Transforming Lives

Live a Life in a Purpose

2009-10-29T23:24:00.000-07:00

By Bro. Glenn Detruz of Young Adults Ministry
Church of God - Dasmarinas

Reminder on how to live in a purpose:

Know your Destination

The North Star - symbol which the Wise Men guided them to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Follow the Compass - it guides the direction.

The Difference of Map and Compas:

Compass - has four directions only - North, South, East and West.

Map – has many directions – Country, Cities, Towns, streets, roads, etc.

There are Crossroads along the Journey:

Life is full of choices.

Check if your plans are linked to God’s plan.

In Isaiah 29:15 says:

“What sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their evil deeds in the dark! ‘The LORD can’t see us,” they say. ‘He doesn’t know what’s going on!’”

A. Know God’s Purpose

Salvation to all Nations. (Our common purpose.)

In Galatians 3:13-14 (NIV) says:

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘ Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’ He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

B. Obey God’s Purpose

Spread the Word of God. (Salvation to all Nations.)

In Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) says:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Be glad when your life is interrupted.

The more obstacles you have, the more opportunities there are for God to do something.

Always use the tool for the journey.

In Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) says:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Resources: http://www.blueletterbible.org and Young Adults Fellowship Church of God -Dasmarinas World Missions Philippines

Healing Choices: Don’t Give Temptation Power

2009-10-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

By Rick Warren | Thursday, October 22, 2009
From PurposeDriven.com

Pastor Rick Warren discusses the Bible passages that inspire him the most. And this is from:

“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace” (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT).

Have you ever watched a food advertisement on television and suddenly felt you were hungry? Have you ever heard someone cough and immediately felt the need to clear your throat? Ever watched someone release a big yawn and felt the urge to yawn yourself?

This is the power of suggestion working within your mind. We naturally move toward whatever our attention is focused on. The more you think about something, the stronger it takes hold of you, which is why the Bible teaches that we should, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace” (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT).

That is why repeating, “I must stop eating too much . . . or stop smoking . . . or stop lusting” is a self-defeating strategy. It keeps you focused on what you don’t want. It’s like announcing, “I’m never going to do what my mom did.” You are setting yourself up to repeat it.

Temptation begins by capturing your attention. What gets your attention arouses your emotions. Then your emotions activate your behavior, and you act on what you feel. The more you focus on “I don’t want to do this,” the stronger temptation draws you into its web.

Ignoring a temptation is far more effective than fighting it. Once your mind is on something else, the temptation loses its power. So when temptation calls you on the phone, don’t argue with it, just hang up!

Sometimes this means physically leaving a tempting situation. This is one time it is okay to run away. Get up and turn off the television set. Walk away from a group that is gossiping. Leave the theater in the middle of the movie.

To avoid being stung, stay away from the bees!

You can learn more about what God wants for you by reading The Purpose Driven Life.

Source: http://www.purposedriven.com/article.do?method=articlePage&contentId=201997

Spoiling the Devil's Agenda

2009-05-25T03:54:00.000-07:00

Ptr. Ronald Camiling
Assistant Pastor Church of God - Dasmariñas
Sunday Preaching 05/02/09

Spoiling the Devil's Agenda

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Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,
“It has come at last -
salvation and power
and the Kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
has been thrown down to earth -
the one who accuses them
before our God day and night.
And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
and by their testimony.
And they did not love their lives so much
that they were afraid to die.
Therefore, rejoice, O heavens!
And you who live in the heavens, rejoice!
But terror will come on the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you in great anger,
knowing that he has little time.”

Revelation 12:10-12 (NLT)

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3 Significant Ways to Overcome the Devil:

"And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb. . . "

1. They overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb.

" In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood,
and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. "

Hebrews 9:22 (NIV)

" Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. "

Psalm 130

" He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. "

Galatians 3:14-15

" But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. "

1 John 1:7

2. They overcame him by their testimony.

" . . . and by their testimony. "

" I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. "

Romans 1:16

This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Isaiah 2:1-5

3. They overcame him by their attitude toward life.

" And they did not love their lives so much
that they were afraid to die. "

Don't Give Up!

2009-05-25T03:53:00.000-07:00

Ptr. Rhony Pepito
Associate Pastor - FCIE
Church of God - Dasmariñas
Sunday Preaching - 05/17/09

Thus your Hope is in the Lord or in this world?

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Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

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Causes of your DOWNfall:

" Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall; "

Deceitfulness - grow tired
Opposing God - weary
Worldly Passions - stumble
Neglecting the Word - fall

If we put our hope in this world:

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Even youths grow tired and weary,
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1. Deceitfulness - Mark 4:19

" but the worries of this life,
the deceitfulness of wealth
and the desires for other things come in
and choke the word, making it unfruitful. "

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Even youths grow tired and weary,
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2. Opposing God's Will - 1 Peter 5:5b

"Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,
because, "God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."

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and young men stumble and fall;
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3. Worldly Passions - Titus 2:12

" It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions,
and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,... "

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and young men stumble and fall;
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4. Neglecting the Word - Matthew 23:23

" Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin.
But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice,
mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter,
without neglecting the former. "

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Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

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If we put our Hope in the Lord:

" but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength. "

Hope - Trust -- Expect -- Faith

When God will renew our strength:

1. We will soar on wings like eagles.
-- arise with a renewed spirit
-- Psalm 103:5

" who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. "

2. We will run and not grow weary.
-- continue in serving God
-- serve God wholeheartedly

3. We will walk and not be faint.
-- walk with the Lord
-- become strong in faith
-- 2 Timothy 4:7

" I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith. "

Summary:

We will soar on wings like eagles;

DON'T GIVE UP!

We will run and not grow weary,
We will walk and not be faint.

Here's a video clip from a Pastor Nick Vujicic who has no Limbs but serving God without Limits! Be inspired and motivated!

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" If I fall hundred times and give up. Don't you think I can't get up?
NO! Because it is not on how many times I fall,
but it is on how many times I try
and I finish it strong! "

Ptr. Nick Vujicic
www.lifewithoutlimbs.org

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Held by Natalie Grant

2009-05-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

HELD
by Natalie Grant

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling

Who told us we'd be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
Were asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair

Chorus:
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held

This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow

(Repeat Chorus)

Coda:
If hope if born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our savior

[Repeat Chorus 2x]

Please visit her blog at http://www.nataliegrant.com/blog/

The Church – the greatest force on Earth

2009-05-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

by Rick Warren

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The Church is everywhere in the world. There are villages that have little else,but they do have a church.Rick Warren

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The Church is the most magnificent concept ever created. It has survived persistent abuse, horrifying persecution, and widespread neglect. Yet despite its faults (due to our sinfulness), it is still God’s chosen instrument of blessing and has been for 2,000 years.
The Church will last for eternity, and because it is God’s instrument for ministry here on Earth, it is truly the greatest force on the face of the Earth. That’s why I believe tackling the world’s biggest problems – the giants of spiritual lostness, egocentric leadership, poverty, disease, and ignorance – can only be done through the Church.
The Church has eight distinct advantages over the efforts of business and government:

1. The Church provides for the largest participation.

Most people have no idea how many Christians there are in the world: More than 2 billion people claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. That’s one third of the world’s population! The Church has about a billion more people than the entire nation of China.
For example, about 100 million people in the United States went to church this past weekend. That’s more people than will attend sporting events in the United States throughout this year. The Church is the largest force for good in the world. Nothing else even comes close.

