Friday, March 30, 2007
Bring On the Dark Chocolate!
DARK CHOCOLATE OPENS BLOOD VESSELS
Friday, March 30, 2007 - FreeMarketNews.com
Go ahead have that piece of dark chocolate. Scientists approve. Researchers found that six weeks of daily consumption of a dark chocolate cocoa mix significantly improved blood vessel health. It is the flavonoids that make the difference. Green Tea, red wine, and dark colored fruits and vegetables also have large amounts of flavonoids.
Flavonoids improve blood circulation by relaxing vessels. They also inhibit platelets from sticking together and have a beneficial antioxidant effect.
Dr. James Stein, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, says that flavonoids are a hot topic of research right now.
The Study was funded by the Hershey Company and the Centers for Disease Control. Involved were 39 people averaging 52 years old who were mildly obese.
The good effects of chocolate diminished in six hours. Better that other sources of flavonoids be found, ones that contain no sugar.
http://www.freemarketnews.com/WorldNews.asp?nid=37599
::Curvaceous!::
I joined Curves this year on March 6th; after a couple friends & my Mother-in-law told me how much fun it is. I've faithfully worked out 3 days a week since I joined & I was amazed when I got on the scale this morning! I had lost 10 lbs! I really like the fact that the workout isn't boring, plus it is fun to work out with other ladies compared to working out alone. The music at my Curves facility is very upbeat, the staff is friendly-- plus by the time 30 minutes is finished, I've gotten a full body workout using the hydraulic machines. :)
Not only do I enjoy the "30 minute Just for Me time"; I know that I am doing something positive for my health. I had a full physical last October & my cholesterol levels were a little high. Since then, I have taken measures to improve my health, as I want to be around as long as the Lord will allow me to be! :)
Autism-- Welcome to Holland
WELCOME TO HOLLAND
by Emily Perl Kingsley.
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.
by Emily Perl Kingsley.
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.
So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.
But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
:The Dart Test::
Dart Test...
A young lady named Sally relates an experience she had in a seminary
class, given by her
teacher, Dr. Smith. She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate
object lessons.
One particular day,
Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day.
On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr.
Smith told the
students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who
had made them
angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.
Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another
friend drew a
picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend,
putting a great
deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face.
Sally was pleased with
the overall effect she had achieved.
The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw
their darts with
such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward
to her turn, and
was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits,
asked the students
to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was
because she
didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smith began
removing the
target from the wall.
Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room
as each student
viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His
face and His eyes
were pierced.
Dr. Smith said only these words... "In as much as ye have done it unto
the least of these
my brethren, ye have done it unto Me."
Matthew 25:40.
No other words were necessary; the tears filled the eyes of the
students focused only on
the picture of Christ.
A young lady named Sally relates an experience she had in a seminary
class, given by her
teacher, Dr. Smith. She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate
object lessons.
One particular day,
Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day.
On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr.
Smith told the
students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who
had made them
angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture.
Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another
friend drew a
picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend,
putting a great
deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face.
Sally was pleased with
the overall effect she had achieved.
The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw
their darts with
such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward
to her turn, and
was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits,
asked the students
to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was
because she
didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smith began
removing the
target from the wall.
Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room
as each student
viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His
face and His eyes
were pierced.
Dr. Smith said only these words... "In as much as ye have done it unto
the least of these
my brethren, ye have done it unto Me."
Matthew 25:40.
No other words were necessary; the tears filled the eyes of the
students focused only on
the picture of Christ.
:Fear::
I am currently reading a book by Joyce Meyer: "The Confident Woman" & this story caught my eye as it gives an accurate description of how fear works. It seems so monstrous and horrible, but the more you confront it; the smaller it becomes. I like the way that Joyce says in her book that we can feel fear but to confront it & "Do it afraid." This applies to all aspects of our lives. :)
" I once heard a story of a village where the children were told by their parents: "Whatever you do, don't go near the top of the mountain. It's where the monster lives." All the previous generations of children heeded this warning and avoided going near the top of the mountain.
One day, some brave young men in the village decided that they had to go and see the monster. They wanted to see what was really like and defeat it. So, they loaded up their packs and provisions and set up the mountain. halfway up, they were stopped in their tracks by a huge roar and a terrible stench. Half the men rain down the mountain, screaming.
The other half of the group continued on their journey. As they got farther up the mountain, they noticed that the monster was smaller than they had expected-- but it continued to roar and emit such a strench that all by one of the men ran back down the mountain into the village.
