How To Boost Your Bottom Line With Just Two Little Words

I hate to sound like one of those cheesy get-rich-quick
commercials, but this week I am going to let you in on a little
secret that is so powerful that it will immediately change the
way you do business.



In fact, this little secret is so powerful that you will be
amazed at its immediate effect on you, your employees, and your
bottom line. This little secret is guaranteed to improve your
relationship with current customers and if used wisely, can get
you lots of new customers without spending a dime on marketing
or advertising.



Do want to know what this little secret is?



Before I let the cat out of the bag let me ask you one
question: What are the two little words you can say to every
customer that will immediately endear them to your business and
guarantee that they will be your customers for life?



OK, here goes: the little secret is this; whenever you have
contact with your customers, whether it's in person, or by
phone, fax or email, always use their name. Likewise the answer
to my question: what two little words can drive your business
through the roof: your customer's name.



When you use a customer's name the business experience becomes
personal. And when the business experience becomes personal
your customer becomes vested in the relationship and thereby
becomes your friend. When you use the customer's name they
become as concerned about your success as you are.



At the sound of his or her name your customer becomes your
champion. They will toot your horn and defend your honor. They
will recommend you to their friends and be loyal to you to the
end, even when they can get the same product or service
elsewhere for less money.



Unfortunately, 99% of business owners and especially their
employees fail to realize the importance of personalizing the
business relationship. While they are happy to take my
hard-earned dollars, most businesses could care less what my
name is. That's why so many businesses fail: they see their
customers as numbers, not names. The 1% of businesses that
understand the impact of personalizing the business experience
are the ones that will flourish for many years to come.



Case in point: I'm the one at my office who goes through the
mail every day, pulls out the checks, opens the envelopes,
signs the checks, makes out the deposit slip, and takes the
deposit to the bank. Sure, I could have someone else do this
for me, but making the bank deposit is my absolute favorite
thing about being an entrepreneur. Seeing numbers on a deposit
slip validates my efforts. It is proof that I am doing
something right.



So I go to the bank a lot. So much so that the young lady at
the drive through, whose name is Karen, knows me on sight and
always seems genuinely happy to see me pull up.



"How are you today, Mr. Knox," she always ask.



I can be in the lousiest mood of my life, but when I hear my
name come through that speaker my mood immediately brightens. I
always smile and chirp back: "I'm fine, Karen, how are you?"



And it's even better if I have someone in the car with me. I
have gone through that drive through with business partners and
customers in my car and when they hear "How are you today, Mr.
Knox?" they are highly impressed, simply because Karen used my
name.



"Wow," they always mutter. "They know you here, huh."



"Yep," I say proudly, ego adequately stroked. "I have all my
accounts here: personal and business checking, savings, lines
of credit, merchant account. This is the best dang bank on the
planet. In fact, you should move all your accounts here."



Over the years I have probably recommended a dozen new
customers to this bank, just because Karen, the wonderful
drive-through teller who understands the value of good customer
relations, uses my name every time I drive in.



Here's another example of how using a customer's name can add
dollars to your bottom line. I was in Kansas City recently and
stopped in at a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for dinner. When I
asked for a table the host asked for my name before showing me
to a table.



A few minutes later a young man came by to fill my water glass
and asked, "Can I get you an iced tea, Mr. Knox?"



The host had obviously told the waiter my name and the waiter
used it immediately to make me feel at home. A few minutes
later another young man delivered bread to my table and said,
"Here's your bread, Mr. Knox."



Before the night was over four different service people had
visited my table and each used my name in a respectful manner.
By the end of the meal I had spent $75 on dinner and dropped
another $50 on tips.



Was it because the food was delicious? In part, but primarily
it was because I felt like I had just had dinner with friends.



And do you think I now tell everyone I meet about this
restaurant with the great food and the amazing service?



I'm telling you about it, aren't I?



Here's to your success!



Tim KnoxIs the founder of DropshipWholesale.net, an
online organization dedicated to the success of online and eBay
entrepreneurs. Related Links:
http://www.prosperityandprofits.com
http://www.smallbusinessqa.com http://www.dropshipwholesale.net

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Article Marketing: Marketing Made Easy

Is website traffic convertible to cash? The answer is yes. But that is not the right question every webmaster might want to dwell into, the right question is “How can my site get targeted traffic without me spending too much?”



The answer to most webmasters, ezine operators question is very simple. There is a simple yet effective way of marketing your products and best thing is that it’s cheap if not free!



Are you asking me what? My answer is also a question; do you know how to write an article?



Yes! Articles, these are simple yet very effective way of marketing your products, allowing you to be confident enough that your site will get a low cost targeted traffic



Write the most interesting articles about what you are selling. Do not advertise it in your article but make an informative article about it. Add your advertisements within your by lines.



Why is it low cost yet effective? It's because you're not only doing some informative marketing about your products but you're also making a good method of SEO on your site.



Giving keyword density methods of SEO on your article and blasting it to hundreds of sites is really cost effective. But it's not only that! You might as well see that it's one way of increasing link popularity! Most article submission sites allow links within your article. One example is http://www.isnare.com a free articles directory site.



Your blasting doesn't stop there at all...



After submitting your articles to these article repository sites your articles will have a chance to be reprinted by many webmasters who gets their content out from these article repository sites, doubling all chances of getting targeted traffic for your site.



You're not only advertising smartly but you're also saving money!Glenn invites you to submit your articles at http://www.isnare.com

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Here's how I spotted my first pair of Fake Retro Jordan's

Now, there I was, glued to my computer counting down the minutes in
which I was to inherit one of the greatest masterpieces ever created.
One which rivals the great paintings and sculptures from the likes of
Michelangelo, Rembrandt and even Picasso - dare I say! In my
sniper-like fashion, I waited and waited just in case someone dared
to outbid me. Ten minutes...five minutes...now 1 minute and
10seconds remaining.

It was down to crunch time now and I opened up my second
browser window. The first was placed in bid mode just incase I needed
to increase my bid, while the other was refreshed every 10 seconds so
that I can track it all down in real time. Finally, 1 minute and 11
seconds later, I breathe a sigh of relief and began doing my
"happy"
dance.

Why was I so happy, you ask? Did I win the National Lottery? Did I
become Donald Trump's new apprentice? No, but it ranks a very
close second to all of the above.I won my first pair of Retro
Jordan
XI (That's eleven to the uninitiated). These are perhaps the most
popular Jordan's, and even shoes for that matter, that have ever
been produced. My time finally came as it had been 9 years since I
first saw them in my local Footlocker and missed out on my chance to
get them. Now I had to wait 2 weeks more. Oh, the Suspense!

Two week later...
Tuesday 10:00 am, just like clockwork the postman (Mail Carrier to be
PC) arrives. A few seconds later I hear the door slam which can only
mean on thing - They're here! So I rush to the door, pick up
the
package and proceed to my room. Closing the door behind me, just like
a child on Christmas Day, I frantically proceed to rip open the
package. In the midst of all of this a thought enters my head -
Where were they shipped from? I take a moment to look at the shipping
label and notice that it came from California and not form Shanghai
or Hong Kong. So far so good. I continue to open the package and
there it was (cue the angels singing)..The grey and black Jordan
silhouette. I finally get the box unwrapped and glance at the product
label. It reads "Retro Jordan 11". Now I notice something
here which
I'll get to later on (Point #1). I opened the lid and the retro
card
was sitting right on top of the tissue wrapped shoes. I take it out
so I can look at the other Retro Jordan's and reminisce. It's
at
this point that I notice something else that threw me off once more
which I'll also get to later on (Points 4&5).

Now before I removed the tissue I lit up a cigar, as any man would
when introducing a new arrival to the family. And there they were,
brand spanking new, my new Retro XI's in the Black/Varsity
Red-White colorway. I removed one of the shoes and examined it up and
down and I must say, these were the real deal! I then pulled the
other shoe out and notice that something is wrong..the
"23" on the
rear of the left shoe is crooked. I also noticed that the material on
which the "23" is printed is sticking out (Point 6). I
shrugged it
off and decided to try them on as the final test. Guess what?! They
were too small. I immediately took them off and looked at the product
tag inside. It read "Made in China, 020608 LNR3. That was the
final
straw that made me go from total elation to utter disappointment.

