“We pray on one hand, but we’re also armed on the other hand, not in a vigilante way ... I hope I’ll never have to use it, but I am ready for any threat that enters my temple. I do feel responsibility,” he said.

Zucker said he doesn’t have the funds to hire a full-time security guard but makes sure at least one other person at the temple is also armed. After the Pittsburgh attack, he started asking local police to hang out during big events or for holidays and he says they’ve obliged."
...
"Jamaal Weathersby, the pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in New Orleans, said the attack was a turning point for his church and others in terms of thinking about their security.

Their church has eight or nine doors, he said, but now people are only allowed through one entrance for services. Security cameras were installed and security agents will be hired for an upcoming revival.

“I think that now the way that people think about church in general whether it is the mosque, synagogue or what have you, it’s not sacred anymore,” he said.

In Jackson, Mississippi, the New Horizon Church International beefed up security after the Charleston shooting, but Bishop Ronnie Crudup said it’s important for the church not lose its open and welcoming environment.

“We seek to not lose ourselves and our own purpose and who we’re supposed to be as we react to the present dilemmas that we’re in,” he said.

Even with heightened security, worshippers said the attacks would not prevent them from gathering together for prayer."

Protestors in Paris Losing Support
As the yellow vest protestors who oppose President Macron's economic policies had a resurgence of looting and destruction of property, including the Champs-Elysees, restaurants and luxury stores, support is starting to wane. One woman said, “I used to have support for them, but they have gone too far. A mother and baby nearly died... This isn’t protest — this is criminal." 

From AP:

"Some 10,000 people participated in Saturday’s Paris protest, according to France’s Interior Ministry, up from the 3,000 the Saturday before. In Paris, 192 people were arrested amid the violence. Around the country, the ministry estimated that 32,300 people protested, compared with 28,600 last week."

Down from the 250,000 yellow vesters who protested last November, but French officials are continuing to meet to discuss how to deal with the protests.

Keep Nebraska in Your Prayers
The devastating flooding is still happening in Nebraska. More info:

Before-and-After Images Show Ongoing Flood Disaster in Nebraska and Iowa (Weather Channel)

Nebraska floods have broken records in 17 places across the state (CNN)

Wish to help those affected by the flooding in Nebraska and Iowa? Here are some options (Omaha World-Herald)

What Were You Like at 16?
It's a question many are answering on Twitter following House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi's suggestion that the voting age should be lowered to 16. Some funny responses here.

8 Free Rewards to Motivate You to Reach Your Goals
Whether you’re working on healthy habits, still KonMari organizing or staying on budget, it’s nice to get rewarded when you reach a goal. Sure, many will argue that completing the task or reaching your goal should be its own reward but I readily admit that I need more. If you’re especially productive in reaching your goals, rewards like a new pair of shoes or spa treatments can bust your budget. I put together a list of some of my favorite rewards that (mostly) won’t cost you a dime. Check them out here.

What I'm Reading This Week
Lately I've been watching a lot of morning routine videos on YouTube. Trust me, it's more interesting than it sounds. There are many commonalities, like waking up super early, getting a workout out of the way, having breakfast, and journaling. Even though I've been writing since I was 9 or 10 years old, I've never been a journaler. I tried when I was a kid and accumulated numerous journals/diaries with 10 entries and many more blank pages. I thought I'd give it a try since it seems to be a popular habit for successful people. Rather than start from a blank slate, I'm starting with this book, The 3-Minute Morning Journal. It's sort of like Mad Libs for gratitude and reflection. From the description: "The 3-Minute Morning Journal is a powerful practice designed to help you begin each morning with intention and gratitude and retire each evening with reflection and satisfaction."

A Case of the Mondays
Learning a New Trick From My Old Dog: Friendship by Dave Barry (Wall Street Journal)

You have to see this adorable dog with Mickey Mouse ears (Facebook)