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 †
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It’s in the oven now. Be patient. You might want to curl up in one of your cozy beds near the fireplace until the meatloaf is done and has sufficiently cooled. Or you’re welcome to sit here in the kitchen and wait for it, but let’s remove that stainless steel bowl from your mouth lest it break your teeth. I promise, the meatloaf will be done very soon…
A comedy inspired holiday makes much more sense than a FIB inspired holiday. We gave up on keeping the holy in holiday long ago. President’s day, Columbus Day, 4th of July, Patriot’s Day, …
But there is a common theme. They are all invented in America for Americans. Even Kwan-whatever-its-called. So pass the Seinfeld meatloaf. Loved by puppies everywhere.
Dear Leon, a very Merry Christmas to you! How do we know God has a sense of Humor? Because He created a person like you!!!! I looked forward to your posts every day because so much of where we are living now is hard. My Christmas prayer for you from God is JOY!!!!! Merry Christmas! Leenie
Thinking of “today”, thinking of “now”:
2 Cor. 6:2 (cf. Isaiah 49:8)
“For He says: “In the acceptable time I listened to you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the time of favor; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Isaiah 55:6-7
“Seek the LORD to while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”
Hebrews 3:15a (cf. Psalms 95:7-8)
“As it has been said: “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts…”
Revelation 22:17 (cf. Isaiah 55:1)
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.”
—
Thinking of why:
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
John 5:24
“Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.”
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Thinking of how:
Luke 18:13
“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’”
James 4:8a
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
John 6:28-29
“Therefore they said to Him, “What must we do, that we may be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you should believe in Him whom He has sent.””
Mark 9:24b
“‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.'”
Acts 16:30-31
“Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.””
Planning to cease posting, not without regrets given the welcome opportunity to share Scriptural content on spiritual matters. This concerns what I see as the duality of having focuses and professed reliance on things spiritual alongside the evident growth and prevalence (and in some cases, apparent acceptance, endorsement, and promotion) of content that appears decidedly unscriptural — arguably to the point of syncretism. Despite repeated appeals to such as what is included below, what appears to be an increasing entrenchment in approach and philosophy for the path evidently emerging is prompting the separation on my part, with hopes that it and the cautions will go towards yielding fruit.
The matter-of-fact hashtag on the ground report posting prior to this thread appears to combine with some echoes in the comments — as it has seemed to before, and which appears to be increasingly normalized. I’ll reference a similar situation previously that specifically quoted General Patton about not being able to run an army without profanity, and appeared to endorse this as a legitimate and preferred tactic against those considered “godless“ etc., adding that “We need a little less Emily Post and a little more George Patton.” I’ll include my reply and cautions at the time:
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/blog/2021/10/13/october-13th-2021-presidential-politics-resistance-day-267/comment-page-2/#comments
General George Patton was at the top of his particular command chain, and he was also under another larger command chain (which reportedly brought other issues that might not be brought up quite as readily). Those who profess to be on the side of God fighting for what is right against the “godless” cannot pick and choose what is commanded by the Lord of hosts. This goes for what is clear in Scripture as far as profanity etc.:
Col. 3:8 — “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”
Eph. 4:29 — “Do not let any unwholesome word go forth out of your mouth, but only good, for edification of the need, so that it may give grace to those hearing.”
Eph. 5:4 — “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
Giving into anger and emotion over what one knows is commanded and is wrong would not only be wrong in and of itself, but is unlikely to achieve the desired objective. Showing godly constraint and checking one’s self against going further down that path clearly seems to supersede evident strawman comparisons to Miss Manners. Not everything done in World War II and then the military is necessarily something to be emulated, especially the parts that were not going to be pleasing to God. The more that people have discipline over things, especially the spiritual things, the better that they can fight the right battles the right way.
People need to be getting serious as far as being disciplined and purposeful, especially on the spiritual side. That’s not only for their own sakes but for the sake of those around them, including subsequent generations. As far as doubling down and appearing to justify such behavior, it seems unsurprising that instances of that appear to be based on binary choices, essentially being cast as opting to be a gutless milquetoast versus some supposed image of standing and fighting. In fact, isn’t the double-down closer to what what is a spiritual condition that brought judgment — first in the form of the Flood and then against God‘s people as a nation when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (cf. Judges 17:6, 21:25, Deut. 12:8, also Genesis 6:5)?
Is the issue really about deference and reluctance to stand, or is it rather about walking the professed walk? Who hasn’t seen have seen those who profess to be one thing on the spiritual side and cite scripture up and down, but appear to have little interest in actually walking that out if they or those around them are walking another way?
Remember that Patton arguably got kicked to the curb in the middle of everything back when most of the country had a united front, unlike today. Look at how much ground has been lost. Look at how many in the service have been burned out or have ended things either directly or their functionality via the use of substances. Look at how many in law enforcement are either walking away or retiring, with many disillusioned.
If we are going presume to be on the side of God and come before His throne to “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (cf. Hebrews 4:16), shouldn’t we “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (cf. Hebrews 12:1-2)? Does anyone really have a better plan, and more importantly, isn’t it right to defer to God and to walk in the way that God indicates believers should walk?
Recall how it went in Biblical history for people to be doing one thing as far as calling to God and expecting help but were doing what they thought was right in their own eyes. That includes seemingly exempting themselves from certain parts of commandments and doctrine when they felt like it, asserting that they had a really good reason to, or maybe thought God would be fine with it since it didn’t seem as bad to them as what others were doing – – or didn’t particularly care.
In the foxhole, there are chains of command, and commands and orders are to be followed. If everybody’s just sitting there doing what they want, see how well that goes. That especially goes for people who ask for God to be on their side. The time for half measures is well past being over, and those who want to get serious about things need to set aside every weight etc.
God wants to lead His people down the right path. As we are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, any hoped-for results figure to begin by His people seeking that. Thus, right now, it is important to think of how all of this will be accepted before the throne of God, to sincerely care about the answer to that, and to act accordingly.
TM,
This is a sobering post.
Thank you for your Scriptural based instruction and warnings. I won’t soon forget them. The other day you warned me to do my first works. I have been in an attitude of prayer about it since then. I love you for it.
When I was in the military I had the distinct pleasure of sitting at the feet of Bob Boardman, missionary to Japan. He greatly impacted me as he taught for a few days through book of Second Timothy at a small gathering of young men. I’ll never EVER forget him instructing us to get the Word out because it would accomplish whatever God desired. That was 40+ years ago.
I LOVE that you get the Word out. Every. Single. Day. Pure Scripture! You are a fixture here. Who knows what benefits you have been to The Master because you have posted here.
You have Impacted my life by your consistency in posting Scripture and your insightful posts…warnings included…I need it/them.
This place will be a lessor place if you leave this place.
Please don’t. Please reconsider. Please get The Word out…every single day. Right here.
You call me anytime 24/7 for anything. Nine oh three 952-too nine 47
I start my day here and since the churches locked down, this is my primary source for scriptural readings and “sermons”. I read on my own, but the discussions here have now replaced my church community and bring fellowship.
This post caused me to look at myself, my sins and shortcomings and beg forgiveness, asking the Lord for the right spirit going forward. Will I succeed, honestly, unlikely. But I pray I do better and I get future “God taps” from those like you TM, who God is using to help shepherd us wayward sheep.
Whatever your decision, the Lord be with you, bless you and keep you.
You will be missed.
