The Holy Day Satan Hates Most. Day of Atonement ~ Yom Kippur For Kids. Update.

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The Day of Atonement starts tonight at dusk.

The Holy Day Satan Hates Most

“The devil doesn’t like any of God’s holy days, but the Day of Atonement is particularly onerous to him. How should Christians today view this day?

The devil doesn’t like any of God’s holy days, but the Day of Atonement is particularly onerous to him. How should Christians today view this day?

When I was young and just learning to celebrate God’s annual holy days, the Day of Atonement was difficult for me to appreciate. While all of God’s commanded assemblies are collectively termed “feasts” (Leviticus 23:2, 4), the one observed on the 10th day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar—the Day of Atonement—had no feasting at all!

Instead of enjoying nice food and drink as our family did on the other holy days, this day was a day of afflicting our souls by fasting. This meant we were not to eat food or drink liquids for a full 24 hours (Leviticus 23:32; Esther 4:16).

While I recall a minister teaching that this holy day was a time for feasting on spiritual food, that explanation didn’t help my empty stomach. As a tall, skinny youngster with a rapid metabolism, going without food and drink for this length of time was … well, unpleasant to put it mildly. My soul truly was afflicted—which was and is the intent of fasting.

When the seemingly extra-long day finally came to an end and my spirit revived as I ravenously partook of food and drink, I can remember feeling relieved that it would be a whole year before we would observe this day again.

So I quickly learned the “being afflicted” part of the Day of Atonement. What took me a little longer to learn was the positive meaning of this day for me and all of mankind. (Parents who are teaching their children to observe the Day of Atonement should do so by letting them fast for only part of the day—gradually longer each year until they are old enough to do it for the full 24 hours.)

The positive side of the Day of Atonement

One of the great meanings of this holy day is found in its name. It is a day when atonement is made. To atone for something means to make amends, reparation, restitution or compensation for something. This day teaches us that humanity will be offered atonement for its sins and given a chance to be reconciled to God.

While Christians, who have been called to repentance now, can be forgiven of their sins whenever they repent (1 John 1:9; Acts 3:19), the Day of Atonement focuses on how the amazing blessing of the reconciliation of the world to God will be offered after the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord, once Jesus Christ has returned. This most generous and undeserved gift of reconciliation is made possible by Jesus Christ.

The Bible teaches that the result of sin is death and that everyone has sinned (Romans 6:23; 3:23). As such, we all deserve death. The forgiveness of our sins upon our repentance is made possible because Jesus gave His life in our stead. God the Father “made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

As the Scriptures note, Jesus “bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). We are “reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Romans 5:10).

When we come to understand the magnitude of this astounding gift of reconciliation and forgiveness that will be offered to the whole world—which we are reminded of on the Day of Atonement—this holy day takes on profound meaning. What an amazing blessing God is offering to humanity!

Emphasizing just how significant it was to observe this holy day, God told the ancient Israelites that anyone who didn’t observe the day by fasting or who worked on it would be “cut off from his people” (Leviticus 23:29-30). Observing this day was obviously very important back then and still is today.

Fasting helps us realize that the meaning of the Day of Atonement is critical to our future and the future of the whole world. Physically, we are reminded that we can’t survive without food and drink. Similarly, without the forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation to God, we have no spiritual future!

Why Satan hates this holy day

As our adversary, Satan constantly works to deceive us and to get us to sin, which sabotages our relationship with God (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9). Because he is actively trying to keep humans from becoming members of God’s eternal family, Satan certainly isn’t pleased with a holy day that pictures our reconciliation with God.

In addition to the overall meaning of reconciliation with God on the Day of Atonement, there are two more aspects of this holy day that likewise anger Satan.

First, fasting done right, that is, in genuine humility, draws us closer to God and causes Satan to shy away from us. As James explains: “‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. … Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:6-8, 10, emphasis added).

It must be especially infuriating for Satan to see humans humbling themselves before their Creator—so much so that he can’t stand being around such conduct. And if he can’t bring himself to be around humans who are drawing close to God, he doesn’t have the opportunity to work against them as he normally does.

Thus, the meaning of our reconciliation with God includes the departure of Satan from us. This departure, of course, is only temporary. Satan will soon be back to do his dirty work and to try to deceive us if he can. But for one day—the Day of Atonement—Satan loses a lot of his influence on those who humble themselves before God.

The bad news for Satan is that this holy day pictures a time when he will be restrained from deceiving people for 1,000 years. There is still one more meaning behind the Day of Atonement that is good news for humans and bad news for Satan. The bad news for Satan is that this holy day pictures a time when he will be restrained from deceiving people for 1,000 years.

Describing this future event, John wrote: “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished” (Revelation 20:1-3).

With Satan restrained and unable to deceive people, everyone will have the opportunity to clearly understand God’s way of life, repent of his or her sins, and receive salvation. This is wonderful news for humanity.

For Satan, however, it is surely going to be a time of frustration and anger because when he is restrained, he will be helpless to prevent thousands upon thousands of people from reconciling with their Creator and receiving eternal life.

A clearer perspective

As I grew older, it became easier for me to fast, and I learned what great news the Day of Atonement represents for us humans and what bad news it represents for Satan. I still miss food and liquids when I fast, but I now observe this holy day with respect and understanding. And to be honest, I enjoy it just a bit more knowing what it means for Satan and why he hates it so much.

If you’d like to learn more about this festival of God, see the article “The Day of Atonement” and the booklet From Holidays to Holy Days: God’s Plan for You.

Sidebar: Two Goats and the Day of Atonement

Under the Old Covenant with ancient Israel, a special ceremony involving two goats was prescribed for the Day of Atonement.

One of the goats was killed as a sin offering, and the high priest would go into the holiest part of the tabernacle and sprinkle some of this goat’s blood on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:15-16). This goat and the ritual associated with it prefigured the New Covenant means of reconciliation with God—the sacrifice of Jesus, who would pay the penalty for our sins.

The high priest would lay his hands on the second goat and confess over it all the sins of the people. Then it was released in the wilderness (Leviticus 16:21-22, 34; Hebrews 9:7). This goat represented Satan and his deception of people (1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:9).

