August 2023 Edition

ENGLISH SPECIAL EDITION - ONLINE DIGITAL - AUGUST 2023

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Family

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FAMILY IS A NON-PROFIT SOCIETY

Contact: Phone: (347) 600-5347 cartasaoeditor@aol.com

he attitude of donation Tmust prevail in family rela-

www.omensageiro7.com ©2023 by: O Mensageiro7Inc.

tionships, where each one asks, "What can I do for the other?"

All Rights Reserved

Instead of demanding and criticizing, there must be a constant effort to help the FAMILY IS A other person grow.

LABORATORY FOR

The home does not survive if EXPERIENCING each one lives for themselves FAITH and uses the other to gain adPerhaps there is no more vantages. challenging place for a person FAMILY IS A to express their faith in Christ TRAINING CENTER than in the family environFOR LIFE ment, and this often generates the anomaly of a double Character is formed in the life. family environment, and values that will guide people's It is common to find people conduct are defined. who, to the external public, appear to be very "consecratHence, the importance of a ed," but at home, they are healthy, balanced, and con- unrecognizable as believers. structive climate in the home.

In a significant proportion, A faith that does not manifest people reproduce in differ- itself in family relationships is ent environments what they a farce and needs to be relearned at home. considered.

The Newspaper O Mensageiro7 is a monthly publication via ONLINE in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

FAMILY IS AN EMOTIONAL REFUELING STATION Life in a highly competitive, inhumane, and depersonalizing society generates high levels of stress and anxiety in people.

Therefore, human beings need a space where they can relax, find peace, and rejuvenate themselves for the daily struggle.

The family needs to be this refuge, this place to regain energy, motivation, and joy.

Has your family been like this? ◙

Reproduction in whole or in part of the context of the publication without proper permission is expressly prohibited.

O Mensageiro7 Newspaper is not responsible for the insertion of photos, logos, slogans, errors or omissions by advertisers or information provided by third parties, edited in any part of this publication.

Articles, messages, interviews, and studies published in this Newspaper, by each author, do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editor.

Each writer is responsible for their own content.

Therefore, each author is available to answer the reader's questions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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A

playing AIs to Google translate, and face recognition algorithms to digital assistants, such as Amazon Alexa.

It could help cure cancers, control autonomous cars, and augment human intelligence.

Rather than programmers giving machine learning AIs a definitive list of instructions on how to complete a task, the AIs have to learn how to do the task themselves.

rtificial intelligence is a potentially world-changing technology.

Or it could lead to a robot apocalypse and the downfall of humanity. It depends on who you ask.

Artificial intelligence or AI simply means software used by computers to mimic aspects of human intelligence.

There are many ways to attempt this, but the most popular approach involves software called a neural network that is trained by example.

For example, a program that recommends what you should read based on books you’ve bought or a robot vacuum that has a basic grasp of the world around it.

A neural network is a large web of connections, inspired by the way neurons connect in the brain. I

So why all the fuss? In the last decade a particular flavour of AI, called machine learning, has become extremely powerful.

The technique is behind everything from DeepMind’s world champion Go

NEURAL NETWORKS

In the last decade a particular flavour of AI, called machine learning, has become extremely powerful.

nputs work their way through the network, guided by the strength of the connections, to find the appropriate output.

In the case of a robot vacuum, the inputs could be all of the various measurements CONTINUES ON PAGE 4

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)

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become so smart that they iteratively improve their own intelligence to far surpass human intelligence.

from its sensors, and the output could be how it decides to move.

These superintelligences could have motivations of their own, and keeping humans around may not be one of them.

To train the vacuum, it could be shown thousands of examples of humans vacuuming rooms along with the relevant sensor inputs.

AI PROBLEMS

By strengthening the relevant connections, a neural network vacuum would then eventually learn which inputs correspond to which actions so that it can clean the room by itself.

There’s no need to worry just yet though. We’re still a long way from reaching AGI and there are some pressing concerns regarding current AIs.

Neural networks have been around since the 1940s and 1950s, but only recently have they started to have much success.

