Secret Treasures by Michelle J. Dyett-Welcome Copyright 2005-06

Breaking News: Arms Of Deliverance

2006-07-24T20:28:00.000-04:00

Just off the press: Arms of Deliverance is a must read. This gripping story is the fourth and final novel in this exhilarating series capturing the tales of men and women swept into World War II.

Two friends, Mary and Lee, land similar reporting jobs at the New York Tribune on the eve of the war's outbreak and soon they become competitors. Mary's coverage of a bombing raid over Germany leads to a plane wreck and an adventurous escape attempt from across enemy lines. And when Lee hears of Mary's plight, she bravely heads to war-torn Europe in an effort to help rescue her friend. Will there be enough time for diplomacy or will war get the best of everyone?

If you would like to read more just follow the link: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2006/06/arms-of-deliverance-chapter-one.html

Interested in learning more about the creation of the story? What about the author? Well, read on!

ARMS OF DELIVERANCE: The Story Behind the Novel

The Idea:

The idea for Arms of Deliverance came one day as I was researching for my novel Night Song. I was watching a video that talked about Lebensborn homes in Nazi Europe. These were homes where women birthed children for the Reich. After all, to have a "Thousand Year Reich" the Germans needed future Aryans. That was the first layer of the story.

The second layer came when I was researching my novel, Dawn of a Thousand Nights. First, I was studying these amazing women who risked their lives during WWII. (Dawn of a Thousand Nights involved female pilots who ferried US planes around the country.) Other brave women risked their lives as female war reporters, and I knew I wanted to write a story about them. This sparked my interest too.

Throw in my intrigue of B-17 bomber crews over Europe, and you have the first three elements of Arms of Deliverance. The fourth is a Nazi officer in search for . . . well, you’ll have to read the novel to find out!

The Research:

The first thing I did when I started researching was to check to see if I could find any veterans who were there. I got a hold of an amazing group of men with the 91st Bomb Group. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys. You can check them out at their website (http://www.91stbombgroup.com/). Be sure to take time to look at the photos and read the TRUE stories from the 91st!

The men gave me all type of information. They gave me the details of exact flights and shared their personal experiences and stories.

Of course, God always surprises me with “abundantly more than I ask for or imagine” when it comes to these stories. Here’s one of them:

One thing you may remember from photos of old bombers is the nose art on the bombers that highlighted the bomber’s name. During my writing, I kept praying for the perfect name for my bomber—something to tie into the book.

During my research I met a veteran from the 91st Bomb Group named Jack Gaffney. Out of the blue, Jack suggested I use the name “Destiny’s Child.” You see, Jack was a ground crew member and a nose-art artist. He painted “Destiny’s Child” and other B-17 Bomber noses.

At the time, Jack had no idea of premise of my novel included the Lebensborn homes and a special child—Destiny’s Child. Is that cool or what?!

To see Jack’s nose art, go here:
http://www.91stbombgroup.com/destinyc.html

The Writer:

I have to say that I am changed in some way by every novel I write. And this one moved me deeply. You see, as I wrote about the rescue of a special child, I had no idea what God had in store for me and my family.

One month after the novel was written, my husband and I sat down to discuss something that had been on my heart for a while—the adoption of another child. I won’t give the story behind the novel away, but as I reread it I could see clearly through my written words what God had already been placing on my heart.

I will keep news of our adoption of a baby girl from China updated on my blog (http://www.genxparents.blogspot.com/)!

What’s Next From Tricia Goyer:

Currently, I’m working on my fifth novel, A Valley of Betrayal. It is the first novel in a three-book-series on The Spanish Civil War, which took place in Spain, pre-World War II.

Of course, there is more to my life than fiction. I’m also a wife, a mom, a mentor and a children’s church leader, and I also write about these aspects of my life.

Generation NeXt Parenting will hit store shelves September 2006. Here’s a short blurb:

Get Real, Become Focused, Begin Thriving! You're a generation of parents aspiring to excellence in every way, but you're also just plain tired. You don't need another parenting book promising perfection or another formula guaranteeing great kids; you need practical advice that shows how to deal with your and your children's hearts. If you're worn out from trying to do too much while giving your child every opportunity under the sun, if you're striving to excel in every way but suffering from a lack of focus, this book is your solution. It will help you understand how your specific tendencies are common to your generation as a whole. You'll embrace the positive qualities that enable you to parent for God's glory. Lay a firm foundation and thrive as you raise up the next generation!

If you’re a parent, like me, check it out!

I was fortunate to get an interview with Tricia. I was blessed by her openness and willingness to share what she has learned. She is warm, personable and down to earth. It was a pleasure to chat with her. Read on and get to know the author of Arms Of Deliverance.

Did you always want to be a writer?

I didn't even consider being a writer until I was married with three children. Before that time I wanted to be a school teacher. I never thought that writing books was something I could do. It was then a met a friend from church who was working on a novel. Cindy and I attended our first writer's conference together and encouraged each other. Cindy Martinusen is also a published novelist of four books!

How has writing impacted your life: professionally, personally?

I don't think writing has changed who I am personally. I'm married to the same wonderful guy, and I'm a normal mom to my three kids. I shop at the grocery store, attend soccer games, help with homework. I attend the same church, have the same friends, and still volunteer in children's church every week.

Professionally things have changed dramatically. I wrote for many years with tons of rejections, now I have more work than I can keep up with. I actually have editors contacted me, which is nice! This just goes to show that it can me done. I love to encourage new writers . . . because I was there!

Do you get a lot of support in your writing?

Yes! I have a huge network of support. First, my husband, kids, family and close friends. I'm also involved in numerous writer's organizations and on-line writer's prayer group. I know at any time I can share a request and have hundreds of people praying for me. And I can tell. The prayers of my friends have kept me plugging away.

What would you like to share with your readers that is not widely known about you?

Hmmm . . . my favorite food is watermelon?! Ha!

Actually, I think one thing readers have no idea about is how much writers support each other. You may think that we get envious of the success of others, but that is not the case. That's what I love about Christian publishing. We truly are the body of Christ, all working together for the glory of God.

What makes your book different from all the others out there?

There are many WWII novels out there, and each author writes differently. One of the things that set my novels apart is my connection with WWII veterans. I also like to take four seeminly random storylines and weave them all together. This means A LOT of research, but I love it!

What tips would you give to a struggling writer that is overwhelmed with the process, fighting rejections and is being buried under a pile of magazines/books to read?

Great question! My number one suggestion is to WRITE. There are so many voices out there, which so much advice. It is good advice, but it can be overwhelming.

Second, connect with another writer and edit each other. Be honest to share what works and what doesn't. Attend a Christian writer's conference if you can and connect with other writers there.

Finally, after you have words on paper that you can actually work with, then start consulting writer's books. I highly recommend, "Self-Editing For Fiction Writers", "Writing the Breakout Novel," and "A Story is a Promise."

You may note I haven't said anything about seeking publication yet. In my opinion, writers worry about this too soon. I've heard it said that it takes 10-years before a new writer has a novel published. It was nine for me . . . so pretty close! The market is tough these days, and writers need to take time to develop their craft.

My heart felt thanks to Tricia for sharing a little of herself with us and we pray for her continued success with her latest novel.

Blessings,

Too Much Advice

2006-06-12T14:24:00.000-04:00

Have you ever encountered individuals that always know exactly what you're supposed to be doing? They have advice for all occasions be it in regard to dating, family life, education, employment or religion. Some of the advice might be right on target, but some might not. These individuals fail to take into consideration that you know yourself better than anyone does. They often discount what you think and how you feel.

I know a young lady, who at one point in her life wanted to have nothing to do with God. She felt that the examples of God that was exhibited in her family's fell short of true acceptance, forgiveness, and love. For years, she abandoned having a relationship with the God of her father and mother. Years later, when she was going through a rough patch she remembered this same God. She prayed and He answered her. What she prayed for is not so important the essential factor was that God answered her. Has this ever happened to you?

