“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
Heads up, we have another Horowitz Committee Hearing in the Senate to Ron Johnson’s Committee. This hearing might be far more interesting than ShamPeachment in the House.
Note: This testimony comes after Rosemary Collyer’s strong rebuke of FISA Process AND after Devin Nunes has called for a complete shutdown of FISC Court in the interim.
Join us on CSPAN 3 for the hearing. We’re sure to get a few tasty morsels to drop today.
Did someone say Christmas Rally? You mean we can hang garland and lights on my Red MAGA Hat? Never been to a MAGA Merry Christmas Rally, have you? Who wants to go to Michigan tomorrow? I’m ready! Where exactly is Battle Creek?
Merry Christmas Rally starts at 7:00PM Eastern Time and it’s definitely a MERRY Christmas Rally at the Kellogg Arena.
You know WHY the rally is at the Kellogg Arena???? Because Battle Creek, Michigan is known all over the WORLD as CEREAL CITY, USA. Home to Kellogg’s and Tony the Tiger.
Since we’re traveling the country, virtually, with the President, we need to know a little bit more about Michigan before we get there. It’s okay, I’ll read to you while you drive….
The state of Michigan is composed of two peninsulas. One looks like a mitten, and the other, like a seagull (people who live on the upper peninsula(U.P.) are called “Yoopers”). The two are divided by the Straits of Mackinac, about 5 miles across. The state, with both land masses, is surrounded by 4/5 fresh water Great Lakes and 64,980 inland lakes and ponds. Natural freshwater is found in abundance in MI. In fact, every one of the 10 million people (10th largest by population) who live in MI are no more than 6 miles from a fresh water natural resource.
Michigan is home to The Detroit Lions, Octopus on the Ice for the RedWings, America’s Auto Industry, and Motown music. Michigan changed the world and exported American Culture. From Cairo to Bangladesh, there was once a time when we all sang the same songs…… and many were written by Smokey Robinson. And the pinnacle of American freedom and capitalism was an American muscle car…… still is.
State of Michigan is 456 miles x 386 miles, median income is $54,909 (ranked 34th)- but that stat is from Dec of ’16, before President Trump’s economy. Michigan was settled/controlled by Indians, the French, Brits, and finally became a state in 1837 (26th one). The Indians were a mix of Algonquian peoples, which include the Anishinaabe groups of Ojibwe (referred to as “Chippewa” in the United States), Ottawa, and the Bodéwadmi. The three nations co-existed peacefully as part of a loose confederation called the Council of Three Fires………. which is WHY we find, close to Battle Creek, a FireKeepers Casino on Indian Land.
I cannot tell you how beautiful the town of Battle Creek Michigan is at Christmas. It’s perfect and could have been the live set from the Movie “A Christmas Story”. Stay a few days and do some last minute shopping.
“Battle Creek” is kind of an unusual name, right? The city got its name from a skirmish that occurred between a government survey party and two Native Americans during the winter of 1823/24. The altercation led settlers to name a nearby waterway the “Battle Creek River,” which itself inspired the naming of Battle Creek. With all the lakes and ponds in Michigan, the local settlers needed bridges.
Ohhhh, and did I forget to mention….. Ford Motor Company just announced a 1.5 BILLION dollar investment in Detroit plants. We’re building trucks and SUVs in Detroit again! Another 3,000 Auto Workers. Michigan is getting their groove back and the proof is in the numbers. In 2016, the GDP of Michigan was 460 billion, but by the end of 2018, they hit 527 BILLION (according to St Louis Fed). The very definition of an economic boom – thanks to this guy! Passage of USMCA will only make it better for those in Michigan! MOAR car parts Made in the USA.
The entire political leadership of Michigan is Dem, their Gov, the Lt. Gov, their Senators, 7 Congressmen (6 are Repubs and 1 Indie). MI was always a stronghold for Dems because of Union voting. BUT, times are changing, union rank and file don’t trust leadership and Donald Trump is the one delivering for them. Be on the lookout for this guy….. John James. He’s a Repub, West Point grad, Army Ranger, Businessman, and Conservative. No doubt, he will be at the rally tomorrow.
And the very BEST part about Michigan??? You know, Michigan has a few nicknames, “The Great Lakes State” is one, but the official nickname is THE WOLVERINE STATE.
Suddenly, I’m in love with Michigan! So, let’s all hop into the Caddie and take a road trip….. we’re going to Battle Creek for a MAGA Merry Christmas Rally! Plug in some Motown and we’ll be there in no time. Thank you, President Trump. Godspeed.
This rally will be one for the ages.
PS. I’ll post the live links in the morning as soon as the outlets release them.