2. The Church provides for the widest distribution.

The Church is everywhere in the world. There are villages that have little else, but they do have a church. You could visit millions of villages around the world that don’t have a school, a clinic, a hospital, a fire department, or a post office. They don’t have any businesses. But they do have a church. The Church is more widely spread – more widely distributed – than any business franchise in the world.
Consider this: The Red Cross noted that 90 percent of the meals they served to victims of Hurricane Katrina were actually cooked by Southern Baptist churches. Many churches were able to jump into action faster than the government agencies or the Red Cross. Why? The Church is literally everywhere, and Christians who could provide help to the Gulf Coast communicated with Christians in need of help so relief could be sent immediately.

3. The Church provides the longest continuation.

The Church has been around for 2,000 years. We’re not a fly-by-night operation. The Church has a track record that spans centuries: Malicious leaders have tried to destroy it, hostile groups have persecuted it, and skeptics have scoffed at it. Nevertheless, God’s Church is bigger now than ever before in history.
Why? Because it’s the Church that Jesus established, and it is indestructible. The Bible calls the Church an unshakable kingdom. In Matthew 16, Jesus says, “I will build my Church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” All the powers of hell – in other words, no hurricane, no earthquake, no tsunami, no famine, no pandemic, no army will ever conquer the Church established by Jesus Christ.

4. The Church provides the fastest expansion.

Did you know that every day 60,000 new people come to believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? By the end of today, thousands of new churches will be started throughout the world, and that will happen tomorrow and the next day and the next.
In one country that is closed to traditional Christian missions, more than 60,000 house churches have been started in one province by the work of lay people, no different from the people who fill your church sanctuary every weekend.

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If you’ve got a problem that’s growing ata rapid rate, then you need a solutionthat will grow even more rapidly. Forinstance, HIV/AIDS is growing at anincredibly fast rate in the world. Yetthank God, the Church is outgrowingthe disease,so more and more believerscan help minister to those with HIV/AIDS.Rick Warren

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Why is fast expansion important? If you’ve got a problem that’s growing at a rapid rate, then you need a solution that will grow even more rapidly. For instance, HIV/AIDS is growing at an incredibly fast rate in the world. Yet thank God the Church is outgrowing the disease, so more and more believers can help minister to those with HIV/AIDS.
If we’re going to tackle global giants like poverty, disease, or illiteracy, then we must be part of something that’s growing faster than the problem. The Church is doing just that!

5. The Church provides the highest motivation.

Why do any of us do what we do in ministry? It’s not to make money, not to make a name for ourselves and not for duty to our nation. We do it out of love. Jesus stated it as the Great Commandment: “Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.” We wouldn’t do the hard work required to tackle these global giants for money, for fame, or for anything else. It just wouldn’t be worth it; we’d quit before the end.
We’re motivated to keep at the hard work of ministry because we love God, and our love for God compels us to love other people. It is love that never gives up; it is love that keeps moving forward despite the appearance of impossible odds; and it is love that outlasts any problem.

6. The Church provides the strongest authorization.

God authorized the Church to take on global giants, such as spiritual lostness, egocentric leadership, poverty, disease, and ignorance. With God’s authorization, the outcome is guaranteed to be successful.
When you know that God has authorized you to do something, you don’t worry about failure because God doesn’t sponsor flops. If God says we’re going to do it, it’s going to happen. It is inevitable. In fact, the Bible teaches that God will give us his power to complete the task. This is God’s way - ordinary people empowered by his Spirit.

7. The Church provides the simplest administration.

The Church is organized in such a way that we can network faster and with less bureaucracy than most governmental agencies or even well-meaning charities. For instance, the organizational structure at Saddleback, which is based on the New Testament model, holds that every member is a minister. Each person in our church family is encouraged to use his or her own S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences) to do what God has called him or her to do. There is no bureaucracy or hierarchy. There isn’t a single committee, and the process doesn’t require a long list of approvals.
The old wineskin of command and control won’t work well in the 21st century. The organization of the future is the “network.” And there’s no better worldwide network than the Church, where every member is a minister and empowered to do what God wants done.

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The P.E.A.C.E. Plan Want to learn more about Rick Warren’s historic plan to tackle the global giants of spiritual lostness, egocentric leadership, poverty, disease, and ignorance? Check out Purpose Driven Ministries’ P.E.A.C.E. Plan Web site.

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Consider it this way – tens of millions of Christians in millions of small groups that are part of churches around the world can take on the global giants with no other authority than that given from Jesus Christ. In other words, we have God’s permission and we have God’s command to do it. There is no need to seek permission from anyone else.

8. The Church provides for God’s conclusion.

Since we believe the Bible is God’s Word, we already know the end of history. Jesus said in Matthew 24: “The good news about God’s Kingdom will be preached in all the world to every nation, and then the end will come.” It is inevitable and unavoidable.
When you consider these eight advantages, think about the exponential explosion of ministry when millions upon millions of small groups in millions upon millions of churches organize in such a way that each person can do their part in attacking the five global giants.
What do you think could happen if God’s people prayed against these global giants, prepared for action against these giants, and then moved through faith to tackle these giants?
We may look at these problems and think, “These are too big! How could we possibly solve them?”
But with God, nothing is impossible – and if we all work together as his Church, we’ll see these giants falls just as Goliath fell when faced with David’s obedience to God.
Pastor, it is a great privilege and an awesome responsibility to lead a local church. God wouldn’t have placed you where you are if he didn’t believe you could handle the task before you. You play a vital role in tackling these global giants. It is my privilege to co-labor with you.

Source: http://www.rickwarren.com/

Interview with Ptr. Rick Warren by Paul Bradshaw

2009-05-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

Kay and Rick Warren

You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren.

'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:

People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.
One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me.
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity.. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal.. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.
God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth.. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.
No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.
If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, 'which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.

It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.

Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.

It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72:
II Corinthians 9 (New International Version)

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

1Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. 5So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.

The Cheerful Giver

6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
10He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Psalm 72 (New International Version)

1 Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness.
2 He will judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice.
3 The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.
5 He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more.
8 He will rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9 The desert tribes will bow before him and his enemies will lick the dust.
10 The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores will bring tribute to him; the kings of Sheba and Seba will present him gifts.

11 All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.
15 Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him and bless him all day long.
16 Let grain abound throughout the land; on the tops of the hills may it sway. Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon; let it thrive like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through him, and they will call him blessed.
18 Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.
20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.

Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the chu rch had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?
Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.

Painful moments, TRUST GOD.

Every moment, THANK GOD.

God's Blessings on you today.

He is my Bestfriend

2009-05-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in Milaor, Camarines Sur, there lived a fourth grader boy who would follow this route to school everyday. He has to cross the rugged plains and cross the dangerous highway where vehicles are recklessly driving to and from.

Once past this highway, the boy would take a short cut, passing by the Church every morning just to say Hi to God, and faithfully say his, "Magandang umaga po" in Bicol dialect. He was faithfully being watched by a Priest who was happy to find innocence so uplifting in the morning,
"Kamusta, Andoy? Papasok ka na?"

