Cascia Talbert's Blog, page 55

Ideas for Moms Trying to Get Back in Shape

by LouAnn Moss

Getting back in shape can be a tall order for many mothers. Parents have many responsibilities that require them to put their children’s needs before their own. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in some time to take care of yourself. Here are some ideas for moms trying to get back in shape.

Work Out at Home

Finding the time to leave your home and get to a gym can be extremely difficult when you’re raising kids. One of the easiest ways to get in a good workout is to evaluate your fitness goals and invest in the right home fitness equipment for your needs. By creating a home gym—even if it consists of just a few dumbbells and resistance bands—you won’t have to leave the house, and you can easily sneak in workouts.

Try Zumba

Another way to exercise at home is to try Zumba. If you’re unfamiliar, Zumba is an exercise program that incorporates dancing. It’s a great cardio exercise you can easily do in the comfort of your own home. You can find various instructional videos online that will help guide and motivate you.

Go Jogging with Your Little Ones

A creative idea for moms trying to get back in shape is for them to bring their small children with them on a jog. Push your child in a stroller as you jog to get in a good cardio workout. This also isn’t a bad workout for your arms, either. There are plenty of trails and sidewalks where you can take you child for a jog, even if it’s around the block.

Eat Clean with Your Kids

The next step can be beneficial for both you and your kids. Kids can be picky, and dieting can be difficult when their preferences influence what you eat. Put aside the snacks and pick up healthy foods at the grocery store for you and your family. Encourage yourself to eat clean and set a good example for your children in the process. Sticking to a diet can be much easier when others participate with you; having your children eat healthy (yet age-appropriate) foods along with you will benefit everyone.

Find the Right Time to Exercise

The final way to get healthy is to figure out how to fit workouts into your busy schedule. Children can be unpredictable, but getting them on a routine can be great for your own well-being. Try to exercise in the morning before they wake up, when they’re at school, or after you’ve put them to bed. You can also try to find time to work out when your partner is around so that they can watch the kids while you exercise.

While finding the time to exercise as a mother can be difficult, it is possible. Taking care of yourself is also important, so you can be at your best when you take care of your children. By sticking to a schedule and doing your workouts at home, you can remain in good shape and continue to live a healthy lifestyle.

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The article Ideas for Moms Trying to Get Back in Shape by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Natural Ways to Rid Your Home of Pests and Bugs

by LouAnn Moss

Pests can be more than a nuisance. They’re unsightly, and many can cause health issues. From asthma to infected bites, pests need to be dealt with before they become a major issue. Keep your home bug and pest free with our simple ways to keep pests out of your home.

Keep a Clean Home

Maintaining a clean home is the first line of defense to keeping bugs and pests out. Make sure food and debris is always cleaned up right after a spill happens; pests can make a meal out virtually anything. A proper cleaning routine is the easiest natural way to rid your home pests.

Fill Cracks and Crevices

Pests survive by finding small areas to hide where they can easily access food. To help keep pests out of your home, patch up all the small cracks in your structure and walls. Pests can use seemingly impossible spaces to get into your house. Leaky pipes can also provide a source of water for critters. Make sure to patch any potential problem areas in your pipes.

Mother Nature Knows Best for Pest

There are many natural ways to rid your home pests, you just need to find what works best for you. Natural remedies are often preferable for those with pets and children. Some of the most popular natural remedies are affordable and can be found in most general stores. Natural oils like mint, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary are scents that many pests find annoying; these oils can defend against pests and provide a nice subtle fragrance to your home. You can also spice up your pest control up by using hot peppers or flakes with water to create a solution to make your home too hot for pests. If you do need professional help, try finding an all-natural exterminator who uses chemicals that are effective but safe for the home’s inhabitants.

