Christ Preached on the Sabbaths. Paul Preaches to Gentiles. Hurrying to Be at Jerusalem for Pentecost. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Christ Preached on the Sabbaths

Mark 1:21

Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.

"In the parallel passage in the Gospel of Luke, Luke records that Jesus Christ “was teaching them on the Sabbaths” (Luke 4:31). Earlier, Luke recorded that in Nazareth, “as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read” (Luke 4:16).

Jesus Christ’s custom and practice was to remember the Sabbath and to teach people on that day."

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Paul Preaches to Gentiles on the Sabbath

Acts 13:42-44

"So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.

Many believe that the apostle Paul taught that those who were not Israelites do not have to observe the Sabbath commandment. But the Bible consistently shows that Paul taught both Jews and gentiles (non-Israelites) on God’s Sabbath. Here is how one of our articles addresses this passage:

“When gentiles in Antioch wanted to hear God’s Word preached to them, Paul had them come the next Sabbath ... (Acts 13:42-44). Had Sabbath-keeping no longer been God’s expectation of gentiles, Paul could have simply told them that he would preach to them the next day rather than the next Sabbath.” From: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/paul-preaches-to-gentiles-on-the-sabbath/

For more on this, see “Did Paul Change the Sabbath Command?”

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Paul’s Sabbath Custom

Acts 17:2

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures.

"As we saw in Acts 13:42-44, the apostle Paul consistently preached on the seventh-day Sabbath, even to the gentiles. In Thessalonica, Paul continued this custom, preaching on three Sabbath days and teaching why Jesus Christ had to suffer and die. The Bible shows Christ died for our sins—because we have broken God’s commandments (1 John 3:4-5; 5:3). This includes the Fourth Commandment about remembering to keep God’s seventh-day Sabbath holy.

Many think that the Sabbath was changed. Find out what the Bible says in our article “Was the Sabbath Changed to Sunday?”"

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Hurrying to Be at Jerusalem for Pentecost

Acts 20:16

For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

"The apostle Paul planned his travel around God’s annual festivals. He spent the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread that year in Philippi (Acts 20:6). Because of a plot on his life, he traveled overland instead of by sea (verse 3). But verse 16 shows that he was still determined to get back to Jerusalem in time for the Feast of Pentecost.

For more about Pentecost, see “Pentecost: God Gives the Holy Spirit” and “The Sermon That Launched the Church.”"

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Update:

It doesn't seem like it has been a week since the last post. 

On Tuesday, Jay and I went into Conroe to do some shopping, and dropped some things off at a consignment place.  They take clothes, furniture, books, whatever, so this might help me empty out this house.

We bought his mother a new toilet riser at a thrift shop, and it really helped her to get up off the toilet and back to her walker.  She just didn't have the upper arm strength to get up.  But the riser helped that.

On Wednesday, I bathed BabyGirl, my black lab foster dog, and then Chris came by to see if BabyGirl would like to ride to Magnolia with her. Chris is a foster mom neighbor who has horses and she was buying something to do with coconuts for her horses from a feed store in Magnolia, TX.  BabyGirl loves to ride.  She doesn't even look out of the windows, but just curls up, as happy as can be, in any vehicle.

Then later on Wednesday, a couple came from Houston to buy my Aerostar van.  I didn't like to see that reliable old van go, but I can't keep them all.

On Thursday, Jay and I took BabyGirl, my foster dog, and Phoebe, my new 17 year old foster cat, to the vet.  BabyGirl had her ears packed, as one still has an infection in it.  Phoebe was there for a blood and urine test.

Unfortunately, the vet tech didn't stick to the rules and she did the blood test first.  That made Phoebe pee on the table, and that wasn't the kind of pee that they needed.  It had to be a really clean specimen from a catheter, so Phoebe had to stay there until the afternoon.  Jay and I hung around town and looked in some thrift shops but didn't really want to stay in town with BabyGirl until Phoebe was ready, so we came home.  Another fortunate thing, Chris was in Conroe in the afternoon so she picked up Phoebe and brought her home.

The Dodge van started acting up bucking and missing so we couldn't wait to get it home.  I stopped at a Dollar General, ran in and bought some injector cleaner and put it in the tank.  The van immediately started running better, so I might have got some bad gas.  The gas gauge isn't that reliable.  It shows it's full, then a bell goes off and it drops to Empty.  So I buy $10 gas. The next time it's started up, it says it has a near full tank again.   So, today, I filled it up until it was literally overflowing, and it only took 7 gallons.  I set the trip, and we will see what it does now.  The van sat a long time before I bought it, so it is going to have to get used to being driven again.

The vet tests showed that Phoebe has kidney problems, another victim of a life of dry cat food.  When will people learn.  Now she will have to be on a prescription diet for the rest of her life. 

Jay had been feeding his disabled mother those frozen lasagnas and French bread pizzas, no wonder she is sick.  I steamed some celery, onion and carrots, fried some red cabbage and red onions in coconut oil, cooked some quinoa and took it to her.  She liked it and said that it made her feel better.