The placing of sins on the goat’s head indicates Satan’s role in leading people into sin. The Day of Atonement pictures the future binding of Satan for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3).

For further study of this unique ceremony, see the article “Leviticus 16 and the Day of Atonement.””  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/day-of-atonement/holy-day-satan-hates/

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Atonement: The Root of the Problem

“Atonement, a holy day observed by God’s people since ancient times, pictures an essential step in God’s plan for humanity: the binding of Satan the devil. With his influence removed, our broken world will be given the chance to heal and seek a relationship with its Creator.        See video at: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/learning-center/video-series/feasts-of-the-lord/atonement-the-root-of-the-problem/?

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“With the observance of the Feast of Trumpets last week, the fall festivals are underway!

These forward-looking festivals remind us of the hope and joy to come as outlined in God's plan for humanity. This month we focus on the new creation to come and the beauty of New Jerusalem. Enjoy our two new resources!

All Things New Whirlybird game

Enjoy this creative take on the classic schoolyard game and learn about the seven "no mores" once God makes all things new.

Flip the Flap Tree of Life

Familiarize your family with the special, life-giving tree mentioned at the beginning of the Bible in Genesis and at the end in Revelation.

Feast Favorites

Check out our favorite Feast resources: The Feast Travel Journal book, the A to Z Bible Coloring Pages, or puzzles, mazes and more in the Feast Travel Pack.

Have a wonderful Day of Atonement and Feast of Tabernacles!

Join other parents, grandparents and guardians to discuss how they are using the EEI Parenting Manual to teach their children in our Facebook Group.”

From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/learning-center/youth-development/

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Update.

The week started out with me prepping for a barium x-ray.  I didn’t realize that it was going to be the same prep as for a colonoscopy.  So only liquids on Sunday and Monday ready for the x-ray on Tuesday.

The special little Brazos Transit bus took me there and brought me back, along with some other patients.  You have to book the bus at least 2 days ahead, but it will take you door to door.  I have never seen such service, and Medicare pays for it!  I can also pay them to take me shopping to the big grocery stores in the next town too, or even to my daughter’s home.  I hope to do that next week.

Wednesday we had the annual inspection here at the senior apartments. The management sent out notice of intent to enter. They want to see that we are not storing things in the utility closet that houses the water heater and heat/ac unit, and safety things like that. They check the smoke alarms, make sure we don’t have cords running across the floor, or furniture in front of egress windows, etc.  Some seniors aren’t quite ‘with it’ any more, and have to be monitored.

My darling little cat, Evie, seems to be doing well without any hyperthyroid meds.  I just feed her the best food I can get here, Wellness canned, and she doesn’t throw up any more, wake me up in the night or cry to be fed, like a lot of the cats mentioned on the Feline Hyperthyroid Group.  And just like my vet said, they don’t seem to do any better with the medicines.  She loves to curl up with me, and she is my little treasure, so I would do anything to keep her as happy and as healthy as I can.  I hear about, and see pictures of, so many cats just going down to literal skin and bones with that disease, but there is no way that I would let my little one suffer like that. 

I took my new neighbor, June, to some thrift shops so that she could buy some hanging over the door hook things with several hooks on them.  Then she was able to unpack some more of her things so she would have her place organized ready for the upcoming feasts.

On Friday morning the three of us went through this week’s Sabbath School study lesson ready for the next day, but just Sherry and I went to the church.  June was having the Sabbath meeting with some of her friends on Zoom.  Sherry and I, and the others there, enjoyed ourselves at the Sabbath School.  Then we went to our homes and took it easy the rest of the day.   

Why Should Christians Celebrate the Feast of Trumpets? Update.

For “Scripture Sunday” and Monday:

Why Should Christians Celebrate the Feast of Trumpets?

“Prophecies of the end time include trumpet plagues and the return of Jesus Christ at the last trump. What does the Feast of Trumpets mean for Christians today?

Philipp Reiner/Unsplash

Christ's return is announced by the seventh and final trumpet

The fourth festival of God (after Pentecost) is the Feast of Trumpets (or a “memorial of blowing of trumpets,” Leviticus 23:24-25), which falls in September or October. This festival is called Rosh Hashanah by the Jews today. Ancient Israel understood that trumpets were used as a way of announcing special, very important messages (Numbers 10:1-10).

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ reveals that before His return to the earth, there will be the blowing of seven trumpets, announcing progressive stages of the downfall and overthrow of this world’s kingdoms, ending with the return of Christ to take possession of the earth. Christ’s return is announced by the seventh and final trumpet (Revelation 8:2; Revelation 11:15). This day also pictures the time when faithful Christians will be resurrected to eternal life at the time of the seventh trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16) to reign with Jesus Christ for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-6).

Interestingly, it was around this time of year that Jesus was born—not in the dead of winter (see “Biblical Evidence Shows Jesus Wasn’t Born on December 25 “). And the fall feast season represents the time when Jesus Christ will come to the earth again to reign in glory.

The remaining fall feast days describe steps in the establishment of the prophesied Kingdom of God on earth and judgment of humanity after Christ’s return. The Feast of Trumpets is followed by the Day of Atonement.”  From: https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/why-should-christians-celebrate-the-feast-of-trumpets

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The Biblical Feast of Trumpets, Foretelling 'the Day of the Lord'

“Does this ancient biblical feast hold great meaning for Christians today?

Photos.com

Most Christians find little meaning in God's Holy Days, but could they hold an important message for you and your future?

Every autumn the Jewish community observes a holiday called Rosh Hashanah (meaning “head of the year,” because it begins the Jewish civil year). This is a biblical festival, known in Scripture as Yom Teruah, the Day of Trumpets, because the Israelites were to blow trumpets on that day (Leviticus 23:24). A shofar, or ram’s horn, is blown calling the faithful to 10 days of repentance culminating in another biblical festival, Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement.

Most Christians find little meaning in these days, but could they hold an important message for you and your future?

