45 Years and 45 Datebooks

 I just received my 45th "Little Red Book." It's the small datebook provided by my publishing house, Augsburg Fortress. What a collection. I have them all in a small cardboard chest under my desk.  It's more than a collection.  I can and do refer to them frequently to see when I met someone, when I went on a speaking engagement, what day (what year) something significant happened.  It's memory records since I was ordained.  This is the final year they will be published, so I've started this one for 2025.  

RFK Jr.

 RFK Jr. appointed to head Health and Human Services? No! He would have power over the NIH, CDC and FDA. This is the man who believes vaccines are linked to autism. He would take fluoride out of the public water supplies, decide what medicines are available, have power over food safety and medical research. He would remove requirements for inoculations against measles and polio which prevent outbreaks among our children. God help us. 

Veterans' Day

 Veterans' Day: the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the armistice was signed between the Allied troops and Germany. We remember. My father served in WW 1, right after he graduated from high school. My uncle was gassed in WW 1. A few years later, suffering from the effects, he took his own life. Many of my cousins served in WW 11.  All came home safely. My brother-in-law, Carroll Everist was shot in the leg in the Korean War. His unit was captured and most were killed. The Chinese eventually pulled out and Carroll came home.  Our son, Mark, served in the Army National Guard. We give thanks for all.

Week of Nov 6 1938

 I was born Nov. 6, 1938, between Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" (Oct. 30) and Kristallnacht, (Nov 9-10) when Nazi leaders attacked Jewish persons, a violent act of state-sanctioned violence. In the week of my birth I came into a fearful world.  This year on Nov. 6, I live in a world of fear of what it to come. Thank you for the many birthday greetings that give me courage to discern, at age 86, what is my calling in the months and years ahead. 

Words from Kamala Harris

Words today from Kamala Harris: The outcome of this election is not what we wanted. But the light of America's promise will always burn bright as long as we don't give up. . . I will never give up the fight for a future where every American can pursue their dreams...the fight to protect our students and our streets from gun violence. The fight for our democracy. . . You can and will make a difference. 

We're not done yet

 We're not done yet. Many of you have already voted, but we're not done yet. Former President Barack Obama reminds us to bring others to the polls. Who do you think has not yet voted? Ask them. Help them find their polling place. Offer them a ride. Do they think their vote won't matter? It does. The news about Iowa means things can change even in the final two days. What will you do? Ours is a country of the people, by the people and for the people. That's all of us.  

A Secret about Time

 If you play your cards right--I mean play your clocks right--you can have an extra hour each day until election day and then have an extra hour to stay up on the night of Nov. 5.  (It's my secret.)

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All Saints Day

 For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest, Alleluia! Alleluia!

Death of Billie

 Burton's sister, Billie Crowder, died quietly at her home in LaHabra, California (L.A. area) Tuesday surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Burton will he attending her memorial service which will be on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, on what would have been Billie's 96th birthday. We give thanks to God for this sweet, kind woman. 

25th anniversary of JDDJ

October 31 is Reformation Day. This year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ). The JDDJ is a historic agreement between the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation that was signed in 1999 on Reformation Day. The declaration is considered a significant achievement in the ecumenical movement.

it was later affirmed by the World Methodist Council (2006), the Anglican Consultative Council (2016) and the World Communion of Reformed Churches (2017), making it a multilateral agreement between five equal partners.

Thanks for voting

 One week until Nov. 5. Thank you to all who have already voted. This is to encourage all others to go to the polls.  Michelle Obama reminded us that no one, even your family members, need know how you voted. No one will see how you vote. In addition, voting for the one you think the best candidate does not change your party. You can remain a Republican and vote for Harris/Walz. Or you can remain a Democrat and vote for Trump/Vance. We know this is a close election. Yes, every vote matters.  It is our responsibility and our privilege to vote.

Biden Apologizes

 "I formally apologize" said President Joe Biden today. Speaking at the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, Biden apologized for the 150 years (early 1800's to 1970) the U.S. government mandated the removal of native children from their homes to be put in Federal Indian Boarding Schools. Many were abused; many died; all suffered. This part of the U.S. history has been ignored. Biden was the first president to appoint a Native American to his cabinet, Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland.

