2 THESSALONIANS ~ Chapter 1/Thursday Bible Study

Since Apostle Paul's 1st Letter, the seeds of false doctrine have been sown (biblically used as a metaphor for one's actions and reaping for the results of those actions) among the Thessalonians; causing them to wander (roam, ramble, rove, traipse, meander mean to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose) from the truth if their Faith. *Paul removes those destructive seeds and again plants the seeds of truth. He begins by commending the ^believers on their faithfulness in the midst of persecution (harassment or punishment in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically to cause suffering because of belief), and encourages them by stating that present suffering will be repaid with future glory. Therefore, in the midst of persecution, expectation (a belief about what might happen in the future) can be high.

Paul then deals with the central matter of this letter to them: a misunderstanding, spawned by false teachers regarding the coming Day of the Lord. Despite reports to the contrary, that #Day has not yet come - and Paul recounts the events that must first take place. Laboring (to work, great effort, toiling or grind away) for the ##Gospel, rather than lazy (unwilling to physically work, or engage in energic activity) resignation (feeling or showing acceptance that something unwanted or unpleasant will happen, or cannot be changed); is the proper response.

As the 2nd Letter in Paul's Thessalonian correspondence, this Letter was entitled, 'Pros Thesalonikeis B' - the "Second to the Thessalonians". The external attestation (an official verification of something as true or authentic) to the authenticity (the quality of being authentic - "the real deal") of this Letter as a Pauline epistle is even stronger than that for the 1st Thessalonian Letters. Internally, the vocabulary, the style, and the doctrinal content support the claims in vv. 1:1 & 3:17, that this Letter was indeed written by Apostle Paul.

In Chapter 1 of this Letter, Paul gives thanks for the growing faith and love of the Thessalonians, and assures them of their ultimate deliverance from those who are persecuting them (v. 1:3-10). They are encouraged to patiently endure (wait out) their afflictions (the state of being in pain or trouble), knowing that **Yeshua will judge their persecutors when He is "revealed from ^^Heaven with His mighty ***angels, in flaming fire" (vv. 1:7 & 8). Before Paul moves to the next topic, he concludes this section with a prayer for the spiritual welfare of his readers (vv. 1:11 & 12).

********************

2 THESSALONIANS ~ Chapter 1

Thanksgiving for Their Growth (vv. 1 thru 4)

"Paul, ****Silvanus, and *****Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in ******Elohim, and Yeshua: grace to you and peace from Elohim and Yeshua (1 Corinthians 1:3). We are bound to thank Elohim always for you, brethren, as is fitting; because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you abounds (to increase) towards each other, so that we ourselves boast (boasting in the Lord involves us giving glory, praise and honor to God for who he is and the good things he has done. Boasting in the Lord is not self-seeking or self-gratifying; rather it is centered around the Lord God who deserves all our glory and praise) of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations (distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution; also, a trying experience) that you endure …

Encouragement in Their Persecution (vv. 5 thru 10)

… which is manifest (to make evident or certain by showing or displaying) evidence of the righteous judgment of Elohim, that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer (Philippians 1:28 & 1 Thessalonians 2:14); since it is a righteous (in its deeper spiritual meaning, righteousness is the quality of being right in the eyes of God, including character (nature), conscience (attitude), conduct (action), and command (word). Righteousness is, therefore, based upon God's standard because He is the ultimate Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22)) thing with Elohim to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know Elohim, and on those who do not obey the gospel of Yeshua. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the **Lord and from the glory of His power (Deuteronomy 33:2), when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His ^^^saints and to be admired (look at with pleasure, respect, or warm approval) among all those who believe, because our testimony (firsthand authentication of a fact = evidence; a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness ) among you was believed.

Prayer for Elohim's Blessing

Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His His goodness and the work of Faith with power (Colossians 1:12 & 1 Thessalonians 1:3), that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you - and you in Him - according to the grace of our God and Lord Yeshua (Colossians 3:17)."

*Apostle Paul = known as Saul before he converted to Christianity (Acts 9), was the chief killer of Christians following Yeshua’s death, resurrection, and ascension – being the foremost witness to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7).

The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian Church. He played a crucial role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews) during the first century, and his missionary journeys took him all throughout the Roman empire.

**Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.

Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.

Lord Jesus Christ (in Greek: Kyrios Iēsous Christos) = the most formal title for Jesus (Yeshua). It occurs often in the New Testament letters.

The word “Lord” has a wide range of uses; it can be a simple respectful “Sir” or a more formal, “Master.” But the New Testament also uses “Lord” of God. The word “Christ” is the anglicized form of the Greek word meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah.” “Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us that Jesus is both the promised Messiah and our God.

***Angel: (n) – a spiritual being in position of attendant, agent, or messenger of Elohim (often represented in human form with wings and a long robe).

****Silas or Silvanus (/ˈsaɪləs/; Greek: Σίλας/Σιλουανός; fl. 1st century AD) was a leading member of the Early Christian community, who according to the New Testament accompanied Paul the Apostle on his second missionary journey.

Silas is chiefly remembered as the companion of the Apostle Paul who was arrested with him at Philippi (Acts 16:19-40). They were beaten severely and confined in the inner prison, with their feet in stocks. There they sang hymns in the night, and an earthquake shook the prison, and released them - which led to the jail keeper's immediate conversion.

Silas was a Hellenistic Jew who, it seems, was also a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37); a fellow missionary with Paul, and a “faithful brother” (1 Peter 5:12).

*****Timothy = son of the devout Jewish woman, Eunice, and a Greek father, Timothy became a follower of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach when Apostle Paul preached the Gospel in Lystra, Timothy’s hometown. Paul invited the young convert to accompany him on his second missionary journey; and was sent to Thessalonica to strengthen the fellowship there. After another journey with Paul, Timothy was sent to Corinth to straighten out some problems upsetting the fellowship there.

Timothy later looked after Paul during Paul’s imprisonment. Timothy subsequently was asked to go to Ephesus to represent Paul, and received the two letters from Paul that bear Timothy’s Name. Timothy – these letters reveal, was like a son to Paul.

The last word in the New Covenant about this sensitive, sickly, but faithful young helper was that he was imprisoned but finally released. Acts 16:1, 17:14-15, 18:5, 19:22 & 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4;17 & 16:10; 2 Corinthians1:1 & 19; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 3:2, & 6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 & 2 Timothy; Philemon 1; and Hebrews 13:23.

******Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾּlōhīm: [(eloˈ(h)im]) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.

#The phrase “the Day of Christ” or “the Day of the Lord Jesus” is unique to the Apostle Paul. Paul also called the Day of Christ “that Day” in his last letter. The phrases are found in: 1 Corinthians 1:8, 3:13, 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10 & 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:18 & 4:8.

On the other hand, the phrase, “the Day of The Lord” (also called “that Day”) is common throughout the Old Covenant = Abrahamic: the prophets referred constantly to it. In the New Covenant = Gospel, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Paul and Peter referred to it. Some of those passages are as follows: Isaiah 2:12, 13:6 & 9, and 34:8; Ezekiel 13:5 & 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, & 31, and 3:14; Amos 5:18 & 5:20; Obadiah 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14; Zechariah 14;1; Malachi 4:5; Matthew 24:1-51; Acts 2:20; Romans 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 5;2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10 and Revelation 1:10 … and “that Day” phrases can be found in Isaiah 2:11, 17, 20 & 3:18 – this Day is a time of terror, darkness, and wrath: it is a “Day of Visitation”, Isaiah 10:3. A “Day of the wrath of The Lord”, Ezekiel 7:19, and “the Great Day of The Lord”, Zephaniah 1:14.

##Gospel: the word is derived from the Anglo-Saxon term, god-spell, meaning “good story”; Biblically speaking, gospel is a rendering of the Latin evangelium and the Greek euangelion, meaning “good news” or “good telling”.

^Believer: someone who has put faith and trust in the redemptive work of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach through His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection.

^^Heaven: The Hebrews acknowledge three heavens – the atmosphere surrounding Earth; the firmament of outer space, in which the stars are placed; and the heaven of Heavens, or third heaven, which is he residence of Jehovah.

Among Christians, Heaven is the place where the omnipresent God of Gods dwells and manifests His supreme glory; this habitation of God is represented by the residence of angels and the blessed spirits of those who are rewarded eternal salvation.

