Is a Nineveh repeat possible?
In a recent audio message on Light on the Rock, I asked whether you are "a Jonah" or "a Matthew". You'll have to hear the message to fully find out what I was talking about. We also talked about how Nineveh repented of their wickedness and turned from their ways (Jonah 3:5-10). Therefore our living God did not destroy that major city. Then my January 2012 sermon was about us first repenting, then praying for our nations to repent – and praying for a Nineveh Repeat!
My question today is this: Is a repeat of the Nineveh repentance story possible in our day?
Is it even possible that America, Britain, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands and other modern day remnants of the Ten Lost Tribes can come to repentance? And if they were to repent, what would that do to all the written prophecies in the books of Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah and all the prophets and other prophecies?
Just imagine: what if the books of Revelation and Daniel and other prophecies have to be rewritten because of wholesale repentance by some of the key nations in those prophecies? Wow!
Many of you may jump to the conclusion that we're simply not going to repent as a nation.
I beg to differ. Though I'll concur that it's not likely that our nations will repent, I still believe all things are possible with our merciful Father. Don't you? Yes, I believe a Nineveh Repeat is very possible. If you want to hear a thorough discussion on this, please check out the most recent sermon on Light on the Rock (January 2012). In that teaching you will hear of the many Old and New Testament teachers who prayed for their country. Yes, even Paul did!
"The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, 8 if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it." (Jeremiah 18:7-8).
We certainly watched Him do that with Nineveh. More than once right after the Exodus He was ready to eradicate Israel, but Moses interceded. Jeremiah 18:8 makes it clear that this applies more than just to individuals, but to whole nations.
Notice I said we need to pray that the nation repents - - not just that they be forgiven. Forgiveness is a given with our God, if the nation repents. The hard part is for all of us to repent. But even this starts with our own repentance.
Even if you don't see yourself as someone not as bad as the worst of sinners, you also have had plenty to repent of. I certainly do. I know that. And praise be to my loving Father in heaven who has been willing to wash away all my sins in His Son's blood. If He can forgive even my sins, He certainly can forgive anyone else's. He's willing to do the same for the nation upon repentance.
Since I've experienced HIS incredible mercy and His willingness to put my sins behind me, I certainly know He can do it for the whole country. There's NO question of that in my mind.
My dear friends and brothers and sisters – believe. Believe so much in our Father's mercies that you can believe He also can bring a goodly number to repentance. The book of Revelation at least concedes that much: that there will be an uncountable number of people who WILL repent at the very end. Many of them will be spared the worst of the worst cataclysms to befall the earth in the last year before Yeshua's feet land on the Mount of Olives.
If you can believe in our amazing Father's love and boundless mercy, believe enough to have your own repentance – and then to pray that even YOUR country, whatever and wherever it is, can also come to genuine repentance and experience the same loving forgiveness you have received. You just might be amazed at how much this prayer may be heard – if enough of us start doing it.
Time is short. Tell others about this message. And hear the full message on this website – January 2012. It's probably one of the most vital and urgent messages I've ever preached. Pray -- and believe.
Which day is "the Last Great Day of the Feast"?
Hint: John 7:37-39 is not about the 8th Day!
Sabbath keeping Church of God groups have for decades taught that John 7:37-39 was preached on the 8th day Feast, the single day after the 7-day Feast of Tabernacles (or Sukkot, in Hebrew). They've called the 8th day, the day after the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), "The Last Great Day of the Feast". In this blog I share why I've taught for many years now that surely this is an incorrect conclusion in light of the facts and scripture. I'll record a full featured sermon with far more facts and points than I can cover in this blog. Be sure to hear and study it. I'll give a partial bullet-point version in this blog. You can also go to the sermon I preached in October 2006 expounding on the real message Jesus spoke on the 8th day, but that what he said in John 7:37-39 was given on the true Last day of the Feast, the 7th day.
Here's the heart and core of it. What church organizations choose to do with their teachings when faced with the facts is up to them. I believe at least two or three COG organizations now "see the light" of this truth and are preaching it correctly. Hundreds of church groups continue in their error, however, of explaining Jesus' statements in John 7:37-39 were spoken on the 8th day.
37 On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink! 38 The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him." 39 He said this about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were going to receive, for the Spirit had not yet been received, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
• Yeshua (Jesus) made reference to drinking, thirsting and to rivers of water. That's the context. Water was poured out all 7 days of the Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot, but no water was ever poured on the 8th day. Yeshua was alluding to lots and lots of water when he spoke in John 7:37-39. But, NO water was poured out on the 8th day according to the Jewish Mishna. What Jesus says makes sense only while a lot of water is being poured out – which happened on the 7th day, the last special day, of the Feast of Tabernacles.
• What's called "The Feast" of Tabernacles went for seven days from Tishrei 15-21 (Lev. 23:34-36). Deuteronomy 16:13 also says to keep the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days.
The last day of the Feast is therefore the 21st of Tishri, or the 7th day of the Feast itself, not the 8th. In fact, at the end of the 7th day of the feast, the sukkah (or booths) were taken down, in obedience to Yahweh's command that "SEVEN days (not eight) you are to dwell in booths" (or temporary dwellings). Hmm. How are we doing on that one? Deut 16:15 says "Seven days you shall keep a feast to Yahweh your God…." There was no such thing as "the 8th day of the feast" because "the feast" had ended by the end of the 7th day.
• The 8th day is a separate festival. It is one day. It is linguistically impossible to talk about this one day feast by saying "on the last, the great day of the feast" when it is only one day long. Do you see why it is clear as day that the "last day of the Feast" had to be the 7th?
• Jews have for millennia called the 7th day of the Feast "Hoshana Rabbah" – a wonderful day of deliverance and salvation for the whole world. Hoshana Rabbah means "the Great Hosanna" – or the great time of salvation and praise. They never referred to the 8th day as "the Great day" or "the last day of the Feast" – for indeed it isn't, it can't be, "the last day of the Feast"! It's a separate day. It's a separate festival. That's plain as day. But because what Yeshua said fitted so neatly into COG prophetic theological understanding, they made it refer to the 8th day, when the very language in the verses makes that impossible. In fact the 8th day has a unique name among Jews – Shemini Atzeret. So my teaching is more in line with what has always been taught for Millennia: the "last day of the Feast, that Great Day" – HAS to be the 7th day of the Feast, not the 8th. (Note: as usual, Jews keep two days actually, the day after they 8th day they call Simchat Torah). The Feast of Tabernacles is always, every time, referenced as a feast of SEVEN days in Scripture, as I've already shown in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Therefore the last day of the 7 day Feast would HAVE to be the 7thday of the Feast of Tabernacles, not the 8th.
I know I keep saying it, but because the wrong explanation keeps being repeated, the truth has to be repeated as well. We are to GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Growing in knowledge means acknowledging when we had misunderstood something before or didn't see something before that we now see.
