The Damsel’s Files

All Things That You Need to Know About PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a type of mental health illness where the person diagnosed with it can be easily triggered by seeing or experiencing a particular terrible and horrifying event. Among its common symptoms are getting random flashbacks, experiencing nightmares, going through severe anxiety attacks, and having unmanageable thoughts about the certain incident. Some of those who are diagnosed with this condition or have been through traumatic circumstances have the tendency to struggle in coping up.

There may be times that PTSD has ruled the minds of people but there are many ways to get rid of it, one step at a time. There are many things that can relieve the pain and suffering that people with PTSD have, such as by doing recreational things or writing a piece of literature. A good example of the latter is the book by a military veteran Tim Segrest called Reflection of PTSD with my Perfect Flaws. Moreover, people with post-traumatic stress disorder can also opt to go counseling or consult a psychologist so that they can be given the proper care and medication that they need.

PTSD is not something that a person can control or choose not to have because every individual has different pain and stress tolerance. It can occur at an unexpected time, like a month, a week, and more, after the stressful and traumatic incident, but it the symptoms of it may not show up until a year or a couple after. The symptoms of the disorder can create massive problems in significant parts of the person’s life, such as in his or her socializing, work, and relationships. It wouldn’t stop there because the emergence of the symptoms can cause several disruptions and changes on his or her daily routine.

The symptoms of the post-traumatic stress disorder can be divided into four kinds, which are obtrusive memories, elusion, negative shift in thoughts and mood, and modifications in both physical and emotional reactions. For better understanding, here is the breaking down of the symptoms along with their scopes.

Obstrusive memories

Repetitive, unwelcomed disturbing memories of the particular traumatic incident
Getting unwanted flashback of the memory, resulting for the patient to feel like reliving the circumstance
Having terrible nightmares about the incident
Extreme emotional discomfort or physical distress pertaining to a particular object that may serve as a reminder about the event

Elusion

Attempting to not think or talk about the traumatic and distressing incident
Dodging the locations, affairs, or people that trigger the trauma

Negative shift in thoughts and mood

Pessimistic ideas about oneself, others, and the world
Losing of hope towards the future
Problems regarding his or her own memories, such as having troubles remembering significant parts of the traumatic incident
Struggling to maintain and nurture relationships
Feeling isolated and disconnection from his or her own family and/or peers
Having no interest in projects or tasks that he or she once liked
Experiencing warm and positive emotions is becoming hard
Feeling emotional numbness

Modifications in both physical and emotional reactions

Becoming simply scared or alarmed
Constantly feeling the need to be alert for an incoming danger
Displaying self-destructive behavior, like substance abuse, alcoholism, and etc.
Experiencing some sleeping difficulties
Having trouble in focusing
Showcasing irate, easily annoyed, and intrusive behavior
Feeling an enormous amount of guilt or embarrassment

For young individuals, 6 year-old kids, who are diagnosed with PTSD, their symptoms may also encompass the following:

Recreating either the whole incident or fragments of the events by playing
Having some terrible or scary dreams about the traumatic incident

Moreover, the mentioned symptoms of the disorder have the tendency to get extreme as time goes by. The person may experience a lot of PTSD sign when he or she is stressed or when he or she encounters a particular thing that will cause the individual to remember the traumatic incident. Take for example, the person is a former army and he heard a loud “bang” around their neighborhood, the person suddenly found himself in a middle of a warzone carrying his dead comrade while fighting for survival. Thus, a little sound or thing can definitely trigger one’s disorder.

PTSD, like all mental illnesses, can conquer the minds of people leading to greater problems. That is why it is important that the person suffering from the said disorder to consult an expert on the field of psychology. It is also significant that all people surrounding the individual with PTSD become aware and get educated about the said disorder. It is to prevent the mental condition to get worse and control the life of the individual.

So, if you know someone with PTSD who is feeling unworthy and, worse, having suicidal thoughts, showing that you care and love him or her in a genuine way is already a big gesture. Also, if you think that they need immediate or proper help, here is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline of the US 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

5 Amazing Ways to Share God’s Love and Forgiveness

We share because we love and give thanks to God

Question #1: Is there someone in your life who needs to experience God’s love and forgiveness right now?

Question #2: Have you ever shared your faith with others? Or do you ever feel confident about sharing your faith and God’s love with those around you?

Not many Christians will know this, but our love for God and His commandments is determined – and strengthened – by our fellowship with and love for others. God loves us, and we are called to love one another as He does. The Scriptures remind us:

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:35)

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:7-8)

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)

How important it is to show genuine love to others, particularly those who are in great need of God’s love and forgiveness? As Christians, we are called to actively share God’s love and spread His Word, to witness to His love and provide a wonderful testimony. During the persecution of the early church, the Apostle Peter said in a letter to a small group of persecuted believers:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. (1 Peter 3:15)

Throughout the Scriptures, we are called to be ready to tell others how God has made us into a new creation through His Son Jesus Christ. What would you say to a person who wants to know more about God and Jesus Christ? Would you be ready to pray with strangers or share Christ with skeptics?

