Psalms 23 for Busy Mothers

Issue 158

May 1, 2022

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he Lord is my Pacesetter. I shall not rush.

He makes me to lay down my worries and rest in His love.

He provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity.

He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind and His guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for His presence is with me.

His timelessness, His all-importance, will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility.

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours for I shall walk in the pace of My Lord and dwell in His house forever. ~Nancy Campbell

Nadine O. Harris, MBA, Founder/ Publisher Ferrari Y. Green, Production and Design

Sharon Durall, Jaylyn Harris, Kathy Jackson Sherry Joiner, Del Cain, Operations and Distribution

Peggy LaBon, Lois Gaston, Jessie Anderson, Vanessa Jenkins, Vera Reeves, Betty Thomas, Felicia Dickson, Keith D. Holmes, Judy McCulloch, Donna Burke, LaTricia Brown, Lula Boyer

Adele Davis, Jerel McLendon, Victoria Johnson, Media Ministry Staff

Avian Westby

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onfirmation, a rite many churches celebrate each spring, has Biblical roots. In Acts 8, Peter and John are sent to lay their hands on new believers and pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. In the early church, new Christians — usually adult converts — received baptism and confirmation as one ceremony. As more children were brought for baptism, pastors and priests would baptize, but only bishops would “confirm” a baptism, or make it official. Thus, the baptized were granted full membership in the church through confirmation.

Now confirmation allows young people, often after intensive Christian education, to profess for themselves the faith into which they were baptized. Confirmation serves as an important faith milestone, as young adults purposefully embrace a life of discipleship.

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Pastor Chris, 20 years ago, did you think you would be at Second Baptist Church of Monrovia celebrating 20 pastoral years, with a Clippers theme celebration? Well that is exactly where you were on April 3rd, 2022 at 10 AM! Second Baptist with the help of Lady Heather hosted Clipper Darrell, the Clipper Car, A 20 Year Plaque, a guest singer and a ton of fun for all, even the Laker fans.

Congratulations Pastor Chris!

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National Day of Prayer Mother's Day

Ascension of the Lord

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everal weeks ago, a family member was diagnosed with high blood pressure during a routine doctor’s visit. She was surprised, and denied having any symptoms at all. Her physician explained, in most cases, individuals may not have symptoms. The American Heart Association’s definition indicates that, “ High blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels, is consistently too high.” (2018). High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because often there are no warning signs or symptoms. Many people don’t know they have it. In extreme cases, high blood pressure can cause: headaches, nosebleeds or vomiting. High blood pressure can cause serious harm to your heart and brain. ~ Many people don’t know they have it. In extreme cases, high blood pressure can cause: headaches, nosebleeds or vomiting. High blood pressure can cause serious harm to your heart and brain. ~

When your blood pressure remains high or untreated it hardens your arteries making blood flow and oxygen to your heart difficult. Consistent blood pressure reading above 130/80 could be an indication that further monitoring is needed and further steps should be taken to control this condition. High blood pressure increases your risks for heart attack or stroke.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Approximately 75 million Americans have high blood pressure. There is a higher incidence of hypertension in the African American Communities.”

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There are measures you can take to maintain a safe and manageable blood pressure and take control of your health. Lifestyle changes may be necessary to achieve this goal.

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Partner with your health care provider, schedule routine check-ups, complete your annual health screening recommendations Limit salt intake, buy fresh, plain frozen, or canned “with no salt added” vegetables when available Maintain a healthy diet, consume plenty fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, lowfat dairy products, skinless poultry and fish-select leanest cuts available Stay physically active, exercise, engage in physical activity for a total of 30 minutes on most days of the week.

Manage your stress; spend at least 15 minutes of uninterrupted time in devotion/ meditation daily.

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These are a few suggestions, in addition to your Physician’s recommendations that you can utilize to stay in control in managing your health.

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thou soul prospereth.

Anita J. McCulloch, BSN, RN

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/hbp_low.pdf National Heart and Blood Institute. Your Guide to Lowering Your Blood Pressure with DASH. NIH Pub No 06-4082. Bethesda MD: National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute; 2006 American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en