Faith Music: Mary, Did You Know? (Pentatonix) 11:39 PM Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And then the angel left her. -Luke 1:38 I wish my faith is as strong and pure as that of that 14-year old girl. That teenager who gave up her plans for her life risked judgment for bearing a child out of wedlock and gave her 'yes' to the Lord without hesitations or reservations despite her fears. I'm more than double her age when she demonstrated total obedience, and I admit that I still have uncertainties when I hear the Lord speak in my heart. I doubt. I negotiate. I sometimes ignore His call because it's too inconvenient for me. Or too much for my proud self. But not Mary. That brave, faithful girl who grew up that one holy night. Mary, Did You Know? Mary, did you know That your baby boy will one day walk on water? Mary, did you know That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters? Did you know That your baby boy has come to make you new? And this child that you delivered Will soon deliver you Mary, did you know That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand? Did you know That your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby You kissed the face of God Oh, Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? The blind will see The deaf will hear And the dead will live again The lame will leap The dumb will speak The praises of the lamb Mary, did you know? That your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary did you know That your baby boy will one day rule the nations? Did you know That your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb? And this sleeping child you're holding Is the great I Am Own a copy of this wonderful, inspiring, and heartwarming song for only $1.29 This post contains affiliate links so I'll get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thanks in advance!
Holiday The Essence Of Christmas Cards 8:18 PM The essence of Christmas is its relevance. It celebratesthe beginning of the world's greatest love story ever told.Is it Christmas yet? Definitely not. But every day could be Christmas Day. Because the essence of Christmas is its relevance.So, even if it's March or July we can celebrate and talk about Christmas.Wherever you are in the world, Christmas is a holiday to look forward to. Does taking a little effort to show care and love during this time matter to you? Then consider Christmas cards by Mixbook.Whether you're giving Christmas cards to family members or business clients, it sends a vital message and sentiment: they are important to you!A little fun fact: Sir Henry Cole introduced this tradition in 1843. These Christmas cards are commercially designed and bought for this special occasion. Sending Christmas cards is the best time for people to highlight the holiday's narrative, which ideally focuses on the nativity of Jesus Christ. The cards also present a chance for us to connect with others. The Essence of Christmas CardsA brief history of Christmas cards We can trace the start of this tradition to England. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole thought that sending out Christmas cards to his friends will help in cooling their anxieties. It was an idea that initially aimed at responding to the letters he had earlier received from friends. During this time, he designed a card that showcased a family in celebration. Flanking the image of this family were other people helping the poor. That was the beginning of the first Christmas card. History Today3 Reasons Why Sending Christmas Cards is essential Did you know that there are various valuable reasons for you to send Christmas cards to your family and clients? This may convince you to consider getting them next time. Here are 3 reasons: 1. A suitable way of reminding clients who you are Christmas cards can represent your brand. With a bespoke logo highlighted, the client will readily associate you with your products or services. This reminder will encourage repeat business in the long run. Besides, it will show how concerned you are about them. If you are sending the card to family, it will be a reminder that you value and care for them. 2. The personal appeal A personal touch is vital in improving your relationship with both family members and business clients. Handwritten cards show that you took the time and effort to reach out to someone, showing you're thinking about them. With this, you will confidently express your gratitude and highlight care at all times. 3. Low-key marketing Did you know that this approach is a subtle yet affordable marketing approach? You may no longer need to send marketing flyers to your clients throughout the year. A single Christmas card will be enough to convince them to return for more business. Remember to send out a Christmas card. Visit Mixbook for more information about how you can conveniently upload photos to create stunning custom Christmas cards. Their tools and resources will enable you to create professional cards with a touch of a personal feel.
