May 2023 edition

ENGLISH SPECIAL EDITION - ONLINE DIGITAL - MAY 2023

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Thoughts

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Medicine

Tens of thousands of people

Sponsors of holistic health techniques and New Medicine thrive by offering patients simple solutions to complex illnesses, as well as practices and remedies that are claimed to have no side effects. These days, thousands of doctors and nurses are making use of these methods.

in the Western world have literally been exposed to or are using holistic medicine methods, which claim to treat the "whole" person - body, mind, and spirit.

The occult revival and dissatisfaction with traditional medical treatments, sometimes justified, have opened the door to a wide variety of alternative therapies in society.

Indeed, Time magazine (November 4, 1991) reported that alternative medicine is "now a $27 billion a year industry in the US," noting that 30 percent of those surveyed had tried an unconventional therapy.

According to Medical World News (May 11, 1987), the total cost of alleged healthcare fraud is approaching $30 billion annually.

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Our research shows that the holistic health movement is largely based on ineffective and/ or potentially dangerous methods that do not have the best interest of the patient at heart.

We certainly have nothing against any method of medical treatment that has been confirmed to be safe and effective. Our concern is about the widespread promotion of methods that have not been proven or that are debatable in other fields (physical or spiritual).

While we do not minimize the problems of conventional medical treatment, our research shows that the holistic health movement is largely based on ineffective and/or potentially dangerous methods that do not have CONTINUES ON PAGE 4

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the best interest of the patient at heart. In general, holistic methods reject what is known about how the human body works and are almost always opposed to a scientific approach to medical care.

When New Medicine claims to "work," none of the reasons characteristically cited by its sponsors causes it to work.

Things can work and still be dangerous, like car bombs. Things can work and still be wrong and dangerous, such as practices that rely on occult methods. Finally, things can be fake and only appear to work.

Things can work and still be dangerous, like car bombs.

Things can work and still be wrong and dangerous, such as practices that rely on oc- rather than careful scientific cult methods. Finally, things testing. can be fake and only appear Given the variable nature of to work. the disease process itself, any Many holistic treatments at holistic health treatment can first seem to work based on boast a significant number of their stated principles, but "success" stories, even in the only work for reasons con- case of serious illnesses. nected with human psychology (the placebo effect) or the It is vital, therefore, to deelement of time (the body's termine (1) whether a given procedure works based on its natural ability to heal). stated principles, (2) the relaMany holistic health practi- tive credibility of those printioners have mistakenly as- ciples, and (3) the real reason sumed that their treatments for their effectiveness when are effective based on mis- the method is effective. interpretations of empirical medicine (experience only) If something works or appears to work, it is essential

heal the individual physically (at least temporarily) but only at a greater spiritual and psychic cost. Because of their connection to the occult, holistic health methods often rely on some form of channeling "energy."

Many of these treatments claim to "balance," "restore," or otherwise manipulate supposedly invisible energies that supposedly exist or circulate in the human body. These energies are almost always associated with the mystical energies of mystery religions; to know why. Failing to an- that is, Hindu prana, Taoist swer this question can be chi, shamanic mana, etc. very costly.

Proponents claim that the real Another serious concern is cause of illness is a supposed that occult and spiritistic in- disorder of the "natural flow" fluences are often the source of this energy, and that unless of power behind the origin the flow is properly restored, and/or treatments of numer- health cannot be maintained. ous specific holistic health In other words, in most New practices.

Medicine, manipulation of In addition to their lack of occult energies and healthscientific credibility, these care are inseparable. practices must be questioned Unfortunately, this manipulabecause of their involvement tion of mystical energy is ofwith the occult methods that ten an open door to spiritualthe Bible warns about (Deu- ism under another name. It is teronomy 18:10-12). difficult, if not impossible, to Occult powers can indeed distinguish between the use CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

Medicine

7 5 some of them may be physically or spiritually neutral, both safety and effectiveness must be established before they can be recommended.

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of "energy" manipulation and transference in many holistic health treatments and that of "energy" manipulation found among occultists in their various practices.

