Butterfly Kisses: Why to get cozy with the Live Monarch Foundation

 

Image via the Live Monarch Foundation

Who are they?

Having only recently learned of the Live Monarch Foundation and love the services they’re providing, I’m spotlighting them here so you can get acquainted with them and get excited about their work, too!

This group’s working hard to fulfill a perpetual mission and their efforts are blessing millions of us!

Their mission

Offering education, involvement, assistance and acknowledgment of persons directly acting to benefit the Monarch Butterfly and various native creatures who have suffered a decline in their natural habitats.

The foundation can provide free-to-low cost milkweed seeds, indigenous to your area, and about to show you why that’s awesome!

Milkweed growth has been in rapid decline in many areas due to habitat loss, especially where large amounts of pesticides are in use.

As of this writing, a few types are listed on the federal endangered species list.

A monarch butterfly...

Image via MatchyMatchy of Pixabay

Why are the monarchs sooooo important?

Important is an understatement.

They’re ranked as a flagship species due to their crucial role in pollination of both wildflowers (more on the wildflowers later) and food crop. These efforts help to maintain a much healthier ecosystem.

And what’s milkweed got to do with the monarchs?

From pollinator food to organic medicine, milkweed maintains as a crucial aspect of a healthy ecology. Below is your breakdown of this amazing plant and why to grow it...

• It’s the ONLY FOOD SOURCE AND HABITAT for monarch caterpillars. Without milkweed, the monarch butterflies cannot survive.

• Over 450 types of insects feed on milkweed. It’s nectar-rich, attracting major pollinators like bees and butterflies. 

• Is an organic, eco-friendly ingredient used in cleaning up oil spills. In fact, its natural absorbency factors outperform synthetic alternatives, making it an essential for toxic spill cleanup.

• Provides a defense for the monarch babies and adults via its toxin compounds that make them taste awful to predators. The monarchs also consume the milkweed nectar, providing them with fuel, an essential for both their long migration journeys.

For more than monarchs

Milkweed and us...

Milkweed has and continues to be used as an organic medicine

• Topically for warts, ringworm, bee stings and poison ivy

•  Its cardiac glycosides are used in modern medicine to treat heart disorders

• As a tincture it can treat coughs due to asthma, bronchitis and even pleurisy due to lung inflammation

• Can help with gut issues such as diarrhea, dysentery and as a laxative.

• As a diuretic it can reduce edema and as a diaphoretic, it can help produce sweating 

 

As food 

• Its buds, flowers, immature pods and young shoots can be eaten as vegetables in stews or fried, after they’re boiled to neutralize its toxins.

Materials

• Its fluff is used for bedding and organic oil absorbency.

• Its sap is used to make glue

• Stem and root fibres are used in making cordage

• Dried pods are processed into insect repellents

The Live Monarch Foundation is helping us to keep milkweed abundant and thriving by providing education and low-to-no cost milkweed seed varieties that are indigenous to our own areas. 

Help with restoration

Below are some linked images to get you to their site to learn more about their crucial work in helping to maintain quality ecosystems in our areas via their Plant a Seed Program.

(Images below are via the Live Monarch Foundation)

 

Just for fun!

Monarch swarming

I’ve only seen one in my whole life, and as I write this, I’m 61 years old. I was blessed to observe one for several minutes (wasn’t over but couldn’t stay longer) around a tree in front of the Post Office in Poseyville, Indiana. It was one of the most spectacular natural events I’ve ever witnessed. 

Another was a swarm of killer bees in Glendale, California, in a residential area, while I was out for a jog. Thankfully it was down the street, with two police squad cars parked in front of it to warn passersby, until they could get the area cleared and safe.

I dunno how.. Maybe a few bee charmers? 

If I never see a swarm of those types of bees again, I’ll be happy about it. The monarchs tho... BEAUTIFUL!!!

Monarch migration

The monarchs must migrate to survive. It allows them to escape freezing weather, deadly parasite infections and starvation. 

The long migration weeds out those infected with parasitic infections and increases the lifespans of the healthy ones up to nine months longer than the infected ones. 

Enjoy!

Below are two vids I hope you’ll take some time to watch, especially if you’ve never seen a butterfly swarm or their landing zone after fleeing winter weather. So cool!

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV

The wrap!

Growing up in a large aspect of America’s grain belt, and working within a generational, agricultural farming family, over the years I’ve learned the importance of good stewardship. It’s an absolute necessity. We really can especially conduct quality land management and be protective of the native plant and animal species within our areas, even as we produce food and other vegetation, without destroying the habitats of the native species that depend on them.

We can start with our own properties, be they little or big. 

Thanks for visiting and supporting independent journalism. Please feel free to leave a comment, especially if you have further information or personal experience you’d like to share.

‘Til next time,

Shalom from Southern Indiana!

Angelia 

FarmaCOPEia: The ancient science of forgiveness

 

Image via TotalShape of Pixabay

In case you didn’t know...

A few years ago, I was blessed with more stabilized health and was able to attend college again (remotely), this time with a focus on Biblical Studies. In the doing, I’ve also had to spend a good deal of time refreshing myself on some subjects I’ve not spent much time reviewing since the late 1980s—two being general and grief psychology.

