One of the many ways I teach my kids about becoming responsible is by taking care of the things that they have. They have a few things that they are responsible for. I don’t care if they pull out every toy in their room and leave it around the house… but before they can take a bath before bed that night every single toy must be put away. It used to be that I would direct them. I would tell them where each toy goes and make sure it was put in the right place. But as of late I’ve just been letting them do it themselves. It’s not perfect but they get the job done and I am so proud of them! The house is clean every night! I’ll take it!

I also require them to put their dishes in the sink and to push their chairs in after each meal. They find joy in doing these things because I tell them how much it helps mama and how proud I am of them. I’ve even been noticing my daughter cleaning up after other people who don’t follow that rule. ;)

Lastly, they LOVE helping me with the laundry. Grabbing their little chairs and carrying them to the laundry room so that they can load and unload the washer and dryer is such a fun game for them. It may take 5 minutes longer than if I were to do it myself but it’s great to see them helping out and enjoying it too!

I feel like it’s important for children to have responsibility… even at a young age. It makes them feel a part of something. On days when they don’t want to help out I still make them do their required duties to teach them to be hard workers and to show them that often times in life there are many things that we have to do even when we don’t want to. But in the end, doing those things is still very important. This is just one of the many avenues in which you can teach children to grow into responsible adults.

What are some other ways that you teach responsibility to children? What happens when they are defiant against those responsibilities? At what age do you feel it’s appropriate to start handing out duties for them? LOVE.

In a Short Time  You Will Persuade Me

Paul was  a tremendous preacher  in the early church.     What made him  so great?     He knew  what he believed  and why  he believed it.     Paul had studied  the Old Testament  a lot,  ever since he was  a young kid.     And he believed  what it said — so much so  that he was a radical  in trying  to kill  the first Christians,  because he thought  they were blaspheming God  by saying Jesus  was the long-promised Savior  in the Old Testament.

But,  in Acts  26,  Paul tells  how Jesus appeared  to him  and set him  on the right path.     As Paul learned  how Jesus  really was the fulfillment  of all those Old Testament prophecies  he believed in,  he then became  a very strong Christian missionary.

So,  Paul preached  what he really knew  for a fact.     But,  just as he used  to try  to kill Christians  for their beliefs,  there were lots  of Jews  who now wanted  to kill Paul  for those beliefs.     That’s how he was always getting  into messes  where he was beaten,  whipped,  stoned,  and imprisoned.

None  of those problems stopped Paul  because he understood  how thousands  of years  of prophecies  came true  in Christ.     He knew  what was true now  and he knew  for sure  that there was no other way  to heaven,  except through Jesus Christ.

Paul understood  that if he didn’t preach  the gospel  everywhere possible,  most people were headed  for hell — and he would be responsible  for their demise  if he refused  to share the gospel.     Those were the days  of the Roman Empire,  when people worshipped  all sorts  of idols  and had no understanding  of God’s word.

An intense love  for God  and people  of all sorts  drove Paul  to preach  with his whole heart.

All that eventually landed him  in a prison  for quite some time.     Then,  as we see  in Acts 26,  he finally got  to plead his case  before  Governor Festus  and King Agrippa,  whose pompous royalty  is described.

Did Paul  moan  and groan  over the wrongness  of his imprisonment?     No.     Instead,  he lovingly  and strongly preaches  about God’s salvation  in Christ Jesus.     In Acts 26:27-29,  we read about  how Paul witnessed  to King Agrippa,  the Jew  whom the Romans  set over the Israelites,  to help keep order…

“King Agrippa,  do you believe  the Prophets?     I know  that you do.”

And Agrippa replied  to Paul,  “In a short time  you will persuade me  to become  a Christian.”

And Paul said,  “I would  to God,  that whether  in a short  or long time,  not only you,  but also all  who hear me  this day,  might become such as I am,  except  for these chains.”

The point?

No matter  who Paul preached to — whether  to kings,  governors,  poor fishermen,  slaves,  religious leaders,  prison guards — Paul deeply loved  their souls  and greatly desired  their salvation,  to God’s glory.     Paul,  indeed,  persuaded many.

So,  where do we stand  in our world today?     Do we love the souls  of everyone around us?     If so,  it’s probably  a result  of loving  our Savior because  of His love  for us.

Hopefully,  we will gladly  share Christ  in whatever  our life’s circumstances.     Then,  we will exclaim  with Paul  in heaven,  “Hallelujah!     God loves us  dearly!”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional  to glorify  the LORD of lords  and GOD of gods.

A 2.67 year old says  I Pledge Allegiance

Pray for our country.