"Opo padre ... "he would flash his innocent grin, the priest would betouched. He was so concerned that one day he talked to Andoy.

"From school...", he advised "Do not cross the highway, you canpass through the Church and I can accompany you to the other side of theroad...that way I can see that you are home safe...."

"Thank you father ... " "Why don't you go home ... why do you stay inthis church right after school?"

"I just want to say 'Hi' to my friend, God," and the priestwould leave the boy to spend time beside the altar,talking to himself, but the priest was hiding behind the altar to listen to what this boy has to say to his heavenly FATHER.

"You know my math exam was pretty bad today, but I did not cheat although my seatmate is bullying me for notes... I ate one cracker and drank my water, Itay had a bad season and all I can eat is this cracker.

Thank you for this! I saw a poor kitten who was hungry and I know how hefeels so I gave my last cracker to him ... funny but I am not that hungry. Look, this is my last pair of slippers ...I may have to walk barefoot next week, you see this is about to be broken... but it is okay....at least I am still going to school.... Some say we will have a hard season this month, some of my classmates have already stopped going to school .... please help them get to school again, please God?

....Oh, you know, Inay hit me again, it is painful, but I know this pain will pass away, at least I still have a mother.... God, you want to see my bruises? I know you can heal them.... Here... here and .... oh ...blood... I guess you knew about this one huh? Please don't be mad at Inay, she is just tired and she worries for the food in our table and my schooling thatis why she hits us....Oh, I think I am in love ... there's this pretty girlin my class, hername is Anita ... do you think she will like me? Anyway, at least I know you will always like me, I don't have to be anybody just to please you, you are my very best friend! Hey your birthday is two days from now!!! Aren't you excited? I am! Wait till you see, I have a gift for you . but it is asurprise! I hope you will like it! Oooops, I have to go ..." then he stood up and calls out, "Padre, padre, I am finished talking to my friend ....you can accompany me to the other side of the road now"
This routine happens everyday. Andoy never fails. Father Agaton shares this every Sunday to the people in his church because he has not seen a verypure faith and trust in God, a very positive look at negative situations.

One Christmas day, Father Agaton was sick so he could not make it in the Church, he was sent to the hospital. The Church was left to 4 manangs whowould chant the rosary in 1000 miles per hour, would not smile and wouldalways find fault in what you do, they were also very well versed in cursingif you irritate them! They were kneeling, saying their kilometric rosarywhen Andoy, coming from his Christmas party,playfully dashed in.

"Hello God! I ......"

"P----!! (a curse) bata ka!! Alam mo nang may nagdadasal!! Alis!!"

Poor Andoy was so terrified, "Where's Father Agaton? He is supposed tohelp me cross the street ... and to be able to cross the street I will have to pass by the back door of this church .not only that, I have to greet Jesus. It is His birthday, I have a gift right here....." Just as he was about to get the gift out of his shirt, the manang pulled his shirt and threw him out of the church.

"Susmaryosep!!! (does the signof the cross fervently) Alis kang bata ka, kung hindi matatamaan ka!!!

So the boy had no choice but to cross the dangerous side of the road infront of the church. He crossed. A fast moving bus came in.

There was a blind curve. The boy was protecting his gift inside hisshirt,so he was not looking. There was so little time. Andoy died on the spot. Alot of people crowded the poor boy, the body of a lifeless young boy ...

Suddenly, out of nowhere a tall man in a pure white shirt and pants, a face so mild and gentle, but with eyes full of tears.... He came and carried the boy in His arms. He was crying. Curious bystanders nudged the man in white, and asked, "Excuse me sir, are you related to this child?

Do you know this child?"

The man in white, His face mourning and in agony, looked up and answered,
"He was my best friend . " was all he said. He took the badly wrapped gift in the bloody chest of the lifeless boy, and placed it near His heart.

He stood up and carried the boy away and they both disappeared in sight.
The crowd was curious ...

On Christmas Eve, Father Agaton learned of the shocking news. He visited the house, and wanted to verify about the man in white. He consulted the parents of Andoy.

"How did you know that your son died?"

"A man in white brought him here." sobbed the mother. "What did he say?"The father answered, "He did not say anything. He was mourning. We do not know him and yet he was very lonely about our son's death, as if he knew our son very well. But there was something peaceful and unexplainable about him. He gave me my son, and then he smiled peacefully. He brushed my son's hairaway from his face and kissed him on his forehead, then he whispered something..."

"What did he say?"

"He said to my boy..." the father began, "Thank you for the gift... I will see you soon ... you will be with me..." and the father of the boy continued, "and you know for a while, it felt so
wonderful ... I cried, but I do not know why....all I know is I cried tears of joy .... I could not explain it, Father, but whenthat man left, something peaceful came over me, I felt a deep sense
of love inside ... I could not explain the joy in my heart, I knew my boy is in heaven now but...tell me, Father, who is this man that my son talks to everyday in your church, you should know because you are alwaysthere ... except at the time of his death ......"

Father Agaton suddenly felt the tears welling in his eyes, with
trembling knees, he murmurred, " ...

He was talking to no one .....but .. GOD...."

The Taxi Driver

2009-05-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

I arrived at the address where someone had requested a taxi. I honked but no one came out. I honked again, nothing. So I walked to the door and knocked. Just a minute answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. 'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, and then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'. 'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?' 'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly. 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice'.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. 'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. 'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.

'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID,

BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL . . .

Merry Christmas to every one!

2008-12-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

What do we really need this Christmas?

2008-12-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

Ptr. Ronald Camiling
Assistant Pastor - Church of God Dasmariñas, Cavite Phils.

We need simplicity, time for sorting out our lives, time for being together,time for getting to know one another, and time for sharing ourselves atthe deepest level without any deception.

We need holy time, a sense of life’s deeper meaning, to devote time topray together, mend ways and forgive and forget as God forgave us.

We need space for seeing life as it is, for seeing the millions of peoplein the world who are starving to death because of extreme poverty and thosevictims of calamities and the millions who are dying of simple diseases.

Ultimately, we need the Christ of Christmas and renewal of our inner being. We need to hear and receive the message of Christmas, that Godhas entered the human arena to dwell with us, that His presence isconsequently here and available to us now, that we are not alone, spinningout our destinies…, and that all our days are spent before God who pouredall that He was and is and will be through His one and only Son.

We need to surrender our lives to Christ, who is the real Gift of Christmas, I mean, I am talking about all of us.

That is the way it ought to be for us at Christmas. Jesus Christ is ourprecious inheritance; our joy and peace.

My prayer is that in all the frenzy and noise of the season, may God help usto find our way home; and having found it, let us never lose it. Through Christ, who was born to show us the way.

A blessed Christmas day to all the COG family from me and my family. Loving you and praying for you.

Why Jesus is Better than Santa?

2008-12-26T19:52:00.000-08:00

Let me share with you a beautiful message from our Senior Pastor's daughter Denise.

Santa lives at the North Pole . . . Jesus id everywhere.

Santa comes but 0nce a year . . . Jesus is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies . . . Jesus supplies all our needs.

