A Step to Spiritual Greatness

May 4th, 2008 by cerielangeli

By Paul Boyd What is worse than someone who always wins? Someone who knows they do and gloats over it. There is no pleasure in watching these types. What we might otherwise admire is destroyed by the even greater contempt we have developed for them. So what if they are good? If they behave as if they rule the world, then it is not admirable. There was a famous heavy weight boxer who modestly called himself “The Greatest”. Before his peak he was certainly mighty at his trade, and had some admirable qualities. “The Greatest” he was not. Past his peak, with body and mind going to seed, his title was an ironic joke. There was nothing left to admire. What is admirable and praiseworthy is someone who, though excelling, is humble with it. They don’t strut around with self-importance badged on their chest. They only did their best. In these people we can admire the achievement, and also the person. We praise them on two accounts. Albert Einstein, considered one of the greatest brains of recent centuries, wrote: ‘My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit, who reveals Himself in the slight details we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind’ Humility is an essential part of a believer’s character. We may get praise for something, but it does not do to bask in the glory and let it go to our head. Why should we spoil a good work? The Pharisees did some good works, but by proudly publishing their achievements “they had their reward”. They got the praise of men they wanted. They even thought they would get a guaranteed eternal reward because they were that good! No doubt they were a little surprised at Christ’s comments. Pride spoils achievement. It blinds us to our faults and makes us devalue the part that God has played. So let us not spoil our hope of salvation. Some of the greatest men in the Bible were only great because of their humility. Moses was the meekest of all the men of the earth - God’s words not ours. He had that poor speaking voice which made him feel he wasn’t up to the task. In fact, he was so humble and unassuming that he repeatedly had leadership challenges from those who felt they could do it better. Although he had good reason not to do so, Moses humbly took on the faults of others, and appealed to God on their behalf and his. What leader today would accept other people’s faults? What leader today became a leader because of their humility? What voters today would vote for someone displaying humility? What God admires is humility. We can all achieve this. Being humble is within the grasp of every one of us, whether we are incredibly gifted or good looking or whether we devalue our own abilities or lack confidence. One way to be humble is to remember past failings. The apostle Paul did this, bitterly regretting his persecution of the church. Paul may have been the greatest of the apostles, but he called himself the least. Some of the greatest men of faith were those who remembered their faults throughout their lives. In fact it was the memory of these faults that produced a humility which made them spiritually great. Sometimes God brought about difficulty and suffering in believer’s lives to help them be humble. Paul’s thorn in the flesh is the clearest example. I wonder if some of the problems in our own lives are to bring us kicking and screaming to humility? The good news is that we can use our faults to create our own humility. Let us not beat ourselves over the heads because of them, because we are all forgiven sinners. Rather we should have a healthy appreciation of our limitations, and behave as though we appreciate them. One behaviour pattern that doesn’t help is that of comparing ourselves with others. “Oh, we’re are not as bad as so-and-so.” So-and-so may well be chosen because we can easily match them. God’s advice is that it is not wise to compare like this. If we compare ourselves with Christ, that will soon wipe the smirk off our face. Humility with excellence is wonderful to behold. Strength and power in the hands of the kind and gentle is awesome. Knowledge and understanding only used for good is truly great knowledge and true understanding. Only God achieves this. The real gentle giant. Praise Him alone and not oneself. Christ showed the way. “Don’t call me good. No one is good but God”. Compared to God, we are bits of dust and ash. We are like ants. Less than a worm. So why should we boast? The first step to spiritual highness is through our humble lowness. This step is one which we must all take. Paul Boyd is the editor of Way Ahead, a Christian magazine, and a regular contributor to the Bible Quiz and Puzzle site. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Boyd http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Step-to-Spiritual-Greatness&id=203631 bad credit car loan delaware online car loan calculator cash advance massillon ohio fast personal loans

