In the United States, regional water shortages are not uncommon. Parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other dry Southwestern states deal with water shortages and rationing on an almost annual basis. But for U.S. residents, such water shortages usually mean that we have to water our lawns or wash our cars a little less frequently. The United States has never had its supply of fresh drinking water threatened.

Now consider this: Worldwide, it is estimated that approximately 1.2 billion people lack access to freshwater. That’s about one sixth of the entire world’s population. Furthermore, one third of the world’s population has no basic sanitation facilities for bathing and cleaning. Why is this?

Most of us don’t even realize that there is a lack of freshwater. In the past, water has always been readily available and inexpensive, and thus we don’t consider it to be a precious resource. After all, 75% of the Earth is covered in water, right? This may be true, but most of that water is in oceans, and salt water is not drinkable. Of all the water on Earth, only about 2.5% of it is freshwater. And of that amount, much is contaminated and is not suitable for drinking.

Many of us are accustomed now to hearing in the news about various crises around the world. Wars are being fought, AIDS has become an epidemic, and global warming is causing climate changes that could lead to catastrophe. All of these are serious problems, but none more so than the lack of clean water. The difference between freshwater shortages and other issues is timing. Without freshwater for drinking, humans and animals cannot survive more than a few days. Furthermore, drinking contaminated water wreaks havoc on an otherwise healthy individual. The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of illnesses and death in developing countries are caused by unsanitary water. This is a very real and immediate problem, killing people on an hourly basis.

While this issue doesn’t directly affect many of us in the United States, we must be aware that it will affect us sooner or later. The U.S. government estimates that within the next 3-5 years, at least 36 states will have to deal with water shortages. Most of us cannot imagine what it might be like to live without freshwater. In African countries, many people spend several hours each day in search of freshwater. It is essential to life, and we must have it in order to eat and live. Can you imagine taking two or three hours out of your day, every day, to walk several miles in search of freshwater for your family to drink and eat and bathe?

The biggest threat we face today to our supply of fresh drinking water is the world’s growing population. During the 20th century, the world’s population tripled, and it continues to grow today. Some scientists believe that within 25 years, half of the world’s population may have trouble finding freshwater for drinking and sanitation purposes. In China, for example, each year the country is consuming 30 cubic kilometers more water than can be replaced by regular rainfall. This amount is going to add up quickly as time goes by.

The fact is that water is the world’s most important resource, and it’s been taken for granted and wasted for a long time. When and if the day comes that we begin to see serious freshwater shortages in developed countries, war will undoubtedly break out over this precious resource. So while we should be concerned about issues like AIDS, foreign wars, and global warming, we should be just as concerned, if not more so, about the growing issue that may someday become more critical to us than any other: a worldwide shortage of freshwater.

First of a series, this far-future tale is about humanity really needing a savior.

In the 34th century, humanity has lost the war against vampires from the planet Migra, and have been exiled to Regnum, a giant spaceship in Earth orbit. The vampires, living on Earth, plan to harvest the humans for their blood. John Howe is the “President” of Regnum. His nephew, Alex, has grown up in the shadow of his famous father, who united the scattered remnants of humanity, and whom Alex never knew. Alex graduates from college, as valedictorian, has a girlfriend, Angel, and is about to become a father.

Some of the vampires, the Rebels, fought with humanity during the war, Afterwards, they were denied permission to join humanity in orbit; they have been systematically murdered until there are only a handful left. Alex learns, one day, that he is the long-prophesied Falsifier, who will bring about the end of the vampires. The vampires know this, too. Alex is kidnapped and taken to Earth. The kidnapping is not a complete surprise; one of the Rebels is a good friend of Howe, and has assured him that no harm will come to Alex. Killing him will not affect the prophecy.

The vampires give humanity an ultimatum: Disarm immediately, or it’s war. Humanity responds with an ultimatum: Release Alex, or it’s war. Meantime, Alex has been learning a lot about the prophecy, and gaining a great deal of power. John Howe practically forces the Regnum Senate to give him dictatorial powers to fight the war that everyone knows is coming. Does Alex fulfill his prophecy to end the reign of the vampires? What happens in the final battle between humanity and the vampires?

This is a really interesting novel that touches on a number of subject, including very ancient history, religion and racial prejudice. Yes, it’s very much worth reading. (I received an advanced reading copy from the author.)

Red Serpent: The Falsifier, Delson Armstrong, 2010, ISBN 9780982952306.

Textile design can be defined, to mean the art of making patterns of various types on fabric materials. In a broader view, it as an area of discipline in applied or industrial art had been practised in different parts of the world at different times. For instance, it was reportedly practised in China around 618-906 AD, in Japan around 552-794 AD. It was also recorded by historians that, it was practised for centuries in South- East Asia, Indonesia, India, Peru and parts of Africa especially Nigeria to be specific. Additionally, it is an embodiment of professional disciplines that are open to different areas of specialization. For example, under it, are the following disciplines, viz; Tie- Dye, Batik, Print and Print making, Weaving and Embroidery.

Textile design has its own usefulness and purpose in mankind, and such usefulness cannot be underestimated in human daily endeavours. To start with, it can be used as a means of utility, that is, it can serve different purposes at a time. For example, it can be worn as cloth, can be used to make handbags, can be used as window blind or curtain for home and office, as table cover, as handkerchief and so on.

