Hope: What Is It?

Do you remember what it feels like to have hope?  Have you ever lost hope? Have you seen others that just give up and no longer have any hope?

***Purpose***

 

Did you know that hope reminds you that no matter what you are facing today, tomorrow can bring new possibilities?  God is always working, even when we cannot see it.

1.      Is Hope Visible?

Romans 8:24 For in this hope we were saved.  But hope that is seen is no hope at all.   Who hopes for what they already have?    When you think about this, this scripture makes a lot of since.  Hope is something that you do not see materially, but you can visualize the possibility of having?  How many things or situations have you hoped for during your lifetime? 

2.       The Brain

The Brain operates more effectively, and you feel better, if you have hope when faced with adversity and uncertainty.  Gbhi.org. Further states that hope is not a given, you must work at it and it can be a powerful elixir for health.

3.       Miracles

Do you believe in miracles?  Do you believe miracles have happened in the past and are still happening?  Miracles are divine intervention in human affairs and are far more common than you might think.  If you have not seen a miracle or experienced a miracle, that does not mean that it does not exist.  Miracles might include a reconciled relationship.  Hopehasarrived.com talks about this.

I recall a miracle when I was heavily in debt My place of employment merged with another company.   Each employee in my department met individually and was given a choice to move to another state for the merge or risk not having a job in the future.  I elected not to move and told them if I had to work at McDonald’s I would.  Even though I knew nothing about fast food restaurants, I would not be ashamed to work at McDonald’s if I needed work. 

I am so glad I elected not to move, because by staying I ended up with a very large bonus at the end of the year.  More than I could have imagined.  I paid off all my bills and had some left over to spare. That was my miracle. To show how God works, during this time my pastor was teaching us in Bible Study, about being a good steward of our money and placed  emphasis on the borrower is subject to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.  

Do you have a miracle that you would like to share? If you have not heard the song “The Blessings of Abraham” by Donaldlawrencemusic wth the Tri-city singers.  There is emphasis on being the lender not the borrower.   This is what many Black institutions have had to do such as HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).  I am proud to say that I have a daughter and 2 grandchildren that have graduated from these institutions, and our choir instructor at church as well.   I am so very proud of them.  Their learnings show in their actions. 

 The Blessings of Abraham by Donaldlawrencemusic

 

 

4.        Other Words for Hope

Can you think of other words for hope?   Other Words might include wish, mean, plan, aspire, attempt, accomplish dream, purpose, endeavor, strive, struggle and contemplate. I can identify with dreams.  Have you ever had a dream that you hoped for?    You could not see it, but you could visualize it coming to fruition?

5.        Recovering Addict or Alcohol Recovery

I can only imagine what a recovering addict feels and goes through.   Or a person that is recovering from a physical or mental illness.   I do not know which is worse.   Every individual is different.  I do know that hope must be involved in persevering.   Hope allows the individual to push toward their mark, whatever that might be. 

6.        Strengthening Hope

Can you strengthen your hope?  Yes, you can.  You can start by writing down specific, attainable goals, planning out several pathways to achieve each goal, use positive affirmations, surround yourself with supportive, positive people, reflect on past successes, develop stress reduction techniques, and keeping a gratitude journal.   Psychcentral.com discusses this.

7.         Loss of Hope

Has there been a time in your life when all hope was gone?  According to Medium.com to create hope you might send out gratitude SMS’s (short message service), believe in yourself, meditate, write an E-book, visit a homeless shelter, read “The Pursuit of Happyness”, and call those who have the dream life.  Also, because you are human and your feelings and emotions may be constantly changing, saying affirmation and repeating scripture aloud can be tremendously helpful.  Science has even proven what the Bible has always said, your words become reality.  Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue.  You may not have any idea how powerful your words are.  Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active.   Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

8.         Purpose

Do you have purpose in your life?  Purpose is so important.   Having a reason to get up in the morning is very important.  Psychology Today.com talks about research that has now shown that having a sense of purpose when dealing with challenges can bring us a greater sense of hope.

I recall a friend sharing with me that when he had his first daughter that gave him purpose.   Even though he had been drug free just seeing his beautiful baby gave him purpose and determination. This is amazing how a little baby can affect others so.  He also went on to try and reach as many as he could that had followed him down the road when he was on drugs.   He felt committed to trying and helping them as much as possible.  He was committed because there were so many that had followed him down the wrong path.

