Moment of Zen: Cooler Weather

It's been quite warm here in Alabama, but it's finally cooling off for the New Year.

Back in Alabama

I made it back to Alabama at about 8:30 last night. The National World War II Museum took longer than I had expected. It was extremely crowded and took about 3 hours to go through and that was going through fairly quickly. If I'd waited to see all the films and did all the interactive stuff, it would have taken all day. As it was, I was in a hurry to get back home, plus it was after lunch before I even made it through the line to get in. Needless to say, I was hungry when I got out of there. And while New Orleans is renowned for their food, I was in no mood to fight NOLA traffic and parking to eat in town, so I drove to Slidell and ate there.

I made a few stops on my way home. I'm looking to buy an Apple Watch Series 2, but all the Best Buy's are sold out and I can't seem to find anywhere else that has them. I stopped in four or five Best Buy's stores between Louisiana and home. Nothing.

Finally though, after I stopped a few times for gas and to eat dinner, I made it back to my aunt's house. I was exhausted. So I just went to bed early.

Back to Alabama

I'm making a stop in New Orleans on my way back to see the National World War II Museum. I've been there when it was the D-Day Museum but I haven't seen the newer exhibits that make it about the whole war. Part of this side trip will be for work, they are actually paying me to go and take lots of pictures. Then it will be the long drive back to Alabama.

Cajun Country

I'm down in the bayou as they say. I'm visiting my best friend in Louisiana for a couple of days. I'll head back to Alabama on Thursday. It's a long drive down but the traffic was mostly good.

On my way down I listened to Heidi Cullinan's Short Stay. It's part of the Love Lessons series and was pretty good. If you've read and liked the rest of the series, you'll like this one too.

The Coming of Light

The Coming of Light
Mark Strand, 1934 - 2014

Even this late it happens:
the coming of love, the coming of light.
You wake and the candles are lit as if by themselves,
stars gather, dreams pour into your pillows,
sending up warm bouquets of air.
Even this late the bones of the body shine
and tomorrow's dust flares into breath.

Christmas Is Over

I got some winter weather gear, but I certainly didn't need it down here in Alabama. It was a hot 80 degrees in Alabama yesterday, add that to slacking away in a hot kitchen and you have a nearly unbearable day, but we survived. I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas and got your Christmas wishes.

The Christmas Story

Luke 2 King James Version (KJV)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Moment of Zen: Christmas Lights

Out in the Boondocks

I feel so cut off from the world down here. The Internet is spotty. My parents turn it off most of the time, which is really annoying. I do almost everything on my iPad and nearly every app calls for the Internet. It's only two weeks of this. I can survive it. It doesn't make it less annoying. Tomorrow, I am taking my mother to the cemetery then we are doing some last minute Christmas shopping. Then tomorrow night, I am going to get a new iPhone. I've had a 5C iPhone for a few years now and it's time for an upgrade. This will be my Christmas present to myself.

Home for Christmas

I made it home for Christmas. I'll be here two weeks. Right now though, there is no wifi so until I can fix that, posts might be spotty at best.

Cookies

Yesterday, we exchanged gifts at work since I am leaving today heading for Alabama. I made cookies for everyone at work this year. Last year, everyone got a cake, but I had a request for cookies, so cookies it was. One of the cookies I made, and I made four varieties, was a simple sugar cookie. It's adapted from a recipe called "The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies." I scooped mine instead of rolling them out. They are so buttery and sugary that you can't help but love them. The recipe turned out so well (with a few modifications) that I wanted to share this recipe with you.

The Best Sugar Cookies (It makes about 60 cookies.)

1 1/2 cups of butter, softened

2 cups of white sugar

4 eggs

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 

5 cups of self-rising flour 

(You can also use 5 cups of all purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt, instead of the 5 cups of self-rising flour, but I find using self-rising flour easier in this recipe.)

