by Thomas Jenkins on Education

Faith on Display: How Religious Necklaces Connect Us to the Divine

The History and Significance of Religious Necklaces

Have you ever noticed the array of religious necklaces people wear? Crosses, Stars of David, om symbols—people of faith often choose to outwardly display their beliefs around their necks. These divine adornments are more than just jewelry—they are a visible representation of an invisible connection.  As you walk down the street, you encounter these religious necklaces and in that brief moment, you’re reminded of the diversity of faiths and beliefs in the world. For the wearer, a religious necklace is a constant reminder of spiritual devotion. Fingering the familiar pendant around your neck in times of joy or sorrow, uncertainty or gratitude, forges a quiet, personal link between the mortal and the divine. Religious necklaces unite us as human beings on a shared journey to understand life’s deepest mysteries.

religious necklaces

Popular Types of Religious Necklaces and Their Meanings

The history of religious necklaces spans thousands of years and numerous faiths. Ancient Egyptians wore amulets depicting their gods for protection and guidance. Crosses have adorned the necks of Christians since the 2nd century AD as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice. 

 Buddhists and Hindus have long used malas – prayer bead necklaces – to count recitations of mantras or the names of deities. The Star of David and Chai symbolize Judaism, while the crescent moon and star are iconic of Islam.

No matter the religion, these pendants provide a tangible connection to the divine. They remind us of the values and truths our faiths uphold. By wearing a religious necklace, you proclaim your devotion and open yourself to the grace, blessings or enlightenment it represents.

Today, religious necklaces come in a variety of styles to suit any taste. From simple pewter or sterling silver to gemstone-studded gold, there are options at every price point. Wearing one is a personal choice that allows your faith to radiate out into the world. For many, a religious necklace becomes a cherished talisman and lifelong companion on one’s spiritual journey.

A Meaningful Expression of Faith

Religious necklaces transcend fashion. They are a meaningful expression of your most heartfelt beliefs. Whether you choose a pendant passed down for generations or newly acquired, it will serve as a visual embodiment of your devotion for years to come. By wearing one each day, you carry a reminder of something far greater than yourself – and invite its grace into your life.

How to Choose the Right Religious Necklace to Reflect Your Faith

Religious necklaces are popular ways to express your faith and stay connected to the divine. Whether you’re Christian, Buddhist, Hindu or Muslim, there are meaningful necklace options for you.

The Cross

The most well-known religious necklace is the Christian cross. Wearing a cross necklace shows your devotion to Jesus Christ and belief in his sacrifice. Crosses come in many styles, from simple chains with pendants to ornate gemstone-studded pieces. 

The Om

For Hindus and Buddhists, the om symbol represents the universal energy that connects us all. An om necklace, featuring the symbolic sanskrit letter, is thought to promote peace and spiritual enlightenment.

The Star and Crescent 

In Islam, the star and crescent is an important symbolic motif. A star and crescent necklace signifies faith in Allah and connection to Islamic teachings. The crescent moon and star are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

The Mjolnir

In Norse mythology, Thor’s hammer Mjolnir symbolizes protection, strength, and blessing. For modern Pagans and Heathens, a Mjolnir necklace shows reverence for the old Norse gods and connection to ancient traditions. Wearing Mjolnir is thought to grant courage, victory in battle, and fertility.  

With so many options, a religious necklace is a meaningful way to proudly display your faith for all to see. Wearing sacred symbols close to your heart helps remind you of spiritual truths and connects you to divine protection and guidance.

 
by Thomas Jenkins on news

Karl Jobst, Grove OK Dentist Discusses Cutting-Edge Technology On Sweet Startups

Dr. Karl Jobst, Grove OK Dentist and founder of Grand Lake Dental, has served the greater Grove, Oklahoma area for nearly 20 years. During this interview, Dr. Jobst discusses his take on dental technology, giving back and piloting. In the interview, Karl Jobst says, ” Technological advances have made it possible to provide patients with a wide variety of dental care options, and running my own practice ensures I am always able to offer the most effective cutting-edge technologies to the wonderful patients I’ve served for nearly 20 years. I also enjoy the additional challenges associated with entrepreneurship and the sense of accomplishment derived from overcoming those inherent challenges.

