33 thoughts on “Our Daily Thread 9-16-15”

  2. Beautiful bird photo!
    Nice to see birds in the morning!
    Hope everyone is having good reason to praise God today. His word tells us to give Him praise so that is a bare minimum and ultimate reason. 🙂 With all we are going through, I have an imagination that helps me see how it could be so much worse so I can easily praise Him through the tough times.

    The weather here has been super nice. Glad to hear CA got some rain. My husband has gotten some sleep and that was desired as much as folks desired rain in CA, at least from his perspective.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  3. I made extra coffee this morning. Yesterday Miss Bosley knocked over my coffee cup so I did not get my quota. Must make up for that today. I also made an extra cup as insurance against exuberant cat syndrome.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  4. For anyone who is interested in my review of that children’s book previously discussed, here is a copy and paste of the review:
    Review Title: Intersection of Hollywood and Dragon (review of Nickerbacher by Terry John Barto)
    Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
    *** 3 Stars

    This book which is filled with colorful and engaging illustrations and good humor makes adults and children consider what their dreams are and what might be holding them back from achieving them. The special focus is on the negative opinions of others as dream killers. This book breaks through stereotypes of what dragons and others might do as their occupation. The book has a cute concept, using the dragon in a non-traditional manner, yet it seemed a bit too lighthearted for such a serious subject.
    From the Christian worldview, I felt that God was left out of the dream discussion. The dream concerned only self and did not deliver a message of the realities of honest obstacles other than what others think. It is a good book for Christians to use in discussions with children about pleasing people, pleasing themselves, and pleasing God. If the book is to be read over and over to a young child, I hope parents would make efforts to discuss the deeper thoughts the book can generate.
    The illustrations are cheerful and go well with the tone of the book. I believe the illustrations will appeal to younger children in the family. Older children will probably enjoy the storyline more and find the illustrations to be a bit on the young side for them. Personally, the illustrations, message, and the ages of the assumed audience seemed somehow misaligned. This quality, however, means there would be something of interest for each age level in a group of children of various ages.
    I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for reading it and posting an honest review. Overall, I feel like this book is a fun read that can generate deeper discussion about important life considerations. It can be read on either just a fun and silly level or it can be used to help instill life lessons.

    Like

    Reply

  5. Yesterday on the Prayer thread we talked about diabetes. I didn’t realize others of you were dealing with it and thought I’d share something I found out recently. You can buy all of the testing supplies OTC at Walmart for a fraction of the cost of those available via Rx. But a bigger deal is this – I recently added immediate-acting insulin to my regimen. My doc wrote a Rx for Humalog. From the Canadian pharmacy we use, it costs $332.59 for 10 ml. You can buy 10 ml of the equivalent insulin (Novalog) OTC at Walmart for $24.99. You probably find this hard to believe, as do I, but it is absolutely true. I have no idea why.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  7. Re the photos: When I was in fourth or fifth grade, I won a poster contest drawing a Baltimore oriole on its nest, but I never saw the bird in real life until I moved here. In the tree where this one was photographed, one day an oriole showed up briefly, and I was stunned. I’d seen photos of them, but had no idea how bright the bird really is.

    This one showed up one day a couple of weeks ago, and tried to drink from the hummingbird feeder (I don’t think he succeeded). Earlier this summer I’m pretty sure we had a nest, probably a successful one, though we have very tall cottonwood trees and I couldn’t see the nest. (We had a nest a couple of years ago, not successful as far as I know, and even knowing exactly where it was I could barely see it, because it was quite well hidden and also fairly high off the ground, though on the lowest branch. This one was probably in a tree we can’t see from inside the house.) But there was a period of a few weeks where I saw either a male or a female oriole almost daily (not always a good look at one), and in mid-summer I got a couple of weak photos of what I thought were the male and female together, but turned out to be a different bird from our nesting female, and thus was likely a young bird. It could also have been a different female, though it was late enough in the season that birds that hadn’t nested locally would have moved on, and also what happened was I was trying to take its photo and the male came and chased it away–which is something parent birds will do if they notice a young bird doesn’t see a threat, though at the time I thought the male was doing it to his mate, until I realized looking at the photos that it was a different bird. (There is a huge amount of variation among female orioles, some much brighter than others. They can range from mostly green to almost as bright as a male. I suspect that if you somehow had four or five nesting pairs on your property, you’d be able to distinguish all the females.)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Linda, many years ago when I took fertility drugs I was amazed to find that what would have been $3,000 per month here, I was able to get from Mexico. The first time I got a 3 month supply for $750 and the next time I had a friend who spoke Spanish, had lived in Panama and was a great negotiator call the Pharmacia and arrange for another family friend to pick up the prescription., That time it was $500 for a 3 month supply.