This month, December, in psyche review, I’ve landed in the topic of  forgiveness. 

As always, God’s timing is perfect. 

Next, I’m not referring to anyone specifically, but many, manyyyyyy folks won’t even attempt to taste a bit of forgiveness pie. Others accept it but struggle with the chewing and swallowing. As my southern family says, “Sometimes, it be like that.” 

It’s kinda like kids and castor oil...

Image via ASPhillips

Some give up but others just do it, and begin to immediately reap the benefits of it.

Once more... 

In the research that prompted this post, I was yet again awed at modern science proving Biblical teaching to be accurate, especially in regards to mental health. 

Since this is the season millions celebrate the birth of Yeshua the Messiah, it provides an opportunity to maybe help some folks struggling with emotional challenges. Of those, many are sometimes a side-effect of unforgiveness.

Image via qimono of Pixabay

Unforgiveness: A mental health toxin 

I wanted to do my best to help anyone suffering from symptoms related to unforgiveness—that joy-robbing, spirit-dampening, soul-stealing toxin that some folks just don’t realize may be the very thing that’s causing life to feel foul.

Yup... It really is all that bad of a thing to be harboring, let alone nourishing.

Y’all know I’m not a fan of producing long posts, so, I’m gonna try and fit the info into a teaspoon-sized dose that will hopefully be an easy read that may be just the medicine you or someone you know is in need of. 

Here we go...

The Process Model of Psychological Forgiveness by Dr. Robert Enright, PhD

Core Principles

☙ Conscious Choice: Deliberately releasing negative feelings.

☙ Internal Processing: Deliberately changing your own internal (emotional) response to

a hurtful action by another, and not allowing that response to depend on them.

☙ Not Condoning: Forgiving because you choose to without condoning the actions of the offender.

☙ Emotional Release: Deliberate transitioning from feelings of hate and hurt to forgiveness and healing.

Stages and Components (Enright Model and more)

☙ Uncovering: Acknowledging the depths of the hurt and the anger and pain it caused.

☙ Deciding to Forgive: Committing to the process of making the deliberate choice to let go. 

☙ Working Through: Making a conscious choice to release and let go of unforgiveness.

☙ Deepening: (I’m not always in agreement with all aspects of this one, but including it to be reflective of the model) Allowing and cultivating empathy for the offender. Transitioning the focus from the event’s effects to renewed hope and personal growth.

Psychological & Neurological Benefits

☙ Stress reduction: Decreases anxiety, depression, anger, and rumination.

☙ Improved physical health: Forgiveness is linked to more stable, healthy blood

pressure and immune function.

☙ Relationship enhancement: Promotes, empathy, compassion and connection with others.

Important Distinctions

☙ Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation: Forgiveness is a person’s choice. Reconciliation is dependent on mutual efforts and restored trust.

☙ Forgiveness vs. Forgetting: One might not forget the event but one can alter how they relate to it.

The last one I’m abstaining from including here because I believe it to be erroneous and in direct conflict with the teachings of Yeshua, the most horribly injured (physically and emotionally) innocent man ever to have been assassinated. Yet, in His last moments of agony, and His few last breaths said, from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they have not known what they do.” Young’s Literal Translation.

Yeshua said...

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Whatever belief system anyone has ever adopted, or what good standards they work to live by, it was Him who set the ultimate standard of rightness (righteousness). It’s Him who helps me forgive, as I should. And that’s a wonderful privilege because if there’s anyone who should be willing to forgive, it’s definitely me. I’ve been one of the most undeserving recipients of forgiveness more times than I’ll ever be able to remember.

If you can identify, feel free to leave an “Amen!” in the comments. Hopefully, that's not many of you. 

The Wrap!

This hasn’t been a post about religion. As my little brother says, “It’s all about relationship. Religion never saved anybody.” Pastor Paul K. Cooper II, Missionary to Brazil.

No matter what religion you are or aren’t, forgiveness maintains as being a recognized organic and exceptional, ancient medicine. It may make you squint and pucker, but it’ll bless us if we just do it.

Hoping you're enjoying this season of reflection, love and definitely forgiveness.

Shalom, shalom

Angelia

Should Christians celebrate Christmas?

 

Image via ASPhillips

Sunday chatter

On any regular Sunday, at Maumee General Baptist Church (Johnson, Indiana), several members of the congregation meet for lunch at whatever local restaurant was chosen for that week. It’s a routine that’s been in place for a few years. 

The purpose is tri-fold, to be supportive of local businesses, enjoy some fellowship with our own congregation and other guests and to not have to cook and clean up after a busy morning of worship.

Recently, at such a gathering, while we waited on our food, Deacon Bruce Page (who’s also the adult Sunday School teacher), posed a question that evoked some interesting discussion. 

The question: Should Christians include Christmas trees in their Christmas holiday? 

We all contributed our take on it, not so much in debate just sharing our own take on it. It made for an interesting and amiable exchange of ideas.

Next day...

