Life Wisdom

Most people love truth when it is not uncomfortable. But sometimes it is. Then other factors count that we need to get ahead in life. To get closer to the truth in as many areas of life as possible - e.g. in nutrition, upbringing, marriage, family and faith - these wisdoms should contribute to this.

Suggestion:

This is followed by a lot of biblical and other wisdom that I have gathered over the years and that have become personally important to me.

So that it doesn't get too much, the best thing to do is to choose a topic and a verse from it and then take it back to everyday life so that it is not forgotten again. By doing this, you and your relationships will gain from this wisdom.

Marriage - Relationship

The man owed his allegiance to the woman, and so likewise the woman to the man. 1. Cor 7: 2

Love

Love is patient and kind; she knows no envy, she does not act, she is not conceited.

It does not behave tactlessly, it does not seek its own advantage, it does not lose control, it does not hold anything against anyone (it forgives).

Love does not rejoice when injustice is done, but where truth wins it rejoices too. She endures everything, believes in every situation, always hopes, and withstands everything. 1. Cor 13: 4-7

What a gift: a married couple who love each other, who stand up for each other and support each other.

Relationships Among Fellow Human Beings

A sincere answer is a sign of real friendship. Proverbs 24:26

Those who show compassion and help the poor receive rich blessings. Proverbs 22: 6

Because injustice will prevail, love will grow cold in many. Matthew 24:12

Where there are many people there is also a lot of challenge. But those who think and feel FOR their fellow human beings have also accepted themselves. Wonderful!

Relationship With Jesus

So God loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that all who believe in him would not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The Lord is near to all who call on him; all who sincerely call him. Psalm 145: 18

He fulfills the longings and desires of those who are in awe of him; He hears when you scream for help and save you. Psalm 145: 19

I have the Lord always before my eyes; because he's on my right, I don't waver. Psalm 16: 8

But HE is wounded for our iniquity and bruised for our sin. The punishment is on HIM that we may have peace, and through his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53: 5

For I know well what thoughts I have about you, says the Lord. Thoughts of frustration, not sorrow. That I give you a future and hope. Jeremiah 29:11

JESUS ​​had a heart for his fellow human beings and their needs. Nobody overlooked him. He wants to help ALL people. Wonderful.

Come to me, all of you who are troublesome and burdensome; I want to refresh you. Take up my yoke and learn from me; for I am meek and humble in heart; so you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is gentle and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28-30

Jesus says: I came so that they might have life in abundance. John 10:10

As the Father loved me, so I loved you. Stay in my love John 15: 9

This is my command that you love one another, just as I love you. John 15:12

This woman learned a lot from Jesus. She learned what forgiveness really is. Jesus' words “Sin no more!” has certainly given her strength to align her lifestyle with Jesus. Thank God.

Nobody has greater love than that he gives up his life for his friends. Joh 15:13

You are my friends if you do what I tell you. John 15:14

But we know that all things serve for the best of those who love God, those who are purpose called. Romans 8:28

Love is the fulfillment of the law. And because we know that the hour has come, let's get up from sleep. Romans 13: 10-11

It is part of our prerogative to possibly experience JESUS ​​second coming in person! Wouldn't that be sensational! O Lord, have mercy on us. We look forward to your appearance in the clouds soon.

Better DUET instead of DUEL

What a joy when husband and wife together make the family a community effort with the goal of building a meaningful, good future for themselves and the children! But reality shows that these are the exceptions. This blog would like to encourage the reader to take a step forward here.

Wikipedia on DUEL and DUETT

DUET

Duo Latin means 'two'. A duet is a musical work by two musicians (ensemble) or two (vocal) soloists. Even in nature there are animals where two partners sing in a duet.

DUEL

Latin duellum means 'duel'. This means a voluntary duel with the same, potentially deadly weapons, where honor disputes are fought according to traditionally established rules. Duels are prohibited in most countries.

It's easy to judge someone else's action if you set your preferences as the default!

Important is:

Don't waste a good conflict!

Recognize the chances of conflict. Every conflict has growth potential. It shows the way to reality and truth and points to something really important. He also shows the need for adjustment, because the situation can quickly lead to improvement and more maturity.

It quickly becomes clear that your own personality has a strong influence on the result when resolving conflicts. The following are some hot questions that you may be able to answer for yourself:

How do you tend to deal with daily conflicts? (LINK)

• Do you lose a lot of energy, do you quickly become insecure, lose your balance and do not know how to find a solution?