All the signs were there and I had come to the realization that I was
duped. I was bamboozled. I was taken in. Either way you put it, I was
now in possession of brand new Retro Jordan XI FAKES!! So, what do I
do? Do I place them back up on auction and get my money back? NO WAY,
that would make me just as dishonest as the guy who sold them to me.
My next step was to contact the buyer, but before I was to do that, I
needed to examine the shoes in detail and make a list. Here they are:

1. The label on the box had overlapping lines and the font was
not correct.
2. The bottom of the box said "Made in China" and
"Fabrique aux
Etats Unis". Which is it, made in China or made in the USA?
3. The Jordan Silhouette was much darker than usual.
4. The Retro Card had Jordan's shirt in Teal color and not Navy.
5. The shoe images on the Retro Card were blurry and faint
6. The "23" on the rear of one of the shoes was crooked and
the
foam material that it is on sticks out as opposed to being flush with
the leather.
7. The carbon plate on the bottom of the shoe was in fact real
but the pattern and color was off.
8. The production date was listed as 020608 as opposed to
010911. Nike never made this shoe in 2002.

The points listed above apply to the Retro Jordan XI's. However,
you should use these points as guidelines when purchasing other Retro
Jordan's from the net or a local flea market vendor. Other points
to be considered include:

1. All shoes are made in limited supply. There is absolutely no
way that you can get 1000 pairs of authentic Retro Jordan 1's in
all
sizes.
2. When purchasing online, look at the pictures that the seller
is using and compare them with the pictures of the other shoes that
they sell. Is the background the same? Are there weird numbers on a
few of the pictures? Do they have the Neon Green XI's in stock?
If
so, don't even think about buying. If you want more proof never
be
afraid to ask the seller to provide you with more pictures.
3. If the website also sells custom Air Force 1's, Louis Vuitton
Handbags and Timberland Boots always make it a point to read
their "Policy" which will clearly state that the shoes are
fakes/variants. Better yet don't even read the policy, just move
on.

One last thing to remember is the universal rule that applies to any
and everything that you purchase - Buyer Beware! Do yourself a
favor and do your research first before you end up like I did. Oh,
and if you're wondering about my Fakes, I have since contacted
the
buyer and the auction site. He is "no longer a registered
user" Sheldon Smith is an avid shoe collector and online retailer of
exclusive footwear and fashions through his store
www.lastpairfootwear.com. If you would like to join his mailing list
and receive articles similar to the one you just read, send him an
email at sheldon@lastpairfootwear.com with "Add Me to Your
Newsletter List" as the subject.


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What Is Cholesterol

In order to understand why it is important to lower cholesterol, it is necessary to first understand what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a fatlike waxy substance and is produced by the liver. Although cholesterol has purposes and is important to overall health and body function, too much cholesterol in the body has damaging effects.

Cholesterol forms every cell within the body. When the cholesterol level is appropriate, it plays a life-giving role in many functions of the body. When cholesterol is at a good level it works to build and repair cells, produces hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and produces bile acids which are proven to aid in the digestion of fat.

With too much cholesterol in the body, though, the levels build up and cause damage by clogging your arteries. This puts you at serious risk for disease such as heart and stroke. In fact, the major cause behind heart attacks and strokes is clogged arteries resulting from high levels of cholesterol.

When you eat saturated foods such as dairy, meat and eggs your cholesterol elevates. On the other hand when you eat foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains you can maintain optimal health as they do not contain cholesterol.

High cholesterol can be avoided! With a nutritious diet, the 50% of all adult Americans with high cholesterol can regain their health and lower their risk of disease by 2%. This is done simply from reducing cholesterol by 1%.

Cholesterol can be managed for life with success! It is recommended that you visit your physician on a regular basis to keep a keen eye on your levels. STOP! If you need to lower your cholesterol fast, go to http://www.YourCholesterolSite.com today!


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THE ELEPHANT ROARED AND BROUGHT FORTH A TURD...A Case Against Democratizing the Middle East

