Lux Thinking Aloud #Blessed And Not Bragging: Declaring God's Grace 6:00 PM You don't see the world as it is; you see it as you are.-Krishna Saagar They say #blessed is the new way to brag. Humble bragging, they call it. I don't get it. Since when did knowing, believing, claiming, and declaring that you are blessed become bragging? Here's my take on the #blessed. Believe and declare At The Feast, we are encouraged to dream big. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Because we are blessed. We learn to focus on the good things in life and see them as blessings.We practice declaring we are blessed every day, no matter what the situation is. We are reminded to always have a grateful heart. Part of the Feast's Declaration of Abundance says: Today, I proclaim that I'm God's Beloved, I'm God's Servant, I'm God's powerful champion. And because I am blessed, I am blessing the world. In Jesus' Name, Amen. I don't see anything wrong with declaring that beautiful truth. If you believe you are blessed and want to use that blessing to bless others, that's a winner's mindset. Everyone will benefit from it. "Faith Words aren't just mere positive affirmations; they open your life up to the supernatural power of God." (Bo Sanchez). Giphy Crab mentalityThe term "crab mentality" refers to a mindset that can be summarized as "if I'm not able to have it, then neither are you." Can't we be genuinely happy for others and allow their story to inspire us instead? Envy kills. Giphy Choose what you propagate. If you can spread rumors, trash-talk the government, cancel a celebrity or someone you hate, or share disturbing viral photos and videos, why can't you spread positivity? In the world today, when you feel crappy or angry, you can vent out so easily. People like it when you air your dirty laundry. But when you post feel-good words or photos, you are a hypocrite, a liar, or a bragger. Sharing motivational quotes or heartwarming stories can make another person's day. Sharing your blessings has always been a good thing. I don't see any reason why we should stop now. Tenor There's no pleasing everybody.There will always be those who are quick to find fault in everything. If there is none, they will make something up. Not everyone will be happy for you. Not everyone will celebrate with you. And that's okay. Unsubscribe From Other People's Drama. Giphy Sad reality It's sad when you think about it. That the world does not believe in blessings anymore. For many, the concept of being blessed seems hard to process, accept and understand. That to be blessed looks too good to be true. Are we really that far from believing the truth? Giphy Sharing the good is false and prideful, while rumors, scandals, and bad news spread like wildfire and amuse and entertain the public. The truth that you are blessed is implied and written throughout the Bible. Regardless of your religion, is it really that hard to believe that it is possible to live a blessed life? What's your take on #blessed? Do you think that people who use that hashtag are merely bragging?
Life Lessons 8 Things to Remember When Trolls Attack 6:00 PM One's dignity may be assaulted, vandalized, and cruelly mocked, but it can never be taken away unless it is surrendered. - Michael J. Fox Bullies are everywhere—in schools, workplaces, and all over the internet. They’re always ready to tear you down. We're all vulnerable victims. I suggest remembering these 8 things when trolls attack you next time. 8 Things to Remember When Trolls Attack 1. Trolls are envious. Your haters hate you because you're you. They're envious of your ideas, of your conviction, of your happiness, of what you have. Envy or jealousy is a cancer of the soul. It can destroy someone, causing them to kill others around them. You remind them of something they can't have, or you tell the truth that they have yet to accept. Your success reminds them of their being stuck. Your happiness prompts them to look into their lives and realize they've much to work on. When a troll attacks you, remember that it's not about you. It's about them and their underlying issues. Thank the heavens you are not in their place. 2. Trolls are hungry for love. Michael Jackson was and still is being bullied big time. When asked what he thinks about his detractors, he replied, "They just need more love." Trolls have been deprived of love, and bitterness and anger consume them, making them resent anyone who is doing better or is happier. When you allow love to enter your life, there is no room for hate. When a troll attacks you, remember that they are hungry for love, and it is not your mission to fix them. Try to love them from a distance. 3. Trolls are desperate for attention. Some kids in school think annoying someone is a cool move to get everybody talking. Sadly, some of these kids never really grow up. When they enter the adult world, they use the same strategy. They want people to talk about them, and they will do anything to do that. They probably did not receive enough attention from their parents when they were children, so they had to scream or throw a tantrum just to get noticed. Or they were oppressed and wanted to be heard so desperately. When a troll attacks you, remember that they just want you to notice them. Desperate people will do anything to get what they want, including seeking the world's attention. The best way to handle this is not to give them the attention they seek but to ignore them until they learn to let go and move on. Hopefully, they will make their lives better and not look for another victim. 4. Trolls are toddlers trapped in an adult's body. Kids bullying kids, though still unacceptable, is understandable. They don't understand much, and they react the way kids react when they want love and attention. But adults who bully others are ridiculous. It's okay to be childlike, even in the Bible Jesus taught us to learn from children. To be childish is a different story. When toddlers throw a tantrum, it's somehow expected. When adults do it, it's embarrassing to witness, somehow amusing, but deeply disturbing. When a troll attacks you, remember that they just need to grow up. They are 4-year-olds trying to break free from a 40-year-old body. Again, it's not your job to fix them. 5. Trolls are miserable.And misery loves company. If trolls can't be happy, they'll probably try to ruin your day too. When a troll attacks you, remember that it's not easy to live in misery. Show them kindness. 