Jars - 30 November 2020 - Plague Journal Day 263

Micah 6:8
John 2:1-11
Yes, your life matters.

We all are still sheltering in place, but I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one?

First off, let me point out that today is National Stay At Home Because You're Well Day. That might as well be the Day of National Unnecessary Redundancy Day. Another "holiday" that just seems to be rubbing it in. What a year, eh?

At least there's an actual holiday today that is worth noting. It's National Mason Jar Day.
I think it's fun that the illustration at that link shows Ball jars - a company that jumped in when the patent on Mason jars expired and became the most popular brand of Mason jars. The family later founded a university in Indiana which is affectionately known as Fruit Jar Tech. (Its official name is something closer to Ball State University, but that's neither here nor there.) Still, we are using mason jars more and more here at home. Glass seems to keep things fresher than plastic, and even acidic tomato sauce doesn't stain glass. We haven't actually canned anything yet, but they're great for leftover storage and for making quick refrigerator pickles.



Keep Calm and Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.
The mental health issues related to our lockdown and the pandemic are especially hard for people with depression. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a 24 hour helpline: 800-950-6264.

17 April 2020 - Plague Journal Day 36

We all are still sheltering in place, but I'm here to keep you sane and entertained.
One could hardly ask for much more than that, now could one?

Here's a happy happenstance. Today is International Haiku Poetry Day and it's also Blah Blah Blah Day. In celebration of both, I composed an original poem (you did know that I'm a poet, right?), just for this auspicious occasion.

blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah blah blah

You're welcome.

Now, the final installment of my limited run series - the prayers in the back of the Methodist Hymnal (the 1964/66 one).

#746 - FOR CHURCH, LAND, AND WORLD
Remember, O Lord, thy Church upon Earth; deepen her influence and extend her power for good, till the kingdoms of this world become the kindgom of our Lord and of his Christ.
We pray for our beloved land: for our leaders and governors, and for all who have part in public service. Make them pure in motive, wise in counsel, and strong in action, doing right in the fear of thy holy name.
Father in Heaven, look down in mercy upon our distraught and fevered world: forgive the mistaken ambitions, the selfish passions, and the presumtuous claims of men; remove all suspicion and bitterness from among the nations, and bring them to peace and concord by the redeeming love of Christ.
Have mercy, O Lord, upon those who are passing through sore trial: the poor, the sick, the anxious, the oppressed, those who are in danger from the fury of the elements or from the violece of men. Inspire in us and in our fellow men the will to help our suffering brethren. Heal, protect, and strengthen them according to their need. Comfort those in sorrow with the comfort which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We pray for our own dear ones, wheresoever they are, that, surrounded by thy love, they may be kept in health and joy, and abide in safety and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Keep Calm and Stay Away.
I'll be back tomorrow.

In times like these, it's more important than ever to come together. Grand Teuton Press is proud to join the #StayHome Movement uniting our entire industry to encourage everyone to stay home if you can to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Together we can save lives. #AloneTogether