#Landrum Family

[fundieshaderoom]

Fundie and Adjacent Families I Follow: October 2024 in a Glance

Weddings:

Maddie Jones (20) and Jason Duggar (24) married on Oct 3.

Births:

Esther (26) (Keyes) and Nathan (31) Bates welcomed Graham Alan on October 4. He joins his older sister Kenna (23 months).

Makayla (26) (Landrum) and Jonas (27) Thatcher welcomed Rayna Kay on October 16. She joins her older sister Sage (3).

Ariana (26) (Balka) and Joel Cape welcomed Kristy Mae on October 22. She joins her older brother Trip (2).

Pregnancies:

Vanessa (28) (Clark) and Jeff Weaver announced they are expecting their second child, a girl, in April. She will join big sister ScottieJune (21 months).

Jinger (30) (Duggar) and Jeremy (37) Vuolo announced they are expecting their third child in March. This child will join two older sisters: Felicity (6) and Evangeline (3).

Gender Reveals:

Deena and Dan Dillard announced their third child will be a boy. He will join 2 older brothers Jaxon and Brady in February 2025.

Allie and Danny Paine announced their twins will be boys. They join older sister Blaire in the summer.

Passings:

Donald Staddon passed away on Oct 8.

[theresattrpgforthat]

My wife's looking for a TTRPG where you run a store. I don't know why she wants this but as her husband I must deliver, hit me up please noble ttrpg purveyors

THEME: Running A Store

Hello! I have quite a few games that I’ve recommended in the past for this, so I’m going to direct you to a few of those first. I have a Markets and Trade rec post that you might want to check out, for example, as well as a post about Tavern Games. There will also be a considerably sizeable list at the end of this post.

Now, let’s see what else we can find. Most of these look like they’re specifically for running a cafe, if not for some kind of food service. That being said, the goals for each of these games are very different!

You Want Fries with That?, by Matthew Landrum

Welcome to our company! We’re sure you will find working at our restaurant rewarding and fulfilling as you deliver meaningful dining experiences, develop marketable employee skills, and enrich company value.  Just trust in the guidance of the General Manager, and remember, we’re all family here! 

In You Want Fries with That? each player takes the role of an employee in a fast-food restaurant, scrambling to meet customer needs and find meagre satisfaction in their work.

This is a cutthroat game of struggling to keep up with customer orders in a fast-food environment. Play happens over a number of rounds, in which players will cover for each-other’s weaknesses, strategically take breaks to conserve your stamina (and your enthusiasm), and battle against wage theft, angry managers, and rapid promotions.

If you want a chance for your characters to interact with each-other and role-play, you’ll want a different game than this. But if you want a survival game that takes place in a hostile environment, consider this one!

Twenty (Stories Tall), by kumada1.

On good days, when the weather is clear, you can see the end of the world from your window. You work in a little coffee shop in the Inner Circle. It's one of many coffee shops and kiosks in the city of Abject, and if there were other cities left in existence, they would probably think the people of Abject have a bit of a coffee problem. There is no food scarcity, no one starves in order for coffee beans to be grown, but the volume of beans produced here is truly extraordinary, and they are ground, brewed, and consumed daily at hundreds of quaint little bistros across the city.

Your shop, with its little bites to eat and its trendy décor, is no different from the others but for one important factor---you.

Ever since you came of working age, there's been a power stirring in your blood. Sometimes, when you get too bored, or too angry, or otherwise too emotional, you grow. You grow from Small to Medium, Medium to Large, Large to Twenty. And at Twenty (stories tall), you're big enough to go toe-to-toe with the monsters that would destroy your city.

Twenty is a 50 page tabletop roleplaying game about fighting monsters and working in food service. Twenty uses things you could find in a coffee shop instead of dice, and it regards relationships as hit points. It's suitable for oneshot or campaign play, and it comes with a starter adventure.

The theme of running a shop is definitely here, but the target of your character abilities look to be aimed more at fighting giant monsters. It’s also a game that encourages you to think about the stresses and horrors of customer service. If you like a game that’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, then this is the game for you!

Whistling Wolf Cafe: Multiplayer Edition, by Lucky Newt Games.

Thank you for joining us at Whistling Wolf Café! Our motto is “You might not always get what you want, but you’ll always get what you need.” Serving customers by giving them what they need to feel better instead of what they prefer can be tricky, but I trust that your amazing tea-brewing skills will win them over. 

There’s a small shop next door with things that might help you, and people looking for a bit of work. Just be sure you use your own tips to purchase them or the owner will be, well, not so happy. Also, I hate to say it, but the more bad reviews you get, the worse it looks for both of us. So do what you can to avoid that.

Whistling Wolf Café is a café sim game for 2-4 players. You are a master brewer who is more focused on what a customer might need rather than what they want, and that can complicate things. All you need per player is a deck of playing cards, a handful of six-sided dice, and something to take notes with. Between a shared Shop and a few different items, player interaction is built into the game.

If you like games that are about taking care of other people, this game might be up your alley. It looks like there’s also a balance component - how many customers can you serve, and how well can you brew your tea? The descriptions for the tea and food offered in the cafe look absolutely scrumptious. Definitely worth checking out!

Coffee & Chaos, by CobblePath Games.

Coffee & Chaos is a comedy tabletop roleplaying game about running a cafe, bar, restaurant or other establishment as everything goes very, very wrong around you.

Coffee & Chaos allows characters to retain all of their quirks from any other games they might be in. Your druid can still wildshape, your street samurai still has their cyber-arm. But when taken out of their element the focus is on how they use those skills and abilities to solve problems (or accidentally make things worse).

