Fed Cuts Rates

 The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates by 1/2 point. Why do so many people think Trump would be better for the economy than Harris? The Stock Market is up. Gas prices are coming down. The U.S. has out-performed all other countries in recovering economically after Covid. Kamala Harris is intelligent and can be trusted to make decisions for ALL the people.  Trump does not even know what tariffs do to raise prices on imported goods. 

64 and 46

Today is the 46th anniversary of my ordination to ministry of Word and Sacrament. I was called to teach at Yale Divinity School and work with Lutheran Students there.  This year also marks the 64th anniversary of my consecration as a Lutheran deaconess. (I continue to be a member of the Lutheran Diaconal Association.) I was assigned to serve at Ascension Lutheran Church in St. Louis.  I thank God for 64 (including 46) years of being able to serve so many people in different settings. 

No one is eating dogs and cats

 No one is eating cats and dogs in Springfield, Ohio.  Donald Trump's outrageous comment at the presidential debate was hateful denigrating of Haitian immigrants and racist. The ELCA has a church college, Wittenberg, in Springfield, so emailed them in care. I was surprised to receive a response from Wittenberg's president, thanking me for reaching out. The college has talked with city, country, and state officials, including the governor to be of help. He says, "It seems the new residents in our city are not having problems finding jobs and the business leaders I have spoken with appreciate their work and work ethic."  Children in Springfield are afraid because of bomb threats. How do we care for the children? How do we care for immigrants? 

9/11

 On September 11, 2001, 19 terrorists hijacked four commercial airlines which hit the World Trade Center in NYC, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, PA. Over 2,996 people were killed on that day and hundreds more died from the effects in the days and years to come. Fear followed. Now, 23 years later, we again live in a time of fear. We remember those who died on 9/11 and we pray for wisdom in these days. 

The choice

 Tomorrow, Tuesday, will be the presidential debate. Listen carefully and be willing to change your mind. Trump has a loyal following, but hear what he really means to do.  Many lifelong Republicans are now going to vote for Harris/Walz. You do not have to be a Democrat to vote for the Democratic candidates. Voting for the Democrat, does not make you a Democrat.  You are free to vote!  So listen, learn, and then vote.

The Skill, the Strength and the Determination

France and the USA played in the quarter finals of men's wheel chair basketball Tuesday. I'm not going to talk about who won and who "dominated."  It's not about domination; it's watching the strength and determination of those who played. Yes, they make baskets while sitting in a chair.  What skill! And it's about their determination when the wheelchair tips over and they have to find a way to get themselves and the chair back up. That's strength, amazing strength.

 

Burton: A Faithful Pastor

 I give thanks for my husband, Burton, being a faithful pastor for so many years. First Church UCC here in Mason City where he had been interim pastor for nearly two years celebrated him. He has preached in San Diego and NYC. He served Gethsemane in inner city Detroit for almost 5 years. He then served Zion in inner city New Haven, Ct. for seven.  When we were in Dubuque, he served 15 years at Grace in East Dubuque.  He has served as interim pastor in dozens of congregations over the years. At 87, this morning he was bid farewell for the "next chapter of his life."  I give thanks for Burton, faithful to the Gospel, always loving the people. 

Cooperation

 Men's Goal Ball is on at the Paralympics today. Three men who are blind are on each side of the court trying to block the ball from opposing team with their bodies.  Spectators need to be quiet so the men can hear each other and hear the basketball size ball, with a bell inside, coming towards them. Fascinating!  And just as fascinating that a referee with no arms, but with eyesight could announce when a goal had been made.  As differently abled and disabled, we need each other.

Vote by mail

Can you, in the state in which you live, now request an Absentee ballot for the upcoming general election? In Iowa, as of August 27, we now can. In our county we can either go to our County Courthouse, or go on their website (www.cerrogordo.gov) Ballots will be mailed out Oct. 16th. Sometimes postal delivery takes longer than we may think, so mail it in quickly. Mail-in ballots received after Nov. 5 will not be counted. Check out the rules for the county and state in which you live.

 

Olympics Opening Ceremony

 The "Inclusion Revolution" People with disabilities and those without participate together on stage. Also, the lighting of the torch ceremony included people not just from France but from many nations.  In the picture, although it looks like people are rowing on water, it is just the lights that portray water and boats.

