Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Are Earthquakes a Sign of the End of Time?

Earthquakes are on our minds these days as we see the results of two very devastating and recent earthquakes on the news. There is alot of seismic activity going on these days. Yes, there have always been lots of earthquakes, but there appear to be more recently, they have been very close together and severe.

The Bible speaks of earthquakes happening in diverse, (different), places when the end of time is approaching. It has many other warnings also, but specifically, it speaks of earthquakes. Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, and Luke 21:11, to be specific, are passages in the Bible that speak of earthquakes in reference to the end of time.

Luke 21:11, clearly says there will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences, in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

Many people and religions believe this to be true. I certainly do, and the proof to us is there are many things happening today that were foretold long ago in the scriptures of the Bible. To me, that makes it very believable!

The earth is a moving, shaking, planet. It is interesting to study the seismic activity of today. I live in a major earthquake zone, the New Madrid Faultline. I certainly am aware of the possibility of an earthquake in my area of the country.

Since the horrors we have seen in Haiti and Chile of the devastation and calamity of earthquakes, I think more people want to be aware of the possibilities of future events. The news medias are frantically asking the scientific neighborhood if they can give the predictions of earthquakes. With the modern technology at hand the is no specific predictions of exactly where an earthquake will happen next, only guesstimates.

Although earthquake predicting is not an exact science. We can all be prepared in the event that an earthquake may happen where we live. That is the best we can do. We can also reach out to others who are experiencing the devastation of an earthquake.

The Bible tells us what to expect when we are approaching the end of time as we know it. I am glad that God has given us such a guide to follow and is merciful to help us in times like these.

We can prepare both spiritually and physically for the times of catastrophes, such as earthquakes. We all may have to experience difficult times ahead. God doesn't say we will escape all troubles or calamities, but He does say He will be there for us and help us through them.

I encourage you to read the Bible and learn what God says about future events, such as earthquakes, that will happen as the end of time approaches. Yes, earthquakes in different places are a sign of the end of times.

Another good read on this subject: http://www.prophecyupdate.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pamela_Bunta

Hopi Prophecy in the End Times

The Hopi Native Americans are a people of peace. They carry a very special mission from Creator during these end times. It would be wise for us to listen to them.

We are now apparently living in the end times. The Hopi have a prophecy that a Great Purification will take place before the end of this era. This prophecy may have ties to several other prophecies, both biblical and those of the Hopi.

The Hopi were told about the coming of "three." These three were related to three symbols including the Sun symbol, the Moha symbol (swastika), and the Red symbol.

I have been led to believe that the Sun symbol symbolizes Creator, the Moha symbol symbolizes the four forces of nature set in motion including earth, water, fire and air, and the Red symbol symbolizes the "Walking the Red Road" spiritual path I was directed to write, which is included in the last section of the book, "Red Hat Speaks."

I believe the Hopi prophecy that told them Pahana will bring them a new religion, that is not really new, is fulfilled by the seven steps of Walking the Red Road. This is the actuality of the Red symbol. Those Hopi who choose to walk the Red Road will be judged righteous, i.e they will be purified by the Red Force. (According to Malachi, chapter 4, the wicked will be burned up and the righteous will walk on the ashes of the wicked. Apparently the Hopi prophecy says that the Red Force will cut off the heads of the wicked, and maybe that is because those who walk the Red Road will be deemed righteous and the others wicked, and the wicked will perish. In which case, the Red Force will cut off the heads of the wicked, i.e. destroy them.)

The new religion Pahana is to bring will join all faiths into one religion and establish a spirit of universal brotherhood. Walking the Red Road will do this. It will join all major religions in spiritual brotherhood. Walking the Red Road is equivalent to walking the high level spiritual path of our beloved Patriarch, Abraham, through whom all families of the earth will be blessed.

The Hopi have been sharing their spiritual truths with the rest of us. Their truths are in harmony with the spiritual aspect of the Torah. They are in harmony with the spiritual truths taught by Jesus.

We can choose to walk any path we want, and even try to justify the path we have chosen, however, in the end the truly righteous will still be separated from the wicked no matter what we think or believe. We may convince ourselves and our peers that our walk is righteous, but is God convinced? We must each search our own heart to see if there is any resident evil intent there, and remove it if we want to please our heavenly Father.

Only unconditional love in our hearts will create a oneness with our heavenly Father, who is unconditional love. And according to the Law of Attraction like attracts like, therefore, unconditional love, i.e. God, will attract all those who carry unconditional love in their hearts.

That is how we find our way to God. That is how we become part of our heavenly Father's Kingdom and spend eternity with Him. It is automatic and logical. It is the universal Law of Attraction.


Spiritual teachings of unconditional love leading to eternal life in the presence of our heavenly Father, and teachings about the return of Pahana of Hopi prophecy are taught in the books Red Hat Speaks, and Red Hat's Wisdom by Dorothy K. Daigle. These books can be ordered from any bookstore.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_K_Daigle




Monday, March 28, 2011

Trees- What Can We Learn From Them?

Trees are fabulous! They are the lungs of the planet. They do an amazing job for us- they take our waste product (carbon dioxide) and they turn it into what we breathe- oxygen.

They are very adept at removing toxins from the environment and they can store phenomenal quantities of water in times of great rains to avoid flooding. They provide entertainment, a place to nest, and hide, wood for household furnishings, fire, and construction. They provide beauty, and shade, and they attract rain. Even when they fall, they provide shelter and homes for smaller insects and animals and then they biodegrade into nutrients in the soil and the cycle begins again.

Nothing that they do is a waste. When it is time to let go of what they no longer need, they do it with grace. How often do we hang onto what we no longer need? The leaves fall when the light changes and rids the tree of all her toxins for that year, and the leaves in turn nourish the forest floor and provide nutrients for young trees, shelter for insects and animals and each last cast off leaf gets recycled.

Due to the fact that they have so many uses, we have been decimating the forests on our planet as we cut down precious trees. My own country England at one stage was completely covered by trees, as was most of Europe, but over time we have reduced the coverage of trees to a bare minimum.

Where we have lacked foresight is that trees anchor the top layers of soil, and attract rain to the locality. The overwhelming evidence is that where there is enormous desertification on this planet is where the trees have been removed, so the rain has ceased to come and the top layers of soil have been blown away by the winds, leaving a desert behind.

Trees can mirror back to us the issues that we are not dealing with. Looking at trees, I see that they do not need an audience- they are really able to just be a tree, to the best of their ability, regardless of what is going on around them.

They do not feel responsible for other trees, they connect and communicate with the neighbouring trees, whilst remaining very alone and self-sufficient. They are harmonious with their fellow trees, and at the same time confidently assured of their purpose and individuality.

The tree is very efficient at being a tree. She does not waste time thinking about what it would be like to be a badger- that is not her job. She is proud to be a tree and does it to the best of her ability.

She does not waste time on insecurity- she is a very good tree and does her job well. She can see that she provides a lot of different elements of God's universe with the tools to be who or what they are supposed to be, and this gives her pleasure. She knows that the services she provides are life-giving and thus she knows she does a good job. How much time do we waste wondering if we are good enough?

The tree does not have time for self-pity. She is too busy being endlessly generous, and splendid in her knowledge of the part that she is playing. She needs no approval, gratitude, or repayment, she just is.

Many of our perceived issues created by our "superior" minds are not afflictions that seem to bother the natural world. I am referring to our emotions. Or maybe a tree can feel grief each time one of her sisters is cut down on the other side of the planet? Perhaps the destruction that occurs in the name of progress does weaken the immune system of our planetary lungs? Similarly, do they feel joy each time a child plants a sapling, or a forest is admired and loved, or a conservation project restores a woodland?