I like the idea of transporting your already-created characters into a new setting, and Coffee and Chaos certainly does this. Your character will have three approaches to problems: Knives (direct approaches), Forks (creative approaches), and Spoons (considered approaches). Coffee and Chaos is designed for comedy more than realism. The goal for this game is fun stories more than anything else.

Games I’ve Recommended in the Past

Poutine, by the Kinematic Cafe.

Sweaters by Hedgehog, by Haunted Oak Press

Spirited Cafe, by A Couple of Drakes.

A Diner at the End, by Bammax Games.

Merchant, by Hella Big Claws.

Fox Curio's Floating Bookshop, by lostwaysclub.

[morbidology]

It was Monday afternoon of the 17th of August, 2015, when three-year-old Mason Cuttler was reported missing in Lufkin, Texas. He had been playing on and around the family’s front porch on Earnest Landrum Road, just off Highway 103.

The last time that anybody saw him was at around 1:30PM. According to his parents, Kevin Cuttler and Brandi Wonzer, they had been cleaning the house while Mason was playing outside. As his father explained: “He’s allergic to some of the cleaning products, so he was playing on the front porch with my sister. I told them that if he went anywhere to let me or his mom know. A little while later, nobody had come to get me, so I went outside to have a cigarette break, and the last time I saw him he went around the corner of the house into the back yard — and that was it.”

His parents said that he had never wandered off before. Kevin said he sometimes used to hide underneath the house but when they would call his name, he would burst out laughing “but he’d never go anywhere else but underneath the house.”

A search party was assembled, consisting of the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Lufkin Fire Department. A PHI medical helicopter crew also embarked on the scene to assist.

Before dawn the following morning, Mason’s body was in the pond located behind the family’s home. A deputy had been walking around the property searching for Mason when he spotted something just below the surface. He then noticed that there were small footprints leading towards the pond...

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞:

[thechanelmuse]

Alkaline-Glazed Jugs Made by Master Potter, David Drake

David was a chattel enslaved Black potter from Edgefield, South Carolina. He was owned as the property of Harvey Drake, a large pottery business owner who partnered with Abner Landrum, an editor of a local newspaper called The Edgefield Hive. (He would also be owned as the property of Lewis Miles and the Landrum family. Not simultaneously.)

David was forced to labor in Pottersville, one of the twelve pottery factories in Edgefield at that time. He’s recognized as the first enslaved potter to inscribe his work (with a couplet poem, the date, and his signature—Dave) during the time when literacy was forbidden for the enslaved with enacted laws and deadly consequences. 

Some of his inscriptions are practical instructions or reflections on love, spirituality, or afterlife; while others are commentaries on the institution of US chattel slavery. His earliest recorded work is a pot dated July 12, 1834. The poetry on this one reads: 

Put every bit all between 

Surely this jar will hold 14

One of Drake's better known pieces, a 19-inch greenware pot, is dated back to August 16, 1857. The inscription reads: 

I wonder where is all my relations

Friendship to all and every nation

David made more than 40,000 large stoneware jugs and jars between the 1820s and the 1870s. They were worth about 50 cents during his lifetime. You can only imagine how much they are worth today... There are pieces housed in museums from Greenville County Museum of Art to the Smithsonian.

Per the US census in 1870, it’s labeled that David couldn’t read or write. Ha.

So how was he able to read and write (in cursive) to the point of demonstrating such charming and emotive, couplet poetry? Wouldn’t they all like to know. 

[rabbitcruiser]

National Pecan Day

On April 14, we celebrate National Pecan Day, pecan — a uniquely American nut whose fan base counts the likes of founding fathers such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Whether it’s a garnish on a salad or a stand-alone snack, caramelized or roasted, sweet or savory — pecans never fail to deliver on the enthralling taste and the ultimate nutrient density. Did you know, America is credited for 75% of the world’s total pecan production? This fun holiday was established by the National Pecan Shellers Association in 1966 to recognize and honor the workforce behind the cultivation of pecans in America.

History of National Pecan Day

On National Pecan Day, America celebrates the only nut native to its land. Pecans are a much-celebrated nut of America, used in deserts, icecreams, and snacks.

Centuries before European colonization, pecans were cultivated, processed, and consumed in America by Native people. The word ‘pecan’ is derived from the word ‘pacane,’ used by the Algonquin tribe to describe a nut that needs a stone to crack open. The tribes valued pecan for its nutrition density, availability, ease of consumption, and fulfilling taste.

In the late 17th century, the native nut caught the eye of Spanish colonists, who began cultivating large pecan orchards in the vicinity. But it wasn’t until the 18th century that the commercialization of pecans picked up the pace in the United States. By 1802, formal selling routes were established, and pecan export had commenced.

In 1882, a hybrid fruit via the budding of pecan and an adjacent wild plant was created by Abner Landrum, a cultivator from South Carolina. This resultant nut was considered to be an upgraded version of pecan. Although the hybrid seeds of Abner got lost in time, in 1876, the process of grafting was recreated by Antoine, a slave from Louisiana. Antoine presented his discovery at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1976 and thus began farming a new and improved variety of pecans throughout the country.

Today, America is responsible for three quarters of pecan production in the world. From the summer lanes of Texas to the sunny pavements of California, pecan cultivation is a year-long endeavor for thousands of American farmworkers.

In 1996, the National Pecan Shellers Association members came together to establish April 14 as National Pecan Day. The objective of the day is to celebrate the earthly wonders of this nut and to uplift the hardworking members of the industry who make the sustainable farming of pecans possible.

National Pecan Day timeline

1772 The First Plantation

Long Island farmers organize the first pecan plantation of pecan trees, propagating safe and easy ways of pecan plantation.

1775 George Washington’s Imprint

Founding Father George Washington plants a pecan tree in Mount Vernon, symbolizing the rapid popularity of pecans in America.

