What beautiful weather God has blessed us with!!!! I'm finally able to ride!!and..... today is the first day of FALL!!! So I guess y'all noticed that Mac is back!! lol..... Post some pics soon Mac!! Here are pics of my Winchester!!




~ Kat

I'm Back!!!!!

I will be posting pictures soon!
~Mac

I GET TO KEEP A PUPPY!!!!!!! I have named mine Winchester! He is so cute! Believe it or not we are keeping four puppies!! Also today I went with my best friend to I guess a family get together. We went swimming!! Oh yeah Mac should be home soon!!!

~Kat

Well I just realized its been a week since our neighbor went missing! It's still so sad and depressing!! We're still praying and I ask that you please continue as well!!

Yesterday we went to a playday(a speed competition barrels, poles, stakes) and my best friend and her horse came home with me! Also she won her age group for the whole playday series which means she won the belt buckle!! It's so awesome!! We are sunburned as well and the only sunny spot in town just happened to be right over the arena!! When we arrived home at my house we found a box of puppies someone has dumped on us! THEY ARE SO ADORABLE!!

~ Kat

PEAR CAKE

Here is the recipe for the AWESOME pear cake I made which is shown in a picture below.

2cups sugar
4cups peeled and thinly sliced pears
1cup vegetable oil
2eggs
1cup chopped nuts
1teaspoon vanilla extract
1teaspoon almond extract
3cups all-purpose flour
1teaspoon cinnamon
1teaspoon nutmeg
1/2teaspoon soda
1/2teaspoon salt

Mix sugar and pears; let stand 1 hour. Stir in oil, eggs, nuts, and extracts. Sift together dry ingrediants and add to pear mixture. Do not beat; stir just enough to mix. Pour into greased and floured 10-inch Bundt pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1&1/4 hours. Cool before removing from pan. Yield:one 10-inch cake.

~Kat

FINALLY HOME

How long had it been? Staring intently out her rain glistened window,
she allowed herself to travel back in time. Gently her eyes shut as she
drifted through memories and events which had taken place during her
seventy-three years of life. It seemed only yesterday that she vainly and
unreasonably ventured away from the mountain in search of what she then
thought “a better way of life.” How foolishly she had flounced off to New
York seeking fame and fortune the leaders of all sin. Pride is an evil thing.
How well she knew that now. Without even a goodbye to her parents and
friends she left them all and everything she had ever known behind. I’ll
never look back she had so earnestly thought. Only after seven unmerciful
years of begging for work from cold and sneering business owners and
breathing the smothering city air was she ready to admit her absurdity and
ludicrousness. In those seven years she had traveled a bit as well but was
unsuccessful in finding work and never could seem to find somewhere
to call home. Home…there never was a more comforting word. The last
letter she received from her family lay unanswered even though it arrived a
week after her departure. Now she desperately longed and desired to
reply…but would there be anyone to answer? Would they even want to see
her? Her heart now longed to see her momma’s sweet face and the strong
figure of her father. It was settled then. She would go back. When the bus
arrived at the small general store back on the mountain she frantically ran
home. The two story house her great-grandfather had built with his own two
hands looked the same as when she had left ,only it had a sort of sadness
now. Painfully she wrapped on the door. A figure much feebler than she
remembered appeared and opened the door. It was her momma. Weeping she
fell into her mother’s arms. Her mother softly caressed her as tears
fell from her own soft round face onto her daughters smooth auburn hair. So
much was said in this long embrace. She later found that her father had
passed away shortly after she left. They stayed up late talking together and
she sincerely and constantly apologized to her beloved momma. All was
forgiven though precious time that could have been spent together was
wasted by her foolishness. Her heart ached for the lost time but hopefully
things would be different for she was home to stay.
Arousing herself from her memories she noticed it had stopped raining.
She walked out into her garden and smelled the fresh clean mountain air the
rain leaves after a fall storm. Still thinking of her pastime she slowly
meandered down the mountain path. As the leaves swirled softly and
enchantingly about her in the gentle breeze she gazed off through the
silhouettes of the great pines onto the meadow below blooming full of
mountain laurel that glistened in the newly fallen rain and with the
comforting majestic mountains that gave her strength beyond she realized
that ..she was home…this was home ….she had finally found home.

~Written by Kat!!!

THE COMING OF DAWN

“Undoubtedly, there will be times in your life of desolate sadness and fatigue, which you must endure. It’s never certain of when they will strike, but inevitably they will come sooner or later. A person dying is heartbreaking. Simply knowing, that you will never see them again on this earth, is absolutely depressing. To die and part is a less evil; but to part and live, there is the torment.” Wrote Richard Gilmore onto a blank piece of paper.
Getting up, he slowly set down his pen and gazed out the window into the star filled sky. While writing this eulogy was hard, it was even harder to think of whom he was writing it for. He would never see her again. For years they had something, something no one else had. It was love. A true love, that in spite of the recession, and in spite of their faults, they found a way to stay as in love as they were the very day they had met 54 years ago. Frankly, he couldn’t believe it. His precious Emily was gone and without a final goodbye. Although he knew it would happen sooner or later, why now? Without a doubt, he was depressed. Honestly, it seemed as if his whole life had been swept away with her passing. Now, what was there to look forward to? Who would make him smile? Who would be there with him, through sickness and health? To all these questions, came the same dismal answer: no one. Sadly, he had no one in this universe that would comfort him and take care of him, the way she had.
Startled by this for a moment, he got up and looked over the first few lines of his eulogy again. After quickly reading through it, he decided that Emily would have wanted a less depressing tribute to remember her blissful spirit by. He picked up the dusty black and white picture of her sitting on his old mahogany desk. She was beautiful. Nothing he could compose could ever even begin to explain her magnificence. Sitting back down to write again, Richard grabbed his old Waterford pen which Emily had given him in college. He rolled it between his fingers as he thought of the day she had given it to him, coincidentally being the day he had planned to propose to her. Remembering the look on her face when he had got down on his knee, a tear rolled down his cold cheek and fell upon the ink on his paper, smearing it. Quietly, the old hound dog got up and laid his head in Richard’s lap. He stroked the dog’s ears, as a quote crossed his mind:
“You don’t realize how much you appreciate someone, till the moment they’re gone.”
From the time they first met at the high school dance, to the last time he saw her pretty face, it was all amazing. His life with her had been truly remarkable. Every moment he had spent with her was like a dream. While the sadness of it all was sincerely unbearable, at least he could say one thing: He wouldn’t go back and change anything about their life together. It was all perfect. A strong word though, isn’t it? Absolutely perfect; like the swans floating across the lake, the breathtaking stars in the massive sky, or the lilies growing in the deep green meadows. He was happy with everything he had done and planned to stay content with that till the day he passed on and would see her yet again in the most perfect place of all, which was heaven. Just as these thoughts were leaving his mind, the warm sun peaked out just above the hazy lavender mountains. Staring into it, Richard forgot everything and even the old dog raised his head to see it. This was it; this, was the kind of perfect he was imagining. Just like her. Suddenly, he picked up his pen, and started writing. Somewhat of a sparkle had come into his grey eyes though. After some ten minutes, he read aloud:
“ There will be times in your life of desolate sadness and fatigue. It’s never certain of when they will strike, but inevitably they will come sooner or later. In the great scheme of things, what matters is not how long you live, but how you live and who you live for. Through every storm in life, you must always look for the coming of dawn.”

