Good News Press June/July 2013

Good News Press

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victory. ‘Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?’ 1Corinthians 15:51– 55

A Message From Good News Press Good News Press is an outreach publication. The Christian message is often referred to as the "Gospel," which means Connie Woods "good news." Specifically, it is the good news about Jesus—who he is, what he has done, and what he offers. Essentially, the message is that Jesus was God in the flesh, that he came into the world to reconcile humanity to himself, and that his salvation is freely offered to each person who will respond in faith. The Gospel message explains that salvation is only possible through the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. Though thousands of books have been written about these events, the core idea is that, through his sacrifice, Jesus paid the price for our sinfulness (rebellion against God), thus offering us forgiveness. Then through his Resurrection he conquered death, removing it as the penalty for our sin and replacing it with the offer of eternal life that is only available from him to all those that place their faith in him.

Plan of Salvation:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

The Soon Coming Rapture

In This Issue Opinion - America, Father’s Day, End Time Signs

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Research: Disasters, Christian Ministry Declines Tax Exemption

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Upcoming Conferences

4

Food, National Events, Longevity

5

What’s going on in Damascus?

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Articles, What Happened to the Signers of the Declaration of Independ-

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June//July 2013

For those that are left behind, Earth will become a horrible place, full of sorrow, pain, and death. Wrath will be poured out on unrepentant man in many forms. During this period, the Anti-Christ will also arise and require man to take the mark of the beast, with eternal consequences. All those that receive the mark will eventually cast into hell.

“If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath.”

Revelation 14:9,10

Hopefully believers will be insired to a deeper relationship with the Lord,

By Connie Woods in the air. It will be a day, like none holy living, and evangelism, literally ‘For the Lord himself shall descend from other when those that have placed snatching some out of the misery to heaven with a shout, with the voice of their faith in Jesus Christ, will seem- come, if left behind, and eventually the archangel, and with the trump of ingly vanish, from the earth. It will the eternal unquenchable fires of an God: and the dead in Christ shall rise happen without warning, in what the hell that awaits all that are lost. first: Then we which are alive and rebible describes as a twinkling of an If you don’t know the Lord Jesus main shall be caught up together with eye. Only those who are ready, will Christ as your personal Savior, you them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in go and all others will be ‘left behind’. can receive him today. He loves and the air: and so shall we ever be with the Those that are caught up, will be wants to save you.

That if thou Lord. Wherefore comfort one another changed. They will receive new glori- shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord with these words’ 1Thess 4:16fied, immortal bodies, that will not Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart 18.

One day, Christians will be decay, thus bringing to pass the that God hath raised him from the dead, raptured, caught up to meet the Lord promise - Death is swallowed up in thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

Good News Press - 2 O AMERICA, WHERE ART THOU? Opinion - By Rita Peck As each day passes, I sadly watch as this once great nation slides down that awful path to God’s judgment and ultimate destruction, and my soul weeps for her. A nation that was once the light to the world: “Bring me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these, the homeless, tempesttossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door! ─Engraved on the Statue of Liberty A nation where you are free to worship God without persecution, without fear, in a nation blessed by God Himself!

That is now a thing of the past.

Every day brings more and more unbelievable revelations of a nation turning its back on God, giving us our own version of “shock and awe” (and not in a good way). Homosexuality is now the preferred lifestyle condoned and promoted by our very own government; the level of greed amongst individuals and corporations is staggering; people are meaner to each other than ever before; and the words coming out of people’s mouths is more vile and disgusting than I ever remember.

Gone are wonderful, entertaining shows like “The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Walton’s,” being replaced by disgusting and repulsive shows like: “2 Broke Girls” and “Two and a Half Men.” Our country is the number one producer and distributor of pornography in the world but there is no outcry.

There is no outrage. And the list just keeps on going.

But then I woke up this morning to a new revelation that gave me goose bumps and made me sick to my stomach. The headlines read: “Pentagon May Court Martial Soldiers Who Share

Christian Faith” the Middle East and that the (breitbart.com article by Ken Palestinians are a persecuted people due to the terrorist Klukowski, 1 May 2013). tactics perpetrated on them Are you kidding me? by the Israeli’s. It truly bogAccording to this report, the gles the mind.

