BETTY WHITAKER JACKSON
Thanks, Christopher Columbus
Remember the rhyme we learned in grade school? “In 1400 and 92, Columbus sailed the ocean blue”? We heard about early voyages by Italians, Portuguese, Spanish, and more recently by Chinese and Muslims. The “Age of Discovery” inspires us to think about all the discoveries mankind has made throughout the ages.
It comes as no surprise that we have idealized many of these “old stories,” and now critics try to negate the courage and…..
To say the least, this has been a month of contradictions for me, and it’s only the tenth of the month!
I suppose I should not be “surprised,” for we are in the midst of a highly-contested election season, complete with…..
Without trying to campaign (I pledged I would not), I have twenty questions (at least) about this election.
As a representative republic, when voters sent representatives to the House and Senate, why do people think that the President makes the laws and can singlehandedly change Social Security, tax laws, and defeat standing laws (i.e. Roe vs. Wade, tax deductions, paying off college loans, etc.)? When our coinage and monuments and pledges to tell the truth in a court of law…..
Yes, the walls came tumbling down, and America changed forever. We were appalled at the audacity of a small group of terrorists who stole our sense of security and affected our personal freedoms by their dastardly act. We are still victims.
Yes, there have been other events in history with long-reaching effects. Heroism in war, effective speeches, peace accords, passage of wide-sweeping laws, and inventions which have affected our lives. Hundreds of them. We always “say” we study history so…..
Happy Lord’s Day. It is the Sabbath, set aside by our Creator, Redeemer, and the one who knows us best. We need a day of rest, a day to worship our Holy God, a day to spend in reflection, with family and friends who gather to worship and praise Him.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says: “God saved you by His special favor who you believed. And you can’t take credit for this: it is a gifr
Proverbs 3:21-22 says: “My child, don’t lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them,, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling.” My desk calendar adds this nugget of truth: “God’s wisdom keeps us on the path of safety all our lives.” (Bible Keys to Well-Being, Pat Robertson)
This political season, we’re hearing about misinformation, hearing candidates making promises and…..
We spent a delightful morning touring The Merritt Island National Refuge yesterday with the family. Although we didn’t see the flamingos, we remarked at the beauty of the sky, the hundreds of shades of green and the gorgeous textures of the well-watered landscape, took many pictures, and enjoyed, as anticipated, our lovely lunch together at Dixie Crossroads. We’re never disappointed.
I had only four phone call discussions regarding our efforts to get my sister Dorothy relocated. It’s one delay after…..
My memoir writing class I teach at Glenbrooke Senior Living is writing about Labor Day memories this week. Some recall parades, cookouts, last visits to the beach, a welcomed day off, and family gatherings. One remembers his grandfather telling him about labor unions and how important they were at his workplace. They fought hard to get the holiday recognizing their importance to American life as workers.
Many, now, think of it as a day for sales. Others rush off to…..
I can’t identify with the fiery trials of war. I can’t identify with being in a mob or being physically persecuted. I can’t identify with being scared in a situation beyond my earthly control. But I can feel the disgust at several sleepless nights of worry, or concern about the state of the country, or threats of financial ruin, or the chaos of political controversy, or, definitely this week, of issues that affect my sister Dorothy who is occupying 90%…..
For thousands of students and hundreds of teachers, today is the first day of school here in Brevard County, Florida. When I fist retired from teaching, this is the day I went to the beach. That was the fall of 2012. I did that for the first few years on the first day to define my new-found…..