You can read the full interview by visiting: https://www.sweetstartups.com/strategy/dr-karl-jobst-founder-of-grand-lake-dental-on-cutting-edge-technology-giving-back-and-piloting/

 
by Thomas Jenkins on news

David Buck Cupertino Resident Discusses Urban Farming

David Buck, Cupertino resident is a popular apple farmer who lends his wisdom to city and state officials when it comes to urban planning. The horticulturist, offers insights and ideas that better suit the community. Buck also offers farming resources to future or current farmers.

Learn more about David Buck by visiting his website: https://www.davidbuckapple.com/

 
by Thomas Jenkins on news

Ismail Sirdah Explores New Frontiers In Photography

Ismail-Sirdah Growing up as the son of a restaurant owner in Cape Town, South Africa, Ismail Sirdah was always a hard-working and creative individual. Helping to run a successful family business did a lot to prepare him for the future. Upon leaving South Africa and moving to the United States (Savannah, Georgia, to be exact), he got into business much as his history and family history would suggest. Now, he is running a very successful restaurant and a music promotion company. Both have been wildly successful, but Mr. Sirdah’s real passion is photography. This passion has brought him a much greater degree of notoriety than he ever would have achieved running a restaurant or promoting various bands.

So why is Ismail Sirdah more well-known than the average photographer? The answer to that is a simple one. He has gained notoriety by blazing a new trail in the field, one which has not been very well-explored before now. If you can’t guess from the title, I am talking about drone photography.

Imagine this: You are a photographer working in the 1980’s. You probably have a decent camera, although you probably paid a whole lot for it. However, aerial shots will present a great problem. Unless you are extremely rich, you probably cannot afford to buy an airplane or a helicopter with which to shoot your aerial photos. You could use a glider, but that carries serious risk and is not legal in all areas. I like a good picture as much as anyone, but it isn’t worth the risk of falling to one’s death.

Our hypothetical 1980’s photographer would have no such problem today. It wasn’t that long ago that I saw drones selling at a grocery store for forty dollars apiece. Flight has truly become much cheaper. Ismail Sirdah takes it to the next level with his custom UAV’s (the technical term for a drone), which are designed to capture images that no human could ever hope to. In the Miami area, Mr. Sirdah is known as the best photographer in the city. Why? Because he offers something that others cannot.

 

Read the full Patch interview: https://patch.com/florida/miamibeach/ismail-sirdah-impact-drones-miami-photography

 
by Thomas Jenkins on Education

Why Every College Student Should Go to Kalu Yala At Least Once

College is one of the major experiences that shape you as a person. Being a college student gives you priceless moments with teachers, friends and other people you meet along the way. Each day is not only a lesson for your mind, but also for your heart–surviving college teaches you resilience, responsibility, and creativity.

Making Your Immersion Interesting

Most college students undergo something called “immersion training” or internship. This is one of the most colorful moments as college students because they get to experience real-life situations with mentorship that can help them prepare for their future occupational paths. Some internships can be plain, and others are prestige, but the bottom line is you find an internship site that can help you maximize your learnings.

Kalu Yala: An Ideal Place for Immersion

Imagine a place that’s free from the noise of the city, yet has its own community of locals and professionals to keep you learning. Imagine a place where you can discover new concepts about sustainability, ecology, business and community development. This is what Kalu Yala is all about. Kalu Yala is the first of its kind–a self-sustaining village at the heart of Tres Brazos Valley in Panama. Joseph Stice, the founder of the village believes that Kalu Yala can pioneer the growth of communities that are eco-friendly, sustainable and modern all at the same time.