(An Eschatological Perspective) The original vulgarity was bylined: …The Constipation of America’s Mid-East Peace Policy! It is with some trepidation that I embark upon this discourse; for one, out of respect for elephants, but more so because within the American framework of democracy I have so greatly benefited. Thus, to liken the extension of America’s efforts to democratize the civil administrations of Moslem states—even with the caveat "considering cultural sensitivities"—to the intestinal hardships of our beloved pacaderm is in itself cause for internal consternation, reflection, and a longing for interior relief. "STUNT OMNES UNUM" The current administration’s mascot bears some responsibility for the chosen political metaphor; however, it must be duly noted, that this article could just as well be entitled: Asinus asinorum in saecula saeculorum! (Latin for: "The Jackass of Jackasses in the Centuries of Centuries", or "The Greatest Jackass in Eternity"—this, and other Latin expressions in honor of Pax Americana will be duly sprinkled throughout this missive)—giving equal honors to both dominate American political parties for their extended efforts at peace in the Middle East, for: Stunt omnes unum . . . they are all one! Indeed, by giving credit to where credit is due, we must keep in mind that the commonality of purpose to secure America’s interests in the Middle East and, ipso facto, the West’s energy spicket, via propping up its Islamic dictatorships, or hastening the democratization of the region, is the continuous policy of both Democratic and Republican State Departments—make no mistake about it. The Democrats differ only in the design of a better mouse trap and have no right to cast their stones of dispersion from their glass palace at the failed policies of the GOP—policies now garbed in democratic hyperbole. WELCOME TO THE THEOLOGICAL CALDRON Peace in the Middle East! Better yet: What is the current administration’s Mid-East Peace Policy? Road Map to Peace? Peace Process? It is prudent, though policy makers would dearly extract this fixation from the debate, the theological implications—Moslem, Jewish, and Christian—from this conundrum of conundrums, and why, specifically, "Jerusalem (has become) a cup of trembling (i.e., "reeling" or "drunkenness") to all the surrounding peoples . . . a very heavy stone for all peoples . . . though all nations of the earth are gathered against it" (Zechariah 12:2-3)? The Biblical metaphor of "reeling" and "drunkenness" is actually the physical reaction of a person who trembles after imbibing a poisonous potion. You drink of this venom; you immediately go into radical convulsions, with one destination in view: death! Initially, so it appeared our President’s so-called lack of a coherent Mid-East peace plan at the commencement of his administration both mystified and concerned—sooner or later he too would be compelled to deal with this Middle East "tar" baby. Could you blame him—grasping this "cup of trembling" portends incessant disappointment and, worse yet, staggering political liability with prurient involvement leading to—as we now bemoan—intractable conflict. Yet, the greatest "Consuming Nation" ever to countenance the planet—fueled by the mercurial petroleum molecule—would inevitably be sucked into this black hole whose exit strategies escape all nations. EXTOLING OUR VIRTUES—PLAIN VANILLA Nothing like pontificating—i.e., extolling our efforts at peace in the region. This was masterfully accomplished by the Council on Foreign Relations’ Aaron D. Miller at the CFR’s "Transition 2005: Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East Peace Process" forum in February. Dr. Miller—a former U.S. State Department official, having served six previous Secretaries of State by helping to formulate U.S. policy on the Middle East and the Arab-Israeli "peace process"—confirmed my original thesis regarding the bi-partisan nature of our endeavors at formulating peace in the Middle East; to wit: "The three Americans that have made the most compelling contribution in the history of American diplomacy, and there are only three—two Republican secretaries of state, Henry Kissinger, James Baker, and one Democratic president, so it transcends party lines, Jimmy Carter—all combined those qualities, with an acute sense of knowing when to intercede. That is how to do effective American diplomacy. And if in fact we were to succeed again, that is an approach that we have to come back to. (Note: Apparently, Miller dismisses President Clinton’s endeavors.) In any event, bi-partisan consensus was summed up by political think tank Seeds of Peace president Miller as follows: (1)President Bush must make the Middle East Peace Process a 24/7 top priority—working with a diverse team of "competent" advisors. (2)Policy must not neglect what’s happening on the "ground" (i.e., realities on the ground integrate with immediate policy). (3)The U.S. must remain in control of its own policy (i.e., don’t let either side, Israeli or Palestinian/Arab, dictate). (4)Beware of interim deals, but also beware of high-risk efforts to solve this problem quickly. (5)Combine empathy and trust, with toughness, to both Israelis and Arabs. Furthermore, avoidance of the black hole is useless—Miller concludes: "If we want to supplement our war against terror, further the cause of democratization, there is no other issue that would do more to enhance our credibility than the pursuit of this one" (i.e., full engagement in the so-called "Middle East Peace Process" involving Arabs and Israelis). Safe, reasonable, intelligent, thoughtful—yep, just plain vanilla. But the status quo of Dr. Miller’s world was about to be shaken with the departure of one Collin Powell, and the subsequent installation of National Security Advisor, now Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" "In this time of great decision, I have come to Cairo not to talk about the past, but to look to the future — a future that Egyptians can lead and define. "Ladies and Gentlemen: In our world today, a growing number of men and women are securing their liberty . . . "After all, America was founded by individuals who knew that all human beings -- and the governments they create -- are inherently imperfect. And the United States was born half free and half slave. And it was only in my lifetime that my government guaranteed the right to vote for all of its people. "Nevertheless, the principles enshrined in our Constitution enable citizens of conviction to move America closer every day to the ideal of democracy. Here in the Middle East, that same long hopeful process of democratic change is now beginning to unfold. Millions of people are demanding freedom for themselves and democracy for their countries" (Excerpts from Sec. of State Rice’s speech at the American University in Cairo, Egypt on June 20, 2005). Naturally, Dr. Rice’s (later references) to democratic aspirations for the region—addressing her audience as "ladies and gentlemen" to highlight Islamic suppression of women in general—blew the Kaffiyeh off her Arab audience. Notwithstanding all the cultural sensitivities to the contrary . . . it is nigh impossible and absurdly ridiculous to fathom how Judeo-Christian Americana ideals and cultural backgrounds relate to Middle Eastern realities on the ground (as we speak). Never mind—the President must opine: "America will not impose our style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, to attain their own freedom, make their own way" (Rice, in her same speech, quoting from President Bush’s second inaugural address, while prefacing his words with: "We are supporting the democratic aspirations of all people."). Thus, in one-fell swoop, we witness cultural wiggle room at its height as Arab states commence their march toward freedom and Islamic-style democracy! EGYPT MUST LEAD, AS SHE LED OF OLD "The people of Egypt should be at the forefront of this great journey, just as you have led this region through the great journeys of the past" (Again, excerpt from the Rice speech.). At this point, one must ponder: What Egyptian journey of the past do we contemplate? How about the slave-driven, pyramid-building, totalitarian civilizations of the Pharaohs? Of course we Americans intuitively know what the President and Dr. Rice mean (at least we once did) . . . but driving this democratic square peg into the black, moon-shaped hole of Islamic civilization may ultimately necessitate Alexander the Great’s resolution of untying the Gordian Knot he encountered at the ancient city of Gordium (100 miles west of Ankara, Turkey). An oracle of Zeus alleged that if anyone could untie this knot, that person would be the conqueror of all Asia. Of course everyone knows, Alexander (champion of the Ancient West) cheated on the oracle by cutting the knot with his sword instead of untying it—notwithstanding, the avaricious behavior of the god Zeus still gave Alexander Asia! Even so, the conclusion of the matter (i.e., incorporating nigh 1,500 years of Islamic civilization into Western thinking and democratic idealism first proclaimed by the Greeks) may ultimately necessitate a rather crude Greco-Roman application; simply put: CUT TO THE CHASE! And, why might this be the case? Consider the utter futility of the West approaching the "Islamic Knot" of Asia—let’s just consider the "lead" of Egypt toward democratic liberalization: Nina Shea’s piece on Egyptian democratic ideals tells it bluntly—the Muslim Brotherhood would be swept to power if open elections were held in Egypt: "Mubarak’s policies have created a situation in which pro-Western democrats like Ramy Lakah are silenced or driven abroad, leaving the Muslim Brotherhood as the only organized opposition within Egypt. If an open election were held this year, few doubt that the Muslim Brotherhood would win. An Islamist group, the Brotherhood has won hearts and minds through charitable work and exploited religion to thrive despite ruthless repression against it. It purportedly renounced violence in the 1970s, but its motto continues to be: ‘Allah is our objective. The Prophet is our leader. Qur’an is our law. Jihad is our way. Dying in the way of Allah is our highest hope.’" And, what of Islamic Brotherhood? "A social and political movement which started in Egypt in 1928 by Hasan al-Banna for the purpose of establishing a pan-Islamic state, transcending all current political and geographic divisions. Like those before him, al-Banna also regarded the West as posing a fundamental threat to the future of Islam. He felt that even worse than military campaigns were the attempts to import Western culture