News and Information Hub

CHRISTMAS AND CHRISTIANITY- WHICH IS THE WAY?

2013-12-24T09:12:00.001-08:00

Once again Christmas is here. On 25th December, people normally show love to those they care because God in his infinite mercy to mankind sent his only begotten Son Jesus Christ to come and die for mankind.

The day has been set to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ by Christians all over the world.

The date, 25th December and the name Christmas didn't come into existence until 325 AD when Western Church, based in Rome, chose December 25 to celebrate the coming of Christ into the world.

But before the Christmas day that is on the Eve of Christmas, churches all over the world hold evening services as most people term it "Carol’s night" and also include a dramatization of the Biblical story of Jesus' birth.

But the question is whether Christians know the date when Jesus Christ was born?

According to the Society of World Festivals & Celebrations, the date 25th December was officially accepted on the Roman calendar where the Roman's celebrated their god Saturn.

Their festival known as Saturnalia began in the middle of December and ended January 1st. The celebration also included masquerades on streets, big festive meals, visiting friends, and the exchange of good-luck gifts called Strenae. The date 25th was not only sacred to the Romans but also the Persians.

Christmas is a Roman Catholic word which in itself reveals who married paganism to Christianity and also is a combination of the two words "Christ" and "Mass.

The word "Mass" means death and was coined originally by the Roman Catholic Church, and belongs exclusively to the Church of Rome.

The ritual of the Mass involves the death of Christ, and the distribution of the "Host", a word taken from the Latin word "hostiall" meaning victim. It was noted by the pre-Christian Romans and other pagans, that daylight began to increase after December 22nd, when they assumed the sun god had died.

These ancients believed that the sun god rose from the dead three days later as the new-born and venerable sun. Thus, they figured that to be the reason for increasing daylight.

And since then, the date 25th December has been celebrated all over the world by Christians and non-Christians. In celebrating this day they either decorate their homes, shops or buying gifts for loved ones or receiving gifts or hampers from friends.

The birth of Christ should not be remembered only on December 25 but every day in the heart of Christians.

And as we celebrate it, we should celebrate it with caution so as not to sin against the holiness of the Son of God.

NOVEMBER - THE INSPIRATIONAL MONTH

2013-11-29T13:50:00.004-08:00

Eleven as a number holds some qualities like sensitivity, endurance, righteousness, holiness among others.

That is why it makes people who are born in the month of eleven to be knowledgeable in teaching and inspiring others.

In the biblical aspect, the number eleven is seen as incomplete, disorder and imperfection.

In Genesis 11, men rebelled against God and built the tower of Babel. God judged them by confusing their language, resulting in chaos.

In the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, God executed His final judgment against Judah with the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and the exile of the remaining Jews to Babylon.

Johoiakim reigned eleven years when Nebuchadnezzar came up and began his disintegrating work on Jerusalem (2Kings 23:36, 24:1; 2Chronicles 36:5,6).

Zedekiah reigned eleven years when Nebuchadnezzar completed the work by putting an end to Israel's rule in Jerusalem (2Chronicles 36:11; Jeremiah 52:1), for "in the eleventh year the city was broken up" (Jeremiah 39:2).

Judges 17:2, etc., connected with the introduction of idolatry into Israel, which brought with it trouble and disintegration; added to God's order and ordinances for them; and in the end caused the ruin and loss of all government.

The apostle John also saw 11 things in connection with the final judgment (Revelation 20:12-14). These sayings amongst others in the bible signify the imperfection of the number eleven.

Originally the month of November was the ninth month in the Roman calendar which had it name as "novem" from the Latin word until when the Gregorian calendar was accepted by the catholic countries.

There is no exception to the month of November when it comes to birthstones and birth flowers.

For the month of November, its birthstone is Topaz which is known as the stone of wealth and is believed to promote joy and be useful against depression. Its symbolism is optimism, energetic, health, prosperity and loyalty.

With the birth flower it is the Chrysanthemum meaning love and Happiness.

There is no month without any activities. Some of the activities experienced within the month of November are ; Veterans Day, World Diabetes Day, Thanksgiving Day, American Indian Heritage Month, Good Nutrition Month, Aviation Month, American Diabetes Awareness Month, National Peanut Butter Lover's Month just to mention but few.

One of America’s greatest heroes, Abraham Lincoln (Civil Rights Activist and Lawyer) became the 16th President of the United States, on November 1860.

Did you also know that, this America born son was also a wrestler. In 300 matches he was defeated only once and he is enshrined in the wrestling Hall of Fame.

It was on this same month that Abraham Lincoln married his wife Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois.

On November 6, 1860, Henry VI was crowned King of England at age eight. He had acceded to the throne at the age of nine months following the death of Charles VI.

Pope John XXIII who became the 261st Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 1958 was born on November 25, 1881, in Sotto il Monte, Italy. During his reign, he convened the Second Vatican Council which modernized the mass and increased openness to other religions and denominations.

Did you know that, the one who invented the game of basketball, James Naismith was also born on November 1861 in Almonte, Ontario, Canada.

Quote for the month of November

“November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring.”

Clyde Watson

THE PERFECTION MONTH- OCTOBER

2013-10-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

The meaning of the number ten (10) biblically is a very significant and important number: It literally means perfection of divine order, completeness, lacking nothing, everything in a proper order and a start of a whole new order.

It brings an overwhelming sense of joy and peace to mankind after experiencing a month full of twinge and anguish.

With the spiritually significance of the number 10, the Lord gave the ten commandments to Moses, the lord’s prayer is in ten clauses, the tithe of 10% represents the whole of what was due to God from man, fire coming down from heaven ten times with many other sayings.

As you can see, the number 10 represents something that is profoundly great with deep meanings for the past, present, and future. God uses symbolism, parables, and meanings to bring truth and insight into His true character as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The number 10 brings all sorts of new changes into your life, and there seems to be an element of luck within those energies. Through this vibration you have the insight to recognize and understand the needs of humanity, and the ability to bring peace and harmony to all.

The month of October was originally the eight month on the Roman calendar until 153 BCE when King Numa Pompilius reformed the Julian and Gregorian calendar and added the months of January and February to it changing October to be the tenth month having a length of 31 days.

October starts on the same day of the week as January in common years, but it does not start on the same day of the week as any other month in leap years. October ends on the same day of the week as February every year.

As every month comes with its birth flower and birthstone so does October also has a birth flower and birthstone.

The birth flower for October is Calendula which means sorrow or sympathy and its birthstone is Opal.

There is no month without any happenings. With the month of October, its happenings are National Hispanic Heritage Month , Italian American Heritage Month, Polish American Heritage Month, National Breast Cancer Month, National Pizza Month, National Dessert Month, Country Music Month, National Book Fair Month among others.

On October 1, 1908 a universal car designed by Henry Ford for masses came to the market.

Some of the countries that had their independence in the month of October are Iraq which gained its independence on October 3, 1932 and Belgium on October 4, 1830 after having been a part of the Netherlands since 1815.

Paraguay and Brazil also gained independence on October 12, 1811 and October 12, 1822 respectively while on October 9, 1962 Uganda also achieved its independence

On October 24, 1945 the United Nations was founded.

The first lady of United State of America from the year 1993-200, Hillary Rodham Clinton was born in Park Ridge, Illinois on October 26, 1947 as well as the founder of the Microsoft, Bill Gate was also born in Seattle on October 28, 1955.

