Ted’s Remarks About Stuff
January thru March, 2012


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Mar. 29, 2012

My friend and I walked around Costco and Whole Foods and ate free samples this afternoon.  I call it “eating lunch.”  Later, we walked his dog Lulu near a lake.  Although it was cloudy, it was a really nice walk.  Lulu thought so, too.  She even met a new friend.

       

       
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Later, at my friend’s house, I was looking out the window and saw some deer in his yard.  They hang out here pretty frequently and don’t seem to have any fear.  Shooting through window glass decreased the clarity of the photos somewhat.

         

         
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I’ve thought about approaching them with food, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for wild animals to become too accustomed to people.  They sure are cute, though.


Mar. 28, 2012

I flew up to San Francisco to visit a friend, Barry, whom I’ve known for 32 years.  He actually lives in Marin County, but he picked me up at SFO Airport.  It has been raining up here for a few days, so it was cloudy flying in.

Barry ought to be a gourmet cook because he cooks fast and it’s always super good.  I’ve told him that he ought to open a restaurant.  For dinner, he made tarragon chicken, a great salad, and barley with vegetables.  It was outstanding, especially since I hadn’t eaten since dawn.

       

       
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He always treats me like a king whenever I come here.  Of course, I do not deserve this kind of treatment.  Only the King of kings would.


Mar. 27, 2012

Some feel that the Sixth Seal of Revelation 6:12,13 will be opened, along with the occurrence of a Pre-wrath Rapture, in the middle of the 70th Week.  Someone has asked me about this possibility, along with the likelihood that the Bowl Judgments can be placed within the seven seals and seven trumpets timeline (that is, before Jesus returns to earth to rule and reign).  Here is my response:


Mar. 26, 2012

U.S. Supreme CourtThe U.S. Supreme Court has opened three days of oral arguments pertaining to the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” (PPACA), commonly known as “Obamacare.”  This originally was passed by the Senate on Dec. 24, 2009.

This Senate version was modified and passed by the House of Representatives, along with a Reconciliation Bill, on Mar. 21, 2010.  President Obama signed it into law on Mar. 23, 2010.

Health-Care Debate May Derail Obama Case

Some have felt that the Supreme Court could issue a ruling based on the Anti-Injunction Act (AIA) of 1793.  In essence, this law says that the legality of a federal tax cannot be ruled upon by a court until the tax has been imposed.

One stipulation of the PPACA is that a penalty will be imposed upon those who do not purchase health insurance.  This penalty is considered by many to be a “tax,” which will not go into effect 2014 or 2015.  In the case of such a ruling, this case could be “punted” at least a couple of years down the road.

However, the Supreme Court seemed to indicate today that a ruling based on the AIA will not happen.  Therefore, a Supreme Court ruling on the merits of PPACA probably will come out in June.


Mar. 25, 2012

There are only two weeks remaining until Easter Sunday (Apr. 8), which also is the Hebraic Feast of Firstfruits.  This year, it is the day after Passover (Apr. 7), although that is the exception rather than the rule.

Many Christians do not realize that Jesus was crucified on Passover and rose from the dead on the Feast of Firstfruits (see Good Thursday).  As Paul wrote, “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)

I received an interesting email from someone wondering why the waving of the sheaf on the Feast of Firstfruits, on the day after the Sabbath, had to be during Passover week.  Here is my response:


Mar. 24, 2012

With almost 50% of the vote, Rick Santorum won the Louisiana Republican Primary today, boosting his claim as the leader of the conservative wing of the Republican Party.  However, his odds of beating Mitt Romney in the overall delegate race continue to appear slim.

2012 Louisiana Republican Primary

Mar. 23, 2012

A foundational assumption by many is that Israel’s seven-year usage of weapons of war for fuel, following God’s destruction of Gog and Magog (Ezekiel 39:6), will be the same seven years as the 70th Week (commonly referred to as the “tribulation” period).  After posting an email response on Mar. 18 about the timing of the Gog/Magog bloodbath, I received an email from someone who felt my proposed timing was wrong:


Mar. 20, 2012

Mitt Romney was the big winner in the Illinois Republican Primary today.  Rick Santorum came in second.

2012 Illinois Republican Primary

In a speech tonight, Romney contrasted himself with Obama:  “It’s time to say ‘enough,’” Romney said.  “We know our future is brighter than these troubled times.  We deserve a president who believes in us.  And I believe in the American people.”  We only can hope.


Mar. 18, 2012

There has been some confusion about the battle of Gog and Magog and when it takes place.  Some look at Revelation 20:7-9 and think that this is when the events of Ezekiel 38 and 39 will happen.  I disagree, and this is why:


Mar. 16, 2012

I often receive emails from people insisting that the Lord or the Holy Spirit has “told” or “confirmed” certain things to them.  The implication, therefore, is that I should accept what they have to say as the truth and spread the word around.