~BY MY BEST FRIEND!!

PRAYER STILL NEEDED!!

No other leads have developed and sadly it doesn't look like there will be anymore. KEEP PRAYING! THERE IS STILL HOPE WHEN JESUS IS INVOLVED!!

The rain just keeps coming! We did have a break though I believe on Tuesday.I haven't been able to ride at all!!! It's so frustrating. Also on Tuesday I had a piano lesson as well as the first 4-h meeting of the year!! It was awesome! We had an ice cream party!!! Mac should be on her way home now.I'm sure she will be posting pics when she's back home!!! Oh by the way I wrote an awesome story I'll be posting shortly. I'll also post one my best friend wrote as well! Her story is soooooo awesome!!

~Kat

LATEST...

No new evidence or clues have turned up. The police and the family are baffled but will keep searching. The family especially. There is no large search anymore but people are still on the look out and are at least aware. PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!! WE MUST KEEP PRAYING!!


~Kat

UPDATE

Unfortunately she has not been found and it's beginning to darken. Sadly not even another clue or sighting has occured this evening. The family seems desperate now. Yesterday there was hope she was still alive if out in this weather and even tonight if she was blessed enough to find shelter. Another night means most likely she is desceased. It's extremely sad. We are praying that perhaps she found shelter or some other old person took her in. PLEASE PRAY FOR HER TO BE FOUND SAFE AND SOUND AND FOR HER FAMILY. PLEASE PRAY!! THAT IS PROBABLY OUR ONLY HOPE.

~Kat

PRAYER NEEDED ASAP!

Wow an unbelievable event has occured here in our neighborhood! Our next door neighbor (who has Alzheimer's) came up missing Friday morning. Her husband awakened around 7:00 and she was gone. She also suffers from dementia. I spent the night at my best friends house the night of her disappearance and her mom awakened us and said we needed to get to town asap to help search. I was out with search parties from 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 that night. The weather has not been cooperative as it has been pouring down like all get out causing snakes to come out and allowing them to slither anywhere! We went door to door alerting ppl and asking them to be on the look out for her and to please call the police if she is found.I had a show clinic yesterday but as soon as it was over my dad and I headed out again. We rode all through the woods on 4-wheelers and drove all over town. We didn't get home until 11:00 last night. The police have brought in dogs but unfortunately no real clues or evidence has been found other than perhaps her shoes. There have been a few sightings around 3:30 in the morning but none are definate. The dogs have had a few hits but the rain is causing problems. It's terribly sad but we are still searching. Please all who read this pray for her to be found safe and sound. PLEASE PRAY! She is out there somewhere most likely without shoes so no telling what has happended to her!! There are still search groups out and I'm heading back out as well. The rain just keeps coming down so please PRAY!!

~Kat

Where did God come from? part 5

Hey everyone! Just to let you know Mac is on vacation so I'll be posting for the next week and a half alone.

~Kat

Well summer is wrapping up and it's back to school now. I've had a wonderful summer break. I spent a lot of time with my family and enjoyed every minute of it. The weather has already started to cool off as well. The gentle breeze outside and the cooler weather reminds me that fall will soon arrive. I would have to say fall is my favorite time of year. There is nothing better than the leaves lazily falling from the trees and sofly rustling in the wind as well as the smells of another season arriving.I suppose it's almost time to get the fall decorations out! There will also be different foods coming from the kitchen!! Check out the pecan pie below that my little sister made and pear cake my grandma made.



and...





~Kat

Ah the smell of rain.... we've yet to have a rain shower but it has sprinkled now and then all day. I love the calm and cool weather right before a storm, as well as the changes in the clouds and the clean smell of rain.
Sorry I haven't posted anything lately but it's been extremely busy with school beginning and all.Also I am still feeding my grandpa's horses and riding every night so my days have been very long. But it's all good!! I'm glad I can be of help to others. I really enjoyed Mac's post below this one..I hope y'all have taken the time to read it.I have begun reading the Bible in 90 days and encourage you to do the same. It doesn't take long and is much more understandable than reading a single chapter.

~Kat

Quotes

I was reading today's Day by Day devotional from Open Doors and really liked these quotes.

Chinese Proverb:
"Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle."

Horace Bushneel:
"What you call hindrances, obstacles and discouragements are possibly God's opportunities."

Corrie ten Boom- Holland:
God has no problems only plans."

Somebody:
"Your problems become God's plans, the moment you give problems to Him."

I wanted to share my interpretation on the Chinese Proverb. I think that the darkness is sin or the unbelieving and instead of cursing sin or the unbelieving we should be a light to the world! Cursing them is not going to do anyone any good. So next time you here of someone doing something wrong don't curse but bless and pray for them.

In Christ,
Mac

Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that the may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

My Day

I woke up this morning to the lovely sound of my alarm clock! LOL... actually I don't think it sounds that lovely! I got up made pancakes, then talked to one of my best friends (who lives about six hours away) about our up coming trip! After I finished talking with her, I worked on my education. We had lunch. Then we cleaned our den from top to bottom. You name it we did it! After we cleaned the den, I went outside and played with my siblings. We played for about an hour then came in because my mother had to go to the store. Right before I posted this I played a rousing game of Big Fish Lil' Fish with my youngest brother! He won twice and I won once. Humph! =D

In Christ,
Mac
P.S. If you have to get up early I advise you not to wait and read your Bible at nine o'clock and not get to sleep 'till eleven! I have experience!

