Category Archives: PC(USA)

30 Days of Thankfulness – 11/10/22

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For the month of November, I’m going to continue with my habit of posting things I am thankful for. Thankfulness is different from happiness, and I don’t want to conflate the two.

I’m thankful for a fire in the fireplace on a nippy evening. I’m also thankful for warm covers on my bed when I crawl in at night. And an automatic thermostat that warms the house up in the mornings before I get up.

Intentions Review for All of 2021

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My Star Word for this year is “Affirmation”. The internet says an affirmation is a positive statement of agreement.

I am a child of God, holy and beloved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

These were my intentions for 2021.

Physical Health

  • Eat real food. – Check
    • Eat more vegetables – I keep boxes of cauliflower and broccoli in the refrigerator to fix for dinner or to snack on raw. New potatoes are usually unavailable and I’ve started getting Yukon Golds instead. Brussels sprouts are good. I keep sweet onions, peppers, celery, and sweet potatoes on hand.
    • We have “soup of the week” on Wednesdays, particularly since the weather has turned colder.
    • Be sure to get 25 grams of fiber every day – Check
  • Big Al and I are triple vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. I’m still minimizing being around people, so I do grocery pickup instead of going inside the store.
    • All my family is vaccinated!

Emotional Health

  • Remember that I am a child of God, holy and beloved.
    • If I can say it for me, I must grant it to every other person on the planet, whether lovable or not.
  • I was very faithful in posting my “Five Things that Made Me Happy Today”.

Intellectual Health

  • Expand my leisure reading.
    • Major Pettigrew ‘s Last Stand  by Helen Simonson – finished
    • Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie – finished
    • Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – finished
    • A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George – finished
    • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – finished
    • Stargazer by Anne Hillerman – finished
    • Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg – finished
    • Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan – finished
    • The House on Vesper Sands – Paraic O’Donnell – finished
    • Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven – Fanny Flagg – finished
    • Payment in Blood – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Well-Schooled in Murder – Elizebeth George – finished
    • A Suitable Vengeance – Elizabeth George – finished
    • For the Sake of Elena – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Missing Joseph – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Playing for the Ashes – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Better Off Dead – Lee Child and Andrew Child – abandoned
    • In the Presence of the Enemy – Elizabeth George – reading
  • I’m trying to keep up with the news without obsessing over it.
    • Listen to NPR – Check
    • Watch Rachel Maddow – Check
    • Follow Heather Cox Richardson for perspective – Check
  • I subscribe to the New York Times and try to work the crossword puzzle and read several columns regularly, including the cooking column.
  • I subscribe to the Seattle Times and read several of their newsletters.
  • I subscribe to the Washington Post. and read several of their newsletters, including Travel, Fitness, and Cooking.
  • Support aspiring writers via Patreon and Substack – Check
  • Participate in Great Decisions here at Franke Tobey Jones – Finished for the year.
  • I subscribed to MasterClass. I’m following Cornell West teaching Philosophy.

Spiritual Health

  • Continue to participate in weekly Bible study, and weekly Worship – Bible Study is on Zoom and I’m attending regularly.
  • Worship is available on YouTube Live, and I’m regular in attendance from my living room.
  • Continue with General Assembly Nominating Committee – No meetings were scheduled.

Social Health

  • Tend the relationships I have at Franke Tobey Jones
    • Wellness Center – My personal trainer is on maternity leave. I’m trying to soldier on alone.
    • Gazebo Group – We are doing ZOOM once a month, and meeting in person the rest of the time in the Wellness Center. It’s not ideal, but it seems to be the best we can hope for.
  • Tend the relationships I have at Bethany Presbyterian Church Bible Study – Check
  • Continue to connect regularly with the sisters, virtually – Our weekly Zoom chats are one of the things that keep me sane.

Social Justice

  • Participate in Town Halls and face-to-face meetings with elected officials. I follow my local, state, and federal representatives on Social Media and send messages about things that matter to me.
  • It never occurred to me that I would need to lobby the Congress to pass laws to make it easier/possible to vote, but here we are. I’ve gotten complacent living in Washington where we have easy registration, vote by mail, and non-partisan independent commissions to redraw voting districts after a census. I was pleased to see that the President has appointed our REPUBLICAN Secretary of State (who is in charge of elections in Washington State) to a similar post at the national level.
  • I have regular contributions to the DNC and my US Representative. I also contribute to reps in other states if they seem particularly outstanding.
  • Support the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and MoveOn – Check
  • Support the election of officials who are champions for Social Justice issues – Check
    • Climate action
    • Racial justice
    • Health Care Availability
    • Wealth Inequality

Intentions Review for November 2021

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My Star Word for this year is “Affirmation”. The internet says an affirmation is a positive statement of agreement.

