America, Israel, Christopher Columbus And The Feast Of Tabernacles. Why Would A Christian Observe the Feast of Tabernacles? 'The Truth About Statins'

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America, Israel, Christopher Columbus And The Feast Of Tabernacles

Columbus’ Ship Nina

“Perry Stone, pastor of Voice of Evangelism Ministries, did an excellent job explaining  the beginning of America on a strong Biblical foundation and with strong links to Israel, all of which prove God founded both nations with a purpose.  This isn’t the usual teaching of our founding fathers and the documents such as the Mayflower Compact. This is information seldom ever taught and it’s eye-opening.  Don’t skip it. Watch it first. You will be glad you did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEOcx35zIZg&list=UUHJ5B4pWmC7ULGYb1KI5Wjw&index=10&feature=plcp

There’s more.

Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon) is believed to have been Jewish, but converted to Christianity.  Many Jews pretended to convert in order to save their lives and property during the Spanish Inquisition, but Columbus seems to have been a genuine Christian.  His letters and the diary he kept on his voyage to America have survived.  In them, are clues to his Jewish heritage and Christian faith.

The Spanish Inquisition was in full force in Columbus’ time, culminating on August 2, the Ninth of Av or Tish b’Av, which is the national Day of Mourning for all Jews around the world. The Spanish Inquisition  was truly a day of mourning for Jews.  (further information:  http://www.mazornet.com/holidays/tishabav/home.htm )  On that day, Jews trying to leave Spain clogged the ports, preventing Columbus’ three ships from leaving.   He left the day after on August 3rd.  His voyage resulted in the discovery of America, which became a safe haven and refuge for Jews, who fled to America to escape the many inquisitions and persecutions in other countries.  To this day, America has the largest Jewish population of any nation in the world, more than the nation of Israel, and continues to be Israel’s strongest and closest ally.

Columbus landed on the outlying islands of America on the first day of the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth).  It’s one of three major Jewish feasts, of seven, that God commanded they observe annually.  It centered around a temporary dwelling, or “tabernacle,” such as a structure made of four poles and a roof made of palm branches in which the adult males were required to live for seven days.  This symbolizes, as did the tabernacle of Moses that the Israelites carried with them through their forty-year wilderness trek to the Holy Land, the temporary dwelling of mankind on the Earth, before their final dwelling in eternity with the Lord.  America became a temporary dwelling for Jews who always intended to return to their promised land someday. The nation of Israel was reborn May 14, 1948.  Sukkah

This is a sukkah built in accordance with God’s instructions to Moses for observing the Feast of Succoth (plural for sukkah). Succoth is a Hebrew word that means tabernacles, tents, dwellings, used in reference to temporary dwellings.  What does it remind us of?  A manger.

Jesus was not born in a permanent structure for the housing of animals. He was conceived about December 25, likely on the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights. Jesus said He is the Light of the world.  He was born during the Feast of Tabernacles.  All adult Jewish males were required to go to Jerusalem and attend ceremonies at the Temple, the Tabernacle of God, where God dwelt among His people. That’s why all the inns were full.  Everyone had built their sukkah for the feast and the males had to inhabit them for a time.  Joseph would have been required as well and found a way to house himself and his pregnant wife in a sukkah.  Jesus was born during the Feast of Tabernacles in a sukkah.   John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh and “dwelt” (tabernacled) with us.” http://www.godrules.net/library/kjvstrongs/kjvstrongsjoh1.htm

Manger of Jesus’ birth

This is clearly a Jewish sukkah built during their Feast of Succoth (Tabernacles). Christians, unfamiliar with Jewish customs, didn’t recognize this fact.   With so much information on the internet, many have come to see the truth.  Jesus’ family was not poor and forced to sleep in a barn built to house animals.  The inns were full of travelers in town for the feast, but it’s also true that Joseph had to stay in a sukkah to fulfill his duty to the law.

The dates of the Jewish feasts are determined by the moon’s positions, thereby causing them to occur on different dates every year on America’s Gregorian calendar.  In 2022, the Feast of Tabernacles begins on October 10 and runs through October 7, with Simhat Torah October 18th, and 19th for those celebrating it for two days as many do now.  Columbus Day should be October 12th (every year) but our government changed it to occur on Monday every year so that people could have a three-day weekend off.

America is so linked with Israel that it’s natural to be their closest ally and share the same values.  God purposed America to be that temporary dwelling for Jews, as well as teaching a greater spiritual truth.  God is in control and designed all that is.”                         From: https://marbiesblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/02/america-israel-christopher-columbus-and-the-feast-of-tabernacles/

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Why Would You Observe the Feast of Tabernacles?

“The Feast of Tabernacles represents the peace, prosperity and righteousness of the coming Kingdom of God, but how is it relevant to the Christians today?

Transcript from: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/why-would-you-observe-the-feast-of-tabernacles

[Steve Myers] “Someone asked me the other day, "Why would you observe the Feast of Tabernacles? Is that a Christian thing?" Absolutely, it is. We follow the example of the New Testament Church.

The church in the 1st Century kept and observed, celebrated, the Feast of Tabernacles. So, what is this feast? Well, it's definitely listed in Scripture as one of the feasts of the Lord. I don't know if you've ever checked that out, but it's the feast that God has established.

It's one of His Holy Days. And so, for a period of time, we celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days. A complete festival. Seven is often a number of completeness because it represents that time, in God's plan, that has a deep spiritual meaning. Jesus Christ will return to this earth, 1 Thessalonians 4 spells that out completely, 1 Corinthians 15 as well. And so, the Feast of Tabernacles is representing that time when Christ will return as King of kings and Lord of lords. I know you've probably heard those classic choral selections that sing about that. He's King of kings and Lord of lords and He is returning. Well, the Feast of Tabernacles points to that time that Christ will literally come back to earth.

And so, the Feast of Tabernacles is representing that time when Christ will return as King of kings and Lord of lords. I know you've probably heard those classic choral selections that sing about that. He's King of kings and Lord of lords and He is returning. Well, the Feast of Tabernacles points to that time that Christ will literally come back to earth.

We can read about that in Revelation 5. Revelation 5, in fact, beginning in verse 10, it tells us, "He has made us kings and priests to our God, and we shall reign on earth." Christ will return and annihilate the kingdoms of man. Mankind will no longer be in charge. There will no longer be chaos and confusion in this world. Jesus Christ will establish righteous godly government. And for a thousand years, He will reign on this earth. Perhaps you've even prayed about this symbolic meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles.

You know, that model prayer, sometimes call the Lord's Prayer that Christ taught the disciples to pray. Perhaps you've said that prayer or parts of that prayer. It has that part that says, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done." Christ will come back and establish His kingdom. It will come. And, of course, the rest of that prayer says, "On earth as it is in heaven." So the Feast of Tabernacles pictures that amazing time of peace and prosperity and righteous government that Christ Himself will come and establish right on this earth.

