Tithes

Deuteronomy 14

Tithes

22 “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. 23 And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. 24 And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, when the Lord your God blesses you, because the place is too far from you, which the Lord your God chooses, to set his name there, 25 then you shall turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand and go to the place that the Lord your God chooses 26 and spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household. 27 And you shall not neglect the Levite who is within your towns, for he has no portion or inheritance with you.

28 “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. 29 And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.

The Aging Problem in Malaysia

    

    Malaysia is facing a serious challenge of population aging, which means that the proportion of older people (aged 60 and above) is increasing relative to the younger ones. This trend is driven by the declining fertility rate, the increasing life expectancy, and the aging of the baby boom generation. According to the United Nations, Malaysia is expected to become an aged nation by 2030, when 15% of its population will be older than 60. By 2050, this figure will rise to 24%, which means that one in four Malaysians will be an older person.

Population aging has significant implications for the social and economic development of the country. It will affect various aspects of society, such as the labor force, the health care system, the pension system, the family structure, and the quality of life of older people. Some of the challenges that Malaysia will face are:

• A shrinking and aging labor force will reduce the productivity and competitiveness of the economy. The labor force participation rate of the older people is relatively low, at 38.5% in 2020, compared to 80.1% for the prime-age workers (aged 25-54). The dependency ratio, which measures the number of dependents (children and older people) per 100 working-age people, will increase from 47.7 in 2020 to 76.5 in 2050, meaning that there will be fewer workers to support more dependents. This will pose a challenge to the economic growth and the fiscal sustainability of the country.
• Rising demand for health care and long-term care services will put pressure on the public health system and the fiscal budget. Older people are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and disabilities, which require more medical attention and care. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, among older people was 74.3%, 26.9%, and 12.5%, respectively. The health expenditure per capita for the older people is estimated to be three times higher than that for the younger ones. Moreover, older people may also need long-term care services, such as personal care, nursing care, and social care, which are currently limited and costly in Malaysia.
• A growing need for social protection and income security for older people, who may face poverty and vulnerability in their old age. The current pension system in Malaysia covers only about one-third of the labor force, mainly the public sector employees and the formal sector workers. The majority of the older people rely on their personal savings, family support, or informal work for their income. However, these sources may not be adequate or sustainable in the future, especially for low-income and rural older people. According to the Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey 2019, the incidence of absolute poverty among older people was 7.2%, higher than the national average of 5.6%. Older people may also face other risks, such as inflation, fraud, abuse, and discrimination, which can affect their income security and dignity.
• A changing family structure and social norms will affect the intergenerational relationships and the well-being of older people. Traditionally, the older people in Malaysia live with their adult children and receive care and support from them. However, this family arrangement may change due to urbanization, migration, education, and modernization. The younger generation may have different values and preferences, and may not be able or willing to take care of their aging parents. The proportion of older people living alone or with their spouse only increased from 15.8% in 2004 to 20.7% in 2014. This may lead to social isolation and loneliness among older people, which can affect their mental and emotional health.

To address these challenges, Malaysia needs to adopt a comprehensive and coordinated approach that involves all stakeholders, such as the government, the private sector, the civil society, and the older people themselves. Some of the possible strategies are:

• Promoting active and healthy aging means enabling older people to participate in economic, social, and cultural activities, and to maintain their physical and mental health. This can be achieved by providing more opportunities and incentives for older people to work, volunteer, learn, and engage in their communities, and by improving their access to health care and preventive services. Active and healthy aging can enhance the productivity and contribution of older people, as well as their quality of life and well-being.
• Strengthening the social protection and income security system for older people means ensuring that they have adequate and stable incomes to meet their basic needs and enjoy a decent standard of living. This can be achieved by expanding the coverage and adequacy of the pension system, by providing more social assistance and benefits for the needy older people, and by encouraging more savings and investments for retirement. Social protection and income security can reduce the poverty and vulnerability of older people, and increase their consumption and demand.
• Enhancing the family and community support for the older people, which means strengthening the bonds and mutual obligations between the generations, and fostering a culture of respect and care for the older people. This can be achieved by providing more financial and non-financial support for the family caregivers, by developing more community-based and home-based care services, and by raising public awareness and education on aging issues. Family and community support can improve the social and emotional well-being of older people, and promote social cohesion and harmony.