1. Start by creaming together the butter and sugar in a large bowl.

2. Then beat in eggs and vanilla.

3. Stir in the flour.

4a. Here is where it's deviated from the original recipe. In the original recipe, it calls for chilling the dough for an hour. This is called for if you plan to roll out the cookie dough to 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick and use cookie cutters to make cute little shapes. 

4b. I chose to scoop out the dough using a 1 inch cookie scoop and rolling the dough into a ball and placing a few inches apart on the pan. I try to fit twelve cookies per pan. You can roll the balls in sugar or in red and green sugar sprinkles to be more festive, though I did not do this (mainly because I couldn't find the sprinkles I wanted).

5. Either way you choose I suggest lining the pan with parchment paper before placing the cookies on the pan.

6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

7. Place cookies in preheated oven for 6-8 minutes if you rolled out the dough, or 10 minutes if you scooped the dough.

8. Cool before serving. If you are going to icing the cookies make sure they are cooled completely. For icing you can use a mixture of water or milk and confectioners sugar. It should be thick enough to spread and thin enough as not to soak into the cookie.

So there you have it, the best sugar cookie recipe. They are absolutely yummy. I made a batch from leftover dough last night and ate the whole pan of cookies. If I didn't eat the whole pan I might have one day been able to have abs like the guy in the picture, but is it worth it? 

I know my instructions are a little wacky, but I like to explain every step as opposed to minimal instructions that can lead you astray. 

Enjoy!

Christmas Bells

Christmas Bells

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807 - 1882

 I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play, 

    And wild and sweet 

    The words repeat 

Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 

And thought how, as the day had come, 

The belfries of all Christendom 

    Had rolled along 

    The unbroken song 

Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 

Till ringing, singing on its way, 

The world revolved from night to day, 

    A voice, a chime, 

    A chant sublime 

Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 

Then from each black, accursed mouth 

The cannon thundered in the South, 

    And with the sound 

    The carols drowned 

Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 

It was as if an earthquake rent 

The hearth-stones of a continent, 

    And made forlorn 

    The households born 

Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 

And in despair I bowed my head; 

“There is no peace on earth," I said; 

    “For hate is strong, 

    And mocks the song 

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” 

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: 

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; 

    The Wrong shall fail, 

    The Right prevail, 

With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Going Home

All my Christmas gifts have been sent home, some are even already wrapped. I leave Wednesday flying home, and I am already dreading it. My mother, without consulting me, has already made plans for the whole time that I am home. She called last night with a list of places I had to go and a list of things I had to do. It gets exhausting, and I'm not even home yet. I'm fortunate to have my parents though, even if they drive me crazy. I still love them.

Proverbial Giving

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

Proverbs 19:17

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.

Proverbs 14:31

I have to admit that when I was looking up some commentaries on giving and the Bible, too many of the sources I found focused on giving to the church.  I give what I can to church, which is what I think of when the apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:12 "For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have."  Many churches though use this as a means of forcing a true tithe of 10 percent.  However, even though we are in the season of giving, we should be giving and helping year round to those who need assistance.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands us to give to the needy:

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:1-4

Giving is not all about what you give to your local congregation, but what you give to those who are in need.  We are to love our fellow man and not judge them.  If we look down on the poor, then how can we look up to God.  Some people blame God for the misfortunes of the world, I blame those who do not follow the teachings of love and charity.  Do you have to be a Christian to have love for your fellow man or to be charitable to the less fortunate?  Of course you don't.  But I will say this, too many people who call themselves Christian often follow the proverb "God helps those who help themselves."  The phrase is often mistaken as scriptural, but it appears nowhere in the Bible. 

