Friday, September 30, 2011

Today in History - September 30, 1868 - First volume of Little Women is published


Today in History - September 30, 1868 - First volume of Little Women is published

The first volume of Louisa May Alcott's beloved children's book Little Women is published on this day. The novel will become Alcott's first bestseller and a beloved children's classic.
Like the fictional Jo March, Alcott was the second of four daughters. She was born inPennsylvania but spent most of her life in Concord, Massachusetts, where her father, Bronson, associated with Transcendentalist thinkers Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Just as aside note; some of the people who were these Transcendentalist thinkers were not 'enlightened' in the same way that the Bible enlightens people. Much of the 'enlightened'
 thinking has actually brought us into more darkness and deception. So when articles are written with the thought in mind that enlightened thinkers were an asset just remember that that kind of thinking does not originate out of the Scriptures. It relies solely upon the wisdom of men and will only lead us into darkness.
  Read more at: www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-volume-of-little-women-is-published

True History - Veritas Card #19 - Code of Hammurabi

Code of Hammurabi 

  Now we are in another country. We have been studying about Egypt, but now we will focus on Babylonia.
  Babylonia was a country where the Euphrates River connects with the Tigris. It is here that the Garden of Eden was, a long time before this. Many landmarks were lost in the Great Flood, so it is not so easy to locate things and places that were described before this event.
   It was in this country of Babylonia that a man named 'Hammurabi' ruled. The time period was around 1792-1750 B.C. He was the sixth ruler of Babylon and was known as 'Hammurabi the Great'. Many of his armies conquered the surrounding lands.
   Hammurabi the Great was remembered for the laws he introduced. The laws were made to protect the weak from the strong, and there were some rules of trade. The punishment for breaking these laws was severe. The laws were put into writing. The type of writing used was called, 'cuneiform' and the writing was carved onto stone. The Sumerians of Southern Mesopotamia were the first to use cuneiform, then it was later adapted by the Babylonians into their language.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Today in History - September 29, 1953 - Cold War - Russians want the American dream

Russians want the American Dream - September 29, 1953


An article in the New York Times claims that Russian citizens want the "American dream": private property and a home of their own. The article was one of many that appeared during the 1950s and 1960s, as the American media attempted to portray the average Russian as someone not much different from the average American.
Despite the fact that the vast majority of Americans supported the anti-Soviet Unionpolicies of their government, most had a more difficult time trying to dislike the average Russian. During World War II, after all, the U.S. government had launched a propaganda campaign to convince the American people that the Russians--though they lived in a communist nation--were good allies in the war against Hitler's Germany.
Read more at : http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/russians-want-the-american-dream

True History - Veritas Card #18 - Second Intermediate Period in Egypt

Second Intermediate Period in Egypt  

   We covered the First Intermediate Period in Egypt, which was marked by civil wars, then the Middle Kingdom, in Egypt, which had a time of peace. Today we will learn about the Second Intermediate Period in Egypt, which was from the time period of around 1800 - 1570 B.C.
   This time period is made up of Dynasties thirteen through seventeen. The rulers were not strong and local princes were controlling smaller areas of Egypt.
    Now Egypt had control of the major sites in Nubia and in the south. The Nubians were probably a nomadic tribe that may have roamed on the east side of the Nile River, and probably lived in deserts. They were hired by the Egyptians to be soldiers. They settled in the land that was south of Egypt and developed powerful kingdoms.
    The last dynasty of that time period ruled from Thebes, which was in the south. This dynasty wanted to reunify the country, but was not successful.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Today in History - September 28, 1066 - William the Conqueror Invades England

Today in History - September 28, 1066 - William the Conqueror Invades England 


 Claiming his right to the English throne, William, duke of Normandy, invades England at Pevensey on Britain's southeast coast. His subsequent defeat of King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings marked the beginning of a new era in British history.


