Even when I cannot see You are moving Even when I cannot hear You are singing over me Even when I can’t hold on You won’t let me go You are faithful You are faithful Hallelujah my soul will sing Hallelujah You are good to me You are faithful Always faithful Even when my faith is tried You’re providing Even though my flesh may fail You’re the strength when I am weak Even when I run away You will wait for me to come back home I’m coming home Hallelujah my soul will sing Hallelujah You are good to me You are faithful Always faithful Everything I wanted Everything I needed is found in You God Everything I wanted Everything I needed [x3] Hallelujah my soul will sing Hallelujah You are good to me You are faithful Always faithful [x2]
Revelado ao público em Junho, um par de mãos gigantes parece segurar a Ponte Dourada em Ba Na Hills, em Da Nang, no Vietname, acima das nuvens. # Unveiled to the public in June, a pair of giant hands appear to hold up the Golden Bridge on Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, Vietnam above the clouds.
Uma das mercadorias mais raras da sociedade é o contentamento. Os publicitários querem que acreditemos que o seu produto é a chave para encontrar satisfação e felicidade. A programação televisiva reforça esta mensagem e enche as nossas casas com imagens das coisas. É como se estas "coisas" fossem essenciais para a nossa felicidade.
Buscar satisfação nas coisas nunca trará contentamento; isto apenas leva a mais insatisfação. Como encontramos o contentamento? Como tantas outras coisas, o contentamento é uma escolha, um subproduto.
Um homem que teve mais do que a sua quota de dificuldade na vida disse: "Eu aprendi a contentar-me, independentemente das minhas circunstâncias." Foi o apóstolo Paulo quem o disse. Como é que ele o fez? A chave foi encontrada no seu relacionamento com Jesus Cristo. Esta é a chave para qualquer um. Todos temos a mesma oportunidade de encontrar contentamento. É um subproduto do nosso relacionamento com Jesus Cristo, o nosso Salvador e Senhor. Esta é a chave para estar contente.
~ Filipenses 4:11
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One of the most rare commodities in society is contentment. Advertisers would have us believe that their product is the key to finding fulfillment and happiness. Television programming reinforces this message and fills our homes with images of things. It’s like this "stuff" is essential to our happiness.
Seeking satisfaction in things will never bring contentment; it just leads to further dissatisfaction. How do we find contentment? Like so many other things, contentment is a choice, a by-product.
A man who had more than his share of difficulty in life said, "I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances." It was the apostle Paul who said that. How did he do it? The key was found in his relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s the key for anyone. We all have the same opportunity to find contentment. It’s a by-product of our relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. That is the key to being content.
I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low Remind me once again just who I am, because I need to know You say I am loved When I can’t feel a thing You say I am strong When I think I am weak You say I am held When I am falling short When I don’t belong You say I am Yours And I believe I believe What You say of me I believe The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity You say I am loved When I can’t feel a thing You say I am strong When I think I am weak You say I am held When I am falling short When I don’t belong You say I am Yours And I believe I believe What You say of me I believe Taking all I have and now I’m laying it at Your feet You have every failure, God, and You’ll have every victory You say I am loved When I can’t feel a thing You say I am strong When I think I am weak You say I am held When I am falling short When I don’t belong You say I am Yours And I believe I believe What You say of me I believe Oh, I believe Yes, I believe What You say of me Oh, I believe
Com tantas pessoas a viver em pequenos espaços, é estranho ver todas essas comodidades vazias. Localização: Hong Kong, China. # With so many people living in small spaces, it’s strange to see all these amenities empty. Location: Hong Kong, China.
Como é que encontras a possibilidade de liberdade e paz num mundo onde parece não haver descanso? A ideia de que o ritmo da vida parece aumentar continuamente o stress e a preocupação é um conceito universal. Parece não haver fim para as exigências do nosso tempo e energia. Estás cansado da ocupação constante que parece cercar as nossas vidas? Eu sei que eu estou!
Há uma solução: Não é aquela que oferece escape das exigências da vida, mas que garante descanso no meio da corrida dos ratos e do ritmo acelerado da vida. Jesus diz: "Vem a Mim se estiveres cansado e sobrecarregado. Vou-te deixar a carga mais leve e ajudar-te a carregar o teu fardo." Jesus oferece-nos descanso no meio do stress.
