Sometime an issue doesn’t matter to you until it hits you in the face. Right? It’s easier to think of broad beliefs, and even the solutions, that don’t effect your money or your time, until it’s right there in front of you.

My hubby and I have this experience right now.

It comes in the package of a six month baby boy, who is our neighbor’s nephew, who has a dead father and drug addicted mother. Our neighbor and his wife have brought the little boy into their home temporarily, along with his 2 1/2 half year old sister. Without them taking the kids right now social services would have found a foster home for them.

Our neighbors have an adult daughter, no grandchildren yet, and therefore no baby items in their house. Some of us have rallied around them and donated some basic needs for them. We went over to give some moral support too and to meet the little guy and his sister a couple of days ago.

The baby boy has beautiful eyes and a wide smile. He is chunky which is wonderful considering he was born ‘addicted’ to drugs due to his mother. He has an large abdominal hernia from the first month or two of lots of screaming and crying. But, he is doing really well now, and at this young age he has no idea how people are deciding his fate.

His momma goes into rehab today. It’s not her first time. Will she be successful in drying out and staying clean? We pray she does. But, reality says she this is a lifelong cycle.

So, what about this baby boy?

And, what about so many, many young children born in America with an uphill battle?

My heart breaks for these little ones.

Addiction. Lack of mental health help for adults. Lack of giving them motivation, an education, and hope. No free birth control. Women who feel no control over their own bodies. And, women looking to get help by attaching themselves to a man by having a baby (and that never works.)

While this is America…. So is the trend by many state governments to take away abortion as an option. I think about how more babies will now be born unwanted, or in situations like our neighbor’s little nephew.

Our social service departments across the country are understaffed and under funded. Foster parents are wonderful but it’s so sad to think of these little ones getting ‘passed around’ – sometimes just for money.

This time of year I think about the birth of the baby boy in Bethlehem, born to a young mother – a woman who was told her role, and she abided. Mary, and Joseph, did what they could to make sure this baby ‘made it’ and he became the change in the world that we needed. Jesus grew up to tell us to love all children, to take care of those in need, and to help the poor and the hopeless. Are we listening?

For hubby and I right now, this beautiful little 6 month old next door is taking an abstract concept and putting in front of us, in real life.

His uncle and aunt have difficult decisions to make. They are working hard to do what will be best for him, and are spending lots of time dealing with ‘the system’ .

This post does not have a happy ending. I wish it did.

We are one week into December already and these thoughts are rattling around in my brain…

Taylor Swift as “Person of the Year” for 2023 was a wonderful choice! She is so uplifting and we need that. Taylor is a poet, a musician, an amazing business woman, a role model to young women, someone who handles attention without being obnoxious, honest, liberal, and genuinely loves her fans. She is in a relationship with them. She knows how to be in touch, is kind, and giving, and during this era of ego driven politicians, and other crazes out there, she is a breath of fresh air. You know, I hope she and Travis work out. She deserves a solid relationship. They both come from close families, have big success in their fields, enjoy playfulness, and are at the age where they are looking for something solid. I wish them good luck.

This is the time of year where everyone seems to get sick. We have a change in weather with the seasons, and we are closed in more, and we are feeling the pre-Christmas stress which challenges are bodies. Both my daughters are feeling it (one just tested positive for the flu), and I have my fingers crossed that I get through the next few weeks without catching some bug. Last night I woke with a sinus headache and it was a reminder to me to drink more water! I never drink enough of it. I go from coffee to wine most days. A body needs lots of water to stay healthy.

Another reminder: Christmas is about the baby Jesus.

Also, December has lots of religious holidays for different faiths. Saying Happy Holidays is appropriate and it is not a ‘war on Christmas.”

What the heck is going on at our colleges and universities? Teens and young adults on campuses across the country are usually open-minded and educated enough to know better than to belittle others, and open enough to accept differences. I am appalled by the groups that engage in fear, and are taking sides on the Israel – Hamas – Gaza war. It’s complicated. It’s war, and too many innocent people are being killed, and it’s absolutely horrible. There is pain everywhere. I think the only thing we can speak out against is the ruthless actions, the murders, and the kidnappings by the terrorist group Hamas. Beyond that, support humanitarian efforts, and pray that it ends somehow. Citizens of Israel and Palestine are good people, not deserving of any of this.

