“We do not believe any group of men adequate enough or wise enough to operate without scrutiny or without criticism. We know that the only way to avoid error is to detect it, that the only way to detect it is to be free to inquire. We know that in secrecy error undetected will flourish and subvert.” –J. Robert Oppenheimer
This Rejoice & Praise God Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post, and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts, and not by agenda-driven accusations and pronouncements.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for our fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure your opinion addresses the issue only, and does not confront or denigrate the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name-calling, ridicule, insults, baiting, and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores, and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
This Present Evil Age
In Galatians 1:4, the apostle Paul writes that Christ “gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.” Here, Paul introduces the purpose of the sacrificial death of Christ, the nature of the world we inhabit, and the eternal plan of God the Father. In obedience to the Father’s will, Christ voluntarily gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age.
To appreciate the significance of Christ’s saving work, we must first understand our own depravity. In Scripture, sin is defined as falling “short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This suggests a moral standard that we are unable to meet. The reason we cannot live up to the righteousness that God demands from us is that we are sinners both by nature (Psalm 51:5) and by choice (John 3:19). Christ is the only solution to our sin problem. In Him, we are delivered from our sins and from “the present evil age” (Galatians 1:4).
The phrase present evil age refers to the current reality that the world is in the grip of Satan. Sin is rampant in our world, and sinners are enslaved to the bondage of sin. In Ephesians 2:1–3, Paul says, “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (ESV). Since dead people cannot raise themselves to life, God must make us spiritually alive. In Christ, we are “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom [we] shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15, ESV).
Freedom from the present evil age has profound implications for how we live. God calls us to live Christ-centered lives in the present evil age. This is accomplished by adopting the mind of Christ, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6–8, ESV). To avoid being corrupted by the present evil age, then, we must humble ourselves by allowing God to work in and through us. Consequently, people will “see [our] good works and give glory to [our] Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, ESV).
The present age in which we live is indeed evil, but there is another age yet to come, one that will be characterized by righteousness and justice, not sin (see Isaiah 9:7). Living in the present evil age, those of us who have been rescued have a wonderful future ahead of us.
Wheatie Wisdom. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone. No running with scissors. No food fights.
AI stuff posted, requires a link. Please use spoiler, for longer posts.
Wolf Speak. No obnoxious behavior towards fellow QTreeper(s). Freedom of Speech is honored here QTree. But Do Know, every poster, IS personally responsible for what they post.
America, needs to embrace the following TRUTH…
In No Particular Order, The House AND Senate MUST.
Impeach Activist Judges & Fire Activist Magistrates.
Pass SAVE Act
Pass, Ban Sanctuary States and Cities
Trash Filibuster
Trash Blue Slips
Confirm Trump Nominations.
Codify Trump Executive Orders.
Ban Sharia Law.
Speaking of embracing…THIS.
If nothing follows KK below, Night Crew, you are on your own.
The only sitting President to lead soldiers in the battlefield.
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Fast forward from 1776, ~84 years.
Henry Rifles created in Civil War era.
Henry History
Benjamin Tyler Henry His invention: The Henry Rifle
In every field of human endeavor there is a select group of individuals who are given credit for making such major contributions that they become synonymous with their achievements. In the area of firearms development, one name that must be included on that honored roster is Benjamin Tyler Henry. His invention: The Henry Rifle.
It was Mr. Henry who conceived the first practical, lever action repeating rifle patented in 1860. The Henry gave a single man the firepower of a dozen marksmen armed with muzzle-loading muskets.
America was engulfed in the searing flames of the Civil War, and the first Henry rifles were in the hands of Union soldiers by mid 1862. Due to its revolutionary design and rapid rate of fire, the Henry quickly found popularity both with the military and civilian purchasers. Early sales were especially brisk in Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri and Indiana.
With its reliable .44 caliber rimfire metallic cartridge, the Henry produced a rapid and highly accurate fire. Reports of the successful use of Henry rifles in the Civil War were numerous. The incredible firepower unleashed by the Henry is evident in Major William Ludlow’s account of the Battle of Allatoona Pass. “What saved us that day was the fact that we had a number of Henry rifles” wrote Major Ludlow. “This company of 16 shooters sprang to the parapet and poured out such a multiplied, rapid and deadly fire, that no men could stand in front of it and no serious effort was made thereafter to take the fort by assault.”
After an encounter with the 7th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which had the good fortune to be armed with Henrys, one Confederate officer is credited with the phrase, “It’s a rifle that you could load on Sunday and shoot all week long.”
The Henry rifle would go on to play a significant, if not dominant role in the frontier days of the American West. It would soon become one of the most legendary, respected and sought after rifles in the history of firearms. A contemporary rifle collection isn’t complete without one.
The header image for today’s offering is courtesy of Google Images.
Health Friday is a series devoted to information about Big Pharma, vaccines, general health, and associated topics. There are Important Notifications from our host, Wolf Moon; the Rules of our late, good Wheatie; and, certain caveats from Yours Truly, of which readers should be aware. They are linked here. Note: AI-generated content in today’s offering will be cited as such. If readers with to post AI-generated content in today’s discussion thread, they must cite their source. Thank you.
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Today is a “remembrance day” for Yours Truly. Twenty years ago today — 1 May 2006 — my late father suffered a massive stroke, the complications from which eventually took his life two months later. Yours Truly was the one who found him on the floor, hours after he had the stroke. Yours Truly spent the next two months at his side, going through Hell with him as he fought like a lion to regain some kind of health, ability to walk, to feed himself…while, at the same time, Yours Truly’s own husband was just starting to recuperate from the massive fall that he himself suffered a few months prior, in which he fractured his pelvis, broke numerous ribs, had a concussion, and, after days in the hospital, was being cared for 24/7 at home by rotations of private-duty CNAs and RNs. My father was 89 years old in May 2006; my husband was 96 years old.
My father was a Registered Pharmacist for 55 years at the time of his stroke: 45 years in practice; then, after his retirement, 10 more years in keeping his license current. He was working on Continuing Education credits for his upcoming license renewal when he was stricken. He was able to “dictate” answers to a few of the CE questions while at the rehab facility, until he lost the power of speech. When he died, he was still a Registered Pharmacist. His customers loved him. Hundreds of them came to his viewing at the funeral home in Pittsburgh — on the same street where he had kept his pharmacy for so many years.
My father hoped that Yours Truly would go into Pharmacy. Instead, I went into music. My father never said a word about any disappointment he may have felt. He would come home from work and sit on the living room sofa, listening to me practicing Beethoven and Chopin and Brahms. I think about my father when I research and write the Health Friday posts. Perhaps he is looking down from Heaven, where I believe he is with my mother, and saying, “You done good, Chick”, which was his humorous “stamp of approval.”
