Mid-Day Recap (Friday, 12/30/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
The Song of Solomon includes poetic dialogue between what two people?

- A mother and a daughter

- A father and a son

- A prophet and a king

- A bride and a groom

In the News:

Even if you're not a fan of New Year's Eve fireworks, you'll have another reason to look to the skies. NASA says that as we ring in the new year, a comet will near the moon and be visible to those looking west. But here's the catch - you'll need a pair of binoculars to see it. Just look for “Comet 45P.” http://earthsky.org/todays-image/comet-45phonda-mrkos-pajdusakova-photos

Let’s Celebrate!

For those who know me, today is very special… it’s National Bacon Day! I’ve already had it for breakfast, and may attempt it for supper. How about you? Post a picture in the comments on facebook. #nationalbaconday #ILoveBacon #baconisawesome

More News:

After years of either plain chocolate or peanut, M&Ms have been on a roll introducing new flavors into their candy-coated lineup. Spotted on shelves in Walmart, made especially for Valentine’s Day… there is a new flavor: White Cheesecake M&Ms!

Would you try it?

Matt's Musing: #musing

I don't trust stairs. They always look like they're up to something.

Matt's Pick Song:

Blood Washed Band” by the Cathedrals

Bible Trivia Answer:

A bride and a groom

Mid-Day Recap (Thursday, 12/29/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
The story of Samson and Delilah is found in which book of the Bible?

- I Kings

- II Maccabees

- Judges

- Ezra

In the News:

Some people write their notes and thoughts in their Bible, but a Georgia teen decided to take her notes to the next level when her boyfriend wanted a Bible for Christmas. Reagan Lee said she spent three months writing in every page of a Bible for her boyfriend. She wrote notes, highlighted some of her favorite quotes, and illustrated some of the passages that meant the most to her. While the teen said she has received some negative comments from people, most of the comments were positive, with some people commending her for breaking down parts of the Bible to make them better to understand. Best of all, Lee said her boyfriend loved the Bible.

https://twitter.com/reaganlee17/status/812861239898542080/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Trending:

14-year-old Ifetayo Ali-Landing may be young but she is one mind-blowing cello player. When you see her tiny fingers tearing through Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor by Camille Saint-Saens, your jaw will hit the floor. What an incredible talent and gift this young girl has. This is truly beautiful!

https://www.facebook.com/cellocomunidadeglobal/videos/vb.160415810745486/986221288164930/?type=2&theater

More News:

With all the reports of false news spread over social media in 2016, How well can you discern FAKE news from the truth? Take this 10 question test, and tell us your results.

https://www.texastribune.org/2016/12/26/can-you-tell-real-news-fake-news/

Matt's Musing: #musing

You know you're old when all of the bands you listened to growing up have several greatest hits albums.

Matt's Pick Song:

“John Saw” by Gold City

Bible Trivia Answer:

Judges

Mid-Day Recap (Wednesday, 12/28/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
Which king of Israel was renowned for his wisdom?

- Solomon

- Hezekiah

- David

- Saul

In the News:

In a study published by the European Journal of Developmental Psychology, researchers have found that babies born in the United States are more social and impulsive than those from some other countries. They’re also, according to their moms, more likely to enjoy highly stimulating activities, less likely to be unhappy or angry and are easier to comfort when they do get upset.

Psychologists at Washington State University are testing the theory that toddlers’ temperaments are very influenced by their parents’ values. Research has shown, for example, that American society is not highly tolerant of negativity, which may mean American parents are discouraging their kids from expressing negative emotions.

What are your thoughts?

More News:

Youngest hacker? 6 year-old girl uses sleeping mom's thumbprint to buy $250 in Pokemon toys.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/12/28/girl-uses-sleeping-moms-thumbprint-pokemon/95907370/?direct-link=%2Fgirl-uses-sleeping-moms-thumbprint-pokemon#

Extra News:

Wonderful Works & Inventions have posted a neat video on Facebook. Called the “Amish 3 in 1”, it’s a special handmade, wooden high chair. When put on it’s side, becomes a rocking horse. Then for step three, turning it around, it becomes a toddler school desk. Check it out on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/WonderfulWorksInventions/videos/1879464858955927/

Matt's Musing: #musing

If I get hurt playing Wii Sports, that's still a sports injury, right?

Matt's Pick Song:

“I’ll Trust The Potter’s Hand” by the Whisnants

Bible Trivia Answer:

Solomon (1 Kings 3)

Mid-Day Recap (Tuesday 12/27/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
Which book of the Old Testament is shortest?

- Zephaniah

- Obadiah

- Nehemiah

- Zechariah

In the News:

Carrie Fisher, the actress best known as Star Wars‘ Princess Leia Organa, has died after suffering a heart attack this morning. She was 60.

Matt's Musing: #musing

Over Christmas, I discovered that my life is just a series of awkward moments separated by snacks.