Pentagon has released a It saddens me to see what is statement confirming this. happening in this country, but then I also know one Not only could soldiers be prosecuted for sharing their great thing. God is in control! It is called the “sovereignty” of God and there is nothing He does not have absolute control over. He does what He pleases when He pleases, all for His glory! “… Surely, just as I have intended, so it has happened, and just as I have planned, so it will stand” (Isaiah 14:24).

“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all faith, they could also be my good pleasure’” (Isaiah prosecuted for merely ex46:10). pressing their faith. This would also apply to military “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He chaplains if they dare to share their faith with others. removes kings and estabIsn’t that their job? What if lishes kings …” (Daniel 2:21). someone sneezes? Would they get ten to twenty years I find great comfort in knowhard labor in Ft. Leavening God is in control and as worth, Kansas if they say immoral and sinful as this “God bless you?” Forgive country is and knowing how me, I’m not trying to trivial- immoral and sinful this counize this, but this is about as try will become, it will all be absurd as I have ever heard. done exactly as God planned I served in the United States for His glory! If this is the Air Force for 24 years and I day that Jesus calls us all was honored to have served home, I say even so, come my country for that time. I quickly! sacrificed a lot for God and I give warning to our governcountry, for our way of life, ment and to our citito do my part to help ensure zens─beware! freedom would always ring on these shores in a country God will not be mocked. created and blessed by none We are without a doubt other than the Creator of headed for destruction. the universe!

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who But I don’t recognize our country or our military any substitute darkness for light and light for darkness” longer. Things are changing and they are changing fast. A (Isaiah 5:20). friend of mine has a daughter “The Lord is slow to anger serving in the United States and great in power, and the Army. They are indoctrinat- Lord will by no means leave ing them, if you will, to bethe guilty unpunished” lieve that Israel is the root cause of all the problems in (Nahum 1:3).

Happy Father’s Day! Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

(Exodus 20:12, King James Version) Happy Fathers Day! Great fathers are like great sportsmen who hone their skills and become experts at their crafts.

So says Coach Tony Dungy, and his words are worth remembering.

In his classic article written in 2002, Dungy said, "As we study all-pro dads, we discover that they share four patterns. They spend time with their children; they are compassionate toward their children; and they love and respect their children's mother and they turn to their faith for strength.

"A compassionate father is patient with his children.

He doesn't expect them to be perfect, and he tries to empathize by putting himself in their shoes. His love

In a classic 1990 study of teen criminality, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found an 'alarmingly high' prevalence of behavioral problems among all children from families without a father present.

Bureau of Justice Statistics found that 72 percent of incarcerated juveniles grew up in one-parent homes, mostly deprived of a father.

Non-resident fathers remain crucial to child development. Involved nonresident fathers help improve children's grades and is unconditional, and he lets promote better social and them know it." behavioral skills.

The importance of the faBottom line: Dads are esther in the home is shock- sential for families and sociingly apparent in statistics ety. On June 16, it's time to on juvenile delinquency. say Thanks Dad!

7 End Time Signs of Matthew 24 Matthew 24(KJV) 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

3. Famines, Pestilences, and Earthquakes 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be 4 And Jesus answered and said famines, and pestilences, and unto them, Take heed that no earthquakes, in divers places. man deceive you.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

1. False Christs Deceiving Many 4. Christians Persecuted, Killed, & Hated 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

2. Wars & Rumors of Wars 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that

9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

5. Offenses, Betrayal, and Hatred

from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 But also…

Chronicles 7:14). “…And My people who are It may be too late for that but called by My name humble one thing is sure. God loves themselves and pray, and seek you and He died for your My face and turn from their sins. Don’t miss the greatest wicked ways, then I will hear event to happen in human

10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

6. Iniquity in the Land 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

7. Gospel Preached to World as a Witness 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

history since Christ’s death and resurrection─it’s called: The Rapture.

You think things are bad now, just wait. This is nothing.

Be saved and miss hell on earth!! God bless!

Good News Press - 3 Research: Americans Turn to God, & Generosity after Natural Disasters by David Roach When natural disasters occur, most Americans take increased interest in God and donate to relief agencies – and they trust faith-based agencies more than their secular counterparts. A third also believe prayer can avert natural disasters.

Those are among the findings of a LifeWay Research survey conducted days after an historic EF5 tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma May 20, killing two dozen people and causing billions of dollars in damages.

According to the study, commissioned by LifeWay‟s Bible Studies for Life curriculum, a third of Americans increase their trust in God during times of suffering. In response to the question, “How do you feel about God when suffering occurs that appears unfair?” the most common response is “I trust God more” (33 percent).