The Paralympics

 The 2024 Paralympics have begun. The opening ceremony was today. Watch them. Watch what people with disabilities can do!  Learn! Celebrate! Respect them!

Sixty-two years of marriage

 Today the thermometer outside says 99 degrees. When Burton and I were married here in Mason City on August 26 the temperature was 76 degrees. So we stayed indoors for our anniversary.  We met in 1956 but would not be married until 6 years later: 1962, because deaconesses were just recently allowed to marry and men (of course) could not marry until their final year of seminary, and then only with permission. But here we are, spending the day reading some of the two large boxes of letters we sent to each other during those years. We give thanks.  Son Joel, wife Rachel, Jennaya and Jackson and his girlfriend Mya, stopped by and saw some of the letters.

Words of Kamala Harris

 DNC: Words of Kamala Harris: Every day in the courtroom, I stood proudly before a judge and said five words: “Kamala Harris, for the People.” And to be clear: My entire career, I have only had one client. The People. And so, on behalf of The People, On behalf of every American. Regardless of party. Race. Gender. Or the language your grandmother speaks. On behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey. On behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with. People who work hard. Chase their dreams. And look out for one another. On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth. I accept your nomination for President of the United States of America.

DNC Words of Cory Booker

 DNC: words of Cory Booker: You can't lead the people if you don't love the people--all the people. The power of the people is greater than the people in power. I believe in America where we share a common good and a common cause and our common destiny. If you love America, you will work for America. Keep the faith.

DNC Barack Obama

 DNC Barack Obama: The election does not just matter to the people in this country. The rest of the world is watching. . . No nation, no society has ever tried to build a democracy as big and as diverse as ours before. One that includes people that, over decades, have come from every corner of the globe. One where our allegiances and our community are defined not by race or blood but by a common creed. And that’s why when we uphold our values, the world’s a little brighter. When we don’t, the world’s a little dimmer—and dictators and autocrats feel emboldened, and over time, we become less safe. 

words of Hillary Clinton

 DNC: Words of Hillary Clinton:

Eight years ago, I was honored to accept the Democratic nomination and become the first woman to lead the Democratic ticket for President of the United States.

We made history that day. The excitement was palpable. Shattering the long-awaited glass ceiling of a woman in the White House felt closer than ever before.

Now, we have the chance to make that dream a reality.

The Old Creamery

 I'm not able to take long trips anymore, so Burton and I recently traveled 20 miles to Garner, Iowa, where my Uncle Ott was butter maker for many decades. The Creamery  is now "The Olde Creamery" which fittingly features homemade ice cream in many flavors.  Of course was had some. We also saw Uncle Ott and Aunt Caroline's home which was a stable place for my sister and me growing up after our father died. On the way home we also walked around Central Gardens of North Iowa in Clear Lake. 

Election Certification

 In 2020 Trump supporters tried to subvert election results in some places. In 2024 the attempts will be bolder. At the local, state and national level, 2020 election deniers are being appointed to control the certification process. Who are the people who will be in charge of counting and reporting the results of the Nov. election where you live? Will they be election deniers? Getting out the vote is important. Just as important is who will certify, or not certify the votes. 

Iowa Potato Salad

 Potato Salad the way my mother and then I have made it for years; we call it Iowa Potato Salad. There's no recipe written down. Take the same amount of eggs as you do small potatoes. Hard boil the eggs (I use about 6), putting them in the water after it boils. Leave in for 10 minutes. Put the potatoes in tap water; let them and water come to a boil at the same time. Cook until potatoes soft (by a fork) but not mushy.  Cool. Mix sliced eggs and bite-size potato pieces together with mayo. Eggs last so the hard yoke stays whole. Add very small pieces of celery, cucumber, onions, or whatever.  (Not too much). Salt well.  Refrigerate. It stays for 3-4 days.

