Friday, April 23, 2021

The Cardinal on the Chaste Tree



Norma A. Boeckler has several wonderful depictions of cardinals.


I have noticed birds waiting for their food on branches just strong enough to hold them. Our bushes in the backyard are not strong enough to hold many, and a squirrel or cat trying to climb up is bound to set off their motion detector alarms.

I was taking some cardboard out to the yellow recycle barrel when a male cardinal perched on the Chaste Tree, which is about 6 feet high. "Time for breakfast?"

I went inside and got one of the two birdfeeder storage containers. The cardinal sang at top volume as I scattered nuts and fruits on both barrels. He zoomed down, touched at the recycle, and grabbed some food for a dash upstairs. 

I rang the chimes to let the rest of the creatures know that their breakfast was served. I doubt their need for it, but perhaps squirrels raiding another feeding station appreciate the notice.

Ranger Bob says cardinals are a good sign when they nest in the yard. His mother was so familiar with them that she could add feed to the spot while they were eating, and she talked to them.

Starlings and their cousin grackles hang out together and descend as a group when food is served - if they are not feeding elsewhere. They drop down, cover both barrels, and search the ground. In a few minutes they are gone, but they are not like human at a clearance sale. They leave plenty for the others so each dependent family shares the bonus.

The wary crows eat too, and they look like monsters compared to the rest. 



Little Faith and Less Lutheran

Pan-Lutheran Association of Nonbelievers

"The Baccalaureate service for LSTC's 161st Commencement will be held via Zoom. The Rev. Dr. Kimberly Wagner has been chosen by the students to preach at this worship service."

EDUCATION

    B.S., Miami University of Ohio

    M.Div., Candler School of Theology, Emory University - Methodist

    Ph.D., Emory University - Methodist - But this is a grey area of theology.

***

GJ - For years, ELCA has considered non-Luther seminary faculty to be a positive reflection of their oneness with everyone. All religions contribute in various ways.

The woke litmus tests narrow the potential candidates too, because one must bring the agenda with the resume. Until recently the male faculty were known for their parish experience (often scant), their wives and children. That was standard in all ELCA news releases, including the proud note the bishop was part of Seminex. The ladies who are seminary presidents and professors there have no personal information available.

Theresa Latini had too much information. She taught at Calvinist schools and at Luther Seminary before coming to ELCA's United Lutheran Seminary (an ironic name), where she presented tons of information but not everything. She became the scapegoat for all the conflicts brewing but she was replaced by the famous insta-bishop from California (no real parish experience, plus a short time as bishop).