• The 8th day Feast is simply called that – "the 8th day". So that's what I call it. I no longer call the 8th day "the Last Great Day'. It's a misnomer. The focus is on the word "eight" – which has strong scriptural symbolism of newness, new beginnings. Also, it is never called "the 8th day of the Feast". Never. It is therefore incorrect to call the 8th day "the Last Great Day of the Feast" – though that incorrectly persists in 98% of the COG groups. Again, the "Last Great Day" of thefeast of Tabernacles HAS to be the 7th day of the Feast.
• In my sermon of Oct 2006 I describe the REAL message of the 8th day – the day AFTER Yeshua said what He said in John 7:37-39. The message of the 7th day, the TRUE Last Day of the Feast, that Great Day, is about the abundance of God's Spirit flowing by the time we come to the end of the Millennium. I will go in-depth on that in my sermon on and about the TRUE Last Day, the great day of the Feast.
Did you pray for President Obama today?
This holyday season, we are looking forward to, and celebrating the time when all the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ.
My blog is short today. Though we are "not of this world" in terms of its politics, agenda or religious beliefs, we live here. And so it's easy for us to lean more to one political persuasion or another. It's easy to be either liberal or conservative – or "in the middle, a moderate". It becomes easy to be for or against the leaders we have.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
I've done it too. I've badmouthed our leaders. I'm no fan of most of our leaders. I want to make it a thing of the past as I try to be more obedient. There's no place for God's children to be speaking evil of our leaders. Ministers need to stop doing this too. Many of you don't even believe in voting – and yet feel free to criticize and condemn. Voting is another topic. But how can anyone feel free to criticize if they don't participate in the process? And whether you believe you should participate or not in the political process, we're told to be respectful of our leaders.
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.
"Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
Have you got anything to repent of on this solemn day of repentance and atonement? Maybe this blog has given you some food for thought where we have gone astray at least once recently in this matter.
"You reap what you sow". How often have we heard that one?
In previous homes, we often had a little garden. There are SO many lessons for God's children from such a small plot of ground. In the house we live in now, there is not much sun-filled areas due to all the trees around so we have not had a vegetable garden. But after watching an episode on gardens from "Little Bear", my three old niece asked me if we could have a garden for her. So we dug up a small patch together, and she and I planted a few carrots, beans, peas and even a couple tomato plants. It was fun teaching her to scatter the seed in an organized way rather than empty the whole packet of seeds in one spot! But Poppy and granddaughter had fun with that. That little patch is getting interesting and got me thinking about a message I had given a couple years ago.
Sometimes it gets downright discouraging reaping some of what we've sown. Sometimes what comes up doesn't even resemble what you thought you had sown. Other times, we know there was some bad seed in there too. We've all surely experienced that. Haven't we all, at times in our lives – especially when younger and more foolish – sown wild oats and then prayed for a crop failure? Or sowed even good seed, but didn't watch it, and so over time the bugs, birds, slugs and mildew – or overcrowding weeds – ruined our hoped-for harvest.
If your hoped-for Garden of Eden looks more like a Garden of Weedin' – it doesn't have to stay that way. Maybe somehow a lot of weed seeds got in that soil. That's what got planted – and so that is what you're reaping. But I learned that if I worked the soil, pulled out the weeds before they went to seed, planted new flowers and vegetables, in time – guess what? I started reaping what I had sown again. But this time, over time, it was becoming a beautiful garden again.
Father in heaven wants to encourage us. His children encourage their brothers and sisters as well. When we see someone who had once planted a lot of wild oats reaping what he/she had sown, tell them: "you can plant a new garden and have a new life, a new crop in time. You don't have to think your life will always be a garden of weeds because of what you sowed long ago". Encourage that person. Believe he's entitled to enjoy his new garden. The old weedy garden is gone. It's a thing of the past. There's no need to remind him of the past, ugly garden he once had.
Don't despair if you are reaping the consequences of bad seed you once sowed. In time, a new crop comes up. Father lets us start over and He believes in his power to change us, even if some people don't believe in real conversion. People like to go back and harp on the past. That's what the Accuser of the Brethren does, but God's children aren't like the Accuser.
Gardens are like that too. Your life is a like that garden. It won't stay the way it is now. We have to work our lives. The main work is on our knees and coming to know our Savior and Father more and more, and to fall deeper in love with our Husband and let His mind work in us. Work the soil of your life. Plant a new crop – and reap new future. Don't let carnal people who love to point to your past discourage you. Plant your new garden. This works even for facets of our lives. If our marriage, or finances, or child rearing, or coping with stresses need improvement – "plant a new garden" in those areas. If we want our lives to change, we have to sow new seed. And we will, in time, have a new life. But if we do nothing, or keep doing the same thing, the garden will go to weeds.
Beware, however. Our Adversary (Satan the accuser) likes to remind you of what you were. Just point to the new life we have in Christ, by His power, His righteousness working in our lives – and rebuke those Satanic thoughts to despairingly look back. Yes, I have to do this frequently myself.
Father tells us that He sees the way we end up – not the way we started. Yesterday's shortcomings and sins – the weeds of life -- are forgiven by the court of heaven, whether people do or not. Take heart in that. Believe in HIS word, regardless of the painful whispers and actions from the accusers of the brethren who may even unknowingly be working for their dad, The Accuser of the brethren.
21 "But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 22 None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. 23 Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord God, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live?
Now go read verse 24. It's always how we end up which matters most to God. None of us is yet what we want to be or will be. But praise be to Yahweh – we aren't what we once were.
Many of you who will read this someday may be going through your own world of hurt because of bad seed you planted. Learn from it. Rip out those old weeds and bad seed. Dig deep. Bring in new soil. Sow new seed of doing good and believing in the new creation Father is making of you.
The angels in heaven are high-fiving in your behalf. The prodigal's father is rushing out to meet you as you come home (Luke 15:20). He wants you back with everyone! And, brethren who have our Father's mindset will be treating you the same way: welcoming you to the body of Christ as they see you have changed and are changing (read 2 Cor. 2:5-11 for example). I hope you and I are like that: encouraging and accepting of others. Even those who spent all they had on pigs and whores and did other shameful acts …. know the story of the Prodigal son (Luke 15)? If you realize we all are, to some degree, a prodigal or even the whore in the story – you'll know the story. It's our story. Yes, even yours. Compared to God's holiness, our life, our garden – has often been pretty weedy and even now is a long shot from being a Garden of Eden. In spite of that, Father is welcoming us home. He sees us belonging here, with him and the rest of the community.
I don't think any of us want "judgment without mercy". I've decided it's in my best interest to not be as harsh, impatient, judgmental, critical and - - unmerciful – as I at times have been. How about you?
It's inspiring to be around people who have the gift of merciful joy no matter how rough the circumstances. They smile at incompetent people and say, "no worries, it's OK." Children of God who can overlook and forgive stinging jabs of gossip aimed at them – and leave behind a blessing in return. Blessed saints who seem able to mercifully accept the injustices and wrongs perpetrated against them – and speak a kind word in response. I marvel at them and pray and hope to join their ranks in time. How enjoyable it is to be around people who aren't sizing everyone up all the time – usually negatively. How gratifying it is to be around that special breed of people who believe in the best, hope for the best. They let people who have really messed up in life have a fresh start. The merciful. The blessed of God.