Santa may make you laugh . . . Jesus gives you the joy that is your strength.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly . . . Jesus has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO! HO! HO! . . . Jesus offers eternal life.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree . . . Jesus became our gift and died on a tree.

Now, therefore my dearly beloved, let us put Christ back in Christmas. The REAL reason for the season.

Every Branch

2008-11-07T20:39:00.000-08:00

John 15:2; “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruits,while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Jesus speaks of two categories of branches:

FRUITLESS AND FRUITFUL:

The branches that cease to bear fruit are those who no longer have the life in them that comes from enduring faith in and love for Christ. These “BRANCHES” the Father cuts off, He separates them from vital union with Christ. When they stop remaining in Christ, God then judges and rejects them.
The branches that bear fruit are those who have life in them because of their enduring faith in and love for Christ. These “BRANCHES” the Father prunes so that they will become more fruitful. That is, He removes from their lives anything that diverts or hinders the vital life-flow of Christ into them.

The fruit is the quality of Christian character that brings Glory to God through life and witness.

Sunday Word by:
Sis. Josie C. Espino
Evangelism - Cluster 4
Church of God Dasmariñas
Cavite Philippines

Sizzling Sisig

2008-10-27T22:21:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

1 1/2 kilo Pork head
1/4 cup grilled liver (diced)
2 small onions (minced)
2 pieces red pepper (minced)
1 head garlic (minced)
6 pieces hot chili pepper (minced)
2 tablespoons oil
1 cup vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons liquid seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 cup beef stock

Procedure:

Grill pork head for to remove hair.
Boil pork head until tender.
Take out all the meat and dice.
In a sauté pan, heat oil and sauté garlic, onion, red pepper, pork meat and liver.
Season with liquid seasoning, black pepper, and brown sugar.
Pour in beef stock and cook until meat is tender and starts to oil again.
Add minced chili pepper last.
Serve on a sizzling plate.

Sizzling "SISIG"

Sisig is a Kapampangan term which means "to snack on something sour". It usually refers to fruits, often unripe or half-ripe, sometimes dipped in salt and vinegar. It also refers to a method of preparing fish and meat, especially pork, which is marinated in a sour liquid such as lemon juice or vinegar, then seasoned with salt, pepper and other spices.

Sisig as is popularly known today is actually sizzling sisig, a Philippine dish made from parts of pig’s head, liver and usually seasoned with kalamansi and chili peppers.

Beef Empanada

2008-10-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

1 1/4 oz Package of double crust pastry
3 cups Ground beef
1 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp minced Garlic
1/4 very finely minced Onions
1/4 cup minced Tomatoes
1 cup Chopped hard-boiled Eggs
1 cup finely chopped sweet Pickles
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp ground Pepper

Preparations:

Flatten the pastry dough and cut into 4-inch squares.

Saute the ingredients in a skillet, minus the pickles and eggs, and cook for about 25 minutes, until the beef is completely cooked. Drop in your eggs and pickles, blend them in thoroughly. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. You may also want to include some hot peppers such as chipotle, or jalapenos.

Leave your mixture to cool for 1/2 hour, then drop large spoonfuls onto the pastry squares, fold into a triangle, wet edges with water, and use a fork to seal them.

Bake the empanadas on a cookie sheet for 30 minutes in an oven pre-heated at 400º .

Servings: 14 persons

Adobong Gulay

2008-10-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

1/2 lbs Talong
1/2 lbs Potatoes
1 chopped onion
2 cloves minced Garlic
Vegetable oil (as needed)

Peppercorn (as needed)
2 Bay Leaves
Soy sauce (as needed)
1/2 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp freshly ground Pepper

Preparation:

Heat the oil in a large skillet, add peppercorn and bay leaves. Add garlic and saute until brown, add the onion, then add sugar, freshly ground pepper vinegar and soy sauce. Stir, cover and let simmer for 40 minutes. You may want to add a little water if too much evaporate during cooking.

Servings: 4 persons

When God Puts You On Hold

2008-10-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

First when i have read this message in my e-mail, i remember myself when i was depressed not to have a job for three months but after i joined in our activities in Church, i got a job instantly. Of course, you wouldn't have a job if you're not praying to Him and did everything to get a job. I hold on to JESUS that is why i received my blessings and my prayers has been granted.

Here is a letter sent to my email and please reflect on it:

Dear Friend

A well known Bible teacher tells of a pilot friend who received word from the control tower saying, 'You're cleared for 5,000 feet,' When he got there he had to hold for further instructions. Next came the words, 'You're cleared for 10,000 feet,' Gradually the contyroller took him level by level to 35,000 feet where he was cleared to fly to his destination. God spoke to this Bible teacher and said, 'I wish you would trust me like that. Instead you want to go straight to 35,000 feet in one trust!'

Try to understand this: God sees the end from the beginning and He has already mapped out your journey. He knows that if you rise too quickly there are dangers. You may be in cockpit, but God is in the control tower. And His word to you today is; 'Trust me and I'll get you safely to your destination. 'God's plan for your life can't be rushed. When you to move too quickly you end up in a tug-of-war with Him. And you lose every time!

Before God could trust David to lead the nation, He first had to see how he'd handle his father's flock. It was here David built a relationship with God and developed the qualities that would sustain him through the tough times ahead when he was king.

God will let you practise in a place where your weakness can be worked on your gifts developed, and where your mistaks won't affect too many others. 'That's because He cares for them too! If God has put you on hold today, it's because He loves you and wants only what's best for you.

Remain blessed and and have a wonderful time.

-Nonso-

May you be Blessed and have more blessings to come. God Bless You!

The (Scientific) Death of Jesus

2008-10-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to death penalty. That was then the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals could die like Jesus. And with Jesus things were worst, because not all the criminals condemned to death could receive nails on their hands and feet. Of course, nails... Big nails! Each was 15 a 20 cm long, with a point of 6 cm. Another point was sharp. The nails were craved into the pulses, and not into the palms, as we are used to hear. In the pulse, there's a tendon which extends till the shoulder, and when the nails were being hammered, that tendon broke, obliging Jesus to reinforce all the muscles of his back, so that he could breath as He was loosing all the air from his lungs.

In this way, He was forced to support Himself onto the nail craved in his feet, which was bigger than those craved into his pulses, for both feet were craved together. And, as his feet could not endure for long time without tearing, Jesus was forced to alternate that "cycle" so that He could breath. Jesus endured that reality over 3 hours.. Yes, over 3 hours! Long time, isn't it? Few minutes before He died, Jesus was not bleeding anymore. He was simply pouring water from his cuts and holes. When we imagine Him injured, we only picture Him with injuries, but it is not enough; His wounds were true holes, made in his body. He had no more blood to bleed, He only poured water. Human body is composed by near 3.5 litres of blood (for adult). Jesus poured all 3.5 litres of his blood; He had three nails hammered into his members; a crown of thorns on his head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who nailed a spear into his chest. All these without mentioning the humiliation He passed after carrying his own cross for almost 2 kilometres, while the crowd spat on his face and throwed stones (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part, where his hands were nailed).. Jesus had to pass all this experience, so that you can have free access to God. So that your sins could be "washed". All of them, with no exception! Don't ignore this situation. HE DIED FOR YOU!. For you, who now read this e-mail. Do not believe that He only died for others (those who go to the church or for pastors, bishops, etc). He died for you! It is easy to pass jokes or foolish photos by e-mail, but when it comes to God, sometimes you feel ashamed to forward to others because you are worried on what they may think about your moral. Accept the reality, the truth that JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THE WORLD. God has plans for you, show all your friends what He experienced to save you.