Just as important as having the right words to say or memorizing Bible passages is the way we live our lives. How many people have quit going to church because the preachers and ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ do not practice what they preach? Do you ever wonder why many non-believers refuse to accept Jesus Christ? Or why people are so quick to point out the bad attitude and activities of those who profess themselves to be “Bible-believing Christians”?

Jesus tells his disciples that the easiest way people will know that they have a true relationship with God is by how they love one another.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

So, as a Christian, how do you show God’s love and forgiveness to others through your words and actions? How can you help people develop a close relationship with God?

You can start by sharing God’s love and forgiveness with them. Here are some amazing ways to do this:

Perform random acts of kindness. Help children and the elderly cross the street. Share extra food with the homeless. Offer the garbage collector some coffee. Send a care package or gift card to someone who is going through a rough time. What other ways can you think of to share your time and wealth with others?

Visit the sick and imprisoned. The Gospel of Jesus Christ mentions about visiting the sick and those in prison. Jesus himself is our model for both as He illustrates the importance of reaching out to those who often feel alone and abandoned. Visiting the sick is a fruitful way of reminding them of God’s healing power over sickness and diseases, as well as strengthening the faith. Visiting the imprisoned is to bring His presence to those who are paying for their crimes, as they also need to hear His Word and experience His merciful love and forgiveness.

Host a camp for underprivileged youth. Be it a sports, arts, music, or skills camp, it would be a wonderful opportunity for you to reach out to the kids and young people who are in need of a mentor for guidance. Make sure you are not alone in this initiative. Get your church, community, company, or organization to contribute their time and resources to train and mentor the youth.

Go on a short-term mission trip. Every Christian is called to mission. Sad to say, not every Christian is equipped for mission, and many Christians balk at the idea of going on a mission. If you think you are worthy and that God is calling you to serve in unfamiliar territory, then prepare your emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Talk with your church leaders about short-term mission opportunities, and go where God is sending you. People in other lands are waiting to hear and experience God’s love and forgiveness.

Write a book. Share your experience of conversion. Tell others about how awesome God is and how His love and forgiveness has transformed your life and continues to do so. Sharing your testimony by writing a book is like giving your life away, and it’s what author Gregory McLeod to new visions and revelations did with his book The Apathetical Man. He said about his book, “This book is not my book, for it is our book to keep and share for the rest of our lives here on earth, if we are willing to do so.

What other ways can you think of to share God’s love and forgiveness? Anything you can think of, it should be an addition to, not as a substitute, for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Realize that there are people who need God, and pray that God uses us to direct them toward Him.

4 Reasons Why it is Crucial to Seek God in Everything that You Do

In this world full of sins and temptations, you can never know how big the impact of seeking for God in every big and small moments of your life. The world is currently in a chaotic state for it doesn’t only face the battle of the never-ending issues of racism, classicism, oppression, and discrimination but it also deals with a newly emerged health crisis that seems to never stop destroying people’s well-beings and lives. You may have noticed how everyone struggles and strives to survive, including you, because of all the ugly things that are happening in the society. But all these havoc will soon come to an end, all you need to do is seek for Him.

There may be random moments that you feel unsafe and vulnerable; thus, you come to God to seek refuge, assurance, and protection either by praying personally or attending the mass. It is with Him that you feel safe and comfortable. Living without God is like living in a world of darkness. That is why in everything you do, you must come to Him. To get a better understanding on why it is important to look for Him in every way and moment, here‘s why:

He will guide you in every step you take

It cannot be denied and avoided that sometimes, as human as you are, you make mistakes. Your wrongdoings and failures are some things that can contribute to who you are today. They may either mold you into a better person or deprive you from seeing and following His light. When you start to call for Him in every step that you are about to take, all those uncertainties and fear will come to an end. You will not, and never again, create decisions that you will regret. God will also take you away from the temptations and material things that have blinded your mind and heart. He will lead you to success with the use of His guidance and will.

He will provide you with peace

Peace is something that is often overlooked and taken for granted. It can be either because of the several advancements in the world or because of the things that are going on in people’s personal lives. The moment you notice that your peace is gone, that is also the time that all of the ugliness in this planet will come at you all at once. Thus, making you crave for a peace and calmness for your mind and a peace and order for the world. God will slowly give you the tranquility that you wanted when you start coming to Him. He will heed your calls and grant what you truly desire. The more you put Him first, the more you calm your mind and life becomes.