It’s been said, “Everything I ever needed to know, I learned in high school.” Well, maybe not everything, but it is surprising how much we learn about social interaction as teenagers, and it is disturbing how much the rest of our lives are based on lessons learned in high school. Let’s see what you all think.
Yesterday morning, GrandmaInTexas posted an article about the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Madrid. Officially, it’s the 2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as COP25. The problems of group dynamics in Madrid are no different than when we were all in high school. It’s probably why they like Greta so much.
The commies have run out of OPM. 😄 The article is just hilarious. The lies about being able to affect temperatures are epic. Time magazine. Ahhahahahaha!!
GrandmaInTexas, December 16, 2019
https://time.com/5750532/u-n-climate-talks-compromise-madrid/?
For the past two weeks, representatives from almost 200 countries have been meeting in Madrid to solve the problem of Climate Change. Contrary to US policy, Nancy Pelosi and an entire US Delegation made the trip to Madrid, addressed the member nations, and Pelosi pronounced, “We are with you.”, even though we’re not. Here’s a list of those who went: https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/113019
Greta Thuneberg also made an appearance to much fanfare.
We’ve been watching the news coming out of the Madrid Conference.
It’s not about climate at all.
It’s a money grab, pure and simple, with no decisive leaders. They reached no conclusion, except to spend another two weeks of vacation, in Glasgow next year, for another conference. After two weeks……. nothing. It’s been almost five years since the Paris Accords, yet still…….. nothing.
And then it hit me. My high school classmates were more effective when it comes to decision making. Committees….. yikes!
We learned all about committees in high school, remember? Our school had almost 5,000 students, the size of most small colleges. Strangely, our high school problem was/is remarkably similar to the Madrid Conference.
Watch ……
As a sophomore, somehow I ended up on a committee to decide whether or not we needed a school uniform. Our group was to meet once a week, for a school year, develop a report with recommendations to be adopted the subsequent school year. Similarities to Madrid = Handpicked people, fairly well respected within their own sphere of influence, either ignorant and well intentioned or malicious and aware of the real motives of superior power …… sounds like Madrid Climate Conference. The players are the same since high school.
We were a bunch of young kids who didn’t know any better, right? Chances are, as teenagers, we were well intentioned. Let’s assume COP25 attendees were mostly well intentioned.
At our first meeting, we vigorously discussed the topic in great detail = high energy in the beginning, a lot like Madrid.
Discussions were pretty hot, and our meeting went far longer than we anticipated = Madrid went two days beyond schedule.
Yet, we took several votes, compromised, and resolved the problem = no uniform but a guideline of what was/was not acceptable altering past handbook = UNLIKE like Madrid, we reached conclusions.
I was tasked to write up the results and send to school admins.
Sure, no problem.
Within a few days, I was done and recommendations submitted.
Few days later, I was notified to appear to School Administration office to “report” for a panel discussion later that month.
In the days leading up to the meeting, several other students approached me and warned me to “to a good job”. I got the impression it was more important than I originally thought.
But I was a dumb young kid, right? I wore a suit, reviewed mine and others notes, wrote down our main points in short outline and thought I was ready. How bad could it be?
Five Administrators on the panel and I was questioned like Joan of Arc with Administrators who were giddy, building a fire for my imminent demise. Similarities to Madrid = I was the USA who refused to pay billions/trillions to other countries for an ill-defined definition and promotion of climate change, let alone a financial marketplace like a stock exchange trading carbon credits.
First revelation: It became apparent the panel didn’t like the idea that students came to conclusions so quickly. Well, that was a surprise. We were supposed to take A WHOLE YEAR to decide. They expected us to meet once a week for an hour…. all year long. Does this sound like Brexit to you? Or Climate Change? We don’t like your answer, so we think you need to study it more until you agree with our desired outcome. We don’t like efficiency, we need another vacation at another European capital? Scary similarities.
In reality, our classmates first meeting went almost five hours long at a local pizza joint. We stayed, ate, and drank beer (we could back then) until we figured it out. We were far more effective than those in Madrid. Consensus reached, no pretense. When is the last time it was so easy for the United Nations? When people are left to their own devices, even self-absorbed teenagers don’t like to waste time.
I attempted to counter the panel’s invalid objection as to “proper gestation length” for examination of the problem, discussion, and how fast we could expect a baby – a set of solutions. A “time” objection was false on merit but it’s almost impossible for a teen to tell an adult they’re incorrect. I assured the panel our conclusions would be no different in the spring as they were at the time, and that we were saving time. Be proud of us, please, the problem was solved! Similarities to Madrid = there are valid objections to spending billions/trillions of dollars on models which have previously been proven false, “estimates” of success to any human attempt to change results, undermining our economies, especially with dubious commitment from China/India.