The change of fortunes is due to the huge rise in both the amount of data we produce and the amount of computer power available.

The AIs require anywhere between thousands to millions of examples to learn how to do something. But now millions of videos, audio clips, articles, photos and more are uploaded to the internet every minute, making it much easier to get hold of suitable data sets – especially if you are a researcher at one of the large technology companies holding people’s files.

Processing these data sets and training AIs with them is a power-hungry task, but processing power has roughly doubled every two years since the 1970s meaning modern supercomputers are up to the task.

ARTIFICIAL GENERAL INTELLIGENCE However, neural networks can’t do everything. A neural network trained to do one thing is next to useless at do-

AI is already involved in making important decisions, such as someone’s eligibility for parole in parts of the US. It is also increasingly assessing people’s suitability for a job, loan, or insurance product.

There are ambitions to create AIs with a broader range of abilities, known as artificial general intelligence (AGI), which could perform any task that the human brain can. ing something else.

Because of the limitations of neural networks, some arFor example, ask Libratus, gue a completely different an AI that is the world’s best approach may be needed to heads up no-limit Texas hold reach AGI. ’em poker player, which country Las Vegas is in and it That could be giving neuwouldn’t even be able to pro- ral networks more underlycess the question. ing structure to begin with to help them learn things in There are ambitions to cre- a better way, moving to proate AIs with a broader range grams that learn by evoluof abilities, known as artifi- tion, or trying to better mimic cial general intelligence (AGI), animal brains. which could perform any task that the human brain can. But Once we have AGIs, there are we’re a long way from AGI at worries that could spell the the moment. end for humanity. AGIs could

Yet AI is often biased, meaning its recommendations can be too.

Time after time, researchers have found that neural networks pick up biases from the data sets they are trained on.

For example, face recognition algorithms have much lower accuracy for anyone who is not a white man – a hallmark of the lack of diversity in the data sets.

AI decisions are also opaque.

How neural networks come to conclusions is very hard to analyze, meaning if they make a crucial mistake, such as missing cancer in an image, it’s very difficult to find out why they made the mistake or to hold them accountable.

This could slow the progress of AI in applications where trust and safety are particularly important. ◙ Source: Newcientist.com

Adolescence

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PARENTS NEED TO REMEMBER THAT:

aising your children R through the teen years can be a challenging and often dangerous adventure.

❶ Teenagers are still children.

The sure foundation for a solid relationship with your teens is unconditional love.

❷ Teenagers will generally behave like teenagers.

Only when this foundation is built can you be secure in the education you have provided.

❸ Much of adolescent behavior is unpleasant.

If you love your teen only when it pleases you (conditional love) and communicate your love only at those times, he/she won't feel genuinely loved.

Otherwise, education becomes something confusing and quite frustrating.

That love acts as a guiding light to know where you stand with your child.

This will make them feel insecure, with a damaged selfimage, and will, in fact, make it impossible for them to develop more mature behavior.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, FOR YOUR TEEN MEANS: ❶ It doesn't matter what they look like. ❷ It doesn't matter what their qualities, responsibilities, and deficiencies are. ❸ It doesn't matter how they act.

The sure foundation for a solid relationship with your teens is unconditional love.

If you love your teen unconditionally, he/she will feel good about themselves. They will be able to control their anxiety, and in turn, their behavior as they become adults.

Teenagers are always asking, "Do you love me?" This question is primarily asked CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

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Adolescence

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If you love your teen only when it pleases you (conditional love) and communicate your love only at those times, he/she won't feel genuinely loved.

through behavior and words.

Your answer to this question is important.

influence group and experience difficulties maintaining healthy ethical values.

If your answer is no, your child will not be able to be their best or do their best.

Your teen will test you. Usually, this will be through inappropriate behavior in their quest for independence.

Few parents answer yes because they don't know how.

Adults communicate through words, while teenagers, like small children, express themselves through behavior rather than the words they speak.

You need to show love through your actions and not just through what you say.

Teenagers usually respond to love, but love doesn't always take the initiative.