Holistic health practitioners incorrectly interpret this energy as a natural or divine energy that promotes physical and spiritual health, when in fact, it is an occult, spiritistic energy that is harmful to physical and spiritual health.

Granted, the "energy compensators" might not be doing anything at all, but involvement with genuine occult powers cannot be ruled out.

CONCLUSION: New Medicine claims to offer good health, including physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to people.

These energies are almost always associated with the mystical energies of mystery religions.

People who rely on these practices to cure illnesses often suffer from impaired health or are converted to the occult.

Although New Age medicine is correct in recognizing a spiritual dimension to life and health, the spiritual dimension it offers is dangerous and has more potential consequences than most illnesses.

In summary, because they are ineffective, holistic health treatments are potentially dangerous because they may fail to properly diagnose physical symptoms, thus failing to uncover a serious underlying condition that can progress and result in further physical harm or death.

It is always possible that an unconventional method of treatment may prove useful or suggest plausible avenues for further research, but before any method can be accepted by the public, common sense teaches that its claims must be substantiated.

However, due to the negative and/or occult nature of the methods used, they are more likely to cause harm than provide benefits.

People who rely on these practices to cure illnesses often suffer from impaired health or are converted to the occult.

Furthermore, New Medicine can have physical, psychological, and/or spiritual consequences because to the extent that its methods may lead a person into involvement with the unseen world, it produces the same types of physical, psychological, and spiritual dangers associated with occult practices.

increasingly being employed

by Christians, but many don't seem to be bothered by the spiritual problems involved, as long as the practice "works."

Unfortunately, the response to co-author John Weldon's two previous posts on this subject reveal that not only are holistic health methods

Large numbers of people have unrealistic hopes for modern medicine – they almost expect miracles. However, despite its great ad-

Unfortunately, regardless of our state of health, we will eventually succumb to a disease that is incurable to us, and we will face death in a very personal way.

However, we spend so much time searching for the meaning of health in this life that we often forget the realities of death and eternity.

Those who seek the truth should consider the teachings of the One who said, "I am the truth" and "He who believes vances, scientific medicine is in me, even if he dies, he will not perfect. Turning to occult live" (John 14.6; 11.25). ◙ medicine, however, will only complicate the problem on all levels.

In the book "The Facts About Holistic Health and the New Medicine," we briefly describe over 40 contemporary holistic health methods and/ or treatment adjuncts. While

Chamada.com

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Ubirajara Chagas

It may seem like a joke, but it is not. One of the most controversial subjects that the Bible addresses is sin.

The Bible talks about regional sins, which means that certain things may be considered sins in some regions or

Message

We are all capable of sinning in any situation because we sin, you sin, he sins, we sin, you all sin, and they sin.

We cannot escape this reality, but what unites us is much greater than what tempts us to sin. This is one of the great truths that we must not forget.

cultures but not in others.

However, I believe that we are all aware that we are sinners who are undergoing regeneration through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. But how do we determine what is or is not sin?

We are all capable of sinning in any situation because we sin, you sin, he sins, we sin, you all sin, and they sin.

We cannot escape this reality, but what unites us is much greater than what tempts us to sin. This is one of the great truths that we must not forget.

“Could Jesus have sinned? If He was not able to sin, how could He 'sympathize with our weaknesses' (Hebrews 4:15)?

If He could not sin, what was the purpose of the temptation?”

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Message

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Surprisingly, the great theologians have divided this question into two categories. It's important to remember that this isn't a question of whether Jesus sinned.

Both sides agree that Jesus did not sin, as the Bible clearly teaches. The question is whether Jesus could have sinned.

Those who defend the sinlessness of Christ believe that Jesus could not have sinned.

Those who defend the possibility of Christ's sinfulness believe that Jesus could have sinned but chose not to.

Which opinion is correct? I believe that Jesus could have sinned due to His human condition, but He could not sin due to His Divine condition.

Even though He was Divine, He had human reactions, as seen in Matthew 21:1213 when Jesus entered the temple of God, drove out all who were buying and selling, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those who sold doves.