Textile design as an area of specialization can serve as a means of employment and source of income to individuals. This implies that, an artist or a designer can explore new motifs, techniques or styles in textile design and by so doing, make himself or herself self employed without depending on government or family member(s) for sustenance. This, on the other hand, tends to reduce, to some extent, the unemployment rate of a particular society. It is also very significant in our daily endeavours in the area of aesthetics.

Aesthetics is defined according to oxford advance learner dictionary as anything concerned with beauty and art, and the understanding of beautiful things. Based on this fact highlighted above, it can therefore be used as both interior and exterior decoration in public and private buildings like hotels, churches, mosque, banks, offices, to mention but just a few. The products of textile designs used for both interior and exterior decoration are usually made into various sizes, with beautiful patterns, framed and hung on the walls of the buildings.

Another vital area where it can play an important role in the daily endeavours of humans is in the area of being an agent or a means to communicate, address and as well, promote cultural values of a particular society. It shall be recalled at this instance that, dressing is one of the main tenets of culture. Fabric materials, to be worn as cloth, can be designed by an artist to portray some historical antecedents of a society so as to showcase such cultural values to the outside world. This can be achieved, through the use of stories and motifs, that are common or identified with such societies, as designs on textile materials. Citing an instance, common folktales of different versions of a society can be made on fabrics, anyone that comes across such works/cloths will be reminded or be acquainted with the cultural values of such society. Similarly, foreigners and those that are not very familiar with the cultural values of the communities involved, can use the works/fabrics as reference points or souvenirs for better understanding of the cultural heritage of the communities concerned.

Economic significance is yet another area, through which the exploration of textile design can be of paramount importance to human daily endeavour. This can be explained through the boost, the sales of textile design products will give to the economy of a nation. This means that, buying and selling of the products and the patronage given to them cannot only make individuals involved to be self- reliant, but also add to the gross domestic products of a nation. It should be emphasised that, on any products sold or bought, the personalities involved in the transactions has directly and indirectly paid some amount of money as tax while buying the products. The tax goes into the purse of the government, this therefore generates some money into the purse of the government, thus, adding a quota to the national development of the nation.

Conclusively, all the points discussed in this essay are just part of a whole of the usefulness of textile design to our daily endeavours as humans.

Mencius coined the term jen-i (humanity-righteousness), which has become recognized as the essence of Confucianism. He did so to use I, righteousness, as a bridge between the inside and outside of mind, between humanity and propriety. One of the most impressive and effective characteristics Mencius' philosophy is its capacity to show morality, or righteousness, as a faculty, an ability, of humanity. Another impressive characteristic is Mencius' ability to show the spiritual power of righteousness. The first characteristic Mencius shows that the humanity of Confucius, the natural ability and potential of each person to practice virtue, encompasses an innate sixth sense, of sorts, a sense of morality. Each person can cultivate this sense through practice. Righteousness is like a second sight; it is the ability to 'see' the right thing to do in each of life's situations. Through contemplation, reflection, and continuous practice people can improve their dexterity in this skill. Through a better understanding of humanity and deeper sincerity, this skill can be applied instantaneously to seemingly complex scenarios. Mencius connected righteousness to humanity, because he understood that its skill was rooted in this vastness innate in the mind of humanity. As described in previous posts, this limitless Heavenly principle of endowed within all people, humanity, is a manifestation of Heaven. Cultivating humanity is like cultivating a Heavenly mind. This high view, this vastness, provides us time and space in the mind within which we can be free to contemplate, understand, and apply righteousness to each of our affairs. This process, through repetition and practice, can become natural and instantaneous.

The second impressive and effective characteristic of Menius' philosophy becomes apparent when we rest on this righteousness, when we take it as our life's purpose. It is then that we find we have an energy, a 'ch'i' that can merge with the universal. This energy of accumulated righteousness can go anywhere. With a clear conscience and sense of courageous confidence built up from continuing practice, we will be in the right place at the right time and be able of understanding the right path, following it easily. This energy can 'go anywhere', because it is built from past success leading us to the right place at the right time. This energy can go anywhere because it responds appropriately to the world around us. Our righteousness ch'i finds the right place and the right time and we accumulate even more every time we follow it. Cultivating this ability is of infinite, or 'great,' benefit. Following righteousness has harmonious repercussions that reverberate through all our connections. The superior person is defined by their relationship to righteousness. They are of harmonious and great benefit to society.

While this righteousness is this grand, and powerful ability of each individual, it is not incompatible or contrary to others:

I (righteousness) originally meant expression of personal or individual attitude, because the character has the radical for "self," meaning self as a model. "I is self's majesty" (Hsu Shen, Explanation) …

Because of the relationship of i with self it is all too easy to judge another by one's individual opinions … Two qualifications help in avoiding this situation and understanding the true meaning of i. (Yi Wu Chinese Philosophical Terms, 1986, 135)

Those two qualifications are 'benefit', or 'great benefit', and appropriateness. Wu points out that the first hexagram of the Classic Book of Changes, the I Ching, says 'benefit is the harmonizer of all i', each person's path of righteousness furthers harmonious benefit (1986, I Ching). All individuals' 'righteousnesses' are united in this ability to harmoniously benefit all things. Each thing on this Earth has its function from Heaven and fulfilling Heaven's mandate they are in harmony with the Heavenly principle of all other things. Fulfilling Heaven's mandated function, each of us can embody and exhibit the virtues of Heaven in our lives. 'Sublime beginning, perfect communication, harmonious benefit, and proper Way' are four characteristic virtues of the movement of Heaven as described in the I Ching (Hexagram 1). We manifest the movement of Heaven in our own affairs when we embody these four virtues; we manifest this 'harmonious benefit.'

