Is it okay to tell a lie?

The lyrics of “Little Lies” by Fleetwood Mac comes to mind as I penned the title down. You know, that song where the singer begs to be told sweet little lies?

Tell me lies
Tell me sweet little lies
(Tell me lies, tell me, tell me lies)
Oh, no, no you can’t disguise
(You can’t disguise, no you can’t disguise)

If love is unrequited, then why would you beg to be told that you’re loved when you’re not? Does being deceived makes you happy? Unfortunately, some of us just roll with it even though we know it’s wrong to hold onto false hopes.

The Bible on lies:

In the Bible, we clearly see that lying is a sin and yes, very displeasing to God. In the Ten Commandments, we are warned to not bear false witness against our neighbors (Exodus 20:16) for lying lips are an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 12:22). If you go way back to when sin first entered the world, it was based on a lie told to Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:4). Ananias and Sapphira got called out for lying to the Holy Spirit in Acts 5:3.

There are a few instances in the Bible where white lies are told to save lives (see Exodus 1:15-21 & Joshua 2:5), but nowhere in the Bible does God gave His approval of these lies.

Nowhere in the Bible praises lies for saving lives.  

God expects His children to follow Him in truth (John 14:6) for He never lies (Titus 1:2) and liars will be among those judged at the end (Revelation 21:8). 

Putting away lies no matter how small they are cause us to have healthy and truthful relationships with our neighbors. 

Some lies we hear every day:

* When you’re asked “Do you have any questions?” and you answer no when in fact you may have lots of questions. Don’t feign ignorant knowledge. Even if you have to ask the same question 3 times until you have the right answer or to know that you’re carrying out your work accordingly, do it. 

* When your friend invites you to a little get-together, and you lie about having something at church or at home. Own your truth. If you don’t feel like attending, say so.

* When Youtubers tell you that they’re putting 1000 donuts in a pool when in reality, it’s like 800. Youtubers think it’s okay to exaggerate numbers, but it’s click bait and not to mention, a lie at the end of the day. If you’re going to put 1000 donuts in the pool, I want to see 1000 donuts.

* When someone gets caught in a lie and they try to justify it by asking you to stop hating and try to reason with their lie in the first place.

I’ve told white lies over the years to cover my tracks, but in the end, I’ve come to realize that even little white lies are wrong, no matter how sweet they may taste.

Remember, the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). We worship God in truth so it’s obvious that honestly is the best policy regardless of the situation.

***Dobre brothers GIFs via Google Search

Advertisement

That’s a wrap!: Favorite YouTube videos for April

Here again for another YouTube wrap up! 😃 Well, actually, it’s not going to be much as I did not watch many videos this month. 😄

My favorite Booktuber reacts to bookish memes!

And it’s so me! 👍

Favorite twins rescue baby bears!

This was perhaps, the cutest video I’ve seen for the year! Also, them boys need to start locking their doors. They’re living out in the wilderness and although it’s great to be surrounded by nature, one still needs to be careful. 

When the book nerd knows more than the bookstore employee

Pretty accurate! And it happens over the phone as well. I called my favorite bookstore earlier this year to inquire about a book and the employees didn’t know anything about the book so I had to direct them to their YA section which they didn’t know they had. We need people who are passionate about books to work at the bookstores!

Lucas and Marcus play hide and seek… at Walmart?

First, the title was clickbait because they did not get kicked out of Walmart. As if the store is going to kick them out when they’ll be bringing the customers! And they didn’t really play hide and seek, but this video was their best I’ve seen in a while. It reminded me of their old stuff.

31 days of lists challenge: days 6-10

Here we go again! 🙂

Day 6: Pet peeves

When the Lord’s name is taken in vain.

