Pic of the Day

Moment of Zen: New Fallen Snow

I know that a lot of people in areas that receive a lot of snow hate the stuff, and I will admit, when I have to shovel snow, clean snow off my car, or get out in the snow, I am one of them. However, there is something so beautiful and peaceful about pristine white snow that has just fallen. It blankets everything in its soft beauty. Everything seems quieter and more peaceful. It never lasts long, but it’s those first few moments when it is undisturbed that are breathtaking.

Pic of the Day

Snowy Thanksgiving

When I woke up yesterday morning, it was snowing. It continued snowing throughout the day, and when I went to bed last night, it was still snowing. The snow finally stopped sometime last night. Because the temperature was above freezing most of yesterday, we only had about 2-3” of accumulation, but we probably got about 5+” of snow in total. I walked out side a few times yesterday to take pictures of the snow for some friends, but mostly I stayed in and watched the snow from my windows.

I had a lowkey Thanksgiving, just me and Isabella. I had turkey and cornbread dressing along with some butter beans. I love cornbread dressing. It’s my favorite food for winter holidays. I’ve had other types of dressing and stuffing mad with stale bread, but for me, nothing compares to cornbread dressing. I ate way too much of it yesterday, but it was damn good dressing.

Fo those of you in the United States, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and for those outside the U.S., I hope you have had a wonderful week. I will not be going Black Friday shopping today. I put in orders at two different places to get a few sales items that I needed, so I will be venturing out today but only to quickly run in stored and pick up my purchases. I hate the crowds at stores on Black Friday, but I am hoping the two places I have to go, CVS and Petco will not be as crowded. They are not the usual Black Friday shopping destinations. Is anyone actually going out Black Friday shopping? What about Small Business Saturday, when we are encouraged to shop at local small businesses? Or, are you waiting until Cyber Monday for those online deals?

Tomorrow, will likely be another lowkey day. It’s my birthday, and I will watch the Iron Bowl, i.e. the Alabama vs. Auburn football game. It’s a big rivalry game, especially in Alabama. I might watch the Egg Bowl today (Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State), and possibly the Lone Star Showdown ( Texas vs. Texas A&M) Saturday night. If you have ever seen The Best LIttle Whorehouse in Texas, then you should be familiar this particular rivalry. Besides, “The Aggie Song” is probably the best part of that movie, and the gayest football song and dance numbers in history (Do other football song and dance numbers exist?), but I digress.

The only thing that I might do this weekend is to go see the Wicked movie. Has anyone seen it yet? I’ve never seen the musical, but I read the book many years ago. I have always been a fan of The Wizard of Oz, and I always found the new perspective on the Wicked Witch of the West to be pretty interesting.

Anyway, that’s all I have for today. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!

Pic of the Day

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 🍽️

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and cherished moments with loved ones. May your heart and table be full today and always!

Pic of the Day

Thanksgiving Eve

Today should be an easy day. I only have to work a half day, and then, I will be finished with work for the week. The weather is supposed to be better today as well. Yesterday, we had rain, freezing rain, snow, and graupel throughout the day. It was cold, nasty, and windy. Today, we should actually see some sun. The temperatures will be about the same, just above freezing. Tomorrow is not supposed to be a good weather day. We are expecting 4-5” of snow. 

It’s going to be a very lowkey Thanksgiving tomorrow. I canceled my plans for tomorrow. With the weather we are expecting tomorrow and the fact that I am just not in the mood, I decided not to go to the trouble. I will cook some turkey and some cornbread dressing, but I don’t know what else I will have. I also plan to make some turkey and wild rice soup. I plan to come straight home from work today and not leave my apartment until Saturday or Sunday.

Pic of the Day

Thank God, I Glory in Thy Love!

Thank God, I Glory in Thy Love!
By Frances Sargent Osgood

Thank God, I glory in thy love, and mine!
     And if they win a warm blush to my cheek,
It is not shame—it is a joy divine,
      That only there its wild bright life may speak.

From that most sacred and ecstatic hour,
      When, soul to soul, with blissful thrill we met,
My love became a passion, and a power,
      Too proud, too high, for shame or for regret.

