A showcase for the ages
“But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace” Ephesians 2:4-7
God because of His amazing power of grace managed to save even us. How incomparable is that in light of God’s holiness and our depravity? How amazing to think on the wonders of Jesus the Christ-the reconciler of generations, the One whom bridged the gulf between a righteous God and sinners; that even in His holiness He finds room for justifying me?
What greater work has ever been done? All other works show His power, artistry, imagination, wisdom, beauty, even joy. Yet, what work compares to this? None could conceive possible but Him alone. God welded His great splendor of righteousness with compassion and love. How can we express?
For all eternity He will showcase us…the definition and sight of grace. We will be a shadowbox of glory. He will place us on a pedestal to showcase His glory for eternity. All will look on us and glorify God.
A showcase for the ages. The crown of glory in beauty beyond description is given to Him.
The Sliding Rocks of Racetrack Playa
http://geology.com/articles/racetrack-playa-sliding-rocks.shtml
One of the most interesting mysteries of Death Valley National Park is the sliding rocks at Racetrack Playa (a playa is a dry lake bed). These rocks can be found on the floor of the playa with long trails behind them. Somehow these rocks slide across the playa, cutting a furrow in the sediment as they move.
Some of these rocks weigh several hundred pounds. That makes the question: “How do they move?” a very challenging one.
The truth: No one knows for sure exactly how these rocks move – although a few people have come up with some pretty good explanations. The reason why their movement remains a mystery: No one has ever seen them in motion!
Let’s learn how they are thought to move….
About Racetrack Playa
Racetrack playa is lake bed that is almost perfectly flat and almost always dry. It is about 4 kilometers long (2.5 miles – north to south) andabout 2 kilometers wide (1.25 miles – east to west). The surface is covered with mudcracks and the sediment is made up mainly of silt and clay.
The climate in this area is arid. It rains just a couple of inches per year. However, when it rains, the steep mountains which surround Racetrack Playa produce a large amount of runoff that converts the playa floor into a broad shallow lake. When wet, the surface of the playa is transformed into a very soft and very slippery mud.
Are they moved by people of animals?
The shape of trails behind the rocks suggest that they move during times when the floor of Racetrack playa is covered with a very soft mud. A lack of disturbed mud around the rock trails eliminates the possiblity of a human or animal pushing or assisting the motion of the rocks.
Are they moved by the wind?
This is the favorite explanation. The prevailing winds that blow across Racetrack Playa travel from southwest to northeast. Most of the rock trails are parallel to this direction. This is strong evidence that wind is the prime mover or at least involoved with the motion of the rocks.
Strong wind gusts are thought to nudge the rocks into motion. Once the rock begins to move a wind of much lower velovity can keep the rock in motion as it slides across the soft and very slippery mud. Curves in the rock trails are explained by shifts in wind direction or in how the wind interacts with an irregularly shaped rock.
Are they moved by ice?
A few people have reported seeing Racetrack Playa covered by a thin layer of ice. One idea is that water freezes around the rocks and then wind, blowing across the top of the ice, drags the ice shee with its embedded rocks across the surface of the playa.
Some researchers have found highly congruent trails on multiple rocks that strongly support this movement theory. However, the transport of a large ice sheet might be expected to mark the playa surface in other ways – these marks have not been found.
Other researchers experimented with stakes that would be disturbed by ice sheets. The rocks moved without disturbing the stakes. The evidence for ice-sheet transport in not consistent.
Wind is the Favored Mover!
All of the best explanations involve wind as the energy source behind the movement of the rocks. The question remains is do they slide while encased in an ice sheet or do they simply side over the surface of the mud? Perhaps each of these methods is responsible for some rock movement?
Perhaps this story will remain more interesting if the real answer is never discovered!
Tom Cruise freaky Scientology Videos
Original and freakiest:
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The high duty of scientists
A while back I had an interesting conversation with one of the janitors in our building. She is a sweet lady, and I enjoy talking to her very much. We were discussing coming back from the weekend and starting up work again. I told her a little of what I had done, and I flippantly mentioned how mundane my research had been the last couple days. Her response knocked me off my feet. She said that she knew it was really important, and that it was well worth the money and time. This is even though I have never told her what I actually do! She said a few other things, and then left. I realized that she has a very high view of the importance of research.
