What to Pack for a Vacation

Article Editor on April 29, 2021

If one plans a vacation, it is not just packing for a trip to the beach that is important, but also what to pack for their trip. Taking a vacation is an excellent experience. However, it is necessary to ensure that their vacation goes well if one intends to return home in one piece.

One can certainly not predict when an emergency will take place, so one must have a kit containing the items one may need in case of emergency. George Rutler would pack light and efficiently. One should have a first aid kit and emergency supplies that include a tube of band-aid, extra socks, wipes, pain reliever, allergy medicine, and other medications. One should also carry a phone, a flashlight, sunblock lotion, bug repellant, an emergency blanket, and sunscreen or sunblock lotion. Other essential items to their kit include bottled water (for instant meals), bottled water, a garbage bag, antiseptic soap, toilet paper, tweezers, gloves, a garbage bag, a razor, and toothpaste.

When planning a vacation, packing for a family vacation can work, especially when kids are involved. However, the best way to approach the issue is to have a first aid kit and emergency supplies that contain items such as wipes, band-aids, eye pads, pain reliever, insect cream, antibacterial soap, tweezers, and an adult toy that children cannot get their hands on. These items will give one peace of mind should any injury occur. One will want to pack enough of these items to cover multiple children and their injuries. One will also want to pack a mini-refrigerator for hot and cold snacks during the day and a mini-fridge for ice cream or snacks at night.

Other essential items to any first aid kit include antibacterial ointment, bandages, antibacterial solution, sterile gauze, tape, wound preparation tools, eye makeup, tweezers, disinfectant, tweezers, safety pins, safety gloves, and antiviral medications. Other items to consider packing for a vacation are toiletries such as soap, towels, face wash, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, shaving cream, and lotion. Their wallet will go empty without the essential items mentioned.

If going on an extended vacation, more supplies will be needed to deal with hot temperatures and adequate clothing and footwear to protect the body from the weather. Regardless of the destination, make sure one has enough toiletries to last the trip.

Next, when considering what to pack for a vacation, always keep safety in mind. Always take a first aid kit with one to deal with medical emergencies as they occur. Do not forget to include sunglasses, sunblock, bug repellent, insect cream, and even liquid soap and sunscreen. If driving during vacation, always carry with one a can of compressed air when necessary, such as traveling to isolated areas or traveling at night.

Before packing for a trip, please consider any special needs one may have for this excursion. For example, if one is elderly or disabled, consider bringing grab bars or low ramps, chair lifts, and other items that may make travel easier. One may also want to consider carrying handheld flashlights and lanterns as these items can help to light a path and provide other safety features. Other special needs include pet carriers and wheelchairs.

Finally, when considering what to pack for a vacation, never forget personal items such as clothing, shoes, and items that one needs for entertainment. Pack everything but the necessary bare necessities. This way, one will minimize their space, load and not have any extra items that are not needed. George Rutler prays everyone enjoys their vacations in good health and safety.

Staying Motivated

Article Editor on April 27, 2021

Motivation is very important and what makes things happen. When people are motivated, they go beyond what they thought was impossible. If there is one area that people would love to change in their lives, it is staying motivated. So, what exactly is motivation?

Motivation is the inner drive to achieve goals and certain aspirations in life. It is usually influenced by gains, personal expectations and how much one wants to achieve the set goals.

Shalom Lamm strongly believes motivation is what keeps professionals going in their jobs. He believes professionals can keep working even when they are not feeling. This is the case during stressful times at work. 

Define Goals, Not Chores

Setting goals is one of the most important ways to stay and be motivated at what you’re doing. You will find the extra energy and drive to get going until you achieve your goals. Most salespersons close more deals and make huge sales when they reach their goals. The same goes for fitness goals. Without goals, you will give up on gym workouts before you achieve your goals. Goals give people direction, purpose, and focus. Choose goals that are achievable, measurable, and have a clear way to achieve them.

Focus on Enjoyable Work Elements

When people choose enjoyable goals like taking a yoga class, they are more likely to achieve them. However, this does not happen when people set goals that pass them through pain to achieve. For example, people with goals to work long hours are less likely to forge through the entire period. According to Shalom Lamm, motivation can keep professionals working and forging ahead even during the most stressful moments in their lives.

However, when people focus on the positive and enjoyable elements of their goals, they are bound to stay motivated. In a work situation, think of the satisfaction that comes with getting a certain task accomplished. This can be making a sale or closing down an important deal.

Make Your Goals Public

Telling people your goals or writing them down is equivalent to making a promise. This will get you motivated as you need to prove a point.