Well, she started to attend church; she read her Bible and developed a healthy relationship with the Lord. Her mother and father though happy for this new relationship still had something to say. If you break one of the Lord's commandments you are breaking them all. Yes, she was worshipping on Sundays rather than on the Sabbath. And for this reason, alone she was not, in their eyes worshipping the Lord.

Is God a ritualistic God? Or is that a man thing? I recall several places in the Bible where God answered prayers of those who were not Jewish, like Hagar. He intermingled with those who were shun and cursed, like the Samaritan woman. What about David did he not break the law when he ate the bread reserved for the priest? Does God look at the heart or the day that we worship? Does it matter how we live our lives among our fellow man or if we obey the letter of the law? I believe, and I could be wrong that God is interested in whether or not we keep the spirit of the law. Is that not what Christ showed when he healed on the Sabbath day?

If you are like the young lady above, take courage. Follow your heart, pray for divine direction and ignore what you know is not relevant. You can learn a lot by listening to wise counsel, but if your mind is not sound, your faith not firm and your determination unswerving you can end up confused. Let the Lord be your pilot He will keep you on the proper course.

All Rights Reserved. Permission needed from author.

Go Garlic!

2006-06-06T11:50:00.000-04:00

I’m sure you heard it all before that garlic is the magical herb that cures all ailments. No doubt, you know of its long and prestigious history: it served the Egyptian Pharaohs when they wanted to keep their slaves healthy. Hippocrates is said to have used garlic to cure leprosy in 5 century B.C. French citizens in 1722 claim that it protected them from the plague, and it was used during WWI as an anti septic poultice.

Garlic is a magical herb! Just a half a clove a day can reduce cholesterol levels up to 9%! It also acts as a blood thinner. Let’s not forget that it is good for colds, the flu, and jock itch, relieves gas, helps digestion, and lessens the severity of lyme disease. It also guards against DNA, radiation and sunlight damage; it can help to destroy viruses like smallpox, influenza, and candidiasis, aids in insomnia, liver disease, snakebites, and several types of cancer including breast, colon, and stomach cancer. Is this a miracle herb or what? It treats athlete’s foot, rheumatism, headaches, yeast infections, ear infections and sinus problems. Chinese healers used garlic to reduce blood pressure. It beats taking aspirin. You can eat it chopped, diced or grated in your favorite salad.

Hold on to your seat, garlic is also an aphrodisiac. It’s the latest sensation for sexual prowess. Has your love life been in the toilet lately? Why not resurrect it by popping garlic daily? Garlic is available in odorless capsules at you local health store. But do you know what you will be getting in each capsule? Are you sure that what’s on the label will be in each capsule?

Research has found that garlic tablets are not regulated by the FDA. Why? Because it is not a drug. Among the various varieties, capsule content differs drastically up 18 fold across the board. Why take a chance? Go to you local grocery store and pick up the real McCoy. You’ll have no doubt that it is garlic. There will be no question that it will be potent and 100% full of the essentials you need. If you want to be a stud, don’t gamble with a dud. Go natural. Go organic. Go garlic.

**Be mindful if you are on prescribed medication you need to check with you healthcare professional to ensure that the garlic will not interfere with medications. **

All Rights Reserved. Permission needed from Author.

The Atlas Complex

2006-04-08T00:10:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I sit and wonder is everyone else loosing their minds or is it just me. It seems like people are suffering from a Superman or Superwoman complex. No one wants help. They want to be the lone ranger or the bright shining star. At one time I thought the church was different but no longer do I believe this. Even there this superior complex exists.

God has equipped each of his children with gifts that are to build and edify the body of Christ. How can one do this if the other members shut you out? Should you force your way in? Should you demand to be allowed to contribute? What should you do? Ministries need people to be functional. They need people to grow. There is a new phenomenon ministries of one. It is mine. It is about me. It is my anointing. It is my gifting. Have you encountered people like this at your church?

The call goes out on a regular basis from the church; we need workmen to help tend the field. Yet when one volunteers it is like an invisible door has been shut. It is similar to the scene in "Dumbo" when the mother elephants shut Dumbo out. Remember they closed ranks and he was left by himself. He was isolated. This is what is happening in churches today. They say one thing but the individuals that head the ministries portray something else by their actions.

One Christian I know had the gift of song writing she obediently shared the gift with the churches music ministry and the song was never sung in the church. How would you feel if this happened to you? Another friend has a gift of working with young people and she wanted to encourage the youngsters in their desire to form a teen group. The idea was shot down. Why? Could it be because it was not the music minister's idea?

It is quite possible that the leaders of the various ministries are forgetting the objective of the ministry. A ministry is to minister to the body and to the world. They are to follow the role of Christ: encourage, support, lead, heal, love, teach and to produce fruit. If you do it all by yourself when do you plant? Where is the encouragement? If you are the lone ranger then when do you teach others how to take the rains? Do you recall Joshua, he was trained for leadership? I am sure that Moses gave him opportunities to learn and try out what he learned. How else would Moses have confidence that he could do the job?

Many Christian leaders are carrying the world on their shoulders like Atlas. They bare it all alone, but in Christ we are not alone. Why then do so many act like they are? And in the process they kill the desire, enthusiasm, and spirit of those that genuinely wish to contribute to the body of Christ. For the first Christian with the songs she knows that the song was inspired by God and she is confident that God will reward her obedience. Now it is up to the Lord to decide what happens to his song. As for the other Christian she is confident that God will reveal to her just how to encourage the youth and be able to start the group. She believes as do I that God desires for his children to be supported and encouraged within the church for outside of it is death, destruction and separation from the Father.

Well, this may seem like needless ranting. If your church is not like this then praise God. If you are not like this thank God. But if you are maybe you should think about the impact you are having, the impact you want to have and the impact that God expects you to have.

So Many Issues, So Little Time!

2006-03-23T22:46:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it is the hardest thing to know what to pray for. You are certain you need to ask God to intervene in your situation, but you are not sure where to start …or stop for that matter. At times the list is so long that you get worn out just recalling every name and individual problem.

You know, Sues mothers death, Johns financial problems, Mary’s marital issues, Rogers children running a muck, Janice’s boss that seems demon possessed, the pastors conflicts with members of the church, your personal insecurities, plus the million and one other things that needs to be prayed on. How can you recall it all? How can you remember them continually in prayer?

Well, there are many solutions to this dilemma: Keep a journal, develop a prayer list, group the needs in categories, or just trust God to know who needs what. Journals and prayer list are great methods of keeping a record. They give you a point of reference; to track answered prayers. Praying in categories is simple, “Lord please remember all who are facing financial difficulties.” This might not seem personal but it economical; it saves time and mental energy.

My favorite way to remember every detail and everyone I should pray for is to trust God to be God. What do I mean? Simply, "God please meet the needs of Roger, Jane, Tom, Maheem, Matteel, Dwain, Maisie, Carol, or Joyce. You know everything be with them and keep them." Sometimes I ask God to just “Help”. And yet there are times I say, “Lord please deliver.”

At times these short prayers will not work. When that happens I just follow the instructions that are given by the Holy Spirit. I pray for what I am told to; for as long as I am told to and for whom I am told to do it for. Praying for others is our service for others. We should pray with joy for Christ remembered to pray for us before He went to the cross. And aren’t you glad He did? I am!

All Rights Reserved by Author. Permission needed to reprint.

The Value Of A Dowry!

2006-03-08T00:13:00.000-05:00

In ancient times the custom was that he father of the bride was paid a dowry for his daughter. If the suitor was not able to pay the dowry he was required to work for his in law to be for a specified period of time. The time worked was determined by the amount of dowry required.

This act of labor was beneficial in several ways:
It helped to prevent a hasty marriage
It tested the depth of the prospective husband affections
It revealed whether the husband to be would be able to provide for a wife and family.
It allowed all parties time to get to know one another.

Today many individuals marry quickly. They believe in love at first sight or that love will conquer all. It is evident that this does not pan out most of the time according to the steady increase in the divorce rate. Could there be a benefit to dowry payments? Would a dowry positively affect the divorce rates today? Maybe.