These are very gentle and merciful people. Jesus was like that. He must have exuded mercy and an accepting spirit to have had so many friends among the general public. Our Savior was known as a friend to cheats (tax collectors/publicans) and drunkards and women of ill repute (Luke 7:34). And HE'S going to be the judge (John 5:22-27)! But "sinners" still felt at ease around him. Don't forget, Yeshua was an exact replica, a perfect image of his and our heavenly Father, God in the Highest (Heb. 1:3).
As we grow up, we too should be looking like, talking like and acting more and more like our Abba as well. And Abba is known as a wonderfully merciful father and God. He is also perfectly just. In fact we are told to exercise righteous judgment (John 7:24). But justice is covered with mercy in God's house.
Matthew 23:23 lists justice, mercy and faith as "weightier" matters of law. Which is most weighty? Since we've all broken the law – I'm looking more for mercy than justice. And according to the story at the end of Matthew 18, if we remember how much mercy has been extended to each of us, you'd think we'd all be experts at doling out mercy. You'd think.
In the Holy of Holies was the ark of the covenant which contained the testimony, the Ten Commandments. Of course it was the 2nd set, as Moses had already broken all ten himself when he dashed the 2 tablets to the ground when he saw the sin of the Israelites with the golden calf (Ex. 32:19). But my point is, inside the ark, the throne of God on earth, were the Ten Commandments, the law. It represented justice, a foundation of God's rule. Breaking the ten commandments required justice.
But ABOVE the law, atop the box called the Ark, was the solid gold Mercy Seat. No wonder it says "Mercy triumphs over justice." Mercy sat higher and covered the Law. Have you thought of it that way?
If we each really understood how much we've been forgiven, Jesus said we would be among those who "love much" as well (Lk 7:47). Such was the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears (Luke 7:37-50). She knew what she was – or had been. She knew how despised she was by the elders of her synagogue and community. They were wondering how she got in to their pious assemblage. But she also knew the loving mercy of this great man Jesus, the son of God, and it moved her to tears and repentance. Yeshua let her not only in His presence, but He allowed her to touch His perfect, holy body. More than that, he forgave her and accepted her. He offered His grace and love to her.
Jesus has not changed. Jesus' body on earth today still accepts despised repentant sinners in its midst (see 1 Cor. 6:9-12). Jesus cleanses us of ALL sin (1 John 1:9). Focus on Luke 7:44-50. There we see it: justice – her sins were many. Mercy was extended. And then Savior concludes by telling her that her faith saved her. As a result, she could enjoy peace. Justice, mercy, faith. In that order. She received mercy and peace that day. Those despising her – got a dose of justice and no joy, no peace.
We can all tend to be harsh to those who messed up big time, even if it was years ago. Brethren, that's not Father's way. His way is for each of us to recognize we are ALL sinners, we each have been the Prodigal son, we are all worthy of the same penalty: death. But the prodigal son's father was rushing to welcome him back into full fellowship in their community even before the son had spoken a word to him. They celebrated his return. But the elder son didn't want his brother who had shamed them all back into fellowship. Of course not! He couldn't even call him his brother (Luke 15:30). As I said in another blog, we don't get to pick our brothers and sisters. This elder brother was acting like the prodigal had just now squandered everything on harlots. No love, no welcoming smile. Instead of offering him the right hand of fellowship, he gave him the cold shoulder. That's not Father's way.
Horrible sinners who have repented need to see the Father's love in the eyes of their brothers and sisters. It's easier to forgive and accept yourself when you experience forgiveness and acceptance from others. But the elder brother was not merciful like his father. So what happened? While everyone was rejoicing in the father's mercy, the elder son ended up being the one outside the joyous and merciful festivities.
"I'm SO glad they lost my baggage"
I fly more than the average person and every now and again my bags get misdirected – or lost. I've learned to pack a change of clothes and toiletries in my carry-on! I've never said, "I'm so glad they lost my baggage". Today I want to review how our Father has purposely lost our baggage – and given us suitcases full of the best new clothes imaginable. A new look, a new you, clean new garments. We'll contrast that with what carnal people do – who try to be sure you never get to lose old baggage, and want to bring out your dirty underwear and old junk in old baggage you thought was long gone and display it for all to see.
When it comes to our spiritual lives, I want to lose my old baggage. God offers me that. People don't – unless they are truly children of God. Do you help people lose their old baggage and allow them a new look in Christ, covered by the righteousness imparted by the Spirit of God as one of God's gifts? Isn't that what the father of the prodigal son said right away: "Bring out the best robe… put sandals on his feet… let's celebrate, for my son who was dead has returned!" – Luke 15:20-31. It was the elder, the older brother, who resisted allowing the other to be accepted back into the church and family community. After all, he had some baggage! The elder, the older brother considered the younger one to be a shame to the community and church, unworthy of fellowship. But Yeshua teaches how the loving father was so happy to have him back. That's why Paul taught in 2 Cor. 2:5-11 that there does come a time to reaffirm, love, encourage and accept one another back into community and into the body of Christ.
Carnal people are fond of digging up dirt on people and then carefully chronicling it. Maybe it makes us feel better to find out someone has done something worse than we have done. Even too many ministers pick up the dirt shovel and exchange data on people. Most of us call it gossip. My Mom used to tell me, "If someone is willing to gossip to you, they'll be willing to gossip about you." Beware of what you tell people, even ministers, unless you absolutely know they are not corpse diggers. By "data" I mean sins that have long been repented of, forgiven and buried in the blood of the son of God. Do we really want to be guilty of grave-digging in the blood of our Savior? But boy oh boy, some of those data tidbits are so juicy, so awful, and so nasty – that we all too often let people bring back someone's old baggage. All of us have our own "old man" buried in Messiah's blood, and that's where the "old man" – the old self we were – should stay buried. Some even relish and specialize in the very Satanic and cruel act of chronicling sins of their fellow sinner humans – and then mail it around to all interested readers. We see it every day in the tabloids – and even in places which dare call themselves the "church of God".
All this simply should not be, brothers and sisters in Christ.People doing these things are simply following their leader, the prince of darkness. They use his tactics, for he is "the Adversary who slanders". That's what "Satan the devil" literally means. God's kids should have no part in this slander and gossip and bringing back old baggage. What's really sad is when the children of the Highest start to copy the Slanderer's children. No, God's children let a person start over. They know "love covers all sins" (1 Pet. 4:8; Prov. 10:12), especially if repented of long ago. God's kids encourage people to turn and change (James 5:20). God's kids know we've all sinned. God's kids know we all need a new start. God's kids know we have no business calling someone's sins – "unforgivable", for our Savior forgave us of ALL sin (1 John 1:9). They know whisperers separate the closest of friends (Prov. 17:9). God's children want nothing to do with that dark way of living. People who chronicle forgiven sin and spread it around identify themselves as hateful children of the Adversary – at least for a time.
One pastor even called me years ago to urge me to watch the expose on TV that afternoon of a well-known televangelist's sins, caught in the act on camera. He seemed disappointed when I said I would not watch it. I knew that televangelist must have been dying a thousand deaths to know it was being splashed all over TV. Instead of watching it – and I never did – I prayed for him and his family. I understand what he was going through, for we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. And I've experienced my sins splashed all over too and know how bad it feels.