1943 Formalization

National Pecan Shellers Association is established to represent thousands of pecan farmers and shellers across the country

1996 Establishment of the Day

The National Pecan Shellers Association establishes National Pecan Day to honor the native nut of America.

National Pecan Day FAQs

How is 'pecan' pronounced?

The correct pronunciation of pecan is PEE-can. However, a majority of southern Americans like to say it as PA-kawn. How do you pronounce it?

Are pecan and walnut the same thing?

It’s easy to get confused, but walnuts and pecans are two different nuts from the same Junlandacea family. Walnut has a smooth exterior with a lighter color, unlike pecans, which have a chocolate brown color with definitive lines.

Can you eat pecan raw?

Yes! Pecans, like all other nuts, are edible in their raw form. You can carry a couple of these shelled nuts in your pocket to munch through the day, or you can scatter them on your salad for that extra crunch.

National Pecan Day Activities

Plan a pecan day

Host a bake off

Plant a pecan tree in your backyard

Indulge in the versatile offering of this great American nut by planning your menu around it. Start the day with fluffy pecan pancakes, then have butter pecan chicken for lunch. For a midday snack, enjoy a couple of candied pecans, and end your day with pecan-crusted salmon and some hot pecan pie.

From cookies to pies, pecans go well with any baking dish. So for National Pecan Day, host a bakeoff with your friends and family — featuring our beloved pecans.

Pecans are non-fuss plants that don’t require a liver and a half to take sapling. Plant the seeds today, so you can reap the nuts tomorrow.

5 Important Facts About Pecans

It’s a vitamin party

It’s more than a crunch

A friend to the heart

A love for centuries

A dose of pecan for Apollo

Pecans are home to 19 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

Pecan oil, processed from pecans, is recommended for those with a risk of heart disease.

Pecans have the official certification of the American Heart Association for being a ‘Heart-Healthy Food.’

A pecan tree grows to over 150 feet tall and lives for over 300 years.

Astronauts carried pecans to the moon in their Apollo space mission twice.

Why We Love National Pecan Day

Pecans are underrated

Pecans are the O.G. American nut

Pecans contribute to the economy

The sweet and crunchy texture of a pecan elevates any dish it touches. Be it candies, cookies, bread, pie, salads, or ice cream. It’s time we honor the contribution of this humble nut in our kitchen and celebrate National Pecan Day with full excitement.

While cashew came to America from Brazil and the California almonds are actually a gift of Spain, pecan is the singular nut native to America. Pecans were widely consumed by native Americans before European colonization.

The American pecan industry is worth over $3.5 billion. Just 15 states of the U.S. produce more than 75% of pecan of the world. The pecan trees are responsible for the livelihoods of thousands of families and a flourishing U.S. economy

Source

[murfreesboronews]

Debbie Brock Obituary

Mrs. Deborah “Debbie” Landrum Brock, age 59, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, August 28, 2024. She was born March 26, 1965 in Murfreesboro to Jerry and Judy Landrum. When she was young, her family moved to Winchester, TN where she then graduated from Franklin County High School, class of 1983. After high school, the family moved back to Murfreesboro where she…

[phonemantra-blog]

