Schools…Are they The New War Zones?

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Sun shining in a blue sky through tree branchesIt’s a beautiful spring morning.  A gentle breeze ruffles the leaves on the trees as the sun peaks it’s head over the horizon.  A melodious chorus of bluebirds is in the air raising and lowering their song with each chirp.

The echo of your mother’s voice calling your name awakens you.  Your weary eyes open slowly and you take a long deep stretch.  You thank God for waking you up and you hop out of bed to begin your usual daily routine.

You head into the bathroom to wash up.  Then you get dressed, eat breakfast and head out the door.  The only thing on your mind at this age (13) is school, your best friends and boys/girls.

School is a safe haven where you spend half of your day.  The outside world and anything dealing with it seems so far away and isn’t a factor here.  The worst thing that ever happens is that someone gets into a fist fight and that’s hardly ever.

Teachers teach classes with very little problems and they touch many young lives.  They are happy to have chosen this career; they make a difference and they know it.

Is this a joke or a fantasy?  Or maybe a fairytale?

In fact, no it’s not.  This was life back in the late sixties when I was a thirteen year old.  People were different and the time was different.  In school you were about as safe as you could be away from home.  Even schools in some of the poorest neighborhoods were safe havens where principals and teachers were the authority.

Back then children listened and learned.  They didn’t only learn reading, writing and arithmetic, they learned health and etiquette.  They also learned respect and how to work with others.

But sadly, this is no more.

It seems light years ago now.  Gone are those days of innocence that a child had.  Gone are those days of respect for your elders, respect for authority and respect for others.  It’s a sad situation that this generation is in today.

Schools aren’t safe havens anymore.  On any given day classrooms are being disrupted by one or more kids who only cares about his of herself.  Teachers don’t have control anymore and can’t teach the students who want to learn.  With some this is a constant that they have to deal with everyday.

Sex and drugs are rampant and a norm and now mental issues are too.  With this generation there are kids who for whatever reason want to inflict harm onto others.  It’s heartbreaking, it’s sad and it’s the world our children and grandchildren live in.

What is it that we did or didn’t do as adults to produce a generation like this?

They can’t even go to school and feel safe.  Now in addition to their classrooms being disrupted by some with no respect for others, they have to worry about someone bringing a weapon of war to school with the intention of harming or killing them.  It’s horrifying and so sad that this generation has never known a world without school shootings.  That they have to go to school each day with this fear.

Sadly, even elementary schools are not exempt.  The younger ones have this same fear.  What a burden to have to bear as a little child.  There’s a crisis in this country in our schools, and it needs to be handled.

In 1999 the first of the unthinkable took place in Littleton, Colorado.  Two students there took their frustrations out on others and on April 20th, 1999 twelve students and one teacher lost their lives with more than 20 others wounded.

It got continually worst here in America.

There has been:

  • 50 mass murders or attempted mass murders at a school since Columbine
  • 141 people were killed in a mass murder or attempted mass murder at a school since Columbine
  • 65 school shooters and thwarted school shooters referenced Columbine as a motivation

Sadly this is a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away.  What’s going on?  Why are people so violent today?  I wish there was an answer to that question but sadly there’s not.

73% of the school shooters had no prior criminal record.  They were never arrested for anything.  Since Columbine there’s been 17 kids aged 15 or younger who have committed or attempted a mass school shooting.

Again…what’s going on?

We really need to re-evaluate the way we’re raising our kids.  There’s obviously something lacking.  We have to stop trying to be friends with our children and be what we’re supposed to be and that’s parents.  Stop allowing the children to run the house and above all, stop condoning or co-signing the things they do wrong.

We have to lead by example and train them in the way they should go.  And we should teach them about our Heavenly Father.  How he loves them and wants the best for them as their parents do.  How he provides grace and mercy all day, everyday.

Children sitting in a classroom with raised handsWe must get back to the basics if we want to see a change.  If we ever want to see a world where there’s love, peace and respect for others.

A lot says it can’t be done but we’re doing our children an injustice if we don’t at least try.  We can do anything we set our minds to, it’s been proven time and time again.

If we go back to putting people first before money this will not only be a better place for us today.  It will be a better place for our kids and grandkids tomorrow.

Think about it…

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

 

 

Used For Centuries Discover the Health Benefits of This Natural Organic Liquid and Lose Weight in the Process

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This raw natural liquid is thick and gold in color.  Some even refer to it as “Liquid Gold.”  It’s used by countless cultures all around the world.  You can’t go to a country and they don’t know what it is.  It’s naturally sweet, has numerous health benefits and can be used as both food and a medicine.

It gives you energy when you have none and protects you from some of the major diseases known to man.

If you’re not using it, it’s time to start doing so because it’s a remarkable healing agent for all sorts of ailments.  Although it is high in sugar, there are numerous antioxidants and organic compounds that make it well worth consuming.

What is it…

It’s honey and people have been using it for its antibacterial and antifungal properties since the ancient times.  In fact the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians documented the healing properties of honey as early as Aristotle’s mention of it in 384 BC.

