(Background image excluding the text is by carloroberto9 via Free Photos)
Today we live in an uncertain world. It seems that we are walking on a tightrope with danger on both sides. The truth is that tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone.
There is one solid foundation that we can stand on and this is faith in Jesus Christ. He is your way into heaven.
I wrote a poem reflecting on the fact that Christians do have a hope of eternity in heaven with God. The questions, the sorrow and pain will end. I was specifically thinking of the time the rapture occurs and believers are caught up in the air to meet Jesus Christ. You can listen to the poem below.
I hope that this poem will encourage believers to look ahead to the hope of heaven. I hope that those who do not believe can take hold of the truth and reserve their place in heaven while there is still time.
I became interested in the Greek language a few years ago. I started my journey to learn the language back then but I ran into some road blocks and kind of gave up.
I have recently resumed my study of the Greek language. My goal is to learn modern Greek as well as Koine Greek which is what the New Testament of the Bible is written in,. Koine is not that different, it is an older version of the Greek language the way old english is to modern English.
I found a great audio version of the New Testament read in Greek. The reader does a good job at reading it at a good pace where I can follow along and hear every word. Here is the playlist.
I am still at the early stages so what I do now is that I read one chapter in English then I read it in Greek. I have made it through the book of John.
I use a screen reader that converts text to speech or audiobooks because I am not able to see regular print. It has been interesting to learn a language only using audio.
I can see large print but my one useful eye gets tired after a short period of time.
I have also found this helpful playlist with lessons on learning Greek using the Bivle.
I will try to update you on my journey and if I improve. I find that my background as helped me understand some Greek words. Stay tuned to see how far I get.
The photo of an NYC subway station is by ShonEjai via Pixabay
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority is currently upgrading its payment system to a tap and go contactless system. This allows riders to pay their fare by simply tapping their card or mobile phone on a designated reader. It will also work with smart watches. Learn more about how the technology works here.
This is a great step towards improving accessibility. The MetroCard that is used now has to be swiped and inserted in a certain direction. I have low vision and on days where I was rushing to catch a train I could easily get confused on which way to insert the card.
This upgrade will speed up the process for everyone. Those with mobility issues would just have to swipe their smart watch.
Swiping a card does add extra time and now being able to simply tap and go will cut down the time it takes to enter the turnstyle or paying the fare in a bus.
Here is a demonstration of how the MTA OMNY system works.
The MetroCard will only be accepted until 2023. Then it will go the way of the token.
I have not been able to try this but I would definitely like to try it when I get an opportunity.
Starting your morning the correct way will go a long way in helping you to have a good day. This is true for me. I am a Christian, and my idea of a good morning includes time with God. I recently listened to a great sermon on this topic and I want to pass it along to you.
I usually start my mornings by praying and putting my day in God’s hands. I like to try to pray as soon as I wake up because it is still quiet. I have to work on waking up early. I usually try to wake up at about 8 AM but I am trying to wake up a little earlier to pray.
I usually try to read my Bible while I eat breakfast but lately I have been reading it afterwards. I use the Blue Letter Bible app to track my daily Bible reading. This year I am going through a plan that takes you through the Bible in one year and you read from the Old Testament and the New Testament each day.I am currently at the end of the book of Ezra and have completed John. I have read the Bible in order from start to end before but it is interesting to read passages from the old and new testaments each day.
I find that I tend to listen to music at night, not in the morning. I want to listen to more worship music. I still struggle with my music choices at times.
I think this sermon is great advice on how to start off your day. Starting your day off with God will help you face any challenges that may arise throughout the day.
Psalm 63:1 KJV — A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;
Has your recent dentist appointment resulted in a referral to get one or more of your wisdom teeth removed? Well if this is your situation i want to give you an idea of what you can expect. This is only my personal experience and I am not a medical expert.
I am someone who really dislikes going to the dentist. My least favorite part is when I have to get x-rays done. I always find myself very close to vomiting at the end of the session. At the end of 2019 I began to have pain around my teeth at the back of my mouth. I thought that I had a cavity so I had no choice but to get it checked out. The dentist told me that my wisdom teeth were coming in and that was causing my pain. The dentist said that I had to get them removed.
I have read that wisdom teeth usually come in at an earlier age, however this happened to me at age 33.
Wisdom tooth removal
I was referred to an oral surgeon to get my wisdom teeth removed. I went early in the morning. I had to be fasting for about 8 hours as I was going to go under IV sedation. The doctor took x-rays of my mouth again. I did like the x-ray system in this office as I did not have to put plastics in my mouth. A machine circled my head instead and it was a much better experience.
My vitals were taken shortly after the x-rays and the doctor explained that he would only remove one wisdom tooth on that occasion as the second one would be a more complicated operation. I got the IV sedation medicine and I quickly dozed off. I am thankful that I was not awake for this procedure.
Recovery
I came out of the sedation feeling very sleepy and dizzy. The pain began to hit me about 20 minutes after that. I was prescribed a stronger version of Ibuprofen. I did not bleed too much but I was in a lot of pain for the next few days and my face was swollen. A portion of my bottom lip was numb for several days. I Definitely recommend using ice packs to help ease the pain.
Some extra thoughts
I hope that this account of my experience is helpful for you if you need to get wisdom teeth removed. Leave any questions below in the comments section.