I don’t spend much time on Facebook, so I often don’t see posts the same day they publish. So, I was surprised and curious that the day after our lunch discussion, I was surprised to see a post from my friend, Pastor Brent Wedding of Hope Center Apostolic Chapel. It wasn’t exactly the same topic, but very closely related.

His info was well researched and interesting enough that I asked if I could incorporate it in this week’s edition. He was agreeable and below I’ve placed the entire post for your perusal. Interesting stuff!

The great debate: Should Christians celebrate Christmas?

At the end of the day, you do what God leads you to do. But let's not separate ourselves from each other over trivial things. The love of God is stronger than our differences. 

But here is some great info for your research. 

I've run this through several fact checks and it passes the accuracy testing.

Why Celebrating Christmas Is Not Pagan

A historically accurate, Biblically sound, culturally relevant breakdown

1. The Core Claim: “Christmas is pagan” is historically false.

The idea that Christmas is pagan is a modern myth popularized in the 1800–1900s by:

    ☙ Alex Hislop (The Two Babylons, 1853)

    ☙ Jehovah’s Witnesses literature (20th century)

    ☙ Wiccan/Pagan revivalists (20th century)

Historians across all fields—secular, Christian, and Jewish—universally reject Hislop’s claims for lack of evidence. Hislop’s comparisons between Christianity and ancient paganism are considered:

☙ Unhistorical

` ☙ Unsupported by primary sources

☙ Pseudo-scholarship

☙ Modern historians consider his work academically worthless.

2. The Early Church Did NOT Adopt Pagan Festivals

Many people claim Christmas was created to “Christianize Saturnalia” or the “winter solstice.” But historically:

    A. Saturnalia was NOT on December 25

         ☙ Saturnalia: December 17–23

 ☙ Sol Invictus festival: December 25 (but far later)

Even then, Sol Invictus, becoming prominent, post-dates Christian celebration of Christ’s birth.

    B. Christians avoided pagan holidays. The early church was...

          ☙ Persecuted by Rome

  ☙ Opposed to Roman idolatry

  ☙ Strictly against syncretism

They refused participation in pagan rituals. The idea that they borrowed from paganism contradicts everything we know about early Christian practice.

3. Christmas on Dec 25 Originated from Christian Theology—Not Paganism

The strongest historical evidence shows the date came from a Jewish-Christian belief about prophetic symmetry, not pagan festivals.

     A. The Early Church taught “prophetic completeness”

           Many early Christians believed:

     ☙ Great prophets died on the same date they were conceived.

        This tradition appears in...

          ☙ Jewish thought

          ☙ Early Christian writings

          ☙ Rabbinical discussions of Moses, David, and patriarchs

    B. Jesus’ death was believed to be on Nisan 14

          ☙ Western Christians dated His death as March 25

          ☙ Eastern Christians dated it as April 6

    C. Add 9 months → Birthdate

          ☙ March 25 + 9 months = December 25

          ☙ April 6 + 9 months = January 6

       This gives us...

         ☙December 25 → Western Christmas

         ☙ January 6 → Eastern Christmas/Epiphany

         ☙Both are derived from theology, not paganism.

       This is documented in...

☙ Tertullian (AD 160–225)

☙ Hippolytus (AD 170–235)

☙ Julius Africanus (AD 160–240)

☙ John Chrysostom (AD 347–407)

      This predates any connection to Sol Invictus.

4. Christmas Predates the Pagan “Sol Invictus” Festival

    This is the single most important historical fact most people don’t know:

    A. Christians mention December 25 as Jesus’ birth in AD 200

 ☙ Hippolytus (AD 200) explicitly writes Christ was born on December 25.

    B. The pagan Sol Invictus celebration on Dec 25 was created around AD 274—at least 70 years later.

         In other words...

          ☙ Christians weren’t copying the pagans.

          ☙ Pagans copied the Christians.

Several historians argue that Emperor Aurelian intentionally placed a new solar festival on Dec 25 to compete with growing Christian influence, not the other way around.

5. Biblical Foundations for Celebrating Christ’s Birth

    Scripture never commands us to celebrate His birth, but Scripture clearly...

      ☙ Records the event

      ☙ Honors the event

      ☙ Presents it with heavenly celebration

  

      A. Heaven itself celebrated the birth

             ☙ Luke 2:13–14 shows an angelic multitude praising God.

             ☙ If heaven celebrated the birth of Christ, the church is not wrong to do the same.

    B. The incarnation is a foundational doctrine

           ☙ John 1:14 — “The Word was made flesh…”

           ☙ 1 Tim 3:16 — “God was manifest in the flesh…”

           ☙ Micah 5:2 — Messiah’s birth prophesied

           ☙ Isaiah 9:6 — His identity as Mighty God in human form

         Celebrating the incarnation aligns with core Apostolic (following the teaching of the Apostles) doctrine.

6. Cultural Traditions ≠ Pagan Worship

      Three important facts...

        A. Using a day doesn’t make something pagan

              ☙ Paul teaches: “One person regards one day above another… Let each be fully convinced.” Romans 14:5-6

    B. Redeemed practices are biblical

           Israel took...

