Celebration

“Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility.” (Acts 2:46, TPT)

Authentic Biblical Community (ABC) is known as the building blocks of God's church. Small groups can be an incredible expression of community. ABC is more than a Bible study, or biblical passion.  ABC goes back to the very nature of God. He exists in community, yearns to have community between Himself and us, and desires for us to have ABC with one another. ABC was the design for how Jesus led the twelve disciples, and carried out His earthly ministry.

Jesus was the cornerstone on which the church was established, but ABC was the foundation on which He built it. ABC is the building blocks on which we reach the lost, grow spiritually, and develop leaders in the church. ABC is not the purpose or focus, but simply the environment in which we carry out our mission to make disciples of all nations with just one relationship at a time.  What are the building blocks of ABC?

1.     Corporate worship involves committing to weekly church attendance; coming early to church; and staying to meet visitors; and introducing people you don’t know to those you already know.

 

2.     Small groups (6 to 16 people) are important to join for your development as a Christian; make regular group time a priority a priority in your life; and be sure disciples are forming in your group.

 3.     Personal discipleship is helping one or two people become more Christ-like in their daily lives.

 “Relationship and connectedness are the pre-condition for change. Every meeting, every process, every training program has to get people connected first. Otherwise the content falls on deaf ears. So small groups are an essential building block to any future you want to create.” (Peter Block)[i]

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[i] Inspired by the sermon “Created for Community: The Building Blocks of Community” (installment three) Sunday September 23, 2018 Pastor Dave Jansen CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH.

Additional sources used:

·        “ABC: The Building Blocks of Community” by Michael C. Mack

·        “Goals for Personal Discipleship” by Xenos Christian Fellowship   

 

 

Meaning

I love the “National Anthem.” I’m a veteran, and it just has a special meaning. (Joe Allen)

I have my own opinion about standing for the “National Anthem.” That opinion comes from being taught that it is just what you do. Before any event, you are asked to stand for the “National Anthem,” so we stand. So, today, I decided I would research why we are asked or expected to do so. So, whether you agree or not, here are some facts (not opinions). And based on those facts, you can decide on how you feel about the whole situation.

Americans have stood for the U.S. flag since June 14, 1777.In August 1814, the White House and U.S. Capitol lay in ashes after the British military burned the public buildings in Washington D.C. Americans understandably feared that the British flag would soon fly over all of America again.

Three weeks after the sacking of Washington, Francis Scott Key, a Maryland attorney who politically oppose the current president, was so moved at seeing the U.S. flag flying victoriously at the end of the battle for Baltimore’s Fort McHenry, that he wrote lyrics for “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the song we now call the “National Anthem.”

1.     We stand for the flag not for our generation, but to set an example for the next generation. And yes, that includes sporting events.

 

2.     We stand for the flag not to focus on what divides us, but on what unites us, which is being an American.

 

3.     We stand for the flag not to pledge allegiance to a president, but to honor the reality that we have an elected president (and not a lifetime king).

 

4.     We stand for the flag today not to please ourselves but to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

 5.     We stand not because of past or present pain caused by injustice, but to salute the principle of justice.

 “Being in a wheelchair has made everyday things difficult. Things you wouldn’t imagine. Like the looks I get at high school basketball games when they tell everyone to stand for the “National Anthem.” (Travis J. Dahnke)[i]

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[i] This post was adapted from a post on my sister Kim’s Facebook page.

Troubled

I asked God, "Why are you taking me through troubled water?" He replied, "Because your enemies can't swim."   (Anonymous)

“Part the Waters”

When I think I'm going under, part the waters, Lord
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me, Lord
And hold out Your hand
Touch my life Still the raging storm in me
Knowing You love me,
through the burdens I must bear
Hearing Your footsteps,
lets me know I'm in Your care
And in the night of my life,
You bring the promise of day
Here is my hand, show me the way

When I think I'm goin' under,
part the waters Lord
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me Lord
and hold out Your hand
Touch my life, and still the raging storm in me

Knowing You love me,
helps me face another day
Hearing Your footsteps,
drives the clouds and fears away
And in the tears of my life,
I see the sorrow You bore
Here is my pain, heal it once more
When I think I'm goin' under,
part the waters Lord
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me Lord
and hold out Your hand
Touch my life, and still the raging storm in me

We’ve all had days (and maybe even years) when the storms of life just take us under, and we’re not quite sure how we’ll come through on the other side. In everyone’s life, there are seasons where nothing seems to be working out right. In the grand scheme of things, a stressful day doesn’t impact life a great deal, but in those longer times of joblessness, sickness, financial stress, and marriage strain, the frustration can seem overwhelming at times. Struggles in life are inevitable, but destruction is optional. Remembering these principles about your Heavenly Father can make all the difference in the world:

1.   He has a better plan for you: He knows what’s best for you. He knows what you need not what you want. He is planning the perfect timing for all the events of your life.

