US 250 years

 My parents were born in 1899, just 112 years after the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Burton's grand father was born in 1837, before the Civil War, just 25 years after the War of 1812. This year is the 250th "birthday" of the U.S.  That's actually not long ago. How do we celebrate? By honoring the hundreds of  indigenous tribes here much earlier By reflecting on our historic and global context: nations much older than the U.S. By committing ourselves to living peaceable together with all people around the world.

 Some important quotes for Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

1. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." 
2. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." 
3. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." 
4. "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." 
5. "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 

These quotes encapsulate his philosophy on overcoming hatred with love, the importance of speaking out against injustice, and the true measure of character during difficult times, notes USA Today and The National Constitution Center. 

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Today is a good day

 This morning we were greeted by a man who said to us, "This is the best day of my life.  The sins of yesterday are gone. We don't know about the future ahead of us. So we treat today as the best day of our lives." He had a cane; I had a cane. We both new what he meant.

 

One Body, One Spirit, One Hope

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 is January 18-25. This year it focuses on the words from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: “There is one Body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.”  Globally, denominationally we are very different. However, in this very difficult time, there is much we can do together. 

Greenland

 Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland. They are perfectly happy being independent and citizens of Denmark. The U.S. has no right to take over, try to buy, or invade Greenland.  "Doing it the easy way or doing it the hard way" says the U.S. under the current administration is intent on "owning" Greenland.  No!

ICE everywhere

 A country at war with itself. An administration at war with its people. ICE arresting, beating--yes, killing- legal observers. ICE agents targeting schools and school buses. People afraid to go to hospitals and clinics; children missing check-ups and vaccines. Ice sweeping up immigrants and Native Americans. However, protests are growing, faith leaders gather, people watch and warn. Whistles. We can act, NOW. 

Epiphany

 A blessed Epiphany. In the midst of great darkness and uncertainty, may God's light guide us all.

Venezuela

What right does the U.S. have to carry out a large military strike against Venezuela?  What right do we have to seize President Maduro? Do we really want to start a war? 

Resolutions for 2026

 New Year's resolutions. In response to this presidential administration sending ICE to detain, incarcerate and deport people, bombing boats, cutting research for health, discouraging vaccinations, cutting aid to countries in need, renaming things to honor Trump, and more, I resolve to help my nation. I will call Congressional members (202-224-3121), write letters to the editor, organize people to act, create communities to discuss and listen. God give us the strength to do these things. 

Drake

 I'm a native of Des Moines, Iowa. I am pleased to report that Drake University in Des Moines is launching a new degree program to prepare students to help people with disabilities to live full and self-directed lives. With academic work and hands-on training students will be able to focus on advocacy, employment opportunities, school systems and more for people with a variety of disabilities. Good news at a time when people with disabilities are being dismissed and disrespected.

Blizzard

 We are having a blizzard!  It's dangerous outside and the world is in danger, too. Hear John's Gospel: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 

Kwanzaa

 Happy Kwanzaa! Kwanzaa is an annual, week-long celebration of African American culture, family, and community, observed from December 26 to January 1. It is a cultural, non-religious holiday designed to honor African heritage and instill pride and unity within the Black community.