5 Brilliant Books that Empower Women

Women are the most amazing people in the planet. They constantly surprise everyone with their hidden talents and abilities. Literature is among the platforms that feature the wonderful sides of women. With that being said, here are some of the promising books that promote women empowerment.

Patchwork: Conversation Between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack

Readersmagnet LLC published the book Patchwork by Wilson-Mack in July 10, 2020. It contains the tales and lives of females that are residing in the countryside of Bamberg, South Carolina around 1939 to 1959. All of them have strong faith in God; hence, they are living God-centered lives. They have formed an atmosphere that enables the participants to support their loved ones. The women in Patchwork: Conversation Between Generations has centered their attention on quilting. The activity, however, has allowed them to share their struggles and tales at the same time create wonderful works. Thus, it inspires everyone to look for a method to connect the gap between generations through verbal communication in the form of conversations.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood is the woman behind the critically-acclaimed novel The Handmaid’s Tale. The book is under science fiction and was published by McClelland and Stewart in 1985. It follows the story of the personal challenges and hardships of the main character named Offred. She is one of the handmaids in Gilead, a place in New England known for its totalitarian system. The women oppression in a patriarchal society is among the themes that are tackled by this book. Offred continues to show bravery by resisting and trying to earn individuality in the middle of patriarchy. Thus, showing total women empowerment. In 1985, the book won the Government General’s Awards and a lot of awards after that. It was adapted into a television series by Hulu starring Elisabeth Moss.

The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

In 2014, Katy Kay and Claire Shipman got their book The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance — What Women Should Know published under Harper Business. It has fallen under the scope of different genres, such as women and business books and job hunting and career guides. This New York Times bestseller book gives a substantial and functional guide to comprehending the significance of self-esteem for females of different ages and at different career stages. Women who are currently in the labor force are well taught and more qualified than the past; but, men still reign in the corporate realm. This book, furthermore, argues that the main reason is self-esteem. Mixing together the avant-garde studies in genetics, cognition, and other aspects of a person’s being, the authors surpass the method of reprimanding females to lean in, instead they provide encouragement and advice to squeeze the gap and get the careers that they desire.

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky

Ten Speed Press published the unabridged edition of Rachel Ignotofsky’s book called Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World in July 26, 2016. The book was included in the scope of different genres, such as scientific biographies, scientific reference, and teen & young adult women biographies. Moreover, it is a wonderfully written book that contains illustrations about the subjects and aims to educate its readers regarding the remarkable women from different ages. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World features and emphasizes the contributions and achievements of females in the field of STEM, also known as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It contains vibrant, and fascinating artworks and illustrations making the readers inspired and entertained all at the same time.

I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know by Kate White

The editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, extremely successful businesswoman,and one of the New York Times bestselling author Katie White is the author of I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know. The reprint edition of the book was published in September 18, 2012 by Harper Business. The book contains White’s secret towards success and is told in a way that is full of wit and wisdom. It is the most suitable book for the present economic status, regardless if you have just shaped up your business, re-joining the employment world after taking a maternity leave, or just searching for a change.

5 Romance Novels to Read During these Remaining Days of Summer

Romance is among the most well-loved genres of literature with fiction as its parent genre. With the sun in its peak and a book that brings you nothing but love, what more could you even ask for? Romance novels center on the romantic bond between two individuals and are commonly ended in a emotionally fulfilling, and positive method. Like how it’s been in literature, it also has a lot of subcategories, including fantasy, sci-fi, suspense, young adult fiction, and more.

Are you a sucker for romance books? Then you are reading the right article! Listed below are the most captivating romance novels that can make your staycation and midsummer worth your while.

Jasmine a Woman of Color by Monique Boyd

The contemporary suspense romance novel Jasmine a Woman of Color is written by Monique Boyd. It was published in January 11, 2018 by the Page Publishing, Inc. The story centers on the world and life of Jasmine Moore, an executive assistant by profession. Her world suddenly crumbles when she lost the love of her life — her husband. The grief and sadness turned to vengeance after she discovered that her late husband had affairs. So, she desired to take revenge of her husband’s betrayal. Instead of claiming vengeance, she was surprised after knowing that the strong yearning to seek for revenge turned to love. Her love for Dr. Jason grows stronger and that’s when she finally decided to let go of the grudges and fall deeper into love; but, only to discover that there is someone who wants her dead. Who could it be?

