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Many people believe that thru spirituality that the human mind and a whole lot of human minds working together can stop a Hurricane? Is it truly possible to stop a wicked Hurricane like we saw in the 2005 Atlantic Tropical Hurricane Season using your mind or a collective of minds thinking; Cool or Dissipate.

And thinking in the vicinity of the Hurricane using a map? Well, some believe it is and what if all the people in the entire country all at once decided to try it? Wow, what would happen then?

We all know that Human intent and will are a powerful force indeed. But can the power of the mind or many minds totally focused at the same time stop or subdue a mighty Category Five Hurricane headed for the shoreline to do devastation and destruction? Many believe it maybe possible and well maybe then we should try.

Maybe science may learn something that many people of super spirituality already claim to know? So, how powerful is the human mind you ask? And how powerful is a mighty Hurricane? Well a Hurricane produces enough power to make a Hiroshima Atomic Bomb every ten minutes, so we are not talking about a little feat.

Yet, still most spirituality folks believe that the human mind is literally limitless. If this is the case then lets put our heads together for the next big Tropical Hurricane before it hits. Please consider this in 2006.

‘Lance Winslow’ - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

All these things [trials, temptations, tribulations] are wonderful opportunities to confirm or deny our commitment to Christ. It’s a chance to defy temptation and stand up for what’s right - despite peer pressure (Mat. 10:32-33). We can make things easier or more difficult for ourselves. Either you’re totally convinced God’s way is right and worth living, or you’re not sure and continually ride the fence and risk rupture; tormenting yourself and sending out conflicting signals and confusing signs (Mat. 6:24; 7:16). When you’re at the crossroads it’s either this way or that. You can’t have it both ways (Rev. 3:15). You should’ve made up your mind at baptism.

Will you honor your decision or break your vows? For those who’ve chosen to follow the Noble Path, they can’t afford to play with fire, flirt with death, or risk living on the edge (Jude 23; Zech. 3:2). They’ve got to learn to quickly say no to sin. ‘He who hesitates is lost.’ Then they must become ’stuck in their ways.’ They know that it’s now or never, do or die, and that nothing can compare to what God has in store for them (Heb. 11:25-26; Mat. 13:46).

God’s fire will either purify or destroy you. The choice is yours. Will you become a great success or end up a miserable failure (Mal. 3:2)? You might as well lay your lust in the dust, because everything in this world’s about to end and a new world begin; therefore, God expects us to take note and act accordingly (1 John 2:17; 2 Pet. 3:11). Just as God’s got something in store for His saints, He’s also reserved something for sinners (2 Pet. 3:7). Don’t worry, everybody will get what’s coming to them (Rev. 22:12).

Using Available Resources

Having a clear vision of God’s Kingdom, and a sober view of things to come, we can overcome every obstacle in Christ (John 16:33). But how can we keep our head up when the whole world’s falling down around us (Luke 21:28)? By realizing that we’re that much closer to the time when God will pick up the pieces and start over (John 6:12; Acts 1:6). But how can we keep from ‘losing it’ while we wait (Rev. 3:11)? By getting ‘baptized!’ We’re to be immersed in the Word and saturated by God’s Spirit (Luke 3:16). That’s the only way to be ‘in Christ.’ That’s an atomic statement. It’s not meant to be just an empty spiritual cliche. It’s packed with POWER and ENERGY!

Our growth and development depends upon how often (and to what degree) we’ll take advantage of our available resources (Mat. 13:23). Only we can hold ourselves down or back (1 Thes. 5:19).

We’re authorized to exercise ‘veto power’ over any illicit thought or action. We’re to wield God’s Spirit (Rom. 8:13), and learn to handle our Light-Saber like an expert (Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:15). We’re under orders to search and destroy (2 Cor. 13:5; Ga. 5:24), and follow our Leader wherever He might go (Rom. 8:14; 1 Pet. 2:21).

Jesus’ flesh and blood are our rations (John 6:47-63). God’s Word can energize us and His Spirit sustain us - but it must become our daily bread. Are we utilizing what we’ve been given, investing our assets wisely, or are we just wasting our ‘time and money’ (Isa. 55:2)? You’ve got to use it or you’ll lose it (Luke 19:11-27)! We’ll really need this celestial assistance to ‘walk on the waters,’ and not let our heart sink within us, if and whenever we hear rude remarks or callous comments by Christians - people we’d hope would understand our predicament and appreciate our efforts (Ps. 41:9).

God expects us to go out of our way, to forgive and forget, when we get burnt (Col. 3:13). He doesn’t want us to fall into the trap of bickering back and forth (1 Pet. 3:9). We’re to share scripture, not exchange cutting remarks (1 Cor. 14:26; Ps. 50:20)! As Satan seeks to divide and conquer, may he find unity in diversity instead (1 Cor. 12:12). Since we have such a high calling, let’s not act beneath ourselves.

Growing Pains

Some Christians don’t know how to deal with homosexuality. It’s all new and frightening to them. That’s understandable. But now they’re under obligation to learn how to handle themselves when confronted with this issue. We’re to be patient with them and pray that they’ll be tolerant of us. We’re not to force-feed them with ‘everything you never wanted to know about homosexuality!’ They might get sick. Everybody grows at their own pace. Some ‘growing-pains’ are to be expected along the way. We should accept and respect these facts of life and avoid sibling rivalry.