In high school, a problem arose which was clearly defined to us at the time. We were tasked to solve the problem, and we stayed until we reached agreement — like business people do in a contract negotiation. Paraphrasing, “What would be the benefit of a delay once an agreement has been reached? We have resolved the issue.”
Second revelation: The panel was concerned we had not spoken to our classmates, to see “how they feel”.
Well, that wasn’t true. The whole school, particularly the girls, knew the dress code was up for grabs and we were all talking about it. I had, in fact, taken an unofficial poll of my class before I went into the first meeting. I produced my notes to the panel. Standard objections and answers, part of any panel discussion, right? I countered all objections but the panel remained unsatisfied. Why? “Feel”?
“How they feel”……. something about this objection did not ring true, as if the panel had knowledge I did not have. They were condescending towards me, even dismissive and mean. Yet, their assumptions were imaginary, not valid….. and I knew it…. and they were trying to tell me I was wrong….. and I wasn’t wrong. Scary similarities, but the first time I recall this tactic being used. Then, working off false assumptions, the panel made it worse….. They presumed to know how students would feel in the future…… by some arbitrary decision the panel made today, “Everyone will FEEL so much better when they don’t have to compete.” What????? I took a job so I could afford to go to proms. Similarities to Madrid = Working from a series of questionable projections, COP25 presumes an economic solution for a desired outcome. If this doesn’t sound familiar to today’s political battles, we’re not paying attention.
As a 15yr old, I was fairly confused. What was happening? We were the elected student reps and made decisions based on what we thought other classmates would want. We had no malintent and ignorant of the fact that anyone would presume malintent. One panel member rolled her eyes and implied she did not believe me. Similarities = It’s the exact same thing which happens on Twitter today.
At the time, I was shocked. Why would I lie? Why would I want an overly restrictive dress code if I must follow the same rules? Was the panel implying SOME people didn’t have to follow the rules? How could that happen? Gee whiz, everyone not following the same rules would not be fair, right? How could THAT happen?
Third revelation: The panel wanted uniforms. I learned our decision would likely be replicated across district and state – our’s was the biggest high school in the state and being used as an example. Suddenly, it wasn’t only “my people”, it was potentially the whole state full of teenagers just like me. I was on my feet by that point but precise, cold, and calm. If I lashed out, at adults with an ulterior motive, I would be thrown out….. a defacto loss. The idea that students had any choice was an illusion. Similarities to Madrid = Sound familiar?
We were being railroaded, but if I was mad, we would lose our independence to dress as we wanted. “Saddle Oxfords in 1978? You’ve got to be kidding me!”, I thought.
Why ask for our input if they did not want it? (Voting) And not only that, you wanted us to meet for a year, wasting MORE time, on the false premise that we had input into the decision? (We made up our mind) When you’ve already reached a decision? (The elites had decided) Therefore, asking for our input was false, fake, a lie? (Yes) Similarities to Madrid = Why does this discussion sound so much like a preordained outcome for the USA and EU before Brexit and the election of President Trump?
Again, I was the stupid kid, right? Yet, something strange happened along the way, everything turned on a single moment. I began to question the panel, standing, walking, addressing members individually. Please tell me, Why do YOU think we need uniforms? What would be the benefits? What is the potential for downside? What would be the cost? What about cost for large families? What about school spirit Fridays where students wear team/club t-shirts and jackets and what would be the financial loss to all teams/clubs? Doesn’t a “one size fits all” dress code inhibit personal expression? And if we’re really concerned with how students FEEL, then how can we possibly be so disrespectful to presume all students FEEL the same way? I was low, monotone, open palmed without realizing it.
The panel stuttered and stammered, unprepared for questions. Momentum shifted. I pressed and closed in. As seconds and minutes ticked by, I spoke with greater conviction. My voice became deeper, coming from my gut, more powerful, like 5,000 voices. I could feel that power, and trust me…. It wasn’t coming from me…….It came from someplace else…… Similarities to those in Madrid/Brexit/USA Congress = Ruling class is NOT prepared for challenges to authority when they make bad decisions.
And finally, innocently, I lobbed a bomb, “Who among you would benefit financially from a uniform shop?” It was an innocuous question, an afterthought. I threw it out like a fisherman would cast a net, and it hung in the air………… no answer. Silence. Yet,…. I caught something, unknown to me. At the time, I was naive. I had no belief anyone on the panel had bad motives. I was far too young and dumb. Looking back, it was precisely when our panel abruptly ended the meeting. Decision was tabled. There was no more discussion/announcements from the administration. Similarities to Madrid = The media stopped covering it.