 9.         Why Keep Hope Alive?

You might ask the question, “Why keep hope alive?”  You may want to keep hope alive because you don’t know what the future holds, hope is a decision, there is new medical hope, some people defy their diagnosis, miracles happen every day, hope waits to be found, and you can find spiritual hope. This is talked about at hopehasarrived.com.  I can identify with you don’t know what the future holds. I have said many times I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know who holds my future.   Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

 

 

Source:

What Is Hope and Why Do We Need It?

Seven Powerful Reasons to Keep Hope Alive

Thesaurus Synonyms of hope

The Importance of Hope: 8 Examples How To Create Positivity in Your Life When All Hope Seems LostReal-Life Stores of Hope

How To Create Positivity in Your Life When All Hope Seems Lost

Real-Life Stores of Hope

Seven Powerful Reasons to Keep Hope Alive

 

 

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This is the month for Breast Cancer Awareness. How can you make a difference?

There are numerous ways that you can make a difference.

***Good News***

Did You Know?

Breast Cancer Awareness Theme:

The Breast Cancer Awareness Theme for 2024 is No one should face Breast Cancer alone according to news18.com.

1. Why Is Pink Associated with Breast Cancer?

Do you know how it is that pink became associated with breast cancer? There is a story behind this. According to America.sultair.com Charlotte Haley created a handmade peach-colored loops to honor her mother, her sister, and her grandmother who had each battled breast cancer. Penny reached out to her and offered national support only for Charlotte to turn her down, then pink became the color associated with the ribbon initiative started by Self Magazine and Estee Lauder. They further added that Susan G. Korman, the world’s leading breast cancer organization has used the color pink since its inception in 1982. There you have it.

2. This Year’s Top 5 Breakthroughs

Did you know that this year’s top 5 breakthroughs in Cancer Treatment include immunotherapy: The power of the Immune System, precision medicine: Tailoring Treatment to the Individual, nanotechnology: delivering drugs with precision and efficiency, gene editing: Precise Tools for Specific Therapy, and metabolic therapies: starving cancer cells of Nutrients.

3. Tips for Breast Cancer

Limit Your Estrogen Exposure. Why should you limit your estrogen exposure? I recall asking an oncologist why his treatment was so aggressive with younger people? He explained the estrogen in their bodies fueled the cancer. Cedars-sinai.org. Mentioned this also stating that about 80% of breast cancers are estrogen receptor positive and that estrogen from oral contraceptives or long-term hormone replacement therapy may increase breast cancer risk.

4. Breast Cancer Wreath

One way that I love to show breast Cancer Awareness is with a Breast Cancer Wreath. The one showing below is one that I ordered very inexpensively through Amazon. I really love this wreath. I hang it on my front door proudly.

 

5. Sit With A Cancer Patient During Treatment

If you have a relative or friend that is going through chemo treatments, Just sitting with them during the treatment, can give them great support. Sometimes the chemo treatments may be just about 20 minutes during a session, while at other times, it may be up to 3 hours or more. Every patient’s timing and situation may vary. If you have never gone through this, you can learn a lot just sitting and talking with others that are going through this.

I recall an acquaintance that shared with me of going to her Cancer treatments by herself. I was so surprised because I knew she had relatives. She shared that that was the way she wanted it and she was okay with that. She was now Cancer free and okay. This let me know that everyone approaches their Cancer differently and I should respect that.

6. More Tips for Breast Cancer

Read and learn about the latest technology in Breast Cancer. Dormant cancer cells are cells that did not die from a person’s initial treatment. The cells can ‘hibernate” undetected for unknown reasons until they begin to grow again. A study done by researchers showed they were able to find and remove dormant cancer cells from about 80% of the participants that lied dormant in participants bone marrow and eliminate them.

7. Blogging

Blogging about Breast Cancer is a great way to show awareness. There are millions of bloggers that do this every year. The more knowledge people have the more that they are able to make informed decisions regarding their health and their life.

8. Retail Stores

Sometimes in the retail stores they will ask if you want to add to their Breast Cancer Effort.

