One of the biggest injustices that the vegetarian movement has endured is that in popular culture, the image of a vegetarian is that of a fanatic hippy or cult member who is “off the deep end” and cannot think about anything else besides “saving a cow” and pushing vegetarianism on everyone he meets.  The truth is that the lifestyle of a vegetarian is not that different than everyone else in the culture.  In fact, the odds are that somewhere in your social circle at work, school, church or in your family and friends network, you already know several people who are quietly enjoying the lifestyle of a vegetarian.  So to help us get over the negative stereotypes to understand how a vegetarian actually lives, let’s examine what is different about a vegetarians life.

The most significant difference in how a vegetarian lives is obvious because it is in how he or she eats.  You will not find any meat in a vegetarian’s kitchen.  Now this doesn’t mean that a vegetarian cannot live in a family and be at peace with meat eaters.  If the home has one vegetarian but others who are not, you will be able to tell from the presence of soy and perhaps more fruit and fresh vegetables in the refrigerator.  But the idea that vegetarians cannot be around meat eaters is false.  If anything vegetarians are peace loving and can live their lifestyle around others who are not of their belief system very well.

Grocery shopping with a vegetarian is an eye opening experience and one that is quite different in more ways than you would suspect.  Being a vegetarian isn’t just about what you don’t eat in that you don’t eat meat.  It is also about a completely different approach to diet and foods.  So you will not see a vegetarian buying food in the same way most people do.  There will be much more time spent in the fresh produce section of the grocery store.  The checkout basket of a vegetarian will give him or her away every time because it will be overflowing with fresh foods.

But shopping for food with a vegetarian means shopping in other places than the local grocery store.  It means buying grains and beans in bulk at a warehouse store because that is one way that a vegetarian maintains health by replacing the protein and other nutrients that the rest of the world gets from meat and replacing it with proteins from beans and other natural foods.  It also means shopping in farmer’s markets and even shopping in a vegetarian specialty store for some high nutrition meat substitutes like tofu.

The vegetarian movement is in harmony with many of the earth’s first movements such as the organic movement and the green movement.  So a vegetarian kitchen will have more organic foods on hand to reduce the presence of harmful pesticides and other substances in the diet.  Also vegetarianism affects the lifestyle beyond just the refrigerator and the pantry.  You will not find leather clothing in a vegetarian’s closet and you won’t find fur there either.  That has become for the most part vegetarians are sensitive to animal rights and they don’t want to see the skin of animals used in their clothing.

The house of a vegetarian will also be a recycling house to do all that is possible to cut down on waste and to be earth friendly.  Along with recycling bottles and cans as you might expect, a vegetarian recycles a lot right at home.  A recycling home will often have a compost pile in the yard for food waste and it will also support a good sized garden to use that compost to grow at home organic foods to supplement a healthy diet.

For obvious reasons, a vegetarian will have vegetarian friends and belong to social groups and attend functions that support the vegetarian lifestyle.  Eating out with a vegetarian will mean going to more ethnic food restaurants and you will see a lot of creativity in how to order foods in a restaurant.  But contrary to popular opinion, vegetarian eating is more flavorful and diverse than the normal diet.  

Just spending a day with a vegetarian will reveal to you a more harmonious lifestyle that is sensitive to the environment and at peace with itself.  It is a healthy and happy lifestyle and one that should be attractive to all of us.

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Born from the visionary mind of Gerald C. Anderson, Sr., The Lyfe Magazine launched in January 2017 with a mission to deliver positive media to the world. Initially a quarterly publication spotlighting global entrepreneurs, The Lyfe Magazine has evolved into a dynamic platform that extends its reach through The Lyfe Live. Join Tina Marie Hollywood and Gerald as they bring you informative, entertaining, and uplifting conversations.

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Black Panther History

Real Name: T’Challa

Height: 6’

Weight: 200 lbs

Powers: T’Challa’s senses and physical attributes have been enhanced to superhuman levels by the heart-shaped herb.

Abilities: T’Challa is a brilliant tactician, strategist, scientist, tracker and a master of all forms of unarmed combat whose unique hybrid fighting style incorporates acrobatics and aspects of animal mimicry. T’Challa being a royal descendant of a warrior race is also a master of armed combat, able to use a variety of weapons but prefers unarmed combat. He is a master planner who always thinks several steps ahead and will go to extreme measures to achieve his goals and protect the kingdom of Wakanda.