During the Biden administration he and Haaland guided the White House Council of Native American Affairs. Biden worked to give tribes more autonomy, to reduce child poverty, to provide 200,000 jobs for Native Americans and increase funding for healthcare and education. November in Native American Heritage month. 

Loss of Freedom of the Press

 I recently taught a Lifelong Learning class on The First Amendment which is the bedrock of our democracy. This includes "Freedom of the Press." Donald Trump has threatened to jail reporters and strip networks of their licenses for fact-checking him and for other unfavorable coverage. That would include NBC, CBS, ABC and CNN. He has also threatened the Wall Street Journal. We might be left only with state-run news outlets.  Do we know what loss of freedom of the press would mean?

Support for Election Officials

 Less than two weeks until Nov. 5. Thousands of election officials are already serving at early voting sites. Let's support them and say "Thank you" to them.  We can all help this election be free and fair and safe.  My husband, Burton, will be a poll watcher on election day.  Vote!

The responsibility of voting

People say, "Trump says ridiculous things. I think it's funny" 

My response: He's not just funny. This is deadly serious. We don't want to lose our democracy."

People say, "Maybe it wouldn't be so bad living under a dictator because Trump says he will fix things."

My response:  Do you know that it would be like living under a dictator?

In a democracy it's a responsibility and a privilege to vote!

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?"

UN General Assembly

 The 79th general assembly of the United Nations begins at its headquarters in NYC Tuesday, September 24.  I remember the first in 1945. It was important then and so very important now.  I dedicated one of my books: "To all people who address conflict, not through violence, but through collaborative means of justice, share power, peacemaking, and partnership in interdependent communities locally and globally, particularly the United Nations."

President Biden will rally global action to tackle the world's most pressing challenge, including climate; the opioid epidemic, mobilizing resources for developing countries, managing the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence; and helping end the brutal wars in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, among many other critically important issues.

Fed Cuts Rates

 The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates by 1/2 point. Why do so many people think Trump would be better for the economy than Harris? The Stock Market is up. Gas prices are coming down. The U.S. has out-performed all other countries in recovering economically after Covid. Kamala Harris is intelligent and can be trusted to make decisions for ALL the people.  Trump does not even know what tariffs do to raise prices on imported goods. 

64 and 46

Today is the 46th anniversary of my ordination to ministry of Word and Sacrament. I was called to teach at Yale Divinity School and work with Lutheran Students there.  This year also marks the 64th anniversary of my consecration as a Lutheran deaconess. (I continue to be a member of the Lutheran Diaconal Association.) I was assigned to serve at Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis.  I thank God for 64 (including 46) years of being able to serve so many people in different settings. 

No one is eating dogs and cats

 No one is eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio.  Donald Trump's outrageous comment at the presidential debate was hateful denigrating of Haitian immigrants and racist. The ELCA has a church college, Wittenberg, in Springfield, so emailed them in care. I was surprised to receive a response from Wittenberg's president, thanking me for reaching out. The college has talked with city, country, and state officials, including the governor to be of help. He says, "It seems the new residents in our city are not having problems finding jobs and the business leaders I have spoken with appreciate their work and work ethic."  Children in Springfield are afraid because of bomb threats. How do we care for the children? How do we care for immigrants? 

9/11

 On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airlines which hit the World Trade Center in NYC, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA. Over 2,996 people were killed on that day and hundreds more died from the effects in the days and years to come. Fear followed. Now, 23 years later, we again live in a time of fear. We remember those who died on 9/11 and we pray for wisdom in these days. 

The choice

 Tomorrow, Tuesday, will be the presidential debate. Listen carefully and be willing to change your mind. Trump has a loyal following, but hear what he really means to do.  Many lifelong Republicans are now going to vote for Harris/Walz. You do not have to be a Democrat to vote for the Democratic candidates. Voting for the Democrat, does not make you a Democrat.  You are free to vote!  So listen, learn, and then vote.