Meanwhile we can attempt to make the best of a bad situation (Rom. 12:18). Don’t be judgmental, but be careful. Don’t trip someone up or help them fall over their mental block (Rom. 14:13). This is the way of love: don’t hold a grudge!

What about AIDS victims? Are they victims or did they knowingly endanger themselves? Should we befriend these social outcasts or leave them to lay in the bed they’ve made? What about compassion? Am I my brother’s keeper? Can’t I cry for the suffering sin causes (Jer. 9:1)? Don’t these ‘lepers’ need love? They’re not necessarily any worse than others (Luke 13:1-5). Time and chance struck them down (Ecc. 9:11). They need our tender-loving prayers and care, not our cold-hearted stares. Besides, if everybody got sick who’s sinned, we’d all be in intensive care! ‘Except for the grace of God, there go I’ had better become our attitude. God showed His love toward us while we were yet sinners (Rom. 5:8).

Masturbation: is it right or wrong? It’s the lesser of two evils, but it’s still evil. Didn’t Jesus say that if you’ve lusted after someone you’ve already had ’sex’ with them? Sex is mental, not just physical. Isn’t masturbation usually accompanied by explicit fantasies? What’s the difference between them and dirty movies or smut magazines? Don’t they all throw fuel on the fire? Doesn’t it entice you to fulfill them? Doesn’t it weaken your will, surrender your resolve, and screw-up your spiritual day? Isn’t lust just like a drug: intoxicating and addictive? There’s no ‘time-out’ for a Christian. Ask God for help in this area and know you’ll receive it. Learn to resist sin, not God.

Same Person, Different Perception

Homosexuality is here whether we like it or not. I’ve been all around the world and have see that it’s everywhere. We can’t just wish it away because it won’t go. Pretending it doesn’t exist isn’t fooling anyone but yourself. We have to face up to the facts, regardless of how uncomfortable they might make us feel.

As stated in the ‘Family Network’ section of ‘Better Homes and Gardens’ (when they published my letter/Nov. ‘92 issue): Perhaps you’re the parent or friend of a lesbian or gay. Don’t faint if you have; just remember that nothing has changed about that person except your perception of him or her. Treat them according to their personality, not their sexuality. Maybe you’d deny that it could ever occur in your family or intrude into your circle of friends. Don’t faint if it does. It’s not the end of the world. The sun will still rise and life will go on. Maybe you’re unsure of your own sexuality. This much is sure: everything that you’ve loved or enjoyed about their friendship or company remains the same. Don’t get upset if they hadn’t told you. Such anger would only warrant their fears of being ‘found-out.’ Maybe they didn’t want to risk losing your friendship. Obviously it means a lot to them. Express your disapproval of their practice, if you must. But reject it - not them. Is that asking too much? Life’s too short to allow misunderstandings to come between us. We’re encouraged to be reasonable; not to engage in emotional debates or heated arguments (Isa. 1:18). Let’s avoid such ringside distractions. Remain cool, calm and collect (2 Tim. 2:23-25). Build bridges, not walls. Make your point and drop it.

One Big Happy Family

So there, now you have it. What the Bible really says about homosexuality. I guess I’ve done something right since I get complaints from both sides: the Christian and gay communities. It just goes to show you can’t please everybody! Some say I’m too harsh; others say I’m too lenient. May everybody at least glean something. Others are initially discouraged, but then become encouraged to make necessary changes in their lives (2 Chron. 7:8-11).

A few might even sniff, ‘I told you so.’ If so, they’ve missed the point. Those prejudiced preachers might deliver the same basic message, but their style and tone of voice isn’t like the Father’s (John 10:1-5). This little booklet’s a ‘love-letter,’ not hate-mail! Not everyone who speaks the truth has the right attitude or motivation. ‘A truth that’s told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent.’ We’re to help gather, not scatter; to encourage people to come to Christ, not dig in their heels; to make it easier, not more difficult to repent (Acts 16:16-18; Philip. 1:15-18).

‘Only he deserves his life and freedom who conquer them anew every day’ (Goethe). May we grow ever stronger and more deeply appreciate our deliverance, making sure we never take it for granted (Deut. 5:15). Caution can’t be stressed enough. We’ve got to be so careful not to fall back into our old rut, going nowhere (Ga. 5:1). We can’t afford a relapse into sin that would only put us into a tail-spin (John 5:14). We must be recovering homosexuals, getting better and gaining strength (2 Tim. 2:26).

It’s a daily struggle

If Christ gave it all, His everything for this relationship, can’t we at least sacrifice a little? Is sex really so important or worth dying for? I know it feels good, but it won’t feel too good in the Lake of Fire! May your love for God become greater than your lust for men (Isa. 56:4-5).

The Jewish proverb that ‘all beginnings are hard’ is true. But that old saying doesn’t just state a fact, it offers us the hope that things will get better with time. They do. We just have to hang in there. Climb Jacob’s Ladder one rung at a time. Don’t give up on yourself when God hasn’t! I know from personal experience how difficult it can be, but I also know it’s well worth it. I wouldn’t have given up John, my ex-lover, for God if I didn’t believe in what I’ve written! I went through hell, at first, really wondering if there is an afterlife, a resurrection, if Jesus is the Christ, if homosexuality is incompatible with the scriptures; what if I was all wrong, how would I ever find such another lover, etc.? But I have survived - and grown stronger. I don’t take my beliefs for granted, I know they’re true!