One thing is certain dowry payments worked for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They paid the required fee, took time to know their mates, and allowed God to bless their union(s). The Bible does not record that they divorced but, I’m sure they faced challenges in their marriages as many do today. They took the vows of marriage seriously for they were required to back their intentions with money or service. What do we use to back up our intentions today? Words?

As a mother of two boys I intend to teach my sons the value of a dowry though it is not required in the U.S. They must be responsible, have integrity, take time to know their intended, develop a relationship with her family, have a means of supporting her, and be willing to be the man God has called each of them to be.

The Ranting Of A Middle Aged Woman

2006-03-05T22:01:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered why the youth of today wear their clothing four sizes too big? Why the boys no longer were belts? Why the girls clothing is two sizes too small and seven inches too short?

Have you ever sat back and observed the way they walk? They zigzag like a snake slithering along the desert sand. They have their shoulders bent, body crooked to the side, like a person on methadone.

Have you observed how the youth congregate outside of the schools during school hours? Do you sometimes wonder how many students are actually in the classroom? I have? At my son’s school IS 59 you’d observe a sea of bodies playing on the sidewalk, running up the street, heading to the mall which is a block away or just hanging out in the school yard shooting the breeze.

Driving along the streets of New York I observe the strangest things. When the light is red cars are stopped and the youth can freely walk across the street, they don’t. As soon as the light turns green and the cars start to move they step off the sidewalk defying traffic. They crawl across the street at a snails pace giving me the “evil eye” as they go. They strut across with a macho air about them. I wonder if they think they’re superman or the bionic woman able to leap tall buildings and stop trucks with their bare hands.

Then as I drive home at night there are the “hang outs”. You know those youths that live on the street corners, just hanging out. They often look like they’re holding up a building or a store front. It could be eleven o’clock at night or three in the morning yet they guard the street as if it’s their home. Some of them look like children age six, or seven while others look as old as nineteen or twenty. Thinking to my self I would ask: Why are they out here? What is on their minds? Don’t they need rest? Don’t they know it’s not safe for children to be out so late? But then I catch myself. I think my kids aren’t out on the street. Why? Because I don’t allow it. Where are the parents? Who are raising these children?

There was a time when everyone in the community took an interest in the youth, what they were doing, where they went and how they learned. Everyone helped to one degree or another. That seems like ancient history now. The focus seems to be more and more about me and mine. How heartbreaking it is to think of what the youth today are missing.

The results are clearly demonstrated by the shocking things I hear. Incidents that are so outrageous I can’t even believe them. My neighbor told me that this summer as she gardened in her privately owned two family home; a teenaged boy opened her gate and walked in her yard. He proceeded to walk to the back of her house. She asked him, “Where are you going?”

Turning with much attitude he replied, “I’m going to jump your fence. I’m taking a short cut.”

In disbelief she told him, “You can’t do that. This is private property. You can’t just walk in here and jump my fence. You can’t do that.”

Realizing that he wasn’t going to be able to jump the fence he went out the same way he came. What was he thinking? What’s mine is mine and what yours is mine also.

Just this summer someone climbed my locked fence and stole my husbands and eldest son’s bikes. I ‘m sure it wasn’t an old timer because the fence is tall and most old timers have some type of joint pain. It probably wasn’t a middle aged person either for they most likely have pain too, like me. After consulting with the police we were informed that the youths have been stealing bikes in the area. I guess they really believe what is yours is mine.

As I look at the young people today, from the way they dress, carry themselves, and their disregard for people’s property I wonder what’s on their minds. Sometimes I just scratch my head and say, “Nothing absolutely nothing is on their minds.”

But then I’m reminded every now and again that there are youth who take pride in the way they dress. They obey the traffic signals; respect people’s property; they attend school regularly; and generally have positive goals and desires. This indicates that they’re being properly raised. But they seem to be so few and far in between.

I believe there are two groups of youth today, those that are attempting to hold on to good and wholesome values and those that don’t even know what that means. In time there may only be one group left; those that have no values at all. Why? Because without intervention by family, friends, or community they’ll do whatever feels good to them. Because having values, respect for people and their property, dressing in an appropriate manner (modesty) and having a desire to learn are characters that are taught.

I remember how difficult it was to stand up against the ridicules and condemnation that came from my peers for doing the right thing. I had support and training from family, teachers, and community.

As a society, we’ve given our youth the freedom to throw away the moral codes because there no longer exists an absolute truth. We threw it away for our love of money. We entice them with the movies, television, fashion and our warped view of success. We desire to have our pot of goal now. Why wait? Patience is dead. But what are we grooming them for in the future? Would we want them to take care of us as we age? Will they know how? Will that even be on their mind? Or will they, like us, pursue their pot of gold leaving the next generation (their children) to fend for themselves?

Maybe the youth are acting and dressing this way because they want us to put something on their mind. Stir their interest. Peak their curiosity. Show them a better way. Maybe this is their call for help.

What is on the minds of American youth today? Money, stardom, party-time, and fashion are on their minds. But I remember a time when studying, education, playing double dutch and jacks were on the minds of youth. When they played sports for the love of the game and not for the fortune and fame.

As I look around reminiscing of a time long gone, I’m glad I’m not a youth today for they’re missing out on the innocence of youth and the experiences that build true character. They’re missing the personal touch of community, relationship, and a respect for moral values.

Bosses That Serve

2006-03-03T21:55:00.000-05:00

My day begins with having to prepare the meals for my boss and his younger brother. Usually it’s oatmeal but occasionally I make eggs, Thomas’ English muffins and a few strips of turkey bacon.

Then I have to jump into my drill sergeant mode. Bellowing, “Make sure you take your bath, brush your teeth and clean behind your ears.” Yes my bosses are my children, age four and twelve. Since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I have been home on medical leave. I decided to take advantage of the time home and reconnect with my children. I now home school. It’s challenging but extremely rewarding.

Some days we aren’t able to have classes because I’m not up to it. But they don’t complain. “Mom you go and rest. I’ll take care of Matteel,” my twelve year old Maheem would tell me. “I’ll prepare the breakfast and make sure Matteel follows his schedule.”

While Maheem cooks the breakfast, Matteel busies himself preparing the table and a tray to serve me my breakfast in bed. After all have eaten, they get right into their class schedules. At lunch time they prepare their meals. By this time I am mobile.

I have the most astonishing of bosses. They pitch in and help. They mop, take out the garbage, and help dust. They’re understanding and supportive. They field telephone calls and keep the noise down to a minimum. It’s a joy working for them and with them.

I’m constantly amazed at how flexible they are. Sometimes their classes have to be rescheduled on a Saturday or Sunday after church. They don’t even complain. They just ask one question, “After we’re finished can we play on the play station Mom?”

I wouldn’t trade my bosses in for anything. I’ve worked for people who didn’t care about me. They didn’t even notice when I was out sick. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you’re loved and cared for. It’s the best feeling in the world. This is what I call a supportive work environment. I hope they never change.

Precious Jewels from Alyice Edrich

2006-02-23T18:09:00.000-05:00

If you are like me there is so much to do and so little time to do it. All too often things on my to do list don't get done. How can one juggle it all? Homeschooling? Writing? Building your business? Being an attentive wife?

This week I stole a few minutes to interview Alyice Edrich. Alyice is a busy mom if there ever was one. She is an editor, business woman, writer, mother, and wife. Her plate is definately full. If you are intersted in learning how to win at the "juggling game." Or how Alyice creates a win/win situation for her family read on.

I hope you find her suggestions helpful and encouraging. I know I did.

1. How can you juggle working from home, as a writer, and still homeschool your children?

That’s an area that every work at home parent constantly struggles with and I am no exception. Some days I think I did a great job balancing it all and other days I feel like I did a really lousy job. But the key is to forgive yourself when you don’t do things as perfectly as you see them in your head, and to feel good about the days that you do.