Matt's Pick Song:

“Grace And Glory” by the Poet Voices

Bible Trivia Answer:

Obadiah  (consists of a single chapter, divided into 21 verses)

Mid-Day Recap (Monday, 12/26/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
What was the name of the angel sent by God to visit Mary?

- Michael

- Gabriel

- Andrew

- Clarence

Matt's Musing: #musing

I wish there was some kinda rollover plan for childhood naps I refused to take as a child.

Matt's Pick Song:

“The Holly And The Ivy” by  Gordon Mote

Bible Trivia Answer:

Gabriel (Luke 1:26)

Mid-Day Recap (Friday, 12/23/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
How old was the child when he was named Jesus.

- When he was born

- When he was eight days old

- When he turned two

- When he was twelve

In the News:

A South Carolina Woman Found A Festive Way To Give Her Wedding Dress A Second Life

For 26 years, Tess Heidelberger’s wedding dress was sitting in a dusty box in her basement next to her Christmas decorations. With a great crafty idea, she grabbed a pair of scissors, her hot glue gun and got to work. All she needed to buy was a plain Christmas tree skirt (to put underneath the dress fabric) and some pretty ribbon to cover the glue. In all, it only took Tess an hour to complete. She was very pleased with the finished product... Her beautiful wedding dress now completes her Christmas tree’s decorations as the skirt.

Matt's Musing: #musing

I tried wrapping a few more Christmas presents, but I didn't have the gift...

Matt's Pick Song:

“Twelve Days Of Christmas” by Carol Roberson

Bible Trivia Answer:

When he was eight days old (Luke 2:21)

Mid-Day Recap (Thursday, 12/22/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
What happened to the shepherds when the angel of the Lord appeared to them while abiding in the field?

- they were afraid

- they sang hymns

- they were filled with joy

- they rent their clothes

In the News:

Retro is often exciting, especially in fashion. But when it comes to food, retro is usually meet with horror ― and for good reason. Retro foods are beloved by only the culinary brave; to all others, they’re an atrocity. They’ve been known to ruin a great many appetites.

I came across the nine worst retro recipes to have ever disgraced the holidays. They include:

#1 - Tuna Christmas Tree

#2 - Tomato Aspic ( a moldable jelly made from gelatin and stock)

#3 - Christmas Candle Salad (lighted bananas sticking out of shaped cranberry sauce)

#4 - Shrimp Christmas Tree (Sea food)

#5 - Santa’s Whiskers (candied cherries with pecans formed in logs of dough, topped with flaked coconut)

#6 - Cranberry Candles (I think the name says it all)

#7 - Christmas Confections (trees were built with Cheerios dyed with green food coloring, marshmallows and gumdrops)

#8 - Frozen Fruitcake Salad (Don’t be fooled, this is no salad.)

#9 - Cocktail Weenie Tree (little smokies on toothpicks stuck in a green styrofoam pyramid)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/retro-holiday-foods_us_58580910e4b0b3ddfd8d9d11

Matt's Musing: #musing

Mary didn’t have any complications when delivering Jesus… It was a stable birth!

Matt's Pick Song:

“Give The Gift” by the Tribute Quartet

Bible Trivia Answer:

They were afraid (Luke 2:9)

Mid-Day Recap (Wednesday, 12/21/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
In which Book of the Bible is the “Little Drummer Boy” mentioned?

- Matthew

- Luke

- John

- He is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible

Reaction:

What will your family be wearing on Christmas Day?

- Festive Pajamas

- Stylish Robes

- Formal Wear

- Flannel Shirts

- Regular Clothes

- Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Let me know on Facebook! #reaction

Matt's Musing: #musing

I tried to get out of helping with more Christmas tree decorations, but I was hooked…

Matt's Pick Song:

“Carol Of The Bells” by Gold City

Bible Trivia Answer:

The “Little Drummer Boy” is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible

Mid-Day Recap (Tuesday 12/20/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
What happened to Zacharias when he failed to believe the angel who came to tell him his wife would become pregnant?

- He became a cripple

- He was struck with leprosy

- He was struck mute

- He was struck blind

In the News:

Elf on the Shelf: Could it make your children paranoid?

"Elf on the Shelf" is the new Christmas craze sweeping parents and children across the globe. Starting in the US and becoming a new popular tradition in the UK as well. The original Elf on the Shelf is based on a book of the same name, is designed to improve kids’ behavior by encouraging them to stay on Santa’s "nice list".

However, some psychologists warned the idea of Santa sending a scout to watch over children could actually be harming and cause anxiety. If the idea of an Elf send by Santa himself could add to the magic of Christmas, some child experts warned that the concept could also cause fear and shame in children. Dr Katherine Edward, a chartered and clinical psychologist, said the elf might prevent children from learning from their own mistakes.

