Ebola and "The Last Ship." "Left Behind". Burrowing Owls. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Ebola and "The Last Ship"

Source: freeimages.com/frimlik

"This summer I’ve watched several episodes of a new cable TV series called “The Last Ship”. The premise of the show is that a deadly virus has spread around the world, decimating the population, and a doctor on board an uninfected U.S. naval vessel is the only hope of developing a vaccine to save the world.

The plot twists and challenges arising in each episode recalls the original “Star Trek”, but the reality of the current Ebola outbreak in Africa forcefully reminds me that the show is only fiction. This current epidemic is a very real danger that can’t be solved before the next commercial break.

I had to ask myself, have we gotten so used to fictional solutions for problems that we fail to think properly about real ones? The virus on TV is one that I can forget about when I hit the “off” button. It only kills fictional people who normally don’t even appear on screen. However the current Ebola outbreak has already killed several hundred people who ARE real—even though they are far away and also normally don’t appear on screen.

It would be easy to assume that the disease won’t come to the West and affect us, but that would be a mistake. The epidemic is only one plane ride away. In 1918 a world-wide flu epidemic brought on by WWI troop movements killed more than half a million Americans, and possibly as many as 100 million individuals around the globe.

In watching the show, I’m certain that the doctor on “The Last Ship” will develop the needed vaccine; that’s the way it works on TV! Real disease often doesn’t work that way, though. Doctors have been trying to find a cure for Ebola since it first appeared in 1976 and killed 90% of the people it infected. Fortunately, earlier outbreaks have faded—and hopefully this one will too. But it has not been because of human efforts.

What is the solution for an epidemic that is real and not on TV? The Bible taught the old-fashioned practice of quarantine long before scientists had learned how bacteria and viruses spread disease. That is still the best way to stop sickness from spreading.

However, Bible prophecy tells us that in the time before Jesus Christ’s return pestilence (another way of saying disease) will rage all around the world (See Matt:24:7). That could include Ebola and/or any number of other deadly bugs. Fortunately, scripture also tells us that Christ will return to save mankind from extinction (Matt:24:22). As much as I enjoy a happy ending on TV, this real life happy ending is going to be so much better!"  From: http://www.ucg.org/blog/ebola-and-last-ship/

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A new Left Behind movie is By Cecil Maranville soon to hit theaters. Sadly, more than the characters in the story, it’s actually the truth that is being left behind.

Left Behind, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, is being brought to the big screen again. This time it will feature Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage and a bigger budget. New and old fans will follow an intense fictional plot framed by the theory that Jesus will snatch believers and innocent children away to heaven just before the world plunges into its darkest hour.

This film’s storyline is based on the rapture theory.

Rapture fact-check

But I don’t want to write about the movie—I want to give you a rapture fact challenge.

Most of the following statements are based on the book used for the movie (published in 1996) and other books from the LaHaye-Jenkins series. The third statement is about the first prominent teacher of the rapture theory. The last two statements, mentioned in Left Behind, are directly about the Bible.

So test your knowledge of the facts on this topic by answering “true” or “false” to each of the following statements.

1. The Left Behind books and movies present Bible prophecy accurately.
2. When the rapture is complete, all believers will be in heaven and all unbelievers will be in hell.
3. John Nelson Darby, a preacher in the 1830s, began the widespread teaching of the rapture theory because people no longer believed that they would go to heaven.
4. All believers have a responsibility to convince all other people to “accept the Lord.”
5. Jesus and the early apostles believed in and taught the rapture theory.
6. Christian churches through all ages have believed and taught the rapture theory.
7. Russia will attack Israel and be defeated by supernatural events years before Jesus returns, according to Ezekiel 38.
8. The Tribulation will last seven years.
9. Every child up to approximately 12 years of age will automatically be included in those who rise to meet Christ. (This includes not only newborns, but also unborn children at all stages of development within their mothers.)
10. All that is necessary to be “saved” is to say a brief prayer acknowledging you are a sinner (such as being selfish) and accepting Jesus’ death for your sins.