In ancient Israel the shofar was blown for various reasons, including a call to war. Jewish leaders in the first century had to take care when they blew the shofar on the Feast of Trumpets so that the occupying Roman soldiers didn’t think a rebellion was being launched.

The Bible speaks of a time before Christ’s return when the earth will be engulfed in war, famine, disease epidemics, earthquakes and other colossal disasters. This era, called “the great tribulation” (Revelation 7:14; Matthew 24:21), will bring humanity to the brink of total destruction—necessitating God’s promised intervention in human affairs.

The period of God’s intervention is called “the day of the Lord.” It is also a time known for the blowing of trumpets.

The prophetic Day of the Lord

The Day of the Lord includes a series of cataclysmic events leading up to the return of Jesus Christ and His forceful suppression of humanity’s rebellion against God.

It’s important to understand that prophecies concerning the Day of the Lord can at times have a former and later fulfillment. What that means is that the messages of the ancient prophets applied in part to the people to whom they were preaching, but many of these prophecies also refer to a future time when God will intervene in the affairs of mankind—a time that is yet to occur.

Many references to the Day of the Lord in the biblical books of Isaiah and Joel refer to punishment God poured out on ancient Israel and Judah. But when reading these prophecies, and comparing them with historical information, it is clear that they are dual in nature and were only partially fulfilled. These verses primarily look to the future when God will pour out His judgment on an unrepentant humanity before the second coming of the Messiah.

This may not be a popular message in today’s environment of feel-good religion, but, as we always do on Good News Radio and in our publications, we turn to the Bible as the Word of God in our search for truth.

Many centuries ago, the prophet Zechariah was inspired to write: “Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

“Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two …” (Zechariah 14:1-4).

God’s future intervention

God is a God of love and mercy. But He is also a just and righteous God who doesn’t compromise with evil. Instead of repenting and acknowledging their Creator, most of humanity has been snubbing their collective noses at Him in a pretense of religion and suffering the consequences. But a time is coming when He will intervene by sending Jesus Christ to rule over the nations and save us from ourselves.

Many Old and New Testament prophecies describe the coming Day of the Lord, including those of the seven trumpets in Revelation 8-11. They create a composite picture of a time of blowing of trumpets, a time of catastrophic war, and a time when all nations will be brought together to be judged by God.

The Feast of Trumpets contains an important message for Christians. In fact, it is the most important news on the globe today. It heralds the gospel’s emphasis on repentance and judgment, the warning blasts of the shofar, the Day of the Lord and the proclamation that the Messiah is returning to establish God’s Kingdom on the earth.

Jesus Himself makes a key statement in His Mount Olivet prophecy recorded in Matthew 24: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matthew 24:29-31).

Notice that the return of Jesus Christ is accompanied by the sound of a trumpet.

The apostle Paul encourages Christians to keep the coming Day of the Lord in mind. He writes to the church in Thessalonica: “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.

“But let us who are of the day be sober … For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-10).

Indeed, the resurrection of the saints to reign with Christ in glory will come at the sounding of the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

The prophesied Day of the Lord is coming. The trumpet will sound, the saints will be raised from the grave and Jesus Christ will return to establish His Father’s Kingdom on the earth. The Feast of Trumpets isn’t just for the Jewish people. It is a very special day for all those who wait for the Messiah.”    From: https://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/the-biblical-feast-of-trumpets-foretelling-the-day-of-the-lord

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Discover the biblical festivals that teach us about God’s plan to restore our world and save mankind.
Feast of Trumpets - September 30, 2019
Day of Atonement - October 9, 2019
Feast of Tabernacles - October 14-20, 2019
The Eighth Day - October 21, 2019

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Update.

That was an expensive trip to the store the day I got lost and stuck in the mud!  When I called the repair shop on Monday to get the dented oil pan on my van replaced, they said not to drive it.  The clattering noise meant that part of the engine was hitting the oil pan.  The repair shop has a wrecker, but it was going to cost me so I called my Emergency Road Service.  A couple of days later it was ready, so the Service Coordinator here at these senior apartments took me to pick it up.  That is one thing about living here, they take care of their senior residents.  I had no idea such great places existed, or I would have moved out of my house 18 years ago when Johnny died.

After I drove Cherry, my neighbor to church, I saw the passenger side of my van..  Oh Dear!!  It was all mud splattered, and I had driven it to church like that.  I took another store bought Cheddar Chipotle Salad because it was so popular last time, but I can’t eat it, that dressing is way too spicy for me.  The message was “I can See Clearly Now”, based on Mark 8:22-26. Our Lord took the blind man and led him, and we all need leading sometimes.  

On Sunday afternoon we had the usual Bible study in the Community room.  That is what is so neat about living here, there are functions, not like a regular apartment complex so you don’t have to be on you own all the time.  Doesn’t bother me, I am used to it, but some people can’t stand their own company.  Sometimes it is Bingo, sometimes it is information about Medicare and similar, and this week they also had a Fall Prevention talk, as so many seniors fall.  Sometimes it is just a bunch of us gathered on the chairs under a tree, yapping.

This Monday, yesterday, I needed to find a car wash, but it was a special Sabbath, The Feast of Trumpets, so I drove back to my old church in Willis, and celebrated the feast with them.  It was so great to see them. The Teaching was from Lev. 23:23-25 where it tells about the feast.

The Feast of Trumpets:   Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ²⁴ “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. ²⁵ You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.’ ”

As I was so close, I did go to my storage in Willis, but I didn’t bring anything back with me for three reasons, one because I couldn’t move some of it by myself, and if I did, I didn’t have anywhere to put it, but the main reason was that it was a holy day.

Thanksgiving, Purim and Hanukkah. Blessings of Abraham: How They Came to the United States. More than Turkey and Football! Update.

    

For “Scripture Sunday”:

Thanksgiving, Purim and Hanukkah

“Since so many holidays have pagan origins, some have wondered, is there anything wrong with national holidays like Thanksgiving, Purim and Hanukkah?

Since so many religious holidays have pagan roots, some have wondered if all modern holidays are suspect. What about national holidays such as Thanksgiving in the United States and Canada, and the Jewish national holidays of Purim and Hanukkah?

