Christian Novels and fictional stories--$0.99 or LESS

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Nf=bp.before_after_christmas_sale|GT+0|product.curr_sell_price|LT+100&event=AFF&p=1141372&upsell_amt=100&view=default&Nao=0

After Christmas Sales

This morning we went to JcPenny to hit up a couple sales...well, we really went there for running shoes for Brandon, but while we were there we got a couple other things. I also went to Bath & Body Works for some steals. It's amazing how inflated prices are. Most of the "sale" items at JcPenny were still well beyond my budget. For example, a sweater was marked down almost 70% off and it was still $22.50. What I did get was a good deal & I shopped carefully, not impulsively.

JcPenney sales--
Arizona Jean Co. Holiday Bear $4.60 (retails $19.99)
New Balance Running Shoes $26.84 (retails $60.00)
Hot Rocketz nerf-type thing $1.53 (retails $1.99)
Total PAID $34.65 with $10 off coupon & tax
Total SAVINGS $49.01

Bath & Body Works sales--
3 bottles of lotion @ $3.00 each = $9.00 spent (total retail $28.50 @ $9.50ea)
4 bottles of anti-bacterial hand soap @ 75% off ($1.25ea.) = $5.00 spent (total retail $20.00 @ $5.00ea)
Total SPENT $14.71 with tax
Total SAVINGS $34.50

Total spent on shopping trip $49.36
Total saved on trip $83.51


We went home after that, needing nothing else & not wanting to spend more money :-) I was so pleased with my find. Not often, but it was good. I have to ask who would have really bought all that at a retail cost of $132.87?!?!? Do you really think all the above is worth that retail cost? Inflation...

Young Adults or Teenagers?

Young Adults or Teenagers?

Historically, people my age have been referred to as young adults. However, in our modern culture, we have been termed "teenagers." The world allows "teenagers" to live lives separate from intimate relationships with their families, as the people they primarily live life with and are most influenced by are their friends, rather than their parents and siblings.

Calling me a teenager identifies me with a group of young people that tends to be wild and free from parental guidance and supervision. I personally don't like to be unsupervised with people my age because I honestly don't trust myself to maintain the things I have downloaded from my parents' teaching. I don't say this in a religious way. I'm still growing and maturing into the woman my parents are rearing me to be.

Calling a young adult a teenager is like calling a child a "kid." The meaning of the word "kid" is "rebellious goat." Why would we speak that over children we want to be obedient, submitted lambs? It feels the same when we call young adults teenagers. Referring to us as teenagers puts a label of immaturity, childishness, and sometimes even rebellion, on us. I don't want my reputation to be based on the qualities often displayed by many lost or deceived young people our culture groups into the category of teenagers.

In our society, teenagers, as well as younger children, are often seen as an irresponsible bother that get in the way of the success of adults. If the majority of parents were asked to describe their teenage son or daughter's level of responsibility, most would not have positive responses. The young adults I want to be like go above and beyond the expectations of their parents' authority. God is teaching me, one day at a time, how to avoid anything less than God's best.

We were made by a perfect God in His perfect image to reveal His beauty and character. Part of our responsibility in this calling is to act the way He acts, talk the way He talks, respond the way He responds. If we as young people strive to do these things, but are labeled by society as "teenagers" who don't typically represent the nature of God well, it can sometimes damage the confidence we're building as we diligently serve the King.

For example, a small child creates a masterpiece of blocks and runs to get his mother so she can praise his marvelous work. However, he returns with her to find that someone is tearing it down before his very eyes. Of course, his confidence would go, right along with the blocks. We're just like the child. We act the way the Lord has called us to and run to show Him our work! But when we return someone slaps us in the face by lowering us down to less than we have faithfully attempted to be. I am not implying that we are as mature and as wise as adults, but we are trying to be more than our culture expects us to be. So when people speak to us as though we're no different from the young adults that aren't trying, it's degrading.

I believe that from the beginning of time God intended for this generation of young people to rise up beyond the norm. Why would lost people want to listen to us if we're the same as them? We need to be in this world, but not of it. God smiles when we speak about a different way of life, yet in a way that draws people in, when we dress in a modest, yet stylish way, and when we serve our families with a happy heart. These counter-cultural qualities, when spoken about in ways they can relate to, are intriguing, and model God's design for His children.

ABBIE SIMMONS (15 years)
Waxahachie, Texas, USA
Thursday, 20 May 2010


Last Updated on Friday, 21 May 2010 09:47

Some Titanium Dioxide with your Milk?

The Sojourning Bracketts: Some Titanium Dioxide with your Milk?: "Some Titanium Dioxide with your Milk? For those of you who didn't know that many 'unknown' chemicals are added to plastic used in food p..."

What is in your heart?

Luke 6:35  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Matthew 15:18  But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.

Plain and simple...what you speak or talk about is a reflection of what's in your heart. Sometimes we can hid it by using other words, but it WILL come out...somewhere and someway! So what are you talking about today?

Shopping?
Love life?
Friends?
Your weight?
Your clothes?
Helping others?
What you heard about in church?
What you read in your Bible today?
How fat you think you are?
How much or what make-up you think you need to wear to be beautiful?
How a worship/praise song humbled you?
How your hair should look for tomorrow's day at school?
Who is texting who?

What you talk about is what you care about most, whether you agree or not.

Psalm 10:1-6

1 Why, LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.

3 He boasts about the cravings of his heart;
he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.

4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

5 His ways are always prosperous;
your laws are rejected by him;
he sneers at all his enemies.

6 He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.”
He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”

Yet for those who hearts are unto the Lord, fixed upon Him, striving for Him and His ways...

Psalm 37:30-31  The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice.  The law of his God is in his heart; None of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 40:1-3  I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.

Psalm 71:8  My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

Proverbs 15:2  The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Romans 10:10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Ephesians 4:29  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

James 3:9-10  With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

 Ask yourself what is REALLY in your heart. If it is on yourself, then find ways to put the focus on building up others and on God.

How to...Pick Up on Manipulative Behavior

Manipulation refers to making attempts at indirectly influencing someone else's behavior or actions. As human beings, our emotions often cloud our judgments making it difficult to see the reality behind hidden agendas or motives in different forms of behavior. The controlling aspects or shrewdness linked to manipulation are sometimes very subtle and may be easily overlooked, buried under feelings of obligation, love, or habit. In this article you'll learn some ways to pick up on manipulative behavior occurring around you, so that you can sort it rather than jump to it.

