Meaning

A return to previously held values of decency.

Origin

This became prominent in current language in the UK with a 1993 speech by UK Prime Minister John Major, although it has been used in everyday language long before that.

Major: “It is time to get back to basics: to self-discipline and respect for the law, to consideration for others, to accepting responsibility for yourself and your family, and not shuffling it off on the state.”

In recent times it came to be used in the USA with the above explicit meaning during the 1970s. From The New York Times, March 1975:

“The style and tone of the churches have undergone a major adustment, gradually turning toward a ‘back-to-basics’ approach. “

- Sincerest thanks to Gary Martin of The Phrase Finder

It’s All About Jesus!

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns — Dec. 1, 2009:

Begin again on your firm foundation, the Rock, which is Christ. Simplify! Things have become too complex in many areas of your life. Go back to the basics of what you know is right. Set yourself on the correct course by accepting and applying simple truths, and refuse to take on more responsibility that you can effectively handle. Know that I am with you, and My strength is made perfect in your weakness, says the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

One may have awakened this morning.  One may have begun to write everything down that had occurred recently.  The alarm may have gone off at 3 AM.  One ignored it and kept writing.  One may have been hurt recently by a series of events.  One may have captured it all.

One may have read the Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin for today and may have been so encouraged.  One may have gone into the bathroom to clean it.

At 3:30 AM, one began one’s praise session.  One may have sung songs of praise to the Lord.  One may have confessed one’s sins and talked to the Lord about the things that may be heavy on one’s heart.  Confessing and talking to the Lord took up most of one’s special time with Jesus.

One prayed for the sick.  One asked the Lord to lead one to a passage of His choosing.  One may have been led to Psalms 114.

One left one’s prayer closet at 4:30 AM and logged onto the site to pray for outstanding prayer requests.  Thank you Lord Jesus for hearing and answering the prayers according to your will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Making your own pasta has to be one of the most satisfying things in cookery.  It’s surprisingly easy and the result is much better than the fresh pasta you can buy in the supermarket.  This recipe will probably horrify pasta purists – it contains a few drops (about 1/2 tsp) olive oil.  My experience has shown that this provides some great elasticisty and stops the pasta from cracking whilst being rolled.  In this respect, it is important to let the pasta dough rest by chilling for around 30 minutes after kneading.

Pasta can be rolled by hand, however I would recommend getting a good quality pasta maker, such as an Imperia 150 or better.  This is one of the few kitchen gadgets that I use on a regular basis.  I managed to get through 2 cheap pasta makers before I realised that it was worth spending the cash on a good quality machine (after all, grease and metal shards in your lasagne are really not very appealing) .

For the best results try and get hold of Pasta flour (Type OO), which is very finely ground.  It’s not the end of the world if you can’t, you can still use plain white flour. This recipe makes white pasta suitable for lasagne, tagliatelle, fettuccine, cannelloni, ravioli, in fact, just about any type of pasta you can think of.  You can adapt this recipe to create coloured pasta by adding 2-3 tablespoons of pureed cooked fresh spinach or beetroot at the very start.  In this case you will also need to either reduce the volume of liquid (leave out one of the eggs) or increase the amount of flour

Beetroot Fettuccine

Preparation time (including resting) – 45-60 minutes

Cooking Time – 3 minutes

Serves 3-4

Ingredients

• 300g Type OO White Pasta Flour
• 3 medium Eggs
• 1/2 tsp Olive Oil

Method

• Throw all ingredients into a food processor and blitz well.  This should form breadcrumbs before forming into a ball.  If it sticks to the bowl without forming a ball, add more flour.  Carefully add a very little water if the breadcrumbs don’t come together.  Remove from the food processor
• Knead the dough for a few minutes, sprinkling with a little extra flour if it seems sticky.  Wrap in clingfilm and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.  Set up the pasta maker in a clear area and flour the surfaces
• Remove half of the dough from the fridge and roughly flatten.  Pass through the pasta maker on the widest setting.  If the pasta tears or sticks, it’s probably too wet.  Work in a little more flour and try again
• Once you’ve successfully passed the pasta through once, fold in half and repeat on the same setting.  Repeat this several times to work the gluten in the dough
• Reduce the setting on the pasta maker and repeat the rolling and folding
• Now reduce the roller width once more and roll again.  Continue to reset the roller width and roll until the desired thickness is reached (NB:- I find the thinnest setting is too thin for anything other than ravioli).  If the pasta sheets get too long to handle, cut in half
• The pasta can now be cut as necessary and/or cooked immediately in boiling salted water (it should only take 2-3 minutes), or can be frozen

The Super Smash Bros. (l-Saddi Sundiata, r-Ahmad Rashad) will be teaming up with 7even:thirty for the next installment of One Luv Chillroom’s “Back to Basics” series on December 11, 2009. The event will be hosted by Mississippi hip-hop standout PyInfamous. Check back after for event photos and video. One Luv is located at 106 Wilmington Street, Jackson, MS. For more info follow One Luv Chillroom on twitter: @OneLuvChillRoom or contact us at SuperSmashBros@ymail.com.