and political ideals. The root of Muslim problems was that the Shari’a (Islamic law) had not been implemented - once this was accomplished, everything would be better." (Taken from: Islamic Extremism) This is the same Muslim Brotherhood that assassinated Anwar Sadat—in spite of Sadat’s attempts to assure them of his Islamic fidelity. Is it any wonder that the Brotherhood continues to call for "a more open and democratic political system in Egypt." Tracing the so-called hydra-headed monster of Islamic terrorist organizations is not the intent of this discussion. One can deliberate for countless hours on this serpentine figure (Please see http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/rpt/fto/2001/5258.htm). But, what is of peculiar note is where Secretary Rice delivered this sea-change in American foreign policy: In the heart of Egypt, where the Brotherhood and scores of Islamicists recruit insurgents against America’s War on Terror! IRANIAN DEMOCRACY AT WORK While the U.S. attempts to light the fires of Iraqi liberty and democracy—against the backdrop of rabid Islamic insurgency, London bombings, and ominous threats upon homeland US targets (Including "soft targets in the U.S. like movie theaters, restaurants and schools" etc.) (Please see: http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/005364.php), the Iranian people by the millions decide it’s time to elect an even more radical regime to pilot their nation through the incursions from the West! Of course, with the election of hardliner and American hostage taker, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (though vehemently denied by Iranian authorities), at summer’s commencement (2005), how heartening are his initial exploits heard in the West: "Today, we can say that nuclear technology is our right!" How comforting too, to know that a "Greater Persia"—which encompasses Southern Iraq’s Shiite majority—also awaits the full development of the democratic Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. Some, like Michael Rubin in Forward Magazine, conjecture that the Bush Administration has no coherent policy on Iran regarding the spread of "democracy." Dear Michael—let me disabuse you of such folly! The West, led by the Bush Administration, knows precisely how to "democratize" and, ipso facto, diffuse the Islamic Bomb! If, on the other hand, you consider this contrary to "democratic ideals" – live with it. ISLAMIC MODERATES? There is this Western fascination, perpetrated by certain strata of its intelligentsia and fomented by both the progressive and entrenched liberal media, that the vast majority of clear-thinking Moslem leadership, when push comes to shove, is tolerant and merciful; yes, caring souls who long to live in peace with all mankind, especially with folks in the West. Frankly, let’s quit pussy-footing around with discovering a Salman Rushdie here, a Dr. Khalid Duran there, or even a Tashbih Sayyed, President of the Council for Democracy and Tolerance—these rare exceptions dwell in the ethereal world of the West’s civilization. What’s happening on Dr. Miller’s ground bespeaks the antithesis of the so-called moderate Moslem. One gets this image of President Bush standing amidst a sea of moderate Moslem clerics gathered—all the while this miniscule segment of Islam is utterly overshadowed by the vast majority of mainstream believers in Allah to whom "moderate Moslem" is regarded in the Qur’an as an Infidel and should be treated as any Christian, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, etc. REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM—"Reduction to Absurdity" Let us not be so naïve as to think that the face the U.S. Government projects regarding this majority of Moslem moderates exists—accept in the political world of electioneering. How foolish are they who assume that the neocons who currently implement American foreign, and increasingly, domestic policy, do not have a plan which incorporates her national interests (i.e., oil) and the "pacification" of true Islam (i.e., "radical" Islam). The longer the War on Terror lasts, the clearer this Administration’s profile of its enemy becomes. To conjure the notion that this Administration is void of religious impulse in its decision-making policies towards Islam is ludicrous to the extreme—nonsense, they are acutely aware that given freedom from dictatorship, Islamic fundamentalists and their legions will carry the day . . . and that may be precisely what the West wants! Absurd? To the contrary—Islam is a total way of living, not just a religion! Church and state are not separate entities as in the West. Such separation is anathema to Islam. Islamic fundamentalists in virtually every nation in the Middle East are aggressively attempting to overthrow "secular" governments like those in Algeria and Egypt. "Civil rights" are obscene in Islam: "Because there was no concept of personal freedom or civil rights in the tribal life of seventh-century Arabias, Islamic law does not recognize freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, or freedom of the press. This is why non-Muslims, such as Christians or Bahais, are routinely denied even the most basic civil rights. "The despots of the Ottoman Empire and the present dictators of Libya, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, etc. are merely examples of seventh-century Arabian tyranny transplanted into modern times . . . "Incarceration without due process; the use of torture; political assassination; the cutting off of hands, feet, ears, tongues, and heads; and the gouging out of eyes—all of these things are part of Islamic law today because they were part of seventh-century Arabian culture. "To Westerners, such things are barbaric and should not have any place in the modern world. Islam is a distinctively Arabian cultural religion. Unless this is firmly grasped, no real understanding of Islam is possible." (Robert Morey, The Islamic Invasion, 1992, p. 26) So, to extrapolate a final resolution to "the problem" facing American foreign policy makers—whatever the administration—unfortunately revolves to reductio ad absurdum: There will be a final conflict! And, with such "conflict resolution" comes collateral damage—the kind no one wants to talk about! That leads us to a most disgusting conclusion . . . PONS ASINORUM—Literally: "Bridge of Asses" Pons asinorum was originally used by Euclid’s fifth proposition in geometry. The Latin phrase connotes "any obstacle that stupid people find hard to cross." In sum: How do we get these donkeys to cross the bridge—after all, it’s for their own good! Repeatedly heard on the air waves is the great division within the American public regarding the "real and present danger" posed by the War on Terror. The spectrum of Viet Nam’s humiliation, and how that war was waged through constrictive "rules of engagement" haunts us. Viet Nam’s retraction caused the American Empire to militarily (but not economically) acquiesce—somehow they just couldn’t get us to cross the bridge! Ah, but lessons learned from past history, cannot but secure our glorious future. Yet, all-out war circa America’s declaration leveled at Fascism at the close of 1941 would be unprecedented—it would take a vile act of extreme consequence to drive the nation across that bridge! How quickly we regressed to our original liberality after 9/11’s calamitous day. Yet, Islamic tidbits along the way—Bali, Spain, now London . . . how much of this can we take, before we cross that bridge? It will not take a great deal to excite the American giant to acts of all-out war. Alas, is this not what Osama ben-Laden has declared upon the West and her leadership? Hear OBL quote his sacred writings: "Surah III (42): ‘Slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them, and confine them, and lie in wait for them at every place! Ambush.’ Again in Surah 1X (45): ‘when you meet the unbelievers, smite their necks, then, when you have made wide slaughter among them tie fast the bonds. Then again,The Dinner Table [5.51]: ‘O you who believe do not take the Jews and the Christians for friends; they are friends of each other; and whoever, amongst you takes them for a friend, then surely he is one of them; surely Allah (the name of their God) does not guide the unjust people.’" Now, that eliminates most progressive wiggle room, doesn’t it? And, just in case the legions of Islamic terrorist organizations don’t convince you of their "War Against the West" – let this recent London photo convince you otherwise: Indeed, as the man hiding in the West vainly attempts to convey the reality of the matter: "‘If this isn't about Islam,’ added Rushdie, ‘why the worldwide Muslim demonstrations in support of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda? Why are the war’s first British casualties three Muslim men who died fighting on the Taliban side? If terrorism is to be defeated, the world of Islam must take on board the secularist-humanist principles on which the modern [world] is based, and without which Muslim countries’ freedom will remain a distant dream.’" "The Independent reported that Rushdie's claims were rejected by prominent British Muslims." Thus, the case against "democracy" as we know it—or even as Islam could ever know it—is irreconcilably at odds with the faith of Mohammed. For the Americans and her representatives in high places to proclaim the virtues of "liberty, fraternity, and equality" to the Moslem world is nigh a declaration of all-out war. In the ears of Islam was it not this very "secular" philosophy which heralded the rise of agnostic socialism and atheistic communism? Why should Moslems succumb to two, yea three, of the devil’s trident spears: Secularism, Christianity, and Zionism? GOG-MAGOG—THE ULTIMATE "ON THE GROUND" REALITY – ENDING THE (THEOLOGICAL) STALEMATE The "Little Satan" – in the eyes of Islam is Israel . . . and the "Great Satan" is the USA. This implacable hatred is irreversible and is repeatedly substantiated in the Qur’an itself! All the ignorant, superficial, and absurd discussion regarding peace in the Middle East will not come at the circumference of a negotiating table—be it Camp David, Madrid, Oslo, or the incessant shuttles that forestall the inevitability of conflict; to wit: "No matter how many peace accords are signed, this fundamental disagreement between Jews and Arabs on the basic facts remains, a disagreement which has caused (57) years of bloodshed. Echoing Islamic doctrine, the PLO denies that the Jews ever had possession of the Promised Land even under Joshua and David and claims that it always belonged to the Arabs . . . even that the Jews