    Just recently I picked up BG’s thyroid medication from Rite Aid. The pharmacist ran it on Blue Cross Blue Shield, It was going to be 30 something dollars. I asked him if he would run it on “cash pay”. He questioned why I would do that if I had insurance but did it anyway. It rang up for $10 for 90 pills. Same prescription. Same everything. You may want to try it on some of the medications you take and see if it saves you anything. The pharmacist was surprised. (I had learned the trick at another pharmacy.

    Like

    Reply

  10. Linda, Humalog and Novolog have very similar effects, but they are not identical, and only Humalog is used for Type 2 (Adult-Onset) diabetes: http://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/humalog-novolog#Differences2
    I’m sorry to hear about the diabetic neuropathy. As a trained footcare nurse, I have a few recommendations. Check your feet regularly (daily) for any blisters, cuts or sores. Protect your feet and wear well fitting shoes and socks (it is better if they are made of natural materials such as leather and cotton), and check your shoes before putting them on to make sure there are no pebbles or anything that could rub. Be careful about cutting your toenails – the recommendation is to get a professional to do it – and inform your doctor quickly of any problem or infection. The neuropathy happens because of constant high levels of sugar in the blood, and the same high levels also encourage the growth of bacteria. With sensation decreased in the feet, sores can go unnoticed and become infected quickly, which is what leads to amputation [If an infection reaches the bone, most physicians recommend amputation – although, I helped a diabetic in West Africa recover from such a serious foot infection, but the bones in his fifth toe were permanently shortened]. However, infections and amputations can be avoided with proper care. Footcare is a private enterprise here, but most footcare nurses charge a reasonable and affordable fee for their service – it shouldn’t be any more expensive down there.

    Like

    Reply

  11. By the way, walking, as long as you have good footwear, is good for not only the feet (increases circulation), but also helps naturally lower blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is often caused by insulin resistance, and exercise helps reduce that resistance.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Kim, we definitely “shop” the few drugs we take. That’s why we have a Canadian pharmacy. My husband takes Nexium and it’s significantly cheaper through them. I used to get my long-lasting insulin there but some sort of reg’s changed and they can no longer provide it at a reduced cost (I wonder who was behind those reg’s? wink, wink). Some other new reg just made it illegal for them to take a credit card, making it harder for some folks (not us – we’re persistent and can work around it). BTW, that long-lasting insulin was $220 in December and went up to $375 in March.

    Interestingly, when I talked to the pharmacist about the Humalog, he first asked, “Don’t you have prescription coverage?” I guess we are supposed to be so ignorant that we don’t care what stuff costs as long as someone else is paying for it.

    Like

    Reply

  13. Roscuro, Thanks for the info. My doctor did explain that the two were slightly different but was OK with me using the Novalog. I don’t have type 2, or type 1, for that matter. I have reduced insulin production due to a pancreas injury. It’s been very hard to control and more consistently high this year, hence the reason for adding the immediate (and probably the reason for the foot issues). Oh, and I see my doc at least every 6 months and he encourages me to e-mail or call him directly if I have any issues, so I think I’m well cared for. But DO appreciate your info.

    Like

    Reply

  14. And BTW, I do exercise regularly – not by walking but bike riding. I do at least 30 minutes indoors most days and ride the Rail Trail when it’s nice out (and got up to 18.6 miles this past Sunday!).

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Thanks, Linda. I hesitated about making any assumptions, as I have encountered people like you, whose diabetes has an unusual cause; but hoped at least some of the info might be helpful.

    Like

    Reply

  16. We get my husband’s thyroid med for $10.00/90 day supply.

    My thoroughly knowledgable brother who has worked in pharma, seemingly forever, told me that I need to look on http://www.goodrx.com and put in distance we are willing to travel and the drug name to find all the prices available for particular drugs. I have not looked yet, but I will. So many things to take care of!

    I just cancelled my plans to go to a writer’s conference this weekend. It was to be my only trip this year other than our annual timeshare visit. 😦
    God has His reasons. I will try to get a recording of some sessions.

    Like

    Reply

  17. When I had gestational diabetes my dietician relative told me to try to walk 20 minutes after my meals to help with the blood sugar issues. I walked after breakfast and dinner and kept just under the numbers. I’ve walked 4-5 days a week an hour at a time for 29 years as a result, trying to keep my 80% chance of ending with diabetes at bay. Still under the numbers but now on Metforim to try to hold it off a little longer.

    The only diabetes in my family was gestational– cousins my age but on both sides. The tragedy is both women died of something else at 54. That’s when I put a lot of effort into losing weight. I lost 20 pounds 8 years ago by changing my diet and have kept it off. The Metforim, an appetite suppressor used for 100 years with diabetes, and more exercise has taken off 10 more in the last year. Except for my feet and thirst, I feel great.

