Apart from God and His spiritual provisions, there can be no indefinite continuance of life. As to living forever, Jesus said: This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. ( John 17:3 )

The Bible’s teachings, examples and doctrines are most practical for modern man. The righteous principles and high moral standards contained in this book set it apart and above all other books. Not only does the Bible answer important questions, it also provides many practical suggestions which, if followed, will do much to raise our physical and mental health.

Among the blessings God bestowed on all mankind is the regenerative power of our physical organisms, the ability our body has to heal itself when we get wounded. A physician may recommend certain measures to speed up our recovery, but in reality it is the God given recuperative powers within our body that accomplish the healing. Hence, the psalmist David acknowledged that, though he was born imperfect his Creator was able to sustain him during illness and heal all his maladies. ( Ps 51:5; 41:1-3; 103:2-4 ) God also restored the bodily health afflicted on Job. (Job 42:10)

The whole tenor Scriptures, including the teachings of God’s Son is to the effect that the gaining of understanding of God’s purposes, the doing of His will, and the attaining of salvation to life, are dependent primarily upon the heart. ( 1 Sam 16:7; 1 Chron 28:9) The Bible is unique in its ability to “discern thoughts and intentions of the heart,” revealing what the person really is. ( Heb 4:12-13) As David said to his son Solomon: “Know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.”

The Bible Truth concerning our true God and Father: Our Father is the “God of truth.” ( Ps 31:5 ) He is faithful in all his dealings. His promises are sure, for he cannot lie. ( Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Ps 89:35; Titus 1:2; Heb 6:17-18 ) He judges according to truth, that is, according to the way things really are, and not on the basis of outward appearance. ( Rom 2:2 compare John 7:24 )

God enlightens the ‘eyes of the heart of His servants to the hope ahead. ( Eph 1:18 ) Thereby they see the hope in its full breadth and depth and love it. ( Eph 3:16-19 ) As to the hope of God’s promise, that He would bring about a “new heavens” and a “new earth” and said the former things would not ‘come up into the heart,’ to cause distress, hurt or sorrow. ( Isa 65:17-19 ) This is the true way of life that Christian long hoped for, peace love and security.

It is evident throughout the Bible that the hope of servants of God has been to receive everlasting life at God’s hands. This hope has encouraged them in maintaining faithfulness. And it is not a selfish hope. The apostle writes: Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. ( Heb 11:6 ) He is that kind of God; it is one of the qualities for which He deserves full devotion from His creatures.

Throughout the Holy Bible we find that there are great benefits for the righteous. God loves the righteous and cares for them. David wrote: I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging for bread. ( Ps 37:25 ) Solomon said: The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He cast away the desire of the wicked. ( Prov 10:3 ) The Bible also said God is to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by Jesus Christ, and will create “new heavens and a new earth” in which righteousness is to dwell. ( Acts !7:31; 2 Pet 3:13 )

Jesus’ parable at Luke 19:11-27 shows what the ‘coming of the Kingdom’ means: its coming to execute judgment, destroying all opposes, and bringing relief and reward to those hoping in it. ( Compare Rev 16:14-16; 19:11-21.) The following express “let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth,” thus refers primarily, not to the doing of God’s will by us, but, rather, to God’s own acting in fulfillment of His will toward the earth and its inhabitants, manifesting His power to realize the declared purpose. The one praying, of course, also expresses thereby his own preference for, and submission to, that will. ( Compare Matt 26:39 ) The request for daily bread, forgiveness, protection against temptation and deliverance from the wicked one, all relate to the petitioner’s desire to continue living in God’s favor. He expresses this desire for all others of like faith, not for himself alone. ( Compare Colossians 4:12)

To get the true understanding of the Bible for the Christian way of life, we must pray to God: “Make me understand, that I may observe your law and that I may keep it with my whole heart that I may keep living.” ( Ps 119:34, 73, 144 ) This is the right motive with regard to a way of life that will lead to eternal life. The apostle prayed for the Colossian Christians that they might be “filled with knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding that you may walk worthy of the Lord.” ( Col 1:9-10)

As to prayer for the Christian way of life, Jesus said to “keep on asking, seeking and knocking,’ not giving up. ( Luke 11:5-10 ) Jesus told his disciples: “If two of you on earth agree concerning anything of importance that they should request, it will take place for them due to my Father in heaven.” ( Matt 18:19 ) John states: The confidence that we should have toward Him, “that no matter what it is that we ask according to His will , He hears us.” So let us ask in prayer with confidence for the true understanding of the Bible teachings for the way of life that will guide us into everlasting life.

Everlasting life is a good reason for why we should make it our interest to read the Holy Bible, not only should we read the Bible, but we should make it our main interest to do a Bible study on a daily bases. For eventual possession of the earth is promised to the righteous; the wicked are to be cleared out of the earth as a “ransom” for the righteous, for as long as the wicked are in control the righteous cannot have peace. And the possessions of the wicked will go to the righteous, as the proverb states: The wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.” ( Prov 13:22; 21:18 )

By Francis-Hirak

The first thing to save gas is to well maintain your cars, periodically take it for a tune up. Things like making sure the air filter, carburetor and spark plugs are clean, which can make the car using less fuel. Also, lubricate and change the motor oil periodically, and use low viscosity oil so the engine will run smoother with less resistance. You should inflate the tires properly to improve the gas mileage. Pay attention to the MPG or Mileages per Gallon, to constantly monitor the progress of and try to improve the gas savings. There are more tips about cars at http://www.fidetips.com/car for you to read.