Outdoor Lighting Can Transform Your Garden Into A Magical Nightscape

May 1st, 2008 by cerielangeli

By Kalwant Rana A garden is an extension of your home and it can offer an escape into the healing beauty of Nature, away from the problems and vexations of routine life. When you return home after a long day at work, nothing could be more pleasant than to sit out on a patio overlooking your property with a cup of tea and allow the calm loveliness of the garden soothe your worries and tensions away. Is the enjoyment of your garden to be limited by the hours of daylight? The answer to such a dilemma is outdoor lighting. With efficient an outdoor lighting fixture, night can transform your garden into a magical nightscape, giving extra depth and dimension with the play of light and shadow over the grounds. And with the technology of solar outdoor lighting, you can save money on your electrical bills as well! Outdoor lighting is no easy task and is best left to a professional, while proper lighting can bring your landscape alive with a subtle beauty, the wrong kind of lights and lighting techniques could turn your ‘garden’ by day into a barren desert at night. To avoid that scenario, when you design and plan a lovely sanctuary for your self and family, it is natural you would want the very best for your time, money, and efforts, with no compromise on quality. With skillful planning, any plot of land can be transformed into a beautiful Eden! Outdoor lighting can be electrical, gas, or even lit by oil. Invested with a timeless charm, gas lights are best suited for garden parties, providing soft yet adequate illumination. An advantage of the gas light is that, when electricity fails, it can be used for emergency lighting purposes. Oil lights are another attractive choice for gardens. Oil lights emit a warm, flickering light that appears most beautiful when glinting amid garden shrubbery. With light, the oil lamp also gives out heat, making it an excellent choice for outdoor occasions in chilly weather. Solar lights are environmentally friendly and help conserve energy. However, because of their cheap and efficient nature, electric lights are the most popular and are the usual choice for outdoor lighting. Electrical outdoor lighting is very versatile, and comes in different types of lights and light fittings that can enhance the visual appeal of any landscape. The Bollard outdoor light incorporates electrical light fittings in a standard bollard. There are tall and short bollards that offer different lighting effects. These lights can be used to line garden paths and driveways for lighting and adornment. Exterior wall lights are usually installed in garages, porches, entry ways, and sides of houses; where stronger light is called for. With In ground lighting fixtures, skillfully uplight trees, walls, or any other special outdoor feature, the light can be installed on ground level in concrete, tiles, wood and even on the lawn. The Step Light is the perfect lighting system to illuminate steps and grounds, where required. Step lights can be fitted flush into masonry or woodwork. Pool Lights are a range of light fittings to light up your swimming pools and garden ponds, for that surreal aqua radiance. Using a wide range of outdoor lighting products, it is possible to combine a range of lighting effects to create an impressive panorama. Washing, shadowing, downlighting, and uplighting are different lighting techniques that are used to highlight those special features in a landscape. In fact, lighting products can be so ornate and elegant that the light fittings themselves can appear as focal points in a garden! Some of the established brands that supply quality outdoor lighting equipment are Denman, Hadco, Hunza, Konstsmide, Martin Muller, and Steinel. Kalwant Rana is A Freelance Writer For http://www.anyoutdoorlighting.com You Can Find Lots Of Useful Information About All Kinds Of Outdoor Lighting and other landscape decor. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kalwant_Rana http://EzineArticles.com/?Outdoor-Lighting-Can-Transform-Your-Garden-Into-A-Magical-Nightscape&id=431319 how to add rent to credit report bad credit mortgage lenders mobile home finance bad credit fix negative credit

