1620 - Mayflower Pilgrims make their first landing in America, at Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts
1919 - Britain introduces a two minute silence to remember those who died in World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of 11th month.

1988 - Oldest known insect fossils (390 million years old) are reported in the journal Science.

Signs. They're everywhere. Some try to sell us something. Others attempt to get us involved. Still, others warn us of impending dangers. 

Jesus told the Jews that they were good at reading the signs in the sky, but could not "discern the signs of the times" (Mt 16:3).

The City of Pompeii, was a highly advanced Roman society 2000 years ago. In fact, we might have been very comfortable living among its occupants. They had theatres, orchestras, parks, markets, hot baths, public swimming pools, a sophisticated government, domestic help, intricate art and architecture, religion, athletic games, banking, a mall, a military, bakeries, advertising, ornate mansions, and a monumental cemetery. 

And they had signs.

In A.D. 62 there was a major earthquake that badly damaged many of the buildings. Then in A.D. 79, Mt. Vesuvius started erupting. Out of a population of 20,000, nearly 5000 inhabitants ignored the signs, stayed behind and were killed with poisonous gases and clouds of ash and cinders that rained down on the city. It was another Sodom and Gomorrah holocaust, in slow motion.

Today, one can view the mummified bodies, in grotesque positions, of those who tried to save their possessions, or didn't believe they were in danger.

In every generation in human history, God has given us signs of things to come. In Matthew 24, Jesus gives us a picture of the last days, just before His return: "Wars, famines, plagues, earthquakes in unusual places,  persecution of God's people, false preachers, and a lack of love."

Need An Attitude Change?

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

A person's attitude usually determines the state of mind and body of that person. A sorrowful attitude will keep a person pulled down in both mind and body. But a happy attitude can keep a person healthy in every aspect of their lives, whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. 

When people choose to be happy rather than sorrowful, it spills out on to others, and you can't help but feel good, when you are around them. I know my grandmother was one of the most joyful people to be around. We often spoke of her as being jolly. She was married at a young age, had a good family, and one daughter was an invalid, whom she took care of until her death. 

So knowing all this, you would think she had lots of worries, but not her! I never know of her ever speaking of having any worries! There was never a dull moment with her. She was constantly busy with some kind of work or hobby.

On the other hand, I've known people that seemed to be 'bitter' at everyone and everything. Nothing could bring a smile to their face, and they always had something negative to say. These people were constantly sick, or at least, complaining. I believe Satan works on the negative attitude we have and then uses it against us. If we aren't cheerful and have peace in our hearts, then that is going to show on our faces and in our lives. 

However, there is a God that can change our attitude, give us peace that passeth all understanding, and make us happy to be alive. We need only ask Him to intervene and help us get back on track with our attitude. In other words, ask Him for an 'attitude adjustment'! You might realize how much better it is to 'make merry' than it is to have a sour outlook in life.