Day 7: Reasons to be happy

Just waking up to see another day! Being alive and being able to breathe is beautiful and enough reason to be happy! ❤

Day 8: Random quirks of mine

Random? Try weird. I refuse to travel in red cars unless it’s someone I know at the wheel. When it comes to money, all bills must be facing the same way – largest to smallest. When I sneeze, I dislike it when someone says ‘Bless you.’ I must have clean feet when I go to bed. In order for me to work/write, things have to be messy as possible. When I used to watch TV and I turned it off it has to be on channel 5.

Before I go to bed at night, I must make sure that the locks on the doors are locked and this may mean me unlocking them to lock them again. If I like a song, I put it on repeat 4 times. Yep, just 4.

Shucks! I got carried away! Are they even quirks, quarks, or just obsessive compulsives? *shrugging*

Day 9: Favorite songs

Honestly, I don’t listen to music as before, but I do like a few songs at the moment:

* Draw Me Close to You – Michael W. Smith

* Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve

* Mambo Italiano – Rosemary Clooney

* No Fakes – Dobre Brothers

* Nothing’s Impossible – Depeche Mode

* That’s Amore – Dean Martin

Day 10: Odd facts I know

Haha! Yes! Because I’m a walking encyclopedia, I know these things! Kidding. Kidding. But I love weird fun facts so I’ll share 4 that I know off the top of my head:

* A sneeze travels out your mouth at over 100 m.p.h.

* Cleaveland spelled backward is ‘DNA level C’

* When ATMs were first invented, it was originally thought to be a failure for the only users were people who didn’t want to deal with the tellers face to face: gamblers and prostitutes. 

* The French government gives medals to citizens who have “successfully raised several children with dignity.”

November reflection

I had forgotten all about this reflective post that I said I was going to do at the end of November!

1. Everyone currently in my life right now including you wonderful bloggers.

2. Eating with the family.

3. I can’t recall the last silly thing I did for I was caught up trying to complete the NaNoWriMo challenge last month.

4. I don’t celebrate the holidays… not one of them.

5. See Q4.

6. Pray, seeking my Father’s advice.

7. Objects don’t bring me joy.

8. I am grateful for the writing talent that God has given me, the ability to speed read and to design.

9. By being the example. Teaching starts at home and parents should teach their children about gratitude by showing them how to appreciate something/someone.

10. Thank you, God, for the blessings. Every night we still pray though… taken from Dobre Brothers’ No Fakes.

100 Questions Tag… well, sort of.

Cheila did the 100 Questions Tag two weeks or so ago and I thought I’ll give it a go because I love doing fun tags. It’s 100 questions, so if you plan on sitting through this post, I suggest you grab your popcorn.

1) What’s your favorite season?

Football season. 🙂

2) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4.

The Bible is the book always nearest to me. Page 18, line 4 taken from Genesis:

And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the

3) Who was the last person you texted?

My father.

4) Before you started this survey, what were you doing?

Learning motor vehicle regulations with my sister.

5) What is the last thing you watched on TV?

France v Wales. It’s been a while since I’ve sat down to a football match. I now look forward to watching that game we have against Germany on Tuesday, God’s willing.

6) Without looking, guess what time it is.

5:24 pm

7) Now look at the clock–what time is it?

5:29 pm

8) With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?

Frogs croaking and parrots chirping. Wait, do parrots chirp? I think they squawk. 

9) Do you like fish?

Once it contains scales and fins.

10) Mac or PC?

Definitely PC.

11) Do you remember your dreams?

Sometimes.

12) When did you last laugh?

A few minutes ago.

13) Do you remember why/what at?

It was to do with a question on the regulations manual that my sister is studying for.

14) Have you ever been to Canada?

Not yet.

15) Shoes, socks, or bare feet?

Bare feet.

16) Do you wear perfume?

Yes.

17) What is the last film you saw?

American Made. I didn’t write a review, but Tom Cruise SLAYED.

18) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

*sighs* Anywhere in France.

19) If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?

I know that this is not relevant to the question, but I’ll give to churches and charities, open a franchise and travel the world on missions for the Lord.

20) What’s your favorite band?

I don’t care for music anymore, but Depeche Mode and Dobre Brothers.