Read more at : http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/william-the-conqueror-invades-england

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

True History - Veritas Card #14 - The Middle Kingdom in Egypt

The Middle Kingdom in Egypt


   Yesterday we learned about the First Intermediate Period in Egypt which took place from around 2200 - 2050 B.C. Today we will cover the Middle Kingdom.
   We learned the Egypt had civil wars going on and then a Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom developed out of that. There was a time when Egypt was at peace. It was during the reign of Amenemhet, who was a Theban. This took place during the twelfth dynasty. The time period for this was from around 2050-1800 B.C.
     Because Egypt was now unified, cultural advancements were being made. The people were trading with Palestine and Syria, and irrigation projects were beginning to be in the works. People used a type of writing called, hieroglyphics. Here is a web page telling about hieroglyphics: http://egypt.mrdonn.org/hieroglyphics.html
  During this time, Joseph, who was one of Jacob's sons, went to Egypt. Remember how he was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, then he ended up in Egypt and was used to rescue his family from starvation many years later. He was sold into slavery around 1898 B.C. The jealous brothers meant it for harm, but God turned this horrible situation around for their good and His glory.
   Senwosret III was the most important king of the twelfth dynasty. Out of all the Egyptian kings, he gained the most control of Nubia, which is the homeland of Africa's earliest black culture, according to http://wysinger.homestead.com/chronology.html .

Today in History - September 27, 1938 - Franklin Roosevelt appeals to Hitler for peace


Franklin Roosevelt appeals to Hitler for peace - September 27, 1938


On this day in 1938, President Franklin Roosevelt writes to German Chancellor Adolf Hitler regarding the threat of war in Europe. The German chancellor had been threatening to invade the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia and, in the letter, his second to Hitler in as many days, Roosevelt reiterated the need to find a peaceful resolution to the issue.
Read more at : http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/franklin-roosevelt-appeals-to-hitler-for-peace

True History - Veritas Card # 8 - First Intermediate Period in Egypt

First Intermediate Period in Egypt

   I am going back and forth on the cards, and I hope I am not confusing anyone. I am finding cards from other sets that I have missed during the appropriate time period. I am in a set of cards that covers early Egyptian history. I hope you can sort all this out and put it in the correct order. These cards would compliment the time before Moses was in Egypt, possibly during the time of the Tower of Babel being built.
   The first intermediate period in Egypt includes the dynasties seven through eleven. Civil war predominated Egypt at this time.
   There were people of nobility who had money, but they grew tired of serving the pharaohs. The nobility grew powerful and as a result of that, the country ended up splitting into two sections, which were the North and the South. Many times, kings who opposed each other ruled the countries at the same time. One would be in the North and the other in the South.
   Those who were serving in the priesthood also became rich and powerful. They gained more wealth and basically became selfish. There was no longer money to help those in need and to help the cause of society, like public works and irrigation. People also suffered from famine and periods of drought. Many suffer at the hands of selfish ruling authorities.
   The time period for this is around 2200-2050 B.C.

Monday, September 26, 2011

True History - Veritas Card #7 - The Old Kingdom in Egypt

The Old Kingdom in Egypt

  In old history, there was a time period in which pyramids were being built. This is known as the Old Kingdom. Pharaoh reigned securely, while peasants farmed the land and built pyramids. Before this, the Mesopotamian people built ziggurats, which were rectangular shaped towers, which were sometimes surmounted by a temple. The first large pyramid was built by Pharaoh Zoser. It was called a 'step pyramid' which may have been modeled after the ziggurats.
    The largest of all pyramids was the Great Pyramid at Giza. The reason for this pyramid was that is would be used for a tomb for Pharaoh Cheops, who may also have been Khufu. It took twenty years to complete the building of this pyramid, and was worked on by one hundred thousand men, continually. They worked for three months until a new crew would relieve them. The pyramid was very heavy to build. Each block weighed about 2.5 tons, and the pyramid was made up of at least 2,300,000 blocks! That was a lot of work. No wonder it took twenty years to finish!
   There was a lot of thought that went into building a pyramid. One clue that we have is that it is probable that when they were built, those who were having it built for them were planning on using it as a way of entering the after-life. Lots of valuable items were buried with the pharaoh to assist in his journey to the afterlife. And more time was spent on building the pyramids than was spent on building their own homes! We can still see the pyramids today, as they were very well built and sturdy.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Today in History - September 24, 1789 - The First Supreme Court

Today in History - September 24, 1789 - The First Supreme Court

   The Judiciary Act of 1789 is passed by Congress and signed by President George Washington, establishing the Supreme Court of the United States as a tribunal made up of six justices who were to serve on the court until death or retirement. That day, President Washington nominated John Jay to preside as chief justice, and John Rutledge, William Cushing, John Blair, Robert Harrison, and James Wilson to be associate justices. On September 26, all six appointments were confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Read more at: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