Check out The Feast of Tabernacles, find out the deep spiritual meaning behind God's purpose and His plan, and this vital step in His plan for salvation for all mankind.” From: https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/beyond-today-daily/why-would-you-observe-the-feast-of-tabernacles

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Dr. Paul Mason - 'The truth about statins'

See:    (224) Dr. Paul Mason - 'The truth about statins' - YouTube

Dr Paul Mason obtained his medical degree with honours from the University of Sydney, and also holds degrees in Physiotherapy and Occupational Health. He is a Specialist Sports Medicine and Exercise Physician. Dr Mason developed an interest in low carbohydrate diets in 2011. Since then he has spent hundreds of hours reading and analysing the scientific literature.

Low Carb Down Under

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The Origin of the Jack-o’-Lantern. Go the Extra Mile. Bleach-Free Pumpkins

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The Origin of the Jack-o’-Lantern

“The jack-o’-lantern is now associated with the holiday of Halloween. Where did this mysterious symbol come from? What should we do with that knowledge?

Where did the jack-o’-lantern come from?

The childhood of many a person has been haunted by a dark, headless figure on a horse holding a flaming jack-o’-lantern. Washington Irving’s classic horror story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has intrigued and terrified millions for over 200 years.

Interestingly, Washington Irving never mentioned his dark rider bearing a jack-o’-lantern. The author only referred to a shattered pumpkin found the morning after the main character’s disappearance. Adaptations of Irving’s story since then have made the famous pumpkin into the glowing jack-o’-lantern that we all imagine today. Since that fateful connection, the pumpkin with a sinister grin has become an integral part of Halloween.

But where exactly did the jack-o’-lantern come from, and what made it fit in so well with this haunting story and the holiday of Halloween?

Why carve up pumpkins?

The origin of the jack-o’-lantern goes back several centuries, starting with pagan customs that predated even the term jack-o’-lantern. In the dark woods of Ireland, England and Scotland, the Celts ruled. In their religion, the shortening days of autumn indicated the merging of the spirit world with our physical world. This merging was believed to fully happen on their holiday of Samhain (pronounced sah-win) on the night of Oct. 31.

Because of this terrifying belief, the Celts prepared for this time when they believed the spirits of the dead wandered the earth. They imagined that some of the spirits just wandered around, while others were vengeful spirits.

People were mostly defenseless against these dreaded spirits, except for the use of costumes and root vegetables such as turnips with carved faces. To add to the effect, they were “then illuminated by coal, wooden embers, or candles as a way to ward off evil spirits” (Merriam-Webster.com, “The History of ‘Jack-O’-Lantern’”). Displaying these ghastly vegetables was said to keep the spirits from visiting a person’s property.

English historian Ronald Hutton states that root vegetables were “hollowed out to act as lanterns and often carved with grotesque faces,” in association with Samhain, later known as Halloween, in the Celtic part of the world (The Stations of the Sun, 1996).

Eventually, the Roman Empire took over and “christianized” this pagan festival of Samhain, creating All Saints’ Day Nov. 1, with All Hallows Eve (Halloween) the night before. As Irish celebrants eventually moved to the United States, some of the ancient practices came with them. In the United States, the pumpkin was abundant and quickly became the vegetable of choice for carving.

But why call it a “jack-o’-lantern”?

There are various ideas about where the name “jack-o’-lantern” comes from. Britannica in its article “Why Do We Carve Pumpkins at Halloween?” states that it started with the Irish tale of Stingy Jack, who tricked the devil. When he died, the story goes, the deceitful Jack was not allowed to go to heaven due to the life that he had lived. The devil, however, wouldn’t allow him to enter his domain either.

Jack-o’-lanterns may appear fun now, but they have a very dark past that involved pagan worship and an attempt to keep roaming spirits away. To God, anything associated with any of those pagan customs cannot be tolerated in any way, shape or form.Destined to restlessly roam the earth forever, the spirit of Jack was given a burning ember by Satan. Placing that ember in a carved-out turnip, Jack wandered the countryside with his ghastly lantern. The superstitious Celts believed that mysterious swamp fires, called ignis fatuus, that actually occurred when decaying matter combusted, were evidence Jack’s spirit was roaming nearby. Over time, “Jack of the Lantern” became shortened to “jack-o’-lantern.”

Carved turnips and other vegetables were placed in the window at night to ward off Jack and other unwanted spirits. Naturally, the ghostly tale of Jack of the Lantern came to be associated with Halloween and added to the allure of the dark holiday.

According to History.com, when the Scots and Irish migrated to the United States, they used the abundant pumpkins to ward off evil spirits and celebrate Halloween (“How Jack O’Lanterns Originated in Irish Myth”).

Another, less dramatic, theory for the origin of the name is that a night watchman was generically known as “Jack” (similar to our phrase “John Doe”) and was called a “jack-o’-lantern.” How a night watchman would become associated with the Halloween holiday isn’t clearly explained, so the legend of Stingy Jack seems to be the more likely origin of the term.

What does God think of jack-o’-lanterns?

Many today think that jack-o’-lanterns are cute or fun symbols of a holiday celebrated by many Christians, Halloween. (For more about the origin of Halloween, read “Halloween: Should Christians Celebrate It?”) The symbolism in the minds of some has even changed from one of horror and wandering spirits to one of community, according to National Geographic.

Admittedly, very few will set out jack-o’-lanterns this year hoping to scare off evil spirits. Probably no one will do it in honor of Stingy Jack. Does that mean the symbol has been cleaned up and is okay to use?

Some pagan religions, including Wicca, do still use jack-o’-lanterns for their originally intended purpose.

However, the ultimate question is, What does God think of people using jack-o’-lanterns?

God warns us to avoid spirits or anything associated with them (Leviticus 19:31). He abhors witchcraft and pagan religions, as well as any of the dark arts that delve into an evil spirit world.

God also has strong words to say about mixing His true religion with false and pagan practices: “Take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods” (Deuteronomy 12:30-31).

Jack-o’-lanterns may appear fun now, but they have a very dark past that involved pagan worship and an attempt to keep roaming spirits away. To God, anything associated with any of those pagan customs cannot be tolerated in any way, shape or form.

God knows the origin of the jack-o’-lantern and will not have anything to do with it. What will you do now that you know the origin of the jack-o’-lantern?”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/holy-days-vs-holidays/halloween/origin-jack-o-lantern/?

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Matthew 5:41   Go the Extra Mile

(41) And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.

• New King James Version

“In this passage, Christ addresses the Roman practice of commandeering civilians or their property (mules, horses, oxen, camels, carts, wagons, etc.) to carry the luggage or other burden of military personnel for, in this case, one mile.