Other responses include: --“I am confused about God” (25 percent). --“I don’t think about God in these situations” (16 percent). --“I wonder if God cares” (11 percent). --“I doubt God exists” (7 percent).

--“I am angry toward God” (5 percent). --“I am resentful toward God” (3 percent). Communications Department | LifeWay Christian Resources | LifeWay.com/news “Disasters, particularly natural disasters, perplex all of us,” said Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research. “While some call them „acts of God,‟ others question why a good and loving God would do such a thing.

“The fact is, God does not give us all the answers,” Stetzer said. “But, as Christians, we believe that God gives us Himself – and that is why we have faith. Faith is believing God when you don‟t have all the answers. But, disasters test that faith – some people draw closer to God, some pull away.”

LifeWay reported Southerners, frequent church attendees, and those without a college degree are likely to trust God more

during disasters, while younger ment by saying they don’t post Americans are more likely to prayers. Communications Department | LifeWay Christian doubt God exists.

Nearly six in 10 Americans (57 percent) agree with the statement, “When a natural disaster occurs, my interest in God increases.”

Thirty-one percent disagree and 12 percent don‟t know.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents living in the South agree (62 percent), compared with just over half in the West (54 percent) and Northeast (51 percent).

Women, people with a college degree, and those who attend worship services DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Auxiliary Juniors, which once a week are also are children of veterans, have come from across the Sooner State, organizing themselves through social media and text likely to be more into help clear debris and distribute supplies to terested in God dur- messaging, those affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes. ing a disaster.

(PRNewsFoto/DAV) Photo Release May 31, 2013 Prayer and natural disasters Despite their increased interest in God following disasters, most Americans doubt prayer can avert natural disasters.

Fifty-one percent disagree that praying can avert natural disasters, with a third (32 percent) strongly disagreeing. Still, 34 percent believe prayer can avert natural disasters. American’s in the South (40 percent) are more likely to believe than those in the Northeast (26 percent) and West (28 percent).

Thirty percent of Americans post on social media that they are praying for specific people or things. Sixty-seven percent do not post topics of prayer on social media and three percent don’t know.

Among those who do post prayers on social media, most take a moment to actually pray rather than consider the post itself a form of prayer. When asked to complete the statement, “If I post a prayer on social media …,” 23 percent say they always take a moment to actually pray and 10 percent consider posting the update to be form of prayer. Sixty-four percent complete the state-

Resources | LifeWay.com/news Trusting and giving When a natural disaster occurs, Americans trust faith-based groups to be more responsible than secular groups with their donations by nearly a two to one margin. Fifty-six percent agree they trust faith-based groups more, while 28 percent do not. Those who live in the Midwest and South, men, and those who do not have a college degree are more likely to trust faith-based charities, while those in the Northeast and Americans ages 45-64 are not as likely.

Almost 60 percent of Americans donate to relief agencies in the wake of natural disasters.

Thirty percent donate to both faith-based and secular relief agencies, 15 percent donate to faith-based relief agencies only and 12 percent donate to secular relief agencies only.

A third of Americans (32 percent) don‟t donate to any relief agencies.

David Roach is a writer in Shelbyville, Ky. Marty King, LifeWay’s director of communications, contributed to this story.

Christian Ministry Declines Tax Exemption Athanatos Christian Ministries, an apologetics ministry based out of Wisconsin, is one of the few Christian ministries that not only does not have tax exempt status, but deliberately refused to pursue it. In light of revelations that the IRS has been targeting conservative organizations based on their beliefs, ACM's decision, made in 2008, now seems prescient.

On the 'donation' section of ACM's website, there is this simple statement: "In order to operate unmuzzled, ACM is NOT tax exempt."

ACM's Executive Director, Anthony Horvath, explains, "While it does not appear that taxexempt status was originally meant to stifle free speech, it is evident that it has become a way to silence the opposition while hiding behind and inside a bureaucracy."

However, Horvath be-

lieves the real harm has come from the selfcensoring that organizations have engaged in long before the Obama administration decided to turn the bureaucratic machinery against his "enemies list."

Horvath says, "Churches and other tax-exempt organizations have refrained from aggressively stating their beliefs on important issues in order to retain their tax status.

Has it been worth it?"

According to Horvath, ACM chose not to pursue tax-exempt status to ensure that it would never have to make such a "devil's bargain."

Horvath believes that 501c3 status would have forced him to be silent on issues he believes are extremely important, or tip-toe around a topic instead of being direct.

"I did not want my tax status held as a club over my head, just waiting for

the day when some atheist or pro-choice organization decides I had gone over the line. ACM pays its taxes, therefore ACM speaks its mind.”

Horvath urges Christians to think carefully about the practical implications of tax policies. In 2010, Worldnetdaily.com published one of his columns urging Christians to develop a theology of taxation, warning that "Christians should carefully test their attitudes about taxation" or risk participating in tyranny.

ACM is presently engaged in its annual funding drive, reminding potential donors that operating 'unmuzzled' allows Horvath to advocate for pro-life issues and "connect the dots" between one's worldview and the implications of that worldview.

ACM's website is www.athanatosministries. org.

Good News Press - 4 Community Changing Conferences Orlando, Fl May 29– 31, 2013 The 28th National Preventing Crime in the Black Community Conference is a collaborative effort sponsored by Attorney General Pam Bondi to foster communication and action among practitioners through the sharing of innovative ideas and prevention strategies that have been successful in the black community. A major component of the program will be directed toward alternatives to violence among our young people.

The agenda is designed to showcase successful programs and promote a positive exchange of ideas on the subject. Over 1100 people attended last year in Tampa.

Conference Highlights to Include: Plenary sessions, luncheons, breakout sessions for adults and teens, and a Youth Speak-Up Speak-Out session.

Who Should Attend?

Concerned citizens (adults and teens) and professionals from law enforcement, juvenile justice, corrections, victim services, educational institutions, local governments, religious and social services, labor and employment relations. Conference location: Rosen Centre Hotel 9840 International Drive Orlando, Florida 32819 (800) 204-7234 or (407) 996-9840 ——————————————— Rock Church Hosts National Church Security Conference in San Diego June 20 and 21 www.sdsecurityconference.com Recent headlines detailing disasters and violence from bombs and firearms prove that violence and natural disasters are a fact of life and can strike at any time. According to Christian security experts almost 70 percent of all houses of worship in the U.S. have no organized security or safety plan.

To help all houses of worship learn to plan protect and recover from critical incidents including natural disasters, active shooter incidents and medical emergencies, The Rock Church of San Diego be hosting its 3rd annual National Church Security Conference June 20 and 21.

The objective of the conference is to present critical and essential information from some of the country's top

experts on how to prevent and respond to many of the real-world threats that face all congregations nationally.

Speakers and Topics will Include: The San Diego Fire Dept Bomb Squad, Capt. John Wood and Capt.

Larry Rawlings Dr. Steve Albrecht, CPP PHP , Author and international expert on preventing workplace and school violence Mr. Bret Bandick, Response Options, presents on active shooter critical moments before the police arrive Deputy Chief Criss Brainard, San Diego Fire Dept, & Head of EMS presenting on Medical emergencies preparations and responses Sgt. Mark Crofton CHP, Critical Incident Management and the San Diego County Dept. of Emergency Services presenting on Disaster Preparation and Recovery "This is about deterrence. Its not always what you see in the way of security but what you don't see that matters most, and you can't measure deterrence." -- Miles McPherson, Senior Pastor Rock Church The conference will run two days June 20 and 21 at the Rock Church in San Diego and is only $95.

Register at www.sdsecurityconference.com ——————————————— One Hundred Thousand Strong National O.K. Program Presents National African American Male Mentor Conference (NAAMMC) in Oakland, CA June 13 – 15 www.okprogram.org This conference will launch a National African American Male Mentor initiative to enlist one hundred thousand African American Male Men, over the next ten years, to mentor black boys.

on the topic of mentoring black boys.

Each conference participant will leave armed with an action plan and access to a support system that will guide them in implementing a mentoring program for African American men and boys.

The Conference will be held at the Oakland Marriott, 1001 Broadway, Oakland CA 94607

Acts Full Gospel Church Youth Department Debutante Program Bishop Bob Jackson, Snr Pastor Sis Pinn, Youth Director 1034 66th Ave, Oakland CA www.actsfullgospelchurch.org 510-567-1300 Contact: Sis Sandy Bradley-Claybrooks, Program Director

Phone: (925) 565-0195

The O.K. Program is a mentor program, which fosters partnerships between police agencies, schools, students, community members, and the business and faith community to provide positive guidance and support to African American males 12-18 years old.