Affiliations: Formerly Fantastic Four, Secret Avengers, Avengers, Pendragons, Queen’s Vengeance, former Fantastic Force financier

Aliases: Luke Charles, Black Leopard, Nubian Prince, the Client, Coal Tiger, has impersonated Daredevil and others on occasion

More on Marvel.com: http://marvel.com/universe/Black_Panther_(T%27Challa)#ixzz54xBeRrEI

First Comic Book Appearance: Fantastic Four Vol. 1 #52 (1966)

Story Line

After the events of Captain America: Civil War, King T’Challa returns home to the reclusive, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to serve as his country’s new leader. However, T’Challa soon finds that he is challenged for the throne from factions within his own country. When two foes conspire to destroy Wakanda, the hero known as Black Panther must team up with C.I.A. agent Everett K. Ross and members of the Dora Milaje, Wakandan special forces, to prevent Wakanda from being dragged into a world war.

T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King who of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people and their way of life.

Cast

Chadwick Boseman – T’Challa/Black Panther Michael B. Jordan – Erik Killmonger Lupita Nyong’o – Nakia Danai Guria – Okoye Martin Freeman – Everett K. Ross Daniel Kaluuya – W’Kabi Andy Serkis – Ulysses Klaue/Klaw Angela Bassett – Ramonda Forest Whitaker – Zuri Letitia Wright – Shuri Winston Duke – M’Baku Sterling K. Brown – N’Jobu John Kani – King T’Chaka Florence Kasumba – Ayo Sydelle Noel – Dora #1/Xoliswa Isaach De Bankole – River Tribe Elder Connie Chiume – Mining Tribe Elder Stan Lee – David S. Lee – Limbani Atandwa Kani – Young T’Chaka Sope Aluko – Shaman Nabiyah Be – Tilda Johnson Francesca Faridany – Museum Director Mark Ashworth – Security Guard Bambadjan Bamba – Military Leader Alexis Rhee – Sophia Seth Carr – Young Killmonger Tony Sears – French Ambassador Sasha Morfaw – Nigerian Woman Elizabeth Elkins – CIA Agent Shaunette Renee Wilson – Dora Milaje

Tunde Laleye – Border Tribesman

Numerous studies have linked processed meat to diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, and bowel and stomach cancer. Eating high amounts of processed meat over a long period of time may increase your risk of many chronic diseases. All meat that has been cured, smoked, canned, dried or salted is considered processed.

Processed meats:

•    Sausages
•    Hot dogs
•    Salami
•    Beef jerky
•    Bacon
•    Ham
•    Vienna sausage

Charred meat

Barbequing on the grill for the Fourth of July is a great way to entertain friends and family. The meat has great flavor but unfortunately, it produces harmful carcinogenic compounds. To avoid this, marinate meat for 30 minutes before grilling. Add spices, like turmeric, rosemary, oregano and black pepper to ground meat or partially pre-cooked meat in the oven before putting them on the grill.

Soy Protein

Most soy grown in the US is genetically modified to contain extreme levels of glyphosate, an active ingredient in weed killer, which is linked to many health problems like human cell death. Organic soy is the best option.

Farmed-raised fish

Farm raised fish such as Tilapia and Atlantic salmon (code name for farm salmon) has been fed hormones, drugs (antibiotics), an unnatural diet, and are grown using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Cancer causing dioxin levels in farm salmon is 11x higher than in wild salmon. Although some wild caught fish may have been exposed to environmental hazards, wild caught varieties are still better than farm raised fish.

Canned foods

Canned foods are contaminated with some of the most dangerous pesticides; especially canned green beans. They are lined with BPA, (Bisphenol A) a synthetic estrogen. A better option to buy is fresh or frozen vegetables but the best option of all is homegrown in your own garden.

