Phr3sh - Walk With Me Lord (Cover)---Does it get better than this? The angels must be jealous!

 

#MoralMonday March on Raleigh Mobilization Kickoff Press Conference #PoorPeoplesCampaign---Real Preaching!

 

Offer Someone Or Another Creature A Bit Of You Light

 

Nothing Can Separate You From God's Love Ever.

 

A prayer for patience...

 

Good morning! A light and true touch to start the day.

 

Applesauce Cookies---If I Can Make This, You Can!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Cream 1 cup of sugar and one-half cup of butter.

Beat one egg up and add it and blend it in.

Add one cup of nuts. The smaller and crunchier ones work best.

Add one cup of THICK applesauce. The dark natural applesauce from the store works just fine.

Add 2 cups of flour.

Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.

Add one-half teaspoon of Cinnamon and nutmeg. Some folks throw in one-half of a teaspoon of cloves.

Some folks add one-half of a teaspoon of salt.

Mix it all up, and keep mixing until you have done a good job of it.

Drop spoonfuls out on a greased cookie sheet.

Bake for about 15 minutes, no longer, but check in to see how they're coming.

"The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow!"

 

"Walk With Me, Lord"---Pastor Marshall of Jehovah Baptist Church in Columbia, S.C.

This touches me deeply. I hope that it also touches you.

Be Gentle On Yourself

 

Dorothy Day On Dignity & Charity

 

Fried Mushrooms With Garlic & Lemon

Simple and easy!

Get out your medium-sized frying pan, the one you probably use most often.

Rub in some extra-virgin olive oil; not too much, but don't be stingy.

Let it warm up just a little on medium heat.

Add 5 or 6 cloves of garlic cut the long way. Not too thin!

Quickly add a good two handfuls of the small white mushrooms, fresh as you can get them and very clean and cut in half . I like them cut across, not up and down, but some folks don't like that at all.

Stir everything around for about 10 minutes. The mushrooms and garlic can get brown, but don't burn them or let them get dry.

Add some pepper. Some people add salt, also. If you're going to add salt, make it a tasty salt or maybe even a little bit of barbecue rub.

Serve it with lemon wedges as a side dish.  

Semolina Pudding

 This one comes from Sonia Uvezian, I think. I have seen a different version in an Armenian church cookbook, but this is the one that seems easiest. You will need two skillets and a wooden spoon. The copy of the recipe that I have says that this serves six people, but the weren't counting on me stopping by for dessert or breakfast on a cold morning. 

1 cup of sugar
2 cups of water
2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed and strained lemon juice
One-third to one half cup of unsalted butter
1 cup of semolina or regular (not quick-cooking) farina
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, or to taste
Clotted cream or whipped cream

In a medium heavy saucepan combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Simmer 10 minutes, uncovered and undisturbed. Remove the syrup from the heat  and set aside.

In a large, heavy skillet melt the butter over moderate heat. Add the semolina or farina and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. Gradually dd the syrup, stirring vigorously, until it is absorbed and the pudding is thickened. Remove from hea, place a kitchen towel over the skillet, and cover with the lid or a plate. Let is stand for about 15 minutes. Spoon into a serving dish and sprinkle with the cinnamon. Serve warm with the cream.  

Black History Month Keynote 2022 From Seminary Of The Southwest

I have not listened to all of this yet, but there is some inspired preaching here that we all need to listen to and heed. 

Waging War Betrays The Pursuit Of Peace

 

Life will be beautiful....

 

Let's stop tying to make Jesus be like us...

 

My chains are falling off, and it feels good, but "Talk cannot express the sweet comfort & peace of a soul in its earliest love."

 And listen to this:

"If you want a taste of freedom, keep going."

 

We are masterpieces!

 

Trio Mandili - Galoba (The Prayer)

 

"Eggs in Torment" Mihajlov (a recipe and a story)

One time in West Virginia I was part of a group that was trying to arrange a social event for our local union. Everything was going great 'til someone said they were bringing deviled eggs. There was an immediate negative reaction from some folks. They didn't think that it was proper to to call anything good after the devil and they objected to the union advertising anything that mentioned the devil. We talked it out and agreed that the dish would be called "Eggs in Torment."

This is a popular Serbian American dish called "Deviled Eggs Mihajlov," but don't tell my old friends in West Virginia.

Hard boil some eggs and scoop out the yolks. Some folks like to dye the eggs or soak them in beet juice or that red dye that comes with those hot sausages in bars, but that isn't necessary. Put the yolks in a bowl and add some salt and pepper, some sweet relish, maybe a lit bit of flaked chili pepper, mayonnaise, milk, and whatever kind of mustard you like that will go with your relish.