Ray, who rents my guest house, has been gone all week, so I have been taking care of his cats, as well as my own critters.  Buddy, his little boy cat is scheduled to have his 'boy' surgery next week, so I put him in my grooming room.  He was missing for a couple of days last week, and I need to keep tabs on him.  So now, I am getting him ready for his surgery.  He has already had his first and second shots, he has had Revolution applied to his neck to be free of fleas, mites, etc., and now three days of de-worming.  He loves being indoors and just cozies up to me and purrs when I go in the grooming room.  Buddy hasn't been checked out by a vet yet, so he can't be around my other two foster cats.  He will be confined after his surgery for a few days, so he might as well get used to being in my grooming room, sometimes in a cage, which he doesn't mind.

Saturday was Adoption Day, so two of my fosters were picked up by Chris to spend the afternoon at Conroe Petco, while I was at church.  Some possible adopters were going to come and 'interview' my cat Nala, and another cat.   As they were already approved they could take her that day.  So I packed up her refrigerated food in a dry ice bag, packed a laser light, some of her toys and printed out her care instructions.  I knew that I would miss her terribly, especially last thing at night when we play with that laser light.  But when Chris brought my fosters back, the people hadn't even shown up.  All that for naught.

I went to church early, as the pastor's wife was staying in ICU with her sick older sister.  She called and asked me to warm up her food for the potluck that the pastor was bringing.  The dishes that the other members bring, they stick in the oven, or fridge when they get there.  I usually take mine in a little crockpot or two so that she doesn't have to fool with my food. 1963 was the last time I used an electric stove, so I was a little out of my comfort zone.

The Bible readings were Psa. 105, 107, Lev. 9:1-11:47,. 2 Sam 6:1-7:17 and Mark 7:1-23.  We had our usual song service, thanks and praise reports, and praying for those in need.  I wanted to do what the pastor's wife does.  She goes into the dining hall kitchen and listens to the Teaching over the speaker while she warms up the food.  But two well meaning gentlemen members came to help me and they were talking, so I couldn't hear the Teaching.  Pastor Bobbie talks so very quietly anyway.

We all had a good meal and fellowship, but it wasn't the same without Ms. Eunice.  After we had all eaten, I gathered up the utensils, pots and pans, and washed them.  It was a busy day.

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

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Scripture teaches there were TWO Sabbaths that week.

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'

"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?

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)

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.

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?

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

"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?

There 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.

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.

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.

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?

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).

No 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

" 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.

Whose Decision Is This To Make? Do You Pray the Way Jesus Taught? What Can I Do for You? Germs On Your Smartphone? Update

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

The Supreme Court and Same-Sex Marriage: Who Really Decides?

"The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether all states will be required to allow same-sex marriages. But is this really their decision to make?

So who should really be making this decision? The people? The states? Congress? The Supreme Court?

When we understand the purpose of marriage from God’s perspective, we see that we should respect the sanctity of the divinely created marriage union and make it our only definition of marriage. Life, Hope & Truth advocates using the Bible to provide the definition of marriage—because, within its pages, is the amazing origin of the institution itself!

Regardless of how voters, state legislators or the Supreme Court decide to define marriage, if you accept the Bible as God’s Word, then the biblical definition is the only definition that matters."  More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/the-supreme-court-and-same-sex-marriage-who-really-decides/

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DO YOU PRAY THE WAY JESUS TAUGHT?

People pray many different ways across the various denominations of Christianity. How do you pray? Let’s examine what Jesus Christ actually taught about prayer.

God tells us to pray for our daily bread. For more about how God wants us to pray, see “Do You Pray the Way Jesus Taught?”

Excerpt: PRAY FROM THE HEART

"Jesus made another clear statement that is widely ignored: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew 6:7). Christ was referring to the pagan form of recitation and chanting prayers based on the idea that repeating a prayer will bring favor from God (or the gods). This form of repeating or chanting prewritten prayers is practiced extensively in the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

God doesn’t want prewritten prayers to be repeated over and over. This does nothing to fulfill the basic purpose of prayer, which is to develop a close, personal relationship with God."  Complete article:  http://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/prayer-fasting-and-meditation/pray-the-way-jesus-taught/

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What Can I Do for You?

"You can't save or change the world, but each day you can find something to help another person.

Video: http://youtu.be/_kExzRy7bik

Transcript: [Gary Petty] "Have you ever felt frustrated because you see all the needs people have, you see people suffering and you want to do something, and you don't know what to do? You don't know how to help the homeless or the poor or even elderly people you might know. And you get frustrated and sometimes you think, Well, I can't help everybody, so I can't help anybody.