Meet the Coach – Health Nut Suzy

Susanna K. Green is an entrepreneur and the proprietor of multiple successful businesses; Sweet Nectar Publishing, Health Nut Suzy, and Central Florida-Operation Detox. Susanna is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Wellness Coach. In addition, she is a Published Author and Instructor who has written many health and wellness books as well as published multiple online wellness courses. She is the Editorial Director for ‘The Lyfe Magazine’ where she writes the monthly wellness article. Susanna is a Reiki Master Teacher and hosts a monthly Reiki training. She is also a Relaxation Massage Therapist. You can find Susanna’s products and services on her website at www.healthnutsuzy.com

Susanna’s Philosophy, Strategy and Goal

Philosophy: “When you love your body, it will love you back.”

Strategy: To offer you tools, knowledge and guidance to help you identify underlying issues and create healthy lifestyle choices that will be sustainable.

Goal: To get to the root cause of your problem, instead of just masking the symptoms.

For more health tips, click this link: “Live Well to 100: 8 Anti-Aging and Health Enhancing Tips”.  Then type in the coupon code LiveWell19 for an awesome discount.

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JUST A THOUGHT….Church Folk by Michelle Andrea Bowen

Let the church say AMEN! Praise the Lord everybody! I can’t hear you! Let’s make some noise up in here for JEEESSUUUS! I don’t know about you, I don’t want a rock to cry out for me! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Now give God a hand clap of praise! Hallelujah!

If you have attended an African American church, then you know what I’m talking about. Everyone talks about the goodness of the Lord. An African American church can be one of the liveliest and loudest churches on any given Sunday morning. In the novel, Church Folk, Michelle Andrea Bowen, gives us an up-close and personal view of everyday church folk, as she introduces the readers to the up-and-coming new preacher, Reverend Theophilus Simmons.

Reverend Theophilus Simmons has just been appointed Pastor of Greater Hope United Church. The setting takes place in Mississippi in the 1960’s. Bowen brings to light the ups, downs, the good along with the ugly, and not so Holy Ghost filled church folks that will have you hollering and saying out loud, Amen!

While Bowen ushers you into the sanctuary showing you the real church folk, the reader begins to reminisce about their own church experience. Often shaking their heads and thinking… wow! That happened in the 1960’s… things haven’t changed at all. The same old thing is happening now, just as it did back then.

As Bowen continues to usher the reader down the aisle closer to the altar, we suddenly realize that Reverend Simmons is going to need help to make it through the muddy waters he has tracked into his house. We all have things that we would like to keep hidden and never reveal. Reverend Simmons is no exception. Reverend Simmons is young and single, and his weakness seems to be women. However, his previous indiscretion with Glodean, the girl that wants to please all, will tear at the very fiber of his being.

Reverend Simmons married Essie Lane, a woman he met at a “jook joint.” Little did he know that his escapade with Glodean would put his marriage to the test. Not only would his marriage be tested by church folks but other things begin to surface and run down the aisle like someone left the faucet running.

This novel addresses the politics, jealousy, church folk and the role they play in the church’s culture. As a reader, we should remember that Reverend Theophilus Simmons is only human! He’s just a man. Bowen explores the real men behind the clergy collar. We all make mistakes, even the preachers! But the one thing we have in common is that we can all repent. Take it to the Lord in prayer.

The doors of the church are open. As Bowen pushes the reader to the final destination….the altar, anyone can give their life to God and start over. Are you willing to cast all of your cares on Him? Remember He cares for you.

LET THE CHURCH SAY, AMEN!!

If you are in entrepreneur or aspiring to become an entrepreneur, it’s a well-known fact that your branding speaks volumes to the ideal client in which you attempting to connect with. When they see you in the community, that’s your brand. What they tell others about you, is your brand. Your mission statement, vision and values all comprise your brand. Your brand includes a promise to deliver a certain “thing”. The specific and look and color scheme present on your graphic material becomes known as a part of your brand. So, today let’s look at a few items that will help you become recognized as you develop your brand. It may change and evolve and that is perfectly okay. Just do not allow any of this to stop your progression.

First Things First

Number one, research colors and the meaning of certain colors, these colors on your advertisements will help draw in your client. According to what type of emotions you evoke through the color schemes that you use on your website, cards, and marketing materials, they will feel a certain way when they see your brand. Your customers should enjoy this feeling, and that is why they follow your brand and purchase your product or services. What type of emotions are you bringing forth in your ideal client?

