Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen †
.
Posted in Uncategorized
Love this ❤
Pure Scripture. What a loving way to share the truth with those you love.
Thanks DD. 👍✝️👍
.
.
.
Because there is snow everywhere…and it’s Christmas…I thought my fellow Tree dwellers would enjoy a sleigh ride to lift the spirits. Wrap up warmly! Here we go!!
…this handsome lad can come, too. He’s dressed perfectly for it.
Golly that was beautiful. Not only the music but the images in the video complimented the music perfectly. I really liked the sleigh bells jingling throughout.
So glad, patty. Frederick Delius was a gentle composer. He was British, but lived in Florida. No doubt he missed his winters from back home in the north of England.
Really like the first part of the sleighing song, which would go well with Christmas cookies and tea. The second part of the song was nice, and went well with the church architecture and statues, yet somehow no longer seemed to be a sleigh ride song. Anyways, lovely music! 🙂
I listen to it without looking at any video. I form in my own mind and feelings what it must be like to start out with bells jingling, then perhaps find myself in a clearing, the horses stopped for a Robert Frost moment, just to enjoy the peace of a snow covered field perhaps. I’ve always loved this piece of music.🌲
I have tea and cookies, Phoenix. And we could peruse your pretty artwork. You, too, Besty Beasty Betsy. Come on ovah!!! Appreciate the pretty overture, Bets.
I can’t get there fast enough!!🌲😍
Good morning Bet! Trying to get a few things done before we have the 3 youngest grandkids for a sleepover.
Yesterday was a long day. The doctor’s office was running behind so what should have been a short visit turned into a long one. He is pleased with how the cancer is behaving but they found out that her heart rate was very slow and the ekg showed a heart block. No symptoms so no visit to the ER but we’ll have to find a cardiologist who can take her in pretty fast. Lots to be thankful for and a lot of prayers needed❤️😍
🔥🙏🔥
Goodest afternoon, G!! So sorry it has taken me this long to see your greeting.
What is said? Troubles don’t come in single spies, but in battalions. And for your dear sister in law this seems to be so, bless her heart. So as she makes progress on one thing, another problem appears. I can’t say adequately how desperately sorry I am for her. Surely in San Antonio finding a cardiologist will not be difficult. I pray it won’t be. And yes…of course my prayers for her are going up right now that the Father of all mercies will compassionately help her with all her physical issues. And that in the wings is a cardiologist who will be the one with healing hands to help, one the Lord will direct you to. With all my heart, I will pray this will happen quickly, my dear brother.🙏💕
I hope the sleepover gives you and your beloved bride so much joy tonight. If you’re like me, you’ll no doubt focus on each precious moment, whip out your mental camera, and mark them all in your memory to draw on as they grow so fast. Hugs to all of them from their anonymous Auntie Bet🤗💖🌲
Will do Bet :). As for my SIL the slow heart rate seems to not cause any problems at least for now. That’s a praise because she hates being in a hospital.
We are trying to get a little rest before the invasion of the munchkins. My bride has SIL duties today. We decided to run them by Sonic after the rehearsal. Then home and a movie.
Plenty of firewood chopped but will start a fire tonight although it’s already 26 degrees here. I’m sure it’s colder in your end of Texas.
The winds have died down and the sun is shining, for what that is worth…17 degreeeeees!! Eleven low tomorrow before dipping again to low 10 on Saturday and low 19 on Sunday. Monday high a shock 53…come on MONDAY!!!
I love Sonic. And a real fire? Life simply doesn’t get better than that.
I don’t blame your SiL. I hate hospitals too. And best to get on top of anything which might be a problem requiring her to be in one. I suppose a worse situation would be a high rate, I don’t know. But she’s in good hands and being monitored, so that in itself is a blessing, which I know she’ll feel easier about.
All y’all image a wonderful time tonight, G. With Christmas a couple of days away I’m sure they will be so excited😍🌲 Enjoy!😘
Sounds like the makings of a goodly gathering, JWoo! What a gracious offering of hospitality! 🙂
Good morning Phoenix and Bet. Wind is starting to pick up outside. We might be getting snow flurries in the next couple of hours. Single digit temps on the way. It’s going on 5 am and I’m listening to the wind chimes outside. Having some Bigelow brand black tea. Good stuff for a cold, wintry morning.
Blessings to you, and stay warm. Hope the power grid holds up in your area. This might be a very cold front that’s coming our way.
Good morning, Joe!
Definitely time to batten down the hatches!
And pray that we all survive this storm …
-2 degrees in my area. Wind is howling outside. I’m staying indoors and hoping I can still start the car and truck. I loaded up on food, water, batteries, and other stuff in anticipation of the oncoming winter storm. Not driving anywhere today. Just a little bit chilly outside.
We will be ok.
Keep your sunny side up. It’s all good.
Good blustery and brrrrrrr morning, my friend!
Woke to the winds and just went outside to feed our feathered friends who I worry for. Just looked at the temps which say with wind chill it “feels like” 34. I beg to differ. Tomorrow will be the nadir for us, then creeping back two days after.
It felt a lot colder with that icy knife cutting right through me as I hurriedly put out the smorgasbord of seed and nuts. Praying for those without permanent shelter and the rest of God’s creations which try to brace against this onslaught of bitter cold.
And I know we aren’t, so far at least, experiencing the full force of terrible cold as so many others further north are. But feeling how icy it is with temps dropping quickly, my prayers are up for those being hit full on.
I love Bigelow teas. We drink the basic Walmart black tea, which we like, but in the morning, I put a bag of Bigelow Green Tea and Lemon in each cup with the normal bag of black. For flavour and for health (which I read green tea is perfect for).
And for you, Joe, I send wishes for all His blessings to be with you. I pray you are warm enough. And your furry crew, too. Sounds as if a couple of good movies and/or a good book to go with your tea or coffee is in the cards. Bundle up!! 🤗🌲
Good morning JWoo! For some reason I thought you had biscuits. 😁
😁💕
Wonderful selection for this week! Thank you Betsy!
Can’t believe he’s as sad as he looks. Out with the boss and wearing a nifty sweater that can be, when desperate, eaten.
Hello Fellow Treepers,
Here is yesterday’s sunrise from out my window in Northeast Ohio. Seemed appropriate for the first day of winter, complete with Advent colors!
I can’t remember seeing a more hopeful photo, phoenix. His mercies are fresh every morning!
AMEN, Bets. That’s why He woke me so early this morning – to get a fresh start on his mercies.
Well, to give a little mercy of my own, I suppose. Our trusted and most reliable catto is still in palliative care. Ulcerative cancer. He obviously doesn’t want to leave us. He is showing so much love. Can’t put him down. We have his litter mate brother and he must “see the body” to know where his yin to his yang has gone. It is the long kiss goodnight and frankly, it’s just hell.
I am grateful for every purr and every pop up of his head to greet me each morning. He’s such a good boy, but sadly only 12 yo. A Russian Blue like Rado. He doesn’t meow, he does this strange meow/purr that sounds like “Mom”.
They do play our heart strings. I just purchased 20 cans of tuna in oil, because at this point… he gets whatever he wants. He’s not eating much, though… and stopped eating for 2 days, then restarted again.
He has the longest tail and it wraps around his body and he sits regally like an Egyptian icon. He’s a beauty.. inside and out. I sigh and put on the happy face for the kiddo for Christmas.
On an up note, and I try hard to hang onto those, “The Chosen” will broadcast episode 3 of season 3 at 7 PM EST on the internet. Produced by Angel Studios. If you haven’t seen it, start from the beginning. Such an amazing rendition of the lives of Jesus and the disciples to get to know their humanity. Makes me really fall in love with the characters and to see Jesus come from such compassion, joy, humor, and seriousness. (The preparation of the Sermon on the Mount was especially poignant, as He leveled each word specifically towards those He loves. Loooooost it in big weepy tears! I have my own “Matthew” at home with my wonderful daughter.)
That… we can look forward to. His overcoming death and overcoming this madness.
I like your writing, JW00. Pet your kitty for me, be well and be blessed . . . 🙂
I like your contributions, too, Garrison. Will pass along your affection for my Daniel. May our Lord bless you and keep you, as well.
I am so sorry, JWoo. For him and for you and your daughter. I trust he is in no pain? I pray not. When he decides to take his leave, I hope so much he will just slip quietly away. As someone said their lives are too short…their only fault really.
