fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
The Electric Square
By: Sophia Baglione
Tags: 3d Print, Education, Moonshots, Solar Energy

Do you have access to Wi-Fi?

I am going to assume that you do because you are reading this.

Yet the reality of it is, that 59% of people around the world do not have access to Wi-Fi. That is more than half of our population (around 4.48 billion people).

Wi-Fi is an incredible tool; once you have access to it and an electronic device, the possibilities are practically endless.

With access to Wi-Fi, you could give a child education, or even save a life. Today we use Wi-Fi for online school and education. With what is going on in our world right now access to technology and wifi is near curtail.

Wi-Fi is very important yet still so many people don’t have access to it.

That was the case but now we can change it, with the Electric Square.

It is a great invention that gives kids in developing countries accessible and affordable education. It is also run by renewable energy, and cost-efficient.

So How Does It Work?

Well, the Electric Square is a giant box that is delivered to the middle of point A and point B. Point A would be the small developing towns, that do not have Wi-Fi access; point B is the bigger cities with Wi-Fi access. The electric square then is able to extend the Wi-Fi from point B to point A.

The blue square represents where the Electric Square would be.

The Electric Square is also great because it is 3D printed which makes it cost-efficient. As well as completely run by solar panels which makes it renewable.

In each developing town that we give Wi-Fi access to; each family is also sent an Ipad. Our hope is that kids can then use this Ipad to get an online education, as they now have internet access.

The iPad also comes with a special solar panelled case, that is also 3D printed. The case is able to unfold revealing more solar panels. Almost like the solar panels that Nasa uses for their Mars rovers.

This is one of the unfoldable solar panels that Nasa is testing to use for their rovers.

We made ours so it was less complicated, and could be done manually. We wanted to do this so that you could get more energy from the sun; the bigger the solar panel the more energy you can collect. All of the energy from the solar panel case is then wirelessly converted to charge the Ipad.

Solar panels are incredible as they are a renewable source of energy. They are significantly better than fossil fuels. Which contribute to global warming. So we are really trying to take that step in making solar panels more popular.

We really hope that by creating the Electric Square we can help children around the world receive a good education. As once you give a kid an education you can change their life.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”-Nelson Mandela

Click to view our website if you want to learn more.
Peter Salzano — Many Good Tips Here About Solar Energy
By: Bloggers List
Tags: Peter Salzano, About Solar Energy, Peter J Salzano, Many Good Tips, Solar Energy

Installing solar energy at your home or your organization is an excellent means to conserve money. Solar power is also an environment-friendly, lasting power resource that assists the atmosphere. This post by Peter J Salzano will help you guys to understand the importance of solar energy.



Are your power costs obtaining a little unmanageable these days? If you are tired of paying pricey energy expenses then it is time to change to solar power. It may cost a little bit more upfront but will inevitably end up conserving you a ton of cash in the future.



Prior to acquiring solar panels, examine the record of the business that is selling them. Several panels come with extensive warranty periods of as much as twenty-five years, but this warranty is just excellent if the company is still in company. Ensure to ask how long the firm has been in operation as well as check scores with companies like the BBB before making your acquisition.

Do your own research as well as find out if there are any kinds of refunds readily available for adding a solar system to your house. There are many local, states, and also government programs that use discounts for mounting solar power in your house. Examine to see if you are qualified for tax incentives.



There are a number of items that are readily available that are powered by solar power. Simply having actually one home appliance run by solar power can conserve you hundreds of dollars each year in energy prices.



As you can see, utilizing solar energy in your home or at your company makes a lot of sense. Not just will you be assisting the setting, but you will be aiding on your own by releasing yourself from reliance on the energy grid. Utilize these suggestions by Peter Salzano today to see if solar makes sense for you.

Solar power is also a green, lasting energy source that assists the setting. If you are tired of paying costly power bills then it is time to change to solar energy. Simply having actually one home appliance run by solar energy can save you hundreds of dollars each year in power expenses.
Pilot Story: Can ‘Smart’ (Internet-of-Things Connected) Solar Energy Systems Provide Reliable Energy to Health Clinics in Rural Zimbabwe?
By: Bojan Božović
Tags: Connectivity, Frontier Tech, Live Streaming, Zimbabwe, Solar Energy

Pilot Story: Can ‘Smart’ (Internet-of-Things Connected) Solar Energy Systems Provide Reliable Energy to Health Clinics in Rural Zimbabwe?

Rural clinic in Jari, Zimbabwe, one site of where an IoT-powered solar energy system was installed

“Within one month we witnessed a 10x increase in night-time procedures including deliveries. This underscores the power of lighting above all for clinics. Expectant late term mothers in the community had previously been told to bring their own candles for their delivery and opted to stay home. As word spread that both Jari and Kahmonde Clinics now had reliable 24 hour electricity, clinic attendance soared.”

At the Frontier Technologies Hub, we work with UKAid to explore how emerging technologies can help to solve the variety of challenges found in developing country contexts.

