In the Clouds

I will tell you what we did when I was a child. We already had the Biblical foundation which I place as most important. Celebration wise... we decorated a tree, played Christmas carols, watched old Christmas movies, gave gifts, cooked special dishes. Sounds commercial but it was what was in our hearts, and spending family time together. You could feel the Spirit and spirit of the season.

Yep. One day is not enough is it? The history of St. Nicholas is nice and Santa Claus is fun; but, there is only one Jesus.

The heavenly chorus sang out, the wisemen gave gifts, the shepherds followed the star and were in awe of the baby Jesus. That is in the Bible. Unto us a child is born.

It begins with a good foundation. Bring your child up in belief and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And, if he/she strays he will return to his foundation. While watching the local news, an item focused on the Macy's day parade showing the various holiday floats. On concluding the news segment the broadcaster said, "And, now the reason for the season..." A huge floating Santa Claus was shown at the parade's end. I asked, "And, where is Jesus, the real reason for the season?" Why is this day called Christmas? It's not Santa Clausmas. There is nothing wrong with giving gifts at any time. But, celebration of Christ's birthday should be revering Him not being dazzled by things. My how commercialism has distorted and taken this day down a side path! We should teach the Word and emphasize the many blessings that God and our Lord have bestowed upon us. We should praise His holy name and bless Him as our gift to Him. And that should be everyday not just one day of the year.

This little guy would have made a great Mr Bojangles in The Green Mile.

We do see multi-millionaires and billionaires aligning with the soon to be Trump administration. We should take note and follow the plans and influences of these high-powered movers and shakers. The robber barons of the Gilded Age (Industrial Revolution) still impact today's politics, government, finances, and social interactions. Some of the most influential industrialists were: Andrew Carnegie, Cornelius Vanderbilt, JP Morgan (think Federal Reserve), Henry Ford, John D Rockefeller,... and more. The Industrial Revolution was instrumental in building the US and is a very interesting study. Along with the gains of modernization came the brutalities of power hungry robber barons. There's going to be a mighty shake-up in who the kings of the hill are. And, so the story goes. There's nothing new under the sun. Keep your eyes open!

Heaven, I'm in heaven And my heart beats so that I can hardly speak And I seem to find the happiness I seek When we're out together dancing cheek to cheek

Anything Chopin, especially Chopin - Heroic Polonaise (Op. 53 in A Flat Major)

Since you ask this question, you must know that there are 2 kinds of Jews: those of the bloodline and those who are circumcised of the heart. And, they may be both at the same time. Atheists do not believe in God no matter what country they are in/from.

Many, men and women, don't bother to sing during church services because they are too self-conscious. Praising the Lord through song is a blessing to Him.

One of my favorites is Panis Angelicus.

Our area in NC was not damaged. It's at a safe altitude even though it is only a couple of blocks off of a river that flows through NC and TN. It is also by the lake and TVA dam that was not damaged. The county highways need some repair but is driveable. Phone systems and internet was lost for days. Water supply is intact but on boil alert. Electricity was lost for days. Food spoilage was a problem. Debris was a problem. But, we are luckily just in a mode of clean up. We are 23 miles from the nearest town. Highways going east to west are open, NC to TN but not north to south. The town is on a cash only basis using correct change. Credit card systems were not available; so no automatic transactions. Gas supplies are limited and run out because of the shortage. Food supplies at grocery stores were limited. I don't know if they are back at full capacity. FEMA, first responders, and volunteers came in by the thousands. Electrical linemen have also travelled from long distances to aid. National Guard is helping with rescue and transportation in remote areas. Locals, volunteers, and FEMA are trying to build temporary dwellings for the homeless.

Thank you for the clarification.

There is no need to move this serious situation to conspiracy. It is devastating. I speak from first hand witnesses. We were out of state; but, neighbors in NC gave eyewitness accounts of our area. Have you any involvement in being a first responder? You would know that this is beyond normal destruction. I was a catastrophic adjuster after Hurricane Katrina. There are some powers and destructions that are beyond comprehension: the sights, the smells that you can never forget, the pain and suffering. This should not be a political issue. This is a time to come out of self and look to help people not remain victims. Give a hand up!

This should not be a message of vengeance, IMO. But, accountability for any misusing of our legal system should be addressed. And, if there needs to be reparations, let the chips fall on the guilty parties.

The Appalachians are historically know for their mining. There are several heavy metals that are toxic to humans and whole towns had to be condemned and cleaned up. One of the most famous is Copper Hill, Tn. Copper, aluminum,.., I don't know about lithium; but, trying to wean off of Chinese chips using lithium would be a reason for the government to seize property by imminent domain.

The flooding disaster was Hurricane Helene around the Asheville and northwestern part of NC. There were some towns that were completely wiped off the face of the map and washed down stream when some of TVA dams collapsed. They never will find all of the bodies. One woman and her husband were washed out of their home. She survived but her husband went under and still has not been recovered. For the past couple of years homeless people were bussed into smaller more rural towns. Who knows how many were swept away and unaccounted for. FEMA management and Homeland Security have turned out to be a big disappointment with aid and financial help with victims of the hurricanes. In Florida the controversy of FEMA first responders were told to bypass any houses that had Trump signs in yards is ongoing. Homeland Security gave $2 billion in aid for housing, feeding, and medical assistance for illegal immigrants out of the FEMA disaster fund. Mayorkas wouldn't even go to the end of year Congressional hearings of accountability. There's something wrong, very wrong here.

That may be why your icon is a dreamcatcher. Those gifts are dust catchers in today's home. Cute but a different kind of collectible.

That does give me some inspiration for my husband. I think I'll give him a comb over for his bald head.

God made covenants. He never broke any. He has always been faithful and stood by His promises. Sometimes He grows us with instructions and new understandings. We can be pretty feeble and "human." So why do we make vows and sometimes fail?

I can appreciate the concerns. Saran wrap is a plastic, too. Why would it be safer? Foam board insulation is used in walls. Wouldn't that be a concern then? Inquiring minds want to know.

I used foam insulation board and cut to size. Propped it on the inside window sill. No damage and just take it down when you need light. It's better than black out curtains for sleeping.

1. Groceries 2. Property tax 3. Homeowners insurance

Hope you are faring well through the storms there. Here it's the perfect time of year to get out and enjoy the warm sun and cool breeze. So, I walked the dog and the hubby. Unbelievable but there's still debris from the hurricanes piled up on the curbs. Afterwards we undid any kind of calorie burning by eating out at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Oh well, we kept a healthy menu trying to be mindful of the wellness goal.

You are using this opportunity to twist my intentions. That's not necessary. By now you have read my reply to Patticats. I stand by that.