You’ve given him a beautiful life, my friend, so when that time arrives, I pray also you will find comfort in knowing it.
And yes…funny you should use the word madness. It is the exact word we’ve used to describe all we see today. the only appropriate word we can think of. And it seems universal, at least in the West. What to make of how widely spread it is. And all at once it seems…suddenly. But yes, we are promised an end to it…and one day that end will come. Glory to God in the Highest!🙏💕
Thank you, Bets. We are okay. Grief is not new to us and we find the blessings where we can. There are two great honors in life; one at the first breath, and the other at the last. With a few incidental honors in between… but it’s at these two specific ones where we really meet God where the rubber hits the road… so to speak. It is by His Breath that we live and by His Will we die.
We intend to be here for all of it.
Danny is on two meds to keep him comfortable. He’s got breakthrough pain, though, and growled at my daughter when she lifted him. Those growls are not him. His eyes tell it. He’s dropping weight fast and we are trying to ration the medication. If he takes the full dose, he now loses coordination and his legs don’t work beneath him… and I fear he would hurt himself further.
I am contemplating kenneling him, but that is a last resort, as his affection for his brother is great and they often fold into each other’s arms and bask in the sun together. Trying to keep them together, and him with full access to us… as long as I can. I don’t like going to sleep separated from him, but he takes his solace in my walk-in closet and I get up in the middle of the night to make sure he stays warm. I am off these next 10 days and will play hospice nurse and pray that he passes peacefully. He gets whatever he wants… and it’s my honor to be his human.
We are trying to take this transition as gracefully as possible. We seem to have the meds at a rate where he can still be lucid and function. He HATES the meds and whips his head back violently and works and works to spit it out in mucusy, foamy hostility. He is a workout and it takes both of us to administer!
Between the mourning in our own lives over recent occurrences… and the mourning over the certain death of our country if we continue in this direction… I am sure there is a breakdown in my future. But not today, devil. Not today!!!
Prayers up for You and Kitty , JWoo 🙏
Your Strength will see Your Danny through .
God Bless You
Grace to you sis. ❤️✝️❤️
I don’t know if this would be helpful to Daniel in any way or not, but my elderly cat (at least 20 years old) really seems to enjoy bagpipe music (found on a YouTube channel).He too is rapidly losing weight & vet suspects thyroid cancer, but at his age surgery isn’t an option & medication would destroy his still functioning kidneys.
I am sorry your family is going through this (especially during Christmas time) – nearly every pet I’ve ever had since my childhood has passed around this time (and I suspect our old boy may as well – I really think he’s holding on until our daughter can hopefully come home weather permitting).
Peace & blessings to you, your family and all Treepers & to Sundance & crew as well.
WVMOMOF4… I pray your catto will find his comfort in your arms and finally in your daughter’s when she comes safely home. Is it their sense that they wait until all can be near? I keep hearing that they will hide and he did that weeks ago, but now he is very much seeking our laps and embraces and he was never this clingy. (I am glad for the cling.)
I read about hospice for cats and it speaks of keeping lights low, noises to a minimum, small confines, and few guests. He leaped onto my desk when I was on business calls this week and gave me the “evil eye”… so I think there’s something to be said in speaking in low, soft octaves. Something it will be good for me to practice anyway for my own blood pressure. LOL
Much love to you sister from another mister. Praying your girl arrives safely and we find our joy in this blessed holiday. Regardless the weather.
What a gentle loving soul you are, my sister. If he is starting to live with constant pain, I’ll pray that he passes on quickly. Which I know would grieve you and his brother. But as Robert Frost said, there were three words which summed up the inevitable …life goes on…as it does and will. We all know how true this is. But we also know we don’t go on alone…ever. Watching with you, JWoo, and hoping that his passing will be quiet and serene.💕 When that happens, here we all are…count on it.
Love to you, Betsy. I believe only in few small things that one should be long-suffering in… and this is not one of them. I know death too well and pray for him to go swiftly. Of course, with the storm… I’m praying he holds until afterwards when it’s safe to travel. The thought of storing a body is about more than I can handle. (shiver)
I have always euthanized in the past, but with his brother… this is different. (Unless I took brother with me to do the deed. Kiddo wouldn’t be able to handle it, so it’s usually “on my own” that these things occur… which I hate.)
I understand only to well this end of life situation for the animals which we’ve loved, who have kept us company, who look to is for their survival, who comfort us when we need such.
When we were living in rural Wales, the word got out to all the lovely barn cats that the place to be was our home and so made a beeline straight for us.
I use the word “home”, not “house”, because our animals made our house a home. You know what I mean.
But there was a price to pay for their companionship which we had to pay too many times. And it is heartbreaking. Thankfully we found a country vet not far from us in a small village whose compassion was really more than we could have hoped for. His office was bare bones…just a small front office and an equally small treatment area, with make do shelves on the wall where he kept his potions. He was a young man with a tremendous love for God’s small creatures who he treated with gentleness, which I truly believe they all understood.
I’ve never had dealings since with any vet who emanated that special communication with his patients that this bless-ed man did. I hope your vet is the same, JWoo.
When our beloved Penny, our treasured Jack Russell died, he wrote a small but thoughtful note to us. In it he poured out his understanding and sympathy about our losing her. We were already crying, but we cried harder when we read it. I will never forget him, his skill, or his kindness in taking the time from his extremely busy practice to send a handwritten note.
And there I’ve wandered off into reflective reverie…just a reminder that even in our worst grieving moments, God puts people in our lives to walk through with us. Blessings, even though we may recognize them only later. Tremendous it is to be able to see it and give thanks for it…😘
Prayers up for you, your daughter and Danny. And for his sibling. 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
Amen sis. Amen.
Merry Christmas! He came.
Merry Christmas! He’s coming. ☀️✝️☀️
“i AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERY PURR.” Really hits me hard today. I had to put my kitty of twelve years to sleep this morning. We rescued her and her brother and were told that they were both males at the time. We named “him” Ringo. She was the sweetest little cat a big guy could have. We have been treating her for past few months for diabetes and in the end, it was just too much for her. All my life I swore that I would never put a pet down and this morning I had to face the fact that in this case it was the best thing for my little furry best friend. I am in so much pain right now it’s hard to deal with. With that being said. “I am grateful for every purr”.
Oh texastrumper…my heart breaks into pieces with yours. There are no adequate words to describe that sort of grief you are experiencing. But I will say one of the most painful but heroic decisions an animal lover ever makes is to choose that option for a much loved companion such as your lovely lad. And having been there too many times, I understand the cost of making that decision. Just comfort yourself with knowing he is out of pain and is suffering no more. And let those tears flow as a tribute to all he gave you.
I found a photo of a moss covered headstone of a cat from long ago…a feline named Dewey (1898-1910), much loved as was your Ringo. This is the inscription…
“He was only a cat
But he was human
Enough to be a great
Comfort in hours
Of loneliness and pain.”
There are those who are not animal lovers who may never understand how much our animals mean to us. But you do, I do…
If Almighty God had not meant for them to be what they are to us, He wouldn’t have put them here.
I am so so dreadfully sorry my friend…
Thank you, Betsy. I appreciate it a bunch. I didn’t convey this message with intent for condolences. It just somehow made me feel a little better after typing it out. Thank you for your response. I just feel like a horrible human being and now I don’t even have my little friend around anymore. But like you said, she is not in pain anymore and is in a better place. I just wish it hadn’t ended this way.
No, I know you didn’t…but you got them all the same with great and knowing understanding.
Please don’t feel horrible, though I completely understand why you do.
You assessed how he was and with compassion and love gave him a painless respite from his earthly sufferings. A gift to your friend at the end of his life.
And I must tell you that my British husband, a strong man in every way, crumpled with each of our cats which were suffering when we had to make that decision. To this day when we are remembering them all, it is he who of the two of us gets misty eyed first. He also referred to each of the many we had, as you sweetly have, as his little friends, as they were all partial to him.
I’m very glad you posted. It is a place full of people who know what you’ve experienced only too well. We are always here for everyone, no matter what. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Sometimes there is one in particular which leaves paw prints within us. How lucky you were to enjoy such a companion💕. All blessings to you, my friend …Bet
Thank you again Betsy. You are a very kind and loving lady. Your words of wisdom and experience are helping me through this horrible day.
