For the History Buffs

Warning: Spiritual topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

I have been studying one of the least favorite books of the Bible: The book of Chronicles. C’mon, be honest. Even if you say you’ve been a Bible thumper for years, you kinda skip Chronicles dontcha? Can’t say I blame you — pages and pages of difficult names to pronounce. Picture this: a Jewish Mom calling her kids for dinner: “Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, Jobab – dinner time!” And just imagine her calling them by their middle name when she’s really mad.

So here I am wondering why this book was preserved and included in this collection of ancient manuscripts … wondering why I’m even reading this when more interesting social media stuff is beckoning me to indulge in the insanity of the 21st century. So I’m praying for some enlightenment from heaven; and suddenly it hit me — I’m reading an account (a diary) of the struggles and successes of a civilization long gone by. History books often give a big number for people describing an event — like Paramount’s 1956 movie of The Ten Commandments with the headline: “… filmed in Technicolor with a cast of thousands.” And that number is washed away in a long shot of Hollywood extras.

Chronicles puts a magnifying glass to the family photo of millions of ancient Jews and allows us to see individual faces. Each of these faces have a story to tell — a family they cared for, aspirations in life, etc.. Some of the more influential people (like the mighty warriors of King David’s army) are blessed with an extra line describing their accomplishments. It’s like a High School yearbook with pictures of The Guy Most Likely to Succeed and the Prom Queen who broke so many hearts.

NO EXCUSE
How can anyone still doubt the historicity of the Bible when you realize it is filled with so much detail? You can’t make these things up. 1 Chronicles acts as a cross reference for the other books. When they say King David danced half-naked when his people celebrated the return of the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem; meanwhile his wife Michal, the daughter of King Saul, looked at David with contempt; and David got so turned off that he never slept with her again and she remained childless for the rest of her life — you know for sure those events really happened.

And if you can believe this “tiny marital squabble of David” you have to believe the bigger stories and especially the accounts of Jesus. To doubt, despite all the details described in the New Testament, isn’t a problem of faith but a matter of subjective convenience. At least I think so.

RESISTANCE
Before I was a Christian, I did not want to be tied down with so many “THOU SHALT NOTs” even if I knew they were good for me. The crazy thing is, when I became a Christian, this was never an issue because the advantages far outweighed the “inconvenience.” Working hard for something you really want (like a blessed life) is worth the exhilaration of success. Of course there will be ups and downs but without the bad how can we appreciate the good? Problems still arise when one becomes a Christian but now there is meaning and understanding behind the problem.

Chronicles has also made me appreciate the Psalms more. It lists the members of the choir and the musicians. Those guys organized their worship seriously. I mean there were so many singers, that they required first and second assistants to the choir leader.

CONCLUSION
If you’ve never read the Bible, you’re really missing a lot. True, it may be confusing at first but if you want to understand the meaning of life, you don’t need to climb that holy mountain to speak to the all-knowing hermit. The information is contained inside that book. I believe it is the Word of God. He loves us so much he used this ancient database to introduce himself. It’s profound that the creator of this vast universe even wants to communicate with us mere mortals. And it blows my mind that he knows each of us intimately. Through the stories and the instructions we see patterns of who God is, who we are, and the purpose of life. Using the same data, we each see different patterns and it is through our sharing of insights that we form a clearer picture. Isn’t it an amazing never-ending system of discovery and application?

I’m still halfway through 1st Chronicles but I think the seemingly innocuous list will run by me with a little more enthusiasm from here on. And of course (be still my beating heart), there’s a 2nd Chronicles waiting for me to explore. Yaba daba doo!

But this is just me. TGIF people!

BTW, a good place to start is The Bible Project website. It has short videos and simple explanations, in very simple language.

“It is the best Book that ever was or ever will be in the world.” —Charles Dickens

“The Bible is not only a great book of historical reference, but it also is a guide for daily life, and for this reason I respect it and I love it.” —Haile Selassie

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

Thanks to Jane of San Diego, CA

Thanks to Mary of Colorado

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Benny of Detroit

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.

SUBSCRIBE

The post Famous Roman appeared first on Traveling Archive.

That Old Book

Advanced Happy Thanksgiving! Hard to believe it’s already next Thursday.

