Age of Enlightenment

Imagine Jesus' Children Reporting Directly to God

2009-10-02T13:04:00.001-07:00

Now what if, Jesus actually had a son, and his son followed the Old Testament rule of being fruitful and multiply. Each one of Jesus' kids had at least 10 kids and by now there's thousands of his descendants all over the world and these guys are watching everything that's going on around them and reporting everything directly to God.

Imagine this, every one of his kids have down syndrome, are handicapped, blind, deaf, homeless, homosexuals and the worst of all, atheists. They have been strategically positioned all over the world to gather information on how, Christians actually treat other people.

Every time that a homeless person has asked you for spare change and you haven't given them anything, this would count as one black mark against you, on the great chalkboard at Judgment Day.

Every sign you held up, rejecting gay marriage or abortion, would count as five black marks. Each one of these people or any other person, who you had intentionally hurt their feelings, would be 15 black marks.

Every time that you lied to another Christian, this would be 50 black marks. If a Christian lied to a nonbeliever, especially when trying to convince them that the Bible is the written Word of God, this would be 150 black marks.

Jesus' children would be reporting directly to him on a daily basis, through the use of the Internet, God's Internet that is. Every Christian who thought they were doing the Lord's work, could actually be in grave danger.

You only get a thousand black marks and if you're 150 black mark short of entering heaven, you will have plenty of time, as you burn in eternal lake of fire, forever. Think about it, the next time that you lie to someone, refuse generosity, or try to convince someone that the Bible is actually the written word of God.

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Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Thanks for reading my articles

Mysteries of the Bible - Advanced Bible Study Techniques

2009-10-02T01:55:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wanted to really know what the mysteries of the Bible really are? Was Jesus more important than God? Why were the Jewish people considered to be the chosen ones, even though they don't get to go to heaven, because they don't believe that Jesus Christ was their Lord and Savior? I would like to help you solve some of the mysteries of the Bible.

Whether you're a Jewish or believe in Christianity, each if you share an interest in the Holy Scripture. Jewish people obviously don't believe that Jesus was the Messiah and are still waiting for their Messiah to come and free them. Christians obviously believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the true Messiah and fulfilled all the prophecies.

One of the mysteries of the Bible that I would like to share with you, is that your actually going to need to read the Bible to find them. The biggest mystery of the Bible is actually reading it. You don't need to read the entire Bible, to figure out, what it's actually saying.

Start reading certain sections that interest you. Two of the most read books in the Bible are the books of Genesis, which is the first book in the Old Testament and the book of revelations, which is the last book in the New Testament. Both of these books are extremely popular reads.

The book of Genesis is about the beginning and the book of revelations is about the end of times and this seems to be the biggest interest for Christians. In other words, you're not going to be able to find the mysteries, within the Bible if you don't at least start to read some of it.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

If You're a Christian Woman, You Had Better Watch This Video on Problems With Women Speaking in church. Are women really allowed to speak inside the church, you won't believe what you're about to see.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Thanks

Properly Exercising Faith - People Who Represent Christianity

2009-10-01T14:26:00.001-07:00

It's your responsibility as a Christian to properly exercise your faith and to express your opinions as such. If you don't know something for a fact, you are obligated to seek and gather more information about these so-called facts.

With this said, if you hear a Bible verse quoted to you by someone and you don't necessarily understand 100% of what they are saying or you think that they might be twisting around the Scripture, it's your obligation to find out, the truth and nothing but the truth.

Let me give you an example of how to properly exercise your faith. An atheist walks up to you and asks you why you believe in God, you reply," Because it says so in the Bible." Wrong.., wrong answer. Because it says so in the Bible, isn't what I would consider a good answer. It's what I would consider to be a controlled Christian answer, simple but untrue.

The minute that you start referring to things in the Bible and you don't really understand what it is that you're talking about, you're not doing Christianity any favors. The minute that you listen to another person quote out of the Bible and start repeating, what it is that they were saying, without clearly understanding the truth, you're simply spreading rumors.

Think about this, the next time that you tell someone something that you heard, just because you hear something three times, doesn't make it a fact. I would like to tell you a little secret, so pay attention, simply because someone within your religious community, who others look up to, say something that sounds believable, don't start spreading rumors, find out for yourself, if it's actually true.

