The Enteric Nervous System - Your Body's "Second Brain"?

HOW many brains do you have? If you answer "one," you are correct. Yet, there are other nervous systems in your body. One network of neurons is so extensive that some scientists have referred to it as a "second brain.."  It is the enteric nervous system (ENS) and is located, not in your head, but mostly in your belly.

It takes an enormous amount of coordination and effort for the body to transform the food into fuel.  Hence, it is fitting that the brain is designed to delegate, as it were, most digestive control to the ENS.

While much simpler than the brain, the ENS is immensely complex. In humans, it is made up of an estimated 200 to 600 million neurons.   This complex of neurons is build into the digestive system. Scientists believe that if the function of the ENS were to take place in the brain, the needed nerves would be too thick. According to the book The Second Brain, "It is thus both safer and more convenient to let the [digestive system[ look after itself."

Next time: The Enteric Nervous System - Your Body's "Second Brain"? 

From the jw.org publications 

HELP FOR THE FAMILY/PARENTING -The Importance of Chores

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Start young.  Some say that parents should assign chores when children are three years of age. Others recommend two years of age or even younger.  The point is, very young children love to work alongside their parents and imitate them- Bible principle: Proverbs 22:6.

Assign age-appropriate chores.   For example, a three-year-old might pick up toys, clean up spills, or sort laundry. Older children can vacuum, wash the car, and even prepare a meal. Work with your child's ability.  You might be surprised at how enthusiastic he or she becomes about handling chores.

Place a priority on chores.   That might be difficult when your child faces a daily mountain of homework. However, eliminating chores for the sake of high grades "is a sign of misplaced priorities," says the book The Price of Privilege. As stated earlier handling chores helps children become better students.  And the lessons learned prepare them for the time when they have a family of their own.  -Bible principles:  Philippians 1:10. 

Focus on the objective rather than the result.   It may take your child longer to complete a task than you would wish. You may also notice that the quality of the work could be better. When that happens, resist the urge to take over the task. Your objective is not to have the chore performed with adult-like precision but to help your child learn responsibility and discover the joy that work can bring. -Bible principle: Ecclesiastes 3:22. 

Focus on the right reward.   Some say that paying a child to do chores teaches them responsibility. Others say that it makes children focus on what they can get from the family rather than on what they can contribute to it.  They also warn that a child might refuse to do chores when he has enough money-a sign that the benefit of chores is being lost.  The lesson? It might be better to keep  a child's chores and his allowance on separate tracks.

"Chores create a feeling of contribution to the family. When our family finishes a day that involved doing chores-perhaps in the yard or in the house-there is a feeling of camaraderie. Everyone had a share, and its' a good feeling." -Steven

 "Giving our girls chores from an early age has helped them to be able to handle  real life as they've grown.  We try to convey the message that the family is a team and that we work together.  When we, the parents, display a positive outlook about chores, it helps our daughters to do the same." -Stephanie.

Next time; The Enteric Nervous System-Your Body's "Second Brain"? 

From the jw.org publications 

HELP FOR THE FAMILY/PARENTING

The Importance of Chores

THE CHALLENGE

In some families, children are expected to help out around the house, and they do so without complaint. In other families, parents have lowered their expectations, and children-are happy to oblige-have lowered their performance.  

Researchers see this trend particularly in Western lands, where children ten to be consumers rather than contributors.  "Today, children are left alone to play video games, surf the Internet, and watch TV," observes a parent named Steven.  "Very little is expected of them." 

What you think? Are chores really important-not only for the upkeep of the home but also for a child's development/

Note; Absolutely important! Chores teach children responsibility for when they become adults, it helps them to deal with work, running a home, etc. I, myself had to do some chores when I was younger -up through adulthood.  It took it a little to sink in; but my mother  was wise in doing so. It prepared me for life, plus, I was taught the value of money and that it doesn't grow on trees, and that if I wanted anything, that I would need to work for it. And to do the best job I can in any job situation. I am very happy that she taught me these things.  Otherwise, I would be in bad shape.  If you don't teach your children responsibility, they could grow up lazy-good-for nothings, dependent on everyone. My mother did me a favor. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Some parents are reluctant to assign chores, especially when their child's week is already crammed with homework and after-school activities. However, consider the benefits. 

Chores contribute to a child's maturity.   Children who take on household tasks are likely to be more successful at school, and no wonder. Helping out around the house helps a child develop confidence, self-discipline, and strength of character-essential tools for learning. 

Chores prepare children to serve others.   Some have observed that children who are expected to help out at home are more likely to take on community service as adults.  This is hardly surprising, since chores train them to put other's needs above their own. On the other hand, Steven, quoted earlier, notes:  "When nothing is expected of them, children learn that they are heart to be served, and they grow up with a distorted view of what life will require of them in the way of responsibility and hard work."