Purim and Hanukkah mentioned in the Bible

Though Purim and Hanukkah are not commanded feasts of the Lord, they are mentioned in the Bible. The book of Esther describes the events that led to the establishment of the festival of Purim, as God saved the Jews from destruction by evil Haman. Hanukkah was also called the Feast of Dedication, mentioned in John 10:22-23. It celebrates the rededication of the temple after it had been defiled by Antiochus Epiphanes.

Days for giving thanks

Both of these holidays were established to give thanks to God, just as the American and Canadian Thanksgiving days are. Though some modern customs of these days may not be pleasing to God, they are not rooted in paganism and do not subvert any of the truths presented in the festivals of God.”       From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/plan-of-salvation/holy-days-vs-holidays/thanksgiving/

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Blessings of Abraham: How They Came to the United States

How did the United States become such a prominent nation? What made America great? How can we trace her roots?

The United States has been the most materially blessed single nation in history. Though few have recognized it, America’s rise to superpower status started with one man’s faithfulness to God.

Some 4,000 years ago God called a man named Abram (whose name God later changed to Abraham). God told Abram to leave his present country and go where He would lead him. God promised Abram that if he obeyed, He would cause many nations and kings to come from his lineage (Genesis 17:1-6).

Abraham continued to be faithful to God, and when Abraham passed the supreme test of being willing to sacrifice his son, God made an unconditional promise that his descendants would be innumerable and have world dominance (Genesis 22:16-18). The blessings of Abraham were then passed down to his descendants.

Promise of national greatness passed down

This birthright promise was passed down to Abraham’s son Isaac, then to Isaac’s son Jacob, and then to Jacob’s son Joseph.

Joseph had two sons while he was in Egypt, Ephraim and Manasseh. Just before Jacob died, he adopted these two grandchildren and, being guided by God, made them inheritors of his birthright promise (Genesis 48:13-16).

Jacob was also inspired by God to give a prophecy about his two grandchildren. He said that Ephraim would become a multitude of nations and Manasseh would be a great single nation (Genesis 48:19). Jacob foretold that in the last days the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh would spread (Genesis 49:1, 22). They would prevail in wars because God would be with them (verses 23-24). And they would also inherit great natural resources (verses 25-26)—all part of the blessings of Abraham.

Ancient Israel failed to receive the full birthright promise

God wanted to give ancient Israel national greatness. When He made the covenant with the 12 tribes of Israel in the wilderness, He told them they would become great if they obeyed Him.

We know that Israel did not obey God; and eventually 10 of the tribes, including Ephraim and Manasseh, went into captivity to Assyria in 721-718 B.C. From this point forward, they were scattered and seemed to disappear from the historical records.

What became of God’s promises to give the blessings of Abraham to his descendants? Many Christians understand that the promise of salvation through Abraham’s Seed was fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16). But what of the physical birthright promises? If we believe that God fulfills all His promises, we will look for a company of nations and a powerful single nation who have been blessed by God.

Where did the Israelites go?

Even though Israel was scattered, God said He would keep and preserve them (Amos 9:9). The Bible tells us in several passages, including Isaiah 49:12, that the Israelites migrated toward the northwest and to the “isles afar off” (Jeremiah 31:10). The British Isles are northwest of their previous homeland and the location of their captivity in Assyria.

Is it just a coincidence that the word British resembles two Hebrew words “beriyth-iysh,” which mean “covenant man”? The Bible repeatedly refers to the covenant (agreement) God made with Israel (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 4:13).

God’s people would also be known by Isaac’s name. Americans and Britons are known as Anglo-Saxons. “Saxons” is simply a derivation of “Isaac’s sons.”

The United States and Britain become world powers

Before 1800, both America and Britain were regional powers. But shortly after 1800, both suddenly received many blessings. First Britain then the United States became world-leading superpowers.

In 1803 the United States acquired the Louisiana Purchase, which nearly doubled the size of the country. Britain’s empire suddenly spread around the globe, and the sun never set on her company of nations. At their peak, the United States and Britain came into possession of more than two-thirds of the world’s resources and wealth. God fulfilled the biblical promises to provide the blessings of Abraham to his physical descendants.

So what does it all mean?

There are many more biblical and historical clues that the United States and Britain (and the British “multitude of nations” including Australia, Canada and New Zealand) are indeed the descendants of ancient Israel. For more information about the United States’ roots in ancient Israel, read the related articles in “America in Prophecy.” To learn more about the promises to Abraham, read the articles “Promises to Abraham” and “God's Promise to Abraham.””    From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/america-in-prophecy/blessings-of-abraham/

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Thanksgiving: More than Turkey and Football!

Thanksgiving is about more than turkeys and football. It's a day dedicated to our Lord and Creator. As we approach the holiday this year, let's remember and acknowledge Him, and His role in our national blessings.

Video: An Englishman’s first Thanksgiving : https://youtu.be/SXSuBCgzBjQ

Transcript: “When I came to the United States a number of years ago, I was surprised and pleased to be invited into the home of some friends in late November. I knew little about Thanksgiving then, having just arrived from England, where we had no such national celebration.

What an enjoyable day it was! Lots of food, friends and football! I delighted in this very American national celebration, quite unlike anything I had ever done in my native land.  At first, it seemed to be a day just to stuff oneself, like the turkey on the table. But as time went by, I began to learn about the rich and meaningful history of Thanksgiving Day.  First observed in Plymouth Colony in 1621, Thanksgiving was a day for the pilgrims to thank God for having protected and provided for them in those perilous times. The day was later proclaimed by President George Washington, in the year 1789. Listen to these words of America's first president: 

“WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have… requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God…" NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be... “

What's striking about that first Thanksgiving proclamation is the nation's readiness to acknowledge the Creator, and to dedicate a day to Him. Even in 1863, over seventy years later, the sixteenth president, Abraham Lincoln, was unabashed in his gratitude to Almighty God, as he set a date for the celebration. Here are some of Lincoln's words:

“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God… No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. .. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States… to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

The United States of 1863 was going through times of great crisis, just as we are now, in the year 2009. Yet now we hesitate even to mention God in public, much less to request His help in our national trials. It would today serve us well to remember Lincoln's words, and to make them our own.