Scientists are researching it’s benefits in relation to modern medicine, particularly in the healing of wounds.  It’s very popular all around the world.

What Makes it So Popular…

Most likely it is the ease with which it can be consumed.  And the fact that its natural helps it even more.  You can eat it directly, mix it in your tea or with a juice or any drink instead of sugar, or on breads and biscuits.  It is savored by all due to its taste as well as health benefits, making it extremely useful and versatile.

The health benefits of honey are quite impressive, and since it is such a concentrated source of nutrients, it can be added to different meals.  Honey is able to:

  • Monitor blood sugar levels
  • Increase energy in a healthy and sustainable way
  • Soothe inflammation throughout the body
  • Protect heart health
  • Speed the healing process of wounds
  • Prevent infections

There are many health benefits that comes with using honey and I’m sure you will be surprised by some of them.

Here are more health benefits and how you will improve by using it…

Antioxidant Properties

It contains nutraceuticals, which are very effective for the removal of free radicals from the body.  As a result, our body’s immunity is improved against many conditions, even potentially fatal ones like cancer or heart disease.

Studies have shown that honey contains the disease-fighting antioxidant flavonoids pinocembrin, pinostrobin and chrysin.  Pinocembrin supports enzyme activity, and many studies have shown that pinocembrin induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) of many types of cancer cells.

Laboratory research suggests that chrysin may increase the male hormone testosterone and improve bodybuilding results, but human research hasn’t found any effect on testosterone levels.

Skin Care

Milk and honey are often served together since both of these ingredients help in creating smooth, beautiful skin.  Consuming this combination every morning is a common practice in many countries for this very reason.

Speed Wound Healing

Significant research is being carried out to study its benefits in the treatment of wounds and the Nursing Standard explains some of these in wound management in the document.  These have been listed below:

Honey possesses antimicrobial properties.

It helps in promoting autolytic debridement.

It deodorizes malodorous wounds.

It speeds up the healing process by stimulating wound tissues.

It helps in initiating the healing process in dormant wounds.

It also helps in promoting moist wound healing.

These healing powers are not overstated.  The Waikato Honey Research Unit provides details about the worldwide research that is being carried out on the benefits of honey in medicine.  Furthermore, BBC reported in July of 2006 that doctors at the Christie Hospital in Didsbury, Manchester are planning to use it for faster recovery of cancer patients after surgery.  Such research will provide scientific evidence for the beliefs held by honey lovers all over the world and will help in propagating the benefits to more people.

The Antioxidants in it Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is an important risk factor for heart disease, and honey may help lower it.  This is because it contains antioxidant compounds that have been linked to blood pressure lowering effects.

Studies in both rats and humans have shown modest reductions in blood pressure from consuming honey.

Improves Cholesterol

Having high LDL cholesterol levels is an important risk factor for heart disease.  It plays a major role in atherosclerosis, the fatty buildup in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Interestingly, several studies have shown that honey can improve your cholesterol levels.  It reduces total and LDL cholesterol, while significantly raising HDL (the “good”) cholesterol.

For example, one study in 55 patients compared honey to table sugar.  It found that it caused a 5.8% reduction in LDL and a 3.3% increase in HDL.  It also caused weight loss of 1.3%, compared to sugar.

Honey Can Lower Triglycerides

Elevated blood triglycerides are another major risk factor for heart disease.  They are also a key sign of insulin resistance, a major driver of type 2 diabetes.

Triglyceride levels tend to increase on a diet that is high in sugar and refined carbs.

Interestingly, multiple studies have linked regular honey consumption with lower triglyceride levels, especially when it is used to replace sugar.

For example, one study that compared honey and sugar found 11-19% lower triglyceride levels in the honey group.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Raw honey contains substantial amounts of compounds such as flavonoids and other polyphenols which may function as anti-oxidants. In Malaysia, there are several types of honey, including Tualang, Nenas, Coconut and Gelam.  Among these, Tualang and Gelam honeys are well known in Malaysia for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

In a recent study, it has been reported that honey reduced the activities of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, thus showing anti-inflammatory effects.

Furthermore, ingestion of diluted natural honey has produced reductions on concentrations of prostaglandins such as PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), PGF2a (prostaglandin F2a) and thromboxane B2 in plasma of normal individuals.

Interestingly, in an inflammatory model of colitis, honey was as effective as prednisolone treatment.  While NSAIDS and corticosteroids may have many serious side effects, honey has an anti-inflammatory action free from major side effects.

Cough Suppressant

Honey can be the all-natural cure when it comes to pesky colds.  A persistent cough that won’t go away can easily be remedied with two teaspoons of honey, according to a 2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics.  Children between the ages of 1 and 5 with nighttime cough due to colds coughed less frequently when they received two teaspoons of honey 30 minutes before bed.

The golden liquid’s thick consistency helps coat the throat while the sweet taste is believed to trigger nerve endings that protect the throat from incessant coughing.  Honey is believed to be as effective as the common cough suppressant ingredient dextromethorphan.  It can be used in treating upper respiratory tract infection.

