Mykayla Comstock’s Cannabis Oil Story Helps Little Girl with Leukemia Bing Videos
PENDLETON, OR – Just after her 7th birthday in July 2012, Mykayla Comstock was diagnosed with intermediate risk T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a rare and aggressive blood and bone cancer.
“I thought it was just a typical child illness, such as pneumonia,” says Erin Purchase, Mykayla’s mother. “It was an extended cough with fevers. I never dreamed it could be cancer. I was completely shocked and heartbroken when we found out it was cancer; definitely not what I expected at all.”
After ten days of doctor recommended chemotherapy, Mykayla’s parents signed her up for a medical marijuana permit at a clinic in Portland, which at the time, made her the youngest medical marijuana patient in the state.
She started cannabis oil treatment right away and it led to immediate results.
“She was kind of in a dark place before the oil,” Brandon Krenzler, Mykayla’s father and cannabis caregiver. “She was very sick, nauseous and in pain. She was very pale, she didn’t want to get up, she didn’t want to eat, she didn’t want to do anything but lay around an talk to us. When we gave her the oil, she perked up and said ‘I’m hungry and I want to eat!'”
Mykayla doesn’t smoke or vaporize marijuana, she takes about two to three grams of cannabis oil per day in either capsule form or through a number of edibles, even creams and oils.
Her parents point to the alternative treatment as one of the reasons why her cancer is now in remission.
“The federal government classifies cannabis as having no medicinal benefit at all and I’ve seen medicinal benefits with my own eyes,” says Purchase. “It’s not as bad as you once thought. It’s not a bunch of hippies in the back room getting high. We’re treating patient and at the same time, people are using it recreationally safely,” says Krenzler.
Mykayla’s last day for chemotherapy is November 13th, 2014, and her parents plan to slowly wean her off of the cannabis once chemotherapy is over. As far as any advice to other kids starting medical marijuana treatment…
“Don’t be afraid, because it (cannabis) can help you,” says Mykayla.
While marijuana hasn’t been linked to curing cancer, research says it may be possible. Scientists say studies have shown that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive chemical in marijuana, can latch on to cancer cells and prevent them from growing and spreading. Other research shows that THC leads to cell apoptosis (programmed cell death), meaning that THC latches onto cancer cells and kills the cells before they can mature
Back in 2012: I followed MyKayla’s Story as she went through treatment on this Facebook page set up by her parents, here.
Cannabis Oil Pills Helped Child Go into Cancer Remission, Mom Says
An Oregon mother credits cannabis oil pills with child’s cancer remission.
ByABC News
November 26, 2012, 5:58 PM
Nov. 27, 2012 — When 7-year-old Mykayla Comstock was diagnosed with leukemia in July, it was less than three days before her mother filed Oregon medical marijuana paperwork so the child could take lime-flavored capsules filled with cannabis oil.
The decision to give Mykayla the capsules came naturally to Erin Purchase, MyKayla’s mother, who believes marijuana has healing power, but doctors aren’t so sure it’s a good idea.
“The first doctor was not for it at all,” Purchase told ABCNews.com. “She was rude and she told us it was inappropriate. “Basically she blew up at us and told us to transfer to another facility.”
They found a new doctor, who knows that Mykayla takes about a gram of cannabis oil a day — half in the morning and half at night — but he doesn’t talk about it with them.
“This is our daughter,” Purchase, 25, said. “If they don’t agree with our personal choices, we’d rather they not say anything at all.”
It’s legal for a minor to enroll in the Oregon medical marijuana program as long as the child’s parent or legal guardian consents and takes responsibility as a caregiver.
And Mykayla is not alone.
There are currently four other patients enrolled in the Oregon medical marijuana program between the ages of 4 and 9, six between the ages of 10 and 14, and 41 between the ages of 15 and 17, according to the Oregon Public Health Division. Severe pain, nausea, muscle spasms and seizures are among the top conditions cited for medical marijuana use.
Mykayla first started to feel sick in May, when she developed a rash, cough and night sweats. By mid-July, doctors found a mass in her chest and diagnosed her with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia a few days later. The family relocated from Pendleton, Ore. to Portland to be near Randall Children’s Hospital for treatment, which included chemotherapy.
At first, Mykayla wasn’t responding well to her treatment, and doctors said she might need a bone marrow transplant. Then she started taking the cannabis oil pills. her mother said. By early August, Mykayla was in remission and the transplant was no longer necessary.
“I don’t think it’s just a coincidence,” Purchase said. “I credit it with helping — at least helping — her ridding the cancer from her body.”
Before Mykayla was diagnosed, Purchase had read about another young boy with cancer who received cannabis oil for nearly two years because his parents believed it kept him alive so much that they defied doctors’ orders and broke Montana law to give it to him. She said she knew it was what she would do for her children if they ever got sick.
Cash “Cashy” Hyde died Nov. 14 at four years old, but his parents say he was never in any pain because of the oil.
Purchase said she, too, uses medical marijuana. She said it has helped with her kidney and liver disease since 2010, adding, “I feel that it saved my life”.
However, Dr. Donna Seger, the executive director of the Tennessee Poison Center and a professor at Vanderbilt University, said cannabis has no effect on liver or kidney function, and it does not cure cancer.
“If it does anything, it decreases immunity,” she said. “It doesn’t fight cancer.”
Dr. Igor Grant, who directs the University of California Center for Medical Cannabis Research in San Diego, at that time said he’s never studied marijuana’s effects on children and it’s not clear how the pills will affect Mykayla’s development if she takes the drugs daily for a period of months or years.
Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, 50, Was In ‘Complete Shock’ When Diagnosed With Stage 3 Melanoma
By Danielle Cinone
Understanding Melanoma
Former Miss Universe, mom of two, and Puerto Rican model Dayanara Torres is looking back on her battle with stage three melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer she hopes others will check their skin for.
The actress beat the disease after getting a cancerous mole and affected lymph nodes surgically removed, followed by radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It starts in the same cells that give your skin, hair, and eyes their color. In melanoma, the cells change in a way that allows them to spread to other organs.
Changes to a mole you’ve had for a while or a new growth on your skin could be signs of melanoma, according to SurvivorNet’s experts. You’ll want to watch them and tell your doctor about any changes you notice.
Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, a mom of two who shares who sons with her ex-husband, singer Marc Anthony, was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma years ago. Although she’s overcome the disease, Torres strives to encourage others to get their skin checks and understand that the sun can be dangerous, as she recalls her diagnosis came as a “complete shock.”
The 50-year-old Puerto Rican actress and model—who has been in remission since March 2020 following radiation therapy and immunotherapy treatments—recounted her skin cancer journey during a recent interview with NBC 6 South Florida, admitted it “completely” changed her life.
Torres said, “No human being ever wants to hear the word ‘cancer.’ When it happened to me, I was in complete shock. I had no idea what was going on in my body. I thought, like many people that are so wrong with their knowledge of melanoma cancer thinking that it’s a cancer that is easy to fix.
“I waited way too long to find out mine checked because, one, I’m a mom and I’m always taking care of everyone else, and my kids. It was on the back of my leg, so I wasn’t seeing it all the time.” She continued, “Almost seven years passed before I actually went to check it, and it was already on my lymph nodes. So, that’s why it was stage three.
“I could have just taken it private, and with my family, and dealt with it behind closed doors … but I decided to talk about it because I was learning in the process, I was learning so much … I was so wrong, like so many people thinking it was not scary or not dangerous, when it’s one of the worst, because once it reaches the lymph nodes it can go to any organ.”
As for people like Torres, who previously didn’t worry about skin cancer, she added, “We think we’re strong enough, or that it just won’t happen to us. Maybe it’s because I’m from Puerto Rico, an island, so there’s this mentality that it only happens to people with darker skin, or that it won’t happen if you’re not out in the sun much. “But it happened to me. I have light skin. I’m never really in the sun.” The avid sunscreen user concluded, “I could’ve chosen not to speak about it. But I just felt the need to spread the word.”
But I just felt the need to spread the word.”
Earlier this year, Torres took to Instagram, a social media app she often uses to update her fans and offer insight into her health, “Six years ago today, I made the decision to talk openly about cancer and share my journey, my battle, my fears and my victories. I did it because I felt that, if my story could help someone else, it would be worth telling.
“Hearing someone else talk about their cancer experience is what led to me getting a checkup and finding out on time. That voice, that testimony, changed my life. That’s why I continue to believe in the power of sharing, informing, and remembering the importance of listening to our bodies.” She admitted that if her story can help “motivate” another person to better focus on their health, then “this whole road has made even more sense.”
Torres received her melanoma diagnosis back in February 2019, a time when she chose to go public with the “sad” news. She said, “I have been diagnosed with skin cancer ‘melanoma’ from a big spot/mole I never paid attention to, even though it was new, it had been growing for years & had an uneven surface. “My fiancé Louis had been begging me to have it checked & finally made an appointment himself… after a biopsy & a second surgery last Tuesday the results unfortunately are positive.
Now we are waiting to see which treatment I will be receiving but they have already removed a big area from the back of my knee & also they have removed 2 lymph nodes at the top of my leg where it had already spread. Hoping it has not spread to any more areas or organs.” Torres concluded, “But if I can help anyone along the way based on my experience, it would be to tell you… PLEASE, never forget to take care of yourself. If you see something or feel something different in your body, have it checked… I had no idea skin cancer could spread anywhere else in your body.” The actress ultimately beat the disease after getting the mole and affected lymph nodes surgically removed, followed by radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
Melanoma starts in the same cells that give your skin, hair, and eyes their color. In melanoma, the cells change in a way that allows them to spread to other organs. Changes to a mole you’ve had for a while or a new growth on your skin could be signs of melanoma.
The top way to protect yourself is by staying out of the sun, especially during peak hours, and avoiding unprotected sun exposure because ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to melanoma. According to experts like Dr. Anna Pavlick, an oncologist at NYU’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, tanning beds pose ultraviolet radiation risks for skin cancer and should be avoided completely.
Dr. Pavlick notes that people who are covered with moles stand a higher risk of developing skin cancer, especially people with dysplastic nevus syndrome, or “atypical” moles. Atypical moles are those that are unusual-looking and, when seen under a microscope, they have irregular features.
