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33 Bible Verses About Faith, Hope, and Trust to Use in Prayer During Hard Times

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May these Bible verses about faith in hard times be what you need to be lifted up whether you find yourself in the depths of a valley or atop a mountain in this cycle of life today!

90 Bible Verses to Remind You That God’s Love Is Unconditional

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Let these Bible verses remind you that God's love is unconditional. And, don't forget love one another just like God first loved us.

Boy Crawls into Stranger’s Arms at Football Game— His Aunt Hunts Her Down With Powerful Facebook Post

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"I don’t know who this lady is... she waved at him and he made his way up to her. I thought their interaction would be the same as last time but I was wrong. "
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15 Hollywood Stars Who Choose Modesty Over Mansions: A Look at Celebrities Living Below Their Means

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15 Hollywood Stars Who Choose Modesty Over Mansions: A Look at Celebrities Living Below Their Means

The allure of Hollywood often conjures images of luxury and extravagance, but not every star chooses to live life in the limelight. Here are fifteen celebrities living below their means, each known for their understated lifestyles and embracing modesty despite their substantial earnings.

15 Celebrities Living Below Their Means

1. Keanu Reeves: The Charitable Minimalist

Keanu Reeves is well-known for his simplicity. Despite the massive success of movies like “The Matrix,” he is often seen using public transport and is noted for his generous charitable donations, particularly to children’s hospitals and cancer research. Reeves’s lifestyle is remarkably un-Hollywood, living in modest housing and frequently spotted in everyday situations that defy his star status.

2. Sarah Jessica Parker: Fashionably Frugal

Sarah Jessica Parker grew up in a financially struggling family, which influenced her conservative financial outlook. Despite her success in “Sex and the City,” Parker opts for practicality, dressing her children in hand-me-downs and teaching them the value of money.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio: Eco-Conscious Actor

Leonardo DiCaprio uses his star power to advocate for environmental causes. He drives eco-friendly cars and invests in sustainable projects, reflecting his commitment to the environment rather than lavish spending.

4. Zooey Deschanel: Wise With Money

When Zooey Deschanel’s finances were disclosed during her divorce, it revealed her prudent financial management. Her monthly expenses showed significant savings and modest spending, highlighting her practical approach to money.

5. Ashton Kutcher: The Tech Investor

Ashton Kutcher prefers to invest his wealth rather than spend it. He focuses on tech startups and sustainable businesses, living in a way that prioritizes future security over current luxury.

6. Jennifer Lawrence: Kentucky Girl at Heart

Jennifer Lawrence maintains a down-to-earth lifestyle despite her fame. She has been vocal about not letting Hollywood change her and sticks to her roots, enjoying a relatively normal life away from the spotlight.

7. Dave Grohl: Rocker With a Reason

Dave Grohl, the Foo Fighters’ frontman, could afford any car he wants but chooses standard vehicles and lives in a modest home. He focuses more on his music and family than on flaunting his wealth.

8. Paul McCartney: Beatle With a Budget

Paul McCartney may be a music legend, but he is also known for his modest living and generous charitable giving. McCartney’s lifestyle is unassuming, focusing on the essentials rather than extravagance.

9. Tyra Banks: Model of Frugality

Supermodel Tyra Banks is known for her financial savvy. She has spoken about saving and being mindful of her expenditures, despite the luxurious temptations of the modeling world.

10. Mark Zuckerberg: Simply Social

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, is famous for his simple wardrobe and relatively modest choices in transport and living. His focus is on his company and philanthropic efforts rather than personal luxury.

11. Jake Gyllenhaal: Low-Key Living

Jake Gyllenhaal chooses to live a private, understated lifestyle, seldom engaging in the typical Hollywood party scene and focusing on his craft rather than celebrity status.

If We’re Meant for Each Other, God Will Make It Happen

Faithit
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If We’re Meant for Each Other, God Will Make It Happen

I don’t know who you are. I probably haven’t met you yet, or if I have, you probably didn’t recognize me. If by any chance you come across this letter, I want to let you know that if you are waiting, you are not waiting alone.

I have been dreaming of you since my youth and I am still dreaming of you now that I have grown to become a lady. All those years, the world out there has been trying to entice me with its fleeting and temporary pleasures, but I have shied away from its ploys for I was thinking of you, I was thinking of us – I want to offer you the best of all that I am – including my past. I want to keep myself pure for you and for the God we both serve, who calls our bodies the “temple of His Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

In my youth I have asked God to enable me to remain single until He brings you to me – my first, my last, my one and only. A decade has passed since I prayed that prayer, and not a single piece of my heart regrets receiving what I asked for, even if it was difficult, even if it was unpopular, even if it came with a price.