Quote for the month of October

"Be a self-starter.

Welcome the dawn of each new day with a smile,

grateful to your Creator for another opportunity to

improve on yesterday’s performance.

By Og Mandino

SEPTEMBER-THE MONTH OF PAIN

2013-10-01T01:48:00.001-07:00

When a woman conceives a child in her womb, she is expected to deliver in the next nine month. Before her delivery, she goes through twinge and anguish just to bring forth a human being to this world to fulfill the promise of God.

Mostly when the year draws near like this, expectations become high as people are eager to accomplish their aspirations.

The name September comes from the old Roman word 'septem' which means seven.

Originally, it was known to be the seventh month in the Roman calendar, but later, when the month of January and February were added to the Roman calendar, September became the ninth month.

The Romans believed that the month of September was looked after by the god, “Vulcan”. As the god of fire, they therefore expected September to be associated with fires, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

The Anglo-Saxons called it Gerst monath (Barley month) or Haefest monath ( Harvest month) because it was during that time that they had their favourite drink "barley brew" made from their barleys.

Within every month, there is some birth flowers associated with it. The month of September is of no exceptional. The birth flower for September is Aster which symbolizes love, Faith and Wisdom whilst its birthstone is Sapphire.

Whenever September gets closer, people begin to feel vexed and cheerless because of what happened on 11th of September, 2001 which became one of the biggest events in recent history that sparked a mass awakening across the world.

There are some events observed within the month of September. Among these events are Labor Day, Constitution Day, National Hispanic Heritage Day, National Potato Month, National Chicken Month, National Piano Month, and National Biscuit Month.

Quote for the month of September
“Perhaps not everything has to be measured. I’d argue, that this is especially true when it comes to matters of heart, matters of beauty, and matters of the soul.
It is nice to know where we stand, but let us not become so obsessed with where we stand that we lose all sight of what we really stand for.” Pete Jutras

AUGUST – THE FREEDOM MONTH

2013-08-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

The number eight (8), is very significant for us. To some, the number eight (8) is when they would be expecting their breakthrough to be fulfilled whereas others too have an introspection of themselves in other to analysis what they have been able to achieve within the previous seven month.

Originally, the month of August was the sixth month in the Roman calendar. The Romans used to call the month of August Sextilis meaning the sixth not until when the month of January and February were added to the calendar thus becoming the eight month of the year.

Because of the important events that happened to the life of the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar during his reign at the time, the month Sextilis was changed to Augustus in honour of the Emperor.

Initially, the month had 29 days until when Augustus granduncle, Julius Caesar created the Julian calendar in 45 BC, where two days were added to it giving the month 31 days.

The Anglo-Saxons called the month of August Weod Monath which means Weed month because it was a month when weeds and other plants grow most rapidly.

Among Roman rulers, it was only Julius and his grandnephew Augustus who permanently had months named after them.

Giving a piece of jewelry containing a birthstone gem to a loved one will bring him or her with good luck and protection. Monthly birthstones symbolize the month of birth according to the Gregorian calendar.

The birthstone for the month of August is Peridot which means love, truth, protection and loyalty whilst the flowers for the month are Gladiolus and Poppy.

With the Peridot, it develop ones inner vision and the ability to look into the future as while as freeing one from jealous thoughts and counteracts negative emotions.

“I have a dream” guessing what this speech is all about or probably who made such a speech. This speech became famous in 1963 by the renowned American civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King on August 28.

It is good for each and everyone to have his or her freedom as while as countries. Some of the countries that gained independence from the British Colony in August are Jamaica, India and Pakistan on 6^th, 15^th and 15^th respectively.

Born in August will be of great joy since birthdays celebrated in this month have the same birthday with the First American African President, President Barack Obama of United State who is currently the 44th President. He was born on 4^th August 1961 as well as the 42^nd U.S President, Bill Clinton who was also born on August 19, 1946.

Great sports men who make the news headline whenever they are playing or running also have their birthdays in August. Talk of the most stubborn footballer, Mario Barwuah Balotelli and the fastest athletes in the world Usain Bolt. They all have their birthdays on August 12 and August 21 respectively.

Within every month, there are some happenings in it. The month of August has some happenings that are marked. Some of them are Friendship Day, Women's Equality Day, National Literacy Month, National Hypnosis Awareness Month, International Breastfeeding Month, National Catfish Month, Harvest Month, National Water Quality Month, Golf Month, National Smile Month, Dream Day, and National Immunization Awareness Month amongst others.

Quote for the month of August

"We must show that liberty is not merely one particular value but that it is the source and condition of most moral values.

What a free society offers to the individual is much more than what he would be able to do if only he were free.

We can therefore not fully appreciate the value of freedom until we know how a society of free men as a whole differs from one in which unfreedom prevails".

Friedrich August Hayek

JULIUS CAESAR’S JULY

2013-07-29T15:34:00.001-07:00

As human as we are, if there are no meaning and some characteristics attached to our lives or names, we wouldn’t have being able to live.

Everyone has his or her unique name. That is why the one who created us in his own image (God) has a meaning to his name and some attribution to it.

The month of July, is also of no exceptional to it meaning. It was known as Quintilis meaning the fifth during the Roman calendar, because it was the fifth month prior to 153 B.C.

But according to history, it was during the Gregorian calendar, that the month of July became the seventh month.

In 46 B.C. Julius Caesar, who gave the month of July 31 days, ordered a reform of the calendar and in the process he named the seventh month (July) after himself.

Therefore, what Julius Caesar did made him the first human being to give his name to an entire month of the year.

There are specific flowers which are traditionally given according to the month and July Birth Flower is the Larkspur meaning lightness, levity, ardent attachment and fickleness (pink) while the birthstone for July is Ruby which symbolizes success, devotion, and integrity.

Have you ever wonder that the grandmother of the royal baby Prince George Alexander Louis, was born in July. Yes I mean the late Princess Diana; the wife of Prince Charles was born on July 1, 1961.

The most influential Hispanic performer in the United States Jennifer Lynn Muñiz known in the showbiz industry as Jennifer Lopez was born on July 24, 1969 while Americans famous musician 50 cent (Curtis James Jackson II) was also born on July 6, 1975.

The 6th US President (John Quincy Adams), the 38th US President (Gerard R. Ford) and the 43rd US President (George W. Bush), were all born on July 11, 1767, July 14, 191and July 6, 1946 respectively.

South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician who was also the first black South African to hold office Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18 July 1918.

Some of the occasions observed during the month of July are Uncommon Instruments Awareness Day , American Zoo Day, National Anisette Day, Eat Beans Day, National Chocolate Wafer Day, Global Forgiveness Day, Tell the Truth Day, World Population Day, World Snake Day, Nelson Mandela International Day, National Ice Cream Day, National Junk Food Day, , National Dance Day, Parents Day, World Hepatitis Day, International Day of Friendship, National Support Public Education Day among others.

Quote for the month of July.

Just after the death of the flowers,

And before they are buried in snow,

There comes a festival season

When Nature is all aglow..

Source: Author Unknown

JUNE - THE PASSIONATE MONTH

2013-06-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Every month has some inimitable feelings that are mostly associated with it and June is no exemption. From the research I made, I found out that, the month of June was considered to be the month of good marriages because, marriages contracted in May was believed to be unlucky for couples.