"I am going to get the monster," the one remaining man said to himself, and he took a step forward. As he did so, the monster shrank until it was the same size as the man. As he took another step toward the monster, it shrank again. It was still hideously ugly & continued to emit a stench, but the man was so close to the monster now that he could actually pick it up and hold it in the palm of his hand. As he looked at it, he said to the monster,"Well, then, Who are you?"
In a tiny, high -pitched voice, the monster squeaked: "My name is Fear."
" I once heard a story of a village where the children were told by their parents: "Whatever you do, don't go near the top of the mountain. It's where the monster lives." All the previous generations of children heeded this warning and avoided going near the top of the mountain.
One day, some brave young men in the village decided that they had to go and see the monster. They wanted to see what was really like and defeat it. So, they loaded up their packs and provisions and set up the mountain. halfway up, they were stopped in their tracks by a huge roar and a terrible stench. Half the men rain down the mountain, screaming.
The other half of the group continued on their journey. As they got farther up the mountain, they noticed that the monster was smaller than they had expected-- but it continued to roar and emit such a strench that all by one of the men ran back down the mountain into the village.
"I am going to get the monster," the one remaining man said to himself, and he took a step forward. As he did so, the monster shrank until it was the same size as the man. As he took another step toward the monster, it shrank again. It was still hideously ugly & continued to emit a stench, but the man was so close to the monster now that he could actually pick it up and hold it in the palm of his hand. As he looked at it, he said to the monster,"Well, then, Who are you?"
In a tiny, high -pitched voice, the monster squeaked: "My name is Fear."
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Updated Autism Speaks website
I updated my Fundraising page for the Autism Speaks Walk. I added in Noah's story & I decided to increase my personal goal for this worthy cause.
Here is the the link:
http://www.autismwalk.org/site/TR?px=1942968&pg=personal&fr_id=1560&s_tafId=45000
Here is the the link:
http://www.autismwalk.org/site/TR?px=1942968&pg=personal&fr_id=1560&s_tafId=45000
Monday, March 26, 2007
Life is A Gift!
Life Is a Gift
Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who Has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went out to heaven Early.
Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the
unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another
Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your Face and thank God you're alive and still around.
Life is a gift, live it, enjoy it, celebrate it, and fulfill it.
RELISH THE MOMENT, IT MAY NOT COME AROUND AGAIN !
Sunday, March 25, 2007
The Blind Girl
**The Blind Girl**
There was a blind girl who hated herself because of her blindness. Not only did she hate herself but she hated everyone else, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him.
Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her that simply said. "Just take care of my eyes dear."
This is how the human brain changes when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and even fewer remember who to thank for always being there even when times were painfully unbearable.
There was a blind girl who hated herself because of her blindness. Not only did she hate herself but she hated everyone else, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him.
Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her that simply said. "Just take care of my eyes dear."
This is how the human brain changes when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and even fewer remember who to thank for always being there even when times were painfully unbearable.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
::Walking For Autism Research::
I am walking in the Walk for Autism Research, the signature fund-raising event of Autism Speaks. Since its inception in May 2000, hundreds of thousands of people have raised tens of millions of dollars to support autism research.
I have decided to start a team this year and invite you to walk with me in support of this worthy cause. Together we can make a difference and advance and accelerate autism research.
Please click the link below to register for the Walk and join my team.
Dear Friends and Family,
Autism Speaks is getting ready for its annual signature event, Walk for Autism Research on June 16, 2007. I am planning to be a part of that Walk and I am asking you to join me in raising critically-needed funds for autism research by making a contribution in support of my Walk.
Autism is a complex brain disorder that often inhibits a person's ability to communicate, respond to surroundings, or form relationships with others. First identified more than 50 years ago, autism is typically diagnosed by the age of two or three. Autism affects people of all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Few disorders are as devastating to a child and his or her family. While some people with autism are mildly affected, most people with the condition will require lifelong supervision and care and have significant language impairments. Many children with autism will never be able to tell their parents they love them.
Currently, the causes of autism are unknown and there are no specific medical treatments or cure. Physicians have no blood test or scan that can definitively diagnose the disorder. As such, the diagnosis of autism is based solely upon observations of behavior. Despite increasing national interest and high prevalence, autism research is one of the lowest funded areas of medical research by both public and private sources.
Whatever you can give will help! I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.
Sincerely,
Paula Bowen
Click here to get to my personal page and make a secure, online donation.
Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://www.autismwalk.org/site/TR?px=1942968&pg=personal&fr_id=1560&s_tafId=45000
Click here to view the team page for Team Bowen
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://www.autismwalk.org/site/TR?team_id=107291&pg=team&fr_id=1560&s_tafId=45000
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Happy Spring!