Political commentator Bill O'Reilly employed the phrase, in responding to Jim McDermott, the Democratic U.S. Representative for Washington's 7th congressional district, who argued, "This is Christmas time. We talk about Good Samaritans, the poor, the little baby Jesus in the cradle and all this stuff. And then we say to the unemployed we won't give you a check to feed your family. That's simply wrong." O'Reilly argued for a more selective approach to unemployment benefits, and the importance of individual responsibility, concluding "while Jesus promoted charity at the highest level, he was not self-destructive. The Lord helps those who help themselves. Does he not?" Political comedian Stephen Colbert parodied him in response, concluding in character, "if this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we've got to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that he commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition; and then admit that we just don't want to do it." Colbert may be a comedian who is often irreverent, but he makes a good point.

For the vast majority of us, misfortune finds us at one point or another. Various people have helped me during those unfortunate times, and I do my best to help those in need when I am able to help.  Giving is not just for the red buckets of the Salvation Army during Christmastime but for all year round.  It is also not about gifts and money, because not all of us are able to do so, but it is about giving our love to those around us.  Love is the greatest gift we can give.

Peace, love, and charity!

Moment of Zen: Nakéd

Frozen

It is currently -9 degrees F here this morning. The wind chill is well below -20. It's cold up here. We are not expecting snow today, but should receive 4-7" tomorrow. Did I mention that it is cold? I will be going from my apartment to my car and then my car to my office and reverse that trip today. That is all I plan to get out for. It's just too cold to do much else. It's one of those days when I wish we could just stay snuggled up in our warm safe beds.

Discovery

Last summer’s Star Trek Beyond revealed Hikaru Sulu — the character originated by George Takei in the original 1966 television series — is gay, a development that left Takei with mixed feelings.

But he’s quite excited that “Star Trek: Discovery” will prominently feature a gay character.

“I’m eager to see him,” he says of Anthony Rapp, who’s set to star as a gay Starfleet science officer on the upcoming CBS spinoff.

While being presented with the ICON Award at Saturday’s Unforgettable Gala, which honors Asians in entertainment, Takei talked about gay characters in the Star Trek universe and beyond.

When I was informed they were making Sulu gay, I said, ‘It’s wonderful that they can deal with the gay issue. But honor Gene. It’s not about me. It’s about Gene’s vision and respect him and respect the characters that he created.’”

“But be as imaginative and creative as Gene was. Create a new character and make him or her gay with the issues he or she might have to deal with in the 23rd century. That would be exciting. That would be paying tribute.”

As for Sulu being gay in 2016’s Star Trek Beyond? 

I wasn’t persuasive and they made Sulu gay. They said it was a tribute to me, so I appreciate that part. But now Gene is really going to be honored by ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ by having that original character, played by a wonderfully talented actor. I think it is the way it should’ve been done.”

Later, Takei revealed that he tried persuading Roddenberry to incorporate a gay storyline into the original series, but 1960s audiences simply weren’t ready for that.

Gene created all of the characters as straight characters. Because of the times, it could be not be on the air if you have a gay character. In fact, we had one episode where the white captain, Kirk, kissed the black Uhura, and that show was blacked out — literally blacked out — in the Southern areas. Stations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia refused to air it. We hit rock bottom.”

I was lobbying Gene to do an episode that deals with LGBT issues and equality. He said, ‘I’m aware of that and I support that but I’m walking a tightrope. I can’t step a little too far or the show will be canceled.’

But those days are past.

According to Variety, he’s clearly extremely excited about “Discovery,” which will premiere in May.

“I want to know what they’ll do!” he says.

Reading

I spent the evening reading and time got away from me. Before I knew it, it was time for bed and I had not written a blog post. Since I didn't have time to ponder what to write, and I didn't have anything specific in mind, I thought I'd just confess to reading and losing track of time. By the way, I am reading Tal Bauer's book Enemy of My Enemy, which is the second book in her Executive Office Series.  It continues the story of Pressient Jack Spiers and his lover Ethan Reichenbach. It's a great political thriller and I hated to have to put it down and go to bed.

The Shivering Beggar

The Shivering Beggar

Robert Graves, 1895 - 1985

 Near Clapham village, where fields began,  

Saint Edward met a beggar man.  