Only recently has it become apparent that I take a lot of my cookery skills for granted.  So much so that previously I hadn’t even considered it necessary to document some of my more basic ‘recipes’.  In this Back to Basics series, I’ll capture some of the recipes and components that I use all the time in my cookery, which although I believe are very simple, may seem quite daunting.  That is, until you’ve tried them for yourself.

A Stress Test is a diagnostic tool that is used to evaluate how your heart performs under physical stress. It can help to determine whether or not your heart is receiving enough blood flow.
Stress testing is an important diagnostic tool to assess for “hardening of the arteries”, otherwise known as Coronary Artery Disease or Atherosclerosis. Besides assessing the supply of blood to the heart, a stress test can also provide information as to your ability to exercise, as well as assess your body’s response to exercise.
There are a variety of reasons why your Dr might recommend a stress test.
Some of them include the evaluation of:
1. Chest discomfort
2. Shortness of breath
3. Arrhythmias (heart rhythm problems)
4. Feeling faint with exercise
5. Heart Valve Problems
6. Abnormal EKG
7. If you have multiple “risk factors” for heart disease – in particular, Diabetes.
8. To evaluate the effectiveness of current medications
9. If you have been diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease or had a recent Heart Attack, a Stress Test can be valuable in determining whether additional treatments such as angioplasty or surgery VS. continued medical therapy is best for you.
There are various forms of stress tests – some require you to walk on a treadmill, others are known as “drug stress tests”, requiring you only sit in a chair or lie on a table while intravenous medication is given to make your heart work harder. Determining which stress test is right for you depends on a variety of factors, including your physical abilities. Your Dr. will recommend which type of stress test is best for you. Whether you walk on a treadmill or a have a chemical (drug) stress test, all are combined with some form of nuclear scan or echocardiogram (ultrasound) to provide additional detailed information about your heart.
Stress tests can be performed at the Dr’s office or the hospital, and usually take between 1 and 3 hours.
If the results of your Stress Test are normal, that’s great. No further testing will be required at this time, unless you continue to have cardiac symptoms such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath. Keep in mind that although Stress tests are very good at detecting significant blockages, they are not perfect. If you continue to have symptoms of chest discomfort or shortness of breath despite a “normal” stress test, you may need additional diagnostic testing. Tell your Dr. right away if you continue to have symptoms despite a normal test result.
If the results of your Stress Test are abnormal, then additional diagnostic studies such as Cardiac Catheterization will likely be recommended. Cardiac Catheterization is a more specific diagnostic test to evaluate the blood vessels directly.
Always talk to your Dr. or health care provider about any symptoms of chest discomfort or shortness of breath. They may or may not be cardiac, but only your Dr can determine that. If you’re experiencing symptoms of chest discomfort or shortness of breath, talk to your Dr. or Health Care Provider immediately.
A stress test can potentially put your mind at ease or it can detect a potential problem that if taken care of early, could prevent a heart attack.

Lisa M Ennis FNP
Founder and Executive Director, Makeover My Heart

В раздаче клип Christina Aguilera на песню Ain’t No Other Man, первый сингл с третьего студийного альбома певицы Back to Basics, вышедшего еще в 2006 году. В клипе Кристина Агилера предстает в образе Baby Jane – певички 20-х годов. Режисером видео выступил Bryan Barber.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

• Ain’t No Other Man
• by Christina Aguilera
• from the albom Back to Basics
• directed by Bryan Barber
• © 2006 RCA Records

 

• Качество: HDTV
• Формат: TS
• Видео кодек: MPEG2 Video
• Аудио кодек: AC3
• Видео: 1920×1080 at 29.970 fps ~ 15.5 Mbps
• Аудио: 48000Hz 2ch 384Kbps
• Размер: 541 Mb

Cell / Mobile / Laptop EMF Protection

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One of the roles I must play to truly serve my clients is that of a “Heretic”. I often listen to business leaders discuss how what distinguishes them, their team, their product or service in their marketplace. They confidently state ; product quality, our service, and my favorite of all…our relationships is our competitive advantage… Bla…Bla…Bla. That is when I need to explain that in today’s competitive global economy, quality, customer service and relationships are not differentiators. Very quickly some leaders become defensive and start discussing how “I don’t understand their industry…” and they often start sharing how “their competitors suck”. Again, you may have weak competitors, but the fact that you may or may not be better than competitors that suck is not a way to differentiate yourself or create a sustainable competitive advantage…(sorry)

The Bible is provides us some very clear advice in this area…” “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ( Matt. 7:3) and this advice rings true as leaders must look within their own organizations and establish their internal truths.

Having a core competency in; service, quality, or market relationships is not enough anymore.

Your team must have something that differentiates you in your market as Jack Trout explains in his popular book: Differentiate or Die. The authors of the best selling book: Tuned In, refer to this as your “distinctive competence.” The difference between a core competence and a distinctive competence is the latter differentiates you in your market.

You must gain a clear understanding of your distinctive competence in your strategic planning.

Assuming you established Market Truth as I discussed in my previous post, the next truth you must clearly understand is your internal truth(s). To help my clients establish their internal truths I like to ask a number of questions;

• What do your customer’s say your team does better than your competitors?
• What are the strengths and capabilities of your team leaders?
• What is your team’s track record in terms of market growth over the past five years?
• How many new products have you launched in the last three years?
• Did those new products meet or exceed your launch objectives and ROI targets? Why or Why not?
• Has your team introduced existing product(s) into new markets in the past two years? Did you meet or exceed your sales goals?
• What is your current unused capacity that does not require additional investment?
• What is your team’s ability to raise funds to support growth?
• Do you have the access to funds to support your growth?
• When was the last time you or one of your team’s leaders spent time in the market?