In this case study, we present the story and reflect on a completed pilot project from Zimbabwe, which looked to see whether health facilities in rural Zimbabwe could provide more service and if health outcomes would improve thanks to IoT-connected solar energy systems.

You can find the publication here: LINK
How to Reduce Electric Bill Costs With Solar Energy
By: Chirag Chauhan
Tags: Save Electricity, Solar Power World, Solar Power, Save Electricity Bill, Solar Energy

Nowadays, it has become a bare necessity to find out how to reduce electric bill costs. For many among us, paying electric bills in due time has become a challenge on its own.

👉 BACKYARD REVOLUTION 👈

Life in the 21st century is simply unthinkable without electricity. The fact that so many people can hardly pay their energy bills by the end of the month says enough about the current world economy. Using solar panels energy as an alternative is becoming more and more common. Why? I will give you a few very good reasons in this article.

How To Reduce Electric Bill Costs — 3 Reasons Why Solar Energy Is The Way To Go

First of all, the sun is an abundant natural resource that can easily provide you with all the electricity your home needs. Or do you really think that within a few years, or even centuries, we won’t be able to count on the sun any longer?

👉 BACKYARD REVOLUTION 👈

Solar panels energy is based on the concept of storing energy on what we call the panels photovoltaic cells. The panels, loaded with solar energy and powered by a set of batteries, transform the energy into electricity. If you consider the fact that the sun will be there for millions of years to come, it leaves no doubt that, if you want to find out how to reduce electric bill expenses, you should count on our very own good old sun. The world’s oil reserves may be shrinking every single day, but that won’t be a problem at all, as we have solar energy to provide us with all the electricity we need.

👉 BACKYARD REVOLUTION 👈

Secondly, governments all over the world recognize both the efficiency and eco-friendly nature of solar power. What many people still don’t know, is that most states in the U.S. are giving you a huge annual tax credit if you’re willing to go for solar energy. Moreover, they give huge tax rebates to make up for the initial cost of installing a solar energy installation on the roof of your home.

Thirdly, while solar panels are not free either, everyone can build a sufficient solar panel installation for less than $200. After 2 or 3 invoices, you will have won your money back. From then on, you can start saving on electric bill costs month after month. Building your own solar panels is easier than you might think. You need some components you can find in any material store and in about 6 hours you can make your own solar panel system. You don’t need any technical skills, only your brain, a thing everybody is equipped with.

👉 BACKYARD REVOLUTION 👈

Conclusion:

The usage of solar energy can be a big help in saving money. And, after all, why not use your money for other things than paying energy companies?

More info on how to reduce your power bills can be found on

👉 BACKYARD REVOLUTION 👈

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3494902
Соларна Енергија во Скопје: Предизвици и Можности
By: Skopjelab - City Of Skopje Innovation Center
Tags: Solar Energy

@SkopjeLab is experimental and collaborative space of City of Skopje for co-designing and prototyping local public policies and services in Skopje, Macedonia.
Why solar power in Uganda is not just about decarbonization
Tags: Goparity Project, Uganda, Cooperatives, Solar Energy, Dairy

It was an exciting day in the village. Children and adults alike gathered around the Dairy Cooperative, not to buy fresh milk and yogurt, but to be witnesses to the workers’ results. The Cooperative had installed solar panels and batteries to power the refrigerators!

With a mostly inexistent national power grid in Uganda, organizations rely on diesel generators to power appliances — a noisy, polluting, and expensive solution, whose alternative is simply not to have access to electricity.

Cold chain management in milk — the process of keeping the dairy products at correct temperatures to avoid spoiling — is a tricky business if you do not have a stable source of power — such as a working energy grid. However, with solar panel prices plummeting in the past 10 years, suddenly this new paradigm is available to all these small players. The only thing missing is capital to invest.

But in everyone’s eyes at the village that day, the excitement was on the blueish sparkling solar panels and the silence of the diesel engine. As the workers closed the area with the fence and installed the low-consumption LED streetlights, to protect the installation from trespassers during the night, the crowd began to disperse.

Night came, and there was something new in town. The dark night had a few new lights! The saleswomen sat under the gentle white light and sold their wares. For the first time in their life, they felt safe, on the now illuminated roadside, passing cars could see them, and not risk being hit in the dark. And the children came back, to play a bit more with their friends under the lamps until they are called to sleep by their parents.
5 Facts About Off-Grid Solar Systems
By: Jeff Brandlin
Tags: Solar Power Installation, Off Grid Solar Systems, Electrical Services, Solar Power, Solar Energy

Are you considering a more eco-friendly alternative to power your home? Switching to off-grid solar systems can be the best choice for you!

A home with an off-grid solar kit is 100% self-sustaining its energy without connecting to any power system. This means that even if your neighbors have no electricity, or if you live in a power outage prone area, you can still supply your property’s electricity needs.

