Ted’s Remarks About Stuff
October thru December, 2012


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Dec. 31, 2012

It looks like the USA may be going over the “fiscal cliff” at midnight EST tonight.  Even if the Congress votes over the next few days to maintain the income tax rates for most Americans, everybody’s payroll taxes will go up due to the funding of government programs, such as Obamacare.

If so, we most likely will be going into another recession and probably a whole lot worse.  I expect this to include a spike in prices of virtually everything, including an increase in unemployment.

I’ve felt for some time that 2013 would be a very critical year for the whole world.  In my opinion, “the toilet has been flushed, and you can’t unflush a toilet.”

I feel that there are some very ominous circumstances and events on the horizon for the USA within the next handful of years, possibly beginning in 2013.  A very plausible list is included in The Divided States of America by Monte Judah.  View the list (taken from the article).

All I can suggest to you today is that you enjoy your New Year’s Eve celebration.  I suspect that next year probably will not be very “happy” for a great many people.


Dec. 25, 2012

Merry Xmas!  Oops, did I just remove “Christ” from “Christmas”?  Yep, I sort of did.  It is not because I am a pagan or an atheist, though.  In fact, I am a strong believer in Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and God.  This can be seen on the “Basics” page in this section: My Beliefs and Faith.

God created the sun and the moon not only to separate day from night but also to mark significant days and seasons (Genesis 1:14,16).  I am convinced that one of the main reasons for this was to designate the Hebraic Spring and Fall Festivals/Holy Days.  These are based on the phases of the moon, which is brightened and darkened depending on its location in relation to the sun and the earth.

The last Hebraic feast in the Fall is Sukkot = the Feast of Tabernacles,  It was during this important feast that Jesus was born and came to “tabernacle” with us during His short life here on earth.  See more about this in my Dec. 24 entry yesterday.

Anyway, I was not a total “scrooge” today, even though I did not actively participate in the gift exchanging.  We had a nice feast, and I did my part in preparing it.  I didn’t start snapping photos until some of the food had been eaten.

         

         

         
45-second slideshow

I had bought a 20-pound turkey, although I was not the one who roasted it.  I made the jalapeño cornbread and cornbread dressing; the whipped potatoes; and the steamed squash, broccoli, and green beans.

Although I expressly requested no gifts, I received one.  It said “Happy Hanukkah,” which I observed from Dec. 8 to Dec. 15; and it was addressed from “Judas Maccabeus.”  He is introduced in 1 Maccabees 2:4 and is one of my all-time heros.  I couldn’t refuse the gift; that was way too clever. 


Dec. 24, 2012

Tomorrow is Christmas Day, and I hope that people who celebrate it have a nice day.  For me, though, it is just another day that has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus.  The first 5¼ minutes of the following video provide a synopsis of why Jesus most likely was born during Sukkot = the Feast of Tabernacles, in the Fall of the year:

Proof That Jesus Christ Was NOT Born
On December 25th (Christmas Day)

Think about how you would feel if your birthday came and went without your closest family members saying even one word about it.  Then, let’s say, one day three months later, they suddenly threw you a big party with cake and ice cream and gifts.  They also said, “OK, from now on, we’re going to celebrate your birthday today because WE want to!”  You'd scratch your head and be thinking, “Wait, this doesn’t make any sense!”

That’s how Christmas is.  Jesus was born in late September or early October, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when He came to tabernacle among us (John 1:14).  On December 25 was the celebration of the birth of Mithra, the sun-god; and Christians erroneously have embraced this date as the birth of Jesus.  Other pagan traditions have been adopted as well as part of the Christmas season.  The following article provides a good explanation of these things:

The History of Christmas and Its Pagan Origins

So year after year, century after century, the majority of Christians demonstrate to the Father that they will celebrate the birthday of His Son three months late because they want to.  Yet, after Jesus returns and sits on His throne in Jerusalem, representatives from the nations of the world will go there annually on the Feast of Tabernacles to worship Him and, I believe, to celebrate His TRUE birthday throughout the Millennium:

The LORD will be king over the whole earth.  On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. ... Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:9,16)

Personally, I feel it is likely that Jesus was born on the first day of Sukkot, and on the eighth day of the feast He was circumcised (Luke 2:21).  In any case, one day the world will get it right.  Until then, I don’t really see God smiling down on the world’s traditional celebration of Christmas, especially since it is not much more than a commercialized “fuzzy wuzzy feel-good” time of the year when thoughts of Jesus are secondary and when millions of people slide into a pit of irresponsible and debilitating debt.

It seems like people need to look forward to something like Christmas so that they can have temporary happiness; yet, after the first of the year, many of them will be in the depths of despair when they are in serious debt with no way to get out of it.  Besides that, they will be stuck with lots of new gifts and trinkets, most of which they do not need, will never use, and will have to find places to store them.  I will be in neither of these boats myself, though, as I rarely buy, and usually refuse, Christmas gifts.