This is opposite to what our kind Abba wants from his children. He encourages his kids to "keep no record of wrong", as just one of the descriptions of his kind of love (1 Cor. 13:4-7 Apologetics Study Bible). In fact in verse 6 He teaches us that HIS children find no joy in unrighteousness or in spreading it. God's children believe in the power of the new creation that we become in Christ.
God's children are glad to help you lose your baggage. God's children will not be chronicling sins or spreading it or discussing it, especially if they are forgiven sins from years ago. Those who do those things are not showing the sign of being followers, disciples of Christ: "By THIS shall all men know you are my disciples -- that you love one another as I have loved you".
"As I have loved you". How was that? While we were STILL sinners, he forgave us. He asked for that while hanging on his cross. "Father forgive them…", remember? Those who follow Him do what he does, walk as he walked, and speak as he spoke more and more and more. True children of God love one another. Love covers a multitude of sin. Satan's way is to unearth it and then buy a professional grade manure spreader to make sure the "good stuff" we unearthed really gets into every nook and cranny out there.
Summer's here and many of us will be taking off a week here or there to go see wonderful sites, cities, campgrounds, nature vistas – or just hanging out with family and grand-kids – which is amazing all by itself. Could we end up missing the most amazing summer destination of all though?
Be sure you go there. It's astonishing how so many of God's kids bypass this destination, or rush through it when they finally get there on their summer travels. It's SO good, so important, you need to go to this place often! This summer, be sure you spend a lot of time at this #1 place to go be at. There are so many places to see and so much to do in the short summers – it's not surprising so many end up missing this one all summer long.
Perhaps many of you are ahead of me already. The #1 destination site, especially in the busy summer months, surely is the throne room of our heavenly father and of His Son – our future husband, Jesus the Christ. All this is set on the sea of glass – a vast plain of exquisite crystalline, shimmering beauty. The light from our Father creates rainbows all around as His light is transformed by the crystal. There are powerful, radiant angelic beings coming and going. Some look like us, some look like intelligent white stallions or other creatures we are familiar with. There you'll find thundering and lightning-like flashes of fire. Before you get to see this vast area of crystal and the throne of majesty, you'll see hills and mountains soaring up 1,500 miles. Gates of solid mother of pearl. Streets of spiritual gold. We have a very interesting sermon on our website given by an elder who is a friend of mine – and so look for "the Big Picture", as he goes into much more detail about this wondrous city in that sermon.
But think of it, how could we possibly miss this? Surely this tops anything "out there", if we have eyes to see and understand what's up there.
Anyway, you know the drill. We get busy, way too busy, to even pray each morning and night as we talk to, and listen to, our Father. We should never be so busy as to miss this #1 destination site. And yes, we can listen to Father and our Savior in prayer as well as being able to talk to them. I have a sermon series on the website about hearing God speak to us. Be sure to check it out….
And most of all, make the time to stop by your heavenly home every day and to say hello to our Abba, our dear Father as well as our wonderfully loving King Jesus. We have to seek first this kingdom. It must be put into first place in our lives. It won't just slide into first place on its own. We will all find time for what we find most urgent, most important, most interesting and the most fun. If we have spiritual eyes to see, clearly the throne of God IS the most urgent, most important, most interesting and yes, even the most fun, of all possible summer destination sites.
Why wait? It's easy to visit there. Why not take a few minutes right now to zoom into Father's glorious presence? Without a doubt, I know he'd love to hear from you -- His kids. I'll join you there.
Matthew 16:18. Do we have this all wrong?
I've heard countless sermons where Matthew 16:18 is used to show God"s church will never die. It can"t, the preacher says, as "it says right here "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against the church." We know the word "hell" here is hades in Greek, meaning death, the grave. So on first glance, the preacher is right. It does, after all, speak of something "against the church". But that leaves the picture of God"s church barely hanging on by a thread, and somehow it manages to survive.Since when do gates go on the attack?
That"s not at all what our Master is saying. Read it again. The Messiah is saying he will build his church and he"s not acting timidly and defensively but going on the attack against death and hell! When attacking a castle or fortress, the final defensive line is the gates of the castle. We've always read Matthew 16:18 to say hell/grave is attacking us, the church, but death/hades won"t prevail. In fact, it's the other way around! Read it again. We, the church, are the ones doing the attacking! We, the church, are the ones on the offensive against hell and death. I don"t know about you, but I"m not into being a timid, cowering Christian. And I've never heard of gates going on the attack!
We're the ones attacking sin and death. Christ is simply saying that in the end, hell"s gates won"t withstand our barrage. The gates of hell/death won"t prevail against the church"s attacks. That"s the correct way to read this passage and it clearly is saying that. We WIN, in other words. We go on the offensive and win. God is not timid. God"s church is not timid. We can be strong and go on offense with the sword of God"s spirit.
Strong gates are defenders" last hope against an invading army attacking a fortress. Strong, closed gates keep an invading army from marching right on in to the fortress. Death and hell are the ones on defense; we"re attacking. I like that much better.
Our King is saying he's building a church that will be so strong that over time it will overcome everything in its way, including death itself. Christ is not making the point that his church will never die but that He and His way will bring an end even to death itself. WE are the ones on the attack against hell and the grave. Hades won't withstand OUR attacks against it.
1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
The LAST enemy is death. That is why Yeshua, our Savior, says death/hades won't prevail.
By the blood of the Lamb. Sin, breaking God"s law, is the sting of death. We"ve all sinned and therefore earned death as our wages. The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:33). But God sent His Son to pay our death penalty so everyone who believes in Him and surrenders their lives to him will never die the 2nd death – but have everlasting life (John 3:16-17).
Not to be seen when it is all said and done. In the new world that our King will set up, there will be no more death, no more dying, no more tears.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
Over the past couple years, I've been advocating that in terms of prophecy, we need to be willing to "pivot" and being willing to adjust our cherished notions about prophecy as we see events unfolding. This blog will encourage you to look at a best-selling book which will at least make you pause. You will learn about the Mahdi and the Islamic view of Jesus, the son of Joseph and Mary of Nazareth. What Islam says about Jesus will absolutely blow you away. This book goes into this, and much more – in fascinating detail.
If Joel Richardson's theories are wrong, you still will have learned much about looming Islam and how that will affect western cultures more and more. If he is right, or even just partially right, you will at least have learned of news, people and areas in the world to be watching that you probably are not doing right now…and maybe, just maybe, be watching a whole area of world news in a way you hadn't before. Net result? Less likely to be totally caught off guard.
Keep in mind Yeshua our Messiah (Jesus the Christ) prophesied he will return at a time we think not (Matthew 24:36,44). And yet the apostle Paul says we of the light should not be caught totally off guard (1 Thessalonians 5:3-5). The hints I see from scripture tell me the timing and even the events leading up to the return of Messiah could be very different than we have thought.