^^^Saint = In its most basic sense, a saint is a “holy one,” someone who is set apart for Elohim’s special purposes. As a result, every follower of Yeshua Ha’Mashiach is a Saint. In most of his letters, the Apostle Paul refers to the recipients as saints, including the church at Corinth, where there were significant moral and theological problems! The New Covenant writers draw their use of the word saints (“holy ones”) from the Old Covenant (e.g., Exod 31:13; Lev 11:45, 19:2; Dan 7:18, 27). Particularly important is Exodus 19:5-6, where Elohim refers to Israel as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” 1 Peter 2:9 applies this same language to believers: “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

**1 Thessalonians 5: https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/01/blog-post.html

REHOMING BLEU

February 28th: We have been thinking of this hard decision for some time, but we didn't want to make any hasty moves.

Sunday was the determining point.

We had gone over to Scott & Lana's (Holland's older brother, & SIL) to visit with Jake (Holland's nephew) and Jake's son, Levi. During conversation, Lana mentioned that her dog had gone missing a month ago - Scott said it jumped the fence and they have not been able to find it. Phone calls were made to neighbors to be on the lookout, posters were put up, veterinary clinics were called, ect.

No luck in finding the missing fence jumper.

So, Holland and I shared a look across the table, and Holland broached the idea of rehoming Bleu with them: we already knew that he would be loved and spoiled there … Lana made it known to us as soon as she laid eyes on Bleu as a puppy, that "if ever the Day came", she's gladly take Bleu.

When we left for home Sunday, Bleu stayed behind in his new home.

Lana was ecstatic.

Bleu was already following Scott around the house, and he looked pretty darned happy padding alongside him as they moved from room to room.

We were missing Bleu on the ride home - but we knew in our hearts that we had made the right decision.

Holland called Lana as soon as we got through our front door to see how Bleu was settling in: the report was that he has already established himself as the reigning prince of the house, in Kelso ;-)

This morning, when we boxed Bleu's things up and dropped them off, Holland was amused and gratified to see that Bleu was already vociferously guarding the Kelso castle. We had trained him well - and he had made an easy transition. All hearts were intact, and life is moving smoothly forward.

While we drank coffee and visited, Bleu moved easily among everyone to get pets, pats, kisses, ear rubbing … and Bleu seemed right at home with Scott and Lana. He has a cushion in their living room, and a pillow by the side of their bed; he can move in and out of the house with ease (except at night); someone is up around the clock, so he never lacks for interaction: in short, he is as spoiled there as he was with us.

He's a happy little fella.

When we left, there was no doubt we did the right thing.

Bleu's things …

We are rehoming Bleu with family; he's comfortably adjusted. Everyone is happy.

At Scott & Lana's, he can be the dog he is meant to be.

On our way out of Longview, I noticed that the East and South have merged with the West: the Sinclair mascot is very prevalent on the east coast, and down south - below calimexarabia … but this is the first time I have seen a green Sinclair dinosaur in the PNW ;-)

A dinosaur in the PNW! Longview-WA

Sinclair's advertising writers first had the idea to use dinosaurs in Sinclair marketing back in 1930: they were promoting lubricants refined from crude oil believed to have formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

When we got back to Long Beach, we grabbed a fish & chips boxed Supper; I was a bit disappointed to see that it was not fresh cod, but rather fish fillets that looked suspiciously like Skipper's Brand fillets :-(

Supper …

We ate them. They were okay. But we would have preferred fresh cod, especially at the beach, where fresh cod abounds.

After Supper, Holland researched some things on the internet … and I cuddled up with a Clive Cussler novel that includes risky adventuring with Sam and Remi: a very enjoyable way to spend a rainy evening ;-)

BELLY FAT EXERCISES~My Senior Exercise Plan 2024; #10/Long Beach-WA

BRRRR!

It was cold at the beach, today.

I was drinking my coffee, listening to the pounding raindrops - that sounded suspiciously like there was hail involved :-(

And when I looked out the window … I saw snowflakes!

Stormy weather outside - warmth, and coffee, inside.