The primary goal of the program is to reduce the high rates of incarceration and homicide of young African American males by guiding them away from prison and towards college, military service, vocational training, and a life of responsible citizenship.

Speakers and topics include: Call to Action - Speaker - Donald Northcross, Founder & CEO O.K (Our Kids) Program (Chair) Senior Pastor & Founder, Bishop Bob Jackson, of the 7500 membered Acts Full Gospel COGIC, Oakland CA O.K. Program Graduates...The Journey from Self Doubt to Self EfficacyDr. Timothy Knight, SGT Consequences of the breakdown of the African American Family - Ernest Hill, Author Best practices to honor your pledge and stay committed to your community- SGT Lee French Marshawn Terrell Lynch, American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks

Black Boys Are Getting Too Much Coaching and Not Enough MentoringNAAMMC will bring together African Dr. Fitz Hill, President, Arkansas BapAmerican police officers, teachers, tist College pastors, community leaders and others who are interested in helping corKeynote Presentation - Coye Francies rect the course of young African & Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders American males.

There will be other well qualified The conference will feature three days of workshops by renowned edu- speakers. Cost is $200. cators, authors, speakers and experts

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Looking for male mentors!

Volunteer to work with a foster youth 4 hours/month for one year, and make a difference! Next training date: June 8th, 2013. Contact the OreMi Mentoring Program at: (510) 834-2443, ext. 3033, oremi@fssba-oak.org, or www.oremi.info.

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Good News Press - 5 National Events June & July June 1-Juy 31, Fireworks Safety Months. Focuses on safer ways to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Web: www.preventblindness.org.

June1-30, International Men's Month. Since 1996, a different issue is addressed each day of June. Web: www.menstuff.org.

June 1-30, National Safety Month. About safety at work, home, on the road and in the community. Web: www.nsc.org.

June 2-8, Black Single Parents Week. Honors parents who are raising children to be responsible citizens.

June 16, Father's Day. First celebrated in Spokane, WA in 1910, but officially proclaimed in 1966.

June 21-Aug 4, Seafair in Seattle, WA. The Northwest's largest summer festival with 2 million visitors. Has parades, Air show and dozens of events. Web: www.seafair.com

June 21, Summer. It begins associated with outdoor grillwith the summer solstice at ing.

1:04 a.m. EDT, with 12 hours 8 June 5, NCAA Division I Men's minutes of daylight.

July 1-31, National Recreation & Women's Outdoor Track & and Parks Month. To showcase Field Championships. Held in Eugene, OR. Web: June 21, Take Your Dog to park features and healthy purWork Day. To encourage www.NCAA.com. adoptions from animal shelters suits in parks. Web: and celebrate the companion- www.nrpa.org. ship of dogs.

June 8, Belmont Stakes. At Belmont Park N.Y., the 145th July 3-Aug. 11, Dog Days. The annual, the final jewel of the hottest days of the year, variTriple Crown of horse racing. June 21, Great American Back- ously reckoned to be 30 to 45 yard Campout. By the National Wildlife Federation to encour- days. Originally, they were age camping. Web: days when Sirius, the Dog Star, June 9, National Automotive Professionals Week. To recog- www.nwf.org. rose just before sunrise. nize automotive professionals nationwide for keeping America's cars and trucks running.

June 22-24, Midnight Sun Festi- July 3-Aug 15, Air Conditioning val at Nome, AK. Has 22 hours Apprecition Days, always celeWeb: www.ase.com. of direct sunlight and many brated during Dog Days. events. Web: June 11-16, Burlington Steamwww.visitnomealaska.com. boat Days. On the Mississippi July 4, Bristol Fourth of July Riverfront at Burlington, IA., Celebration at Bristol, RI. Since 51st annual,100,000 attend.

June 23-29, Lightning Safety 1785, the Nation's oldest conAwareness Week. The Natinuous Fourth of July parade tional Weather Service motto: 12-15, US Open Golf Champi- "When Thunder Roars, Go and celebration; 175,000 atonship, held at Ardmore, PA. tend.

Indoors!" Web: Since 1895, the greatest playwww.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. ers compete. Web: July 4, Independence Day, the www.usga.org.

Fourth of July. Celebrates the July 3-7, Smithsonian Folklife day in 1776 when the ContiFestival, on the Mall, WashingJune 13-20, National Nursing nental Congress adopted the Assistants Week .To recognize ton, DC. With 23,000 musiDeclaration of Independence. them for caring for the ill, eldcians, workers, cooks, storyerly and residents in nursing tellers, ethnic communities homes. Web: www.cnaJuly 7-13, National Farrier's and Native American groups, network.org.