Remove the cargo rack that may be mounted on the roof or trunk of the vehicle will reduce the fuel usage too. Try to take out the unnecessary weight from the passenger and trunk, things like boxes, wheelers, and extra tire. The lighter the load the less gas will be wasted. Also keep the car clean to reduce the resistance, especially the mud and soil that may stick to the, bumpers, bottom and tires should be removed. Another thing like a tailgate trailer will add more burdens, and should be unattached. You should fill the regular gasoline rather than the premium or high octane gasoline, unless there are special reasons to do so.

There are daily habits for the way you drive that will result in the savings. During the hot weather, try to turn the air conditioner to a lower setting. If you are driving on the highways, keep the speed constant will help the gas efficiency too. Park the car near the exit of a parking lot may save the expense, and also improve your health for doing more exercises. Car pooling with the co-workers and friends will also help reducing the fuel using. There are many more ideas for saving gas on the web, just go to the research and that will help you with more ideas.

About The Author

Teeny is a writer for finance, computer, travel, cars, shopping and other subjects for many years, please visit http://www.fidetips.com/car for more information.

The Multicultural Food Fiesta is a culmination of months of hard work by students and teacher Miss Jennifer Hanna. She has been hosting the MCFF for 20 years now! She believes that by hosting this event, it will increase cultural awarensss, and perhaps the children will have a new found respect for their family values and their heritage, in turn making them a bit more humble and appreciative .

Each student in her class starts off by selecting either their mom or dad’s heritage to study. And that’s when the hard research work starts. The kids researched the history of the country, the people, clothing, jobs, and the local currency. Students also explored landmarks and historical sights of the country. After many rewrites and editing, and photo searching, the reports were typed and printed. Finally the children were able to assemble their posters and secure them to the walls along the hallway at school.

For the MCFF, everyone was required to dress up in costume according to their heritage, so as guests started arriving, they were met by people from France, Mexico, Italy, Israel, Thailand, India and other locations. Parents, grandparents, teachers from Bernice Vossbeck Elementary and teachers and students from Lynden Middle School were there. Even school staff and students from Lynden High School showed up! Everyone knows that Miss Hanna holds an open invitation for the MCFF.

After a heartfelt greeting by Miss Hanna, the adults were invited to meander through the buffett line and fill their plates. The smells coming from her room were mouth watering and out of this world! After the adults went through the line, students were invited to partake. Everything was absolutely delicious. I think  just about everyone went through the line at least twice! I know I did…well okay, maybe 3 or 4 times!

It was an afternoon of recognition for the students, visiting with other parents from another culture and enjoying the company of everyone. What a wonderful morning and afternoon. Thank You Miss Jennifer Hanna and the Fifth Grade Class at Bernice Vossbeck Elementary!

Or maybe you hear sarcasm and a smart-alecky tone of voice while your child says, “You don’t really expect me to do that?”

Makes you long for the days when children were seen, but not heard, right?

Welcome to the world of back talk, your child’s way of expressing disagreement with what you’re requesting.

There can be a number of reasons for back talk. Your child may be testing your parental authority. Perhaps your child sees this as an issue of personal identity? Maybe they’re mimicking something they heard on television? Maybe they’re simply exerting growing independence? Or maybe they simply don’t feel like doing what you’ve asked!

Regardless of the reason, back talk is something that you need to nip in the bud because even the smallest request can become a battle. Also, your child needs to understand that you’re the one in charge. But how do you stop this annoying behavior?

First of all, you have to set some ground rules. “You cannot speak to me in a disrespectful manner. There will be a zero tolerance policy.” Period.

Then it helps to role play and give the child examples of what comments are respectful and what comments are disrespectful. For instance, are phrases like “whatever…” “duh” or “that sucks” acceptable? Include types of body language that you find disrespectful, if you wish. (Rolling their eyes, head tilted, hand on hip…)

Examine how you’re communicating with your child. Have you framed your request in a positive, respectful manner or are they reacting to something negative that you said? Are you using “I” statements, such as “I am frustrated that you waited until the last minute to do this project.”? Or are you blaming them? Are you using sarcasm? If you are, you may receive back talk in return.

Here are Some Tips to Curb Back Talk:

1. Call a spade a spade. “That’s backtalk and it’s not acceptable. I will answer you when you’ve changed your tone…”
2. “Hmmmm… That sounded disrespectful. Let’s try it again.”
3. Go for the feeling. “You sound annoyed. What’s up?”
4. Try problem solving. “We seem to be having a problem here. How can we solve…. so we can move on?
5. Praise respectful communication.
6. Never give in to requests made in a disrespectful way.
7. Stay calm yourself and model how you want to be talked to.
8. Point out the effect that his/her words have on you or the other person. “It hurts me to hear you say that to me. Please try it again.”
9. Enforce a consequence if s/he can’t turn the behavior around after a respectful request from you.

Pick one or two of these strategies and use them consistently. Note that it may take a month or longer to turn this behavior around, so be patient. You’ll be glad that you did!

About The Author

By Toni Schutta, Parent Coach, M.A., L.P. provides parents with practical solutions that work. Visit http://www.getparentinghelpnow.com/7mistakessignup.html to receive the free mini-course “The 7 Worst Mistakes Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them!)”