I am a child of God, holy and beloved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here are my intentions for 2021.

(After the dumpster fire of 2020, you’ll notice I’ve pared down my intentions for 2021, and I intend to hold them loosely.)

Physical Health

  • Eat real food. – Check
    • Eat more vegetables – We’re back to relying on the cruciferous veggies. Hardy cold weather vegetables came early this year. New potatoes are occasionally unavailable. Sweet onions, peppers, celery, etc. are good for mirepoix.
    • I’m starting to go to “soup of the week” again.
    • Be sure to get 25 grams of fiber every day – Check
  • Big Al and I got our second Pfizer shots on February 13th, so we’ve been fully vaccinated since the first of March! We got our boosters on October 27th.
    • I’m still minimizing my shopping trips. I would hate to succumb to COVID now that we seem to be (maybe, fingers crossed) approaching the end.
    • My grandchild who was unvaccinated has gotten both of her Pfizer shots. HOORAY!

Emotional Health

  • Remember that I am a child of God, holy and beloved.
    • If I can say it for me, I must grant it to every other person on the planet, whether lovable or not.
  • Continue to post “Five Things that Made Me Happy Today” every day on my blog – Check

Intellectual Health

  • Expand my leisure reading.
    • Major Pettigrew ‘s Last Stand  by Helen Simonson – finished
    • Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie – finished
    • Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – finished
    • A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George – finished
    • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – finished
    • Stargazer by Anne Hillerman – finished
    • Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg – finished
    • Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan – finished
    • The House on Vesper Sands – Paraic O’Donnell – finished
    • Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven – Fanny Flagg – finished
    • Payment in Blood – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Well-Schooled in Murder – Elizebeth George – finished
    • A Suitable Vengeance – Elizabeth George – finished
    • For the Sake of Elena – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Missing Joseph – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Playing for the Ashes – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Better Off Dead – Lee Child and Andrew Child – reading
  • I’m trying to keep up with the news without obsessing over it.
    • Listen to NPR – Check
    • Watch Rachel Maddow – Check
    • Follow Heather Cox Richardson for perspective – Check
  • Participate in Creative Writing classes – giving it a rest for now.
  • I subscribe to the New York Times and try to work the crossword puzzle and read several columns regularly, including the cooking column.
  • I subscribe to the Seattle Times and read several of their newsletters.
  • I subscribe to the Washington Post. and read several of their newsletters, including Travel, Fitness, and Cooking.
  • Support aspiring writers via Patreon and Substack – Check
  • Participate in Great Decisions here at Franke Tobey Jones – Finished for the year.
  • I subscribed to MasterClass. I’m following Cornell West teaching Philosophy.

Spiritual Health

  • Continue to participate in weekly Bible study, and weekly Worship – Bible Study is on Zoom and I’m attending regularly.
  • Worship is available on YouTube Live, and I’m regular in attendance from my living room.
  • Continue with General Assembly Nominating Committee – No meetings yet, although we’ve tried to schedule a Zoom meeting. Maybe later in December.

Social Health

  • Tend the relationships I have at Franke Tobey Jones
    • Wellness Center – My personal trainer is on maternity leave. I’m trying to soldier on alone.
    • Gazebo Group – We are doing ZOOM once a month, and meeting in person the rest of the time in the Wellness Center. It’s not ideal, but it seems to be the best we can hope for.
  • Tend the relationships I have at Bethany Presbyterian Church Bible Study – Check
  • Continue to connect regularly with the sisters, virtually – Our weekly chats are one of the things that keep me sane.

