December 2025 – Page 2 – The Laughing Wolf

I Survived, Sorta

Well, the annual Old World Christmas Village was a success and I mostly survived it. Had some issues yesterday that I suspect were a result of only eating one real meal a day for several days and then eating some very rich food. Bouncing back, though tired from a week plus of long days helping get ready for the event. Totally worth it. Just sorry I missed meeting one person who came by.

That out of the way, I want to thank everyone who has donated towards my seminary course(s) including covering my deposit! I can’t tell you how much I do appreciate that. I’ve spent part of this morning working on getting set-up via the online system and think I’ve got the important things done. I need to go back and take care of some minor things, but there is no rush on some of those. Almost wish I was an in-person student as they are doing some cooking lessons on campus that sound wonderful.

There is more to come this week. I am behind on posts, but will get caught up — one day. It’s going to be a busy week, as it also appears that I will be switching gyms. Have the chance to join a much nicer facility courtesy of silver sneakers, which will give me a lot more workout options over winter. More on that soon. We also have some extra services this week, so that is also a factor. Even with all that is going on, hope to get some things done here.

More soon, very soon, I hope!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, and to start a truly new life, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

A Date That Lives

On a sleepy Sunday morning more than 80 years ago (84 I believe), the sounds and sensations of paradise were shattered by those of guns, bombs, and war. The events not only shattered the old world order, but the lives of all Americans. The resulting war took the life of my uncle Foster; was responsible for the later death of my uncle James as the growth that got into his lungs as he floated around the Pacific after having a ship shot out from under him was responsible for his later death; and, altered the lives of my other uncles and my Dad.

FDR decreed it a date that would live in infamy. For a while, that was true. We were vigilant and determined not to sleep again at the dawn. Now, it is dawn again, and again at the dawn I fear we sleep. Just as last time, there are far too many who desire us to be asleep and remain asleep. Well before that dawn some sounded the alarm: among others, look up the name Richardson and what happened to him. Then look to not just current events, but the last four or so years.

Nor is it a single- or double-axis threat. Following the money can be easy in many cases; but, trying to follow the ideologies is much harder. And, yes, there is more than one paymaster and more than one ideology at work today. We face not two major enemies, but several; and, of them all the ideologies are the hardest for most to recognize as they wear masks that appeal to specific groups and demographics. Yet, many mask the same godless authority that even uses religious groups for its ends.

Nor was the enemy truly already within the gates then. Despite the racism and land-grab of FDR, there was no real internal threat (or at least not with the Japanese, arguments can be made in other cases). Today, well, if you’ve been reading me a while I think you can figure out my concerns. Or already share them.

The best we can do is pray, prepare, and continue to push for policy and military reforms. Meantime, Sal has a good thread up at X and there is a lot of other good food for thought going up at different places. As for me, I have done what I can and will spend at least some time today thinking about visiting the Arizona, the Punchbowl, and other places associated with that Day. I will most likely say a prayer for those involved. Take some time today and think and pray. I believe both are very much needed.

Seminary Studies

Well, I think I alluded to it here, but it is now official: I’ve been accepted as a non-degree student (HCHC Open Learning program) at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. What this means is that I am going to be taking some online courses from them in the next year plus. During that time, based on discernment and growth, I have the option to apply for degree or certificate programs.

This is a very different path for me, and it is one that has several possible destinations. For me, simply walking the path is a start towards something I feel drawn towards. Ever since I got up after the lightning strike, I’ve felt drawn towards a new path. I’m simply happy to be walking it, and am very happy to leave the destination to the Lord. I know that I will be guided towards that which is right, be it some form of monastic life, academic or administrative work, the Deaconate, or Clergy. I am content to let the destination be revealed in due time.

If anyone cares to hit the tip jar, it would be very much appreciated. Right now, there is not a lot of financial aid available, and I need to start paying fees and such ASAP as I have a $200 payment that has to be made now. My goal is to take at least one course starting in January, preferably two, and each course is $1,500.00. Any and all help is appreciated, especially as I still need (more than ever) to do my pilgrimage next year for spiritual growth and discernment. See the link above for more details.

I’m still going to be here, still offering pithy takes on things of interest, noting the struggle against the godless authority, and more. That said, I also plan to share some of what I learn in the process of walking this new path.

So, please do feel free to hit the tip jar above (upper right corner). Also, please do feel free to offer prayers for me. I need them.

Thank you all, particularly my regular readers. It has been an interesting time these last few years, and it does give an additional twist to my starting a new life. Not at all what I expected when I first thought a new life would be moving out West. The journey now continues but towards a truly new life. I hope you will continue to check in and share a bit of that journey in the days ahead.