SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024 HOLIDAY TRAVEL

 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024 TRIPS

I was reminded this week of Thanksgiving trips.  It can be a challenge to travel on Thanksgiving weekend.  

FIRST TRIP STORY

This was a pleasant trip. Our son had never really dated. We got a note that he was dating a lady from his church and that we could come for Thanksgiving. We flew to Omaha (from Connecticut) and then drove to Grand Island. We stayed with Steve at his apartment on an inflated air mattress. We joined the family for lunch at Sara’s grandmother’s house. It was a special time—meeting Sara and her family.

SECOND STORY

In my first year teaching at the University of Texas, I taught on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  We were driving to Nebraska to be with the family. The campus took Wednesday through Sunday off. I rode the bus to Leander, and we started north in the rain.  Interstate 35 was being rebuilt around Waco, Texas.  It was narrow.  The interstate highway went from three wide lanes to two narrow lanes and around construction curves.  To this day, I am amazed that we are alive.  There was one place where the car in front of me suddenly stopped.  I slammed on my brakes, and the car behind me missed hitting our car by a hair.  We could have been a sandwich between the two cars, and God was watching over us.  

That was deeply etched in my brain.

We got to Oklahoma and stayed the night at a hotel just off I-35 on an Indian reservation, and I literally had to pry my fingers off the steering wheel—rain, traffic, construction - and wanting to get up the road.

THIRD STORY

In South Dakota, we generally drove to Rosemount, Minnesota, for Thanksgiving with Connie’s family. A snowstorm came through and closed the roads. Several friends from Dakota State who also canceled their travel plans got together for a makeshift Thanksgiving dinner.  It was a lot of fun. 

FOURTH STORY

A couple of years later, in South Dakota, we weren’t traveling and had Thanksgiving dinner at home with friends from campus. The next day (“Black Friday”), we planned shopping in Sioux Falls. We had freezing rain overnight and got on Interstate 29, which, within two miles, had spun around 360 degrees. Cars and trucks were in the ditch, and we decided we could live without the bargains. We crawled to the first exit and took gravel roads back to Madison.  (Gravel roads were safer than paved roads for ice cover.) 

FIFTH STORY

We were in Connecticut, flying to Texas for Christmas.  We were flying Delta Airlines with a stop at Cincinnati airport.  The previous night, Cincinnati had an ice storm, and we were on one of the first flights to land there.  The terminal was full of cots as passengers couldn’t complete their flights from the previous day. While it wasn’t a distraction to us, walking through a terminal with cots and people wrapped in blankets was weird.

Additional note.  We arrived in Austin to visit Becky and Matt, but they were coming back the day after Christmas.  We were hungry when we arrived, and there were no restaurants open.  We finally found an open IHOP before getting to our hotel for the night.

******

Now, all of us have stories - and many have travel stories.  Life can (and should) be an adventure.  We can’t control the weather or other drivers.  

Families are important to me, but traveling over holidays can bring more excitement and adventure than we really want.

*****

But it isn’t just holiday travel.  Last week, a driver was killed about half a mile from where I live.  Seemingly, the driver (westbound) wanted to turn into a shopping area, but coming out of that area was a car wanting to go east.  The vehicle coming out needed to move quickly because the cars coming were going fast, and the driver finally had a gap to get out.  Bam!!  The two vehicles hit and were unable to stop one of the eastbound cars, which also bumped into the accident. 

 

So, accidents can occur at any time.  Don’t be stupid - if you have to wait - then wait, don’t pull out because you have been waiting for two minutes!!!  Or find another way to get into the shopping area and get out.  Think.  (Aside from that, I have been avoiding that area by going four blocks out of my way to a traffic light to get on that road safely.)

The adage goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Grumbling and complaining don’t help. Smile, adjust, and realize that things happen.  

Life is an adventure, Love is an adventure - and I say “LOVE WINS.”  

“In Everything, Give Thanks, for This is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Karen Anne White, November 30, 2024

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2024 - KING DAVID A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART

 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2024 - KING DAVID - A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART

I Samuel 13:14 (Samuel the prophet rejecting King Saul and talking about the eventualKingg - David)

 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people because you have not kept the lord's command"”

David is a man who is sensitive to God.  He wrote 73 Psalms.  Including the 23rd Psalm (I used the King James version here)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He made me lie down in green pasture and leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

***

I memorized this when I was about ten years old.  Shepherd take care of their flocks.  And God loves us like a shepherd.  

