Trina’s Travel

Four Awesome Movies about War that You May Binge Watch

War film is the genre called for those movies that centers on warfare. Most of these films showcase different kinds of battle, such as land, sea, and air combats, that are being fought by brave soldiers. The themes of war films include but are not limited to physical combat, staying alive, getting away, companionship of soldiers, savagery and madness of battle, war impact on the particular country, sacrifice, and more. These stories are often classified by their backgrounds, like the Vietnam War, Korean War, Civil War, and etc.

Additionally, some war movies are derived from the true-to-life experiences of those who lived to experience and witness both the terrible and horrifying events of war. Most of these experiences are being put into words in order for it to transcend to people and, later on, were adapted into wonderful films. A great examples of war story is Weapons of War — Robert E. Wright on the Vietnam War. Aside from biographical war films, fictional and historical war stories also exist. So, if you are fond of the tales of war, here are some war movies that you may binge watch this week:

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Distributed by Summit Entertainment and Icon Film and was released last 2016, Hacksaw Ridge is a biographical drama movie that starred Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving, Rachel Griffiths, and Vince Vaughn. It was based on a documentary film by Terry Benedict called The Conscientious Objector, a series that chronicles the war experience of Desmond Doss. Thus, Hacksaw Ridge centers on a young adult Desmond who believes in the commandment “Thou shalt not kill.” He began taking interests on the medical work after helping and injured person and meeting a nurse named Dorothy Schutte. However, Doss joined the Army to work as a combat medic right after the Japanese strike on Pearl Harbor. She asked Dorothy to marry him before he goes to Fort Jackson. He was made fun at the Army for his “cowardice” but everyone started to look up to him after the Japanese launch a massive attack and Doss saved a lot of his comrades with bravery and the Bible as his weapons.

Dunkirk (2017)

Released in 2017, Dunkirk is a 2017 film under the production companies Warner Bros. Pictures, Syncopy Inc., RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Canal+, Ciné+, and Studio Canal. This war film was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and has garnered $526.9 million with a budget of $100-150 million. It showcases how evacuation is done from three diverse view points, which are the land, water, and air. It was set in 1940 amidst the Battle of France where Allies of World War II soldiers seek refuge to Dunkirk. The film is a success, as well as one of the box office hits. In fact, it received a lot of nominations and awards. Examples of the nominations are the 23^rd Critic’s Choice Awards, 75^th Golden Globe Awards, 71^st British Academy Film Awards, and 90^th Academy Awards. Examples of the awards, on the other hand, are Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Film Editing.

12 Strong (2018)

Based on the non-fiction novel by Doug Stanton titled Horse Soldiers, 12 Strong was directed by Nicolai Fuglsig and was released last 2018. It starred Christ Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, and Trevante Rhodes. The film centers on the tale of the United States Army Special Forces that was ordered to go to Afghanistan following the attacks in September 11. It is one of the successful war films produced for it has earned more than $70 million form the budget of $35 million. 12 Strong also garnered a mixture of positive and negative reviews from different critics, where some complimented the casts and action scenes while others negatively commented on the predictable performance and the lack of retrospect of the War in Afghanistan. Moreover, the film was nominated in the 2018 People’s Choice Awards for Drama movie of 2018 and Drama Movie Star of 2018 and in the 2019 Visual Effects Society Awards for Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in Photoreal Feature.

1917 (2019)

Starring George McacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, and Benedict Cumberbatch, 1917 is a war adventure-themed movie directed by Sam Mendes and was released in 2019. 1917 follows the tale of two young British troops. They were deployed in the First World War in order to send a message to cease the attack that is damned to fail shortly after the German’s flight back to the Hindenburg Line in the middle of the 1917 Operation Alberich. The said message is crucial to the one of the troops for his brother is partaking in the unconcluded attack. Furthermore, the film has grossed more than 360 million dollars from the budget of 90 to 100 million dollars. It also conquered many top-ten lists of different movie critics.

Words that Heal: 4 Influential Authors of Inspiring Self-help Books

Simple words can create such a great impact to people. There is just something powerful about one’s words that spark up motivation to everyone. Hence, literature became a good means of turning experiences and wisdom into something that promotes healing, development, and understanding. Self-help books are the literary masterpieces contain words of wisdom and inspiration that will bring something fresh and positive to the reader’s life.

Self-help books are diverse — some contain well-research contents while others are consist of life-changing experiences. But regardless of the contents of self-help books, the most important thing is that they can unload burdens and touch lives of people who are on the verge of giving up. There are, in fact, a lot of books that promotes self-development and healing in the realm of literature. There are also many amazing authors that have written a lot of inspiring works that fall under the self-help genre. With that being said, listed below are some of the influential self-help book authors that you should check out!

