Sunday, May 24, 2015

A Forgotten Memorial Day. Feast of Pentecost. Vatican’s Recognition of Palestine. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

A Forgotten Memorial Day: The Feast of Pentecost

"Monday is Memorial Day in the U.S. But there is another memorial day this weekend that commemorates one of the most momentous days in all of history.

A Forgotten Memorial Day: The Feast of PentecostOn Monday, May 25, most schools, federal offices and some businesses in the United States will be closed to observe Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday remembering the Americans who died in all the wars fought throughout American history—perhaps 660,000 people.

But this coming weekend should mean more to us than just a three-day weekend of picnics and parades. In fact, this particular weekend is actually special for another reason. This Sunday, May 24, is a day even more important than Memorial Day—it is the biblical Feast of Pentecost (or Feast of Weeks).

The unique feast of counting

In Leviticus 23 God gave Israel a list of special observances that He declared “the feasts of the LORD” (verse 2). These festivals were to be observed by God’s people as “holy convocations” (verse 2). Israel was to assemble together on these days to worship and learn.

The third festival in this list was unique. Instead of having a fixed date, the date of its observance was based on counting: “You shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath [during the Days of Unleavened Bread], from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath” (verses 15-16). In fact, the name Pentecost is simply the Greek term for “fiftieth.”

This year, the counting began on April 5. Counting 50 days forward brings us to this Sunday, May 24." 

More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/blog/a-forgotten-memorial-day-the-feast-of-pentecost/

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Pentecost: God Gives the Holy Spirit

"Pentecost marked the giving of the Holy Spirit and the founding of the Church. What does this harvest festival show about God’s plan of salvation?

Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks, is one of the harvest festivals that represent the plan of salvation.

Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks, is one of the harvest festivals that represent the plan of salvation.

Jesus’ crucifixion on Passover was a pivotal event in history. And just over seven weeks later, another watershed event occurred on the Feast of Pentecost.

Pentecost of promise

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4; for more about the miracle of speaking in tongues, see the article “What Is Speaking in Tongues?”).

During His ministry, Jesus Christ had told His disciples about the power of His Holy Spirit that they would need and would receive. By faithfully obeying God’s command to gather on His feasts, they were ready to receive this miracle.

God used the accompanying miracles to draw a large crowd to hear Peter preach a powerful sermon:

“‘Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.’ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. …’

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” "(Acts 2:36-38, 41).

More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/pentecost/

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What Will the Vatican’s Recognition of Palestine Mean?

The pope’s recognition of a Palestinian state was denounced by Israel, but what will its impact in Europe and the Mideast be? How will peace really come?

popecover1.jpg (2000×1334)

The Vatican signed a treaty recognizing a Palestinian state Wednesday, May 13.

The National Catholic Reporter said, “The move comes four days before the canonization of two Palestinian nuns and solidifies the standing of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is scheduled to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday.

“Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon told The Times of Israel that the government is ‘disappointed by the decision. We believe that such a decision is not conducive to bringing the Palestinians back to the negotiating table.’

“Israel insists that for the Palestinians to achieve statehood, they must first end their armed struggle against Israel and recognize its right to exist as the homeland of the Jewish people.”

The pope’s play

Journalist Julian Pecquet wrote May 13, “From the beginning of his papacy Pope Francis hasn’t hesitated to jump into the bloody politics of the Middle East, starting with his September 2013 appeal for a day of fasting and prayer to protest the planned US military strikes on Syria. Since then he has recognized the Armenian slaughter of 1915 as a genocide and repeatedly called for peace in the region, all in the name of defusing conflicts that threaten to tear apart a rich mosaic of cultures in which Christians once thrived.

“‘We cannot resign ourselves to a Middle East without Christians, who have professed the name of Jesus there for [2,000] years,’ The New York Times quoted the pope as saying during his visit to Turkey last year.”

More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/what-will-the-vaticans-recognition-of-palestine-mean/

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Update:

Monday, Jay and I borrowed his mother's truck and got the 4x4's out of my van which is still in the shop.Jay said that he could make his mother's washer spin, so we didn't take it to the repair shop.  While we were out, I bought trip tags for the Puddle Jumper at the courthouse.  We returned the 4x4's to Lowes and bought chain link top rail. The swaged end will fit in the parts of the carport canopy.

