Avoid the Root of Bitterness

Posted by | December 2, 2010

Did you know that bitterness is a root? Hebrews 12:15 reads, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” So, what is a root? A root is a source that is under the surface. Roots don’t directly manifest or make them known, but are a source of nutrition or fuel for other elements that are on the surface. A root’s job is not to manifest on the surface, but to brew under the surface and fuel things that are on the surface. The same is true with bitterness in a person’s soul. It’s a hidden element that lies under the surface, and out of it springs up anger and other negative emotions against others and against the circumstances around us.

Those who have a root of bitterness find it easy to get upset over things that others around them are doing. Bitterness is a root, thereby making it harder to identify and expose than many surface issues. Nevertheless, it is a deadly poison that needs to be released. If left alone, it will grow and fester, and it has the ability to spring up many surface issues such as anger, hatred, etc.

Bitterness can be caused by a traumatic experience that was forced upon you unwillingly by another. It can be caused by disappointment and shattered hopes and dreams. Also, it can be caused by unforgiveness and refusing to let go of an offense. Bitterness can be caused by rejection by someone you loved and who was supposed to love you.

The root of bitterness prevents you from having great relationships with others. It will keep you from enjoying life and will make you look at life through a selfish point of view. Additionally, the root of bitterness will prevent you from having fellowship with God. Your fellowship with God will be affected because the root of bitterness grieves the Holy Spirit, hinders your prayer life and your worship.

Finally, what are the keys to the eradication of the root of bitterness? First, let God reveal it (Psalm 139:23-24). Second, let grace remove it (Hebrews 12:15). Lastly, let God replace it (Hebrews 12:14).

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Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Week

Posted by | December 2, 2010

Aplastic Anemia and MDS Awareness Week is December 1-7.

Aplastic anemia is a disease of the bone marrow. It happens when the bone marrow stops making enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets for the body. Any blood cells the marrow does make are normal, but there are not enough of them. Aplastic anemia can be moderate, severe or very severe. People with severe or very severe aplastic anemia are at risk for life-threatening infections or bleeding. Although aplastic anemia can appear at any age, it is diagnosed more often in children and young adults. Several well-known figures from history had aplastic anemia, including chemist and Nobel Prize recipient Madame Curie and former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

Aplastic anemia is caused by destruction of the blood-forming stem cells in your bone marrow. These stem cells normally develop into three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Most research suggests that stem cell destruction occurs because the body’s immune system attacks its own cells by mistake. Normally, the immune system attacks only foreign substances. When your immune system attacks your own body, you are said to have an autoimmune disease. Aplastic anemia is generally thought to be an autoimmune disease. Other autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Aplastic anemia can be acquired or hereditary.

  • Acquired aplastic anemia can begin any time in life. About 75 out of 100 cases of acquired aplastic anemia are idiopathic. This means they have no known cause.
  • Hereditary aplastic anemia is passed down through the genes from parent to child. It is usually diagnosed in childhood and is much less common than acquired aplastic anemia. People who develop hereditary aplastic anemia usually have other genetic or developmental abnormalities.

About 25 out of 100 cases of acquired aplastic anemia can be linked to one of several causes. These include:

  • Toxins, such as pesticides, arsenic, and benzene
  • Radiation and chemotherapy used to treat cancer
  • Treatments for other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Pregnancy – sometimes, this aplastic anemia improves on its own after the woman gives birth
  • The symptoms of aplastic anemia are caused by low blood cell counts. The symptoms depend on which type of blood cell is affected.
  • Low red blood cell count
  • A low red blood cell count is called anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. A low red blood cell count causes fatigue and tiredness.
  • Low white blood cell count
  • A low white blood cell count is called neutropenia. White blood cells fight infections in the body by attacking and killing bacteria and viruses. A low white blood cell count can increase the risk for infections.
  • Low platelet count
  • A low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help blood to clot and stop bleeding. A low platelet count can lead to bleeding problems and cause you to bruise easily.

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Holiday Safety Tips

Posted by | December 2, 2010

Stan White, the chief security officer of Praise Covenant Christian Center, is back and offering holiday safety tips. Therefore, please take note especially as it relates to holiday safety tips.

Trees

  • When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”
  • When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
  • When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters.
  • Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
  • Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.

Lights

  • Check all tree lights-even if you’ve just purchased them-before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
  • Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
  • Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
  • Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
  • Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

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