Listening to good music does wonders to make you feel good about yourself.  But did you also know that it’s a great way to help you relief stress?  For as long as history stretches back, music has been a big part of helping in stress management.

And the great part is that you can listen to music at home, without having to worry about the stress of traffic or other people.

Everyone has a favorite type of music, whether it’s classical, adult contemporary or rock.

Even during biblical times, according to holistic healers, music was used as a way to help people relax. It helped boost people’s moods, and even today it has the same effect.

When you are stressed out, adrenalin, the brain’s stress hormone, is released to help you function under pressure.  One benefit of adrenalin is that it gives you the extra push you need to launch into fight or flight mode.

If you’re favorite type of music is heavy metal, it may not be the best idea to indulge in listening to a Metallica cd, as heavy metal can make the heart race.  And why wouldn’t it?  Angry undertones may help you get out rage, but they’re not going to bring out your best, when it comes to stress management.

So what can you do with music to help alleviate stress?

One important thing to remember when it comes to music is that it is a natural stress reliever.  When I was younger, I would pop some CDs into my music system and just sit there as the music enveloped my thoughts.  What I found as I listened to the music was that my thoughts began to tune in with the music and brought back pleasant memories that brought me peace.

In addition, I began to think of all the world held in store and what opportunities still lay ahead of me.  As a result, I found that I felt a lot more relaxed when I walked back into my life.  I also discovered a newfound and renewed sense of self-confidence that I’d been lacking for a long time.

Dance is another technique you can mix with music to alleviate stress.

When you listen to music as a stress management technique, don’t be afraid to let yourself go and dance to the music.  A lot of the stress you feel comes from muscles tensing up within your body.  So naturally, it just feels good to let yourself go and have fun.

As you do, stretch your arms out in front of you, and watch yourself in the mirror.  Admire what you see.  Really, it’s okay to do that!

The best music for stress management is the kind that makes you feel good.  If you like pop music, keep a collection of pop hits on your ipod and listen.  Lay down if it helps.

Close your eyes and listen to the music.  Now this doesn’t mean you should fall asleep.  Watch yourself with that one, but closing your eyes for a few silent moments will help clear your mind and immerse you in the rhythm of the music.

One more tip that may help you is to pick music that improves your mood.  If you’re feeling low, consider some upbeat music with a steady beat.  Happy music tends to have a good effect on your mood, and may actually enhance your overall attitude.

If you’re having trouble deciding what type of music will help you relax, turn on the radio and sample what is playing.

If you’re used to doing things for others, take some time to think about yourself.  You do deserve some downtime.  Take advantage of it, even if only for a few minutes.

If you can’t afford fancy equipment, such as an ipod, a lot of libraries carry free cds and of course you can listen to the radio for free.

Experts say that music can stimulate the brain and activate the much-needed relaxation necessary to reduce blood pressure and reduce your chances of a life-threatening illness.

Each song you listen to will bring a completely different feeling.  If you listen to a love song, you may be carried back to memories of someone you once loved and you may rexperience emotions you felt during those times.

Lose yourself in the memory, and you will begin to see the positive effects of music as a relaxation technique.

If you are genuinely trying to improve your health and reduce stress at the same time, you may want to consider some new age music that simulates the sound of a forest and has peaceful instrument sounds woven throughout

As you sample different types of music, you are certain to come across something that appeals to you. Now go out and find that something!

The 15th Alabama Volunteer Infantry and The Washington Civil War Association deserve an enormous thank you many times over. They went far above and beyond expectations in demonstrating a taste of the Civil War for a few hundred elementary and middle school children.

The fifth grade classes at Bernice Vossbeck Elementary were really looking forward to the field trip at Hovander Park and they didn’t leave disappointed! Since our son is in Miss Jennifer Hanna’s class, I followed them around all morning and afternoon, asking questions and taking pictures. Thank you to all the participants who allowed me to photograph them in action.

Each class at Hovander would visit seven stations throughout the day. Each station told a story of the Civil War.

Station One: Cause and Effect of The Civil War. This was a unique take on the Civil War, because it cast two men as friends, neighbors, and then soldiers for the two sides of The Civil War. These two gentlemen started out speaking to each other as friendly neighbors, and then gradually they entered into a discussion about the inevitable war, and eventually the men fought against each other, even “firing” rifles at one another! This was a very personal and intimate display.

Station Two:  Basic Military Drill and Manual of Arms. The children really enjoyed this station because they were led in military drills with “rifles” which were pieces of wood carved to look like rifles. There were two and three groups of children which would drill and fight against each other. Amazingly hard work.

Station Three: Ladies Clothing, The Roll of Women.  The two women who were leading this station were so very gracious. They told two stories, one was the quilt story and the other was how the women  kept their men and families dressed during The Civil War Era. The Quilt is made up of many many squares which each tell a story. Flags which displayed the quilt showed runaway slaves which direction to go, what hazards to watch out for, which house was a safe haven, or which trail would be the safest. The quilt was absolutely beautiful. The two ladies also explained how white cotton was the predominant material women would use to make their family’s clothing. One of the main reasons being that it could be washed in water and lye to come out clean. All children were outfitted in dresses until the age of four or five, and only then were the boys given a pair of knickers to wear.