Oh I am glad…so glad. This is the worse; and as my dear mother in law was often saying…this too shall pass. But he will never be forgotten.😌 All God’s blessings be with you.
I think the most important point T/T is, if you have to put a suffering pet down, if at all possible make sure you are with them when they pass. They’ll know you are there and your presence will be calming. I was so overcome with grief when I brought old Chango in that I followed the vet’s suggestion and left him alone. He was crying in fear as I did so. I swore I’d never do something like that to a beloved pet ever, ever again.
‘s
Thank you, Garrison. I fulfilled half your advice this morning. I was there but as it was taking place I could not bear to watch. I think my feelings of guilt got in the way. I want to take the opportunity to thank you for this reply as well as all your postings. I come to this Open Thread every morning (except this morning) and read and listen to beautiful offerings of past, peace, love and all admirations of God’s great creations. I don’t post very often but I do know that yourself, my new friend Betsy and I are all fellow Texans. My heart is totally broken today and ya’lls kind words have helped me. Thank both of you from the bottom of my broken heart.
New friend only once…friend after…I hope we will find you here again💕
Cats with diabetes can be really tough to regulate. Very sorry for your loss. It is always a very hard decision to make but sometimes it is the right thing to do. Saying a prayer for you.
O-H!
Lovely, simply lovely.
Morning Ya’ll 🙂
Good morning, Mr jay. Is that kryptonite I spy?? Impressive!
Maidin Mhaith Betsy 🙂
Nah, that can’t be kryptonite.
Kryptonite is white chocolate/peppermint Hershey’s kisses.
If you don’t believe me just ask me!!!
😂…but of course, Greg. I shall take your word for it👍🌲
Splendid! Love all the colors and the transparency and opaqueness.
My Dad was a huge fan of Chet Atkins! 🙂
🙂 🙂
Mornin’ jay. Some good choices here . . . 🙂
Howdy Garrison 🙂
Morning jay !
Howdy Gramps 🇺🇸🙏🏻🇺🇸
Sorry for the long post, but well worth it! ❤️
We had an unexpected visitor show up this afternoon.
She was a little girl around the age of five with tears running down her face. She asked me if my girlfriend’s daughter was here. All I could muster was concern and asked her what was wrong.
Her lips trembled. A tear dripped down her cheek.
“There is no Santa Claus because we did not get a thing last year.”
I stood there for a second, really not knowing what to say. Should I invite her in? Should I tell her that there is a Santa Claus? Was I in the right position to tell a five year old girl this?
I told her to wait. Her blonde hair fluttered in the wind. Her icy blue eyes were just to much.
I gave her some peanut butter cookies and an ornament off of our tree.
“Put the ornament on the tree and Santa will come this year.”
She nodded, wiped off the tears, and hugged me.
“Merry Christmas. He will come this year I promise.”
After she left, all I could think about was a famous Christmas letter. I wish I could have read it to her before she went back home.
Here it is:
Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter, “Is There A Santa Claus?” to the editor of New York’s Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial of all time.
“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.
Not believe in Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”
Francis Pharcellus Church
Sometimes even a cookie can make a difference in a person’s outlook in life. Where there’s kindness there’s hope. And when there’s hope there’s faith.
I wish you and your family the kindest Christmas ever.
—Ian Garrison
(Ben Garrisons Son)
Oh bless her little life. Is there no way to follow up on your sweet answer to her, Citizen? Some small gift for her you could perhaps arrange so she knows her faith in what you told her is true?
Please pardon my impertinence in suggesting, as I don’t know her family’s circumstances, how many children are in the family, etc. But that story has broken my heart…💔
Contact Ben Garrison’s son Ian at https://bengarrison.com/
Ahhhh, I missed that it was his son who wrote this…my eyes were leaking…apologies.
🙂
May her cup spilleth over. I find no crime in shielding our children from the harsh reality for as long as possible. Though we must be careful to walk in Truth. Maybe a simple reassurance and it sounds like you did splendidly with that Citizen. A hug can be the best medicine for a heavy heart. God love her.
Here’s some *very* peppy Swedish Christmas Music, for dancing.
It’s also great for just plain old foot tapping. (!)
And excellent for doing housework to!
Very happy music!
I love Glen – what a fine player.
By the way he was the only one of the group of studio musicians known as The Wrecking Crew who became famous. Great documentary out there on them…
One more
🙂
Good morning, Garrison. I remember watching his show. Yesterday, I think… wish we could go back to those times. Or transport those times to where we are now. There’s that nostalgia again…the Welsh have a wonderful word for it…hiraeth. 😘
Dang. They should do re-runs of that!
I forgot he had a show!
We need a LOT of reruns from those years, sunnydaze. Might help remind people how things were then…wholesome entertainment. How on earth did we lose it?? Glenn’s, Andy Williams, Perry Como, Dean Martin, etc etc.
Wholesome entertainment is still around. It’s just that it’s residing in China and Korea. I fear that Hollywood will eventually get to them, but the advantage I finally see to an authoritarian regime is that they’re slowing the transition from a conservative, moral approach in TV dramas to the progressive, liberal Hollywood approach. You just have to be able to read subtitles.
Hi, Bet. I had an interesting conversation this afternoon. My issue of Chronicles magazine hadn’t been delivered. Like the magazine but their offices aren’t the best. So, mailings are irregular and magazines can go wlkabout. Their website proved impossible to navigate—try as I might I couldn’t find out how to simply send them an email!
They had an 800 number for subscription issues so I called that. I found myself talking to someone obviously-not-from-here who was obviously working at a call center somewhere. She had a little trouble with my Texas accent but we quickly got things straightened out, she took my request for my December issue of Chronicles.
Curious, I asked if I could ask where she was located. She was in Columbia. Putting 2+2 together I surmised i was talking to a ;young, 20 something woman with good English skills. I apologized for not speaking better Spanish, explaining that my late wife was both a former Spanish professor and a Spanish language linguist. I told her about the massive cold front heading our way and said I really, really wished I was in Columbia.
She found some humor in that and suddenly her attitude changed. She went from call-center-drone to a friendly 20 something young woman. I complimented her on her command of English (which was quite good despite her difficulties with my Texas accent).
Realizing that I shouldn’t take more of her time, I thanked her for her help and then wished her a Merry Christmas. She responded with the most heartfelt thank you I think I’ve ever received from a total stranger. Here was a well-educated young woman, working in a soul-crushing call=center job thousands of miles away from me.
Just having some stranger in Texas show some kindness and wish her a Merry Christmas broke through and brought a moment of happiness to a nice young girl in a Columbia call-center.
I think this just goes to show that showing a little kindness can often foster an entirely surprising result. Sure made my day . . .
Amen, Garrison. Your faith has feet and it went to Columbia today. I love random discussions with strangers.
🙂 Call center work, although boring, is often the best work people like this young woman can get. When I find myself talking to a call-center person, I always try to exchange a few kind words with them.
They are THE BEST!!! In line at the grocery store, passing people in the aisles, a heartfelt good morning and an idle comment…I’ve often extended what should be a short stock up into a lengthy one for simply engaging people who like me who probably thought they’d be in and out.
On one such visit, I was able to supply the name and phone number of a vet my daughter takes her Maggie to to a couple I met in the pet food aisle. Way less expensive than the one they were seeing. And as they were elderly, they were very grateful for the information which it was my pleasure to supply to them. There is such a joy in those unexpected encounters…good for the heart and extremely good for the soul😌
I am so glad that strangers are again communicating in stores, etc. again! During Covid & all the masking it seems we were all avoiding everyone. I don’t go out much anymore, but have had several nice stranger conversations lately, even exchanged a recipe with another in a supermarket!
Just a tiny bit of normal seems to be returning this holiday season! Merry Christmas to all!
It is such a gift, Dee, to interact with people whose paths you might cross. I’d stop and talk with that ineffectual mask on, but it wasn’t the same. I won’t be wearing one again.
Great post Garrison. Good morning! ☀️🌞😃
🙂
Thank you for this, Garrison. Because you have confirmed for me that that human connection…not customer/service deliverer one, but human-being-one-to-another connection can be one of the most wonderful experiences. And, like you, the type we also try to foster whenever we must deal with issues over the phone with call centres (either here, or usually somewhere else).
How uplifting for you and for her. How much sweeter would this raw life of ours be if everyone would simply understand the joy received in treating those whose faces we can’t see with courtesy, finding that one connection which makes the road we are all travelling on that little bit smoother?