Finally--As of yesterday; the month of Spring has officially arrived! The world seems to begin to wake up after being in its sleepy slumber all Winter long. It is quite a treat to my eyes to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom here in Washington State-- one of my favorite things about Spring! To me, the season of Spring is a reminder of making a fresh new start and a new phase in all of our lives. I remember being at my sister-in-law's wedding, just two years ago in Texas. One of my favorite memories of that event is that I remember seeing these beautiful butterflies land on one of the bushes at the Rainbow Hearth Retreat where we all gathered to celebrate Lynette and Steve's new journey together. I later found out that butterflies are significant of change and renewal, which every time that I see a butterfly, it always reminds me that "without change, there would be no butterflies" (which eventually became the mantra over my life and to this blog)Happy Spring everyone! :)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
I am Balanced-Brained! :)
I recently took a Brain test on www.Tickle.com that is PH. D certified. I find this all facinating, as Psychology was one of my favorite classes in both high school & in college. It was fun to find out the results:
Your brain is divided into two hemispheres, the right and the left. Just as you favor your left or right hand, you also favor the right or left hemisphere of your brain. The left hemisphere interprets details and reasoning, while the right hemisphere interprets information through visual or creative cues.
Find out which side of your brain you favor, and how to train your weaker brain hemisphere to process information better and faster. Take the test!
Paula, you are Balanced-brained, which means that you rely equally on both the left and right hemispheres of your brain.
You have a balanced brain — able to draw on the strengths of both the right and left hemispheres depending on context. Typically, people with balanced right and left hemispheres are very comfortable with switching between local and global perspectives — that is, paying attention to both small details and larger issues when the circumstance indicates. That means they can identify elements that make up an image or situation and also attend to the larger, more holistic pattern or unified whole that those details comprise.
You are able to capitalize on the left hemisphere's skills in verbal communication as well on the right hemisphere's focus on patterns and association making. This rare combination makes you a very creative and flexible thinker.
Depending on the situation, you may rely on one hemisphere or the other. Some situations may lend themselves to using your right brain's creativity and flexibility while other situations may call for a more structured approach as dictated by your left brain.
That's how your brain processes information. And while your dominant brain hemisphere certainly contributes to the way you process information, there is also a style of learning, unrelated to your dominant hemisphere, that determines the ways in which you are best able to pick up information. When you're learning something new, your dominant brain hemisphere will want to take over. But there are times when the information being presented is not well suited to your dominant hemisphere's abilities.
That's why, in addition to your hemispheric dominance, you also have a style of learning that is dominant for you. Whether you know it or not, you are naturally predisposed to learning things visually, aurally, or through a combination of the two.
Your test results show that you are an auditory learner.
Other balanced-brained people who are auditory learners are pop singer Madonna, classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and comedian and actor Robin Williams. But before delving deeper into how you learn, you should get the basics of your brain's physiology.
Your brain is made up of many different parts and is responsible for many different functions of your body. Because of this, it has adapted to be a very specialized organ. There are parts that control what you taste, what you feel, how you learn, how you think, and how you reason. All of this is so no one part gets overtaxed or worn out, and also so you can perform more than one task at a time.
Your brain stem controls your reflexes and involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Your cerebellum helps coordinate movement. Your hypothalamus controls body temperature and feeds behaviors like eating, drinking, aggression, and physical pleasure. Your cerebrum, or cerebral cortex, translates information transmitted from all of your sensing organs. It helps start motor functions, it controls emotions, and it is the center for all thinking, reasoning, learning, and memory. In short, it analyzes all information you feed to it.
The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres. The left hemisphere is responsible for speech, controls the right side of your body, and serves as your logic and reasoning center. The right hemisphere governs your creativity and your athleticism among other things. In the past, people oversimplified this relationship.
People used to say if you were logical, you were definitely left-brained, and if you were creative, you were definitely right-brained. This is no longer the case. New research indicates that there's more flexibility when it comes to our gray matter. And if you know where your strengths and weaknesses lie, you can train your brain to become more organized, creative, or better able to process all sorts of information. Here's some general information on the differences between the left and right hemispheres.
The Brain Test
What Your Brain Says About How You Think and Learn
Find out which side of your brain you favor, and how to train your weaker brain hemisphere to process information better and faster. Take the test!
Paula, you are Balanced-brained, which means that you rely equally on both the left and right hemispheres of your brain.
You have a balanced brain — able to draw on the strengths of both the right and left hemispheres depending on context. Typically, people with balanced right and left hemispheres are very comfortable with switching between local and global perspectives — that is, paying attention to both small details and larger issues when the circumstance indicates. That means they can identify elements that make up an image or situation and also attend to the larger, more holistic pattern or unified whole that those details comprise.
