About the Character of God

Hugh Houchin, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 16, 2013 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

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"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Rev. 1:8.
It's important to explore what the Bible says about the character of God, as His characteristics tell how we know and relate to Him.
The Alpha and the Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Originally written in Greek, the New Testament reveals God's plan of redemption, by giving us a glimpse of what He is like. When He refers to Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, God says He's the beginning and end of everything.
Let's start with the beginning, the Alpha.
The Bible teaches that in the beginning God created the universe and all that is in it. Likewise, in Romans 1:20, we learn that He discloses Himself and we understand Him, through what He created.
When we look at His creation we see it provides. With a cursory glance we see soil that grows edible plants for nourishment. Likewise, the plants that cover the soil provide it with a protective covering.
With that quick peek we understand He loves and provides for His creation.
We scan the sky and see an expanse that never ends, no matter what direction we look or if we're trying to determine the depth. We feel warmth from His sun or gaze in awe at the nighttime artistry of His heavens.
Through this glimpse we visualize a Master Craftsman that spoke this magnificence into existence.
Often, we see immense white fluffy clouds that float in the sky. They appear soft and comfortable and seem to invite us to jump in and float through the heavens with them.
However, inside those clouds lies unfathomable power, which under the right conditions unleashes torrents of moisture, powerful and destructive winds, or bolts of electricity that kill or engulf in flames whatever they contact.
This examination discloses a sovereign, powerful, eternal Being, who has the force and knowledge to destroy His creation, if He so desires.
Then, along with the majesty and splendor of the Alpha, we remember He is the end, the Omega.
The Omega is yet to come and only the Father knows the time. Nevertheless, through His Word, He gives us a glimpse of what is to come. "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up." (2Peter 3:10)
Through an awareness of the end, we comprehend the Omega of God's plan of redemption.
The essence of the Alpha and Omega permeates our existence and demands a response.

All Scripture is from the New American Standard version of the Holy Bible

Annette Funicello: The End of a Special Time

Hugh Houchin, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 15, 2013 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

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I am 68 and Annette was 70. In separate ways, together, we lived a special time; the late 1950s and early 1960s. After that we went our separate ways, but memories die hard.
At about age 10 or 11, I met her. Our daily time together began when I turned on the television set to watch the Mickey Mouse Club. While mesmerized by her, I folded the newspapers I would deliver after Jimmy and the Mouseketeer's sang; "Now it's time to say good-bye to all our family."… But, until then, her charm commanded my undivided attention.
I fell for Annette the first time I saw her on television, as happened with many other males that age. A neighborhood friend and I both had a crush on her and put her picture in a small metal box, which we buried next to a tree beside the driveway. Why we buried it I don't remember, but, puppy love, puberty, and common sense are never partners.
I'm not sure how long my crush on her lasted, but, Annette the Mouseketeer remained somewhere in my heart. To me, she radiated a period of time when innocence ruled supreme.
Annette's image personified Harriet, of the "Ozzie and Harriet Show." Harriet dutifully responded to a household of males, Ozzie, David, and Ricky, while wearing a dress, always smiling, and not a hair out of place. And, by the way, her house looked immaculate every week.
Along with Harriet, the concept of Annette symbolized Betty of "Father Knows Best" fame. Her perfection as the mother of three children took a backseat only to her role as a perfect wife. Each week, Jim, like Ozzie, returned from work to an immaculate home, overseen by a wife wearing a dress that looked like she just put it on.
Annette, too, represented Wyatt Earp and the Lone Ranger, in her beach shows. Her badge said she kept her clothes on, under any circumstance. I'm sure it helped, though, that her faithful companion, Frankie Avalon, never made a serious attempt to disrobe her. I read, somewhere, that Walt Disney once asked Annette to keep it clean on the big screen. She honored that request, which fits her portrait.
Likewise, Annette's reflection mirrored that of comedians such as Red Skelton, George Gobel, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, George Burns, and Gracie Allen. Their pure, classy, untainted, and genuinely funny humor filled the airways of early television.
Now, the above-mentioned are gone, along with others like them, to a vast land in the sky that is not a wasteland. They died with their personas intact; I miss them and what they characterized.
Yes, we who lived the Annette Funicello times will never forget her. Annette, you did well and we thank you.