I have constantly been told that it was too much, that it was unfair and that you don’t deserve it. They said it was too much because it’s okay to be involved with men, give my heart away and learn from every experience. After all, every experience will help me be a better person. And by the time you come, I won’t be making the same mistakes I have made with other guys before you. I was told it was unfair and that you don’t deserve it. Because as I wait, you could very well be dating every girl you are interested in, you may have given away your purity a long time ago, and you may end up seeing me as someone too naive, old-fashioned and inexperienced.

But I have deafened my ears from these voices for this is my way of showing you that I truly love you and I have loved you even before we meet. And even if I am ridiculed and mocked for being single up to now because of these personal convictions, this is my way of honoring you. Despite what these voices say, I want to believe in you. I want to believe that you are worth my waiting and my sacrifices.

And if somehow these voices may be true, that the price I paid is too high for someone as imperfect as you are, know that I will never detest you. In fact, I expect you to be imperfect. For if you have surrendered your life to Christ and are truly God’s will for me, then you are “good, pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:12) for me in spite of all your flaws and imperfections. Your imperfections make room for me to grow to love you more. For it is in these imperfections that I can truly exemplify how it is to love you unconditionally as I was first loved by Jesus (1 John 4:9).

If by any chance I have already met you and it was I who failed to notice you, please stop trying to be someone else to make me fall for you. I won’t fall for you by the way you look. I won’t fall for you by the strength of your arms. I won’t fall for you by sweet words coming out of your lips. I will fall for the man you truly are.

For when you age and your hair turns grey, and you become an old man with a wrinkled face, the strength of your arms fades and your voice becomes too weak to be heard, I will stay in love with you for the man that you are – for your gentleness of spirit, strength of character, meekness of heart. Words need not be spoken, for I will stay in love with you beyond words.

If somehow you decide to pursue me and I fail to notice you at all, trust that if you are for me, He will turn my heart to you and give me a love for you when the right time comes. If it looks like I have closed my door and coming into my life may seem so difficult, know that I have kept it that way because I want to protect you, I want to protect us.

Winter is coming and you may begin to feel the cold. But I hope that somehow, you may also feel the warmth of my love for you – a love that has been, a love that is, a love that will keep waiting for you. And when your nights are cold and your days are empty, when loneliness is the thief that tries to steal your joy, I pray that you may find strength and satisfaction in Christ’s love, who makes all things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

I wish I knew how many more years… I wish I knew how many more tears… But I know none of these things except this truth – that “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).

By Andrienne Boado

**This article was previously published by Thought Catalog. 

See more from Adrienne on her Facebook page. 

25 Creative Other Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”

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25 Creative Other Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”

Saying “you’re welcome” is a standard way to respond to thanks, but sometimes, you might want to mix it up a bit. Whether you’re communicating via email, in person, or trying to leave a memorable impression, having an array of responses can add a touch of personality to your interactions. Here we will explore various ways to say “you’re welcome,” incorporating creativity, humor, formality, and even a touch of flirtation. Let’s dive into some other ways you can say “you’re welcome” with some flair!

25 Creative Other Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”

When you want to show your personality or make your interactions a little more engaging, try these creative alternatives:

  1. “Happy to help!”
    • Keeps the mood light and friendly, perfect for most casual interactions.
  2. “Anytime, anywhere!”
    • Suggests you’re more than willing to assist again, adding an adventurous twist.
  3. “At your service!”
    • A playful way that adds a bit of theatrical flair to your response.
  4. “Consider it done!”
    • Great for confirming that you’ve handled a request efficiently.
  5. “That’s what friends are for!”
    • Perfect for informal settings, reinforcing the bond between you and the other person.

Funny Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”

Inject some humor into your interactions with these witty responses:

  1. “Don’t mention it. No, really, don’t.”
    • A cheeky way to say you’re happy to help but in a humorous, memorable manner.
  2. “I live to serve!”
    • Over-the-top and humorous, especially when the help you offered was minimal.
  3. “Glad I could come to your TED Talk.”
    • Funny and trendy, especially if the thank you came after a long explanation or story.
  4. “I accept cash, checks, and chocolate.”
    • Suggests a light-hearted bribe and works well among friends or close colleagues.
  5. “Just add it to my tab.”
    • Implies a running tally of favors, adding a playful note to the conversation.

