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Michael Tovornik

PART ONE OF TWO Light It Up Picture it: a big city with tall buildings, a hilltop village surrounded by vibrant farms, an oceanside community on top of a giant bluff. Cities are impressive on their own, but they’re undeniably radiant when they’re high upon a hill. And they’re extra brilliant when they’re saturated with light. Speaking to the crowds and His disciples in His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told them: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 NLT As He continued His message, Jesus explained, like a city on a hill or a lamp on a stand, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬). Jesus often used metaphors to get people thinking, so here are six things to consider as you reflect on that verse: 1. It’s all His: We are only a light when we have THE light—His light—shining through us. Anything good is first given by Him, and this should empower us with humble confidence. 2. We’re chosen: We can’t do anything to earn the honor and responsibility of being a light-reflector, but it's a title that's been given. This title is self-evident—because of who God made us and called us to be. 3. Don’t hide it: God’s light inside of us cannot be hidden. When we’re truly following Him, it is obvious and undeniable. So we can boldly and unashamedly shine brightly for Him. 4. Light it up: While we don’t want the world around us to grow darker and darker, the Bible teaches that it’s inevitable. And yet, His light will shine best in the dark. 5. No more darkness: Christ's followers are meant to be beacons of light, illuminating God’s truth and shining His love. Whoever follows Jesus will never walk in darkness (John 8:12).

David Calof

Ingo Hasselbach, once the leader of a neo‑Nazi group in East Berlin, describes a moment in his memoir, "Führer‑Ex," when he realized that the hatred driving his life wasn’t based on anything real. He woke up expecting another day of “fighting enemies” but suddenly recognized that he had never actually met a Jewish person, though he had beaten many to within an inch of their lives. His entire worldview had been built out of other people’s stories, propaganda, and the emotional maps he carried inside himself. That moment--the collision between the map and the territory-- was the beginning of his break from extremism. It’s a reminder that prejudice is always a second‑hand emotion. It’s never about real people; it’s about the stories we inherit, the fears we cultivate, and the strangers we imagine. He eventually came to realize that his emnity for Jews was displaced rage toward his abusive father.

THE_BUSINESS

Ecclesiastes 12:1-3 NIV 1 Remember vour Creator in the davs of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"- [2] before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain; [3] when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim; This passage continues to remind all of us that the dav will come when we will have trouble seeing, hearing, eating and getting around. This tells us how important it is ta learn about God early in life. Studies have shown that those who come to faith early ir life, even if they walk away for a while, will return to God. Often this happens after they have children of their own, or when they experience a tragedy and it turns theirhearts back to God Reading this reminded me of a book I once read. 1 am an avid - some might say obsessive - knitter. I learned to knit as a child and have used this skill to make clothina for my familv as well as to earn a little money for my craft. This book was on the history of knittina in the United States. In it, it spoke of the need to teach children when they were young ana they were required to finish at least 3 or 4 rounds on their stockings before they could play. Learning young was considered important so that thev could continue to knit and contribute to the family when they grew old and had trouble seeing. If learning to knit was considered important to a person and that person's family, then consider how much more important it is to have God in our lives. God's presence brings the warmth of his love, protection from evil and the promise of everlasting ioy when this life comes to an end. What better reasons for faith are there?

The_Truth_Never_Lies

If you or someone you know is taking any blood pressure (BP) medications or any medications that can affect your BP, you must learn how to take your BP at home or have someone taking & keeping an eye on your numbers. Take the BP shortly before taking the medication and if possible, about 1 to 2hrs after. Keep a chart of date, time, BP numbers & heart rate. Take this with you the next time you go see the prescribing Provider. They will use that record to determine whether you are taking too much or too little of your medication(s) i.e. they will evaluate the effectiveness. You & your Provider will then determine which BP & HR #s they'll like for you to have. A spot visit in your Dr's office doesn't tell your Provider the whole story. The goal of managing your BP is to prevent a stroke or sudden cardiac arrest. Failure to effectively manage your BP can lead to these complications. Take action while you can by doing your part.

Outspoken

I want to vent a little bit about a certain restaurant that I love! I won’t mention the name , but this is oh so wrong! After receiving my hotcakes/ sausage breakfast from drive-through, I politely asked for napkins. The response was rude and abrupt. “ We don’t have any !” Her demeanor was that of an opponent waiting to do battle! 😳I laughed within myself, thinking that she likely had had an earlier verbal altercation. Maybe. I was still polite and kind, responding “ thank you ! With a smile on my face. In actuality, I’m thinking; “ what in the hell ?”How can you serve breakfast foods to the public with no napkins? 😬With this being said, I have noted that there is a lot of violence erupting between these fast food restaurants and their customers. Let’s do everything in our power to serve the customers efficiently and effectively! And let us as customers maintain our self-control when we feel enraged! What would you have said? 🤷🏾‍♀️

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