 

2.   He is listening: He is listening to your prayers, your fears, your pain and your silence. He is listening to what you are asking for, and in time He will either give you what you were asking for or something much better.

 

3.   He is making you stronger: With every unanswered prayer, disappointment, hurdle, and loss, He is making you stronger. He is giving you the strength you need so you can be strong for others. So you can be a stronger person.

 

4.   He wants you to believe in miracles:  He is bringing you small miracles so you can believe in the big miracles. In every dream of yours that comes true or in every pleasant surprise you get. He’s making miracles happen. He’s a God of magic, wonder and hope and he wants you to believe that. 

 

5.   He wants you to grow: He wants to you to change. He wants you to learn things the hard way. He wants you to evolve. He wants you step outside of your comfort zone. He wants you to lose your way so you can find Him and find yourself. He wants you to be wise and strong, and He wants you to prosper.

 

6.   He wants you to know He loves you: He loves you more than you know. He may be hard on you sometimes, but He loves you. He may not give you everything you asked for, but He loves you. No matter how many mistakes you’ve made, or how many times you got angry with Him. He still loves you. He forgives you, and He is turning your life around. He doesn’t love you for your money, looks, or status. He loves you for you. God loves you more in a moment than anyone could in a lifetime.

 

7.   He wants you to know you’re never alone:  He is always there with you when you’re scared or confused. He is there with you. When you’re afraid of the dark, He is there with you. When you are crying late at night and you think no one can hear you, He can hear you. When you’ve given up on your life and on love and think you have no one, you have Him. No matter where you are, He is always with you, and He wants you to know that He is enough.

 

8.   He wants you to trust Him: He wants you to have faith in Him. He wants you to leave the big things (the uncontrollable things) up to Him.  He wants you to believe in Him. He wants you to go back to Him when you think you have no one. He wants you to trust that He will provide for you when you lose everything. He will always rescue you before you drown.

 

9.   He will answer your questions:  He will show you why something didn’t work out. He will show you why you lost a loved one, or why He tested you so much. He will make things clear to you.

  

10.       He will heal you:  He will heal your broken heart. He will ease your restless mind, and He will solve the mystery of your puzzled thoughts. He wants you to be patient.

 “If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.” (Frank Lane)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “10 Things God Wants You to Remember When Life Gets Rough” by Rania Naim

·        “4 things God wants you to remember when life is hard” by Dave Willis

 

Too Small

“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden. “ (Corrie ten Boom)

Dear Heavenly Father,

My mind is swirling with all the things I need to do today. I have a hard decision make and I just don't know what to do. I feel helpless and confused. I'm worried about the consequences to my decision. I worry about the impact my decision will have not only on myself but on others as well. I fear making the wrong decision.

The Bible tells me that if I seek after wisdom you will provide it. So I am seeking you, my fountain of wisdom. You've written everything you want me to know in the pages of your Word. I pray that as I read it that you will shape my desires. I pray that it would impress on me what matters most to You. I pray that as I consider the decision before me, that I would remember what Your word teaches about your control over all things. 

You know this problem before me. You know how it will turn out. You know the end from the beginning. Nothing happens apart from Your plan. Not only are You sovereign, but you are good. All your plans are holy, righteous, and good. I can trust that you know what is best for me. When I move forward with this decision, I know that You will use it for my good and Your glory. 

Forgive me for getting caught up in wanting to know the future, and how everything turns out. Forgive me for treating You like a "magic gumball machine." Forgive me for fearing the future and for waiting around in the hopes that the answer will be written on the wall. Help me to trust in who you are. Help me to know that if you gave up Your own Son to save me from sin; that You will be with me in all the challenges and decisions of my life? There is nothing and no one that can separate me from You; I have nothing to fear.