Also on college campuses, another mass shooting – this time in Las Vegas (home of the huge mass shooting at the country music concert.) Another reminder: we can NEVER accept this. NEVER…. And especially when we Americans have an ability to enact laws, and change minds so that victims have rights, not just gun owners.

Did you watch the Republican debate last night? Me neither. But, I do wonder if Nikki Haley can keep going and in a few months go toe to toe with Trump. I’d like to see that. I;m not a Republican but she would certainly be a better choice as the Republican candidate for our next president. She respects democracy. She respects democratic elections. She has relationships with foreign countries from her time at the UN. There is a lot I do not agree with, but she will not be the narcissistic, desperate bully that Trump is.

Some US congressmen and women are stating they are not going to run for office again. Even the short-lived Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy announced he is leaving. (Bye, bye.). So, another reminder: VOTE!! We will have open seats, and new options. Pay attention because this coming year will be big when it comes to who we vote into office to represent us.

Favorite Christmas season music? I’m hearing a lot of it right now and I really appreciate the live performances and talented musicians. Last Saturday I heard a live performance of the “Messiah” – Then Sunday I participated in a special music morning at a local church. This evening I am playing with the flute choir for a special event at an old, historical home in my town. Each room is decorated by local designers. I love all the usual carols for sure, but I also love the various genres out there performing them – from classical, to country. Tonight is a Country music Christmas special on TV.

Speaking of Christmas events, another big one is movie watching! Right? We all have our favorite holiday movies that are ‘must see’ films right now. For me it is definitely “White Christmas” and “Christmas Vacation.” I also love “4 Christmases.” And the Peanuts Charlie Brown special is a must!! Reminder: take time to enjoy your favorites.

Have you finished decorating and buying gifts? I’m pretty much done with both. I do my best to leave those items off my ‘stress list’ for Christmas. I’m wrapping now. I’m waiting for my cards to arrive to address them. You doing Christmas cards this year? I debate it every year but still send some, although the number that go out in the mail has dropped somewhat. It’s a dying tradition.

Reminder: You can’t do everything.

Do you bake? That is one thing I have never done much of – really at any time. Ha! I used to make a family tradition: Milheim sugar cookies. Maybe I will make some. Closer to Christmas to share with neighbors.

As many of you know I have become a fan of certain podcasts. One I listen to each week is called “The Political Gabfest” from Slate.com. I enjoy the guests, and topics of politics, always on the show. Today there was an author, Tim Alberta, who wrote a book titled “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelism in an age of Extremism.” Tim grew up a preacher’s son in an Evangelical church and as an adult became a reporter and writer. The discussion about the book with the podcasters David Plotz, Emily Bazelon, and John Dickerson, was really interesting. Reminder: order the book!

Time to end this. It’s time to stop writing, and to ‘do’ some things today!

Reminder: Whatever gets done is enough.

People say to me sometimes that they don’t see the sense of being involved on social media, especially Facebook. I know some are fearful that ‘big brother’ is watching through our cameras, or that they are listening in, and that a mystery organization is aware of our postings and buying habits.

Some of that might be true. But, I live an open book. I don’t have anything to hide. I’m careful enough with my social security number and with credit card numbers and I have never (yet) had anyone steal my numbers through social media. I’m not saying it may never happen.

But I don’t live in fear.

This time of year with Thanksgiving next week and Christmas next month, I really enjoy the positive posts I see on Facebook. Just this morning I saw a video about a local restaurant that prepares and serves free Thanksgiving meals downtown in my town. It touched me and I plan to drop off some cash later today to help out and to give my thanks to them. Had I not seen it on social media I would not have known.

I also see the thousands of Samaritan’s Purse boxes getting collected now, that will then be sent to big centers for packing up, and to send out to children around the world.