Oops, I hope I didn’t ruin too many people’s “holiday spirit.”  For those who absolutely love all the things associated with Christmas, I’ll be nice and wish them the standard “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” as I feel that people should have the freedom to celebrate whatever they wish.


Dec. 21, 2012

I like this weather forecast for today: allegedly the last day on the Mayan calendar and supposedly the “end of the world”:

Weather for Friday, December 21, 2012

I think my favorite part is that there is no weather for Saturday, since the world will be gone. 


Dec. 19, 2012

Many Christians have wondered why Israel, throughout the centuries, has not formally acknowledged that Yeshua/Jesus was and is their prophesied Messiah.  After all, being a Jew, He was one of their own.

I believe that this lack of acceptance of Jesus is part of a “closing” of spiritual ears and eyes by God, millennia ago.  It will be reversed by God when the Messiah returns.  More details can be found in my email response about it here:


Dec. 17, 2012

I’ve been asked what I think about the “end of the world” predictions, allegedly to coincide with the end of the Mayan calendar on Dec. 21, 2012 (four days from now).  All I can say is that I am absolutely confident that it is not going to happen.  Just as there was no biblical support for the occurrence of the Rapture on Dec. 12, there is zero biblical support for the imminent end of the world.

I suspect that there may be an increase of suicides by misinformed and misguided people who have accepted as fact that the day of ultimate disaster is almost upon us.  Presumably, many such people will want to have some control over the timing of their demise, rather than to allow it to happen due to some cosmic catastrophe.

There is even speculation that Adam Lanza, the shooter three days ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, felt this way.  His mother, Nancy, whom he killed at home, allegedly was concerned about looming disaster, which is why she had stockpiled food, supplies, and several guns—some of which were used in the horrendous murders of 20 young children and 6 adults.  Perhaps the mother’s fears of impending doom had rubbed off on her emotionally unstable son.

It also is suspected that she wanted to commit him to a mental institution and that he felt jealous that his mom had paid more attention to some of the kids at Sandy Hook school, where she had volunteered, than she had paid to him.  Adam also was known to have played violent video games regularly.  So any of these could have been motivating factors, as well, in what Adam did.

In any case, I hope that we do not see, over the next few days, an increase in widespread violence and destruction, created by unstable people as a type of “self-fulfilling prophecy.”  Potentially, they could feel that they have nothing to lose by creating mass chaos and mayhem, thinking the world is coming to an end—which, of course, it is not.  Pray that this does not happen.


Dec. 15, 2012

Menorah: 8th NightTonight is the last night, and tomorrow the last day, of Hanukkah.  I’ve been reading 1 Maccabees; in chapter 4 is found the account of the dedication of the new altar, which led to the annual observance of Hanukkah:

Then they took unhewn stones, as the law directs, and built a new altar like the former one.  They also rebuilt the sanctuary and the interior of the temple, and consecrated the courts.  They made new holy vessels, and brought the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the table into the temple.  Then they burned incense on the altar and lighted the lamps on the lampstand, and these gave light in the temple.  They placed the bread on the table and hung up the curtains. Thus they finished all the work they had undertaken.  Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, which is the month of Chislev, in the one hundred and forty-eighth year, they rose and offered sacrifice, as the law directs, on the new altar of burnt offering which they had built.  At the very season and on the very day that the Gentiles had profaned it, it was dedicated with songs and harps and lutes and cymbals.  All the people fell on their faces and worshiped and blessed Heaven, who had prospered them.  So they celebrated the dedication of the altar for eight days, and offered burnt offerings with gladness; they offered a sacrifice of deliverance and praise.  They decorated the front of the temple with golden crowns and small shields; they restored the gates and the chambers for the priests, and furnished them with doors.  There was very great gladness among the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was removed.  Then Judas and his brothers and all the assembly of Israel determined that every year at that season the days of dedication of the altar should be observed with gladness and joy for eight days, beginning with the twenty-fifth day of the month of Chislev. (1 Maccabees 4:47-59)

Dec. 12, 2012

Today is “12-12-12.”  This date occurs only once per century, so it will not happen again for another 100 years.  I captured the Official U.S. Time Clock image at 12:12:12 this afternoon.

This also is the fourth day of Hanukkah, which began at sunset on Dec. 8.  There are numerous videos and pages claiming that the Rapture of believers will take place on the 7th day of Hanukkah, which they say would be anytime from sunset on Dec. 14 to sunset on Dec. 15.  Here is one such video:

Hanukkah Rapture (December 14-15, 2012)

I adamantly dispute and challenge the notion that the Rapture is going to take place in just a few days.  It is not going to happen, so do not be expecting it.