9. Men and Breast Cancer

What is male breast cancer? Although it is rare most breast cancer in men is ductal carcinoma, which means the cancer cells began growing in the (milk) ducts of the breast. Pennmedicine.org., further adds that male breast cancer can occur typically between the ages of 60-70 and additional risk factors may include obesity, descended testicle, testicular swelling, due to adult-onset mumps, removal of one or more testicles, Estrogen treatment given for men prostate cancer, and having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation.

10. Lifestyle and Cancer

Does your lifestyle affect your chances to develop Cancer? Lifestyle does play an important part in Cancer. Did you know that 30% of all cancer-related deaths have been linked to cancer? This is mentioned at health.ucdavis.edu. They further add that it is important to maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle, up to 50% of preventable cancers are a result of the foods we eat, alcohol increases the risk of various types of cancer, wear sunscreen to protect the skin, get vaccinated, get screened, and know your family history.

11. Breast Cancer Statistics

The American Cancer Society’s estimates for 2024 includes about 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, about 56, 600 new case of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed, and about 42,250 women will die from breast cancer according to cancer.org.

12. Cleaning Services

Cleaning For a Reason is an organization that will clean cancer patient’s homes professionally. They offer this service free. I think this is a great idea. Also, you can offer your own services to help clean house. During chemotherapy treatments some patients may not feel well at times. Cleaning house can become a chore for the parents of a cancer patient, because the treatments kill the good cells as well as the bad cells in cancer patients. That is why they are often told during treatment to get plenty of rest as the immune system is quite affected. The child that has cancer affects the entire family.

Source:

Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2024: Theme

 

How October and Pink Became Associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

7 Tips to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

 

Top 5 Breakthroughs in Cancer Treatment This Year

 

What’s New in Breast Cancer?

 

Male Breast Cancer

 

7 Lifestyle tips to reduce your cancer risk

 

Key Statistics for Breast Cancer

 

Cleaning For a Reason

 

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Pros and Cons of AI (Artificial Intelligence) Data Centers

Have you noticed more AI (Artificial Intelligence) Centers are popping up?  Yet no one wants a Data Center near them?  How do you make AI work for the future while protecting the world you live in? 

Did You Know?

**Purpose**

 

1.    Health Issues

AI Data Centers pull millions of gallons of water from local communities, increase electricity demand, raise neighborhood temperatures, and increase air pollution.  Vivekcherian,Md. Further states that families living nearby are seeing higher asthma flares, more heat-stress days, compromised air quality, water shortages, noise pollution and sleep disruption, soil and groundwater contaminations risks, and mental stress from constant low-frequency noise.

2.   Cost Increase to You

Did you know that a study done showed that Data Centers have typically not paid their fair share in utilities, particularly for electricity consumption.  Environmentallhealthproject.org., further added that last year, analysis estimated a 20% rate increase for Pennsylvania households. 

 3.    Black Communities

Most Black households, especially rural ones in the south, are not using AI or as much computing power, but they are having to pay for that demand in both money and dirty air. Canarymedia.com talks about this.   They also stated that in South Carolina, and across the country statistically, black people use the least amount of electricity yet experience the highest energy burden.  I am so saddened to hear this, but I am not at all surprised.

4.      China

China’s undersea data centers uses pipes to pump seawater through a radiator on the back of server racks to absorb heat and carry it away.  This is talked about at the scientificamerican.com.   They further added that the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology shows its project uses at least 30 percent less electricity than on-land data centers, thanks to natural cooling.

 5.     Microsoft

Did you know Microsoft had a Project called Project Natick?  They took a 40-foot-long steel tube packed with 864 servers lowered it 117 feet to the bottom of the North Sea off Scotland, and left it there for two years?  6 of the 864 underwater servers failed, compared to 8 failures in a comparable land-based data center.   Medium.com states that on 2024, Microsoft quietly killed the project, despite the promising findings, Noelle Walsh, Microsoft’s head of Cloud Operations and Innovation, confirmed to journalist, “I am not building subsea data centers anywhere in the world, because of the practical challenges of maintenance, deployment and scaling proved too complex for widespread adoption.

 6.      AI Data Centers Near You

Usatoday.com stated that in July, President Trump advocated for beautiful data centers, saying, “You have to convince your community how great these things (are).  You can’t fight it; you have to go with it.”  Really?   Would you want an AI Data Center near you?  