Some of the pain; some of the “what did I miss?”; some of the grief — still remain with Yours Truly, twenty years after my father’s death. The intensity has lessened, but grief never really leaves. Grief must, instead, be integrated into the life of the survivor. It is integrated as a combination of memory, acceptance, and resolve to move on in the healthiest way possible for the body, mind, and spirit. The integration is not quick or simple. It is a process. The “timeline” is different for each survivor. It is not a straight line. It is not “defined” in terms of weeks, months, or years. There are curves; there are twists and turns; there are times of feeling “stuck”; there are times of anger, intense regret, and deep, searing sorrow. Counseling can help; books on grieving can help; trusted friends and family can help; self-care can help; and more. But, ultimately, the integration process is carried on inside the survivor. It is organic. I feel that this inside, organic process is, at the deepest level, anchored in belief in a Higher Power — a Supreme Being — the Almighty God.
Samuel Regis Lewis, Sr., R.Ph. 1916-2006. Rest easy, Daddy. Stay with Mother. Be happy and at Peace in the next world. Love you. Miss you. Thank you — Thank you.
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Some Interesting Links:
Multiple types of cancer diagnoses have increased by over 6% since the COVID-19 modRNA bioweapon “vaccines” were rolled out in January 2021: https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/breaking-us-government-cancer-data, “BREAKING: U.S. Government Cancer Data Shows Early-Onset Cancers Surged 6.4% From 2021 to 2023”, Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, 23 April 2026. The figures are from National Cancer Institute data. The aggregate increase for all cancers diagnosed in persons under age 50 is 6.4%. Below is an image of the various cancers increase breakdown:
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The United States government funded a recent Gain-of-Function experiment at the University of Georgia (Athens, GA) that created a dangerous, highly pathogenic H5N1 virus strain which was deliberately given to Jersey cows: https://jonfleetwood.substack.com/p/taxpayer-funded-scientists-create, “Taxpayer-Funded Scientists Create Human Bird Flu Virus in Georgia BSL-3 Lab That Successfully Crosses Species”, Jon Fleetwood, 26 April 2026. Please see the image from this article, below:
The paper published about this experiment is here: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44433-025-00002-5, “Experimental infection and viral pathogenesis of a human isolate of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza strain in Jersey cows”, Flavio Cargnin Faccin, et al. 26 March 2026.
Note that this experiment was conducted in 2025, after President Donald Trump 47 assumed office.
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Dr. Peter A. McCullough weighs in on the nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new Director of the CDC, and more: https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/the-deep-state-medical-playbook, 27 April 2026. This is a video interview by Emerald Robinson with Dr. McCullough and an AI-generated “text summary” of the interview in the above link. Two screenshots from the “summary” are below:
Note the use of “might grant here the necessary credibility…”, and “provided she shifts focus…” In Yours Truly’s opinion, if Dr. Schwartz is confirmed, it will represent a “watershed” situation for the CDC (and, indeed, for HHS) — either to face up to the truth regarding the need for real reform within the CDC (and the HHS), and to face up to the truth regarding the dangers and deadliness of the COVID-19 bioweapon “vaccines”; or, it will signal the return to “the good old days” at the CDC (and the HHS), with further consolidated control by Establishment Medicine and Big Pharma.
Note that Johns Hopkins is working on “advancing patents” for Ivermectin and for mebendazole.
What does this mean? Since a Patent cannot be granted for something found in nature, Johns Hopkins will have to “add” or “subtract” some element(s) from Ivermectin and from mebendazole, thus “inventing” a “newly isolated material.” https://law.stackexchange.com/questions/77228/can-you-patent-natural-things. It means that Johns Hopkins (and/or the entity that Johns Hopkins “assigns” the Patent to) will own the “newly isolated material.” It also means that the item can be used for making money for the Patent owners / assignee(s). It also means control of access, of availability, of manufacture, and of patient use. It also means that the use of the “newly isolated material” patented Ivermectin and mebendazole will be under the control of healthcare professionals who prescribe it for use in cancer treatment. It also means that the “newly isolated material” patented Ivermectin and mebendazole can be used as an ADJUNCT treatment for cancer, alongside conventional Establishment Medicine treatments such as radiation, surgery, and/or chemotherapy. It also means that the “newly isolated material” patented Ivermectin and mebendazole will become a “cancer treatment drug”, costing much more than the current Ivermectin and mebendazole which are non-patented. It also means that private insurance companies and/or Medicare and Medicaid can choose to either cover, or to not cover, treatment by the “newly isolated material” patented Ivermectin and mebendazole.
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The scientist who invented the “template” virus for COVID-19 — Dr. Ralph Baric, PhD, of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, is finally being unmasked and brought to account:
EXCLUSIVE: NIH has removed virologist Ralph Baric from all his grants; UNC placed Baric on leave.
Senior HHS officials says UNC was complicit in starting the COVID pandemic.
“Baric designed the gun,” he said. “But the Chinese built it, and then they pulled the trigger.”… pic.twitter.com/CNvo3buLkw
This occurred immediately AFTER Dr. David Morens (a deputy of Dr. Anthony Fauci when Dr. Fauci was Director of NIAID) was indicted for his activities at NIAID in suppressing release of any information that would lead to the truth behind the real origins of the COVID-19 virus: https://www.2ndsmartestguyintheworld.com/p/psyop-19-justice-incoming-first-criminal, “PSYOP-19 JUSTICE INCOMING: First Criminal Indictment Against Senior COVID Official & Pressure Mounting on DOJ to Prosecute Dr. Fauci”, 30 April 2026. The five-year Statute of Limitations about lying to Congress runs out for Dr. Anthony Fauci on 11 May 2026. It is impossible that HHS Sec. Kennedy, Jr., does NOT know this. Is the United States government going to let the Statute of Limitations on Dr. Fauci run out on 11 May 2026? https://www.theburningplatform.com/2026/04/30/will-they-let-the-clock-run-out-on-charging-this-mass-murderer/. Yours Truly’s opinion — that possibility needs to be faced.
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The FDA deliberately “masked” (suppressed) 25 safety signals found in VAERS reports of COVID-19 bioweapon “vaccine”-induced health conditions AND deaths between March 2021 and July 2021: https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/breaking-senate-investigation-finds-f15, “BREAKING: Senate Investigation Finds FDA Officials Covered-Up 25 COVID Shot Safety Signals”, Nicolas Hulscher, MPH, 29 April 2026. Dr. Ana Szarfman, an FDA employee, created a program that would basically sort out and identify COVID-19 “vaccine”-induced safety signals. Dr. Szarfman was eventually told by her superiors to “cease and desist” her work — the agency was afraid that the truth becoming known would “feed into vaccine misinformation.”Dr. Janet Woodcock was the Acting Director of the FDA in 2021. She must also be indicted and prosecuted.
THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE HUMAN BODY FOR AN mRNA, A modRNA, AN saRNA, OR A taRNA PRODUCT, OF ANY KIND.
THERE MUST BE MUCH MORE RESEARCH INTO THESE TECHNOLOGIES. THE RESULTS MUST BE FULLY ANALYZED. THE DATA MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
ALL COVID-19 BIOWEAPON “VACCINES” MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE MARKET AND FROM USE. NOW.