Evidently, the practice did not originate with the Romans but with the Persians. As there were no post offices at the time, and in order that royal orders might reach their destination quickly, Cyrus set up a system not unlike our Pony Express. A rider in this service was empowered to take a civilian's horse (usually his best or only horse), if his was worn out or lame. In addition, he could press a boat, cart, or any other vehicle into the king's service.

In recent centuries, this practice, often used to force seamen into the service of another nation's ships, has been called impressment. In America's Revolutionary War period, British ships would often intercept other nations' ships and force any American sailors found on them to work for the Royal Navy. In Roman times, a man could have worked all day, his family waiting for him to come in from his fields, and suddenly, a Roman soldier could order him to carry a heavy load for a mile.

No one likes to be made to do someone else's work. At the very least, we are apt to complain, argue, or simply refuse to be so used. Being compelled to engage in "community service" by law or by might is demeaning and perhaps unjust. But Jesus tells us to take the sting out of the situation by being willing to carry such a burden an extra mile in a cheerful attitude.

In a similar vein, Solomon advises, "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you" (Proverbs 25:21-22). Jesus says something very similar in His subsequent teaching (Matthew 5:44-45). Being struck, sued, or forced to carry a heavy load can bring out the worst in human nature: anger, resentment, outrage, and even violence. But when those who have been called find themselves in difficult and trying circumstances, their attitude must not be belligerent, spiteful, or vengeful, but helpful, willing, and good-natured. "Above and beyond" must be their motto.”

— John O. Reid.  To learn more, see:  Go the Extra Mile  From: https://www.theberean.org/index.cfm/main/default/id/7345/ver/NKJV/matthew-5-41.htm

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Bleach-Free Pumpkins

“People spend a lot of time and effort on their jack-o’-lanterns and want them to last as long as possible, so some use bleach to preserve them and deter animals from snacking on them.

But bleach is dangerous to wildlife.

Squirrels, raccoons, and deer are just a few animals who may nibble on your masterpiece.

A great alternative to bleach is vinegar. Use one part vinegar to 10 parts water to help preserve your pumpkin.”  From:  https://therainforestsite.greatergood.com/clicktogive/ars/home

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The View From the Top. What Does the World Need Most Right Now? Go To The Ant. Update.

For “Scripture Sunday”:

The View From the Top

“The amazing panorama seen from the observation deck of the world’s tallest building gave me a perspective on a much bigger picture.

As our boat pulled into the Persian Gulf west of the Strait of Hormuz, blistering winds blew off the Arabian Peninsula. My friend Benjamin, who lives in Dubai, was showing me around the emirate.

We took a ferry from Dubai Creek, with its motley collection of ancient dhows and tramp freighters, past huge artificial islands shaped like the world and the palm, finally disembarking at the ultramodern marina. Passing from ancient buildings and clunky watercraft to pristine skyscrapers felt like time travel.

The highest vantage point

Past the southern limits of this wealthy city lies only the desert leading to Oman and Saudi Arabia. Nowhere is this more apparent than from the At the Top observation deck of the Burj Khalifa, at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), the tallest structure in the world. On a clear day one can see the coast of Iran to the north. And from that vantage point, the line between city and desert is sharp.

The view from above Dubai.

This change in viewpoint makes obvious things that are invisible from below. The World Islands, indistinguishable blobs when viewed from sea level, are impressive in their scale from higher up. Rooftop pools, gigantic fountains, highways and waterways running through the city are revealed in all their complexity.

Beware WYSIATI

From this unique perspective, I thought about how it must illustrate our blindness to many elements in our everyday lives. Our view is limited by our lowly vantage point.

Nobel Prize laureate Daniel Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, explains a phenomenon he calls WYSIATI, an acronym for “what you see is all there is.” This innate bias in our cognition leads us to assume that what we see of a given situation is all there is; there is nothing else to be considered or analyzed.

Theoretically we know this is not true, yet every day we reach conclusions as if it were.

Watching from on high

God, however, does see everything. He sees from above, both physically and spiritually, very real elements we simply cannot distinguish. “As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything” (Ecclesiastes 11:5).

God watches from on high, in part to see how much we try to think outside the human box, to concentrate on things we can only imagine. “God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God” (Psalm 53:2).

This is a constant challenge for us, but it is obviously important to our Creator. In our minds we seek to slip the surly bonds of earth; to have glimpses of what He sees.

And so “we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). One day, God promises we, too, will experience His view from the top: “We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).

From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/discern/july-august-2017/by-the-way-the-view-from-the-top/

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What Does the World Need Most Right Now?

    

“With troubles facing every sector of society, what solution should get top priority today? Hint: It’s the same solution the New Testament writers urgently longed for.

Unstable is an understatement for our world today. Powder keg is more like it.

The winds of change whistling through areas of the world might carry a whiff of freedom, but it’s easy to underestimate the force and shifting nature of the winds. In the maelstrom, will the forces of anarchy ignite a new passion for a powerful ruler?

The Middle East remains a troubled and dangerous region, continually boiling over into the rest of the world.

Elsewhere, precarious economies on the brink of financial ruin can ill afford additional stress, whether from war or even natural disasters.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis highlight that even careful planning cannot truly handle the worst that nature can throw at us. Nuclear power plants and other strategic sites around the world are more vulnerable than most of us want to believe. Humans have only been keeping scientific records of natural disasters for a short time. How can we be sure that what we consider worst-case scenarios are truly the worst that this planet will see?

The underlying cause

The Bible predicts wars, financial crises, food shortages, disease epidemics and natural disasters crescendoing in the end times—the times when human annihilation is possible (Matthew 24:7-8, 21-22).

Why are these and other troubles predicted? Because humanity as a whole has rejected God and the good and beneficial laws He gave. Obeying God’s laws naturally brings blessings, while trampling on them brings automatic curse.

These facts are detailed in Leviticus 26. After outlining the wonderful blessings for following His commandments, God said, “But if you will not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments … I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it” (Leviticus 26:14, 16).

Owing the financial production of our labors to enemies is only the beginning of the curses outlined in this chapter. But God doesn’t allow these natural consequences of sin out of a desire to see us suffer. Nor does He intervene to correct us out of hatred, but out of love. He deeply desires that we, His human creation, will wake up and repent of the evil we have done.”

Continued at: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/kingdom-of-god/what-does-the-world-need-most/

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Learning From a Pest?

“Solomon advised us to “go to the ant” (Proverbs 6:6).

Sometimes it's amazing what we can learn from a pest! While the weather is nice and food can be found in abundance, the ant doesn't just collect what it needs for that day and then go play. Instead, it collects and stores up in the plentiful summer months for the leaner winter times.

What a contrast this is from the way many in our society live today. We borrow from tomorrow what we may not be able to repay. We refinance our homes—going deeper in debt—to buy expensive toys we have little time to use. In today's society, debt is a way of life in contrast to that of our forefathers who lived more by the philosophy of the ant.”