Tuesday, BabyGirl's adopters couldn't wait until Thursday to get their new dog, so Chris and I took her to meet them at Petco.  All the forms were filled in and she is now theirs.  They have a lovely house and a salt-water pool.  They brought their other dog and he and BabyGirl got along great and even played a bit.  We are all so happy for her. 

Wednesday, the Puddle Jumper had it's new muffler installed in Conroe, and Jay and I did a bit of thrift shopping, too.  I bought another shredder, and he bought some shirts.  It was very strange to drive the little Puddle Jumper out on the road, and as it hasn't left the subdivision in 6 years it smoked when it was first driven over 20 miles an hour.  Once it got all the soot off the cylinders and valves, it ran like a top.

Thursday, before it started to rain again, we put two of the new long poles (top rail) in the car canopy.  We are raising it 18" so that it can accommodate my motor home.  Jay drilled 1-3/8" holes in the treated 2x4's that we had laid out, and pounded the poles through, about 2 ft. into the ground.  That canopy is anchored!

DSCF0279-001 Friday, we finished the carport. Here it is now.

Then, I went to lunch with my granddaughter at a very different place in Willis called YummyYummy.  They give you a bowl and you go through a buffet getting what you want.  I didn't really know what was going on, or I would have got some raw broccoli, cabbage, and cod, etc.  At the end of the buffet they take your bowl away from you and put the contents on a big grill.  You have a choice of different noodles and rice.  They give you a number and then your cooked food is brought to you. It was good, and enough to bring some home.

Over the weekend, Jay couldn't make his mother's washer spin any more, so we spun their washed clothes here.  I see a trip to the repair shop in the future after all.

Then we heard about the dam being weak at Lewis Creek Reservoir.  It will really affect me if it breaks, as I am at the highest place around and will get inundated with people!!  I have already been told by many "If we have to leave, we are coming to your place!!"  One RVer just left, she wanted to see where she could park her 42" motor home on my side lot!! The Corps of Engineers and Entergy are doing all they can to stop the dam from breaking. The reservoir was built to cool Entergy's power plant. Jay and his mother's houses will be in jeopardy as they are down by Lake Conroe.

Saturday, I drove the Puddle Jumper to church.  The readings were suitable for this Pentecost time.  Exo. 1:1- 4:20, Hosea 2:1-20 and 1 Cor. 12:12-31.  The Teaching was about "Emptiness and Fullness", and how everything is a choice and vanity is emptiness.  Psa.39:11, 62:9, Eccl. 2:2 "All is vanity". Then many verses which say how joyous it is to be filled.

The potluck was great, as usual.  Lots of fellowship and friendship.  One couple are full timers (live fulltime in their RV) and they are headed for Oregon.  We will miss them until they return to Thousand Trails Conroe next year. Some were staying for the evening Pentecost service. Some left and returned.  As we share the buildings with a Baptist church, we cannot use it on Sundays. 

Pentecost, like all the Holy Days, begins at sunset, so we had a small service after dusk.  I don't drive after dark so a church member who lives just past my house took me back at 7.30 for the evening service.  We had another great meal after the service and we didn't leave until after 10.00 pm. A really full and happy day.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Health Foods To Avoid. Slaughterhouses. What Did It Eat? How Organic Chemistry Convinced Me Of The Creator. Bible Study Topics. Update.

 

A little different format from the usual "Scripture Sunday":

It doesn't do any good to keep reading your scriptures, if your health is bad! 

Health Foods To Avoid: The dangers of excess fructose sugars, and other foods:

When you watch this, it will also have the links to watch Parts 1 and 3.  Very informative!

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Slaughterhouses

An Amazing Fact: "In the United States, about nine billion animals are slaughtered annually for food. Each year Americans consume more than 13.6 million tons of beef.

Slaughterhouses are not popular with the public. Though most people enjoy eating the end product, there is an aversion to the gruesome process of killing animals. In many places local laws actually specify where meat packing plants can and can’t be located. Animal welfare groups criticize the often callous methods of transporting, preparing, herding, and killing animals.

It is really unpleasant to think about the procedure. Cattle are driven in trucks or by rail hundreds of miles from a ranch or feedlot, typically in crowded conditions. Not all make it to the slaughterhouse alive. Then they are shuttled through narrow corrals and brought into holding pens where they are “incapacitated.”

I didn’t think much about this stuff when I ran a meat sales business in my VW many years back, but let’s just say that after hanging the animal upside down and draining out most of the blood, butchers begin to do their grisly work.