Is Kalu Yala Bad?

Due to some malicious information spread on the internet, some people may ask, “Is Kalu Yala bad?”. It is important to find out the truth about Kalu Yala from the first-hand experiences. There are a lot of interns who have been to the village and they can testify for the great experiences and learnings during their stay. In this post, we will uncover more truth about Kalu Yala and why every student should at least visit the village once.

Why Every College Student Should Go to Kalu Yala At Least Once

1. Discovering new systems in community development

Since Kalu Yala is the first of its kind, many students flock to the village to know more about creative ways on how to develop a sustainable community. Some students have discovered how to create an effective watershed that collects rainwater to water crops for agriculture. This is a very good way to save water and reduce problems in the irrigation system. Additionally, students are also learning how houses are created using local materials and finding renewable energy sources that spark their creativity.

2. Increasing awareness of environmental-friendly living

As one learns about creating sustainable means to develop a community, one can also apply this in his or her individual habits. Many students reported being more conscious of reducing waste in their homes and have done ways to have an environmental-friendly life. These include measures such as reducing plastic use, conserving water and electricity, as well as using less disposable packages at home. These small changes have helped Kalu Yala’s interns become more environmentally responsible individuals in their own communities.

3. Sharing expertise with locals

Whether you are an aspiring architect, teacher, doctor or engineer, you have a place in Kalu Yala. You will get to have an opportunity to interact with the locals and share your expertise with them. You can teach the children, design an efficient and low-cost housing using native supplies, provide medical treatment and routine checkups for the people and fellow interns, and organize systems for community development. It is a rewarding experience that will allow you to grow as a professional in your own field.

4. Gateway to exploring other sights in Central America

Kalu Yala is also a gateway to exploring the rest of Panama, as well as Central America. Even if the village is considered remote, it is interesting to note that the village is actually 30-45 minutes away from the main city and the airport, depending on the weather and traffic conditions. You can explore other natural and man-made landmarks along Panama City and beyond such as the Panama Viejos, Museums, local parks and the all-famous Panama Canal. If you are done exploring the city, you can go for a beach trip with your fellow interns as a pre-graduation celebration.

5. Opening one’s mind to other cultures

They say that traveling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. Why don’t you give yourself the gift of traveling while learning at the same time? Going to Kalu Yala is an experience you won’t forget. It will open your mind to other people’s cultures and help you appreciate another side of the world that you’ve never seen before. Enjoy the landscape, the warm Panama culture, as well as the life lessons you will pick up along the way.

For more information on how you can set up your trip, visit http://kaluyala.com.

 
by John Ross Jesensky on Education

When Is The Right Time To Apply For Scholarships?

If you just graduated from high school or you are about to, you probably are pondering what you will do to raise the required tuition fees for college. Your parents might be willing to support you fully but due to one or several problems, they might be facing difficulties and the only way you can join college is if you found an alternative sources of financing. One of the best options you could embrace is applying for scholarships through institutions such as Groza Learning Center, which give you links to scholarships that can benefit you. If you are wondering when it is the perfect time to apply for scholarships, here is a guide that should help you to raise your chances of getting an approval.

After January

The government offers the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which should allow you to finance your college education. If you want to raise your chances of getting approved for this scholarship, you should send your application after 1st January. The reason this is so is because you must prove your financial need by backing your claim on the income tax you filed in the year that just ended. You should move fast and make sure you complete your application before February. Note that some states have earlier deadlines, so you need to keep in touch with yours to learn about what they propose.

Observe the scholarship’s deadline

Scholarships are given against a deadline, which all applicants must honor. Sending your application within the time stated increases your chances of getting picked, and if you want to further raise these chances you can submit your application immediately applications are opened. If you would like to apply several scholarships, you could easily sort them based on their deadlines. It makes your work easier and you also make sure you pick scholarships that matter to you.