Olympics Celebration

Over 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries took part in the 2024 Olympics, including Barbados, Cayman Island, New Zealand, Ukraine, Aruba, Canada, New Zealand, Cameroon, the United States, Cuba, Estonia, Fiji, India, Laos, Kenya, Namibia, Latvia, Netherlands, Syria, Australia, Ethiopia, France, and a refugee team. Tonight we celebrate the closing ceremony and pledge to continue to work for a peaceful global community. 

True Stories of Made-up Ones

When I was doing my student teaching as Roosevelt Elementary School in Mason City, the teacher would say to the first grade students, "Remember, when you stand up to tell a story be sure to start with saying if this is a true story or a story you made up." To this day I can see those children beginning with either, "This is a true story" or "I made this story up." Would that today adults could distinguish between telling the truth or making things up. 

Severe ME Day

 Today, August 8, is Severe ME Day.  I have lived with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) for 42 years. It continues to be a disease with no known cause and no cure. We have lost many, many people to the disease.  Most doctors still are not taught about ME so finding knowledgable medical personal to help is difficult. Please pray for those who struggle. 

Absentee ballots

 Absentee ballots may be harder to get this year. And they need to be received l15 days before the election.  Sometimes P.O. delivery takes longer than we might estimate. It is now not legal in Iowa to send unsolicited absentee ballot applications, or to pre-fill things such as a voter's name and address on a ballot application. In previous elections voters had a 110-day window to submit the application. The Iowa law reduced that window to 55 days so voters in the 2024 general election will not be able to start submitting applications until late August. The cutoff to return the ballots is five days earlier this year.

Iowa is one of 10 states that have narrowed the window for applying for a mail-in ballot to make it harder to apply for a mail-in ballot. 

The Answer

  The answer for my posted question Friday: All three!  1. I Body surfed off the coast of South Australia when in Adelaide to speak at the Lutheran Seminary there. The next land south of the Southern Ocean is Antartica. 2. I waded three miles to Holy Isle across the North Sea at precisely low tide, with members attending Global Diakonia. 3. I climbed a Phoenix mountain near son Mark's house 3 times, once by myself which did concern Mark. 

Which of these three

 In the Spirit of the Olympics, which, if any, of these three have I done? 1. Body surfed in the Southern Ocean? 2. Walked three miles to Holy Isle across the North Sea? 3. Climbed a mountain by myself in Phoenix? Reply by posting numbers. 

Voting Rights

This July marked the 60th anniversary of the Landmark Civil Rights Act signed by President Lyndon Johnson July, 1964. This was followed in 1965 by the Voting Rights Bill. President Biden visited the LBJ Library in Austin for the Commemoration. Let's make sure all have the right to vote this year. 

  

Disability Pride Month

July has been "Disability Pride Month." As the month comes to a close, there has been little notice. Disability "Pride" means "Recognition." "Respect," and "Accommodation." Pride for me means I have an incurable disease, but I am more than my disease.

Over 1/4 of adults in the United States live with a disability. I have lived with my disability for 42 years. We need recognition, willingness to learn about our disability, understanding, accessibility, accommodation, and inclusion. 

I give thanks for those who have been caring partners on this journey.

 

You won't have to vote again

How many things are wrong, unconstitutional, and dangerous with what Donald Trump said Friday? "Christians, get out and vote, just this time. You won't have to do it again. In four years we'll have it fixed so good, you will never have to vote." 

 From the Oval Office
     "I revere this office, but I love my country more. . .  

Storms in Iowa

From Urbandale, Iowa, through to Eastern Iowa Monday there was at least one tornado, derecho winds, and large hail. Trees fell and thousands were without power. Officials are assessing damage.  Our prayers are with those who are suffering from these storms and bad weather from the Climate crisis.

60th anniversary of Civil Rights Act

 The Civil Rights Act of 1964: The 60th Anniversary Commemoration will be held at the Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Presidential Library & Museum on the grounds of the University of Texas in Austin on Monday July 15, 2024, with a program featuring music, readings, and a keynote address by President Joe Biden. Also confirmed to participate is civil rights leader Ambassador Andrew Young, and the University Concert Choir. The Civil Rights Act was followed by the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965.

International Dialog

 This week I am participating in our annual Religious Education Association meeting, this year by Zoom. How interesting and important to hear speakers and engage in dialog yesterday morning with a woman from Korea leading, and speakers from Indonesia and Brazil. Also part of the conversation were people from the U.S., Canada and Australia, people I have known through REA for years. The topic: Interfaith Studies.