Does this process disgust you? I won’t explain the details of turning a cow into “food” for your local burger shop. Most of my readers are thinking, “Stop talking about this! What’s the value in even thinking about it?” Let me tell you. …

This is the analogy that Solomon uses to describe the fate of foolish young (or old) men, (this would apply to women as well), who are seduced into breaking God’s commandment on adultery. What seems like a flower-strewn pathway ends up being the road to hell.
Solomon says of this foolish man that he “immediately” goes after her.

In other words, he is controlled by his carnal nature and passions, not his rational brain. Like a bird flying into a net, “He did not know it would cost his life” (v. 23). Sin confuses us into thinking about the moment and not the true end-result.

No wonder the wise man says, “Do not stray into her paths; for she has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death” (vv. 25-27). It’s a one-way tunnel you don’t ever want to enter.
Additional reading: Proverbs 7:13–27
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
- Proverbs 7:21-22

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"If you don't know what you are eating ate, then you don't know what you are putting in your mouth​." - Tim Ferriss

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How organic chemistry convinced me of the Creator

"While studying organic chemistry in my third year at pharmacy school, I also began studying the Bible. I saw that in order to follow the teachings of God in the Bible, I would have to make some major changes in my thinking and living. But before making these changes, I wanted to find real proof of God’s existence.

I found that proof in an unexpected place.

I had already learned that, in simple terms, it takes a pure enantiomer to produce a pure enantiomer (i.e., it takes one to produce one). The question arose: From where did the first pure enantiomer originate?

Within the study of stereochemistry (the study of molecular structure in three dimensions) is the study of stereoisomerism. Isomers in general are chemical compounds with the same chemical formula but that differ in chemical structure. Ethyl alcohol and methyl ether consist of the same atoms in the same proportion and thus have the same atomic weights and the same formulas—C2H6O—but they differ in structure (see Diagram 1).

<p><em>Diagram 1</em>. Examples of compounds that are isomers. The structure of ethanol (C2H6O) is on the left and the structure of dimethyl ether (C2H6O) is on the right. Images created using Maestro by Schrödinger, LLC, 2014.</p>

Diagram 1. Examples of compounds that are isomers. The structure of ethanol (C2H6O) is on the left and the structure of dimethyl ether (C2H6O) is on the right."    Images created using Maestro by Schrödinger, LLC, 2014." 

Complete article at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/is-there-a-god/proof-of-god/how-organic-chemistry-convinced-me-of-the-creator/

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Update:

As usual, it's been a busy and eventful week.

After the winds blew the cheap canopy carport's poles all bent and skewiffy, Jay and I went to Lowes and bought 4-4x4x8 and 6-2x4x10 treated lumber.  But when I found out that he wanted to put the 4x4's as uprights, I didn't even unload the van, as I knew it would be top heavy. 

The following day we laid the treated 2x4's out on the ground for the sides of the carport and squared it all up.  The next day we were on our way back to Lowes to return the 4x4's and get some fence top rail for new posts, but the van wouldn't shift into top gear.  So it was left at a transmission shop, with a bad prognosis.  I'll know more on Monday, when they have time to look at it.

Puddle-Jumper- (Small) It's awful not having a spare vehicle, so I am getting ready to put the Puddle Jumper back on the road.  It hasn't left this subdivision since 2006.  Things have changed, I can't just go buy tags for it any more, it has to be inspected first.  It won't pass inspection because there is a hole in the muffler.  There isn't a muffler shop around here for 15 miles!  So it has to have some kind of tags to get it there.  It is now eligible to have 'Classic' tags on it, as it is a 1988 Mercury Tracer.  It is still going strong and it is used every day like a golf cart around this subdivision.  I have owned it for many years.

Then a close relative informed me that she and her husband had split up after 20+ years.  I had a feeling this was coming, and I had asked her to look at  http://www.marriagetoday.com/ a long time ago.  Thankfully, now she is looking at the videos that this pastor made, and hopefully it will help them get back together with the knowledge from the Bible.   After all, it is our "how-to" book, because the Bible addresses so many topics that can answer our questions and help us now and in the future. What are some of the most important Bible study topics?: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/bible-study/bible-study-topics/

Jay's mother's washing machine won't spin anymore, so we are going to load it up in her truck on Monday to take it to the repair place.  While we are out, I will buy trip tags for the Puddle Jumper.   I had better get everything I need while I have her truck to use!!