He said (Matthew 10:33); "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven".

Do you believe in Him? Yes, I love God. He is my source of life and my saviour.. He keeps me alive day and night.

Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

For all that He has done for you, share this to all those you love. God Bless you in many ways!

23 Surprising things you can get for Free!

2008-10-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get what you don't pay for. Here are nearly two dozen of the best freebies and -- most important -- how to score them.

Free Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Get your geek on: MIT offers a far more comprehensive selection of free online courses than other universities -- nearly its entire undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Downloading materials takes minutes. A newsletter highlights new offerings, from Quantum Physics to American Women Authors.
What's the Catch? Users can’t enroll, take classes on campus, or earn degrees.
Find Out More: www.ocw.mit.edu.

BBC, FrenchPodClass. The BBC offers top-notch online and MP3 lessons in languages familiar and obscure, including French, German, Portuguese, Mandarin, Greek, and Urdu. FrenchPodClass has easy-to-use, enjoyable podcasts that allow you to learn French while you do errands or go for a run.
What’s the Catch? Classes are one size fits all, which fast learners may find sluggish (and slow learners may find difficult). (See Real Simple's Shortcuts to Speaking a Foreign Language)
Find Out More: www.bbc.co.uk/languages, www.frenchpodclass.com.

Free Classes

U.S. Small Business Administration. Learn how to write a business plan, register your company, and deal with the tax details of running a home business at your local Women’s Business Center evening classes (men are welcome, too).
What’s the Catch? Novices and more advanced learners share the same classroom.
Find Out More: www.sba.gov (click on “Local Resources” for a nearby center and for financial and marketing information). More Small Business Resources

Apple Stores. Apple gives excellent classes on business and entertainment software, music programs, and computer basics, all remarkably free of sales pitches. There are also classes on how to use Apple hardware, like iPods. Most of the company’s stores -- there are more than 170 -- offer several classes a day.
What’s the Catch? All classes relate to (often pricey) Apple products.
Find Out More: www.apple.com (click on “Visit an Apple store”).

Free Culture

Museum visits. While some museums don’t charge an admission fee, others can cost $20 and up (more than a movie!). Take advantage of free days, half days, and nights that take place weekly or monthly at various institutions throughout the United States .
What’s the Catch? The free-admission times tend to attract large crowds; expect long lines and less of an opportunity to get up close and personal with a Cézanne.
Find Out More: Check out the websites of your local museums.

Music Together, Music for Aardvarks, Gymboree. These three companies all offer a complimentary peek at exactly what baby music classes entail (hint: plenty of drumbeating, rattle shaking, and scarf throwing). It’s a great way to introduce your little one to the experience before shelling out $135 to $255 for a full term (generally 10 to 12 weeks).
What’s the Catch? Many parents have been taking classes together for a while, so they can be quite chummy. As an observer, you might feel left out and too shy to participate fully.
Find Out More: www.musictogether.com, www.musicforaardvarks.com, www.gymboreeclasses.com.

Kids’ Night on Broadway. Once a year (this year it was in late January), children ages 6 to 18 can experience the Great White Way for free with a full-paying adult. There are also Kids’ Nights for nationally touring shows throughout the year.
What’s the Catch? Tickets go very fast, especially for the most popular shows.
Find Out More: www.kidsnightonbroadway.com.

Tip: To find out about free movies and concerts in your area, go to Yahoo or Google and type in the kind of entertainment, “free,” and the name of your city.

Free Gyms

Health-club trials. LA Fitness, Bally Total Fitness, the Sports Club/LA, and Gold’s Gym have a range of free-trial offers, from one day to two weeks, for prospective members, as do many other gyms throughout the country. Rules vary.
What’s the Catch? You often have to tour the health club with a sales representative, which sometimes takes as long as an hour. Some gym companies may require you to prove nearby residence with a driver’s license.
Find Out More: Go to the gyms for details.

Free Photos

Adorama, Dotphoto, Kodak, Snapfish. In addition to photo sharing and online albums, these popular services provide 15 to 50 free prints when you sign up.
What’s the Catch? You have to pay for shipping, which usually isn’t more than a few dollars.
Find Out More: www.adorama.com, www.dotphoto.com, www.kodakgallery.com, www.snapfish.com,

Free Pets

Craigslist Community Pet Listings, Petfinder.com. Unlike shelters, most of which charge a small adoption fee, these sites feature numerous free-pet notices posted by owners, usually as a result of an impending move or an allergic family member.

What’s the Catch? Not all the owners who post notices are as honest as you’d wish. Out-of-control animals can be listed as “friendly and calm.”
Find Out More: http://www.craigslist.org/ (click on your city, then on “Pets”), http://www.petfinder.com/post/classifiedhop.html (click on “Classified Ads”).

Free Phone Services

The Popularity Dialer. Want to flee that meeting? Get out of lunch after an hour? The Web-based Popularity Dialer can place one of five fake calls: the boss call, the cousin-in-need call, the male-friend call, the female-friend call, or the affirmation call (reminding you that you’re wonderful). Each recording includes convenient pauses for your side of the conversation.

What’s the Catch? You need to know beforehand that you’ll want rescuing — and you have to be willing to break social graces by taking a phone call in the middle of a meeting or lunch.
Find Out More: http://www.popularitydialer.com/.

800-FREE-411. Instead of dialing 411 and being charged 50 cents to $1.50, call this service, from a cell or a landline, for free nationwide directory assistance.

What’s the Catch? You have to listen to a 20- second ad before receiving your number.
Find Out More: 800-373-3411 (800-FREE-411).

Skype. Download and install free Skype software and call other Skype users, computer to computer, at no charge, anywhere in the world. If you have a webcam, you can see whom you’re chatting with, too.

What’s the Catch? If you don’t have DSL or a cable modem, it may be more cost-effective (money- and sanity-wise) to dial up the old-fashioned way.
Find Out More: http://www.skype.com/.

Free E-Mail Reminders

Memo to Me. Avoid visits to the “belated birthday” or “so sorry I missed our anniversary” section of your local card store. Memo to Me reminds you before the event. Just plug in your e-mail, choose a password, and program the events you need to be reminded of and when you need the reminders. Whether it’s Grandma’s 80th or your own anniversary, no one wants to be the one who forgets.

What’s the Catch? There’s some innocuous advertising on the website.
Find Out More: http://www.memotome.com/.

Tip: E-cards have gotten less corny. You can find witty and well-designed cards at http://www.hipstercards.com/, vintage ones at http://www.cardcow.com/popular-ecards.php, and photographic ones at ecard.digiart.ee.

Free Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day. On one day every year (this year, April 17), all of the more than 600 Ben & Jerry’s stores worldwide offer free cones, with no limit — eat all the Cherry Garcia you’d like.

What’s the Catch? There are often long lines, and popular flavors, like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, run out early.
Find Out More: http://www.benandjerrys.com/scoop_shops/ for stores.