What’s Next

Number two, make sure that all photography of you, your events, your products, and even your logo is done professionally. Do not skip out on this piece. Although it seems like a small thing, your presentation is everything. If you cut corners here, your customer base will know it and recognize it.
The customer may feel like you might cut corners and other areas of business. They might start to think negatively about your brand right from the start. Do they provide the best customer service? Do they return calls in a timely manner? Are they exhibiting a bad reputation when it comes to your pricing? Are they really trying to give me the best at the best price, or just be cheap all around? Let your first impression be your best impression! Leave no room for doubt concerning your brand.

Lastly

Number three take a look at everything that you’ve done to make yourself stand out in the marketplace. How are you different? How are you perceived? Do you blend in with all of the rest competition? You see, in any business there is competition everywhere, so you will have to put a twist on your brand that will make you stand out from the ordinary. No matter what type of business, or what line of service that you provide, there will always be someone else out there attempting to do it better. But do you know what? Only you can do it your way! So, shine brightly, and let the world see who you are! Be bold, be fierce, be you! These Branding 101 tips entails just a few items of creating your signature stamp, but you will definitely be on your way if you implement these few suggestions!

As an entrepreneur, I have learned several times that you have to stay the course, no matter what comes up. There will be times when you feel like you’re moving through molasses toward your goals. The one thing to remember is that you’re moving! Here are three elements in the pursuit of success that entrepreneurs must embrace.

Failure

Janet Fitch said, “The phoenix must burn to emerge.” I love this quote because it tells me that you can fail and you will fail. But, failure is only another step forward in the pursuit of your goals.

Change

Another thing to understand in entrepreneurship is that at times you will have to change. The successful entrepreneur will realize when a change is necessary and do it. Sometimes success calls for you to change several times. Don’t worry; it’s all a part of business.

Ben Franklin knew about change. He stated, “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” This powerful statement on change tells us that change happens all the time. Very seldom do you find the right path the first time through. As you go through your entrepreneurial path, you will make changes. Don’t fear change, embrace it. In fact, you should plan for changes and those on your team need to understand that change is inevitable.

Take Risks

Over the past ten years, I have worked with risk analysts. I’ve learned a great deal about risk. For entrepreneurs, learning to take risks might be a difficult thing to embrace. Yet, it is necessary to meet success.

Don’t jump in and take a risk. Risk tolerance is, “The willingness of some person or organization to accept or avoid risk.” Think of it as gambling at a slot machine. Are you willing to ‘risk’ $1 or $5 in that machine? So, take a moment to establish your tolerance level. Once you’ve established this level you can decide when to take a risk. Remember, your tolerance level can and will change. The main thing to remember is that taking a risk is not a bad thing. Successful entrepreneurs take risks. They also know when to not take risks.

These three items are not the Holy Grail to success, they are merely three things that you should consider in your journey.

Be blessed!

Neo-soul is a musical genre that fuses contemporary R&B and 1970s-style soul with elements of hip-hop. The music is basically modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. Neo-Soul is said to be more soulful and has deeper messages and meanings.

Let it Raine

I stumbled upon a great talent when I was looking for someone to sing “Let it Raine” from my soundtrack entitled, “Standing Firm.”   From the moment I heard her sing the song, I knew she would be perfect for it.  I decided to listen to some of her other songs and realized this young lady has talent.

Background

Lahla-Hadiya Castro was born in Washington, DC to Reverend Carl C. Craighead, Sr and Leuvenia H. Craighead.  She graduated from Parkdale High School and later from the University of Maryland with a degree in Elementary Education.

At five years of age, Lahla-Hadiya started singing with her family.  She hails from a family of singers, so it was a natural thing for her to follow that path.  In fact, her father managed a singing group and her mother was a member of the group.

She started writing poems when she was seven years old and turned them into music at age 12.

Bringing Awareness Through Her Music

“I tailor my songwriting to bring awareness to life, love and relationships.  I use my music as a platform to minister to others,” said Lahla-Hadiya.  If you ever have a chance to hear her, you will understand what she means.  Her songs are very touching and run deep with emotion; they bring out feelings in you.