I'm not giving amounts because everyone likes to do it their way, and that's fine.

Mix everything up and fill the cooked egg whites with the mix. This tastes great if served cool. 

  

Saint Maximilian of Tebessa, pray for us!

 

Read the story of St. Maximilian here.

From Catholic Online:

When asked his name, Maximilian replied, "Why do you wish to know my name? I cannot serve (in the army) because I am a Christian." Nevertheless, orders were given for him to be given the military seal. He answered, "I cannot do it: I cannot be a soldier." When told he must serve or die, he said, "You may cut off my head, but I will not serve. My army is the army of God, and I cannot fight for this world," it was pointed out to him that there were Christians serving as bodyguards for the emperors Diocletian and Maximian.

To this he replied, "That is their business. I am a Christian, too, and I cannot serve." Dion then told Victor to correct his son. Victor, who had become a Christian like his son, said, "He knows what he believes, and he won't change his mind." Dion insisted, "Agree to serve and receive the military seal." "I already have the seal of Christ, my God . . . I will not accept the seal of this world; if you give it to me, I will break it for it is worthless. I cannot wear a piece of lead around my neck after I have received the saving sign of Jesus Christ, my Lord, the son of the living God. You do not know Him; yet He suffered for our salvation: God delivered Him up for our sins. He is the one whom all Christians serve; we follow Him as the Prince of Life and Author of Salvation."

Again Dion stated that there are other Christians who are soldiers. Maximilian answered, "They know what is best for them. I am a Christian and I cannot do what is wrong." Dion continued, "What wrong do those commit who serve in the army?" Maximilian answered, "You know very well what they do." Threatened with death if he remained obstinate, Maximilian answered, "This is the greatest thing that I desire. Dispatch me quickly. Therein lies my glory." Then he added, "I shall not die. When I leave this earth, I shall live with Christ, my Lord."

He was sentenced accordingly: "Whereas Maximilian has disloyally refused the military oath, he is sentenced to die by the sword." Just before his execution, Maximilian encouraged his companions to persevere and asked his father to give his new clothes to the executioner. We are told that Fabius Victor "went home happily, thanking God for having allowed him to send such a gift to heaven."

In case of war...

 

We Can Welcome Judgement - Kenneth Tanner

 

Eternal Torment is an Illogical Doctrine - Addison Hodges Hart

 

Faith, Love, & Hope

 

Pope Francis says his heart aches over the situation in Ukraine and announces a “Day of Fasting for Peace” on Ash Wednesday.

From the Vatican News. Please read the entire article here.

During the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine, saying that the threat of war had caused “great pain in my heart.”

“Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks,” the Pope said, “increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up,” with many people all over the world feeling anguish and pain.

““Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests,” he stressed. Pope Francis appealed to those “with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war, who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies.””

He also prayed that “all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilizing coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute.”

The Bedtime Shema--text, links, and a video.

Well, friends, I can't lie---today was a hard one. But it's about time to turn in.

Here is the opening of the Bedtime Shema in English taken from My Jewish Learning. The entire text is here. See down below for a video with music. Please say a prayer or prayers when you turn in tonight. God willing, we'll see one another tomorrow.

Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings sleep to my eyes, slumber to my eyelids. May it be Your will, Lord my God and God of my ancestors, that I lie down in peace and that I arise in peace. Let my sleep be undisturbed by troubling thoughts, bad dreams, and wicked schemes. May I have a night of tranquil slumber. May I awaken to the light of a new day, that my eyes may behold the splendor of Your light. Praised are You, Lord whose glory gives light to the entire world.

God is a faithful King.

Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One.

Praised be His glorious sovereignty throughout all time.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your might. And these words which I command you this day you shall take to heart. You shall diligently teach them to your children. You shall recite them at home and away, morning and night. You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, they shall be a symbol above your eyes, and you shall inscribe them upon the doorposts of your homes and upon your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Help us, our Father, to lie down in peace; and awaken us to life again, our King. Spread over us Your shelter of peace, guide us with Your good counsel. Save us because of Your mercy. Shield us from enemies and pestilence, from starvation, sword and sorrow. Remove the evil forces that surround us, shelter us in the shadow of Your wings. You, O God, guard us and deliver us. You are a gracious and merciful King. Guard our coming and our going, grant us life and peace, now and always.

Praised is the Lord by day and praised by night, praised when we lie down and praised when we rise up. In Your hand are the souls of the living and the dead, the life of every creature, the breath of all flesh. Into Your hand I entrust my spirit: You will redeem me, Lord God of truth. Our God in Heaven, assert the unity of Your rule; affirm Your sovereignty, and reign over us forever.