You are my Rock, my Savior, and my Deliverer. Be with me as I move forward in this time of confusion and difficulty. Above all, may Your will be done on earth, and in my life, In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

For those who are new to their faith, prayer can seem overwhelming. How do I talk to God, and what does that mean? Are there things I’m supposed to say? Are there things I’m not allowed to say? Is there a set prayer, or do I just make one up?

Even for those who have been in a relationship with the Lord for many years, prayer can still seem challenging for a whole host of reasons. It can get stale, feel useless, or just seem to lose its power. So what do we do when we need new words to pray? How we can we revitalize our prayer lives? Here are some ideas:

·        Pray as you think on one word: If the idea of prayer is overwhelming, choose just one word to focus on. Maybe it’s “peace” or “grace” or “strength.” Think about what that word means, remember verses or songs you have heard that include that word, think about what that word means for you in your faith, and ask God to show you new things about that word. Prayer doesn’t need to be lengthy or complicated. It can be as simple as just focusing on one word and praying something like, “Lord, I need peace. I want peace. Show me what peace looks like. May I experience more of Your peace this week.”

·        Pray in questions: The questions about faith or who God is or why things have happened in our lives seem overwhelming. It can be hard to get past them to feel like we can actually pray, but why not pray those questions and take them to God? You don’t have to have any answers, and you might not even feel like your questions are immediately answered, but just honestly come before the Lord and list all of your doubts, worries, fears, uncertainty to him in prayer.

·        Pray the Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:9-15 gives us a prayer straight from the mouth of Jesus. Read through these words and repeat them to yourself line by line. Read it in several translations (check out biblegateway.com), and compare the different ways they word this prayer. Write it out, reflect on it, and learn to memorize the famous words of this prayer.

·        Pray the words of hymns or contemporary modern music: So many hymns come from scripture, and the poetic way that hymns present themes of our faith is a beautiful way to pray.

·        Pray through journaling: This is something I’ve found personally to be extremely helpful journaling my prayers, as random or rambling as they may be, helps me focus on what I’m saying and process through my emotions. An added bonus of journaling prayer is being able to look back over them and see how the Lord has answered and moved in your life.

·        Pray through passages of scripture: The book of Psalms is an excellent place to start. There are psalms for when our souls feel troubled (Psalm 6), for when we are filled with joy (Psalm 30), for when we are praising His deeds (Psalm 66), for when we desire revival (Psalm 85), for when we need help (Psalm 109), and for all other emotions we experience as well.

·        Pray through the names of Jesus: There are so many names for the Lord all throughout scripture, and when we don’t have words to pray, just speaking them can be a comfort to our souls. Abba Father (Galatians 4:6); Prince and Savior (Acts 5:31); Chosen One (Isaiah 42:1); King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15); Immanuel (Matthew 1:23); Stronghold, Refuge, Savior (2 Samuel 22:3); and the list continues. Say these names in prayer and think about what they mean for your life.

·        Pray using the ACTS acrostic:

A stands for adoration or worship.
C stands for confession.
T stands for thanksgiving.
S stands for supplication.
This is a helpful way of orienting ourselves in prayer and giving ourselves a simple blueprint to follow.

 “Prayer pulls the rope below, and the great bell rings above in the ears of God. Some scarcely stir the bell, for they pray so languidly; others give but an occasional pluck at the rope; but he who wins with heaven is the man who grasps the rope boldly and pulls continuously, with all his might.” (Charles Spurgeon)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “8 Things to Pray When You Don't Know What to Say” by BibleStudyTools.com

·        “A Prayer for When You Don't Know What to Do” by Christina Fox

 

Gravy

“Carbonation is the greatest invention since gravy.” (Colonel Harland Sanders)

They’re all bubbly, refreshing, and fun to drink, but is there any real difference between sparkling water, seltzer, club soda and tonic water? Lots of us choose these sparkling drinks as a healthier alternative to pop, but they may actually make you hungrier. [i] Seltzer is naturally or artificially flavored water that has had carbonation added to it, and is sodium-free.

True mineral water comes from a natural, unpolluted, underground source and contains small amounts of natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium and sodium. The carbonation may be naturally occurring, or it may be added.  Club soda (soda water) is a mix of carbonated water with sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and potassium sulfate, to enhance the flavor.

