tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47482325247003436982024-03-13T19:38:45.669-07:00denysliafeiUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-30297826310286157862012-04-22T19:54:00.000-07:002012-04-22T19:54:55.543-07:00JAGA PIKIRAN KITA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hmministry.com/images/artikel/pikiran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://hmministry.com/images/artikel/pikiran.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>John C. Maxwell</strong>, mengatakan bahwa <strong><em>“Sesungguhnya medan peperangan terbesar ada di pikiran manusia”</em></strong>. Pikiran itu sangat kuat dan dapat mempengaruhi kehidupan seseorang. Oleh karena itu kita harus berhati-hati dengan pikiran kita. Ada pepatah yang mengatakan: <strong><em>”Menabur dalam pikiran akan menuai tindakan”</em></strong>. <strong><em>Menabur dalam tindakan akan menuai kebiasaan; menabur kebiasaan akan menuai karakter dan menabur karakter akan menuai tujuan hidup.</em></strong><br />
Pikiran kita itu seperti tanah, tidak pernah memilih dan mempedulikan jenis benih apa yang hendak kita tanam. Jika kita menabur benih jagung, tanah akan meresponsnya, lalu menumbuhkannya. Begitu juga bila kita menabur benih padi atau mungkin lalang, rumput liar dan juga tanaman-tanaman pengganggu sekali pun, tanah tetap saja akan merespons benih itu dan menumbuhkannya juga.<br />
<strong>Apa pun yang kita tanamkan dalam pikiran, entah itu hal-hal yang baik atau pun negatif, pikiran kita akan segera menerima, merespons dan menumbuhkannya.</strong> Tidak peduli hal itu akan berdampak positif atau negatif terhadap kehidupan kita membawa kepada keberhasilan atau sebaliknya menuju kehancuran. Sadar atau tidak, seringkali kita memperkatakan hal-hal buruk tentang diri kita sendiri misalnya, <em>“hidupku penuh masalah, aku tidak akan berhasil, sakitku tidak akan sembuh, keluargaku hancur berantakan, aku bodoh, aku tidak punya apa-apa (miskin), masa depanku suram”</em> dan sebagainya. Hal-hal negatif yang kita ucapkan itu akan direspons oleh pikiran kita dalam bentuk sikap dan tindakan, yang pada saatnya akan <strong><em>menghasilkan sesuatu yang sama persis seperti yang kita ucapkan</em></strong>. Namun bila yang kita tanam hal-hal positif: semangat atau rasa percaya diri, pikiran kita juga akan merespons hal itu ke dalam sikap dan tindakan kita sehingga hidup kita akan menjadi seperti yang kita harapkan. Oleh karenanya firman Tuhan mengingatkan, <strong><em>“…semua yang benar, semua yang mulia, semua yang adil, semua yang suci, semua yang manis, semua yang sedap didengar, semua yang disebut kebajikan dan patut dipuji, pikirkanlah semuanya itu.” (Filipi 4:8).<br />
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</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Healing Quote :</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Biasanya kita berharap agar hari yang kita jalani adalah hari yang menyenangkan dan bermakna bagi diri kita, juga bagi orang lain. Di tempat kerja, juga di tengah-tengah keluarga. Kenyataannya tidak selalu demikian, kita justru sering mengalami dan menghadapi situasi yang kurang menyenangkan. Kita menjadi kesal, jengkel, dan marah. <strong><em>Kekesalan, kejengkelan dan kemarahan itu dapat dilihat dari perkataan dan perilaku kita</em></strong>. Dalam situasi seperti ini, biasanya kita tidak dapat bekerja dengan tenang. Kita tidak bisa mengambil keputusan tepat tetapi justru kesalahan demi kesalahan bisa saja terjadi. Suasana hati yang tidak menentu ini kemudian terbawa ke rumah dan sedikit saja kesalahan yang terjadi di rumah akan membuat kita meledak dengan kata-kata yang menyakiti hati orang lain, mungkin menyakiti hati istri, menyakiti hati suami, menyakiti hati anak, atau mungkin menyakiti hati orang tua kita yang terkena dampak kekesalan, kejengkelan dan kemarahan kita. Mengapa hal-hal seperti ini bisa terjadi? Apa akar persoalannya? Jawabannya sederhana bahwa <strong><em>kita harus mulai dari pikiran</em></strong>. Mengapa harus mulai dari pikiran? <strong>karena perkataan dan perilaku yang baik dan benar dimulai dari pikiran yang baik dan benar.</strong><strong><br />
</strong><em>Benih yang kita tanam dalam pikiran menentukan hasil akhir kehidupan kita!</em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>”Hal Kerajaan Sorga itu seumpama orang yang menaburkan benih yang baik di ladangnya.” Matius 13:24</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em> Sumber : hmministry.com </em></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-76092437301190527592012-03-14T17:41:00.000-07:002012-03-14T17:41:44.396-07:00Memiliki Iman Seperti HabakukKitab Habakuk dimulai dengan pergumulannya melihat kehidupan bangsanya yang sangat jahat di masa itu, dan diakhiri dengan rasa kecewa yang teramat dalam kepada Tuhan. Namun, di pasal kedua, Habakuk bangkit dan menyatakan kebenaran, bahwa orang benar akan hidup karena percaya.<br />