Weight Loss

Though it has more calories than sugar, when consumed with warm water honey helps in digesting the fat stored in your body.  Similarly, honey with lemon juice or cinnamon helps in reducing weight.

Improves Athletic Performance

Recent research has shown that honey is an excellent ergogenic aid and helps in boosting the performance of athletes.  It is a great way to maintain blood sugar levels, muscle recuperation, and glycogen restoration after a workout, as well as regulate the amount of insulin in the body.

Pure honey is one of God’s natural healing agents.  Although it’s high in sugar, the numerous antioxidants and organic compounds make it well worth consuming.  But it should be pure.  Pure honey is unprocessed, which you may not find in the many major labels and brands.

Locally produced honey, otherwise known as raw (organic) honey, is considered the healthiest type of honey you could possibly buy.  It does not contain any pesticides or environmental pollutants.  Since it does not go through the traditional process for safety, these standards are upheld for honey to be considered organic.  Also, non-organic sugar or antibiotics are not used at any point in “organic honey.”

King Solomon states in Proverbs 24:13

My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

Spanking…Should You or Shouldn’t You?

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This is the question that has been at the center of controversy for a long time now.  Some say it’s ok and others do not.

There are a lot of psychologists that says that spanking is not the right thing to do.  They say it causes problems.  That it causes the child to be more violent and aggressive later on in life.  But those of us who are old school, beg to differ.  We know better.

We all got spanked and the problems it caused for us are respect for your elders and others, listening to authority, self-control and a whole lot more.  And by the way you should be raising your child not letting your child raise you.

You are the adult, it is your responsibility to raise that child to be a caring and responsible human being.

God gives us a blueprint for our lives and it’s called the bible.  And if we adhere to his instructions our lives would be a whole lot easier when it comes to raising our children and everything else.

So many parents today want to be friends with their children… news flash…they have enough friends, who are their age.  They need you to be what you’re supposed to be and that’s the parent, leading and guiding them.

For those who think that discipline isn’t necessary, talking will do the trick, I have a scenario for you.

Take two groups of school age kids.  One group has discipline, morals and values and believes in God and the other does not.

Put one group in one classroom and the other group in another for about five hours.  Come back at the end of the day and check with the teachers.  Then you decide who had an easier time. I bet a dollar to a dime the teacher with the first group did.

Today’s parents want to put their children in time-out or take something away from them.  Still some think that talking to them will do the trick.  Well each child is different and if that works for you and your family by all means do it.  But for most it doesn’t and now we have a crisis on our hands.

Kids don’t respect authority these days and why do you think that is?  And a lot of their parents blame the teacher for their child’s behavior instead of taking responsibility and reprimanding their child.  A child learns from what he/she sees and if the parent behaves badly, nine times out of ten, so will the child.  You have to be disciplined and stable in order for your child to be.

The following is research that came from psychologists.  They say that spanking your child…

1.) Leads to increased aggression

2.) Antisocial behavior

3.) Mental health problems

4.) Low self-esteem

So I guess half of the country who was raised getting spanked sometimes have these issues.  I think not.  I think it’s the exact opposite.

Using the classroom as an example go to a classroom today.  Study it and then compare it to a classroom from 50 years ago.  Check the atmosphere.  Does the teacher have control?  Is she able to teach her class without constantly being interrupted?

We have to stop making excuses for our children’s behavior and call it what it really is…lack of discipline.

As the parent you’re supposed to train them properly.  And if along the way you have to spank him/her, then do that.  It’s better you do it so the police don’t have to.

We’re not talking about abuse.  Of course these are two totally different  things.  You know the difference.

The research for spanking found that it leads to…

1.) Self-control

2.) Respect for your elders and others

3.) Respect for your parents

4.) Respect for authority

5.) Accountability

6.) More likely to not do drugs

7.) More likely to make the right decisions

8.) Inner strength

9.) Knows the parent cares enough to not want them to make wrong decisions

10.) More likely to think before making a detrimental decision

And just like you reprimand your child when he/she do wrong, let them know and commend them when they do right.

It’s not easy raising children and in today’s society it’s even harder.

Set guidelines and rules based on God’s word and enforce them.  Your child will be a better adult and appreciative to you for caring enough about their well-being.

Bottom line…don’t not spank simply because it’s what the masses are attesting to today.  And by all means don’t do it if something else is more effective.

But if all else fails, then do what you as the parent have to do.  And if that’s spanking, don’t let someone tell you what’s right for your family.  Do as Nike says and…just do it!

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Item You Have in Your Pantry That’s Good For Your Health

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The more I think about it, the more I realize that back in the day the foods we ate played a big role in our overall health.  From veggies to fruit to meats, everything was as close to fresh and natural as it could be.

Growing up in South Florida, our house set on a little more than a quarter of an acre.  We had an oasis of fruit trees that we kids raided every day when they were in season.

We had three different types of mango trees (turpentine, peach, and banana), my favorite was turpentine.  There was also a guava tree, a mulberry tree and a coconut palm which all beared fruit.