She has the belief that all research we do is for the betterment of humanity. I think about that, and I wonder if all of the research I do follows in line with this thought. My work on Arsenic, I believe, certainly does fit. Healthy water means healthier people. My other research on landfill leachate seems to also. I wonder though how well my research on Asphalt moisture damage fits….hummm….well, longer lasting roads mean improved infrastructure and saves money. To be honest I really dont give a rip about science for the sake of science. All that matters to me is whether it is improving lives.
If we were to apply this litmus test, “Is the research you do related to the betterment of humanity?” to all researchers I wonder how many would easily say yes, and how many would be forced to take a step back. The vast majority of the research I have seen certainly passes this test with flying colors, but then again I am in Environmental Science and Toxicology. One would hope most of our research is based on human needs.
Claiming the promises of Christ
As stated in a previous post, I have always had a big problem with anxiety. I worry about things quite a lot. I try to pretend like I dont, but I really do. There have been times in my past when I even made myself sick literally.
After delving into my anxiety I realized long ago that it is simply a lack of faith. Anxiety has a wonderful/horrible way of clearly showing us where our faith is lacking. When I stop and think about whatever I am anxious about it become obvious to me exactly what I dont believe about Christ. What promise do I doubt?
Point in fact, I struggle big time with believing that Jesus is enough for me. Psalms 16:11 states that, “In His presence is fullness of joy and in His right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Everyday I struggle to believe this. After my life battles while living in the Middle East I realize how far I really am from trusting in that promise.
Recently I have gained a tremendous asset in this battle. It is not a new weapon. In fact it is very obvious in scripture. However, I dont think I have ever really used it before.
Let me explain. This week I was spending some time with a person that is very gifted in discussing these things. After a long talk she mentioned that I really need to learn to claim the promises of Christ. I thought, “Ummm…..what do you mean? I know we are to claim the promises. I do that already.” I even know Hebrews 4:16,
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need
Apparently she knew what I was thinking and said, “verbally.” She went on to explain that I needed to say the basis for the promise, the statement of the promise (generally at least), and what struggle specifically that it shattered out loud. After a couple minutes in prayer I attempted to do this. It was so hard!!!! (and awkward to be honest)
Afterward, she smiled and said that I had not done what she asked. I knew she was right, but for some reason I could not form the words. It was at that moment that I realized that my prayers in that past have tended to be shallow, nonspecific, noncommittal, and I almost never base the promise on its foundation.
So, we talked through it, and finally we got to this,
“By the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, I claim the promise that you are enough for my satisfaction and happiness against feelings of a lack of satisfaction in you. Psalms 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy and in Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. I claim this promise as a child of God.”
I said this verbally. I immediately recognized that there was power in my words. This wasnt because I said them, but simply because they were truth. There is an amazing power behind verbally claiming truth.
She then went on to tell me that I needed to practice this. It is like exercising in a sense. We need reps to build it up.
I dont think my struggle is over. I do, however, think I just entered into the battle with a new extremely powerful weapon.
A Christian Environmentalist’s View of the World
“Don’t wanna be, stitched up; out of my mind. Feeling strung out; laggin’ behind. All trapped in; can’t do a thing because…I’m Locked down” — John Mayer
That song may be about a beautiful woman, but I often feel similar about Christianity and Environmentalism. As my blog readers know I don’t mind calling myself an environmentalist… but a Baptist one?
What is Christian Environmentalism? Well, first I would say it is a belief that Christianity demands stewardship. We have an obligation to care for God’s creation as best we can. Genesis makes it clear that God put us in charge of this earth. It is our duty to gently nurture it into a state of health.
Second, I would say it is a belief that the Earth shows us something of God’s character. It is an intricate piece of artistry that is almost unparalleled in beauty. It is to be admired. He made it simply because He took great joy in it. The creation all around us tells us a great deal about what type of God we serve, creative by default!