Habakuk, meski nabi, tetap manusia biasa yang seringkali keheranan saat menjumpai pelbagai masalah yang ada di sekitarnya. Dan, seperti manusia lainnya, ia pun bertanya, “Mengapa?”, “Berapa lama lagi?” dan lain-lain. Ini adalah problema dasar dari permalahan manusia, yakni mempertanyakan kehendak dan kedaulatan Allah dalam perlbagai masalah hidup manusia.<br />
Memang, situasi yang dialami Habakuk saat itu demikian menyesakkan. Sebagian besar orang Israel menjalani hidup sebagai orang fasik. Dan sisanya, orang benar, dikelilingi, dimanipulasi, dan dikuasai oleh orang Israel yang jahat. Belum lagi penjajahan orang Kasdim, yang merupakan bangsa penyembah berhala.<br />
Yang menjadi pemicu dari keluh kesah Nabi Habakuk bukanlah kelakuan orang Kasdim, melainkan kebejatan yang dilakukan bangsa Israel, yang mengaku menyembah Tuhan tapi dalam praktiknya hidup bagai orang fasik. Begitu jahatnya kehdiupan orang Israel di masa itu, hingga mengakibatkan penderitaan yang berat di kalangan bangsa Israel. Alih-alih terus-menerus dirudung kesal, Habakuk memilih untuk mencari Tuhan, dan ia pun menemukan secercah sinar pengharapan di masa-masa gelap dalam kehidupan bangsanya itu.<br />
“Sekalipun pohon ara tidak berbunga, pohon anggur tidak berbuah, hasil pohon zaitun mengecewakan, sekalipun ladang-ladang tidak menghasilkan bahan makanan, kambing domba terhalau dari kurungan, dan tidak ada lembu sapi dalam kandang, namun aku akan bersorak-sorai di dalam Tuhan, beria-ria di dalam Allah yang menyelamatkan aku.” Ayat yang terdapat dalam Habakuk 3:17-18 ini adalah hasil dari perjalanan iman Habakuk, hasil dari keputusannya untuk tetap mempercayai Tuhan di masa yang sulit itu.<br />
Di mata Habakuk, meski penderitaan tak kunjung mereda, sejarah telah membuktikan pembelaan Tuhan terhadap umatNya. Dan, Tuhan yang sama telah berjanji untuk mengegakkan keadilan. Sebab itu, masa suram yang sedang dihadapi Habakuk, tidak membuat imannya surut. Malahan, sukacita dan damai sejahtera karena mempercayai janji Allah yang tidak pernah berdusta, memberikan kekuatan untuk bertahan bahkan menyelesaikan perjalanan iman yang sulit bagai mendaki gunung terjal. <br />
Dengan mata iman, Habakuk melihat melampaui realitas kesulitan hidup yang dialami bangsa Israel. Dengan memandang Tuhan, Habakuk berserah dan memiliki kualitas hidup rohani yang diperbaharui. Dan dengan kaki iman, Habakuk berani dan memiliki kekuatan untuk melangkah di dalam kehidupan yang penuh dengan kesulitan. Sudahkah Anda memiliki iman seperti Habakuk?<br />
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<i>glministry.com</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-36925916700858568772012-02-27T18:29:00.000-08:002012-02-27T18:29:25.125-08:00TIPS SAAT BOSAN DI KANTOR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hmministry.com/images/artikel/original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://www.hmministry.com/images/artikel/original.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Mayoritas pekerja gemar mengeluh atas pekerjaan yang seolah menyiksa menjadi beban berat. Mereka begitu mudah mengucap stres saat mendapat perintah atasan, atau menghadapi beban pekerjaan yang menumpuk. Yang terjadi kemudian, mereka malas dan kehilangan semangat setiap menuju kantor.<strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
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<ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rilekskan diri Anda sejenak.</span></em></strong> Wajar jika manusia merasa bosan dengan segala rutinitasnya. Maka itu rilekskan diri Anda dengan menghirup napas panjang dan melepaskannya dengan santai. Kemudian cuci muka Anda agar menjadi lebih segar. Kegiatan simple ini dapat membantu Anda meringankan beban pikiran Anda.</li>
<li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dengarkan musik.</span></em></strong> Pilihlah musik yang membuat Anda semakin bersemangat. Nikmati setiap baris lirik lagu yang Anda dengarkan. Bangun semangat kerja Anda kembali, hal ini dapat membantu Anda kembali bekerja dengan semangat penuh. Jika ingin sambil bersenandung jangan sampai mengganggu teman yang lain. Pakai headset jika pekerjaan Anda memperbolehkan dan memungkinkan untuk menutup sementara telinga Anda.</li>
<li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Minum atau makanlah sesuatu untuk mengisi energi Anda kembali.</span></em></strong> Biasanya bosan akan menimbulkan efek tambahan yaitu kantuk dan lapar. Kopi bisa jadi salah satu solusinya untuk mengusir kantuk atau makanlah cemilan yang dapat mengisi energi Anda kembali untuk memulai pekerjaan Anda. Setelah energi kembali pulih Anda akan lebih siap untuk kembali bekerja.</li>
<li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alokasikan waktu untuk diri sendiri</span></em></strong>. Bisa dibayangkan rasa malas menyergap Anda harus ke kantor pagi-pagi terjebak macet. Jangan menambah beban Anda dengan hal-hal negatif, seperti bad mood. Coba nikmati pagi Anda di kantor dengan minuman panas sambil baca koran. Hari yang dimulai dengan senyuman akan lebih terasa lebih cepat berakhir.</li>