Christian Bible Problems

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author and a inspiration to millions of people. He has been involved in religious research for almost 30 years, and his influence in the Christian community is growing. The Holy Bible, is the core to Christian beliefs and most Christians don't even question it. Was the Bible actually written by men?

His newest book," Did God Actually Say That?" Was written specifically for Christians who are interested in gaining additional knowledge about the Bible. This book provides Christians with advanced biblical knowledge, answer some tough questions and should be read by every faithful follower of Christ.

Understanding the Bible

Helping You Recover From Grief and Loss

2009-09-15T00:22:00.001-07:00

Journaling is about empowerment through self-awareness. It is a process by which you meet your needs for emotional and spiritual cleansing. Journaling removes the cobwebs from your thought processes by recording the ideas, feelings and emotions that are currently distracting to you.

This process is about balance. Journaling gives you access to your inner thoughts and feelings, and removes them from the cluttered storehouse of your unconscious. Then, you can clearly see where you are going from day to day, what you are thinking and what you need to focus on as your growth unfolds.

The world opens up to you when you start journaling because your unconscious receives the message that you are ready to receive information from your inner world.

Self-empowerment through self-knowledge is about entering your world of unconscious activity where you have stored past traumas, hurt feelings and any un-examined life events. When you are open to this process, you will discover much about yourself that has heretofore remained hidden.

Journaling is not a short cut to creative writing, as some would have you believe. It is simply an access point to your inner life where valuable information about who and what you are can be uncovered.

Disregard any other ideas you may have about journaling, especially those that suggest you have to write creatively and with purpose. This is not the case. Journaling is about self-revelation. You are bringing your unconscious self to conscious awareness. Only by knowing what you believe in, and then acting on that information, can you make choices for the better.

The conditioning you received in your early years is still active, even if it no longer rises to conscious awareness. That's what repeating patterns of behavior are all about. We are being driven by some part of us that believes in unquestioned and outdated ideas. Once you see these patterns, and the ideas that drive them, you can interrupt your automatic responses and make new choices.

Prepare yourself for a rough ride, at times, as your unconscious protector-controller tries to steer you away from recognizing this inner activity. This part of you has a big investment in remaining hidden and will resist your pursuit of self-honesty and increased awareness.

In the end you will acquire what you want, because your submerged self wants to come forward and enjoy the same level of freedom you desire.

The old guard, the protector-controller, will put up resistance because it is about to lose its job. Successful journaling requires you listen to all the voices within, including this one. So when that part is active, put it on the page.

Your resistance will hiss and snarl at times of change, so let it do so in your journal. You will see this happen time and time again. It's a struggle, after all, for every part of you. When you choose to make a change for the better, it upsets the old inner balance. Let the resistance have its say in your journal. Only then can you set it aside and resume your forward motion.

Once you begin this process and engage in it regularly, your journaling will become self-activating. Whenever something inside you clamors for attention, you will find yourself reaching for the journal to let it out. Whatever needs attention, put it on the page - good, bad or indifferent. Do not edit or deny what is begging for attention. You will learn that these so-called "negative" parts of you are just scared. Once those feelings are out, you will immediately calm down.

Journaling is a very powerful process of self-communication. It will activate itself time and again as you become accustomed to using it. Begin simply by recording your feelings. Let your inner self tell you what is going on inside. Ask yourself feeling questions, mainly, because we are all capable of rationalizing our thoughts and feelings rather than experiencing them.

When you ask feeling questions, listen for feeling answers and write them down. Your protector-controller will try and dissuade you from going too deep. Feeling questions help you sidetrack that resistance.

"How do I feel about . . . .?" will help you reach the center of any difficulty while bypassing the defenses to awareness of your interior life.

You will discover things about yourself that are truly amazing, secrets you've never revealed to anyone. You will uncover regrets you have had about past experiences, hopes you hold for your future and secret desires that you have never acknowledged. This is your chance to do all that adventurous excavating while clearing your emotional and feeling centre of psychological debris.

This will be a time of great learning accompanied by great frustration. It is all part of the package. Journaling brings out everything and that is always to your benefit.

Do not give up on your recording practices just because things have calmed down. Your journaling sessions will become smoother as time marches on, and you'll be better equipped, in terms of emotional and spiritual strength, to handle each and every crisis that comes your way.

Journaling takes you to the Well of Wisdom from where all answers emerge. Eventually, you will find yourself confronted with the deity that is you, your own holy soul. This encounter will reveal much about who you are and help you secure that connection with your Higher Self.