The Skill, the Strength and the Determination

France and the USA played in the quarter finals of men's wheel chair basketball Tuesday. I'm not going to talk about who won and who "dominated."  It's not about domination; it's watching the strength and determination of those who played. Yes, they make baskets while sitting in a chair.  What skill! And it's about their determination when the wheelchair tips over and they have to find a way to get themselves and the chair back up. That's strength, amazing strength.

 

Burton: A Faithful Pastor

 I give thanks for my husband, Burton, being a faithful pastor for so many years. First Church UCC here in Mason City where he had been interim pastor for nearly two years celebrated him. He has preached in San Diego and NYC. He served Gethsemane in inner city Detroit for almost 5 years. He then served Zion in inner city New Haven, Ct. for seven.  When we were in Dubuque, he served 15 years at Grace in East Dubuque.  He has served as interim pastor in dozens of congregations over the years. At 87, this morning he was bid farewell for the "next chapter of his life."  I give thanks for Burton, faithful to the Gospel, always loving the people. 

Cooperation

 Men's Goal Ball is on at the Paralympics today. Three men who are blind are on each side of the court trying to block the ball from opposing team with their bodies.  Spectators need to be quiet so the men can hear each other and hear the basketball size ball, with a bell inside, coming towards them. Fascinating!  And just as fascinating that a referee with no arms, but with eyesight could announce when a goal had been made.  As differently abled and disabled, we need each other.

Vote by mail

Can you, in the state in which you live, now request an Absentee ballot for the upcoming general election? In Iowa, as of August 27, we now can. In our county we can either go to our County Courthouse, or go on their website (www.cerrogordo.gov) Ballots will be mailed out Oct. 16th. Sometimes postal delivery takes longer than we may think, so mail it in quickly. Mail-in ballots received after Nov. 5 will not be counted. Check out the rules for the county and state in which you live.

 

Olympics Opening Ceremony

 The "Inclusion Revolution" People with disabilities and those without participate together on stage. Also, the lighting of the torch ceremony included people not just from France but from many nations.  In the picture, although it looks like people are rowing on water, it is just the lights that portray water and boats.

The Paralympics

 The 2024 Paralympics have begun. The opening ceremony was today. Watch them. Watch what people with disabilities can do!  Learn! Celebrate! Respect them!

Sixty-two years of marriage

 Today the thermometer outside says 99 degrees. When Burton and I were married here in Mason City on August 26 the temperature was 76 degrees. So we stayed indoors for our anniversary.  We met in 1956 but would not be married until 6 years later: 1962, because deaconesses were just recently allowed to marry and men (of course) could not marry until their final year of seminary, and then only with permission. But here we are, spending the day reading some of the two large boxes of letters we sent to each other during those years. We give thanks.  Son Joel, wife Rachel, Jennaya and Jackson and his girlfriend Mya, stopped by and saw some of the letters.

Words of Kamala Harris

 DNC: Words of Kamala Harris: Every day in the courtroom, I stood proudly before a judge and said five words: “Kamala Harris, for the People.” And to be clear: My entire career, I have only had one client. The People. And so, on behalf of The People, On behalf of every American. Regardless of party. Race. Gender. Or the language your grandmother speaks. On behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey. On behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with. People who work hard. Chase their dreams. And look out for one another. On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth. I accept your nomination for President of the United States of America.

DNC Words of Cory Booker

 DNC: words of Cory Booker: You can't lead the people if you don't love the people--all the people. The power of the people is greater than the people in power. I believe in America where we share a common good and a common cause and our common destiny. If you love America, you will work for America. Keep the faith.

DNC Barack Obama

 DNC Barack Obama: The election does not just matter to the people in this country. The rest of the world is watching. . . No nation, no society has ever tried to build a democracy as big and as diverse as ours before. One that includes people that, over decades, have come from every corner of the globe. One where our allegiances and our community are defined not by race or blood but by a common creed. And that’s why when we uphold our values, the world’s a little brighter. When we don’t, the world’s a little dimmer—and dictators and autocrats feel emboldened, and over time, we become less safe. 

words of Hillary Clinton

 DNC: Words of Hillary Clinton:

Eight years ago, I was honored to accept the Democratic nomination and become the first woman to lead the Democratic ticket for President of the United States.

