INSERT INTO `wped_posts` VALUES (99907,1,'2020-03-26 17:17:12','2020-03-26 15:17:12','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 5. Learn a music instrument </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\nH3> 6. Learn a computer programing language</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:17:12','2020-03-26 15:17:12','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99908,1,'2020-03-26 17:17:35','2020-03-26 15:17:35','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\nH3> 6. Learn a computer programing language</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:17:35','2020-03-26 15:17:35','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99909,1,'2020-03-26 17:18:23','2020-03-26 15:18:23','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 6. Learn a computer programing language </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking</h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:18:23','2020-03-26 15:18:23','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99910,1,'2020-03-26 17:18:56','2020-03-26 15:18:56','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 6. Learn a computer programing language </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking\nis the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully\nconceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating\ninformation gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,\nreflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– The Foundation for Critical Thinking (http://www.criticalthinking.org/)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course <b/> </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:18:56','2020-03-26 15:18:56','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99911,1,'2020-03-26 17:20:21','2020-03-26 15:20:21','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 6. Learn a computer programing language </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>    “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.”     – <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Foundation for Critical Thinking (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://(http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Foundation for Critical Thinking</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course <b/> </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:20:21','2020-03-26 15:20:21','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99914,1,'2020-03-26 17:37:20','2020-03-26 15:37:20','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>In the comprehensive post we cover how to achieve these milestones in 21 days</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul><li>Break a bad habit </li><li>Write a best-selling book</li><li>Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </li><li>Learn music theory </li><li>Learn a music instrument </li><li>Learn a computer programing language </li><li>Improve your Critical Thinking </li><li>Upskill yourself with an online course </li></ul>\n\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 6. Learn a computer programing language </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>    “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.”     – <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Foundation for Critical Thinking (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://(http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Foundation for Critical Thinking</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course <b/> </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:37:20','2020-03-26 15:37:20','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99913,1,'2020-03-26 17:37:07','2020-03-26 15:37:07','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>In the comprehensive post we cover how to achieve these milestones in 21 days</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul><li>Break a bad habit </li><li>Write a best-selling book</li><li>Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </li><li>Learn music theory </li><li>Learn a music instrument </li><li>Learn a computer programing language </li><li>Improve your Critical Thinking </li><li>Upskill yourself with an online course </li></ul>\n\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Classes are free. And each lesson is personalized for the\nstudent to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. The\nbest part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 6. Learn a computer programing language </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>    “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.”     – <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Foundation for Critical Thinking (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://(http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Foundation for Critical Thinking</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course <b/> </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:37:07','2020-03-26 15:37:07','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99915,1,'2020-03-26 17:48:52','2020-03-26 15:48:52','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly\ncurated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have\ngone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable.\nInstead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then\nlink to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you,\nour reader. I must emphasize thou that the emphasis is more on getting yourself\non a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle\non them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>In the comprehensive post we cover how to achieve these milestones in 21 days</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul><li>Break a bad habit </li><li>Write a best-selling book</li><li>Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </li><li>Learn music theory </li><li>Learn a music instrument </li><li>Learn a computer programing language </li><li>Improve your Critical Thinking </li><li>Upskill yourself with an online course </li></ul>\n\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.  Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"  <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or\nexperience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing\noff the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t\ncomplete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain\nis teeming with ideas, the 21 days you will sure get you on a solid footing.\nOnce you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will\nhave certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not\nonly have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have\nscoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:  beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Each lesson is personalized for the student to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. And here is the best part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 6. Learn a computer programing language </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are.  If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>    “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.”     – <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Foundation for Critical Thinking (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://(http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Foundation for Critical Thinking</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course <b/> </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p> \n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 17:48:52','2020-03-26 15:48:52','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99919,1,'2020-03-26 20:03:24','2020-03-26 18:03:24','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly curated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have gone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then link to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you, our reader. I must emphasize though that the emphasis is more on getting yourself on a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle on them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>In the comprehensive post we cover how to achieve these milestones in 21 days</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul><li>Break a bad habit </li><li>Write a best-selling book</li><li>Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </li><li>Learn music theory </li><li>Learn a music instrument </li><li>Learn a computer programing language </li><li>Improve your Critical Thinking </li><li>Upskill yourself with an online course </li></ul>\n\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.&nbsp; Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or experience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing off the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t complete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain is teeming with ideas, the 21 days will sure get you on a solid footing. Once you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will have certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not only have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have scoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Each lesson is personalized for the student to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. And here is the best part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 6. Learn a computer programing language </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do not mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are. &nbsp;If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Foundation for Critical Thinking (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://(http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Foundation for Critical Thinking</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course <b/> </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 20:03:24','2020-03-26 18:03:24','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99918,1,'2020-03-26 20:03:08','2020-03-26 18:03:08','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99893} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-virus-21-days-lockdown-and-productivity-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99893\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As the plague of Covid-19\ncontinues its morbid crusade across the globe countries are rolling out\ndraconian measures in a bid to contain the marauding contagion and to arrest\nthe spread of the pandemic. In most countries, South Africa included, the shutdowns\nhave escalated from travel bans to the total temporary shutdowns of non-essential\nmobility and business activities. Most industries and business are screeching to\nan involuntary halt and most of us will for the first time in a long time, be\nconfined to our homes. The shutdown does not imply a total shutdown of productivity\nand this applies on both macro and micro scales. Businesses have found tech savvy\nways of ensuring that productivity is sustained through a coterie of work from\nhome arrangements. On a macro scale, your life does not have to come to a grinding\nhalt. Besides the fact that you still have bills to pay, there is intrinsic\nvalue to productivity.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Expound presents a cleanly curated catalogue of 8 activities you can embark on for the next 21 days. We have gone an extra mile to select activities that are meaningful, rewarding and actionable. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we present a brief overview of the idea and then link to a dedicated and comprehensive resources or platforms to empower you, our reader. I must emphasize though that the emphasis is more on getting yourself on a head start on these concepts than seeking to accomplish or come full circle on them within 21 days. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>In the comprehensive post we cover how to achieve these milestones in 21 days</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul><li>Break a bad habit </li><li>Write a best-selling book</li><li>Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </li><li>Learn music theory </li><li>Learn a music instrument </li><li>Learn a computer programing language </li><li>Improve your Critical Thinking </li><li>Upskill yourself with an online course </li></ul>\n\n[signinlocker id=\"99519\"]\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 1. Break that bad habit </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps this is one of the biggest outcomes you can emerge with\nout of the 21 lockdown days. The buzz around 21 day challenges is not far-fetched.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The idea that it takes 21 days to break a habit or to form\na new one is scientific. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote the bestseller Psycho-Cybernetics.&nbsp; Originally a Plastic Surgeon, Maltz noticed that it took 21 days for amputees to cease feeling phantom sensations in the amputated limb. From further observations he found it took 21 days to create a new habit. Since then the \'21 Day Habit Theory\' has become an accepted part of self-help programs. Brain circuits take engrams (memory traces), and produce neuroconnections and neuropathways only if they are bombarded for 21 days in a row. This means that our brain does not accept? new? data for a change of habit unless it is repeated each day for 21 days (without missing a day).\"&nbsp; <a href=\"http://www.aristotle.co.nz/library/series.aspx?seriesId=61\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Aristole Blog (opens in a new tab)\">Aristole Blog</a>.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Neurogenesis is the branch of science concerned with the\ndevelopment of new cells every day and particularly the type that is potent to\nreverse pathways formed by bad and negative thinking. &nbsp;For this reason, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a\ncommunication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, presents a 21 Day\nmental detox challenge in her Book “Switch on your brain”. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>21 days is a great opportunity to break from</strong>:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ol type=\"A\">\n<li>Laziness (yes, the fine art of resting when you are not tired and literally sleepwalking your life away)</li><li>Pornography</li><li>Internet Addiction Disorder (including compulsive social media use) </li><li>Procrastination</li><li>Purposeless living i.e. living your life as a victim of circumstances marked by consistent failure to take charge and get on the driving seat of your life. (<a href=\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up? (opens in a new tab)\">What Do you Want to be When you Grow Up?</a>) </li><li>Add to the list whatever you struggle with and you desperately need to break off with it. </li>\n</ol>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Here is a comprehensive 21 Day Brain Detox Resource</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/why-we-keep-making-the-same-mistakes-tips-to-break-bad-habits\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Why We Keep Making the Same Mistakes + Tips to Break Bad Habits</strong></a></p><cite> By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>BAD HABITS: CHANGE THE WAY YOUR BRAIN REACTS!</strong></p><cite>By Dr. Caroline Leaf</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"thislife\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-thislife\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.thislifeonline.co.za/breaking-bad-habits/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https://21daybraindetox.com/\">21 Day Brain Detox </a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 2. Write a best-selling book </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So you have come full circle on a particular subject or experience and you have for as long as you can remember, been perennially pushing off the idea of putting pen to paper. Now is the time, perhaps you won’t complete the book in 21 days, but if you have your ideas lined up and your brain is teeming with ideas, the 21 days will sure get you on a solid footing. Once you have your table of content fine-tuned and a few chapters in you will have certainly derive immense motivation to see the project to the end. Not only have we scoured the cyber sphere for an incisive book wring guide: we have scoured the net for a comprehensive guide on how to write a best selling book. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>Before you dive into the meat and bones of your book, bolster the strategic plan for your publishing journey by hearing from Jeff Goins the best-selling author of 5 books on, “<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://goinswriter.com/write-bestseller/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How to Write a Bestseller and Why That Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does.</strong></a><strong>” </strong></p><cite>By Jeff Goins</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 3. Learn Digital/Pencil Illustration </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99896} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Screen-Shot-2020-03-26-at-4.22.02-PM.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99896\"/><figcaption><a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu) (opens in a new tab)\">Somebody_Tall (Khaya Gwebu)</a></figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It’s time to ignite your childhood love for art once again. In\nthe next 21 Days you can get a grip of digital pencil illustration with Khaya\nGwebu (Somebody_Tall) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Khaya was named as one of top 2020 50 emerging creatives by <strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">Design Indaba</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">, a </a><strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\">South Africa Department of Arts and Culture</a></strong><a href=\"https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/meet-emerging-creatives-who-exhibited-design-indaba-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Design Indaba, a South Africa Department of Arts and Culture initiative (opens in a new tab)\"> initiative</a>. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can explore art by Somebody_Tall <a href=\"https://folio.procreate.art/somebody_tall\">Here</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Khaya is offering classes for 3 levels:&nbsp; beginners, intermediates and experts. Depending on your level of artistic knowledge, he will provide guide lines and advice on how to go about things.</strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Each lesson is personalized for the student to avoid bombarding potential students with irrelevant information. And here is the best part, all this is offered at NO COST.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Are you game? Chime in at </strong><a href=\"mailto:kaya.gwebu@icloud.com\"><strong>kaya.gwebu@icloud.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p><cite>Somebody_Tall</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 4. Learn music theory </b></h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music is food for the soul. If you are a musician or a singer\nand you want to take your craft more seriously now is the time to dive into or\nsimply brush up, on musical acumen. In the next 21 days you can graduate from\nsimply jamming under a tree to learning to do your music according to the book\nby mastering the concepts of rhythm, melody and harmony. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Music theory becomes very important if you want tap into professional\nmusic spaces or if you want to produce complex and high-end arrangements for an\neclectic repertoire. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Below are great resources you can explore to master music theory\nin a simplified and self-paced approached. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.musictheory.net\"><strong> MusicTheory.Net </strong></a><strong>  </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>A free course of Coursera on F</strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"undamentals of Music Theory (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.coursera.org/learn/edinburgh-music-theory\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>undamentals of Music Theory</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>If you want to learn complex vocalizations such as extended harmony or you need in-depth vocal training get in touch with <strong>Vuyo Tshuma on </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"VuyoMusic.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://vuyomusic.com\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>VuyoMusic.com</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 5. Learn a music instrument </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This would work best if you already have an instrument and\nyou need resources to get you off to a flying practical take off. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Apart from putting the next 21 days to good use, learning a music\ninstrument has immense physical and mental rewards. The benefits span, deep\nbreathing, immune response, stress relief, mental performance, coordination, mathematics\nand time management, etc,</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"MusicNotes.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.musicnotes.com/now/tips/17-surprising-health-benefits-of-playing-an-instrument/)\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>MusicNotes.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Guitar Lessons </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Free Guitar Lessons resource: <a href=\"https://www.justinguitar.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JustinGuitar (opens in a new tab)\">JustinGuitar</a> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>For a catalogue of Premium Guitar Lessons you can Explore this resource: <a href=\"https://musicgroupies.com/best-online-guitar-lessons\"><strong>At a Glance: Best Online Guitar Lessons Websites</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Piano</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PianoNanny (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://pianonanny.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PianoNanny</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"voicesinc-org\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-voicesinc-org\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.voicesinc.org/online-piano-lessons/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/youtube {\"url\":\"https://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/W25k1z7KQaU\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/youtube -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>If you keen on exploring an assortment of premium Piano Lessons you can consider the resources </strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Here. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.pianolessons.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Here.</strong></a><strong> </strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Violin</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>20 Best Violin Teachers on YouTube</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"violin-lounge\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-violin-lounge\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://violinlounge.com/article/20-best-violin-teachers-on-youtube/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020 (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.cmuse.org/violin-lessons-for-beginners/\" target=\"_blank\">16 Best Violin Lessons for Beginners Review 2020</a></strong></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 6. Learn a computer programing language </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Tizag.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Coupled with immense coaching from my mentor, following guides on this website <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Tizag.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.tizag.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Tizag.com</a> was part of what helped me shift from linguistics to computer programming within a relatively short space of time. This is by far one of the best resources online for building a programming career that will usher you into a web and mobile app development career. What makes the resource stand out is that it presents programming languages in a logical road map learning curve) i.e. you can start with basic HTML (front end scripting), then move to CSS (for styling and look and feel), then go to JavaScript (largely advanced front end functionalities) and then you can move to PHP (back end), or any other back-end language.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>W3Schools.com</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be remiss if I do mention <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"W3Schools.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.w3schools.com/\" target=\"_blank\">W3Schools.com</a> another first-rate platform for learning programming languages. This platform comes with a real time “Try it yourself window” where you can practice what you learn instantly. If you follow the outline diligently you can complete the HTML, CSS and JavaScript lessons in 21 days. This would be the launch pad for developing your dream career in web and mobile app development. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>SkillX.co.za</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Closer home <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.co.za (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.co.za</a>, a Skills exchange program with both online and offline sessions runs various laser-focused offline and online sessions on various computer programming and other disciplines. You need to sign up for free and get in their databases so that you get notifications on upcoming online events as well offline events close to where you are. &nbsp;If you are keen to join a community where traditionally over complicated disciplines are demystified and simplified: SkillX is where you want to be. Click here to sign up to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"SkillX.com (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://skillx.co.za/index.php/join\" target=\"_blank\">SkillX.com</a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 7. Improve your Critical Thinking </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The fact about critical thinking is that many of us struggle with it plus, there is always room for improvement. </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What Is Critical Thinking?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;– <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"The Foundation for Critical Thinking (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://(http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>The Foundation for Critical Thinking</strong></a></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Part of the quest to hone your critical thinking skills is\nreading widely (go as far and wide on the subject as possible), then read\nwildly…which means that you go beyond the confines of the discipline (the box)\nand get to consider insights out of the discipline (think outside the box). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Critical Thinking Resources: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Critical Think Blog  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http://www.criticalthinking.org/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Critical Think Blog </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is by far one of the best platforms for educational resources on critical thinking. While the organization aims is to: improve education in colleges, universities and primary through secondary schools\", the organization’s critical thinking drive is calculated to empower all and sundry from different walks of profession (students and educators), at different levels of the academic or professional ladder. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Other Critical Thinking Resources</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Develop Critical Thinking Skill (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Develop Critical Thinking Skill</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:// https://www.thelawofattraction.com/develop-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>How To Develop Critical Thinking Skills: 5 Strategies</strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You can also start from these quick digestibles on critical thinking </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> 7 Ways to Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills </strong></a></p></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> 8. Upskill yourself with an online course <b/> </h3>\n\n<p> Finally, you can upskill yourself with a course or two from Udemy, Coursera, Udacity, EDx etc. </p>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-read-financial-statements/\"><strong> How to Read Financial Statements </strong></a></p><cite>Udemy</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.udacity.com/course/data-scientist-nanodegree--nd025\"><strong> Data Science Nano Degrees </strong></a></p><cite>Udacity</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><a href=\"https://www.edx.org/learn/digital-marketing\"><strong> Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><cite>EDX</cite></blockquote>\n<!-- /wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Whatever you choose to do or choose not to do, the 21 days\nwill come to pass. Whether you invest the short season or not, the season will\nbe availed to you and it is entirely up to you to put it to great use and reap\nsomething out of it. Remember the apt observation by Alice Walker: “Time moves\nslowly, but passes quickly.” </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p>One thing the Covid-19 crisis has taught is that things can\nchange pretty fast and tomorrow is not guaranteed at all. &nbsp;Therefore: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do\nit with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going,\nthere is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes\n9:10)</p>\n\n[/signinlocker]\n<!-- /wp:html -->','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days!','','inherit','closed','closed','','99892-revision-v1','','','2020-03-26 20:03:08','2020-03-26 18:03:08','',99892,'https://expound.org.za/99892-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(100127,1,'2020-06-12 07:18:34','2020-06-12 05:18:34','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":100128} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/let-there-be-light.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-100128\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And\nGod said, let there be light: and there was light.&nbsp; Genesis 1:3.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In\nthe creation account in the book genesis the &nbsp;verb “Let” is used &nbsp;ten times to articulate the expressive will of\nthe Omnipotent One who speaks and it stands in perfect geometry and symmetry. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\nis telling that every time God embarks on an enterprise He is sure to\naccomplish it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“And\nGod said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place,\nand let the dry land appear: and it was so.” (Gen 1:9)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When God declared “Let....”  the concluding remark is that, “...and it was so.” The conjunction “and” is crucial for ushering in the reality of the inevitable materialization of God’s perfect will. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The story of How God creates is not a record of genius or excellence for the genius  is prone to trip at some point. The story of How God creates is a record of Divine Omnipotence. Excellence denotes: “extremely good and outstanding”. But God is alone in His league and stature with Himself to be compared with any one. God is not extremely good; He is the Divine. The good we laud and uphold is a product of His holiness. God is not the best for He cannot be compared to the better or the good: He is the absolute. God cannot be described in superlatives (e.g. best, greatest, highest) for HE is alone is His league. He can only be described in absolutes for He is incomparable. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The Creative Word </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In reference to the omnipotent will of God the Psalmist concurs, “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth”. (Psalm 33:6)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nsame cannot be said about humanity particularly when the we seek to do that\nwhich is contrary to God’s word. In Genesis 11 we meet a community in Shinar\nthat seeks to achieve an enterprise contrary to God’s word. They, in some\nfashion employ the same language in expressing their intent. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“And\nthey said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly.\nAnd they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.” (Gen 11:3)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Verse\n11: (Underline “let us…”) &nbsp;“And they\nsaid, go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto\nheaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of\nthe whole earth. (Gen 11:14)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The tower project was neither confusion proof, nor lightning proof. The builders sought to make a great name for themselves but ultimately; they made a name associated with confusion (babel). The tower they built is not known as the tower of greatness. It is neither the tower of opulence nor the tower of dominance. It is the tower of Babel, the tower of confusion. Just like it is in every case, as humanity we do not possess creative power neither can we prosper if we operate outside the realms of God’s law and will. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>And God came down to see the builders</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Take\nnote in verse 7 God delivers the eminent expression: (Underline “Let us..’) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>“Go\nto, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not\nunderstand one another\'s speech.” (Gen 11:7)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By\nverse 8, the object of verse 7 had been unequivocally accomplished. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\"So\nthe LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and\nthey left off to build the city.\" (Gen 11:8)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>God\ntoday uses the same semantic omnipotence to reach out to me and you to shape\nour lives not only for the here and now but for eternity. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In Philippians 2:5 He is dishing out to me and you, mental soundness\nand fortitude of a quality equal to His: He declares, “Let this mind be in you,\nwhich was also in Christ Jesus.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The keyword is the same creative verb: “Let…”.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Be\nadvised that God’s word is not architecture, it is infrastructure. Whatever He\ndeclares even in our lives, is not an issue of “if”, but “When”: for His word knows\nno obstacle or obstruction. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let not your hearts be troubled</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And\nfinally, with the same creative semantic omnipotence God declares, “Let not\nyour hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father\'s\nhouse are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to\nprepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come\nagain and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you\nknow the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When\nHe declares “Let not your hearts be troubled” the Heart Doctor is not imparting\nmere promissory words of encouragement, rather; He is conducting a heart surgery.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>He\ndesires that we gladly receive Him for He has the capacity to bring to fruition\nthe good work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6), being not only the author:\nbut the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), for none of His\nprojects are open ended. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Let: …and it was So!','','publish','open','open','','let-and-it-was-so','','','2020-06-12 07:23:39','2020-06-12 05:23:39','',0,'https://expound.org.za/?p=100127',0,'post','',2),(100125,0,'2020-06-07 07:58:38','2020-06-07 05:58:38','8 Activities (plus practical how-to guides) you can Ace in the 21 Covid-19 Lockdown Days! – Expound','','dnxumalo27@gmail.com','confirmed','closed','closed','','100125','','','2020-06-07 07:58:38','2020-06-07 05:58:38','',0,'https://expound.org.za/8-activities-plus-practical-how-to-guides-you-can-ace-in-the-21-covid-19-lockdown-days/',0,'cl-lead','',0),(99924,1,'2020-04-07 12:26:58','2020-04-07 10:26:58','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99926} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quote-on-idless-expound-quotables-1024x545.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99926\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are\nmany vices that the bible addresses pointedly and strongly and one of them is idleness.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wisest of\nall men Solomon avows: \"Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads\nto a leaky house\" Ecclesiastes 10:18</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And Paul is incisive\nin his volley: “When we were with you, we told you that if a man does not work,\nhe should not eat.” 1.&nbsp; 2 Thessalonians\n3:10-15</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Solomon has\nmany salvos and this is one I find trenchant: “Go to the ant, O sluggard;\nconsider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6 </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We generally like to take the issue of idleness lightly because in most cases our minds have come up with palatable and “acceptable” ways of dismissing that unproductive spate as “one of those seasons.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fact of the matter is that God has apportioned to us clearly defined life times and thus the imperative to number our days (Psalm 90:12). As much as the foregoing should not be taken to reduce life to a unending drag of toil and laboring, God’s desire is that each moment we have is spent productively and fruitfully. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Consider these insights from the inspired writer: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness. (<a href=\"https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/15.1509#1519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Christ Object Lessons 343.4 (opens in a new tab)\">Christ Object Lessons 343.4</a>) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> Why you should not entertain boredom </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How often do you find yourself bored? Being bored is a major index to a bigger underlying problem of idleness. There is just so much to do, so much to learn, so much to attempt, so much to achieve. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boredom is a\nsymptom of pathological idleness. It is idleness at disease level. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be bored\nis to beg the creator for shorter moments, minutes, hours and days. In other\nwords when you are bored, you are indirectly arguing for a shorter life at best\nand an end of life at worst. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> At the heart of it, boredom is suicide just in lazy, indecisive and slothful form </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are\nbored, you have in essence depleted your life capital through an imaginary\nexhaustion of life’s purpose, challenges, pleasures and treasures. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember this:\nYour life must be an eloquent argument for eternity. God must look at your life\nand find merit to award eternality so that you can enjoy unlimited space and\ntime resources to carry out the most splendid of your dreams. &nbsp;The basis for the awarding of eternal life is\nthat the soul has a purposeful desire and need for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I do not\nbelieve that idleness is the devil’s workshop. I believe that idleness is a\npiece of furniture crafted from the devil’s workshop. In other words: idleness\nis not risk; it is a crisis. It is not a hazard it is a pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Bible instructs us to be: “Always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The narrow appreciation of the text refers to evangelism however the broader appreciation spans all work: (chores, school work, business, profession, employment, etc)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Jesus also asserted a principle that under-girds the principle of consistent productivity and fruitfulness: \"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.\" John 5:17</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>God needs neither food, nor shelter, nor whatever means or\nresources to exist: yet He is ever engaged in work. This underscores the deeper\nessence and merit of work which has nothing much to do with survival and prosperity\nbuy everything to do with the mind of God, whose image we were created in. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By extension Jesus’ words mean that a non-productive mind is an anti-God mind and thus if we strive to be Christlike, we then ought to emulate God’s mind and God’s routine which are centered on productivity. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let me throw in a nugget: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mind is a\npowerful ever engaged organ. If it is not applied in constructive business it\nwill occupy itself in self-destructive busywork.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider\nthis: “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter\nhad pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she\nstrengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sodomites had\ntoo much time in their hands and thus wickedness began to abound. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The current Lockdown situation, or any other, does not subvert the\nprinciple of purposeful and productive living. As Nabil Sabio Azadi puts it aptly:\n“When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair their nets.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Related Reads:</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->','UnMasking the Demon of Idleness #LockDown','','publish','open','open','','unmasking-the-demon-of-idleness-lockdown','','https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\nhttps://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/','2020-04-13 12:52:02','2020-04-13 10:52:02','',0,'https://expound.org.za/?p=99924',0,'post','',0),(99926,1,'2020-04-07 12:24:01','2020-04-07 10:24:01','','quote-on-idless-expound-quotables','','inherit','open','closed','','quote-on-idless-expound-quotables','','','2020-04-07 12:24:01','2020-04-07 10:24:01','',99924,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quote-on-idless-expound-quotables.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(99927,1,'2020-04-07 12:26:58','2020-04-07 10:26:58','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99926} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quote-on-idless-expound-quotables-1024x545.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99926\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are\nmany vices that the bible addresses pointedly and strongly and one of them is idleness.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wisest of\nall men Solomon avows: \"Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads\nto a leaky house\" Ecclesiastes 10:18</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And Paul is incisive\nin his volley: “When we were with you, we told you that if a man does not work,\nhe should not eat.” 1.&nbsp; 2 Thessalonians\n3:10-15</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Solomon has\nmany salvos and this is one I find trenchant: “Go to the ant, O sluggard;\nconsider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6 </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We generally like\nto take the issue of idleness lightly because in most causes our minds have\ncome up with palatable and “acceptable” ways of dismissing that unproductive spate\nas “one of those seasons.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fact of the\nmatter is that God has apportioned to us clearly defined life times. As much as\nthe foregoing should not be taken to reduce life to a unending drag of toil and\nlaboring, God’s desire is that each moment we have is spent productively and\nfruitfully. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Consider these insights from the inspired writer: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Upon the\nright improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and\nmental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by\npoverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be\ntreasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in\naimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling\non trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for\nmeals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were\nkept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or\ncareful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent\nindustry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and\nmental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence\nand usefulness. (Christ Object Lessons 343.4)\nhttps://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/15.1509#1519</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> Why you should not entertain boredom </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How often do\nyou find yourself bored? Being bored is a major index to a bigger underlying\nproblem of idleness. There is just much to do, so much to learn, so much to\nattempt, so much to achieve. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boredom is a\nsymptom of pathological idleness. It is idleness at disease level. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be bored\nis to beg the creator for shorter moments, minutes, hours and days. In other\nwords when you are bored, you are indirectly arguing for a shorter life at best\nand an end of life at worst. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> At the heart of it, boredom is suicide just in lazy, indecisive and slothful form. </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are\nbored, you have in essence depleted your life capital through an imaginary\nexhaustion of life’s purpose, challenges, pleasures and treasures. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember this:\nYour life must be an eloquent argument for eternity. God must look at your life\nand find merit to award eternality so that you can enjoy unlimited space and\ntime resources to carry out the most splendid of your dreams. &nbsp;The basis for the awarding of eternal life is\nthat the soul has a purposeful desire and need for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I do not\nbelieve that idleness is the devil’s workshop. I believe that idleness is a\npiece of furniture crafted from the devil’s workshop. In other words: idleness\nis not risk; it is a crisis. It is not a hazard it is a pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Bible instructs us to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord,\nbecause you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians\n15:58). The narrow appreciation of the text refers to evangelism however the\nbroader appreciation spans all work: (Chores, school work, business, profession,\nemployment, etc) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Jesus also asserted a principle that under-girds the principle of consistent productivity and fruitfulness: \"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>God needs neither food, nor shelter, nor whatever means or\nresources to exist: yet He is ever engaged in work. This underscores the deeper\nessence and merit of work which has nothing much to do with survival and prosperity\nbuy everything to do with the mind of God, whose image we were created in. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By extension Jesus’ words mean that a non-productive mind is an\nanti-God mind and thus if we strive to be Christlike, we then ought to emulate\nGod’s mind and God’s routine. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let’s me throw in a nugget: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mind is a\npowerful ever engaged organ. If it is not applied in constructive business it\nwill occupy itself in self-destructive busywork.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider\nthis: “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter\nhad pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she\nstrengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sodomites had\ntoo much time in their hands and thus wickedness began to abound. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The current Lockdown situation, or any other, does not subvert the\nprinciple of purposeful and productive living. As Nabil Sabio Azadi puts it aptly:\n“When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair their nets.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Related Reads:</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->','UnMasking the Demon of Idleness #LockDown','','inherit','closed','closed','','99924-revision-v1','','','2020-04-07 12:26:58','2020-04-07 10:26:58','',99924,'https://expound.org.za/99924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99928,1,'2020-04-07 12:29:53','2020-04-07 10:29:53','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99926} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quote-on-idless-expound-quotables-1024x545.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99926\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are\nmany vices that the bible addresses pointedly and strongly and one of them is idleness.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wisest of\nall men Solomon avows: \"Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads\nto a leaky house\" Ecclesiastes 10:18</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And Paul is incisive\nin his volley: “When we were with you, we told you that if a man does not work,\nhe should not eat.” 1.&nbsp; 2 Thessalonians\n3:10-15</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Solomon has\nmany salvos and this is one I find trenchant: “Go to the ant, O sluggard;\nconsider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6 </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We generally like\nto take the issue of idleness lightly because in most causes our minds have\ncome up with palatable and “acceptable” ways of dismissing that unproductive spate\nas “one of those seasons.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fact of the\nmatter is that God has apportioned to us clearly defined life times. As much as\nthe foregoing should not be taken to reduce life to a unending drag of toil and\nlaboring, God’s desire is that each moment we have is spent productively and\nfruitfully. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Consider these insights from the inspired writer: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness. (<a href=\"https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/15.1509#1519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Christ Object Lessons 343.4 (opens in a new tab)\">Christ Object Lessons 343.4</a>) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> Why you should not entertain boredom </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How often do\nyou find yourself bored? Being bored is a major index to a bigger underlying\nproblem of idleness. There is just much to do, so much to learn, so much to\nattempt, so much to achieve. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boredom is a\nsymptom of pathological idleness. It is idleness at disease level. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be bored\nis to beg the creator for shorter moments, minutes, hours and days. In other\nwords when you are bored, you are indirectly arguing for a shorter life at best\nand an end of life at worst. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> At the heart of it, boredom is suicide just in lazy, indecisive and slothful form <b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are\nbored, you have in essence depleted your life capital through an imaginary\nexhaustion of life’s purpose, challenges, pleasures and treasures. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember this:\nYour life must be an eloquent argument for eternity. God must look at your life\nand find merit to award eternality so that you can enjoy unlimited space and\ntime resources to carry out the most splendid of your dreams. &nbsp;The basis for the awarding of eternal life is\nthat the soul has a purposeful desire and need for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I do not\nbelieve that idleness is the devil’s workshop. I believe that idleness is a\npiece of furniture crafted from the devil’s workshop. In other words: idleness\nis not risk; it is a crisis. It is not a hazard it is a pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Bible instructs us to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord,\nbecause you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians\n15:58). The narrow appreciation of the text refers to evangelism however the\nbroader appreciation spans all work: (Chores, school work, business, profession,\nemployment, etc) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Jesus also asserted a principle that under-girds the principle of consistent productivity and fruitfulness: \"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>God needs neither food, nor shelter, nor whatever means or\nresources to exist: yet He is ever engaged in work. This underscores the deeper\nessence and merit of work which has nothing much to do with survival and prosperity\nbuy everything to do with the mind of God, whose image we were created in. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By extension Jesus’ words mean that a non-productive mind is an\nanti-God mind and thus if we strive to be Christlike, we then ought to emulate\nGod’s mind and God’s routine. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let’s me throw in a nugget: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mind is a\npowerful ever engaged organ. If it is not applied in constructive business it\nwill occupy itself in self-destructive busywork.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider\nthis: “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter\nhad pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she\nstrengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sodomites had\ntoo much time in their hands and thus wickedness began to abound. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The current Lockdown situation, or any other, does not subvert the\nprinciple of purposeful and productive living. As Nabil Sabio Azadi puts it aptly:\n“When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair their nets.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Related Reads:</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->','UnMasking the Demon of Idleness #LockDown','','inherit','closed','closed','','99924-revision-v1','','','2020-04-07 12:29:53','2020-04-07 10:29:53','',99924,'https://expound.org.za/99924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99929,1,'2020-04-07 17:14:15','2020-04-07 15:14:15','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99926} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quote-on-idless-expound-quotables-1024x545.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99926\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are\nmany vices that the bible addresses pointedly and strongly and one of them is idleness.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wisest of\nall men Solomon avows: \"Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads\nto a leaky house\" Ecclesiastes 10:18</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And Paul is incisive\nin his volley: “When we were with you, we told you that if a man does not work,\nhe should not eat.” 1.&nbsp; 2 Thessalonians\n3:10-15</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Solomon has\nmany salvos and this is one I find trenchant: “Go to the ant, O sluggard;\nconsider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6 </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We generally like to take the issue of idleness lightly because in most cases our minds have come up with palatable and “acceptable” ways of dismissing that unproductive spate as “one of those seasons.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fact of the\nmatter is that God has apportioned to us clearly defined life times. As much as\nthe foregoing should not be taken to reduce life to a unending drag of toil and\nlaboring, God’s desire is that each moment we have is spent productively and\nfruitfully. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Consider these insights from the inspired writer: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness. (<a href=\"https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/15.1509#1519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Christ Object Lessons 343.4 (opens in a new tab)\">Christ Object Lessons 343.4</a>) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> Why you should not entertain boredom </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How often do\nyou find yourself bored? Being bored is a major index to a bigger underlying\nproblem of idleness. There is just much to do, so much to learn, so much to\nattempt, so much to achieve. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boredom is a\nsymptom of pathological idleness. It is idleness at disease level. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be bored\nis to beg the creator for shorter moments, minutes, hours and days. In other\nwords when you are bored, you are indirectly arguing for a shorter life at best\nand an end of life at worst. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> At the heart of it, boredom is suicide just in lazy, indecisive and slothful form <b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are\nbored, you have in essence depleted your life capital through an imaginary\nexhaustion of life’s purpose, challenges, pleasures and treasures. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember this:\nYour life must be an eloquent argument for eternity. God must look at your life\nand find merit to award eternality so that you can enjoy unlimited space and\ntime resources to carry out the most splendid of your dreams. &nbsp;The basis for the awarding of eternal life is\nthat the soul has a purposeful desire and need for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I do not\nbelieve that idleness is the devil’s workshop. I believe that idleness is a\npiece of furniture crafted from the devil’s workshop. In other words: idleness\nis not risk; it is a crisis. It is not a hazard it is a pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Bible instructs us to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord,\nbecause you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians\n15:58). The narrow appreciation of the text refers to evangelism however the\nbroader appreciation spans all work: (Chores, school work, business, profession,\nemployment, etc) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Jesus also asserted a principle that under-girds the principle of consistent productivity and fruitfulness: \"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>God needs neither food, nor shelter, nor whatever means or\nresources to exist: yet He is ever engaged in work. This underscores the deeper\nessence and merit of work which has nothing much to do with survival and prosperity\nbuy everything to do with the mind of God, whose image we were created in. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By extension Jesus’ words mean that a non-productive mind is an\nanti-God mind and thus if we strive to be Christlike, we then ought to emulate\nGod’s mind and God’s routine. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let’s me throw in a nugget: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mind is a\npowerful ever engaged organ. If it is not applied in constructive business it\nwill occupy itself in self-destructive busywork.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider\nthis: “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter\nhad pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she\nstrengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sodomites had\ntoo much time in their hands and thus wickedness began to abound. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The current Lockdown situation, or any other, does not subvert the\nprinciple of purposeful and productive living. As Nabil Sabio Azadi puts it aptly:\n“When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair their nets.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Related Reads:</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->','UnMasking the Demon of Idleness #LockDown','','inherit','closed','closed','','99924-revision-v1','','','2020-04-07 17:14:15','2020-04-07 15:14:15','',99924,'https://expound.org.za/99924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99930,1,'2020-04-07 17:15:49','2020-04-07 15:15:49','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99926} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quote-on-idless-expound-quotables-1024x545.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99926\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are\nmany vices that the bible addresses pointedly and strongly and one of them is idleness.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wisest of\nall men Solomon avows: \"Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads\nto a leaky house\" Ecclesiastes 10:18</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And Paul is incisive\nin his volley: “When we were with you, we told you that if a man does not work,\nhe should not eat.” 1.&nbsp; 2 Thessalonians\n3:10-15</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Solomon has\nmany salvos and this is one I find trenchant: “Go to the ant, O sluggard;\nconsider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6 </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We generally like to take the issue of idleness lightly because in most cases our minds have come up with palatable and “acceptable” ways of dismissing that unproductive spate as “one of those seasons.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fact of the matter is that God has apportioned to us clearly defined life times and thus the imperative to number our days (Psalm 90:12). As much as the foregoing should not be taken to reduce life to a unending drag of toil and laboring, God’s desire is that each moment we have is spent productively and fruitfully. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Consider these insights from the inspired writer: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness. (<a href=\"https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/15.1509#1519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Christ Object Lessons 343.4 (opens in a new tab)\">Christ Object Lessons 343.4</a>) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> Why you should not entertain boredom </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How often do\nyou find yourself bored? Being bored is a major index to a bigger underlying\nproblem of idleness. There is just much to do, so much to learn, so much to\nattempt, so much to achieve. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boredom is a\nsymptom of pathological idleness. It is idleness at disease level. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be bored\nis to beg the creator for shorter moments, minutes, hours and days. In other\nwords when you are bored, you are indirectly arguing for a shorter life at best\nand an end of life at worst. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> At the heart of it, boredom is suicide just in lazy, indecisive and slothful form </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are\nbored, you have in essence depleted your life capital through an imaginary\nexhaustion of life’s purpose, challenges, pleasures and treasures. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember this:\nYour life must be an eloquent argument for eternity. God must look at your life\nand find merit to award eternality so that you can enjoy unlimited space and\ntime resources to carry out the most splendid of your dreams. &nbsp;The basis for the awarding of eternal life is\nthat the soul has a purposeful desire and need for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I do not\nbelieve that idleness is the devil’s workshop. I believe that idleness is a\npiece of furniture crafted from the devil’s workshop. In other words: idleness\nis not risk; it is a crisis. It is not a hazard it is a pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Bible instructs us to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord,\nbecause you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians\n15:58). The narrow appreciation of the text refers to evangelism however the\nbroader appreciation spans all work: (Chores, school work, business, profession,\nemployment, etc) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Jesus also asserted a principle that under-girds the principle of consistent productivity and fruitfulness: \"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>God needs neither food, nor shelter, nor whatever means or\nresources to exist: yet He is ever engaged in work. This underscores the deeper\nessence and merit of work which has nothing much to do with survival and prosperity\nbuy everything to do with the mind of God, whose image we were created in. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By extension Jesus’ words mean that a non-productive mind is an\nanti-God mind and thus if we strive to be Christlike, we then ought to emulate\nGod’s mind and God’s routine. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let’s me throw in a nugget: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mind is a\npowerful ever engaged organ. If it is not applied in constructive business it\nwill occupy itself in self-destructive busywork.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider\nthis: “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter\nhad pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she\nstrengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sodomites had\ntoo much time in their hands and thus wickedness began to abound. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The current Lockdown situation, or any other, does not subvert the\nprinciple of purposeful and productive living. As Nabil Sabio Azadi puts it aptly:\n“When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair their nets.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Related Reads:</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->','UnMasking the Demon of Idleness #LockDown','','inherit','closed','closed','','99924-revision-v1','','','2020-04-07 17:15:49','2020-04-07 15:15:49','',99924,'https://expound.org.za/99924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99933,1,'2020-04-07 18:06:50','2020-04-07 16:06:50','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99926} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quote-on-idless-expound-quotables-1024x545.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99926\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are\nmany vices that the bible addresses pointedly and strongly and one of them is idleness.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wisest of\nall men Solomon avows: \"Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads\nto a leaky house\" Ecclesiastes 10:18</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And Paul is incisive\nin his volley: “When we were with you, we told you that if a man does not work,\nhe should not eat.” 1.&nbsp; 2 Thessalonians\n3:10-15</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Solomon has\nmany salvos and this is one I find trenchant: “Go to the ant, O sluggard;\nconsider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6 </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We generally like to take the issue of idleness lightly because in most cases our minds have come up with palatable and “acceptable” ways of dismissing that unproductive spate as “one of those seasons.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fact of the matter is that God has apportioned to us clearly defined life times and thus the imperative to number our days (Psalm 90:12). As much as the foregoing should not be taken to reduce life to a unending drag of toil and laboring, God’s desire is that each moment we have is spent productively and fruitfully. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Consider these insights from the inspired writer: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness. (<a href=\"https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/15.1509#1519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Christ Object Lessons 343.4 (opens in a new tab)\">Christ Object Lessons 343.4</a>) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> Why you should not entertain boredom </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How often do you find yourself bored? Being bored is a major index to a bigger underlying problem of idleness. There is just so much to do, so much to learn, so much to attempt, so much to achieve. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boredom is a\nsymptom of pathological idleness. It is idleness at disease level. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be bored\nis to beg the creator for shorter moments, minutes, hours and days. In other\nwords when you are bored, you are indirectly arguing for a shorter life at best\nand an end of life at worst. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> At the heart of it, boredom is suicide just in lazy, indecisive and slothful form </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are\nbored, you have in essence depleted your life capital through an imaginary\nexhaustion of life’s purpose, challenges, pleasures and treasures. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember this:\nYour life must be an eloquent argument for eternity. God must look at your life\nand find merit to award eternality so that you can enjoy unlimited space and\ntime resources to carry out the most splendid of your dreams. &nbsp;The basis for the awarding of eternal life is\nthat the soul has a purposeful desire and need for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I do not\nbelieve that idleness is the devil’s workshop. I believe that idleness is a\npiece of furniture crafted from the devil’s workshop. In other words: idleness\nis not risk; it is a crisis. It is not a hazard it is a pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Bible instructs us to be: “Always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The narrow appreciation of the text refers to evangelism however the broader appreciation spans all work: (chores, school work, business, profession, employment, etc)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Jesus also asserted a principle that under-girds the principle of consistent productivity and fruitfulness: \"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.\" John 5:17</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>God needs neither food, nor shelter, nor whatever means or\nresources to exist: yet He is ever engaged in work. This underscores the deeper\nessence and merit of work which has nothing much to do with survival and prosperity\nbuy everything to do with the mind of God, whose image we were created in. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By extension Jesus’ words mean that a non-productive mind is an anti-God mind and thus if we strive to be Christlike, we then ought to emulate God’s mind and God’s routine which are centered on productivity. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let’s me throw in a nugget: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mind is a\npowerful ever engaged organ. If it is not applied in constructive business it\nwill occupy itself in self-destructive busywork.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider\nthis: “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter\nhad pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she\nstrengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sodomites had\ntoo much time in their hands and thus wickedness began to abound. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The current Lockdown situation, or any other, does not subvert the\nprinciple of purposeful and productive living. As Nabil Sabio Azadi puts it aptly:\n“When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair their nets.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Related Reads:</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->','UnMasking the Demon of Idleness #LockDown','','inherit','closed','closed','','99924-revision-v1','','','2020-04-07 18:06:50','2020-04-07 16:06:50','',99924,'https://expound.org.za/99924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99932,1,'2020-04-07 17:24:16','2020-04-07 15:24:16','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99926} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quote-on-idless-expound-quotables-1024x545.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99926\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are\nmany vices that the bible addresses pointedly and strongly and one of them is idleness.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wisest of\nall men Solomon avows: \"Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads\nto a leaky house\" Ecclesiastes 10:18</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And Paul is incisive\nin his volley: “When we were with you, we told you that if a man does not work,\nhe should not eat.” 1.&nbsp; 2 Thessalonians\n3:10-15</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Solomon has\nmany salvos and this is one I find trenchant: “Go to the ant, O sluggard;\nconsider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6 </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We generally like to take the issue of idleness lightly because in most cases our minds have come up with palatable and “acceptable” ways of dismissing that unproductive spate as “one of those seasons.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fact of the matter is that God has apportioned to us clearly defined life times and thus the imperative to number our days (Psalm 90:12). As much as the foregoing should not be taken to reduce life to a unending drag of toil and laboring, God’s desire is that each moment we have is spent productively and fruitfully. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Consider these insights from the inspired writer: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness. (<a href=\"https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/15.1509#1519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Christ Object Lessons 343.4 (opens in a new tab)\">Christ Object Lessons 343.4</a>) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> Why you should not entertain boredom </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How often do\nyou find yourself bored? Being bored is a major index to a bigger underlying\nproblem of idleness. There is just much to do, so much to learn, so much to\nattempt, so much to achieve. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boredom is a\nsymptom of pathological idleness. It is idleness at disease level. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be bored\nis to beg the creator for shorter moments, minutes, hours and days. In other\nwords when you are bored, you are indirectly arguing for a shorter life at best\nand an end of life at worst. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> At the heart of it, boredom is suicide just in lazy, indecisive and slothful form </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are\nbored, you have in essence depleted your life capital through an imaginary\nexhaustion of life’s purpose, challenges, pleasures and treasures. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember this:\nYour life must be an eloquent argument for eternity. God must look at your life\nand find merit to award eternality so that you can enjoy unlimited space and\ntime resources to carry out the most splendid of your dreams. &nbsp;The basis for the awarding of eternal life is\nthat the soul has a purposeful desire and need for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I do not\nbelieve that idleness is the devil’s workshop. I believe that idleness is a\npiece of furniture crafted from the devil’s workshop. In other words: idleness\nis not risk; it is a crisis. It is not a hazard it is a pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Bible instructs us to be: “Always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The narrow appreciation of the text refers to evangelism however the broader appreciation spans all work: (chores, school work, business, profession, employment, etc)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Jesus also asserted a principle that under-girds the principle of consistent productivity and fruitfulness: \"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.