Fighting Back - 83-year-old neighbor shoots burglar iBurn - iPod causes man's pants to catch fire Grave Injustice - funeral directors accused of selling body parts
On this day in history: October 5, 1994 - Predicting that the world would soon end in an environmental disaster, homeopath Luc Jouret and 52 others belonging to his Order of the Solar Temple commit mass suicide near Cheiry, Switzerland and Montreal, Canada.
Born on this day in history: October 5, 1954 - Bob Geldof (1954 - ____) actor, musician, singer. He was the organizer of Live-Aid, which raised $84 million for African famine, 1985; runner-up for Nobel Peace Prize, 1986.
Scripture of the Day: "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6)
Video of the Day:Harvest Fresh Hop Ale - submitted by Laura. This is a video of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s new Harvest Ale. Click on the “Harvest Fresh Hop Ale” link to view the video. By the way, I had the pleasure of sampling this fine beverage recently, and it is incredible!
Here is another in the long list of Chinese toys being recalled. Apparently, this one did not meet safety criteria. Click to enlarge.
The weather today appears that it will be better than earlier forecasts indicated. It is sunny and warming and promises to be a beautiful day. While I realize the cold weather is nearing, I cherish these last warm days and long for spring!
On this day in history: October 4, 1970 - Janis Joplin accidentally overdoses on an unusually-pure dose of heroin at the Landmark Motor Hotel in Los Angeles.
Born on this day in history: October 4, 1822 - Rutherford B. Hayes (1822 - 1893) president (19th). He brought post-Civil War Reconstruction to an end in the South and who tried to establish new standards of official integrity.
Scripture of the Day: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)
Video of the Day: Duet - submitted by Cindy
I found this little guy perched upon the fence in front of my house as I was leaving for the office this morning. He was friendly and appeared in need of companionship, so I brought him to the office with me. Click to enlarge.
Last evening was the beginning of Bible college for Laura and me at Harvest Christian Center. It was an exciting evening, we anticipate learning a good deal, and we enthusiastically anticipate the next class. We shall be attending classes each Wednesday evening. It has been a great many years since last I attended a class, and I was very pleasantly surprised to find that my note-taking skills were still very good. I managed to fill five pages in my notebook with very legible notes during the class.
On this day in history: October 3, 1995 - A jury of his "peers" finds O. J. Simpson not guilty. Later, OJ resumes his golfing career while hunting for the real killers.
Born on this day in history: October 3, 1900 - Thomas Wolfe (1900 - 1938) novelist. He is best known for his first novel, "Look Homeward Angel," 1929.
Scripture of the Day: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3)
Video of the Day: Apple iRack - submitted by Donny
It is another chilly morning that promises to become a warm day. It is a very cool 49 degrees at the moment but is forecast to be in the low 80s later today.
Tonight, Laura and I begin Bible college at Harvest Christian Center. We shall attend classes each Wednesday evening and shall earn credits toward a degree in theology. We are excited! Bishop Orvil Tice teaches the classes, under the aegis of Full Gospel Restoration Bible College. Last evening, we considered that it would have been wonderful had we begun this process earlier. We decided that, most likely, we were not ready until now.
On this day in history: October 2, 1871 - Mormon prophet Brigham Young is arrested for cohabitating with a 16-year-old girl.
Born on this day in history: October 2, 1890 - Groucho Marx (1890 - 1977) comedian. He was the leader of the Marx brother team and famous for his ad-lib insults in his TV show "You Bet Your Life," 1950-1961.
Scripture of the Day: "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." (Proverbs 29:25)
Video of the Day: Because You Loved Me - Passion of Christ - submitted by Donny
Quilt of Holes
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, “Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.” May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life. It's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.
They're Here! - Tom Cruise building bunker for protection against alien attack Eat Your Vegetables! - the boy who is allergic to almost EVERY food Animal Kingdom - bear rescued from California bridge
On this day in history: October 1, 1993 - Richard Allen Davis kidnaps Polly Klaas during a slumber party in her Petaluma, California home and later murders the 12-year-old. The horrific ordeal transforms her father, Mark Klaas, into a major media figure.
Born on this day in history: October 1, 1935 - Julie Andrews (1935 - ____) actress, singer, author. She won an Oscar, 1964, for "Mary Poppins;" Oscar nominee for "Sound of Music," 1965; writes children's books as Julie Edwards.
Scripture of the Day: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12)
Video of the Day: Passion of the Christ Music Video - submitted by Donny
This should be enough garlic to ward off any threat of vampire attack! Click to enlarge.
The weather cooperated fairly well for Friday's Homecoming Parade. While it was not sunny and not particularly warm, it was fairly pleasant and dry. This morning, there were a few rain drops on Mr. Nitro when I departed for my office. This is not a good sign.
Saturday, I made a scrumptious frittata with red potatoes, garlic (two heads!), white onion, Jalapeños, Habaneros, Italian sausage, spinach, eggs, pepperjack cheese, sea salt, ground black pepper, and Red Monkey Cajun spice. We ate only half and shall have the balance for an evening meal.
Saturday evening, Laura grilled large New York strip steaks, Jalapeños, large white mushrooms, yellow squash, and red potatoes. It was delicious. Laura grilled everything perfectly. The steaks had excellent grill marks and were charred nicely on the exterior and rare in the middle.
Sunday, we snacked on Mission Cilantro and Lime tortilla chips, homemade salsa, and Cuervo Especial margaritas and played Scrabble. Laura played well and won one game. It is not an easy task to best me at Scrabble play, and Laura is to be commended. While I was overall champion, her win is significant—given my Scrabble prowess. I would like to take this opportunity to assert there is no truth whatever to the rumor that I have taken steroids to enhance my Scrabble play! These rumors are patently untrue.
Sunday morning, while Laura tended to the nursery at Harvest Christian Center, I produced a very fine pasta salad—composed of large pasta shells, sliced celery, sliced radishes, diced red onion, garbanzo beans, diced red pepper, pear tomatoes, sea salt, ground black pepper, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and wasabi paste. I completed the salad at 11:30 AM, and it sat in repose in the refrigerator, awaiting dinner time. Laura marinated seven large boneless, skinless chicken breasts with extra-virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, sea salt, ground black pepper, and Red Monkey Lemon Pepper spice. She grilled the chicken perfectly. It was succulent and moist and very flavorful. The salad was wonderful. A goodly amount of leftovers await later dining pleasure.