We also had a seagrape and an almond tree which for some strange reason died.  Being that I was so young at the time, I didn’t question what happened.  Maybe they needed to be fertilized or something and my father didn’t do it…I’ll never know.

You never heard of or even knew someone who had cancer or anything else for that matter.  And being that this was only a little more than 50 years ago seems crazy to me that there are so many cases now.

Why is that?

I think, and this is my opinion, that it’s got a lot to do with all the preservatives they put into our food and the hormones they inject in the meats trying to plump it up or give it color.  They are creating and adding more chemicals to our food under the disguise of supply and demand.  Why?  There has always been supply and demand and our food was as close to fresh and natural as you could get.

Now they package some foods as organic and ask you to pay more for it.  It’s Ludacris how you’re being asked to pay more to get organic food.  Why?  Shouldn’t this be the way your food is grown anyway?

To them, it’s all about a dollar instead of being healthy and organic for consumption.  What have we come to as a nation where we’ve gotten to the point of genocide?  Not caring about our citizens being healthy and living a long life.

Thank goodness there’s something you can do to help strengthen you and your family’s bodies against these additives.  The answer is a condiment that’s sitting in most people’s pantries right now.  Including yours.

It’s just one of the many things we had at our fingertips back in the day that kept us healthy.

It’s vinegar!  Whether it’s apple cider or white, you’ll be surprised at the health benefits that come with this condiment.  This takes me back to my childhood.  As kids, we’d pull half ripe mangoes (usually turpentine) off the tree, peel them, cut them up and let them soak for about 30 minutes in white or apple cider vinegar that we diluted with water to weaken the strong taste and some salt and black pepper.

That was a delicacy to us…who knew that it was a health benefit?  Definitely not us.  We only knew that half ripe mangoes tasted good drenched in it.

Although all vinegars have health benefits, apple cider has the most.  Preferably the raw-unfiltered, unpasteurized and organic to be exact.

Here are 6 Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits…

1.) Regulates Blood Sugar Levels:

The ability of apple cider vinegar to help maintain normal blood sugar is one of the most well-studied apple cider vinegar benefits.

In one study, vinegar consumption was found to decrease blood sugar levels by an average of 31 percent after eating white bread.  Similarly, an animal study showed that giving diabetic rats apple cider vinegar for four weeks was found to significantly reduce blood sugar levels.

Apple cider vinegar may also increase insulin sensitivity.  Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the blood to the tissues where it can be used as fuel.  Sustaining high levels of insulin can cause Insulin resistance, which reduces its effectiveness and leads to high blood sugar and diabetes.

A study in Diabetes Care showed that vinegar ingestion helped significantly improve insulin sensitivity by up to 34 percent in those with either type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance. 

To keep blood sugar levels stable, try diluting one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water and consuming before meals.  Additionally, be sure to moderate carbohydrate intake, increase your consumption of fiber and protein foods and get in plenty of regular physical activity to drop blood sugar even more.

2.) Lowers Cholesterol:

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that can build up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden.  High blood cholesterol puts a strain on your heart, forcing it to work harder to push blood throughout the body.

Apple cider vinegar can promote heart health by helping to keep cholesterol levels low.  An animal study out of Iran showed that supplementing rats with apple cider vinegar was able to reduce bad LDL cholesterol while also increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol.

Besides including a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar in your diet each day, other ways to lower cholesterol fast include minimizing your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, including a good variety of healthy fats in your diet and eating a few servings of fish per week.

3.) Enhances Weight Loss:

Apple cider vinegar has been in the limelight recently with fitness gurus and natural health experts alike recommending an apple cider vinegar diet to help drop unwanted pounds quickly.  But is apple cider vinegar good for weight loss?

There is a plethora of research out there confirming the benefits of apple cider vinegar for weight loss.  In one study, consuming just two tablespoons per day of apple cider vinegar over 12 weeks resulted in nearly 4 pounds of weight loss with no other modifications to diet or lifestyle.

Studies show that apple cider vinegar may also increase satiety, which can help reduce intake and amp up weight loss.  In fact, one study showed that drinking apple cider vinegar actually decreased total caloric intake by up to 275 calories over the course of the day.

However, just because apple cider vinegar benefits weight loss doesn’t mean that it should be used as a quick fix all on its own.  In fact, if just drinking it alone, the amount of apple cider vinegar weight loss will be minimal.  To really see results, be sure to use it in combination with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

4.) Improves Skin Health:

Apple cider vinegar doesn’t just affect your internal health; it has also been shown to treat acne and reduce scarring.  Certain strains of bacteria often contribute to the development of acne.  Vinegar is well-known for its antibacterial properties and has been shown to be effective against many strains of harmful bacteria.

Apple cider vinegar also contains specific components like acetic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid and citric acid, all of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the specific strain of bacteria responsible for causing acne.

These beneficial components may also reduce scarring.  A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that treating acne scars with lactic acid for three months led to improvements in the texture, pigmentation, and appearance of treated skin as well as a lightening of scars.

Adding some probiotic foods into your diet, using healing masks and toners and keeping your skin well-moisturized are some other effective home remedies for acne.