The answers

The answer for each of the 10 preceding statements is false. That might shock those who assumed that the Left Behind series represents the Bible accurately. The biblical truth is that there is no rapture."  More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/end-times/rapture/left-behind/

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And in the Animal Kingdom:

The Burrowing Owl's Cozy Home

"Bison droppings and prairie dog holes make the perfect home for a family of prairie dwelling burrowing owls."

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Update:

Just the usual things going on, selling/shipping aloe plants, and another Bible, then taking care of my two foster animals; BabyGirl the black lab, and Nala the "moo-cat" (white with black splotches). 

The two batteries in my motor home were old and had to be replaced and it still wouldn't start, needs a fuel pump.  Then, blow-me-down, the battery went out in my van, but the old Motorcraft one was 10 years old.  Then the battery on the trailer wouldn't holding a charge, so that was four batteries in one week.  I had just put a new one in the Puddle Jumper about a month ago!

Ray and I went to church yesterday.  Jay had hurt his leg, anyway he is presently hanging around with some local gal so we don't see much of him.

The Bible readings were Psalms 84 and 85, Numbers 31-36, Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4-5,and 4:1-2.  The talk was about "Relative to Time", how the Lord God mentions that there are 'set times' to do everything. 

We had taken a big old 18,000 BTU AC to put in the dining hall, as theirs was not working too well, but it wouldn't fit in the window.

The potluck was delicious, as usual.  I  took some 'Bubble and Squeak', a British dish made from left-over mashed potatoes and cabbage.  Except mine wasn't left-over, it was newly cooked.  British mashed potatoes aren't whipped to a frenzy, they are stiffer so that they will sop up the gravy.  The milk is always heated before it touches the potatoes.  We had a great day.

Ants. Second Version of the Fourth Commandment. Dealing With Difficult People. Toxic Cosmetics. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

The Wise Ant

An Amazing Fact: "Ants are the most numerous creatures on Earth. It has been estimated that the combined weight of the world’s ants is greater than the combined weight of all humans on the planet. We also admire ants for their ability to pull 30 times, and lift 50 times, their own weight. That would be equivalent to you or me out-pulling a Clydesdale or lifting an elephant. Ants understand team work too! If necessary, they will make their bodies into ladders to climb on, or rafts to float on.

Ants are also among the most organized insects. Some ant species herd aphids like domestic livestock. The ants and aphids are engaged in a symbiotic relationship in which each benefits from the other. On the one hand, the ants actually care for the aphids and protect them from ladybugs. In exchange, the ants receive nutritious “honeydew” excreted by the aphids. The ants tap the aphids with their antennae to let them know they would like some honeydew sap. Then they carry the “honey” back to the nest to feed others. While tending their flock, the ants may redistribute the aphids on the host plant to prevent local overcrowding. Before winter, these ants will even carry off aphid eggs to start a new herd of aphids in the spring.

Some ants are also farmers. Leafcutter ants from the tropical forests of Central and South America live in huge underground colonies, ruled by a single queen, that may contain as many as 8 million ants. The largest workers leave the nest and go out foraging for leaves and petals. They collect the leaves by cutting them with their sharp jaws into small pieces. They then carry the pieces back home. But they don’t eat the leaves. Instead, these resourceful insects use them to grow their own food! Back at the nest, smaller worker ants chew the leaves into tiny pieces to form large compost heaps. This compost grows the fungus on which they feed. These fungus gardens deep underground are carefully tended by tiny gardener ants.

The Bible says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6). When we study God’s creation, even the lowly ant can inspire us and give us wisdom.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. - Proverbs 6:6-8

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18. Ants

"The ants are also included in the list of most intelligent animals on the earth and they come to number nineteen on the list. Though the ants are small, yet they have the ability to creatively withstand calamities that would wipe other species. They do different tasks like building nest and hunting for food by coordinating in massive groups. They also accommodate to their environment very well."

From: http://inspirich.com/intelligent-clever-animals/

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A Second Version of the Fourth Commandment

Deuteronomy 5:12-15

“Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.”

