Churches in Texas Today is Sunday and I've been thinking about churches. Many are open in our state, now. I wish people just keep praying from home. The Covid cases are rising again. The closest I got to church this week, was a drive by on Monday. I drove by Fountain of Praise Chapel, early in the morning, before they opened for a public viewing of George Floyd. The next day, I watched the televised "Homegoing" Celebration. I heard hymns and listened to Al Sharpton and local pastors and family... That was my church this week. Preaching Through Actions Every Sunday, Joel Osteen's sermon is televised from a huge arena in Houston. I've watched for a few minutes, but I've never attended. I do however remember sitting in those seats long ago, cheering the Houston Rockets and watching my daughter swoon over the boy band, NSYNC. Now I'm suddenly curious to hear what Joel Osteen has to say. The other day I saw him on the news. He was attending a peaceful protest and wearing a mask and I wondered. I am ready to start listening to all kinds of people I ignored before. Bible Photo-Op Over a week ago, I was watching live TV when I spotted our president, standing with a bible in front of St. John's Episcopal Church. This was quite a different religious moment on TV. Minutes before, I had watched peaceful protesters being cleared, before Trump's arrival. I cringed at my TV. 'Why are they using tear gas? What's going on?' Suddenly the president was standing there, awkwardly holding a bible. "Why Mr. President? Why are you standing there holding that bible?" I really wanted to ask him that. Kneeling Down It was also about a week ago, that a Facebook "friend" shared a post that sickened me. Her comment was in response to a short video showing some white folks in Houston, "begging for forgiveness..." This is a tricky subject, but that's not what upset me. This "friend" on Facebook has been sharing over 10 ranting posts per day. I only engaged once before. Then I gave up and ignored her posts. But this post was just wrong, for so many reasons. I was disgusted to see her pathetic words, especially when she thinks of herself as a good Christian. This is the kind of ugliness I'm seeing on Facebook right now. I responded to her post and then I unfriended, after her response. I have never blocked or unfriended anyone before... but I decided my mental health would be better, without her. Prayers from My Dear Friend It's been interesting seeing how religion is being used, during these times of crisis. I've decided if I need a little religion boost, I will take mine from Miss Margie. I have enjoyed the friendship of Margie for over 6 years, at the center where I volunteer. She always gives me a hug and handwritten bible verse. I haven't been able to meet with my Around the Quilt Senior Groups, since March. However, Margie has kept in touch over the phone. The last time we talked, she said she was doing well. We chatted and then she said a prayer, a very long prayer for Miss Beth. Her voice was sweet and sincere. I smiled as she spoke and we "Amen-ed" together.
I love Miss Margie. She looks much younger, but she's actually my mother's age. I pray that she stays well, so we can gather together when this is all over!
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Not-So-Happy List
Cancer, Covid & Coronary... I started this complaining list/blog, in May 2016. I posted 200 gripes about my breast CANCER and then I was done. On March 13, 2020, I started venting all over again, when another disease (starting with a C) interfered with my life. This time it was the invasion of COVID and it affected every person. I ranted for a year, until I got my COVID vaccine in March 2021. CORONARY Artery Disease was the reason I restarted this blog on September 26, 2021. This time it was my hubby Don, who was dealing with a worry that started with the letter "C". Coronavirus and Cancer, Coronary Artery Disease! All are evil, but none can totally get me down... if I vent! I usually end up feeling a little more positive at the end of each post! Navigating This Mess! The most recent post is at the top, from coronary posts in 2022, back to cancer posts in 2016. To find past posts, look below the "Archives" section, to find "Categories". Archives
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