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Our Daily Thread 2-18-15

Good Morning!

On this day in 1841 the first continuous filibuster in the U.S. Senate began. It lasted until March 11th. 

In 1861 Jefferson Davis was inaugurated as the President of the Confederate States in Montgomery, AL.

In 1930 the planet Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh. The discovery was made as a result of photographs taken in January 1930. 

And in 1970 The Chicago Seven defendants were found innocent of conspiring to incite riots at the 1968 Democratic national convention. 

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Quote of the Day

“I go to see maybe seven films a year at the most, and since I only go to see the best, it follows that I very rarely see my own.”

Jack Palance

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 Today is Dennis DeYoung’s birthday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzleTbTeJAo&feature=player_detailpage

That one doesn’t really showcase Dennis’ vocal or keyboard talents. But this one does… from Your Music Jukebox – The 70’s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ9tahGn0IU&feature=player_detailpage

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Anyone have a QoD?

44 thoughts on “Our Daily Thread 2-18-15”

  3. Hi Kim & Aj.
    What was the filibuster about?
    If I remember correctly, Jack Palance always played the bad guy. It may not have been him, but one of the “bad guys” once played football for UNC.
    It’s 15.3 degrees at my house, but the man on the radio says it’s going to get cold.
    “Colder than the dog park”. that’s how cold it’s getting.

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  5. Good Morning. Lots to do today to make up for 2 days of not working. Still trying to get all the details straight on the new position and the compensation.

    As we enter a time of reflection and drawing nearer to God in preparation for Easter, my priest shared this and I thought I would share it with you..

    http://soulatrest.com/pages/observinglent.html

    Remember, this is a good time to take something on rather than gnash your teeth, rent your clothes, wear horsehair, and be generally crazy in the public square so that everyone can see how pious you are. You can take something on like reading to children –Mumsee we know you have that one covered. Skipping a meal each week and donating that money to a charity without anyone knowing. Lots of things I can do.

    In real estate the buzz word is “What is your Big Why”. A couple of years ago I had a couple of sessions of free online coaching and part of what came out as my Big Why, was that I wanted to help people. A year or so before that I was told by a prophetic minister that I needed to stop being a Margaret and become more of a Mary. It is in my psyche. I am most comfortable in the background making sure that things run smoothly. Most of the time I am so good at this that no one realizes that I was in the background making things happen and letting someone else shine–so I get my feelings hurt that no one sees the exhausting work and effort I put into what I do–because my other gift is to make it look easy.
    Yesterday with several hours (oh, about 3 alone and 3 with BG) I had time to listen to the CD’s that came with the Financial Peace package. Right there in the middle of one of the stories was the tale of a multi millionaire. He and his wife were in church one morning and a young woman at the end of the pew was crying. His wife went to comfort her and see if she could help. It turns out it was a single mother, at the end of her rope, and about to have her electricity cut off. The wife summoned the husband, and they prayed with the young woman. They got her contact information so they could follow up with her later. The next day the man went to the utility company and paid the young mother’s electricity bill a year in advance—it was a MIRACLE!
    That touched me on more than one level because in December of 2008 I had no job and no more money. I screwed up my courage and asked Ecumenical Ministries for help ( remember there was a time in my life I was writing them rather large checks myself). I was told they could not help me because I wasn’t far enough behind on my bills. I called the electric company and negotiated a deal where I would pay half and they would spread the remainder over the next few months. It was degrading and I felt awful for being in the position of having to ask. I don’t know what I would have done if something like the above story happened to me.
    Oh, I am not complaining, because there were quite a few miracles that did happen during that time, but I look back on some of it with such sadness and regret. Life the time BG had some friends over and “rolled” the inside of the house. They woke me up to show there handiwork and instead of being able to laugh and enjoy their mirth, I yelled at them because a roll of toilet paper cost 79 cents. There are many other regrets that I have where I was the voice of doom and gloom.
    So, what is the Big Why in this tale? I would love to one day be in a position to have God perform a Miracle for someone through me. I would love to do something for a single mother struggling. I would love to make up for the joy I robbed from my own daughter’s childhood, by making another’s more pleasant. I would love to be in a position to send money each month to Daughter In Law to spend on grandchildren. I would just love to be in the position to give—with no recognition.