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

William Morrow Paperbacks published the book The Hating Game by Sally Thorne on August 9, 2016. The book was recognized as one of the USA Today Bestsellers and was the debut novel of the author. The story revolves around the humorous and sexy story about the tiny boundary located in between love and hate. Lucy Hutton considered Joshua Templeman as her nemesis. It goes the same way with Joshua too. They are very vocal in showing their hatred with each other via unending formalistic nonresistant hostile moves as they sit transversely. Joshua and Lucy works as executive assistants in a publishing company. What makes their hate towards one another blossom more than it has to be because of the promotion that comes their way. Their competition towards each other makes Lucy question her hatred towards Joshua… or was it really hate?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The great Jane Austen is the author behind this critically-acclaimed classic romance novel Pride and Prejudice. It was published by T. Egerton, Whitehall in January 28, 1831, which was preceded by Sense and Sensibility and followed by Mansfield Park. The book was centers on the story of Elizabeth Bennet, the main character of the story and also categorized as a dynamic character. She later on gained knowledge about the consequences of fleeting judgments and has learned to appreciate the diversity of exterior goodness and inner goodness. The humour in Pride and Prejudice can be found in its unfiltered representation of manners, marriage, education, and wealth in Great Britain’s Regency period. Also, the romance that ignited between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy makes the readers more drawn to this story.

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

Berkley is the publisher of Jasmine Guillory’s book The Wedding Date. It has fallen under the categories of romantic comedy and women’s domestic life fiction. It has also crawled its way to The USA Today bestseller list and ranked 5th on the LibraryReads Pick. It follows the story of Alexa Monroe and Drew Nichols. Drew was invited to the wedding of his ex-girlfriend but the problem is he doesn’t have someone to accompany him. But during a sudden power interruption, his problems suddenly disappeared after being stuck in an elevator with the perfect fake wedding date candidate, which is Alexa. Would this pretend relationship becomes a true one? Or would their agreement to be in a fake relationship be uncovered by everyone at the wedding?

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

In October 1, 1996, the Warner Books published one of Nicholas Sparks’ prominent novels called The Notebook. It is among the many romance books written by Sparks, which was followed by Message in a Bottle. It centers on the great love of Noah and Ally. When they were young, Ally’s parents are against their relationship because of Noah’s social status. Ally was taken form Noah and her life became miserable. But her love for him didn’t stop like Noah’s. Noah did everything to achieve their dreams when they were together and to prove to her parents that he can do better. In the end, their love for each other was challenged by dementia and everyday Noah visits Ally and read her their story which was written in a notebook.

Touching Bible Verses about Family, Politics, Religion, and Life in General

The word of the Lord is powerful. They are the instrument of God that makes people drawn into Him not because of the ink that were written on paper but because of the wisdom that they bestow on those that believe on them. God is a powerful and ever-loving God that only wants what’s best to His people. A person who believes in Him also has to believe in His words because the scripture is nothing but holy and sacred. The verses found on the Bible can move thousands and even millions of lives as long as people read them by heart.

There are, in fact, a lot of books that came into existence because of the Holy Bible and of God. Some great examples of the books that honor the Holy Bible, the Almighty Father, and the Christianity are The Bible Was Not Written in English by David Murdoch, In the Shadow of God’s Love by Leelia Cornell, Apocalypse Here and Now! Are You Ready? by Betsy Fritcha, The VIP Christian by Abraham Ajenifuja, and more. The book by Ajenifuja are addressed to God’s VIP Christian so that they will be knowledgeable enough on how to lead the way out of the darkness in the world’s social structures.

Moreover, the word of God contains not just about Him but also about the different things in life, such as love, family, journey, faith, religion, politics, and more. So, here are some of the heartwarming verses that are found in the Bible, which you can greatly apply to your daily life:

Family

  • “For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” – 1 Timothy 5:8
  • “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12
  • “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” – Proverbs 6:20
  • “And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” – Acts 16: 31:34

Politics

  • “The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.” – 2 Samuel 23:3-4
  • “It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. …” – Proverbs 16:12 – 17:23
  • “Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who frame injustice by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.” – Psalm 94:20-21
  • “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah” – Psalm 67:4
  • “And I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.” – Isaiah 1:26

Religion

  • “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16: 15-16
  • “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” – James 1:27
  • “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

Life

  • “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
  • “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
  • “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
  • “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

4 Reasons Why Memoirs are Patronized by Readers

Nonfiction is vast area of literature that contains rich and enchanting books. Although they do not have a wide selection of subcategories unlike fiction, their stories have been patronized by readers from all around the world since their emergence. Memoir is one of the wealthiest subgenre of nonfiction. It contains tales of bravery, suffering, love, and other strong emotions and other stories that will touch every reader’s heart.