When Jesus said to them, 'It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you have turned it into a den of thieves,' He showed anger, and we can clearly see that this would not be a Divine attitude.

However, it is understood that His intention was Divine, as we see in verse 14, 'And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.'

The clear teaching of Scripture is that Jesus was sinless – He could not have sinned.

If He could have sinned, He could still sin today, for He still retains the same es-

Even though He was Divine, He had human reactions, as seen in Matthew 21:12-13 when Jesus entered the temple of God, drove out all who were buying and selling, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those who sold doves.

sence as when He was here on earth. He is the God-man, and He will forever remain so, possessing full divinity and full humanity; both are such a part of His being that they cannot be divided.

To believe that Jesus could sin is to believe that God could sin. Colossians 1:19 says, 'For it pleased God that in Him all the fullness should dwell.'

Colossians 2:9 says, 'For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. ◙

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Psychology

believe that one of the most Idifficult things to deal with is

heard a procession of people (men and women) who share childhood memories, who still cry from the pain of this violation they suffered, and the results of it in their adult life.

The effects are devastating because the child learns about "human beings" through the experiences they have with these familiar people.

Ignoring the facts doesn't help anyone: the enemy loves to sink his hooks into the secrets of our lives and uses his lies to deceive and manipulate us.

the sexual abuse of a child, both as a therapist and as a parent; not to mention the suffering the child endures.

One of the most terrifying facts is the number of children who are abused by family members or acquaintances.

Our tendency is to think that strangers are the ones who grab unprotected children and commit these crimes. But the statistics do not support this belief.

The truth is that it is usually someone within the family circle: the father, uncle, brother, grandfather, stepfather, or even a neighbor.

Neither is it true that it's just "sexual curiosity" and that it doesn't leave trauma. I have

He whispers things like, "No one will like you for this."

"You are dirty." "It's your fault - you did something to deserve this kind of treatment" and so on...

One of the most terrifying facts is the number of children who are abused by family members or acquaintances.

What to do when we realize that a child has been sexually abused? The child can suffer a lot, but if the situation is handled well, they too can recover and live a peaceful life.

SPEAK CALMLY TO THE CHILD Don't scare them anymore.

We don't want to traumatize them again by our actions CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

Psychology

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they felt pleasure.

or attitudes. Ask what happened, assuring them that you want to help them and that's why you need the facts.

Another myth is that because there was no penetration, there was no abuse. Any undue touching is abuse.

It is important that they understand that they will not be punished for telling, especially considering that the perpetrator often threatens the child with punishment if they tell the truth. It's part of the plot...

The feelings of being abused, violated, or dirty are present and color their entire way of relating to the world from then on.

If the person who committed the abuse lives in the same house, it is ESSENTIAL that they be separated. This means that parents may have to separate, or they may have to separate their children, especially when it comes to teenagers.

BELIEVE WHAT THEY SAY The child has no reason to lie about such a thing. As a mother or father, ask enough questions to understand what happened and seek professional help from a pediatrician who has experience dealing with children and a child therapist.

There are therapists who sometimes use a doll with genitals where the child can show what happened to them instead of telling.

Ask what happened, assuring them that you want to help them and that's why you need the facts.

It is possible that the child does not have the right words in their vocabulary to explain what happened, and showing child that it is not their fault. the doll facilitates the conver- And it's not. A child can never sation. be held responsible for sexuPerhaps the most painful al abuse perpetrated against thing for the child could be them by an adult. There is NOTHING in this world that the reaction of the parents. can justify something like For example, the mother who this. does not believe that her husband did this to their daugh- Sometimes they think they ter, or a rude, furious reaction could have done something to what happened, but which to avoid it, but that's not true. the child understands is di- Allow the child to talk about rected towards them. it whenever they want. BeAlso, "body inspections" of cause it's so painful for parthe child's private parts that ents, the tendency is to want are done without sensitivity to avoid bringing it up. to what the child is suffering. But allow the child to speak I've heard people say that because it is part of their rewhat happened next was covery process. If they need to cry, let them cry: the "poiworse than sexual abuse. son" of memories comes out It is essential to assure the through tears.

