In making the distinction between a hobby or business activity, take into account all facts and circumstances with respect to the activity. A hobby activity is an activity not done for profit. This includes activities done mainly for sport, recreation, or pleasure. No one factor alone is decisive. You must generally consider these factors in determining whether an activity is a business engaged in making a profit:

• Whether you carry on the activity in a businesslike manner and maintain complete and accurate books and records.
• Whether you have personal motives in carrying on the activity.
• Whether the time and effort you put into the activity indicate you intend to make it profitable.
• Whether you depend on income from the activity for your livelihood.
• Whether your losses are due to circumstances beyond your control (or are normal in the startup phase of your type of business).
• Whether you or your advisors have the knowledge needed to carry on the activity as a successful business.
• Whether you were successful in making a profit in similar activities in the past.
• Whether the activity makes a profit in some years and how much profit it makes.
• Whether you can expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of the assets used in the activity.

Children and adults alive love celebrating Halloween but Halloween is seen as a no, no in the Christian community, and for a valid reason. When asked the reason why Christians don’t celebrate Halloween, many Christians will say because it is a pagan holiday because that is what they have been taught.

 What does it all mean,  pagan means one of a people or community observing a polytheistic religion, pertaining to, characterized by, or adhering to the doctrine that there is more than one god or many gods, paganism is a form of idolatry because it is the worship of something or things other than the true and living God.

Origins of Halloween

“The earliest trace (of Halloween) is the Celtic festival, Samhain, which was the Celtic New Year. It was the day of the dead, and they believed the souls of the deceased would be available.

The Symbols of Halloween

Halloween originated as a celebration connected with evil spirits. Witches flying on broomsticks with black cats, ghosts, goblins, and skeletons have all evolved as symbols of Halloween. They are popular trick-or-treat costumes and decorations for greeting cards and windows.

Now, I know you are thinking, the same thing many Christians will respond with, we don’t celebrate it like that today, it is all in fun for the kids! But fun is not the words that come to mind when you look not only at the Origins of Halloween, but the influence of Halloween.

Halloween Today

Black is one of the traditional Halloween colors, probably because Halloween festivals and traditions took place at night. In the weeks before October 31, Americans decorate windows of houses and schools with silhouettes of witches and black cats.

Influences of Halloween

Due to American social influences, the rise of satanic cults, and Hollywood’s sinister characters possessed with evil, Americans have become fascinated with gore and death.  All of this has manifested itself into many destructive Halloween trends. In the 1960s,  pre-Halloween pranks turned into vandalism in some parts of the United States, with some people breaking windows and destroying property. In the 1970s, nationwide reports of candy being loaded with pins and razor blades permeated the airwaves.  During the 80s and 90s, Halloween vandalism escalated to include arson, or the deliberate setting of fires, which destroyed private property and businesses.

As you can see Halloween brings real meaning to the scripture in  Ephesians 6:12 which says – For 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. Why would a Christian want to take part in this type of event? As a Christian, to take part in this celebration goes against the teaching of the bible and does not bring glory to the one we serve.

What Can We do About It?

We don’t have to take away the fun for the kids who look forward to the day, the church has been called to turn the dark things of this world into the light, for our father who is in heaven is light and his presence and purpose should be clearly evident on that day, the day the dark things in this world is being glorified.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;  the battle is not ours but the Lord’s and we are his servants ordained to carry out his work, whenever there is darkness you turn on the light.

Let every church arise and fight, pick up the weapons our warfare, host positive Christian based youth/ children events on that day, support Christian events held at your church, or in your local community.

Article Complied and Edited By Lenora Lee

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How to Make Effective Disclosures in Digital Advertising

Common Names: peppermint, peppermint oil

Latin Names: Mentha x piperita

Background

• The herb peppermint, a natural cross between two types of mint (water mint and spearmint), grows throughout Europe and North America. Both peppermint leaves and the essential oil from peppermint have been used for health purposes. (Essential oils are very concentrated oils containing substances that give a plant its characteristic odor or flavor.) Peppermint is a common flavoring agent in foods, and peppermint oil is used to create a pleasant fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.
• Mint has been used for health purposes for several thousand years. It is mentioned in records from ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. However, peppermint was not recognized as a distinct kind of mint until the 1700s.
• Today, peppermint is used as a dietary supplement for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), other digestive problems, the common cold, headaches, and other conditions. Peppermint oil is also used topically (applied to the skin) for headache, muscle aches, itching, and other problems. Peppermint leaf is available in teas, capsules, and as a liquid extract. Peppermint oil is available as liquid solutions and in capsules, including enteric-coated capsules.

How Much Do We Know?

• A small amount of research has been conducted on peppermint oil, primarily focusing on IBS.
• Very little research has been done on peppermint leaf.

What Have We Learned?