I read uplifting messages from a local group called “Good Friends of Georgetown County” who receive donations that then go to those who are temporarily in need of funds to get by.

I admire the group that has turned the local community garden into a thriving place that produces food for many and teaches children who come on field trips to experience it, to get their hands into the soil.

There are many many more.

Facebook makes me feel good about the goodness of others. Instagram does it also, but I see more positivity more on Facebook. More in-depth stories. Pictures of people making a difference.

Maybe it’s just me, but I love – and I think I need – to see the good posts. There is so much bad and sadness everywhere else. It helps to balance what is going on in the world.

I have always said that if you have a little time each week to do something good for someone else it comes right back to you. It’s amazing how that works. It’s not an ego thing. It’s a community feeling. It’s about knowing you are one part of making love happen in our world.

Social media is fun of course. I love seeing my friends’ pictures, especially of their families. I love getting updates. Perhaps I am just seeing the best of their times, but that’s okay with me. It makes me smile.

I love feeling connected. I definitely feel more connected with my family and friends who use Facebook and Instagram. It’s not being nosy. It’s being thankful – for knowing them. I’m interested in what they are doing. Occasionally, it’s offering a kind word when they need it. But most often it’s sharing in their good times. I use emojis and maybe too many exclamation marks in my comments to them!!! But, don’t we need cheerleading? Isn’t it a good thing to celebrate even our day to day normal life??

So, with thanksgiving next week, I am grateful for all the good acts I see on social media. I appreciate those who share their good times through posts and pictures because it lifts me up too. Please eep ‘em coming. The more I see the better. I think you know who you are, but there are a few girlfriends who live far away but I still feel close to you. I love that.

Thanks for sharing the good on social media.

This time of year, after Halloween, I see posts and memes on social media about when people think is the right time to put up Christmas trees and decorations.

Obviously it is up to the individual. I know people who do it early because they enjoy the lights. People get ‘itchy’ to do it because they go into stores and see everything up, and all the Christmas items are on the shelves for sale.

Time flies by. Too quickly.

I’m the type that tries to slow down time, and to enjoy each day, and not rush on to the next thing. By the way, the next thing is Thanksgiving.

So, I admit I get a feeling of sadness when I see the seasons and the holidays go by so quickly. I get a bit annoyed at the rush for Christmas.

There are two Christmases. The secular one with Santa and lots of glitz and too many parties. Then there is the religious Christmas. You know, the one with the baby Jesus born in a stable, who came into the world through a teenager named Mary. God’s son that came to earth to show us how to live, and to let us know the grace of God, and the hope for eternal life.

This morning I saw a meme about decorating for Christmas and I wondered how many Christians actually follow the church calendar and celebrate Advent first. Advent starts the church year off. It is four weeks of preparation for the arrival of the baby Jesus. I’m sure you have seen Advent calendars for sale (with chocolate behind each door). I grew up with them but they had written scripture telling the Christmas story behind each door. We also had an Advent wreath with 5 candles on it that was kept on our table and we lit a new candle each week. Each week brought more light, and then the special Christmas candle in the middle was lit on Christmas Day. The light of the world has arrived. It’s a tradition that is fading.

Christians are supposed to be different. We are meant to be examples of the teachings found in the Bible. We are to spread the Good News, and to follow the commandments and the B’attitudes. It’s hard to do at times. Right? It’s so easy to slip into the secular ways. Not that they are all bad. But they can be stressful. Expensive. Tiring.

I think that is why I feel weird about this time of year. The secular Christmas is so in my face already. The rush to do all the lights and to put up the trees early, and everything is already about Christmas – already.

Already.

I want Thanksgiving. I want to experience thanks and gratitude. I want to do one holiday at a time.

I want to acknowledge Advent. I’m a Christian that wants to use the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas to prepare. Not now. Not yet. I want to slow down. I want to wait and see the twinkling lights and feel the awe and joy closer to Christmas. I want to create that feeling then – not now.