1. Two Types of Off-Grid Kit: The DC and AC System Kits

The DC (direct current) off-grid solar system is used to power DC appliances in RVs , cabins, farm appliances, and even rural telecommunication systems .

2. Off-Grid Solar System Uses Battery Storage Instead of Electricity

Install your system kit accordingly to generate enough power, and ensure that the battery capacity is enough for your home’s electricity needs.

Although the cost of batteries is high, the huge monetary savings you’ll get later on will compensate for it.

3. Off-Grid Solar Power Systems Have 4 Major Components

These are the solar panels, charge controller, battery bank, and connected load.

The solar panels convert solar energy into electricity. They also generate power to charge batteries.

The charge controller determines the amount of current to be injected into the battery bank to achieve the required power performance. It also protects the battery from overcharging.

Lastly, the connected load ensures that the electrical circuit is complete and correct. It also helps in smooth electricity flow.

Depending on your demand, you may also need other components such as the backup generator, transfer switch, inverter, and AC/DC load center.

4. Living off-Grid Saves You From Monthly Bills and Blackouts

Although the initial cost in setting up the off-grid panels and systems is high, you’ll be free from your monthly electricity bills later. This independence equates to huge monthly savings as long as you continue living off-grid.

Since you’re self-sustaining your power, you’ll also experience minimal blackouts as long as you have a strong battery and backup generators.

5. Off-Grid Households Are Responsible for Energy Efficiency

If you’re sustaining your electricity needs by yourself, you have the sole responsibility to manage and maintain the efficiency of your energy system. You have to use the kit with care and shoulder all the maintenance fees that might follow.

You will bear all the responsibilities when your system fails since you’re not connected to any local utility company.

Go Off-Grid Now!

Homeowners have a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the right power source for their households.

If you’re willing to invest higher in a system that will give you huge monetary and energy savings, later on, off-grid living is the right choice.

Have you switched to solar power for your electricity needs? Share your experience in the comments section below!
S-O-L-A, solar … so, so, so, so, soooo-lar …
By: Beau Dure
Tags: Solar Energy, Virginia

Photo by Science in HD on Unsplash

Virginia’s reputation as a “dark state” is getting brighter.

A flood of legislation easing barriers for residents to put solar on their own roofs and in their own backyard has led to what installers, developers and trade organizations describe as a sudden rush of interest in the commonwealth.

Yes, Virginia is a commonwealth. That makes us different from a “state” because we say “commonwealth” instead of “state.”

The big legislation passed in March, raising limits on home (20 kw to 25 kW) and commercial (1 MW to 3 MW) installations. Dominion Energy is required to cut out fossil fuels by 2045; Appalachian Power must follow by 2050.
New solar farm in Tooele County will deliver big on renewable energy
By: Tony Cowger
Tags: News, Renewable Energy, Energy, Free, Solar Energy

“Some of Utah’s big energy consumers will be getting a significant amount of power from a planned solar plant in Tooele County, helping them to reach their renewable energy goals much more quickly than planned.

Thanks to approval from the Utah Public Service Commission of a renewable energy tariff for Rocky Mountain Power, the project is due to come online in 2023 and will be one of the largest solar energy generators in the utility company’s system.

The six customers with commitments for the energy are: Salt Lake City, Park City, Summit County, Utah Valley University, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley ski resorts.

The Elektron Solar project is owned and will be constructed by D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments in collaboration with Enyo Renewable Energy, a renewable energy developer based in Utah.

Enyo and D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments will be responsible for generating more than 275 megawatt hours of energy in northern Utah via customer-driven solar capacity under construction beginning in 2021 and into 2022. A megawatt is a million watts of electricity.

UVU President Astrid Tuminez said the Tooele solar plant will provide more than 90% of the campus’ electricity needs and put the university soundly on the path of being carbon neutral by 2050.

UVU will receive about 23% of the project’s solar generation, said Frank Young, associate vice president of facilities planning for the university.

The campus’ energy needs demand about 42,000 kilowatt hours on an annual basis. The Tooele County plant will generate about 40,200 of those hours needed for yearly operations, he added.”

View the whole story here: https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/11/30/21726903/elektron-solar-project-solar-farm-tooele-county
Big Oil And Big Tech Are Spending Billions On Renewable Energy
By: Tony Cowger
Tags: News, Renewable Energy, Tech, Solar Energy, Oil

“Given the option, most Americans would not only prefer to choose their own utility companies but also have more of the energy that powers their homes coming from clean energy sources. That’s according to a Consumer Report survey where 81% of respondents agreed that reducing pollution from power plants is a worthwhile goal. It’s a decision that’s not entirely in their hands, though, since only 50% of Americans have the option to purchase renewable energy directly from their power suppliers though everybody has the option to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs). Corporates’ relationship with renewable energy might not be as straightforward. For many companies, the cost of climate change, not a change of heart, could be what has been forcing them to restrategize and reduce carbon footprints or think about reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Nevertheless, corporate organizations have emerged among the biggest buyers of renewable energy.