He will bestow you the gift of wisdom

Life is one of the most intricate things. There are a lot of edges and corners that you have not yet discovered and understood. However, there are many means that will help you get a better grasp on the important factors of life, such as adolescence, marriage, ethnicity, race, culture, diversity, and more, like literature. If you read books that are about God and His amazingness, take for example The VIP Christian, In The Shadow of God’s Love, etc. — and check out authors that write about Him, like Raymond Quattlebaum on God’s love and Abraham Joseph on Speaking Engagements, and more, you can open your minds and embrace His will. And when the time comes that you will call for Him, he will be there to gift you with the wisdom and knowledge that you can use to face life.

He will give you the love that you deserve

There are a lot of times that you may feel that you are unworthy of being loved. There are also moments that you wish to be the apple of the eye of your loved ones for them to reciprocate the amount of affection that you’ve showered into them. When you fail to get what your heart yearns, the darkness will slowly reign in your heart and it will eat you up if you cannot find a way to shine again. All you need to do is to pray to Him and confess the sorrows in your heart. He will never forsake and abandon you; instead He will make you feel how worthy you are of the things that surround you. You will not crave for more affection form others because He will provide it for you. He will also constantly remind you that you are enough and strong. Thus, you will face each day with a big smile on your face knowing that God is within you in everything that you do.

4 of the Most Critically Acclaimed Contemporary Novels

Appreciating contemporary literature is a genuinely incredible life experience, since we readers gets to learn and understand what our peers perceive the universe. Contemporary literature represents what people say. When we appreciate contemporary literature, we get acquainted with the responses of others to today’s society and the path of life.

It’s safe to say that contemporary literature is the past of today. Readers have reference to the library’s yellow page history book. History is a recorded archive of the past. We have convenient exposure to the past via history books. Contemporary writing, though, provides the correct path through the current past that is now ongoing.

Some of the greatest to ever do it have already come to pass- the genre has been around for quite a while now, and greats have come and gone. From Jane Austen to the Brontë Sisters, the fiction of the 19th century put forth several influential woman authors. The only drawback is that they’re no longer here to keep up with the ever-evolving ingenuity of new styles and new novels.

Fear not, for there are plenty of living writers who have carried on the torch. Jean Archambault-White’s Eloise of Westhaven: Love is Patient (Volume 2) is an exceptional modern tale with that classic 19^th century touch that contemporary fans have come to adore- it follows the Cravits and Strawbridge families and other characters as they grow together and experience the innovations, heartaches, and adventures of the western frontier.

The concept of historical fiction seems clear enough: it is a novel that has taken place in the past. Usually, historical fiction books are published at least 30–50 years since the occurrence or the time span has expired, or even longer after that (with research). Although some of that can be recalled from a lived memory, much of the development of a classic fiction novel arises through study.

The recurring themes of modern contemporary literature prove the obvious- the fact that these writers have had Long lasting impacts on the methodology of the literary canon of storytelling. Intense relationships, well-crafted usage of symbolism, and a penchant for secrecy and mystery are all their signatures.

In this blog we’ve compiled 6 of the greatest post-modern and contemporary historical fiction novels published in recent years. Without further adieu, here’s our list.

The Observations by Jane Harris

In 1863 Scottland, Bessy Buckley — a wide-eyed and feisty young Irish girl — takes a job as a maid in a huge house outside of Edinburgh, working for the glamorous Arabella — the Missus, in an effort to flee from her not-so-innocent background in. Bessy lacks the requisite scullery expertise for her new role, yet when she finds, it is her ability to read and write that renders her such a coveted asset. Bessy is fascinated by her new boss but confused by her constantly odd questions and demand that Bessy maintain a diary of her daily duties and most private feelings.

The Observations is a beautifully original, relentlessly fascinating tale of a woman’s transformation from a traumatic history to an far more troubling present, told by one of the most wonderfully conceived heroines of recent literature. This remarkable tale of lies and doubts, hidden identities and unexplained abductions is at once convincing and heart-warming, demonstrating the redeeming strength of friendship and affection. A very confident and darkly comical debut, The Observations is guaranteed to establish Jane Harris as a significant new literary talent.

Sorcery & Cecelia: Or, The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

Set in England in 1817, this novel is powered by two dynamic heroines, Kate and Cecelia, as they explore a world full of suitors and sorcery. As Kate starts her first stay in London, and Cecy remains at home in the country, both send letters back and forth, highlighting a treat for the audience. Here’s some interesting trivia: it was initially written as a “letter puzzle” in which both writers wrote letters to each other as their own character, as that is reflected in the top-tier storytelling.

Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

It was 1843, when Grace Marks was imprisoned for her role in the brutal killings of her boss when her housekeeper and aunt. Many claim that Grace is innocent; some say she is malicious or crazy. Still completing a prison term, Grace says she has no recollection of the murders. An up-and-coming pioneer in the emerging area of mental disorder is approached by a party of reformers and spiritualists demanding forgiveness for Grace. He listens to her story thus taking her back and back to the day she can’t recall. What’s he going to consider in seeking to access her memories?