For example, most Christian groups – not just the "Church of God" groups by any means – have taught there will be a final 10 nation group that will be unified under one "Beast" leader and a "False Prophet". We call them simply "the Beast and the False prophet". Many believe the final "false prophet" will be a future Pope. Even apart from Joel Richardson's book, I've for years said that probably will not be the case. We have said the 10 nation Beast power will be composed of 10 western and eastern European leaders, led by a super leader. We've also taught that the European union will be the "king of the north" and Islam will be "the king of the south".
What if all this is only partially right or not right at all? Whether right or wrong, surely Islam will play a major role in end time events. Islam already is playing a major role in world events.
Even a few years ago I've taught it could be very different. I've said it could be ten regions of the world -- not just Europe – each under their own "king". The world has been divided into ten regions for quite some time now. Revelation 13 says this coming "beast" power will be heralded by all nations, all people, all tribes and all languages!
But Joel Richardson presents yet another case.
This blog is simply to say this book "The Islamic Antichrist" is worth reading. I am not yet saying I have been convinced of his conclusions, but I'm pondering them carefully. By reading it, you will learn about the expected coming 12th Imam, the Mahdi. You'll learn how Sunni Muslims view the coming Mahdi differently than the Shiites.
On September 17, 2005, Ahmadinejad – the new leader (at that time) of Iran (Persia of Biblical days) addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York. At the end of his message, he openly prayed for Allah to reveal the mysterious Islamic messiah figure called the Mahdi.
To quote the back jacket of Richardson's book:"This groundbreaking book examines in detail who the Mahdi is according to Islamic belief and the many striking similarities that he bears to the biblical Antichrist. Through theologically sound research, Christian author Joel Richardson makes a convincing case that the Antichrist, his religion, and his empire will emerge our out of the heart of the Middle East rather than Europe, as many prophecy scholars had assumed."
What I personally found fascinating was Richardson's examination of the Islamic view of Jesus Christ. He shows us how the Islamic view of the return of Jesus clashes with Holy Scripture. Remember Jesus warned us not to believe it when someone claiming to be him appears in the desert some place (Matthew 24:23-28). This book will make Jesus' prediction of the end-time confusion surrounding his coming come to light. Find out what Islam teaches about the coming of a Jesus to Islam, and this end-time Jesus' ability to work miracles, and what their end-time Jesus, the son of Mary, will say and do to Christians and Jews. It's fascinating. Don't be caught off guard. Matthew 24:23-28 "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand." 26 "Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together."
"Two (or more) can't 'walk together' unless they first be agreed" is quoted over and over for the reason we remain separated from other family members -- brothers and sisters in Christ. We separate in many cases to the point where we won't visit each other's congregations, or invite brothers and sisters in Christ to dinner. We've misread Amos 3:3 and have misused it to our shame, partly resulting in the splits upon splits we see happening in the church organizations. I know most of you understand that "the body of Christ" is not the same thing as the organizations calling themselves "church of God" or some variant thereof. Most of you understand the body of the Messiah is the group of people who are being led by His spirit regardless of where they meet.But back to Amos 3:3. Pastors have applied it to explain that brethren can't – and mustn't -- come together unless they first agree on every doctrinal point (or variations thereof).
I'll bet a lot of you – especially the women – spent some time watching the Royal Wedding with Prince William and now Princess Kate. Indeed it WAS exciting watching the pomp and ceremony, precision of everything, sharing in the joy of a kingdom with its royals as two bodies came together as one. All that preparation and rehearsing, all that hard work to make sure it came off without a hitch, the security protocols – and the love of each for the other that made it happen in the first place…. Priceless.
Well Done, Our King, well done!
We've finished Passover -- washing each other's feet, breaking the bread and drinking of the Master's cup of the new covenant. Now what? Jesus will say to those sheep on His right, "Well done…" Have you ever wished YOU could say to the King – "Well done, King! Well done"? It struck me, as I read the chapters of John 13-17 at the end of the service, what an incredible "command performance" we see from our Master and Savior on that Passover.
A gentleman and a lady recently called me – from two different states – as they had discovered this website. They called me "Mr. Shields". About the 2nd time they did, I had to stop and follow my Master's command in Matthew 23 and said, "My name's Philip. Since I'm a brother, I'm Philip, not "Mr. Shields". We don't call brothers or sisters by their last name".There was a long pause, then a delighted chuckle.
Are we limiting what the Eternal would do?
There's an old, lesser known story in the Scriptures about Elisha and one of the kings which has intrigued me for years. Elisha was old and about to die. Joash, one of the righteous kings of the northern ten tribes of Israel, had come to pay his last respects apparently. Elisha asked King Joash to shoot an arrow out of an east window, and then explained that arrow symbolized victory over Syria at a future battle. Now let's read what happened.
Don't miss God's commands to pray about these things also.
It's very common for 'prayer warriors' and children of God to have prayer lists. Why? So we can go down our check list to be sure we're praying for everyone and everything we think we should be praying about. These would include praying for people who are mentioned on various prayer request lists we see. It's a noble thing to be spending precious prayer time in intercessory prayer for others.We would also normally be praying the central points found in the "the Lord's Prayer". That too, is a good list of topics to be praying about. This would include elements of "thy Kingdom come", praying "thy will be done on earth…" and providing for our daily physical and spiritual bread. As you continue on down that sample prayer, there are other elements, such as "forgive us our trespasses", even as you ask for help in forgiving others. There are other points as well. So far, so good.


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Question of the Week 318
Author: Michael A. Evans, MD – Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
A Hispanic male presents to the emergency room with tachypnea and a fever of 40° Celsius. A SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR is positive. Blood tests reveal an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Which of the following age groups does this patient MOST LIKELY belong to based on the demographics of patients with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)?
A. 1 to 4 years of age
B. 5 to 9 years of age
C. 10 to 14 years of age
D. 15 to 20 years of age
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of May 2021, the majority of the 3742 cases of MIS-C have occurred in children and adolescents between the ages of one and fourteen years old with a median of nine years. There have been 35 MIS-C deaths to date. The cases are broken down by age group in the following table.
Age Range-------------------------------% of Cases
Less than 1 year of age------------------3%
1 to 4 years of age-----------------------21%
10 to 14 years of age---------------------27%
MIS-C has a slight predominance in males (60% of cases) and children of Hispanic/Latino descent (33%) or Black/Non-Hispanic descent (30%) versus White/Non-Hispanic descent (28%).
The diagnostic criteria for MIS-C are as follows:
• Patient aged <21 years with fever or history of fever and laboratory evidence of inflammation [elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen, procalcitonin, d-dimer, ferritin, lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin 6 (IL-6), or neutrophils; reduced lymphocytes, or low albumin], and evidence of clinically severe illness requiring hospitalization with multisystem organ involvement (≥2 of the following systems: cardiac, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, neurologic, hematologic, or dermatologic), AND
• Current or recent SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 exposure within 4 weeks of symptom onset, AND
• No alternative plausible diagnoses
1. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Health Department-Reported Cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mis-c/cases/index.html. Updated May 11, 2021. Accessed May 16, 2021.