Amen
TM, your Biblical erudition is one of the reasons I love this thread so much, more than any of the others, and why I start here every morning. Your posts sustain me. And I shall miss them…and you. You must do what you feel is right, and I understand your feelings on this as you were very clear.
We can be accountable only for ourselves. And in these unprecedented (for us) times, we who are faced with existential threats by evil forces so frightening, I feel that we here, at least recognize where our spiritual focus must be. If we lose the presence of God, we lose everything. I am no Biblical scholar but I know this.
You will be missed, perhaps more than you realize. You were that anchor that held me fast with your posts, and I’m actually shedding a few tears. Nothing stays the same. Everything changes, sometimes gradually and sometimes abruptly, as now. I know this isn’t a sudden decision on your part, that in your thoughtful way, you have been contemplating this move for some while. But you’ve made your honourable and no doubt sorrowful decision. I’m truly sorry that it has come to this.
God go with you, TM. I received your eloquent and powerful message. Thank you for making this thread my “church”. We’ll be the poorer for your absence. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. Stay well and please remember us in your prayers. Heaven knows we need them…B
Fully with what you’re saying.
TM is a precious brother!
As all of you brothers and sisters in Christ are!
❗️💪✝️❗️
Amen Bet 🙏 Love u
Oh bless you, Frank🙏 And I send mine to you🤗💓
“If we are going presume to be on the side of God and come before His throne to “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (cf. Hebrews 4:16), shouldn’t we “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (cf. Hebrews 12:1-2)? Does anyone really have a better plan, and more importantly, isn’t it right to defer to God and to walk in the way that God indicates believers should walk?”
Thank you. A very timely post. It is a solumn hour, for the world, our nation, but especially for individuals that understand the times. Two words come to mind: Repentence and Intercession. Every time God sent out His Word, repentence was the key to get back into our original relationship with Him.
Jonah 3:7-9 (a perfect example of repentance after Jonah preached the word of God to Nineveh)
7 Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink.
8 Furthermore, let both man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and have everyone call out earnestly to God. Let each one turn from his evil ways and from the violence in his hands.
9 Who knows? God may turn and relent; He may turn from His fierce anger, so that we will not perish.”…
Here we are today! It is common knowledge that America has kicked God out and now we need His help? Who will stand before our Lord and intercede for mankind? Rees Howells THE Intercessor, who moved God to turn the tide in WW1, gives us a picture of a lifetime of personal and spiritual dedication required to touch the throne of God. Looking at my own life, I cannot even begin to qualify for that position, but have started my journey.
Will America repent? Will Christians take on the burden of sacrificing everything to touch Heaven with their prayers? Will our nation put on sackcloth and ashes?
🙏 🙏 🙏
Thank you, Stevie. You have echoed my long held thoughts. We as a nation have turned our faces…not individually but certainly collectively. For those of us who look, there is no way to see and to turn away from the hideous sight before our eyes. Even our churches, so many of them, seem to have relinquished their positions of earthly shepherds. Could anyone not understand God’s anger with us? As the putative globalist “leaders” turn to Satanism unabashedly and with worshipful enthusiasm, I admit I commit the sin of despair. I know I’m not the only one who sees it.
Who could be our intercessor? I wonder if it could be someone such as Vigano, or even a small pastor such as Artur Pawlowski, unknown to most, but unashamedly standing up to the ugly forces in Canada…and paying a terrible price for doing so.
That we are lost and in a terrible place is not debatable. Here is where my faith is growing and where it must remain solid.
Words are failing me now. But on the cusp of Christmas Day, I shall joyously, expectantly welcome the Incarnate Son of God into this decadent, sinful world with gratitude and prayers that the celebration of His arrival will awaken those souls which are in danger of being lost. I include mine as well. I have much work to do, and I pray He will listen and be merciful to us all as we turn our faces back to Him.
Hi Betsy.
This is a sobering, but very honest and needed conversation that TM’s post got started.
Kinda am feeling a hole in the open thread’s spiritual heart, but God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Same desired will of God to be done here where we gather in a very unusual but edifying camaraderie.
As far as an intercessor, Jesus is our First and eternal one, but He does work through His vessels, even sometimes through unlikely vessels.
Whoever, one or more, my guess is whoever, they are in God’s quiver, hidden and out of sight until He reaches back for His first arrow but only in His perfect and appointed/designated time.
We must live faithfully to and before God and do the tasks He puts in our hands and practical lives to do daily.
If we do that and patiently wait upon the Lord for the rest, then the will of God in us will get done.
Ephesians 6:13
…when having done all, to stand.
But note, that there is holy instruction of something we must do to get to the point of being able to withstand in the evil day.
Granted, we can only do that by the grace of God and not by our fleshy attempts of our own works.
just_stevie offered an excellent example of a true intecessor, Rees Howells.
Here is an excellent link about him. Leonard Ravenhill is mentioned too. He was a bonafide prophet out of England and wrote the book, SODOM HAD NO BIBLE. The title of his book is a sermon in itself!
Rees Howells: How One Man’s Faith Prevailed During Global Crisis — Justice House of Prayer DC
https://www.jhopdc.com/rees-howells-part-1
Be blessed!
Thank you, Solomon. I was, shamefully, unfamiliar with the names Ravenhill or Howells. I will agree with you on the title, because that is how I view where we are today, and in fact I’ve used that comparison in other posts.
In my Book of Common Prayer which I’ve had since I was confirmed in my childhood Episcopal Church…which has changed into something I don’t recognize any longer…so many of the most comforting prayers end with “through Jesus Christ, our only mediator and advocate” It doesn’t speak truer than that…our Intercessor. But also as you say there is an mortal arrow in His quiver as yet unknown. You and I think alike on this. My lengthy evening prayers for all whom I know desperately need them now finish with “Thy will be done”. That’s the long and short of it. Here as it is in Heaven.
Because I know He is doing better things for those I mention than I could hope or pray for, in His own time which is not ours. I have experienced it. When all seems lost, He makes a way. And I believe that when we experience what we call miracles, what we are really seeing is the fruition of a point on His timetable, if we are so blessed. Faith, abiding trust and patience (the last perhaps above all) is necessary. I’m making headway on patience, which is a job because that one is not one of my strongest points.
A hole in our spiritual heart is a poignant way to describe what we are experiencing. I came on this thread the morning and was blindsided by TM’s post. And even though I was not yet full strength, I had to reply immediately. Sorrow for us, but a resolute decision for him. Our Father will accompany him as he diverts from the familiar. But while we wait for that open door for His direction here, we will wait in the hallway for the answer, which will surely come.
Thank you again so much for those links, Solomon. I’ll fill in the gaps with these. I’m so glad to see you today, dear friend. I thought of you as the replies to TM were piling up and hoped you were able to see them. Some very thoughtful comments in all of them. All blessings to you as well🙏.
I was going to leave my phone off for 3 days and just rest from digital stuff while still trying to recover the other day’s injuries.
But I was pressed beyond my ability to resist.
Once I got onto to the open thread, reading TM’s comment, I knew the Lord wanted me to read that and respond to him, brother to brother, heart to heart and be part of all of you who responded with many words of kind support for him.
I don’t know if this will compare, I think it might, when Paul told the Ephesians he would not see them again, they fell upon his neck and wept.
Acts 20:37-38.
They understood what a spiritual hole in the heart was.
So do we.
Oh yes. That sort of loss I understand only too well.