Special Bugs Call for Special Measures

Bed bugs are small, but they can cause serious damage to your property and your body. Getting rid of bed bugs can be exceptionally difficult and can include the need to leave the property and use harsh chemicals. Like many pests, it can be difficult to know if they’re breading until it’s too late. Try a K-9 Bed Bug Inspection service if you suspect you might have bed bugs. Depending on the severity of the bug’s presence, you could use all-natural products to get rid of them. If it’s more severe, however, a bed bug infestation may be something you want professionals to handle.

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The article Natural Ways to Rid Your Home of Pests and Bugs by LouAnn Moss appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Christians Must Stop Supporting Evil with Investments

by Dan Celia

When we see fluctuations in the markets, it is natural to have feelings of panic and wonder if our money is safe. For example, in recent weeks, we’ve seen the highest turnaround day in the S&P 500 in history. Hesitant buyers flooded back into the markets, and more and more are realizing that worry is not warranted every time values change.

But if Christians are investing their money biblically, there is no reason to panic, even in the face of fluctuations. Over the past several years, I’ve witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of investors who want to honor God with the money He has entrusted to them.

All our resources are God’s in the first place. So if we steward our money with the ultimate goal to honor Him, there should never be any worry or anxiety, even when the markets seem out of control, because those who serve God with their finances know He is in control. Biblically responsible investors have overall peace that their money is being stewarded wisely, especially if they are working with a committed Christian financial planner and understand that they are honoring God with their investments.

Every day, people tell me how grateful they are and how blessed they are to have peace of mind that their money is invested in areas that are not offensive to God. For the first time in many of their lives, they are not worried about money.

Biblically responsible investing, or BRI, has grown exponentially, as Christians become more aware of how their money is being used and want to ensure that their resources, which are God’s to begin with, aren’t invested in companies that ultimately displease God.

In fact, there should be an urgency for Christians to learn more about where their money is going, what it is funding and if their God-given resources are actually supporting causes that conflict with their beliefs. The good news is a growing number of people want information to make sure their dollars are not invested in abortion, pornography, gambling and a host of other anti-biblical causes.

Evangelical Christians make up a huge percentage of investors across America, and my goal for the past 30-plus years has been to educate this segment of investors to take a stand against company stocks where executives are allowing their personal ideology to get in the way of the responsible stewardship of stockholders’ money. Many investors today, especially the faithful, want to stay away from companies who are supporting a disgusting and offensive agenda. If Christians come together to invest biblically, there’s no telling how the culture will be impacted, both now and in future generations.

Faithful investors like these are already making a difference across America, evidenced by the fact that the Timothy Plan family of mutual funds has over $1 billion under management. Timothy Plan helps investors achieve their financial goals while investing in a morally responsible manner.

As Christians, we must carefully and prayerfully consider how we are handling God’s money. We must get it right in every possible way and, in particular, be good stewards of everything—especially our finances. It will take us being ‘sold out’ against the things that dishonor God, and that includes investment in companies that violate biblical principles.

Furthermore, there is no excuse for Christians claiming they were unaware of what their investments were funding.

Twenty years ago, yes, it was more difficult to research companies to find out where their loyalties were. But today, multiple sources and tools are available so Christian investors know exactly what companies are up to and where they are spending and sending investors’ money. One is our Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries’ buy-and-sell list for our partners. We are constantly researching companies and informing Christians about those who do not tear down society.

Not only has the growth over the past 25 years in biblically responsible investing been dramatic, but the progress in the past several years has been tremendous, as more people are learning how to commit only to those companies that are not participating in unbiblical or anti-biblical activities.

Think of what would happen if we all sold the mutual funds that are not biblically responsible and do not align with our biblical values. There would be real change in corporate America regarding how companies spend and protect their stockholders’ money. This is exactly why we at Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries advocate biblically responsible investing, which takes a total commitment from the body of Christ.

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The article Christians Must Stop Supporting Evil with Investments by Dan Celia appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

From Guilty Pleasure to Discomfort: The Connection Between Age and Food Reactivity

by Dr. Chad Larson

We all fight the good fight when it comes to combating Father Time and hanging onto our youth and our health. We work so hard on the way up the proverbial hill, but the ride down isn’t necessarily any easier. There are some bumps along the road that we all anticipate as we age, such as graying hair, decreased energy, wrinkles on our face and arthritis in our joints, to name a few. But there’s not much discussion about the digestion changes that can occur as we reach our “golden” years.