If love is given to them, they will respond. If nothing is given to them, they will also give nothing back.

Teenagers are always holding back. No matter how much they say they don't like their parents, they need your emotional support to move forward.

Do not react in a moment of anger. This does not mean approving of bad behavior.

Your teen will test you.

Usually, this will be through inappropriate behavior in their quest for independence.

They desperately need to fill their emotional tank to gain the security and self-confidence necessary to deal with peer pressure and other de-

You need to express your feelings honestly but appropriately, without anger, yelling, using foul language, verbally lashing out at the child, or losing control of your emotions. ◙

Ross Campbell, M.D., is an adjunct professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. One of his books includes How to Really Love Your Child. Dr. mands of adolescent society. Campbell and his wife Pat have four adult children.

Without this confidence, Article taken from the book teens tend to succumb to How to Really Love Your pressure from the dominant Teenager by Ross Campbell.

Interesting Facts

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Interesting Facts

Open Letter

"Only through conversation within the household is it possible to establish a family," Edméia Williams.

other person thinks, and consequently, there is no unity or democracy. Thus, it becomes impossible to establish a family," says missionary Edméia Williams, from the Ministry of Acts 29 and author of the book Hidden Treasures, published by MK Editora.

ialogue has frequently D been the subject of discussion in debates, congresses, couples' meetings, youth meetings, and so on.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DIALOGUE

In these events, the common complaint is often the same: parents who do not communicate with their children, and vice versa.

There is a lack of interactivity. The modern world exacerbates this problem, as the stress of everyday life makes it increasingly difficult to find time to sit down and engage in meaningful interaction.

As a result, family members grow distant to the point where they no longer recognize each other. "When there is a lack of dialogue, one doesn't know what the

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When there is a lack of dialogue, one doesn't know what the other person thinks, and consequently, there is no unity or democracy.

According to the missionary, dialogue holds utmost importance because it allows for interaction. "However, we must pay attention, as when we engage in conversation, it should not solely be about wanting to be heard.

In a conversation, it is necessary to speak, listen, understand, speculate, explain, and above all, respect the opinions of others. We must be cautious not to become dictators - wielding absolute power - where only one person speaks and everyone else must listen, obey, and accept their orders," adds Edméia.

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Open Letter

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In a conversation, it is necessary to speak, listen, understand, speculate, explain, and above all, respect the opinions of others.

High school student Herbert Souza, 18, knows this situation firsthand. The young man explains that he always had a lot of difficulty expressing his feelings to his father, mainly because his father is in the military and didn't give him the opportunity to speak.

"There was no dialogue, it was a monologue. This brought serious problems into my life; I couldn't express what I was feeling, and I closed myself off. As a result, I took some actions that were not good for me. Our relationship only improved after we went through a deliverance process, during which we confess our sins. After that, my dad understood how I was feeling and reevaluated his approach. Today, we are able to have genuine conversations as father and son, thanks to the Lord," he said.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT TALKING AT HOME. For Ricardo Ferreira dos Santos Filho, an 18-year-old high

school student, the lack of dialogue has also had negative consequences.

As the son of parents who separated when he was just 1 year old, and having converted to Christianity at the age of 13, he felt uncomfortable discussing certain matters with his mother due to his father's absence.

"It was very difficult for me because I felt ashamed to share certain aspects of my age with her. She was my only point of reference for guidance," he explained.

"There was no dialogue, it was a monologue.

This brought serious problems into my life; I couldn't express what I was feeling, and I closed myself off".

According to Ricardo, even in cases of separation, parents need to understand that both play important roles. A mother cannot fulfill the role of a father, and vice versa.

"The absence of a father figure was challenging for me, and I ended up seeking refuge on the internet".

"I spent hours on the computer, and as a result, I became addicted to the web. I CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

Open Letter

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When a family prays together with a specific purpose, God moves, for He is pleased to see families being blessed. gained popularity in various chat rooms, got involved with people who were much older than me, and I nearly went astray."

