THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2024 - ELECTION THOUGHTS

 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6th, 2024

I know better.

Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

Yesterday was the 2024 Election.  My heart wanted the election to go one way - but it didn’t.  

But I know better.

Psalm 20:7 says, “Trust in God”.  That statement is important. Our American money says, “In God we Trust.”  

Or, as the old hymn says,

This Earth is not my home

“I'm just a-passing through

My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me
From heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore.”

I had a friend ask, “Why.”  I don’t know is my answer.  It seems like money “bought” the election.

US News and World Report said, “The 2024 election cycle will end up costing close to $16 billion, election transparency nonprofit Open Secrets has projected.

Even after adjusting for inflation, that predicted total is more than in any other election cycle except for 2020. It includes a hefty $5 billion-plus in projected purchases by super PACs and other outside groups.

*****

Okay, back to the basics.  Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but I will trust in the Lord my God”.  I HAVE TO LOVE.  That means loving those who aren’t accepting of me, loving my enemies, loving my neighbor - LOVE WINS.

*****

But I am alive; my message still exists!!!

In listening to Dmitri Shostakovich’s music, I read about the Russian Holocaust.

It is estimated that a total of between 100,000 and 150,000 people were murdered at Babi Yar during the German occupation.[

Likewise, “Joseph Stalin is responsible for the deaths of millions of people, with figures ranging from around 6 million direct killings to as many as 9 million when including deaths caused by his policies like starvation and forced labor in camps, during his rule in the Soviet Union; the "Great Purge" being a ruthless period of his regime where many political opponents were executed.

Mao killed millions as he controlled China. Wikipedia says, “His policies were responsible for a vast number of deaths, with estimates ranging from 40 to 80 million victims of starvation, persecution, prison labor, and mass executions, and his regime has been described as totalitarian.

Maybe these were the “lucky” ones.  They got away from this world.  After all (from the song above), This Earth is not my home. I’m just a-passing through.  

And the next administration is promising deportations (at least, it isn’t mass murders):

“The American Immigration Council estimates Trump's plan, potentially targeting between 11 and 14 million people, would cost the U.S. upwards of $315 billion if fully realized.

*****

Hate is strong and mocks the song “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men.” (Christmas song).  

There is an old statement: “Too heavenly-minded to be any Earthly good.”  Maybe I’m coming into this statement.  LOVE WINS - This might not be possible on this planet, but maybe LOVE WINS will be part of the infinite future (which many call Heaven).

*****

So, I have had my two days of my “pity party.”  Now, I need to be an ambassador for LOVE WINS again.

“Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.”

LOVE IS INFINITE, LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORM

Karen Anne White, November 6-7-8, 2024

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024 - CHANGE IS INEVITABLE

 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024, CHANGE IS INEVITABLE

LUDDITES

In the early 19th century, weaving was a cottage industry in Great Britain. Generally, women sat at their looms and made cloth. They might have used wool from the sheep or linen from flax fields.  

But, there was a big push to get the weavers together.  So, instead of weaving at home, they went to a shop, and maybe ten weavers (and more) would work together.  Some new looms could weave faster (frequently powered by water wheels).  

As I understand it, some people didn’t like the idea of a weaving shop.  They wanted weaving to continue to be done in homes.  So, these people found the development of weaving shops. 

Wikipedia writes, “The Luddites were members of a 19th-century movement of English textile workers who opposed using certain automated machinery due to worker pay and output quality concerns. They often destroyed the machines in organized raids. Members of the group referred to themselves as Luddites, self-described followers of "Ned Ludd," a legendary weaver whose name was used as a pseudonym in threatening letters to mill owners and government officials.”

There were raids on the weaving shops intending to return fabric-making to the previous methods.  

Mill and factory owners took to shooting protesters, and eventually, the movement was suppressed by legal and military force, which included execution and penal transportation of accused and convicted Luddites.

******

Change is inevitable

*****

I’m writing that change is going to happen - no matter what.  If you are as old as I am, you might remember the “Look for the Union Label” advertisements:

Look for the union label
When you are buying that coat, dress or blouse.

Remember somewhere our union's sewing,
OOur wages are going to feed the kids and run the house.

We work hard, but who's complaining?
Thanks to the I.L.G., we're paying our way!  (Basically the “International Garments League” (or union))

So always look for the union label,
IIt says we're able to make it to the U.S.A.!

*****

Yet, when you buy a shirt, dress, top, skirt, or slacks and check the label, it might say “Made in Vietnam,” “Made in China,” or “Made in Bangladesh.”  

Yup - very little fabric and shirt-making is happening in the United States today.  It’s been shifted to the Far East - where labor is cheap.  So (in my opinion), instead of buying a shirt made in the United States for $20, you can buy a similar shirt made in Vietnam for $10.  American consumers opted for the cheaper-priced products.  