The Administration adopted our small changes for the next year, no big deal, practically a rubber stamp. No uniforms for at least another 15yrs. Similarities = At all times, hide the money trail to who benefits. I didn’t expect to get everything we wanted. Cuz, from the Rolling Stones and President Trump, we know, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”. Right? I thought, maybe, “Two Outta Three Ain’t Bad”……….
But in the late 70’s, we were “doubly blessed”.
Lessons learned = Sometimes, it’s not the calculus and chemistry we remember from high school. Sometimes, it’s more.
Isaiah 35
The Future Glory of Zion
1 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, nd the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.
7 The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water; in the habitation of jackals, where each lay, there shall be grass with reeds and rushes.
8 A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray.
9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there,
10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Psalm 146:5-10
The Happiness of Those Whose Help Is the Lord
5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God,
6 Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever,
7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He makes crooked.
10 The Lord shall reign forever—Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!
Luke 1:46-55
The Song of Mary
46 And Mary said: “My soul declares the greatness of the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
49 For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.
54 He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.”
James 5:7-10
Be Patient and Persevering
7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!
10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
Matthew 11:2-11
John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus
2 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples
3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:
5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”
7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.’
11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
This homily is prepared by Reverend Monsignor Russell G. Terra, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Redding, CA.
http://www.stjosephredding.org/parish-homilies.html
3rd Sunday of Advent
December 15, 2019
“Facing the Future”
Is 35:1-10
Jas 5:7-10
Mt 11:2-11
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord –
Everywhere on our planet there seems to be problems. There seems to be no nation, state, or locale that is not experiencing problems on some level. Armed conflict; acts of terrorism; political unrest; drought, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, warmed oceans; oppressed, disenfranchised, and persecuted people – and millions of displaced refugees – all these attest to the sad state of our world today!
Unfortunately, for all of this, there seems to be no answer. Any change seems to be beyond what our leaders are willing to undertake. Furthermore, if we add to this, homelessness, growing income disparity, a housing shortage – as well as the struggles that every person and family face – then we might begin to wonder how we can face what the future will bring!
700 years before the time of Jesus, Isaiah spoke to a nation that had been divided
politically and had split into two separate kingdoms: Israel on the north – and Judah on the south. Their leadership had become corrupt – and most of the people had become unfaithful to God as well. Because Israel had chosen to fight Assyria, they were conquered and led into exile. Judah, for its part, sought an alliance with Assyria, but then had to live under its oppressive rule.
Nevertheless, Isaiah spoke words of hope. Isaiah wished to give the faithful few, a remnant really, a reason to hope and to remain faithful in trust. Consequently, he spoke in beautiful words of a future that seemed impossible – The desert would be changed into a garden land – The plains, forested with the cedars of Lebanon and the pines of Carmel and Sharon.
Moreover, people would be delivered from every ailment and affliction – from blindness, deafness, speechlessness, lameness, and any other disability – And the song of joy would be in every heart!
Of course, Isaiah spoke of a future beyond when they lived – a future which began with the birth of God’s Son among us.
The Gospel of Matthew reveals that Jesus began that future which continues to unfold only gradually. Jesus came to inaugurate the Kingdom of God, the Reign of God, in our world. Certainly, it can begin for us now, at least in our hearts.
However, Matthew’s Gospel also tells us that there was doubt and uncertainty about Jesus and his role. Did the Baptist really doubt – or was he trying to help his own disciples move beyond their hopes for a political Messiah to a liberator of our souls and spirits? For, clearly, Jesus was fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy about a promised future that would come to pass.
And, yet, Jesus only began God’s Reign for us to experience. He, himself, would have to suffer and die before his human nature could enter into the fullness of eternal life with God.
We are, indeed, blessed beyond belief to live in the time of God’s Reign as brought to us by Jesus. We are blessed, because as Jesus said, we are born into the Kingdom of God, which is already there in the hearts and souls of true disciples! However, we must remain faithful. The Reign of God co-exists with all the sin, evil, and hardship in our world today. This is the reason St. James urges us to be patient. We must be patient and our hearts must remain steadfast despite a bankrupt culture and a broken world.
God continues to come to us in every moment. Even the hardships we experience on so many levels are opportunities to grow in God’s life of love. But we must face every suffering as Jesus did, as part of the cross we must carry.
Brothers and Sisters, Christmas is only 10 days away. Our pagan culture continues to take Christ out of Christmas in every way that it can. Therefore, it’s no wonder that people feel let down afterwards – when they face the world on the next day!
So, let us pray – that we never forget that Jesus is God’s Son born to us – That Jesus inaugurated the Reign of God in our hearts and lives – and that we can gain all that he has promised if we remain patient and faithful, despite living in our broken world!
Amen.
December 15, 2019 Msgr. Russell G. Terra
This 3rd Sanctuary Sunday of Advent 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 is 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.