"All of this distanced me from God and my family to the point where I even stopped talking to my mother. At the age of 16, I received a warning from the Lord and realized that I was completely mistaken".

"There is no point in seeking solutions to our problems by looking elsewhere; we must face them with the help of the Creator. So, I began to desire God's best for my life".

to have open conversations my mother, as she is a woman about sex, genitalia, mastur- and understands my needs.

During certain phases of my bation, drugs, and so on". adolescence, they were es"After all, we were once teen- sential". agers and young adults, and we experienced the same dif- "Whenever she gave me adficulties that our children face vice – even if it wasn't always now. I have received invita- what I wanted to hear – she tions to run away, use drugs, was right. There was one time and engage in various activi- when she warned me about a friend. At first, I thought she ties, and I had to resist. was being excessive, but later "My own experiences count on, I realized she was absofor a lot. Parents need to un- lutely right. My mother is an derstand that sex is not dirty; instrument of God in my life, it was created by God before blessing me," she says. sin entered the worl".

According to psychologist "We have to teach and guide Elaine Cruz, a master in edthem in the light of the Bible. ucation and author of the Due to the lack of conversa- book "Namoro é +, Sexo é -" tion, many young people seek published by MK Editora, diaknowledge in the wrong plac- logue is the primary tool for es: through the internet, tele- healing and should occur at vision, and even from their three different levels: peers," warns the missionary. Among the parents, who

"I don't understand why we feel so ashamed to talk to our children. It is necessary

AMONG PARENTS AND CHILDREN WITH GOD When a family prays together with a specific purpose, God moves, for He is pleased to see families being blessed.

According to Elaine Cruz, both mothers and fathers need to better manage their lives by making more time to take care of their children, engage in conversations with them, and provide guidance.

"Dialogue is like an X-ray capable of capturing situations, attitudes, and thoughts that have not yet surfaced. It is the main tool for establishing a healthy and happy family," must become aware of the she concludes. ◙ problem and their mistakes together, so that they can deDIFFERENCE vise strategies and establish Érica Cruz says that conversa- rules to help their children. tions within her household have always been a defining When both parents are involved, often with the help factor in her life. of siblings, it becomes easier "I feel very comfortable talk- to support and guide a family ing to my parents, especially member.

"My mother got married again, and our communication has improved significantly. It is still not perfect, but it gets better every day," he concludes. Shame acts as an enemy to parent-child re- WHEN DIALOGUE lationships.

MAKES THE Another issue addressed is the shyness of parents when it comes to interacting with their children.

Between parents and children, to reassess their positions, reach agreements, and assist one another.

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Editorial

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H ello, dear reader.

engage in all sorts of reprehensible acts. Without realizing it, they are getting trapped, giving way to the devil, and exposing themselves to many dangers.

I received this story from Marcelo Rodrigues de Aguiar, and I want to share it with you. Enjoy it as much as I did, this beautiful story.

"Was there any nation that changed its gods, since they were not gods? Yet my people have exchanged their glory for that which is of no profit," says the Lord (Jeremiah 2:11).

It is said that a boy accidentally got his hand caught in his mother's most expensive China vase.

All efforts were made in an attempt to free him, but in vain. Finally, the relatives decided to bring a hammer and break the priceless piece into pieces, as there was no alternative.

So, they broke the vase.

That's when they realized that the little boy's hand was closed, and that's why he couldn't remove it.

Are you trading your freedom in Christ for things that are not profitable?

Are you renouncing the glory of the Lord for trifles that will bring you no good?

When they managed to convince him to open it, they discovered what he had been holding so tightly – a five-cent There are many people doing piece! similar things in the Christian He had seen the coin inside life. the vase and, in his eagerness to possess it, he had become People who, in exchange for harmful and fleeting pleatrapped. sures, sacrifice the treasures By not wanting to let go of it, he caused the destruction of of spiritual joy, communion an object worth thousands of with God, and a clear conreais. science.

Are you renouncing the glory of the Lord for trifles that will bring you no good?

Awaken now!

