Non-Existent

“Safe doesn’t exist. But electronic cigarettes are low risk compared to regular cigarettes. It’s the equivalent of having a four-wheel-drive Volvo compared to a high-powered motorcycle with bald tires in an ice storm.” (David Sweanor)

E-cigarettes seem to be a part of normal life today. Many individuals call them another way to quit smoking relatively risk-free. Are they safe anyone? Before you or someone you care about uses e-cigarettes to quit smoking, get the facts.

If you're a long-term cigarette smoker and haven’t been able to cut back or stop smoking using approved cessation methods, e-cigarettes and other vaping devices products appear to be a safer alternative than continuing cigarette smoking. Do the potential risks to your long-term health outweigh any enjoyment (or benefit) in the the product?

1.   E-cigarettes and other vaping devices are frequently used in addition to smoked cigarettes, rather than in place of them: Many smokers use these products alongside traditional cigarettes often at times and in places where smoking is not allowed or is not convenient. The end result is an increase in total exposure to nicotine and its harmful effects.

 

2.   E-cigarettes and other vaping devices are not FDA approved: These products are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a smoking cessation aid. Until very recently, manufacturers and distributors of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices were not bound by standards of safety set by the FDA for smoked tobacco products. Despite the new regulations, e-cigarette manufacturers are free to project a risk-free image in their marketing, and offer enticing, candy-like flavors that appeal to children, adolescents and young adults.

 

 

3.   E-cigarettes and other vaping devices are not risk-free: Although it’s generally agreed that these products are less harmful than smoking cigarettes, there is no evidence that they are safe. There is a growing body of research to suggest that they may lead to negative health consequences, including: Damage to the brain, heart and lungs, cancerous tumor development, pre-term deliveries and stillbirths in pregnant women, and harmful effects on brain and lung development when use occurs during fetal development or adolescence.

 

4.   E-cigarettes and other vaping devices are not used exclusively by people trying to quit smoking: They are increasingly popular with young people, including those who had never smoked cigarettes previously and never intended to. Research shows that some young people begin to smoke cigarettes only after using e-cigarettes.

 

 

5.   Nicotine can affect brain development and functioning in young people: Young people are particularly vulnerable to using e-cigarettes and vaping devices and to their effects. The younger a person is when he or she tries nicotine the greater the risk of addiction. The developing brain is more vulnerable to the effects of addictive substances than a fully developed adult brain. Nicotine can disrupt brain development, interfere with long-term cognitive functioning, and increase the risk of various mental and physical health problems later in life.  

 

6.   The spread of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices may be re-normalizing smoking behavior: The increase in nicotine devices and products and their widespread availability is reversing some of the progress made over decades of intense global, national, and local efforts to reduce cigarette smoking especially among young people.

7.   There is little consistency across different products: There are limited federal oversight for e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. This makes it difficult to assess the dangers of any specific product. There was considerable variation in the nature and concentration of the ingredients, including nicotine and other known toxins.

 

8.   There is no evidence that the aerosol from these products is safe: There is limited research into the long-term health effects of combining nicotine and other chemicals in e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. It is clear that the additives, heavy metals, ultrafine particles, and other ingredients they contain include toxins and carcinogens.

 

 

9.   They contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug with known health risks: Using nicotine, regardless of how it is delivered, increases the risk of addiction. Nicotine addiction is notoriously difficult to reverse, and addiction to e-cigarettes can lead to using other nicotine products, including smoking cigarettes  as well as alcohol and other drugs. 

 

10.       Using e-cigarettes and other vaping devices is not a proven method for quitting smoking: E-cigarettes and other vaping devices would be a preferred alternative to traditional cigarettes when used exclusively as a replacement and only among smokers who have been unable to quit smoking using proven, medically sound methods. There is little conclusive evidence that they reliably reduce cigarette smoking or lead to smoking cessation.