In this second listing of the 10 Commandments, the Sabbath command is tied in with God’s role as Deliverer, while in Exodus 20 the Sabbath command was connected with God as our Creator. The basic command itself is the same, but the two complementary versions give us a broader view of God’s roles and the meanings of the Sabbath day. For more on the Fourth Commandment, download our free booklet The Sabbath: A Neglected Gift From God."   From: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/a-second-version-of-the-fourth-commandment/

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Article  at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/friendship/dealing-with-difficult-people/

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Watch the latest Beyond Today video at beyondtoday.tv

August: This World Is Crazy!

"We’ve all been thinking it as we followed the news in the past weeks: conflict has flared up all around the world. 
Violence on a scale that brings comparisons to the genocides of World War II. Israel is in an ongoing battle with the terrorist group Hamas, which planned to tunnel beneath Israeli communities and destroy them on the Day of Trumpets, later this fall. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are still under constant rocket attack.

 
Sunni Islamic terrorists in Iraq are carrying out unspeakably horrific violent acts, including genocide against Iraqi Christians, Kurds, and Yazidis, who follow a syncretic religion that involves a mixture of Zoroastrianism and Islam. This evil army seemed to spring out of nowhere, and yet is very well-equipped to attack, carrying with it much of the conflict originating in the on-going Syrian civil war.

This attitude or spirit of violence has spread to the United States, exemplified by the riots in the state of Missouri. The reaction to the death of a young black man, shot in the line of duty by a young white police officer, has become an excuse for violence and looting that threatens to destroy the stability of communities in the St. Louis area.

Only a few months ago, most of this was under the radar and seemingly unnoticed beyond the horizon. The heat of summer seems augmented this year by the heat of war.

Meanwhile, many are having a shot at temporary fame by filming themselves pouring buckets of ice over their heads in a feel-good campaign for ALS on Facebook! 
Something is disconnected here. This world is crazy!

It’s ironic, isn’t it, that the many copies of the Bible online and in print offer solutions to all these problems, and yet mankind won’t go there, or to turn God for help. Instead, human beings lean on their own philosophies, most of which only leads to further conflict.

Sometimes when we say, “well, when Christ returns this will all be fixed,” it can feel powerless and far off in the distant future. Yet the confluence of world events is rapidly leading to a worldwide condition which will very plainly only be solvable by the real Jesus Christ. “Real” because there will be many who will try to convince everyone that only they have the solutions to peace and prosperity. But such religious imposters will leave only violence in their wake, just as the Nazis did in World War II.

So how can you, as a person, navigate this crazy world? A world that may seem stable (most of us can still go to the grocery store and get milk and eggs, and all the things we need without fearing for our lives). But like this summer, just over the horizon may lurk dangerous instability, unseen until we have to deal with it in our daily lives, hour by hour.
Truly the only solution is to look to God. And looking to God doesn’t just mean thinking happy thoughts, singing songs, and giving yourself a hug. It means getting into God’s word, the Bible to read and study it with the help of accurate study aids, many of which are available at UCG.org. It means praying for God to open your mind to see clearly who He is and what it means to obey him. The understanding we have as part of the true, biblical Church of God should motivate us to seek the spiritual sanity of a stronger relationship with our Creator as the antidote to this crazy world!"  From: http://eepurl.com/1wPtD

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Toxic Cosmetics ~ Ingredients to Avoid

"The Story of Cosmetics, examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo.

See why reading labels on your cosmetics, personal care, baby care, pet care and household products is so important to your health. This may shock you! Avoid toxic cosmetics that contain chemicals that may be harmful to your health. For more information, visit http://www.ToxicCosmetics.com
Please comment and share how you feel knowing about the toxic ingredients in cosmetics that you may be using."  More at:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pfq000AF1i8

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Update:

The article about dealing with difficult people is very much on our minds, as we have had a spate of that around here.  More about all that later, when some things are resolved.