RELATED: 25 Unique and Heartwarming Ways to Say Goodnight

Formal Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”

In professional settings or formal correspondence, consider these polished responses:

  1. “You’re most welcome.”
    • Adds a touch of sophistication to a simple acknowledgment.
  2. “I’m pleased I could assist.”
    • Shows not only your willingness to help but also your pleasure in having been able to do so.
  3. “It was my pleasure to assist you.”
    • Conveys a high level of respect and willingness to help further if needed.
  4. “I appreciate your thanks.”
    • Acknowledges their gratitude while also expressing your appreciation for their acknowledgment.
  5. “Your gratitude is valued.”
    • An elegant way to show that you recognize and appreciate their thanks.

Flirty Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”

When the setting is right and you want to add a bit of charm, consider these flirty spins:

  1. “Always for you.”
    • Suggests a special connection, implying you’d go out of your way just for them.
  2. “What’s next on your wish list?”
    • Playfully implies you’re ready to fulfill more of their desires.
  3. “Only if you smile for me.”
    • Light and flirty, this response makes the interaction personal and cheerful.
  4. “I hope that’s not the last thanks I get from you.”
    • Suggestively opens the door for more interactions.
  5. “Just doing my part to make you happy.”
    • Flirty and sweet, showing your actions were intended to please.

Other Ways to Say “You’re Welcome” in an Email

Email etiquette often requires a more polished tone, especially in professional settings. Here are different ways to respond to thanks via email:

  1. “I’m glad I could be of assistance. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.”
    • Offers further help and maintains a helpful demeanor.
  2. “Thank you for your kind words! I’m here whenever you need me.”
    • Appreciates their gratitude while offering continued support.
  3. “You’re welcome! Looking forward to our continued collaboration.”
    • Great for reinforcing a positive, ongoing professional relationship.
  4. “It was no trouble at all. Thank you for reaching out!”
    • Minimizes the effort while encouraging future communication.
  5. “Your success is our priority. Let us know if there’s more we can do for you.”
    • Perfect for client-facing roles, emphasizing dedication to their satisfaction.

RELATED: 25 Funny Ways to Say Good Morning: A Fresh Start with a Smile

From the light-hearted to the formal, varying your response to “thank you” can enrich your conversations and relationships. Each setting might call for a different tone, and choosing the right way to say “you’re welcome” can make all the difference. Whether through email, in a social setting, or in professional interactions, these other ways to say “you’re welcome” will help you convey your message with originality and grace.

Additional Tips

  • Read the room: Adjust your response based on the situation and the familiarity you have with the other person.
  • Be genuine: No matter how you choose to say “you’re welcome,” sincerity is key. Authentic responses build stronger connections.
  • Practice makes perfect: Try out different responses in various settings to find what feels most comfortable for you.

Embracing these varied ways to say “you’re welcome” can add a refreshing element to your daily interactions, making them more engaging and memorable.

Dear Mom, on My First Mother’s Day Without You

Rhonda Stoppe
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Dear Mom, on My First Mother’s Day Without You

Hey Momma,

This is my first MOTHER’S DAY, without you here on the earth. I am deeply moved by how hard this day has been for me.

This is the first year that I have not been able to hug your neck, tell you I love you and say: “Thanks for being my momma.”

When you were only 17 years old, you found out you were pregnant with me. “I had to quit the drill team when I got pregnant with you,” is what you always told me.

As a young girl, I never gave it a thought what you were saying when you shared with me what you gave up as a teenager––to be my mom.

I remember how I felt the first time you shared with me how your own mother had pressed you to have an abortion, but you refused. But, it never occurred to me what courage it would have taken for you to stand up to your mom––to decide to become a teenaged mother.

I remember you told me about the day I was born. You said you were alone in your hospital room holding me. And as I was crying unconsolably––so were you. How overwhelmed you must have been.

My favorite part of that story is when you shared with me how at that very moment, a woman you had never met happened by your room. Whoever this kind woman was, she stopped, entered your room, and began to speak kind and encouraging words to you.

And then, as the story goes, you said the woman took me in her arms, and began to pray for me––and for you. You couldn’t remember what the woman had prayed, only that her kindness and prayers brought you peace.

Oh how I wish I could thank this woman for being the arms and words of Jesus to you––at such a vulnerable time. And for praying for me as well.

You and I grew up together, mom. You fought with your kids more like a sibling than a parent. You pretended to be a grown up––when I looked to you for answers.

As an adolescent, I remember thinking, “She should have it all together, after all she’s a mom.”

