Earlier this month, I found myself entranced by a series of awe-inspiring crystal chandeliers. Each chandelier was intricately designed and contained 75,000 crystals that sat within five concentric circles, according to Lasvit. Pure white light spilled from the exquisite fixtures and showered the Museum of the Bible’s Gathering Room in an inviting glow. Nestled within the museum’s top floor, the […]
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Everyone has heard of the gap year after high school; seniors often take an intermittent period after graduation to save money and decide if college is right for them. But what about a gap year after college? There are various reasons young adults may choose to take a gap year — academic burnout, monetary issues, or uncertainty of the future […]
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There was once was a time when personal devices for children seemed like an extreme indulgence in irresponsibility and excess; however, that train of thought has faded away in the face of the normalization of on-demand entertainment. Today the term “iPad Kids” refers to the fleet of toddlers and young children toting around electronics and has aptly developed a negative […]
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Oftentimes while having a heart-to-heart, a sinking feeling of realization settles in your chest; your confidant isn’t listening at all — they’re waiting for you to stop talking. Frustration shoots from your toes to your chest, and in an instant, dies in your throat. Your earnest words have fallen on deaf ears and an impatient mouth. Ouch. Listening intentionally and […]
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A couple weeks ago, I had to make a choice. I found myself standing at a crossroads with two options before me, and I was unsure of what to do. Usually, in these kinds of situations, I will draft up a Venn diagram, throw together some form of a pro/con list, or sincerely pray about the issue before taking a […]
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Whenever I read Hebrews 11 — otherwise known as the “Hall of Faith” — I always envision a long corridor, decked out with cabinets displaying trophies and awards of excellence that highlight the incredible faithful acts that Old Testament figures like Abel, Noah, Abraham and Rahab committed to the Lord many years ago. When opening the doors of this metaphorical […]
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Children are a massive responsibility. Raising these small, developing humans is not for the faint of heart. They require time, money and effort — not to mention intense care on physical, mental and emotional levels. However, the most dedication to child-rearing is required right at the start. That is why parental leave is so important for growing families. Many countries […]
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What if the key to boosting your productivity and mental health wasn’t working longer hours, but taking longer breaks? Countries around the world that prioritize employee “breathers” are seeing healthier, more constructive workers. Is it the United States’ time to follow their lead and integrate a daily naptime? If you attended public school as a child, you most likely experienced […]
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Genesis 2:22-24 says, “And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.’ Therefore, a man shall leave […]
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Do you resonate most with the qualities of an of extrovert or introvert? How about an ambivert? Some people may consider themselves a mixture of dispositions, often called personality variants. With the rise of digital technology and social media, however, people are beginning to wonder if these traditional personality variants are disappearing. Online tests are a great way to help […]
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The date was March 23, 1945, when a troop of American soldiers traversed the rocky and steep hills along the Rhine River in western Germany during the end of World War II, according to WKRN.com. Pieces of jagged shrapnel blended into the uneven cliffs of terrain, forcing the team of soldiers to attentively step forward into the unknown. Suddenly, German […]
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Cell phone and computer addictions destroy the college experience. While these devices provide ways to communicate with family members and document memories, they also cause students to struggle with their priorities — such as coursework, maintaining friendships and getting quality sleep. Attempting to complete assignments thoroughly while distracting notifications light up your device is no easy task. These unhealthy relationships […]
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When life becomes chaotic, I find myself wondering what it must have been like for the disciples to have direct access to Jesus Christ as he conducted his ministry on Earth roughly 2,000 years ago. What a gift it must have been for John, the beloved disciple, Matthew, the unfavorable tax collector and Peter, the overly zealous apostle, to be […]
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“The internet is a dark place.” “The internet is horrible for your mental health!” “The internet is poison.” The truth is, the internet has the potential to be good — when used wisely. The internet is like a knife; it can be used both as a tool and a weapon; it just depends on how users decide to wield it […]
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In an age where our lives are shared, liked, rated and commented on through screens, there are endless opportunities for insecurity to take root in our minds. As our online lives pervade every aspect of our real ones, a question arises: Has social media ruined romance and trust within relationships? Social media can be a double-edged sword. Sometimes it’s used […]
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