Come to me, dearest, noblest!—lean thy head,
      Thy gracious head, once more upon my breast;
I will not shrink nor tremble, but, instead,
      Exulting, soothe thee into perfect rest.

I know thy nature, fervent, fond, yet strong,
      That holds o’er passion an imperial sway;
I know thy proud, pure heart, that would not wrong
      The frailest life that flutters in thy way;

And I, who love and trust thee, shall not I
      Be safe and sacred on that generous heart?
Albeit, with wild and unavailing sigh,
      Less firm than thou, I grieve that we should part!

Ah! let thy voice, in dear and low replies,
      Chide the faint doubt I sooner say than think;
Come to me, darling!—from those earnest eyes
      The immortal life of love I fain would drink!


About the Poem

Frances Sargent Osgood’s poem, “Thank God, I Glory in Thy Love!” reflects a deeply spiritual and reverent tone, with themes of gratitude, faith, and divine love. Osgood often wrote in a lyrical style, and this poem is no exception. The rhythmic and melodic quality suggests it may have been intended as a hymn or prayer. The poem uses consistent meter and rhyme, which reinforce the devotional and meditative tone.

The poem’s repeated exclamation, “Thank God,” demonstrates overwhelming gratitude. This serves as both a declaration of faith and a personal testimony of divine grace. The phrase “I Glory in Thy Love” highlights the poet’s adoration and recognition of God’s infinite love. This is a central theme, suggesting that divine love is transformative and worth celebrating. The tone conveys humility, acknowledging the dependence of human beings on God’s love and grace. The speaker seems to place full trust in a higher power. The tone is fervent and joyful, marked by sincere devotion. The exclamation and direct address to God create an intimate atmosphere, as though the speaker is in a private moment of worship or prayer.

The language is simple yet powerful, emphasizing the universality of faith. Phrases like “Thank God” and “Glory in Thy Love” invoke a sense of awe and personal connection to the divine. There may also be nature or light imagery, common in Osgood’s works, symbolizing God’s omnipresence and goodness. One of my favorite Bible verses, 1 John 4:16, “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them,” complements the poem’s central theme of celebrating and glorifying divine love. It emphasizes reliance on God’s love and the intimate relationship between the believer and the divine, mirroring the poem’s tone of gratitude and spiritual connection.

Osgood (1811–1850) was a prominent poet of the Romantic period in America. Many of her works explore themes of love, spirituality, and nature, often using a highly emotive and lyrical style. Her poetry reflects both personal experiences and broader cultural influences of transcendentalism and religious revivalism during her time. “Thank God, I Glory in Thy Love!” can be seen as a direct expression of the Romantic ideal of finding the divine in everyday experiences. It invites readers to reflect on their own relationship with faith and encourages a celebration of divine love as a sustaining force in life.

Romanticism was an intellectual and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily in Europe, as a reaction against the Enlightenment’s focus on reason and the Industrial Revolution’s emphasis on progress and mechanization. It celebrated emotion, individuality, and the sublime beauty of nature, emphasizing the power of imagination and the depth of human experience. Romanticism laid the groundwork for later movements like Transcendentalism and Symbolism.

Osgood’s Romanticism may have inspired her to use biblical principals to look backward to early Christianity. Colossians 3:16-17 is a reminder to live in constant gratitude, inspired by God’s love. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Likewise, 1 Chronicles 16:34 tells us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever,” and 2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” These verses inspire a posture of thankfulness, acknowledging God’s abundant love, faithfulness, and grace in our lives.

“Thank God, I Glory in Thy Love!” exemplifies Osgood’s gift for merging personal emotion with universal themes of spirituality. Through its lyrical form and sincere tone, the poem resonates as both a hymn of gratitude and a celebration of divine connection.


About the Poet

Frances Sargent Osgood (1811–1850) was an American poet and writer known for her sentimental and lyrical poetry, as well as her contributions to 19th-century literary culture. She gained prominence during the Romantic period and was particularly celebrated for her emotive and accessible style, which often explored themes of love, spirituality, nature, and domestic life. She was also recognized for her dynamic personality and her connections within literary circles.