The name June was said to be named after a Roman goddess known as Juno who was the wife of Jupiter. She was the goddess of marriage and the well-being of women that is why the month of June was believed to be a month of good marriages.

During the Roman calendar, June was known to be the fourth month and had 29 days until the era of Julius Caesar which gave the month 30 days when he reformed the Roman calendar around 46 BC.

Within every month, there are some events in it and June is of no different. Some of the events celebrated in June are, Father’s day, World Environment Day, African-American Music Day, National Dairy Day, National Rose Day, among others.

Every month and it flowers that it depict. The flower for June is the Rose. The meaning of the June Birth Flower Rose is passionate love and beauty while the gemstones for June are Pearl, Alexandrite and moonstone.

The history and beliefs surrounding the June birth Flower is fascinating. There are many myths about the origins of this belief. It is believed that most birthday celebrations instigated during the Roman Empire.

During these festivities, families and friends offered congratulations and brought gifts to dear ones. Some of the gifts included gemstone jewelry such as the Pearl and flowers.

No matter the occasion or season, flowers bring life to people and say it best. They are the best way to express our feelings and show love to dear ones. Friends are always close to our heart and a flower compliment our feelings the best. Sending a flower to a buddy will make your buddy feel happy.

June quote by James Whitcomb Riley

Then let us, one and all, be contented with our lot;

The June is here this morning, and the sun is shining hot;

Oh! Let us fill our hearts up with the glory of the day,

And banish every doubt and care and sorrow far away.

MYTHOLOGY OF THE MONTH OF MAY

2013-05-23T15:43:00.001-07:00

It is now tagged that marriages that are contracted in May do not usually end well.

Some find it strange that the romantic time of May has always been considered unlucky for marriages. The Romans objected to it for the understandable reason that it contained the feast in honor of Bona Dea who was the goddess of chastity. Also, the festival of the unhappy dead fell in the month of May. This can be true if we make our marriages to be unlucky and at the same time we can make it to be lucky.

The month of May which was known to be the third month on the Roman calendar is now the fifth month.

In Latin, the name May is Maius and is believed by many to come from Maia, who was the mother of the god Hermes. The native English had a less romantic, but much more practical name for the month. They called it Thrimilce because, in the long, spring days, the cows could be milked three times between sunrise and evening.

The name May was very popular in the nineteenth century and early twentieth century, but it has lost its status in recent years. It ranked highest at number 57 on the list of most popular girls’ names in 1883, but in 1983, it only appeared at number 963. May has not appeared in the top 1000 names in the United States since 1983. It is more popular in countries such as Norway, where May reached as high as 172 in 1997. May is a very popular surname. It is listed as number 239 on the list of most common surnames in the United States. Most people with the surname May are to be found in Texas, California, Florida and Ohio. The first people with the surname May arrived in the United States in the seventeenth century, and perhaps even arrived via the Mayflower.

The month of May is normally known to be National Physical Fitness Month & National Brain Tumor Awareness Month.

Teacher Appreciation Day, World Red Cross Day, International Nurses Day, Mothers Day, World Telecommunication Day, Armed Forces Day, World Anti Terrorism Day, National Sorry Day, World No Tobacco Day, International Museum Day, International Labor Day, Scurvy Awareness Day, National Truffle Day, World Press Freedom Day, Join Hands Day, Free Comic Book Day, Oyster Day, International Deaf Awareness Week, National Tourist Appreciation Day, No Diet Day, World Asthma Day among others are some of the event celebrated during the month of May.

The most wanted man Osama Bin Laden who caused the lives of people was finally killed at his secret compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan on May 2, 2011 by the U.S. Special Operations Forces.

Have you ever wonder who discovered Jamaica? Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica during his second journey of exploration in the New World on May 4, 1494.

Founder of Marxism theory, Karl Marx was also born on May 5, 1818.

Founder of International Red Cross and YMCA Henri Dunant was also born in May.

Did you also know that the founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale who earned the name “Lady of the Lamp” was also born in Florence, Italy on May 12, 1820.

The first non-Italian pope to be elected in 456 years and the first Polish Pope who also became the 264th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church Pope John Paul II was born in May.

Giving a piece of jewelry containing a birthstone gem will bring the wearer with good luck and protection. Monthly birthstones symbolize the month of birth according to the Gregorian Calendar.

The birthstone for the month of May is the Emerald

The May birthstone reflects some of the properties with which the Emerald is associated with loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the May Birthstone Emerald are memory, clairvoyance and faith. The healing properties of the May birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to the eyes, fertility, the spine and headaches. The Emerald is also used to enhance mental capabilities.

The traditional color associated with the Emerald is the deep green color and is strongly favored as a popular gem in Victorian jewelry. The meaning of colors through the ages represented many aspects of life.

Social, religious, biblical and Christian symbolism were all reflected in the color green! The symbolic meaning of the color green was renewal of life and nature.

The flower for May is the Lily of the Valley which means Faith, Courage, Foresight and Success in love.

Quote for the month of May by Edmund Spenster

“Then came fair May, the fairest maid on ground,

Deck'd all with dainties of the season's pride,

And throwing flowers out of her lap around”.

The next article will be on June

APRIL'S UNIQUENESS

2013-04-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

Every month has some one or two uniqueness that comes with it.

As you have read from the previous articles from the first three month of the year, the month of April is also noted for its uniqueness that is associated with it.

April is the fourth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, and one of the four months with a length of 30 days.

During the earliest Roman calendar, April was known to be the second month before Januarius and Februarius were added by King Numa Pompilius about 700 BC and was known to have 29 days until the mid 40s BC when Julius Caesar during the reforming of the calendar which brought about Julian calendar changed the days of the month april to 30.

The word April came from the latin word Aprillis which means “to open” or Aphrodite a name for Greek goddess meaning love and beauty.

Have you ever wonder the flowers and birthstone for the month of April? If no then the birthstone for April is Diamond which symbolizes innocence while flowers for April are Sweet pea and Daisy. The latter was known to be God’s smile and Day’s Eye, an Anglo Saxon name, which was changed to the word Daisy because the flower opens and closes with the sun’s rays.

Some of the events that are celebrated during April are; Autism Awareness Day, National Child Abuse Day, World health Day, Cancer Control Day, Alcohol Prevention Day, Earth Day, National Poetry Day among others.

Moreover, has it ever occurred to you, that the kindergarten system you pass through before attaining where you are was founded by someone who was born in April? Yes the kindergarten system was founded by Friedrich Wilhelm August Frobel, a German pedagogue who was born in April 1782.

Again, did you know that, William Shakespeare who doubled as the world’s famous English playwright and poet was born on 23^rd April 1564 and died in April 1616.

Every human being has blood that circulate in the system but have we taking the time to think of who discovered that? The person who discovered the circulation of blood was an English physician known as William Harvey born in April 1578.

We always watch “Titanic movie” but don’t pay particular attention to when it really struck an iceberg and sank. This historic event happened in April 1912.

Quote for the month of April by Ralph Waldo Emerson

“April cold with dropping rain,

Willows and Lilacs brings again

The whistle of returning birds and trumpet-lowing of the herds”.

WATCH OUT FOR WHAT THE MONTH OF MAY ENTAILS.