There's an interesting story about Jesus coming from Jericho – He was leaving Jericho, and the crowds were around him and they were cheering Him, and here He was, being praised as a great rabbi, and there's two blind men on the side of the road. And they start yelling for Him. They want His attention. Well, people were sort of embarrassed. They tell them – the blind men – be quiet, you know, you're going to bother Him, you're going to create an issue here. But they keep yelling and yelling. What's really interesting about this story is what Jesus does. Jesus stops, turns to the two men that are yelling, that everybody else is trying to shut up, and asks them a question. He says, "What can I do for you?" What can I do for you? (Matthew:20:29-32; Mark:10:46-52; Luke:18:35-43)

You know, we keep thinking that serving people and helping people and – we all know we need to do it, we desire to do it, but you can't save the world. You can't help everybody. But you know what you can do, every day of your life? Every day of your life you can look for those moments where someone comes in contact with you that needs a helping hand, a word of encouragement, a little food, a little help moving something, help opening the door. A simple way to serve and help another human being, and it happens every day, and it happens many times every day. Look for those moments. Look for those moments, when you can look around, look at another person and say, "What can I do for you?"

That's BT Daily . Join us next time."  From: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/christian-living/what-can-i-do-you

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Vertical News: What's Really Growing On Your Smartphone?

" Does your phone carry more than just a mobile signal? A new study discovers the dirty truth about smartphones and bacteria hitching a ride.

http://www.ucg.org/youth/vertical-news-whats-really-growing-your-smartphone/

 

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Update:

I know it isn't Sunday.  This is late as we had some technical difficulties around here.

We have been working around the place a bit.  Ray and I moved his fridge, then vacuumed the back and under it, ready for moving it for the next day's job which was fixing a bad place in Ray's floor. Jay, Ray and I got that done a lot quicker and easier than I thought it would be.  Next thing to do in Ray's place is to lay new linoleum.  But he won't get on the stick and go through his stuff to get rid of what he says he doesn't need.

I had bought some coconut oil in a hurry and didn't look at the label thoroughly, so now I have to return it.  It was refined and that is not the best as it is usually made from old copra, instead of fresh coconuts.  It makes a difference for the taste and consistency when cooking, and it doesn't have all the health benefits and antioxidants that it should have.  I use it for cooking, and if it is a good brand it is good on toast instead of butter, and in coffee.  It helps keep my skin from drying out in the winter, and it's also good for my thyroid.  It makes a good hand and face cream, and hair conditioner.  I also put some in the dog's dinner, as it is healthy for her, too.

We moved the third van bench seat from my van, which was taking up valuable space in the storeroom, up to the new attic.  Two ladders and a board making a scaffold and a strong rope got it up there.  I wanted to put it on Craigslist, but my son told me that people buy vans so that they can have all those seats. Wouldn't you know…..As soon as we got it up there, a neighbor offered me his red Grand Caravan minivan at a really good price.  I had been wanting it for quite a while, and had already checked it out.  He had a stroke and doesn't need it anymore, but he has lost the key to it.  Because it is front-wheel-drive it is lower down than mine, and easier for me to get in to.  So now I will have to put the third seat back in my Ford van to sell it.

Ray and I went to church, and the Bible readings were Psalm 104 (The Glories of Creation), then Exodus 18-20 and Isaiah 6.  The pastor also added Mat. 5:17-48 so that we would have a reading out of the New Testament, too.   The Teaching was "He May Change Your Plans", about how Jonah, David, Nathan and Elijah and others all got their plans changed by God.

The potluck was great as usual.  I took cauliflower au gratin, and some little salmon hors d'oeuvres on Breton crackers, with different dressings on them.  They didn't last long.

We have had a very mild winter compared to last year.  It has been cold at night, but it has been beautiful during the day.

5 Essential Vitamins. Fake Food Ingredients. Fake Blueberries. Cool Whip. Diet Food. Transcontinental Railroad. Invasion Of Granada. "Der Mensch ist, was er ißt."

 

For "Foodie Friday":

5 Essential Vitamins and the Foods Where You’ll Get Them

"Are you getting all the nutrients you need? A study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis found that about 30% of the calories that Americans consume daily come from sweets, desserts, sodas, alcohol, and salty snacks – foods that are not on the longevity checklist, and actually lead to illness down the road.

Keep reading to find out which foods can give you the nutrients required to keep your health in top shape!:  More at: http://blog.doctoroz.com/oz-experts/5-essential-vitamins-and-the-foods-youll-get-them-from 

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Group Finds More Fake Ingredients in Popular Foods

"The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), discovered rising numbers of fake ingredients in products from olive oil to spices to fruit juice."

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Counterfeit Food -- Food Fraud in America

"People wondering how safe their food really is. A BILLION DOLLAR underground industry is more deceptive then many people realize. Whether it's from a grocery store or farmers market, you might be a victim of food fraud."

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The Blueberry Deception: Fake blueberries made from chemicals and petroleum byproducts.

"The blueberries found in blueberry bagels, cereals, breads and muffins are REAL blueberries right? Wrong! Award-winning investigative journalist Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, exposes the deceptive chemical ingredients and dishonest marketing of "blueberry" products from big-name food and cereal companies. The blueberries, it turns out, are made from artificial colors, hydrogenated oils and liquid sugars."