Although usually benign, a high number of atypical moles do signal an increased risk for melanoma, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation which says people with 10 or more atypical moles have 12 times higher risk of developing melanoma.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer – Remember ABDCE
The most important thing to look out for when it comes to finding melanoma is a sudden, new spot on your skin or a spot that is quickly changing in size, shape, or color. Dr. Cecelia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, recommends implementing the ABCDE rule to determine if a mole requires further examination. The ABCDE rule:
A: Asymmetry of the mole, or when one half of the mole doesn’t match the other
B: Border irregularity or Bleeding
C: Color change either lightening or darkening of a mole
D: Diameter greater than 6mm or enlarging moles
E: Evolving size, shape or color.
WATCH: Dr. Cecila Larocca on the ABCDEs of checking moles for signs of skin cancer Melanoma that moves into the body, away from the skin, becomes an entirely different treatment journey for patients.
Treatment options for melanoma that have spread include targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which give people a better chance of living a long and healthy life than ever before. If you’re diagnosed with melanoma, there’s a good chance surgery will be the treatment your doctor recommends. Cancer removal usually leads to a cure in the early stages of the disease.
After surgery, the removed tissue and lymph nodes are examined to measure the melanoma and determine if it has clear margins. Clear margins mean the cells around the area of tissue that was removed don’t contain any melanoma. When no cancer cells are left around the removed area, your cancer is less likely to return.
Melanoma Treatment Options
Melanoma treatment has come a long way. Survival rates have risen dramatically, thanks to a “treatment revolution,” say SurvivorNet’s experts. With breakthrough treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy now available, people who are diagnosed today have a much better chance of living a long and healthy life than ever before.
If you’re diagnosed with melanoma, there’s a good chance surgery is going to be the treatment your doctor recommends. In the early stages of the disease, removing the cancer should lead to a cure. The question is typically not whether you’ll get surgery, but which kind you’ll have.
The removal of stage II and III melanomas are performed by surgeons or surgical oncologists, not dermatologists. You may also have a sentinel lymph node biopsy to see if the melanoma has spread to the first lymph node where it’s most likely to travel. If your cancer has reached this first lymph node, it may have spread to other neighboring lymph nodes, and possibly to other organs.
Where the cancer is will dictate your treatment. After surgery, the removed tissue and lymph nodes will go to a specialist called a pathologist, who will measure the melanoma and find out if it has clear margins. Having clear margins means the cells around the area of tissue that was removed don’t contain any melanoma.
When there aren’t any cancer cells left around the removed area, your cancer is less likely to come back. Once your cancer spreads, treatment gets a little more complicated, but there are still ways to stop it. New treatments have vastly improved the outlook for people with metastatic, or stage IV, melanoma.
Targeted drugs and immunotherapy have been shown to be more effective than chemotherapy. So, with many more choices, there is no standard treatment. Treatment will vary based on your condition and whether there is recurrent disease.
Research has found that immunotherapy drugs such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab) helped some people live longer. Combining immunotherapy drugs Yervoy (ipilimumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab) has also extended survival. Opdivo (nivolumab) + relatlimab is a new therapy option added to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines in 2022. The combination of two immunotherapies is called Opdualag. For those with the BRAF mutation, targeted drugs which shrink or slow the tumor can be a good option. This could include a combination of drugs, such as:
“Every patient is different and every situation is different,” says Dr. Anna Pavlick, medical oncologist at Weill Cornell Medicine. She emphasized that “there is no cookie-cutter recipe,” for treating stage IV melanoma. There Is No “Cookie Cutter Recipe” for Treating Stage Four Melanoma Dr. Pavlick also notes the importance of personalized care and treatment. “It really is a matter of looking at the tools we have so that we can pick the right tools to give the patient the best outcome.”
So, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating metastatic melanoma, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual situation. Advances in research and technology are making the fight against metastatic melanoma more hopeful than ever.
Leading Experts Urge Us to Be Proactive
“If I had any advice for you following a cancer diagnosis, it would be, first, to seek out multiple opinions as to the best care,” National Cancer Institute Chief of Surgery Steven Rosenberg told us in a previous interview, “because finding a doctor who is up to the latest of information is important.”
As we highlight in several areas of SurvivorNet, highly respected doctors sometimes disagree on the right course of treatment, and advances in genetics and immunotherapy are creating new options. Also, in some instances the specific course of treatment is not clear cut. That’s even more reason why understanding the potential approaches to your disease is crucial.
At the National Cancer Institute, there is a patient referral service that will “guide patients to the right group depending on their disease state so that they can gain access to these new experimental treatments,” Rosenberg says. Cancer Research Legend Urges Patients to Get Multiple Opinions
Furthermore, getting another opinion may also help you avoid doctor biases. For example, some surgeons own radiation treatment centers. “So there may be a conflict of interest if you present to a surgeon that is recommending radiation because there is some ownership of that type of facility,” Dr. Jim Hu, director of robotic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center, tells SurvivorNet.
Other reasons to get a second opinion include:
To see a doctor who has more experience treating your type of cancer
You have a rare type of cancer
There are several ways to treat your cancer
You feel like your doctor isn’t listening to you, or isn’t giving you good advice
You have trouble understanding your doctor
You don’t like the treatment your doctor is recommending, or you’re worried about its possible side effects
Your insurance company wants you to get another medical opinion
Your cancer isn’t improving on your current treatment
Bottom line, being proactive about your health could be a matter of life or death. Learn as much as you can from as many experts as you can, so that you know that you did your best to take control of your health. Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff – SurvivorNet
Why does people with dementia get mean in the end stage:
That’s a really important—and tough—question. In the end stages of dementia, some people may seem mean or aggressive, but it’s often not intentional. These changes usually stem from the brain’s progressive damage, not from the person’s true character.
As dementia advances, especially in conditions like Alzheimer’s or frontotemporal dementia, the parts of the brain that regulate emotion, behavior, and self-control deteriorate. This can lead to:
Frustration and fear: They may not understand what’s happening around them or recognize loved ones, which can be terrifying.
Communication breakdown: When they can’t express needs or discomfort, it may come out as anger or agitation.
Physical discomfort: Pain, infections, or hunger might go unnoticed or untreated, and they may lash out as a result.
Sundowning: Many experience increased confusion and irritability in the late afternoon or evening, known as sundowning.
It’s heartbreaking, especially for caregivers who remember who the person used to be. But these behaviors are symptoms of the disease, not a reflection of the person’s feelings toward others.
If you’re caring for someone going through this, you’re not alone—and there are ways to ease the journey. Would you like tips on how to respond to these behaviors or support resources for caregivers?
Dementia is a general term for a chronic or persistent decline in mental processes including memory loss, impaired reasoning, and personality changes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia followed by vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. It is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States and does not have a cure.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or any other form of dementia is challenging as the individual’s personality changes and cognitive function declines. They may even stop recognizing their nearest and dearest friends and relatives. As the disease progresses, they will require more and more care.
As a family caregiver, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs that death is near with dementia. When necessary, hospice can help by offering care wherever the individual resides, providing physical, emotional and spiritual care to the patient and support to their family.
10 signs death is near in dementia patients.
Understanding vascular dementia end-of-life symptoms as well as the final stages of death from Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia helps ensure these patients receive appropriate care. These signs include:
Increased physical weakness.
Decreased appetite and thirst.
More frequent and longer periods of sleep.
Communication difficulties.
Changes in behavior.
Increased infections or susceptibility to infections.
Incontinence.
Difficulty swallowing.
Labored breathing or changes in breathing patterns.
Sundowner’s Syndrome at the end of life is also common, although it can also occur during earlier stages. Sometimes referred to as “sundowning,” this symptom describes the worsening confusion, anxiety, and agitation that patients experience late in the afternoon and evening.
Timeline for end-stage dementia in the elderly.
It can be difficult to know when dementia patients are near the end of their life because of the nature of the disease’s progression, but understanding what symptoms are most common at what times can help ensure the patient receives the right care. Below is a timeline of signs of dying in elderly people with dementia:
Final Six Months
A diagnosis of another condition such as cancer, congestive heart failure or COPD
An increase in hospital visits or admissions
Final Two-to-Three Months
Speech limited to six words or less per day
Difficulty in swallowing or choking on liquids or food
Unable to walk or sit upright without assistance
Incontinence
Final Days/Weeks
Hands, feet, arms and legs may be increasingly cold to the touch
Inability to swallow
Terminal agitation or restlessness
An increasing amount of time asleep or drifting into unconsciousness
Changes in breathing, including shallow breaths or periods without breathing for several seconds or up to a minute
When are dementia patients eligible for hospice care?
Because individuals with advanced dementia will often have difficulty communicating, it is important that caregivers keep a close eye on their loved one for signs of pain or discomfort. These signs may include moaning or yelling, restlessness or an inability to sleep, grimacing, or sweating. This may also signal that it’s time to call hospice or a palliative care team to help with the pain management.
If an individual with end-stage dementia is having trouble sitting up without assistance, hospice can provide a hospital bed or other equipment to lift their head.
Perhaps the hardest thing for families is when a loved one with dementia is no longer able to eat or swallow. Because an individual with dementia is unable to understand the benefits of feeding tubes or IV drips, they will often be incredibly distressed and attempt to remove them, causing added pain and risk of infection. Instead, focusing on keeping the individual comfortable. Supporting them with mouth care to prevent their mouth from becoming dry will allow them to make their final transition in peace.
As an individual with dementia declines, you can help them by providing a loving and supportive presence. Sit with them. Hold their hand. Play music they enjoy.
One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved one is helping to get their affairs in order. Ensure that financial and healthcare powers of attorney are put in place, so you can make decisions when your loved one is no longer able. Look into funeral arrangements before you need them, so you don’t need to make important decisions in a time of crisis.
Talk to your loved one’s physician about the possibility of palliative care support in the home and hospice care when your loved one is ready.
How hospice can help with end-stage dementia.
In addition to helping you recognize the signs that death is near in patients with dementia, bringing in hospice care will help with the physical and emotional demands of caregiving. Nurses will be able to adjust medication and care plans as the individual’s needs change. Aides can help with bathing, grooming, and other personal care. Social workers can help organize resources for the patient and family. Chaplains and bereavement specials can help the family with any emotional or spiritual needs. Additionally, family members can contact hospice at any time, and do not need to wait until it is recommended by the patient’s physician.
To learn more about the criteria for hospice eligibility or to schedule a consultation, please call us at 855-905-2803 to speak with a hospice professional 24/7, choose one of the contact options in the bar above, or view our hospice service areas to find care in your area.