Friday, September 23, 2011

Today in History - September 23, 1875 - Billy the Kid arrested for first time

September 23, 1875 - Billy the Kid arrested for first time



On this day in 1875, Billy the Kid is arrested for the first time after stealing a basket of laundry. He later broke out of jail and roamed the American West, eventually earning a reputation as an outlaw and murderer and a rap sheet that allegedly included 21 murders.
The exact details of Billy the Kid's birth are unknown, other than his name, William Henry McCarty. He was probably born sometime between 1859 and 1861, in Indiana or New York. As a child, he had no relationship with his father and moved around with his family, living in Indiana, KansasColorado and Silver City, New Mexico
Read the rest of the story at : www.history.com/this-day-in-history

Thursday, September 22, 2011

True History - Veritas Card #6 (Ancient Egypt) - Unification of Upper and Lower Egypt

Unification of Upper and Lower Egypt by Pharaoh Menes

We are going to go back into time, back to the time before Moses was in Egypt. In Ancient Egypt, the first known Pharaoh that is known, is Pharaoh Menes. Pharaoh Menes was also known as Narmer. When he was fifteen years old, he was a warrior and kind. He conquered Lower Egypt as he marched north, down the Nile. Then he built a capital city that was called, 'Memphis'. Pharaoh Menes was the first Pharaoh to rule both the Upper and Lower Egypt.
    Pharaoh Menes wore both a red crown and a white crown (which made a double crown). The white crown represented Upper Egypt, and the Red crown represented Lower Egypt. He wore the double crown because he ruled both kingdoms.

True History - Trivia Question

I have a trivia question here. See if you know the answer.

Who was the ruler that said, "Let them eat cake."

The Tabernacle Felt Set for Children - by Betty Lukens

The Tabernacle Felt Set for Children - by Betty Lukens
Here is a felt set (very colorful) of the Tabernacle. Also, there are books on it carried by this company.

Here is a pdf pattern for a Tabernacle

Printable Model of the Tabernacle.
http://www.gospelhall.org/index2.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=572&Itemid=
This is for children to make and put together. It has a list of materials that will need to be obtained in order to put it together.
If you are interested in making this, go to the web site and download the instruction page. Also, if you put it together, send me
a pic of it and I will try to post it here.

Today in History - Sep 22, 1862: Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation

Today in History - September 22, 1862 - Lincoln issues Emancipation Proclamation 

On this day in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issues a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which sets a date for the freedom of more than 3 million black slaves in theUnited States and recasts the Civil War as a fight against slavery.
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, shortly after Lincoln's inauguration as America's 16th president, he maintained that the war was about restoring the Union and not about slavery. 
Read more at: www.history.com/this-day-in-history

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

True History - Veritas Card # 30 - The Battle of Jericho

The Battle of Jericho - Joshua 5:13 - 6:27

   Now the time had come for the Israelites to start to take the land. They were going to have to do battle, but this type of battle was different from normal battles. Can you imagine a battle where priests were circling a city? God had instructed Joshua, through the commander of the army of heaven, the strategy for the battle plan. God was showing Joshua and the Israelites that the battle really belonged to the Lord. God was showing Himself to Joshua in a similar way as He did to Moses at the burning bush.
   It was important for the Israelites to follow the instructions God gave to Joshua. What the fighting men were supposed to do was to march around the city every day. They were led by the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant. Remember that the people in Jericho were terrified of the Israelites because they had heard what God did for them while they were living in Egypt. So the Israelites marched around the city for six days. Nothing else happened then, well not until the seventh day. 
   On the seventh day, God gave Israel the victory. This time, the soldiers marched seven times around the city. After they were finished, the priests blew their trumpets and the men gave a loud cry. The walls of the city came down! God had worked on behalf of Israel and now they destroyed the city of Jericho. They could now enter the city. God showed His mighty power to the Israelites and to the people who lived in Jericho. Everyone who lived in Jericho was put to death except one family. Rahab was spared from being killed because she followed the instructions of the spies and put a red cord to hang out of the window of where she lived. The Israelite soldiers did not put Rahab or anyone in her family to death. God had been merciful to Rahab because she trusted in Him.
   All this took place around 1406 B.C.