My life flashed before me (in a good way) last night. I picked up my old dusty Bible that my wife gifted to me back in 1995 as a Father’s Day present. I had put it aside for several years because the book binding had given up on the pages and the wrinkled sheets kept on falling off. I’m one of those who abuse books — I underline, write notes and even draw pictures (lots of them because I’m a visual learner) on the margins and in between columns. Reading my desecrated notes, I was impressed at the insights from my “quiet time” and the many teachers that passed on their scriptural wisdom to me. What a joy! What a treasure! Many of my notes were written when my kids were still under 10 years old. I carried that Bible as well as the many milk bottles and toys we had to drag along whenever we went out. No wonder it got beat up.

MEMORIES

I remember the many games our son played as Captain Ball of the school team; the choirs that my eldest sang at the soprano section; the crazy costumes my youngest wore for her Color Days; our poop-eating shih tzu, Zoe, the “dog who wouldn’t die.” And of course my lovely wife who stood beside me through thick and thin. I still can’t believe she married me. She’s still beautiful and I often wonder why I deserve her.

Tears begin to flow as I remember the adventure of a lifetime. So many friends, so many career moves … it’s true what they say: that God doesn’t promise us a problem-free life but He promised that He would be there to help us through the storms. If not for my faith I’m sure my life would have been messed up big time!

No doubt you have your own list of adventures. Where do we even start, right? Whatever stage you’re going through, give thanks. Whether struggles or victories, let’s give thanks. And when we bump into each other in heaven I’d love to hear your story. And we can take our time because we will have eternity to do it. But for now, let’s give thanks to our Lord … our God!

TGIF people!

Raoul

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” – Psalm 100:4

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Clinton of Arizona

Parting Shots

Thanks to Bob of Placentia, CA

Thanks to Richard of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Mike of Whittier, CA
Not a joke … just an easy visual reminder.

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre. CA

Not a joke but a good reminder.

I found these

The Traveling Boy

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

SUBSCRIBE

The post The Get Better Card appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Oh Happy Day!

A Merry Christmas to you all. I know, I know — to many of you, it’s an isolated Christmas. But there are many ways we can still celebrate Christmas without a face-to-face party. Among them some of the many Christmas jokes I’ve been collecting (thanks to all who sent a ton of emails).

I’ve sent my kids their presents and my wife said she got everything she wanted … so at least for now, it’s peace on earth. Need I say more?

Happy Hanukkah! Feliz Navidad! Maligayang Pasko! メリークリスマス
Buon Natale, Joyeux Noël, Vrolijk kerstfeest, Giáng Sinh vui vẻ, Veselé Vánoce, Feliz Natal, Wesolych Swiat,  聖誕快樂, С рождеством!, Superkalifragilistic Expialidocious   — It’s a great day in any language. For unto us a child is born.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Because of Christ, there is hope and wonder. TGIF people!

Raoul

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.“
— Isaiah 9:6 — A prophecy written 740 years before Christ’s birth.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Video: Covid Christmas

Thanks to Toti of Manila, Philippines

Video: Santa Interrogation

Thanks to Tony of Los Angeles, CA

Video: Salvation Army Christmas Concert

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA
A classic Christmas music collection

Video: The Little Drummer Boy

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Funny:

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.
Funny:

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA
Funny:

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post Christmas Courtroom appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Recorded Miracle

I pondered about what to share this Friday before Christmas. I wanted it to be special. So, how about a miracle? Do you want to literally hear one?

Duane Miller was a pastor in Texas. He lost his voice after a bout with a virus that attacked his vocal chords. It took a lot of effort for him to speak and his raspy voice caused him to lose his leadership position in church. They say he went to 63 medical specialists but the sad prognosis was that he would no longer be able to speak in a normal voice again.

One Sunday, (over 3 years after he lost his voice) the regular Sunday school teacher was unavailable and Miller was asked to step in. The church fitted him with a microphone to help pick up his squeaky voice. He was to teach on Psalm 103 (about God’s forgiveness of sin and miracles). And then it happened — in front of 200 people, a miracle was recorded for all to hear.

CLICK HERE to listen to Miller’s voice before and after the miracle. Listen to him in mid-speech wonder what was happening and the crowd applauding in the background.