Mother Nature has so much to offer us in the form of healing, calm, peace, tranquillity and beauty. In a world that is so removed from our home, and all that she does for us, is it time that we find refuge from the stress in the beautiful outdoors and contemplate how we can be the best person that we are supposed to be? Is it time to assess how we can best assist the trees and the planet to further help us to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and others? Is it time to just marvel at how abundant nature is and how giving she is and how lucky we are to be alive at this very special time?

What can you do today that will save the worlds trees? Buy less products made with palm oil? Really read where your products are coming from- corned beef from Brazil and neighbouring countries could well have been farmed on land which was rain forest not so long ago. Be aware of the origin of your furniture, and don't buy it if it is from endangered stocks? Learn about trees. Plant a tree if you can. Appreciate a tree if you can't.

Written by Caroline Nettle.

Caroline Nettle is passionate about healing, recovery, and assisting others to grow. Her website Spiritual Growth Tools is the culmination of many years of seeking answers about her own health and well-being, and studying the human condition. She writes articles, is a healer and gives talks about subjects relating to spiritual growth and personal development.
Spiritual Growth Tools is an online resources dedicated to spiritual growth and personal development. It aims to provide resources and information to assist others on their journey to inner peace, vitality, and a happier, healthier lifestyle!
Spiritual Growth Tools on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/spiritualgrowthtools

Metaphysics - The Nature of Actuality

The term metaphysics originally referred towards the writings of Aristotle that came after his writings on physics, within the arrangement produced by Andronicus of Rhodes about three centuries after Aristotle's death. Meta a Greek phrase which means ("after","beyond"), is a frequent English prefix, utilised to indicate a concept that's an abstraction from another principle, utilised to analyze the latter. For example:"metaphysics" refers to things beyond physics, and"meta language" refers to a kind of language or program which describes language.

Metaphysics is often a philosophy that brings understanding for the essential nature of all fact, no matter whether visible or invisible. It seeks a description standard, basically straightforward, all-inclusive that it applies to every little thing, no matter whether divine or human or anything else. It describes what anything at all is like so that you can be in any respect.

To call one particular a metaphysician on this classic, philosophical feeling indicates absolutely nothing greater than their interest in attempting to discover what underlies everything. Outdated materialists, who said that there is absolutely nothing but make any difference in motion, and present naturalists, who say that almost everything is made of lifeless, non-experiencing vitality, are just as significantly to be classified as metaphysicians as are idealists, who sustain that there is absolutely nothing but tips, or head, or spirit.

Perhaps the very best definition of materialism is that of Charles Hartshorne (Insights and Oversights of Wonderful Thinkers, p. 17):"the denial the most pervasive processes of nature entail any these kinds of psychical features as sensing, feeling, remembering, desiring, or thinking." Idealists assert what materialists here deny. Dualists say that mind and matter are equally genuine, while neutral monists claim that there is a neutral fact that may appear as both head or issue. Philosophers typically are subject material to divide actuality into two halves, brain and issue (prolonged and unextended truth) and do not emphasize this kind of distinctions in the head fifty percent as spirit and soul.

Common Metaphysics includes a wide array of controversial phenomena thought by many individuals to exist over and above the bodily.

Common metaphysics relates to two typically contrasted, if not totally separable, places:

(1) mysticism, referring to experiences of unity using the greatest, frequently interpreted since the God that is really like

(2) occultism, referring towards the extension of understanding (extrasensory per-ception, like telepathy, clairvoyance, pre-cognition, retrocognition, and medium-ship) and carrying out (psychokinesis) past the usually identified fields of human exercise. The academic examine of your occult (actually concealed) continues to be referred to as psychical investigation and, far more recently, para-psychology. Equally New Age and New Thought emphasize mysticism and its useful, pragmatic application in daily residing, but New Thought discourages involvement in occultism.

The terms metaphysics and metaphysical within a common feeling have been utilized in connection with New Thought, Christian Science, Theosophy, and Spiritualism, as in J. Stillson Judah, The Heritage and Philosophy of the Metaphysical Movements in America (The Westminster Press, 1967), as well the New Age movement, and inside the identify of the Society for the Study of Metaphysical Religion (see under). A few of the varying understandings of metaphysics held by some founders of New Thought and Christian Science are presented from the opening pages of Contrasting Strains of Metaphysical Idealism Contributing to New Believed.

Pure and Applied Metaphysics

There's an additional means of dividing metaphysics: theoretical and applied. This distinction is much like the division involving science and technological innovation; a single describes; another applies the description to useful troubles, putting information to perform. Gathering expertise (alleged expertise, critics of metaphysics would say) in metaphysics customarily is by rational imagined; in an a lot more well-liked knowing, expertise gathering may possibly be either mystical or occult; in possibly scenario the pure expertise is to be distinguished in the useful application of it.


About the Author

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Friday, March 25, 2011

Crystals - Metaphysical Healing Properties of Spheres, Wands, Blades, and Points

Nature creates numerous examples of crystals and minerals, manifesting in wondrous shapes and sizes. As we continue to explore and discover various shapes, both natural and man-shaped, allow your imagination to expand your consciousness beyond your current sense of knowing. All that resonates with you in these words keep within, using them as a stepping stone to where your path guides you. That which does not resonate within, allow it to flow past you, knowing the words will gently guide you to that which does speak to your Spirit, the seeker within.

*Spheres are carved from Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Rose, Sodalite and Fluorite and many more crystals and minerals. Spheres represent the Eternalness within each of us. Spheres or Crystal Balls have and still are symbolic of the Gypsy Seer from days long since past. Crystal Balls are used during meditation to bring the Self back into alignment with the Oneness of the Cosmos. In truth, we are never separated from that which we seek. Spheres are never ending, never beginning....there is no end, there is no beginning, a Sphere simply is. It is continual much like the cycle of renewal and regeneration.

*Wands are human-shaped crystals which direct, with beam like precision, vibrational energy. They are conduits of energy, a crystalline channel for Source Energy, aiding in healing at various levels, in all directions of time and space. Crystal Wands weave healing energy throughout the physical, mental, emotional and Spiritual energy bodies and through the Aura and Etheric energy fields. They are generally about 6inches in length, although they can be much shorter, rounded or somewhat flat at the base, coming to a point or apex at the top. To use a Crystal Wand, hold it in the palm of your giving hand, with your receiving hand facing upwards, allowing Divine Source Energy to flow freely through you, the Wand and into whomever or whatever you desire healing.

*Points are naturally shaped crystals with six-sides. Each mineral, each crystal displays its own unique form. Crystals, Quartz Crystals tend to grow into a natural point. Crystal points are may be used to direct smaller amounts of energy to specific points in the physical body or any of the energy bodies to cause healing, or to dissolve unwanted energies. They may also be used to enhance the natural flow or your unique energy pattern, bringing balance to your inner Self, your major Chakra Energy Centers, to your entire Be-ing.

*Blades are very useful tools in releasing your from the past, cutting away negatively attached Etheric or energy cords which drain your Life-Force Essence. Blades are thin, somewhat translucent and they are also opaque. Kyanite and Black Tourmaline are opaque blades. Selenite is a translucent blade.

When choosing which form to work with, allow your intuition to guide you. Allow the crystals to choose you. You will know which crystal or crystals are meant for you and which are not. Crystals that resonate with you will emit or radiate a soft "hum" or warmth of energy.

And now I invite you to discover how you can directly align your inner Self with your outer physical body when you visit http://www.desertrosehealingarts.com/store.php/categories/crystal-and-gemstone-elixirs from Terrie Marie the Angel Lady and Desert Rose Healing Arts!
(C) Copyright 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Build Your Emergency Basic Supply Kit

Disasters hit quickly and often unexpectedly. Life can suddenly be turned around when basic services, like water, electricity, gas, sewage treatment, and telephones are suddenly cut off. You may have to drop everything and move quickly to get someplace safe.

Relief workers will be on the scene as soon as they can but even if they start working immediately, chances are that they will not get to you for several days.