1. Understand the characteristics of a manipulative personality. They're not always obvious because they play a silent game of building up obligations toward them, that end up with you feeling guilty, pressured, and obliged to carry out things for their sake even though you're still wondering how things got to this point. Some of the characteristics of a manipulative personality include:
1. A martyr style personality. This personality type behaves as if he or she is being considerate toward others but is actually messing up considerateness with a need to be significant to you. By "martyring" themselves, they are doing things nobody has asked of them or wants them to do but in the process creates a bind when they do them. In "doing you a favor", their expectation increases that you have to return the favor. They may also complain constantly about all the things they do for you and wonder rhetorically when you're going to return this favor...
2. Excessively needy and dependent personalities. People who feel uncomfortable in their own skin, putting forth their own opinions and ideas can often hide behind manipulative behavior so that it seems as if you are responding on your own accord even though they've set up everything to have you respond directly to their neediness.
3. Narcissists. This is the archetypal manipulative personality and it's very hard to deal with this master manipulator.
4. You. Seriously, at one time or other, every single one of us practices manipulative behaviors in one form or other. It is just that for most people, manipulative actions tend to be one-off or only occasional instances rather than a purposeful map for daily living and interaction with others.
2. Note the possible types of ways in which people try to manipulate one another. There are some key behaviors that can end up in manipulation, and it's helpful to know how to spot them before walking right into them. The behaviors are set out briefly here, with the following steps providing more details along with suggestions for healthy ways to respond:
1. The guilt trip – this manipulative behavior seeks to make you feel guilty and is aimed at sending you into the land of "should" rather than standing up for your own values.
2. The assumption statement – this manipulative tactic seeks to turn your behavior into what the beholder perceives it as, whether or not their interpretation is accurate. Soon leads to a guilt trip because no matter what, your refutation is proof of the assumption.
3. He said, she said – this manipulative ploy is pseudo-sociology in action. The manipulator takes it upon themselves to tell you what someone else said was the right thing to do. It's a handy way of pushing aside the responsibility from themselves while loading it all onto you.
4. The confronting statement – this manipulative approach is about causing an argument. That way, the provoker will end up making you feel terrible over something you didn't do or say but for which you ought to feel guilty anyway and they'll get a huge chunk of sympathy with which to manipulate you all over again.
5. Self-pity: "But I'm so unloved/sick/victimized, etc." – At times each one of us has times when we're really in need of some tender self-care but long-term manipulators can make a habit of being the victim or the one needing special attention.
3. Curtail the guilt trip. Guilt trips are really high on the list of manipulative tools. If you can get someone else to feel guilty, then you're home and hosed. The trouble is, people wear out after being made to suffer guilt trip after guilt trip and the manipulator who thinks that he or she is on to a good thing here risks losing respect, friends, and being distanced by those who can't get away, such as family and co-workers. One of the key things to keep in mind when escaping the guilt trip bind is that the sooner you nip it in the bud, the better, and that it's their guilt trip, not yours. Here are some approaches to the guilt trip:
1. Recognize it. Guilt trips are usually prefaced with "If you really cared about me, you'd...", or "If you were more responsible, you'd...", or "If you were more understanding, you'd...". In each case, you can substitute the words they add in after with "do as I want". Another way of inducing a guilt trip is to tell you what you wouldn't do, for example: "I knew I'd misheard it! After all, you'd never get engaged without telling me first." In that small phrase, you've just been told that the expectations are that you'll defer to this person before making any decisions.
2. Turn it back on the guilt giver. Take a return-to-sender approach with guilt trips and don't let their interpretation of your behavior determine the situation. In this case, you can give them a little of their own medicine so that they understand how it feels to be made to feel guilty. This approach involves taking what the manipulator has said and tell them how they aren't respecting, appreciating, caring for, etc. your behavior toward them, and in the process, you dissolve the need to meet the obligation they're aiming to impose.
3. Shorten their hold on you. When a manipulator tries to guilt-trip you by suggesting that they don't matter, don't buy into it. Instead, answer with a quick retort that breaks this hold instantly.
4. Shift the assumption statement away from you. One of the things that is so riling about having another person tell you what it is that you're thinking or doing is that they are not taking you seriously or treating you as a whole person. Instead, they are attempting to overlay how they'd like you to behave and this comes right back to how they'd like you behave so that it benefits them. Assumption statements can be harder to pick up on but it's essential that you do so in order to deflect them quickly and effectively. Some examples include statements using "suppose", "guess", "wish", etc: "I suppose you're going to leave me alone again." or "I wish you'd understand how hard it is for me, after all I've done for you, to have you not want to stay longer with me each Christmas." The problem with the assumption statement is that there is no question; a manipulator doesn't like asking questions because it causes them to feel a loss of control. In a healthier relationship situation, questions would elicit what you're doing and a conversation could proceed from this understanding; a manipulator would prefer to make the assumption as to what you're doing because it then allows them to them to be in control of the you they've described rather than the you they need to listen to. Break the supposition away from your actions by ignoring the manipulative negative implication and return the manipulator to reality by clarifying your equally valid value attaching to what you're doing.
5. Move away from the mind games of what the manipulator thinks other people say or do. The use of third party "authority" is thoughtlessly rampant in much of everyday life because we like to defer to these generalizations as a way of backing up our own vague and often unexplored preferences. While most of us know it's a bad habit, in the hands of a manipulator, it becomes a weapon. Whenever a manipulator resorts to quoting what your Aunt May, cousin Josh or darling Katie down the street would do or are saying, see warning lights flashing. This tactic is used to try and compare the perceived lack in your responsiveness with the manner in which other people apparently would behave more appropriately than you (read: they'd do it for the manipulator whereas you're holding out). While some of this is to do with the manipulator fantasizing that the grass is greener in someone else's life, it's far more about being a tool that lets the manipulator abdicate his or her own responsibility for making the statement.
6. Avoid the confrontation and dispute manipulation. Determine whether someone is deliberately using a ploy or "game" to bring about a dispute or conflict into the open. This frequently happens amongst friends or in relationships, when one member wishes to have influence or to attempt control over the other. Confrontational statements are designed to upset you immediately and to cause an argument to occur. For example, "How dare you leave me alone tonight!" or "I thought we agreed that this would be the best solution. And now you're deliberately doing something entirely different." Or "Why do you always have to do everything your way? What about me?" It can even be brought up jokingly but with the intent to mock or pour cold water on your hopes. Rather than engaging in an argument with this manipulator, learn to simply say "no" and by pointing out clear facts.
7. Sidestep self pity. The manipulator who finds everything unfair and falls to pieces, he or she is attempting to gain your sympathy in order to use it to further his or her own needs. In this case, the manipulator will rely on a sense of "helplessness" and will seek financial, emotional, or other forms of help from you. Look out for attitudes and comments like, "You are the only one I have", and "I have no one else to talk to", etc. In dealing with a meltdown of self-pity, be compassionate but wary as you don't want to establish an obligation as a result.
8. Beware of people who twist and distort facts to make them appear more attractive. Generally these people will lie to the ends of the earth in order to get what they want. This often happens in the work environment, simply to get others on their side or gain favor with management and higher authorities. When responding to a fact distortion, seek clarification. Explain that this is not how you remembered the facts and that you're curious to get a better understanding of their view of them. Remain polite and feel entitled to say that it's to clarify your confusion. Ask them simple questions about when you both agreed to an issue, how they believed the approach was formed, etc. When you meet on common ground again, take this as the new starting point, not their distorted one.
9. Don't fall victim those those who use love as a bargaining tool. Such a manipulator will commonly use phrases like, "I know you love me, so...", "Because I love you, do X, Y, Z for me...", in order to trick you into accepting what they desire. This often occurs in married relationships and also between friends. People who display this type of attitude will often make you feel indebted or that you owe them something. Instead of letting them manipulate your love for them, try to point out how what you're doing is proof of your love for them, and bonus points if you can be compassionate enough to weave in recognition of their love for you too.
10. Figure out those who feign illness. Unfortunately, some people use illness as a way of manipulating others. There are people who feign small illnesses and symptoms on a small scale, and then there are people who suffer from Factitious Disorder (DSM-IV), previously known as Munchausen's Sydnrome. Faking illnesses is the intentional production of false and exaggerated physical symptoms designed to achieve an ulterior motive. People who do this may be trying to avoid responsibilities, have more leisure time, obtain medical benefits, or are lazy enough to want someone else to do everything for them.
11. Beware of individuals who create false rumors. Individuals in this category will tell you the opposite of what you wish to hear. They may do so hoping that you will correct them and as such force out the real story from you. Very private people often fall prey to this type of tactic because it's targeted at eliciting information from you directly when you've been reticent so far.
12. Ignore emotional outbursts that play on your emotions. Some people will use crying, sorrow, screaming and other forms of emotions to further their own ends or to simply get what they want. This is common among children and teenagers who will "test the waters", to see how far they can go with this form of manipulation. Read some good parenting books on dealing with manipulation in children and teens; their behavior is more about boundary testing and can be dealt with appropriately with good parenting skills.
1. If your child suffers from disruptive behavior disorders, seek help from a mental health therapist. Such disorders as oppositional defiance disorder, conduct disorder and separation disorder can have elements of manipulation in them but need special attention to overcome, using the help of specialists and your compassion.
13. Listen to yourself. In all of the possible manipulative situations outlined above, whether or not the signs are easy for you to spot, it is very important to listen to yourself and how you feel about the situation. Do you feel oppressed, pressured, obliged to do things for this person that you'd rather not do? Does their behavior seem to impact you endlessly, so that after one form of assistance, you are expected to grant yet more help and support? Your answers should serve as a true guide to where your relationship with this person is headed next.