2. Belhadjer Z, Meot M, Bajolle F, et al. Acute Heart Failure in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in the Context of Global SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Circulation. 2020; 142(4): 429–436.
3. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Information for Healthcare Providers about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/MIS-C/hcp/. Updated February 21, 2021. Accessed May 16, 2021.
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At your institution, are intubated cardiac patients routinely transported to and from procedural locations on a transport ventilator?
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Commonwealth Games 2018 – Indian Women Hockey Team Go Down Fighting 0-1 Against Australia in the Semi-Final
Heartbreak news for Indian Hockey lovers. Women Hockey team lost 0-1 against Australia in semi-final. The Indian team had chances to convert match in favour but they failed. After this result, Australia will go into the final match against New Zealand while India would face England in the bronze medal match on Saturday. In the…
Commonwealth Games 2018 – Indian Men Hockey Team Defeated England 4 -3
The Indian Men's Hockey team defeated England 4-3 in their final Pool B match at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Wednesday and reached semi-final. After this glorious win Indian Men Hockey team got 10 points that are more than the no. 2 ranked England. The Indian Hockey team scored two goals in the final three…
Commonwealth Games 2018 – Indian Men Hockey Team Beat Malaysia 2 – 1
Indian Men Hockey Team Beat their Asian Rivals Malaysia 2-1 and qualify for the semi final of Commonwealth games 2018. India was at strong position from start and Harmanpreet Singh scored both goals for India in the first and third quarter which help the India to win and confirm their presence in semi final. India…
Commonwealth Games 2018 – Controversial End of India Vs Pakistan Hockey Thriller
Indo -Pak Rivalry set to light up each competition between both teams. The two teams squared off most recently at last year's Asia Cup in Bangladesh where India claimed the honours. But in Commonwealth Games 2018 India Men's hockey team campaign began much same as the women with some disappointing results. India was held to…
Commonwealth Games 2018 – Indian Women Hockey Team Crush Malaysia 4 – 1
Indian women's hockey team came up with a much improved performance on 2nd day of Commonwealth Games 2018 and crush Malaysia 4 -1. the Asian champions ensured their position back as they scored three goals in the second half to complete the tally. The Rani Rampal side had lost their group stage opener against Wales…
Commonwealth Hockey Games 2018 – Complete Schedule
The 21st Gold Coast Commonwealth Hockey games officially begin from 5 April Thursday 2018 in the Gold Coast city of Queensland, Australia. India have sent 200 plus athlete in this year. Here is the Complete schedule of Gold Coast Commonwealth Hockey Games 2018. All times in this guide are listed in Australian Eastern Standard…
Commonwealth Games 2018 – Wales Defeated India in a thrilling opening encounter
Today was the first day of the Gold Coast 2018 commonwealth games and in women's Hockey Wales, New Zealand, England and Australia open their accounts with the first win. Giant killer wales defeated Asian Champion Indian queens by 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Wales placed in world rank 16 and Indian Women team ranked 10th…


Do Humans Instinctively Help Others?
MediaMark Spotlight / Community - Media Mark Spotlight / Do Humans Instinctively Help Others?
Is the urge to help someone who needs help programmed into our DNA? Or is it learned behavior?
Biologists in Leipzig are testing very young children and comparing human children with those of chimpanzees, hoping that the differences will point to what is distinctively human.
One thing the biologists weren't expecting to learn (but what parents of toddlers already know) is that babies are innately sociable and helpful to others. Every living thing employs selfishness at times to survive, but humans also have a natural willingness to help. But the biologists also found a natural willingness to help among infants under 18 months.
While the biologists keep at it, the philosophers have a few thoughts on the subject.
Ultimately, people help other people because it just feels good. Ask any volunteer. Whether it's a simple, spur-of-the-moment holding a door open for someone whose hands are full or pitching in to help out with an all-day best-friend move from the suburbs to the city, or serving your neighborhood's neediest at your community kitchen, freely giving your help always ends with everyone a winner.


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Title: Count data
Subject: Index of dispersion, Statistics, Statistical dispersion, List of unusual units of measurement, List of statistics articles
Collection: Quantity, Statistical Data Types, Units of Amount
In statistics, count data is a statistical data type, a type of data in which the observations can take only the non-negative integer values {0, 1, 2, 3, ...}, and where these integers arise from counting rather than ranking. The statistical treatment of count data is distinct from that of binary data, in which the observations can take only two values, usually represented by 0 and 1, and from ordinal data, which may also consist of integers but where the individual values fall on an arbitrary scale and only the relative ranking is important.
Statistical analyses involving count data can take several forms depending on the context in which the data arise.
simple counts, such as the number of occurrences of thunderstorms in a calendar year, observed for several years.
categorical data in which the counts represent the numbers of items falling into each of several categories.
The latter are treated separately as different methodologies apply, and the following applies to simple counts.
Count variables 1
Graphical examination 2
Relating count data to other variables 3
Count variables
An individual piece of count data is often termed a count variable. When such a variable is treated as a random variable, the Poisson, binomial and negative binomial distributions are commonly used to represent its distribution.
Graphical examination
Graphical examination of count data may be aided by the use of data transformations chosen to have the property of stabilising the sample variance. In particular, the square root transformation might be used when data can be approximated by a Poisson distribution (although other transformation have modestly improved properties), while an inverse sine transformation is available when a binomial distribution is preferred.
Relating count data to other variables
Here the count variable would be treated as a dependent variable. Statistical methods such as least squares and analysis of variance are designed to deal with continuous dependent variables. These can be adapted to deal with count data by using data transformations such as the square root transformation, but such methods have several drawbacks; they are approximate at best and estimate parameters that are often hard to interpret.
The Poisson distribution can form the basis for some analyses of count data and in this case Poisson regression may be used. This is a special case of the class of generalized linear models which also contains specific forms of model capable of using the binomial distribution (binomial regression, logistic regression) or the negative binomial distribution where the assumptions of the Poisson model are violated, in particular when the range of count values is limited or when overdispersion is present.
Cameron, A.C. and P.K. Trivedi (1998). Regression analysis of count data, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-63201-3
Hilbe, Joseph M. (2011), Negative Binomial Regression, second edition, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-19815-8
Statistical data types
Units of amount
Probability theory, Regression analysis, Mathematics, Observational study, Calculus
U2, Alternative rock, Bono, Africa, Accountability
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Binomial distribution, Poisson distribution, Normal distribution, Statistics, Geometric distribution
Statistics, Regression analysis, Coefficient of variation, Poisson distribution, Negative binomial distribution
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Q: RxJs: Have observable triggered by 2 independent observables I have an observable named "workcentersFiltered" of type Observable<Workcenter[]>
When I select a plant, I can successfully filter down my workcenters with the following code - no problem:
this.workcentersFiltered = this.newLineForm.get('plant').valueChanges
      .flatMap(selectedPlant => {
        return this.dataStore.Workcenters.map(workcenters => {
          return workcenters.filter(x => x.PlantNumber === selectedPlant.PlantNumber);
        });
      });

The problem is, I would like to narrow that array down furtherly, when an entirely different, independent observable "'workcenter'.valuechanges" emits a string (it is an input field - I am trying to implement autocompletion).