How-To 5 Surefire Ways To Enhance Your Golfing Experience 5:45 AM Golf is a pastime enjoyed by both young and old and has many benefits. It helps you stay fit while bonding with your loved ones. Golf has become more popular in the past few years thanks to modern technology. It's now easier to play or practice anywhere.Yes, golf requires sheer practice, persistence, and discipline to improve your performance.Check out these tips to enhance your next golf experience.5 Surefire Ways to Enhance Your Golfing Experience1. Set and list down your goals.The most important thing to do as a golfer is to set short and long-term goals and have them in writing.This will keep you on track and help you identify areas of improvement. 2. Acquire the right accessories.The type of golfing equipment will impact your game. Go for quality accessories. These may range from soft golf balls, a stiffer shaft, loft, and sunglasses. Any pro golfer will tell you that sunglasses not only enhance your game but also protect your eyes. This is why most golfers visit https://goodr.com/collections/golf-sunglasses for a wide variety of choices. Why are golf sunglasses essential? Sunglasses will improve your vision and shield your eyes. They ensure optimal comfort during play and avoid glare that can hurt your eyes which could lead to complications. Outdoor elements like bugs can distract you and pose safety hazards. Golf sunglasses will prevent them from getting into your eyes.3. Choose the right lens color for the sunglasses. Golf sunglasses come in different colors, and all suit varied play environments. Some ensure the best color contrast and will improve your vision during play. The most common are brown and gray, but you’ll still get sunglasses in green, yellow, and other shades. When it comes to golf, brown is the best choice.Brown and amber tints intensify the contrast and are best for fairways and make the striking colors on the golf course pop.4. Practice more. Practice helps you to perfect your skills. Try new drills and keep increasing your shots. If you can’t go to a golf course often, swing from home.Find a suitable location where you can do as many swings as possible. This will make you stronger and help improve your technique.5. Focus on staying fitSet fitness goals and focus on staying fit outside when away from the golf course. Start with simple exercises like walking home. This will improve your endurance and health overall.Remember that your muscle is critical in your swing, so stretch often to avoid serious back injuries.Where can I get quality golf accessories and sunglasses? Nowadays, it’s easy to get the best golf accessories for your needs. There are many online stores where you can order from at any location. Although you can acquire them from physical stores, you’ll likely get exciting deals online. For instance, Goodr stocks a wide variety of sporting sunglasses with different color lenses.With the many choices available, you can get cost-effective options for your budget.ConclusionIn summary, there are multiple ways to enhance your golf performance. Follow the tips above and keep pushing the limits. Only go for superior quality accessories. They will last longer and will save you a lot in the long run.
Life Lessons Top 10 Favorite Life Quotes 1:35 AM Every day we encounter famous quotes about life from people we talk with, videos we watch, or posts we see on social media. Some resonate, some make us smile, and others still make us think. What is your favorite quote or life motto?Here are my top 10 favorite inspirational quotes about life. I hope you’ll find them helpful too.Top 10 Favorite Life Quotes1. We don’t see the world as it is; we see it as we are. - Anaïs Nin Really handy to remember when you encounter someone with a negative point of view about everything. It’s not your fault. And you can’t change them unless they change their mindset.2. You will never speak to anyone more than you think to yourself.Do you have a toxic person in your life that spews nothing but poisonous words toward you or others? Or perhaps encountered a stranger with such hostility that left you befuddled? I pity them. For by the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks. -Mt. 12:34Imagine what’s going on in their heads. Imagine what they might have gone through to be the bitter person they are now.Like you, I love hanging out with people whose words are like honey. Genuine, wonderful people who inspire and encourage by their mere presence.Which one are you?3. Ten years from now, make sure you can say that you chose your life; you didn’t settle for it. - Mandy HaleI look back ten years ago when everyone I met would pressure me into “settling down before it’s too late.” Whatever that means.Some of these people are well-meaning. But I’m glad I didn’t give in to that pressure. Truth be told, I wasn’t pressured at all. I’ve had this scary kind of calmness in me, knowing that I am living the life I chose and not what others impose on me.I am confident that ten years from now, my future self will be smiling while looking back because my present self is making conscious decisions that I believe are best for her.I know I would still make mistakes along the way. But...I am doing the best I can with what I have with where I am right now.My life may not be perfect, but it’s a life well-lived.4. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed or both will be good. -Ecclesiastes 11:6Sometimes I get demotivated and think about slacking off even when I know I’ve got a lot of tasks to accomplish. I’d remember this passage. I wrote it down on a post-it and put it beside my mirror so I could see it while preparing for the day.The Bible really is like a life manual. A complete guide. It even teaches us about hard work and mindfulness in sowing for our future.5. Do more of what brings you joy.Life’s too short to live miserably. Live with a purpose. Choose to be happy. Don’t take life for granted.What brings you joy?Walking in nature? Or going to the beach?Watching KDramas, happy dog videos, or ASMR of people cleaning and organizing? (Mine’s the last one).Taking long showers?Drinking tea?Or writing?Do more of it.And avoid things that only bring you anxiety and stress.6. You must get good at one of two things. Planting in the spring or begging in the fall. - Jim RohnI may be too prideful to beg, so I choose to always plant in the spring.I make sure I won’t be a burden to my family. And that I can be generous to them in sharing things I know they’d love.To be financially secure, you don’t have to be a wiz in investing. Instead, some simple budgeting tips and basic investing knowledge are all you need.Read here and learn how to be truly rich.7. Choose someone you enjoy talking with. Because a day will come when that beautiful body will shift. A day will come, there will be one thing left — conversations. - Bo SanchezConversations are priceless. Especially when you and your partner are apart. Physical attraction is a plus, but if you can’t have a heart-to-heart talk with your significant other, life could get complicated.8. Eat the damn cake.A “life is short” quote, if you please. I love desserts - especially cakes. It’s okay to indulge once in a while.From a more figurative view, eating the cake could mean going for something you want or risking trying.9. The grass is always greener where you water it.I used to think my life would improve if I went somewhere where opportunities were more promising. I thought I’d be happier if I did what society said I should.But now I know that life is better and happier when you learn to bloom where you’re planted.You’re more at peace when you follow your heart and ignore the shiny object syndrome.10. Don’t apologize for keeping your circle small and exclusive.Not everyone will celebrate you. Cut off people who are not contributing to your well-being...even if they’re family. If they’re too toxic to be around...If they stunt your growth...If they just keep hurting you...You need to let them go.When God takes someone out of your life, it’s because they’ve already served their purpose. And your next chapter does not require them to play their roles anymore.Protect your inner peace. You owe it to yourself.How about you? What great quotes about life are your favorites? Share them in the comments! 😀
Home 3 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cooling Your Home For Summer 8:59 PM 3 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cooling Your Home For Summer Many of us enjoy the warmth that summer brings. But too much of a good thing could be bad. When summer really heats up, your utility bills generally follow suit. Mainly because you make common mistakes when cooling your home this summer.While running your air conditioning unit around the clock can help turn your home into a comfortably cool oasis from the brutal heat, it can also leave an enormous hole in your finances. By taking a few simple measures and avoiding common blunders, you can significantly reduce AC usage while keeping your home cool all summer long.So, if a cost-effectively cool home is what you’re after, make sure to avoid these three common home cooling mistakes for summer.Mistake #1: Not putting ceiling fans to good use.Dependable ceiling fans are among the most effective cooling aids you should have on hand. If your home needs high-quality fans, there’s no time like the present to buy and install some. Some people consider ceiling fans to be ineffective alternatives to air conditioning. But the right ceiling fans can be a tremendous boon to your summertime cooling efforts – provided, of course, they’re properly utilized. Ceiling fans can work with your mini split AC or central air conditioning system by distributing the cool air it produces to every area of your home.By adjusting the fans’ blades to turn counterclockwise, they can produce a downward-flowing cooling breeze.Ceiling fans are available in a wide range of styles and sizes. If you’re looking to purchase a fan for an area with limited ceiling space, a good flush-mount ceiling fan should be just right for you.Mistake #2: Using your oven while the sun is out.Ovens can generate a fair amount of heat, so much, in fact, that any room adjacent to the oven will likely feel its residual heat. While this can be somewhat convenient throughout the winter, it’s nothing short of uncomfortable during the sweaty summer months. Make it a point to limit oven use over the summer, especially during daylight hours. If you can’t help it, at least wait until the sun has gone down before using it. While being without an oven can present some culinary complications, it can also open up a host of exciting new food prep opportunities. You may be surprised by how many health-conscious, oven-free recipes are available. If you’re fond of backyard barbecues, there’s no better time of year to give the old grill a thorough cleaning and throw on some burgers. By the time fall rolls around and you’ve expanded your culinary repertoire, you may actually be grateful to have been pulled out of your comfort zone.Mistake #3: Keeping curtains and blinds open during the sun’s peak hoursAlthough sunlight can add natural lighting to your home, it can also contribute to excessively warm indoor temperatures, especially during the summer. Minimize the amount of direct sunlight entering your home during daylight hours. You can do this by closing your curtains and/or blinds when the sun is out, and by investing in thermal curtains or blackout curtains. These specialized window dressings are composed of thick thermal materials that help keep indoor sunlight to a minimum. Thermal curtains can also help prevent cool air from your AC from escaping and hot air from outdoors from entering. Additionally, quality window treatments with privacy and light control features offer the dual benefit of maintaining your home's privacy while regulating temperature, making them a practical investment for year-round comfort.During the winter months, these curtains help keep warm air in and cool air out.Cooling an entire house throughout the summer months is no picnic – just ask any homeowner.Depending on the size of your home and the area, running your AC all summer long can significantly deplete your finances. Luckily, there are several easy steps you can take to cool your humble abode more efficiently and cost-effectively. Avoid the three common mistakes above to enjoy a consistently cool home this summer without spending a fortune.