Social Justice

  • Participate in Town Halls and face-to-face meetings with elected officials.I follow my local, state, and federal representatives on Social Media and send messages about things that matter to me.
  • It never occurred to me that I would need to lobby the Congress to pass laws to make it easier/possible to vote, but here we are. I’ve gotten complacent living in Washington where we have easy registration, vote by mail, and non-partisan independent commissions to redraw voting districts after a census. I was pleased to see that the President has appointed our REPUBLICAN Secretary of State (who is in charge of elections in Washington State) to a similar post at the national level.
  • I have regular contributions to the DNC and my US Representative. I also contribute to reps in other states if they seem particularly outstanding.
  • Support the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and MoveOn – Check
  • Support the election of officials who are champions for Social Justice issues – Check
    • Climate action
    • Racial justice
    • Health Care Availability
    • Wealth Inequality

Intentions Review for October 2021

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My Star Word for this year is “Affirmation”. The internet says an affirmation is a positive statement of agreement.

I am a child of God, holy and beloved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here are my intentions for 2021.

(After the dumpster fire of 2020, you’ll notice I’ve pared down my intentions for 2021, and I intend to hold them loosely.)

Physical Health

  • Eat real food. – Check
    • Eat more vegetables – We’re back to relying on the cruciferous veggies. Hardy cold weather vegetables came early this year. New potatoes are occasionally unavailable. Sweet onions, peppers, celery, etc. are good for mirepoix.
    • I’m starting to go to “soup of the week” again.
    • Be sure to get 25 grams of fiber every day – Check
  • Big Al and I got our second Pfizer shots on February 13th, so we’ve been fully vaccinated since the first of March! We got our boosters on October 27th.
    • I’m still minimizing my shopping trips. I would hate to succumb to COVID now that we seem to be (maybe, fingers crossed) approaching the end.
    • My grandchild who was unvaccinated has gotten her first Pfizer shot. HOORAY!

Emotional Health

  • Remember that I am a child of God, holy and beloved.
    • If I can say it for me, I must grant it to every other person on the planet, whether lovable or not.
  • Continue to post “Five Things that Made Me Happy Today” every day on my blog – Check

Intellectual Health

  • Expand my leisure reading.
    • Major Pettigrew ‘s Last Stand  by Helen Simonson – finished
    • Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie – finished
    • Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – finished
    • A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George – finished
    • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – finished
    • Stargazer by Anne Hillerman – finished
    • Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg – finished
    • Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan – finished
    • The House on Vesper Sands – Paraic O’Donnell – finished
    • Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven – Fanny Flagg – finished
    • Payment in Blood – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Well-Schooled in Murder – Elizebeth George – finished
    • A Suitable Vengeance – Elizabeth George – finished
    • For the Sake of Elena – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Missing Joseph – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Playing for the Ashes – Elizabeth George – reading
  • I’m trying to keep up with the news without obsessing over it.
    • Listen to NPR – Check
    • Watch Rachel Maddow – Check
    • Follow Heather Cox Richardson for perspective – Check
  • Participate in Creative Writing classes – giving it a rest for now.
  • I subscribe to the New York Times and try to work the crossword puzzle and read several columns regularly, including the cooking column.
  • I subscribe to the Seattle Times and read several of their newsletters.
  • I subscribe to the Washington Post. and read several of their newsletters, including Travel, Fitness, and Cooking.
  • Support aspiring writers via Patreon and Substack – Check
  • Participate in Great Decisions here at Franke Tobey Jones – The final class of the year was End of Globalization?
  • I subscribed to MasterClass. I’m still looking for a new series.

Spiritual Health

  • Continue to participate in weekly Bible study, and weekly Worship – Bible Study is on Zoom and I’m attending regularly.
  • Worship is available on YouTube Live, and I’m regular in attendance from my living room.
  • Continue with General Assembly Nominating Committee – No meetings yet, although we’ve tried to schedule a Zoom meeting. Maybe later in November.

Social Health

  • Tend the relationships I have at Franke Tobey Jones
    • Wellness Center – My personal trainer is on maternity leave. I’ll try to soldier on alone.
    • Gazebo Group – We are doing ZOOM once a month, and meeting in person the rest of the time in the Wellness Center. It’s not ideal, but it seems to be the best we can hope for.
  • Tend the relationships I have at Bethany Presbyterian Church Bible Study – Check
  • Continue to connect regularly with the sisters, virtually – Our weekly chats are one of the things that keep me sane.