For example, I was asking these questions with one of my new clients in the past and their senior team all said the same thing but in different ways; “ we are not good at new…” What was interesting however was that at the recent off site strategic planning meeting it was decided that they would leverage new products to hit next year’s sales objectives. When I interviewed some of their key accounts they too confirmed this teams poor track history in launching new products. One clients said “ they are a great vendor, but they launch new products before they are ready, so we plan to wait six to eight months after their next launch to insure the product has all the bugs worked out before we buy…” Ouch!( their sales plan was not in alignment with clients waiting six months to buy) Again , what was disturbing was the mid level managers and their key accounts all knew a truth that the only people who failed to see were their senior management team. Sometimes senior leaders see issues and put band aides on them hoping they will heal on their own.

As you plan for a profitable future year … Rip Off the Band Aide(s) and Position Your Business For Growth in 2010.

Another new client wanted “more sales” . However, when we reviewed their internal truths the reality was they were currently at 90% of their production capacity and could not service new business. Had we launched a plan to gain new customers we would have frustrated those new clients as well as existing customers ( and their employees) as their service levels would have suffered. As we peeled this onion further we found a large percentage of their current orders were not profitable. So what the owner saw as a need “more sales” was actually a problem with a sales compensation model not in alignment with overall sales profitability.

You must establish internal truths, distinctive competencies, and identify your weaknesses when building your strategic plan. What we are discussing is about  

leveraging what you have. I am not saying as leaders you are not to improve weaknesses and bridge gaps . However what I am saying is you must authentically and openly humble yourself and your team to your internal realities.

Understanding your team’s strengths, as well as weaknesses and limitations insures the strategic plan you write for 2010 growth objectives is obtainable.

Market leading organizations clearly understand market and internal truths.

Market losing organizations can be identified by strategic plans not in alignment with their market or internal capabilities.

What kind of organization do you work for?

Does your 2010 strategic plan rely on effectively launching new products? (even though the last launch was supposed to sell 2,000 and only sold 2?)

Does your senior leadership team have the horsepower to take your business into a market leadership position?

Are you relying on those that got you’re here to get you there in the future? How’s that working for you?

Does your 2010 strategic plan count on you leveraging a capability your team does not have?

Have you reviewed the “why’s” your team failed to meet some of their objectives in 2009? Have you corrected what you found?

If you failed to achieve some of your 2009 strategic plan targets was it a “strategy” or “execution” problem? …you sure?

Market leaders understand the importance of identifying internal truths when strategic planning.

Market leaders understand the power of leverage. They leverage their distinctive competencies that solve market problems.

It occurred to me recently that in my mad dash to build my internet businesses, I had forgotten or let fall by the wayside some of the most important things I used to do ~ namely, daily affirmations and meditations on what I believe in and my vision for my life and my future.

Over the last few days little things would remind me, little nudges from the universe to get back to basics ~ do the things I did to get here in the first place ~ if I want to continue to grow and succeed.

“But, jeezy creezy!” I thought, “I’m already virtually working two jobs, what with spending every spare minute I don’t spend on teaching, grading, class prep, or answering student email on trying to build an internet business with spit and sealing wax! How am I supposed to find time to write out affirmations and meditate?”

Well, maybe not those exact words, but that was the flavor of my reaction every time the idea of spending some time looking within to reduce my stress and fear and tendency to become weary these days came into my mind.

Then yesterday evening I was clearing files off of my laptop, trying to organize and free up some space (’cause I been downloading a LOT of freebies about internet marketing, niche marketing, affiliate marketing, etc. etc. lately), and I found a freebie I had forgotten I had downloaded ~ it was Dr. Joe Vitale’s “experiment” pdf outlining a 30-day experiment employing intentional meditation.

As I skimmed through it, I remembered why I had downloaded it in the first place (though I didn’t remember when!) and thought: “That would be a good idea (if I had the time).” That part in parentheses wasn’t verbalized in my head but you know it was there.

So I tucked the file up at the top of my screen, where I would see it when I had time to try something like that, and I continued working (read: taking two steps forward and one step back, and one step back, and one step back, when something I was doing by tutorial ~ installing wordpress on my website, it was ~ wasn’t working. Because I was tired, I just kept trying to do the thing that wasn’t working over and over and over ~ ever do that?).

Then one of my favorite TV shows, and one of the few that I actually tape (yes, “tape” on my vcr) came on, and I decided to take a break and watch it. The main plot was interesting to me, as usual, but the sub-plot having to do with Joe (whom I love, because he reminds me so much of James ~ my husband) was what really caught my attention. It had to do with meditation and success.

Well, you don’t have to hit me over the head three times, I can tell ya.

Okay, maybe you do. But as they say, the third time’s a charm ~ so thank you CBS, Medium, Joe (and his cranky old ghost of a father) ~ and most of all, thank you universe ~ for the charm (or kick in the pants!).