THOSE WHO LAB-CREATED THE COVID-19 BIOWEAPON VIRUS ITSELF, AND THE COVID-19 BIOWEAPON VACCINES, MUST NOW BE BROUGHT TO ACCOUNT.
Peace, Good Energy, Respect: PAVACA
(Intellectual Property Disclaimer and Notice: Except for linked URLs and other items that are available on the Internet, the ideas and/or opinions in today’s offering are by PAVACA. Credit must be given to PAVACA if the ideas and/or opinions in today’s offering are used by any other blog writer, by podcasters, or in print or social media.)
Wheatie Wisdom. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone. No running with scissors. No food fights.
AI stuff posted, requires a link. Please use spoiler, for longer posts.
Wolf Speak. No obnoxious behavior towards fellow QTreeper(s). Freedom of Speech is honored here QTree. But Do Know, every poster, IS personally responsible for what they post.
If nothing follows KK below, Night Crew, you are on your own.
Do you sometimes feel forgotten, that the world is cold and hostile? Are you lonely or ignored by loved ones or friends? Does it sometimes feel like God has totally forgotten or forsaken you, left you without experiencing His touch on your life?
Welcome to the story of Joseph. Yes, Joseph was a real person per religious as well as secular historical text. He was a Hebrew and his story is found in the Book of Genesis beginning in Chapter 39. From privilege and being the apple of his deeply respected father’s eye as a child in what is now called Israel; to being sold into slavery by his own jealous brothers; to a prison of Pharaoh in the foreign land of Egypt after being wrongly and evilly accused of attempted rape by the wife of the Captain of Pharaoh’s guard, Potiphar; to being forgotten until the royal Cupbearer told Pharaoh that Joseph could probably interpret his troubling dreams; to the highest position overseeing all of Egypt while reporting directly to Pharaoh due to the Godly wisdom he provided the nation while being held captive. He goes on to forgive his brothers who forsook him and sold him into slavery after making them sweat spear tips for a time. His wisdom and actions not only saved his family from starvation, his faith and actions save everybody in the nation of Egypt as well as all people who came there to trade or stay to avoid the great famines in that region of the world.
Many of you will already know that story. To others it is nothing but that, a story, and they could care less whether it was true or not. However, the reality is that it aligns with known living conditions of the period in Egypt from other archaeological and scientific evidence as well as texts and narratives in that nation’s history. The lesson taken from it is extremely valuable to our lives today no matter whether we believe in God or not.
OK, Trade, why are you bringing this up now? I am doing so because the story about Joseph is one that clearly illustrates what living under God’s Providence in America is also about as the Declaration of Independence states. It seems appropriate to apply its principles today just as it was during the times of its author, Thomas Jefferson. My hope is some will see the important benefits of living under God’s Providence that includes remaining faithful no matter what we face. Doing so should settle their MAGA spirits.
In my opinion we MAGA types need to slow our roll sometimes. Getting all out of sorts, huffy, fearful and impatient will not make justice happen faster. Being diligent and doing our parts as needed and without complaint will get it done in time. We need to remember who is calling the shots in this clean up and it is not us. Whether you personally believe in God or not, many of the people doing the major work successfully do. They have been placed in positions to do so by God and his assigned American redeemer, which is currently Donald J. Trump, along with the leaders of his cabinet, law enforcement and military forces. As long as they do things by the book (Constitution/laws) and THE Book (Holy Bible) it will all turn out as God wills it. Even unbelievers will benefit from the efforts of those who do believe and are faithful.
The Way It Works
Submit to God’s will as Joseph did. Despite being forgotten, lonely, falsely accused, abused, and in prison – he did good works for his captors and never failed to be in communion with God as well as to do His will first and foremost. In the end of the story he forgave his treacherous brothers and saved them from disaster and death. The family was restored and the people of Israel continued to develop.
That’s the secret sauce. It is not enough to acknowledge the God of Joseph exists or that He is powerful. You have to personally place Him first and ONLY in your submission. There can be no other “gods” before Him.
Your freedom comes from your submission to I AM.
You remain faithful and true. You say and do what is right the best ways you can daily no matter the circumstances. You seek God’s face, guidance, forgiveness… and… WAIT. Good things come to people who wait on the Lord to move mountains for them. When it happens, not if it happens, you realize you are never alone. You realize you matter and are loved by the Creator. From that understanding comes freedom and the formerly paralyzing fear dies.
From Psalm 27:14,
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
It feels good to be faithful to God because He is faithful to us without fail. Again, this world is not our home, we are just wayfaring strangers. No matter how far and long we have distanced ourselves from God and other people, there is time to turn it around as long as we are above ground and breathing. If we are honest with ourselves, we all have a prodigal son bone in our bodies that tempts us to stray from these universal truths that are built into our existence of which Jesus addressed in Luke 15. All we need to do is throw off our pride and humbly return to the Father just as Brandon sings below. This song has a personal connection for him per his past comments. It also represents my life all too well – a prodigal son saved from ruination and death by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
THIS is how it works in America under God’s Providence. Return to the Father, I AM, and be healed. Find peace as people and as a nation. Those that foment hateful rhetoric and violence are serving the wrong master. Pray for their change of heart and repentance. May God’s will be done.
Over the next couple of months I will begin tying the loose strings of this series together as we approach our nation’s founding. You will read the words Providential Restoration often.
Remember Wolf’s site rules. Note and label all AI. Please be kind to one another, we are all in this together. May God richly bless America and all of you.
Before all things and people – In God We Trust. Also, trust Trump and the plan.
This Rejoice & Praise God Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post, and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts, and not by agenda-driven accusations and pronouncements.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for our fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure your opinion addresses the issue only, and does not confront or denigrate the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name-calling, ridicule, insults, baiting, and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores, and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Entering Into God’s Rest
The concept of entering into God’s rest comes from Hebrews 3—4. What is this “rest” the Hebrew writer is talking about? How do we enter it? And how do we fail to enter it? The writer to the Hebrews begins his discussion of God’s rest in chapter 3, where he references the Israelites wandering in the desert. In giving them the land of Canaan, God had promised them that He would go before them and defeat all their enemies in order that they could live securely (Deuteronomy 12:9–10). All that was required of them was to fully trust in Him and His promises. However, they refused to obey Him. Instead, they murmured against Him, even yearning to go back to their bondage under the Egyptians (Exodus 16:3; 17:1–7; Numbers 20:3–13).
The particular “rest” referred to here was that of the land of Canaan. Into that rest God solemnly said the Israelites who disobeyed Him would never enter (Hebrews 3:11). They had been rebellious. All the means of reclaiming them had failed. God had warned and entreated them; He had caused His mercies to pass before them, and had visited them with judgments in vain; and He now declares that for all their rebellion they should be excluded from the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:16–19). But, eventually, the next generation did place their faith in God and, by following the leadership of Joshua, they, some forty years later, entered into God’s rest, the land of Canaan (Joshua 3:14–17).
