Category Archives: Holidays

Scattered Ramblings on Veterans Day

Posted on November 11, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

Today is Veterans Day.  Last Sunday at church, the pastor asked the veterans to stand up.  One was a World War II vet.  Another served in 1965.  Another served in the 1950’s. The guy who normally sits in front of … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Holidays, Political Philosophy | 1 Comment

The Holiday Blues

Posted on June 24, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

A thought has occurred to me more than once: according to my recollections, I had the “holiday blues” more often after I quit drinking, than I did before.  I wonder why that was.  Isn’t sobriety, after all, supposed to entail … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcoholism, Holidays | Tagged | 1 Comment

Ramblings About Different Places, a Coming Bible Study, and Mother’s Day

Posted on May 11, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

The church service at my church this morning focused on Christ as the good shepherd.  In the closing prayer, the pastor said that Christ knows all of our temperaments. I was thinking about a similar issue as I was walking … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Holidays, Prayer, Religion | 1 Comment

Millard Fillmore and Ringing Bells

Posted on February 17, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

I was watching the CBS morning show before leaving for church yesterday.  You know, the show that Charles Kuralt used to host.  Does that name (Charles Kuralt) ring any bells?  Anyway, there was a segment about President Millard Fillmore, since … Continue reading →

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The Whole World Was At Peace?

Posted on December 25, 2013 by jamesbradfordpate

I went to midnight mass last night.  The priest was saying that the people in the world put aside their resentments and divisions when Jesus was born.  I had no idea where he was getting that.  Herod certainly didn’t put … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Church, Holidays, Religion | 3 Comments

On Not Fasting This Year

Posted on September 14, 2013 by jamesbradfordpate

In the past, I have fasted on the Day of Atonement, since I grew up in a version of Christianity in which people did so.  For the past two years, however, I have not.  And I am not fasting today.  … Continue reading →

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Easter for Doubters and Rebellious Unbelievers?

Posted on March 31, 2013 by jamesbradfordpate

I went to Easter vigil last night at a Catholic church with my Mom and her husband.  This morning, I went to Easter services at the Presbyterian church that I normally attend. I gained a fresh appreciation for a post … Continue reading →

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A Christ to Love

Posted on March 24, 2013 by jamesbradfordpate

At church this morning, we celebrated Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey that had never been ridden. The pastor made three points that really stood out to me.  First of all, the pastor said that … Continue reading →

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The Contender: Richard Nixon, The Congress Years 9

Posted on January 16, 2013 by jamesbradfordpate

For my write-up today on The Contender: Richard Nixon, The Congress Years, 1946-1952, I’ll use as my starting point something that Irwin Gellman says on page 266.  The context was a debate that Richard Nixon had on television about the … Continue reading →

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Surprised by Epiphany!

Posted on January 6, 2013 by jamesbradfordpate

Epiphany took me somewhat by surprise when I went to church this morning.  The reason is that we were singing songs and praying prayers about the wise men following the star to see Jesus, and Christmas was over.  I wondered … Continue reading →

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