Sunday, March 29, 2015

3 Days & 3 Nights. Watered Garden. Dishonest Scales. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Scripture teaches there were TWO Sabbaths that week.

chronology-jesus-christ-death-burial-resurrection.jpg (600×474)

The lie

"The Bible nowhere states that Jesus’ crucifixion was on a Friday! Because the Jewish weekly Sabbath came on Saturday, scholars ASSUME Jesus died on Friday - thus promoting a Good Friday hoax! The Bible clearly states the Jews kept OTHER Holy times besides the weekly Sabbath. The Jews also kept the annual Feast Days God had given Israel (Exodus 23:14-17, Leviticus 23, Numbers 28-29, etc.).

Scripture teaches there were TWO Sabbaths between the time when Jesus entered the tomb and the moment his resurrection took place! This is the KEY to understanding the correct sequence of events of what happened to Jesus our Savior!

"According to Jewish law, to be declared legally dead, a person had to be dead for three FULL days or more. Therefore, if Jesus had risen from the dead before 3 PM on the afternoon of Nisan 17, a weekly Sabbath (Saturday), He would not have been considered legally dead. As a result, His return to life would not have been considered a true resurrection from the dead.

"If He had been crucified on a Friday and restored to life on Sunday morning at sunrise (what Christianity calls Easter morning), His death WOULD NOT have been "valid" since only two nights and one day would have passed between Friday sunset and Sunday morning. In order for His death to be publicly recognized and acknowledged, it was necessary for Jesus to remain in the grave for three nights and three days before He was raised from the dead." (HBFV, Appendix J)"  More at: http://www.biblestudy.org/basicart/was-jesus-in-the-grave-for-three-days-and-nights.html

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'The Son of Man Will Be Three Days and Three Nights in the Heart of the Earth'

thurs-3-days-chart.jpg (2278×1041)

"Jesus Christ plainly said He would be entombed for three days and three nights. Can this be reconciled with a "Good Friday" crucifixion and burial and an "Easter Sunday" resurrection, which allows for barely a day and a half in the tomb? Or do the Gospels spell out a surprising, simpler solution that fits perfectly with what Jesus foretold?

The Son of Man Will Be Three Days and Three Nights in the Heart of the Earth

Source: DesignPics

In Matthew:12:38, some of the scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign to prove He was the Messiah. "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you," they told Him (New International Version).

But Jesus responded that the only sign He would give was that of the prophet Jonah: "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (verse 40).

Traditional view doesn't fit

More at: http://www.ucg.org/doctrinal-beliefs/son-man-will-be-three-days-and-three-nights-heart-earth/ article by Scott Ashley

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Like a Watered Garden

An Amazing Fact: "About 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Lack of water is the number one trigger of daytime fatigue.

Many people don’t realize how much their body needs water. The thirst mechanism in 37 percent of Americans is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger. Even if you are mildly dehydrated, it can slow down your metabolism by as much as three percent.

Drinking enough water can help you with a host of problems. The University of Washington studied dieters and discovered that drinking only one glass of water would shut down midnight hunger pangs in 100 percent of people. Joint pain in 80 percent of sufferers can be reduced by consuming 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. And only five glasses of water per day would decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45 percent.

What caught my attention in water research was that just a two percent drop in body water can contribute to fuzzy short-term memory, make it difficult to do simple math, and cause trouble focusing on reading a book or looking at a computer screen. Perhaps even our Bible study time would improve if we drank enough water!

When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well about water, He drew her attention to Himself as the source of living water. “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). It’s kind of like an artesian well that feeds from a higher altitude, causing pressure to naturally force the water to spring up.

The Bible verse for this morning describes the righteous as speaking words that are a source of life. We also can be like Jesus and talk with others about God. We can share our faith and point people to Christ, the Fountain of Living Water, who will never leave them feeling spiritually dehydrated. The purest water from Jesus comes from the Bible. When we allow the Lord to guide us, we will “be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail” (Isaiah 58:11).
Additional reading: Proverbs 10:1–15
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. - Proverbs 10:11

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Dishonest Scales Are an Abomination

Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight.

"God is a God of truth and honesty, and He cares about truth in all aspects of life. “A false balance is here put for all manner of unjust and fraudulent practices in dealing with any person, which are all an abomination to the Lord” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary, comment on Proverbs 11:1)."

For more about truth and honesty, see “Ninth Commandment: You Shall Not Bear False Witness.”

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Update:

There is some pollen in the air, so Jay washed the cars.  But they were soon looking yellowy again.

The yard was overgrown with clover, but couldn't be mowed because neither mower would start.  The man that fixes them was sick, so Jay had to bring his mower up here to tidy the place up.  The green blanket of clover looked quite nice though.

I went shopping by myself, and had to buy two tires and one wheel for the cargo trailer, as one wheel was a different size.  Jay put the new wheel on the trailer for me, and the other one will be put on as soon as Ray has painted it.

Jay's mother fell and had a black eye and bruised forehead, so when she was seeing double Jay didn't want to leave her to go to church with me.  Ray was out of town at his ex-sister-in-law's funeral, so I went by myself again.  I took some organic Kale and Apple soup, and it went down well.