Chores promote family unity.  Through their efforts at home, children come to realize not only that they are a valued part of the family but also that they have a responsibility toward it.  This lesson can be lost when parents place a higher priority on after-school activities than on chores. Ask yourself, 'Of what benefit is it if my child forges a connection with the soccer team but loses his connection with the family team?' 

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY/PARENTING - The Importance of Chores 

From the jw.org publications 

HELP FOR THE FAMILY/YOUNG PEOPLE -How to Show Texting Manners

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Text only at appropriate times.  "Sometimes I receive a text message really late at night,"  says a young man named Richard.  "It's even for anything important, and it disturbs my sleep!"  Ask yourself, 'Do I text people at times when they might be resting?' -Bible principle: Ecclesiastes 3:1. 

Check your tone.   Communications is carried by words, voice inflection, facial expression, and body language. Unfortunately, most of those elements are missing when you text. So how can you compensate?  "Use common courtesy," suggests a young woman named Jasmine. "Ask, 'How are you?' and use words like 'please' and ' thank you." -Bible principle: Colossians 4:6.

Be discerning.  Look again at the scenario under "The Challenge."  If you are expecting an important message, it might be necessary to excuse yourself from a conversation. Often, though, the message can wait.   "Your phone will still be there when your friend has finished talking," says 17-year-old Amy, "but your friend may not be there when you finished texting."  You use similar discernment when at a gathering.  "Don't text the whole time," says 18-year-old Jane.  "That tells people, 'I don't care about your company; I'd rather be somewhere else.'" 

Think before you hit the send button.    Might your text message be misunderstood? Would emoticons help convey the right feeling? "If you're joking about something, put a smiley face there," says 21-year-old Amber.  "People get their feelings  hurt-and fights can even start-because they take a lighthearted remark to be serious." -Bible principle:  Proverbs 12:18. 

Clearly, your cell-phone manners really matter!

To think about:   Good manners are based on love. How is that quality displayed?  The Bible states:  "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked."  (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) Which aspect of love do you nee to work on? 

Next time:  HELP FOR THE FAMILY/PARENTING -The Importance of Chores

From the jw.org publications 

HELP FOR THE FAMILY/YOUNG PEOPLE

How to Show Texting Manners

You are talking face-to-face with a friend when you receive a text message. What should you do?

A. Read the text message while still talking to your friend. 

B. Say "excuse me" to your friend and read the text message.

C. Ignore the text message and keep talking to your friend. 

Does it matter which option you choose?  The answer is yes! 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Texting one friend while talking to another is like playing your favorite sport without adhering to the rules of the game. 'But these are my friends,' you might say. All the more reason to be mannerly. Not that you have become straitlaced and formal. But here is a fact of life: If you are unmannerly with your friends , sooner or later, they will no longer be your friends.

Why is that so?  Because people do not like to be treated rudely. A young woman named Beth,  says,  "Its annoying when I'm talking  to a friend who keeps checking her phone as if she's waiting for something better to happen!"  How long do you think Beth will tolerate having a friend like that?

Considering you cell-phone manners, look back at the scenario under "The Challenge." Which option seems best to you?  Likely, you realize that Option A is unmannerly. But what about Option B and C?  Is it rude for you to interrupt a conversation just to check a text message?  Or is it rude for you to ignore a text message just to continue a conversation? 

As you can see, manners can get complicated. But the Bible can help.  It says:  "Treat others as you would want them to treat you." (Luke 6:31) You can apply that advice to texting. How?

Next time: HELP FOR THE FAMILY/YOUNG PEOPLE - How to Show Texting Manners -WHAT YOU CAN DO

From the jw.org publications 

Young People Ask - How Can I Deal With Tragedy?

CORDELL'S STORY

When I was 17, I saw my father take his last breath. Losing him was the worst thing that ever happened in my life. I was devastated.

I felt that he wasn't really dead, that it wasn't really my dad under the sheets when they covered the body. I told myself, 'He will wake up tomorrow.' I felt empty and lost.

My family and I are Jehovah's Witnesses, and our congregation was a tremendous support when my father died.  The fed us, offered to stay with us, and stuck close to us-not just for a little while  but for the long term.  To me, their support was proof that Jehovah's Witnesses are genuine Christians. -John 13:35.

A scripture that has really encouraged me is 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18.  It says:  "Though the tribulations is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing greatness and is everlasting; while we keep our eyes, not on things seen, but the things unseen. For the things  seen are temporary, but the things unseen are everlasting."

That last verse was powerful to me.  My father's suffering was temporary, but what God promises for the future is everlasting. My dad's death gave me the opportunity to reflect on how I was using my life and to adjust my goals. 

To think about:  How can a personal tragedy help you to reassess your goals in life? -1 John 2:17.

Next time: HELP  FOR THE FAMILY/YOUNG PEOPLE - How to Show Texting Manners

From the jw.org publications 












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Dealing With Tragedy/Young People Ask - How Can I Deal With Tragedy?