The second qualification for avoiding self-righteousness, is the consideration of appropriateness in the practice of i. Because righteousness includes performing the right action at the right place and at the right time through the right relationships, it is appropriate and compatible. Following righteousness fits any situation because it takes appropriateness into consideration, and self-righteousness is never a useful tool and is never appropriate. Righteousness as described by Mencius, is a practice that takes all factors into consideration. It allows others the space for their own 'i' to emerge. Actually, when we practice righteousness, we harmonize with the higher principles within others and open the Way for them to practice their i. This appropriateness is more than just compatibility with others, more than just being in harmony with others; it is of great benefit to others because it helps open the Way for them to see their own ability.

Following righteousness, following what is appropriate and of great harmonious benefit, one can know the path of the superior person:

"Humanity is the mind of man; i is the path of man" (Mencius, Bk. VI, Part 1, Ch.11). "I is the path; propriety is the door" (Mencius, Bk. V, Part 2, Ch.7). Here, Mencius saw i as the path which brings the humanity of mind to the door of propriety, through which it passes into action. To Mencius, i was the way to practice humanity. (Wu 1986, 136-137)

Seeing this path becomes easier and more alluring with practice, as its spiritual power becomes evident. For example, this path is easy to see in the most basic practice: When we wake up we walk through our house and begin making breakfast. We eat. We clean the dishes. Cleaning the dishes is the right action, the appropriate action to take after eating breakfast. While this is a very small and simple situation, it is in such situations where we learn to understand and build momentum for right action in all areas of life. While it may not seem like a great benefit that we clean our dishes in this example, cleaning the dishes trains our mind to follow righteousness, and in that place at that time it is our destiny to clean those dishes. When we follow our destiny, follow our righteousness, we do our unique part. Furthermore, as we take care of our own responsibilities like washing the dishes we open up to righteousness and accumulate energy, righteousness ch'i, in our lives. With a clean kitchen, we are unburdened with dirty ch'i. We can move on unencumbered to our next situation. Righteousness may dictate that we should sit for a minute and take a rest, or continue to tidy, for example. But in this simple act of learning what is appropriate according to our i we train ourselves, we work out this 'righteousness muscle'. We do what is timely, resting or continuing, and accumulate energy, as well as practice using our sense, our righteousness faculty. With the righteousness energy accumulated from such simple acts, we will have surplus energy to deal well with our family members. With the energy built up from dealing well with our family members, we will be able to go out and deal well with the day's affairs. The more we practice righteousness, the more right things happen. The more right things happen, our destiny, the more righteousness energy accumulates and the better our ability, the stronger our sixth sense of righteousness.

With this connection to righteousness, Mencius gives a heroic energy to Confucian philosophy. By using righteousness in this way Mencius is honoring Confucius' emphasis on practice. Through repeated practice righteousness can break through all selfishness and all ignorance. Mencius puts up a strong barrier to selfishness by stating that righteousness and profit are mutually exclusive motivations. Selfish desire for personal profit is incompatible with righteousness, because righteousness is its own motivation. While profit may or may not come, it is not a consideration in the cultivation of righteousness. The superior person learns how to follow righteousness in all actions and by doing so becomes a pillar of society. The next chapter will show that in many ways righteousness defines superior people, it differentiates them from the inferior person. This righteousness is the standard by which superior people live their lives. Through repeated practice, they gain trust in getting the right result and from following righteousness and they are emboldened. This courage inspires them to consider only doing what is right and this becomes their path in life. Superior people continue to be in the right place at the right time with the right understanding and the right abilities. This appropriateness is beyond anything we can contrive. It is the way of humanity, mandated by Heaven.

At one time children were taught to use various modes of speech in any given circumstance. When in the presence of parents, they might use one form while at school another form. When outside with friends, children could break down the barriers and say just about whatever they wanted. The formal speech was used for those in authority, while the respectful courtesy speech might be used with strangers. Today we do not use filters for anyone at any place or situation we find ourselves in. The result is an insensitivity regarding our fellow human beings. It has also resulted in fostering anger, frustration, and aggression and hurt feelings which diminish self-esteem. Quick replies via technology of all sorts are the current mode of communication. How technology is destroying humanity should be contemplated. It is time for us to control technology rather than technology controlling us.

We leave our house feeling happy. We get into our car and drive to the highway and are met with eradicate drivers who immediately proceed to cut us off and honk their horns in the process. Some are on the phone and others regardless of rules are texting. Our smile decreases slightly. When we arrive at our place of employment, we spot a parking place but we are aware of another driver speeding towards the same parking space. We slow down and turn our car into the further space and think to ourselves the walk will do us some good. We are still happy but tense and alert. As we step out of our car to walk the distance to the entrance, a loud blast from a horn startles us to the core and we feel our heart racing. Our head turns in time to see the angry face of the driver who is sporting ear plugs. The driver shouts out the angry words, “That’s how stupid people get killed.”