If you simply cannot start your day without checking your email (as I can’t) then start your day by allowing an hour for email correspondences and/or visits to blogs, websites, and forums.

Once that hour is up, it’s time to move on to other things. Since you homeschool, I would assume that you’d like to start your children’s lessons. When your children are on a play break, a nap, or eating lunch, you can then go back to working on your business.

Personally, I’d save cleaning the house until an hour before my husband arrived home from work. If you try to clean up prior to that time, you’ll only feel frustrated later because the kids are home with you and they’ll just make another mess.

2. How can you increase your income and grow your business without stealing too much time away from your family?

You need to determine how much time you are willing to spend away from the family, whether it’s in your home office, running errands, or attending business meetings. If you don’t give yourself permission to spend a certain number of hours away from your family, every minute you spend working will feel like stolen moments. And that’s not good for you or your family.

I have to be honest and say no one ever gets it right. There will be times when our families demand more time than our businesses will allow and there will be times when our businesses demand more time that our families will allow. The key is to not feel guilty for those times and to do your best at balancing the rest of the time.

If you can get on some sort of schedule, you’ll be better off. If you don’t have some sort of schedule in place, even if it’s simply a daily “to do list” it will be hard to increase your income on a continual basis because you don’t have a plan of action in place.

Maybe you aren’t the type of person to live by a rigid schedule of 8 to 9 in the morning we’re making and eating breakfast, 10 to 11 we’re doing social studies, 11 to 12 the kids are eating lunch so I’ll make a few important phone calls, etc. If you aren’t that type of person, that’s fine. But if that’s what you need to do to get things done, sit down and figure out a schedule that works best for your personal lifestyle. And don’t be afraid to change things if your schedule doesn’t work.

Businesses have business plans for a reason. They’re not merely designed to get business loans, they’re designed to help businesses prepare for change and grow their businesses on a continual and timely basis. They help businesses meet short-term and long-term goals.

3. How can we get our businesses noticed through the online community?

That depends on the type of business you run. If you’re a writer, you want to hang out on writing forums, writer’s groups, and writing-related chat rooms. You’ll be surprised at how fast you can bond with other writers and how that can, in turn, help build your writing business. The key is to be both a giver and a taker, not just a taker.

If you own a product based business, you want to join groups and forums related to your product. You’ll learn valuable information from your colleagues, and when they can’t provide a specific product, your reputation will warrant a lead.

But don’t spend all your time on the forums or in groups building relationships. You have to step away from the online community and actually run your business or it will fail.

Besides getting noticed in like-minded groups, you need to build a website worthy, service, and/or product worthy of recommending. Word of mouth, both on and offline is priceless. If you have a quality website, people will naturally link to it and that’s great for search engine rankings. Which leads me to another thing, when designing your website the first thing you need to do is design it for your customer. Once you’ve met that goal, you need to go back in and write your content for both your customer and the search engines. You can learn more about working with the search engines here: http://thedabblingmum.com/business/affiliates/index.htm

If possible, add one new web page to your website every week. Search engines love fresh content, but make sure the content you add is not only relevant to your business, but will help sell your product and/or service.

STEP AWAY FROM THE INTERNET

I know that sounds strange, but once you get your website up and running, don’t spend all your time working your business online. Put in approximately one to two hours a day building online relationships, then walk away. Think about your business as if it were a traditional brick ‘n mortar business. If you had a store where you had to pay rent, utilities, and employees, what would you do to keep customers coming back? What would you do to get customers in your front door? Those are the same things you want to do for your online business.

That means placing ads in various publications, sending out press releases, maybe sending out a few products for review and testimonies, and making appearances at trade shows and other types of shows that will help promote your business.

You can visit Alyice Edrich at THE DABBLING MUM
to order a work-at-home e-book, or visit her online publication for BUSY parents at TheDabblingMum.

Catch up with Alyice by making another stop on her blog tour…Click here...

Natalie's Ark Reviewed

2006-02-15T08:09:00.000-05:00

Title of Book: Natalie’s Ark
Author: Kristen Halter & Kevin Scott Collier
ISBN Number: N/A
Publisher: Tangerine Sky Productions, Ltd.
Genre/Market: Christian Fiction/Children
Publication Date: November 2005
Book Length: 100 pages
Price: $7.95
Paperback book
Rating 4 out 5 points

Natalie’s Ark is a book that tells the story of a young girls venture to faith. The story takes place in a small town named Fernville. Natalie, like many young people struggled with fear. She had made a promise to God to trust Him. Her determination and faith was put to the test when she found herself alone and surrounded by water from a broken dam.

Your child will learn many valuable lessons through the adventure of Natalie’s Ark. People are different in the world but we have a common bond which is that God created us all. Each individual will encounter a flood in life but God is ever present and willing to help if we ask.

Through Natalie’s struggle the reader was able to empathize and visualize his or her self as they struggle in life. Discouragement, doubt, worry, and fear are part of life but they do not have to rule ones life. God is willing and able to provide peace, comfort and help if we are willing to accept it.

Natalie was provided with travel companions, a cat, raccoon, a goose, opossum, and a squirrel. They were her friends, prayer partners and supporting actors in her story. I life we all have people that play a role in our lives for a season and then they are no more. That is how God works He gives us what we need for the season to help teach, lead or encourage us.

Natalie’s Ark is a must read for adults and children a like. The lessons on faith, trust, prayer, and friendship will help the reader to reassess their life. The truth about how Satan waits patiently for openings so he can attack will make the reader more conscious about leaving a door ajar.

Review by Michelle J. Dyett-Welcome.

What Is A Curse?

2006-02-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

During the summer my husband and my eldest son had their bikes stolen from them. They were not thrown off the bikes or held up at gun point. The bikes were stolen from our locked backyard. The thief or thieves climbed over our high fence and hoisted the bikes over. They made off with the goods unbeknownst to us.

We're not even sure when exactly they stole the bikes, but we were furious that they did. Things like this test your Christianity. Do you curse? Yell? Desire to take revenge? Break knee caps? Bash in heads? Or just let it go? We decided as a family to try and let it go. We prayed over the lost bikes and for the person(s) that stole them.

I must confess that it was hard for me to let the matter go at that. I decided to curse them. Not the way you may think but nonetheless I did curse them. I prayed, "Lord I pray that whomever took the bikes will not have one night of peaceful sleep. I pray that guilt and discomfort will follow them and that whatever they do will not turn out the way they plan. I pray that they will be tormented by the evil one until they confess what they have done to You. I hope that they will be driven by these things to Your throne of grace. I pray that they will confess and ask for Your forgiveness and that they will know that I have forgiven them as well."

Yes, I sure did curse them. I know you think I shouldn't have done that. You feel that it is not biblical. But isn't it? Joshua did it in Joshua 6. Granted it was geared toward the person who rebuilt Jericho. But it was a curse nonetheless. I did not curse their first born or their youngest. I want them to be given over as Paul would say so that they can be saved. If after all that they experience they are not lead to God then it was pointless for the bikes to be stolen. But if through the loss of the bikes someone can be won to the kingdom all is worth it. I do not know if the person(s) was a seasoned criminal or a newbie at stealing, but God does. Whatever their status, my prayer is that their path will lead them to God.

Since August 2006, my husband and son have received new bikes. I wanted them to be able to enjoy their bonding time and exercise time without the memory of the stolen bikes. They are looking forward to next summer and so am I for I believe that this incident has changed not only the criminals life but ours as well.

All rights reserved. Permission need for reprint.

Excuse Me!

2006-02-07T15:42:00.000-05:00

We sat in the doctor's office in the basement of his home. I was my fourth session with the psychologist. Dwain, my husband was there for moral support. Dr. Feuerstein sat on a white plastic chair directly across from us. He had just completed the relaxation exercises. You know the breath in, breath out. Picture this and imagine that. The focus on the white light going up and down your body. It was all the regular stuff that a doctor makes his patient do to relax and kind of detox from the stresses of life and the harshrealitiess of the world. It was great until.