Never considering the reality that you had recently been an adolescent yourself.

You never read books about parenting. You never went to parenting classes, or sought out godly mentors. You just worked really hard to be the mom you wanted to be. And, when you messed up you didn’t give up—on yourself, or on me.

Only after I became a mother did it dawn on me how young you had been when you became a mom. And, only then did I realize how much you sacrificed to raise me––and my siblings.

With fresh new eyes—a mother’s eyes—I found a new respect for you, and the price you paid to become my mom. After that realization, I made it a point every year on my birthday and on Mother’s Day to thank you for having me––and raising me.

Four short months ago I sat at your bedside––for the last time. I thanked you for being my momma––for the last time.

And in your final hours I was incredibly moved to hear each of my children tell you how much they love you, and thank you for having me––their mom. It was then that it occurred to me; non of my precious kids would exist had you not determined to have me, so many years ago.

I almost felt like I was watching a clip from the movie It’s a Wonderful Life.

As I tearfully watched you grasp the reality that you would soon breathe your last breath, I joyfully watched my son (over FaceTime) pull out his guitar and sing to you:

All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give…

I surrender all, I surrender all…

All to thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

And then, before Brandon said his final farewell to you, he said, “I love you Mamo… Thank you for having my momma. And thank you for teaching her about Jesus.”

Yes, Momma… Thank you for having me, and thank you for teaching me about Jesus.

Thank you for taking me to church and exposing me to Truth. I learned about Jesus from the Bible stories you read to me. I decided to follow Jesus at one of the summer camps you had to make personal financial sacrifices to provide a way for me to attend. (Funny how as a child it never occurred to me what you had to give up so I could enjoy so many of these things I then took for granted.)

Six months before you breathed your final breath, God allowed me the privilege of watching you genuinely surrender your heart to Jesus. As I sat by your bedside, you tearfully realized that the religion you had trusted in for so many years did not have the power to change your heart––or to cleanse you from your sins.

I wept with you, as you cried out to God in repentance, I can still hear your sweet little voice: “Father, forgive me. I want to be your child.”

Oh momma, how could we have known that in only six short months from that day you surrendered to Jesus, you would be standing in His very presence worshiping around the Throne?

Oh how glorious it must be to look into the eyes of our gentle Savior and sing “All to Jesus I surrender” for all eternity. How I long to stand next to you one day and join in that chorus.

But for now, I will remember the price that was paid by our Savior so your eternity with Him is secure.

And, I will remember how God chose you––a mere teenaged girl—to be my momma so many years ago.

And when I remember, I will thank God for the courage He gave you––to forsake your carefree teenaged years, to be my mom.

And I when I meet a teenaged mom, I will hug, pray for her and her baby, and tell her how grateful I am for your selfless courage. And I will encourage her that one day, her child will come to realize all that she gave up to answer the most glorious calling of all time––the ministry of motherhood. And she will have NO REGRETS.

Momma, “Thank you” doesn’t express fully my gratitude. But, I know you know. And, one day soon…when I see you again, I’ll hug your neck and take your hand and follow you all around the streets of gold so you can show me all the glories of heaven.

I love you, Momma, see ya soon.

#NoRegretsWoman

“Here’s to the Girl Dads, Who Pause Wrestling Matches to Conduct Tea Parties”: Mom Praises Dads Who Make Their Little Girls Feel Like Princesses

Faithit
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“Here’s to the Girl Dads, Who Pause Wrestling Matches to Conduct Tea Parties”: Mom Praises Dads Who Make Their Little Girls Feel Like Princesses

“Here’s to the girl dads.

Here’s to the guys who love hiking and fishing.

Who camp and build things with their hands.

Who have tattoos on their arms,

Here’s to the guys’ guy,

That now holds a little girl.

Thanks for pausing the wrestling matches to conduct tea parties.

Thanks for babysitting baby dolls,

And letting tiny hands,

Put polish on your big toes.

Here’s to the dads who watch princess movies,

And slow dance in the kitchen.

The dads who helped take off training wheels,

Who tighten seatbelt straps,

And fasten car seats in.

Who have spent so many years right now learning to hold on,

And will spend the rest of your lives learning to let go.

You are building hearts with your construction hands.

And I know a little girl who thinks the world of you.

So here’s to the girl dads,

Who give so much beauty to the word

Dad.”

Courtesy of @imthatwife
Courtesy of @imthatwife
Courtesy of @imthatwife
Courtesy of @imthatwife

**This story was written by I’m That Wife, published here with permission. Follow their journey on Facebook and Instagram. 