Plot your Progress

Have a plan on how you intend to achieve your goals and create a way to show the progress. People tend to stay motivated when they see important milestones on their goals. If your goal is to save a certain amount of money, stay focused and show yourself the amount already saved. This can motivate you further to accomplish your goals.

Harness the Influence of Others

We are social beings and easily influenced by things happening around us. Take a look around and see what others in the same field are doing. Who is the top employee in your company? Aspire to reach the employee’s levels or more. However, be sure to harness the influence of the right persons. You can talk to them and see how they achieved their goals. This can help you stay motivated.

These are just a few tips on how to stay motivated. Always have a plan, stay positive and look at the big picture. If others before you have done it, you too can do it.

Issues In a Relationship That Should Act As Warning Signs

Web admin on April 21, 2021

Relationships have truly been put to the test during the pandemic with mass lockdowns. There are people that have seen their significant other more this year than ever before. Remote work can make it feel impossible to escape the home and find that true work-life balance. Issues in relationships were truly emphasized due to spending so much time together. The fact that alcohol consumption skyrocketed is no surprise as people tend to drink when bored. The following are issues in a relationship that should act as warning signs it is time to end it for good. 

Infidelity Whether It Is Emotion or Physical 

Physical infidelity has become different as some people cannot leave their homes due to autoimmune compromised issues. People that live with those that are older might not want to risk bringing back the virus into their home. Emotional cheating can occur with the number of dating apps that can easily be joined and started for free. 

Physical cheating has also changed with dating apps as not all people meet out at a bar. There are a number of ways to track the location of a partner via a car’s GPS or location on an app like Snapchat. Partners should always be able to explain where they have been unless keeping a secret for a family member/friend. 

Substance Abusive With Your Significant Other 

A telltale sign that a relationship is unhealthy is when there is substance abuse occurring. People that drink daily together enable each other while another person might see this as abnormal. Substance abuse issues really came up over the last year or so. People had nothing else to do as they would normally blow off steam by going in public. There are those that couldn’t leave their homes due to being exposed to the virus or testing positive themselves. You might have to enlist the help of a Raleigh criminal attorney if arrested for possession of DUI.

Arrests Stemming From Your Relationship

Arrests stemming from a relationship of any kind is a relationship you need to evaluate. Domestic violence charges can be given to both parties depending on state law if there is mutual combat. An arrest could be due to substance abuse which is discussed above. There is no reason not to hire a criminal defense attorney regardless of the charges. The last thing that anyone wants is time incarcerated especially during this time. Jail time is much different now with quarantines and health checks happening frequently.  

Constant Fighting or Bickering Over Small Issues

Constant fighting is not normal and can be something that creates resentment over time. There are couples that fight a lot but it is more important to communicate issues with each other. Bottling up emotions is immensely unhealthy and usually will come out in a larger fight down the road. Bickering over small issues is something you need to start getting over. There should be mutual respect where you can communicate clearly with one another honestly.

Above are warning signs that your relationship is unhealthy and might be better off ending. Take time to evaluate your relationship to see if any of these issues could occur in the future.

Favorite Religious Books to Read

Article Editor on April 16, 2021

Father George Rutler knows that finding a favorite religious book seems a daunting task since there are a plethora of books that are religious in nature on every subject known to man. To narrow the search down, one must know what makes a book religious. A sincere search for a deity would be a possible answer. A religious book should inspire. It should take its reader on a journey into a different realm. It should share stories of good people who have to suffer horrible things, The Shack, by William P. Young comes to mind. It should tell how a person can make decisions that often go awry but can always end well because of what was learned from them as Coelho’s The Alchemist did for many. A religious book should paint a picture of life’s struggles, Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, and maybe even give readers a graphic idea of what the afterlife can be like as in Dante’s Inferno.

Everyone has a story to tell. Christian personalities, evangelists, apologists, and lay persons have put pen to paper and because of revelation, fear, struggles or divine inspiration sought to share a life changing word or experience that set them free. The desire to do the same for everyone who turns the pages of their books is why long after the book has been placed back on the shelf to collect dust, its words, characters and messages still resonate in the heart and lives of its reader.

Father George Rutler is such a writer. Rutler is a prolific author who has written over thirty popular books that have encouraged and inspired both Catholic and protestant readers. Some of his titles are A Crisis in Culture, Our Peculiar Times: Catholic Wisdom for Times of Crisis, The Wit and Wisdom of Father George Rutler, Hints of Heaven, and Stories of Hymns. He has also contributed articles to Crisis Magazine and writes a weekly newsletter.