Today in History - September 21, 1780 - Benedict Arnold Commits Treason

Today in History - September 21, 1780 - Benedict Arnold Commits Treason

  On this day in 1780, during the American Revolution, American General Benedict Arnold meets with British Major John Andre to discuss handing over West Point to the British, in return for the promise of a large sum of money and a high position in the British army. The plot was foiled and Arnold, a former American hero, became synonymous with the word "traitor."
Arnold was born into a well-respected family in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. He apprenticed with an apothecary and was a member of the militia during the French and Indian War (1754-1763)
Read more at: www.history.com/this-day-in-history

True History - Veritas Card #29 - Spies to Canaan

Spies to Canaan - Joshua 2

   After Moses died, Joshua became the Israelites new leader. God had raised him up to do a certain job. One of the first things he did was to send two spies across the Jordan River to gather information about the place called Jericho. Jericho was a walled city in the land of Canaan. The people who lived in Jericho were terrified of the Israelites as they heard about what God had done for them in Egypt. Word traveled fast, and that even without television or radio!
   The leaders of Jericho found out about the two spies, they tried to capture them. But there was a woman named Rahab, who hid the spies so they would not be caught. The leaders who were trying to catch the two spies went to Rahab's house, but Rahab lied to the men and said that the spies were not there. She feared God enough to know that the two spies belonged to God, and she wanted the spies to protect her.
   Rahab trusted in God and God took care of her. She was aware of the promises God made to Abraham concerning Canaan. She also understood that Canaan was now being given to the Israelites. So she hid the spies and protected them from being caught. She believed God's promises were true and her faith was evident.
    God used the faith of this woman in many ways. God also protected her family from being destroyed when the Hebrews were taking over the land. She joined in with God's people, and actually became an ancestor to Jesus. This all took place around the time period of 1406 B.C.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Today in History - September 20, 1881 - Chester Arthur becomes third president to serve in one year Previous Day

Today in History - September 20, 1881 - 

Chester Arthur becomes third president to serve in one year


On this day in 1881, Chester Arthur is inaugurated, becoming the third person to serve as president in that year.
The year 1881 began with Republican Rutherford B. Hayes in office. Hayes served out his first and only term and officially turned over the reins of government to James A. Garfield, who happened to be a close friend of his, in March 1881. Just four months into his term, on July 2, Garfield was shot by a crazed assassin named Charles Guiteau. Guiteau claimed to have killed Garfield because he refused to grant Guiteau a political appointment. 
Read more at: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/chester-arthur-becomes-third-president-to-serve-in-one-year

True History - Veritas Card # 28 - Moses Dies; Joshua Assumes Command

Moses Dies; Joshua Assumes Command Deuteronomy 34

  Around the same time period that Balaam's donkey talked to him, Moses was getting ready to take the people into the Promised Land, the land that God promised would belong to the Israelites. Moses was older now, probably around 120 years old! Moses did not believe God's Word in a situation, and because of that, God would not allow him to go into the Promised Land. But God allowed Moses to look over the land before he died. He climbed up Mount Nebo and saw all the land that was promised to the Israelites. Mount Nebo was across the Jordan River from the city of Jericho. Moses died after he saw the land, and God took his body and buried it.
    There was a man named Joshua who was now the new leader of the Israelites. In fact, Joshua was one of the 12 spies that originally went into the Promised Land, and it was only he and another man who were brave enough to believe that God would truly give them the land.
   Before Moses died, he stood with Joshua before the Israelites. He told the people that Joshua would now be the one leading them into the land. God had chosen Joshua to be the new leader.
   Joshua's name means 'salvation'. When Jesus was born, the angel told Joseph that His name was to be called 'Jesus' because He would save His people from their sins. The Hebrew name Joshua, is the same name as Jesus. Joshua was like Jesus because he brought God's people into their promised blessing. Joshua trusted God and became a wise leader. He was full of wisdom and the Spirit of the Lord.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Today in History - September 19, 1959 - Khrushchev barred from visiting Disneyland


September 19, 1959 - Khrushchev barred from visiting Disneyland


In one of the more surreal moments in the history of the Cold War, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev explodes with anger when he learns that he cannot visit Disneyland. The incident marked the climax of Khrushchev's day in Los Angeles, one that was marked by both frivolity and tension.


