9/11

On this day, 10 years ago, the world watched America under attack.

We witnessed thousands of lives unwillingly taken at the hands of terrorists. We were affected. Whether directly or indirectly we all realized that in a blink of an eye our lives can make a dramatic change based off someones action. Ten years later, there are people still grieving this tragedy, very sad. Images plague our media outlets of that faithful morning, stirring up emotions that fuel our perception of the type of world we live in.
So what type of world do we live in?
Is it one that is cold, without remorse, disregard to human life, or God? Or, is it a world we see hurting and desperate for love, unity and peace. What is driving our actions?

I for one, have a strong faith in God, the Alpha and Omega, the Omnipresent, the Everlasting Father... and so I know that events such as these have been prophesied in my bible.

Matthew 24:6,7..."And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."

We need to still think, speak, act, and walk in love for it is within our tiny gestures that can be the change we are searching for. I encourage you to never forget the suffering and loss of lives that have been taken as a result of war and natural disasters, however try not to let it consume you into grief and doubt. We are still alive! We can still dream and prepare, reconcile and restore. We can still be the change the world needs.

So live for your family, love thy neighbor and be of service to your sistern and brethren. Let's make this ten year anniversary of tragedy a mark for positive change!

Jeremiah 29:11..."For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end."

(((+)))

G.R.O.W

At times we find ourselves at a place unexpected. Facing challenges that's not planned within our will, a blind-sided circumstance that needs to be addressed before we can move on. We can be pressed and displaced outside our usual comfort zone. So when we react to what's happening to us, whether considered right or considered what seems to be necessary, we access an outcome to learn if we progressed or have been set back by it.
Either way we will have learned. Something that was not taught to us before.
We grow. We've (G)ained (R)esponsibility (O)n our (W)ill. And when we grow, that is Gods will for us!

Over heated

Summertime is here and all the frills that come along with it. One of those can be extreme heat. Here in Toronto, we are entering our second week of extremely high temperatures rising up to the mid forties Celsius. Coupled with a dry summer thus far, you can see that this is a recipe for illness' like heat stroke.

What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It's when the body is exposed to an excessive amount of heat and cannot sweat or cool down. Within 10-15 minutes, body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If emergency treatment is not provided, heat stroke can cause premature disability or even death.

It is important to be aware of prevention to heat stroke, and identifying the symptoms.

Prevention is cure...

• keep hydrated with plenty of liquids (preferably water)


• avoid or minimize sweet, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages


• take frequent breaks in shaded areas


• wear a hat, lightweight clothing


• try avoiding the outdoors while the sun is at its peak


• stay indoors with a fan, air conditioning, or in the basement

The following symptoms of heat stroke may include the feeling of confusion, dizziness, throbbing headache with a temperature over 103 degrees. The person's skin can get red, hot, and also dry to the touch. They may also experience nausea or lose consciousness.

By treating heat stroke, get the person to a shaded area right away. Keep them cool by giving them sips of water, fanning them, wrapping them with a damp cloth or spraying their body with water. Try monitoring their body temperature with a thermometer if available, to lower temperature to at least 101 or 102 degrees. Call 911 immediately as they can assist with further direction or until medical help arrives.

As summertime is desirable for enjoying the summer weather, which you should, just be cautious and keep in mind to avoid becoming 'over heated'.

Cheers