This morning, I got up determined to reread Dr. Vitale’s instructions for intentional meditation and put them into practice. Of course I got sucked into other stuff the minute I got on the computer, but when I got tired enough to think about taking a break, I decided now would be a good time to start with the intentional meditation. So I burned a copy of another freebie I got somewhere, an audio file of 15 minutes worth of water sounds, wrote down the intention I wanted to meditate on, went upstairs and began.

It’s not as easy as it sounds, meditation ~ but I’m going to keep doing it (I even put it on my google calendar!), and more importantly, I’m going to believe that it’s working, just as I have always believed in my affirmations ~ and we’ll see where we are in 30 days.

Wish me luck ~ and, if you’re interested, subscribe to my rss feed ~ and I’ll keep you posted.

Project success will depend a lot on the foundation they were built on. If your projects are based on lies, guess what happens?

Lies have never been considered best practice. Lying is also unethical and unprofessional conduct. Here are some examples of lies:

1. Not disclosing correct payback and ROI information in order to get a project approved.
2. Pretending that risks don’t exist in projects and estimate based on best case scenarios.
3. Asking subject matter experts to make their estimates fit desired outcomes.
4. Not disclosing that the project is late.
5. Pretending that delays and rework don’t add to cost.
6. Ignoring conflicts in schedule.
7. Assuming that subject matter experts have the same sets and level of skills.
8. Saying that a project will take ‘x’ number of months without performing a WBS.

Successful projects rely on a WBS plus realistic schedule and cost estimates which have taken into account risks at each and every phase of the project and allows for realistic project and management reserves.

Lying and living in a world of MAKE BELIEVE is like using quicksand as a foundation for the project. A strong project foundation  is always the key, and best practices are the best foundation.

Womenology 101

Your Body, Your Temple Part 3

Has anyone ever dealt with the yearning to fit in? Do you ever feel like no matter what you do or say you are just not good enough? Some might have felt as if they are only good for sexual characteristics.

As women we should never feel that are physical figure must be better than the next. If we are not aware of it, competition can conquer. What about when we are trying to attract that handsome man? We say “ok” I’ve got to be this size or lose this or maybe even gain that because I’ve seen the type of women he date.

Have you ever sat down and watched music videos or reality shows, or even magazines that exemplify these beautiful women; and their crazy or what some may call drop dead, or bangin’ bodies. I have personally, and what happens after you see it? You go to the mirror and you look at yourself like” dang” I need a makeover.

I have been thin all of my adult life, and there are certain ethnic groups or cultures that base their women’s worth on the size of their booty, breast, thighs, and hips. I know me personally I was often told that I need to gain weight, or that I need to be “thicker’’ if you will. Unbelievably it bothered me to the point where I actually tried to put on weight.

Do you know what?

It did not happen because of my high metabolism. So then, insecurities began to creep in and that is when I demanded attention. I began trying other things to try to look or be sexy. That was not a happy phase in my life, because I did not have peace and I lost my joy. Some of you can probably relate.

Nevertheless, Glory is to God who has kept me in his arms of protection. As I think about it, I literally put myself in some crazy situations. I took my temple to some extreme places that it had no business. I let people get the best of me who was not even worthy of my precious treasure.

Do you realize women? That favor from God is what is keeping you and is what has kept me.

After going through the pain of being broken hearted, alone and empty inside, I had to realize for myself that the Body belongs to God.

Do you know that your bodies are members of Christ?

I love the scripture in 1Corinthians 6:15-Shall l I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? (Prostitute, someone promiscuous) May it never be!

Verse 16 reads or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a harlot is one body for he says, “THE TWO WILL BECOME ONE FLESH.”

Therefore, Ladies, we want to be mindful of temptation, sexual immorality (fornication-premarital sex) because verses 17 and 18 read…

But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with him.

Flee immorality. Every sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man *sins against his own body.

Immoral -defying moral principles: contrary to accepted moral principles

Or do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, Whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

So please understand that you are beautiful and true beauty comes when you allow God to have his way in your life. You do not have change who you are and what you look like to impress people because they need to be save and encouraged themselves.

Do not allow your self-esteem to fall because the Living Word tells us that…

For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your Body. 1Corithians 6:20

Jesus loves you the way you are, who you are, imagine you the way he see you. Let’s Blog

We are of three parts- Spirit, Soul, and then Body.

*Notice the way that it has order, that is the exact the way to live and walk, everydayon this earth.

So let us break it down…

The Spirit comes first because it is how we communicate and fellowship with the spirit of Christ, our spirit needs to be whole, because when we are whole nothing and nobody will be able to hinder us, from obeying and walking in the truth.

Our Spirit needs to revive so that we can clearly hear what it is that God wants for us. If we are walking by the spirit then we have no choice but to please God.

It is clear in Galatians 5:16 and it reads…

But I say, walk by the spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Verse 22 explains the evidence of walking according to the spirit by the fruits of the spirit, which are…

Love- I did not understand what true love was, until I gave my life to the Lord.  He is the definition of Love. He shows that “agape” love that is wholly, selfless and spiritual. Know that love conquers all and covers a multitude of sins.

Joy- I have joy, unspeakable joy that only God can provide. Joy, no matter what is going on around me, even if people speak falsely about me and not realize my worth.  I know that God recognize me as his, I can still smile with cheer because of joy.