There are many heartwarming memoirs that have been produced from generations to generations. Some of the critically-acclaimed ones are The Liars’ Club, Men We Reaped, The Year of Magical Thinking, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, The Glass Castle, etc. but aren’t you curious as to why memoirs are being read by people from all across the world? If you are, then here are the reasons that will satisfy your curiosity.

They show raw emotions

Memoirs are stories that happened in real life. They are written in order to express an episode of the life of a particular individual that are either painful or unforgettable. What makes the story more compelling is its ability to show raw and genuine emotions of the characters from that certain moment of his or her life. The time when the characters are experiencing struggles and mishaps, strong and deep emotions come into view. Thus, making the readers ignite the similar feelings while reading the story.

One great example is the memoir of Anne Frank where she stayed in her attic to keep herself safe. She started to narrate her daily experiences while being on that closed area unable to go out. Her story ignited fear, agitation, and even hopefulness from readers.

They showcase genuine and unguarded thoughts

What is inside a memoir is something that is sincere and real. There are no filters. All that are present are the thoughts and experiences of the authors pertaining to those particular times in their lives. Just think of writing a memoir like simply sitting in your favorite spot remembering your childhood memories. The thoughts that randomly pop up will overwhelmed you and evoke a lot of emotions, most of them wishing to relive those magical moments that you have gone through.

A great example of a memoir that shows the genuine and unguarded thoughts of the main character, which is usually the author, is the book Weapons of War by Robert E. Wright. The book flawlessly narrated the tale of a soldier who was deployed in the Vietnam War. The letters effectively address faith of Robert E. Wright.

They display how powerful one’s views in life is

Memoirs are not only pieces of literature that are being left on shelves after they were read. They also do not only contain stories that have taken place in real life. These tales of bravery, survival, happiness, love, etc. are present in order to tell the world a message and that to inform every reader that they are not alone. What also makes this genre one-of-a-kind is its power to show how intense and effective one’s perception in life is. And that, my friend, is incomparable.

There are many autobiographies and memoirs out there that feature remarkable tales. Each of these tales is mixed with the protagonists’ views on the biggest puzzle in this planet, which is life. That’s when the readers gain knowledge on how to deal with life and that is also when they are reminded that the hardships that they are going through right now are just a chapter.

The implant lessons to be applied in real life

Every piece of literature contains themes that are substantial and life-changing. But what makes these literary works great is their ability to teach their readers morals that they begin to cling on and live by. Memoirs are, indeed, among these stories that leave a big mark on people’s lives. It is not only because the tales that they contain have happened in reality but also because of their ability to move the readers in their own little way. They have the skill to hit the spot where the readers are vulnerable with only the words as their weapons.

The stories that every memoir features are not only tales of pain and suffering but also tales of courage and strength. That is why most people prefer to read nonfiction, specifically autobiography and memoir, because they teach readers lessons that are substantial and practical. They do not only encourage each and every one to dream but also to open their eyes that in achieving their dreams, they must conquer each challenge that comes their way. And that is the beauty of memoirs, they are not just books but they are great teachers to readers who are still feeling naïve and lost in this world.

6 Animal Stories to Learn About Life

Animal stories are not only for children but also for grown-ups. Adolescents and adults need stories – even animal stories – that will enlighten their minds, strengthen their wills, reinforce their beliefs, and help them look at life from a different perspective.

Here is a list of animal stories that should appeal to grown-ups for the lessons they impart:

  • William and Tibby Forever by Lynda Hamblen

Published poet and essayist Lynda Hamblen has lived a life blessed with cats that she decided to write her first novel about a cat’s view of life, heaven, and eternity. William and Tibby are two cats that live with their beloved Second Mom in a small gray house on a hill. Their idyllic life is shattered when William is killed. When William next opens his eyes, he finds himself in heaven Before the hour is out, he has moved in with Third Mom and all thirteen of Second Mom’s previous cats. Meanwhile, Tibby must contend with her grief for William. An uplifting book, William and Tibby Forever is a cat’s tale about life that never ends and love that never dies – the love of a mother for her children, the love of a man for a woman, and the love of that woman for her cats.