• Can you say NO with kind eyes, even thank you, or ‘the moment is bad’, or do you refer nicely to rules or principles and know how to say the right thing at the right time? EXCELLENT!

Do you have a mature temperament, (LINK)

• who has learned to look for the benefits, the truth and thus a good solution in conflicts?

• or do you not care, but it is important that you see your honor saved?

What did you build your self-worth on? (LINK)

• Is your track record more important than your relationships?

• Do you only agree to a conflict resolution when a profit is secured?

• Or are the relationships more important to you than anything else so that you do not have any relationship problems?

Do you know the partner's love languages ​​or your own? (LINK)

• Could it be that that conflict just trampled on one of the five love languages ​​at the partner?

• Was there perhaps too much reprimand instead of recognition?

• Was physical or linguistic rigor used instead of tenderness?

• Has practical help perished in the conflict?

Which of the following variants did you support in the last conflict? (LINK)

RETREAT? - fleeing the conflict area in a hurry, avoidance announced and everything swept under the carpet?

PUSH THROUGH? - was it about definitely asserting yourself, whatever the cost?

COMPROMISE? - did you try to reach a compromise, where everyone moves away from their demands and comes up to something until the partner is satisfied?

GIVE IN? - was it easier to just give in, to submit and for harmony to forego important things?

COOPERATION? - or did you opt for the best solution in most cases, which relies on creative cooperation and pursues an optimal solution with mutual interests?

Often the roles taken make conflict resolution more difficult. Are you a teacher who is used to being a referee, always being right and therefore used to making decisions for 'subordinates'? Then it is much more challenging to look for a solution together democratically, sensitively, benevolently.

Self-awareness is crucial

We have seen that who we are plays a crucial role in conflict management. Those who live in balance have quickly found a healthy solution. Interesting that this topic is also addressed in the Bible. I particularly like Paul's statement in Ephesians chapter 5 verse 28:

If you love your spouse, you love yourself!

So if I know my deficits and strengths, I'm more likely to recognize them in others. This makes it much easier to solve everyday challenges.

Ask yourself how much you love yourself. If you can roughly answer that and compare it with the quality of love that you show your partner, then this sentence above will be more understandable to you.

Self-love and social competence (LINK)

These two important components determine our quality of life. Anyone who invests here will be rewarded. Our fears disturb us. These should be replaced with positive arguments, namely with love thoughts. Those who base their thoughts on love have good fruits to reap.

In our Christian West, we have also developed Christian values. They can no longer be felt everywhere, but are still very important. Here are some:

• Respect your neighbor

• Respect your neighbor higher than yourself

• Every person is lovable

• Together we are stronger

Of course, our understanding of love, be it conditional or unconditional (LINK), plays an important role. Our need for harmony and acceptance can also be very important when it comes to the outcome of a conflict. Here are some key words that can be supportive:

• Not all conflicts are solvable

• Why not give the humor a little space too?

• It is better to discuss at the factual level than at the guilt level

• If you can say ‘sorry’, you will help further

• Instead of building a wall, a positive basic attitude helps better

• Taking responsibility and giving trust helps

I wish you every success in your next conflict !!

How to Relate to New Year’s Resolutions

Those of you who know the game of games, chess, know that much thought, strategic planning and adherence to the plan are deciding factors in the outcome. Without these, nothing will be accomplished. Perhaps it is similar with New Year’s resolutions. We really owe it to ourselves to improve our circumstances. Each of us carries responsibility for his or her own life.

New Year’s Eve – the Beginning

Most people love New Year’s Eve, maybe because of the food and fun. At the same time, this last day of the calendar year holds a natural promise of a new beginning. For many, it makes sense to take the opportunity and bid bad habits adieu. Why not?

Unfortunately, many good resolutions are soon broken or forgotten. I would like to present my findings on how to best deal with the subject of resolutions, which I have gathered from various sources.

Classical New Year’s Resolutions

Undoubtedly one of the most widely practiced resolutions is

Live More Healthfully

For sensible, purposeful people, this is a great subject. Health is our most important treasure, and we only have one. When it’s gone, life looks completely different.

As you may read in the highly recommended NEWSTART-PLUS - BLOGs , a holistic view of health is necessary, which promotes a healthy balance of exercise and rest, fresh air, nutrition, water, sunshine and trust in God.

Finally Free!

Tackling addictions is difficult. One needs to be highly motivated, and not just for the first week of January! As you can read in the blog on the frontal lobe, the secret of success in this area is directly dependent on the care it receives. Sonnmatt has wonderful courses to help smokers get free. It’s the best and most successful method I know.

