JESUS ​​is coming soon - WOW !!

I'm really looking forward to this moment! All believers who are still alive and who have already died will then be resurrected and raptured to meet JESUS. WOW, what an event. Do you want to be there too?

Glorious Prophecies

How does Luke, the doctor and disciple of Jesus, describe the time of Jesus' return?

And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man: they ate, they drank, they married, they gave in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark and brought the flood them all around. … This is how it will be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. Luke 17:26-30

Later Jesus added:

“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down by intoxication and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day come upon you suddenly. For he will come like a snare to everyone who lives on all the face of the earth. Therefore watch at all times and ask that you may be worthy to escape from all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man!” Luke 21:34-36

Ellen White describes Jesus' return with the following words:

“Soon our gaze was drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had appeared, perhaps half the size of a man's hand, which we all knew was the sign of the SON OF MAN.

We felt solemn as we looked at the cloud, which got closer and closer and became brighter, more beautiful and more beautiful until it was a big white cloud. The lower part looked like fire. A rainbow spanned the cloud and all around were ten thousand angels who sang a beautiful song - and on the cloud sat the Son of Man” - EW 15.16

“When the cloud appeared in the distance, it initially looked very small. The angel said this was the sign of the Son of Man. As it drew closer to the earth, we could see the surpassing glory and majesty of Jesus riding out victorious.” EW 286

“His hair was white and curled on his shoulders. On his head were many crowns. His feet looked like fire. In his right hand he held a sharp sickle and in his left a silver trumpet. Then everyone turned pale; Darkness gathered around the people who had rejected God. We cried out: 'Who can stand? Is my garment spotless?’ Then the angels stopped singing and it was terribly quiet for a while. But then Jesus said, ‘Everyone. those who have clean hands and pure hearts will be able to stand. My grace is sufficient for you.’ At these words our faces lit up, every heart was filled with joy. The angels pitched their song up a note as they continued to sing as the cloud came closer and closer to the earth. EW 16

The earth trembled before him. ‘And the heavens departed like a scroll rolled up, and all the mountains and islands were removed from their place. And the kings of the earth, and the great, and the rich, and the commanders, and the mighty, and all the slaves, and all the free, hid themselves in the clefts and in the rocks of the mountains.'

See Revelation 6:14 - Early Writings (EW) 286-287.

Each of us knows it: the heart pain. But not everyone deals with it in the same way. This approach is the issue.

Traces in the Sand

We all leave traces of life. If we look back in our lives, then hopefully they can become visible to us. But can they also be seen by our loved ones? How can you recognize them? Many are blown away by the wind of life. Are my tracks so strong that they are still clearly recognizable long after death?

The past never comes back

It is part of our life that it is filled with heartache: In the worst case, this can be the death of a family member, but also beloved animals can cause a lot of heartache when they die, especially in children.

Such experiences of loss leave traces, sometimes notches and scars in our being. They change us from within.

Even when no words are spoken, the eyes and facial expressions tell the story of loss. Self-experienced suffering usually makes us more sensitive to the suffering of others.

Often one does not want to accept these changes and tries to flee. But it is advisable to accept and admit them. People with a belief in our Creator have it a little easier. You can go to HIM and deal with HIM and HIS word and look for answers.

WHY?

But often there is no satisfactory answer to the question WHY. The Bible was written to show us how to get out of our mess. It also gives clear answers to questions like:

• Does God take me seriously in my suffering?

• How is this reflected in the past, present and future?

Because many families can rarely express their feelings of tenderness, we are trained to keep our feelings to myself. Even the voice often does not reveal the deeper feelings and our physical contact often leaves a lot to be desired. Only when we are no longer together do we express feelings of loss in tears.

A dead tree

Even a single dead tree can change the forest because it leaves a gap. The landscape will never be the same again. The loss of a loved one changes the whole family. Each individual is thereby changed and in his own way another. Nevertheless, life can be enriched by such experiences.

Mental illnesses - the nine most common disorders

1. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common forms of mental disorders in Germany. Around 15.4 percent of the German population suffer from it. Women are affected about twice as often as men. Their feelings of anxiety are so strong that they severely restrict everyday life in many areas. They are afraid of dealing with people (social phobia), afraid of open, wide spaces (agoraphobia) or panic at the sight of spiders or blood. Undirected fears that have no specific trigger are also common. (Source: dgppn)

Let's remember: LOVE casts out fear. Where do you find real love? JESUS ​​is our source of love!

