Pastor Marc Bertrand

  Social media children mental health. Social media can have both positive and negative effects on children's mental health, with excessive use linked to increased risks of depression and anxiety. Positive Effects of Social Media Connection and Community: Social media can provide children and teens with a sense of belonging and community. It allows them to connect with peers who share similar interests or identities, which can be particularly beneficial for those who feel isolated in their immediate environments. Access to Information: Platforms can serve as valuable resources for information and support, helping young people navigate challenges and seek help when needed. Negative Effects of Social Media Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues: The U.S. Surgeon General's advisory indicates that children and adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at double the risk of experiencing mental health problems, including symptoms of depression and anxiety....

  The battle may be hard. "The battle may be hard" suggests that the current struggle or challenge you are facing is difficult, intense, and requires significant effort, strength, and endurance to overcome. The phrase acknowledges the severity of the situation but often implies that it can be endured, with some contexts suggesting that a hard battle ultimately leads to a sweeter victory. Difficulty and Intensity: "Hard" indicates that the challenge is not easy; it will be a struggle, and there will be obstacles and resistance. Effort Required: Overcoming the difficulty will demand significant effort, dedication, and strength from the person or group facing it. Endurance: The phrase can also suggest the need for perseverance and the ability to withstand prolonged hardship. Acknowledgment of Struggle: It serves as a realistic acknowledgment that the situation is not a walk in the park, but rather a serious undertaking. Context-Dependent: The "battle" can ref...

  Five loaves and two fish. In this particular instance, the five loaves of bread would stand for the five books of the Law of Moses, the Pentateuch. Similarly, the two fish would stand for the two tablets on which were written the ten commandments that Moses brought down from Mount Sinai. When Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two fishes, most of us are led to ponder the miracle, to ponder how so many people could be fed by so little. Some think the miracle is that people shared what they brought with the rest of the crowd, while others think Jesus physically multiplied the loaves and fishes to make sure the populace was well fed. However, is this the right question to ask? Is this the point we are to get from this story? We are so led to read the stories as history and to ask historical questions, we ignore the broader picture. We ignore all the fine points we can learn from our holy stories. The five loaves represents the five books of Moses, in which we find five ref...

  Are your friends who you think they are? The Bible indicates that friends are not always who they seem, warning that "bad company corrupts good character" and that one can be ruined by unreliable friends. However, it also describes true friends as loyal individuals who stick closer than a brother, are honest, offer wise counsel, and show unwavering love. The emphasis is on choosing friends carefully, as those who are wise and righteous are beneficial, while those who are wicked or associated with the world can lead one astray. The Bible's View on Untrustworthy Friends . Betrayal and Ruin: The Bible notes that even those you trust may turn against you, leading to ruin. Proverbs 18:24 states, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother". Negative Influence: Associating with the wrong people can corrupt one's character. "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character'" (1 Corinth...