What a wonderful story. Simply wonderful. Just reading it has made my day brighter, the gift that goes on past its original effect. I’m smiling just thinking about it💕
🙂
Morning Garrison!
🙂
And here’s some calm music:
Just beautiful!
I agree. So beautiful it brings a tear to my eye.
I like that one a lot. When it stopped I thought, oh no, it’s over too soon.
And here’s the whole album, for those who can’t get enough.
My mother was brilliant and played this album every nite before we kids went to bed. Fast side 1st so we’d dance/run around and wear ourselves out, followed by calm side to wind down and go to bed.
It worked!!
Every nite for the month and a half around Christmas, that is. Not all year. (!)
You had the MOST clever mother around.
She really was.
Sometimes I don’t give her enough credit. Then I remember stuff like that and think>>> Brilliant!!
Something happened yesterday that I wanted to write about, and the Treehouse is, I think, the right place.
I think I got a small sign.
A friend from years past lost her husband this week, suddenly to a heart attack (they were both friends and I remember him fondly). She called today and we talked about bereavement, because I lost a significant other many years ago. My childhood friend also just lost her husband, and earlier this year there were more deaths among my family and friends, all men, five in all. I’ve sung at two of the services so far.
She asked that I record a tune for the service, and it turned out to be one of my favorites that I learned many years ago, around the time my s.o. died, in fact.
But wait… I am burying the lead somewhat – one must know I wasn’t brought up in religion and it hasn’t ever really been part of my life – but I’ve learned a lot since spending time at sundance’s site. I guess you could say I am now finding myself a little bit more open to it every day – sort of, shall we say, seeking…
In any case, I’ve sung this particular song for more than 25 years. There is a pretty line at the end that the lead vocalist does above other singers, and I never quite knew what the words to it were, never having really performed it except once at a coffeehouse. But after the request I came home and started trying it out on two different instruments. I made my usual careful chart with the words and chords, but a couple of words from the sheet music weren’t quite right. I compared them by listening and made corrections to what is actually being sung.
However, that one line wasn’t yet clear.
So I turned up the volume, and I listened with full attention.
I suddenly realized that the four unknown words are “God bless his soul” in a song that is mostly secular.
It gave me goosebumps. It just seemed so significant to me that I had to reach this age and this time in life to understand the line…
Yes, definitely a sign! You were meant to hear those words at this time.
S-G,
You heard those words when God wanted that the message will enter you. Into your mind. You worked for it many times. We have ears but we do not hear [the meaning of the phase]. We must recognize a sign but usually it takes lots of time to feel God’s presence.
Now I think you know that you have been blessed.
Pardon my bad English.
Oh how I agree, meme! More often than not, it is in hindsight when I realize I have received a precious sign, which makes me ashamed I wasn’t “hearing”… but oh so grateful when I finally understand.
Goosebumps just reading your story, steph. I agree with phoenix…yes!
In my experience as a long time Christian, “salvation” doesn’t always happen in a burst of lightning. It is sometimes a well-planned whisper. God does speak to us, Steph_Gray, and He seems to be providing you with a ministry of your own in discipling and stewarding these folks through times of bereavement.
He speaks to us in the wee small hours when our hearts are raw and rung out… and sometimes when we are perfectly content and viewing His Glory in the morning sunrise. Creation reveals His Majesty.
If I may be so bold to encourage you… journal these moments. In my years of fellowship with Him in my solitude, I take a few moments of meditation, I write to Him in my journal, I pray, and then I open randomly to His Word and He sometimes pricks my Spirit and prompts me where to go in the Bible. Just open it. Read a passage or two, or to your heart’s content.
He will bless you richly and for all your hardships, our ultimate Destination is so worth it. God be with you and thank you for sharing your faith walk here. You are in good company.
For the “seeking”… to know our Savior Jesus Christ… Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are great places to start. As you hunger for more, I in my younger days… started both reading the Old Testament and the New Testament simultaneously… which was very cool to see the prophetic stories in the OT come to fruition in the NT. Go as fast, or as slow as you need. I like the NIV Bible myself. The Lord’s Timing in you is perfect, my friend. Merry Christmas in this new season of firsts.
Commit to the Lord your ways and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
His timing IS perfect! Not a second too soon, nor a moment too late. Once we understand this, it is easy to demonstrate the patience He admonishes us to have, which acts as an underpinning for our faith that all is in His hands. So let it be written…🙏
Our Lord treat me another way. Often I search [madly] for a thing, a solution to a problem. No results.
God led my eyes and mind to an unexpected answer. When I don’t expect it.
Like you, I was not raised with religion. God reaches out to all of us because He loves all of us. Reach back, you will never regret it.
It isn’t just you who is doing the seeking! The Holy Spirit seeks you and wants you to know how much you are loved. Glad you’re open to receiving the graces extended to you! Merry Christmas! Lovely post.
Michael, as you have discovered with this beautiful thread, a church doesn’t need a building. As was made clear in a devotional the other day, we are a church in every way. I have come to realize how true this is. And every day new “parishioners” find their way here. You and your beautiful contributions are a wonderful example of this.
The other day I made a comment in which I expressed a hope that others could discover what a beautiful place this was. I know God is amongst us, as we are certainly more than the two or three He says he is with when gathered in His name. And since that comment, suddenly I am joyfully seeing new “faces” every day! Was I heard? I prayerfully think I was…and it is glorious!
As I read in sorrow of so many, too many churches with physical buildings which, during these past three terrible years, have abrogated their Christian purposes and which have drifted far away from serving our Lord, I have come to firmly rely on our small church here, where we all are gathered. And where we all in perfect harmony speak of our beliefs and share our experiences with our spiritual devotion to the Almighty.
Friends who become family. Our coming together daily to witness His grace and mercies, and to give thanks for all the blessings which He bestows.
A church as I’ve described it…without a building…and one where we all praise him, saying “Glory to God in the Highest!” If we are not a church in the truest sense, I don’t know what is. Blessings, sir.🙏
Dear Sister, you got me all choked up! It really touches me to read such kind words. And, YES! The Lord did hear you, and He always does. And all that you say about this little meeting place being “church” I think is a good way to put it.
The Lord’s people have had to resort to different and creative ways to fellowship in past generations, under dangerous times of persecution: I think as long as the Lord allows us this way to meet and encourage and comfort one another, then we ought to use it.
I am actually quite amazed that there are so many Christians, really nice, and smart people here. My experience on other sites; (which were, sad to say, Christian and Bible-based); has not been good. Inevitably I will write something that ruffles a few feathers, and I’m out. What’s funnier, I see the way things used to be; how you could disagree and argue with a friend, (or a foe), and there was still respect and some kind of dignity. Today, you can hardly suggest anything uncomfortable, without being threatened with being cancelled! 🙂 Pretty funny! And on that point, Jesus sure didn’t go around whining about His sensitivities being offended; nor did He hold back to fairly and respectfully tell the truth to His worst enemies. Yet there is no one ever so meek and gentle and kind, and the perfect friend, as our Jesus! Something to think about.
Anyway, thanks again Ms Betsy; very nice of you to talk to me. The Lord bless you.
This is the story of 3 wild newborn foals found in dire need by Candace and Jordan Camille in British Columbia, Canada. There are 6 short videos, 2 groups of 3, total about 30 minutes. People like this young couple warm my heart.
I send your videos to my younger sister and my youngest daughter.
They love them. Thank you and Merry Christmas! ✝️
I glad they like them and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours, too!
Really appreciate the animal videos. Thank you.
Thank you, Mary. Horses have always been my passion. They are amazing, beautiful, strong, loving creatures. My bucket list has only one item – to be able to ride again before I go.
It’s Cursday, Treepers. Pet your puppies for me . . . 🙂
I rescued a homeless border collie from the patio of my favorite restaurant. “Sweetie” fit right in with our kitties and, honestly, it seemed as though she’d been a part of our family for yeaars. My wife suffered from Alzheimer’s and so Sweetie decided that her “work” would be watching after my wife. Whereever my wife went, Sweetie was always with her . . . always watching and looking out for her. She was an older dog when we got her but was a wonderful companion for the 8 years she was with us. She died at home, in familiar surroundings, knowing that she was loved by us.
Ahhhh. 🙌
Still working.
