My paternal grandfather, born to a pioneer family in 1881 on the plains of Kansas, wrote a book for our family, a collection of his memories of a life that spanned a time when he still saw Indians water ponies in the creek to seeing a man walk on the moon. The following is pulled from the introductory pages from the book. It is a glimpse of a world unknown to us, a little picture of why so many of our ancestors were willing to risk all and sacrifice much to come to America, and their struggles to build a home in the wilderness.

My father was born on January 8, 1831, in Luxemburg, a small country. I believe it lies between France and Germany. In those days an education was not considered important at all. My father and older brother spent much of their teenage years working in a stone quarry from early until late for ten cents per day. Naturally, they became discouraged and decided to come to America and look for something better. After borrowing a few dollars from their uncle, they got passage on a ship, and by working at anything they could find, they finally landed at Leavenworth Kansas. (more…)

 [1] If I speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. [2] And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [3] And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. [4] Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely; is not puffed up; [5] Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil; (more…)

The link I clicked on to get to this survey asked How Liberal Are You? For once, I decided to take this quiz, after passing over such titillating offerings as finding out which rock band I am, or what fruit I resemble, or even which breed of dog I am. Tempting, but what if I come out a Golden Doodle? Better not to know. I assume since I agree with Republicans 97%, Libertarians 66%, not so much, but pride goeth before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Alas, I actually agree with Democrats 9%, the Green Party 5% and Socialists 1%.

The neat thing is you can click on each result to find out why, thus I found out that I adamantly dispute that socialist result. It was an error. The Democrat result was strangely confusing and not explained well, but apparently they favor term limits? And they are not in favor of the government “regulating” the internet. I got the Green Party (meh, who cares?) results for the same reasons as the Democrats, plus evolution.

Anyhow, here’s the link, if you are of a mind to test your political outlook. Personally, I think a Liberal/Conservative quiz would be more accurate and interesting, and I may go looking for one.

Take the quiz and see which political party you side with

Sorting through some old papers I had stashed away, today I came upon this story I had printed out from an email I received on October 11, 2004.

The original source for the story is the book Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot, published in 1995. It became attributed to Josh and Karen Zarandona when they passed it on in an email. Supposedly, the original story came to Ms. Elliot from a Brenda Foltz, of Minnesota. I found the story just as thought provoking as I did in October of 2004.

I really wish that I were writing this story as an illustration of a moment and a revelation that changed my life. Unfortunately, having a penchant for truth, I’ll confess that did not happen. I wish it had.

Sometimes I need to be reminded – over and over – of the lessons I need to learn in life. I share this with you in that spirit. I suppose most of you may have seen this in the past, but perhaps a few of you, like me, could enjoy it again. (more…)

Reading 1 Is 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.
You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as people make merry when dividing spoils.
For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David’s throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this! (more…)

Reading 1 Is 7:10-14

The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying:
Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God;
let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered,
“I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!”
Then Isaiah said:
Listen, O house of David!
Is it not enough for you to weary people,
must you also weary my God?
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign:
the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,
and shall name him Emmanuel. (more…)

Reading 1 Is 35:1-6a, 10
The desert and the parched land will exult;
the steppe will rejoice and bloom.
They will bloom with abundant flowers,
and rejoice with joyful song.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to them,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the LORD,
the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the hands that are feeble,
make firm the knees that are weak,
say to those whose hearts are frightened:
Be strong, fear not!
Here is your God,
he comes with vindication;
with divine recompense
he comes to save you.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened,
the ears of the deaf be cleared;
then will the lame leap like a stag,
then the tongue of the mute will sing.
Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return
and enter Zion singing,
crowned with everlasting joy;
they will meet with joy and gladness,
sorrow and mourning will flee.

Gospel Mt 3:1-12

John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
A voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
John wore clothing made of camel’s hair
and had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and wild honey.
At that time Jerusalem, all Judea,
and the whole region around the Jordan
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins. (more…)

A sufficient amount of time has elapsed since our last fun thread. Bring one, bring all. Jokes, videos, memes, cats, dogs, and birds. The rules are PG only. Let me repeat PG only. Czar, do not disappoint me here, I found teh kitteh for you!

Reading 1 Is 2:1-5

This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz,
saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come,
the mountain of the LORD’s house
shall be established as the highest mountain
and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it;
many peoples shall come and say:
“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths.”
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord! (more…)