In a typical case, the email pertains to some Bible issue that the person wants to believe but just does not have credible scriptural evidence to back it up.  Therefore, the person declares that it must be true because the Lord allegedly said so.

An email I received this evening seemed somewhat different, though.  Of course, only time will reveal its validity or lack thereof.  She notes that she asked the Lord to help her with some trials over the past year, and it seems that He may have done that.  This is not all that uncommon; it has happened to me.  However, what I found interesting was her dreams and her affirmation that the Lord verified that He had given them to her.

I rarely ever feature someone else’s email here, but I am posting this one because it relates to a topic I have been writing about the past 2˝ weeks: that we may be near the Great Tribulation and the final 3˝ years of this age, perhaps commencing during Passover week in April.

This lady seems convinced that we are in the final 7 years.  Not only that but she feels the abomination that causes desolation is the “very next thing to happen.”

Now, the fact that I am publishing this email does not mean I am convinced that something significant is going to happen in a little over 3 weeks from now.  It just means that I think everybody should be praying and seeking the Lord’s direction and guidance and being watchful and alert for significant world events, particularly in Jerusalem, that possibly could take place then.  Here is a link to the email: Dreams of the 70th Week.


Mar. 15, 2012

Several people lately have emailed me pertaining to the timing of the 70th Week in the prophecy of Daniel 9:27.  Here is the most recent one, with my response:

I absolutely am not convinced that the first half of that 7-year period occurred in the First Century A.D.  However, I have considered the possibility that those first 3˝ years have taken place recently, with the second 3˝ years yet to transpire, as reflected in my entries of Feb. 29 and Mar. 11.


Mar. 14, 2012

From time to time, people who believe in a Pre-tribulation Rapture will email me and tell me how certain they are that their view is correct.  Some of them are aggressive and antagonistic, trying to convince me of their view.  Occasionally they are downright hostile.  This one wasn’t too bad:

I firmly believe that a Pre-wrath Rapture will be the main catching up occurrence but that there will be other, smaller events as well.


Mar. 13, 2012

By wide margins, Rick Santorum has won the Republican Primaries in the two southern states of Alabama and Mississippi.  Many expected Newt Gingrich to win these state, since they are neighbors of his home state, Georgia.  Gingrich did come in second in both states.

In the most southern state in the nation, Mitt Romney has won the Hawaii Republican Caucus.  This was the first time that GOP caucuses have been held in that state.

2012 Alabama Republican Primary2012 Mississippi Republican Primary
2012 Hawaii Republican Caucus

Mar. 11, 2012

I have been asked why I have suggested that the period known as the Great Tribulation possibly could begin during Passover week, April 6-14, 2012.  This certainly is not something I have stated emphatically will happen.

However, I have been looking at some interesting “puzzle pieces” that people have been sending me.  Putting them together, along with some simple numbers taken directly from the Bible, it may be displaying a picture that the final 3˝ years of this age could commence about a month from now.

By no means am I trying to alarm people, nor am I proclaiming the likelihood that an end-time situation is imminent.  However, I will say that I am being watchful and vigilant for that possibility.  In particular, four weeks from today (the Feast of Firstfruits = Easter Sunday), my eyes will be focused on Israel—particularly Jerusalem—to see if potentially incendiary events might be pushing things to the boiling point.  Let’s hope not.


Mar. 10, 2012

With over 51% of the vote, Rick Santorum has won the Kansas Republican Caucus today by a wide majority today.

2012 Kansas Republican Caucus

I doubt that this result will be of any concern for the overall leader Mitt Romney, though.


In other news, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 am tomorrow (Sunday) morning.  Every state in the USA, other than Hawaii and Arizona, will jump ahead one hour.  Standard time will return on November 4, two days before the general election.  Don’t forget to reset your clocks before you go to bed. 


Mar. 9, 2012

Pertaining to end-time prophecy, it traditionally has been assumed that the “first beast” (Revelation 13:1-8) will be the Antichrist, while the “second beast” (13:11-18) will be the False Prophet.  In other words, they will be two different men.

However, some feel that the “first beast” represents the end-time kingdom that will rule over the earth, while the “second beast” will be the Antichrist who will force most of the world to give allegiance to that kingdom.  Here is my response to someone who is considering this view:


Mar. 8, 2012

Purim Full MoonBesides being a full moon, this is the first day of Purim, which is celebrated for two days: Adar 14 and 15 on the Hebrew calendar.  Here are a few verses from the book of Esther, showing briefly how Purim originated:

On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the edict commanded by the king was to be carried out.  On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but now the tables were turned and the Jews got the upper hand over those who hated them. ... This happened on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy.  The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and fourteenth, and then on the fifteenth they rested and made it a day of feasting and joy. ... For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction.  But when the plot came to the king's attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.  Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur. Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it upon themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed.  These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never cease to be celebrated by the Jews, nor should the memory of them die out among their descendants. (Esther 9:1,17,18,24-28)

This is a good day to read about Esther, who was a Jewish queen in the ancient Persian empire.  It is one of my favorite accounts in the Bible.  Also, there is a connection between Queen Esther and the Feast of Firstfruits.