You need to have your own basic supplies available and ready to get you safely through the emergency. FEMA recommends that you plan to take care of yourself for at least 3 and preferably 7 days before help comes.

Your emergency supply kit

Build or buy an emergency supply kit that works for you. At a minimum, here is what it should include:

Water

This will be your first concern. FEMA says you will need one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitary needs.

You should have enough water for at least three days. That means a minimum of three gallons of water for each person your kit will support. (If you plan to carry 16 oz. bottled water for example, you will need a total of 12 bottles for each person.)

Carrying this much water may seem daunting but it can make a huge difference to your safety and comfort during an emergency.

You may also want to include a small water pump in your kit. You can use this to purify water from the tap or other sources. Another alternative is to use water purification tablets to make water safe to drink.

Food

Plan to carry at least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Consider calories, nutrition, ease of preparation, and weight when selecting food for your kit.

Cookies and easy-to-eat snacks may carry you through at first, but they won't maintain your energy over several days.

If you decide to use canned food, make sure to pack a can opener. This can be a good low-cost alternative, but will add to the weight you must carry.

Many companies sell a variety of relatively tasty and nutritious dehydrated meals. These are light to carry, but often require water and a heat source to prepare.

You can also purchase MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat). These are compact packages containing all the food you will need for a day. They are very similar to rations used in the U.S. Military and are formulated to be nutritional and have enough calories to keep a grown man going under strenuous conditions. MREs today come in a variety of flavors and include tasty treats, such as cookies and M&M's.

Radio

Include a battery powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA weather radio. Have extra batteries for both.

Electricity and telecommunications are often the first things to go during a disaster.

The radio will help you get local announcements and stay current with what is happening. The NOAA weather radio is your best source of alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This is the agency that tracks weather events and sends out alerts for everything from earthquakes and tsunamis to hurricanes and tornadoes.

Flashlight

Pack one and include extra batteries. This can be your best friend when the electricity has gone out.

First Aid Kit

You never know what injuries might occur during a disaster. Your first aid kit should include standard items like bandages and antiseptic ointment. You may also want to include aspirin and non-aspirin pain tablets, antacids, eye drops, and insect repellent and antihistamine as part of your first aid kit.

Whistle

Carry one in case you need it to signal for help.

Sanitary Supplies

Ask any relief worker and you will likely hear that toilet paper quickly becomes a precious commodity during emergencies.

Plan to carry toilet paper, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties to take care of your sanitation needs.

Dust Masks and Temporary Shelter

Include one or more dust masks in case the air becomes contaminated. This can happen quickly when buildings are damaged. You may also want to add plastic sheeting or a space blanket plus duct tape. These can be used to create a temporary shelter, which can be especially important in colder temperatures.

Prescription Medications and Glasses

Make sure to include these and any other personal and health items that are specific to your needs.

Wrench or Pliers

Have a wrench or pliers handy in case you are home and need to turn off utilities to minimize or prevent leaks or fires.

Local Maps

These will come in handy, especially if your normal routes are blocked. Use them to locate evacuation routes or centers, or anything else that will get you to safety or comfort.

Cell Phone

This will be your best means to contact loved ones whenever service is available. Be sure to pack your cell phone charger as well.

Pencil and Notepad

Have these handy in case to need to make notes or exchange information with someone.

Personal Hygiene Items

A small pack of personal hygiene items can greatly improve your comfort. You will probably want a toothbrush and toothpaste. Consider whether you will need shaving equipment or feminine supplies. A small washcloth may also come in handy.

Multi-purpose Knife

The good old boy scout knife or its equivalent can be a lifesaver when the unexpected comes along. Toss one into your pack. You can then forget it until you need it.

If you are making your own kit, invest in a sturdy, comfortable backpack that will hold everything. Plastic bags, such as those used for kitchen storage, come in handy for keeping items inside your pack organized and protected.

You may also want to add:

You may want to add some of these items to your kit to meet personal preferences or special needs:

  1. Important family documents packaged in a waterproof container.
  2. Formula, diapers, and other special items needed for infants.
  3. Food and extra water, leash, blanket, and any other special supplies for pets you will take with you.
  4. Books or games to keep children occupied.
  5. A change of clothing

Your emergency supply kit should contain everything you need while still being compact and light enough that you can grab it and go in an emergency.

Assembling your own kit can lower your cost and also has the advantage of prompting you to think through what you might encounter and what you will need.

You can also purchase a ready-made emergency supply kit. They are available in many shapes and sizes. Click here for an example of one of the best.

Judy Downing is a freelance writer. For more information and tips about safety and emergency preparedness -- and about How to Live the LIfe You Want, go to http://vapata.com


Emergency Preparedness Vs Disaster Recovery

First In A Series

This is a first in a thoroughgoing number of articles about emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, emergency response, emergency survival, kids survival, and survival safety, that I intend to give to you by the end of September, 2008.

A Full Plan

The articles should give to you a disaster plan that covers everything that you need to know about survival, for your family disaster preparedness in the coming times.

How To Find The Rest Of The Articles

To find the rest of the articles, search my name, Tru Keesey, along with the topic that you want to know more about, for example "disaster plan" "survival tips", or "kids survival".

List Of Possible Catastrophes (Usual)

There is a list of possible events that require disaster preparedness for every family. This is the list that is commonly thought of: earthquake, volcano, flood, hail, tornado, hurricane, bombs, tsunami, meteor collision, economic collapse, and NBC, which means nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare threats. Maybe I left one or two out of the list, but it is no matter.

Additional Catastrophes (Overlooked)

What most disaster planning has, until now, tended to leave out is the combined threat of a police state, invasion, and/or race war (any combination of the 3) contrived by the new world order in the service of the inquisition.

Why Did I Say "Vs."?

The title of this article is "Emergency Preparedness Vs. Disaster Recovery". Why "Vs.", instead of "and"? Because I believe that proper previous preparation prevents disasters. When we prepare properly, there is no disaster to recover from.

So what kind of emergency planning will prevent an invasion, race war, inquisition by the blue army, and a police state?

Special Skills That Have Been Neglected

Among all the survival skills, that have been used successfully in history, the two that have recently been neglected the most, among our people, are "security in numbers", and "organization".

Two Alien Governments

Family survival preparedness means that families must become independent of two alien governments, which are, to wit, the world freemasonic government out of London, and the Vatican.

Independence

Family survival preparedness demands that families, who are not involved in freemasonry, nor with the Vatican, must group themselves together locally, then network with other family groups around the Earth.

How Defensible Do You Want To Be?

The larger your network, the more defensible can you be. Your family survival and emergency preparedness depend upon the size of your network.

Termites In The Wall

Be careful, though. Up until now, the downfall of many networks has been caused by the inclusion of disloyal members. Any Freemason in a network has sworn an oath of loyalty and obedience to the alien government called "world freemasonry". He may have only sworn to obey a particular individual, but that individual has sworn obedience to someone farther up the chain of command, and it leads to the Duke of Kent, who must obey the Queen of England.

Thus, there is no safety nor protection in a network that has in it Freemasons, because their loyalty can be compromised by the alien government that they have sworn to obey.

The same is true of the Vatican, though in the lower levels the shackles are more of an economic, superstitious, and emotional nature, rather than by a bloody oath. Lower level servants of the Vatican have strong economic and family ties to the Vatican's network.

Many of the Vatican's supporters have been fooled by the superstitious belief that Peter the apostle founded the church of Rome, or that the pope is the infallible surrogate of God on Earth.

In fact, Roman catholic canon law states that any human, who does not believe in the infallibility of the pope, is anathema. So it is impossible to be a "true catholic" without believing that the pope is to be regarded as if he were God.

I only mention the above facts to show that servants of the government, which has been known as the Vatican, although they may not have taken an oath, nevertheless have strong bonds and ties that bind them to obey the hierarchy of the church of Rome, under the command of the pope and the Jesuit general.