Shettles Method A Proven Approach to Gender Selection Intrigued by the possibility of choosing the gender of your future child? You're not alone. The Shettles Method, a scientifically grounded approach to gender selection, has gained significant attention in recent years. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the nuances of the Shettles Method, providing you with the knowledge and insights you need to make informed decisions about family planning. Understanding the Shettles Method Understanding how the Shettles Method works is fundamental before attempting to implement it. Dr. Landrum B. Shettles, the method's creator, based his approach on scientific principles relating to sperm, ovulation, and conception. Here, we'll break down the method's foundations, separating fact from fiction. [caption id="attachment_57363" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] shuttles method[/caption] How Does the Shettles Method Work? The core of the Shettles Method revolves around timing – specifically, the timing of intercourse about ovulation. To increase the likelihood of conceiving a child of the desired gender, couples are advised to pay close attention to the following factors: Implementing the Shettles Method Successfully implementing the Shettles Method requires precision and diligence. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of success: Track Ovulation: To pinpoint the optimal time for conception, start by tracking your menstrual cycle. Ovulation prediction kits or smartphone apps can assist in identifying your fertile window. Timing is Crucial: Once you've determined your fertile days, aim to have intercourse as close to ovulation as possible. Shettles suggested that timing intercourse near ovulation favors the conception of a specific gender. Consider pH Levels: Shettles also emphasized the importance of vaginal pH levels. To increase your odds of conceiving a particular gender, modify your diet to influence pH. For example, an acidic diet may favor one gender over the other. Scientific Evidence and Research Critics often question the reliability of gender selection methods like the Shettles Method. However, numerous studies and research articles lend support to its effectiveness. Let's explore some of the scientific evidence that validates the method's claims: Landrum B. Shettles' Research: Dr. Shettles' research, published in his book "How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby," outlines the method's underlying principles and presents case studies showcasing its success. University Studies: Several universities have conducted studies on the Shettles Method. While results vary, many suggest a statistically significant correlation between timing of intercourse and gender outcomes. Medical Journals: Articles in respected medical journals like the "Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics" have discussed the Shettles Method's potential for gender selection. Success Stories To offer a more human touch to this method, let's delve into some success stories shared by couples who have tried the Shettles Method. While individual results may vary, these stories provide insight into the method's potential: Jenny and Mark's Story: Jenny and Mark had two boys and were eager to have a girl. They followed the Shettles Method diligently and, after a few months, celebrated the arrival of their baby girl. Sarah and David's Journey: Sarah and David, on the other hand, were determined to have a boy after having three girls. With guidance from the Shettles Method, they welcomed their son into the family. Lisa's Experience: Lisa, a single mother, wanted to increase her chances of having a girl. She used the method in conjunction with ovulation tracking and successfully welcomed a daughter. Common Myths and Misconceptions Misconceptions abound when it comes to gender selection methods like the Shettles Method. By addressing these misconceptions head-on, we provide clarity to readers and optimize for related keywords: Myth: The Shettles Method Guarantees Gender Selection: Clarify that while the method can increase the chances of conceiving a preferred gender, it doesn't offer a 100% guarantee. Misconception: It's a Harmless Technique: Highlight the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before attempting any gender selection method. This emphasizes the need for expert advice and adds keywords related to safety. Tips for Increasing Your Chances Offering additional tips beyond the core method can further engage readers and optimize for keywords like "gender selection tips": Dietary Considerations: Expand on dietary changes that may influence pH levels and gender selection. Lifestyle Modifications: Discuss lifestyle factors such as stress reduction, exercise, and adequate sleep that may enhance fertility. Supplements and Preconception Planning: Provide information on supplements that could complement the method and emphasize the importance of preconception planning. Consultation with a Healthcare Professional Highlighting the importance of consulting a healthcare professional is not only responsible but also helps optimize for keywords related to medical guidance. This section should stress: Individualized Advice: Explain that every couple is unique, and a healthcare professional can offer personalized guidance based on their specific circumstances. Risks and Benefits: Mention any potential risks associated with gender selection methods and the importance of understanding them. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Shettles Method 1. What is the Shettles Method? The Shettles Method is a gender selection technique developed by Dr. Landrum B. Shettles, which aims to increase the likelihood of conceiving a child of the desired gender. 2. How does the Shettles Method work? The method focuses on timing intercourse about ovulation and manipulating factors like pH levels and sperm characteristics to influence the gender of the baby. 3. Is the Shettles Method scientifically proven? Yes, scientific research and evidence support the principles of the Shettles Method, although individual results may vary. 4. What is the success rate of the Shettles Method? Success rates vary, but some couples have reported success with the method. It's important to manage expectations as it's not a guaranteed method. 5. When should I use the Shettles Method in my menstrual cycle? Timing is crucial. You should aim to have intercourse close to ovulation to increase the chances of conceiving the desired gender. 6. Can the Shettles Method be used with IVF? Yes, the Shettles Method can be applied alongside in vitro fertilization (IVF) to increase the chances of selecting the desired gender. 7. Are there any risks associated with the Shettles Method? While the method is generally considered safe, there are no guarantees, and it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss any potential risks. 8. What should I eat to influence the gender using the Shettles Method? The method suggests modifying your diet to influence pH levels. For example, an acidic diet may favor one gender over the other but consult with a healthcare professional for specific guidance. 9. Can I try the Shettles Method if I have irregular periods? Irregular periods can make tracking ovulation challenging, but it's still possible to attempt the method with the guidance of ovulation prediction kits or a healthcare provider. 10. Is the Shettles Method the only way to select a baby's gender? No, there are other gender selection methods and technologies available, such as sperm sorting, which may offer different approaches to achieving the desired gender. Conclusion: Summarize the key takeaways from the article, including the method's core principles, success stories, and the importance of consulting a healthcare professional. Reiterate that the Shettles Method is just one option among many for gender selection.

[reportwire]

U-Pick Tulips at Thompson Family Farms in Landrum, SC!

Have you always wanted to pick fresh tulips from a flower field? Thompson Family Farms in Landrum, SC will let you live that dream at The Flower Patch, their u-pick tulip farm! Picking blooming tulips is delightful, and Thompson Family Farms is one of the only farms near the Upstate that offers this unique experience. The small family farm’s tulip field opens March 10, 2023 through the end of…

[wutbju]

Bert Councell went to sleep in his earthly bed, weak & frail at 94 years old, and he woke up in Paradise more alive than he s ever been on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

He was an only child born in Ridley Park, PA, on July 9, 1928. He spent his childhood in Cordova, MD, where he was reared by his beloved Grandmother. After he graduated from Easton High School, he attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. He married Barbara Jean Peck in 1950, and they soon began a family which grew & grew, culminating in 6 children.

Their early years were enjoyed on the island of Nassau, Bahamas, where Bert was the manager of The Nassau Shop a lovely department store. Later, the mountains of Asheville, NC, became their home base while Bert finished his remaining professional years as a purveyor of jewelry throughout the Caribbean. He retired in 1991. Sometime later, he moved to Fletcher, NC.

During his lifetime, he said a temporary good-bye to his wife of 62 years, to his eldest daughter, Abigail Leigh (17 years old), and to his eldest son, Paul Douglas (62 years old). They are all reunited now. Talk about a joyous reunion!

He is survived by 4 living children: Dr. Richard Bruce Councell & his wife, Chris (Asheville, NC), Daniel Peter Councell & his wife, Lorraine (Hendersonville, NC), John Mark Councell & his wife, Tori (Landrum, SC), and his daughter, Julia Councell Roberson & her husband, Dr. Joe Roberson (Palo Alto, CA). Additionally, he is survived by 17 grandchildren & 19 great grandchildren (with 3 more on the way). He sure made up for being an only child!

Bert enjoyed good food, travel, playing the piano, singing hymns, gardening & loving on his dog(s). Were anyone to have asked him the secret to true satisfaction, he, unhesitatingly, would have said it was by knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Imperfect Bert knew well the Amazing Grace that had saved a wretch like him!

In his final years, he was blessed with the best caregivers; these women gave him a 5 star exit into eternity.