The History of the Christmas Stocking

There are several versions, depending on who you ask & where you look...but here is one look at it:

Taken from World Of Christmas.net
Come Christmas time and all the kids start hanging colorful stockings above the fireplace mantle. The tradition of hanging stockings is being practiced since decades. However, most of the people do not know the exact history of Christmas stockings. They are still in the dark as to how the custom came into practice. For all such people, we are providing the legends surrounding the history and origin of Christmas stocking.



The Dutch Theory
As per the Dutch theory, the tradition of Christmas stocking was introduced in America by the Dutch. It is said that in the 16th Century, the children staying in Holland kept their clogs, filled with straw, by the hearth for the reindeer. At the same time, they placed a treat for 'Sinterclass' (Santa Claus) near the fireplace in the house. As a return gift, the Sinterclass used to leave some gifts for the children. With time, the clogs became stockings and Sinterclass became Santa Claus.

The Nobleman Theory
A nobleman and his wife had three daughters and they were living quite happily. One day, the wife contracted some fatal illness, which led to her untimely demise. Devastated by his wife's death, the nobleman squandered all his wealth and property. Since he was left with no money, he had to move into a peasant's cottage, along with his daughters. Soon, the time came for the daughters to get married. However, the father had lost all his wealth and could not afford to give any dowry.

As time passed, the father started getting more and more worried about getting his daughters married. One day, St. Nicholas of Myra happened to pass through the nobleman's village and heard the villagers discussing what the father was going through. St Nicholas knew that the father would be too proud to accept money from him. He decided to wait till dark and then, went to the nobleman's house and threw three bags of gold coins from the chimney.


The same evening, the daughters of the nobleman had washed their clothes and had hung their stockings by the fireplace. The bag of gold coins dropped into the stockings, one bag for each daughter. When the family members woke up in the morning, they found the money in their stockings. The father utilized the money for marrying away his daughters, each with a generous dowry. Soon the villagers came to know of St. Nicholas' generosity and started hanging their stockings by the fireplace.
 
 
Wikipedia adds to the above story in saying,
This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.



A tradition that began in many European countries, originally, children simply used one of their everyday socks, but eventually special Christmas stockings were created for this purpose. The Christmas stocking custom is derived from the Germanic figure Odin. According to Phyllis Siefker, children would place their boots, filled with carrots, straw, or sugar, near the chimney for Odin's flying horse, Sleipnir, to eat. Odin would reward those children for their kindness by replacing Sleipnir's food with gifts or candy. This practice, she claims, survived in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands after the adoption of Christianity and became associated with Saint Nicholas as a result of the process of Christianization. Today, stores carry a large variety of styles and sizes of Christmas stockings, and Christmas stockings are also a popular homemade craft.

Many families create their own Christmas stockings with each family member's name applied to the stocking so that Santa will know which stocking belongs to which family member.

A 'Square Stocking' is a box sent by the charity Uk4u-Thanks! to UK servicemen who are overseas or injured at Christmas.


PlumpStocking.com also agrees with this story.

HERE is a personal story-telling about the first Christmas stocking, from the grandfather of Sam Hoffer's husband. Her blog is My Carolina Kitchen.

Although the above story is now just a tale of folklore, many have come to use the stocking as a decoration and space to fill with "stocking stuffers" or presents of the sort. It's another way for children to receive more.

Are you sure that's a real mirror? -- How to tell

This will be something you will remember to do whenever you are in a public washroom, hotels, etc.

 HOW TO TELL IF IT IS A TWO WAY MIRROR

2-Way Glass Image

PROPER MIRROR IMAGE WITH A GAP

A Mirror or a 2-Way Glass?

How can you tell when you are in a room, restroom, motel etc. with a mirror or a 2-way glass?

Here's how: I thought it was quite interesting! And I know in about 30 seconds you're going to do what I did and find the nearest mirror.

Do you know how to determine if a mirror is 2-way or not?

A policewoman who travels all over the US and gives seminars and techniques for businesswomen passed this on.
When we visit toilets, bathrooms, hotel rooms, changing rooms, etc., how many of you know for sure that the seemingly ordinary mirror hanging on the wall is a real mirror, or actually a 2-way mirror (I.e., they can see you, but you can't see them)? There have been many cases of people installing 2-way mirrors in female changing rooms. It is very difficult to positively identify the surface by looking at it.

So, how do we determine with any amount of certainty what type of mirror we are looking at?

Just conduct this simple test: Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is GENUINE mirror. However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail, then BEWARE! IT IS A 2-WAY MIRROR!

"No Space, Leave the Place"
So remember, every time you see a mirror, do the "fingernail test." It doesn't cost you anything.

REMEMBER No Space, Leave the Place:
Ladies: Share this with your girlfriends, sisters, daughters, etc.
Men: Share this with your wives, daughters, daughters-in-law, mothers, girlfriends and/or friends.

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you have a great weekend with family and eat lots of turkey/stuffing/salad/cransauce/pie.

Honey--Beauty Secrets from the Hive

Beauty Secrets from the hive
by Jamie Otto
(taken from Sunflower Market's magazine August 2010)

Honey's appeal is well earned. Delectable and versatile, it's also amazingly safe: No other unprocessed food can sit on a pantry self for decades and still be eaten. So it's no surprise that this luscious and inherently antimicrobial food has been tapped for its healthful properties for centuries. Legend holds that Cleopatra bathed in milk & honey to augment her youthful allure, and Queen Anne of England layered her locks with honey and oil to keep then lustrous and thick. Today, many beauty products use honey, as well as hive-produced royal jelly and beeswax, with lovely results. Discover how nature's perfect ingredients can work wonders for you.