       

       
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I made matzo balls and potato latkes.  These are not traditional Purim foods; they are more appropriate for Hanukkah or Passover.  However, I was in the mood for them.  Also, I’m not Jewish, so I took the liberty to make what I wanted.  Although the matzo balls didn’t turn out as fluffy as they usually do, they are super yummy.  I may make them again in a month for Passover


Mar. 6, 2012

This was “Super Tuesday” in the Republican presidential primary race.  Voting took place in 11 states.

2012 Alaska Republican Caucus2012 Georgia Republican Primary
2012 Idaho Republican Caucus2012 Massachusetts Republican Primary
2012 North Dakota Republican Caucus2012 Ohio Republican Primary
2012 Oklahoma Republican Primary2012 Tennessee Republican Primary
2012 Vermont Republican Primary2012 Virginia Republican Primary
2012 Wyoming Republican Caucus

It looks like Romney has a substantial lead now.


Mar. 5, 2012

Prime Minister Netanyahu and President ObamaThere has been concern lately that Israel might make a unilateral pre-emptive strike on Iran, in an attempt to take out its nuclear program.  Israel’s fear is that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, it could be used on Israel.

Now Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington, DC, meeting with President Obama.  It seems that he is trying to convince President Obama of the urgency of the situation with Iran.

Obama, Netanyahu give no sign
of narrowing gap on Iran

However, Obama seems determined to allow sanctions and diplomacy to work before considering military action.  One thing is certain, though: the clock does continue to tick.


Mar. 3, 2012

The last statewide Republican presidential match-up prior to the “Super Tuesday” contest was held today.  Mitt Romney has won the Washington caucuses.

2012 Washington Republican Caucus

Mar. 1, 2012

Six months ago, an investigation was begun to determine the validity of the document released on April 27, 2011, as President Obama’s birth certificate.  Arizona’s Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio headed the investigation.  According to the investigative group, the “Cold Case Posse," there is reason to believe that the document is a forgery.

"Probable cause": Obama certificate a fraud

Feb. 29, 2012

The timing of the 70th Week, described in Daniel 9:27, has been debated by many.  Most, including myself, agree that it is referring to a “week” of seven years.  The main discussion is about whether that “week” of seven years took place in the First Century A.D. or will take place at the end of the age.

Someone asked me to watch a video of someone who advocates that the first half of that seven-year period took place during the 3˝ years of Jesus’ earthly ministry, while the second half will take place yet in our future.  I disagree with this viewpoint, and my points of dispute are here:

In my response, I have pointed out the possibility that there could be a pause or gap of time between the first and second halves of the 70th Week.  This would be similar to how a halftime period separates the two halves of a football game.

If so, there is some speculation not only that the seven-year European Neighbourhood Policy, involving Israel, could be the prophesied seven-year agreement of Daniel 9:27 but, also, that we now could be near the end of a two-year “pause” in the middle of that seven-year period.  If so, that pause could end, and the second half of the 70th Week could begin, during Passover week in April 2012.  With the way world events are looking more ominous and foreboding, nothing would surprise me at this point.


In other news, David Barton of Wallbuilders has written a revealing article about President Obama.  It cites cases of the following:

  1. numerous records of his attacks on Biblical persons or organizations;
  2. examples of the hostility toward Biblical faith that have become evident in the past three years in the Obama-led military;
  3. listing of his open attacks on Biblical values; and
  4. a listing of numerous incidents of his preferential deference for Islam’s activities and positions, including letting his Islamic advisors guide and influence his hostility toward people of Biblical faith.
America’s Most Biblically-Hostile U. S. President

Feb. 28, 2012

Mitt Romney pulled out wins in both the Michigan and Arizona Republican Primaries today.  Michigan is Romney’s home state; he was born in Detroit, and his dad, George, was a three-term governor of Michigan.  Rick Santorum took second in both MI and AZ.

2012 Michigan Republican Primary2012 Arizona Republican Primary

Romney will get all 29 delegates in Arizona, since it is a winner-take-all state.  Michigan is different, though.  Of the 30 delegates there, 2 delegates were awarded for each of the 14 congressional districts, with the final 2 delegates going to the winner of the most votes statewide.  As it turns out, Romney will be awarded 16 delegates, with the remaining 14 delegates going to Santorum.


Feb. 26, 2012

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Tunis, TunisiaIt was reported today that in Tunisia yesterday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told a group of Arab students that President Obama will be re-elected and will serve four more years.  Of course, there is nothing unusual about her saying that, since she would be expected to support Obama in his second bid for president.

Clinton in Tunisia: Obama will be re-elected

What caught my attention is how Hillary responded to a question from someone in the audience who was concerned about a clear pro-Israel stance from most political candidates in the USA.  Presumably, this mainly would include Republican candidates for president.  The majority of Tunisians are not pro-Israel, so one would expect that they would be very troubled that anyone who might become President of the United States might be pro-Israel.