Thursday, BabyGirl had her vet appointment, and that wonderful neighbor foster mom, Chris took her for me.  BabyGirl should be going to her new home next Thursday, we are meeting her new parents at the vet.  The vet just wants to make sure she is all better from her stump pyometra surgery. 

Jay and I started very early one morning trying to finally get this grass (weeds) mowed before it rained again.  Usually, I let Jay do it all, but we had dark skies and thunder all around us. We only just made it, each of us at the helm of one of my two old mowers.   

Then, even though it was pouring down rain, someone was interested in the camping trailer I had for sale.  He drives a wrecker so he has to carry on working whether it's raining or not.  I was paddling around in the rain showing it to him, getting soaked to the skin.  He decided to buy it so I gathered up all that went with it, and helped guide it through the puddles at the end of the side lot. That's one more big thing sold.

Because I didn't have any street legal wheels, I couldn't get to church. So I watched several of the services online. But my foster animals were picked up and had their little outing to Petco for Adoption Day.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Mother's Day. The Empty Nest. Baby Bat's Foster Moms. Iraq Pushes Against ISIS. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Anna Jarvis and Mother's Day.

Photo of Anna Jarvis.

Anna Jarvis was the driving force behind the first Mother's Day observances in 1908.

An Amazing Fact:   "Anna Jarvis deeply loved her mother. Following her mother’s death in 1905, Anna campaigned for years to have a national day dedicated to appreciating mothers. She thought it should be a time for sons and daughters to visit their mothers or write letters expressing their love. Finally, in 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed it into national observance, declaring the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Strangely, years after she struggled to establish Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis then fought to abolish it. Jarvis had soured because of the way she felt commercial interests had eclipsed the real meaning of the day. She wanted Mother’s Day “to be a day of sentiment, not profit.” Beginning around 1920, she urged people to stop buying flowers and other gifts for their mothers. She referred to the florists, greeting card manufacturers, and candy makers as “charlatans, bandits, pirates, racketeers, kidnappers and termites that would undermine with their greed one of the finest, noblest and truest movements and celebrations.” Jarvis became crushed and bitter, believing that greed had destroyed Mother’s Day, the holiday she helped create.

Near the end of her life Jarvis was seen going door to door in Philadelphia, trying to collect signatures on a petition to rescind Mother’s Day. In 1948, Anna Jarvis died poor, blind, and childless. Ironically, Jarvis would never know that during the closing days of her life it was the florist companies that anonymously paid for her care.

The Bible also warns about the danger of something sacred becoming over commercialized. “So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Then He taught, saying to them, ‘Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it a “den of thieves.”’” (Mark 11:15–17).

Obviously, we should honor our mothers, and perhaps Anna has a point about turning special days into commercialized celebrations without genuine and heartfelt expressions. May our worship of God never turn into “pretty sentiments.”
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! - John 19:26

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Turning the Hearts...The Empty Nest

"As my wife and I sat for brunch on Mother's Day several years ago, tears welled up in her eyes.

It was the first time neither of our daughters was present for Mother's Day. We had just moved to Texas, but our daughters remained in California. We now were left to reconnect in our roles as husband and wife and not primarily as dad and mom.

With graduation from high school, your son or daughter may plan to go to college or move away from home to take a job in another city. Your children may get married and start new families. Perhaps they were the youngest and now your home (nest) is “empty.” A new set of challenges now begins.

When we were actively parenting our children, we often referred to each other as “Dad” or “Mom.” We put our marital relationship somewhat on the back burner. We didn't neglect it, but merely subjugated it to what seemed to be the more important task of rearing our children. If that back burner is never turned on, however, couples may drift into being neglectful of their roles as spouses.

After the nest is empty, it is imperative that husbands and wives find ways to reconnect. Pray about your new situation. Ask God to help you both rekindle the love flames that you had for each other before children entered the picture. Plan fun things to do together. Go dancing, go for walks or take up bowling. Get together with friends for card games. Go out for dinner or coffee occasionally, and just talk and spend time together.

There is a scripture that begs us to remember how we loved each other at the beginning of our marriage. It goes like this: “Rejoice with the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18). There are a few other scriptures that use this phrase as well. To me, this is cautioning us to remember how much we wanted to be with our spouses in the beginning of our relationships—how nothing was too much to do for that loved one.

So, while we see our homes emptying of our children because of college, jobs or marriage, remember to strengthen your relationship with your spouse by remembering the early years of your marriage and reigniting the togetherness, fun and love that you once had!"