May our eyes behold, our hearts rejoice in, and our souls be glad in our sure deliverance, when it shall be said to Zion: Your god is King. The Lord is King, the Lord was King, the Lord shall be King throughout all time. All sovereignty is Yours; unto all eternity only You reign in glory, only You are King. Praised are You, Lord and glorious King, eternal Ruler over us, and over all creation.

According to the Youtube post this was adapted from the Sh'ma for Bedtime in the Siddur, the Jewish Prayer Book, this composition was written in Jerusalem for the URJ Eisner Camp of Great Barrington, MA. It was adapted and composed by Jordan Franzel & Lisa Silverstein. It was published in the Shireinu series, the songbook for the Reform Movement.

Will we strive for justice & peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

 

A church gets it right...

 

SMELL: It was bad - an unfortunately familiar smell. A homeless man, saturated in cheap liquor and his own pee, sat inside the cafe beside the door to our gathering room...

I got this from the St. Alban's Episcopal Church Facebook page:

S M E L L :: It was bad - an unfortunately familiar smell. A homeless man, saturated in cheap liquor and his own pee, sat inside the cafe beside the door to our gathering room. No one said anything to me about it, but I could tell they wanted to ask “What are we going to do?” It was horribly breathtaking. We looked through bags of clothes that had been donated for times like this, but couldn’t find anything to fit him.

 
What WERE we going to do?
I took that question to Jesus, and asked for wisdom and almost instantly the answer came - “Welcome him.” I’ve learned by now not to argue with Him, so I didn’t. I walked over - introduced myself - he introduced himself as Wayne- and we shook hands.
“I’m glad you’re here Wayne.”
“Thank you, it’s been a while since I was here.”
“I see you have some coffee, can we get you anything else?” His hands were bright red from spending the night in the cold. His eyes were watery, he was hunched over, arms wrapped around his urine-soaked body.
“You had to camp last night, huh?”
“I did.”
“Wayne - are the only clothes you have the ones you’re wearing right now?” He looked at me seemingly fearful and ashamed. He knew.
“Yes.” He looked at the floor.
“Can we get you some new clothes to change into?”
“That would be nice.”
I asked his sizes and sent one of our leaders to Family Dollar down the road to get him some new - everything.
Wayne went to change and clean up in the bathroom. The smell lingered, all day.
As I lay in bed last night thinking about Wayne, Holy Spirit asked me this question. “Shannon how do you think your sin smells to me?” I knew the answer. “And yet . . . I welcome you to come be with me, offering you new clothes - ‘a ring and a robe’ - a fresh start - every time.”
Does your life stink? Are you isolated from God and others? God says “You are welcome.” He has something for you, if you’ll accept it. He’s not put off by the stench of your life. He will clean you up when you get to Him - He has new clothes for you and a fresh start.
And that . . .
is amazing grace. . .
and it smells oh so good.
- Shannon Greer

Shared from Christianity Without the Insanity

Like a candle that they will remember and can find when they are in the dark...

 

Lenten Cookies

Well, you're going to need one-half of a pound of margarine and nuts for this one. And for some people who observe Lent this recipe won't do at all.

Beat the margarine and one-half of a cup of sugar together, add about one teaspoon or a little more of lemon juice and the grated rind of one big lemon, and beat all of that together until they're fluffy.

Add in one cup of ground nuts. Walnuts are the best, but use what you have. (Peanuts won't work so well.) Add in two cups of flour.

Mix this by hand. 

Roll out what you have to about one-eighth of an inch thick. That looks kind of thin, but it will work just fine. You can cut it with a cookie cutter or the lid of an average-sized jar or can.

Bake these at 325 degrees for no longer than 20 minutes. Even at that you're pushing it, so check in at 15 or 18 minutes. 

Now here you have some choices. This works best if you spoon some jam on one cookie and put another on top of it and sprinkle over some powered sugar. You don't need much jam at all. But you also have some tasty cookies by themselves that you can eat as they are or sprinkle the powdered sugar over.  

Hasan Green: "Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee

 

"God did not make us poor. Greed and abuse and power make us poor."

 

Here is something I miss hearing...

For many more-or-less good years I lived and worked around people who would exclaim "Law!..."

I didn't realize how much I missed hearing this. Thank you to the Celebrating Appalachia Youtube channel, Tipper, and the Pressley Girls! 

How do you measure prosperity & wealth?

 

Well, it may be simple but it isn't easy...

 It may be simple, but it isn't easy. Still, I know that we can do this together.