 Total Lunar Eclipse  Apr. 15, 2014 
 Total Lunar Eclipse Oct. 8, 2014 
 Total Solar Eclipse Mar. 20, 2015 
 Total Lunar Eclipse Apr. 4, 2015 
 Partial Solar Eclipse Sep. 13, 2015 
 Total Lunar Eclipse Sep. 28, 2015 
A foundational assumption of many who are propagating this bogus idea is that the solar and lunar eclipses during 2014 and 2015, some taking place on Hebraic feast and festival days, will fulfill the prophecies about the observed changes in the sun and moon.  These are described in Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24, and Revelation 6:12.

The next assumption is that Jesus will return to earth on Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement, Sep. 23, 2015.  Then, looking at the seven-year (70th Week) prophecy in Daniel 9:27, they subtract 2,520 days (7 Hebraic years of 360 days each) and move back to Oct. 29, 2008.  Conveniently, Barack Obama delivered a speech to millions of people on this date, strengthening his platform or his “covenant” with America, almost a week before he was elected president.  Some of this speech can be seen here:

Obama 30 Minute Ad – October 29, 2008

All of these things are explained in the following video:

The Final 7 years before the Second Coming of Christ

There are problems with this whole scenario, though, including the following:

  • The eclipses in 2014 and 2015, most likely, do not explain the prophesied signs in the sun and the moon, which will be seen soon after the opening of the Sixth Seal.
  • The Sixth Seal events are not at the end of the 70th Week, when Jesus will return to earth.
  • Barack Obama’s so-called “covenant” was not made for a period of seven years.
  • According to this proposal, the Great Tribulation should have begun during Passover Week in Apr. 2012, 3½ years prior to Sep. 23, 2015; this did not happen.

There is one last-ditch attempt to salvage this dying theory.  Jesus said that, for the sake of the elect, the days of the Great Tribulation would be “shortened” (Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:20).  In essence, the implication is that over half a year has been “chopped” off of the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

In fact, the Pre-wrath Rapture will not take place until just prior to God’s day of vengeance, which does not coincide with the Great Tribulation.  Thus, the idea that the Great Tribulation allegedly will begin in a few days, after the Rapture has occurred, is totally implausible.  I believe it’s more likely that Pope Benedict will tweet that he has decided to become a Baptist.


Dec. 8, 2012

Lighting Hanukkah CandlesMenorah: 1st NightThis evening is the first night of Hanukkah.  It will last for seven nights/days.  Hanukkah also is known as the Festival of Lights or the Feast of Dedication.  More can be read in my Dec. 1, 2010 entry.

It was during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) that Jesus encountered some who challenged His deity:

Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem.  It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.  The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense?  If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe.  The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.” (John 10:22-30)
Was Jesus God?  There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus was and is the physical manifestation of God.  See my Dec. 1, 2012 entry for more.

Dec. 7, 2012

There are some who think that those who are a part of the Rapture event will be only people who have died and been resurrected.  That is, no believers who are alive at the time will be caught away.  I do not agree with this, as explained in this email response:


Dec. 3, 2012

There is an ongoing debate in Christian circles pertaining to what constitutes “God’s wrath” in the Book of Revelation.  At one end are those who believe His wrath includes all of the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls or vials.  In general, people who believe this tend to embrace the notion of a Pre-tribulation Rapture.

At the other end of the spectrum are those who believe God’s wrath encompasses only the seven bowls/vials and nothing else before they begin.  Most of those who believe this advocate a Post-tribulation Rapture.  The latter is the view of the person to whom I wrote the following response:

I am convinced that God’s wrath and vengeance upon the world will be imminent soon after the opening of the Sixth Seal, when people will be running and hiding in caves and under rocks because they will be terrified at what is about to happen (Revelation 6:11-17).  Then the Pre-wrath Rapture will occur.

Soon thereafter, the Seventh Seal will be opened (Revelation 8:1), followed by the seven trumpet judgments, which will be the first wave of God’s wrath upon a wicked and impenitent world.


Dec. 1, 2012

The idea of the Trinity of God is difficult for many to understand and accept.  In fact, many would not even consider Christianity to be a monotheistic religion, since some Christians will describe God as being “three Persons in One.”

I do not see it quite that way.  I view God as being One Person with (at least) three natures or facets: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.  I do not view these three as being individual “Persons.”