From: http://www.ucg.org/united-news/turning-the-heartsthe-empty-nest

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Foster Mothers: Baby Bat Burritos

The-Sweetest-Burritos-Youve-Ever-Seen.png (744×420)

"These baby bats are new arrivals to the Australian Bat Clinic after an extreme heat event separated them from their mothers."

http://youtu.be/Uuvaos1WHTk

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Iraq pushes back against ISIS, regains some ground

"Recently the Iraqi army recaptured the town of Tikrit, which had been controlled by the Islamic State (IS or ISIS) since last year. The pushing back and forth between extremists and opposing forces in the Middle East is ongoing.

“‘The liberation of Tikrit was carried out by the efforts of the Iraqi army and police, public mobilization units, tribal forces and the people of Tikrit city,’ Mr. Abadi [i.e., Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi] said on state television. ‘It was carried out under air cover and concentrated bombardment by the Iraqi air force, army air force and the international coalition against the terrorists of ISIS’” (Matt Bradley and Julian Barnes, “Iraq Recaptures Tikrit From Islamic State,”The Wall Street Journal, March 31, 2015) .

At the point where the Iraqi army started to stall, the United States began air strikes to aid in the operation. The Americans want the Iraqis to continue to partner with them instead of Iran and the Shiite militias it’s backing, as the latter could well lead to Iraq eventually coming under Iranian dominion.

As for the Islamic State, Tikrit was a major loss, but ISIS is able to regroup in various areas—and more terrorists in other places continue to declare loyalty to what they see as the restored Islamic caliphate.

Of course, the Middle East will continue to be a hotbed of military and religious strife. And the ongoing struggle will, despite breaks in hostility at times, lead in the end to the return of Jesus Christ. Finally, an ultimately just and wise Ruler will bring peace to the most contentious area of the world. (Source: The Wall Street Journal. )" From: http://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/current-events-trends-iraq-pushes-back-against-isis-regains-some-ground

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Choose Life! Your Most Important Decision. The Bottom Line.

"Some life choices are made after careful thought. Others are spur-of-the-moment, but can have lasting impact. What about your most important life choice?

The bottom line is, when we follow God’s way instead of choosing our own, we will be in a position to make meaningful choices that impact our whole lives."     From: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/christian-living/choose-life/

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Update:

A sudden high gust of wind blew the cheap canopy carport the other way this time and bent the poles again, so we are going to rebuild it with lumber.  It was difficult, but I drove the Dodge van out from under it without scratching it.  This time we will build it 1-1/2 ft. taller so that my motorhome can be kept under it.  The expensive canopy carport hasn't budged an inch, but it is protected between the two houses.

Jay and I went shopping on Wednesday, and one item I bought was a bluish-white Tiffany-style light for over my dining table.  I put one of those great big designer white bulbs in it, and now we have light!  The pretty chandelier I did have there, all the bulbs shone upwards and you couldn't really see anything on the table.  I packed it up and took it to be consigned, too.

Some weeks ago I had bought an unusual white ceiling fan and light kit with bluish-white globes.  I bought it for the guest house, but we installed it in my living room which is next to the dining area.  It looks a lot better, matches the Tiffany light, and it will be easier to clean than the one I had.

Friday, another trip to the dermatologist, hopefully to find out what I am allergic to.  He saw me for three minutes and didn't do anything except recommend that I see an allergist and shook my hand with a handshake like a limp rag. Those handshakes are gross, and don't instill confidence.  I found out that he has a very big practice, he would have to have, with 23 girls working in that one office.  Three minutes would be about all he could spare for anyone, gotta keep the people movin' to pay those bills!

Dropped off some more boxes at the consignment shop, and I just got my first check. It is a lot easier, but some stuff will still have to be sold in a yard sale.

Ray finally got back after a week, and I was glad that he was taking over the care of his cats.  My three foster cats, and a 55 lb dog keep me busy, especially as they are all on different diets.  I will be glad when the dog goes to her new home, she is very good, but so big.  I am not used to dogs that shed either, and I have to vacuum after her every day.

I had bought a lot of zucchini on sale, so I grated them, mixed that with some carrots, garlic, basil and dressing to make a big salad for the church potluck.  Also, I had opened a can of beef chili, when I realized that it had tomato in it, so I added some beans and cut-up beef franks, and took it in a crock pot to the potluck. (I am avoiding all nightshade veggies, and tomato and white potatoes are nightshades.)