In time, you will trust that connection so completely that you will begin to access it often, especially when big decisions are at stake. At this point, you will see yourself as a co-creator with your God Source and happily utilize that guidance for every aspect of your life. That is the power of journaling. It puts you in touch with your essential self, which puts you in touch with your Source. We are part of a Divine Matrix and we are all enriched by this connection.

Let Journaling be Your Friend from this point forward.

Maurice Turmel holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology. He was a practicing therapist for nearly 25 years providing counseling and therapy to individuals, groups, organizations and families. He is the author of "The Voice - A Metaphor for Personal Development"; "Mythical Times - Exploring Life, Love & Purpose"; and "How to Cope with Grief and Loss - Support, Guidance and Direction for Your Healing Journey". He has been a guest on numerous regional television and radio talk shows and hosts his own radio shows on live365.com/drmauriceturmel and on BlogTalkRadio.com

Email: drmoe2000@gmail.com
Websites: http://www.howtocopewithgriefandloss.com

Wishing For Riches - Self Help Tips

2009-09-14T11:20:00.001-07:00

Anybody can wish for riches, and most people do, but only a few know that a definite plan, plus a burning desire for wealth, are the only dependable means of accumulating wealth.

This statement is at the beginning of Chapter 13 from the book "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.

There are so many different methods, from so many different people, but most people don't know where to start, or plan their way to success.

I have heard some people mention the hardest part is actually starting, while others say you have to start somewhere, anywhere but start. Starting is usually the hardest part for most people, they get defeated by their own beliefs and of course never even start.

Fear of failure and fear of success, seem to be at the top of the list when thinking about starting a business. It's always been hard to imagine people being afraid to succeed, when this is what they seem to desire the most.

Wishing for riches can motivate you to start, thinking about the many different ways to succeed can motivate you to plan. A burning dire to succeed well often motivate you to start and create a plan eventually.

The key to creating wealth is developing habits and good daily habits performed over a lifetime, most of the time, will lead you to wealth beyond your wildest dream's. Sometimes this wealth is going to have nothing to do with money.

Get some books, talk to some people, watch some biographies about successful people throughout history, find out what they did and start paving your own trail. But you're going to have to start somewhere.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Organic Food Coupons

2009-09-13T21:56:00.001-07:00

All-organic meals may come as more expensive than a regular protein-carbohydrate combo one. And yes, it's more difficult to find fiber-rich and organic foods sold at lesser prices. But with organic food coupons, you can enjoy a considerable amount of savings. Quite a few manufacturers are open-minded about giving out coupons as they are still soliciting ample resources to cater to the market's escalating needs. If you are bold enough to communicate with the bigwigs of sellers and re-sellers, there is a greater possibility of acquiring coupons from them. How much more when they learn that you are a die-hard fanatic of organic foods?

Other consumers believe that acquiring some organic food coupons would entail more efforts. At present times, the trend of qualifying organic foods as part of the product lines is growing among several food makers. Brands like Campbell's, McCormick, Grape Nuts and Chips a Hoy are embracing the idea of going organic with their food selection. While it is realistic that finding coupons for natural food purchases can be a bit hard, it doesn't suggest that no companies would be open to handing out coupons. It only goes to say that you need to allocate and assert more work to find them online. By browsing the Internet pages, you will eventually learn which companies are actually distributing food coupons.

Shoppers nowadays are becoming choosier in their way of purchasing foods. This reality tends them to resort to the idea of shopping with the use of organic food coupons. The advantage of those who actually buy on a budget is that they can wisely pick the items needed while saving big bucks. What's so good now is that there are quite a number of websites that actually offer food coupons. Newspaper circulars released on Sundays also have coupons inserted. Before availing of the coupons, you must verify through the websites if the coupons are acquired directly from them or by other means. SCO Juice, Coleman Natural, Mambo Sprouts, Stony Field Farms, Organic Valley and Shop Nature Oasis are among those who offer special food coupons for organic and natural foods.

The market tells us that there are two accepted ways wherein organic food coupons can be obtained. There are certain manufacturers that actually provide coupon booklet through the retailers every quarter. You can also print coupons directly from the manufacturer's website. Mambosprouts.com has coupons that can be printed. During holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, these food coupons are widely distributed and mailed directly to shoppers. Just so you know which websites to go for you to get the coupons, you can begin exploring the search engine. That's the best option there is to embrace so that you get your coupons in perfect timing.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about organic food, please visit My Organic Markets for current articles and discussions.

