Back to the Garden

[H2O Man]

Matthew 18:1-7 : At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me-to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”


At this point in my life, I generally try not to refer to, or quote, religious and/or esoteric texts to make political points. But when I see people from the Trump administration attempt to justify their evil behaviors by quoting the bible, I feel that I can – perhaps, must – make an exception. I'll try to keep this brief, which isn't my usual style, either. For I can discuss religion and spirituality for hours on end. But I try to do that only while talking to myself.

I found Session's pathetic attempt to use the exact quote that was used to “justify” slavery in this country offensive. It is a common practice, of course, for those of little understanding to try to apply “higher teachings” to “lower actions.” I'll end by noting that, while in the garden shortly before his “legal” trial and death, the prophet Jesus called this error “Satan.”

I could, of course, go on and on. In fact, I will ….but in a conversation with myself, as I do some chores out in my garden.

Peace,
H2O Man

[Me.]

1. K&R

[H2O Man]

5. Thanks, Me.

I have a few old millstones that I've found in the creek here, that date back to the mills on the waterfalls from the 1800s. I have them in my flower gardens. As much as I like them, I suppose that I'd be willing to donate them to a good cause.

[coeur_de_lion]

24. I will help you carry them, and help you

put them around the necks of Fredo and Miller. And whoever else needs to go down after this deplorable policy.

This policy is killing me more than all the other awful things Fredo has done.

Its as if he wants to push through the worst possible shit before Mueller takes him out at the knees.

Does he know his time in office is limited?

Thanks for the reminder H to get outside and clear my head. I'm going to sit out on my screen porch and meditate.

Right now I am watching LBJ on Netflix. It's good. And it's helpful to remember how dark things were then, right after we lost JFK to assassins. It was hard but we got over it.

We will this time too.

[Wounded Bear]

2. The RW has many "Biblical scholars" who spend their time...

mining the scripture for verses to justify their evil.

And they have millions of followers, most of whom are too lazy or don't have time to read said scriptures, who take their words as gospel and are complicit in all manner of evil.

[H2O Man]

7. Exactly.

Very well said, my Friend. Thank you.

[Solly Mack]

3. I weed my garden when I'm angry or upset too.

After weeding, I nurture my garden and gain some perspective.

Weeding is a task - giving the garden some love is good for the garden - and for me.

[H2O Man]

9. Nothing like it!

This year, while in my various flower & food gardens, I find myself remembering some wonderful conversations that Rubin and I had about the power of gardening. And he loved to discuss religion and spirituality -- especially in the context of human evolution.

My youngest daughter does most of the work. But since she's not out there now, I will feel comfortable talking to myself until I calm down.

[Solly Mack]

14. I replay conversations as well. I also talk to the wildlife.

I sometimes envy them their wings.

I hurt all over after - but I feel better.

[H2O Man]

18. A large doe

was trimming one of my apple trees this morning as I walked out to the edge of my lawn. Just beautiful!

Every day, two gray fox take turns coming onto my lawn -- at least twice daily for each -- for a meal of cat or dog food, or "left-overs" from the fridge. The female is getting plump again, and will have kits soon.

My daughter's pet rabbit (which hangs out with the cats) has found a wild rabbit she favors. Hence, two new generations of rabbits inhabit our lawn.

I love the birds, the toads, and especially listening to the frogs at night, while watching the fire-flies. My daughter built a wonderful fire pit not far from the main garden, and we enjoy cooking out evenings.

[Solly Mack]

19. Sounds lovely and peaceful.

[coeur_de_lion]

25. You do paint a lovely picture

I'm so glad you have a peaceful place and lots of exposure to nature to help you stabilize no matter how rocky it gets.

It is a little warmer here in FL and we're not quite as rural as you are, though this is a very small rural town.

I love to sit out on our big old screen porch and watch the squirrels and birds play. It's heaven.

Then I'll meditate for 10-15 minutes and imagine things as they should be, not as they are. Like Bobby Kennedy said.

During a time like this I am so grateful for you, since your level headed and moving essays help keep me grounded.

[democrank]

4. K & R

[H2O Man]

10. Thanks, democrank!

[malaise]

6. This

I found Session's pathetic attempt to use the exact quote that was used to “justify” slavery in this country offensive.

[H2O Man]

11. You know?

He is an evil little troll.

[malaise]

12. A vile pro-slavery

scumbag

[H2O Man]

15. It is accurate

to say that Sessions does not believe that non-white people are human beings. And he misuses the bible to justify his rabid form of social Darwinism.

[malaise]

17. Indeed - you know I am convinced that Obama's success brought out the worst in them

Last edited Mon Jun 18, 2018, 12:49 PM - Edit history (1)

They are publicly racist these days.

Enjoy the garden - my glads will bloom in a few weeks.

[pwb]

8. Be careful in the heat.

Hard to breath out here today. Great read about the least amongst us. Children. Thanks.

[H2O Man]

13. Right.

I did some mowing earlier this morning. Drinking lots of water. (What else? Ha!)

Throughout human history, many of the men and women we recognized as enlightened have noted that status of children.

[Hortensis]

16. Good post, and glad you have a garden to turn to.

[H2O Man]

20. Thank you!

[ms liberty]

21. The Garden. One of my favorite songs for you, H20 Man. Hi!

[H2O Man]

26. Thank you!

Great song.

[Hekate]

22. The millstone passage came to me too; I suggested Trump, Sessions & Miller just skip ...

...to the part where they tie a millstone around their necks and jump in the sea. On the basis that they are not the only ones who can quote the Bible.

Peace

[H2O Man]

27. Right.

While I would donate my collection of local millstones for the good of our country, your idea is better.

The past few evenings, as I've watched the news, I've been reminded of something I heard often while dealing with cases involving domestic violence -- "Look what you made me do!" I think I'll expand upon that for another OP soon.

[lunatica]

23. Children are just like gardens

and as poetic as that may sound it’s absolutely a fact. They need constant daily attention, nurture and attention to their needs or they will never flourish.

[H2O Man]

28. You nailed it.

That's it exactly, lunatic. That says it all, perfectly. Well done. Very well done, indeed!

[kentuck]

29. A garden is a learning experience for every age.

There are lessons in every garden that are good for the soul.