New Priorities and Time Management

Beside health, there are other important subjects. Of those, PARTNER and FAMILY are most likely highest on the list. There are a thousand topics that steal our valuable time, but end in nothing. If we can get these time killers under control, our lives will be much better. We must take time for our relationships, for they, and the love we have for one other, are the best components for health and healing, whether physically, emotionally or mentally.

A somewhat modern and very wise resolution might be to do a digital detox. Increasing numbers of individuals are falling victim to these dopamine providers. Instead of a real love source, many try to fill their empty love tanks with happy hormones produced by gaming and social media. However, this is a dead end street.

Here is the “Best of” list from last year. Maybe there’s something in it for you.

Top 10 Favorite Resolutions:

1. Improve fitness We all know that regular exercise has more health benefits than anything else out there. Studies have shown that improving your fitness also improves your mood, mentality and reduces the risk of some cancers, not to mention it keeps you in shape. So find some exercise you enjoy, and do it regularly!

2. Eat better Try a whole food, plant-based diet. Here’s a link to our daughter’s Cookbook .

3. Quit smoking If this is you, click on that Sonnmatt link above and join us for the course.

4. Quit drinking If you have decided that you'd like to quit drinking this year there is a lot of help and support available. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous offers regular meetings and there are a lot of clinics out there to help.

5. Learn something new Maybe you're looking to take up a new hobby or learn a new language for upcoming travels. With the Internet, you can learn almost anything!

6. Travel more You can visit beautiful places, experience different cultures, discover a new cuisine or explore your own back yard.)

7. Volunteer Helping others in need is a great and selfless New Year's Resolution. Whether you'd like to head overseas to volunteer, help disadvantaged kids in your local area or something else, there are a lot of organizations out there that can make it happen. By the way, this one can easily be combined with point #6.

8. Meet someone Sometimes we feel like the time has come, and we just HAVE to find a partner! There are good places and not so good places to meet quality partners. It’s a good idea to think about what kind of person would suit you best and measure a prospective partner by that standard before you fall in love. Frontal activity tends to wane during periods of infatuation.

9. Sleep more Tired of being tired? There are more benefits to getting a good night’s sleep than just feeling more refreshed. A proper snooze can do all kinds of things, including keeping your metabolism going strong, helping you concentrate better, and making you less likely to get sick.

10. Get out of debt Debt is definitely a four-letter word that can ruin your life. If you would like to find freedom from this problem, it’s important to find and plan a strategy. I’ll say more on this hot topic in a future blog.)

10 Reasons Why Resolutions Often Fail

Here are a few suggestions of how one might learn from past mistakes. Any resolutions made while under the influence of alcohol will usually be forgotten by the next day. It seems a necessity to make resolutions binding, like a contract. Our enemy, our weak inner self, is often against such measures. It does not welcome any uncomfortable changes, but rather loves the path of least resistance.

1. Your resolution was not formulated as a measurable goal. “I want to lose a few pounds” is not specific enough. A resolution should be measurable, with step by step goals and dates.

2. Your resolution was formulated in a negative way. “I want to eat less chocolate.” If you add some reasons to this, like “for my health” or “to clear my conscience,” for instance, because chocolate producers often use forced child labor LINK, it will have a greater impact on your behavior and resolve.

3. Your resolution was not carried out regularly. “I want to do more sports, but only when the weather is nice.” Jogging twice a week might go well for a while, but is too easily forgotten.

4. You didn’t really want to do it. Resolutions are part of celebrating the New Year. Since everybody else is doing it, you make one too. At least it was a nice thought.

5. New Year was not the best time to implement. Sometimes it’s better to make a resolution at another time, when it can be done more voluntarily, like NOW :-) !

6. You tried to do it all by yourself. “I won’t tell anyone what I’m trying to change.” The advantage here is that you are only responsible to yourself, but the added incentive of public obligation could also be helpful and motivating.

7. You didn’t write it down. “I’m going back to the gym in March.” But by March, all your confidants have forgotten about it. Write it in your calendar or put it on your refrigerator.

8. True motivation was missing. “I want to do more sports,” is not a healthy motive as such. “I want to lose 10 pounds this year,” sounds much better.

9. You didn’t know how to make it happen. “I want to learn to play a new musical instrument.” This resolution can fail by just not being able to choose an instrument.

10. Your New Year’s resolution was completely unrealistic. “This year I’m going to lose 40 pounds!” This would not only be extremely difficult, but also dangerous! Never start your program with a marathon!