On my way up to Ligonier Josh called. Said turn it around. He had just got an email from the shipper that they would be closed and stay closed until after Christmas.
When I got back he had another task for me. Take a load of tires up to Vaughn, a semi trailer manufacturer, in Monon, IN.
This morning I am heading with a load down to a place near Glasgow, KY. The load is ready and the receiver opens at 06:00 and so I am leaving early to get back early and hopefully beat the weather that is coming in. The same weather I have been blabbering about for weeks now. Sometimes I hate it when Joe Bastardi is right!
When I get done with this load I will be done until Tuesday of next week. I took a vacation day on Monday. I will need the rest.
Safe travels, Rah. May traffic be in your favor and get you home well in advance of this storm.
I love your “rubber hits the road” posts.
Stay safe and merry! 💪✝️💪
Prayers up, rah, for your safe journey and return to your family. I pray also n that this weather will not interfere with your family’s arrival. And prayers also for all, who like you, are on these no doubt diabolical roads during this awful cold.
Safe travel, rah.
Drive safe and stay warm. A very Happy Christmas when you can finally settle down and rest.
Tucker & Tulsi thrash the twofaced technocrat termites.
Lovely literation!
22 December 2021 Robin Le Mesurier [Halliley], British session and touring guitarist (The Wombles; Rod Stewart; Johnny Hallyday), dies of cancer at 68
22 December Joe Cocker
(1944-2014)
English rock vocalist (“With A Little Help From My Friends”; “Cry Me A River”; “You Are So Beautiful”), dies of lung cancer at 70
22 December 2007 Joe Ames, American singer and actor (The Ames Brothers Show), dies at 86
22 December 2006 Dennis Linde, American songwriter (“Burning Love”; “Goodbye Earl”), dies of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at 63
22 December 2003 Dave Dudley, American country singer (Six Days on the Road), dies at 75
22 December 2002 Joe Strummer, British lead singer of the punk band “The Clash” (Rock the Casbah), dies at age 50
. . . but deliver us from the Evil One.
The Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
Amen!
The 50th Psalm
Septuagint
Prayer of Saint Ioannikios the Great of Bithynia (+ 846)
My hope is the Father, my refuge the Son, my protection the Holy Spirit. O Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.
From Small Compline
Rejoice Virgin Theotokos, Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Savior of our souls. (Thrice)
Thursday of the 28th Week of the Epistles
The Nativity Fast
The Conception of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary by Saint Anna
December 9th – Patristic Calendar of the Orthodox Christian Church
December 22nd – civil or commercial calendar
Most Holy Mother of God pray for us!
Good morning, Sepp.
I feel compelled to leave this here, even though this is not a language I understand verbally.
I understand it in every other way. And it is beautiful. Blessings to you always
Merry Christmas Betsy – this is a wonderful gift, I loved it. You are a Blessing (deep red heart). Parichute
I am so glad, parichute. I heard it first here a long time ago and saved it. There was just something today that told me to post it, so beautiful isnit.
And I do thank you so much for your Christmas wishes. I hope in every way that this Christmas for you will be one which delivers all the hope and peace which we so desperately need through the arrival of His Son, the Christ child. 🙏🌲 Stay warm, my friend, and all blessings to you🤗
Good evening
(getting thawed out from a full day outside)
All links to videos show up only as URLs on the screen without any further info.
For various reasons this performer’s videos have not become favorites of mine before.
I appreciate that you shared it with us.
Nodding off here, long day.
The gifts I’d leave beneath your tree,
Aren’t those that you can touch or see,
No toys meant just for pointless play,
But gifts to bless you every day.
The gift of friendship warm and true,
Is one that I would leave for you.
Good health and happiness and cheer
To keep you smiling through the year.
The gift of peace that comes from God,
With prayer to guide each path you trod.
And when your heart has lost its song
The gift of hope to cheer you on.
These are the gifts I’d leave for you.
–Kay Hoffman
Thank you spicy! Just copied that and sent it to my oldest friend who just buried her mother on Monday and is finding it very difficult to get in the spirit of Christmas. Another blessing from the Treehouse gang!
Gifts, spicy, for which there is no earthly price.💕🙏
December 22 Oswald Chambers
The Drawing of the Father
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him… —John 6:44
When God begins to draw me to Himself, the problem of my will comes in immediately. Will I react positively to the truth that God has revealed? Will I come to Him? To discuss or deliberate over spiritual matters when God calls is inappropriate and disrespectful to Him. When God speaks, never discuss it with anyone as if to decide what your response may be (see Galatians 1:15-16). Belief is not the result of an intellectual act, but the result of an act of my will whereby I deliberately commit myself. But will I commit, placing myself completely and absolutely on God, and be willing to act solely on what He says? If I will, I will find that I am grounded on reality as certain as God’s throne.
In preaching the gospel, always focus on the matter of the will. Belief must come from the will to believe. There must be a surrender of the will, not a surrender to a persuasive or powerful argument. I must deliberately step out, placing my faith in God and in His truth. And I must place no confidence in my own works, but only in God. Trusting in my own mental understanding becomes a hindrance to complete trust in God. I must be willing to ignore and leave my feelings behind. I must will to believe. But this can never be accomplished without my forceful, determined effort to separate myself from my old ways of looking at things. I must surrender myself completely to God.
Everyone has been created with the ability to reach out beyond his own grasp. But it is God who draws me, and my relationship to Him in the first place is an inner, personal one, not an intellectual one. I come into the relationship through the miracle of God and through my own will to believe. Then I begin to get an intelligent appreciation and understanding of the wonder of the transformation in my life.
WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERS
Re-state to yourself what you believe, then do away with as much of it as possible, and get back to the bedrock of the Cross of Christ.
https://utmost.org/
No worries, Michael…can’t tell you how often I do this, even after I’ve read through to make sure my fingers haven’t betrayed me. We are experienced in understanding those little errors…thank goodness😁
Hi Michael, lots to absorb there, and I’d like to add to it, for the few that might be interested. For Further consideration:
Christ referencing the teachings of each church’s doctrine. Just as many have variance from the Word today.
Revelation 2:1 “...Ephesus…2:4…I have somewhat against thee…” We shouldn’t listen to their doctrine.
Revelation 2:8 “...Smyrna…2:9 thou art rich…” Definitely want to hear what they teach.
Revelation 2:12 “...Pergamos…2:14 “…I have a few things against thee…” No way.
Revelation 2:18 “...Thyatira…2:20…I have a few things against thee...” Wrong again.
Revelation 3:1 “...Sardis…3:2 “…I have not found thy works perfect before God.” Nope!
Revelation 3:7 “…Philadelphia…I know thy works…2:9…I will make them…worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” Wow, high praise!
Revelation 3:14 “...Laodiceans…3:16…I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Whew! Christ doesn’t like what they’re teaching at all!
OK, we’ve established which churches to study, and which ones to avoid. So what do Smyrna & Philadelphia teach that Jesus is so pleased with?
Revelation 2:8 “…unto…the church in Smyrna...”
Revelation 2:9 “I know thy works… and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” Christianity wasn’t established yet, Judaism is the teaching or ‘religion’ He references.
Revelation 3:7 “...to…the church in Philadelphia…he that hath the key of David...” “Key” = the geneology of David [Christ’s bloodline, umbilical to umbilical.]
Revelation 3:8 “I know thy works: behold, I have set…an open door…no man can shut it...”
Revelation 3:9 “…of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not...”
The doctrine in common of the two Churches Jesus prefers are; “the synagogue of Satan”.
So our Lord and Saviour has told us pretty clearly, there are people that claim to be Jews [teachers] but actually belong to Satan. And, He states two of the seven churches teach this fact. And, he states once we learn this fact no one can take it away [an open door that no one can shut] through false teaching.
It’s important to note; living somewhere can assign a name to someone, but that doesn’t make them of THAT tribe. Just because Christ spoke to ‘Jews’, (Judaeans) doesn’t imply they were all of Judah (1 tribe) or of Israel (Jacob’s posterity, 10 tribes + Levi {the Priests}). e.g. If you move to Hawaii, you do not become Hawaiian.
The ‘Jews’ that Jesus scolded were of the “synagogue of Satan” Some were Sadducees, some were Pharisees, but they weren’t chosen as priests (teachers from the bloodline of Levi) by God. They lied continually. They were not of the tribes of Judah or Israel even unto today.
What else does Jesus, tell us in John’s dream, his ‘spirit’ in the Millennium?
