Sounds of a Sunspot

Yesterday we viewed several awesome pictures of the Sun including the solar flares of sunspots.

The pictures were your tax dollars at work in that they were images made by NASA.

And you know that sunspots send their energy in various directions.

When those giant foci of energy are directed to the planet earth, various problems can happen including interfering with satellites, radio transmissions, and more.

But have you ever heard a sunspot?

Well, you probably have, if you listen to radio and especially shortwave radio.

But just in case you haven't heard the sound / interference to radio caused by sunspots, today's DIT will give you an opportunity.

To see the sun again and hear 56 seconds of the interesting noise from the solar flares of sunspots, HERE'S THE LINK

Amazing images of the Sun

Yes, the sun is our wonderful star and provides light, heat, and more to planet earth and the other planets in the solar system.

And from time to time pictures of the sun are made available for us to ooh and ahh over.

But, wow, get ready to realllllly oooh and ahhh.

Why?

Because one of NASA's special satellites has taken some awesome pictures of the sun, unlike any I have ever seen before.

Want to see them?

Then CLICK THIS LINK

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown today

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah literally means "head of the year" and is celebrated on the first day of the month of Tishri on the Jewish Calendar.

Hence, this is the day that begins the Jewish New Year.

It is also known as Yom Teruah, the day of the sounding of the shofar, the "Blowing of Trumpets", and "The Feast of Trumpets".

Rosh Hashanah is also one of the 7 major annual "Feast days" of the Jewish Year.

The commandment to observe Rosh Hashanah is found in Leviticus 23:23-25:

"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 'Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.'"

This year, 2011, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Sept 28th and ends at sundown on the 30th

If you would like even more insight into this very special day including verrrrry interesting information about "The Last Trump", when Jesus was really born, and more, HERE'S THE LINK

If you would like to hear the sound of the Shofar and its specific various sounds blown on the "Feast of Trumpets" including the sound of the last trumpet known as the Teki'ah Gedolah, which is, as the name indicates, the Last Trumpet (and is the final trumpet call blown at the end of this 2 minute 29 second video), HERE'S THE LINK

Christopher in PICU

After a lonnnnng day of surgery for Christopher and his dad

and waiting, watching, and praying by the mom, grandparents, relatives, and countless friends ---

thought you would like to see Christopher postop and in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit).

More Breaking News

George is out of recovery and in a room. Apparently the other person was finally discharged. Yay. So his wife and mom are with him and say that he is tired (well duh) and eating ice chips.

And to top it all off, Christopher is now out of surgery and this is the latest update from Shannon:

The surgeon just came by. He is pleased with the outcome of the transplant. 

The bladder is small but working. Yay! 

He placed a stint to help with the large amounts of urine but it will only need to be in for 6 weeks. 

I am waiting for the call that will allow me to see Christopher. Hopefully around 8 pm.  


I have reminded myself many times today that it is God who determines our days. May Christopher's life bring honor and glory to his Maker!

Wow. All great news. And what a day this has been, long and eventful, but now winding down.

George and Christopher are recovering.  All systems seem to be 'go' and God is to be praised.

If you are curious and want to know a few more details about the surgeries that were done today, I found a 2 minute 48 second video that tells of a similar event albeit in older folks.  But the principles are the same.

So, if you are interested in taking a peek into what happened today, HERE'S THE LINK

Breaking News

Just got another update.   It reads:

"BREAKING NEWS:

Christopher is MAKING URINE.

(They just called to tell us that. He's still in surgery, but the kidney is installed and ... WORKING!).

Thank You, God!"

Will let you know more when more is known.

Another Surgery Update

Just got another text message.

George is still in recovery --- not because he is not doing well but because the room he is supposed to go to still has someone in it.

Christopher's surgery continues.  Apparently the IVs and Lines are in and the Kidney is now being  'installed' with a pocket ready for the kidney.... and the blood vessels and ureter are now in the process of being hooked up. This is a key time in the surgery.  No 'end of surgery' time yet known.