Now let’s look at a few positive suggestions:

10 Ways to Make Your Resolutions Stick

1. Choose the right moment. Sometimes January 1 is not the best day to start with an important new resolution.

2. Less is often more! Too many resolutions can spoil the broth. Instead, concentrate on one or two resolutions that you can really put your heart into. Set realistic goals.

3. Write your resolutions down. Things that are put down in writing are more meaningful. Things that are “only in your head” can be forgotten much too quickly.

4. Place the paper somewhere where you and others can see it. Regular reminders can raise motivation.

5. Make a radical new start. Starting slow and easy can often lead to half-heartedness, which easily can end in nothing. 100% commitment will more likely be rewarded with success.

6. Count on difficulties. Challenges are the best opportunities to build strength. Use them to your advantage. “I REALLY feel like a piece of chocolate!” Such thoughts will come, but with the right attitude, they can be overcome, and your will will be strengthened.

7. Dwell on the positive! Instead of thinking, “I don’t feel like going to the gym!” replace that thought with, “I always feel so much better when I’m finished with my fitness training!”

8. Take advantage of any possible support! “Shared suffering is only half as hard.” If you share your challenges with your family and/or friends, you may get some much-needed support. For some activities, like sports, there are groups you can join.

9. Note your progress! For certain resolutions it makes sense to chart progress daily.

10. Celebrate success! BUT not like the guy in this picture! If you plan some smart rewards for certain goals reached, they can be great motivation raisers. Don’t use rewards that would weaken your ambition to reach your goal.

Further Suggestions:

• Get in touch with family and friends at least once a month.

• Read 5 intelligent books in exchange for less TV and computer games.

• Learn to say, “No, thank you!” to sweets, alcohol, tobacco, etc.

• Read the Gospel of Luke (again) by the middle of the year.

• Surprise someone once a month with a surprise gift.

• Learn about the love languages of three most-valued relationships. (LINK)

• Refrain from eating between meals.

If you have any suggestions for a resolution, you’re welcome to add it below. Thank you for your support and may you have a successful 2019!

Verwendete Quellen : Link-1 - Link-2 - Link-3 - Link-4

Source in English : Link-5

Human Dignity – Really?

Human dignity is the fundamental principle of the German constitution. Article 1, paragraph 1 reads: "Human dignity is inviolable. To respect and protect it is the duty of all state authority." Human dignity is thus mentioned even before the right to life. It does not need to be earned, and although it is an inherent part of every person FROM BIRTH, it is a right that is often badly abused.

The dignity of man is not an attribute like beauty or generosity. The term itself is based on the idea that the very existence of a person makes him or her valuable.

In spite of that, human dignity is difficult to comprehend and is used in many completely contrary contexts. In the debate about euthanasia, we speak of a humane or dignified death. Stem cell research on embryos can be seen as a right of or an attack on human dignity, depending on one’s point of view.

One German news agency reported a prison that was being run under inhumane conditions because several inmates had to share a cell without separate bathroom facilities. And of course everyone knows the saying, “That is beneath me (beneath my dignity?).”    

Example:

She asked him: “How much do the eggs cost?"
The old man answered, "Twenty-five cents apiece, Ma’am."
She said, "I’ll take six for one dollar, otherwise I won’t buy any!"
He replied, "Okay, you can have them. Maybe this will help get me going today. I haven’t sold anything yet."

She took the eggs and walked away with great satisfaction. She had won. She got into her elegant car and drove to a fancy restaurant where she and a girlfriend ordered everything they wanted, ate a little of it and left the rest on their plates. When she paid the $45 bill, she gave the owner $50 and told him to keep the change.                                                                                                                                                        Story by Rik Jason

This was a normal occurrence in the eyes of the owner, but compared to the previous situation with the egg salesman, doesn’t it seem a bit ridiculous?

Questions

• What causes these differing reactions?

• Why do we tend to wield our power and authority when dealing with have-nots?

• Why are we generous with people who don’t need our generosity?

In both cases we see a demonstration of power. In the restaurant, she said in essence, “I have the power to pay you more than your product is worth. I’m a winner. Her statement to the beggar was, "I have the power to give you less than you want, but you will still be grateful to me."

 Dignity in the Past

Dignity was spoken of in antiquity.

1. Leaders in society were referred to as dignitaries, and they were recognized as such by their clothing and other symbols of power.