21) Have you ever had to have surgery?

No.

22) Do you enjoy school?

Never liked school.

23) What do you think of these questions so far?

24) Are you a righty or a lefty?

Right, although I wish I was ambidextrous. 😛

25) Who made the last incoming call on your phone?

My bestie Tammykins. ❤

26) What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?

New fonts!

27) Last time you swam in a pool?

I can’t swim.

28) Type of music you dislike most?

I don’t listen to music like before.

29) Are you listening to music right now?

No.

30) What’s your favorite color?

Blue eyes.

31) Is there anything you’re disappointed about?

No, I am content and blessed. 

32) What was the last thing you bought?

Books. It’s always books! 🙂

33) Sun or rain?

Both, although of late, I am favoring the rain. 

34) Would you rather go bungee jumping or skydiving?

I’d love to do both!

35) What’s your zodiac sign?

I don’t follow/believe in signs.

36) What’s your hair color?

Black, reddish-brown at the very back.

37) What quote do you live by?

Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

38) What’s your favorite zoo animal?

I don’t like the zoo, but if I had to choose it might be the giraffes.

39) Do you have any pets?

Yes, a cat and a dog. ❤

40) What color are your eyes?

Brown.

41) Do you wear any kind of jewelry 24/7?

No.

42) Do you turn the water off when you brush your teeth?

Yes.

43) Do you know how to change your car’s oil?

I don’t have a car.

44) Do you have any phobias?

Not that I believe.

45) What’s your lucky number?

I don’t have one, but my favorite number is 4.

46) Have you ever eaten a crayon?

No, but I have eaten chalk! 

47) Can you solve a Rubix cube?

Never tried to.

48) What are you listening to right now?

The sound of my mother’s voice. ❤

49) Do you like unicorns? 

No.

50) Do you wear the hood on hoodies?

Sometimes.

51)  Is the glass half empty or half full?

Neither.

52) What’s the farthest away place you’ve been?

San Fernando. ❤

53) Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?

My shoes don’t have laces.

54) What’s your favorite radio station?

I don’t listen to the radio.

55) Are you allergic to anything?

Rudeness and lies.

56) Were you named after anyone?

No, thank goodness!

57) Do you wear glasses/contacts?

I wear glasses when I have to read.

58) Have you ever walked out of a movie theater before the film was over?

No. Even if the film was bad, I stayed because movies are expensive. I don’t go to the movies anymore, though.

59) What’s your least favorite school subject?

A toss up between Maths and Science… when I used to attend school.

60) Put your iTunes library on shuffle. What song comes up?

I don’t have iTunes, but I can shuffle the playlist on my phone… Michael W. Smith’s Above All.

61) Do you wear jeans or sweatpants more?

None.

62) Where in the world would you like to travel?

A lot of places, but France remains the top priority.

63) Are you traveling anywhere soon?

I hope so. 🙂

64) Have you ever built an igloo?

No, but I’ll love to build one!

65) Best thing at Starbucks?

Strawberries and crème frappuccino. I haven’t been to Starbucks for a while, though.

66) Do you like watching scary movies?

No.

67) What’s the best thing about school?

With a smile ten miles wide on my face I can happily say that my school days are behind me.

68) What were you doing at midnight last night?

Working on Dangerous Obsession. 

69) What’s under your bed?

Shoes.

70) How do you really feel about what you’re doing right now?

I know this word is overused, but I am just content right now.

71) Think fast, what do you like right now?

The food I just consumed.

72) Are you sarcastic?

No. I’m about as dry as a used lemon. 🙂

73) What time do you get up?

5:45 am or earlier on weekdays, 7:15 am for church and I sleep in late on Sundays.

74) What was the name of your first pet?

Skipper. He was a red tomcat.

75) What color are your sheets?

Blue of course!

76) How are you feeling right now? 

Terrific!

77) What was your favorite food as a child?

Saltfish and dumpling.

78) Can you whistle? 