Revelation 3:10 “Because thou hast kept the word…I will keep thee from…temptation, which shall come upon the whole world...”
What temptation? The whole world? Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, everyone?
“Will be tempted” to worship the anti-Christ, of course! He is super-natural, he’s beautiful, no horns on his head, no tail, no cloven hooves.
Revelation 13:11 “...another beast coming up…like a lamb…spake as a dragon.”He looks like a lamb [Christ was God’s sacrificial lamb for everyone that would believe], but speaks as a dragon, because he IS the dragon. Ref. 20:2 “…laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan…” Also 12:9 “…that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan…”)
Revelation 13:13 “...he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.” He can call down lightening from the skies. We see people that worship a politician, or a rock star, or even a movie star, how easily deceived they would be at supernatural acts. As the original liar, he can cite Sripture better than anyone, save Jesus. His lies will sound like truth to any that haven’t studied with understanding.
Ezekiel [God’s prophet teaching us]
28:12 “...thou…full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.” 28:13 “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God…the day that thou wast created.” 28:17 “Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty...” He is the 2nd most beautiful, intelligent, super-natural being there has ever been except for Jesus. And he has managed to make the world believe either he doesn’t exist (atheists) or he’s a horned headed, cloven-hoof demon (Christians), or he’s going to come as the 13th Imam (Islamists) and on, and on.
Just a thought…
Hi Michael,
First, the cop-out part… I’m sure you’ve experienced the ‘limitations’ of the tiny post box, and trying to ‘get it right’. Man it’s bear for these old eyes. So, yeah, I’ll do my write up specific to your questions, citing Chapter/Verse for corroboration [& I prefer to cite a 2nd witness for every assertion], but this will definitely take a bit. Of course all CutNPaste from my future document to here. But… Christmas, work, other duties, yada, yada, yada…
Now the other things [briefly]…
I really want to get this right even if there’s only one other reader who will check back to see what exchanges transpire between you and I. Yeah, I’ll lay out the Scriptures why antichrist & Satan ARE the same entity, [AND why it it crucial to KNOW that’s the case especially right now!] but it will take a minute [as the young-uns say]. I actually felt bad leaving so much unsaid on the 1st response. There is a lot to unpack, but I don’t want it to come off as confrontational, as that’s not the intent.
Also, I’ve given myself a ‘commission’ to produce and post a ‘Bible Study Help’ [my words] addressing several ‘popular teachings’ with ‘conflicting’, and therefore controversial conclusions. Each is so complex, my post dates for each are and will be the 1st & the 15th of each month for a while. [even then I have to give any chosen topic an abridged ‘answer’ to avoid annoying our fellow ‘Treepers’. Clearly some don’t have the same interest, so we don’t want to ‘dominate’ any threads through vast posts of Scripture, interpretation, recommendations for further study… you get the idea.
Still, on topics as ‘weighty’ as all this, we should never give Father’s Word short shrift, it just doesn’t serve HIM properly. It’s a balancing act [that I probably never get right. :-)] but again for that 1 person [and therefore, for HIM], I’m sure gonna’ try. I too, appreciate your interest and you’re taking time during ‘our busy lives’ to write back. I will again, count on it.
Have a very Merry Christmas and may our Heavenly Father bless you and yours [and ALL Treepers]!
Most sincerely, kp.
Hi Michael [finished sooner than I thought, probably some typos],
Complex questions never deserve short simplistic answers. Get ready, it had to be long.
I prefer the KJV to cite Scripture as I believe less is lost [not so much ‘distance’ from the original] in translation. When in doubt on any word or expression, the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance generally offers clarity as to original intent, by helping to cross reference identical and/or similar usage in other Chapters:Verses to help discover GOD‘s continuity.
This response is written as if a casual reader who does not know some particular item of importance is reading information for the 1st time. So, if it seems at all insulting by stating something you obviously already know, just remember the Lambs that we are trying to feed. I in no way, mean to be condescending! Please forgive in advance.
Excerpted from your 1st response;
“…The way I understand you; the Antichrist is the devil? I don’t think that’s exactly accurate…Also it says, that the dragon gave to the beast his power and his throne and great authority…For the dragon was taken by the neck, and locked up with a great chain, and thrown into the abyss, while the beast and the false prophet are the first to go into the lake of fire.”
There is only one ‘entity’ that GOD is fighting, or perhaps better stated ‘one head of Evil’ that holds many offices, assumes many names, and performs many roles, in his evil quest to deThrone our Heavenly Father. He will not succeed, of course, but he still has buku tasks to perform in his various duties assigned to him by GOD to complete the test we are all living through. These all refer to the exact same entity, not different entities [plural]. The antichrist is a title not a separate being, human or otherwise. Some when writing will strike out a letter [God, or G-d], but our Heavenly Father would not provide all this information if He did not want us to USE it in teaching others. GOD knows we are ALL sinners. Thus, HE offers Salvation through continual repentence [Matthew 18:22]. This becomes clearer when we remove traditional doctrine as taught, and let GOD‘s Word flow across our minds. Let’s first use just a few of HIS titles, offices, and roles to help us understand GOD‘s method of teaching:
GOD: Pro Tip; that’s not His name, it’s what we might call an office at the head of all. aka, I AM, ELOHIM, LORD, Jehovah, the Eternal, Heavenly Father, the Immutable One, He Who Was, and Is, and Is To Come, the Divine, God of Israel, Jehovah-Jireh, the Creator, Elyon, Shaddai, Adon, Adonai, Adonim, the Most High God, GOD Almighty, in flesh; Jesus, Yeshua, Son of man, Son of God, Saviour, Messiah, Prince of Peace, and still MANY more! GOD’s actual name is intentionally left off this list that none might blaspheme Him [Matthew 7:6]. If one does not know HIS Name [Locked in by acrostic in the Hebrew manusctipts, so man cannot alter It] one must study to learn His name.
Now, on to GOD‘s enemy as defined in His written Word.
Lucifer aka, the antichrist, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the greek tongue hath his name Apollyon, the great dragon, the accuser of our brethen, the destroyer, Beelzebub the prince of devils, the abomination of desolation, the beast, the false prophet, the desolator, the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, a murderer from the beginning, a liar, the father of it. All taken from various Scripture [not cited for brevity.]
‘Apollyon’ = Strong’s NT #623 Apolluon (ap-ol-loo’ohn); destroyer (i.e. Satan)
#1. “The way I understand you; the Antichrist is the devil?” I hope this is answered satisfactorily in all the above.
#2. “Also it says, that the dragon gave to the beast his power and his throne and great authority: not exactly that he was manifest in the flesh like Christ.”
Satan is never in the flesh, since he is never born through the ‘bag of water’ through the womb. He is supernatural.
Hosea 12:10 “I have…spoken by the prophets…and used similitudes…” GOD expects us to understand [through study] the symbolism HE uses in allegories, parables, similitudes. Not all understand stars = souls, waters = peoples, etc.
Revelation 9:1 “...fifth angel sounded…star fall…to him was given…key of the…pit.” At the 5th seal, 5th trump, 5th vial identifies the “star” as Satan [stars are all GOD’s souls], since this is the 5th angel that receives the key to the pit.
5th Seal = we are sealed in truth, 5th trump = GOD gives His command “Do it NOW!, 5th vial = any act itself as described.
Revelation 12:9 “...dragon cast out…deceiveth…into the earth…his angels with him.” At the 6th seal, 6th trump, 6th vial [666], Satan is cast to earth with his generals, before the start of the Millennium. They will deceive the world.
How do we know Satan is the star? Using another of his names, he’s identified as such;
Isaiah 14:12 “…fallen from heaven…Lucifer, son of the morning…to the ground…weaken the nations.” ‘Lucifer’ means morning star. ‘To the ground’ means earth. ‘Weaken the nations’ means the billions of people who are deceived by him.
Revelation 13:1 “…a beast rise out of the sea…seven heads…ten horns, and…ten crowns, and…the name of blasphemy.”
“beast” = Strongs’s NT #2342 therion (thay-ree’-on); a dangerous animal, (venemous…) beast. e.g. his role as ‘serpent’. A beast is just one of the many ‘roles’ Satan plays out as antichrist, ten horns [power] are his lying asst. generals [angels].