            ☙ Pagan instruments → used them in worship

    ☙ Pagan words (like τόρα, logos, even "Elohim") → used them for the true God

    ☙ Pagan calendars → reordered them around Yahweh

Sanctifying something is a biblical pattern.

    C. Christmas trees are not pagan

           Jeremiah 10 is not about a tree decorated with ornaments. It is about...

            ☙ Carving a wooden idol

   ☙ Covering it with silver and gold

   ☙ Praising it as a god

           No Christian is bowing to a tree or calling it Ba'al.

7. Modern Pagans Claim Christmas for Themselves—But That Doesn’t Make It True

      Wiccan and Neo-Pagan groups love to say Christmas is “stolen from pagans.”

        But academically...

  ☙ Neo-paganism is a 20th-century invention

  ☙ They project modern ideas onto ancient cultures

  ☙ Virtually all their claims fall apart when checked against actual archaeology or primary texts

        Historically...

  ☙ There is no evidence ancient pagans celebrated December 25 as the birth of any major deity

  ☙ The closest festivals were on completely different dates

  ☙ Their gods were not born in winter solstice stories (that’s modern mythology)

8. Conclusion: Christmas Is Christian in Origin and Practice

      It is not...

       ☙  A pagan festival

       ☙ A Christianized Saturnalia

       ☙ Adopted from sun worship

       ☙ A Roman compromise

    It is...

     ☙ A celebration of the Word made flesh

     ☙ Rooted in early Christian theology

     ☙ Affirmed by the early church centuries before pagan parallels

     ☙ Biblically consistent with honoring God’s redemptive acts

     ☙ Theologically tied to the incarnation—the foundation of the Gospel

     ☙ There is zero historical evidence Christians adopted a pagan holiday

     ☙ There is strong evidence pagans attempted to imitate Christian celebrations

The wrap!

My thanks to Pastor Brent Wedding for allowing me to publish his content here! He and his wife, Becca, are wonderful people that you could only be blessed by getting familiar with. If you’re in, or even just passing through, Peru, Indiana on a weekend, please consider including a visit to their church and don’t be surprised to be amazed!

Pastor Brent and First Lady Becca Wedding

of

Hope Center Apostolic Chapel, Peru, Indiana

(Image via Pastor Brent Wedding)

Thanks for your visit today and if you’d like to chime in, hit me up in the comments! Civil engagement is encouraged and always a blessing.

Until next week,

Shalom, shalom!

Angelia

ShoutOut: Pilot Flying J's Salute to U.S. Military Veterans

 

If you need a landing spot for a holiday meal, here's your sign!

A new tradition

This was my second year to celebrate Thanksgiving with my life-long friend, Kathy M., at Denny’s. We’re both single, enjoy each other’s company and going to Denny’s means good food and good coffee without a mess to clean up after. We even ran into other friends from our church there this time, too, who’ve also adopted Denny’s for the holidays. 

We meet early, usually between 1100 and 1130 and this year, I’d been invited to join some of my cousins in the afternoon for their holiday family gathering. They live in the same county, giving us plenty of time to enjoy our visit. That’s another thing I love about Denny’s, they don’t mind if we linger, especially at the I-64/Hwy 41 location in Southern Indiana. 

It’s a fav go to meeting place for our area. We’re always greeted by friendly staff and enjoy being supportive of a business that adds quality to our community. 

The Jarhead Brat Pack

After a wonderful lunch and visit, Kathy and I parted ways. I was about to head out of the lot when I realized I'd had a lot of coffee and probably needed a pit stop before heading across the county to my cousin’s home. Rather than leaving I made a semi-circle into a parking spot near their fuel station/convenience store to take care of business before leaving.

I also wanted a fresh java for the road. 

I went in, got sorted and stepped to the counter to pay up. The attendant, Ryan, was very friendly and asked if I had a Pilot Flying J. rewards card. I didn’t but I’m not in that area more than a few times a year, so didn’t think I needed one and declined the offer.

Then he asked me if I’d like to include a $3 donation to go towards their U.S. military veteran support programs. That was a no-brainer. I was happy to make the donation. As Ryan totaled my bill, he explained that veterans with the Pilot Flying J rewards program would receive a 10% discount on food and beverages throughout the year when using the app. 

That’s when it got personal. I told him I would love to donate $3 and was thrilled Pilot Flying J was providing the easy opportunity to do it. I shared that my family is largely military and that my sister and I are Jarhead Brats (US Marine’s kids). Turns out, so is Ryan. That made us immediate family. 

                                         This is Ryan!                                          

It's always a privilege to get acquainted with another Jarhead brat, and especially those who live and work in the area. Corps families will always have family wherever they are. 

I must add here, we do have every branch well represented in our family and very grateful to and proud of all of them for their sacrifice and service. 

Ryan was the first one to explain the Pilot Flying J rewards programs specifically honoring veterans and thanking civilians, so it’s him that gets the kudos for making their newest fan and I couldn’t wait to brag on him and them and get the info to you in this week’s edition. 

Below is a breakdown on how to get Pilot Flying J rewards for both military vets and civilians, as well as the benefits they provide.