Peace- To have peace is a blessing; I did not always have it. To be peaceful is definitely from God. It is freedom from conflict, war, disturbances and the ability to be in a calm and quiet state.

 Patience- This is a biggie for me, because I strongly believe in the power of patience. It is very important for us to show it, especially when it involves people. Regardless of the situation to be virtuous is to be patient. The Lord is so patient with us, he waited patiently for us when we were lost. He continues to wait with anticipation for us to grow and succeed in him.

Kindness- It is not always easy to be kind to folks who are difficult and just plain rude. I believe that kindness is contagious. I am sure you have heard the saying “kill ‘em with kindness”. Well let us love ‘em with the kindness. We do not war against flesh and blood, so just be kind.

Goodness- Your quality is good when you are one with the Holy Spirit. Everything you do and say is good because you are fully aware and acknowledge His goodness towards you.

Faithfulness- As women we honor when people, especially men show and prove their faithfulness to us. Imagine how God feels when we are faithful to him, and when we demonstrate it by keeping his commandments and abiding by them. Jesus is the ultimate example of faithfulness and because our spirit is one with his; we must be faithful in all things.

Gentleness- When I think of this word, I think of empathy, compassion, and sereneness despite of the condition.

 Self-control – to walk in the spirit is to have self-control because Galatians 5:24 says …

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Now the Soul, also known as the heart, is similar to a home for all of the many emotions, moods and feeling we experience. We should never let the soul lead because then it would be impossible to fellowship with our Savior wholly. I am not saying that the soul is unjustifiable; however, balance is an imperative aspect in this spiritual walk.

 The body is a shell or covering for our spirit. There is constant battle between the flesh and spirit.

 The flesh is of the world and because the world is temporary, so the fleshly man and it must die. The spirit last forever, now your lifestyle determines your spirit’s destiny.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident , which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, enmities, sorcery, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned  you that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians5:19-22

The flesh will not submit to God on its own, it is so vital to walk according to the spirit. To be honest if we are not sure how too entirely, the corresponding scriptures explain in detail, how to live in an orderly fashion.

Spirit, Soul and Body

We have no excuse women! So Let’s Blog

Back to Basics

Break Your Soul (Let Your Spirit Lead)

I heard a word that was like WOW! I mean it touched me, so now I want to give you all a brief synopsis of the revelation that I received. Glory be to God.

Minister Pearl Brooks came from the Book of Mark 14. Now in this Chapter the Chief Priest and The scribes (writers or secretaries men who copied the scriptures,) were against Jesus and they were seeking how to capture and kill him. Nevertheless, the word is real.

I want you to understand the significance of the key scriptures of focus; Mark 14:3-9 so let us do a little bit of reading, if you do not mind…

And while He (Jesus) was in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper, and reclining, there came a woman with an alabaster box of very costly perfume of pure nard; she broke the box and poured it over his head

But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? “For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the pour.” And they began scolding her.

But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to me.

“For the poor you always have with you, and whenever you wish, you can do them good; but you do not always have me.

“She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial.

“And truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, that also which this woman has done shall be spoken of in memory of her.”

Mark 14:3-9

Now the scriptures say that this perfume was very expensive oil. I remember reading that is worth over three hundred denarii- (The denarius was equivalent to one day’s wage). She knew that the oil had significance and she knew that in order to take advantage of its benefits; the box had to be crushed in order for that the good, pure, sweet substance to be released. she its purpose.

Now let us make this personal. Think of the box as your soul and think of the good, pure, substance as your spirit. Our soul is our emotions essentially where our feeling rest. To move solely by your emotions can be detrimental, especially as women.

Think about…

Our past experiences can easily cause us to react in such a way that allows selfish ambition to rise, as well desire to return evil for evil (payback) ,  and  even the foolish mindset  of “I’m a do me”  forget everybody else. Ways to keep people in bondage, and bondage is not where God wants us to be. Freedom is the ability to be all that God wants you to be, and we all have a powerful calling on our lives. I guarantee that if you let your soul, (emotions) reign supreme over your life you will walk in error.  

It is like this…

No one likes to be uncomfortable and stepping outside of the comfort zone can be very difficult, on the contrary how can you ever grow if you do not move. The emotional side of us wants what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. Giving the flesh opportune to raise and mislead. I know from personal experience that what we think we want and need is not always God’s will for us.

If you are saved/born again and walk by the spirit, first then your soul and body must line up and take its proper place. 

1^st peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lust, which wage war against the soul.

Womenology 101

Your Body, Your Temple

What comes to mind when you hear the word Temple?

 You might think of a church, or in Judaism known as a synagogue. It is primarily a place for worship.

 What comes to mind when you hear the word body?

Perhaps the physical form of human or animal; the complete material structure or physical form of a human being or animal.

 Well Ladies all of this is true, but when I say the word temple; I am talking about something much deeper than that of which only the carnal intellect can comprehend.

Now in the Bible the Temple was referenced a Holy place. Psalm 5:7 reads…

 But as for me, by Thine abundant loving kindness I will enter Thy house, at the holy temple I will bow in reverence for thee.