The Book of Night Women by Marlon James

The Night Ladies, as they name themselves, have long begun planning a slave rebellion, and as Lilith grows, they view her as the cornerstone to their ambitions. Yet as she starts to realize her own emotions, interests, and personality, Lilith continues to explore the limits of what is possible for a slave woman’s life and avoids being the weak connection in a plot. Yet the real surprise of the book — the key to the moving images and persistent prose — is Marlon James himself, a talented writer at once breathtakingly adventurous and utterly in control of his work.

The Top 7 Positive Benefits of Counselling

Talk therapy is a tool for those suffering from mental health problems such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and so on. People can figure out how to deal with pain, relationship problems, sadness, frustration, and poor self-esteem during the therapy phase. The psychiatrist simply encourages the client to accept and be comfortable with their experience as they progress towards overcoming it.

You might think you did it all right- living a healthy life, staying fit and having all the supplements you need in your nutrition, but nothing will substitute the advantages we enjoy from actual human contact – it’s a completely special source of help.

Psychological health has always been a controversial topic, but now people are starting to talk a lot more about mental wellbeing. Yet therapy is not only for psychiatric disorders, it is also helpful for topics like marital difficulties, stressful life experiences, and behavioral issues. Jacqui DeLorenzo, a critically acclaimed author and professional mental health counselor who received her master’s degree from Salem State University in psychological services/counseling, is a licensed mental health counselor with years of experience.

Finding somebody to speak to, who’s there solely to listen to you speaking about your thoughts, is an incredible opportunity for a lot of people. People sometimes find solace in talking to friends or relatives, but for others, that may also be an obstacle to freely and frankly sharing their problems. Some may be more relaxed communicating to a licensed therapist who may be given counselling services. The psychologist is simply an outsider who can listen to you without prejudice. You undergo cognitive behavioral treatment that means that your therapeutic session is directed to assist you in overcoming your mental condition so that you can enhance and improve your quality of life.

So, what exactly are the direct benefits of receiving counselling? In this article, we’ll discuss 10 beneficial aspects of talking therapy that help individuals all over the world overcome their personal issues.

It helps remove the alienation and feelings of aloneness associated with your issues

People sometimes feel reluctant to express their thoughts and problems with others throughout their lives, and more frequently with those nearest to them. The experience of confiding your personal issues to a complete stranger void of prejudice or judgment, could really give you the opportunity to discuss things that you would not ordinarily confess to your family and close friends.

This would be immensely beneficial in helping individuals feel less lonely and alienated in their pain, particularly if they have anything on their mind that they’re too afraid to speak about with people they know.

Increased self-awareness

Throughout the counselling process, the client and the psychologist are involved in conversations about the problems to be discussed. Counselors also urge people to analyze and discuss their perspectives.

For starters, awareness is a commonly used technique used in therapy to improve the ability of an individual to be focused in the here and now. Meditation activities often encourage clients to take into account the emotions, feelings, and sensations that occur in the session. This kind of action contributes to the self-awareness of human life- a step closer towards change and improvement.

It facilitates the introspective thinking and self-discovery

Modern day society has a way of overstimulating and preoccupying us to the point that we have no headspace or free time sit down and think about the important things. It ensures that you never get the ability to dig at your thoughts to express feelings of sorrow, guilt, or disappointment, which is easily covered up and repressed out of necessity (just to get by), although it does pile up eventually.

Counseling allows you the opportunity to discuss your thoughts or problems. If you schedule a date with another human, you will be dedicated to them for a long time, which ensures that you may have to confront your emotions. And then, you ‘re less apt to get disturbed because you’re always faced by such emotions.

In relationship counselling, it helps you establish limitations and boundaries

Often times, people look for guidance on problems relating to their relationship and social competence. Concerns occur more frequently than not due a lack of established boundaries. These limits are physical and emotional barriers that help to differentiate between the interests, wishes, and expectations of one individual and another.

The most critical part of identifying boundaries is to know where they need to be set. In order to express limitations, a person must first attempt to define and become conscious of them. The task of a psychologist is to offer input into the individual’s desires and interests.

Improvements in physical well-being

Just as your emotional health strengthens with treatment, your general well-being will also be strengthened. Both are equally vital in counseling. Advantages such as more energy, better rest, and improved appetite are some direct signs of improvement.

This usually yields a great effect, making individuals more productive and fosters increasing feelings of positivity.

It helps patients cope with everyday life

Exchanging and pouring out your feelings through therapy and communicating ensures that you will move on with the remainder of your life, finding it easier to deal with it. You’ve got a load off your mind, and you know that if anything happens, you’ve got someone who you could tell this to whenever needed.