Out of the clear blue sky we saw Dr. Feuerstein wiggle in his chair. He tilted over to one side and then the other. His right but cheek was lifted in the air then the sound came. He broke a win. He farted in our presence. No excuse me. No pardon me. No I'm sorry. He went on like nothing happened. I was stunned. I glanced over at Dwain and his face registered shock. What just happened I thought? What the... is this?

Dr. Feuerstein proceeded with his questions. I heard nothing. I was too shocked. Then I saw his hands slip down between his legs. With his hooked pinkie he began to scratch himself between the legs. Rake, rake, rake the scratching went. The doctor was not ashamed of his behavior. He acted as if this was normal. He satisfied his itch without regard to us. Nasty! Absolutely nasty!

I must confess that my feelings toward Dr. Feuerstein changed in that very moment. I thought he was nasty. He lacked social graces. He had no respect for me or my husband. Yes, I questioned how a doctor could behave in such a manner. I could not believe that a learned person would or could act in such a disgraceful way. What happened to "excuse me?" Those two little words that parents teach their children. That teachers reinforce in school. That is whipped out in social settings. What happened to "excuse me?"

Once the session was over I did not want to go back but I could not find another doctor in my area. I was stuck. I needed the help, but I did not like the therapist bedside manner. Should I bring it up? Should I pretend it never happened? Should I...? The questions were endless. I went back for my next session alone. Dwain had to work and the kids were in school. I braced myself for another stink one from the doctor. It didn't come. I thought ok, maybe it was all a dream, except Dwain had experienced the same dream like me. With ten minutes left to the session I noticed the movement of the hooked pinkie. It descended between the legs. Dr. Feuerstein's right hand held the pad and he gently moved it over his crotch. I looked away. I stared at the wall, computer, the heater, anything to avoid looking at him. Then I heard the all too familiar sound, rake, rake, rake. The bell rang and the session was up. I can't come back I thought as I left his office. I can't come back this is too strange.

What would you do if this happened to you? How would you feel? What would you think? I realize that we are an advancing and highly sophisticated country, but does that mean that anything goes? Are we really advanced if we pass our gas in public without a word of apology? Are we sophisticated if we scratch our private areas in the assembly of strangers or even friends when a bathroom or a corner of a room is available? I think that what makes us a sophisticated people is when we respect others as we want to be respected. It is learning to put peoples comfort and possibly their needs before our own.

I needed to have a session with my therapist. I needed his respect, for I was giving him respect. Did I have gas? Yep. Did I pass it in his presence? Nope! Did I hold my gas? Sure did! Did I go to the bathroom that was only ten steps from his offshouldn'ts. Shouldn't he have done the same? Yes!

The Value Of Please & Thank You

2006-02-02T08:09:00.000-05:00

“Can you pass that book,” Sister Marcia said, pointing with her finger, as I sat listening to the sermon.

“Sure” I responded a little peeved that she neglected to say please.

Handing the book to her I expected to hear a polite thank you. None came. She grabbed the book and flipped through the pages. I sat in my seat stewing over the fact that Sister Marcia had no manners. She treated me like a slave.

My mind raced. Lost in thought I pondered, “Who does she think she is? I am not a dog that must fetch things for her. I am a human being and I deserve to be treated with respect.”

I wanted to say something but I was scared of having a big confrontation over something that many may view as trivial. But it was not trivial to me. Christ commanded us to treat others the way we want to be treated. That includes “please” and “thank you” at least I think so.

I watched as Sister Marcia enjoyed the workshop. She was all settled into her seat, notepad in hand and the book proudly displayed at her side. I was not able to enjoy the sermon, it was ruined for me. Why? Because I got no please and no thank you.

Does this sound familiar? Does this happen in your home? At your church? At family gatherings? Are courtesy and respect relics of the past? As I look around and observe conversations between parents and children, husbands and wives, or even between youths and their friends “please” and “thank you” are noticeably missing. No, it is not missing in every conversation but when I hear those precious words it draws my attention. Why? Because it is a rare thing.

A few weeks ago, I noticed that my eldest son, age 13, was starting to request things without using the word “please.” My youngest son, age 4, has been struggling with “please” and “thank you” for a few months (it seems as though he has a case of amnesia). I finally decided that the only way to get through to them was to ignore them. I told them both, “I do not hear you without a ‘please’ or a ‘thank you.’ I can not comprehend your words. If you want me to respond to you must speak the magic words.”

Amazingly they got the message. I have been at it for about two and a half weeks and the results are astounding. Now if I could get Sister Marcia to do it too I could patent the idea and strike it rich.

Which World Do You See?

2006-02-01T10:47:00.000-05:00

The world is dark and cruel.
Loyalty and honor are things of the past.
Hurt and destruction take over.
They advance like an army, moving in for the kill.
They grow, swelling like the morning tide.
Devouring everything in their path. Washing all out to sea.
The dark coldness of the world engulfs all that is good and right.
Changing bright daylight into night.
The flicker of hope fades with each passing day.
Evil grows. It takes root in the heart of man, in society.
Children embrace it. Adults encourage it.
All around the world itÂs accepted.
Wrong is right and right is wrong.
Universal truths vanish, they no longer exists.
It is our truth, mine and yours.
Where is Gods truth?
Darkness surrounds, who can see? Destruction is encouraged.
Those who stand for right are mocked, shun, avoided, persecuted,
What is right? Who is right?
It is impossible to tell. This is the world that exists.
But, it is not the world I seek.
Not the world I choose to see.
I glimpse values, morals, and hope.
I see dreams, possibilities and positive change.
I long for and pursue the things of old.
A time when men sought after spiritual truth and it guided them.
They sought the sovereign one. The majestic one.
They looked for and found Yahweh.
Darkness fades. Hope exists. Life begins again.
The sea no longer consumes. A new dawn arises. Man changes.

Isn't amazing how ones perspective dictates how one views the world? At times it can be difficult to be positive when negativity is all around. But remember that God ispositivee in all things. He is positively a provider. He ispositivelyy good. He is positively a healer. He is positively the creator of the world. He is positively an answerer of prayers.

Since God has created us in His image should we not be positive too? I think so!

Train Ride Of The Dead

2006-01-31T22:28:00.000-05:00

Traveling the train up and down,
watching the peoples faces,
seeing blurry lines of the signs,
that time and space has erased,
as we wiz on by.
The rhythmic patterns of the train,
lulls the people to sleep.
I watch as man goes from pocket to pocket,
just to seek treasures of money just to eat.
The motor man kindly announces,
in an unrecognizable tone of voice,
the next stop and the connections one could make.
As he functions in is own zone,
not caring if he is heard or even understood.
Like a bullet shot from a gun,
the train races by to make up time,
racing to the next stop.
As it stops another passenger says good bye, just for today.
While countless others press their way.
You know it’s like a revolving door,
as one gets off,
you have five or six more.
Pushing, shoving, rushing for a seat,
men no longer willing to stand,
They would knock a woman over,
with a baby in her hand,
just so they would not have to stand.
Sometimes it’s depressing to see,
how uncivilized as a society we can be.
What was right is now wrong.
Those who are selfish and mean seem to get it all.
No one willing to share,
not even something to eat,
Look at the men not even willing,
to stand on their feet.

Have you ever ridden on a train? Have you observed the people that surround you? Have you wondered what their story was? Or do you try to avoid looking at them? Have you noticed how men fight women for a seat? Have you tried to imagine what it will be like in 5 years from now or 10 years?

I have. If things do not change men may not rush for the seat but they may decide to beat someone for it. Things will not get better unless we choose to do better, when we have an opportunity to do so.

Come on! Join me! Lets start a new trend. Let love, concern and respect lead the way. Let men be men and women be ladies. And all of us show concern for our fellow man.

I Am Bonded To That Man!

2006-01-30T19:46:00.000-05:00

Fear Is A Terrible Thing

2006-01-26T15:33:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a vision? A revelation about where your life is to go? What you are to do? Did it seem too great to be true? Too great to be real or achieved? Did it seem unattainable?

