National Guard whistleblower Captain Timothy Nick said the Guard was ready to go to the Capitol on January 6 to help the police but was told to stand down until after 5 pm‚ which was too late. The Secretary of the Army lied and claimed he made calls to the National Guard‚ but he did […] The post National Guard Captain Testifies: Forced to Stand Down Until 5 pm on J6 appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

One mom had the best of intentions when she set up an Evite list for her daughter’s first birthday party. But a slight misunderstanding caused her to accidentally invite 487 people‚ and the problems didn’t stop there. Emily King was thrilled to throw her daughter a Lord Of The Rings-themed party. As she told Today‚ she’s 20 weeks pregnant. So she wanted to make the day special since it would be her daughter’s only celebration as an only child. As she was starting her guest list‚ Emily saw an option labeled‚ “Import guests from previous parties.” Thinking she would be able to sort through her guests first‚ she then chose “import contacts.” Afterward‚ she searched “Dad” to start finalizing‚ but Evite showed that she’d already invited him. At first‚ Emily thought there was some sort of “weird” glitch. But then she saw a 487-person guest list pop up. She scrambled to delete the event‚ but it was too late. The messages were already sent. “All the blood drained from my body‚” she said. The mother took to TikTok to share her mortifying Evite story. While she was caught between laughter and tears‚ she managed to find the humor in the situation‚ which actually got more mortifying and hilarious than you could imagine. @twodachshundkings If you recevied an invitation‚ no you didnt. ♬ original sound – Em‚ IV‚ Montie‚ &; Ren Evite Steps Up With A Gift Card And Namesake App Feature After detailing how the gaffe happened‚ Emily explained who got the invitations and how those invitations were addressed. “Not only did it invite my boss‚ all of my coworkers (and) all of the people that have ever been stored in my phone‚ but it sent invitations based (on) how they are stored in my phone‚” Emily explained. “I want you to just take a second and think about everyone stored in your phone and how they’re stored in your phone‚” she continued. “And then imagine someone receiving an invitation … ‘Derek Eye Roll.’ He received an invitation (and) ‘Jess Hit Her Car In Parking Lot.’” “Anyways‚ I have to quit or get a new identity‚” she admitted. “I don’t even know.” The over 12 million people who viewed her video within a week offered support and jokes that may have helped Emily come to terms with the mistake. “I wonder if ‘Sarah weird downstairs lady’ is coming‚” one person laughed. “I would die if “Mark STILL OWES ME 100” came to my son’s bday‚” someone joked. “Your daughter’s party is going to be LIT‚” said another. Evite’s senior director of brand marketing‚ Olivia Pollock‚ told Today that her company created a new feature in the mom’s honor called “Emily Hotfix.” It removes the ‘Select All’ function on iOS apps‚” “We’re always learning from our users‚ and hope this update is a help for other users too‚” she said.  To help cover the cost of the giant party‚ the company also sent Emily a $250 DoorDash gift card.  “I have a pretty good sense of humor … I’m glad I could bring joy to people‚” she noted “My second daughter’s birthday party will be just as cool.”  You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post “Mortified” Mom Makes Epic Mistake While Planning Daughter’s Birthday Party—Netizens Are In Stitches appeared first on InspireMore.

