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Friday, April 17, 2026

Hope During Turmoil

 Tomorrow, I'm going to a "My Favorite Poem" event.  I tried to find something apos pro to our times. I looked back to the sixty's era.  People were angry with their government, a war was going on, and many protest songs were popular.  I settled on an anthem of sorts because it mentions the craziness of that time but also offers hope.  We sing it in church, called "Always Rejoicing."  The folk singers usually called it "How can I keep from singing?"

It's origin seems to be a 19th century anthem, perhaps written during the Civil War.  A Civil War certainly would have been the opportune time to seek hope amidst turmoil. Although some people associate the hymn to the Quakers.  I can see it that, too.

Comparing the civil war times to our current polemics, I think these lyrics are apos pro. Whereas, you will hear about the political, military and anxiety-ridden disorder, what is emphasized, by the repeated last line in each stanza, there is always hope.  Always.

Lyrics
My life flows on an endless songAbove Earth's lamentationI hear the real though far-off hymnThat hails a new creation
Through all the tumult and the strifeI hear that music ringingIt sounds an echo in my soulHow can I keep from singing?
What though the tempest 'round me roarsI know the truth, it livethWhat though the darkness 'round me closeSongs in the night it giveth
No storm can shake my inmost calmWhile to that rock I'm clingingSince love is Lord of Heaven and EarthHow can I keep from singing?
When tyrants tremble, sick with fearAnd hear their death knells ringingWhen friends rejoice, both far and nearHow can I keep from singing?
In prison cell and dungeon, vileOur thoughts to them are wingingWhen friends by shame are undefiledHow can I keep from singing?



Tuesday, April 14, 2026

My Reading Niche

 Good grief!  Has it been almost ten days since my last posting.  My bad.  My excuses are that my bronchial asthma has made me tired and more or less housebound.  That means that I've been reading a lot.  So much so, that I haven't been posting Book Reviews.  I want to hurry to get into the next book. 

I've found my reading niche.  I like conspiracy thrillers--think Raiders of the Lost Arc. I particularly like Vatican conspiracies.  I've been reading Glenn Cooper and am addicted.  I can't get enough.  I finish one and begin another without posting a review.  Sorry.  Not sorry, I just want to get back to my book.

Hope During Turmoil

 Tomorrow, I'm going to a "My Favorite Poem" event.  I tried to find something apos pro to our times. I looked back to the six...