We are not happy anymore. The tension and aggressive mode seeps through our body. We have a meeting in fifteen minutes and we are not looking forward to it. We enter our workplace and are met with the secretary’s quick mechanical good morning as she busily taps on the computer. Our first thought is to ignore her hello. We begin to retort a reply when we observe her texting. We continue on our way and feel our whole body tightening. Gathering our materials we realize we are late for the meeting. Upon entering the room, a co-worker slaps down some material in front of us and simply says in a commanding voice, “page eleven.” Now we slouch into our chair a bit lower.

The boss looks over at us and comments, “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.” We think to ourselves how old am. He shouldn’t talk to me like that. We can’t help the warm feeling spreading across our face. At lunch our co-workers laugh as they discuss a fellow worker in a derogatory manner. We smile to get along but secretly think, that could be us they are talking about. We leave the lunch room and a companion demands we hold the door because their hands are full. We feel embarrassed we didn’t notice but we wish they had just asked rather than demanded. Creeping back to our workplace we check the time and frown because little time has passed. It is going to be another long day.

After work we stop at the food store to pick up a few things. At the grocery line we get bumped in the back of the leg. It wasn’t a painful bump but we are surprised the person said nothing. We turn around and see that the person, who bumped us, is on the phone laughing. They glance at us and quickly say, “Sorry”. The person at the register states what money we owe without even a glance. We begin to say thank you for the change but they have already started to ring up the next person.

When we get home we are greeted with a nasty response from our child who is busy texting friends, and a superficial response from our husband who is busy on the lap top. The phone rings and it is the bank. We needed information about changing an account. The person on the other end of the line gives us a spiel. When we question the person they snap a curt response and end by telling us to call another number if we still have questions. They finish with an exasperating reply for us to have a good day and they hang up the phone. Now we wonder if it is us or if the world is crazy.

Children used to respect their parents and their tone and words reflected this. People used to respect each other and their demeanor and speech expressed this. Many people are now running on the ever spinning treadmill. They are too tired to exhibit the niceties of kindness and empathy. Being well-mannered is not so much taught as understood. When we are aware of others and have a regard for others, we exhibit a concern and respect for them. If we continue to fill our lives with things that don’t count and don’t have any significance, then we leave little time left for the things that really do have importance. We don’t have to worry about inventing robots to do our bidding. We are becoming like robots. We are techno savvy at the expense of inner qualities of virtue and morality.

Happiness and kindness are dissipating. Anger frustration and aggression are increasing. All we have to do is observe what is around us. Nobody holds back their thoughts even if they are harsh thoughts and cruel. We are aware of the mechanisms of our many devices, yet less and less conscious of the workings of the human spirit. We are alert to the technology device that we grasp in our hands. The live person in front of us is of no consequence. If we had a choice of humane qualities or accelerated technology, which would we choose. Most people would likely choose the technology. That is why we are now living in the kind of world we live in. The thought for today is to start reflecting on the loss of empathy and the loss of our connections to other human beings.

Use of herbs and herbal therapies has been an integral part of the Asian life and culture from time immemorial. China, India and Japan have their distinct herbal therapies, which have been effectively used to prevent and cure many ailments and disease.

The use of herbs and herbal nutritional supplements has now been widely accepted by the western society. It is surprising and ironical that West is now embracing herbal therapies with enthusiasm while east is more inclined more towards contemporary medicine.

In this context, perhaps ganoderma is one herbal product that has held its pre-eminent importance in the pharmacopoeia of China and Japan. With increasing research and clinical trials proving its efficacy in a wide range of disease prevention and control, west has shown a keen interest in this mysterious herb.

Benefits of Ganoderma is not just as a nutritional supplement but it is a miraculous herb for its health giving properties. Ganoderma is an anti-aging natural food that actually help prevent as well as help reverse many diseases like cancer, arthritis, diabetes, obesity, cardiac problems to mention a few of the major benefits of ganoderma where clinical trials have consistently established its efficacy.

Traditionally, ganoderma grew in dense humid forests on fallen trees in the ratio of 3 to 4 trees out of maybe ten thousand. The Chinese kings sought them out and only the royalty had the access to the rare mushrooms.

With the passage of time and the highest degree of curative properties ascribed to the ganoderma by the traditional Chinese medicinal textbooks, research for growing the rare mushrooms began in earnest in China and Japan.

Cultivation of ganodrma has been attempted for centuries with least success due to the complexity of the environment and nutrient required to grow the ganoderma mushrooms.

During 1970 breakthrough was made by a noted Japanese researcher Yukio Naoi of Kyoto University in growing the ganoderma. Since then the ganoderma mushroom began to be grown in quantity and quality but not enough to meet the demand yet. Another Noteworthy contribution to growing ganoderma has been by Dr. Lim Siow Jin a well know researcher and originator of Ganotherapy. He perfected the growing of Ganoderma in a controlled environment. He is a recognized authority on this unique herb and its health giving properties.

Benefits of ganoderma as herbal and nutritional supplement

It is the best adaptogen known to man and works on the cellular level. It is not disease specific but health specific and works in balancing the body functions, removes toxins and overall retards the aging process.