Social Justice

  • Participate in Town Halls and face-to-face meetings with elected officials.I follow my local, state, and federal representatives on Social Media and send messages about things that matter to me.
  • It never occurred to me that I would need to lobby the Congress to pass laws to make it easier/possible to vote, but here we are. I’ve gotten complacent living in Washington where we have easy registration, vote by mail, and non-partisan independent commissions to redraw voting districts after a census. I was pleased to see that the President has appointed our REPUBLICAN Secretary of State (who is in charge of elections in Washington State) to a similar post at the national level.
  • I have regular contributions to the DNC and my US Representative. I also contribute to reps in other states if they seem particularly outstanding.
  • Support the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and MoveOn – Check
  • Support the election of officials who are champions for Social Justice issues – Check
    • Climate action
    • Racial justice
    • Health Care Availability
    • Wealth Inequality

Intentions Review for September 2021

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My Star Word for this year is “Affirmation”. The internet says an affirmation is a positive statement of agreement.

I am a child of God, holy and beloved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here are my intentions for 2021.

(After the dumpster fire of 2020, you’ll notice I’ve pared down my intentions for 2021, and I intend to hold them loosely.)

Physical Health

  • Eat real food. – Check
    • Eat more vegetables – Tomatoes are still okay, but I’m reduced to Roma instead of locally grown. New potatoes are still available. Sweet onions, peppers, celery, etc. are good for mirepoix.
    • Be sure to get 25 grams of fiber every day – Check
  • Big Al and I got our second Pfizer shots on February 13th, so we’ve been fully vaccinated since the first of March! We should be getting our booster in the next couple of weeks. They are trying to bring a clinic to FTJ for us.
    • I’m still minimizing my shopping trips. I would hate to succumb to COVID now that we seem to be (maybe, fingers crossed) approaching the end.
    • My grandchild is still unvaccinated, and still unwelcome at my house.
  • My blood work that showed my cholesterol and blood sugar were elevated was fine this month.
  • FTJ brought a flu shot clinic to campus and Big Al and I both got our shots.

Emotional Health

  • Remember that I am a child of God, holy and beloved.
    • If I can say it for me, I must grant it to every other person on the planet, whether lovable or not.
  • Continue to post “Five Things that Made Me Happy Today” every day on my blog – Check

Intellectual Health

  • Expand my leisure reading.
    • Major Pettigrew ‘s Last Stand  by Helen Simonson – finished
    • Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie – finished
    • Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – finished
    • A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George – finished
    • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – finished
    • Stargazer by Anne Hillerman – finished
    • Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg – finished
    • Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan – finished
    • The House on Vesper Sands – Paraic O’Donnell – finished
    • Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven – Fanny Flagg – finished
    • Payment in Blood – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Well-Schooled in Murder – Elizebeth George – finished
    • A Suitable Vengeance – Elizabeth George – finished
    • For the Sake of Elena – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Missing Joseph – Elizabeth George – reading
  • I’m trying to keep up with the news without obsessing over it.
    • Listen to NPR – Check
    • Watch Rachel Maddow – Check
    • Follow Heather Cox Richardson for perspective – Check
  • Participate in Creative Writing classes here at Franke Tobey Jones – I’m giving this round a miss because they’ve got the professor that I really dislike teaching it.
  • I subscribe to the New York Times and try to work the crossword puzzle and read several columns regularly, including the cooking column.
  • I subscribe to the Seattle Times and read several of their newsletters.
  • I subscribe to the Washington Post. and read several of their newsletters, including Travel, Fitness, and Cooking.
  • Support aspiring writers via Patreon and Substack – Check
  • Participate in Great Decisions here at Franke Tobey Jones – Our class this month was The Role of The Who (World Health Organization). It was timely and interesting.
  • I subscribed to MasterClass. I’m still looking for a new series.

Spiritual Health

  • Continue to participate in weekly Bible study, and weekly Worship – Bible Study has resumed, and I’m attending regularly.
  • Worship is available on YouTube Live, and I’m regular in attendance from my living room.
  • I attended both the Mission Study meetings that were held outside in a park and socially distanced.
  • Continue with General Assembly Nominating Committee – No meetings yet

Social Health

  • Tend the relationships I have at Franke Tobey Jones
    • Wellness Center – Personal training resumed this week. My trainer is seven and a half months pregnant, so we’re not working on anything very stressful.
    • Gazebo Group – We are trying to nail down a location to meet during bad weather. We will probably do ZOOM once a month, and meeting in person the rest of the time.
  • Tend the relationships I have at Bethany Presbyterian Church Bible Study – Check
  • Continue to connect regularly with the sisters, virtually – Our weekly chats are one of the things that keep me sane.

