“Let me be the first to tell you, drinking alcohol is the worst thing to do in cold weather. Hot soup is the best because the process of digesting food helps to warm you up”. Morgan Freeman
(Dee and the rest of the tour group decided that a glass of wine and soup is quite pleasant.)

I just returned from Iceland and agree with the name of this country. It can be very cold, especially in the north, where we saw the stunning aurora above. The hotels, small and comfortable dwellings, ask permission to wake you up if an aurora appears. That picture was taken because a hotel employee came knocking at our door. I put on every imaginable warm covering over my long johns, which is how I slept. Here are some things that I learned.

The country is one of the most nonreligious countries on earth. Although Lutheran churches (Church of Iceland) are present, few attend. The Lutheran churches would be considered akin to the ECLA in the States, and they might say they are even more liberal. Our tour guide, a professor of ethics, claimed he respected those with faith. However, he often referred to some faith practices as “fairy tales.”
The water from the taps everywhere was the best-tasting, ice-cold water I have ever experienced. It comes from groundwater, impermeable bedrock, and melting water from snow or glaciers. I found myself drinking more water and filling my water bottle often. The water is crystal clear due to the filtering of the volcanic rock.
The island has frequent volcanic activity, and lava rock is everywhere. It reminded me a bit of Yellowstone, with steam appearing everywhere. They have perfected the use of geothermal activity to heat homes inexpensively. I was thrilled since it was pretty cold, and I was warm whenever I went indoors. Also, there are hot springs all over the place. We had fun in the touristy Blue Lagoon on a cold morning. On the other hand, it was hard to get out and run through the cold into a shower.

All in all, it was a successful trip.

Given that I am barely back. I thought I would provide a couple of updates.

Robert Morris is being criminally investigated, and he wants more money.

The Daily Kos posted Criminal investigation underway into former Trump spiritual adviser’s cover-up of sexual abuse.

At Saturday night’s service, Wilbanks revealed that an independent internal investigation by the law firm Haynes & Boone revealed the cover-up was made possible by flaws in Gateway’s culture.

They have not revealed details because…

Willbanks revealed that there were very big reasons why they couldn’t share more details—legal ones, including a very active criminal investigation.

Willbanks said he couldn’t release additional details because of a continuing criminal investigation and ongoing litigation against Gateway Church, including what he said were financial demands from Robert Morris.

“But I can share that neither the church nor its current leadership are subjects of this criminal investigation,” Willbanks said.

Amy Smith and I were made aware of this a few weeks ago but remained quiet, awaiting confirmation. I wonder what loophole in the law has been found.

Did Steve Lawson meet his gal pal even earlier than alleged? It looks like Phil Johnson lied. Whaddaya know?

Julie Roys posted Steve Lawson Began His ‘Adulterous Affair’ with Woman When She was a Student at The Master’s University, GCC Pastor Admits.

Phil Johnson, a pastor at John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church (GCC), stated five weeks ago that the woman with whom Steve Lawson “had a 5-year relationship” lived “nowhere close to any of the ministries Steve served.”

However, when recently accused of lying, Johnson admitted in an email that the woman was “a student at The Master’s College (University) during some of the time that (she and Lawson) were engaged in this adulterous affair.”

Besides…

They also have not responded to questions by The Roys Report (TRR), concerning whether the woman, whom Phil confirmed was in her “late 20s,” was under the spiritual authority of Lawson, who’s 73.

According to abuse experts, “any sexualized behavior by a church leader/spiritual leader toward someone under their spiritual care, who by nature is in a position of less power and authority” is clergy sexual abuse.

Phil Johnson continues claiming they “knew nothing” about this affair. I’m not sure I believe him.

A Partial Litany for the Election

I have found great solace in the LCMS’s prayers in this election. I appreciate that these prayers are not partisan. As always, this is not to pray for a particular candidate but for all of us during this time. Here is part of the litany as posted by Wolfmueller: Recovering the Joy of Theology.

We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

To give our nation, states, and municipalities fair and honest elections;
To bless all those who are serving in this election;
To give integrity to those who count;
To grant diligence to those who watch;
To give wisdom and lawfulness to all judges;
To grant to us good and faithful rulers:
We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

To give to all who lose elections peaceful resignation;
To give to all who win humility and wisdom to govern after Your good pleasure;
To preserve the rule of law and respect for the constitution of our country;
To grant a peaceful transition of authority;
And to give repentance and faith in Christ to all who are elected:
We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.

To give all nations peace and concord;
To preserve our country from discord and contention;
To give to our nation perpetual victory over all its enemies;
To direct and defend our President, Congress, governors, all state and local officials, judges, and all in authority;
And to bless and keep our magistrates and all our people:
We beseech Thee to hear us, good Lord.