The ways of this world are full of pitfalls. If you are not aware, you will fall into them, bringing suffering upon yourThe damage is enormous - self and your loved ones. both for the individual and for the Kingdom - and it cer- Pursue a life that glorifies tainly saddens the Father's Christ in all its aspects so that heart. your freedom, joy, and blessThis is how we hear about ings will not be lost. church members who go to Until the next edition, ◙ nightclubs, drink alcohol, engage in premarital sex, gam- Helio Dos Santos Filho, ble, access pornography, and your Editor

Woman's Column

Massages, scented creams,

In addition to the skin and hair, feet also suffer from the effects of chlorine, the sun, and harmful sun rays. Pay attention!

and nail polishes in shades of pink can make your feet healthy and seductive, ready to be shown off in the hot season. There is no one who can resist the allure of basic flip-flops or the power of sandals during the most sensual season of the year.

However, in order to fully embrace these charms, it is essential to take good care of your feet.

Since they are highly exposed during this season, they can develop thick and rough skin, which can deter any potential suitors.

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A few simple and inexpensive measures are enough to ensure soft feet throughout the entire season.

There is no one who can resist the allure of basic flip-flops or the power of sandals during the most sensual season of the year.

And what could be more delightful than that feeling of cleanliness, lightness, and well-being that we experience after taking care of our feet?

Follow our tips and proudly showcase your princess-like feet.

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Woman's Column

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1- SMOOTH AND FRAGRANT SKIN

absorb excess moisture.

2- BEAUTIFUL AND Once a week, remove dead HEALTHY NAILS cells and calluses using fine sandpaper. Gently rub it on the soles of your feet, right after bathing when the skin is soft.

Alternatively, you can use an exfoliating cream or soap instead of sandpaper. Afterward, moisturize your feet.

Opt for urea-based products, which contain natural moisturizing components for the skin, and mineral oil.

If you tend to sweat excessively, keep your feet dry, especially between the toes, and use a product with bactericidal properties.

REMOVER INSTEAD OF ACETONE.

When applying nail polish, do it away from fans, air-condiAlways cut your nails in a tioners, and open windows to square format. prevent quick drying that can When using a file, also run lead to bubbles forming. it along the edges and cor- 4- RELAXATION IS ners to prevent the nails from BENEFICIAL FOR YOU catching.

Soak your feet in a basin with Avoid removing the cuticles a few drops of lavender oil or with pliers. Soak your feet in soothing salts for a few mina basin with warm water and utes. mild soap for a few minutes, then gently push the skin Then rinse them and apply back. a relaxing cream. Use the palms of your hands to gently The cuticle acts as a natural massage the soles and sides barrier and, especially during of your feet. this time of the year when there is frequent contact with Press the center of the sole beach and pool water, it helps with your thumb for 3 minprotect your nails from fungal utes, then release. Repeat infections. this four times.

Remember that mint and mint have germicidal effects, while zinc oxide or cornstarch 3- USE NAIL POLISH

once more and lie down with your legs elevated.

5- GET IT RIGHT WHEN PAINTING Shades of pink are trending and look beautiful in contrast with tanned skin.

You can choose from transparent, creamy pink, metallic lilac, neon... There is always a shade made especially for you to stay fashionable.

To avoid mistakes, save the metallic and shimmering options for evening events and use glitter nail polishes for Apply the relaxing cream more casual occasions. ◙

Message that Edifies

ccording to a study that A measured the pace of life in

(Luke 10:41-42).

Notice the gentle words of Jesus. He didn't scold Martha for wanting to be a good hostess, but he did remind her of her priorities. Martha allowed the necessary to gain greater proportions, and in the process, she was so busy doing what was right that she didn't have time to sit at Jesus' feet.

cities in 32 countries, people who are most in a hurry live in Singapore.

They walk 18 meters in 10.55 seconds, while New Yorkers cover the same distance in 12 seconds, and those living in the African city of Blantyre, Malawi, take 31.6 seconds.

But regardless of where you live, statistics show that walking speeds have increased by an average of 10% over the past 20 years.

