17 Sep, 2008
This picture and article appeared on "Street Knowledge Media."
Three normally white polar bears at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in central
The sight of green polar bears has prompted many questions from visitors concerned about whether the animals are sick or carrying mold, zoo official Masami Kurobe said Sunday.
“Visitors seem to be shocked by the color, and we are asked every day why they are so green,” he said.
High temperatures in July and August and less-frequent water changes because of the zoo’s conservation efforts caused an algae growth in the bear pond and safety moat, Kurobe said.
Algae that enters hollow spaces in the bears’ fur is hard to rinse off, he said.
The bears are expected to return to their natural color when the algae growth subsides in November, Kurobe said.
When Going Green isn't Pretty!
Where you go determines who you become!
1 Corinthians 15:33
33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (ESV)
This verse summarizes a truth we have all seen play out in real life. Where you go, who you go there with and what you do when you get there all greatly affect who you become.
Romans 12:2 in the Amplified Bible really does "amplify" this truth loud and clear. It says, "Don't let the world squeeze you into its mold." You don't really fit in with the crowd at that party, or really desire to do what they are doing, but you find yourself there anyway . You are shaped by a Christ-centered mold, but find yourself being re-shaped by different values and behavior. It's very uncomfortable. It will also "ruin" you if you don't do something different.
If you wade around in the algae, you are going to turn green.
So you may be asking yourself the question found in Psalm 119:9-11.
9 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."
10 "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from you commands."
11 "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
To stay "pure" in a world full of "bad company" you'll need to stop excusing bad behavior and daily make good decisions. These verses suggest:
- Obey God's Word. It's one thing to listen to it, but we need to "live according to it."
- Seek God. If we truly desire to abide in Christ, we will build a strong relationship with him, and will not want to disappoint him by what we "do or say" (Colossians 3:17).
- Don't stray from his commands. Too often we try to live according to God's word, and live according the world at the same time.
If "bad company ruins good morals," do you think its possible that good company could repair bad morals? I think so! The problem is when you go into bad company territory and think your little bit of "good" will rub off on everyone there. Instead, you walk away looking a little more green every time.
But what if you commit to building strong positive relationships with students who share your values? This probably means being committed and fully engaged in your youth group, or a Christian-sponsored club at your school. Your group will only be as fun, as welcoming and as effective as you are!
Then when a friend who is not a Christ follower visits, they will experience something real, and life-changing. Instead of you turning green, you just might see some of your green friends turn white!
- February 2012 [5]
- January 2012 [18]
- December 2011 [20]
- November 2011 [15]
- October 2011 [15]
- September 2011 [14]
- August 2011 [22]
- July 2011 [19]
- June 2011 [21]
- May 2011 [20]
- April 2011 [20]
- March 2011 [21]
- February 2011 [20]
- January 2011 [21]
- December 2010 [21]
- November 2010 [21]
- October 2010 [21]
- September 2010 [22]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [18]
- April 2010 [21]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [19]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