Will post more when more is known.

Surgery Update

Just got a text message from Oregon.

George, the father, is out of surgery and is in recovery and doing well.

They have just taken Baby Christopher to surgery and now say his surgery will take about 6 to 6 ½ hours, partly because it will take 1 ½ hours to put in all the IVs and other lines.

Will post more when more is known.

Baby Christopher Update

Today (Monday) and Tomorrow (Tuesday) are verrrrrry important dates in the life of Baby Christopher, his family, and his dad!

Those of you who have visited this site for the past year and a half are likely aware of Baby Christopher who had a Heart Transplant shortly after birth.

It is a long story and if you have not heard about this or would like to refresh yourself on the details, then you might want to check out the DITs for the following dates:

Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009
Sunday, Jan 17, 2010
Tues Sept 21, 2010
Thursday  Oct 21,  2010
Monday Nov 15, 2010
   
Anyway, the reason we are posting this DIT today is because you will want to know this realllllly great news.

What is it? you ask.

Well, you will be thrilled to know that today, Monday Sept 26, 2011 both Baby Christopher and his Dad are being admitted to the hospital in Portland.

Why is that good news?

Because, at long last, the Docs have decided that now is the time for the long awaited Renal Transplant.

Why is the dad also being admitted to the hospital?

Well, as you probably suspected when you read about his hospital admission, yes, he is going to be the donor of the Kidney for Baby Christopher.

So we are posting this DIT today to bring you up to speed on what is going on AND to ask you to pray for the 2 Surgeries which will be performed on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The dad will have surgery to remove one of his kidneys and Baby Christopher will have surgery to have that kidney implanted into his little body.

Please pray that both will do well, that Christopher's body will accept the kidney and it will work, and that he will be able to go off dialysis and begin to be a normal little boy!

Thank you.

Evolution Ex Nihilo

 
"Evolutionists have frequently criticized creationism as unscientific because of its basic commitment to the doctrine of creation ex nihilo—that is, “creation out of nothing.” 

"The idea that God simply called the universe into existence by His own power, without using any preexisting materials, is rejected out of hand by evolutionists, since this would involve supernatural action, which is unscientific by definition (that is, by their definition).

"Yet evolutionary cosmogonists maintain that the universe evolved itself out of nothing!"

These thoughts by Henry Morris Ph.D. were in a recent article posted on the ICR website.

To read the rest of this excellent article, HERE'S THE LINK

Aerial Views

An email friend found another great link.  He probably didn't know when he sent it that it would end up as a DIT but several of his discoveries have and this is another 'great find'.  Thanks friend.

What is it?

Well, as you have probably already suspected, pictures of far away places, and even of not so far places, when seen from the air, have always fascinated me.

If that is true of you also, you are going to love today's DIT.

Why?

Because, Photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand has taken some amazing pictures of landscapes and more from the air.

So, climb into your virtual airplane and view the scenes he photographed.
HERE'S THE LINK

Today is the First Day of Fall (Autumn)

Today Summer is officially over and Fall has begun.

The 'fancy' name for this event is "The Fall Autumnal Equinox."

So what is the Fall Autumnal Equinox and why is it important?

Well, for one thing, it is that special day at the end of summer and the beginning of fall when the sun at the equator rises in the due East and sets in the due West.

Thus, both the day and the night are about 12 hours long. The reason why they are not exactly 12 hours each is explained in the article below.

But, more significantly, to those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the days will now start getting shorter and shorter as each day passes and the nights will get longer and longer and longer ....

Until we come to the Winter Solstice when the shortest day of the year occurs.

But that is then and this is now.

And today is the Fall Autumnal Equinox.

If you are paying attention, you will notice that today there will about 12 hours of day and about 12 hours of night.

Anyway, to read more about the Equinoxes and see a really interesting 2 min 38 second video from National Geographic, which they posted for the 2009 equinox,  but same concepts apply every year including 2011, HERE’S THE LINK.