It is because of those bonds, and because of the hostility of the leadership toward non-Roman-Catholics, that servants of the Vatican cannot be relied upon as members of a family survival network.

Conclusion

Form your network of families now, and avoid including supporters of alien governments.

Tru Keesey, born 1947, is a researcher and an organizer of families. Educate yourself about the latest survival strategies, and threats to your bloodline, family, and culture: visit Tru Keesey's Family Survivors Website Survival Lists


The Bigfoot Legend

Bigfoot is an ape-like creature apparently inhabiting the Pacific Northwest forests of North America. Frequently described as a large, hairy, bipedal humanoid and popularly referred as Sasquatch. The scientific community abdicates the existence of Bigfoot and considers it to be a combination of folklore, misidentification, and hoaxes. Despite the negative scientific consensus, yet Bigfoot is the most famous example of a cryptid within crypto-zoology.

Tales of untamed man exist amongst the indigenous population of the Pacific Northwest. Their description varies both regionally and locally. Similar stories are spun across the globe except Antarctica. Some regional versions contain more nefarious creatures. Paul Kane in 1847, reported stories by the native people about skoocooms - a race of cannibalistic wild men living on the peak of Mount St. Helens and were regarded as supernatural. While, others gave them names like stiyaha or kwi-kwiyai who were a nocturnal race and would entrap a person for a kill.

Reverend Elkanah Walker, a Protestant missionary in 1840 recorded stories of giants amongst the Native Americans living in Spokane. The Indians claimed that these giants lived around the nearby mountain peaks and stole salmon from their nets.

With Eric Shipton's photograph of Yeti footprint in 1951, the story of the Yeti entered into popular consciousness. It
generated considerable attention and a funded organized search for Yeti In Himalayas began. About one-third of Bigfoot sightings are concentrated in the North America, while Bigfoot advocates, postulate that Bigfoot is a worldwide phenomenon:

Bigfoot researchers and critics agree that approximately 80% sightings are misidentification, as the reported size of Bigfoot approximates that of a bear standing on its hind legs, and bears have a high prevalence in regions said to be inhabited by Bigfoot.

Bigfoot sightings or footprints are often demonstrably hoaxes as seen through this contemporary example. On July 9, 2008, Rick Dyer and Matthew Whitton posted a video on YouTube claiming that they had discovered the body of a deceased Sasquatch in northern Georgia forest. They received $50,000 from Tom Biscardi; Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. Popular news networks covered the story of the men's claims across the globe. The alleged Bigfoot body arrived in a block of ice in a freezer with the Searching for Bigfoot team. When the contents were thawed, it was discovered that the hair was fake, the head was hollow, and the feet were rubber. Subsequently, the discoverers admitted the whole scenario being a hoax after being confronted by Steve Kulls -Ex. Dir.; Squatchdetective.com

Bigfoot advocates believe that the legend could be a relict population of Gigantopithecus. Most of Gigantopithecus fossils are found in China, and as many species of animals migrated across the Bering land bridge, it is not unreasonable to assume that Gigantopithecus might have as well. However, the scientific community intensely subjugates the existence of Bigfoot, as there is little or no evidence supporting the survival of such a large, prehistoric ape-like creature

Anthropologist David Daegling echoes, "remarkably limited amount of Sasquatch data that are amenable to scientific scrutiny, to offer an alternative explanation. We have to explain why we see Bigfoot when there is no such animal."

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Emergency Preparedness – Why Preparation is Key for Families

Accidents and emergencies happen when you least expect them is an old adage that seems to be self-evident. Another old saying passes along the wisdom that rain falls on both good and bad people. In other words, anyone can end up in an emergency situation at any time. Simply put, accidents and emergencies can and will happen to people who are prepared for emergencies and to those who never give a thought to the fact that a crisis may arise for them or their family. That said, the person who has done some preparation in advance weathers the crisis or emergency better in most cases. There are a number of reasons for this.

First, an individual that has considered that an emergency might strike them or their family and has taken some basic emergency preparedness steps will feel more comfortable even when a crisis is not looming. For instance, if they have done emergency fire drills with their children and family members, establishing routes to get out of the house in an emergency, they will feel more confident if a fire happens. The same will be true for doing earthquake drills or tornado drills at home if you happen to live in a region of the country that may be affected by these types of natural disasters.

Second, by having a mind-set that looks at preparation for emergencies as a regular practice, you will be less likely to panic if an emergency does arise. After all, you will have considered what you might need and what you might do while not under pressure. Add to that the fact that it is always easier to gather emergency supplies or purchase an appropriate preparedness kit before a crisis and while not in the midst of one. We have all watched news reports about mobs of people buying basic supplies and emergency equipment in advance of hurricanes or severe weather. How much better would you feel if you were in an area about to be hit by severe weather and had the confidence you already had an emergency preparedness kit on hand?

Obviously, each person's situation is different and each crisis or emergency that may come along might require different items. You might be in a situation where you need water, food, blankets, flashlights or medical supplies. Then again, the situation may simply be that you have no power at your home for a day and if would be good to have a battery powered radio and extra water on hand. But they key is that if you have some specific and more general emergency preparedness kits on hand, you will be far better off than a person that has done no preparation in advance.

Finally, if you have decided that preparation in advance is a good way to go, remember that it is always a good idea to have some emergency supplies both at home and in your car. You will probably want a self-contained kit in your car that is compact, while at home you can have both a mobile kit and an area or box designated for emergency supplies. Sealable plastic containers are a good idea for storing home supplies of many kinds because they are waterproof and can double as water storage containers if needed.

About the Author

Remember, preparation before an emergency is always preferable to just reacting during an emergency. For more information on preparing for emergencies, visit http://www.1800prepare.com/.

Rocky Cole


Emergency Preparedness Equipment

Emergency preparedness supplies permit people to boldly face unforeseen events as well as problems, such as intermittent electricity blackouts, food and water shortages, and natural disasters. There are moments that you may require to survive by yourself following an crisis, which means obtaining your own water, food and other emergency preparedness supplies in adequate measure to last for at least a week in my opinion. During natural disasters, emergency response teams are in general on the scene immediately following, but they cannot access everyone straight away. There are particular cases where it requires days or possibly even weeks before help is on the way. On top of that, basic services such as electrical energy, gas, water, sewage treatment, and means of communication may be cut off for days, a week, or months. Transportation, food and communication systems are additionally a few services that can be disrupted during an emergency situation. We should take into account all of these resources, and think about the effect it would bear on our existence if these services were disrupted. We can gather information to organize our own personal emergency strategy, and compile a list of supplies to incorporate into an emergency supply kit. It is necessary to stock up on emergency supplies in preparation for a likely disastrous event. However, there may be situations where you may be in a protracted crisis, such as an one after an economic collapse. In that case, your supplies might well have to go on for 3,6,9 months or more.

Successfully coping with an emergency relies upon for the most part on being prepared. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, there are six important stock categories to take into account when preparing a list for emergency preparedness supplies; they include water, food, first aid materials, clothing, bedding and sanitation supplies, tools, and special items.

Place aside some crisis money and store copies of important papers, such as identification, wills, banking information, in a watertight and fire-resistant container. Include in your supplies special items specific to every family member, such as diapers for infants or an additional pair of glasses.

Designate a durable, secure location in your home intended for supplies. This can be the food storage area, hall closet or the garage. Wherever you elect to stash your emergency supplies, be certain they are entirely in the same area and are easy to obtain.

You ought to have emergency preparedness supplies at home, work and in your car. These products must be gathered ahead of time and be easily available in case of an emergency or a disaster. Each family member be supposed to know in advance the places of the emergency supplies. Crisis kits and materials can be bought from emergency preparedness merchants and designed to match your needs.