Partially.

79) Do you drink soda?

Not anymore.

80) Have you read the harry potter series?

No, and I have any intention to.

81) Can you drive a stick shift?

I don’t have a car.

82) What’s your favorite candle scent?

 

83) Have your pants ever fallen down in public?

No.

84) Do you sing in the shower?

Yes!

85) Can you speak another language?

Some French.

86) Can you close your eyes and raise your eyebrows?

Of course!

87) Dogs or cats?

Although I have both for pets, I’ll always prefer dogs.

88) Do you make wishes at 11:11?

No.

89) What’s your favorite type of chapstick?

I don’t use chapsticks.

90) Which came first–the chicken or the egg?

The chicken.

91) What are you reading now?

The Holy Bible.

92) Can you touch your nose with your tongue?

Just tried it… almost, my tongue isn’t long enough.

93) Can you walk in heels?

Yes, but I haven’t worn heels for a while.

94) How many rings before you answer the phone?

Give or take, two.

95) Any new and exciting things you’d like to share?

Well, Tammy came to my work twice last week and it was a blessing to see her because she’s busy with rehearsals. 

96) What is most important in life?

Living for God.

97) What inspires you?

Jesus Christ is my true inspiration. 

*** I numbered it accordingly because I am a little OCD when I see things out of place, but while answering the questions, I realized that there was no Q 9, Q 21 and Q 80. I am not tagging anyone to do this, but Tammy, I’ll love to read your answers if you’re up for the challenge. 🙂

*** GIFs via Google Search

Tell a hater later!

Tackling cyberbullying.

WE Day is an annual youth event that celebrates everyday heroes. This year, it was held on September 20th and although many issues were tackled, I was interested in the #LaterHaters campaign because they were tackling online bullying. So it was a pleasant surprise when I saw these boys repping the campaign.

But I was disappointed because enough light was not shed on cyberbullying. Pre-teens and teenagers are not the only victims of cyberbullying; adults also suffer from this electronic type abuse, but the media tends to focus on the teens. 

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying takes place by the unfair usage of electronic technology to humiliate, target, threaten, embarrass or harass someone. Electronic technology may include devices such as computers, tablets and cell phones. Cyberbullies can also use communication tools such as websites, social media and text messages. 

Here are a few examples of cyberbullying:

Impersonation: This is the act of taking someone else’s identity for the purpose of damaging the person’s reputation. Some impersonators carry the act further by creating a false online profile. 

Cyberstalking: The use of electronic communications to persistently harass someone. Simply put, this is online stalking. The person receiving the threatening messages may eventually begin to question his/her safety and even mental being.

Proxy attacks: These kinds of attacks happen when the bully install a proxy onto the victim’s computer. The bully will then be able to access the victim’s information through the proxy; they’ll then use this information to threaten, humiliate and sometimes even blackmail the victim.

Photos: Bullies tend to upload private/embarrassing images of their victims on the internet to humiliate them. The images may be altered/photoshopped to embarrass the victim. I’ll also advise teenagers to not send nudes online to anyone. 

It does not matter the example, the bully’s main aim is to torment the victim making his/her life miserable for the fun of it.

Later Haters!! Don’t let online trolls stop you from making the difference you know you can make.

Everything bullies say is not true, ignore it and laugh at it, be the stronger person 💪

— Cyrus Dobre (@CyrusDobre) September 13, 2017

But is it that simple? Cyberbullying can hurt as much as physical bullying for most people that are bullied online are also bullied in real life. This can cause the victim to become traumatized, have lower self-esteem, turn to alcohol and drugs, question their mental health, and in some cases, even take their lives. 

You might ask what causes a human being to do this cruel act to another human being. Well, most of these bullies are insecure and in harming someone else’s life for the fun of it makes them feel superior. There may not always be a reason for cyberbullying.

How to prevent/stop cyberbullying?

While cyberbullying is not going to go away anytime soon, there are ways you can prevent being bullied online.