    Now if I can just get Mr. P more on board with the Financial Peace thing. Right now he is still bowing at the alter of the FICO Score.

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  7. I realize that those of us in the South don’t really know what COLD really is. But I have seen it at minus 22 in Thule. I don’t know what the max hot was, but I’m sure it was in Arabia.

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  8. Chas, you’re an INFJ? I’m an INTJ (and I’m pretty sure my husband is too, and likely our older daughter, though he hasn’t taken the test and I don’t know whether she has).

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  9. I put together a book online of the eagle photos. It’s 32 pages of photos, not all of eagles, that you can “flip” through. Anyone who has my e-mail address, if you want to see it, tell me (or e-mail me) and I’ll send you a link. (I also have photos of great blue herons, Canada geese, one other species of waterbird, and also some of the scenery, but it does include a couple dozen photos of eagles.)

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  11. Tombaugh was from New Mexico State University where a tiny observatory is named for him. We’ll be there this weekend to watch our Stargazer defend his Astronomy dissertation. He owns a t-shirt that says, “when I was a child, Pluto was a planet.”

    I’m pretty sure I told you my husband read the dissertation and was so very touched. Like many astronomers, my son recognizes the numbers don’t lie– there has to be a designer.

    That’s not stated, but R said he came away amazed at what a unique star our planet circles. It’s just right. That’s a miracle.

    Thanks be to God.

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  12. As for Kim–God knows the desire of your heart and he sees your work even if no one else does. Give it time, your opportunity will arise.

    I like that idea of being a Mary for awhile. You’ve worked hard and while results may not be obvious in circumstances, they are written on your heart.

    Sounds line P’s mind is engaged with this information. Let’s pray God uses it as an opening into his soul. Give the man time and love and he’ll get there. And let him see your heart.

    I’ve always thought miracles are for those who lack faith. Anyone else know that?

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  13. Kim, I understand your anguish. We went through that with creditors and churches. It hurts to be on the receiving end. It hurts to admit we need help. It is much nicer to be on the giving side of life. Nevertheless, being on the receiving end give us empathy we can have in no other way. It helps us realize all those pat answers are not enough. You might want to thank the Lord for giving you lessons you would not have learned in any other way. Do you ever want to be there again? No. We are not asked to like difficulties or pain. Whether it is financial difficulty or other hardship, though, there is something you gained and can share. I am not speaking money-wise.

    Your daughter, likewise, has things to learn through the hardships in her life. Don’t be quick to rob her of those lessons. Let her know your regret of losing your temper. You will do that more and more as she grows and has more experience with similar difficulties.

    There are speakers I hear that have no credibility, because it is so transparent that they have never suffered. I am much more inclined to listen to those who have suffered in some way and have learned from it.

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  14. Kathaleena, it’s not someone’s fault if they haven’t suffered; I think we can still learn from people who haven’t, if what they are teaching is truth. This isn’t exactly a good parallel, but I know people who think that someone who is single or who hasn’t had children can never ever know anything about relationships or about children. Yet Jesus was single, and if I asked Him a question on such things, I would trust Him to answer wisely. Truth is truth, no matter the source, and people might have learned truth in different ways than I have, but it might still be true.

    But yes, in general, people who have suffered have more compassion and know some things that usually are only learned through suffering. Personally I feel a “connection” with someone else who lost a parent while a child or teen, or no longer has either parent. My husband, ironically, still has both parents living, but has lost a wife. So we both have sorrows the other hasn’t experienced, but we have both experienced sorrow, and other life hurts.

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  15. I was thinking more about suffering while I took my shower. I know people who have suffered (or who think they have suffered, but whose life seems no less troubled than the average and probably less so) who have turned into bitter, self-centered, angry people. Suffering itself isn’t redemptive, nor does it teach us anything. But God can use even suffering to bring Him glory and to purify and teach us.