Good morning!---"I accept this new day as your gift..."

"Allah is sufficient unto me, there is no god save Him, upon Him do I place my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne."

* * *

"Blessed are you, creator of all,

to you be praise and glory forever.

As your dawn renews the face of the earth

bringing light and life to all creation,

may we rejoice in this day you have made;

as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,

open our eyes to behold your presence

and strengthen our hands to do your will,

that the world may rejoice and give you praise.

Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Blessed be God forever.

The night has passed, and the day lies open before us;

let us pray with one heart and mind."

---MethodistPrayer.org

Good night, y'all! Sleep well. But if you can't sleep...

 ...then here is a beautiful Islamic prayer to help:

O Allah, Lord of the seven heavens and all that they shade,

and Lord of the earths and all they carry,

and Lord of the devils and all those whom they lead astray,

protect me from the evil of all your created beings,

lest any one of them transgress against me or oppresses me.

He who is protected b You is mighty,

Your praise is lofty,

there is no other deity but You,

and there is no god save You.

From UNESCO

Something to make you smile

 Adapted from The Armenian Weekly:

An elderly physician, Dr. Geezer, became very bored in retirement and decided to re-open his medical clinic. He put up a sign outside that read: "Dr. Geezer's Clinic. Get your treatment for $500---if not cured, get back $1000." Dr. Young, who was positive that Dr. Geezer didn't know beans about medicine, thought that this would be a great opportunity to get $1000. So, he went to Dr. Geezer's clinic.

Dr. Young: "Dr. Geezer I have lost all taste in my mouth. Can you please help me?"

Dr. Geezer: "Nurse, please bring medicine from box #22 and put three drops on the patient's tongue."

Dr. Young: "Aaagh!--This is gasoline!"

Dr. Geezer: "Congratulations! You have your taste back. That will be $500."

Dr. Young, very annoyed, goes back after a couple of days hoping to recover his money.

Dr. Young: "I have lost my memory. I cannot remember anything."

Dr. Geezer: "Nurse, please bring medicine from box #22 and put three drops on the patient's tongue."

Dr. Young" "Oh, no you don't---that's gasoline!"

Dr. Geezer: "Congratulations! You have your memory back. That will be $500."

Dr. Young has lost $1000. He leaves angrily, but he returns several days later.

Dr. Young: "My eyesight has become weak. I can hardly see anything!"

Dr. Geezer: "Well, I don't have any medicine for that, so here's your $1000 back" (giving him a $10 bill).

Dr. Young: "But this is only $10!"

Dr. Geezer: "Congratulations! You just got your vision back! That will be $500."

 

"I wouldn't have a religion I couldn't feel!"

 

"The Great Speckled Bird"

From Jeremiah 12:6-12 (KJV):

6 For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee. 7 I have forsaken mine house, I have left mine heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies. 8 Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it. 9 Mine heritage is unto me as a speckled bird, the birds round about are against her; come ye, assemble all the beasts of the field, come to devour. 10 Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. 11 They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart. 12 The spoilers are come upon all high places through the wilderness: for the sword of the LORD shall devour from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh shall have peace.

Goulash--Good for this COLD weather!

Get some beef cut for stew, one pound or so, and brown it in some fat in a thick pan. Mince one clove of garlic and throw that in, but watch that it doesn't burn. Throw in two sliced onions about two teaspoons of paprika, pepper to taste, and a few bouillon cubes. I like to use the chicken bouillon cubes. Some people add chili flakes, but I think that that overdoes it. If you can find Vegeta, add a teaspoon or so; I think that it gives a good taste.

Pour in two cups of boiling water quickly.

Let that simmer for a couple of hours.

Add one cup of hot water and two cups or so of diced potatoes.

Let it cook maybe 20 minutes or so longer.

Some people cook hot red peppers separately and add that when they serve it. 

It's good to have some wheat or rye bread with this.  

Joe Curry, "When The Gates Swing Open"

 

My story is filled with broken pieces, terrible choices, and ugly truths.

 

Jesus looks in the mirror

 

James Cone on Black Theology & Black Liberation

 This takes some study. I have not taken in all of it. It would be good to pick this up in a group.

Another great service & message from the Seminary of the Southwest

An inspiring service from beginning to end, but hit 18:22 to get the message.

 

Good night! But if you're unable to sleep read his prayer and the Islamic etiquettes of sleeping

"O Allah the stars have gone far away and the eyes are rested. You are Alive and Infinite, You do not slumber nor does sleep overtake You. Oh Alive and the Everlasting One, grant me rest tonight and let my eyes sleep (close)."

