I have recently done some grassroot work in my town, Georgetown, for the Mayor Pete Buttigeig campaign.   The past two Saturdays I have pushed myself to go out and get beyond my comfort zone to meet people and to ask them about their presidential choice.  I ask if they have made up their mind, and if not is Mayor Pete in their top three?  By the answer I can tell if 1. They know who he is, 2. If they are considering a Democrat, 3. They want to learn more.

Here are a few observations from my very limited experiences:

Stepping out and doing something challenging, but doing something you believe in is satisfying.

Taking a few hours each week to be active about what I speak about is confirming.  I don’t want to be just ‘all talk and no action.’

I have met some lovely people.   Knocking on a stranger’s door can be scary.  And, at first the people on the other side of the door are apprehensive too.  A few have only opened the door a crack and all I can do is introduce myself and slip a Mayor Pete info card to them.   I get it.  In this world we never know who might be on the other side of the door.     BUT – I also had some wonderful conversations.  I met a retired social studies teacher.  She and I clicked and I feel like I have a new friend.  I met a man who moved recently from Maine and we talked about his state (the home of my son in law) and his new state, South Carolina.  I met a grandpa about to go pick up his Grandkids, concerned about their future.

I was with another Pete campaign guy.  It’s easier to go out in twos.   I say that because we went into some of  the poorer spots in Georgetown.  As a woman I didn’t want to go alone.

Observation:  the low income individuals, mostly African Americans, who opened their doors were kind, and they knew who Mayor Pete is.  They were informed and wanted to chat.

After knocking on doors for a couple of hours I went by myself on down to Front Street, the main drag in town with restaurants and stores.  It’s a thriving area right along the harbor.     Actually, I have gone there both Saturdays.  I found a spot to say hello to people and ask them about their presidential choice and settled in.

Observation:   On Front Street I tried to chat with people, who happened to be white. It was a different experience.  I asked ‘have you made a presidential choice?’  if Trump was the answer I said ‘okay, have a nice day.’   Some I asked “have you heard of Mayor Pete Buttigieg?”   I heard back everything from no, to I’d never vote for him, the gay guy?  I heard reactions that were mean to me.  It’s hard not to stereotype.  And, yes, I’m still new at this.  But, I easily noticed a difference in behavior and just kindness.

What does this mean?   I don’t know.  Maybe some people should think a little more about how they respond to others.  How words can be hurtful.  Even the inflection of the voice.   How what comes out of your mouth is a quick way that shows your true colors.

I discovered, observed, that there is an easy connection to the type of people I met, and their words and attitudes, to their support of our president.   It wasn’t pretty.

Next Saturday I’m off to the Myrtle Beach Women’s March.  I look forward to it,  and to see who is there, and how they behave.   Feel free to come with me!  I’d love it.   Get involved and learn more.

Absolutely nothing.

Who remembers that song?

I think many of us know the song, perhaps not the artist named Edwin Starr.  It was released in 1970 when the American involvement in the. Vietnam War was opposed. I remember back at that time when the 6:30pm Nightly network news posted the numbers every evening of the young lives dead.    I  was in high school, and not focused on what was happening on the other side of the world.  But, I do remember  the draft numbers of the local boys, and I remember those numbers put up on the TV screen each day.

Here are some of the words of the song:

Cos it means destruction

of innocent lives,

War means tears

to thousands of mothers how

when their sons go off to fight

and lose their lives

I said…     war, huh

It’s an enemy of all mankind.

No point of war.

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing.

 

War.   Here we go again.   The tensions between America and Iran and Iraq have escalated and now we are at the brink of it.    At what cost?   For what purpose?

I have had many discussions and debates on all kinds of issues the past three years since Trump became president.  We have had disagreements about how taxes should be spent, on how to deal with immigrants coming to our country, about gun rights, and social needs & medical costs paid for by taxes.  We have not been able to see eye to eye on lots of things. We have different views about whether our president is an effective leader or not.      But, I hope that Dems and Reps can agree that war should be a last choice.  War is bad. War is hell.

So, why are we where we are right now?

I believe we have a leader who is not good at negotiating.  (Yes, I know he wrote books about ‘the art of the deal’ and how to win in business. Anybody can write a book, especially if you have money to make it happen).  I believe we have a president who does not think through of all the ramifications of war. He likes to make a statement.  He likes to be a bully.  He was that way when he was in the business world.   He likes to show his power and often he can’t stop himself : he is the king of tit for tat.  He likes to “win” and he doesn’t consider the pain of the losers, or those who are innocent and stuck in the middle.    The other day he threatened to  bomb 52 possible sites, some are cultural & historical – they are spots of honor.  He doesn’t play by the rules – even when it comes to war.