One way to keep foreign producers from flooding the American market is to establish tariffs. For example, if an item costs $10 from China, if the United States puts a 50% tariff on that item, it will now be $15. Thus, think twice about buying a shirt from China for $15 and an American-made shirt for $20.  

However, many of the things I use regularly come from the Far East. I buy most non-essentials from Dollar Tree for $1.25 an item, but with a 50% tariff, that amounts to $1.85 (or so). So, Dollar Tree would have fewer (or no ) cheaper nylon hoses.  

*****

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE. Staying in the current situation limits us (as individuals and as a country). In tomorrow's election, it seems as if one political party wants to stay the same while the other advocates change.

In a surprise to me, eight years ago I stepped across a threshold and gradually became a woman.  (yes, that was a shock).  However, some states and locations are enacting laws that will require me to use men’s restrooms (the term is “assigned male at birth”).  I left a church because some complained that I was using the ladies’ restroom.  At 77 years old, when I need a restroom - I need a restroom!!!  And I will NOT be using a males-only restroom.

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 4, 2024

SUNDAY, FUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 2024

 SUNDAY FUNDAY - NOVEMBER 3, 2024

WARM-UP

Wow - we are 83% through the year 2024. 

NOVEMBER:

November has (depending on your viewpoint) three holidays: Thanksgiving, Veterans Day, and Election Day.  We also have the End of Daylight Savings Time this Sunday.  Sunset on Saturday, November 2nd, was 6:43 and on Sunday, November 3rd, it is 5:42 (and we will lose 36 minutes of daylight in November)

LOOKING AT THANKSGIVING FIRST:

I view Thanksgiving as what the name means - time to Give Thanks. 

Bing Crosby sang Count Your Blessings:

When I'm worried and I can't sleep

I count my blessings instead of sheep

And I fall asleep counting my blessings

When my bankroll is getting small

I think of when I had none at all

And I fall asleep counting my blessings

Yes, Thanksgiving is a time to get together with family and have a huge meal (and lots of leftovers)—but more in three weeks.

VETERANS DAY.

This country has not been exempt from warfare - from our founding (Revolutionary War), through the War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I; World War II, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War; Iraq - middle east war; Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) War, and conflicts around the globe.  Many Americans lost their lives in those wars, and others came home shattered with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Thank you to those who have served in many ways over the years. 

Election Day

How do you manage a country with over 335 million people?  More money for seniors and social security?  More money for defense?  More money for roads and infrastructure?  More money for the homeless, disadvantaged, and mentally impaired?  More money for police (and prisons)? 

In some respects, I’m amazed that any person would want to be the President of the United States!!! (It’s like the old comment - “Damned if you do; and Damned if you don’t.”)  We are almost evenly divided: 40% for one political party, 40% for the other (and 10% in the middle - my figures are made up).

In some countries, “free” elections are anything but free.  Vladimir Putin won 88% of the votes! (Joke - the other 12% are now enjoying vacation time in Siberia!!)

Yes, we will argue and complain - that is human nature.  We do need to disagree without being disagreeable!!!  

November is also a month when we get closer to winter. Over the weekend, I organized my closet, putting warmer things in the front and summer things in the back. 

NOVEMBER JOKES

What is the most negative month of the year?
NO-vember.

How many seconds are there in one year?
12 of them: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd, April 2nd, May 2nd, June 2nd, July 2nd, August 2nd, September 2nd, October 2nd, November 2nd, and December 2nd.

When does December come before November?
In the dictionary.

What is the brightest month of the year?
Glow-vember.

What is the opposite of November?
Yes-vember.

What is better than Black Friday?
Sleep in Sunday (when Daylight savings ends. 

Why did the man decide to clean out his apartment?
Because it was Throw-vember.

What is a potato’s favorite TV show in November?
M.A.S.H.

Why did the man decide to watch a musical in New York City on holiday?
Because it was Show-vember.

Why do people love November?
Because they simply fall for it.

In which month of year do farmers buy new tools?
Hoe-vember.

Why did the pilgrim’s pants keep falling down?
Because his buckle was on his hat.

What do you a star that explodes at this time of the year?
A super Nova-member.

******

WRAP-UP

The election is Tuesday, November 5th.  Whatever the American people decide, let’s forgive, forget, and heal the wounds caused by politics.  I use the expression “LOVE WINS” - but Hate is not good for us.

Stone Haven is having an inside sale on November 9th from 8:00 to 2:00. For those of us who have bought things there in the past, the prices are super low!