Mohammad Noman bikes carefully and purposefully through the labyrinthine lanes of Karachi’s Lyari Town‚ among the rush and bustle of everyday life. Though his ice cream cart suggests otherwise‚ he isn’t here to sell frozen desserts. Rather‚ his mission is to share stories. The storyteller in Karachi: nurturing minds on wheels As Noman bicycles around the streets‚ a curious swarm of children gathers around him‚ eager to hear his stories. Saira Bano‚ an eight-year-old listener‚ shares her enthusiasm‚ “I don’t mind listening to it again‚” she says‚ referring to a story that Noman has already read. “He’s so funny‚” she adds.  Noman‚ a 23-year-old dropout and aspiring educator‚ is on a quest to instill a love of reading in Karachi’s poor young. He is part of GoRead.pk‘s Kahaani Sawaari (Stories on Wheels) program‚ which aims to improve literacy in Karachi’s underprivileged areas. Despite his scholastic difficulties‚ Noman has found fulfillment in telling stories and leaving books for eager young minds. Addressing literacy challenges in Pakistan Pakistan faces substantial literacy issues‚ with 77 percent of 10-year-olds unable to comprehend simple text‚ according to the World Bank. Economic constraints exacerbate the situation since books and uniforms remain excessively expensive for many households. Saira’s experience reflects the problems of numerous children around the country who have been forced to drop out of school owing to financial difficulty. The Kahaani Sawaari program aims to bridge this divide by bringing storytelling to villages such as Lyari. Erum Kazi‚ GoRead’s program director‚ emphasizes the initiative’s transformative impact‚ citing how youngsters have developed a newfound passion for reading since its launch in 2021. Kazi believes that via careful storytelling‚ they may divert children away from negative influences and instead instill in them a love of study. The effects of storytelling on communities Beyond promoting literacy skills‚ storytelling can act as a catalyst for larger social change within communities. Noman’s workshops have inspired children to pursue their studies‚ providing optimism in an otherwise grim educational scene. As Nusser Sayeed‚ GoRead’s director‚ explains‚ “Purposeful storytelling builds a child’s character and brings out the traits for success in life.” Rashida Ashraf‚ a resident‚ observes the impact of Noman’s presence in the area. Despite the absence of ice cream‚ she values the beneficial impact on the children’s minds. “It’s nice‚” she says‚ understanding the power of storytelling to broaden horizons and ignite imagination. Empowering children through education The success of projects such as Kahaani Sawaari demonstrates the value of investing in education as a means of empowerment. Programs that use storytelling and community participation can help marginalized adolescents realize their full potential‚ paving the road for a brighter future. As Noman continues his journey through Karachi’s streets‚ his ice cream cart serves as a light of hope‚ providing not only stories but also opportunities for growth and change. In less than two years‚ almost 15‚000 children have attended more than 700 Kahaani Sawaari storytelling sessions‚ illustrating the program’s reach and effectiveness. Erum Kazi gives encouraging feedback from parents who have observed an improvement in their children’s conduct and attitude toward learning. Despite the tremendous progress made by programs such as Kahaani Sawaari‚ Pakistan’s education system still faces systemic issues‚ such as high absenteeism and insufficient funding. However‚ through collaborative efforts and innovative ideas‚ organizations such as GoRead.pk are driving positive change and establishing the groundwork for a more literate and empowered society.The post The story “pedal”-er: how an ice-cream cart library is changing lives in Karachi first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Embark on a journey to discover the hidden riches concealed beneath Cambodia’s mangrove forests‚ where nature thrives against the backdrop of endangered landscapes. A pioneering biodiversity assessment done in the Peam Krasop sanctuary and Koh Kapik Ramsar reserve revealed a breathtaking tapestry of wildlife‚ providing significant insights into the ecological complexity of these critical areas. Discovering Cambodia’s biodiversity hub Stefanie Rog led the survey crew‚ which was financed by Fauna &; Flora International‚ as they ventured deep into Cambodia’s mangroves‚ documenting an astounding catalog of species. Rog is astounded by the findings‚ saying‚ “We found 700 different species in these mangrove forests but we suspect we have not even scratched the surface.” The wide use of video traps‚ nets‚ fish and insect estimations‚ and “transect” surveys allowed for a thorough grasp of the ecosystem’s complexities. The crucial role of mangrove ecosystems Mangrove forests‚ known for their tenacious trees that flourish in saline settings‚ play an important role in coastal ecosystems. Despite their importance‚ these habitats face challenges from destruction for economic purposes. Rog underscores their importance‚ emphasizing‚ “Mangroves are places of roots and mud and they are difficult for humans to get into‚ which is why they provide precious sanctuaries for these vulnerable animals.” The survey emphasized mangroves’ several benefits‚ including their role as nurseries for commercially valuable species and their ability to trap carbon efficiently. Rare finds: a focus on unique species Among the surprising finds are elusive creatures like the fishing cat and the hairy-nosed otter. The fishing cat‚ which can swim and hunt in mangrove roots‚ is a rare sight. Rog goes on to say‚ “It’s very rare to see a fishing cat‚ and we have only found out that they are in the forest from the photographs taken by our camera traps.” Similarly‚ the hairy-nosed otter‚ an endangered species‚ demonstrates the delicate balance of mangrove habitats. Their presence emphasizes the necessity of protecting these areas as safe havens for imperiled wildlife. Protecting mangroves: conservation challenges and solutions As biodiversity custodians‚ mangroves suffer acute risks from habitat loss and degradation. The investigation found 74 fish species and 150 bird species‚ emphasizing the value of mangroves as breeding grounds and habitats for a variety of wildlife. Rog stresses the mangroves’ greater ecological value‚ saying‚ “Mangrove forests are beautiful‚ rich‚ mysterious‚ and harvest so much life.” However‚ sustained conservation efforts are required to protect these valuable ecosystems for future generations. The survey findings are a call to action for governments‚ environmentalists‚ and local communities to work together to preserve and restore mangrove environments. Cambodian mangrove forests serve as biodiversity hotspots‚ brimming with life and providing a look into nature’s beauties. As we strike a careful balance between conservation and development‚ let us love and maintain these magnificent habitats to ensure their survival for future generations.The post Scientists astonished to find 700 new species in Cambodia’s mysterious mangroves first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Perhaps we wonder if it is sinful or disrespectful to encounter doubts or have questions about something God says or does.