Don’t get me wrong though. I am buying some gifts. I want to allow enough time for purchasing and shipping and wrapping. I am practicing Christmas music with my bandmates, handbells, and flute choir friends now. I do what I can to relieve the stress I usually feel once December arrives. Because, yes, time flies by.

That’s why it’s so important to me to not push it even more. I want to find the joy, and to live it at the right time. I want to always acknowledge that Christmas is about Christ.

So for me, Advent is not here yet. The time for Christmas preparation is not here yet. I’m not ready for it yet.

Seriously, what’s the rush???

When I heard about the death of Matthew Perry this weekend I felt so very sad, as millions of other “Friends” lovers did. We felt we knew Matthew’s character Chandler so well from watching and rewatching the 10 years of episodes.

Chandler was a very funny guy but as we got to know the character over time we came to know him as a loving and very sensitive guy too. The writers made Chandler, but Matthew said the role was ‘him.’ Chandler often covered up his feelings with humor. Matthew did too. He was really good at it.

I read Matthew Perry’s autobiography that came out last year. It was a very good read to try and understand how some people go through their whole life dealing with mental health issues. He struggled constantly with self esteem issues, and he was born with a very addictive gene. He reached for drugs and alcohol from a young age on. And, he tried and tried to get clean only to fall back into his addictive and abusive ways. He was in and out of rehab more times than anyone can imagine.

His death has not been listed as anything but an accidental drowning at this point. But, lots of prescription drugs for depression and anxiety were found in his home. He had hurt his body for years. The drugs and alcohol, vast weight changes, and even his colon bursting, all contributed to his demise, brought on but constant doubts, and disappointments, expectations, and more.

Matthew Perry struggled with his mental health all his life.

Last week we also heard about the mass shooting in Maine and that the mental health of the shooter was out of whack. He had been suffering for months (or more) and had been hospitalized for two weeks this past summer. People who knew him knew he was delusional and that he was speaking of possible violent acts.

We have a mental health epidemic in America. We don’t put enough emphasis on those in need until it can be too late. A person’s well being and their thoughts about themselves start early in childhood. We take babies and children for physical exams regularly but never have mental care checks. A traumatic event can also trigger mental health issues. We all live in a stressful day to day world of wanting to succeed, wanting to be loved, wanting to be liked, and wanting to live financially secure. We ALL have times of mental illness. Maybe not clinically. But in some degree we do – depending on the day.

Matthew Perry never acted out in ways that hurt others. He hurt himself. But some do lash out. Their brain tells them too – and it is really hard to understand why. But it happens. Every mass shooter has these feelings. And in the United States we see it happening every day.

Our mental heath is even more important than our physical health. Yet we still keep it hush hush and we attach stigmas to anyone we know who might be struggling. We want to ignore it. We want to pretend we are tough, and happy, and always in control.

The need for mental health care is still too often considered a weakness.

But seeking help is a strength. Care is available through counseling, therapy, and prescription drugs. But it costs money and it shouldn’t. And it should not be a political fight. But it is. I believe every person who wants help with their mental health should be able to get it. I also believe working on mental health should happen throughout each individual’s life, and that it will stop a lot of the other ills of America.

We need to stop thinking that it’s not my problem and that every man is in it for himself. Because – it’s not right. We live in communities, and what happens around us happens to us! Supporting anyone and everyone who seeks mental health care will better all our lives.

The only time I ever really hear people talk about the need for better mental health care is when they are blaming it for gun deaths. And it would certainly help for that. (I still strongly believe in the need for better, safer gun regulations too), But, it would also reduce road rage, and spousal abuse, bullying, and so much more.

Since we live in communities we have to care for all wh live in the communities. Speaking up, showing compassion, offering help, and voting for those who will make mental health free in our country. You can call it medical socialism if you like. I don’t care. I believe it’s an important path to a healthy democracy. It’s about healing the whole body and therefore having a better country.

Nothing is more important than taking care of our mental health. Nothing.