And it’s funny, yet not. I saw last night that you’d be absent for a time of undetermined length. I started reading his post and the replies after…and I wished with all my soul that something would compel you to drop in. I can see from your comment that that is what happened, or should I say made to happen. I honestly thought while I was reading that this was not the day for you to be absent. It seemed the most natural thing in this world to revisit this thread during the day and to see you had indeed been moved. No surprise at all…and I’m so glad. Deo Gratias.
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Dear Stevie, Merry Christmas. My Christmas prayer to you is that God bless you for your faithfulness to His Word. Happiness, Love and Health! Merry Christmas, Leenie
Blessings, Peace and Joy to you dear Leenie and your family!!! 🙏🎄✝
Amen again
Amen 🙏
Thank you Stevie. Amen
Thank you for your post, God used it to answer my prayer regarding how I see my in-laws. Initially I asked God to help me see them as He does. Then I asked Him to help me see myself as He does.
Good morning, NeighborRobin. It’s a hard thing to “see ourselves as others see us” as Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, wrote. He speaks of that ability as a gift from God. It seems your prayers were blessedly answered. What a gift indeed. I hope it has made a difference😊.
Merry Christmas and to everyone in your family.🌟
Harder than that is seeing ourselves as God sees us.
He saw us as being lost, then offered the greatest Sacrifice to, by grace, deliver us and make us according to His Standard, not ours.
Agree, but first we have to show willing, which is beyond the ken of many. Something inside must compel us to be honest enough to face the need to do so. I think it’s a journey from first mortal look to the place we truly need to be, which as you say, is much harder…but so necessary for correction then change.
Me thinks he helped a lot of people with spiritual understanding, including myself, having a quandary about a troubling issue which he answered and helped me to understand it.
TMonroe I come here everyday and start with this thread. God has used you this year to help those of us who have gone through hard times and loss and sometimes joy. It is my prayer that God will lead you to continue. God bless you.
I love your post even more than your name!
TM,
Frank and oldschool, and Betsy, and juststevie said it all. The only thing I can say is please, don’t go, we need you here.
Good morning, GrandpaM. Or not as it seems. This is an irreplaceable loss. I’m sure there are many who visit this thread who don’t comment but who come expressly because of what TM posts. One never knows how many, but I bet it’s more than a few. His departure is a blow. Like losing a beloved reverend or pastor who anchors a place of worship. I had one such in the Episcopal Church of my youth. He was a fine man with a resonant voice who did not need to do anything but speak in normal conversant tones to hold his congregation’s rapt attention. He was a family friend as well…and a graduate of the Naval Academy. Long gone now to God’s eternal care (I’m positive), I miss him more than I can say.
I feel the same about TM. Perhaps he’ll return one day. We do need him and his Biblical explanations and postings and friendship. Perilous times need such men. Ah well…such is life.
Good afternoon, Betsy, I hope he does return. He is a very needed presence here.
Taking a little break before going again :). It’s going to be quite crazy the next few days around here. but good crazy.
On my way to Fredericksburg this morning a car pulled up next to me in the left lane. Why was that weird guy smiling at me? Oh, it was my grandson with my granddaughter driving Once we got to town we pulled into a parking lot and exchanged hugs. Great times!
Hahahaha!!!!! I can relate. I was working in a jewelry store (btw, is that Fredericksburg, Texas?). We sold beautiful Texas made pieces with an emphasis on Christian focused necklaces, rings, book marks,bracelets, etc.
This day we were so busy, people in and out…and I saw a pretty blonde woman who was advancing towards me from across the store. So I walked towards her. She smiled as I reached her and I asked if I could help her in any way.
I SWEAR, GrandpaM, I had no idea who she was except that I thought how friendly she was…for about 10 seconds. She was my first born! My own daughter! But because I had no expectations of seeing her there, I was completely thrown. Oh my gosh, we laughed😂.
And your story?? It reminded me of the movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles when Steve Martin and John Candy were traveling the wrong way down a highway and a couple were desperately trying to get their attention. A sweet movie for the ages.
I’m so glad your day was one you can mark as wonderful. Its a feeling that lingers well past the moment. Marvelous!🤗
Bet! I might just nickname you TURBO. I love you
I love you as well🤗, Frank!! Love TURBO!! I’m collecting quite the assortment of names which is super. I’ll be the most hyphenated double and triple barreled name in all of Wales, or would be if I were still there💓😁
Yes, Betsy, it is Fredericksburg, Texas. Just got in and it’s great to be in bed.
A super place. My jewelry company that I worked for is headquartered in Kerrville.
Niiiiiice
❗️👌❗️
G, I am like the rest of you and want him to stay, but I trust TM’s heart is in the right place to follow the Lord’s will whichever way it leads to, to stay or go on to the next step in obedience to the Holy Spirit’s will.
👍
✝️❗️✝️
To Mr T, lm not much scripture read but I do read, I respect your decision, but at the same time I always considered you part of the 1%ers here, I myself would like you to “hang around” but if you feel you can’t at least drop in to say Goodaye.
Good morning dear Mungrel. A loss for sure. We’ll soldier on. I’m sure he’ll not leave us completely. As it was with Solomon whose return I really did rejoice over, one day we’ll see him again.
I hope you are well. Things are moving quickly now here. I hope you got my late night (for me) post. I’ll mosey back to check.
God bless you, friend of my heart. I pray you’ll be able to have a Merry Christmas. Celebrating there is probably an imprisonable offence, but do the best you can. Christ’s birth is the gift we need more than ever. That will be enough for me. I’ll see you again soon I’m sure💓
Greetings Mungrel!
TMonroe, God’s blessing be on you as my Christmas prayer for you. For your faithfulness to Him. You have touched more people than you probably know. Love! Happiness! Health! Merry Christmas, Leenie
Hi Leenie
“…the welcome opportunity to share Scriptural content on spiritual matters…”
That is your opportunity, and you have made welcomed and effective use of it!
I was present the first day this blog was established. It was clear at the outset as it is today (if you read the “about” page) that the Treehouse is not a site for Christians only, although hose involved in establishing it (and the owner) freely shared their own faith-based perspectives from the beginning.
Part of the intention of the general presentation was that self-identified secular individuals (whether non-practicing, athiests, or agnostics) would be able to participate. In other words, Christianity , either as a label or as a life practice, was not required in order to enter.
I am a believer in Jesus, the Christ. My life has been transformed and saved by the work of the Spirit implementing the redeeming power of the cross in my life. My lifelong pattern as an evangelical Christian was to relate best (and often, only) with those who talked as I did, thought the same way, etc. It has been my considerable satisfaction to learn in this past decade how to accept conversation with atheists and be able to ask an atheist questions that I never had been able to ask before. I received emails from an agnostic, as a result of acqaintance boh here and in my own blog (mailboxesandoldbarns.com).
One email from the agnostic (who has since died) challenged me with the idea that I should consider becoming a Buddhist. He thought, observing my writing and thinking (much of which can be found in the mailboxesandoldbarns essays found in the search box above, graciously encouraged all along by Sundance and crew over the years)…he thought that Buddhism made sense for me, and wondered if I would consider it.
That was a great question, and I answered him in some detail in a personal email. I enumerated the things I had found in Christ which were not found in Buddhism. To this day, I marvel at the change in my life that came about as I gave up the idea of talking only Christian talk with other Christians who talked the same way.
To this day, as noted above, it is a fact that the Treehouse is not a site intended for Christians only. I have always marvelled at the broad sweep of Sundance’s implementation of his vision and work, both as it was established and as it has developed over the years.