Hillary proceeded to dispel any fears that Islam—arguably, Israel’s greatest threat—might not be alive and well in the USA, assuring the audience that there are mosques and Muslim Americans everywhere in the United States.  She also assurred the crowd that there was no need to pay attention to what the politicians were saying, evidently referring to their pro-Israel postures.

Apparently, Secretary Clinton believes that if Barack Obama is re-elected, this clearly will indicate to the world what the USA’s position toward Israel is not positive.  Whether she meant that or not, I have seen enough evidence to convince me that Obama and his administration are not consistent supporters of Israel, and I think that this will become even more clear over time, to America’s detriment.


Feb. 23, 2012

If you have a dog, you should show it this 1-minute video and ask it why he/she can’t do that:

Doggy at Piano

Maybe after a few viewings, your dog will jump up onto the piano bench and give it a try, assuming of course that you have a piano. 


Feb. 22, 2012

Recently, someone emailed me and said that he disagreed with my belief that Christian believers go to heaven when they die.  He said he felt that believers merely fall into a state of “spiritual sleep” and “unconsciousness” when they die, awaiting the day of resurrection.  His comments (including a link to his study notes) and my response are here:

This guy has some good points in his study notes to back up his views.  However, I continue to maintain that believers today go to heaven, not experience “spiritual sleep,” when they die.

I have heard the convincing testimonies of too many people who have claimed to have died, gone to heaven (or hell), and returned.  Even if I did believe in “spiritual sleep” after death, I would have a difficult time disregarding all of these people as delusional “kooks” and “flakes.”


Feb. 20, 2012

I made a very healthful and tasty chicken and vegetable soup today.  It contains the following (in no particular order):

bok choyonionsgarliczucchini squashcabbage
acorn squashasparagus broccoliyellow squashblack beans
chickensaltpepperlentilsblack eyed peas
 Italian seasoning potatoescarrotssplit peasdiced tomatoes

That pot is bigger than it looks.  I’ve become pretty proficient at putting in the exact amount of water and ingredients to fill it right to the top.  I cook the firmer vegetables (like potatoes) a lot longer than the softer vegetables (like broccoli).

It took quite awhile to chop up all the vegetables, but it was worth the time to me.  I froze a lot of it, so this will be dinner for a long time.  I’ll just spoon out a bowlful and nuke it.  I never get tired of eating my soup, night after night, plus it’s a tiny fraction of the cost of going out to eat.


Feb. 15, 2012

Yesterday, I indicated that I probably would go looking for discounted VDay candy today, which I did.  Actually, I scored pretty well.

 
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All of the candy was 50% off.  The 5 bags cost a total of $7.77; there was no tax.  I didn’t get the peanut butter M&M’s that I wanted, but peanut M&M’s are good, too.  I will share the candy with others, but it still easily could last me a year.


Feb. 14, 2012

You can read my Feb. 14, 2011, entry to see how I feel about Valentine’s Day.  However, I did get some roses and a card for someone; she deserves them.

I like Feb. 15 because VDay candy is on sale.  I will try to find some discounted peanut butter M&M’s, Butterfinger bars, or Reese’s peanut butter cups.  I am not a big candy eater, but my weakness is peanut butter + chocolate. 


Feb. 11, 2012

2012 Maine Republican CaucusThis week’s Maine Republican Caucuses have been won by Mitt Romney.  Of course, Maine is adjacent to Massachusetts; so this win was expected, since Romney was the Governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007.  Ron Paul came in a close second place in the state’s caucuses.

Voting in Washington County was postponed for a week, due to a major snowstorm today.  The results of that county will not be counted toward the total.  However, it is doubtful that counting those votes would have affected the outcome.

“I thank the voters of Maine for their support,” Romney said in a statement late Saturday.  “I'm committed to turning around America.  And I’m heartened to have the support of so many good people in this great state.”  Today’s result in Maine slowed the momentum of Rick Santorum, who won three states earlier this week.

So far, Romney leads the overall race for delegates, with 120.  Santorum has 72, Gingrich has 32 and Paul has 16.  It takes 1,144 delegates to win the Republican nomination.


Feb. 7, 2012

Rick Santorum has won the Minnesota and Colorado Republican Caucuses and the Missouri Republican Primary today.  It seems that he now is putting pressure on the front-runner, Mitt Romney, to be the Republican presidential nominee.

2012 Minnesota Republican Caucus2012 Colorado Republican Caucus
2012 Missouri Republican Primary

Personally, I hope Santorum’s momentum continues.


Full moon in cloudy San DiegoIn other news, there was a full moon tonight, but it barely could be seen here in San Diego.  It rained most of the day and part of the evening.  Tonight, there were only brief glimpses of the moon through all the clouds.

There were a few sprinkles going on when I took a quick snapshot of the moon (or what can be seen of it behind all the clouds), so the photo isn’t very clear.  I didn’t want for my camera to get too wet, so it wasn’t out for very long.