Did we see this coming?   I have to say that yes I did.  Our president has shown his true colors for a long time.   I am not surprised.    Could it even be possible that he thought war could be a distraction to his domestic problems?   Or, could it be a way To avoid the continuation of the impeachment process??    I shutter thinking it might be true.

So, here’s the thing.  We love our military and we are forever thankful to them to volunteer and put themselves and their families on the line.   They deserve every possibility available to be considered before going to war.

When it comes to what will happen next, and how we want to present ourselves  to the rest of the world, we need a careful thinker in charge. We need someone willing to listen to military experts. We need a president who will look for peaceful resolutions, and who will look to those who know the past, the current situation, and the concerns for the future.

In the words of another prolific songwriter….    all we are saying, is give peace a chance.

 

Remember the book “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”??

I have a new one…

”Republicans are from Mars, Democrats are from Venus.”

The original book was written about how there are innate differences that come genetically, and some That are socially learned early on – depending on which sex a person is.    If I remember right, the book basically said ‘it’s just the way it is and you can’t change it.”   The book also says that because of the differences the two will never fully understand each other.

Men have attributes that females love, but they also have some that are very annoying.   Women also have attributes that males find awesome, but they can’t figure out some other ones.   The two sexes think differently. They feel differently.   They behave differently.

Well, it seems these days this can be said for Republicans and Democrats.

Are they just ‘born that way’?   Can they change?    Do they even want to change!??   I don’t think they can or want to change.   Okay, you occasionally hear about someone changing their political party but it’s a very rare thing.  It’s not normal to think outside the party box.  Yes, you were born that way.   And,  it’s not because you really just don’t want to change… it’s because you truly like being a Republican or a Democrat.   You believe it is who you are.

In the past the political parties opposing each other was thought normal, and what our country was all about from it’s birth.  It was how it was founded.  You know:   Two heads are better than one.   Two points of view will bring a better compromise.   Two types of beliefs in discussion will bring America to a better tomorrow.

Lately, and we can argue when it started happening, the Republicans and the Democrats have been unable to understand each other – at all.   And, not only do they not understand each other, like a bad married couple, they like to “one up ‘’ each other.   They like to  say mean things – for effect.  Rough, biting language.  They purposely hurt each other.    They know each other’s sensitive subjects.

As with men and women in a relationship, they come to it with knowledge learned how to act in a marriage  – mostly from their parents.   Did the parents show love to each other?  Did they discuss family issues and work out an agreeable solution? Did they treat each other with respect?  Did they work together for a happy future?

Sometimes Reps and Dems fight like they are in a bad marriage.

I am a Democrat.   I admit it  – in fact I proudly admit it.   I felt I connected with the Dem’s party from my college years on, and I have not wavered.  I learned back then how the two parties worked,  who led them, what issues were important to them, how they saw solutions for the people of our country. I watched the two conventions each summer of election years.  I followed the news – because I worked in a TV and radio building.  I considered myself aware of what was happening – even back then in college.    I liked how the Dems wanted to use tax money to give people a hand up. I felt that they were a party of inclusion.  As a young person I felt that they too were young and ‘with it’ and hopeful about the future.    I felt as a Christian I could follow them and not let God down.  I believe that what God wants of us more closely matches to what the Dems want to do for all Americans.  No, I have never changed my mind.    I have always felt I was a Democrat in my bones.      Saying that I know there are mistakes made in the party, and that some people in it  are too self-centered, and only in it for the glory – for power.   But, when it comes down to the core of the party, I am one of them.

I know there are Republicans who feel the same way about their party.

I don’t get them.    They don’t get me.

Mars – Venus.

Here’s a weird thought:    Look at the solar system.    Earth has Venus on one side of it, and Mars is on the other – as all the planets spin around the sun.   All the planets stay in line, they circle the sun, and they keep the solar system going.   They don’t cross paths, and  they don’t look or act alike.

Can we see the ‘universal’ picture in this?    Can we realize how we have to work together even though we are so innately different?    Can we do it?     Do we want to do it?

Hmmmm.    I’m not sure we can.

 

 

 

 

Hi everyone.  I’m back.

Did you have a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day?    I hope so.   Mine was VERY nice and after weeks of preparing and reminding myself of the true meaning of Christmas I felt good once the celebration arrived.    Just a reminder to you: Christmas is a season.  There are twelve days – and they start on December 25th, and go until January 6th.

A little this and that this morning…

We made it to the beach this morning. Now that we live farther away from it we don’t get there as often.  But, one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to make the beach a weekly visit come 2020.  So many times I’m in Pawleys Island and I really need to take time between errands, etc. to go and walk the beach a little.   It’s good for the heart and for the soul.

As Hank Williams Junior sings:   Are you ready  for some football?     Today starts the major football bowl games.   The Gamecocks did not have a good season so they didn’t make it to any bowl.  Tonight is the Clemson vs. Ohio State game and I have friends on both sides  – so who to root for?!?!

Lately I have noticed a vendor has been setting up on a vacant spot on 17 in Pawleys Island, selling Trump flags, shirts, hats, and other paraphernalia.   Question:    Do you think he has a permit to be there??   Is it right of me to call the township and ask?   I mean I know it’s our president and normally it would seem fine to sell stuff that supports the leader of our country.  BUT…. these are strange times.  I have to admit that each time I drive by the vendor I get a little sick to my stomach, especially when I see people there.  Yesterday  I saw 3 or 4 cars parked – and people shopping.   Around here I see those Trump  flags on boats and on flagpoles.   Never before have we flown flags like it’s a sports team.  It’s just weird.

Phase Two is done in our riva house construction process.  It turned out really nice. We still need the decks put up….and then we move on to Phase Three: the kitchen remodel (which is really gutting the room and totally redoing it.)    I have never gone through a kitchen remodel before but I know that  timing is important.   How long can you go without appliances?    Eeek!

I’m very pleased that the kitty (Moonlight) I moved from our old house to here has finally acclimated herself.  It was definitely a process.  I wasn’t sure if she might just disappear one day.  But, she has  found the screened in porch as ‘her’ spot to come back to for food and comfort.  During the day she still wanders outside.  The other two cats here tend to leave Moonlight alone.

More new year resolutions:   I’m going to try and up my number of books read this coming year, over this year’s total.  The app “Goodreads” keeps track of it all.   Right now I am reading “Little Women” for the Black River Neighborhood Book Club selection.   Okay – it’s true.  I had never read it before.   So, I am happy I am now… but it’s long and a bit dry in  some chapters.  I’m sticking with it though.     My next book to open up is the Tim McGraw book “Grit and Grace” because it seems like the perfect time, for starting off a new year.   If you are not aware, the man transformed himself by making food and alcohol changes, and then working out like a field.    Okay – I am NOT going to go as crazy as he did, but I am hoping to  make some differences in 2020 that will make me feel better physically and emotionally.

I’m not sure where you are right now as you read this, but I am in the lowcountry and I have to brag that we have had exceptional weather the past few days.  It feels like spring!  (I know it isn’t – and won’t last).  I have our doors open, and I am  wearing shorts… and I could be happy with it this way all.year.long.      Lovely, lovely days!

Another new year resolution:  Stay active (and maybe get more active) in the time leading up to the presidential vote.  I just think I have to, because if I don’t and it turns out badly then I will kick myself.  I need to ‘do something’ to get out more voters and to help get our country back to proper leadership, back to respect for other countries, and people.    I will try to  stay  involved with it on Facebook BUT not be mean – because that is what too many are doing now.    Seriously, I will try.

Lastly, for today, a huge thank you to both my daughters and their spouses for hosting Christmas get-togethers in December!   This was the first time the younger generation took the reins… and hubby and I traveled there.   Daughter #2 had a mid-December gathering for all the Carolina family.  It was a great day to see each other.  Daughter #1 had us at her home for Christmas Eve and Day.  I’m not sure how we got blessed with such thoughtful, prepared, kind daughters – who picked wonderful guys to  marry – but we did.   So, as I reflect on this year I am VERY thankful for them.  Oh, and of course, those most adorable, amazing, funny, sweet, huggable grandsons I have!!!

Merry Christmas to all….  and a Happy New Year!

 

 

 

 

I know today is December 23 and tomorrow is really the last official day of Advent, but by then I will be playing on the floor with my grandboys.  So, today is my last word for the Advent challenge I did – almost every day.  My last word for advent is:    Meaningful.

Each Advent I crave for a meaningful Christmas.  I want there to be an ‘aha’ moment.  I want it to be the best Christmas ever.   You are thinking:    I sure put a lot of pressure on myself.  Yes, I do and I don’t know why.

With expectations high, and also with a bit of fear of disappointing myself and others, it is why when the evening of  December 25th rolls around I release a silent sigh.

This year’s Advent Challenge to think of words to help me through has been very  helpful to me.  I don’t know if I will do it again next year – maybe I will just read through my words, saved here in my Musings.   I don’t know if anyone else has read my posts with regularity, but if you have I hope that they have helped you too. It has really helped me direct my thoughts to the real meaning of Christmas.  It has reminded me each day that we prepare throughout Advent for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.   Slowly we get there…  like climbing a hill step by step.   Knowing the top  of the hill is where the full view happens.

So, my Christmas will be meaningful.  I will experience the moment,  and I will enjoy spending it with the ones I love so much.  We will enjoy all the parts of the holiday in the next couple of days.  Food, drink, laughs, games, music, presents, and more….    and definitely the joy of the baby Jesus born in Bethlehem, sent by Go, starting life lying in a manger of straw, on a winter’s day, adored by many, though misunderstand by others.   God’s son brought to us to teach and show us how to treat each other – and to one day give his life for all of us to show that death is not the end.

His story starts Christmas Day.

It’s Sunday afternoon, the final Sunday before Christmas.  I’m watching some football right now, like I do most Sundays during the Fall months.  Well – okay…   Actually we just went into Winter, and so the candle lit this morning on the Advent Wreath at church was the fourth and the last one.  We have changed seasons.   So, yes, it’s almost Christmas.

The candles of the wreath each have a meaning to them individually…  but as each candle gets lit each week, there is more light and more warmth put out by them together.   To me it symbolizes the growing anticipation. We all love to see candlelight. Right?    In winter we know that even a bit of fire provides us some warmth. We have longer periods of dark and crave some light.    We see the change. We feel that something will be different.

When I was growing up we had an Advent Wreath on our dining table at home. We lit the candles all month. We also had an Advent Calendar and had a new little door to open each day that passed.   We counted the time towards Christmas.

It was a pretty big deal.

From what I can tell, Advent is a lost season in many churches and homes these days.  Maybe some even never celebrated the time at all.  It was not a tradition done for them.    For me, it’s one I have always liked.  It’s about lighting candles – just as those who recognize  Hannakah – they light them during the 8 days celebration.   The light and the warmth grows!

For Christians the TRUE light is Jesus.  The light of the world.   On the first Christmas Day the bright star in the sky showed the way to Him.

Most churches around the world hold a candlelight service each Christmas Eve for this reason.   There is nothing more wonderful than to see  the darkened sanctuary slowly light up as the candlelight is passed person to person…     row by row.   Soon all those there have a little bot of the light – of Jesus.  All sing “Silent Night” and then “Joy to the World.”

May you feel the warmth and see the light of Christmas!

 

 

 

Day 21 of the Advent posts and I don’t know if I should go to a heavy topic or stay light as we all get into vacation mode.  It’s Saturday, the first day for many to be away from work.  Lots of businesses have shut down during Christmas week.  Today is also the first day of winter – officially.

So, what should my word be?

This morning I struggle…

Safety?   I hope all the travelers out there get where they are going safely.  I hope flights are on time, roads are smooth and without major backups.   For me:   I have learned to stay away from the craziness of travel during holidays and it has given me less stress.  I pray that those in the air and on the roads arrive to where they are going without losing their ‘holiday spirit.’

Winter?   My least favorite season of the year.   I’m not a cold weather person and even though I am fortunate to live in the south where cold is not nearly as cold as other places, I still dislike it.

Bringing it back to Advent,  I think about how Mary & Joseph sure had a hard journey, traveling with just a donkey and their few possessions, looking for a place to  be safe.  Mary was about to deliver a baby and they had nobody to help them.  No place at the end of the trip to look forward to getting to.   We  don’t know all the particulars, like how they got food.  Did people along their trip give some help?   They were escaping their homeland.  They were refugees… looking for safety.  Going it alone.   Scared.   Unsure of the future.

In that part of the world the weather is different than here.  I’m not sure in wintertime how cold it gets in the Mideast, but I can guess the nights were very chilly.   Back then there was just a fire to gather around for warmth.   Can you imagine delivering a baby without clean conditions and warmth?      Oh my.

It seems so very long ago, but yet people in our world today are dealing with the same issues.  Running from dictators.  Looking for a place to call home… a place to be safe.  A place to be warm.   Somewhere to live peacefully.