Third, I would say it is a belief that the Earth is broken. It does not agree with the Gaia Hypothesis in the sense that all organisms promote life in general. Indeed, many parts to the earth are harmful to itself. This is a result of our decision to sin. We created the brokenness around us.
Lastly, it is a viewpoint that demands we be unselfish in our roles. Christians should be the loudest proponents in taking care of the entire world. This sometimes comes at a cost. If we Christians are part of a group that creates harmful elements to other groups (such as our massive amount of greenhouse gas emissions compared to our population size) we need to work hard to heal the situation.
Sometimes, I admit I am torn between two groups. I think it is silly how many followers of Christ view the environmental movement as a big lying monster, and have allowed it to become synonymous with certain figures they disagree with. However, in my experience more and more Christians are beginning to allow themselves a fresh look at environmentalism.
On the Will of God, and how to know it
I, like everyone, am constantly trying to figure out what the will of God is. Who doesn’t want to know the Will of God? Should I go to this school? Should I go to that school? Should I take this job? Should I take that job? Should I go to this church? Should I go to that church? Should I go to church at all? Everyone does, right? Lots of people who claim they don’t even believe in God…when their life gets rough and they are all by themselves they will pray for guidance.
Why do you think this is? Is it perhaps that we innately know there is an order to things and a will beyond our own?Both believers in God and atheists want to know there is a benevolent being out there who can help us in our time of need. Who though wants to hear what He has to say when it isn’t what we want to hear?
The truth is we are all very confused when it comes to knowing the ‘Will of God.’ Most of us don’t really even know what the means much less how to know it. We all want the quick and short of it. Give me the answer. Show me the way…now!
I have to admit that I struggle with this a lot. As a young single man I am making all kinds of choices right now that will affect the rest of my life. I want to make wise ones. The choices I make need to be grounded on truth and centered on God’s guidance. As to what is the ‘Will of God’…well that can be a complicated thing indeed. If you make it complicated that is.
From scripture I believe we can see two different types of “Wills” when the bible talks about the ‘Will of God.” These two different types of ‘wills’ play out differently in our lives and often people will confuse one for the other adding to their original frustration. The two types of ‘wills’ in the New Testament are: God’s will of decree (God’s sovereignty) and God’s will of command. Take a look at descriptions of both types.
1. The will of decree or God’s sovereign will. This is God’s sovereign will of EVERYTHING that comes to pass. Nothing in this world happens that is not in His will.
a. Matthew 26:39/Isaiah 53. God’s will was for Christ to die, yet God hated it. God’s will sometimes is for horrible things to happen. Always in these horrible things, however, God is looking for some other greater good to come out of it. In Christ’s death it was so that we could all gain eternal life.
b. 1 Peter 3:17. Sometimes it is God’s will the Christians should suffer when they don’t deserve it.
c. Matthew 10:39/ Proverbs 16:1/Daniel 4:35. Everything is the will of God. God is never like…”Ohhh dang I didn’t expect that!” No one can hold back God’s hand or say, “What have you done?”
2. The will of command. This is what God commands you to do and what you ought to do. This command, unlike God’s sovereign will can be thwarted. He allows it to be.
a. Matthew 7:21. There are wills of God that are not done.
b. 1 Thessalonians 4:3/1 Thessalonians 5:18/1 John 2:17. We have a choice to follow the command of God or not to.
So, sometimes in scripture ‘will’ is referring to what God is going to cause to happen (or caused in the past). Other times it is a command that He expects you to obey yet gives you the choice not to. When we refuse to follow God’s will of command we sin. This is free will. It is your choice.
The real question then is how can I know what God’s will is for me. First, it should be obvious that God does not expect you to know His sovereign will. Only He knows all He is planning. You can know something about it however such as Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”"
My opinion is that we should not fret about what God’s sovereign will is. It is going to happen anyway…fact. That is like wanting to look into a crystal ball and learning the future. God wants us to learn to trust Him. If God simply threw out the answers to us every time we were faced with a problem we would never grow.