5.) Reduces Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.  It forces the heart to work harder, causing the heart muscle to weaken and deteriorate over time.

Apple cider vinegar benefits your blood pressure levels, helping to keep your heart healthy and strong.  An animal study in Japan showed that giving rats acetic acid, the main component in vinegar, resulted in reduced levels of blood pressure.  Another animal study had similar findings, demonstrating that vinegar effectively blocked the actions of a specific enzyme that raises blood sugar.

Other natural ways to lower blood pressure include increasing your intake of magnesium and potassium, upping your fiber intake and swapping the salt and processed foods for whole foods.

6.) Relieves Symptoms of Acid Reflux: 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD or acid reflux, is a condition characterized by acid backflow from the stomach up into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, belching and nausea.

Acid reflux is often a result of having low levels of stomach acid.  If this is the case for you, drinking apple cider vinegar may help provide relief from acid reflux symptoms by introducing more acid into the digestive tract to prevent backflow.

For best results, dilute one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in an 8-ounce glass of water and drink just before eating.  Additionally, remember to follow an acid reflux diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats and fermented foods to slash symptoms even more.

There are a few more ways vinegar can give your health a boost.  With that in mind, we must not forget some of our past eating habits that played a significant role in our overall health.  Food was more natural with fewer preservatives…period.

Hopefully we, as a nation, get back to putting the health of our citizens first and only sell natural and organic food that’s good for your health and don’t contribute to certain diseases.

Real Love…Do You Really Want It?

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So many people say they want real love, but do they?  On the one hand they say they do but they don’t necessarily want what goes along with that love.  They want the sunshine and blue skies but not the rainy days.  Not realizing that you’re going to have both…it’s called life.

Nothing stays the same…

When you came into the world you were a newborn.  Each and every newborn changes, not one will remain the same.  Your body is designed by God and it goes through a metamorphosis with each passing day.

Real Love will develop into a relationship and it does the same thing.

When you first meet someone and you’re interested in them, you do everything you can to impress that person.  You’re always on your best behavior whenever you’re around them and you’re always looking at the bright side.  Everyone around you notice a change and say as much.  And you…you feel like you’re walking on air.

Once you and that person really connect, you can’t stay away from each other.  You want to spend every waking moment with them.  This is how you know this is someone special.  For some of us that’s scary because it’s never happened before…thus the beginnings of Real Love.

What’s next…

With that special relationship comes trust, honesty and a connection like no other.  It’s all sunshine and lollipops now but with time the rain will fall.

Matthew 7:24-27 tells us of the wise man and the foolish man.  The wise man built his house upon the rock which is a solid foundation.  The foolish man built his house upon the sand which is unstable.  When the rain came down, the stream rose and the winds blew and beat against the houses.

The one that remained was the one built on the solid foundation.  The one built upon the sand fell with a great crash.

Commitment is the key…

When you enter into a committed relationship with someone and eventually get married, your relationship should be like that of the wise man.  You must build it on a solid foundation and build on it as you grow.

Too often we are going into relationships with a preconceived outcome or a fairytale mentality.  We think the part that says “And they lived happily ever after” means no disagreements, not having an opinion and no wanting to spend time with ourselves sometimes.

Or on the other hand we already have the mind set of ” if it don’t work out I’ll get a divorce.”  You’ve already accepted your defeat.

You are two different people.  Each one of you have your own mind, your own thoughts and your own opinions.  That’s what makes you uniquely you and who you are.

Relationships change…

They grow and they mature.  Things that were important to you as a child is not so much anymore.  You realize that some things take presidence over others.

You’re going to have arguments and disagreements sometimes.  You can’t cut and run every time you do.

Some people have affairs based on the rainy days part of the relationship.  They go elsewhere looking and seeking for something that’s a band-aide.  They want someone imaginary, with their mindset.  Not realizing that that new person is being everything they want right now simply because they are someone new.

That person is saying and doing all the things that you want them to.  That too will change.

Trust in God…

Life happens, it brings about a change.  Which is why when you really and truly make a commitment to someone, you both must put your trust in God by putting him first.  He lays the ground work for marriage and commitment in his word.  He’s that solid foundation, the rock you need in order for your relationship to last.

He’s the calm when a storm rages and the joy in the good times.  And if you cast all your cares on him he will give you that staying power.  He will take care of it all.

Now I’m not saying that if someone is abusive to you or is always putting you down that you should stay there.  If that person truly loves you they wouldn’t do that to you.  And if you trust in God he will lead you out of that situation.

Marriage is a covenant…

And it should be taken seriously.  You shouldn’t go into it with the mindset of getting out of it.  Know that a covenant is a formal binding agreement.  It shouldn’t be taken lightly or with the intent of breaking the agreement.

Most people think marriage is a contract.  A contract is something you could have with anyone.  Including someone who you don’t know personally as long as you agree with a written stipulation and the terms and sign it and date it.

A covenant is more personal and doesn’t have an expiration date.  It’s something you should go into with your eyes wide open.

