by Brian Shilhavy, Health Impact News: I have previously reported that the New Testament portion of the Bible did not start a new religion called “Christianity.” See: Fact Check: “Christianity” and the Christian Religion is NOT Found in the Bible – The Person Jesus Christ Is I have also recently written on the Biblical term […]

How to Preach the Gospel through Forgiveness Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13 Evangelist John Wesley was returning home from service one evening when he was robbed. The thief didn't make out with much – a little money and some Christian literature. As he was running away, Wesley shouted, "You may regret this sort of life. And if you do, just remember the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!" Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. He was surprised to learn that this well-dressed businessman, now a believer in Christ, was the same man who had robbed him years before. "I owe it all to you," the man told Wesley. "Oh no, my friend," Wesley quipped back, "not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!" Grace and forgiveness have the power to destroy barriers of the gospel. That's because when we forgive, we give others a small taste of the grace of God. And when they've had a taste, they might just want more. Don't forgive because it's easy. Forgive because it reflects the character of Christ. Live a life of forgiveness and you'll preach the gospel of grace to everyone you forgive! Prayer Challenge: Pray and ask God to help you live a life of forgiveness – always showing grace to those who wrong you. Questions for Thought: Think of some people in your life to whom you can show grace today for past mistakes. Who comes to mind? What would your life look like if you lived with that attitude of grace every day? Visit the Senior Living Ministries website The post How to Preach the Gospel through Forgiveness – Senior Living – August 20 appeared first on GodUpdates.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Life can be hectic, and it does not always allow for the rest we want and need. Whether it’s owing to a newborn’s irregular sleep schedule or an intense workload, sometimes you just can’t get those additional Z’s. Although prolonged sleep deprivation is not ideal, there are techniques to survive the day when you’re absolutely exhausted. Here are three expert-recommended ways to help you get through your day with a bit more energy, even if you’re running on empty. 1. Utilize your body’s natural energy cycles Understanding and leveraging your body’s natural energy swings can make a big impact when you’re tired. Energy naturally ebbs and flows throughout the day, and the patterns differ from person to person. As Dr. Michael A. Grandner, a licensed psychologist and sleep expert, suggests, “Try to tackle the most draining tasks when your energy’s on the upswing and save the easier stuff for when you usually tank.” For example, if you are most awake in the morning, focus on high-energy tasks such as exercising, working on major tasks, or running errands after breakfast. Schedule less difficult duties, such as answering emails or performing light cleaning, for times when you generally feel tired, such as mid-afternoon. You may increase productivity and save energy by timing your activities to match your natural rhythms. 2. Move your body, preferably outside When you’re fatigued, the thought of exercising may seem like a cruel joke, yet physical movement, even at its most basic, can help you overcome lethargy. Dr. Grandner emphasizes that some movement is preferable to none, stating that “if you’re on your feet, it’s hard to fall asleep.” Moving your body boosts blood flow, which brings more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, giving you the extra energy you need to stay awake and attentive. If feasible, take your exercise outside. Natural light helps regulate your body’s internal clock by indicating to your brain that it is daytime and triggering the release of chemicals that keep you awake and energized. Even a brief walk outside, especially on a sunny day, can boost your energy and help you resist the need to nap. 3. Connect with others to improve your mood When you’re exhausted, socializing may seem like the last thing you want to do, but connecting with others may be unexpectedly revitalizing. “Humans are social animals,” explains Dr. Grandner, “and talking to another person is stimulating.” Research shows that social interactions cause the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, including oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters not only serve to regulate your mood but can also make you feel more connected and attentive. You don’t need to organize a large social gathering; simply a brief chat with someone can make a difference. If you’re an extrovert, take a coworker for a walk over your lunch break or plan a quick catch-up with a friend. If you’re more introverted, a simple phone call from a loved one may be enough to lift your spirits and get you through the day. While nothing can replace the benefits of a good night’s sleep, these tactics will help you get through the day when rest is not an option. Working with your body’s natural rhythms, engaging in mild physical activity, and interacting with people can help you find just enough energy to get through the day. Remember, persistent fatigue should be discussed with your healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health conditions. The post 3 tips for dealing with extreme fatigue when sleep is not an option first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In an unusual blend of biology and technology, researchers are working with sea lions to explore undiscovered ocean territory. Scientists can now gain unique insights into the seafloor by outfitting these marine creatures with cameras, opening up new potential for conservation and ocean mapping. A recent study in Frontiers in Marine Science describes this exciting approach in detail. The researchers attached cameras, GPS trackers, and accelerometers to Australian sea lions, allowing them to explore their underwater environments organically. The sea lions revealed six distinct seafloor habitats over the course of 89 hours of footage, offering important information on coastal topography and the influence of human activities on marine ecosystems. Why Australian sea lions are so crucial Australian sea lions, the only pinniped species native to Australia, are experiencing a significant population decrease as a result of human-caused threats such as debris-related mortality and habitat degradation. With their numbers having fallen by 60 percent in the previous 40 years, the remaining 10,000 to 12,000 sea lions are largely concentrated in South and Western Australia. These locations also have mostly unmapped maritime environments, making sea lions’ contributions to oceanographic study even more important. “Animal-borne video from Australian sea lions offers unique advantages,” the research team wrote, highlighting that the footage supplied by the sea lions may cover broad areas of the seafloor in a relatively short period and at a far cheaper cost than traditional approaches. A cost-effective alternative to traditional methods Traditional ocean mapping strategies frequently use sophisticated technologies such as towed cameras and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). While effective, these approaches are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require suitable weather conditions. In contrast, sea lions can easily travel the ocean’s depths, collecting footage in locations that human divers would find difficult or even impossible to reach. “Wessel-based surveys are costly, time and personnel-intensive, and rely on suitable weather conditions, which makes mapping large expanses of the benthos challenging,” explained the researchers. Sea lions, which can dive up to 245 meters (804 feet), are naturally prepared to investigate these depths, providing a low-cost, adaptable alternative to traditional mapping approaches. The implications for marine conservation and future research The success of this study demonstrates the feasibility of using animal-borne cameras in maritime research. While tagging marine animals such as sharks and turtles is not new, using cameras to collect data on ocean environments is a relatively new method. This approach could change the way scientists study the ocean by offering detailed and dynamic pictures of undersea ecosystems. The sea lions’ footage is more than just a scholarly curiosity; it has real consequences for marine conservation. By mapping newly identified habitats, researchers can gain a better understanding of the surroundings on which these endangered sea lions rely, guiding conservation efforts to safeguard these vital locations. This novel application of technology may open the way for more sustainable and cost-effective methods of oceanography and marine conservation in the future. Source study: Frontiers in Marine Science—Using sea lion-borne video to map diverse benthic habitats in southern AustraliaThe post Sea lion film crew helps with ocean floor mapping and species conservation first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

If you need joy, God promises that it is available to you. Find hope in the truth that nights don’t last forever. One day, the night will be no more, but for now, the sunrise will come. The light and fresh air offer hope and beauty that our souls need. Take heart; the morning is coming soon, my friend.

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