Social Justice

  • Participate in Town Halls and face-to-face meetings with elected officials.I follow my local, state, and federal representatives on Social Media and send messages about things that matter to me.
  • It never occurred to me that I would need to lobby the Congress to pass laws to make it easier/possible to vote, but here we are. I’ve gotten complacent living in Washington where we have easy registration, vote by mail, and non-partisan independent commissions to redraw voting districts after a census.
  • I have regular contributions to the DNC and my US Representative. I also contribute to reps in other states if they seem particularly outstanding.
  • Support the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and MoveOn – Check
  • Support the election of officials who are champions for Social Justice issues – Check
    • Climate action
    • Racial justice
    • Health Care Availability
    • Wealth Inequality

Intentions Review for August 2021

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My Star Word for this year is “Affirmation”. The internet says an affirmation is a positive statement of agreement.

I am a child of God, holy and beloved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here are my intentions for 2021.

(After the dumpster fire of 2020, you’ll notice I’ve pared down my intentions for 2021, and I intend to hold them loosely.)

Physical Health

  • Eat real food. – Check
    • Eat more vegetables – Fresh corn on the cob is getting old and tough, so it’s leaving the rotation until next summer. The green beans were never really great this year. Tomatoes are still wonderful. New potatoes are finally available. Sweet onions are still available, but may not last much longer
    • Be sure to get 25 grams of fiber every day – Check
  • Big Al and I got our second Pfizer shots on February 13th, so we’ve been fully vaccinated since the first of March! We are looking forward to a booster as soon as it’s available.
    • The rise of the Delta variant has me wearing my mask to the grocery store and farmer’s market, and picking up a curbside order from Safeway again.
    • My grandchild is still unvaccinated, and still unwelcome at my house.
  • My blood work showed my cholesterol and blood sugar was elevated, so rather than add any meds I’ve been more particular about what I eat, how much exercise I get. My blood sugar numbers are good. I have a doctor’s appointment with blood work later in September.

Emotional Health

  • Remember that I am a child of God, holy and beloved.
    • If I can say it for me, I must grant it to every other person on the planet, whether lovable or not.
  • Continue to post “Five Things that Made Me Happy Today” every day on my blog – Check

Intellectual Health

  • Expand my leisure reading.
    • Major Pettigrew ‘s Last Stand  by Helen Simonson – finished
    • Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie – finished
    • Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – finished
    • A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George – finished
    • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – finished
    • Stargazer by Anne Hillerman – finished
    • Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg – finished
    • Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan – finished
    • The House on Vesper Sands – Paraic O’Donnell – finished
    • Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven – Fanny Flagg – finished
    • Payment in Blood – Elizabeth George – finished
    • Well-Schooled in Murder – Elizebeth George – finished
    • A Suitable Vengeance – Elizabeth George – reading
  • I’m doing better with my “outrage obsession”. I don’t obsessively follow the stories of Trump’s latest stupidities.
    • Listen to NPR – Check
    • Watch Rachel Maddow – Check
    • Follow Heather Cox Richardson for perspective – Check
  • Participate in Creative Writing classes here at Franke Tobey Jones – None available at this time.
  • I subscribe to the New York Times and try to work the crossword puzzle and read several columns regularly, including the cooking column.
  • I subscribe to the Seattle Times and read several of their newsletters.
  • I subscribe to the Washington Post. and read several of their newsletters, including Travel, Fitness, and Cooking.
  • Support aspiring writers via Patreon and Substack – Check
  • Participate in Great Decisions here at Franke Tobey Jones – We take August off, but will start again in September
  • I subscribed to MasterClass. I’m looking for another series – maybe storytelling or photography.

Spiritual Health

  • Continue to participate in weekly Bible study, and weekly Worship – Bible Study is on hiatus for August. We will resume in September
  • We have returned to “In Person” worship in the Sanctuary although I rarely go in person. I’m staying home and attending church on Facebook Live. My inner introvert is happier.
  • We are starting the Mission Study in preparation for calling a new minister. I attended our first meeting that was held outside in a park and socially distanced.
  • Continue with General Assembly Nominating Committee – No meetings yet

Social Health

  • Tend the relationships I have at Franke Tobey Jones
    • Wellness Center – Personal training was cancelled most of August. Hopefully it will resume in September. At least I can use the equipment.
    • Gazebo Group – We continue to meet if it’s not too cool.
  • Tend the relationships I have at Bethany Presbyterian Church Bible Study – Check
  • Continue to connect regularly with the sisters, virtually – Check