2. Somatoform disorders

Some people suffer from pain and other physical symptoms without finding an organic cause that adequately explains the extent of the symptoms. Doctors refer to this as somatoform disorders. They affect around 12 percent of the people in Germany. The trigger is usually an interplay of various factors such as genetic predisposition, stress, conflicts, extraordinary stress at work, in private life or in childhood. (Source: psyche.net)

3. Depression

Depression: 8.2 percent of Germans suffer from depression that requires treatment. Again, women are affected about twice as often as men. The illness is accompanied by deep depression and inhibition of drive. There are also physical symptoms such as insomnia and indigestion. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 in particular are often depressed. (Source: dgppn)

4. Addiction disorders

More than ten percent of people in Germany suffer from an addiction: the most common is still nicotine addiction. 5.5 million not only smoke, but are dependent on cigarette smokes. In second place: drug addiction. 2.3 million are affected - especially women who are dependent on tranquilizers or painkillers. Another 1.6 million are alcoholics – four out of five of those affected are men. There are also illegal drugs and behavioral addictions such as gambling, online and shopping addiction. (Source: dhs/Federal Ministry of Health)

5. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

According to estimates, 2 to 3 percent of adults in Germany suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorders. For example, they are haunted by obsessions or are under the inner pressure of having to perform certain actions over and over again in a ritualized form. This can be the compulsion to wash according to a certain pattern or to count things. In extreme cases, the compulsions can consume so much time that a reasonably normal life is no longer possible. (Source: Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry)

6. Bipolar Disorder

In the case of a bipolar disorder, formerly also known as manic-depressive illness, those affected suffer from extreme mood swings. Your mood oscillates between deep depression and manic phases, which can be accompanied by overly cheerful mood, restlessness and megalomania. Bipolar disorder affects 2 percent of adults. (Source: white paper bipolar)

7. Psychoses

Psychosis is characterized by delusional ideas. Those affected suffer, for example, from paranoia, have hallucinations, develop conspiracy theories or have the idea that extraterrestrials have transmitters implanted in their heads. Such delusions are particularly typical for people suffering from schizophrenia. Psychoses are present in three percent of women and 1.8 percent of men. (Source: RKI/ Statista)

8. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur after a traumatic experience. It is accompanied by fear and panic reactions. Typical are the so-called flashbacks, during which those affected relive their traumatic experiences in their minds. About 0.9 percent of men and 3.8 percent of women have post-traumatic stress disorder. (Source: RKI/ Statista)

9. Eating disorders

Eating disorders: Anorexia, or anorexia, affects about 0.2 percent of men and 1.2 percent of women. However, it is much more common among young women between the ages of 11 and 17. Of them, 20 to 30 percent suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. It is 12 to 20 percent of boys in this age group. (Source: KiGGS study/ Statista/ RKI)

As we have seen:

There are various, sometimes major challenges where we depend on the help of loved ones. Perhaps YOU are such a person who can help with such heart pain. Excellent. I wish you a pleasant time.

Digital Challenges

Computer at work, smartphone at the table and then the notebook in bed. Most of us already know that this is not healthy. We would do well to replace our digitality with more analogy being digitally mindful.

Example:

Happened recently at breakfast - I would like to talk to my partner about our argument yesterday. But he's so engrossed in his cell phone that he doesn't allow himself to be distracted. What can I do there?

I should probably ask, "When are you free to talk?" Because an immediate exchange of ideas seems unrealistic.

For many, the mobile phone serves as an emotional and sometimes physical demarcation. Many delve into it when they are overwhelmed with something (seems like an escape behavior!) or just want to be alone. They usually do not want to express their social rejection of their partner with this.

Would a debate on this be appropriate?

How about writing a love letter or a card again? Just like in the old days!

Does it help if we talk about our social media use and our Netflix consumption? That would help with the relationships that can still talk to each other. Every couple should explore their digital habits as part of being together.

Also important: Not everything digital is negative per se!

You often hear, "I called him ten times and he pushed me away every time." Sometimes it is difficult - for example at work in a meeting - to answer calls. Such life situations may need to be addressed.

Exit to the restaurant: If the other person keeps looking at their cell phone, then that is an alarm signal. A date should not be with the cell phone, but with people. Such a decision could be that you keep your cell phone in your pocket in the restaurant or at other meetings.

If the mobile phone is still on the table, screen up, then this could be addressed. We humans have a right to our partner's undivided attention.

QUESTION: What does it mean if she picks up her cell phone as soon as I leave for the toilet?

It looks like she's conditioned, properly trained, to experience on her cell phone:

• Did something important happen?

• Have I already received an answer?

• Did someone send me something nice or exciting?

It's a mixture of fear of neglect and curiosity!

You don't need a camera. It's very easy with a cell phone. It is about using the advantages and recognizing and avoiding disadvantages.

How can I improve my relationship suffering from this distress?

You can decide on a few rules and topics together:

1. No cell phone in the bedroom and at the table

2. When and what exactly bothers the mobile phone?

3. What do we do with the extended quality time? Fight? Hopefully not!!!

4. Ask yourself: Why do I surf so often? Am I missing something? What am I looking for?

Digital Mindfulness

The goal is that people observe each other when using their cell phones and deal with them sensibly. It should not lead to escape behavior. It is wise to be careful with digital tools, cell phones and TV. When we see others with their cell phones open, it gives us an additional incentive to do the same.