Lipo Boom Reality

April 28th, 2008 by cerielangeli

By Barry Lycka Are you feeling down and out? Do you feel even worse when you look in the mirror? Cosmetic surgeons tell us you are not alone. They say the popularity of reality television shows like ABC TVs Extreme Makeover has led to an increasing boom in cosmetic surgery. You may be one of the many people who are not happy with the way you look. Look in the mirror right now and tell me what you see. Do you see flabby thighs, a sagging chin or a tubby tummy? If so, then liposuction could be just what the doctor ordered. Liposuction is also known in the medical arena as lipoplasty or lipo for short. Lipo surgically removes excess fat from deposits beneath the skin in many areas of the body. The procedure sounds like it hurts. Surgeons use a hollow stainless steel tube called a cannula. The cannula is hooked up to a vacuum. It is inserted into an incision in the skin. Fat deposits are then gently sucked out of the body. It didnt hurt at all, says 25-Year old Jenn Rogers. Rogers is the mother of three year old twins. She decided to have lipo to get her post baby abdomen back. She says, I tried so hard through exercise and diet to do it. But, nothing I tried would work. Liposuction is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery for that very reason. It targets the areas of fat wed like to shoot away. It is commonly used to reduce fat in the abdomen, hips, butt, thighs, chin, neck, back, chest and arms. Can you believe that doctors also use lipo on the knees, ankles and calves? As you can see, liposuction will work on just about anywhere you see fat and want to hide it! It sounds like it hurts, doesnt it? Well, the amount of pain depends on individual circumstances. Liposuction can be achieved painlessly by local or general anesthesia. However doctors consider liposuction a mild surgical procedure. It is performed using a general or local anesthesia. A heavy IV sedation is also used in some cases. Recent advances have done a lot to ease the pain. Doctors can now precisely target fat areas which help to reduce recovery times. Despite the recent popularity, lipo has actually been around for more than a decade. I had my first liposuction in 1992. It was before anyone even knew about it. I wanted to reduce the signs of aging in my face, says retired school teacher, 69 Year Old Rebecca Long. The grandmother of three has had three additional procedures since then. She laughs, People now confuse my daughter with being my sister. I dont know if thats good for her, or bad! You may be wondering whether liposuction is for you. Some folks figure if they have the greenbacks then they can do it. But, whether you have the money to pay for it is just one of the factors you should consider. It is important that a surgeon be board certified for the technique that they are going to use. Youll want to look at his or her experience and safety record. Liposuction is not risk free. There are many things that can go wrong. Complications can occur due to a poor judgment on the part of the doctor. The better educated you are on the procedure, the greater you chances of spotting a problem before it occurs. You should be concerned about disfiguring skin irregularities that can occur if the surgeon tries to take too much fat away in one procedure. The use of a large cannula can also affect the outcome of your procedure. Large cannulas remove fat quickly. However, they are more likely to lead to skin irregularities then small cannulas do. Small cannulas are less than 3 millimeters in diameter. Theres a strong chance youll need a large cannula depending on the amount of fat you need taken away. Surgeons use the small cannulas during the Tumescent Procedure. The American Medical Association says this technique when used with local anesthesia is the safest. Under this method, the diluted local anesthesia lasts for hours reducing the need for narcotic pain relief. Doctors say there have been no reported deaths under this procedure. In addition, even if its used with general anesthesia, Tumescent Procedure is safe if theres no large fat removal. There is another surgical method that utilizes a modified version of the Tumescent Procedure. This modified version combines local anesthesia with general anesthesia or IV sedation. General anesthesia and IV sedation may be dangerous when used alone, just imagine the danger when theyre put together. As a result, an anesthesiologist must be on hand to handle the administration. Youll also want to make sure that you dont have any other surgical procedures the same day as your liposuction. Youll want to avoid long term exposure to anesthesia because its dangerous. Taking away a large amount of fat can lead to serious complications. Also, removing an excessive amount from too many areas can also be dangerous. Youll also want to make sure that you dont have any other surgical procedures the same day as your liposuction. Healing can occur quickly thanks to all the advances in liposuction. Liposuction recovery times are shorter today than a couple of decades ago. You can return to a normal lifestyle within four after surgery with most procedures. However, a little bit of local anesthetic remains in your system. It is later absorbed into the blood stream. Would you believe that draining the anesthetic solution out of your incision actually speeds your rate of healing? It also reduces swelling and bruising after surgery. Drainage is also speeded up by leaving the incisions open instead of closing with sutures. Your surgeon can also make tiny holes in your skin to force drainage. Your surgeon may also encourage you to spandex clothes to promote more drainage. Your surgeon can also drain it through absorptive pads that are placed over your incisions. Despite the surgical concerns, liposuction is changing lives like Jenn and Rebeccas. It can improve body posture and image ultimately leading to a happier, healthier, you. About The Author Barry A. S. Lycka is an internationally known cosmetic dermatologist and surgeon who practices in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where he has worked from 1989. Recently, Dr. Lycka was chosen as Alberta’s Dream Makeover Doctor. For more information you can visit his website at http://www.BarryLyckaMD.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Lycka http://EzineArticles.com/?Lipo-Boom-Reality&id=18376 dc bad credit loan credit scores chart good credit score how do i remove a judgment off my credit report

Collectible Coins - Are They Worth Anything?

April 26th, 2008 by cerielangeli

By Hayley Tate Many people find collecting coins a fascinating and exciting hobby. But if you’re going to start a coin collection, it’s a good idea to have some idea how much coins are worth. If you know the value of a coin, then it’s easier to find good deals. You can also ensure you don’t get cheated into paying far too high a price for a low value coin. Coin collecting is no different to most other marketplaces - it’s all about supply and demand. If there’s lots of one particular coin available, then chances are it’s not going to be worth much. But if there are only a few good specimens of that type, then its value will be high. Which is why you great strange anomalies in coin collecting, such as 2,000-year-old Roman coin that’s worth under $100, whereas a 1943 copper penny is worth over $200,000. Many thousands of the Roman coins were minted and have since been found, but there were only 40 copper pennies made in 1943, thanks to the war. It can happen, too, that different coins may have similar numbers in circulation, but one will be worth a lot more than the other. That’s because some coins have more appeal for collectors, which drives up their value. Some coins are popular simply because they’re really well designed and nice to look at, others because they form part of a popular set, and others simply because they have some historical significance. The metal used to mint a coin is also important in determining value. Some contain precious metals such as gold bullion or platinum. Generally these coins have less volatile values because to some extent the material used to mint them determines their value. A gold bullion coin will usually be worth more than its minted weight, as an example, but it’s never going t be worth less. The final factor in determining a coin’s value is grade or classification. If a coin has undergone a lot of wear and tear, then its value will drop. That’s why uncirculated coins are very popular with collectors and are worth more than coins that have been in general circulation. Uncirculated coins have usually been kept in almost perfect condition, and so their value is high as a result. It’s possible for a coin in flawless condition to be worth hundreds of times more than a low-grade version of the same coin. Now that you have an understanding of the basic factors that determine a coin’s value, you will be better able to judge which coins are likely to have some value and which are worthwhile. You need to start by determining a coins grade or classification. There are published guidelines you can use as a checklist to determine the coin’s grade. Then check the value of the coin in a guide such as “The Standard Catalog of World Coins”. You should be able to find a copy in your local library. If you really want an accurate idea of the value of a coin, take it to a coin dealer, and get an accurate evaluation. If you want to read more about coin collecting, click over to Hayley’s site at http://www.coinsforyou.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hayley_Tate http://EzineArticles.com/?Collectible-Coins—Are-They-Worth-Anything?&id=328443 law suit against doctors for wrong credit reporting loans for people with bad credit equipment financing for bad credit home equity loan for bad credit