Using the Israelites as an example of those who were not resting in God’s promises, the writer of Hebrews goes on in chapter 4 to make the application personal, both to the Hebrew Christians and to us: “Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it” (Hebrews 4:1). The promise that still stands is the promise of salvation through God’s provision—Jesus Christ. He alone can provide the eternal rest of salvation through His blood shed on the cross for the remission of sins. God’s rest, then, is in the spiritual realm, the rest of salvation. Faith, the author goes on to assert, is the key to entering God’s rest. The Hebrews had had the gospel preached to them, just as the Israelites knew the truth about God, but the messages were of “no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith” (Hebrews 4:2). Some had heard the good news of Christ, but they rejected it for lack of faith.
Hebrews 4:10–13 explains the nature of this faith. The kind of faith that enables us to enter into God’s rest is a faith that first demands that we rest from relying on our own works. Then the writer seemingly contradicts himself by telling us to make every effort: “For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:10–11). What this apparent paradox means is that such biblical faith involves our submissiveness to God, and our efforts in that area.
Though we desist in our self-efforts to earn salvation and the promised eternal rest, we also “make every effort to enter that rest” by choosing to depend solely on God, to trust Him implicitly, to yield totally to the promises of God through the free grace of His salvation. Why? So “that no one will fall by following their [the Israelites’] example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11). We either trust ourselves to save ourselves, or we trust God to do that for us through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. By failing to trust God fully in His promises, we become disobedient and fail to enter the rest that is eternal life, just as the children of Israel became disobedient when they failed to enter the Promised Land.
So how do we stop trusting ourselves? How do we place our full trust in God and His promises? We enter into God’s rest by first understanding our total inability to enter God’s rest on our own. Next, we enter God’s rest by our total faith in the sacrifice of Christ and complete obedience to God and His will. “And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief” (Hebrews 3:18–19). Unlike the Israelites whose unbelief prevented them from entering the Promised Land, we are to enter God’s rest by faith in Him, faith which is a gift from Him by grace (Ephesians 2:8–9). xhttps://www.gotquestions.org/enter-Gods-rest.html
Wheatie Wisdom. If you bring snacks, bring enough for everyone. No running with scissors. No food fights.
AI stuff posted, requires a link. Please use spoiler, for longer posts.
Wolf Speak. No obnoxious behavior towards fellow QTreeper(s). Freedom of Speech is honored here QTree. Every poster, IS personally responsible for what they post.
America, needs to embrace the following TRUTH…
In No Particular Order, The House AND Senate MUST.
Pass SAVE America Act
Trash Filibuster
Impeach Activist Judges & Fire Activist Magistrates.
Pass, Ban Sanctuary States and Cities
Trash Blue Slips
Confirm Trump Nominations.
Codify Trump Executive Orders.
Ban Sharia Law.
Speaking of embracing…THIS.
If nothing follows KK below, Night Crew, you are on your own.
Today in History: April 25, Spanish-American War declared
On April 25, 1898, the United States Congress declared war against Spain. The 16-week Spanish-American War resulted in an American victory, after which the United States took possession of the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam.
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Stuff…
Please take a few minutes. Enjoy Hung Cao’s Incredible Journey. Vietnam – Africa – America.
They just thought Pete Hegseth was over the top, now we have a man in charge of the Navy who blew shit up for 30+ years and was really good at it.
They just thought Pete Hegseth was over the top, now we have a man in charge of the Navy who blew shit up for 30+ years and was really good at it. A great time to be alive!
Hung Cao, the former refugee who is Trump’s new acting navy secretary
Vietnam-born Cao stood twice for federal office in Virginia and has called for upgrading of fleet to face new threats
The acting navy secretary, Hung Cao, who steps into the role after the sudden departure of John Phelan, is a veteran naval officer and former refugee who earned a position with the Trump administration with campaigns for political office in Virginia marked by religious intolerance.
When Cao was first appointed, the defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, set him to modernizing base infrastructure and quality-of-life issues for sailors and marines, and to raise recruiting standards. Cao has also been a point person in the administration on permitting vaccine refusal and eliminating “DEI” policies in the military.
He has been sharply outspoken about the military’s recruiting practices, saying in a debate with Tim Kaine when he ran against him for Senate in 2024 that the military should be recruiting “alpha males and alpha females who are going to rip out their own guts, eat them, and ask for seconds”.
At his confirmation hearing, Cao described an aircraft carrier as “99,000 tons of American diplomacy” but noted that the availability of ships hovered at about 60%, which he described as “horrid” readiness.
Asked about his views on how to either use the existing fleet or to transition to a new paradigm for naval warfare, Cao said the military was living each day like it was 10 September 2001, and that the country must accelerate shipbuilding while improving technology so that it can defeat hypersonic missiles and other threats.
“We need to rethink naval warfare,” Cao said last June. “We need to be ready for what happens tomorrow.”
Cao ran twice for federal office as a Republican candidate in Virginia, falling to US representative Jennifer Wexton in a House race in Virginia’s northern suburbs in 2022, then to Senator Tim Kaine in 2024.
Cao’s comments in an interview about Monterey being taken over by “witches” and a joke about being “African American” because he lived in Africa as a child became a campaign issue. Cao expressed support for a national abortion ban as a candidate.
Cao, 55, fled Vietnam with his family when he was four. He lived in Niger as a child while his father worked for USAID. Cao enlisted in the navy in 1989 before graduating from the US Naval Academy and earning a commission as a special operations officer.
He served on active duty as a diver and explosive ordnance technician with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, notably leading the team that recovered the body of John F Kennedy Jr off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard.
Cao was section head for the budget programming division in the office of the chief of naval operations before retiring as a captain in 2021. He has a master’s degree in applied physics from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and completed fellowships at MIT and Harvard.
“I came to this country with nothing, as a refugee,” Cao said in response to a question during his confirmation hearing as undersecretary of the navy. “We grew up in Africa, actually. In 1979, when the shah of Iran was overthrown, the marines brought us into the embassy and stood watch over us in case they had to do an evacuation … I wanted to be like those heroes, so I have dedicated my entire life to serving the military.” (Bold mine.)
Cao’s son graduates this year from the US Naval Academy.
An interesting review of the Australian Oil Shortages over many decades
The short form is that W.W.II was the worst due to dependence on Asian sources (under British Empire control) and then being cut off by war. Gee, Asian sources cut off in war… rather like now when Australia depends on imported fuel from Asian refineries that in turn depend on Arabian Gulf oil…
During the 1970s Arab Oil Embargo Australia had rationing, but due to domestic “work actions” (strikes) by oil workers. The country was nearly self sufficient in oil and oil products then.
Fast forward to now: All the “lessons learned” have been discarded, all but 2 refineries closed in favor of Asian ones (and one of those two just had a major fire…), and the crude oil supply is disrupted by a war.
“Those who do not remember their history are doomed to repeat it.”
Stockpile Food To Prepare For Worst Food Crisis | China Cuts Fertiliser, Farmers Abandon Paddocks
12:20
Australia’s Fuel Supply Is More Fragile Than Anyone Realises (This Is How Rationing Starts)
9:58
In Conclusion
It didn’t have to be this way. Australia could have kept its oil refineries, continued to develop oil fields and production, and built a nitrogen fertilizer plant. They did not. They chose in stead to save a couple of pennies on the $A for Urea and other nitrogen fertilizers, and similarly for oil products.