Cristo nem sempre nos tira das situações exigentes da vida. Em vez disso, Ele convida-nos a permitir que Ele nos ajude a lidar com as demandas. Ele quer enfrentar cada dia e cada desafio connosco. Caminhar com Jesus Cristo diariamente e confiar Nele para orientação e sabedoria para lidar com o que vier, é o caminho para experimentar o verdadeiro descanso nas ocupações da vida.
~ Mateus 11:29
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How do you find the possibility of freedom and peace in a world where there seems to be no rest? The idea that the pace of life seems to continually increase stress and worry is a universal concept. There seems to be no end to the demands on our time and energy. Are you tired of the constant busyness that seems to surround our lives? I know I am!
There is a solution: It isn’t one that offers escape from the demands of life, but one that guarantees rest in the midst of the rat race and the fast pace of life. Jesus says, "Come to Me if you are tired and burdened. I’ll make your load lighter, and help you carry your burden." Jesus offers us rest amidst the stress.
Christ doesn’t always take us out of life’s demanding situations. Instead, He invites us to allow Him to help us handle the demands. He wants to face each day and each challenge with us. Walking with Jesus Christ daily and trusting Him for guidance and wisdom to handle whatever comes, is the way to experience true rest in the busyness of life.
Here in the valley of my soul When I am lost and all alone Through the shadows I can see Your love is chasing after me You cross the canyons of my fears Over the oceans of my tears Like the wind that moves the trees Your love is chasing after me No mountain higher No river wider My heart may wander Your love will never stop chasing after me Your love will never stop Never stop, never stop Your love will never stop chasing after me Your love will never stop Never stop, never stop Your love will never stop chasing after me You are the sun upon my skin You are the moon that pulls me Closer than the air I breathe Your love is chasing after me No mountain higher No river wider My heart may wander Your love will never stop chasing after me Your love will never stop Never stop, never stop Your love will never stop chasing after me Your love will never stop Never stop, never stop Your love will never stop chasing after me I see my chains unraveling All of my shame for victory I feel my heart run wild and free There is no place I’d rather be [x2] No mountain higher No river wider My heart may wander Your love will never stop chasing after me Your love will never stop Never stop, never stop Your love will never stop chasing after me Your love will never stop Never stop, never stop Your love will never stop chasing after me
Teotihuacan significa 'o lugar onde os deuses foram criados', e esse é o sentimento exacto que os visitantes têm quando caminham pela Avenida dos Mortos neste local arqueológico Mexicano. Esta pirâmide foi dedicada ao deus do Sol, e vê como o sol nascente na imagem conquistou apenas metade da figura, enquanto a outra metade está nas sombras. # Teotihuacan means ‘the place where the gods were created,’ and that’s the exact feeling visitors have when they walk along the Avenue of the Dead at this Mexican archeological site. This pyramid was dedicated to the god of Sun, and look how the rising sun in the picture conquered just half the image, while the other half is in the shadows.
O apóstolo Paulo não era estranho a críticas. E quando se trata do Evangelho de Jesus Cristo, algumas pessoas simplesmente não estão interessadas. Jesus advertiu que seguir-Lo não seria fácil, de facto, frequentemente enfrentaremos críticas, insultos e até mesmo perseguição (Mateus 5:11) por causa da nossa fé. Alguns podem já ter experimentado isso no trabalho ou entre amigos. Talvez possas ter tido uma leve provocação ou crítica pública pela a maneira como vives a tua vida. Talvez as tuas opiniões sejam vistas como antiquadas, politicamente incorrectas ou irrelevantes. Como é que respondes quando os outros criticam a tua fé?
Quando Paulo visitou a Grécia, ele passou algum tempo a partilhar com a elite intelectual daquele tempo. Depois de partilhar a verdade de Jesus, ele lançou um desafio: arrependam-se. Por outras palavras, Paulo estava a dizer para se afastarem das suas velhas formas de viver, pensar e crer e voltarem-se para Deus.
Bem, este desafio não correu assim tão bem. Parece que a resposta da maioria foi um olhar sério e de zombaria. No entanto, havia um grupo mais pequeno que queria saber mais. Mesmo antes de mencionar o nome de Jesus, este grupo em particular estava interessado em ver para onde esta conversa iria. Deste grupo saiu um grupo ainda mais pequeno, aqueles que abraçaram a verdade e se tornaram crentes.