You are able to capitalize on the left hemisphere's skills in verbal communication as well on the right hemisphere's focus on patterns and association making. This rare combination makes you a very creative and flexible thinker.
Depending on the situation, you may rely on one hemisphere or the other. Some situations may lend themselves to using your right brain's creativity and flexibility while other situations may call for a more structured approach as dictated by your left brain.
That's how your brain processes information. And while your dominant brain hemisphere certainly contributes to the way you process information, there is also a style of learning, unrelated to your dominant hemisphere, that determines the ways in which you are best able to pick up information. When you're learning something new, your dominant brain hemisphere will want to take over. But there are times when the information being presented is not well suited to your dominant hemisphere's abilities.
That's why, in addition to your hemispheric dominance, you also have a style of learning that is dominant for you. Whether you know it or not, you are naturally predisposed to learning things visually, aurally, or through a combination of the two.
Your test results show that you are an auditory learner.
Other balanced-brained people who are auditory learners are pop singer Madonna, classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and comedian and actor Robin Williams. But before delving deeper into how you learn, you should get the basics of your brain's physiology.
 |  |  |
Your brain is made up of many different parts and is responsible for many different functions of your body. Because of this, it has adapted to be a very specialized organ. There are parts that control what you taste, what you feel, how you learn, how you think, and how you reason. All of this is so no one part gets overtaxed or worn out, and also so you can perform more than one task at a time.
Your brain stem controls your reflexes and involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Your cerebellum helps coordinate movement. Your hypothalamus controls body temperature and feeds behaviors like eating, drinking, aggression, and physical pleasure. Your cerebrum, or cerebral cortex, translates information transmitted from all of your sensing organs. It helps start motor functions, it controls emotions, and it is the center for all thinking, reasoning, learning, and memory. In short, it analyzes all information you feed to it.
The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres. The left hemisphere is responsible for speech, controls the right side of your body, and serves as your logic and reasoning center. The right hemisphere governs your creativity and your athleticism among other things. In the past, people oversimplified this relationship.
People used to say if you were logical, you were definitely left-brained, and if you were creative, you were definitely right-brained. This is no longer the case. New research indicates that there's more flexibility when it comes to our gray matter. And if you know where your strengths and weaknesses lie, you can train your brain to become more organized, creative, or better able to process all sorts of information. Here's some general information on the differences between the left and right hemispheres.
 | Left hemisphere There's more to your left hemisphere than analytical strength. Your left hemisphere is involved in linear analytical processes, including processing word meanings and symbols, interpreting facts, and much of your language production and reception. When you look at a photograph or a painting, your left hemisphere is the one that orients on the logical, linear, and literal action in the picture, such as the storyline or the characters in the picture, as opposed to the more abstract or conceptual elements. Furthermore, when you hear a word, it is the left side that decodes that word's meaning, as opposed to something that word might remind you of. Overall, the left hemisphere is heavily involved in more reductionistic processes, such as breaking a picture into its constituent parts, as opposed to seeing it as a single and unified whole. |
| Right hemisphere Similarly, the right hemisphere is not just the seat of intuition. Perhaps it is more intuitively oriented than the left, but in most cases it also identifies patterns and performs spatial analyses. This hemisphere tends to process information in non-linear ways, looking at the whole instead of all the parts that make it up. When you look at a photograph or painting and notice the overall pattern or abstract contour of the image, it is your right hemisphere that is being activated. As another example, the right side looks at a spiral and sees a unified spiral pattern. Whereas the left side of your brain would see the series of lines making up the spiral and would interpret it in a holistic manner. |
Monday, March 19, 2007
Hats
What an awesome Monday Morning devotional--- a nice reminder of priorities! :) I'm learning that when I seek His kingdom first, my life goes so much more smoothly. It also reminds me of a little quote that I saw years ago "A day hemmed in prayer seldom unravels". :)
“So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)
“So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)
Devotion:
As a woman, don’t you wear a lot of hats? During the course of your week, you may place on your head any of the following hats: wife, mother, worker, daughter, sister, aunt, grandma, chief cook and bottle washer, chauffer, nurse, maid, counselor, referee, PTO member, committee chair, oh, yeah….and a woman of God. Sometimes these hats are stacked so high that trying to balance them all on our pretty little heads sends us toppling completely over!!! And sadly, often the last hat we try to place on the top of this mountain is the crown we wear as a daughter of the King.
I love the simple, straight shooting words of our Lord. He cuts to the chase, breaking commands down into bite-sized chunks. He doesn’t direct us to apply a complicated six-step process in order to achieve what He has planned for us. No, He simply tells us gently, but firmly, what must be done in order for our lives to get in order. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33 , NIV). However simple these verses may be, sometimes fleshing them out into reality in our lives isn’t always easy.