It was Christmas morning, the church bells tolled,  

The old man trembled for the fierce cold.  

  

Saint Edward cried, “It is monstrous sin

A beggar to lie in rags so thin!  

An old gray-beard and the frost so keen:  

I shall give him my fur-lined gaberdine.”  

  

He stripped off his gaberdine of scarlet  

And wrapped it round the aged varlet,  

Who clutched at the folds with a muttered curse,  

Quaking and chattering seven times worse.  

  

Said Edward, “Sir, it would seem you freeze  

Most bitter at your extremities.  

Here are gloves and shoes and stockings also,

That warm upon your way you may go.”  

  

The man took stocking and shoe and glove,  

Blaspheming Christ our Saviour’s love,  

Yet seemed to find but little relief,  

Shaking and shivering like a leaf.  

  

Said the saint again, “I have no great riches,  

Yet take this tunic, take these breeches,  

My shirt and my vest, take everything,  

And give due thanks to Jesus the King.”  

  

The saint stood naked upon the snow  

Long miles from where he was lodged at Bowe,  

Praying, “O God! my faith, it grows faint!  

This would try the temper of any saint.  

  

“Make clean my heart, Almighty, I pray,  

And drive these sinful thoughts away.    

Make clean my heart if it be Thy will,  

This damned old rascal’s shivering still!”  

  

He stooped, he touched the beggar man’s shoulder;  

He asked him did the frost nip colder?  

“Frost!” said the beggar, “no, stupid lad!

’Tis the palsy makes me shiver so bad.”

This poem is in the public domain.

Medici

This weekend, I watched Medici: Masters of Florence on Netflix. It is a television drama series about the Medici dynasty starring Dustin Hoffman as Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici, Richard Madden as Cosimo de' Medici, and Stuart Martin as Lorenzo de' Medici (The Elder). Florence is one of my favorite cities in the world. The series is set in the 15th century Florence, the protagonist is Cosimo the Elder, who was elected head of the Florentine Republic in 1434. Cosimo has inherited the Banco Medici from his father Giovanni, who has been mysteriously poisoned. Through various flash backs (20 years ago), we are introduced to a Florence at the time of Giovanni and his relationship with his sons, Cosimo and Lorenzo.

Historical accuracy is not one of the strong points of the series.  During an interview at the Roma Fest panel in 2015, Frank Spotnitz, co-creator of the series, stated, "the season will be more thriller than historical saga . . . we begin the show with a 'what if' because we don't know how Giovanni de' Medici died. One of the questions that haunts Cosimo, is whether his father was murdered."

I very much enjoyed watching this series. The beauty of the scenery is magnificent, while the drama is quite compelling. I don't think anyone would guess the culprit of the primary mystery of the season. I certainly didn't. It came as quite a shock, and I hope that doesn't give too much away. If you love Florence, the Renaissance, or historical drama, this is a show for you. I loved it and hope you will too. It really does have a great cast and Richard Madden does not meet the same horrible fate as he did in Game of Thrones. He's a lot smarter in this series.

Agape and Optimism

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

There are many people in this world who only look at the negatives of religion.  They consider religion to be exclusive, not inclusive.  They dwell on what not to do, instead of what should be done.  Some of these same people are religious, others are not.  However, this view of Christianity is as far from my belief as possible.  This is a pessimistic view of religion, and as someone who decided years ago that a positive attitude is far greater than a negative attitude, I look to a far more optimistic view of Christianity.

The two verses above are just two of many examples in the Bible that show the optimistic view of Christianity.  More than anything, I believe in the inclusiveness of Christianity.  God loves us all, and we are told that we should love all. This type of love is called agape.  Agape often translated "unconditional love", is one of the Koine Greek words translated into English as love, one which became particularly appropriated in Christian theology as the love of God or Christ for humankind. In the New Testament, it refers to the covenant love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God; the term necessarily extends to the love of one's fellow man. 