The readership is as broad as the vision: there is a privilege/opportunity in this site for individual Christians to share their thoughts and their convictions with an audience that clearly includes many who do not identify as Christians–at ALL–….yet they are a willing audience for those who express Christian thought, and Scriptural specifics and concepts.
I don’t have to talk like those who use foul language. And I am not required by my faith to refuse to talk with them. I have grandsons who use foul talk–that does not require this Grandma to use foul talk. I love them and want to talk with them whenever I can. I have two grandsons who are affiliated with Antifa in Los Angeles–that does not require me to be part of Antifa. I love them and want to talk with them. I have a grandson who is in a state prison as a result of drunk-driving/vehicular manslaughter–that does not require me to drink and drive. I love him and wish I could talk with him. (Not allowed) I also have grandchildren who love the Lord and are in fulltime Christian ministry.
(……although I would be curious to know and if I have the opportunity–I will ask the Antifa grandsons: would they come and beat Grandma up if Antifa told them to???? Inquiring minds, y’know……)
Would I be part of an organized church fellowship that accepted outward filthy talk, combativeness, and innuendo? Of course not. But the Treehouse is not an organized church. The Treehouse is not a church, although church often happens here.
I will not refuse to share conversation or testimony with an entire group that is willing to hear my testimony just because some in that group use language I do not use and have life habits that are different than mine
Oh, well. Now I’ve gone to preaching…..(as my sons sometimes affectionately remind me when I am in mid-monologue……..) but I did feel compelled to share my testimony about the dear Spirit of God who helps me, and my thoughts about this Treehouse, its founder, its flourishing, and the opportunities it has given me. I suspect that this is the greatest opportunity I have ever had in my life to speak openly about my faith and the Sovereign God who loves me. This opportunity extends beyond what I had in teaching women’s Bible groups, speaking to groups of hundreds, publishing a book of family testimony, and having a daily radio program for some years. Yes, this fine Treehouse has given me opportunities to speak unlike any I have ever had.
My activity and participation here has changed greatly due to life and health changes, but I thank God for the open door of this Treehouse where I may enter and speak, every day.
And if I may humbly request–Selah.
A frank and personal post, Sharon. And yes, thankfully we are given free rein here to talk, to share, to exchange ideas, to learn from others, to witness if we so choose, to laugh and in general enjoy each other’s company. It is a site like no other watched over by people who want only the best for our country and who are really just the same as we are in making our way through this now fraught and unsettled world, with families to love and guide as best as we can.
Your family circumstances are similar I’m sure to many. We are none of us like the Cleavers or any other chocolate box family we used to see portrayed on television. As I’ve said to mine who are now approaching that precipice which ends their teen years and proceeds into adulthood (which they do not realize can be a very harsh place), they always will have a place of rest with us, no matter what. And I can’t foresee what their lives will be like.
Our son, now a fine father, a patriot (Navy), a man who is a hardworking honourable man, took a wrong turning in his early twenties. We tough loved him. He was an adult who made wrong choices. And it is only through God’s mercy and grace that he was able to recognize where he was headed and stop his destructive behaviour. I’ll spare details but we thought we’d lost him.
I am glomming onto that small part of your thoughtful post of personal distresses as they relate to your family…where your faith has held you in place as you watch your beloved grandchildren make their own mistakes, if I may put it like that. All we can do is commend them to God. This is not an easy world to negotiate. But you as their grandmother offer them a way through, as an evangelical Christian, by living your life as you do. The day will come when they understand it, as our son did.
I’m being presumptuous here I know. But it gives me a chance to tell his story as well– of despair and redemption, for which we give eternal thanks, and which others will know only too well.
I’m in agreement with everything else you have said. I’m so grateful for this place. I’ve noticed over the past month or so that the number of comments on this thread have swollen from a small number into the double digits. I take that as a miracle of sorts. The same lovely names plus others that I see elsewhere on this site who have migrated here add so much. I’m grieved that TM will depart now, and that is a hard loss. He’ll be greatly missed.
But as I hear myself rabbiting on, I’ll finish by wishing you again, Sharon, a Merry Christmas. Because even as we try to navigate in a world consumed by malign forces, there is one Light which guides us and Whose birth we rejoice over and Whose presence steadies us as we focus on Him and the hope He brings to us. TM is leaving us with a legacy and a roadmap. I shall do my best to follow it. Thank you again for your heartfelt post.
I should make a correction. This thread is now seeing triple digits in their comments here, not double. Remarkable.
Sharon, I and others appreciate your comment greatly.
If I were to box myself in to talking just with Christians, I would likely be a Pharisee, unlike Jesus Who talked to and blessed many who didn’t originally know Him as the Way, the Truth and Life.
When He comissioned His disciples to go and preach to the nations, that directive was to the unbeliever.
Are our hearts open?
I’ll second your Selah.
Think about these things.
Thanks for your post. You articulate my sentiments better than I.
Thanks also for your transparency.
Grace to you!
TMonroe,
Matthew 5:13-16.
That is my reply good Treeper.
My dear brother:
Your synopsis of what needs to be what and what actually is what, the difference between living godly according to Scripture and living lip-professing, is a bullseye shot of truth.
If I were to die today, I could go to God and His Higher Kingdom of Heaven knowing before Him that by His great grace and calling, I have lived my life for Him first and above all.
Life of the heart of My first Love, not lip professing, for decades.
It has been extremely costly, sometimes losing everything, material possessions, having to flee and hide for years. I still bear the scars of all that.
A more carnal “Christian” life would have been far easier and comfortable of a life.
For faithful spiritual wisdom, you were my go to guy as I felt a holy peace in your words and your correct exegetical expression and interpretation. Your explanation reply to my quandary the other day is a good example.
You have been very honest of heart and godly intent in this post.
I/we will truly miss you here. But you know what’s important and must follow God’s will for your life no matter what divide in the road is before your feet. You will have God’s lamp to guide your way.
You may not be sitting on your branch anymore, but you will have many praying for you and hoping whatever endeavor our Lord has for you next, Jesus Christ will magnify Himself in you to bless others as He, through your words here, have blessed us.
May we meet again on shores of God and Heaven’s Beauty of Jesus Christ.
Your servant and brother,
Solomon.
From your heart, Solomon. He’ll appreciate it.
All I can say, in tears as my fumbling fingers try to get this comment posted:
I love that man!
Some departures affect us like that. I understand completely. Like a piece of yourself gone. I am so so sorry. 💓
👍
Ditto, Solomon.
Love you for it.
Love TM too!
Tmonroe- this post of yours is quite a bit to reflect on. Truly a inspiration of the season and will inspire me long after this year is over. As the sun surely rises every day, your words here will shine as brightly as the sun and stars
God speed✝️
With you Cat.
TM is a treasure of spiritual wisdom.
You put that so well, Cat. He has left an indelible mark for us.
So sayeth the Shepard, so sayeth the flock.
Merry Christmas to you, too, Dan. Best to you in the new year!
U2Dan!
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Dan. Thank you for all your contributions, much needed and very much appreciated.
And Merry Christmas to you, Dan!
A very obvious but ignored truth. My first thoughts while reading this were the number of non-Christmas, Christmas cards I receive. They have increased over the years and when I open one and see the very popular “Peace on Earth”, it just doesn’t sit right with me.
After reading this, those cards will prompt and remind me to make my peace with the Lord. Thank you so much.
When they throw away giving glory to God, does that also mean they throw away good will toward men?
Luke 2:14
Love Luke.