Ryan assisting a customer

Flying J Rewards Program

☙ Called myRewards and is managed through the RewardsPlus app that you can download from your mobile’s store.

☙ Members can earn points for fuel and in-store purchases, which can be redeemed for free drinks, snacks, showers, and more. 

☙Professional drivers can earn even more points per gallon and free showers by meeting certain fuel purchase thresholds, and can also use features like mobile fueling and parking reservations within the app.

☙Fueling: Earn points for every gallon of fuel purchased. Professional drivers can activate "PushForPoints" each month to earn up to 4 or even 5 points per gallon after a certain number of qualifying fills.

    ☙ In-store purchases: Use your app or card at the register to earn points on other purchases.

    ☙ Axle Fuel Card: Users of the Axle Fuel Card also earn an extra bonus point per gallon.

    ☙ Special offers: The app provides exclusive deals, challenges, and birthday freebies   

Redeeming rewards              

☙ Free drinks: Earn a free drink after purchasing nine coffees.

☙ Showers: Earn free showers with every 50-gallon diesel purchase, and get a free daily shower for the rest of the month and the next if you fuel over 1,000 gallons in a month ("Shower Power").

☙ Food and merchandise: Redeem your points for food, drinks, and merchandise in-store.

The app features include...

☙ Mobile fueling: Start fueling from your phone to save time and stay in your vehicle.

☙  Shower and parking reservations: Book showers and reserve parking spaces directly through the app.

☙ Transaction history: View and email up to 18 months of digital receipts.

Route planning: Plan your route and find locations that meet your needs.

Yup! Driven by an employee of Pilot Flying J! 

Love it!

For the Military Discount

☙ Download the myRewards Plus app. (Get the app from your phone's app store.)

☙ Verify your status: Use http://ID.me to verify your military status within the app.

☙ Enjoy savings! The 10% discount is automatically applied to food and beverage purchases when you use your myRewards account at checkout.

Includes...

☙ Pilot coffee and fountain drinks

☙ Hot and cold food items from the deli and other participating fast food restaurants

☙ Non-alcoholic cooler beverages

☙ Candy and snacks

Additional benefits

☙ Pilot Flying J frequently offers exclusive deals to military members and veterans through the app, which can include free food and drinks, especially around holidays like Veterans Day.

☙ Pilot Flying J also supports the military community through other initiatives, such as its Miles of Good program, which includes donations to organizations like the Call of Duty Endowment that helps veterans find jobs.

A trucker's home away from home for the holiday.

Last, yet definitely not least...

Pilot Flying J also allows free, overnight parking for cars, SUVs, trucks and big rigs. They have food, beverages, over the counter meds, travel supplies and showers available, and some provide propane tank trade-ins for traveling campers. 

On a long trip, when you're hungry and need some rest, try Pilot Flying J!

I’ve travelled cross-country many, many times, and Pilot Flying J has always been a safe landing spot when I needed a few hours of rest before continuing further. And, for the record, of the travel stations that don’t allow for this, nor accommodate our truck drivers in big rigs, I don’t give them business. Truckers are the main folks providing us a stable supply chain for everything from dry goods, to food and medical supplies. 

Cast your bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

The wrap!

I pray your holiday season is saturated with love and blessings. Even with life’s many challenges and losses, each year I have many things to be thankful for. Above all for my Lord’s great grace, mercy and provision. 

My sincere thanks to Pilot Flying J for being an excellent part of Thanksgiving 2025 and for their excellent support and appreciation of both military and civilian customers. Bravo Zulu and Semper Fi!

Shalom-shalom,

Angelia

Journaling: Enhancing emotional, mental and physical wellness

 

Image via freephotocc of Pixabay

‘tis the season

‘tis the season

In December of 2024, I published a post on journaling. (Click here to view it.)

It was good timing. November of this year is good timing as well for a post on the same topic but fueled by an entirely different reasons. 

Thing is, journaling is actually good for us! As in doctor-recommended kinda good. And, the reason it’s a good time for such a post is because even though it’s a beautiful time of year, for a whole lot of folks, it triggers an onset of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). 

Journaling can provide a nearly free source of help to alleviate that. It’ll cost a pen or pencil, and a notebook, so for most, it’s affordable.

When the high days of summer ebb to make room for the way shorter ones of autumn in her fancy leaves and chilly temps, not everyone is oohing and ahhing over the riot of color and the sun already yawning by early afternoon.

Here are a few shots I took earlier today that provide a good example of where we are in the season, at least here in our village. 

Sorry so many, but the weather was perfect for the shots I needed so, I admit to getting a little carried away.

For some, the colors and misty atmosphere are beautiful and invigorating, while others experience a less cheery effect.   

I’m sure most of us have at least one friend or family member who struggles with seasonal depression. It’s not just the physical season changes causing it, other aspects can play a big part in it. I’ll give you an all-in-one example...

Holidays

There are loads of reasons folks can be torn, or even dread the holiday season. For lots, it’s their first time to experience them without a loved one. Or their first time to go through them away from home. For essential personnel, staffing is often short which means longer hours for those filling the gaps. 