The Bible readings were Lev.21:1-25:23, Eze. 44:1-31, Matt.5:17-48.  The Teaching was about "Abiding With The Lord".  Then someone messed with the thermostat and it got too cold in there, so I went to the dining hall kitchen to help the pastor's wife, and listened to the Teaching over the speaker.

The potluck was enjoyed by everyone, and there weren't many left-overs.  They get packaged up and given to the members or frozen for another day.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

The Nepal Earthquake. Baltimore Is The New Ferguson. 11 Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Insightsinto News & Prophecy

The Nepal Earthquake: 3 Lessons to Make Sense of the Tragedy

"Thousands have died in the recent earthquakes in Nepal. Life in Nepal will not be the same for years to come. How should this calamity affect your future?

The Nepal Earthquake: 3 Lessons to Make Sense of the TragedyAs of this writing, over 4,400 lives were suddenly wiped out when a magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck Nepal this past Saturday, April 25. This number will undoubtedly rise as more bodies are recovered from the rubble. In an instant, a shaking earth destroyed buildings and roads and buried thousands of unsuspecting people going about their normal routine. Over 1.4 million people are now without food, shelter and hope.

Nepal was grossly unprepared for this tragedy—lacking buildings designed to withstand an earthquake of this magnitude and with little monetary or rescue resources to handle the aftermath of the quake.

Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy. Tragedies like this should remind us how precious life is and how quickly life can be turned upside down. It’s at times like these that we should turn to the Bible. The Bible gives a unique perspective on tragedies, including difficult lessons we must learn.

Consider these three lessons we should consider:

1. This is not God’s world.

Many see tragedies like this as proof that there is no God. They reason that an all-powerful, all-loving God would not allow tragedies like this. But the Bible shows a different way we should look at it. Tragedies don’t occur because God doesn’t care. They are a result of human beings rejecting God. Essentially, this is not God’s world!

Those who died in Nepal did not bring this earthquake on themselves. Nepal wasn’t necessarily guiltier of sin than any other country. They were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.When God created Adam and Eve, He placed them in a beautiful garden and interacted directly with them ( Genesis 2:8 ; Genesis 3:8 ). There were no earthquakes or other natural disasters in this garden. God was there and provided perfect protection and order. All God required of our first parents was that they live by His instructions. If they did, they would live in complete safety and happiness.

But when Satan appeared in the form of a serpent, he convinced them to reject God’s instructions and authority over their lives (Genesis 3:1-5). Because of this rejection, God removed them from the Garden of Eden and let them live in a world without His protection and influence ( Genesis 3:23 ).

All human beings have been given the same free will to choose their own way of living. God has warned that rejecting His law would bring suffering and death ( Genesis 2:17 ; Deuteronomy 30:15-20). Satan’s influence currently prevails over this world because man follows his way over God’s way ( 2 Corinthians 4:4 ). The suffering and anguish in Nepal is a result of living in a world cut off from God.

2. Unless we change, we will all perish….

More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/the-nepal-earthquake-3-lessons-to-make-sense-of-the-tragedy/

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Insightsinto News & Prophecy

Now Is the Time to Protest

"As we view scenes of the violent protests in Baltimore, we are reminded that the United States, and world, has many unsolved problems.  Is protest the solution?

Now Is the Time to ProtestBaltimore is the new Ferguson. 

It all started when Freddie Gray, 25, died on April 19, 2015, a week after being arrested for fleeing police and being caught with a switchblade. Amateur videos and eyewitnesses seem to indicate that Mr. Gray was injured by police as he was being apprehended.

One video shows him being dragged into a police van while bystanders yell that his leg is broken. Mr. Gray apparently suffered a severe spinal cord injury—either before or after he was placed in the back of a police van. He reportedly asked for medical help throughout the ride, but was ignored until he was found unconscious at the police station.

Freddie Gray’s death has led to violent protests in Baltimore—including looting; burning businesses, buildings and police cars; and throwing rocks at police. The protesters claim that police brutality (directed primarily at minorities) has been happening for years—and Gray’s death has aroused years of anger and distrust seething below the surface of the black population of Baltimore.

But, of course, it’s not just Baltimore.

This same basic story has been repeated in different areas throughout the last year. The most prominent examples have been Eric Garner (Staten Island, New York), Michael Brown (Ferguson, Missouri), Tamir Rice (Cleveland, Ohio) and Walter Scott (North Charleston, South Carolina).