    We also don’t necessarily know of others’ suffering. Some who seem trouble free may in fact have experienced deep trauma, but in the sweetness of their spirit it’s hard to imagine them suffering, and they never talk about it or talk about it only to those closest to them. Others who seem shallow and naive may in fact be hiding suffering and refusing to think about deep pain they have gone through; they haven’t necessarily learned from it, either, but they may have suffered greatly.

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  16. I have found that those from a higher income bracket have a very hard time understanding what real financial need is. I remember my former landlords, who were very concerned about their financial state and they once told me that if they couldn’t rent out their apartments that they might have to declare bankruptcy; then they went on a cruise. Meanwhile, I was only able to pay my rent by a series of what Kim would call miracles (even been handed envelopes of money from anonymous donors in church) and lived on about $20 worth of groceries each week. I remember once being approached by an earnest young college student to sign a petition to raise the welfare amount; I looked at the amount and realized that I was living on about $150 less than I would get from the government. Nevertheless, despite my financial problems, I enjoyed that period in my life (I started posting on World then) and look back at it with fond nostalgia. My family has never been well off, so I am used to making do without. As a result of their financial worries, those landlords treated me very badly, so I tend to be very mistrustful of the financial advice of the well-heeled.

    Donna, the ‘miracles’ I have experienced in the past decade could be classified as mere coincidences, especially by outsiders, like being allowed to cross the border after they threatened to ban me for life. I choose to regard them as miracles, because they were always circumstances over which I had no control (in that church, for example, I know that most people were not aware of just how desperate my financial situation was) and ones in which I had asked God to intervene according to His will. I certainly wouldn’t place them on the level of Biblical miracles, but speaking as one who has been part of the poor of this world (at least by Western standards), I can say that having to trust God for the next day’s provision does help to increase the riches of one’s faith (at least for a little while – we humans have short memories).

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  17. It’s already Wednesday? This week is flying.

    I can’t believe I didn’t watch Westminster last night — our photo editor yesterday was teasing me, asking me if this was like “Oscar” night for me. I used to watch it all the time, then off and on. I think this is the first year I didn’t see any of it, although I did keep up with some of the results online.

    For those who didn’t hear, the beagle won best in show. I like beagles. But I’d wished the Old English Sheepdog won instead. 🙂

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  19. Glad to hear that 6 arrows.

    I have a busy day ahead. I already had a major school district scandal story to write up and now it’s been announced (earlier than expected) that our congresswoman will not run for re-election in order to run for the LA County board of supervisors — setting off a scramble of politicians lining up to run for her congressional seat.

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  20. Cheryl, you are right, of course, that suffering or not is not the only criteria to judge someone’s message. I know people can go through much suffering and learn nothing from it. Others become bitter. For example, many who went through the Holocaust came to the Lord. Others lost their faith completely. I was thinking of those who give pat answers to difficult situations, because they really have no idea of all the complications. Listening to them is what gives a clue that they have no clue.

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  25. Roscuro,

    I’ve always been taught that wives are to submit to their husbands, not to men in general. I’ve never heard or seen anyone at my church say otherwise. Are there really churches out there who demand this of any and all males?

    They should submit to those in authority over them (pastors, elders and such), but not as they would their husband. The relationships are completely different, as is the level of submission.

    I wouldn’t encourage it to my daughter that’s for sure. But I don’t see it as being as widespread as the author believes/assumes. Not that it doesn’t exist, but I just don’t see it.

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  26. Once my husband chose to leave, even though we weren’t yet divorced, I knew that I was no longer under his authority. I went to the elders. I think he was surprised that I did not just do what he said. Like tell the kids they had to spend time with the other woman.

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  27. We saw God take care of our needs in amazing ways. I did all the work I could find, cancelled subscriptions, only bought necessary items, etc. and then we watched God work. Lots of anonymous gifts. Never more than was needed, but just what was needed at the right time.