Although the word agape does not have specific religious connotation, the word has been used by a variety of contemporary and ancient sources, including biblical authors and Christian authors. Greek philosophers at the time of Plato and other ancient authors have used forms of the word to denote love of a spouse or family, or affection for a particular activity, in contrast to philia (an affection that could denote friendship, brotherhood or generally non-sexual affection) and eros, an affection of a sexual nature. The term agape is rarely used in ancient manuscripts, but was used by the early Christians to refer to the self-sacrificing love of God for humanity, which they were committed to reciprocating and practicing towards God and among one another (also see kenosis). When 1 John 4:8 says "God is love," the Greek New Testament uses the word agape to describe God's love.

Anyone who proclaims that Christianity is a negative religion and focuses only on what not to do, need look only at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-7:27) to be proven wrong. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) are enough in themselves to show the positive nature of what Christianity should be:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

If more people would follow the teachings of Jesus Christ instead of focusing on the negatives, then I honestly and wholeheartedly believe that the world would be a better place.

Moment of Zen: A Pretty Picture

Late Night

My event went over time last night. I got home, got undressed, wrote this, and collapsed. I'm just too tired to write more tonight. Everything went very smoothly though and I am glad these book discussions are over with.

Busy Week

Yesterday, I gave a presentation on Pearl Harbor, which went exceedingly well. I was happy to have a World War II veteran there to view the presentation. Tonight, I have another event; I will be serving as host to a book discussion. The book to be discussed is Doris Kearns Goodwin's No Ordinary Time. An incredibly detailed book, No Ordinary Time tells the story of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt and the American Homefront during World War II.

A compelling chronicle of a nation and its leaders during the period when modern America was created. With an uncanny feel for detail and a novelist's grasp of drama and depth, Doris Kearns Goodwin brilliantly narrates the interrelationship between the inner workings of the Roosevelt White House and the destiny of the United States. Goodwin paints a comprehensive, intimate portrait that fills in a historical gap in the story of our nation under the Roosevelts.

Remember Pearl Harbor

It began as an ordinary December day. People were gathered around the radio listening to a football game or planning holiday parties, not girding for battle. But on Dec. 7, 1941, when the first Associated Press report came over the radio at 2:22 p.m. Eastern Standard Time of a “bombing in Hawaii,” the news was electrifying. Seventy-five years later, every American living now who heard it then can still tell you exactly what he was doing when he learned of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

My grandmother would never forget that day seventy-five years ago. Her first child died of pneumonia on that day. She came home from the hospital to turn on the radio just as they were announcing the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Not only had she just lost her baby, but also, she realized that she would soon lose her husband to the war as well. My grandfather fought in WWII and luckily he safely returned, and they had two more children, my father and my aunt.

Pearl Harbor marked a watershed in the nation’s history and we knew it. What came after would be very different from what came before. It was the war that changed the world. “The Day of Infamy” thrust us into a conflict more than four years long that altered nearly every aspect of American life, large and small - from rationing gas and sugar to the harnessing of atomic power to the new role of women in the workplace. We united to defend our democracy. For more than 400,000, it would be the ultimate sacrifice.

That is why it is so important to remember the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor and all the 70th anniversaries of World War II events that follow. I will be commemorating the day by presenting a talk on the voices (oral histories) of Pearl Harbor. I hope my presentation goes well today. 

On Snow

On Snow

Jonathan Swift, 1667 - 1745

 A Riddle

From Heaven I fall, though from earth I begin.

No lady alive can show such a skin.

I’m bright as an angel, and light as a feather,

But heavy and dark, when you squeeze me together.

Though candor and truth in my aspect I bear,

Yet many poor creatures I help to insnare.

Though so much of Heaven appears in my make,

The foulest impressions I easily take.

My parent and I produce one another,

The mother the daughter, the daughter the mother.