If you find Real Love you’ll want to keep it.  You make little sacrifices and even do things you never thought you’d do for someone else.  That’s what they call…selflessness and that’s what it’s all about.

Marriage is ordained by God; it is His institution.  His word states in Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Study his word for your marriage, it’s the best guideline that you can have and relish in the fact that you will have a Real Love.  And state that… yes…I do want Real Love!

 

 

What Are You Thankful For?

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Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving.  The day is meant to be a day when we remember to be thankful and grateful for all that we have.  Where we show appreciation for others and what they do for us.  Where we thank God for his love, grace and mercy.

Although we should do this everyday, this is a day set aside in order to bring it to our remembrance.  To remind us of how important being gracious is.

But what if you’re homeless?  Or you’ve never had anyone to do anything for you or even show you kindness or love?  Do you feel gracious at times like these or do you feel disheartened?

No matter how bad life may seem to be, there’s always something to be thankful for.  Even if you don’t have a place of your own right now you woke up to a brand new day.  That means you still have time to do whatever it takes to find a home.

As long as you have breath and is in your right mind, those are reasons to be thankful and grateful if nothing else.  Someone somewhere is fighting to survive or fighting mental illness and you’re ok.

You may not have a job right now but if you keep looking and persevere you will find one.  And then it’s just a matter of time until you find a home.

Even if you think no one has ever done anything for you, somewhere along the way someone has.  If they held a door open for you to come through, they did something for you.  If they smiled and told you to have a nice day they did something.  You see even the little things gives you reasons to be grateful.

There’s a quote that says “It’s not happiness that brings us gratitude.  It’s gratitude that brings us happiness.”  I couldn’t agree more.  And if we strive to be gracious and grateful for what we have, we will be happy.

Thank God that you have eyes to see, ears to hear and a mouth to talk.  That alone is something to be thankful for.

Happiness is not about getting what you want all the time.  It’s about loving what you have and being grateful for it.

Also, let the people in your life know how grateful you are for them and whatever they do.  Show your appreciation with a kind word, a hug, or a thank you.  Forgive others and yourself for past hurts and allow God’s love to flow through you.  With time you’ll find yourself being more and more grateful for what you have.

Oprah Winfrey stated the single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now.

Start being more grateful.  Think positive, dream big, love more and you will develop a gracious attitude.  Find something that will give new meaning to everyday and watch your attitude change.

There’s so much to be thankful for and God likes it when we thank him for all that he does for us.  When we are truly grateful, he will reward us with His favour, and how many of us know that the favour of God is worth more than gold.

Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayers.  And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good  –  Maya Angelou.

What a beautiful saying.

So what are you thankful for?

Whatever it is show your appreciation and be that beacon of light example to your family and friends.  Choose the attitude of gratitude and you’ll not only feel better you will be better.

Count your blessings, name them one by one.  Count your blessings, see what God has done.  Take notice of all the little miracles he has afforded you.

Show appreciation…say thank you and really mean it…be grateful and thank God for all that he has done.  So change that attitude to one of gratitude and watch you feel better and do better.

#Thankful   #Grateful

Psalm 107:1

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.

The Dredded “D” Word. How Early is Too Early to Start?

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You could hear the bellowing throughout the grocery store.  The sound of a child screaming at the top of his lungs and oh what good lungs he had.  With every step that I made the bawling got closer.  As luck would have it we ended up in the same aisle.

There he was, the culprit, perched in a shopping basket screaming his little head off.  The little boy looked to be about 3 years old.  He had silky jet black curls flowing around his face and not a tear in his eyes.  Some people passing by gave the side eye, while others just down right glared.

The mother, bless her heart, was as red as a beet.  You could clearly see she’d had enough but was doing absolutely nothing to de-escalate the situation.

What would you do at times like this?  Do you let the child continue to wail at the top of his lungs, disturbing everyone in the store including you?  Or do you, as the parent, take control of the situation?

Parents today…

Too often today we see parents relinquishing control to the child.  Letting them do anything that they want to in the name of “modern culture.”  And instead of raising law abiding, respectable adults we’re raising a generation with entitlement issues.  A generation of me and mine instead of, are you alright or how can I help.

Children are a product of their environment and if you don’t train your child it will show and almost always once you get in public.

Is there a special skill you need as a parent?  No…what you need as a parent is to teach your child the “D” word…discipline.

What is Discipline…

Discipline is training that corrects, molds or perfects.  It’s training by instruction to behave in a way that’s proper and responsible.  It’s training to follow rules.  In life there are going to be rules, whether at home or in public.  And if your child is not trained to follow rules at home, he/she’s not going to follow them in public and there’s going to be consequences.

Lack of Discipline…

If a child is not disciplined it will show.  It comes out in many different ways.  Here’s just a few…

  • Bad attitude
  • Irresponsible
  • Problems at school
  • Disruptive
  • No respect for authority

All results of not being disciplined or having structure.  The Lord instructs us in Proverbs 22:6 to train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.  He tells us not to withhold correction.  If we listen and as parents instruct and guide our kids, they will be the better for it.