Isn’t it wonderful that our loving God is still in the business of granting miracles? There is no formula. There is no guarantee. There is only God who gifts our needs. In all miracles, the glory goes to God alone.

It’s the season of joy and miracles. This Christmas, there’s no harm in praying for the gift you’ve always wanted. I’m sure God already knows what it is. I believe He will grant you what you need … not according to your standards but His. He knows you better than you know yourself. And that’s a very good thing.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles. TGIF people!

Raoul

“My soul, praise the Lord
and never forget how kind he is!
He forgives all our sins
and heals all our sicknesses.
He saves us from the grave,
and he gives us love and compassion.”
— Psalm 103: 2 – 5

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA  for sharing this joke.

Video: Another Kind of YMCA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Video: Tom Cruise Impersonator

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA

Video: Mixing Fun and Exercise

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun

Parting Shots

Thanks to Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA
Sensitive:

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.
Funny:

Thanks to Sang of North Dakota
Funny:

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA
Funny:

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

The post Eggnog appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Authentic Christmas

It’s beginning to look LESS like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look at the COVID stats,
it’s rising once again
With health complaints and hospital lanes that grow

I have to admit that it’s beginning to look real weird even for me, a professional office cave-dweller. Christmas is my favorite time of the year so not to experience the hustle and bustle of shopping, partying and traveling for the first time in my life is going to be tough. We don’t have a single Christmas decor up. It’s just my wife and pets — why bother, right? A group of us were hoping to give a mini-Christmas concert but with the recent spike in infections, even that has been cancelled. We practiced several weekends for nothing!

But then I remembered the very first Christmas.

If you believe what is written in the Bible, you know that this baby Jesus (the only begotten son of the almighty God of the universe) abandoned a place of indescribable peace and beauty in order to become like one of us — a man susceptible to hunger, to cold, to temptation, and to ridicule. Instead of choosing rich and powerful well-connected parents, he chose a simple carpenter as a father and a very young mother (probably in her young teens). So insignificant were these newly weds that after they traveled some 20 km to a faraway town in Bethlehem, they could not find a room to rest. They hadn’t anticipated the throng of other travelers arriving at the same time to register for the census. The pregnant mother possibly pleaded not to take the journey because her time to deliver was so near but the law of the land forced the arduous trip. Unable to find decent shelter they found a manger …(a den for farm animals). The fragile baby Jesus, the new born King, started his human life wrapped up in rags and laid to rest inside a cattle’s feeding trough.  All of this to save people who don’t even realize they need saving.

And here we are; near the end of the infamous Covid year… locked up in our homes with our computers, online movies, a stockpile of food and we’re complaining about toilet paper and cancelled mini-concerts.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: It’s a lot less commercialized Christmas but it’s a lot more authentic Christmas. TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA  for sharing these jokes.

Video: Amazing Goalie

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

I shared this video before but when I watched it again, I couldn’t help laughing out loud. What dedication! What a trooper! What “bad luck”  just being in the right place at the right time.

Video: Crosswalk in Quebec

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA who shared this innovative solution to slow down traffic at the crosswalk.

Video: Something’s Wrong With My Apple

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA
Dry British humor

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who sent this pun

Parting Shots

Thanks to Ed of Studio City, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA

The post Believer appeared first on Traveling Archive.

A Divided Nation

I guess we’re starting the new year with a bang. A real BANG! with the hit on a terrorist in Iran. Predictably, the politicians are not shy about expressing their opinions. Sadly, the country is more and more divided even on something you would think they should actually agree on. It’s almost automatic — what one side says, the other side always has to disagree.

Some say that we shouldn’t mix politics with religion but last night I was reading Matthew 12 and it just hit me that this is one of the most politically charged passages in the Bible — and it’s as relevant then as it is today. It’s about Jesus vs. the Establishment — Jesus’ miracles (that are obviously good) are condemned and questioned by the Pharisees. Listen to their heated debate:

“Our long established rules demands that you shouldn’t do that!” they said.
“You mean I can’t do this?! *bling!* and Jesus heals a man’s crippled hands.