<li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Kuasai diri.</span></em></strong> Bosan akan muncul saat kita mulai lelah. Tempatkan segala sesuatu pada diri Anda secara baik, benar, dan tepat. Belajarlah untuk mengendalikan emosi Anda, jika perlu sekali-kali Anda mencoba Test ESQ (Emotional Spiritual Question). Tes ini adalah pelatihan kecerdasan emosi dan spiritual diri yang dapat membantu Anda untuk menyeimbangkan kehidupan Anda baik dalam kehidupan pribadi maupun dalam karir Anda.</li>
<li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Letakkan bunga segar di meja kerja</span></em></strong>. Bunga warna- warni yang rutin Anda letakkan di atas meja bukan hanya menyegarkan mata. Sebuah penelitian menyebut, keberadaan bunga segar di dekat area kerja akan memancing ide-ide lebih cemerlang.</li>
<li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rencanakan makan siang istimewa bersama teman</span></em></strong>. Menikmati makan siang bersama teman kantor, tentu menjadi aktivitas yang selalu ditunggu-tunggu. Saling berbagi cerita, canda tawa, sembari bertukar menu makanan cukup menjadi penawar stres. Sebuah studi yang diterbitkan American Psychological Association menyebut, bergaul dengan rekan kerja dapat menciptakan kesenangan yang berdampak pada peningkatan harapan hidup.<strong> </strong></li>
<li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Biasakan diri melakukan tugas multitasking</span></em></strong>. Jika Anda sudah terbiasa melakukan lebih dari satu tugas perkerjaan, maka Anda pasti mampu melakukan beraneka ragam jenis pekerjaan. Mengerjakan berbagai tugas akan membuat aktivitas Anda lebih melelahkan, namun tidak membuat Anda lekas bosan.</li>
<li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cari hiburan di internet</span></em></strong><strong>. </strong>Ketika Anda merasa bosan dengan pekerjaan yang Anda jalani, coba hibur diri sejenak dengan menyaksikan video-video lucu. Tak perlu beranjak dari meja, coba saja berselancar di YouTube. Penelitian membuktikan, karyawan cenderung melakukan pekerjaan lebih baik, setelah menyaksikan adegan-adegan lucu di kantor.</li>
<li><strong></strong><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Istirahat dengan aktivitas menyenangkan</span></em></strong>. Penelitian menegaskan, semakin besar komitmen untuk pekerjaan, tingkat stres pun melambung. Jadi jika Anda benar-benar menggunakan semua intensitas waktu untuk bekerja, nikmatilah. Tapi jangan lupa meluangkan waktu sedikitnya 15 menit untuk melakukan sesuatu yang menyenangkan. Ini penting untuk menyeimbangkan hidup di tengah stres tingkat tinggi.</li>
<li><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rencanakan liburan menyenangkan</span></em></strong>.Studi telah menunjukkan bahwa orang akan mengalami dorongan kebahagiaan yang lebih besar sebelum mereka pergi berlibur. Jadi jadwalkan perjalanan liburan yang menyenangkan, dan bayangkan suasana yang menyenangkan itu benar-benar terjadi setelah sibuk berkutat dengan banyak tugas kantor.</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>“Aku melihat bahwa tidak ada yang lebih baik bagi manusia dari pada bergembira dalam pekerjaannya,<sup> </sup> sebab itu adalah bahagiannya. Karena siapa akan memperlihatkan kepadanya apa yang akan terjadi sesudah dia?”(Pengkothbah 3 : 22)</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>sumber : hmministry.com </em></strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-69436765329567825562012-02-23T01:38:00.000-08:002012-02-23T01:38:44.398-08:00Hidup bebas dari ketakutan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://akucintayesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/takut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://akucintayesus.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/takut.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Mazmur 91:1-2</strong><br />
<strong>“Orang yang duduk dalam lindungan Yang Mahatinggi dan bermalam dalam naungan Yang Mahakuasa akan berkata kepada TUHAN: “Tempat perlindunganku dan kubu pertahananku, Allahku, yang kupercayai.”</strong> <br />
Penyakit menular terus saja bermunculan. Setelah flu burung muncul flu babi, entah flu binatang apa lagi yang bakal muncul sebentar lagi. AIDS masih menjadi penyakit mematikan karena hingga sekarang belum ditemukan pembunuh virus HIV. Itu bicara penyakit. Tanpa bicara mengenai berbagai penyakit menular pun dunia ini sudah berbahaya. Kejahatan seperti pembunuhan, pencurian, pemerkosaan dan sebagainya terus saja menghiasi halaman-halaman depan surat kabar. Penipuan, korupsi, penggelembungan dana dan sebagainya masih menjadi sajian utama dan begitu mudah kita lihat di mana-mana. Bencana alam? Itu jadi masalah tersendiri. Dimana-mana kita melihat gempa bumi, banjir, longsor dan sebagainya. Apakah anda termasuk orang yang selalu merasa was-was atau ketakutan dalam hidup? Jika ya, anda termasuk satu dari sebagian besar orang di dunia ini. Dan itu bukan salah anda, karena dunia yang kita hidupi ini memang cukup berbahaya. Tapi apakah kita harus terus hidup di dalam ketakutan dan ketidakpastian? Apakah kita harus terus merasa cemas tanpa jaminan apa-apa?<br />