Baby Girl went to the vet to have an epulis removed:  http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/diseasesandconditions/f/Epulis.htm

 

She looks so much better without that pink thing sticking out of her mouth from her gums.  Nala went too as she wasn't feeling so well.  She has contracted that Haw's Syndrome that the other cat had that I picked up from the Habitat to take to the vet in mid-July , so she can't go to Adoption Days until she is over that.  She got 2 shots.

Chris, the foster mom who lives near here took us to the vet, that was so wonderful of her.  She knows I dislike going anywhere by myself in the afternoons in this heat.  I always worry that the animals and I will get caught in a traffic jam and my van's air conditioning does not like that.  I wouldn't want the animals to suffer.

Ray, Jay and I have been busy getting some of the RVs that are in my side yard cleaned up, hoping to sell them.  Finally trying to get my motor home going again.  I had to buy a new battery, but it still won't start.  Might be a fuel pump.  Jim the mechanic will come and look at it.

We worked some more on the closing in part of the carport in front of the storeroom.  It should be able to double as a green house, as it has a great big patio door built in sideways as a window.

Jay and I went to church, and the Bible readings were Psalm 33, Numbers 30-32, and Jeremiah 1:1-23.  The talk was about Baptism and Immersion, and there were many Bible quotes showing where Jesus and the Disciples went around baptizing the believers.   The potluck and fellowship were great, as usual, and it was a great day.

Spirit World? America Bombed! Black Rhinos. Import Puppy Victory. Update.

 

For Scripture Sunday:

Is The Sprit World Real?

"Are we alone in the universe or is the fascination with spirits and witchcraft evidence of reality?  You need to know!"

http://www.beyondtoday.tv/programs/archive/?Title=Is-the-Spirit-World-Real-&a...

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America Bombed!

An Amazing Fact: "Every American knows about the infamous day (December 7, 1941) when Pearl Harbor was attacked, but few people know that the Japanese bombed the American mainland 10 months later. It’s true! The bizarre and daring mission involved using a submarine to penetrate U.S. coastal defenses. Attached to the deck of the submarine was a small hangar containing a partially disassembled seaplane. The plane was designed to drop incendiary bombs on the dry Northwest forests with the intention of causing a massive inferno.

So, on September 9, 1942, a Japanese navy pilot, Nobuo Fujita, and his one assistant, Shoji Okuda, surfaced with the Japanese submarine crew off the North American coast near the border of Oregon and California. After the weather to cleared, the tiny seaplane was quickly assembled and secretly catapulted into the skies. Along with the two 160-pound incendiary bombs, Fujita packed a Samurai sword that had been in his family for 400 years. He reasoned if he was forced down, he would use it to end his life rather than be captured by the enemy.

It was a peaceful morning in Brookings, Oregon, when a fisherman heard the sound of a small plane flying overhead. No one dreamed they were in the midst of an air attack. The small plane proceeded east, climbing to 8,000 feet, and dropped its load over a heavily wooded forest, becoming the only foreign enemy to ever bomb the United States mainland. But they didn’t wait around to see what happened. Instead they hurried back to the sanctuary of their sub.

At 4:20 p.m. that day, a forest lookout on Mt. Emily spotted a small blaze involving about seven trees that was easily extinguished. Evidently, the wooded regions in Southern Oregon were still moist because of some unseasonable rains that had fallen a few days before the attack. In 1962, twenty years after the attack, Fujita returned to Brookings and presented the city with his cherished Samurai sword to pledge peace and friendship and to make amends for his attack. The sword was placed in the mayor’s office, where it remains today.
Did you know the Bible speaks of another ancient sword that God has given to mankind? “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword …” (Hebrews 4:12). No earthly sword can protect you like the Bible.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: - Ephesians 6:17

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Updates in the Animal World: 

The Western Black Rhinoceros No Longer Walks the Earth

"Like the western black rhino, these three subspecies are classified as Critically Endangered, and according to SavetheRhino.org, they are being killed throughout Africa and Asia to meet consumer demand for horns.