I actually do not mind the rain at all, since the weather usually is perfect here.  So. CA hasn’t had nearly enough rain this fall and winter (which typically is the rainy season), so any rain at all is welcomed and appreciated.

I think San Diego has the most ideal year-round weather of any place in America.  I’ve even known people who visited here and then went home, packed up their things, and moved here.  Who could fault them for that?  I sure don’t. 


Feb. 5, 2012

Eli Manning, quarterback of the New York GiantsWow, that was a pretty exciting Superbowl game.  For the second time in five years, Eli Manning and the New York Giants defeated Tom Brady and the New England Patiots in Superbowl XLVI (46).

I thought that Brady was going to pull it off near the end of the last quarter.  He was 4 points behind and needed a touchdown, and he certainly had the time and ability to get one.  However, the Giants’ defense was just too powerful and held back the Patriots.

I think the most brilliant and awesome play of the entire game was Eli Manning’s throw and Mario Manningham’s reception just barely in-bounds.  Clearly, Manningham took two steps after catching the ball before falling out-of-bounds.  Wow, that was incredible!  View a short video of the play.

I felt that most of the commercials during the game were pretty dull, even tedious.  One commercial I did like was “It’s Halftime in America,” featuring Clint Eastwood.  Even better, in my opinion, is the parody of that commercial
I watched the game on a big-screen TV at the home of some friends in Anaheim.  We had some tasty snacks (chicken wings, chips/dips, etc.) and had a good time.  None of us really cared who won, although a couple of us had a slight preference for the Giants.  I think that Manning, the game’s most valuable player, is a very capable and deserving athlete.  On the other hand, so is Brady.  Maybe next year, Tom.


Feb. 4, 2012

2012 Nevada Republican CaucusAs expected, the winner of the Nevada Republican Caucus was Mitt Romney, who received over half of the total vote.  Newt Gingrich came in a distant second.  In fact, Romney received well over double the number of votes that Gingrich did.

Of course, Nevada is a heavily Mormon state.  So Romney’s big win was expected even if he hadn’t already been in the lead coming into the state, which he was.

Personally, as far as I am concerned, these votes are nearly irrelevant.  Many believe that, barring some major upheaval, Romney will win the Republican nomination.  However, I still am planning to vote for Rick Santorum in our primary on June 5, even if he’s not still in the race and, presumably, has no chance of winning at that time.

I have problems with some of Romney’s and Gingrich’s guiding principles, but I like Santorum’s values, views, and ideas.  I am very conservative, and I feel that he is, too.  I especially like Santorum’s very pro-life and pro-Israel positions, plus he is a strong believer in the God of the Judeo/Christian Bible.

If there is anyone who can help the eventual fall of America not to be as brutal and catastrophic as it otherwise could be, it may be Santorum.  I am hoping that he will do better in future primaries and caucuses.


Feb. 3, 2012

My gym chain, Bally Total Fitness, was taken over by LA Fitness.  That’s actually good for me, since I can go to any LA Fitness club, plus my membership renewal charge has remained the same.  There are several of these located in So. CA, and I can go to any of them.

Today, I was in Fountain Valley and checked out the LA Fitness near Brookhurst and Talbert.  Afterwards, I went over to the building where I worked for over eleven years (1979-1991) and snapped a few photos.  That was a blast from the past, since I had not been inside that building for about 12-13 years.  It was called FHP (Family Health Program) when I worked there.

         
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The reception room is where my patients checked in and waited, although it now is part of the pediatrics department.  The place has been remodeled, and the long hallway did not used to be there.  In the last photo, the door on the right opened into my room, where I examined thousands of people’s eyes during the time I worked there.

Ever since I quit working there over two decades ago, I have had countless dreams in which I am examining patients in that room.  Often, in the dreams, I will look out the door of my room and see the charts of 5-6 patients waiting to be seen, even though I am running 30-60 minutes behind.  When I wake up, I breathe a sigh of relief that it was only a creation of my mind. 


Feb. 1, 2012

I hadn’t been to the Botanical Building in Balboa Park (San Diego) in awhile.  I don’t really care all that much about flowers.  Before long, they’re dead, and it’s almost like they’d never been there.  About the only way to prove they ever existed is with photos, so I took several, mainly because I wanted to test some shutter and light settings on my camera.

         
         
         
         
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Admittedly, I do kind of like orchids.  That is what much of the display was, so that is what I mostly photographed.  I think I got a prom date in high school an orchid corsage, and as I recall it was expensive.  I can see why.


Jan. 31, 2012

2012 Florida Republican PrimaryIn the Florida Republican Primary today, Mitt Romney trounced the other three contenders.  He also is expected to win the next few states.  I am guessing that he is going to win the Republican primary, but it isn’t possible yet to know for certain.

Personally, Romney is too “flip-floppy” and moderate for me, as I am extremely conservative.  I probably will be voting for Rick Santorum.