That is not to say that God never reveals His sovereign will. I do believe in prophecy.
This brings us to the second type of will, God’s will of command. This is (in my understanding) where God directs us and gives us answers the answers we are seeking. Sometimes these answers are spelled out in scripture. For instance, “Should I have sex with a woman that is not my wife?” Scripture tells you. No. Or, “Should I kick this puppy?” Ok, so maybe that one isn’t in scripture, but you get the point.
Other times there are choices that are not explicit in scripture. An example would be, “Should I study Engineering or Sociology?” You will not find a direct answer in the bible. God does, however, listen and He will give you direction.
Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.“
Romans says that we need to be able to test and approve what God’s will is. This is God’s will of command. I believe this is one of those things that grows with time. Phillipians 1:6 says that God is constantly making you more and more like Him.
If you want to make a decision and you want to know God’s will then ask Him what His desire is. Then ask Him for the ability to see it.
Medications in Drinking Water
Ok, so we are hearing everywhere these days about prescription medicines in the drinking water of many states and localities. Several people have asked me about this in recent days. They want to know what Environmental Scientists and Toxicologists think about these recent reports. I probably should have written about this several days ago, but here is my belated response:
“What was in this report that we didnt already know?”
I dont mean to sound flippant about this, but there was nothing in the report that we didnt already know with certainty. This is hardly the first study of its kind. That is not to say that it isnt important. In fact one of my proposed research projects 2 years ago was on pharmaceuticals in surface waterways. 
Let me ask you all the same question that I ask my students. Where do you think all of the pharmaceuticals in our water come from?……mostly they are flushed down the toilet. Americans consume more medicines than you can even imagine. When we urinate we release metabolized forms of those medicines.
Lets take caffeine for example. Caffeine is a drug right? When you drink coffee or Coca Cola your body uses some of the caffeine. Some of it is changed by your body into other chemical species. The rest of it leaves in your urine in a similar state. What do you think happens to the caffeine? It is flushed out and eventually reaches groundwater, lakes, rivers, oceans, etc.
The same thing happens for Ritalin, Oral Birth Control Pills, Steroids, Cough Medicine, and thousands and thousands of other drugs. Our society (sorry I will soap box for one sentence) is addicted to drugs of all kinds. What do you expect will happen?
One other thing to think about…….there are far more new compounds invented/produced everyday then we can effectively study. This is a major problem because the unknowns are growing much faster than we can characterize.
This is a problem that I think will continue with us into the future.
A discussion of torture and waterboarding
Here is a thread that I was a part of discussing waterboarding. To see the whole article go to The Irritable Elephant. The first comment is in response to the post.
environmentalchristian,
Thanks for posting. I appreciate all comments regardless of their point of view. But I want to take issue with your premise.
I deeply respect the fact that you lived in the Middle East, an area that I have only visited. But here’s where you and I disagree:
- We unjustly attacked and killed “millions of Iraqis.” I’m interested to see where you get this statistic. Moreover, most opinion polls (as unreliable as they may be in Iraq) show that the majority of Iraqis feel that they are better off under American occupation that in the quarter century, bloodthirsty dictatorship of Saddam Hussein.
And about the waterboarding thing. If you are referring to the actual act, it has been reported that less than ten detainees were subjected to this. This could not possibly breed thousands of attackers. If you are referring to the way that biased outlets like Al-Jazeera report on American activities in Iraq (and I am not saying that we don’t have biased outlets here in the U.S.) they are going to hate us anyway if we waterboard or not. The fundamentalist, Islamo-facsists don’t need bulletin board material to hate our guts. They already do and want to convert us to Islam – or kill us. Period.
And my final point is that you state is that “there are rules to war.” Al-Qaida does not play by the rules and my personal opinion is that it is time that our country learned the new rules of engagement.
We disagree, but thanks for posting.