Rutler was a practicing Episcopalian for many years. He served as an Episcopal priest for nine years in Pennsylvania and was the youngest rector in the Episcopal church in the states. In 1979 he became a fervent supporter of Catholicism after being received into the Catholic Church. He has since served the city of New York and his spirited parish at Church of St. Michael the Archangel. He uses his gifts and influence to edify people and point them to the Cross.

The favorite religious book for Catholics, protestants, agonists, atheists, anyone one desiring a saving and practical relationship with God is the Bible. This remarkable book speaks to the human experience and how we need a savior. It has everything. Lyrical and romantic poetry, history of kings and nations, letters that encourage, teach, and correct, revelations for the future, and essays about the beginning of time and life. If you need a favorite book curl up with a Bible, you will not be disappointed.

How I Overcome Challenges

Article Editor on April 1, 2021

Everyone faces challenges at one point in their lives. Challenges can help make a person stronger and they can learn a lot about their personality. Father Rutler has faced some challenges in his life. They did not stop him but gave him the motivation to succeed. Rutler has some advice for those that have some challenges to overcome and tips on how they can stay strong.

Develop a Plan

When faced with a tough situation it is important to have a plan to overcome it. Planning for the future can help a person see what they need to do to get where they want to be. They will look at all of the possible outcomes. This will also help a person decide what to do if the first option does not work out. Instead of giving up they can see what happened and keep on going to the plan.

Feelings

Everyone has good and bad feelings. People are happy and at other times they can be depressed. If a person is losing hope and they ignore this feeling it does not mean it is going to go away. A person needs to acknowledge how they are feeling. They may want to get help from others. Some people feel better if they write down what they are feeling. Bringing the feelings to life will make them real and a person will know that it is okay to feel this way. They will be able to work out a way to give them hope and they will be able to move on with the situation they are facing.

Help Others

Most people think that if they do good to others, good things will come to them. If they do good with others they can feel they are worth something in life and they can have something positive to think about. A person should not only help others because they want something in return. If a person has faced a challenge they know how difficult it is. Helping others through the rough time can provide support and they can share success stories.

Be Positive

When a person is struggling this is easier said than done. If a person thinks about positive things and the good things in their life they will be able to train their mind. They will increase mental awareness. This way when they are facing a challenge they will be able to look at the good things. A person will also be able to calm down and be mindful. This will allow them to sit back and look at the challenging situation and think of ways to make it better.

These are some things Father Rutler suggests that a person can keep in mind when they are facing a challenge. They need to take control of the situation and remember that they are strong and they will get through it. This will allow a person to take control of this challenge and regain happiness in life.

Should Everyone Engage in Volunteerism?

Article Editor on March 24, 2021

As seen with the outcomes of things such as global warming or the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a call to offer some helping hands to those and areas that are currently in need. In many communities, there are different ways to offer someone’s time and efforts in order to make a difference, all by simply volunteering. Some people, such as Shalom Lamm, have dedicated themselves to giving back to those who need it, and encourage people to do the same.

Human Services Volunteering

People, within the last few years, have been feeling the heat from things such as the pandemic and other impactful structures or events. Giving back to less fortunate people is important, especially from those who have time and resources to give to those who don’t. Within human services volunteering, things such as working at food banks is something close to home that provides help to others. More local opportunities that push to help those in need include things such as soup kitchens, donating to food pantries, and donating things such as masks and other PPE in the time of the pandemic.

If there is a calling or a need, some organizations, people, and even companies are able to volunteer to provide bigger things to those who need them. A popular organization is Habitat for Humanity, bringing people to countries or areas in need in order to build homes. It is also common for some companies to do outreach and fundraising activities for charity. These things may take more time, as they either do an event or ongoing projects for a cause. But if someone has that expendable time, building homes, other things, such as schools and churches through engraved bricks as donations, or even traveling to teach, have more significant impacts that can be done as well.

Environmental Volunteering

Another side of volunteering is the opportunities offered to improve the environment. With the threat of things such as climate change and global warming, the environment is in more and more need for help every day. In this way, people are able to volunteer their time to improve their local environments and work against these threats.

Many local areas have volunteer opportunities such as allowing people to participate in communal gardening, planting trees, or even simply picking up and disposing of litter on the streets. More and more lately, it is becoming more popular to volunteer time to teach others about, as well as practice and sort, trash disposal, recycling, and composting, which will have a lasting impact on the environment.

Why Should Someone Volunteer?