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  28. The Real, welcome to the world of the patriarchy movement. IBLP (Gothard and ATI) taught the general submission idea, and he influenced thousands – there was, if I remember correctly, over 700 girls between the ages of 10-14 in the group the year I went with my family to the big yearly conference in Knoxville. We sang to the general gathering one evening, in the Thompson-Boling Arena, and that place was full. It got so big that they started to hold a second yearly conference on the West Coast – IBLP in its heyday was no insignificant movement. The Independent Fundamentalist Baptist movement also teaches general submission, and organizations affiliated with IFB include HAC (look up ‘Jack Schaap’), PCC, and BJU. The idea that women have little or no say in the church or marriage, permeates the general attitude towards women. As a result, women who are abused feel they have no recourse and must remain in silent submission to their abuser – I’m not speaking off the top of my head here, I personally know real cases where this happened (See also the recent GRACE report on BJU).

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  29. Even though I live in the deep south there is a general disdain towards Christianity. Oh it’s ok to be a Country Club Christian, but dig any deeper and claim to have a personal relationship with God and you a labeled as one of those EEEE van GEL icals. The population outside of the church definitely things that woman who are Christian have to submit to men in general and that we are namby panby wimps and take whatever a man tells us to do.
    It is out there and it is REAL. I know of one local church where the cheating husband has been given a nod and the scorned wife is told to go home and make nice..

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  30. I must say I’m blessed to belong to a church where those ideas aren’t widespread, nor corporately embraced. 🙂

    One of the things I love most about my wife is her ability to tell me I’m wrong, explain why, yet still allow me to make the decision. I value her wise counsel, even when I don’t agree. Often times the level of her “defiance” is in direct proportion to the importance of the topic. 🙂

    A lot of times she’s looking out for me by trying to prevent me from doing something stupid, which shockingly, does occasionally happen. 🙂 Other times it’s because as a details oriented kinda lady, she sees consequences I didn’t even notice.

    I cannot imagine intentionally crushing that spirit in order to prove my dominance and her submission. I need and value her input and wouldn’t want to quell her advice because I’m overbearing. Why any man would do so is beyond me.

    Not to say that I’m never a patriarchal, overbearing kinda guy… I am the alpha male around here. But you can be the AM without being a total jackass. Well, most of the time anyway…..

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  31. I, Janice G, am at the library now so I see that unusual photo header. Please inform me about it? Of course it reminds me of Miss Bosley’s agility in walking across the top of our flat screen tv.

    I have been working on my writing assignment, so I have not been here today before now. I have taken some Twitter breaks, and I did remember to pray about AJ’s mom’s surgery. I need to get over to the prayer thread.

    It is super cold and windy here. I did not want to go out to the library, but really wanted to get my assignment sent in. I got use to the spring weather we were having so this weather is terrorizing me.

    For Lent, I will be trying to do the same as last year and give away at least 40 items of clothing. As I get down to my favorites, itt will be a hard decision. I think that shoes can count, too, as part of the clothing.

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  33. I have never been in a church where the men were really dominating the women. It probably is because I am in an urban area. I think in the churches I have been in couples are really encouraged to respect each other. Even in the Southern Baptist church I belong to now we have women Deaconesses. I don’t think that is too common in the denomination. Chas can correct me if I am wrong on that.

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  35. Chas- INFJ? Does that mean “I need flannel jammies”?

    As for women submitting to all men, the only scripture I can think of is when Paul said “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Eph. 5:20-21)”, which comes just before the wives submitting to husbands verse. In 1 Peter 5:5, this thought is reinforced: “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

    So, if men want women to submit to just any man, then those men should submit themselves to women as well, right?

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  36. My priest always has women as chalice bearers for the Easter service. After all women were the first to arrive that morning.

    In other news:
    x
    Monday
    Kim: Tomorrow I am going to Meridian to pick up Chloe.
    Guy: Oh, OK, so you aren’t going to work tomorrow?
    Kim: No, I am going to Meridian

    Tuesday:
    Text Message: Can you do (something)
    Kim: I am in Buckatunna, MS on my way to Meridian to get Chloe

    Today:
    Kim: I went to Meridian yesterday to get Chloe.
    Guy: Oh! I wish I had known you were going to Meridian. I have a warehouse the other side of Meridian that I need go photograph and price out.