* Don’t empower a bully. By responding to bullies, you empower them because your reaction is exactly what they want.

* Block the bully. If you’re using platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, or even a blog, use the security settings or privacy tools to block the person. Change your account settings by making sure you don’t reveal your address and phone number. If you think someone is impersonating you, create a new account and notify your friends and family.

* Save the evidence. Yes, this means every text message, email and even fake profile account/s in your name. Make sure to file and record the time and date each message was sent just in case you have to go to the police.

* If you’re a child or a teenager, do not be afraid to ask for help. Go to someone you can trust (parents, older siblings, teacher, school counselor etc.) and ask them for help.

* Don’t become a cyberbully. If you witness your friend/s teasing someone online, ask them to stop and let them know that cyberbullying has the same consequences as bullying someone in person. Do not distribute photos or videos of someone that is considered humiliating or could be used against the person.  

*** I finally got around to working on the Social Media topics, but I’ll try to have all posted by November God’s willing, though. I wanted to write more about cyberbullying, but I did not want it too chatty.

Disclaimer: I am not saying that you shouldn’t use social media because there are many good things that you can reap from it, but use it wisely and thoughtfully.

Positive Monday: take it not for granted

Good morning everyone! Well, it’s afternoon now. I’ve been trying to get this post up all morning, but it didn’t work out. Anyway…

Today is the day!

— Cyrus Dobre (@CyrusDobre) October 1, 2017

Yes, today is the day that you should’ve woken up and go…

I'm just happy to be alive ❤️

— Marcus Dobre (@dobremarcus) October 18, 2017

Being alive is a wonderful gift because every day that we get to breathe is an opportunity to get closer to our Lord and Maker and…

Just remember, The things you take for granted get taken..

— Lucas Dobre (@lucasdobre) October 14, 2017

Don’t ever take being alive for granted. Each and every one of us is fighting a battle out here, but being alive is certainly a blessing. You should always have this mindset whenever you greet the day and people.

Share your positivity with someone negative, they need it

— Darius Dobre (@dariusdobre) September 29, 2017

And never forget to thank Him for equipping you with the strength that you needed to get through another day. 

Thank you God for everything

— Darius Dobre (@dariusdobre) September 5, 2017

Enjoy the rest of your Monday.

On the Real Tho

Hahaha! I laugh because I actually like the Dobre Brothers and this song shouldn’t have made it on the list given that I already watched the video.

I don’t know how many of you know the brothers, but they might not ring a bell because they’re not famous (as yet) and they’re actually YouTubers currently trying their voices out on the YouTube rap scene. 

Maybe I’ll just talk about the lyrics or point out how many times they do a backflip because, really, I’ve seen this video so it’s going to be hard to react to it and they’re known for doing backflips.

Also, my reactions may not be your cup of tea. It might be sarcastic and I also tear lyrics apart. Let’s react to it in 3…2…1…

0:01: The beat, though! And it’s shot in New York City, once the city of big dreams.

0:08: Their jackets are SLAYING! If it’s one thing, these boys know how to dress.

But I am not a fan of ripped clothing:

0:13: Cyrus is up first and boy, can he rap!

0:25: Money talk, money walk. But it ain’t alive… Preach, Cy!

0:29: He’s hitting the Michael Jackson! Thet leg kick, though!

GIF via Folomojo

0:34: Backflip. Lucas.

0:36: That escalated quickly. Another backflip; this time by Cyrus.

0:37: You can’t judge. You can’t talk. You just sit and hate. Step it up. Show us up. Show what you create… Currently just nodding my head along.

0:44: And another backflip! Thank you, Marcus.

0:45: Time to stick the truth. If you don’t change the game. Nobody won’t remember you… But I don’t want to be remembered! 

0:50: On the real tho. On the real tho. On the…

1:01: Come in Lucas!

1:03: You didn’t know before, but now make sure you better know… I feel so threatened! Why is he threatening me?