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… Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus …

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Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus by the Yupiq Eskimo village of Quinhagak, Alaska

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The LORD  made this day, let us rejoice  and be glad  in Him.

Psalm 118:24

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The word of the LORD is tried;

He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.

Psalm 18:30

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Sing for joy  in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;

Praise is becoming  to the upright.

Psalm 33:1

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How blessed are those  who dwell  in Thy house!

They are ever praising Thee.

Psalm 84:4

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Just as a father  has compassion  on his children,

So the LORD  has compassion  on those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:13

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O give thanks  to the LORD,  for He is good;

For His lovingkindness  is everlasting.

Psalm 107:1

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Glory in His holy name;

Let the heart  of those who seek the LORD  be glad.

Psalm 105:3

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Not that I have already obtained it,  or have already  become perfect, but I press on  in order that  I may  lay hold  of that for which also  I was laid hold of  by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12

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2- It seems like your peeps are either || to getting hitched or lightyears away from settling down. There is no in-between.

3- It’s when you really start to notice the whole aging thing. You say no to going out on weekdays because you really don’t have the desire…not solely because you’re trying to make a responsible decision.

4- You spend money on kitchen supplies. And know how to use them.

5- Your vacation requirements aren’t limited to hotties with bodies, free booze, and endless tanning options.

There is a plethora of possible expenses that can be incurred in handling a case depending on the type of case.  Some people seek to skimp on expenses and wind up hurting their case.  Some more common case-related expenses include:

• Court filing fees
• Service of process (for summonses, subpoenas, etc.)
• Fees to files most motions in North Carolina state court
• Deposition costs (Ex:  fee for court reporter, fee for deposition transcript and CDs which would be used in preparation for subsequent motions and trial)
• Retainers and fees for expert witnesses
• Creation of copies of documents, poster displays, or exhibits for trial
• Attorney fees
• Copying
• Postage
• Travel

For some cases such as motor vehicle collisions, workers’ compensation, and Social Security Disability, an attorney may be willing to enter into a written agreement to advance the expenses (a/k/a pay them without seeking money ”up front” from the client) and recover them at the conclusion of the case.  In many other cases, however, the attorney may require the client make some financial contribution toward the anticipated expenses anticipated to be incurred.  NOTE:  In North Carolina, the client is ALWAYS ultimately responsible for the costs and expenses of a case.  Even if the client does not recover a settlement or judgment the client is financially responsible to reimburse the lawyer or law firm for the costs incurred in handling the case. 

The cost of litigation is a key consideration when deciding whether or how far to pursue/defend a case.  This is territory where listening to friends, family, Internet research will probably not be enough.  Consult a lawyer and get relevant and correct information for your situation.

If an online site plans to gather information from children under the chronilogical age of 13, they need to secure verifiable consent from the parent and publicly state how a information will likely be collected, used and disclosed somewhere on the website. Protected information includes their name, address, e-mail address, contact number and their Social Security Number.

Parents have a right to secure parental use of their child’s account, once they confirm their identity using the website owner. They then have a right to have in mind the website’s policy for privacy, and so they may demand the website stops collecting information from other child plus they may request that any existing information be deleted.

Note that this website must verify the parent’s identity. Possible options add a toll-free hotline, a signed postcard, an electronic digital signature in the e-mail or perhaps a verified credit card number.

If you would like more tricks for keeping your kids safe online, find out more in the linked article.

Business owners need to understand COPPA when they wish to stay legal and deal primarily with children. If your website is aimed primarily in a demographic under the chronilogical age of 13 (as judged by FTC standards, language and graphics), you will need to take the appropriate steps if you plan to gather any information.

There needs to be a reasonable try to gain parental consent beforehand, an entire privacy policy notice (designed in plain English, in plain sight) and also you must be willing to handle the strategy discussed above if the parent wishes to learn more about what information their son or daughter has disclosed, or desires to terminate the account.

Reasonable efforts to achieve consent are somewhat debatable, and yes it seems to fall to common sense. A generally accepted method seems to be a delayed e-mail shipped to the parent’s address, or a contact number. Obviously any organization that plans to handle children’s information should seek out a professional legal consultant to ascertain if their methods of consent are up to snuff and current case law.

A very swift example should make the issue clear. There are actually 17 cases brought against firms to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998. Let’s look at true brought against Hershey.

The chocolate and candy producer had several areas of their website explicitly aimed toward young children, with colorful graphics plus a specific “Kidztown” area. They offered a sweepstakes which has been available to children under 13, when they had their parents fill in a consent form which put their hands up.

