National Handshake Day – I know in the Baptist faith we extended the right hand christian handshake. We use a handshake as a way of greeting someone. Some clubs and organizations have special handshakes. Did you know the the Bible tells us to greet each other with a Holy Kiss. #handshake #NationalHandShakeDay

This holiday, National Handshake Day, celebrated the last Thursday of June each year. I am not sure when this holiday was started either.

Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

Romans 16:16

Greet one another with a holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12

Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

1 Thessalonians 5:26

All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

1 Corinthians 16:20

As you can see, it tells us to greet with a holy kiss several times in the Bible. So make sure we greet our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with a holy greeting.

At one time a mans handshake was his word. It was a very firm hand shake.

One of deacons at a church I went to, members would kid him. He has big hands and a strong firm shake. Plus, he owns a tractor repair and supply store. We tell him, with that grip you can undo lug nut off a tractor tire with his bare hands.

A Handshake

• A firm grip reflects a confident personality.
• Used for Greetings
• A floppy handshake reveals a shy one.
• Used as a binding agreement.
• It is believed to have been practiced since at least the 2nd century B.C.
• Used to congratulate someone.

Future & Current Dates

2019 – June 27
2020 – June 25
2021 – June 24
2022 – June 22
2023 – June 29

Past Dates

2018 – June 28

First published June 25, 2015. Last republished 26, 2019.

National Sunglasses Day – Help The Vision Council celebrate National Sunglasses Day by sharing the importance of wearing ultraviolet (UV)-protective sunwear and eyewear on your social media channels. Make sure to use these hashtags. #NationalSunglassesDay  #SunglassSelfie

This day is held annually on June 27. The Vision Council has supported National Sunglasses Day since 2014, however, they holiday has been celebrated since 2009.

Make UV protection a family affair. UV damage is cumulative, occurring over a lifetime of exposure. Children are extra vulnerable, so get them in the habit of wearing sunglasses early! This will help to mitigate serious vision problems in the future.

Top 5 Things You Should Know about UV Eye Protection

Despite the importance of always wearing UV-protective sunglasses while outside, many people are still unaware of these key points regarding UV eye protection.

1. Despite the health risks of UV exposure, not all sunglasses have UV protection. Since UV protection is crucial to shielding eyes from damaging radiation, it is imperative to look for a label, sticker or tag indicating UV protection before purchasing a pair of sunglasses.
2. UV protection has nothing to do with the darkness or color of a lens. Wearing sunglasses with dark lenses without adequate UV protection can actually be worse than wearing no sunglasses at all because they cause the eye’s pupil to dilate, which then increases retinal exposure to the unfiltered UV.
3. Children receive three times the annual sun exposure of adults, increasing their susceptibility to UV eye damage. And, unlike the mature ocular lens of an adult eye, a child’s immature lens cannot filter out UV as easily. The need for UV protection for children is compounded by the fact that it is easier to find youth sunglasses that do not provide adequate UV protection. That’s why parents should always have their children‘s sunglasses tested for UV protection.
4. UV rays are just as dangerous on cloudy days as they are on clear days. Just like skin, eyes can accumulate harmful UV radiation on overcast days so be sure to wear proper eye and skin protection while outside.
5. Similar to cloudy days, cold days also carry UV risk. The sun is present year-round, which means UV rays are a constant regardless of weather. UV rays can’t be seen, but their long-term effects are extremely damaging to the eyes.

Celebrate!

First published June 27, 2018. Last updated or republished June 26, 2019.

Be yourself. No one can say you’re doing it wrong.
Charlie Brown

VOTD June 26, 2019

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.”

2 Timothy 1:7

Some translations use Timidity in place of fear. Which timidity means the lack of courage or confidence.

So Fear Not!

Impossible by Building 429

Forgiveness Day – Yes there are two holidays on forgiving. Yet, we shouldn’t need a holiday to forgive. #ForgivenessDay #Forgiveness

Forgiveness Day

Global Forgiveness Day is held on July 7 and founded by CECA (Christian Embassy of Christ’s Ambassadors) in 1994.

While, International Forgiveness Day is on the first Sunday of August and was founded by the World Forgiveness Alliance (WFA). Year unknown.

Both days as a reminder for people to forgive. Forgiveness is very important. Main reason is Christ said we must forgive or we won’t be forgiven! (Matthew 6:15). I actually go in more depth in the Forgiveness blog post.

Everyday should be Forgiveness Day! We are never promised tomorrow or even the next moment.

Forgiveness Sunday is usually the Sunday before Lent.

“Forgiveness offers the possibility of two types of peace: peace of mind — the potential healing of old emotional wounds, and peace with others — the possibility of new, more gratifying relationships in the future.”

Kenneth I. Pargament & Mark S. Rye

First published August 3, 2018. Last updated or republished June 25, 2019.

Remember fireworks safety when celebrating – Outdoor celebrations dominate social schedules each summer. Several of these celebrations coordinate with national holidays or days of national pride and are accompanied by barbecues, parades, picnics, and often fireworks. #Fireworks #FourthofJuly

Fireworks can add character and excitement to group events. When done well, they can be the focal point of festivities and often mark the culmination of a day of fun. The earliest record of fireworks dates back to 7th century China, believed to be the home of fireworks. Fireworks have long been a part of Chinese culture and were used to accompany many festivities. Soon the use of fireworks spread beyond China.

Today, fireworks may be part of military homecomings, large sporting events and so much more. Holidays like New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July frequently feature fireworks displays. Fireworks tend to be most commonly used during warm-weather months, which is why fireworks safety is emphasized throughout June and July.

Each year, the National Fire Protection Association warns that thousands of people – most often children and teens – are injured while using consumer fireworks. To the novice, fireworks can be dangerous, even in ways people may not realize. Burns, fires, loss of fingers, blindness, and even death are possible. The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks urges the public to avoid the personal use of fireworks and to enjoy displays conducted by trained professionals who adhere to various safety protocols.

Those who engage in personal firework use are urged to do so properly and safely. The American Pyrotechnics Association says 47 of the 50 states and the District of Columbia allow legal “consumer” fireworks. Consider the following safety tips whenever fireworks are included in the festivities:

Firework Safety Tips:

• Ensure that fireworks are legal where you live before planning a fireworks display.
• Purchase all fireworks, which can include everything from cone fountains to sparklers, from a licensed and reputable dealer.
• Read all instructions before lighting.

• Supervise all firework activities, making sure children do not light any fireworks.
• Avoid alcohol and drug use when lighting fireworks. Both can impair judgement and create hazardous conditions.
• Have safety equipment on hand. This includes safety glasses and ear protection.
• Do not light multiple fireworks at the same time.
• Use fireworks in a clearing far away from buildings and vehicles.
• Always have a hose or bucket of water available to douse fireworks.
• Soak “dud” fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them. Wait 20 minutes before approaching the dud.
• Don’t point fireworks at people.
• Maintain a safe distance between those observing the fireworks show and the fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks safely, away from combustible materials.

Fireworks can be an enjoyable component of celebrations when used responsibly.

Remember The safest way to enjoy fireworks is from a distance.

Compliments of MetroCreative. TF176083 – First published June 29, 2018 – Last updated or republished June 25, 2019.