We all feel our moods change from time to time. People living with dementia, however, can experience an absence of interest in or concern about emotional, social, spiritual, philosophical or physical life.
They may become depressed or withdrawn and lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. Sometimes, they may lose the ability to manage their emotions.
It is important to remember that even in the later stages of dementia, the person is still able to experience a variety of emotions such as joy, love, fear and sadness. Provide support to ensure they are able to enjoy each day as fully as possible.
What is depression?
Depression is a condition in which people feel sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time. People with depression also experience anxiety and feelings of isolation. The number of people with depression rises over the age of 65.
Up to 40 to 50 percent of people with dementia experience depression at some point. Depression can make the symptoms of dementia worse. For example, depression can cause increased forgetfulness, confusion, and anxiety.
It is important to diagnose depression in people with dementia because depression may respond to treatment.
The symptoms of depression can be similar to symptoms of dementia. Therefore, it is often difficult to identify depression in people with dementia. There are some common signs of depression to be aware of:
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Lack of energy
Problems sleeping
Increased confusion
Loss of appetite and weight
If you are concerned about depression, speak to the person’s doctor.
What is apathy?
Apathy is a word that describes loss of interest, motivation and/or persistence. It means not caring and not being social with others. The person with dementia may develop this apathy (become apathetic) and feel unmotivated to do anything. Apathy can be a symptom of depression but it can also occur separately from depression.
It can be distressing for a caregiver or family member to see the person with dementia withdrawing from social gatherings and other activities. Understanding the causes of apathy and how to respond to it can be helpful.
Possible causes of depression
In the early stages of dementia, the person may experience depression after hearing their diagnosis.
Social isolation may also cause depression in some people with dementia.
Fatigue is associated with depressive symptoms.
Depression can be a side effect of certain medications. Ask the person’s doctor to review the drugs they are currently taking.
Possible causes of apathy
Apathy happens because the frontal lobe, an area of the brain responsible for planning, judgment, and insight, becomes damaged.
Apathy may also happen to a person with dementia who does not understand what is happening.
If you are worried about any of these symptoms, talk to your family doctor.
Tips and strategies
Responding to depression
Encourage pleasant activities that the person can still enjoy, such as short walks or outings.
Set realistic expectations. If you expect too much from a person, they may feel frustrated and discouraged.
Establish a consistent daily routine. This will help reassure the person as well as reduce confusion.
Counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and group therapy may be helpful.
Antidepressant medications may help. Talk to the person’s doctor about the options.
Responding to apathy
Try to engage the person with dementia in activities that they enjoy.
Make sure that they can participate at all levels and that they are not overwhelmed.
Try introducing a small amount of the activity at a time.
Choose flexible activities that can be changed to suit the person’s needs.
Emphasize more on the process of doing things and not the results.
Avoid activities where the person may not be able to complete the task.
Make the person feel valued and productive.
Be ready to help the person start an activity.
Make the person with dementia feel included in groups.
Have the person participate in activities that do not require active participation, such as listening to music.
Some people with dementia may respond to a type of medication called a cholinesterase inhibitor. You may want to discuss this with a doctor.
More information and resources
Behaviours in Dementia Toolkit by the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health is an online library of over 200 free resources to help care partners and health-care providers better understand and compassionately respond to dementia-related changes in mood and behaviour.
Depression – Older Adults and Care Partners by the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health includes resources on depression and prevention of suicide in older adults.
Shifting focus: Guide to understanding dementia behaviour by the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and Behavioural Supports Ontario is meant to help family members, friends and caregivers of people with dementia understand behaviours and actions.
J.J. Spaun’s career took a pivotal turn with his dramatic victory at the U.S. Open. Despite a tough start with five bogeys in the first six holes, Spaun rallied after a lengthy rain delay, showcasing remarkable resilience. His shift in mindset over the past year, prioritizing perspective over pressure, enabled him to play freely. Ultimately, a birdie on the 18th hole secured his win, marking a significant milestone in Spaun’s career.
By the Numbers:
Spaun’s first six holes included five bogeys, leading to a front-nine score of 40.
Following the rain delay, he managed to shoot a birdie on hole 12 and finished the tournament with 1-under-par.
State of Play
Spaun faced immense pressure early in the championship with many fans witnessing his struggle.
The rain delay allowed him to regroup, influencing his turnaround during the final round.
What’s Next
Following his victory, Spaun’s newfound freedom from pressure suggests potential for continued success. He may focus on maintaining this mindset as he enters future tournaments, aiming for a consistent performance on the PGA Tour.Bottom Line
Spaun’s journey emphasizes the importance of mindset in sports—letting go of pressure can lead to breakthrough moments. His U.S. Open win not only highlights his talent but also serves as a reminder that resilience and perspective can transform a player’s career.
These highlights capture the essence of J.J. Spaun’s remarkable performance at the 2025 U.S. Open, showcasing his skill and determination in overcoming challenges to claim his first major championship.
“For a man with Type 1 diabetes to win the U.S. Open with four days of pressure – pressure is the enemy of Type I diabetes – I said with your burden there is nothing more amazing than you winning the U.S. Open,” said Bessette, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Travelers and a hammer thrower on the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team. “To me, it’s one of the greatest accomplishments in sports given the burden he lives with.”
In the fall of 2018, Spaun was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
“I wasn’t feeling great, so I knew something was up,” he said Wednesday during his press conference ahead of the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut.
The 34-year-old started taking medicine for Type 2 but still felt lethargic, kept losing weight and, most concerning, losing distance. By mid-2021 his ranking dipped to No. 584 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Before COVID canceled the 2020 Players Championship, Bessette was chatting with pro Harold Varner III, who expressed his concern that his pal Spaun was struggling with diabetes.
Bessette’s son, Chris, had been diagnosed with Type I diabetes at age 18, and Bessette was familiar with the disease – the beta cells in the pancreas stop working and produce zero insulin. Spaun goes into insulin shock if he doesn’t control his insulin levels. Varner called Spaun via FaceTime to connect him with Bessette, who listened to his list of symptoms.
You should get yourself checked by a good endocrinologist to make sure,” Bessette recalled advising. He made some calls on Spaun’s behalf to the CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (since renamed Breakthrough T1D), which funds research for the development of new therapies and treatments for type 1 diabetes. Spaun eventually discovered he was misdiagnosed.
“I just was kind of going through the whole learning experience of what diabetes is and how to treat it and how to approach this disease,” Spaun said.
He has been approved by the Tour to wear a Libre blood-sugar monitor and check his levels while competing. If his blood sugar is low, he can faint. If it gets too high, his vision starts to blur.
Later that year at the Travelers Championship, Spaun wedged to 19 inches in a closest-to-the-pin contest at the red floating umbrella in the middle of a lake dubbed hole No. 15 ½ at TPC River Highlands. As the winner, Spaun could donate $10,000 to the charity of his choice. He chose JDRF. Bessette was touched by Spaun’s gesture and personally matched the donation.
“So that initiated our connection,” Spaun said. “He’s kind of been there for me the whole way, where if it was doctors I needed to get in touch with or CEOs of JDRF, it’s been nice to have that connection and his network to kind of help me along this journey because I had just been diagnosed with it, but diagnosed incorrectly. Even when I got my diagnosis corrected, I guess, it was even more so helpful to have JDRF and Andy on my side to kind of help me navigate another new territory.”
Bessette was moved again Sunday when Spaun achieved a career-defining moment at Oakmont – Type I Diabetes be damned. “It changed his life,” Bessette said of being diagnosed correctly. “It’s a brutal disease.”
On Monday, with the course still set up exactly as it had been for the final round, Newcomer played Oakmont from the back tees and walked off with a 23-over-par 93.
That number might raise eyebrows, but in the context of what Oakmont was dishing out, it’s more impressive than it looks on paper. Every small miss was magnified. Every mistake cost double the usual penalty.
For context, even a 10-handicap golfer would be given 21 shots at Oakmont, according to the USGA’s course handicap calculator. That number gives a sense of just how daunting the setup really is.
You can check how many strokes you’d get yourself using the USGA’s course handicap calculator. Newcomer’s experience proves what every pro learned the hard way: at Oakmont, nothing comes easy. And even for a scratch golfer, survival often feels like an accomplishment.
For those whose lives have been affected by breast cancer,
hope and faith can make a profound difference!!!
Lois Olmstead was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 1990s. While the exact date isn’t publicly specified, her book Breast Cancer and Me: The Hope-filled and Sometimes Humorous Story of a Breast Cancer Survivor recounts her journey from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. It’s a deeply personal and faith-filled account of how she faced the disease with courage and humor. 1www.amazon.com2www.christianbook.com
Lois Olmstead is a breast cancer survivor who shares her journey with hope and humor in her book, “Breast Cancer and Me: The Hope-filled and Sometimes Humorous Story of a Breast Cancer Survivor.” The book is a personal account of her battle with breast cancer, from diagnosis to treatment, and she draws parallels with the biblical figure Jehoshaphat, who faced a great multitude and won.
Lois Olmstead’s story is not only a testament to her resilience but also a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges. Her wit, wisdom, and faith are evident in her writings, making her a beloved figure in the community of breast cancer survivors. 2 3
Lois Olmstead is a breast cancer survivor who turned her personal battle into a source of hope and humor for others. She authored Breast Cancer and Me: The Hope-filled and Sometimes Humorous Story of a Breast Cancer Survivor, where she shares her journey with candor, faith, and a touch of wit.
Beyond her writing, Lois is a speaker who inspires audiences at women’s retreats, conferences, and civic events. She’s also been a radio host and newspaper columnist, using her voice to uplift and encourage. Lois lives in Livingston, Montana, and volunteers with the American Cancer Society, continuing to support others facing similar challenges.
Would you like a quote from her book or maybe a summary of her key messages? She’s got a way of making even the toughest moments feel a little lighter.
Can you share more about Lois Olmstead’s story?
Lois Olmstead’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of humor in the face of adversity. A breast cancer survivor, Lois was diagnosed after discovering a lump she later described with characteristic wit as “feeling like a mint.” That moment launched her into a journey filled with surgeries, chemotherapy, and emotional upheaval—but also one that deepened her spiritual life and inspired her to uplift others.