“Grrrr! Why you defiant little twirp! You belong to the dark side!” they said.
“Oh yeah? Why would I be doing good if I belong to the dark side? That doesn’t even make sense! Talk is cheap but the proof is in the obvious good that is accomplished. Good trees make good fruit. Bad trees make bad fruit.” Jesus argues.

“Well, we demand more proof than just miracles!” they retort.
“I already sent you lots of ’em. Remember Jonah and the whale? If you still don’t get it now, what’s the point in showing you more?” Jesus says.

“Lookie here! Our ‘fact-checkers’ say these guys are your Mom and brothers! How can you be the Messiah if you come from this ordinary family? Gotcha!” they smirk.
“Nice try diverting the argument. Those are just my earthly family. These guys who believe in me are my true family!” Jesus ends.

Of course this is just a paraphrase of the debate. Read it yourself and pay particular attention to the dynamics and tactics employed. Don’t they sound like today’s politicians?

What has me worried is that America may not survive with all of this internal bickering. I believe there are powerful forces that want to take America and the world down and they have already infiltrated our system.

“any town or family that divides itself into groups which fight each other will fall apart.”
— Matthew 12:25

But through prayer, there is hope. Can’t we grant each other patience and respect? Let’s really listen to the other side. It isn’t a matter of who’s smarter or more informed. Facts don’t matter when you’re up against pride. We all win when we lower our pride. And I say this to myself too and I know it’s hard.

Of course this is just me. TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Video: 1933 Self Parking

Hard to believe there are millions of drivers out there who do not know how to back up or horizontal park. Here is an invention that can still probably help today. Thanks to Chuck of Whittier for sending this.

Video: Bird Mimic

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC for sharing this adorable bird.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this:

The post Job Interview appeared first on Traveling Archive.

All the Pretty Followers

A few months ago, I got a huge compliment from one of my subscribers who thanked me for my insight regarding the wandering Jews who wasted 40 years in the wilderness because of their lack of faith in God. God said “GO! and take the land of Canaan” but the majority of the cowardly Israelites didn’t think God was serious. The majority said “the reason for the size of these humongous grapes and crops we stole was because they feed humongous mouths! We are nothing but ants!!” [paraphrased].

Do you know what happened in the 40 years that followed? The population of unbelievers died off and their children grew up — essentially replacing their parents.  Moses had just passed away and Joshua picked up the leadership baton. One of the first things he decided to do was owe his full allegiance to God: “I don’t know about you guys, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” Joshua’s real strength was his unwavering loyalty and discipline to follow God to the minutest detail. Joshua only had one defeat and it was not because of what he did but what a guy named Achan did. God instructed the people to demolish their enemy completely — including all the spoils of war. Achan, decided to pilfer some of those goodies and hid it in his tent. “It’s just a small thing … God wouldn’t mind,” Achan thought. Because of this selfish deed, the Israelites lost their next battle. Joshua eventually figured out what happened and Achan was stoned to death. [Hey! That’s how they did it then]. After purging the impurity in the camp, it was one victory after another. Long story short, within 5 years Joshua led the Israelite army to conquer the land of the “humongous” giants. In retrospect, they could have been standing on the same land 35 years earlier.

Now here’s the deal, The God of Moses, the God of Abraham, the God who created the universe…  is the same unchanging God we have the opportunity to worship today. Let that sink in.
Sure God loves us and promises us an undeserved contract of blessings. But there is a fine line in the contract. The fine line is what Joshua and his family signed: “… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

How are things in your household? Do you believe in God? If you do, are you serving Him or yourself? Achan thought he could get away with a “little indiscretion.” What’s your indiscretion?

Don’t believe in God? Whether you believe Him or not, doesn’t change the truth. You may not believe in gravity but let’s face it, you’re stuck on earth like the rest of us.

The Bible offers a beautiful intertwining of history, spiritual truths and the character of God … such as the story of Joshua.. If you’ve never read it, you’re missing a lot, Dude. Of course, this is just me … at least this is what I believe.

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Funny Short Video

The Silly Welder (It Pays to Think Ahead)

Shared by Jackie of Whittier, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, BC who shared this:

The post Two Responses appeared first on Traveling Archive.