Social Justice

  • Participate in Town Halls and face-to-face meetings with elected officials – Not much on this front (not too much need, either.) I follow my local, state, and federal representatives on Social Media and send messages about things that matter to me.
  • I have regular contributions to the DNC and my US Representative. I also contribute to reps in other states if they seem particularly outstanding.
  • Support the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and MoveOn – Check
  • Support the election of officials who are champions for Social Justice issues – Check
    • Climate action
    • Racial justice
    • Health Care Availability
    • Wealth Inequality

Intentions Review for July 2021

Posted on by
Reply

My Star Word for this year is “Affirmation”. The internet says an affirmation is a positive statement of agreement.

I am a child of God, holy and beloved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here are my intentions for 2021.

(After the dumpster fire of 2020, you’ll notice I’ve pared down my intentions for 2021, and I intend to hold them loosely.)

Physical Health

  • Eat real food. – Check
    • Eat more vegetables – Fresh corn on the cob is in season. The green beans are really stringy so I’ll try again next month. Tomatoes are coming in strong. New potatoes are in VERY short supply. The heat dome in May and lack of rain in June really messed up the truck farms.
    • Be sure to get 25 grams of fiber every day – Check
  • The itch is gone (TBTG). I’m being really careful to knock it down as soon as it starts.
  • Big Al and I got our second Pfizer shots on February 13th, so we’ve been fully vaccinated since the first of March!
    • The rise of the Delta variant has me wearing my mask to the grocery store and farmer’s market, and picking up a curbside order from Safeway again.
    • I’m struggling over what to do about my grandchild who isn’t vaccinated and (so far) refuses to get a shot. I’m on the verge of telling her father not to bring her to see us until she gets the jab.
  • My blood work showed my cholesterol and blood sugar was elevated, so rather than add any meds I’ve been more particular about what I eat, how much exercise I get. My blood sugar numbers are good. I’m hopeful the cholesterol will show a similar drop at the next blood work.

Emotional Health

  • Remember that I am a child of God, holy and beloved.
    • If I can say it for me, I must grant it to every other person on the planet, whether lovable or not.
  • Continue to post “Five Things that Made Me Happy Today” every day on my blog – Check

Intellectual Health

  • Expand my leisure reading.
    • Major Pettigrew ‘s Last Stand  by Helen Simonson – finished
    • Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie – finished
    • Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – finished
    • A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George – finished
    • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – finished
    • Stargazer by Anne Hillerman – finished
    • Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg – finished
    • Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan – finished
    • The House on Vesper Sands – Paraic O’Donnell – finished
    • Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven – Fanny Flagg – finished
    • Payment in Blood – Elizabeth George – reading
  • I’m doing better with my “outrage obsession”. I don’t obsessively follow the stories of Trump’s latest stupidities.
    • Listen to NPR – Check
    • Watch Rachel Maddow – Check
    • Follow Heather Cox Richardson for perspective – Check
  • Participate in Creative Writing classes here at Franke Tobey Jones – None available at this time.
  • I subscribe to the New York Times and try to work the crossword puzzle and read several columns regularly, including the cooking column.
  • I subscribe to the Seattle Times and read several of their newsletters.
  • I subscribe to the Washington Post. and read several of their newsletters, including Travel, Fitness, and Cooking.
  • Support aspiring writers via Patreon and Substack – Check
  • Participate in Great Decisions here at Franke Tobey Jones – The chapter on the Two Koreas and the DVD information was very outdated. It’s interesting to note how different International Relations seem with the change in administration this year.
  • I subscribed to MasterClass. I’m looking for another series – maybe storytelling or photography.