Old habits and ways of thinking can be replaced. New habits and ways of doing things can become ingrained. The divine nature can begin to replace our human nature, because God can and does heal minds and bodies! He’s familiar with broken hearts and unhappy lives, and can mend them (Mat. 11:28). We can be made whole in Christ. He wants us all to become ‘One Big Happy Family’ - the Kingdom of God.

David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe’s Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out the Beyond Babylon blog.

I use this reference often, because it’s easy to use when I have questions about grammar, usage, or formats. I also like it because I can find answers in it quickly, more quickly than in the Chicago Manual of Style, for example.

Suppose I’m not sure about using a colon in a sentence, and want to check. I open the front cover of the Gregg Reference Manual and there’s a one page list of topics. No need to work through a table of contents or index. I find the topic in just seconds.

I see the colon is covered in paragraphs 187 to 189 (in my Canadian version at least). The use of paragraph numbers, rather than page numbers, also speeds up my search, since I don’t need to try to find the first paragraph on a page — I simply go straight to paragraph 187.

Note, too, that paragraph numbers are listed on the top of each page, with the first full paragraph listed at the top of the left-hand page, and the last entry at the top of the right-hand page.

I find the entries have a good balance between conciseness and thoroughness. On the other hand, if you like detailed explanations or good coverage of exceptions, you might find Gregg on the light side.

All things considered, I like the Gregg Reference Manual, because I can find answers easily and quickly, reducing the odds my train of thought will derail while checking references.

It’s widely available, at both conventional and online book stores.

Robert F. Abbott offers three free chapters from his book, A Manager’s Guide to Newsletters: Communicating for Results at http://www.managersguide.com/free-sample.html He also offers free subscriptions to Abbott’s Communication Letter, a free newsletter that helps you enhance your career through improved business communication, at http://www.abbottletter.com

What is a Cash Game?

A Cash Game, also known as a Ring Game, is a non-tournament poker game where players buy-in and cash out as they please. The value of the chip is the same as cash. For example, if I sit down with $10 at a cash game. I have $10 in chips.

You can sit down at a Cash Game with as much money as you want - within the limits. At a $0.10/0.25 blinds game the minimum amount is $10 and the maximum amount is $50.00. Other players can sit down with a different amount of chips. You can re-buy chips in between hands up to the maximum.

How many players are in a Cash Game?

At Absolute Poker, all the cash games are 6 or 9 player tables. Other casinos have different amounts - usually up to 10 players. As long as there are 2 active players, there is no set amount of people needed to keep the game going. As mentioned above, you can sit down and get up as you please at any time.

What is a Sit N Go?

A Sit N Go or SNG, is an online poker tournament. The name ‘Sit N Go’ comes from the fact that these games are fast with a clear beginning and end. A Sit N Go has a pre-determined number of players. Once the spots are filled, the game starts. Everyone in a Sit N Go must buy-in for the same amount of money and starts with the same number of chips. The blinds gradually go up in ‘levels’ or ’stages’ until one player is left standing. The payouts are determined before the game and are displayed when you buy-in.

How many players are in a Sit N Go?

A Single Table Tournament or STT is usually 9 or 10 players. In a game like this, the top 3 finishers would place ‘in the money’. However, Sit N Go’s can have as many as 50 players (which would be 5 tables of 10) or as few as 2 (heads up). A Sit N Go with more than 10 players is played on more than one table and is known as a Multi-Table Tournaments or MTT.

Generally, the more players in the SNG, the more places are paid and the higher the prize money. Of course, with more players the tournaments are longer and there are more players to beat out.

I will use Absolute Poker as an example. Let’s say you want to play a $10+1 Sit N Go. You buy-in for $10 and pay a $1 entry fee to the casino. The entry fee is usually anywhere from 5-20% of the buy-in at most casinos. In this case it’s 10%.

Each of the 9 players would start with the same number of chips - let’s say 2000. The blinds would start low, usually 10/25. As the game progresses, the blinds will keep increasing to force action.

The buy-ins on a game like this would total $90. That money would get split between the top three finishers. First place would be $45, second place would get $27, and third place would get $18.

How long does a Sit N Go last?

A 9-player Sit N Go will usually last between 30-60 minutes. Some casinos have ‘turbo’ Sit N Go’s where the blinds go up faster. Turbo games finish more quickly. A 2-player Sit N Go, which is really just a ‘heads-up’ match, will often last a few minutes before ending.

No limit Texas Hold’em Sit N Go’s are generally faster than limit Sit N Go’s because of the ability to move ‘all-in’ gets things moving.

How do Sit N Go’s and Cash Games Differ?

The easiest way to understand the distinction is to understand that Sit N Go’s are simply tournaments where players get eliminated. Once you are out, you’re out. In a Cash Game, you can re-buy as much as you want, sit down with as much as you want, and leave whenever you want.

Here are some of the key differences:

• You can buy-in or leave anytime during a Cash Game, whereas you must enter the beginning of a Sit N Go to play.

• Sit N Go’s have a clear start (when everyone is ready) and end (when only one player is left). Ring games are ongoing.

• The blinds go up during Sit N Go’s, so in the later stages you’re forced to loosen your starting hand selection and take risks. In Ring Games, the blinds stay the same.

• There are a set amount of winners and losers in a Sit N Go. For example, in a 9 player SNG, 3 players will win and 6 will lose. In Cash Games, there is no set amount of winners or losers. You’ve won if you cash out with more than you bought in with.