Population aging is inevitable, but it is not necessarily a problem. If managed well, it can be an opportunity for Malaysia to harness the potential and wisdom of the older people, and to create a more inclusive and sustainable society for all.

The Aging Problem in Malaysia

Parents of children with autism face various challenges

Parents of children with autism face various challenges that can impact their daily lives, emotional well-being, and long-term planning. 

Here are some common challenges:

1. Early Diagnosis and Intervention:

Getting an early diagnosis of autism can be challenging, and accessing appropriate intervention services may require navigating complex healthcare systems. Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes, so delays can be stressful for parents.

2. Emotional Impact:

Raising a child with autism can bring emotional challenges. Parents may experience feelings of grief, guilt, or worry about their child's future. Coping with these emotions while providing the necessary support for their child can be demanding.

3. Financial Strain:

The cost of therapies, specialized education, and other interventions for children with autism can be significant. Many parents face financial strain to provide the best possible support for their children.

4. Educational Advocacy:

Advocating for appropriate education services can be challenging. Parents often need to navigate the special education system, ensuring that their child receives the necessary accommodations and support in school.

5. Social Isolation:

Families of children with autism may face social isolation due to difficulties participating in typical social activities. Stigmatization and lack of awareness about autism can contribute to this isolation.

6. Behavioral Challenges:

Children with autism may exhibit challenging behaviors that require consistent and specialized approaches. Managing these behaviors at home and in public can be demanding for parents.

7. Transition to Adulthood:

As children with autism approach adulthood, parents often face concerns about their children's independence, employment opportunities, and long-term care. Preparing for this transition can be emotionally and logistically challenging.

8. Sibling Relationships:

Siblings of children with autism may experience unique challenges. Parents often need to balance attention and support among all their children while addressing the specific needs of the child with autism.

9. Lack of Support Services:

In some regions, there may be a lack of available support services, including respite care for parents. Limited resources can exacerbate the challenges faced by families.

10. Legal and Advocacy Issues:

Parents may need to navigate legal challenges, such as accessing government assistance programs or advocating for their children's rights. Understanding and navigating these systems can be complex.

Despite these challenges, many parents of children with autism also find joy, resilience, and a deep sense of fulfillment in supporting their child's unique journey. Support groups, educational resources, and community networks can be valuable in helping parents navigate these challenges.

Solving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In October 2023, a series of violent conflicts erupted in the Middle East, involving various groups and nations. 

Solving the Israel-Palestine conflict to ensure that both parties feel the outcome is fair and just is an immensely complex and challenging task. It requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that takes into account the historical, political, and humanitarian aspects of the conflict. There are set of principles and steps that have been widely discussed by experts and diplomats as potential ways to address the issue:

Two-State Solution: The widely accepted framework for a solution is a two-state solution, where Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist side by side in peace and security. This solution would involve clear and recognized borders.

Negotiations: Both parties need to engage in direct negotiations, without preconditions, to address the core issues of the conflict, including borders, security, refugees, the status of Jerusalem, and settlements.

International Mediation: International actors, including the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and regional powers, should play a constructive role in mediating the negotiations and ensuring their fairness.

Comprehensive Peace Plan: A comprehensive peace plan should address all final status issues, taking into account the concerns and interests of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Security Guarantees: Security concerns for both parties need to be adequately addressed. This may involve international security guarantees, demilitarized zones, and other mechanisms to ensure peace and stability.

Refugee Issue: A fair solution to the refugee issue needs to be found, which might involve compensation, resettlement, or return to their homeland.

