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The Superstition Mountains and Jumping Cacti.

I’m on a long trip out West and currently I am visiting the sites around the Phoenix area. Although I can’t compete with @Jake_Case_Photo, a native of these cacti climes, here’s my effort at the Superstitions, located a mere stone’s throw (if one had an exceptionally strong arm) northeast of Phoenix, Arizona.

Among the spiny inhabitants of this area, the Saguaro cactus stands tall. These cacti are the elderly statesmen of the plant world, living up to 200 years, and they only start to sprout their iconic arms around the age of 70. One could imagine them as the curmudgeonly old men of the desert, arms akimbo, grumbling about the young barrel cacti with their flashy flowers and lack of patience.

The Cholla cactus, or “jumping cactus,” (bottom right of frame) adds to the slapstick humor of the landscape. Get too close, and a segment of the cactus might “jump” onto you, as if to say, “Pay attention! I’m here, and I’m sharp!” It’s nature’s way of keeping the comedy alive, ensuring that visitors keep a respectful distance, or at least providing a good story for those who don’t.

Unfortunately, I have such a story. It didn’t seem funny at the time, but maybe you’ll get the humor of it.

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Celebrate God’s Beauty

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NHS England Stops Prescribing Puberty Blockers and Updates its Cross-Sex Hormones Policy for Minors.

Starting April 2024, NHS England will halt the prescription of puberty blockers for gender-dysphoric youth, as part of an updated approach to their care. This decision precedes the final Cass report, expected in April 2024, which may bring further changes. Cross-sex hormones will still be available for those around 16 years of age, with added safeguards. The new policies are aimed at providing more holistic and cautious care, moving away from the previous model focused primarily on medical transition for minors. This significant policy shift aligns with ongoing debates about the best approaches to support gender-dysphoric youth, reflecting a careful consideration of the treatments’ long-term impacts and the current state of evidence.

For a detailed overview, you can view the original source: SEGM.

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A Pioneering Christian Voice for Human Dignity

Saint Patrick, often shrouded in legend and folklore, emerges from history as a figure of profound faith and determination. Contrary to popular myths, Patrick did not drive snakes out of Ireland nor is the use of the shamrock to explain the Trinity verified. He is better understood as a humble missionary of great courage who profoundly influenced Ireland and, subsequently, Europe.

His journey began in adversity when, at the age of 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and sold into slavery. This period of intense hardship led Patrick to turn deeply towards the Christian God, developing a practice of constant prayer that sustained him. After six years, he escaped following a divine prompting, eventually returning to his family in England.

Despite initial reluctance and self-doubt, particularly about his education, Patrick felt a compelling call to return to Ireland as an evangelist. Facing a pagan society deeply influenced by druidic practices, Patrick’s mission was fraught with dangers including opposition from the druids, who were seen as powerful figures within Irish society. Yet, Patrick’s unwavering faith and belief in the power of God enabled him to navigate these challenges.

His stance against slavery, condemning the practice vehemently and taking action against it, marked him as a pioneering Christian voice for human dignity.

Patrick’s legacy is not just in his missionary work, but also in his embodiment of Christian virtues such as humility, prayerfulness, and a deep connection to nature, which later inspired the Celtic Christian tradition. His writings, especially his Confession, reveal a man deeply moved by God’s authority and guidance in his life, despite his own feelings of inadequacy.

The true impact of Patrick’s life is seen in the transformation of Irish society, the cessation of the slave trade within his lifetime, and the inspiration he provided for future generations of missionaries across Europe. His feast day, March 17th, commemorates a life that, beyond the myths, was a beacon of Christian faith and service.

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