 7.      AI Data Center near Mar-a-Lago

Is there plans for a huge AI datacenter Mar-a-Lago?   Yes, there is an according to guardian.com, Everglades could pay the price.  They further added that the proposed 600MW datacenter in western Palm Beach County could damage the wetlands, which the federal government and the state of Florida have spent a combined $6bn to restore after decades of drainage and development.

 8.      What About Metro Areas?

Research has shown that the metropolitan areas capture most of the economic benefits from data centers, while rural areas see far fewer spillover effects. Gatech.edu talks about this.  Metropolitan areas are well-positioned to absorb the indirect spending that data centers generate, whereas in rural areas, that amplification is much harder to achieve.

 9.     Tighter Restrictions

Are tighter restrictions needed for Data Centers?  Democratic lawmakers are calling for tighter restrictions on data centers, while Republicans say the facilities could boost the economy and keep the United States ahead in the artificial intelligence (AI) race.  Foxnews.com talks about this.  Republican Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz., told Fox News Digital last month that Arizona needs to slow the expansion of data centers until the state fully assess its long-term impacts.  He further commented saying, “If Donald Trump is such a big fan of data centers, then he should welcome them in his own backward.”   Seemingly there are those that want data centers, but they do not want them near them.

10.    Data Centers in Michigan

Do you know how many Data Center Proposals have been seen across Michigan?   According to mlive.com at least 26 locations across Michigan have seen data center project proposals in the past year and a half.   On Wednesday, July 15, Governor Whitner called on data center companies to sign a voluntary pledge committing that their projects won’t hike utility bills that run afoul of environmental protections.  They further added that the Democratic bills introduced in Lansing would impose new statewide regulations on data centers, like clean energy requirements and a ban on nondisclosure agreements with local officials. 

 11.    Noise From Data Centers

Is there noise coming from the Data Centers? Yes, it is according to wxyz.com.  Michigan residents say that for the past couple of years, it has been emitting a high-pitched sound, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  They further added that in March, Dowagiac city leaders adopted the first-ever industrial noise ordinance for the city by setting a daytime decibel limit of 65 and a nighttime limit of 55. The CEO of Hyperscale Data stated he would make multiple efforts to reduce sound levels and If homeowners still are not happy then he would buy their property from them. The only problem with that is they are only given one alternative.   Homeowners have lived on their property for years; they may not want to sell and leave their home.  Buying and uprooting people from their properties may not be the best solution, at least not for the property owners.  What are your thoughts about this?

 

Source:

Health Issues

The Dangers of Data Centers

 How the data center boom could harm Black communities

China Is Putting Data Centers in the Ocean to Keep Them Cool

Why Data Centers Are Moving Underwater (And What It Means for Your Apps)

Data Centers are great and we should fully embrace them/Opinion

A huge AI data center is planned near Mar-a-Lago

Data Centers Are Booming.  Who Benefits?

Trump’s data center push fractures Congress as local anger explodes:  “Grasping at straws”

How many data center projects have been proposed in Michigan?   The total grows.

Neighbors say noise from Michigan data center is 24/7 and upending their lives

 

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Money Saving Tips

Do you use coupons? What are the advantages of using coupons? Can you really save by just using coupons? Why pay full price when you can snag the best deals every day?

Did You Know?

   

***Intentional***

What are your feelings about using coupons? Do you pay full price on items because you can afford it?

1. Digital Coupons

Did you know that technology is so advanced that you do not need a printer to use coupons? Yes you can save more and spend less. I frequently use Kroger and Meijer digital coupons. The great thing about this is in their app you just click on the coupons you want to use then when you shop it is automatically applied to your grocery list as you checkout in the store. This is so convenient and it even tells you at the end of the list how much you have saved. Also, Kroger will allow you to use coupons on certain items up to 5 times. Now that is really a savings for me. I love that Kroger has 5x the fuel coupons which saves you when purchasing gas for your vehicle.

2. Coupons by Mail

You can still live the frugal life. Now if you are not into the technology of coupons just yet, you can always receive coupons by mail. Hasselfreesavings.com talks about this. They have a list of 358 companies to contact for coupons. They even tell you what to write in an email for coupons.

3. Do Billionaires use Coupons?

Do billionaires use coupons? They most certainly do. According to cnbc.com some of the world’s wealthiest people are still cost-conscious. Perhaps that’s why they’re so rich in the first place. They further added that when Warren Buffet and Bill Gates were traveling together they decided to get lunch at McDonald's. Warren reached into his pocket and pulled out coupons. 