So the question is, how can I subscribe to this.newLineForm.get('workcenter').valueChanges, so that the string-values it emits can be used to furtherly narrow down the data "hidden" within workcentersFiltered (which is already tied to this.newLineForm.get('plant').valueChanges.
Does my dilemma make sense? Must I instead redo workcenteresFiltered as aBehaviorSubject instead, or what is the proper solution here?
editing in more explanation
Currently workcentersFiltered gets data from dataStore.Workcenters, when  plant-forminput.valuechanges emits a change, because a plant was selected. So I can narrow down all workcenters to only ones matching the chosen plant. It works fine with the code I have above.
However I would like to introduce a new operation on the sequence between plant-forminput.valuechanges and workcentersFiltered. I would like to narrow the options even further, based on the emission from workcenter-forminput.valuechanges.
So Step 1 on my UI, the user can select a plant from a dropdown and all workcenters from other plants are filtered out - this works.
Then, Step 2 is for the user to chose a specific workcenter. This is a text-input field. I want every letter typed here (which emits on workcenter-forminput.valuechanges), to further narrow down the options (for autocompletion).
I have a difficult time imagining the solution, because the newly introduced observable from step 2 (workcenter-forminput.valuechanges), is only relevant when it emits.

A: You can use combineLatest for this.
I couldn't follow your full description, so I'll just present an approximate example, which you can hopefully adapt to your specific use case:
workcentersForPlant = this.newLineForm.get('plant').valueChanges
      .flatMap(selectedPlant => {
        return this.dataStore.Workcenters.map(workcenters => {
          return workcenters.filter(x => x.PlantNumber === selectedPlant.PlantNumber);
        });
      });

const workCenterNameChanges = this.newLineForm.get('workCenterName').valueChanges;

// combine the 2 observables, this will trigger when either observable
// changes.  Use the combined values to do the filtering by name
this.workcentersFiltered = Observable
  .combineLatest(workcentersForPlant, workCenterNameChanges$)
  .map(([workCenters, workCenterName]) => workCenters.filter(w => w.name.startsWith(workCenterName)));

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BEIRUT: The Lebanese Forces will not participate in the dialogue called for by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the party's leader announced Saturday, saying it would lead to nothing.
"It will be like the previous ones, a waste of time," Samir Geagea said of the dialogue, adding that it did not make sense for political leader to discuss "the gender of angels" while the country "is drowning in garbage."
Berri called for a national dialogue to be held in the Parliament on Wednesday, Sept. 9 to discuss the country's political crises. Earlier this week, the speaker had urged the Lebanese Forces to participate in the dialogue, which was welcomed by most political factions.
In response, the You Stink campaign called on Saturday for a massive demonstration near Nejmeh Sqaure, where Parliament is located.
"What is needed now is one thing: to head to Parliament and elect a president," Samir Geagea said. "Going for dialogue now shifts the attention from the main decisive step, the only one that can... save us from the current crisis: electing a president."


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Real World Closure: Danny And Paul Finally Reunited On Homecoming
Danny expressed his wish for "some sort of closure" with ex-boyfriend Paul shortly after reliving some of their most memorable Real World: New Orleans moments and opening up about their life after leaving the MTV show. And during this week's Homecoming episode, Danny reunited with the former captain in the Airborne Rangers, and they had a non-confrontational discussion given their complicated past. But did the duo achieve an amicable resolution?
Before Danny and Paul's sitdown, Danny had revealed the two broke up after seven or eight years; he admitted he'd had an overwhelming fear of ending their romance because the relationship was "held on a pedestal," along with a deep worry of disappointing gay America. However, as Danny told Jamie and Julie, something ultimately broke his "weird sense of obligation" to stay with Paul.
"Long story short, that motherf*cker started dating our mutual best friend behind my back," Danny told the visibly surprised duo. "We have literally not spoken or seen each other since 2006."
Danny admitted Paul attempted to reconnect through the years, but Danny rejected those offers. But this unique experience felt like the appropriate time for Danny to finally close this chapter and invite Paul to speak face-to-face — the backdrop of their early dating days, surrounded by the same people and familiar MTV cameras in a familiar city.
Danny texted Paul, and Paul answered that he would visit the next day. Unlike Paul's past trips to NOLA on Real World, this installment featured Paul's face unedited (the "Incoming Message" clips were not blurred either, but the series protected Paul's identity in the early 2000s). Julie initially greeted Paul, and then Danny embraced him with a warm welcome. Danny remarked that Paul appeared different physically (more of a "conservative dresser" back in Y2K times), while Paul stated Danny looked the same.
They proceeded to speak privately without any of the roommates, and Danny cut right to the chase. He asked why Paul decided to come, and Paul explained that he needed to see that Danny was "good." Danny responded that Paul had ample opportunity — years — to talk. Danny also insisted Paul would always "sweep things under the rug." Then, Danny addressed the infidelity.
"When a really close friend of yours and your partner both betray you, it really rocks your complete faith in people," he said as Paul listened intently. "I spent years having nightmares and flashbacks about everything that went down because it damaged my trust in people in general in huge, huge ways. It turned my world upside down."
Danny did not want to revisit this time in his life; however, he did tell Paul he had PTSD as he recounted the pressures that came with being out as well as "owning" Paul's safety.
"Being in the military and being with you was like wearing the rainbow flag on your forehead," Paul stated, while Danny said he believed they were attempting to force two worlds together that "made life dangerous." The notoriety that came with being on The Real World accelerated Danny's anxiety after they went out in public when filming wrapped.
Paul commended his ex for being brave enough to put himself out there as a gay man for the world to see during that time and how, in present-day, the choice to appear on TV like this would be "nothing." Danny addressed the topic he had previously raised with his roommates: the need to stay in the relationship to prevent letting people down. Paul understood Danny's sentiment and stated he was not expecting forgiveness for his past behavior. However, Paul wanted to "take ownership" of how he treated Danny. But Danny had already forgiven Paul for himself.
"That took years; it wasn't all in vain," Danny added, while Paul claimed Danny was a "major part" of his life.
Danny thanked Paul for making an effort to see him in person and expressed how it made Danny's participation in this unique reunion more meaningful. Danny concluded that it was an unexpected but pleasant "some sort of closure." Paul departed after the conversation — and the men hugged goodbye.
"I wish Paul nothing but positive will, but it is nice that I can now know — at least in my mind — that we've closed that chapter entirely," Danny concluded in a confessional.
What did you think of Danny and Paul's Homecoming reunion? Give your thoughts in the comments, and keep watching The Real World Homecoming: New Orleans streaming on Paramount+, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday.
Review – Future 'I Never Liked You' Is Fan Service Held Back By Dull Beats & Marketed Toxicity
Survival Rates: Which Ex On The Beach Couple Has What It Takes To Last?


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Music education: The lessons that keep on giving
Maureen Pratt
By Maureen Pratt • Catholic News Service • Posted June 19, 2013
On May 3, The Rolling Stones, whose average age is 68, kicked off the band's "50 and Counting" tour at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. A few days earlier, I had attended an end-of-the-year recital hosted by a friend. It featured his piano students, whose collective age is much younger (the youngest performer was 5).