The Bible readings were Lev. 1:1–6:7, Isa.43:21-44:23, and Heb. 9:1-14.  The teaching was about "Have We Really Surrendered All to Him?", Are we really dead to sin? Romans 6:1-7

Another bit of information that Pastor Bobbie brought up was that the Disciples had to teach the Gentiles so much more than they had to teach the Jews, as the Jews were well versed in the scriptures of the Old Testament.  So much of the Old Testament prophesied about the coming of Our Lord Jesus. (Yeshua)

image Finally, I have the red van back from the mechanic.  It now has a clean bill of health and everything is working like it should. 

I can only hope that it will be as reliable as the old Aerostar, which I advertised on Craigslist today.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

How Christian Is Easter? LEAVE LIVE ANIMALS OUT OF EASTER. When Life Doesn’t Make Sense. The Windsor Castle. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

How Christian Is Easter?

"Soon up to 2 billion people will celebrate one of the world’s most popular religious holidays—Easter. But curiously, the Bible nowhere promotes such an observance. Where did this day come from? How did it become so popular? And is it even Christian?

Decorative eggs in grass.

Source: 123RF

Where do you get your religious beliefs? Easter is the most important holiday for hundreds of millions of people. Anyone who claims to be Christian should want God to guide and lead them. But could you be misled?

I’m reminded of counterfeit money. Did you know that you could be carrying a worthless bill and not even know it? Counterfeiters are often successful because they make their fakes look like the real thing. Forgery is one of the oldest crimes in history, but it doesn’t just affect money.

Today a much greater counterfeit is so successful that most people don’t even realize they’re deceived. What counterfeit? The religion known as Christianity, as surprising as that may be! Jesus Himself warned about religious counterfeits, saying, “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew:24:24).

More at:  http://www.ucg.org/holidays-and-holy-days/how-christian-easter/ article by Steve Myers

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LEAVE LIVE ANIMALS OUT OF EASTER

By Cheryl Conley, TWRC Wildlife Center

leave live animals out of easter"Easter will be here soon. For those of us who work with animals, it’s also a time of dread. Thousands of baby chicks, ducks and bunnies are purchased every year as Easter gifts only to be abandoned or taken to shelters once the novelty has worn off. Sadly many are euthanized because homes cannot be found for them.

Some think it’s okay to release these animals into the wild. This means certain death. They cannot fend for themselves and will die of starvation, exposure to the elements or will be preyed upon by other animals. Don’t think that you can simply take the animal to a shelter either. Most animal welfare organizations are not equipped to handle animals given as Easter gifts. The only option for these groups is to try to rehome the animal and more often than not this is not possible and the animal must be euthanized."  More at: http://www.twrcwildlifecenter.org/leave-live-animals-out-of-easter/

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When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

"Sometimes we struggle to understand the events of our lives. When life is difficult, how can we make sense of what doesn’t seem to make sense?

When Life Does Not Make SenseThere are things in life that we have just accepted—difficult things, unfair things, tragic things for which we have no explanation. But the time may come when we’re forced to confront these questions. When troubles strike close to home, we may either accept the fact that we have no answers or perhaps come up with answers that may later be proved wrong. That takes us back to square one. Is it possible to find the answers we need?

What is the purpose of life anyway?

An elaborate experiment.  Solomon, one of the wisest men who ever lived (1 Kings 4:29-30), sought to understand many of these questions. He tried to find answers to life’s enigmas by experimenting with every form of pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1). He tried alcohol (verse 3). He tried beautiful gardens with plenty of fruit (verse 5). He acquired vast wealth (verse 7). No CDs or DVDs were available then, but he had the real thing—live music whenever he wanted (verse 8)!

In the end, this wise man came to a conclusion well worth our consideration: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter [all the things he tried]: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Solomon’s conclusion? Even though there will inevitably be difficulties, life can make sense when we live according to God’s instruction—when we live by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/christian-living/when-life-doesnt-make-sense/  by Harris Hlazo

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The Windsor Castle

An Amazing Fact: "The Windsor Castle is the longest-occupied palace in all of Europe.

Windsor Castle is also the largest inhabited castle in England. It’s one of the residences of Queen Elizabeth II. She spends many weekends of the year there, using it for entertaining private and state groups. Located in the English county of Berkshire, it has a long history with the British royal family.

The castle was originally built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of William the Conqueror. It was designed after the motte and-bailey structure, with a raised mound surrounded by a ditch. A strong wall of timber and rock was created around a keep, often with a drawbridge, which led to a courtyard inside.

image Towers were erected along the wall for defense purposes. In smaller castles, there might only be one tower that could house a few soldiers. Windsor began with a very simple plan, but over the last 950 years, new monarchs remodeled and created new additions. It now has three wards with the massive Round Tower occupying a central position. Many new towers were added over the years, including the Curfew, Edward III, Salisbury, Henry III, and the Garter Tower.

Windsor has survived many sieges since it was first built. In 1649 the English parliament almost voted to demolish the castle. A bill to destroy it lost by only one vote. It has been neglected and declared uninhabitable, but it now has been transformed into a luxurious palace. It has survived two World Wars. In fact, the royal family used the palace as a place of refuge during the bombings of World War II. In 1992 a large fire nearly destroyed a major portion of the castle.

In biblical times towers were built as places of refuge and safety, not just to make a fortress look nice. These strongholds could be more easily protected from approaching enemies since it placed defenders above attackers in a fortified structure. If a city wall was breached, people could run into a tower for safety. That’s apparently the picture presented to us in this proverb. God’s name is an impenetrable tower!