Read more athttp://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/khrushchev-barred-from-visiting-disneyland

Sunday, September 18, 2011

True History - Veritas Card #27 - Balaam and His Donkey

Balaam and His Donkey - Numbers 22-24

   Can donkeys talk? What happens when animals see an angel? How do people react when they see an angel?
   Around 1406 B.C., there was a group of people called the 'Moabites'. They were descended from a man named 'Lot', who was Abraham's nephew. This group of people was living in the area of Canaan, and were terrified of the Israelites. The Israelites were now a very large group of people, and the Moabites had seen how the Lord was working among them, and they were afraid of them. What they tried to do, was to hire a man named Balaam, who was a prophet (one who speaks for God), to speak against Israel. Balaam was wicked. He used his office of being a prophet to make money with. The Moabites hired him to curse Israel.
   So Balaam tried to curse Israel, but as he did, God's anger burned against him. So God sent an angel to go in front of Balaam, into his path. Balaam did not see the angel, but his donkey was able to see him. The donkey wanted to avoid the angel, who was standing in the path, and the donkey went off the side of the path. The angel stood in the path now and was going to strike down Balaam. The donkey was able to see the angel and just sat down. Balaam became very angry and beat on the donkey. Then an amazing thing happened. The donkey spoke to Balaam. God allowed Balaam's eyes to be open and then he saw the angel. God had told Balaam to go with the Moabites and He would tell Balaam what he was to say to them.
    God had truly used this evil intent to bring good upon Israel. The Moabites hired Balaam to pronounce a curse upon Israel, but instead Balaam pronounced a blessing upon them. What an amazing thing God had done. Balaam tried to curse the Israelites three times, but instead, he blessed them three times. Because God is all knowing, He knew what the Moabites were planning against Israel. But He had a plan and used Balaam to bless His people instead of cursing them. The God who was sovereign back then, is still sovereign today. He will always rule and will never be defeated.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Today in History - September 17, 1862 - Battle of Antietam


Today in History - September 17, 1862 - Battle of Antietam 
Beginning early on the morning of this day in 1862, Confederate and Union troops in the Civil War clash near Maryland's Antietam Creek in the bloodiest one-day battle in American history.The Battle of Antietam marked the culmination of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's first invasion of the Northern states. Guiding his Army of Northern Virginia across the Potomac River in early September 1862, the great general daringly divided his men, sending half of them, under the command of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, to capture the Union garrison at Harper's Ferry.


Read more at: www.history.com/this-day-in-history



Thursday, September 15, 2011

True History - Veritas Card # 26 - The Wilderness Wanderings

The Wilderness Wanderings - Numbers 9-20


   The Israelites had a hard time trusting God. Even though God had taken care of them throughout their journey, they still did not like their surroundings. They complained a lot. They complained because they did not have water. God then provided water for them. They did the same thing with food, and God provided manna. Then they wanted meat, and God made it so that the camp was flooded with birds. They were an ungrateful people who did not trust God.
   God was bringing them near the Promised Land. When they reached the border of the land, they sent spies in. There were twelve spies, to start with, but only two of them, Joshua and Caleb, believed that they could defeat the people who already lived in that land. God had promised the Israelites the land of Canaan, but the people did not believe that God was able to keep that promise. They were afraid to enter the land, so God punished them by making them wander in the wilderness for forty years.
  The Israelites sinned against God many times. God was faithful to them though, and He never left them. During the day, God would lead the people through the desert with a cloud, and by night He would lead them by a pillar of fire. He continued to have His Tabernacle with them. God continued to give them food to eat, and protection. He caused their shoes to never wear out.
   As time went by, the grown-ups all died off because they refused to trust in God. They died in the wilderness and never went into the Promised Land. The children were able to go in though, but it was not without difficulties.
   The time period for this event was around 1446-1406 B.C.
 