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 your fellow QTreepers.
Before hitting the “post” button, please proofread your post and make sure you’re addressing the issue only, and not trying to confront the poster.
If you feel the need to bare your fangs, we have a companion site – called The U Tree – where you can run wild and free with the Wolfpack where all legal free speech is allowed.
But NOT 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.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
With the Storm upon us…please remember to Pray for our President.
AND WHAT TIME IS IT? TIME TO….DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!
Our movement is about replacing a failed and CORRUPT political establishment with a new government controlled by you, the American People. ~ Candidate Donald J. Trump
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
On this day and every day –
Hopefully, every Sunday, you can find something here that will build you up a little . . . give you a smile . . . and add some joy, 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.”
Joy should be a characteristic that permeates through all facets of a Christian’s life: every day, in troubles and trials, in hope, in giving, in prayer, in praise, in worship, in thanksgiving . . . in everything . . . for the joy of the Lord is our strength.
During this Advent season, we look to the past to recognize and celebrate the effects of Christ’s 1st coming, and we look to the future in anticipation and a peaceful assurance of what Christ’s 2nd coming will bring.
The 3rd Sunday of Advent . . . Gaudete Sunday . . . Joyful Sunday. The Christmas season is well upon us. Christmas trees, lights, carols, and soon will come presents, friends, family, food . . . the most wonderful time of the year!
As we should do during Advent, on this Joyful Sunday, we look back: Joy . . . should be an easy topic with all the joy surrounding the birth of Jesus.
Mary rejoiced in God her Savior. An angel of the Lord brought good tidings of great joy to the shepherds and to all people. All those who heard, marveled at what the shepherds told them. The shepherds joyfully returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen. Simeon got to see the Messiah. The promised Messiah had come to Israel.
But there is some joy, looking back, that is more difficult, if not impossible, for us to truly grasp. Jesus wasn’t born just so He could walk around the countryside healing people and telling people they needed to get right with God. He came to die, to be the perfect sacrifice to reconcile our inherent sin nature and our sins with the righteousness of God.
And not just to die. He knew He would be flogged beyond recognition, nearly to the point of death, before they pounded the metal spikes into Him. His bones would be out of joint. He knew He would die by the most painful and torturous method of execution ever devised. He knew He would become sin.
The night before, Jesus’ anguish was so great that the blood capillaries surrounding His sweat glands ruptured and His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
We have now gone far from our topic of joy. But what would make Jesus go through this for us?
The answer to that is His love for us, agape love . . . love that puts our best interests ahead of His own welfare. Love? Not joy? Well, here it is. “Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame”.
And what was the joy that was given Him? God gave Jesus authority, that He shall give eternal life to as many as God has given Him. Jesus’ joy, greater than the physical agony of crucifixion and being forsaken by God, since Jesus had become sin, was the joy that came from being the means through which believing mankind would be reconciled to God and given eternal life to know God, the only true God, and Jesus, our Messiah.
Most of the time we fail at discovering joy in some difficult present circumstances. And that’s because we’re looking at what we consider troubles and trials from our earthly perspective, and we overlook how these troubles and trials can and do result in changes to our Christian life . . . which is God’s perspective.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
As part of Advent, we look forward to find joy. And again, we find joy, but, again, a joy that we can’t entirely fathom. For “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
Although we don’t know the details of the things that God has prepared for us, we do know they will be wonderful, undoubtedly beyond our present capacity to comprehend, but will bring us to levels of peace and joy that we have never experienced or imagined.
Philippians 4:1
Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice!
Psalms 47:1-2
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.
1 Peter 1:8-9
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
O happy day, that fixed my choice
On Thee, my Savior and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And tell its raptures all abroad.
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
And live rejoicing every day:
Happy day, happy day,
When Jesus washed my sins away!
~ Philip Dodderidge, published 1755
. . . that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:
“For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name.”
And again he says:
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!”
And again:
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles Laud Him, all you peoples!”
And again, Isaiah says:
“There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.”
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Come on in and find a comfy spot:
This Sanctuary Saturday Open Thread is VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA/KMAG/KAG world (with KMAG being a bit of both).
Free Speech is practiced here at the Q Tree. But please keep it civil.
Discussion of Q is not only allowed but encouraged. Imagine that! We can talk about Q here and not get banned.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven that Wolf has created for us.
With the Storm upon us…please remember to Pray for our President.