Many individuals find that, through knowing that they can count on others to listen to their issues, they ‘re able to not worry about their concerns all the time, which ensures they can concentrate on enjoying their life again. It also creates a virtuous loop, since being able to concentrate on daily things ensures that people create meaningful improvements in their lives, which, in effect, increases their moods. Some also get back on the track of make that vision come true.

The 6 Most Sough-After Traits of Caregivers

There is definitely a caregiver behind each and every elderly patient whose critical role is often overlooked. By helping patients understand and comprehend their disease, caregivers can have a positive impact on patients’ treatment decisions and their capability to adjust to a new routine of treatment.

Caregivers are liable for the medical care and psychological assistance of those who can no longer care for themselves because of old age, sickness, disability or impairment. This also facilitates the provision of financial and legal assistance.

Their responsibilities also include home tasks such as grocery buying, food planning, laundry and financial administration. They also assist with everyday life tasks such as washing and dressing, as well as managing patient treatment including recording prescription history and prescribing or tracking medications.

Home care is far more than just dealing with the physical needs of a senior or disabled person.

A good caregiver brings joy, fosters a bond with the senior in their care, and becomes a part of the family in many ways for the finest quality caregivers in the home go further beyond to care for seniors. Eleanor Gaccetta, author of the book titled “One Caregiver’s Journey”, knows this far too well.

When you’re searching for a qualified home caregiver for your loved one, it’s vital to identify an individual with the right qualifications. The one that you hire will spend a great deal of time with your beloved senior, and you need someone to treat him or her like their own family.

Trusting your elderly parent to someone else’s supervision is a major choice. Understandably, making the decision to choose the right one for you loved ones is not always easy.

Elderlies require assistance with most of their everyday tasks. If your loved one is one of them and plans to age in place, you’ll obviously need a good, qualified caregiver. Here’s a few tips and attributes to be on the lookout for when coming up with the right decision.

Professionalism

Like with all medical professions, obviously professionalism is vital. A caregiver should be time conscious, appropriately dressed, and ready to assist according to the agreed upon duties.

It’s always best to establish a strong friendship with your caregiver. Nonetheless, you want to be sure they realize the boundary between personal issues and staying focused on the job. Caregivers aren’t permitted to express their personal concerns or desires with the customer.

A caregiver who knows integrity is an ideal professional who could be trusted to look after your loved ones.

Trustworthiness

A home caregiver needs to be trustworthy and dedicated to their duties. The elderly and their families rely on the caregiver- when you consider leaving your elderly loved one in the hands of a care provider, you need to know that they’re going to be ready and that you can always depend on them, no matter what the circumstances are.

Patience

Many times, things won’t always go as expected. Difficult circumstances may occur, and the elderly can become uncooperative or distressed. A home caregiver may need to take into account that, sometimes during treatment or regular procedures, elderlies may experience more pain or distress than normal- a situation that a rigid caregiver who’s unopen to flexibility would find difficult.

Expertise

A caregiver’s educational advancements and certifications are not the only traits that make them astounding at their jobs. Do a background check to determine what training and certification they have achieved so far in their careers. Continuing education and additional training on top of the basic standards of the state are usually good quality measurements.

Proficient communication skills

The home caregiver must establish clear communication with the elderly in their care and with the family, as well as the senior’s doctor or other healthcare experts. It is essential for the carer to interact and communicate in clear and straightforward terms and to ensure that everyone is informed about any changes in the health and well-being of the elderly in their care.

Burning passion

A home caregiver who conducts his tasks not just for the benefit that he or she may earn, but who truly cares for the elderly and their treatment, is the type of person you should choose to look after your loved one. Care is challenging, and only a caregiver who is genuinely enthusiastic about their profession can deliver the best care they can. A dedicated caregiver is optimistic, enthusiastic, and cheerful, and shows these traits while dealing with the individuals in their treatment. Passionate caregivers are constantly searching for opportunities to better the life of everyone they associate with.

There are plenty more characteristics that define a great home caregiver, but there are also certain types of personality traits that work better together. One senior could get along with a caregiver who questions him or her, while another may prefer a lighter approach. Sharing passions, activities, and beliefs also makes it possible to share a lot of time together. When you’re looking for the right home caregiver for your loved one, remember to take all these positive attributes into consideration.

4 Brilliant Authors Who Write Stories about Family and Adventure

Writing a story is not easy. You cannot just get a paper and pen and start scribbling the words that come to your mind. There are rules that need to be followed and elements that must be put together in order to produce a captivating and beautiful tale. Everyone has the ability to write but not all are gifted with the talent to write magnificent stories. It needs passion, practice, and pursuance. Before you can become a fully established author, you must harness your writing skill by constant practice. Reading books produced by your literary heroes is also a great activity to master your craft and observe how great stories are written.

