Monday, June 16, 2008

Christmas: Historical Prospective

By Eugenia Brown On December 25th most Christian Churches celebrate Christmas, a holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Most Eastern Orthodox Churches continue to celebrate Nativity Of Our Lord (Christmas) on January 7, the day corresponding to December 25 of Julian calendar. Historically Christmas went through many different stages, from being unknown in the early church to become a holiday that was accompanied by variety of festivals in Middle Ages to being banned as a result of Reformation and even was argued in 2000 in the Supreme Court of the United Sates. In the early Christian Church celebration of Christmas was not very common, in fact the church of the apostles celebrated the Resurrection of Christ before any other feast was introduced. It was not until the year 350 that December 25 was officially added to the calendar, shortly after when Christianity has become an official religion of Byzantine Empire during the reign of Constantine the Great in 313. While first records of this feast date back to year 221. One famous theologian named Origen denounce celebrating Christmas in the year 245 as pagan influence. According to Origen only “sinners, not saints, celebrate their birthdays”, probably reflecting the fact that saints were commemorated on their “heavenly birth” or the day they died. During the middle ages, the celebration of Christmas has become one of the predominant holidays, and history recorded that this holiday was celebrated by many magnates and even royalty. Middle ages are also know for the variety of festivals that accompanied and influenced the celebration of Christmas. Many of these festivals, as for example Yule, a Scandinavian festival had predated Christianity in that part of the world. Even today in Scandinavia Christmas is called Jul (or Yule). During the reformation in the 17th century, Protestants have condemned Christmas. The Catholic Church responded by promoting the holiday in a more religious form. In England Christmas was officially band by Charles I in 1644 which lead to rioting in some parts of the kingdom. In the United States Puritan’s opposition to Christmas lead to outlawing the holiday in Boston in late 1600. In Virginia and New York, Christmas was celebrated freely until the times it fell out of favor after American Revolution since it was seen as an “English Custom”. The Christmas was revived by Washington Irving, who published several short stories depicting warm-hearted holiday. German immigrants helped to promote and eventually lead to declare Christmas as a federal holiday in 1870. During the World War I, a “Christmas truce” between German and British troops was reportedly triggered when the solders on both sides began to sing Christmas carols. The truce began on Christmas Day and lasted for some time after. In the modern times, there was a controversy in the United States of the the Christmas. Since having its roots in Christianity, it was seen as a violation of separation of church and state. The decision in favor of Christmas was upheld by Supreme Court on December 19, 2000. Eugenia Brown is a writer for Everything Catholic!- website that promotes products from Ingatius Press, a Catholic Publisher. There you can find books and literature on variety of topics including Christmas. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eugenia_Brown http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas:-Historical-Prospective&id=370122 online paycheck steal loan money san antonio bad credit used car loan payday loans liar josie vogel from amw toronto
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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Solzhenitsyn’s Bottom Line

By Lindsey Williams June 28, 1978 If Alexander Solzhenitsyn is the kind of man to grind his teeth he now must be puffing molar dust. It seems that everyone has missed the main point of his recent commencement address at Harvard University. James Reston, resident liberal of the New York Times, was shocked at the Russian dissident’s denouncement of the welfare state. William Safire, the Time’s token conservative, found revealed truth in Solzhenitsyn’s charge that the western nations have lost their courage. The speech, essentially, was a religious sermon which the clergy has not recognized. Not that the temporal conclusions supporting the message are unworthy of notice. “Now, at last, technical and social progress has permitted the realization of the welfare state,” said Solzhenitsyn. “When the modern western states were created, the following principle was proclaimed: Governments are meant to serve man, and man lives to be free and to pursue happiness. See, for example, the American Declaration of Independence. “Every citizen has been granted freedom and material goods in such quantity and quality as to guarantee, in theory, the achievement of happiness. “Habitual, extreme safety and well-being are not advantageous for any living organism. Today, well-being in western society has begun to reveal its pernicious mask.” Solzhenitsyn points to materialism, pornography, crime, violence, and