And see this article:

It is possible for a person to worship Allah through the whole day and night. This does not mean that we spend 24 hours of the day in prayer, rather that we follow the Islamic etiquette for different tasks in whatever we do and this is our worship of Allah. Sleeping is no different, and given the amount of time we spend sleeping, a person should be keen to follow the etiquette of sleeping so as to spend these many hours worshipping their Lord.

Read the entire article on the Islamic etiquettes of sleeping here.

From The Islamic Culture Foundation

How Private Equity Firms Caused The UMWA Strike In Brookwood: A fundamental matter for people who are concerned about working-class religious and spiritual matters.

It seems to me that this is a fundamental matter for people who are concerned about working-class religious and spiritual matters.

Please support the strike! Send donations to:

UMWA STRIKE AID FUND

P.O. BOX 513

DUMFRIES, VA 22026

How Private Equity Firms Caused The UMWA Strike In Brookwood, Alabama

February 18, 2022

Source: Patch.com

Here’s an in-depth look at how ongoing business practices have impacted striking blue-collar workers for one west Alabama coal producer.

BROOKWOOD, AL — There’s a little wooden shelter at the intersection of Lock 17 Road and Miners Memorial Parkway in Brookwood that sat vacant on Friday. The site, which is scattered with weathered black and yellow picket signs supporting the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), was silent save for the bustle of traffic.

Severe storms had done a number on the picket line, which had been active for 325 days as of the publication of this story. The site’s portable toilet had been blown over by the wind and some of the ground signs were upended.

The empty picket line also stood in stark contrast to the operations directly across the road in the seemingly-busy offices of Warrior Met Coal.

But it was around the same time this reporter was leaving the site that Braxton and Haeden Wright, along with numerous other striking UMWA members, prepared to board a flight back to Alabama from Washington, D.C.

Read the whole story here.

Salem First United Methodist Church On 2/20/22: Calling us from stress and pain to trust through forgiveness and equality

I thought that this was a wonderful service. The sermon starts around 14:13; please listen. But the entire service gives hope and will take away your stress if you can give it some time and attention. 

 

Cornel West On How To Think

 

Father, I Stretch My Hand To Thee...

 

Here is some wisdom that you may need...

This comes from the Seminary of the Southwest. I frequently lift videos from them because they hit home and because I think that they will help folks. The entire video is great, but if you're in a hurry and need to hear a message of hope that also questions so much of what is around us, go to 10:18 and give it a couple of minutes. If you need some peace, settle down and watch the whole thing. Things get more interesting around 29:39, and this is a very thought- and feeling-provoking Communion service. 

Corn Pudding

This is an old and favorite recipe. When it's made right and you eat it you think that it must be hard to make, but it isn't. My maternal grandmother made this so that the top crust was hard and kind of burned, and she made quite a bit at one time.

Beat two eggs just a little bit. Add one can of cream style corn and mix it up. Stir in two tablespoons of flour, maybe one tablespoon of sugar (or a little less), two tablespoons of melted butter, one cup of milk and about one-quarter of a teaspoon of pepper. Some folks add one teaspoon of salt; I'm sure that it doesn't hurt, but I don't do it.

Pour everything into a one quart baking dish, set the dish in a pan of hot water, place that in a preheated (350 degrees) oven and bake for about one hour.

This photo comes from Parade.com. Their recipe sounds kind of complicated to me, but this looks like what my grandmother whipped up in her kitchen.

Mistranslations of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles?

I read in the letters to the editor section in the Feb. 18-March 3 edition of the National Catholic Reporter that a writer believes that Pope Francis has said that Genesis 1:26 has been mistranslated. The common translation is as follows:

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

The writer claims (I think) that the Pope is saying that a correct or better translation would be:

...to protect the earth and ensure its fruitfulness for coming generations.

I also recently trad in Keith Giles' book Jesus Unbound that he thinks that 1 Corinthians:34-35 has been mistranslated. Our common translation reads:

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

Giles says that the translation should be something more like:

Women should remain silent...it is a disgrace for a woman to speak in church.

WHAT?! So, did the word of God originate with you? Are you the only ones who can hear His voice? If you think you're a prophet or gifted by the Spirit then admit what I've written to you in this letter is the Lord's command. 

I don't know if these writers are correct or not, or if Pope Francis said what has been attributed to him or not. I hope that these are correct, but I don't know if they are or aren't.

But, correct or not, it's worth examining how different our lives would be if we had grown up with the newer translations instead of the old ones.

What would we have to let go of to be at peace right now?