Honey for healing and hydration
Sweet honey is a versatile healing agent. "Honey has antimicrobial properties and helps your skin retain moisture, making it appealing for many skin types," says Christopher Watt, a licensed aesthetician and owner of Christopher Watt Esthetics in West Hollywood, California. For this reason, Watt recommended washing acne-prone skin with a honey based cleanser twice weekly. Honey is particularly effective on dry skin and hair, says Frederique Keller, LAc, MH, president of the American Apitherapy Society, a New York-based organization that promotes using bee products for natural healing. "Honey is hydrophilic, meaning it's a natural humectant that attracts and holds skin's moisture," says Keller. Plus, it's a natural preservative. "It doesn't spoil or require synthetic preservatives, which are skin irritants at best, carcinogens at worst," he says.

Where can you find it?:
1. Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion 
2. Kiss My Face Olive & Honey Bar Soap.

Royal Jelly for Rejuvenation
Worker bees create fatty acid-rich royal jelly as a food for larvae. The jelly is creamier and more like a serum than rich honey, according to Keller. In addition to lending products a decadent texture, royal jelly promotes cellular rejuvenation, making skin brighter and firmer. A study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology found that royal jelly contains soothing pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), a nutrient vital to adrenal gland function, which promotes clear, healthy skin.

Like honey, royal jelly also fights inflammation and aging with its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a great remedy for redness from hives, psoriasis, and eczema. Stella Metsovas, CN, a nutritionist in Laguna Beach, California, recommends using royal jelly to maintain skin's youthful look. "It's a nutrient powerhouse," she says. Metsovas, who has studied foods' chemical properties for 15yrears, says royal jelly can also reduce or eliminate breakouts.

Where can you find it?:
1. Burt's Bees Radiance Day Creme Moisturizer
2. Kiss My Face Lip Balms
3. Burt's Bees Royal Jelly Eye Creme

Beeswax as a Barrier
Bees use wax to safeguard and seal honey in the honeycomb. "Beeswax has the same health properties as honey and royal jelly, but to a lesser degree," says Keller. In beauty products, beeswax hold ingredients together and thickens the final products, beeswax holds ingredients together and thickens the final product. As an emulsifier, it is a stellar nontoxic stand-in for petrolatum, a potentially harmful and nonrenewable petroleum-based chemical used in cosmetics.

"Beeswax is the most sustainable of the hive products because bees constantly produce it," says Keller. The Mayo Clinic ranks beeswax among the most effective ingredients in lip protection because it forms a protective barrier between your skin and the environment. It's also a key ingredient in natural waterproof sunblock because of its ability to repel water.

Where can you find it?:
1. Burt's Bees Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF8
2. Alba Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly

A Pure Generation

A PURE GENERATION
This is a cool website to refer to if you want some encouragement... http://www.apuregeneration.com/

Purity: "Happily Ever After"

What is "purity"?
According to Merriam-Webster, it is the quality or state of being pure.
According to Dictionary.com it is...
      –noun

1. the condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes, etc.: the purity of drinking water.
2. freedom from any admixture or modifying addition.
3. ceremonial or ritual cleanness.
4. freedom from guilt or evil; innocence.
5. physical chastity; virginity.
6. freedom from foreign or inappropriate elements; careful correctness: purity of expression.
7. Optics. the chroma, saturation, or degree of freedom from white of a given color.
8. cleanness or spotlessness, as of garments.

  

What is "pure"?
According to Merriam-Webster, it is...

• unmixed with any other matter <pure gold>
• free from dust, dirt, or taint <pure springwater>
• spotless, stainless; free from harshness or roughness and being in tune —used of a musical tone
• of a vowel : characterized by no appreciable alteration of articulation during utterance
• being thus and no other : sheer, unmitigated <pure folly>
• abstract, theoretical <pure research>
• a priori <pure mechanics>
• not directed toward exposition of reality or solution of practical problems <pure literature>
• being nonobjective and to be appraised on formal and technical qualities only <pure form>
• free from what vitiates, weakens, or pollutes
• containing nothing that does not properly belong
• free from moral fault or guilt 
• marked by chastity : continent
• of pure blood and unmixed ancestry
• homozygous in and breeding true for one or more characters
• ritually clean
• having exactly the talents or skills needed for a particular role <a pure shooter in basketball>

 According to Dictionary.com it is...
–adjective, pur·er, pur·est.

1. free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind; free from extraneous matter: pure gold; pure water.
2. unmodified by an admixture; simple or homogeneous.
3. of unmixed descent or ancestry: a pure breed of dog.
4. free from foreign or inappropriate elements: pure Attic Greek.
5. clear; free from blemishes: pure skin.
6. (of literary style) straightforward; unaffected.
7. abstract or theoretical (opposed to applied): pure science.
8. without any discordant quality; clear and true: pure tones in music.
9. absolute; utter; sheer: to sing for pure joy.
10. being that and nothing else; mere: a pure accident.
11. clean, spotless, or unsullied: pure hands.
12. untainted with evil; innocent: pure in heart.
13. physically chaste; virgin.
14. ceremonially or ritually clean.
15. free of or without guilt; guiltless.
16. independent of sense or experience: pure knowledge.
17. Biology, Genetics.
1. homozygous.
2. containing only one characteristic for a trait.
18. Phonetics. monophthongal. 

Answers in Genesis has a great article that talks about purity and a program called Happily Ever After. Happily Ever After, started by Julie Hintz, is an educational program designed to inspire students to save sex until marriage and to equip parents to guide and protect them.

The article says, "Purity—it’s much more than just saving sex for marriage. It’s a way of life. In 1 Timothy 4:12–16, the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, the young preacher, to strive for purity in all areas of his life—including speech, conduct, love, and faith—so that Timothy’s ministry would not be despised by his hearers. Today’s generation of young believers desperately needs to be inspired to live pure lives—to be a remnant of purity in their generation and bring glory to their Creator and Savior."

"...purity is the foundation for a God-honoring marriage..."

Biblical stories of reference are

• Cain in Genesis 4 to teach a basic principle of Scripture: If we live life God’s way, we will be blessed, but if we stubbornly insist on living it our own way, sin will have its way with us.
• The story of Esau found in Genesis 25:19–34 and Genesis 27 illustrates the ability to look ahead and anticipate the consequences of our actions.  ...adolescents often “despise their virginity because they do not understand how precious it is until after they have squandered it.
• the story of Joseph found in Genesis 37–50 to show that God blesses patience and obedience. Joseph’s story gives encouragement to the young man who is being called ‘gay’ because he has chosen to exercise sexual restraint. It also encourages the young woman who is dumped by her boyfriend because she will not give him what belongs to her future husband.

Julie Hintz offers the following suggestions to parents:

■Become educated. For many, when it comes to sex, trying to guide our children toward a healthy future is like the blind leading the blind.
■Share the blessings you have received from abstaining or the consequences you have suffered from partaking. If you did partake, ask God to show you why He has placed sex within the protection and exclusivity of marriage. Fully understanding the blessing that obedience brings will motivate you to regain those blessings for your children.
■Have a vision for your child, grandchild, youth group, etc. Paint a picture of a healthy future for him or her. Keep that vision squarely before your eyes and weigh every decision against it. Be strong for your children by developing a reminder such as “Hate me now, thank me later.” They will thank you.
■Speak up against pornography and promiscuity. Speak up for the beauty of sex as God intended. Applaud television shows that promote married, monogamous sex. Turn off television shows that promote unmarried sex.

