MIDTERMS

I have a couple of thoughts about the midterm elections. There were some encouraging results; also some discouraging results. A fascist takeover if Republicans won? I don't think so. In any case, I'm reminded that Scripture warns us not to put our trust in "kings & princes." God is in control. Here is a prayer from Lutheran Prayer Book for government.

"Lord God, as I pray for al who are in authority, I thank You especially for the form of government given us in our beloved country. Give us the grace with our fellow citizens to value the officers & the magistrates of our government as those sent by You. Instill in us that respect & honor that is due them. Lord, endow them with wisdom for their several duties, with a spirit of sacrifice for the common welfare, with mercy & justice, with uprightness & kindliness. Correct the evils of selfishness, greed, a vain desire for honor, or abuse of power among us as well as in the other governments of the world. Grant that the true purposes of government may prevail, safeguarding peace & prosperity, so that we may live soberly & uprightly in Your sight & have opportunities to tell of You & Your kingdom. These petitions I direct to You because in Jesus we know You as our Father & Lord. Amen. 

TODAY'S READING FROM PSALM 2:10-12

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, & rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, & you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

ALOHA CRUISE POST-MORTEM

I've been in a real slump since we returned from our cruise very, very early on the morning of TUE 11/8, so I just haven't felt up to providing you with a pithy summary of our once in a lifetime experience. I'll get to it. Suffice it to say, Lois has proved unwilling to make lobster tails for me.

LECKBAND TEMP CHALLENGE

After seeing our temperature at 6:55a, CDT this morning, I decided a temp challenge was in order. Here are the results, based on Wunderground.

#5, BALMIEST LECKBANDS, Eagan, MN, my son Nathan, 25/wc 21

#4, Ventura, IA, my niece Christal & brother Mark, 22/22

#3, Lincoln, NE, my daughter Sarah, 17/17

#2, Beatrice, NE, my sister Carolyn, 17/11

#1, Norfolk, my daughter Rachel & us, 16/6 *

* Could be a long winter.