Young children have no defense against adults and need adults to protect them. Sometimes they feel guilty because "Daddy doesn't live at home anymore," but they need to understand that he is away because she needs protection, and he needs treatment.

Regrettably, the recidivism rate for pedophiles (adults who are sexually attracted to children) is very high. As One of the difficult things to much as they promise not deal with in recovery from to do it again, statistics and sexual abuse is the fact of practice teach otherwise. ambivalent emotions.

In the United States, where I Sometimes the only attention have been developing clinical the child receives from an practice, it is mandatory by adult is through sexual abuse; law to inform the authorities then they "bear" that part by when there is a suspicion of receiving the other. There are child abuse, whether physical cases in which the child feels or sexual abuse. some pleasure during the ex- Failure to inform the authoriperience of sexual abuse. This ties implies losing the right to is normal. clinical practice, if discovered.

When God created our bodies, he made certain parts of us respond to erotic touch, no matter who they come from or how they are touched.

The Department of Social Services investigates, and if the facts are proven, the children are referred for treatment, and the perpetrator is charged and criminally prosI've heard many people die ecuted. of shame and guilt when confessing that they thought it With Megan's Law, it is also wasn't sexual abuse because mandatory to let neighbors CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

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Psychology

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know when a proven child perpetrator is going to live anywhere so that parents can look out for their children.

It is important to seek proper treatment, and psychotherapy can be very helpful. Prayer can also be positive for the "healing of memories," done responsibly and with integrity.

The thesis is that when we are traumatized, the memory, instead of being processed normally during sleep, like our daily memories, cannot be "digested" and remains unconscious even at a neurological level.

Young children have no defense against adults and need adults to protect them. about the memory, the processing starts again, and the person can finally digest the fact and file it in the memory computer.

The results have been impressive, and more than 20,000 clinicians are trained in the United States.

By imitating eye movements (or applying bilateral stimula- Having personal experience tion) while the person thinks dealing with patients with

Ask your children from time to time, even when they are young, if someone has touched them inappropriately. Teach by example that there is freedom and confidence to speak of these things.

There are books that can help instruct children, even as this type of treatment, I have young as 3 or 4 years old, to seen immediate and impressive improvements. Profes- protect themselves. sionals trained in this tech- If the child knows that this nique are already available in kind of touching is not approBrazil. priate, they may complain or Finally, avoid sexual abuse make a big enough "fiasco" to of your children. Teach them scare off the potential perpethat there are parts of their trator who needs the secret bodies that are "intimate," to act or seek help from a which means "don't touch." trusted adult. ◙

Article

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Obviously, Jesus is referring to a specific kind of love the same love with which He loved us: persevering, sacrificial, and sanctifying love.

It is not merely a love of words or governed by selfish interests, but love in fact and truth - love that sacrifices itself for the loved one. For this reason, Jesus speaks of a new commandment - a level of love that was not previously known.

This pure, holy, and superlative love does not contradict the truth. We cannot sacrifice truth in the name of love.

Hernandes Dias Lopes

Jesus, the Son of God and supreme interpreter of the Scriptures, commanded:

'A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you. And by this, all shall know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love for one another' (John 13:34-35).

This pure, holy, and superlative love does not contradict the truth. We cannot sacrifice truth in the name of love.

We must not shelter all beliefs under the umbrella of tolerance, with the flimsy excuse that love unites us and truth separates us. God's family is not made up of those who believe the truth and those who reject it.

The family of God is founded on the eternal rock of truth, CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

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Article

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and outside of the truth, there is no family of God.

smoldering wick. Love does not labor to condemn but to restore. Love does not rejoice to see those who stumble being dragged into the ditch of ostracism but strives to lift them up and joyfully lead them back to the safe fold.

That truth is Scripture itself (John 17:17); that truth is Jesus himself (John 14:6).

Without the Word and without Jesus, there is no true communion, as there can be no church, no family of God, and no true communion without the truth of the Scriptures and the Savior Jesus.