IE
Environmental Christian,My wife lived in the ME for years. Her family had to be evacuated by the Royal Air Force when the fanatics took over. These people already have a mindset to hate America and it’s freedom. You’re not creating dissent. It’s already there.Information is the best way to save lives. One of my closest friends is in the army and is over in Iraq now. He’s handling intel reports. He’s singing a very different tune than you. He’s seeing the bigger picture because he’s there NOW. He’s among the people. He’s helping to capture the enemy and seeing how it affects the local community. Those who are attacking Americans have always had the mindset to attack Americans. However, the locals he’s involved with are extremely thankful that they’re there.
Jethro,
Thanks for your comments. I am corresponding with a Marine Captain in Iraq now, so feel free to check back everyone once in a while.
Thanks for reading.
IE
Mark,
Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it when bloggers discuss rather than just throw mud. It is possible I suppose that there are polls that would show the majority of Iraqis think they are better off now than they were under Saddam. Personally though I find this very doubtful. I cant fathom the majority of Iraqis thinking they are better off now.
My Iraqi friends almost unanimously say that Iraq is far more dangerous now than it was under Saddam. Not only that, but the war has made Iran more powerful. Iraq and Iran have been buffers for each other for a long time. We just removed one.
Surely you are not arguing that the Iraq war has endeared us to Iraqis. Beyond doubt this is not the case. The Arab world feels to be under our thumb more and more and more. Pressure causes reactions. That is a sad fact.
I am referring more to the knowledge that America uses torture techniques rather than the actual act (which is a horrible) being committed to a few prisoners. I would take issue with two statements that I believe have the same seed of thought:
1. “they are going to hate us anyway if we waterboard or not. The fundamentalist, Islamo-facsists don’t need bulletin board material to hate our guts. They already do and want to convert us to Islam – or kill us. Period” Mark
2. “These people already have a mindset to hate America and it’s freedom. You’re not creating dissent. It’s already there” Jethro
To me the seed of thought here is that they already hate us and that is an unrepairable fact. It is not. There are all kinds of people in the Middle East. I have personally only ever encountered two Arabs that hated me just because I was American…two (which I remember well) out of thousands.
Lastly, I notice that you do not seem to take issue with the broader argument that violence in the end only prolongs the destruction. I will admit that torture will sometimes give information that blunts pointed attacks. However, when we open that door and release all the moral authority that we have left we cause a spiral of violence that is much worse.
environmentalchristian,
I respect your comments and will without question leave them up. I think my other readers — 99 percent of whom are respectful — will chime in too.
We might disagree on some points, but you are welcome to post any time. And like you said, reasonable people can disagree. I don’t like it when people start slinging mud either.
IE
This has always been a 7-10 split for me. I think insuring domestic tranquility and providing a common defense are among the most important things (if not the most important) our government does. If making a terror kingpin (who’s goal is to kill as many americans as possible) feel like he’s drowning for a minute or two makes him give up some important info, then I have no problem with doing it.
I do however agree with the moral high ground argument. If later on we get in a war with a legit country (say Iran) and they begin to torture our men and women in uniform, how can we stand up and say they are violating international law? This in a way is exposing our troops in future wars and police actions.
Imo this is what should be done. Under no circumstance should the military be conducting torture. Leave this to professionals (CIA) and use it rarely on prisoners who have a lot of info to give up. The only reason this is being discussed is Abu Ghraib. If that situation never made the light of the media day, this blog post or the LA Times article (and 1000s like it) would have never been written. Military isn’t trained to do this for maximum results. Having ppl in their late teens and early 20s using their best judgment in the torture of ppl who’ve killed their buddies, brothers and sister in arms, or fellow citizens isn’t a likely scenario.
As far as Iraq being worse off then it was under Saddam, well of course it is. This is a messy situation that was handled poorly from the word go. Now we finally have troop levels that allow the generals to get things headed into a positive direction and we should just quit? If we do quit, Iran grabs their piece, Al Qaeda grabs their’s, and the Kurds hold on for dear life while they are acted from every which way.
Do I think we went there under false pretenses and the war should have never happened? Yes, but I nor can anyone else can wish it away. Atleast being there right now there is more control and stability to the situation. Since the surge there has been some reason for hope.