Station Four: Medical Demonstration. This station was full of blood and gore and various limbs in a basket! Of course everything was a reproduction, but very captivating nonetheless. Here, a knowledgeable gal explained how most battle wounds affected the arms and legs. She also stated that a good doctor could amputate a limb in only 15 minutes. Most soldiers would die from infection, dsyentry, typhoid or pneumonia. If you survived an amputation or an operation you were lucky, and if you survived the infection or disease that followed, you were extremely lucky!

Station Five:  A Soldiers Story. This station told the personal stories of soldiers. The gentleman here explained how each battle was usually fought within 35-50 yards. Can you believe that? There would be only 105 – 150 feet between opposing sides. The subject of women was also discussed. Apparently there were over 600 women who disguised themselves as men and fought side by side, right next to the men. While not fighting, the men played games, sang songs, read, played with clay marbles and made hand carved miniature dice. An abundance of memorabilia was on display also, from shirts, jackets, swords, dice, marbles and brogans (boots).

Station Six: Artillery. The children were thrilled when they saw the cannon, and even more elated when it was fired! We were told that cannons were used extensively in the Civil War, and that they were very dangerous to be near, for obvious reasons. One thing I had never thought of was how much smoke is made when the cannon was fired. Imagine both sides having to aim and fire their cannons through all of the smoke!

Station Seven: Camp Life. Lets just say camp life was not very clean. The men didn’t have clean clothes unless their wives brought them clean clothes! Bathing was an extreme luxury. Officer living was a little better than enlisted. Officers were allowed furniture, like beds, and a way to transport them. Enlisted men had to carry all of their personal belongings. Crowded unclean tents was the norm for the Civil War Soldier.

Again, thank you so much,to the 15th Alabama Volunteer Infantry and The Washington Civil War Association. Thank You to all of the volunteers involved, thank you for your time, your effort, and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

Outside in protest chanting, Benedict’s flock No you can’t, no you can’t Inside Obama’s friends chant and mock Yes we can, yes we can

Wisdoms answer notwithstanding only common sense need answer the mockery that was the appearance, the address and the awarding of an honorary degree to Barack Obama. Under the banner of bringing a new voice of liberalism to university has anyone sat down and done the math?

America’s universities are already strongly under the sway of liberalism and have been so for better than a quarter of a century. No diplomacy needed here just the facts. There has been no lack of liberal ideology in most of America’s halls of learning and real diversity would be allowing a conservative view anyplace at all. Notre Dame’s administration would have come off as far more honest if they allowed Ann Coulter to address the graduating class.

Millions of bloggers worldwide have proven that everyone has an opinion and almost 300 op-ed articles later I must agree that forming an opinion is as easy as spitting. Much harder is forming a question that will provoke someone to carefully peruse, and pensively weigh not just the views but the consequences and outcomes of specific behaviors. Here are just three such questions for Notre Dame, for Barack Obama, for America.

In his campaign Obama promised to bring a divided America together again. Not long ago as he jumped across Europe Barack Obama derided America by proclaiming that at times we had been ‘divisive.’ Only a few short weeks later he raised and created a division in Americas most prestigious Catholic University that everyone could see coming but he did nothing to stop. After lauding Father Ted Hesburgh for his 150 honorary degrees and noting that he had only one, the question for Barack Obama is simple.

Can you be proud of a degree that not only was not earned but came at the price of dividing students, a church and a nation and leaving them hurt and visibly shaken? Where is the promise of healing and unity you so glibly broadcast during your campaign? Would it be unfair to say that after campaign promises that are now seen as ‘more of the same’ that what happened yesterday May 17, 2009 is more like ‘the shame at Notre Dame?’

The second question is if the emphasis must now pass from abortion to poverty, health care and peace through diplomacy have you taken the Pelosian view that someone who is never born can’t come to poverty? Could that idea be extended to health care as in the dead have no health problems? Finally there is no need to engage friend or foe in diplomatic discourse if they have never been born. Is this how the emphasis passes from abortion to the social urgencies that are now alone accepted as politically correct?

The finally question must be this. Did you notice that in the entirety of your address to the fledglings and august administrators of Notre Dame that you never used the word ‘life’ or ‘living’ in reference to the unborn?

The only words we heard were opinion, viewpoint, the other view et al. Are you aware that throughout history when an ideology such as Marxism or Nazism became the chief interest of a people that those causes also began to disregard life? Millions of lives later can the world having barely recovered from such ideologies afford to embark again on a dark journey down this slippery slope?

And if it is truly the administrations plan to work to reduce the reasons a women gets an abortion what has your administration done to affect these changes? As one of your first acts in office you brought FOCA to the top of your agenda thus removing any judicial intervention in the matter of abortion. States rights have been suspended on the matter and the hideousness of partial term abortions has raised its ugly head once again. What if anything have you done to convince even one woman to consider not aborting? As it pertains to the pummeling of the pro-abortion movement and the deepest sentiments of millions of Americans forget ‘yes we can’ and get down to the raw truth which is ‘yes you did.’

Prior to and during the event attended even by protestor Jane Roe of Roe v Wade and a hosts of Catholic priests and protestant ministers many arrests were made. Among those arrested was former Presidential candidate Ambassador Alan Keyes. Every voice was ignored some were silenced. One protestor carried a sign that said ‘God is Pro-life.’ In so far as this is true even God’s voice was silent on that propitious day. Don’t count on it, for here is yet one more voice.

Whether it is in willingness or out of necessity all Americans must accept the civil authority invested in the President. Others also accept the ecclesiastical authority of the Pope and yet others the authority of the administration and faculty of Notre Dame. There is yet one authority I must always revert to without apology. I can quote the words time and time again and they too raise a question at least among some who still have ‘the ears to hear.’ Here is the quote once again, parenthetical emphasis mine.