EASTER FESTIVITY

2013-03-29T04:22:00.000-07:00

During the Easter gala, Christians across the world celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is typically the most attended Friday and Sunday service of the year.

Before the death of Jesus Christ, Jesus had promised eternal life to those who followed Him. If the story ended at His death, Jesus would have been no more than a religious figure with a finite life span. But the fact that Jesus Christ resurrected demonstrated He has the power over death, and only through Him can people have hope for eternal life. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Through his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believed in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of the Christian faith and the Apostle Paul went on to say that if Jesus Christ had not been resurrected then the Christian faith was worthless and futile (1 Cor. 15:14-17). Therefore, without Easter there is no Christianity.

The season is the most joyful and festive of the Christian calander. Worship during this time features the prominent return of the Gloria in Excelsis ("Glory in the highest") and the Alleluia ("Praise the Lord"), expressions of joy and praise that were removed from the liturgy at the beginning of Lent. Hymns and organ music are often reinforced with trumpets and trombones, adding to the celebratory nature of the season.

An old custom that is observed in some churches is people kneeling down on Easter Sunday but now it has changed. People now prefer to stand instead of kneeling which is the posture for the confession of sins and the reception of Holy Communion and a symbol of rising and resurrection.

The foundation of the Christian faith is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ lived the righteous and perfect life that we, because of our fallen and corrupt nature, cannot. He suffered the penalty for our sins by taking our guilt upon Himself and dying horribly on the cross.

He rose bodily from the dead on first Easter morning ensuring that we who have been baptized into His death and resurrection will rise again in glorified bodies on the Last Day. This is the great paschal mystery that Christians have celebrated since the earliest days of the church.

As the apostle Paul joyfully declared...Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive... "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gave us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Corinthians 15:20-22 and 55-57).

But after the three day celebration of Jesus, most families and friends troop to various beach sides across the country, on Easter Monday to have a smooth relieve of their resolution or to have fun either positively or negatively.

Some hold the perception that the meaning of Easter was derived from Estre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring.

Ostern is a German word which had the same derivation with Easter, but most languages following the Greek term was used by the early Christians and some of them were pascha, which was from the Hebrew word pesach meaning Passover.

In Latin, Easter is Festa Paschalia (plural because it is a seven-day feast), which became the basis for the French Pâques, and the Italian Pasqua,

Because of Easter's pagan origins, and also because of the commercialization of Easter, many churches refer to the holiday as Resurrection Day.

Aside that, Easter day celebration is enthralled with floral beauty, enchanting fragrance, vivid verdure, vibrant hues, clear skies and the birds chirping.

Did you know that, Easter day can also be associated with certain colours that carry their own meaning?

Yes, Every Easter color has a story to tell and bears a special relevance. If one is indicative of brightness, the other represents the darkness of our sins.

Red color is associated with the blood that Jesus Christ had shed for mankind which symbolize love and sacrifice for goodness of humanity. The Easter colour that signifies purity and grace is White.

The colour green brings ray of hope and is also known to be the color of grass. Purple is indicative of royalty. It is said that the color purple brings wealth. The colour yellow is related to the brightness of sun. It's a color that brings joy and happiness.

Easter colour pink indicates fresh beginning and the royal blue colour symbolizes birth of Jesus.

In many ancient cultures, eggs were a common symbol of new life. In medieval times, Eggs came to represent the Lord's resurrection. Just as Christ broke out of the tomb on Easter morning, the yolk of the egg breaks out of its shell when cracked.

Easter Sunday is the day of rejoicing that follows the sorrow of Good Friday and Holy Saturday. For most of us Christians, Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. It bears witness to God's enduring promise of eternal life. As the climax of Holy Week, Easter is a time of hope and assurance. It is humanity's turning point from destruction to glory and salvation.

So as we celebrate this Easter, let’s do it with some caution and know that we have died with Christ and have resurrected with him and not to use alcohol for his glorification. Loving one another is the paramount key.

“WORLD WATER DAY’’- WATER FOR ALL

2013-03-22T02:51:00.002-07:00

We all use water irrespective of where we are to satisfy our needs, that is why Water is known to be vital and a source of life.

Humans, plants, and animals are all made up of water. All living things would die if there weren't any water around.

We use water for drinking, washing, cleaning, cooking, and growing our food as well as many other things.

Water is a chemical compound consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen. The name water typically refers to the liquid state of the compound. The solid phase is known as ice and gas phase is also known to be the steam.

The intake of water on a regular basis is essential for lubricating ones joints, acts as a shock absorber in the eyes and the spinal cord and aids in maintaining constant body temperature.

It also helps in the function of the kidney as well as playing an important role in respiration, digestion, assimilation, metabolism, and waste removal.

Its keeps pressure, acidity, and composition of all chemical reactions in equilibrium.

That is why the United Nations General Assembly every year commemorates this day 22th March, as World Water Day all over the world in other to highlights a specific aspect of freshwater.

Over the years, each World Water Day, focused on a unique issue within the context of water sustainability. Sanitation, urban planning and trans-boundary waters have all served as yearly themes.

This year’s theme “International Year of Water Cooperation” aims at focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for sustainable management of freshwater resources.

The importance of this year’s theme is to strike a balance between the different needs, priorities and share precious resource equitably, using water as an instrument of peace.

Promoting water cooperation also implies an interdisciplinary approach in cultural, educational and scientific factors, as well as religious, ethical, social, political, legal, institutional and economic dimensions.

Reports indicate that, there has been tremendous effort to curb the level of waste food which results in the misuse of water. Therefore, awareness campaign has been created on healthier diets and effective storing of water.

By 2015, a target date set by the Millennium Declaration, hopes to halve the proportion of people who are unable to afford or reach safe drinking water.

As humans, we need to take good care of our water bodies, and not destroy it, since water is life.

“WORLD WATER DAY’’ water for all.

MARCH - THE MONTH OF LIFE

2013-03-17T13:12:00.002-07:00

A month is a unit of time initially used and invented in Mesopotamia to measure the natural period related to the cycle of the moon.

The word March comes from the Roman Martius and was originally the first month of the Roman calendar which was named after mars, the god of war.

Another name for March is The Anglo- Saxons called the month Hlydmonath which means Stormy month or Hraedmonath which means rugged month.

Mars was actually known to be a deity of fertility and agricultural. Mars, along with other deities like Ceres and Cybele oversaw the new growth of spring, and encouraged the continuation of life (fertility, sex, procreation in human, plant and animal realms).

Whether a god of war or agriculture, the personality of Mars is charging, unrelinquishing and brutally assertive. People find this kind of fervent focus in March too. At this point in the year, there is no stopping the burgeoning birth of new life.

March's birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone which symbolize courage.

One of the flowers most associated with March is the narcissus (Wild daffodil) which is also known as Lent lily.

Some of the event normally celebrated during March are; Commonwealth Day, World Kidney Day, World Water Day, World Meteorological Day , Human Rights Day, World Maths Day, International Women's Day and Easter but just to mention a few.

Did you know that March can be associated with Egg? Yes Egg, normal egg that we eat, whether boiled or fried. If you did not know, then sit back and read this shocking news……….

Egg is a symbol of fertility that is Creation. Countless creation myths begin with a grandiose and/or cosmic egg. Upon breaking it, the contents ooze out and begin forming the universe as it is known in whatever culture is telling the story.