Week. Horse owners salute www.folklife.si.edu. those who keep their horses shod and their legs and feet in June 14, Flag Day. By PresidenJuly1-31, National Grilling tial Proclamation. Observed top-notch condition.

Month. Have fun and enjoy the since 1916. smoke, aromas and flavors July 10-13, Wyandotte Street

Use Up those Summer Vegetables in this Bits-and-Pieces Pie This egg pie will suit the palate of even the least adventurous eaters.

You can tailor it to the tastes of your loved ones while using up those garden vegetables and bits and pieces from the fridge.

Just about anything can go in this pie but there are some must-have ingredients. You must have at least 5 or 6 eggs for a 9 inch pie. But, if you have oven-ready custard cups, even 2 eggs will do. You must have some cheese.

Your favorite will do. You must have some stuff to put into the pie mixture.

You do not need a crust, if you want to go low carb or even if you don't. You do not need fancy ingredients.

You can go with all vegetables if you like, cutting up squash and beans and adding some peas.

Most people like to mix up a combination of meat and veggies.

Here is an example of a bits

and pieces breakfast pie, made with stuff thrown together from the fridge.

Ingredients 5 to 6 eggs 1 small zucchini diced

3 cups of Mozzarella cheese, diced 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese diced 1/4 cup cottage cheese.

From this list, substitute almost anything you have on hand. You'll need a lot of your favorite cheese (at least 3 to 4 cups). Use as much or little onion as you would like.

Instead of cottage cheese, you can use milk. Use diced beef, chicken, or any other meat. Sweeten the mixture with a splash of nutmeg, if you want. Tomatoes can be mixed in but they are pretty on the top.

How to make:

5 pieces of bacon, cooked and diced 1 cup diced sandwich ham 1/2 cup onions Three fresh green onions, diced.

4 ounces cut up polish sausage.

He traveled the globe to compile it

Longevity expert advises happiness makeover

Spray vegetable oil on pie pan. Preheat oven to 350.

Mix up the eggs first, then add milk or cottage cheese.

Next add the rest of your ingredients. Pour the whole thing into a your pie pan.

Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is set. Cut like a pie.

Time spent with happy friends makes our happiness grow. Time spent with unhappy people makes it decline.

Explorer and educator Dan Buettner visited many countries and talked to thousands of people while researching a new book on happiness. His conclusions include:

6. Find your mate. Studies show that married people are more likely to be happy. But both health and happiness decline in an unhappy relationship. Work to make a relationship happy. If can't be, it could be time to move on.

1. Find the right neighborhood. Look for one with sidewalks, meeting places, green spaces and other characteristics that encourage social interaction.

2. Stop shopping and start saving. The thrill of buying something wears off.

Financial security increases happiness.

7. Be part of a religious community.

Happy people often attend church services regularly. They tend to live seven years longer than others. If you don't belong to faith-based community, seek one out and you'll also have a built-in social network.

3. Get enough sleep. People who don't are more likely to develop depression and anxiety. In the morning eat breakfast to boost your energy.

8. Have a dog or cat. You'll have lower blood pressure, fewer stress hormones in your blood and higher self-esteem. Visit your local animal shelter to adopt one.

4. Don't watch so much TV. You'll get more pleasure from spending time with people, reading or engaging in a hobby, according to the National Geographic's True Happiness Test.

5. Visit with the right friends. Happy people purposely create social times.

9. Practice compassion. At the Institute for Research in Brazil, studies show altruism stimulates the pleasure centers in the brain.

Good News Press - 6 What’s Going On In Damascus

By Jack Kelley The city of Damascus is mentioned 60 times in the Bible from Genesis 14:15 to Acts 22:10. Abraham's chief servant, Eliazer, was from Damascus and Paul spent his first days as a Christian there. According to Flavius Josephus, Damascus was founded by Uz, the son of Aram who was the patriarch of the Aramean people. Aram was the 5th son of Shem, and Uz was the first son of Aram.

(According to Job 1:1, Job was from the land of Uz.) Throughout its history Damascus has been conquered many times. Most notably by the Israelites (1000 BC), the Assyrians (732 BC), the Babylonians (605 BC), the Persians (530 BC), the Greeks (330 BC), the Nabateans (85 BC), the Romans (63 BC), the Byzantines (634 AD), the Mamelukes (1250 AD) and the Ottoman Turks (1516 AD).