Well, I have. I tried to rap my mind around my great vision. I could not! Thoughts chained me in place. I was bolted down by my fears. My will was sucked out of me, by "what ifs." My energy, sapped by worry. Choices evaporated, by doubt. I was totally immobile.

Have you ever experienced this? Does this place sound familiar? Helpless to move forward. Desiring to turn back to the safety of all that you knew. Longing for the familiar place. Inside you know that there is something more for you to achieve, to do , to discover, to teach, to learn. But your mind stress, objects, rebells, argues until one day you either give in or move forward in spite of.

Yes, fear calls to you. Doubts engulf you. Worries pursue you. Lack of confidence parayzes you. But choice beckons you. Decide. Choose. And you do.

At least that is how it was for me. I chose to go forward in spite of. Have you ever done something in spite of? In spite of what others think. In spite of being terrified. In spite of not knowing what lay ahead. In spite of!

Options appeared like the breaking of the sun. Energy burst for like rays of light. Desire to achieve sprang like a babbling brook. The bolts that once held me disappeared. The shackles fell from off my hands. I was free.

Timidly I took a step toward my path. I began to leap toward my purpose. Then I started to gallop toward my destiny. Silenced were fear, doubt and worry. Their music drowned out by faith, trust and belief.

My vision appeared before me. Beckoning me to advance. My purpose stretched out its hand. My steps became more determined. I pressed on. Marching I advanced. I could see my destiny just ahead. Almost there I thought. Almost home.

Are you on the road toward your vision? Your purpose? Your destiny? If not don't let another day go by. Devise a plan. Take one step at a time. Venture out daily. Before you know it you will be on your way. On the path. Advancing to your destiny.

Are you ready?

On your mark... Get ready... Get set... Go!

Why Not Destress?

2006-01-26T10:20:00.000-05:00

Whenever I am feeling wound up and stressed. I find something beautiful to look at. To calm the savage beast in me.

This may not work for everyone but I highly recommend it. Take a moment and enjoy what God has created for our pleasure.

If by chance you do enjoy it. Why not tell Him a word of thanks?

The Best Contract

2006-01-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been taken advantage of by an unscrupulous contractor? Has any one ever scammed you? Have you ever been robbed when you signed a contract with a person with no ethics? I have. More than once.

Because of those experiences I have become contract shy. But I have recently discovered that I need not be any longer. There is a contract that will never fail. A contract that will not rob me, rip me off or shortchange me. A contract where I will get the better end of the deal.

I will get blessings, forgiveness, unconditional love. A contract that will provide for me, give me protection, endow me with power. Can't believe it? It's true. A contract that will fill me with joy, happiness, and peace.
The amazing thing is that the contract is offered to everyone. God has offered the contract to man through Jesus.

Have you ever wondered where your mission is? Or how to find your destiny? Or what your purpose is? Or maybe which path you should take? I have. I got the answers by signing the contract and submitting my will to God. How did I do it? What did I say? Read on.

Lord I give my life to you, trusting you to do what is best. In the spirit of love and obedience I submit this contract to you. Fill it in as you see fit. Give me my mission. Direct me to my purpose. Lead me to my destiny. I will worship you and praise you for as long as I live.

I took a blank page. I wrote on the top CONTRACT. I put a big "X" at the bottom of the page. Then I signed my name right by the "X". Trusting God to fill it in as He sees fit, knowing it will fulfill my purpose and lead me to my destiny.

Never again will I be robbed. I've signed the best contract of my life. What's it worth? Eternal life!

So Sorry Grandma

2006-01-24T10:35:00.000-05:00

It hit like a ton of bricks. The feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment at the realization that I am selfish. I remember how I watched you struggle to walk up the steps of your home in Jamaica, WI. You were crippled by the pain of arthritis in the knees. You labored to sweep the steps. And I offered no assistance. I turned a blind eye. Utterly unforgivable. I lounged, read and ate as you did your chores.

Daily you cooked lunch and dinner for us to eat. You never asked for help. You never commented on my laziness. Why didn't I volunteer to help? How could I have been so self-centered, self-absorbed, so selfish? Arthritis took over the joints in your fingers. You struggled to cut vegetables, meats, herbs, each dice, cut or chop caused you pain. But you never complained. You did what you had always done provided a meal for your family. You suffered in silence.

I sat back and watched you as you sorted and washed the laundry. I saw how your hands trembled as you hung them out to dry on the clothesline. I noticed how the clothes pins would drop to the ground because you could not grasp them. But did I help? No! Worthless.

You are no longer here for me to tell you how sorry I am. You are not around for me to show you that I have changed. You are no longer here for me to show you that I love you. Grandma, I am so very sorry. I wish that I had shown you love. I wish that I had helped you when I could of. I wish that you did not go to your grave with the memories of the selfish me.

As I watched you do your duties I learned something about love. Love is not dependent on what others do. Love is at all times. Duty is not dictated by how others respond. It does not matter what is going on. Unselfishness is not determined by how others treat you. It is who you are at the core.

In all that you did you showed me Jesus. In all that you did I felt His love. In your silence I was won to the cross. In your understanding I forged a new relationship with God. Because of your tolerance I desired to change. Yours was a life of witness. Thank you for showing me the road to the Lord, through your silence.

8 Lessons of Enoch

2006-01-24T03:41:00.000-05:00

Enoch walked with God. He showed consistency, longevity, dedication, soleness of purpose, devotion, obedience, fellowship and faithfulness. Was Enoch a super breed of man? Was he different from us today? Why was he able to live a life of faithful dedication and fellowship with God? When so many today can't?

How did Enoch keep his mind steadied on God? How did he discipline his body to not lust after and yield to the temptations of sin? How did he train his mind to focus on God?

Time. Such a small word, but it is endless. He spent time with God daily. He spoke with God. He listened to God. He fellowshipped with the creator. He enjoyed spending time with God.

Did Enoch have a family? Did he neglect them to spend time with God? Was Enoch a lazy man? Did he abandon his chores and work, just to commune with God? Maybe. But maybe not. Perhaps he incorporated God into his daily life. In each activity he worshipped God. With each task he fellowshipped with his friend. Could he have shared funny jokes with the Father about his children or his wife? Maybe.

Perhaps Enoch questioned God as he worked in the field. "Father, how should I tend this garden. What should I plant over here? Which fertilizers should I use? When should I pull this up? When should I plant these?"

I can imagine that they laughed together. They enjoyed one another. They were friends. Enoch walked with God for 300 years. Wow! Enoch proved himself to be a man of conviction, consistency, reliability and faith. Is it any wonder that God took him and he was no more?

Do you have a good friend that you enjoy being around.? When you both are together, do you secretly hope the time will never end? I do. I wonder if that is how Enoch felt toward God.

Do you have such a relationship with God? Do you share your life with Him? Or do you share only your hurts and disappointments? Do you laugh and joke with God? Or just beg or complain? Do you seek His counsel? Or do you just seek Him to clean up your messes? Do you keep God in a box? Or whip Him out like a rabbit's foot? Do you walk with Him daily?

What a privilege it is to be a friend of God. To be able to walk with Him, talk with Him, to love Him, and to be loved by Him. 1 John 1:24a says, "Those who obey God's commandments live in fellowship with him and he with them..."

Enoch lived in complete fellowship with God. Do you?

Laziness

2006-01-23T06:44:00.000-05:00

Is it me or are our children today kind of lazy? They don't like to exercise. They get tired when they walk a few blocks. They don't want to expend a lot of energy. Quick and easy is the motto of the day.

My parents reminded me of how it was growing up in the West Indies for them. If they wanted to get somewhere their only transportation was Mr. Left Foot and Mr. Right Foot. They did not even have paved roads like kids here in the Sates do. They had to trek to school with bare feet.

I remember when I was in school, the long walks to school and from school daily. I didn't take the bus or train. I had to use my feet and I enjoyed it. Whenever I wanted to hang out with my friends we knew we had to budget our time because we had to walk to the place and walk back.