Zelda
I think environmental christian has a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the enemy over there. They do not think the same way the West thinks. You’re looking at a place where very little has changed in a 2 millenia except for some clusters of technology (which they had nothing to do with inventing).
The premise of the Geneva convention is that both sides of a conflict will honor it. If one side doesn’t follow it and the other side does, the one who follows it will lose. They put themselves at a disadvantage to really evil people who should not win no matter what.
Waterboarding? Don’t care. Whether we do it or not has no bearing whatsoever upon what AQ will do to anyone they capture. If we do it, they will use it as an excuse to torture people. If we don’t do it, they will praise Allah that he made us weak, and they will torture people anyway. It’s not a logical culture.
As for Iraqis declaring it was better under Saddam, find out whether they were Sunni, Shia or Kurd before you accept their statement blindly.
During the American Revolution, there were probably plenty of people who thought they had it better under the monarchy. But when you persevere in the cause for freedom and win, things will only improve. That’s been proven throughout history and I have no reason to think it wouldn’t be true in Iraq as well.
Zelda,I can see why you think I have a misunderstanding of AQ. But, I do not. I understand all to well what the organization is. It is not being argued (in fact this thread takes it as a given) whether AQ will follow the rules of war. Or course they will not.Yes, you are correct in pointing out that different ethno/religious groups will have different viewpoints on Saddam. I have lived in the Middle East for many years, and I am fluent in Arabic. This is where my knowledge base is coming from.
I do not know your background, but I take great issue with your characterization (or should I say caricaturization) of Arab/Muslim culture. You say,
“Waterboarding? Don’t care. Whether we do it or not has no bearing whatsoever upon what AQ will do to anyone they capture. If we do it, they will use it as an excuse to torture people. If we don’t do it, they will praise Allah that he made us weak, and they will torture people anyway. It’s not a logical culture”
First point, “Waterboarding? Don’t care.” You should care. It is a disgusting act. They are people. They are human beings who deserve basic human rights. What, may I ask, is so much better about our culture if we dont care? We are then identical to them.
Second point, “It’s not a logical culture” What do you mean by this statement? It sounds to me that you have just as much hate as they do.
Listen to me please. Muslims are not murderers. They are lovely, generous, kind, thoughtful people. Do not confuse al-Qaida with Muslims. There are murderers in every culture. Just look at the violence on our College and Junior High/High School campuses here in America. Violence spirals.
BTW most people online just call me EC
That is the end of the thread. If more is added I will add it here if I get a chance.
Bush commits an unchristian atrocity by allowing waterboarding
President George Bush vetoed a bill on Saturday to ban the use of waterboarding during prisoner interrogations by the United States. In my opinion this is one of the most outrageous acts of President Bush’s tenure. If you don’t know what waterboarding is, Wikipedia describes it as:
“A form of torture that consists of immobilizing a person on their back with the head inclined downward (the Trendelenburg position), and pouring water over the face and into the breathing passages. Through forced suffocation and inhalation of water, the subject experiences the process of drowning and is made to believe that death is imminent. In contrast to merely submerging the head face-forward, waterboarding almost immediately elicits the gag reflex. Although waterboarding does not always cause lasting physical damage, it carries the risks of extreme pain, damage to the lungs, brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation, injuries (including broken bones) due to struggling against restraints, and even death. The psychological effects on victims of waterboarding can last for years after the procedure.”
Waterboarding is beyond doubt torture. By affirming the use of torture to prisoners Bush sends the message yet again that the “Christian Nation” cares nothing for others. They only care for themselves. We scream and holler when we are scratched in the least, but we will not extend basic human rights to the rest of the world. It sickens me that this message is conveyed over and over again in much of the world.
Jesus taught to love our enemies.
-
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No, Bush is not some visionary because he recognizes that al-Qaida does not play by the rules. He simply is too weak to take the higher ground by realizing there are rules to war. This doesnt make us safer…it prolongs our unsafety.