Tonic Water is sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup, and contains citric acid, sodium benzoate (as a preservative), quinine (a naturally occurring chemical and bitter flavor) and other natural flavors. Quinine can interact with certain medications such as blood thinners, statins and antacids.

Of the above waters, soda water flavored with citrus is delicious, and it’s a great way to increase water intake. Did you know soda water has many other uses besides hydration?

1.   Clean Car Windshields: Soda water is great for removing bird droppings and greasy stains from the car windshields. Keep a spray bottle of soda water ready to go in your car. The carbonation makes it easier to clean.

 

2.   Clean Precious Gems: Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds can all be cleaned with soda water. Soak your precious gems in soda water to give them a nice sheen. All you need to do is drop them in a glass of soda water overnight, and you’ll have beautiful, shiny gems waiting for you in the morning.

3.   Clean Your Kitchen: Soda water can be used to clean all your kitchen appliances. Pour it directly on countertops, stovetops, and in sinks. Let the bubbles work their magic before wiping it off with a soft cloth. To clean other appliances like the fridge, pour the soda water onto a soft cloth and start wiping. For a deeper clean, add a bit of salt and remember to rinse the area with water afterwards.

4.   Eliminate Urine Stains: Soda water can be used to clean urine stains from carpet. Before applying t soda water, blot as much urine as possible. Once you’ve poured soda water on the area, blot again to absorb more urine. This will remove the stain as well as the stench.

5.   Give Plants a Mineral Boost: We’re not the only ones who like carbonated water. Plants love it too. The minerals in soda water help green plants grow. You can use soda water once a week on both indoor and outdoor plants.

6.   Improve Cast-iron Cleanup: If you have a cast-iron, you probably know you’re not supposed to use soap on it. If you don’t scrub immediately after cooking in it, food gets caked on and cleaning becomes a real chore. The carbonation in soda water acts like soap bubbles to remove tough food spots without damaging to coating. Of course, just like hot water, it works better you apply it right away after cooking.

  

7.   Make Pancakes Fluffier: Do you struggle to make your pancakes and waffles airy and light? Substitute soda water for the liquid called for in your recipe and you’ll be amazed at the results.

8.   Remove Fabric Stains: Soda water is a great stain remover for fabrics. As soon as you spill something, pour soda water on the spot and gently rub it in. For tougher stains you might to scrub for vigorously. Most restaurants and bars have soda water so keep this in mind if you ever get something on your clothing while eating out.

 

9.   Remove Rust: Did you know soda water can be used to loosen rusty nuts and bolts. The carbonation works away at the rust, making it easier to loosen things up.

 

10.       Restore Hair Color: If you have blond hair, you’ve probably experienced green hair after swimming in a pool with chlorine. There’s actually a simple fix for this. Instead of rushing to shower give your hair a quick rinse with soda water and it will be back to normal.

 

11.       Soothe an Upset Stomach: Whether you ate too much ate something you shouldn’t have, or got the flu, soda water can calm your upset stomach. For extra effect, add a dash of bitters. This combination works wonders.

If you use water, club soda or a diet drink, you're not adding calories. Most other mixers add significant calories and in some cases, more than double the calories per drink.  (Patricia Collette)[ii]

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[i] If you dig a little into how the study was done, you'll find that soda (both regular and diet) was used not plain sparkling water. The study was done in rats and showed that fizzy drinks caused them to eat more and therefore gain more weight over a six month period. The weight gain was linked to a hormone called ghrelin. The researchers did repeat the study in 20 young men and found that their blood levels contained more ghrelin after consuming the soda than after drinking regular water or flat soda. It's definitely interesting, but one small study in rats with soda doesn't mean that your sparkling water habit will make you gain weight.