For instance, a decrease in lactase (an essential enzyme for breaking down lactose in products like milk and butter) production is very common for aging adults. In fact, about 65 percent of the global population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Slowing or weakening of contractions in the large intestine, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and slower emptying of the stomach are among other common symptoms associated with changes in digestive function that come with age. Medications and age-related illnesses might also trigger such symptoms.

You might find that foods that were once a guilty pleasure eventually become a great threat for discomfort. So what does this mean? How do you pinpoint what foods your body is not reacting well to and what should you do about it? Because the different causes of digestive track issues can produce many of the same symptoms, it can be tricky to get to the root of the problem.

Although an aging digestive system may have a harder time breaking down certain foods due to slower enzyme production, it is possible to develop food intolerances, sensitivities and allergies later in adulthood. More than 20 percent of the population in industrialized countries suffer from food intolerance or food allergy. Although many of the symptoms mirror each other, food intolerances and allergies are two different things:

An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system mistakes a food ingredient as a foreign invader and therefore attacks it, producing high levels of the antibody immunoglobulin E and releasing histamines. The reaction can be life threatening and presents itself through hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, inflammation irregular heartbeat or restricted breathing. An allergic reaction often requires medical attention. The most common food allergens include milk, wheat, tree nuts, soy, peanuts and shellfish.

Food intolerance is a digestive issue. Although not life threatening, intolerance may result in some of the same symptoms, including bloating, cramping, gas, diarrhea, nausea and joint inflammation and pain. Other symptoms might include headache, brain fog, nervousness and irritability. Intolerance to a food is usually due to a lack of the enzyme needed to break down the particular food. For example, those with a lactose or dairy intolerance don’t produce the enzyme lactase. Those with gluten sensitivity have difficulty digesting the gluten protein. While each individual can lack different enzymes to break down the relative food, some of the more common food intolerances are to dairy, gluten, eggs, caffeine, peanuts and corn.

Food intolerances and sensitivities can be as problematic as an allergy. If you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned above, or suspect that you may have a food allergy, intolerance or sensitivity, the following suggestions are recommended:

Allergy testing – If you are experiencing more serious reactions such as those identified above as being associated with allergies, please see your primary care doctor or an allergist immediately. Skin and blood tests can help detect allergies, which could potentially save your life.
Reduce serving portions – Overeating can cause feelings of discomfort, bloat, nausea and even acid indigestion. As our stomachs empty out more slowly and our elasticity weakens with age, we should reduce our portions accordingly to avoid becoming too full and provoking these symptoms.
Get tested for food intolerance or sensitivities – The elimination diet, eliminating foods and slowly reintroducing them back into your diet one at a time, although helpful, can be a long, grueling process that doesn’t always lead to clear results. Cyrex Laboratories, a clinical laboratory specializing in functional immunology and autoimmunity, offers advanced, innovative tests designed to detect and monitor autoimmune reactivities and their possible triggers. The Array 2 – Intestinal Antigenic Permeability Screen – measures intestinal permeability to large molecules, which trigger the immune system. This is a fast and easy way to determine if you have developed an immune sensitivity to specific foods.
Rule out disease – Because of the crossover in symptoms, digestive system issues can be mistaken for more serious conditions. For example, what seems like lactose intolerance can actually be celiac disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Inflammation and joint pain, which are common symptoms of food allergies and sensitivity, could also be caused by arthritis. Cyrex also offers The Array 8 – Joint Autoimmune Reactivity Screen – which assists in the early detection of connective tissue disorders, and in monitoring the effectiveness of related treatment protocols. It is best to see a doctor who can take the initial, necessary steps of testing for more serious conditions.