Literally “penny wise and pound foolish”.
FWIW, he says “you will not see it today”… yet we are seeing it today. So when the really hard bit hits, expect it to be a lot worse.
We are at the start of a Cascade Failure. Shortly it will be impossible to prevent the cascade.
Today I did a Walmart run (for things I’d not already prepped, like laundry detergent, fresh fruit, condiments, and another round of paper goods)…
SLOW GUY here. I continue, to not see food or daily essentials shortages in the USA. Come 1 May, if Strait of Hormuz remains closed, Slow guy will likely bump up stocks. Previously planned, picking up a pig, from the processor next week. Plenty of beef in the freezer. It’s the stuff on supermarket middle aisles, I’ll bulk on again. Stuff has long shelf life. So no big deal there. No spoilage. It’ll get used, Nothing tossed.
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Image AI. From American Thinker
“Civilizations die from suicide, not murder.” Arnold Toynbee.
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“Meme them until they cry, then make memes about them crying” – Don Tzu…
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Never, Ever Forget…What they did to us during Covidiot, the Poisonous Jabs.
The vintage image of a vaccination record from 1867 for today’s offering header is courtesy of iStock and Google Images.
Health Friday is a series devoted to information about Big Pharma, vaccines, general health, and associated topics. There are Important Notifications from our host, Wolf Moon; theRules of our late, good Wheatie; and, certain caveats from Yours Truly, of which readers should be aware. They are linked here. Note: AI-generated items in today’s offering will be cited as such. If readers wish to post AI-generated content in today’s discussion thread, they must cite their source. Thank you.
Today’s offering begins here: https://icandecide.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/125742_S1_M2_26_pharmkin-tabulated-summary.pdf, “MODULE 2.6.5 PHARMACOKINETICS TABULATED SUMMARY“, FDA Approved on 21 January 2021 at 23:22 GMT (Greenwich Mean Time.) This is the report regarding biodistribution data of the Pfizer-BioNTech modRNA COVID-19 bioweapon “vaccine”, BNT162b2, for which the FDA had granted the initial EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) for use in the United States on 11 December 2020. The experiments performed by Pfizer-BioNTech to produce the report, using BNT162b2 injections, were conducted on Wistar Han lab rats, Sprague Dawley lab rats, Cynomologus monkeys, and human liver microsomes and liver fractions. Data were extracted from in vivo and from in vitro results. The formulation of BNT162b2 used in the experiments was the same as that which was granted the FDA Emergency Use Authorization of 11 December 2020 for use on human beings in the United States.
Yours Truly presents images of page 7 and page 8 of this report:
Note: the above data are the results from the injections given to the Wistar Han lab rats. Note also the accumulations of the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), ALC-0159 and ALC-0315, used in the BNT162b2 formulation. Again, this is the same formulation that was granted the initial FDA Emergency Use Authorization on 11 December 2020, for BNT162b2 to be used on human beings in the United States. LNPs are the tiny fat molecules-based, lab-created “delivery system” that encases the “vaccine” ingredients to protect them from being detected and eliminated by the natural immune system of the body. Instead, the LNPs facilitate the entry of the “vaccine” into every cell of the body. Look at the highest accumulation amounts:
Adrenal Glands: 18.2. The adrenal glands release hormones, such as, adrenaline, directly into the bloodstream. These glands are crucial in the proper function of blood pressure and the body’s stress response. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23005-adrenal-glands
Injection Site: 165. The injection of COMIRNATY into the arm of a human being results in the following: The body immediately sends “alarm signals” that there is an “enemy invader”, and starts the natural immune system process of fighting it / eliminating it. This is manifested in several ways, including: pain at the injection site, and/or a “rash” at the injection site. However, these immediate reactions can also indicate early-warning signals of anaphylactic shock — and must be closely monitored. Establishment Medicine explains this away by, first, stating that this reaction is “rare”, then proceeding to minimize the situation: https://ubiehealth.com/doctors-note/rash-after-covid-vaccine-causes-serious-warning-49121exp1, “Why do some people get a rash after the COVID vaccine and when is it serious?”, Yoshinori Abe, MD, 17 December 2025. This situation is called “COVID Arm.” In fact, Establishment Medicine minimizes “COVID Arm” reaction even if it occurs DAYS or a WEEK after “vaccination”: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19970.htm. “Arm Rash After COVID-19 Vaccination”, updated by Linda J. Vorvick MD, 1 January 2025.)
Ovaries: 12.3. The female ovaries make and release eggs for fertilization. They also produce hormones. At birth, a female has all the eggs that she will ever have. The ovaries constantly “communicate” with the brain. https://axiawh.com/resources/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-your-ovaries/
Spleen: 23.4. The spleen creates white blood cells and stores red blood cells. It helps to regulate blood platelets (which assists in proper blood clotting.) It filters out old or damaged blood cells. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-does-the-spleen-do
The above report, in Yours Truly’s opinion, needs to be required reading for any healthcare professional who is still “recommending”, let alone administering, COMIRNATY. And, in case a healthcare professional raises objections, such as, “The new COMIRNATY formula is different”, the facts that ALC-0159, ALC-0315, N1-Methylpseudouridine (all which were in the original BNT162b2 formulation), and the S1 spike protein (that can be traced back to the original Wuhan Hu1 SARS-CoV-2 strain) are ingredients in the “2025-2026 COMIRMATY” version of the injectable.
There is a reason behind why the accumulations of ALC-0159 and ALC-0315 are so high for the above body areas and organs: these lipid nanoparticles ensure that the ingredients and mechanisms of COMIRNATY enter these areas and organs: with the result that said areas and organs are interfered with, and/or damaged, and/or that the body’s ability to properly use them is destroyed. Example: over 60% of the lifetime supply of a female lab rat’s eggs are either damaged or destroyed due to it being “vaccinated” with COMIRNATY: https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/breaking-covid-19-mrna-shots-destroy, “BREAKING: COVID-19 mRNA Shots Destroy Over 60% of Female Non-Renewable Egg Supply”, Nicolas Hulscher, 9 May 2025. If this is what happens with female Wistar lab rats being injected with these “vaccines”, the potential for damage to human female eggs is ALSO THERE: and, in fact, the Manniche, et al., study demonstrates this: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202504.2487/v1, “Rates of Successful Conceptions According to COVID-19 Vaccination Status: Data from the Czech Republic”, Vibeke Manniche, et al., 29 April 2025. Note: this paper is a preprint — therefore, it can be Removed, Retracted, or Withdrawn at any time. Yours Truly urges interested readers to download or otherwise archive this paper.
Before leaving the discussion of ALC-0159 and ALC-0315, please see the following images from the MSDS Safety Sheets for these lipid nanoparticles, below. First, from https://cdn.caymanchemical.com/cdn/msds/34336m.pdf, for ALC-0159:
Note that both compounds are for research only. In fact, both compounds rate as a carcinogen (ethanol content.) In particular, the Cayman Chemcial MSDS for ALC-0315 reads like a textbook example of a very dangerous compound.