Free Used Books

PaperBackSwap.com, TitleTrader. List the books that you’d like to get rid of, then wait for someone to request one, which can take as little as eight minutes. Mail your book to the person and you’ll receive a credit to choose your own book. PaperBackSwap.com involves only paperbacks, which keeps shipping cheap, usually about $1.60 per book. TitleTrader also lists DVDs, CDs, and VHS cassettes and can rack up higher costs with heavy hardbacks, though shipping rarely tops $4 at the book rate.

What’s the Catch? Popular fiction moves fast, while classic and esoteric titles may stay put for months.
Find Out More: http://www.paperbackswap.com/, http://www.titletrader.com/.

Free Household Items

The Freecycle Network. This nonprofit community group with an environmental mission lets users “recycle” unwanted items by posting ads on local online bulletin boards. If you see a chair or a computer that you’d like, respond to the ad. The site is a great way to acquire a perfectly good coffeemaker or piano while doing your part to reduce waste.

What’s the Catch? You’re responsible for getting the stuff home.
Find Out More: http://www.freecycle.org/groups/ to find a group.

Free (and Worth It) Samples

Many free-product programs come with hidden costs. The ones below are legit. Sign up for one and your in-box may be inundated, but there’s also an outside chance you’ll end up with a flat-screen TV.

Start Sampling (http://www.startsampling.com/) connects manufacturers with consumers who test products. Type in your demographic information and you’ll see a screen listing your free-sample options — everything from cleaning products to Harlequin romance novels to toiletries.

Kiehl’s (800-543-4572) hands out samples of every product it sells — approximately 10 million giveaways a year. Request samples at a Kiehl’s store (where the selection is usually larger) or a Kiehl’s counter in a department store. Or call Kiehl’s and tell the operator what you’d like to try and the company will send you up to three samples.

Programs from American Consumer Opinion and E-Poll (http://www.acop.com/, http://www.epoll.com/) allow users to take product surveys to get cash ($4 to $25 per survey), samples (ranging from pizza sauce to even the rare flat-screen TV), or points (which can be redeemed for gift cards from retailers such as Amazon.com and Target).

Oil of Olay’s sample program (http://www.olay.com/samplesandoffers/; click on “Samples & Offers”) gives away small sizes of its newest products.

Sephora stores (http://www.sephora.com/help/stores/index.jhtml for locations) offer generous samples from the more than 150 cosmetics lines they carry. Just ask and a salesperson will hand you a packaged sample or fill jars with requested products for free.

Procter & Gamble’s Home Made Simple and Tide e-newsletters (http://www.homemadesimple.com/en_US/subscribe.do?pageId=newsletter, http://www.tide.com/en_US/newsletter/index.jsp) entitle you to discount coupons and new-product samples.

Source:

by Real Simple Magazine

3 Ways to Survive the Generation Gap at Work

2008-10-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

The generation gap, being sabotaged by your managers or just being surrounded by morons are all situations that create conflict and stress. But there are ways to deal with them. So let's tackle these issues one by one:


Other Questions to Ask Yourself:
Are you saving? If you are unhappy, cut back now so you are operating from a position of strength.
What's more important: where you work? or who you work for? Should you be your boss?

Are you communicating effectively with your boss?
Do you have the discipline to start your own business?
Are you networking while you have a job?

A. There is a generation gap where I work.

People write that their managers are often half their age and show little or no respect for the experience and expertise the older workers have nurtured for so long.

This problem may be more style than substance. Even if they do really admire you, they do not want to seem like fans. And they sure as heck don't want to remind themselves of how green some of them are.

Because they are not likely to treat you as a superior (which would be contrary to their status as your manager), you should not try to switch roles on them no matter what; try taking the role of their helpful mentor. You know, just do what is expected of you, and give some value-added insight along the way. Stoop to conquer!

B. I could swear that my manager sets me up to fail.

Even if you are a certified paranoid, this situation may still be real. Get this: In an article in an issue of the Harvard Business Review, Jean-Francois Manzoni and Jean-Louis Barsoux report on their study which showed that as many as nine out of 10 managers are practicing sabotage by "treating some workers as an in-crowd and others as an out-crowd."

If you think that is what is happening to you, try to get a meeting with your boss at a neutral time and place. The authors recommend that once you sit down, make the meeting a dialogue, not a feedback session. Then review your performance and be candid about your mutual responsibilities.

Set performance targets and express your mutual desire to improve communications. There is much more, and the article, "The Set-Up-to-Fail Syndrome," is well worth looking up if you think you are being set up to fail.

C. There may be no way out but out!

When you feel surrounded by morons and upstarts, perhaps it is time to strike out on your own and become your own boss! Of course, freelance and independent professionals can shape their own hours and set their own production quotas, yet they soon discover that they have perhaps more bosses than ever before who are their clients or customers.

In the old days, you had to wait until you retired to go solo, but today, many young pros and trades people are opting to live the "open collar" lifestyle, where every day is casual day. The income is erratic, but potentially infinite. Perhaps now is the right time to explore an exit path that will not upset your mortgage payments or your marriage or primary relationship.

In fact, if you are one member of a committed couple, check out Azriela Jaffe's book Honey, I Want to Start My Own Business. Jaffe interviewed more than 100 couples who faced this potentially life-wrecking or life-saving decision.

Source:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/money/3-ways-to-survive-the-generation-gap-at-work-294682
by succestelevision.com

Antioxidants 101

2008-10-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

May 26, 2008 - The latest buzz around the health industry today is antioxidants. Research has shown that antioxidants provide a wide range of benefits when it comes to the sustainability of your health. These helpful compounds help with cholesterol and blood pressure stabilization. They aid in the break up of plaque in the blood vessels ultimately supporting the body’s circulatory system and enhancing blood flow. They are a great source for enhanced energy levels and they improve nutrient uptake at the cellular level which leads to many health benefits including healthy aging.

What are antioxidants and how do they work?

We know that antioxidants are good for us. But what are antioxidants and why are they so good for us? To truly understand the answer to this question, we must first understand how antioxidants work.

As we all know, we need oxygen to live. But oxygen has one major downside in comparison to the many benefits it gives us. Oxygen initiates a process in our body called “oxidation”. Under normal circumstances, our cells are made up of molecules that have a full set of electrons, which are responsible for keeping them stable. Think of these molecules as three legs on a three-legged stool. The stool is stable with all three legs, but as soon as one of those legs is missing, the stool falls and loses its functionality. When oxygen comes in contact with these molecules, they lose an electron (or they get “oxidized”), which converts them to an unstable type of molecule known as a free radical.

Because of their instability, free radicals are always scavenging the body looking for other molecules to attach to and steal their electrons for their own stability. During this scavenger hunt, free radicals will attack proteins, fats, and even DNA to look for these electrons. Once they find those electrons and steal them, the molecules they attack get their structure changed, which ultimately affects their function. Eventually, those structures cannot perform their function as efficiently as they would have before they were attacked by roaming free radicals.

The answer to keeping these free radicals from attacking our body are antioxidants. Antioxidants immobilize free radicals by donating one of their electrons to replace the ones lost during the oxidation process. The body produces antioxidants naturally, but with the ever-changing environment we have reached a point where our body cannot sustain enough antioxidant production naturally to help with the growing free radical intake. Supplementing with antioxidants will aid in efficient free radical neutralization.