When Moses requested to see God, it was the Lord’s name that was presented to him. God’s name presents His character—gracious, loving, and compassionate (Exodus 34:6, 7). In other words, when we yield ourselves into God’s hands, the Lord, who is merciful, will be our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).
Additional reading: Proverbs 18:1–12
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. - Proverbs 18:10

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Update:

It has been another week of rainy days, smattered with a good day here and there.  Sweaters, coats and jeans one day, then tank top and shorts the next.  Heat one day, and AC the next.

Ray and I managed to sort out one of the lumber racks. Hopefully, if the rain stays away, we can sort out another one.  I like to keep the lumber, and short pieces, 'filed' in size order.

The Famotidine that the dermatologist prescribed has been making my life a bit better, as I haven't had such horrible flare-ups of the hives.  But, I have also been avoiding all nightshade veggies. http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/link-between-nightshades-chronic-pain-and-inflammation  and:  https://artistamyshealthjourney.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/list-of-nightshade-veggies-and-fruits/

I do not have any chronic pain or inflammation, but the nightshade veggies just seem to make me break out in hives. I really found that out after I had some eggplant, and also some bell peppers.  I have been avoiding anything with tomatoes or white potatoes in it, too, and that helps.  I have been eating sweet potatoes, quinoa, bulgur, http://www.bobsredmill.com/golden-bulgur.html and other kinds of veggies.

The red Dodge minivan is at the mechanics having a new blower motor, new door lock actuators and a few other things done to it.  So I am still driving old faithful, the blue Ford minivan.  After getting in and out of the Dodge, I realize how much easier it is than the Ford, as it is closer to the ground.  I have shrunk 2" in my old age.

Passover will be here soon, so Jay helped me move the fridge and vacuum every little place where leaven might be hiding.  "You shall remove leaven from your houses"
Exodus 12:15.  "Purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us."1 Corinthians 5:7    This must be where the idea of spring cleaning came from.

Yesterday, while I was at church, Nala, my foster cat, and BabyGirl, my foster dog, both were taken to our SPCA's Adoption Day, for the afternoon.  They seemed to enjoy themselves.  BabyGirl loves any sort of outing, and just adores it when the kids come in and play with her.  Shy Nala even came out of her bed in the display cage to let a little boy pet her.

Some people found a baby possum when it's mother got killed by a car.  They are bottle feeding it.  I found out that it is illegal to possess an opossum in TX, but they don't want to turn it over to the Wildlife rehabilitators. I hope the poor little thing will be alright, I know I wouldn't want it!  I have bottle-fed many kittens and puppies, (and people babies), but a possum…..!

The Bible readings were Psa. 91,92,93, Exo. 38:21-40:38, 1 Kings 7:51-8:10 and Rev. 15:5-8. The teaching was about Jesus being our Passover. Jesus was the wave sheath offering. The Passover is for all of us, not just the Jews.

Wheat Berry and Bulgur Turkey Apple Stuffing

For the church potluck I took Wheat Berry and Bulgur Turkey-Apple Stuffing, a Weight Watchers Recipe, but minus the Wheat berries. http://www.thedailymeal.com/pointsplus-wheat-berry-and-bulgur-turkey-apple-stuffing-recipe  I also took a blackberry/yogurt pie made with rice milk, which I had made in a graham cracker shell.  No left-overs to bring home.

The potluck was great, as usual, and we had a lot of good food, talk and fellowship in the dining hall, while it teemed down rain.  After a while, I looked outside at the grass parking area and my van was sitting in 2" of water.  I knew that I had better get out of there before it got any higher.   Fortunately, I was able to back out around some other cars and head towards home.

No more rain in the 10-day forecast except for Thursday.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

European Army? Avoid Pork. Alcohol Epidemic. Spiders. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Is a European Army on the Horizon?

"The European Commission president recently suggested that the EU should have its own army. How might this affect Europe’s influence on the world?

Is a European Army on the Horizon?

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker

In a recent interview with Die Welt am Sonntag, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that Europe is neither respected nor taken seriously on the world stage. He believes that a European army would help show the world, especially Russia, that the European Union is a force to be reckoned with and would have the capability to defend European values militarily.

Mr. Juncker believes that a European army would not necessarily replace NATO forces (which already represent 22 countries of the European Union), but would rather strengthen Europe. He said, “A European army would show the world that there will never again be war between its member states.”  

National or collective army?
Who would control a collective army?

More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/is-a-european-army-on-the-horizon/

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Why You Should Avoid Pork

"If you’re at all familiar with the Bible you’ll probably remember that in it God specifically instructed His people not to eat pork and shellfish. Many people are surprised to find this out, but in the Old Testament God warned us that the pig was an unclean animal–a scavenger and not to be eaten (Check out Leviticus 11).

imageNo matter how you think about it, pigs are a rather dirty animal. They are considered the scavengers of the farm (created to eliminate any waste on the farm), often eating anything they can find. This includes not only bugs, insects, and whatever leftover scraps they find laying around, but also their own feces, as well as the dead carcasses of sick animals, including their own young.

This in itself can explain why the meat of the pig can be so dirty or at the very least not so appetizing to consume. And while being ‘grossed out’ may or may not be a valid reason not to eat something it’s vital to understand a bit more about pork before reaching your own conclusion.

Pork 101: Know the Facts:

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 100 viruses come to the United States each year from China through pigs. There are some obvious concerns about this. Aside from not needing more viruses to fight off, some of these viruses can prove to be downright dangerous to humans.