Volunteering is a way to give back, especially if people have the time and resources to do so. The act of volunteering is not only something that provides benefits for those in need but can also make the volunteer feel as if they have done something good and made a change in the world.
The world is full of people in need, requiring attention of those who have time and resources to spare, calling people, such as Shalom Lamm to devote their time to giving back. Whether it is a human services volunteer opportunity, such as food pantries or building homes, or environmental volunteering, such as gardening and properly recycling, the attention of volunteering is going to make an amazing impact on everyone’s part.

Spring Cleaning

Article Editor on March 18, 2021

Benjamin Cory Harow is a tidy fellow, he enjoys his home and all things around him to be tidy and clean. He is not messy nor does he suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder; he just finds tidiness and cleanliness a must. Harow wants to express the importance of spring cleaning and its many benefits.

Yes, traditional cleaning that is done day in and day out will help the process along quite nicely but it does require a bit more effort and attention to detail. When the winter months approach, it becomes cooler, it gets darker more quickly and viruses start to eradicate even more than the months prior. People begin to tighten up their agendas too; work and back home again and then the occasional necessary grocery shopping or outing. They shut their doors and tighten their homes as they want to escape the brisk cool days and even cooler nights. As bacteria and dust accumulate through these cool and shut in days with the lack of fresh breeze and outdoor components to help filter the houses there is higher probability for sickness. So as the days become longer, warmer and a lot more enjoyable it is time for spring cleaning to help the filtration processes along. It is time to attack the sitting bacteria and dust and eliminate it from individuals homes to reduce the risk of illness. Like mentioned before spring cleaning is slightly more abrasive than the day to day cleaning routine.

It is time to open windows, grab the cleaning supplies and clean those hard to reach places. Pull out the refrigerator, scrub the bathtub, shampoo the carpets and throw out the old, flip the mattresses, etc. Thoroughly cleaning the carpets will reduce dust and dander; helping those with asthma and/or allergies. Cleaning the tub will reduce the chance for molds; ultimately reducing the chances of multiple different illnesses. Opening the windows and allowing fresh air in will help circulate the air that has been sitting for months allowing for the stuffiness to be removed and the freshness to fill the home. Allow the sunshine to radiate inside and consume as much surface area as possible; as this reduces the chance for bacteria to thrive and bedbugs to hide. Pull out the refrigerator as all people know this is where dust likes to hide; maybe mold and mildew too. While the refrigerators are pulled out look inside too; pull the old and in with the new, reducing the risk for food poisoning too.

Benjamin Cory Harow also suggests to always include the day to day cleaning with the spring cleaning; making sure to eliminate as much bacteria and dust as possible. Scrub the counter tops, spray disinfectant, let the animals out longer, air the home and enjoy the sunshine. With a little bit of hard work and understanding the importance of spring cleaning the days will brighten and the deep breath of fresh air will be right around the corner as spring is near.

When Will it be Safe to Travel Again?

Article Editor on March 17, 2021

The world has been shut down for a long time. During this global pandemic known as COVID-19, the world has experienced new forms of working from home, communication, family gatherings, public guidelines, and entertainment. Even though it has been one full year since the lockdowns started in most of the world, there is a small light shining through the end of the tunnel. Research and scientists have begun to develop fully functioning vaccinations for the general use of the public. As we have seen recently, the amount of people per square foot in the world who have received a vaccine has greatly increased. With this new data being shown to the masses, everyone is wondering, when is it safe to travel?

Hopefully, with everything slowly returning to what is called “normal”, the idea of travelling with family and friends is a hopeful event. Now, having said this, the precautions from the start of lockdown are still in place to make it so that families and loved ones can return to travelling safely. Just because we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, does not warrant for the general public to ignore what keeps everyone safe. Us as a population need to maintain our belief in the scientists and researchers who know the concrete statistics behind what this pandemic has done and can continue to do. Diego Ruiz Duran has had a solid impact on the way people think about this pandemic, and being able to listen to that information is essential to staying strong throughout the last leg of this journey. Everyone needs to follow the lead of the scientists and continue to remain safe during the final stretch.

For those families who need to travel for emergencies, or for the people who need to hop on planes in order to continue their business, the work that is being done has been carried out in the safest way possible. However, like it has been mentioned in previous months, being responsible for family and those living in the same household is crucial to recovering from this infection in a timely manner. If the family does not have to drive, fly, take a train, or travel for any essential needs, being in quarantine in the comfort of one’s home is the way everything will return to normal. Quarantine is not the end of all days, there are plenty of activities and things to be done while maintaining a safe distance from anybody. Equally as important, when going out in public is a necessity, whether for getting groceries, working in the office, or filling up for gas, bringing the essential safety items, masks and hand sanitizer, helps those around you. All while maintaining the social distancing guidelines set up to assist anyone, being in public does not mean the safety of others goes flying out of the window. Diego Ruiz Duran believes in science and research and thinks everyone must do their part to follow the essential guidelines before we travel.