sharp business practices as proof of the “moral decay” of the West. “Mediocrity triumphs,” he said. “Hastiness and superficiality are the psychic disease of the 20th century, and more than anywhere else this disease is reflected in the press,” said Solzhenitsyn. “There is yet another surprise for someone coming from the East, where the press is rigorously unified: One gradually discovers a common trend of preferences within the western press as a whole. “Without censorship, fashionable trends of thought are carefully separated from those which are not fashionable. Nothing is forbidden, but what is not fashionable will hardly ever find its way into periodicals or books or be heard in colleges. There is a dangerous tendency to form a herd. “This gives birth to strong mass prejudices, to blindness, most dangerous in our dynamic era. There is, for instance, a self deluding interpretation of the contemporary world situation – a sort of a petrified armor around people’s minds,” Solzhenitsyn said. All this led to a misunderstanding, in the West, of socialism. “Through intense suffering our country (Soviet Union) has now achieved a spiritual development of such intensity that the western system in its present spiritual exhaustion does not look attractive. “A decline in courage may be the most striking feature an outside observer notices in the West in our days. The western world has lost its civil courage. To defend one’s self, one must also be ready to die. There is little such readiness in the cult of material well being,” said Solzhenitsyn. “In spite of the abundance of information, or maybe because of it, the West has difficulties in understanding reality. Kennan’s advice to his own country to begin unilateral disarmament belongs to this category. If you only knew how the youngest of the Moscow officials laugh at your political wizards! “The most cruel mistake occurred with failure to understand the Vietnam War. Members of the U.S. anti-war movement ended up involved in the betrayal of Far Eastern nations, in a genocide and in the suffering today imposed on 30 million people there,” declared Solzhenitsyn. “Vietnam was a warning and an occasion to mobilize the nation’s courage. But if a full-fledged America suffered a real defeat from a small community half-country, how can the West hope to stand firm in the future? “No weapons, no matter how powerful, can help the West until it overcomes its loss of will power,” Solzhenitsyn emphasized. “Nothing is left but concessions, attempts to gain time, and betrayal.” All of the foregoing brought Solzhenitsyn to the bottom line: “In early democracies – as in American democracy at the time of its birth – all individual human rights were granted because man is God’s creature. Freedom was given to the individual conditionally in the assumption of his constant religious responsibility. “Later all such limitations were discarded, in total liberation from the moral heritage of Christian centuries with their great reserves of mercy and sacrifice. “State systems became increasingly materialistic,” said Solzhenitsyn. “The West ended up truly enforcing human rights, sometimes even excessively, but (individual) man’s sense of responsibility to God and society grew ever dimmer. “There is a disaster that has been under way for quite some time: The calamity of a despiritualized and irreligious humanistic consciousness. If humanism were right in declaring that man was born to be happy, he would not be born to die. His task on earth evidently must be more spiritual. “It cannot be unrestrained enjoyment of everyday life. It cannot be the search for the best ways to obtain material goods and then get the most out of them. “It has to be the fulfillment of a permanent, earnest duty so that one’s life may become an experience of moral growth – so that one may leave life a better human being than one started it,” Solzhenitsyn stated: The Russian Nobel Laureate overstates his case, in my opinion. Yet, he puts his finger on a keypoint: ownership of private property and individual freedom has worked when human rights were balanced with human responsibility to a higher order. Without God there must be the State. Without either there must be anarchy. The partnership of God and man is still our best bet. Lindsey Williams is a Sun columnist who can be contacted at: LinWms@earthlink.net LinWms@lindseywilliams.org Website: http://www.lindseywilliams.org with several hundred of Lin’s Editorial & At Large articles written over 40 years. Also featured in its entirety is Lin’s groundbreaking book “Boldly Onward,” that critically analyzes and develops theories about the original Spanish explorers of America. (fully indexed/searchable) Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsey_Williams http://EzineArticles.com/?Solzhenitsyns-Bottom-Line&id=228969 personal guarantor of business loan credit bureau buy a goldwing with no credit check international loan agencies with personal loans for caribbean people cash advanced
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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

I Lost Close to 60 Pounds in a Year!