Alchemically, the yellow yolk is symbolic of gold, and the sun (light, vitality, virtue, life, male). The albumen signifies silver and the moon (supportive, clarifying, purifying, and female).

In Christianity, egg is used as a symbol of Christ's resurrection (breaking forth from the tomb of death as a chick breaks out of an eggs casing). This comparison comes into play in springtime festivals surrounding Christ's spiritual ascendance and resurgence. The egg is also a universal symbol of promise and potential. Within any egg, at any given time, there rests dormant the possibility of life - and within that possibility is life in its overwhelmingly diversity.

When you give an egg to someone or you receive it as a gift, think that you are either giving a life or receiving life from someone so never reject anything in this life. Nothing is too small or too big.

Watch out for an article on “April”

By: Francisca Stokes

FEBRUARY- THE MONTH OF LOVE

2013-02-13T08:13:00.001-08:00

Love is the result of appreciating another's goodness and much has been spoken and written about the subject of "love." The greatest statement about "love" is the "Great Commandment." Its two commands revolve around practicing "love."Therefore, the most basic definition of "love" from the standpoint of God Himself involves knowing and keeping His commandments.

This means that we cannot love God with all our heart, mind, and soul until we know Him, know His commands and begin to practice them by "walking in the Spirit." The loving of our neighbor is similar as there are numerous commands given by the Lord that are directed towards one another. As Christians, it is up to us to practically learn how God commands that we treat one another and then begin to practice those commands by "walking in the Spirit.”

So with the basic knowledge about what love is, should we always show love to someone during Valentine’s Day…….food for thought.

February, along with January, was introduced onto the Roman calendar by NumaPompilous when the calendar was extended from ten to twelve. The word February comes from the Latin word Februarius, meaning to "purify" or "expiate."and reflects the rituals undertaken before spring.

In ancient Rome, Februarius was the "Month of Purification" and great festivities were held to reestablish the empire's focus on righteous living.

The Anglo Saxons called February 'Sol-monath' (cake-month), because cakes were offered to the gods during that month. February was also known to the Saxons as 'sprout-kale' from the sprouting of cabbage or kale.

Having only 28 days in non-leap years, February was known in Welsh as 'y misbach' - the little month.

In Shakespeare's time about 400 years ago, the second month of the year was called 'Feverell'. In Isaac Newton's time one hundred years later it had become 'Februeer'. The modern name, February, is only about a hundred years old.

According to the Georgian calendar, February is the second month of the year, and also the shortest month. February has 28 days until Julius Caesar gave it 29, and 30 days every four years.

February finally sees many of us getting our first breath of fresh air. And, by this time of the year, the pressure of New Year's resolutions is either incorporated itself into healthy habits or dropped by the wayside (depending upon if we've kept our resolution vows or not :).

The flower Violets in February, signifies hope, inspiration and promise. The Violet is a symbol of the ancient city of Athens. Its fragrance is sweet and the Violet has been used for centuries as a key ingredient for perfumes to arouse and stir whirlpools of love.

Another flower for the month is Primrose. It was one of the first to herald the forthcoming of spring. Its name, primrose is derived from the Latin primus meaning first. Primrose symbolism includes courage, renewal, love and devotion.

As we merry this val’s day, which has become a ritual for most of us, we should be cautious of our health so us to be healthy and live the years God has granted us.

This is the second in the series of articles on all the months of the year. Watch out for “MARCH’

By: Francisca Stokes

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW JANUARY AND THE NUMBER 13?

2013-01-17T11:08:00.001-08:00

Have you ever thought of the meaning and symbolism of January and 2013? If not then stick to your seat and start reading. January being the first month marks a new year that is a new beginning for most people and every beginning prompts them to thoughtfully consider past events that have accumulated to this present moment. Each of their moments stack up, one upon the other only to meet their present day, and then these moments unfold into their future. The month of January was named after Janus, a two headed Roman god who guarded doors and gates. One of his heads was said to look towards the past, the other to future, when Romans first borrowed their calendar from Greeker, they had a year only 304 days long and divided into ten months, beginning with march.

History has it that January and February were added by a king of Rome called Numa Pompilius in about 700 BC. He made January the eleventh month and February the twelfth. This calendar though more accurate than the old one, was still not good enough. By the time of Julius Caesar, the dates were 3 months ahead of seasons. So, in 46 BC, Caesar ordered that the calendar be brought up to date, and in doing so made January the first month and February the second. Caesar’s calendar, called the Julian calendar was used for 1500 years.

January 1st is normally known as the New Year’s Day and is most celebrated as holiday in many countries. The Scottish “Hogmanay” is famous all over the world, and the custom of letting in New Year is by joining hands at mid night to sing auld lang syne is observed in Britain and many other English speaking countries.

New Year’s Day is a great time for family parties and reunions, and a time for New Year resolutions-not all which, however are kept for very long! In big cities of world, many people gather in a main square to welcome the New Year. In London, Trafalgar square is the traditional gathering place, while New Yorker crowd into Times Square. In Japan, New Year is celebrated for three days. In India, January 1st is a public holiday.

Quote: by Leland B. Jacobs: January opens the box of the year and brings out days that are bright and clear

With the number 13, it signifies great promise and blessing by God in the Christian kingdom. Recapping the story of Abraham, we all know how God called him to be a “father of many nations” as well as the “father of our faith.” God promised Abraham that he was to have a child, and from that child’s linage would come kings and rulers of “many nations” as well as the Messiah---“the Seed to come.” (See Geneses 16-17.)

Abraham and his wife Sarah were childless and in old age at the time God gave them the Promise. Through their many years of frustration of being childless, they tried to help things along by having a child through Sarah’s slave girl, Hagar. Through this act, their son Ishmael was born.

Years later God came again to Abraham and made the same Promise of Blessing. God iterated that the promised son born would be from his own wife. Nine months later, Isaac was born. And this is where the understanding of the number “13” comes from. All of the ramifications of the Lord’s calling of Abraham and him receiving the Promise is wrapped-up in the number “13”. Therefore keep the entire Scripture story in mind as we proceed.

In Genesis 16:15-17 it reveals that when “Hagar bore Ishmael, Abraham was 86 years old.” Then “when Abraham was 99 years old the Lord appeared to him” and iterated the Promise again---that He will give Abraham a son by his wife. I will bless her, and she will produce nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” (See Genesis 17:1-22.)

At 99 years old, God’s Promise came. At 86 years old, Abraham tried to bring about Gods Promise. Therefore, 99 minus 86 equals 13. This is “The Number 13 Promise”.

The Number 13 Promise is a “two-fold” promise. It always involves man and it always involves God. It always has seasons, times, circumstances in which God and man participate.

The number “13” does not mean “evil,” but rather it is a most powerful God-given promise that will change the world for ever.

This is the first in the series of articles on all the months of the year. Watch out for “FEBRUARY’.

By: Francisca Stokes

Celebration of Christmas and its Meaning

2012-12-24T13:29:00.001-08:00

Once again Christmas is here. On 25^th of December people normally show love to people they care about because God in his infinite mercies to mankind sent his only begotten Son Jesus Christ to come and die for mankind.

The day has been set to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ by Christians all over the world. The Date 25th December and the name Christmas didn't come into existence until 325 AD when Western Church, based in Rome, chose December 25 to celebrate the coming of Christ into the world. In English, this day was known as "Christ's Mass" which became "Christmas." The Eastern Church rather chose January 6. The day was named Epiphany, meaning "appearance." Eventually the period from December 25 to January 6 became known as the Twelve Days of Christmas.