Tragedy can affect anyone.  "The swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle," the Bible says.  "Unexpected events overtake them all."  (Ecclesiastes 9:11)  That includes some young people who have faced tragedy. How have they dealt with it.Consider two examples.

REBEKAH

My parents divorced when I was 14.  

I told myself that my parent's divorce wasn't happening, that my dad just needed time to himself for awhile.  He loved my mom-why would he leave her? Why would he leave me?

It was difficult for me to talk to anyone about what was happening. I wanted to block it out. I was angry, although at the time I didn't realize it. I began having problems with anxiety, and I had trouble sleeping. 

When I was 19, I lost my mother to cancer. She was my best friend.

If my parent's divorce was shocking, my mom's death was utterly devastating.  I'm still not over it. Sleep has gotten even more elusive for me, and I still have anxiety.

At the same time, I have found several things to be helpful. For example, Proverbs 18:1 warns us against isolating ourselves, so I try to follow that advice. 

Also,  as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I try to read  our encouraging Bible-based publications. One that helped me during the time of my parent's divorce was Questions Young People Ask-Answers That Work. In particular, I remember reading the chapter in Volume 2  entitled  "Can I Be Happy in a Single-Parent Family?" 

One of my favorite scriptures for dealing with my anxiety is found at Matthew 6:25-34. In verse 27, Jesus asked: "Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span?" 

Bad things will happen to all of us, but I learned from my mom's example that the way we deal with those trials is important. She went through a lot-a divorce and then a terminal illness-but through it all she kept a positive attitude, and her faith in God remained strong right to the end. I'll never forget the things she taught me about Jehovah.

To think about:  How can reading the Bible and Bible-based publications help you to deal with tragedy? -Psalm 94:19. 

Next time:  Young People Ask - How Can I Deal With Tragedy? -CORDELL'S  STORY

From the jw.org publications 

WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES -HOW YOU CAN COPE

WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES 

SOONER or later, almost everyone is hit by some type of tragedy.  That includes people who seem to have everything.

THE BIBLE SAYS: 

"The swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have successes, because time and unexpected events overtake them all." -Ecclesiastes 9:11. 

The question, then, is not whether you will face adversity but how you will react when you do. For instance:

* What if you lost all your possessions in a natural disaster?

* What if you were diagnosed with a life-threatening illness?

* What if you lost a loved one in death?

Jehovah's Witnesses, the publishers of this article, believe that the Bible can help you not only to cope when tragedy strikes bu also to have a solid base for hope. (Romans 15:4) Consider some experiences to illustrate how. 

Next time: Dealing With Tragedy/Young People Ask -How Can I Deal With Tragedy?

From the jw.org publications  

THE BIBLE/GOD'S VIEWPOINT -The Cross

How should Christians show their respect for Jesus Christ?

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

"It was quite natural and logical that the instrument of salvation should become an object of special respect and veneration. . . . He who adores the images, adore the person it represents." -New Catholic Encyclopedia

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

Christians are indebted to Jesus, for his death makes it possible for them to have their sins forgiven, to approach God, and to receive eternal life.  (John 3:16; Hebrews 10:19-22) They are not told to show their respect for that gift by displaying a symbol of Jesus or merely confessing their belief in him. After all, "faith by itself, without works is dead."  (James 2;17) Christians must exercise their faith in Jesus. How?

"The love the Christ has compels us," the Bible says, "because this is what we have concluded, that one man died for all . . . Those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up."  (2 Corinthians 5:14, 15) Christians are compelled by Christ's outstanding act of love to adjust their lives to follow his example. In this way they honor Jesus in a  far more meaningful way than by using a religious symbol.  

'This is the will of my Father, that everyone who recognizes the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life." 

Next time: WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES -HOW YOU CAN COPE

From the jw.org publications 

THE BIBLE/GOD'S VIEWPOINT/The Cross

Did Jesus' disciples use the cross to worship God or to symbolize Christianity/

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

Nowhere does the Bible suggest that the earliest Christians used the cross as a religious symbol. Instead, it was the Romans of that era who used the cross design to symbolize their gods. Then, about 300 years after Jesus' death, Roman Emperor Constantine adopted the cross as the emblem of his armies, and it thereafter became  associated with the "Christian" church.

Since pagans used the cross to worship their gods, would Jesus' disciples have used it in their worship of the true God?  On the contrary, they knew that God had long disapproved  of worship using "the form of any symbol" and that Christians were to "flee from idolatry."  (Deuteronomy 4:15-19; 1 Corinthians 10:14)  "God is a Spirit," unseen by human eyes. Therefore, the early Christians did not use visible objects and symbols to help them feel closer to Good. Rather, they worshipped him "with spirit," guided by his invisible holy spirit, and with "truth," in harmony with God's will as revealed in the Scriptures. -John 4:24. 

Next time: THE BIBLE/GOD'S VIEWPOINT -The Cross 

From the jw. org publications