MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2024 - TEXAS 1

 MONDAY APRIL 29, 2024 

TEXAS EDITION

WEIRD TEXAS FACTS:

HERE ARE SOME WEIRD FACTS ABOUT TEXAS:

• The word "Texas" comes from the Caddo word for "friends".

• The state capitol building in Austin is taller than the U.S. Capitol.

• Texas has its own power grid that doesn't cross state lines and can be managed independently.

• The deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history occurred in Texas in 1900, when a Category 4 Hurricane hit Galveston, killing more than 8,000 people.

• The frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas.

• A site near Amarillo, Texas, holds more than 40% of the helium used annually in the US.

• It is illegal to milk someone else's cow.

• Vietnamese is Texas's third most spoken language, after English and Spanish.

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SO, HOW BIG IS TEXAS?

From El Paso to Texarkana, Texas - 812  miles

From El Paso to Los Angeles - 802 miles

It is shorter to go to Los Angeles from El Paso (and pass through New Mexico and Arizona) than it is to go to a city in the same state (Texas)

The highest point in Texas is Guadalupe Peak - northeast of El Peso. (I’ve been there and done some hiking, but not to the top)

Big Bend National Park is over seven hours driving from Austin and is a huge National Park (I’ve been there - very isolated)

Texas is the largest producer of cotton in the United States, accounting for about 40% of the country's cotton production. In 2023, Texas produced over $969 million worth of cotton.

State bird: The northern mockingbird, adopted in 1927

State flower: The bluebonnet, adopted in 1901

State tree: The pecan tree, adopted in 1919

State dog breed: The Blue Lacy

State insect: The monarch butterfly

State fish: The Guadalupe bass

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Okay, so we have to sing:

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS:

The stars at night
Are big and bright
Deep in the heart of Texas
The prairie sky Is wide and high
Deep in the heart of Texas

The sage in bloom
Is like perfume
Deep in the heart of Texas
Reminds me of The one I love
Deep in the heart of Texas

The coyotes wail
Along the trail
Deep in the heart of Texas
The rabbits rush Around the brush
Deep in the heart of Texas

(There are other verses)

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WRAP - UP

Tomorrow, we will finish off this Texas-sized salute (did you think we could do a Texas Salute in ONE DAY?)

Wednesday in the First of May - and it is May Day!!!  '

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

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Karen Anne White, (c), April 29, 2024

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 - LOVE THE POOR

 SUNDAY APRIL 287, 2024, QUOTES 

See more at the bottom:

It is when we love the most intensely and most humanly that we can recognize how tepid is our love for others. The keenness and intensity of love brings with it suffering, of course, but joy too, because it is a foretaste of heaven.”

Karen adds: LOVE INTENSELY and HUMANLY.  Our love is tepid - lukewarm. Not worth much.  I view God’s love as complete - and unconditional.  Perfect.  Yes, Humans can’t quite reach that completeness - but we need to try.

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Love and ever more love is the only solution to every problem that comes up. If we love each other enough, we will bear with each other's faults and burdens. If we love enough, we are going to light a fire in the hearts of others. And it is love that will burn out the sins and hatreds that sadden us.

Karen adds: Hey - I’ve got enough problems of my own.  I can’t bear your faults and burdens.  

Karen then answers her own statement: Yes - you can bear each other’s faults and burdens.  It starts with an overwhelming sense that you HAVE to love.  Then listening.  Somebody said, “you have two ears and one mouth - so you should listen twice as much as you talk!!!

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“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.”

Karen adds I’ve imagined humans with antennas - like ants.  We need to put up our antennas and find the loneliness in others and to love them.  

People don’t wear signs that say “I’m lonely; I’m hurting “.

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“The greatest challenge of the day is how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution that has to start with each one of us.”

Karen adds:  Romans 12:2 - “Be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” Somehow, I was open to that transformation in 2016 that changed my entire life around. (And, no, I am not perfect, I’m not even a good example.  What is the revolution in your heart that must occur?)

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“What we would like to do is change the world--make it a little simpler for people to feed, clothe, and shelter themselves as God intended them to do. And, by fighting for better conditions, by crying out unceasingly for the rights of the workers, the poor, of the destitute--the rights of the worthy and the unworthy poor, in other words--we can, to a certain extent, change the world; we can work for the oasis, the little cell of joy and peace in a harried world. We can throw our pebble in the pond and be confident that its ever-widening circle will reach around the world. We repeat, there is nothing we can do but love, and, dear God, please enlarge our hearts to love each other, to love our neighbor, to love our enemy as our friend.”

Karen adds: There are those who don’t have clothes or a proper shelter. 

” For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. “

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Some people live from paycheck to paycheck- and when a problem occurs (sickness, car breaks down, your childcare provider can’t watch your children).  How can we help?  

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The quotes were all from Dorothy Day - active in helping the poorest.  Dorothy is being considered for Sainthood by the Catholic Church.

Do we love enough?

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, April 27, 2024

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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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>)

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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

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“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?)

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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.

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

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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. 

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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