William Styron

William Styron is the offspring of Pauline Margaret and William Clark Styron and was born in June 11, 1925 at Newport News, Virginia. Styron attended two high schools — Hilton School and Morrison High School, and one college preparatory school, which is Christchurch School. In college, he first studied in Davidson College where he entered Phi Delta Theta but transferred in Duke University where he published his first literary fictional masterpiece. His career is mainly composed of being in an editing position, writing novels, serving the US Army, and traveling in Europe. His book Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness maybe primarily classified as a memoir but it is also a part of self-help because many people took inspiration on this piece. People read how to turn the author turned his life around despite of being on the verge of darkness; thus, touching the lives of those who suffered mental illness and telling them that they can still win back their lives.

Gregory Martin Mcleod

Gregory Martin Mcleod was born on Christmas day, December 25. He was a timid kid who always received the “you’re special” feedback from people. Mcleod grew up without experiencing proper discipline and when he turned 10 or 14 years old, he got into a bunch of troubles. He already became a total alcoholic and a complete drug user in such a young age and was hanging out around older people to feel safe. Mcleod was diagnosed with bipolar disorder soon after he let substances, sex, and music conquer his life. When he was 16, he was put into a psychiatric hospital but drugs and alcohol really didn’t leave him alone. Moreover, he met a girl and married her eventually. There were still ups and downs in his life because of substances. As a result, he was admitted to a rehab center 10 times. That is when he realized he needs Jesus to turn his life around. He wrote a book called The Apathetical Man where he put his experiences and the values that he learned in life, such as forgiveness, gifts, hope, wisdom, and more.

Matt Haig

Born on July 3, 1975 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Matt Haig is now one of the prominent authors and journalists all across the globe. He attended the University of Hull where he earned his degree in English and History. As of the moment, he is residing at Brighton, East Sussex, England and already a father of two. He has authored more than 10 fiction novels and over 5 nonfiction books. Examples of the former are The Radleys, The Girl Who Saved Christmas, The Truth Pixie, and Evie In The Jungle while examples of the latter are How Come You Don’t Have An E-Strategy, Brand Failures, Brand Royalty, and Brand Success. He also authors the bestselling self-help book called Reasons to Stay Alive. The book stayed on the UK top 10 for more than 40 weeks and is recognized as amongst Sunday Times’ number one bestseller. Reasons to Stay Alive has also won the 2016 Books Are My Bag Reader’s Award.

Alex Korb

Alex Korb studied the human brain for more than 15 years. He is not only a neuroscientist but is also a writer and a coach. He attended Brown University and successfully acquired his bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. Dr. Korb, moreover, studied in the University of California, Los Angeles where he got his PhD in neuroscience. He has already published multiple scientific outputs pertaining to depression. Furthermore, depression is also his chosen topic for his dissertation. Dr. Korb is a postdoctoral neuroscience researcher at present in the college where he acquired his PhD. He is the author of the book called Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time.

5 Tips to Understanding Our Lives’ Role in God’s Plan

Some people have a deep understanding of what God has done in their life. Maybe they have felt God has given them all they could possibly want, and more. Or, maybe they’ve experienced God answering their prayers very directly. Still others can point to miracles, medical or otherwise, to show how God has worked in their life.

Most people, however, can’t point to specific situations when God stepped in and worked in their own life. But that doesn’t mean God hasn’t been doing so behind the scenes. Sometimes we need to take a step back and look at the big picture of our lives in order to see God’s hand in it. Rest assured, God is in control, and He has guided your entire life so far, from the little everyday tasks to the life-changing events. Take a moment to reflect on your life, the different paths it has led you down, and try to see how God was with you the whole way.

Sometimes we don’t give enough credit to God, who uses other people in our lives to do His will. He also uses family and friends to direct us, to support us and to inspire us. If you had a family member or acquaintance promise to help you out financially when you really needed it, to take care of you when you needed it, or to provide you food or clothes when you needed it, God used that person to get to you.

Furthermore, God uses others as voices of reason for us, even when we’re too wasted on drugs or liquor to make the best decisions ourselves. If anyone has encouraged you to get clean, to seek treatment, or to turn your life around, you can be sure God had a part in that conversation and He is working through others in your life. Listen to those people and get professional help if you need it.

The Lord truly does work in mysterious ways, similar to that of a puzzle. Our lives play a complex role in the universe. Each and every trial, tribulation, blessing, or enlightenment that we experience throughout the course of our lives played a significant role in God’s collective plan for us all. The critically acclaimed book called Deep Within: The Puzzles of Life by Fetherson, Gregory, masterfully covers this concept in fine detail.