Então a missão de Paulo na Grécia foi um fracasso? Somos um fracasso quando enfrentamos gozo e zombaria? De modo nenhum. Paulo, o missionário mais famoso e bem-sucedido na história da Igreja, teve sucesso porque lembrou-se que todos procuramos algo. Desde a elite da sociedade até o mais humilde, nunca encontraremos alegria, paz, significado e propósito verdadeiros até chegarmos a confiar no único Deus verdadeiro. Então, o que farás quando a tua fé for criticada? Não deixes que o medo ou a rejeição te mantenham em silêncio. Sê ousado; sê como Paulo.
~ Actos 17:32-34
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The apostle Paul was no stranger to criticism. And when it comes to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, some people just aren’t interested. Jesus warned that following Him would not be easy, in fact, we will often face criticism, insult and even persecution (Matthew 5:11) because of our faith. Some of you may have experienced this at work or among friends. Maybe it’s light teasing or public criticism for the way you live your life. Perhaps your views are seen as old fashioned, politically incorrect or irrelevant. How do you respond when others criticize your faith?
When Paul visited Greece, he spent time sharing with the intellectual elite of the day. After sharing the truth of Jesus, he issued a challenge: repent. In other words, Paul was saying to turn from their old ways of living, thinking, and believing and turn towards God.
Well, this challenge didn’t go over so well. It appears that the majority’s response was some serious eye rolling and mocking. However, there was a smaller group that wanted to know more. Even before mentioning the name of Jesus, this particular group was interested to see where this conversation would go. From this group came a much smaller group, those who embraced the truth and became believers.
So was Paul’s mission in Greece a failure? Are we a failure when we face sneers and mocking? Not at all. Paul, the most famous and successful missionary in the history of the Church, was successful because he remembered that we are all searching for something. From society’s elite to its humblest, we will never find true joy, peace, meaning and purpose until we come to trust in the one true God. So what will you do when your faith is criticized? Don’t let fear or rejection keep you silent. Be bold; be like Paul.
Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me You have been so, so good to me Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me You have been so, so kind to me Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights ‘til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me You have been so, so good to me When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me You have been so, so kind to me Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights ‘til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God There’s no shadow You won’t light up Mountain You won’t climb up Coming after me There’s no wall You won’t kick down Lie You won’t tear down Coming after me [x4] Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights ‘til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
A fotógrafa de viagens Sarah Bethea tirou esta foto de tirar o fôlego no Inverno passado na Islândia, sobre os raios dourados de um pôr do sol que entrava numa caverna de gelo e que transformou uma secção do âmbar de gelo da caverna. # Travel photographer Sarah Bethea captured this breathtaking photo last winter in Iceland, of a setting sun’s golden rays entering an ice cave and turning a section of the cave’s ice amber.
O apóstolo Paulo veio de um contexto Judaico muito tradicional. Então, ligar-se com os seus companheiros Judeus era território familiar. Afinal, o Antigo Testamento era um tema comum. No entanto, Paulo também teve sucesso em partilhar e ligar-se com os Gentios, as comunidades não-Judaicas. Dá uma olhada na sua viagem à Grécia.
Em Atenas, a sede da cultura Grega, Paulo foi confrontado com um sistema de crenças abrangente, ídolos e deuses por todos os lugares. Num dos altares, Paulo notou uma inscrição, “Para Um Deus Desconhecido”. Pode parecer um lugar estranho para começar uma conversa de fé, mas este foi o ponto de partida para partilhar o Evangelho. Em vez de condenar imediatamente as crenças deles, Paulo usou este altar específico para falar sobre o único Deus verdadeiro. De repente, Paul teve a atenção deles.
A maioria da cultura hoje é biblicamente analfabeta. A Grécia antiga não foi diferente. Eles não conheciam a Bíblia ou o que ela revela sobre Jesus. Então Paulo foi ao encontro deles onde estavam; ele começou com um tema comum.
Embora Paulo nunca tenha citado um versículo Bíblico, tudo o que ele disse veio da Palavra de Deus. Lê a conversa completa em Actos 17:16-34. Sabes, Paulo demonstrou como podemos partilhar a história de Deus com uma cultura biblicamente analfabeta que é relevante hoje. E começa com o encontrar um tema comum.