Where did God come from? part 4

Li An

We cannot depend on tradition to be saved. For example, "I am from such a denomination" or "I am from such a church." We cannot depend on spiritual heroes; "I am a follower of..." or "I am a co-worker with..."
We are to produce true fruit of repentance. If we do not bear such repentance, nothing else can save us.
A Christian lady in Shanghai summed it up so nicely when she said "before the Communists came with power I was a Lutheran. Now the Communists have closed down all our churches. All I can say now is I am just a Christian."
In the final analysis this will be the only true testimony that will count.
"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).
"For you know that it was not with perishable things ... that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ. Through him you believe in God ... and so your faith and hope are in God" (1 Peter 1:18-21).


Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our father."
(Luke 3:8)

Happy Belated Birthday!

August 24 was the 250th Anniversary of William Wilberforce's birthday. He was born in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire to Robert and Elizabeth Wilberforce. William Wilberforce was greatly influenced by the preaching of John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace." On April 15, 1797, he met his future wife Barbara Spooner. They were married a month-and-a-half later on the 30 of May 1797. They had six children who all lived to adulthood.
William was led by God and his friends (one of them was William Pitt who was the Prime Minister of England at that time) to fight the British Parliament for the freedom of slaves. This was no easy task because all of England depended on the backs of slaves for their livelihood . After several attempts, in March of 1807, his Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was passed, 283 votes to 16.
He died on July 29, 1833, fighting for the rights of slaves. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
His sons Robert and Samuel later wrote a book about him.

~Mac
P.S. In 2007 a movie came out about his life called "Amazing Grace." It is one of my favorites! Here is the Trailer for Amazing Grace. If you are interested in more about William Wilberforce check out books from your local library or Wikipedia has a good resourse.

STAND UP FOR HIM!

Another cleaning day has arrived...as well as school. We've had unbelievable weather! It's been awesome...it's seems like fall (AND IT'S AUGUST!!). My grandpa is out of town again so I've been taking care of his animals. Since school has started I've switched riding to the evenings when it's cooler. He has been doing awesome lately!! I am currently working towards the county fair later on this fall.

Make sure you read the article on School...a battleground?...I thought it was very interesting and extremely true. We must ALWAYS be able to defend our faith! Everyone needs to stand up for Jesus and help turn the world back to Him!! I also posted another interesting article from answers in genesis...I believe it's the latest one published on our blog...so..CHECK THEM OUT!!

~Kat



Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
his army shall he lead,
till every foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict,
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next the victor's song.
To those who vanquish evil
a crown of life shall be;
they with the King of Glory
shall reign eternally.

Logical Fallacies: The Fallacy of the Question-Begging Epithet

One of the most common fallacies committed by evolutionists on the Internet is the fallacy of the question-begging epithet. This could be considered a specific sub-type of begging the question (the fallacy of merely assuming what one is trying to prove).

With the question-begging epithet, the arguer uses biased (often emotional) language to persuade people rather than using logic. For example, if a reporter said,

“This criminal is charged with violently murdering the innocent victim,”
she would be using a question-begging epithet because she has used biased language to make a case that is not yet logically established. It would have been more objective for her to say,

“This suspect is charged with killing the other person.”
Some great examples of question-begging epithets can be found on some evolution internet sites—particularly forums or blogs. I saw one example where an evolutionist wrote,

“Our department is becoming infested with creationists.”
The word infested is emotionally charged and portrays creationists in a bad light without making any argument for this. Another writer stated,

“To be a creationist, you’d have to ignore tons of scientific evidence.”
This remark is the fallacy of the question-begging epithet because it uses biased language (and not logic) to suggest that scientific evidence supports evolution.

There is a place for emotional language. After all, language has other purposes than to make logical arguments. It can be used to inform, to question, to command, and to evoke. However, when people try to evoke an emotional response to persuade others of a point that is logically questionable, the fallacy of the question-begging epithet is committed.

Yelling or vulgar language during a debate is always an example of this fallacy. Many times people will turn up the vocal volume to compensate for a lack of cogency in their argument. Ironically, many of those who use mocking or vulgar language in forums seem to think that their rhetoric constitutes a good argument. Far from it. Such language is an indication of a serious lack of critical thinking skills.1

Question-begging epithets can be subtle. Consider this phrase: “evolution vs. creationism.” By attaching -ism to the end of creation but not to evolution, the person is subtly suggesting that creation is merely a belief, whereas evolution is not. But he or she has made no argument for this.

“Creationists believe that the universe is young, but the best scientists tell us that it is billions of years old.”
By using the adjective to describe those scientists who believe in an old universe, this argument uses biased language rather than logic to persuade. It is fallacious.

Here is another example:

“The Creation ‘Museum’ isn’t about science at all, but is entirely about a peculiar, quirky, very specific interpretation of the Bible.”
The author provided no support for this opinion; it is simply an emotional reaction. He also attempts to deride the Creation Museum by putting the word museum in quotes. His claim is nothing but a fallacious epithet. When people use sarcastic/sardonic statements in place of logic, they commit the fallacy of the question-begging epithet. For example,

“Yeah Tyrannosauridae were herbovirus [sic] too before The Fall [sic]. With razor sharp teeth to kill the tenacious shrubberies!”
Such statements are designed to stir people’s emotions, thereby distracting them from the realization that no logical case has been made.

Another common example is when someone accuses an opponent of committing a logical fallacy when it is not the case. A false accusation of a logical fallacy is itself a logical fallacy. This might happen, for example, after a creationist has politely and cogently pointed out a number of fallacies in an evolutionist’s reasoning, and then makes a good argument for creation. In an attempt to turn the tables, the evolutionist responds by saying,

“Well, that’s a fallacy!”
But he has made no logical case that the creationist has indeed committed a fallacy, which makes the evolutionist’s claim itself an arbitrary question-begging epithet.

In Ephesians 5:6 we read, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” An evolutionist may be very emotionally committed to his position and may use biased (or mocking) language in an attempt to evoke a similar emotion in others. However, this is logically irrelevant to whether or not his belief is true.

When people use mere rhetoric (“empty words”) without providing a logical reason for their position, we must cordially point out that they have not made a logical argument; they are simply being arbitrary. Conversely, Christians are to take the “high ground” and always give a good reason for the confidence within us (1 Peter 3:15).