But the question is whether Christians know the date when Jesus Christ was born.

According to last triumph ministries the date of December 25th came from Rome and was a celebration of the Italic god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god and the day was celebrated long before the birth of Christ. Christmas is a Roman Catholic word which in itself reveals who married paganism to Christianity and also is a combination of the two words "Christ" and "Mass.

The word "Mass" means death and was coined originally by the Roman Catholic Church, and belongs exclusively to the Church of Rome.

The ritual of the Mass involves the death of Christ, and the distribution of the "Host", a word taken from the Latin word "hostiall" meaning victim. It was noted by the pre-Christian Romans and other pagans, that daylight began to increase after December 22nd, when they assumed that the sun god died.

These ancients believed that the sun god rose from the dead three days later as the new-born and venerable sun.

Thus, they figured that to be the reason for increasing daylight.

This was a cause for much wild excitement and celebration. Gift giving and merriment filled the temples of ancient Rome, as sacred priests of Saturn, called dendrophori, carried wreaths of evergreen boughs in procession.

And since then, the date 25 of December has been celebrated all over the world by Christians and non-Christians. In celebrating this day they either decorate their homes, shops or buying gifts for loved ones or receiving gifts or hampers from friends.

Ghana's Fourth Republic in Perspective

2012-12-17T12:28:00.000-08:00

In the just ended 2012 general elections in Ghana, there is no dispute that every country needs the media for its growth and development. Ghana has undergone five successful elections since 1992 when the military handed power to the civilians.

The Fourth Republic was inaugurated on January 7th 1993 with the swearing in of H. E. Flt. Lt. Rawlings as President and his running mate, Mr. Kow Nkansah Arkaah as Vice President. On December 7th 1996, Flt. Lt. Rawlings was re-elected for a second four-year term as a President, with Prof. John Evans Atta Mills as his running mate. In the 1996 elections, President Rawlings beat Mr. J. A. Kufuor of the NPP to second place. In the Parliamentary elections, the NDC won 133 seats, the NPP 61 seats, PCP 5 seats and PNC 1 seat.

In the year 2000, the third Presidential and Parliamentary elections of the Republic were held on December 7th when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won 100 parliamentary seats while the National Democratic Party (NDC) obtained 92 seats. The People’s National Convention (PNC) obtained 3 seats, independent candidates 4 seats and Convention People’s Party (CPP) 1 seat.

In the Presidential elections, none of the seven candidates had 50% plus one vote as required under the Constitution. Thus in the Presidential run-off on December 28th, 2000, between the two candidates with the highest votes, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor (NPP) emerged the winner with 56.90% of the valid votes cast while Professor John Evans Atta-Mills of the (NDC) had 43.10%. In December 2004 President John Agyekum Kufuor won a second and final four-year term as President of Ghana.

In the 2008 Presidential elections, non of the seven candidate had 50% plus one as required by the constitution so the Presidential run-off held on December 28th 2008 was a straight contest between Professor John Evans Atta Mills of the NDC and Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP but could not also produce a clear winner until Tain Constituency decided and Professor Mills emerged as the President-elect.

Professor Mills was Vice-President from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry Rawlings, and he stood unsuccessfully in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections as the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Professor John Evans Atta Mills born on 21 July 1944 won the Fourth Presidential and Parliamentary elections of the Republic, on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was therefore inaugurated on 7 January 2009, having defeated the ruling party candidate that is the New Patriotic Party.

The just ended Presidential Elections was an interesting one. Coming at the heels of the demise of the President Professor Mills of Ghana who was also the flag-bearer candidate of the NDC and the death of the former vice president Alhaji Aliu Mahama saw different permutations.

Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP and John Mahama of the NDC were the strong favorite and it proof to be so. The election result which was a carbon copy of what happened in the 2008 presidential election saw the NDC candidate John Mahama winning one touch with 50.70% -47.74%.

However, the opposition NPP says it will contest the result, accusing the governing NDC party of conspiring with commission staff to rig the 7th Dec. 2012 poll.

The other common theme was “One Touch Victory” at either re-election or second term. Both Presidents Rawlings (NDC) and Kufuor (NPP) won their second terms by avoiding a second round. Now NDC has won a second term with one touch victory. The question is, would this be repeated and become the practice or the norm and should all elected Presidents and parties expect an automatic first round win at re-election?

The first and most obvious one is the first or Christian names of all the elected Presidents under the Fourth Republican Constitution. They all bear the name JOHN. That may be mere coincidence but why is the presidency in the Fourth Republic becoming the Johns’ purview? Jerry JOHN Rawlings, JOHN Kofi Agyekum Kufuor, then the late JOHN Fifi Attah Mills and now Ghana has elected JOHN Dramani Mahama. The second question is the issue of incumbency never losing. Rawlings won re-election, Kufuor did and now Mahama has won re-election, though this is his first election but a second term for the party he represents. Is the Ghanaian electorate legitimizing automatic second term for Presidents or political parties once elected for a first term? Indeed, caretaker President asked for a second term for NDC because both Rawlings and Kufuor were given second terms. Has the 2012 Presidential Election outcome formalized a second term in Ghana’s democratic dispensation?

How to boost your kidney system

2012-12-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

The kidney is an organ that basically act as filters to clean the blood. It is responsible for the removal of urea (a toxic waste product from the liver), removal of excess ions and adjustment of water content in the blood. These waste products are then eliminated in urine, via the bladder. During this filtration process, the kidney reabsorbs useful nutrients and recycle them for further use. Here, it is important for one to drink plenty of water at all times to help the kidney carry out their functions efficiently.

The following are ways in which one can boost his/ her kidney system.

Reducing the intake of animal protein foods such as meat and dairy products, as these can put a strain on the working of the kidney.

Cutting down on anything alcoholic.

The intake of Dandelion leaves, tea or supplements can be helpful as a diuretic to treat fluid retention and helps to prevent common kidney problems

Having a lot of exercise

Having more relaxation

Drinking a lot of water

Steps to Achieving Healthy Skin

2012-10-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

The Skin is the largest organ. Every pore eliminates waste and sweat, and sabsceous glands to help remove toxins.The skin reflects what is happening inside our bodies. If we are stressed,run down, or have over-indulged, this can show up in a dull, lifeless complexion, or as rashes, spots and blemishes. A healthy skin can be achieved under the following steps:

Drink plenty of water.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables-preferably raw or juiced. They provide betacarotene (the plant form of vitamin A) and vitamins C, both essentialfor maintaining healthy skin.
Choose whole grains, lean protein foods and moderate intake of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids, found in oily fish, vegetable oils and nuts and seeds.
Ensure that your diet is not lacking in the mineral zinc. Lean meat, skinless poultry, shellfish and nuts are all good sources and yoghurt and skimmed milk also supply useful amounts.
Restrict convenience foods, high in saturated fats.
Cut down on chocolate, sweets, highly salted snacks and soft drinks.
Restrict alcohol intake
Boost your circulation by exercising and skin-brushing.
Get plenty of restful sleep.
Take regular exercise in the fresh air and breathe deeply.