Ganoderma is classified as a food supplement by most countries, so there is no dosage restriction and can be had in any quantity without side effects. It is also suitable for consumption for all ages from a newborn baby to the most invalid or aged persons with visible improvements in health.

This is also perhaps the only single herbal source, which is rich in medicinal components such as Polysaccharides, Organic Germanium, Adenosine, triterpenoids and ganoderic essence.

Ganoderma is non-toxic and non-addictive.

The Ganoderma herb does not interact with other lines of treatment. It complements the same.

Many leading universities and research institutions are working to establish the efficacy of ganoderma and its curative properties with clinical trials. The internet has made available an abundance of research papers and details of clinical trials for those interested.

However, it is difficult for the extensive commercialization of ganoderma as a prescription drug due to it being a herb and a plant source which pharmaceutical companies may not be able to patent.

Leaving out the medicinal issues, ganoderma is undoubtedly a herb that needs to be part of every persons diet as an excellent nutritional supplement and a preventive herb for the many health hazards faced by the modern society.

Serenity has a new name and location – "Rishyap", land of mesmerizing beauty and great treasure. Just one day in Rishyap is enough to get you bowled over by its intrinsic enigma and steep mountains. Here, you will encounter the dazzling scenarios of the Himalayan valleys and will have a first-hand experience of God's art of work. For starters, Rishyap in literal sense means mountain peak and tree, and you can bet your penny that this small hamlet will regale your senses while you traverse through the endless beauties hemming in the province. Replete with the blessings of Mother Nature, this small village promises an experience of a lifetime, something which most of us have been seeking for all this time.

Tourism in Rishyap

Just 9km by Jeep or an easy 3 km pleasure walk from Lava will help you soak up in the lushness of the humongous trees and eye-popping mountains of the Neora Valley, and the next thing you know you are in the beautiful village called as Rishyap / Rishop. The thrill of bunking out in a hill village in the midst of warbling birds and the whole idea to rise and shine with the majestic view of the glittering Kanchenjunga, has roped in a number of tourists in the region. Sharg, Kokthang, Rathung, Siniolchu and Kabroo are some of the notable visible mountain ranges from the village. Other than Kanchenjunga range, Rishyap brings to platter some other important attractions such as Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal.

Transport

Either on foot or vehicle, Rishyap is opened to all those who want to quench their thirst for nature's artistry. Around 7 km from Lava towards Kalimpong, those traveling via car (or renting a jeep at Rs 400-500) need to make a right turn and drive another 5 km to arrive at Rishyap. Since, the roads at the end are yet to be in their good shape, it is highly recommended to use bigger vehicles to skip out on those steep curves. In a bid to duck the steep curves of the Neora Valley, most tourists (who do not have much luggage) prefer to walk to Lava from Rishyap and take joy in the stroll via the forest.

Other attractions

Trekking is one of the attractions in the region, which has been successful in drawing the young blood over the years. For those having a penchant for forests, Rishyap's silent forest of fir, Birch, Pine and Orchids definitely fit the list. The view of the big sky and the snow capped Khang-Chen-D-Zongha is a feast for the eyes of the visitors.

Tifindara, in Rishyap is one of the best points, which offer an undiluted view of the Himalayas. The view tower is created in the lower part of Tifindara. Rishyap also boasts of the Lava Monastery on the Southeast, a major attraction for the religious minded.

Accommodation

With the increase in footfalls, tourist accommodations in Rishyap have jacked up. Most of the accommodations are somewhat similar to village home stay; however, they are equipped with basic amenities like attached bath, running water and edible food.

So roll up your sleeves and call your travel agent now, and book a ticket to Rishyap for some unforgettable memories.

Not long ago, I met a gentleman who was very concerned about humanities over population issues, in fact so much so he’d written a book about the topic. He had outlined all the challenges that humans face in the future; water, energy, pollution, resources, fishing, food, wars, space, etc. At first, I thought well, you know, this is an old topic. Sure it is, but humans have only continued to increase population bases, perhaps at a slower rate, but not all nations, religions, or cultures have gotten on board with the concept of having fewer offspring.

Can our Earth support continued population growth to the tune of let’s say 55 billion in 2150? Boy that’s a lot of people, and it seems we’d certainly run out of things if we had that many, and if they all had cars, houses, and ate like Americans, well that might not work, and what about the energy usage? Yes, all big issues no doubt. Can we solve this problem by expanding to other worlds? What about running out of resources, fossil fuels, water, food, etc., yes there are all factors, but let’s talk because I have a whole series of ideas to help prevent the population collapse of humanity:

Here are some counterpoints I’d like to discuss:

1.) Carbon material and Hydrogen Fuel

2.) Mining Asteroids

3.) Making Humans Smaller (genetically)

4.) Past Period Ocean Collapses and Recovery

5.) We are dinosaurs, via smaller rodents and tree shrews

6.) Adjust economy to include units of trade for original thought not just production

7.) What About Life from Space – Andromena Strain?