 “Cigarettes are like squirrels. They are perfectly harmless until you put one in your mouth, and light it on fire.” (Anonymous)[i]

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[i] Adapted from: “10 Surprising Facts about E-Cigarettes” by Linda Richter, PhD

 

Good and Bad

“True friends say good things behind your back and bad things to your face.” (Anonymous)

The Japanese have a term, kenzoku, which translated means "family." This word association suggests a bond between two people who are in a close relationship together that have a  intimate friendship with someone else (no matter the years or distance).

 
Aristotle once described a true friend as a “single soul dwelling in two bodies”  Do you have this in your life? There are certain habits that genuine friends possess, which create that indescribable bond of love. Below are eleven qualities that cement genuine friendships together.

 

1.   They call us out when we’re in the wrong: We all have flaws. Real friends identify them in a helpful manner for accountability’s sake. They’re able to point out some of the negative things you’re doing in addition to the positive. This gentle honesty is what really sets genuine friendships apart from the weaker ones. If it’s a real friend (someone you truly trust), they know they can tell you exactly what’s on their mind. People who are open and straightforward are some of the most important types of friends to have.

 

2.   They have our backs, even when life is difficult:, Close friends always step up and take the initiative  even if it’s something the other person may not want to hear. Supportiveness is crucial in friendships. Honesty isn’t always an easy thing, but it’s important to your bond. Being the best friend you can by being open always works out better.

 

3.   They keep our stress in check: One of the hallmarks of a long-lasting friendship is knowing what makes the other person tick. Genuine friends can sense pressure, and thereby assist in making better decisions. And even when we’re not looking for advice, their presence alone can calm us.

 

4.   They keep us humble: While genuine friends celebrate our accomplishments, they also remind us of our roots. Good friends will keep you in check to some degree and not let your head get oversized. They knew you before you made it big or achieved any accolades. They know the deep-down, base version of you. So not only will they support you when you succeed, but they remind you [of] where you came from.

5.   They make the friendship a priority: As time goes by, our days start to become more busy, we often become more unavailable. But real friends don’t let life interrupt the relationship. If you don’t purposefully make time to see those close friends, it can hinder the friendships overall and it’s one of the main reasons whythis kind of relationship  can go bad.

 

6.   They make us want to be better people: Real friends not only stick with us as we grow, but they also make us want to be better versions of ourselves. Friends aren’t just confidants, but role models. Through their kindness, genuine friends bring out the best in us. This is one of the greatest gifts they have to give

 

7.   They practice forgiveness: We all make judgment errors from time to time when it comes to our relationships. Genuine friendships know how to weather the storm. When conflicts come up, real friends have the courage to reach out directly rather than gossiping and letting irritations grow, Real friends understand, and because they understand they are capable of forgiving.

 

8.   They push us to be more accepting of ourselves: One of our greatest faults can be our negative self-criticism. True friends lift us up when we’re down. People feel better about themselves when they have close, supportive people in their lives..Our closest friends are the ones who beg to differ when our self-opinion starts getting low.

 

9.   They really listen: How many times have you tried to have a conversation with someone only for that person to turn the topic back to him or herself? Somehow the venting moments and the catch-up sessions aren’t quite as fulfilling. Conversations with real friends aren’t one-sided. Being able to have an open, two-way dialogue with someone improves the chances that the relationship is going to be stronger. The basic key to a balanced conversation is actively paying attention to the other person. People who are good listeners validate other people’s feelings. It shows that what they’re saying makes sense.

 

10.       They support us through adversity: It’s one thing to have friends who provide support during times of success. But genuine friends are there through all of our peaks and valleys (the grief, the joy, the failures and everything in between). To be able to know someone enough and to trust them enough to even allow them to support you through tough times is a sign of real friendships. The people who are in your life like that are about as close to family as you can get.

 

11.       They’re present: The greatest gift any friend could ever give is full attention. True friends make their presence a priority. A real friend stays present in the moment by paying attention to your needs along with theirs. One of the ways good friends live in the now is they put their cell phones away when they’re with you. A cell phone eliminates a personal connection with someone. Your best friend knows this, and will abide by this unspoken rule.