Revelation 17:15 “…the waters…thou sawest…are peoples…nations, and tongues” This helps us identify the One World Government, as people that are the nations that speak in other languages [UN, WEF, etc.] being assembled right now. They will assume world power through the NWO, then receive a ‘deadly wound’, which Satan will ‘heal’ convincing the whole world he is Christ, when in fact he is antichrist. If they’re expecting a 2 horned monster, they’re in for 1 huge surprise!
Revelation 13:2 “...the beast…the dragon gave him his power…and great authority.” We already know the ‘dragon’ is Satan. One of his roles is as the head of the O.W.G., or the ‘beast’, and He gives power, authority, as one of his duties of office.
Revelation 17:3 “...a…beast, full of…blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”
Revelation 17:8 “The beast…thou sawest was…is not…shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition...” We are still learning from John’s vision that he began to describe back in 1:10. John is in the ‘Lord’s Day’ aka the Millenium, looking backwards in time [still future to us!] “beast that was” = Satan when he ran it all, “is not” = not running it anymore since he was [‘was‘ from John’s point of view] – [‘will be‘, from our perspective] cast into the pit at the start of the Millennium, “shall ascend..” = Satan when he is loosed for a short season at the end of the Millennium, “go into perdition” = he’s already judged to destruction. Buh bye Lucifer! Lots to learn from one Verse! But it’s all there! GOD is awesome!
Revelation 19:20 “...the beast…and false prophet that…deceived them…that worshipped his image…cast into...”
Revelation 20:2 “...laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent…bound him a thousand years.”
Two of Satan’s roles as antichrist are cast into the pit with him, to be loosed again to test the souls on the left side of the gulf.
#3a. “For the dragon was taken by the neck, and locked up with a great chain, and thrown into the abyss,
Revelation 20:1 “...angel…from heaven, having…key of the bottomless pit and a great chain…”
So who is the dragon, and how do we know we can accurately identify him? We have to rely on GOD‘s Word to tell us.
Revelation 20:2 “...the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan…bound him a thousand years.”
The answer in 20:2 states; “...the dragon…IS the Devil, and Satan...”
#3b. “while the beast and the false prophet are the first to go into the lake of fire.” This is all answered above, so not reposting same info here.
I look forward to your response, Michael. If not soon, have a great NEW YEAR!
Mornin’ all!
I never have seen a better use for Roundup! Those tandrel roots bother me. And we should be rounding them up!!!
I have recognized how close we are to the edge of the dissolution of our Republic for a long time.
But this seems to be the final, bitter, irreversible end of all we have kept, fought and died for…handing over our beautiful country to those who do not understand what it has cost us to maintain it. And therefore have no inclination to help preserve it.
But then, the ones handing the keys over to OUR country have shown that neither do they…
Agreed. Unfortunately.
A little late here, but you’re absolutely right. And it makes my blood boil, as four family members served in WWII. Two of my uncles were in Navy. One of them lost a kidney. My dear GM told me it was one of worst times of her life, as she had not heard from him (her firstborn) for a year. Didn’t know if he was alive. He was about 19-20 yrs old.
My husband’s father and uncle served in Army. His father was stationed in Florida and his duties included taking care of German POW. My husband has letters/records about his father’s time there. His father actually developed a friendship with one of the German POW, and they wrote to each other for years afterwards.
My husband’s uncle was a POW in Germany. When they got him out, he was skin and bones. He would never talk about his time in the war, other than he occasionally got to eat a rat.
My heart is grieved and broken over our country’s state. It makes me want to hate those who are allowing this. I know that is wrong. Lord, please forgive me.
PLEASE PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER
PRAYING ON THE ARMOR OF GOD
Father God, I now follow your command to put on the full armor of God, because my battle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the unseen world.
I first pray on the Belt of Truth that it may be buckled around my waist, may I be centered and encircled by your truth dear Lord. Hem me inside all that is true and right, and may I be protected and held up by the truth of your living word, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Breastplate of righteousness, please protect my vital organs and my inner man, cover my integrity, my spirit, and my soul. Guard my heart for it is the wellspring of life, please strengthen and guard the most vulnerable places in my life with that which is right, good, and noble that I might not receive a fatal blow from the enemy, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Gospel Shoes of Peace. I choose to stand in the shoes of your good news, and on the firm foundation of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the solid eternal rock. All other ground is sinking sand, I pray that I will not slip or fall, but that my feet would be firmly fitted on your lordship, my Lord Jesus. I choose to stand on you, so that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus, the eternal Rock of Ages. I receive your holy peace now my Lord, from the sole of my feet to the crown of my head, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray the Shield of Faith into my hand now. As I take up the shield of faith, I ask that you might extinguish every dart and arrow, that is launched from the enemy to take me down spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, and every attempt of the enemy to destroy my joy. I ask that my faith in you would make it flame out. Extinguish every flaming arrow that would come against me, my life, my family, my home, or my ministry. May my faith always be out in front of me like a shield. Give me the courage to “faith my fears” by choosing to walk by faith and not by sight, in my Lord Jesus name.
I pray on the Helmet of Salvation, that you might protect my mind from the thoughts that can lead me astray. I choose to take every thought captive, and arrest all intentioned ideas and motives that would harm others, or distract me from your holy will for me. I submit every captured thought to the Lordship of my Lord Jesus Christ, and ask that you would imprison those thoughts that are not of you my Lord. Transform my mind and renew my thinking that I may think God thoughts, and have a sober mind that is focused on your glory. Please protect me from being double minded that I may allow my mind, I reject to live an earthly life, because I choose to live a holy one, governed by you My Lord Jesus, the prince of peace, please have my mind to be saturated with the holy mind of Christ, in my Lord Jesus name.
Finally, I take up the Sword of the Spirit which is the holy word of God, I pray this powerful offensive weapon into my hand, and ask that your holy word would be fitting for every encounter I face. As the enemy gets close to me, please give me the insight, wisdom, and skill to wield the word of God to drive away the enemy, in my Lord Jesus name.
May the enemy and his team flee from me, upon hearing the word of God spoken by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. Give me the sword of the spirit to cut through the wiles of the devil, so that I may discern the schemes of the enemy when he is near.
With all kinds of prayers, supplication, and intercession I pray to you my Lord God as the one who fights my battles. Now that I’m in your holy powerful armor, I walk away covered and ready to face my day as you go before me, and please protect me in the midst of the spiritual warfare in this unseen world, in my Lord Jesus name.
Thank you my Lord, for the spiritual weapons of armor and prayer that you have given me. It is written no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses me.
Thank you Father God, my Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit, that I am more than a conqueror in my Lord Jesus. I pray all of this in the mighty name of my Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ.
AMEN.
BE MY VOICE
BABY LIVES MATTER
JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN
Verse of the Day for Thursday, December 22, 2022
✟
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Romans 10:9 (KJV)
Thank You, Jesus, for blessings received and prayers answered!!!
When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. – Luke 21:28
The Christmas season is as much about waiting as it is about anything else! Look into the faces surrounding you during the holidays and you will see the faces of anticipation. For some it is the hope of a wonderful celebration while, for others, it may be a dread of painful realities. Regardless of the situation, whether joyful or difficult, a time of waiting is also an opportunity to prepare.
The world was longing for a Savior, yet, when God answered that desire, few were prepared to know Him and receive His message. Jesus revealed the sinful character of humankind. Some opened their hearts to go God’s unexpected way and discovered salvation. Others have rejected the gift and will live out the result of their choice not to be part of His kingdom.
What are you asking God for today? Is it to solve a relationship problem or work a miracle in your finances? Are you seeking Him to reveal His mercy to your unbelieving family or restore health in sickness? If you are His child, then you have joyful hope, knowing that He hears your prayer and will answer. Are you prepared to follow His will?
The world did not celebrate God’s gift of a Son in the past because His coming was wildly different from their expectations. Many may miss His return for the same reason. Study His word and humble your heart, prepare to receive God’s redemption for humanity and restoration in your life. Both will require a walk of faith. Set your mind today to do things God’s way, anyway!