8 Feng Shui Ways to Be a Grandparent

2009-09-13T08:43:00.001-07:00

You may ask what being a grandparent has to do with Feng Shui. My answer is, 'Feng Shui is our reaction to the environment.' Family is a piece of the puzzle.

Reflect back to when you heard you were becoming a grandparent, or fantasize about what it will be like. Did you or will you think, "I'm not ready for this?" Or, were you like (or will you be like) me ... so excited? The honor of a new life in our family meant many things, and I couldn't help but also daydream at the prospect of playing again, and freedoms I didn't feel I had as a parent. It is said that 'once a man, twice a child;' (Rabbis) -- meaning we are born and die with limited mental capabilities, yet live as adults once. While debatable, you get the concept.

Growing up, I did not want to hear how my parents walked a mile in snow to go to school. Certainly, our children don't want to hear the 'same old' from us. In most cases, they can't relate. Actually, my mother never went to school. She was in an Australian adoption home, never feeling wanted (and before education and 'school' was mandated). Dad left home at 16 to join the service because his father passed, and his Mother couldn't afford five children during the depression (one with a disability). As far as grandparents, I only knew one. She came to live with us following an auto accident, and on a good day she tolerated us.

Before both my parents passed, I asked each if we could go through pictures. Mom was an amateur photographer so she was delighted to dig the photos out. This endeavor was one of the most memorable times I had with them. Instead of asking what the pictures were ... I asked what they were going through at the time, who their support group was, and what their joys and fears were. After all, we all have heavy boots to wear (something to learn, ways that we suffer). My parents met during World War II and my uncles all served. The reality is that life doesn't come with an instruction manual (whether a parent, sibling, spouse, or parent). The questions I asked my parents were open ended, and invoked a bigger-picture explanation. Their answers provided a real glimpse into their lives.

So, this article is about children. We can ask ourselves how our lives would be different "if." We can't go back (at least not yet) so it is our duty to go forward. Learn from the past and don't make the same mistakes. My first pregnancy was an ectopic one so I never saw my child. My second born was my daughter (who eventually passed over). Keeping a long story short, decades later, my granddaughter was born. Gems that I have learned and want to share with you are listed below in a short list. It's not necessarily inclusive, and it is a place to start. Remember, our youth is our future. Help create it!

Eight Feng Shui ways to Be a Grandparent:

1. When viewing a picture of your grandchild, ask them what is going on in their life (friends, bullies, teachers they like, teachers they don't (and why to both), etc.) rather than about the picture itself.

2. Encourage them to be all they can be. Limitations will reveal themselves as your grandchild grows. Remember to include lost arts such as manners, and contributions such as chores.

3. Teach them that money is a tool, not an end to a means. That being said, also teach them how to manage money -- balance a checkbook, save, and avoid debt.

4. Set an example of acceptance. This might be an act of kindness every day to a stranger or neighbor. Let them see that everyone deserves respect.

5. Actions speak louder than words.

a. When you help others, take your grandchild with you.
b. When you volunteer (soup kitchen, food bank, clothing drive, picking up trash, etc.), take them with you.
c. When you vote, take them with you.
d. Let them know their action and words make a difference. Complaining isn't productive-instead, action discloses ways that work (or are discoveries in and of themselves). Coach them that wounds may heal but unkind words last forever-what we put into the world comes back to us.
e. Consider a change of perspective (make another city or country available). A change of environment can be eye opening.

6. Educate them that instant gratification is temporary.

a. Each person needs to learn their own truth and purpose. That means reading, processing, problem solving, and learning.
b. Technology (TV, the internet, iPods, etc.) occupies us but what has it really made better? Information can be controlled and manipulated. Take your grandchildren into nature and explore the wonders there. Seek other people to expand your horizons.
c. Enroll your grandchildren in growing, cooking, and shopping for healthy food.
d. Tutor them on what is good for Mother Earth (what is meant by sustainable, renewable, and attuning to the environment). It is rewarding to reuse, renew, and recycle.

7. Persuade them to write their own legacy-begin with the end in mind. Each one of us has an innate desire to make a difference. Ask your grandchild how they want to be remembered, and be supportive when the story changes.