Back to the point

The point of this post isn’t the cause, but the possible help for it. And after my recent post on the physical and mental benefits of handwriting, I got curious and decided to follow an associated trail to see if there were maybe similar benefits to journaling.

I ran a couple queries and was rewarded with information impressive enough to bother sharing with you. Sharing is caring and I’ve been a life-long fan of journaling, so, it’s a win-win!

I learned that...

Journaling is more than writing down thoughts, ideas, feelings, desires, plans, etcetera. It also changes us by producing psychological and physiological responses–ones that are good for us and sometimes even helping to heal us.

How’s that happen?

Seems that journaling can produce multiple health benefits. I've compiled them into two categories for you below.

    Mental

        ☙ Creativity: Encourages the free-flow of thoughts and ideas, promoting creativity. 

        ☙ Emotional regulation: Helps writers identify and understand their emotions, leading to better emotional control.

☙ Goal achievement: A written record of goals and tracking the progress to achieving them increases enthusiasm, accountability and greater likelihood of achieving them.

☙ Mood improvement and stabilization: Writing about gratitude and positive experiences can produce feelings of well being and improved confidence. Also, studies show that journaling can help significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

        ☙ Problem solving: Writing down thoughts on problems can enhance identifying solutions and improve decisiveness. 

    Physical

        ☙ Better sleep: Off-loading concerns and ideas into a journal can grant stress relief that allows for improved rest periods.

        ☙ Boosts immune function: In short, journaling can strengthen your immune system. 

        ☙ Healthy blood pressure: Studies indicate journaling can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

☙ Natural analgesic: Journaling can help with managing chronic pain. The reaction is due to the writer having a safe space to express and process pain-related experiences. (I’m not all in with this one. Some pain nearly prevents breathing and thinking, let alone writing. However, I do believe it’s likely very effective with folks who are inclined to lean to the negative in thought and feelings, which are two components that bring about pain-related physical reactions.)

Further related information

☙ Journaling as a Source of Healing

☙ Journaling for Emotional Wellness

☙ BC/BS NC Wellness Journaling for Physical and Mental Health

On a personal note...

I’ve been both a sporadic and steady journalist for years. However, within the last year, I’ve required myself to be only steady, with exception to extreme time crunches and health setbacks. 

I’m happy to say though, that I’ve managed to be parked at my desk most mornings with instability. But most mornings, I’m parked at my desk with hot coffee and feeling enthused about a short journal entry right after finishing Bible study.

The pen (specifically for journaling) I found at the Dollar Tree and the journal was a birthday gift. It’s nearly full and I have a new one to begin already waiting in my bookcase. I loved writing at my old desk, and loving it just as much at my new one, but, truthfully, journaling can be fun nearly anywhere and the where can easily change the what of the content.

Journaling can be, but doesn't have to be an expensive hobby.

Where I journal most often, but nearly anywhere can be a good spot for journaling!

Usually, my entries are daily, short, and touch on the highlights near the time of the entry and whatever prayer request might be pressing on my heart. It feels good that I’ve communicated it verbally and in writing as well. That’s cause it makes me feel better, not because the Lord needs it that way.  

I also have a positivity rule that I stick to, which is keep the content positive. Even if it’s a topic that’s upsetting, I can remember when grace and mercy have covered me, and that’s the perspective I write from. If any of my friends, family, God-children, nieces and nephews should read an entry, I want it to bless them not upset them.

As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7

How ‘bout you?

Have you tried journaling? If you did, are you still journaling?

I hope if you’ve not tried journaling, or had a go at it and decided it wasn’t for you, that you’ll maybe reconsider and give it another shot. Knowing what we know about it now, it might make some wonderful differences for you. 

If you’d like to weigh in on the topic, please leave a comment below. Participation is always appreciated!

The Wrap!

Thanks for tuning in this week! Hope you’ve found it interesting and helpful!

'til next time, shalom!

Angelia

Bad Ideas: Black plastics & food

Image via ASPhillips

 

And again, who knew?

I came across this info for the first time, only a few weeks ago. As I read through it, I was alarmed and annoyed. Why is this even an issue? 

Nearly everyone I know has multiple types of these items in their kitchens—meaning black, plastic cooking utensils. This especially applies to the youngers, you know, the ones setting up their first homes, or homes away from home, on a budget?

Another community that invests in these products are the nomads--perpetual campers. Their kitchens are often stocked with inexpensive, lightweight cooking utensils that are easily replaced if broken.

Nearly every Dollar (+.25) store in the US has at least half a wall dedicated to plastic cooking utensils and LOTS of them are black.

There are also small businesses, like daycares, food trucks and similar vendors and so on. Hopefully, most are investing in metal items but those who are... It’s a good guess they’re going for the more affordable plastic options.

Image via ASPhillips

The color issue

All plastic utensils, be they for eating or cooking, have the potential to leak toxins into your food. But the black plastics put consumers at greater risk because they’re often made from recycled computer parts. This is most likely to happen when the utensil gets hot. 

Wow! Even Google didn’t know!

I ran a query, hoping to find out about how many cooking utensils are made each year from recycled computer parts. Google had no idea and here’s why...