Baby Bieber On the Way: Justin Bieber and Wife Haley Announce They’re Expecting

Bri Lamm
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Baby Bieber On the Way: Justin Bieber and Wife Haley Announce They’re Expecting

Justin Bieber and wife Haley Bieber are having a baby! 

The couple took to Instagram on May 9 with a series of photos in which Haley, 27, can be seen sporting a beautiful baby bump. The model is seen wearing a lace white gown and headdress, while Justin, 30, is in all black. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)

Yves Saint Laurent confirmed in a press release that the Biebers took part in a vow renewal in Hawaii on May 9. Included in the photo series is a snap of the couple facing each other with Justin’s pastor and longtime friend, Judah Smith between them officiating.

According to a spokesperson for Haley Bieber, the model is just over six months pregnant. 

The couple first married in September 2018 at a court house in New York City just two months after getting engaged. They had a wedding ceremony in Bluffton, South Carolina the following year with family and friends.

Justin Bieber has been candid about married life since the couple tied the knot, revealing in 2022 that he thought getting married “would fix all my problems.” 

“It just kind of was a reflection of, like, ‘You’re a bit of a hypocrite, man. Like, you want your wife to do something that you’re not doing.’ And it’s like, I mean, it’s hard sometimes to look in the mirror and really have to realize, ‘Man, maybe you’re not the person that you necessarily thought that you were.’ And, you know, that’s just the result of trauma and life circumstances,” he said in an interview. 

The couple have also been widely open about their faith, which Haley Bieber has said is the only reason they’re married. 

In a 2021 interview, she said that hers and husband Justin Bieber‘s faith is “the biggest thing” that grounds their relationship. “If we didn’t have that, we wouldn’t even be here. We wouldn’t even be together.”

When You Don’t Have a Mom on Mother’s Day

Madison Tate
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When You Don’t Have a Mom on Mother’s Day

Just over a year ago, I got an unexpected text from my dad: “Honey, call me when you can.”

If you knew my father, then you would know this text held a certain serious-minded tone, one he rarely used.

Although I never heard him speak the words aloud, it had a chilling effect.

I got up from class and stepped outside the room to call my father. He beat around the bush for only a few moments, particularly to make sure I was sitting down.

It was after those brief moments that he spit out the two most anguishing words I had ever heard. “She’s gone,” he said about my mother.

The only words I could form were “No, no, no, no please, no.” I immediately fell to my knees in disbelief, sobbing alone in the hallway for what seemed like forever.

I had never even imagined a world without her in it, until that moment.

It’s these instances in which nothing can prepare you for the amount of immediate pain you feel.

You keep holding your breath, hoping it goes away, but it doesn’t. You keep blinking your eyes, hoping you’ll wake up, but you don’t.

You look at the world around you for something that looks familiar, but nothing does.

The shock of everything is so surreal, you feel as though you’re suddenly living an entirely different life.

It was these first few moments that provoked so much fear that I thought my life would never be the same again.

Many of my friends and family hovered for support, trying to understand and relate to what I was going through, but they just couldn’t. Being the very closed off person I am, I kept to myself.

I hid the tears and all the heartache from everyone because I didn’t know how to be vulnerable, especially with my pain. I asserted to everyone that I was okay, but deep down I was lost, confused and so, so angry.

Each day following, I was reminded of my mother in small memories. A Counting Crows song on the radio, a “Forensic Files” marathon or just a silly conversation between family members.

Nevertheless, there is always one day, in particular, I’m reminded of her the most: Mother’s Day.

Many people have dealt with the grief of losing a parent or loved one, and they are very familiar with the foreshadowing of pain that usually follows Mother’s Day.

It’s difficult to convince yourself to celebrate this day the same way since many people (myself included) have since considered themselves to be “motherless.”

In the past, this day was always one for admiration and love; it was a day that encouraged you to show your gratitude for the woman who brought you into this world.

But after you lose a parent, it almost seems as though the day’s only purpose is to remind you of your loss.

Mother’s Day took place a mere three months after my mom passed away.

It was almost unbearable to function at school, listening to people gush about their gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Some people even forgetfully asked about mine.

As I would scroll through my Timeline, I was forced to see the many pictures and celebrations from others. I was unable to share the same words and moments with my mother.

Before she passed, I hadn’t considered myself to be a heavily religious person. I was always driven by curiosity, and facts and science answered my questions.

However, as soon as I lost her, I knew I had to have faith.

