Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 reminds us that to everything there is a season. As we near the end of the year 2022, we can reflect on the seasons of life we’ve experienced this year. We can pause and think about what knowledge and wisdom we learned this year that we can store in preparation for the upcoming year.
A SEASON FOR LEARNING
Sometimes life feels like it’s K-12 math: it is cumulative. We cannot build on what we didn’t learn last year. I remember being in college statistics, going to every office hour, and struggling. Finally, the professor was like please talk through this problem aloud. When I did, she declared, “I’ve got it! { I was like “what”? “ You lack a fundamental understanding of the number line,” she said. That was not a huge surprise to me. I struggled so hard from K-12 with math. To be fair, the reason I took statistics is that I figured out of all the options for required math courses, surely, that was the least math-y. It was not a surprise that I couldn’t do the math because of one fundamental thing I was supposed to learn in the second grade… mainly which numbers are bigger than the others on the negative side of the number line.
Life gets like that too. Sometimes it feels like I am missing some fundamental piece I was supposed to learn before. God is the best teacher. He has infinite patience and compassion. He will not suddenly declare “ you lack a fundamental understanding of… !” Instead, he’ll talk you through it step by step like an after-school tutor.
A SEASON FOR PREPARATION
One of the stories in the bible which highlights how God is a God of order and preparation to me is the story of how the Israelites were given mana. While to me, mana has many meanings since I play board and videogames… I’m talking about the original meaning in Exodus 16.
Exodus 16 states that the Israelites were instructed to collect mana for the day and then the day before the sabbath to collect a double portion. For those ya’ll who don’t remember the background but the Israelites were a bit grumpy and were like how they were starving in the wilderness. Then suddenly, by the Grace of God, they got some bread like rain, every single day except the Sabbath.
The Bible also talks about how if you tried to not follow instructions; things didn’t work out. So if you tried to store extra on a not sabbath it would rot. If you didn’t store for the sabbath, then you would starve. Sometimes we’re given specific instructions from God. Sometimes we’re just called to get up and go. But I want to encourage you that there is a plan and to store up inside of you, the good God has already done… so when it feels like God isn’t there and isn’t real, you can be reminded. Perhaps even write it down?
The holidays are often a time of joy and community, but for people in abusive relationships, they can be stressful and dangerous. Abusive partners may use the holidays as an opportunity to control and isolate their victims. They may also become more violent during this time of year, due to increased stress and alcohol consumption. If you have a family member in an abusive relationship, how you react is important.
Please note that none of the information contained in this discussion is legal advice.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe during the holiday season.
Communication
One of the most important things you can do to support a survivor of domestic violence is to stay in communication with them. This can be difficult, as their abuser may try to isolate them from friends and family. However, maintaining regular contact can let the survivor know they are not alone and help them to stay connected to the outside world. You can discuss safe times and ways to communicate and consider setting up a code word or phrase that will let the survivor know they can reach out for help if they need it. By staying in communication, you can provide essential support for the survivor during a difficult time.
Planning for visits
When survivors of domestic abuse are planning visits with family or friends, they often have to take extra precautions to ensure their safety. They may carpool with someone else to make sure they have a way to leave if necessary, or they may plan an escape route in case of an emergency. It’s also important for them to have a support system in place that they can rely on if needed. By taking these precautions, survivors can help make sure that they are safe and protected in case of an emergency.
If your family is the problem, then may I make a radical suggestion : DON’T GO. is customary to spend holidays with family but not at the price of your health and safety. Maybe this is the year you decline that toxic invitation.
Plan for Alone time
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, but it can also be overwhelming. There are parties to attend, gifts to buy, and family members to please. Amid all the chaos, it’s important to schedule some time for yourself. This may mean taking a break from social media, saying no to parties or commitments you don’t want to attend, or taking some time each day to do something you enjoy. It’s also important to practice self-care during this time and make sure you’re staying healthy and rested. Remember that you deserve to enjoy the holidays too! By taking some time for yourself, you can avoid holiday burnout and make the most of this special time of year.
Conclusion
The holidays can be a stressful and dangerous time for people in abusive relationships, but by staying in communication with survivors, planning for visits and alone time, and practicing self-care, you can support the survivor in your life and help them stay safe during this difficult time. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help from a qualified professional. With support and resources, it is possible to overcome abuse and find healing and happiness.
If you need a permission slip to not go to a holiday gathering that will break your spirit, you have mine. Stay Safe.
The holiday season is upon us once again! ‘Tis the season of giving, and that often means spending. Lots of spending. But just because everyone else is racking up credit card debt doesn’t mean you have to. This is the perfect opportunity to get creative and save some money. So before you start your holiday shopping, check out these tips for staying financially fit this holiday season.
Set a budget—and stick to it!
The first step to staying financially fit during the holidays is to set a budget—and then stick to it. Determine how much you can afford to spend on gifts, travel, food, etc., and then make a list of all the people you need to buy for. Once you know how much money you have to work with, you can start getting creative with your gift-giving.