 

[ii] Sources used:

·        “11 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do With Soda Water” by Julie Bell Follow

·        “What's the difference between seltzer, sparkling water, club soda and tonic water?” by Frances Largeman-Roth

 

Dangerous

"The most dangerous lies are the ones we tell ourselves."”The most dangerous lies are the ones you tell yourself.” (Anonymous)

Once upon a time, Lucifer (Satan) tried to take over Heaven. He failed and was kicked out of that glorious place, and doomed to eternal punishment. Along with his demons (fallen angels). He seeks vengeance, but can’t he can’t touch God. The only thing Satan can do in revenge against God is to hurt you. Someone the Heavenly Father dearly loves

Satan desires for each of us to live selfish, miserable, lonely lives. He whispers his temptations in the most attractive and convincing manner possible. He wants to undermine your trust in your Heavenly Father. Satan will tell any lie in order to get you to do the wrong thing, but you don’t have to fall for it.

The truth is that nothing in the world will satisfy you other than God. Satan enjoys lying to one of society’s most impressionable member, the teenager. Read the dishonesty below that Satan wants teenagers to believe. Whether they take this as truth is up to all adults:

1.   Follow your heart and do what feels right: Our culture says, “If it feels right, do it.” Our heart lies to us. What does Scripture say about the heart? “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 NASB) Our dreams, desires and wants are marred by sin.

Following our heart leads us from idol to idol, relationship to relationship, and we end up broken. I have heard many teenagers say, “I know I shouldn’t have sex with my boyfriend/girlfriend, but I’m following my heart. It just feels right.” Feelings lie. The truth is that we do not know what we want.

2.   If you are not involved in a romantic relationship, there is something wrong with you: I started dating someone in high school mainly because I feared people would think I was weird if I was single. That decision led my walk with Jesus into a downward spiral where I eventually hit rock bottom. Satan wants you to compromise for a relationship, instead of waiting on God’s best. There is nothing wrong with you. Christ is setting you apart and preparing you for your future spouse. Do not settle. Set your standards high.

3.   You are just a youth: Satan wants you to think that, because of your youth, you cannot make a difference. Jeremiah used this excuse when God called him; however, God told him that He would work through him (Jeremiah 1:4-8). Paul told Timothy not to let anybody discourage him because he was young (1 Timothy 4:12). God used David, Samuel, Mary and others who were young. Do not use age as an excuse. Use it to your advantage. God’s plan for your life begins now not later.

 

4.   Your identity hinges on others opinions of you: Everyone struggles with this lie. I enjoyed my childhood, but I hated middle school because I did not know who I was or what group I fit in. I thought I was weird because I did not fit into a particular group, but still felt I was supposed to. Do not compromise your identity for acceptance.

Your identity is not in friends or relationships. It is in Christ alone. If you forget that, you will make decisions based on being “accepted” when Christ has already accepted you. Understanding your identity leads to healthy relationships with God and others.

5.   Your parents are stupid: If the enemy can convince of this, it will erode your foundation. Humans struggle with authority beginning with God’s authority, then our parents’ authority. If we cannot submit to authority, we will always have problems.

There are some bad parents, but for the most part, parents love their children, and their rules are for a reason. Parents are not stupid. Glean from their wisdom and experience. Save yourself a lot of heartache by listening to your parents. They are your biggest advocates.

“A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. “ (Winston Churchill)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “31 Sneaky Lies the Enemy Wants You to Believe” by beliefnet

·        “5 lies Satan wants teens to believe” by Clayton King

This post was inspired by the Netflix documentary Kirk Cameron: Connect.

 

 

Awkward

That awkward moment when you realize every house has a particular smell, but you can’t smell the one at your house.” That awkward moment when you realize every house has a particular smell, but you can’t smell the one at your house.” (Teenager Post #5041)

Houses are full of smells. From what pets you have to what laundry detergent you use. Every house and family has a signature scent. We’re all so used the smells around our home that we no longer smell them. When there’s a peculiar scent, it get’s noticed. For instance, the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven is an attention grabber.

Not all house smells are good ones like stinky trash that’s overdue for the dumpster, a teenager’s body odor, and animal urine. The smells you should really be worried about are the ones that suggest something is seriously wrong in your home. It’s important to be hyperaware of the following smells to keep you safe. Some smells can cause health problems, fires, or even death. Let’s take a closer look at five domestic odors you should pay attention to if they occur in your home.

1.   A Dog: If you notice a wild, animal-like smell like a dog in need of a bath, you could have an animal or insect problem. Rodents, raccoons, and squirrels are all prone to getting trapped in neglected parts of a home like the attic or walls. However, if the smell is a noxious, sickly smell, there is probably an insect nest or a dead animal trapped somewhere in the plumbing or air ducts.