ever existed as a nation is denied! They are not acknowledged to be a national, ethnic group of people at all, but merely followers of a religion" ("Cup of Trembling" – 1995, Dave Hunt, pp. 287-88). Once again, the brilliance of Dave Hunt shines in his above statements . . . and he continues, like so many American evangelical Christians who await the Second Coming of Christ: "We are moving in the direction which the Bible says will be taken. It is the road to disaster, to Armageddon, but on the way it detours through temporary peace. ‘When they say ‘Peace and safety,’ then cometh sudden destruction,’ wrote Paul. That statement tells us that the world must reach a point where it believes that peace has been achieved—and, of course, that must involve the Middle East. Centuries earlier, Daniel, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote that it would be through peace that the Antichrist would destroy many (Daniel 8:25: "By peace shall he (Antichrist) destroy many"). Obviously it would not be genuine peace, but a pseudo peace that would weaken Israel’s defenses and strategic protection, making her vulnerable to destruction and encouraging her enemies to attack." (Ibid., pp. 297-98). The necessary catalyst that will trigger the "peace" of Antichrist—i.e., Pax Antichristus—the singular and seminal event that will precipitate the march to Armageddon—is NOT the conflagration between the West and Islam (i.e., the Gog-Magog War), but the spurious ejection or secret rapture of the very Church called to give TESTIMONY (mar-too-ree-on; Strong’s #3142; cf. "martyr" and "martyrology") in the very midst of the "street of the Great City" (i.e., Babylon, Revelation 11:3-8). No, the believing Corpus Christi (Body of Christ) is literally ejected from this tumultuous scene for the revelation of Pax Antichristus. In point of fact—both Jews and Moslems are left with Antichrist himself who somehow orchestrates through subterfuge, cunning, and satanic perspicacity: Pax Antichristus! "Very soon, millions upon millions of those living on this earth will be mysteriously snatched away from the planet and taken to heaven! Only then can the Antichrist be revealed. In fact, this event will be the catalyst that will catapult him into power at the very beginning of Daniel’s seventieth week. Nothing else could possibly do so" (Hunt, "Cup of Trembling" – pp. 365-66). And, I hasten to add: Nothing could be further from the truth of Scripture! To substantiate the distortion of the Blessed Hope (which alone is the actual Second Coming of Christ and the coming of the Jewish Messiah in bodily form for all to see) Hunt surmises: "Such an event, involving the sudden mysterious disappearance of perhaps 200 million people, is beyond our ability to imagine. It is not difficult, however, to realize what the world’s reaction will be. This world will be absolutely terrorized! The Joint Chiefs of Staff, the President’s Cabinet, the Congress, the United Nations, and every responsible government and business and educational body will be meeting in emergency session—stunned, devastated, trying to understand what happened to the missing million. ‘Where did they go? Who took them? Who will be next?’ will be the queries on trembling lips around the world . . . after the rapture, the ‘survival’ of this event will unite those remaining as nothing else could. Islamic ambitions to take over the world, the mutual hatred of Serbian Orthodox and Croatian Catholics, the animosity and suspicion between North and South Koreans—these and all other enmities will be forgotten in the mutual terror and necessity of cooperating together . . . with all the Christians removed, Satan’s great opportunity to take over the world has arrived. Terrified and confused, those that remain will worship anyone who can bring order and meaning out of this chaos" (Ibid., p. 366). THE PATRIOTIC CHURCH DOESN’T NEED GOG-MAGOG, TESTIMONY, OR PERSECUTION! In a previous tome I excoriated brother Hunt’s faulty exegesis of Ezekiel 38 and 39 and his wishy-washy denial of nations aligned against Israel (i.e., Gog-Magog) bearing any real significance; and the horrific implications it has for both Christian and Jew, and for that matter, all peoples of the earth: http://www.the-tribulation-network.com/dougkrieger/gog_magog_or_armageddon.htm. Furthermore, the "War Against the Evil Doers" of Islam, and the secularization of American society, has given rise to the Patriotic Church hell-bent on spreading "democratic values," "Judeo-Christian ethics," while every opportunity to evangelize the heathen (especially during the process of democratizing Islamic states) is trumpeted. The presupposition to entertain Pax Antichristus as a result of the Church’s rapture ("coming for His saints") denies the Church her greatest witness at history’s epiphany—leaving the Seventieth Week of Daniel (or what may be left of it) to the "apostate Jews" who are once again isolated and left to face the horrors of Jacob’s Trouble alone. No, this is NOT the Messianic Scenario—this is not the witness and testimony left for either the Church or Israel in the "last days" (i.e., the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11: The Two Olive Trees (Israel) and the Two Lampstands (The Church). The ultra-dispensationalist, Christian Reconstructionist, Dominionist/Theocrat, et al., Evangelical Protestants and/or Catholic/Orthodox alike, have devised religious themes which circumvent Antichrist’s final collision with true Christianity and covenantal Israel. The onrush of deception and rank apostasy awaiting the faithful as the campaign to democratize the Islamic world accelerates, will, at the close of Gog’s defeat, and the immediate "peace" which follows this cataclysmic confrontation, assuredly be a rapture, yea, a euphoria of exultation, as a Triumphant Christianity and a surviving Israel will herald the era of Pax Antichristus! (Note: More akin to Nazi Germany’s euphoric sensations after the conquest of Poland!) Carefully, very carefully read the sequential nature of these promises—to those of you who believe—and to those who observe our folly, remember, do you really affirm that the roadmap to peace in the Middle East leads through Washington; do you? "Now brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away (i.e., the "apostasia" (Grk.) or apostasy) comes first, and the man of sin (i.e., Antichrist) is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God" (II Thessalonians 2:1-4). The secret rapture does not come first—the Great Falling Away from the Faith and the revelation of the Antichrist himself occurs first! To distort the straightforward presentation of these sequential Scriptures for the sake of an elite core of Christians to escape earth’s most troublesome hour—and her greatest ingathering of souls into the Kingdom of His dear Son—is anathema to everything for which the Cross of Christ stands! Furthermore, it is an affront to "The Cry of the Martyrs" who immediately in the Fifth Seal of the Apocalypse precede the celestial disturbances of the Sixth Seal of that same Revelation Chapter 6 and which Jesus spoke of so clearly in Luke 21:25-28—i.e., the sequence is abundantly clear: (1)The "Tribulation Saints" cry out for relief from persecution under the "wrath of the Antichrist/Beast" in the Fifth Seal of Revelation 6:9-11: "When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony (i.e., "martyr") which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed." (Note: To theologically convolute the text and say that these "Tribulation Saints" are somehow NOT the Church (i.e., "outside of being in Christ") or to identify them solely as "Israel" (i.e., persecuted Jews) is utterly outrageous and flies in the face of all that "testimony" implies and its absolute connectivity to Christ Himself and those who willingly "give up their soul lives unto the death" (cf. Rev. 1:2, 9; 6:9; 11:7; 12:11, 17; 19:10)—thus, the Church is most assuredly here on the earth during the 70th Week of Daniel, not sequestered off into the heavens somewhere in a secret rapture!) (2)The "celestial disturbances" recorded in Revelation 6:12-17 issue in the ultimate "wrath of the Lamb" (Revelation 6:16) and the "great day of His wrath." Likewise, Luke 21:25-26 speaks of these same heavenly disturbances PRIOR to the coming of the Son of Man. (Note: The Fifth Seal bespeaks of the "wrath of the Antichrist/Beast" (Revelation 12:12) – whereas the Sixth Seal introduces the "wrath of the Lamb" wherein those who have suffered under the Fifth Seal are NOT "subjected/appointed . . . to ‘wrath’" (i.e., the "wrath of the Lamb," cf. I Thessalonians 5:9)). (3)The Second Coming of Christ – the "Coming of the Son of Man" – Luke 21:27-18 and Revelation 6:16-17 (Note: The "Wrath of the Lamb" is the miraculous and final bodily intervention of the Son of Man—i.e., His Second Coming for the Church, and Messiah’s coming for Israel (Zechariah 14:1-9)). The failed policies of "peace and safety"—exacerbated by an implacable and determined world religion bent on world dominion, and resisted, yea, inspired to enlist in the military defeat of this awful foe, by modern Christian crusaders—bespeaks of the most massive falling away from the faith ever during the Church’s 2,000-year history. Indeed, this apostasy can only be aided and abetted by the sincere, but distorted, exegesis of Scripture exemplified by well-meaning American evangelicals—evangelicals who today ride the crest of patriotism in the War on Terror; anticipating the triumph of good over evil; entrenchment of the American New World Order System; curtailment of rampant secularism-relativism; and, the pacification-evangelization of Islam. Notwithstanding the deceits and apostasies embedded in the spread of "Democratic Globalism" and its false promises of "peace, peace" – regrettably championed by conservative Christendom and sincere Jews – it is our fervent prayer, as Daniel foresaw in the midst of Jacob’s Trouble: "At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book . . . those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:1 & 3). For a full graphic presentation in the above article with all working links, please go to http://www.the-tribulation-network.com Doug is a member of the "Last Days Network" . . . a group of evangelical pundits providing news and analysis on Religion in Politics. "Applied Biblical prophecy," apostasy and deception, the impact of the New American World Order System, and the influence of the Religious Right and Left upon American culture--are topics discussed by the group. He is an educator in the public schools (California) and an administrator.

Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

10 More Tips For Saving Cash On Your Gas

Learn some of the best tips to get optimum gas mileage. Here
we've compiled 10 more tips to help you stretch your dollar at
the gas station!



If you have not seen our previous article (10 Tips For Saving
Cash On Your Gas), you might want to do a search for it on our
website (http://www.usgastracker.org) or on
http://www.isnare.com



Alright, on to the tips!



Tip 1: Watch Your Gas
You should be aware of the amount of fuel you use. Notice your
car's performance, such as the mileage per gallon. When fuel
efficiency decreases, your car may need servicing.



Tip 2: Buy Gas from a Busy Station
A gas station that is consistently busy has to refill its
underground tanks regularly. Slower stations that don't refill
as often may have stale contaminated gas in its underground
tanks, and this contamination will affect your fuel economy.



Tip 3: Turn the Nozzle
After you have finished filling up your tank, you should twist
the gas pump nozzle a full 180 degrees. This will drain a bit
more gas into your tank, sometimes up to an entire half cup. If
you don't do this, the extra gas would just be a bonus to the
next gas customer.



Tip 4: Tighten the Gas Cap
Tighten your gas cap until it clicks. This will help prevent
the gasoline from evaporating and escaping.



Tip 5: Check Your Car's Tire Pressure
You should check your car's tire pressure regularly. Under
inflated tires reduce your car's fuel efficiency, and also
causes premature tire wear, affecting the life-span of your
tires.



Tip 6: Remove Excess Weight from Your Car
You should remove excess weight from your car. Some people use
the car trunk as a storage space, adding unnecessary weight to
the car. This will reduce your car's fuel efficiency.



Tip 7: Keep Your Car Tuned-Up
Always keep your car tuned up to ensure optimum performance.
Car's that have not been serviced for a long time often have
poorer fuel efficiency.



Tip 8: Use Your Car Less
You can try to arrange car pools with co-workers to reduce the
cost of getting to work. To save even more, you can drive less
and walk, bike or run to your intended destination, especially
if the place is nearby.



Tip 9: Change Your Work Start Time
If it is possible, change your work start and end time to avoid
traffic congestions. Stopping and going affects your gas
mileage.



Tip 10: Don't Fill Up When the Price is High
Lastly, when the price is high, don't fill up. You should wait
for the prices to go down before you fill up, especially if
your gas tank is more than half full. Filling up when the price
is high tells the gas companies that people are willing to pay
ridiculous prices for gasoline.Pete Lance is the founder of
http://www.USGasTracker.org, a premier company which helps the
consumer save money on gasoline. Thousands of gas stations
across the nation are tracked daily to guarantee the lowest
prices on gasoline anywhere in the United States. Sign up for a
free daily email with the lowest gas prices for your zip code.
http://www.usgastracker.org

Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

Four Disciplines To Getting What You Want

Four Disciplines To Getting What You Want
Copyright 2005 Kathryn Williamson



I bet you're like me - you want results now, without having
to put in the effort and time to make things change. We
want to pray a prayer and have instant results. Kind of
like microwave Christianity!



But God isn't our sugardaddy. He wants to build character
in us so that once things do change we can handle the new
lifestyle and be better equipped to fulfill His plan for
our lives. And building character takes disciplines and
time.



But what disciplines do we need to work on? It depends upon
what outcome you're looking for. If a person wants to be a
concert pianist, he practices the piano consistently and
increases the level of his challenge as he improves.



If you don't know what you want in life, you just know
you're not happy and your life needs improving, then you're
in serious trouble! If you don't have a target, then you'll
hit your aim every time! But the good news is that every
person has a dream. Even if your dream was put on the shelf
some time ago, you can take it down and begin working on it
today. The dream is still there because God put it there
and He is ready to help you implement it.



Let's look at how the following disciplines will help you,
no matter what you are striving for.



Transform Your Thoughts (change your beliefs)



To make changes in our life it helps to understand the
process of what happens between the time we think about
something and when we take action. It looks like this:



Beliefs create thoughts
Thoughts create emotions
Emotions create actions
Actions create our lifestyle



Therefore, to change our thoughts requires us to identify
false beliefs and replace them with God's truths.
Sometimes if we aren't sure why we acted in a certain way,
we can backtrack through the above process to uncover our
core beliefs that caused our ultimate action.



Whenever we want to make changes in our life, fears and
self-doubt begin to creep in. In order to conquer them we
need to identify the specific fears (false beliefs) so we
can counter them with God's truths.



This is accomplished by continually reading the Bible. When
we read statements that are contrary to what we think
(believe), then we have a choice to make. We choose to
either believe God's truth and act according to this new
belief or continue to believe the lie, which keeps us stuck
in a rut. We must make the choice as soon as we realize our
thoughts are focused on lies.



Speak Your Future Into Existence



This outcome of this second discipline is described very
well in Proverbs 18:20-21: " A man's [moral] self shall be
filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the
consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good
or evil]. Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for
death or life]."



God created the world and everything in it, including us,
by the words He spoke. He first thought about what He
wanted, then He spoke it into existence. This power isn't
limited only to God. God tells us that we, too, have this
power to create with our words.



Many of us spend more time talking about our past than
speaking forth our future. When we talk about our future,
it's important to say what we "want" not what we "don't
want." We must be extremely specific on what we speak forth
for our future.



Control Your Emotions



We aren't taught that it is possible to control our
emotions. Therefore, we feel powerless over how we react to
situations. In John 14:1 Jesus told His disciples, " Do not
let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated)..." God
won't ask us to do something that He is not capable of
helping us do.



This is great news that we can reign in our out-of-control
emotions. Just knowing that this is possible helps us to
see things in a new light. We see new possibilities of
change where we didn't think change could ever occur.



Pray Consistently



This fourth discipline keeps us connected to the source of
our hope - God. We obtain success through deepening our
relationship with God and others. The three disciplines
above help us develop character to enable us to develop
healthy, loving relationships which fulfill us.Kathy Williamson teaches biblical principles to help people
overcome their problems and discover God's will for their
lives. Her book, teachings and ezine can be found on her
website at http://www.wisdomforliving.org


Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

How to Ditch Negativity and Reach Your Goals

Watching the news can be hazardous to your health.



It's a fact, especially when you're watching events related
to terrorism, kidnapping, murder, accidents, or calamities.
These incidents make you worry and will leave you feeling weak
and insecure. Imagine the uncomfortable feeling of becoming a
victim someday. These thoughts will have a direct negative
effect on your outlook in life.



All of your surroundings have a big impact on you. How can you
Think and grow rich if you're bombarded with messages that relates
"how difficult life has become" or "how poor most of us has
turned out to be?" Yet, if we listen to the outside world, that is
exactly what we hear.over and over and over again.



You can't change your environment, but you certainly can
control your mind. If the media can indirectly influence you just by reporting what's happening around you, imagine what impact everyday people have on you. These are the people that you see and meet everyday. These are also the same people who are expressing
their own views of what is right and what is wrong. We must respect the right of others to express their opinion, but we certainly do not have allow those opinions and attitudes to negatively effect our outlook on life.



When we spend time in a negative environment, we tend to acquire
the traits and characteristics of people around us.



Here's an example:



Pick a nice person, throw him in a group of bad-mouthed
individuals who incorporates swear words in their everyday
language. Sooner or later, you'll notice that nice person
speaking in the same manner as the group.



This just goes to say that anyone who joins in the company
of a like-minded group will have a big chance of being
influenced by the personality of that group. So what
can you do if you're surrounded by people who deviates
from your way of thinking?



You can't just avoid them. They'll think of you as a snob.
Don't change the way you treat them, but simply learn how
to shield out pessimistic comments or suggestions.



Sometimes, they will try to convince you cannot possible achieve your goals. Be firm. Do not let them affect your decisions. You know that you can do what they thought would be impossible. If you have to suffer their ridicule, so be it. You will have the last laugh.



Moreover, you should be with people who have the same
principles and ideologies as you do. You will be more
encouraged to continue your dreams if you have a support
group or mentor who will encourage you to pursue your goals
despite the setbacks.



Whenever I start new endeavors, I always have those who are interested only in telling me why they won't work. Others are
there to support me and encourage me. Guess which group I
tend to spend my time with?