God utilizes us as instruments to influence the better future of others around us, and in turn each and every individual soul plays a crucial role in someone else’s lives the same way we influence the lives of others. This is the grand scheme and master plan that the Lord our God, out of His love for His children, has omnipotently set in place for humanity- and many times, it’s quite difficult to realize it. With the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s not uncommon for one to lose sight of the bigger picture that God has in store for us and others around us.

In this article, we’ll discuss 5 important tips to consider when pondering the complex role that our lives play in God’s plan for the universe.

Don’t be afraid to ask Him

Do you want wisdom for what God has planned in your life? James 1:5 says to ask Him! If you believe in His power to give you guidance, He will. Most of us have a tendency to try and figure things out on our own.

However God is trying to tell you that He is with you and He wants to help guide you. Humble yourself and don’t stress about navigating the waters alone. Instead, ask Him for His help and He will provide you with guidance. God knows your heart, but asking Him point blank will aid in starting the process.

Follow Him

If you are interested in knowing what God has in store for you, then you first must begin to be a true follower of His. You need to start your journey as a Christian by cultivating your relationship with Him. You must seek God with a genuine desire to truly know Him and what He can do for you, not for selfish desires. You can cultivate that relationship by reading the bible, doing daily devotions, praying and attending church. By creating this relationship with Him you begin the first steps towards Him revealing His plan to you.

Reflect on yourself as an individual

It’s necessary to pay attention to the way God has designed you. God has given you a significant role in the universe that no one else will do. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” God has granted each one of us different powers to perform the duties and tasks for which we alone have been made. If you’re trying to find God’s Purpose, look at the gifts and abilities which He has given you. His vision for you is going to align directly with those abilities.

Observe the circumstances you’re in

God often clearly demonstrates His plan for our lives by lining up circumstances in obvious ways. He does the same in reverse, helping us understand what His Will isn’t for us by making it obvious that some things were not meant to be. For example, if you are very short and only weigh 125 pounds, God probably hasn’t destined you to become a star professional basketball player.

5 Reasons Why Reading “Paw-some” Fiction Books about Cats is a Must-try

Fiction is not always about the damsel in distress saved by her knight in shining armor. It can be anything under the sun based on how vast and rich the imagination of the author is. Amongst the popular type of fiction books as of the moment are those stories that use animals, particularly cats, as either main characters or supporting characters. These tales are not considered fables for not all of them are entirely consisting of animal characters; some are mixture of humans and animals conquering their way through life.

There are a lot of famous felines in literature, such as Crookshanks in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Mrs. Norris in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Cheshire cat in Alice in the Wonderland, Church in Pet Sematary, Cat in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Mrs. Murphy in Tail Gait, and Snowbell in Stuart Little. Also, there are plenty of fascinating novels that showcase these furry animals, examples of which is William and Tibby — a book about two cats representing the life on earth and in heaven by Lynda Hamblen, The Cat in The Hat by Dr. Seuss, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Elliot, and more.

Fiction is truly a vast and wonderful place to delve in. So, do you want to jump start you binge-reading on different fiction books about cats? If you do, then you should first know the reasons why reading this type of book is essential. Here are some of the reasons why:

They bring a sense of relief

According to Newsweek, snuggling cats is directly proportional to the reduction of an individual’s stress levels. In fact, 10 minutes of petting cats can create a huge difference when it comes to one’s amount of stress. However, the relief that cats provide is not limited to physical cuddling but can also be felt by reading books about or that features cats. Furthermore, the latter is one of the impactful ways to relieve oneself from the mountain-like amount of stress that he or she is experiencing. It is because these books feature the different kind of attitudes of cats and multiple abilities that these felines have. Also, since these novels belong to fiction, meaning impossible things can be made possible; cats can also have human-like and superhero-like attributes, making you more entertained and happier.

They showcase the a-meow-zing sides of cats

Cats are commonly perceived to be lazy and slacker. There are reasons why this type of animal is lazy, sleepy, and sometimes sloth-like. It is because they are conserving their energies for prey-hunting. It is also their nature to sleep. Although these balls of fur naps a lot, they also have a-meow-zing sides in which were being highlighted in fiction. Reading books of fiction about cats will help you see how magnificent they are and how effective story-movers these slackers are. You can witness and imagine how a tiny feline can mingle with humans, do catnapping, act like superheroes, save the day, die multiple times, conquer the world, and other paw-werful things.

