Narcissist

 A narcissist is a person with an extreme, unhealthy preoccupation with themselves, characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Trump is not just old, not just sleepy, not just unintelligent. He is a dangerous narcissist, saying "A whole civilization will die tonight" about Iran. We must stop him.

The moon

We watched on C-SPAN the astronauts of mission Artemis ll emerged from the far side of the moon. This morning we watched the moon from earth. This is what we saw from our deck: the same moon, different perspectives. Ps. 8: "When I look at your heavens, the work of your finger, the moon and the stars that you have established. . . O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth."

Easter 2026

Christ is risen! Blessings from the Everists at church in Mason City. Burton this morning preached and presided at four rural churches in three services in two states. I am thankful for his continuing service as a pastor. Blessings to all.

 

Holy Saturday

 When hope was lost, what did the women who came with Jesus from Galilee do?  "Many woman were also there looking on from a distance." The women, some named, and some not, watched and grieved. They followed and saw Jesus' body laid in the tomb. They sat opposite the tomb and watched it be sealed shut. They saw a stone rolled against the door of the tomb. It was the sabbath. They went home and prepared spices and ointments. They rested and then, on the first day of the week, at early dawn they came to the tomb. We wait and watch and hope--and believe.

Holy Week MLK killed

 Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday, 1968, Martin Lutheran King Jr. was assassinated. What followed were uprisings in over 100 cities across the country. Earlier that Holy Week of 1968, on Palm Sunday, President Lyndon Johnson announced "I shall not seek and I will not accept the nomination of my party for another term as your president." Death and decisions are on our minds also this Holy Week. 

Over 8 million people participated in No Kings Day rallies in the U.S. A dozen countries held rallies supporting the U.S protests: Countries in the UK, France, Portugal, Greece, Australia and countries in Latin America.  Trump wants to be more than a King; he wants to be an Emperor. Queen Elizabeth II  after WW II oversaw the rapid dissolution of the British Empire and its transformation into the modern Commonwealth of Nations. She's my example.

Palm Sunday

 The children at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City, processing with their palm leaves. Hundreds of people (everyone) came up for the rite of healing. Blessings for Holy Week. 

No Kings and Palm Sunday

 Millions participated in No Kings Day protests yesterday, with NO violence reported. The Full count is not yet in. However, it can't be "over." The excitement must carry into action. Voter registration! Ongoing work to organize for the fall. People together make a difference. Christians gather again this Palm Sunday morning in the name of the Prince of Peace.

Prairie Place Potluck

 Our monthly potluck at Prairie Place on First

No Kings Day

 This very harmful administration is not unstoppable. The third No Kings Day will be this Saturday, March 28. At the first one last June 5 million people showed up. At the second No Kings Day last October 7 million people gathered all over the country: 2500 events in June; 2900 events in October and already 3100 events planned for Saturday. If there isn't one near you, organize one. Whether it's l0,000 people in a large city or 15 in a small town, every event is important.  Ask three or more people to join you. We will not hide in fear. Together we can make a difference.

Muslims

 Last night PBS Newshour co-anchor Amna Nawas interviewed the Mayor of New Your City Zohan Mamdani.  Both are Muslims. They talked about many things.  I was so encouraged to see two professionals, both Muslim, having this national conversation together. We ARE a pluralistic nation! We can be different together.

·

The John F. Kennedy Library awarded the 2026 Profile in Courage Award to the people of the Twin Cities. Here’s what the Kennedy family said: “The people of the Twin Cities responded with extraordinary courage and resolve. Tens of thousands took to the streets to peacefully protest federal overreach and threats to immigrant families." People stood up— even when it was cold, even when it was dangerous.