Ghostbusters

I had put off watching the new Ghostbusters movie for quite a while because I was such a fan of the original when I was a kid. I've seen movies with Melissa McCarthy in them and she can be quite foul mouthed at times and I was afraid she might be in this movie as well, but she was a delight. I enjoyed seeing the cameos from the original cast as well. That was a real treat. Overall, I really liked the movie, maybe not as much as the original, but the original is such a classic. There are a lot of references to the original which I found funny and nostalgic. One other thing, Chris Hemsworth is sexy as hell in this movie. He doesn't need to take off his shirt, but he's got this whole Clark Kent look going that is just adorable. I loved when he's in that white t-shirt and dancing. He could dance like that for me any day.

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

I am weak but Thou art strong;

Jesus, keep me from all wrong;

I'll be satisfied as long

As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Thro' this world of toil and snares,

If I falter, Lord, who cares?

Who with me my burden shares?

None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

When my feeble life is o'er,

Time for me will be no more;

Guide me gently, safely o'er

To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

Just a closer walk with Thee,

Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,

Daily walking close to Thee,

Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

In this song, we acknowledge our human inability to live righteously, but we also express awareness of the grace and strength that God gives us in our daily walk. Even such an esteemed saint as the apostle Paul acknowledged his need for this grace: “But he [God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” … For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9a, 10b ESV)

This song is one of my all time favorite hymns.  Though I was raised in the church of Christ, my mother was raised a Baptist.  She and her sister played the piano and the organ at their church growing up.  Mama always loved to sit and play hymns at the piano in our living room.  More frequently than any other song, mama would play "Just a Closer Walk with Thee."

Moment or Zen: Snowflakes

Sleeping In

Today is the day I am taking for my birthday holiday at work, so no work, no blog. I'm sleeping in. If the mood strikes, I may write something later, but for now, this is it.

Post Birthday

Thank you all for your well wishes on my birthday. Last night to celebrate, I had some sushi and a bottle of prosecco. Both were delicious. Then I went to bed early. I'm taking tomorrow off as my birthday holiday, so today is my last day at work this week. I hope all of you have had a wonderful week.

My Birthday

Today is my birthday, but it's not a particularly joyous one. First I'm up here all alone with no one to celebrate with. It's also been a tough year. Last year on this day, I found out that one of my dearest friends had died in a car wreck the night before. It's been a year of depression and anxiety. Just when I thought I was doing better, my last grandparent, Granny, died. It's certainly been a year of heartache.

I do not know what this year brings. I have hope that it will bring a good companion into my life. I have hope that it will be a year of less depression and anxiety. I have hope that I will be able to lose some weight. I have hope that I can get my life back onto a track of happiness. A year ago, I was on that track of happiness and i got severely derailed, but things are looking up. I have hope that they will continue to look up.

By the way, I turn 39 today. This is my last year in my 30s. What will the future hold?

I'd Grown Accustomed to His Face

I've grown accustomed to his face

He almost makes the day begin

I've grown accustomed to the tune he whistles night and noon

His smiles, his frowns, his ups and downs

Are second nature to me now

Like breathing out and breathing in

I was serenely independent and content before we met

Surely I could always be that way again and yet

I've grown accustomed to his looks, accustomed to his voice

Accustomed to his face

He's second nature to me now

Like breathing out and breathing in

I'm very grateful he's a man and so easy to forget

Rather like a habit one can always break and yet

I've grown accustomed to the trace of something in the air

Accustomed to his face

Originally this song was "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" from My Fair Lady. Diana Krall, however, changed the lyrics a bit. I'd change one thing. I would change I've to I'd as in I had. You see, a year ago, one of my dearest friends died. I woke up almost every morning to texts from him, and there would be his smiling face. We would always text as we were getting ready for work, or soon thereafter. We would text during the day, and each night before we went to bed, we'd text "Goodnight. I love you." I never heard him whistle but I knew his ups and downs. I knew his mood from the type of texts I'd get, and I knew when something was wrong.