Even some Christians think of God as being only the Father, and they have a problem with the deity of Jesus, considering Him to be only a man.  On the contrary, I believe that Jesus, as a man, was co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit in being God.  More of what I believe about these things are in these email responses:


Nov. 30, 2012

Here is a video about an NYPD officer, Lawrence DiPrimo, who bought shoes and socks for a homeless man on the street and then put them on his feet:

NYPD officer Lawrence DiPrimo and homeless man

This deed reminds me of what James, the brother of Jesus, said:

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:15-17)

Nov. 29, 2012

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuIn a historic session today, the United Nations General Assembly voted to recognize Palestine as a non-member state with observer status within the UN.  This was sixty-five years, to the day, after the UN voted for the partition of Mandatory Palestine on Nov. 29, 1947.

The vote included 138 in favor, 9 against, and 41 abstentions.  Those who voted against included Canada, Czech Republic, Israel, U.S., Panama, The Marshall Islands, Palau, Nauru, and Micronesia.

In historic vote, Palestine becomes
non-member UN state with observer status

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said to the packed UN General Assembly, “We did not come here seeking to delegitimize a state established years ago, and that is Israel.  Rather, we came to affirm the legitimacy of the state that must now achieve its independence, and that is Palestine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Israel’s hand is always extended in peace, but a Palestinian state will not be established without recognition of the state of Israel as the state of the Jewish people, without an end-of-conflict declaration, and without true security arrangements that will protect Israel and its citizens.”  He added, “It does not matter how many will vote against us.  There is no force in the world that will cause me to compromise on Israeli security, and there is no force in the world able to sever the thousands year connection between the people of Israel and the Land of Israel.


Nov. 25, 2012

In the Bible, the apostle Peter equated the “day of the Lord” with the destruction of the heavens and the earth with fire.  Many believe that this will take place just before Jesus returns again or else on the day He returns.  I disagree.  My beliefs about this are in this email response:


Nov. 24, 2012

Today is “Black Friday” and, traditionally, has become the beginning of the Christmas shopping season  It is considered by many to be the biggest shopping day of the year.  It indicates the point at which many retailers begin to turn a profit or are “in the black.”

I will do no Christmas shopping today, nor over the next month, as I consider Christmas to be a pagan holiday.  Jesus was born during the Hebraic Feast of Tabernacles = Sukkot, which usually is in early to mid October.

Christmas has become shamefully commercialized and worldly.  So even if Jesus had been born in December, which He was not, I would have no part of it.  I absolutely refuse all Christmas gifts.

Many believe that December 21, the end of the Mayan calendar, will be the “end of the world.”  I am not in that boat.  I just wonder how many people who believe this will be out shopping today.  What would be the point if the world ends before Christmas?  Maybe some of them just won’t be able to resist a bargain. 


Nov. 19, 2012

The Gaza-based terror group, Hamas, has rained down hundreds of rockets onto southern Israel since Nov. 10.  In response, Israeli air strikes have taken out several Hamas leaders and launch sites.  About 75,000 Israeli ground troups now are camped out near the Gaza border, awaiting a potential ground operation into Gaza.

Tonight, the Israeli cabinet came together to consider a ceasefire proposal by Egypt.  This followed talks yesterday between Israeli and Palestinian officials, which took place in Cairo.  Even if a ceasefire is called, though, it will be only temporary.

Cabinet Meets on Egyptian Ceasefire Proposal

Not only the Palestinians but the entire world will continue to hate Israel for existing and for defending itself.  Unfortunately, a time of hardship, persecution, and destruction like never before is coming to Israel, in fulfillment of biblical prophecy.  Fortunately, though, the nation will be saved out of it when their Messiah, Yeshua, returns.


Nov. 14, 2012

After spending some time with friends in Orange County, I have returned to San Diego.  It was really nice outside this afternoon, and there also was an interesting cloud layer in the sky, so I went to Balboa Park.  I never get tired of walking around there.

         
         
         
         
1-minute slideshow

After that, I still wanted to spend some time outside.  I hadn’t been to Seaport Village in awhile, so I went and walked around there, too.

         
         
30-second slideshow

Nov. 12, 2012

A couple of friends (two sisters I’ve known for decades) and I spent the day together and had a fun time.  I eat a “typical” breakfast maybe twice a year (eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast).  However, my meal was bought for me, which was too hard for me to resist because it was free.

Afterwards, we walked four miles around Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley.  We all enjoy that walk a lot.  What never ceases to amaze me is how little Rocky dog walks the entire way and doesn’t even drink water when it is offered to him.  He wouldn’t stop and rest if we didn’t.

         

         
30-second slideshow

Nov. 11, 2012

American FlagAmerican FlagHappy Veterans Day to all those who have served and are serving to protect the USA.  May God bless and protect all of you.

I like the following message that one of my friends sent out to those on her email list this morning.  These are my sentiments as well:

This is only one day, and it's not nearly enough, to honor veterans--men and women who sacrificed in a multitude of ways to serve this nation.

Some gave their lives, their limbs, their marriages and children, their futures, and their own peace of mind for ours.  There is no way to measure all that has been poured out for us and our children and grandchildren.