Throughout the ages‚ skeptics have tried to disprove the Resurrection experience‚ but it stands the test of time.

When we’re faced with a closed door‚ it might be beneficial for us to consider both Adam and Eve’s story‚ and maybe even cats‚ too‚ because God sometimes reveals truth to us through them.

“The tape doesn’t lie.” It’s an axiom with which athletes are all too familiar. The reference to tapes is dated‚ but the concept endures: we can always go back to game film for the truth of what transpired on any given play. My seminary preaching classes employed the same philosophy. We’d prepare 15-minute sermonettes and preach them in front of our peers. The professor stood in a soundproof booth in the back‚ commenting into a microphone‚ while a video camera captured the whole thing. After preaching‚ we’d sit down and receive feedback from our classmates. Then the professor would hand each aspiring preacher a DVD of himself. We “go to the tape” to confirm how many “uhs” and “ums” we employed or how distracting our nervous pacing was—and we also had the professor’s running commentary. There’d be encouraging remarks: “Ooh‚ good point.” “Helpful teaching of that verse.” “Great gospel explanation.” And there’d be constructive critique: “Help me see how you got that from the text.” “I don’t understand how that illustration relates to your point.” Such tutelage in pulpit ministry shouldn’t just be a rhythm for novices. If teachers of God’s Word want to continually refine our craft‚ we should build formal sermon feedback into our schedules. Here are eight reasons this is essential‚ followed by eight tips for doing it well. Why We Need Sermon Feedback 1. It aids continued growth. There’s a reason many industries require continuing education credits or licensure renewals. Further growth‚ maturation‚ and sharpening are always possible—and sermon feedback helps us toward these ends. 2. It accounts for the dynamic nature of preaching. Even those who’d admit we haven’t arrived can still hit a “sweet spot” in preaching that breeds complacency. If teachers of God’s Word want to continually refine our craft‚ we should build formal sermon feedback into our schedules. A preacher stewards a vantage between the text and the congregation‚ laboring to represent each well to the other. The Word has something to say to the people‚ and the people have proclivities or questions the preacher poses to the text on their behalf. This all comes together in a sermon that’s true to the text and helpful for the people. So even if we find a healthy rhythm of study and teaching‚ we may fall out of touch with how to effectively communicate those realities to our people. Formal sermon feedback provides a context in which others can counsel the “congregational connection” of a preacher who otherwise feels comfortable in his craft. 3. It protects the preacher from being ‘untouchable.’ Sermon feedback guards against the image (real or perceived) of a pastor being above the law. Far too many Christians know the pain of being in a church where nobody has input in the lead pastor’s preaching ministry. Whether a congregant has the chance to offer humble correction or simply knows others are filling that role‚ it’s encouraging to know preachers are actively submitting themselves to review by people in the church. 4. It fosters a culture of feedback. In my church‚ everyone who serves publicly receives constructive critique—young and old‚ staff and lay‚ male and female‚ seasoned or novice. Whether you’re leading Sunday school or preaching in the main service or teaching at a women’s event or giving an evening service devotional‚ you must be willing to receive feedback. Planned formal feedback helps clarify expectations and reduce awkward or unnecessarily hurtful interactions. When you hear murmurings that the men’s prayer-breakfast devotional or the women’s retreat content raised theological questions‚ you already have the mechanism to have the conversation. 5. It’s a great discipleship opportunity. Formal sermon feedback allows us to model giving and receiving encouragement and critique. Those are four distinct “muscles” that require exercise: giving encouragement receiving encouragement giving critique receiving critique Being able to encourage well—succumbing neither to faux compliments nor flattery—isn’t an easy skill to learn. Likewise‚ members who can offer critique that’s not pedantic but meaningful‚ not soul-crushing but sanctifying‚ are worth their weight in gold. 6. It’s another venue to learn what the Lord is using in the congregation. This isn’t to say we should allow the formal reviewers to unilaterally shape our pulpit ministry‚ but it’s been helpful for me over the years to learn I don’t always have an accurate read on what the Spirit seems to be using most effectively in people’s lives. 