Speaking of riches I recall working with a CEO’s son. His teen-age son felt he should not have to bring his lunch to work. He commented why have a lot of money and not use it. I emphasized to him it is his parent’s money not his. He did not realize how much his parent’s may have already sacrificed to become CEO of an organization.

4. Buy Items You Use

Always be money smart. It is important to remember that you want to shop wisely and strategically. Just do not obtain coupons if you are not going to use them. When extreme couponing, you need to  know to purchase items that you will use. Money.howstuffworks.com gives an example of not buying 15 cans of tuna for a great deal if you will never eat what you bought. If you do this you are not saving any money at all. Have you seen or do you know someone that orders things because they feel it is a great deal even though they may not use it, but thinks maybe one day they might need it? You should make sure that you do not have that mindset with coupons.

5. Search for Coupons

Budgetsmadeeasy.com talks about searching for specific coupons at coupons.com. They further suggest contacting the manufacture for coupons letting them know that you love their products and would like to know where you can find coupons. Remember you want to save money and live better.

6. Why Stores Use Coupons

Did you know that stores know that the more they discount their products or the more they “give,” the more likely you will spend your money with them. Ramseysolutions.com talks about this and further adds that stores do not want you to know they have discounted some of their items so much that they actually lose money on that item just to get you in the door.

7. Temu controversy

There have been pros and cons about ordering from Temu.com online. I can say that I have had great results and savings from ordering form Temu. Something I notice is that you are bombarded with online coupons and discounts. They do this in such a way to hold your attention and not leave the page. I can honestly say I have received great products (mainly clothing) from Temu and I have received the products at a great price. I set my limits when shopping because I see so many things that I really like. I really love their return policy which has been very accurate from my experience. I want to remember to save more and spend less. I have had to return a few things that were not quite what I expected from the pictures, but the returning was very easy and no cost to me. The rate of returns have been far less than the great products I have received.  I can honestly say that.

8. Pros and Cons of Coupons For Your Business

Do you know the pros and cons of using coupons for your business? The advantages of using coupons for your business include introducing new customers to your store or website, email marketing list, and social media websites can be used for coupons according to investopedia.com. They further added that the disadvantages of using coupons for business include costing your business money and reducing profit.

9. Does Coupon Fraud exist?

Yes coupons fraud exists. According to unit21.ai the Queenpins case was a case in Phoenix, Arizona. Robin Ramirez bought bulk quantities of counterfeit coupons and when the house was raided the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) recovered over $40 million worth of fake coupons. I also saw the movie “Queenpins” the women were greedy and really got carried away with couponing. This couponing was an entire different level. I would never had imagine. 

So while you want to save money couponing you also want to make sure you are not doing anything illegal with your couponing regardless to how good the couponing gets. Save money with couponing. Take advantage of using digital couponing, but do not go overboard. I very seldom do paper couponing, because I have become so accustom to digital couponing and digital is the new Technology. You can have a coupon in your cellphone and just have the store clerk scan the barcode. This is so convenient and faster than the paper coupon. So are you using coupons or even thinking about it?

Source:

How to Sign Up for Coupons by Email and Save $

5 millionaires and billionaires who still use coupons

 

10 Extreme Coupon Tips for Normal People

 

Coupon Tips For Beginners

 

Does Couponing Really Save You Money?

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Coupons for Your Business

 

Coupon Fraud

 

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The Benefits of Smiling and Laughing

Did you know that smiling and laughing are simple gifts that can brighten your day and lift, your spirit?  Best of all, they are free!

Think About It. . .

***Purpose***

1.      Fake Smiling

Have you ever heard of fake smiles?  Have you tried it. According to verywellmind.com even a fake smile can trick your brain into feeling happier and help you manage stress better.  They further added that research suggests that smiles are contagious and can change the moods of others for the better. 

2.      Chemical Cocktail

Do you know what a chemical cocktail is?  When you smile your brain releases three key chemicals: they are Dopamine which drives feelings of reward and motivation, Serotonin to regulate your mood, and endorphins, a natural painkiller.  Scienceinsights.org., talks about this.  They further added that not all smiles are created equal.  Receiving warm, genuine smiles helped people recover from stressful situations more quickly, whereas people who received cold, dominant smiles had elevated cortisol levels half an hour later.