Thanksgiving is about more than turkeys and football. It's a day dedicated to our Lord and Creator. As we approach the holiday this year, let's remember and acknowledge Him, and His role in our national blessings. For GN Magazine, I'm Ralph Levy.”        Transcript of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXSuBCgzBjQ&feature=youtu.be .

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Update, late again.

Sunday was busy as it is the day when potential buyers like to look at items for sale because I am not available to show things on Saturdays, the Sabbath.  I showed a twin bed that Hans had for sale and they bought it right away.  Then a man came to look at a big old side-by-side refrigerator that is down at Roni’s old place, but he decided it was too big for what he needed. 

Several folks, including Jay, kept me busy on Sunday, so I was too tired to write this.  Jay says that he has given up drinking, and wants to have a better life.  So I let him watch TV and made him some dinner of Bison, Sweet Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts, with toasted Brioche for dessert.   I don’t suppose he has had a home-cooked meal for weeks, as his mother went to live with her daughter just to get away from drunken Jay.  Now she is in the hospital, with a bleak prognosis, so he is all upset that he treated her that way and might not have the chance to make it up to her.   

Do what you can for others while they are still around, you never know if you will lose your chance to make amends later.

Another morning, Zack and I cleaned the front screen porch.  It had become quite dusty over the summer, and we moved all the bins of potted soil, sand, rocks and broken pots (to put in the bottoms of potted plants) into the green house.   Zack and I placed the winter covers on my long trough of aloe vera plants, and moved all the potted ones into the greenhouse.  We are getting ready for winter and took the automatic timer off the hedge/aloe sprinkler system so that it couldn’t freeze.

The winds had blown pine needles and leaves all over, so that took a morning to get them raked up and burned, but I wouldn’t want to be without the shade trees here in TX. Even pine trees.   We unpacked some more of the boxes that Wendy had brought, and took more pictures of the things she wants me to sell. Then I went down to Hans with parts to fix his water leak.  He wants to get all these little jobs done as he is going on a cruise to see Jerusalem, Israel and Jordan.

One day, I just wanted a day off and went into Conroe shopping.  That means taking the paper to be recycled, going to a different Kroger’s, and maybe a glance in a thrift shop.  Zack went with me as he had something to return at Home Depot, so we shopped there a bit, too.  We took some unwanted clothes and things to be donated, and looked to see what they had in their shop, and I bought a leopard pattern jacket.  It should go well with my leopard purse, and the two-tone brown shoes that I bought.

Then Friday was Preparation Day again.  I had made some black quinoa, but decided not to take it to the church potluck.  I took some previously cooked gumbo as I had two containers in the freezer, and I really needed to make space in there.   Dumped them both in a pot on the stove to defrost and then into a crockpot.  Then, in another crockpot I made brown rice to go with it.  I also took some previously cooked frozen cabbage which I spiced it up with Cajun spices, and they loved it.

The Bible readings read by the Pastor were Psa. 136, God’s Love Endures Forever, Gen.23:1-25:18, 1 Kings 1:1-31.  Then Isa. 56, about the Sabbaths, was quoted by Gary, as a favorite place.  The teaching was about The Forgiveness of Sin, and Romans 10, which says there is no mediator except Christ.  For the potluck there was crockpot beef, chicken and rice, chicken and homemade noodles, my gumbo and brown rice, slaw, veggies and a lot more good food, plus a lot of camaraderie and conversation.  We have some new folks, so that is always interesting to listen to what they have to discuss.

Zack and I had the dog room ready for the kitten’s Thanksgiving week off from the Cat Habitat at Petco, and two arrived on Saturday evening, after I got home from church.  They were Tux and Marble, as I had expected, and they are just about inseparable.  They loved playing loose in the dog room, but I did lock them up in cages at night, for their own safety.  The following day I let them have the run of the house so that my foster cat “Puddin’” would get used to them being here.  I was hoping that they would all play together, but they haven’t so far.  Puddin’ stays away from them.  They are just like little toddlers, and into everything, but like granchildren, I am sure that I will miss them and will also be glad when it’s over and they go back to the SPCA Cat Habitat at Petco next Sunday.

What Does God Say About Witches and the Occult? Pet Owners Should Read This List Of Halloween Safety Tips!

 

On this Halloween:

 

What Does God Say About Witches and the Occult?

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.”

"God outlawed witchcraft and other pagan practices that appealed to the evil spirit realm for their power. To God, it was an abomination for His people to seek help from Satan and his demons. Still, the Israelites were enticed by these practices again and again.

This was not just an Old Testament concern. The new converts to Christianity also took the subject of magic seriously ( Acts 19:19 ). The apostle John also warns that those who practice witchcraft must repent or they will end up in the lake of fire—the second death ( Revelation 9:21 ; 21:8 ).

How did Western, so-called Christian nations get caught up in a holiday like Halloween that dabbles in the darkness of evil spirits, witchcraft and the occult? See our article “Halloween: Should Christians Celebrate It?”

From: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/what-does-god-say-about-witches-and-the-occult/

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Considering Halloween: The Unfruitful Works of Darkness

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

"God’s way is symbolized in the Bible as light, and darkness symbolizes sin and evil. Many times the apostle Paul encouraged faithful Christians to avoid the darkness of Satan’s lawless thinking and evil influences. For example, he wrote, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

He also wrote to the Corinthians: “For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

The custom of Halloween, derived from popular pagan festivities to appease evil spirits, is definitely a time of darkness.

Paul continues by quoting from Isaiah 52:11 , “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

God’s people are to live no longer as the ungodly do in lewdness and greed ( Ephesians 4:17-19 ). How better to describe the risqué adult costume parties and the demands for treats of the younger crowd but as lewdness and greed?

God calls on us to draw near to Him and to resist the devil ( James 4:7-8 ). Should we not resist a holiday of darkness that celebrates evil?" From: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/bible/blog/considering-halloween-the-unfruitful-works-of-darkness/

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Every Pet Owner Should Read This List Of Halloween Safety Tips!