Get creative and save money
1. Set a budget and stick to it
2. Get creative with your gift-giving
3. Shop sales and use coupons
4. Make your gifts
5. Draw names in your family or group of friends
6. Exchange services instead of gifts
7. Have a potluck party instead of catering
8. Celebrate at home instead of going out
9. Delay some of your holiday spendings until after the holidays
10. Use a credit card that offers cash back or rewards
Get crafty!
One of the best ways to save money during the holidays is to DIY as many gifts as possible. This year, why not crochet a scarf for your Aunt Martha or bake some homemade cookies for your neighbor? Not only will your loved ones appreciate the thoughtfulness of a handmade gift, but they’ll also be impressed by your mad crafting skills!
Make a holiday savings plan
If you know you’re going to need extra cash for holiday expenses like travel and gifts, start saving now! Open up a dedicated savings account and set aside a little bit of money each week leading up to the holidays. This way, when December rolls around, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
Shop smart
When it comes time to do your holiday shopping, take advantage of deals and discounts whenever possible. Join retailers’ email lists so you can be among the first to know about sales, and search for coupons before heading to the store or checkout page. You can also download cash-back apps like Ibotta or Rakuten to earn money back on your holiday purchases. Just be sure not marry any purchase just because it’s discounted—only buy what you need (and will use)!
Use rewards points
If you’ve been racking up rewards points all year long, now’s the time to cash them in! Many retailers offer bonus points or special rewards during the holidays, so be sure to take advantage of those if possible. You can also use points from credit cards or loyalty programs like Airlines Rewards to help offset travel costs or score some freebies for your friends and family.
The holidays don’t have to break the bank! By following these simple tips, you can stay financially fit this holiday season without sacrificing quality or quantity when it comes to gift giving—or anything else. So put down that credit card and get creative! Your wallet (and your loved ones) will thank you for it later.
Herbs, prayers, and modern medicine have been used for centuries to heal the body and restore balance. Each of these methods has its benefits, and when used together, they can create a powerful healing experience. Herbs can be used to support the body’s natural healing process and help to alleviate symptoms. Prayer can help to focus the mind and connect with a higher power. Modern medicine can provide relief from pain and help to speed up the healing process. When all three of these methods are used together, they can create a synergistic effect that is greater than the sum of its parts. By using all three methods of healing, we can tap into the power of nature, spirit, and science to create a truly transformative experience.
Modern medicine has largely dismissed herbs and prayers as a form of healing
For centuries, humans have looked to nature for healing. Herbs and prayers were often the only forms of medicine available, and they were used to treat everything from colds to broken bones. Over time, however, modern medicine has largely dismissed these forms of treatment as ineffective. Instead, we have come to rely on drugs and surgery to keep us healthy.
But there is growing evidence that herbs and prayers can be effective forms of healing. In recent years, several studies have shown that certain herbs can help to improve our health. For example, lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, while Ginkgo Biloba can help to improve cognitive function. And while the mechanism by which prayer works is not fully understood, it has been shown to improve mental and physical health. In one study, patients who were prayed for showed significant improvements in their recovery from surgery.
So while modern medicine has its place, it is important to remember that nature can also offer powerful forms of healing. Herbs and prayers may not be able to cure everything, but they can often help to improve our health in ways that modern medicine cannot.
Herbal Medicine & Prayer
Herbal medicine is a holistic approach to healing that takes into account the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. It is based on the premise that all cultures have used plants for their medicinal properties for centuries. Herbal medicine seeks to restore balance in the body using a variety of methods, including dietary modification, acupuncture, and massage. Herbs, prayers, and modern medicine can be used together to heal the body and restore balance. The use of herbs in combination with prayer is an ancient practice that has been used by many cultures to heal the body.
How prayers can be used to restore balance in our lives.
Prayer has been used as a form of healing for centuries and can be a helpful tool in restoring balance to our lives. When we pray, we focus our attention on something outside of ourselves and connect with a power greater than ourselves. This can help to quiet the noise of our thoughts and allow us to find stillness and peace. Additionally, prayer can help us to access our intuition and inner wisdom. It can also be used to bring forth our deepest desires and set our intentions for healing. Modern medicine can also play a role in restoring balance to our lives. It can help us to address physical imbalances and heal the body. Additionally, it can support the emotional and mental aspects of healing. By combining prayer with modern medicine, we can create a well-rounded approach to restoring balance in our lives.
Herbs, prayers, and modern medicine are key in getting your body and mind together. You know my favorite saying by now. That God wants us to have life and have it abundantly. When all three forms of healing are used together, we can tap into the power of nature, spirit, and science to create a truly transformative experience and have an abundant life. Do your research. Talk to Professionals (MDs and NDs). Don’t sleep on your health. It is its own gospel.
When it comes to training your brain, both neurology and the Bible offer similar advice. Of course, I come from the background of my dad being both a neurologist and a Seventh-day Adventist minister, so I am more than biased about this topic. Neurology speaks of neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new stimuli. The Bible, meanwhile, talks about how your thoughts shape your behavior. Both perspectives emphasize the importance of focus and mindfulness in creating lasting change.