By Dr. Leslie Van Romer How would you feel about yourself if you could lose 30 pounds by this time next year? Little-kid delighted, dont you think? Better yethow would you FEEL if you could lose those pounds without measuring, counting, starving, sacrificing, sneaking, and guilting? How would you feel if you could feel full and satisfied while the pounds just slipped away? And what if you could feel better too with fewer aches and pains and more energy? My guess? Better than delightedmaybe close to ecstatic? Well, thats how Linda Ramsey felt when she lost almost 60 pounds in a year. Linda had been overweight since the birth of her daughterthirty something years ago. She was tired of being tired, and she just wanted to feel better. She knew she was getting older, and she wanted a better life for herself. After Linda and I put our heads together (mostly hers and a little bit mine), she lost close to 60 pounds in a year and the best partshe has kept it off now for over 21/2 years. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to gain weight back after youve worked so long and so hard to lose it? To Lindas thrill and relief, her husband also lost weightclose to 40 poundsand kept it off and completely got off his high blood pressure medication. Linda tells me that she has lots more energy, feels better, and the best partshe feels better about herself. Recently, she had a rather serious health problem, and she knows it would have been catastrophic if she had been carrying around 60 extra pounds. Does Linda get bored eating this way? Not at all, she says. Theres less fuss, less mess, and Im full and satisfied; not deprived in the least. How could she feel deprived when she is slimmer and fitter than she has been in years, and so is her husband. Linda has made her dream come trueto create a better life for herself and her husband. Whats your dream for your body and your weight? What “dream-come-true” will make you feel good about yourself? Now, right now, is the time to discover your own personal dream for yourself and make your dream come true for your body, one simple, common sense bite at a time. Dr. Leslie Van Romer is a motivational health speaker, writer and lifestyle coach. Visit Dr. Leslie at www.DrLeslieVanRomer.com for practical direction, hope and inspiration. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Leslie_Van_Romer http://EzineArticles.com/?I-Lost-Close-to-60-Pounds-in-a-Year!&id=213427 personal loan forms sba business loans how can i find payday loans addresses personal secured loan
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Friday, May 30, 2008

10 Great Uses for Baking Soda

By Lesley Dietschy Baking soda is affordable, widely available and great for many uses. It is commonly used for deodorizing your refrigerator, but did you know that you can also use it for heat rash and as a substitute for spackle? Here are 10 great uses for baking soda. 1. Substitute for spackle: Mix a small amount of baking soda with a small amount of white glue to make a paste. Apply the paste to fill in the whole. 2. Heat rash: Take a lukewarm shower using a cleaning product such as Dove that does not contain soap. Towel dry and apply a paste of baking soda on any area that has heat rash. Leave the paste on as long as possible. 3. Vinyl flooring scuffs: To remove scuffs from vinyl flooring, put a little bit of baking soda on a damp sponge and rub away scuff. 4. Musty scent on clothes: If your clothes dryer turns off before your clothes are completely dry and your clothes smell musty, sprinkle baking soda on your clothes and place back in dryer. Turn the dryer back on and allow your clothes to completely dry. 5. Spraying cat: If Fluffy has sprayed your carpet, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to area, cover, and leave at least three hours or overnight. After the treated area has dried, vacuum up the remaining powder. 6. Clean chrome: To clean the chrome in your house, rub chrome with baking soda and a dry cloth. The chrome will have a great shine! 7. Sunburn pain: To relieve the pain of sunburn, apply a paste of baking soda and water to soothe and cool the affected area. 8. Bathing suit mildew: If you cannot rinse or wash your bathing suit right away, place the bathing suit in a large zippered plastic bag filled with cup of baking soda. Shake the plastic bag well. The baking soda will keep the musty odor away by absorbing the moisture from the bathing suit. 9. Crayon on chalkboard: To remove crayon marks from a chalkboard, apply baking soda to a damp rag and clean the chalkboard. The baking soda will remove the crayons wax and make the board ready for chalk again. 