The CDC recommends thorough cooking of pork as well as freezing the pork meat prior to cooking to kill off any worms. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel good about eating anything that I first have to kill off its worms to eat.

Of course, you’re probably familiar with H1N1, better known as ‘the swine flu.” This too is a virus that has made the leap from pig to human.

But H1N1 is not the only disease to fear from the pig. There are other sicknesses you can get from eating the meat of the pig.

Pork meat is loaded with toxins, more so than most other meats like beef and chicken."  Complete article at: http://draxe.com/why-you-should-avoid-pork/

This is how they live before they are eaten:  http://www.themeatrix.com/

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Alcohol Epidemic

An Amazing Fact: "An alcohol-related problem affects one in every four U.S. homes.

The uncontrollable desire for alcohol consumes about 14 million Americans. About 47 percent of industrial injuries and 40 percent of industrial fatalities are linked to alcohol consumption. Drinking also can increase violent behavior and accounts for 49 percent of murders, 52 percent of rapes, 21 percent of suicides, and 60 percent of child abuse cases. Of course, of all fatal accidents on the roads, over 50 percent involve alcohol.
Staggeringly, more than 50 percent of the people who are in prisons, hospitals, and mental institutions are there because of crime, illness, and birth defects related to alcohol. A wise Christian should have nothing to do with this drug.

There are basically four elements that indicate a person is struggling with alcohol. First, there is a strong craving to drink. Next, there is a loss of control to stop drinking once a person has begun. Then there is a physical dependence on alcohol, causing withdrawal symptoms that can be relieved by another drink. Finally, there is the issue of tolerance—the need to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to get a “high.”

Proverbs accurately describes the harmful effects of drinking alcohol. It warns that alcohol “bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper” (Proverbs 23:31, 32). Like all the destructive temptations of Satan, drinking liquor is portrayed as cool and smart and something that the beautiful do. But it is foolish and ugly. It not only destroys our capacity to think and act wisely, it harms those around us.

It’s not just the book of Proverbs that warns us regarding the evil consequences of alcohol: “Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). And, “Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink; who continue until night, till wine inflames them!” (Isaiah 5:11). Biblical wisdom teaches us to firmly avoid alcohol. If you or a loved one has been in the grips of drinking, admit the problem and get help. God wants you to be free from the serpent’s bite.
Additional reading: Proverbs 23:17–35
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. - Proverbs 23:29-30

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There’s Nothing to be Afraid of When It Comes to Spiders. Here Are 8 Reasons Why

3. They Steer Us Clear of Famine

"image No, seriously. You wouldn’t believe how crucial spiders are to organic farms. Okay, maybe you would, because here’s the truth: THEY EAT BUGS. LOTS OF BUGS. They eat insects and other pests who have been proven to be quite detrimental to crops. In this article by the Washington Post, it’s put quite simply: “If they don’t eat, we don’t eat.” Believe it!"  More at: http://blog.therainforestsite.com/reasons-to-love-spiders/

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Update:

Jay and I spent two mornings removing two toilets and repairing rotten floors in a neighbor's trailer.  Usual thing, they had a water leak and didn't do anything about it so it rotted out both bathroom floors.  I hate procrastination, especially where water is concerned.  It can do so much damage.

We took the third row bucket seats out of the Dodge van, and put them in the guest house attic.  Then we all gave the van a good vacuum and ran the carpet and upholstery shampooer over everything.  Especially the carpet on the passenger side where it had been leaking. We didn't wash it on the outside because it was too cold out, and and the leak needed to be fixed.

Not much else going on except rain and more rain, no one wanted to get out in that muddy mess.  But I did get the Dodge serviced in between the heavy rain drops, but had to shop-vac up the water that came in on the passenger side, when I got home.

On Monday, I took the van to Able Glass in Conroe.  They were very honest, they could have charged me to R & R the windshield, but that was not the problem.  He removed the wipers and that vent in front of the windshield.  Under there are two tubes for rainwater to drain to the ground, and they were stopped up with old leaves, pine needles and just nasty old sludge.  The van hadn't been kept under cover since Sam bought it, but it is now!  An old sage I knew said "Don't get a car unless you have a garage to keep it".  My garage is a workshop and full of tools, but I have 3 carports.

While the four new tires were being installed, I went to the thrift shop near by.  I bought a nice black and white jacket, and a turquoise blouse. 

At the Dodge dealer, I had the remote made so that I can remotely lock and unlock the van. This remote makes either of the two side doors slide open, and the back hatch open and close, too.  Gee, I wanted a vehicle with buttons, and I got 'em all! 

I didn't have time to get the front end alignment checked, so I'll do that another day.  When I do have to go anywhere, I am still driving my old faithful, the blue Aerostar with the white roof, and no buttons at all.

On Friday, a visit to a doctor, a dermatologist.  He wasn't much help, he took one look at me and said "You've got hives', as if I didn't already know that!!  But he did prescribe some Famotidine, which is like Pepcid, but is good for hives, too.  Who knew??  I just hope that I am not allergic to that also.

After that, a quick stop at the same thrift shop.  I get bargains every time I go in there, this time a study Bible, a blue shirt and a two-tone blue rain jacket. The consignment shop where I get rid of extra clothes and things, was closed, so those items are still in my blue van.  When I got home I made big crockpot of organic potato, carrot, celery and onion soup for the potluck.