Where is Wisdom Found?

In the Bible, Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” An interesting word, in that verse, is the word fear. The word fear, or a form of the word, is used over 500 times in the Bible, and, if put on a continuum, the translations range on one end from outright fear, to awe and respect, on the other end. However, the root word for all the fear words is a form of the English word “phobia,” which means “an exceeding dread” or “fear of.”

In other words the Bible says I am to fear God, as in being afraid of Him. Before He drew me to Himself I had no fear of Him, in fact, in my mind, He didn’t exist. Now, as He teaches me about Himself, and I understand a little of His majesty, power, and sovereignty, I comprehend what He means in Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”

This means, even before He saved me, I had no excuse not to see Him in His creation and experience His glory in the grass, trees, flowers, sky, clouds, sun, moon, stars, and on and on. Genesis 2:7 says that God… “breathed into his (Adam’s) nostrils the breath of life”… When God breathed that breath of life into Adam, it gave Adam the ability to conceive of God, and because of that mankind has no excuse- (Romans 1:20)- for not seeing God in His creation.

The exceeding fear and dread comes from His power and omniscience to speak the creation into existence, Genesis1:3-25. The powers found in His creation, i.e. tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, the power in the sun to heat and light the day, to name a few. The fact I have no defense against the fury of His creation strikes fear in my heart.

At the other end of my thought process, I am overwhelmed with awe and respect from the beauty of His creation, along with its precision and His love intertwined throughout. That love, of course, is you and me and the rest of mankind.

Yes, I find wisdom in books authored by mankind, inventions and creations from mankind, but they are dated and change, while the Bible says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever,” Hebrews 13:8. Through fear of that singleness of purpose and power, it seems to me it’s a pretty good source of wisdom, too  

All scripture passages are from the NASB

 

Nights in the Panhandle of Nebraska

Darkness, like an all-encompassing mist, descends, and any semblance of consciousness ceases, from the place of rest. Silence punctuates the even breathing, simulated by the rhythmic rise and fall of a chest. The stillness personifies peace and sleep claims another victim, leaving only an essence in its stead.

Replete with healthy sleep patterns, conditions in western Nebraska are on the positive side of a sleep journal. For example, the pace of life in Nebraska’s panhandle is slower than urban USA, which means less anxiety and stress.  And, even though a few grouchy, cantankerous spouses and neighbors pollute the area, the panhandle’s friendliness factor has a higher rating than a metropolis. Besides, fewer people live out here, which means less personality clashes.

 

That positive sleep-list, though, does not include what may be the eminent sleep inducer; the blessings of western Nebraska after nightfall, in the spring and summer. Generally, the nighttime temperatures and humidity act as forbearers of slumber, as even the perpetual winds subside in the evening. If a numerical number for this combination existed, it would be most people’s sleep-number.

 

Often, in the evening, if there is an air-conditioner in the house, it’s shut off and windows opened. This allows the freshness of the panhandle’s climate to enter an abode. When bedtime draws nigh, covered with a sheet, potential sleepers allow the cool and fresh air to saunter through the house. Ceiling and floor fans sift the nighttime air throughout, into every nook and cranny. Then, it sedates and takes sleepers to wherever cool breezes emanate.

 

Grandeur resides in the evenings of Nebraska’s panhandle. They are a gift and, even if they don’t improve personal sleep habits, enjoy them for what they are.

 

     

 

 

 

 

Memory: The Drugstore of Yesteryear

At their onset drugstores were apothecaries, with druggists providing cure-alls for whatever ailed a client. Often, store proprietors would concoct their own remedies, to cure whatever tormented a customer. And with cocaine and opium legal ingredients, using them in remedies made clients feel better, if nothing else. Thus, they had a steady clientele.