Listicle Top 10 Blog Posts In The Past 10 Years 11:51 PM Can you believe it? We've been together for a decade now!Ten fantabulous years of writing for you. Time does fly when you're having fun. If you're new here, welcome! I'm glad you've stumbled upon this site. I hope you stay. For 10 years or more.To celebrate my 10th blog anniversary, I'll be writing 10 things about different topics. Kicking it off with my top 10 blog posts in the past 10 years of blogging (according to stats). I hope you enjoy revisiting them or reading them for the first time.Top 10 Blog Posts in the Past 10 Years1. About Hush Puppies and Finding Your One True LoveIt seems only yesterday...I was fresh from a heartbreak. In an unfamiliar place. Surrounded by the most toxic people I've ever known. I felt like Eeyore. With a constant storm cloud above me. GfycatAlas, one day...a silver lining! I received a bonus. And since my shoes then were at the end of their life, I went shoe shopping. While looking around for a good pair, I realized that shopping for shoes is like finding your life partner. Finding your one true love as with shoe shopping could take longer and could be frustrating. But in the end, it's rewarding.This is where I shared why. Pinterest2. 16 Reasons Why The Feast Is The Coolest Place To Recover Your FaithThe Catholic faith is boring and superficial. They worship sculptures. They're blind followers.That's what they say.The Feast will show you otherwise. What's The Feast? It's a weekly gathering of the LOJ Family. There's live music and worship, fun and moving talks, and it's lightyears away from boring.I went through a phase when I was thirsting for more, spiritually. I wanted to seek God on a deeper level. Going to mass wasn't enough to quench my thirst. I searched for God in other religions. I'm glad I've found The Feast. I saw God in a different light. A loving Father more than a ruler. A generous provider.An invincible protector.A loyal friend.My vindicator. God is the best life-planner and matchmaker ever.He looks at me with adoration. He's been waiting for me to return without question or judgment.I've met some of my lifelong friends at The Feast, too.The Feast truly is the best place to recover your faith. Check out the other reasons why here.Tenor3. I Choose To Be HappyThis was written when I was down in the dumps and have had enough of my situation. Dramatic but true.I realized...God didn't knit me together in my mother's womb so I'd wake up feeling dejected every day. I've had enough of the dark times. I wanted to see the light. And I realized the only person stopping me from doing so is...Myself.So, I made a choice.I chose to get up and make things happen.I chose forgiveness even when I never received the apology I needed.I chose to be happy then, and I keep choosing happiness today.Read here and find out why you should too.Tenor4. 13 Things You Should Never Apologize ForDo you catch yourself apologizing even when it's unnecessary? I'm sorry, I just have a question.I'm sorry, but I think you should leave.I'm sorry, but that's not funny. It's offensive.It's like we're too scared to rock the boat. And to show how we really feel.Women, especially.GiphyI love this quote from Marianne Williamson:Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? We shouldn't apologize if we shine too brightly for others who choose to stay in the dark.You should not apologize for being yourself (as long as you're not hurting anyone).What are the things you don't apologize for? Here are mine.Shine bright, baby!Giphy5. Life Lessons From Maleficent MovieAnother post about making a choice and how our choices affect our lives.Hold a grudge or forgive?Love or hate?To vindicate or to let go?In every choice we make, there's a consequence. Especially choosing the words that come out of our mouth. Because words are extremely powerful.Maleficent is also about the importance of not judging others based on their appearance.She may have a menacing look but she's got a good heart.She was only temporarily hateful because she was hurt. And you know what they say about women scorned.No? Read about it here.Pinterest6. The Power Of An IntrovertI scored 99% introvert in the personality test I took. No kidding.I'm at peace and at my best when I'm in my own little bubble. When I finally realized that choosing to stay home over partying is not being a killjoy but just being myself, I felt more powerful. In control. And blissful.Oh, the quiet power of an introvert and the fun things we can do.I love to be alone. I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. -Henry David ThoreauAre you an introvert or know someone who is? You should read this.Tumblr7. 25 Powerful Declarations To Shape Your Day & Change Your LifeWords can shape your day and change your life. We all need motivation. Every day.Do you speak encouraging and kind words to yourself? Or do you wake up feeling defeated?This could help you. I love what Annie Dillard said: How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.Copy and paste these 25 declarations here.Giphy8. 