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Update:

For some reason the Through-The-Wall Heat/AC in the mini-house is a lot louder than the one in the main house even though they are exactly the same.  It is really bothersome, I don’t know what could have happened to it.  So we swapped out the insides of the heat/AC’s and now the noisy one is in the big house. I did this knowing that the man who made the offer on my house would put in Central Heat/Air as soon as he bought it.  They seem to think that everyone wants central heat and air, which I don’t because of the mold and dirt that collects in the ductwork.  Even when they clean it, it is still a harbor for mold, and I have enough trouble with my sinuses. At least I can clean a Heat/AC, and buy a new one every few years. If I were to have anything better it would be a duct-free mini-split, and as soon as I can afford it, I will have one installed in the mini-house.       

Then, Wednesday, the man said that he couldn’t get financing, so here I am stuck with the noisy AC until I can move over to the mini-house.  We even temporarily put a 6,500 BTU AC in the window as it would be more quiet, but it wasn’t really big enough, so I sold it while it was still installed and the buyer could tell that it worked. 

We are still getting the Mini-house ready for the paint.  Roy wants all the baseboards and door trim up first.  So we cut some beautiful trim out of an old maple headboard and foot board.  Roy and the table saw did a great job. Then he made rosettes and plinth blocks just the right size for the trim.  Hans was here so he sanded them, and then we wiped them with a light stain.  Some are already installed and they look great.  When it is all done they can be protected with some satin polyurathane.

Then I came across a great big slab of beautiful lumber which had a double OG edge, so I sanded it down as it had some green paint splashed on it.  We will stain it and put that thick transparent bar-like coating on it and it will be one of the counter tops in the kitchen.  This is the counter on the back wall that is just for things like the toaster, coffee maker and juicer, those are the appliances that would be in the way in the cooking area.

We had trimmed the subdivision’s hedge which is next to the mini-house because it had got so high that it made my place dark, and difficult to see out.  Some of the dead cut branches had turned orange and so we had to drag them out of the hedge and take them to the burn pile.  I don’t think we will have a mildrew problem now that the sun can get to the house. This 16’ tall hedge was hiding a pretty smaller privet and holly hedge.  So now it looks better on each side of the hedge.  The subdivision doesn’t even trim the crepe myrtles any more, just as well as they committed “Crepe Murder” by leaving ugly knuckles, which isn’t right.  Anything to save money.

Finally, I made the decision where to install the shelf for the microwave and toaster oven in the mini-house.  My toaster oven is special, it is a a really good little oven, a Breville, and I use it a lot,  but rarely for toast, as I have an excellent, fast, old Sunbeam toaster.  The shelf will be a bit higher than I have now, but I can manage.

Also, I figured out how to place the bedroom furniture for the best use of the space.  I had wanted the bed’s feet-end facing as you walk in the door from the living room, but after measuring, it won’t work.  The bed will have to go on the left side wall between those two windows, whether it is feng shui correct or not.  The wall at the end of the room also has two windows, and I have just the piece of furniture for that, a great big real wood shelf unit that will fit in between those windows and is 6’ tall.  It will hold the bedroom TV and lots of other things. I was going to sell it, but not now.

The ceiling fan/light that we had put up in my living room had something really wrong with it, and wouldn’t stop wobbling.  We tried all the usual remedies, but after a long time, we gave up and took the one out of my bedroom and put it in the living room. Then took a small one out of storage and put it into my bedroom.  Finally I have fans and light kits that work right and don’t look like they will throw a blade at you.

Hans usually monitors at the subdivision pool on Saturdays, but something went wrong with the pumps and so he had the day off and came to church with me.  We went to my usual church on FM 1097.  Though if I had known ahead of time, I would have taken him to the larger church on FM 830.   He enjoyed the service and the potluck, then spent a long time discussing different things with the elders while I helped clean up the kitchen.

The Bible readings were Num. 8:1-12:16. Zech. 2:14-2:24, (this is not in all translations of the Bible, but Chapter 3 gives the gist of it), and John 19:31 which tells about them wanting to take the body of Jesus down off the cross because it was a High Day, Passover, also a Sabbath, the following day. There were two Sabbaths that week.  The Teaching was about “Transition”.

I didn’t take much for the church’s potluck.  It took quite a while to peel and make some potatoes and rutabagas into crinkly slices with my salad shooter.  I had a big pot of them and gently boiled them in broth until tender. I put them in a crockpot and warmed them up at church. There was plenty left over to make Salmon patties the following day. 

Five Keys to Answered Prayers. God’s Fishermen. Wipes. Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Five Keys to Answered Prayers

"How do we know that God will hear our prayers and that we will receive answers to them? Here are five things the Bible tells us to do.

If you are like me, you probably relate to King David’s poignant prayer:

“Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray” (Psalm 5:1-2).

We know God deeply cares for us, and He wants us to come to Him in prayer. But how can we know that He will hear us and answer our prayers?

Thankfully God answers that question for us. The Bible reveals five keys for receiving answers to our prayers.

First key: Ask

Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you” (emphasis added throughout). This is a very basic starting point. However, it is one that too often is misunderstood or not used.

A young man told me once that he hadn’t prayed in two years. I stressed to him the importance of prayer. His reply was, “But doesn’t the Bible say God knows what we need before we ask?” He was referring to Christ’s words in Matthew 6:8.

Yes, our Father does know what we need before we ask, but by asking we show our Father that we see the need as well, and really want His help to meet that need. Asking shows Him how important the need is to us. God, of course, also sees the difference between habitual, repetitive prayers and persistent, fervent, heartfelt prayers.

Luke’s account of Jesus’ words adds an important truth, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find. … For everyone who asks receives. … If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? … If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”(Luke 11:9-13).

To learn to worship and serve the true God, we need His Spirit, which reveals to us His truth (John 4:24). God says He will give His Spirit to those who ask Him. We need to be asking for help and power from God (which He gives through His Spirit) on a daily basis.

Second key: Have faith."

(For more about the Holy Spirit and how to receive its benefits, see the article “How Do You Know You Have the Holy Spirit?”)

Complete article at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/prayer-fasting-and-meditation/how-to-pray/five-keys-to-answered-prayers/

The three keys Jesus gives for seeing answers to prayer can be summed up as: Be persistent, be purposeful and be personal.

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God’s Fishermen

An Amazing Fact: "Researchers studying walleye vision found that orange is the color most visible to walleyes, followed by yellow and yellow green. Surprisingly, red is the least visible color. No wonder you find so many orange and chartreuse lures in the tackle boxes of savvy walleye anglers.