According to neurology, our brains are constantly changing in response to our experiences. This process is known as neuroplasticity. When we focus our attention on a specific task or skill, we create new neural pathways that help us learn and remember more effectively. Similarly, the Bible tells us that we are shaped by our thoughts and behaviors. As we meditate on God’s Word and seek to live according to His principles, we begin to see lasting changes in our lives.
Both neurology and the Bible offer valuable insights into the workings of the human mind. By focusing our attention on God’s Word and applying its truths to our lives, we can see real, lasting change in ourselves.
What the Bible says about the mind
The Bible has a lot to say about training our minds. In Romans 12:2, Paul tells us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation comes through the process of renewing, or training, our minds. And this is something that we are to deliberately and purposefully do. Philippians 4:8 instructs us to “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” This verse provides us with a specific blueprint for how to train our minds. We are to focus our thoughts on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. When we do this, we will be thinking about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. This is how we are to train our minds according to the Bible.
How to train your brain through positive thinking and meditation
Your brain is like a muscle- the more you train it, the stronger it gets. And like any good workout regimen, you need to mix things up to see results. Researchers have found that a combination of positive thinking and meditation is one of the most effective ways to train your brain. Positive thinking helps to break negative thought patterns and increases levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with happiness. Meditation, on the other hand, has been shown to improve focus and concentration, while also reducing stress levels. When practiced together, positive thinking and meditation can help to improve cognitive function, giving your brain the mental workout it needs to stay strong.
The benefits of a healthy, trained mind
A trained mind can think critically and deeply, find connections between disparate ideas, and hold focused attention. The benefits of a trained mind are vast and varied. One of the most important benefits is that a trained mind can see the world more clearly. With greater clarity comes the ability to see opportunities and potential solutions that might otherwise be overlooked. A trained mind is also better equipped to deal with stress and adversity. By learning how to focus and calm the mind, one can develop greater resilience in the face of challenges. Finally, a trained mind can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. By developing skills such as concentration and mindfulness, one can find greater joy and meaning in everyday experiences. Consequently, there are many good reasons to invest in training the mind. By doing so, we can reap countless benefits both large and small.
Science-backed methods for improving mental health
When it comes to improving mental health, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, some science-backed methods can help to promote positive mental health. For example, regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood. Additionally, spending time in nature has been linked with decreased anxiety and increased feelings of happiness and well-being. Another effective method for improving mental health is mindfulness meditation, which can help to reduce stress and increase focus and clarity. Of course, these are just a few of the many methods that can be used to improve mental health. Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you.
Prayer and scripture as tools for strengthening the mind
Prayer and scripture study are both excellent tools for strengthening the mind. When we pray, we are connecting with our Heavenly Father, and He can help to calm and focus our thoughts. As we read the scriptures, we are learning about Jesus Christ and His gospel principles. These principles can help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. As we apply these principles in our lives, we can find peace and joy, even amid trials. Through prayer and scripture study, we can come to know God and His Son, and we can receive guidance and strength for our journey through life.
The Bible and neuroscience both teach that training our brains is important for overall health. Through positive thinking, meditation, exercise, nature exposure, mindfulness meditation, prayer, and scripture study, we can train our minds to think more critically and clearly. These skills can help us to overcome stress and adversity in our lives and find greater joy and meaning in everyday experiences. May we all work diligently to train our minds so that we may better serve God and those around us.
We talked about spiritual cleanliness last week but this week I want us to roll up our sleeve and talk about cleaning house. I want to share you what I’ve learned in my few years of adulting and my top tips for cleaning. Let me know if you have some more in the comments.
My Top 4 Cleaning Tips
Baking soda, vinegar, dawn
I am allergic to scents, and chemicals. I have adverse respiratory and skin reactions so the cleaning aisle at the store is usually a minefield. So I have explored some other ways to clean. I love some of the grove products, mrs. meyers, and method brand, but sometimes it helps to kick it old school with Dawn, Vinegar and Baking soda. I cannot tell you how easy it is to clean with these products. I know some of us don’t feel like we have cleaned until the air sings in Bleach but Dawn, Vinegar and Baking soda will whiten your stovetop and bathtub just as good, without the adverse health effects.
Broom hack – bathtub
I have some back troubles, but that is not an excuse to not clean. I have a separate broom to scrub the bathtub. Yes you heard right! I just soak the tub in whatever cleaner I’m using whether its the above combo or one of those brand products I mentioned and then sweep the tub lol. It really works.
Daily shower cleaner
Another cleaning hack that probably helps the above process work even better is using a daily shower cleaner. After I’m done showering, I just spray the shower with Method’s Daily Shower spray in Eucalyptus Mint and go about my life.
Baking soda and/ or oxiclean and laundry
Baking soda is awesome. Your rugs will be fresher. Your white laundry will be whiter. Oxiclean is also great for white laundry. DO NOT PUT IT IN YOUR COLORS. — that’s a story for another day. I’m allergic to most brands of detergent so I don’t get the benefit of fragrances, but my clothes are still very clean because natural methods are sometimes inconvenient… but still the best.
I hope you enjoyed my top 4 cleaning tips and can tell me some of yours!