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Cool Whip

"More stuff that 'they' want you to buy and eat:  A delicious blend of sugar, wax, and condom lube. Cool Whip!

Water.   It's the main ingredient. But like any whipped product, Cool Whip contains a high percentage of air. At 41 cents per ounce, you're buying mostly water and air for just over twice what it would cost to whip real cream yourself.

Natural and Artificial Flavorings
Cool Whip doesn't really taste like much, but Kraft's recipe for blandness is a trade secret. That means the company doesn't have to disclose the specific flavorings.

Corn Syrup and High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Sugar by other names. Corn syrup is mostly glucose. High-fructose corn syrup is corn syrup treated with amylase and other enzymes, which together help convert glucose into fructose. A diet high in fructose is known to make lab mice fatter than other diets, so keep your research animals away from Cool Whip.

Hydrogenated Coconut and Palm Kernel Oil
Cool Whip needs to feel like whipped cream in the mouth without actually being, you know, made with cream. One cheap, reliable way to replicate the texture is by using semi- solidified plant oils. The best method of solidifying plant oils: Bubble high- pressure hydrogen through them. Of course, if not done completely, the result is trans fat. These days, Kraft avoids that.

Polysorbate 60
Polysorbates are made by polymerizing ethylene oxide (a precursor to antifreeze) with a sugar alcohol derivative. The result can be a detergent, an emulsifier, or, in the case of polysorbate 60, a major ingredient in some sexual lubricants.

Sodium Caseinate
Also common in powdered non-dairy creamer, this protein derived from cow milk helps oil and water mix.

Sorbitan Monostearate
Chemists call this stuff synthetic wax, and it's sometimes used as a hemorrhoid cream. It's one of the magical substances that keep Cool Whip from turning to liquid over time in the fridge.

Xanthan and Guar Gums
These are natural thickeners, and together they provide more viscosity than either does alone. Guar also helps retard the formation of ice crystals, another key to preserving fluffiness." From: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/15.05/st_coolwhip.html

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 Diet Foods Are Full Of Chemicals

"Many diets support the use of non-nutritional, highly chemicalized foods like fake fats and fake sugars. These chemicalized foods negatively affect body chemistry, cause low-level under-nourishment, and often encourage overeating when the dieter gets the signal that s/he is not getting nourishment. 

Our bodies are not really designed to eat food made up mainly of chemicals. When we are able to connect with the wisdom of our bodies, we know what our bodies really crave—whole foods full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals (with the occasional piece of cake, of course!) Diet programs diminish our ability to make appropriate, real food choices.

This week, start looking at the lite, low-cal, low-fat, fat-free, etc. foods that you may have around and recognizing the ingredients that you may be ingesting."  From: http://www.moreofmetolove.com/blogs/entry/diet-foods-are-full-of-chemicals-excerpted-from-stop-dieting-now/

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On This Day:

Indians attack transcontinental railroad survey crew in Utah, Oct 25, 1853:

"On this day in 1853, Paiute Indians attack U.S. Army Captain John W. Gunnison and his party of 37 soldiers and railroad surveyors near Sevier Lake, Utah. Gunnison and seven other men were killed, but the survey party continued with its work and eventually reported its findings to the United States Congress.

Following Gunnison's death at the hands of the Paiute, his lieutenant, E.G. Beckwith, assumed command. Beckwith eventually found a potential railroad route through Weber Canyon in the Unita Mountains and discovered two feasible passes over the northern Sierra Nevada. The survey also provided valuable information on the geology, flora, and fauna of the West and set a high standard for subsequent explorers to follow. However, the results of neither the Gunnison/Beckwith survey nor any of the others succeeded in breaking the deadlock in Congress. Since no clearly superior route emerged from the volumes of maps and data gathered, the decision remained a political rather than scientific one. The issue would only be settled after the southern states seceded from the Union, leaving the matter in the hands of northern politicians."

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United States invades Grenada, Oct 25, 1983:

"President Ronald Reagan, citing the threat posed to American nationals on the Caribbean nation of Grenada by that nation's Marxist regime, orders the Marines to invade and secure their safety. There were nearly 1,000 Americans in Grenada at the time, many of them students at the island's medical school. In little more than a week, Grenada's government was overthrown.

A number of Americans were skeptical of Reagan's defense of the invasion, noting that it took place just days after a disastrous explosion in a U.S. military installation in Lebanon killed over 240 U.S. troops, calling into question the use of military force to achieve U.S. goals. Nevertheless, the Reagan administration claimed a great victory, calling it the first "rollback" of communist influence since the beginning of the Cold War.

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Yesterday:

Misty and I took our walk around here, but she doesn't like that so much.  We don't have the trails and scents of the animals from around the lake, like there are down at Jay's.  Ducks come up on the lots, and sometimes we see armadillos, possum, nutria, and other wildlife scampering around down there.  Poodles are hunting dogs, so she likes to track them.  I am just glad that she still has an interest in those activities at her age.  She is 18½ now.