Ayat bacaan hari ini sangat baik untuk mengingatkan kita bahwa ada tempat perlindungan yang sangat bisa diandalkan, kubu pertahanan yang sangat layak untuk dipercaya, yaitu Tuhan sendiri. “Orang yang duduk dalam lindungan Yang Mahatinggi dan bermalam dalam naungan Yang Mahakuasa akan berkata kepada TUHAN: “Tempat perlindunganku dan kubu pertahananku, Allahku, yang kupercayai.” (Mazmur 91:1-2). Sudah terlalu sering kita hanya mengandalkan kekuatan manusia, padahal manusia itu kemampuannya terbatas. Tidak heran jika pada suatu ketika kita akan menyadari bahwa kekuatan atau kemampuan manusia ini tidak lagi mampu memberi solusi terhadap permasalahan-permasalahan kita. Jika demikian, mengapa tidak beralih untuk kembali mempercayakan Tuhan dalam setiap langkah hidup kita? Bukankah Tuhan sanggup berbuat apapun, kuasaNya sungguh tidak terbatas.<br />
Jika anda merasa takut, bacalah Mazmur 91 dan lihatlah betapa hebatnya perlindungan yang bisa Tuhan berikan. Dia sanggup melepaskan kita dari bahaya tersembunyi dan penyakit yang membawa maut (ay 3), melindungi kita dibawah sayapNya dengan kesetiaanNya yang kokoh seperti perisai dan pagar tembok (ay 4). Kita tidak perlu takut akan bahaya sepanjang hari (ay 5), bencana yang datang di saat gelap, atau kehancuran yang menimpa di tengah hari (ay 6). Malapetaka tidak akan bisa menimpa, tulah atau kutuk tidak akan bisa mendekat (ay 10), bahkan Tuhan menjanjikan malaikat-malaikatNya untuk menjaga kita di setiap langkah. (ay 11). Kita akan mampu melangkahi ular berbisa dan singa, ancaman-ancaman mematikan lainnya. (ay 13). Ini serangkaian janji Tuhan yang besar yang diberikan kepada kita agar mampu hidup di dunia yang berbahaya ini tanpa rasa takut. Ya, bebas dari ketakutan di dalam dunia yang jahat ini. Namun ingatlah bahwa janji itu tidak diberikan kepada siapa saja. Janji ini hanya berlaku bagi orang yang mengenal Tuhan. “Sungguh, hatinya melekat kepada-Ku, maka Aku akan meluputkannya, Aku akan membentenginya, sebab ia mengenal nama-Ku.” (ay 14). Dalam versi Bahasa Indonesia sehari-hari dikatakan demikian: “Kata TUHAN, “Orang yang mencintai Aku akan Kuselamatkan, yang mengakui Aku akan Kulindungi.” Janji-janji perlindungan ini akan hadir kepada siapa saja yang tetap memilih tinggal di dalam Tuhan. Tinggal menetap, berjalan dan bermalam dalam naungan Tuhan, terus hidup dalam persekutuan yang erat dan berkelanjutan dengan Tuhan, mendengar suaraNya dan melakukan perintahNya. Orang yang mengenal Tuhan adalah “orang yang duduk dalam lindungan Yang Mahatinggi dan bermalam dalam naungan Yang Mahakuasa” seperti yang disebutkan di awal Mazmur 91 tadi. Orang seperti inilah yang akan mampu mengenal Tuhan, dan dengan sendirinya mendapat janji perlindungan Tuhan yang akan mampu membebaskan jiwa kita dari rasa ketakutan dan menggantikannya dengan damai sukacita.<br />
Apa yang harus kita lakukan untuk itu? Luangkan waktu lebih banyak untuk berdoa dan terus membaca, mendengar, merenungkan, memperkatakan dan melakukan firman Tuhan. Yesus berkata: “Berjaga-jagalah dan berdoalah, supaya kamu jangan jatuh ke dalam pencobaan: roh memang penurut, tetapi daging lemah.” (Matius 26:41). Doa akan mampu menguatkan iman kita dan meluputkan kita dari berbagai jebakan. Bagaimana dengan firman? Kita bisa melihat awal tulisan Yohanes. “Pada mulanya adalah Firman; Firman itu bersama-sama dengan Allah dan Firman itu adalah Allah.” (Yohanes 1:1). Tumbuh di dalam Firman berarti tumbuh di dalam Allah. Berpegang pada Firman akan memampukan kita untuk bisa berjalan bebas dari rasa takut meski bahaya mengancam dimana-mana. Tetaplah berjalan bersama Tuhan, kenali PribadiNya dengan sungguh-sungguh, hingga iman kita akan terisi penuh dengan kepercayaan akan Tuhan yang sanggup melakukan perkara apapun, bahkan yang mustahil sekalipun. Dan anda akan melihat, tidak peduli betapapun bahayanya dunia ini, betapapun banyaknya ancaman di sekeliling anda, anda tidak perlu khawatir karena Tuhan pasti akan membebaskan anda.<br />
Orang yang duduk dalam lindungan Tuhan dan bermalam dalam naunganNya-lah akan luput dari segala bahaya<br />