We acknowledge the sacrifice and faithfulness of all our veterans.  We thank you and honor your service.  If you can be faithful in your battles, so can we, in ours.

Thank you.  May God bless you, keep you and heal you, and daily remind you that your service was never in vain, but always valued.

Nov. 9, 2012

I received an email from someone describing what he thought about Barack Obama’s re-election:

Kenyan Bolshevik
Don’t yell at me; I didn’t write it.

Nov. 8, 2012

When I flew back into San Diego last night, I was craving spicy hot Thai food, but my favorite place was not open.  So I went today and ate the same thing that I had back on Oct. 11.  It was so hot that the hair on the back of my head was soaked when I left, plus my nose was running big time.  But I was on Cloud 9 for the rest of the day.


Nov. 7, 2012

The results of the general election in the USA, which took place yesterday, are known today.  Millions of Americans have voted to keep Barack Obama as president for four more years.  In doing so they have chosen, unwittingly but inexcusably, to plunge this nation into a big black hole.

In my opinion, this will push this nation “Forward” (Obama’s main campaign slogan), much more quickly then we already were headed, toward the looming cliff of economic failure, social collapse, and ultimate ruin.  I wish that before the election, more Americans had read that as “Forwarned”; now it is too late.  According to Black conservative Elmer Williams, America has re-elected its “golden calf”:

America Has Her Golden Calf,
Barrack Hussein Obama

For those who have not seen the following extremely disturbing 2½-hour video, it might be worth their time to watch it to see what probably is in store for America and the world:

Fall of the Republic

I feel that now there are many more takers and sponges in America than ever before, soaking up everything they can get for free from a dwindling number of taxpayers.  There simply are too many who feel entitled to all of the government handouts, funded by taxpayer money, that they receive.  They have elected “Santa Claus” again, and they feel that he will continue providing them with what they want...or else!  As in Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and other nations, this inevitably will lead to widespread instability, chaos, violence, and bedlam.

When this happens, I am convinced that it will be God’s will that it be this way, as everything is under His control and resolve, including the re-election of Barack Hussein Obama.  We will deserve it as a nation for not keeping God as our first love and for ignoring Him for way too long, preferring to pursue our own paths of gratification, self-indulgence, and selfishness instead.  Perhaps He will be merciful to those who truly and sincerely seek Him rather than the transitory, empty, and meaningless pleasures the world has to offer.

I recommend that all who read this begin to develop the closest and most intimate relationship with the Creator and Sustainer, YHWH, than you ever have done in the past.  Before long, our bond with Him, or the breaking thereof, could become a matter of life or death.  The only hope for any of us, individually and as a nation, is in Him alone.


Nov. 6, 2012

Today is a big national election in the USA.  Many House and Senate seats are up for grabs.  Most importantly, Americans will vote for four more years with Barack Obama or for a new start with Mitt Romney.


Nov. 5, 2012

I have been in Alabama for almost three weeks and have taken numerous photos, some of which are shown in my Oct. 28 entry.  When I first got here, the foliage was not as brightly colored as I expected it to be.  Maybe it was because it had not cooled down enough yet.

Since then, there have been some cool days and nights.  For instance, one day it was cloudy and rained some.  A couple of days before Hurricane Sandy slammed into New Jersey, the far western edge of it passed over Alabama, causing it to be cloudy, cool and breezy here that day.

For whatever reason, more of the trees here now are bright red, orange, and yellow.  It’s kind of like walking around in a bowl of Fruit Loops.    In each pair of photos below, the second photo was taken a week after the first photo.  Click on any photo in a pair to be able to compare the two photos directly.

               
15-second slideshow

Nov. 3, 2012

There has been speculation, for centuries, as to what the “mark of the beast” described in Revelation 13:16-18 might be.  Evidently, it will be placed on people’s right hands or foreheads.

Over the past few decades, it has been suggested that it could be some type of electronic implant placed under the skin that could be read when someone makes a purchase or a sale.  Maybe so, although I feel there are other possibilities as well.  We may not know what it is until it actually is implemented.

In any case, someone asked me about whether or not people would be aware that they are taking the “mark,” and here is my response:


Oct. 31, 2012

My cousin is a “chocoholic” like I am, although neither of us eats very much of it (too fattening).  I decided to make brownies, and she suggested that I try something that I had not done before: make a two-layered “brownie-cake.”

So I divided the brownie slab into two squares, frosted the first layer, and put colored sprinkles on it.  Then I put the second layer on top and did the same thing to it.  It looks pretty weird, but it tastes good.

     
10-second slideshow

When I got here a couple of weeks ago, she gave me a Chick-fil-A cup to use for my coffee.  She thought I might use it a couple of days and toss it, but I’m still using it, although I do wash it out whenever it’s empty.  I like the three cows on the back with their signs that say, “Eat Mor Chikin!” 

