Donald Trumps inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States
The second inauguration of President Donald Trump rolled out on the world stage on January 20th with the pomp and circumstance that accompanies the swearing in of a new President. The inauguration was held inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda because of extremely cold temperatures in Washington, DC. Just hours after the ceremony, the president got right down to business, signing a flurry of executive actions. He signed orders to rescind 78 executive actions from former President Joe Biden, declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border that ordered the securing of the southern border, a federal policy that defines male and female as the only two genders, full pardons for roughly 1,500 January 6 defendants, 23 pro-life demonstrators who were convicted for protesting at abortion clinics and 14 commutations for prisoners. He gave the social media platform TikTok 75 days to find a U.S.-based buyer before yielding to a federal ban, and many others among the reported 200 he will sign. Supporters say President Trump is making good on his promise to the American people to restore America’s standing in the world and to put America first. The president thanked God, citing three assassination attempts he survived, saying he knows God has a bigger purpose for him. He declared, "We will not forget our country, we will not forget our Constitution, and we will not forget our God." America is indeed one nation under God.
First three hostages released after ceasefire deal
Among several promises President Trump made to the American people during his second inauguration was a promise to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Three of the hostages have been released after more than a year in captivity. Following Trump’s re-election, he quickly announced he would stand by Israel and demanded all hostages taken on October 7th of last year be released. The terrorist group Hamas, who had previously resisted all negotiations and continued attacks, finally returned to talks with Israel. The talks resulted in a ceasefire agreement with the first three hostages released hours later. Three women were the first to be released. The women were flown to a hospital in Israel, where they were examined before they were released and reunited with their families. In exchange for the release of hostages, 90 Palestinians will be released into Gaza. South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham says that the U.S. must continue to support Israel’s efforts to rid Gaza of Hamas.
US House passes bill to protect female athletes
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a bill to protect women and girls’ sports. In our SNBC update, the bill know as HR 28, will ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, protecting sports for girls in grades K-12th and in women’s collegiate sports. It will now move to the majority Republican Senate where it is expected to pass. The law’s passing by the House, which will be an addition to Title IX, was warmly received by activists who have long noted the biological differences between women and men. Athletes who claim to be transgender have dominated women’s sports in the past few years. Critics believe the law is further marginalizing a small group of the U.S. population who should be allowed to play sports with the gender of their choice.
In our SNBC Health report: 6 Strategies to Improve Your Motivation
We all have struggled with a lack of motivation from time to time. For some, it may have lingered longer than we expected. Motivation can be intrinsic, meaning people engage in the activity because they enjoy it, or extrinsic, where there is a reward at the end of the task. But studies have shown that to stay motivated in the long run is intrinsic motivation that propels us toward the finish line. “When we feel that our goal is deeply meaningful to us, we’re more likely to achieve it,” says Avigail Lev, a clinical psychologist in San Francisco.
Here are some ways to help you stay motivated:
• Put down your phone. Having your smartphone near you makes you more likely to be distracted and pick it up.
• Make goals small and achievable. Your brain releases dopamine every time you experience a sense of achievement, so breaking down large tasks into workable measures helps you reach goals more easily.
• Think ahead. When you have the choice of going to the gym and working out or lying on the couch to watch a movie, think how you’ll feel after the two activities. You may feel more energized and happier after a good workout compared to feeling lethargic after time on the sofa.
• Stick to a routine, unless otherwise directed by the Holy Spirit. According to Healthline, the sense of having accomplished daily tasks promotes well-being and a sense of purpose. Write down your routine and check off completed tasks as you go about your day. In other words, write the vision and make it plain. Accomplishing things on your list can inspire you to aim higher every day.
• Use the two-minute rule. Do small tasks that take two minutes or less right away, so they don’t pile up.
• Get moving. Instead of waiting for the motivation to exercise, just do it. Even a few squats or a quick walk at your lunch hour can do the trick.
My highest and most consistent level of motivation comes through praise and worship and through hearing the Word. It still amazes me how I’m infused with strength and determination as I focus on my Creator. As we stay connected to the Vine, God will always give us the intrinsic motivation we need.