When I heard about the mass shooting last night in Lewiston, Maine, I thought to myself that unfortunately I could just go back to one of my earlier “Marla’s Musings” posts I have written. I could post one from the past again because the pain is the same and there have been no changes in our country to get mass shooting weapons out of the hands of those who should not have them.

Nothing.

But I decided to write a new post – for a couple of reasons. First, I feel we can’t just think, oh another mass shooting. Been there, done that. I also felt it was important to the people so personally effected by this to let them know THIS IS NOT RiGHT. IT IS NOT NORMAL. THiS CAN NOT CONTINUE.

Yet it does.

This time the mass shooting happened in a large town in Maine. In Lewiston, Maine. Maine is a state not highly populated, and a state known mostly for it’s beauty. It’s usually a quiet place. My son-in-law comes from Maine and all his family still live there. Good people. Loving. Hearty.

Not to give the shooter any glory – at all, but we must know this is important: He’s a white male, an expert in guns, with a military past. Other mass shooters have been the same. There is something going on with these individuals. In fact, this shooter had already been in therapy for delusional thoughts. Yet, he was still able to have a mass shooting weapon. Were his weapons seized when he was under mental health care? Then given back? Did he steal the weapon? Or buy a ghost gun? We don’t know these answers yet but these are important questions. Did his family and friends pick up on him again struggling? Did someone else abet the shooter and help him get a weapon? Is there responsibility for a mass shooting beyond the individual who did it?

Last night’s shooting started in a bowling alley on “Youth Night” and then continued at a local bar. The tally of dead I have heard so far is 22, with many, many more injured. Names of the dead have not been released yet but I worry that many will be teenagers who were enjoying some fun together at the bowling alley.

I am a mother and a grandmother. This time it was not one of my daughters, or grandchildren – but for the grace of God at this point. Because, here in the United States, we continue to allow this to happen. We have legislators more concerned about winning votes, and getting NRA lobby money, and talking about “Freedoms” above anything else.

Freedom.

Freedom means going out to a bowling alley, to a bar, to a temple, a movie theatre, a school, a church, a shopping center, a music concert, a grocery store – and not get killed in a mass shooting.

Freedom is NOT the right to have a gun. I’m sorry – it is not. There are been gun manufacturers and lobbyists who have put fear into people for years, thinking a gun will save you. It will not. Nobody had time last night to shoot back at the guy who walked into the bowling alley and then the bar. Guns are NOT personal safety. In fact thy are a false power belief. Way more guns are used in mass shootings, in spousal abuse, in accidents with children, and in suicides, then in personal safety.

Statistics don’t lie. We can look all around the world at countries that limit gun ownership and have stronger laws. They have less shootings. The United States in known around the world as being the ‘gun happy’ country because we recklessly allow just about anyone to get their hands on one, legally and illegally.

ENOUGH

So – I say ENOUGH again. I write another post again. I promise to continue to voice what I can about how we need to change. We need sensible gun laws and we need much better mental health care, and restrictions. The two: guns and mental health issues should never be allowed. If that means taking away guns and not always getting it right, I am okay with that.

ENOUGH.

I continue to promise to only vote for candidates who are determined to do something about guns in America. We all CAN do something if we have the right leaders and members of Congress. We can do something as citizens. If you own a gun, secure it. If you have one but wish you didn’t, turn it into the police. If you notice anything unusual with someone who owns a gun, report it.

ENOUGH.

If you attend church you hear these words: “It passes all understanding.”

It is said because sometimes a Christian has to put their faith before their knowledge. Sometimes a Christian has to go out on a limb and put their life in the hands of a Lord who is not human – to believe in the one that created, and loves endlessly, and is not limited by time or space. Our human minds just can’t comprehend all that God is and does. But still we believe.

In religion we are not looked down on for having faith above knowledge. In fact, I think true followers of God, believers in His Word found in the Bible, have to ‘let go and let God.’ I have used that expression often in my life. I have enough faith to know I don’t know everything, yet as a child of God I am forgiven and loved anyway.