*****

Yes, David made his mistake— like lusting after Bathsheba or having a census taken. He also had problems with his children (like Absalom).  

Jesus is called the Son of David because he is a descendant of David, and the title points to the Messiah, the anticipated deliverer of Israel:

*****

But David carried grudges (from King David's last days and directions to Solomon)

1 Kings 2: 5-9"“Now you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to the two commanders of Israel'sarmies, Abner son of Ner and Amasa, son of Jether. He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if in battle, and with that blood, he stained the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. Deal with him according to your wisdom, but do not let his gray head go to the grave in peace.

"“But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom."“Remember, you have Shimei, son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the Lord:'‘I will not put you to death by the sword.'’ But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood."”

*****

In 2 Samuel 23, we have KingDavid'ss last words."“The inspired utterance of Davi, the son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High,

the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hereof Israel's songs:

The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke,   the Rock of Israel said to me, " When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.

******

So, this"“Man after God'sheart"” carried grudges against Shimei and Joah (among others).  KILL THEM, says this King.  

He lusted after Bathsheba and committed adultery with her.  Then"“David arranged for Uriah to be moved to the front lines of battle, where he was killed. 

******

I'm a twenty-first-century person—long removed from the fields of sheep. I try to live Micah 6:8 -"“What does God expect of you, but to love justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with God"”

I try to be merciful - to forgive those who have hurt me.  

*****

When David took a census (seemingly to know how many fighting men he had and what taxes to approve), the prophet Nathan gave him three options. His choices were a three-year famine, three months of fleeing his enemies, and three days of pestilence. David chose the three days of pestilence (plague). For a man after God's heart, those three days affected ALL of his kingdoms. Many of his subjects probably died because he errored and took a census. (An, why?  Moses took censuses before he entered Canaan) Shouldn't a King know how many men he had before going into battle?

*****

But the Syrians fled before Israel, and David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men who fought in chariots and forty thousand footmen and killed Shophac, the captain of the host.

Yes,"“War is Hell"”

King David fought frequently - and killed many - including women and children.

As for Bathsheba,"“after the timing was over, David brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the Lord was displeased by what David had done." 2 Samuel 20:26

A man after God's heart?  Maybe - but also a ruthless man at times.

*****

I want to accept, love, and be merciful to all people (and, yes, I am not a king). David was not merciful to many during his many wars and to his people.  

Jesus said from the cross, "Father, forgive them; they know not what they" (or did).  Jesus is merciful —here, David wasn't

So, Jesus was called"“Son of Davi"” - because Jesus was a descendent of David - through Mary (and Joseph - although Josephwasn'tt part of the birth of Jesus)

*****

So, God was merciful to King Davi,- a man wholedd Israel into war and established Israel So, my questio— can God be merciful to the rest of u,- even though we go astray?

*****

LOVE WINS

LOVE IS MERCIFUL

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 29, 2024

 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 THANKSGIVING EVE

TOMORROW IS THANKSGIVING DAY (so that makes today “Thanksgiving Eve”).

Here is a story from the Internet about Thanksgiving

Something strange happened when I was 14 years old. Every previous year on Thanksgiving Day, I'd woken up early, filled with excitement, unable to wait for the turkey and gravy, stuffing and greens, pumpkin pie with pecans, and my grandma's famous cheesecake.

But this Thanksgiving, I couldn't find the magic anymore. For some reason, the holiday seemed fake. I suddenly felt like Thanksgiving was a big lie. I saw no reason to celebrate.

As my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandma started to arrive carrying plates of food, bread baskets, and egg nog pitchers, I grew increasingly angry and frustrated. I realized that none of them were thankful. The whole thing was a lie!

I left when my mom called for everyone to take their seats for dinner. I ran into the guest room where no one would look and collapsed against the futon, crying. I was defiant because I wanted to be an honest person, but I realized that Thanksgiving was inauthentic. It didn't feel right to participate.

My mom worried that I was absent from the table, came to see what was wrong. 'No one is really thankful!' I sobbed, 'They just pretend for one day because that's what you're supposed to do!'