At church, the readings were Exo. 35:1-38:20, 1 Kings 7:30-50, and 2 Cor.9:1-15. The teaching was about "Scriptural Persuasion."  We need to know that the Bible is true and to have faith in the Lord.  Just like Abraham's faith when he was asked by God to offer his beloved son, Isaac up on the altar.  (Heb.11 tells of all the ancients who had faith.)

I was going to make a dessert for the potluck, but we had so many pies, fresh fruit and desserts the week before, that I didn't.  This week no one brought any dessert so we had different kinds cookies and donuts that are kept there in the freezer for emergencies.  Didn't bother me, I don't eat white flour and sugar anyway, especially not donuts.

As the weather has finally dried up we have been working in the yard today.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Purim, Jews and Netanyahu's Warning. New Car Smell. Sticks and Stones. Military Superpower. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Purim, Jews and Netanyahu's Warning

image "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech this week comes at the same time as the Jewish festival of Purim. Interesting." http://youtu.be/P1VGqQr1Yoo

"The news that I’ve been watching is abuzz with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled speech before the United States Congress this week. You know, it’s interesting – I didn’t realize it until putting together some of the dates that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech just two days before the Jewish celebration of Purim, an ancient celebration that dates all the way back to an event in the book of Esther in the Bible during the ancient Persian Empire. The Jews were in captivity and Persia was the big kid on the block.

Back at that time, there was an effort made that is told in the book of Esther to exterminate the Jews. It’s history’s first holocaust. Anti-Semitism is a very, very old evil. In Esther:3:13, it makes this one statement, and I think it captures the danger that was there for the Jews in the Persian Empire at the time, that “letters were sent by couriers into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is in the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.”  Again, history’s first effort to exterminate the Jews. The story in Esther shows that it didn’t happen due to the courage of the young Jewess named Esther, who along with her uncle Mordecai thwarted the effort that was being hatched at that time."

Rest of transcript: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/conflicts-and-war/purim-jews-and-netanyahus-warning

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Thoughts on Netanyahu's Speech.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

"A few thoughts about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech before a joint session of Congress.

The Prime Minister gave what may go down to be considered a "Churchillian" speech that warned the world, not just America, of the danger posed by a nuclear-armed Iranian regime. It comes at a time when America and other nations seem willing to lift sanctions against Iran and give them time to continue developing a nuclear weapons capability. We are living in dangerous times, and this speech took the full measure of the moment.

Netanyahu clearly said that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable to Israel. He also was clear that sanctions against the nation should not be lifted. Israel, he said, will not be passive. They will defend themselves. The Jewish people are capable of defending themselves, even if they must stand alone.

Iran and ISIS are competing for the crown of militant Islam. Both want to impose a militant regime, first on the region and then on the rest of the world. Their only contest is who will rule this regime. America should not think that Iran is an ally in opposing ISIS. The enemy of your enemy is your enemy!

He went on to say the greatest danger facing our world is the marriage of militant Islam with nuclear weapons. To win the battle against ISIS and allow Iran nuclear weapons will be to lose the war. That cannot be allowed to happen.

While Israel is a firm ally of America and the relationship is long and strong, at the end it is not a direct party to the negotiations with Iran. Other larger nations are making decisions that will impact the future of Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East. It is almost like they are pawns in a larger struggle. The outcome of the moves being made are unclear.

Netanyahu made references in his speech that mark the common heritage America and Israel have. Both countries, he said, are founded on the hope of a promised land offering the hope of freedom for its people. He mentioned a Robert Frost poem and standing at the fork of two rods as he described the momentous time before us. At the end of the speech he motioned to the depiction of Moses on the wall of the House chamber and quoted the prophet, saying, "Be strong and resolute, neither fear nor dread them".

This common heritage is far deeper than the Prime Minister and his audience understands. The destiny of the two nations is linked by roots that go deep into the story of mankind. The God of Abraham is guiding both nations.

It was a speech that laid out a clear warning of what Iran is capable of doing if it gets a nuclear weapon. Currently Iran is achieving its aims on at least five fronts in the Middle East. If it is unshackled and freed to pursue a nuclear weapon it will create an imbalance of power in the region that will rework the boundaries for everyone.

My reference to Winston Churchill at the top compares today's speech to those warnings given by Churchill during the late 1930s when Nazi Germany was rearming and threatening the peace of Europe. There is a difference. Churchill gave those speeches in Parliament, and the Prime Minister of England was present and listened. Today, President Obama was not in the House chamber. Reports said he was busy doing other work and did not hear the speech. Too bad. He missed a significant warning. Let's hope others were listening."  From: http://www.ucg.org/blog/thoughts-netanyahus-speech-today/  by Darris McNeely. 

As one commenter remarked "Mr. Churchill was ignored and considered a nuisance in the 1930s for his persistent warnings regarding the re-armament and ambitions of Nazi Germany. War came and he was still sidelined.  It wasn't until one of our allies was attacked that we found ourselves immersed in a war that was to become worldwide that Mr. Churchill was listened to. I fear the same thing is happening today."

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Wanting That New Car Smell

by Clyde Kilough, Editor, Discern Magazine.

"Is anyone out there who can drive the car?

President Barack Obama surprised a lot of people recently when, interviewed on ABC television, he candidly acknowledged Americans are ready for a new leader. They want “that new car smell,” he said, continuing the metaphor with, “They want to drive something off the lot that doesn’t have as much mileage as me.”