Another interesting fact about walleye fish is that a sudden decrease in light level triggers them to bite. That explains why the fish usually turn on just as the sun is disappearing below the horizon and the light intensity is rapidly decreasing. It also accounts for the biting that starts when the dark clouds preceding a thunderstorm roll in.
The very best time to catch a trophy walleye is five to seven weeks after the fish have completed spawning. That’s when the big females, famished after not having eaten for nearly two months, go on the prowl for food. And with the natural supply of baitfish at its annual low, they’re likely to hit almost anything you throw at them.

Maybe you can’t think of anything more boring than fishing, but many of Jesus’ first disciples were fishermen. The first time they heard Jesus, He asked them to push their boats out into the lake and let down their nets. Inside they laughed, “What does He know about fishing? You don’t catch much fish in the daytime!” But they agreed to do it anyway. “And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking” (Luke 5:6).
Peter appropriately responded to the amazing catch of fish. “When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’” (v. 8). Jesus replied, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men” (v. 10). The proud fisherman was not ready to serve the Master fisherman until he was humbled. We are best prepared to go fishing when we recognize our limitations and listen to the Creator of fish and men."
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Luke 5:11

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Disinfectant wipes are the most convenient ways to clean anything from kitchen countertops, to bathroom sinks. However, traditional wipes containing bleach can cause skin irritation and the fumes can be toxic if over-exposed. Soak 20 paper towels in a Ziploc bag full of 1/4 cup of vinegar, and a 1/4 cup of seltzer. Feel free to add scented oil for scent, and wring out the excess liquid before use.

MORE CHEMICAL-FREE CLEANING TIPS

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Update:

Still have not heard from Ray, it has been nine weeks now, but after paying more in court costs and fees, the guest house and contents are now legally mine.  No one was supposed to be in there until the final Writ of Possession was done.  Ray left a lot of mostly junk behind, but there are a couple of things worth selling to try to recoup my losses.

The new worker, James, hasn't been back, but Jay and I have been busy installing an air conditioner through the wall in my bedroom.  I had quit having it in the window when the burglars broke in my house that way.  They just pushed in the AC, so being installed through the wall will stop that.  Now the windows are screwed shut, and potential burglars will have to break one to gain entry.  Also, I have a motion detector security light on that side of the house. 

Jay and I went to church early as the pastor and his wife were out of town and I was volunteered to ramrod the potluck.  An elder also arrived early to help me, which was a good thing as I didn't know how to cook boxed shells and cheese!  I only know how to cook from scratch and use real cheese, not some yellowy goop that squeezes out of a pouch.  I looked at the long list of ingredients and said "none for me."

The congregation brought a lot of great contributions for the pot luck, but strangely, all the meat was chicken, except for my turkey chili and beans.  My red cabbage and apple dish was made from fresh cabbage.  I had made both dishes the day before and put them in crock pots. The other veggies were frozen, so it didn't take long to get it ready.  One lady brought cornbread with sliced onions cooked in the top. Then there were three kinds of potato salad. Usually we have too many desserts, but this time only one, plus the standby cookies.  You never know what people will bring, but it is always good.

The Bible readings were Deut. 7:12-11:25, Isa. 49:14-51:3, and 2Cor. 4:5-6, 13-15. The teaching was about how the season for some of the Feast Days is approaching, and how we should be glad and anticipate it.

Even though it is still hot, I do believe that it is a little cooler each day.

Prophesied War in the Middle East. Windshield. The "Calcium Lie". Update.

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Prophesied War in the Middle East

Daniel 11:40

“At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through.”

Bible prophecy describes a key end-time conflict between a “king of the South” and a “king of the North” that is part of a chain of events leading to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Here is some of the background to this verse from our “News and Prophecy” post “End-Time Prophecy Jigsaw: The Pieces Are Falling Into Place!”

“The book of Daniel tells us that in the last days there will be an influential person ruling in the south, that is, in the Mediterranean area and generally south of Jerusalem (Daniel 11).

“Historically, this king of the South was the dynastic leader of the Ptolemies, or the Egyptian branch of the Greek Empire. The king of the South battled it out for over a century, as the Egypt-based Ptolemies struggled for supremacy against the Syria-based Seleucids, another branch of the Greek Empire. This took place in the third and second centuries B.C., after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. (Daniel 11:3-4).

“Yet this same prophecy suddenly takes a huge leap to ‘the time of the end,’ when we find a latter-day king of the South provoking and fighting against the king of the North (Daniel 11:40). …

“Daniel’s prophecy tells us that once this end-time king of the South has provoked the king of the North, the latter will swoop down on him with massive military force, and invade and conquer much of the Middle East (Daniel 11:40-43).

“Elsewhere in Bible prophecy, the king of the North is referred to as ‘the beast,’ the name assigned him by the apostle John in the book of Revelation (Revelation 13:1-10; 17:3-17). We know from history that the heart of this massive end-time power will be in central Europe. In fact, much of the history of the Middle Ages reflects the struggle for dominance between Catholic Europe and the Muslim world, a struggle destined to reappear just before the second coming of Christ.”

For more details about this prophecy, see the articles “The King of the South” and “The King of the North.”

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Here's a lesson from my car's windshield.

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/christian-living/windshield

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Just for your information:

The "Calcium Lie" Every Woman Should Know About

"Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by porous and fragile bones. It affects 44 million Americans, striking 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 5 men. Those with osteoporosis are at increased risk of height loss, fractures of the hips, wrists and vertebrae, and chronic pain.

If you've been led to believe that the key to preventing osteoporosis is increasing your calcium intake and starting on a regimen of pharmaceutical drugs, you're not alone.

I'm here to lead you past all of the confusing and conflicting information about osteoporosis and down a safer, more effective road to preventing bone loss and osteoporosis.

Read on to learn the truth about osteoporosis and calcium deficiency, what vitamins can make a real difference, and the surprising connection between bone loss and Alzheimer's disease.

The Truth about Osteoporosis and Calcium Deficiency

I'm sure you've heard that the cause of osteoporosis and the key to its prevention revolve around calcium, right?

Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.

Dr. Robert Thompson, M.D., wrote an entire book on this subject called, The Calcium Lie, which explains that bone is comprised of at least a dozen minerals and the exclusive focus on calcium supplementation is likely to worsen bone density and increase your risk of developing osteoporosis!

As mentioned in this previous article, Dr. Thompson recommends the use of unprocessed salt as a far healthier alternative to calcium supplementation.

I recommend using Himalayan salt as it is an excellent way to feed your body the trace minerals it needs to function optimally."   More at: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/12/21/osteoporosis-prevention-and-treatments-exposed.aspx

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Update

Last Sunday, Jay and I drove to The Woodlands to meet a man who was selling a special Moen faucet.  It is for a bar sink which only has cold water piped to it.  Just what I needed for the new smaller sink unit that we have been building for the screen porch. 