10 Signs Your Partner Is A Man-Child And Not A ManBig thanks to guest blogger Tracey Clayton for this enlightening and fun read. Could it be that there are more "man-child" than we think there are? Why the interest in knowing the signs? If you're in a relationship and you're not sure if your partner is a man-child or not, this article is for you.Save yourself from a lifetime of headaches and tears. If you see a red flag, run.Gifer9. Dogs Are Family, Not FoodI wasn't vegan yet when I wrote this. I found out that there is a festival wherein people feast on dog meat. As disgusting and preposterous as it sounds, it's true. It's happening. Every year. I wrote this as a petition. Man is the only one to whom the torture and death of his fellow-creatures are amusing in itself. -James Anthony FroudePLEASE sign the petition because sadly, it's still happening.Tenor10. My Birthday Gratitude ListThankful every day but especially during my birthday. I would look back at the year that has passed (because my birth month is December), and think about how blessed I am. My heart is filled with gratitude as I'm listing down my blessings.Writing down a gratitude list improves your life.You become more mindful and focused.You're more cheerful and optimistic.You'll have fewer worries. Have more energy. More motivated to do more. And you feel more confident that no matter what happens, everything's going to be okay.Make it a habit to write a gratitude list, especially on your birthday. You'll feel more special and you'll appreciate life more.TenorRereading these articles is a trip.I could picture my younger self hunched down on my laptop and baring my soul. What a wonderful 10 years of blogging it has been!Thank you for being a part of it. 😊Tell me which of these top 10 blog posts you enjoyed the most. What has resonated with you? I'd love to read your thoughts in the comments below. This post here may contain affiliate links. Meaning I get a commission if you purchase through my links at no additional cost to you. This helps me maintain my site. Thank you for your support.
Health & Wellness Difference Between A Psychiatrist And A Psychologist In Corpus Christi 7:08 AM The words psychiatrist and psychologist sound similar. Both professionals are trained to handle mental health situations too. So, it's not uncommon to have one confused for the other. But though psychiatrists and psychologists share some similarities, they are not the same. You can ask any psychiatrist in Corpus Christi TX if you want to find out more about their core difference. There are quite a few factors that distinguish them from each other. Here are two of the major differences between a psychiatrist and a psychologist.Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist in Corpus Christi 1. Practice They usually use different equipment in their practice. Sometimes they do not work in the same environment. How a psychiatrist operatesA psychiatrist deals with mental health issues that need medication. Examples of these issues are:bipolar disorderanxiety disorderschizophreniaADHDPTSDThey diagnose these health conditions by carrying out tests likepsychological testslab testsevaluations arrived at from discussions with the patients.The psychiatrist then either prescribes medication or refers the patient to a therapist. Some common medications used by these health care practitioners are: Sedatives Stimulants Mood stabilizers Antipsychotic medications Antidepressants Visit here to find out more about mental health medications. The psychiatrist will keep the patient under close watch. This is to check the med's effectiveness or if there are any negative effects. They will change the dose of medication based on this evaluation. A psychiatrist may also work in the following settings: Hospitals Universities medical centers Prisons Nursing homes Hospice programs Rehabilitation centers Private practices Psychiatric hospitals How Psychologists Operate Psychologists also take care of people with mental health disorders. They would survey, interview, and observe as their major ways to diagnose patients.Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists cannot prescribe medication. In some states though, psychologists with additional qualifications are allowed to. The states that allow this are: New Mexico Louisiana Illinois Iowa Idaho Psychologists in Guam and the military are also allowed to prescribe medicines.They can also work in the same locations as psychiatrists. Talk therapy is their method of treatment. It's where they sit with the patients and talk through their issues.This therapy is usually divided into sessions. It's aimed to help the patient understand the symptoms they have and learn to manage or handle them.A common type of therapy used by psychologists is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This helps the patient overcome pessimistic or depressing thought patterns. Talk therapy may be in the following forms: Patient and Doctor therapy Group therapy Family therapy EducationAside from their practices, their training requirements and educational background are also different.Psychiatrists They graduate with a doctor of medicine degree or a doctor of osteopathic medicine. Visit https://www.healthline.com/health/difference-between-md-and-do to learn their differences. After acquiring the degree, they will need to write an exam that will give them their license to practice.Before they can start practicing, they have to do a residency for 4 years. During this time, they work in outpatient settings and hospitals. This helps them gather experience in the field. They have to take the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology exams to get certified. This certification has to be renewed every ten years. Psychologists These professionals need to finish graduate school. They also need to complete doctorate-level training. For this, they may either pursue a doctor of philosophy or a doctor of psychology. Earning these degrees may take between 4 to 6 years.After getting a doctorate, they need to complete a training program that would span for either a year or two. Finally, they would take a licensing exam. ConclusionConfusing a psychiatrist for a psychologist is a common mistake. They both treat people with mental health issues after all. Despite this similarity, these professions are quite different. The major difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is their practices and educational background.