SCHOOL..A BATTLEGROUND?

by Roger Patterson, AiG–U.S. and author of the Evolution Exposed series



Every fall millions of children face the fact that they must return to school. This return is accompanied by a variety of emotions. For many Christian students those emotions may include a fear of being belittled by a teacher in the biology classroom during a discussion on evolution. Those with a social studies class might be intimidated by the teacher who insists human civilizations, like the Egyptians who built the pyramids, existed long before the biblical dates allow. How is a student to face these fears?



Scripture offers us an answer through the words of Peter. We often hear part of 1 Peter 3:15 quoted, but the context of the verse offers much for us to consider.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:14–17)
If we live out our lives as Christians in an authentic way, we are guaranteed to face persecution from unbelievers. However, when Christ is the center of our lives and we study the Word, knowing that it provides all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), we will be ready to offer answers to challenges—and we will do so in a spirit of love.

Christian parents of students in public schools face a tremendous challenge in countering the humanistic indoctrination in the public school system—not only correcting the ideas surrounding evolution, but also the idea that there is no truth and that morality changes by circumstance. These ideas directly contradict God’s revealed truth and must be torn down and replaced with godly wisdom and understanding.

This is primarily the responsibility of parents, but churches can also be involved in the effort. Creating a support structure where students know that they are supported by their elders and can call on one another for support in the classrooms can be a key part in helping students stand up for their beliefs. This may happen through a church’s youth group or a campus group that meets at lunch, but it must be supported by sound, biblical teaching.

AiG offers a wide variety of faith-defending materials from general apologetics to answering specific questions about evolution. Below are some resources that groups, or individuals, can use to focus on different topics in defending the faith in the classroom.

Music

Here are some really awesome christian music cds!









~Kat

CAKE!!!

I should have posted this earlier but here is a picture of a cake I made for my brother's birthday! I created it quickly so I could have done better but it still looks pretty cool!!!



Here are some others I have made.


and...



~Kat

Where did God come from? part 3

Devotional

Today I was reading a Day by Day devotional from Open Doors by Yang Zhang. I wanted to share it because it is true but sometimes we don't have faith and let Him lead us. He knows what is good for us and what isn't.

Yang Zhang

To share the Gospel is the number one priority of the Body of Christ. New believers also have this responsibility. Not just "mature" believers. Every believer should get involved in spreading the Word of God. The more you plant - the more you reap. Without planting there is no harvest.

God wants to see a harvest of souls. He needs laborers to plough, plant and reap. We are these laborers. We are not only His people - we are also His servants. He can send a servant as He pleases.

The servant has no excuse: I am not gifted. I am not qualified. The master knows what he does.

When He appoints - He anoints
When He calls - He enables
When He sends - He goes along
When He asks you to speak - He will give you the words

Just obey and you will see God at work through you.

~Mac
Note: The Day by Day devotional comes in our e-mail. If you are interested in receiving their daily devotional click here.

God Caused Meaning

Humans in particular seek a "reason to exist" and for the most part find it difficult to accept that we are simply here to consume the earth's resources and die. However, God in the beginning created the heavens, the earth, and all living creatures—especially mankind—with special purposes in mind, which He explained in His Word.

Here is the essence of the naturalistic-evolutionary "story."

There is no God (or "god" is in the forces of nature, or in man himself). Nothing "supernatural" exists (except perhaps some "extra-terrestrial" race of super-intellects that have evolved in other parts of the universe. Since no evidence for the Bible's "God" exists, we can be certain that there is no such thing as a "plan for your life." And since there is so, there is no future, no "afterlife." Speculative Hollywood movies notwithstanding, and the many reported "out of the body experiences" to the contrary, no rational naturalist believes in any form of "eternal life." When you're dead, you're dead!

Such hopeless beliefs drive many into lives of debauchery and hedonism, and fill the couches of psychologists and psychiatrists all over the world. Teenage suicide is alarmingly high, and the therapitst themselves continue to manifest one of the highest suicide rates in civilized countries. Scandals abound among the leaders of world business, politics, and churches.

"If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (1 Corinthians 15:19).

There is no "good news" in the evolutionary theory.

There is, however, glorious wonder and life-changing power in the "everlasting gospel" (Revelation 14:6).

• power to transform (Romans 12:2)
• power to enrich (2 Corinthians 9:11)
• power to bring satisfying peace to all situations (Hebrews 13:20-21)
• power to change the mortal body into the immortal and everlasting being that will live eternally with the Creator (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).
Conventional wisdom tells us to "grab all the gusto you can; you only go around once in life!" We are told to "just be yourself" and that we should "let the good times roll." These and hundreds more clichés sprinkled throughout our culture misdirect our thinking and undermine real satisfaction, purpose, and meaning in life.

God designed humanity to enjoy the happiness of stability, the happiness of productivity, and the happiness of success (see Psalm 1). Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10

The Incredible Hulk Theory of Life in Space by Brian Thomas, M.S.

The ongoing quest to find life in space has failed to yield any supportive evidence that life exists outside the earth. To prop up the idea of distant spontaneous life formation, some scientists are willing to settle for science fiction. One Serbian astrobiologist has taken cues from evolutionary paleontology—and maybe even from comic books.

Milan Ćircović of the Astronomical Observatory in Belgrade argued in a recent issue of Astrobiology Magazine that cosmic disasters might set up just the right conditions for life to evolve from chemicals. He speculated that habitable planets and the “stuff of life” that they supposedly nurture may get periodically reset by catastrophic events “like gamma ray bursts or nearby supernovae.”1 This reasoning is similar to evolutionary concepts of how life could have diversified on earth through mass extinctions.

In contrast to the classic Darwinian model—which predicts that fossils should show gradual change between transitional kinds—many fossils retain the same forms through several rock layers, and wholly different fossil kinds abruptly occur in other layers. This is generally interpreted to mean that evolution sometimes advances in sudden jumps. Somehow, natural disasters that cause massive death are assumed to kick macroevolution into overdrive.

Organisms do undergo rapid variations to fill empty niches formed after catastrophes. But they always remain within their own kinds. A dramatic transition between kinds has never been observed and, since the evolutionary “jump” is presumed to have occurred during an imagined time between the formation of certain rock layers, has left no record—only the conspicuous absence of transitioning life forms is noticeable.

