Canadian fires

 Over 800 wildfires are burning through forests in Canada. We care about our neighbors to the North and pray the fires will be brought under control soon.

anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

 July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We've come a long way since 1990, but we continue to work on accessibility for all CONSISTENTLY.  I have a disability parking placard but sometimes find the parking space is by a door that is locked. What if there is a ramp up to the front of a building, but a flight of stairs right inside? What if a public open house is announced, but too many stairs out front, and going around to the back one can get in but the elevator is not yet working? And what about people saying they will make some accommodations but can't be bothered with too many? Have you with disabilities ever been laughed at?  How can we plan together so that everyone can be included?

Call Congress

It takes but a few minutes to call U.S. Senators and Representatives. Call the Congressional Switchboard 202-224-3121 and ask to leave a message by name for a senator or representative from your state or any state. Give your brief opinion against the SAVE America Act which will keep many people from voting or against ICE arresting and killing people, or any other legislative issue.  

Sitting with me

 Because of my disability I have not been able to stand in worship since 1997. So I sit. At Wartburg Seminary one day the person beside me sat with me in support. Then, the next day another person who was beside me stayed sitting. And so, without a community decision or policy, or even a discussion, people just noticed and every day in chapel for the next 20 years the person beside me did not "please stand" but sat.  I am thankful. My son, Joel, sits with me in the front row at church now. 

River MC

Mason City, Iowa, Wednesday night in different places in town received 2 1/2 to 5 inches of rain in about 1/2 hour. Flooding all over. In this picture this afternoon the flood had already receded from the grass in East Park but was still a roaring river.               

Lap

What do you have only when you are sitting down? 

Orchids

I posted a picture of our orchids blooming for Epiphany. I posted another picture when an orchard was still blooming at Pentecost.  And here one of the orchids is still blooming the 6th Sunday after Pentecost, after the 4th of July weekend.  I give thanks for God's good, long-lasting creation. We are called to care for it. 

 

4th of July

 Oh beautiful for spacious skies for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain. America! America! God mend thine every flaw, confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty maintain.

Canada Day

July 1 is Canada Day celebrating the anniversary of Canadian Confederation on July l, 1867. Canada achieved legislative independence from Great Britain in 193l, separation of citizenship in 1947. The red maple leaf flag was adopted in 1965. Full sovereignty was gained in 1982. When we lived in Detroit, July 1 through July 4 was celebrated together with fireworks across the Detroit River south (yes, "south") to Windsor, Canada. We have been privileged to travel in the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edwards Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. We love Canada!

 The Texas State Board of Education approved a new statewide curriculum that makes Bible reading mandatory. This goes against the 1st amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It presumes this nation and its public schools are and should be Christian (Christian Nationalism). Public Schools should teach youth about all religions, not teach what they should believe. The board also approved a curriculum that glosses over racism and the history of slavery in the United States. This is not God's chosen, perfect nation. We need to recognize our flaws. We need to respect all people.

Moon in June

The moon in June shines brightly in the sky. 

Central Gardens

 A trip to Central Gardens, Clear Lake, Iowa. Beautiful and refreshing.