Identifying or diagnosing the cause of your digestive-discomfort symptoms is important. While allergies and disease are more serious causes, food sensitivities can be managed by simply decreasing or eliminating the amounts consumed; it doesn’t always require total elimination. Either way, staying in tune with your body and being proactive with self-care and good health are the first steps to keeping your older years golden.

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The article From Guilty Pleasure to Discomfort: The Connection Between Age and Food Reactivity by Dr. Chad Larson appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Toddlers & Technology: How to Manage the Internet with Young Children

by Linsly Donnelly, SVP of Consumer and Parent Operations at Securly

In a digitally dominated society, children are practically born with a device in hand. The internet is a vast and overwhelming space for young children, which is why parents have to take a proactive and responsible approach to their children’s online activity. However, deciding how and when to introduce children to mobile devices is not always easy to determine, but the below tips can help you figure out how to get your kid appropriately “wired.”

Introduce Technology Later

Many parents are surprised to learn that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that children not be exposed to any technology before two years of age. While not all technology is deemed “bad,” the AAP guidelines advise that if you let your child use a tablet or smartphone, only allow high-quality, educational programming, and view the material with your child to get a better perspective on what they are watching. Ultimately, practices include waiting as long as possible before introducing a young child to technology.

Encourage Disconnecting

Moderation is key, so be mindful of how long your child is staring at a screen. Preschool children (ages 2-5) should – at max – only have one hour of screen time per day. By setting a standard at a young age, it will help prevent extended screen time usage as they get older. While the internet can serve as an educational resource for kids, extended exposure can have harmful effects on a child’s physical and mental wellbeing. Set consistent screen time “hours” for kids, while actively encouraging them to participate in screen-free activities. It’s suggested that young children should receive two to three hours of physical activity a day.

Create a Technology Contract

By establishing family guidelines, it lays a foundation for future technology patterns and avoids a potential “technology obsession.” However, as kids grow into elementary school, you have to allow for certain exceptions for homework and after school studies. A “tech contract” sets a standard for your children so they understand the potential consequences for breaking technology rules. It also creates accountability for the family by making the whole household more mindful of technology use.

Create Tech-Free Zones

Create mandatory time that is unplugged from all technology. Too much time on devices can be linked to rising numbers of childhood obesity, disrupted sleep and effected motor and cognitive functions. By making dinner or bedtime a device-free zone, it creates an opportunity for the entire family to bond and engage over face-to-face social interaction without distractions from mobile devices.

Be a Role Model

If you are going to set ground rules for your young children, try to lead by example. Young children tend to mimic actions they observe. It makes for a healthy technology environment. For example, put your phone down when talking with or to them. Avoid using your phone at the dinner table or during their bedtime routine, so that children understand a separation from devices with priority daily rhythms or etiquette. .

Understand Trolling

The internet has created a playground for cyberbullying and ultimately has led to new forms of harassment. While children are still young, parents should educate themselves on cyberbullying to prevent future instances involving their own children. Cyberstalking and deception are situations that can be easily avoided by starting a conversation with children at a young age.

Kids Can’t “Un-see”

As children mature, it becomes imperative to teach them about them how to safely browse on the internet to avoid bullying, viruses and phishing. Make sure your child feels comfortable talking to you about their internet activity. Honesty creates greater awareness about how to avoid potential predators and scams. Utilize internet filters and block browsers to help control what your children can and cannot access.

Foster Digital Citizenship

As your child learns life values, it is good to practice digital citizenship. Host an open conversation from a young age about how one’s online activity follows them forever and can impact their future. Discussing the consequences of negative online behavior from a young age helps avoid potentially harmful situations. Children’s brains are still developing, so technology influences a child’s thinking.

Educate Yourself

Learn about existing dangers and what’s popular online, such as viral trends and social media challenges. The more knowledgeable you are about these threats the less risk your child is exposed to. You can talk to your child and address the risks associated with these online hazards early on.