In our efforts to be productive for the Lord, let us remember that there is something worth worrying about: enjoying time, just like our Savior. ◙

And if walking speed is an indicator of the pace of life, then we are busier than ever before.

Are you stuck in a busy and hectic life? Pause and consider Jesus' words to Martha: "...You are restless and worried about many things. However, little or even one thing is needed; Mary, therefore, choose the good part, and it shall not be taken from her"

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By: Poh Fang Chia Collaboration: Daily Bread

In our efforts to be productive for the Lord, let us remember that there is something worth worrying about: enjoying time.

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Music

udwig van Beethoven was Lborn on December 17, 1770,

piano improviser; the 2nd phase, when the reduction of his auditory acuity began, leading him to contemplate suicide, an idea he soon abandoned to create his work.

in Bonn, Germany, on the banks of the Rhine. His father, Johann van Beethoven, was a musician working in the service of the local prince.

By 1814, Beethoven was recognized as the greatest composer of the century; and the 3rd phase, when he became completely deaf.

Of Dutch descent, the musician Johann, who had already lost several children, had only one ambition: for his son Ludwig to become a new Mozart.

These were the last ten years of his life, during which he distanced himself from everyone. Prevented from performing and listening to music, he wrote abstract works that, at the time, nobody understood.

Since he was a little boy, he made his son study music to the point of making him neglect other studies, just to be able to exhibit him as a new prodigy in Europe, much like Mozart years before.

To achieve this, he entrusted his son's musical education to Professor Christian Gottlob Neefe, the court organist in Bonn. Being extravagant and indulging in alcohol, Ludwig's father forced him to play at odd hours, often pulling the boy out of bed at dawn to practice the piano.

His artistic life can be divided into three phases: the 1st phase, when in 1792 he moved to Vienna, where he achieved fame as a brilliant

Beethoven's first official occupation was as an assistant to Neefe, where he performed the duties of an organist and played in Prince Maximilian Francisco's orchestra.

By 1814, Beethoven was recognized as the greatest composer of the century.

At the age of 17, he traveled to Vienna, where it is believed that he met Mozart, although it is not proven that he took lessons from him. Despite his intention to stay in Vienna, the death of his mother brought him back to Bonn.

Beethoven's family was in a CONTINUES ON PAGE 17

Music

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state of decline at that time.

His father, overwhelmed by alcoholism, remained authoritarian, irascible, and violent.

His brothers Karl and Johann, who would continue to cause Beethoven a lot of work, were young. Ludwig took charge of the situation by requesting half of his father's salary from the authorities in order to support his brothers. In the following years, Beethoven worked in the prince's orchestra, writing commissioned works for the local nobility and thereby strengthening his ties with the aristocracy.

Among his friends was Count Wallenstein, who greatly contributed to Beethoven's success. For example, the count's influence played a role in Beethoven's decision, at the age of 21, to leave for Vienna to study with Haydn. Thus, he arrived at his second and final city. However, his studies with Haydn were short-lived, and Beethoven established

Young and respected as a talented musician, everything seemed to be leading Beethoven towards becoming one of the countless composers living in Vienna at the time.

However, something weighed heavily on the young composer: he was losing his hearing.

This is where the almost mythical Beethoven we know emerges.

himself in the Austrian capital as a concert performer and composer, while continuing his musical studies with other teachers.

Young and respected as a talented musician, everything seemed to be leading Beethoven towards becoming one of the countless composers living in Vienna at the time.

However, something weighed heavily on the young composer: he was losing his hearing. This is where the almost mythical Beethoven we know emerges.

The drama of his deafness, which he initially tried to conceal, took on terrifying proportions in his life when he discovered that his condition was incurable.

Gradually, he distanced himself from social life, even at the height of his fame, and began to live primarily as a composer and teacher.

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the score well. In 1823, Beethoven concluded a work that had demanded great effort from him, and it was one of his most ambitious projects: the Ninth Symphony.

Concerned about the potential negative reception from the Viennese public, Beethoven initially intended to premiere it in Berlin. However, somehow, the news spread throughout the city.

