(Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe)

Our lives have both!

And because we can’t predict the future, we must be prepared for either.

Easy to say, but how can we be ready for unexpected hardship?

I think we have to believe in a higher power that we can turn to.

That is the fundamental basis for all religions.

Faith is in decline, but I think it should be growing with all the uncertainties everywhere.

Have faith and LIVE IT!

Humans are far more monogamous than our primate cousins, but less so than beavers, a new study suggests.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge in England analyzed the proportion of full siblings versus half-siblings across several animal species, as well as various human populations throughout history.

Species and societies that are more monogamous tend to have a greater number of siblings that share both parents, while those that are polygamous produce more half-siblings. (CNN)

Interesting!

Brisbane, Australia — Children across Australia will wake up on Wednesday with no access to their social media accounts under a world-first ban designed to shelter those under 16 from addictive algorithms, online predators, and digital bullies.

No other nation has taken such sweeping measures, and the rollout of the tough new law is being closely watched by legislators around the globe.

Most of the 10 banned platforms – Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Reddit, Twitch and X – say they’ll comply with the ban, using age verification technology to identify under-16s.

Although they will suspend their accounts, they don’t believe it’ll make children safer. (CNN)

In a world of chaos, predictability is important.

Our ancestors had traditions that were part of the GLUE that held their families together.

There were special prayers, meals, services to name just a few.

Everyone knew what to expect and what was needed to keep the traditions alive.

What value do you put on traditions?

It is an effort and takes time and usually quite a bit of preparation.

Maybe you don’t have any traditions in your family. We did not.

START SOME!

Think of something simple that everyone, young and old, can participate in.

We started with Jesus’s birthday cake when our children were little.

Who doesn’t love birthdays and cake?

We would sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and the kids would blow out the candles. It has lasted 32 years!

Look into your ethnic or faith traditions. You will surely find many examples.

Start small and simple and the enjoyment in your family will follow.

WOW!

What a storm!

I have been in like yacht races pictured above where MOTHER NATURE is the boss!

In such a storm, will you keep an even keel?

The phrase, “Keep an even keel” is obviously a sailing term.

The keel protrudes from the bottom of the boat to prevent a capsize.

So, for us, it means maintaining a state of stability in adverse circumstances.

All of us face turbulent conditions throughout our lives.

We must manage our emotions so we don’t CAPSIZE!

Happy sailing!

Yes, everyone is dealing with stress these days.

We know any kind of simple exercise strengthens our bodies.

BUT, DID YOU KNOW IT ALSO REDUCES OUR STRESS?

Those are TWO HUGE BENEFITS we enjoy when we keep moving.

That’s what we have muscles for.

Even if you’ve never done any deliberate exercising before.

It’s never too late.

If you could reduce your stress w/o the need for medicine, wouldn’t you do it?

Then, DO IT!

You have probably heard of the UNTOUCHABLES in India.

These are exceedingly poor people who live along the railroad tracks.

They and their children are generations of outcasts from society.

Here in the U.S. we have UNMENTIONABLES!

Society knows we have millions of poor citizens, but no one talks about them.

Or, wants to think about them.

So, on it goes, round and round. What will become of them?

Nobody knows.

Young Americans are “a generation under profound strain” with little confidence in institutions and widespread economic concerns.

This is according to a Harvard Institute of Politics survey of adults younger than 30 released Thursday.

Young adults say, 57% to 13%, that things in the country are generally on the wrong track, rather than headed in the right direction.

Just 32% describe the US as a healthy democracy or one that’s “somewhat functioning,” while 64% call it a system in trouble or one that has completely failed. (CNN)

This recent survey indicates those in a vital age group are losing or have lost hope!

Notice that we have learned how to drive in dense conditions!

There are hundreds of cars & trucks in perfect lines one behind the other.

It’s obvious that we can adapt to the changing needs of civilization.

The majority of drivers are courtious to one another.

When changing lanes, they notify others with their turn signal.

The amazing fact is that, when going 60mph, we can trust adjacent drivers.

There is still hope for us! Alleluia!

We are all probably afraid of something.

And some fears are not worth overcoming.

Do you have a fear that you’ll always regret at least not trying to overcome?

If so, stop dwelling on the obtacles and focus on the solutions.

I know it may seem to be too high of a mountain to climb.

Mountain climbers, however, reach the top by taking one step at a time.

You can do that too!

If not today, when?