3.      Medicine

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.  Laughter is good medicine for your body.  Do you know of people that are joyful and that smile often?   Do you know people that are grouchy and always complaining?  Brainperformance.com talks about how complaining rewires the brain.  Research from Stanford reveals that frequent complaining shrinks the hippocampus which is vital for memory and problem-solving.  They further added that listening to complaints for over 30 minutes can harm the brain.  What can you do about it?   How about developing a habit of gratitude?  How about acknowledging things that you are grateful for in your life?   Have you tried this?  I have tried it and discovered there are so many things in my life to be grateful for.  Think about it.   Remember start thinking twice before complaining.

4.       Laughing and Exercise

Can smiling be a form of exercise?  Yes, it can.  Did you know that laughing expands the lungs, stretches the muscles in the body and stimulates homeostasis.   This exercises the body, replenishing the cells from a lung full of oxygen and gains all the benefits of exercising the body.  Lifehack.org., further states that smiling makes you appear more approachable, makes others feel better too, and makes you more appealing and attractive person to be around.  Who doesn't want to look attractive?

5.       Smiling Depression

 Do you know what smiling depression is?  Have you seen those that appear cheerful with a smile only to find out later that they were battling depression? Have you seen those that appeared cheerful only later to discover they had committed suicide?  Psychologytoday.com talks about how this major depressive disorder often goes unnoticed. And those affected might be high-achieving, outwardly successful individuals who suppress their struggles.  I believe this is a time when others might question how they missed the signs. 

6.       Different Types of Smiles

Different types of smiles might include genuine, fake, polite, flirtatious, embarrassed, sarcastic, miserable, and compliance smiles.  These are all talked about at wikihow.com.  I am sure you have seen two or more of the types of smiles listed above sometime during your life.  They also noted that this form of non-verbal communication allows you to express reward smiles, affiliative smiles, and dominance smiles.  I can identify with the dominance smiles. I have seen those that express superiority with their smile.   It is very clear and a (no doubt about it) type of smile. 

 7.      Difference in Smiling and Laughter

Smiling may occur when you are reading or possibly having a private thought.  Have you ever noticed this?   Someone might be reading and you see them smiling?  It makes you wonder, “What is so interesting?”  Laughter generally evokes something funny such as a joke or story.  You may know of people that are generally funny.   These type of people will tell you jokes or talk about funny instances that may have occurred.   They will share these things with you.

I was at a funeral recently.   The grandchildren shared how the grandfather not only taught the boys how to cut grass but taught the girls also.  I could see myself smiling when this was shared.  I felt myself laughing when the grandson shared growing up he and his grandfather had cut 9 lawns.  His grandfather only paid $1.50 to him.   He was very upset and went to tell his grandmother.   After she said a few choice words the grandfather then gave him $20.00 more, which he says was a lot at that time for a child.  Can you think of instances when you have had a big laugh?

8.      Babies Smiling and Laughing

Have you ever thought about when babies start smiling and laughing?  By about 2 months your baby may start to show social smiles that are real, intentional and responsive smiles.  Babies start laughing around four to six months.  Health.clevelandclinic.org., talks about this. They do add, however, to talk to your child’s pediatrician if your baby is not responding to your voice, not engaging with toys, or not showing interest in exploring their environment.

9.      Do You Cry When You Laugh?

Did you know that crying and laughing provide the same kind of release for physiological stress. Newhealthadvisor.org., talks about this.   They also added that when people laugh or cry, it is an involuntary subconscious attempt at calming down and reducing stress.  Have you ever just had that laugh that was so funny that you started crying?

Have you observed that some people are just naturally funny. My big sister just keeps me laughing.   She can be so funny.

Source:

10 Big Benefits of Smiling

What Does Smiling Do to Your Brain and Mood? - ScienceInsights

How Complaining Rewires Your Brain

7 Benefits of Smiling and Laughing that You Didn't Know about - LifeHack

The Extraordinary Power of a Smile | Psychology Today

21 Types of Smiles: What They Mean & Look Like

The Difference Between Smiling and Laughing - Humor That Works

When Do Babies Start Smiling and Laughing?

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-do-babies-start-laughing-smiling

 

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Love The Universal Language

Did you know that love is a universal language that can be spoken and felt all over the world?