Being ready for emergencies will give you tranquility of mind and a better feeling of security. As soon as you appreciate the significance of having emergency preparedness supplies at your dispense, the quality of the products becomes all the more essential. One can not rely on average products to get through an unexpected crisis. It is imperative that you can rely on the emergency preparedness products that you buy. Having the proper emergency supplies available will guarantee you are prepared for all potential conditions.

About the Author

Marco Grono writes about Emergency Preparedness Supplies and Information.

Water Lessons to Learn From Japan

There are many lessons that we can learn from the 9.0 earthquake disaster which recently took place in Japan. As I was reading the news stories today I noticed a clip in them which mentioned that a high position official for the Japanese government has urged the people not to hoard up on bottled water. After radioactive limits had been exceeded in the Tokyo tap water many of the cities residents began accumulating alternate bottled water.

In an effort to distribute the bottle water to those locations that needed it the most people were instructed not to hoard this vital liquid. Although this disaster which struck Japan is one of the worse in history we can learn from the events which have followed.

As preppers we make it a point to store up on emergency supplies such as food and water. We literally hoard bottled water and many of us have an abundant number of cases waiting in our retreat. As a whole, the government may have the overall welfare of the people in mind however, if I were in a similar situation I don't feel that I would care to part with my stored up supplies. You can call this inhumane or greedy but I worked hard to accumulate my emergency rations for my family.

As human nature would have it telling people that they should not hoard up on water is simply going to cause individuals in our country to rush to their local Wal-Mart and purchase as many gallons of water as they possibly can. The statement is like a warning to the people of possible trouble ahead and represents an invitation to stock up as soon as they are able to.

Often people look at those who hoard water as if they are losing their mind. The main question which they frequently ask is why. Twenty five percent of our planets surface is land while the seventy-five percent remaining is water. With the alleged global warming being promoted this level is considered to be continually rising. Few people understand that even with that large of a percentage of water 97% of our Earths water supplies are composed of salt with only about three percent being fresh water.

Let's continue to see how much water we really have at our disposal. From the 3% mentioned we find that 74% is stored in ice and glaziers, 13.5% are in ground water over 800 meters deep and another 11% in the ground water which is less than 800 meters down. Add to that the 3% found in lakes,.006% in the soil and.03% in rivers and we really do not have that much water available.

In view of these facts it would not surprise me that if a situation such as we see in Japan were to happen on our soil the government would likely step in and demand that we turn over our stored up water supplies for the good of the community as a whole. This tells me an important lesson today. When you have emergency supplies stored up do not advertise what you have. Keep the exact amounts of your supplies private, the less people know the better. We not only may have to fear looters and such but our own government as well.

For more information relating to survival visit us at http://www.survival-training.info

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Emergency Preparedness - Top Five Things to Do in a Disaster

Emergencies and Disasters happen more often than we like to think about. The topic of Emergency Preparedness is being talked about more and more often. Natural disasters seem to be increasing. Terrorist threats are in the news. The question of emergency preparedness covers many areas, from mindset to materials.

This article is designed to help you begin your emergency preparedness efforts. We start with a list that you will initially find unexpected, yet also common sense. Being prepared is not something that you do once and then forget about. It is a mindset; a lifestyle; a way of being the world. This is not meant to frighten but in fact to comfort. Being prepared for a disaster limits the initial panic when something horrific occurs, thus increasing the likelihood that you and your family will survive the days ahead.

There is not much that can be done while an event, such an an earthquake, tornado or bomb is occurring, if you have not been able to get away from the area. But after it is over, there are five top things that you need to do next.

1. Move Slowly. This is very counter-intuitive, as the first inclination is to jump into action. Adrenalin is flowing and panic is setting in. Moving slowly does not mean to do nothing, or even to not take action. It means to take deep breaths and to work hard to think and than act. Even an extra 5-10 seconds of thought will allow your brain the time to make better judgments as to what actions to take.

2. Survey the Scene. Assess the situation and determine what is MOST life threatening. Is someone in dire need of first aid? Is there a gas leak? Is a person pinned under a beam? Is there potential for another event or attack? This is a triage moment. There will be many things to focus on. Immediate danger is first.

3. Take Immediate Action to Address. Now take action to address the most immediately crucial situations. If you have been somewhat thoughtful in your preparedness, you may have access to your emergency preparedness kit and your first aid supplies. (These should be in every home, auto, business, classroom, etc..) Render the first aid that is needs, move away from danger that still exists. Help people who need it the most.

4. Look for safe, close shelter. Once you have addressed anything that is immediately life threatening as best as possible, it is time to think ahead. Find a safe shelter as close as possible, so that anyone looking for you can find you. If you are in your car, stay there (unless the car itself is dangerous). Cars can provide a wealth of safety, shelter and heat. (Again, when you think about emergency preparedness you car is a place you should be prepared to live in for at least 5 days -- at all times).

5. Stay as calm as possible. Panic uses valuable energy. You now need to think about conserving your energy, your body heat, water and food. Good emergency preparedness means that you have some kind of kit that contains water, food, heat source, and shelter in your home and in your car. Ideally in your office as well. Think about this TODAY and take action TODAY to set this up for yourself and your family.

This list is only meant to be the very beginning of your education. It does not even touch upon a the huge overview of items to acquire; training and education; lists to be made and checked off; plans to be developed. But it is a starting place, and you need to start somewhere in developing an emergency preparedness mindset and an emergency preparedness plan for yourself, your family and your community.

What is you hear a knock on the door and were told, "You Have Five Minutes to Evacuate". Would you know what to do next? Do you have a bag ready to go with all the essentials? The experts in emergency preparedness have developed lists, supplies and plans to help you get prepared. Being proactive is key here. NOW is the time to action. It is the best and least expensive life insurance you can acquire. Learn more right now at www.Emergency-Disaster-Preparedness.com

What is you hear a knock on the door and were told, "You Have Five Minutes to Evacuate". Would you know what to do next? Do you have a bag ready to go with all the essentials? The experts in emergency preparedness have developed lists, supplies and plans to help you get prepared. Being proactive is key here. NOW is the time to action. It is the best and least expensive life insurance you can acquire. Learn more right now at www.Emergency-Disaster-Preparedness.com

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Monday, March 21, 2011

Are There Dinosaurs in the Bible?

The very first thing to realize when trying to determine if dinosaurs are mentioned in the Bible is that the word "dinosaur" was originally coined in 1841. Check any dictionary (or any other book printed before 1841) and you will NEVER see the word "dinosaur" anyplace. The Bible was written between approximately 1450 BC and 95 AD. My point here is that you will not find that specific word in the Bible because it had never been used before 1841. The Bible does, however, mention lots of animals. It is the belief of creation scientists that the word "dragon" (which is mentioned throughout the Bible) was the word used before 1841 for "dinosaur".

Whether you believe the Bible as being the infallible word of God (which we do here) or not, is really not an issue for this article. For those who do not believe in the authenticity of the Bible and believe the theories put forth by Charles Darwin, can you accept that the writers of the Bible would not make up fictitious animals? It is completely illogical to think that those who authored the books of the Bible would use a description of a non-existent animal. The people of that time would immediately know the passage they were reading was a lie. Therefore, the entire Bible could be discounted as fantasy right from the beginning and Christianity could never have become so popular around the world 2000 to 3000 years later.

The most compelling passage in the Bible for dinosaurs living along side of man is: Job 40:15-19

Job 40:15-19

15 "Look now at the behemoth, which I made along with you; He eats grass like an ox. 16 See now, his strength is in his hips, And his power is in his stomach muscles. 17 He moves his tail like a cedar; The sinews of his thighs are tightly knit. 18 His bones are like beams of bronze, His ribs like bars of iron. 19 He is the first of the ways of God; Only He who made him can bring near His sword."

