Today's verse

Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

Psalm 86:1 (KJV)

Snoopy come home!

Apollo 11 landed men on the moon in 1969. What is now known to only a few is the fact that Apollo 10 made a dress-rehearsal that involved an approach of less that 10 miles to the moon's surface.

Once the moon part of the mission was completed, Thomas P. Stafford, Eugene A. Cernan, and John W. Young fired the spent LM (Lunar Module) ascent stage into solar orbit.

Now a team of scientists are looking for Snoopy (the name of the LM). The group is being led by Nick Howes.

Key quote:

"We're expecting a search arc up to 135 million kilometers in size which is a huge amount of space to look at," Howes continues. "We're aware of the scale and magnitude of this challenge but to have the twin Faulkes scopes assist the hunt, along with schools, plus the fact that we'll doubtless turn up many new finds such as comets and asteroids makes this a great science project too."

If the team find a potential suspect, they will turn to detailed spectral analysis to see if the hidden messages in the reflected light can confirm if they have succeeded in finding Snoopy.

Read the whole thing.

Today's verse

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 (KJV)

Today's verse

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)

Movie night

Song of the Thin Man (1947), starring William Powell and Myrna Loy.

Today's verse

And as [Jesus] passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mark 2:14-17 (KJV)

The cult of global warming

Dr. Ivar Giaever, a winner of the Nobel Prize for physics, has resigned from the American Physical Society because of its position on global warming. In particular, Dr. Giaever was upset by the APS's rigid stance and unwillingness to consider all evidence except that which supported its position.

Key quote:

"In the APS it is ok to discuss whether the mass of the proton changes over time and how a multi-universe behaves, but the evidence of global warming is incontrovertible? The claim (how can you measure the average temperature of the whole earth for a whole year?) is that the temperature has changed from ~288.0 to ~288.8 degree Kelvin in about 150 years, which (if true) means to me is that the temperature has been amazingly stable, and both human health and happiness have definitely improved in this 'warming' period."

Ironically, Dr. Giaever supported Barack Obama in 2008. I doubt that will protect him from the attacks from global warming cultists that are certain to follow. Thou shalt not blaspheme "settled science"!

Today's verse

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:3-4 (KJV)

9/11

For me, 9/11 began on 9/12.

I was living in Moshi, Tanzania at the time. I did not hear about the terrorist attacks until almost a full day after they had happened. One headline in a Tanzanian newspaper read TANZIA MERIKANI, which translates as "Obituary for America".

There will be many words written and spoken today. Sadly, some of those writers will ignore the uncomfortable facts about Islamic extremism that provoked the terrorist attacks in the first place.

But one story caught my eye, and seems to best sum up what this day is really about.

Lt. Heather “Lucky” Penney was a rookie F16 pilot at Andrews Air Force Base. Her mission was to bring down Flight 93.

Without weapons.

To accomplish this, she was being asked to ram her F16 into the hijacked airplane before it could kill more innocent people. In short: a suicide mission.

Key quote:

A third plane hit the Pentagon, and almost at once came word that a fourth plane could be on the way, maybe more. The jets would be armed within an hour, but somebody had to fly now, weapons or no weapons.

"Lucky, you’re coming with me,” barked Col. Marc Sasseville.

They were gearing up in the pre-flight life-support area when Sasseville, struggling into his flight suit, met her eye.

“I’m going to go for the cockpit,” Sasseville said.

She replied without hesitating.

“I’ll take the tail.”

It was a plan. And a pact.

Penney was willing to sacrifice her life to save others. She represents the best about America - something some editorial writers prefer to forget.

She never had to make the sacrifice. The equally brave passengers of Flight 93 fought the Muslim terrorists - and lost their lives in the process.

Today we remember those who lost their lives at the hands of murderous fanatics. We honor those who gave their lives for their fellow Americans - and those like Penney who were willing to make the sacrifice as well.

Today's verse

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 (KJV)

Dream schools in Somalia

In the city of Kismayu English and science studies have been banned from the school curriculum by the group Al Shabaab. Instead, schools will be required to teach Arabic and Islamic Studies.

Key quote:

"Parents have to make sure they teach their children the principles of Islamic jihad," said [Al Shabaab], which wants to impose its version of sharia law on all of Somalia.

Sounds like a school system that both al Qaeda and multiculturalists can love!