I don't have political or social answers to these questions right now---the lists are so long and the subjects are so complex ad people who are much smarter than me write books about this. But on my individual level the list is pretty easy: ego, doctor's visits, bills that I can't pay easily, the grind that comes with having lived for 66 years in a world where my country has been at war and/or engaged in exploitation and oppression without a break for all of that time, these unending to-do lists, this oppressive daily busyness, certain unfulfilling commitments and many more that do help others and do fulfill but take energy and struggle.

What about you?

 

Goodnight, y'all! Everyone get a good night's sleep.

An Old Regular Baptist hymn. You can just say it if you don't know the tune.

The day is past and gone,
The evening shades appear.
O may we all remember well
The night of death draws near.

We lay our garments by,
Upon our beds to rest;
So death will soon disrobe us all
Of what is here possessed.

Lord, keep us safe this night,
Secure from all our fears;
May angels guard us while we sleep,
Till morning light appears.

 And when we early rise,
And view th'unwearied sun,
May we set out to win the prize,
And after glory run.

And when our days are past,
And we from time remove,
O may we in Thy bosom rest,
The bosom of Thy love.

Trying to understand Matthew 10:28--A short video from Love Unrelenting

"And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna."

Otis Clay: When The Gates Swing Open

Spiced fruit--Good stuff!

Go to the store and pick up cans of pear halves, peach halves, and pineapple chunks. Pick up a can or a bag of apricots; I like a bag better than a can. You will need 16 ounces or so of each, but you can adjust this for taste. Stay away from those really sweet fruits like mandarin oranges and maraschino cherries and cans of mixed fruit. If you don't have some already, get some molasses, whole cloves and a stick of cinnamon, and some vinegar. 

Drain off the cans and put the syrup to one side.

Get out your heavy saucepan and pour the syrup into the saucepan and throw in 1 teaspoon of whole cloves and a stick of cinnamon.

Boil it down 'til you have about two cups or so left. Watch the heat and stir it with a wooden spoon to stop from having a mess to clean up later.

Add in about a half cup of molasses. I like light molasses for this. And put in about one-third of a cup of vinegar. You just need that regular white vinegar, not the apple cider vinegar, though the apple cider vinegar works just fine.

You want to get this to be like a syrup or a relish from cooking. Some folks add more cloves after everything cooks awhile, and some people eat this warm and others cold. I think that it goes well with ice cream or with toast. Some people eat it with burgers or sausage.

I'm not sure where this came from, but I do appreciate it.

Let's not take ourselves too seriously--Some music to help!

 Son House doing "Preaching the Blues":

Larking Poe doing the same song:

and The Local Honeys doing "He Split The First Church of God";

The Beatitudes

 

Bedtime Prayers. Y'all sleep well and we'll catch you in the morning.---But if you're working hoot owl, I'm keeping you in special prayers.

 Three great Roman Catholic bedtime prayers:

Goodness Prayer
All-Knowing God, thank You that You know me and You love me. You know everything that has happened to me today, the highs and the lows, the joy and the sorrow. As I lay down to sleep may I reflect on the goodness You have shown me. While I sleep, You continue to watch over me. May the love of the Father, the tenderness of the Son, and the presence of the Spirit, gladden my heart and bring peace to my soul, today and for all days. Amen.

Restful Sleep Prayer
Everlasting Father, thank You that I am never alone, Your presence calms the troubled sea of my life and speaks peace to my soul. Remove the stress that I am carrying from my day and help me rest peacefully in the security of Your hand. Bless me with restful sleep. May You, the God of all grace, who has called me into eternal glory by Christ Jesus, make me holy, strong and filled with peace. To You be glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.

Bedtime Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your word enlightens my eyes, purifies my soul and preserves me for eternal life. As I reach the end of this day I thank You for the many blessings You have bestowed on me. I ask for forgiveness for the sins I have committed today. I pray that, as I sleep, You would restore my strength and empower me for a new day tomorrow. Lord, bless me and keep me, make Your face shine upon me. Turn Your face towards me and give me peace. Amen.

Y'all sleep well and we'll catch you in the morning. If you're working hoot owl, I'm keeping you in special prayers.

Jalesa McRae singing "Where would I be?"

 Because I don't want to go too long without hearing her sing...

Nut Delight Recipe

This recipe is a little more complicated than what I have been posting, but I know that you all can do this. Turn on the oven to 325 and prep the filling (see way below) before you try this.

Mix 1 cup of flour, about one-quarter cup of brown sugar, a good handful (4 ounces or so) of smashed up peanuts, about one-and-one-cup of coconut, and a chopped up stick of sweet butter.

Put that on a lightly greased cookie sheet. I mean lightly greased. (I often mess this up.)