You have the power to make your dreams a reality. Now
show the world the stuff you are made of.For more information about setting and achieving even the most challenging of goals, visit:
www.helpyouneednow.com/goalrealization/goalrealizationmadeeasy.htm

Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

Making Gifts A Pleasure

As we reach the time of year when Christmas items start to appear in the stores, and thoughts of vacations start to wind down with the shortening daylight, it is a good time to think about gifts. Not only the gifts, though, but also the practise of giving.

Offering a gift can be a mutual pleasure; some might say it should be a pleasure for giver and recipient. A problem with a modern commercial Christmas, however, is that buying gifts can become a chore. Often it is a stress ridden chore in the dying days before Christmas Day, as everything gets left to the last minute.

A true gift, though, should bring with it no stress; it should come from the heart to be a true gift, and not be out of duty. If someone is resentful of having to spend time and money buying Christmas gifts, then the result is not a gift but a token of duty.

Why not make this next Christmas a time to make the choosing of individual gifts a pleasure for yourself, and for the recipient. Often in the last minute haste to buy gifts in time for Christmas Day, people become detached from not only the purpose, but the person to whom they are giving. Bought hastily in a crowded stress filled store, scarcely a thought may pass for the individual on the receiving end, however close they may be to you.

Most of the year, if not all, can be filled with work, commuting, rushing here and there, stress, and self focus. How about time and attention for those who really matter in your life, whether spouse, offspring, other relatives, friends or colleagues? The choosing of a gift, and presentation of it, can be a silent way of giving each of them special attention, and then culminating with their pleasure at the receipt of the gift.

Behind every good present there is a person who worked hard to make the best choice. The secret to buying the perfect gift is to think about the message you want to send out, when the receiver opens it. If you think about his or her hobbies, to his or her vacation plans etc. It means you have really studied that person and you bought the present precisely for them, for that occasion; in this case, Christmas.

Friendship and caring are themselves are a gift, so you can see that if you put some real selfless effort into choosing gifts, the value of the gift is magnified. That is something which will shine through the wrapping paper, and in the moment of giving the pleasure that you feel in making the gesture will radiate in the warmth of your expression. The choosing and the giving of a gift are inseparable.

With Christmas some way off, now is a good time to start thinking about the meaning of giving, so that by the time Christmas comes, there will be no thinking “oh, this Christmas gift business is a chore.”

Instead of thinking about the physical aspects and “inconvenience” of buying Christmas gifts, of the costs and effect on your credit card, think about the love, respect and caring that you feel for those to whom you will be giving. That way you will beat the stress before it surfaces, and enjoy the act of giving as a true pleasure. Roy Thomsitt is the owner of http://www.gifts-for-xmas.com and http://www.xmas-ornament.com

Article Source: http://www.articlepros.com

The Magic of Believing (from Inspirational Books - Part One)

The Magic of Believing (from Inspirational Books - Part One)





THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING - THE POWER OF THOUGHT ENERGY



INTRODUCTION:



Submitter's Note:
Craig has been studying and researching the human mind, the "last unexplored frontier" for the past decade and he is currently "working" on the connection (overlap) between mind and spirit, the relationship between psychology (science of the mind) and the spiritual world, God. A fascinating subject!
This article (in point form) is based on an excellent motivational,
up-lifting and inspiring book 'THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING' by Claude Bristol (written in the "thirties"). I am sharing the contents of this work in the spirit of
encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people, who really
want to achieve their fullest potentials to read this classic book, BELIEVE...and surprise themselves what happens.



Thank you sincerely, Mr Bristol for sharing your practical insight, words of wisdom and especially inspiration, which I'm passing on in the form of this series of articles from my notes taken from your book.



Powerful forces locked in your mind can turn desire into reality!
Learn to release them in this extraordinary book.
Just BELIEVE!



Craig
*
"If thou can'st believe, all things are possible to him that believeth"
- Mark 9:23



Most religions of the world (but especially Christianity) are based upon the powerful principle of FAITH ("God turns the impossible into the possible"). There is a golden thread running through all the teachings and makes them work for all who genuinely accept and apply them; it helps them reach all their goals in life. That thread in a word is BELIEF. There's genuine magic in believing. Study books of greatness and inspiration; because as we learn, we grow (in knowledge, as well as spiritually). It's a journey of exploration and personal growth.



See the law of suggestion (auto-suggestion) at work.
Most of history's greatest achievements have been accomplished not by the most talented, but by the people who were willing to take on great risks and challenges and see them through. And that happens only by believing.
All of us can develop belief, yet few people know HOW.



"You can become the unique person that it is in you to become; but only if you resist the urge to conform to the images others hold of you. You can turn all your potential into reality, only if you are willing to DREAM...and BELIEVE."
- Nido R. Quebin.
*
Is there a something, a force, factor, power, a science, call it what you will, which a few people understand and use to overcome their difficulties and achieve outstanding success?



This concept is understood by few and used by even less people. I am convinced any sincere person can reach any heights he or she desires.
There is a wealth of spirit in YOU. This book is written to help develop individual thinking and doing, to help people to a better understanding and the principle DOES work.



THE POWER OF THOUGHT (or the 'science of thought'): The principles mentioned in this work substantiate great truths handed down the ages.



The greatest problems bothering most people are financial ones.



Old Latin proverb: "Believe you have it and you have it." Belief is the motivating factor that enables you to reach your goal.



Can man project his thoughts even at great distances into other minds (mental telepathy)?



The most important advance in the next generation will be in the vast unknown of the human mind - dealing with the spiritual, ie. thought.
Psychology is the science of the mind.



Persistence brings confidence and a continued right mental attitude followed by consistent action will bring success. Know the formula. It is mind power that has built empires.



Use the technique only for GOOD - to better yours and others lives.



THOUGHT:
Thought is a terrific force with unlimited powers.
RW Emerson: "Thought is the ancestor of our every action."



Our world is governed by thought. Buddha: "All that we are is the result of what we have thought."



The secret of success lies not without, but within the thoughts of man. History is filled with accounts of how thought has made weak men strong and strong men weak...and evidence of this is evident all around us in everyday living.



What you exhibit outwardly you are inwardly. You are the product of your own thoughts. "What you believe yourself to be, you are."



Thought is the original source of all wealth, success, material gain, all great discoveries and inventions...and of ALL achievement. Without it there'd be no empires built. A man's thoughts make or break him. Shakespeare: "There is nothing good or bad; but thinking makes it so."



Draw on the great source of power that lies within each one of us.
We become what we contemplate, what we think about most. Everything is within - the mind is the source of all power.
Man secures the gold of the spirit, when he finds himself.



Edison said that 'ideas come from space'.



The great ancient Greek physician, Paracelsus: "The human spirit is so great a thing that no-one can express it. Faith must strengthen the imagination, for faith establishes the will."
*
The Keys to Success:
The first step on the road to success:
Know exactly WHAT you want out of life.



Hard work alone will not bring success; our hands are designed to be helping the brain.
DESIRE (burning), an obsession helps ensure success in any endeavour. (Personally, I feel we need to have balance in our lives).
Ensure your thoughts and aims are co-ordinated.
Make your energy concentrated and applied without "let-up" (continuous)
*
There is a big difference between NEED and a DESIRE.



All-consuming thoughts can be bad, as one needs balance in our lives. Become more real with our thinking and adding flavour (intensity) through our imaginations, ie visualisation.



"Thought attracts that upon which it is directed."
It then sinks into our consciousness - the depth depends on the constancy, intensity and power of your thoughts.



Everything that exists is vibration???
The healing touch of Jesus's hand.



Prayer and meditation operate through this principle, as "focussed energy", like a lasar-beam.



"Creative force comes only when there is a completely rounded-out thought, when there is a fully developed mental picture, or when the imagination can visualise the attainment of our ambition and see in our mind a picture of the object we desire - a house, a car, a radio, etc - just as if we already possessed them."