In November 2011, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) changed their Red List status of the western black rhinoceros from Critically Endangered to Extinct. The last reported sighting of this rhino was over 10 years ago.

The western black rhino was thriving until the 20th century. By the 1980s, the population had dwindled to a few hundred, and only 10 individuals were sighted throughout the 2000s. The rhinos’ demise is attributed to poaching and lack of an aggressive conservation plan.

The three remaining black rhinoceros subspecies are classified as Critically Endangered. They continue to be slaughtered throughout Africa and Asia for their horns.

Two other rhinoceros subspecies in danger of extinction are the northern white rhino (Near Threatened and Possibly Extinct in the Wild) and the Javan rhino (Critically Endangered and thought to be Extinct).

With better anti-poaching campaigns, conservationists believe these rhinos can be saved just as the southern white rhino was. That subspecies numbered just a few hundred in the late 19th century, but now has a population of over 20,000 thanks to a successful conservation plan."

Complete article at: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2014/08/12/western-black-rhinoceros-extinction.aspx

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United States Moves to End Puppy Mill Imports

"As a result of an announcement today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, other nations will no longer be able to raise tens of thousands of dogs in puppy mills and flood the U.S. market with them. After delaying final action for years, the USDA today made final a federal rule prohibiting the import of puppies into the United States for resale. Together with our supporters, we’ve won a profound and major victory for animals.

Each year, thousands of puppies – all just a few weeks old and barely weaned – endure appalling abuse as they are transported to the United States. They are packed into crowded, filthy plastic tubs with little or no food or water, and often exposed to extreme temperatures during transcontinental plane journeys that would be taxing for even an adult, healthy dog. A large number of the puppies get sick, and then perish. The puppies are too young to have received a full series of vaccinations, so they could carry diseases that infect other dogs or even humans, making their import a significant public health concern as well as an animal."  More at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-pacelle/united-states-moves-to-en_b_5681948.html

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Catanic??

 

 

 

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Update:

For the first time since the bypass surgery in January my chest doesn't feel sore where they sawed me open.  That is a great improvement.

Jay and I moved the sink unit out of the screen porch and we are installing one which fits in there a lot better.  The new cabinet also matches my kitchen cabinets.  The old sink unit is now in the storeroom addition.  Neither sink is hooked up yet, as I am waiting for a faucet to arrive.  With our hard water, I am switching to white faucets as they are easier to keep looking nice.

My 8 month old foster kitten, Giovanni, went to another home to be fostered with option to adopt.  I hope everyone will be happy there, and it sticks.  My older foster cat, Nala, seems to be glad that he is gone, as he would suddenly ambush her, and they would have a fisticuff fight.  I never knew if they were playing or if it was real!  But Nala seems a lot more relaxed now.

My foster dog, BabyGirl went to her first Adoption Day, and was so good and well behaved.   She loved everyone who went anywhere near her, and their kids.  Because she wasn't picked up to go to Adoption Day until 12.15pm, I went to the afternoon Church of God on FM 830.  It was good to see the folks there again, but I prefer the morning church on FM 1097.

As I was early, I was able to attend the Bible Study which was 'Believe in The Holy Spirit', based on Romans 8:1-17.  The sermon was about the different mountains mentioned in the Bible, and how we should be looking up, like our forefathers, as they looked at the sky to predict the weather.  We should not looking down at our keyboards, smart phones, tablets all the time, but look unto the heavens.

The potluck was great, and it was a great day.

World vs. Israel. Sabbath, Sunday, Every Day or No Day at All? Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

The World vs. the State of Israel

Thousands gather in Washington DC in front of the White House on Aug. 2, 2014, to protest Israel's military action in Gaza.

Images of Palestinians suffering from Israeli bombardment are contributing to anti-Israel sentiment around the world. What is behind the conflict?

"The latest Middle East conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians has been ongoing for nearly a month. Hamas (the militant organization that governs the Gaza Strip) has been terrorizing Israel for years, but escalated these attacks in recent months. The crisis came to a head when three Israeli teenagers were kidnapped and murdered. Hamas had also begun shooting rockets deeper into Israel and had constructed elaborate tunnel systems to infiltrate Israel from the underground.