Lately I have been thinking about how I use the phrase ‘it passes understanding’ with some earthly events, or beliefs, or actions of others.

I watch the videos of the hatred I see on the news that leads to violence, to inhumane treatment, and to killing beautiful innocent children. I can not understand how someone can get to a mental state of lashing out so severely. How can someone use knives and guns against people they do not even know who never did anything wrong to them?

It passes all understanding.

I Think about world dictators who seem to be missing the element of compassion, like a tin man with no heart, who want to be powerful above all else, and who think people are collateral damage to their mission. What brought them to this place? Why are they bullies without a conscience?

It passes all understanding.

I think about a whole group of Americans who have been sucked in to a cult-like belief , denying facts, pushing forward false theories, and who have become defiant in not opening their minds to see other possibilities. I will never get how friends and neighbors who live like me, yet support a man who has shown himself over and over again as an ultra narcissistic liar, someone who has been indicted over and over for illegal behavior, who speaks rudely to and about women, veterans, the disabled, etc. and has no boundaries for civility.

It passes all understanding.

We are who we allow ourselves to be. We make choices that define our lives. Some people seem to be fine with that. I hear this: “I am who I am” so take me as I am. There is no desire for learning more, for bettering themselves, for offering respect to the stranger, and certainly for giving out help when it looks you in the face. “Not my problem” and “this is mine, not yours” – “Come at me and I will take you down.”

It passes all understanding.

I suppose if I were a social worker or a psychiatrist I would understand better, perhaps I would know how the pains of the past, or the lack of education, or the feelings of being unimportant, and more – resulted in a lack of emotion that brought some to be able to kill, to hurt without remorse, to act better than others, to fall into cults, and on and on.

Sometimes I think it is a test for me.

When something happens or a person does something I truly can not understand…. Do I accept that it passes all understanding? Do I forgive and love anyway? Do I put my faith in God and let it go?

Hello and happy Thursday! I hope you are doing well as we head towards the end of October and to Halloween.

We also have the twins’ 6th birthday celebration coming up at the end of the month, and it’s hard to believe these little guys are almost 6 years old. I spent a good bit of time with them earlier this month because they were ‘tracked out’ of school and their mom and dad had to continue to go to work. I enjoyed all we did together and I enjoyed all the talking they did, and constantly asking me how to spell words. After only a few months in kindergarten they are learning word sounds, vowels and consonants, etc. I loved seeing their enthusiasm for it. I loved how they wanted to figure out words – and it reminded me how our language has so many ‘exceptions’ to the rule. Yikes! It’s a tough language to learn.

Each day that I was with the boys though it was nice to have mom & dad come home and take over – while Mimi poured a glass of wine and relaxed. Ha

October is a wonderful weather month. We are now experiencing cooler mornings and lovely afternoons, where it is still warm (not hot) and without the humidity. We don’t get frost on the pumpkins here and I am okay with that.

Tonight we are going to a Willie Nelson concert down in North Charleston. Hubby and I both love his music and we figured we better see him live now because he is 93 years old and he may not be around much longer, or he may not be able to entertain on stage. It’s an outdoor concert at a distillery. Low key. Sitting on a blanket, and enjoying the music under the stars. Willie has so many classic country songs I look forward to hearing. I love concert experiences.

Of course October has also brought some pretty bad news – including the horrific violence on innocent Israelis. At this evening’s concert I will be thinking of the young people who were at a music festival there, heinously killed in the big attack on their country. It is hard to understand such hatred to do ‘eye to eye’ murder, pulling people from cars, and taking lives brutally. It is beyond any understanding.

The history of that area, along with the opposing religious beliefs, and the feelings of ‘entitlement’ and the lack of freedom, and so much more, goes into what is happening. BUT, the Hamas terrorist group has to be accountable for what is going on now.

Here at home, today Sydney Powell has agreed to a plea deal for her actions in Georgia when she participated in a scheme to try and change the presidential election results. I hope this will be the first card to fall and that more and more will come out now in court. There is no doubt in my mind that Trump was very involved in it. Hopefully those who took his orders, and who tried to cover up for him, will speak now.