The products are dangerous, little to no data is usually produced to track what’s been made and the practice poses such a health hazard it’s globally condemned. Currently, there is a gross lack of regulation and transparency involving the production of these products. 

Regarding the global supply chain, products made from recycled computer parts are often not labeled, preventing consumers from being aware of the risks. Also, because there’s no formal data tracking the process, we don’t know how many utensils are being sold that began as computer rubbish.

What makes it toxic?

Plastics recycled from computer parts can contain flame retardants that can leach into your food, especially when the plastic gets heated. Kids are especially susceptible to this because they’re still developing.

Flame retardants have been linked to...

☙ Endocrine disruption

☙ Neurotoxicity

☙ Increased risk of specific cancers

Safer options

All’s not lost. We have some great alternatives–even organic ones.

☙ Bamboo: This is a personal fav. Not only is it organic, it’s easily replenished!

☙ Glass: Not always the safest but in careful hands, it works.

☙ Silicone: One of my favs. It’s resistant with easy clean up!

☙ Stainless steel: This option works for me, too! I even own, and actually use, a 12 cup, stainless steel percolator! Yup, I can set it on a hot rock or right in the camp fire without it melting or leaching nasty chemicals into one of my beloved java!

☙ Wood: Wood is another fav! It’s especially nice when you’ve been able to receive hand-me-downs from elders who pass along their own wooden utensils.

Truth–I eat 99% of my food with chopsticks. I have dozens of sets made of a variety of materials–bamboo, wood, resin and stainless steel. But, the set I use most often came from one of the Asian restaurants in Evansville, Indiana a couple years ago. 

 

They're comfy and don't take up much space.
A plus since I have most meals at my desk!

Most of the rest of my collection, stored within easy reach!

I love ALL of the ones I have and have three sets just for cooking! But, these are my go-to’s for most meals. The others, I break out for holidays and special events when my sister wants her table to look fancy. 

The Wrap!

Hope this has inspired you to at least consider engaging in a replacement session, if you’ve got plastics, and exchanging them for a safer option. Inconvenient, probably but also worth it.

Thanks for visiting and hope you’ll spread the word! 

‘Til next time, shalom, shalom!

Angelia 

Handwriting's healthy side-effects

 

Jot that down...

Do you like to write? I don’t mean pen great stories or hand-written cards, but the actual process of writing with a pen, pencil, stylus, crayon, burnt end of a match stick or using fingers (or even toes) at the beach. 

Being able to hand-write is a privilege. Lots of folks can't and would love to. If you can, consider yourself very, very blessed. 

Alternatives...

Beyond writing by hand, other methods tend to be far more popular. Computer keyboards are pretty popular. Users are often wowed by the latest and greatest in design and are willing to toss their current ones for a new model. In fact, per Google search, the market data for 2025 shows approximately 280 MILLION computer keyboards are purchased globally, annually.

Honest, gang... I knew it was high but good grief!

We must bear in mind though, that many of those tossed devices will be recycled into new ones.

I admit, I’ve been through some keyboards in my lifetime, but most of them came attached to the computer. However, when I switched from Microsoft laptops to Microsoft Surface (2 in 1 with magnetic, detachable keyboards), I’ve been through four in the last 12 years. That’s not counting the one I’m using now. It’s newish because my last one, that I’d had for seven years, finally gave up the ghost. Its replacement is nearly identical to the last one. When I get a keyboard that’s comfy-cozy and inspiring to type with, I work with it for as long as it can hold up.

My new desk’s most recent addition. It’s nearly identical to the last and hoping it’ll hold up as long as its predecessor.

I type a lot for blogging and correspondence, but for school... Oh, noooo. My notes for classes are all written by hand. Digital, but totally hand-written. I use a Samsung Tab S6 Lite (made in 2020) and Samsung Notes for all of my note-taking. It’s been an excellent investment and I’ve no intention of replacing it either until it can no longer function as a daily workhorse. I write in Samsung Notes, on both of my Samsung tablets as well as my Samsung Note9 phone.

I've had both of these devices for a few years and both still work great!

Yup, you read that right! An older model phone that works great, especially for folks who use a stylus frequently. I do most of my own photography and my Note9 is usually my first choice for images I plan to include in a post. 

Yes, I do use a real camera for other types of photography, but for easy stuff, it’s my Note9 which has always produced the high quality images I need for blogging and sometimes I need to annotate pdfs and images, which is much more legible when using the a stylus.

Point is, even when working with tech, handwriting can still be easily incorporated into many aspects of it. 

And then, there's the journaling addiction

I don’t journal because I expect the contents to be read. I do it to produce a record of good things...

My journals are filled with testimonials and even prayers. Not just ones about me, but all sorts of situations. They serve to remind me of the Lord's help in every challenge I've had to go through.

If any of them ever are read, it’s my hope that the reader will be blessed with encouragement and increased faith in the God who formed them in great love and with a divine purpose. No one is ever an accident.

My current journal was a birthday gift and thinking with daily use, it'll last thru Spring 2026. 

Big thanks to Rev. Kev and Dr. Tam Miley!
I'm not a fan of pink, but I've sincerely loved writing in this journal!