Israel, feeling it had no other option, began engaging in military action against the Gaza Strip on July 8. On July 17, Israel sent in thousands of ground troops in an operation to destroy the Hamas tunnel network.

During this conflict, more than 3,000 Hamas rockets have been shot at Israel, yet many media outlets have chosen to highlight video and photographic images of Palestinians suffering from the Israeli counterattacks.

Even though cease-fire agreements may come, the unrest in Israel and the remainder of the Middle East will continue. The Bible says conflicts will persist and intensify in that region until the return of Jesus Christ."

Complete article at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/the-world-vs-the-state-of-israel/  by Tim Groves - August 7, 2014

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The Sabbath, Sunday, Every Day or No Day at All?

Mainstream Christianity has many reasons for not keeping the biblical Sabbath. But what does the Bible teach about the proper day of rest and worship?

"Mainstream Christianity, particularly Catholics and Protestants, have a plethora of religious days that are considered special and sacred. The one day that is highly esteemed by almost every denomination of Christianity is Sunday. However, in recent years, other ideas have entered mainstream Christianity regarding this topic:

• Some believe every day is holy and is a Sabbath to God. According to this view, God no longer considers the seventh day special.
• Others say there is no such thing as holy time or a day set aside for rest or worship. Christians are only required to “rest in Christ.”

There is even a trend for larger churches to offer more variety of worship times—to make it more convenient for people’s busy schedules. So, in some groups, people can go to church on Sunday, Wednesday evening, Friday evening, Saturday or any other time worship services are made available.

But is this confusing variety of ideas God’s will? Does the Bible have anything to say about when and how we are to worship God and rest from our labors?"

More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/blog/the-sabbath-sunday-every-day-or-no-day-at-all/ by Leon Leonard

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Update:

A trip to my new doctor found something wrong with my thyroid levels, so I have been put on meds for that.  Weird medicine, you have to take it long before you have your morning coffee, and you can't take calcium within 4 hours, which includes most multivitamins.  I usually wake up about 3-4.00 am for a bathroom run, so I take it then.  Then I try to wait until 4 hours are up before I can take my multivitamins.

The new foster cat isn't coming here.  It was discovered that her change of personality was due to a brain tumor, and so she will be painlessly PTS.  So sad for her adoptive parents who had her for 8 years.

My temporary foster cat might have to go back to his real foster mom.  He has started to pick on Nala, and that is not right, as she is a sweet, and very gentle cat.

 

My foster dog, BabyGirl, is looking so much better that she is supposed to go to our SPCA Adoption Day next Saturday. 

<—- Before: you can see her bleeding skin

  

 

and three recent:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now her hair has grown back shiny, and all her wounds are healed.  She is alert, happy and will be a devoted, calm, obedient pet for someone. 

I heard about a man in this subdivision who repairs lawnmowers, so I took 3 over there.  Now I have two working, and he bought the third one as he needed the deck for a motor he had.  We had been using it, with the motor smoking and knocking, but now with two others running, we won't have to.

Jay, Ray and I went to church.  The Bible readings were Numbers 22:2-25:9 and Micah 5:6-8.  The sermon was about The Great Invitation for people who come to wisdom.  The potluck and fellowship were great as usual, and we all had a great day.

"Inversions." Four Gifts You May Not Want … but Absolutely Need! A Ruthless Terrorist.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

But first this:

What Are "Inversions," and Why Should You Care?

"President Obama is heading to Los Angeles Trade Technical College, where he's calling for a kind of "economic patriotism" that's based on investing in the things that we know grow the economy for everyone (like education and job training) — not protecting wasteful loopholes for a few at the top.

And he's calling attention to one kind of corporate merger deal in particular — called an "inversion" — a word you might be seeing in a lot of news headlines lately.

It's not the most intuitive name for a corporate tax loophole, so we're going to break it down for you.