As a Fat Kid, My Deepest Wounds Came From Words My Mother Said

Faithit
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As a Fat Kid, My Deepest Wounds Came From Words My Mother Said

If you only read and heed one parenting tip, let it be mine.

It’s not easy for me to talk about what people said and did to me because I was a fat kid. When sharing my story with others, I feel the embarrassment all over again. Shame. Sadness. Pain. So why do I talk about it? For your kids. All kids. I want to spare them what I went through. And I don’t want well-meaning parents to be haunted by life-lasting negative consequences after hurting their kids when all they wanted to do was help.

For as long as I can remember, people have bullied and fat-shamed me. School was a torture chamber. Between classes each day – every day – someone would moo or slam their back up against a wall and suck in their stomach, as if I took up every square inch of space as I walked down the hallways. There was the teacher who weighed everyone in class and wrote the weights on the chalkboard, showing just how different I was from everyone else. After a winning game on a hot day, the elementary school softball coach said loudly, in front of all the players and parents of both teams, that I shouldn’t have a celebratory ice cream because I was fat. I could go on. If I were to add two particularly terrifying and cruel moments from high school and college, then this would need a content and trigger warning.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Fipps

Strangers bullied and fat-shamed me, like the guy who yelled, “You’re disgusting! Have you looked in the mirror lately?” out his car window as he drove by while I was walking into the Emergency Room to say goodbye to a loved one who’d just died. Friends, I use the term loosely, bullied me. And family fat-shamed me, like the uncle who always greeted me with, “Hey, Goodyear Blimp!”

You know what each moment has in common? No one ever made it stop or defended me. Ever. Not even my mother. In fact, my deepest wounds came from words my mother said. The looks she gave me. Her actions.

“When are you going to lose weight, so I don’t have to be ashamed of you?” she asked, time and time again, always while staring at my stomach. She stared at my stomach daily. God, I hated that look. After the first time, I learned to turn my head to keep from seeing the disgust in her eyes.

Hoping to “fix” me, she took me to one doctor after another, demanding bloodwork and a diet that worked.

The worst thing my mom ever said to me? We were watching TV. There was a beach scene with a fat woman. As she took off her cover-up, the camera zoomed in on every roll and every clumpy lump of cellulite. Insert the canned laughter – and then my mom’s laughter as she pointed at the screen and said, “Look at that big ol’ fat thing!”

That’s when I knew: My mother saw me as a thing. Not her child. Not even a human. A thing. When the movie ended, I went to bed, buried my head in my pillow, and cried myself to sleep.

Every day of my life, my mom told me she loved me. She has late-stage Alzheimer’s now. I have her journals. She wrote about how proud of me she was. But her hatred of the fat on my body is what I’ll always remember.

And I’ll remember all the times when she said, “You’d be so pretty – if you just lost weight.”

Top 5 Shocking Walmart Theft Stories: Barcode Scams to Organized Rings

Staff
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Top 5 Shocking Walmart Theft Stories: Barcode Scams to Organized Rings

In the sprawling aisles of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, security challenges are as vast as the store’s inventory. While Walmart has pioneered many retail innovations, it has also been a significant target for thefts, ranging from petty shoplifting to elaborate frauds. Here we will explore notable cases of Walmart theft, shedding light on the sophisticated tactics thieves use and the implications for retail security strategies.

5 Tactics People Use for Walmart Theft

1. The Fake Barcode Scheme 

One of the most infamous thefts at Walmart involved a fake barcode scheme that spanned several states. Thieves printed their own barcodes and stuck them over more expensive items, thus paying pennies on the dollar. This scheme not only resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars in merchandise but also exposed serious vulnerabilities in Walmart’s self-checkout systems. The operation was sophisticated, with individuals sharing techniques online on how to manipulate the system without triggering security alerts.

2. The Multimillion-Dollar Theft Ring

In a more audacious case, a Walmart theft ring managed to steal over $2 million worth of goods from various Walmart stores. This group used a combination of under-scanning at self-checkouts and collusion with some insiders to bypass security measures. The stolen goods ranged from small electronics to large household items, which were later sold through various online marketplaces. The ring operated for months before being caught, highlighting significant gaps in both internal and external security protocols at Walmart.

3. The Self-Checkout Shoplifters

A common yet costly method of theft involves shoppers using the self-checkout lanes to ‘skip scan’ items, where they pretend to scan an item but either bypass the scanner entirely or manipulate the system to avoid proper billing. Several cases have been reported where individuals stole thousands of dollars’ worth of goods using this method. These incidents underscore the challenges of maintaining security at self-checkout stations and have prompted Walmart to invest in advanced surveillance and AI technology to detect such frauds.