In spite of the lack of evolutionary evidence, Ćircović proposed that cosmic disasters could similarly kick-start the seeds of life: “A gamma ray burst…would affect how quickly life develops or takes hold by causing changes in atmospheric chemistry on the planet.” Perhaps “interstellar electromagnetic radiation and cosmic rays” influence a planet’s biological environment and somehow help evolution along.1

These destructive processes are being invoked as possible agents for generating the right conditions for life to evolve—the same conditions that origin of life researchers have been unable to replicate through almost a century of intelligent, purposeful experiments.2

This gamma ray concept is reminiscent of comic book legend Stan Lee’s The Incredible Hulk, in which the hero, Dr. Bruce Banner, gets a mega dose of the otherwise deadly gamma radiation.3 The result: Banner can transform into the super-strong, super-sized green giant that has graced big and little screens in recent times.

To be clear, Ćircović is not proposing that life itself is improved or could be started by gamma ray bursts, but that the planetary conditions for supporting life could be. But is that really any less fanciful or more scientific? To say that the destructive forces that occur near galactic cores, where planets supposedly form, can foster life-sustaining environments is as much science fiction as Lee’s Hulk.

Supposedly, gamma ray bursts, cosmic rays,4 and supernovae “can be interpreted as resetting astrobiological clocks which tick on each habitable planet in the Milky Way.”1 There is not a shred of scientific evidence that astrobiological clocks exist anywhere in the universe, except in comic book-like hypotheses. For that matter, the only habitable planet yet discovered is earth, just as the biblical creation model predicts.

Convicting Video!

When I watched this video at a conference I was convicted of how much time I am on the computer or watching T.V. I hope you will find this video as fascinating as I did!
~Mac

P.S. Media Talk 101's Link is in "Our Favorite Links" or you can click here.

What a beautiful day God created!!! With the blue skies, a nice breeze and the sun shining down on you, you can't help but smile when you walk out into the great outdoors! Fortunately I was able to spend a peaceful morning riding my horse. Between the weather and family being in town riding has been put on the back burner lately. We cleaned house today and I am now rearranging my room. Check out the videos I posted recently! There will be more posted shortly!

~Kat

Where did God come from?part 2

Where did God come from?part 1

Books!

Here are some awesome books I have greatly enjoyed and been inspired by:

TORTURED FOR CHRIST


After spending years in underground prison cells and solitary confinement, enduring inhumane tortures, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand emerged with the testimony of today's Christian martyrs.
To learn more about the Wurmbrand's story, sign up for a free copy of Tortured for Christ by completing the form on this page. You can also browse through the text, pictures and videos on this site.(torturedforchrist.com)

GOD'S SMUGGLER


As a boy, Brother Andrew dreamed of being an undercover spy working behind enemy lines. As a man he found himself working undercover for God. His was a mission filled with danger, financed by faith, supported by miracles.

Told it was impossible to minister behind the Iron Curtain, Andrew knew that nothing was too hard for God.

Do not let the guards see...

Crossing "closed" borders, he prayed, "Lord, in my luggage I have Scripture I want to take to your children. When you were on earth, You made blind eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind. Do not let the guards see those things You do not want them to see." And they never did.

For 35 years, Brother Andrew's life story has inspired millions to step out on their own journeys of faith. This young Dutch factory worker's near-incredible adventures testify of God's step-by-step guidance and hour-by hour provision---available to all who follow his call.

BRUCHKO


What happens when a nineteen-year-old boy and heads into the jungles to evangelize a murderous tribe of South American Indians? For Bruce Olson it meant capture and torture, but what he discovered revolutionized the world of missions.

Please read these books!!! The last two can be found at a christian book store. They have brought to my attention the ever increasing need for prayer for missionaries and those who have not yet come to know the Lord.

PLEASE.. BEFORE YOU GO TO BED TONIGHT, PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE SERVING OUR LORD THAT THEY WILL HAVE THE STRENGTH TO STAND STRONG FOR GOD AND FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW THE LORD!!!

Star Watching

We all had an awesome time watching shooting stars the other night! It's so beautiful gazing up at the clear sky and listening to the locusts talking to each other in the trees. It's very peaceful....(until a star is spotted and we all jump up shouting)lol..It never fails when someone yells out "Oh I saw one!" I'm dozing off or looking in the other direction! I did see many though! We had tons of snacks to help keep us wide awake and believe it or not we were all freezing by the time we heading back to the house.
The first night we laid on our front porch instead of on the trailer. As we were settling down my cousin shot up from her spot yelling," OH...WHAT WAS THAT? EVERYONE GET IN THE HOUSE NOW!!!" At that same time my grandma rounded the corner of the house carrying and chair and growling! Everyone realized that it was grandma except for my cousin who was frustrated because we weren't coming!! We finally calmed my cousin down and laughed the whole time we were watching stars!
It's so much fun spending time with family and making memories. I have a video about creation I will be posting very soon!!

~Kat

Clumsy

The song below is one of our favorites. It has a really good message for those who are struggling.


Clumsy
Chris Rice

You think I’d have it down by now
Been practicin’ for thirty years
I should have walked a thousand miles
So what am I still doin’ here
Reachin’ out for that same old piece of forbidden fruit
I slip and fall and I knock my halo loose
Somebody tell me what’s a boy supposed to do?

I get so clumsy
I get so foolish
I get so stupid
And then I feel so useless
But You’re sayin’ You love me
And You’re still gonna hold me
And that You wanna be near me
‘Cause You’re makin’ me holy
You’re still makin’ me holy, yeah

I’m gonna get it right this time
I’ll be strong and I’ll make You proud
I’ve prayed that prayer a thousand times
But the rooster crows and my tears roll down (again)
Then You remind me You made me from the dust
And I can never, no never, be good enough
And that You’re not gonna let that come between us

I get so clumsy
I get so foolish
I get so stupid
And then I feel so useless
But You’re sayin’ You love me
And You’re still gonna hold me
And that You wanna be near me
‘Cause You’re makin’ me holy
You’re still makin’ me holy, yeah

From where I stand
Your holiness is up so high I can never reach it
My only hope is to fall on Jesus

I get so clumsy
I get so foolish
I get so stupid
And then I feel so useless
But You’re sayin’ You love me
And You’re still gonna hold me
And that You wanna be near me
‘Cause You’re makin’ me holy
You’re still makin’ me holy, yeah

~Kat and Mac

New Cd

Hey all! I just read that Steven Curtis Chapman has a new cd coming out!! Check it out!

Hello All!!