Safely Home

 Thank you all who were praying for my son Mark and his daughter caught in the approaching Hurricane Beryl in the Yucatan Peninsula on their way home from Colombia. We have now heard that their plane "made it out just in time."  They are safely back in Phoenix, but it was 111 degrees when they arrived.  However, thousands of people remain, living with the devastation and in the Caribbean. We pray for them and all who are living with the effects of the Climate crisis. 

Hurricane Beryl

 Our son Mark and his daughter Aimee, heading home from Colombia, S.A., are in the Yucatan Peninsula. We pray their connecting plane will be able to land and then take them home to Phoenix.  We pray for all whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.

I dissent

 Immune. Immune. Immune. Immune. With fear for our democracy, I dissent.

How do you debate someone who lies?

 President Biden is being criticized for what they call his "halting" speech last night.  We have known that Biden has been a stutterer since childhood. I have a disability. I have aphasia. For years I have had difficulty speaking at night without a script.  Prejudice against those with a disability! This has nothing to do with Biden's wisdom and leadership.  He is smart.  He is not too old!  How do you debate a person, Trump, who constantly lies and slanders you? Biden had the substance and truth! That's what counts.

Summer Solstice Jun 20

 What will you be doing today, June 20th, the Summer Solstice? Post what you will be doing. Dusk in Northern Iowa, at 9:10 p.m. and Dawn at 5:15 a.m. We are celebrating grandson Jackson's 18th birthday. (And for my friends in South Australia, what will you be doing on the shortest day of the year?)

A Pluralistic Nation

 Louisiana just became the first U.S. state to require the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms. This goes against the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This is a pluralistic nation. Public schools and colleges should educate about all religions, not teach students in which religion to believe. Christian Nationalism is not the religion of the United States and should not become so.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth (June 19), a time to remember that this country enslaved people and to give thanks that the news of emancipation finally reached Texas (even if 3 years late). Also a time to make sure all people are fully free and have freedom to vote. 

Burton: a wonderful father and grandfather

Burton has been such a wonderful, caring, father to Mark, Joel and Kirk, for all these years.  A great grandfather, faithful pastor and friend to so many. 

Not in My Backyard.

"Not in my backyard." That phrase is still here. In a nearby large city, plans were for a 14-bedroom home to become 12 temporary housing units to aid men transitioning to permanent homes. Tenants could live there for up to two years.The city's Plan and Zoning Commission approved the project with a 12-1 vote, but not before hearing from a crowd of residents who unanimously opposed the project. They mentioned the proximity of the property to an Elementary School and expressed concern for the safety of children who may pass by. Why do we assume providing housing will hurt children? What do we really care about?

Purging Diversity

As of July 1 in Iowa, 67 boards and commissions are slated for extinction, including those representing marginalized and underrepresented groups, such as people with autism, children with special health needs, aging adults and more. Gone will be the divisions on the status of women, of African-Americans, of Latinos, of Asian and Pacific Islanders, of Native Americans and of people with disabilities. Also vanishing on July 1 will be a gender-balance requirement in effect since 1987--the nation's first--requiring proportional representation by men and women on state boards and commissions. [Rekha Basu in the Des Moines Sunday Register, 6/9/24]

Did you know about my scar?

 Little known fact about me. Way, way before Title IX, in grade school in Des Moines I played soccer baseball, boys and girls together. No competitive opposing teams; we rotated positions. In 6th grade, while on my way to 2nd base, I cut my knee. The school yard field was made of cinders.  I was taken to a doctor for stitches. Seventy-four years later I still have the cinder-colored scar on my knee.

80th Anniversary of D-Day

 I remember D-Day. Although I was only 5, it was such good news. British, U.S. and Canadian landed in Normandy.  So many died, but finally Hitler's Germany would be pushed back. It would take another year before The Second World War would end in Europe and in Asia.  We hoped that never again would the world be at war.  The United Nations was formed.  Now again, we face wars and possibilities of wars across the globe. We have work to do to prevent and end them.