Q: So what exactly is an "inversion"?

A corporate "inversion" is what happens when a U.S.-based multinational with operations in other countries restructures itself so that the U.S. "parent" is replaced by a foreign corporation — and usually one that's in a country with a lower tax rate than the United States. As a result, on the whole, this means that corporate income tax that would otherwise be paid to the United States ends up going overseas."  More at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/07/24/what-are-inversions-and-why-should-you-care?

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Four Gifts You May Not Want … but Absolutely Need!

"Everyone likes to receive a gift. But what about the gifts you’ve been receiving all along and didn’t appreciate? How can we make the most of them?

Why is it that some people seem to rise above difficult circumstances, while others get stuck? Many factors go into making or breaking a person. But consider this: everyone has challenges that arise throughout his or her lifetime. But instead of viewing these challenges totally negatively, we can view these things as gifts.

How we view these gifts, though, and how we respond to them, will shape our lives forever.

The gift of adversity

Hard times are a universal part of life; there’s no way to avoid them. Just as we push our body through tests of endurance to see what it can handle, our personal character is also revealed through adversity. We come to see ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, when life is at its hardest. If we welcome tough times because we understand that they are a necessary part of learning, then we handle them differently.

The Bible teaches us that we can “count it all joy” when we face the adversity of trials, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3).

The gift of suffering

Adversity often brings with it some form of suffering. Our attitude, however, plays an important role in how it will shape us. If we feel that life has treated us unfairly and allow seeds of frustration to put down roots, then resentment, anger and bitterness will be the final result.

Consider these words in 1 Peter 2:19-20: “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.”

When we suffer because of a poor choice we made, we can consider what to do differently next time and patiently endure the painful consequences. But if we suffer wrongfully, we need not dwell on the unfairness of it.   Learn the lesson and move forward.

The gift of hard work

We could all accomplish great things, if they didn’t require so much effort! Unfortunately, too many of us don’t want to work for things; we want what we want, but only if it comes easily. Yet have you noticed that we often don’t place as much value on things that have been given to us freely? It is only through applying ourselves wholeheartedly to a task that we gain the benefits that come from it.

Read our article “Hard Work” for a biblical perspective on a proper work ethic.

The gift of failure

So you’ve tried and failed—now what? Do you throw up your hands and declare it a waste of time? Or do you look for the opportunity hidden within that setback? Success rarely occurs without first failing, often many times! In fact, the sooner you fail, the faster you get to figure out what you’ve done wrong, correct it, and try again.

Consider those who are known for their successes and how many times they tried before achieving that success: the Wright brothers, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates and Walt Disney (just to name a few).

There is much to be gained from experiencing these four gifts. Here are only three of the numerous benefits that can result:

1. Resiliency

Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from setbacks. Imagine a rubber band for a moment. Its very purpose is to be stretched and pulled out of shape.

Consider the story of Joseph. He was a young man who was badly treated by his older brothers, sold into slavery, wrongly accused of sexual assault and then thrown into prison for several years. What happened after that is a beautiful example of how a person can reach beyond his own painful experiences to make a positive impact on others. Joseph demonstrated incredible resiliency in all he went through. Read Genesis 37-45!

We, too, are often stretched out of our comfort zones by situations that are unfamiliar, uncomfortable and even painful. But we need not be broken by these situations. We can be elastic—we can recover!

2. Compassion

Compassion is a deep awareness of the suffering of others, coupled with a desire to help. It involves action. If, in our suffering, we turn inward and ruminate on “Why me?” then we miss the opportunity to make a positive difference for someone else.

Joseph was also an excellent example of compassion. Not only did he have concern for all those who would be affected adversely by an approaching famine (Genesis 41:34-36) but also on his brothers who were the cause of his suffering (45:15; 50:19-21).

3. Contentment

We talk a lot about wanting to be happy. Happiness is a short-term feeling that often relies on things not fully in our control. For example, we may say, “I’ll be happy when I have a new job” or “if only I had someone who truly loved me.”

