude.  

LOVE TRANSFORMS US.  Cut out the negativity, don’t judge, don’t gossip.

Karen Anne White, April 20, 2024