How to boost your vital organs

2012-10-11T02:57:00.000-07:00

The body is like a car, that benefits from a regular services to ensure it runs efficiently and has sufficient energy to fight and eliminate toxins from the body.
There are a number of simple steps that can help improve the over all functioning of the vital organs.
The Digestive System

Only eat when you are hungry, and do not overeat or eat large meals late in the evening.
Take time to eat each mouthful of meals properly and slowly.
Cut down on refined carbohydrates and food with a high content.
Do not drink too much with meals as this can dilute your digestive juice.
Start the day with fruit or fruit to boost the digestive system.
Herbal teas, such as chamomile, peppermint or fennel can be soothing.
Improve the overall condition of the gut by regularly eating low-fat probiotic yogurt.
Many herbs and spices are an aid to digestion, souse bay, caraway, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin,dill,fennel,ginger,parsley in cooking.

The Liver

Drink plenty of water-at least 2 litres/ 4 pints/ 8-9 cups a day.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables especially apples, citrus fruits, garlic, carrots and cabbage etc.
Avoid processed, salty. sugary, high fat and very spicy foods.
Try to eat mainly organic foods.
Cut down on alcohol and caffeine.
Exercise regularly.
Liver boosting supplement can help to neutralize free radicals that damage the cells.

Career choosing, My Decision or Parent Decision?

2012-09-30T09:15:00.009-07:00

Career guidance remains a tricky issue in many household.

Parents want the best for their children, which is understandable. However, when it comes to careers, they at times tend to push careers down their children's throats. While some children will play along, others never fully recover from being forced to follow a career path they are not passionate about.

Below are the views of some parent and children the writer sampled;

"Nobody knows your choices,interests and capabilities better than you yourself, not even your parents.That's why you should be the one deciding your future/career".

"Of course taking suggestions from our parent, is never harmful,they can always give you ideas and put up their views but ultimately you should be the one deciding ".

"But if you are going against your parent's wishes,then prove them wrong when they say you can't succeed in that field.Once you have taken up something, show them that your choice was never wrong.Be ready and work hard to prove yourself right only ".

"In my opinion parents have some role to play in the future of their children, rather than children taking a decision on their own .....its better if they discuss with their parents ".

"Though we say there is generation gap in thinking ... but at times we need to accept that they have seen the world more than their children. Instead of going against their will and wish... its better if u
you convince them as to why you want to take that decision,so that they will also be satisfied and happy. After all, they are our parents ".

"My ex and I decided that our son would grow up and be an Entomologist. We based this on his new born personality due to his curiosity. My ex and I never actually told him about our prediction because we saw it as more of a prediction then anything else. Today he is 6 and if you ask him what he wants to be he will tell you “A Gynecologist, because I want to make sure uteruses are healthy” . He will again go on to say “something involving bugs”, so I guess there is still hope for our prediction. (i.e. an entomologist is bug scientist) "

"Parents shouldn't choose careers for their children but I believe there is a constructive role they can play. Who are better than your parents to evaluate you critically but lovingly? "

"Parents of children with learning disabilities should be involved in helping their children think about work and explore careers. Academic achievement is important, but it should not be considered the most important part of the child's life. It is a means to an end. The end is a satisfying adulthood where your child can make a contribution ".

"I believe that everyone has the right to choose what they wish to do with their lives. Different people enjoy different things, and your job should honestly be something you love. If not, then you are definitely in the wrong field".

This is not an exhaustive debate so comment are warmly welcome.

By: Francisca Stokes

TAKING THE EXTRA MILE OF YOUR LIFE

2012-09-27T05:09:00.000-07:00

Living the life you have always desired, is life fulfilling. Getting to this life fulfillment is a very daunting task, which I call the extra mile task.

God Almighty, has destined each and every one to prosper in life, but it takes the extra effort to lead the pack. This world is being ruled with ideas, so if you are not dreaming, then forget to be the ruler but rather the ruled.

Matthew 5:41 reads “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”

God tells us with the above scripture, there is always the difference between the ordinary life and the extra ordinary life which He (God) admonishes us to take to the extra ordinary life situations.

Learning something new in life would always receive disapproval from family members, close associates, friends and the world. That should not deter you but should rather encourage you to strife to learn to do it and do it well. For with time you will get to see that, is the same people who would get to sing your success praises.

A lot of inspiration can be drawn from David, once the King of Israel. Professionally, David was a shepherd but whiles taking care of his father’s sheep on the pasture field, he used his extra time to learn how to play the harp and mastered on it. When Saul was troubled with evil spirit, he sought for David who was cunning in playing the harp in the whole of Israel.

1 Samuel 16:14-18 reads “But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

16:15 And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee,

16:16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is cunning player on the harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

16:17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.

16:18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.”

You can see that, David’s skill in playing the harp took him to the corridors of power, Saul, the King of Israel, the man David replaced as the King of Israel.

The road to attaining success or an enviable position is not as smooth and straight as you may want it but rough and rugged however the end result would take you to your destination, the fulfilled life.

This world is moving at a fast pace that is unimaginable, thanks to technology. Whichever field of endeavor you find yourself at doing, upgrade on it. Be it teaching, fixing of cars, hairdressing etc. or use your extra time to learn something new from your profession for it will pay off tomorrow.

IMPORTANCE OF FRUIT IN-TAKE

2012-09-21T12:10:00.001-07:00

Eating of fruits after every meal is usually considered as a preserve for the rich and the affluent in society. For the average income earner, this cannot be said to be the case. It has generated the debate as to whether people have not come to terms with the benefits that the body derives from eating fruits.

The term “Fruit” usually means the fleshy seed-associated with structures of a plant that are sweet and edible in its raw state. These include apples, oranges, grapes, strawberries, bananas, mangoes and many more. Generally high in fiber, water, vitamin C and sugars, fruits are required for proper long term cellular health and disease prevention. Regular consumption of fruits is associated with reduction of cancer, skin itching, cardiovascular disease and many more.

There are so many reasons why people take in fruit. Some take fruit in other to aid digestion while others use it for voice training.

However taken fruit according to some people has its side effect on them. But with the right intake of fruit, it helps the doctor stay away.

A consultant at FNS Nutritional, Mrs Rita Quist-Therson said, the regular intake of fruits serves as antioxidants to the human body and with the right proportion, one is sure to have all the needed vitamins and minerals to fight against diseases.

She bemoaned the irregular intake of fruits and appealed to all and sundry to constantly take them since taken of fruits boost one immune system.

When next time you go to the market, visit the grocery and grab a fruit to make you healthy.

By: Francisca Stokes

Infrastructural challenges confronting the Ghana Institute of Journalism

2012-09-21T10:00:00.009-07:00

Ghana, the then Gold Coast, being the fourth country in Africa to experience broadcasting by the effort of the Governor Sir Arnold Hudson on the 31st July, 1935 has come of age of experience. As a new media for mass communication, the country’s first leader, Osagyefo Dr. kwame Nkrumah established Ghana Institute of Journalism (G.I.J), to train practitioners who would be employed in this unwary profession. The Ghana Institute of Journalism, formerly The Ghana School of Journalism, was officially opened on Monday, 16th October, 1959, by the then Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Kofi Baako.

Initially, a department of the Accra Technical Institute (now Accra Polytechnic), the school had as its first principal and journalism tutor, Mr. Richard McMillan, the then retired Director of British Information Services in Ghana. In 1966, the school moved to the present site which used to house the Ghana Press Club. In the 1970s, it became part of the main stream of the education in Ghana.