Read the entire article HERE. Visit the Happily Ever After website for more information HERE.

"I Am Crowned" by Nancy Campbell

I AM CROWNED!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits:

who forgives all your iniquities,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from destruction,

who crowns you with loving kindness

and tender mercies." (Psalm 103:1-4).

What a loving, tender-hearted and compassionate God we have.
Every day He crowns me with loving kindnesses. Every day He
crowns you with loving kindnesses.

Do I hear you say, "When was the last time God crowned me?"
Stop and think about it for a moment. God crowns you with His
loving kindnesses through people around you. When your baby
or your little child smiles at you, in fact when anyone smiles at
you, you are crowned with God's loving kindness. Every time
your husband embraces you, you receive another one of God's
loving kindnesses. Every time he helps you with the dishes or
baths the children, it is God's blessing to you. When someone
says an encouraging word to you, it is God's loving kindness to
you. He has not forgotten about you. You are graven on the palms
of His hands. He has forgiven your sins. He has healed you many
times.

When you sit down at your table and eat the bountiful food God
daily provides for you, it is His loving kindness to you. When
you reap the harvest from the garden you have planted, it is His
loving kindness. When you look up at the clouds and are
reminded of His faithfulness, you are crowned. You look at the
mountains, the ocean, the undulating hills and trees and you are
blessed that He has given you all these things to freely enjoy.
And you don't have to pay a cent. The world is yours to enjoy, no
matter how little money you have in your pocket!

Start looking for God's loving kindnesses. They are all around
you. They are happening to you throughout the day. Instead of
focusing on your problems and disappointments, look out for
God's blessings. Learn to be aware of them. Do not forget one of
His benefits. Not one! Gratefully thank the Lord for every tiny
one. I am starting to do this more and more. In fact, when I read
this Scripture about being crowned I was very convicted. I
realized that I had been taking God's blessings for granted. Now
I seek to thank the Lord for crowning me every time I receive a
blessing-a hug, a smile, a word of encouragement, the blessing
of children around me and the joy they give with their antics and
funny things they say. The blessings of God's creation-the
flowers, the birds, the butterflies and the beautiful colors of the
fall which I am beholding as I look out of my window now. It
makes such a difference to your life when you become grateful
for every little crowning from the Lord.

Because God is crowning me through His people (and maybe
even those who are not His people), am I letting Him use me to
be his vehicle through which he can crown others? This is a
challenge for us, isn't it?

Recently my daughter, Serene faced a difficult trial, a little more
difficult because her husband was overseas fulfilling a contract
with the military. In the middle of being weighed down by the
problem, her car ran out of gas in the middle of a busy lane of
traffic. She had all the children in the car and the car wouldn't
budge another inch! She put on her blinkers and decided to call
the police, but her phone suddenly went dead! She was stuck!
She cried out to the Lord. He nudged her to try the car again.
Miraculously it started and she managed, weaving through
traffic, to get to the side of the road. She was still stranded, but
then God showed her His loving kindness. People stopped
their cars to help her. She had more help than she could use.
Some were people she would normally be scared to talk to.

One big burly guy with tattoos all over him drove to a service
station and bought gas for her and filled up her car. She knew
God was sending His angels to her. Not only did she get gas
for her car, but the loving kindness of strangers and this big,
scary tattooed "angel" caused Serene to feel God's loving
kindness pouring all over her. She forgot all her problems and
filled the van with praises the rest of her journey.

We can be used by the Lord to crown our husband, our children
and many others with the loving kindness of the Lord. Let's be
on the offensive to give love-hugs, smiles, affirmation,
encouragement and practical help wherever needed.
What a blessing to be the instrument of God's loving kindness.

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL


PRAYER:
"Thank you, dear Father, for constantly crowning me with your loving kindnesses. Help me to be aware of them and full of gratefulness to you. And please anoint me to b a messenger of your loving kindnesses to others around me. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:
I will not forget a single blessing!

Many women like to save these devotions. They print them out and keep them in a folder to read over and over again. Some print them out and pin them on the fridge with a magnet to read through the week. If you are printing this devotion and need it to be smaller, highlight and change to a smaller font.



If you know others who would be blessed by these devotions,
you are welcome to forward them or let them know they can
subscribe by sending a blank email to
subscribers-on@aboverubies.org

How to--Make Cute Everyday Hairstyles

There was a lot of information so I'll just give you the link to see for yourself:


http://m.wikihow.com/Make-Cute-Everyday-Hairstyles

Book--Babysitting Activities

Check it OUT! Google has some pages available for viewing from a book called Babysitting Activities: Fun with Kids of All Ages by Wendy Ann Mattox. Click on this link below to see more and order your own copy from AMAZON or HALF.COM (click on the links). You can also look for it or ask for it at your local library. If you ask & they don't have it, they might buy it! It NEVER hurts to ask them.

This is the link to see a preview:

http://books.google.com/books?id=TmSEw67wy3kC&printsec=frontcover&dq=babysitting+activities&source=bl&ots=VCny7DnAob&sig=VZH_y1DP2-4qS3TbtdBUcAI0FV0&hl=en&ei=VnbbTPyoEYGKlwef2ZD9CA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

Preparing to be a Help Meet--Chapter 6--Three Types of Women

Read Chapter 5 HERE; Start at the beginning HERE.

[This was an extensive chapter; hence the longer "summary"]

Chapter Summary "Eve (and by extension, every woman) was created to fulfill a need in the man...she was created to be a blessing and help to Adam." To be a good, lovely help meet (one that is easy to love) takes lots of effort.

There are 3 types of women:

• Dreamer Gals
• Servant Girls
• Go-To Gals

Dreamer Gals often like to create, sew, design, paint, or write. They also might get antsy when things don't happen as quickly as they think it should. It is important that these gals don't get caught up in projects that distract them from honoring and helping their husbands. These gals should spend their youth mastering their gifts and skills; so that they can one day bring honor to their husbands through them without taking away from their roles as a help meet to their husband.

The Servant Girl is someone who enjoys being just that--a servant to others. It is important that they maintain their individuality and develop their gifts. Be an Encourager (someone who helps other to better themselves), not an Enabler (doing things for others that they should be doing for themselves). Look for a vision and a purpose that is bigger than yourself for which you can strive towards. Prayer will be important on your journey. Two Scriptural examples of servant-types are Jesus and Ruth.

The Go-to Gal knows her place as a wife, but is also strong, capable, and gives a sense of caring for the greater number of people. They are well at organizing and have strong opinions. Be cautious in your confidence. In Scripture, Deborah of Judges 4 is an example of a Go-to Gal; she was a judge in Israel.

No matter your personal "type", "power struggles still arise [in marriages[ especially when a girl has not been taught what God says concerning honoring her husband."

So why did God put men in charge? Well, He knew what he was doing... [the book explains this further by talking about men's nature and women's nature and how they need to blend together.]

Women were created to help and each woman/girl was created to suit a man's needs. 1 Corinthians 11:8-9 says, "For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man." The first command God gave to Eve was "Your desire shall be unto your husband, and he shall rule over you." (Genesis 3:16) Want to know more about the role of a woman in relation to her husband? Read 1 Corinthians 11:3, 7-9 and Ephesians 5:23, 32-33.

