Man, it's hard to get back in to the routine after you've been out of it for a while. Over the summer months I'm going to be looking at the life of Elijah. A couple years ago I decided that during the summer I would take a Bible character and learn some lessons from their lives. Last year it was David, this year Elijah. His story is found in 1 Kings if you want to read it.
The first week of the series I went in to some background building up to his life. It's always important to discover the context of a person's life in order to be able fully understand their life and message. For example, The German Theologian, Dietrich Boenhoeffer's life and writings are only fully understood when they are place over the backdrop of World War 2. Or Brother Andrew's ministry in Russia only makes sense when placed in context of the Cold War.
Elijah's ministry is set in the context of a divided kingdom of Israel. He is sent at a prophet to the Northren Kingdom (Israel)in a time when the most evil king was ruling. This King, Ahab, had established Baal Worship as the religion of the Kingdom. He was one of 19 consecutive evil kings in the north. You could not have asked for a more difficult place and time to be a prophet of God.
Elijah is a nobody who comes out of nowhere to bring God's message to His people. God continues to look for people who are willing to bring God's message to the world. The question is are we willing.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Are You a Mosquito Magnet?
Why is it that some people wind up covered in mosquito welts and others get away - bite-free? According to Newsweek, it’s not a coincidence. Each person’s individual body chemistry determines how many mosquitoes will come calling. Joe Conlon is a medical entomologist – someone who deals with insects. He says mosquitoes are drawn to the scent of carbon dioxide and lactic acid. These two compounds are released whenever we breathe or sweat, but the emission rates vary by person.
Larger people and pregnant woman, for example, have higher levels and are more likely targets. When you couple the scents of these compounds with extra body heat – watch out! So if you’ve recently exercised, the combination of lactic acid, which builds up when muscles are exerted – sweat, which is filled with carbon dioxide - and an increased temperature make you an ideal mosquito meal. With more than 300 body compounds that influence insect attraction, scientists haven’t figured out every body chemistry combination that the bugs like. There are some things to consider. For example:
* Since mosquitoes drink dew, they may have a preference for artificially sweet-scented bodies. Which means you might wanna lay off the perfume if you’ll be spending time outdoors.
* Also, research has shown that mosquitoes prefer landing on darker fabrics than light ones, so stay away from black or blue clothing. Also, make sure your shirt isn’t too tight. If it is, the insects will siphon right through it.
* Smelly feet are also a mosquito magnet. The bacteria in Limburger cheese is also found on the human foot - and mosquitoes love it! So keep your feet clean and dry, and in ventilated shoes.
* Wear one of the 4 Centers for Disease Control-approved repellents - DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535, which has made Avon’s Skin-so-Soft lotion a popular choice. Sprays and lotions containing these have all been deemed effective and safe to keep the bugs at bay.
Larger people and pregnant woman, for example, have higher levels and are more likely targets. When you couple the scents of these compounds with extra body heat – watch out! So if you’ve recently exercised, the combination of lactic acid, which builds up when muscles are exerted – sweat, which is filled with carbon dioxide - and an increased temperature make you an ideal mosquito meal. With more than 300 body compounds that influence insect attraction, scientists haven’t figured out every body chemistry combination that the bugs like. There are some things to consider. For example:
* Since mosquitoes drink dew, they may have a preference for artificially sweet-scented bodies. Which means you might wanna lay off the perfume if you’ll be spending time outdoors.
* Also, research has shown that mosquitoes prefer landing on darker fabrics than light ones, so stay away from black or blue clothing. Also, make sure your shirt isn’t too tight. If it is, the insects will siphon right through it.
* Smelly feet are also a mosquito magnet. The bacteria in Limburger cheese is also found on the human foot - and mosquitoes love it! So keep your feet clean and dry, and in ventilated shoes.
* Wear one of the 4 Centers for Disease Control-approved repellents - DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535, which has made Avon’s Skin-so-Soft lotion a popular choice. Sprays and lotions containing these have all been deemed effective and safe to keep the bugs at bay.
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