A case of Corona

A case of Corona means something different today - more like a virus than a good time.  In an effort to keep Catasauquians updated, I am posting any cancellations, or virus updates for our area on my Facebook page.

So what are you suppose to do at home as this virus sweeps the nation.

Yesterday I said to Parke, we should play cards - some gin rummy or Uno - we use to have fun doing that.  But as computers and iphones and Amazon prime filled our time we got away from that.  What have you gotten away from that you might like to try again?  Board games, cards, baking, crafts?  I crochet and I saw on Facebook a meme that said Crocheters have been in training for this.   So true, I have enough yarn at home to complete dozens of projects.

If you want to use your iphone or computer,  learn a new skill like belly dancing, a foreign language or learn to whistle through your fingers.  Here is a great article - 50 Amazing Skills you can learn on YouTube

 https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/572087/learn-skills-on-youtube

The thing I miss the most is Church, the singing, the prayers and the people.  They are all like my family and to be without them makes me feel like a piece of my life is missing.

I am lucky to have people at home with me, if you know someone who doesn't it is
time to reach out to them in a phone call!  Check on them, see how they are handling the situation.  Let someone know you care.

Meanwhile at my house I won't consider it a crisis until my mom has no where to go every morning.  So far her and her friends have been meeting at the buffet.  So it's not a real crisis until my Mama stays home.

and that is another day in Catasauqua.

The Paradox of Evil

You know, I don't like to post, to often, my personal opinions on anything.  I prefer telling something historical or an event in and around Catasauqua.  But today I am troubled. 

Yesterday there was another senseless shooting in a church, not to mention a stabbing at a Rabbi's house.  And what bothers me the most is the fact that the shooter in the church was shot dead by security.  I know the security guy was doing his job, he saved countless lives, but he took a life in a place where rule number six is Thou shall not kill.

The volunteer security member was a former reserve deputy sheriff who is a firearm instructor. So my question is, why not just wound him. 

When did we become as aggressive of a society as the evil we so often point out.

The paradox of evil.  What's the answer - I have none. 

Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[a] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Matthew 5: 38-39 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Are those the answer, turning the cheek, or leaving the gunman go.  No, it would of caused more deaths.  Did God put the security team in the right place at the right time - to protect his people.

I don't know - but in searching the scriptures for an answer I came up with the next one.  For some reason this struck a chord.  In the ever increasing evil that seems to plague us as a society, we need to look for the source, we need to find answers.  

Ephesians 6:12 -  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

and unfortunately, that's another day in Catasauqua.

Church in the Park

I am tired. But blissfully tired from a morning of Worship in the Park with Salem UCC, Catasauqua.  God blessed us with great weather two years in a row.  Today was again warm and breezy. Attendance was good the children sang like angels!  All year long we would try to get them to sing and on the Sundays that we were schedule to sing no one showed up or perhaps 2 did.  So today we had a great group and they sang a medley of their greatest hits.  You know, like Jesus Loves Me, This Little Light of Mine and The B I B L E.  Yes it was great to see and hear the children.

The nest with the birdie

I love Pastor Mike's Sermon in the Park. At church I usually just look at him during the sermon but today, I watched birds, and a few squirrels and marveled at the evergreen trees that were to my left.  I still listened to the sermon but there is something about the wind blowing, the sun shining and just seeing the nature around me that makes me feel so close to God.   There was a bird in a nest just to the left of where Pastor Mike was standing and when it popped up it made me smile.  One of God's creatures also taking in the sermon.

I think the birds sang twice as loud when everyone sang, I think they wanted to sing along.

A shout out to everyone who made it possible - bff, Tammy organizes the event but so many hands helped in the setting up and taking down that it went so smoothly.

It's hours later and I am beat - my legs just about want to give up.  But I am still smiling about singing Blessed Assurance, praying and listening to Worship in the Park today.  I hope more people will join us next year.

Oh - and let's not forget the FOOD - omg - really - hot dogs, barbeque, tons of salads, snack and DESSERTS.  Yes Megan I had your delicious peanut butter dessert and it was a little slice of peanut butter heaven.  As we said there is no such thing as too much peanut butter.

And then there was BINGO.  I called Bingo and bff, Cathy played a card for me.  I won a crossword puzzle book.  But you know what, I never got to call the number B4 - I know this because I wanted to say, if God B4 me - who could be against.

and that's .....another day in Catasauqua

Harry Potter Loves Jello

Harry Potter Loves Jello is a quirky way our Pastor came up with to remember the Sundays in Advent.  Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.  And, may I say that it worked because this year everyone remembered,  in order,  the Sundays of Advent.  Advent is the start of the Church's year  - easy to remember - its starts with an A - Also if you ever get confused between Advent and Lent, remember ABC, Advent Before Christmas.

As I sit here aching from back to toe after toting 12 Christmas totes down 2 flights of steps I must remember that it is not just the decorations that get us ready for  Christmas, it is our hearts that we really need to get ready. 

Since Thanksgiving I have been busy taking Autumn stuff down and putting Christmas stuff up.  I went shopping at Target Thanksgiving night for some great doorbuster deals for my Grandchildren.  I even shopped a little on Black Friday.  I must say that after working 35 years on Black Friday it felt good to be off.  (I did have off a couple of years ago, but I was laid off at the time so it did not feel so joyous) 

I have decorated at home and I have decorated at Church and am almost  ready  for Advent to begin.  My Advent Candle Ring is still in the attic and I will get it down tomorrow, as soon as I get the rest of the junk off the dining room table and the Christmas table cloth on.

Parke and I had the annual Christmas decoration fight.  He says I have too many, and I agree, but some decorations bring with them memories.  Some of the memories I want to keep, like all the decorations my son made for me when he was in school.  Or the manger from my Grandmother's house.

I like good memories, I like Christmas and I love the Baby Jesus.  So here's wishing you Harry Potter Loves Jello, oops I mean Hope, Peace, Love and Joy this Christmas season.  May this year bring you some fond memories and may your heart be ready to accept the love that comes from God this season in the form of a baby.

and that's another day in Catasauqua.