  • Hector: At Ground Level a Very Simple Love Story by Gary Finnan

Gary Finnan shows potential as a contemporary fabulist with his book Hector: At Ground Level, A Very Simple Love Story. Published in 2013, the book tells the story of a hedgehog named Hector, who somewhat mirrors the contemporary man. His entry into middle age pushes him to examine his existence and reflect on his life and the decisions he had made. Adult readers will see themselves in Hector and identify with his life’s ups and downs and flaws and doubts. Hector’s story of his life “at ground level” will help readers come into terms with their past, as well as welcome the hope and opportunities of the future.

  • Oscar the Osprey: The Bird Who Was Afraid of Heights by Edward Martin Polansky

Published in 2015, the book is written in the first-person narrative from the perspective of a young osprey that struggles to overcome its fear of heights so it could be able to fly. Oscar develops a fear of heights after falling out of his nest while trying to catch a butterfly. Oscar’s phobia interferes with his inability to fly and survive in the wild, and for this reason, he has to endure the insults coming from other ospreys. With winter approaching and dangerous animals lurking in the wild, Oscar must learn to overcome his handicap so he could survive through the wild and bitter cold.

  • Little Mouse: The mouse who lived with Henry David Thoreau at Walden Pond by Bill Montague

First published in 1993, Little Mouse is described by the author as “a factual fairy tale about the little mouse who became friends with Henry David Thoreau at Walden Pond when he built his little house there.” The book isinspired by Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden (first published in 1854) and his “Journal”. In Walden, in the chapter titled “Brute Neighbors”, while building his house, Thoreau mentioned about a mouse that became friendly with him just after he had laid down the first layer of floorboards. Thoreau’s interesting statements in his “Journal” are woven into Little Mouse, which the author wrote to inspire readers to read Walden.

  • The Black Dolphin of Atlantis            by Peter Andras Deme

Written in the first-person narrative style, The Black Dolphin of Atlantis tells the surreal and magnificent encounter between Peter, who grieves over the loss of his dog Rosemary, and a black dolphin, which he eventually names after his late dog. One day, while feeding the seals, Peter meets Rosemary and soon become friends. He later realizes Rosemary is more than just an animal but “a fellow thinking being”. The black dolphin then takes Peter into the deep to meet the Old Man of Atlantis, the last living citizen of the lost continent. He does not want Atlantis to die with him and to keep it alive, at least one human being should know the secret of Atlantis, the last refuge for humans and where humans and dolphins could coexist harmoniously. For this reason, he sent Rosemary to bring Peter to him. Peter learns that his dog is still alive – and waiting for him outside the universe.

  • The Ghetto Dog: A True Story by Fran Rathmann

The Ghetto Dog is an eye-opening, heart-wrenching animal survival story that reflects human conditions. The book is told in the first-person narrative from a part-hound ‘ghetto’ dog, who, after the disappearance of his mother, leaves his shelter in the ghetto in search of food, water, and perhaps, some love. As he roams the city streets, he encounters many adventures, good and bad, while avoiding the dogcatchers. Through the lens of a homeless stray dog, readers will get to explore the different issues that affect society, such as homelessness, poverty, crime, and socioeconomic inequality.

Happy reading!

4 Things that You Can Do to Keep Your Mind Sharp

Your mind is among your most prized possession. It is you bread and butter in this obstacle-filled life. There are a lot of circumstances that will keep you up all night and push you to the edge because it seem like there is no way out. But do not overthink everything that occurs in your life, just know that you did your best and you can always try again when your best wasn’t enough.

Several things will come at you all at once that will make you go crazy, such as problems, ideas, and more. What you need to do is to sharpen your mind and maintain a good mental health so that you can solve problems, create decisions, and think critically. Also, it cannot be helped that your mind matures as you age. Thus, your age is directly proportional to your mind. That is why seniors tend to suffer from dementia and other conditions that impact the minds.

As early as now, you must take care of your body, especially your mind, so that you can delay the effects of aging and maintain a sharp mind. With that being said, listed below are the methods on how to keep your mind sharp as time goes by.