The problem was the consent form wasn’t enough to conform to COPPA. It could simply be ignored, and also the site would still accept the infant’s information. There were no safeguards for completing the form using a stated chronilogical age of less than 13, and by popping up instantly, it had been seen as likely that numerous would lie or have another non-parent complete it.

These issues generated a charge contrary to the company. The violation with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act cost Hershey a $85,000 settlement with all the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Both webmasters and parents should view the exemptions that exist according to the the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act:

Website operators don’t need to obtain consent in the event the request for information is just a one-time event (or one request that needs multiple contacts). If the personal data will not be stored or used inside future, following the request is fulfilled, then it is exempt.

All contact details gained only to maintain the security of the site or account, or stay in compliance with legal requests and acts is additionally exempt.

Safe harbor organizations, including TRUSTe and CARU (Children’s Advertising Review Unit), can offer approved self regulation under the act if they have been approved.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 not simply applies to companies in the strict sense but in addition to web page owners, typically referred to as webmasters, if their internet site collects children’s demographic data as outlined by COPPA.

Disclaimer: The information in this post was not written or reviewed by the lawyer. If you desire to ensure compliance with the act, or desire to file a complaint, please consult a legal practitioner.

Namaste,

Di

Hello Everyone,

I am very happy to staff and participate in SpectrumLifeDesign’s Transformational training this May 16-19, 2013!  Join master Transformational Trainer Ray Blanchard and me and many others and enroll in this opportunity of a lifetime to learn humanitarian concepts and practices that create unity, connection and trust amongst people.  I personally have experienced a transformation in my basic outlook on life after attending a Transformational training with Ray Blanchard back in August, 2008.  I walked into that training feeling separate, isolated and very self critical of myself, now I feel connected and united with people and all physical reality around me.  I can go on and on about amazing discoveries I have made about myself, I would however like to personally invite you to attend this training with me and experience it…

Call me with any questions and ask me how you can join me in participating in this training!

Sincerely,

Ed

Whether it was the Stones, the Chambers Brothers, or Chicago;time has always been a favorite topic for musicians, singers, poets, and writers.

Shit Fountain sculpture (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What was it Stephen King suggested? Oh yeah: do nothing but write. All day, every day, just write. Take no breaks, unless it’s to use the bathroom, but even then — don’t. Hold it if you can.

That’s all well and good, and I’d love to achieve that one day, but for the time being, I’m still human, and I prefer not to get a raging UTI. I’ve read a lot of things that left me with the impression that if I didn’t dedicate every waking moment to writing, I wasn’t a “serious” writer. You know the type. They don’t have kids, maybe they’re not married, and they don’t have a hundred other things to get done in a 24-hour period. They eat, breath, and sleep writing. They are… “The Serious Writer”.

Hey…I eat, breath, and sleep writing, too. But I’ve got other responsibilities. I’ve got a husband and children whom I adore more than writing and breathing and sleeping and eating. I’ve got other duties that must be tended to each and every day. I’ve got stresses. I’ve got worries. I’ve got life oozing out of my ears, and sometimes that life doesn’t allow for writing. Sometimes I even get run down. Shit happens – oh well.

I know you, my fellow writers, will understand. You can have an awesome run. Maybe one week you’re a friggin’ powerhouse of talent, cresting the rim of your writer’s mug. Nothing can stop you, and if someone tries — watch out — ’cause you’re on a roll. Those are the great weeks when everything lines up perfectly, the writing Gods bless you, and you make massive progress. It’s a pretty fine feeling. But then the next week rolls around and that heaping pile of feces hurls right into the fan. Maybe you get sick, the kids get sick, or a sudden, unforeseen worry falls upon you. I mean…come on. It’s life. There’s a virtual smorgasbord of crap that can drop out of the sky at any moment, and when it does, maybe you’re like me and your creative juices go dry, as arid as the damn Mojave on an August day. The question is: what do you do with those days, or weeks, or months?

I feel guilty when I neglect my writing, when life gets in the way and I can’t muster the motivation to clobber away at the keyboard, or even formulate an intelligent sentence. The worst part is: those are the times when stinking doubt and, dare I say, pessimism drop by for an unannounced visit. They raid your fridge, leave stinky drool stains on your guest room pillows, leave their wet towels on the bathroom floor, and just before leaving, because your defenses are down and your hopes are in the toilet, they bend you over and screw you up the back-side. That’s right: pessimism just raped you, and it didn’t even stop to think about your feelings. That’s life… is it not?