However, as time and mores changed, drug-stores became Malt Shoppes, Drugstores, and Soda Shoppes. In the 1950s and early 1960s they were icons, with their décor a tell-tale indicator of what they were, as much as the name on the window.

Inside, these institutions featured long counters, with stools that spun 360 degrees. The counters faced a large mirror, which was the same width of the counter. Fronting either the mirror or the counter were soda fountains, malt mixers, and metal containers that generally housed chocolate, butterscotch, and cherry flavors, along with a flavor of the week.

Often, in order to close off one end of the space between the mirror and counter sat a box freezer. Inside this vessel of frozen delights were packages of ice, vanilla and chocolate ice cream, and maybe some chocolate revel. The freezer might also hoard candy bars, which sold for a nickel, as did small cones and small drinks.

These establishments appealed to teenagers and became after school hangouts, or a place to go after a movie or for a date. Then, too, they were places to just hang out, when the week end or evening agenda called for just hanging out. Their menu’s included soda specialties, such as cherry, vanilla, and chocolate cokes, along with milk shakes, malts, root beer floats, and, of course, frozen candy bars.

As time passed and customer counts increased, in order to draw more traffic, many of these businesses added booths, around the inside perimeter of the store. Most new ventures opened with all booths and no counters, which sat more people. Then, the innovation of adding grills, fryers, and juke boxes prevailed, which gave birth to a new industry, which became the precursor to fast food restaurants.

Entrepreneurs learned teenagers had money to spend, maybe not much, but, in this era, a little went a long ways. For a night out, a $10 bill put gas in the car, bought two movie tickets, along with a hamburger, fries, and drinks for two, at one of these places. In addition it left enough change to put a dime in the juke box, for three songs. That made it possible to dance to Buddy Holly, or the Big Bopper, while waiting for the hamburgers.  

Innocence showed during this time. “Father Knows Best” and Ozzie and Harriet, along with David and Ricky, ruled television. Red Skelton, Jack Benny, George Gobel, George Burns and Gracie Allen punctuated comedy, with nary a cuss word or sexual innuendo. And, in many a skit, the Drugstore of that era played a role.

Long live the memories and the people who treasure these memories.

 

 

Pearl Harbor: "A Day that will Live in Infamy"

The United States commemorates Pearl Harbor each year, on December 7, so that we never forget. Nevertheless, as the years pass, those who lived or remember the event pass on. In addition, many history books omit it between their covers and, as a result, the incident loses its magnitude.

Many times more devastating than 9-11, this is the story of Pearl Harbor.

 

On December 8, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt said, in part, to the Congress and citizens of the United States of America:

 “Yesterday, December 7, 1941- a date that will live in infamy- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”

 

Most historians agree that World War II started on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. However, the United States did not enter the war until December 8, 1941, when it declared war on Japan, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

In the Pacific Ocean, composed of eight volcanic islands, lie the Hawaiian Islands, which were annexed by the United States in 1900. On the island of Oahu is Pearl Harbor, which, in 1941, housed the entire U.S. Pacific fleet.

The United States and Japan were headed toward war long before World War II began. Japan is a small and crowded country, with economic problems. To try to solve their economic stress, they forcibly attempted to take over the economies of other countries. As a result, the United States imposed economic sanctions to curtail their aggressiveness. In spite of the sanctions, Japan continued its belligerence, and an impasse with the United States resulted.

Although tensions heightened, the United Stated never believed Japan would attack them, and the entire Pacific fleet lie exposed with defense for the fleet a secondary concern. However, Japan thought differently and believed that if they destroyed the United States Pacific fleet, the United States could not fight back. Thus, for six months before the attack, Japan planned, prepared, and practiced a surprise attack, while the United State perceived a false sense of security.

On the morning of the attack, approximately 33 Japanese aircraft carriers that carried around 360 bombers were within 200-300 miles north of Pearl Harbor. While dark, one by one the planes swept off the decks of the carriers into the black skies, headed for the home of the Pacific Fleet. When Oahu silhouetted the horizon, the planes separated into two squadrons. One squadron approached Pearl Harbor by land and the other from a different direction, over the ocean.

At 7:55 in the morning, the planes discharged the first torpedoes and bombs. An 1800 pound bomb found the battleship Arizona, and the ship ruptured and sunk, carrying over 1000 men trapped inside the hulk to their deaths. Following, a torpedo hit the USS Oklahoma and with more than 400 men aboard, it joined the Arizona at the bottom of the harbor.

In the two hour attack, the Japanese damaged or destroyed over 18 American ships and almost 300 airplanes, along with airfields and dry docks. The carnage included over 2400 dead Americans and approximately 1000 wounded.

Yes, the day would live in infamy.

When the United States entered the war, it signaled the end of the Empire of Japan’s aspirations of world dominance. Four years later, on August 6, 1945, the United States introduced Japan to the atomic bomb. The explosion of the first bomb, dropped on Hiroshima, killed some 80,000 people. The second bomb fell on Nagasaki three days later, which killed another 40,000 people. Over the next few years, tens of thousands more Japanese would die from radiation poisoning.

A few days later, on August 15, Japan surrendered and the war officially ended, although pockets of fighting continued for several years in remote areas.

In total, estimates conclude that over 60 million people died during World War II, more civilians than soldiers. The United States lost 292,000 soldiers; the first 2400 at Pearl Harbor. Yes, a day of infamy.

 www.history.com

www.u-s-history.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morrill County, Nebraska, Indian Battles

As to frequency and ferocity, most western lore exaggerates the battles between Indians and white men, during the settling of the West. However, a battle in what would be Morrill County, at Mud Springs, which is near what is today Dalton, bears mention. The battle occurred over February 4-6, 1865, between the US Calvary, those who worked at the Mud Springs stagecoach station, and a combination of warriors from the Arapahoe, Lakota Sioux, and Cheyenne tribes.

The stagecoach station at Mud Springs was an important cog for settlers wanting to hook up with the Oregon Trail, as they could pick up supplies, including water. Mud Springs was so-named because of water that seeps up to the surface at the entrance of a canyon, between what is now known as the North Platte River and Lodgepole Creek.  

Before the station, early settlers coming across the hot and dry plains of what would be the state of Nebraska anticipated the fresh water of the springs. However, buffalo also knew of the water and oftentimes, when settlers arrived, buffalo trampling through the area made the water at the springs muddy and undrinkable.  However, since the opening of the Mud Springs stage-station, human activity kept the buffalo away.

In addition archeological evidence, at the site, suggests Native Americans possibly inhabited the area for hundreds of years.

Seeking revenge after the Sand Creek massacre, in late 1864, in eastern Colorado, a contingent of approximately 500 warriors descended upon the Mud Springs stage station. Inside the combination sod and log building were 14 people, including 9 soldiers. Archeologists later found bullets from 21 types of rifles, along with bows and arrows, so, both sides were ready for battle.

Inside the station, the outnumbered inhabitants telegraphed Fort Laramie and Fort Mitchell for reinforcements. In the meantime, though, the Indians stole a number of horses and a herd of cattle. After an all-night ride from Fort Mitchell, 37 Calvary men arrived at Mud Springs to help. Even though the help buoyed the spirits of those inside the station house, it didn’t last long, as another approximately 1000 warriors arrived on the scene.

Although the situation appeared dire, 16 soldiers climbed a bluff next to the stage station and, from the elevated vantage point, kept the Indians at bay. It worked until about 500 Indians stormed the bluff, which forced the soldiers to retreat back into the station. The attacking Indians killed one soldier and wounded another.

Now, desperate to defray the Indians attention from the station, the soldiers released horses in the adjoining corral. The ploy worked as the Indians decided the horses were worth more than the soldiers; chased them down, captured them, and returned to their camp about ten miles from the stage-station.

Next week, read the conclusion of the battle of Mud Springs.

en.wikipeda.org/wiki/morrill_county_nebraska