Fireworks and Passions

“Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.”

English cleric and theologian, John Wesley, was born on this day in 1703 (d. 1791)

I’ve never really wanted to be a fireworks display.

The nation, of course, is is preparing to spend ridiculous amounts of money on fireworks this coming weekend in celebration of my birthday.

That and the nation’s independence.

PSA: Please leave the fireworks to the professionals. I know they’re (dangerously) fun. But those of us who own animals of any size aren’t looking forward to the neighborhood displays. Summer thunderstorms are enough.

I digress.

I’m thinking about passions this morning…no not that kind.

But I’m thinking about what inspires me and keeps me going.

And I’m thinking about the things I’m doing just because they “have to be done.”

Mugshots
(click the pic)

Do they? Really?

In recent months I’ve talked about focusing on one project. I did that, and the result was Friday’s publication of the book.

Speaking of which, if you’ve purchased a copy 1) thank you, and 2) please leave a review on Amazon.

But the book is done, so what is next? Not to worry, I have a list.

Not only that but what about everything else?

It can be stressful.

Reality is, we’re all feeling stressed these days.

Inflation, gas prices, grocery prices, Supreme decisions.

Regardless of who you blame, or applaud, all of that complicates what we all do daily just to survive.

So maybe you think there’s no time to be passionate about something. Unless of course you’re passionate about arguing over those issues.

That can be more stressful.

Somewhere in there, there’s a balance between what we have to do to survive, and maybe even thrive, and those things that fuel our passions.

Right now I think I could be passionate about finding a way to wrap this up.

Hang in there. Don’t let the worries of the day smother your passions.

Burn ’em if you’ve got ’em.

American actress and comedian, Gilda Radner was born on this day in 1946 (d. 1989). This will always be my favorite “Weekend Update” clip.

ALSO BORN ON THIS DAY

1491 – Henry VIII of England (d. 1547)
1902 – Richard Rodgers, American playwright and composer (d. 1979)
1926 – Mel Brooks, American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
1932 – Pat Morita, American actor (d. 2005)
1946 – Gilda Radner, American actress and comedian (d. 1989)
1971 – Elon Musk, South African-born American entrepreneur

THINGS YOU SHOULD READ

BREAKING: Supreme Court upholds Christian coach’s right to pray at games
The Post Millennial
The 6-3 ruling determined that the school district in 2015 violated the coach’s rights to free speech when they prohibited him from praying on the field, and that coach subsequently lost his job over the matter. Read More.

58% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck after inflation spike — including 30% of those earning $250,000 or more
CNBC
With inflation at 40-year highs, workers across all income levels are having a harder time making ends meet. Read More.

Hunter Biden met with Russian oligarch now wanted for murder
New York Post
When his father was the second most powerful man in the world, Hunter Biden met in Russia with at least four oligarchs closely aligned with Vladimir Putin — including one who is now wanted for murder in the country, The Post has learned. Read More.

More than 1 million voters switch to GOP in warning for Dems
AP
More than 1 million voters across 43 states have switched to the Republican Party over the last year, according to voter registration data analyzed by The Associated Press. The previously unreported number reflects a phenomenon that is playing out in virtually every region of the country — Democratic and Republican states along with cities and small towns — in the period since President Joe Biden replaced former President Donald Trump. Read More.

Dems Pause January 6 Hearings To Call For Insurrection
The Babylon Bee
“On January 6th, a branch of our federal government was almost overthrown because politicians used dangerous rhetoric that caused—wait, hold on everyone, I just got the update. Roe’s been overturned!” said Representative Adam Schiff. “Okay, well if all the Republicans could please sit tight, there will be a brief recess while our Democratic caucus takes to the streets demanding we overthrow a branch of the federal government.” Read More.

BENEDICTION

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15-17

RECAFFEINATED MONDAYS: Edited

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Isaiah 41:13 (ESV)

It’s Monday morning and I’m rewriting the post I wrote yesterday.

After two landmark decisions by the Supremes last week, it’s been a wild weekend ride on the Interwebz. I have to keep reminding myself that Twitter does not represent reality and while we’re at it, c’mon Elon, hurry up and get rid of those bots.

Saturday, I ventured on to a post where a friend posted a statement regarding one of the justices that was demonstrably false. All I said was something like “that’s not true.”

That’s all it took and, by the end of Saturday, I had deleted the comment.

I made a reminder note to not, under any circumstances, engage the Borg again.

I have no problem with people disagreeing on issues. I have a problem when people misrepresent the truth

The Write Side Shop

and sometimes I have to comment…well, I don’t have to, but I comment against my better judgment.

There’s so much misinformation going on out there. People have not read the decision (admittedly, I’ve only read parts), but that hasn’t stopped the hysteria.

Blessed be the fruit.

If you know, you know.

This wasn’t what I was planning to write today, but here we are.

After the exciting launch of my book on Friday, I had a less than stellar weekend and we’ll just leave it at that.

Today is Monday, and we move on.


BORN ON THIS DAY

1880 – Helen Keller, American author, academic, and activist (d. 1968)
1927 – Bob Keeshan, American actor and producer (d. 2004)
1930 – Ross Perot, American businessman and politician (d. 2019)
1949 – Vera Wang, American fashion designer
1951 – Julia Duffy, American actress
1966 – J. J. Abrams, American director, producer, and screenwriter
1969 – Viktor Petrenko, Ukrainian figure skater
1975 – Tobey Maguire, American actor

THINGS YOU SHOULD READ

My book! Have you ordered it yet?

I Heart America
Sean of the South
Still, maybe it’s not his fault. I don’t know what his story is, I don’t know what his beliefs are, but perhaps this boy has missed a few uniquely American blessings in his accumulated years of harrowed wisdom.  Read More.

SCALISE: The Supreme Court Delivered A Major Victory For The Pro-Life Movement
Daily Caller
Despite death threats and a failed assassination attempt on Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court delivered in a significant and long-overdue victory for the unborn. Read More.

Concerned Graduates of West Point Challenge Leadership of Military Academy: Letter
The Epoch Times
Three retired U.S. military officers—LTG Thomas McInerney, USAF; MG Paul Vallely, U.S. Army; and Colonel Andrew O’Meara Jr., U.S. Army—signed a letter authored by “Concerned Graduates of West Point and The Long Gray Line,” protesting against mandatory vaccinations, CRT classes, sanitary conditions, progressive political activism, and other “woke actions,” in the military academy. Read More.

Bill Maher Says Donald Trump Will Easily Win In 2024 If He ‘Can Just Let Go’ Of 2020
Daily Caller
Right now, people around the country are wondering whether or not Trump will run for President again after losing last time, and the host of “Real Time with Bill Maher” thinks he will crush Democrats if he can just stop talking about 2020. Read More.

BENEDICTION

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15-17