Adena M'lynn's Voice

Starting something new can be intimidating. We often set unrealistic expectations, hoping to excel immediately. But it's important to remember that being a beginner is not only normal—it's necessary for growth. Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves? Our achievement-driven society and the carefully curated success stories on social media contribute to this mindset. However, we forget that these highlight reels don't show the struggles and practice behind the scenes. Learning takes time, and that's okay. Think about riding a bike—you didn't master it instantly. The same principle applies to any new skill or hobby. Instead of expecting immediate expertise, start small, practice consistently, and be patient with yourself. Embrace being a beginner. It's an opportunity to learn and grow without the pressure of perfection. Remember, you're only competing with yourself. Lowering expectations doesn't mean you don't care; it means you're giving yours...

Gun violence, particularly involving handguns, is a significant public health issue in the United States, with Texas being one of the states where this issue is especially pronounced. Texas, known for its strong gun culture and relatively permissive gun laws, ranks high among states in terms of handgun-related deaths.   Texas' Ranking in Handgun Deaths Texas consistently places among the top states in the nation for firearm-related deaths, including those caused by handguns. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas often ranks in the top ten for total firearm deaths. This includes homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings involving handguns. The state's large population and widespread firearm ownership contribute to these high numbers. Factors Contributing to High Handgun Deaths in Texas Several factors contribute to the high rate of handgun deaths in Texas: Gun Ownership Rates: Texas has one of the highest rates of gun owners...

Recently, several pastors from North Texas have faced serious allegations, leading to resignations, arrests, and ongoing investigations. These controversies mainly involve accusations of sexual misconduct, moral failures, and other inappropriate behaviors. This unfolding scandal has sent shockwaves through local communities, leaving many congregants grappling with feelings of betrayal and disillusionment. The impact of these revelations extends beyond the individuals directly involved, raising profound questions about trust, leadership, and faith. As the investigations continue, the North Texas community is left to confront the difficult task of healing and restoring faith in their religious institutions.   Recent Allegations Against North Texas Pastors   1. Robert Morris (Gateway Church, Southlake): Accused of sexually abusing a girl starting in the 1980s. Resigned in June; an investigation is ongoing. Recently, it was revealed that the lawyers for Mr. Morris blamed the 12-ye...

Firearms have been a subject of intense debate and discussion in our society for decades. This series aims to provide a comprehensive, fact-based examination of various types of firearms and ammunition, focusing on their physical effects and broader societal impacts. My goal is to foster a more informed dialogue on this complex topic. Since I know nothing about firearms, I am going to break this down to understand and while I'm learning, I hope to offer something new to veteran gun enthusiasts. Why This Matters - Gun violence remains a significant public health issue in many countries - Firearm terminology and capabilities are often misunderstood in public discourse - Understanding the real-world effects of different weapons can inform policy discussion What I'll Cover - Different categories of firearms (handguns, shotguns, rifles, etc.) - Common ammunition types and their ballistic properties - Physical trauma caused by various firearms - Statistical data on gun usage in diff...

by Adena M’lynn Harmon July 24, 2024 In a quiet corner of her home, a woman kept three special rocks. Each day, she would sit with these stones, speaking to them as if to old friends. She poured out her heart, sharing memories from her earliest days to her most recent experiences, like a movie reel of fragmented clips strung together.   The woman treated these rocks as silent confidants, entrusting them with the story of her life. She believed they absorbed her words, her emotions, and her very essence. To her, these stones were more than mere objects - they were keepers of her personal history.   When the time came, she sent these rocks away to be safeguarded. She hoped that one day, that special someone would hold these stones and pray with them, unknowingly connecting with her story and energy back into the universe and rise in praise.   However, a clear jolt of my heart, a memory - the image of her palm. This symbol held special significance for her, representing a he...