\" John 5:17</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>God needs neither food, nor shelter, nor whatever means or\nresources to exist: yet He is ever engaged in work. This underscores the deeper\nessence and merit of work which has nothing much to do with survival and prosperity\nbuy everything to do with the mind of God, whose image we were created in. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By extension Jesus’ words mean that a non-productive mind is an anti-God mind and thus if we strive to be Christlike, we then ought to emulate God’s mind and God’s routine which are centered on productivity. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let’s me throw in a nugget: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mind is a\npowerful ever engaged organ. If it is not applied in constructive business it\nwill occupy itself in self-destructive busywork.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider\nthis: “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter\nhad pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she\nstrengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sodomites had\ntoo much time in their hands and thus wickedness began to abound. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The current Lockdown situation, or any other, does not subvert the\nprinciple of purposeful and productive living. As Nabil Sabio Azadi puts it aptly:\n“When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair their nets.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Related Reads:</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->','UnMasking the Demon of Idleness #LockDown','','inherit','closed','closed','','99924-revision-v1','','','2020-04-07 17:24:16','2020-04-07 15:24:16','',99924,'https://expound.org.za/99924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99935,1,'2020-04-13 12:08:36','2020-04-13 10:08:36','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99926} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/quote-on-idless-expound-quotables-1024x545.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99926\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There are\nmany vices that the bible addresses pointedly and strongly and one of them is idleness.\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The wisest of\nall men Solomon avows: \"Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads\nto a leaky house\" Ecclesiastes 10:18</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>And Paul is incisive\nin his volley: “When we were with you, we told you that if a man does not work,\nhe should not eat.” 1.&nbsp; 2 Thessalonians\n3:10-15</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Solomon has\nmany salvos and this is one I find trenchant: “Go to the ant, O sluggard;\nconsider her ways, and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6 </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We generally like to take the issue of idleness lightly because in most cases our minds have come up with palatable and “acceptable” ways of dismissing that unproductive spate as “one of those seasons.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Fact of the matter is that God has apportioned to us clearly defined life times and thus the imperative to number our days (Psalm 90:12). As much as the foregoing should not be taken to reduce life to a unending drag of toil and laboring, God’s desire is that each moment we have is spent productively and fruitfully. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Consider these insights from the inspired writer: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness. (<a href=\"https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/15.1509#1519\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Christ Object Lessons 343.4 (opens in a new tab)\">Christ Object Lessons 343.4</a>) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> Why you should not entertain boredom </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>How often do you find yourself bored? Being bored is a major index to a bigger underlying problem of idleness. There is just so much to do, so much to learn, so much to attempt, so much to achieve. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Boredom is a\nsymptom of pathological idleness. It is idleness at disease level. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be bored\nis to beg the creator for shorter moments, minutes, hours and days. In other\nwords when you are bored, you are indirectly arguing for a shorter life at best\nand an end of life at worst. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<h3> <b> At the heart of it, boredom is suicide just in lazy, indecisive and slothful form </b> </h3>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If you are\nbored, you have in essence depleted your life capital through an imaginary\nexhaustion of life’s purpose, challenges, pleasures and treasures. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember this:\nYour life must be an eloquent argument for eternity. God must look at your life\nand find merit to award eternality so that you can enjoy unlimited space and\ntime resources to carry out the most splendid of your dreams. &nbsp;The basis for the awarding of eternal life is\nthat the soul has a purposeful desire and need for it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I do not\nbelieve that idleness is the devil’s workshop. I believe that idleness is a\npiece of furniture crafted from the devil’s workshop. In other words: idleness\nis not risk; it is a crisis. It is not a hazard it is a pandemic. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Bible instructs us to be: “Always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The narrow appreciation of the text refers to evangelism however the broader appreciation spans all work: (chores, school work, business, profession, employment, etc)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Jesus also asserted a principle that under-girds the principle of consistent productivity and fruitfulness: \"My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.\" John 5:17</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>God needs neither food, nor shelter, nor whatever means or\nresources to exist: yet He is ever engaged in work. This underscores the deeper\nessence and merit of work which has nothing much to do with survival and prosperity\nbuy everything to do with the mind of God, whose image we were created in. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By extension Jesus’ words mean that a non-productive mind is an anti-God mind and thus if we strive to be Christlike, we then ought to emulate God’s mind and God’s routine which are centered on productivity. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let me throw in a nugget: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The mind is a\npowerful ever engaged organ. If it is not applied in constructive business it\nwill occupy itself in self-destructive busywork.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Consider\nthis: “Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter\nhad pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she\nstrengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Ezekiel 16:49</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Sodomites had\ntoo much time in their hands and thus wickedness began to abound. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The current Lockdown situation, or any other, does not subvert the\nprinciple of purposeful and productive living. As Nabil Sabio Azadi puts it aptly:\n“When fishermen cannot go to sea, they repair their nets.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Related Reads:</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/the-value-of-now/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->\n\n<!-- wp:core-embed/wordpress {\"url\":\"https://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\",\"type\":\"wp-embed\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"expound\",\"className\":\"\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-expound\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://expound.org.za/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up/\n</div></figure>\n<!-- /wp:core-embed/wordpress -->','UnMasking the Demon of Idleness #LockDown','','inherit','closed','closed','','99924-revision-v1','','','2020-04-13 12:08:36','2020-04-13 10:08:36','',99924,'https://expound.org.za/99924-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99942,1,'2020-04-23 14:22:13','2020-04-23 12:22:13','','immunity','','inherit','open','closed','','immunity','','','2020-04-23 14:22:13','2020-04-23 12:22:13','',99938,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunity.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(99943,1,'2020-04-23 14:23:26','2020-04-23 12:23:26','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99942} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunity-1024x521.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99942\"/><figcaption>pixabay.com</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The global Covid1-19 pandemic has among many things, heightened the principle of health consciousness. The crisis has also sparked many conversations around how the human body works, how it fights disease or how it succumbs to it. In this post I endeavor to explore God\'s natural defense system, the human immune system with a view to simplify it while putting a lense on how the masterpiece of human anatomy declares the wondrous glory of our Maker.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When David proclaimed,” I am fearfully and wonderfully made”, Psalms 139:14,  He probably wasn’t talking about his lavish looks and outstanding physique, although we cannot totally exclude that. He was probably talking about something deeper. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\nis evident from the multiple psalms that he wrote that he was an intelligent\nman who liked to apply his mind to great lengths on God\'s Creative work. Could\nit be that when he penned this very scripture his mind was amused by the\nwonders of human anatomy and physiology? Could it be that he considered the\nwonder of a healing wound, the mystery of how a thought is created and how your\ntongue knows how to control the food to&nbsp;make sure it doesn\'t go down your\nwindpipe? The possibilities are endless really, but I know this is the very scripture\nthat comes to mind when I look at the systems of the human body.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I\nwant us to consider the most exquisite yet underrated systems of the human body\n- The&nbsp;Immune system. I will try to keep this as simple and informative as\nI possibly can. Do leave questions and comments and let\'s expand our knowledge\ntogether.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What\nis The Immune System?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99939} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Immunopedia-_-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99939\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><em>(IMMUNOPEDIA.ORG)</em></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You\nprobably know about the respiratory system(your lungs) that enables you to get\noxygen into your body and the cardiac system– your heart and all the arteries.\nThe Immune system is different. It is not a single organ; it comprises of\nmultiple organs and tissues. These includes your bone marrow, tonsils, spleen,\nthymus and lymph nodes.&nbsp; The organs make\nand keep cells, proteins and chemicals that work together to keep your body\nfrom disease causing pathogens (also known as germs which include bacteria,\nviruses etc.).&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nfirst line of defense is made up of structures we can see; the skin, tears, the\nhair in your nose and ears. These are known as physical barriers and prevent\npathogens from entering the body. When these barriers are compromised due to\ndysfunction or because the pathogen is too aggressive, the internal systems\nthen take over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> The main role players of the internal system are cytokines and Immune cells.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cytokines\nare chemicals produced by most immune cells; they are the main line of\ncommunication in the immune system. They are responsible for the recruitment,\nactivation and growth of immune cells. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nbone marrow makes millions of immune cells and releases them into the blood.\nThese cells then travel into lymph nodes, tonsils and other Immune organs\nthrough the blood and await to be summoned by an infection. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Phagocytes\nand lymphocytes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There\nare several types of immune cells, the two groups we will focus on are\nphagocytes and lymphocytes.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Phagocytes\nare fast acting, non-specific cells. They detect a foreign object in the body\nand try to get rid of it as fast as possible before it can cause an illness.\nThey do this by either engulfing the object, producing toxic substances to\nterminate it or chemicals that will make the pathogen immobile.&nbsp;They also\ntake a sample of the foreign object and present it to the Lymphocytes. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> Lymphocytes are more sophisticated, are specific and take a long time to act. They study the sample presented by the phagocytes and tailor make the attack mechanisms for the invading pathogen. They are responsible for keeping a memory of past infections—the reason why vaccines work and the reason why you can only get Chicken Pox once in your lifetime. There are two types of lymphocytes, T-cell and B-cells. T-cells are responsible for sending signals, in the form of cytokines, to other cells on what exactly to do. They also kill our own cells that have been infected. B-cells make substances called antibodies that flag the pathogens and help other cells of the immune system to know who the bad guy is.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These\ncells work together, constantly sending signals back and forth, optimizing the\naction of clearing an infection. More like the CSI trying to catch a hard-core\ncriminal. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>How\ndoes all this work?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Imagine\nyou are running for the taxi and then you trip and fall hard. You scratch your\nknee, It starts bleeding and reddening, it’s a really bad wound. The first\nsignal your body sends is pain, telling you that there is something wrong and\nyou need to do something about it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So,\npain isn’t a very bad thing after all. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember\nthat your skin is the first line of defense, so in this case your front-line\nsoldier is down, now the internal systems need to take over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99940} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunopedia-_-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99940\"/><figcaption>(Immunopedia.org)</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Damaged\nskin sends signals to the phagocytes which come rushing to clear whatever\ninfection might be starting to build up. That is why after some time you see a\nyellowish substance on the wound, those are dead immune cells that sacrificed\ntheir lives to save your knee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;Let’s say a really bad pathogen manages to\novercome your phagocytes and infects your cells.&nbsp; The B and T-cells then come to the scene.\nThese guys are aggressive and have every bit of information about the pathogen.\nThey know exactly how to attack; remember they are very specific. They also\nkeep bits and pieces of the pathogen, so the body remembers in case of a future\ninfection. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All\nthis happens in our own bodies and we can’t even see any of it. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now\nthat we have an idea of what the immune system is and how it works, we can\nexplore ways to strengthen it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The\nnutritional needs of our immune system</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There\nare Vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the optimum performance of\nyour immune system and of course other systems of your body. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nA </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This\nis an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (i.e. it makes sure your immune system\ndoes not get over activated which is very dangerous)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You\ncan get it from foods like Carrots, Pumpkin, squash and Sweet potatoes. Try to\neat the vegetables with the skin on because that is where all the goodness is.\nThese foods contain compounds known as carotenoids that give them their color\nand this is the very compound that is turned into Vitamin A. So, cooking your\nfood until it loses color isn’t a very good idea. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nC </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nexact mechanism of how this vitamin boosts your immune system is unknown. What\nwe know is that it keeps respiratory infections away and may keep you cold free\nthrough the winter months (Coincidence that citrus fruits grow in winter? I\nthink not) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now\nVitamin C in not only found in citrus fruits, you can also get a good portion\nin leafy green vegetables like spinach and Broccoli.&nbsp; </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nD </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Yes,\nbasking in the sun boosts your immune system but what about the seasons when\nthe sun doesn’t shine so bright.?&nbsp; What\nif you leave your home at dawn and return at dusk? Worry not, you can get\nVitamin D from fatty fish and fortified foods such as milk, cereals and orange\njuice. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nE </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Again,\nthis is a very potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Eating\nyour leafy greens, GRAINS and nuts will ensure you get sufficient supply. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99941} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/pickuplimes.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99941\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:center\">&nbsp;\n(Pickuplimes.com)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Folate\n</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I\nwas under the impression that this mineral is only necessary for expecting mothers\nuntil I became vegetarian and learnt the enormous role it plays in the health\nof red blood cells and the nervous system. Folate is very important and\naccessible. With adequate consumption of beans, leafy green vegetables, peas\nand whole grain foods you’ll be good to go. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Zinc\n</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This\nis a very important element. Research has shown that it prevents and aids in\nthe treatment of Diarrhea. Foods like chickpeas and yogurt contain enough zinc\nto keep your immune cells in good shape. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>I\npurposefully made a list of vitamins and minerals and not food items. What is\nimportant is that you get the essential nutrition and not only obsesses about\ncertain foods. So, go ahead, research, find out which other fruits and\nvegetables have the above-mentioned vitamins and play around with your plate! </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Good\nblood circulation is important for the function of your immune system as the\nImmune cells travel to the site of infection through the blood. Exercise and\nproper hydration must be your best friends to optimize the quality of your\ncirculatory system. Turmeric and Cayenne pepper are also potent blood\ncleansers. Be careful, Turmeric consumed in high quantities can thin your blood\nand cause bleeding disorders. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Regular\nand healthy sleeping patterns also improve the functioning of your immune\nsystem. Your body gets time to replenish itself and we know that healing takes\nplace while we’re resting. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\nThe insights shared above are not only helpful in this Covid-19 dispensation where our health consciousness has become central, but are universal and timeliness. \n\nTake care of your body and your body well take care of you. Let me sign off with 3 John\n1:2 <br> \n“Beloved,I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>References </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul> \n<li> Immunopedia.org </li>\n<li> Health.havard.edu  </li>\n<li> Healthline.com  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<!-- /wp:html -->','God’s Natural Defense System','','inherit','closed','closed','','99938-revision-v1','','','2020-04-23 14:23:26','2020-04-23 12:23:26','',99938,'https://expound.org.za/99938-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99945,14,'2020-04-27 02:00:41','2020-04-27 00:00:41','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99952} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99952\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the&nbsp; plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the subject, Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call the doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian doctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let\'s bite a few questions to scope the discourse: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness by faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of faith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have to do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br> <br>In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women who won God’s commendation because of their faith. You will notice that, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith from verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and practicality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we learn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it , was created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice to this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break it down in the best way I can. I will focus on the subject of righteousness, the importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the subject of grace and where the law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say that , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest expression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use the bible and also make use of quotations from some inspired writings.<br> <br>Consider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on verse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> As we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever committed sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses we have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was supposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of a sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> 1. The law is immutable </li><li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li><li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him both to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li><li> 4. God has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart, \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote the book, Christ Our Righteousness on page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br><br>Could it be that you and me have not yet touched Him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> Paul in Ephesians 2:8&nbsp; put’s it aptly.&nbsp; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by which we access salvation, the grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br> So in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace, received by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is unmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s exercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly dismisses any sense of entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us through Christ. In the latter verse we just read, the bible puts it clearly that, \"Because of grace, you have salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\". As we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without faith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come to an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the point of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please God. Faith is the bond of union, the medium through which mankind can freely lay hold of that which he cannot do for himself. Speaking of faith, the book Selected Messages page 334.1 in Volume 1 rightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\" . Through the exercise of faith, we are able to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our sins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as if we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br> However the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to co-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith, being enabled by Christ to continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or failure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book of 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith which is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it culminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love God with all your heart, with all your mind , with all your strength and with all your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard. In the book Messages to Young People page 40, we find a very profound statement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness- godlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br>As I draw to a close, let me put this across: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>For as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet , for as long as your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for as long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of salvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt His ability to save you or any insinuation that seems to suggest to you that you are beyond the reach of mercy is from the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH , but who also delights whenever we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary.<br></strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the faint hearted that we find in the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing page 21,<br> \" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak , helpless and despairing, our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness\"<br><br><strong> Keep Blessed.  </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','publish','open','open','','righteousness-by-faith','','','2020-04-27 09:50:40','2020-04-27 07:50:40','',0,'https://expound.org.za/?p=99945',0,'post','',8),(99946,1,'2020-04-23 14:41:11','2020-04-23 12:41:11','<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the  plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let bite a few\nquestions to scope the discourse: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness\nby faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of\nfaith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have\nto do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br>\n<br>\nIn Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women\nwho won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice\nthat, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith\nfrom verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and\npracticality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we\nlearn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it ,\nwas created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.<br>\n<br>\nLet me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice\nto this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break\nit down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness,\nthe importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where\nthe law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say\nthat , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what\nChrist did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest\nexpression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use bible and also make\nuse of quotations from some inspired writings.<br>\n<br>\nConsider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews\n11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped\nfor, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on\nverse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please\nGod, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a\nrewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".<br>\n<br>\nAs we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever\ncommitted sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the\nlaw\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of\nGod is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses\nwe have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was\nsupposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of\na sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he\nhath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the\nrighteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n<ul>\n\n<li> 1. That the law is immutable </li>\n\n<li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li>\n<li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li>\n<li> 4. God’s has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li>\n</ul>\n\n <br> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote on the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br> <br> Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.<br> <br> While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\n\n\n\n\n\nPaul in Ephesians 2:8&nbsp; put’s it aptly.&nbsp; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and\nthat not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by\nwhich we access salvation, The grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br>\nSo in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace,\nreceived by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is\nunmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s\nexercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly\ndismisses any sense entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of\ngratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us\nthrough Christ. Ephesians 2:8 further states that, \" Because of grace, you\nhave salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\".\nAs we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without\nfaith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come\nto an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the\npoint of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please\nGod. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith\nrightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\"\n. Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold\nof that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are\nable to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our\nsins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as\nif we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br>\nHowever the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to\nco-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith,\nbeing enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure.\nThis is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or\nfailure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book\nof 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith\nwhich is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it\nculminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love\nGod with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with\nall your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard.\nQuoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound\nstatement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the\nhighest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness-\ngodlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br>\nAs I draw to a close, let put this across: <br>\nFor as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet\n, for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for\nas long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of\nsalvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or\nany insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is\nfrom the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH ,\nbut who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ\ndid for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br>\nI will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the\nfaint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing\npage 21,<br>\n\" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your\npresent circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak ,\nhelpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way\noff, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of\nrighteousness\"<br><br>\nKeep Blessed. \n\n\n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-23 14:41:11','2020-04-23 12:41:11','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99948,1,'2020-04-23 14:50:33','2020-04-23 12:50:33','<!-- wp:image -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"blob:https://expound.org.za/9a7f14a1-2e0f-0249-801a-1767125593a6\" alt=\"\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the  plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let bite a few\nquestions to scope the discourse: </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness\nby faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of\nfaith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have\nto do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br>\n<br>\nIn Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women\nwho won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice\nthat, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith\nfrom verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and\npracticality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we\nlearn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it ,\nwas created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.<br>\n<br>\nLet me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice\nto this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break\nit down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness,\nthe importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where\nthe law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say\nthat , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what\nChrist did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest\nexpression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use bible and also make\nuse of quotations from some inspired writings.<br>\n<br>\nConsider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews\n11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped\nfor, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on\nverse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please\nGod, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a\nrewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".<br>\n<br>\nAs we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever\ncommitted sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the\nlaw\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of\nGod is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses\nwe have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was\nsupposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of\na sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he\nhath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the\nrighteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n<ul>\n\n<li> 1. That the law is immutable </li>\n\n<li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li>\n<li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li>\n<li> 4. God’s has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li>\n</ul>\n\n <br> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote on the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br> <br> Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.<br> <br> While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:html -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\n\n\n\n\n\nPaul in Ephesians 2:8&nbsp; put’s it aptly.&nbsp; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and\nthat not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by\nwhich we access salvation, The grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br>\nSo in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace,\nreceived by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is\nunmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s\nexercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly\ndismisses any sense entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of\ngratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us\nthrough Christ. Ephesians 2:8 further states that, \" Because of grace, you\nhave salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\".\nAs we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without\nfaith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come\nto an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the\npoint of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please\nGod. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith\nrightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\"\n. Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold\nof that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are\nable to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our\nsins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as\nif we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br>\nHowever the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to\nco-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith,\nbeing enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure.\nThis is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or\nfailure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book\nof 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith\nwhich is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it\nculminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love\nGod with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with\nall your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard.\nQuoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound\nstatement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the\nhighest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness-\ngodlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br>\nAs I draw to a close, let put this across: <br>\nFor as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet\n, for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for\nas long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of\nsalvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or\nany insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is\nfrom the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH ,\nbut who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ\ndid for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br>\nI will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the\nfaint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing\npage 21,<br>\n\" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your\npresent circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak ,\nhelpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way\noff, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of\nrighteousness\"<br><br>\nKeep Blessed. \n\n\n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-23 14:50:33','2020-04-23 12:50:33','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99949,1,'2020-04-23 14:51:04','2020-04-23 12:51:04','','rightesous-by-faith','','inherit','open','closed','','rightesous-by-faith','','','2020-04-23 14:51:04','2020-04-23 12:51:04','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(99950,1,'2020-04-23 15:09:02','2020-04-23 13:09:02','','rightesous-by-faith-1','','inherit','open','closed','','rightesous-by-faith-1','','','2020-04-23 15:09:02','2020-04-23 13:09:02','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(99956,1,'2020-04-23 15:33:46','2020-04-23 13:33:46','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99952} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99952\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the&nbsp; plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let\'s bite a few questions to scope the discourse: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness by faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of faith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have to do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br> <br> In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women who won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice that, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith from verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and practicality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we learn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it , was created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice to this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break it down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness, the importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where the law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say that , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest expression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use bible and also make use of quotations from some inspired writings.<br> <br> Consider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on verse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".<br> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> As we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever committed sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses we have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was supposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of a sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> 1. That the law is immutable </li><li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li><li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li><li> 4. God’s has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote on the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br><br> Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\n\n\n\n\n\nPaul in Ephesians 2:8&nbsp; put’s it aptly.&nbsp; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and\nthat not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by\nwhich we access salvation, The grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br>\nSo in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace,\nreceived by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is\nunmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s\nexercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly\ndismisses any sense entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of\ngratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us\nthrough Christ. Ephesians 2:8 further states that, \" Because of grace, you\nhave salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\".\nAs we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without\nfaith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come\nto an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the\npoint of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please\nGod. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith\nrightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\"\n. Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold\nof that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are\nable to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our\nsins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as\nif we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br>\nHowever the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to\nco-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith,\nbeing enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure.\nThis is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or\nfailure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book\nof 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith\nwhich is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it\nculminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love\nGod with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with\nall your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard.\nQuoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound\nstatement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the\nhighest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness-\ngodlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br>\nAs I draw to a close, let put this across: <br>\nFor as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet\n, for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for\nas long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of\nsalvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or\nany insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is\nfrom the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH ,\nbut who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ\ndid for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br>\nI will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the\nfaint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing\npage 21,<br>\n\" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your\npresent circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak ,\nhelpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way\noff, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of\nrighteousness\"<br><br>\nKeep Blessed. \n\n\n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> However the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to co-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith, being enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or failure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book of 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith which is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it culminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love God with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with all your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard. Quoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound statement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness- godlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> As I draw to a close, let put this across: <br> For as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet , for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for as long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of salvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or any insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is from the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH , but who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br> I will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the faint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing page 21,<br> \" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak , helpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness\"<br><br><strong> Keep Blessed.  </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-23 15:33:46','2020-04-23 13:33:46','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99954,1,'2020-04-23 15:31:18','2020-04-23 13:31:18','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99952} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99952\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the&nbsp; plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let bite a few questions to scope the discourse: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness by faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of faith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have to do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br> <br> In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women who won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice that, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith from verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and practicality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we learn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it , was created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Let me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice to this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break it down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness, the importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where the law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say that , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest expression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use bible and also make use of quotations from some inspired writings.<br> <br> Consider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on verse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".<br> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> As we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever committed sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses we have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was supposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of a sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> 1. That the law is immutable </li><li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li><li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li><li> 4. God’s has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote on the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br><br> Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\n\n\n\n\n\nPaul in Ephesians 2:8&nbsp; put’s it aptly.&nbsp; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and\nthat not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by\nwhich we access salvation, The grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br>\nSo in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace,\nreceived by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is\nunmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s\nexercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly\ndismisses any sense entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of\ngratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us\nthrough Christ. Ephesians 2:8 further states that, \" Because of grace, you\nhave salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\".\nAs we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without\nfaith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come\nto an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the\npoint of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please\nGod. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith\nrightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\"\n. Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold\nof that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are\nable to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our\nsins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as\nif we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br>\nHowever the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to\nco-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith,\nbeing enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure.\nThis is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or\nfailure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book\nof 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith\nwhich is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it\nculminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love\nGod with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with\nall your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard.\nQuoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound\nstatement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the\nhighest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness-\ngodlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br>\nAs I draw to a close, let put this across: <br>\nFor as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet\n, for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for\nas long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of\nsalvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or\nany insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is\nfrom the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH ,\nbut who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ\ndid for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br>\nI will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the\nfaint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing\npage 21,<br>\n\" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your\npresent circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak ,\nhelpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way\noff, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of\nrighteousness\"<br><br>\nKeep Blessed. \n\n\n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> However the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to co-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith, being enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or failure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book of 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith which is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it culminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love God with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with all your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard. Quoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound statement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness- godlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> As I draw to a close, let put this across: <br> For as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet , for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for as long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of salvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or any insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is from the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH , but who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br> I will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the faint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing page 21,<br> \" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak , helpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness\"<br><br><strong> Keep Blessed.  </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-23 15:31:18','2020-04-23 13:31:18','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99951,1,'2020-04-23 15:14:47','2020-04-23 13:14:47','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99942} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunity-1024x521.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99942\"/><figcaption>pixabay.com</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The global Covid-19 pandemic has among many things, heightened the principle of health consciousness. The crisis has also sparked many conversations around how the human body works, how it fights disease or how it succumbs to it. In this post I endeavor to explore God\'s natural defense system, the human immune system with a view to simplify it while putting a lense on how the masterpiece of human anatomy declares the wondrous glory of our Maker.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When David proclaimed,” I am fearfully and wonderfully made”, Psalms 139:14,  He probably wasn’t talking about his lavish looks and outstanding physique, although we cannot totally exclude that. He was probably talking about something deeper. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\nis evident from the multiple psalms that he wrote that he was an intelligent\nman who liked to apply his mind to great lengths on God\'s Creative work. Could\nit be that when he penned this very scripture his mind was amused by the\nwonders of human anatomy and physiology? Could it be that he considered the\nwonder of a healing wound, the mystery of how a thought is created and how your\ntongue knows how to control the food to&nbsp;make sure it doesn\'t go down your\nwindpipe? The possibilities are endless really, but I know this is the very scripture\nthat comes to mind when I look at the systems of the human body.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I\nwant us to consider the most exquisite yet underrated systems of the human body\n- The&nbsp;Immune system. I will try to keep this as simple and informative as\nI possibly can. Do leave questions and comments and let\'s expand our knowledge\ntogether.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What\nis The Immune System?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99939} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Immunopedia-_-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99939\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><em>(IMMUNOPEDIA.ORG)</em></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You\nprobably know about the respiratory system(your lungs) that enables you to get\noxygen into your body and the cardiac system– your heart and all the arteries.\nThe Immune system is different. It is not a single organ; it comprises of\nmultiple organs and tissues. These includes your bone marrow, tonsils, spleen,\nthymus and lymph nodes.&nbsp; The organs make\nand keep cells, proteins and chemicals that work together to keep your body\nfrom disease causing pathogens (also known as germs which include bacteria,\nviruses etc.).&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nfirst line of defense is made up of structures we can see; the skin, tears, the\nhair in your nose and ears. These are known as physical barriers and prevent\npathogens from entering the body. When these barriers are compromised due to\ndysfunction or because the pathogen is too aggressive, the internal systems\nthen take over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> The main role players of the internal system are cytokines and Immune cells.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cytokines\nare chemicals produced by most immune cells; they are the main line of\ncommunication in the immune system. They are responsible for the recruitment,\nactivation and growth of immune cells. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nbone marrow makes millions of immune cells and releases them into the blood.\nThese cells then travel into lymph nodes, tonsils and other Immune organs\nthrough the blood and await to be summoned by an infection. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Phagocytes\nand lymphocytes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There\nare several types of immune cells, the two groups we will focus on are\nphagocytes and lymphocytes.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Phagocytes\nare fast acting, non-specific cells. They detect a foreign object in the body\nand try to get rid of it as fast as possible before it can cause an illness.\nThey do this by either engulfing the object, producing toxic substances to\nterminate it or chemicals that will make the pathogen immobile.&nbsp;They also\ntake a sample of the foreign object and present it to the Lymphocytes. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> Lymphocytes are more sophisticated, are specific and take a long time to act. They study the sample presented by the phagocytes and tailor make the attack mechanisms for the invading pathogen. They are responsible for keeping a memory of past infections—the reason why vaccines work and the reason why you can only get Chicken Pox once in your lifetime. There are two types of lymphocytes, T-cell and B-cells. T-cells are responsible for sending signals, in the form of cytokines, to other cells on what exactly to do. They also kill our own cells that have been infected. B-cells make substances called antibodies that flag the pathogens and help other cells of the immune system to know who the bad guy is.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These\ncells work together, constantly sending signals back and forth, optimizing the\naction of clearing an infection. More like the CSI trying to catch a hard-core\ncriminal. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>How\ndoes all this work?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Imagine\nyou are running for the taxi and then you trip and fall hard. You scratch your\nknee, It starts bleeding and reddening, it’s a really bad wound. The first\nsignal your body sends is pain, telling you that there is something wrong and\nyou need to do something about it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So,\npain isn’t a very bad thing after all. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember\nthat your skin is the first line of defense, so in this case your front-line\nsoldier is down, now the internal systems need to take over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99940} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunopedia-_-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99940\"/><figcaption>(Immunopedia.org)</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Damaged\nskin sends signals to the phagocytes which come rushing to clear whatever\ninfection might be starting to build up. That is why after some time you see a\nyellowish substance on the wound, those are dead immune cells that sacrificed\ntheir lives to save your knee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;Let’s say a really bad pathogen manages to\novercome your phagocytes and infects your cells.&nbsp; The B and T-cells then come to the scene.\nThese guys are aggressive and have every bit of information about the pathogen.\nThey know exactly how to attack; remember they are very specific. They also\nkeep bits and pieces of the pathogen, so the body remembers in case of a future\ninfection. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All\nthis happens in our own bodies and we can’t even see any of it. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now\nthat we have an idea of what the immune system is and how it works, we can\nexplore ways to strengthen it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The\nnutritional needs of our immune system</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There\nare Vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the optimum performance of\nyour immune system and of course other systems of your body. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nA </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This\nis an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (i.e. it makes sure your immune system\ndoes not get over activated which is very dangerous)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You\ncan get it from foods like Carrots, Pumpkin, squash and Sweet potatoes. Try to\neat the vegetables with the skin on because that is where all the goodness is.\nThese foods contain compounds known as carotenoids that give them their color\nand this is the very compound that is turned into Vitamin A. So, cooking your\nfood until it loses color isn’t a very good idea. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nC </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nexact mechanism of how this vitamin boosts your immune system is unknown. What\nwe know is that it keeps respiratory infections away and may keep you cold free\nthrough the winter months (Coincidence that citrus fruits grow in winter? I\nthink not) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now\nVitamin C in not only found in citrus fruits, you can also get a good portion\nin leafy green vegetables like spinach and Broccoli.&nbsp; </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nD </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Yes,\nbasking in the sun boosts your immune system but what about the seasons when\nthe sun doesn’t shine so bright.?&nbsp; What\nif you leave your home at dawn and return at dusk? Worry not, you can get\nVitamin D from fatty fish and fortified foods such as milk, cereals and orange\njuice. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nE </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Again,\nthis is a very potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Eating\nyour leafy greens, GRAINS and nuts will ensure you get sufficient supply. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99941} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/pickuplimes.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99941\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:center\">&nbsp;\n(Pickuplimes.com)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Folate\n</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I\nwas under the impression that this mineral is only necessary for expecting mothers\nuntil I became vegetarian and learnt the enormous role it plays in the health\nof red blood cells and the nervous system. Folate is very important and\naccessible. With adequate consumption of beans, leafy green vegetables, peas\nand whole grain foods you’ll be good to go. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Zinc\n</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This\nis a very important element. Research has shown that it prevents and aids in\nthe treatment of Diarrhea. Foods like chickpeas and yogurt contain enough zinc\nto keep your immune cells in good shape. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>I\npurposefully made a list of vitamins and minerals and not food items. What is\nimportant is that you get the essential nutrition and not only obsesses about\ncertain foods. So, go ahead, research, find out which other fruits and\nvegetables have the above-mentioned vitamins and play around with your plate! </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Good\nblood circulation is important for the function of your immune system as the\nImmune cells travel to the site of infection through the blood. Exercise and\nproper hydration must be your best friends to optimize the quality of your\ncirculatory system. Turmeric and Cayenne pepper are also potent blood\ncleansers. Be careful, Turmeric consumed in high quantities can thin your blood\nand cause bleeding disorders. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Regular\nand healthy sleeping patterns also improve the functioning of your immune\nsystem. Your body gets time to replenish itself and we know that healing takes\nplace while we’re resting. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\nThe insights shared above are not only helpful in this Covid-19 dispensation where our health consciousness has become central, but are universal and timeliness. \n\nTake care of your body and your body well take care of you. Let me sign off with 3 John\n1:2 <br> \n“Beloved,I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>References </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul> \n<li> Immunopedia.org </li>\n<li> Health.havard.edu  </li>\n<li> Healthline.com  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<!-- /wp:html -->','God’s Natural Defense System','','inherit','closed','closed','','99938-revision-v1','','','2020-04-23 15:14:47','2020-04-23 13:14:47','',99938,'https://expound.org.za/99938-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99952,1,'2020-04-23 15:15:47','2020-04-23 13:15:47','','rightesous-by-faith-2','','inherit','open','closed','','rightesous-by-faith-2','','','2020-04-23 15:15:47','2020-04-23 13:15:47','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(99962,14,'2020-04-25 08:30:59','2020-04-25 06:30:59','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99952} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99952\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the&nbsp; plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let\'s bite a few questions to scope the discourse: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness by faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of faith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have to do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br> <br> In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women who won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice that, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith from verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and practicality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we learn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it , was created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice to this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break it down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness, the importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where the law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say that , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest expression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use the bible and also make use of quotations from some inspired writings.<br> <br>Consider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on verse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> As we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever committed sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses we have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was supposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of a sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> 1. That the law is immutable </li><li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li><li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him both to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li><li> 4. God’s has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart, \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote the book, Christ Our Righteousness on page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br><br> Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> Paul in Ephesians 2:8  put’s it aptly.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by which we access salvation, the grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br> So in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace, received by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is unmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s exercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly dismisses any sense of entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us through Christ. Ephesians 2:8 further states that, \" Because of grace, you have salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\". As we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without faith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come to an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the point of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please God. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith rightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\" . Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold of that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are able to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our sins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as if we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br> However the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to co-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith, being enabled by Christ to continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or failure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist  with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book of 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith which is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it culminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love God with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with all your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard. Quoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find a very profound statement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness- godlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br> As I draw to a close, let me put this across: <br> For as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet , for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for as long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of salvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or any insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is from the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH , but who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br> I will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the faint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing page 21,<br> \" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak , helpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness\"<br><br><strong> Keep Blessed.  </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-25 08:30:59','2020-04-25 06:30:59','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99953,1,'2020-04-23 15:20:23','2020-04-23 13:20:23','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99952} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99952\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the&nbsp; plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let bite a few questions to scope the discourse: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness by faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of faith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have to do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br> <br> In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women who won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice that, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith from verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and practicality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we learn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it , was created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Let me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice to this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break it down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness, the importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where the law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say that , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest expression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use bible and also make use of quotations from some inspired writings.<br> <br> Consider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on verse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".<br> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> As we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever committed sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses we have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was supposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of a sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> 1. That the law is immutable </li><li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li><li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li><li> 4. God’s has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote on the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br><br> Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\n\n\n\n\n\nPaul in Ephesians 2:8&nbsp; put’s it aptly.&nbsp; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and\nthat not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by\nwhich we access salvation, The grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br>\nSo in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace,\nreceived by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is\nunmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s\nexercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly\ndismisses any sense entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of\ngratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us\nthrough Christ. Ephesians 2:8 further states that, \" Because of grace, you\nhave salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\".\nAs we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without\nfaith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come\nto an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the\npoint of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please\nGod. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith\nrightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\"\n. Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold\nof that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are\nable to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our\nsins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as\nif we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br>\nHowever the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to\nco-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith,\nbeing enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure.\nThis is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or\nfailure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book\nof 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith\nwhich is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it\nculminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love\nGod with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with\nall your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard.\nQuoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound\nstatement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the\nhighest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness-\ngodlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br>\nAs I draw to a close, let put this across: <br>\nFor as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet\n, for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for\nas long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of\nsalvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or\nany insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is\nfrom the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH ,\nbut who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ\ndid for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br>\nI will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the\nfaint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing\npage 21,<br>\n\" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your\npresent circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak ,\nhelpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way\noff, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of\nrighteousness\"<br><br>\nKeep Blessed. \n\n\n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> However the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to co-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith, being enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or failure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist  with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book of 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith which is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it culminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love God with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with all your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard. Quoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound statement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness- godlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> As I draw to a close, let put this across: <br> For as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet , for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for as long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of salvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or any insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is from the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH , but who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br> I will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the faint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing page 21,<br> \" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak , helpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness\"<br><br><strong> Keep Blessed.  </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-23 15:20:23','2020-04-23 13:20:23','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99955,1,'2020-04-23 15:33:10','2020-04-23 13:33:10','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99952} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99952\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the&nbsp; plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let\'s bite a few questions to scope the discourse: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness by faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of faith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have to do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br> <br> In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women who won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice that, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith from verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and practicality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we learn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it , was created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br>Let me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice to this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break it down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness, the importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where the law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say that , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest expression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use bible and also make use of quotations from some inspired writings.<br> <br> Consider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on verse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".<br> </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> As we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever committed sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses we have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was supposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of a sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> 1. That the law is immutable </li><li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li><li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li><li> 4. God’s has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote on the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br><br> Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\n\n\n\n\n\nPaul in Ephesians 2:8&nbsp; put’s it aptly.&nbsp; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and\nthat not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by\nwhich we access salvation, The grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br>\nSo in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace,\nreceived by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is\nunmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s\nexercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly\ndismisses any sense entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of\ngratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us\nthrough Christ. Ephesians 2:8 further states that, \" Because of grace, you\nhave salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\".\nAs we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without\nfaith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come\nto an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the\npoint of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please\nGod. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith\nrightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\"\n. Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold\nof that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are\nable to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our\nsins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as\nif we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br>\nHowever the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to\nco-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith,\nbeing enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure.\nThis is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or\nfailure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book\nof 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith\nwhich is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it\nculminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love\nGod with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with\nall your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard.\nQuoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound\nstatement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the\nhighest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness-\ngodlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br>\nAs I draw to a close, let put this across: <br>\nFor as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet\n, for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for\nas long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of\nsalvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or\nany insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is\nfrom the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH ,\nbut who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ\ndid for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br>\nI will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the\nfaint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing\npage 21,<br>\n\" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your\npresent circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak ,\nhelpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way\noff, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of\nrighteousness\"<br><br>\nKeep Blessed. \n\n\n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> However the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to co-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith, being enabled by Christ continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or failure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book of 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith which is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it culminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love God with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with all your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard. Quoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find very profound statement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness- godlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><br> As I draw to a close, let put this across: <br> For as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet , for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for as long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of salvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or any insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is from the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH , but who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br> I will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the faint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing page 21,<br> \" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak , helpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness\"<br><br><strong> Keep Blessed.  </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-23 15:33:10','2020-04-23 13:33:10','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99989,1,'2020-05-01 14:10:15','2020-05-01 12:10:15','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99991} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/christian-black-consciousness-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99991\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In have not in my limited experience seen anyone come right after imbibing the poison of what I call “Christian” Black Consciousness. For many, the tenets of that consciousness are music to an ear itching subconsciously to detach from God. The rationale is indeed seductive and the arguments are apt yet imperceptibly, spiritually suicidal. There is no problem in this world: social, political, economic and otherwise that practical Godliness, the salient tenet of Christianity and scripture does not address. In South Africa, Black Consciousness (BC) as pushed to the fore by the legendary Steve Biko had its place in the arena of politics. It worked, and perhaps still works well in that space, NOT in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be a Christian is to understand, invariably, that the elephant in the room is sin. Issues of social injustice, colonisation, white supremacy etc are mere institutional symptoms of sin. The unchristian “christian” off shoot of BC  is a  sophisticated distraction from the real issues of sin and transformation. It is a fractionated and fragmented approach to dealing with the symptomatic materialization of sin, the solo plague that dogs humanity. It has no answer, neither does it equip individuals of all races to deal with every person’s biggest enemy: self. BC thus carries the dual ideological flaw of misdiagnoses and subsequent mis-prescription. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The associative ideology of Africanism in this context, is another colossal fallacy in the spiritual arena. And this is the Achilles\' heel of every human dictum. These ideologies easily  land themselves inevitably in the absurdities of romanticizing indigenous African traditional culture as if:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>African traditional culture has always been and is homogenous </li><li>Africa was a blissful, perfect paradise before the white men came (i.e. there were no witch craft, wars, tribalism, misogyny and moral declension etc)</li><li>Africanism is the panacea to all human problems </li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Notwithstanding, there are always some positives with every culture and yes there are great tenets of the African traditional culture that blend seamlessly with the Christian ethos. However, what is the relevance of arguing for a human framework in face of a supreme and superior culture and consciousness of Christianity. It’s either Christianity is absolutely sufficient or it is completely irrelevant. If it is sufficient all other human ideologies are second class to it (at best) or decisively supplanted (at worst). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Matthew 22:37-40<br> Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In light of the foregoing, the ultimate deliverable of the scripture and Christianity is practical godliness for all colors, black, white, blue and powder pink as it were. This principle undercuts and undermines every form of sin injurious to self and to others. We have a problem of confusing our deficiencies of application (praxis) as the inadequacies of the Christian framework. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ephesians 6:12<br>\nFor we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In the context of Ephesians 6:12 to embrace Christian Black Consciousness and even BC (as a Christian) is to bring a knife to a gun fight. <br>\nThis is why Paul has this radical consciousness to offer to Christians:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I have some modicum of respect however for those who have intellectual stamina to leave the church when they have found its doctrines and teachings incompatible with their desired thinking. My anathema is a set of “Christian” Black Consciousness disciples who continually attack and vilify the teachings of the church and remain within its subterranean ranks. These are apparently devoid of absolute confidence in their larger-than-life philosophical excursions and as such, they seek social-proof for their esoteric, convoluted and wafer thin theorems whose rationale has a life-span of a house fly.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Friends, the human mind is malleable. The mind can cosy up to any wind of doctrine as long as it is sufficiently exposed to it. So yes, the intrinsic merits of Christianity and the Bible must be tested and their veracity must be established and not assumed. While the zealous Christian has a homework to transcend Christianisation by socialization and colonization, the doubting mind must similarly transcend the socio-political and deal with the fundamental existential questions that transcend, predate and supersede the socio-political. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The writer and reader of this have a potential to believe anything. We can swing from creation to evolution easily based on the deliberate choices of what to expose our minds to, hence the apt warning, to guard the avenues of the soul. Freedom of thought is not synonymous with unlimited aptitutde of thought. Like it or not, the human mind has its limits, and thus it has to submit either to God or the Devil to excel in either of the two polars. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When we consider the solemn invite from the Supreme Deity, “Come now and let us reason together”, prayerful critical literacy will illuminate the fact that Christianity is not a nascent station of ignorance but the ultimate conclusion of the whole matter. It will dawn that Christianity is not a hypothesis but the resolution of the great controversy. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','The Dark Shades of “Christian” Black Consciousness','','publish','open','open','','the-dark-shades-of-christian-black-consciousness','','','2020-05-01 21:52:02','2020-05-01 19:52:02','',0,'https://expound.org.za/?p=99989',0,'post','',8),(99958,1,'2020-04-24 10:42:22','2020-04-24 08:42:22','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99942} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunity-1024x521.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99942\"/><figcaption>pixabay.com</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The global Covid-19 pandemic has among many things, heightened the principle of health consciousness. The crisis has also sparked many conversations around how the human body works, how it fights disease or how it succumbs to it. In this post I endeavor to explore God\'s natural defense system, the human immune system with a view to simplify it while putting a lense on how the masterpiece of human anatomy declares the wondrous glory of our Maker.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When David proclaimed,” I am fearfully and wonderfully made”, Psalms 139:14,  He probably wasn’t talking about his lavish looks and outstanding physique, although we cannot totally exclude that. He was probably talking about something deeper. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It\nis evident from the multiple psalms that he wrote that he was an intelligent\nman who liked to apply his mind to great lengths on God\'s Creative work. Could\nit be that when he penned this very scripture his mind was amused by the\nwonders of human anatomy and physiology? Could it be that he considered the\nwonder of a healing wound, the mystery of how a thought is created and how your\ntongue knows how to control the food to&nbsp;make sure it doesn\'t go down your\nwindpipe? The possibilities are endless really, but I know this is the very scripture\nthat comes to mind when I look at the systems of the human body.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I\nwant us to consider the most exquisite yet underrated systems of the human body\n- The&nbsp;Immune system. I will try to keep this as simple and informative as\nI possibly can. Do leave questions and comments and let\'s expand our knowledge\ntogether.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>What\nis The Immune System?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99939} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Immunopedia-_-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99939\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:center\"><em>(IMMUNOPEDIA.ORG)</em></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You\nprobably know about the respiratory system(your lungs) that enables you to get\noxygen into your body and the cardiac system– your heart and all the arteries.\nThe Immune system is different. It is not a single organ; it comprises of\nmultiple organs and tissues. These includes your bone marrow, tonsils, spleen,\nthymus and lymph nodes.&nbsp; The organs make\nand keep cells, proteins and chemicals that work together to keep your body\nfrom disease causing pathogens (also known as germs which include bacteria,\nviruses etc.).&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nfirst line of defense is made up of structures we can see; the skin, tears, the\nhair in your nose and ears. These are known as physical barriers and prevent\npathogens from entering the body. When these barriers are compromised due to\ndysfunction or because the pathogen is too aggressive, the internal systems\nthen take over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> The main role players of the internal system are cytokines and Immune cells.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Cytokines\nare chemicals produced by most immune cells; they are the main line of\ncommunication in the immune system. They are responsible for the recruitment,\nactivation and growth of immune cells. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nbone marrow makes millions of immune cells and releases them into the blood.\nThese cells then travel into lymph nodes, tonsils and other Immune organs\nthrough the blood and await to be summoned by an infection. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Phagocytes\nand lymphocytes</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There\nare several types of immune cells, the two groups we will focus on are\nphagocytes and lymphocytes.&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Phagocytes\nare fast acting, non-specific cells. They detect a foreign object in the body\nand try to get rid of it as fast as possible before it can cause an illness.\nThey do this by either engulfing the object, producing toxic substances to\nterminate it or chemicals that will make the pathogen immobile.&nbsp;They also\ntake a sample of the foreign object and present it to the Lymphocytes. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> Lymphocytes are more sophisticated, are specific and take a long time to act. They study the sample presented by the phagocytes and tailor make the attack mechanisms for the invading pathogen. They are responsible for keeping a memory of past infections—the reason why vaccines work and the reason why you can only get Chicken Pox once in your lifetime. There are two types of lymphocytes, T-cell and B-cells. T-cells are responsible for sending signals, in the form of cytokines, to other cells on what exactly to do. They also kill&nbsp;our own cells that have been infected. B-cells make substances called antibodies that flag the pathogens and help other cells of the immune system to know who the bad guy is.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These\ncells work together, constantly sending signals back and forth, optimizing the\naction of clearing an infection. More like the CSI trying to catch a hard-core\ncriminal. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>How\ndoes all this work?</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Imagine\nyou are running for the taxi and then you trip and fall hard. You scratch your\nknee, It starts bleeding and reddening, it’s a really bad wound. The first\nsignal your body sends is pain, telling you that there is something wrong and\nyou need to do something about it. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So,\npain isn’t a very bad thing after all. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remember\nthat your skin is the first line of defense, so in this case your front-line\nsoldier is down, now the internal systems need to take over.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99940} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/immunopedia-_-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99940\"/><figcaption>(Immunopedia.org)</figcaption></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Damaged\nskin sends signals to the phagocytes which come rushing to clear whatever\ninfection might be starting to build up. That is why after some time you see a\nyellowish substance on the wound, those are dead immune cells that sacrificed\ntheir lives to save your knee.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>&nbsp;Let’s say a really bad pathogen manages to\novercome your phagocytes and infects your cells.&nbsp; The B and T-cells then come to the scene.\nThese guys are aggressive and have every bit of information about the pathogen.\nThey know exactly how to attack; remember they are very specific. They also\nkeep bits and pieces of the pathogen, so the body remembers in case of a future\ninfection. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>All\nthis happens in our own bodies and we can’t even see any of it. &nbsp;</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now\nthat we have an idea of what the immune system is and how it works, we can\nexplore ways to strengthen it.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>The\nnutritional needs of our immune system</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>There\nare Vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the optimum performance of\nyour immune system and of course other systems of your body. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nA </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This\nis an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (i.e. it makes sure your immune system\ndoes not get over activated which is very dangerous)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You\ncan get it from foods like Carrots, Pumpkin, squash and Sweet potatoes. Try to\neat the vegetables with the skin on because that is where all the goodness is.\nThese foods contain compounds known as carotenoids that give them their color\nand this is the very compound that is turned into Vitamin A. So, cooking your\nfood until it loses color isn’t a very good idea. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nC </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The\nexact mechanism of how this vitamin boosts your immune system is unknown. What\nwe know is that it keeps respiratory infections away and may keep you cold free\nthrough the winter months (Coincidence that citrus fruits grow in winter? I\nthink not) </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Now\nVitamin C in not only found in citrus fruits, you can also get a good portion\nin leafy green vegetables like spinach and Broccoli.&nbsp; </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nD </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Yes,\nbasking in the sun boosts your immune system but what about the seasons when\nthe sun doesn’t shine so bright.?&nbsp; What\nif you leave your home at dawn and return at dusk? Worry not, you can get\nVitamin D from fatty fish and fortified foods such as milk, cereals and orange\njuice. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Vitamin\nE </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Again,\nthis is a very potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Eating\nyour leafy greens, GRAINS and nuts will ensure you get sufficient supply. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99941} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/pickuplimes.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99941\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p style=\"text-align:center\">&nbsp;\n(Pickuplimes.com)</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Folate\n</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I\nwas under the impression that this mineral is only necessary for expecting mothers\nuntil I became vegetarian and learnt the enormous role it plays in the health\nof red blood cells and the nervous system. Folate is very important and\naccessible. With adequate consumption of beans, leafy green vegetables, peas\nand whole grain foods you’ll be good to go. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Zinc\n</strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This\nis a very important element. Research has shown that it prevents and aids in\nthe treatment of Diarrhea. Foods like chickpeas and yogurt contain enough zinc\nto keep your immune cells in good shape. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>I\npurposefully made a list of vitamins and minerals and not food items. What is\nimportant is that you get the essential nutrition and not only obsesses about\ncertain foods. So, go ahead, research, find out which other fruits and\nvegetables have the above-mentioned vitamins and play around with your plate! </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Good\nblood circulation is important for the function of your immune system as the\nImmune cells travel to the site of infection through the blood. Exercise and\nproper hydration must be your best friends to optimize the quality of your\ncirculatory system. Turmeric and Cayenne pepper are also potent blood\ncleansers. Be careful, Turmeric consumed in high quantities can thin your blood\nand cause bleeding disorders. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Regular\nand healthy sleeping patterns also improve the functioning of your immune\nsystem. Your body gets time to replenish itself and we know that healing takes\nplace while we’re resting. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\nThe insights shared above are not only helpful in this Covid-19 dispensation where our health consciousness has become central, but are universal and timeliness. \n\nTake care of your body and your body well take care of you. Let me sign off with 3 John\n1:2 <br> \n“Beloved,I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>References </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:html -->\n<ul> \n<li> Immunopedia.org </li>\n<li> Health.havard.edu  </li>\n<li> Healthline.com  </li>\n</ul>\n<!-- /wp:html -->','God’s Natural Defense System','','inherit','closed','closed','','99938-revision-v1','','','2020-04-24 10:42:22','2020-04-24 08:42:22','',99938,'https://expound.org.za/99938-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(100005,1,'2020-05-06 15:43:30','2020-05-06 13:43:30','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99991} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/christian-black-consciousness-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99991\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In have not in my limited experience seen anyone come right after imbibing the poison of what I call “Christian” Black Consciousness. For many, the tenets of that consciousness are music to an ear itching subconsciously to detach from God. The rationale is indeed seductive and the arguments are apt yet imperceptibly, spiritually suicidal. There is no problem in this world: social, political, economic and otherwise that practical Godliness, the salient tenet of Christianity and scripture does not address. In South Africa, Black Consciousness (BC) as pushed to the fore by the legendary Steve Biko had its place in the arena of politics. It worked, and perhaps still works well in that space, NOT in Christendom. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To be a Christian is to understand, invariably, that the elephant in the room is sin. Issues of social injustice, colonisation, white supremacy etc are mere institutional symptoms of sin. The unchristian “christian” off shoot of BC  is a  sophisticated distraction from the real issues of sin and transformation. It is a fractionated and fragmented approach to dealing with the symptomatic materialization of sin, the solo plague that dogs humanity. It has no answer, neither does it equip individuals of all races to deal with every person’s biggest enemy: self. BC thus carries the dual ideological flaw of misdiagnoses and subsequent mis-prescription. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The associative ideology of Africanism in this context, is another colossal fallacy in the spiritual arena. And this is the Achilles\' heel of every human dictum. These ideologies easily  land themselves inevitably in the absurdities of romanticizing indigenous African traditional culture as if:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol><li>African traditional culture has always been and is homogenous </li><li>Africa was a blissful, perfect paradise before the white men came (i.e. there were no witch craft, wars, tribalism, misogyny and moral declension etc)</li><li>Africanism is the panacea to all human problems </li></ol>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Notwithstanding, there are always some positives with every culture and yes there are great tenets of the African traditional culture that blend seamlessly with the Christian ethos. However, what is the relevance of arguing for a human framework in face of a supreme and superior culture and consciousness of Christianity. It’s either Christianity is absolutely sufficient or it is completely irrelevant. If it is sufficient all other human ideologies are second class to it (at best) or decisively supplanted (at worst). </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Matthew 22:37-40<br> Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In light of the foregoing, the ultimate deliverable of the scripture and Christianity is practical godliness for all colors, black, white, blue and powder pink as it were. This principle undercuts and undermines every form of sin injurious to self and to others. We have a problem of confusing our deficiencies of application (praxis) as the inadequacies of the Christian framework. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Ephesians 6:12<br>\nFor we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In the context of Ephesians 6:12 to embrace Christian Black Consciousness and even BC (as a Christian) is to bring a knife to a gun fight. <br>\nThis is why Paul has this radical consciousness to offer to Christians:</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I have some modicum of respect however for those who have intellectual stamina to leave the church when they have found its doctrines and teachings incompatible with their desired thinking. My anathema is a set of “Christian” Black Consciousness disciples who continually attack and vilify the teachings of the church and remain within its subterranean ranks. These are apparently devoid of absolute confidence in their larger-than-life philosophical excursions and as such, they seek social-proof for their esoteric, convoluted and wafer thin theorems whose rationale has a life-span of a house fly.  </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Friends, the human mind is malleable. The mind can cosy up to any wind of doctrine as long as it is sufficiently exposed to it. So yes, the intrinsic merits of Christianity and the Bible must be tested and their veracity must be established and not assumed. While the zealous Christian has a homework to transcend Christianisation by socialization and colonization, the doubting mind must similarly transcend the socio-political and deal with the fundamental existential questions that transcend, predate and supersede the socio-political. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The writer and reader of this have a potential to believe anything. We can swing from creation to evolution easily based on the deliberate choices of what to expose our minds to, hence the apt warning, to guard the avenues of the soul. Freedom of thought is not synonymous with unlimited aptitutde of thought. Like it or not, the human mind has its limits, and thus it has to submit either to God or the Devil to excel in either of the two polars. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When we consider the solemn invite from the Supreme Deity, “Come now and let us reason together”, prayerful critical literacy will illuminate the fact that Christianity is not a nascent station of ignorance but the ultimate conclusion of the whole matter. It will dawn that Christianity is not a hypothesis but the resolution of the great controversy. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','The Dark Shades of “Christian” Black Consciousness','','inherit','closed','closed','','99989-autosave-v1','','','2020-05-06 15:43:30','2020-05-06 13:43:30','',99989,'https://expound.org.za/99989-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99964,14,'2020-04-25 08:52:36','2020-04-25 06:52:36','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99952} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99952\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the&nbsp; plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let\'s bite a few questions to scope the discourse: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness by faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of faith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have to do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br> <br> In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women who won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice that, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith from verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and practicality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we learn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it , was created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice to this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break it down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness, the importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where the law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say that , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest expression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use the bible and also make use of quotations from some inspired writings.<br> <br>Consider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on verse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> As we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever committed sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses we have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was supposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of a sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> 1. That the law is immutable </li><li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li><li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him both to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li><li> 4. God has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart, \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote the book, Christ Our Righteousness on page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br><br>Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> Paul in Ephesians 2:8&nbsp; put’s it aptly.&nbsp; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by which we access salvation, the grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br> So in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace, received by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is unmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s exercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly dismisses any sense of entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us through Christ. Ephesians 2:8 further states that, \" Because of grace, you have salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\". As we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without faith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come to an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the point of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please God. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith rightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\" . Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold of that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are able to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our sins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as if we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br> However the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to co-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith, being enabled by Christ to continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or failure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist &nbsp;with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book of 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith which is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it culminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love God with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with all your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard. Quoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find a very profound statement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness- godlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br> As I draw to a close, let me put this across: <br> For as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet , for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for as long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of salvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or any insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is from the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH , but who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br> I will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the faint hearted that we find from the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing page 21,<br> \" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak , helpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness\"<br><br><strong> Keep Blessed.  </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-25 08:52:36','2020-04-25 06:52:36','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(99966,14,'2020-04-25 16:39:43','2020-04-25 14:39:43','<!-- wp:image {\"id\":99952} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img src=\"https://expound.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rightesous-by-faith-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-99952\"/></figure>\n<!-- /wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject of righteousness by faith is central to the&nbsp; plan of salvation, not only because righteousness is a call to be like God, but more so because the salvation of humanity is impossible without righteousness. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Remarking on the\nsubject Martin Luther concurred: \"This one and firm rock, which we call\nthe doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian\ndoctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.\"</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The subject is quite\nelusive to many and in most cases it is its simplicity that confounds a probing\nheart. </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Let\'s bite a few questions to scope the discourse: </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>What is righteousness by faith? What does it mean to be righteous by faith? What is the purpose of faith in this? What does this have to do with my salvation? What does this have to do with your salvation? Why is this subject worth contemplating on?<br> <br> In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews , Paul gives us examples of men and women who won God’s commendation because of their exercise of faith. You will notice that, before he makes mention of Abel and other great men and women of faith from verse 4 going down , he draws our attention to the relevance and practicality of this subject matter to us. Just about there in verse 3, we learn that it takes faith for us to understand that the world as we see it , was created by God and that the worlds were set in order at His command.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Let me start by making a humble submission that I might not entirely do justice to this deep and profound mystery which is of God however, I will try to break it down in the best way I can. I will focus on the issue of the righteousness, the importance faith, I will also touch briefly on the issue of grace and where the law and obedience fits in the overall scheme of things. Let me also say that , we cannot even begin to talk about all this without speaking of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary, which is the all time greatest expression of the love of God to His creatures. I will use the bible and also make use of quotations from some inspired writings.<br> <br>Consider these verses with me as we begin to unpack this delicate subject. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows: \"But faith is a substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen\". As you go down the same chapter on verse 6, the Bible says, \"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him\".</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> As we proceed, when we look at 1st John 3:4, the bible says \"Whosoever committed sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law\" and Romans 6:23 says \"For the wages of sin is death but gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord\". Looking at these verses we have just read, we get to understand that, after man had sinned, he was supposed to die , why? we ask; for the breaking of the law demands the death of a sinner. As we read 2nd Corinthians 5:21, the bible says that, \"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.\" </p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Further to this, when we read the book of 2nd Corinthians 8:9, the bible says that , \" For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich , yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might become rich\". How profound! In these above verses , it is clear that when there was no hope for sinful humanity, Christ died in our place that through his death and resurrection, we may have our sins forgiven if we accept what he did for us and repent and thus have the hope of eternal life with God. So as we behold Christ hanging on the cross for us, we get to learn that:<br> \n\n</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li> 1. That the law is immutable </li><li> 2. The hue of sin is as dark as to cost the life of the Creator Himself </li><li> 3. The Righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus is on condition of obedience (not of himself but being enabled by Christ who should work in him both to will and to do of His good pleasure) </li><li> 4. God has everlasting love for us. He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life </li></ul>\n<!-- /wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> In the book of Mark 5:25-43, we are given an account of the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years. The bible tells us that she had said in her heart, \"If I may touch His garment, I shall be whole\". We learn that upon touching the hem of his garment, immediately, the fountain of blood was dried and she was made whole. That was a touch of faith. Speaking of Christ’s human nature, I would like to quote the book, Christ Our Righteousness on page 107~ \"All His miracles are but natural manifestations of His person , and hence were performed with the same ease with which we perform our ordinary daily works...The supernatural and miraculous element in Christ, let it be borne in mind, was not a borrowed gift or an occasional manifestation....An inward virtue dwelt in His person, and went forth from Him , so that even the fringe of His garment was healing to the touch through the medium of faith, which is the bond of union between him and the soul.\"<br><br>Could it be that you and me have not yet touched him with that touch of faith that we may experience a total life transformation and healing as so did the crowds that pressed close about Christ on that day? For He says in Revelations 3:20 says \"Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens the door and I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me\". He is constantly knocking, so the onus is on us to respond to his call by exercising our faith to open the door of our hearts. He is waiting and He is indeed willing to bestow unto us that which we cannot do for ourselves.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"/>\n<!-- /wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While it is imperative to exercise faith, note what this quotation has to say regarding this in the book, Christ Our Righteousness page 109.<br> \" The exercise of faith is our part in the great transaction which sinners are changed into saints...But we must remember that there is no virtue in the faith we exercise whereby salvation is merited. That is to say, there is no virtue in faith itself , nor in the act of exercising it. The virtue is all in Christ. He is the remedy for sin. Faith is the act by which the helpless , doomed sinner lays hold of the remedy. Faith can present Christ’s perfect obedience instead of the sinner’s transgression and defection.\" How wonderful!</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> Paul in Ephesians 2:8  put’s it aptly.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” i.e. while faith is the means by which we access salvation, the grace of God is the saving resource. <br><br> So in essence, the righteousness of Christ is a free gift which is by grace, received by the hand of faith and it is preserved through obedience. Grace is unmerited favour, which can only be understood by a sinner. Understanding God’s exercise of grace in reconciling sinful humanity to Himself outrightly dismisses any sense of entitlement and further prompts in us a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for what God has done and continues to do for us through Christ. In latter verse we just read, the bible puts it clearly that, \"Because of grace, you have salvation through faith and not of yourselves , it is given by God\". As we proceed, the verse we read earlier part of it says .. \"Without faith, it is impossible to please God..\"; With this in mind, we then come to an understanding that faith is the core foundation, the main anchor, the point of inception, the essential component we need to have if we are to please God. Quoting from Volume 1 Selected Messages page 334.1, speaking of faith rightly puts it and says, \"It works by love and it purifies the soul\" . Faith is the bond of union, medium through which mankind can freely lay hold of that which he cannot do for himself. Through the exercise of faith, we are able to receive the Righteousness of Christ imputed in us such that all our sins are forgiven, our guilt cancelled and we stand approved and justified as if we had never sinned. What manner of love is this?<br><br> However the work does not end here. The sinner still needs to continue to co-operate with Christ, growing from strength to strength exercising faith, being enabled by Christ to continue both to will and to do of His good pleasure. This is called sanctification, a life-long process, in whose success or failure, lies the determining factor as to whether we will be fit to coexist  with the Heavenly host. As we look at the book of 2nd Peter 1:5, we see that the ladder in this process, begins with faith which is the foundation, followed by virtue and it goes on up until it culminates with love, the love of Christ, which is the ideal standard. To love God with all your heart, with all your mind ,with all your strength and with all your soul and to love your neighbour as yourself is the ideal standard. Quoting from the book, Messages to Youth People page 40, we find a very profound statement regarding God’s standard for us. It reads, \"Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children. Godliness- godlikeness - is the goal to be reached.\"<br><br> As I draw to a close, let me put this across: <br> For as long as you are still alive, for as long as God is not done with you yet , for as long your heart is still open to the bidding of the Holy Spirit, for as long as God still sees in you a work in progress, a potential heir of salvation, any uncertainty cast upon you to doubt his ability to save you or any insinuation that seems to suggest to you are beyond the reach of mercy is from the evil one, who seeks, not only to disable you from exercising FAITH , but who also delights when we find ourselves doubting the power of what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary.<br><br> I will end with these inspired, heartwarming words of encouragement for the faint hearted found in the book, Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing page 21,<br> \" Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are , weak , helpless, and despairing , our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness\"<br><br><strong> Keep Blessed.  </strong></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->','Righteousness by Faith and the Free Gift of Salvation','','inherit','closed','closed','','99945-revision-v1','','','2020-04-25 16:39:43','2020-04-25 14:39:43','',99945,'https://expound.org.za/99945-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),