Foods ranking high in Antioxidants include: cranberries, blueberries, blackberries, beans, artichokes, russet potatoes, pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts. There are many other foods that contain antioxidants as well, especially fruits and vegetables.

Ben Hoss and Karen Lopez founded SequenceXO, a company dedicated to helping individuals find pure relaxation, beautiful skin, and vitality with healthy nutritional solutions.
SequenceXO products containing Antioxidants include:

Fusion, with Acai berry, pomegranate, grape seed extract and green tea for immune support, enhanced circulation, and detoxification for healthier looking skin
Radiance, which is sweetened with fructooligosaccharides also known as (FOS) or sweet fiber. FOS is extracted from fruits and vegetables and known to contribute to our dietary fiber intake.

Source:

By Ben Hoss and Karen Lopez, Sequence XO Co-Founders
http://sheerbalance.com/article.php?id=298665725

Healthy Halloween treats your kids will surely love

2008-10-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Growing up, Halloween was always one of my favorite holidays. I loved everything about it: the costumes, the candy, the trick-or-treating, the parties, etc. I remember how my friends and I would all rummage through our 'loot' at the end of a big trick-or-treat run to see what we got. Each of us hoped for different goodies and had different favorites. Some of us downed the candy in one sitting and some of us would squirrel it away, wanting it to last as long as possible. If one of us ate a bit too much at the end of the evening, stomach aches would ensue and major sugar crashes would cause us to crawl into bed feeling exhausted, not to mention, a tad ill.

In today's day in age, moms are often looking for healthier options for their kids and for their neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Healthier options don't necessarily mean you have to abolish all of the worst offenders, but some treats do rate better than others in the healthy category. In essence, there are really two ways to approach making Halloween a bit healthier: 1) Quality control , providing healthier treats or 2) Quantity control , providing less-healthier treats in smaller servings. Here are some ideas for both approaches:

Quality Control Options (E.g, Healthier Treats):

Dark Chocolate Covered Nuts: Nuts offer fiber, vitamins and minerals . Further, they provide you with healthy fats and proteins , making the treat a more well-balanced snack . This will also help diminish the possibility of sugar crashes. Lastly, dark chocolate is always preferred to milk chocolate, as it offers antioxidants and has less fillers than milk-chocolate.
Dried Fruit / Raisins: Regular fruit seems like a great choice. For safety concerns, however, dried fruit is a better option because it often comes pre-packaged or wrapped. Dried fruit is naturally sweet, and provides fiber and other important nutrients. The sugar content in dried fruit tends to be high though, so if you can find packets of trail mix, which contain nuts and seeds with the dried fruit, that would be an even better option.
Clif-Bars: Clif-Bars makes healthy, nutrition bars for kids (Clif Kid ZBar). They even have a new flavor called 'Spooky Smores'...just in time for Halloween. They are organic, made with whole oats and are low in fat. Lastly, they don't contain any high fructose corn syrup .
Money: Granted, these are not 'tasty', but giving Silver Dollars or 50 Cent pieces can bring a smile to any child's face.
Granola Bars: Not all granola bars are created equal. Some are higher in sugar and contain high fructose corn syrup . Kashi TLC bars is a healthy, lower-sugar option.
Sugar-Free Gum: Sugar-free gum containing Xylitol, a natural sweetener, is beneficial to children's teeth by warding off tooth decay. Further, xylitol won't create the crazy sugar highs of gums packed with sugar.
Mini-Bags of Microwavable Popcorn: Popcorn is a low-calorie, high-fiber snack that most kids enjoy. Aim to get unsweetened and non-buttered varieties to eliminate extra fat and sugar.

Quantity Control Options (E.g, Less Healthy Treats in Smaller Servings):

100 Calorie Packs: Nabisco has cornered the 100 Calorie Pack market, offering everything from Oreos to Teddy Grahms in small 100 calorie packages. Although the products are not the best for you, giving them in portion controlled packages helps to keep kids from going hog wild on eating more than they should.
Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate is both seasonally appropriate and slightly labor intensive. If a child wants to enjoy some cocoa (in the traditional way of course), they will need to be patient while the water is boiled, the package is opened and the contents are poured and stirred.
Bite Size/Miniature Candies: If you are going for chocolate, always aim to get dark chocolate varieties (they have antioxidants and less fillers, as mentioned above). Hershey's has their Special Dark brand, which appeals to both dark chocolate and milk chocolate lovers. Varieties to consider: Miniature Peppermint Paddies (which are low in fat), Special Dark Miniatures (which now come in their own bag of Special Dark Varieties) and Special Dark Chocolate Kisses.

Which option will you choose at Halloween? Do you have any favorite healthy treats you would like to share?

Source:

by Brett Blumenthal - Sheer Balance

Oral sex linked to cancer: You must read this!

2008-10-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

What you may have considered safer sex could be putting you at risk for cancer. Startling new information about the prevalence of throat tonsil cancers in people in their 30's and 40's is connecting the dots between oral sex, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and oral cancer.

This article and accompanying video explains why scientists are saying there is "absolutely" a connection between oral sex and cancer in people who are young, otherwise healthy, fit, nonsmokers who do not drink excessively. Recent findings derived from a longitudinal study are cited:

Johns Hopkins researchers reported in a study published in February in the Journal of Clinical Oncology that between 1973 and 2004 the incidence of HPV-related oral cancers among people in their 40s nearly doubled. Today more than 34,000 people have oral cancer and 39 percent of those cases are related to HPV, according to data from the American Cancer Society.

We know that HPV can be treated without leading to tumors. However, scientists also now know that the virus is passed by direct contact and doesn't stray from the location where it is transmitted. While HPV does not get into the bloodstream, higher-risk strains of the virus contain proteins that make it impossible for healthy cells to repair themselves.

Scientists are now investigating the possibility that HPV can be passed through saliva in simple acts of sharing a spoon or drink and how sexual orientation may or may not be a factor in this formula.

In the meantime, we are being warned by the medical community about the upped risks of oral sex. Although men are 35% more likely to contract HPV-derived oral cancers, this is a significant health concern for women and girls.

It's no shock that researchers say the number one risk factor is a high number of sexual partners. It only takes an intimate moment with one infected partner to be exposed to HPV. And clearly, the more partners you have, the more opportunities there are for exposure.

It's this quote that brought this story home for me, said bluntly by a woman who is in remission from HPV-related oral cancer that was diagnosed when she was 38 years old:

"People think the face of oral cancer is a 70-year-old man who's been chewing tobacco and drinking whiskey all his life," she said. "But the face of oral cancer now is -- it's me, a young woman, healthy, nonsmoking, fit."

This is most of us, right?

The report comes at a critical time: Studies show more teens believe oral sex is safer than vaginal sex and last year's news was flooded with stories of teenagers actively engaging in oral sex with multiple partners and in group settings. The HPV vaccine Gardasil, intended to protect young women from HPV-related cervical cancer, has been discussed from message boards to national media outlets as parents and doctors have debated whether it is worth the pain and cost.