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Sumber : akucintayesus.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-9514147313747167082011-10-19T20:08:00.000-07:002011-10-19T20:08:40.713-07:00Ruang Salib<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/cross-UB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/cross-UB.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Ada seorang pria muda yang sedang putus asa. Merasa tak ada lagi jalan keluar, ia akhirnya memutuskan berdoa kepada Tuhan.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">"Tuhan, aku tidak bisa melakukannya," ujarnya. "Aku terlalu berat menanggung salib ini."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Tuhan menjawab, "Anakku, jika kamu tidak dapat menanggung berat benda itu, turunkan saja itu di ruangan ini. Kemudian bukalah pintu yang lain dan pilih salib apapun yang kamu inginkan."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Mendengar itu, pria tersebut tersenyum bahagia. "Terima kasih, Tuhan," katanya. Ia pun menghela napas panjang, dan melakukan seperti apa yang diperintahkan.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Saat melihat ke sekeliling ruangan, ia melihat banyak salib yang berbeda; Beberapa puncaknya begitu besar sehingga tidak terlihat. Kemudian ia melihat sebuah salib kecil bersandar di dinding yang jauh. "Aku ingin yang satu itu, Tuhan," katanya dengan sedikit berbisik.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Dan Tuhan kembali menjawab, "AnakKu, ambillah salib itu. Namun Aku ingin mengatakan kepadamu bahwa sebenarnya salib itu adalah salib yang sama yang tadi kamu letakkan. Hanya saja selama ini kamu tidak menyadarinya."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Mendengar perkataan Tuhan tersebut, anak muda itu menangis dan bertobat dari segala kekeliruan yang telah ia perbuat.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Banyak dari antara kita yang mengira Tuhan menaruhkan salib yang begitu berat, yang tak mungkin dapat dipikul oleh anak-anakNya. Namun justru sebaliknya, salib yang DIA berikan adalah salib yang ringan dan mengenakkan. </span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Sudahkah Anda memikul salib-Nya?</span></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><b>Sumber : </b> skywriting/bm/jawaban.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-44465482554965586952011-10-06T05:28:00.000-07:002011-10-06T05:28:48.928-07:00Menjadi Orang Tua Yang Lebih Baik<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRcpxR-Vj1k3UrRUMifdgcAqfdoJSe8uMOcNSshmReICz9BNMCtdN9iKw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRcpxR-Vj1k3UrRUMifdgcAqfdoJSe8uMOcNSshmReICz9BNMCtdN9iKw" /></a></div>Khususnya sebagai orangtua, kita juga dapat menyusun resolusi tahun baru yang positif. Yakni, menjadi orangtua yang lebih baik, khususnya bagi anak-anak titipan Tuhan, di tahun 2011 ini. Apa sajakah kiranya resolusi yang dapat diambil orangtua? Berikut adalah beberapa resolusi yang dapat menjadi komitmen Anda dan saya.<br />
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<strong><em>1. Lebih banyak menyediakan waktu bagi anak-anak</em></strong><br />
Mari berkomitmen dan mengusahakan untuk selalu memiliki waktu untuk bersama anak, setiap hari. Bahkan untuk bermain bersamanya, tak hanya “mencarikan mainan” atau “menemaninya” bermain di arena permainan di mal atau pusat hiburan. Sungguh-sungguh ada dan memberi perhatian bagi anak-anak. Charles Francis Adams, seorang diplomat dan tokoh politik abad 19, biasa menulis buku harian. Suatu hari ia menulis demikian: “Pergi memancing dengan anak laki-lakiku—satu hari terbuang begitu saja.” Putranya, Brook Adams, juga biasa menulis buku harian, yang masih ada hingga sekarang. Pada tanggal yang sama, Brook Adams menulis demikian: "Pergi memancing dengan ayahku—sungguh hari yang paling indah di hidupku!” Ketika pergi memancing dengan anaknya, sang ayah merasa bahwa ia sedang membuang-buang waktunya. Padahal, si anak justru merasa bahwa itulah saat paling berharga baginya.<br />
<strong><em>2. Lebih banyak menepati janji, bukan sekadar mengumbar janji</em></strong><br />
Orang dewasa cenderung mudah berjanji, tetapi bisa mudah juga melupakannya—tidak menepatinya. Anak-anak dianggap sebagai pribadi yang tidak mengingat-ingat janji. Padahal kenyataannya tidak demikian. Anak-anak justru sangat memperhatikan sebuah janji yang diberikan orangtuanya dan menanti-nanti janji itu ditepati. Itu sebabnya lebih baik orangtua tidak berjanji bila belum tentu bisa menepati. Akan tetapi sekali berjanji, misalnya akan mengajak berenang apabila ulangan umum selesai, maka janji itu harus dibayar. Bukankah janji adalah utang?<br />
3. <strong><em>Lebih banyak mendengar daripada buru-buru menghakimi atau bertengkar</em></strong><br />
Kerap terjadi, ketika masalah muncul, maka orangtua menjadi suara yang paling dominan untuk bicara. Mencoba menyelesaikan masalah anak, walau kadang belum tentu tahu apa yang sebenarnya terjadi. Padahal, penghakiman yang tidak benar, justru bisa melukai hati. Maka, ada baiknya kita mencoba menahan diri, dan mendengar dulu apa yang dikatakan anak-anak. Ini justru melatih anak untuk berani berkata benar, dan berani bersikap benar ketika masalah terjadi.<br />
<strong><em>4. Lebih banyak melihat kelebihan, daripada kekurangan anak</em></strong><br />
Merasakan adanya duri di tengah rumpun mawar memang terasa lebih mudah daripada melihat si mawar cantik di tengah rumpun itu. Melihat kelemahan dan keburukan anak sering juga terasa lebih mudah daripada melihat dan mensyukuri kelebihan anak-anak kita. Ubahlah kacamata ”negatif” kita dengan kacamata ”positif” yang menolong kita untuk lebih banyak menghargai anak kita karena kelebihan-kelebihannya—yang ketika semakin kita hargai, maka kelebihan itu semakin berkembang. Daripada menyoroti kelemahannya terus, hingga kelebihannya pun malah ikut terkikis hilang.<br />