Osgood was born Frances Sargent Locke in Boston, Massachusetts, into a well-educated and artistic family. She demonstrated an early talent for writing, publishing her first poems as a teenager. Her marriage to Samuel Stillman Osgood, a portrait artist, led her to move frequently between Boston, New York, and London, where she became active in literary and artistic communities.

Frances Osgood’s works appeared in popular magazines and journals of the time, such as Godey’s Lady’s Book and The Broadway Journal. She wrote poetry, essays, and children’s literature, producing a large body of work that was widely read and admired in her day. Her style was characterized by its emotional sincerity, vivid imagery, and lyrical quality.

Osgood is perhaps most famously remembered for her relationship with Edgar Allan Poe. The two exchanged a series of public, flirtatious poems in literary journals, sparking rumors about their romantic involvement. Though their relationship was likely platonic, it contributed to Osgood’s fame, as Poe admired her talent and described her poetry as embodying “delicacy, grace, and genius.”

Frances Osgood struggled with health issues throughout her life, likely due to tuberculosis, which ultimately led to her untimely death at the age of 38. Despite her relatively short life, she left a significant mark on 19th-century American literature, representing the Romantic ideal of combining artistic creativity with heartfelt emotion.

Today, she is remembered not only for her poetry but also as a prominent figure in the literary culture of her time, balancing her public career with the roles of wife, mother, and socialite. Her work offers a glimpse into the sensibilities of Romanticism as it played out in American poetry.

Pic of the Day

Monday, Again

It’s Monday morning, and as usual, I wish I was still in bed. Isabella let me sleep until a little after 5 am, but I did not want to get up to feed her. However, I did get up to feed her and to fix my own breakfast. It should be an easy day at work today. I will be the only person there. My coworkers are taking vacations today, one all week and the other possibly the whole week. We will only be open today, Tuesday, and half a day on Wednesday. The student’s on campus are gone for Thanksgiving, so that means we won’t have any student workers this week either. I doubt we will even have any visitors, although one or two might trickle in. Hopefully, it will be a quiet week. With that being said, I wish that I too had the whole week off and could just stay at home and go back to bed.

Have a great week, everyone!

Pic of the Day

A Heart of Gratitude

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

In the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October, and Germany celebrates it on the first Sunday of October. As those of us in the US gather to celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday, let us take a moment to reflect on the true essence of gratitude. Thanksgiving is not merely a day or a meal; it is the spirit of the heart, a discipline of recognizing God’s goodness in every season of life. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and express gratitude. However, as believers, giving thanks should not just be an annual tradition—it should be a way of life. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” When we pause to thank God, we align our hearts with His, focusing not on what we lack but on His abundant provision.

For most of November, many Americans have not felt much to be thankful for after the results of the presidential election. Many of us have been depressed at the attitudes and actions of our fellow Americans and have suffered intense anxiety over what will happen over the next four years. With every announcement of a new cabinet appointment, the situation seems increasingly more dire. The inmates are gearing up to run the asylum. So, how can we give thanks when life feels difficult? The answer lies in trusting God. Gratitude flows from a heart that recognizes God’s goodness and faithfulness, even when we do not fully understand His plans. When we focus on His unchanging nature, we can find reasons to rejoice, even in the hardest seasons. Psalm 107:1 tells us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Remember that, in Christ, we have an eternal hope that surpasses our present challenges. In 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, Paul told the Corinthians, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Paul encourages us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It is easy to give thanks when life is good, but true thanksgiving is found in trusting God even in hardship. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” When we remember that God works all things for our good, we can thank Him even in trials, knowing He is refining us. Gratitude is a powerful testimony of faith. Jesus demonstrated this when He healed the ten lepers in Luke 17:11–19. Only one returned to thank Him, and Jesus said, “Your faith has made you well.” Thanksgiving sets us apart as people who recognize and respond to God’s grace.