Okay. Maybe that’s a bit on the dramatic side. But hey, we writers are working on nothing but faith and hope that all our hard work will pay off. We put our blood, sweat, and tears into huge undertakings, and all without the promise of success, a paycheck, or even a pat on the back. So when pessimism comes around and wipes our stock of security and confidence off the shelves, we’re left with a very clear, very certain feeling that there is no certainty at all. Then the dreaded “what ifs” come into play, because they get along with doubt and pessimism like bath houses and gonorrhea. But doubt can’t be cured with antibiotics?

Yes, we’ve been raped of that essential hope that writers need to keep going. Dramatic or not, that’s what a couple bad weeks can do to anyone, and for a writer, for someone who’s working their heart out without a promise in the world, things can get stormy real quick. We’ve all heard about those artists who use their pain and trials to fuel their work, and maybe that’s what people think we writers do. As for me, I’m not one of those writers. Sure, I use my trials as learning experiences, and later I can use them as motivation for my writing, but I need contentment and a bit of security in order to flourish. Does that make me weak? No. I don’t think so. But it does make me human.

So, what do we do with those weak moments, with those bad days when we can’t find any motivation? For me, I try to remember that this too shall pass. Then I cut myself some slack. Not too much, mind you, because I’m getting back on the damn horse, whether it kills me or not. But I allow a little down time.

I don’t have any magic answers. No one does. Everyone deals with their own struggles in their own time and in their own way. But do know that you’re not alone, you’re not unique, and by God, you are a serious writer, even if you have to take a little break, or if your schedule simply doesn’t allow for 5,000 or 10,000 words a day. You know how motivated you are, you know how passionate you are, and you know how much work is required of you. But you also must know, as is the case in nearly every situation in life, that you have to care for yourself first, or you’ll be no good to your loved ones, to yourself, or your reader. So, If a break’s in order, if you’ve beaten the proverbial horse into the ground and need to come up for air, jump on the easy train all the way to restoration-ville, and do it now, because your future as a writer depends just as heavily on it as your sanity does. Don’t build your dreams on a shit foundation…because you are the foundation. 

R-esponsible

L-earner

E-xcellent

T-alented

As a reminder:

August 8, 2012

Some days ago, their was a new bomb attack against the building of the Syrian TV.
It was not the first time that the Syrian television was victim of a bomb attack.  And it is clear that Washington which blocks regularly the website of the Syrian Press Agency SANA, wants to destroy Syria on this way.
Washington bombed also the TV-buildings of Serbia and Libya.  It is using now suicide bombers for the terrorist actions which are well informed via sophisticated american satellite technology…

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Syrian Journalists Stage Sit-in in Condemnation of Terrorist Attack against al-Ikhbariya TV

June 27, 2012, DAMASCUS, (SANA) – The Syrian journalists staged a sit-in in front of the General Organization of Radio & Television building, with the participation of Minister of Information Omran al-Zoubi in condemnation of the terrorist attack against al-Ikhbariya TV Channel.

Minister of Information Omran al-Zoubi, in a statement to the journalists, said that the massacre committed against the journalists and a free Syrian TV channel is a literal implementation of the Arab League Council’s decision on stopping the broadcast of Syrian TV channels by force.

He added that the package of sanctions issued by the European Union on Tuesday has been implemented today at the expense of civilians and journalists.

He added that the EU, the UN Security Council, the UN observer team in Syria, the UN Secretary General, the President of the Human Rights Council, the AL Secretary General, Council and foreign ministers are partners in this crime and they should shoulder their responsibilities.

The Minister said that the Ministry of Information and the Syrian state and journalists will not keep silent about what happened, expressing hope that the site of the crime would be available for all those who want to go there and met the locals to closely inspect the reality of what happened and who committed the massacre.

Minister Omran offered condolences to all journalists, adding that the incident requires calmness and review and there is team for this purpose.

Director of al-Ikhbariya TV Channel, Imad Sarah, said that targeting al-Ikhbariya means targeting the national media, the word of right and the other opinion.

A number of journalists, cultural and political figures who participated in the sit-in condemned this terrorist act, expressing confidence that the national media will continue to shoulder its responsibilities now and in the future.

Chairman of Journalist Union Elias Murad said that the AL decisions and the EU sanctions could not silence the Syrian voice.

Director of the Syrian TV , Ma’an Saleh said that targeting media aimed at targeting Syria in all its capabilities, adding that this terrorist act is a message of their failure in political violence so that they turned to terrorism and destruction.

Political analyst Afif Della said that his participation in the sit-in came to express rejection of all attempts to silence the voice of truth.

The participants prayed for the souls of the martyrs of the terrorist attack to rest in peace.

They stressed that terrorism will make them more determined in the face of terrorist acts and the media campaign launched against Syria.