Wheatie’s Rules:
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For your listening enjoyment, I offer this composition from Infraction, titled simply ‘Epic Cinematic Background’:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ak8mjK2mTE&w=640&h=360]
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Visual Descriptions for our dear Zoe, and for anyone else who may find them helpful:
Header Image: A young lady warrior is standing in a field of tall grasses, looking over her shoulder at us. Behind her in the distance, an enormous Tree dominates the landscape. Her long white hair and the tall grasses, are blowing in the wind. Her dark green velvet embroidered tunic has a band of metal armor at the hips, which comes to a V in the front and back. She has metal armor on her shoulders and forearm, and the wind is blowing the long dark green cape that is attached at her shoulders. She is holding a sword in her right hand and in her left hand is a round metal object that appears to be giving off a soft blue glow.
The enormous Tree is in the valley below her and there are gigantic arched structures built into the side of it’s trunk. White birds are flying out from the Tree, towards us. A few small structures dot the landscape around the base of the Tree, along with a forest of smaller trees. Beyond the valley, there are rays of the sun casting light on the Tree and the warrior, as the sun emerges from a distant mountain range. There are white clouds moving through a blue sky.
Second Image: A stone pathway leads up to tall double doors, built into the side of an enormous tree trunk. The doors are arched and covered in ornate carvings. There are a few small points of light in the doors, giving off a slight blue glow. Rays of sunlight illuminate the path in front of the doors.
Third Image: Is an interior room with a high ceiling and a large stone fireplace. There is an open sided sleigh couch with throw pillows and a fuzzy throw. There are stuffed chairs nearby and a coffee table. A staircase made of logs and large branches is on one side of the room.
Fourth Image: Is President Trump, with a solemn look on his face, looking intently at someone or something.
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Congratulations to our British cousins on their Brexit Vote! There is hope for the UK after all.
Still hoping that the Storm knocks out some of the Enemedia crapweasels!
Welcome to the OPEN THREAD! Ouch, it is Friday the 13th, but that’s okay. As we continue through Justice is Coming December, with the Decorations UP, Presents Wrapped, This weekend is Party TIME. Gents, it time to polish up your shoes and find the festive tie. Ladies, drag out the sequins and your Cinderella slippers. (Special tribute for ARMY at the bottom)
Last night was the Congressional Christmas Ball at the White House. Guess Nadler’s invitation was lost in the mail. Melania stole the show and looked like a Snow Queen. President was full of vim and vigor.
This Justice Is Coming December open thread is VERY OPEN – a place for everybody to post whatever they feel they would like to tell the White Hats, and the rest of the MAGA / KAG! / KMAG world.
Please feel free to comment. We have a new policy, starting 20191110. Keep it SOMEWHAT civil. Our rules began with the civility of the Old Treehouse, later to become the Wolverinian Empire, except of course that Q discussion is not only allowed but encouraged, and speech is considerably freer in other ways. Please feel free to argue and disagree with the board owner, as nicely as possible.
Please also consider the Important Guidelines, outlined here in the January 1st open thread. Let’s not give the odious Internet Censors a reason to shut down this precious haven.
We have a new board – actually a new SITE – called The U Tree – where people can take each other to the woodshed without fear of censorship or moderation. NOT HERE. This board will remain a REFUGE for those who need civility, either some or all of the time.
Please keep the President, his family and team in your thoughts and prayers. If you run into the President, SPEAK THE FIVE WORDS BOLDLY. “I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!“
Time to —– DRAIN THE SWAMP
Our movement
Is about replacing
A failed
And CORRUPT
Political establishment
With a new government controlled
By you, the American People.
Candidate Donald J. Trump
Also remember Wheatie’s Rules:
Get your jingle going. It’s time to play. Be happy. It’s Christmas! You can’t sit still to this song. Let’s dance around the tree!
Have to share this story: Twitter Girlfriend’s daughter enlisted in the ARMY. Overprotective Mom has been a nervous wreck throughout basic training. Finally, graduation day arrived. She and husband went to “Family Day”, hoping her “baby” survived. Mom even packed a little first aid kit to doctor bumps and scrapes, and brought with her the daughter’s favorite snacks…… the ones she used to pack in her lunch for school. Everyone was situated in the grandstands when the ceremony began………
Well…….You HAVE to see the video ——– make grown men puff up their chest and cry at the same time. ARMY laid down smoke on the whole Parade Ground. From out of the smoke…….. came FIVE BATTALIONS………
Dear Lord, I’m crying like a baby while writing, heart bursting with pride!!!!!! They’re not babies anymore. Go ARMY!!!!!!! Pride of the USA!
Merry Christmas to all those who serve, and cannot come home for Christmas. We love you.
Congratulations to PM Boris Johnson and all our cousins in the UK!