Another Scam !

This time it is related to Traffic light Cameras.

So what happens?

Seems that this is a nify new way to steal your identification.

And you know what happens after that.

Right.  Nothing Good.

HERE'S THE LINK

The Norwegian Army Band and Drill Team

This is another WOW video that was sent to us via email. 

What is it?

Well, seems that the Norwegian Army Band and Drill team did a concert somewhere and it was recorded and put on the internet.

If you have ever been in a band or on a rifle drill team you will really appreciate the music, precision, and details.

If you love to watch the half time shows at College Football games, you will love and cheer this show.

And, if you just want to enjoy wonderful marching music and observe amazing precision rifle drill team work, then this 8 minutes 25 seconds video is for you.  HERE'S THE LINK

Nazca lines in the middle east?

Wow. This is interesting.

You are probably familiar with the Nazca lines in the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. 

In fact, the DIT picture for today shows a Nazca Lines monkey figure.

Indeed, the Nazca lines in Peru are very mysterious and numerous speculations about their origin and purpose abound.

But, guess what?

Now strange and somewhat similar lines and structures have been discovered in the Middle East including such locations as Jordan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.

As with the Nazca lines in Peru, the origin, purpose, etc. of these lines and structures in the Middle East is also a mystery.

Verrrrrry interesting.  Check this out.  HERE'S THE LINK

Grandparents Answering Machine

Grandparents day has been observed in the US on the First Sunday after Labor Day since 1978.

This year Grandparents day for the US in 2011 was on Sunday, Sept 11 / 2011.

But, as you well know, a lot of other things were under consideration on that particular day this year so Grandparents day may have fallen by the wayside on your calendar.

But Grandparents really should not be forgotten.

For that reason, today's DIT is to 'honor' those of you who are grandparents and to bring a smile to those that aren't.

Either way, the email which I recently received, and which has probably gone around the internet a zillion times already, was new to me.

I have no idea who wrote this but they certainly know their 'facts'.

So, without further ado, check out this information about Grandparents very special 'Answering Machines' plus other facts about grandparents as related by their grandchildren.

HERE'S THE LINK.

Fossil of a 350 Million year old shrimp ?

Those with the 'evolutionary glasses' / worldview have made another startling "find' and pronouncement.

What is it?

Well, a fossilized shrimp has been found.

It still has some of its color and some of its muscles seem to still be discernable.

Additionally, its structural appearance does not seem different from shrimp today.

Of course, these findings are all very odd -- if you believe in evolution with its myriad of changes that are said to occur over time.

So, what about evolution?  Why weren't there a zillion shrimp changes from 350 million years ago till now?

Maybe it is not 250 million years old after all.

Perhaps the 'old earthers' should take a second look and consider the possibility that it is considerably younger and might actually be a fossil that was formed by Noah's Flood.

You think?

Anyway, to read about this 'oldest known' shrimp, HERE'S THE LINK

How to chop wood without messing around

Winter is coming and it will soon be time to fire up your fireplaces and wood stoves.

That means a lot of  chopping and stacking of wood needs to be done.

And, as you 'wood choppers' probably agree, this usually means a lot of hard and tiring work.

I say usually because this guy seems to have found a way to make chopping and stacking wood 'a piece of cake'.

Not being a wood chopper myself, I don't really know if what he is doing is possible --

But, if it is, you chopper folks should grab yourself a chain and an ax and pound away.

You will not believe the method portrayed on this 54 second Video. HERE'S THE LINK

More Americans tailoring religion to fit their needs

This is the conclusion of research by George Barna as reported in an article in USA Today.

George Barna, the well known Survey and Researcher, has published a book titled "Futurecast" in which he reports the changes in American's religious beliefs and actions during the years 1991 through 2011.

What he has discovered may or may not surprise you but it is definitely important, significant, and goes a long way in understanding and explaining many of the problems the USA is encountering today.