After receiving and blessing the little children that his disciples tried to shoo away Jesus said “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones (doesn’t un-born qualify as ‘little’) which believe in me, it were better for him (what would be the worse?) that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Mt 18:6) No tolerance here, no diversity and nothing politically correct, just an ultimatum from the ultimate authority.

http://www.americanprophet.org is the place for news, articles, movie and book reviews and other insights for life. Rev Bresciani is a columnist for online and print publications and has over two million readers and counting.

Swing sets are a backyard staple for the summertime. They not only provide a fun, energizing workout for your children, but they also provides a great way to keep them busy on long summer days. They will love gathering up all their school friends, or their neighborhood friends to hang out and play around on the swing sets. With so many fun options, like gliders and rock climbing walls, the backyard becomes an adventureland.  The steering wheels and telescopes some units feature can turn normal swing sets into imaginary pirate ships or boats, and your children can pretend to be captains sailing the high seas. There are even optional sand boxes that children can play in to bring the feeling of the beach to the backyard.  Swing sets are either made from wooden beams or durable steel, which provide years of use. It is a great investment that your children will enjoy for years to come.

Radio Flyer Wagons are another great toy your children will love playing with in the summer months. They can take turns pulling each other up and down the driveway or around the block. They can even give their furry friends rides in the Radio Flyer Wagons as they pull them along. Radio Flyer Wagons can also double as a carrier if your children want to take some of their favorite toys to and from one of their friend’s houses. Children can also use them to make a mobile lemonade stand that they can pull up and down the street to sell their tasty concoctions. With a little imagination, Radio Flyer Wagons can be racecars, sail boats, pirate ships, and trains. This fun, classic toy is extremely durable and will provide your little ones with lots of ways to stay busy when school is out.

Pedal Cars are another great toy that gives kids an amazing workout while they are having fun. Since children have to move their legs rapidly in order to propel the Pedal Cars forward, they will get lots of exercise all summer long. The driveway and sidewalks can become their own mini street or racetrack. With so many Pedal Cars on the market, your child can choose one that fits their interests and tastes. For example, they come in the form of classic cars, hot rods, fire engines, trains, airplanes, and trucks. They come in a wide variety of colors and designs, including designs honoring kids and parents favorite baseball teams, including the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. These sidewalk cruisers even come in pink for the girls. Made from sturdy steelFree Articles, these pedal cars will provide your children with miles and miles of summer fun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Jennifer Boris is a freelance copywriter.

People tend to think that when they are on vacations it is allowed for them not to follow any type of diet plan or continue to measure their food portions. After all it is summer time; which automatically is translated as the time one should let his/her guards down. Well, tempting as this may seem for many, we all know the outcomes of such a “relaxed” nutritional plan; more business for those weight-loss centers upon the completion of our summer period. But, there is a way out and it does not include “starvation.” Keeping your diet’s balance is not that difficult, as long as you know what to avoid, when and why.

Let me begin by stating that there are no “bad” foods. There are only bad food habits. One can enjoy an ice-cream, a chocolate cake, an eight-portion meal, or a bag of chips and still manage to keep his or her figure, be active, energetic and fit. The first rule is for you not to skip meals. Instead of eating a big portion of food after starving all day at the beach, you should enjoy a healthy and balanced breakfast that will keep your stomach full and your energy levels high. Then, depending on your usual eating habits, you could eat a light lunch and a heavier early dinner, or vise versa. If you are confused on what to select for your snacks, you can select among fresh fruits, a yogurt or a small tomato and cheese sandwich. By keeping your main three meals a day and adding a couple of snacks in between, you are able to control better your appetite and resist the numerous temptations that can allure you appetite to explore. Moreover, by skipping meals you are destined to eat more and faster, a practice that does not providing enough time for your stomach to inform your brain that it is now full and you should stop.

Swim, walk, do some bicycling and in general exercise! One of the main reasons you can enjoy a heavier meal than usual, without thinking that it will destroy your figure, is the fact that during your summer vacations you exercise more. Take advantage of the opportunities offered in your vacating destination and enjoy the experience of feeling fit and full of energy again. These types of outdoor activities can slim your waistline, reduce significantly your stress, add years of life and improve your cardiovascular and immune systems. Fitness is not a word you should be afraid of. Staying healthy by keeping your body and mind fit are not things you should consider only after you return. By participating in different sports and remembering how it feels to be active, you are improving your chances of staying healthy longer and experience life to its fullest.

Finally, try to sleep as many hours as your body needs to feel relaxed but be active when you wake up. Of course, go out, have fun, dance, play beach sports and converse with friends or strangers. Vacation memories are those you will remember through the years and you should do everything in your power to experience them in full while staying fit.

About the Author:

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Fitness, Men’s Health, and Religion

Credit Card Do’s

• Pay off your credit card in Full

It goes without saying that everyone should make their credit card payments by the due date and in full, if possible, to avoid paying any interest.

• Always pay At Least the Minimum Amount

If you don’t you’ll be charged non-payment fees as well as interest. If you always only pay the minimum amount however, it’s a sure sign that you are living beyond your means and that perhaps you need to re-assess your spending habits. The interest charged on your credit card will really add up over time.