Literature is complicated. It has a lot of corners that may confuse you. But all its complexities will be turned to simplicity after you get to know all its edges, its genres for example. Moreover, genres are integral aspect of literature. They are the ones that classify the tales depending on their themes and purposes. Among the most promising genres are adventure and family. There are several authors who fancy writing stories about family and adventure. So, if you want to get to know the said authors, please see details below:

Arthur Ransome

In Leeds, England on January 18, 1884, author and journalist Arthur Michell Ransome was born. He is the eldest child of Cyril Ransome and Edith Baker-Boulton. He attended the Yorkshire College, the workplace of his late father, and took up chemistry. However, he didn’t get to finish his studies because he left after a year for London and that’s when his career in writing started.

Ransome is popular in the literary world, specifically in the children’s literature corner, for his amazing series called Swallows and Amazons. The books revolve around adventure of the characters, commonly around the Lake District and Norfolk Broads, during their school-holidays. He also wrote other books apart from his infamous series, such as The Crisis in Russia (1921), A Letter to America (1919), The Souls of the Streets and other Little Papers, The Elixir of Life (1915), and more.

Jacquelyn Hester Colleton-Akins

Apart from being a renowned author of the books E-Babe, Two Trees, My Experience, Alvin Can’t Jump, Prediction Stories, and Liz Refuse to Fall, Jacquelyn Hester Colleton-Akins is also an owner and director of a tutoring program. The said program is located in Walterboro, South Carolina and in Jacksonville, Florida called the Hester Tutoring Program. Colleton-Akins also has a PhD; hence, she is referred to as Dr. Jacquelyn Hester Colleton-Akins.

Her amazing record and work opened the gate for wonderful opportunities and chances to discover the diverse struggles in the minds of the youngsters to take them into the intricate society through shaping up the block of educational aspirations and targets from preschool, high school, and GED pupils. With the said educational objectives, the youth will step into the world and turn into young men and women that narrate their tales to other people and will proudly say, “I made it.”

Leah Williamson

Suffolk, Virginia is the place where author Leah Williamson was brought into the world. However, she was not raised in her birthplace. Where she grew up is 1,417 kilometers away from Virginia, which is Louisiana. She was surrounded with love and care by her parents, sibling, and dog and because of that, she developed a strong love for animals. Leah was raised well by her family for she is living with the life lessons and family values that they taught her.

Because of growing up in a home filled with love, she has written a book called Froggo Family Adventure. It was published in December 28, 2018 and was intended for kids ages 1-7 years old. The book aims to educate both kids and adults about the power of kindness and encourages the readers that every person must be fully accepted for who they are and not to be discriminated because of some flaws in their lives and families.

Roald Dahl

On 13^th of September 1916 in Llandaff, Cardiff, Wales, author Roald Dahl was born. He studied in The Catedral School in Llandaff, St.Peter’s School in Westonsuper-Mare, and in Repton School in England. He was first married to Patricia Neal but they broke their marriage in 1983. Dahl remarried in 1983 with Felicity Crosland. He has a total of 5 children. Roald also served in the military and was in the No. 80 Squadron RAF unit and became their leader.

Roald Dahl took the creative path for he was not only a prolific author but also a great screenwriter and poet. Among his amazing works is the book Matilda, which is about a little girl gifted with knowledge and power. But Matilda’s family is oppose on her interests and doesn’t like her to fancy books and learning. Her family’s opposition didn’t stop her from pursuing what she likes and that’s when her adventure started.

7 Key Tips for Mastering Touch-Typing

In general, typing is usually fun and enjoyable, especially if you’re the kind of person who has a knack for writing. If you think of a particular concept or you just want to express your thoughts, the of words being scribbled out onto your screen could be a therapeutic feeling. Denise Chambers’ online typing lessons for beginners could serve as a huge help to anyone looking to improve their own skills.

Undoubtedly, touch typing is among the single most useful abilities that a pupil can master before finishing his or her education. In college, most of the time your professors won’t accept written assignments due to the fact that printed pages are much simpler to go through and revise. Even the most basic and simple of cashier or desk jobs require some degree of pre-existing typing skills to enable you to effectively and quickly list down customer or order information.

Evaluate and assess your current skillset

The first stepping stone towards becoming an excellent typist is determining where you’re at right now in terms of skill. The simplest method of doing this is by completing an online typing exercise. These tests are made to analyze your skills and weaknesses.

Novice typists usually average at around 35 words per minute, and skilled typists have been recorded at typing over 100 wpm. The current world record for the fastest typing on a QWERTY keyboard is at 216 words per minute.

Make sure your work area isn’t cluttered and you have ample space and comfort

It’s generally believed by most typists that quick and accurate typing develops upon mastering the hand-eye coordinating for the keyboard. However, in actuality you’ll need to start with securing a workspace that’s tidy, controlled, and most importantly- comfortable. On a side note, for optimal typing, you’ll need to have an actual desk set-up rather than have your laptop resting on your lap when you type.