Se és Cristão como Paulo, que ponto comum podes encontrar com os teus colegas no trabalho, os teus amigos ou os teus vizinhos para partilhar as boas novas de Jesus?
~ Actos 17:22-23
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The Apostle Paul came from a very traditional Jewish background. So connecting with his fellow Jews was familiar territory. After all, the Old Testament was common ground. However, Paul was also successful in sharing with and connect with the Gentiles, the non-Jewish communities. Take a look at his trip to Greece.
In Athens, the headquarters of Greek culture, Paul was confronted with an all-inclusive belief system, idols and gods everywhere. On one of the altars, Paul noticed an inscription, “To An Unknown God”. It might seem a strange place to begin a faith conversation, but this was his starting point to sharing the Gospel. Rather than immediately condemn their beliefs, Paul used this particular altar to tell them about the one true God. Suddenly, Paul had their attention.
The majority of culture today is biblically illiterate. Ancient Greece was no different. They didn’t know the Bible or what it reveals about Jesus. So Paul met them where they were; he started on common ground.
While Paul never once quoted a Bible verse, everything he said came from God’s Word. Read his full conversation in Acts 17:16-34. You see, Paul demonstrated how we can share God’s story to a biblically illiterate culture that’s relevant today. And it starts by finding common ground.
If you are a Christian like Paul, what common ground can you find with your colleagues at work, your friends, or your neighbors to share the good news of Jesus?
Your love is devoted like a ring of solid gold Like a vow that is tested like a covenant of old Your love is enduring through the winter rain And beyond the horizon with mercy for today Faithful You have been and faithful You will be You pledge Yourself to me and it's why I sing Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips You father the orphan Your kindness makes us whole And You shoulder our weakness And Your strength becomes our own Now You're making me like you Clothing me in white Bringing beauty from ashes For You will have your bride Free of all her guilt and rid of all her shame And known by her true name and it's why I sing Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips You will be praised you will be praised With angels and saints we sing worthy are You Lord You will be praised You will be praised With angels and saints we sing worthy are You Lord And it's why I sing Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Ever be on my lips, ever be on, ever be on my lips
Estas torres de areia naturais, cobertas com grandes pedras, são conhecidas como as Pirâmides da Terra de Platten. Elas estão situados na região sul do Tirol, no norte da Itália. # These natural sand towers, capped with large stones, are known as the Earth Pyramids of Platten. They are situated in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region.
Filipe foi um líder, professor e evangelista na igreja primitiva. Em Actos, capítulo 8, lemos sobre um enorme movimento de pessoas que receberam a fé. O encontro que se destaca na história de Filipe não é a grande multidão e as curas, mas sim o momento em que Filipe respondeu ao empurrão do Espírito Santo e foi dar um passeio por uma longa estrada deserta. Foi lá que ele conheceu um influente Etíope a ler o livro de Isaías. Em pouco tempo, Filipe estava a baptizá-lo na fé, mesmo ao lado da estrada.
É uma incrível história de reconhecimento e confiança no Espírito Santo, mesmo quando isso não faz sentido. E para os seguidores de Jesus, há algumas coisas que podemos aprender com Filipe em como partilhar a nossa fé com os outros.
1. Anda com Deus e serás guiado pelo Espírito. Filipe estava completamente à disposição de Deus. Ele andava e vivia no centro da vontade de Deus.
2. Sê sensível aos movimentos de Deus. Não deixes que a ocupação cause a perda de oportunidades de falar à vida de outra pessoa. Presta atenção. Sê sensível. Pede ao Espírito Santo para ajudar-te a reconhecer quando Deus se move.
3. Quanto mais Escrituras conheceres, mais bem equipado estarás. Filipe reconheceu a escritura que o homem que conheceu estava a ler (Isaías 53) e foi capaz de explicar o significado. Quanto mais estudarmos as escrituras, melhor o Espírito Santo nos usará para responder a perguntas.
4. Pergunta se alguém quer crer. Se a resposta for 'sim', acompanha-os numa oração de confissão dos seus pecados a Deus e numa declaração da sua confiança e fé em Cristo. Se a resposta deles for 'ainda não', oferece-te como voluntário para orar com eles e reunir-te para estudar e responder às suas perguntas por meio da Palavra de Deus e da sua própria jornada de fé.