Work Party for the kids

April 24th, 2008 by cerielangeli

By Gail Leino The kids will soon express an interest in going to work with mommy or daddy and even in what theyll do when they grow up and a work party can satisfy their desires. This can lead to a lot of trips to the library to pick up books on their latest obsession. You can easily turn this into a chance to create an impromptu work party. Work parties can take many forms. You can have a work party that focuses on one job in particular, for example if your child is interested in studying dinosaurs, and then you can combine work with a dinosaur party and have a perfect and educational time. There are lots of party supplies that can make this a fun experience too. Pick up some inflatable dinosaurs and for party favors get plastic shovels and buckets so the kids can have their own expedition. While at the party kids can learn all about the stuff they need to learn to get one of many jobs. Or you can have a plain old dress up work party and just invite the kids dressed up in a work uniform. Decorate your party with paper supplies related to many different jobs, American heroes plates, Oscar themed tablecloths and musical instruments for favors. This is actually a great party to have if you are looking to use up some older party supplies. While at the party the kids can talk about the job they dressed up for and you can even set up guessing games and have the other kids try and guess what each is dressed up for. For fun have them clock in when they get to the party and clock out when its time to leave. When they do leave you can pay them with a goodie bag filled with treats like customized pens and pencils and stickers, throw in some chocolate foil covered coins for their pay. Mrs. Party… Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for birthday party supplies and fun free educational party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Party Themes to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or “just because” parties is at the Party Theme Shop. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino http://EzineArticles.com/?Work-Party-for-the-kids&id=431430 equifax credit scores laptops bad credit what needs to be to credit score to refinance what is a charge off on a credit report

The 8 Most Effective Weight Loss Secrets

April 22nd, 2008 by cerielangeli

By Joe Rogers, Jr. The real key when you begin your weight loss program is coming upwith a balanced healthy meal plan. Be certain to plan ahead. The idea here is to set realistic and attainable goals for yourdiet program. Your planning will be essential to your success. Start by following the simple guidelines below. Nutritional and Healthy Meal Guidelines 1. Commit to consuming 4 - 6 small meals and snacks everyday. 2. For success, it is essential you plan ahead. Prepare your foodsthe night before. Always keep fresh produce and low-fat snacks nearby. 3. K.I.S.S. Keep it simple sexy. Begin by planning many meals withsmaller portions. If you get wrapped up in minute details, you’ll losefocus on the big picture: Long term healthy eating habits, attainableweight loss goals. 4. Eat slower. The first one done doesn’t get a prize. When you eatslower, you’re stomach gets a chance to fill up and metabolize. BR> 5. Select healthier foods like low fat meats, fish and skinlesspoultry, low-fat or nonfat dairy products,fresh produce like fruitsand vegetables. Also whole grain breads, cereals and beans. 6. Hi caloric foods are usually high in fat and must be avoided. Pretty much anything for sale in a Quicky Mart. Processed foods oranything in a wrapper usually carry ingredients like high fructose orcorn syrup and such. 7. Until someone comes up with the all Pop Tart Diet, foods thatare high in sugars such as pastries, candy bars, pies and candywill be completely off limits. 8. Consume a wide selection of fruits and vegetables in yourweight loss plan. Begin now by eating a total of five (5)fruit and vegetable servings every day. Here is a real good example of a healthy low fat meal plan (1517 calories). Breakfast Amount Item 12 ounces coffee-w/caffeine 1 cup Milk 1 tbps cream,fluid,half and half 1 pack Oatmeal-instant,maple,brn sugar Quaker AM Snack 1 cup Cottage cheese- 1%fat 0.5 cup Pineapple-canned, chunks Lunch 2 each bread whole wheat-slice 1 cubic” cheddar cheese .15 cup mayo 1 ounce turkey breast/white meat .25 small Tomato-small PM Snack 8 each Cracker/Nabisco-Low Saltines 1 ounce Turkey/white meat Dinner 5 ounces Halibut - broiled 1 cup rice-white cook steamed 2 tbps Thousand island-reduced cal. Kraft 0.5 cup Vegetables - mixed, frozen, boiled 1 small salad-sm. Garden w/tomato, onion 1 tsp Sugar-white 12 fl oz Tea-prepared w/tap water Good planning begins with a good shopping list. Print this out andtake it with you the next time you go to the store. Grocery List Food Quantity Apple - medium with peel 7 each Banana - medium 8 inch 7 each Bread whole wheat - slice 14 each Broccoli 7 spears Cheerios 10.5 cups Chicken Breast / White Meat 28 ounces Coffee- w/caffeine 84 ounces Cream, fluid, half and half 7 tablespoons Halibut - broiled 35 ounces Mayo type, reg., w/salt 1 cup Milk - 2 % fat 7 cups Orange - medium 7 each Sugar - white 14 tea spoons Rice - white 7 cups Thousand island (reduced cal) 7 table spoons Turkey Breast / White Meat 14 ounces Tea 82 ounces Once again planning ahead is essential to your successfully attainingyour weight loss goals. Preparing a good meal will be worth it. Joe Rogers, Jr. has lost 40 pounds and kept if off for over 5 years.Let him show you how by visiting locarbdietfitness.com/for more articles like this. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Rogers,_Jr. http://EzineArticles.com/?The-8-Most-Effective-Weight-Loss-Secrets&id=311961 freee quifax credit report credit turned down guranteed bad credit loans fha loans for bad credit credit report trans union