To read more about his findings as summarized in the USA Today article, HERE'S THE LINK

And to read the "State of the Church Series, 2011", which has considerably more details, as posted on the Barna website, HERE'S THE LINK

Hands only CPR - Saving Lives in Spokane

While reading a newsletter recently, I came across a reference to today's DIT link.

What is it?

Well, as you know, CPR is a commonly used method of attempting to revive a patient who has had a Cardiac Arrest .

For years and years the CPR Method recommended and taught by The American Heart Association and other similar groups has consisted of Compression of the heart and mouth to mouth breathing.

However, apparently, many folks do not attempt the 'standard' CPR for fear of contracting a disease from the mouth to mouth part.

So, what to do?

Well, the American Heart Association has done additional study and research and has developed new guidelines which consists of  "Hands Only CPR".

In other words the recommended method now is compression only.

To see a 6 minute 45 second video explaining the rationale for the new guidelines and a demonstration of how it is done, HERE'S THE LINK.

The Great Red spot on Jupiter

 You are probably well aware that there is a giant 'red spot' on the Planet Jupiter.

We have been told that it has been there for centuries.

But, not much more has been known about it except that it is a giant red spot that is so large that our Planet Earth could fit in it not once, not twice, but three times!

Wow. Now that is big!  

Yet the spot itself is only a small small portion of the huge Planet Jupiter.

Well, guess what.

Seems that our 'tax dollars at work' have recently revealed new pictures and additional information about this Red Spot.

To learn of some of these discoveries and see several amazing photos, HERE'S THE LINK.

Ducks and a yo yo

Usually when folks go to a zoo or, in this case, to a pet store, it is the people who are supposed to be watching the animals.

But, apparently the animals are also watching the people.

Who would have thought?

Yes, 'tis true, the animals are really paying attention to what the people are doing.

Doubt that?

Well, then check out this 21 second video. It is a hoot.  HERE'S THE LINK

Ten Years Ago

 

Where were you?

What were you doing?

How has your life changed?

How have you changed?

.

.

.

Surfing the clouds in Australia

Those of you who love to fly will really love today's DIT.

But this is even more 'into' flying than the usual Commercial flying or even the adventures of the Private Pilot.

Today we will be flying without an engine but only using the air and the sails of a wind surfer.

Sit back, relax, and join the fun as you watch this 4 min 28 sec video. HERE'S THE LINK

Stunning Photographs of the World's Most Dominant Species

An email from a friend had a great  suggestion for a DIT.

What is it?

Well, before we tell you, here is a hint:

In Psalms 91 we find these comforting words:

1      He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High 
        shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2      I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: 
        my God; in him will I trust.
3      Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, 
        and from the noisome pestilence.
4      He shall cover thee with his feathers, 
        and under his wings shalt thou trust: 
        his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5      Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; 
        nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6      Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; 
        nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7      A thousand shall fall at thy side, 
        and ten thousand at thy right hand; 
        but it shall not come nigh thee.

The verse of which we were reminded when we viewed the pictures you will see today was:

"4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."

And the specific part of the verse ---as you have likely guessed now that you have seen the picture for today--- was  

                   "… and under His wings…"

So, today, though the "wings" which you will be viewing are not God's wings, they are wings that were created by God.

The precision, beauty, and purpose of the wings of these insects once again attest to the awesomeness of The Creator God.   HERE'S THE LINK

Beautiful birds you will seldom see

Probably most of you love to watch birds and listen to their various calls.

If so, you are going to love the DIT link today, though alas there are no sounds -- only beautiful pictures.

But these are truly amazingly beautiful birds and for the most part (unless you go to zoos or travel a lot) they have probably not been on your 'radar' so to speak.

The beauty of these birds once again reveals volumes about their (and our) Creator God.

So, with that by way of introduction, check out these Beautiful birds.  HERE'S THE LINK.

The Impossible Gene

Oh, Oh, another problem for the evolutionists.

What is it this time? you ask.