5. O Evangelho é para todos. Todos temos feridas e inseguranças que podem nos impedir de confiar em Cristo, mas o Evangelho é para todos: Judeus, Gentios, Muçulmanos, Ateus, todos de todos os continentes.
6. O baptismo testifica da nossa fé. A Bíblia ensina que o baptismo segue uma decisão de fé.
Quando Deus te chama para mover, agir ou partilhar, vais? Filipe foi e a vida de um homem foi transformada para a eternidade.
~ Actos 8:35
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Philip was a leader, teacher and evangelist in the early church. In Acts chapter 8, we read about a huge movement of people coming to faith. The encounter that stands out in Philip’s story isn’t the huge crowds and healings, but rather the moment Philip responded to the nudge of the Holy Spirit and went for a walk down a long, desert road. It was there that he met an influential Ethiopian reading the book of Isaiah. Before long, Philip was baptizing him in faith, right along-side the road.
It’s an incredible story of recognizing and trusting the Holy Spirit, even when it doesn’t make sense. And for followers of Jesus, there’s a few things we can learn from Philip in how we share our faith with others.
1. Walk with God and you’ll be led by the Spirit. Philip was totally sold out to God. He was walking and living in the center of God’s will.
2. Be sensitive to the movements of God. Don’t let busyness cause you to miss opportunities to speak into another person’s life. Pay attention. Be sensitive. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recognize when God moves.
3. The more Scripture you know, the better equipped you’ll be. Philip recognized the scripture the man he met was reading (Isaiah 53) and was able to explain the meaning. The more we study scripture, the better the Holy Spirit will use us in answering questions.
4. Ask if someone wants to believe. If the answer is 'yes', lead them in a prayer confessing their sins to God and declaring their trust and faith in Christ. If their answer is ‘not yet,’ volunteer to pray with them and meet together to study and answer their questions through God’s Word and your own faith journey.
5. The Gospel is for everyone. We all have wounds and insecurities that can hold us back from trusting in Christ, but the Gospel is for everyone: Jew, Gentile, Muslim, Atheist, everyone from every continent.
6. Baptism testifies of our faith. The Bible teaches that Baptism follows a decision of faith.
When God calls you to move, to act or to share, will you? Philip did and a man’s life was changed for eternity.
Ev'rything is temporary, God You’re never ending Though it seems You sometimes hide, You rise in perfect time Bread of heaven, Living Water, God of our salvation Like a shepherd, You will lead us to the other side You are who You say You are You are who You say You are In this moment and forever, You will surely be Ev'rything You’ve ever promised, You promised In this moment and forever, all sufficiency Is who You are, it’s who You are, You promised Through the valley to the mountain, everywhere we go Still the clamor, fill the quiet; peace, be still, my soul. Peace, be still, my soul You are who You say You are You are who You say You are In this moment and forever, You will surely be Ev'rything You’ve ever promised, You promised In this moment and forever, all sufficiency Is who You are, it’s who You are, You promised You’re merciful and kind, faithful, good and wise Oh, our Father, be exalted Our lives are Yours to keep, our hearts are Yours to seek Oh, our Father, be exalted In this moment and forever, You will surely be Ev'rything You’ve ever promised, You promised In this moment and forever, all sufficiency
Is who You are, it’s who You are, It’s who You are, it’s who You are, You promised Oh, it's who You are, it’s who You are, You promised Yeah, You promised
Já te perdeste quando acordaste no escuro? Do género, tentas levantar-te, mas ficas a bater com a cabeça na parede e não consegues encontrar a beira da cama? A próxima coisa que acontece, estás a tropeçar numa mala ou a ires contra uma mesa. Mas quando acendeste a luz, tudo ficou claro.
Isto é exactamente o que muitas pessoas estão a tentar fazer. Estão a tentar passar pela vida no escuro, escuridão espiritual e muita dor auto-infligida e quedas desnecessárias ocorrem, porque acham que apenas precisam de "sentir" o caminho que querem fazer.
Mas Jesus diz-nos que Ele é a Luz do mundo. Ele quer dizer que Ele é a iluminação sobre Deus, o homem e a vida. Sem Ele, estamos espiritualmente no escuro. Continuamos a tropeçar, a cair e a sentir-nos frustrados com tudo isto. Não é hora de ligarem a Luz, realmente ver Deus e entender a vida? Se fizerem isso, para aonde estão realmente a ir tornar-se-á muito mais claro.