Bert's services will be held on Sunday, October 9, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue (1401 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806). All are welcome to attend the Visitation (noon 1pm), Funeral Service (1:00), followed by his burial at Green Hills Cemetery.

The family requests that any memorials be made to The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC, 28201.

[awideplace]

Question: What does the Bible say about abortion?

The Bible never specifically addresses the issue of abortion. However, there are numerous teachings in Scripture that make it abundantly clear what God’s view of abortion is.

Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God knows us before He forms us in the womb. Psalm 139:13–16 speaks of God’s active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Exodus 21:22–25 prescribes the same penalty—death—for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as for someone who commits murder. This law and its punishment clearly indicate that God considers a baby in the womb to be just as much a human being as a full-grown adult. For the Christian, abortion is not a matter of a woman’s right to choose to have a baby. The baby is already present and living. Abortion is a matter of the life or death of a human being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27; 9:6).

What does the Bible say about abortion? Simply put, abortion is murder. It is the killing of a human being created in the image of God.

A common argument against the Christian stance on abortion is “What about cases of rape and/or incest?” As difficult as it would be to become pregnant as a result of rape or incest, is the murder of a baby the solution? Two wrongs do not make a right. Intentionally killing the unborn child is not the answer. Also, keep in mind that having an abortion is a traumatic experience. It seems nonsensical to add an additional trauma to the woman. Too, abortion can be a means of rapists covering up their crimes. For example, if a minor is molested and becomes pregnant and then is taken to have an abortion, the molestation could continue without penalty. Abortion will never erase the pain of rape or incest, but it very well may add to it.

A child who is conceived through rape or incest is as much made in the image of God as any other human. That child’s life should be protected just as much as the life of any other human being. The circumstances of conception never determine the worth of a person or that person’s future. The baby in this situation is completely innocent and should not be punished for the evil act of his or her father. Depending on the situation, the mother might choose to raise the child. If she does not already have a community of support, there are many organizations and local churches ready to walk alongside her. Or she might place the child for adoption. There are many families, some unable to have children on their own, who stand ready to receive and love a child from any background.

It’s also important to keep in mind that abortions due to rape or incest account for a very small percentage of total abortions: only 1 percent of abortions can be traced to cases of rape or incest (Torres and Forrest, cited by Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health and the Alan Guttmacher Institute in An Overview of Abortion in the United States, October 2001, www.abortionfacts.com/facts/8#cite-1, accessed 9/9/21).

Another argument often used against the Christian stance on abortion is “What about when the life of the mother is at risk?” Honestly, this is the most difficult question to answer on the issue of abortion. First, let’s remember that such a situation is exceedingly rare. Dr. Landrum Shettles, a pioneer in the field of in vitro fertilization, wrote, “Less than 1 percent of all abortions are performed to save the mother’s life” (Landrum Shettles and David Rorvik, Rites of Life, Zondervan Publishing House, 1983, p. 129). Dr. Irving Cushner, Professor of Obstetrics at the UCLA School of Medicine, when testifying before the U. S. Senate, was asked how often abortions are necessary to save the life of the mother or to preserve her physical health. His response: “In this country, about 1 percent” (testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution of the United States on October 14, 1981, quoted in The Village Voice, July 16, 1985).

Other medical professionals go further, stating that abortion is never necessary to save the mother’s life. Over 1,000 OB-GYNs and maternal healthcare experts signed a statement in 2012, saying, in part, “As experienced practitioners and researchers in obstetrics and gynaecology, we affirm that direct abortion—the purposeful destruction of the unborn child—is not medically necessary to save the life of a woman” (Dublin Declaration on Maternal Health, www.dublindeclaration.com, accessed 9/9/21). Further, in 2019, “medical leaders representing more than 30,000 doctors said intentionally killing a late-term unborn baby in an abortion is never necessary to save a mother’s life” (www.lifenews.com/2019/03/05/30000-doctors-say-abortion-is-never-medically-necessary-to-save-a-mothers-life, accessed 9/9/21).

Second, let’s remember that God is a God of miracles. He can preserve the life of a mother and her child despite all the medical odds being against it. Third, even in the small percentage of abortions performed to save the life of the mother, most of those abortions can be prevented by an early induced delivery of the baby or a C-section. It is extremely rare that a baby must be actively aborted in order to save the life of the mother. Ultimately, if the life of the mother is genuinely at risk, the course of action can only be decided by the woman, her doctor, oftentimes the father of the child, and God. Any woman facing this extremely difficult situation should pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) as to what He would have her do.

The overwhelming majority of abortions performed today involve women who simply do not want to have the baby. As indicated above, just 2 percent of abortions are for the reason of rape, incest, or the mother’s life being at risk. Even in these more difficult 2 percent of instances, abortion should never be the first option. The life of a human being in the womb is worth every effort to preserve.

For those who have had an abortion, remember that the sin of abortion is no less forgivable than any other sin. Through faith in Christ, all sins can be forgiven (John 3:16; Romans 8:1; Colossians 1:14). A woman who has had an abortion, a man who has encouraged an abortion, and a doctor who has performed an abortion—all can be forgiven by faith in Jesus Christ.

Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/abortion-Bible.html

[fundieshaderoom]

Fundie Post About the Trump Assassination Attempt (Part 1)

[fundieinfoplace]

The Thatcher Family

Clyde Jonas Thatcher Jr married Makayla Landrum Oct 19 2019. They have 2 children

1. Sage Renee was born April 21 2021

2. Rayna Kay was born Oct 16 2024

They are friends of the Bates family

[finishinglinepress]

FLP POETRY BOOK OF THE DAY: Sister Sorrow by Rachel Landrum Crumble

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Rachel Landrum Crumble has taught kindergarten through college, and was an inclusion and resource English teacher in high school for 15 years. Poems in this collection have been published in Southern Poetry Review, Louisville Review, Typishly, Reed Magazine, Sanskrit, Stickman Review, Rio Grande Review, and anthologized in Carrying the Branch: Poets in Search of Peace. She writes as a survivor of her mother’s schizophrenia and suicide, as a Yankee transplant married to a black man who raised biracial children in the South, as a woman baffled by institutional chauvinism, and as a believer who dignifies depression, doubt and grief as a gateway to wisdom.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR Sister Sorrow by Rachel Landrum Crumble

This courageous collection, the work of decades, is a travelogue; Rachel Landrum Crumble sets out toward the terrain of the other “to find/ my own way in the dark—/transform the unspeakable/ into words,” unflinchingly journeying into family history, incuding her mother’s illness and suicide. The healing that she moves into deepens her questions rather than neatly resolving them, and we’re invited into those depths. A peripatetic thinker, Crumble doesn’t linger in one place for long; these intelligent, percepitve lyric narratives depict her world travels and international correspondence; her explorations of memory, language, and the dream life in various local contexts; and the nuances of her life in an interracial family in 21st century America. Together, the poems are “a kind of singing…: the voice a luminous/ beam in an amorphous fearful country, a way of asserting/ I am here in the face of overwhelming evidence//otherwise.”

–Claire Bateman, Wonders of the Invisible World (forthcoming), Scape, and others

Reading Sister Sorrow one realizes that this is not just a book of loss, of grief or of anger at a mother’s suicide, and not just a book in which love lives on every page, but it is also, and underneath everything else a book about that place inside us where bafflement meets mystery: a strange place, sometimes frightening and sometimes filled with clear flowing water, birdsong and the deep joy of companionship. Through her poetry Rachel Landrum Crumblereconstructs the past and attempts to organize the random—ultimately completing a journey of acceptance and personal growth. I wake, after dreaming/ all night of wheelchairs: /place my feet on the cold floor,/ make my bed, and walk… Because this poet knows who she is and is secure in that, her poems are true. Each page encounters a moment where facts are prevalent, where passion and craft forge an unforgettable story. What remains is somehow essential.

These poems are beautifully made in a voice that one instinctively trusts.

–Mary Kay Rummel, Poet Laureate emerita of Ventura County, CA, Author of Nocturnes: Between Flesh and Stone

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[didanawisgi]

by Christopher Hodapp

“UPDATE: This article was been updated on 2/5/2021 at 6:00PM to correct information about the number of Zoom gatherings held online by Mike Smith. The original post incorrectly stated that one meeting was held. A story from the Grand Lodge of South Carolina has been brewing for several months under the wire, but details are starting to come to light. According to several sources, South Carolina Past Grand Master Michael D. Smith has been expelled from the fraternity following a Grand Lodge trial commission on January 30th. PGM Smith served as Grand Master in 2017-19 (South Carolina's GMs serve two year terms.) Prior to his expulsion, he was serving as Lieutenant Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction (second in command only to the Grand Commander), as well as SGIG for the Orient of South Carolina. Mike Smith is widely admired and well-liked, not only in his home state, but throughout the wider Masonic community, and his expulsion comes as a shock to many Masons. He has been a Freemason since 1980. PGM Smith's bio page is still available for the time being on the GL of SC website HERE. His many accomplishments and offices held are impressive. Mike Smith's expulsion is rooted in a violation of edicts issued last year during the COVID pandemic by current Grand Master Walter C.(Cal) Disher II. On May 29, 2020, GM Disher ordered that all Masonic meetings in South Carolina to be suspended "until further notice." "As a reminder, no Lodge Hall is to be used during this time period," the notice read.  "I have stopped several Lodge functions that Lodge members organized either through ZOOM Media, phone, or other venues. Brethren, as a reminder, it is a grave Masonic Offense, to conduct any irregular meeting or business during this time." A written notice was sent to lodges in June reiterating his edict forbidding all Masonic meetings, in person or via electronic means. While the Grand Lodge office may be communicating with lodges and members via their private Grandview system, neither their public web page nor their Facebook account have been updated since last summer. Lodges remained completely closed until December when new guidelines were finally issued for limited in-person lodge meetings, under heavy restrictions. But South Carolina brethren are still forbidden to engage in any sort of virtual meeting of any kind as Masons, even if ritual is not involved or no lodge business is conducted. In his role as SGIG for South Carolina, sources say, Mike Smith held a series of seven informal Zoom gatherings for the state's six Scottish Rite Valleys and four SR clubs. These were described by several participants as  'How is everybody doing?' health checks and good cheer sessions. These were not tyled meetings, or even private ones – some sources say no Masonic business was conducted, although one observer indicated that, in at least one case, the names of some new Scottish Rite petitioners were read and accepted. At least one attendee claims that Smith informed the Grand Master ahead of time that he wanted to conduct these sessions, and was acting in good faith because the Grand Master raised no objection. Nevertheless, after the event, Grand Master Disher deemed it to be a violation of his 'no electronic Masonic meeting' edict and sought charges against Smith. Some say that GM Disher also discussed bringing charges against close to 150 South Carolina Scottish Rite Masons who participated in the Zoom call. In South Carolina, the Grand Junior Warden is normally charged by their Constitution to bring charges against an accused Mason, who is to be tried in his own lodge. Mike Smith has been a longtime member of Landrum Lodge 278. But a trial by the lodge was denied by GM Disher, who declared that an appointed Grand Lodge commission would instead conduct the proceedings. And then about three weeks ago, the Grand Master appeared at Landrum Lodge and revoked their charter. Longtime readers here may remember the name of South Carolina Past Grand Master Jay Adam Pearson. In 2013, when he was serving as Grand Master, he suspended South Carolina's relations with the Shrine. Then in 2016, he sent me a snide letter excoriating me for publicly reporting on expulsions in the Grand Lodge of Arkansas (where he is, as he informed me, an "honorary member of their Grand Lodge"). Instead of South Carolina’s Grand Junior Warden bringing charges against Smith as their Constitution directs, PGM Pearson was named as the head of the trial commission. Two sources have reported that the trial commission also included one or more members of PGM Pearson's own family, notably, his father. According to attendees, Smith's trial session last week was quite long – over ten hours. Witnesses were called, but because of COVID meeting restrictions, they were forced to remain outside in their cars in bitter cold weather while waiting to testify one at a time.