According to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) report, global corporations have been striking a record number of clean energy power purchase agreements, or PPAs. In 2019, corporations purchased 19.5 gigawatts of clean power through long-term contracts, marking an impressive 40% Y/Y increase. Indeed, over the past three years, companies have quickly ramped up their clean energy purchases from 4.3GW in 2016.

When it comes to which corners of the corporate world have been buying the most renewable energy, well, there are no surprises here as Big Tech easily takes the cake. “

View the whole story here: https://oilprice.com/Alternative-Energy/Renewable-Energy/Big-Oil-And-Big-Tech-Are-Spending-Billions-On-Renewable-Energy.html
Impian Pasang Solar Panel
By: Dikrin Angel
Tags: DIY, Sistem Solar, Solar Panel Malaysia, Solar Energy, Solar Panel

in In Bitcoin We Trust
“Sunny Side Up” Quantum Computer
By: Okezue Bell
Tags: News, Photovoltaic, Quantum Computer, Quantum Computing, Solar Energy

Solar-based Quantum Energy Systems [1/2]

“Sunny Side Up” Quantum Computer

What if we could create even more efficient quantum systems? Like make solar powered quantum computers? What if we could use new linear optic systems to create even more efficient quantum hardware, so that we could reduce costs and begin faster industrialization. Well, we can, and today, I’m going to be showing you how I figured this out. I hope you enjoy my project!

Credit: Rigetti (converted to GIF)

Hardware Brush Up

Skip over this section if you’ve read my articles before!

The golden rings are known as the quantum computer skeleton . They represent different segmentations of cold that go all the way to close to absolute 0 (0 K) ~15 mK

are known as the quantum computer . They represent different segmentations of cold that go all the way to close to absolute 0 (0 K) ~15 mK The side cables are called the nerves . They carry the photons through the quantum computer for signal processing.

are called the . They carry the photons through the quantum computer for signal processing. The inner pole is the heart , where central cooling of physical qubits occur

is the , where central cooling of physical qubits occur Top tube is the shells, which eliminate thermal fluctuations

which eliminate thermal fluctuations The bottom is the brain, or the QPU, which is a copper-gold-silicon disk that does all of the quantum computing power, and is held inside of a cryoperm shield which stops exposure to electromagnetic radiation

Processing Brush Up

Credit: Google Images (GIF)

This is a qubit, the fundamental unit of information for a quantum computer.

Instead of existing in a classical value like a normal computer’s bit (where it’s 0 or 1), it is in a state of quantum coherence, where its in superposition, meaning its in both 0 and 1, or neither — an outcome which isn’t even possible on a classical computer.

Credit: Kurzgesagt (converted to GIF)

However, quantum decoherence occurs whenever a quantum bit is exposed to any sort of disruption, including temperature changes, vibration, light, etc. This is the main problem with our current quantum hardware. However, we induce quantum decoherence to get an answer out of a quantum computer by introducing it to a bias, such as a controlled magnetic field that hits the qubit and causes it to collapse into a classical state.

Aside from superposition, there are two main other quantum phenomenon that are qubit characteristics: tunneling and entanglement. 🤯

Entanglement
Solar energy from space: where else?
By: Enrique Dans
Tags: Sustainability, Future, Energy, Space, Solar Energy

IMAGE: NASA (Public Domain)

The idea of generating solar energy in space and sending it to Earth may sound like science fiction, but is science fact: researchers have been exploring the idea for some time.

Space-based solar power (SSP or SBSP), involves deploying huge solar panels in the Earth’s orbit, where they are free from the barrier effect of clouds, positioned so they can generate power 24/7, eliminating the need to store energy in batteries for when the sun is not shining. The energy is then converted into waves and electromagnetic fields are used to transfer them to antennas on the surface of the Earth, where they are again converted into electricity.

Futuristic, sure, but not that futuristic: the technology is pretty much ready to go: in May the US army deployed a test module for solar capture in space, although for the time being the concept is still under study due to technological, logistical and, above all, economic reasons: energy produced on earth by means of renewable sources is already so cheap that this kind of power would probably only be used in remote locations, for example, or where generation by means of renewables is not possible. The prototype developed by the Naval Research Laboratory, called Photovoltaic Radio-frequency Antenna Module (PRAM), was put into orbit by the X-37B space plane.

Other researchers, led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, have also developed designs for an in-orbit system that should be able to perform this function.

Deploying a solar panel in space is no easy matter: not only must it be very large, at least about 10-square kilometers, but it must also be very light, so as to avoid excessive transportation costs. To get round this would require using ultra-light materials (just 280 grams per square meter) that unfold like origami and form a swarm that self-assembles at its destination, and that moves without the need for fuel. Another design, China’s Omega, should be able to be deployed by 2050, is a solar panel capable of producing and sending to earth no less than 2GW of power. Other smaller designs, designed to power space equipment on other planets, could be ready sooner.