8. Love them unconditionally. Let them know that no matter what happens, you are there for them.

There are wonderful books these days that offer more ideas, but I hope this has provided tips on 'being' with a grandchild. It is easy to get caught up in doing and buying, but 'being' means sharing ourselves.

Have you ever heard, "I'll be a better parent than you were!"? A great response to that is, "Good, you got it! We're supposed to learn as we grow." As you've heard before, 'We did not inherit the Earth of our forefathers, we inherited it from our children' (Crazy Horse). It reinforces the notion that we need to do things differently.

In conclusion, when people want to know what Feng Shui is, to me it is ultimately feeling safe and secure in my environment. My husband and I collect our granddaughter a couple times a month for an extended visit. We play, read, explore, and talk. It is a sacred time and an absolute joy. Hope for the future depends on what we make of today. It isn't up to one leader, one nation, or one relationship. It is up to us!

Diana Garber is a classic Feng Shui practitioner with nearly 30 years experience in energy and risk management. Her extensive corporate background and work with Fortune 100 companies sets her apart as an international consultant, speaker, author, and seasoned program manager. She utilizes over a dozen sciences to evaluate influences such as electromagnetic currents, geopathic stress, and other factors internal and external to one's living or work environments to improve clients' lives. Please visit our Web site at http://www.intuitiveconcepts.com for information, testimonies, and much more.

History of DL Clark Company and Teaberry Gum

2009-09-12T19:13:00.001-07:00

Remember the gum you chewed as a kid? Yes, I am talking about Teaberry Gum! Its history is quite interesting. It took quite a bit of internet hiking to find any information on it. You can purchase it in a variety of places, but to find the history is a different story. I had to go back to Teaberry Gum roots (pun intended).

It was distributed by the D.L. Clark Company. David Lytle Clark was born in Ireland in 1864 and came to the U.S. in 1872. If you are familiar with Irish and American history of the 1800's, you will know that the Irish that had the luck-of-the leprechaun were able to escape the terrible potato blight and famine during the 1840's. By 1872, though the famine had ended twenty-one years earlier, there was still a great exodus from Ireland to America, the great Land of Opportunity!

Again, if you know your American history, you will know that the Irish were neither well loved nor received. They were coerced into taking the jobs "no one with dignity" would take. They had to do undignified things like cleaning up after the horses, and becoming policemen. Though being a police officer now is a respectful career, in those days it was not.

This young entrepreneur, after working for three years in the candy industry, was able to procure a wagon, horses, and the tools necessary to go into the candy business for himself. Thus, by 1886, the D. L. Clark Company was founded. He left New York and started selling his wares on the streets of Pittsburgh. By 1920, the D. L. Clark Company was making well over 100 varieties of candy, including several five-cent bars, specialty items and a bulk candy line. By 1921, Clark was also manufacturing chewing gum in a building across the street from his candy factory. During his lifetime, Clark became the leading distributors of candy and gum. He passed away on February 3, 1939 and is buried in the Homewood Cemetery in Pittsburgh.

Find Teaberry Gum and other great nostalgic candy at http://www.nostalgic-candy.net

Can Feng Shui Help My Karma?

2009-09-12T06:02:00.001-07:00

Feng Shui is about the balance, harmony and attracting specific energies to create positive results.This method of attracting specific energies has been around for what is believed to go as far back as 3500 years.The Chinese believe that first comes destiny, secondly luck, then Feng Shui.So, if first comes destiny then we would be wise to use Feng Shui to help change our luck.When we make changes in our lives, it also changes the Karma that follows.

Karma, can be linked through our family generations, our past lives and how we lived this life in our earlier years.How we change our karma is directly linked to how we live or change our lives now, how open we are to love and how we intentionally create goodness within our lives.The goodness we put out is the goodness we attract through intentional change within us, as well as within our environment.

Heart felt and meaningful intention to bring on positive results that is not selfish or harmful to others, brings on good Karma, thus changing the negativity that has been created in our past.It is not something that can be changed over night, but over a period of time. Changes need time to be lived, to be committed to, to be felt and to be believed by the person wishing to make the changes.Once we change our lives for the better, our fate or Karma also changes for the better.

The longer we strive for goodness, kindness and balance, the more that will come back to us through the cosmic pull of our intention and balance in our lives and environment.