   
8-second slideshow

I had a brownie with my coffee.  Yum...better than Halloween candy.


Oct. 29, 2012

Hurricane Sandy, which had been churning in the Atlantic Ocean for over a week, slammed into New Jersey this evening.  It was a strong Category 1 storm with 90 mph winds when it made landfall.  Commonly referred to as “Frankenstorm,” it is about 900 miles wide.  It may be the biggest storm ever to hit the northeast USA.

New York and Philadelphia shut down their subways, buses and commuter trains last night, and they remained closed today.  Almost 9,000 flights have been canceled in the northeast for today and tomorrow.

About 8 million people in 17 states are now without power, and this will last for days, possibly weeks in some areas.  Now the storm is headed toward the upper midwest, including Chicago.

The New York Stock Exchange is closed today and tomorrow.  It is the first back-to-back two-day shutdown, due to weather, since 1888.

A new storm tide record of 13.88 feet was set this evening at The Battery, which is at the southern tip of Manhattan Island.  The old record was 11.2 feet in 1821.  There is a full moon tonight, which makes the tides even higher than they otherwise would have been with this storm.

         
15-second slideshow

Hurricane Sandy may cause upwards of $50 billion in economic damage and losses.  There will be countless people who will lose everything and whose lives will be changed permanently.  Many lives will be lost.  Pray for them.  You also might want to contribute to an organization that is providing aid to disaster victims, such as Samaritan’s Purse or The Salvation Army.


Oct. 28, 2012

I flew out of San Diego eleven days ago and have been in Alabama ever since.  I like to come here in the fall to see the foliage changing colors, which are more vivid than they are in So. CA.

The colors do not seem quite as brilliant here this fall as they have been in past years, although maybe it’s just my imagination.  I took some photos of the trees and of the Halloween decorations, as I always do.  Halloween is inconsequential and irrelevant to me, but I think some of the decorations are humorous.  You can compare them to the ones I took last year (Oct. 30, 2011).

         
         
         
         
         
1¼-minute slideshow

The two cats I saw were very friendly.  They live directly across the street from one another.  The lady who owns the tan cat said that the other cat meows very loudly whenever it sees her, until she walks across the street and pets it, and then it purrs.  Her cat watches this happen and will go to the curb, but it will not cross the street; so the cats have not had any personal interaction.  Maybe they’d join forces to attack that squirrel if it came down the street. 


Oct. 25, 2012

I was asked to read someone’s blog entry about the “woman” of Revelation 17.  There have been countless ideas put forth, throughout the centuries, as to the identity of this harlot “woman,” who has several titles and characteristics.

The commentary has some interesting suggestions about the harlot.  She is “hidden in plain sight” among the luxuries and lusts of the world that hold varying amounts of appeal to virtually all of us.  She is the “beautiful side of evil,” which makes it difficult for any of us to resist her completely.

As the one-world system becomes frighteningly treacherous, perilous and restrictive, it is proposed that there will be two components:

The yoke of tomorrow will also be comprised of both political and economic components. The political component will be implemented through the ‘Beast Kingdom’ that is coming upon the earth (Dan 7, Rev 13 & 17). Meanwhile, the economic component will be administered by the Whore/Harlot of Babylon. (Revelation 17-18)

You might think about the harlot woman and the beast to come in a different light if you read this blog entry, which is somewhat lengthy.  If you are pressed for time, you might want to skip the forewards at the beginning, by this wife and husband team, and read them later.

THE WOMAN OF REVELATION 17

I feel that the world of today is stuck in “quicksand.”  As the end of this age approaches and people exert their own strength and might in an attempt to “stay afloat,” they will just get sucked deeper into the muck.

The only possible way to be shielded through the chaos, anarchy, and bedlam to come—and perhaps even to be “yanked out” of it, via a liberating Rapture—is to submit to God and His commandments and to grab firmly onto His extended hand of love and assistance.  We will need to depend upon His grace and mercy to shield and protect us and, possibly, to free us.

Now is the time to stop craving the unnecessary indulgences and “delicacies” of this world and, instead, to be focusing on God and on His wondrous Kingdom to come.  After the return of the Messiah, Yeshua/Jesus, back to earth, the false “beauty” and decadent enticements of this corrupt world will be overcome by His splendor and Kingship (Zechariah 14:9) and replaced by His righteous and incorruptible rule and reign (Revelation 11:17).  As I see the present world system crumbling, knowing that my Savior is coming, in ultimate glory and power, gives me real joy and peace.


Oct. 22, 2012

The third presidential debate, between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, took place tonight in Boca Raton, FL.  The moderator was Bob Schieffer, whom I think did a good job of letting the candidates say all they wanted to say, even with time constraints.