Especially in today’s society, a climate of frenzied activity breathes and breeds busyness. Years ago, success in our society used to be determined by what neighborhood you lived in or what kind of car your drove. Now our society measures success differently???by how busy you are! We have no white space left on our calendar; our kids constantly are carted from one activity to the next; why we hardly even eat dinner as a family anymore! Yep, something in us longs to “one up” the next gal by painting our lives in a bold shade of busy.
Although we live in a much different society than the original recipients of Jesus’ words that day on the mountainside, we can learn from them none the less. They were concerned about where their food and clothing would come from. While there are those in our midst who still have those concerns, there are others of us who are fretting about different issues. Like how we will get the food purchased and on the table, the house cleaned, the kids bathed and dressed, the laundry done, the kids chauffeured, the marriage prioritized, the relative visited, the work project done…and on and on it goes.
While our responsibilities may scream at us at every turn, Christ stands whispering… Seek first my kingdom and my righteousness, and all of these things will be given to you as well. Perhaps His words will prompt us to do a little plate scraping, ridding our schedules of some of the activities that clamor for our time and draw us away from time spent with Him.
Whatever set of hats God directs you to keep in your wardrobe, remember to put them on in proper order. They will only stay standing when the crown your wear as a daughter of the King is placed on first! (Must be the points on that tiara! LOL)
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Vintage Photo Fun!
A couple weeks ago, my older boys & I took the ferry to Bremerton. Their Aunt Collette, owns ISH Vintage clothing and costume shop. She recently added a photo and makeup studio to her shop & had a special night for family and friends to come in, get dressed up, get their makeup done and get an 8X10 picture.Collette became the owner of "ISH" a couple years ago after settling down from a career of doing hair and fashion for movies. Some of the ladies she once worked with are popular Hollywood names, such as Sandra Bullock, Natalie Portman, Ashley Judd, & Jennifer Anniston.
I thought this was great fun to get an outfit picked out by Collette as well as some makeup done to complete my look.
My son, Josh is on the left as a cop and my other son, Jeremy is on my right. Isn't this such a funny picture???
Busted for trying to pick up a sailor! LOL!!!!!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Four Parachutes ( A funny for today! LOL)
Four Parachutes....
An airplane was about to crash.
There were 5 passengers on board, but only 4 parachutes -
The 1st passenger said, "I am Kobe Bryant, the best NBA basketball
player. The Lakers need me, and I can't afford to die."
So he took the 1st pack and left the plane.
The 2nd passenger, Hillary Clinton said, "I am the wife of a
former U.S. President, a NY State Senator and a potential future president.
And I am the smartest woman in American history....
so America 's people don't want me to die."
She took the 2nd pack and jumped out of the plane.
The 3rd passenger, Ted Kennedy said, "I am a US Senator.....
the democratic party needs me and my liver still has some good years
left."
So he grabbed the pack next to him and jumped.
The 4th passenger, Billy Graham, said to the 5th passenger, a 10 year
old schoolgirl,
"I am old and frail and don't have many years left,...
and as a Christian I will sacrifice my life and let you have the last
parachute."
The little girl said, "That's okay. There's a parachute left for
you........
America 's smartest woman took my school bag."
Friday, March 16, 2007
Forgiveness
I was listening to the lyrics to the song "Awesome God" this morning on the radio. The words that caught my attention were the words "Mercy and Grace He "gave" us at the cross". Then my mind started to meditate on the word "Gave" which lead to the word "forgiveness". Dictionary.com defines forgiveness as:
for·give
[fer-giv] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -gave, -giv·en, -giv·ing. –verb
Dictionary.com defines the word "for" as:
for [fawr; unstressed fer] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –preposition
When you combine these two words, "for" and give" one can actually have a better understanding of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. He gave ahead of time, so that we could have the ability to forgive. VIOLA! What a revelation as the Easter Season approaches! I thank the Lord for speaking softly to me this morning through the lyrics of a song & revealing to me the meaning of forgiveness in a whole new light! :)
for·give
[fer-giv] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -gave, -giv·en, -giv·ing. –verb | 1. | to grant pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve. |
| 2. | to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.). |
| 3. | to grant pardon to (a person). |
| 4. | to cease to feel resentment against: to forgive one's enemies. |
| 5. | to cancel an indebtedness or liability of: to forgive the interest owed on a loan. |
Dictionary.com defines the word "for" as:
for