Discipline is not Punishment…

You’re not punishing your child when you discipline him/her.  There is a difference and you as a parent should know that.

With discipline your child will understand their own behavior better, show independence, and respect themselves and others.

You can actually start disciplining your little ones at around six months old.  Believe it or not they generally start to understand then.  You can start setting a few limits and boundaries for them.  Your communication and interaction with your child will teach them the way and teach them structure.  Disciplining is about teaching and guidance which can and should start in infancy’s earliest stages.

Punishment is different and can be done in two ways.  It can be physical as in spanking or taking away a privilege or psychological, as in time-out.  It’s usually done as a last result for something reprehensible.  You as the parent make the call.

Setting limits is a critical part of your responsibility as a parent says Clair Lerner, LCSW, Director of Parenting Resources at Zero to Three, in Washington D.C.

She says, you’re helping your child to understand right from wrong, to follow rules, and to cope with frustration and disappointment.  Your child and you will be the better for it.

Reward for Good Behavior…

Just like there are repercussions for bad behavior there should be some for good behavior.  Reward your child when he/she does well and let them know how much you appreciate them.  He/she will learn the difference and as they grow your role as a parent will get a lot easier.  At least until he/she gets to be around 12 or 13.  And as always show love and love will be returned unto you.

 

 

 

 

 

What Are the Benefits of Knowing Christ? Or Are There Any?

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This question, like many before it, comes with a lot of answers.  Whether they are the answers you’d like to hear or even agree with is a different story.

Everything is relevant to everyone depending on who you’re talking to.  For everything that’s liked by someone there’s someone else who for some reason or another dislikes it.

And when it comes to Christ, just like anything else, you either accept him or you don’t.  He will not force himself on anyone, he gives us the option to choose.

Revelation 3:20

Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Knowing and loving Christ is a choice and the benefits that comes along with that is a Blessing from God.  He is a rewarder of your efforts but you must place your focus on him and not on things.  Possessions must not be your defining goal.

So What Are Some of the Benefits? You say.

Unconditional Love…

One of the first benefits you get from knowing Christ is that you Love unconditionally.  Just like Christ you accept people for who they are and leave the judging to our Father in Heaven.  Does that mean you wouldn’t try, if you can, to help them to do better in whatever way possible…of course not.  It just means you’re not judging.

A Changed Life…

Your life changes when you know Christ.  You want to be the best you, you can be and you look to Him for guidance.  You want to help the less fortunate, the widow and the fatherless and you find joy and honor in doing so.

Psalm 82:3

Give fair judgement to the poor man, the afflicted, the fatherless, the destitute.

Attitudinal Change…

Your heart and your attitude changes.  You are refreshing and optimistic.  You have a new outlook on life.  Not that you see everything through rose colored glasses.  It’s just that when life gets hard and things do happen, you’re able to look to the Lord and He frees you of the burden.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Then Comes Faith…

Your faith gets stronger and with faith comes results.  Faith is the confidence that God will make it happen.  Whatever “it” may be.   Because even when you don’t see it yet, as you practice your faith it grows and things began to happen.  Faith is a positive attitude towards something that’s already done.

You Have the Authority…

You become bold with your authority.  Christ gives it freely to those who believe.  As a born again Christian you are put in a position of power and authority.  Power to stand before the enemy and boldly state ” Christ is my salvation, my strength and my protector.”  He paid the price and defeated Satan so that we all may live.

Another Benefit is Favor…

You receive God’s unmerited favor when you truly accept Him into your life.  It’s an open invitation for Him to be with you always, no matter what.  And with that comes favor.  A humble heart appreciates favor and enjoy the blessings that comes along with it.

Prosperity is Also a Benefit…

Divine prosperity is God’s will for every believer.  He will make your way prosperous and all that you do is blessed by Him.  Your health, your peace of mind, your hope and your finances will all be well.  In Christ, our redeemer, you will prosper in all that you do.

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Discipline…

When you set aside time for Him everyday you’re developing discipline.  Discipline is when you train yourself to do something a certain way or a certain time each day.  By setting aside time for the word and meditation, you develop discipline that you can apply to other areas of your life.

These are only a few of the benefits that comes with knowing Christ.  There are many.  As you continue to grow you continue to become aware of them.  I encourage you to seek Him for yourself and take note as you flourish in all areas of your life.

So to answer the question…Yes…there are many Benefits in knowing Christ.

Philippians 3: 13-14

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

This Could Be Killing You Silently but You Could Stop it in It’s Tracks

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You went to the doctor and to your surprise he told you your blood pressure was high.  So high, in fact, that you would need medication to bring it down.

He paused a moment, told you he’d be back and left the examining room.  Your brow furrows and now you’re puzzled.  Fifteen minutes later he comes back into the room and take your pressure again.  And he gets the same results.

He lets you know that the results are the same and says you have to do something about it and you have to do it immediately.  You ask, how is that possible and tell him you feel fine.  Which is the common thread we all have when it comes to blood pressure and the reason it’s called the “Silent Killer.”  A killer that affects one in three people in the United States.

