Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor.

More than 260 dolphins found stranded along the Gulf Coast since February. Scientists aren’t sure why.

N’dea Yancey-Bragg. USA TODAY•June 16, 2019

Scientists are trying to determine why more than 260 bottle nose dolphins have been found stranded along the Northern Gulf of Mexico since the beginning of February.

The number of dolphin deaths is approximately three times higher than the average for the time period, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday.

The strandings in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida have been declared an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) by NOAA.

A UME is defined under the Marine Mammal Protection Act as “a stranding that is unexpected; involves a significant die-off of any marine mammal population; and demands immediate response.”

Researchers said it is too early to discern the potential cause of the UME because many of the dolphins recovered are very decomposed, making it harder to determine the cause of death. Some carcasses have been stranded in remote locations preventing scientists from recovering or examining them.

Some of the stranded dolphins had skin lesions associated with freshwater exposure, which is being investigated as a potential contributing factor of the UME, NOAA researchers said. In addition to skin lesions, dolphins can suffer from abnormal blood chemistry, swelling of the cornea and even death if they are exposed to low salinity water for an extended period of time.

Researchers said high levels of rainfall and flood control actions have altered the flow of freshwater in dolphin habitats this year. Dolphins in the area also suffered from significant health impacts caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 which have not fully resolved and may make them more susceptible to the affects of low salinity.

The BP oil spill’s effects included problems with lungs and adrenal glands, which produce stress-related hormones, blood abnormalities and general poor condition, according to earlier reports. The report said the spill contributed to the Gulf of Mexico’s largest and longest dolphin die-off.

An investigative team will work with the Working Group on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events to evaluate the situation and guide the investigation, which may take months, NOAA said.

Scientists asked members of the public who encounter stranded or dead dolphins to keep a safe distance and call the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 877-WHALE HELP (877-942-5343), or notify the U.S. Coast Guard.