Borders and Land Swaps: Negotiations should address land swaps that can help accommodate both parties' territorial claims while maintaining the contiguity of the two states.

Jerusalem: The status of Jerusalem is a highly sensitive issue. A fair solution could involve shared sovereignty or international administration of the city to ensure access for all religious and ethnic groups.

Settlements: The issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is contentious. Any solution should address this issue, possibly through land swaps or compensation.

Economic Development: Investing in the economic development and stability of the Palestinian territories can help build confidence and provide better living conditions for the Palestinian population.

Human Rights and Rule of Law: Respect for human rights, the rule of law, and non-discrimination should be central to any solution, ensuring the rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Civil Society Engagement: Encouraging people-to-people initiatives and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians can help build trust and foster a culture of peace.

International Support: The international community should provide support, incentives, and guarantees to ensure the success of any peace agreement.

Public Diplomacy: Engaging the public and addressing historical narratives and misconceptions can help foster a more favorable atmosphere for negotiations and reconciliation.

It's important to recognize that reaching a fair and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is extremely challenging due to the deep historical and emotional attachments each side has to the land and their respective narratives. Any solution will require significant compromises and goodwill from both parties, as well as the strong involvement of the international community.

7 Things People Waste Their Money On

 

Are you looking for ways to save money and avoid debt? If so, you are not alone. Many people struggle with managing their finances, especially during the holiday season. However, some simple and effective strategies can help you spend less and save more. In this blog post, I will share with you 7 things that people waste their money on, and how you can avoid them.