Which do I prefer?

Actually, I really love playing both, but I play Cash Games more often because of the freedom of being able to leave whenever I want to. Also, it’s usually a quicker way to clear a bonus. But, from time to time I do play SNG’s and MTT’s when I know I’m able to sit down for longer periods of time.

Chane Steiner is an avid online poker player and owner of the following websites:
Chane’s Blog
Poker Bonus
Poker Trivia
Online Poker Forum

Are radical gay groups or militant organizations (like Queer Nation and Act-Up) helping to heal the breaches or throw salt in the wounds? Do they help homosexuals to be further reconciled or alienated? Are they accomplishing their goals and airing their grievances, or being contentious just for the sake of being contentious? Are they actually doing more harm than good? Defeating their avowed purpose or attaining their aims? Isn’t it immature to blame the government for not making us feel better? Is it always ‘others’ fault that we haven’t discovered a cure for AIDS yet? Don’t we have the ways and means to do something about it ourselves? How much does it cost to abstain or practice ’safe-sex?’ It’s in our power to save lives. Every person who’s had sex ought to get tested to prevent passing AIDS on and to enable yourself to start treatment immediately if you’ve been infected. To do otherwise isn’t only selfish, it’s evil. High-risk groups ought to stop and think about what they’re doing. It’s not so much a lack of education, but of character. Irresponsible behavior is the cause for so many of the effects we see or suffer daily. Don’t allow sin to emaciate you or separate you from your loved ones (Prov. 5:11; Ps. 38:11). Nobody gets a second chance.

Damaging stereotypes must go. Calloused misrepresentation is an injustice. Hollywood will be held responsible for its productions. But then again, in all fairness, aren’t the stereotypes reinforced with every passing ‘Gay Pride’ parade? Isn’t much of the damage self-inflicted? And all of the negative publicity produced, in large part, by members of the homosexual community (Isa. 3:9)?

A Time and a Place

Are you an exhibitionist? Do you always insist on exposing your sexual preference whether it’s appropriate or not? Why force the issue? We don’t have to hide, but neither should we always lay everything out in the open (Prov. 13:16). It’s not good to glory in our gory days or push our preference (Ephes. 5:12). And instead of having a gutter mouth, let’s try and be gracious for once (Ephes. 4:29). Develop discretion. Tact, wisdom and diplomacy are wonderful attributes of a true ambassador (2 Cor. 5:20). There is a time and a place for everything, but even then we should ensure we’re speaking the truth in love; facts with feelings, considering the sensitivities of others (Prov. 29:11; Ephes. 4:15; 1 Cor. 10:32). If someone’s not ready yet to hear you out, or capable of appreciating what you’re saying – why make it more difficult for them (Jn. 16:12)? Just getting something off your chest isn’t right if it’s going to adversely affect others. We are to help bear one another’s burdens, but ultimately we’re on our own (Ga. 6:2, 5).

I know there are those who would object to my use of the term ‘gay’ throughout this booklet. May they try and understand that this work’s been written to address the issue of homosexuality, and therefore, ‘becoming all things to all men,’ I’ve chosen to speak in their language. I realize the adjective’s been unjustly robbed of its former innocence, and I know that it’s not the word God would use to describe homosexuals. God calls the practice an abomination, the lifestyle loathsome, and the desires detestable (Lev. 18:22; Rom. 1:24, 26). That’s some pretty strong medicine, but we’d better take it (Rev. 3:19). If someone trys to sell you on some other idea (Ga. 1:8), don’t buy it! Don’t be fooled by smooth-talking salesmen or swallow their snake-oil (Ephes. 5:6; Rom. 16:18)!

Before you get all riled up, notice that the same ‘harsh’ God considers incest as wicked, bestiality as confusion, and baptized paganism as abominable (Lev. 18:17, 23; Deut. 12:30-31). Two wrongs don’t make a right, but I wanted to show we’ve all fallen short of the mark and have failed the test (Rom. 3:23). There isn’t any teacher’s pet! Jesus didn’t just die for straight people, He bled to death for homosexuals as well. We’ve all nailed Him to the cross and we all need Him as our Savior.

A Sinful Savior?

Did Jesus engage in sexual activities? Have an active love life? What does the Bible actually say? Not only have those openly critical of Christ cast aspersions, but others have leveled serious charges claiming Him as one of their own. What about Mary Magdalene? Did He have a relationship with her? Or the apostle John - were they lovers? Could He have been a bisexual? Or was it just a close friendship? Did Jesus simply exemplify male-bonding in its purest form, like King David did with his best friend, Jonathan?

Jesus reply to His accusers: ‘I have kept my Father’s commandments’ (John 15:10). Those commandments include instructions against all immorality. If Jesus broke even one link of this gold chain, He wouldn’t have only tarnished His good reputation, He would have disqualified Himself as our sinless Savior (1 John 3:5). But Jesus is our pure Passover Lamb (not Easter rabbit!), without any defect of character; accepted, approved, and received by Heaven.

Christ commands everyone, everywhere, to confess and forsake their sins (Acts 17:30; 1 John 1:9). We’re to leave our sinful pasts behind and get out of compromising situations fast (1 Cor. 6:18). Don’t be fooled: what you do will come back to you (Ga. 6:7)!