We made history that day. The excitement was palpable. Shattering the long-awaited glass ceiling of a woman in the White House felt closer than ever before.

Now, we have the chance to make that dream a reality.

The Old Creamery

 I'm not able to take long trips anymore, so Burton and I recently traveled 20 miles to Garner, Iowa, where my Uncle Ott was butter maker for many decades. The Creamery  is now "The Olde Creamery" which fittingly features homemade ice cream in many flavors.  Of course was had some. We also saw Uncle Ott and Aunt Caroline's home which was a stable place for my sister and me growing up after our father died. On the way home we also walked around Central Gardens of North Iowa in Clear Lake. 

Election Certification

 In 2020 Trump supporters tried to subvert election results in some places. In 2024 the attempts will be bolder. At the local, state and national level, 2020 election deniers are being appointed to control the certification process. Who are the people who will be in charge of counting and reporting the results of the Nov. election where you live? Will they be election deniers? Getting out the vote is important. Just as important is who will certify, or not certify the votes. 

Iowa Potato Salad

 Potato Salad the way my mother and then I have made it for years; we call it Iowa Potato Salad. There's no recipe written down. Take the same amount of eggs as you do small potatoes. Hard boil the eggs (I use about 6), putting them in the water after it boils. Leave in for 10 minutes. Put the potatoes in tap water; let them and water come to a boil at the same time. Cook until potatoes soft (by a fork) but not mushy.  Cool. Mix sliced eggs and bite-size potato pieces together with mayo. Eggs last so the hard yoke stays whole. Add very small pieces of celery, cucumber, onions, or whatever.  (Not too much). Salt well.  Refrigerate. It stays for 3-4 days.

Olympics Celebration

Over 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries took part in the 2024 Olympics, including Barbados, Cayman Island, New Zealand, Ukraine, Aruba, Canada, New Zealand, Cameroon, the United States, Cuba, Estonia, Fiji, India, Laos, Kenya, Namibia, Latvia, Netherlands, Syria, Australia, Ethiopia, France, and a refugee team. Tonight we celebrate the closing ceremony and pledge to continue to work for a peaceful global community. 

True Stories of Made-up Ones

When I was doing my student teaching as Roosevelt Elementary School in Mason City, the teacher would say to the first grade students, "Remember, when you stand up to tell a story be sure to start with saying if this is a true story or a story you made up." To this day I can see those children beginning with either, "This is a true story" or "I made this story up." Would that today adults could distinguish between telling the truth or making things up. 

Severe ME Day

 Today, August 8, is Severe ME Day.  I have lived with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) for 42 years. It continues to be a disease with no known cause and no cure. We have lost many, many people to the disease.  Most doctors still are not taught about ME so finding knowledgable medical personal to help is difficult. Please pray for those who struggle. 

Absentee ballots

 Absentee ballots may be harder to get this year. And they need to be received l15 days before the election.  Sometimes P.O. delivery takes longer than we might estimate. It is now not legal in Iowa to send unsolicited absentee ballot applications, or to pre-fill things such as a voter's name and address on a ballot application. In previous elections voters had a 110-day window to submit the application. The Iowa law reduced that window to 55 days so voters in the 2024 general election will not be able to start submitting applications until late August. The cutoff to return the ballots is five days earlier this year.

Iowa is one of 10 states that have narrowed the window for applying for a mail-in ballot to make it harder to apply for a mail-in ballot. 

The Answer

  The answer for my posted question Friday: All three!  1. I Body surfed off the coast of South Australia when in Adelaide to speak at the Lutheran Seminary there. The next land south of the Southern Ocean is Antartica. 2. I waded three miles to Holy Isle across the North Sea at precisely low tide, with members attending Global Diakonia. 3. I climbed a Phoenix mountain near son Mark's house 3 times, once by myself which did concern Mark. 

Which of these three

 In the Spirit of the Olympics, which, if any, of these three have I done? 1. Body surfed in the Southern Ocean? 2. Walked three miles to Holy Isle across the North Sea? 3. Climbed a mountain by myself in Phoenix? Reply by posting numbers. 