Spiritual Health

  • Continue to participate in weekly Bible study, and weekly Worship – Check
  • We have returned to “In Person” worship in the Sanctuary, and I was Lay Reader twice during July. I confess I’m mostly staying home and attending church on Facebook Live. My inner introvert is happier.
  • We are starting the Mission Study in preparation for calling a new minister. I agreed to take notes in my small group in the middle of August. (I guess that means I’ll have to attend in person.)
  • Continue with General Assembly Nominating Committee – No meetings yet

Social Health

  • Tend the relationships I have at Franke Tobey Jones
    • Wellness Center – They have returned to weekly walks off-campus. Unfortunately, with the rise of the Delta variant the walks may be in jeopardy. We shall see in August.
    • Gazebo Group – Everyone really enjoyed the potluck picnic on the 4th of July. We all ate too much – so that’s a sign of a successful dinner. The weather has settled down to low 60s in the morning and high 70s/low 80s in the afternoon. There’s usually a good breeze which make 5:00 pm in the shade fine.
  • Tend the relationships I have at Bethany Presbyterian Church Bible Study – Check
  • Continue to connect regularly with the sisters, virtually – Check

Social Justice

  • Participate in Town Halls and face-to-face meetings with elected officials – Not much on this front (not too much need, either.) I follow my local, state, and federal representatives on Social Media and send messages about things that matter to me.
  • I have regular contributions to the DNC and my US Representative. I also contribute to reps in other states if they seem particularly outstanding.
  • Support the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and MoveOn – Check
  • Support the election of officials who are champions for Social Justice issues – Check
    • Climate action
    • Racial justice
    • Health Care Availability
    • Wealth Inequality

Intentions Review for June 2021

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My Star Word for this year is “Affirmation”. The internet says an affirmation is a positive statement of agreement.

I am a child of God, holy and beloved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here are my intentions for 2021.

(After the dumpster fire of 2020, you’ll notice I’ve pared down my intentions for 2021, and I intend to hold them loosely.)

Physical Health

  • Eat real food. – Check
    • Eat more vegetables – Tomatoes, yellow squash and corn on the cob are “first choice” in my menu rotation. I also make a pot of greens occasionally.
    • Be sure to get 25 grams of fiber every day – Check
  • The itch that plagued me a couple of years ago came back, but I got to the doctor and got a prescription for the anti-fungal that worked in the past. It’s basically a memory now, but I was pretty uncomfortable for a couple of weeks.
    • The dermatologist checked me over and add a topical salve to my itch remedy. It really did the trick
  • Big Al and I got our second Pfizer shots on February 13th, so we’ve been fully vaccinated since the first of March!
  • Al and I met with our new Primary Care Physician this month. My blood work showed my cholesterol and blood sugar was elevated, so rather than add any meds I’ve been more particular about what I eat, how much exercise I get, and I’ll see if I can get those readings down in a couple of months.

Emotional Health

  • Remember that I am a child of God, holy and beloved.
    • If I can say it for me, I must grant it to every other person on the planet, whether lovable or not.
  • Continue to post “Five Things that Made Me Happy Today” every day on my blog – Check

Intellectual Health

  • Expand my leisure reading.
    • Major Pettigrew ‘s Last Stand  by Helen Simonson – finished
    • Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie – finished
    • Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – finished
    • A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George – finished
    • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – finished
    • Stargazer by Anne Hillerman – finished
    • Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg – finished
    • Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan – finished
    • The House on Vesper Sands – Paraic O’Donnell – reading
  • TRY to get over my “outrage obsession.”
    • Listen to NPR – Check
    • Watch Rachel Maddow – Check
    • Follow Heather Cox Richardson for perspective – Check
  • Participate in Creative Writing classes here at Franke Tobey Jones – None available at this time.
  • I subscribe to the New York Times and try to work the crossword puzzle and read several columns regularly, including the cooking column.
  • I subscribe to the Seattle Times and read several of their newsletters.
  • I subscribe to the Washington Post. and read several of their newsletters, including Travel, Fitness, and Cooking.
  • Support aspiring writers via Patreon and Substack – Check
  • Participate in Great Decisions here at Franke Tobey Jones – The session on Africa and China was “okay” but like all of them, suffered for not being current.
  • I subscribed to MasterClass. I’m now working through a course from Doris Kearns Goodwin about Presidential Leadership.