This Thanksgiving, take time to reflect on God’s blessings, even in areas where you might not normally think to give thanks. For example, thank Him for lessons learned through challenges, for His provision in times of need, and for the gift of salvation through Jesus. Over the coming year, take time each day to count your blessings, whether big or small. Write down three things you are thankful for each day. Share your thanks with God in prayer and with others in encouragement. Let us remember the words of David in Psalm 9:1, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds.” Thanksgiving is not a fleeting moment but a way of life that honors God and transforms us. As we give thanks today, may our gratitude draw us closer to the Giver of every good gift.

Pic of the Day

Moment of Zen: The Black Party

I did go to the Burly Bears Black Party. It was fun. There was a lot of eye candy, especially this one bartender. At times, there were three bartenders, and they were all hot. But, the one who fixed my drink was without a doubt the hottest guy there. He looked similar to the guy in the last pic, except he had a patch of chest hair between his pecs. I had fun people watching, but it was very crowded and loud. I stayed for a while and then decided to just go home.

 

________________________

This guy looks a bit like the bartender.

Pic of the Day

Tonight…Maybe…Possibly 🤔

As long as I am feeling well and get up the courage to actually do it, I plan to go out tonight and have a little fun. Since 2007, there has been a get together of gay men once a month called Burly Bears in Burlington. It’s basically a dance party at one of the bars. Burlington has LGBTQ+ events in a regular basis, and they are becoming more common in Vermont outside of Burlington as well. Most of that is centered on drag, which I love, and geared towards the LGBTQ+ community, which is great in itself. However, as far as for events geared towards GBTQ+ men, Burly Bears is the only thing out there in Vermont. Don’t get me wrong, inclusivity is great, but I also think there is a time when GBTQ+ men want to be surrounded but other men and not also surrounded by lesbians, which outnumber the GBTQ+ men in Vermont, at least 2 to 1. 

I haven’t been in a long while and I would love to go to the Burly Bears event tonight. I just get nervous and, you might even say, cowardly about going alone to an event like this. I can be a very shy, nervous, and awkward person. When I host guests at the museum, give tours, or teach classes, I am not particularly shy or nervous, though I am probably still a little awkward. I am always afraid when going to events like the Burly Bears that I won’t get up the courage to talk to anyone and no one will come up and talk to me. I know I probably sound stupid about this, and I should just get over myself. I am not the most confident person most of the time, and, let’s face it, gay men can be a little cliquish, especially gay men in Burlington, Vermont. The city of Burlington tends to separate itself from the rest of the state.

Anyway, tonight the theme for Burly Bears is the annual Black Party. As described on Facebook: “In the spirit of New York, Miami, and Montreal: It’s our Burly Bear Black Party!  Pull out those black shirts, shorts, and Ts! Get those leather vests, jocks, pup masks, boots, and harnesses out.” Wearing all black is not an issue for me. I have a lot of black clothes in my wardrobe, so that’s easy peasy. Putting myself out there is the difficult part. I have to admit, I loved black leather and that whole part of the gay culture, though I have never ventured much into it myself. I just need to make myself go, because I know once I am there, I’ll be ok, and if I’m not, I can always leave. There’s only a $5 cover charge and all proceeds go to Outright VT, so if I just go and leave, it’ll only cost me $5 that will go to a good cause anyway. Once I’m there though, I’ll get a drink and, hopefully, have a good time. If nothing else, they always have hot bartenders working at these events, and who doesn’t love a sexy, flirty bartender?

If you will, send some encouraging energy my way, because I really would like to get out more, be more of a part of the LGBTQ+ community in Vermont, and meet some new people.

Pic of the Day

Feeling Better

I went to work yesterday and completed a few tasks that needed to be done, but by lunchtime, my migraine was back with a vengeance. I ended up going home at lunch and sleeping most of the afternoon, which helped my migraine. Thankfully, I am feeling better this morning, but if you have migraines, you understand what I call a shadow migraine, also known as a hangover migraine. The technical term is a postdrome migraine. For me, I feel a bit achy (though not as bad as the main migraine), like I am in a brain fog (things just seem to take longer to process), and a feeling of being physically drained. For some people, a postdrome migraine feels like having hangover. I’ve had my share of hangovers over the years, and for me, a postdrome headache is not nearly as bad. It just feels like a dull headache in the background.