Anybody who doubts the efficiency of renewables, whether because they are ill-informed or are still mired in the past, needs to understand the power of solar energy. The only question now is whether we harness it here or from space.
Green Power for Business
By: Julius Schenk
Tags: Alternative Energy, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Green Energy

Now is the best time to switch to green power for your business. You could be saving money, while helping to save the planet and reducing usage. The year of 2020 has been a very hard one for business and now more than ever, a saving of 10–30% on a monthly bill would be welcome.

What is Green power?

Green power is the phrase used for power which is Eco-friendly and doesn’t harm the planet. A better and more technically correct term is Renewable power. While green power can cover things like hydrogen and nuclear. Renewable is only for things like wind, sea, motion, thermal rocks and solar. While there is some debate if nuclear is indeed green and good, there is very limited debate to wither renewable power is good.

Is Renewable cheaper? why is it?

Renewable power can be cheaper than finite sources and is getting cheaper every year. Some will say that it is cheaper due to government help, but this shows only part of the reason. The price of coal/petrol is based on global market, it is a finite product which will run out. Thus may increase in price as it becomes harder to find. Also as technology advances in Solar, wind and energy storage, it becomes cheaper.

The reason you need a company like us is not all renewable is cheaper than all fossil fuels, we compare all the UK companies than can do renewable power.

Why switch to Renewable power?

Help reduce business carbon by 16%-37% Help reduce monthly bills Stay ahead of Government legislation and targets Invest in business Earn additional income (based on industry)

FREE energy audit

We will look at your bills, premise and sales channels and find a way to lower your Carbon, consumption and cost. For a FREE energy audit, get in touch.
42 tribal households under the village Sonale Budruk, in Wada block, Palghar district were illuminated with a solar home lighting system by KSWA Yuva Parivartan.
By: Yuva Parivartan - Giving Youth A Second Chance
Tags: Rural India, Rural Development, Rural India Solar Energy, Solar Power, Solar Energy

42 scheduled tribe families live in the forest under the village Sonale Budruk, in Wada block, Palghar district, in Kacchha houses made of Karvi sticks plastered with cow dung. Respecting The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006, the tribal families have neither wells nor electricity nor toilets.

Interaction with the forest tribal inhabitants reflects the following

· As night falls, they need to light a fire fueled by wood, to keep wild animals including scorpions, snakes and leopards away. The forest is known to habour small leopards.

· The school children lag behind in studies since they are unable to study in the evenings and at night due to lack of electricity. There is a large percentage of dropouts amongst this population.

KSWA Yuva Parivartan along with a donor — The Time and Talents Club illuminated each of the 42 tribal households with a solar home lighting system consisting of three lights and a mobile charger.
“Paging Mr. Luddite! Mr. Luddite, please pick up the rotary dial land-line house phone for a message!”
By: Jack Albrecht
Tags: Innovation, Future, Technology, Solar Power, Solar Energy

US expatriate living in the EU; seeing the world from both sides of the Atlantic.
“Sunny Side Up” Quantum Computer [2/2]
By: Okezue Bell
Tags: Quantum Physics, Quantum Dot, Quantum Computing, Quantum Information, Solar Energy

A Novel Quantum Hardware System

“Sunny Side Up” Quantum Computer [2/2]

If you haven’t read this article below, please make sure to do so before reading this one:

So basically, I basically development my own quantum computing system.

No, I didn't build it physically (yet!), but I have done some engineering models ⚙️, which I will present today! Enjoy! These diagrams serve as a blueprint describing how to product would be oriented.

Figure Diagram #1

This first diagram represents the preliminary quantum computer.

There is a generally more expensive hardware composition

It costs about $10m from all of he cooling systems and superconductor material

QPU is made of gold, copper, and silicon

is made of gold, copper, and silicon Requires consistent management, and is still subject to decoherence

Needs skeleton liquid helium churning system in order to account for cooling to 1.5 K

There is a large head casing (5x of them) that surround the active computer; not efficient

The computer is functional, but not computationally scalable or cost effective.

Q uantum Photovoltaic Implementation

This diagram will show you how the integration and removal of the necessary parts for the computational system to function properly. This part integration will reduce costs, and increase hardware efficiency.

Implementation of quantum dot photonic computing system

This diagram shows the edited quantum computing system.

Like in a photonic (advanced linear-optic) quantum computing system, the computer largely relies on different spectroscopy systems using photons as the qubit models:

Using quantum dots, the ring holder filters UV light through the head (purple)

Passed in as blue light, converted by the quantum dots

The anthracene-silicon splices it into red photons, which are then harnessed to power the qubit quantum dots

The cooling systems are much smaller, and more compact

There is a more compact cryoperm shield system

Overall, the quantum computer presents the opportunites of silicon-based superconducting dots information, allowing for better quantum information storage, [cheaper and] more scalable “hot qubit” systems, and more quantum efficiency and decoherence shielding. More resistant qubit models will present the opportunity to reduce the costs of the system.
TheWonderfully terrible Panademic Christmas Story
By: Coco Griffin
Tags: Christian, Christmas

There once was a house with a whole bunch of children that would not ever ever go to school or go to bed on time because of virtual learning. The end.

