Mercy Ships is Saving Lives!
Mercy Ships doctors on board the “Africa Mercy” are helping women suffering from complications during childbirth.
May 23rd has been designated INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END OBSTETRIC FISTULA. Women becoming incontinent due to obstructed labor and delivery is a common occurrence in developing nations. It’s fatal for the child and the mother suffers great physical and emotional harm.
Women in Guinea, West Africa go from being shunned and ashamed to being reunited with families and accepted back in their communities. They’re given a new African dress and scarf, and celebrate with crew members in a special ceremony where there is much joy, laughter and singing. Their babies are saved and they are healed.
To learn more about this special ministry and how you can help, visit www.mercyships.org.
An Open Invitation To Stop Hurt
I don’t know her, I’ve never met her, and I don’t even think I’ve ever met the kid accusing her on Facebook. But tonight I witnessed first hand how quickly a favorite media outlet of mine turned into a tool of hurt.
Going through a Facebook newsfeed usually leads to news about pregnancies, engagements, marriages, new jobs, and the 100 photos from the family reunion. But while I was checking out what the ‘book had to show me during my show, a status popped up that I couldn’t let stay. A young man, who is my “friend” because of one mutual friend of ours, was definitely upset at a girl who seemed to have cheated on him. Oh the drama of teens and young adults! But it wasn’t the fact that he was bearing his soul that upset my heart. It was the choice words he used to out-right attack her, names that started with an “H” and a “S,” saying that she “was used anyways.”
Hurt can come from a very deep place, I completely understand it. And being a young adult, not understanding what is happening in your body, your emotions, and the relationships around you, can throw it all into high-gear for sure. But to call names, horribly-hurtful names to anyone is wrong! I could have ignored it, not knowing this kid….but I just couldn’t. I knew that the girl he was calling-out wasn’t right in what she did, but to wrongs will NEVER make a right! So, gearing up with compassion but an adult mind, I told him what’s up. He may “de-friend” me, or even worse, call me those same names online because “I’m all up in his biz-niss,” but I don’t care. What I care about (and what we ALL should care about), is putting an end to this perpetuating cycle of name calling and trash-talking that does nothing positive for anyone! No man should be used and abused, and no woman should be called derogatory names that will scar her for life.
Well, just when I thought that was the end of it, all of a sudden classmates or group-mates started attacking the guy back. My eyes could have started bleeding right there I’m telling you! Every curse word under the sun came out, making me want to call each one of their parents. Calling him this and that, with him attacking back with names! Where does it end? Who will say enough is enough? What parent or adult in these kids lives will smack them on the head and say, “STOP!” ? It just hurt me to see the status unfold, the teens ignore the response I post, the names that should never be called, written, or even thought by anyone…especially not by someone under the age of 18.
I challenge every single one of us to stop this hatred! To stop tossing curse-words and hurtful names around like it’s nothing! To make sure your niece, your nephew, your child, NEVER hears you say something that they’ll carry along with them. This generation isn’t just spreading hate as rapidly as pollen in the air is traveling, but they are facing thoughts that should never, ever, ever cross their mind. Thoughts of suicide, cutting, bulimia, anorexia, and everything else in between. Help is needed, and it starts with us!
And to Think, My TV Cost ________
Technology can be cool, but it can also be pretty pricey! Being a fan of electronics AND a great deal, it’s always good news to know I can save money big time on some of the usual purchases families make at least a few times in a lifetime, including the TV. When trying to save yet not end-up with an inferior product, here are tidbits on how to go about the whole process! You should be able to come out with your bank account in check and your head not exploding:
1. Ignore the spec sheet, which is usually located by the price tag of the TV. The information can be confusing, and some say this sheet is designed to get you to step up to the next and more expensive model.
2. Skip the add-ons and other extras like smart apps, 3D features and internet connectivity. They’re nice to have but unnecessary, especially if you’re trying to save money. Instead, stick to basic specs like the size and types of inputs it has. This will help you determine where you’ll put the TV and how you’ll use it.
3. Watch out for misleading sales tactics. Stores often manipulate the settings on TVs they want to move, making them look better than they would at home.
4. Once you’ve chosen your model, another way to stretch your dollar is by extending the life of your new TV. You can do this by lowering the back-light or contrast control, which, as an added bonus, will lower you electric bill, too.
More details HERE. What Electronic deal was worth remembering (and sharing)? Feel free to email Nikki@kvne.com
Networking Respectfully!
Mistakes are bound to happen in our lives, sometimes at the most random of times. But making a mistake in Networking and possibly landing that much-needed job can be a mistake you don’t ever want to fall guilty of! But don’t worry, here are a few heads-up on how to avoid all awkwardness in the future (and maybe grab the job you’ve been eyeing on):
The Crock-pot Can Make What?!
The crock-pot: an invention that has saved many busy families from going hungry when their whole day is insane! But the beauty of something so versatile is that it really CAN do almost anything (minus vacuuming). Here are a few things that can be made in your 1 (or many) slow cookers that isn’t the usual pot-roast:
- Brownies: Oh yeah, ooey gooey triple chocolate fudge brownies, all in the crock-pot. Just smell the chocolate-y goodness! Continue reading →
Scammers Want You To Fall For These
I remember being around 4 years old, and was very fascinated with the iron my mom was using to make my dad’s shirts “flat.” Even though she told me multiple times to not touch it because it was hot, I felt like I needed to test what she said. Yep, I got burnt!
Many people, in their everyday lives, make mistakes like this, having to learn the wrong way of things by getting burnt. But we’re here to give you a few heads-up about scams that can’t only burn you, but follow you for a really long time. Your money is your money, not some random person who wants to buy a house in Jamaica! Continue reading →
When NOT to Shop the Dollar Store
I am ALL about saving money, and if there’s something at the dollar store, of all places, for $1 or less, I’m on it. But, thanks to a recent column, some things may not be that great to buy at our favorite money-saver hotspot.
7eventh Time Down in the studio this morning with Mike & Carrie
Excited to have 7eventh Time Down on the morning show singing their new single “Just Say Jesus”! Check these guys out online at https://www.facebook.com/7eventhtimedown?fref=ts!
New Mommies and Crazy Cravings
For many ladies, this Mother’s Day will be there first, even if their little one is resting within the womb. You may want to show her love by getting her a mani/pedi or some type of pregnancy massage. Or you can be a great friend and loved one and keep her cravings in check with healthier alternatives then some of these:
Ice, Laundry Detergent and Dirt
Cravings for odd non-foods like ice, laundry detergent, dirt, and chalk have been tied to a condition called pica. This could mean you’re a little anemic. Ask your doctor for a blood test, and if you are, you can boost your iron the natural way by adding more iron-rich foods to your diet. Great alternative is Beef and Pumpkin Seeds.
Chocolate
Chocolate cravings could mean your body wants magnesium. If you’re good at moderating around sweets, you could limit yourself to a square or two of dark chocolate. But if you can’t just have one, you may want to go for a handful (or 3) of almonds. Also brown rice and beans are great.
Money Lies to Put to Rest
It’s something that is delicate and can even get under many people’s skin, up to retirement age: Handling Money. The thing is, money can be a gift from our Emmanuel…if we use it in the ways He wants us to! Here are a few money lies that need to be stomped out now before things get tragic:

