Friday Morning Brief

Those storms are crazy!

I hadn't seen anything on the weather about Texas and Louisiana. I'll need to look at it. I hope you're safe. Have a blessed day.

My sister sent me short videos yesterday evening about the thunderstorms and lightning and heavy rain there in tulsa. It seems like that whole area is getting dumped on.

@just4him that is beautiful too. I truly believe that it is in our authenticity that we connect. I have encountered over my lifetime so many people who talk about being authentic and loving and kind that their behaviors speak very differently. We will find that everywhere we go. And some people are unable to be accepting of others if there are differences in ideas or belief systems. Then they use the same argument or explanation about authenticity, thinking that others are not. That's just part of the whole human condition. When it all comes down to it, I believe it's how we treat others in every aspect of life, not just when people are watching. I grew up with so much of the latter, and that was my experience when I was involved in church/religion. Several weeks ago, there was a movie that stars Kelsey Grammer as pastor Chuck Smith from Calvary chapel. I think the movie is called"the Jesus revolution." Someone I know wants to go see that movie. I, on the other hand, would not waste or spend my money to see it, although I like the actor. The reason? I lived that era. I was smack dab in the middle of it. Before Chuck Smith and the Calvary chapel, it wasn't Costa Mesa for me, but I was on the side of a mountain singing many of the songs that I am sure will be featured in that film. I found that the messages of acceptance and love were not always authentic. And again, I recognize the humanity of that. Later, when I was in San diego, now in the Navy, I was part of Calvary chapel. I was very entrenched in that system. I saw some of the goings-on. I saw how people were discarded if one dared to think differently and not "drink the Kool-Aid" that was being offered at that time. I started to see similarities in so many of the Evangelical systems of that day. And I saw the disingenuousness for reasons that are better talked about over a cup of tea or coffee face to face. As you know, My views about religion and spirituality have changed drastically over the last 40 years. However, I understand that each and every person is on a journey that needs to make sense for them. And that is why I said what I did, about you and your authenticity. I have never known you to be as judgmental as I have been in certain situations, when I believed as you did. I do not see you getting on your marketing soapbox to affect some sort of change that is personal to each and every one receiving it. You simply live in a way that shows what you believe. Without judgment, without angst, without all of the other things that have been taught by so many churches out there that we should deny others, if they don't view life in the same way. The isolationist attitude is not who you have been, and that goes a long way with me. Please accept these words in the spirit of my good intention. I am glad that they were not tears of sadness, because that would not have been what I would have wanted to invoke. I am glad that what I've said has been able to touch your heart, as you do mine. Hugs and much love.

You have me in tears. You are such a blessing to me. Don't worry, they're the good tears. I'm sorry the scale isn't nice to you either. I'm going so far in the wrong direction, that I'm sure it's what put me in the I don't wanna mood. By the way, I'm over it. I'm happy again. I think it was shopping that did it. I love shopping, it doesn't matter if I buy a lot, a little, or nothing. Today, it wasn't much, but my fridge was looking a bit bare. It is almost the end of the month, so I helped it out a little so I have something to eat for the rest of the month. The curio isn't mine. It's in the foyer of the building. All the decorations belong to the woman who decorates it and the other curio cabinets on the other floors. Here's another one she decorated from one of the floors. All the curio cabinets are beautiful. And she does a superb job of decorating. This one is on the third floor.

@TheSojourner The Jesus Revolution is on Peacock, I think. It's one of the streaming channels. I might watch it. I always liked Chuck Smith's teachings. I didn't know it was about him. I thought it was one of those 'Jesus' movies that almost mock everything I believe in. There are so many 'Christian' movies out there that make me want to puke. Seriously! I don't know how anyone can think a person can become a Christian in five easy steps. It's so syrupy. Then there are the life-changing Christian movies that make you feel good about your faith and give you something to believe in that life will be okay even if it isn't right now. Those are the kinds of stories I write. You won't find syrup when you read my books. You will find life, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have my opinions about things, but for the most part, I keep those to myself. No use getting on the wrong side of people and making them unnecessarily angry. There's enough of that going around here. I'm a Christian, so you know where I stand on the issues affecting people today. I don't need to use a megaphone to shout it from the rooftops. Have a fantastic day, and know one thing, I'm praying for you.

@just4him The new book launch would be a big event for you! Have a nice Saturday ahead.

@just4him May be you could sell, a few more books in tbe coming days.

I'm sorry your walk and routines got disturbed on your recent trip. Thank you. Yes, I should have it published by the end of April.

Yes, it is. It's in the lobby as you come into the building.

@just4him Thanks! I see blue sky. I may go soon, as the warmest part of the day approaches.

@TheHorse Enjoy, and don't forget your camera.

Enjoy the bike ride.

Thank you. I'm sorry most of your days are like that.

@MommyOfEli2013 I hate ruts.

@just4him No problem, I know those days are no fun... And it is okay, just how my life is lately...I've been in a rut

Have a good day.

I think we all do at one point.

Yes, I did. Just going out and taking care of business and shopping was enough to get me out of that frameset and into my happy mood.