Ray followed me to Pete's, the mechanic shop in Conroe. It was time for my van to have it's new upper ball joints installed. Then Ray brought me home.

His wife, Shay is now out of the hospital, but it still sick and very weak from her stomach virus, so he has had to play nursemaid with a bedpan, and wanted to get away from her for a while. Twice, he said he wished that she would forget his name, as she was calling out for him day and night.  She is fortunate to have him there to wait on her.  She has put a lot of things in her body that she didn't oughta, and now it is catching up with her.  I know that she eats a lot of processed food by the amount of trash she has to be put out at the curb.

My last sick day in bed (not vehicle accidents, childbirth or surgeries) was at 3 years old, when I got my only childhood disease, measles, so it is difficult for me to relate to being sick all the time.   "Der Mensch ist, was er ißt."  That translates into English as 'man is what he eats'.  When you see what junk some folks put in their shopping carts, and look at their pasty faces, you know that they aren't healthy.

It is still great weather here in the great state of Texas, one of the best months of the year.  Another 'windows-and-doors-open' day.

Cancer Cells & Broccoli. Mount Rushmore. "Shell Shock". Sputnik.

 

For "Foodie Friday":

"Those who fail to take the time to be healthy
will ultimately have to take the time to be sick."
~ Dr. James Chappell

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Diet

"We know that our diet (what we eat or don’t eat) is linked to some types of cancer, but the exact reasons are not yet clear. The best information we have suggests a lower cancer risk for people who:

Eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits (at least 2½ cups a day)

Choose whole grains rather than refined grains and sugars

Limit red meats (beef, pork, and lamb)

Limit processed meats (such as bacon, deli meats, and hot dogs)

Choose foods in amounts that help them get to and stay at a healthy weight

Limit alcohol intake to 1 alcoholic drink a day or less for women and 2 or less for men."

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How To Get More Cancer Protection From Your Broccoli

"Research has shown repeatedly that cruciferous vegetables fight cancer.  Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, cabbage and cauliflower contain a cancer-protective compound called sulforaphane.  This powerful compound improves the liver's ability to detoxify carcinogens and other toxins.

In fact, broccoli has been shown to kill the stem cells that make cancer immortal.

While broccoli is a rich source of sulphoraphane, sprouting broccoli boosts sulphoraphane content to superfood levels.

Three-day-old broccoli sprouts contain 10-100 times higher levels of sulforaphane than a mature head of broccoli.  Just one ounce of broccoli sprouts contains as much sulforaphane as one-and-a-half pounds of broccoli.  Broccoli sprouts been proven to be very effective in reducing breast cancer risks.

A University of Illinois study published in The British Journal of Nutrition suggests that combining broccoli with broccoli sprouts may make the vegetable's anti-cancer effect almost twice as powerful.

According to Elizabeth Jeffery, a professor of nutrition at the University, it takes only three to five servings of broccoli per week to obtain the cancer prevention benefits.

But it's important that the broccoli you eat still has a live enzyme called myrosinase.  This enzyme is needed to form the sulforaphane, its active cancer fighting substance.

The problem is that many people overcook their broccoli.  Cooking broccoli too long or at too high a heat will destroy the myrosinase.  One study showed that two minutes in a microwave or seven minutes of steaming will destroy myrosinase.

Jeffery recommends steaming broccoli for only two to four minutes to protect both the enzyme and the vegetable's other nutrients.

Another way to make sure you're getting myrosinase is to eat raw broccoli sprouts.  They have an abundant supply." From:  http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/how-get-more-cancer-protection-your-broccoli Written By: Margie King, Health Coach

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broccoli_sprouts

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Broccoli-Based Medicine—A Potent Tool Against Osteoarthritis and Cancer

"Broccoli has been repeatedly shown to be one of nature's most valuable health-promoting foods, capable of preventing a number of health issues, including but not limited to hypertension, allergies, diabetes, osteoarthritis and cancer

Recent tests on cells, tissues and mice show that a broccoli compound, sulforaphane, blocks a key destructive enzyme that damages cartilage

Sulforaphane, a sulfur compound, has also been shown to kill cancer stem cells, thereby slowing tumor growth. It also normalizes DNA methylation, which is important in regulating gene expression

Sulforaphane, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits, can also be found in other cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage.

Specifically, it appears that broccoli contains the necessary ingredients to switch ON genes that prevent cancer development, and switch OFF other ones that help it spread

Research has shown that fresh broccoli sprouts are FAR more potent, allowing you to eat far less in terms of quantity. Sprouts consistently contain 20 to 50 times the amount of chemoprotective compounds found in mature broccoli heads."  Complete article at: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/09/broccoli-based-medicine.aspx

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5 Foods That Starve Cancer

"New research indicates that preventing cancer cell growth can be as simple as eating the right foods. Improve your nutrition know-how. Fill up on the following foods that starve cancer.