Not that there could be any sort of connection, but both Jay Adam Pearson and Mike Smith were considered as possible successors for the Grand Secretary's position at the upcoming annual communication. Now, obviously, PGM Smith is no longer eligible, and his 40 year Masonic career has been scuttled. And then, lurking in the background is the ghost of Prince Hall. South Carolina is one of just seven remaining state grand lodges that does not have amity with their Prince Hall grand lodge counterpart. There was a whisper campaign that PGM Smith was a proponent of Prince Hall recognition. Of course, PGM Pearson has made his opinion known to me in the past of what he thinks of so-called "liberal, forward-thinking Masons" who advocate for Price Hall recognition. Before PGM Pearson dashes off another multi-page letter to me explaining all of the ways I am "in error" on these events, I want to clearly state that I have not spoken or corresponded with PGM Mike Smith about this story. In his prior correspondence with me, PGM Pearson made it clear that he is a strict by-the-book Mason. He took the position back in 2016 that a grand master need not explain or even report when a Mason is expelled, except to alert the fraternity not to converse Masonically with members under such a sentence. Further, he quite rightly stated that an expulsion isn't authoritative until the assembled Grand Lodge votes to accept the GM's actions or strike them down, which is quite true. South Carolina's Grand lodge members still need to affirm or reject this. With that in mind, the GL of South Carolina's annual communication is scheduled for this April. But because the COVID pandemic is still continuing apace, one can't help but wonder whether that meeting will even take place. And unless the GM changes his mind about virtual meetings, there's no chance it will be conducted by video. At best, they may simply attempt to assemble no more than a quorum to conduct their business, as some other jurisdictions have done.. The GL of South Carolina has a reputation of attempting to hide from technology. Any Masonic lodge's website must receive written approval from the Grand Lodge, which is why there are so few of them. Lodges may not have a Facebook page or any other social media page. And all digital interaction about Freemasonry is forbidden. Perhaps that worked well for them until 2020. But with the COVID pandemic shutdowns and the ongoing shuttering of all lodges since last spring, forbidding any and all in-person AND online interaction among their brethren has made for a pretty barren fraternal experience.  I have been told that several SC lodges that have relied on fund raising events in past years have gone broke and been forced to close permanently. One idly wonders how many South Carolina Masons will reconsider their membership in the face of a jurisdiction that leaves them no avenue for fraternal socializing of any kind. South Carolina has a past history of cuffing around appendant bodies, such as when PGM Pearson cut off the Shrine (and then advised Arkansas as to how to do the same thing). Mike Smith's informal Scottish Rite gathering was not the only appendant group to fall under the stern gaze of their Grand Master this season. Last month, the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees announced the registration for an online Zoom meeting for AMD members. South Carolina's current Grand Secretary, Gerald L Carver, PGM fired off a demand that the AMD issue letters reiterating that South Carolina Masons were forbidden from engaging in any such online meetings of any kind, and to report their compliance and delivery of said letters to him. About six years ago, I spoke at the Conference of Grand Masters, and I implored that august assembly of grand line officers to consider that suspension or expulsion should not be the first arrow out of their quivers, but the last. The obligations Masonic officers take as they progress over time do not ever eradicate the ones we take in our very first three degrees. We are not merely asked to "whisper good counsel in the ear of a brother, and in the most tender manner remind him of his faults, and aid in his reformation." It is one of our most fundamental duties. We are all Brothers before we are lawyers. It is noteworthy to point out that neither renowned book on Masonic jurisprudence by Albert Mackey and Roscoe Pound contains the phrase from the most commonly used Fellow Craft ritual, "In the decision of every trespass against our rules, you are to judge with candor, admonish with friendship, and reprehend with justice." One cannot help but ask if anyone whispered in Mike Smith's ear or admonished him with friendship before seeking the ultimate penalty against him, especially in one of the most heartbreaking and challenging years in history.”

[rabbitcruiser]

National Pecan Day

On April 14, we celebrate National Pecan Day, pecan — a uniquely American nut whose fan base counts the likes of founding fathers such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Whether it’s a garnish on a salad or a stand-alone snack, caramelized or roasted, sweet or savory — pecans never fail to deliver on the enthralling taste and the ultimate nutrient density. Did you know, America is credited for 75% of the world’s total pecan production? This fun holiday was established by the National Pecan Shellers Association in 1966 to recognize and honor the workforce behind the cultivation of pecans in America.

History of National Pecan Day

On National Pecan Day, America celebrates the only nut native to its land. Pecans are a much-celebrated nut of America, used in deserts, icecreams, and snacks.

Centuries before European colonization, pecans were cultivated, processed, and consumed in America by Native people. The word ‘pecan’ is derived from the word ‘pacane,’ used by the Algonquin tribe to describe a nut that needs a stone to crack open. The tribes valued pecan for its nutrition density, availability, ease of consumption, and fulfilling taste.

In the late 17th century, the native nut caught the eye of Spanish colonists, who began cultivating large pecan orchards in the vicinity. But it wasn’t until the 18th century that the commercialization of pecans picked up the pace in the United States. By 1802, formal selling routes were established, and pecan export had commenced.