Jesus said that the criterion for being known as his disciples is love. Jesus dealt very severely with the critical Pharisees and was gentle while still being firm with tax collectors and sinners.

Therefore, the ecumenical proposal, in which all religious creeds, even the most heterodox, unite, is a fallacy.

Jesus welcomed into his hospitable arms all those who were condemned by the intolerance of the Pharisees, not to follow the winding road of sin, but to guide them along the paths of justice.

But if we cannot sacrifice truth in the name of love, neither can we sacrifice love to uphold the truth. Those who hide behind their doctrinal strongholds to ruthlessly attack brethren who disagree with them on minor points are at variance with the Word of God.

The world is looking to the Church. It is impossible not to see it since it is like a city on top of a hill.

The Pharisees attacked Jesus himself for not living according to their strict rules. For the Pharisees, breaking the precepts they, themselves had established was the same as violating the very Word of God.

If love is the hallmark that characterizes us, it will have an impact on people. If love is just empty talk, a caricature of this supreme virtue, then we are a cause of stumbling to those who look down on us.

In fact, the Pharisees became more zealous for their traditions than for the truth itself.

Consequently, they became the most radical enemies of Christ and teamed up with the Herodians to put him to death.

It is time for us to probe our own hearts and examine our own lives, to know, if indeed, we are being known by the criterion of true love, as disciples of him who loved us and gave himself up for us. ◙

Christian love is not complacent with error nor conniving with sin. However, love does not sit on the court, arrogating the position of judge, to mercilessly condemn the weak.

Love does not crush the broken cane nor extinguish the

It is time for us to probe our own hearts and examine our own lives, to know, if indeed, we are being known by the criterion of true love, as disciples of him who loved us and gave himself up for us.

Lifestyle

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"I believe that God was deeply saddened by what happened, as much as we are. For many years, we have been telling God not to interfere with our choices, to get out of our government and get out of our lives.

Being a gentleman as God is, I believe He quietly left us. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and protection if we demand that He no longer involve Himself with us?"

Kleber de Oliveira truth has been Ftoldinally,on theAmerican TV. Billy Graham's daughter was being interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Cayson asked her, "How could God have allowed something horrible like this to happen on 9/11?"

Anne Graham gave a profound and wise answer:

"For many years, we have been telling God not to interfere with our choices, to get out of our government and get out of our lives".

(Anne Graham)

In view of so many recent events such as terrorist attacks, school shootings, etc., I believe it all started when Madeline Murray O'Hare (who was murdered) complained that it was inappropriate to say prayers in American schools as traditionally done, and we agreed with her opinion.

After that, someone said that it would be better not to read the Bible in schools either.

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Lifestyle

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know how to distinguish between good and evil, right, and wrong?

The Bible teaches us that we should not kill, steal, and that we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and we agreed with that someone.

Soon afterward, Dr. Benjamin Spock said that we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their budding personalities would be distorted and we could damage their self-esteem (his son committed suicide), and we said, "An expert on this subject should know what he's talking about." And so, we agreed with him.

Then someone said that teachers and school principals shouldn't discipline our children when they misbehave. So, it was decided that no teacher could touch the students (there is a difference between disciplining and touching).

Then someone suggested that we should let our daughters have abortions if they wanted to, and we accepted it without even questioning it. So, it was said that we should give our kids as many condoms as they want so they can have as much fun as they want, and we said, "Okay!"

Why doesn't it bother them to kill strange people or their own classmates or themselves...?

Probably, if we seriously analyze it, we will easily understand we only reap what we sow!!!

A girl wrote a little note to God: 'Lord, why didn't you save that child at school?'

The Bible teaches us that we should not kill, steal, and that we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and we agreed with that someone.

Now we are wondering why our children don't have a conscience and why they don't

It's sad how people just blame God and don't understand why the world is hurtling towards hell.

It's sad how we believe in everything the Newspapers and TV say, but we doubt what the Bible, which is the word of God, which we follow and teaches us.

It's sad how someone says, 'I believe in God'. But he still follows Satan, who, by the way, also 'Believes' in God. It's funny how quick we are to judge but we don't want to be judged!