• Pay your credit card automatically

Organize to pay monthly without having to think about it. Arrange this with your bank if your cash flow permits, so you never miss a payment. Make sure you have enough funds to cover the payments though, or you’ll be charged late fees and interest.

• Check your statements

Make sure all purchases are in fact yours and that you’re not paying for someone else’s purchases! It’s more common than you think.

• Tick, Tick, Tick

Keep all of your receipts together and tick them off your credit card statements each month then file or throw away (depending on whether or not you may need them for product returns or tax purposes).

• Make notes on your statements

Write short descriptions of your purchases on your credit card statements and highlight items for tax. Don’t leave this too long – it’s too hard to remember later.

• Make the most of your interest-free period

Many credit cards offer an interest-free period, often up to 55 days. If your statement period runs from say 1 November to 30 November, you will receive more interest-free days if you purchase goods early in the month, whereas fewer interest-free days will be left if you make your purchase at the end of the month. Just make sure you pay off the closing balance on your card in full by the due date to get the benefit.

• Try a low limit

Consider reducing the limit on your credit card if you don’t need it. Not only will it take away the temptation but it will improve your financial position in the eyes of your bank if you go for say, a home loan.

• Don’t bury you head in the sand

Talk to your bank or financial institution if you are having trouble paying off your credit card to see whether you can organize a payment schedule that works for you.

• Choose a card to suit your spending habits

Choose a credit card that is right for you. If you plan to pay off your balance each month, you may not be concerned about interest rates. Therefore you might want to concentrate on things like fees, and rewards programs. If you don’t think you’ll pay off your card in full every month, you will probably be more interested in a card with an attractive rate of interest.

• Load Up

Pay for as many expenses as you can through your credit card (including big ticket items if your limit allows) to build up Reward Program points – but only if you can pay the whole balance off in full each and every month.

• Shop Around

There are many different types of credit cards available from banks and other financial institutions, so shop around. When visiting credit card providers and asking about the cards they offer, asking the following questions to help you weigh up the pros and cons of each card:

• What is the interest rate?
• Is there an interest-free period and if so, how long is it?
• Is interest charged from the date I make the purchase or from when the statement is issued?
• How much of the balance do I have to pay back by the due date?
• Is there a reward scheme, and if so, what rewards are offered and what is the cost of the rewards program?
• What are all of the fees and charges associated with this credit card?
• If I have any other accounts with this bank, do I get any rebates on my credit card?
• How widely is the card accepted (i.e. within Australia and also around the world)?
• What charges will I incur using the card overseas and what exchange rate will be used?
• Does the card offer any other benefits?
• Can I have additional cards on the account? What fees would be charged for this?
• Do I have any protection if goods or services I’ve paid for using this card are defective?

Credit Card Don’ts

• Don’t go over your limit

You will be hit with large fees for this as soon as you do.

• Don’t have too many credit cards

Reduce the number of credit cards you have to reduce the amount you pay in annual fees and the amount of time you have to spend managing them.

• Don’t accept offers to increase your limit

If you don’t really need the extra credit, say thanks but no thanks. Be honest with yourself – could you really resist spending extra?

• Don’t keep using a credit card if you can’t resist spending

If you know you can’t afford to buy anything on credit card and if for example, you have a shopping addiction, do yourself and your family a favour and cut your credit card up! It’s not worth the emotional and financial stress.

• Don’t use Cash Advances!

Most banks will charge a fee for a cash advance, as well as charge interest from the day you get the cash i.e. there is no interest free period like there is for normal purchases.

• Don’t use your credit card for long-term borrowing

Credit cards are not a cost effective way of funding long-term borrowing. If you have a few debts such as credit cards, leases, car loans and a housing loan, speak to your bank about consolidating your debts under one umbrella credit product. This way, instead of paying a higher rate of interest on your credit card, you will pay interest at home loan rates, which are usually much lower.

• Don’t be sucked in by Rewards

If you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off a credit card every month in full don’t sign up. The interest you will pay will more than likely outweigh any rewards you may get.

About the Author:

Deb Wilson has been interested in making, understanding and managing money from a young age, Deb went on to study Business at University, graduating with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting with Computing) and later completing Post Graduate Studies in Business Management.

The popsicles you buy in your grocery store are a kind of highly processed food, and reliance on processed rather than whole, natural foods is what gets us into weight trouble. For example, the typical popsicle ingredients list includes lots of hard-to-pronounce chemicals. This is okay occasionally and in small doses, but mostly you want to avoid having too many highly processed foods with chemicals and other substances added to them. That said, we all have the need for off-the-shelf snacks once in a while, and the purpose of this article is to help you sort out the best, most readily available popsicle choices.

There are lots of low-fat/low-calorie popsicles products, but beware because the majority of these popsicles are sweetened with sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup. Even a little bit of sugar can trigger food cravings, turn you into a crazy person with food, and lead to a binge. For example, eating just one seemingly harmless popsicle made with sugar can turn into an out-of-control eating episode where you end up eating the whole box and more. So definitely pass on any popsicle made with sugar, no matter how tempting it might be to induldge in low-calorie or low-fat choice.