Ferry disaster in Zanzibar

A ferry has capsized off the island of Zanzibar, killing 163. Passengers accuse officials of overloading the ferry.

Please pray for the victims of this disaster.

Today's verse

The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

Psalm 16:5 (KJV)

Haters vs. "haters"

My hometown newspaper - the Eagle - has been publishing a series of editorials this week. The opinion pieces, which are written by non-journalists, are billed by the Eagle as a remembrance of the horrific events of September 11, 2001.

Up until today, however, the editorials have largely avoided 9/11 and the uncomfortable issues that day raises. Not a word (so far) about the heroes who saved lives pulling victims from the World Trade Center, or who fought back against the Islamic terrorists in a hijacked plane over Pennsylvania, or who died on the battlefields in Afghanistan and Iraq. For the most part, the authors of the editorials have contented themselves with promoting pet political causes that have nothing to do with the worst terrorist attack in American history. The Eagle may as well have used the space to peddle Twin Towers Cola or Flight 93 designer jeans. It would have been just as disgusting as what they did publish, but at least it would have been honest.

Today's editorial (written by Karan Watson and Nancy Watson) was about the suicide of one of their friends. The authors seemed to be blaming anyone and everyone who was a "hater" for their friend's death.

To anyone acquainted with modern multiculturalism, the Watson's definition of "hater" was all too familiar. Those who do not wholeheartedly endorse the Watson's view of "tolerance" are somehow guilty of murdering their friend. The Eagle is not exactly known for thought-provoking journalism and rational debate, but even by its own already low standards today's editorial was more than a bit over the top.

One problem I have discovered in arguing with multiculturalists is that many of them see disagreement as not just wrong, but a criminal act that indicates you are not quite a human being. You are a "hater" if you disagree with the homosexual lifestyle, affirmative action, abortion on demand, or any other position they hold as sacred. It was not hyperbole or journalistic license that led the Watsons to accuse those they disagree with of slaughtering their friend. They really mean it.

Perhaps it is time to remind the Eagle that the world is a bit more than what they encounter in the pampered, privileged bubble they live in. Unlike the Watson's fictitious "haters", real haters are killing innocent victims every day all over the world. China, Cuba, and North Korea routinely imprison, torture and murder people with rarely a peep of protest from the journalists at Eagle. Hitler's rise to power led to an orgy of blood-letting and a world war. The Soviet Union and the Communist Bloc came terrifyingly close to world domination while strangling the life and soul out of its subjects. The United States threw off the evils of slavery only after fighting a vicious civil war, and nearly a hundred years later almost did so again in order to get rid of lingering racial discrimination. Throughout history Jews have been a favorite target for bloodthirsty maniacs. And just try being a homosexual (or a Christian) in places like Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan, and others the Eagle would prefer to forget.

Perhaps it is time to remember who the real haters are.

Update on Asia Bibi

Asia Bibi will be the subject of a new book. The book will be written in collaboration with French journalist and author Anne Isabelle Tollet.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Today's verse

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Today's verse

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

At GetReligion.org, there is a good article about the sometimes misleading coverage in the West over the plight of Asia Bibi and other victims of radical Islam.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Reading list

Stalin: Breaker of Nations, by Robert Conquest.

Today's verse

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake

II Corinthians 4:5 (KJV)

Today's verse

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

Shahbaz Taseer, the son of the murdered Governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer, has been kidnapped. Shehrbano Taseer, Salman Taseer's daughter, has already left Pakistan due to death threats.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family, and for the family of Salmaan Taseer.

Today's verse

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Matthew 10:34 (KJV)

Zanzibar and Ramadan

Tourists to Zanzibar (an island that is part of the United Republic of Tanzania) have been advised that "it would be to their benefit if they refrain from eating and drinking in public during Ramadhan".

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I was often embarrassed by the poor behavior some Western tourists showed when they were in Tanzania. Many young European women dressed (and acted) like they were on their way to a pole-dancing contest. The overt sexual behavior that has decimated Western culture is not yet fully established in Tanzania, and many Tanzanians want to keep it that way. It would be nice if some Westerners would stop viewing Tanzanians as backwards, sexually-repressed morons who need to have their consciousnesses raised - even if it against their will.