Both events showcased the enduring power of all kinds of music and music education at all ages. There is an ever-growing body of scientific research finding intriguing connections between music and how it can enhance brain health, reduce blood pressure and provide a challenging way to make one's older years inspiring and fulfilling.
Despite the benefits, music programs in schools have suffered from budget constraints and been drastically cut. Church music programs have suffered, too, and budget-conscious families have had to make hard choices about "extras," such as music lessons.
Is music that disposable?
Leaving the Stones aside for now, I turn back to the recital I attended.
The piano teacher, Marvin Evans, was the pianist at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Los Angeles, where I was the choir conductor for 13 years. Marvin is one of the best pianists, arrangers and composers I've ever worked with. But his work with the students showed an even more profound gift: that of weaving in so many lessons beyond the notes on a page.
Each student played two compositions, first announcing his or her selection of music to the audience and then performing. Most played from memory. Some got lost but managed to finish. All received warm applause and recognition from Marvin for a year of good, hard work. At the end of the recital, each was awarded a trophy, but took away more than that. Listening skills, public speaking, focused attention and a broader knowledge of the world of music were but a few of the added benefits these young people gained.
Another important benefit of music education is that it not only stays with each person for life, it can be practiced, enjoyed and deepened. Long after the high school quarterback hangs up his cleats or the track phenom retires from the circuit, music endures. Students of music have no risk of concussion or other sports-related injury, and the skills, such as proper breathing techniques, can enhance physical health for years.
Some rationalize cutting music programs by saying students won't make a living in music. Most students won't make a living in football or basketball, either, nor will all English majors become writers or biology students become doctors.
The church has a long, beautiful tradition of music, and the Mass and other services are richly uplifted by it. If no one is trained to play, sing or compose, who will then lead the song for us in worship?
Whether children are at their first recital or become raging rockers or accomplished cantors, those who enter the world of music reap great rewards. Not everyone can become a professional, but the lessons music students are taught become great gifts to them and to those with whom their work is shared.
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It's there when a girl walks through the forest, the moist green air clinging to her skin. There centuries later in a pleasant greendale, hiding the treacherous waters of Golden Beck that take Anna, who they call a witch. There on the other side of the world as a mad poet watches the waves and knows the horrors the hide, and far into the future as Keir Bowman realises his destiny.
Ever since I finished the last sentence of The Ghosts of Heaven, I haven't been able to get it out of my head. It's been a week since I've finished it, and the thoughts are still going around and around in my head. My initial reaction upon finishing it was complete confusion, but after a week of reflection, I think I finally understand what Sedgwick was trying to convey with this story. And the message he is trying to send is both thought-provoking and enticingly brilliant.
This is not an easy read, emotionally or intellectually. It ponders quite a bit of thinking and is certainly a story that should not be read if you're looking purely for entertainment. In a sense, this is a combination of four short stories: three set in the past and one set in the future.
Whispers in the Dark is the story of a young girl in prehistoric times as she creates the first known alphabet. Unfortunately for me, I think this was my least favorite story. By no means was it a bad story, but it was written in a style that just wasn't up my alley: freelance poetry. While I appreciated the beautiful language and metaphors scattered throughout, it just didn't click with me the way I wanted it to because of that style.
The Witch in the Water is unforgettable, and I think it's my second favorite story of the collection. It's the story of a young girl named Anna, who lives in a small Puritan village – and what happens when she's accused of witchcraft. The story is simple and not unlike what we read in history textbooks over and over again when studying the Salem Witch Trials, but its impact is as brilliant and profound as ever.
The Easiest Room in Hell is, to put it lightly, extremely strange – much like the overall book itself. Set in the early twentieth century, The Easiest Room in Hell follows a poet who volunteers to work at a mental asylum, and the conspiracies he unravels there. The atmosphere in this story is what truly stands out, however. The eerie asylum is as creepy as ever, and there will undoubtedly be chills going through your body as you witness this odd and sinister hospital.
The Song of Destiny is easily my favorite of the four stories presented here. It ties up the stories and reveals the brilliant connection between them. Set in the future, it is the story of a man who has volunteered to be part of the first cross-space exploration as humanity prepares to colonize an Earthlike planet thousands of lightyears away; and how the mission goes terribly wrong.
Some of my favorite books are those that require reflection and a lot of thinking. The Ghosts of Heaven is exactly that, and if you want something sophisticated and genre-binding, look no farther. I know I loved it.
Lovely review! I've been meaning to read this one — I even borrowed it from the library, but it was due back before I had a chance to read it. I'm a little hesitant about short stories, but as long as there's a common thread and / or connects somehow, I think I would really like this one.
This sounds like a weird and yet wonderful book. I love complex books because even though they might be confusing at first, they stay with you, and when you have that "Ah-ha" moment long after you close the book, it's the best bookish feeling. I also really love books that have separate stories that each weave together in some way. I want to write a book like that so badly. Ghosts of Heaven is now on my TBR.
I am quite curious about this one. I've heard fairly good things. That's awesome this one made you think though…even if it DID take a bit to figure out the overall "meaning" or "message" if you will.
Thanks Lauren! I hope you end up enjoying it as much as I did!
I'm glad you liked this one a lot! ALTHOUGH OUR BOOKISH-TWINESS FAILS. lol I didn't understand it. I'm really not a sci-fi intelligent bean, though. XD lol The asylum story was creeeeepy.
It took me a long time to get it, you know? I actually think that [spoiler]the main character from The Song of Destiny goes back in time and gives the girl from the cave writing tools actually[/spoiler].
So glad you're intrigued Val! If you do read it, I hope you end up enjoying it as much as I did!
Thank you, Zoe. I finally know what this book is about. The summary alone is very vague and most reviews don't actually say anything so THANK YOU. Anyways, I really like free verse poetry, so maybe I'd enjoy that story more. Awesome review!
Haha! It is really vague, isn't it? I really hope you end up enjoying it as much as I did!
WELL, I AM NOW PREPARED TO HAVE MY MIND MENDED AND BLOWN. I love things like this – with so many stories that spiderweb together. I like seeing how they all tie up and what the end result is.
YES ALLIE! If you like stories that spiderweb together, this is definitely going to be right up your alley. I can't wait to read your thoughts on it!
THIS SOUNDS AMAZING. The three first stories come from three of the most interesting chapters of history, in my opinion, and I adore the idea of all the tales tying together. I'm so glad you loved this book – now I'm fully convinced it will blow my mind.
It is Emily! 😀 And I completely agree – all 3 time periods are intriguing and unique in their own ways. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!
I'm so interested to see how all those stories tie up, and it definitely helps that that cover is gorgeous! And ooh, asylum. This sounds interesting.
So glad you're intrigued Shannelle!
Sometimes you just don't feel a connection or a desire to read a certain book without knowing exactly why, and there's nothing wrong with that. Thank you!
Hmm.. to read or not to read, I haven't read it yet </3 Too many books out now.. I do love the sound of the premise though. Beautiful review overall!