We’re not free to flagrantly flout God’s law (Jer. 7:8-10). We haven’t been delivered to disobey, despite appeals for ‘liberty’ (2 Pet. 2:19; Rom. 6:1-6). When God set our forefathers free from Egypt, it wasn’t for the sake of freedom alone! We weren’t left to just go our own way or do our own thing. No longer the slaves of men, we were to become the servants of God. We were expected to follow His clear-cut directions to make it to another land. A Land of Promise. A Sanctuary where we would be free to do as He instructed. God declared war on Egypt and took a slave-people to make them into His Servant-Nation!

Don’t believe the popular fairy-tales of serpentine ministers (2 Tim. 4:3-4)! They’re so confused they’d even accept brazen sinners and assure them everything’s ‘kosher’ (Jer. 23:14, 17), when it’s clearly not. They’re professing Christians, but their lewd lives contradict their claims (Titus 1:16; 1 John 2:4). Such pornographic priests had better heed God’s Word and listen to His Law (Isa. 1:10). They’re warned to stop justifying themselves and abusing God’s grace (Jude 4).

Previous Lives & Experiences

God calls people from all walks of life and performs a miracle in their minds: they’re offered a fresh perspective, given a new outlook, and enabled to try a different approach (Philip. 2:5). Their former ‘records’ aren’t held against them and they’re started out with a new attitude and identity (2 Cor. 5:17). God lists a litany of former lifestyles His people once practiced, and ends by emphasizing: ‘And such were some of you…’ (2 Cor. 6:9-11). He acknowledges, thereby, they’ve sinced cleaned up their act and stand apart from the rest. All made possible by their Advocate who’s expunged their past, gives them room to grow, a chance to change, and every encouragement to lead new lives.

But those who’ve refused to change, don’t even attempt to get up and get over it, and have given up trying - are nothing more than the living dead facing a bleak future (Rev. 21:8; Heb. 10:27). God doesn’t accept cop outs or drop outs (Luke 14:18), but expects us to keep plugging away and stay in the race (1 Cor. 9:24; Philip. 3:14). We’re to do whatever’s necessary to hang on to God and let go of sin, invigorated by the cheering examples of those who’ve already crossed the finishing line (Heb. 11; 12:1).

Recovering homosexuals haven’t denied who and what they are; they’ve owned up to it and now seek atonement. They’ve honestly admitted to themselves their problem, have sought help, and are struggling to overcome and improve. They’ve accepted Christ’s command and challenge to ‘…go and sin no more’ (John 8:11). They’re not denying that they’re horny, human, and homosexual. They haven’t gone back into the ‘closet’ - but they have gone back, time and again, into the ‘prayer closet’ to find the necessary strength to withstand temptation and continue their conversion (Acts 13:43). Those flying accusations are nothing more than shrapnel from that lying snake and murderer of mankind (Rev. 12:10). And besides, everybody must ‘come out’ from under Satan’s influence, and avoid him like the plague (Rev. 18:4; 2 Cor. 6:17)!

Sodom and Gomorrha

There is HOPE for homosexuals! Jesus even blasted certain cities of His day as worse than Sodom and Gomorrha, and indicated they would’ve repented given half a chance. He did state their ‘day in court’ would be better than those who had seen the Light and yet chose to remain in religious darkness (Mat. 10:15; 11:2-24). God condemns their spiritual preference as inexcusable. Their lust for man-made traditions was greater than their love for God’s truth.

Are homosexuals alone branded as Sodomites? Was that Sodom and Gomorrha’s only claim to fame? Actually their sins ranged from downright snobbery to a lack of compassion; full bank accounts but empty lives. Obviously there was a great divide between the rich and the poor, but they all shared sin in common (Ezek. 16:49-50).

Their ‘anything goes’ attitude and ‘do your own thing’ atmosphere, reveals how low you can go. Their descent into depravity was undoubtedly hailed as a new era of ‘understanding,’ and their tolerance level for perversion praised as being ‘open-minded.’ So open-minded their brains fell out! Yet their DESTRUCTION is intended to dramatize the end result of living the wrong way. That warning message isn’t only directed towards homosexuals (2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 7). God even refers to today’s RELIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENT as ‘Sodom and Egypt…’ - too PROUD AND STUBBORN to change (Rev. 11:8)! We’re reminded that this affliction affects both young and old, high and low, rich and poor (Gen. 19:4, 11). Sin doesn’t discriminate. Iniquity accepts all.

Regardless of our sexual orientation, we’re to get as far away as possible from our old haunts and tired ways. We shouldn’t look back upon those days (daze) with longing. Don’t linger in the past or you’ll forfeit your future (Gen. 19:15-17). God’s prepared something far better for us: a sparkling City that’s ‘out of this world,’ a wonderfully warm and loving Home, and a Country that really does care (Rev. 21:2). Jesus has promised to personally insure our part and parcel in God’s Kingdom (John 14:1-2). He should be interested: He staked His life on us! Jesus became human so we could become divine (Heb. 2:10)! We’re assured that even as we’re presently human-beings, we’re capable of becoming God-Beings (John 3:3-7; Ps. 82:6). These are bold claims and astonishing statements, but it’s past time that you’ve been told the plain truth and given a fair chance to consider it (Luke 4:32; Isa. 52:15; John 16:29).