They don’t sit well with me either, oldschool. There is a concerted and fevered effort now to erase Christ from this world. It cannot, will not be done, if only the evil pushers of all that is unholy knew it. Even a call by the murderous organization WHO to eliminate Christmas this year was a monstrous step towards this end. If for “this year” they mean the same as their “just two weeks”, then their masks are off completely. I won’t have it.
Christmas it is and has always been. No mortal has the power to change it.
I wish you and all whom you love a Merry CHRISTMAS, oldschool! And may God’s eternal peace be with you on the day and every day after.💓
Thank you Betsy and may those wishes and blessings be with you and yours as well.
Christ the King, forever and ever alleluia, alleluia!
🙏💓!!
Blessings 🙏
My beloved Philippians. Thank you, WP. How very much we need His peace today. The only sustaining comfort which is His alone to give.
Merry Christmas, WP, and thank you for this particular post.
My thanks to you 🙏
I’d rather have the Peace that Jesus brings than the fake peace of the world.
‘Thank you, W_P and Merry Christmas!
Amen!! In the end the only peace worth having.
Amen and thank you 🙏
This young sixth grader saved not one, but two people, in a single day. Amazing!
https://www.theblaze.com/news/oklahoma-sixth-grader-davyon-johnson-saves-choking-classmate-and-elderly-woman-from-house-fire-in-same-day
Mary Chapin Carpenter get it. But, then, she always gets it. Enjoy Treeper, friends. And please don’t forget this. If you are alone this Christmas always understand that you really aren’t alone because our Lord is always with you. While we can’t always escape the feelings of aloneness, we can always connect with our Lord. You just have to ask and He’ll be there for you. And trust me on this. Having been similarly alone of more than a few occasions, reaching out to our Lord during Christmas can be a truly magical experience. Prayer counts. Honest.
One more . . .
Merry Christmas, Garrison!
You, too. 🙂
Always look forward to you music selections.
I would say you hit a triple, but your sub-post of a 4th completed a grand slam!
🙂
Thanks Garrison–for your daily rescue from the blather–have a great Christmas!!
It’ll be a quiet but good one. Thanks. 🙂
Beautiful songs and sentiment, Garrison. Merry Christmas !
🙂
Here in the Ohio Valley rain is predicted for Christmas day and Eve…it will reflect the godly sorrow I have felt off and on this Advent Season, seeing the condition of our world. How can I feel otherwise? Tears come easily and I pray, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
🙂
I’m greatful you long for His coming.
Merry Christmas Christine.
Hey there Garrison, just checking in to let you know I’m still listening daily to your great selections and reading and enjoying your backgrounders on the artists and your thoughts. I don’t reply too often, but one of those “likes” underneath your music posts is always mine. Merry Christmas!
Beautiful, Sarah. You done good! 🙂
Yep.
🙂
Oh man, you, from being from Muskogee…
I don’t think I couldda found a more perfect song…you have to know it!
🙂
Good morning, brother, one of my favorites. Be blessed today!
Mornin’ back to ‘ya though once again it is afternoon for me.
Yes, that song is a favorite.
I wasn’t born an Okie, but been one for a long time.
Be blessed, G!
Now this is my style! 🙂 🙂 🙂
MARY’S SONG
This song is taken from the Gospel of Luke. It is Mary’s praise to God, her response to the Angel Gabriel’s good news for her.
In the church I attend, we sing this in our evening services. It is an acknowledgment and celebration of Mary’s obedience and humility – an example for us. I’m looking forward to singing it this Christmas eve, as we once more, together, hear the biblical account of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas Treepers
——————————————–
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden:
For, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
– Luke 1:46-55, KJV
No one tells it quite like the Gospel of Luke.
Happy Cursday, Treepers! 🙂
Awwww
🙂
Happy Cursday, Garrison!
🙂
Garrison Hall!!! Merry Christmas! My Christmas prayer for you is that God will bless you abundantly for your role in the Treehouse as Maestro, Graciousness personified, Humorist, and Deep thinker. Merry Christmas, Leenie
Well, gosh . . . 🙂
Just a Reminder!
Picture perfect 👌
“A personal message for the end of 2021 from Paul Washer” of HeartCry Missions (5 min).
This short vid was in email just now. It is timely talking about these two events together.
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/heartcry/sermons/1222211911443251/
Dear W.P. Merry Christmas!!! My prayer for your for Christmas is that God will continue to hold you closely in his heart and give you courage as you spread His word. Merry Christmas! Leenie
I could not ask for more. Merry Christmas, Leenie 61, and thank you.
❗️🙏❗️
Thanks much. Just watched it.
Great ministry. Great man.
GREAT SAVIOR!
Am I the only one up
🎁wrapping presents🎁
at
1:27A , Pacific Time on 12.23.21 that Still have to be Delivered to the
Giftees ?
(Lucky for me) They are
Right Along the Way from Each Other 😊
🎄Ho Ho Ho🎅
Just so Y’all Know ,, I only had time to type this coz I’m giving myself a Safety Break 😄
Good morning and Merry Christmas!
Good morning, Frank, , last night I posted several replies to you on the OT thread. Blessings!
Dear GrandpaM, Merry christmas!!!! My Christmas wish for you is that God will give you health, happiness and continued wisdom. All the best, Leenie
Dear Leenie, and very Merry Christmas to you, too! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Loooooooooong day.
I’ll check tomorrow. Thanks
Good Morning , Frank Field !
It is a Rainy , Windy , Cold morning here in the Pacific NorthWest ..
I’m Ready for some Snow !
Merry Christmas to You !!!
Bacatchu! Thanks much!
Not to brag, but we’re expecting 80’s here on His birthday celebration!
May you smile into the chilly headwinds as you think little baby Jesus.
This song says it better than I.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Pentatonix+Mary+Did+You+Know+song+YouTube&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS868US868&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8&spknlang=en-US&inm=vs&vse=1#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:c6c1d9dc,vid:trW_lD9sBt0,st:0
Merry Christmas!
Dear Frank, Merry Christmas!!!!!! My prayer for you this Christmas time is that God will continue to guide you in your wisdom, provide for your health and happiness, and support your sense of Humor! Merry Christmas, Leenie
Well then!
Thanks so very much. Isn’t this a great place to hang out? I remember your comment about my sense of humor. And yours.
Hopefully you don’t have to splain’ to your friends and family and customer base what I often must utter…
“It ain’t easy being this dumb.”
Merry Christmas Leenie!
No better place to take that break. Merry Christmas to you😊
Good morning, Betsy. Just finished getting the house in order after the carpet cleaning. Have a day full of tasks – retired, ha, ha!
If I have the chance I’ll check here later toda.
Have a blessed day!
And to you, sir. Nothing quite like clean carpets, is there? I answered your lovely post to TM above. Go safely and enjoy your day.😊
Dear Betsy, Merry Christmas! I wish for you health, happiness, peace and praise for the kind spirit you show everyday, here in the Treehouse! All the best, Leenie
Thank you, Leenie. I hope your Christmas brings you the same gifts you’ve wished for me. What a joy it has been to meet and get to know you. Hearts and minds together in our wonderful gathering place. I pray the Holy Spirit blesses us with His presence as we go forward into the new, and it is be fervently hoped much better, year. 😊💓
She’s a feisty wonder!
You are too!
😘
😂 and getting more so with age!
Merry Christmas , Betsy !
I so enjoy reading Your comments , Betsy ! You certainly have a Gift for Fluid , Thoughtful
Writing !
Blessings to You 💞
What a gracious thing to say, Ryder. I thank you so very very much. Wrapping prezzies, as we called them in Wales, was one of the happiest moments for me at Christmas. Beautiful Christmas music from so many of the cathedrals, sitting on the floor in front of a warming coal fire, all my Christmas wrapping paraphernalia strewn about me, in front of our Victorian Christmas tree…heaven. I hope you got it all done! Blessings to you and to all you love🌟.
Good morning, Ryder Lee. Merry Christmas!
A Good Morning to You ,
GrandpaM !
Merry Christmas to You 🎄
ACTION – ACTION – ACTION: https://precinctstrategy.com/
Takeover the GOP precinct-by-precinct to makeover into MAGA
God Bless America
God Bless Ya’ll
Good morning, jay😊 Merry, merry Christmas!
Verse of the Day for Thursday, December 23, 2021
✟
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/verse-of-day.php
BE MY VOICE
BABY LIVES MATTER
God Bless You Big , Duchess01 🙏
🎄Merriest Christmas
to You🎄💞🎉
(and Thank You 😊)
My sentiments exactly.
God bless you Duchess and much gratitude for your daily gifts. ❤
This is a tweet found long ago. It moved me in ways I can’t explain. From a gentleman whose name is “YungNLeveraged”
“When I found out I was having a kid I was 22, addicted to drugs, in and out of rehab with no place to live. Everyone said we should get an abortion.
I’m really glad I didn’t listen.”
And the response he received?
“Good night, Dad. I love you.”
Betsy, my wife and I need the glasses defogger tonight.
I did as well when I saw it
Niiiiiice
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.
HOW CAN I PERSONALLY PARTAKE IN THE ATONEMENT?
“But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Gal. vi. 14
The Gospel of Jesus Christ always forces an issue of will. Do I accept God’s verdict on sin in the Cross of Christ? Have I the slightest interest in the death of Jesus? Do I want to be identified with His death, to be killed right out to all interest in sin, in worldliness, in self – to be so identified with Jesus that I am spoilt for everything else but Him? The great privilege of discipleship is that I can sign on under His Cross, and that means death to sin. Get alone with Jesus and either tell Him that you do not want sin to die out in you; or else tell Him that at all cost you want to be identified with His death. Immediately you transact in confident faith in what Our Lord did on the Cross, a supernatural identification with His death takes place, and you will know with a knowledge that passeth knowledge that your “old man” is crucified with Christ. The proof that your old man is crucified with Christ is the amazing ease with which the life of God in you enables you to obey the voice of Jesus Christ.
Every now and again, Our Lord lets us see what we would be like if it were not for Himself; it is a justification of what He said – “Without Me ye can do nothing.” That is why the bedrock of Christianity is personal, passionate devotion to the Lord Jesus. We mistake the ecstasy of our first introduction into the Kingdom for the purpose of God in getting us there; His purpose in getting us there is that we may realize all that identification with Jesus Christ means.
Oswald Chambers
December 23rd Devotional
Merry Christmas juststevie🎄.
My best gift I received this year is the Oswald Chambers, Spurgeon and everyone’s contributions to expanding my knowledge of all things GOD related.
🙏😘
Good morning, Cat!! I’ve been looking for you😊. May the best of the best find you today!
Hi Betsy🙋♀️ It’s been so glorious to be swept up into the word of God. I forgot to do my chores🙃 Couldn’t let the day go by without saying Betsy you are in a class by yourself❤️ I treasure you as a friend 😘
Stevie’s got some kind of crystal ball👇 I’ve been out being a cheerful giver.🙂
It’s a wonderous sensation being God’s hands And I have you to thank for it❤️
I’ll be popping in and out😉
I learn a lot from you “teachers” here❤️
Oh my heart, Cat! That you would say that lovely thing to me is such a gift. Thank you, sweet Cat. And may I give you one as well?
You are one of the most joyful people I know. Your generous spirit always shines through in your posts and replies. And I know there are days when it is a job to get things done and to get our minds in the right place. I have a few like that. But I know when I visit here, you’ll be right there with your uplifting comments and your sweet nature. Which is one reason I jump right on this thread in the morning.
Like you, I seem to dally on it with my cup of tea so that before I know it I’m way behind schedule.
Thank you for all your beautiful contributions. I wish you a Merry peaceful Christmas, full of the joys of knowing how great is the Gift He has given to us. What else could we possibly want?😊💓
Betsy you have quite a way with words. What you wrote about me is how I feel about you and ALL who pass thru here ❤️ You all are for my reason to jump out of bed and your Christmas wish for me I throw like a boomerang to all that read it😘🎄✝️
🤗 I think our Mungrel, God bless him, would approve of your use of boomerang. What a good use for it. Just perfect!
Just another tool for your toolbox🙃
Good morning Cat!!! 🤗 You have received a ‘forever’ gift from our gracious heavenly Father! Go in Peace with Blessings abundantly scattered around you with Christ-Mass glory! 🎄
Good afternoon, Cat. Merry Christmas!
Thank you Stevie.
Mornin’ infidels.
😢
Sobering reality for too many who thought the USA was their friend….
The USA isn’t even its own friend anymore.
Merry Christmas, GB. Put your tenor voice to good use and give all around you the gift of music sung for the new Christ child. I’m sure you’ll be heard. 🌟
Dear Mayor Lighfoot… Where oh WHERE is the “science” that tells us a restaurant is dangerous for unvaccinated people, but a church is not? WHERE is the “science” that supports, a gym is dangerous if you are unvaccinated, but a grocery store is not? WHERE is the “science” that says you can’t pass the virus to others for the first ten minutes of entering a building? WHERE is the ‘science’ that tells you that drinking a beer in a tavern is dangerous if you are unvaccinated, but riding on the EL is not?
This never has been about science really. It is about the perversion by political weaponization of agencies that are supposed to provide a scientific service to the people. No different than Climate Change really.
A Biden Christmas Song
A FEW OF MY LEAST FAVORITE THINGS
Lockdowns and vaccines..
and masks on our faces…
Inflation is rising…
and shelves have empty spaces..
Immigrants and terrorists
cross our border with ease
and ships with our packages
remain out at sea.
When your dog bites
White House staffers.
You send him away
And you bring in a new dog
Maybe Commander will stay
. . . but deliver us from the Evil One.
Amen 🙏
The Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
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.
The Trisagion Hymn
and the
50th Psalm (Septuagint)
Morning OT mob,
Its Christmas Day here now ! I get bragging rights as Santa comes to Aussieland first ha ha !
He didn’t leave me nothing 😞
I think he gets really p*ssed with me for I the letters I sent to the North Pole over the years , next year I’ll ask for something different instead of my two front teeth.
Merry Christmas and a happy revolution next year 😜.
And a Merry Christmas to you too, Mungrel! 🙂
Cheers Garrison, so many times I’m in the “wars” so to speak on other topics here it’s just plain nice to be able to come over here and listen to music .
In better times I would love to relate more on music,arts, history and my own life’s adventures and hear from others the same.
The point I make is another incalculable cost in the battle we all now face.
Have a really great day and if Santa brings you two front teeth tell him he got the wrong address 😜
Cheers.
Dear Mungrel, a very Merry Christmas to you. May you have strength, health, happiness and peace as your gifts from God this Christmas season and into the New Year! All the best, Leenie
LOL son, you funny! Merry Christmas and Happy Revolution!
