June 18, 2021

A Christian Approach To The End Of Life

 Note: This post has been contributed.

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Talking about the end of life isn’t a popular topic. But it is something that we must all face at some point in our lives, regardless of our current health or relationships. 

But how should a Christian approach the end of life? What’s Jesus’s attitude to it? 

Death Is Part Of The Scheme Of Things

Jesus’s entire life was essentially about his death and resurrection. For centuries, the prophets of the Old Testament talked about the coming of the new Messiah, somebody who would completely overturn the old law and establish a new covenant here on Earth. But, to do that, it was clear that He was going to have to make the ultimate sacrifice. All along, that was a part of the Father’s plan. 

Death wasn’t the original intention of God from the creation account. As far as scholars can determine, death was not an issue in the Garden of Eden. However, thanks to the introduction of sin into the world, that all changed. And now we are dealing with the consequences of those fateful decisions made by our ancestors. 

Redemption Is Possible

The good news, though, is that Jesus came to prove that death wasn’t some insurmountable hurdle. Instead, it was something that the power of God could overcome. What’s more, by dying, Jesus secured salvation for everyone, meaning that regular people tarnished by original sin could still live eternal life. 

Many people have the idea that when they will die, they will go to heaven. But, strictly speaking, that’s not what the bible says. Instead, holy scripture talks about the founding of a new heaven and Earth at the end of time. People who are saved will be risen from the dead - not in spiritual form - but their actual bodies, and return in corporeal form. In other words, as a Christian, you may well receive back your twenty or thirty-year-old self. Or you may have an entirely different body altogether. We just don’t know yet. However, it does put a new spin on cemetery and funeral products

Emotionally Approaching The End Of Life

Granted, you can know all of the above and still worry about your own mortality. Despite all the promises written in the bible, it is still hard to see the bigger picture around death, even as a Christian. You often get this abiding sense of loss and grief. It isn’t pleasant. 

The trick here isn’t to let the suffering go or pretend it isn’t there. Instead, it is to do what Jesus did on the cross and have faith in one’s salvation. The body itself may crumble away, but the soul - or the essence of the person - lasts forever. 

Being realistic about death means being more accepting of the fact that it is going to happen at some point. Preparing for death isn’t “tempting fate,” as some people like to believe. Instead, it’s mainly about ensuring that survivors are properly catered for. Paul says that the body is a seed that breaks the surface, like a plant, during resurrection. That’s something that’s always worth bearing in mind. 

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January 30, 2021

Top Songs of 2020

2020 was a particularly great year for new music. Reminder: Eric likes his music Xanax-style. Mostly chill. Especially necessary during 2020. Tyson Motsenbocker's Someday I'll Make It All Up to You was my album of the year. Joy Oladokun's too high, my fav song of the year. Spotify playlist for your convenience. Happy listening!   Top Songs of 2020 Good News - Mac Miller Carried Away - Lauren Preuss Colorado - Sam Burchfield Only: Live from the Royal Albert Hall - RY X, London Contemporary Orchestra Pray For Real - Peter Cottontale Don't You Worry - Oh Wonder Heartbreak Hotel - Abigail Barlow the 1 - Taylor Swift I Know the End - Phoebe Bridgers too high - Joy Oladokun Fall, Fall, Fall - CAAMP Prayer - Keaton Henson Autumn Love - Tyson Motsenbocker marjorie - Taylor Swift Big Wheel - Samia Pretty Boy - The Neighbourhood Oh No - Biig Piig
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January 6, 2021

Top Hobbies To Take Up This Year

Note: This post has been contributed.

Photo by Daian Gan from Pexels

 

It is a new year and that invites in plenty of opportunities to take up some new hobbies. It could be that you are looking for something new to do outside, to get healthier, or you just want to add something new to your skillset. Whatever the reasons, there are so many things to think of. Hobbies are great for both your mental and physical health. They allow you to destress and keep your mind busy on something other than any worries you might think about daily. They also allow you to get out and about or just focus on something completely different, learning new skills and becoming a more well-rounded person. If you are looking for some top outdoor hobbies to take up this year, here are just a few ideas…

 

1. Painting

Painting is a fantastic hobby to take up. Not only does it leave you with a new skill, but you can also create paintings to go up around your home. There are many different types of painting too, so it is a good idea to have a play around with different mediums and styles and see which one you prefer. Whether you decide to go for watercolor, acrylic, or oil paints, each provides different finishes that will look great on your wall!

 

2. Fishing

If you are looking for a hobby that will get you right in the midst of nature, then fishing is a great one to choose. It is particularly good for when the weather is nice, you can head out with your equipment, pack a lunch and sit by the water taking in your surroundings. There is plenty of research you can do about fishing to help you in your quest to be successful and you can also teach yourself about the various different fish to be found. Make sure you have all the right equipment for where you are fishing, for example, lures for walleye if you are going Walleye fishing.

 

3. Cooking

Not only is cooking a great hobby that will help to feed your family and friends, but is great fun too! You will learn how to experiment with different ingredients and flavors and find out what works together and a whole host of new dishes to try. Why not look into a cookery school or course that you can enroll in? It is a great way to meet new people, learn a new skill and really get stuck into the action.

 

These are just a few ideas of hobbies that you could take up in 2021. Why not speak to a friend or family member and ask if they want to take these up with you? It can be a great motivation if someone else does it too, and also a common interest that you will have to do together. It is a much better and more sociable way to spend time together than sit on phones or watch a TV series! What are some top hobbies you are looking to take up this year? Let us know! 

 
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