8.) Reaching Human Population Infinity by way of saving minds in the cloud

9.) Earth attracts 1000 tons of space dust per year

10.) Molecular dissimilation recycling (100% efficient) + 3-D molecular printing

11.) Ice Age will solve human population problem if we don’t in a positive or negative way

12.) Jevon’s Paradox less than relevant if we move to hydrogen fuel and economy is adjusted

13.) Adjusted population growth numbers taking into consideration 3rd world infant mortality rates

14.) 50 Billion on Earth might be possible (#3 above) plus other strategies using technology, but not preferable

15.) 10 Billion humans might be safer than 1 Billion for evolutionary diversity if collapse happens by way of unknown threat

Still, even with these points of contention or intellectual debates, the realities of population growth at some point will need to be fairly close to zero growth at some point to ensure mankind’s survival, and the sooner the better. Email me if you’d like to begin a more in-depth and intellectual debate on this topic. Please consider all this and think on it.

1. Introduction

The reason for heavens is the earth. The reason for the earth is man. The reason for man is mandate and purpose driven. Mandate (earth) driven to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, subdue and dominate the earth and purpose driven to worship God, fellowship with God and man, be Christ-like, serve God and humanity and propagate the gospel of peace.

Our life is a star based, suggestive of five purposes, which we must keep in balance. These purposes are summarized in the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Jesus. These two statements sum up the God’s five purposes for our life:

I. “Love God with all your heart”: We were planned for God’s pleasure, so our purpose is to love God through worship.

ii. “Love your neighbor as yourself’: We were shaped for serving, so our purpose is to show love for others through ministry.

iii. “Go and make disciples”: We were made for a mission, so our purpose is to share God’s message through evangelism.

iv. “baptize them into… “: We were formed for God’s family, so our purpose is to identify with his church through fellowship.

v. “teach them to do all things… “: We were created to become like Christ, so our purpose is to grow to maturity through discipleship.

Man failed initially through Adam in the process of achieving both the mandate (FMRSD) and purpose driven Agenda, hence God regretted creating man. ‘For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. But Jehovah El Hanun decided to have mercy on man by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to die on the Cross of Calvary in order to re-admit us to God to reign as kings and priests here on earth. A commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission will make us great Christians that can attract the mercy of God. This Bible Study engages us in detailed and deep rooted expositions on ‘Have Mercy Upon Us O Lord’.

1B. Research Questions

The study seeks to address and answer the following research questions:

1. What are the two key agenda God envisioned for man which he failed to do? (that necessitated the need for mercy of God?.

2. What is mercy / grace?

3. Who needs mercy? And why?

4. (I). What are the benefits of mercy?

4 (ii). What are the benefits of Grace?

5. What are the distinctive qualities of God’s mercy?

6. How does God demonstrate the generosity of His mercy in his dealings with the people?

7. What shall we do before attracting mercy from God?

8. What are the attributes and requirements for getting generous mercy of God?

9. What are the qualifications or Properties of God’s mercy?

10. What are the 3 key activities for generating God’s mercy?

11. What are the hindrances to God’s mercy?

12. What shall we do to be graciously entreated in God’s mercy?

13. What are the steps to obtain divine favour which we can find in the book of James?

14. Conclusively what is the master key to the attraction of God’s mercy?

2. Meaning of Mercy / Grace

Mercy is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as: (1) compassion or forbearance shown to an offender or subject; clemency or kindness extended to someone instead of strictness or severity; (2) a blessing regarded as an act of divine favour or compassion; (3) relief of distress; compassion shown to victims of misfortune.

• A good way to understand the meaning of mercy is to see how it relates to grace:

1. Mercy–not getting what you do deserve / withheld punishment

2. Grace–getting what you don’t deserve / unmerited favour

Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved.

Grace is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as: 1) beneficence or generosity shown by God to man; especially divine favour unmerited by man: the mercy of God as distinguished from his justice; 2) a short prayer either asking a blessing before or giving thanks after a meal; 3) disposition to kindness, favour, clemency or compassion: benign goodwill; the display of kindly treatment usually on the part of a superior. [Bible passages regarding grace show that all three in the Godhead express mercy: the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.

3. Who Needs Mercy?

Everybody needs the mercy of God: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. All have sinned – In Adam, and in their own persons; by a sinful nature, sinful tempers, and sinful actions. And are fallen short of the glory of God – The supreme end of man; short of his image on earth, and the enjoyment of him in heaven. Both Jew and gentile sinned and forfeited God’s glory, and both are justified through the free gift of his grace by being redeemed in Christ Jesus who was appointed by God to sacrifice his life so as to win reconciliation through faith. In this way God makes his justice known; first, for the past, when sins went unpunished because he held his hand, then, for the present age, by showing positively that he is just, and that he justifies everyone who believes in Jesus. So what becomes of our boasts? “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the wicked unpunished..

4 (I). The benefits of Mercy: That is; God not giving us what we do deserve. We deserve Hell. We are wretched people. We fell out of his grace. But we have got the benefit of mercy. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.” Not according to what we have done but according to his mercy, he saved us. He is a merciful God. ” Mercy triumphs over judgment.” God’s mercy restrains His anger; removes our sins and remembers our frailty.