In the general election in November 2012, though, I will vote for whatever Republican candidate is running against Barack Obama—assuming things haven’t fallen apart to the point that the election is postponed or canceled.  Anything is possible.  I think I’d vote for anyone over Obama, maybe even my friend’s lizard.


Jan. 27, 2012

Courageous: 92% liked itTonight, I saw one of the best movies I’ve ever seen: Courageous.  That is saying something, since it takes a great deal for me to be impressed by a movie.  It seems that the majority of producers feel a need to fill their movies with sex, cursing, and other filth in an attempt to draw large audiences.

On the contrary, this movie, with a powerful Christian theme, had none of that, which is one reason I liked it.  Another reason was that the story was very compelling.  I felt that the plot was realistic and the acting was convincing.  It also was action-packed and did include some violence, which is why it is rated PG-13.

The movie was both heart-rending and hilarious.  It definitely stirred my emotions.  I recommend that all Christian dads and moms see this movie.  You can read a synopsis of the movie here: Honor Begins at Home.  In case the movie trailer there does not work, try viewing it here: COURAGEOUS Movie Trailer.

You can read some reviews of Courageous here: Courageous Movie Reviews.  I also read reviews from some non-Christian movie critics; most of them seemed to hate the movie.  Some felt that it had a “dogmatic agenda,” which is to expected from those who do not understand that there is a God who is in control of everything and expects obedience from us all.  I hope that many others will find this movie as enjoyable and meaningful as I did.


Jan. 25, 2012

Here are some thoughts for today:  The Spirit of the living God/Yahweh, now residing within us, gives us the supernatural power to love our enemies, forgive those who harm us, overcome the trials of day-to-day life, defeat sin in our lives, help out others in need, and know YHWH’s love in ways we never could comprehend without the Spirit.

It is the Holy Spirit that guides and directs us throughout the day, to keep us on the path God has chosen for our lives.  It is only because of the Holy Spirit that we can live like Yeshua/Jesus did.

What Would Jesus Do?Christians often ask, in various situations, “What would Jesus do?”  I think they should consider that Jesus, as an orthodox Jew, lived His life in complete and absolute obedience to the Torah.  In fact, He affirmed the following:

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law [Torah] or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (Matthew 5:17,18)

With these words, Jesus was not saying that the ancient Law was “nailed to the cross” or “done away with.”  On the contrary, He was revealing that He Himself was the ultimate goal of the Torah, the written Word of God.  In essence, He was the walking fulfillment of it.  Furthermore, He could not have been the ideal sacrifice for our sins had He not lived the written Law perfectly.

We all should strive to imitate Yeshua in every possible way.  In doing so, it is a good idea to keep in mind that not even one tiny detail of the Father’s eternal Law, which Yeshua followed and obeyed, will pass away until this present heaven and earth pass away (Revelation 20:11, 21:1).


Jan. 21, 2012

2012 South Carolina Republican PrimaryThe winner of the South Carolina Republican Primary today was Newt Gingrich.  I suspect that a big part of that was due to Sarah Palin’s statement that she would vote for him if she lived in South Carolina, and many Republicans respect her opinion.

Yet, Palin added that she was not endorsing him to be the Republican candidate in the general election (even though her husband, Todd, has done so).  She felt that if Gingrich won in SC, it would continue the dialogue among the candidates for awhile longer, which she felt was a good thing.  I do too.

So now there are three different winners in the first three states: Rick Santorum in Iowa on Jan. 3, Mitt Romney in New Hampshire on Jan. 10, and Newt Gingrich in South Carolina today.  Rick Perry got a couple thousand votes, even though he dropped out of the race a few days ago.


Jan. 20, 2012

I think that most people who live in America earnestly want for this country to emerge from its deep economic recession, to get out of debt, for unemployment rates to go way down, and for the nation to be prosperous again.  They are hoping that the president sworn in a year from today will take a leading role in accomplishing these and other benefical things for the USA.

I am not at all optomistic about such a prospect, though.  It seems that most Americans are focused on economic, political, and environmental issues.  At least, most of the Republican candidates running for president have spoken to a great extent about these things and, to a lesser extent, about social issues.  However, I believe that this nation’s foundational problems, primarily, are spiritual in nature.

There is widespread corruption, immorality, and depravity throughout the country.  Even worse, the people have come to trust less in God and more in their own ability to run things on their own, without seeking His guidance and direction.  In doing so, they are losing their capacity to recognize that God is Sovereign and to understand that we are in great danger of suffering calamitous disasters if He removes His protective hand from us.

9/11 was a stern warning to America from God.  However, over the years, the enormity of that day has been discounted and forgotten, and not many continue to heed God’s admonition.