Stick it in a preheated oven at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, stir it at 10 or fifteen minutes.

Take this out of the oven and scrape it into a 9X13 pan for baking, but hold back about one-half of a cup for topping.

The filling gets a little difficult, but you'll do fine with it.

Mix maybe two-and-one-half or two-and-two-thirds of a cup of milk, two of those small puddings from the store (or make your pudding ahead of time and add it by taste; that works better), and some of that whipped topping from the store. Go light on the whipped topping. 

Mix it all up and put what you held back for topping on top.

Stick it in the fridge and let it sit.

That wasn't so hard, was it?

   

Mountain Devotional - Renewing Your Mind. This is a beautifully sincere meditation from Appalachia.

I keep saying it--The Pressley Girls just always knock the ball out of the park. Even when I don't fully agree, I always think that they're on to something.  

Don't throw in the towel---God's not dead.

And listen to this:

 

"What is done in love is done well."

 

Detachment?

 

Nothing and no one should own you.

Good night! An Orthodox & Greek Catholic Evening Prayer And An End-Of-Day Methodist Prayer

A Greek Catholic/Orthodox private evening prayer:

Only-Begotten Word of the Father, Jesus Christ who alone are perfect: according to the greatness of your mercy, do not abandon me, your servant, but ever rest in my heart. O Sweet Jesus, Good Shepherd of your flock, deliver me from the attacks of the devil. Do not allow me to become the prey of Satan's evil intention, even though I have within me the seed of eternal damnation. Instead, O Lord Jesus Christ, adorable God, holy King, while I sleep, protect me by your Holy Spirit through whom You sanctified your disciples. Enlighten my mind by the light of the Holy Gospel, my soul by the love of your cross, my heart by the purity of your teaching. Protect my body by your sacred passion, my senses by your humility, and awaken me in due time for your glorification. For You, above all, are adorable, together with your Eternal Father and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

An end-of-day Methodist prayer:

Tender shepherd of my soul; make yourself and your way known to me in this evening time of prayer and reflection. Bring awareness of my failures and confidence in your desire and ability to forgive my sins, heal my wounds, and mend my broken places. By the power of your presence bring me to the end of the day whole, complete, and at peace with you, my neighbor and myself. Grant a night of peaceful rest and send me forth tomorrow as a witness to your love and grace.

Note: Both prayers invite reflections on our sins, asking forgiveness, and offering thanksgiving. These lines from the 51st Psalm are helpful:

A clean heart create for me, God;

renew within me a steadfast spirit.

Do not drive me from before your face,

nor take from me your holy spirit.

Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;

uphold me with a willing spirit.

After reflection, asking forgiveness, and praise and thanksgiving these words from the 4th Psalm are helpful:

But you have given my heart more joy

than they have when grain and wine abound.

In peace I will lie down and fall asleep,

for you alone, LORD, make me secure.

Good night, y'all. Sweet dreams!

Pastor Robert Welch Praying

 Something for all of us and our families.

A Profound Excerpt From Rev. Gloria White Hammond, MD Talking On "African American Spirituality, Serious Illness, and the COVID-19 Crisis."

Three minutes and twenty seconds of a profound reflection on African American Spirituality and healing.

The video blurb says:

The Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative (TMC) at Duke Divinity School and the Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities & History of Medicine at Duke held a seminar on September 18th, 2020 with Rev. Gloria White-Hammond, MD, Swartz Resident Practitioner of Ministry Studies at Harvard Divinity School, and co-pastor of Bethel AME Church in Boston. This is an excerpt from an interview entitled, "African American Spirituality, Serious Illness, and the COVID-19 Crisis." TMC Seminars are a semi-monthly gathering of faculty, students, clinicians, and others interested in the intersections of theology, medicine, and culture. For more information and recordings, visit https://tmc.divinity.duke.edu/seminar...

Johnny, Johnny Don't Get Drunk---The Pressley Girls Hit It Again! (And Tipper at The Bling Pig & The Acorn blog explains it.)

 They're great, aren't they?

There is an excellent explanation of what you're listening to at the Bling Pig & The Acorn blog here.

Tuna Mushroom Dipping Sauce.

Drain off that excess oil from a large can of tuna and put it (the oil) in a pan. Put the tuna by the side.

Add a good bit of chopped onion, maybe one-quarter or one-half of a cup.

Cook it up 'til it's tender.

Pour in some lemon juice to taste, maybe 2 or 3 tablespoons.

Add a can of chopped mushrooms or the same amount (8 ounces or so) of fresh ones, but drain it off first if you're using canned mushrooms.

Add salt and pepper and maybe some chili flakes to your taste.