They make you fall in love with them a whole lot more

There is just something about cats that makes your heart warm. If you do not have a pet at home or you are a dog person, reading books about cats can help you develop an interest in them. Fiction books that feature cats have a handful of purpose, examples of which are to entertain readers, send meaningful messages to people, bridge reality to imagination, and inspire readers through the amazing attributes of the characters. You can definitely see the character development of cats and how they become a trustworthy sidekick, awesome protagonists, effective antagonists, scary horror character, etc. That said, the more you read these books, the bigger the chance that you will fall in love with them more or slowly turn into a cat person.

They help your days become happier

Cuddling with your pets can be one of the best things that life offers. How much more reading about them? During your leisure time, you can hit two birds with one stone by holding a book on the other hand and petting your cat on the other. There are a lot of fiction books which feature cats that are available for you to pick and read. Moreover, you can fully relax your mind and body with the warmth and comfort that cats provide and the knowledge and entertainment books give. With that being said, the more you keep yourself close to books and cats, the better your days will become. There are no such things greater than those parts of your life that makes living so much easier and happier, like pets, books, and all things in between.

5 Easy Tips on How to Maintain a Relaxed and Stress-free Life

Stress-free means that there are no tensions that are bugging a person’s mind while relaxation pertains to the condition where one’s body is at rest. These two things can be simple to comprehend but are definitely hard to achieve. Almost everyone want to live a life that is tranquil and stress-free; however, there are a lot of circumstances that hinder the achievement of this goal. The hindrances may include but are not limited to societal events that cannot be controlled, tracking finances, worrying about the conditions of loved ones, issues emerging at work, and more.

Life is not getting tired of giving people lemons, and that does not exclude you. These lemons comes in different sizes, some can be easily made into lemonades while others can hit and knock you down. The only thing that matters is that you still find a way to stand up regardless of how hard the fall may be. The more lemons life throws at you, the wiser you become. However, in the event that you can no longer handle the stress and problems, you can look for some ways to divert your attention. These methods will help you ease your body and calm your mind; thus, making you ready to face life and conquer each day. That said, here are some tips on how to restore peace and relaxation in your life even in trying times.

Take a break once in a while

Do not be so hard on yourself. You may have a lot in your plate right now, like obligations at work, chores at home, groceries to buy, bills to pay, and people to take care. However, taking a break to breathe and relax won’t hurt. This is a way to remind you that no matter how light or heavy the responsibilities at your hands are, you are still free to do the things you love and discover new passion. Always remember that you are in control of your life. That said, you can make some alterations in your tasks so that you still have time for yourself to unwind and keep the stress out.

Read at least a couple of pages

Reading is a good activity to free the chaotic thoughts and relax your mind. This leisure activity do not require too much physical effort for you can just sit back and enjoy the book. There are many types of literary pieces that you can enjoy. But if you want some books to uplift your spirit and give you motivation, the self-development corner is definitely the genre for you! Examples of inspiring self-development books are The Pursuit of Personal Renaissance Experience, The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck, Think & Grow Rich, and The Power of Positive Thinking. You can pick a self-help book during your break and read at least two or more pages each day. This is a great exercise for your mind and it also promotes learning. In that way, you can maintain a healthy mind and soul.

Do not forget to hydrate yourself

Most people do not take dehydration seriously, but who would have thought that inefficient fluids in the body can cause a lot of complications? That is why water is essential in everybody’s lives. There are many benefits of hydrating yourself, especially water, such as maintaining a healthy skin, keeping a good blood pressure, lubricating your joints, and more. Do not forget to take your fluids everyday no matter how busy you get for they also have a big impact in your brain, bones, and overall health. Moreover, you are not limited to drinking pure water. You can infuse something in it to make it tasty and more enjoyable to drink. You can also drink other beverages aside from it but in moderation. Hydrating yourself can be good form of relaxation and unwinding.

Eat healthy (but there’s no harm on cheating sometimes)

Following a proper diet can be one of the best ways to keep yourself from getting beaten up by stress. Overworking and being drained can create a great impact to your health, both physically and mentally. It can weaken your immune system and can create a lot of tension in your mind. But if you keep eating a balanced diet, you can maintain your health and continue conquering the day. There will be no extreme pain in your head and you can still maintain your grace while being under pressure. However, it does not mean that you cannot eat some junk food. You can still have a cheat day so that you will continue to taste the mouthwatering pizza, delightful chocolates, and tasty cupcakes.

Communicate with others

Communicating with your loved ones, best friends, and colleagues can be a way to help you relax and let out the weights in your heart. A simple conversation about how your day went, the new dress that you bought, your lunch today, or anything under the sun can somehow relieve the tensions that you are feeling. By talking to them, you can feel that you are not alone and that there are people that understands you. Maybe they will also share the same feelings to you or give you adequate advice on how to handle things in a better way. That said, you can relax by knowing that there are other people that cares for you too.