 Psalm 138:2 reads I will bow down toward thy holy temple, and give thanks to thy name for Thy loving kindness and Thy truth

 The temple was like a place to reverence the Holy God in love and in truth. They would go into the holy place in search of that connection with God; because God is holy, the place was holy. Now when one entered the temple they required to be holy, Consecrated meaning dedicated or set apart and devoted to the service of God.

Do you know that you are a temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Col 3:16

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that  you are not your own?

1 Col 6:19

The word is true Ladies; your body is a dwelling place for Christ the precious Holy Spirit. It is such a blessing to know that the Holy Spirit wants to be one with our spirit. That reminds me of first Peter 2:5 that reads…  

you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Womenology 101

 Your Body, Your Temple-part 2

 The physical bodies are not just ours; but a way for our spirit man to fellowship with Christ Jesus; the Holy Spirit.

John 14:20 reads

“In that day you shall know that I am in My Father and you in me, and I in you.”

I do not know about you,  but I have no choice but to reflect on the ways that I am managing my personal temple.

 Let us do a quick exercise. Ask yourself these questions and take the time out to think about it. (This is for you personally)

 Where do you allow your personal temple to go?

What are you exposing it to everyday?

(For some) Whom are you allowing in to your temple?

We must keep it real and be honest with ourselves ladies, If we just take the time out to answer those questions, then we will be able to see where we really are and where we need to be. It is only right.

As women, we want to be pure and in our proper order Spirit Soul and then the body. If we walk in the correct order, deception cannot and will not be our defeat.

Remember…

Dedicated service is by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, Which is your reasonable service.

Womenology 101

Getting back to basics-Why are we?

As women it is so very important to know why we are here, and who we really are, so that we can truthfully walk in our unique reason. God has divinely designed each of us intentionally.

Some of you might say we are here for reproduction and others might say I am not sure why I‘m here. But do you know what the most amazing part of it is?

Surprise!!!!

It doesn’t have to be a mystery. Yes! That’s right.  You no longer have to be lost in the sauce for why God made you. We all have full right of entry to our providence, and it’s yours personally for the asking.

Ok so here we go…

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth, but the Earth was void and dark, lifeless if you will. So With God’s Mighty power He spoke light and life into the Earth and it had no choice but to be. The Bible also says in the wonderful book of Genesis 1:27  

And God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. It reads in verse 28 and God blessed them; and God said to them be, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it;

And from there essentially God lets male and female know, that they have power to rule over every living thing on the earth.

That’s Compelling! But what does it all mean?

The definition of multiply…

Is to increase by a considerable number, amount, or degree, or make something increase in this way.

In addition, to be fruitful

Is bearing much fruit: bearing fruit, especially in abundance 

2.  Prolific: producing many offspring a fruitful marriage

3.  Causing fertility: causing or promoting fertility or productivity

Fruitful soil

 4.  Creative: highly productive or creative

Rebirth; the rotation of life is very important. We being the female which in biology means: the sex that produces offspring: relating or belonging to the sex that produces sex cells gametes that fuse with male sex cells during sexual reproduction.

We know that we play a massive role in the regeneration process of human kind; of course we carry and nurture the seed, and when the seed forms we give birth to the new life.

 Check this out…

 Genesis also lets us know that Adam named every living beast, So we clearly see that he was made to have authority, but he still needed help. There was no suitable help for him at the time. Genesis 2:22 reads 

And the Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.  Verse 23 reads and remember this is Adam speaking, it reads and the man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” 

 I love how the Chapter two ends; it confirms the ordained unity of man and woman. Verses 24 and 25 read for this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

 Women we were created from man for man, but not forgetting that man was created in God’s image and we as well. It’s no coincidence that we have a submissive spirit within. We have responsibilities from God just as the man. We were created for God to be glorified, just as men were. But ladies it’s time to get out of the disorderly way of thinking.

 It’s ok to be enabled to execute and to have your own; but do you really think that God wants you to bear all the life weights and burdens. That’s not what we are built for. We each have a role to play; Men and women together, for each other. It was that way from the beginning.  In order to walk in the orderly way of living we need to let pride go and realize that we need one another. So we must forget about ourselves and seek God like never before.

 I know that God’s way is better because he is the creator. To let go of the disorderly way of thinking and this new ageism that this generation has adopted;  for instance men feeling like they no longer need women and women feeling like men are nothing. After the fact of not respecting each other, some people involve themselves intimately, with people of the same sex.  Some men get so out of order, that they abandon the responsibility of leading their families with reverence for God. Women not being submissive to what God have called to be the authority.

 Do not be confused, I am not saying that you are nothing without a man in your life. I guarantee you are nothing without the Son of Man in your life.

 We must get back to basics ladies; let’s help heal us.

 Let’s blog

Keep the mind strong

This weeks installment of Vitamins for the Mind by Jim Rohn point to some very obvious basics.

As always, I encourage you to allow yourself to make it a spectacular day… CSea Perkins

_______

Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying fundamentals.

There are no new fundamentals. You’ve got to be a little suspicious of someone who says, “I’ve got a new fundamental.” That’s like someone inviting you to tour a factory where they are manufacturing antiques.

Some things you have to do every day. Eating seven apples on Saturday night instead of one a day just isn’t going to get the job done.

Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day; while failure is simply a few errors in judgment, repeated every day. It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgments that leads us to either fortune or failure.