Today in History - September 15,1962 - Four Seasons Earn Their First #1 Hit


The Four Seasons earn their first #1 hit with "Sherry" 


I have to admit, I picked this event in history out because I am partial to the Four Seasons. 
The Four Seasons came from Orange, NJ, the place where I was born. Today, in 1962, they came out with "Sherry", which is a song I remember.
And I don't know why the song "Rag Doll" reminds me of catching lizards! But these songs definitely have memories with them. You can go to the full article on the web, at www.history.com

"They were the godfathers of Italian-American soul, and though their roots were in old-fashioned doo-wop, they left that style for dead on a Newark street corner when they combined Frankie Valli's macho falsetto and the Jersey-thick background vocals of Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi with a driving R&B beat in the style of Motown or Phil Spector. While their trademark harmonies may not have been as sophisticated as those of, say, the Byrds, the Four Seasons had a sound fresh enough to remain current even after the arrival of the mighty Beatles. Indeed, the Four Seasons, along with the Beach Boys, were one of only two American groups to enjoy significant chart success before, during and after the British Invasion. Their hugely successful career reached an early high point on this day in 1962, when the song "Sherry" became their first #1 hit......"
"

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

True History - Veritas Card #25 - The Levitical Priesthood Begins

The Levitical Priesthood Begins - Numbers 3

   Now we are in the book of Numbers. We are focusing on the tribe of Levi. The descendants of Levi would be the tribe of priests. God had given the Levites special tasks to do. One of the jobs the Levites were asked to do was to carry the Tabernacle and to serve as helpers to Aaron's sons. Some of the other jobs that the Levites were asked to do were to carry the Ark of the Covenant, and to take down the curtains. The Tabernacle, which was a tent, would have to be moved in a careful way.
   Many years after this, the Temple of God was built. The Levites lived among the other tribes of Israel and they served at this Temple. Since the Lord was their inheritance, they did not have a special area of their own to live in.
   The priest in the Old Testament was a foreshadow of what God would do in the New Testament. A priest is a person who stands between God and the people. The Old Testament told about a special Priest that would come one day. He would stand between God and the people and act as a mediator. That happened around 2000 years ago, when God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to come to the earth and live a perfect, holy life. He became our High Priest and we no longer need to have the priests that were descended from the Levitical tribe. Because Jesus is alive, He can act as a priest for us today.
   The time period for the Levitical Priesthood was around 1440 B.C.

Today in History - September 14, 1901 - McKinley Dies of Infection From Gunshot Wounds

Today in History - McKinley Died of Infection From Gunshot Wounds.


On this day in 1901, U.S. President William McKinley dies after being shot by a deranged anarchist during the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.
McKinley won his first Congressional seat at the age of 34 and spent 14 years in the House, becoming known as the leading Republican expert on tariffs. After losing his seat in 1890, McKinley served two terms as governor of Ohio. By 1896, he had emerged as the leading Republican candidate for president, aided by the support of the wealthy Ohio industrialist Mark Hanna. That fall, McKinley defeated his Democratic rival, William Jennings Bryan, by the largest popular margin since the Civil War.  Read More at:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history

True History - Veritas Card# 24 - The Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant

The Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant - Exodus 36-37

  Around the time period of 1444 - 1435 B.C., God wanted His people to build a tabernacle for Him. God had made the people ready so that they would give an offering in order for the Tabernacle to be built. There were many talented people and craftsmen that helped build it as well. A couple of them were Bezaleel and Aholiab. God gave them wisdom and the ability to do their work on it. The money that was brought in by the people was way more than expected, and Moses had to tell them to stop giving.
   The Tabernacle was a special place where the priests went to meet with God. There had to be special preparation for the priests as well, before they could go into the inner parts of the Tabernacle. Some of the items inside the Tabernacle were a golden candle stand and a table of show bread. It was lined with furs and beautiful fabrics. Inside the Tabernacle, there was a room that only priests could enter after they were prepared to bring in the offering. It was called the 'Holy of Holies'. This room contained the Ark of the Covenant, which was a wooden box overlaid with gold. The items inside of the Ark were the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a jar of manna. The Holy of Holies had a thick curtain that separated it from the other parts of the Tabernacle.
   The priest would go into the Holy of Holies (or Most Holy Place) one time a year. He would sprinkle the blood of a lamb onto the Ark. This showed the people the importance of shedding blood for sin. There is only forgiveness for sin if blood is shed. In the Old Testament days, an animal was killed and used as an offering. The Lamb was used as a sacrifice to cover sin. Jesus was called the 'Lamb of God' because He would die for the people and become the sacrifice for them, one day. He did that 2000 years ago. When the lamb was sacrificed for the people, it caused the people to look forward to the Ultimate Sacrifice God was going to provide for His people. Lambs do not have to be sacrificed anymore because Jesus died once for all, to pay for our sin.
 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Today in History - Francis Scott Key penned the words to the 'Star-Spangled Banner'