One Year Old Cat

It was an uphill battle from the start. Like the heroes of the Star Trek series realized, the Borg were just too powerful — resistance was futile. Similarly, resistance to the charms of that feline was futile. The creature that my wife and daughter connived to bring into our home was out to get me from day one. I knew cat hair would pile up. I knew cat food coming in (feeding) and coming out (pooping) would be a daily routine … so would the expensive visits to the vet. I avoided it for months but it kept coming to me for scratches and massages. It was terrible. I was used. I was manipulated by an expert. Those ever-curious eyes that glowed in the dark, the gentle pushes for attention when we were in bed, the routines of meeting me halfway down the stairs — who could resist?

I dug up this old story that Naomi of N Hollywood sent me back in 2014. It reminded me so much of my predicament today. We’ve all had trouble with our animals but I don’t think anyone can top this one:

The New Cat Toy

Calling in sick to work makes me uncomfortable. No matter how legitimate my excuse, I always get the feeling that my boss thinks I’m lying.

On one recent occasion, I had a valid reason but lied anyway, because the truth was just too darned humiliating. I simply mentioned that I had sustained a head injury, and I hoped I would feel up to coming in the next day. By then, I reasoned, I could think up a doozy to explain the bandage on the top of my head.

The accident occurred mainly because I had given in to my wife’s wishes to adopt a cute little kitty.

Initially, the new acquisition was no problem …then one morning, I was taking my shower after breakfast when I heard my wife, Deb, call out to me from the kitchen.

“Honey! The garbage disposal is dead again. Please come reset it.”

“You know where the button is,” I protested through the shower pitter-patter and steam. “Reset it yourself!”

“But I’m scared!” she persisted. “What if it starts going and sucks me in?” There was a meaningful pause and then, “C’mon, it’ll only take you a second.”

So out I came, dripping wet and butt naked, hoping that my silent outraged nudity would make a statement about how I perceived her behavior as extremely cowardly.

Sighing loudly, I squatted down and stuck my head under the sink to find the button. It is the last action I remember performing.

It struck without warning, and without any respect to my circumstances. No, it wasn’t the hexed disposal, drawing me into its gnashing metal teeth. It was our new kitty, who discovered the fascinating dangling objects she spied hanging between my legs. She had been poised around the corner and stalked me as I reached under the sink. At the precise moment when I was most vulnerable, she leapt at the toys I unwittingly offered and snagged them with her needle-like claws. I lost all rational thought to control orderly bodily movements, blindly rising at a violent rate of speed, with the full weight of a kitten hanging from my masculine region.

Wild animals are sometimes faced with a “fight or flight” syndrome. Men, in this predicament, choose only the “flight” option. I know this from experience. I was fleeing straight up into the air when the sink and cabinet bluntly and forcefully impeded my ascent. The impact knocked me out cold.

When I awoke, my wife and the paramedics stood over me. Now there are not many things in this life worse than finding oneself lying on the kitchen floor butt naked in front of a group of “been-there, done-that” paramedics.

Even worse, having been fully briefed by my wife, the paramedics were all snorting loudly as they tried to conduct their work, all the while trying to suppress their hysterical laughter … and not succeeding.

Somehow I lived through it all. A few days later I finally made it back in to the office, where colleagues tried to coax an explanation out of me about my head injury. I kept silent, claiming it was too painful to talk about, which it was. “What’s the matter?” They all asked, “Cat got your tongue?”

If they only knew!

If you don’t have pets, take it from me, don’t even consider it. If you already succumed to the temptation, you have my sympathy. May the animals in your home keep you out of trouble! TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Tim Conway: The Dentist
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

One of our favorite comedians passed away this week. Don requested that, in his honor, we share one of his beloved skits. Goodbye Tim. Thanks for all the laughter.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did. 

Interesting Video of the Week

Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Watch “How Amazon Spies on Americans with Face-Rekognition.” This is pretty long but this guy presents it with wit and humor.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this.

The post Hard Working Children of Israel appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Power Play

Some people have told me that I put too many put-down married jokes. Sorry about that. I agree but somehow these genre of jokes are the ones that people send me the most. The second ones are the growing-old jokes.

Makes you wonder. I guess marriage is an easy target for jokesters because they see the craziness in marriage too often. Indeed there is a constant battle for power between the spouses.