By 2:00am in New York, The UK will be waking up to the first national election during December since 1923. Voting starts at 7:00am in UK or 2:00am Eastern time in the USA. Polls don’t close until 10:00pm, which is 5:00pm Eastern time. It’s a big day and the world will be watching. This election is a full two years ahead of schedule, but this election is for all the chips. All 600+ seats are up for grabs and even the liberal icon “The Guardian” claims the Conservatives lead Labour by 3-14 points.
Today is the day to vote!
Our cousins in England and north Ireland are tired of messing around with Brussels.
As Americans, even though we are veterans of our great political wars, we don’t pay too much attention to what happens in The UK. Well, maybe we should start listening. The Brexit vote was the great crack in the control of Globalists. That vote bolstered President Trump’s election in 2016, and the populists, or real resistance to globalist control, has spread from Iran to Chile, from Myanmar to Romania. Ask Hong Kongers, they know.
Yet the citizens of the UK were ignored by their leaders and still have not left the EU. The controversy led to the resignation of PM Theresa May and the rise of Boris Johnson.
The tension in the UK is at a fever pitch. Networks in England will go live with coverage all day long. https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10415932/general-election-2019-live-polls-latest/
The LAST POLLING allowed, taken only a few minutes before midnight in London showed the following:
The final poll of the day gives the Tories an 11 point lead over Labour.
Released in the final seconds before midnight, the Survation study has the Conservatives on 44.5 per cent, Labour on 33.7 per cent and the Lib Dems on 9.3 per cent.
The Tories figure remains the same from the last Survation poll with Labour gaining 3 points. But that seems to be at the expense of the Lib Dems, who slip down two. That’s it for polls and the real thing gets underway at 7am tomorrow.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/10415932/general-election-2019-live-polls-latest/
The polls will close at 10:00pm in The UK, which is 5:00pm Eastern Time in the USA. The pubs from London to small towns in Scotland are stocked and ready. It’s going to be one heck of a day………
Still think one man can’t make a difference? Talk to this man.
Confession — UK politics is NOT my wheelhouse. Asking for help from the group from anyone who has tidbits to share. Our UK and EU friends are most welcome and should be writing this post. Please contribute and help to make us all a little bit smarter.
Are you ready? No rest for the weary! MOAR coffee after a knockout MAGA Rally in PA last night (thank you to all who contributed). Make sure to take your Winnimins this morning. We still have more testimony in the House today and BREXIT votes tomorrow!!!!!!!! How does Flep keep up?
Today is the day Horowitz testifies in the Senate Judiciary Committee with Lindsey Graham presiding. This will be a great chance for us at QTree, and the public in general, to compare and contrast Nadler in the House, with how Senator Graham runs a Judiciary Committee.
We might need to reference the OIG Report during the testimony today, here is the link: https://www.justice.gov/storage/120919-examination.pdf
Let’s take a look at who is on the Judiciary Committee to get an idea of what to expect.
It would be foolish for us to ignore the Bill Barr interviews from yesterday, in the context of Horowitz Testimony today. Seems as though Bill Barr put his thumb on the scale and gave the Republicans a magical blueprint for testimony today. Let’s see if they take heed.
Here are the interviews, one more time:
Note how Barr talks specifically about the timeline, and how the investigations continued into the Presidency of Trump under a false premise. Barr explicitly states these investigations should have never gone forward, and probably should have never started (flimsy, a suggestion of a suggestion from a 28yr old campaign volunteer in a bar – when everyone in the WORLD was talking about who had Hillary’s emails). Barr eviscerates Brennan and Comey. He defends the President and leaves his interviewers ……………. shocked and blubbering.
While Barr and Durham, plot and plan the rollout, grooming their proverbial “staches”……
The Dems are once again………..
They can’t beat this guy……… OUR GUY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, folks. You guys are terrific. We’ve been hunting for a “whole interview” video all afternoon. Thank you for pitching in to help! Here’s the whole thing.
And here is the interview with WSJ (YUGE hat tip to FLEP for finding it!)
You’re going to hear a LOT about these BILL BARR interviews with MSNBC and WSJ. I got a heads up on the MSNBC one, and it only finished about 5 minutes ago. Watched the portion of WSJ interview run by FOX. All I have NOW are my notes, posted below. We will post the full clip and transcript when it becomes available. MSNBC will not release the full video and they’re playing games on the interview – yeah, it was that bad —- for them. We’re piecing the interview together as best as we can. Please pardon typos on my pseudo transcript, I was going as quickly as I could.
The second piece can only be seen here: https://therightscoop.com/watch-ag-bill-barr-drops-some-cold-hard-truth-on-origins-of-russia-investigation-in-msnbc-interview/
Thank you, Dep! Here is a TEN MINUTE fuzzy version from Breitbart, still not the whole thing but much better. https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/12/10/ag-barr-fbi-ignored-exculpatory-evidence-hid-information-to-continue-trump-investigation/ NOTE: In the Breitbart piece, Barr is quoted as saying, “we’re going to put people in there and rile them up”, but that’s not what Barr said. Barr said, “… we’re going to put people in there and WIRE THEM UP…”
Rest assured, Barr just slapped the media, the FBI, the Dems, the Russians, everyone, and completely defended the President. It was epic.