Immediately, the intellectual minds of Vienna sent a request, almost a plea, for him to premiere the work there.

It was during this time that he wrote the famous Testament of Seligenstadt, in which Beethoven expressed his conviction that music was the ultimate redeemer of all evils.

Bettina Brentano, and many others.

Their passion for the solitary musician inspired more compassion than genuine love.

There is, in all this, a curiosity: who was the "immortal beloved" to whom Beethoven dedicated a beautiful love letter that was never delivered?

It is the metaphysical legacy of a man disenchanted with the world, yet unable to escape it due to his sense of duty.

Beethoven does not let himParadoxically, his fame, self down. The myth of the which was already consider- hero is born, one who fights able at this time, grew with through difficulties with his each published work. On the art to fulfill his own aesthetic other hand, his private life ideal. seemed to drift further away Artists from all over the world from the hope of happiness. came to meet him, bringing His various love relationships scores for him to give an opinended, some more painful ion. Rossini, Liszt, Schubert, than others, leaving deep among others, were received warmly and affably by the imprints on the composer's musician. spirit and causing him to age before his time.

Simultaneously, his compositions, created without the The names of these individu- slightest concern for respectals followed one another, im- ing the rules followed until mortalized in the works dedi- then, were acclaimed. cated to them by the master: Julie Guiscard, Therese and Beethoven inaugurated the Josephine Von Brunswick, tradition of the free compos-

A concert was scheduled at the Kärntnertor-Theater on May 7, 1824. Alongside the Ninth Symphony, excerpts from the Solemn Mass and other works were presented.

Beethoven was dissuaded er, who wrote music for him- from conducting, but he was self, without being tied to a given a special place alongprince or nobleman. side the conductor. Even during the third movement of the Everything about Beethoven symphony, applause erupted. bears the stamp of freedom; he was solitary, having no ties When the fourth movement or responsibilities to anyone concluded, triumph enbut himself. sued: the Viennese audience cheered him on. Meanwhile, This situation only changed Beethoven remained undiswith the death of his broth- turbed, calmly observing the er Karl, who had named him symphony score. guardian of his nephew with the same name. The lawsuit It was a contralto, Caroline that Ludwig disputed with his Unger, who took him by the sister-in-law for the custody sleeve and presented him to of his nephew was the first of the ecstatic audience. Followa series of heartbreaks that ing this triumph, Beethoven would accompany him for the continued to compose his rest of his life, culminating in most intricate works, the last his nephew's later suicide at- string quartets, highly retempt. Beethoven's deafness vered as the century turned. was worsening.

However, his health started to deteriorate.

One of his concerts in Vienna, precisely at the premiere In 1827, on March 26, at of his Fifth Symphony, was a 5:45 pm, during a storm, complete fiasco. The musi- Beethoven died, falling victim cian, unable to distinguish a to chronic cirrhosis, possibly single note, insisted on con- inherited from his father. In ducting the orchestra. Con- a final gesture of rebellion, sequently, the disoriented he raised his clenched hand orchestra could not perform against the sky. ◙

Achievements

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hen we face a new chalW lenge in our lives, we always

These days, your grandchildren will receive many blessings from your faith in God.

think about the difficulties we are about to face.

ALWAYS FIGHT

Caleb, an Old Testament character, has a lot to teach us about how to face the challenges that appear before us. We have listed some attitudes that we should cultivate in our hearts.

BE OPTIMISTIC The first lesson that Caleb teaches us is that we must be optimistic.

At the age of 85, Caleb conquered the Promised Land.

After returning from the mission that Moses had given him, along with 11 other men, he did not cultivate pessimism. His friend Joshua was also an optimist. optimist in your family.

The Bible says: "Caleb, put- Try to see each situation as an ting the people to silence be- opportunity for growth and fore Moses, said, let us go up victory. boldly, and take possession of it; for we may well prevail TRUST IN GOD against her" (Nm 13.30).