The Art of Photography: Six Fundamental Photography Elements Every Aspiring Photographer Should Know

Photography is the craft, implementation, and procedure of making hardwearing photographs through capturing light or electromagnetic beam with the use of an image sensor or light-sensitive material. There are various types of photography, such as the photography, fine-art photography, photojournalism, street photography, landscape photography, fashion photography, travel photography, portrait photography, wildlife photography, documentary photography, and more.

The development of this art dates back in 1826 when the first picture in the world was captured by Nicéphore Niépce. From negatives to colored pictures, photography has successfully achieved and is currently living its glory days. As of the 21^st century, a lot of people have fallen in love into this craft. For some, it was just a hobby while for others, it is a passion. The burning desire to pursue photography pushes people to harness this art and capture wonderful and awesome images along the way.

Furthermore, this art have already touched many platforms — the literary avenue, for example. There have been various photography books available in the said industry. These books showcases wonderful photographs from outstanding photographers all over the world. In the online corner, on the other hand, there are plenty of photography websites and blogs that were created from people who enjoy this art. Some of these sites displays beautiful and inspiring photos of different subject, such as wildlife, landscapes, and even travel photos. Nicki Geigert’s photo tours to Madagascar is a great example of travel images that were taken from Madagascar during the photographer’s trip to the land, which can be found in his photography site.

Since the photography industry is blossoming and attracting a lot of patrons to try this craft, listed below are the six basic elements of photography that every aspiring photographer must know.

Line

It can come in different forms, such as vertical, horizontal, parallel, curve, and uneven. Line, in photography, also means as the spot that manoeuvers or that is going towards something. The watcher’s eye are innately brought along the lines. Images that is composed of leading lines are typically railways, long roads, buildings, bridges, and more.

Shape/Form

Shape pertains to any two-dimensional photographs. However, unlike objects, these captured images do not have the any emergence of depth. Form, on the other hand, refers to the pictures that have three-dimensional appearance that are commonly created by utilizing the lights and shadows. Both of these elements are frequently confused with each other for they have almost the same characteristics. Examples of shape are silhouetted pictures of boats, trees, birds, and more.

Space

Space may refer to either the positive or negative space that one can utilize In order to create a statement. It is typically the action of putting visual space before the direction that the subject is moving, watching, or pointing to emphasize movement and direction, as well as to guide the viewer’s eyes. Thus, this element is important because this will indicate the position of the subject in the photo.

Texture

It pertains to the visual features of the subject’s surface. It can be displayed by the disparities in shape, depth of hues, and variations of tone. The usage of lighting uncovers the wonderful details of the subject, which removes the difficulty of evaluating if the object’s surface is rough or soft. That said, this element showcases life and vibrancy to photographs that would turn up flat and boring otherwise.

Pattern

This element uses repetitive aspects, such as the reappearance of lines, forms, tones, or hues. These repetition of elements surprisingly creates wonderful photographs. Some utilize this aspect as the main subject to their images, while others use it in order to improve the total composition and appearance of the picture. There are various examples of this aspect, like a herd of zebras, a garden of tulips, a bunch of trees, a handful of the same type of stones, and more.

Color

The use of color in photography is important for it sets the mood of the photograph. It is also significant to utilize this element relevantly in order not to ruin the image and maintain the dynamic aspect that makes it pleasing to the eyes of the viewers. For example, bold hues and vibrant compositions make the pictures very satisfying and nice to look at. The appropriate utilization of hues will enhance the overall appearance of one’s pictures; thus, it is a perk that a photographer gets to enjoy for he or she can definitely sell his or her photographs.

The mentioned elements are, indeed, necessary in capturing perfect and beautiful pictures. These aspects will definitely help those start-up photographers to uplift their game and get along with those who have long been harnessing this craft. Also, a lot of aspiring photographers will learn and apply these elements when taking pictures of their subjects; thus, producing photographs with amazing compositions and details.

Strengthening the Faith: Three Christian Books to Read during This Challenging Times

There have been plenty of devastating and terrible events that happened in the world, such as earthquakes, floods, typhoons, wars, pandemics, and killings. The aftermath of those times were horrible and heartbreaking; however, each affected nation gradually overcame the destruction by uniting their people and rebuild those that were destroyed. As of today, it seems like history is repeating itself. The novel coronavirus, a new strain of virus that causes illness or death to people, is the current pandemic that the world is currently battling.

Since this viral infection cannot be fought directly for there is still no cure found, there are only limited weapons people have, such as avoiding crowded places, practicing proper hygiene, and drinking plenty of water, and praying. The last weapon is the strongest of all for it seeks the mercy and compassion of the Divine Being. Moreover, the government and the health sectors of each affected country are doing their best to contain the virus by setting precautionary measure and imposing quarantine orders.