<strong><em>5. Lebih banyak memberi teladan, daripada menuntut</em></strong><br />
Anak-anak serupa dengan semen basah. Apa saja yang ”jatuh” di atasnya, akan meninggalkan kesan yang ”tercetak” di sana. Apa saja yang dilihat dan didengarnya setiap hari dari perbuatan dan perkataan kita sebagai orangtua, itulah yang akan ”mencetak” kepribadian dan cara hidupnya. Taruhkan banyak kesan positif di hidupnya. Kondisi seperti apa yang Anda ingin ada dalam hidup anak Anda, itulah yang harus Anda hidupi dan tularkan kepadanya. Kita tak dapat menuntut sebuah tanaman ”berbuah baik”, bila kita tak menabur dulu ”benih yang baik” itu.<br />
<strong><em>6. Lebih banyak minta maaf dan memaafkan</em></strong><br />
Banyak konflik tak terhindari dalam keluarga. Bahkan termasuk dengan anak-anak. Akan tetapi, konflik sebesar apa pun sesungguhnya akan terselesaikan bila ada satu pihak yang mulai mengalah dan meminta maaf. Bila pun anak-anak yang salah, kerendahan hati orangtua untuk meminta maaf lebih dulu, akan menolong anak untuk melihat masalah dengan lebih jernih. Masalah pun lebih cepat selesai. Apalagi kalau anak kemudian menyadari kesalahannya, biarlah orangtua cepat untuk memaafkan sehingga anak pun mengerti bahwa orangtuanya sungguh mengasihinya.<br />
<strong><em>7. Lebih banyak memercayai, daripada menyangsikan</em></strong><br />
Ketika anak-anak kita minta belajar bertanggung jawab, maka ia perlu latihan untuk bisa melakukannya. Jika kita memintanya belajar membawa gelas kaca, mungkin kita perlu merelakan satu-dua gelas pecah sebelum ia bisa melakukannya dengan baik. Jangan terus menyangsikan apakah anak bisa melakukan sesuatu, sehingga kita terus melakukan tugas itu untuknya. Maka, ia takkan pernah bisa melakukannya. Ini bukan saja tentang membawa gelas. Namun tentang mengambil keputusan, tentang kemandirian, tentang pengambilan tanggung jawab.<br />
<strong><em>8. Lebih banyak menemukan talenta anak, daripada memaksakan keinginan orangtua</em></strong><br />
Jadilah orangtua yang lebih baik dengan lebih banyak melihat talenta dan karunia khusus yang dititipkan Tuhan dalam diri anak-anak kita. Lalu membantu dan mendukungnya mengembangkan talenta tersebut secara maksimal. Bahkan bila bakat dan kemampuannya sama sekali tidak sama dengan apa yang kita miliki, tidak sama dengan yang kita inginkan. Bila dulu kita bercita-cita ingin jadi penari balet, tetapi anak perempuan kita cenderung ”tomboy”, maka memaksanya menari balet hanya memancing masalah. Bahkan membuat kita tak dapat melihat kelebihannya di bidang lain.<br />
<strong><em>9. Lebih banyak mematikan TV, agar dapat berbicara dari hati ke hati</em></strong><br />
Televisi kerap kali mencuri waktu kita bersama keluarga. Banyaknya stasiun TV dan program menarik yang ada di TV membuat banyak keluarga—sadar atau tak sadar—terus menerus menyalakan TV di rumah. Bahkan, banyak keluarga telah menjadikan TV sebagai ”pengasuh anak”, yang sanggup membuat anak tenang selama berjam-jam. Padahal, segala sesuatu yang hanya ”ditonton” sama sekali tak membuat otak anak menjadi aktif, justru sebaliknya, menjadi pasif. Cobalah untuk mematikan TV, dan lihatlah bahwa tiba-tiba saja kita memiliki waktu untuk saling mendengar dan saling berkomunikasi. Lihatlah bahwa anak-anak dapat melakukan lebih banyak hal lain yang lebih berguna dan mengaktifkan otaknya bekerja. Misalnya saja, membaca buku.<br />
<strong><em>10. Lebih banyak memeluk dan menunjukkan kasih kepada anak-anak</em></strong><br />
Sebuah penelitian menunjukkan, bahwa anak-anak yang sering disentuh, dibelai, dan dipeluk orangtuanya, akan tumbuh sehat. Mereka cenderung merasa nyaman dan lebih percaya diri. Bahkan, janin yang masih di kandungan pun sangat menyukai sentuhan kasih orangtuanya. Ia cenderung mengalami pertumbuhan yang bagus. Dan kelak, tumbuh menjadi seorang penyayang. Maka, daripada lebih banyak menuding anak dan mematikan kepribadiannya, mari lebih banyak memeluk dan memberi kehangatan kasih bagi anak-anak kita. Rasakan bahwa mereka adalah karunia tak ternilai dari Yesus, yang mempercayai kita untuk mengasihi mereka.<br />
<strong><em>11. Lebih banyak mendampingi anak untuk bertumbuh secara rohani</em></strong><br />