If I want my aging body to be a supple as those energetic trees, I need to get busy in my she-room ;-)

While watching the snowy rainfall, and seeing the treetops vigorously swaying back and forth; I drank a second cup of warming coffee before turning the heat up in my she-room ;-)

I actually woke up this morning thinking of these exercises …

And spent some time utilizing these things, too ;-)

23 Minute Kettlebell Arms & Core Workout to Strengthen and Sculpt Upper Body and Abs: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIBpmVRm9J4)

*GLUTES EXERCISES~My Senior Exercise Plan 2024; #9/Long Beach-WA https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/02/glutes-exercisesmy-senior-exercise-plan.html

MINISTERIAL CERTIFICATION :-)

We collected 6 months worth of mail the other day while in town (it was brought out to me in a tote - no joke!) … and I was happy to open this envelope, and see this certification 😁

I have prayed long and hard about this for many decades, but during those years I was raising kids, raising neighborhood kids, and raising grandkids - there was no time: NOW, there IS time.

When Bob was in the local hospital, we both reached out to ease the suffering of others' around us (and Bob, himself was serious ill and dying). When Bob's spirit left his body at OHSU in Oregon, and I came back home to WA … I felt a calling on my Life to get involved with Hospice (before, I never knew where I {fit}, even though I knew Yeshua would use me in some ministry capacity) - there are so many people dying alone, that literally have nobody in their lives, to make passing from this life to the other, a little easier: if Elohim can use me in that regard, I can do that.

I am not doing this for $$$ - Elohim supplies ALL my needs, and wants - if it is beneficial to me, spiritually ❤️

I am showing this so that people will KNOW that I DO have ACTUAL documentation; I am not just blowing smoke or pulling a fast one.

This documentation will help me get into places, to help where I am needed. That is all I want - or need.

((((THANK YOU, YESHUA!))) 😘

obamanite WILDFIRE HATRED

The obamanites are destroying America, and America's economy with their uncontrollable hatred for 1 man!

O’Leary ‘very concerned about seizing assets' amid Trump civil fraud verdict: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txSD24-3-RM)

On the issue of Trump being a Christian … I don't know - only Elohim knows that, for sure. What I do know, is that he is committed to Israel - and that's a positive thing for his family, and for America/Americans. What I do know, is that he is surrounding himself with people claiming to be Christians - and are not. I, personally, do not support any of them, or their brand of christendom.

I do, however, support President Trump - I think he is good for America, Americans, American lifestyle, and the American economy … and he embraces immigration done the legal route; like I do.

DC's currant atmospheric stink that upholds barak hussain obama's islamic overthrow, does not support anything American: under the obamanite coup knuckle-grip, there is a brazen disregard for our American Constitution, a total snubbing of America's Bill of Rights, a shameless back-turning on America's founding acknowledgement of God and His Word (hence the cry to get rid of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, drafted on and upholding God and His Word), and a bold and hateful outcry against Jews and Christians - no matter the skin color, though "white" is mostly quoted … even though 'white' is not a valid skin color. It's just continual hate-speak coming out of DC, under the obamanite banner of the demonrat party.

The demonrat party hates Donald J. Trump because he does not follow them or their agendas in lock-step goose stepping. He doesn't need their tainted monies. He doesn't agree with their crooked gains programs. He doesn't talk their wicked talk - or push their evil ministrations. So, they hate him with a rabid, mindless, hatred that appears to be demonically inspired and implemented. It's unlike any hatred ever seen before in America. It's decidedly not {democratic}, and it's not {christian} … despite pelosi and biden's unsuccessful sell of it under their catholic guise.

The demonrats are foolishly destroying America's economy with their ridiculously flawed hatred for 1 man … and their mindless push for a One World Government, governed by a One World Religion based on egomania.

House demonrats would not allow President Trump to be President in 2025 if THE PEOPLE VOTE him in!

 

I know I said I wouldn't post political stuff until November, but this came through my newsfeed yesterday - and it's too important to let slide.

House demonrats would not allow President Trump to be President in 2025 if The People vote him in!

This is outrageous.

Berman also mentioned how legal scholars filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court, noting that if the justices don't decide on Trump's eligibility, "it is a certainty" that members of Congress would try to disqualify him on January 6, 2025 - (https://www.foxnews.com/media/house-democrats-could-vote-against-certifying-trump-hes-elected-writes-atlantic)

There was no insurrection, and nobody's life was endangered … that is a lie the demonrats vigorously pandered to the weak-minded hatemongers intent on destroying America, and birthing barak hussain obama's twisted nirvana based on racial division and islamic hatred.