Wow! Sorry I haven't blogged lately!! It has been unbelievably crazy here at my house! In the past couple weeks we have celebrated three birthdays (one including me..yay!),gone to the circus and I volunteered at a conference last weekend not to mention 4-h activities which were held last week. Family has also been in town for almost all of July and now August! We've had an awesome time! Though it may be a little hectic I love my cousins and cherish the time we all spend together! In July my older cousin and I entertained the younger kids by creating our own VBS! It was awesome! They thouroughly enjoyed it and I think we had just as much fun singing the songs and doing the movements!
My cousin and I were determined to have at least one picture of ourselves that we like so two evenings were spent in our own photoshoot. And believe it or not we succeded in taking more than one that we LOVED!!
We spent two days cleaning out the barn that had become a wreck( no thanks to me)lol...Tonight we will head out around midnight or so to watch shooting stars. We'll all lay out on the flatbed trailer with mosquito net covering us so we don't get eaten alive!!It's so amazing to be right underneath the sky gazing at God's creation. Oh Mac has posted a link for mediatalk101..be sure to check it out!!

~Kat

35 Reasons not to Sin

Recently I was looking at the Rebelution's most recent article from Steve's blog about "35 Reasons not to sin." I thought it was so awesome that I thought I should share it.

35 REASONS NOT TO SIN

-Because a little sin leads to more sin.
-Because my sin invites the discipline of God.
-Because the time spent in sin is forever wasted.
-Because my sin never pleases but always grieves God who loves me.
-Because my sin places a greater burden on my spiritual leaders.
-Because in time my sin always brings heaviness to my heart.
-Because I am doing what I do not have to do.
-Because my sin always makes me less than what I could be.
-Because others, including my family, suffer consequences due to my sin.
-Because my sin saddens the godly.
-Because my sin makes the enemies of God rejoice.
-Because sin deceives me into believing I have gained when in reality I have lost.
-Because sin may keep me from qualifying for spiritual leadership.
-Because the supposed benefits of my sin will never outweigh the consequences of -disobedience.
-Because repenting of my sin is such a painful process, yet I must repent.
-Because sin is a very brief pleasure for an eternal loss.
-Because my sin may influence others to sin.
-Because my sin may keep others from knowing Christ.
-Because sin makes light of the cross, upon which Christ died for the very purpose of taking away my sin.
-Because it is impossible to sin and follow the Spirit at the same time.
-Because God chooses not to respect the prayers of those who cherish their sin.
-Because sin steals my reputation and robs me of my testimony.
-Because others once more earnest than I have been destroyed by just such sins.
-Because the inhabitants of heaven and hell would all testify to the foolishness of this sin.
-Because sin and guilt may harm both mind and body.
-Because sins mixed with service make the things of God tasteless.
-Because suffering for sin has no joy or reward, though suffering for righteousness -has both.
-Because my sin is adultery with the world.
-Because, though forgiven, I will review this very sin at the Judgment Seat where loss and gain of eternal rewards are applied.
-Because I can never really know ahead of time just how severe the discipline for my sin might be.
-Because my sin may be an indication of a lost condition.
-Because to sin is not to love Christ.
-Because my unwillingness to reject this sin now grants it an authority over me greater than I wish to believe.
-Because sin glorifies God only in His judgment of it and His turning of it to good -use, never because it is worth anything on it’s own.
-Because I promised God he would be Lord of my life.

I hope this is challenging for you! I know I want to be more like my Savior ! Do you?

~Mac

We're Back

We are still blogging don't worry! It has been so busy that neither of us has been able to post any. Sorry!

Searching for the ‘magic bullet’

by Ken Ham

In 1986 a number of leading creationist researchers decided that the evidence of supposedly human and dinosaur footprints, found together at the Paluxy River in Texas, had serious problems. They decided that, pending further research to establish the correct interpretation of the prints, they could no longer be safely used as evidence supporting the fact (based on the biblical account of creation) that man and dinosaur lived at the same time.

Regardless of what the correct interpretation really is, I want to discuss a related phenomenon that is rife throughout the church. I believe it is one of the reasons so many Christians believe in millions of years, and do not accept the days of creation as ordinary-length days. It is also why so many creationists are not able to successfully argue with evolutionists in a convincing way.

In 1993 Answers in Genesis published an article in our refereed journal (now called TJ) about the popular ‘moon dust’ argument supporting a young universe.1 The idea was that the thickness of dust on the moon when the astronauts landed was only enough to account for a few thousand years worth of accumulation, given the amount that was presently pouring into the earth/moon system. But the authors of the article concluded that this argument should no longer be used, because new measurements showed that the influx of meteoric dust was much less than evolutionists had previously thought.


Later, AiG published articles concerning the supposed plesiosaur carcass netted by a Japanese fishing trawler in 1977.2 These reported on research which substantiated that this carcass could not be of a plesiosaur, and was consistent with a basking shark identification. (They included photos of an actual decomposing basking shark.) This was despite our having previously given favourable publicity to the ‘plesiosaur’ interpretation in our literature.

After this ‘plesiosaur’ article, a person approached me at a creation seminar, and, obviously upset, stated, ‘First you take away the Paluxy prints, then the moondust, and now you’ve destroyed the 1977 plesiosaur argument. If you keep going, we won’t have any great evidence left at all to counteract the evolutionists.’

In November 2001, Answers in Genesis published an article on its website entitled, Arguments we think creationists should NOT use, which was added to the Q&A section. This covered a substantial number of widely-used arguments opposing evolution. It was meant to inform Christians why we felt these arguments were either factually incorrect, or were very dubious and unsafe, even counterproductive, to use. Early the following year, a modified form appeared in Creation magazine.3

Again, some people became upset, expressing their dismay through phone calls, emails and the like. Once more, I had people complain to me at conferences. One man said: ‘Evolutionists have so much evidence; if you people at AiG keep destroying some of the greatest evidence we’ve had, there’ll be none left for creationists. You’re helping the evolutionists win!’

Quite apart from the strange implication that we should not inform people of the truth about things that are believed to be in error, I’ve noticed that many people do not really understand the nature of ‘evidence.’ So they think that to oppose evolution or disprove an old earth, one has to come up with totally different or unique ‘evidence.’ I think this is a major reason why a number of Christians are drawn to what I call ‘flaky evidence’ in the hope that this will counteract evolution. For instance, such things as:

a supposed boat-like structure in the Ararat region as evidence of Noah’s Ark;

a ‘human hand print’ (with virtually no documentation or credible research) supposedly from ‘dinosaur age’ rock;

supposed ‘human hand fossils’ from rock dated as millions of years old (but to date no credible substantiation of the claim); and many other dubious and/or unsubstantiated arguments.