Finance is Within Your Reach - Getting a Personal Loan with Bad Credit

April 20th, 2008 by cerielangeli

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kate_Ross]Kate Ross Bad Credit Someone with bad credit will usually be accustomed to getting declined by lenders, loan denials will be the law and most certainly an approval would be the exception. However this doesnt have to be the rule, there are lenders specialized in dealing with bad credit applicants and have a variety of loan options for each credit situation. Bad Credit Personal Loans help people with bad credit to get access to cash and also aid them in rebuilding their credit as long as they pay on time and dont miss payments. There are lenders willing to take the risk and offer this kind of loans for people with bad credit, no credit or even bankruptcy. How to get Started The first thing you need to do is find out how bad your credit score is. In order to know this you need to pull a credit report, go through the report carefully and if anything stated there is inaccurate or wrong, you should get it rectified immediately. Credit agencies make mistakes more often than you may think. Different Uses The loan amount can be of course used for any purpose, you can go on vacations, buy a new car, pay for education, medical bills, etc. Or you could even payoff outstanding loans and credit card debt which of course will contribute to increase your credit score and help you obtain loans with lower interest rates in the future. Finding a Lender When determined to obtain a Bad Credit Personal Loan, you should pay special attention to the different lenders available. There are online sites offering access to many lenders and these kind of online applications are fast, secure and low cost. Since more and more lenders are willing to offer this type of loans youll be surprised at how many options youll be presented and how interest rates have been reduced due to the high competition that exists in this type of loan market Bad Credit Personal loans are the right option for you if you are willing to get rid of the bad credit label. Use the money wisely and youll soon be back on the right track. Debt is a trap, but a trap you can escape from, get a bad credit personal loan and start rebuilding your credit. Once youve repaid your loan, youll have raised your credit score significantly and youll be able to access cheaper finance. At this point, you should also start putting money aside to build a savings amount youll be able to use if an unexpected situation rises and you wont have to worry about having bad credit anymore. Kate Ross is a professional consultant with fifteen years in the financial field. She helps people in the process of securing personal loans, mortgage, refinance or consolidation loans and prevents consumers from falling into financial scams. If you need more financial aid visit her [http://www.speedybadcreditloans.com]Website or just copy speedybadcreditloans.com and paste it in your browsers address bar. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Ross http://EzineArticles.com/?Finance-is-Within-Your-Reach—Getting-a-Personal-Loan-with-Bad-Credit&id=260353 debt consolidation loan for home owner lock credit report bad credit special finance north plainfield credit report charge offs