Seriously, I don’t know how the heck to get these kids to bed on time so if anyone has any suggestions, PLEASE dm me. So, this Christmas gave us the unique opportunity to take advantage of not having to go out to a bunch of stores and do our last minute shopping, or stay up in the middle of the night wrapping presents like a madman (we tend to procrastinate). I believe that this could be thought of as a terrible Christmas, an opportunity to be creative with the technology and networking that creative minds have blessed us with. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do miss giving hugs and being able to see our friends and loved ones especially during the holiday season, but this we have to stay isolated could either be turned into a negative or a positive time period…it’s all about your approach on how you look at it.

We were able to offer an outside Christian Christmas video to our neighbors, with social distancing and Christmas carols for the first time ever this year. We were able to bless a neighbor struggling with handiwork to be able to provide food for the holidays. We were also able to pray for and bless neighbors with Instacart to help them stay inside and safe, as well as bibles and inspirational messages of hope and love to other neighbors that the children wanted to write. While our oldest daughter took it upon herself to make homeless packs for essentials and nonperishables that we have been driving by and leaving for homeless that are in need more than ever before. Now, our parents still haven’t quite figured out how to use zoom, and we do miss our friends and brothers and sisters at church. But regardless of that, we do see that in our home, and in our community people are using this time to reflect on what really matters in life. It has become for us, less of the hustle and bussell of the holidays, and more about the memories and love we can share with everyone during this time.

So, this terrible nontraditional, social distanced Christmas could actually be a time for us to really cherish each other and be there for each other, like we never have been before.

Peace on Earth and Joy to the World.

May you all have a truly blessed and cherished holiday season.
Book Review: A Cord of Three Strands
By: Michelle Renee Kidwell
Tags: Christian, Historical Fiction, Book Review

Cord of Three Strands

by Christy Distler

BooksGoSocial

Christian | Historical Fiction

Pub Date 08 Jun 2020

I am reviewing a copy of Cord of Three Hands through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:

When 1756 begins Issac Lukens leaves the Pennsylvania wilderness after two years with the Lenape people. He has failed to find the families of his birth parents, a French trader and a Lenape woman. Even worse the tribe he has lived with has rejected his efforts at peacemaking, and now they are ravaging frontier settlements in retaliation. After Issac arrives in the Quaker community where he was reared, questions taunt him: He wants to know who he is a white man, or Lenape? Where does he belong?

Elisabeth Alden was Issac’s nearest and dearest childhood friend, she is left to to tend her young siblings alone upon her father’s death. Issac had promised to care for her and the children, she battles resentment toward him for having left, while an unspeakable tragedy and her discordant courtship with a prominent Philadelphian weigh on her as well.

Elisabeth finds that she must marry or she will loose custody or her young siblings and her options threaten the life with her and the children that Isaac has come to love. While faced with Elisabeth’s reluctance to Marry, and the prospect of finding his family at last, as well as being faced with the opportunity to help in the peace process between Pennsylvania and the Indian tribes. But Issac must first find out where and to whom he belongs.

I give A Cord of Three Strands five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!
It’s Christmas already?
By: Iruoma Osonwa
Tags: Lifestyle, Writing, Christmas, Christian, Holidays

It’s Christmas already?

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…” is the song that came to mind when my folks started packing for our annual travel to the east. This is a familiar habit among the Igbos in Nigeria, particularly those in Lagos. I always looked forward to it as a kid. It’s odd how fast this year’s Christmas came. One moment it was COVID-19 lockdown, next it was December.

The Christmas holidays mark the opportunity to catch up with family members and just enjoy the break.2 weeks ago, I was oblivious to the cheer around. Don’t get me wrong. All the memories of being a child around this season kept coming like ants to sugar.

First, the memories of my mum measuring our feet with sticks for our Christmas shoes. We would await her market trips as she returned with black bags of clothes and goodies to doll us up for the outings the season afforded.

What about the Christmas hair? While I endured the torture of making braids for hours, the mandatory snacks and beauty at the end compensated for the stress. Christmas rice and chicken were another highlight. Something was special about those things.

Fast forward to my adulthood and responsibilities. Now I’m at the other side of the slide. I’m making a list and buying whatever I’ll need. No Christmas shoes measuring sticks. No Christmas gowns.

Thankfully this year there was Christmas hair (whoop!). Basically, I’m grown enough to handle the cooking of my Christmas rice and even make for others.

Sigh. Take me back to those days I silently wished to be an adult immediately.

A closer look at the “Christmas spirit”.

The culture doesn’t get to define what Christmas stands for. It may give its fine tunes, add- ons and even holiday terms for commercialisation.

It’s not surprising, but believers tend to lose focus of what it stands for. In fact, Christmas is somehow less associated with the first syllable in our minds.