On the other hand, I know from experience that this advisory against eating and drinking in public has less to do with respect for local customs than with the safely of Western tourists. While In Tanzania (I lived and worked on the mainland) I never had anyone warn me against public eating and drinking during Ramadan. But the islands are different - the population is 99% Muslim, and the guarantees of religious freedom are not always available to non-Muslims. Church buildings have been attacked in Zanzibar, and Christians live under a constant threat of oppression. My wife knows of cases where non-Muslims living in the islands have been dragged from restaurants - and even their homes - and beaten for eating during Ramadan.

In my opinion, this warning to tourists is the result of the growing influence of radical Muslims who have no interest in religious pluralism or tolerance. To the best of my knowledge, no Western tourists have ever been attacked for public eating and drinking. But given the fact that the islands seem well on their way to becoming a de facto Islamist state, that situation may not last.

Today's verse

The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired [Jesus] that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Matthew 16:1-4 (KJV)

Today's verse

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Proverbs 4:13 (KJV)

Train ride

Yesterday we went to ride the Bertram Flyer. Here are some pictures:

Lord, I thank You for the chance to spend time with my family.

Today's verse

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

John 8:12-18 (KJV)

Ramadan in Zanzibar

Tanzania has long had an interesting religious/political division. Tanzania originally was Tanganyika, and later incorporated the islands such as Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

The people of the mainland of Tanzania are mostly Christians, while the coastal area and islands are 99% Muslims. This has caused a great deal of political strife, and has weakened the central government's authority over the islands and coast. It basically amounts to a country within a country.

Now the Zanzibar government wants the police on the islands to "arrest and charge anyone caught eating, drinking, or selling food at daytime during the current month of Ramadhan". This includes non-Muslims. This also violates Tanzania's guarantee of religious freedom.

New Catholic bishop in Tanzania

A new diocese - the Kondoa Catholic Diocese - has been created in Tanzania. On August 14 Pope Benedict XVI appointed Fr. Bernardino Mfumbusa to be the first bishop of the new diocese. Fr. Mfumbusa had been vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of St. Augustine of Tanzania (SAUT).

Please pray for Bishop Mfumbusa.

The aliens are coming!

Space aliens, that is. And they are angry about our carbon footprint (I wonder if Al Gore is exempted from their wrath).

Key quote:

It may not rank as the most compelling reason to curb greenhouse gases, but reducing our emissions might just save humanity from a pre-emptive alien attack, scientists claim.

Watching from afar, extraterrestrial beings might view changes in Earth's atmosphere as symptomatic of a civilisation growing out of control – and take drastic action to keep us from becoming a more serious threat, the researchers explain.

This highly speculative scenario is one of several described by a Nasa-affiliated scientist and colleagues at Pennsylvania State University that, while considered unlikely, they say could play out were humans and alien life to make contact at some point in the future.

Perhaps those Penn State scientists have been watching too many movies like The Day The Earth Stood Still. At any rate, someone please remind me again how global warming is science.

Today's verse

Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.

Psakm 21:13 (KJV)

Update on Asia Bibi

Shahbaz Bhatti, the Pakistani minister who was murdered by Muslim extremists because of his opposition to the country's blasphemy's laws, will not be honored by President Zardari. However, Punjab Governor Salman Taseer (who was also murdered) will be honored. Both men defended Asia Bibi - and paid with their lives for it.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

Please continue to pray for Asia Bibi and her family.

Planned Parenthood update

Planned Parenthood will stop performing abortions in three Arizona cities. God be praised!

The above article by the Associated Press is rather whiny in tone. This is not surprising, since the secular media has been one of the abortion industry's loudest cheerleaders. But it shows that ordinary men and women can make a difference for the better - even in the face of massive amounts of campaign money spent against them, and a media determined to demonize and dehumanize all opponents to abortion.

Please pray to end all abortions.

Today's verse

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Proverbs 10:12 (KJV)

Reading list

To infinity and beyond, by Eli Maor.

Today's verse

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

James 3:13-14 (KJV)

Movie night

The Fox and the Hound.

Today's verse

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:3 (KJV)

Witness to the faith: Susan Ithungu

A 14-year-old Ugandan girl was tortured by her father after converting to Christianity.

Susan heard the Gospel and decided to become a follower of Jesus. Her father, a Muslim, locked her in a sunless room for six months with no food or water except what her brother was able to smuggle to her. Susan was finally released, but is now unable to walk.

Please pray for Susan.