Debi Pearl says, "A wife's position under her husband is where God put her for her own spiritual, emotional, and physical safety." [Ladies, I have experienced needing my husband for ALL of these; some more than others.]

Two genders were created to create the complete picture of the person God wants us to be and to bring balance as a couple in the struggles of life. It is no mystery that "opposites attract". Debi Pearl goes on to talk about how to spot a Prophet-type man, a Priest-type man, and a Kingly-type man. You will have to read the book for yourself to know about that.

"In the end it is not so much what type you are as whether or not you are willing to place his talents and ambitions first and then utilize your gifts to assist him...a good woman serving him will bring out the MAN in him."

Moral of the Story

Learn and live well.

Caution!!

Stubbornness shuts the door on understanding.

Your Treasure Chest

• Could you serve a King?
• Seek God for the wisdom you will need to help him be all that God would have him be.
• Write these verses in your notebook and on the pages of your heart: 1 Peter 3:1-8.
• Explain what "let it be the hidden man of the heart" means.

My Challenge to You

• Rather than pray for what you need or want in a man, pray that the Lord will help you to become the type of woman that a good man will need to help him in all things.
• Do you know what type of man your father is (Prophet, Priest, King)?
• What type are you?
• Do you have a friend that is a Dreamer?
• Have you ever been irritated at some other girl because of her type?
• From what you have read [in the book], what type of man would you compliment the most with your gifts? [This is not talking about the type of man you dream or wish to marry.]
•  If you are a Servant Girl who marries a King, what must you learn to do in order to have a heavenly marriage? Read about Queen Esther in the Bible; a Servant Girl who married a King [for real & his type]
• If you are a Go-To Gal or Dreamer Gal who marries a King-type, what must you learn to do in order to have a heavenly marriage?
• Depending on the type of person you are, think about what you would need to learn in order to marry a Prophet-type or Priest-type man.
• Remember that the goal is to honor your husband and to live the role God has designed for you as a wife.
• Read 1 Timothy 4:12
• Look around at different couples that you see who are happily raising a family and ministering to other people. What are their types? How do they function as a team? Learn from their success. Notice how they respond to each other and other little things about them that bring forth good fruit.
• Look at couples who don't seem to have good balance. Learn what you don't want from them.
• Do a word study on the word knowledge.

Quote--Integrity

"Integrity is one of several paths. It distinguishes itself from the others because it is the right path and the only one upon which you will never get lost."


- M.H. McKee

Preparing to be a Help Meet Chapter 5--The King

Read Chapter 4

Chapter Summary
"Kingly men see life as if htey were on a high mountain; they look at the big picture, rather than individual, personal needs." They show little tolerance for those around them who drag their feet, make excuses, or whine about their lot in life. They want to move forward and they have a plan. They usually are people in authority over other people. They typically expect to be waited on hand and foot. When treated with honor and reverence, he will be wonderfully protective and supportive. Most times, the strife is not because the man is cruel or evil, but because he expects obedience, honor, reverence, and he is not getting it. So, he reacts badly.

"His wife must be prepared to give him honor and reverence on a daily basis if she wants him to be a benevolent, honest, strong, and fulfilled man of God." Before marriage, she needs to practice being in subjection to those in authority over her, to practice serving daily with a cheerful heart, look for ways to serve her family, and look for ways to serve within the body of believers (not the fun jobs, but the ones that everyone else passes over). LEARN TO SERVE WITH JOY. "You could be a blessing or a curse to many people by how you relate to your Command Man."

"In subjection" means to put under or subdue to be in obedience, submitting oneself to another; to be enclosed or shut up in one place; to be bound by the law. This phrase also translates to: submit, subject, submitting, obey, obedient, obedience, put under, and subdue.


Moral of the Story
The wife to a King must learn to serve him with honor.

Caution
Don't be offended at his lack of serving or helping you in teh mundane things of life.

Your Treasure Chest
*  If you marry a King, you will need to keep in mind that he is not trying to lord over you...he is just in the image of a supreme leader.
*  Write a committment letter to your King, explaining to yourself the potential problem of having difficulty submitting to your dominant man and how you will respont to it when it arises. Make some real committments!

My Challenge to You
*  Is it God's will for a wife to submit to her husband? Should a wife seek understanding from God before she obeys her husband? If a pastor tells a woman to do one thing and her husband tells her to do another, who should she obey?
*  Read the scriptures about submitting:

• Philippians 3:21
• Colossians 3:18
• Titus 2:5,9 and 3:1
• Hebrews 12:9
• James 4:7
• 1 Peter 2:13-18
• 1 Peter 3:1,5,22
• 1 Peter 5:5
• 1 Timothy 2:11 and 3:4

The next 3 chapter summaries will be about 3 different types of women. Any thoughts on what they might be or the type of women to be described?? Stay tuned & I will do it as soon as I can.

Preparing to Be a Help Meet Chapter 4--The Priest

Read Chapter 1. Read Chapter 3.

Chapter Summary

The Priestly type is the most steady of all 3 types of men. He doesn't make snap decisions or tell other people what to do. As a general rule, he will be faithful until the day he dies in the same bed he has slept in since marriage. "This man is content with the wife of his youth." He will not put undue pressure on you, there will be no emotional fires to put out, and you will rarely feel hurried or pressured. The downside is that it can bring about irritation in a woman needing a little adventure to spice up life. Everyone will like him, they will not feel judged, and he will like having people in his home.

A good wife for this type of man will make her home a pleasant place for visitors, she will learn to cook for groups, and her gracious hosting will bring her husband honor. She must be caution not to judge him as being unspiritual because he "lacks fervent religious expression". She will need to be patient for him to make up his mind. Learn how to stand still & listen. She will need to take initiative and be involved in business; walking beside her husband rather than following behind like a Prophet- or Kingly-type. But know this, you are to walk BESIDE your man and NOT to be dominant over him.

"YOU WILL NOT BRING TO MARRIAGE ALL THE SKILLS NECESSARY TO MAKE IT INTO A FAIRYTALE COME TRUE. YOU MUST BE HUMBLE ENOUGH TO BEND AND MERGE INTO THE NEW IDENTITY. WHEN YOU COME TO UNDERSTAND MEND AS GOD CREATED THEM TO BE, YOU WILL NOT WASTE YOUR MARRIAGE TRYING TO CHANGE YOU NEW HUSBAND INTO WHAT YOU THINK HE SHOULD BE."

Quote from book commenter: "...Notice how fairy tales are never about marriage; they're always about whirlwind romantic courtships. They cover a few years, and then conclude with an "ever after" that, in reality, lasts ten times longer than the fairytale did. Fairy tales are very poor indeed at equipping a girl for a marriage that will compromise most of her years."

"The key is to know your man." So what can you do now to prepare? Learn how to pay bills, make appointments, and entertain guests. Have hobbies that are useful things to learn in managing a home & children. Be busy and productive. Seek Wisdom (Proverbs 111:10; Proverbs 4:7; James 1:5)!!

Moral to the Story
The wife of a Prophet-type needs to be as active helping others as her husband is. This will bring him honor.

A Caution
A Priest's desire is to please. Your impatience or unthanfulness can destroy his vision for serving others, as well as destroy your health.

Your Treasure Chest
*  What are some of the things you need to be studying?
*  Write in your notebook a list of things you are committing to learn in order to be a better help meet to a Priest.