4. The Organized Crime Involvement

Organized retail crime is a growing concern for Walmart, with organized groups specifically targeting its stores for high-value items that are easy to resell. In one notable instance, an organized group used stolen credit card information to purchase large quantities of electronics. They exploited lapses in payment system security and store oversight, costing Walmart significant revenue and damaging its customer relations.

5. Flash Mob Thefts

Flash mob thefts, where large groups of people enter the store and collectively steal as much as they can, have also been a challenge for Walmart. These events are usually chaotic, planned via social media, and leave little time for staff to react. While less common, their impact is dramatic and often widely publicized, affecting store safety perceptions and causing substantial losses in mere minutes.

8 Reasons You Struggle to Remember Dreams

Staff
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8 Reasons You Struggle to Remember Dreams

Have you ever woken up with the feeling of just having had a vivid dream, but you can’t recall any details? You’re not alone. Many people struggle to remember their dreams upon waking. This listicle breaks down the seven key reasons you find yourself saying, “why can’t I remember dreams?” and it’s backed by scientific insights and psychological factors.

Why Can’t I Remember Dreams? 

1. Sleep Cycles and Dream Phases

Understanding when and how we dream is crucial to understanding why we forget them. Dreams mainly occur during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep, which cycles throughout the night. We’ll explore how the timing and nature of these cycles influence dream recall.

2. Brain Activity During Sleep

The activity in various parts of the brain, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, plays a significant role in whether we remember our dreams. These areas are crucial for memory and decision-making but operate differently when we sleep.

3. Emotional Relevance of Dreams

The emotional intensity of a dream can greatly affect whether it sticks in our memory after waking. More emotionally charged dreams are usually easier to remember. Discover how your feelings are linked to dream recall.

4. Individual Psychological Factors

Your personality and psychological state can influence your ability to remember dreams. From stress levels to creativity, learn how individual differences play a part in dream recall.

5. Techniques to Enhance Dream Recall

If you’re keen on remembering more about your nocturnal adventures, there are practical steps you can take. From keeping a dream journal to improving your sleep hygiene, we provide tips that can help boost your dream memory.

6. External Influences on Dream Recall

External factors such as medications or alcohol can impact how well you remember dreams by disrupting your sleep cycles and the quality of your REM sleep. We’ll discuss how these elements affect your ability to retain dream details.

7. Lifestyle and Routine

Your daily habits and routines can influence your dream phases and recall ability. A consistent sleep schedule and a peaceful bedtime routine can enhance how well you remember dreams.

Dad, Take Time With Your Daughters

Brie Gowen
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Dad, Take Time With Your Daughters

Dads, take time with your daughters. Take the time to play, the time to laugh, the time to chase as they scream excitedly with glee.

Let go of adult responsibility, if only for a moment, and pick her up to spin her around. One day she’ll be too heavy.

Forget about the pending project. Start a new project of her choosing. One day she won’t ask for your help.

Dads, take time with your daughters. Take time to notice she brushed her hair. She took extra time with each stroke of the brush, smoothing her long, blond hair, just hoping you would notice how it glinted in the light. One day she may not care if you notice.

Take the time to compliment her dress, her new shoes, the way she partnered her pink, flowery shorts with that purple, mermaid top. She’ll use your example for measuring a future admirer. One day your opinion won’t be the one she seeks the most. Take advantage of it now.

Dads, take time with your daughters. Slow down and notice her smile. If it’s there, or if it’s not. Bring it out more often. Teach her the world takes notice at her laugh, it seems brighter and more hopeful when she smiles. Capture those smiles in your pocket. You’ll want to bring them out when the pitter patter of her feet no longer fills your home.

Take the day off. Take the week off. Take the time to invest in what really matters. It’s not a trip around the world she wants. It’s just you.

Put down your phone, turn off your video game, save the ballgame to watch later. Take the time to listen, really listen. What makes her giggle uncontrollably? What brings stars to her eyes? What does she want to be when she grows up? Tell her she can be anything she dreams to be!

Dads, take time with your daughters. Show them that time with them is precious. Set a standard their future husband will need to follow. Don’t leave an example to chance, or allow the example to be absence.

Let them know work is second, that a career is just that, but family is everything. Let them know they can achieve anything, but let them know they don’t have to do great things for you to know they’re great. Tell them they are priceless while they still have ears to hear your compliments. Let your loving, tender praise be the norm rather than the exception.