Contentment, however, doesn’t depend on future events; it is satisfied with the here and now.

The apostle Paul understood this. “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Philippians 4:11-12, English Standard Version)

Do you long to come out of your current circumstances a better person? These four gifts—adversity, suffering, hard work and failure—are what you need to grow to your fullest potential.

There are no shortcuts, so don’t look for them! Instead, embrace life’s trials and challenges as the opportunities that they truly are.

To learn more about how to deal with the problems we all encounter in life, read our article “Coping With Anxiety.”  From: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/blog/four-gifts-you-may-not-want-but-absolutely-need/  By Debbie Pierce.

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Paul explains racism quite clearly:

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:27-29).

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A Ruthless Terrorist

An Amazing Fact: "In the next 24 hours a ruthless terrorist will be responsible for nearly … … half of all the homicides in North America. … half of all the people who will die on the highways. … half of all the people who will be admitted to the hospital. … half of all the people who will incarcerated in jail or prison. … half of all the people who will be involved in domestic violence. … half of all the nation’s birth defects.

His chemical attacks will cause untold misery and sorrow to thousands of families. Sadly, the government is looking the other way because this terrorist is paying them hush money. Worse still, even many professed Christians are defending and harboring this cold-hearted terrorist. Who is this deadly villain who is devastating our homes and nation?

Alcohol is the one responsible for all this hardship and tragedy. God wants us to have healthy, happy lives, and He has repeatedly warned us against alcoholic beverages. The Bible says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).

Samson’s mother was warned not to drink wine or similar products, because her yet unborn son was to be set aside in service to God. Similarly, John the Baptist was set aside for a special purpose. When he was conceived, his father was told, “For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink” (Luke 1:15).

The same guidelines apply to us because we’ve all been set aside for a special purpose. We’ve all been chosen by God as ambassadors for Christ. Only in soberness can we reflect Jesus’ love to others.
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. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." - Proverbs 23:29-32

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Update:

Not much happened this week, but everybody seemed to be busy and it went by quickly.  I took Jay to town to cash his check on Thursday, and took another neighbor the next day to cash hers.  I made sure that she bought pet food, tea and coffee as she has been cadging off me for the last two weeks.  All these folk have more money coming in than I do, but they are broke in a few days.  But they will drive to the store every day for cigarettes at over $5 a pack, and wonder why they are broke.  I make my little pension last, and even when I did smoke, I didn't spend much on them.

I listed some 'Lots of 100 Aloe Vera plants' for sale, and some sold, so I have been getting them ready to ship.  That still leaves me with at least 1,000!!

Now that I am fostering a large dog, I try to take her 'walkies' whenever I can.  I drove her down to the lake to run free in the field there, but she just wanted to get back in the car.  Maybe she thought that I was going to dump her.

I am supposed to get another foster cat.  Apparently, 8 years ago I fostered little "Lovie" and her 2 siblings for 25 days. I just don't remember them, and I know that I didn't name them.  She is being returned by her adoptive parents, they don't want her anymore.  It took them long enough to find that out!  But thankfully they are returning her to us, as per their SPCA adoption contract.  We will make sure that she has a good home again.

My little Siamese rescue, "Purrcy", who was taken to be on display in our Cat Habitat at Petco, has been adopted. They have got a live one there!!  He is a very busy little cat, and makes beautiful doilies out of a roll of toilet paper if he gets bored.

I still have 2 foster cats here, Giovanni and Nala.

Neither Ray nor Jay went to church yesterday, both had medical issues.  I made a red potato salad with celery, red onion, Greek yogurt, spices and cranberries for the potluck. The cranberries turned it pink, so it looked more like dessert. 

The Bible readings were Numbers 19-22:1, and Judges 11:1-33.  The talk was about How The Apostles Preached.  It was pointed out that in nearly all their sermons they mentioned Christ's suffering and then then his resurrection.  That was the message the Apostles were trying to get across, the resurrection then, and ours in the future.

It has been great to have the luxury of a few cooler days.