10. Dishwasher smells while youre away: Sprinkle a tad of baking soda in your dishwasher and leave the door open a little bit. This will keep your dishwasher from smelling musty when you return from that relaxing vacation to the beach! As you can see from the above tips, there are many ways to use baking soda in your home. Dont forget about the great deodorizing powders of baking soda. You can use baking soda in musty closets, diaper pails, trash cans, on pet beds, on carpets, and even in the laundry. Lesley Dietschy is a writer, jewelry designer, beauty editor and the founder of a network of popular websites including http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com and http://www.HomeGardenExchange.com Both of these websites feature valuable information and resources to assist you in decorating your home and garden. For beauty tips, fashion tips, and handmade beaded bracelets, please visit: http://www.homedecorexchange.com/HDEBeautyFashionCorner.htm Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lesley_Dietschy http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Great-Uses-for-Baking-Soda&id=491321 canada online payday loans student loans apply online online paycheck california bad credit mortgage loan
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Get Secured, Get Secured Debt Consolidation Loan

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maria_Smith]Maria Smith Very often situation compels you to take different loans for different purposes. As long as you are able to repay the loaned amount in time it is ok. But the real problem occurs when you fail to repay it. Subsequently, you fall under the grasp of debts and bankruptcy. The need to repay the amount of loan in time, with their rate of interest gives you nothing but the sleepless nights and trouble some days. Considering this, lending organizations are now giving a chance to borrower to repay their loaned amount through a loan which is easy, convenient and accessible to all persons. It is all about secured debt consolidation loan, perfect choice for all people sinking in large number of debts. Before analyzing secured debt consolidation loan, lets see what is meant by debt consolidation. Debt consolidation is the way through which a borrower consolidates all unpaid debts into one single manageable loan. Suppose a borrower has taken four different loans from four different lenders. Now by consolidating all his loans into one, he will get an opportunity to pay only on single loan to a single creditor, instead of various loans to various creditors. Now, secured debt consolidation loan can be accessed just by placing collateral against the loaned amount. It could be any asset of borrower i.e. a home, car, jewellery or something related to these. This asset actually works as a security on behalf of the borrower. As mentioned earlier, this loan is simple, easily accessible and convenient. It is because of the fact that here, a borrower gets the flexibility of applying a large sum of money and repaying the loaned amount in a wider time frame. Generally, these kinds of loans are offered within a range of 5,000 to 75,000, which is repayable within 5-25 years. As these loans are offered against collateral, therefore, lenders often charge lower rate of interest, which is again another greatest advantage of secured loan. But it is not free of faults. If the borrower fails to repay the loaned amount in time, he can even lose his valuable property. But it is not going to happen, if the borrower has full confidence over him and his repayment ability. You can access these loans from different lending institutions, banks and financial organizations. But if you are looking for something better than these, then online method is the right pick for you.Here, you can access datas rapidly, work on informations swiftly and apply for loan aptly. Maria Smith has not been writing articles from the beginning. But the increase in perplexing loans information has urged her to write on different loans types. So she writes in a way that is logical, comprehensive and understandably meant to cater to the need of general public who is left breathless while searching for loans. To find a secured loan uk, secured homeowner loan in uk, [http://www.loansfiesta.co.uk/debt_consolidation_loans.html]secured debt consolidation loan, unsecured debt consolidation loans visit http://www.loansfiesta.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Smith http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Secured,-Get-Secured-Debt-Consolidation-Loan&id=348622 payday loans no teletrack no teletrack cash advance hard money lenders in ky fast cash loan las vegas
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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Christian Virtues Part Two of Two