For example, if it is romantic love we wish to attract, then we need to open our hearts to love.

In the southwest sector of our environment, Feng Shui teaches us to work on this sector of our home to attract this energy.Also, the southwest sector of ones bedroom would also be suggested.Along with that, we include items in those sectors that are suggestive or symbolic of true romantic love between two people, pairs of decorative and symbolic items along with hints of red for passion.

To receive love, one needs to give love.We also need to love and accept ourselves before we can expect someone else to love us.We need to consciously live our lives with love.Make the choice to look for opportunities where you can begin to change your karma with simple acts of kindness, stay committed to change and watch the karmic effect this will have on your life!

You will be amazed at the goodness that will begin to follow you.

"Karma is a wonderful teacher when we have the courage to look close enough to learn the lesson."

2007 Silvana Rosati-Capizzano

Silvana is a well respected Interior Decorator, International Feng Shui Expert and the Principal of the Award Winning Home & Life Design Firm: Blue Avalon. Along with her years of study in Home Decor and Feng Shui, she has the unique ability of being able create luxurious interiors with balance and optimum energy flow thus creating a beautiful environment of positive energy, balance and harmony.

She also dedicates her time to her Holistic Practise at the Dove Spa providing healing therapies as Reiki, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Hopi Ear Coning. She is well respected in this field and certified in Reflexology and a Reiki Master.

Blue Avalon specializes in Interior Decorating, Feng Shui and Abundant Living. Blue Avalon is the publisher of The Blue Avalon Journal; a monthly e-zine packed with ideas, tips and insider secrets! To subscribe, log onto our website today at http://www.blueavalon.com and you will receive a bonus book, The Number One Feng Shui Secret That Will Transform Your Life!

Blue Avalon - "Harmony for your home...Balance for your life http://www.blueavalon.com

I Am Not a Grandma!

2009-09-11T16:11:00.001-07:00

I use to think I was aging gracefully, letting go of the things of youth, a new age saint, that was until I crossed the border from 45 to 46. Some how this seemed like one small step for people in denial and one giant leap for a menopausal graying sagging in all the wrong places woman.

I have a lovely young friend who is 26 and blessed with a beautiful two year old daughter who I am blessed to babysit every now and then. This is how our last conversation went:
Friend "I thought you were about the same age as my parents (late 50's) wow you could have been my mother" and as if that wasn't enough "You can be Jane's adoptive grandmother." Now I had been thinking along the lines of Aunty Robin. Grandma Robin was a bit much I think I am still suffering post traumatic stress. I did not want to be reminded the things of youth were slipping away, did not wanted to be confronted with a life maybe not as I had planned.

Isn't strange how we are conditioned to believe we should be put out to pasture after a certain age. We give up on dreams let go of ambitions take less risks cling to the familiar rather than step into the unknown.

But the Universe always has a way of dropping me little messages to shake me awake. Last night I sat with millions of others in front of the television and watched the happy birthday tribute to Nelson Mandela. Half way through the commentator spoke of how Mandela was 71 when he was released from jail. Wow at 71 he stepped into his greatness led a nation inspired the world created hope in hearts where before there was none and here I am 46 and moaning that my life was over.

I realize now the only thing limiting me is me not age because while age may slow the body it does not take away the possibilities the pathways to greatness that are available to everyone no matter how old they are.

And how blessed am I to have the honor of being an adoptive grandma to a special little girl. I can make sure she grows up knowing her greatness is not one thing it is many things strung over a lifetime and the Creator will continually put in front of her opportunities to step into this greatness until the very last breathe she takes.

Robin Newman Psychic/Medium
Creating futures changing lives
http://www.robinjpsychic.com

Cheddar Cheese Soup

2009-09-11T02:26:00.001-07:00

Wisconsin Cheddar cheese is a cheese that can vary in taste from very mild to having a sharp flavor. Cheddar is one of the most well liked and famous cheeses in the world. Here in America, the state of Wisconsin is famous for its wide array of cheeses that are award winning and delicious.

Cheddar has been around for a very long time. The name cheddar comes from a small village in England that first made the cheese around the 1100's. The village is named Cheddar.

When you think of cheddar often you with associate it with the color orange. This is common because of a old tradition of adding various dyes to the cheese to change its color. In reality, a cheddar cheese is creamy to pale white. This is its color without any dye added to it. Cheddar cheese has a wide variety of flavors. The flavor depends on how the cheese was made and how long it is aged. Young cheddar cheese is mild, while the longer aged cheese has a sharp flavor. The shortest duration of aging is three months and the longest is 30 months.