• 1. Debt Dangers: Evade high-cost borrowing, as it can swiftly diminish your finances. High-cost borrowing refers to using credit cards, payday loans, or other forms of debt that charge high-interest rates and fees. These types of debt can quickly accumulate and become difficult to repay, especially if you miss payments or only pay the minimum amount. High-cost borrowing can also damage your credit score, which can affect your ability to get better loans or financial products in the future. To avoid high-cost borrowing, you should only use credit cards for emergencies or planned purchases that you can pay off in full every month. You should also avoid payday loans or other predatory lenders that charge exorbitant fees and interest rates. Instead, you should look for alternative sources of funding, such as savings, family, friends, or community organizations. If you already have high-cost debt, you should try to pay it off as soon as possible, starting with the highest interest-rate debt first. You can also seek help from a reputable credit counselor or a debt consolidation service to manage your debt and create a repayment plan.
  2. Quick Profit Pitfalls: Beware of fleeting promises for profits; enduring, value-centric strategies with an edge are more reliable. Quick profit pitfalls refer to schemes or investments that promise to make you rich fast but often turn out to be scams or losses. These include things like pyramid schemes, Ponzi schemes, gambling, lottery, or speculative trading. These types of activities are risky, unpredictable, and often illegal. They can also cost you a lot of money, time, and energy, and leave you worse off than before. To avoid quick profit pitfalls, you should be skeptical of any offer that sounds too good to be true and do your research before investing your money. You should also avoid putting all your eggs in one basket, and diversify your income sources and investments. Instead of chasing quick profits, you should focus on building long-term wealth through value-centric strategies with an edge. These include things like saving regularly, investing in low-cost index funds, starting a side hustle, or developing a valuable skill. These types of activities are more reliable, sustainable, and rewarding. They can also help you achieve your financial goals and improve your quality of life.
  3. Extravagant Expenditures: Embrace simplicity and discern between essential and luxury spending. Extravagant expenditures refer to spending money on things that you do not need or cannot afford, such as designer clothes, expensive gadgets, or lavish vacations. These types of spending can deplete your finances and prevent you from saving or investing for the future. They can also create a false sense of happiness or satisfaction, and make you addicted to materialism and consumerism. To avoid extravagant expenditures, you should embrace simplicity and discern between essential and luxury spending. Essential spending refers to spending money on things that you need for your survival and well-being, such as food, shelter, health, and education. Luxury spending refers to spending money on things that you want for your pleasure and enjoyment, such as entertainment, hobbies, or travel. You should prioritize your essential spending over your luxury spending, and only spend on luxuries when you have enough money left after covering your essentials and saving for your goals. You should also practice gratitude and contentment and appreciate what you have instead of always wanting more.
  4. Vehicle Value: Recognize the swift depreciation of new vehicles; older, dependable cars often present better financial sense. Vehicle value refers to the worth of your car, which can affect your finances and lifestyle. New vehicles tend to depreciate rapidly, losing about 20% of their value in the first year and about 50% in the first three years. This means that you are paying a premium for a car that will lose its value quickly and that you may end up owing more than the car is worth if you finance it with a loan. New vehicles also tend to have higher costs of ownership, such as insurance, taxes, maintenance, and repairs. To recognize the swift depreciation of new vehicles, you should consider the total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price, and compare it with the benefits of owning a new car, such as warranty, safety, and performance. You should also avoid buying a new car that is beyond your means, and shop around for the best deal and financing options. Older, dependable cars often present better financial sense, as they have lower costs of ownership and slower depreciation. This means that you can save money by buying a used car that is in good condition and has a reliable history. You can also increase the value of your car by taking good care of it, such as keeping it clean, servicing it regularly, and repairing it when needed. You can also sell your car when it still has some value, and use the money to buy a newer one.
  5. Hidden Costs: Stay vigilant about sneaky fees in financial services; they can eat into your returns. Hidden costs refer to fees or charges that are not clearly disclosed or explained by financial service providers, such as banks, lenders, brokers, or advisors. These include things like account fees, transaction fees, ATM fees, overdraft fees, late fees, penalty fees, origination fees, closing fees, commission fees, or management fees. These types of fees can eat into your returns, and reduce the amount of money you have or earn from your financial products, such as bank accounts, loans, credit cards, or investments. To avoid hidden costs, you should stay vigilant about sneaky fees in financial services, and read the fine print and terms and conditions before signing up for any financial product. You should also compare different products and providers, and look for the ones that offer the best value and service for your needs. You should also monitor your accounts and statements, and check for any errors or unauthorized charges. You should also negotiate or dispute any fees that you think are unfair or unnecessary.
  6. True Worth Over Branding: Prioritize inherent product value over brand recognition. True worth over branding refers to choosing products based on their quality, functionality, and usefulness, rather than their popularity, reputation, or image. Branding is a marketing strategy that aims to create a distinctive identity and impression for a product and influence consumers’ perceptions and preferences. Branding can be beneficial, as it can indicate trust, reliability, and satisfaction, and help consumers make informed decisions. However, branding can also be misleading, as it can inflate the price, exaggerate the benefits, or conceal the flaws of a product, and manipulate consumers’ emotions and desires. To prioritize true worth over branding, you should evaluate products based on their inherent value, and not be swayed by advertising, hype, or peer pressure. You should look for products that meet your needs, expectations, and budget, and that offer the best quality and performance for your money. You should also do your research, compare different products and brands, and read reviews and feedback from other consumers. You should also be aware of your own values and preferences, and not let others dictate what you should buy or use.
  7. Dining Decisions: While occasional indulgences are okay, habitual outside dining can strain your budget. Dining decisions refer to choosing where, when, and what to eat, which can affect your finances and health. Outside dining refers to eating at restaurants, cafes, or other food outlets, which can be convenient, enjoyable, and social. However, outside dining can also be expensive, unhealthy, and wasteful. Outside dining can strain your budget, as it can cost more than cooking at home, especially if you add drinks, desserts, or tips. Outside dining can also be unhealthy, as it can expose you to larger portions, more calories, fat, salt, sugar, and additives, and less control over the ingredients and preparation. Outside dining can also be wasteful, as it can generate more packaging, leftovers, and food waste. To avoid habitual outside dining, you should plan your meals and snacks ahead, and prepare them at home as much as possible. You should also stock up on healthy and affordable ingredients, and learn some easy and tasty recipes. You should also limit your outside dining to special occasions, and treat it as a reward or a treat, rather than a habit or a necessity. You should also choose your outside dining options wisely, and look for places that offer good value, quality, and variety. You should also practice moderation, and avoid overeating, overspending, or overindulging.