It’s really about the driver, though, not the car, so Americans will soon start searching for the next savior who they hope can take the wheel and successfully negotiate the dangerous challenges they face. Every candidate will promise they have the skills, but history says they’ll end up where Mr. Obama is now, having basked in the glory of the great office, only to later wither under the heated scrutiny of one’s ineffectiveness.

Buckle your seat belts when you’re going off the cliff?

The president is hardly alone. Leaders around the world today share that fate, as they grapple with problems that are simply bigger than their abilities to solve them. Our lead article, “The State of the World 2015,” highlights four serious global threats. We could have written about eight or 12—so many are looming that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon alerted the world that its “fasten seat belt” warning light is on! Transportation analogies must be the flavor-of-the-month imagery of world leaders.

Well, I don’t know about you, but fastening my seat belt as the world teeters on the edge doesn’t boost my sense of security one bit! I’m more concerned with who’s driving—who knows how to back us away from the precipice? Who can show a little problem solving? Who can chart a new course for a better future? Who can rally us around that common cause? I don’t see anyone. Do you?

Of all the perils the world faces, perhaps the greatest is the dearth of leaders who have the ability, knowledge and power to do anything about them!

The time for change is not just for Americans— the whole world needs a new leader, someone else to drive the car.

When problems outstrip solutions

Do you want that “new car smell”? After thousands of years now, is human government smelling pretty old? Then it’s time to look elsewhere—for a new driver, Jesus Christ, and the coming Kingdom of God!" More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/discern/jan-feb-2015/wanting-that-new-car-smell/

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Sticks and Stones: 6 Ways to Improve Your Words

Sticks and Stones"The old saying that “words can never hurt me” is far from reality. How can we make sure our words aren’t destructive but are a force for good?

It happened in the cereal aisle. I was so stunned that I stood there, frozen in place, shocked by the cruelty of a mother’s words.

The store was crowded, and we were taking turns working our way down the aisle. A mother and a couple of children took their turn. The mom told a girl about 12 years old to reach an item on a lower shelf. The girl reached down to get the item.

As her hand touched the item she thought her mother wanted, the mother screamed at her using a string of profanity and asked if she was stupid. She then proclaimed she had to do everything herself, pushed past the girl and got the item she wanted.

The girl did not react except to back out of the way. She wrapped her arms around her body and, with an emotionless mask on her face, walked down the aisle behind her grumbling mother. She was apparently used to the cruelty of the woman’s words.

We’re probably very familiar with the adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” In reality, words can hurt worse and leave more debilitating wounds than a stick or stone.

God’s view on words

How important is it to God that we use our words positively? Matthew 12:36 and 37 tell us that we will be justified or condemned by every idle word we speak."  More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/communication/sticks-and-stones/

Author Gary Smalley said, “Affirming [encouraging] words from moms and dads are like light switches. Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child’s life and it’s like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities.”

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Military Superpower

An Amazing Fact: "For about 500 years the Roman Empire was the undisputed military powerhouse that conquered most of the Western world. This was in part due to their heavy investment in their military and war machines. Today, there are about 195 countries in the world, and most spend something for their military budget. Of all these countries, however, the United States of America spends the most, taking up 42 percent of the world’s military expenditures. In other words, almost half of the world’s military investment is made by one country!

If you added up the military budgets of Europe, China, Russia, Japan, the Middle East, Australia, East Asia, and Latin America, you’d still have a sum less than what the United States spends on its armed forces. For example, just in 2010 the United States spent $680 billion on the military, whereas the country in second place, China, spent only $85 billion. Interestingly, while the U.S. military budget accounts for 40 percent of global arms spending, it is made up of 4.06 percent of its GDP, which is more than France’s 2.6 percent and less than Saudi Arabia’s 10 percent. It’s actually low for the United States, which used 37.8 percent of the GDP in 1944. Its lowest point was 3 percent in 1999- 2001. But, of course, the word “low” is a relative term when you look at the huge amount spent. No wonder the United States remains, by far, the most powerfully armed nation on Earth— and the “world’s only military superpower.”

The book of Revelation identifies two beasts in the last days that will try to compel a uniform international worship. It will certainly require a large military to enforce this. The Bible says, “So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’” (Revelation 13:4). In describing the beast of the earth, John wrote, “He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed” (Revelation 13:15). What nation on Earth has the power to enforce such legislation?
KEY BIBLE TEXTS:  For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. - Psalms 44:6

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Update:

ROCK 103's photo.

 

Borrowed from Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also:

Why is Texas weather so unpredictable and what kind of insane weather can we expect next?

"Texas weather is so unpredictable because of all the fronts coming through. I mean we have cold fronts and hot fronts coming from both side of the continent all the time. That's why its hot one minute then thunder storming the next.  So we're not really expecting anything majorly crazy but when you live in Texas you never know."

and:

'I gotta agree on this one.  ;-)  --CG'

 

Borrowed from Jake.

 

 

 

 

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Another week of yo-yo weather.  Partly nice, partly rainy, partly just bloody cold!!

On Monday, Ray and I went to the western edge of Houston to pick up a navy blue Dodge Caravan that was advertised.  Very disappointing.  It was a ratty piece of garbage especially for only 9 years old. Engine light on, oily tailpipe, and the filthy headliner was ripped all the way from front to back twice and hanging down.  The seats had holes, and were dirty.  It was advertised as 'near new' tires, but some were weather cracked.  Why would anyone let a car get in that shape, and especially try to sell it like that.   Seeing that awful van made me appreciate Sam's red one that I have been looking at, as it is clean and neat.  My 200,000+ mile Puddle Jumper (88 Mercury Tracer Wagon) is 28 years old but the engine, transmission, cloth door upholstery, cloth seats, floor carpet and exterior are still good.  No tears, rips or worn spots.