This Is How You Grow Sprouts

April 19th, 2008 by cerielangeli

By Travis Waack Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a great source of vitamins, fiber, protein, anti-oxidants, and enzymes. A sprout is produced when a seed starts growing into a vegetable. Sprouts can grow from the seeds of vegetables, from grains such as buckwheat, and from beans. While Mung beans are perhaps the most common source of sprouts, you can also obtain good results from lentils, soybeans and chickpeas just to name a few. Sprouts can be grown almost anywhere and the best part is you only need a few basic supplies to get started. By following a few simple steps, you can receive a continual supply of nutritious sprouts. While there are several commercial products available to cultivate sprouts, here are three of the easiest methods to help you get started. - Growing Sprouts in Flower Pots - 1. Start with a clean clay or plastic flower pot. Make sure there is a hole in the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage. Then place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin in the bottom of the pot over the hole so that the seeds/beans cannot fall out. 2. Next, soak the seeds or beans overnight and then put them in the pot. Remove any that are broken or damaged. Cover the plant pot with a dish. 3. Once a day, hold the pot under running water for a few minutes. This is to soak the seeds/beans thoroughly. 4. Once the sprouts begin to show, remove the dish and cover the pot with a piece of clear plastic wrap to let in the light. Place the sprouting pot near a window that allows daylight but is not in direct sunlight. - Growing the Sprouts in Trays - 1. Soak the seeds or beans overnight. Remove any that are broken or damaged before you begin the sprouting process. 2. Select a low, flat dish (like a pie plate) or tray. You can purchase growing trays wherever planting supplies are sold. 3. Next, spread out a 2-inch layer of soil and then sprinkle the soaked seeds or beans on top of the soil. 4. Cover the seeds/beans with four layers of damp newspaper. 5. Cover the top of the tray with clear plastic wrap. 6. When the sprouts start to lift the plastic cover, (usually about three days) remove the newspaper. 7. Place the tray in a window so that the light can turn the sprouts green. You will need a space to place the sprouting tray that receives daylight but is not in direct sunlight. 8. Because the thin layer of soil dries out quickly, water twice each day. 9. After about 8-10 days, you will have sprouts tall enough to harvest. - Growing Sprouts in a Jar - 1. Soak the seeds, grains, or beans in lukewarm water overnight in a wide-mouth glass jar. Remove any that are broken or damaged before you begin the sprouting process. (Sprouting increases the seed volume. 4- tablespoons will be sufficient for a quart size container.) 2. In the morning, pour off the water in the jar and rinse the seeds/beans thoroughly. 3. Place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin over the mouth of the jar. Use a rubber band to hold the material securely in place. This makes rinsing easier. 4. To keep the sprouts constantly damp, repeat the rinsing 2-3 times a day. Remember to drain any excess water because the sprouts should not stand in water. 5. Keep the jar away from the light for the first few days. 6. When the seeds/beans begin to sprout, (usually about the forth day) move the jar into the light to activate the chlorophyll and turn the sprouts green. - Harvesting and Storing the Sprouts - Newly germinated grain, seed, and sprouts, increase in food value in the very first period of growth. Grains should be harvested and eaten from when they are six days old until they are 4-5 inches tall. To harvest, just take your kitchen scissors and cut what you need. Sprouts from beans, peas, etc., are ready earlier and can be eaten when they are 3-6 days old, depending on the type of sprout. For spouts grown in no soil or in seed trays, you can harvest the green “grass” when it starts to grow. Sprouts, from grain sown in jars, are ready sooner and are edible even before they turn green. Seeds sown in soil take a little longer. If necessary, wash the sprouts thoroughly to remove the seed coat. Sprouts need to be stored in the refrigerator once they are ready to eat. Put the sprouts in tight sealing bags, and they will remain flavorful and crisp for one to two weeks. Rinsing the sprouts daily under cold water can extend their life. Sprouts may be frozen by blanching them over steam for three minutes and then cooling them in ice water. Drain them and pack into freezer containers. - Some of the Kinds of Seeds/Beans You Can Sprout - The following list gives some of the popularly sprouted seeds/beans. It is not all inclusive as you can sprout almost any kind of seed. Remember that seeds soak up 2-3 times their dry volume in water and sprouts need at least six times the volume occupied by the seeds. So be sure that your container is large enough, and start with a minimal amount of seed in a container like a jar, until you determine the correct quantity that will grow to the sprout size you like, without being difficult to remove. Your local garden shop or health food store will carry a line of seeds for sprouting. When purchasing seeds for sprouting, be certain that the seeds are intended for food and not for planting. This precaution is necessary because some seeds meant for planting have been treated with fungicides or insecticides to protect the young seedlings when planted in a field or garden. Alfalfa - should be soaked for 6-12 hours. The seeds can be planted in the pots or jars and also in the flats with soil. 1-part seed gives 10-parts sprouts in approximately 5-6 days. Sprouts can be eaten after 3 days. When the root is 1-2 inches long, it will begin to develop tiny green leaves. At this stage, it needs to be eaten immediately so the plant will not switch to photosynthesis that exhausts the stored food in the seed. Peas - when soaked in a glass jar, will grow sprouts in about 3 days. When the roots are 2-inches long, they are ready to eat. 1-part peas gives 2-parts sprouts. Lentils - can be grown in either a glass jar or a plant pot and need to be soaked for 12-hours. The sprouts are ready in 3-4 days. Lentil sprouts are ready to be eaten when the root is 1-inch long. 1-part lentils gives 6-parts sprouts. Barley, Oats, and Rye - should be soaked for 12-hours and then can either be grown as “grass” to harvest, or sprouts ready to eat after 3-4 days. The ideal length for eating is about 1/2-inch. 1-part seed gives 2-parts sprouts. Soybeans - can be grown in a glass jar or a pot. They need to be soaked for 12-hours and sprouts are usually ready after 3-5 days. They are ready to eat when the root is 2-inches long. 1-part beans gives 4-parts sprouts. Mung Beans - after soaking for 12-hours, these beans can be grown by any method. Mung beans are the most commonly grown sprouts and are usually ready to eat after 3-5 days. When the bright, white root grows from 1-2 inches long, they are ready to eat. 1-part beans gives 4-parts sprouts. By growing your own sprouts, you will save yourself money because it is less expensive to buy sprout seeds and grow and harvest the sprouts yourself, than it is to buy the sprouts from a market. Sprouting at home takes only a few minutes a day, and can produce a good part of your daily requirements of the nutrients you need from fresh produce. The hassles are minor, the costs are low, and the freshness is wonderful. Travis Waack is an author and webmaster. 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Getting Married Soon? Five Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Say “I Do”