Al- Ikhbariya Journalists: We’ll Continue Conveying Reality of Events

Number of al- Ikhbariya channel journalists stressed that the massacre committed against the channel will not dissuade them from conveying the reality of the events, adding that they are more resolved to defend Syria’s dignity.

Editor-in-Chief of the channel, Abdo al-Assadi, said that this massacre targeted not only al- Ikhbaryia channel, but also all the Syrian media.

Al-Assadi added that the workers who were martyred in the attack were armed only with their words and views.

For his part, Chief Editor Adham al-Taweel, said that this terrorist attack targeted the Syrian media as it managed to confront the misleading and provocative media campaign against the country.

Yara Saleh, al-Ikhbariya correspondent, said that this terrorist attack will motivate all journalists and workers at the channel to unmask these terrorists and their actions.

Sit-in in Tartous to Denounce Massacre Committed against al-Ikhbariya Journalists and Workers

Journalists in Tartous also gathered in front of the headquarters of al-Thawra Newspaper to denounce the massacre committed against al-Ikhbariya TV Channel and all other terrorist acts targeting the Syrian people.

The participants stressed that this criminal acts will push journalists to exert more efforts to expose facts and divulge the lies of the misleading channels.

The participants stressed that this criminal acts will push journalists to exert more efforts to expose facts and divulge the lies of the misleading channels. The participants raised national flags and banners that stress national unity in the face of all instigative campaigns which aimed at spreading chaos. Journalists in Lattakia pointed out that the attack against al-Ikhbariya TV proved the success of national media in confronting the lies and fabrications of instigative media.

English Bulletin

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News Agency Sana was blocked:

SANA: Forbidden

You don’t have permission to access /eng/ on this server.

Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.

Thank you to all the mentors who are giving of their time to help the grade students!

We are all grateful!!!!!!

I can’t do these things anymore, it’s a time when you see no power inside, No Motivation! It could happen to you by a heartbreak or anything else!

You have plenty of desires to gain, you want to move, to achieve, to kick it all back but you’re motionless, Immobile!

You can just blame yourself for being like this….

You need a great deal of strength to be able to move. and believe me, if you could do that, you’d be a Rock Star!

But you know, when I got to that point, I went lame. But now I can see it: It’s not my fault, It’s all about Motivation or probably Love.

Even When You Know That’s Your Fault, Take It Easy : Motivation is to blame. It will calm you down!

So, remember this: So I’m not to blame. (It helps) but don’t use this phrase on everything, Sometimes You’re responsible for what’s happening… (you know what I’m talking about)

Anyway, The bottom line is to have the juice to get to your feet and keep on living your life!

You just need to be a little stupid in life! That’s it!

The criminal pair, been denounced at the end of March, when a resident of Bilbao, told local police that a highly valuable ring had been stolen from her home.

She said that her search for the missing piece had revealed other jewels were missing from her home too. Several days later, it emerged a similar suite of thefts had taken place at the daughter of the victim.

Police soon suspected a cleaning woman who worked at the houses of the two woman, who had been robbed was responsible for the crimes. They then established that her boyfriend was the fence in the operation.

Further investigations into the pair showed that they had already brought off most the stolen jewels at the same gold trading shop in Bilbao, including the a ring mounted with a diamond, which they gave away for €300.

The item’s actual value, was closer to €200,000.

The manager of the gold shop had managed to convince them that the stone was of little value.

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When Salt Lake City collaborated on an e-waste recycling event last month, residents and Facebook fans contacted us to request that we host a few Saturday events.

Well, your wish is our command! Salt Lake City has scheduled the first of a series of Saturday e-waste recycling events. The events are free to city and county residents, and will take place one Saturday each month this summer (May-August).

The first event is scheduled for Saturday, May 11th from 8 a.m. to noon at the Downtown Smith’s Marketplace (450 South 600 East). Event poster (PDF).

Salt Lake City has contracted with Metech, a company known for their responsible electronic recycling practices. Materials accepted at this free event include:

• Cameras
• Cell Phones
• Computers and computer parts
• Printers
• Scanners
• Stereos
• Telephones
• Televisions
• VCR/DVD Players
• Video Recorders
• And more!

Check out the complete list of acceptable materials (PDF).

Learn more about electronics recycling.

So recently we have decided to move accommodation  and part of doing this is doing the maths on all the budget to figure out our left over budget for things like food and then anything surplus. This is mainly for my own purposes but it’s always interesting to me to see how other people manage their finances, so I’m returning the favour.