Love- I did not understand what true love was, until I gave my life to the Lord. He is the definition of Love. He shows that “agape” love that is wholly, selfless and spiritual. Know that love conquers all and covers a multitude of sins.

 Joy- I have joy, unspeakable joy that only God can provide. Joy, no matter what’s going on around me, even if  people speak falsely about me even if they don’t realize my worth. I know that God recognize me as his own, I can still smile with cheer because of joy.

Peace- To have peace is a blessing, I did not always have it. To be enabled; no matter what to be peaceful is definitely from God. It’s freedom from conflict, war, disturbances and the ability to be in a calm and quiet state.

Patience-This a biggie for me because I strongly believe in the power of patience. It is very important for us to show it, especially when it involves people. Regardless of the situation to be virtuous is to be patient. The Lord is so patient and he waited patiently for us when we were lost. He continues to wait with anticipation for us to grow and succeed in him.

Kindness- It’s not always easy to be kind to folks; who no matter what are difficult and just plain rude. I believe that kindness is contagious. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “kill ‘em with kindness”. Well let’s love ‘em with the kindness. We don’t war against flesh and blood, so just be kind.

Goodness- Your quality is good when you are one with the Holy Spirit. Everything you do and say is good because you are fully aware and acknowledge His goodness towards you.

Faithfulness- As women we honor when people, especially men show and prove their faithfulness to us. Imagine how God feels when we are faithful to him, and when we demonstrate it by keeping his commandments and abiding by them. Jesus is the ultimate example of faithfulness and because our spirit is one with his; we must be faithful in all things.

Gentleness- When I think of this word, I think of empathy, compassion, and sereneness despite of the condition.

Self control – to walk in the spirit is to have self control because Galatians 5:24 says …

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Now the Soul, also known as the heart, is similar to a home for all of the many emotions, moods and feeling we experience. We should never let the soul lead because then it would be impossible to fellowship with our Savior wholly. I’m not saying that the soul is unjustifiable, however balance is an imperative aspect in this spiritual walk.

And lastly the body also known as the flesh. The body is a shell or covering for our spirit. There is constant battle between the flesh and spirit.

The flesh is of the world and because the world is temporary so is the fleshly man and it must die. The spirit last forever, now your spirit’s destiny is determined by how you live your life while in the body.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident , which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, enmities, sorcery, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians5:19-22

The flesh will not submit to God on it’s it own, it is so vital to walk according to the spirit. To be honest if we are not sure how to entirely, the corresponding scriptures explains  in detail; how to live in an orderly fashion.

Spirit ,Soul and Body

We have no excuse ladies! So Let’s Blog

I heard a word that was like WOW! I mean it touched me, so now I want to give you all a brief synopsis of the revelation that I received. Glory be to God.

Minister Pearl Brooks came from the Book of Mark 14. Now in this Chapter the Chief Priest and The scribes (writers or secretaries men who copied the scriptures,) were against Jesus and they were seeking how to capture and kill him. But we know that the Word had to be fulfilled.

I want you to understand the significance of the key scriptures of focus; Mark 14:3-9 so Let’s do a little bit of reading, if you don’t mind…

And while He(Jesus) was in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper, and reclining, there came a woman with an alabaster box of very costly perfume of pure nard; she broke the box and poured it over his head

But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? “for this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the pour.” And they began scolding her.

But Jesus said, “let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me.

Mark 14:3-9

Now the scriptures say that this perfume was a very expensive oil. I remember reading that is worth over three hundred denarii- (The denarius was equivalent to one day’s wage). She knew that the oil had to be put to use and she knew that in order to take advantage of it’s benefits; the box had to be opened. In order for that the good, pure, sweet substance to be released she had to know it’s purpose.

Now lets make this personal. Think of the box as your soul and think of the good, pure, substance that had to be released as your spirit. Our soul is our emotions essentially where our feeling rest. To be led solely by your emotions can be detrimental, especially as women.

Think about…

Our past experiences can easily cause us to react in such away that allows selfish ambition to rise, as well  as the desire to return evil for evil, (payback) even the foolish mindset of “I’m a do me” for get every body else. Different ways to keep people in bondage, and bondage is not where God wants us to be.

Freedom is when you can be all that God wants you to be, and we all have a powerful calling on our lives. I guarantee if you let your soul (emotions) reign supreme over your life; you will walk in error. Why?

It’s like this…

No one likes to be uncomfortable and stepping outside of the comfort zone can be very difficult, on the contrary how can you ever grow if you don’t move.

The emotional side of us wants what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. Giving the flesh opportune to rise and mislead. I know from personal experience that what we think we want and need is not always God’s will for us.

If you are saved/born again and walk by the spirit first then your soul and body must line up and take it’s proper place in your lives.

1^st peter 2:11  Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lust, which wage war against the soul.