 

Think about this:

1.    Your Love Language

What is your love language?   Love may mean different things to different people.   Simplypsychology.org., describes the 5 love languages as words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, receiving gifts.   Have you taken the time to determine which ones are yours?  Have you taken time to see which one that your loved one may need? 

  

   2.   Most Popular Love Language

Love is Powerful. What is the most popular love Language?   According to wftv.com quality time ranking 31.5% is the most popular love language in America.    The further added that physical touch ranks 27.5, acts of service ranks 15%, words of affirmation 15%, and gifts ranked 11%.   I could see how quality of time ranked the highest because in today’s society seemingly everyone is rushing to attempt to get as much done in a day’s time as possible.  Single mothers seem to have to raise their children on their own.  Many individuals are employed in two or three jobs instead of only one.  A deliberate decision is needed to prioritize quality time.    They further added that music can also be a language of love according to a study.   If your partner likes K-pop, they are the most likely of any music fan base to cherish quality time in their love life.  While country fans, on the other hand, are quite the opposite.

    3.  Building a Love That Lasts 

 What are the 4 keys to building a love that lasts?   Greatergood.berkeley.edusuggests harmonious passion, cultivating positive emotions, savoring the good times, and knowing and building on your character strengths.  That is great.   I still appreciate the Bible verse about love.    This passage is commonly referred to as the Love Chapter.  1 Corinthians 13.   I particularly enjoy the verses about love.    They are as follows: verse 4. Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  Verse 5. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Verse 6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth (v.7).   It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves, and verse 8. Love never fails. 

 

 4.      Love Heals

Does love aid healing?  It is possible.  1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  (NIV).  Studies illustrate that the chemical and functional changes occurring with a love-empowered heart make us more resilient to pain and stress, reduce the risk of and promote improved recovery from cardiovascular events (strokes and heart attacks), and even help us fight off infections.   Psychologytoday.com talks about this.  They further added examples of how many parents have overcome addictions to alcohol or cigarettes in an expression of love for their newborn child or how many soldiers have made enormous sacrifices for their love of country and family?  I can see that.  This reminds me of how often people thank my husband for his service.    My husband is a veteran. He also is very patriotic.    His response to them is, “You were worth fighting for.” To my amazement many people are surprised to hear him say that, because they usually are expecting him to just say, “Your welcome.”

 

 5.      Unconditional Love

Have you felt unconditional love?    Do you know what unconditional love looks like?  Healthline.com talks about unconditional love as a selfless act, it can benefit emotional health, it feels secure, it’s altruistic, and it involves acceptance and forgiveness.  You know it is not love when strings or conditions are attached.   Have you heard someone say, "If you loved me, you'd do this?"    If you loved me you would do that?”

 

 6.      Tough Love

What is tough love?   Have you ever had to use tough love?   I believe when parenting there may be times when tough love is needed.  During my children's upbringing, we engaged in role-playing activities.  My two oldest children described me as favoring my youngest and giving her a pat on the shoulder no matter what she did.  I had never thought I did that until I saw them doing the role playing.  I needed to start using tough love.  How many of you have been guilty of favoring one of your children?  After the role playing I started looking at situations and sometimes saying to myself, “If this was not your child would you allow a certain behavior?  I would ask myself that question.    Children often don't notice that parents tend to become more relaxed with each additional child.  

 

  7.      Your Immune System

Some individuals experience rapid recovery from illnesses.    Have you ever wondered why that is?  Uthealthaustin.org., suggests that feeling loved and supported can strengthen the immune system and that those with a strong support system tend to recover more quickly from illnesses.   They further added that happily married couples report fewer complaints of back pain and headaches; happily married couples are 10% more likely to experience restful sleep.  Can anyone identify with this?  This is love in action.

 I have talked about this before.   During COVID-19 I was concerned during the month lockdown in our state.   Would my husband and I tolerate each other?  How would we cope under the circumstances.   Although I'd heard about families struggling in close quarters, we had no issues.  I was thankful for that.

Since love is a universal language and means different things to different people I ask you, “What does love mean to you?”   

 

Source: 

The 5 Love Languages Explained

 What’s the Most Popular Love Language in America?

 Four Keys to Building a Love that Lasts

 4 Ways Love Heals the Heart

 What’s (Unconditional) Love Got to Do with It?

 Ten Surprising Health Benefits of Love

  

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