Wouldn't it be awful if he was scared, got out, and ran away!

"It’s almost the spookiest night of the year! While Halloween is a fun and festive time for families, it can be a stressful and dangerous night for many pets. We have put together a list of 9 Halloween safety tips that you can follow to ensure that both you and your pets can stay safe and happy this holiday!"

Read more at: http://blog.theanimalrescuesite.com/halloweensafetytips/

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Friday is "Preparation Day" (getting ready for the Sabbath), and as I have my food prepared for the potluck and my clothes ready, we are going to more flooring companies to look at linoleum for the guest house today.

Short Bed? Payment Trap. Short Hose. Floor Vents. 5 Stupid Things. Wasps Like Gas. Surge Protector. Stow Stuff. RV Tips. Deadline in Iraq.

 

For 'tRaVersing Thursday", or RV Day

How to lengthen an RV bed

"A bed in an RV can often be too short for tall RVers, who have to scrunch up to fit in — not good for a restful sleep. This video shows you how to fix that problem for about $30 — a lot cheaper than a new bed!"

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The Payment Trap / The Illusion Of Freedom...

"Many people are making payments on their recreation vehicles thinking that they are free to travel and live off the grid when in actuality they are tied to the system and a slave to their wages. Their possessions end up owning them, they do not own their possessions. Many people are just one paycheck away from repossession and losing everything.."

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Carry an extra hose?

"Carrying an extra, specially sized water hose, can be a godsend for the traveling RVer. Here's why.

Keeping a long water hose in the rig is always a given, particularly if you frequent RV parks with hookups. But a short coupled water hose, just a few feet long, can make life a whole lot easier when on the road."

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A tip about heating vents in your RV

"Jim Nelson shows you a way to cover one or more of your RV's heating vents to keep debris from falling in and to help control your heating comfort."

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5 Stupid Things I Have Done To Damage My RV

"Here are 5 Stupid Things I Have Done To Damage My RV plus One *Bonus Stupidity Not Done by Me. When You travel enough time in your RV you are bound to eventually do some stupid things. These are my top doh! moments."

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Flea collars keep wasps out

"Wasps like the smell and sweet taste of propane, and will turn the pilot light areas in the refrigeration and water heater compartments into their next home. If too many wasps move in, their condo will clog up the pilot light area and the system won’t work. When the propane is turned on, it could result in not only frying the wasps but also the RV wiring, meaning a potentially expensive service call to the repair shop.

Cut a flea collar in half and lay each half on the bottom of one of the compartments. Wasps don’t like the smell of flea collars and will congregate elsewhere.

Other solutions, such as commercial wasp traps to keep wasps out are available. If wasps have already invaded these compartments, one-shot solutions to get rid of them include dousing them with a cup of soapy dish detergent in water. Wasps reportedly like the smell of beer better than they do propane, so place a half-full can of beer in the compartment. The wasps will crawl into the can to get at the beer and drown."  by Cheryl Probst

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Are surge protectors needed in RVs? And what about extended service plans?

"Dear Gary,
A friend told me about how his 120-volt appliances in his RV fried at a campground in AK. He said a surge protector probably would have prevented a huge bill to replace what was destroyed. Is it a good idea to have a surge protector? Also what are your thoughts on extended service plans?" —Jim G. (Seattle, WA)

Read Gary's response. Posted by The RV Doctor, Gary Bunzer

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A Sometimes Overlooked Motor Home Safety Tip

"All motor home owners observe certain procedures prior to taking off from a camp stay. Things like, disconnect all connections, slides in, jacks up, antennas down, and more, are standard rituals they are all accustom to. A vehicle walk around after everything is set, is a good policy and hopefully is done by every RV’er. These often reveal issues that need attention such as open compartments, obstacles beneath the coach or wheels, awnings not locked, etc. A little time spent completing this can save a lot of time and possibly costly repairs later.

Okay, all checks out as ready for the road, but, what about loose items within the coach? Those items like toasters, coffee pots, cutlery and other personal things that we all carry, are they safe? They create little or no danger while driving down the road outside of possibly rattling in harmony with the bumps on the road surface. However, in the case of a sudden deceleration caused by a collision or even a panic braking action, these items can become lethal. The sink with several dishes, knives and forks, can be tossed up and become ballistic household shrapnel.

Many makes of class “A” RV’s do not fair well in a collision, and in some impact instances, the body may practically disintegrate, offering little or no protection for the occupants.  Unlike automobiles, trucks and even buses made today, RV’s do not have to meet the same crash test safety regulations.

But, even if they did, they still pose an added danger that the others generally do not. That is, loose cargo items throughout the interior. These normally harmless pieces will continue their forward travel speed should the vehicle be caused to stop instantly.

So, if you are lucky enough to survive the impact moment of a bad collision, you may still be seriously injured, or worse, from this flying debris. So what can we do to reduce this potential danger? Well, cleaning off the counter and removing items in the sink is a good start. Look for items that would be unimpeded from travelling in a forward motion to the front passenger area.

Be sure any heavy items are secure and would be blocked by a wall or bulkhead towards the direction of travel. If there is nowhere else to store that blender, place it on the floor, preferably without a clear path forward. If you have any forward facing cupboards, use a tie of some type to prevent them from opening in a sudden stop event. These are just some ideas, but each rig is different, as are what people carry with them. Use common sense in how items are stored while travelling.

Now, don’t forget your seatbelts! While your motor home may seem like sitting in a living room, you are travelling in a vehicle that is, not only less maneuverable than your car, but also may possess other possible dangers. Drive safe!"   With an Eye on Safety – Lug_Nut – Peter Mercer

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From me:  This includes your pets. Keep them safe in strapped-down carriers or in a seat belt harness.  A man had his neck broken by a large dog being thrown forward, and beloved animals have escaped through broken windows, never to be seen again.  It is also easier for the medics to tend to passengers if the animals are restrained.