A Change For the Better

Only by a resurrection can our conversion be made complete; our miraculous transformation from matter to spirit, from mortal to immortal, from human to divine (1 Cor. 15:49-53). Could it be any other way? As members of the Royal Family of God it’s only befitting that we should be glorified. The gospel - THE GOOD NEWS - of the Kingdom of God is a true rags to riches, dust to divinity story (Ps. 113:7-8)! Pardon the analogy, but would Cinderella have gone to her ball inappropriately dressed? Neither shall we be presented to Christ in any other manner: only the best will do (Rev. 19:8).

As prominent Priest-Kings, reigning with but under Christ (Rev. 5:10; Dan. 7:27), our clothing and appearance must be immaculate (Mat. 17:2; 1 Jn. 3:2). Understand, therefore, that even as we’ll reside in splendor and rule in glory (Mat. 19:28; Rev. 3:21), so too must our very bodies become brilliant (Philip. 3:21); the last Trump heralds our change of clothing and composition (1 Cor. 15:52; 2 Cor. 5:1-5; Ps. 17:15). The resurrection invests us with this power and affords us this hope (Rev. 2:26; Acts 26:6-8)! If we’re ever going to make it, we’ve got to keep this VISION of God’s Kingdom-Family clear to us, careful not to let it dim or lose its luster (Prov. 29:18). It must become our driving force and motivation (Mat. 6:33).

Vision inspires motivation which encourages discipline. Some restrain themselves - not because of character, but fear of the consequences. That’s a beginning, but God hopes we pass that starting point (Prov. 1:7). As we grow more spiritually mature, love is to gradually replace fear as our reason for obeying God (John 4:18).

Mindful of all that God’s done for us, we’re to develop an attitude of gratitude that expresses itself in loving obedience (Luke 7:47). This all-important love strengthens our resolve to do the right thing, to grace the Gospel, and compliment.the Kingdom (1 Thes. 2:12; Titus 2:10). Even this loving desire to fulfill God’s Will is his gift (Rom. 2:4; 5:5). God initiates our relationship with Him, but we must continue it (John 6:44; 15:14). After our favorable response, God then supplies the strength of character, the courage of conviction, and an extraordinary will-power to secure our friendship as a lasting one (Philip. 2:13; 2 Tim. 1:7).

Everyone Has Problems

The Christian life isn’t exempt from the trials and tribulations that everyone experiences. the difference is that God promises to pull us through. If He doesn’t deliver us from some circumstance or situation, He will help us to hold up. Remember: diamonds are nothing more than coal that’s been put under a lot of pressure!

God will never forget or forsake us, and He’ll never allow anything to come between us (Rom. 8:35-39). He promises to impart sufficient grace to enable us to survive whatever might come our way (2 Cor. 12:9; 1 Cor.10:13). All of these problems can help produce God’s character in us and contribute considerably to our cause (1 Pet. 1:7).

When the weight of worldly cares start to get you down, and seems too overwhelming, don’t get discouraged! Be encouraged to go to God for help. That’s how recognizing your own weaknesses can become your strength. Once we accept that sometimes we’ll have to go through ‘hell’ before Heaven is established on earth, we’ll be better prepared for the ‘unexpected’ by knowing that there is a method to this madness and a purpose for this pain (2 Cor. 4:17).

Such an understanding helps us to put everything into perspective and enjoy a clearer focus, reassured that there is a happy ending to it all (Rom. 18:28; Ecc. 7:8). We don’t always know what’s going on or why God does (or doesn’t do) this or that, but our faith comforts us that ‘Father knows best’ and is in control of events that might appear out-of-control (John 13:7; Mat. 27:53); therefore, refuse to get upset with God’s way of handling things or bother second-guessing Him (Mat.11:6).

One of the most difficult things to accept is God’s apparent inaction. Especially when you’re convinced of His ability to do something. We’ve just got to calm down and rest in the fact that He’s obviously working out something that we can’t see now, but will understand later.

Why didn’t He set John the Baptist free? Wouldn’t that have glorified God, revealing His power to over-rule the Romans? Instead He left him to ‘rot’ in jail and later lose his head. Why didn’t He save Lazarus from his terminal illness? Or come down off the cross? Faith and patience….

David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe’s Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out the Beyond Babylon blog

If you have a Web site, you have already done so much work just building it. But you are going to need exposure. Why build something great if people don’t even know about it? White hat search engine optimization can help you score well with major search engines like Google and Yahoo. I want to share some tips that you can use to finally increase your traffic.

Importance of incoming links

You will need a lot of incoming links to even stand a chance of being highly ranked on the major search engines. The way to do that is to list with free and paid directories. Don’t expect tons of traffic from these directories, but what you should expect is relevancy for the major engines. The engines take you more seriously when you have quality links pointing into your Web site. Good places to start with directory submissions are strongestlinks.com and improvinglinks.com; both these sites list great directories and provide information on them. You will want to submit to directories with a high page rank and passes the PR.

Link exchanges

Another way to get incoming links is to exchange links with other quality sites with a similar theme to your site. Major engines such as Google will love this and reward you with higher rankings. Linkmarket and Value Exchange (free) are great places to start with link exchanges.

Keep adding quality content

To stay on the search engines friendlier side, just keep writing rich content with great keywords. Make sure there are no broken links on your site before you submit… that hurts your chances of being listed.

High demand, low supply keywords

The keywords you use are very important; you simply can’t afford to guess on which ones will work best. Use wordtracker to help you decide which keyword to use—even if you are using SBI. Placing keywords in the title and in anchor links earns you extra points with the search engines.