The migraine I’ve had this week was one caused by weather changes. The migraine started along with some light rain and got worse as a stronger weather front moved into the area. I often get a migraine either as the weather front moves into or when the precipitation begins. This one seems to have started before the rain began. It is supposed to start raining this afternoon and go through tomorrow morning before starting again late tomorrow night. On Saturday, we are expecting a mix of snow and rain before it becomes only snow on Sunday. 

I don’t know what all these weather changes will mean for my migraines, but I am hoping it won’t be too bad. I am planning to have a friend over for Thanksgiving next week, and I have a lot to do to get ready. However, if I have a rough migraine weekend, I may just not be able to host Thanksgiving. I really want to because I love all the cooking, but I can only do so much when my migraines are causing issues.

Pic of the Day

Migraine Days

I have been doing fairly well with my migraines lately. The combination of Qulipta, a once-daily CGRP medicine (most CGRPs are monthly injections), and quarterly Botox injections seems to be a working pretty well. I’m a month away from my next set of injections, but I’d gone nearly a month without a major migraine before I had one begin on Monday. It was a rainy Monday, and my migraine began with the rain. Thankfully, I was not at work since I’d already taken the day off to go to Burlington for my audiology appointment. However, I ended up calling in sick to work yesterday because I woke up continuing to have a migraine that seemed to be getting worse the longer I was awake. My migraine isn’t completely gone, but I have some things I need to take care of at work that do not need to wait any longer. If my migraine doesn’t improve as the day goes on, I may have to leave early, but I am going to give it a try. 

This will be a shortened week at work because I will be going in today and tomorrow, then I’m scheduled to work from home on Friday. Next week will also be a shortened week because of Thanksgiving. We’ll actually close at midday on Wednesday and have the rest of the week off.

Pic of the Day

To Wahilla Enhotulle

To Wahilla Enhotulle
By Alexander Posey

(To the South Wind)

O Wind, hast thou a sigh
Robbed from her lips divine
Upon this sunbright day—
A token or a sign?

Oh, take me, Wind, into
Thy confidence, and tell
Me, whispering soft and low,
The secrets of the dell. 

Oh, teach me what it is
The meadow flowers say
As to and fro they nod
Thro’ all the golden day.

Oh, hear, Wind of the South,
And whispering softer yet,
Unfold the story of
The lone pine tree’s regret.

Oh, waft me echoes sweet
That haunt the meadow glen—
The scent of new-mown hay,
And songs of harvest men;

The coolness of the sea
And forest dark and deep—
The soft reed notes of Pan,
And bleat of straying sheep.

Oh, make me, Wind, to know
The language of the bee—
The burden of the wild
Bird’s rapturous melody;

The password of the leaves
Upon the cottonwood;
And let me join them in
Their mystic brotherhood.


About the Poem

Alexander Posey’s poem “To Wahilla Enhotulle” reflects themes of longing, love, and a deep connection to the natural world, which are often characteristic of his work as a Creek (Muscogee) poet. Posey, a Native American writer and journalist, often used his poetry to explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the spiritual connection of the natural landscape. The poem expresses a heartfelt yearning for Wahilla Enhotulle, who might represent a specific person or an idealized figure of love. The poet’s tone is deeply personal, blending admiration with a sense of melancholy, as if the connection to this figure is distant or unfulfilled.

Nature plays a significant role in the poem’s imagery, serving as a metaphor for the poet’s emotions and his cultural identity. Posey often drew upon the natural elements of the Creek homeland to anchor his reflections, and here nature may symbolize the enduring beauty and purity of Wahilla Enhotulle or their bond. While the poem’s primary focus is personal, it may also carry cultural undertones. As a Creek writer, Posey’s work often honors his heritage, and the name Wahilla Enhotulle itself evokes Creek linguistic roots, grounding the poem in his culture. There’s a wistful quality in the poem, as if the poet is reflecting on something fleeting—whether it be love, memory, or life itself. This theme resonates with the universal experience of cherishing moments that cannot last.