Although it causes no symptoms, high blood pressure boosts the risks of leading killers such as;

  • heart attack
  • stroke
  • kidney failure
  • vision loss
  • aneurysms
  • diabetes
  • and metabolic syndrome

According to the American Heart Association 28% of Americans have high blood pressure and don’t even know it.  That’s really scary.  So if you haven’t had yours taken in awhile make sure you see a doctor.

In the meantime, there are ways to keep your blood pressure normal, naturally, and hold off the onset of HBP before it starts.

There are a number of factors that contribute to elevated blood pressure, such as:

  • genetics
  • stress
  • diet
  • smoking
  • lack of exercise

Four out of five of those you can do something about and here are just a few ways to do it.

1.) Walk and exercise regularly.  Exercise is one of the best things you can do to lower blood pressure or to keep it normal.  Walking just 30 minutes a day can help lower your blood pressure.  More exercise helps reduce it even further.

2.) Reduce your sodium intake.  Salt intake is high around the world.  In large part, this is due to processed and prepared foods.  In many studies, salt has been linked to HBP and heart events, like stroke.  Most guidelines for lowering blood pressure recommend lowering sodium intake.  However, that recommendation might make the most sense for people who are salt-sensitive.

3.) Keep an average weight for your age and height.  Being overweight can make a big difference for your heart health.  Being of normal weight is a good way to keep your blood pressure normal.  This effect is even greater when you exercise.

4.) Eat more potassium rich foods.  It helps your body get rid of sodium and ease pressure on your blood vessels.  Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in potassium, can help lower blood pressure.

5.) Drink less alcohol.  Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure.  In fact, alcohol is linked to 16% of HBP cases around the world.  While some research has suggested that low to moderate amounts of alcohol may protect the heart, those benefits may be offset by negative effects.

In the U.S., moderate alcohol consumption is defined as no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.  If you drink more than that, cut back.

There are other preventative measures you could use.  We will talk about it more in future postings.

As for now, if you already have HPB making these lifestyle changes could greatly affect your outcome.  If you don’t have HBP do what it takes and what you can to keep it that way.  The road ahead of you will be that much smoother.

Due to its lack of symptoms, HBP can inflict damage before you’re even aware you have it, so don’t neglect seeing your doctor regularly and having your pressure screening.

3 John 1:2

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

 

Children…Good and Bad Sums it Up

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They try you, they test you, they do almost anything to get on your last nerve.  They’re going to definitely let you know they have a voice and…they are yours.  They belong to you…a gift from God…or is it?

Well yeah, they were given to you by God and you love them unconditionally.  At times, you feel like you want to give them back and may even threaten to do so.  Remember the old adage “I brought you into this world and I’ll take you out.”

I think every child growing up in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s must have heard that at least once in their life.  And when they did hear it they knew their parents meant business.  They knew they had to straighten up or pay the consequences.

But the trying and testing done by children back in the day was nothing like it is now.  The children today don’t usually pay any consequences and that’s our fault.  We must teach them that there’re consequences for their actions.  Good or bad.

They are very self-serving.  They’re also winers who have entitlement issues.  And you know what…we did that too, we raised them that way.

We’re supposed to be raising God-fearing, respectable people to take over for us one day, but we aren’t.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with teaching a child to love him or herself, they should.  But we must also teach them balance.  And by balance I mean, love yourself but love, respect and have empathy for others as well.  Know that for everything they do there’s a consequence.

Children must learn that the sun doesn’t revolve around them only, it revolves around all of us.  A lot of us coddle and baby them so much and I think this causes then to think that way.  That whatever they do, it’s alright.  Well it’s not alright and especially when they are disrespecting to others as well as their parents.

They don’t respect their teachers, they don’t respect their elders or anyone and I think it’s because we don’t teach them to.  Some of us even teach them to lie their way out of situations instead of teaching them to own up to the truth.

So we need to go back to the drawing board.  We have to teach them about God first and foremost.  With this foundation the respect and discipline will come easier.

You’re still going to get the trying, testing and rebellion.  I think this has got to be “Teenager 101” and we can’t get around it, but our children will be more apt to think about what they do and make a conscience decision whether to do it or not.

Even when they make wrong decisions and they will because they’re young and because we all do, they will be more inclined to admit they’ve done something wrong and ask for your forgiveness.

Raising children is a job we all signed up for when we decided to get pregnant.  A job we can’t just quit or call out sick for.  Well, maybe if you have a spouse you can be sick some of the times but for the most part you’re expected and supposed to be there for your child or children.  It’s a part of your growing as well as theirs.

But you know what, children are a joy and we’re glad we have them.  They make life a little more tolerable sometimes.  This is what we have to think about when we get to those teenage years because otherwise if we could, there would be a lot of sending them back. (smile)

So, we must take the good with the bad because we have to and because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  He’s who we must look to in those trying and testing times and who we must thank in those peaceful times.  He’s who will see us through whatever may come our way.

So know that with children we have to take the good with the bad.  It’s called life!

Philippians 4:13

 

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