Spiritual Health

  • Continue to participate in weekly Bible study, and weekly Worship – Check
  • Continue with General Assembly Nominating Committee – No meetings yet

Social Health

  • Tend the relationships I have at Franke Tobey Jones
    • Wellness Center – Gradually opening up. We are allowed to use the facilities WITHOUT masks if we are fully vaccinated. I also returned to my personal trainer twice a week.
    • Gazebo Group – We seem to be still having difficulties meeting. If it’s not too cool and rainy, it’s too hot to meet outside but the weather should settle down after the 4th of July. I’m hosting a potluck picnic this year, not a barbecue.
  • Tend the relationships I have at Bethany Presbyterian Church Bible Study – Check
  • Continue to connect regularly with family, virtually – Check

Social Justice

  • Participate in Town Halls and face-to-face meetings with elected officials – Not much on this front (not too much need, either.) I follow my local, state, and federal representatives on Social Media and send messages about things that matter to me.
  • I have regular contributions to the DNC and my US Representative. I also contribute to reps in other states if they seem particularly outstanding.
  • Support the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and MoveOn – Check
  • Support the election of officials who are champions for Social Justice issues – Check
    • Climate action
    • Racial justice
    • Health Care Availability
    • Wealth Inequality

Intentions Review for May 2021

Posted on by
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My Star Word for this year is “Affirmation”. The internet says an affirmation is a positive statement of agreement.

I am a child of God, holy and beloved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Here are my intentions for 2021.

(After the dumpster fire of 2020, you’ll notice I’ve pared down my intentions for 2021, and I intend to hold them loosely.)

Physical Health

  • Eat real food. – Check
    • Eat more vegetables – Asparagus, fresh tomatoes, yellow squash and corn on the cob are “first choice” in my menu rotation. I hope to start adding green beans, and lettuce salads as the month progresses.
    • Be sure to get 25 grams of fiber every day – Check
  • The itch that plagued me a couple of years ago came back, but I got to the doctor and got a prescription for the anti-fungal that worked in the past.
    • I return to the dermatologist for a check on my face later in the month.
  • Big Al and I got our second Pfizer shots on February 13th, so we’ve been fully vaccinated since the first of March!
  • Al’s and my Primary Care Physician is moving to a specialty. We’re sorry to see him go. We have an intake scheduled with a new doctor later this month.

Emotional Health

  • Remember that I am a child of God, holy and beloved.
    • If I can say it for me, I must grant it to every other person on the planet, whether lovable or not.
  • Continue to post “Five Things that Made Me Happy Today” every day on my blog – Check

Intellectual Health

  • Expand my leisure reading.
    • Major Pettigrew ‘s Last Stand  by Helen Simonson – finished
    • Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie – finished
    • The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie – finished
    • Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry – finished
    • A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George – finished
    • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – finished
    • Stargazer by Anne Hillerman – finished
    • Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg – finished
    • Beneath a Scarlett Sky by Mark Sullivan – reading
  • Keep up with the national news daily without obsessing over it.
    • Listen to NPR – Check
    • Watch Rachel Maddow – Check
    • Follow Heather Cox Richardson for perspective – Check
  • Participate in Creative Writing classes here at Franke Tobey Jones – I quit the class on the Personal Essay. The teacher seemed to think we were all 18 years old.
  • I subscribe to the New York Times and try to work the crossword puzzle and read several columns regularly, including the cooking column.
  • I subscribe to the Seattle Times and read several of their newsletters.
  • I subscribe to the Washington Post. and read several of their newsletters, including Travel, Fitness, and Cooking.
  • Support aspiring writers via Patreon and Substack – Check
  • Participate in Great Decisions here at Franke Tobey Jones – I facilitated the session on the Arctic. There wasn’t much to talk about because the materials were written a year ago and were very general.
  • I subscribed to MasterClass. I finished the course on thinking scientifically from Neil deGrasse Tyson. I’m now working through a course from Doris Kearns Goodwin about Presidential Leadership.

Spiritual Health

  • Continue to participate in weekly Bible study, and weekly Worship – Check
  • Continue with General Assembly Nominating Committee – No meetings yet

Social Health

  • Tend the relationships I have at Franke Tobey Jones
    • Wellness Center – Gradually opening up, but no personal training yet. We are allowed to use the facilities WITHOUT masks if we are fully vaccinated.
    • Gazebo Group – We managed one in-person meeting at the Gazebo before the weather turned cold and rainy again. I have great hopes for good weather from here on out.
  • Tend the relationships I have at Bethany Presbyterian Church Bible Study – Check
  • Continue to connect regularly with family, virtually – Check

Social Justice

  • Participate in Town Halls and face-to-face meetings with elected officials – Not much on this front (not too much need, either.) I follow my representatives on Social Media and send messages about things that matter to me.
  • Support the Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union, and MoveOn – Check
  • Support the election of officials who are champions for Social Justice issues – Check
    • Climate action
    • Racial justice
    • Health Care Availability
    • Wealth Inequality