Whole thing started…. how?
Flimsy
A suggestion of a suggestion from a 28yr old campaign worker, that Russians MAY have Hillary’s emails. Well, look what was going on in May of 2016, many reports that Russian hacked her server in 2014. Press accounts were all over the place…….. and they jumped right into a full scale investigation, very intrusive technics, because of a suggestion of a suggestion IN A BAR.
Inexplicable that they talked to the RUSSIANS and not to the campaign.
Excoriates Brennan who confronted the head of Russian secret service, and OBama talked to Putin, said cut it out.BUT they never talked to the campaign. Why not?
Talking about the “non-bias” and how it’s really not investigated by the OIG.
You have to wait for the full investigation by Durham.
He can compel people to testify.
Horowitz just asked them if they were biased and if he did not find contradictory testimony, then he was done.
Premature to make any judgement now.
Question — they opened an investigation but no one was really harmed.From Barr: We’re going to put people in there and wire them up and then we’ll get the truth.
Not ONE piece of incriminatory evidence that came in, in fact it was exculpatory.
FBI ignored it
withholds it from the court
all while it gets more warrants.
clear cut evidence that the Dossier was a complete sham from more evidence collectedAfter January the whole case collapsed.
All speculation
Zero information to support it
What did they do?
They kept on investigating the President
Not only did they NOT tell the Court, they added OTHER stuff , made up stuff, to bolster their dossier proof.Opens the possibility to infer BAD FAITH
To early to tell (wink), but Durham is working on it.Question – all kinds of bias, political, institutional,
Barr – I don’t want to say. Horowitz focuses on the FBI, but there was a lot going on around the FBIQuestion: Do you still maintain….. Was the campaign spied upon
From barr: Oh, clearly they were spied upon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FISA allow to go BACK, emails, months and even years, that’s why they went for a FISA for retroactive accumulating of material
Actually preceded July.
Some things done during the investigating, which Horwitz did not cover.
Durham is also exploring what Happened AFTER january, withholding info from court.
He’s the President of the USA, what was their motivation? (why did they continue)Why did you go to three countries with Durham.
Answer from Barr: Press reporting on this has been silly. a US Atty does not just show up on the doorstep of a government, have to introduce, ambassadors involved, establish ground rules, perfectly appropriate.Question: was it appropriate for Durham to issue a statement yesterday
Barr: Absolutely, didn’t want the public to think the predication of the FBI investigation was cleared. Durham needed to make it clear. (slams media again)Are you confident Wray can fix the FBI? In light of Trump’s tweet.
practically speaking, i think Wray has worked hard to correct the problems of the past, new team, old tean is not there.
Cannot ignore the abuses of the past.
Have to focus on getting it right
So you have confidence in Wray?
YesPeople will think and say you’re just defending Trump
I think our nation was turned on it’s head for three years, in large part by an irresponsible press
FISA abuses.
Protect against the abuse of the FBI
That’s my responsibilityWere you ever asked to talk to anyone in Ukraine about a Server?
No
I haven’t gotten into the Ukraine yet
I don’t know
I haven’t even looked into it franklyDOJ Criminal Division career employees said Whistle Blower complaint about campaign finance was looked t and determined to not hold merit
Was it a terrorist act in Pensacola?
Not discussing details of investigation…..
We are satisfied with cooperation we are gettingComment on police address – if people don’t support their police, they might find themselves without the protection needed. We’re in a full employment economy.. Every police dept is understaffed. high suicide rate, unless we change we’re not going to have enough police.
But you’re not saying people shouldn’t criticize the police when they do something wrong?
No.Talking about patience and the need for answers NOW……
Daughn’s notes, not perfect transcription but as close as possible
I know, I know, but we cannot cut corners on collection of evidence.
You know that.
I see us reaching a
Reaching a watershed, in lte spring or early summer……..
DURHAMMMMMMMMMM
Barr is NOW doing another interview with the WSJ. We will post both interview when available.
From the WSJ interview, tone was much more friendly and Barr was not as cutting and sarcastic. They went over the same topics and similar answers.
One exception: In the WSJ interview, Barr said Brennan (himself) called the head of the FSB in Russia on August 4th, and again later in August (2016). Obama called (himself) in September of 2016 and told Putin, “we know what you’re doing, stop it”
But they never talked to the campaign.
Daughn’s notes