If I work on the premise that we make £1050 a month. That is our income. From that we must pay everything. The house we are moving to is going to cost £495 a month so

1050-495=555

So far so good. Now take from that 80 for council tax and 100 for bills.

555-180=375

If we decide to get the internet that will be about 25 a month (it’s ridiculously expensive I know) and take 20 for gym membership.

375-45=330

If I budget £10 a month for the tv license then that leaves me with 320. And I like to budget £40 a week for food (usually this includes one meal out) so 160 a month on food.

320-160=160.

Luckily due to the move our transport costs should be down to a zero (we’ve moved closer) so we’re saving £40 a month on travel. For some reason I think I’m missing something. If I budget £20 a month for phone contracts and £10 for miscellaneous charges then that leaves £130 a month that we can put into savings. Wooh! I think.

£130 a month means £30 a week surplus (times by 12 and divide by 52 for accurate results).

I think this is a lot better than I expected. This means if we manage to save it all (wishful thinking) then we can save around £1560 a year. Yay. I cannot help feeling I’m overlooking something but for now I’ll be happy… The only thing I can think is that council tax may be £20 more but that still leaves £110 a month.

I missed out house insurance which if I value at £300 for the year makes £25 a month, so £85 a month. Still doing well.

I have not been a part of organized religion for about two years now, and I must say that my life has changed quite dramatically as far as my relationship with my Father. It has been a journey of fighting with Him because of my flesh trying to bring me back into subjection to works righteousness; just to have the fight end with your right Poppa, You love me no matter what! Thank you!

Now that I have escaped all the noise, sermons about obligation and my responsibility for the salvation of the entire planet, (btw, before I was saved only my blood was on my hands, but then the whole worlds blood was placed on them..oh brother!), He has opened up a relationship with me I never dreamed possible. And no it’s not because I am now able to read my bible for hours on end, or pray in my closet on my knees in humble subservience to God like I am supposed to. It is because His spirit of love that He poured out into my heart has drawn me to a place of intimacy with Him, and shown me that He actually lives inside me. He ministers to the new spirit He gave me, and it is amazing how much clearer I can hear Him, and how much freer I am today to just live and watch His smoke in my life. I understand that there is a lot more for Him to show me, but one of the things I am most grateful for is that I am not under the bondage of sin sniffing myself anymore thanks to the fact that my Jesus took away not only mine, but the sins of the whole world when He went and hung up on that cross! So I am no longer a slave to wickedness, but a slave to righteousness. Mine, heavens no! But His! That is what He made me, along with holy, blameless, and without accusation in the Father’s sight, and together we hang out in the throne room basking in the Father’s love.

It is from that platform that the gospel is seen in me, and the words that come from my mouth are His speaking to that soul that needs to hear what He wants them to hear; and I can trust that for the most part it will be founded in their deep spiritual need which is love and reconciliation unto life, which is what He rose from the dead to give us. The only time I know my words will be harsh is when someone tries to put me or someone I am around under law, than that Jesus that put together a whip may come out, and get ready for some reproof, rebuke, correction and instruction in righteousness. Jesus wants us to be perfect in our understanding of what it is He gave us, not our outside behavior. Otherwise He would have changed us into our new glorified bodies 2000 years ago. Discovering this amazing gift can be difficult these days, especially with all the yelling from the pulpit to be good, act right, do right, conform yourself; however, it can be done outside of all that noise.

Am I saying everyone should come out of organized religion, by no means! Like I said, there are some teachers that are not placing saints under law, but teaching the New Covenant God made with Himself to reconcile the entire planet. In other words, they are preaching life to the dead. If there is an organization that is teaching from that angle, by all means support it! You are only responsible for your own relationship saints, and should we get to be the very vessel Jesus uses to bring that much needed life to a soul, well praise and glory be all to Him. In the meantime, take a rest and get to know that One who longs for you to get to know Him who’s love surpasses all understanding.

A few thoughts this morning…

Peace and grace…Lisa

Sometimes we’re green, and eventually we grow mature…either way God is who brings about the growth!

Well, as with anything in life, living a polyamorous lifestyle has its ups and downs. The past week has had its share of that for me. Maybe one of the things that I enjoy about being polyamorous is my dread of boredom, and my enjoyment of living life to the fullest. Sometimes the big highs — and even the lows if I’m being really honest with myself — help me feel alive, help me feel that my journey is a constant stream of personal growth and pushing myself even when I don’t want to, constantly picking myself up off the floor to try again… and again. And sure, there are days where staring at a wall for a couple of hours to reboot my brain and freakin’ chill out might be just what I need too. Being polyamorous has helped me get better in tune with reading my own emotional signals as well as physical signs of distress. Why? More relationships = more potential misunderstandings, more crossed wires, more negotiation, more emotions to sift through…. I love it. Bring it! But some days are better than others.