That wicked spawn of Hell, and his demonic minions will not stop until Americans (specifically, "white Christians"), and America no longer exist.

The demonrats - obeying obama's orders - have thrown open the borders and allowed our Country to be infiltrated with terrorists from every country that literally hates America and calls for the destruction of America, Jews, and Christians; they know that if the Constitution and Bill of Rights of America is not eradicated and supplanted with communism - the demonrats will not be able to implement their plan of destruction. America has been flooded with radical muslims that refuse to obey America rules and regulations for a free society - Dearborn, for example - that wicked sector of America is demanding that the obamanites who inhabit DC start using thumb screws on Israeli leadership … and the muslim cry to antisemitism is on the rise in America.

We are hearing from the obamanites in DC that to be a Christian in America equates being an {enemy of the state}, and worthy of death. This is happening in America because barak hussain obama filled every congressional seat, judicial seat, and weak mindset he could: with radical muslim bodies and verbal hate speak.

DC no longer stands with America, or for Americans.

America has been infiltrated, and is being taken over from within, by radicalism and the flooding of America with radicals carrying a destructive mindset with them as they cross our borders from mexico and canada.

America and Americans are in serious trouble; since the 1st obamanite coup in 2009, and with the clueless puppet biden coup - run by barak hussain obama. President Trump's 2nd VOTED IN term would put a serious wrinkle in the obamanite muslim war against Americans, and that is why they are trying their damndest to make sure that VOTED IN-PERSON/w-personal photo ID 2024 ELECTION does not happen.

RAZOR CLAMS~Long Beach-WA; Shavua Tov

February 24th: It is raining at the beach.

David & I had gone clam digging yesterday afternoon, so after I drank my morning cup of joy juice (coffee) - I walked next door to help him clean my share of the ocean's booty. When I got to David's place … he had already cleaned the clams! He said he got bored last night, so he decided to get busy.

While we were talking, Tavis joined us; David's son and his wife Susie, had driven down during the night sometime. Tav declined joining us for another beach plunder, this afternoon - but I spent some time with them after we got back ;-)

Before driving to the beach again, Holland drove me into town to buy a pair of rubber boots (my hiking boots were still draining in my bathroom sink) … and he also pointed out to me another wooden boat.

My soaked hiking boots drying out …

All wood boat - except the windows, of course ;-)

Around 3:30 PM, David, Holland/me, & Bleu headed to the clam digging site - and my body got another invigorating full-body workout ;-)

(1) Walking back and forth, on the sandy beach: wet, sandy beach = uses more muscles than walking on normal surfaces, so it can help to train your muscles and balance. Walking, in general, increases bone density.

(2) Running from incoming surge waves = cardio.

(3) Pulling the clam gun out of the wet sand is akin to weight lifting = the deadlift not only recruits the back muscles, but you're also recruiting your hamstrings, quads, glutes, and core (and you will feel that physical workout later on, at home ;-)).

Deadlifts not only facilitate muscle growth and improved posture, but they also act as a catalyst for fat loss = the deadlift can quickly elevate your heart rate, leading to a significant calorie burn during your workout.

(4) Bending up & down in a smooth, flowing action = your {core} which extends from your rib cage to your hips and around to the muscles that support your spine is the inner support system that helps you stay upright. Strengthening it is one of the best things you can do for your health. A strong core, supports your posture, decreases chance of injury and minimizes fall risk.

We were on the sand a little over an hour, so today's activity was a good workout :-)

Following David to 'a good spot' along the beach in Ocean Park-WA

Sanderlings are small, plump sandpipers; a small, plump, energetic wading bird.

Sanderling Beach Bird: 

(https://abcbirds.org/bird/sanderling/)

Digging Washington Coast Razor Clams: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp534FwwZFY)

How to Clean Razor Clams: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpDZhdU_g5o)

We got 3 limits, and the majority of them are good sized. We are so looking forward to a yummy supper of fried clams (from yesterday's haul) & baked potatoes :-)

I set my catch today in my shower stall to drain some of the grit out of them, and I'll clean them tomorrow after we get back from visiting Holland's nephew Jake in Longview, where he will be visiting his mother.