Help and be helped with forum chat

Not only can you get good tips and advice from forums, you can always pay it forward and help others as well. Forums are another place where you can increase traffic to your website—all you have to do is leave your link at the end of each post. Remember though, most likely you are not able to blatantly advertise in forums. But you can leave a catchy signature (which should contain a link back to your site) that will lead to a click.

Spending a little more money on advertising

I know people may want to quickly read over this part, but you may have to spend a little bit more on advertising. There’s no need to go overboard with spending though. When you advertise, you should monitor your campaigns to see which methods work best for your particular business.

Starting a PPC campaign can be a great way to advertise. If you are not too familiar with Adwords I would like to quickly explain what it is all about. If you do any search using the Google search engine and then look towards the right of the screen you should see ads under the “sponsored links” section. When you use Adwords, you are going to be creating ads to go in that same area for a given keyword; everytime someone sees your ad and clicks on it, you have to pay a certain amount (hence, pay-per-click).

Article submission

Submitting your articles to directories is another great way to gain exposure for your Web site. People read your quality articles and check your site out. If it’s useful, word will get around quickly. Just remember to leave your information (i.e. about author) at the end of your article; that way if someone reprints your article in full, your name and website URL are there.

When your article legally appears on someone else’s site, you can gain traffic if they click your link after reading the article. Another bonus is that you have an incoming link from the Web site that is using your article.

Build relationships with newsletters

Having your own newsletter will gain repeat traffic. People who sign up already like you and they are willing to hear whatever you have to say. Don’t look passed a quality newsletter.

Blogging a mile

You can also use blogs to increase your traffic. It’s another way to write about what’s going own in your niche. You gain even more exposure, while helping people out with useful information. If you want to use a blog successfully, try having a form that they can fill out for questions or feedback. Once again… you will receive repeat traffic. You can find out what real every people want out of the niche or industry that you’re in.

Final thought…

Using any or all of these methods should raise your site traffic considerably.

Chris Walker is the owner of this home business site: http://www.ultimate-home-business-advice.com It has been on the Internet since January 2006. Get all the best advice on great home businesses that really work. You will have access to essential tips and resources that can only be learned from experience. He is the owner of all said material in this article.

You can distribute his material on a non-exclusive, royalty-free basis, while he retains full rights to his work. You can use his article as long as you do not change any of the content without his permission.

There is much discussion over the mandatory use of school uniforms and many parents are opposed of school uniforms in the private school because it limits self-expression and individuality. Yet, teachers and educators and many school psychologists say that it prevents clicks and means less problems with fights on campus and problems in schools.

You see schools seem to have a huge discipline problem these days because the students do not come to school disciplined as there is not discipline in the homes and many parents do not teach their children manners or force good behavior of these little rug rats.

When they get away from home they are worse and this is a huge problem in school and with larger classroom sizes, as the classes become babysitting facilities rather than places of learning.

Nevertheless the debate rages on and the students are in the middle, obviously they do not wish to wear uniforms yet private schools show that it helps in discipline and personal self-development by leveling the playing field and forcing children to work hard to develop their own skills and uniqueness and provides a little more competition in learning and academics too.

Some parents are threatening to sue public schools over the uniform issue and educators and school systems again are caught in a legal quagmire while the debate rages on. Consider all this in 2006.

‘Lance Winslow’ - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

There are two issues that will be taken into account by the lender, they’ll verify your income and probably request a down payment.

Waiting period

There is a waiting period you’ll have to face after bankruptcy has been discharged. Most lenders will require that 3 years have gone by since the discharge before even considering granting you a loan. During this time you should make sure your bills are paid on time and you don’t fall behind payments, so when you finally apply for a loan your credit will have improved considerably and you’ll be able to get a home loan without the need of money down.

Down Payment

If you intend to get a mortgage loan before this waiting period, you’ll need to meet very strict requirements. You’ll have to show that you haven’t missed a single payment nor you have late payments at all. You’ll also be required to provide a down payment in order to get approved. You’ll have to put as much as 10% of the property value down. If you can’t provide a down payment it is quite difficult to get approved but there are still other options.

You can always borrow the money from family or friends. You can always repay them since when you get the home loan you’ll be able to request a home equity loan as you’ll by then own the property. Bear in mind though, that some lenders are reluctant to accept down payments not raised directly by the applicant and you are obligated to reveal this information, so you might as well ask the lender before making such a move

There are programs that can help you with down payment too. These basically provide the seller the ability to help the buyer with the down payment which is otherwise strictly prohibited. You can ask your real estate agent for this information as they are surely able to provide it. Some lenders are also reluctant to accept this kind of transactions, but you can always try.

Another option is to apply for government grants, there are grants specially designed for helping people in this kind of situations. Consult with local offices and with your real estate agent weather you qualify or not for such aid. As opposed to the previous options, government grants do not need to be repaid so they should be the first solution to consider as you could save thousands not only by not paying back the principal but also by avoiding interests.

Where to find information

You can find all the information, contacts and figures online by searching the net, but if you feel you need some guidance you can always seek professional help. You can contact your real estate agent or you could join some of the online sites that provide access to many home loan lenders and government grants. That way you can solve this issue from the comfort of your home.

Mary Wise, a professional consultant with twenty years in the financial field, helps people in the process of securing personal loans, mortgage, refinance or consolidation loans and preventing consumers from falling into the hands of fraudulent lenders.