6. Trolls are scared of their own monster. Some people can't face their own monsters, so they look for "prey" to escape. They unconsciously become monsters themselves, attacking others. Those who always criticize other people's lives are those who can't confront and correct the wrongs in their own lives. They often point out others' mistakes, failing to examine their own, or more accurately, refusing to acknowledge their faults. This could be because they're comforted by the thought that they're not the only ones with flaws or that they want to highlight your wrongs so theirs could be covered up or ignored. Or that the more they focus on or magnify your flaws, the more their faults pale in comparison. When a troll attacks you, remember that they're just trying to escape their own demons, not realizing they become demons themselves. Pray for their healing. 7. Trolls find your life more interesting than theirs. If you've got no goals, no direction, no purpose, or if you can't find anything better to do, you get interested in other people's business. When a troll attacks you, remember that they're bored and are looking for some entertainment. Your life seems more interesting than theirs, so they pick on you. Just carry on with your busy, fulfilling life. 8. Trolls are not able to communicate effectively. We are all unique, and we think differently. It's no surprise that we have different beliefs. Some of us, however, are not as kind or respectful when expressing our disagreement. When a troll attacks you, remember that they may just be trying to express their opinion without meaning to sound "trollish." Give them the benefit of the doubt. It might be how you interpret the message, so ask for clarification. How to Handle TrollsNow that people spend more time on the internet and can express themselves more freely, bullies hide behind the safety of their computers. Sometimes, they hide behind usernames or use "anonymous" accounts, while others fake bravery by showing their faces and using their real names, still at the comfort that you can't reach them anyway. It's often tempting to go down to their level (which obviously is LOW), but if you really think about it, cyber-bullying is a very pathetic and lonely act that we should really feel sorry for these trolls. You can never please everybody, and you should never try. With toxic people, you can never seem to do anything right. Damn if you do, damn if you don't. Bullying or trolling is for desperate, lonely, empty, and miserable individuals. Instead of retaliating, we should seek to understand them, treat them with kindness, and pray for them. When a troll attacks you, remember that they're trying to pull you down because you're above them. When a troll attacks you, be the bigger person, take the high road, and remember how blessed you are that you don't have to live and think the way they do. photo credit
Lux Thinking Aloud Dance In The Rain 7:00 PM Dance In The Rain We have to work hard; we have to work smart We need to invest our money and save it...we need to start We've got to deal with heartbreaks; we have to feel the pain When all we really need to do is to dance in the rain. I know growing old is inevitable, but do we really need to grow up? What’s wrong with being a child inside? It’s not like we'll get stuck. We just have to hold on to that innocence and sense of wonder and not be afraid to fail, We must not let go of that magic we get when we dance in the rain. We need to see the world in the purest, most uncomplicated way Stop the unnecessary war, end this greedy, selfish play All these innocent lives taken, homes broken, and the world destroyed What is there really to gain? Stop this world destruction now; let’s dance in the rain. If we only learn to love like a child (or a dog!), no buts, no ifs, Only honesty, kindness, and truth leave our lips Then we can all live in prosperity and harmony, no one will complain Maybe we can all run under the sun or dance in the rain. When was the last time you danced in the rain?
Lux Thinking Aloud Ramblings Of A Neophyte Michael Jackson Fan 3:35 AM I think the reason why God entrusted such a huge amount of talent to Michael Jackson is because He knew only a heart as humble as Michael's could handle it. Ramblings of a Neophyte Michael Jackson Fan They say an artist will only be truly appreciated when he's gone. I guess that's true for Michael Jackson and this neophyte fan. Much to my regret, I only got to appreciate him as an artist a few weeks ago. In my defense, I was busy playing with my Barbies when Michael Jackson was in his career's prime. I would also hear more negative things about him than that his talent was overshadowed, so to speak. So I ignored this man who could walk backward and moved like no other. One fateful day, I decided to watch Superbowl videos on YouTube, and it was his video I clicked first. I didn't know what was coming. I didn't know I'd be hooked and in awe for the next few hours. I watched every interview, live performance, and music video I could find. I was entranced. I was suddenly under Michael Jackson's spell. More than his exceptional talent, though, I was drawn by this star, this legend, this record-breaking artist's mystery...and the sadness in his eyes. When you read between the lines, when you look at him, you'd know deep down that despite his stardom, the phenomenon, the inexplicable adoration of his fans, and the obsession of the paparazzi, he was a lonely, vulnerable man—a deprived kid trapped in a man's body—a lost soul. I believe he was kind, gentle, generous, pure, and humble. All he wanted was to help others, experience what it is to be a normal child, live normally, and be loved and appreciated. All he wanted was to give what he could and what he had to those who needed it more. In return, he received bashing, criticism, and condemnation. His haters knew they couldn't bring him down, attacking him as an artist because he was perfection. No one could ever move