New President in Mexico

 Notable is the fact that Mexico elected its first woman and first Jewish president.  Claudia Sheinbaum brings many things to the office, including the fact that she has a Ph.D. in energy engineering.  She understands the Climate Crisis.  As the United State's largest trading partner and closet neighbor to the south, we need to work together with Mexico to face the challenges ahead for both our countries.

A graceful, kind Marian Robinson Dies

 Marian Robinson, mother of former first lady Michell Obama died May 31 at the age of 86.  She watched over the Obama daughters during the 8 years the family lived in the White House.  What a graceful, loving, caring woman, a role model for us all.

Waterfall after the storms

 After the storms and rain, here is the waterfall 1 1/2 blocks from our home. 

Holy Trinity Sunday

 

This weekend is Trinity Sunday.

Holy, Holy, Holy. These words point us to God’s transcendent sovereignty, and fearsome majesty. Jesus and the apostle Paul each talk about God as accessible as a parent, and as approachable as a good friend. On this Trinity Sunday, as we celebrate God’s three-in-oneness, we remember how inadequate our language for God can be. In scripture, music, liturgy, sermon, and prayers, we gather to worship our unfathomable God.

What Really Is Memorial Day?

 Memorial Day: A 3-day weekend? Beginning of Summer plans? Traffic jams? Sales? Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor the loved ones who have gone before, particularly the men and women who have died while serving in the military, both in war and during peacetime.  

Flox, Rocks, and a Deer.

 Flox, rocks, and a deer. Burton and I took an early morning walk on the Meredith Willson/Music Man bridge last night. It flows over Willow Creek, just a few blocks from our home. There is a water fall just around the bend.  A fine experience after the terrible storms across Iowa the night before.

Over 240 graduates

 Jackson Everist, our grandson, was among the 243 graduates of Mason City High School (Iowa) Sunday, May 19.  Here he is receiving his diploma.  Also pictured is Jackson receiving his plaque for having a 4.00 grade point. He is placing it on the wall among the plaques of 4.00 students going way back to mine in 1956, my sister's in 1954, and Jackson's sister Jennaya in 2022.

  

Jackson's Graduation

 Grandson Jackson Everist graduates Sunday from Mason City High School, the school from which I graduated, and from which my father graduated in 1917.  Friday night was Jackson's graduation party. His parents, Joel and Rachel and his sister, Jennaya (MCHS 2022) are pictured with him. Red and Black are the Riverhawks colors.

Jackson graduates with a 4.0.  He has won many awards, for music, theater, student senate, All-State, and Model U.N.  He will attend North Iowa Area Community College next year to begin to discern his field of study and vocation.  Rachel and Joel teach there.

70th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education

 

Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court decision that declared “separate but equal” education unconstitutional in the United States – remains one of the most consequential court cases in American history.

As the nation commemorates the ruling’s 70th anniversary, the case may have paved the way for more equal and integrated schools, but fierce – and continued – opposition to integration means the ruling in no way assured the end of segregated education in the United States.

Although progress has undoubtedly been made over the decades, research shows many school districts today are racially segregated because they are divided along residential and economic lines. 

Recent policies have resulted in more intensely segregated schools, where 10% or fewer students are white.

Just Western Civilization?

 Iowa will be required to include specific topics and themes in its social studies curriculum under a new law signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds Wednesday.

The state's social studies standards would be required to include instruction on government, civics and "exemplary figures and important events in Western civilization, the United States and the state of Iowa."

Opponents believed that "Western civilization" be replaced with "World Civilization"

How can we build peace in the world if students don't learn about the whole world?

What Became a Tradition

 Here we area: Jackson, Jennaya and I planting annuals in Joel's and Rachel's backyard.  It started when Jennaya was two and she "helped me."  When Jackson came alone, he was still crawling, but soon he began to help by watering. Now Jennaya is turning 20 and Jackson 18.  We have planted together all these years.  It's only 5 minutes by car to their house now that we live in Mason City.  When we lived in Dubuque, we drove 3 hours to hear the Spring Concert of Mason City High School Choirs with Joel directing and Rachel playing piano.  Then we would stay over and plant flowers.  Who knew planting "annuals" together would become a tradition?