**** Note from the images of Page 7 and Page 8 above, that BNT162b2 crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier, as seen in the accumulation data images above: the “vaccine” accumulates in the Brain and in the Pituitary Gland. In addition, there is BNT162b2 accumulation in the Skin and in the Kidneys — this indicates that the “vaccine” ingredients can be “shed” from the skin and/or excreted via the kidneys into urine.
The Appendix 1: List of Adverse Events of Special Interest section of this report about BNT162b2, also given to the FDA by Pfizer-BioNTech (April 2021) has the reports listings of over 1,200 serious / fatal side effects induced by this “vaccine.” The report is found here: https://phmpt.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/5.3.6-postmarketing-experience.pdf, “5.3.6 CUMULATIVE ANALYSIS OF POST-AUTHORIZATION ADVERSE EVENT REPORTS OF PF-07302048 (BNT162B2) RECEIVED THROUGH 28-FEB-2021“, FDA date-stamped 30 April 2021 at 09:26 GMT. This, in Yours Truly’s opinion, also needs to be required reading for any healthcare professional who is still “recommending”, let alone administering, COMIRNATY.
The COVID-19 bioweapon “vaccines” are actually gene-altering injectable therapies: they are not, strictly speaking, vaccines. Please see: https://academic,oup.com/intimm/article/33/10/521/6194108, “Development of COVID-19 vaccines utilizing gene therapy technology”, Hironori Nakagami, 27 March 2021. Every single person who has ever taken an injection of COMIRNATY has had a gene-altering therapy “cocktail” (under the guise of “it’s a vaccine”) injected into their body: something that “vaccinated” persons were never told about, nor for which they never explicitly granted permission to have put into their body.
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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is not being allowed to do his job — and, in fact, to quote another blog writer, he is being “muzzled.” The COVID-19 bioweapon “vaccines” have been, via the American Academy of Pediatrics lawsuit and subsequent “ruling” by Federal Judge Brian E. Murphy, are now fully back into the CDC Childhood Immunization Schedule. The new nominee to head the CDC, Dr. Erica Schwartz, is an Establishment Medicine “vaccine” proponent: https://aaronsiri.substack.com/p/the-queen-of-mandating-vaccines, 18 April 2026. A screenshot from this article is below:
RFK Jr. drops the truth bomb on the COVID era: “They had to DESTROY ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine… because if they admitted it worked for ANYONE, the entire $200 BILLION vaccine enterprise would have COLLAPSED.”pic.twitter.com/rEEjSXrYPf
THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE HUMAN BODY FOR AN mRNA, A modRNA, AN saRNA, OR A taRNA PRODUCT OF ANY KIND.
THERE MUST BE MUCH MORE RESEARCH INTO THESE DELIVERY PLATFORMS, WITH EXTENSIVE TESTING AND DATA ANALYSES, AND WITH THE RESULTS BEING MADE PUBLIC.
THE COVID-19 BIOWEAPON “VACCINES” (GENE-THERAPY INJECTIONS) — ALL OF THEM — MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE MARKET AND FROM USE IN THE UNITED STATES. NOW.
Peace, Good Energy, Respect: PAVACA
(Intellectual Property Disclaimer and Notice: Except for URLs and other items that are available on the Internet, the ideas and/or opinions in today’s offering are by PAVACA. Proper credit must be given to PAVACA for ideas and/or opinions in today’s offering are used by other blog writers, by podcasters, or in print or social media.)
Today’s opener is primary about two children, grandsons #1 and #2. Updates on both follow. Granddaughter – #3 grandchild – is perfect of course. She is two years old going on fourteen and thoroughly attacking the terrible twos in the most bossy way possible. Any references to mamaw and her mom along with apples and trees do not usually end well.
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Grandson #2
Starting with #2: There are no lingering issues after having his leg run over by his dad with the family car at the drop zone at school a year ago (#2’s fault – see ADHD that follows). Dad even got over his fear and will drop and pick him up occasionally. 😂
Per his pediatrician #2’s leg is perfectly fine – a God miracle. The growth plate seems unaffected. Along the way ADHD has been diagnosed by the pediatrician for some time. It has been obvious to our entire family as well. He does well in his academics, yet, struggles to stay focused while being somewhat disruptive and getting in mild trouble along with his buds at times. Very recently he was diagnosed with mild to moderate food allergies – wheat and dairy primarily – as well as excessive glucose readings for his age. It also added to some restless legs and poor sleep. In short, his nutrition sucked, which further fed the ADHD. Mom and Dad realize they were too easy on it and have to do better as they rebuild his diet and more disciplined eating patterns.
He is in the 97th percentile on height and 85th on weight. Big dude for his age and very strong. Since he is only 9 years old, his reboot should not be a major challenge. He wants to play middle school football next season, so he knows he has to get his act together. He is the type child that if you explain why he needs to change or do something he accepts it readily and does his best. His parents must cooperate and remove as many temptations as possible, which they are committed to doing.
Intuniv (Guanfacine), a mild non-stimulant med has been prescribed for the ADHD and so far the results have been good. It is mild and acts purely as an enhancement for focus while taking out some of the excess motion. The teachers have all raved at how he has responded in class and with the other kids now with no disturbances and great focus. We have also noticed a return to his creative artist side at home, which has been welcome. We will continue to monitor closely along with follow up blood labs to see how the med and the reworked nutrition does with his system. The Intuniv use will be as short termed as possible, especially if the revised nutrition works well as he goes through puberty.
Grandson #1
The results for 6th grade with the Miacademy homeschooling curriculum are in. Grandson #1 blew through it with flying colors. Four A’s and one B. He also had an A in one course with the previous Time 4 Learning curriculum we left. Once again, science was his B (Earth Science). Language Arts, Math, American History, Biblical Studies and Life Skills (Typing) were the A’s. We are going to switch with his parents taking World History and me taking on Science this next school year. We want to see if a different voice and orientation toward science can help him excel like he is doing in the other courses.
That said, for the past two months he frequently completed the course videos, lesson questions, quizzes and final tests unassisted. We made ourselves available for any questions about the work, but for the most part left the room for him to figuratively go to school. His average time range spent per day was 3-3.5 hours. The exception was his parents providing assistance conducting experiments in the science course. He took short breaks in between segments to get a snack, something to drink or go to the bathroom. To see his confidence grow has been priceless.
His parents and I monitor the course content from the parent’s portal. We know in advance what he will be studying. It is no wonder so many who use this curriculum go on to college. It is thorough and well taught by interesting teachers in videos that generally last ten minutes per segment on average. The method and presentations keep the attention of the student.