In these verses God describes to Job a beast that Job was familiar with called "behemoth". It is described as "the chief of the ways of God" and it is most likely the biggest land animal God had created. The bible says he moved his tail like a cedar tree. There are some Bible references that say this could have been an elephant or a hippopotamus, but the description actually fits that of a dinosaur like Brachiosaurus. Just pick up one of your child's dinosaur books and compare it to the description in this chapter!!! Elephants and hippos, in no way, have tails like cedar trees. I find this to be very compelling evidence that dinosaurs DID live along side of man. I can not explain how these references have ever ended up in the margins of some Bibles, but in my opinion it is a disgrace to the Book it is written in.

Another very compelling argument for dinosaurs living along side of man would be Job 41:1-34. The entire Chapter 41 from Job has a lot of detail about this creature that is believed to have been a sea creature based on the descriptions. Some Bibles refer to Leviathan as an alligator or crocodile, but after reading just verses 18-21 below, it is obvious that is not what is being described.
Job 41:18-21

"18 His sneezings flash forth light, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the dawn. 19 Out of his mouth go flaming torches; sparks of fire leap forth. 20 Out of his nostrils comes forth smoke, as from a boiling pot and burning rushes. 21 His breath kindles coals, and a flame comes forth from his mouth."

From the description given above it would be logical to a believe that Leviathan was some type of fire-breathing dragon that lived in the seas.You may say that it is impossible for any animal to "breath fire", but you would be wrong. If you are willing to do the research, you will find that there is one animal in the world TODAY that uses fire. It is called a "bombardier beetle" and is a native of South America. This little critter has a nozzle in its hind end that acts like a little flame thrower. It sprays a high temperature jet of gas fueled by hydroquinones and hydrogen peroxide with oxidative enzymes for protection. I believe that if a Central American beetle can do that, then so could Leviathan of the Bible. I have yet to see any crocodile or alligator ever use this method of defense.

According to Job 41:26-29 Leviathan was a very ferocious and terrifying creature that would be nearly impossible to kill.

Job 41:26-29

26 Though the sword reaches him, it does not avail, nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin. 27 He counts iron as straw, and bronze as rotten wood. 28 The arrow cannot make him flee; for him sling stones are turned to stubble. 29 Clubs are counted as stubble; he laughs at the rattle of javelins.

I will admit that crocodiles and alligators are very ferocious and terrifying, but the description given in the above verses do not seem to apply to them. Can we agree that crocodiles and alligators CAN be killed with arrows or spears or a javelin? I believe that even the men of ancient times could manage to kill one with any number of different weapons including arrows or spears.

There are many other passages in the Bible that refer to dinosaurs, even if they do not use that exact terminology. Just read the passages and think about what is being described. Use your own common sense and logic. Please try to remember the authors of the books in the Bible described these creatures the best way they could without the benefit of a fossil record. They would also know that if they described creatures that never existed, the truth would get out immediately that it was not true. If the Bible could have been proven to be wrong about anything, either in the past or now, Christianity could have never survived so long. Christianity would have only become a footnote in the history books or Christianity would have never made it past the Crucifixion of Jesus.

Toni DeGain
Administrator
=>> Darkness Into Light <<=

For more information about Creation vs. Evolution and Charles Darwin theories visit our website by clicking on the link above. You can also find a link there to download 5 different types of Bibles in PDF format for FREE. You can also find a forum to have civil debate and even start your own topics.

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The Mystery of the Pale Horse Rider Revelation and End Times

Quite a mystery surrounds the pale horse rider in Revelation as he rides out at the end times. There seems to be some controversy surrounding the true color of the horse. We'll take a look at the possible color schemes of this apocalyptical figure, later.

Regardless, the pale horse rider of Revelation has a terrible historic goal at the end times. According to the author of the book, this rider will destroy one-fourth of the population of the world. When he goes out to make war, he won't mess around. His war tactics will be horrendous-nearly 6 billion people.

With the other three riders from chapter 6 of Revelation, their color depicts their war tactics. For instance the rider on the black horse will cause death and famine. The rider on the red horse will take peace from the world. He will make war!

The pale horse rider of Revelation has the same terrible effects attached to his color. The Greek word for "pale or ashen" is chlorous or green. Mark 6:39, Jesus commands them to sit on the green (chlorous) grass. Revelation 9:4, commands them not to hurt the green (chlorous) things.

It's interesting to note that our word chlorine comes from this Greek word, chlorous. There is a real possibility that the war this rider causes will be chemical, chlorine gas. In order to accomplish his goal-nearly 6 billion people-in a short period of time would indicate that he must result to chemical or atomic warfare.

Remember, too, that John is seeing this vision well over 2000 years before it ever occurs. He can't possibly know anything about chemicals for war and atomic energy. He can only describe the incidents based on his real world experiences at the time. So the things he sees, a greenish, yellowish substance (chlorine gas) hanging low over a densely populated area with people in all stages of death and dying, could only be described in his own vernacular.

However, the translators of the Bible decided that people would not believe a green horse-maybe they don't either. Therefore, they chose a color, pale or ashen, that also depicts the conditions the rider will cause on earth, i.e. sickness, death, illness and the inability to defend oneself because of all these.

There are many pathological conditions that can result from exposure to chlorine gas. Severe pulmonary edema, a condition where excessive fluid buildup occurs between tissue cells, is one condition. Pneumonia is yet another. Multiple pulmonary thromboses, blood clots in the lungs, can occur as well. Along with the above, ulcerative tracheobronchitis can happen, too.

If indeed the rider on the pale horse uses chlorine gas, he can destroy a huge segment of population very quickly. Exposure to 430 ppm in the air for 30 minutes will cause death. Voluntary exposure to 1 ppm by humans showed various results of the above symptoms. One important thing about exposure to the gas is that your body doesn't recognize the extent of your exposure-1 ppm or 430 ppm.

Perhaps this helps unwind some of the mystery of the pale horse rider of end times and Revelation. He could be riding something that looks green! No matter his mode of transportation or his method of warfare, he will bring mass destruction to our planet. The destruction of life he leaves behind will be horrific.

You can learn so much more about the pale horse rider during the tribulation period and events in Revelation in our new book, Why Revelation Why Now? It's a must read for serious Bible enthusiasts. Order your copy today. To obtain your copy of Why Revelation Why Now? from B. C. Ministries, Inc. simply visit http://bcministries1.blogspot.com/ and order your copy. You can get a FREE copy simply by requesting one, too!

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Was Jesus Schizophrenic?

I'm examining the central section of Jesus' 'Sermon on the Mount' today - a section that falls into two parts: Matthew 5:21-37, which deals with the apparently harsh mandates of Jesus, targetting both those who lust and those whose marriages have broken down, and Matthew 5:38-48, which focuses on some far more nourishing mandates such as 'love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'.

These passages combined, I believe, are the very heart of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and so it makes sense to take them as a whole. Even so, the problem with doing that, as I have already suggested, is that these different sections of the sermon don't fit easily together!

On the one hand we have the powerful pacifist teachings of Jesus that inspired persons such as Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr. to lead crusades for social change relying entirely on the power of non-violent resistance:

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evildoer. On the contrary, whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well." (vss. 38-39)

Yet on the other hand, only a few verses earlier, Jesus gives some unambiguously violent instructions to those who find themselves struggling with lust or anger:

"So if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. Better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into hell."(v. 29)

On the one hand we have the command to show love and compassion to everyone:

"You have heard that it was said, 'You must love your neighbour' and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." (vss.43-44)

And yet on the other hand we have what seems like complete intolerance shown to persons whose marriages have broken down:

"It was... said, 'Whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce.' But I say to you, any man who divorces his wife, except for ual immorality, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." (vss.31-32)

And these two seemingly incompatible voices are heard not only in the commands given by Jesus in Matthew chapter five but equally in the depiction that He gives of God who, on the one hand, is easy-going and merciful to everybody - "making his sun rise on the evil and the good, and letting rain fall on the righteous and the unrighteous." (vs.45), and yet who, on the other hand, demands complete perfection of His followers: "You must be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect!" (vs.48)

Those who know me at all know that I don't see it as my role to try to take the hard edge off the teachings of Jesus by diluting the force of His more painful statements.