It's been a good Shabbat weekend.

We have been greatly blessed.

Today's catch - 15 ct. limit … I nabbed 13 of them ;-)

Thanks Luv - these boots were much appreciated!

obama-run-biden, beginning to become a 'Howard Hughes president'

CLAM TIDE~Shabbat/Long Beach-WA

The whole day today was good :-)

Straight off, Holland's blood work results came back looking good; and he's walking easier.

I got a morning text from Becky, with exciting news.

Morning text from Becky.

David invited us to go clam digging with him at 4 PM: YUM!

I got a full body workout at the beach - a lot of muscles are used digging clams ;-)

Clam digging was fun - wet, but fun ;-)

And Yeshua blessed the close of our day with a lovely sunset over the Pacific Ocean …

Sunset as we were leaving the beach.

RELIEF

February 22nd: Yesterday while we had been in Longview, we had stopped by Red Canoe to take care of a banking snafu there … and were forced to close that account, and open a new one. This is becoming a habit with this banking company, We were not happy, but we really had no other choice. My woodworker's beneficiary pension is handled through that branch - which meant that I had to contact MetLife and get that straightened out this morning :-(

So, with Bleu sprawled on the floor at  my feet, I called the phone number given me for a MetLife Rep, and talked to a MetLife fella about the woodworker's pension plan widow benefits, and had to refile with MetLife because the woodworker's pension plans had been shifted to them … and they didn't know who I was, and was more interested in legally covering their monetary asses, than they were in continuing with my widow benefits, gifted to me by my late husband, who had thoughtfully provided for me so I wouldn't have to struggle when he was no longer in my life.

I was struggling trying to understand why MetLife was being difficult given that they already had all the pertinent information they needed to process what belongs to me.

UGH

Anyway; before the fella (and he really was very nice while doing a difficult job keeping his boss happy) disconnected, he told me that I had to finish the refiling online: which frustrated me - and Holland just sat by quietly, praying me through the online filing struggle … and occasionally offering words of encouragement, "You can do this, Baby", "Take a deep breath, and start again", "When you get this done - and you will; we'll go for a relaxing drive", "You did it!" And then adding, "What just happened is a real miracle, Baby. Normally things like this take hours on the phone - and weeks to complete: God wrapped this whole thing up for you in a little under an hour. A true miracle."

That was around 10:30 AM.

Around 11 AM, we were both sitting around the house; relaxing and surfing the internet, and drinking morning coffee - when Holland decided to call the referred knee doctor's office to make an appointment for Monday, and the receptionist said there was a 2:50 opening this afternoon, and she could pencil him in if he was interested.

(((YES!)))

Second miracle of the Day :-)

So, we quickly left the driveway for Longview. We were both rejoicing that Holland would finally get relief from the agonizing knee pain he has been suffering. He could hardly walk without grinding his teeth - that would end with the cortisone shots :-)

We arrived in Longview ahead of schedule, so we found a parking spot close to the clinic, and sat talking for a few minutes … until Bleu kept interrupting us with his territorial guardship attitude concerning me (Holland is actually encouraging this); Holland wants Bleu to primarily be my guard dog, but I want Bleu to be as equally protective towards Holland given the current society under the current DC madness, that is quickly spiraling out of control. 

Bleu considers me his personal property - I insist Holland gets equal attention so Bleu doesn't get 'territorial'.

We hadn't been parked long in the clinic's parking lot, when Holland's phone rang: the X-ray results were in … arthritis and age-related degeneration (the breakdown of 'soft tissue' leads to pain and inflammation); shortly after that phone call was ended, Holland went into the clinic to get the patient forms filled out.

Lakefront Clinic; Longview-WA

Togetherness … through a brick wall ;-)

The doctor Holland saw today, was a doctor he'd seen before (doc remembered him, too); and he was comfortable with him.

The cortisone shots were given in both knees, and Holland is feeling much better.

Following that happy event, we  drove across town to visit with his cousin Crystal, for about 2 hours - and I got a tour of the new house layout ;-)

It was evening when we started an enjoyable drive back to Long Beach, under the glow of moonrise.

I like seeing the moon shining brightly in the night sky.

We are happy with the way this Day unfolded :-)