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RV Tips:

Use big enough leveling blocks
"Got leveling blocks for under the tires? Make sure the blocks are big enough that the tire sits completely on the block — not overhanging it. Dually rig owners, BOTH the tires must be supported, not just one."

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Keep your RV food safe

"Food borne illnesses can stop your RVing fun in a big hurry. How can a RV foodie keep this nastiness away? The food safety experts at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center provide a few tips to keep the food fun going."

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Prep your rig to be sales-ready before upgrading to a new RV 
"Is it pristine clean? Do the appliances work? Does it have any off-putting odors? Look at your rig as a new buyer sees it — and take care of its shortcomings before they turn off a prospective buyer. These tips will tell you how."

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Treat your campground neighbors as you would want to be treated.

"Don't play your music so loud that they are forced to listen to it — they may not share your love of Conway Twitty. Would you want to listen to their music? Always be considerate."

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From me:  Standard size sheets v. RV sheets?

Get some sheet grippers.  Available at most dept. stores.

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Adjust the hitch ball height
“Towing with the tongue high (or low) can overload one of your trailer axles.  Set your ball height to level the trailer when attached to the tow vehicle."

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Cleaning the RV shower, sinks and toilet
"Remember that whatever you use to clean the sinks, showers and toilet ends up in the RV holding tanks. Never use any cleaners that could possibly damage the holding tanks. Clean these surfaces with a non-abrasive mild detergent, water and a soft cloth.

Never use any harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners that can scratch or damage ABS, plastic and fiberglass finishes. Some wet wipe products work well on these surfaces, but avoid using bleach." Tech Tips from Mark Polk

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On This Day:

Benny Goodman brings jazz to Carnegie Hall, Jan 16, 1938:

"Jazz has been called "America's classical music," a label that does more than just recognize its American origins. The label also makes the case that jazz is worthy of aesthetic consideration alongside music usually thought of as "classical." In the current era, when programs of Duke Ellington and J.S. Bach often draw the same highbrow crowds, that argument hardly seems controversial. In the 1930s, however, the notion was almost laughable, which is what made Benny Goodman's January 16, 1938, concert at New York City's famed Carnegie Hall so revolutionary. Goodman and his supporting cast claimed a new place for jazz on the American cultural scene that night, in what has come to be seen as the most important jazz concert in history."

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Bush waits for deadline in Iraq, Jan 16, 1991:

"On this day in 1991, President George Herbert Walker Bush waits to see if Iraq will withdraw from Kuwait by midnight, a deadline mandated by the United Nations, or if war will ensue.

On November 29, the United Nations Security Council authorized the use of all means necessary to remove Hussein's forces from Kuwait, giving Iraq the deadline of midnight on January 16 to leave or risk forcible removal.

Just after midnight in the U.S. on January 17, Bush gave the order for U.S. troops to lead an international coalition in an attack on Saddam Hussein's army. U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf led Operation Desert Storm, which began with a massive bombing of Hussein's armies in Iraq and Kuwait.

Following an intense bombing of Baghdad, U.S.-led coalition ground forces marched into Kuwait and across the Iraq border. Regular Iraqi troops surrendered in droves, leaving only Hussein's hard-line Republican Guard to defend the capital. After pushing Hussein's forces out of Kuwait, Schwarzkopf called a ceasefire on February 28 and accepted the surrender of Iraqi generals on March 3."

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Yesterday:

It was a good time to go shopping, mostly for fresh green veggies and pet food.

As Jay is in his own little world of getting drunk, I went by myself.  Ray was taking his son to the doctor. 

After I had dropped off the paper recycling, I  stopped at several thrift shops as I was looking for a food processor.   All I found was a very bulky old one that would not be very practical.  Anyway, it didn't have all the attachments. My small one is great, but lately it seems to have lost it's oomph to mix some things.

Maybe Nala is missing Misty, or maybe she just likes a different bed.  After I put laundered Misty's beds back in place, I found Nala asleep in the one under my bed.  She and Ava actually got within two feet of each other without Ava hissing, so we are making progress.  Nala was here first so she should, in theory, be alpha cat, but senior Ava wants that title.  She doesn't seem to realize that shy, gentle Nala wouldn't want to defend her title, she's a lover not a fighter.

It was a nice sunny day, but very windy. At Kroger's I really had to hang onto my door to stop it from hitting the car next to me, yesterday.

Aluminum and Alzheimer's. The Universe. Big Pharma. Medical Errors. Trans Fats Unsafe. Old Photos. Grand Canyon. Smoking.

 

For "Summary Saturday" or News, some new, some old:

Alzheimer's & Aluminum Toxicity

Reducing Your Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

"There is a strong connection between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. Research clearly demonstrates abnormally high accumulations of aluminum within the brains of Alzheimer's victims.

Aluminum alloy cookware and containers - Cooking utensils and aluminum beverage cans contribute substantially to our load of aluminum. Beer has more aluminum when it is packaged in aluminum cans. It is best to use stainless steel cooking containers or glass or iron cookware. The older your aluminum cookware is the more rapidly it corrodes. Acid-forming foods dissolve aluminum more rapidly. The amount of aluminum ingested from cookware, however is far exceeded by the amounts ingested from food additives.

Food - Sodium aluminum phosphate is an additive in most baking powders, cake mixes and self-rising flower.. If this form of aluminum combines with maltol, a sugar-like flavoring agent, the resulting aluminum compound is able to get through the blood-brain barrier 90 times as well.
Potassium alum is used to whiten bleached flour.
Aluminum compounds are widely used as additives to prepared foods. They lighten food texture, adjust acidity and keep chunks of processed vegetables and fruits firmer.
Aluminum is even used in infant formulas and beer.
Sodium aluminosilicate or aluminum calcium silicate are added to table salt to absorb moisture and keep it from caking.
Sodium aluminum phosphate is used as an emulsifier in processed cheese.