Some of the highs this week include going to the zoo with my lover and watching a seal twirl, dance and chase a banana that a child is holding outside the glass because it looks like a shiny fish; grinning, dancing and giggling my head off with my girlfriends while my husband and boyfriend make us all dinner; working on this blog and finding out that I reached someone in a truly helpful and rewarding way; great intimate sexy moments followed by awesome cuddles and a dreamless nap… Some of the lows include struggling with finding the right words to express myself in a loving way and failing miserably, setting boundaries with my partners that feel right to me but might be construed as hurtful to them, saying something in a quick fit of anger that I immediately regret and have to apologize for it…

Hey, I’m not perfect. But I’m trying… really damn hard sometimes. Some days I get it right, and some days I fall down. But I’m learning and loving and living, that’s for sure. LISTENING is the other “L” word I am constantly working on as well.

The below article is a great one that I revisited this week to help center myself again, and remind myself of great nuggets of wisdom that I maybe need to tattoo on my forehead (or have visions of tattooing them on other people’s foreheads –> said with love and humor, of course.     ) There is some really fabulous, quality stuff in here. I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.xeromag.com/fvpolymistakes.html

Wishing you peace, love and happiness,
(and thrilling, great sex too!)

Kitty

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. Jim Rohn

Yesterday – Monday, 6 May 2013 – is international no Diet Day, an annual celebration of body acceptance and body shape diversity. It is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness of the dangers and ineffectiveness of dieting.

British feminist Mary Evans Young organised the first No Diet Day in 1992, motivated by her own experiences after being bullied as an overweight child. This week to celebrate, Happiness Weekly looks at good food that will boost your mood – these options will brighten your day!

Fish
Two omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA, are found in oily fish such as mackerel, barramundi, trout, salmon and sardines. Eat these and any signs of depression will be reduced as these types of fish contain Omega-3s that promote functioning of the neurotransmitters that regulate mood. Omega 3 fats keep your brain healthy and improve mood by keeping brain cells flexible so the messaging chemicals (neurotransmitters) can work effectively.

Water
The smallest water loss in our bodies can impair our physical and mental wellbeing. It’s extremely important that we’re hydrated to be able to concentrate properly.

Dark chocolate
A small square of dark chocolate can cause the brain to release endorphins and boost serotonin levels. Theobromine and phenylethyamine are two mood-boosting compounds found in chocolate. An ounce of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate daily for two weeks will reduce stress and anxiety. It may also improve the quality of your sex life!

Nuts
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid – a form of omega-3 fat also found in flaxseed and chia seed. Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of mineral selenium. Eating just three Brazil nuts a day can provide your recommended daily amount.

Greek yoghurt
Greek yoghurt is the yoghurt of choice because it contains twice as much protein as traditional yoghurt, which means it will raise your mood-boosting neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Yoghurt also contains Vitamin D (best received by sunlight on the skin – but this is the next best way to take it) which reduces health conditions such as depression, osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer. It also contains Calcium which reduces stress and anxiety.

Bananas
Bananas are one of the best super foods you can eat – they help boost your mood and aid with good sleep. They contain vitamins A, B6 and C, fibre, potassium, phosphorous, iron, carbohydrates and tryptophan. The carbohydrates aid in the absorption of tryptophan in the brain and the vitamin B6 helps to convert it into serotonin. Subsequently bananas have been used in treatments for insomnia, depression and anxiety. Plus the potassium they contain makes them a great snack if you’re feeling stressed or tired and they also aid in the transmission of nerve impulses, heart rhythm and muscle function!

Lentils
Lentils are a complex carbohydrate and they enhance the brain’s production of serotonin resulting in a calmer, happier state of mind. They are high in iron which can give you energy and may improve your mood. While lentils are highly recommended for everyone, they are particularly good for those with diabetes (our fastest growing incurable disease epidemic), because they stabilise your blood sugar level and stabilise mood. They are high in folate (deficiencies in folate can cause depression and mania).

Oats
Oats boost your mood because they have a low glycaemic index (GI) meaning it releases energy into our bloodstream slowly. This maintains blood sugar levels and stabilises the mood. Selenium, found in oats, can also assist mood by regulating the thyroid gland function.

Quinoa
People who eat a low-carb diet are more likely to experience depression because they reduce the production of serotonin to your brain. However, those who stick to a low-fat diet and eat nutrient-rich carbohydrates such as quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta are happier.