In 1882, a hybrid fruit via the budding of pecan and an adjacent wild plant was created by Abner Landrum, a cultivator from South Carolina. This resultant nut was considered to be an upgraded version of pecan. Although the hybrid seeds of Abner got lost in time, in 1876, the process of grafting was recreated by Antoine, a slave from Louisiana. Antoine presented his discovery at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1976 and thus began farming a new and improved variety of pecans throughout the country.

Today, America is responsible for three quarters of pecan production in the world. From the summer lanes of Texas to the sunny pavements of California, pecan cultivation is a year-long endeavor for thousands of American farmworkers.

In 1996, the National Pecan Shellers Association members came together to establish April 14 as National Pecan Day. The objective of the day is to celebrate the earthly wonders of this nut and to uplift the hardworking members of the industry who make the sustainable farming of pecans possible.

National Pecan Day timeline

1772 The First Plantation

Long Island farmers organize the first pecan plantation of pecan trees, propagating safe and easy ways of pecan plantation.

1775 George Washington’s Imprint

Founding Father George Washington plants a pecan tree in Mount Vernon, symbolizing the rapid popularity of pecans in America.

1943 Formalization

National Pecan Shellers Association is established to represent thousands of pecan farmers and shellers across the country

1996 Establishment of the Day

The National Pecan Shellers Association establishes National Pecan Day to honor the native nut of America.

National Pecan Day FAQs

How is 'pecan' pronounced?

The correct pronunciation of pecan is PEE-can. However, a majority of southern Americans like to say it as PA-kawn. How do you pronounce it?

Are pecan and walnut the same thing?

It’s easy to get confused, but walnuts and pecans are two different nuts from the same Junlandacea family. Walnut has a smooth exterior with a lighter color, unlike pecans, which have a chocolate brown color with definitive lines.

Can you eat pecan raw?

Yes! Pecans, like all other nuts, are edible in their raw form. You can carry a couple of these shelled nuts in your pocket to munch through the day, or you can scatter them on your salad for that extra crunch.

National Pecan Day Activities

Plan a pecan day

Host a bake off

Plant a pecan tree in your backyard

Indulge in the versatile offering of this great American nut by planning your menu around it. Start the day with fluffy pecan pancakes, then have butter pecan chicken for lunch. For a midday snack, enjoy a couple of candied pecans, and end your day with pecan-crusted salmon and some hot pecan pie.

From cookies to pies, pecans go well with any baking dish. So for National Pecan Day, host a bakeoff with your friends and family — featuring our beloved pecans.

Pecans are non-fuss plants that don’t require a liver and a half to take sapling. Plant the seeds today, so you can reap the nuts tomorrow.

5 Important Facts About Pecans

It’s a vitamin party

It’s more than a crunch

A friend to the heart

A love for centuries

A dose of pecan for Apollo

Pecans are home to 19 different vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

Pecan oil, processed from pecans, is recommended for those with a risk of heart disease.

Pecans have the official certification of the American Heart Association for being a ‘Heart-Healthy Food.’

A pecan tree grows to over 150 feet tall and lives for over 300 years.

Astronauts carried pecans to the moon in their Apollo space mission twice.

Why We Love National Pecan Day

Pecans are underrated

Pecans are the O.G. American nut

Pecans contribute to the economy

The sweet and crunchy texture of a pecan elevates any dish it touches. Be it candies, cookies, bread, pie, salads, or ice cream. It’s time we honor the contribution of this humble nut in our kitchen and celebrate National Pecan Day with full excitement.

While cashew came to America from Brazil and the California almonds are actually a gift of Spain, pecan is the singular nut native to America. Pecans were widely consumed by native Americans before European colonization.

The American pecan industry is worth over $3.5 billion. Just 15 states of the U.S. produce more than 75% of pecan of the world. The pecan trees are responsible for the livelihoods of thousands of families and a flourishing U.S. economy

Source

[orbemnews]

City bans electronic messaging boards in historic district Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. featured_button_text According to Landrum, two years after the sidewalks were installed, the prospective builders of the first McDonald’s restaurant toured the town and considered the sidewalks a sign of the progressiveness of Farmington. They decided to put the McDonald’s in Farmington instead of Du Quoin, Illinois. “When they did that, it triggered the development of Karsch Boulevard,” he said. “All the millions of dollars of sales tax revenue and jobs created out there, it really started because of McDonald’s coming into town. That shows you how the downtown of Farmington has to work for the town. It’s part of the town that’s like a front porch. “When people are coming into Farmington to look around, like young medical professionals, or somebody, they are going to drive their family downtown, and if there’s weeds growing through the sidewalks and broken plate glass windows and dark storefronts, that spouse is going to look at the other and say, ‘We’re not moving here’. The downtown has worked for us for decades, because we have a really nice downtown.” After a friend told him about her city having historic downtown buildings painted orange or purple, Landrum decided to form a historic committee. “The idea was to protect the downtown,” he said. “The idea was not to make it a preservation district. With a preservation district, you pick out a year in time and say, ‘It has to look just like this back then, and we’re not changing anything.’ We discovered early on that it wouldn’t work, because a lot of these buildings had changed their appearance through the years. Which year would you pick that you’re going to preserve? Source link Orbem News #Bans #Boards #Business #City #cityadministratorgregbeavers #developmentservicesdirectortimporter #District #Electronic #electronicmessagingboards #farmingtonhistoricpreservationcommittee #fhpc #historic #krekelerjewelers #local-government #mayorlarryforsythe #mayormitlandrum #Messaging #ozark #planningandzoningcommission #tie-breakingvote