Yang terakhir, tetapi justru yang terpenting, Tuhan memercayai kita menjadi orangtua agar kita mendampingi anak untuk mengenal, mempercayai, dan mengasihi Yesus. Maka, mari berkomitmen untuk mengajarinya berdoa. Mengajarinya membaca Alkitab. Membimbingnya menaati firman Allah. Menuntunnya untuk mengerti karya Kristus bagi hidupnya. Mengajarnya untuk mengandalkan Tuhan sebagai Pribadi yang selalu dekat di hatinya. Mengajarinya berkata, bertindak, berpikir, sebagaimana Yesus inginkan. Tentu hal-hal ini meminta waktu, energi, dan pikiran kita. Namun, inilah peran terbesar yang dapat kita berikan sebagai orangtua. Bahwa urusan kita sebagai orangtua tak berakhir di dunia yang fana ini saja, tetapi perlu dipertanggungjawabkan hingga di kekekalan.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-66512457686518129662011-03-06T18:35:00.000-08:002011-03-06T18:35:10.043-08:00Dibalik Gerakan Antikris Microchip Mondex<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/dexmondi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/dexmondi1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Setiap tahunnya isu tentang akhir jaman selalu menempati urutan teratas wacana kekristenan juga tiap agama didunia. Berbagai macam forum diskusi digelar juga perang tafsir dalam cetakan buku hingga Hollywood pun tahun lalu melempar film <em>2012</em> untuk memuaskan dahaga setiap orang akan jawaban hari akhir yang hanya diketahui Tuhan saja. Dunia teknologi informasi tentu saja menjadi perhatian utama dalam penyebaran produk yang berhubungan dengan gerakan antikris yang diidentikan muncul jelang hari kiamat.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Produk baru yang dikabarkan sebagai produk antikris yang sedang beredar untuk mempengaruhi pere-konomian dunia dinamakan Microchip Mondex. Mondex singkatan dari monetary dan dexter, yang berarti berhubungan dengan uang dan menunjuk kepada lokasi tertentu di tangan kanan manusia, sesuai kamus Webster. Nama ini diadopsi sebuah perusahaan yang menyediakan sistem pembayaran tanpa uang tunai. Sistem Mondex dengan basis kode bar “666” ini, diwaspadai digunakan gerakan antikris untuk mengontrol dan menguasai sistem perekonomian serta keuangan dunia.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sistem ini diciptakan pada 1993 oleh seorang bankir London bernama Tim Jones, bekerja sama dengan Graham Higgins dari Natwest Coutts. Sistem ini didasarkan atas teknologi Smart Card (teknologi yang dipakai oleh SIM Card pada handphone) dan kartu kredit, yang memakai microchips untuk menyimpan informasi elektronik seperti pembayaran, identifikasi maupun bermacam-macam informasi penting lainnya. Simon Davis, seorang dari peneliti Mondex mengatakan bahwa saat ini Mondex sedang memonitor semua transaksi sebagai proyek percontohan yang akan menembus kebiasaan hukum perdagangan bebas.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Microchip Mondex yang tertanam dalam tubuh manusia menyimpan kode 666. Mereka yang memakai microchip ini mendapat fasilitas khusus. Mereka tinggal meletakkan tangan mereka di atas scanner komputer dan semua transaksi jual beli dapat dilakukan dengan otomatis tanpa menggunakan uang tunai. Hal ini dianggap akan dipakai antikris dalam mengontrol dan menguasai keuangan perekonomian dunia, berdasarkan kode 666 seperti yang tertulis dalam Wahyu 13:16-18.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pdt. Yuda D Mailool, pendiri Yehuda Gospel Ministry berpendapat bahwa sebenarnya sistem seperti Mondex, sudah ada sejak 1990-an. Pemasangan chip sebenarnya adalah sebuah sistem yang bertujuan mempermudah manusia dalam masalah administrasi dan bukanlah sesuatu yang perlu ditakutkan. Memang golongan antikris suatu saat nanti akan memanfaatkannya. “Nantinya, antikris akan menggunakan semua sistem ini untuk kepentingannya, tetapi bukan sekarang. Suatu saat nanti, antikris akan memanfaatkan sistem chip untuk memaksa manusia dan mengontrol manusia, supaya takluk di bawah kehendaknya,” papar Mailool.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-12959824794750622712011-02-11T18:21:00.000-08:002011-02-11T18:21:23.095-08:00Nanjing, Cina, Pusat Alkitab Terbesar di Dunia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dianasihotang.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/bible_alkitab10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://dianasihotang.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/bible_alkitab10.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Tiga puluh tahun lalu, Alkitab dilarang beredar di China. Tetapi, kini China memiliki percetakan Alkitab terbesar di dunia. Sebuah fasilitas percetakan terbaru yang telah diperbesar akan menjadikan ibu kota China kuno, Nanjing, sebagai pusat Alkitab dunia.<br />
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Penerbit The Amity-bekerjasama dengan Bible Society-akan memproduksi 23 Alkitab setiap menitnya untuk memenuhi permintaan yang terus meningkat di China.<br />
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Fasilitas itu akan melipatgandakan produksi Alkitab Amity setiap tahun¬nya. Pada 2007 mereka mencetak enam juta Alkitab. Saat fasilitas itu dibuka 19 Mei, produksi melonjak hingga 12 juta. Sebagian besar Alkitab akan didistribusikan ke seluruh China.<br />
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Hal ini merupakan langkah besar dalam sejarah percetakan. Tentara mengizinkan penerbitan Alkitab pertama di China setelah revolusi kebudayaan, termasuk tiga juta yang dicetak pada penerbitan Tentara Merah. Amity —salah satu percetakan Alkitab terbesar di dunia— memulai produksi pada 1987. Akhir Desember lalu sekitar 50 juta Alkitab telah diproduksi.<br />