2. On the other hand, human dignity was recognized in the ancient world as something that all humans had in common and that distinguished them from animals. The reasons given for this were the power of human reasoning and the image of God in man.  

Human beings have free will. We can decide how to behave. The decisions we make are governed by our morals and ethics.

In the mid-1800s, humane working and living conditions became political buzzwords. The discovery of the degrading actions followed during the Nazi regime in Germany were a big influence on the development of its Constitution after 1945, making the dignity of man central to its value system. It is also a key value in all other German national and international statements and declarations.    

Human Dignity and Human Rights

Human dignity implies a certain truth from which other basic human rights are derived. These include prohibitions against discrimination, freedom rights (like freedom of opinion and speech), property rights, protection rights (like protection from torture and the right to a just trial), as well as for social human rights, like the right to free time and education, as well as health care, shelter and work. The last few lay a foundation for a humane existence. This also includes

But can a job be reconciled with the ideal of human dignity when it is so poorly paid that people cannot live in a humane way without supplemental government support? Are the old and sick treated humanely when the homes they live in are so sparsely manned with personnel that there is almost no time to give individuals the attention and care they need? What do refugee accommodations and care look like? Some voices express a felt disadvantage as compared with refugees. Really? 

Our performance as humans in the last few centuries has been unimaginably inhumane! When we consider the number of human lives that were lost due to the insanity of war, we are left completely speechless. Dear Reader, it seems we have a huge problem. Wouldn’t you agree?

Terrorism and Human Dignity

Terrorism is endangering the rights and dignity of man on a worldwide scale. Democratic societies with their human rights for individuals are a favorite target for terrorists.  Rights of liberty have been greatly curtailed in the wake of anti-terrorism strategies. One example of that is the relaxation of data protection policies, such as the saving of digital data over a certain time period or the possibility to peek into another computer without the owner’s consent or knowledge.   

When terrorists are arrested, it is often difficult to treat them humanely. They themselves generally act in a way that defies the dignity of man and are willing to go to any length to reach their goals. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 cost the lives of more than 2000 individuals. Many of the actual perpetrators thereof are still walking around in complete freedom, but even they have a right to humane treatment because they are human beings. It is an inviolable right.

Theological View

In early Judaism and Christianity, the act of the creation of man in the image of God was understood as an indication of man’s dignity (Gen 1:27). At first, equality manifested itself as the equality of all believers in the eyes of God. Paul expresses it radically: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28).

The crucifixion: It takes some deep thought to understand this historical event, the results thereof and the opportunities it presents, but it is well worth the time invested. You can read the story firsthand in the last few chapters of each of the four Gospels.

The climax of dignity is seen in the fact that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, died to give every human being the possibility of having eternal life. By calling us His children, He raises us to a status higher than any other on earth. Every believer who calls God his or her Father and lives in the full awareness of his or her value as a child of God is clothed with unrivaled dignity.

Practical Application

It’s easy to talk about such things, but when it comes to experimentation and implementation of these concepts into real life, many just throw in the towel. It seems to be difficult to experience this kind of human dignity in everyday life.

Family

How does dignity look in the family? How much value do we place on our partners? Our children? The oldest? The youngest? The middle child?  Is anyone at a disadvantage? Do we validate the efforts of each with a heartfelt thank you?

How do I show recognition and appreciation for my faithful partner? Could it be that I take the effort that is put into our relationship for granted and hardly notice it, much less reward it with a warm hug?

Appreciation is closely connected with honor and respect. Making the effort to consider my partner’s value, taking him or her so seriously that I actually listen when he or she talks and act accordingly is a way of honoring him or her. Recognizing that my own weaknesses are plenteous and that I am often in need of forgiveness helps me to deal lightly with the mistakes of others.

The family is the most intimate place where dignity can be experienced. There is great reward in treating family members gently and carefully.

Work

What does work have to do with dignity? For many, it is a necessary evil. They have to do it, although they would much rather spend their time and energy on something else. People who unexpectedly lose their jobs suddenly realize how important work actually is.

Some people define themselves through their work. In other words, they base their entire value as human beings on their professional achievements (see BLOG). This becomes a problem when they are no longer able to work, no matter what the reason. A job well done is naturally appreciated and respected, especially on the social level. This makes us feel valued. Whether from colleagues or customers, the appreciation we receive can be vital to our emotional well-being. The dignity of man may be inviolable in theory, but practically, it matters how we feel about ourselves and treat others.

 Quelle/Source:  www.menschenrechte.jugendnetz.de/menschenrechte/glossar/menschenwuerde/