The Ghana Institute of Journalism Act was enacted in 2006 (Act 717) to transform the Institute into a degree awarding institution. Subsequently, the president granted a charter to enable the Institute award its own degrees, diplomas and certificates for programmes which were accredited by the National Accreditation Board.

Ghana Institute of Journalism has contributed tremendously to the country’s political development and Africa at large but little attention has been given to the school by the government. G.I.J has produced a lot of human resources for the media industry, but infrastructural facilities have always been the problem of the school since its establishment.

In an interview with the rector of the school, Mr. David Newton, concerning the infrastructure challenges that the institute is facing, he said, “Ghana Institute of Journalism is facing infrastructure challenges because of its history”. The school started offering regular programmes without the needed infrastructures in place and because the school was placed under the Ministry of Information for a very long time, thereby contributing to the school’s inability to expand its infrastructural facilities.

According to him, there is an ongoing constructional work at the new Okponglo site for four storey building class room but because of the slow nature of funding, the work on the project is delaying. Since 2009 they have been making effort to solve the infrastructure development, where they sent a special request to GetFund to give them a quantum of money to finish the construction.

He further noted, “In two years, they should be able to finish the structure”. Due to limited funding, they are soliciting for support from various private companies. GIJ has been given an approval to extend its lecture halls before the completion of the new site. Some private companies like; Private Quarries have donated some stones to the school, the school has received confirmation of cement from Diamond Cement and GHACEM Company, Iron rod from Tema Steel Works, BS Steel Works ,some quantity cables and electric wires from Tema Metal Cable.

’’Practice they say makes one perfect’’. One of the numerous challenges students of the country’s premium communication school, Ghana Institute Journalism face has to do with the practical aspect of what they learn in class. Students of the school cannot boast of a campus radio where they can go and have access to the radio equipment and know their use.

The rector of the school expressed his worry about the institute’s inability to have its own radio set up. He attributed this problem to the fact that the school was initially meant to train practitioners who were already in the field. He said, after the school decided to admit regular students then it begun to make effort to set up a radio station. By the benevolent effort of some non-governmental organization, the institute received some radio equipment.

Apart from having small lecture halls, poor internet connectivity among others, the institute’s populations of 1,137 students have only one printing center with only two computers and some obsolete printers. Due to the pressure and overuse of the printing equipment, the place sometimes become overcrowded with students while their machines, especially the computers constantly freeze. Many students have expressed their disappointment about this monopoly printing center, owned by an individual.

Sarah Quaicoo, a diploma two afternoon student said,’’ I am suffering as an afternoon student because, due to lack of lecture halls, I sometimes have to go to Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for lectures and upon reaching there, only to be told that lectures would be held on campus which is very frustrating”.

The absence of hostels facilities in the school has made life at school so uncomfortable for some students. Because the school has no accommodation for students, those who come from far find it difficult to report on time. It’s not only stressful, but also contributes to the students sleeping while lectures are going on. Some students are sacked by lecturers due to lateness as a result of the distance and traffic jams they cover before coming to school.

Maxwell, a level 300 student, shared his experience concerning the hostel facilities, “Living with relatives sometimes does not create a conducive atmosphere for learning. For instance, a place you learn is being occupied by friends and relatives either chatting or watching television which you have to wait for the whole night”.

Again, many students lamented about the poor internet networking condition on campus. The few computers at the school library cannot access the internet, thus students are forced to go to cafés which cause them huge sum of money. There is also no culture of learning among students as a result of inadequate facilities. Because there are no departmental libraries where students can do their research, it sometimes leads to poor academic performance.

The rector in his final words added that the institute hopes to move to its new four story-building at Okponglo, which would be completed by the end of this year. He reiterated his happiness towards this move as he hopes it will solve some of the infrastructural problems of the school.

By: Francisca Stokes

RAINS AND FLOODS IN GHANA

2012-09-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

It has now become an annual ritual in Ghana that any time it rains heavily in most part in the country; there is flood which destroys lives and properties. Is it that we refuse to plan after the floods are gone or what? We have become vultures failing to build nest when the rains are gone. Regions like Greater Accra, Western, Eastern and Ashanti are noted for severe flooding when it should rain for two or more hours.

Who do we blame, is it the government who is supposes to make policies and construct proper drainage systems or the activities of the citizens in the country. On the side of government, the policies that government makes are not properly enforce on the citizenry thereby making the citizen to flout on the rules and regulations. It is a law that people should not build on water ways but what do we see, a lot of buildings have sprung up on water ways in most parts of the regions with policy makers on looking without proper sanctioning on the perpetrators.

Most of the drainages found in these regions were constructed about twenty to thirty years ago when the populations of these regions were smaller and therefore cannot contain the activities of the population that has doubled over the years. The drainage system constructed were open drainages which allows people to easily dump refuse into them.

Cleanliness is said to be next to Godliness, but as citizens, we have made it more like a slogan rather than living or practicing it. The daily rubbish we make in our various homes is found in open gutters which tend to block the water path and causes flooding. Plastic wastes are most of the time the dominant waste we make. The streets are littered with these rubbers which find their way into the open gutters.

The government should take the bull by the horn by pulling down all buildings on the water ways that affects lives and properties. Again, the government should stop constructing open drainages and small gutters but rather construct covered drainages which are bigger and better in situations like heavy rains.

The citizens should have proper way of disposing waste by being provided with dustbins at their various homes. Government should train more sanitary inspectors who would go round homes to make sure that their surroundings are clean and well kept. Offenders should be brought to book.

Finally, communal labour should be organized every fortnight at the various district assemblies to clean gutters and the surroundings.

By: Linda Abrefi Wadie

SKIN BLEACHING

2012-09-16T14:52:00.003-07:00

Bleaching, whitening and lightening. Whatever you call it, the business of cosmetic enhancement to make dark skin look paler continues. Creams, pills and surgical treatments are used across continents by darker-skinned ethnicities hoping for a whiter complexion. But the problem, like most of those thrown up by the cosmetic industry, is often seen as largely as the concern of women.

The perception is that the fairer you are, the more likely one is to become successful socially, economically and romantically. Dark skinned people say “White people get the better things in life, yes,” “You have a lot of advantages when you are white.” Women believe a fair complexion is the key to finding a successful partner: "In the marriage market, fairness is a big, big deal. You can go to the websites that are marriage brokers and the very fact that most of the matrimonial ads will present people as being fair skinned or not indicate that it is an attribute that the market values."

Dermatologists say, some of these creams work by killing melanin, the substance that lends skin its pigmentation and protects the skin from the cancer-causing ultraviolet rays of the sun. All people have melanin in their skin; the more melanin present, the darker the skin.

Some of the products contain steroids and hydroquinone, which are mutagenic. This means they can cause changes in the body that can lead to cancer. Many users find their skin gradually becoming darker when they quit using the chemicals, and some develop a scaly layer on their skin. Few return to their original skin color once they have used skin lighteners.

The preparations contain large amounts of hydroquinone – a white crystalline de-pigmenting agent that is fatal in large concentrations. Victims will suffer from nausea, shortness of breath, convulsions and delirium. Damage to the skin – wrinkles, severe acne, marks – may be irreversible after prolonged use.

BY: Francisca Stokes