Working for long periods of time means you’ll need optimal comfort as well.

Get into the routine of practice

After you’ve properly assessed where you stand in your current words-per-minute typing rate, it’s about time you get some good practice. Pretty much all sites that offers typing tests include lessons curated based off of your first test. These lessons involve technicalities such as proper hand placement, posture, and which particular fingers should correspond to each key. By doing these exercises, you’ll master the touch-typing ability for daily-use in no time. When determining which quiz to take, remember to have subscribed/made an account on that site, so that you can records your results and take note of your progress without having to start over upon every revisit of the site.

Ensure that you sit with proper posture

To be an effective typist, you’ll need to be sitting down with you back straight (as much as possible try to avoid slouching), and with your feet situate slightly apart from each other while flat on the ground. Your wrists need to be articulated in a way that all your digits can access the keyboard with ease. You could even slightly tilt your head a bit as to help you get a clearer glace at the computer screen and what you’re typing.

Adjust your office chair so you’ll be able to easily play with the seat and get a proper posture.

It’s quite important to maintain this position as you type. Ensure that your posture is good, and by doing this, you could avoid achy wrists and potential arthritis- and even prevent carpal tunnel. These aches could hinder you and make you lose momentum and focus.

Make sure your back and shoulders aren’t hunching over, and while comfort and ergonomics should be your main concern as you type, also be sure to sit upright.

Familiarize your keyboard

In this battle, your keyboard is your weapon, so you will need to familiarize yourself with it of course. Luckily for most people, a majority of the keyboards that you see nowadays will make use of the same layout; QWERTY. You’ll also realize that most keyboards have indents or indicators on or around them.

Try not to rush it

Obviously, the goal of touch-typing is to complete as many words per minute as physically possible, but rushing through the typing lessons definitely won’t help you improve. At the beginning stages of mastering proper touch-typing skills, take your time. Aside from helping you fully realize the mistakes you make, it also helps you retain lessons more effectively as the lessons sink in deeper when they aren’t rushed.

It’s important to keep in mind that accuracy is usually more important than typing speed. This is why they always prove you with an adjusted word per minute speed once you finish taking a typing exam. Even if you’re able to reach the 100-word-per-minute mark, having every other word you type be an error is otherwise pointless

Most jobs that require hires to fulfill a particular set amount of words per minute usually conjure an total accuracy rating as well. For example, when signing up for a job as an administrative assistance, they might require those who can type 65 words per minute with 95% accuracy. Constant practice undoubtedly makes perfect.

There’s definitely no quick-fix for mastering touch-typing overnight, since a whole lot of it has to do with muscle memory. Your fingers get the hang of where each key on the keyboard is situated and are able to navigate them without having to look down while you do it. Once you can press each key without glancing at your fingers, your typing speed will significantly improve, and the more practice you put in, the more skilled you’ll eventually become.

Don’t be hard on yourself; In fact, you should reward yourself

It’s quite simple- most of us know that rewarding ourselves as we reach higher typing-speed touchpoint inspires us to aim for even higher attainments of success. There is no reason that you shouldn’t think the same way about making progress in typing abilities. Set small, achievable goals and slowly make your way up the ladder as you set bigger ones when you progress in skill. And when you reach a touchpoint, treat yourself to something nice- whatever it may be. Just a little something to give you that extra bit of motivation to strive for the next goal.

Often times, schools overlook the importance and significance of touch-typing, and as a result, a whole lot of students out there end up entering the professional world at a slight disadvantage (depending on the particular profession that they choose) due to the lack of proper touch-typing lessons in class. By taking into account these 7 simple reminders, you could slowly but surely build up your touch-typing skills to reach whatever word-per-minute goal you desire.

6 Bible Verses that Will Help You Fight Temptations

The world is full of temptations — you may have heard this statement from the moment that you’ve started to learn about life. Your earliest teachers, which are your parents, may have told you the mentioned statement a couple of times. You, on the other hand, may have either implant that teaching in your mind or let that fact go into one ear and released it on the other. The thing is, people tend to brush off most of the teaching of their parents and other adults surrounding them when they are young. It is because they may have taken these values and lessons as words that don’t serve a bigger purpose other than scold them and restrain them from doing their things.

When a person’s mind, including yours, develops, a lot of realizations and even regrets will come at him or her. There will be a lot of what ifs and what could have beens if they have lived up to the teachings of their loved ones. But that will not matter now, what is important is for people to turn their backs on temptations and do their best to never be tempted again. There are many things that they could to in order to avoid getting tempted. Being reminded about God is always the first and most effective thing.

There are many ways to be reminded about the Almighty Father. A great example of it is by reading books about Him. A wide variety of Christian books exist in the market are just waiting for readers to pick them up. Some of these books are based on the bible while others are from personal experiences of the authors. Thus, among the most amazing Christian books are In the Shadow of God’s Love — a book by Leelia Cornell.