It wasn't a wasted trip, on the way back through Houston we stopped at the laminate place at Garden Oaks and picked up a 12' long piece of Formica for Ray's kitchen.  Maybe when the weather straightens up we will be able to remodel his kitchen.

Honesty pays!!  Two weeks ago, I had taken Sam, the neighbor down the street who had the red Dodge Caravan to the Dodge dealer to get a key made, as he had lost his.  He also paid for a remote to be made.  The van has to be taken to the Dodge dealer for them to make the remote, but it couldn't be driven there because of it's present condition. 

Well, once we had a key I was able to drive it to my place to check it out.  As I said on Feb 23rd, I had decided that there was too much wrong with it, at that price, even though I liked it.  Well, I went back to the Dodge house to get the refund for the remote for Sam, as he has had a stroke and can't do a lot of things.  He is very difficult to understand unless you know him.  When I took him the $100.08 for the remote, he said that because I was so honest that he wanted me to have the van at a very discounted price.  I jumped on it, paid him, and he signed the title and 'Application for a TX Title'. On Friday, my insurance company gave me a temporary binder, so I got new tags and had it transferred into my name.   It is now all mine. 

Some of the problems that we thought it had have turned out to be not so bad.  The engine light went off, must be the 2¼ qts. of oil that I had put in it that fixed that.  Found out that the airbag light is not required to be off to pass inspection.  Being vertically challenged, I sit so close to the steering wheel that I don't know if I want it working or not.  The blower motor is going to be replaced by the mechanic down the street, that should make that quiet.  Not quite sure if it is the heater core that is leaking, as I also found out that the gasket on that side of the windshield has come out of position. Our local glass shop can fix that.  I moved it into the carport out of the rain, so we should be able to find out. It will still need a new set of tires, servicing, then the tranny, engine, front end, belts, hoses etc. checked out.  But those are things that anyone would do for a vehicle that is 'new' to them.

Ray and I slipped between the rain drops and put a new lock on the shed to match all the other new aluminum colored door locks and deadbolts around here.  The brass ones had tarnished and looked terrible.

I went to church by myself with a crockpot full of turkey chili and beans.   It went down well in such chilly weather.  The Bible readings were Psa.145,147, Exo.30:11-34:35, 1 Kings 18:1-59 and 2 Cor. 3:1-18.  The teaching was about The Passover Sacrifice.  1 Cor. 5:7 says that the Messiah is our Passover sacrifice, and Passover is about 4 weeks away. Before Passover, the last person to offer a sacrifice to the God of his father Isaac, was Jacob. The first Passover service offered lamb as a memorial and the Passover was kept by Jesus and his disciples (Matt.26:17-29, Luke 22) before and after His death, and is still kept today.   Jesus said "Do this in remembrance of me". Luke 22:19

As always, we all had a good feed and conversation in the dining hall.

Now, it is raining, again, and will be tomorrow, all day.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Winter Work. Cancer: Is There Hope? Could You Eat on $3.37 a Day? Baking Secrets. God Never Gets Lost. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Winter Work

"The winter months should be more than just a time of waiting for the spring Holy Days. Let’s make them productive as we plan, prepare, and look for ways to help others.

chart of the crops and months in Israel

There is always a sense of sadness for me as we finish observing God’s Holy Days for another year. For those of us whom God has called, the winter months can seem bleak and tiresome with the bombardment of the pagan holidays of Halloween, Christmas, New Years, and Easter.

Here in Wisconsin we are reminded of this bleakness as we face the winter weather as well. The farms and gardens are done producing for another year. The weather turns colder and windier. The daylight portion of the day shortens. There is a sense of the year being finished until we see new life and vegetation blooming in the spring.

God had the Bible recorded for us from the perspective of Israel – its location, its rhythm of life, its culture. We can glean much from Scripture if we consider this and miss much if we don’t. Even when it comes to aspects of agriculture, the Bible speaks from a perspective of what would take place in Judea. From a northern hemisphere perspective, the growing season is done for the year, but that is not true in Judea.

In the land of Israel there was still work to be done after the fall harvest and Holy Days. Farmers needed to prepare the fields for the winter planting (the ground there doesn’t freeze solid like it does here in Wisconsin). Equipment needed to be repaired and prepared before the next year’s season. Crops were taken to market, put up for storage, or preserved for future use. Around October/November there were olives and figs to harvest. Mid-winter brought the citrus harvest, and the “late rains” which helped to soften the ground for the spring plantings. Come March/April there was preparation for the barley harvest before Passover.

There is a great spiritual parallel in considering what we should be doing over the winter months. The coming months, while we wait for the spring, are a time to be active, planning and preparing ahead. In light of that, why not use this day to make a list of those things you can work on for your spiritual development this winter? Consider…

  - How can I serve the congregation better?

  - What did I learn this past year? What was God teaching me that I should pay more attention to?

  - What study can I do over the winter to be better prepared for the spring Holy Days?

  - What is my plan to get to know the local members better?

  - What should I be doing to be ready as part of the Bride of Christ?

  - What does God expect me to be doing now?