Furthermore, there are two things which people can contribute to this battle, first is prayer and second is staying at home. The latter can be a bit challenging, especially for those who are outdoor people, but there are things that need to be sacrificed for the greater good. In lieu of going out, there are a lot of activities that can be done at home to make most of quarantine and be safe from the virus, like praying, reading, or both.

Christian books are the best kinds of books to read in times like this for they can calm the anxious, assure the uncertain, enlighten the confused, and lift up the sad. These books can give the readers peace of minds and sense of purposes. They can also show them the correct path and clearer view on life. Thus, if you want to make your day more productive or if you desire to strengthen your faith in Him, listed below are the best Christian books to read during this quarantine period.

Come Climb Toward God: Are you hungry for God?

Come Climb Toward God: Are you hungry for God? is authored by Marianna Albritton and was published by Xulon Press last June 27, 2013. The book is intended for everyone who have the thirst of comprehending His callings and of establishing a wonderful relationship with God. This is also for those who desire to hear His words, to know His ways, and to answer His calling. Furthermore, Marianna stated that since the period when she offered her life to God, a compulsion to know and recognize Jesus as a real individual had emerged. She also indicated that the development process has been and is always exciting, as well as responding positively to His callings.

Dear Jesus: Seeking His Light in Your Life

Dear Jesus: Seeking His Light in Your Life is written by Sarah Young. It was published last October of 2007 by Thomas Nelson with a total of 255 pages. This book centers on the idea of knowing Lord Jesus in a more extreme and personal degree means sharing everything that happens each day of one’s life to Him. In this novel, Young showcases the importance and meaning of opening a conversation to God. Sarah started each of the more than a hundred devotionals by telling personal challenges and desires that made the heart heavy — such as being absorbed by problems, discontent by thyself, and other concerns pertaining to one’s spiritual health. Jesus answered all the mentioned weariness in the most touching way by providing guidance and motivation, utilizing the Bible as the basis from which His words stream. Thus, the readers will be attracted to the existence of Jesus by the spiritual letters of kindness.

Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ’s Control

Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ’s Control is authored by Elisabeth Elliot and was originally published in 1984. However, the second edition of the books was published by Revell in April 1, 2002. This book is an evangelical Christian novel, half proclamation, and half autobiography on the matter of romantic relationship. It narrates the friendship and love story of Elliot and Jim, who is a missionary, which started in 1940s and ended in 1956 — Jim’s death. Elisabeth utilizes accounts of her relationship to elaborate her perception concerning the purity of Christian relationships and the custom of waiting on the Lord for a good timing and course for love. The preface of this literary work was written by Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of the notable evangelist Billy Graham. Passion and Purity has garnered a good reputation in conservative evangelical communities. It was also the basis for or in charge of the 1997 renowned book by Joshua Harris, which is I Kissed Dating Goodbye.

Discovering The Art of Caregiving: The Pros and Cons of Being a Caregiver

Caregiving is a complicated art. It takes too much of a person’s time and effort. However, the fruit of the labor cannot be paid by money. The fulfillment that caregiving gives to the caregiver is something that is beyond ordinary. Knowing that you have taken care of someone for a particular period of time is a matter that makes your heart warm and happy. Also, the length of the time that an individual allocates to the person that needs care creates a strong bond between them.

A caregiver — that is what people call the person who gives primary care to those in need of it. There is neither a formal method nor a proper training that a caregiver undergoes. Maybe some caregiving agencies have formal training but commonly, especially for those informal caregivers, there is none. Caregivers may teach themselves by observing the process. When these caregivers report to work every single day, they can slowly discover and understand what the patient likes and dislikes.

There are different types of people that caregivers attend to, such as a person that is old, disabled, ill, or a combination of the three. The common duties of the caregiver include taking care of the person, communicating with his or her family, administering medications, keeping in touch with the medical personnel, helping the person to eat, assisting the individual in taking a bath, and ensuring his or her safety. To assure that these things are being done, the caregiver and the other party can make some living arrangements.

Caring for the elderly has the same requirements and demands as caring for someone that is young but is unable to fully take care of themselves. These elderlies can be the caregiver’s distant relative or family member. Thus, family caregivers are also an important and more beneficial kinds of care providers for they already knew the condition, likes, dislikes, and other details of the one that needs care. There are, on the other hand, plenty of pros and cons present when it comes to providing care to those in need. So, laid out below are the advantages and disadvantages of caregiving.