Wisconsin cheddar is a great addition to many different foods. You should get creative and try different flavors. Try a mild cheddar once and then use sharp cheddar the next time you make the dish. Do not be afraid to experiment. I have put together a recipe using Wisconsin cheddar for a great soup that people and kids will love. Give it a try.

Cheddar Cheese Soup

Cook Time - 30 min

Yield - 6 servings

Ingredients

* 4 tablespoons butter

* 1 large onion, finely chopped

* 1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

* 1/3 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

* 4 cloves garlic, minced

* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

* 2 cups chicken stock

* 1 1/2 cups whole milk

* 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

* 12 ounces sharp yellow cheddar cheese, grated (about 4 cups)

* Salt

* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

* Crumbled bacon or salsa, chopped parsley leaves, optional for garnish

Directions

In a large, heavy saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and peppers and saute until vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the stock, milk and heavy cream. Bring soup to a low boil and reduce heat so that the soup barely simmers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the soup is very thick and flavorful, about 20 minutes. Add the grated cheese in 1/2 cup increments, stirring after each addition until completely melted and smooth. Do not allow soup to boil. Season with salt and cayenne pepper, to taste.

Serve in shallow bowls, topped with some crumbled crispy bacon bits, a dollop of salsa, and chopped parsley, as desired.

I am a local chef in Chicago. You can visit my site at http://americanbaking.blogspot.com/ and find further recipes.

Placing Your Feng Shui House

2009-09-10T12:34:00.001-07:00

If you are thinking where to locate your feng shui house and you are lucky enough to be able to choose the land to build it then you should apply the feng shui principles when selecting your block. If you haven't the luxury of choosing your own block don't despair there are ways with feng shui that provides alternatives to offset anything that may not fit feng shui principles of house siting.

The ideal fenq shui site is said to be where the descending heaven qi meets the ascending earth qi. There is no hard and fast rule about the perfect site but there are some general conditions you can look for. Generally, half way up a hil facing the sun is considered a good location for your feng shui house because you will have a distance view and you will get cool summer breezes and warm winter ones.

The best feng shui house location is called the xue (shu). It incorporates an open space in the front, called the "bright hall" or ming tan, with four mythical animals or spirits around it. A spirit called the red bird provides the distant front view. Another the black tortoise is the hill at the back which provides protection. On the left is situated the azure dragon with the white tiger on the right. Ideally you should have a stream flowing across the front of the feng shui house site as water is regarded as a source of food and method of transportation. It is also believed that the heaven qi descends down the hill and is held back by the water.

All the above provides a protective armchair shape that can be applied not only to your feng shui house site, but to the feng shui of a particular room, where the chairs are placed so the backs are protected and there is an open space in front of you or your garden. At the rear of your garden can plant protective trees if there isn't a hill. Being safe and secure is a large part of being happy.

The shape of your block of land plays an important part of the feng shui house. Symmetrical shapes are the best. An L shaped piece of land poses problems because it is incomplete and unbalanced. If this is the case you need to look at ways of balancing it.

A rectangular block of land that is wider at the northern and southern ends is considered to have the best shape for siting your feng shui house. If your block is not a true rectangle then it is better that the back be wider than the front. With feng Shui you will find there are several ways of balancing a block of land that is not an ideal feng shui shape. You should investigate the best ways for your particular block for your particular feng shui house.

Wilf Gerrard-Staton lives in Country Australia. Where he purchased land and built a house conforming to Feng shui principles. He now has created a blog that provides simple explanations to all aspects of Feng Shui. You can view his blog at http://www.fengshuidecor.how-do-you-do.info

Checking the Building For Square

2009-09-08T06:42:00.001-07:00

The most important thing when building a home is the ability to keep everything as square, plumb and level as possible. Starting with the foundation, if the foundation is not square or level, the rest of the house is going to be out of alignment.

You've probably heard the saying, start with a good foundation. This applies to the building industry as well. There are quite a few ways to build a square foundation, it all depends on what kind of tools you have, to build it with.

Some of these tools can be quite expensive but it used every day can save you a lot of time and of course time is money.