Cook this for just a few minutes.

Pour everything into a blender.

Add in that tuna and a cup or so of sour cream.

Please remember to put the top back on the blender. I'm speaking from experience here.

Hit it on high speed. Some people like it soupy or smooth. I like it a little chunky.

Now you have a choice: you can put everything back in the pan and heat it up, or put it in the fridge for awhile.

This will make you less than two cups, but that's enough if it's you or you and a friend. If you're taking this off to a picnic on the ground you should makes lots more.

What are you going to dip in it? Italian or French bread cut in small slices or toasted hard works great.

We have all come from somewhere, we're all going somewhere. Del McCoury teaches us how to understand this.

 

We're not kidding when we say that the Divine is close to us all.

 

Jesus will carry you...

 

An Evening Prayer

Let us lift our eyes to the Lord of heaven and thank Him that our day passed peacefully and ask Him to protect us from all evil:

We ask you, O Lord of Peace, to bless and protect every family and every home that needs safety and peace, and protect them from all the forces of evil and evil.

Amen.

From Saatva.

Preaching Racial Justice: A Conversation with The Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis

 

Rhonda Vincent: "When the Angels Sing"

Be a shining light as you pass through

Remember the promise He gave to you

Hold to His word trust everything

Live forever in heaven where the angels sing

Where angels sing above the blue

A promise of a world that's new

And tear dimmed eyes no more will be

When the angels sing for you and me

Today's recipe: Sauteed Sauerkraut

Fry up a thick piece of ham in a pot. Remove the ham from the pan, add about one-quarter of a cup of butter, and saute some onions. Add a can of sauerkraut, maybe 3 cups or a little less, and saute, cover that pot and let it all get hot. Throw in a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar, a teaspoon or so of caraway seeds and a tablespoon or so of vinegar when it's hot. Some folks would rather add a few whole cloves than caraway seeds---that's fine, but I'm not big on cloves. Then just stir it around and let it cook covered for about 10 or 15 minutes, not longer. Serve with that piece of ham or a hamburger or hot dogs or meatloaf and potatoes. 

Photo from the Museum of the Big Bend. Dinner on the grounds. I just know that these people made everything better than I do.

Animals and Universal Restoration - David Bentley Hart

I use David Bentley Hart's translation of the New Testament in my daily study. I don't understand his book "That All Shall Be Saved" but this short video introduces some important starting points, especially if you love animals. 

A Baptist Deacon's Prayer-Hasan Green

 Almost all the things that I think about in my daily life make it into this prayer... 

Be kind to everybody? Really?

 

("Pretty Ugly")

Click on this, read this down, and then read this up...

God's Peace Be Your Anchor...

 

"The Black Man's Prayer"---Deacon Samuel Cainion

 

"I know who holds my hand."

 

Moral Monday Mobilization Tour | The Deep South Is Speaking!

 

"Friend Of God" As Performed By Salem First United Methodist Church's MICAH Band

 

An Easy Vegetable Soup

Drop about 6 bouillon cubes in about 5 cups of water and stir.

Throw in a 16 oz. can of stewed tomatoes, about half of one can of tomato sauce, one large diced yellow onion, a diced carrot, some garlic powder to taste, some oregano to taste. I don't like celery, but some folks do so if you like that put it in.

Is it too thick or not thick enough? Adjust to suit yourself.

Cover your pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. 

You can throw in some cans of mixed vegetables after 30 minutes pass, any leftovers like that that you may have in the refrigerator.

You can also fry up some ground beef or pork, drain it and add it after that 30 minutes. Smoked sausage bits give it a good taste.

Let it cook for 10 minutes or so longer.

Take out that bay leaf before you serve it up.

The photo is from the Lititz Historical Foundation. Nothing that I make would be as good as what these folks did.

 

Where does "God is Love" take you? Heath Bradley and the choices we have when we read the Bible

 

Gifted Singers of Memphis, Tn - Never Give Up

No, He never gave up on me, either.
 

Jalesa McRae

So many times I have heard people trying to hit this in church, and usually getting there. You can hit it in the kitchen or your truck, too. Let it go.

"You're feeling dry and empty, no longer have a song..."

I'm not a Pentecostal, but there are some things that I like about this video and that I wish others would pick up on. I like the interracial work being done; churches and worship in the U.S. are usually segregated. Of course I like those accents---they take me home. I like the energy and certainty and joy at work. And I really like the line "Drink 'til we're merry, rolling on the ground" because I think that this is a kind of spontaneous Sufi spirit finding a companion in Christianity. We're not as far apart from one another as we think we are.

     

Have you ever considered that God has fallen in love with you?