 

“Some people aren’t loyal to you. They are loyal to their need of you. Once their need changes,” (Anonymous)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “11 Signs of a Genuine Friendship” by Lindsay Holmes

·        “What Makes A True Friend” by Alex Lickerman M.D.

 

Charged

“Praying in tongues charges your spirit like a battery charger charges a battery.” (Kenneth E. Hagin)

For those individuals that have the current-day gift to speak in tongues (called Glossolalia), this means people say unknown words (and phrases) to the Heavenly Father that few others can understand as part of a spiritual practice.

There are two types of spiritual tongues God can give someone. One is an earthly tongue. If your native language is English, then your Heavenly Father can give you the ability to speak in Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, or some other earthly language.

The other type of tongues that He can be given is a heavenly language one. It will be a foreign language that only the Holy Spirit will give someone the ability to speak out. God will make this heavenly language bubble out whenever He wants it to occur in such times as of prayer, worship, emergencies, or anyplace. The receiver has no control as to when or where this will occur. Below are ways the gift of tongues can benefit these individuals when they pray:

1.      Praying in your heavenly language will build up, strengthen,  and recharge you. “The one who speaks in tongues advances his own spiritual progress,^[a] while the one who prophesies builds up the church.”  (1 Corinthians 14:4, TPT)

2.     Praying in your heavenly language is evidence that the Holy Spirit resides in you. “The Jewish brothers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on people who weren’t Jews.  for they heard them speaking in supernaturally given languages and passionately praising God.” (Acts 10:45-46, TPT)

 

^3.               Praying in your heavenly language builds up your faith, and helps you trust God more fully.  “But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith^[a] by praying every moment in the Spirit.” (Jude 1:20, TPT)

4.     Praying in your heavenly language is a great way to give thanks to God. “So here’s what I’ve concluded. I will pray in the Spirit, but I will also pray with my mind engaged. I will sing rapturous praises in the Spirit, but I will also sing with my mind engaged. Otherwise, if you are praising God in your spirit, how could someone without the gift participate by adding his ‘amen’ to your giving of thanks, since he doesn’t have a clue of what you’re saying? Your praise to God is admirable, but it does nothing to strengthen and build up others.” (1 Corinthians 14:15-17, TPT)

 

5.     Praying in our heavenly language helps us to yield our bodies, to the control of the Holy Spirit. “But the tongue is not able to be tamed. It’s a fickle, unrestrained evil that spews out words full of toxic poison.” (James 3:8, TPT)

 

6.     Praying in our heavenly language helps us to pray God's perfect will, even when we don't know what or how to pray. “And in a similar way, the Holy Spirit takes hold of us in our human frailty to empower us in our weakness. For example, at times we don’t even know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26, TPT)

7.     . Praying in our heavenly language brings us into God's rest and refreshing. So God will use this strange way of talking, and He will use other languages to speak to these people.  In the past he spoke to them and said, “Here is a resting place. Let those who are tired come and rest. This is the place of peace.” But they would not listen to Him. (Isaiah 28:11-12, ERV)

 “When you speak in other tongues, no one understands what you’re saying because you’re speaking to God. It’s a direct communication between your spirit and God. You’re speaking the language that only He understands.” (Chris Oyakhilome)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “Different Kinds of Tongues” by BibleKnowledge.com

·        “Glossolalia” from Wikipedia

·        “Speak in Tongues” by Merriam-Webster

·        “The Many Benefits of Speaking In Your Spiritual Language” by Healing the NW & International Ministries

 

NOTE: Though I have friends that practice both speaking and praying in tongues, it is not something I want to engage in. This post is for my friends that realize this is important in their life. Hopefully, the information provided will answer some of their questions on this topic.

 

 

 

Trust

“Who are you? What do you want? Where are you going? Who do you serve, and who do you trust?”  (Galen of Pergamum)

“This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: I am the one who has the sharp double-edged sword! Listen to what I say.  I know that you live where Satan has his throne. But you have kept true to my name. Right there where Satan lives, my faithful witness Antipas was taken from you and put to death. Even then you did not give up your faith in me.  I do have a few things against you. Some of you are following the teaching of Balaam.