But the city itself has always survived and is now claimed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.

Several of these conquests are referred to in the Bible.

2 Samuel 8:6-7 describes David and the Israelites.

Parts of Isaiah 17 involve the Assyrians, Jeremiah 49:23-27 is about the Babylonian conquest and Zechariah 9:1-2 was fulfilled by Alexander the Great.

An Oracle Against Damascus Probably the best known prophecy about Damascus is Isaiah 17, called an oracle against Damascus. It's 14 verses go back and forth between the Assyrian conquest in the 8th Century BC and a battle that hasn't taken place yet. One reason we know this is because Isaiah 17:1 says, “See Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a

heap of ruins.” It speaks of a battle that will mark the end of Damascus, something scholars agree has not happened yet. Other verses in Isaiah 17 confirm a future fulfillment of this destruction. Specifically, verse 7 tells us that after the destruction of Damascus men will look to their maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.

And verse 9 tells of their strong cities, which they left because of the Israelites, becoming like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation. In the 8th century BC no one turned back to God and it was the Israelites who were forced to leave.

Currently there are three wars going on in Syria, any one of which could lead to the fulfillment of Isaiah 17.

The obvious one is the civil war that's been going on for the last two years. As many as 80,000 have died in this war to oust current President Assad from power and end his family's control over the country.

But there's also a secondary war that's becoming more critical, and that's an effort underway by Iran and Hizbollah to widen the Syrian conflict into Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel. All parties involved believe this effort could explode into a regional war at any time. If so it could be the fulfillment of Isaiah 17 as well as Psalm 83, which many see as the prophecy of a war that pits all of Israel's next door neighbors against Israel, and from which Israel will emerge victorious. Just this week, Hizbollah officials confirmed that Syria is serious about expanding the war onto the Golan Heights, territory Israel regained from Syria in 1973.

The War No One's Watching

The third war is a little known one that could very well be the single deciding factor as to whether the civil war will escalate into the fulfillment of prophecy.

This war is between two men, Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama. According to informed Middle East sources each man has a vision for how the Syrian civil war should end.

Obama wants Assad gone and Putin wants him to stay. They not only can't they agree on how to proceed, but each one is also trying to torpedo the other ones chances of succeeding.

These sources say it's the inability of these two men to agree that is standing in the way of a resolution to the crisis and as long as their disagreement continues the probability of the war spilling over the borders into neighboring countries becomes ever more likely to happen.

Most of the news sources I read have concluded that Obama is outclassed in this disagreement and that sooner or later Putin will have his way. He's already won a couple of big battles.

Refusing to keep Iran in check and refusing to withhold the sale of advanced anti-arcraft batteries to Syria are two of the most obvious. The first has given Assad powerful assistance on the ground and the second will give him protection from aerial attack by Israel. In both cases, Obama stood by and let this happen.

Bible prophecy might favor Putin in this case. According to Ezekiel 38-39 Russia will be a major participant in that battle, and having a strong position in the Middle East would be an important advantage. Remember, when the Moslem coalition attacks it will be from the North (Ezekiel 38:15). That could mean

Bible prophecy might favor Putin in this case. According to Ezekiel 38-39 Russia will be a major participant in that battle, and having a strong position in the Middle East would be an important advantage. Remember, when the Moslem coalition attacks it will be from the North (Ezekiel 38:15). That could mean they'll come from Syria over the Golan Heights.

I'm not saying we're seeing a run up to Ezekiel 38, but we all know it's coming and if Russia already has a presence in Syria they would have an advantage in mounting what scholars believe will be a surprise attack.

In the mean time, the Russian / Iranian support has strengthened and emboldened Assad. So much so

ated, but so far, even after being confronted with clear evidence, he denied it has happened. In Syria this has been interpreted to mean that limited use of chemical weapons will be tolerated.

Israeli leaders have been more resolute. After all it's their country that's being directly threatened by this. When they detected the movement of prohibited weaponry into Lebanon for Hizbollah's use against them they attacked and destroyed it.

Again, Obama stood by while Putin authorized the delivery of advanced antiaircraft defenses to Syria.

Its purpose is to prevent further pre-emptive attacks from Israel by denying them air superiority.