Disturbing new research suggests that microscopic cancer, small cancer cells that can only been seen under a microscope, is widely prevalent. A recent study of women in their 40s indicated that 40% of them had microscopic breast cancer. Even more shocking, almost 100% of people in their 70s will have microscopic cancer in their thyroid glands.

A microscopic tumor can grow up to 16,000 times its original size in as little as 2 weeks. But new groundbreaking research from The Angiogenesis Foundation proposes that you can stop cancer before it begins to grow. This new preventive approach is called anti-angiogenesis. To learn more about anti-angiogenesis and the groundbreaking research at The Angiogenesis Foundation, click here. Anti-angiogenesis encourages that, by changing the way you eat, you can change your “internal environment,” thereby depriving cancer cells the opportunity to grow and multiply.
Certain foods, eaten in the correct portions and frequency, can provide cancer-starving benefits.

Below are 5 foods to eat that can prevent cancer growth:

1. Bok Choy This type of Chinese cabbage contains brassinin; a powerful cancer-fighter, also found in broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Bok Choy should be eaten 3 times a week, in 1/2 cup servings to obtain its full benefits.
2. Cooked Tomatoes have more cancer-fighting properties than raw tomatoes. Both contain the molecule lycopene, but heating the tomato changes its chemical structure and makes the benefits more readily available to your body. You should eat 2-3 (1/2 cup) servings of cooked tomatoes a week.
3. Flounder This fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury. Three 6-ounce servings a week is ideal.
4. Strawberries The antioxidants in this berry help fight cancers. You should eat 1 cup a day, including the juice.
5. Artichokes contain 3 different cancer-fighting molecules. Enjoy ¼ cup of hearts per day."

From: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/5-foods-starve-cancer

Experts on the front-lines of cancer research reveal 3 secret weapons against this deadly disease. Learn how you can reduce your risk in just a few simple steps.

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/3-secret-weapons-prevent-cancer: 

Eat hard cheeses, exercise and don't char meat!

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Just showing some of the reasons why some people get cancer, and some don't.

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On This Day:

Work begins on Mount Rushmore, Oct 4, 1927:

"On this day in 1927, sculpting begins on the face of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. It would take another 12 years for the impressive granite images of four of America's most revered and beloved presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt--to be completed.

Washington's face was the first to be completed in 1934. Jefferson's was dedicated in 1936--with then-president Franklin Roosevelt in attendance--and Lincoln's was completed a year later. In 1939, Teddy Roosevelt's face was completed. The project, which cost $1 million, was funded primarily by the federal government.

Borglum continued to touch up his work at Mount Rushmore until he died suddenly in 1941. Borglum had originally hoped to also carve a series of inscriptions into the mountain, outlining the history of the United States."

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Ike warns of the risk of "shell shock", Oct 4, 1944:

On this day in 1944, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower distributes to his combat units a report by the U.S. Surgeon General that reveals the hazards of prolonged exposure to combat. "The danger of being killed or maimed imposes a strain so great that it causes men to break down. One look at the shrunken, apathetic faces of psychiatric patients...sobbing, trembling, referring shudderingly to 'them shells' and to buddies mutilated or dead, is enough to convince most observers of this fact."

On the basis of this evaluation, as well as firsthand experience, American commanders judged that the average soldier could last about 200 days in combat before suffering serious psychiatric damage. British commanders used a rotation method, pulling soldiers out of combat every 12 days for a four-day rest period. This enabled British soldiers to put in 400 days of combat before being deleteriously affected. The Surgeon General's report went on to lament the fact that a "wound or injury is regarded, not as a misfortune, but a blessing." The war was clearly taking a toll on more than just men's bodies."

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Sputnik launched, Oct 4, 1957:

"The Soviet Union inaugurates the "Space Age" with its launch of Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite. The spacecraft, named Sputnik after the Russian word for "satellite," was launched at 10:29 p.m. Moscow time from the Tyuratam launch base in the Kazakh Republic. Sputnik had a diameter of 22 inches and weighed 184 pounds and circled Earth once every hour and 36 minutes. Traveling at 18,000 miles an hour, its elliptical orbit had an apogee (farthest point from Earth) of 584 miles and a perigee (nearest point) of 143 miles. Visible with binoculars before sunrise or after sunset, Sputnik transmitted radio signals back to Earth strong enough to be picked up by amateur radio operators. Those in the United States with access to such equipment tuned in and listened in awe as the beeping Soviet spacecraft passed over America several times a day. In January 1958, Sputnik's orbit deteriorated, as expected, and the spacecraft burned up in the atmosphere."

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Yesterday:

Ray followed me when I took my van back to Pete's mechanic shop in Conroe, and when we got home he painted the porch floor.

 

 

 

 

Now we can put everything back in there today.