1:16: Try to bring me down. I stay above. We doing well… Don’t let people bring you down. Regardless of what they try to do to bring you down, stay focus because with God on your side, who can be against you?

1:21: You can’t break me. God has eyes on our back and our phones… Honestly, I don’t know if he’s saying ‘God has eyes on’ or just ‘God has our’ because he’s saying it so fast. Eh!

1:25: On the real tho. On the real tho… 

1:29: Lucas be getting his dance groove on with that fancy hand gesture. Haha!

1:37: And here comes the brother who can’t wait for his name to be written in the stars: Darius. Lowkey, his eyebrows are goals.

1:46: That smiling shot of the brothers is the best shot of the video.

1:47: I got my brothers. We counting we counting. No, we ain’t stopping… The Count, is that you, bro?

1:58: Haters wanting this. They just sit and wish… Yes, because it’s easy to hate someone who is going after their dream wishing that you were in their place. I mean, why hate when you can be happy for others?

2:01: On the real tho. On the real tho… 

2:12: Last, but not least, Lucas’s other half, Marcus. *shrugging* I don’t understand how people mix up the twins. They’re very easy to tell apart. 

2:18: Backflip! Brought to you by Marcus. 

2:19: Listen to them haters. They just beggin for attention. Sit yourself down. I’mma take you to detention… SAVAGE!

2:28: You just hating like the rest. You ain’t nothing new. Words mean nothing. I’m all about the action…

2:38: HAHAHA! 

2:47: Backflips! I think it’s 7 in total. I lost count.

On the real tho, you don’t need a million dollars to make a video look good. On the real tho, the Dobre twins give you happy vibes. 

On the real ‘tho, this is Dobre Brothers before fame. When they blow up, I won’t be expecting any more family-oriented content videos or music videos such as these. 

***GIFs and pictures via Google Search

This Reaction Music Week theme was a blast! I’ll like to do Part two next week God’s willing (if you’ll like to leave suggestions), but I already have another theme in mind so I’ll probably do part two next month. God bless and I pray you have a safe and blessed weekend.

Reaction Music Video Week!

I have a confession: I don’t really listen to what we call ‘music’ nowadays.

Welcome back to another weekly themed challenge. I am way out of the loop where it concerns rap songs, pop songs, rock songs, trashy songs, whatever songs! I think most if not all the singers sound the same even when they’re not autotuning. Some people told me that I should listen to this one and that one that I may like it, but the offered music is not pleasing and I prefer to stay away from most of these singers altogether. Take Danielle Bregoli for example. She’s only 14 (!) and the industry is rewarding her bad behavior by giving her a music contract. She represents and brainwashes this generation at the same time. She openly disrespects her parents, curses them out, pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana, grand theft, and filing a fake police report. So why would I support her music if she’s only going to be bitter about life?

Yet, I decided to humor my friends and do this challenge.

Would I change my mind on some of these songs? Would I become a *gasps* fan? I don’t think so, but we’ll see. Here are the suggested songs:

^ Versace on the Floor – Bruno Mars

^ Look What You Made Me Do – Taylor Swift

^ Bad Liar – Selena Gomez

^ Attention – Charlie Puth

^ On the Real ‘Tho – Dobre Brothers 

Share your world for week of August 07th

Cee’s Share Your World Challenge continues this week! Let’s go!

What was the last URL that you bookmarked or saved?

The Duolingo website. I’m learning French in my spare time and it’s coming along so-so.

Do you believe in the afterlife? Reincarnation?

Although I’ve always found it interesting from an Ancient Egyptian and Hindu perspective, no, because “it is appointed unto men once to die and after that the judgment” Hebrews 9:27

If you were or are a writer do you prefer writing short stories, poems or novels?

I write. I am not what you call a polished writer, but I love writing all of the above. 

What inspired you this past week?  Feel free to use a quote, a photo, a story, or even a combination. 

The Dobre Brothers are the reason I’ve started YouTube Week this week.

***GIFs and image via Google Search