Optimism and faith in God Optimism is the willingness to must go hand in hand. Calook at things from their posi- leb's faith in God is recorded tive side and always hope for in Numbers 14:24. a favorable outcome, even in very difficult situations. Be an The Word of God says, "But

At the age of 85, Caleb conquered the Promised Land.

Pay attention to the fact that this conquest took place after 45 years of believing that the giants, sons of Anak, could be defeated (Josh 14). Caleb teaches us that we should never give up.

We do not know how many high mountains (Josh 14.12) we will face in our lives, but we will certainly face some or many.

my servant Caleb, because he had a different spirit and followed me fully, I will bring him into the land where he entered, and his descendants shall possess it."

However, if we approach these "high mountains" with optimism, faith, and a fighting spirit, we will experience many victories, just like Caleb did.

Our faith in God will yield positive results for our family. The entire clan, Caleb's family, received blessings because the patriarch had faith in God.

Fight, fight, fight! No matter how old you are, know that there will always be struggles. Regardless of our age, we must fight the battles we face. ◙

20

Economy

7

n anatomy professor catA egorically told his class, "The

most sensitive part of the human body is the pocket."

This master's position makes sense because what we see and hear about people who "don't open their hand even to say good morning" and who "don't play shuttlecock to avoid opening their hand" is no joke! Their lives are marked by the spirit of misery, tortured day and night by vile metal. D. L. Moody said, "It takes no more than fifteen minutes to know where a man is laying up his treasure, whether on earth or in heaven."

Always choose God, for He is the best.

He offered us the greatest gift of all time on the cross -

Jesus!

windows of your dreams in your life. He himself said, "... prove me...and I will open the windows of heaven."

You must also open your heart. Solomon said, "The generous soul shall prosper" (Ecc. 11:25). Let's hear Paul's What is necessary for us to advice, "...he who sows bounhave a friendly and healthy tifully will also reap bountirelationship with that fasci- fully" (2 Cor. 9:6). nating window called money?

Second, opening your hand First, open your hand to the as the Spirit directs you.

Kingdom of God. Try giving to God's work, offerings never There is a story about a very given before! Honor God as rich man who was traveling the Magi did, giving Jesus’ by ship. Suddenly, a storm gold, frankincense, and myrrh began to rage, and everyone (Mt. 2). Have the precious joy on the ship panicked. In his of doing what the poor wid- despair, the man made a vow ow did (Mk. 12:41-44). Dare to his god: "Oh, if you get me to break your "alabaster" out of this, if I come out safe at the feet of the Master of and sound, I will give you half life (Jn. 12). God, more than of my goods." After a while, hands, will open wide the the storm calmed down, the

sea returned to its normal state, and the wind settled down. Finally, the miserable millionaire said, "My god is not a capitalist. He wants my heart; he certainly won't take half of my goods. He doesn't need them. I will give you a thousand camels." A thousand camels! No! He won't want them. It would be impossible to ride so many camels. "I'll give you five of the best fat cows I have, the purebred ones. Yes, five fat cows!" What is this? This is a lot of meat for my master's butchery. He won't want these cows, for he will surely end up falling into the sin of "meat."

I know, I'll give him my wife's pet... that's right. With that thought in mind, the trip ended, and the man arrived home happy, feeling alive,

safe, and sound. He told his wife everything about the trip, the storm, the dangers, and the vow he had made to his god. However, his wife interrupted him and said, "Honey, did you have the nerve to promise my pet without talking to me? No, love, I don't agree! So, what do we have in our stores?" asked the man.

"We have peanuts, fresh and brand new. Why not fill a basket and offer it as gratitude in a temple as payment for your vow?" suggested his wife.

Good idea!

He took a basket full of peanuts and got into his car, heading towards the temple.

As the journey was long, he distracted himself and began to taste the peanuts to see if his god would be satisfied with the offering. While enjoying the peanuts during the journey, he finally arrived at the temple. When he picked up the basket to make the offering, what a disappointment - there were only husks!

From today, do one thing: take the rest, the husks, and throw them in the Devil's face. Always choose God, for He is the best. He offered us the greatest gift of all time on the cross - Jesus! ◙