Before graduating high school

It is also a perfect idea to begin sending your applications for scholarships before graduating from high school. During this period, you will get several types of applications, some from the government, others from colleges that would like to admit you, as well as scholarships from non-profit organizations. It is up to you to choose between these options by weighing the amount each offers versus what you are looking to save. You need to apply the scholarships by the deadline given and make sure you submit a strong and relevant pitch that will easily convince them to pick you.

Every fall semester and spring

You will come across many scholarships each year, which means you can apply for one after joining college. These scholarships are suitable for students who are struggling with financials and looking to supplement what they have. They come with varying deadlines and are a good way to access the support you need to pursue your course. The more applications you send, the more you raise your chances of winning one, so you should commit yourself to sending many applications through Groza Learning Center during spring and fall semester.

 
by John Ross Jesensky on Uncategorized

Inject Life into Your Brands to Guarantee Long-Term Growth through Branding

Brand building is not just for the big players and conglomerates. It is about taking what is in your inventory to people’s households. Strong brands create lasting identities among consumers. This means that more people have your brand in their minds and are ready to buy your stuff. They will instantaneously think about your brand when they consider a specific product or service.

Marketing and advertising include actual ad placement on mainstream media; corporate and brand identity including below-the-line visibility; digital and social media marketing. Building a brand creates customer loyalty, which guarantees return business and enables the company to make growth projections. Branding is an excellent way to grow your business regardless of the size. Big companies are known to leverage their infrastructure, technology, and presence to accelerate the uptake of their brands.

Building a brand is not a complicated process. The first step is pushing it up on your priority list. Most businesses make the common mistake of pushing their branding and marketing budgets to the bottom of the list. This is one of the reasons brand uptakes from small businesses struggles.

Consistency in product quality and service delivery by the brand is key. Make sure your production, packaging, distribution, and marketing sections all carry one harmonized message. When potential customers get the same message over and over, they remember it and associate it with your brand. Create strong brand identities comprising of consistent elements such as color scheme, logo, graphics, and the narratives. In addition, have a strong mission and value statement to help you stay on course and avoid the costly habit of frequent rebranding.

Nancy Behrman, a leading lifestyle brand activist, entrepreneur and founder of Behrman Communications, is vocal about the need to be both clear and definitive in your efforts to grow your brand. She has achieved tremendous success taking ideas that look small and building them into multi-million dollar global names. Branding needs to be factored into the overall marketing plan so that it is executed right from the start. Employ a consistent and sustainable strategy to ensure a cohesive branding campaign.

It is also crucial to identify the markets the brand is targeting early. This enables you to research and reach out to other popular establishments, brands or personalities who have a bigger presence. Traditional business networking can help catapult your brand to success. People love to identify with the famous and successful. Presenting known personalities as brand ambassadors can help accelerate brand loyalty and build trust with consumers.

Leverage the power of technology and online platforms to grow your brand. Create an amazing online presence and take advantage of social media, digital video platforms, and mobile apps to help grow your brand. Aim to create discerning brand ambassadors who can inject life into your brand without waiting for your intervention.

An ingenious social media campaign can rapidly elevate your brand to a global level. However, to avoid shooting yourself in the foot, consider engaging a professional public relations service such as Berman Communications. The service will help you navigate through the various dynamic elements of social media marketing enabling you to maximize on known trends while staying clear of avoidable pitfalls.

 
by John Ross Jesensky on news

Sound Mission Statements Help Donor Organizations Stay on Course

Philanthropy is mutually beneficial to both the giver and the receiver. There are direct gains that improve the quality of life to both parties. People have a visceral need to connect and communicate with others. This creates the foundation for a thriving community. It involves minding about the well-being and growth of other people around you including neighbors, the local community, and causes important to you. Giving triggers your brain’s reward-pleasure system enabling you to realize happiness.