My Challenge to You
*  What idle thing to do you do more than one time per week? Examples: excessive reading, standing in front of the mirror, eating, sitting at the computer, chatting / gossiping with friends, or excessive exercise.
*  Do you know any man who is very much like this Priestly-type?
*  Is your dad Priestly? If so, what could you do as a daughter that would please him?
*  What are some other qualities you think a Prisetly type would want to have in his wife?
*  Read these scriptures to see what God says about idleness and slothfulness (a.k.a "lazy"):

• Proverbs 19:15--slothfulness
• Ecclesiastes 10:18--idle
• 1 Timothy 5:13--idleness
• Proverbs 31:27--idelness
• Ezekiel 16:49--idleness
• Romans 12:9-21--slothful
• Hebrews 6:9-12--slothful

*  What are you doing today to learn skills for the future?
*  If you could do anything every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?


Read Chapter 5

Beauty is not just about appearance

There's more to life than how your hair looks, whether or not you wear make-up, who your friends are, how you dress, and where you hang out. These things do effect your life because it is iimportant to take care of yourself. But for a person to care about how they look to attract particular friends, boyfriend, etc. is a hinderance for quality relationships.

Our physical appearance is important for health & well-being. Strive to be healthy inside (what you eat) and out (personal hygiene). Just know that the goal should not be to "look good", but to be healthy. So the question is really "What is your goal?" What is your heart?

For the girl who spends 2hrs prepping and pampering herself before leaving the house each day, I would ask, who is it for? To spend that much time on how a person looks, it must be for someone to "ooh" and "aah" at her. What about the girl who rolls out of bed and barely combs her hair (or not at all) before going out the door? I would ask, do you care to care for yourself at all? There must be a good balance between these two girls! It's never a good thing to pamper yourself up for others to compliment you, but it's never a good thing to do nothing with yourself either.

So, where is the heart in it all? Ask yourself, why am I doing this?? Why am I spending too much/too little time on my appearance? How can I aim for a healthy appearance and balance?

Colossians 3:2 says "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

1 Peter 1:13 says "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."

The world's way is to be so focused on yourself and your appearance that you miss the Lord's blessings all around you. Those blessings might be a sincere friendship, a God-focused love relationship, strengthening your relationship with God, building family relationships, having a focus on life that is not all about "drama", and growing stronger health every day. Satan would love for nothing more than you to be distracted from your relationship with God and God-focused people. If he can distract you from the most meaningful things that a person can have in their lives, then he will keep you further from God. Luke 21:8a says "And he said, 'See that you are not led astray...'”

Maybe the real question to ask is: How much time do you spend reading the Bible and praying vs. the amount of time you spend on your hair, nails, makeup, and picking out "the perfect outfit"? Are you distracted from God by school, your social life, your appearance, or ___(you fill in the blank)___??

Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness..."

Psalm 16:8-11 says "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

God created you and wants you to believe you are beautiful, but that you know you are more beautiful inward than outward. 1 Samuel 16:7 says "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

May we be like David when he said "I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:8) Let our focus be heavenward! Let our motivation be heavenward! Let our appearance be a reflection of God and His love for us!

Go to http://www.biblegateway.com/ and search "the heart", you will be amazed at the results. Read some of them and allow God to shape your heart to be more like His.

Proverbs 31:30 says "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

Quote by Edwin Way Teale

For the mind disturbed, the still beauty of dawn is nature's finest balm.


- Edwin Way Teale

What do you know about Bubble Gum?

Watch this SHORT video:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/unwrapped6/video/index.html

Quotes

"A women's heart should be so lost in God that a man must seek God in order to find her.."
~Unknown

Babysitter Websites

A Guide to the Business of Babysitting (The University of Illinois Extension): http://urbanext.illinois.edu/babysitting/

• Includes information on:
• Safety Tips
• Behavior & Guidance
• Feeding
• Bathing
• Diapering
• Planning Activities
• Communicating with parents (your own and the children you watch)
• Information you need
• Ages & Stages of Children
• Making Your Own Flyer

Kids Health Article: http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/jobs/babysit.html

Kids' Turn Central: http://www.kidsturncentral.com/topics/issues/babysitting1.htm

Babysitting Tips: http://www.babysittingtips.net/

Babysitter Tips--Activity Books

If you are going to be watching children that are 1.5-3yrs old, here are GREAT books that are FULL of activities for you to do while the parents are out:

1. Rainy Day Activities for Kids. Buy HERE for $1.00!!

2. The Toddler Busy Book

Buy it at AMAZON.COM
or
Buy it at HALF.COM










This book contains 365 activities (one for each day of the year) for one-and-a-half to three-year-olds using things found around the home. It shows parents and day-care providers how to:
*  Prevent boredom during the longest stretches of indoor weather with ideas for indoor play, kitchen activities, and arts and crafts projects.
*  Stimulate a child's natural curiosity.
*  Encourage a child's all-around growth with ideas for fun music, food, water, and outdoor activities.
*  Keep toddlers occupied...

17 Things You Should Always Know as a Babysitter

http://www.qualityhealth.com/featured-article-segment?fa=56&rf=47624&mc=MTc5MTQ3MzY.&ct=40441

For many parents, leaving their children with a babysitter for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. But while such concerns are valid, cases like these represent only a small fraction of babysitter problems. The more common danger, according to experts, is unintentional injury due to a lack of information about the kinds of problems that can arise and what to do in case of an emergency.

Sitter Safety 101
Although no one can care for a child the way a parent does, there are steps you can take to ensure safety while the parents are away from home. To help make you a better babysitting candidate, the University of Michigan Health System recommends that you take the American Red Cross Babysitter Class.

Babysitter Guidelines

Here, the 17 things you should always know from parents:

• Both parent's full names.
• Contact information where they can be reached, as well as their cell phone number.
• The child(ren)'s full name, age, date of birth, height, weight, hair color, and eye color (in case the sitter and child get separated).
• The phone number and address of the house where you will watch the child(ren), as well as directions to it.
• The name and phone number of the family doctor or pediatrician.
• Emergency-services numbers and the poison-control hotline number.
• Location of all the exits in the house.
• Location of first-aid supplies, as well as the fire extinguisher, fuse box, and flashlights.
• Contact information for neighbors, friends, and family.
• Special medical information, especially regarding food and drug allergies.
• The time at which you can expect the parent(s) to be home.
• The child's bedtime and bedtime routine (if the child is a baby, be sure to place the child on his or her back to sleep, not on the side or stomach).
• Any foods or drinks that should, or should not, be given to the child.
• Any medications that should, or should not, be given to the child.
• How your the should be handled if he or she misbehaves.
• How to calm the child if he or she is upset (if your the is a baby, be sure to never to shake the child under any circumstances).
• Other special instructions regarding the child, family pets, etc.

More Sitter Do's and Don'ts
In addition, the American Red Cross recommends communicating the following do's and don'ts to ensure a smooth babysitter experience:

• Do learn first aid and CPR.
• Do keep the doors locked, even while you're outside.
• Do call 911 if someone suspicious comes to the door.
• Do be on the lookout for potentially dangerous items around the home.
• Do keep matches, lighters, and candles away from the child at all times.
• Do turn on outside lights in the evening.
• Do be familiar with basic food safety, including choking and food-poisoning safety guidelines.
• Don't leave the house with the child unless you have permission.
• Don't talk for long periods on the phone.
• Don't open the door to strangers, including delivery people.
• Don't ever tell a stranger, even on the phone, that you are the babysitter.
• Don't stay anywhere you feel unsafe, smell smoke, or hear a fire or smoke alarm.
• Don't go outside to check on something strange, such as an unusual noise.
• Don't ever leave the child alone in the bathtub, not even for a second.