Yes, there is a problem…   More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/now-is-the-time-to-protest/

The problem in the streets of Baltimore today is the effect of many wrongs committed down through history. We cannot disconnect the present from the past. 

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Spain Seeks to Reconcile With Jews

"In 1492 Spain expelled all its Jews. Now they welcome back descendants of those displaced.

Video: https://youtu.be/SrA6g1SOR7I

Transcript: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/spain-seeks-to-reconcile-with-jews"

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On a lighter note:

11 Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country

"The Texas Hill Country is filled with hidden gems, you just have to know where to look.

Willow City LoopFlickr/Dave Hensley

The Willow City Loop is a gorgeous 20-mile stretch of road that winds through green hills of the Gillespie County. This route is perfect for motorcyclists and scenic drivers, as it offers a fun, winding drive and beautiful scenery. And, if you’re riding in the springtime, you’ll see an awe-inspiring display of bluebonnets. To find the Willow City Loop, take Highway 16 to Farm Road 1323 (another gorgeous road) and head to Willow City. The road starts there:"  More at: http://www.wideopencountry.com/11-hidden-gems-texas-hill-country/

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Update:

DSCF0276-001This is the skinny 17 year old foster, Phoebe, with the failing kidneys. She isn't crazy about the kidney diet that she is on, so we have had to get her other food.  Anything to keep her eating.  She seems happy and purrs when I pet her.

On Monday, Jay and I shampooed the upholstery on more dining chairs and a boudoir chair, then he helped me load them and boxes of items for sale into the van.

Ray's son and I took the load to the consignment shop on Tuesday when we went into Conroe to pick up some of his meds.  I picked up a few groceries, as I would be taking BabyGirl, my foster dog for her appointment at the vet for her ear packing on Thursday. 

On Thursday, Jay and I loaded the van with boxes and paper recycling, and the dog to go to the vet.   Early in the day, at the first thrift shop where we dropped off all the paper to be recycled, I did manage to finally find some white pants that aren't jeans.  Thursday wasn't cool like the day before, so when Jay wanted to go grocery shopping at Sam's and Kroger's, I had to say no.  Can't do much shopping with an animal in the car on a hot day.

Ray finally came back on Wednesday, and slept a day and a half before they called him out again on Friday.  While he was gone I had been in his house to feed his cats, see to their boxes, and that is all I did.  I don't go burrowing around in someone else's place.  He showed me his freezer, there was plenty of food, Ray's son just couldn't be bothered to cook it. 

I had petted Ray's 'cat-from-hell' twice each day when I went in there to feed her, but as soon as I tried to pet her in front of Ray, she tore a piece out of my thumb!  What gratitude!

While Ray was away, I made sure that Buddy, one of Ray's outside cats, kept his neutering appointment and he was in my grooming room for post-op observation.  As Ray is gone so much, I asked him if it was fair to keep Buddy?  Why not let him have a chance of a family who will be home to take care of him.  Ray agreed, so Buddy can't go outside anymore, as he has been tested free of FIV and Feline Leukemia, diseases that cats that go outside often get.  Another reason to keep cats indoors is that they kill birds, lizards and things.

So Buddy went to his first Adoption Day on Saturday.  He behaved beautifully, and seemed to enjoy his outing.  Now that he has been checked out at the vet he can be around my other foster cats, and not be relegated to the DSCF0278-001 grooming room.  He and my foster cat Nala keep on following each other around, I think they are going to be good friends.  Here they are on my screen porch.

BabyGirl went to Adoption Day too, but for a different reason.  A young man has fallen in love with her, and his parents who have adopted from us before, wanted to meet her.  Apparently, this is a wonderful new home for BabyGirl where she will be loved and have excellent care.  BabyGirl just has to have a blood test at her next ear packing appointment to make sure that there is nothing else going on in her insides, and then she can go to her new home.

The SPCA foster mom who lives near me took both animals to Adoption Day, while I was at church.  The Bible readings were Lev. 16:1-20:27, Eze. 22:1-18, John 7:1-9:41 and 10:1-16.  The Teaching was about 'Whoever Sins is a Servant of Sin'. 

The potluck was great, as usual, and lots of laughing, fellowship and camaraderie. Thankfully, they didn't have the air conditioning so cold this time, so I don't think it made my cold any worse that day.