Well, as pointed out in the article to which we will be linking today --

"Biologists have recently discovered a gene that suggests that God may not be above playing a practical joke on those who reject what His Word says."

Yep. Tis true.

Seems that some studies with the famous 'fruit flies' reveal an interesting finding that gives evolutionists aanother big problem.

But, rather than just tell you and ruin the surprise, HERE'S THE LINK

Tired Tired Tired

Yesterday on DIT we saw a cat that was soooooo tired that it just collapsed.

We got positive feedback from that DIT in that we heard that several watched it and thought it was great.

Probably many of you identified with that poor sleepy cat.

If you did, and if you think you are tired also. Join the club.

You, the cat, and now a sea lion are in the tired tired tired mode.

To see a really tired sea lion, check this out.  HERE'S THE LINK

Tired Cat passes out

Since today is a holiday and you probably have lots and lots of things to do today -- cooking out, visiting family and friends, whatever --

You probably don't have a lot of time to  spend on other things, such as checking out the DIT.

And, since yesterday's DIT, though verrrrrry interesting, was rather time consuming --

We thought that today you would want something short and sweet.

And we found the perfect thing.

Whether you are a cat lover or not, you will get a hoot out of this.

The title says it all and it only takes 9 seconds to view (no kidding).  HERE'S THE LINK.

The Geologic Column

Yesterday on DIT we saw a video of a flight over the Grand Canyon.

And, I mentioned my fascination with the many layers of the Grand Canyon and how they are evidence of the Flood of Noah.

Today on DIT, we are posting a link to an interesting article (actually it is Chapter 6 in the Book: Evolution Exposed), which will fill you in on many of the facts about the layers in the Grand Canyon and layers seen in many other areas of the world.

In fact these layers are part of what as known as "The Geologic Column".

What is the "Geologic Column"? you ask.

Well, as explained in the article,  the Geologic Column is a "graphic representation of the layers of rock that make up the earth's crust."

You will find this most interesting.  HERE'S THE LINK

The Grand Canyon seen in a Grand way

Those of you who know me know that I am a huge fan of the Grand Canyon.

Why?

Because its rock layers SHOUT the historicity of Noah's Flood, affirm the truthfulness of the Bible, and go a long way in removing the 'old earther's evolutionary glasses' if they would honestly reflect upon what they are seeing.

This is why pictures and videos of the Grand Canyon always grab my attention.

If you are similarly fascinated with the Grand Canyon, you are going to love today's DIT.

What is it?

Well, it is titled: "Jetman Flight at Grand Canyon West".

So, without further ado, to see a 5 minute 33 second video that will thrill your heart and possibly leave you breathless. HERE'S THE LINK

Fear God and keep His Commandments

What?

Yes, this is the conclusion of King Solomon.

Who is King Solomon? You ask.

He was the son of King David who took over the throne of Israel after David's death and is the king who built the First Temple in Jerusalem.

Long story about King Solomon.  

But in a nutshell: he started out well in his relationship with God, but ended up -- alas, anything but well.

The Book of Ecclesiastes chronicles the downward spiral of his life as he turned away from God.

Interestingly, King Solomon's conclusion as recorded in Ecclesiastes 12:13 was:

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: 
Fear Good and keep His commandments; 
for this is the whole duty of man."

Solomon's downward spiral is not unique to him or his life; and it should serve as a warning to those who are following in the same path.

To read a very brief devotional which gives a few more details and insights into Solomon's conclusion, HERE'S THE LINK

Where NOT to use a debit card and why

Many folks use credit cards and debit cards to buy almost everything.

But, those who do use such cards need to be aware that there might be some serious problems when using the 'card' instead of cash.

What kind of problems? You ask.

Well, the most serious problems seem to be related to Debit Cards.

Of course, if you are using the bank's ATM machine, you do have to use the Debit card.

But, for everything else, when you can't use plain old cash, you might want to use the run of the mill Credit card.

Why?

This short article will explain.  HERE'S THE LINK