The consensus of most seems to be that Governor Romney was better on domestic economic policy, while President Obama was better on foreign policy.  That possibly is true, although Romney agreed with some of Obama’s policies.

In any case, I feel that if the election were held tomorrow, Romney would win.  However, the election will be two weeks from tomorrow, and many are expecting an Obama “surprise” to tilt the electorate back toward him.  We’ll see.

The entire debate took a little over 1½ hour.  All of it can be viewed here:

2012 Presidential Debate #3: Romney vs. Obama


I receive emails everyday from people I don’t know who have visited my website.  Rarely do I post them here, but I am going to post one that I got today.

This guy commented on how my “separating thumbs” eye exercise (described at the bottom of my Simple Visual Therapy page) has been beneficial to him.  Maybe others who view their computer screens for many hours a day also would find this exercise to be helpful as well.

Eye Exercise

Interestingly, this person is an atheist but found my Bible study section.  I hope he will find something there that brings him to a saving knowledge and acceptance of Jesus/God.


Oct. 19, 2012

People are always sending me stuff, although I’ve already seen most of it.  I hadn’t seen the following video, however.

Dr. Barbara Bellar is physician running for the Illinois State Senate.  At a “Women for Romney/Ryan” event, she summed up Obamacare in one long sentence.  Even though it was meant to be humorous, I agree with all of it.

Obamacare Summed Up In One Sentence

Here is what she said:

We are going to be gifted with a health care plan that we are forced to purchase, and fined if we don’t, signed by a president who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare, all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and financed by a country that’s broke.  So what the “blank” could possibly go wrong?

Some of my thoughts about the so-called “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” are in the initial portion of my Mar. 21, 2010 entry.

Also, with only 2½ weeks to go before the election, I want to put out a reminder of what I consider to be an accurate quotation about those who have voted, and will vote again, for Barack Obama.  That quotation is in my Apr. 28, 2011 entry.


Oct. 16, 2012

I returned to San Diego today because I’m flying out tomorrow.  Also, a friend had the afternoon off, and she wanted to get together.  We walked around Balboa Park, where I had not been in awhile.

         
         
30-second slideshow

At the arboretum (for which there is no entry fee), there were surprisingly few flowers blooming.  I’m not sure why; maybe it’s because it was such a hot summer.

Later, we watched the second presidential debate, which took place tonight in Hempstead, NY.  The moderator was Candy Crowley, whom I felt tended to favor Barack Obama in her interaction with the candidates.

The entire debate took a little over 1½ hour.  All of it can be viewed here:

2012 Presidential Debate #2: Romney vs. Obama

Oct. 15, 2012

A couple of good friends and I went to Glen Ivy Hot Springs for my birthday.  The weather was perfect, and we had a super good time.  They brought food for all of us to have a healthful lunch, and there was even a big birthday cupcake. 

         
         
         
         
1-minute slideshow

The three of us have had some good times together before, including hanging out in Palm Springs on Nov. 14, 2009.


Oct. 14, 2012

A friend, her dog Rocky, and I walked around Mile Square Park (four total miles) this afternoon.  It includes two golf courses.  From 1979 to 1991, I worked a few blocks from there and sometimes brought my lunch and ate it on a green hill on one side of the park.

The weather was perfect.  I didn’t take a whole lot of photos because we wanted to do the walk as quickly as possible, and we’re both fast walkers.  Even little Rocky walked fast.  We talked a lot about the many blessings God bestows upon us, everyday, that we don’t even know about.

         

         
30-second slideshow

At one point, after taking a picture, my friend started walking toward me.  A short distance away, she picked up a golf ball and then walked over and handed it to me.  She said that the ball flew over the fence, barely missed me, and landed a few feet away.  I was completely oblivious to that until she told me.

She added that she thought it could have knocked me out if it had whacked my head, since it was traveling so fast.  That would have been very inconvenient.  It reminds me of how anything bad can happen to any of us at any time.  Today, I feel that God’s mercy prevailed.


Oct. 11, 2012

Earlier today, it was raining in San Diego.  I like rain, but I wasn’t in the mood for it today.  So I decided to drive up to Orange County to hang out with some friends and to watch the debate, but first I went to Taste of Thai restaurant.

I rarely go out to eat; it’s too expensive to do on a regular basis.  At this Thai place, though, I can get a red curry vegetarian plate with soup for only $4.80, including tax, if I pay in cash.  Also, they will make it as hot and spicy (“ped mak mak”) as I like it: a 10 on the 1-10 scale.  I deem it to be hot enough only if the hair at the top of the back of my neck gets soaked, which it did.