Maintain a good sleeping habit

Sleeping is the activity that is often taken for granted. There are many people out there that are sleep deprived due to a tight schedule, insomnia, or their own preference. Some stay up all night to finish some paperwork, projects, and other important documents that are almost behind the deadline. Others mornings the night to continue watching their favorite TV series, films, and other modes of entertainment that satisfy themselves. The former can be given exemption even though it is unhealthy but the latter cannot.

You have to have a good sleeping habit and maintain it in order for your mind to get a proper rest. Do not deprive it with its chance to relax just because you cannot wait to finish your series. Sleep whenever you have the time because you need it to stay healthy and avoid any health complications in the future.

Drink moderately

Can’t wait for the weekend to come and enjoy the bottomless tequilas and booze? Stop there, will you? What you think is fun and enjoyable may not bring the same perks to your health. The number of shots that you have consumed and the amount of laughter that you have let out that weekend may never result to the same “fun” when you wake up in the morning. All you will earn is a headache that is caused by your hangover from last night’s party.

Drinking too much will never help you keep your mind sharp as you age. The more you consume alcohol, and even with a touch of nicotine, the bigger the chance that you it will bring complications to your health. There is no problem in consuming alcohol as long as you take them moderately. One or two glasses of beer may be enough to satisfy your thirst as well as keep you mentally healthy.

Connect with your friends and families

There is nothing more exciting that strengthening and reconnecting the bond with your friends and families. Sometimes you often forget to communicate with your closest and distant loved ones because of your business from work, school, and others. Even a little “how’s your day?” can become tiring and all you want to do is to lie down in bed when you come home. People can comprehend that you are probably tired and let you get some rest. But too much resting can result to inactiveness because sometimes too much can become dangerous.

Connecting with your loved ones either personally or digitally is always the best way to keep your mind active and sharp. It is one way for you to not lose your communication skills as well as your ability to think critically and solve problems. The more you communicate the more your mind works. So, always remember to reconnect no matter how tired you are for a simple “how are you” can make a big difference not just to its addressee but also to you.

Play mind-stirring games

Games! They are the things that grown people tend to brush off and set aside. It is because of the norm that when you are an adult, you are not allowed to play anymore because there is a tough world out there that you have to deal with. But having fun once in a while will never hurt, doesn’t it?

There are many mind-stirring games that are fit or adults. The greatest example of these games is puzzle! There are many kinds of puzzles but each of them has the ability to stir your mind and get it to work. Among the widely known puzzles are the cross-word and jigsaw. You can also play soduko, solve a rubix cube, build a tower from legos, and more.

Signs, Risk Factors, and the Financial Toll of Alzheimer’s disease

Anyone who has read Going … Going …: The Abduction of a Mind by Jack Weaver cannot help but ponder living with Alzheimer’s disease. The book is about the author and his wife’s fifteen-year journey along the trail of the progressive disease and talks about how they lived through it through their love for each other and faith in God. Their story should compel readers to contemplate life with Alzheimer’s disease, whether they are caring for a loved one or are simply worried about their own memory.

Anyone who is saving and preparing for the future should as well prepare for a future with Alzheimer’s, whether they have a family history of this disease or not. What many people never know about this disease is that it could hit anyone anytime. It could affect when you can no longer support yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. You could be diagnosed with the disease when you get weak and feeble in old age or when you are running out of cash at the bank. It is a painful fact that Alzheimer’s Disease affects anyone at their worst and at the wrong time.

Alzheimer’s disease is named after a German psychiatrist who made the first diagnosis and researches on the disease. It is the most common form of dementia, which is a general term for the loss of memory functions or other mental abilities that affect daily life due to damage or disease in the body. Alzheimer’s is a progressive degenerative brain syndrome affecting memory, thinking, behavior, and emotion. It impairs memory and eventually disturbs the reasoning, planning, language, and perception capacities of a person. The damages are severe enough to cause a decline in the sufferer’s usual functioning levels.