Cold Weather RVing. Women RVers. FT RVer’s Costs. Quartzsite Survival Guide. Q’s Hospital. Workamping Resources. Tire Covers. Winston Churchill.

 

For “tRaVersing Thursday”, or RV Day:

Using a Thermal Blanket and More Cold Weather RVing Tips

“I worked in an environment that was 17 degrees below zero and 60 mile an hour winds at times. I did something that made that winter a breeze.

I got a roll of sidewalk insulation cover from a local builders supply. It is four feet wide and 50 feet long, for the one I used. It has five layers of bubble wrap and two tarps attached together. One tarp is silver and the other is black. Turn the black one out to absorb heat from the sun, and the silver side in to reflect your RV heat back in. (http://www.barrett-inc.com/thebarrier.php)    I placed it around the bottom of the motor home up to the three foot level, and cut access flaps out where I had places I needed to access. It had a one-foot fold that outward from the motor home, where I laid anything heavy I could find. In my work that means chains and rocks. When the snow came, it was kept out from under the motorhome.  If you place an extension on your exhaust so that it penetrates the thermal lining, you can start your engine on occasion and make the under coach temps rise quickly in case you start getting a frozen tank. The underside was kept just above freezing by a small electric fan heater. I never froze up.

Note, don't forget if you are in a class C to cover your engine compartment and hood to protect your engine from the extreme temps, and to keep blowing wind from packing snow in places where you will never get it out of when it is time to roll out.

 
One more modification that is cheap. Place small 500-watt electric heaters in your storage areas and in the basement for those who have them. This will keep the cold from freezing all your supplies, and make it less likely that you will get a frozen water line that might burst when it thaws and spew water all over your RV, or worse, run all night flooding your floor and making a huge ice problem under your RV, not to mention the water bill.  The heat tape on the hose is a good idea inside of split insulation and a flexible outer hose, or pool noodles.  Don't forget to insulate well right where your water hooks up on your RV.  It really is not that much of a big deal.

 
Now for the severe winter, stuck in one place, there is one more thing you can do. I have the silver sided bubble wrap that you can get at your local home supply outlet and I have made a cover for the outside and inside of all unnecessary windows, and the roof. It is taped on with the silver colored metallic tape and peals away easily in the spring. You loose a tremendous amount of heat through the un-insulated windows and the roof vents. Once in place, put a dark colored tarp over the roof to protect the insulation bubble wrap and pick up extra heat from the sun. 
Batten everything down well and you will have a happy and warm winter.”    by: Anonymous

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Women RVers:

Retired nurse loves her extended time RVing
”Julianne Crane reports on Laura Taub, who is "sold on her new-found life on the road." in her 26-foot Born Free class C motor home. Taub says, "My parents did full-time RVing for 28 years and I saw the joy it brought them and knew I too would love that lifestyle." Read her story.”

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Do you know how much it costs to go full-time RVing?

“Unfortunately there isn’t one answer. Costs fluctuate wildly depending on a person’s spending habits, tastes and choice of RV.

To prepare your finances for full-time RVing, here are some tips to help you get on a worry-free road to freedom.”

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Quartzsite Survival Guide Basics for RV Snowbirds

“Quartzsite winter camping is an experience that every RVer needs to do at least once. Have you done it? If so, what did you think?

This is our second time here, and we’ve learned a few tips from the pros since arriving.

If you haven’t been to this sprawling mecca of rubber roofs, fiberglass and windblown desert rats, here are a few suggestions to make your stay more enjoyable:”          More at: http://www.liveworkdream.com/2013/01/19/quartzsite-survival-guide-basics-for-rv-snowbirds/

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Information, history, photos and links to numerous web sites regarding Quartzsite, Arizona.

With only two off ramps on I-10 and just over 3000 permanent residents, Quartzsite, AZ becomes the third largest city, in population, in the state of Arizona during the RV Show. The POW WOW, plus several other rock & mineral shows and flea markets, has made Quartzsite a "MUST-SEE" destination for a million+ people, annually, for the last 4+ decades!    More at: http://www.quartzsitervshow.com/local-quartzsite-information

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Quartzsite,AZ, America’s Largest Parking Lot.

“It’s Nowhere, Arizona—until November. Then more than a million devotees of RVs roll in from all over for swap meets, socializing, and the sunset-painted sky.

By mid-January, the mechanical car counter at the Interstate 10 exit is ticking off 26,000 vehicles a day. Within weeks 175,000 RVs cram inches apart into 79 trailer parks, onto front yards, and spill out seven miles on either side of town. Every year more than a million people reset their internal navigation and drive from Everywhere, North America, to this western Arizona dot on the map.   Get the whole story in the pages of National Geographic magazine.

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Hospital for Quartzsite, AZ, makes "nations worst" list

“Each year, tens of thousands -- maybe even hundreds of thousands of RV snowbirds -- head to Quartzsite, Arizona. If you plan to be one of them, by all means stay healthy and avoid an accident. A new report lists the 25 worst hospitals in the USA, based on performance of medical error, medication mismanagement, infection rates and patient injuries. Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe, Calif., the closest hospital to Quartzsite, ranks third worst. Read more.”