Well, that has changed some. I hear the kids talking on the bus and the train. They don't want to walk. "Who's driving? Who's going to pick us up?" Is it any wonder that so many of the youth today are overweight and suffering with adult medical problems?

I am constantly amazed at how few of them want to play the games that I enjoyed as a kid: soccer, tennis, volleyball, and double Dutch. What do they enjoy, play station, X-box, music videos, or watching movies. What do those things exercise? Nothing, absolutely nothing! They don't even challenge their brains.

My eldest son was falling prey to the allure of playstation, but his father and I quickly killed that. We bought him a soccer ball and a bike. His uncle bought him a football and a basketball and he is taken outdoors to play weekly.

It has been two and a half months since my son has asked to play on the playstation and boy am I glad. Now he can give his father a challenge when they race. Imagine a 38 year old man being able to beat a 13 yr. old boy racing only two blocks. Before, my son would stop and pant, bracing himself on a fence. Now at least he can keep up with his father. Eventually he may even win the race.

If you want to weed laziness out of your house. Take stock of how much time is spent on lazy activities. Assess the benefits that come from using the time that way. If there is no benefit replace the activities with one that is of value. It may not happen overnight but repetition breeds learning.

Take it slow. You never know they may just enjoy it.

The Art of Language

2006-01-22T18:21:00.001-05:00

I remember a time when cursing was a bad thing. It was not acceptable at all. Kids who cursed would get spanked or get their mouths washed out with soap. Parents did not tolerate it, teachers did not accept it and very few students would dare do it.

Well, hasn't that changed! Kids curse on the street, in conversations, in school, in their home and even at their parents. It's almost like cursing has become a part of the accepted English language.

I find that the educated as well as the non-educated gravitate to using curse words as a means of being real and down to earth. Non-sense! If you know better, do better! Cursing does not distinguish you as a down and happening person. It shows a lack of respect for yourself and for others.

The beauty about language is there are many ways to express extreme emotion, passion, anger or frustration while maintaining respect and courtesy.

Why has cursing become as natural as breathing? Why have we lowered the standard to accept such behaivor? Where will it end? Have you tought that if left unchecked your doctor could be talking to you using such language?

"Yeah, man you have a f... tumor. You going to f... die in about 3 sh... months."

Would that sound good? Feel good? We need to remember that in a few years the same children that are cursing one another on the street may very well be our doctors, lawyers, electricians, or plumbers who will curse us, and expect us to pay them, to do it.

What can we do? How can we make a difference? Talk to them. Model the proper behavior for them. And definately pray for them. It is not there problem alone it affects all of us. Isn't it time we invest ourselves in thesolution?

Memorials

2006-01-21T20:28:00.000-05:00

Did you know that God remembers those who remember Him? Did you know that he keeps a special book just for that occasion. Well He does. In the book of Malachi God states clearly that He remembers those who remember Him.

Do you remember God? What He has done in your life? Who He is? Do you reverence Him.

Honestly, sometimes I forget. That is the human condition due to sin. But I should not forget. God does not forget to wake me in the mornings. He remembers to send His angels to keep and protect me. He provides for me. He listens to me when everyone else is tired or fet up. God is always there for me. Shouldn't I at least remember Him?

I think so. I have decided to make a memorial to God. Joshua did it with stones. David with praises. Abraham with alters. I will do mine with rememberances. I will keep a log of the things God has done and what He means to me. I will display them for everyone to see.

I choose to remember the Lord and His goodness. What about you?

So Much Pain, So Many Pills

2006-01-20T19:54:00.000-05:00

Over the last several days my muscles and joints have given me a warm time. They Hurt! So much PAIN! The morning stiffness. The achy feeling. The sheer agony when I try to lift, bend, move, or sit.

All the doctor's do is give me pill, after pill, after pill. None of which work. They dull the pain for a while and then the pain comes back worse then ever. I absolutely hate it. I have Fibromyalgia, which is chronic pain all over my body. I am glad to know I am not dying of a dreaded disease. But sometimes it feels as if I am, because the pain is so severe.

Today I decided to dig up a poem I wrote about my pains when I was searching to find out what was wrong with me. It is now a year and several months later and I am still as lost as when I first started my search.

See if you can relate to this:

PAIN

Joint pain, muscle pain, head pain, shoulder pain, everyday it's all the same.

My pain has no name.

Eye pain, hip pain, shin pain, buttocks pain, there's no name for my pain.

Each doctor says the same.

As I seek advice, no two doctors think a like.
It could be this or that, none of them can add up all the facts.

The medications they dispense, to treat what they know is wrong, still my body does not get strong.

This is a frustrating thing, with all the knowledge, and scientifical advances, why should my pains last so long?

I hope you enjoyed the poem. If you can relate sing with me, "pain, pain, go away come back another day fifty years from now."

The Love Of Money

2006-01-19T11:59:00.000-05:00

I never really pictured myself as someone who loves money. The reason being I never had much money. I always had enough to get by but never enough to eliminate my debt.

I always believed that if I could make more I would be able to pay off more of my debt, but this wasn't true. When I made more money (through working overtime) my eyes saw more and more things to buy. Temptation came and I yielded.

I was living above my means in an attempt to be happy. But I wasn't. How could I be every month Citibank, MBNA, Chase and the others wanted a payment. That was on top of the car payments, insurance payments, utility bills, pension loan, student loan payments and the mortgage payments.

Then I got a bright idea stop shopping, stop charging, stop spending what you don't have. Live within your means. Novel idea right? Well it worked for me. I reduced the credit cards to one, got rid of the pension loan, reduced my utility bills, and reduced the car insurance bills.

I guess in a sense I stopped viewing money as a way to satisfy my wants and started using it to address my needs. I stopped allowing the things I would buy to make me happy and started finding happiness in my relationships with family and friends.

As I continue on my quest money is the tool I will use to remove the noose of debt from around my neck and rid me of the weeds that are chocking the life out of my finances.

What about you? What does money mean to you?

Ecc. 5:9-10 says, "Even the king milks the land for his own profit. Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness."

Are You Serious?

2006-01-18T09:51:00.001-05:00

My eldest son is constantly bragging to anyone who will listen, "I am taller than my mom." He is constantly measuring himself against me. He enjoys the fact that I now have to look up to him a mere 13 year old. Many of you can relate. Doesn't it get on your nerves sometimes?

Anyway today he had to sit for an ELA English State exam. He had to report to the public school in good ole Queens, New York. He had forgotten how noisy and disorganized the schools could be since he has been home schooled. As he waited in the office he happened to glance up. He saw a brown object with many legs heading toward his head. Of course it was a roach. You know those pesky things that seem to muliply by the millions every time you bomb or set traps for them.

My brave child ran from a roach. Yep the same kid that brags about being taller then me. The same one that was once so fearless and would collect roaches for science projects when he was 6 & 7 years old took off like lightening out of the office.

Dust. All I could see for miles and miles was dust. I could not believe it. I had to stop and ask myself are you serious?

So I with my short self knocked the roach down to the ground and stamped out his lights. I guess size does not matter to be a champion.

Who's bigger now, son?

What Would You Do?

2006-01-17T20:30:00.000-05:00

You have two sons age 15 and 12. You do not feel comfortable leaving them home alone so you decide to have a close friend watch them. This friend needs a job so you pay her a few bucks to help her out. She would take them to the movies, park and play games with them. Unbeknownst to you the oldest child develops a crush. He starts to hit on the baby sitter.

What do you think she should do?

She starts to like your son as well. They kiss. They fool around. She gets pregnant. She tells you the good news. What do you do? How do you feel? What do you say?
They tell you they want to get married.

Is this a crime? Is this a sin? How should you react if you are a Christian? How should you react as a law abiding citizen?

This is a true cenario. I know the people to whom this happened. Their story is not unique. Unfortunately this is happening more and more these days. We read it daily in the headlines. Children's childhoods are being robbed from them. They are not being allowed to be innocent.

As parents we should prepare our response in case this happens to us. As Christians we should pray that the Lord will guide, protect and keep our children from all predators known and unknown.