At Christmas I can’t help but think that Jesus started out as a child of refugees.

 

 

 

 

By now you have got your Christmas Eve and Day plans set.   I’m wondering: is attending church a part of it?

I just saw on Facebook an article about bringing children to church on Christmas Eve     (Or Day) so that they can hear the reading from Luke of the birth of Jesus.   Children can take in the candlelight and hear the music.   They can experience an important part of the holiday.   Today’s advent word is church.

I grew up as a pastor’s kid, going to church every Christmas Eve.  It was THE central part of it all.  I grew up knowing about the baby Jesus.   I know it’s ‘old fashioned’ now but I never had Santa Claus emphasized in our house.  There was no ‘Elf on a Shelf.’  Christmas was about God’s son.    Back then I didn’t think too much about it. I was a kid doing what our family did.    But, now, looking back, I’m glad I was raised that way.

A lot of children today know about Santa, and the Elf that moves around the house, but they don’t know about the baby Jesus.  They love the presents, and the candy.  They are excited for sure – about all the ‘extras’ but they miss the main point.

Are you a parent, or grandparent?    How will you make this Christmas about Christ?

Will you get to church?   Many churches now have services especially for children.   If you are local, my church, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, in Pawleys Island, has two services on Christmas Eve – one at 4:00pm, one at 7:00pm.     Churches everywhere will have their doors open!   Google the ones near you.  Find one and give it a try.  I can guarantee you will not be sorry.

Growing up I remember that our church had a sign out front that could be changed – listing service times, sermon titles, etc.   I always remember the phrase on it that said “ch- – ch means nothing if u-r not in it. “    This Christmas seems like a good time for ‘u’ to walk into church.

 

 

Ready?      I’m feeling pretty good about everything this morning.   Christmas is almost here.   I am prepared.  I have learned to live through this time with a bit less stress, and with more joy.

But I think about those who still struggle during this time.   Maybe they don’t feel physically well.  Maybe they are lonely.  Maybe they are broke.   Maybe they have lost someone.

Christmas is a time of escalated emotions.  High highs and low lows.   So, my word today is:  kindness.   First –  Always be kind to yourself.   Want to stay home?  Do it.  Want to eat some sweets without regret? Do it!   Want to escape the craziness? Do it!

And, as Tim McGraw sings “always stay humble and kind.”    Live this way and know that you can’t control other people and their reactions.    It’s their problem, not yours.

We are lacking a lot of kindness these days.   We are missing sympathy and empathy. I can’t help but think about our political arena right now.   It’s so sad.  We are not setting a good example for the younger generation.  Will they grow up not knowing kindness?  Will they truly believe it’s a ‘dog eat dog’ world?   Everybody out for themselves only?     We have to change to survive.   We have to make an effort to do it – now.  Purposeful kindness.    At least until it becomes natural again.

Some people get extra frazzled the last few days right before Christmas as they feel the time crunch, and they deal with busy, tired sales people.  They lose their cool.  Maybe they feel left behind or unimportant.

So, remember…

Kindness is free.   it’s a smile.  It’s letting someone go first.  it’s giving a compliment.  It’s learning to live outside yourself.        And – It spreads.

There is no better time to be kind – to act kind – then during Advent and at Christmas.

K – Keep Christ in Christmas.

I – I am important.

N – Never forget others.

D – Don’t stress.

N – Need to breathe.

E – Expect less.

S – Share joy.

S – Smile!

 

 

 

I told a friend yesterday that these daily Advent posts have been very therapeutic for me.   Taking the time each day, just a few minutes, to think about preparing for Christmas is a good thing.  Taking a pause in the morning before heading out for my day, each day, helps me get my head straight about this time of year.

So, today’s word is pause.

There is so much hype, so much noise, with commercials showing ‘perfect’ celebrations, and unreal expectations.  Sometimes it is necessary to just be still, and to take a few moments to breathe and think about WHY we really celebrate Christmas.

It is one week from today.

I am happy to admit that I have handled the Advent season better than I have in past years. I have used this time to focus on preparing. I have accepted the fact that I can not do everything. I can not live up to the commercial hype – and I don’t want to.  December 25th will come soon – and then pass.  It will be a wonderful time with family, with good food and drink, with some presents to open.  But, it will first and foremost be the birthday of Jesus.

Today I pause to think about it.  Tomorrow I hope to pause again.

Pause.  Breathe.  Think.  Thank.  Love.      – maybe this should be my new mantra!