Pray for many Americans to recognize Jesus Christ as God’s gift of salvation this holiday season.
https://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/daily-prayer-briefing?utm_source=daily_briefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_briefing&utm_content=daily_briefing
December 22
MORNING
Your work of faith. I Thess. 1:3
This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:29
Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. James 2:17
Faith worketh by love. Gal. 5:6
He that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal. 6:8
We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:10
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:14
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power. II Thess. 1:3, 11
It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Phil. 2:13
EVENING
Where is the promise of his coming? II Pet. 3:4
Enoch … the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all. Jude 14, 15
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Rev. 1:7
The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. I Thess. 4:16, 17
The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13
J. Bagster
https://dailylightdevotional.org/12/1222.html
This is one of the most beautiful, inspiring threads I’ve read all year…
Merry Christmas to all, and keep it up, Treepers!
Della…I have been saying this all day!! Isn’t it wonderful? I said above to Michael, I’d commented days ago how lovely it would be if our numbers on this thread increased. Never did I expect to see it happen so soon. Yesterday was a bit bare, so I was surprised and oh so grateful to see today’s. Like you, I am really hoping that it continues🙏
It has been glorious. Merry Christmas to you and all your family, for God given peace and good health🌲💕
All the posts – although varied, are delightful! A smorgasbord, if you like, from music, photos, cartoon, Scriptures, life experiences, something for everyone. But one thing I notice is the “kindness” coming from people’s hearts into print on a screen. It’s so encouraging.
I pray the Lord’s peace and blessings upon you, Betsy, and your loved ones. Merry Christmas!
For some peaceful distraction I find deer watching in Brownville, ME to be quite relaxing. Looks like they got some apple treats this morning.
BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!
Hi All,
I just got a taste of sticker shock with our yearly propane bill and was wondering if any one else using propane is having the same issue.
We only use propane for our stove, connected to a small 25 or 40 gallon tank, forget which size. It gets topped off once a year in December.
Historically, It’s been much cheaper to use than our last glass top electric stove – that one used about $250 dollars worth of electricity per year. Our propane expense by comparison has been like $65 dollars a year, a considerable savings and we love cooking with gas.
We got our bill yesterday and it was $155 dollars!!! That’s more than double for almost the same amount of propane(within a gallon) …
Anyone else seeing this?
I would suggest filling up in mid summer, if you only have to do it once a year.
Around here when I fill up my multiple cylinders for my gas grill, otherwise I have natural gas (which doubled as well 100/mo to 200/month), the price has doubled from about 5 bucks to about 10 bucks for a 20 lb cylinder which is equal to 4 gallons.
Propane always goes up by November 1st by usually a dollar, propane companies usually have a “sale” date till the price goes up for winter. Where you are located your experience be different. Even 15 years ago when I filled my cylinders at the local convenience store, they apparently ripped my head off for profit as they were charging 15 bucks way back then for the 4 gallons / 20 lb cylinder.
If I went into the main town with a true propane supplier it was even more, I cannot imagine what they may be charging now.
Here, so many people use propane that there used to be 4 suppliers for competition….. down to 2 now… i’m sure prices have suffered with the bought out competition.
Can’t answer that…but we had something similar during the summer with our electric bill. Went from 0.04 per kWh one month to 14.4 the next. I was reeling.
They have a demand power charge on mine now, not exactly transparent about how/when they charge it, it is a whopping 2.25 / KWH. Otherwise power was always .13 / KWH(this is also a co-op) (.08 on REMC in IN), I believe it still is, just a fuel adjustment charge that is doubled under O’biden.
It is usually about 25+ bucks a month…. I don’t even look anymore…. ticks me off…. just pay the bill as I can’t do much about it. I have already converted all the lights to LED and cannot shut any of the refrigeration off.
The Great American Songbook”………
“I’ll Be Be Home For Christmas” – written by the lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent and recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby, who scored a top ten hit with the song. Originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmas time, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” has since gone on to become a Christmas standard, covered by the great crooners as well as piano bar/saloon performers.
How can you listen to this and not think about our boys servicing overseas and missing home?
Wife and I are watching day 2 of Kari Lake v Dufus Hobbs. Richard Baris (always on warroom) is testifying, has “cleaned up well” for testifying. Go Kari!
https://gettr.com/post/p22nfvfc9b8
Baris just testified that 20% of voters in Maricopa County could not vote. That projects to 25, 000 to 40,000 with a net effect of 75-76% of Republicans being disenfranchised. That equates to Lake overcoming her loss to Hobbs.
I hope this link posts.
It is a statement posted by link within Citizen Free Press this morning from Archbishop Vigano…
And like him, when I saw this about the LGBT Gala hosted by President Trump at Mar-a-Lago, I was extremely disturbed.
This is Vigano’s response to that night
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/abp-vigano-trumps-lgbt-gala-shows-deep-state-has-contaminated-the-entire-political-elite/
Dane Wigington
GeoengineeringWatch.org
Holiday weather, anyone? Geoengineered winter at its finest.
A geoengineered record deep freeze is scheduled to hammer the Eastern US, just in time for the holidays. Increasing warmth and drought through the first of the year is what the weather makers have planned for the US West.
The airline industry has finally acknowledged that “contrails” are a major environmental problem, but the deeper truth on this issue continues to be denied and omitted.
NATO has just held it’s first round table on “climate change and security”, was climate engineering the primary discussion behind closed doors?
Are they preparing for climate collapse?
Is that a part of the plan?
The latest installment of Global Alert News is below.
https://www.geoengineeringwatch.org/geoengineering-watch-global-alert-news-december-17-2022-384/
It’s not the most beautiful Warbler, or even has the nicest song. But it was the first Warbler nest (no I did not go near enough to endanger it) I ever found in a gulley near my house where I grew up when I was a kid. I had literally burned the glue off of my golden guide to Birds of North America by reading it so much and this little bird I found near my house was in the exact habitat they favor and doing the exact things that the parents do to lead predators away from the nest just like the book described. I was 14 years old and already a full fledged Naturalist. They are on the uncommon side and the large woods near my family’s house had them as regular breeders along with some other uncommon woodland birds, which in some cases, sadly might not be the case anymore as more people eventually moved into the area.
Worm-eating Warbler Identification
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Worm-eating_Warbler/id
Cool story! Definitely a great bird to have on your life list, Colkitto!
I may have seen one once years ago, but didn’t get 100% positive ID, wasn’t sure if I was seeing a Worm Eating Warbler or a female Black-throated Blue during spring migration … basically there were several warblers flitting around … and then as quickly as they came, they were gone.
Anyways, I read the same bird book as you, cover to cover!
He’s so beautiful!! What a wonderful childhood you had my friend… exactly as the childhoods are of the grands I’m sending this lovely lad’s picture to. Wonderful!
@Betsy Jones, Wishing you, your wonderful family and circle of friends/loved ones, and all Treepers and people of good will a Merry Christmass.
Best to you all. And thank you Betsy for all of your wonderful posts, prayers, and goodwill. It means allot to me. Salutations
Oh my, my dear beloved friend!!! This is so beautiful! St Francis is speaking, and his little congregation is listening. Could there be anything sweeter? Thank you for this serene card and your lovely Christmas wishes.💕
Never, since my first small post which was in answer to no one, did I see where that first step of posting on any site (and this remains the only one on which I will do it), could I see down the road which I am sure I was intended to travel.
Along the way, I have been truly blessed to meet people (as I’ve said before) whose faces I do not know, but who hearts I do. And who have become friends I didn’t realize I needed, but who have become such a glorious part of my life. What an unexpected gift!
You, sir, were the first one…and you remain one of my dearest. I thank you so much for your friendship, which I treasure more than you could possibly know. And I wish you a peaceful Christmas filled with a deepening faith that one way or another our Lord and Saviour will see us through these existential times. May it be so.
Be well, Colkitto. Stay warm and safe during this brutal weather. And bless you always for the gift you have given to me….with great affection…🌲😘
I am literally speechless. Thank you so much for all that you do and for informing me of that. You really are a long lost aunt! You are a Treehouse treasure and as I have told you before, have made me a better Treehouse poster and person. My heartfelt best wishes
Oh bless for that. My heart is brimming over with your lovely reply. I’ve always wanted to be a favourite aunt. What a gift you’ve given me…I truly thank you for it, dear friend.🌲😘
For some Christmass movies, this one is on Roku and there are some others about Francis of Assissi. Animal lovers will especially enjoy it as he is my patron saint and my families as strangely many of my family on both sides have the name
Great last minute Christmas gift idea. Trunk Monkey!!!! Everybody should have one.
One of my favorite songs, heard a new version on am radio today.
Amen.
Amen
Amen.
Amen.
✝️ Lord, thank You for the day. Amen.