Low-fat milk
Milk, fish and some fortified foods are reliable sources of vitamin D – the sun vitamin.

Poultry (chicken or turkey)
Chicken or turkey breast contain tryptophan and therefore assist in producing serotonin, which helps to regulate mood and melatonin which helps to regulate sleep. Poultry also contains tyrosine, an amino acid used to make adrenaline and reduces symptoms of depression.

Extra virgin olive oil
People that follow a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in olive oil, nuts, whole grains, fish, legumes and vegetable are 30% less likely to suffer from depression.

Green leafy vegetables
Generally anything leafy green is a good source of vitamin B folate. Women with the high blood folate levels are less likely to suffer depressive symptoms. Eating green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli will help you get your vitamin B intake and avoid depression and/or depressive symptoms. B vitamins to look out for include folate, vitamin B3, B6 and B12.

Oysters
Oysters are high in many essential nutrients such as zinc – essential for energy production and brain health meaning it assists with mood. They also contain a protein rich in tyrosine which your brain uses to produce chemicals to enhance your mental function and elevate mood.

Now that we are going into winter in Australia, many people are feeling the winter blues (also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder) approaching and there are some foods that may also assist your mood that aren’t included in the above list. These foods are:

Oranges contain vitamin C and will help boost your mood, give instant energy, pump oxygen through your body and brain, and recharge your system. They’re a great snack or you can have it first thing in the morning to help you get started each day.

Eat plenty of salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines or look for DHA-fortified foods such as Horizon, Silk Milks, Gold Circle farm eggs and Mission Life Balance tortillas. Omega-3 (found in all these foods) helps brain cells, mood and memory – and you will feel full for hours! These foods will also improve your outlook today while cutting down your risk of dementia down the track.

Of course soup in winter helps us all to feel good because it’s warm and comforting, but a good bowl of chicken soup with veggies has the water-fibre-protein that fills you up without you gaining weight. For an extra helping of happiness, your soup should be loaded with dark green and orange veggies (collards, carrots and squash cubes) which are full of vitamins to improve mood, brainpower and immunity.

Burgers and/or meat sauce made with lean beef (or black bean for vegetarians) are a great source of iron. Iron deficiencies affect thinking and sleeping which impact your mood. Try to drink your tea and coffee between meals because they can block iron absorption.

Skip the chocolate during your 3 o’clock slump and grab an English muffin slathered with jam to raise your serotonin, a bowl of popcorn or sorbet with berries. It will help you relax and hit the spot with your cravings!

Blueberries are a superfuit because of their antioxidents and their ability to promote positive energy. Frozen blueberries are a great alternative to ice cream!

Dried tart cherries before bed will help improve your sleep quality because of their melatonin. They also contain enough serotonin to help you sleep properly and provide you with a great mood the next morning. Bonus!

What food puts you in a good mood?

Have you ever heard the saying, “With great power comes great responsibility”? Or how about “To whom much is given much is expected from”? THese both show that when God puts us over things or people, we are responsible for them. When we don’t do our job, when we are careless and neglecting, He has to take away these privilages of authority. That is His responsibility to His people who are being obedient. Our disobedience can hurt others. Now, there is a difference between not physically being able to do something and choosing not to. When we can’t do something God will be our strength. When we can and we choose not to, that’s a different story. That is when irresponsibility causes us to lose our place. So we must be responsible with what we have whether big or small because God gave it to us. This brings me to my next point and of course another quote, “To those who are faithful or responsible over little, much more is given.” Basically, if we want more authority, power, privilages, we have to prove ourselves now with what we have. If we want more or are content with where we are, we must be faithful and responsible, lest God take away what we do have. And if we want less , it’s too bad. Do NOT go and be irresponsible to lose your position. That is stupid and really mean and rude to people who would be affected by your descision. You could ask God to ease your load or to help you carry it, but quitting on your own could really hurt others. This is such a small part of responsibility, but just what I got from this particular passage. Hopefully, more to come on this subject. I’ll likely do some little stuff like this as I go through my old notes and writings. As soon as I get one typed up, I’ll post a larger message, but those take time to type up and format. Thanks, and I love y

David wonders why the wicked seem to get away with such behavior. Perhaps we wonder that too. We wonder why the life we lead as Christians demands that we be servants, that we do good to those who do bad to us, that we always try to bless others, that we refrain from cursing and swearing. Sometimes it looks as if the people in the world act with impunity. They can do what they please and never suffer. They may believe in God but act as if He does not exist or as if He is perfectly willing to let them do whatever they want, whatever makes them feel good. But as David finally acknowledges, ultimately the Lord will hold them responsible.