         
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In Irvine, I walked along the greenbelt where I used to live.  I used to walk there almost everyday.  There are two swimming pools, one at each end.

         
         
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I also took a long walk with a friend in one of Irvine’s many nice parks.  She is very conservative, as I am, and we talked about several political issues.  We saw some pretty cool clouds along the way, too.

         
15-second slideshow

The only vice presidential debate prior to the November 6 election was held tonight in Danville, Kentucky.  I think the moderator, Martha Raddatz, did a pretty good job asking questions and interacting with the candidates.

In my opinion, Paul Ryan won the debate, not only on facts but with his composure and sensibility.  I felt that Joe Biden often was impatient, rude, disrespectful, and defensive.  I feel it was difficult for him to defend the failed 3½-year record of the Obama administration.  The 1½-hour debate can be viewed here (after a 16-second advertisement):

2012 Vice-Presidential Debate: Ryan vs. Biden

Oct. 8, 2012

I hadn’t made a lasagna in a long time, so I bought the stuff and made one.  Usually I make two, but I didn’t feel like going to that much effort; so I just made half the recipe.  Usually I include mushrooms; but the price was more than I wanted to pay, so I left them out.

   

   
18-second slideshow

Since I used only half of the spaghetti sauce, I didn’t want to waste the rest.  I do not like to waste anything, especially food.  So I whipped up some spaghetti and added some meat to the remaining sauce.  Along with a slice of whole wheat toast, that’s what I had for dinner.  I will look forward with great anticipation to eating some lasagna tomorrow, though.


Oct. 6, 2012

For most Christians, today is a day of rest.  However, it is not their Sabbath day, as it is for me.  I understand that Sunday is the traditional “Sabbath” day for Catholics and Protestants.  I even attend church on Sunday myself, but my Sabbath is from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.  And, no, I am not a Seventh Day Adventist.

I get asked from time to time why I observe a seventh-day Sabbath and whether or not I think others should.  Here is a recent email response I have written pertaining to this issue:

Further information, about changing the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday, can be found on this page:

Sabbath: Saturday or Sunday?

Oct. 3, 2012

The first presidential debate, between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, took place tonight in Denver, CO.  The moderator was Jim Lehrer, whom I think did a good job of letting the candidates say all they wanted to say, even with time constraints.

I watched every minute of it and felt that Governor Romney was the clear winner.  He was more prepared on the facts than President Obama, and he also seemed more “presidential” to me.

Romney sharp and steady in first presidential debate

The entire debate took almost 1½ hour.  All of it can be viewed here:

2012 Presidential Debate #1: Romney vs. Obama

Oct. 2, 2012

Here is an interesting article that includes allegations about Barack Obama prior to becoming president, which appears to supplement the article that I linked to in my Sep. 12 entry:

Trinity Church members reveal Obama shocker

Oct. 1, 2012

Today is the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles (= Sukkot), the seventh Hebraic feast of the year.  It began yesterday evening at sunset.  According to Leviticus 23:42,43, all native-born Israelites were (and are) to construct and to live in booths or “sukkot” (which is the plural of “sukkah”) for a week.

Doing this each year was and is a reminder to them of the temporary tabernacles in which their Israelite ancestors lived after leaving ancient Egypt.  For forty years, they resided in the tabernacles as they roamed around the desert, from place to place; and God took care of all of their needs, including water, food, and clothing.

I do not build a sukkah, as I am not a native-born Israelite, nor am I even Jewish.  But I have a Jewish friend, age 94, who has a little structure in her backyard that reminds me of a sukkah.  She and I have enjoyed sitting in there during the week of Sukkot the past few years, pretending it is a sukkah.

I picked up a red velvet pound cake, which I normally would not eat (and neither would she) because it is so rich.  It just happened to be the first cake that I saw at WalMart.  The fact that it is a Paula Deen cake means that it is richer than most.  But this is a special holiday, although no more than a slice for each of us will be eaten today in the “sukkah.” today.

 
8-second slideshow

Jesus was born in a sukkah in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1) during Sukkot, not in a stable in December.  The word “tabernacle,” used as a verb, means “to take up temporary residence, especially to inhabit a physical body” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).  So Jesus tabernacled with mankind for a few decades after He came the first time.

As a Jew, He celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles and even taught in the temple courts during the feast (John 7:1-44).  In the future Messianic era, during the Millennium, Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah will return to tabernacle with us again.  Representatives from the nations of the world will go to Jerusalem, where King Yeshua will be sitting on His throne, to observe the Feast of Tabernacles (essentially, Jesus’ birthday celebration):

The LORD will be king over the whole earth.  On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name. ... Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. (Zechariah 14:9,16)
I doubt, though, that Jesus’ birthday cake during Sukkot will ever be a non-kosher Paula Deen red velvet pound cake. 

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