In this context, our hope is in the One and Word who came in flesh. The promise of old brought to life. Incarnate Son of God. The Prince of Peace. He’s beyond the reason for this season but for every season!

Sure, there are a lot of questions around the accuracy of the date, debates as to whether we should celebrate or not, and so many topics my article would not delve into. Yet, the significance doesn’t change.

PS: If you would love to know more about Christmas, I recommend A Case for Christmas study by Lee Strobel. It’s insightful and worth it overall.

Am I saying we shouldn’t have fun and enjoy the season because of significance? Far from it. I’m saying the knowledge of that significance should enrich this celebration. By the time you’re reading this, I’ll most likely be eating my own “Christmas rice and chicken” so I’m not anti-enjoyment.

They are all the blessings of this period and I don’t take them for granted. The beautifully decorated Christmas trees, exchange of gifts, lights, songs, community, food, fireworks and so on.
this is the best Christmas.
By: Miranda Herring
Tags: Pandemic, Christmas, Autoimmune Disease, Spoonie, Christian

Christmas cards did not go out in a timely manner this year.

In fact, owing to a medical crisis involving my dominant hand — AFTER I thought I was in the clear — I have a small stack that needed recipe cards included I had been unable to write until now that won’t be going out until tomorrow, the day AFTER Christmas.

(But, you know, for what it’s worth, when those late cards DO arrive, the recipients can know that they have been thought of often and prayed over and that those cards really are a gift of love even if they are just a little thing.)

This may seem insignificant but I adore Christmas and my cards usually go out Thanksgiving weekend.

Our den, which is absolutely Christmas beautiful, was not finished until Christmas Eve — and my amazing husband did it for our family.

Usually I am one of the November 1st decorators. I have been since I became so spoonie sick and decided to enjoy every bit of Christmas and special and happy and beautiful in this life.

This year, though, so many waves of sick just kept coming through the holiday season.

Still, my husband made it so beautiful.
Book Review: Joy to the World
By: Michelle Renee Kidwell
Tags: Regency, Christmas, Fiction, Book Review, Christian

Joy to the World

A Regency Christmas Collection

by Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barratt, Erica Vetsch

Independent Publishers Group

Kregel Publications

Christian

Pub Date 13 Oct 2020

I am reviewing a copy of Joy to the World: A Regency Christmas Collection through Netgalley:

This book offers three different heartwarming regency Christmas stories by three well known and loved authors Carolyn Miller, Amanda Barrett, and Erica Vetsch.

In the first story Heaven and Nature Sing, Carolyn Miller weaves a story of two music lovers, who are deeply devoted to one another, they were on the brink of getting engaged when family circumstances pulled them apart. How will they ever overcome their obligations and fears to find their way back into each other’s arms?

The Second Story is Far As the Curse Is Found by Amana Barrett tells the story of a woman who is struggling to provide for her illegitimate child on the streets of London. One night she encounters a scarred veteran of the Napoleonic Wars on the streets of London. Can their love conqueror their broken pasts.

In the final story Wonders of His Love by Erica Vetsch we are introduced who a Scots painter who has a hidden identity finds work at a noble manor house over the holidays. He could never imagined he would fall in love with a widow there, a widow who is normally frozen to everyone. But now he desires nothing more than to thaw her frozen heart.

I give Joy to the World five out of Five Stars!

Happy Reading!
100+ letest Christmas wishes, quotes, whatsapp status....
Tags: Happychristmascake, Christian, Christmas, Happy New Year

#HappyChristmas

The gift of love. The gift of peace. The gift of happiness. May all these be yours at Christmas.

Merry Christmas!🌲
Three Wise Men
By: Scott Rulon
Tags: A Christmas Gift, Christmas, Christian Living, Government Conspiracies, Christian

Today we bandy about stories of conspiracy and plots of upheaval, and many believe such themes. Honestly, I do not know them to be true or not. I am confident with the straight edge that I live my life by. Certainly, I do not know what the future holds in terms of pandemics, conspiracies, and other such things, but I do know what my future holds.

Over two thousand years ago in a place south of nowhere, the world changed overnight. Three wise men took a 60 day journey to Bethlehem of Judea, and discovered a great truth. You see a prophecy had made it rounds for more than 800 years, and they recognized that a shiny star in the east began the fulfillment of that prophecy. Who would have believed its fruition would be brought forth in the form of a new born babe, born in a nondescript place.

Next time we espouse conspiracy or other theories that may or may not be true. Let us look for the true reason for Christmas: The Birth of a Prophet, Priest and King.
Small Packages
By: Paul H. Harder Ii
Tags: Faith, Christian, Christmas, Poetry

A silent night, a smallish town,

A family here just for the count,

no consequential business meet

or international retreat,

an unimpressive stable stall,

a tiny baby — that was all.

A modest gift from God to us

and hardly worth a stir or fuss.

But shepherds come and angels sing,

Magi journey, gifts to bring.

From that beginning springs so much,

affecting everyone we touch.