By Jerry Richard Boone Conclusion of Christian Virtues Knowledge and Wisdom Peter and Paul both commend knowledge. Peter lists knowledge as one of the eight qualities we need to be growing into to keep us from being ineffective or unproductive. (2 Peter 1:8) The knowledge he refers to is an understanding of Jesus Christ. And he explains why we need this knowledge: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) Paul prayed that God would fill the Colossians with wisdom and understanding of God’s will. (Colossians 1:9) And they would grow in knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9) But knowledge has its limits. Paul says knowledge passes away, (1 Corinthians 13:8) and it “puffs up” those who have it whereas love “builds up.” ( Corinthians 8:1) James, on the other hand, advises us to ask God for wisdom. (James 1:5) Limitations aside, Peter, Paul, and James say wisdom and knowledge of God and Christ are things we should pray for and work to achieve. Obedience Another Christian virtue is obedience. If we don’t obey Christ, he went to a lot of trouble and pain for nothing. He very much wants us to listen to his words and follow his instructions. He challenges us: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) And he promises us: “If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” (John 8:51) Then in a dramatic parable, Jesus compares those who obey him to a wise man who builds his house on a rock. But those who fail to put his words into practice are compared to a foolish man who builds his house on sand. “That house falls with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27) Jesus also stresses obedience in Matthew 7:21 and 28:19-20, and Luke 11:28. Obedience is mandatory. Perseverance and Faithfulness These two virtues are so closely related we will consider them together. Faithfulness along with justice and mercy are three of the more important matters of the law, Jesus told the teachers of the law and Pharisees. (Matthew 23:23) Jesus issued this promise: “Remain in me and I will remain in you,” (John 15:4) and this thinly veiled warning: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:5-6) Again it is Jesus who says: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:12-13) Jesus, Peter, Paul, James and the writer of Hebrews all caution us to persevere and to remain faithful to Christ. See Revelation 2:10, 2 Peter 1:6, Galatians 5:22, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, Hebrews 3:14, 10:36. and 12:1-3. and James 1:3-4 and 1:12. Faithfulness and perseverance are two more qualities Christians must acquire. Prudence Prudence means exercising sound judgment, being practical, sensible, cautious – not rash or extravagant. In a word, prudence means maturity. Jesus illustrated the virtue of prudence with the parable of the ten virgins. Five of the virgins were ready when the bridegroom arrived, the other five, the foolish virgins, were not ready. They were locked out. Jesus concludes the parable with: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:1-13) Paul advised the Corinthians to “stop thinking like children.” He told them to be infants in evil but adult in thinking. (1 Corinthians 14:20) In letters to three more cities, Paul encourages his readers to reason as mature adults: Ephesians 4:14-16, Philippians 3:12-15, and Colossians 4:5-6. Luke commends the Bereans for their prudence in examining the scriptures to see if Paul were speaking the truth. (Acts 17:11) A certain form of prudence surfaces in much of what Jesus says. Again and again he tells us to get our priorities in order. He says not to worry about our life, what we are going to eat or wear. Life’s more that food and clothing. (Matthew 6:25) Our priority is to seek his kingdom. God will take care of our physical needs. (Matthew 6:26-33) We shouldn’t even be afraid of those who have the power to kill us. Rather we should fear God who can condemn us to hell. (Luke 12:4-5) In the following three statements, Jesus explicitly tells us that heaven is our only true goal. Everything else is secondary. Jesus: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) Jesus: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) Jesus: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) It is a matter of perspective. We should know what’s important and what isn’t, and we should act accordingly. Temperance Closely associated with prudence is temperance. Temperance means self restraint or moderation. The temperance movement in America made “temperance” a byword for abstinence from intoxicants, but it has a broader application. We will use the more comprehensive meaning to include self control, modesty, patience, peace, and peacemakers. Self control is another one of those eight qualities Peter says should be growing in us to keep us from complacency or unproductive service. (2 Peter 1:6) Peter and Paul both urge us to exercise self control. See 1 Peter 1:13, 4:7, and 5:8, Acts 24:25, Galatians 5:23 and 1 Thessalonians 5:6. In his letter to the Romans, Paul explains what he means by self control. It is refraining from sinful desires such as orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, debauchery, dissension and jealousy. We are not to even think about these things. (Romans 13:13) Modesty is another form of temperance. Jesus tells us not to do good deeds to impress other people. (Matthew 6:1) When we give to charity, don’t make a show of it. (Matthew 6:2) Let our contributions be in secret. God knows. He