Then someone suggested that we print magazines with photographs of naked women and say that this is a healthy thing and a natural appreciation of the female body.

Then someone else took it a step further and posted pictures of naked children and went even further by making them available on the Internet. And we said, 'Okay, this is democracy, and they have the right to be free to express themselves and do this.'

His response: 'Dear child, they won't let me into the schools!'

It's sad how people just blame God and don't understand why the world is hurtling towards hell.

How can we send hundreds of jokes through email? It is sad to see how immoral, obscene, and vulgar material runs freely on the internet, but a public discussion of God is quickly suppressed in school and work.

It's sad to see how people get excited about Christ on Sunday, but then turn into invisible Christians for the rest of the week.

Interesting how we care more about what other people think of us than what God thinks... ◙

Music

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nique. Specific exercises are necessary for the entire vocal set, which includes not only the vocal folds but the entire body.

Discipline is a key factor for aspiring singers, as constant dedication to specific techniques leads to success in preparation and, depending on individual effort, satisfactory results in a reasonable amount of time.

Alexandre de Oliveira

Through simplified language

and a synthetic approach to covering the art of singing, we will explore a sequence of studies and techniques that provide basic knowledge for adequate and correct vocal resourcefulness.

According to Andrea Bocelli, the voice is like a color that only shines with brightness, clarity, harmony, and grandeur when treated with dedication through vocal tech-

According to Andrea Bocelli, the voice is like a color that only shines with brightness, clarity, harmony, and grandeur when treated with dedication through vocal technique.

Singing is an art and a gift, requiring some basic qualities such as accuracy of tuning, executing ornaments well, inclining action to give representativeness, flexibility, sweetness, harmony, perfect intonation (pitch), proper sustain of the voice, pulsation (vibrato), appropriate performance of passages and decreases (dynamics), pronunciation, and affective declamation of texts (pronouncing words passionately while observing the greater or lesser duration of syllables), sustaining a long, continuous breath (support), sense of rhythm, proper emphasis, and elegance.

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A technical singer must learn the mechanisms that lead to good sound and how sound is produced. The vocal apparatus is divided into five parts: producers, vibrator, resonators, articulators, and sensor/ coordinator.

The breathing muscles are the cornerstones of singing, and the main one is the diaphragm. It is very active, especially during singing, and plays an important role in sound emission.

Its strong presence in singing results from correct breathing. In this edition, we will focus on breathing as the main theme. Air is the raw material of sound, and a singer without good breathing or respiratory coordination will inevitably have major emission problems, limiting their area of ​​action and performance.

It is impossible to obtain relevant results with the voice without having good breathing ability. Just as those seeking physical exercises to be in good shape, there are exercises to increase breathing capacity.

If someone wants to be in good physical condition, they will try to have a good diet and exercise. Similarly, good respiratory conditioning requires the same effort. Anyone who breathes poorly or incorrectly will undoubtedly sing poorly or incorrectly.

Hold your breath for 3 secIt is impossible to obtain rel- onds and release it in an "s" evant results with the voice or "x" shape, providing a conwithout having good breath- stant force. ing ability. Just as those seek- This should not be too weak ing physical exercises to be to the point of not exercisin good shape, there are exing the diaphragm, nor too ercises to increase breathing strong to overstimulate it. It capacity. The lungs, in the is recommended to do this case of singing, only serve as exercise daily for 5 minutes in an air reservoir. the morning and 5 minutes at Below are 5 breathing exer- bedtime. cises with different objecExercise to make tives:

pended.

through your mouth.

Exercise to strength- Another exercise to en the diaphragm by use all the contents increasing resistance: of the lungs: 3- Inflate a balloon or bladder steadily. The degree of difficulty provided by the balloon will stimulate the diaphragm.

Exercise for training to use all the contents of the lungs:

5- Abbreviated expiration: Take a deep breath through the nose and release a little.

