Marnel Thelusma

12/30/2025

For a safe New Year, prioritize planning for transportation (designated drivers, rideshares), staying with your group, watching drinks (unattended/stranger-offered), staying hydrated with food, being cautious with fireworks (adults only, water nearby), and ensuring your phone is charged, all while avoiding drunk driving and staying aware of your surroundings to start the year without incidents.
Transportation & Driving
Don't Drink & Drive: The most crucial rule; arrange a sober driver, rideshare, or public transport in advance.
Be Alert: Even if sober, drive defensively and watch for erratic drivers, say Jackson Health System.
Pedestrian Safety: Stay in well-lit areas, use crosswalks, and observe traffic laws if walking, as pedestrians are also at risk, note SafeMotorist.
Party & Alcohol Safety
Stay Together: Stick with your group and communicate plans, suggest Air Force Safety Center.
Watch Your Drink: Keep drinks with you and don't accept from strangers, advises Thomas J. Henry Law.
Hydrate & Eat: Alternate alcohol with water and have plenty of food.
Host Responsibly: Offer non-alcoholic drinks, food, and provide a place for guests to stay overnight.
Fireworks & Home Safety
Adult Supervision: Only adults should handle fireworks; sparklers burn hot enough to melt metal.
Water Nearby: Keep a bucket of water for used fireworks and for emergencies.
Check Alarms: Make sure smoke detectors have fresh batteries before celebrations begin, says American Safety Council.
General Tips
Charge Your Phone: Essential for emergencies and rideshares.
Secure Valuables: Keep phones and wallets in front pockets and consider leaving valuables at home, advises Air Force Safety Center.
By planning ahead and staying aware, you can have a fun and safe celebration, according to EHS Insight and J. P. Perry Insurance.
To make this more personal, would you like tips focused on hosting a party, celebrating with kids, or managing fireworks safely in your area?

12/25/2025

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas
& a prosperous New Year!

12/01/2025

Happy December
Dietitians recommend balancing holiday indulgences with mindful eating, portion control, and regular physical activity. Key tips include not skipping meals to avoid overeating, prioritizing protein and fiber, staying hydrated with water, and using smaller plates. It is also helpful to mindfully enjoy favorite treats, limit portion sizes for high-calorie items, and focus on social activities beyond the food table.
Mindful eating and portion control
Don't skip meals: Eating regularly throughout the day prevents extreme hunger and overeating at meals.
Use smaller plates: This helps control portions, especially when using small forks and plates for appetizers and desserts.
Focus on balance: Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, and make sure to include lean protein and high-fiber foods to promote fullness.
Mindfully enjoy treats: Savor your favorite treats in moderation. If you don't love it, don't eat it. For desserts, consider sharing with someone or enjoying a small portion of your favorites.
Listen to your body: Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Stop when you feel your hunger is gone, and pause before getting a second helping.
Staying hydrated and active
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before meals, to help curb cravings and stay hydrated.
Choose drinks wisely: Alternate alcoholic drinks with water and be mindful of sugar and calories in juices and sodas.
Prioritize movement: Incorporate physical activity into your day, such as walks with family, strength training, or yoga.
Social and mental tips
Focus on people, not food: Engage in meaningful conversations and social activities that don't revolve around eating.
Be social with food: Offer to bring a healthy dish to a gathering to ensure there are options you can enjoy.
Don't feel guilty: If you overindulge, let it go and get back on track with your next meal or snack. Avoid the "clean plate club" mentality.
Set boundaries: Politely decline food pushers or comments about your food or body, and advocate for your needs.

11/26/2025

John 15
Vital Link: Staying" CONNECTED"to Jesus after his departure.

Remember no branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.
In what ways do you practice "remaining" in Christ?

1. Reading his Word daily
2.Praying
3.Fellowship with other believers
4. Showing Love
These are a few examples of
"Staying Connected"

11/08/2025

Yes, November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness about diabetes, educate the public about the disease, and encourage early detection and management.
Key Facts about Diabetes Awareness Month:
Date: November
Purpose: To raise awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and its management
Focus: Early detection, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options
Activities: Educational events, screenings, support groups, and social media campaigns
Symbol: Blue ribbon
Remember, early detection and management of diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life. If you have any concerns about diabetes, consult with your healthcare provider.

11/02/2025

The quote is from 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 and means that the weapons used in spiritual warfare are not physical ("carnal") but are divine and powerful, able to destroy "strongholds" of false arguments and wrong thinking. These spiritual weapons include things like God's Word, faith, truth, and righteousness, and they are used to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ".

A battle is a single, localized military engagement, whereas a war is a larger, prolonged conflict comprising multiple battles over an extended period. Wars are characterized by long-term strategic objectives, while battles focus on achieving a tactical goal in a specific location.

Feature

Battle

War

Scope

A single, localized engagement

A large-scale conflict involving multiple battles

Duration

Shorter, lasting hours, days, or weeks

Longer, lasting months or years

Objective

To achieve a specific tactical goal in one location

To achieve broader strategic or political goals over time

Involvement

Primarily direct military combat

Involves military action, but also diplomacy, economic sanctions, and propaganda

Example

The Battle of Stalingrad

World War II

10/30/2025

Good warfare," from a religious perspective, refers to the spiritual battle against evil and false teachings through faith, love, and obedience to God's word. It is not a physical conflict but a spiritual one, requiring the use of spiritual weapons like prayer, the Bible, and living with a clear conscience. In a secular context, "good war" can be used to describe a just or ethically waged conflict, but this is not the primary meaning in religious texts.