People at risk for Alzheimer’s disease may appear healthy but their cognitive function is deteriorating and self-management capacities are diminishing. They can no longer make sense of the world around them. In many instances, it takes a long time before they and/or their loved ones recognize the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s:

  • Memory loss, characterized by the inability to recall events, remember names and persons and retain information
  • Difficulty in finding the right words to say
  • Difficulty in understanding what people are saying
  • Difficulty in performing familiar activities and tasks
  • Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
  • Disorientation to time, personal information, and place
  • Poor judgment
  • Difficulty with abstract thinking
  • Loss of initiative
  • Frequently misplacing things

There are causes and risk factors for every disease. As in the case of Alzheimer’s, these are:

  • Old age – Advanced age is the number one risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. If you are approaching 65, you are entering the probability of developing this disease.
  • Family history – You may not have the disease at the moment. However, if you have a parent, a sibling, or any close relative who suffers or had suffered from the disease, you are at greater risk.
    • Genes – There are two kinds of genes that are associated with the family history factor:
      • Risk gene (ApoE 4) – This gene increases the possibility of developing the disease but does not guarantee it.
      • Deterministic gene – This is much rarer than the risk gene and only found in few families around the world. If you inherited a deterministic gene, you will undoubtedly develop Alzheimer’s at a much earlier age.
  • Lifestyle factors: There are lifestyle factors that contribute to one’s future development of the disease:
    • Serious head injury
    • Tobacco and alcohol abuse
    • Unhealthy diet
    • Lack of exercise or physical activity
    • Lack of social interaction
    • Not doing intellectually stimulating activities, such as chess, word games, puzzles, and other mind-stimulating activities and cognitive games
    • Heart disease or cardiovascular problems, hypertension, diabetes, and elevated blood cholesterol
  • Sex – Because they live longer, women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than men.
  • Race – African-Americans are about two times and Hispanics about one and one-half times more likely than white Americans to have Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. However, both races are less likely than whites to have a diagnosis of the disease.  

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are one of the costliest diseases in the world, costing the U.S. health care system $290 billion. Governments worldwide spend more than a trillion dollars to provide treatment and patient care as well as maintain nursing homes and homes for the aged. Governments have to raise taxes to maintain medical facilities and training for healthcare providers and caregivers. Not only sufferers and their loved ones and affected families feel the burden of Alzheimer’s but taxpayers too.

Cases of (as well as deaths from) Alzheimer’s are increasing every year in America and other parts of the world. As society continues to age, the financial burden of the disease increases, thus paving the way for bigger expenditures.

8 Wonderful Children’s Books About Grandparents to Read this Summer

Why grandparents are special?

Whatever names they are called, whether Grandma and Grandpa, Gran and Gramp, or Nana and Pop Pop, grandparents are always special to their grandchildren for they are always ready with a hug, a kiss, and some sweet treats, as well as a few lessons about life and happiness. 

Here are a few children’s books about grandparents that you should read.

Grandpa Nick’s Bump tells the true story of the author’s, Lynda Daniele, late husband, Nick, who had meningioma. Nick was asked by four children in the neighborhood to be their grandfather, as they did not have a grandfather. He gladly accepted the honor of being their grandfather and enjoyed each moment with them. Unfortunately, Grandpa Nick passed away four months later due to a “bump”, a very large tumor on the side of his head.

Readers will love Grandpa Nick’s Bump, an amusing yet touching story that follows Grandpa Nick who is adored by the children he loves and cares for. This is the heartwarming story of the children coping with Grandpa Nick’s death and learning about happiness in heaven.

  • Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

Love knows no race and skin color and even bloodline in the picture book Chicken Sunday, “a loving family story woven from the author’s childhood”. The book tells about a young Russian Jewish girl and her two African-American brothers wanting to buy their gramma, Miss Eula, a beautiful Easter hat. Their good intentions are misunderstood until they learn just the right way to pay for the Easter hat that Miss Eula has her eyes on.

  • My Abuela is Sick by Jennifer Bisignano

Published in English and Spanish editions, My Abuela is Sick tackles the difficult subject of cancer and the difficult theme of death. People think these two topics should never appear in a children’s book but the author took the liberty of addressing them in My Abuela is Sick, a story of an 8-year-old girl whose grandmother is sick (meaning, she has cancer). The young girl strives to come into terms with her abuela’s (grandma, in Spanish) sickness when she opens up about her ordeal during an afterschool session. This is a moving story of the young girl and her cancer-stricken grandmother – and their love for each other.