“Girl I don’t know why I can’t leave him. He is a no good bum. I love him and I just can’t explain why. He doesn’t work. He is always drinking. He beats me and the kids. He’s not even committed to me. He is sleeping with Sally, Margaret and Janice. He thinks I don’t know but I do. Why am I still with him? Why can’t I leave him alone? I don’t know. He is just under my skin.”

Have you ever spoken these words? Do you know someone who is living this reality? Millions of women are in relationships that parallel the one described above. They are in it and they don’t know why. They are tolerating abusive treatment and feel like they have no choice. They are “in love.” But does love really have anything to do with it?

Women were created to be a help meet for men. They were told by God that their desire would be for their husbands. They were even equipped with a special hormone that would ensure bonding to their man. It is called oxytoxin.

Oxytoxin is a hormone that is released by women during childbirth, breastfeeding and orgasm. It can be also released during heavy petting, kissing or caressing. This hormone is nicknamed the “bonding” hormone. Why? Because its purpose is to bond the woman to whatever causes its release, the child or the husband.

Many women today believe that they are exercising their sexual freedom by sleeping with as many men as their heart desires. But is that true freedom? Or is it slavery? Are women being enslaved by lust? Are they being bonded to abusive relationships? Are they becoming like animals that follow their instincts or the scent of mating? Is that what freedom is all about?

Or could it be that women are free when they bond with one man as God designed it? Are women protected from getting into abusive relationships when they keep themselves covered (abstaining from sexual activities or those that could lead to sex: petting, kissing, hugging) as they discern the character of the man that they are dating.

Humans are different from animals in that they can think and reason. They have the ability to assess and change behavior based on logic. What does it say about us if we allow a hormone that is inappropriately released to ruin our lives and those of our children? What does it say about us if oxytoxin bonds us to a man that is worthless as a provider, protector, father, or mate?

Women, remember that you were created to be a queen to be honored, cherished and adored. If the way you’ve been living enslaved you rather then freed you try Gods way. Wait for your husband as chosen by God. Then let the oxytoxin flow through the boarders of your marriage overflowing your banks.

The Strange Things Children Do

2006-01-16T22:24:00.000-05:00

Recently, I walked into my 4 year olds room. I was hit with the strong sent of urine. Thinking it was from his bed I stripped it and threw the bundle in the laundry basket. Later I noticed the smell was still in the room. I decided to wipe down the plastic on the bed with disinfectant. I sprayed the room. I was confident that the smell was a thing of the past. Right!

The smell grew. I sniffed every surface. I even got down on all fours. Imagine my surprise when I looked behind his door and discovered the culprit. A formerly white undershirt stained yellow by urine. It reeked. It was like a ram goat let loose in the room. Calling my son to me I asked why his shirt was saturated with pee pee.

His response was, "I peed on it."

Of course I asked him why. He said, "because you told me to pee pee before going to bed."

I guess it didn't dawn on him that he usually used the toilet. Why exactly he peed on the rug behind his door only the good Lord knows. I don't even think he knows why. My conclusion is that children do strange things. Can an adult truly understand what goes on in their minds?

As upset as I was his innocent eyes glared at me with sorrow and remorse. No I did not yell. I didn't even scream or swear under my breath. I got him a bucket, a scrub brush and a towel.

"Happy cleaning," is all I said as he cleaned his pee pee from in the rug. Shaking my head I went to my room, thinking as I went strange, simply strange.

“Girl I don’t know why I can’t leave him. He is a no good bum. I love him and I just can’t explain why. He doesn’t work. He is always drinking. He beats me and the kids. He’s not even committed to me. He is sleeping with Sally, Margaret and Janice. He thinks I don’t know but I do. Why am I still with him? Why can’t I leave him alone? I don’t know. He is just under my skin.”

Have you ever spoken these words? Do you know someone who is living this reality? Millions of women are in relationships that parallel the one described above. They are in it and they don’t know why. They are tolerating abusive treatment and feel like they have no choice. They are “in love.” But does love really have anything to do with it?

Women were created to be a help meet for men. They were told by God that their desire would be for their husbands. They were even equipped with a special hormone that would ensure bonding to their man. It is called oxytoxin.

Oxytoxin is a hormone that is released by women during childbirth, breastfeeding and orgasm. It can be also released during heavy petting, kissing or caressing. This hormone is nicknamed the “bonding” hormone. Why? Because its purpose is to bond the woman to whatever causes its release, the child or the husband.

Many women today believe that they are exercising their sexual freedom by sleeping with as many men as their heart desires. But is that true freedom? Or is it slavery? Are women being enslaved by lust? Are they being bonded to abusive relationships? Are they becoming like animals that follow their instincts or the scent of mating? Is that what freedom is all about?

Or could it be that women are free when they bond with one man as God designed it? Are women protected from getting into abusive relationships when they keep themselves covered (abstaining from sexual activities or those that could lead to sex: petting, kissing, hugging) as they discern the character of the man that they are dating.

Humans are different from animals in that they can think and reason. They have the ability to assess and change behavior based on logic. What does it say about us if we allow a hormone that is inappropriately released to ruin our lives and those of our children? What does it say about us if oxytoxin bonds us to a man that is worthless as a provider, protector, father, or mate?

Women, remember that you were created to be a queen to be honored, cherished and adored. If the way you’ve been living enslaved you rather then freed you try Gods way. Wait for your husband as chosen by God. Then let the oxytoxin flow through the boarders of your marriage overflowing your banks.

“Girl I don’t know why I can’t leave him. He is a no good bum. I love him and I just can’t explain why. He doesn’t work. He is always drinking. He beats me and the kids. He’s not even committed to me. He is sleeping with Sally, Margaret and Janice. He thinks I don’t know but I do. Why am I still with him? Why can’t I leave him alone? I don’t know. He is just under my skin.”

Have you ever spoken these words? Do you know someone who is living this reality? Millions of women are in relationships that parallel the one described above. They are in it and they don’t know why. They are tolerating abusive treatment and feel like they have no choice. They are “in love.” But does love really have anything to do with it?

Women were created to be a help meet for men. They were told by God that their desire would be for their husbands. They were even equipped with a special hormone that would ensure bonding to their man. It is called oxytoxin.

Oxytoxin is a hormone that is released by women during childbirth, breastfeeding and orgasm. It can be also released during heavy petting, kissing or caressing. This hormone is nicknamed the “bonding” hormone. Why? Because its purpose is to bond the woman to whatever causes its release, the child or the husband.

Many women today believe that they are exercising their sexual freedom by sleeping with as many men as their heart desires. But is that true freedom? Or is it slavery? Are women being enslaved by lust? Are they being bonded to abusive relationships? Are they becoming like animals that follow their instincts or the scent of mating? Is that what freedom is all about?

Or could it be that women are free when they bond with one man as God designed it? Are women protected from getting into abusive relationships when they keep themselves covered (abstaining from sexual activities or those that could lead to sex: petting, kissing, hugging) as they discern the character of the man that they are dating.

Humans are different from animals in that they can think and reason. They have the ability to assess and change behavior based on logic. What does it say about us if we allow a hormone that is inappropriately released to ruin our lives and those of our children? What does it say about us if oxytoxin bonds us to a man that is worthless as a provider, protector, father, or mate?

Women, remember that you were created to be a queen to be honored, cherished and adored. If the way you’ve been living enslaved you rather then freed you try Gods way. Wait for your husband as chosen by God. Then let the oxytoxin flow through the boarders of your marriage overflowing your banks.

Things to think about

2006-01-16T22:00:00.000-05:00

Often I wonder if it is just me or do other Christians find it difficult to let down their guard. When I interact with church members I'm concerned that they will judge me or take offense if I do not agree with them. I wonder why Christ asked us to develop these types of relationships. Isn't it hard enough getting along with trying family members, wish washy friends, or back stabbing co-works? Why do we need to do more?

The simple answer is because He has done so much for us. Is this not the least we can do for Him?

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