A Chiropractor friend of mine who lived about 20 miles away, not so far out in the “sticks”, told me about these really cool horses. They are called “Curly” horses. She found some that the BLM Ranchers had rounded up and were selling. They are usually stocky built and very calm. “They”, who ever they are I’m not sure, but “they” think they are from Russia, and these curly horses came up and over the ice and down to the America’s. So they call them Bashkir Curly Horses, from Bashkir Russia. Indians would search for Curly’s out on the plains, and when they found them they would round them up. It was very prestigious for an Indian Chief to have a Curly horse. When I learned about these horses it was in the late 80’s and there were only about 200 of them documented in the US. So we just had to have one! …we named him Applejack! He was a beautiful pinto with white and brown curls. His mane was about 60 ringlets about ½ inch wide streaming down his neck, his tail is bright white and wavy, and he had ringlets on fetlocks. His body was about 2 ½ inch thick of massive curls. Sort of like lambs wool. Their skin is to have extra layers of fat, and they love the cold winter weather. In the summer time their body hair turns to a beautiful sleek crushed velvet look. Applejack was a gilding, and so friendly. So much better than the pony we named Blackberry. She loved the kids but if I got on her, (and I’m not that big, at least I wasn’t then) but she didn’t like me to ride her…she would let me saddle her up and get on her, then she would trot right over to the gravel road and buck me off onto the gravel. Smart pony huh? The Curly horses have loving eyes. I know that must sound hokey, but some horses have “upset” eyes, or “I don’t trust you” eyes, but all the Curly’s that I’ve ever met all have the kindest eyes. You can find them just Google Bashkir Curly Horses. They weren’t very expensive when we got ours, but I think they’re about 8 x’s the price now. I’m still a novice at horse riding and “they know” that I’m a bit scared of them, so that’s why I chose the Curly, All in all we had about 9 Curly’s and 2 were born there in Paradise. What a beautiful site!

Mouth watering spaghetti

A good meat based tomato sauce is the staple of dozens of recipes.  Until recently, I made my sauce from a mixture of crushed tomatoes and canned spaghetti sauce until I was introduced to this recipe.  It’s relatively simple and the end product is awesomely tasty.

Yields ~8 cups.

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 3-5 cloves of garlic, sliced thinly
• 1 cup fresh basil, diced
• 1 cup red wine
• 2x 28 oz can of whole tomatoes
• 2-3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes, or chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 lb ground beef

Tomatoes

I suppose if you want to consider this a truly “from scratch” recipe, then you should start with some good fresh tomatoes.  Blanch them in boiling water until the skins are loose and wrinkled.  Throw them into cold water to cool.  Remove the skins and dice.  I have yet to try this so your millage may vary.

If you use canned tomatoes, splurge and buy the good stuff!  Trust me, it makes all the difference in the world.  The tomatoes I use I get from a local butcher, imported from Italy; “Solania – San Marzano” tomatoes.  At $4 CAD per can, they aren’t cheap but well worth it.

The amount of sugar needed is relative to the acidity of your tomatoes.  Better quality tomatoes will require less sugar.  I like to start with 2 tbsp of sugar mixed with the spices and add more later if needed.

Preparation

1. Crush fennel seeds, chili, and oregano into a powder in a mortal and pestle.  Then add the sugar and grind until combined (spices courtesy of another drunkard).
2. In a large pot sauté onions in the olive oil over low heat, covered, for 10-12 minutes.
3. Add garlic and basil and re-cover for ~5 minutes.
4. Add the wine and reduce by about half (uncovered).
5. Add tomatoes, spices, and a teaspoon or two of salt.
6. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Turn down the heat to a low simmer.  Periodically check the flavour.  If it’s too sour, add more sugar.
8. Continue cooking until the desired consistency is reached.  The further you reduce the sauce, the more intensified the flavours become.

Just before the sauce is ready, fry the ground beef and add it to the sauce.  I like to finely chop one shallot and 1-2 cloves of garlic and throw them into the frying pan before adding the beef.  Give the beef a good mashing with side of a wooden spoon while frying to ensure there are no large chunks sticking together.

Tip: You know all that liquid you usually dump down the drain after frying beef?  Well, if you buy good quality meet don’t drain it!  Dump the whole lot into the sauce… that’s tasty stuff in there.  Just don’t tell anyone you did that.

Sul nuovo numero de L’Impresa, all’interno della rubrica Back to Basics, commento un brano estratto da “The Management of Innovation” di Tom Burns e G. M. Stalker. Il libro, pubblicato per la prima volta nel 1961,  illustra le modalità con cui le organizzazioni possono competere in ambienti stabili e prevedibili e in ambienti più turbolenti e discontinui. I due autori chiamano “sistema meccanico” la risposta organizzativa più adatta a gestire gli ambienti a basso tasso di innovazione e “sistema organico” la risposta organizzativa più adatta a gestire gli ambienti più complessi. Prevedendo, nel 1961, una crescente preferenza dei manager per i sistemi organici rispetto a quelli meccanici, Burns e Stalker  scrivevano a chiare lettere che non esiste un sistema superiore all’altro, un optimum a priori. “Nulla nella nostra esperienza” – scrivono gli autori – “ giustifica l’affermazione secondo cui il sistema meccanico debba essere sostituito da quello organico anche in condizioni di stabilità”. Questo è senz’altro vero. A distanza di cinquant’anni dal loro studio, occorrerebbe però aggiungere a questa giusta conclusione anche un aspetto che forse gli autori, cinquanta anni fa, non avrebbero mai pensato di dover sottolineare: vale anche l’inverso.

Chi è interessato può scaricare il mio articolo qui: “Le risposte inadeguate dei manager”.