will reward us. (Matthew 6:4) likewise, don’t make a spectacle out of praying (Matthew 6:5-6) or fasting. (Matthew 6:16-18) Our charity, our prayers, and our fasts are all to be between ourselves and God. Bragging about such things is inappropriate. And it doesn’t please God. Self restraint often means patience. Jesus, Peter, Paul, and James all mention this virtue. Jesus commends the church at Philadelphia for enduring patiently. (Revelation 3:10) Peter advises patience in 1 Peter 1:67, and Paul recommends the same in three of his letters: Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:1-2, and 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Twice Paul give us the reason for patience. He says our light and momentary troubles are gaining us an eternal glory which far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17) Similarly in Romans, he explains that our present suffering is trivial compared to the glory in store for us. (Romans 8:18) James agrees and adds his own reason: “Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8) We are also to be peacemakers. Jesus brings this to our attention in the beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) It is a continuing theme with Jesus. He tells us to live at peace with one another whenever possible. See Mark 9:50, Matthew 5:24-25, and 5:38-39. Paul too stresses peace in his letters. He mentions it on eleven occasions. Romans 12:18 sums up Paul’s guidance on the subject: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Paul wants us to do whatever it takes to live in harmony. If something you eat offends a fellow Christian, then don’t eat it, advises Paul. You don’t want to destroy one for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:15) Temperance means a number of things: self control, modesty, patience, and living at peace with one another. We are to do our best to get along with other people. Temperance, like the other Christian virtues, is not an option; it’s a requirement. What makes a Christian a Christian? A Christian is one who believes in Jesus, repents of his sins, confesses Jesus as the Christ, is baptized into the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and obeys Christ’s commands. Now we can expand that definition and say a Christian is a follower of Christ: one who believes, repents, confesses, is baptized, and grows in the Christian virtues of charity, courage, faith, humility, justice, knowledge, obedience, perseverance, faithfulness, prudence, and temperance. Character Transformation A caterpillar is a rather odd, pathetic looking creature. But, as you know, this homely insect emerges from its cocoon transformed into a beautiful butterfly. Here we find a correlation to Christianity. In our natural state we are not very pretty either. We tend to be greedy, petty, loathsome little creatures primarily intent on satisfying our own desires. Christ wants to change us. He wants to take away our selfish little will and replace it with his own. He will, if we let him, transform us into an entirely new creature, a creature like himself. The caterpillar has no choice. Instinct drives it into the cocoon. Metamorphosis changes it into a butterfly. But we have a choice; we can always say “No” to God. we can stay a caterpillar. God will not alter us against our will. Christ himself laid down the transformation requirements. And it won’t do any good to say: “I don’t like the rules” or “I wish they were different.” Christ made the rules. To follow him we must believe in him, repent of our sins, confess his name, and be baptized in his name. That, however, is just the beginning. He wants us to grow in his likeness. We are to practice the Christian virtues until they become part and parcel of our new character. This is how Christ transforms us into heavenly beings full of charity, courage, faith, humility, justice, knowledge, wisdom, obedience, perseverance, faithfulness, prudence, and temperance. When Christ completes our transformation, we will be fit subjects for God’s eternal kingdom. Aspiring to Christian virtues, we discover, is a very reasonable way for all of us to live. “Hath man no second life? — Pitch this one high!” Matthew Arnold (1822 -1888) English poet and critic Note: All Scripture References are taken from the New International Version unless otherwise stated. KJV – King James Version Jerry Boone, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States webmaster@merechristianity.us Mr. Boone is a sailor, author, and webmaster of http://merechristianity.us His works include: Mere Christianity.us and SAFETY LINE – EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN, an apologetic study published 1998. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_Richard_Boone http://EzineArticles.com/?Christian-Virtues-Part-Two-of-Two&id=527130 90 day payday loans faxlesss payday lenders commercial private money lender payday lender
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Relocation – Is It A Big Issue?