  
  

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something useful from it. If you did, please share it with your friends and family, and leave a comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Thank you for reading, and have a great day!

Unlocking a World of Knowledge and Entertainment: Free Video and Documentary Streaming Services

Unlocking a World of Knowledge and Entertainment: Free Video and Documentary Streaming Services

Introduction:

Imagine a world where you can dive into a treasure trove of documentaries and captivating videos without reaching for your wallet. In this blog post, we're going to introduce you to a universe of free streaming services that will satisfy your thirst for knowledge and entertainment. No subscriptions, no hidden fees – just a virtual haven of educational and riveting content at your fingertips.

CuriosityStream: A Gateway to Knowledge

First on our list is CuriosityStream, a global, ad-free subscription video-on-demand service. It's the go-to destination for seekers of knowledge. Dive into an assortment of meticulously curated documentaries and series that span science, technology, history, and the natural world. The best part? No pesky advertisements to interrupt your learning journey.

The Great Courses: A Scholarly Alternative

If you're willing to invest in your education, The Great Courses offers a premium experience. With a subscription fee, you gain access to a wealth of high-quality educational content. It's like having your very own virtual classroom, where you can explore a multitude of subjects in depth.

Free Alternatives: Kanopy and Beyond

But what if you're on a tight budget? Fear not, for there are fantastic free alternatives that won't cost you a dime. Let's explore a few:

1. VideoNeat: A "trade-free" platform that embraces the spirit of sharing. No commercial transactions here – just a decentralized wonderland of peer-to-peer content sharing. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and community. 

2. DocumentaryHeaven: Take a trip down memory lane to a website that used to be a documentary lover's paradise. Explore a diverse collection of documentaries spanning science, history, politics, and technology. All are available for free, no strings attached.

3. iHaveNoTV: Don't have a TV? Not a problem! iHaveNoTV.com offers a range of documentaries, TV shows, and captivating videos for free. It's a haven for those who seek knowledge without the need for subscriptions.

4. Cinetimes.org: Step into the world of Cinetimes, where a Netflix-like interface meets free content from YouTube, Archive.org, DailyMotion, and Vimeo. It's a cinematic journey that won't cost you a cent.

Conclusion:

In a world overflowing with paid streaming options, these free video and documentary streaming services shine as beacons of accessibility and knowledge sharing. Whether you're a dedicated learner, a curious explorer, or simply seeking entertainment without the price tag, there's a platform for you. Dive into this realm of endless possibilities, enrich your mind, and satisfy your curiosity – all without opening your wallet.

Explore these platforms today and embrace the beauty of free knowledge and entertainment at your fingertips. Now read more..

A card that can save your life.

Imagine a card that can save your life.

🙌 A card that can cover your medical bills when you are sick or injured.

💊 A card that can give you access to the best doctors and hospitals in the country. 

🏥 A card that can offer you peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones. 

💖 That card is a medical card. 

💳 A medical card is more than just an insurance card, it is a lifeline. It can reimburse you for various medical expenses, such as hospitalization, surgery, outpatient, or special treatment. There are two main types of medical cards: standalone medical card and investment-linked medical card. 

A standalone medical card is affordable and simple but does not have any investment benefits. 💰 Investment-linked medical card is more expensive and complex but has potential investment returns. 📈 You can choose the most suitable medical card according to your needs and budget. With a medical card, you have the necessary protection, for you to live your life to the fullest. 🌟