The song “More of You” from her recent double album, “My Thoughts” was the perfect choice for the movie “Standing Firm.”  At the premiere everyone in the audience felt the depth and meaning of this song.  Renata Mikae was the actress who played the role of Raine Davis in the movie.  She got into the song deeply and felt its meaning.  Renata said, “The words and feeling of the song made me feel the longing for my man mentally and spiritually.  I could feel her sense of need in the words.”

The second part of “More of You” gives the listener the feeling of God calling to mankind about needing more from us spiritually.  Lahla-Hadiya deeply feels a relationship with God and wants her fans to feel that emotion in her songs.

One of my favorite songs on Lahla-Hadiya’s latest album is “No.”  This song resonated within me because of my movie.  I originally purchased her album to listen for songs that might fit the movie.  This one was perfect.  Lahlia-Hadiya is telling the story of a woman who is fed up with a man breaking her heart over and over again.  Like Raine Davis in the movie, she has decided to move on with her life.  When you hear this song, it reminds you of the 70s when music brought you to a place where you might have been.  It stuck hard to a memory.  I for one have been on both sides of this and “No” made me feel it.

J-Lah Productions

Not only does Lahla-Hadiya sing and write music, she also produces music through her company, J-Lah Productions.  J-Lah Productions is owned and operated by Lahla-Hadiya and her husband, Johnnie Castro.  Johnnie is also the engineer and a talented musician as well.  J-Lah Productions is a production company that specializes in artist management, production, studio rental, event planning and promotions.  One of J-Lah’s newest clients is their 11-year-old daughter, whose debut album, “Blow Your Mind” will be released this year.

Lahla-Hadiya’s goal is to build an empire with her husband and create a legacy for their children.  She knows that her talents are from God and wants to use them to help minister and bless God’s people.

Lahla-Hadiya and Her Family

When Lahla-Hadiya isn’t busy with music, she’s busy being the mother of five active children.  Besides her 11-year-old who’s releasing her album, her 9-year-old son is working on his 2^nd degree black belt in Taekwondo.  She’s also active in helping her husband release his debut single and assisting her children in putting together their first event, “Movies on the Lawn,” in the spring.

“Movies on the Lawn” will feature movies on a big screen television in the yard of their home.  The kids are encouraging other kids to join them in the inaugural venture for some fun and entertainment.  Community involvement and helping provide entertainment for kids is a key endeavor for Lahla-Hadiya and her family.

The Future

Currently, Lahla-Hadiya is working on her third album, which is a promotion of self-worth and the realization of a purpose.  Lahla-Hadiya said, “I am excited about what God has in store for me and my family.  I can’t stop, so I won’t stop because, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’”. (Phill 4:13)

The release date for her new album has not yet been set, but we are certainly looking forward to more from this talented singer/songwriter.

You can connect with Lahla-Hadiya through her social media:

Website: www.jlahproductions.net

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/QueenLahla

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LahlaHadiya

Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/lahlahadiya

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Amidst an ever-loudening outcry from advocacy groups, lawmakers, and common citizens over the Trump administration’s practice of separating immigrant children from their families at the border, First Lady Melania Trump made an unplanned visit to a children’s shelter in Texas.

According to a report from CNN, “federal authorities have separated at least 2,000 children from their parents.” The move came as Trump worked to fulfill a campaign promise to crack down on illegal immigration. In May, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen put into action a plan to prosecute, in federal courts, everyone apprehended entering the United States illegally. This works hand-in-hand with the Justice Department’s new zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal entry into the country. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has ordered federal prosecutors to refer criminal charges accordingly. To emphasis the seriousness of the threat, Sessions told a group from the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, “So, if you cross the border unlawfully, even [if it is] a first offense, we’re going to prosecute you. If you’re smuggling a child, we’re going to prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you, probably, as required by law. If you don’t want your child to be separated, then don’t bring them across the border illegally.” Asylum seekers are not exempt from the policy and may carry a conviction, even if a judge later grants their asylum request.

With parents being detained in federal prisons, provision had to be made for the children taken from them at the time of their arrest. The government opted to house them in warehouses, a former Walmart, and other such facilities. Inside these vast buildings, the children live in cages made of chain link fencing. Reports have surfaced of teenagers looking after younger children whom they do not even know because the government has not provided adequate care.