She chronicled her experience in her book Breast Cancer and Me: The Hope-filled and Sometimes Humorous Story of a Breast Cancer Survivor. In it, she shares how she leaned on her Christian faith, drawing strength from biblical stories like that of Jehoshaphat, who faced overwhelming odds by sending a choir ahead of his army. Lois used that metaphor to face her own “great multitude” of cancer cells with courage and praise.
But Lois didn’t stop at surviving—she turned her experience into a mission. She became a speaker at women’s retreats and conferences, hosted a daily radio program, and wrote a weekly newspaper column. Her storytelling blends honesty, vulnerability, and humor, helping others find light in their own dark moments. She also volunteers with the American Cancer Society, offering support to those walking the same path she once did.
Tell me more about Lois’s cancer journey
Lois Olmstead’s cancer journey is a powerful blend of faith, grit, and unexpected humor. When she first discovered a lump—described with her signature wit as feeling “like a mint”—she and her husband were both shaken. That moment marked the beginning of a deeply personal battle with breast cancer.
Throughout her diagnosis, surgery, and treatment, Lois leaned heavily on her Christian faith. She found strength in the biblical story of Jehoshaphat, a king who sent a choir ahead of his army into battle. Inspired by that image, Lois imagined herself going into her own battle—flanked by God, Jehoshaphat, and a chorus of hope.
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Her book, Breast Cancer and Me,
Captures this journey with raw honesty and a surprising dose of humor. She doesn’t shy away from the hard parts, but she also finds light in the darkest moments—like joking with her husband during doctor visits or finding spiritual metaphors in everyday struggles.
Would you like a quote from her book or maybe a glimpse into how she uses her story to inspire others today? She’s got a way of making courage contagious.
What specific challenges did Lois face during treatment?
Lois Olmstead faced a range of emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges during her breast cancer treatment—but she met them with remarkable resilience and humor.
One of the most daunting hurdles was the emotional toll of the diagnosis itself. She described the moment she found the lump as surreal, and the fear that followed was intense. Navigating the uncertainty of test results, surgery, and treatment plans tested her faith and inner strength.
Physically, she endured the typical rigors of treatment—surgery, chemotherapy, and the side effects that come with them. Fatigue, pain, and the loss of her hair were deeply personal battles. But Lois often used humor to cope, joking about her bald head and even finding ways to laugh during doctor visits.
Spiritually, she leaned heavily on her Christian faith. She often referenced the biblical story of Jehoshaphat, imagining herself going into battle with a divine choir leading the way. That image helped her reframe her struggle—not as a solitary fight, but as a journey supported by God and her community.
She also faced the challenge of maintaining her identity beyond the label of “cancer patient.” Through writing, speaking, and connecting with others, Lois reclaimed her voice and used her story to uplift others walking a similar path.
Would you like a quote from her book that captures one of these moments? She has a way of turning even the hardest truths into something hopeful.
Can you elaborate on her emotional challenges?
Absolutely. Lois Olmstead’s emotional challenges during her cancer journey were as profound as the physical ones—and in many ways, even more defining.
She described the initial shock of diagnosis as a moment that shattered her sense of normalcy. Fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability crept in quickly. Lois was suddenly thrust into a world of medical jargon, invasive procedures, and life-altering decisions. The emotional weight of not knowing what the future held—whether she’d survive, how her body would change, and how others would respond—was immense.
One of her biggest emotional hurdles was maintaining her identity beyond the label of “cancer patient.” She wrestled with feelings of isolation and the fear of being seen only through the lens of illness. But instead of letting that define her, she leaned into her faith and sense of humor. She found strength in imagining herself like the biblical King Jehoshaphat, going into battle with a choir leading the way—an image that gave her courage and reminded her she wasn’t alone.
Lois also faced the emotional challenge of vulnerability in her relationships. She had to let others help her, which wasn’t always easy. But in doing so, she discovered deeper connections—with her husband, her friends, and even strangers who became part of her support system.
What practical tips does Lois provide for cancer recovery?
Lois Olmstead’s approach to cancer recovery blends faith, humor, and practical wisdom. While her book Breast Cancer and Me is deeply personal, it also offers guidance that many survivors find relatable and helpful.
Here are some of the practical tips and themes she emphasizes:
Lean into faith and community: Lois often speaks about drawing strength from her spiritual beliefs and surrounding herself with supportive people. She encourages others to find their own sources of hope and connection.
Use humor as a healing tool: She doesn’t shy away from the absurd or awkward moments of treatment—like describing her tumor as feeling “like a mint.” Humor, she believes, can lighten even the darkest days.
Acknowledge the emotional journey: Lois is candid about the fear, uncertainty, and identity shifts that come with cancer. She encourages survivors to be honest about their feelings and to seek support when needed.
Celebrate small victories: Whether it’s making it through a tough treatment or simply getting out of bed, she reminds survivors to recognize progress in all its forms.
Stay engaged: Through volunteering, writing, and speaking, Lois models how staying active and purposeful can be a powerful part of healing.
You can find more of her insights and resources on her website. If you’d like, I can also share tips from other survivors or medical professionals to round out the picture. Just say the word.
Can you provide more detailed examples of her tips?
Absolutely—Lois Olmstead’s book Breast Cancer and Me is full of vivid, down-to-earth moments that bring her advice to life. Here are a few more detailed examples of the practical tips she shares:
Reframing fear with faith: When Lois first felt the lump, she described it as “feeling like a mint.” That moment, though laced with fear, became a turning point. She leaned into her faith by drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Jehoshaphat, who sent a choir ahead of his army. Lois used that image to remind herself that praise and trust could lead the way—even into surgery and chemo.
Humor in the hard stuff: She recounts asking her husband, “Are you okay?” after seeing his pale face during her diagnosis—only for him to ask the same thing back. That “okay question” became a running theme, helping them laugh through the uncertainty.
Creating a new rhythm: Lois talks about the importance of finding a new normal after treatment. She encourages survivors to embrace small routines—like journaling, walking, or volunteering—as anchors during recovery. These habits helped her regain a sense of control and purpose.
Speaking life into others: Through her speaking engagements and writing, Lois emphasizes the healing power of sharing your story. She believes that when survivors speak openly, they not only process their own journey but also offer hope to others walking a similar path.
If you’d like, I can help you find excerpts from her book or similar survivor stories that echo her approach. Want to explore that?
How can humor help during tough times like cancer treatment?
Humor can be a surprisingly powerful ally during cancer treatment—it doesn’t cure the disease, but it can help heal the spirit.
Here’s how:
It relieves stress: Laughter lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts endorphins, which are your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Even a brief chuckle can help relax muscles and ease tension.
It shifts perspective: When everything feels out of control, humor can give you back a sense of agency. It helps reframe the situation—not by denying the pain, but by finding light in the cracks.
It strengthens connection: Sharing a laugh with loved ones, caregivers, or even fellow patients can break down emotional walls. It creates moments of normalcy and reminds everyone that joy still exists, even in the midst of hardship.
It boosts physical resilience: Studies show that laughter improves circulation, strengthens the immune system, and can even increase pain tolerance. One study found that children watching funny videos could keep their hands in freezing water longer—proof that laughter really can be a kind of medicine.
It fosters emotional healing: Humor can help people process fear, sadness, and anger in a gentler way. It doesn’t erase those feelings, but it makes them more manageable.
Lois Olmstead embodies this beautifully—she used humor to navigate her own cancer journey, turning awkward moments into shared smiles and fear into faith-filled laughter. If you’d like, I can share some of her funniest or most moving anecdotes.
What resources does Lois provide for cancer survivors?
Lois Olmstead offers a blend of heartfelt storytelling, faith-based encouragement, and community engagement to support cancer survivors:
Her book, Breast Cancer and Me: The Hope-filled and Sometimes Humorous Story of a Breast Cancer Survivor, is a central resource. It’s filled with personal anecdotes, spiritual insights, and humor that many survivors find uplifting.
Speaking engagements: Lois shares her journey at women’s retreats, conferences, and civic events, offering hope and practical wisdom drawn from her own experience.
Radio and writing: She’s hosted a daily radio program and writes a weekly newspaper column, both of which often touch on themes of resilience, faith, and healing.
Volunteer work: As a breast cancer survivor, she actively volunteers with the American Cancer Society, providing peer support and advocacy.
If you’re looking for something specific—like a support group, devotional content, or survivor tips—I’d be happy to help you dig deeper.
Originally from Chicago, Lizabeth Yandel has lived and worked as a Vocalist/Guitarist/Songwriter and writer in cities around the country, including New Orleans, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Portland, OR. She now lives in rural Oregon with her husband, Sebastian Pigott, with whom she’s building an independent film production company called Dog Unlimited. The Oregon-based indie film production house is currently in post-production on its 2nd feature film. Its 1st feature, Bring it all Back Home, was acquired by Gravitas Ventures and is now streaming.
Lizabeth received her MFA in poetry from UC Irvine, where she also taught undergraduate poetry craft & writing composition for 3 years. Upon graduating, she was awarded the 2022 University of California Graduate Prize for Excellence in Poetry. Her poems are published or forthcoming in the 2023 Best New Poets Anthology, The Southern Review, Copper Nickel, Rattle, Narrative Magazine’s Poem-of-the-Week series, The American Journal of Poetry, and took 2nd place in Palette Poetry’s 2023 Sappho Prize.
Her first screenplay, a feature-length coming-of-age narrative called Freight, was chosen as a semi-finalist in the reputable Blue Cat Screenwriting Competition in 2022. Lizabeth Yandel
In 2023, my partner and I left Los Angeles and moved to a more rural part of Oregon to save money.
We spend less on rent, groceries, and activities but often have more limited options.
Our internet and garbage services have been surprisingly frustrating, but we love living here.
Back in 2022, we were a childless, broke-but-not-poor filmmaker couple in Los Angeles.
We adored our Koreatown apartment, but between soaring rent, gas, utility, and grocery bills, we were truly scraping by.
With our dreams of financial stability and having a child in the next couple years, we decided it was time to leave LA. We were able to work remotely so we had flexibility to do it.
In July 2023, we packed our dog and belongings into an F150 and made the move to a small town in rural Oregon.
Living here has been cheaper, and we’ve made some surprising adjustments
One reason we chose Oregon is I lived there before and felt confident our dollars could go further here, especially in a smaller, more remote town.
Although our rent isn’t quite as low as we’d hoped, living here is decidedly cheaper than LA. Plus, many properties here have way more outdoor space, which is a huge value add (especially for our dog, Stella).
Although Oregon is not immune to current inflation, our groceries are still more affordable now. What’s more, food quality is often better since we have easier access to locally grown produce and lots of farmers’ markets.
That said, our options can feel a bit more limited since there are only two grocery stores near our home and absolutely nothing like a Whole Foods, which was everywhere in LA.
The main one is that leisure activities are generally cheaper, but there are far fewer of them. Going out for drinks sets us back way less than it did in LA, but there are only four bars in town — and only two are worth the visit.
Thankfully, outdoor leisure here in the Pacific Northwest is plentiful, mostly free, and requires almost no commute.
Even so, we’ve run into a few extra costs and higher service fees
Although living in a major city can get expensive fast, our more rural life still has still come with costs and inconveniences we weren’t anticipating.
For example, reliable internet is not guaranteed in our area. Our first Oregon house wasn’t set up for internet at all and it took months to get fiber internet installed (Spectrum would have taken even longer).
To survive the first few months after the move, we paid through the nose for a high-powered mobile hotspot.
Our garbage service is also significantly more expensive than it was in Los Angeles, in part because our local provider has to travel farther for collection and disposal.
At our first house, trash service cost us a whopping $70 a month, far more than it ever did in LA. Worse, the garbage truck couldn’t drive down our narrow gravel road, so we had to drag our trash can some 200 yards each week.
Still, we’re grateful to be here — especially now that we have a kid
Our daughter was born this past January. Walking her around the sleepy streets of our charming little town has been an experience I know we’ll cherish forever.
We feel lucky we can make a living as filmmakers without living in LA. After all, making this kind of move wouldn’t be possible for many families, as finding work in such a limited commercial pool is vastly more difficult than in a city.
I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss La-La-Land’s never-ending stream of entertainment, cultural events, and unparalleled people watching. But if I had to make the choice to move to the country again, I would.
Overall, our new small-town life has saved us in more ways than one: money, stress, hours of sitting in traffic, and time spent deciding between too many options for just about everything.
In a recent interview with BBC News, Shakira was asked what it’s like living in the U.S. as an immigrant. The four-time Grammy winner gave a somber but honest response.
“It means living in constant fear,” she said. “And it’s painful to see.”
She continued, “Now, more than ever, we have to remain united. Now, more than ever, we have to raise our voices and make it very clear that a country can change its immigration policies, but the treatment of all people must always be humane.”
Immigration has been top of mind for many Americans as President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation tactics tear through homes and communities. The backlash against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as the Trump administration, began last week with protests in Los Angeles. The fight went nationwide on Saturday with the “No Kings” protests, seeing thousands of Americans marching against Trump.
Earlier in the same interview, Shakira spoke about her own experience immigrating to the United States and how American musicians came to influence her upbringing and musical style.
“I was only 19 when I moved to the U.S., like many other Colombian immigrants who come to this country looking for a better future,” she explained. “I got into poetry and started reading a little bit of Leonard Cohen and Walt Whitman and Bob Dylan, trying to understand how the English language works within songwriting. I think that’s how I got good at it.”
I have a great idea. Instead of deporting the illegal criminals all you “humane” folks can take half dozen of them. You can be responsible for feeding them, housing them and their healthcare.Reply131
@George Washingtonmy thing on this is that immigrants could become legal & b a citizen., get jobs, etc.. but immigrants got free stuff under Biden/Harris admin.. free food, food stamps, housing etc that took away from us Americans, even when tornados came last yr, there was no $ bc it went 2 illegals.. if ppl wants them here, I agree w u, let those ppl pay their way.
Total fan of Shakira, but if ur not legal, it’s only natural that u will always be scared of being caught. there is a process. but these mass deportation directives are nazi like, and that is unacceptable. whether u r an illegal or on visa or getting ur green cards or going through the process, or have already been granted citizenship.
They don’t even need citizenship you have to be in this country 6 years on a green card in good standing have a good work history and new criminal background there’s two things here there’s legal immigrants who have paperwork and there are illegal aliens those who just came here with no paperwork there’s a big difference
Yup. They conflate the Illegals with the Legals. The Illegals are alien to the country not a Legal Immigrant to the country. And seeing that many are not abandoning their country of origin flag, they never intended on assimilating. And honestly, no country should permit dual citizenship. Pick one.
@Ti13r C.I hear you loud and clear The thing that gets me is that they come here supposedly to become an American and live the dream, right? So why do they always refer to the place they just left as “my country”. Then, when they die, they want to be buried “at home.” Isn’t America their home, cause they didn’t have a problem taking them benefits. Heck, they can just stay right where they are in “their country” for all I care!
Jason Kohut She is a Colombian Citizen just getting rich off American fans . Her country would not permit her to speak down about it. Don’t come here and do it to our’s
To truly be happy, one must engage in activities that promote emotional well-being and personal satisfaction. This includes developing positive relationships, practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, and living in congruence with one’s values. Happiness is not just about feeling good; it also involves being good. It is a complex concept that encompasses both the pursuit of enduring happiness and the fulfillment of basic human needs.
Recent research from the 2024 World Happiness Report highlights that countries like Finland, Denmark, and Iceland consistently top the happiness rankings, largely due to their strong social ties. People living in these nations report spending more quality time with friends and family, which boosts feelings of belonging and support.
According to a Gallup poll from 2024, 82% of Finns say they can rely on someone in times of need. The happiest people make time for regular gatherings, even if it’s just a simple coffee with a neighbor or a weekly family dinner.
Socializing, even in small doses, is linked with lower stress and higher life satisfaction. People who feel connected to others are less likely to experience loneliness, which is a major predictor of unhappiness.
So, investing in relationships is not just nice—it’s scientifically proven to make you happier.
Embrace Nature and Outdoor Activities
Nordic countries, often leading the World Happiness Report, attribute much of their well-being to spending time outdoors. A 2024 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health found that 67% of Danes and Norwegians spend at least two hours a week in nature.
Fresh air, natural scenery, and even a brisk walk in the park can lift your mood. People in Iceland, for example, often take advantage of natural hot springs and long summer days to be outside.
The Japanese concept of “forest bathing,” which means immersing yourself in a forest environment, has also gained international popularity as a way to reduce anxiety. Even city dwellers in Helsinki and Copenhagen actively seek out green spaces.
The research shows that just 20 minutes a day outdoors can reduce stress hormones and improve overall happiness.
Practice Gratitude Regularly
A growing body of research in 2023 and 2024 confirms that gratitude is a key ingredient in the happiness recipe. The happiest people in the world often keep gratitude journals or share daily thanks with loved ones.
In Finland, gratitude is even taught in some schools as part of the curriculum. According to a 2024 Harvard study, people who jot down three things they’re grateful for each day report a 25% increase in life satisfaction over six months.
Gratitude helps shift focus away from what’s missing and toward what’s already good. This simple practice interrupts negative thinking patterns and encourages optimism. As one Danish teacher put it, “When you focus on what you have, you realize it’s often more than enough.”
Find Purpose Through Meaningful Work
Work-life balance is a cornerstone of happiness in countries like Sweden and the Netherlands, as reported in the 2024 European Quality of Life Survey. People in these nations value meaningful work but also prioritize time off and flexible schedules.
Only 12% of Icelanders work more than 40 hours a week, according to Eurostat 2024 data. The happiest workers are those who feel their jobs make a positive difference, whether that’s teaching, healthcare, or creative industries.
Autonomy at work—having control over your schedule and tasks—was strongly linked to higher well-being in the 2024 OECD report. Even small jobs, like volunteering at a local food bank or helping neighbors, provide a sense of purpose. The happiest people don’t necessarily earn the most; they find meaning in what they do.
Keep Moving: The Power of Daily Exercise
Physical activity is a common thread among the world’s happiest populations. In the Netherlands, nearly 40% of adults cycle daily, the highest rate globally as per the 2024 European Cyclists’ Federation report.
Regular movement—whether it’s biking to work, swimming, or simply strolling—releases endorphins and reduces depression. The World Health Organization’s 2023 data shows that people who are active for at least 30 minutes a day are 30% less likely to report feelings of unhappiness.
In Sweden, group sports and outdoor fitness are part of the culture, making exercise a social event rather than a chore. The happiest people don’t necessarily hit the gym; they just make movement a regular part of their lives.
Limit Comparison and Embrace Simplicity
The happiest people aren’t obsessed with keeping up with the Joneses. In fact, the 2024 World Values Survey found that Icelanders and Finns are far less likely to compare their wealth or possessions to others.
Simplicity is celebrated in Scandinavian countries—minimalist homes, simple meals, and low-key gatherings are the norm. Research from the University of Oslo in 2023 showed that people who focus on experiences over material goods report higher long-term happiness.
Instead of striving for “more,” the happiest people focus on “enough.” This mindset shifts attention from competition to contentment, making daily life feel lighter and less stressful.
Seek Balance, Not Perfection
Pursuing a balanced life is a hallmark of happy societies, especially in Denmark, where the concept of “hygge” (comfort and coziness) is deeply rooted. According to the 2024 Danish Institute of Happiness, 74% of Danes believe that maintaining balance—between work, family, and leisure—matters more than achieving perfection.
Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, not failures. People in these countries are quick to forgive themselves and move on.
This acceptance helps reduce anxiety and fosters a sense of peace. Perfectionism, on the other hand, is linked with burnout and dissatisfaction, according to a 2023 meta-analysis in Psychological Medicine.
Yes, music does have healing powers in the bible. Research indicates that music therapy can effectively reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Additionally, music can calm anxiety, ease pain, and provide comfort during medical treatments. Studies have shown that music can help heal physical, mental, and emotional wounds, making it a valuable tool in therapeutic settings. Overall, the therapeutic effects of music are supported by various studies and practices in the field of health. Psychology Today+3
Celebrate Small Joys and Everyday Rituals
One thing the happiest people do best is savor little moments. Whether it’s a morning coffee, a walk in the rain, or lighting candles on a winter night, these rituals anchor daily life.
The 2024 World Happiness Report notes that Icelanders and Danes rate their everyday satisfaction higher than their satisfaction with big events, like holidays or major achievements. This focus on small joys makes happiness accessible, even on ordinary days.
Everyday rituals, like Sunday brunch or a family board game night, create a sense of rhythm and predictability. The happiest people in the world find magic in the mundane, reminding us that happiness isn’t always about grand gestures but often about the little things.