• Peppermint oil has been studied most extensively for IBS. Results from several studies indicate that peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules may improve IBS symptoms.
• A few studies have indicated that peppermint oil, in combination with caraway oil, may help relieve indigestion, but this evidence is preliminary and the product that was tested is not available in the United States.
• Peppermint oil has been used topically for tension headaches and a limited amount of evidence suggests that it might be helpful for this purpose.
• There’s not enough evidence to allow any conclusions to be reached about whether peppermint oil is helpful for nausea, the common cold, or other conditions.
• There’s not enough evidence to show whether peppermint leaf is helpful for any condition.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Peppermint oil appears to be safe when taken orally (by mouth) in the doses commonly used. Excessive doses of peppermint oil can be toxic.
• Possible side effects of peppermint oil include allergic reactions and heartburn. Capsules containing peppermint oil are often enteric-coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn. If enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules are taken at the same time as antacids, the coating can break down too quickly.
• Like other essential oils, peppermint oil is highly concentrated. When the undiluted essential oil is used for health purposes, only a few drops are used.
• Side effects of applying peppermint oil to the skin can include skin rashes and irritation. Peppermint oil should not be applied to the face or chest of infants or young children because serious side effects may occur if they inhale the menthol in the oil.
• No harmful effects of peppermint leaf tea have been reported. However, the long-term safety of consuming large amounts of peppermint leaf is unknown.

Keep in Mind

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Disclaimer/ Disclosure

This information contained in this article is for information purposes only and. and it is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. According to the NCCIH the mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH nor do I endorse any products or methods used.

Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil

Common Names: flaxseed, flax, linseed

Latin Names: Linum usitatissimum

Background

• Over the thousands of years it’s been cultivated, flaxseed has had a variety of health and industrial uses. Around 500 B.C., Hippocrates wrote about flaxseed being a laxative, and pioneers in North America made flaxseed dressings for cuts and burns. Fiber from the plant is made into linen, and oil from the seed is used in paints, among other products.
• Today, flaxseed and flaxseed oil are used as dietary supplements for constipation, diabetes, cholesterol, cancer, and other conditions.
• Flaxseed is made into tablets, extracts, powder, and flour. The oil is also put in capsules.

How Much Do We Know?

• There have been a number of studies in people of flaxseed and flaxseed oil, including their effect on hot flashes.

What Have We Learned?

• Flaxseed contains fiber, which generally helps with constipation. However, there’s little research on the effectiveness of flaxseed for constipation.
• Studies of flaxseed and flaxseed oil to lower cholesterol levels have had mixed results. A 2009 research review found that flaxseed lowered cholesterol only in people with relatively high initial cholesterol levels.
• Flaxseed doesn’t decrease hot flashes, studies from 2010 and 2012 suggest.
• NCCIH is funding preliminary research on the potential role of substances in flaxseed for ovarian cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, asthma, and inflammation.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Don’t eat raw or unripe flaxseeds, which may contain potentially toxic compounds.
• Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements seem to be well tolerated in limited amounts. Few side effects have been reported.
• Avoid flaxseed and flaxseed oil during pregnancy as they may have mild hormonal effects. There’s little reliable information on whether it’s safe to use flaxseed when nursing.
• Flaxseed, like any fiber supplement, should be taken with plenty of water, as it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, cause an intestinal blockage. Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil can cause diarrhea.

Keep in Mind

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Disclaimer/ Disclosure

This information contained in this article is for information purposes only and. and it is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. According to the NCCIH the mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH nor do I endorse any products or methods used.

Common Names: garlic

Latin Names: Allium sativum

Background

• Garlic is the edible bulb from a plant in the lily family. It was traditionally used for health purposes by people in many parts of the world, including the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Japanese, and Native Americans.
• Currently, garlic is used as a dietary supplement for many purposes, including high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the common cold, as well as in attempts to prevent cancer and other diseases.
• Fresh garlic, garlic powder, and garlic oil are used to flavor foods. Garlic dietary supplements are sold as tablets or capsules. Garlic oil may be used topically (applied to the skin).

How Much Do We Know?

• A great deal of research has been done on garlic, but much of it consists of small, preliminary, or low-quality studies.

What Have We Learned?

• There’s conflicting evidence about whether garlic lowers blood cholesterol levels. If it does, the effect is small, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the so-called “bad” cholesterol that’s linked to increased heart disease risk) may not be reduced at all.
• Garlic may be helpful for high blood pressure, but the evidence is weak.
• Some studies indicate that certain groups of people who eat more garlic may be less likely to develop certain cancers, such as stomach and colon cancers. However, garlic in dietary supplement form has not been shown to help reduce the risk of these cancers. The National Cancer Institute recognizes garlic as one of several vegetables with potential anticancer properties but does not recommend using garlic dietary supplements for cancer prevention.
• There’s not enough evidence to show whether garlic is helpful for the common cold.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• Garlic is probably safe for most people in the amounts usually eaten in foods.
• Side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, and upset stomach. These side effects can be more noticeable with raw garlic. Some people have allergic reactions to garlic.
• Taking garlic may increase the risk of bleeding. If you take an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin) or if you need surgery, tell your health care provider if you’re taking or planning to take garlic dietary supplements.
• Garlic has been found to interfere with the effectiveness of some drugs, including saquinavir, a drug used to treat HIV infection.

Keep in Mind

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Disclaimer/ Disclosure

This information contained in this article is for information purposes only and. and it is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. According to the NCCIH the mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH nor do I endorse any products or methods used.