Call a professional Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) repair or plumbing company to come inspect your home’s systems and get your home back to smelling right.

2.   Dirty Socks: If you smell a musty or moldy odor, you could have a mold problem—some people say that mold smells like dirty socks or feet. Mold can vary in severity from being merely an inconvenience to being dangerously toxic, so it’s important to address the issue immediately. People with asthma and allergies can find that their symptoms are made worse by exposure to mold.

If you do find mold, disinfect non-porous substances like tile with a solution of bleach and water, and let it sit for a few minutes before venting the area. If your mold outbreak is in dry wall, it’s best to have a professional remove and replace these areas. If you can’t see the mold, it could be in the walls or ceiling, meaning you’ll need to call your local health department or a home inspector to find the problem.

3.   Nothing: Out of all the dangers posed by substances in a home, one is particularly deadly, and doesn’t contain any detection substances like mercaptan. Carbon monoxide doesn’t smell like anything, and yet it can be absorbed by the human body in minutes leading to unconsciousness, illness or death. Sources of carbon monoxide in a home can include space heaters, gas, and wood stoves, and fireplaces.

That’s why it’s important to keep a carbon monoxide detector in your home, as well as a smoke detector. They work off a variety of technologies. In a biomimetic sensor, a gel changes color when it absorbs carbon dioxide, triggering an alarm. Others use circuit chips or chemical solutions to detect carbon monoxide and trigger an alarm. Install one carbon monoxide detector per floor to ensure that the gas doesn’t become trapped in one area.

If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, move everyone outside into the fresh air. Carbon monoxide exposure can produce flu-like symptoms, so if these signs are present, call 911 immediately. If you can, open your doors and windows before heading outside to vent the gas from your home. Don’t re-enter the home until the alarm stops, or the authorities say it’s safe to return home. Contact a professional to evaluate your heating appliances and any other potential sources of carbon monoxide to prevent a future incident.

4.   Rotten Eggs: The smell of rotten eggs is instantly recognizable, and can be an indicator of a serious problem in your home. The two most common sources of a rotten egg smell are a natural gas leak, and escaping sewer gas. In its natural state, natural gas is actually odorless. That’s why utility companies inject a substance called mercaptan, which emits an odor that smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. If there’s a very strong smell, you could have a substantial natural gas leak.

Leave the area, call 911 from a safe place, and call your utility company so they can send out a technician as well. It’s also important not to smoke or use matches or lighters because natural gas is flammable. If you detect a faint smell of rotten eggs on occasion, you may have a leak of sewer gas, which contains toxic elements including hydrogen sulfide and methane. Often the source of sewer gas is a bathroom that isn’t used very often. The pipes under a shower or sink have a u-shaped trap where water usually blocks sewer gas from leaking back into a home.

To create that barrier, simply pour a cup of water into the bathroom drain. If you can’t find the source of the sewer gas leak in your plumbing, the issue could be a vent pipe, which disperses sewer gas through a home’s roof. If you can’t find the source, simply call a home inspector or plumber to investigate.

5.   Smoke: If you smell smoke in your home, exit it through the nearest door or window, and call 911. Don’t return to the home, and don’t worry about turning off the electricity because your local fire department will shut off utilities when they arrive. It’s also critical to know what your smoke detector sounds like so you and your family will recognize it in the event of a fire.

Another urgent task is to change the batteries in your smoke detector annually, and check that they’re working at least once a month. Another key smell that could indicate that you have an electrical short somewhere is a pungent “fish” smell. This smell often indicates that there’s a burning electrical implement somewhere in your home.

 As it turns out, electrical wires and other manufactured plastic components emit a fishy smell when they’re exposed to high heat. If you smell this particular odor, take a look at your outlets and electrical components to see if anything is melting or otherwise malfunctioning.

 “If your house smells good, people perceive you as a good person. If there is a bad smell, people may perceive you another way.”  (Alan R. Hirsch)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “8 Highly Dangerous House Smells That Should Not Be Ignored” by Kate Taylor

·        “HVAC” from Wikipedia

·        “Top Five Smells to Be Concerned About in your Home” by StormGuard

This post was inspired by the Rossen Reports (“Home Explosion Danger”) on the Today Show, Tuesday, September 18, 2018.