That baby, now become the King,

invites us all to join His sing,

to open self as tiny gift

and give His choir a unique lift.

____________

Copyright ©2020, Paul H. Harder II

This poem is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 License.
Stand!
By: Marvin Mckenzie
Tags: Devotion, Bible Study, Faith and Life, Devotional, Christian

Nahum 2:8 (KJV)

But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water: yet they shall flee away. Stand, stand, shall they cry; but none shall look back.

It is amazing to think that, at one time, God sent the prophet Jonah to preach and save Nineveh. Here we find a prophecy dedicated to the judgment of the very same city.

This verse is picturesque in a number of ways. I see this city filled with souls fleeing from the enemy. The prophet cries out to stand and defend but none listens. Barnes describes it, Stand, stand,” the prophet speaks in the name of the widowed city; “shut the gates, go up on the walls, resist the enemy, gather yourselves together, form a band to withstand,” “but none shalt look back” to the mother-city which calls them; all is forgotten, except their fear; parents, wives, children, the wealth which is plundered, home, worldly repute. So will men leave all things, for the life of this world.”

If we take this to be the wicked fleeing from the judgment of God, the lesson is that there is no defense against Him.

If we take this to be a rebuke for fleeing when they ought to stand then the lesson is more relevant in our day. People of God, don’t flee the trials that come to you. Stand up for Jesus. Be a testimony and a light in a difficult and dark time.

Do it for your wives (or husbands)

Do it for your children

Do it for those who stood before you

Do it for those who will need to stand after you

Do it for the glory of God

Stand! Stand!

Let nothing of this world cause you to flee away from your faith.

To my readers:

First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5100 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books are available at:

https://marvinmckenzie.org

Nahum 2:8 (KJV) Stand!

photos from pexels.com.
God’s word endures forever — even 2020
By: Rachel Mahoney
Tags: Christian, Christian Living

God’s word endures forever — even 2020

2020 has been a very strange year. In a year were many may wonder where God is, or that he is not close, his word still endures (1 Peter 1:25).

Whether you have felt abandoned, the fact that he remains closer than a brother (proverbs 18:24) still remains true. If you have felt that everything has spiralled out of control, the fact that he reigns (Psalm 97) still remains true. If you have felt that God gave up listening to you the fact that he hears your prayers (Psalm 34) still remains true. God's word endures forever, throughout everything for all time. The thing that changes is us. We change our perspective. Instead of looking at the unchangeable God (Hebrews 13:8) we look at our circumstance and forget God's word endures all things.

It will endure through divorce, it will endure through stress, it will endure through separation from loved ones, it will endure through mental health, it will endure through isolation, it will endure through death. It will endure past our time on this Earth.

How awe inspiring to remember here we are thinking about the words of Peter, words that were written over 2000 years ago. It has already endured that long, it will endure to the end of time.

But lets not forget the stories would first have been passed on by word of mouth. Mothers telling daughters, fathers telling sons, friends telling friends. We have our part to play in passing on the enduring word of God. Don't underestimate the power of your testimonies. Get telling them.

So think back over 2020. What stories of God's enduring love can you tell? Let's show that God's word endures all things; even 2020!
This Christmas, I'm inviting you to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ at First…
Tags: Christmas, Jesus Christ, Christianity, Christian, Holidays

This Christmas, I'm inviting you to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ at First Baptist Church of Glenarden's Christmas Day Worship Service. This virtual Christmas Day Worship Service will be on December 25th at 9:00 A.M. EST. To view this service, please visit https://fbcglenarden.org/watchnow to worship with us!

Share this news with your family and friends!

#FBCGLive #Christmas2020 #WorshipService
My 10 Favorite Reads of 2020. At risk of adding more to the glut of…
By: Ivan Mesa
Tags: Christian, Reading, Books

At risk of adding more to the glut of book lists, here are the 10 books I most enjoyed in 2020, with a few honorable mentions.
Book Review: Ottoman Dominion
By: Michelle Renee Kidwell
Tags: Christian, Suspense, Book Review, Mystery Thriller

Ottoman Dominion

by Terry Brennan

Independent Publishers Group

Kregel Publications

Christian | Mystery & Thrillers

Pub Date 17 Nov 2020

I am reviewing a copy of Ottoman Dominion through Independent Publishers Group/ Kregel and Netgalley:

Brian Mullaney is a diplomatic security agent who wants out. He has been drawn against his will into a dangerous international mission with world-ending implications. His final assignment is going to pit him against the terrifying, evil entity known only as the Turk.

After the Turk’s minions breach the US embassy in Israel and the American ambassador disappears, Mullaney has no choice. He must accept his role as the final guardian of a mysterious box, the box is his only weapon against the powers of darkness bent on preventing the second coming of the Messiah, no matter who or what they annihilate to accomplish their goal.

Will Brian Mullaney who has already lost so much be able to find the strength and faith to save the world and fulfill the prophecy of peace?

I give Ottoman Dominion five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!