  • I Call My Grandpa Papa by Ashley Wolff

There may be many words in different languages for “grandfather” but only one love. I Call My Grandpa Papa tells the story about a teacher, Miss Alexandra May, who tells the class about her grandfather from China, whom she calls Ye-Ye. She then encourages her students to tell the class what they call their grandfathers and the things they love to do with them. The illustrated children’s book pays homage to the love between a grandfather and his grandchild across cultures.

  • There’s a Tiger in the Garden by Lizzy Stewart

Do grandmas know best when it comes to helping children beat boredom? Or do they just have a rich wild imagination? Know the answer in There’s a Tiger in the Garden, a story about a bored Nora who thinks she’s “too old to play Grandma’s silly games”. When Grandma tells Nora she has seen a tiger in the garden, Nora does not believe her because “tigers live in jungles, not gardens”. When Nora starts seeing “dragonflies as big as birds” and “plants that try to eat her toy giraffe”, she is drawn into a world of adventure – right in Grandma’s garden.

  • A Morning with Grandpa by Sylvia Liu

A Morning with Grandpa extols the special bond between grandparent and grandchild as they both learn new things together. Mei Mei watches her grandpa Gong Gong practicing tai chi in the garden. She joins him but cannot seem to replicate his slow, graceful movements. Mei Mei then teaches Gong Gong yoga – those stretchy, bendy poses – which she learns at school. Will Mei Mei and Gong Gong learn each other’s physical discipline properly? Read all about it in this charming children’s book about a beautiful multigenerational interaction.

  • Looking for Yesterday by Alison Jay

In Looking for Yesterday, one little boy cannot get over the fact that yesterday – which was spent at the fair – was the best day ever, so he figures out a way to repeat yesterday, putting all his scientific knowledge, from stars to time machines to wormholes, to work. He thinks that maybe Grandad could help him but Grandad has some memories to share – and an important lesson to spare to his determined, science-minded grandson.

  • Gus and Grandpa at Basketball by Claudia Mills

Many precious moments between grandparent and grandchild are created through sports. In Gus and Grandpa at Basketball, Gus is determined to play the best game of basketball he could play. However, he is crippled with fear. With the help of his Grandpa, Gus learns to develop his inner confidence.

Happy reading!   

4 Results of Entering a Fellowship with God

Why is fellowship with God essential to our lives?

God desires to speak to all people despite their circumstances to express His love. Many times He speaks through those who received His callings for their lives, as the prophets in the Old Testament, as well as men and women whose lives were transformed by Jesus Christ, whom He eventually sent for the propitiation for our sins. He also speaks through the Holy Bible, which is His inerrant Word of Truth, the Holy Spirit, and the people who know us.

As said in the book Apocalypse Here and Now! Are you Ready? about God’s gestures of love by Betsy Fritcha, the purpose of God, who is Love and Truth, is “to draw to Himself anyone who will stop and take notice that He is speaking to them” because He “desires fellowships with human beings, who are made in His Image and after His Likeness. God truly desires to have fellowship with you.”

Every Christian should keep these two spiritual facts in their minds and strive to live by them:

  • First, God is Love. He desires to have every human being know His love and to share in His love. It pains Him greatly that most people continue to spurn His gestures of Love. He grieves greatly for those who reject His perfect Love for them. His Heart of Love suffers pain when those He is wooing to love Him spurn Him over and over again. (Fritcha, Apocalypse Here and Now! Are you Ready?)
  • Second, because we are made for love (and God is Love), we are created for fellowship with God. Despite the sinfulness of human beings, plus what they did to Jesus, He continues to seek them out and wants to be in relationship with them. After all, He created humankind for fellowship with Him.

God’s desire to have a fellowship with us proves that He is never a distant god but approachable and, above all, personal. He wants to be near us and walk with us. How important is it that we develop a fellowship with God? What are the results we can get from entering a fellowship with Him?

  • You get help from God

To have a fellowship with God is to walk with Him as we journey through this world. Leviticus 26:12 affirms, “I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people.” Through His Word and the Holy Spirit, He will sustain us while we go through some rough times.  

  • Being in fellowship with God helps us avoid sin

Because we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity, we need the utmost help from God to avoid sin so we do not get lost in the time of temptation. Being in a fellowship with God steers us away from sinful situations and, above all, redeems us from the consequences of sin. Our fellowship with God gives us the assurance that we receive atonement through Jesus. What can wash away our sins and make us whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!  