    1. He really doesn’t listen to me
    2. If I had photographed the building and surrounding area my trip yesterday would have been tax deductible.

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  37. Peter L, that is how I read it. We submit our wills and actions to one another, thereby glorifying God. Seems like a good thing. But rather challenging at times, to do.

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  38. Deleted (Michelle?) – You wrote, “I’ve always thought miracles are for those who lack faith. Anyone else know that?”

    I can see how “signs & wonders” could be for the unsaved, but God does indeed do miracles for His own. But then I guess we could parse the meaning of “miracle”. Would any intervention of God in our lives be considered a miracle? Some would say yes, others no.

    Would a healing be a miracle? An unexpected amount of money that shows up just in time to pay a bill? I’m sure we can all relate times in our lives when God intervened in a way that was very unlikely to be merely a coincidence or happenstance. Are those things miracles?

    I tend to lean towards thinking of them as miracles, but I’m also aware that some other believers have a tighter definition of miracles.

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  40. Karen, I have had three instances in my life that I would consider miracles, though not spectacular. Some would say they were coincidences. The timing of these events are nothing less than miracles. No other explanation.

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  42. Sometimes the word “miracle” is used far too loosely. Saying that every baby’s birth is a miracle, for example, is a sweet sentiment, but it “cheapens” the word, in my opinion. Not every answer to prayer is a miracle. God intervening and doing something outside the natural course of affairs is a miracle. Using the doctor to find something bad on the X-ray and remove it may be an answer to a prayer, but it is not miraculous. Using an angel to hold a boulder up until the car passes safely by is a miracle–but most of the time we don’t know when such things happen.

    I’m not sure we always know where “the line” is, nor do I think we need to know. When God raises the dead, it’s obviously miraculous. Jesus also gave sight to the blind and let lame people walk again–but modern medicine can occasionally accomplish such things today. When God shrinks a tumor, is that a miracle? I’m not sure we always know . . . and I’m not sure, practically speaking, it even matters. It is God’s work and it is an answer to prayer, whether it is medical care, the body’s normal healing process, or a miraculous intervention.

    As I look forward to eternity, I sometimes wonder whether we’ll see the behind-the-scenes reels, or whether details of this life will even matter when we see Christ.

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  43. Whether God’s interventions are real miracles or not, we surely are thankful to Him for intervening. 🙂

    Cheryl – I’m sure there are many times God keeps us from a disaster, & we don’t even know. It would be cool to see those behind-the-scenes reels. 🙂

    One glimpse Lee & I were allowed to see was when he was arrested for DUI in 2002 (I think it was). That was a wake-up call to him, who had become an alcoholic, but was drinking secretly. That evening, alone in the holding cell for three hours (how often could that happen?), Lee repented in tears.

    Just a day before, knowing something was wrong, but not what it was, I had been praying for God to bring him to repentance.

    Except for a little bit of jitteriness the next day, God delivered him from alcoholism. Praise God!

    It was about three months later when we learned how merciful God really was to orchestrate Lee’s arrest (he was actually only pulled over because he wasn’t wearing his seatbelt).

    Lee had a health scare, & after several days in the hospital, & several tests, he found out that he has some kind of condition in which alcohol poisons his heart (beyond what usual alcoholism would do). The doctor said that if he hadn’t given up drinking when he did, he would have been dead within six months.

    We were already thanking God for getting his attention with that arrest, but now we see that it also saved his life.

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  44. From my devotional reading this morning (Prov. 16:33 — The lot is cast into the lap, but its very decision is from the Lord):

    ” … There is no such thing as a ‘maverick molecule’ and Proverbs 16:33 is one of many passages that show this to be the case. What might look random and unplanned to us does not lie outside of the Lord’s sovereign control. He directs all things, which is greatly comforting. It assures us that He has a plan and purpose for every event, demonstrating that He can indeed work all things together for our good (Rom. 8:28).”

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