Remember Digital Parenting is Just…Parenting

Just as you would teach your children about healthy nutritional habits or general politeness, parents now also have to coach these core behavioral strengths in the digital arena. However, digital parenting skills and tactics are not that much different. You still must exercise self-restraint and discipline in any context and ensure children truly understand the full scope and implications of their “digital footprint.”

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The article Toddlers & Technology: How to Manage the Internet with Young Children by Linsly Donnelly, SVP of Consumer and Parent Operations at Securly appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

After-school Dashboard Dining: Healthier on-the-go Meals and Snacks for Busy Families

by Andrea Donsky

As a registered holistic nutritionist, I routinely hear parents’ battle cries for help feeding their kids healthy foods. It’s not easy to work full time, hustle kids to and from after-school activities, and prepare nutritious meals.

While we have abundant opportunities to eat real food, it often seems easier to choose junky processed food. Unfortunately, these unhealthy choices make it harder for our kids to focus in school, keep their energy up, and get a good night’s sleep.

Here are some simple meal and snack ideas to help parents tackle these dilemmas. I’ve also included a few smart supplement suggestions.

Better dashboard dining and other quick nutritional wins

The following tips will help boost the quality of your family’s diet, without requiring a big chunk of your time.

Try this brain-boosting breakfast hack: Start their day off with scrambled eggs and oats, a protein smoothie or a veggie omelet. Getting adequate protein in the morning helps children win the day with mental focus and a happy mood.

Use this fast fiber fix: We all lack fiber, especially the kids who won’t eat any vegetables. Soluble fiber is especially important to nourish the good gut probiotics, which supports good digestion and immune function. The solution? Add a scoop of gluten-free Sunfiber to just about any food, and you’re rocking and rolling! Unlike some fiber supplements which turn into gloppy messes when mixed with liquid, Sunfiber blends invisibly into foods without changing their taste, aroma or texture. And because it’s truly regulating, it helps with both occasional constipation and occasional diarrhea.

Keep Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil handy in your kitchen: Malaysian palm oil is preferred by many food manufacturers because it adds a creamy texture, it’s naturally free of trans fats, and it’s responsibly produced so it won’t harm wildlife or the rain forests. Palm oil is heart-healthy and good brain food. While using this certified sustainable oil for home cooking is a relatively new thing, it is catching on. Unlike coconut oil, palm oil has a neutral flavor so it’s far more versatile.

Try this for better dashboard dining: Even if you eat in the car, the food can be nutritious especially when you prep snacks ahead of time so that you can grab and go on the fly or have at the ready when the kids come home. Instead of chips, pop a bag of non-GMO Tiny but Mighty Microwave popcorn. Replace candy bars with Luna bars. Energize your kids with these high-performance snacks: cut up peppers with hummus; smoothies with bananas, cherries, wild blueberries, spinach, cocoa powder and almond milk (served in a to-go cup); apple slices with Smart Balance peanut butter; or half an avocado sprinkled with sea salt.

Here’s help for kids who are sleeping poorly: Tart cherry juice blended with sparkling water makes a natural melatonin mocktail that helps induce sleep. A simple and safe amino acid supplement called Suntheanine also helps improve sleep quality. It’s hormone-free, not addictive and won’t cause drowsiness the next day.

Picky eater rehab: Embrace smoothies! Adding ingredients to make them “healthy” like bananas, greens and cocoa powder will deliver a sweet and nutritious boost to your child’s day. Try introducing one or two new foods in a snack so your child won’t feel overwhelmed with a meal-sized portion. Give different versions of a food a whirl: Broccoli that is raw, steamed, grilled or roasted makes for some nutrient-rich variety that appeals to all palates.

Include your kids in the meal planning and preparation process. Ask each child to choose one or two meals for the week out of a cookbook, so there is variety with meals. Make it clear that not everyone in the family will be happy with every meal, but everyone has to take no-thank-you bites. Involving them with all aspects of menu planning and preparation, even if it’s just stirring something in a bowl, will help them to enjoy real food even more and give them confidence in the kitchen.

Whether you have a picky eater at home or just struggle with figuring out how to feed your family healthy food, hopefully these tactics will be helpful. All of us as parents are doing our best with what we have, right? You’ve got this!