and sing like Michael Jackson. No one else has that same passion and magic. No one could give it all like Michael Jackson could. Or that's just the amateur fan girl me talking. But, whatever. For me, Michael Jackson was and will remain the ultimate undisputed best artist in all history. No one comes close.They couldn't say anything wrong about his talent, so they attacked him in other aspects instead. Those trolls. Heartless, cruel, selfish, greedy creatures. Why can't they just applaud with the rest of the world? Why can't they write about this superstar who, instead of strutting the streets with arrogance, wasting money on booze and prostitutes, was helping children in need, trying with all he had and could to make others happy and change the world? Why do they have to point at his flaws? Fabricate stories and call him names? They made Michael Jackson who he was because of what they say: freak. In an interview, he said that people do not know the effect of the words they say. This hurt and devastated him. Do people care? Maybe some did. But the majority loved to turn his life into a fiasco, using his weakness and vulnerability to try to put him down. He's just human. He may be the brightest star to ever shine, but he's got feelings, too. He got hurt. Deeply apparently. He missed many things just to give the world the kind of entertainer they wanted. How ungrateful of the world to treat him like a joke instead. The world destroyed Michael Jackson. What could a single man do against the whole world ganging up on him? In retrospect, where were his friends then? Where were those who hero-worshiped him when he was crying himself to sleep? We should have paid more attention to the message of his songs. Most of them are cries for help, cries of a lonely, hurt heart desperate to make the world a better place. He wasn't eccentric. He wasn't weird. He wasn't a wacko. We don't know half the truth of what the man went through. I believe he's innocent. No monster could write songs about healing the world, protecting the children, being there for someone, and singing it with all his soul. No monster could have done what he did for the children in need. No sick, selfish person could have donated his time and money to charities. The only thing Michael Jackson was guilty of was that he cared too much. He cared too much about the world, the children's future, and other people. He cared too much about what people said about him to the point that he let it destroy him. He was vulnerable and naive because his heart had no evil thoughts or ill emotions. Someone so loving and genuine like him couldn't do what they said he did. And for the police to invade his privacy like that? It was inhuman. I hope they're happy now. Whatever happened to Michael Jackson was a thing of the past. But you can never erase someone as great as Michael Jackson in the history of mankind. For all it's worth, I think he's happy now, at peace, and surrounded by great Love and appreciation. I think he's dancing for God and singing with the angels. I want to always remember him alive, invincible, awe-inspiring, historical. He will remain the brightest and biggest start this world will ever see. Michael Jackson. Gone too soon. Forever the king of pop.
Listicle 5 Summer Survival Tips: Enjoy the Hot Season 6:00 AM Summertime is always the best of what might be. -Charles Bowden Ahhh, summer! Everybody's talking about it. But is everybody ready for summer? Here are 5 summer survival tips to not just tolerate but actually enjoy this season. via Heather Kirby 5 Summer Survival Tips 1. Get sun protection. It's the season to get that perfect sexy tan, but not to get premature wrinkles or worse, skin cancer! Never leave the house without applying sunblock. According to dermatologist James M. Spencer, MD, an SPF 15 product blocks about 94% of UVB rays; an SPF 30 product blocks 97% of UVB rays; and an SPF 45 product blocks about 98% of rays. Don't forget your lip balm and sunnies, too! Shield your skin from the sun. I personally use the SafeProtect SPF30 Sunscreen from Human Nature because it doesn't only effectively protects the skin from the harmful sun but it's also free from reef-destroying chemicals. Isn't it good to enjoy the summer without harming the marine life? 2. Rehydrate. With the summer heat, you'll surely sweat a lot. You might get dehydrated, so drink up. Always keep a bottle of water with you. Be sure to re-hydrate with water or natural juices and not with soda or artificial juice drinks. 3. Choose your summer wardrobe. Wear clothes that are cool, made of light fabric, comfortable, and that which will let your body breathe so to speak. 4. Plan your summer activities ahead. Whether you're going abroad, heading to the beach, or just staying home, make plans. It might be hard to book flights, the traffic to where you're going may be heavy, hotel rooms may be unavailable, or prices may go up than usual. You wouldn't want to experience these hassles on your summer vacation so it's better to book your trips earlier, plan your route and prepare for your choice of summer fun. Plan on improving yourself too. Enroll in summer lessons (swimming, surfing, diving, personal development, arts, etc.). It's wise to inquire and enroll and buy what you need before everyone else does. 5. Don't forget your hair!!! You pay attention to your skin, your body, your wardrobe, but often forget about your hair. Your hair deserves just as much (or even more!) attention and care this summer as the summer sun and saline water of the sea can damage it. Not only that, summer brings a lot of exciting new hair trends. Cut your hair short, tie it in a bun or ponytail, or dye it with the color of your choice. Use hair products that are SLS/SLES-free, organic and is not harmful to the environment. I only trust Human Nature products. Scared that hair color will damage your hair? No idea what color is right for you? How about trying out some hair wigs first? You won't regret trying them out. Don't let this hot and humid weather stop you from looking and feeling your best. Like any other season, it pays to be ready for what's coming. And summer is one season you NEED to be ready for. Do you have any summer survival tips?