In late June, U.S. District Judge Dana Sabraw in San Diego ordered the Trump administration to reunited children with their parents within thirty days (within fourteen days for children under five years of age). Further, President Trump signed an executive order ending the practice of separating families. The Justice Department is seeking to satisfy both orders, not by releasing children and their parents, but by ensuring that parents and their children are jailed together as the parents await trial. Even this move is proving problematic as the government has failed to keep the records needed to trace the children back to their parents. CNN reported, “In some cases, federal officials secretly sent the children to city facilities without notifying the local government, as was the case in New York City, making finding them even more complicated.”

The federal government was quick to tear families asunder but is being slow in righting that wrong. It is in this atmosphere that First Lady Melania journeyed to Texas. For the trip, she chose to wear a military-green jacket. Across the back, in large white letters, it read, “I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?” Her spokesperson claimed it was just apparel and there was no hidden message. To this, her critics replied that the message was, indeed, loud and clear.

No, this will not be an attempt to tell you how to pick the best lemons at the grocery store.  It will be an attempt to help you make the absolute best out of any sour situation that comes your way in life.  You’ve heard the old adage: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

As a Florida resident, we just experienced Hurricane Irma.  By all accounts, it was to be the largest natural disaster in the United States ever! Having lived in Florida for twenty-four years I have weathered many storms during hurricane season. Never before had I felt the need to leave, especially when a mandatory evacuation had not even been called for yet. This time around, however, something was different.  I made the decision to pack up my family and leave. The decision to leave was an easy one to make because I was feeling so uneasy in my spirit.

Easy or not, the fact of the matter was there were so many great unknowns.  Because of the magnitude of the storm, I wasn’t sure if we would have a house to come back to afterwards.  We also had not taken many personal belongings because there simply wasn’t room in my small SUV. My job sits on the water. The damaged there was anticipated to be severe.  Therefore, I had no idea if there would be a building to go come back to, which meant there may not be a job to come back to either. Most importantly, many of the people I cherish chose not to leave and that concerned me.

If focused on, I think that would be enough to cause anyone a great deal of stress.  The good news is that I chose not to focus on any of that!  Miss Irma was certainly a big ‘ole lemon but I chose to get the most good out of the situation she had caused.

We were nestled safely away in another state.  The hotel was very nice and we enjoyed being pampered. My niece came with us and she was able to visit with friends she had not seen in a while.

I, too, was able to visit a cousin I had not seen in years. My daughter and niece had a chance to spend plenty of one-on-one time together and had a few memory making moments as a result.  Those memories will last their life time. The girls went to a movie one day, and we tried a couple local restaurants we had never been to. In addition, I reconnected with a friend I worked with during the Olympics in Atlanta in 1997.  Instead of using the away time to stress, I used the time to write and create.

It would have done no good to sit in the room and watch the weather channel continually.  That would have stressed me.  I was also very intentional about the extent of conversation I had with other people regarding the storm.  Sometimes the chaos other people may be feeling in their spirit can override the calm we have in ours.  I didn’t want to take that chance.  I had to maintain an atmosphere of peace so that I could continue making and enjoying a little lemonade.

When I returned home I found my house in perfect order!  There was hardly any tree debris in my front or back yard.  Our old and worn out fence was still standing. The outdoor plant on the sidewalk leading up to our front door was in the same exact place as when we left.  Our power was on as well.  It felt as if we had returned home from a vacation instead of an evacuation.

Had I spent those days away stressing and worrying about all the valid things there were to be concerned with, it would have been for nothing. I realize I was fortunate to come home to that scenario.  Not everyone was.  But imagine evacuating, stressing over all the unknowns while away, and then having to come home and deal with them.  That’s enough to wear down the strongest of individuals.  In situations like this, it seems it would be so much better to make the most of the time away to give ourselves an opportunity to be refreshed and mentally prepared to tackle the challenges that may await us upon return.

I am grateful to have returned home to the absolute best case scenario.  My heart hurts for those who lost loved ones, experienced property damage, are without power, etc. The seriousness of Hurricane Irma’s after effects does not elude me.  My prayers are with everyone impacted.

When the next storm of life comes, whether it be an actual one or a metaphoric one, my hope is that you will squeeze all you can out of it and find the good.