April 16th, 2008 by cerielangeli

By Rod Louden After what was hopefully at least a 2-year courtship, you now find yourself engaged. Youre excited and nervous as the big day approaches. You think youve got all the important questions asked and answered. Are the guests seated properly? Did we give the florist a deposit? Are all the relatives travel and lodging arrangements finalized? Has everything been done that needs to be done? While these are all important questions, many people fail to take the time to ask themselves key questions about how their life will change after they say I do. Here are five key questions to ask yourself before you say those two life-altering words. 1) How do I expect my life to change once Im married? (Think it wont? Yikes!). Everyone enters into a marriage with expectations about how the marriage will satisfy his or her needs. Problems arise when these expectations go unmet and feelings of disappointment start to seep into the emotional connection between the couple. At lot of times, this is due to one partner expecting the emotional connection to intensify and the other expecting things to stay as they have been. Therefore, it is very important that you openly talk with your partner about what you expect from the relationship, emotionally, financially, physically, and how you view your future together playing out. Failure to do so may lead the two of you down a bitter path culminating in divorce. 2) How happy am I with our travels through the four seasons? (And, Im not talking about a casual stroll through the lobby of a ritzy hotel!). Well functioning relationships are able to survive difficult times and grow as the environment around them changes. Just as one needs to prepare for a harsh winter, a couple needs to devise a blueprint for how they are going to get through tough times. All couples experience situations that test their commitment to each other and their compatibility. This is why I wrote at least a 2-year courtship in the opening paragraph. When you first are dating, its like summerpeaceful, calm, exciting, and warm. Then winter comes and things often get harder. No longer is one focusing on being on his or her best behavior and ones baggage surfaces. If you havent experienced all four seasons of your partner to be, maybe you should push back the wedding date. If you have, what did you learn about yourself and your partner? Is your relationship going to be like living in Los Angeles where the change of seasons are hardly noticeable, or is it going to be like living in the Colorado Rockies? If the two of you are having wild emotional swings getting married isnt the answer. 3) Why am I getting married? (Because thats what Im supposed to do?!) Most of us know the fairy tale where the prince rescues the damsel in distress and they ride off into the sunset to a place called Happily Ever After. Many of us think, in some way, that there is truth to this insipid tale. It has been my experience that rescue missions usually end up with the rescuer getting his or her butt kicked as the damsel is in distress, due to her own choices, which cant be fixed by the rescuer. In our modern world, both men and women attempt to rescue, just as both men and women can be a damsel in distress. Happily Ever After has a little known subtitle, Just as long as you work your butt off and are not trying to save anybody or hope to be rescued from yourself. Thus, make sure to answer this question as honestly as possible. And, ask your partner this question as well. If getting married has anything to do with living out a fairy tale, you may want to reevaluate the situation. 4) Have you fallen in love? (If the answer is Yes, have you gotten up?) When asked why one is getting married, a common answer is because Ive fallen in love. To me, the word falling is associated with painful things. I fell down, I fell off the chair, or I fell off a cliff, to name a few. Whoever first coined the phrase falling in love knew what s/he were talking about. This wise person knew that with love comes pain. Within every successful relationship there exists a healthy level of emotional pain that a couple uses to further grow their relationship. Part of making a relationship stand the test of time is to agree to work together to solve problems. Learning how to avoid hurting each other will lessen the chances that someone will tumble and fall, causing both to suffer. Dont fall in love. Rather, build it together. 5) Who do I want to model my marriage after? (If its the paid assassins Mr. and Mrs. Smith, things might get rough for a while). Are your parents still married (were they ever)? The relationship that our parents had affects us more than most of us want to admit. It is from their teachings and behaviors that we learned about how, or how not, partners are supposed to treat each other. If they were, and still are, great role models, ask them to tell you everything that they have learned about marriage. If they werent, still ask, but also seek out advice from someone whose marriage appears to be running smoothly (I say appear, as people are great on putting a positive face on what is really a relationship in trouble). In addition, I highly recommend premarital counseling. Working with a therapist prior to getting married may prevent you from having to go to therapy to try and save the relationship in the future. Thus, having a well thought out and constructed blueprint for marriage is essential for the success of the relationship. Make sure to ask yourself and your partner as many questions as possible regarding expectations for the marriage. And remember, there is no substitute for hard work. So, get crackin! Rod Louden is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Woodland Hills, California and the author of Monster Relationships: Taming the Beasts that are Killing Your Relationships. To sign up for Rod’s free monthly relationship advice newsletter, please visit http://www.monsterrelationships.com Google Rod Louden to find more relationship articles. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rod_Louden http://EzineArticles.com/?Getting-Married-Soon?-Five-Key-Questions-to-Ask-Yourself-Before-You-Say-I-Do&id=216636 cheapest phentermine without a prescription where to purchase phentermine phentermine no prescription cod phentermine from kenwood pharmacy