I was independent if not lonely before we met, but he encouraged me to get out there. He encouraged me to date and he encouraged me to get the job I have now. I'm trying to be what he encouraged me to be, but it's hard. I feel as if I've let him down in some way. I fell into a deep depression when he died in a sudden and horrible car wreck a year ago today. I haven't wanted to put myself out there, though I've tried a few times. New England just isn't that friendly of a place, and Vermont has tons of lesbians but is a little low on sane gay men.

Texting him was like second nature to me. We were constantly in contact though we lived many hours apart. When I lost him my breath, not to mention my joy, left me. I'm doing better these days. It's been a year, and I am coping much better. Antidepressants help with that. He's not so easy to forget, however. He was one of the most loving and generous person I've ever known. He wanted to be able to give as much as people had given him when he'd been on hard times. Sadly, he didn't live long enough to be as generous as he had wanted to be. He left a legacy though that can't be forgotten. He will always have a place in my heart, and I'll never forget his beautiful face. The face I'd grown accustomed to.

Gilmore Girls

I don't know if any of you were a fan of the show Gilmore Girls but I remember watching it when it was first on. I was so happy when Netflix announced that it would be doing four more episodes of the show, and I spent this weekend watching those four episodes. I laughed, I cried, and I laughed and cried some more. It was a very satisfying end. If you were a fan, don't miss it.

In the Morning of Joy

Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’   ‘Where, O death, is your victory?   Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:51-58

In The Morning of Joy

When the trumpet shall sound,

And the dead shall arise,

And the splendors immortal

Shall envelop the skies;

When the Angel of Death

Shall no longer destroy,

And the dead shall awaken

In the morning of joy:

In the morning of joy,

In the morning of joy,

We’ll be gathered to glory,

In the morning of joy;

In the morning of joy,

In the morning of joy,

We’ll be gathered to glory,

In the morning of joy.

When the King shall appear

In His beauty on high,

And shall summon His children

To the courts of the sky;

Shall the cause of the Lord

Have been all your employ,

That your soul may be spotless

In the morning of joy?

In the morning of joy,

In the morning of joy,

We’ll be gathered to glory,

In the morning of joy;

In the morning of joy,

In the morning of joy,

We’ll be gathered to glory,

In the morning of joy.

O the bliss of that morn,

When our loved ones we meet!

With the songs of the ransomed

We each other shall greet,

Singing praise to the Lamb,

Thro’ eternity’s years,

With the past all forgotten

With its sorrows and tears

In the morning of joy,

In the morning of joy,

We’ll be gathered to glory,

In the morning of joy;

In the morning of joy,

In the morning of joy,

We’ll be gathered to glory,

In the morning of joy.

I've had this song in my head lately. As I sang it to myself, tears rolled down my face. This song was sang at my grandmama's funeral, and I often sang it when I was the song leader of my church. It brings me comfort, since I know that in that morning of joy, I will be reunited with my friends and family.

The above sculpture is called "Angel of Grief" and is an 1894 sculpture by William Wetmore Story which serves as the grave stone of the artist and his wife at the Protestant Cemetery, Rome.

Moment of Zen: Rivalry Weekend

Whether you root for Michigan or Ohio State, Georgia or Georgia Tech, Florida or Florida State, Ole Miss or Mississippi State, Clemson or South Carolina or more importantly Auburn or Alabama, this is an exciting weekend in college football. I couldn't name all the rivalries, but I named some of the more important ones. Of course to me, the most exciting of them all is the Alabama vs. Auburn game. Who will win? We shall see.

Black Friday

Today, of course, is Black Friday. It means a lot of people are shopping today. I will not be one of them. First of all, I hate crowds. I don't mind shopping, but I hate the crowds of people shopping on Black Friday. I plan to spend the day inside watching movies or tv shows on Netflix. Then I will watch some football. Will you be shopping today? What will you be doing?