To be effective, you have to BELIEVE that your prayers will be answered. Different creeds and cults work as a result of the firm beliefs of the individual: The "Magic of Believing".
*



The Subconscious Mind:



The "still small voice within".
Supreme Intelligence or Universal Mind. The subconscious or "essence of life" limits of its powers are unknown - it never sleeps, warns us of impending danger and can perform what are sometimes called miracles. The subconscious acts primarily on its own initiave, but there are times when its activities appear to be the result of influences from outside.



Get in contact with your subconscious mind and you can achieve wealth, power, fame, asw well as cure physical ailments and solve countless human problems. And its power is for YOU to use. Just BELIEVE in its power and put it to work using the techniques or systems.



Inventions, great musical compositions, poetry, fiction, writings (like this work) and all other ideas for original accomplishment come from the subconscious. Bricks fall into place, like a "magical hand". A pattern of co-incidences is a working out of a pattern you started with your own weaving.
The great power of the subconscious is one of the most formidable forces in shaping and controlling our lives. Perhaps it works like an electrical vibration sets the law of attraction into operation.



Sustained thought or fixed mental picture - go "into the silence".
Make mental pictures through the imagination - visualise. This comes about as a result of belief - a strange power that causes miracles to happen. It's a deep-seated belief - "heart and soul". a spiritual force. Know with every fibre of your being that you WILL achieve your desires.



Remember that your life is a "work in progress", so take one day at a time in an 'attitude of gratitude'.



Enjoy the journey of lifeThe Magic of Believing (from Inspirational Books - Part One)


THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING - THE POWER OF THOUGHT ENERGY

INTRODUCTION:

Submitter's Note:
Craig has been studying and researching the human mind, the "last unexplored frontier" for the past decade and he is currently "working" on the connection (overlap) between mind and spirit, the relationship between psychology (science of the mind) and the spiritual world, God. A fascinating subject!
This article (in point form) is based on an excellent motivational,
up-lifting and inspiring book 'THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING' by Claude Bristol (written in the "thirties"). I am sharing the contents of this work in the spirit of
encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people, who really
want to achieve their fullest potentials to read this classic book, BELIEVE...and surprise themselves what happens.

Thank you sincerely, Mr Bristol for sharing your practical insight, words of wisdom and especially inspiration, which I'm passing on in the form of this series of articles from my notes taken from your book.

Powerful forces locked in your mind can turn desire into reality!
Learn to release them in this extraordinary book.
Just BELIEVE!

Craig
*
"If thou can'st believe, all things are possible to him that believeth"
- Mark 9:23

Most religions of the world (but especially Christianity) are based upon the powerful principle of FAITH ("God turns the impossible into the possible"). There is a golden thread running through all the teachings and makes them work for all who genuinely accept and apply them; it helps them reach all their goals in life. That thread in a word is BELIEF. There's genuine magic in believing. Study books of greatness and inspiration; because as we learn, we grow (in knowledge, as well as spiritually). It's a journey of exploration and personal growth.

See the law of suggestion (auto-suggestion) at work.
Most of history's greatest achievements have been accomplished not by the most talented, but by the people who were willing to take on great risks and challenges and see them through. And that happens only by believing.
All of us can develop belief, yet few people know HOW.

"You can become the unique person that it is in you to become; but only if you resist the urge to conform to the images others hold of you. You can turn all your potential into reality, only if you are willing to DREAM...and BELIEVE."
- Nido R. Quebin.
*
Is there a something, a force, factor, power, a science, call it what you will, which a few people understand and use to overcome their difficulties and achieve outstanding success?

This concept is understood by few and used by even less people. I am convinced any sincere person can reach any heights he or she desires.
There is a wealth of spirit in YOU. This book is written to help develop individual thinking and doing, to help people to a better understanding and the principle DOES work.

THE POWER OF THOUGHT (or the 'science of thought'): The principles mentioned in this work substantiate great truths handed down the ages.

The greatest problems bothering most people are financial ones.

Old Latin proverb: "Believe you have it and you have it." Belief is the motivating factor that enables you to reach your goal.

Can man project his thoughts even at great distances into other minds (mental telepathy)?

The most important advance in the next generation will be in the vast unknown of the human mind - dealing with the spiritual, ie. thought.
Psychology is the science of the mind.

Persistence brings confidence and a continued right mental attitude followed by consistent action will bring success. Know the formula. It is mind power that has built empires.

Use the technique only for GOOD - to better yours and others lives.

THOUGHT:
Thought is a terrific force with unlimited powers.
RW Emerson: "Thought is the ancestor of our every action."

Our world is governed by thought. Buddha: "All that we are is the result of what we have thought."

The secret of success lies not without, but within the thoughts of man. History is filled with accounts of how thought has made weak men strong and strong men weak...and evidence of this is evident all around us in everyday living.

What you exhibit outwardly you are inwardly. You are the product of your own thoughts. "What you believe yourself to be, you are."

Thought is the original source of all wealth, success, material gain, all great discoveries and inventions...and of ALL achievement. Without it there'd be no empires built. A man's thoughts make or break him. Shakespeare: "There is nothing good or bad; but thinking makes it so."

Draw on the great source of power that lies within each one of us.
We become what we contemplate, what we think about most. Everything is within - the mind is the source of all power.
Man secures the gold of the spirit, when he finds himself.

Edison said that 'ideas come from space'.

The great ancient Greek physician, Paracelsus: "The human spirit is so great a thing that no-one can express it. Faith must strengthen the imagination, for faith establishes the will."
*
The Keys to Success:
The first step on the road to success:
Know exactly WHAT you want out of life.

Hard work alone will not bring success; our hands are designed to be helping the brain.
DESIRE (burning), an obsession helps ensure success in any endeavour. (Personally, I feel we need to have balance in our lives).
Ensure your thoughts and aims are co-ordinated.
Make your energy concentrated and applied without "let-up" (continuous)
*
There is a big difference between NEED and a DESIRE.

All-consuming thoughts can be bad, as one needs balance in our lives. Become more real with our thinking and adding flavour (intensity) through our imaginations, ie visualisation.

"Thought attracts that upon which it is directed."
It then sinks into our consciousness - the depth depends on the constancy, intensity and power of your thoughts.

Everything that exists is vibration???
The healing touch of Jesus's hand.

Prayer and meditation operate through this principle, as "focussed energy", like a lasar-beam.

"Creative force comes only when there is a completely rounded-out thought, when there is a fully developed mental picture, or when the imagination can visualise the attainment of our ambition and see in our mind a picture of the object we desire - a house, a car, a radio, etc - just as if we already possessed them."

To be effective, you have to BELIEVE that your prayers will be answered. Different creeds and cults work as a result of the firm beliefs of the individual: The "Magic of Believing".
*

The Subconscious Mind:

The "still small voice within".
Supreme Intelligence or Universal Mind. The subconscious or "essence of life" limits of its powers are unknown - it never sleeps, warns us of impending danger and can perform what are sometimes called miracles. The subconscious acts primarily on its own initiave, but there are times when its activities appear to be the result of influences from outside.

Get in contact with your subconscious mind and you can achieve wealth, power, fame, asw well as cure physical ailments and solve countless human problems. And its power is for YOU to use. Just BELIEVE in its power and put it to work using the techniques or systems.

Inventions, great musical compositions, poetry, fiction, writings (like this work) and all other ideas for original accomplishment come from the subconscious. Bricks fall into place, like a "magical hand". A pattern of co-incidences is a working out of a pattern you started with your own weaving.
The great power of the subconscious is one of the most formidable forces in shaping and controlling our lives. Perhaps it works like an electrical vibration sets the law of attraction into operation.

Sustained thought or fixed mental picture - go "into the silence".
Make mental pictures through the imagination - visualise. This comes about as a result of belief - a strange power that causes miracles to happen. It's a deep-seated belief - "heart and soul". a spiritual force. Know with every fibre of your being that you WILL achieve your desires.

Remember that your life is a "work in progress", so take one day at a time in an 'attitude of gratitude'.

Enjoy the journey of life


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