“Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take”*

by chuckofish

After a period of rain, sleet and snow, we enjoyed a pleasant and sunny weekend. It was in the 60s on Sunday! There is more rain and snow on the horizon this week, but, have no fear, the end of February is in sight. “Can spring be far behind?”

We had a quiet weekend. We managed to install our new tv, which involved more than just plugging it in. I had to leave the house for a bit while the OM hooked it up to the internet.

Later we watched a little speedskating and cross country skiing–our only nod to these Olympics–before switching over to the PGA.

For years I have been reading the blog New York Social Diary–I think I started when daughter #1 lived in Manhattan. I continued, not because I am particularly interested in New York high society, but because the writer David Patrick Columbia is a very interesting guy. He is curious about history and people and he writes about them in a detached manner. He is, moreover, a kind man, a nice guy. Tall, handsome, waspy, gay–he is the kind of man rich women have always loved to have around.

Now someone has produced a documentary about him and it is available to watch in seven chapters (about 10 minutes each) on his blog. I have enjoyed it and you might too. He knows that being rich and powerful does not make you happy. I grew up with rich people and that was my takeaway as well.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13

This is an interesting interview with author Min Jin Lee. It is really beyond the comprehension of our liberal elites that an award-winning author would read the bible daily and attend church regularly.

Happy Presidents’ Day! Did you know that Presidents’ Day never falls on the actual birthday of any American president? Four chief executives—George Washington, William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan—were born in February, but their birthdays all come either too early or late to coincide with Presidents’ Day, which is always celebrated on the third Monday of the month.

Oh, don’t forget that the 200th birthday of one of our favorite presidents, cousin Ulysses Simpson Grant, is coming up on April 27!

How do you plan to celebrate?

*William Cowper, 1774 “Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread/are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.”