Religious context (primarily Christian)

Spiritual battle:

"Good warfare" is a metaphor for the Christian life, which is seen as a continuous struggle against spiritual forces of darkness, sin, and deception.

Key principles:

The primary charge is to "wage the good warfare," which involves holding onto faith and maintaining a clear conscience, as advised in 1 Timothy 1:18-20.

Weapons of warfare:

Armor of God: Putting on spiritual armor, including the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation.

Spiritual weapons: Using the "sword of the Spirit" (God's Word), prayer, and the truth of the gospel.

Examples of the fight:

Protecting the church from false teachings and doctrines.

Fighting against personal sinful thoughts and desires.

Living a life of purpose and love, even amidst opposition.

Goal:

The ultimate goal is to honor the Lord, live a life of obedience and personal holiness, and ensure one's faith is not "shipwrecked".

Secular and military context

"Good war":

In a secular sense, "good war" can refer to a conflict deemed necessary or just, with the "Good War" often being a colloquialism for World War II.

Just war theory:

This is a philosophical and ethical concept that attempts to define the criteria for engaging in and conducting a "just" war, based on principles of right intention, proportionality, and discrimination.

10/25/2025

The Plantation Historical Society is holding the Broward County Plant Affair this weekend, October 25-26, 2025, at Volunteer Park in Plantation, FL. The event runs Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring local vendors, native plants, and garden art. The event is free to enter with free parking, and proceeds benefit the Plantation Historical Museum.
Event details
What: Broward County Plant Affair
Who: Hosted by the Plantation Historical Society to benefit the Plantation Historical Museum
When:
Saturday, October 25, 2025: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 2025: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Volunteer Park, 12050 West Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, FL 33323
Cost: Free entry
Parking: Free parking
What to expect
Local plant vendors, Native plants and orchids, Garden art, and A chance to win prizes at the Plantation Historical Society tent.

10/25/2025

Baby boomers (born 1945-1965) are five times more likely to have hepatitis C, primarily because they were more likely to have been infected in the 1970s and 1980s when screening of the blood supply was less common. Many are unaware because the virus often has no symptoms for decades. The CDC recommends a one-time blood screening for this group, as early diagnosis can lead to a cure and prevent serious liver damage like cirrhosis and cancer.
Why baby boomers are at higher risk
Contaminated blood:
Many baby boomers were likely infected from blood transfusions or blood products before widespread screening of the blood supply began in 1992.
High prevalence during the era:
Rates of hepatitis C were highest during the 1970s and 1980s, and this cohort was exposed during that time.
Asymptomatic nature:
The virus is often a "slow-acting virus" that can go unnoticed for decades, meaning many people don't know they are infected until liver damage has already occurred.
What to do
Get tested:
The CDC and other health organizations recommend a one-time blood screening for everyone in this age group, even without other risk factors.
Talk to your doctor:
Your doctor can order a simple blood test to check for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus.
Understand the screening process:
If your initial antibody test is positive, a second test will be done to see if you have an active infection.
The importance of testing and treatment
Early diagnosis is key:
Finding out if you have hepatitis C is the first step to getting treatment and preventing severe liver damage.
Hepatitis C is curable:
With new, effective oral medications, hepatitis C can be cured in about 95% of cases.
Prevent serious complications:
Without treatment, hepatitis C can lead to serious health problems, including liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis.

09/18/2025

For women working in basic construction, finding protective eyewear that properly fits is crucial for safety. Ill-fitting gear can be ineffective and uncomfortable, so brands offer safety goggles and glasses designed to better suit women's facial structures.
Options for eye protection
Safety glasses: These are versatile and comfortable for tasks with moderate impact hazards, such as woodworking and most construction. Many feature side shields for peripheral protection from flying debris.
Fit and design: Look for styles labeled "women's" or "petite," as they are typically smaller, narrower, and have designs that won't snag longer hair. Some feature adjustable arms and nose pads for a more customized and secure fit.
Rimless glasses: Lightweight, rimless styles, like the Bouton Eva glasses, offer comfort for all-day wear.
Prescription options: Brands like SportRx and Rx Safety offer women's prescription safety glasses that meet ANSI standards.
Safety goggles: Goggles provide maximum protection against splashes, fumes, and significant projectile hazards, making them ideal for high-risk tasks like grinding or machining. They form a tight seal around the eyes for comprehensive coverage.
Key features to look for
Regardless of whether you choose safety glasses or goggles, look for these features to ensure proper protection:
ANSI certification: Look for an "ANSI Z87+" marking on the frames or lenses. This certifies the eyewear meets rigorous safety standards for high impact resistance.
Polycarbonate lenses: This material is lightweight and offers excellent impact resistance, making it an industry standard for safety eyewear.
Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings: These coatings are essential for maintaining clear vision in variable conditions and extending the lifespan of your eyewear.
UV protection: Choose lenses that block 99.9% of ultraviolet (UV) light to protect your eyes from long-term sun damage.
Adjustable and comfortable fit: A proper fit is non-negotiable for safety. Ensure the eyewear fits snugly without pinching and stays in place when you move your head. The frame should sit close to your face to minimize gaps.
Where to buy
Many manufacturers produce women's specific personal protective equipment (PPE). Online retailers like Safety Glasses USA, Radians Safety, and Amazon offer a variety of options. For specific needs like prescription eyewear, specialized sites like SportRx and SafeVision are good resources.

08/18/2025

Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating this month. We hope you have a fantastic day filled with joy, laughter, and everything that makes you happy.
May this year bring you new adventures, wonderful experiences, and all the best things life has to offer.

07/29/2025

Autism Connection to other hidden disorders.

Register now for this free class before tickets are gone.