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Working on the road. Resources. Part One

Workamping at a Hot Springs Resort

“Finding ways to make money while full-time RVing may seem mysterious at first, but thankfully there are many free and subscription-based resources that provide road trippers with everything needed to make money while traveling. These work-from-the-road groups feature job listings and enthusiastic members who are willing to share their experiences while working at certain jobs. Read more.”

Work on the Road Resources, Part II

Workamper Jim installs new roof.

“If you're looking to work on the RV road, the Internet is blossoming with networking groups that can help you find that perfect job.

Whether you want a short-term workamping arrangement or a year-long commitment as a property caretaker, there's a group to help you get that interview.   Here are some workamping resources that I've personally investigated and participate in:”     More at: http://rvwork.rvtravel.com/2012/12/work-on-road-resources-part-ii.html

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Use black-colored tire covers in the summer?

Really? Use black-colored tire covers in the summer? You're kidding, right?
Nope, not kidding. But using black colored tire covers in the hot summer was what Russ De Maris suggested in a recent article. One reader took exception: "I can't agree with using anything black to cover the tires. Black absorbs sunlight and the extra heat is not what you want on the tires. Light transmission has nothing to do with the color of the material but the material itself." But Russ stands his ground. In this post, he tells why black is best, and he quotes authorities on the subject who agree. Read his article.

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Random RV Thought
”Carry candles with you in your RV and car. In a winter-time emergency even the tiny bit of heat they produce can be a life-saver if stranded in the middle of nowhere.”

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On This Day:

Winston Churchill dies, Jan 24, 1965:

“Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, the British leader who guided Great Britain and the Allies through the crisis of World War II, dies in London at the age of 90.

Born at Blenheim Palace in 1874, Churchill joined the British Fourth Hussars upon his father's death in 1895. During the next five years, he enjoyed an illustrious military career, serving in India, the Sudan, and South Africa, and distinguishing himself several times in battle. In 1899, he resigned his commission to concentrate on his literary and political career and in 1900 was elected to Parliament as a Conservative MP from Oldham. In 1904, he joined the Liberals, serving in a number of important posts before being appointed Britain's first lord of the admiralty in 1911, where he worked to bring the British navy to a readiness for the war that he foresaw.

In 1915, in the second year of World War I, Churchill was held responsible for the disastrous Dardanelles and Gallipoli campaigns, and he was excluded from the war coalition government. He resigned and volunteered to command an infantry battalion in France. However, in 1917, he returned to politics as a cabinet member in the Liberal government of Lloyd George. From 1919 to 1921, he was secretary of state for war and in 1924 returned to the Conservative Party, where two years later he played a leading role in the defeat of the General Strike of 1926. Out of office from 1929 to 1939, Churchill issued unheeded warnings of the threat of Nazi and Japanese aggression.

After the outbreak of World War II in Europe, Churchill was called back to his post as first lord of the admiralty and eight months later replaced the ineffectual Neville Chamberlain as prime minister of a new coalition government. In the first year of his administration, Britain stood alone against Nazi Germany, but Churchill promised his country and the world that the British people would "never surrender." He rallied the British people to a resolute resistance and expertly orchestrated Franklin D. Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin into an alliance that crushed the Axis.

In July 1945, 10 weeks after Germany's defeat, his Conservative government suffered a defeat against Clement Attlee's Labour Party, and Churchill resigned as prime minister. He became leader of the opposition and in 1951 was again elected prime minister. Two years later, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his six-volume historical study of World War II and for his political speeches; he was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. In 1955, he retired as prime minister but remained in Parliament until 1964, the year before his death.”

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Yesterday:

Misty and I went to pick up Jay, and had our walk down there.  Back here, we loaded the van with the paper recycling, and off we went to the next town.  But, once the Aerostar van got up on the freeway, it was obvious that there was still something wrong with it.  Jim had told me to put some Lucas Injection Cleaner in it, and drive it the 25 miles up to Huntsville (TX) and back at 70 mph, to blow the carbon out of it.  Part of my van’s problems are caused by it belonging to ‘a little old lady who just goes shopping and to church’ in it!  It never gets out on a road trip.  We put the cleaner in the gas, but didn’t go to Huntsville.  We bought the important things on our lists in Conroe, and even stopped at a couple of thrift shops. 

On the phone, I made an appointment to take the van to Pete’s in Conroe, as my late husband and I have had great faith in him as a mechanic since the 80’s.  Pete is now grey-haired, but still runs his shop very efficiently. It is called M & P Wheel Alignment Co., but he does everything including brakes and AC service there.  Pete drove it around and when he came back, they put the computer on my van, free of charge, and discovered just what Jim had said, that it is missing on 3 cylinders.  But the computer doesn’t say why.

Now it has an appointment go back to Pete’s for further diagnosis on Monday.