  - What section of the Bible will I use as my winter reading project?

I encourage you to make the most of these days, and each one that follows until we are once again reviewing God’s Holy Days. Let’s do the work we need to be doing while there is time to do it (John:9:4)!"  From: http://www.ucg.org/youth/vt-sabbath-focus-winter-work/ 

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Cancer: Is there hope?

"Thousands die of cancer every year, begging the question: are there things we can do to help prevent cancer? Discover simple and effective ways to reduce your risk of cancer with Dr. Neil Nedley, president of Nedley Health Solutions, and Pastor John Bradshaw in this inspiring program."

Video at: http://www.itiswritten.com/television/episodes/9521

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Could You Eat on $3.37 a Day?

Healthy Diet Plan

Story at-a-glance

"A typical family using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the official name for food stamps, will have about $3.37 per person, per day, with which to buy food.

People on tight budgets tend to opt for the cheapest, most filling foods, such as white bread, factory-farmed ground beef, and ramen noodles, which are detrimental to your health.

New research found the difference between buying food for the most healthy diet pattern or the least healthy diet pattern came out to about $1.50 per day.

Bone broth, fermented vegetables, and sprouts are examples of inexpensive foods that are phenomenal for your health.

Growing your own vegetables can also save you considerable money on produce; 53 money-saving tips for buying organic are also included."   Complete article at: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/01/05/healthy-diet-pattern.aspx

also:

Healthy Baking Secrets Revealed!

Story at-a-glance

image "With a few healthy ingredient substitutions, you can prepare delicious, nutritious, guilt-free baked goods in your own kitchen.

Five top baking secrets are revealed—and they include butter and chocolate."  Complete article at:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/01/05/healthy-baking-secrets.aspx

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God Never Gets Lost.

An Amazing Fact: "Scientists are still mystified by how animals know when it’s time to migrate. And how do they unerringly find their way back to the same beach, stream, or feeding ground image they’ve not seen since birth? Consider the green turtles that swim from their feeding grounds off the coast of Brazil to tiny Ascension Island about 3,000 miles away, which they might not have visited since they were hatched. After depositing their eggs, they swim back to Brazil!

image The Arctic tern has the longest migration of any animal, winging each year from their nesting grounds in the Arctic North to the Antarctic and back, a roundtrip journey of nearly 25,000 miles!

These migratory habits of animals baffle scientists. Do they chart their courses by the sun, moon, or stars? Does the earth’s magnetic field direct them? What inner sense did God plant within every species (birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and even crustaceans) to move such long distances on a seasonal basis? Especially amazing is their return is not just to a general locale, but to a very specific spot!

The God who created all the animals of the earth and placed within them a homing instinct is the God who said to Sarah, “I will return to you” (Genesis 18:14). God doesn’t get lost. The Lord doesn’t need a GPS to find us. God doesn’t need us to wear an ankle bracelet to track our movements. Our Creator always knows where we are. God promised Sarah that she would have a child of promise. She laughed. “I am old!” she chuckled. Yet the Lord guaranteed she would have a baby.
At the appointed time the Lord returned and blessed Abraham and Sarah with a child. Just as God sets appointed times within the creatures of the earth to migrate, so the Lord sets special times for us. Are you tuned in to the God who comes to you?"
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. - Genesis 18:14

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Update:

Another week of yo-yo weather.  Maybe a day or two of nice, and then several where the plants had to be covered up again because it was going to freeze at night.  Right now it's raining again.  Soon we will have ideal weather, but it won't last long before it gets hot.

The nice days always seemed to be on the days when we had other things to do other than get caught up on the yard work around here. 

The doctor visit was just a waste of time.  She said that there was nothing that could be done about my red, bloodshot eye, and it is still there, but not covering quite so much of the white area. But after the doctor, Jay and I had a good time in Conroe going to the lumber yards and thrift shops.  We found a new thrift shop which also takes consignments, so I see a vanload going their way soon!  There I bought a cozy, soft, grey turtleneck, and after washing it, I wore it to church with some grey and maroon accessories. 

Neither Jay nor Ray went to church with me.  I took a crockpot full of chicken spaghetti which all disappeared.  I was glad as I am not fond of chicken.  I buy it, cook it, then I don't want to eat it, so I take it to the church potluck. I arrived early so that I could help the pastor's wife.  No work or cooking is done on the Sabbath, but pre-cooked dishes are stuck in the oven to warm, salads brought out of the fridge, the disposable plates, napkins and plastic ware replenished etc.

The Bible readings were Psa. 98,99,100, Exo. 27:20-30:10, 43:10-27 and Phil. 4:10-20.

The Teaching was about "Punishment and Salvation".  One instance is in Num. 21:4-9.   The Israelites were griping about eating the manna that God had provided, so the Lord sent venomous snakes to bite the ungrateful people.  They realized how unappreciative they had been for being delivered from the slavery in the hands of the Egyptians, and said to Moses.  "We have sinned when we spoke against the Lord and you, Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us".  So Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses "Make a bronze snake and put it up on a pole.  Then when anyone was bitten and looked at the bronze snake, he lived."  (NIV Bible)  That was Punishment and Salvation.

The potluck was super, as usual, and we all sat around talking for quite a while after we had finished eating.  There always seem to be so many biblical questions and answers that are bandied around the dining hall.

The warm grey turtleneck was great, as it was cold.  The forecast said it would warm up, but it was just stayed a cold day.