Take another deep breath and release a little. Inhale once more until the lungs feel as full as possible, then release the air once and for all through your mouth.

your voice louder: 4- Inspiratory hiccup: Inhale Feel free to contact us with Exercises to increase 2- Inhale and exhale aggres- slowly through the nose until any questions. Contact the breathing capacity: sively, dividing the entire pro- the lungs are filled. Inhale-

editor of this newspaper, ask, 1- After inhaling, place the cess into 4 short and 5 long pause-inhale-pause-inhale and we will assist you. Don't air at the base of the lungs breaths until the entire vol- as much as possible, then re- miss our next theme: "timfirst and then into the chest. ume of air in the lungs is ex- lease the air once and for all bre". Until then.

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Music

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Am I able to be a good singer?

This is a question that many ask before embarking on a singing career, and I believe it's a valid concern.

Whether or not you become an expressive singer for the public is ultimately up to the public themselves, and it can vary from case to case.

Some singers may not have much expression, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are inexperienced or untalented, while others may have a natural ability to connect with audiences.

However, what I always stress to my students is that the pursuit of excellence should always be a priority, regardless of where their career takes them.

It's interesting to consider the diverse causes and motivations that lead people to become singers.

For some, it's simply a way of life, a means of expressing what they can't articulate with words.

Success can be defined in many different ways, and some singers may win fans over with their charisma while others may rely solely on their technical abilities.

There are countless cases where a combination of these factors lead to success. Ultimately, the most important thing is to look within yourself and understand your own needs, recognizing them and striving to achieve excellence.

At some point, I read an expression that goes, "the only route to freedom is discipline".

I believe this holds true for

It's not about whether we succeed or fail, but about dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of excellence. singing as well. With discipline and hard work, we can improve our voices and reach greater heights.

I would venture to say that there is no established formula for reaching a successful end. I understand that the most important thing is It's not about whether we to start studying voice early, succeed or fail, but about while respecting individual dedicating ourselves to the limitations. pursuit of excellence and always striving for improve- A common mistake, however, ment, even if the results are is related to timbre. Timbre is different for each individual. the determining factor of the type of voice: soprano, mezThose who think they have zo-soprano, alto, tenor, baria poor voice, or that their tone, and bass. voice is sometimes poor, can achieve vocal technique not A person's timbre is not choby imitating another singer, sen at random; it exists for but by striving to do their anatomical reasons, specifibest. cally the size of the larynx.

For example, men with a proIf we concentrate a little, we nounced or pointed "Adam's can remember popular and apple" have greater ease of very famous figures who resonance and consequently, achieved a prosperous career a lower voice. through effort, study, and hard work at a high level.

Ignorance of this is very serious and can destroy a perMany people stop because son's voice. they face a strong obstacle: discipline. This leads to giv- Many people with low voice ing up and forgetting quickly. characteristics have been

singing in a high voice and vice versa. Some of them even have a “beautiful” voice.

However, this voice was just manufactured and won't last long. The situation gets worse when using singer's playbacks, which were made for the singer who recorded them, obeying the pitch, intensity, and performance of the singer.

Most people don't fit the musical context and will put in a lot of vocal effort without much success.

Singing and speaking outside of one's natural timbre can lead to de-characterization of the voice with loss of quality.

Look for resources for vocal conditioning through singing lessons and courses. Being a good singer denotes, among other things, being a good singing student and looking for vocal improvement through vocal technique. ◙

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Chronicle

7

Would our life go on, day after day, as it is now? Would our daily conversation maintain its usual rhythm? Would we find it difficult to thank God at every meal?

Would we sing the songs we always sing and read the books we usually read?

Would we share the things that our thoughts and our spirit feed on?

Would we ask him to accompany us everywhere we plan to go? Or would we change our plans for a day or two?

Paulo dos Santos Neto

If Jesus came to spend a day

or two in our house on an unexpected visit, I wonder what we would do...

I know that we would give our best room to such a distinguished guest, serve him the most delicious dishes, and tell him repeatedly how happy we were to have him in our house. Our happiness for serving him in our own home would be limitless!