Quotes on Self-respect

http://www.quotegarden.com/self-respect.html

He that respects himself is safe from others; he wears a coat of mail that none can pierce.
 ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


In my day, we didn't have self-esteem, we had self-respect, and no more of it than we had earned.
~Jane Haddam


A man [or woman] can stand a lot as long as he can stand himself.
~Axel Munthe
 
 
They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.
~Mahatma Gandhi
 
 
Self-respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It cannot be fabricated out of public relations. It comes to us when we are alone, in quiet moments, in quiet places, when e suddenly realize that, knowing the good, we have done it; knowing the beautiful, we have served it; knowing the truth we have spoken it.
~Whitney Griswold
 

I care not so much what I am to others as what I am to myself. I will be rich by myself, and not by borrowing.
~Michel de Montaigne
 

You punch me, I punch back. I do not believe it's good for ones self-respect to be a punching bag.
~Edward Koch


Respect yourself and others will respect you.
 ~Confucius
 
 
Respecting yourself means listening to your body and emotions continuously. Then acting beyond a linear logic to achieve ones goals.
~Author Unknown

What will a girl take?!

On July 3rd I was at a 4th of July celebration in a fairly small town (there was, at most, 200 people in attendance). I was walking about the grounds on several occasions during the day and saw a lot of high school students. However, my eye kept stopping on one particular high school "couple". They laughed, they cuddled, they held hands, they talked...but one thing that they did really stuck out to me.

For the sake of privacy, I will call them Todd and Kelly.

Every so often I would see Todd be "playful" with Kelly. He would push her, push her, and knock her down onto her butt. The whole time, Kelly would be laughing.

Can you tell what is ok with this? Can you tell me what's wrong with this?

"It's affection" someone might say. "They are just "messin' or playin' around," someone else might say.

I have to know: Since when it is ok for a guy to push a young woman (a.k.a. "girl")? Since when is it ok for him to knock her to the ground and humiliate her for the sake of "playing around"? Since when is it ok for a young woman to tolerate any guy who does that on purpose?

I could not help but feel sorry for Kelly. She was tolerating a relationship where a guy was expressing his dominance. There is no respect there. One minute they were hugging and displaying typical high school affection. The next minute Todd was pushing Kelly onto her butt.

So my big question is this: WHY IS KELLY STILL "DATING" TODD AFTER THE FIRST INTENTIONAL PUSH?

I also want to know why would Kelly laugh about being pushed to the ground? Who is to say Todd wouldn't do it again or do it harder the next time? Kelly, is the attention really worth it?

Most every girl wants attention from a guy. And it feels good when a guy likes you, doesn't it? He holds your hand, hugs you, and makes you feel close to him and cared for. Let's face it: it is in our blood, as girls, to long for affection, to be special to someone, and to have attention from a guy. It can make us feel important and that we mean something to someone.

If I were having a 1-on-1 conversation with Kelly, I might ask her about her family and her home life. That would give me an idea about why she is in the type of relationship she is in. I have found that girls who have fathers that are active in their lives and respect their daughters, tend to have relationships with friends, families, guys, and co-workers that are also respectful.

Do girls want respect or do they only want attention? I saw no respect from Todd to Kelly, but I saw Kelly get up off the ground and wrap her arms back around Todd. By doing this, she told him with her body language that it's ok for him to push her around (whether or not she likes it). When he was playfully pushing her away, it didn't matter to her because she would get back up and be his #1 girl again. If she was hurt inside, it didn't show. If she felt he was being rude, she didn't bat an eye. If she wanted him to show affection, she was getting it, but just the wrong kind.

As young women, we need to know who we are so that we can have confidence in ourselves. That confidence will produce self-respect. Self-respect will help us to choose meaningful and respectful relationships.

When I was in high school, I was so attracted to guys that I don't know why my parents ever let me out of the house. I was always looking at guys and sizing them up to be a potential boyfriend. One of the biggest red flags for me was if I ever saw a guy push a girl. I knew that if a guy pushed a girl, even playfully, that he had the great potential to do it when he was mad (such as in an argument, which EVERYONE has). I didn't want to be pushed around in any type, shape, or form.

That's NOT love or a respectful display of affection! That goes for girls also and pushing or hitting guys. Seriously, tell me one guy who is flattered by a girl who hits him, even if it is meant to be playful?!?!

Ephesians 5:28-29 says, "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church."

Ephesians 5:33 says, "Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."

I realize this passage is talking about married people, but if you look at it as between any guy and any girl, the principle of respect still applies. If a man is to love his wife as he loves himself, do you think a man would want or like to be pushed down? Certainly NOT! So why is it ok for a guy to push a girl? If a man is NOT pushing down his wife, then he deserves respect.

In regards to dating, if a guy ever pushes a girl, she should be stamped on the forhead as "UNDATEABLE!!", meaning you DON'T date him. You deserve to be respected, held high, esteemed, and cherished. Poor Kelly will get none of those things from Todd by tolerating his abuse. Even if she told him that she didn't like it, unless he stops after she tells him to, then it will NEVER stop.

Esteem means to be held in high regard. It is your worth and value to someone.

Respect is to to hold in esteem or honor, to show regard or consideration for, and to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with.

1 Peter 2:17 says "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."

1 Peter 3:7 says "Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."

Can you see the pattern of respect in these verses? Can you see that it should be given and, therefore, received?

It might be difficult to end a relationship like Kelly and Todd's, depending on how deep into they are. If they did, Kelly would have a better chance at finding someone who would respect her, honor her, be kind to her, and appreciate her. She might be heart-broken from breaking up with Todd, but it would save her a lot of stress and save her from serious physical abuse down the road.

God cares about our hurts, ladies. He doesn't want to see us suffer. The Bible says in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me all you that labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest." He wants to wrap us in his arms when we are hurting and comfort us.

1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your cares upon him; for he cares for you." That is sooooo true!!! When we release the control over our emotions to God, He helps us to know how to deal with them.

For Kelly, casting off her emotions to God would allow her the strength to break up with Todd, to emotionally detatch from him, and to move on in life. God would be able to guide her about when to put her heart out there & when to hold it back. He would give her wisdom to know what guys to talk to and which ones to stay far away from.

Ladies, you deserve to be respected. You deserve to be cherished. You deserve to be held in high regard and high esteem. You deserve friends who will build you up and encourage you, yet help you in areas you need to improve (I'm not talking about what makeup or clothes you wear. I'm talking about character.). You deserve to know and believe that you were created special and unique for a purpose. You are never alone unless you choose to be a lone.

I pray that you will see how beautiful you are inside and out. I pray that you will believe that you deserve respect and that you will seek out relationships that bring you that. I pray that you will know that if no one in your life makes you feel loved, that you will know in  your heart that God loves you and that I love you!

If you are dating a guy who is not showing respect to you publicly and privately and you wish to break it off, ask for help from a trusted adult and support from friends. Remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippans 4:13