4 (ii).The benefits of Grace: That is God giving us unmerited favour. “For the grace of God which bringeth Salvation hath appeared unto all men.” Grace brought Salvation. A lot of people think you can get it by signing your name on church roll call. You cannot get Salvation without Grace. There is no other name under heaven by where / which we must be saved. He is the God of the Americans, the God of the Germans, the God of the Russians, the God of the Japanese, the God of the Africans and He is able to save them to the uttermost. His grace is sufficient for all. For by Grace are ye saved through faith that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. It’s a gift. “The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” There’s nothing nowhere that God’s grace will not be sufficient. We are… saved by grace; Forgiven by grace. Sustained by grace; Healed by grace. Liberated by grace; Restored by grace; Used by grace; Transformed by grace; we Give by grace; We are to live by Grace; Grow in Grace and Express Gratitude for Grace.

5. Distinctive Qualities of God’s Mercy

(I) Great mercy. “Then Solomon said, ‘You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for Him this great mercy, that you have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

(ii) Covenant mercy. “I said, ‘I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments’.

(iii) Abundant mercy. “For You, LORD, are good and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all who call upon You”.

(iv) Everlasting mercy. “For the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children”.

(v) Tender mercy. “Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us”.

(vi) Rich mercy. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us”.

(vii) Full mercy. “We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful”.

6. How God Demonstrates the Generosity of His Mercy in his Dealings with the people

God as a Parent

God’s mercy and compassion to those in distress

In judgment, God’s mercy is just and true

God may choose to show no mercy

God’s mercy shown in his actions

The act of salvation- salvation was seen in physical, as much as in spiritual, terms

His forgiveness

Moses concerning idolatry.

God’s Demonstration of His Mercy through Jesus Christ: “God set Christ forth to be a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness.” Every day, God is merciful and kind to you and me on both a corporate and individual basis. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus points to His Father’s mercy and kindness toward even those who are evil and unthankful, when He commands all of us to act in love toward those who are our enemies and would hurt us if given the chance.

7. What to Do Before Attracting Mercy from God (Our Obligations)

Paul tells us what God has provided for us and what God expects of us. These are the things we should do before attracting God’s mercy. He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. This I say therefore, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH, EACH ONE of you, WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need. Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour,. Put away WACEMB; SHE DRAWS EVU FILMS; WIP DUMB CHIEF.

8. Positioning Ourselves for the Generous Mercy of God: Attributes and Requirements

Mercy is the result and effect-of God’s goodness. God is essentially good in himself, and relatively good to us. “You are good, and do good.” This relative goodness is nothing else but his mercy, which is an innate propensity in God to pity and support such as are in misery:

[I] It is the great design of the Scripture to represent God as merciful. “

[ii] God is more inclined to mercy, than wrath. Mercy is his darling attribute, which he most delights in. “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?

[ii] There is no condition-but we may spy mercy in it. When the church was in captivity, she cried out, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed.”.

[iv] Mercy sweetens all God’s other attributes. God’s holiness without mercy, and his justice without mercy-would be dreadful. Mercy sets God’s power on work to help us; it makes his justice become our friend.

[v] Even the worst people taste God’s mercy. Such as fight against God’s mercy, taste of it; the wicked have some crumbs from mercy’s table. “The Lord is good to all.”

[vi] Mercy coming to us in salvation, is sweetest. To have health is a mercy-but to have Christ and salvation is a greater mercy.

[vii] All the mercy in the creature is derived from God, and is but a drop from this ocean. “The Father of mercies,” because he begets all the mercies in the world. If God has put any kindness into the creature, how much kindness is in him who is the Father of mercy!

[viii] Mercy stays the speedy execution of God’s justice. Sinners continually provoke God, and make “the fury come up in his face.” Why is it, that God does not immediately arrest and condemn them? It is not that God cannot do it, for he is armed with omnipotence-but it is from his mercy.

B. The qualifications or PROPERTIES of God’s mercy.

[a] God’s mercy is FREE. “He has chosen us in him, according to the good pleasure of his will.” Justification is free. “Being justified freely by his grace.” Salvation is free.

[b] God’s mercy is an overflowing mercy; it is INFINITE. “Plenteous in mercy.” “Rich in mercy.” “Multitude of mercies.”.

[c] God’s mercy is ETERNAL. “The mercy of the Lord is from eternity to eternity.” “His mercy endures forever,” is repeated twenty-six times in Psalm 136.

Key Activities for God’s Mercy

Activity one: We are to look upon God in PRAYER, not in his judgment robes

Go to prayer with confidence in God’s mercy; as a cold person goes to a fire, saying, “it will warm me, not burn me.”

Activity two: BELIEVE in his mercy. “I will trust in the mercy of God forever.” God’s mercy is an open fountain..

Activity three: Speak and Act on the WORD of God

9. Hindrances to Receiving God’s Mercy

It’s time to forgive and release both the offenses and the offenders and be set free of unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. The following are the issues that can hinder God’s mercy:

I. Self-condemnation will keep you from receiving God’s mercy.

When you condemn yourself for all the bad things you have done and the devil points them out to you, you begin to get in agreement with him. Remember, Satan is the accuser of the brethren., “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.”

ii. Self-righteousness will keep you from receiving God’s mercy.