The issue here though is not that Jesus' commands are hard but rather that Jesus appears to be schizophrenic - speaking of love and mercy on the one hand and yet advocating violence and showing callous indifference on the other!

And so we do need to push more deeply into this passage as we know that Jesus was not schizophrenic and that He was never indifferent to the needs of those who are struggling. And I want to take as my starting point the verses in this passage that have troubled me for the longest:

"You have heard that it was said, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say to you, anyone who stares at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (5:27-28)

And when I say 'troubled me for the longest' I mean that quite literally, for I remember struggling with these verses after I was first converted as a teenager.

You'll have to forgive me if I share a personal story at this point concerning this rather personal issue but I couldn't think of a better way to illustrate the point.

I had my rather dramatic conversion experience shortly after my 18th birthday - almost to the day in fact, thirty-one years ago. And in my early years as a believer I attended two churches, one being a Pentecostal church which had a big emphasis on speaking in tongues. And I couldn't speak in tongues, and so was sent to the senior pastor - a man who I knew was very close to God - for counselling.

And this great man of God listened to me as I spoke to him of my failure in the tongues department and then asked me only one question: 'Do you have a problem with masturbation?'

And I was astonished by the piercing insight of this man who evidently had powers that could only be attributed to the special indwelling of the Holy Spirit that he experienced.

And so my respect for the pastor's greatness deepened even further, and I naturally put into practice every word of advice he gave me, which involved practising extended periods of fasting and praying, none of which though ever achieved the result we were hoping for. I still don't speak in tongues.

Years later I discovered that this same pastor had confessed to committing a series of ual assaults on young men, and I don't know whether he'd had any hidden agenda in my case. I had realised though by that time that this man could have asked any teenage Christian male - in this country or in any country in the world - the exact same question that he had asked me and have been almost 100% certain of the answer he was going to receive!

It's not just a teenage issue of course, but it is one that is rarely discussed in church and it is one that Christian women, in particular, are often very ignorant about.

As you know, I run a series of websites, a number of which deal with issues of depression and addiction, and through these and my other websites I have received a lot of emails, mainly from Christian women, who write to me because their husbands have

In almost every case the issue has been that these good women have discovered that their husbands have been looking at X-rated websites, and now they are wondering who it is that they really married and how it is that their husbands can still sit there in church and try to look respectable while all the time hanging on to their grubby little secret.

My answer to these good Christian women is always the same. "Sister, every man in your congregation has looked at a pornographic website at some time or other." After they receive that reply from me I almost invariably never hear from them again!

And I remember recently hearing a rather well-known radio preacher railing against the horrors of Internet pornography and going into (what I thought was) unnecessary detail about just how degrading some of these sites are, and then adding, "or so I have been told".

The hypocrisy of these men is, I suspect, as great as the ignorance of their women. And by saying this I don't mean to minimize in any way the nastiness of Internet porn which I do think is the scourge of the virtual world - degrading women and exploiting men in ways that are not only immoral but regularly criminal - and yet I don't think that the Christian community is likely to make much headway in this area until we can be a little more honest about where we are at.

Interestingly, my time spent with the Islamic community suggests to me that Muslim people in this community are, on the whole, far more realistic about issues of any rate). We might not like the way they deal with it -segregating themselves and forbidding physical contact between the es - yet my conversations with Muslim friends suggests to me that they are, on the whole, far more aware of what we are dealing with. It's the Christian community that lives in denial, and I'd suggest that the final proof of that is the way we've covered up so many cases of abuse by our clergy.

Now I do have a point I'm trying to make in all of this, and not simply a pastoral point but an exegetical one as well and it is this. When Jesus says, "anyone who stares at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" He is not referring to a tiny number of grubby little men who pretend to be Christians but who are actually no better than adulterers. He is referring to every man.

Jesus knows full well that everybody struggles with lust at some point in their lives, just as everybody struggles with anger, which He also targets. So why on earth would Jesus want to make us feel worse about something that we all struggle with? Well, when you look closely at these verses you realise that this is not actually what He's doing at all. For there is no actual command - 'thou shalt not lust' - here at all, but only a comparison between the person who lusts and the person who commits adultery. For what is it that separates the person who lusts from the person who commits adultery? Only one thing: opportunity.

The person who lusts commits adultery in his heart. So what makes him think that he is any better than the adulterer? This, I would suggest, is the key issue. It's not so much that lust is despicable and unforgiveable, but that none of us have the right to judge adulterers, for we've all been there in our hearts.

And the same applies to the angry person, Jesus says, 'Do you take pride in the fact that you haven't murdered anybody and so look down on all murderers? If you've ever been murderously angry you've been there in your heart, and the only thing distinguishing you from an actual murderer has been your circumstances!'

The issue on view here and throughout this section of the Sermon on the Mount is, I'd suggest, the way we religious people manipulate the law of God both to justify ourselves and to excuse ourselves from doing what is actually required of us.

And so we self-righteous hypocrites look down upon the prison population because they are all murderers and thieves, and yet even if we have never murdered or stolen anything in our lives, we have been angry enough to kill and covetous enough to steal, so what makes us think we are any better than any of them?

We good, respectable church people - we don't smoke, drink or chew or go with girls who do, and so we look down upon the promiscuous rabble because we have been righteous and maintained our purity. Yet if we are honest with ourselves we know full well that the only thing that separates us from those who have spectacularly fallen from grace is our differing circumstances and opportunities.

It is a similar issue with those who get rid of their partners in order to trade them in for younger and more attractive models. It's an act of violence against your partner and you don't somehow legitimise it by coming up with a certificate of divorce.

I've mentioned before how when I was in Melbourne as a guest on one of John Safran's shows I met a woman who had been a professional wife while in Iran. In this country we would say she had been a worker or 'prostitute', but of course prostitution is illegal in Iran but, on the other hand, polygamy is not. And so men - married or unmarried - could go to the flat of this woman and marry her on the way in, spend half an hour with her, and give her a certificate of divorce on the way out.

And the beauty of the system of course was that these men had nothing to confess to their wives when they get home. They had done nothing wrong. They had not committed adultery but had simply found a loophole in the law of God that allowed them both to have their cake and eat it. And Jesus says 'rubbish'!

If you're going to trade in your faithful wife for a younger and prettier model at least be honest about what you're doing and don't hid behind the law of God and make out that you're doing something virtuous because you've issued a certificate!

It's the same issue with those who use the law as an excuse for vengeance. "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" was supposed to be a law that limited retaliation and never an excuse for vengeance, just as the command to show love to those who do good to you was never supposed to be an excuse to be bad to those who don't!

You must be like your Heavenly Father, says Jesus, "who makes his sun rise on the evil and the good, and lets rain fall on the righteous and the unrighteous." God, in other words, is not trying to work His way around a law because He is not guided by any law but is instead guided and motivated by love!

And so we must be perfect, says Jesus, like our Heavenly Father - not perfect in the sense that He keeps a perfect score, but perfect in the sense of 'complete' (which is probably a better translation of the Greek word 'telios'). And the complete person, in this case, is someone who moves beyond the simple letter of the law in the way they live and is instead guided and motivated by love, as is their Heavenly Father.

This is the Jesus of the Sermon on the Mount - not an unrelenting task-master laying down a new law but the one who fulfils the law and helps us to see it in a new way. For the goal of the Christian life is not simply to play by the rules with a view to achieving a perfect score, but to allow the Spirit of God to live in us and through us and so to live in love and become complete persons, just like our Heavenly Father. Amen.