 

This premise explains why donor organizations go to great lengths to identify causes that are close to their hearts and by extension, closer to their ideal communities. The Denver Post has a great post on how philanthropy positively impacts the givers. Let us look at some of these benefits.

 

  • Donors have a general feeling of happiness and joy derived from their actions. As pointed out above, the brain responds to giving by producing “happiness-chemicals” into the body that reward us with joy. Additionally, investing in the growth and happiness of others directly improves our sense of prosperity.
  • Philanthropy works to improve the health and quality of life of both donors and receivers. Donors experience lower stress levels, an enhanced level of emotional maturity, and health. This consequently leads to better physical health and quality of life.
  • Givers are able to find meaning in their lives through philanthropy. They enjoy an increased sense of purpose. Additionally, starting a culture of giving early sets the stage for a longer, happier, and healthier life later on.
  • Deeper and stronger connections with people that share your beliefs create stronger communities. Donors care deeply concerned about the causes they support. Receivers are able to realize their life goals, improve their quality of life and end up feeling better towards their givers.

In a recent interview, River Cohen stated that it is vital for donor organizations to create a considerate mission statement. Cohen is a renowned financial technology expert who has dedicated his life to giving through RiverCohen Giving. He suggests there are three elements that should clearly illustrate the aims and values of the donor.

 

  • Identify a core philosophy including mutual beliefs, shared goals, and individual principles. This should be bold enough to serve as the pillars of the framework for giving.
  • It is prudent to consult widely to ensure the principles and frameworks created are flexible and robust enough to support the organization into the future. This ensures the donor organization stays on its intended course. It is also important to factor in the dynamic nature of deserving causes in relation to the fundamental beliefs of the founder.
  • Refine the mission statement to focus on activities that empower the organization to achieve the intended goal. Avoid over-reaching or getting derailed by issues that are not on the organization’s scope of operations

Serving others brings you joy and happiness. It enables stronger relationships between the donor and the receiver. Articulating clear mission statements helps the donor organization stay true to its cause and achieve the goals set out by the founders.

 
by John Ross Jesensky on calendar

Summer in Madera Represents Ideal Time for Art Exploration and Community Events

BoldLeads Summer MaderaThere’s something about those long summer days that makes any art event seem even more enjoyable, and perhaps this is at least part of the reason why the Madera community calendar includes so many art-related events throughout the upcoming summer months. It’s not just the Madera community calendar that features these kinds of events throughout the summer, as many of the areas close to Madera have a number of art events scheduled. There is even an outdoor sculpture walk scheduled to take place at the Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael.

As a number of real estate agents using BoldLeads have noticed, the spring and summer months tend to include a general increase in interest in properties from the clients that have been recently added to their pipeline of leads. While agents find that BoldLeads provides a consistent source of leads throughout each and every season, it’s often the case that a noticeable uptick occurs when the weather warms and the days lengthen each year.

It’s not just the real estate market or the events appearing on the community calendar that experience an increase in activity, as economists have long pressed the federal government to develop better statistical tools to account for the patterns that have been observed regarding the seasonal changes influencing consumer behavior. Obviously, those responsible for developing the Madera community calendar have done an excellent job accounting for this spike in activity by packing the calendar with plenty of enjoyable events ideal for summertime.

 
by John Ross Jesensky on calendar

John Ross Jesensky: Madera Community Calendar an Ideal Template for Other Counties

calendar-1255952_960_720In communities across the country, a concerted effort is often made to ensure all members of the community have access to a great deal of diverse recreational opportunities. According to John Ross Jesensky, there is quite a bit that other counties can learn from the manner in which Madera organizes its community calendar, particularly the clear focus placed on bringing community members together as often as possible.

Jesensky believes that the community calendar is at least partially responsible for the clear sense of fellowship that pervades the entire county, particularly since just about every member of the community can cite a shared experience with another community member. For community leaders seeking a strategy to establish a greater sense of fellowship in their county, the Madera community calendar appears to be an ideal template with which to begin.