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The article After-school Dashboard Dining: Healthier on-the-go Meals and Snacks for Busy Families by Andrea Donsky appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Save the Persecuted Christians Offers Leah Sharibu’s Mom Hope Amid Despair

by Dede Laugesen

Leah Sharibu was 14 when kidnapped in February 2018 by terrorists in Nigeria. Now 16, Leah remains a “slave for life” for refusing to renounce her faith in Jesus.

Leah’s mother, Rebecca, lives a nightmare few can imagine. Abandoned by her government, she prays the terrorists of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) will release her daughter.

Rebecca, having never left Nigeria, came to Washington, D.C., seeking help from Save the Persecuted Christians (STPC) in pleading for assistance from the Trump administration—and anyone else who would listen.

Rebecca’s shattered countenance conveyed unceasing torment. Meeting Rebecca “feels like a punch in the gut,” wrote CBN anchor John Jessup in a Facebook post after an interview arranged by STPC.

“Staring into the face of an expressionless mother, who carries a burden no parent should bear, and then watching the grief surface through her agonizing tears is haunting and powerful and convicting and inspiring all at once,” Jessup wrote.

The Sharibus’ story helps Americans understand the terror at least 300 million Christians endure as anti-Christian violence engulfs the globe like a plague. STPC seeks to end the suffering by raising awareness and holding accountable the persecutors and their enablers.

Frank Gaffney, President of Save the Persecuted Christians, looks on as Dr. Gloria Puldu, President of the Leah Foundation, translates for Rebecca Sharibu at the International Religious Freedom Roundtable in Washington, D.C. with the Adara Chiefdom daughters, Alheri Bawa Magaji and Mercy Maismari.
Credit: Dede Laugesen

Save the Persecuted Christians teamed with our coalition partners, the Interntional Committee on Nigeria, The Leah Foundation, The Nazarene Fund and Mission Africa International, to bring Rebecca and six other Nigerians to the United States. The delegation’s three-week visit included meetings, talks and media events in D.C. and Dallas that exposed little-known atrocities in Nigera and the neighboring Lake Chad region.

The visiting Nigeria Crisis Delegation garnered coverage by Fox News, EWTN, CBN, The Christian Post, Glenn Beck and other national media. STPC’s Facebook livestream featuring Rebecca’s story, filmed outside the White House, has been viewed over 15,000 times.

Former Congressman Frank Wolf, an STPC Advisory Board member who authored the International Religious Freedom Act, joined the Nigerians in meetings with government officials, including: Sam Brownback, the U.S. Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom; Rep. Gus Bilirakis, co-chair of the House International Religious Freedom Caucus; several other members of Congress and their aides; members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF); the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); the office of Presidential Advisor Ivanka Trump’s Global Initiatives for Women; the Director for the Africa Desk at the National Security Council; and Vice President Mike Pence’s office joined by presidential advisors on Homeland Security, Counterterrorism and Africa.

As a direct result of the meetings, Vice President Pence summoned Nigerian Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo for a June 26 “come-to-Jesus” meeting at the White House. We understand notice was served of the U.S. government’s grave concern for Nigerian Christians.

Rep. Bilirakis adopted the cause of Leah as a prisoner of conscience. So did the newly elected Chairman of USCIRF, Tony Perkins. The State Department has sent investigators to Nigeria to investigate the attacks on the mostly Christian Adara tribe earlier this year. USAID Administrator Mark Green is visiting Nigeria in August when a U.N. rapporteur will also be in the country to gather facts on incessant kidnappings and killings.

The meetings and breakthroughs comforted our visitors, who risked their lives to speak truth to American power that they may reverse media indifference, while countering the deceptive propaganda of Nigerian officials and their U.S. agency sympathizers.

