Frost and flowers

 We have had our first frost; however, these roses not far from our home are still beautiful.  

We voted

We voted today.  People say, "I know I'll be tired on election day, so I may not be able to get to the polls" Then, vote early.  People say, "I don't want to look like I'm pressuring my neighbors, so I won't bother reminding them to vote." Tell everyone to vote.  Each vote matters. 

To Mute is Not Enough

So, you are thinking of not voting this year? Here is my response to what I am hearing: 

"I'm exhausted. I'm thankful for the mute button on TV." To mute is not enough. Vote!

 "I'm tired of the negativity:" Then vote for positivity and possibility.

Canada

 Happy Thanksgiving Day to my Canadian friends, to all the people of Canada, including, of course, the First Nations.

Indigenous Peoples' Day Oct. 14

 Mason City, Iowa is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Báxoǰe (Ioway), Sauk (Sac), and Meskwaki (Fox) peoples. The Winnebago and Sioux peoples were the first inhabitants of the area that would become Mason City.  We honor them on Indigenous Peoples' Day, Oct. 14 and repent of the ways they have been treated.

FEMA and Project 2025

 

People from across the country care about those who have suffered from Hurricane Milton and just two weeks ago Hurricane Helena, FEMA provides life-saving rapid response and relief after disasters, giving individual and public financial assistance to help communities recover after homes, belongings and public infrastructure are damaged or lost. 

Project 2025 and Trump/Vance have another vision for the future of American disaster preparedness. Under the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for the next conservative administration, FEMA would be gutted. 

The Seasons change

 The seasons change.  The colored leaves fall. The farmers' Market comes to a close. We are in the Baseball post-season. Nov. 5 is one month away. What will the change of seasons bring? 

 From Tanya Wittwer who studied at Wartburg Seminary a couple of decades ago. "Thank you, siblings in Christ. The Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand have voted to allow the ordination of women (and also to allow clergy and members to hold to male-only ordination if that is their conviction.) We can move ahead."

I spent part of a sabbatical in Adelaide where their seminary is located and was invited to speak to a preaching class--but not to mention ordination. A few women came up afterwards and stood there, amazed to see a woman professor. During the week, a professor, and then another, and another invited me to speak to their classes. But still it took decades for the church to say yes to women. Many Wartburg people have supported Tanya. I give thanks for their persistent voices.

Liz and Kamala

 A sight that gladdened my heart. Lifelong conservative Republican Liz Cheney and Democratic candidate for president Kamala Harris on stage together. Yes, seeing two women was great, but even greater was seeing them speak strongly and supportively, united in their belief that this country that they both love must not elect a dangerous Donald Trump for president. Liz, and her father, former Republican Dick Cheney have both endorsed Harris. Liz: “You may not have supported a Democrat for president before, but we both love our country," Kamala praised Liz as “a leader who puts country above party and above self."

Jimmy Carter turns 100

Former President Jimmy Carter turns 100 today, Oct.1.President Joe Biden heralded Carter as “a voice of courage, conviction, compassion.Former President Jimmy Carter turns 100 today, Oct.1.President Joe Biden heralded Carter as “a voice of courage, conviction, compassion.

Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, is the oldest president in American history. Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said that his Grandfather was “holding on”  to vote for Kamala Harris. And though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever. Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said that his Grandfather was “holding on”  to vote for Kamala Harris. And though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever. 

Carter, a Democrat, oversaw key milestones at home and abroad, including the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, an and the creation of the Department of Energy and the Department of Education Education. It is perhaps the actions of his post-presidency that have defined Carter’s legacy of service to others, the promotion of democracy abroad.

Project 2025 Danger 1

 Millions of people along the Gulf Coast and throughout the U.S. Southeast are turning to the National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service for accurate information about Hurricane Helene just as they have with tropical storms going back decades. But if pro-Donald Trump conservatives have their way, these lifesaving forecasts could come to a halt next year.  Also, the far right's new authoritarian playbook would leave communities with fewer resources to rebuild after disasters Understand what Project 2025 would do and vote accordingly.

President Biden Speaks at U.N.

 "We must never forget who we're here to represent," Mr. Biden said. "We, the people. These are the first words of our Constitution, the very idea of America, and they inspired the opening words of our U.N. Charter. I've made the preservation of democracy the central cause of my presidency." . My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power. 

"I truly believe we're at another inflection point in world history where the choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come. . . Will we stand behind the principles that unite us? Will we stand firm against aggression? Will we end the conflicts that are raging today? Will we take on global challenges like climate change, hunger and disease?"