Unfortunately, there had been a major accident, and so we were delayed getting to the meeting place, but the seller waited for us anyway.  Just as we arrived there, it came down a gulley whomper, so the man and I got soaking wet.  Then on the way home the freeway speed was reduced to 35 mph the visibility was so bad with the hard rain. But, it hadn't rained here!  So what was supposed to be a quick trip took all afternoon, but I think it was worth it. 

We had screwed two cabinets from the Habitat for Humanity Store together, made a Formica countertop for it, installed the sink, and then the new faucet.  This looks a lot better than the old sink unit that was there.

A neighbor who is moving brought a lot of stuff over for me to go through before it was donated.  I have enough stuff of my own, but sometimes there is something neat that is better than what I already have.  So now I do have a few more things here, and a few more of my own to dispose of.

Ray's back has been very bad, but he did work one morning, and put the trim on the big window that we installed in the storeroom addition.

I went to a new chiropractor on Friday as my left knee had swollen up like a football, and I knew my back was out.  He was a little worried about manipulating the back of a near 80 year little old lady, especially one who had had her chest sawn open for a bypass, but maybe he will do some good next Wednesday.

Yesterday, Jay was unexpectedly expecting his kids and grandkids, and Ray could hardly move, so I went to church by myself.  Jay had made a big banana pudding for the church potluck, which I took with my little culinary donations of black beans and veggies, baked croissant slices, and a trifle for dessert.  

The Bible Readings were Psalm 80, Deut. 3:23-6:11 and Isaiah 40:1-26. The teaching was a continuation of the Fullness of Time, and about The Times That The Almighty Has Established Beforehand. How the Lord has it all worked out ahead of time as to what will happen and when, each in their Fullness of Time.  Also how The Feasts are for fellowship, learning and feasting.  This is because The Feast of Trumpets is nearly upon us. http://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/feast-of-trumpets/  Everyone enjoyed all the dishes at the pot luck.  It was a very nice day.

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

 

For "Scripture Sunday":

Ebola and "The Last Ship"

Source: freeimages.com/frimlik

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rapture fact-check

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

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

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

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

The answers

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

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And in the Animal Kingdom:

The Burrowing Owl's Cozy Home

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

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Update:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glen Rose, TX. Dinosaurs to Indian Country. First U.S. Presidential Election. Clinton Impeachment Trial. C O L D !

 

For "Travel Tuesday", let's visit the Glen Rose area again, it is in the Texas Prairies and Lakes region.

"The Texas Prairies and Lakes Region offers a wide variety of destinations & attractions, from the fast-paced cosmopolitan excitement of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex with the best in shopping, dining & entertainment, to the beautiful lakes & laid-back country lifestyles found throughout the region. Discover the Excitement of the Texas Prairies & Lakes."

Glen Rose Top Ten Fun Things To See & Do

" Glen Rose is a fun and quaint town that was established as a trading post in 1849. The city is located at a picturesque spot on the Paluxy River, just above its meeting with the Brazos River.

We love Glen Rose and have spent a number of weekends there in our RV - to learn about one of the trips, read this Thank God For Weekends article.

Here is our list of favorite things to see and do in Glen Rose.

• Golf - Squaw Valley Golf Course is located at the north eastern edge of town and they have 18 holes of very good golf. 17 miles to the north is another great golf course in Granbury - Harbor Lakes which is ranked in our Top Twenty Favorite Texas Courses. You can read a review of each of these golf course on our Golf Course Reviews Page.
• Spend the Night - if you really want to enjoy Glen Rose and all it has to offer, you need to spend a couple days exploring. You have a number of excellent choices for for overnight lodging:
  • there are some excellent B&Bs and we can recommend Country Woods Inn, a rustic farm that was voted Top Family Vacations and Best Kid Friendly this rustic farm
  • stay at Rough Creek Lodge an upscale and excellent resort with excellent food, fine accommodations, and lots to do enjoy an exotic overnight stay at Fossil Rim's Lodge or Foothills Safari Camp
  • Camp at Dinosaur Valley State Park which is an fun State Park and has some great tent and RV sites. Tres Rios River Resort at the other end of town has over 200 sites for RVs or tents, cabins, swimming pool, volleyball, and it is on the banks of the Brazos and Paluxy River.
• Visit a Nuclear Power Plant - Comanche Peak has a very informative information center with an exhibit of a nuclear power plant control room, a film, and more.
• Enjoy a Special Event - plan your trip around one of the special events at Texas Amphitheater (The Promise, a musical drama of the reenactment of the life of Jesus in the open air amphitheater, is excellent) or horse shows and more at the Expo Center .
• Hike, Bike, and Explore - Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great place to spend some time: hiking or biking the trails; leaning about dinosaurs and checking out their tracks or visiting the exhibits; playing in the Paluxy River; or just enjoying a picnic.
• Visit the Museums - Somervell Country Historical Museum depicts local history, fossils, and relics; Creation Evidences Museum includes artifacts and fossil displays, dinosaur footprints and bones, and more; and Barnard Mill and Art Museum is in one of the first structures built in the 1860's and houses art, primitive artifacts, and bronzes.
• Tube the Brazos or Play in the Rivers - a few miles north east of Glen Rose on 67 there are canoe and tube outfitters (Rhodes Rentals 254-897-4214) for riding the Brazos (not the most thrilling ride but a fun way to spend a few hours) or fish,   swim, or relax in the water.

The kids will enjoy the water and rocks at Big Rocks Park which is close to downtown.

• Listen to Some Good Music - Glen Rose is known as the Blue Grass Capital of Texas and throughout the year TresRios and Oakdale Park have bluegrass concerts with some excellent bands and musicians.

  

• Stroll the Downtown Area - Glen Rose has a quaint downtown square featuring shops,restaurants, a museum, and the historic Somervell County Courthouse or go play in the Paluxy River at the park.
• Feed the Exotic Animals - Fossil Rim Wildlife Center features some of the worlds most endangered animals like white rhino, cheetah, and Grevy's zebra plus over 60 species that roam on the 2700 acres. You can drive your vehicle through the park and view the animals, some of which will stick their head in the window; stop at the top of the mountain for food, souvenirs, the museum, nature trail, picnic area, and petting zoo; or enjoy the park on one of their special bike safaris."

From: http://www.texasoutside.com/topten/glenrosetopten.html

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Travels with Grandma...

Preserving the stories, legends & history of Texas for generations to come...

From Dinosaurs to Indian Country and beyond...

"Come & sit a spell, grab a glass of lemonade & some cookies. I want to tell you a story before we take off today. So, sit back and get comfortable…

This story begins over 100 million years ago. It’s a story about dinosaurs wandering wild and free, clomping down the river in a land untouched by man. All that remains are the tracks the three types – acroncanthosarus, pleurocoelus and an unidentified one, left behind. They must have been huge! The tracks range from 12-36” long and 9-24” wide. There are seven sites at Dinosaur Valley State Park where you can see them, and a museum in downtown Glen Rose that tells their history. We’ll stop by the park & take a look, maybe even take our shoes off and go wading in the river and walk in the tracks.