Following each video the student goes through an extensive series of questions about the presented material that are in multiple choice or fill in the blank form. Students are not allowed to proceed with wrong answers. For every wrong answer the lesson segment adds two more related questions until all are answered correctly. If needed, the student can go back and rewatch the teaching video, consult PDF’s, and restart the lesson questions. After watching the video and completing the lesson questions; a quiz is given that counts for their score in that particular subject matter’s segment. There may be as little as four segments to as many as a dozen segments per chapter in each subject. There may be as little as five chapters for an elective course or more than a dozen for core subject courses. All subjects have additional PDF provided material in each segment that can be printed that supports and even goes beyond the video content should a more in-depth look be desired. In several subjects I found the PDF’s to be very helpful for better comprehension.
The curriculum’s emphasis is the opposite of many public schools today. The schools tend to teach for students to test well and are losing their minds over state required student assessment test requirements. This curriculum teaches for the students to simply learn well. As a result their students also test well. With less distractions than in a normal school environment, the student learns more in a shorter period of time because they remain focused on the material and not on what may be going on around them. Student social interactions can be provided through local homeschool support groups as desired.
There is some flexibility with selecting subjects. There are at least a half dozen electives for each grade level. Students can accelerate into higher grade level core subjects if desired. For example, #1 loves American History and we wanted to strike while the iron was hot. With this curriculum that course is a 7th – 8th grade subject. He took it anyway and aced it. He will take the normal 6th – 7th grade subject of World History as a 7th grader. There are a few choices for each grade level even within core subjects.
To complete the balance of his 180 school days to meet the state requirement, he is doing an outside subject of cursive writing, continuing music (vocal) lessons, library time, field trips, golf, tennis, etc. Since he started this school year in late July of 2025, there are not many days left to finish it anyway as he worked on subjects during Christmas break when he had nothing else to do. That’s flexibility. No matter where you are and what day of the week it is, you can have school if you have a computer and internet access.
The primary caution for parents with any curriculum that is selected is to monitor for objectionable content. Each have their own methods, so parents can choose the curriculum that best suits the child. Below is a reminder of what parents must navigate for their children both in schools and even in some homeschool curriculums.
It was the school provided language arts Taylor Swift dream story trans images that ignited our rapid departure from 4th grade public school with #1. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
A handful are much easier on subject matter content, which fits academically challenged kids. However, most users prefer academically challenging subjects that have ample content. We found this with Miacademy with the bonus of them using teaching methods that work well for #1 and many kids. We found a couple of narratives and woke type lessons that we addressed with him as they happened. There were not nearly as many or as obnoxious as Time 4 Learning, which is the largest curriculum provider in the nation that we used previously. They have also begun using AI totally for grading purposes. It was a nightmare with the written responses to questions for many students and parents alike. That ended for us with the switch and we now wish we had always used Miacademy or a similar curriculum and system because #1 remained interested in the subjects and learned well. MUCH better video presentations, methodology, testing, etc. in our and his opinions.
I have continued to update #1’s progress periodically to make a point. No child should be left behind. That slogan from the government was true. The methodology chosen to deliver it in many public schools stunk. More were left behind than in the past as the progressive narratives and methods took root. That has led to crap results and American school children falling well behind peers around the world. The good news is that it is now easier than ever before to educate your child, or have your child basically educate themselves. Academic achievement generally soars. Homeschooled children have been documented to collectively test higher on college entrance exams than public school peers. Students tend to take ownership of their performance much better as there is nobody else to blame for getting distracted or refusing to complete assignments.
We chose to use an umbrella school at a low annual fee for reporting. They then report his progress and attendance to our county school system. This umbrella school has its own private school and is accredited in four states. When #1 is finished, he will receive a high school diploma just like all other students in public and private schools with a transcript for submission to colleges and universities as desired. He can take the college entrance exams, submit all of it and go from there just like everybody else.
Some remember #1’s health story. He was born three weeks premature with birth trauma as he was stuck in the birth canal for three hours until an emergency C-section was performed. He did not have many motor skills. He never crawled normally and had therapy for over a year to learn to walk. He suffers from Dyspraxia that contributed to the condition, which presents body awareness and coordination issues. He had a full set of teeth by age 15 months. Had tubes in his ears as well as adenoids and tonsils removed by age four. He was diagnosed lactose intolerant, which had contributed to GERD. That condition went away as he aged fortunately. He has severe sensory issues from the birth trauma that will be long lasting and includes foods. This condition worsened when the schools forced masking during COVID. His anxiety went off the charts, which triggered the sensory responses.
I discussed his binocular vision issues previously, which were resolved through eye therapy – another blessing. However, his eyes are still very sensitive to sunlight. We are using a good pair of wrap sunglasses to help with that as needed. What was once observed and misdiagnosed to be absence seizures, a form of pediatric epilepsy, turned out to be focal events triggered by anxiety associated with the sensory issues. As he has matured and become more confident they have subsided and he has learned to manage them on his own.
Many of these issues have contributed to ADHD type symptoms that persist, but are subsiding as he matures. The condition did lead to hyperfocus on things he likes to the exclusion of those he doesn’t. This is addressed by family and therapy regularly. The good of hyperfocus is revealed with his high degree of intelligence that when focused, manifests itself in excellent learning and academics as well as music, golf, etc. performance. The negative is the over focusing to the exclusion of what may be going on around him.
Fortunately, his height is normal for a 12 year old, but his weight is well below due to the food sensory issues. We encourage him to eat anything and everything he likes while exposing him to other foods to try. He continues to have monthly chiropractic adjustments, which have been essential for helping his CNS develop normally. Some will recall how horribly his spine was out of alignment until discovered at age 8 after we took him to an excellent chiropractor who had years of additional medical training on brain and CNS functions. This has reduced the effects of the Dyspraxia and helps him be much more coordinated with a more even keeled personality, which improves his confidence strongly.
We have addressed all of this as a family with the help of professionals and found that at NO time were medications helpful for #1. In fact, as I posted previously, when we agreed to use prescriptions from physicians they had moderate to severely negative effects. Chiropractics, Physical (OT), Vision and Eating therapies have improved or resolved many of the issues. It seems he has been through every test possible – MRI. scans, scopes, biopsy, blood tests, EKG, allergy testing, etc. Traditional medicine was helpful in the testing and eliminated some potential medical causes of the issues he faces. But as for providing cures – nope.
Throughout it all #1’s behavior and attitude have been exceptional. He loves the Lord, family, church buddies, and neighbor friends. His friends think he is the coolest, most fun guy on the planet, which strokes his ego. The golf and tennis have strongly helped coordination as well as assisted with sensory issues. He sings from his heart and is making good progress as a vocalist. In a year or so he will add back guitar lessons as his dexterity has improved greatly.
In less than three years starting from abysmal public school IEP reviews per teachers and administrators at the time that had him being a first grader academically, he has advanced 6 grade levels academically. He would have been a total failure if left in public schools. They are not equipped to honor “no child left behind” as they are manufacturing type facilities built on widget production. We cannot cast all the blame on them, his health issues would have made it difficult to thrive in that type of environment even with more dedicated assistance. We do blame them for not honoring the conditions of the IEP’s and the law by refusing to provide the required services without us pursuing legal remedies. Instead, their initial refusal and our decision to do it ourselves turned out to be the biggest blessing we could ever imagine. We give thanks and praise for all God has done to heal and grow #1. We know He has been involved in directing his path. Along the way we would hit a wall and not know what to do. Then when it was needed most there would be a clear answer that worked. We would then proceed down the path that led to the next solution to a problem. Some of those answers came from QTree members along the way. We are eternally grateful.