By Michael Russell The process of relocation can seem stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. There are myriad resources available that address the issues associated with relocation. In fact, the relocation issue doesn’t have to be an issue at all if the individuals involved in relocating know precisely where to look. Movers, job locators, furniture rentals and more can all be found on the Internet with relative ease. Many directories pertaining to relocation offer a state by state listing of qualified movers. Whether an individual is moving across country or they are only moving from one town to another, there are thousands upon thousands of reputable movers ready to make the transition of moving a far easier task than one may first imagine. Movers are more than happy to provide written estimates so you can easily compare prices before you decide on one to assist you. Moreover, many moving companies are willing to provide you with a checklist for moving. Such a checklist will advise you of everything you need to consider and remember when you are moving and the advice can prove invaluable. When moving, things can seem so chaotic that the individuals that are moving may find that they forget to do critical tasks. Some moving companies will help you relocate by helping you pack. You must put careful consideration into whether or not you want a moving company to help with this. Remember you will be putting your valuables into the hands of virtual strangers. If you plan on taking this approach when you relocate, be sure to get recommendations about the companies you hire and see if the company has had any previous complaints lodged against them. Always keep your valuables protected by ensuring that you really know who is handling them. Is the company insured? If they break something will it be covered? These are important questions to consider when you are relocating and allowing a moving company to help you pack and move your belongings. In such instances, when you plan to let the moving company do all the work for you, it is wise for you to get an estimate for any of your extremely valuable items. For instance, get an estimate on any antiques or large pieces of furniture or any breakables that you may worry about. It is best if you have kept your original receipts, but if you didn’t then appraisals are the next best thing, if a problem arises where you are demanding a refund of some kind. Relocating doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan appropriately. Further, if you make sure that in the companies you hire to assist you are reputable, you will find that there is little need to worry over the moving process. Finally, relax when you are moving – know that sometimes things will go wrong, but it is merely a phase – one that will soon pass into far brighter things. In the end, once your move is completed, you will be able to look back on the problems that you had and laugh – or if you planned effectively, you can look back on your effective planning strategies and smile. ——————————————————- Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Relocation ——————————————————- Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell http://EzineArticles.com/?Relocation—Is-It-A-Big-Issue?&id=140410 high risk unsecured loans cash advances today how to determine paycheck taxes hard money loans bankruptcy ok
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Monday, May 19, 2008

Worker Compensation Attorneys

By Ross Bainbridge Whenever an employee gets injured in the workplace, they can avail themselves of the services of a workers’ compensation attorney who can help them in the litigation process. The first step an injured employee needs to take is to file a workers’ compensation report. Workers’ compensation attorneys aim to get a greater compensation for the injured employee. Most workers’ compensation attorneys advise employees to inform their employers every time they get injured in the workplace, however minor the injury may be. Such injuries may result in serious complications later on, so if they do not file them early on, it may be more difficult for the employees to seek compensation. In cases when the employee suffers from permanent disability, the services of a workers’ compensation attorney become more necessary. This is especially true when the employer refuses to give financial assistance to the employee. The workers’ compensation attorney should be the one to inform the employee of his or her rights and assist him or her in speeding up the litigation process. Workers’ compensation attorneys usually get 10-15% of the total compensation received by their client. For people who are seeking workers’ compensation attorneys, they are advised to first ask around. Some employees who had fruitful experiences with certain attorneys can give good referrals. It would also be good to ask other employees who have undergone a workers’ compensation litigation process to have an idea of the requirements and processes of such a lawsuit. Aside from work-related injuries, workers’ compensation attorneys can also help employees who have become victims of harassment due to sex, age, or religion. These attorneys are also aware of federal laws that protect employees from unlawful discrimination. In most cases, workers are advised to get their own workers’ compensation attorney. Insurance companies or their employers are more likely to employ the services of a workers’ compensation attorney too. This way, workers can be better assured of getting the maximum amount due to them because the attorney working for them is not, in anyway, connected with their employer or the state. Worker Compensation provides detailed information on Worker Compensation, Worker Compensation Law, Worker Compensation Insurance, Worker Compensation Attorneys and more. Worker Compensation is affiliated with Police Academy Training Videoes. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge http://EzineArticles.com/?Worker-Compensation-Attorneys&id=278681 no credit check home phone kentucky quick business loan speedy cash payroll advances hard money lenders that do business in connecticut
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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Online Dating – Meeting A Woman For The First Time