My mom sat beside me on the futon and listened wisely until I was done. Then she nodded. 'You're right,' she told me, 'it's fake until you find the truth for yourself.' She said it was my choice whether to celebrate with them or not. She said Thanksgiving was a time to reflect because we don't always get to see loved ones and eat a good meal. Then she left.

I didn't listen to her. I was convinced that every holiday was a hoax and that I could never find joy in celebrating again. But I was also starving and had to eat something, so after a few minutes, I returned to the dining room.

And I couldn't believe what I saw.

Waiting for me, with broad smiles, was my entire extended family and a table covered with untouched plates. At first, I was confused. I wondered why no one was digging into their carefully constructed meals.

That's when I noticed that everyone was looking at me with concern.

'Andy,' my aunt said, 'We can't eat without you. It's your turn.'

Suddenly, I realized they wanted me to participate in the tradition of going around the table and sharing what made us all thankful. I didn't know what to say, but I had to say something.
Finally, I said I was thankful for having a younger brother to teach, play with, and see him grow older and more mature.

The family shared, and everyone had something beautiful to say. Listening, I suddenly understood what my mom meant about needing to come up with my own reason for celebrating. This holiday was a chance to pause and reflect on everything I cared about. That was worth celebrating.

And with that, I took a huge and satisfying bite of food.

*****

Hey friends, THANKSGIVING is much more (an infinite amount more) than food.  It might be a mother (and father) who has had three miscarriages rejoicing over a happy, healthy baby. It might be a farmer standing in his drought-ridden field crying happy tears over the gentle rain soaking into the ground.  It might be a worker (professor, accountant, builder, etc) being honored with a special reward (Outstanding teacher, etc.).

I often quote 1 Thessalonians 5:18: " Give thanks in everything; for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  

Thanksgiving is a positive attitude - always upbeat and loving.  

There might be days when my halo slips a little, but … thanksgiving (and love) has to RULE in my heart and mind!!!f

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 27, 2024

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024 - PILGRIMS

 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024

THE PILGRIM’S JOURNEY

Mostly taken from 

https://www.ucf.edu/news/11-lesser-known-facts-about-the-mayflower-and-thanksgiving

The passengers were diverse people, including religious separatists (later known as the Pilgrims), non-separatists, and family groups. There were 74 men, 28 women, and 31 children, with one child born on the voyage.

The Puritans and Pilgrims (a cross-section of Puritans) first traveled to the Netherlands to establish a Christian church free of government influence. There, they had to learn a new language and new customs. Many of them labored as textile workers when they had been farmers at home. They also became concerned that their children were not growing up English—they were being integrated into Dutch society. “They left behind everything they knew and had to find their way in a new place.”

After 12 years in the Netherlands, they decided to sail to the New World, where they could worship freely and develop an English culture.

It took nearly three months to secure supplies and manually load them. Instead of crossing the ocean in June, they battled the storms and cold of late fall.  They arrived at Cape Cod in November 1620 and established the land colony on December 26, 1620.  They could have planted crops and built shelters if they had arrived in May or June.  Arriving in Winter was devastating.

Only 50 of the original 102 passengers survived the first winter. “They weren’t thinking about colonizing,” says Beiler. “They were simply figuring out how to eat and stay warm in this new place.”  

The first Thanksgiving, in 1621, was an expression of gratitude: “They were grateful to be alive while also mourning the loss of so many loved ones.”

When the Mayflower arrived, French and Dutch colonies were already fishing and gathering along the East Coast. The Spanish had settled in Florida decades earlier.

*****

The Pilgrim story gained more attention as it was documented and published, while the other early settlements started building, clearing land, and becoming self-sufficient. The other colonies didn’t make as big of a deal as the Pilgrims' Thanksgiving.  

*****

That was quite a trip - and with so many dying.  

What would it take to leave your home and cross the ocean to an unknown land?

Was it faith that drove them, or adventure, or love?

LOVE WINS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024 - GIVING UP

 MONDAY NOVEMBER 25,2024 GIVING UP

This afternoon I’m going to <something>.  I don’t think it is a funeral.  It might be a “Celebration of A Life” service, or a Remembrance service.  What ever it is , the idea is clear- NM is dead and we’re going to have a little service.  

I doubt there will be a casket or an urn.  I have no idea if there will be a clergy person.  I don’t know who is leading this event.

And, I don’t know if I’ll say anything.