OTC and prescription drugs - Aluminum is found in many over-the-counter painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and douche preparations. For instance, aspirin is commonly buffered with aluminum hydroxide or aluminum glycinate. If you wash down your aspirin with orange juice, the buffering powder becomes aluminum citrate which is able to get through the blood-brain barrier five times as well."  More at: http://www.angelfire.com/az/sthurston/alzheimers_and_aluminum_toxicity.html

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A giant step in space measurement: Scale of the universe is measured to ONE per cent accuracy

• "This compares to 20 years ago when data differed by up to 50 per cent
• Scientists mapped over 1.2 million galaxies up to 6bn light years away
• Equations revealed details about expansion, and as a result, dark energy
• They suggest a model of universe that extends into space and time infinitely

There aren’t many things in our everyday lives that we know to one per cent accuracy.

But now scientists claim to have measured parts of the universe to this gold standard using galaxies more than six billion light years away.

The impressive measurements were taken by the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) using the Sloan Foundation Telescope in New Mexico.

‘I now know the size of the universe better than I know the size of my house,’ said Professor David Schlegel BOSS principal investigator." Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2536386/A-giant-step-space-measurement-Scale-universe-measured-ONE-cent-accuracy.html

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Bill Maher on Big Pharma: “We Are Being Poisoned” with David Letterman.

"Please be warned about Big Pharma."

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7 Tips on Surviving The Medical Industrial Complex.

"Dr. Benjamin Rush a Founding Father of America and a signer of the Declaration of Independence was right. America's Medical Industrial Complex has organized itself into an undercover dictatorship and is now "controlling the shots", in every sense of that expression. And they are more deadly that all of the shots fired in all of the wars that America has ever been involved in." 

"Medical errors kill enough people to fill four jumbo jets a week." says The Wall Street Journal

"200,000 to 400,000 deaths per year from preventable harm in hospitals" reports "A New, Evidence-based Estimate of Patient Harms Associated with Hospital Care" published in the Journal of Patient Safety September 2013.

"It seems that every time researchers estimate how often a medical mistake contributes to a hospital patient's death, the numbers come out worse." laments Scientific American"

From: Click here: Medical Errors Kill Enough People to Fill 4 Jumbo Jets a Week. - 7

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FDA Rules Trans Fats Unsafe in Food

"For over 60 years, saturated fats have been wrongfully accused of causing heart disease, despite mounting evidence showing that saturated fat is actually critical for optimal health while trans fat is the dietary fat causing heart disease.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced it is now considering removing partially hydrogenated oils—the primary source of trans fats—from the list of "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) ingredients.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruled for the first time that trans fats aren't considered safe in food, a sharp policy shift that could lead to banning trans fats in baked goods and other foods. Peter Landers reports in this Wall Street Journal video: http://on.wsj.com/1gugKcB

Making trans fat non-GRAS is the first step toward getting trans fats out of the American diet altogether. The FDA’s decision comes right on the heels of a lawsuit filed against the agency by a heart disease researcher.

FDA is still holding fast to its ignorant view on saturated fats, urging you to “choose products that have the lowest combined amount of saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fat.” This advice causes far more harm than good.

Saturated fats from animal and vegetable sources provide a number of important health benefits, and your body requires them for the proper function. Science has firmly debunked the myth that saturated fat promotes heart disease."

More at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/fda-sued-forced-to-remove-safety-status-on-trans-fats/

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If you just love old photos.

"If you are over 60 (or you just love old photos) and you do not take a few minutes look over these photos, you have missed a chance to relive your childhood and go back in time to the truly wonderful 1950's.  Enjoy the journey back!

Put your mouse over the photo (do not click) and it tells you who and what it is.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/blast_of_the_past/ "

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On This Day:

Grand Canyon National Monument is created, Jan 11, 1908:

"In January 1908, Roosevelt exercised this right to make more than 800,000 acres of the Grand Canyon area into a national monument. "Let this great wonder of nature remain as it now is," he declared. "You cannot improve on it. But what you can do is keep it for your children, your children’s children, and all who come after you, as the one great sight which every American should see."

Declaring that "The ages had been at work on it, and man can only mar it," President Theodore Roosevelt designates the mighty Grand Canyon a national monument.

Home to Native Americans for centuries, the first European to see the vast brightly colored spectacle of the Grand Canyon was Don Garcia Lopez de Cardenas, who traveled through northern Arizona in 1540 with the Spanish explorer Coronado. Subsequent explorers also marveled at the amazing view from the rim, but few dared to attempt the treacherous descent into the 5,000-foot-deep canyon and explore the miles of maze-like twists and turns.

Even as late as the 1860s, the Grand Canyon remained terra incognita to most non-natives. In 1869, though, the geologist John Wesley Powell made his first daring journey through the canyon via the Colorado River. Powell and nine men floated down Wyoming's Green River in small wooden boats to its confluence with the Colorado River (now in Canyonlands National Park), and then into the "Great Unknown" of the Grand Canyon.

Astonishingly, Powell and his men managed to guide their fragile wooden boats through a punishing series of rapids, whirlpools, and rocks. They emerged humbled but alive at the end of the canyon in late August. No one died on the river, though Indians killed three men who had abandoned the expedition and attempted to walk back to civilization, convinced their chances were better in the desert than on the treacherous Colorado.

Visitors today see a vista little changed from the one Lopez de Cardenas saw nearly 500 years ago."

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50 years since smoking became bad

"On January 11th, 1964, the US Surgeon General issued the first government report linking smoking to disease and death. It ushered in an era of regulation that fifty years later has helped to cut the smoking rate for American adults by more than half."

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Yesterday:

It was a lot warmer and the two cats could go out on the screen porch, but they still keep away from each other.  Maybe, one day they will be friends.

Ray came over and shampooed the carpets, while I washed Misty's beds and blankies in the washing machine.  I'll put the two small beds back under the coffee table and under my bed, where they have always been, as the cats like to curl up in them.  The big bed will probably be stored in the attic.  

It seems strange without Misty, and even though I miss her, I know she is in a better place. She couldn't go on like that.  Nala seems to be looking for Misty, but Ava appears to be more at ease, I think she is scared of dogs.  Both cats nap on opposite ends of the living room and still ignore each other.

A Heat-and-Air man came to look at both houses, and will give me an estimate for mini-splits in the next new days.