Instead, always look for the phrase “no sugar added” on the popsicle product cover. Many popsicle manufacturers have two variations of the same product — one that’s made with caloric sweeteners and one that isn’t. This is why you shouldn’t make a decision based on brand name alone. Always take the time to look for the sugar-free product. The next thing you want to do is take a scan of the ingredients list to see what substance or substances are used to artificially sweeten the product. My personal preference is to seek out the ones made with sucralose (splenda) and to avoid the ones made with aspartame. In my opinion, the splenda product is a less objectionable choice because there are less unwanted side-effect problems assocated with it — especially for kids who are getting a lot of aspartame in other diet products or diet drinks.

My two “faves” are Klondike and Edy’s, but I wouldn’t rule out the Fudgsicle/Popsicle products, which are both made with aspartame, if that’s all you can find.

1. Klondike Slima-a-Bear 100 Calorie Bars – NO SUGAR ADDED (sweetened with sucralose)
2.Edy’s NO SUGAR ADDED Fruit bars (sweetened with sucralose).
3. Fudgsicle NO SUGAR ADDED (sweetened with aspartame)
4. SUGAR FREE Popsicle (sweetened with aspartame)

Karen Bentley’s Recipe for Fruity Yogurt Pops
(From the Sugar-Free Miracle Diet Cookbook – Snack Collection)
Serves: 8

Ingredients:
2 cups plain, sugar-free Greek yogurt (low-fat is okay, but be sure there’s no sugar in it. Most low-fat products are made with caloric sweeteners.)
2 cups frozen berries (mixed or dark berries are best because they have the most flavor)
1/2 cup sucralose (Splenda) or non-caloric sweetener of your choice
2 teaspoons sugar-free vanilla

Directions:
Get your popsicle molds and sticks ready. Or, alternatively, use 8 four-ounce paper cups as molds with large toothpicks. Put the frozen fruit and sucralose in a food processor and process for 1 or 2 minutes until the berries have a granular consistency. Stop the processor. Add vanilla and yogurt. Process again until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved, about 1 minute. Pour into popsicle molds. Freeze. Eat. Enjoy.

About the Author:

Karen Bentley is an award-winning fitness educator, a sugarfree eating expert, and the creator of the Sugar-Free Miracle Diet System. For more information go to www.sugarfreemiracle.com and www.karenbentley.com.

As I’ve mentioned already, some children will learn differently that others. And just as your child has thier own unique interests, so will their idea of a captivating computer game or program. Some children like characters, some children like puzzles. There is no shortage of subjects and topics available these days, so you should pay close attention to your choice in order for your child to get the maximum benefit from your investment in their eduction. This is where the ‘fun’ in homeschooling software comes in – choose something fun for your child, and they can’t help but learn!

Finding a good combination of fun for your child and effective educational value is always a tricky prospect. A number of elements come into play: how your child learns, the curriculum you choose, and how much you want to invest in teaching tools. Your child’s preferences with subjects and type of computer games they prefer will help you choose what software programs will be most effective in your homeschool programme. Combine your child’s preference with your already choosen curriculum to narrow down the subject of software you will look for. Remember, many facets of learning can be addressed – information learning, problem solving, memorization, and creativity. The final factor that will come into play is budget. You might want to try out one or two titles before committing to a whole learning series. Or look for free software, as well as take advantage of non-traditional ‘learning software’ – ie, free graphics programs, or online word games.

An important factor to keep in mind is the interaction with other children that your child misses out on when they are home schooled. An important interaction with normal group schooling is the competitive nature of some of the school events. A fun way to introduce a fun and challenging learning environment that will imitate this competitive aspect is with home school software. Competing against a previous ‘high score’ or achieving the next level is a very strong motivator for competitive kids, and adds an element of fun to their homeschooling day.

Another interesting attribute of learning software is that they are often designed with enough flexibility so that they will suit a wide range of experience levels and learning speeds. The child is able to start out at the level they are currently studying at, and advance virtually at the maximum speed at which they are capable of learning. The combination of interactivity, challenge, and appropriate skill level makes homeschool software a very accessible learning tool which adds fun to your child’s education. The secondary benefit to this adaptability is the ability for you to use the same program for multiple children, regardless of their individual levels and learning styles.

About the Author: Matt Brodderick. Find out how to find and introduce a fun and effective new teaching tool into your homeschooling curriculum. Visit http://homeschoolsoftware.blogspot.com to discover more homeschool software information and more.

Your walk with God here on earth does not need to be a walk in the desert. If you are saved, living water has been installed in you and that is why you do not have to thirst anymore. When you experience that life with God becomes hard, you can receive new strength from the source of the living water inside of you. We often think that we have to struggle as Christians here on earth, but the situation is actually the opposite.

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

It does not mean that being a Christian is to live on a pink cloud, but we have received a helper who guides us through hard things and gives us new power. When Jesus uses the words “streams of living water” to describe the Holy Spirit to us, He wants to describe the effect the Holy Spirit has on our life. He refreshes and gives us new power.

A new dimension of worshipping God

Through the whole Bible, until we come to the Acts, we see the prophecy about the time when God is going to come close to us in a special way. There was going to come a time when the Spirit of God would not just rest on people, but God would let His Spirit dwell in them.

Ezekiel 36:25-27
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Think how fantastic it is! Almighty God, the creator of the whole universe, wants His own Spirit to dwell in you! You have no choice but to become completely transformed when you realize that.

We know that this dimension became reality in the second chapter of the Acts when the apostles and those who were gathered with them became baptized in the Holy Spirit and started speaking in tongues. We know that because Peter himself refers to the prophecies in the Old Testament and says that the possibility of Spirit baptism is the fulfillment of the prophecies (Acts 2:15).