*****

NM was a resident that I saw three times a week for my first year-and-one-half st the retirement independent living center. He had poor circulation in his legs and got leg compression morning and evening.  I would wrap the compression pads on his legs, connect them to a device and let them run for 35 minutes. During that time , I cleaned his bathroom and apartment.  I also cooked something for him maybe one evening a week (he would go to the cafeteria the other days). 

He sent me once to the grocery store, I did his laundry maybe six times.  We watched the Superbowl together and the January 6th hearing together.

NM was in the Army in England during World War II.  He could type, so he got a position as a secretary and also taught typing.  He was married and his wife died of cancer.  (I can tell he really loved her and missed her).  He was an artist and had several of his art works on his walls.  He had been an assistant district attorney for the Houston area.  He and his wife didn’t have children.

*****

Yes, he had some health issues - and tried to work things out.  While I was with him, he worked on his diet - in particular to get more fiber (read between the lines).  He made plans to go to the gym and work out (I don’t think he followed through.  He was gregarious and had friends in the Independent Living area.

*****

The retirement organization made advertising brochures.  When NM saw one, he was upset.  “I didn’t get them permission to use my wife’s photo.”  I passed that on to my management, who told me it wasn’t his wife, it was a model in California that do different senior living advertisements.  He kind of apologized to me saying “My eyesight isn’t as good as it used to be.”

*****

I don’t know why and how he ended up in the Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.  One day walking down the hall, I saw his name on a door and he was in his room, in his bed watching television. 

He came to the dining room at the facility infrequently.  He seemed to just stay in his room, in his bed.  I know I don’t have all the facts, but, in my opinion, he “gave up”.  

I think that is fairly common (again, my opinion).  My mother told me several times that she was praying for God to “take her home” - she didn’t have much quality of life at age 98.

I can picture NM planning it out.  I can almost hear him say, “I’m going to lay in my bed almost all day, eating my meals in my bed, watching television in my bed.  I’m not going to exercise, I’m going to let my body weaken - and die.

*****

I’ve been reflecting on NM’s death.  It might be “death by boredom” or “just wanting to die”.    

I’ve heard of others basically saying “I just want to die and move on”.  There is a big unknown after death.  While Christians talk of heaven, it seems like the dead will not be raised until Jesus comes back.  There have been some people who have had near death experiences (NDE).  They see a bright light that they believe is Jesus.  

I don’t know what really happens at death.  God is in charge (at least from my viewpoint).  I believe in a merciful and loving God.  We sing and talk of heaven - but we really don’t know.  (Are the streets of heaven paved with gold?) 

Is it okay, to seek death?  Is it okay to “give up”” and wait for death?  

I for one person, think it is alright to look forward to dying.

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 25, 2024

SUNDAY FUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2024

 SUNDAY FUNDAY

November 24 2024

WARM-UP

We are coming into the Holiday Season! Thanksgiving is this week, as are Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year, and the Winter Solstice. (And others). 

Are you traditional for Thanksgiving? Turkey, dressing, white potatoes and candied yams,  bean casserole, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie? Hosting a gathering or going out? Fall asleep watching football games? 

*****

Thanksgiving jokes:

What’s the best way to fix a pumpkin?

With a pumpkin patch 

Why did the cranberry blush? 

Because it saw the turkey dressing 

What did the Thanksgiving Turkey say to the Christians Ham?

Nice to meat you!!

What’s blue and covered with feathers? 

A turkey holding it’s breath 

What did the farmer wear to the Thanksgiving dinner?

A (har)vest

What is a Pilgrim’s favorite dance? 

The “Turkey Trot”

Why could the turkey join the band?

Because he had his own drumsticks 

*****

Logic Problem

Bobbie Wayne collected all kinds of foreign coins and kept them in five Tupperware containers.  One of the containers is slightly heavier than the other four.  Using a balance scale how can he figure out which one is heavier in just two weighings. (He is going to give the heavier one to Orville)

*****

Answer

Put one container on each side of the balance scale- if they balance, put two more on the scale - if they balance the one not weighed is heavier.  

If two containers don’t balance, it is the one that goes down the farthest (heavier).

*****

WRAP UP.

The Bluebonnet Orchestra is having a free concert on Saturday, December 7th, at Glenn High School in Leander and Sunday afternoon at Cedar Park High School (sorry, not in Round Rock or Georgetown this time). 

Love wins 

Karen White