Invest in Community and Trust
Trust is a critical factor in happiness, according to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer. Nordic countries consistently rank highest in social trust, with over 70% of Swedes and Norwegians saying they trust their neighbors.
This trust extends to institutions, like the police and government, which helps people feel secure. Community events, like local festivals or volunteer clean-ups, are common and help foster a sense of togetherness.
The happiest people participate in local life, knowing that their community has their back. When people feel safe and supported, happiness rises.
Prioritize Mental Health and Self-Care
Mental health is openly discussed and supported in the happiest countries, reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help. A 2023 report from the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs found that 85% of Finns are comfortable talking about their mental well-being with friends or professionals.
Free counseling sessions, mental health days at work, and mindfulness programs are widely available in places like Finland and Sweden. This proactive approach helps catch issues early and fosters resilience.
Love, in the form of a loving life, can significantly increase your immune system’s effectiveness. The presence of a loving partner or supportive social connection can lower stress levels and promote emotional balance, which in turn can lower harmful stress hormones like cortisol. This reduction in stress hormones can help maintain a healthy heart and improve overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, love releases hormones such as oxytocin, which can impact the immune system in various ways, including fighting inflammation and supporting the immune system’s surveillance, defense, and balance.
Was Long Promised Road an unnecessary documentary?
I haven’t watched Long Promised Road since it first came out, but I remember thinking Brian Wilson in the mental state he was in at that point felt really unnecessary to capture on film.
A) The story of his innovative production in the 60s had already been told to death, specifically with “Love & Mercy” a couple years earlier.
B) Seeing his early dementia being captured on film is really tough to watch. The real-time shocked reaction to Jack Rieley’s death – Search is so sad because he obviously would’ve been informed of his passing when it happened, and he just didn’t remember.
In this outtake from “American Masters—Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road,” Brian Wilson stops at Hawthorne High School, his alma mater, where the current principal helps right a wrong in his grades.
Explore the life and career of Brian Wilson, singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys, as he and Rolling Stone editor Jason Fine drive around Los Angeles. American Masters – Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road features Wilson’s candid reflections on his life and legendary career.
It includes interviews with Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas, Linda Perry, Jim James, Gustavo Dudamel and Al Jardine and introduces “Right Where I Belong,” an original song written and performed by Brian Wilson and Jim James for this film. American Masters—Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road premieres nationwide Tuesday, June 14 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings), http://pbs.org/americanmasters and the PBS Video app. Bing Videos
After Earnhardt’s death, NASCAR began an intensive focus on safety—mandating the use of head-and-neck restraints, installing SAFER barriers at oval tracks, setting rigorous new inspection rules for seats and seat-belts,[2] and developing a roof-hatch escape system and the Car of Tomorrow—which eventually led to the development of a next-generation race car built with extra driver safety in mind.[2] Since Earnhardt’s death, no driver has died during competition in a race of NASCAR’s three major series.[5]
While there have been plenty of famous families in sports, few names found more success than Earnhardt. Ralph got things rolling in the early days of NASCAR; Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. followed in his footsteps, becoming motorsports legends in their own right. Behind the scenes, though, things weren’t exactly an example of familial bliss.
Despite the success he eventually found in NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t initially plan on racing. In fact, he only climbed behind the wheel for a painful, personal reason: to get closer to a distant dad.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t plan on becoming a NASCAR star.
Dale Earnhardt, background, and his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., run side by side in turn 2 during the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2001, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Dale Earnhardt
Based on the fact that his dad was a NASCAR star, it’s easy to assume that Dale Earnhardt Jr. grew up dreaming of climbing behind the wheel. In reality, though, that wasn’t the case.
Junior attended automotive school and planned on being an ordinary mechanic, fixing everyday cars. He even took a job at his dad’s dealership and rose to the rank of “assistant engine guy.” Eventually, though, his dream career was dashed.
After a new service manager took over, Dale Jr. lost his job; he headed home and began working on his sister’s late model. Eventually, he’d climb behind the wheel himself and, from there, the rest is motorsports history.
Racing formed the basis of an entire relationship with his father
Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t simply start racing to fill his free time and have a bit of fun, though. During his youth, he and his famous father were practically strangers.
“We just didn’t have a relationship,” the younger Earnhardt told Graham Bensinger. “We didn’t do a lot of hanging out. We didn’t communicate much unless he was telling me where to stand or where to be or what to fix or what to clean up. We didn’t go hunting together, he didn’t take me on trips. Like when he would go do things, I was never like an idea or a consideration.”
Things didn’t remain icy forever, though. Once Junior started racing, he and his dad finally found some common ground. In fact, he only got behind the wheel in order to strengthen their relationship.
“The only reason I raced was to get closer to my dad,” Earnhardt Jr. continued. “That was the only way I would. Nothing I did would register with him … and finally, when I started racing and I won a couple of races, I noticed we would talk about it, and he’d come in the shop and want to know what happened. And so I got more and more into [it], like ‘hey I gotta, I want to do racing’ because it gets me closer to dad.”
Growing up, Dale Earnhardt Jr. never planned on being a NASCAR driver. Once he climbed behind the wheel, though, the rest is history.
Junior cut his teeth on the short track scene before moving up to the Busch Series in 1996; two years later, he made his Winston Cup Series debut. Before long, he became a fixture on the NASCAR circuit.
While he never reached the same heights as his dad and struggled with some serious concussion-related symptoms, Earnhardt Jr. still found plenty of success in the world of motorsports. He won 50 races across the Cup Series and what’s now known as the Xfinity Series, took first place in two Daytona 500s, and monopolized NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver title, claiming the award 15 times. He also built up an estimated $300 million fortune, which isn’t a bad consolation prize, either.
While it wasn’t ideal that Dale Earnhardt Jr. had to start racing to have a relationship with his father, that reality certainly changed the course of NASCAR history. Along the way, he also probably made his dad pretty proud.
Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s Heartfelt Message to Dale Jr.’s First NASCAR Cup Win Resurfaces on Father’s Day
Fresh off the consecutive championship victories in the Xfinity Series, Dale Jr set out to race alongside “The Man in Black” in the 2000 Winston Cup Series. Junior, then young and insecure, was apprehensive of ever securing a win in the Cup Series. All that would change on April 2nd, 2000, at the Texas Motor Speedway. Driving the #8 Chevy for the newly formed Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Junior bagged his first Winston Cup Series race win. Leading 106 of the 334 laps, Dale Earnhardt Jr clinched the title, beating Jeff Burton by 5.92 seconds. The victory was a major breakthrough for young Dale Jr, but the week leading up to the race was not easy as Junior was down with the flu.
“It was pretty straightforward, I had the flu most of that week, but that didn’t bother me once we got going. There weren’t any omens or superstitious feelings or signs. The car was good all day” revealed Dale Jr.
Feb 12, 1999 NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Sr and Dale Earnhardt Jr in victory lane after Earnhardt Sr. won the IROC race at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Throughout the course of their respective careers, Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. elevated the sport to a whole new level in their own unique ways. In fact, one could even go so far as to say that NASCAR today wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for the Earnhardts. Having said that, one can’t help but address the tragic aspect of their careers for the brief time they raced in the Cup together. Yes, that day in Daytona overshadows most of the things they accomplished together, but that shouldn’t mean the beautiful moments they had together shouldn’t be talked about as much.
So on the occasion of Father’s Day, NASCAR on NBC did just that, throwing it back to one of the most important and beautiful moments shared between Dale Sr. and Dale Jr.
Dale Earnhardt’s heartfelt reaction to his son’s first Cup win
Even though Earnhardt Sr. was known and perceived as the tough guy in NASCAR (hence his nickname, The Intimidator), there were a few occasions on which he showed the lesser-known side of his personality. One such instance was when his son won his first-ever Cup race.
Following in the footsteps of his own career, Junior’s first Cup win came at Texas, the same track where he won his first Xfinity race. Not only that, that win was also the first in the books of Dale Earnhardt Inc. or D.E.I.
Ecstatic and full of emotions after the momentous day in his son’s life and his race team, Earnhardt Sr embraced his son just as he got out of his race car. When asked about his thoughts on the dual significance of this win, the Intimidator said, “I tell ya, he’s something else.”
Even Dale Jr posted a tweet on the occasion of Father’s Day as he wrote, “Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. ”
Dale Earnhardt Jr wonders this about his father every day
Ahead of his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in early 2022, Dale Jr. opened up on what he imagined his father’s reaction would be to his and his sister Kelley’s massive achievements in their careers
“I think he would be surprised,” Earnhardt Jr said as per Fox News. “I think that he would be so proud of Kelley and who she has become, the amount of respect, her stature, I think that would matter a lot to him.”
With that said Junior claimed he would do anything to know what his father’s words would be about all his and his sister’s achievements, something he said he thinks about “all the time.”
We live in an extraordinary era, one where science and technology advance at a staggering pace. Discoveries of invisible dimensions, quantum entanglements, and the mysteries of the universe — topics that should inspire awe and captivate society — often go unnoticed amidst the noise of our fast-paced, materialistic culture.
As modern society progresses, we face a troubling reality: the growing irrelevance of science, history, faith and spirituality in an age dominated by fleeting social media trends.
This ironic detachment comes at a time when scientific discoveries are pointing to an astounding truth: everything in the universe, improbably, is made of light energy.
Quantum physics reveals that what we perceive as solid matter is not “material” in the traditional sense. Instead, matter and antimatter cancel each other out, leaving a sum total of nothing.
This revelation has led a growing number of physicists to theorize that we exist in a holographic universe — a projection of energy and information. Could it be that this intricate universe exists within the mind of an omnipotent Creator? Could the Universe Be Alive and Conscious? | Watch
The Light of Creation
The Bible, written thousands of years before quantum theory, presents a remarkable parallel. It describes God as light, love and a spiritual being omnipresent in space and time. Hebrews 11:3 echoes quantum principles: “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
This aligns with quantum mechanics, where the act of observation transforms light waves into particles, shaping the reality we perceive.
Genesis underscores this phenomenon, repeatedly stating, “And God saw that it was good.” These divine observations bring order to the cosmos, much like how a conscious observer in quantum physics “collapses” a wave function into a tangible reality. Could this biblical narrative describe the inception of a miraculous, multidimensional universe?