You can visit her site and get aid for Home Loans regardless of your credit. If the link doesn’t work, just copy badcreditloanservices.com and paste it in your browser’s address bar.

We think thousands of thoughts each day. The trouble with that is many of them are the same thoughts, day after day. If they are upbuilding and life affirming the effect is positive. You may still experience the sensation of not being able to shut off the incessant mind chatter but at least you will feel pretty good about yourself.

On the other hand if they are negative, derogatory and self-damning thoughts the effect will predictably be a loss of confidence and self-esteem. On top of it you still experience the constant mind chatter which can be tying in the best of circumstances.

Your goal is to improve your self-confidence and self-esteem. You read hundreds of self-help books. You change your hair and your clothes. You take up exercise and watch your diet. You do everything you can think of and still you aren’t feeling the way you had hoped.

“I’ll never be good enough.” Who said that? You did, probably a hundred or so times a day. In different ways amongst the thousands of other thoughts you think during the day.
Here are some of the others:

I’m so stupid.

I never do anything right.

I don’t deserve to have good things happen.

I’ll never meet anybody.

I can’t do it.

If only I was thinner, I would be happy.

I always embarrass myself.

I am sure you have some unique ones you can add to the above list. These are the negative statements we make quietly and insidiously to ourselves. We make them so often that it takes careful listening to pick them out. They bury themselves among the background music of repetitive thoughts in our heads.

If we don’t take the initiative to recognize and redirect these thoughts, there are not enough self-help books in the world that will cause us to raise our self-esteem and confidence. Reading them will not correct the underlying belief we have that we just don’t measure up. The pervasiveness of these recurring thoughts is too great and they will override any momentary uplifting affirmations we might recite.

Step one is to pick out what your negative thoughts are. Pay attention as you move throughout your day. These kinds of thoughts will often pop up when you are under stress or facing a new situation. Take note. If you can redirect the negative self-talk in the moment to a more positive statement do so. If you need to wait until later this does not let you off the hook. Take a moment at the end of the day and note the circumstances that triggered the negative thoughts.

Step two is to get an accurate perspective on the negative thoughts. Rarely are ‘always’ and ‘never’ type statements accurate; neither are the broad sweeping statements of I’m stupid, I’m worthless or I can’t. More often you may have some weaknesses in certain areas. You also have some strengths. Acknowledge them both, for if you can do that you can take steps to build up the areas where you feel a little weak.

Acknowledging the areas that you might choose to work on empowers you. The choice is in your hands. Having a weak area, an area in which you are not as confident does not define you as stupid or worthless. It does however provide you with useful information about a certain area of your life. You can then change your experience regarding that area by doing what it takes to change your weakness to strength.

If social situations or public speaking are your weakness, there are clubs that help you to increase your communication skills. If you are unsure of how to reach your goals it doesn’t mean you can never do anything right, perhaps you could use the service of a life or career coach.

Step three is to replace the negative thought with positive ones. When replacing the negative thoughts get specific. Instead of “I’m so stupid” try “I don’t know how to do that but my friend Anne knows a lot about it. I can ask her for help.”

Make any positive affirmations you use specific as well. I trust that I will find the job that will allow me to practice my skills and unique attributes in a way that I can be of the greatest help is better than, I trust I will get a job.

Negative self-talk day after day is destructive. If you are the one repeating negative thoughts it is your choice and your responsibility to change. If you challenge yourself to make the change you will start to experience improving self-confidence and self-esteem. Something you wanted all along.

Maureen Staiano is a Life Coach specializing in working with women and the unique and challenging transitions we face in our lives. Please visit Maureen at: http://www.achieveyourdreamcoaching.com/

Air mattresses are often times used for short term circumstances such as vacationing, or spending the night at your friends house after being kicked out by your girlfriend for forgetting your special day. Coincidentally, they are not necessarily thought to be the ideal of comfort and health- but in specific cases they certainly do provide a lot of pluses.

Post graduate students who are short on funds may select for air mattresses for an extended time because they provide good value with a rather top notch night’s sleep. The difficulty is air mattresses tend to be fragile, so while you are lugging it around be cautious not to scrape the sides of the air mattress, or else it will not remain a bed but rather covers for the ground you will be sleeping on.

Perhaps you are going on a road trip and/or vacationing. Air mattresses are certainly a nice option to have when you are on the road in general so that at least you will have a nice cushion to rest on after a long day’s hike.

If you are looking to buy an air mattress (it’s good to have one in storage in case you need it), there are a multitude of online sites that will allow you to compare prices, and read other people’s assessments based on their own experiences.

Typically speaking, these types of mattresses can fit into a minute area (probably the size of a medium to large-sized duffel bag), and are very light (once the air is released of course). Even with the air fully pumped into the air mattress, it’s still fairly easy to carry. Just don’t jump on it or allow your pet to play around or near it.

The cheaper air mattresses probably don’t come with their own electric pump. In which case you will need to use a separate air pump such as the one you use for your tire or recreational sports balls like basketballs and soccer balls. Usually it takes 2 minutes to 7 minutes depending on the mattress brand, and your own power levels.

Taking good care of your air mattress is vital if you want to increase it’s lifetime value to you. However you will find that after using most to any air mattress for a while, they will eventually tire out and deflate frequently. The common place air mattress should last you at least 6 months to a year and much longer depending on how well you take good care of it.

Great adjustable air mattresses guides and articles can be gotten from our website.