The account of the Pharisee and the publican in the parable Jesus shared in Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed that he was not a sinner like the other men who are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. But the publican, prayed and confessed his sins and pleaded with God to be merciful to him as a sinner. Jesus confirmed that: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. The publican who acknowledged that he was a sinner was forgiven, but the self-righteous Pharisee was not forgiven. Self-righteousness builds a wall and blocks the mercy of God.

iii. A “works syndrome” will block the mercy and grace of God. If you get over into a “works syndrome” that you are pulling it off with your own money and efforts, then you are right back in the same place as those who are attempting to reach God by the works of the law. But if you realize, “All the money I have has come from God,” then you will acknowledge that whatever harvest or blessing comes back to you is because of the mercy and grace of God. Take a stand against assuming that works will attain righteousness. You do the works because it’s your responsibility. You feed, clothe, reach out, witness, touch, share and give because freely it has been given to you.

iv Failure to give mercy will block the mercy of God. Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy”. If you are merciful to others, you will receive mercy. Jesus said: Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. The way you give mercy is the way others will show mercy to you. If you want mercy in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, then you need to give it in the same measure to others.

v. Unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment will block God’s grace and mercy. When people are unmerciful, unforgiving and they hold grudges and resentments, they stop the healing power of God from coming into their body. In fact, all of God’s blessings are blocked by unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment.

10. What shall we do to be graciously entreated in God’s mercy?

(I.) Be sensible of your needs. See how much you stand in need of pardoning, saving mercy.

(ii.) Go to God for mercy. “Have mercy upon me, O God!” Lord! let me have saving mercy and loving-kindness. Give me such mercy as speaks your electing love to my soul.”

(iii.) Be upon Gerizim-the mount of blessing and praising. [Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin].

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!”

(iv.) Love God. Mercy should be the attraction of love. “I will love you, O Lord, my strength.”

(v.) Imitate God in showing mercy. As God is the Father of mercy, show yourselves to be his children-by being like him. Show mercy to others.

(vi.) Fear God ( Obedience to God’s word and Practice of same)

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom,. It is the fear o f God that will prompt you to worship Him in spirit and truth and with true loyalty.

The condition for obtaining the mercy of God is simple, just and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order that we may obtain his mercy.

B. Steps to obtain divine favour

• Submit to God

• Resist the devil and he will flee from you

• Draw near to God and He will draw near to you

– Seek God with all your heart with all your mind, with all your soul

• Cleanse your hands (Spiritual cleansing). “Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.”

• Purify your heart (repent for being double-minded)

• Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord with:

• Confession

• Repentance

• Contrition

• Weeping for our sins.

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

11. Conclusion

The tender mercy of our God moves Him to provide salvation for those who are in desperate need. The mercy of God is new every morning. The mercy of the Lord is a much spoken subject in the Word of God that it appears in the Bible for over 250 times. The central importance of God’s mercy to the existence of man and his salvation cannot be overemphasized in Christendom. Evidently and conclusively in this Bible Study, we submit that the master key to the attraction of God’s mercy is wisdom. Wisdom means knowledge of God’s word with understanding and practical obedience to follow the detects and provisions of the WORD through total submission. Let us go back to the purpose that God has given us to achieve or do and graciously desire to do them with the fear of God, because the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom = SIG2MAP2. It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Capstone Recommendation: Worship (APLOT); Christ-like (LJPLGGFMT;; Service {(SHAPE); Fellowship (CO&CG); Evangelism (Self testimony, sharing of the goodness and benefits of salvation). Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.

Derivative Implications: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all; Amen. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Personally, I don’t want to live on a planet or even a country or city where everyone is the same. Nor do I want to travel to areas exactly like the one where I generally reside and spend my time. You see, I like the nuance, the differences, and the unique’ness. I want to see, feel, touch, taste, smell, and appreciate all that is, I want to experience something different. How about you? If you are nodding yes to all or any of those statements, then stick around and let’s talk.

Not long ago, I watched an interesting CSPAN TV Book Review at Baylor University featuring Os Guinness, who talked about soul liberty, that until we have freedom of thought and religion we cannot have a global peace. His book sounds quite philosophical, the title of the book is:

“The Global Public Square: Religious Freedom and the Making of a World Safe for Diversity,” by Os Guinness.

His Amazon description explains the problem;

“How do we live with our deepest differences? In a world torn by religious conflict, the threats to human dignity are terrifyingly real. Some societies face harsh government repression and brutal sectarian violence, while others are divided by bitter conflicts over religion’s place in public life. Is there any hope for living together peacefully? Os Guinness argues that the way forward for the world lies in promoting freedom of religion and belief for people of all faiths and none.”

And his answers are quite interesting, doable, and almost a modernized version of our founding father’s vision for freedom of religion only globally. Os wants to see the “freedom of the soul, and the inviolable freedom of thought, conscience and religion.” He also discusses in the book that it’s time for our countrymen, leaders, and global mentors to stand up and free men’s souls in the public square.

Yes, what a concept, what an idea, and why isn’t everyone giving Os a standing ovation? Why do we expect everyone to be the same, act the way we expect? Are we afraid, afraid of what? Why would we want to help maintain the social order of the Borg? It really makes no sense. We shouldn’t be forcing diversity, nor should we be pummeling those who are different, rather we should relish, cherish and celebrate the unique’ness and diversity. I wonder perchance if you might engage this thought for a couple of minutes after finishing this article.

Perhaps you might shoot me an email or look up that book and read it. Until then, please consider all this and think on it.