By Timothy Mahar You started online dating to meet a woman. Now it is time to meet your online match for the first time. Meeting her in a comfortable environment is your best strategy for transitioning to a relationship in the real world. Meet As Friends When it comes time to meet your online match in person, meet as friends. Dont go to your first meeting with the idea in your mind that she is The One or might be The One. That puts way too much pressure on your first meeting. Meet At An Agreed Place When your match has decided that she is ready to meet you, let her pick the place to meet. This allows her to choose a place where she will feel comfortable. She may ask for some guidance and making a few suggestions is fine. You might also want to give her a few no-go places if you dont enjoy a particular type of food, but you should try to be flexible. Unless one of you is driving a long distance, I would try to make the meeting fairly short. Meeting for lunch, coffee or dessert all work well since none implies huge expectations. Dress Casual I would suggest you discuss with your match dressing casual for your first meeting. I think that helps everyone to keep their expectations in check and promotes a friendly, comfortable environment to explore the possibilities for romance. Your focus should be on one another, not the clothes that you each are wearing. Have Fun When you finally meet your match, relax, be yourself and have a good time. You will look your best with a smile on your face. Send An E-Mail After Your First Meeting If you had a successful first meeting, before you go to bed, send her a short e-mail saying that you enjoyed meeting her in person. It is a nice way to let her know that you are interested and it is the best way to help move the relationship forward. Transitioning To A Real World Relationship Meeting your match for the first time is a big step in transitioning you from an online/phone relationship to one in the real world. It still may be awhile before your match feels comfortable enough to give you her phone number so that you can call or her address so you can pick her up for a date. That will come with time, try to be patient and understanding. Patience might get you somewhere, impatience wont get you anywhere. Timothy Mahar runs the website RomanceForEveryone.com which includes both online dating tips for men and online dating tips for women. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Mahar http://EzineArticles.com/?Online-Dating—Meeting-A-Woman-For-The-First-Time&id=370762 pay day cash legal case summaries on payday loan companies in 2007 sba startup loan how much of a percrentage can an employer legally take out of a paycheck
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Private Law – Basics and Company Law

By Richard Lahaie What is law? Law can affect many aspects of our lives yet most people living in England and Wales have little understanding of the legal system that operates in these two countries. For many their main awareness comes from newspaper articles with headlines such as Murderer jailed for life, Burglar caught in the act, Young offender goes free. This type of headline appears so frequently that it is not surprising that, when law is mentioned, many people only think of the criminal law and the courts that deal with this type of case. In reality, the law covers an enormous range of situations and the legal system in England and Wales has a variety of courts and methods for dealing with different types of cases. International & National Law International law is concerned with disputes between nations; much of this law comes from treaties which have been agreed by the governments of the countries. National Law is the law which applies within a country: Each country will have its own national law and there are often wide differences between the laws of individual countries. This can be shown by the fact that Scotland has its own law and legal system which are quite separate from the law and legal system which operates in England and Wales. For examples, while serious criminal cases are tired my jury in both systems, the Scottish jury has 15 members and the decision can be made by a simple majority of 8-7. In contrast, the jury in England and Wales has 12 members, at least 10 of whom must agree on the decision. Public and Private law Within national law there is usually a clear distinction between public and private law. Public law involves the state of government in some way, while private law is concerned with disputes between private individuals or businesses. Both public and private law can be sub-divided into different categories. Company Law Company law is very important in the business world: It regulates how a company should be formed, sets out formal rules for running companies, and deals with the rights and duties of shareholders and directors. Employment law covers all aspects of employment from the original formation of a contract of employment to situations of redundancy or unfair dismissal. As well as these areas of private law, there are also laws relating to land, to copyright and patents, to marine law and many other topics, so it can be seen that civil law covers a wide variety of situations. Employment Like any business, staff are needed to keep the business alive. But what happens when this gets ugly and termination of contracts come into the picture? This is an area in law where alternative dispute resolution has long been used in the shape of ACAS (Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service). When any claim is filed at an employment tribunal, a copy of that claim is sent to ACAS who will then contact the two parties involved and offer to attempt to resolve the dispute without the need for the matter to go to a tribunal. ACAS has specially trained conciliation officers who have a great deal of experience of employment disputes. If you would like more help with this guide please visit the forum Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Lahaie http://EzineArticles.com/?Private-Law—Basics-and-Company-Law&id=509592 payday loan mesa arizona small cash loan approvals that are faxless faxlesss payday lenders merchants cash advance
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