Washington has perhaps a final opportunity to avert disaster in Nigeria, regional destabilization, and another caliphate-driven refugee crisis that could reach Europe, the United States and beyond. The murderous attacks may escalate into a Rwanda-scale genocide. We hope our fellow Americans will join us in holding such persecutors accountable for their crimes against humanity. As a coalition, we are pressing for the appointment of a U.S. Special Envoy to Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

American Christians should be moved to action by stories like Leah, who when confronted with terrorists, chose faith over freedom. Similar problems persist in a growing number of countries. Save the Persecuted Christian’s traveling exhibits, The People of the Cross and Warfare on Women, document these barbarous acts that target, demean, degrade and kill Christians for worshipping Christ. They have been seen by more than 50,000 people in different venues including the Kansas, Minnesota and Massachusetts state houses. Please contact us about bringing speakers and exhibits to your area.

Save the Persecuted Christians also invites the public to join the “SaveUs Movement” as we build momentum—and a voice—for the world’s persecuted Christians. We give thanks for those who join and contribute at our website: SaveThePersecutedChristians.org, thereby helping us advocate for Christians like Rebecca and Leah.

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The article Save the Persecuted Christians Offers Leah Sharibu’s Mom Hope Amid Despair by Dede Laugesen appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Dan Celia Calls on Christians to Stop Supporting Evil With Their Investments

by Cascia Talbert

Biblical Stewardship Authority Says Tens of Thousands of Christians Are Choosing to Invest Billions of Dollars in Corporations That Don’t Conflict With Their Faith

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—A foremost authority and trusted expert on biblically responsible investing, nationally syndicated host Dan Celia says he has seen a dramatic increase in the number of investors who want to honor God with the money He has entrusted to them.

Biblically responsible investing, or BRI, has grown exponentially, Celia says, as Christians become more aware of how their money is being used and want to ensure that their resources, which are God’s to begin with, aren’t invested in companies that ultimately displease God.

In fact, says Celia, who leads Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries (FISM, www.financialissues.org), there should be an urgency for Christians to learn more about where their money is going, what it is funding and if their God-given resources are actually supporting causes that conflict with their beliefs.

Celia focuses on important economic trends and biblical investing during his daily, three-hour program, “Financial Issues” and says a growing number of people want information to make sure their dollars are not invested in abortion, pornography, gambling and a host of other anti-biblical causes.

“Evangelical Christians make up a huge percentage of investors across America, and my goal for the past 30-plus years has been to educate this segment of investors to take a stand against company stocks where executives are allowing their personal ideology to get in the way of the responsible stewardship of stockholders’ money,” Celia said. “Many investors today, especially the faithful, want to stay away from companies who are supporting a disgusting and offensive agenda. If Christians come together to invest biblically, there’s no telling how the culture will be impacted.”

Celia said faithful investors like these are already making a difference across America, evidenced by the fact that theTimothy Plan family of mutual funds has over $1 billion under management. Timothy Plan helps investors achieve their financial goals while investing in a morally responsible manner.

“As Christians, we must carefully and prayerfully consider how we are handling God’s money,” Celia said. “We must get it right in every possible way and, in particular, be good stewards of everything—especially our finances. It will take us being ‘sold out’ against the things that dishonor God, and that includes investment in companies that dishonor biblical principles.

Furthermore, Celia added, there is “no excuse” for Christians claiming they were unaware of what their investments were funding.

“Twenty years ago, yes, it was more difficult to research companies to find out where their loyalties were,” Celia said. “But today, multiple sources and tools are available so Christian investors know exactly what companies are up to and where they are spending and sending investors’ money. One is Financial Issues’ buy-and-sell list for our partners. We are constantly researching companies and informing Christians about those who do not tear down society.”

Celia also said the growth over the past 25 years in biblically responsible investing has been dramatic, but the progress in the past several years has been tremendous, as more people are learning how to commit only to those companies that are not participating in activities that are offensive to God.

“Think of what would happen if we all sold the mutual funds that are not biblically responsible and do not align with our biblical values,” Celia said. “There would be real change in corporate America regarding how companies spend and protect their stockholders’ money. This is exactly why we at Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries advocate biblically responsible investing, which takes a total commitment from the body of Christ.”