[fawr; unstressed fer] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –preposition | 1. | with the object or purpose of: to run for exercise. |
| 2. | intended to belong to, or be used in connection with: equipment for the army; a closet for dishes. |
| 3. | suiting the purposes or needs of: medicine for the aged. |
| 4. | in order to obtain, gain, or acquire: a suit for alimony; to work for wages. |
| 5. | (used to express a wish, as of something to be experienced or obtained): O, for a cold drink! |
| 6. | sensitive or responsive to: an eye for beauty. |
| 7. | desirous of: a longing for something; a taste for fancy clothes. |
| 8. | in consideration or payment of; in return for: three for a dollar; to be thanked for one's efforts. |
| 9. | appropriate or adapted to: a subject for speculation; clothes for winter. |
| 10. | with regard or respect to: pressed for time; too warm for April. |
| 11. | during the continuance of: for a long time. |
| 12. | in favor of; on the side of: to be for honest government. |
| 13. | in place of; instead of: a substitute for butter. |
| 14. | in the interest of; on behalf of: to act for a client. |
| 15. | in exchange for; as an offset to: blow for blow; money for goods. |
| 16. | in punishment of: payment for the crime. |
| 17. | in honor of: to give a dinner for a person. |
| 18. | with the purpose of reaching: to start for London. |
| 19. | contributive to: for the advantage of everybody. |
When you combine these two words, "for" and give" one can actually have a better understanding of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. He gave ahead of time, so that we could have the ability to forgive. VIOLA! What a revelation as the Easter Season approaches! I thank the Lord for speaking softly to me this morning through the lyrics of a song & revealing to me the meaning of forgiveness in a whole new light! :)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Check Your Wallet for Godless coin
Check Your Wallet for a Godless Coin
CBNNews.com
CBNNews.com - If you have one of the new George Washington coins, chances are there's something missing on it.A number of coins were accidentally printed without the inscription "In God We Trust." The coins somehow managed to make it past inspectors and were put into circulation Feb. 15.
The properly printed coins have the inscription "In God We Trust," "E Pluribus Unum" along the edge.
So far reports of the mistake have come from people with coins made at the Philadelphia Mint. The coins are also produced in Denver.
Ron Guth, president of Professional Coin Grading Service, believes at least 50,000 error coins were put in circulation. But spokeswoman Becky Bailey, said it's it not known how many coins don't have the inscription.
"The first one sold for $600 before everyone knew how common they actually were," Guth said. "They're going for around $40 to $60 on eBay now, and they'll probably settle in the $50 range."
According to a statement from the mint, the problem should not occur again now that a "new, complex, high-volume manufacturing system" has been put in place.
"We take this matter seriously. We also consider quality control a high priority. The agency is looking into the matter to determine a possible cause in the manufacturing process," the statement said.
The coin's design has already sparked rumors of a conspiracy saying that the religious motto was purposely left off.
The Washington dollars are the first presidential coins to be released. The next presidents to be honored in 2007 will be John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Got Zoo Doo?
This always makes me laugh when I hear about it on the news. So, if you don't know what to get the hard to buy for person on your list and they are into gardening.... you might just want to give them a gift of Zoo Zoo (or Not!) LOL
Zoo Doo Is Back
By By Stan Orchard
SEATTLE - It's that time of year again, time for gardeners to get some Zoo Doo.The Woodland Park Zoo says Zoo Doo is some of the richest fertilizer of its kind in the Northwest. Direct from the animals to your garden.
Here's the scoop on the poop: between now and March 15 you, too can get some of the exotic manure for your garden, by simply sending in a postcard.
Send to:
Zoo Doo
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
The Process Of Making Good Decisions
"The Process of Making Good Decisions" was the topic of the message at church last Sunday. It is sad when people make the mistake of making decisions poorly, then blame God for the consequences.We wonder why certain people are better off than we are, and we think maybe they were just born into the right family or luckier than others. Well, it is good to know that God doesn't play favorites-- its just a matter of making wise decisions. (See Proverbs-- Chapters 1 & 2) Here are a few pointers to make good decisions for all aspects of our lives:
The Process of Making Good Decisions
1. Good decisions are based on faith; not fear.
2. Good decisions are covered in prayer.
3. Good decisions are submitted to authority for Godly counsel.
4. Good decisions take in account proper timing.
The Process of Making Good Decisions
1. Good decisions are based on faith; not fear.
2. Good decisions are covered in prayer.
3. Good decisions are submitted to authority for Godly counsel.
4. Good decisions take in account proper timing.
__________________
Monday, March 5, 2007
New York City In June!