Dads, take time with your daughters. Take time to lead them, guide them, correct them, discipline them, teach them. Love corrects wrongdoing but loves despite it. Let them know your love isn’t based on good performance, but because of your love, you model such a thing. Don’t leave discipline to the teacher, the pastor, the coach, or just to mom. Because even in discipline they will see love, and then they will see grace. Give them the example of grace.

Dads, take the time to comprehend the enormous impact you have in your child’s life. Understand you are their rock, their strength, their protection, and their first glimpse of what true love really means. You are the goodness they will see in the world, or you are the emptiness they will carry. You are the initial builder of confidence and the example of how to understand true beauty in the long term. You fill a place in their heart that no one else can, and if you don’t insert yourself into their life from the beginning, they will hold that empty spot for the rest of their life, never knowing why they feel like they do.

Take the time, dad, to see the task before you. It’s not just breadwinner or clog fixer. Your role is actually one of utmost importance. The thing is, you can kinda do it, like halfway work at it, and she will be ok. She’ll still grow in beauty and knowledge, but with your presence and attention, she will actually flourish. Take the time, dads, to watch your daughters bloom, and realize that you had a hand in the lovely women they will become as you nourish them with your attention.

Take the time, dad, before the time is gone.

Why Do Christians Embrace Mission Trips Abroad Yet Hesitate to Help Immigrant Children at Home?

Mike Rumley-Wells
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Why Do Christians Embrace Mission Trips Abroad Yet Hesitate to Help Immigrant Children at Home?

A friend just asked a question which got me thinking down some heavy pathways. I’m going to try to get this down before it fades. I’ll need to connect some dots, so bear with me.

Living in Nicaragua made me less judgmental. That surprised me. I was extremely judgmental before I moved. I had a set of unrighteous behaviors and choices for which I judged those around me, friends and strangers alike. I knew I had a problem, but so did they have a problem! Look at all that unrighteous behavior!

My heart was ugly. Who knows, maybe I was right about their poor choices, but my anger and superiority were vile. Then I moved to Nicaragua. Then I became a missionary, a Jesus follower willing to leave his comfortable home and life to suffer for the Gospel and live in an impoverished nation without an air conditioner or a dryer. If pride is the root of being judgmental, you might predict I would become unbearable.

Instead, I crashed and burned. I slammed into culture shock, suffered heavy depression, failed in a whole slew of ways, and got way too near the edge for comfort. Instead of becoming more self-righteous, I came face to face with how we are, all of us, a bunch of train wrecks and disasters. No, some of us don’t realize it, but we all are. Grace is greater. Grace is greater than our train-wreckedness. Grace is greater than our unrighteous behaviors. Grace is even greater than our unbearable self-righteousness. Thank God.

I didn’t do nearly the good I had hoped to do, but I did some. I loved some people, far more feebly than I imagined I would. I didn’t change the world. I didn’t change the culture. But I learned this: We want, desperately, to see ourselves as good. But doing good costs much more than most of us are willing to pay, and being good? Oh, seriously. So we work out a very narrow, very circumscribed standard for our own goodness. This likely has nothing to do with God’s view of us. We just need to be acceptable in our own sight.

Jumping tracks now, but not really: Short-term missions. Short-term missions are a perfect example of both an opportunity to know Jesus and an opportunity to feel good about our own goodness. We can sacrifice for two weeks. We can get dirty and suffer inconveniences and image ourselves to be laying down our lives for the Gospel. I know, it sounds like I’m mocking short-term missions. I led eight of them. I believed in them. Because I went on them, my family and I moved to Nicaragua for seven years. I think we did certain things very well on our short trips. We loved some people, we built relationships, we did some good. I regret nothing. I saw lives changed and I saw God do miracles.

And here is the difference between visiting Nicaragua to “do” a mission trip and living in Nicaragua: you can’t keep up the image of yourself as good when you live there. It’s hard. It’s hot, nothing works the way you think it “should,” and there are tropical diseases. People drive crazily and risk not just their lives but yours and your children’s. Jesus is there, but not in the way you imagined. Jesus isn’t there leading you to become a hero. Jesus is there teaching you faith through a poor costurera who can’t do simple arithmetic but is more generous with her humble talents than you will ever be with yours.

Why do we want to go on mission trips to Honduras or El Salvador and help those poor children but we don’t want to let those same children fleeing for their lives come into our country?

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