Most well-meaning creationists would agree in principle that things that are not carefully documented and researched should not be used. But in practice, many of them are very quick to accept the sorts of evidences mentioned here, without asking too many questions. Why this seeming urge to find a startling, exciting ‘magic bullet’?

I think it is because probably the majority of Christians believe that the ‘evidence’ overwhelmingly supports an old (millions of years) earth.4 For many, it causes them to reject what the Bible makes so plain about history, to the great detriment of the Gospel founded on that history.

But even those who keenly support Genesis still tend to see it as if there is a ‘mountain’ of ‘their’ facts/evidences lined up ‘against our side.’ This is, I believe, why they are less cautious than they might otherwise be, because they are so keen to have ‘our’ facts/evidences to counter ‘theirs.’

That is, both of the above groups suffer from the same basic problem. They really don’t understand that it is not a matter of ‘their evidence vs ours.’ All evidence is actually interpreted, and all scientists actually have the same observations—the same data—available to them in principle.

I have often debated with evolutionists, or Christians who believe in millions of years, on various radio programs. Sometimes the interviewer has made statements like, ‘Well, today we have a creationist who believes he has evidence for creation, and on the other side is an evolutionist who believes he has evidence to support evolution.’

I then stop the interviewer and state, ‘I want to get something straight here, I actually have the same evidence the evolutionist has—the battle is not about the evidence or facts, as they are all the same. We live on the same earth, in the same universe, with the same plants and animals, the same fossils. The facts are all the same.’

Then the evolutionist says, ‘But you’re on about the Bible—this is religion. As an evolutionist I’m involved in real science.’


I then respond, ‘Actually, as a creationist, I have no problem with your science; it’s the same science I understand and trust. The argument is not about science or about facts—ultimately, the argument is about how you interpret the facts—and this depends upon your belief about history. The real difference is that we have different “histories” (accounts about what happened in the past), which we use to interpret the science and facts of the present.’

I then give an example. ‘Let’s consider the science of genetics and natural selection. Evolutionists believe in natural selection—that is real science, as you observe it happening. Well, creationists also believe in natural selection. Evolutionists accept the science of genetics—well, so do creationists.

‘However, here is the difference: Evolutionists believe that, over millions of years, one kind of animal has changed into a totally different kind. However, creationists, based on the Bible’s account of origins, believe that God created separate kinds of animals and plants to reproduce their own kind—therefore one kind will not turn into a totally different kind.

‘Now this can be tested in the present. The scientific observations support the creationist interpretation that the changes we see are not creating new information. The changes are all within the originally created pool of information of that kind; sorting, shuffling or degrading it. The creationist account of history, based on the Bible, provides the correct basis to interpret the evidence of the present—and real science confirms the interpretation.’

My point is that if we Christians really understood that all evidence is actually interpreted on the basis of certain presuppositions, then we wouldn’t be in the least bit intimidated by the evolutionists’ supposed ‘evidence.’ We should instead be looking at the evolutionist’s (or old-earther’s) interpretation of the evidence, and how the same evidence could be interpreted within a biblical framework and be confirmed by testable and repeatable science.

I believe if more creationists did this, they would be less likely to jump at ‘flaky’ evidence that seems startling, but in reality may be being interpreted incorrectly by the creationists themselves in their rush to find the magic-bullet, knock-down, drag-em-out convincing ‘evidence’ against evolution that they think they desperately need.


The same is true of dating methods. All dating methods suffer, in principle, from the same limitations—whether they are those which are used to support a young world or an old world. Even the famous moondust argument, back when it still seemed that this was an excellent one to use (given the information available), needed to involve assumptions—uniformitarian assumptions, just like radiometric dating does. Even before the error in the measurement of moondust influx was pointed out, evolutionists could rightly counter—how do you know that the dust has always been coming in at the same rate? Of course, such creationist arguments have always been justified in that they are merely turning their own uniformitarian assumptions against them. Creationists can rightly challenge radiometric dating on this same sort of basis, too. Once one understands the assumptions/presuppositions behind dating methods, one realizes that the ‘date’ obtained is actually an interpretation—not a fact!

The bottom line is that it’s not a matter of who has the better (or the most) ‘facts on their side.’ We need to understand that there are no such things as brute facts—all facts are interpreted. Thus, the next time evolutionists use what seem to be convincing facts for evolution, try to determine the presuppositions they have used to interpret these facts. Then, beginning with the big picture of history from the Bible, look at the same facts through these biblical glasses and interpret them differently. Then, using the real science of the present that an evolutionist also uses, see if that science, when properly understood, confirms (by being consistent with) the interpretation based on the Bible. You will find over and over again that the Bible is confirmed5 by real science.

But remember that, like Job (42:2–6), we need to understand that compared to God we know next to nothing. So we won’t have all the answers. However, so many answers have come to light now, that a Christian can give a credible defence of the book of Genesis and show it is the correct foundation for thinking about, and interpreting, every aspect of reality.

So let’s not jump in a blind-faith way at the startling evidences we think we need to ‘prove’ creation—trying to counter ‘their facts’ with ‘our facts.’ (Jesus Himself rose from the dead in the most startling possible demonstration of the truth of God’s Word. But still many wouldn’t believe—cf. Luke 16:27–31.) Instead, let’s not be intimidated by apparent ‘evidences’ for evolution, but understand the right way to think about evidence. We can then deal with the same evidence the evolutionists use,6 to show they have the wrong framework of interpretation—and that the facts of the real world really do conform to, and confirm, the Bible.

Remember Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ

This morning I came across a quote written by a Chinese Evangelist while he was in prison:
"I am not afraid of being looked down upon by people, because, when I look up I see the smiling face of God"

I admire our brothers and sisters who are in difficult persecution right now! I can't begin to imagine what they are going through. I am blessed to live in a country where I don't have to worry about having my Bible taken from me or having the police come and take me away to prison. Yes, sometimes people will insult us but we don't have to face being taken away from our families or being killed. If you were going through persecution right now what would you do? Would you give in? Or would you stand up to them?

I wanted to ask everyone to please pray for our fellow believers.