But did you know that this is actually Biblically prophesied? When Adam and Eve ate that forbidden fruit God was so disappointed: “Yo Dudes! Your ideal life here in Paradise? It’s over!” Our first parents had access to anything and everything in creation but there was ONE restriction. Guess what? That ONE restriction was exactly what they decided to do. Kinda depressing that the first model of mankind were total “losers.”

God decreed that from that point on: “you would now need to work for what used to be free … and Eve (you and the future Eves), you’re gonna have childbirth pain like you can’t even imagine! And one more thing, (implanted in your DNA) will be your “desire” for your husband.”

For the longest time I wondered if “desire” simply meant that she would be attracted to her husband or want her man to find her attractive. (When you see how women dump tons of makeup and the guys falling for it, it kinda makes sense.) But the word “desire” really means a yearning for power — a desire to dominate. That same Hebrew word is only used one other time and it can be found in the next chapter of Genesis  (where God is warning Cain who got jealous of his brother Abel’s more acceptable gift) Cain was livid with envy. God warned Cain to control himself because “sin is crouching at the door. Its desire (the same exact word) is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Alas, like parent, like son, Cain could not help himself. He murdered his own brother. In both instances, desire is that powerful intent mixed in the emotions. In other words Eve, since day one, desired to rule over Adam. Thus was born the Married Jokes.

Of course this is a general statement. There are always exceptions. But this explains the pattern of marriage dynamics. That’s why women do a lot of alluring while the men do a lot of the pursuing. Women attract. Men react. Women dangle the fruit of pleasure in the hopes of gaining power.

There are many things you can learn from the Bible. You should read it some time.

Of course this is just me. TGIF people!

“To the woman [God] said, “I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be to (ie. you will want to control) your husband, but he will dominate you.”
— Genesis 3:16

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Charlie of New Jersey for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

You Have 2 Choices
Sent by Belen of Cerritos, CA

This is a very short video but it’s funny.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Audrey of New York

If you want to learn how to hold your breath for over 2 minutes, follow this video. Pretty cool.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA who shared this.

The post Feuding Spouses appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Miracle Amnesia

I think my hernia is growing. It seems to hurt every time I try to get up now. Last week I asked people to pray for a miracle of healing. That got me thinking.

Do we really believe in miracles? Or are we just parroting someone else’s belief? Do YOU believe in miracles?

I was going through the story of Moses in the book of Exodus — you know —- that episode of the movie, The Ten Commandments, where Moses raises his cane and the red sea parts and allows the Israelites to walk on dry land to safety? Now that’s what you call a MIRACLE — an MGM type of miracle … complete with orchestral music and CG effects.

If you were one of those Israelites walking between two raging masses of water, you’d think that vision … that memory would be forever etched in your mind, right? Sadly (except for Moses, Caleb and Joshua) millions of Israelites had a case of Miracle Amnesia.They couldn’t trust God to help them conquer the promised land. They blew it! Instead of faith in God (who already proved Himself) their logical mind took over. They only saw how big and fortified the enemy was and chickened out of the miracle. Because of their unbelief they wandered in the desert for 40 years until they all died off. It was their children led by Caleb and Joshua who entered and took over the land of Canaan.

Again I ask, do you believe in miracles? Some say the parting of the Red Sea never really happened. Some say the Bible isn’t really an accurate historical book. Some say God was different then. So many excuses. So little faith.

I believe the parting of the Red Sea did happen. I believe there are  chariots and armor still buried underneath the Red Sea. I believe that the same God responsible for that miracle then is the same God that will allow a miracle today. So God will heal my hernia? Don’t be silly! I’m not saying He definitely WILL. I’m saying, it’s up to Him. I can only request. He’s not a genie in a bottle who grants my every wish.

You got major problems? Pray! He’s got a lot of  miracles up His sleeve.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

“The smaller your God, the bigger your problem. The bigger your God, the smaller your problem.”
— Anonymous

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Dennis of Riverside, CA for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Musical Colonoscopy
Sent by Tom of Pasadena,CA

I think I shared this a long time ago. Because of my upcoming surgery this song is closer to my heart … I mean my stomach.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Ernie of New Jersey

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this.

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