In the time before the white settlers started moving in around the mid 1800’s these lands belonged to the Indians. Like the dinosaurs, they roamed free, hunted buffalo, fished in the Brazos and Paluxy rivers, raised their families and celebrated life and death as free men. The Caddo and the Tonkawa, and sometimes the Apaches and Comanche called this area home.

Then, in 1849, that’s more than 150 years ago, a man named Charles Barnard and his brother George showed up. Charles built the first Indian trading post, a Torrey house, near Comanche Peak. George settled the area nearby. You may have seen the signs on the way to Cleburne - George’s Creek. The Torrey houses and trading activities were an important part of settling this area and an important part of Sam Houston’s peace policy. They did a fair trade business and it is said they also recovered stolen horses and captives from the Indians.

The post was located at Fort Spunky, built near a spring and tribe of peaceful Indians. It was near well traveled Indian highways and a one day ride from Comanche Peak. The Indians used Comanche Peak for a rallying place, campground and lookout. By the 1850’s the Indians had been moved to Fort Belknap and an agricultural center with a cotton gin, gristmill, general store, blacksmith shop and feed store remained. Fort Spunky, was given its name because of the fistfights that broke out, is gone now, but we’ll drive out and see where it was. Quite possibly the roads we’ll be following were the old Indian highways leading the Indians and settlers who traded there to Comanche Peak and Glen Rose.

Charles Barnard moved his trading post to Fort Belknap and returned to the Fort Spunky area in 1859 and built the first store in Glen Rose. A year later he started building a flour and grist mill and called the town Barnard’s Mill. The mill was a busy place. It served as a meeting hall, a dance hall, hospital and gathering spot for the settlers. It is in the process of restoration now and the hospital now hosts an art collection and some beautiful antiques. Barnard sold his mill in 1871 and the wife of TC Jordan wanted to name the town Rose Glen, but in 1872 the residents agreed to call it Glen Rose at a town meeting.

It grew slowly, but a few interesting stories from the times before Fossil Rim, Dinosaur Valley and the nuclear power plant are:

There were abundant mineral spring that brought doctors and healers and soon Glen Rose was known as a health and recreation center. In a letter written in 1902 JH Haney wrote “Our town in county seat of Somervell County and a health resort, i.e. a great number of flowing wells, and the people are coming in swarms from all about and filling our several parks along the Paluxy…” The springs can’t be seen now, but stop at Big Rock Park and look back towards town, and it’s not hard to see why they came.

Another story that I like is about the moonshiners. The laws changed and by the end of the 1800’s the moonshiners moved in, building stills, cooking and selling moonshine. During the Depression (1929-1940) the cedar brakes became known as the “whiskey woods capital of the state” and during the 1920’s it was reputed to be the “Moonshine Capital of Central Texas”. In 1923 the sheriff and county attorney, along with 38 other men, were arrested when the Texas Rangers decided to clean out the moonshiners.

These days Glen Rose has a bustling town square and “modern” development along Hwy 67. We’ll take time to visit the square and see the shops, and historical museum. It is home to the Warm Country Heart Theatre.

Well, that’s enough rambling for now; I’ll tell you more along the way. Put your shoes on and we’ll go exploring. We’re going to head west on Hwy 377 to Tolar, then take a left onto Hwy 56 on our way to Glen Rose. So let’s pack a picnic, load up the kids, fill up the gas tank, buckle up and we’ll be off…

Just as you get to Tolar take a left and go south on FM56. Tolar was settled in the 1890’s and a trade center for local farmers by the turn of the century. We are going up the winding hills towards the back of Comanche Peak – Indian country. Look on your right and you will see all that remains of an old family homestead…a chimney, leaning a little with age.. Stop and look out across the countryside and think about the times when the settlers first came and settled all alone out here, far from friends and family in this strange land with Indians all around.

The Panther Branch Post Office that is in downtown Granbury was found in an old frame house near here in 1968. It was known as the “eight mile stage stop” because the stagecoach made regular stops with both mail and passengers. Can you imagine riding across these rough hills in a bouncy stage coach on rutted paths and no paved roads, no air conditioning?

We’re continuing down Panther Branch Road another few miles and taking a right on to Hwy 51. Look to the right and you will see a barn. On the left you will see the remains of an old family homestead. It once stood proud on its hill – house and barns and outbuildings. Now you can see the sky coming through the buildings, but it still stands as a reminder of times gone by.

At the fork in the road we’re staying to the left, back on to FM 56 towards Glen Rose. Another old homestead is on the right a few miles down…with its windmill standing tall, remains of the piping that once led to the cisterns just to the south of the house. They’re overgrown now, but stop & listen you just might hear the laughter of children skinny-dipping the summer heat away in them.

Watch out the right side as you go up the hills. At the tops of the peaks you will begin to see Seven Knobs – count them. There are seven cone shaped, cedar covered knobs about 2 miles south of Glen Rose. They distinctly rise above the tops of the distant hills.

Take a right at Hwy 67 and a right on Park Road 59 into the land of Dinosaurs and the tracks they left behind - Dinosaur Valley State Park. The girls had a great time wading in the river and discovering the 113 million year old tracks.

Too soon we headed back down the road on Hwy51, crossing Hwy67 to Bernard St. Stop off at one of the best kept secrets in Glen Rose – The Barnard Mill Museum. The old hospital section of Barnard’s Mill is home of the private art collection of Richard H. Moore, Jr. It is a great place for little ones. The girls were fascinated by the drawings, paintings, bronze sculptures and Indian artifacts.

Take time to wander the Mill grounds, wander under the huge old trees and look up top and see the rifle slits that were used to protect the settlers from Indian raids. The mill used to be a busy place and was the gathering place for local settlers. If you find the mill open you can go inside and see the furnishings of the time period.

Leaving the mill, turn right and stop at the Glen Rose square. It’s a bustling place full of unique shops and antique stores, but that isn’t what the girls enjoyed the most; it was the Somervell County Historical museum, and the farmers on the square.

The museum is full of antiques from early Somervell County history and fossils and dinosaur history. It’s a “must see” on any trip to Glen Rose. The staff is warm and friendly and loves to answer questions.

You can’t leave the square without stopping to buy from the farmer’s trucks. The best watermelons, peaches and homegrown tomatoes can be found there. Not to mention a story or two. Mr. Murray (sorry I don’t remember his last name!) comes all the way from Eulogy and has been for over twenty years, carrying on a tradition that has brought farmers and their wares for decades.

Going south on FM56, take a left on FM202 to Rock Creek Cemetery. It is the first on our “old cemetery stops” today. My grandchildren love to explore them and are quick to point out the signs and it’s a challenge to see who can find the oldest marker and figure out how old it is (Ahhhh- math in the summer time and they don’t even know it!) The oldest one we found dated back to 1839. The cemetery and church are some of the few remains of a community established prior to 1880.