As all this goes on, the Georgia indictments, and the NY cases, and more – the Republicans are still beholdened to Trump. It is another thing beyond understanding for me. But, I do understand that those so entangled with him are holding up the Democratic workings of our country by not electing a Speaker of the House. It’s been weeks now where our Congress has been at a stalemate, unable to enact laws, to vote for defense needs and non-political positions we need. We Americans are paying the salaries of Congress while the Republicans squabble and do nothing.

October is football time. The South Carolina Gamecocks are once again unable to come together as a powerhouse team and beat the tough teams of the SEC. Poor coach Shane Beamer. He was so frustrated after last Saturday’s game that he kicked something and broke a bone in his foot! When things go wrong they just get worse.

October is the quiet before the holiday trifecta: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Enjoy the calm days of now.

I’ll end this with a tease: Hubby and I are dressing up in costumes for the grandboys’ Halloween birthday party. Want to take a guess on who we plan to go as?? Pictures will be on Facebook at the end of the month.

I got a new IPad and it took me a few days to get everything downloaded, including my “Marla’s Musing’s” site. This is a test to see if it is working.

Fingers crossed.

This morning I attended a church service in my community as I was part of a handbells group. I like the opportunities I get through playing handbells, because it includes experiencing various worship styles and clergy.

There were times though while sitting and listening this morning I wanted to raise my hand and ask a few questions (but I didn’t – ha!)… like: How do we know and always understand exactly what the Bible is telling us? How with our small human brains can we be sure we get it right? Isn’t the Bible written in a way to create discussion, to think about what the people of those times were dealing with and how it relates today? And why oh why did Paul say to Timothy to have nothing to do with ‘those’ people who sin? I mean, we all sin, just in different ways, and how can we stay away from the people who act like the list above? Does that seem like a good Christian to stay away?

This morning the pastor, a man I have heard preach before, spoke on Timothy 3, 1- 9. It reads:

‘But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous,, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying it’s power. Have nothing to do with such people. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jane’s and Jambres opposed Moses ,so also these people oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. ‘

Wow!!! Right?

The apostle Paul wrote the epistle to Timothy, as Timothy was getting ready to head out on a missionary trip.

This morning the pastor spoke about how true it is that today we still meet people like what is listed in the above verses. Somethings – and people – never change over time. We as Christians certainly know of people that fit the categories listed. We need the Holy Spirit to try our best to be led the way God wants us to go. The pastor pointed often in his sermon that Christians live in this world but not ‘of’ it and that Christians live by the Bible. He stressed that the Bible is ‘the truth’ and the Bible is the place to find the answers. Yes. Yes.

While listening this morning, I thought that maybe Paul was telling Timothy not to waste his time – and to go and disciple to people who will listen. They were traveling to spread the Word, and they were reaching out to those who could then continue on spreading it. I personally don’t think it’s ever right for Christians to shun someone, or to judge their sins.

The pastor also used a reference that I had not heard about: He mentioned some children in a school saying they were cats and wanting a litter box placed in the school’s bathrooms. What?!?! DO you know this story? The pastor said we as Christians must use our wisdom, and make the right decisions. As I listened I thought this example was used to not accept all children, especially those who have different thoughts. A comment to these times.

At about this point I sat there and thought, hmmm…. okay. It’s a tricky part of the Bible to discuss, and maybe I am not understanding what is being said – but if I was unchurched, or checking out a church, this was a red flag. I thought about how church traditions are fine, and I like a liturgy, and I like the respect shown in churches, and I love the music (and today there were two handbell pieces and a lovely choir anthem), but today was a reason some find that the church is hypocritical.

This pastor is a servant of God, and a good family man, and a wonderful speaker – but I worry about the ordained who cannot admit that we don’t always know what God is saying through the Bible. And that, over EVERYTHING God is love – and that Christians are in a constant state of learning… and that we don’t always get it right.

During these turbulent times we need to be

“walking humbly with God” ….

Offering love to all.