The Pros of Caregiving

Creates a Strong Bond

Spending most of your time by taking care of an elderly, may he or she be a family or not, gradually creates a bond between the two of you. This bond is something special and cannot be compared to other relationships that you have. It makes you create a soft spot for that person and understand their pain. The more time you spend with that someone, the stronger your bond become.

Improves Patience

Simply taking care of a normal person takes a lot of patience, how much more someone that is of old age and with vulnerable health? That is why patience is an important part of caregiving. Although everyone has different patience level, the more time spent on providing care can harness and improve the patience of the caregiver.

Learns to Develop Compassion

Caregivers are compassionate people because if they are not, then why would they put some effort and spend some time taking thorough care for an old, ill, or disabled person? Thus, caregiving definitely helps in developing an individual’s heart for helping and giving aid to the ones who need it. Caregiving is another way of showing love and support to those who are in need.

Understand the Value of Sacrifice

Caregiving is also sacrificing. A person that is given the obligation to provide special and thorough care to others has to sacrifice his resources in order to fulfill his or her duty. Time, effort, and recreational activities — these are some of the things that a caregiver typically sacrifices in order to attend his or her patient. This can be a little too difficult at first but as time goes by, it will all be worth it and fulfilling.

The Cons of Caregiving

Sudden Change in One’s Routine

The responsibility of caregiving will put a swift change into the carer’s everyday routine. There will be less time for him or herself and for doing plenty of leisure activities. There is only working each day and providing care to the patient or the one who needs it for a specific period of time. It can be truly frustrating that you will have a lesser time to spend to yourself or to your family because you need to focus on your job as a caregiver.

Too Much Stress

Caregiving can cause plenty of stress for the caregiver. It is because every person has different beliefs and ways of living. The caregiver’s patient can be strict and sturdy regarding the methods on taking medications, bathing, eating, and other activities that he or she needs assistance. There will also be arguments that will emerge between the caregiver and the person that is being taken care of, especially if the latter will have mood swings. These situations can get into the caregiver’s skin and sometimes will fill his or her temper. Times will be hard and stress may overflow the glass. The worst case scenario is that the caregiver will get depressed due to the frustrations and negativities surrounding him or her.

Risk of Developing a Health Problem

The difficulties and stress that come along with caregiving can make the caregiver feel worn out to the point that it becomes risky to his or her health — both mental and physical health. The person can develop fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and any other health conditions. There is a big possibility that these issues can become severe if these will not be given enough time and attention.

Four Simple Steps on How to Write a Fascinating Fantasy Fiction Book

Fantasy has been one of the all-time favorite genre. Readers patronizes this category because of the beauty and awesomeness that every fantasy story showcases. These tales are commonly based from mythologies, legends, and imagination. The use of magic and supernatural beings are the basic characteristics of this literary text. These traits can be found in the plot, theme, characters, setting, and other elements of a story. This genre is not only fostered in literature but also in other platforms, such as film, theater, and art.

There are various fantasy novels present in the avenue of literature. Examples of these well-written fantasy books are The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, Harry Potter by J.K Rowling, and more. In film, on the other hand, there are also a bunch of widely watched fantasy movies, such as The Avengers, Maleficent, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, etc. So, if you are on the brink of writing the next bestselling fantasy novel then worry not! Written below are the substantial guide on how to come up with a perfectly written fantasy tale.

Trust Your Imagination

One of the best and effective weapon an author possesses is his or her imagination. This is where all the amazing thoughts and out of this world ideas are generated. There are just so much wonderful things that you can create by merely imagining. You can form you own world, give birth to one of a kind creature, use magic, have the ability to fly, and more. You are allowed to bridge your real life to your imaginative world. If you also want to be a hero, ruler, sidekick, or villain in your story, then you are free to do so. Put your trust to your imagination and let the concepts flow.

Craft the Plot Properly

A perfect plot leads to a successful story. There is just too much complexity a plot contains. It is composed of not just one but five sequence of events. Thus, you need to give enough attention in forming it because it serves as the foundation of your story. Make sure that there are no plot holes in every component of the plot, such as the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. And if there are holes, evaluate and stitch them using the appropriate and necessary stitches. You may also add some scenes that will arouse various emotions from the readers — writing action scenes in fantasy fiction or putting a character on the verge of death for example.

Balance the Dialogue and Narration

A story composed of only dialogues is not ideal because the readers will get confused and will not comprehend the tale. On the other hand, a story that is entirely made up of narration has a tendency to bore the readers. That is why it is important that these two elements — the dialogue and narration, are evenly mixed to create a well-written outcome. With the use of dialogue, the readers can see how the characters are interacting with each other and moving the story forward. The utilization of narration is also beneficial because it can create a smooth transition from each scene and setting. It can also help the readers fully understand what is happening in the story.