You don't need expensive tools to build a square foundation. You could actually build a square foundation with less than $100 worth of tools. It might take you a little longer but could be done.

Let's start with the 3 - 4 - 5 rule.

Okay lets see if I can explain this in layman's terms. If no West side of the foundation is 3 foot and the north side of the foundation is for foot, then the diagonal measurement from the southwest corner to the northeast corner would be 5 foot. Out of square building can create foundation problems

This can also be done using 30' x 40' should equal 50 foot. You can use this if the building is large and you need to check it for square.

By measuring the foundation diagonally from each corner, the measurement should be exactly the same. If it isn't, the building is out of square and should be adjusted before the concrete is poured. This measurement should always be checked before you get too far along in the form building process.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your having problems in your attic, find out more at concrete contractor basics and home building ideas.

Using Words In The Bible Effecti

A Mirthful Spirit by Mary Huntley & Edna Thayer - Book Review

2009-09-08T01:13:00.001-07:00

Beaver's Pond Press (2007)
ISBN 9781592981656

"A Mirthful Spirit" uses stories, research, quotes, poetry, tips and suggestions by two scholars in the field of mirth and laughter. More than a guidebook for embracing mirth and laughter, "A Mirthful Spirit" provides guidelines for incorporating humor in the workplace, hospitals, and schools to improve productivity, wellness, and creativity.

One of the best things about laughter is that it is contagious. By teaching yourself the techniques and tips for living a mirthful life, one of the biggest benefits is that you will soon find yourself surrounded by people dispersing the joys of living with a mirthful spirit.

From the physical benefits (Initiates Internal Jogging, Thwarts Infections, Alleviates Pain) to mental benefits (Lightens stress, Increases brain-cell functioning), "A Mirthful Spirit" provides a handbook for healthy, happy, humor-filled living.

"A Mirthful Spirit" closes with an intriguing section on the historical and cultural highlights of humor. Even humor has evolved and matured from its beginnings (ridicule) to the healing powers of mirthful living we can access today.

"A Mirthful Spirit: Embracing Laughter for Wellness" is a perfect bedside companion and coffee table book; this is certainly a book to put on your gift lists. Not only will the receiver benefit from the wisdom among its pages, all will benefit from the gift of spreading mirth. Reading "A Mirthful Spirit" will change your outlook on life. Not only will you become happier-everyone will feel your joy and start laughing with you. Huntley and Thayer are firm believers in what one of their heroes, Patch Adams, says, "The most revolutionary act we can commit in the world is to be happy." Go buy a copy of "A Mirthful Spirit" and you too can laugh your way to wellness.

http://www.readerviews.com/

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

2009-09-07T23:12:00.001-07:00

Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?

Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.

1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.

2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.

3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.

4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.

5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.

6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.

7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.

8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.

9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.

10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.

There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.

What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.

Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Are Christians Really Interested

Little Things Make a Big Difference

2009-09-07T17:38:00.001-07:00

There's an old saying that "by the mile it's a trial, and by the inch it's a cinch." The reason the saying is old is because it's good, it's valid. If it were not, it would be dead and buried. For 24 years of my adult life, by choice I weighed well over 200 pounds. I say "by choice" because I have never "accidentally" eaten anything, so when I choose to eat too much, I have chosen to weigh too much. Every choice has an end result.

Twenty-two years ago I decided to do something about my weight and physical condition, so I got on an exercise and sensible eating program. Until then my idea of exercise was to fill the tub, take a bath, pull the plug and fight the current - and I know you'll agree that's not much of an exercise program! It took me 10 months to lose the 37 pounds I needed to lose. During that period of time I also wrote my first book, See You At The Top. It is 384 pages long and was the eighth best-selling hardback of the '80s.

Let's explore what I just said. Losing 37 pounds in 10 months meant that I lost an average of 1.9 ounces per day. Writing a 384-page book in 10 months meant that I wrote an average of 1 1/4 pages per day. You raise positive kids in a negative world, build a beautiful relationship with your mate, become a top-performing student, a world-class salesperson, or a top executive or educator not by a few mammoth leaps but by the daily, disciplined application of doing something every day to reach your objectives in life.

Buy that idea, take that approach, and I will SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is America's motivator. He is the author of 27 books and travels around the country spreading his message of hope and inspiration. To recieve his free newsletter, visit Zig at http://www.ziglar.com

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

2009-09-07T15:50:00.001-07:00