~ João 8:12
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Do you ever get lost when you wake up in the dark? Like, you try to get up, but you keep hitting your head on a wall and can’t find the edge of the bed? Next thing you know, you’re tripping over a suitcase or walking into a table. But when you turned on the light, everything was clear.
This is exactly what a a lot of people are trying to do. They’re trying to make it through life in the dark, spiritual darkness and much self-inflicted pain and unnecessary falls take place, because they think they can just "feel" their way around.
But Jesus tells us He’s the Light of the world. He means He is the enlightenment about God, man, and life. Without Him, we’re in the dark spiritually. We keep stumbling, falling, and feeling frustrated about it all. Isn’t it time for to turn on the Light, really see God, and understand life? If you do, where you’re truly headed will become a lot clearer.
Chaos all around Feel You reaching out Your hand touches mine And the hand of time stops Feels like letting go Losing my control Breathing in and out Getting closer now I keep falling deeper I keep falling deeper Right here, right here with You Forever's a moment Right here, right here with You Is taking me over I keep falling deeper Your love keeps taking me higher All my fears dissolve Come take what You want All these walls are down Getting closer now I keep falling deeper Yeah, I keep falling deeper Right here, right here with You Forever's a moment Right here, right here with You Is taking me over I keep falling deeper Your love keeps taking me higher And I know You're right beside me wherever I go (woah) And I know You're right beside me wherever I go (woah) Oh-woo-oah Oh-woo-oah Oh-woo-oah Oh-woo-oah Right here, right here with You Forever's a moment Right here, right here with You Is taking me over I keep falling deeper Your love keeps taking me higher Right here, right here with You Touching the heavens Right here, right here with You Here in the presence I keep falling deeper Your love keeps taking me higher Your love keeps taking me higher (Your love keeps taking me higher) Your love keeps taking me higher
Pesquisadores da Universidade de Michigan criaram o 'computador' mais pequeno do mundo com um dispositivo que mede apenas 0,3 mm de lado, mas pequeno que um grão de arroz. # Researchers at the University of Michigan have created the world’s smallest ‘computer’ with a device that measures just 0.3 mm to a side, dwarfed by a grain of rice.
Estou ainda mais ciente desta verdade: a fase mais difícil da vida é ser pai dos nossos pais. É uma inversão de papéis que pais e filhos prefeririam evitar. Mas a Bíblia claramente ensina-nos a honrar os nossos pais, e isto significa cuidar deles quando estão idosos. Deixa-me sugerir alguns pensamentos:
» O maior dom que podes dar aos teus pais que envelhecem é tempo, mas se a distância física for grande, arranja tempo para telefonar ou escrever numa base regular.
» Ora e sê sensível quando os pais não puderem mais cuidar de si mesmos ou da sua casa. Sê honesto ao ajudá-los a pensar sobre onde querem morar, seja na sua própria casa com a ajuda de profissionais de saúde, um centro de aposentados, uma casa de repouso ou até mesmo contigo.
» Ao enfrentares estas decisões difíceis, sê motivado pelo amor, não pela culpa. Faz o que mais precisam, não o que mais desejas. Deves sempre permitir-lhes a maior dignidade possível, na tomada de decisões por eles e com eles.
Honrar os nossos pais às vezes significa ser pais dos nossos pais. Lembra-te, colhemos o que semeamos. Um dia esperamos que os nossos filhos tenham aprendido pelo exemplo como cuidar de nós quando formos idosos.
~ Efésios 6:2
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I am even more keenly aware of this truth: the toughest stage of life is parenting our parents. It’s a role-reversal both parent and child would rather avoid. But the Bible clearly teaches us to honor our parents, and that means caring for them when they are old. Let me suggest a few thoughts:
» The greatest gift you can give your aging parents is time, but if physical distance is great, take time to call or write on a regular basis.
» Be prayerful and sensitive when parents can no longer care for themselves or their home. Be honest in helping them think about where they will live, be it in their own home with the aid of healthcare workers, a retirement center, a nursing home, or even with you.
» As you face these tough decisions, be motivated by love, not guilt. Do what they most need, not what you most want. You should always allow them as much dignity as is possible in making decisions with and for them on their behalf.
Honoring our parents sometimes means parenting our parents. Remember, we reap what we sow. One day we hope that our children will have learned from us how to care for us when we are old.