What do you think?

#elfontheshelf #christmastradition

More:

Completed your Christmas shopping yet?

Here are some Christmas shopping statistics (in the U.S.):

- Average Christmas expenditure on gifts: $752

- Average amount spent on Christmas cards: $29.14

- Amount of Cyber Monday shoppers in the U.S.127million

- Average number of holiday gifts expected by U.S. consumers: 13.9

- Percentage of U.S. consumers buying gifts online: 50%

(statista.com)

Matt's Musing: #musing

If at first you don't succeed... look in the trash for the instructions! #musing

Special Note:

Today is “Go Caroling Day”. Tune in this afternoon around 3:45 and 5:20 as Andy invites Dave and I to join him in singing a Christmas carol… just for you. Yeah, this could be interesting.

Matt's Pick Song:

“Carol Of The Bells” by Southern Raised

Bible Trivia Answer:

He was struck mute (Luke 1:20)

Mid-Day Recap (Monday 12/19/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
Herod was troubled at the appearance of the wise men because of the title they gave to Jesus. What was the title?

- “Good Shepherd”

- “King of the Jews”

- “Wonderful Counselor”

- “Prince Of Peace”

In the News:

This holiday season, beware shopping while lonely...

A study conducted at the University of Iowa suggests that people also might want to avoid any type of shopping while feeling lonely - or risk engaging in impulse buying. For the past decade, the research shows that people who are lonely are more at risk of taking products home from the store that they weren't necessarily intending to buy. The perceived lack of control can lead to a cascade of negative emotions, especially regret.

People who aren’t lonely - that is, who are satisfied with the number and quality of relationships in their lives - usually have more self-control and are less likely to make spur-of-the-moment decisions while shopping.

For people who recognize that they are subject to shopping while lonely, it's recommended to take along a friend so they can help you control your behavior.

More...:

How well do you know “Mary, Did You Know?”

“Mary, Did You Know?” was written in 1991 by Mark Lowry and Buddy Green and has become one of the most-popular and most-covered Christmas songs of all time. It’s a modern Christmas classic and has been recorded by many artists over the years across multiple genres…

AbsolutelyGospel.com did an interview with Mark Lowry. You can read about the writing process behind the song and learn why it took 7 years for him to find the perfect melody.

http://absolutelygospel.com/index.php?/content/articles/13422

Matt's Musing: #musing

Before I had kids, I didn't know it was possible to ruin someone's day by simply saying, "Brush your teeth, please."

Matt's Pick Song:

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by the Browns

Bible Trivia Answer:

“King of the Jews” (Matt. 2:2)

Mid-Day Recap (Friday, 12/16/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
What was the name of John the Baptist’s father?

- Joseph

- Simeon

- Eli

- Zacharias

In the News:

Do you use Advil or Tylenol for a pounding headache? A new study finds that long-term use of painkillers can ruin your hearing.

So, I guess it’s recommended to swallow the pills... rather than stuffing them in your ear. #themoreyouknow

More News:

What’s your thoughts?

Hundreds of crucifixes have been erected across Knightstown, Indiana in protest after a lawsuit ordered a cross be removed from the town’s Christmas tree because its placement violated the First Amendment. On Monday, town officials removed the symbol as protesters held crosses in the town square below. Residents have responded by erecting more crosses.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/knightstown-indiana-crosses_us_58515888e4b092f0868656cd

Matt's Musing: #musing

Have you noticed? Hand dryers are a great way to see how your hands look while skydiving.

Matt's Pick Song:

“O Little Town Of Bethlehem” by Greater Vision

Bible Trivia Answer:

Zacharias (Luke 1:5-13)

Mid-Day Recap (Thursday, 12/15/16)

Bible Trivia Question:
What is the name of the priest who was told he would not die until he saw the Savior?

- Levi

- Simeon

- Eli

- Methuselah

Reaction:

I posted on Facebook… and I’m wanting your reaction. Does the word “Xmas” bother you?

- I don’t mind either way

- I Love the abbreviation

- I couldn’t care less

- I avoid controversy

- Makes me sad

- It’s called CHRISTmas

So let me know on Facebook.

In the News:

A postal worker saves Christmas by rescuing gifts from burning mail truck in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

It happened Tuesday morning when the fire started in the engine compartment and spread to the rest of the vehicle. USPS said it would work with customers who may have received damaged packages to have them reshipped. Amazon released a statement that it would donate to the local fire station for acting so quickly.

Watch the eyewitnes video here: https://twitter.com/WaligaABC11/status/808789567880970241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Matt's Musing: #musing

I was getting frustrated when my computer mouse wouldn’t work today. Then it clicked.

Matt's Pick Song:

“The Greatest Gift Of All” by Jeff & Sheri Easter

Bible Trivia Answer:

Simeon (Luke 2:25-26)