  • We learn to trust in God

When we walk with God, we cannot do things our way, which is why He sends the Holy Spirit to walk alongside us to guide us and to show us what to do and not to do. As we walk in fellowship with God, we trust and lean on Him who knows what to do. By realizing that His ways are not your ways and His thoughts are not your thoughts, you learn to trust God. While He has blessed you with the gifts and talents to make a difference in your life and the lives of others, He has also created you with the need to depend and trust in God consistently.

  • We put our hope in God

By our fellowship with God, we know that there is hope after a struggle, failure, or brokenness. There is nothing you could do that God’s saving hand cannot reach you. You cannot run away from God that He cannot pull you back. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” He will keep every promise that He has made to His people, therefore we should hold fast to hope and become confident in the future that He alone can control.  

Since God loves us so dearly, we should strive to live in love toward Him and toward one another. Let His Word dwell in each of us, for His Word bears the character of God Himself, which is Love, and speaks His message of love to us.

The good news is you do not have to wait for death to experience a fellowship with God because it begins now and continues for all eternity.

4 Tips on How to Accomplish Your Goals

Every person has goals in life. The more they think about their aspirations, the stronger their desire to achieve them becomes. Imagine the happiness and proudness that you will feel after achieving the things that you’ve been longing for so long and saying “I made it” for the nth time? Priceless, isn’t it? With all the things going on in the world, all you need to do is to continue what you’ve started and push through. Regardless of how many times that you have fallen, what matters is you learn to stand up and keep on going to reach your goals.

Your goals are among the things that define you. They are also the things that can strengthen your personal beliefs and principles making you the person that you are today. However, there can be a lot of bumps in your way because there is no shortcut or easy way in accomplishing anything that brings a major development to a person. So if you are halfway or about to start your journey to success, here are some tips on how to fully accomplish your dreams that you might want to know:

Believe in yourself

There is nothing more important step in accomplishing your aspirations than believing in yourself. What do you think would happen if you have all these dreams of becoming successful but you do not have the courage to pursue them because of doubts? Nothing, definitely! Hence, having the right amount of confidence that you can achieve what your heart has been longing for so long and that there is no struggles that you cannot overcome is the right weapon in the quest that you are about to embark upon. Always instill in your mind that there is nothing that you cannot do and conquer; thus, self-confidence and trust must come first.

Look for inspiration

It cannot be avoided that chasing your goals can be draining and frustrating at the same time. What you need to do when times like this come is to look for something can uplift your spirit. If you are tired, then do not stay tired. If you are unmotivated, then do not remain unmotivated. The point is that there is no harm in trying no matter how many times you attempt to hit your targets. Search for something that inspires you so that keep going and face each bump on the road with a smile instead of a frown. These inspirations can come in the form of a loved one, an artwork, a statement, a piece of literature, etc. Take for example the book Strong Boy, Weak Man where the protagonist really tried to accomplish the special goals by Earl Robert Key. Thus, achieve also your goals by being filled with inspirations and motivations of your own.

Take a break

When the time comes when you start to question capabilities and even yourself, please do not forget to keep going. There are a lot of ways on how you can continue achieving your targets but what also matters more is how you handle the struggles, frustrations, and other ugly things that appear in your journey. Always remember that taking a break will not hurt. It will not delay your progress; in fact it is one way to help you continue your walk into success by giving you enough time to rethink your methods, calm your heart, and gather ideas on how to make the journey worth your while. The length of your break depends on you for there is nobody that keeps whispering and pressuring you to go faster. Whenever you feel ready to continue, then you may do so. Just put in your mind that you are the master of your fate and all things that come your way are all results of your actions.

Strive harder

Putting your best foot forward can be a good gesture in hitting your targets, especially if you are still getting started or already halfway there. When you are really eager to finish what you have started and achieve your dreams sooner than later, you have to double your time, effort, and attention. In other words, you must strive harder. Do not think of it as tiresome for there is no success without hard work. Think of it as the way to achieve the sweetest success. Moreover, the harder you strive, the stronger your yearning to finish the tasks becomes. The challenges that suddenly appear and make your journey harder will never equal to the goal that you are trying to achieve. In fact, your motivation and will to carry on will be doubled and will result to a more improved and developed you. So at the end of your journey, you will not only accomplish your goals but also unleash the best version of yourself.

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