Rev. David B. Smith
(the 'Fighting Father')

Parish priest, community worker, martial arts master, pro boxer, author, father of four.
www.fatherdave.org

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Genetic Science and DNA Explain the Relationship of Faith and Works

Sparks rise when the debate among Christians regarding the respective importance of faith and works heats up. To calm these oft-troubled waters of theological debate, let's consider a scientific illustration that compares elements of genetics with the question of faith and works for those who still have questions about the proper relationship between the two.

For many Christians, the relationship of faith and works is a loop that never reaches a conclusion, much like the aged conundrum of "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?"

Troublesome Scriptures

Every word in the Bible is true. Yet, comparing one specific verse to any other may result in an apparent contradiction where none is possible. How can we reconcile the following two verses about faith and works?

For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. ~ Romans 4:9

Paul tells us that Christians are righteous by faith, with no apparent requirement for works. But reading further into the New Testament we find this seemingly contradictory statement in James:

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ~ James 2:26

The Bible must be considered as a complete work. Separate one chapter of a mystery novel from its fellows and the storyline will be lost. Perhaps we can discern the common truth in these verses by studying the characteristics of genes.

The order of Creation is consistent from each simple elemental particle to the most complex; humans created in God's own image. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the material in organisms that determines body shape, height, eye color, skin tone, and all other traits and characteristics heritable from one generation to the next.

Basic Review of DNA and Genetics

Before drawing the parallel between genetics and the Gospel, a basic understanding of DNA is required. Procreation combines genetic material from both parents, forming a unique DNA profile in each offspring.

The specific physical characteristics of any plant or animal will never appear in opposition to their genetic recipe. Two Siamese Cats cannot produce a ferret. Two elephants will not beget a fox, and human parents will never birth a fish.

Genetic Expression

Genes come in two different types, dominant and recessive.

Every dominant gene will produce a visible, objective trait in the individual. Every dominant gene will be expressed outwardly.

When you say a gene is expressed, it means that the characteristic associated with that particular genetic material will be manifest in the individual. For example, the human gene for brown eyes is dominant. Anyone who possesses the gene for brown eyes will have brown eyes.

Recessive genes are not always reflected in the offspring, sitting idly by unless paired with a second gene of the same type. In other words, unless both parents provide the same gene, a recessive gene does nothing and the individual will not have the trait carried by that gene. A recessive gene alone is not expressed.

New Creations in Christ Jesus

How is the science of genetics pertinent to a discussion of Christian faith and works? The definition of a Christian is one who is reborn as a new creation in Jesus Christ. Spiritual genetics determine the characteristics of each new creation.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

In the same way one human is genetically distinct from every other, each child of the King is different from every other. The joining of the human and the divine creates not only a new creation, but a unique new creation, unlike any other that ever was or ever will be.

Every person indwelt by the Holy Spirit has a new spiritual genetic profile when the "gene" of faith is added. Your mortal DNA is not changed, but your immortal profile certainly will be. The Holy Spirit represents a dominant gene of faith.

Faith is Expressed in Works

There is no recessive, passive, or idle Spirit gene of faith. Every Christian produced when a human spirit joins with the Holy Spirit is a new creation in Jesus Christ, and the new faith gene must express itself in action, speech, behavior, or actual physical transformation resulting from changes in habit or character.

Natural brunettes may suddenly become blonde on nothing but a whim and a bottle of peroxide, but they will still genetically be brunettes and will pass on brunette genes to their children. It's easy to change our outward appearance without changing our character.

Many people perform great works of morality and charity without having the faith gene in their makeup. Just as one's outward appearance is not reliable evidence of genetic or spiritual status, works alone will never prove faith in a world where external appearances are frequently and easily changed.

We... [know] that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. ~ Galatians 2:15-16

Degrees of Expression

Brown eyes are expressed by a dominant gene, but aren't all the same shade or shape. Expressions of the spirit-produced faith gene also vary greatly. Each child of the King is unique, with a spiritual genetic profile possessed by none other.

Every Christian is closely related, having the same Heavenly Father. And, every person who shares existence with the Holy Spirit in faith will express it in works. Paul's verses are no longer troublesome; the Holy Spirit brings faith that is never present without works. Unlike the problematic chicken and egg issue, when it comes to faith, rest assured that God acted first.

The only measurement of faith in the Christian spirit is the absence or presence of fear. Faith is not some amorphous philosophy that is beyond the grasp of the common man. The times we live in call for the family of Jesus Christ to listen for His voice. Whether the topic is faith or training stallions, Lynn Baber brings years of experience to readers and audiences. Highly credentialed in issues of leadership, relationship, and most things equine, Lynn has a unique perspective. For more, visit http://LynnBaber.net and http://AmazingGraysMinistry.com. You will find many articles, as well as links to Lynn's books and ministry programs.

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Origin of the Rosary

The traditional actual story of the rosary was that Mary herself appeared to Saint Dominic during the twelfth century. At that time, tradition states she gave him the rosary and promised Dominic that if he spread devotion to the rosary, his religious order would flourish. It is quite true that Dominic was quite dedicated to the Blessed Mother, but nobody knows for sure if Our Lady herself gave Dominic the rosary. If she did, it is quite certain that she did not give him a rosary that looks like the one we have today. Initially the rosary had 150 beads, similar quantity of psalms in the Bible.

In the twelfth century, religious orders recited together the 150 Psalms as a way to mark the hours of the day and the days of the week. Those people who didn't know how to read wished to be part of this practice, so praying on a string of 150 beads or knots began as a parallel to praying the psalms. It was a way that the illiterate could remember the Lord and his mother throughout the day. The "Divine Office"; the official prayer of the church; is the recitation of the psalms over a four week period, and is still prayed today. This very first rosary was prayed as we do today, a person would pass their hands over each bead and say a prayer, usually the "Our Father".

The "Hail Mary" as we know it wasn't even around during that time. The Hail Mary owes its beginning to the rosary. When people said the rosary in the 12th century, Gabrielle's greeting "Hail Mary, full or grace, the Lord is with thee" was often said along with the Our Father. Later, Elizabeth's greeting "blessed are you among women" was added. It was not until the sixteenth century that the words "Holy Mary., Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death" were added. Rosary means "Crown of Roses". Our Lady has revealed to several people that each time they say a Hail Mary they are giving her a beautiful rose and that each complete Rosary makes her a crown of roses. The rose is the queen of flowers, and so the Rosary is the rose of all devotions and it is therefore the most important one.

The Holy Rosary is considered a perfect prayer because within it lies the awesome story of our salvation. With the Rosary in fact we meditate the mysteries of joy, of sorrow and the glory of Jesus and Mary. It's a simple prayer, humble so much like Mary. It's a prayer we can all say together with Her, the Mother of God. With the Hail Mary we invite Her to pray for us. Our Lady always grants our request. She joins Her prayer to ours. Thus it becomes ever more useful, because what Mary asks She always receives, Jesus can never say no to whatever His Mother asks for. In every apparition, the heavenly Mother has invited us to say the Rosary as a powerful weapon against evil, to bring us to true peace. With your prayer made together with Your heavenly Mother, you may obtain the great gift of bringing about a change of hearts and conversion.

Every day, through prayer you can drive away from yourselves and from your homeland many dangers and many evils. It can seem a repetitive prayer but instead it is like two sweethearts who many times say one another the words: "I love you"... The whole Rosary is composed of twenty decades. Each decade is recited in honor of a mystery in Our Lord's Life and that of his Blessed Mother. It is customary to recite five decades at a time while meditating on one set of mysteries. The decades may be separated, if the entire chaplet is completed on the same day. Each Mystery may be meditate "bead by bead" for every Hail Mary of the decade. The Holy Father John Paul II with the Apostolic Letter ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE of 10/16/2002 has added 5 new mysteries of the Rosary: The Mysteries of the Light.

Marissa Meme is an article marketer for CatholicFavors.com where you can buy the finest in Catholic related items such as Key of Heaven rosaries, First Holy Communion gifts for boys and girls, and Ave Maria rosary necklaces.

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