One who understands not only the gravity of 9/11 but who also has written about the prophetic nature of that day is Jonathan Cahn in his book The Harbinger, which includes details of the nine harbingers that God has used to warn both Israel and the United States.  More about this can be read here, plus a one-hour video by Rabbi Cahn can be viewed:

God's Judgment on America prophesied in 9/11:
Scripture linked to 9/11 in the most amazing uncanny ways


The Harbinger — Rabbi Cahn, Full Version

A lengthier version of the same theme is here:

Sycamore, Full Version

The basis of Rabbi Cahn’s message is this significant passage in the book of Isaiah:

The Lord has sent a message against Jacob; it will fall on Israel.  All the people will know it—Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria—who say with pride and arrogance of heart, “The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig [sycamore] trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars. ... But the people have not returned to him who struck them, nor have they sought the LORD Almighty.” (Isaiah 9:8-10,13)

All of this reminds me of ancient Judah.  Josiah, one of the last kings of Judah, began to reign at the young age of 8 years old.  During the majority of the 31 years that he reigned, he kept God foremost in all that he did.  Nevertheless, the destruction of Judah, at the hands of the Babylonians (2 Kings 25:8-11), already had been determined by God; and even a near-perfect king could not change God’s mind.

This is what the LORD says:  I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to everything written in the book the king of Judah has read.  Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and provoked me to anger by all the idols their hands have made, my anger will burn against this place and will not be quenched. (2 Kings 22:16,17)

Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.  Nevertheless, the LORD did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke him to anger. (2 Kings 23:25,26)

You can read the account of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22:1 through 23:30 and in 2 Chronicles 34:1 through 35:27.  Basically, the stiff-necked, foolish people and most of their leaders had forsaken God and had worshiped other gods.  They were not going to repent and alter their allegiance and behavior, though they were implored repeatedly by God to do so (2 Chronicles 36:14-16).

The most righteous king who ever ruled over Judah humbled himself and reformed the official policies of the nation to conform to the Book of the Law of the Lord, given through Moses; yet God would not recind His inexorable judgment on the nation.  This was because the king could not change the minds and hearts of the people.  Collectively, they might have been able to change God’s mind by humbling themselves before Him, seeking His face, and turning from their evil ways (2 Chronicles 7:14); but they would not do it.

I feel that not only the USA but all the nations on earth are in the same boat.  Most of humanity has rejected the one true King and Creator of the universe: YHWH ().  The people of the world have gone their own stubborn and unrighteous ways, and there will be an exceedingly high price to pay for this.  A “flushed toilet” cannot be “unflushed.”  Thus, I regret to say, I do not think that any nation of the world, including America, will be exempt from either of the following dreadful periods of time to come: the Great Tribulation and the Day of Vengeance.


Jan. 18, 2012

Google: Please don't censor the web!
Wikipedia: Imagine a World Without Free Knowledge
Websites like Google.com and Wikipedia.com registered their protests today against two bills in the U.S. Congress.  The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) is in the House, and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) is in the Senate.

Google blacked out its name on its main search engine page.  On most of Wikipedia’s pages, there was a message that read, “Imagine a World Without Free Knowledge.”  Both sites were encouraging visitors to contact their representatives in the Senate and in the House to request that they not support these bills.

If you want to read these lengthy, confusing bills, you can do so here: PIPA | SOPA.  I skimmed through them and got a very negative feeling about them.  They are inexact and too broad in their scope of control.  If you want to read Google’s and Wikipedia’s pages about these bills, go here (these pages may change over time): Google | Wikipedia.

Personally, I do not like the amount of power that these bills, if passed into law, would give the government over internet sites.  Furthermore, there are too many ways that things could be twisted and the innocent could be falsely charged and/or sued.

I have a personal stake in this.  A few months ago, I was falsely accused of copying someone else’s information and including it on pages at my eye site.  I knew that I had written my own material on the pages in question.  By using the “Wayback Machine,” I was able to prove that the website accusing me of copying their information, in reality, had copied mine, since my information pre-dated theirs by several years.

I did not like, at all, that I was being wrongly charged with something of which the accuser was guilty.  Furthermore, everything at my website is free; and I do not mind if other people use my information, as long as they give me credit or a link to my website in return.  In my opinion, if PIPA and SOPA pass, there will be many prosecuting attorneys making billions of dollars and many innocent people paying settlements when they are not guilty.  That is not the way things should be.


Jan. 13, 2012

Today is Friday the 13th.  It is of no significance to me, since I am not supersitious.  However, I do find it interesting that there are three Friday the 13th’s during 2012 (which is rare in any given year).  Also, there are 13 weeks from the first Friday the 13th (Jan. 13) to the second one (Apr. 13) and 13 weeks from the second one to the third one (July 13).  Go figure.

Tim Tebow: John 3:16Another numerical phenomenon that I have found interesting was in the Broncos/Steelers game on Jan. 8.  Tim Tebow passed 316 yards in a miracle-like, overtime victory.  Furthermore, the average number of yards per pass was 31.6, which broke an NFL record for the highest single-game postseason completion average.  There’s even more:

Tebow phenomenon gets eerie

It seems appropriate that Tim paints John 3:16 on his face sometimes.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

He is like a walking billboard for Jesus Christ.  And, like Jesus, Tim helps those who cannot help themselves, such as in raising money to build a children’s hospital in the Philippines, where he was born.  I wonder if all the 316s indicate that God is demonstrating His approval. 