Joel and I just received word that we will be traveling to New York City from June 21-24th. I am so psyched! We get to travel to & from the airport in a LIMO! We're staying at the Millenium Broadway Hotel right in the heart of Broadway!!!! Lots to do and to see. Of course, seeing one play on Broadway will be on the agenda & I've looked up some NYC resources (4 days is just not enough to do everything, but we'll try to get as much in as we can!)June Weather:
- Average High: 79°F (26°C)
- Average Low: 64°F (18°C)
- June's warm weather welcomes visitors to New York City who want to enjoy walking the streets of New York City, and the many exciting summer activities in the city.
What to Wear:
- pack an umbrella
- a sweater
- closed toe shoes, comfortable for walking and water-resistant if possible
- a picnic blanket is great if you want to check out some of the free concerts and movies
June Perks:
- warm weather for visiting New York City, but not as hot as the rest of summer
- perfect time of year for New York's many walking tours
- the annual Museum Mile Festival
- many summer concerts and outdoor film festivals to see (most of which are free!)
- Restaurant Week returns, so enjoy the opportunity to try some of New York City's restaurants at bargain prices
June Cons:
- warmer weather
- more crowds, especially later in the month when schools are out
Good to Know:
- If you want to go to any of the movies or free concerts in New York City parks, bring a blanket and pack a picnic dinner -- you can even bring some wine and beer if you're discrete. It's a great experience and truly gives you a taste of being a local New Yorker.
June Highlights/Events:
- Museum Mile Festival
- Belmont Stakes
- Puerto Rican Day Parade
- Met Opera in the Parks
- Bryant Park Film Festival
- Shakespeare in the Park
- Mermaid Parade
- Lesbian and Gay Pride Week
- Father's Day
- New York Restaurant Week
- Midsummer Night Swing
- Baseball Season
- Women's Liberty Season (WNBA)
- JVC Jazz Festival
- Central Park SummerStage
Common Myths About Money
I found this article interesting as Ive heard people say "If only I could win the lottery", If I had more money and/or this or that, I would be happy." I know the feeling all too well, as I was once one of those people. The fact is that we need to be content with what we have and be happy now. Happiness is not based on what you have or what you don't.... Happiness is a choice, & after all; money doesn't buy happiness. Despite the fact that people think that "The one that dies with the most toys wins" is just a myth. One could own all the materialistic things in the world & still be a unhappy person. It is sad that people are deceived to think that things can fill the void in their lives when that void can only be filled by our Creator. :)
Common Myths about Money
By Mary Hunt
SIGNS WERE POSTED EVERYWHERE throughout the mall: “The more you spend, the more you save!” Wow. Imagine that. Right there, I had all the justification I needed to charge my way through store after store. That’s just one of many money Myths that got me into a lot of trouble years ago. These lies are so easy to believe because we want to believe them.
Money on its own is neither good nor bad. Our beliefs and attitudes about money are what make it such a powerful force in our lives. And with good reason. Money determines where we live, what we drive and where our kids go to school. The trouble starts when our money beliefs are not based on truth.
Whether you are slightly uncomfortable with your financial situation, up to your eyeballs or someplace in between, the problem might be what you believe about money and its role in your life. Perhaps it’s time to replace your money Myths with a big dose of Reality. Then you can start rebuilding your finances and your future.
Myth If I just had more money, all of my problems would go away.
Reality If this were true, you would be problem-free right now. You make more money now than you did five or 10 years ago, don’t you? So your problems should have vanished by now.
Solution Stop wishing for more money and start managing the money you have. Write down how you will spend (or save) your next paycheck—every single dollar of it. Become a skillful manager so that when more money flows into your life, you’ll know where to put it for the greatest benefit.
Myth There’s stuff I simply cannot live without.
Reality No, there isn’t. Once your basic needs of food and shelter are met, just about everything else is optional. Well, there’s also transportation and taxes, but you get the idea. It’s easy to convince ourselves that we absolutely must have new clothes each season, new furniture, new cars, and all kinds of gadgets and services to make our lives easier and keep up with our friends.
Solution Make a pledge that you will never go into debt for “stuff.” Period. There’s nothing wrong with having nice things and enjoying life to the fullest—provided all of your bills are paid, you’re not incurring new debt and you’re saving for the future. Become brutally honest in defining what is a true need versus a desire.
Myth If I don’t buy things on credit, I’ll never have anything.
Reality If you don’t buy things on credit, you won’t have debt, but you will have options.
Solution If you want something you can’t afford, save first, then buy it. It’s a brilliant concept. You will appreciate things so much more knowing you really can afford them. Waiting builds financial maturity. Delaying gratification promotes self-discipline. Bonus: You’ll have time to change your mind, and that means fewer buying mistakes.
Myth These days it takes two incomes to keep up financially.