7. It shapes the preacher to be more approachable in general. Early in my ministry‚ I only received feedback from people in the lobby or the hallway between the pew and the parking lot. I value such moments‚ but the comments were occasionally unthoughtful and ill-prepared‚ and I often wasn’t in the best headspace to receive them. Now‚ however‚ having been on the receiving end of sermon evaluation for a decade‚ I’ve noticed it seep into how I interact with folks after the service. The formal times have trained me to interact in a healthier way in the informal times—which‚ I trust‚ has made me more approachable in those passing conversations. 8. If a preacher is married‚ feedback eases the burden on his wife. This is perhaps a less-considered point‚ but my wife has mentioned it before. We’ve seen negative effects in other ministry families where formal sermon feedback wasn’t in place. Though a wife will often chat with her husband about his sermon‚ if no one else is offering feedback‚ all the pressure functionally falls on her. Though my wife enjoys my preaching‚ she’s deeply grateful for the church’s formal feedback mechanisms both because it’s made me a better preacher and because she hasn’t always had to be the one to offer critique. How to Do It Well Having seen the benefits of receiving sermon feedback‚ here are some suggestions for implementing a more formal process in your church. 1. Put it on your calendar. Build a consistent rhythm. The change you’re after won’t happen with one or two hallway conversations every few months. I don’t want to overprescribe—do what works in your context—but at my church we have an hour-long “service review‚” after our weekly staff meeting‚ where we review elements of any services on the Lord’s Day. A healthy portion of that meeting is devoted to sermon feedback. 2. Teach your folks about the things they should always look for. I always want to know‚ for example‚ if the gospel was proclaimed clearly and if I showed its implications across all my points. I want to know if I taught the text well and if my sermon’s argument reflected the text’s argument. I want to know if I helpfully addressed nonbelievers and properly imagined objectors. I want to be explicitly Trinitarian in my teaching. And so on. I hope to convey these expectations implicitly by the way I give feedback when others preach and also by periodically telling other pastors‚ staff‚ and interns which kind of feedback would be helpful. 3. Coach your reviewers on how to listen as Christians‚ not critics. They should gather with their church family on Sundays expecting to be edified. Then‚ while giving feedback‚ they should express whatever helped that edification take place. Constructively‚ they should share anything that could have been more helpful or clear. 4. Be open about your perceived growth areas. If you know you have distracting nervous ticks or that you tend to get stuck in the same homiletical ruts‚ give your reviewers a heads-up and ask them to hold you accountable. 5. Involve men and women. If you only ever involve men in your sermon feedback loop‚ your preaching could become lopsided. Involving sisters will only be a benefit‚ and they’ll be blessed by it as well. 6. With negative feedback: receive‚ don’t react. Express thankfulness for the feedback and genuinely consider its truthfulness and helpfulness. 7. With positive feedback: disciple‚ don’t deflect. We’re typically tempted to say much when critiqued and little when praised. I’m arguing for the opposite. Don’t brush off encouragements—use them as training opportunities whereby you share how you came to that conclusion‚ why you approached things as you did‚ or what the Lord taught you personally that led to this or that application. 8. Have a way to capture and act on feedback. During our service review‚ I pull out my laptop and type all the feedback into my sermon manuscript document. If I ever preach that text again‚ I’ll have notes awaiting me. I also make a yellow highlight on some of the more salient feedback I intend to put into practice in the immediate future. This has been immensely helpful as a repository of constructive comments. And when I’m on the giving end of feedback‚ it’s always encouraging to see other preachers doing the same. It gives me confidence they’re taking the feedback seriously and plan to do something with it. ‘Find Your Voice’&;#63; In their early years‚ most preachers hear the admonition to “find their voice.” Though this isn’t altogether unhelpful‚ I hope you can see a twofold problem emerges. I don’t always have an accurate read on what the Spirit seems to be using most effectively in people’s lives. First‚ “finding your voice” isn’t an isolated activity. It’s not an individual journey toward self-actualization. We need brothers and sisters in Christ to help us see what we don’t‚ so we can mature by God’s grace. Second‚ “finding your voice” has an air of finality—as if there’s a version of me I’m meant to find and‚ once discovered‚ I can lock in cruise control. This is naive at best‚ malpractice at worst. A rhythm of formal sermon feedback yields a healthier version of this aphorism that combats both dangers: Find your voice in community and fine-tune it continually.