Jan. 10, 2012

2012 New Hampshire Republican PrimaryThe clear winner of the New Hampshire Republican Primary today was Mitt Romney, followed by Ron Paul and John Huntsman.  Rick Santorum, who tied Romney in the Iowa Caucus last week, came in fourth.

Romney’s win in New Hampshire was no surprise, since he is an ex-governor of the neighboring state Massachusetts.  In his speech tonight, Romney said that the president (Obama) “has run out of ideas; now he’s running out of excuses.”  I agree.

Incidentally, “Mitt” is Romney’s middle name.  His whole name is Willard Mitt Romney.


Jan. 3, 2012

2012 Iowa Republican CaucusIn the Iowa Republican Caucus today, the two top winners—Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum—were essentially tied.  With 99% of the vote being tonight, Santorum was ahead by 4 votes.  After all the votes were in, Romney had won by 8 votes.  That is about as close as you can get.

Jan. 19 update: It has been determined that Rick Santorum won the Iowa Caucus by 34 votes over Mitt Romney.

The Republican National Convention will be in Tampa, FL, during the week of August 27, 2012.  It is not known yet exactly how many delegates each candidate will get from Iowa.  This will not be known for certain until Iowa assigns its delegates to various candidates in June.  Assuming that some of the present candidates will drop out of the race, their delegates will have to be pledged to the candidates who are remaining.

I like Rick Santorum, former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, and I liked his speech tonight when he still was slightly ahead.  I particularly agree with his conservative pro-life and pro-Israel positions.  I do feel that he could make a very good president.  Of course, Romney is expected to win the New Hampshire Republican primary on January 10, and I do not think that Santorum has a high probability of winning the Republican nomination; but you never know.

Michele Bachmann, who ended up in last place in the Iowa caucus, has suspended her campaign.  I also like her conservative views very much, and I liked her exit speech tonight as well.  She has said that she will “keep fighting” for conservative principles, and I hope that she will continue to do so vociferously as a U.S. Congresswoman from Minnesota.


Jan. 2, 2012

Free Sausage, Egg, and Cheese McGriddle Sandwich at McDonaldsI like free stuff; I always have.  I feel that some of the best things in life are free, and at the top of the list is eternal salvation through Jesus the Messiah, who already has paid the price of atonement for us.

There are other free things that appeal to me, since I am on a tight budget, and one is food.  Rarely do I ever eat at fast-food places.  However, somehow I obtained a coupon for a free breakfast sandwich at McDonald’s, and I figured I better use it before I misplace it, even though it does not expire until the last day of 2012.

Also, a friend and I have a standing joke between us where if one of us gets something for free, the other one is “envious” of it.  We just do it to get a few laughs—both knowing, of course, that real envy or covetousness is a violation of the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21).  So when he reads this, he will be “envious” of my free meal. 

       

Last week, a different friend and I were in another city and stopped at a McDonald’s to use their free WiFi (wireless internet connection).  He bought me a cup of coffee.  I saved that cup; today, I poured my own coffee into it at home and brought it with me.  So I didn’t need to buy coffee with my breakfast. 

I am enjoying my free “Sausage, Egg, and Cheese McGriddle” sandwich, sort of free coffee, and free WiFi here at McDonalds.  Plus, I saw a friend whom I hadn’t seen in a long time.  She and I talked briefly and wished each other a happy new year.  That was free, too.


Jan. 1, 2012

First moment of 2012 at Times SquareHappy New Year.  Below are links to my annual calendar and list of 2012 holidays and observances that many like to download and tape to a wall nearby.  That is what I do.  Both are in .doc and .pdf format.

Click on each image below and print out the two pages (.doc files) on either side of one piece of paper.  Just change my name, at the top of the calendar page, to your name before you print it.  (Notice that there is a “blue moon”—defined, most commonly, as the second full moon in a given month—on August 31.)

 

Or else you could print out these (.pdf files), without my name on the calendar, and write in your name.

 

If you’ve never read the Bible straight through, from cover to cover, you might want to do it in 2012.  I did it last year.  Go here, print out the pages, and check off the passages as you read them:

Chronological List of Bible Passages

The Bible is God’s Law and Instruction Manual for life.  Don’t worry if you are unable to understand everything you read; eventually, God will give us answers to everything we wonder about.  One of the main things you will come to understand is God’s everlasting covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—see God’s Covenant: with Israel or the Church?

So in case you’ve never read the Bible all the way through, do it!  If you’ve done it before, do it again; you never can get too much of God’s written Word!  You can read one of a number of Bible versions at BibleGateway.com.  If you read it for an average of 15 minutes a night before bed, you will sleep better for a whole year. 

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