In Christ,
~Mac

Matthew 5:11-12: " Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

It has been raining for three days now..of course that means I can't spend time with my horses other than feeding them.boo hoo! We need the rain though so I should be thanking God instead of complaining!
My best friend and I have been taking art classes together and yesterday was our last class. Art classes were held every two weeks so it was a for sure time too see each other!!! Oh well 4-h is picking back up and we will see each other a LOT! We are both officers so between meetings and projects we should see one another much more than we have been! YESSS!!!

"Best friends are like diamonds, precious and rare. False friends are like leaves, found everywhere."
~ Unknown

Today and last night I helped my mom rearrange the den....before it was complete it looked like a nightmare!! We had to move shelves so there were books covering the floor and everything!! now... IT LOOKS AWESOME!!!

~Kat

Have Faith

Mona Khauli
Throughout the fifteen-year old war, God has moved in our midst, and through us to others. The most recent example of God's miraculous protection involved a young couple.
One day heavy artillery bombing took them by surprise, when a Syrian offensive was launched against Christian areas. Before they could run to take shelter, a phosphorous shell penetrated the roof of their bedroom and exploded, setting the place on fire. They were both severely injured and burned. The woman, a few months pregnant, was miraculously saved. Her husband, however, was pronounced clinically dead on arrival at the hospital as he had sustained serious injuries from head to toe. His parents and church brethren pleaded with hospital staff to give him emergency care, while they committed themselves to the bedside in prayer. For months, he "existed" by way of instruments that pumped life into his shredded body, bandaged together like a cocoon.
But God intervened and performed a miracle. Six months later he was released from hospital a walking miracle, only in need of surgery to restore sight in one of his eyes. Doctors and nurses saw him off with these words; "Lazarus has risen from the dead."
Pray and trust. Have faith in God to perform a miracle. God is in control.

The God we serve is able to save us ... but even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods... (Daniel 3:17,18)

Mona Khauli: writer of this paragraph

These words are so rich and meaningful; yet they are so difficult to put into practice.
To glory in tribulation? How can this be? It is neither human nor tactful to rejoice in suffering, especially when it concerns people around us. What does Paul really mean?
The best way to explain is to quote a Christian woman in my country, Lebanon. She was facing one family hardship after another. When asked how she managed to cope with all these hardships she answered: "Troubles are challenges to me. Even difficulty that comes my way is a perpetual source of wonder. I am so eager to see how the Lord will get me out of it."
She had found the secret. Not theoretically but through pains and problems. "In all these things we are more that conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 9:37). Her secret was Paul’s secret. Paul’s experience became her experience. What about you?
It is no secret what God can do, what He has done for others He will do for you.
...we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
(Romans 5:3-5)

What is Faith?

Mona Khauli
Faith is:

Expecting God to accomplish miracles through my five loaves and two fishes. He can use me.
Rejecting the feeling of panic when things seem out of control. He is in control.
Confidence in God’s faithfulness to me in an uncertain world. He holds the future.
Depending on the fact that God loves me, not on my ability to figure out how or why. He can be trusted.
Thanking God for his gift of emotional health, not assuming it all stems from my ability to cope with stress. He provides.
"...I do believe; help me to overcome my unbelief" (Mark 9:24).

Proof

Thomas Malthus's work gave Charles Darwin the idea that life is a constant struggle against each other.

Here are some examples that prove this theory is false...

The Clownfish and the Sea Anemone

The Sea Anemone normally spells death to fish. Their tentacles are full of stingers and each one delivers a paralyzing poison to any fish that it touches. As soon as the fish is paralyzed the anemone feast on it.

The Clownfish is a tasty meal for other predator fish. He is coated in a layer of mucus that covers his whole body.

So what is so cool about both these creatures? They live together!!

The Sea Anemone is home to the Clownfish! How is this possible? Well scientists are not positive but they believe it has something to do with the mucus that covers the Clownfish. It is similiar to the anemone's mucus as well! By living inside the anemone the motion made from the Clowfish swimming in and out attracks it's predators that are delicious meals for the anemone. Thus when a predator fish arrives it darts inside and the anemone has a tasty meal! The movement of the clownfish also frightens butterfly fish away which eat Sea Anemones!


The Blind Shrimp and Goby

These two organisms live together in a hole on the ocean floor. The hole has been dug by the Blind Shrimp. The ocean currents are constantly filling the hole with debris which the Blind Shrimp must clear out. Thus when it goes out to clear the whole it is in constant danger of being devoured by some predator creature. As it's name implies it can't see very well so it has no way of knowing when danger lurks. This is where his friend the Goby comes in. Opposite of the Blind Fish the Goby has good vision. When the Blind Shrimp needs to clear the hole he goes out with him. The Goby keeps watch as the shrimp clears the path. The Blind Shrimp attaches one of it's tentacles to the Goby which flicks it tail when danger arrives. They both dart into the hole to safety. The Blind Shrimp's supplies the Goby with a safe place to live.

The Oriental Sweetlips and the Blue-Streak Wrasses


Like most fish the Oriental Sweetlips has teeth. What happens is you don't keep your teeth clean? They rot and fall out. So how does this fish keep it's teeth clean? That's where the Blue-Streak Wrasses come in. The Oriental Sweetlips swims to what is called a cleaning station when it needs it's teeth clean. It opens it's mouth and in swim the Blue-Streak Wrasses. They plaque supplies the Blue-Steak Wrasses with a tasty meal and in return helps the Oriental Sweetlip's teeth from falling out.

THESE THREE EXAMPLES ARE PROOF THAT LIFE IS NOT A CONSTANT STRUGGLE! THESE CREATURES ARE HELPING EACH OTHER SURVIVE NOT STRUGGLING AGAINST EACH OTHER! THIS ALSO SHOWS THAT THERE MUST BE A CREATOR FOR SO COMPLEX SITUATIONS COULD NOT HAVE FORMED BY CHANCE!!

Heritage Days Photos

Heritage Days

Saturday my family and I spent the morning at the annual Heritage Days held at the town square. There were many different exhibits such as vintage John Deere tractors, old cars and truck competition, Military convoy,concert,old cavalry soldiers, and FOOD!!!! I feasted on funnel cake and kettle corn! It's so cool standing around on the court house lawn and walking around the square. Now most people go the the mall and other outlets and no one really walks around and shops on the square.Although there aren't many stores but....It was nice imagining what it was like in the old days! I'll post some more pictures I took of Heritage Days in just a moment!


~Kat

Awesome Video!

I absolutly loved this video! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It reminds of the scripture that says "The Heavens declare the glory of God the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm's 19:1
Enjoy,
~Mac