But on seeing him arrive, would we run to the door to meet him with open arms to welcome our heavenly visitor?

would we run to the door to meet him with open arms to welcome our heavenly visitor?

Or should we change clothes first before letting him in? Or hide some less decent illustrated magazine? Or put our Bible in its proper place?

Or quickly turn off the radio, television, or record player, hoping he didn't hear? Would we regret having uttered a

Would we be happy to introduce him to our closest friends, or would we want them to refrain from coming to see us for the duration of his visit? Would we be happy if he stayed in our house forever? Or would we let out a sigh of relief when he was finally gone?

word that was too inconve- It would be very interesting to nient and hasty? know exactly what we would Would it be necessary to hide do if Jesus Christ in person our worldly music and replace came to spend a day or two it with a collection of sacred in our house! choirs? Could we let Jesus enter our house immediately, or IF JESUS CAME TO OUR HOUwould we rather walk in a liv- SE..., WOULD WE RUN TO THE DOOR TO MEET HIM? ◙ ing circle?

Monday's Manna

7 19

By Jim Mathis ver the past fifteen to O twenty years, I've owned

about a dozen cell phones.

Almost all of them were replaced because they stopped working. They are not designed to last very long. Likewise, people I know who use computers will agree that equipment that is more than three years old is technologifar more mileage than any cally outdated. of the other 34 cars I've ever On the other hand, when I owned. However, it remains perform as a musician, I usu- structurally sound, like the ally use a 60-year-old guitar day I bought it 11 years ago. amplifier, and I consider it to And since it is in excellent be very reliable. My wife and condition, I plan to continue I have furniture in our house driving it. that is over 40 years old, and we have no intention of re- Let us apply this understandplacing it. They were designed ing of the temporal nature of things to the spiritual realm. to stand the test of time.

Jesus spoke about this, urging Some things don't need to His hearers not to become atbe durable because they be- tached to their possessions: come obsolete before they “Do not lay up for yourselves wear out, like computers and riches here on earth, where technological devices in gen- moth and rust destroy, and eral; apparently, they are out- where thieves break in and dated before you even make steal. On the contrary, lay the journey home from the up riches in heaven, where store. Others, such as plastic moths and rust cannot depackaging, have a lifespan stroy them, and thieves canthat goes far beyond their not break in and steal them” usefulness.

(Matthew 6:19-20).

I've been struggling with this issue of usefulness and obsolescence because my car is getting old. It has racked up

Jesus spoke about the futility of dedicating our lives to the pursuit of things that wear out, get damaged, or be-

what happens to those who store up riches for themselves but are not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).

come obsolete. He was saying that it is much wiser to focus on eternal things that never grow old. And he made a further comment: “For where your riches are, there will your hearts be” (Matthew 6:21). Jesus insightfully observed that if money and what we have are our number one priority, we will dedicate ourselves to seeking and accumulating things we cannot hold on to forever.

The question is: Am I spending my time, energy, and talents primarily on acquiring things that will be discarded or lost, or am I investing them in things that will last for eternity?

Questions for Reflection or Discussion: 1. Do you hold on to and cherish things that will soon wear out or become obsolete and that you will have to discard?

2. And have you invested in things that last a long time?

Which one do you value most?

3. Are you devoting most of your time and energy to On another occasion, He things that will eventually be spoke of the rich man who discarded or lost, or to things decided to build a large gra- that have eternal value? nary to store his bountiful harvest and said to himself, 4. Have you considered the “You have an abundance of need to reassess and redirect good things laid up for many your focus in this regard? years. Enjoy life, eat, drink Wishing to consider other and be merry.” That night, Bible passages related to the however, the rich man died, theme, we suggest: Proverbs leaving all his earthly pos- 3.27-28; 11.24-26; 19.17; sessions for someone else to 22.2.9; 27.20; 28.8. ◙ enjoy. Jesus closed with the following comment: “This is MONDAY'S MANNA

20

Word of God

7

MALE AND FEMALE HE CREATED THEM!

T

GENESIS 1:26-27

hen God said, “Let us make mankind in Our image, in Our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

S

o God created mankind in His own image,in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.