Long ago he told Balak [i]to teach the people of Israel to eat food that had been offered to idols and to be immoral. Now some of you are following the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Turn back. If you don’t, I will come quickly and fight against these people. And my words will cut like a sword.  If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To everyone who wins the victory, I will give some of the hidden food I will also give each one a white stone with a new name written on it. No one will know that name except the one who is given the stone.” (Revelation 2:12-17, CEV)

Pergamum was a rich and powerful ancient Greek city in Aeolis. It is located 16 miles from the coastline of the Aegean Sea, and northwest of the modern city of Bergama.

The people of Pergamum were inventors and innovators. They perfected a parchment made out of calfskin, and built the world's first psychiatric hospital. Pergamum was also a well-known center for the arts. The city’s theater seated ten thousand people a night. The acoustics were so good that a whisper on stage could be heard all the way in the top row.

Its library was the second largest in the ancient world. Its collection was so great that the Roman general Marc Antony presented it as a wedding gift to Cleopatra. The people of Pergamum were known as the Temple Keepers of Asia. The city had three temples dedicated to the worship of the Roman emperor, another for the goddess Athena, and the Great Altar of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods.

Many scholars believe this altar is the throne of Satan mentioned in the book of Revelation. The city also had a healing center called the Asklepion, built in honor of Asklepios, the Greek serpent-god. In the first century, this was a cross between a hospital and a health spa. Unless they were terminally ill, patients could get everything from a mud bath to a major surgery. The Church of Pergamum had much that God wanted to communicate with them about.

1.   Though this church had courageous loyalty, the congregation was making little compromises in their everyday lives.

“Compromise is a word found only in the vocabulary of those who have no will to fight.” (Josemaria Escriva)

2.   The remedy to the Church of Pergamum’s problem was repentance with confession and commitment. If this is done the reward from Jesus will be contentment and approval from your Heavenly Father.

“True repentance never leads to despair. [It] leads home. It leads to grace.” (John Ortberg)

“The best physician is also a philosopher.” (Galen of Pergamum)[ii]

Ancient City of Pergamum

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[i]  2.14 Balaam: According to Numbers 22-24, Balaam refused to disobey the Lord. But in other books of the Old Testament, he is spoken of as evil (see Deuteronomy 23.4, 5; Joshua 13.22; 24:9, 10; Nehemiah 13.2).

 

[ii] Inspired by the sermon “Dear Church, Stay Loyal” (installment three) Sunday, January 21, 2018 Pastor Dave Jansen CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH
 Additional sources used:

·        “Pergamon” by Cristian Violatti

·        “The Seat of Satan: Ancient Pergamum” by Gordon Robertson

·        “Pergamon” from Wikipedia

 

 

Fading

“Although my memory's fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” (John Newton)

Memory loss isn’t a simple thing, and there are many factors to consider with this challenge.  If you're having memory problems, talk to your doctor to get appropriate care. Normal age-related memory loss won't prevent you anyone from living a full, productive life. Simple changes with your memory can be adjusted to not disrupt your ability to experience every part of your existence. Do you know the four different types of memory?

 

1.   Long-Term Memory: Long-term memory is our brain's system for storing, managing, and retrieving information.Long-term memories are from a few weeks to early memories from life.

 

2.   Sensory Memory: Sensory memory is only capable of retaining information for a very short period of time. This type of memory allows your eye to have a larger field of vision by remembering images that your eye has already focused on. It is only about 3 seconds long. It relates to recalling sensory experiences (memories related to seeing, hearing, tasting, etc.)

 

3.   Short-Term Memory: Short-term memory is the small amount of time that you keep something in mind before either dismissing it or transferring it to long-term memory.The amount of time concerning short-term can be from a couple of seconds up to a few days.

 

4.   Working Memory: Working memory is what allows our brains to keep limited amounts of information stored up long enough to use it. It helps to process thoughts and to form plans, as well as to develop ideas. The short-term memory and the working memory work together.

