Rushing's Ramblings

I don’t often have nightmares, but they are disturbing and vivid when I do. The first part of my day yesterday was spent leading a meeting which was enjoyable for the most part, although the freezing drizzle triggered PTSD from last year's hip dislocation that landed me on ice. My brilliantly witty friend, who also takes care of my hair, helped lighten the afternoon (and my hair) with deep discussions about everything necessary and frequent laugh-out-loud moments. I haven’t watched TV news since the day after the November 2016 election. My base level of anxiety cannot handle the negative news slant of TV anchors and reporters. However, I understand the limited time to present the news. If they only reported positive stories, the information would never end. Instead, I read the NYT, CNN, Austin Statesman, NPR, etc. What I read about the Russian invasion left me with a cloud gathering over my head before the day started. After an eventful day, I fell fast asleep and began dreami

Maybe it’s just me, but as I watched my six-year-old grandson stand with his back against the wall to measure his growth in the past several months, I experienced conflicting emotions.  It had been a few weeks since I last saw him, and it seemed he had grown a foot when I first saw him running into the room where I was sitting and visiting with my daughter.  While knowing that his growth was an accomplishment and a reason to celebrate, I felt sadness that time kept racing by.  Wasn’t it yesterday when I flew to Seattle from South Florida and held my beautiful, precious grandson in my arms less than 24 hours after his birth?   After having conflicting feelings about Patrick’s growth progress, I wondered what his world would be like in another 12 years or so when he’s fully grown.  I’ll be 84 by then if I’m still alive.  My life will almost be over, but my abject concern and sorrow lie in the future for my grandchildren. Will our country continue to slide into an oligarchy with an author

  I’ll admit the old aphorism “There are no atheists in a foxhole” applies to me.  Religion, especially the organized kind, is not my cup of tea.  It’s just that I’ve known too many “Christians” throughout my life who were anything but followers of Jesus.  Often, they are nasty individuals who use their “Christian values” as a weapon. People who are faithful followers are rare indeed.  They aren’t the ones who constantly wear Christianity on their sleeves by praying and declaring their faith.  They aren’t the ones who feel superior because they attend church. They aren’t business owners that advertise as “Christian” (run, don’t walk!). They aren’t the owners of assault weapons. I’ve known a few people who quietly follow the teachings of Jesus by loving others, but I’ve also known many who don’t identify as Christians and are dedicated to a life of service.   I was raised in a church and forced to attend every time the doors opened.  My father was one of the church leaders but was a bru