Reality It is possible to live well on a single income, provided you’re willing to stretch it. Amelia Warren Tyagi, coauthor of The Two-Income Trap, says that by the time the typical two-income family pays for the basics—an average home, a health insurance policy, a second car to get Mom to work, child care and taxes—they have less money left over at the end of the month to show for it than single-earner families.
Solution Are you curious to know the true value of your second income? Check out the Real Hourly Wage Calculator, free through November 2006 at debtproofliving.com.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Its Not About Being a Good Christian
Thank you to John Fischer & for this Purpose driven life devotional! There are moments in my own life when I have gotten mocked for my beliefs & as John has mentioned, it can be a lonely life. I am saddened to know that I have lost a couple friends in my life cause I have chosen what I believe in, but in the end, my life's purpose isn't about me-- its about Him. My greatest reward will be when I reach Eternity and I hear my Lord say "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
I pray that this devotional blesses you as it has me. :)
"Its Not About Being a Good Christian"
By John Fischer
Here’s one of the greatest things about being a Christian: You can accept yourself for who you are.
Here’s one of the most tragic things about being a Christian: You can be one for a long time without knowing this.
I was. I was what you might call a model Christian. I filled the bill. Any church or Christian school would have seen me as a poster child Christian. There was only one problem: I thought I was, too – when all the while I knew I wasn’t. I knew it was all pretty much a game.
All this was back when I thought a Christian was all about being a good person – someone who would rank high in relative goodness when compared to others more spiritually challenged.
This was before I realized that Christ died to save sinners, and to qualify for the free gift of salvation you have to realize you are desperately in need of being saved. You are drowning. You are dying. As a sinner, you are among the worst.
Once you make “being good” the criteria for being a Christian, out of necessity you become the judge of others because you have to judge others in order to remain good in your own eyes. So if you have not come to this, (i.e. you are still pretty good in your own eyes), and you preach the Gospel (many do, from this perspective), it becomes a Gospel for other people – not for you. And something doesn’t ring true.
You also remain aloof to just about everybody because you can’t really know anyone for fear they might come to know you and find out your secret, that you really are a scoundrel like everybody else. It’s a lonely life. Believe me. It’s much better to be a sinner whom Jesus Christ loves and for whom he died so you can spread the Good News about him to other sinners like you. Then you have nothing to hide, and only Christ – and a lot of friends – to gain by telling the truth.
I think this is one of the things that made Billy Graham such a good evangelist. When he preached about the Gospel, he never excluded himself from needing it. He knew the Gospel wouldn’t preach if it were not, first and foremost, for him.
Which brings us back to being a Christian and accepting yourself as who you are. That’s why Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that we all have unveiled faces. We have nothing to hide because we are reflecting the face of Christ whom we worship in continual gratitude for our salvation.
Thank goodness. I never liked being a good Christian anyway.
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
I pray that this devotional blesses you as it has me. :)
"Its Not About Being a Good Christian"
By John Fischer
Here’s one of the greatest things about being a Christian: You can accept yourself for who you are.
Here’s one of the most tragic things about being a Christian: You can be one for a long time without knowing this.
I was. I was what you might call a model Christian. I filled the bill. Any church or Christian school would have seen me as a poster child Christian. There was only one problem: I thought I was, too – when all the while I knew I wasn’t. I knew it was all pretty much a game.
All this was back when I thought a Christian was all about being a good person – someone who would rank high in relative goodness when compared to others more spiritually challenged.
This was before I realized that Christ died to save sinners, and to qualify for the free gift of salvation you have to realize you are desperately in need of being saved. You are drowning. You are dying. As a sinner, you are among the worst.
Once you make “being good” the criteria for being a Christian, out of necessity you become the judge of others because you have to judge others in order to remain good in your own eyes. So if you have not come to this, (i.e. you are still pretty good in your own eyes), and you preach the Gospel (many do, from this perspective), it becomes a Gospel for other people – not for you. And something doesn’t ring true.
You also remain aloof to just about everybody because you can’t really know anyone for fear they might come to know you and find out your secret, that you really are a scoundrel like everybody else. It’s a lonely life. Believe me. It’s much better to be a sinner whom Jesus Christ loves and for whom he died so you can spread the Good News about him to other sinners like you. Then you have nothing to hide, and only Christ – and a lot of friends – to gain by telling the truth.
I think this is one of the things that made Billy Graham such a good evangelist. When he preached about the Gospel, he never excluded himself from needing it. He knew the Gospel wouldn’t preach if it were not, first and foremost, for him.
Which brings us back to being a Christian and accepting yourself as who you are. That’s why Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that we all have unveiled faces. We have nothing to hide because we are reflecting the face of Christ whom we worship in continual gratitude for our salvation.
Thank goodness. I never liked being a good Christian anyway.
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
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