“You have to begin to lose your memory, if only in bits and pieces, to realize that memory is what makes our lives. Life without memory is no life at all... Our memory is our coherence, our reason, our feeling, even our action. Without it we are nothing.” (Luis Bunuel) [i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “Four Types of Memory Loss” by the Terra Vista Foundation

·        “Memory Loss: When to Seek Help” by Mayo Clinic Staff

·        “Sensory Memory” by AlleyDog.com

·        “Types of Memory” by BrainHQ

 

A Lifeline

“Online learning can be a lifeline to those who have obstacles such as geographical distances or physical disabilities.” (Paul Levinson)
 
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Today information is more easily accessible than ever before. Within a few seconds, anyone can know just about anything thanks to the Internet. 2.3 million Google searches happen per minute on an average day.

Some individuals may never completely understand what it was like to have to wait to go to the library, look up several books on the topic, and search through the pages before finding answers to their questions.

The Internet (and today’s technology) has brought with it many ways to gain from learning online. Whether it’s a quick search from a phone (or enrolling in an online course) students can now learn anything from anywhere. This is a tremendous advancement when it comes to education.

No matter what stage you are in life; knowledge is still possible through the various types of online learning. Don’t be afraid to try new things, to explore interests, or to chase your career dreams. Online learning is remarkable in the fact that you can learn vast amounts of information at your fingertips, and at your own pace. Perhaps consider downloading an educational program to try something new. Here are five types of online learning that offer benefits to everyone:

1.   Educational Applications/Programs: There are countless applications (apps) or programs which enable supplemental online learning while at the same time offering a fun experience for students (at any age).

Even adults can benefit from learning apps covering a variety of subjects from astronomy to world languages. The mobility of these learning systems allows for adaptability to a student’s individual lifestyle and can be utilized anytime and anywhere.

2.   Online college courses: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are classes offered on a large scale, and that are not limited to enrollment in a particular university. People choose to take these either for career or academic advantage, and the courses are not necessarily applicable towards earning a degree. There are some students who are able to earn credits or meet prerequisites through MOOCs. It depends on their institution of higher learning.

Whether it is an adult looking to further their education or a recent high school graduate wanting flexibility in class scheduling, enrolling in an online college enables a student to earn a degree without the constraints of traditional campus learning. With the popularity of online courses today, just about any degree is offered while still being able to attend credible and notable colleges.

3.   Online public (or private) k–12 schools: For elementary, middle, and high school students, numerous online learning options are available. Many states offer full-time tuition-free public schools, which facilitate a public school education in the home.

For students in those states not providing the online public school option or for families specifically wanting an alternative to public school, many online private K–12 schools are available. As a parent or Learning Coach of an online student, you would be surprised how much you learn yourself as you are integrally involved in your child’s education.

4.   Self-Education: Whether students are self-motivated (or curious) they can search the Internet for an expansive supply of educational information. Search engines (and sites such as YouTube) offer a collection of articles, videos, and images related to most topics.

People looking to become more knowledgeable in a particular area are able to use the vast array of free online resources for research and education. Discretion should be used as not all websites and sources are accurate or reliable.

5.   Supplemental online education: From preschool to graduate school, students can supplement their education through online resources. Selective online classes enable students who desire to extend their learning in a particular area to study beyond that which is offered at their current school. Supplemental online courses also help those students struggling with a particular subject to receive further education and assistance.

Even looking beyond the educational arena, anyone looking to become a subject matter expert out of a love for learning or to advance their career, can greatly benefit from any number of supplemental online education offerings. Online certifications are also available for a variety of careers including popular ones such as nursing, information technology, web design, and business administration.

“Online education then can serve two goals. For students lucky enough to have access to great teachers, blended learning can mean even better outcomes at the same or lower cost. And for the millions here and abroad who lack access to good, in-person education online learning can open doors that would otherwise remain closed.” (Daphne Koller)[i]

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[i] Adapted from: “Five Types of Online Learning for You and Your Student” by Letise Dennis

Dedicated to Gracie White