Here are a few interesting facts on the subject:

• In Switzerland, we spend on average almost two hours alone on social media.

• Just before we open a message, we feel a mostly pleasant excitement.

• Studies show that the mere presence of the mobile phone reduces the ability to concentrate by more than 30% !!! ATTENTION for our CHILDREN!!!

• Some find they are more addicted than they want to be.

• Online - exclusion hurts, hurts like a physical injury!

• Motivators for a strong online presence can be:

  • boredom

  • fear of rejection

  • Insecurity about yourself and others

  • feelings of inferiority

  • anxiety, stress

  • Escape from confrontation with the unpleasant

I wish you a lot of willpower and perseverance to meet this challenge in your favour.

There's nothing better than your own family!! Let us not be distracted by anything, but invest ourselves with everything we have in this institution - our family!

Violence Destroys Relationships - 3

Back to back is not a good prospect for long-term team building. Togetherness promises a good quality of life.

Questions About Violence In Relationships

Questions to ask a potential victim:

• Do you suffer from violence? How does that show?

• Do you feel afraid of possible outbursts of anger from your partner?

• Are you sometimes afraid of disagreeing with his/her opinion?

• Do you tend to excuse your partner's bad behavior?

• Do you have to account for everything? (e.g. where you are going or what you are doing)

• Does it happen that your partner puts you down in front of others and then says he/she loves you?

• Have you ever been hit, kicked, pushed, or thrown with objects?

• Is your contact with family and friends limited because otherwise your partner would be jealous?

• Have you ever been forced into sexual activity against your will?

• Are you worried and afraid of saying something wrong?

IF ONE OR MORE OF THESE QUESTIONS APPLY TO YOU, THEN YOU WILL BE ABUSED!

good news: you can do something about it!!

YOU CAN :

• end the relationship and stop seeing your partner.

• get help, preferably from experienced adults.

• go to the counseling center at your school.

• call your nearest counseling center.

There are some trained people who can help you in your situation.

Sometimes there is a fitting opportunity to support one another. With a question like “May I help?” can it work. The YOU in the question should be avoided as much as possible.

Consider Your Rights

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT :

• express your opinion and get credit for it.

• that your needs are taken as seriously as those of your partner.

• develop yourself in your own way.

• in any case to change your own mind.

• Not being responsible for your partner's behavior.

• not to be abused physically, sexually or emotionally.

• leaving someone you're afraid of.

• to be happy and healthy.

How about a family photo again? Every year again. These photos will become more important as we get older.

Talk to your parents or other adult family members. It can also be a teacher or counselor at school or other help. A conversation usually helps and can be obtained at any time, anonymously and free of charge.

Specialist agency against sexual violence in German-speaking countries:

www.sexual-violence-begegnen.de

Germany: www.wildwasser.de Telephone: 06142 965 760

Austria: www.frauenhelpline.at Telephone: 0800 222 555

Switzerland: www.147.ch Telephone: 147

Remember: you are not alone. Talking to someone will help you.

Without help it will only get worse.

www.sta-frauen.de

www.sta-frauen.at

www.sta-frauen.ch

Violence Destroys Relationships - 2

Good relationships with a high quality of life are characterized by friendship, teamwork and positive conversations.

Viewpoints

The perpetrator's words:

• "A man must dominate the relationship."

• “The ladies want it that way, so they stay true to it.”

• "The girl has the responsibility and the blame if a man hits her."

• "When you get angry, there's nothing you can do about it."

• “Beating them is necessary. Hopefully she learns from this and doesn't make me mad next time."

The victim says:

• "I'm the only one who can help him. I love him."

• "It's my fault; I shouldn't have nagged."

• "It's my fault he got angry."

• "If I don't change, he won't change either."

• "It will get better."

"He's so manly and strong. I like his lifestyle. Okay, sometimes he hurts me without apologizing. But I still forgive him. Disputes have increased recently. Hope that will settle down."

QUESTIONS for the perpetrator:

1. Are you easily jealous or possessive?

2. Do you keep checking on your partner and accusing him/her of being in contact with others?

3. Have you hit, kicked, pushed, or thrown objects at your partner?

4. Have you recently threatened your partner or thrown things at them on purpose?

5. Have you forced your partner to have sex with you intimidated him/her into afraid to say "no"?

6. Have you threatened your partner to hurt him/her?

7. Have you ever threatened to hurt yourself if your partner left you?

If one or more of these questions apply to your situation, please recognize that you are physically, emotionally, or sexually violent towards your partner.

In this case:

• take responsibility for your behavior.

• you shouldn't put the blame on others, but own up to it.

• take advice so you can change your behavior.

• contact a good counseling center.

• you should act quickly and not wait, otherwise it will get worse.

Such abusive behavior can get you in trouble with the law!

"It's been a long time since we went for a walk together. About time again! How about tonight?"