“To Wahilla Enhotulle” can be read as an ode to a beloved person or a representation of an ideal that feels just out of reach. The intertwining of personal affection with a reverence for nature reflects Posey’s deep spiritual connection to the world around him, rooted in his identity as both a poet and a Creek individual. The poem invites readers to contemplate love, beauty, and the way they endure, even amid change or loss.

Most often when we think of the removal of Native Americans from the Southeastern United States, the Cherokee Indians and the Trail of Tears is often the most dramatically remembered, but the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek Indians also faced the hardships brought about by President Andrew Jackson’s administration passing the Indian Removal Act in 1830. The forced displacement of the Creek (Muscogee) people from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States (modern-day Alabama, Georgia, and Florida) to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma adds a deeper meaning for “To Wahilla Enhotulle.” The removal process, often called the Trail of Tears, was marked by immense suffering, resistance, and loss. During the removal, thousands of Creek people were marched westward under harsh conditions, suffering from disease, starvation, and exposure. It is estimated that around 3,500 Creek people died during the journey.

The Creek removal was part of a broader pattern of dispossession and cultural disruption faced by Native American tribes. Despite the trauma of removal, the Creek Nation has endured, maintaining a vibrant culture and community in Oklahoma today. Despite the hardships, they established a new government and cultural institutions, preserving their traditions and identity. The history of removal remains a powerful reminder of the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of systemic oppression.

On a personal note, my great grandmother was a Creek Indian from Alabama. A small group of the Creek descendants stayed behind and settled largely in Escambia County, Alabama, where the federally recognized Poarch Band of Creek Indians has a reservation.


About the Poet

Alexander Posey (1873–1908) was a Creek (Muscogee) poet, journalist, humorist, and political figure, celebrated for his contributions to Native American literature and his advocacy for his people. Born near Eufaula in Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma), he was of mixed Creek and European descent. Posey was fluent in both Creek and English, which deeply influenced his literary voice.

He attended Bacone Indian University, where he honed his writing skills and developed a love for literature. Posey became a prominent journalist and the first Native American to own and edit a newspaper, the Eufaula Indian Journal. Through this platform, he addressed issues facing Native communities, including land allotment policies and the erosion of tribal sovereignty.

Posey is best known for his poetry, which blends themes of nature, love, and Creek heritage with a modern sensibility. His poems often reflect a deep connection to the natural world, as well as a sense of longing and melancholy. He also gained fame for his humorous “Fus Fixico” letters, satirical essays written in the voice of a fictional Creek elder, critiquing government policies and cultural assimilation.

Tragically, Posey died at the age of 35 in 1908, drowning in the North Canadian River. Despite his short life, his work continues to resonate as a significant contribution to American and Native American literature.

Pic of the Day

Soup Weather

Luckily, I don’t have to work today. I have an appointment up near Burlington at noon, so if I went to work today, I’d have to leave around 11 am and would not be back until before 2 pm. It just wouldn’t be worth it. 

Besides, while I am in the Burlington area, I have a few errands I need to run. One of those errands a is to run by a grocery store. (The other is to have lunch at a Mexican restuarant I enjoy. I had planned yesterday to try a new soup recipe, but I realized it called for three cans of cannellini beans, and I had only gotten one. It’s definitely soup weather, and I love a good soup. The soup is a Creamy White Bean and Kale soup. The soup has two of my favorite things in a soup, beans and kale. I usually only buy kale when I am going to make Zuppa Tuscano, but this recipe looked pretty good, even if it is vegan, although I think the addition of ham, or even Italian sausage, in this soup might be pretty good. I haven’t decided if I will modify the recipe with a little ham or not; I’ll see what my mood is when I’m making the soup. The recipe says it’s for four people, but that sounds like a lot of soup for just me, so I may half or at least third the recipe. Anyway, this soup is what I plan to make for dinner tonight.

I love trying new soups. Sometimes, they are really good and I can’t get enough of them, and sometimes, they fall flat. Do you have a favorite go to receive for when the weather cools down in fall and winter? If so, let me know. I may want to try it.

Pic of the Day

Freedom and Responsibility

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.

