Bust or Blessing?

Hurricane Earl passed us by on the East Coast Friday and many people are saying it was a flop, a bust. Weather forecasters are being laughed at. People are downright annoyed and angry.

Odd, isn't it, when we've seen the devastation of Katrina and the long term effects on New Orleans and the Gulf region that a hurricane can become such an event of ridicule.

I'm trying to fathom the reasons. My first thought is to blame the news media. "Let's talk to this lady walking along the boardwalk, 'What do you think of Earl, Miss, big deal over nothing?'" a reporter prompts, spooning words directly into her mouth and thoughts into our heads.

Perhaps it's more of a defense against the fear that seems to grip us at every turn: salmonella in a billion eggs, an economy that's still wobbly, people losing jobs, this or that nation brandishing the threatening sword of nuclear capability. Too many, too much, can't cope, system crashing, fear overload. All legitimate news, but often hyped beyond what's necessary.

Or do we, as humans, have an uncontrollable urge to put down those weaker than ourselves: the puny guy at the beach, the untalented singer ejected from American Idol, the kid in the family who doesn't measure up to dad's football expectations.

How about turning things around? How about a little dancing in the dry, windless streets when a hurricane passes by? How about telling the Weather Bureau we're grateful they tracked this massive, category four storm that had the potential to cause us great harm? How about telling God we're grateful to be spared.

Off on a Tangent

Off on a tangent? Perhaps. Of all the ridiculous things, I'm posting on a blog I haven't touched in four years. What's more ridiculous is that it's 5:00 am!

My life has changed drastically in the last four years: I retired, sold my house, moved to a senior building, and have lots of things going on, some old--reviewing French and returning here, some new--helping to start a senior ministry at my church, working more with art journals than writing, even learning how to use my first digital camera.

Maybe this is just a tangent and I'll soon fade again into the mist, or maybe I'll stick around, offer an opinion now and then, and use this to organizer my other blogs. Only time will tell.

Right now I'm off to greet the rising sun!

9/11 We Remember and We Pray

A prayer for all who perished and were injured on that sad day five years ago.

May the God who is from everlasting to everlasting wipe all the tears from your eyes. May the resurrection of our blessed Savior Jesus Christ bring you eternal life. May the love of the Holy Spirit overcome all hatred and bring peace to our weary world and may we meet again one day in joy. Amen

For memories of that day, click here