Make Use of the Many Literary Devices

There are plenty of literary devices present and available to use. There are no restrictions in writing a story as well as in using literary devices. However, you must put to mind that coherence and relevance are important in every story. That said, only pick and add the literary devices that can enhance your story. You may add a touch of suspense to create tension to the tale, create some foreshadowing to make the plot more engaging, use a handful of figurative language to stir the minds of readers, make use of imagery, or put a couple of symbolisms. There are just too much you can add in your in-progress story to make it into a perfect whole. Thus, do not forget to put the literary devices to use.

There is a wide array of fantasy fiction novel that have been read by bibliophiles, adapted into films, and bought by patrons. Authors and aspiring authors of this genre have been striving to create worlds, characters, and themes to make their novels as one of the many page turners and hook up the readers. There are just a lot of walkways that fantasy fiction writers can build and connect to both real and fictional worlds through writing. Fantasy is truly a genre that can bring out the best of both worlds — reality, imaginative, and fictional.

Three Poignant Books That Will Teach You More About God and His Words

Christian literature is a branch of literature that delves into the Christian world, includes various Christian perspectives, and showcases numerous themes about Christianity. Most authors take inspiration from the Holy Scripture or their own personal experiences relating to their faith to God. There are various branches of Christian literature that spring off numerous well-written works. The said subcategories include but are not limited to Christian devotional literature, Christian non-fiction, Christian fiction, Christian poetry, and more.

There are plenty of religious books that are present in the market and in libraries all around the world. Most of the characteristics of these books vary from their plot to their theme. Some may fall within the Christian non-fiction while others belong to the Christian allegory category. However, the goals of these writings include the spreading of the world of God, introducing God’s greatness, teaching people to find the right path, guiding those who are in a rough journey, and such. If you are on the hunt for uplifting Christianity books, worry not because this article will put an end to that search! Listed below are some inspiring books about Christianity and the word of God.

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Knowing God is a book written by J.I Packer. It is available in 6 editions, in which the first one was published in the year 1973 by Inter-Varsity Press and Hodder and Stoughton. This book has also been translated into various foreign languages, such as German, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Greek, and more. It is also a recipient of the 2016 WORLD Magazine’s Topping the Top 50 and Platinum Book Award, Evangelical Christian Publishing Association awards. Moreover, Knowing God is also voted as one of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals (Christianity Today, 2006).

It is divided into three major parts. The first part is entitled as “Part I: Know the Lord” and it has 6 sub-topics and it all revolves around knowing the divine being. The second is called “Part II: Behold Your God!” with 11 sub-parts which center on the characteristics and greatness of God. The last part is titled “Part III: If God Be For Us – “and contains five sub-chapters focusing on the God, the gospel, and other factors relating to Him.

In the Shadow of God’s Love by Leelia Carolyn Cornell

In the Shadow of God’s Love is a book about the creator authored by Leelia Carolyn Cornell. It was originally published by Christian Faith Publishing, Incorporated last January of 2018. This 372-paged Christian book is an anthology poems and tales that proclaim the daily presence of the divine being. In the Shadow of God’s Love is also being divided into two different parts but it only centers into one objective, which is to know that God is always there in both good and difficult times of a person’s life.

The poems that are contained in the first part of the literary work focus on faith and hope. Cornell absolutely written these poems with genuine and strong passion for the text are very personal and they showcase the author’s close relationship to the creator. The second part, however, is more personal since they do not just only revolve around the author and God’s relationship but also on Cornell and her family’s faith and encounters with Him. This book just highlight how a person and God can create an unbreakable bond.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Mere Christianity is written by C.S. Lewis that centers on Christianity. It was first published on 1952 by Geoffrey Bles in UK and was also published by other companies, such as Macmillan Publishers and HarperCollins Publishers. In this book, the author focuses on avoiding disputes and arguments to elaborate the basic lessons of Christianity, for the benefit of those who those fundamentally educated and the scholars of his time.

The book evaluates and uncovers the points of convergence after which everyone who have faith in Christ unite. Mere Christianity, although a Christian book, gives a chance for both believers and nonbelievers of God to listen to the powerful penitent for the Christian faith. This piece of literature has been recognized as the most influential books within evangelicals since the year 1945, placing on the third place of the Christianity Today’s list in 2006.

Christian books are indeed as great as their main subject is, which is God and all his wonders. Through literature, the word of God and the person experiences of others pertaining to their faith to God has reached people that are needed to be reminded to strengthen their faith because God is never absent. These writings and testimonies set as a note for everybody who feel lost, irrelevant, sad, anxious, pity, and other uneasy and negative emotions.