Getting baptized with the Holy Spirit is more than to begin speaking in tongues. It means getting completely surrounded by and filled with the Holy Spirit. Many people are able to classify Jesus and God well, but when you talk about the Holy Spirit, they become uncertain. They consider the Holy Spirit to be some kind of feeling, power or energy that you cannot define precisely. This is not so according to Jesus because He was talking about the Holy Spirit as a person – a helper that He was going to send. Yes, Jesus actually says that it is better for us that He goes to the Father so that the Holy Spirit can come.

John 16:7
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

What enabled Jesus to do what He did when He was on earth was the Holy Spirit. That is why it was an advantage for us that Jesus went away so that the Holy Spirit could come over each one of us – because then everyone is able to do what Jesus did.

John 14:12
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

The Holy Spirit was supposed to give us power and teach us everything we need to learn. He is not just “good to have”, He is a “must” if you want to do what Jesus has asked you to do.

John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

The Holy Spirit is actually so important that Jesus asked His disciples to wait before they began fulfilling the mission command until they received the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49 + Acts 1:4)

The Holy Spirit enables us to do the deeds Jesus did and it is also Him who enables us to live in victory over sin. From the human perspective it is impossible to live in victory over sin without the help of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:13
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

The Holy Spirit is an important part of your life

Why did Jesus call the Holy Spirit a spokesman? It was of course because He speaks. He communicates what God wants to tell you. If you want to receive something from God, you need to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit. He is not the mediator between us and God because Jesus is one (1 Tim 2:5), but He is a spokesman who communicates what God wants to say to us.

That is why we need to develop our relationship with Him. He is not some kind of vague energy, but a person who can be both hurt and glad. He has much to say but He is not going to be an intruder.

It is important that you renew your mind so that you can catch the signals the Holy Spirit is sending you. Since the Holy Spirit lives in you, all the knowledge is available to you, but you cannot use more than what you can comprehend with your mind.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit-just as it has taught you, remain in him.

The Holy Spirit is not the one who takes initiative, but a helper. He is not going to do everything for you or intrude, but when you take the initiative, He will strengthen you.

To sum up, we can say that the Holy Spirit is the one who enables us to do what Jesus asked us to do, to live a life in victory over sin and He is the spokesman God speaks to us through.

About the Author: Ronald Gabrielsen is a musician, graphic designer and a missionary.

Apples & Cinnamon
Cut your favorite variety of apple (we like Granny Smiths!) into slices, then spray lightly with non-fat cooking spray, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Just make sure you are using real cinnamon and not one of the sugar laden cinnamon toppings.

Steamed Cauliflower or Broccoli
Tired of raw cauliflower and broccoli? Switch it up and skip the fattening veggie dips by steaming it instead. Then sprinkle with a small amount of low-fat Parmesan cheese with salt and pepper to taste. Yum!

Frozen Grapes
Love grapes but can’t stop yourself from eating an entire bag? Wash them and then freeze them instead, and you can have a full cup for only 60 calories. When your grapes are frozen, they take longer to eat and because of the cold you will be less likely to overindulge. And to have it take even longer, chose grapes with seeds so you need to split each grape in half to take the seeds out first.

Sugar-Free Jello
Jello is a favorite childhood snack but many dieters associate jello with sugar and calories. But in reality, the sugar-free Jello has only 80 calories for the entire box. Add some fruit, such as orange slices or chopped peaches/nectarines (if you use canned, make sure the fruit is packed in water or juice and not the high calorie sugary syrup), and you have not only a healthy snack for you, but one for the whole the family too. Need it for snacks on the go? You can also set it in individual serving containers for packing in lunches.

Baked apples
Apple pie taste but without the calories! Chop up an apple, add splash of lemon juice, a bit of cinnamon and 1 tsp of brown sugar (be sure to measure, not guess!) in a microwave safe bowl. Mix well then microwave for two minutes (watch carefully so you don’t accidentally crisp it!). Melanee Madison has faced the many challenges of losing weight after pregnancy and knows just how difficult it can be for new moms to drop the pounds while looking after kids! Please visit http://www.Losing-Weight-After-Pregnancy.com for more weight loss tips for new moms.

About the Author: Melanee Madison has faced the many challenges of losing weight after pregnancy and knows just how difficult it can be for new moms to drop the pounds while looking after kids! Please visit http://www.Losing-Weight-After-Pregnancy.com for more weight loss tips for new moms.

The kids in the neighborhood gently put him into a shoebox filled with grass and cotton balls. They decided he needed to eat so they found a worm, smashed it, and fed it to him. A neighbor suggested they call the Humane Society, so they did. The Humane Society referred them to the Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Another phone call was made and in about 45 minutes a lovely young gal named Olivia Reed showed up. She transferred the little fella to a small container filled with soft paper towels which was inside a secure box with air holes. He was whisked away to the NW Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where he’ll start his recovery and very soon grow into a healthy bird. When he is ready, he will be released into the wild.

The Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will take in any wild animal that has been orphaned or injured and when they’re ready they are released back into their natural habitat. This wonderful center is funded almost entirely by donations. Miss Reed said hardly no government money is used, even the equipment is donated. What an awesome service these folks are providing to the surrounding wildlife. I just can’t get over the fact that someone drove to our house, picked up a bird, took him back to the center, nurtured him and will then release him. All of that for a little tiny bird!!  How amazing is that?!

Thank You Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, awesome job!