    And all my numbers, thanks be to God, look good and are holding steady. For now. I have no illusions.

    Like

    Reply

  18.  I told you about the Curmudgeon meeting that I attended last Wednesday. And the attitudes some of the others had. In particular, Phil, a retired Rabbi. He, in trying to justify the Muslims, has attempted to say that all religions use a form of jihad to propagate their religions. He cites Israel in the OT and insists that the same is true in the NT. This is an example of his argument: From a diatribe of one of his sources.

    [T]he Jewish people were driven by their drunkenness and plumpness to the ultimate evil; they kicked about, they failed to accept the yoke of Christ, nor did they pull the plow of his teaching. Another prophet hinted at this when he said: “Israel is as obstinate as a stubborn heifer.” … Although such beasts are unfit for work, they are fit for killing. And this is what happened to the Jews: while they were making themselves unfit for work, they grew fit for slaughter. This is why Christ said: “But as for these my enemies, who did not want me to be king over them, bring them here and slay them.” (Luke 19:27)
     Eight Homilies Against the Jews, Homily 1

    My memory of this literature told me that there were deadly “orders” in the NT. I have a good memory.

    I keep telling Tony to leave it alone. .
    Tony tried to explain that Luke 19:27 is part of a parable. He is wasting his time.
    Same thing applies to the issues Karen and others have . There is no argument that will convince them.

    Same situation for Obama and Hillary voters.
    And, it may apply to Trump supporters too.
    Nothing will affect them.

    Like

    Reply

  19. Chas, I think that’s a little sweeping — on spiritual matters, some can’t be moved ever, but some will be, sooner or later, thanks to God. People along the way play a role in that (though never will see the fruit of their part in that person’s story).

    So I’d say only the person making the effort can know when it’s time to shake the dust from his or her feet and move on.

    And, again, in open forums such as social media, it’s not just 2 people talking. I often follow the long threads begun as a result of my pastor’s thoughtful posts — he’s an apologist and has numerous atheist friends, it’s fascinating to read through the discussions and how he approaches each one differently, clearly, but always with respect.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. Scripture tells us in everything to give thanks and I was thinking in Zumba this morning how important the threat of diabetes has been to my life. All that walking has been an avenue for fellowship, usually with non-Christians. I’ve had so many fine walking partners over the years, it’s been joy not drudgery and I’m not sure that would have happened without my needing to be proactive.

    Few Christians in my Zumba class, but I’m very conscious of my attitude around them; a number have read at least one book. God can use anything to his glory, if we will submit to what he has put into our life.

    Like

    Reply

  24. As a Reformed believer, I am aware that God has chosen people as his own although it isn’t until a particular moment in time that they “hear” that calling. We cannot say who will or won’t be saved, but we can trust in God and the message of the gospel — the word is preached through us and it won’t return void.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. Appraisal is in. We will have equity when we close. Not many can say that. I had to chase down the Termite inspection. The mortgage company has everything they need. Now they have to get it up to the underwriter for final approval which takes about 4 business days. I have closing tentatively set for next Wednesday, September 23rd at 4pm. Please pray that the VA turns everything around quickly. We would love to start moving some boxes of fragile items over before Saturday when the movers come to do the heavy lifting.
    Plus it puts me just one more day closer to my goal.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  26. Unexpectedly we got to have lunch with my oldest brother and his wife; they were coming through town and called us this morning. I may get to have supper with a different brother Friday. As spread out as we all are, many within the family travel enough that I often end up seeing half or more of my siblings any given year.

    This brother lost a leg a few decades ago, and didn’t find prostheses helpful (he had to have several additional surgeries because of trying them), but recently found them much improved. Today I got to see him walk without crutches for the first time since he last wore a prosthesis, on his wedding day 35 years ago.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  27. That screaming you hear from the West? It’s RAINING in northern California!

    Tough on the firefighters–battling a tremendous forest fire in the rain on slippery hillsides, but so very thankful for the rain–all the way around.

    Praise God!

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply

  30. Forgot to mention that Forrest took the school bus to school today!

    The school social worker who has been working with him made a deal with him that if he took the bus to school this morning, she would let him & a friend come play dinosaurs in her office during lunch.

    Now let’s see how it goes tomorrow.

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

  33. Finally we are home from ER. I just made a fried egg sandwich for Art since we had no dinner. Probably the latest “dinner” i have ever cooked. I had applesauce and raisin bread.

    A man came into ER with a cut foot and he was barefoot. Not good!

    Miss Bosley found her human couch and she is loudly purring. Comforting sound on a long night.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to jmiller761 Cancel reply