A Holographic Universe and the Role of Faith
The suggestion that we live in a holographic universe is no longer the stuff of science fiction. It is a mathematical possibility that upends our understanding of reality. Quantum physics posits those unseen dimensions and spiritual realm — long described in Scripture — may indeed exist.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 marvels, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
This convergence of ancient wisdom and modern science compels us to reconsider our conventional views of the universe. It suggests that our faith, prayers and beliefs may actively shape physical reality, as the Bible has long asserted.
This raises profound questions about free will and predestination, challenging us to reflect on whether our existence is entirely autonomous or intricately woven into a divine plan.
Science, Intelligent Design, and the Mystery of Consciousness
Quantum physics continues to reveal astonishing truths about the universe, including its mathematical precision and apparent design.
This has led many scientists, including prominent physicists, to embrace the concept of intelligent design. The universe is not a chaotic accident; it operates according to astonishing mathematical laws that point to a Creator.
Johannes Kepler, a pioneer of modern astronomy, once remarked, “Those laws [of nature] are within the grasp of the human mind; God wanted us to recognize them by creating us after his own image so that we could share in his own thoughts.”
Even human consciousness defies material explanation. Our thoughts, dreams, and decisions have no physical dimensions, yet they govern the actions of our bodies. This duality mirrors the broader mysteries of the universe: unseen forces shaping visible outcomes.
Quantum Physics and the Future of Technology
Max Planck’s quantum theory has not only deepened our understanding of reality but also transformed technology. From quantum computing to cryptography, the principles of quantum mechanics underpin innovations that could reshape the future.
Most notably, the race to achieve controlled nuclear fusion represents the pinnacle of this quantum revolution. Fusion energy, a process that mimics the sun’s power, holds the promise of unlimited, clean energy. Central to this effort are tokamaks — massive installations that confine fusion reactions using magnetic fields.
Success in this endeavor would render fossil fuels obsolete and revolutionize global energy systems. However, this race for quantum energy is also a geopolitical contest. China has made significant investments in fusion research, rapidly building state-of-the-art tokamaks.
In contrast, the United States lags behind, with aging facilities and fragmented efforts. The stakes are enormous: the nation that masters fusion will wield unprecedented influence in an increasingly energy-dependent world.
The Judeo-Christian Legacy in Science
Amid these advancements, it is important to recognize the Judeo-Christian roots of modern science. The biblical philosophy of love, equality and the pursuit of truth inspired pioneers like Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler.
Yet, ironically, this worldview is often dismissed as outdated in contemporary culture.
This dismissal comes at a time when mounting evidence affirms the Bible’s historical accuracy and scientific insights. The mathematical elegance of the universe, the fine-tuning of physical constants, and the mysteries of consciousness all point to a Creator.
As Sir Isaac Newton observed, “The most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.”
Despite the growing divide between science and faith, the two are not mutually exclusive. Quantum physics, with its revelations of a multidimensional universe, aligns more closely with biblical teachings than many realize.
Both affirm the existence of unseen realms, the non-material nature of reality, and the importance of observation and consciousness.
Yet, as society becomes increasingly secular, these profound truths risk being overshadowed by materialism and relativism.
The Bible’s eternal message of salvation through Jesus Christ remains as relevant as ever, offering hope and purpose in a world captivated by transient trends.
A Call to Wonder
Max Planck’s legacy challenges us to approach the universe with humility and wonder. The mysteries of quantum physics and the Bible alike invite us to explore the depths of existence, to seek answers while embracing the unknown.
As Ecclesiastes 8:17 reminds us, “No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning.” This acknowledgment of mystery is not a limitation but an invitation — to marvel at the Creator’s handiwork, to pursue knowledge, and to live by faith.
In a world obsessed with speed and material success, let us pause to reflect on the timeless truths that transcend our fleeting concerns. The universe, in all its complexity and beauty, points us toward something greater: the mind of an intelligent and loving Creator. Bing Videos
Isn’t it odd how religious people will try to claim that their holy book revealed some scientific discovery a long time ago but only after science figured it out. For some reason no one discovers these scientific revelations in their holy book before science figures it out.
Scott Davis When the James Webb telescope was sent out, it was imagined that we would see the edge of the universe and the beginning of time. If, however, nothing exists until it is observed, then there is likely no such thing as an edge of the universe. The hologram will expand as far as it can be seen. Even the distance itself is illusory, and everything we comprehend is in one singular point. Where that point is, is a different question.
Erica P Unified Field of Particle Physics + Theory of Everything= God It’s all God, down to the smallest particle. Even that which thinks it exists outside of the body of God still resides safely within it. Separation through individuation is merely an illusion that God explores the contents of its own creations through. Energy can never be destroyed., only transmuted. Time, space, density, light, sound….everything in existence manifests from a conscious, eternal, prematter state.
Patricia S. I seriously doubt that the guys who wrote the books of the bible 2,000+ years ago had any knowledge of quantum physics. Trying to filter everything that humans do and discover as we, hopefully, progress, through the lens of their limited knowledge is a huge mistake. Moreover, the society that these guys lived in in the Middle East/Roman Empire, which produced the bible was, by far, not the only society in existence.
Dan Bruce
We know from its record of being correct all the time that the Bible is true when interpreted correctly. The verdict is still out on quantum. When both the Bible and science are fully understood and correctly interpreted, they will agree. There is only one universal truth.
Mp Macal This is demonstrably false… Adding “when interpreted correctly”, is just one indication. The fact that Quantum Mechanics is used in transistors and micro electronic devices is another.
TIM LEDBETTER How did the Universe begin? The Bible says that God created it out of nothing, perhaps 13.8 billion years ago. Scientists scoff at this and claim that it ‘just sprang from nothing’ about 13.8 billion years ago. It seems to me that both depend on a form of ‘faith’.
Ron Boxwell the bible puts earth at about 10 thousand so why lie and change its long-standing precepts.Bob Sacamano What scientist claims that the universe sprang from nothing?
N.A. Pickle Bing says: “Models indicate that the Big Bang should have created matter and antimatter in equal amounts, but that implies that the total sum of particles formed in those early moments would have cancelled out long before stars, planets, and life could form.” In this article, Mr. Hotsenpiller has stated: “Quantum physics reveals that what we perceive as solid matter is not “material” in the traditional sense. Instead, matter and antimatter cancel each other out, leaving a sum total of nothing,” Mr. Hotsenpillar, with all due respect, would suggest neither of us understands physics all that well, but “keep trying” is what oneself tells oneself, right? Happy Easter to everyone here, and everyone at The Western Journal, a favorite spot for news and opinion.
Make America Smart Again Cause bing is our source of information for the most complex question?
Mp Macal > This wouldn’t perhaps be Mr. Phil Hotsenpiller, would it?
The head of American Faith, a Christian oriented “news” site? Why would I take the musings of someone with a Degree in Divinity over the writings of a Physicist? – The matter/anti-matter is misstated. While it is true that matter and antimatter CAN both be derived from energy, there are processes proposed (CP-symmetry violation) that account for the imbalance but none experimentally demonstrated. Unfortunately the higher energies required are more than currently achieved. > “Quantum physics reveals that what we perceive as solid matter is not “material” in the traditional sense”
This is demonstrably incorrect. That we do not EXPERIENCE quantum effects on a personal level does not mean matter is something spooky. – This is an appeal to the human scale of reality. We are in the middle. We experience wind, rain, up and down. We conceive of Mountains as HUGE. – Yet, a mountain is but a pimple on the planet. Our planet is less than a pimple on the Sun. The Sun is insignificant compared to the 100 billion suns in the Galaxy. We cannot personally experience the immensity of Cosmic objects. That does not make them mystical. – We also cannot experience the very small. We can observe, measure and test these particles, but no one will ever EXPERIENCE a single Electron. These Electrons follow the Pauli Exclusion Principle which states that particles of the same type and energy state cannot occupy the same space. The shell of electrons around every atom prevents them from ever touching. We don’t fall through the floor because electrons won’t allow the soles of our shoes to pass through the electrons of the atoms making up the floor. It “feels” solid. > This is not Magic. It is not Spiritual or Religious. It is Observed, Measured and Tested Physics. I recommend we not learn Physics from a Divinity Student.
N.A. Pickle Make America Smart Again Always getting censored, but it helps to mention Bing, having zero personal credibility with the community guidelines folks otherwise. Totally agree with your point. Also, love your name, and sorry to have not seen your reply sooner.
James Buono Absolute nonsense. Observation turns a wave into a particle. I couldn’t get past this first outright manipulation. Observation has nothing to do with the collapse of the wave form. The waveform is a representation of the probability of where the particle can be found.
When we observe a particle we see where it actually is, no probability needed. Before writing an article like this you should know the basics of quantum mechanics.
Dan Sova In other words, does this help explain what appears to be a lot of manmade stories and myths especially in the Old Testament? If God created everything, absolutely everything that is, was, and will ever be is from God then how can evil exist? Why does it seem God sacrificed himself, unto himself in order to save people from himself? When Christian apologists cobble together scripture to support a position then argue among themselves on true vs false gospel, how does quantum physics or mechanics explain illusions and delusional thoughts?
M M Strong positive evidence, the type that the author claims is lacking from scientific explanations, needs to be provided for creation speculation. The author of the article provides little of this, which is typical of ID supporters. “The universe, in all its complexity and beauty, points us toward something greater: the mind of an intelligent and loving Creator.” This is just a vague opinion.
Joe Shanahan “An intelligent and loving creator”?
Everyday innocent children are born with horrible diseases. They suffer for days or months, then die. If this is the “intelligent design” of a “loving” creator, then we need to revise the definition of “loving.”
Johnie Brake It would seem equally true that strong, positive evidence is required for a materialistic explanation of creation. However, only opinions and untestable theories have been offered, which is typical of atheism supporters.
Jason Byrer Atheists tend to not hold to the view that there was an act of creation. The universe has always existed in some form.
johnie brake
Jason Byrer Those that hold that view must have decided to ignore all of the evidence for the so-called Big Bang, or the moment of creation. That proves they are willfully blind to the facts.
les garber It has been reported in several studies released in the last 3 years, that Math is intrinsic to the universe and life. Meaning math has been discovered in their very nature, they are intrinsic, which means that someone invented math and then used it to create the universe and life, Math requires a mind and that proves God. So just like it says in the book of Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth [m]in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident [n]within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not [o]honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible mankind, of birds, four-footed animals, and [p]crawling creatures.