In summary, we have learned and worked hard to improve his lot in life. He has responded by giving his all and truly appreciates all of the help and attention. Very few if any people do not like #1. He is a light unto the world, but he is not an angel on earth. The teenager wiseazz is kicking in, which can be very funny or exasperating depending on the moment. Have no idea where that comes from.
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There are keys that open doors to living and learning well for all of us, to achieve more that we thought possible. Find the keys, ask God to help, then use them to unlock and open doors. Pay attention to what God lays on your heart and do it, He will equip you. This is one old guy who never dreamed he would find complete fulfillment in helping homeschool a child, yet, here I am blessed beyond measure and still learning.
Some scripture to help us,
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” – Mark 10:14
“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:5
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:4
““Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” – Matthew 21:16
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” – Isaiah 54:13
Finally, strive for the following with your own children and grandchildren,
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” – Proverbs 17:6
Remember Wolf’s site rules. Note and label all AI. Please be kind to one another, we are all in this together. May God richly bless America and all of you.
Before all things and people – In God We Trust. Also, trust Trump and the plan.
This Rejoice & Praise God Sunday Open Thread, with full respect to those who worship God on the Sabbath, is a place to reaffirm our worship of our Creator, our Father, our King Eternal.
It’s also a place to read, post, and discuss news that is worth knowing and sharing. Please post links to any news stories that you use as sources or quote from.
In the QTree, we’re a friendly and civil lot. We encourage free speech and the open exchange and civil discussion of different ideas. Topics aren’t constrained, and sound logic is highly encouraged, all built on a solid foundation of truth and established facts, and not by agenda-driven accusations and pronouncements.
We have a policy of mutual respect, shown by civility. Civility encourages discussions, promotes objectivity and rational thought in discourse, and camaraderie in the participants – characteristics we strive toward in our Q Tree community.
Please show respect and consideration for our fellow QTreepers. Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure your opinion addresses the issue only, and does not confront or denigrate the poster. Keep to the topic – avoid “you” and “your”. Here in The Q Tree, personal attacks, name-calling, ridicule, insults, baiting, and other conduct for which a penalty flag would be thrown are VERBOTEN.
In The Q Tree, we’re compatriots, sitting around the campfire, roasting hot dogs, making s’mores, and discussing, agreeing, and disagreeing about whatever interests us. This board will remain a home for those who seek respectful conversations.
God is in Control . . . and His Grace is Sufficient, so . . . Keep Looking Up
Hopefully, every Sunday, we can find something here that will build us up a little . . . give us a smile . . . and add some joy or peace, very much needed in all our lives.
“This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” . . . “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
God Hates?
Seven things that God hates are a catalog of sins summed up in Proverbs 6:16–19. While these aren’t the only sins that should be avoided, they do sum up most of the wicked things condemned by God. The seven things God hates are the sins that deal with the deep heart motives of the individual. The writer of Proverbs points the finger straight at our hearts and our sinful thought processes.
This is in line with our Lord Jesus Christ’s elaboration of the Ten Commandments during His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21–48). Sin is committed the moment it is conceived in the heart, even before it is actually committed. Avoiding the seven things God hates will help us expose our hidden intentions and motives.
The following is Proverbs’ list of seven things God hates:
Arrogant (haughty) eyes: This describes a feeling of pride and looking down upon others (Philippians 2:3, 5–11). When we begin to think of ourselves more highly and with unparalleled importance, we are forgetting the fact that anything good in us is the result of Christ living in us and that the old self is now dead (Galatians 2:20). Often, believers feel superior to other believers when they receive godly wisdom and display amazing tenacity against sin. We fail to realize these gifts were given by God through Christ and fanned into flame by the Holy Spirit and are not due to our own goodness. This sin of pride is so detested by the LORD that Paul was kept from committing this sin by being provided with “a thorn in the flesh” to humble him (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Lying tongue: A lying tongue is one that speaks falsehood, knowingly and willingly, with an intention to deceive others. Lying can be used to impugn the character of a brother or to flatter a friend. It is a most detestable evil to God, who is a God of truth. Nothing we do causes us to more closely resemble the devil, who is the father of lies (John 8:44).
Hands that shed innocent blood: This refers to cold-blooded murder. We may never have orchestrated killing someone or never have touched a gun or knife, but in Matthew 5:21–24, Jesus says that anyone who is angry with someone else unreasonably without offering room for forgiveness commits a sin equivalent to murder. John reiterates this concept in 1 John 3:15.
A heart that devises wicked schemes: This encompasses thinking or conceiving evil against any individual or group for personal benefit or other misguided objectives, like modern-day terrorists indulge in. Any sin is basically a wicked scheme. David’s sin against Uriah the Hittite and Bathsheba comes to mind (2 Samuel 11). The heart of an evil man continually contrives schemes to bring others to ruin, whether physically or spiritually.
Feet that are quick to rush into evil: Those whose feet are quick to rush into evil display no resistance whatsoever to sin. Having many examples in the Bible, and having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30; Galatians 5:16), we are expected to be wise in this regard (Romans 6:11–14; Ephesians 5:5, 11). In the Garden of Eden, Eve had the first experience of temptation. She displayed no resistance to the serpent’s temptation. Instead, as soon as the devil attracted her to the fruit, she “saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye” (Genesis 3:6). Eve had sinned at that moment itself. Contrast this with the attitude of Jesus: when tired and hungry after forty days and forty nights of fasting, He refused to yield to the devil’s tempting and killed the temptation in His mind without allowing it to grow into sin (Matthew 4:1–11). “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
False witness who pours out lies: This is similar to the sin of the lying tongue mentioned earlier, but this form of lying is given special mention as it could send an innocent person to jail or even lead to him being stoned to death as happened to Naboth, thanks to false witnesses instigated by the wicked Jezebel (1 Kings 21:8–14). The prohibition against bearing false witness is the ninth of the Ten Commandments, and the New Testament is equally condemning of it. Colossians 3:9–10 explains the reason for the continued prohibition against lying. Christians are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and, as such, we reflect His nature. We have been released from our “old self” with its evil practices such as lying and bearing false witness.
A man who stirs up dissension among brothers: Brothers are created by God to live in unity (Psalm 133:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:9). Believers are brothers and sisters since they have one Father God and one Brother, Jesus Christ. The Church is also the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–27). In many situations strife among brothers and even within the church seems unavoidable, but anyone who purposely causes disruption to peace in the body of Christ will displease God above all, since that person gives room for others to sin and for himself to sin further (1 John 2:9–11; 4:19–21). Moreover, Jesus pronounced a great blessing on peacemakers, the privilege to be called “sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). xhttps://www.gotquestions.org/seven-things-God-hates.html
