EVER FEEL heavy all over, in a way that has nothing to do with weight?
My fingers are heavy on the keyboard now.
The sky is spitting unpredicted snow again. My snowblower is in the shop. I should get it back today for $160.
I’m working on a cough. Probably bronchitis. The doc will let me know this morning. Likely, it’ll be good news for CVS.
I learned about a day ago that the denomination I’m a part of will probably split soon, if not already.
And, of course, there’s the president—along with many Christians who have his back. Holy smoke and mirrors. It makes no more sense to me than my feelings do to them. How can we understand each other when we feed our minds on different news sources?
I’m so weary of the vitriol that starts at the top and trickles down. Trickle-down indecency. “Trickle” doesn’t feel like the right word.
I just alienated thirty some percent of the readers. But that’s what I’m talking about.
Taking care of business
When you’re looking for a reminder that God’s got this, where do you go?
I don’t mean to presume we don’t need to take responsibility.
We’ve got to take care of our snowblower. Tip: Don’t leave gas in the engine this summer, unless you have an extra $160.
When a cold drops into the chest, see a doc or risk pneumonia. Or worse.
When your church splits, cut your offering in half.
Okay, it probably works the other way. Another reason to feel blue.
When our politicians make our country hate again, we call our senators and congressional representatives and kindly remind them of November to come. Then when it comes, we show up.
Encouragement in the Bible
Where do you go in the Bible for encouragement in times like these?
I’ve been working on paraphrasing the Gospel of John for the Casual English Bible. Here’s my first draft of John 16:33. See what you think.
“Here’s what I’ve been trying to say. I’m giving you the gift of peace. This world’s full of trouble. But face it with courage. I conquered the world.”
Still, I’d like to enjoy the peace while playing Red River Valley on the harmonica.
I’m not asking for a lot. This thing is only three inches long with just 10 air holes.
David soothed King Saul with a stringed harp. I can soothe myself with this tin harp. I can conquer this thing.
I hope Buddy the Dog doesn’t mind.
A Psalm of Stephen. You are not alone. So many of us have become weary. I search YouTube for an uplifting message.
While I always praise God in my best times, it’s the hard times when God is most real for me. When I’m so far down I don’t know which way is up. When life sucks so badly that only a miracle can help.
Those are the times when I grow the most with God.
On the other hand, and despite my willingness to take on all principalities and powers of darkness, it amazes me how devastating a depressing weather forecast can be.
The splitting of the United Methodist denomination could be a blessing to the LGBT community – a new denomination can emerge: The Affirming United Methodist. There are few churches that teach the Gospel (far left liberal is the only choice for Gay Christians) that minister to the LGBT Christians — now is the opportunity for the United Methodist to step up and be that ministry! I’m excited that their will be other options!
Gays will not be able to marry in the church and no gay pastors. Is that the crux of the new directive?
I think you’re right. But from what I’ve heard, fewer than half the Stateside churches are expected to go in that direction of the anticipated split. It was the African vote that won the direction. It’s illegal to practice homosexuality in some African countries.
Thats going to really hurt the church and probably cause a major split.
I so appreciate your writings Stephen. I’m going to Google Red River Valley and see if I can find it, it might make me feel better. Maybe I better not do it today cause I’m feeling a little better than yesterday. I love the Psalms, and hugging my pets when I’m down.
Thanks Julie. I’ll not ask which is more consoling, Psalms or dogs. Do unto others…