Read more about Celia, FISM and “Financial Issues” here. Visit the Financial Issues Stewardship Ministries web site at www.financialissues.org, its Facebook page, on YouTube at Financial Issues with Dan Celia or on Twitter @financialissues. Download the Financial Issues app here.

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The article Dan Celia Calls on Christians to Stop Supporting Evil With Their Investments by Cascia Talbert appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

Why do so many Either Love or Hate President Trump?

by Karen Sokolof Javitch

I often wonder why is it that so many people either love or hate President Trump.

There seems to be no middle position on him.

Don’t believe me? Next time you’re invited to a party just say out loud these two words: Donald Trump.

Or next time you place an order at Panera Bread and they ask your name to  call out over the intercom when your order is ready, just say, Donald Trump. Short of a nuclear bomb announcement, I can’t think of anything more polarizing than to hear over the restaurant loud speaker, “Donald Trump, your order is ready for pick up.” You can only hope no one poisons your food before you pick it up.

So, being a songwriter, I decided to write a song about Donald Trump, but not one that only covers his strengths, and not one that focuses only on his foibles. Rather, one that does a little of both.

I’m just glad we still live in a country where we can have free speech in prose or poetry or in song. I called my finished work, “Why Does Everyone Love/Hate Donald Trump?” Hope you like it.

 

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The article Why do so many Either Love or Hate President Trump? by Karen Sokolof Javitch appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.

How to Prepare Your Toddler For Their First Dentist Visit

by Tammy Jones

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, kids should have their first checkup by as early as age one.

Now, if you’re like most parents, you’ve probably put off your little’s one appointment for as long as you can. The fear, the fits, the stress of it all — it can be too much to take!

But don’t worry, your toddler’s first checkup doesn’t have to be a total nightmare.

Here are some ways you can prepare your toddler for their first dentist visit and avoid all of the fuss.

Bring Them with You to Your Appointment

You likely know that toddlers love imitation. Your little mini-me might follow you around the house, replicating your every move.

It might seem like they’re doing it to be cute (it works), but imitation is actually how young ones learn! This is a huge plus in your favor.

Put yourself in their shoes: A strange doctor is coming at your face with a bunch of sharp tools. What’s not to be scared of?

But by letting them see that the dentist is nothing to be afraid of, you can let them know that the dentist is a friend, not someone to fear.

Practice Good Dental Hygiene at Home

Good habits start in the home.

Showing them that you’re not afraid of the dentist is one thing, but teaching them to establish lifelong dental hygiene practices is even more important.

A toddler’s teeth are sensitive and prone to decay as it is. Not brushing their teeth or teaching them about dental care could lead to weakened enamel or cavities.

Play Dentist

Describing the dentist’s office might seem like a good idea, but it can cause more harm than good. Especially if you use words like hurt or pain.

Still, you’ll want to prepare them for what they should expect. Using their innate love of play is a great way to do so.

Start your game of dentist by letting your child be the patient. Inspect their teeth, talk about brushing, and discuss let them ask questions.

Then, when it’s their turn, be a good patient. Reiterate the importance of good dental care and have them check your mouth.

Playing dentist is a fun, stress-free way to help your child get over their anxieties.

Pick the Right Time

If you’ve ever dealt with a toddler who missed nap time, you understand that schedules are everything. Don’t forget to account for this when scheduling an appointment with your pediatric dentist.

Pick a time when your child has energy and is well-rested, so they’re less likely to be cranky. Early morning or mid-afternoon (post naptime) tend to work best.

Preparing for Your Toddler’s First Dentist Visit

Your child’s first dentist visit doesn’t have to be a total nightmare. In fact, by following these tips, it might even be a pleasant experience.

Want more advice on how you can be a supermom? Make sure to check out our blog directory or jump into our forums!

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The article How to Prepare Your Toddler For Their First Dentist Visit by Tammy Jones appeared first on Healthy Moms Magazine.