*****

Love Wins

Karen White, November 3, 2024

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 MISCELLANEOUS AND LOVING

 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, 2024 - MISCELLANEOUS AND LOVING

*****

A FACEBOOK STORY:

“I drive a school bus and have a sixth-grader rider who likes to talk.

Last week, he talked about an elderly neighbor who had not left her house for weeks. I tried to explain how hard it could be for her to do things. 

On Tuesday, I pulled up, but he was away from the stop. I looked over and saw him shoveling her porch. I was early so I waited for him. The other kids asked why I waited. Anyone helping someone deserves a few extra minutes. All the kids started asking him questions about his neighbor. 

The next day, seven children got on the bus with blankets, food, and cards for the elderly woman. I delivered them after work. Now, she stands on the porch every day, and the whole bus waves good morning. I am so proud of him for stepping up and doing the right thing. He taught all the children something important. I smile with pride in my heart because of the extraordinary children I have on my bus.” 

*****

Love can come in the smallest of actions—the actions of a sixth-grade boy or doing something special for almost anybody.

*****

THE FOLLOWING COMES FROM A FACEBOOK POST BY MY COUSIN JA

She starts writing about posting on social media:

“The unwritten rule of these platforms is to keep it impersonal. We post photos of places and people, in my case, politics (which is personal to me but not about me), and we hope to be helpful, clever, or informative.

I do that, too.

But what makes us truly human is our feelings, which spring from experience.

So, I don’t have to discuss my feelings or experiences, but I might want to. I might want to talk about what most of us will experience at some point if we’re lucky enough.

Is that okay?”

***

She goes on about Leo - her love!!

****

“The first thing to say is that I’m so in love. The day I met Leo, I was amazed by his smile, dimples, and good nature. I was captivated by his denim-blue eyes, incredible voice, and ability to unify a room. His depth blew my heart wide open.

As we got to know each other, I found in him someone who understood me, appreciated me and loved me.

Roughly 2.5 years into our whirlwind relationship—he had a massive stroke. I force myself to go where it happened and cry sometimes so I can get unstuck from the trauma of that day. Crying is the best medicine for me. And when the house’s quiet is too much as he sleeps, I go out. Sometimes, it’s just to get one thing. But breaking it up helps a little. Even a little relief is enough.

Because I’m watching him vanish a day, sometimes an hour at a time. The most challenging part was that I could do nothing about it.

I’ve researched, pleaded, prayed, and consulted experts. Sometimes, we don’t get the ending where life returns to” normal.”

There’s no timetable, known trajectory, or workaround. There’s no outside help, no solution, and only love. So much love. We both remember that in the midst of all this loss.

We have some great talks, cuddles, movie watching, books we read together, and sometimes just sitting together, aware of the gifts we have.

There needs to be a roadmap or a number of experts who can guide us. There’s only this: the “this-ness” of our life together.

Please don’t bless my heart, pray for us, or offer sympathy.

It’s like doing life; we’re not the only ones with difficulty.

But I feel like sharing what’s hard may mean something to someone.

It certainly means something to me.”

*****

Karen adds that JA and Leo are very special. I spent two happy hours with them a couple of years ago. They have found the depth of agape love. She cares for him in his weakness. He loves her with a passion that doesn’t quit when he is having a bad day. 

*****

Karen found this about high-functioning depression. I’m not sure that applies to me, but maybe it does, and perhaps some of you will know somebody who has hidden all the grief of their lives so deeply you don’t know it - until you take time to get to know them.

*****

HIGH FUNCTIONING DEPRESSION:

High-functioning depression is a term used to describe people who experience depression symptoms while still being able to manage their day-to-day lives and responsibilities. Although it’s not a formal medical diagnosis, it can be a helpful way to describe this experience. 

People with high-functioning depression may have similar symptoms to those with major depressive disorder, including:

• Feeling sad, hopeless, or helpless 

• Losing interest in activities that used to bring joy 

• Changes in eating habits 

• Difficulty sleeping 

• Difficulty concentrating 

• Negative thoughts about themselves and others

The difference between high-functioning depression and major depressive disorder is that people with major depression often have trouble taking care of themselves. 

 Some ways to support someone with depression include:

• Encouraging them to continue treatment 

• Being a good listener 

• Offering positive reinforcement 

• Helping to reduce stress 

• Helping them find helpful organizations 

• Encouraging them to take self-care steps

******

THERE YOU HAVE IT - SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS FOR A SATURDAY. A child helping a neighbor, a cousin with a beautiful man in her life - and finding love through his stroke, and thoughts about loving somebody with depression.

My friends, I always write “LOVE WINS’ - and it does.

I’m falling back on 1 Corinthians 13 to conclude:

Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 

The last line says it all - “LOVE NEVER FAILS”. 

And, if you allow it - and the choice is YOURS - LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, Saturday, November 2, 2024