Creation proves God. for many reasons,
1. There is organization in the universe, randomness does not produce organization. However, an intelligent agency always produces organization. 2. There is math in biology, from the Fibonacci sequence to the golden mean, and fractals and on and on, to the base 4 digital programming we call DNA, which is used to control the micro tech biological machines that make up living cells, with the most basic have 88 irreducible parts that have to be assembled correctly to work at all, In all cases it requires intelligent agency to get it started and then keep it going, remember that automation is the pinnacle of intelligent design and that is all we see on earth today.
DIANNA . . What exactly are we being saved from? A “loving” god who designs us with imperfections, watches as we falter, and then punishes us for those very faults? Have you ever truly reflected on the beliefs you hold?
Why did your god make bad humans and have to kill another part-human to make it right? Sounds like the god you believe in screwed up… but then he wouldn’t be a perfect god.
johnie brake Make America Smart Again I was replying to a comment that maintained that creationists had to offer strong, positive evidence for a Creator. My point was that materialists need to do the same for their insistence on there being no Creator. God gave us free will. We can choose to believe and love God, or like you, choose to do neither. God did not design us to be unable to disbelieve, or unable to be “bad humans.”. He wants us to come to Him by choice, not force. That’s not a screw-up.
Gayle Miller I consider myself fairly intelligent and fairly open-minded. I went to college (nursing school) and worked at a trauma hospital for years, raised a family, and still go to Bible study every week.
I can’t even pretend to grasp quantum physics. “Quantum physics reveals that what we perceive as solid matter is not “material” in the traditional sense. Instead, matter and antimatter cancel each other out, leaving a sum total of nothing.”
Well, it’s not nothing or cancelled matter when someone hits a pole, wall, or another vehicle going 60 mph and comes into surgery a mess of blood, guts and broken bones…if they even make it that far. I’ll stick to having faith in God. There’s no expectation of having to understand faith…just to feel it.
Jason Byrer Faith is a dishonest position to have. As you have already stated, your position is based upon feelings. There are no facts in faith. Chase the emotion if you wish, just be honest with yourself and others that that is all it is.
Larry Moencurly Has any consideration been given to the power of Manifestation? Try to apply the same power of “faith” to believing you can “WILL IT” to be so. Somewhat paraphrasing here but “You are capable of works greater than my own”. Ring any bells? John 3:12
LE and Veteran Wonderful article, but I disagree with its very premise based on this line: “The mathematical elegance of the universe, the fine-tuning of physical constants, and the mysteries of consciousness all point to a Creator.” It does NOT “point to a Creator”. It just doesn’t point away from a Creator.
Mp Macal No, it is worse than that. Nowhere is there an EXPLANATION. “Creator” is a placeholder for ignorance. HOW did a Creator imbue elementary particles with information leading to nature’s patterns. HOW did a Creator piece together the particles needed for life. But it gets worse… What is the Creator? Not who. Not “what does it do?” WHAT is it. I am carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, calcium, phosphorus and other chemicals. Animals, mammals, and humans.
WHAT is this deity? Proposing a magical world with a Creator doesn’t solve the problem… It creates a greater problem. There is not a single piece of Observable. Measurable, Testable Evidence that Demonstrates any gods exist. To now appeal to that mystery to solve other mysteries is nonsense.
Gerald Gentry Out of nothing comes nothing. For even a quark to exist, there must be an eternal self-sustaining being to bring it into existence.
Mozart DaVinci The skeptics, the agnostics, the atheists have yet to put forth their explanation of how something could come out of nothing. As the great Elvis sang: Somewhere out in empty space/ Long before the human race/ Something stirred…” (the song “Life”)
Jason Byrer The idea of something coming from nothing comes from Christianity and not from non-believers. Does not Christianity teach that God created the Universe out of nothing?
Epicurus , Humans live in a world they perceive as something. Few, if any, humans can comprehend the concept of nothingness. Everything we think we see and feel is composed of buzzy little balls of pure energy which came from nothing.
Joe Ewell Try Quantum Physics and Hinduism or Islam, the Bible is not the only Holy Book with applications to how Nature should operate.
Burke O’Neal “,,,,order in the universe” ??? I don’t know where this idea started, but we have galaxies regularly plowing into other galaxies, asteroids nearly wiping out life on earth, several instances of “snowball” earth. Doesn’t seem to be a lot of order there. Then lately we also discover there were a half dozen species or so of man besides us. What “orderly” purpose or process did they serve? And what I frequently wonder, did these early species get to go to heaven if “they were good”?
Mp Macal The problem is: Humans are in a “Middle” existence. We see rocks, trees, tables and chairs. We Experience these things. We can touch, smell, and view them. – Quantum particles can be observed, measured and tested with sophisticated instruments, but we cannot Experience them. – The behaviors of quantum objects seem “magical”. Features such as wave/particle duality, or entanglement are nothing we see in our “Middle” existence. – On the Galactic scale of Planets, Suns, Black Holes are things we also Cannot Experience. Again they seem mysterious and magical. > Religions are feeding on this sense of mystery. Education and some time spent in a lab making observations can aid in conquering this sense of mystery, but most are willing to yield to the temptation of just saying “God did it.”. > For millennia, so many gods from so many religions throughout history have been employed to answer questions that were too big for humans to answer. We can do so much better with technology and innovation, yet many continue to rely on the simple answer and appeal to a god – one of many.
Melcurki So basically, as long as you believe it without justification or reasons (faith), then it makes sense, but if you apply logic and reasoning to the concept, it falls apart. To me ignoring logic and reasoning is a horrible way to live your life, but that’s the world we live in today.
stremba It’s not surprising. The words of the Bible have been twisted to supposedly conform to whatever scientific advances have been made since the time it was written. Often there has been a fight about it, (see Galileo and heliocentric theory, for instance), but ultimately religious people have mostly come to the realization that the scientific reality isn’t going away and that the message of the Bible needs to be reimagined to match the science. Unless you are a Fundamentalist who takes every word of the Bible literally, then there really is no problem with this. The Bible is meant to be a moral and ethical guide, not a science text. The stories in the Bible are just that – stories, and they are meant to convey a moral lesson, not describe the exact literal way in which the earth came to be how it is.
Dr. K. Mitch Hodge I don’t believe in any religion, but I also don’t believe in many of the wild claims of quantum physics (or, more specifically, the claims of certain quantum physicists). This is becuase to date, quantum physics is more an exercise in mathematics (that is–solving certain math problems) than it is science. Yes, yes, there are a few smatterings of evidence here and there that can be used as support for the hypotheses that we live, for instance, in a holographic universe or that there are infinite parrallel realities, but there is no definitive nor conclusive empirical evidence that this is true. Thus, while I find all of this interesting, I withhold “believing” in those phenomena. Of course, whether they are true or not is independent of my belief, so it does not really matter.
Rick Coleman All religion is based on imagination. Science is based on the physical world. The only similarity between the two is they both use thought experiments to derive their hypothesis. But only science produces tangible evidence while religion only produces advice.
Jeffrey Heller It’s all like Tesla said, based on frequency. We live in the lowest “channel” right next to the zero point. Our physical senses combined plus the equipment we build to peer further is still less than 1% of the entire spectrum (zero to infinity). The answers are all within, not without.
Greymanic Of course, an article designed to promote Christianity will ignore the fact that quantum physics is aligned with Eastern religions: Interconnectedness & Non-Duality, Observer Effect &, Illusory Nature of Reality
David Vernon The Bible was written about three to two thousand years ago It does a remarkable job of explaining the will of God to people coming out of the Stone Age. But the truths are universal. Love your God with all of your heart. Love your neighbor as yourself
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Shannon Knight survived breast cancer twice. Like millions of others she was faced with the challenge of deciding how to save her life. She refused chemotherapy and did some radiation and mastectomy. When conventional medicine failed, she discovered alternative healing at a hospital in Mexico. It was because of her courage and willingness to go on searching for alternative cancer treatment that she is alive today. She survived! The death sentence hanging over her head has been removed for about 14 years.
Shannon is now a cancer advocate and certified life coach who has assisted many survivors who struggle with the emotional issues connected with cancer. She has been a guest on radio shows and featured in documentaries.
She has deep empathy and compassion for all cancer warriors and understands what an individual goes through once they learn of a cancer diagnosis. She can relate with having to choose treatment and how difficult it is deciding how to save your own life, especially if your doctor has given you only so much time to live.
Shannon Knight is a survivor and thriver. Having survived breast cancer twice, including stage 4, she was faced with the challenge and fear of how to save her life. She refused chemotherapy and did some radiation and mastectomy. When conventional medicine failed, she discovered alternative healing at a hospital in Mexico. It was because of her courage and willingness to go on searching for alternative cancer treatment that she is alive today. She survived! The death sentence hanging over her head has been removed for over five years.
Since then, Shannon has become a cancer advocate and continues her education in order to help in her mission. With training as a certified life coach and other training, she helps survivors dealing with emotional issues to move forward from cancer
Favorite Quote:
“She designed a life that she loved.” -Unknown
Give yourself permission to be happy.
Key Points:
-Shannon fully recovered from Stage 4 breast cancer physically and emotionally. Her cancer spread to her bones and lungs. Since August 2011, Shannon has been cancer-free! -She learned to appreciate each day. -Happiness meant so much to her. -Shannon decided to take full responsibility for her life by seeking healing therapy and for her attitude. -She created Angels for Shannon to help raise money for her treatment in alternative therapies. -She recognizes that each person, including her own family, has their own path. She took control and walked her own path. -Her twin sister also got the same cancer and went through the same treatment with Shannon’s urging. -Shannon helps women going through cancer to have hope. Part of this is to encourage these women to give. When we give, we are also helping ourselves. -She went through both physical and emotional trauma throughout her life before cancer, including being stalked. When believing that we have shame and guilt from what happens to us, Shannon said, “This is the great lie that lives within us. We are not what happens to us.”
Mar 15, 2025 · Shannon Knight Cancer Survivor. Posted on March 15, 2025 by Ken. The Surprising Health Benefits of Being in Love. By: Victoria RobertsLast updated: 12/10/2024. Love isn’t just a …
The thing that gets me is that they come here supposedly to become an American and live the dream, right? So why do they always refer to the place they just left as “my country”. Then, when they die, they want to be buried “at home.” Isn’t America their home, cause they didn’t have a problem taking them benefits. Heck, they can just stay right where they are in “their country” for all I care!
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