Two items for you: Give the Gift of Patriotism!
A Christian family whose efforts should be better known.
And one of the greatest Christmas stories you have (probably) not seen: A Christmas for Shacktown by one of Walt Disney’s original artist-animators, Carl Barks, who created Scrooge McDuck and the Duckburg Universe for the comic books after World War II.
The stories of Carl Barks (nearly 700 of them!) with Donald Duck, the nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louis, and many other characters show a much deeper psychological depth than the animated cartoons ever could, mainly since the latter average 7 minutes. A Christmas for Shacktown (from 1952) works on many levels!
Read it with (a) child(ren) or grandchild(ren).
(Mute the soundtrack, which is not really necessary).
Remembering the reason ~
As He is clothed in all Radiance and Christ-Mass Glory! Our Lord and King ~ Forever
So beautiful and so uplifting, Stevie. Words and descriptions are powerful, spiritually so. Thank you for this🙏💓
You are welcome Betsy! This brought great joy to my heart this morning! 💝💝💝
There’s no feeling like it!! A joy and with it a supranatural peace. Both gifts so needed, buoys in this wind tossed sea.
And may I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your posts each day which seem to speak to my thoughts and concerns? As if by a spiritual connection which knows the answers I’m looking for…and .
miraculously provides them. I am made richer by your timely and constant contributions.
So I wish you all that is most beautiful this Holy Season. A very Merry Christmas in every way, Stevie🌟💓 From my beloved Wales Nadolig Llawwen!
❤️
Thank you, juststevie. I was checking to see how many of the Names of God I knew in Hebrew. For now just a few.
Merry Christmas!
I don’t know any of them in Hebrew Grandpa…I should look that up! 😁 Merry Christmas! 🎄
Good morning with Debbie Reynolds
Got a nice surprise when I got in at my home terminal last night. Since I was hauling an empty I didn’t have any paperwork but just had to go in to get a placard for the trailer and to tell them the trailer number so the girls at the dispatch counter could enter it in the system.
They asked me if I had received my company Christmas present yet? And I hadn’t. They handed me a large black cooler bag with the company Logo on it. Then another girl said, “there is something else!” As she handed over an envelope addressed to me that had written on it “Thank You and Happy Holidays” she said “Not many got this”. I opened the envelop and there was a $100.00 Visa Gift Card in it!
Just before Christmas they give the annual “Longevity Bonus” and since I have been there for over 14 years mine is pretty nice. But that bonus is given in a check or in my case by direct deposit. The $100.00 is on top of that. S0 nice surprises.
There is a reason why I have been with that Company for 14 years and intend to make it longer.
There is no doubt you deserve every single penny, rah. Loyalty like yours in today’s world is priceless. I’m glad you are home safe and sound🙏. I hope your Christmas break allows you the rest you deserve with your lovely bride and whatever family you will be sharing this bless-ed season with.
Merry Christmas to a man who lights up this thread with his tales of derring do on our nation’s highways and byways. God bless you.
Merry Christmas to you and all of you that make it so enjoyable for me to come here and who suffer through my tedious descriptions of my job and history and my political commentary. Now I’ve got to get cleaned up and make one final store run for my better half.
Merry Christmas from a fellow treeper
May your Christmas tree have more presents for you
Merry Christmas, RAH!!!! You are one of my favorites!!!! May Health, happiness and abundant blessings be your gift from God this New Year, Leenie
I’ll second Betsy, it’s well deserved, Rah. Have a very Merry Christmas!
This day in 1941 the USS Russell, DD-414, rescued two US flyers.
The Russell was a Sims Class Destroyer commissioned in 1939. The Sims class were the last destroyers built with a single engine room. There were 10 ships of the Sims class and after a major redesign they turned out to be very effective destroyers. Five of them were lost during the war but the Russell, which would take part in 16 major campaigns/battles including the Coral Sea and Midway, Guadalcanal, and fighting off Kamikaze’s off the Philippines and Okinawa, survived the war with little damage. She was a very lucky ship. She was scrapped in 1947.
For the first two years of her service the Russell took part in the undeclared quasi war in the Atlantic, escorting convoys to Iceland where the British would take over escort duties and hand over the convoy they had escorted there that would usually be bound for Newfoundland. But after Dec. 7th that quickly changed.
This day in 1941 the Russell was a screening escort for a task force built around the USS Yorktown CV-10. The task force was steaming south along the US East coast bound for the Panama canal in transit to Pearl Harbor and the Pacific where the Russell would spend the rest of her service life.
As per SOP the Yorktown launched its’ last patrol of 4 aircraft to scout ahead of the task forces projected course for that night to identify and attack any threats. Even at this early stage of the war there was the perceived threat of German U-boats lurking off the east coast.
The 4th plane to take off suffered a power failure and had to ditch. The Russell quickly responded and picked up the unhurt crew. These were the first of nearly 1,300 aviators and sailors the Russell would pick up in rescue operations during the war.
The day after Christmas the two airmen were returned to the Yorktown via a Breeches buoy because the seas were too rough for a boat. When the canvas sling of the Breeches buoy was returned it had 10 gallons of ice cream in it. This was the standard pay off since ice cream machines were usually only found on the larger ships.
The larger ships would have a Gedunk bar, which was basically a soda fountain. On Sundays crew and officers could line up to get whatever kind of concoction of ice cream confections they desired that was available. Admiral Halsey, once patiently standing in line to get his ice cream, dressed down two Jr Officers he caught trying to cut the line. In the Gedunk bar line, there was no RHIP!
Sundance, I wanted you to see the following. Forgive me if I missed it, but I haven’t seen it discussed (I found it through Mercola) and I think it’s pretty huge.
“In a stunning 46-page legal filing to the International Criminal Court on December 6, an intrepid attorney and seven applicants accused Anthony Fauci, Peter Daszak, Melinda Gates, William Gates III, and twelve others of numerous violations of the Nuremberg Code.”
The article has a lot of info on Klaus Schwab, WEF, great reset and it’s the only place I’ve seen anything about The Hague gettng involved.
https://www.thedesertreview.com/opinion/columnists/gates-fauci-and-daszak-charged-with-genocide-in-court-filing/article_76c6081c-61b8-11ec-ae59-7718e6d063ed.html
Thanks for your great work. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
^^^^^^ ^^^^^^
I just saw this filing referenced on GAB . I was put off by the photoshopped depiction of Sydney Powell, but the filing itself was presentable to a non-lawyer type.
If the filing is a serious document, I’d very much appreciate Sundance’s appraisal of it.
Also, mentioned in Patriots.Win a number of times over the last week.
You might find this interesting. It appears that the Nuremberg Code is not binding law in America. But after continued abuses here, protections were codified into law. The only problem is the enforcers are today’s abusers.
3a. Federal regulations (hhs.gov)
Neither the Code, nor the Declaration of Helsinki are law. Parts though have been codified into some laws.
The Nuremberg Code–A critique (nih.gov)
(PDF) The Helsinki Declaration and the Law: An International and Comparative Analysis | D. Sprumont – Academia.edu
I would feel more comfortable with this action if it actually was based on specific laws.
I haven’t yet found if the International Criminal Court rules that this is using (The Rome Statute) have codified either into law. And, as the article points out, the US is not a party to the ICC, so many of those charges, even if based on existing laws, would be moot.
Biden gave up executive privilege precedent to attack Trump, but he sure isn’t going to give up his benefactors to the ICC.
Thank you for your assessment.
I guess I’ll just hope the filing gains enough attention to offset the propaganda machines.
May I suggest you look for “Klaus Schwab and His Great Fascist Reset” on the site WINTEROAK.
A superb piece, quite long but exceptionally well researched and footnoted.
History, names connections and odious life destroying plans. I saw it first about two years ago before his name became a household one and before this Great Reset atrocity was well reported upon. The best I’ve ever read.
I don’t know if this qualifies as a Christmas story
Come fly with me – Winter is here.
2 feet of snow from a winter storm in Michigan is not unique to the state where I did most of my flying.
I have mentioned the contrary weather in Detroit. Because of it’s proximity to the Great Lakes, we often had winter days that were dreary – with low clouds and poor visibility – for days and weeks on end. This kept most of us (student pilots and flight instructors) on the ground.
We faithfully checked weather before giving up for the day, and went home cheered when the forecast was for a front to go thru. Next morning would dawn grey and dreary. We’d call the Wx station – what happened? We thought we’d be able to fly today.
The front went thru. It backed up. No, I can’t even guess when it will move out.
So one day, after a particularly energetic front moved thru, dumping lots and lots of snow, the day dawned bright and clear.
Yay – we can fly.
Except – the snow plows have to plow the runway. Then they have to plow a way for us to taxi the airplane from it’s tie down position to the runway. That means plow the taxiways too.
Hours later. Can we go now? You can fly, but you have to go cross country. We need to keep the (one plowed) runway open.
So we get busy planning. We start by contacting airports we might want to land at during this flight. Surprise – surprise. They have the same problem we do – working to get the runway plowed so the can open. So, that day, we had limited landing choices. Besides landing we had to be sure we could get to the gas pumps for more gas.
Eventually, after getting the snow off the airplane, making sure it was full of gas and oil, making sure it would start, off we went.
I cannot begin to describe how utterly breathtakingly beautiful it was. White everywhere – as far as the eye could see. A blue sky only a Michigan winter day can display. Very little other air traffic wherever we went.
Talk about a changed vista – a challenge to students learning to navigate using landmarks. Other than power lines, some roads that had been cleared and smoke rising from chimneys, correlating the maps with what we could see was a challenge.
One of our planned airport stops did not have a control tower, so we could not be sure in advance whether it would be open. When we got there we were confused. We could see 2 airplanes circling the airport. One appeaared to be doing what we call ‘touch and go landings’. That means you briefly touch down, apply power, and go around again. Things didn’t look quite right, so we made more circles – watching. The 2nd airplane kept trying to radio the flight service on the ground – with no answer. He then announced his intention to land.
We watched him approach and touch down – followed by a slow motion upside down event.
We hung around long enough to be sure no one was hurt – just mightily embararssed. When the pilot was rescued from his upside down airplane he was sputtering about the plane he had watched making touch and goes.
Oh, no, he wasn’t landing. He was flying low enough to try to guage how deep the snow was on the runway. He’s long gone.
We left, too
Merry Christmas to you all.
Hope for a White Christmas – lots of presents under your tree.
May Christmas Day bring you great Joy as you celebrate the Birth of Jesus .
Merry Christmas, ms idaho!
Thanks – back at’cha
watching it snow – White Christmas predicted
seen on Gab
Question – if the Pfizer pill for C19 is approved, as well as there being formally approved treatments such as the monoclonal antibodies – will those approvals not now make the emergency use authorizations for the ‘vaccines’ null and void, which would also automatically eliminate any justification to mandate inoculations?
As far as I’m concerned there was never any justification for a mandate and even if there was the Federal Government has no Constitutional authority to mandate such a thing.
Agree; and now see there is a thread on these new therapeutics that have been approved; maybe the answer that with these approved the EUA for the shots will be null and void will be found there. Again, 100% agree.
Talk about emissions. Leftists create a problem and then blame their target for their actions. Good grief https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/europe-can-eradicate-energy-poverty-by-quitting-fossil-fuels-eu-official/
Posturing or taking a stand?
Lebanon’s top Christian party signals possible end of Hezbollah alliance
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-689628
I chose to delete the video from the tweet.
Art TakingBack Flag of United States
@ArtValley818_
The Satanic Temple Installs ‘Baby Baphomet’ Display at Illinois State Capitol right before Christmas
1:13 PM · Dec 23, 2021
~~~
We The People@SolarSystemPE
Replying to@ArtValley818_
In the name a Jesus we pray for those evil spirits to go away from this country. Amen
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.Jesus. Luke 10:19
1:21 PM · Dec 23, 2021
Just one more paen to open and repugnant evil. Such frightening and unholy idols are now on Wall Street and at the UN. Is this truly where we are?
A good friend and veteran suddenly died a few years ago. I asked God what I could do to honor him and make a difference and Machine Messiah was the result. I have fooled around with writing for years and have lots of unpublished stories but after I prayed to God regarding my friend a flood of ideas came into me head. The book practically wrote itself. All the characters are real to me, too real. It’s the first time I have been emotionally attached to my written work. I asked god why he did this to me, and a voice in my head answered: You asked for this. I think the theme of this story will resonate with the readers here so I thought I would share it with the Treehouse. It’s a story of family, quantum physics, time travel, space travel, assassination, and redemption. I think people here will really appreciate it. Merry Christmas!
breaking:
https://wgntv.com/news/police-responding-to-reports-of-shots-fired-at-oak-brook-mall/
i could cry.
at minimum, tied-for-first most luxury mall, in tied-for-first most affluent area in illinois.
at least 4 shot, no word on their condition.
you might remember this was the mall recently targeted 3X by flash robbers,
including the $120,000.00 heist from louis vitton.
i was a tot when it opened, and many good memories over the years.
don’t see the way forward for them now.
can’t have a nice mall, can’t have nice residential neighborhoods….
seems like the thugs are in charge.
Sigh…
“Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily,
the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.”
–Ecclesiastes 8:11 (ESV).
Yes, WP
lilbirdee12’s prayer:
Our Heavenly Father, Your children come to you tonight to ask for healing and peace throughout our country so that we may return to being One Nation Under God. Guide us to be leaders in Your Kingdom, spreading Your Love and Salvation to all. Forgive us our sins and deliver us from evil.
Lord, we ask for a blanket of protection over all our troops and law enforcement who serve to defend and protect us. Bless our representatives with the strength and wisdom they need to achieve the path You have chosen for us.
Please place Your Guardian Angels of Protection around Donald Trump and his family as they seek to lead America back to You. Also, we pray for Angels to protect and support our Sundance as he works for justice and peace.
Grant us patience, Lord, as the evil ones try to anger us and cause us to fall.
Spread blessings over Israel and Netanyahu.
We humbly ask that You please comfort those who are grieving and in pain.
Thank you Father, for Your Love and the gift of Life.
In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Amen
If I may, auscitizenmom…
And for all the persecuted and tortured political prisoners in the DC gulags, separated at this time of year from their worried families, especially their children who are growing up without their fathers. Lord God, please be with them in their despair and lift their hearts to you. Please give them the peace which only You can give. This I ask most humbly in the Name of your Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.
Amen!
Amen.
Amen.
Amen.
Amen. And repeating Betsy’s prayer below for all political prisoners of January 6; for Julian Assange and Pastor Pawlowski, and all people persecuted around the world for speaking their truth
Oh yes, Wondering! Both of them🙏
Never discount the youngsters, there is hope yet.
✝️ Lord, thank You for the day. Amen.