I’m not the only one who seriously enjoys the process of handwriting. Not counting the meaning of the words, it tells a lot about the writer just by the way the letters are produced and shaped, even the spaces between the letters and words.

But honestly, I had no idea of the wealth of health benefits gained from writing things by hand. Dunno why I’d not researched it sooner, but happy I did. I got more than I expected from it! 

Why that’s good to know...

Handwriting is one of the most simple things most of us can engage in, if physically able. Below are a few short lists to share with you what I learned.

😎Cognitive Perks

☙ Boosts memory and learning by engaging more brain areas, allowing for better information retention and conceptual understanding.

☙ Improves focus due to the slower, deliberate process reducing distraction and improving attention span.  

☙ Enhances critical thinking because the act of writing by hand involves more brainpower, which can lead to better organization of thoughts and critical thinking skills.

☙ Enhances fine motor skills increasing dexterity and muscular coordination.

😎Creative/Expressive Perks

☙ The slower paced process allows for enhanced creativity allowing for more time to think and process more ideas while writing.

☙ Provides a more personal way of communicating and self-expression, as well as the writer’s distinct style.

☙ Reinforces literacy due to the physical act of forming letters and punctuation while improving/reinforcing reading and spelling skills.

 

😎 Emotional Perks

☙ Can provide a calming effect due to it being a mindful, meditative activity.

☙ Studies suggest it can provide relief from stress and help alleviate anxiety both by the actual writing as well as what is written.

The wrap!

Thanks so much for visiting today! I always hope you’ll find the information both interesting and helpful, if not for you then for someone you know. Remember, sharing is caring and your support of the independent journalism community is appreciated by all of us!☺️

(I know emojis aren’t an aspect of traditional journalism but I love employing graphics in my content, so I’m gonna keep on usin’ ‘em!)

If you’ve got any thoughts or experiences you’d like to share about your own take on handwriting, pro or con, just click on the comment option below the post.

'til next time, shalom!

Angelia

Alef with Beth: Free Hebrew.Forever.

 

A happy introduction!

I'm excited about this week's edition and have been looking forward to making my way toward it on the ShoutOuts list. Finally, here it is!

Although I've kept it short, for your convenience, it's packed with great information on one of my most favorite areas of study. Enjoy!

Meet Beth!

Alef with Beth is one of four linguistics courses I’ve studied. After several months of working with it, it’s easily maintained as one of my top-two favs in this studies category. 

Why this one?

A few years ago, I decided to go back to college, majoring in Biblical Studies. I had no idea of the impact it would have on my whole life, in wonderful ways. Never in my life have I ever looked forward to college lectures like I have this time. I loved the fields I studied and worked in prior, but this one has hit different, hit deeper.

Since Biblical Hebrew wasn’t offered as a part of the curriculum, I began searching for an independent course for it. I’d started one a couple years before, but illness got in the way, so I set it aside for when I was more able to work with it. When I decided to resume, I thought I’d see what else might have become available during my recuperation. That’s how I found Alef with Bet (now Beth). 

It offered everything I hoped for. The lessons were well organized. They offered downloadable worksheets that could be printed or used in digital notetaking. Since I prefer to hand-write my school notes, the downloads have been a great help. They also provide downloadable sheets for practice writing, a huge benefit when learning a new alphabet that's very different than my own.

Just an FYI, English is a variation of Latin. Hebrew is an Aramaic-derived square script. It looks nothing like the Latin versions of letters. Learning to read and write it has been interesting and fun!

Tried and true

For the first time, while intentionally studying a foreign language, I was surprised that note-taking wasn’t needed during the lessons. Yup, you read that right. No notes for beginners. 

At first, you listen. 

Second, you repeat what you hear, along with the lesson. 

Easy-peasy! 

Later, you’ll listen and repeat as you move forward. In my case, with the beginner lessons, I started repeating the words as the lesson was spoken, which included some fun and adorable lesson prompts that helped me understand what I was learning. (I’ll include a vid shortly, to show you what I mean.)

By the time you're a few lessons in, the Hebrew alefbet will be introduced. At this point, trust me! You'll be impressed and excited over how many words you’ll be able to sound-out, recognize and spell in Hebrew!

A vid and links

Please check these out, so you can see for yourself.

Alef with Beth (1st lesson)

                                                                                    

                                     Get better acquainted with the founders!                                      

Check out their sister-program here at Free Greek. Forever.

And, its associated YouTube channel, Alpha with Angela

The Wrap!

I hope this has enticed you to check the info I’ve provided and that you, or someone you know, will benefit from them as much as I am. If you’ve got questions or would like to share your own take on the information, please leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you!

I’m very, VERY pleased with this work-at-your-own-pace program and continue to steadily advance in speaking, reading and writing Biblical Hebrew. 

Another perk, even though I’m learning Biblical Hebrew, I’ve been able to recognize words and phrases I’ve learned in their modern Hebrew versions, both written and spoken.

Thanks so much for your visit today! Hope you’ve found the information helpful and will share the link to this post to anyone you know who might be interested in this totally and always FREE, elite Hebrew and Greek language learning system.

'til next time, shalom!

Angelia