5 Things You Can Do on a Camping Trip

Web admin on March 12, 2021

Whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or renting a cabin, camping is just plain fun. It’s great to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and all of the distractions that are around us. 

Getting in tune with the outdoors is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and with your loved ones that you enjoy the trip with. If you’re in the middle of planning a camping trip, here are some of the best activities for you to consider doing while you’re there. 

Hunting  

If you’re planning on camping somewhere remote where there are no other campers around, then you may want to consider going somewhere where hunting is permitted. Hunting is a fun activity for people who love watching animals in the wild and enjoy the thrill of shooting. 

There’s nothing quite like looking through the scope of your rifle and aiming for game. Although hunting is not for everyone, it might want to be something you consider if you love a challenge. 

Birdwatching 

Birdwatching is a fantastic way to get to know some of the local birds around you. You might want to bring a book as a guide for some of the birds that you’ll see in the area. All you need is a pair of binoculars and an idea of what to look for, and you can have a lovely afternoon enjoying winged creatures. 

Swimming 

Assuming your camping trip is in the summer, you should seriously consider swimming. Find the nearest body of water and jump in! Depending on what kind of water it is, you might even want to bring your fishing pole. Otherwise, bring a snorkel or even a bucket and shovel for the kids if there’s sand. 

Make a Campfire 

What kind of a camping trip would it be without a traditional campfire? Campfires aren’t just great for roasting marshmallows, but it’s an opportunity to converse with the other campers and talk about life around the fire. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, then you might want to cook a meal over the open flame. Whether it’s vegetables or meat, there are all sorts of delicious recipes that taste even better when cooked over a fire. 

Read 

If you’re looking for an activity to wind down and relax In the tent, then you might want to consider reading. You’re on vacation after all, so why not enjoy one of the most relaxing activities there are, reading a great book. It’s a great way to pass the time if the weather is less than sunny or you’re just enjoying some downtime in your tent. Reading is a wonderful way to wind down and enjoy yourself.  

Importance of Bar Mitzvahs

Article Editor on March 11, 2021

A Bar Mitzvah is an important time in the life of a Jewish boy. He is being welcomed into manhood. Shalom Lamm believes in this tradition and wants the Jewish people to remember how important this event is.

Being a Man

Jewish people believe that when a boy reaches the age of 13 he is no longer a child. He needs to act like a man and begin to follow the requirements in the Torah. This is the right of passage to adulthood and the boy is being welcomed into manhood.

Learning

Before the Bar Mitzvah, the boy has to learn all of the teachings of the religion. He needs to study prayer and the beliefs of the religion. Shalom Lamm feels that it is important to know the basics of the religion and how to pray. When a boy reaches 13 he will be able to lead the Aliyah which is part of the synagogue service. This is showing that he can be trusted with responsibility.

Community

This event is welcoming the boy into the Jewish community. He will be part of something bigger than he is. The community will promote togetherness and the importance of following his faith. This celebration will bind the man to his faith. Many feel this is one of the most important religious celebrations that the boy will ever attend and it is treated with the utmost respect.

Celebration

The Bar Mitzvah is one of the biggest celebrations in the life of a Jewish man. This is a religious ceremony and it is a big event. While the party aspect of the event is not a requirement in the Torah many feel that it is a reason to celebrate. There are usually crash presents that are given out in multiples of 18. The number 18 is very close to a word in Hebrew that means life. This is another sign that the boy is being welcomed into adulthood. There is a reason to party to celebrate growth and keep the tradition alive.

Respect Tradition

There are many things in life that change. People seem to be busy and they do not have time for much. It is important to keep some traditions alive and respect some of the most sacred traditions. This is true with the Bar Mitzvah. This tradition is showing respect to the religion and in return is showing respect for God by keeping up with the old ways. This event is an important celebration and for someone that is devoted to this religion, they cannot miss it.

The Bar Mitzvah is one of the most important celebrations in the Jewish faith. A boy is no longer a boy. He is becoming a man and being bound to this religion. Shalom Lamm believes this event is an important tradition and it is a reason for a Jewish boy to celebrate. He is now an adult in the eyes of this religion and can be trusted with additional responsibilities.