Voting Rights

This July marked the 60th anniversary of the Landmark Civil Rights Act signed by President Lyndon Johnson July, 1964. This was followed in 1965 by the Voting Rights Bill. President Biden visited the LBJ Library in Austin for the Commemoration. Let's make sure all have the right to vote this year. 

  

Disability Pride Month

July has been "Disability Pride Month." As the month comes to a close, there has been little notice. Disability "Pride" means "Recognition." "Respect," and "Accommodation." Pride for me means I have an incurable disease, but I am more than my disease.

Over 1/4 of adults in the United States live with a disability. I have lived with my disability for 42 years. We need recognition, willingness to learn about our disability, understanding, accessibility, accommodation, and inclusion. 

I give thanks for those who have been caring partners on this journey.

 

You won't have to vote again

How many things are wrong, unconstitutional, and dangerous with what Donald Trump said Friday? "Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won't have to do it again. In four years we'll have it fixed so good, you will never have to vote." 

 From the Oval Office
     "I revere this office, but I love my country more. . .  

Storms in Iowa

From Urbandale, Iowa, through to Eastern Iowa Monday there was at least one tornado, derecho winds, and large hail. Trees fell and thousands were without power. Officials are assessing damage.  Our prayers are with those who are suffering from these storms and bad weather from the Climate crisis.

60th anniversary of Civil Rights Act

 The Civil Rights Act of 1964: The 60th Anniversary Commemoration will be held at the Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Presidential Library & Museum on the grounds of the University of Texas in Austin on Monday July 15, 2024, with a program featuring music, readings, and a keynote address by President Joe Biden. Also confirmed to participate is civil rights leader Ambassador Andrew Young, and the University Concert Choir. The Civil Rights Act was followed by the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

International Dialog

 This week I am participating in our annual Religious Education Association meeting, this year by Zoom. How interesting and important to hear speakers and engage in dialog yesterday morning with a woman from Korea leading, and speakers from Indonesia and Brazil. Also part of the conversation were people from the U.S., Canada and Australia, people I have known through REA for years. The topic: Interfaith Studies.

Safely Home

 Thank you all who were praying for my son Mark and his daughter caught in the approaching Hurricane Beryl in the Yucatan Peninsula on their way home from Colombia. We have now heard that their plane "made it out just in time."  They are safely back in Phoenix, but it was 111 degrees when they arrived.  However, thousands of people remain, living with the devastation and in the Caribbean. We pray for them and all who are living with the effects of the Climate crisis. 

Hurricane Beryl

 Our son Mark and his daughter Aimee, heading home from Colombia, S.A., are in the Yucatan Peninsula. We pray their connecting plane will be able to land and then take them home to Phoenix.  We pray for all whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.

I dissent

 Immune. Immune. Immune. Immune. With fear for our democracy, I dissent.

How do you debate someone who lies?

 President Biden is being criticized for what they call his "halting" speech last night.  We have known that Biden has been a stutterer since childhood. I have a disability. I have aphasia. For years I have had difficulty speaking at night without a script.  Prejudice against those with a disability! This has nothing to do with Biden's wisdom and leadership.  He is smart.  He is not too old!  How do you debate a person, Trump, who constantly lies and slanders you? Biden had the substance and truth! That's what counts.

Summer Solstice Jun 20

 What will you be doing today, June 20th, the Summer Solstice? Post what you will be doing. Dusk in Northern Iowa, at 9:10 p.m. and Dawn at 5:15 a.m. We are celebrating grandson Jackson's 18th birthday. (And for my friends in South Australia, what will you be doing on the shortest day of the year?)

A Pluralistic Nation

 Louisiana just became the first U.S. state to require the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms. This goes against the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This is a pluralistic nation. Public schools and colleges should educate about all religions, not teach students in which religion to believe. Christian Nationalism is not the religion of the United States and should not become so.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth (June 19), a time to remember that this country enslaved people and to give thanks that the news of emancipation finally reached Texas (even if 3 years late). Also a time to make sure all people are fully free and have freedom to vote. 

Burton: a wonderful father and grandfather

Burton has been such a wonderful, caring, father to Mark, Joel and Kirk, for all these years.  A great grandfather, faithful pastor and friend to so many.