This means women not only need to be vigilant in their own sexual behaviors to protect theirselves from HPV and the possibility of throat and tonsil cancers, they also need to better educate young women about why oral sex they are engaging in early and often could have dire consequences later in life. I think women also need to be activists in supporting the development of an HPV vaccine for boys and more research about how this virus is raiding women's entire bodies.

As for womens, they could all probably get caught up in worrying about how their college years might lead to oral cancer today. Instead of that, I propose we start talking more honestly about how we can have fun, delight in the deliciousness of bodies, sex and intimacy and still keep ourselves healthy and safe. Or at least healthier and safer.

We have this information, so now what are we going to do with it?

Are you shocked and horrified that oral sex could lead to cancer?

Is it realistic that people will use condoms and dental dams to protect themselves against HPV and possibly, oral cancer?

Source:

by Jessica Ashley, Shine staff

10 things NOT to say on a first date

2008-10-23T17:52:00.001-07:00

First dates are stressful, period. You don't want to lie or stretch the truth per se, but you also don't want to send your date running off to hail a cab before you've even ordered the cheese plate. Basically, the goals of a successful first date are to reveal that adorable, endearing part of yourself, learn more about the stranger sitting across from you, and to see if there is any connection between you two crazy kids. Obviously, it's important to be honest, but some of the more intimate parts of you are well, sorta personal, and no one's forcing you to spill all the beans. (Besides, everybody is intrigued by a little mystery and you want to save something for the second and third dates, right?) We don't really believe there are any hard and fast rules when it comes to dating, and despite what movies would have you think, there is no such thing as the "perfect date," so take these with a grain of salt. Still, here's hoping you find a couple of them helpful, and good luck out there.

1. "My ex is crazy."
There's a fine line between love and hate, but both are equally fueled by passion. If someone even mentions their ex on a first date, watch out, you could be entering into a three-way relationship. Brace yourself: drama ahead! Anyway, if you're not over your ex, keep it to yourself. Your date certainly doesn't want to hear about it.

2. "I would like to get married and have kids asap."
Slow. That. Roll. Whether you're a man or a woman, uttering those words automatically puts pressure on an already delicate, stressful meeting, not to mention the fact that it's a foolproof way to scare someone off and fast.

3. "Who are you voting for?"
There's a saying in the south about not bringing up politics or religion in polite company. Plenty of couples don't always share political (or religious) views, and learn to make things work. But when you're trying to make a good first impression, it's probably best to avoid overly emotional topics in order to avoid a sparring match. (Look at it this way, if you become a couple, you'll have plenty of opportunities to fight later!)

4. "Can you pay the check? I'm broke."
Hey, the economy is in the toilet. Of course you're broke. We're all broke. But common courtesy dictates that the person who did the date asking offer to pay the bill. Chances are, if your date has good manners, they'll offer to split it or pay the tip. Let's face it, gone are the days where the guy automatically must pay for dinner or he's a loser. But no matter what the circumstances are, flat out asking your date to pay the bill is a major turn-off.

5. "What's your favorite TV show?"
C'mon, we can do better than that. Asking about hobbies and other interests can lead to great conversation, but the last message you want to convey is that your favorite activity is watching the tube with a tub of ice cream. Save talking about "America's Next Top Model" for the work water cooler or something.

6. "Where did you go to school?"
Believe it or not, many people didn't go to college, and totally resent being put on the spot with this tired old question. And while plenty of grads are happy to wax on and on about their "glory years" or whatever, it's probably better to ask something like, "Have you always lived here?" "How did you choose your career?" or another more general question that might lead you to discussing educational background. Again, it may seem strange, but for all kinds of reasons, a lot of people have negative knee-jerk reactions to this seemingly innocuous question.

7. "Can I take your picture?"
Creepy much? But yeah, I have girlfriends who've been waylaid by this gem. For real. Maybe it's the thought of him showing his buddies your photo and bragging about bagging you, or even the image of him fawning over your pic tacked up on one of those cray-cray serial killer wall collages. Either way, ick.

8. "I'm poly-(fill in the blank)"
There are folks who are polyamorous (def: the desire, practice, or acceptance of having more than one loving, intimate relationship at a time with the full knowledge and consent of everyone involved); polygamist (def: the practice of marriage to more than one spouse simultaneously); and yes, some are even polyester salesmen (def: dudes who peddle chintzy wares). Right then. Unless you met that person on a "special" site devoted to that kind of stuff, chances are your date won't appreciate your um, open-minded ways.

9. "So I just got out of rehab."
So maybe you have some personal problems you've been working on. Perhaps you've been in therapy since you were 13 years old. Whatever the case may be, it's probably best not to introduce your new romantic interest to your BIG, SCARY ISSUES, at least not yet. Everybody has problems big and small, but the first date is more about showing off your personality, not painting yourself as a psychotic addict (even if you are, just a smidge). Note: If you are seriously in the midst of a personal crisis, and that includes excessive drug use and/or major psychological treatment, not to be all judgey, but you probably shouldn't be on a date right now.

10. "So ya wanna come back to my place?"
Not everyone is old-fashioned about first dates. The right time to sleep with someone is up to you, but numerous informal polls, um, around the office show that when a guy propositions a woman for sex on the first date, she tends to get skeeved, and when a girl does the same, many dudes are likely to file her in the one night stand category. Double standard? Sure. And yes, some couples do have sex on the first date and there is nothing wrong with that. But I think you know what I'm sayin'...

Source:

by Erin Flaherty, Shine staff

Why I fired my Secretary

2008-10-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

Take a break and have a laugh!!

Last week was my birthday
and I didn't feel very well
waking up that morning.

I went downstairs for breakfast
hoping my wife would be pleasant and say,
'Happy Birthday!',
and possibly have a small present for me.

As it turned out,
she barely said good morning,
let alone
" Happy Birthday."

I thought...

Well, that's marriage for you,
but the kids...
They will remember.

My kids came bounding down stairs to breakfast
and didn't say a word.
So when I left for the office,
I felt pretty low
and somewhat despondent.

As I walked into my office,
my secretary Jane said,
'Good Morning Boss,
and by the way
Happy Birthday ! '
It felt a little better
that at least someone had remembered.

I worked until one o'clock ,
when Jane knocked on my door
and said, "You know,
It's such a beautiful day outside,
and it is your Birthday,
what do you say we go out to lunch,
just you and me."
I said, "Thanks, Jane,
that's the greatest thing
I've heard all day.
Let's go!"

We went to lunch.
But we didn't go
where we normally would go.
She chose instead a quiet bistro
with a private table.
We had two martinis each
and I enjoyed the meal tremendously.

On the way back to the office,
Jane said, "You know,
It's such a beautiful day...
We don't need to go straight back to the office,
Do We?"

I responded,
"I guess not.
What do you have in mind ?"
She said,
"Let's drop by my apartment,
it's just around the corner."

After arriving at her apartment,
Jane turned to me and said,
" Boss, if you don't mind,
I'm going to step into the bedroom
for just a moment.
I'll be right back."
" Ok.", I nervously replied.

She went into the bedroom and,
after a couple of minutes,
she came out
carrying a huge birthday cake ...
Followed
by my wife,
my kids,
and dozens of my friends
and co-workers,
all singing "Happy Birthday".

And I just sat there...

On the couch...

Naked!!!...