—1 Peter 2:15-16

I have always believed that the most important message in Christianity is that Christians should live in a way that exemplifies goodness and righteousness. By being a decent human being and doing good, God says we can silence our critics who speak against Christians out of ignorance or prejudice. As LGBTQ+ Christians this is especially important because so many people who consider themselves to be Christian do not accept us as part of the Christian community, or at least as not living the lifestyle they think we should. In the bone passage Peter is encouraging believers to counter hostility not through argument but through the strength of their character and deeds.

When Christ brought the world His teachings, He set us free from free from sin and the constraints of the Mosaic Law. However, this freedom should not be seen as an excuse to engage in sinful behavior (“a cover-up for evil”). In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. Peter explains in 1 Peter 2:16 that freedom should lead to living as “bondservants of God.” True freedom, according to Peter, is found in willingly submitting to God’s authority and living in accordance with His will. And Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:39-40 that His will is to “love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” 

Christians are called to live lives that testify to their faith, even in the face of criticism or opposition, using good works to show the truth of their beliefs. The Bible offers extensive guidance on living a life that bears witness to faith in God, emphasizing both words and actions as key components of a witnessing life. Matthew 5:14-16 tells us that we “are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” By living our lives in a way that reflects God’s love, truth, and goodness to the world, we can draw others to Him through good works and faithful living. John 13:34-35 tells us that Jesus gave us a new commandment to “love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

First Peter 3:15 tells us to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” In living a life that is pleasing to God, we are to do good without complaint or expecting praise. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Christian freedom means we should express ourselves through service to God and others, not through selfishness or moral compromise. Considering the recent election that showed how far many Americans who would claim to be Christian have rejected the life that God’s commands us. They voted for selfish reasons and made compromised their morals to follow a man who proclaimed hate and exclusion. God encourages us to live with integrity and purpose, to align our actions with God’s will and showing the world what it means to serve Him faithfully. 

The national anthem of the United States refers to our country as the “land of the land of the free and home of the brave.” Jesus set us free but also gave us responsibilities to have this freedom. The Bible speaks extensively about the balance between freedom and responsibility, emphasizing that true freedom is found in Christ and is meant to be exercised responsibly in service to God and others. Here are key principles: John 8:36 tells us, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” True freedom comes through Jesus, who liberates believers from the bondage of sin, guilt, and spiritual death. This freedom is not merely about doing as one pleases but about living in alignment with God’s will. 

Likewise, Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Christian freedom is not a license for selfishness or sin but a call to selfless service, motivated by love for others. I honestly believe that Americans have strayed from this commandment of God. On the Day of Judgement, we will all be judge by God for how we lived our lives. I try my best to live a life that is pleasing to God because Romans 14:12 tells us, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” We are responsible for our actions and decisions, knowing we will answer to God for how we the freedom He gave us. 

In the recent election, many people forgot that 1 Corinthians 8:9 warns us: “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” Christians have the freedom to make personal choices, but they must consider how their actions affect others, especially fellow believers. Love should guide the use of freedom. However, many people chose to vote against what God commands us to do and considered only themselves and not how their vote will affect others. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:19, “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” We should follow Paul’s example Paul used his freedom to serve others and advance the Gospel, showing that Christian freedom is a call to mission and sacrifice. 

The Bible teaches that freedom and responsibility are inseparable. True freedom is found in Christ, and it empowers us to live holy lives, serve others in love, and glorify God. Rather than indulging in selfishness, we are called to use our freedom responsibly by considering its impact on others and aligning our actions with God’s purposes. In conclusion, 1 Peter 2:15-16 emphasizes that God’s will is for us to live upright lives, doing good to silence the ignorance of our critics. While Christ set us free from sin, this freedom should not be used as an excuse for sinful behavior but as an opportunity to serve God faithfully. We should balance between freedom with responsibility, by living in a way that honors God and reflects His message. Many in the LGBTQ+ have abandoned their faith because the leaders of their church did not practice the commandment that we are to live a life that shows love and kindness. Those church leaders abandoned the responsibilities they were given to teach the Gospel in a way that restricts the freedoms of others. 

I try to live my life in a way that at the end of this life, I can say as Timothy said in 2 Timothy 4:7 that “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Pic of the Day

Moment of Zen: Sleeping