Jeez Louise

 Words of the day:  “ What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness (mercy) and to walk humbly with your God?” (NRSV). Always one of my favorite Bible verses.  But, when one reviews the entire passage, the message is even more nuanced.  A great explanation is found at www.workingpreacher.com. Search Micah, 6-8, and several commentaries are presented.  All thought provoking.  But it a stark reminder that I must “DO JUSTICE.”  Not just be aware of it.   The passage begins with God referring to nature: 6 Hear what the  Lord  says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice.                   Montserrat in the square, a holy place          Montserrat from a distance, a holy walk!  God then reminds them of all he has done for them.  Then they people of Israel ask God, “what would be a worthy sacrifice?”  They go to the extreme of even including their children.  (Perhaps this is partially related to Abraham’s ultimate willingness

 So, not able to sleep!  Thinking about my dear mom!  I clicked January 25 and 26, forgetting it’s the wee hours of the 27th.  And the 100th birthday of my Aunt Dorothy popped up!  Here’s my mom and her youngest sister, my Godmother, sister Chanelle!               Mom and Sister Chanelle, January 2020                   Aunt Dorothy, 2020; now 103!   On this same day in 2020, our gas fireplace was installed!  Kept us warm during building! You’ve come a long way, baby!! Cozy and warm!   We are truly blessed!    Jeez Louise!

            Dave, a fisherman of fish, and a carpenter!                        A brown trout, I believe!  Take 2!  So, curiously, at mass today, Isaiah chapter 9 was read.  And there were numerous references to the light! “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy.”   And of course the gospel, where Jesus asks his disciples to be fishers of people!!!! And they followed him with gusto, even though they were unsure of their future.  Perhaps it is time for me as well                            Jeez Louise!

 Word for the day: Luminous: bright, brilliant, radiant, glowing with light!              Full moon in Morocco 🇲🇦 November 2022      The moon shining brightly overlooking Barcelona.   Fuente Mágica de Montjuic Eileen and I celebrating our last night before the Camino.  The server spilled wine on my jacket and dress. Perhaps an omen of the difficulties to come.   The group at our dinner, meeting most of my fellow pilgrims for the first time.  A month of comradery!   Chinese New year, Lunar New Year 🧧 began again with a mass shooting outside of LA.  I really don’t know how much carnage we will continue to endure as innocents die at the hands of assault weapons.   I attended a legislative conference yesterday. I probably have attended the conference yearly since the late 80’s or early 90’s.  And what struck me yesterday is what little progress we have made in this state.  And even with a sound budget, we have gone backwards.  Our state funding for those in need is to provide $278 a mon

 Word for the day:  Debt: something that is owed.   We are wavering with a debt ceiling crisis.  As I was viewing the Speaker of the house circus, I was struck by the naïveté of the “Freedom” Caucus members.  The sheer demands like little children who want their own way.  I was shocked at the ease in which 20 individuals held the country hostage!  I even agreed with Sean Hannity (now that’s RARE).  When interviewing Lauren Boebert, (the Colorado congresswoman whose small children were holding rifles on her campaign literature) he noted that she changed her vote for speaker on a continual basis and asked her, “is this some Kind of game for you?”  These people OWE  the citizens of this country and the world, to maintain the balance and keep our country running.  However, at some point we do have to stop the pork spending, the military spending that is out of control.  Oh, but military spending is never on the table for discussion.  And Congress has been known to give more to the Pentagon

 Word of the day:  Witness.   Bearing witness to the joy of 8 year birthday 🥳  Witness in Greek is martys Martyr.   Interesting that the first definition that was presented when I looked it up was : “a person who sees an event, particularly a crime.  The “religious” definition is:   In the Bible, a witness is  someone who sees something amazing or important . If this person begins to share what they've seen, we call this “bearing witness.” It's a simple word, but being a witness carries a lot of responsibility! 24 nov 2019 https://bibleproject.com  › explore Watch: Witness (Martus) Word Study Video | BibleProject Bearing witness to joy! Today is MLK day and I plan to attend the March.  Interesting how life is now divided for me pre and post Covid.  It will be my first March in several years, as I missed some while building the house. Martin Luther King was a witness to both definitions.  He saw the crimes being committed against people of color, and he “bore witness” to the tr

 Words for the day:  HOW does time get away?  It is already Thursday!  Sunday’s gospel was the Baptism of our lord by John the Baptist.  A lovely metaphor.  Our sinless Lord setting an example of humanity and humility to us all.  And the word righteous, which can mean justice; being right with God!  As I get further away from the Camino, it is becoming harder to review those last 10 days of the journey.  Perhaps it is because even after I rejoined the pilgrimage, I was still tired and feeling run down!!!! January 12, 2018….capital in Austin, Texas.  They seem to have a different take on justice in Texas than in other parts of our country.  An unwelcome place for immigrants and women’s rights! We went to Austin to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary!  Sunday’s scripture also included my favorite prophet, Isaiah.  Always hopeful, standing up for the poor and disenfranchised.  Isaiah 42: A A Link panels (synchronize references) Go to table of contents Single column Stretch across both