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 pains, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.

After 11 tons of trash taken off Mount Everest, officials ban single-use plastics. Pollution pestilence increasing in diverse places.

Adrianna Rodriguez. USA TODAY•August 22, 2019

Officials banned single-use plastics in the Mount Everest region in an effort to reduce the increasing amounts of trash left behind by thrill-seeking climbers and tourists.

The ban goes into effect January 2020 and covers all plastics less than 30 microns in thickness, according to Agence France-Presse. This includes plastic bags, straws, soda and water bottles and most food packaging, The Hindu reported. Beverages in metal cans will be allowed.

The ban will cover the rural municipality of Khumbu Pasanglhamu, which is home to Mount Everest.

The natural wonder of the world has been littered with trash as more adventurers try their luck at scaling the peak. Many bodies of fallen climbers also remain on Everest.

A Nepalese government-led expedition removed more than 11 tons of trash from the nearly 30,000-foot mountain in a 45-day cleaning initiative that began in April, AFP reported.

“If we start now, it will help keep our region, the Everest and the mountains clean long terms,” Ganesh Ghimire, chief administrative officer of the municipality, told AFP.

Additional changes for the mountain are in the works after a Nepalese government committee was formed as a result of a deadly mountaineering season on Mount Everest where 11 people were killed.

A report by the committee released last week says people must have successfully climbed a peak higher than 21,320 feet before they can apply for a permit to scale Mount Everest, which is 29,029 feet. Each climber would be required to have a highly experienced guide.

The climbing season from March to May is when weather conditions are best for scaling the Himalayan mountains.