Reminding yourself that God is always the best weapon to protect yourself from evil, but it cannot be avoided that these evils will never stop coming at you. So, here are some of the best Bible verses that will remind you that temptations will never bring any good to you.

James 1: 13-18

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.”

Luke 11:14

“ And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.”

Galatians 5:16

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

Ephesians 6:10-18

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

John 2:15-17

“And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.”

Psalm 46:5

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”

6 Times Cats Saved Their Owner’s Lives

Domesticated animals like dogs and cats truly are a blessing to humanity-by providing companionship and love, a mutual relationship between humans and cats and dogs has been written in stone- a relationship bound to last the test of time. We all love our pets very much- these incredible furry buddies of ours have been by our sides throughout the later part of our species’ existence, solidifying a genuinely unique inter-species bond. “William and Tibby Forever”, another Lynda Hamblen book with an indomitable kitten and an exploration of concepts like cat heaven and life after death, is a light hearted book that cat lovers everywhere should appreciate.

Cats remind us that they appreciate us in so many respects, but several of our feline companions take it a whole new level in terms of caring for the individuals they care for. These particularly exceptional cats came to the rescue when nobody else could, even placing their own lives at risk for the sake of their beloved owners. Here are 5 examples of cats saving their owner’s lives.

Farm Cats to the rescue

Michelle and Rod Ramsey had very severe headaches while they were preparing for bed one evening in their ranch home when their pet cat named Tiger began meowing and whining in their room. Michelle saw one of her cats struggle to walk through the house so she called the doctor. She reported Tiger ‘s odd meowing, and the vet technician on the line wondered whether Michelle had switched on the burner. After she said she did, the vet advised her to run out of the house and contact the fire department. When the paramedics arrived, they said that it was fortunate that the pair had been fully conscious, let alone alive. The building was packed with carbon monoxide.

Saved by her shadow

Lauren Stanger, a college student, was about to attempt to kill herself when her black cat, Shadow, intervened. Having issues following a failed relationship with an abusive ex, death in the family, anxiety, and severe depression. Stanger was thinking about ending her life. Yet her attention turned to Shadow. These two were the closes of companions, and he relied heavily on her. She was always accepted by Shadow no matter what. She wasn’t about to abandon him after she rescued him. Lauren finds the courage to continue living for her cat, and gradually, the love of this black cat brought her out of depression.

Seizure rescue

Once Amy Jung rescued Pudding the cat, it didn’t immediately occur to her that the very same cat she adopted would save her life on the same day. During their first night together, Jung suffered a seizure while she slept. Pudding leapt on top of her, and when she hadn’t woken up, he was pouncing on her face and scratching at her lips. Pudding bolted out of the room and woke up the son of Jung, immediately called 9-11. Jung nearly didn’t foster Pudding that day, but luckily, she fell in love with the cat and brought him home with her. Soon after this incident, Jung had registered Pudding as a support animal.

A close call with carbon monoxide

One-night Annette Shanahan had begun feeling sick. She became tired and disoriented and before falling into a chair, she stumbled out of bed. Her husband, Kevin, would not have woken up if it were not for the pet of the house, Gracie, who started to pound and scratch at the windows. This was odd because Gracie normally would not attempt to come into the bedroom. Kevin woke up in the chair, and noticed his mom. He realized he still had a rough time breathing and he called 911. Firefighters rushed into the house and discovered extremely hazardous amounts of carbon monoxide. And it wasn’t for Gracie, that may have been the last moments of Annette.

Alerting others by making the dog bark

English cat Slinky Malinky went above and beyond to save his neighbor’s life. Slinky was permitted to meet his neighbor, Janet, next door. However, Janet, whose psychiatrist had placed her on morphine, began falling in an out of consciousness on one session. Slinky kept relentlessly teasing the family dog before his howl brought out Slinky’s family from the house. Recognizing that there was something wrong, they searched the home of Janet, finding her unconscious, and called for assistance. Janet is now fully healed, but Slinky still pays her visits whenever possible.

A bond forged in war

When a small kitten came to his camp, Staff Sargent Jesse Knott was deployed in Afghanistan. The kitten came back several times and he was displaying symptoms of abuse. Consequently, Knott decided to break military regulation and managed to keep the cat at on base, naming him Koshka. Knott had started suffering from depression later that year. A suicide bomber targeted his unit, and many soldiers were wounded or killed. At the same moment, he had to deal with a failing marriage. He decided to commit suicide but Koshka pawed him and jumped on his lap just when the situation was at its grimmest. He started to make a low purring noise Knott hadn’t noticed before.

It snapped him out of his suicidal episode, and the trooper chose to get the cat out of the battlefield. It wasn’t easy, but he was successful in getting Koshka out of the war zone and into his parents’ home in the US to wait for his return.