Today in History- September 13, 1814 - Francis Scott Key pens the words to the 'Star-Spangled Banner'

On this day in 1814, Francis Scott Key pens a poem which is later set to music and in 1931 becomes America's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." The poem, originally titled "The Defence of Fort McHenry," was written after Key witnessed the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the sight of a lone U.S. flag still flying over Fort McHenry at daybreak, as reflected in the now-famous words of the "Star-Spangled Banner": "And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there."
Read more at: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history


Monday, September 12, 2011

True History-Veritas Card # 23- Moses Gets New Tablets

Moses Gets New Tablets - Exodus 34

  Yesterday we learned how Moses threw down the tablets that God had inscribed the Ten Commandments on. He did this because he was angry at the Israelites because they had fashioned a Golden Calf that they claimed was their 'god' who led them out of Egypt. They got tired of waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain and began to act wildly.
   God instructed Moses to take two more stone tablets up the mountain. Moses was in the presence of God and he did not eat food or drink for forty days. God wrote the law for His people once again on the stone tablets. Even though He was angry with the people, He renewed the covenant with His people. Moses was to tell the Israelites that they were to keep God's Law by keeping the Sabbath and festivals. God also did not want them to marry people that were from other nations. Also, the firstborn of every family belonged to God and firstborn animals were to be sacrificed to Him.
   When Moses came down from the mountain, his face shone brightly. He had to wear a veil so that the people could look at him. He remembered God's words and told them to the Israelites.
   The firstborn animals that were to be sacrificed to God, was a picture or foreshadow of what Jesus was going to come and do for His people. He became the Ultimate Sacrifice for our sins. We do not have to sacrifice animals any more. Jesus died once for all time.
  The time period for the New Tablets is around 1444 B.C.

Today in History - September 12, 1940 - Lascaux cave paintings discovered


Lascaux cave paintings discovered


(Please note that the dates given here are based upon the theory of evolution, which requires  the earth being billions of years old).


Near Montignac, France, a collection of prehistoric cave paintings are discovered by four teenagers who stumbled upon the ancient artwork after following their dog down a narrow entrance into a cavern. The 15,000- to 17,000-year-old paintings, consisting mostly of animal representations, are among the finest examples of art from the Upper Paleolithic period.


Source: www.history.com

Sunday, September 11, 2011

True History - Veritas Card #22 - Aaron and the Golden Calf

Aaron and the Golden Calf - Exodus 32

   Moses had gone up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments from God. He was up there for a long time and the Israelites were impatient and assumed that Moses was not going to come back down. They decided at this time that they wanted to do something like the Egyptians had done. They wanted to worship a god that they could see. So, they had Aaron lead in this activity. They asked him to make a golden calf for them to go before them. They melted down gold and shaped it into a calf. After it was finished, they actually said that this golden calf that they made out of gold was the god that led them out of Egypt! The people had a big celebration then with the golden calf. They also became out of control.
  Moses came down the mountain and was angry with what he was seeing. He actually threw the tablets that had the Ten Commandments written on them! This was to signify the meaning of a broken covenant. The people had already broken the second Commandment which said that they were not to make any graven images of God.
  God was not pleased with the people. He wanted to destroy them, but Moses prayed for God to not destroy them. God had made promises already to Israel, and Moses reminded God of His promises to His people. 3,000 men died, and Moses destroyed the calf. Moses went back up the mountain and asked God to forgive the people. Moses stood in the place between the Israelites and God, trying to make peace between both of them. This is a foreshadow of what Jesus Christ, God's son, would do many years later. Jesus stood between God and His people, and turned God's wrath away so the people would not be destroyed. Jesus was the mediator between God and man.
   Aaron and the golden calf took place around 1444 B.C.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Today in History - September 9, 1850 - California Becomes 31st State

Today in History - September 9, 1850 - California becomes the 31st state in record time



Though it had only been a part of the United States for less than two years, California becomes the 31st state in the union (without ever even having been a territory) on this day in 1850.
Mexico had reluctantly ceded California and much of its northern territory to the United States in the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,.
Read more at:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/california-becomes-the-31st-state-in-record-time