In-

sworn enemies their only recourse will be to take big ones. When that happens, one leading Israeli correspondent has said Obama will stand right behind Assad in the line of people to blame.

Are We There Yet? We've come close to the fulfillment of Isaiah 17 before. Each time cooler heads have prevailed and the destruction of Damascus has been postponed. I say postponed because Isaiah's prophecy will be fulfilled.

We have God's promise on that. He said, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is still to come.

What I have said, that will I bring about. What I have planned, that will I do” (Isaiah 46:10-11).

Various reports confirm a conviction among Israel's military and political leaders that war with Syria is coming. (Some say it could be a long one, while others hint that it will more likely be very short.)

There also appears to be a consensus among the Jewish people that they must win and win decisively.

If it's God's timing this will be the fulfillment of Isaiah 17, and perhaps Psalm 83 as well. If it's not, we'll be drawn back from the brink once again to catch our breath and wait for the that he was willing to risk formed sources are begin- next run-up. Chances are ning to see the hand writ- it won't be long in coming. using chemical weapons ing on the wall. As Israel is You can almost hear the against the rebel forces.

Obama had previously said progressively denied the footsteps of the Messiah. use of small steps to prethis would not be tolerempt the threat from their

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Good News Press - 7 What Happened to the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Fifty-six members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Many gave their lives and their fortunes for the cause.

Nelson, as their headquarters.

friends.

Richard Stockton, a judge, After they moved in, Nel- was captured, tortured and son demanded that the starved. He lost all his patriot army destroy the money and property and home in order to drive the died soon after his release.

British out. He died penni- His family lived off charity.

The British captured and less.

Of those who survived the Farmer "Honest Revolution, six signed the U.S. Constitution.

John Hart" Thirteen went on to besuffered come governors of their greatly. states. Eighteen served in Hessian their state legislatures, and merce16 became state or federal naries judges. Seven became burned members of the U.S. his farm House of Representatives, and grist and six became senators. mill and killed his Five played major roles in livestock. establishing colleges and universities: Franklin Hart's wife be- and the University of Penncame ill sylvania, Jefferson and the tortured five. Nine fought and, while the British beUniversity of Virginia, and died in the Revolution. sieged his farmhouse, he Benjamin Rush and Dickinrefused to leave his wife.

Two lost sons to the war. son College, Lewis Morris After his wife died, the Another had two sons aged Hart fled into the and New York University, captured. Eleven had their forest, eluding the British homes pillaged and burned. by living in the woods and and George Walton, the University of Georgia.

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Celebrating Independence Day weekend with

July Is National Recreation & Parks Month It's time to create memories.

Children will long recall their picnics and play days at the park. Their aunts, uncles and grandparents will revel in your efforts to entertain them with an outing they don't often experience. Whether your kids are young or grown up, there's always fun available for them at the park. And gathering with family members and

friends makes it even better.

The official purpose of National Recreation and Parks Month is to showcase the beauty of our parks and to invite you to participate in their highquality leisure activities.

Softball, tennis, camping, golf or a nature walk could be part of it. And for those who

just want to sit by the fire and roast a hot dog or two, the day could be a perfect time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

In other words, July is a great month for you and your family to get outside and enjoy the sunshine by visiting our nation’s national parks as well as your city parks.

Amid their plans for picnics, fireworks and fun over the July Fourth weekend, Americans seriously take this opportunity to show their patriotism and love of country.

They attend patriotic parades and fireworks demonstrations, salute the flag, tell stories about how family members fought for our country, and remember to honor our present defenders in foreign lands.

Independence Day is the most important holiday of the summer. It carries a tradition that began with the signing of the Declara-

tion of Independence in 1776. John Adams, one of the declaration signers and future president said:

and startling shell bursts.

Many demonstrations in cities are so impressive they draw viewers from "It will be celebrated by hundreds of miles away to succeeding generations as the great anniversary festi- view them. val. It ought to be solem- Some Americans take nized with pomp and pailluminations personally rade, with shows, games, and create their own firesports, guns, shells, bonworks shows. In many fires and illuminations neighborhoods, stay-atfrom one end of this con- home celebrants can view tinent to the other, from neighbors' shell bursts this time forward everthat are almost as dramatic as those fired by more." professionals.

And so it is.

In all home demonstraFireworks fulfill Adams' tions, safety should be the prediction for first goal for amateur py"illuminations." In cities rotechnicians. and towns, the skies fill with dramatic, colorful

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