Sugar Substitutes: Licorice Root

April 11th, 2008 by cerielangeli

By Denice Moffat Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)-Licorice root (the ingredient in black licorice) is a substance of which virtually everyone is aware. Licorice is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region. Oriental cultures recognize licorice for its sweetening properties. Glycyrrhizin, the active ingredient in licorice, is between 50 to 100 times sweeter than sucrose. Parts of Licorice Used: You can use the whole root (with skin or peeled), the dried powder, or the extract to naturally sweeten the things you eat and drink. It takes very little to attain sweetness. Many over-the-counter combination herbal teas sweeten and flavor their formulas with licorice. The blue-flowering plant, which looks like a pea vine, grows wild in much of southern Europe and in Asia. Licorice is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs and is found in numerous traditional formulas in many cultures because it also covers up the gross taste of other herbs. Uses of Licorice root: Licorice root has been used since ancient Egyptian times to treat upset stomachs, ulcers, asthma, chest infections, bronchitis and coughs. It is also good for clearing the throat, supporting adrenal function, arthritis and as is a mild laxative. Licorice root roots and stolons (peeled or unpeeled) may be used in its unadulterated, ground-up form as a primary sweetening compound. Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid (also knows as glycyrrhizic or glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizic acid is often touted as an ulcer-healing agent (although my clients hated it, so I no longer send it home with them. I also don’t ask them to chew the tablets.) In one clinical study, licorice root fluid extract was used to treat 100 patients with early peptic ulcer. Eighty six cases that had been unresponsive to conventional treatment were treated at a dose of 15 ml (about one tablespoon extract) four times daily for six weeks. Positive effects were reported in 90% of the cases. Licorice overdose: The bad thing about licorice is that it causes sodium retention which then raises blood pressure causing hypertension. Licorice acts to retain water in the body. Because of this, it can be a good herb for diabetes insipidus patients where the person can’t seem to drink enough water. Other side effects include edema, headaches, lethargy, and mild depletion of potassium which may result in cardiac problems when consumed excessively. Adverse symptoms of excessive glycyrrhizin consumption generally disappear shortly after a person lowers their dietary intake of products containing the sweetener. Contraindications: Licorice root should not be used for people or pets suffering with cholestatic liver disorders, liver cirrhosis, hypertonia, hypokalemia, severe kidney insufficiency. It should not be used in women who are pregnant as it can cause an increase in blood pressure, but it is OK to use during lactation. Case Study: I had just learned how great licorice root was for ulcers from one of the herb distribution companies when I first started practicing natural medicine, so I ordered a couple bottles of the deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) which is supposed to have fewer side effects if overdose occurs. Within a week, I had two ulcer cases that week, which is usually the synchronistic way things happen in my life. I didnt hear back from the first client, but the second client brought her bottle back to me, almost completely full. Have you ever tried these? She asked. Well, no, I dont have ulcers, but I do try anything I send home with cats as they wont tolerate much and you have to be particular with what you sent home with them. Well, you are going to try one now. She said assertively as she opened the bottle and whipped out one of those stinky little pills. I popped one into my mouth and chewed. Woof! I said, as I made a dash to the sink to wash my mouth out. I had NO idea! I refunded her money and learned a lot from that woman. I guess you have to use licorice root in very small doses! Im not so keen on sending home awful tasting stuff with clients any more. Id rather send capsules and homeopathic formulas home which taste better. Some herbalists say capsules dont work as well, but if you cant gag something down, and it stays on your shelf the entire month, its not going to do you any good at all for correcting the challenge you came to see me for in the first place! I think Ill just stick to eating the occasional piece of black licorice candy! I like the organic Panda brand you get at the local health food store. Heres an interesting licorice fact: Millions of pounds of licorice are imported into the United States each year, about 90% for use in flavoring tobacco products. Bizarre, huh? I wonder if smoking it causes high blood pressure. . . Dr. Denice Moffat is a practicing naturopath, medical intuitive, and veterinarian working on the family unit (which includes humans and animals) through her phone consultation practice established in 1995. She has a content-rich website at http://www.NaturalHealthTechniques.com and free internationally distributed monthly newsletter. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denice_Moffat http://EzineArticles.com/?Sugar-Substitutes:-Licorice-Root&id=420231 buy phentermine online no prescription needed cheap phentermine online pharmacy phentermine online pharmacy buy phentermine on line without prescription