Back on FM56 go south through Eulogy, left on CR 1175. When you’re on Hwy56 just outside of Eulogy be sure to keep an eye out for the deer grazing under the trees. There are new babies that are fun to pull off the road and watch a while.

CR1175 crosses the Brazos River on the “new bridge”, but make the turn around at the end and get out, stretch your legs and explore the old iron bridge. It really is a work of art and you can’t catch the views or feel the wind blowing from the car. I’ve heard that this was once a ferry crossing. Do you know what a ferry is? It is a flat boat that people loaded themselves and their belongings on, and then the owner pulled everything across the river by a rope strung between the two sides.

Heading straight off the bridge, back on CR1175, will take us winding through the countryside (it turns into CR1119) and dead-ends into FM200. We’ll drive north a while and stop at the Nemo post office and take in the view. All that remains now are a few churches and a post office, but it was a thriving community around 1858 when it was settled. When the people gathered to name it, they wanted to name it Johnson Station, after Jimmie Johnson who found the area, but someone from the post office suggested a shorter name. One man stood up and said “Nemo” the Latin word for “no one” because if Jimmie Johnson’s name wasn’t good enough no one’s was.

We’ll turn around here and go back to FM 199, take a left and, if you haven’t had enough of the countryside, cross Hwy 67 and head into Fort Spunky country. If you want to see it, you better go soon; like a lot of the countryside around here it is quickly disappearing. The fort was located approximately at the intersection of FM 199 and FM 2174. To view the land as it used to be and have a beautiful view of the Brazos valley, turn right on FM 2174 and follow it all the way to the end. Keep going when it turns to a gravel road (CR 326). Once a simple one lane road, it’s wider now and the gas trucks are beating a path to the well at the end of the road. For us, it was worth the trip to stand at the end of the road and look out across the valley and take a few minutes to talk about what life would have been like if you lived when this was Indian country and the settlers were moving in, and what it would have been like to live as far away from anyone as the barn roof top in the distance.

After you’ve taken in the view (or if you didn’t make the trip), go west on HWY67 to FM200, take a right and cut through Rainbow on your way back to Hwy144 and home. By the 1890’s a community had developed here. Rumor has it the day the community gathered together to choose a name, a thunderstorm blew through and the residents were so struck by the rainbow that followed they named the town after it.

Till next time…Love, Grandma."   From: http://www.texasoutside.com/twg/2.html

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I hope you enjoyed our second visit to Glen Rose, here is the first: http://pennys-tuppence.blogspot.com/2012/06/glen-rose-and-granbury-tx-dinosaur.html .  PS: Binkie was picked up by a relative of her owner and found a better home.

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On This Day:

First U.S. presidential election, Jan 7, 1789:

"On this day in 1789, America's first presidential election is held. Voters cast ballots to choose state electors; only white men who owned property were allowed to vote. As expected, George Washington won the election and was sworn into office on April 30, 1789.

As it did in 1789, the United States still uses the Electoral College system, established by the U.S. Constitution, which today gives all American citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote for electors, who in turn vote for the president. The president and vice president are the only elected federal officials chosen by the Electoral College instead of by direct popular vote.

Today political parties usually nominate their slate of electors at their state conventions or by a vote of the party's central state committee, with party loyalists often being picked for the job. Members of the U.S. Congress, though, can’t be electors. Each state is allowed to choose as many electors as it has senators and representatives in Congress. The District of Columbia has 3 electors. During a presidential election year, on Election Day (the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November), the electors from the party that gets the most popular votes are elected in a winner-take-all-system, with the exception of Maine and Nebraska, which allocate electors proportionally. In order to win the presidency, a candidate needs a majority of 270 electoral votes out of a possible 538.

On the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December of a presidential election year, each state's electors meet, usually in their state capitol, and simultaneously cast their ballots nationwide. This is largely ceremonial: Because electors nearly always vote with their party, presidential election are essentially decided on Election Day. Although electors aren't constitutionally mandated to vote for the winner of the popular vote in their state, it is demanded by tradition and required by law in 26 states and the District of Columbia (in some states, violating this rule is punishable by $1,000 fine). Historically, over 99 percent of all electors have cast their ballots in line with the voters. On January 6, as a formality, the electoral votes are counted before Congress and on January 20, the commander in chief is sworn into office.

Critics of the Electoral College argue that the winner-take-all system makes it possible for a candidate to be elected president even if he gets fewer popular votes than his opponent. This happened in the elections of 1876, 1888 and 2000. However, supporters contend that if the Electoral College were done away with, heavily populated states such as California and Texas might decide every election and issues important to voters in smaller states would be ignored."

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Clinton impeachment trial begins, Jan 7, 1999:

"On January 7, 1999, the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton, formally charged with lying under oath and obstructing justice, begins in the Senate. As instructed in Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist was sworn in to preside, and the senators were sworn in as jurors. Congress had only attempted to remove a president on one other occasion: the 1868 impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, who incurred the Republican Party's wrath after he proposed a conservative Reconstruction plan.

In four hours of closed-door testimony, conducted in the Map Room of the White House, Clinton spoke live via closed-circuit television to a grand jury in a nearby federal courthouse. He was the first sitting president ever to testify before a grand jury investigating his conduct. That evening, President Clinton also gave a four-minute televised address to the nation in which he admitted he had an inappropriate relationship with Lewinsky. In the brief speech, which was wrought with legalisms, the word "sex" was never spoken, and the word "regret" was used only in reference to his admission that he misled the public and his family.

Clinton, the second president in American history to be impeached, vowed to finish his term. On January 7, 1999, the impeachment trial began. Five weeks later, on February 12, the Senate voted on whether to remove Clinton from office. Clinton was acquitted on both articles of impeachment. The prosecution needed a two-thirds majority to convict but failed to achieve even a bare majority. Rejecting the first charge of perjury, 45 Democrats and 10 Republicans voted "not guilty," and on the charge of obstruction of justice the Senate was split 50-50. After the trial concluded, President Clinton said he was "profoundly sorry" for the burden he imposed on Congress and the American people."

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Yesterday:

It took until about 10.00am for the power to stop blinking, but even though it was inconvenient having to restart the computer every few minutes, at least we weren't without heat for all those hours.  As cold as it was here, that would have been awful.

There wasn't much anyone wanted to do outside, and I just stayed pretty close to this computer researching different things. 

Misty didn't protest when she had to wear her coat when we went out.  Each time I checked to see if the wind had blown the covers off my thousands of aloe plants. I clipped some hair off Misty as her face was getting shaggy, but I didn't cut her hair short, or bathe her, not with the temperature in the 20's most of the day.