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Sekitar 55.000 gereja menyebarkan Alkitab dari produksi Amity. Percetakan baru diperlukan untuk membantu me-menuhi permintaan di sebuah negara di mana hingga 30 tahun lalu, kekristenan dilarang dan Alkitab disita.<br />
“Kami sampai pada titik di mana kapasitas kerja begitu hebat, namun kami tidak mempunyai tempat yang cukup untuk menyimpan buku dan seluruh bahan baku kertas,” kata Peter Dean, konsultan dari Bible Societies di Nanjing. Menurut Peter, ada peningkatan minat akan kekristenan di negara yang diperkirakan tujuh persen dari satu milyar penduduknya adalah orang percaya.<br />
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“Ada perbedaan pandangan pada umat Kristiani di sana,” aku Peter. Namun, semua orang setuju ada minat yang hebat sehingga pertumbuhan Kristen berkembang pesat. Yang mengejutkan saya adalah tujuan kami adalah untuk melayani gereja di China. Seluruh kemampuan produksi baru ini tersedia untuk gereja di daratan China. Jika mereka mau mencetak 12 juta Alkitab setahun, mereka telah mendapat¬kannya,” cetus Peter.<br />
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JUTAAN ALKITAB DICETAK<br />
Sejak 1980-an, Penerbit Amity telah mencetak 54 juta Alkitab. Empat puluh tiga juta di antaranya disebarkan ke gereja di China. Beberapa di antaranya diberi¬kan secara gratis.<br />
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Peter menyatakan Bible Society memainkan tugas penting. “Kami merasa sangat didukung oleh orang-orang beriman yang telah mengumpulkan dana untuk membeli kertas di sini,” tambah Peter. Jika Anda mau menolong menyebarkan Alkitab di China, maka memberi uang untuk membeli kertas adalah hal terbaik yang dapat dilakukan.<br />
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Ini membuka kemungkinan bagi gereja untuk mendistribusikan Alkitab ke wilayah pedesaan dan warga yang berpenghasilan rendah. Amity juga memproduksi Alkitab dalam delapan bahasa minoritas China serta Alkitab Braille. Dengan percetakan yang lebih besar, mereka dapat meluaskan cakupan buku dan Alkitab yang sudah ada.<br />
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ALKITAB UNTUK ANAK MUDA<br />
“Anak muda perlu Alkitab yang dicetak tradisional,” kata Rev Deng Fu Cun, salah satu pemimpin senior dari China Christian Council/Three Self Patriotic Movement. “Kami berencana memproduksi Alkitab dalam berbagai format digital,” tambahnya.<br />
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Amity juga berencana memproduksi Alkitab yang dapat diunduh sebagai buku audio-sehingga anak muda dapat mendengarnya di MP3. “Kami juga berfokus pada kualitas dan jenis Alkitab yang tersedia. Kami memerlukan Alkitab berukuran besar dan kecil, Alkitab Braille dan Alkitab eksklusif yang dapat diberikan sebagai hadiah,” tandasnya. Dengan rumah baru seluas 48.000 meter persegi, tim Amity yakin dapat menerima proyek besar seperti memproduksi Alkitab untuk Olympiade di Beijing. Puji Tuhan untuk percetakan baru tersebut.<br />
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Sumber: Majalah Bahana, Desember 2008Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-76206477815473553842011-02-01T17:24:00.000-08:002011-02-01T17:24:04.758-08:00Valentine Romantis Bagi Pasangan Suami Istri<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/Valentine-Married_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/Valentine-Married_main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Dalam imajinasi populer, hari Valentine dihubungkan dengan cinta yang bersemi dan kencan pertama. Namun pasangan menikah tidak perlu merasa diabaikan. Berikut adalah beberapa cara indah yang dapat Anda gunakan untuk merayakan Hari Valentine bersama dengan pasangan Anda dan menyalakan kembali keajaibaan akan gairah cinta mula-mula.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Susuri kembali perjalanan kenangan dengan pasangan Anda dengan menyusun lembaran memo dari peristiwa romantis yang paling signifikan dalam hubungan Anda. Hal itu bisa berupa surat cinta, kartu romahtis, atau bahkan puisi cinta yang dulu Anda tuliskan untuk pasangan Anda. Carilah foto-foto yang menunjukkan kencan-kencan awal Anda, masa tunangan, pernikahan, bulan madu serta saat-saat romantis lainnya dari liburan keluarga dan kehidupan sehari-hari. Hal ini akan menjadi hadiah Valentine yang paling indah selain mengingatkan pasagan Anda banyaknya hal berarti yang telah Anda lalui bersama di masa lalu.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Pergilah Berkencan</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Rencanakan kencan merayakan Valentine dengan menonton film dan makan malam bersama. Titipkan anak-anak pada babysitter atau di tempat teman kepercayaan Anda sehingga Anda dapat menghabiskan waktu bersama belahan jiwa Anda tanpa harus mengkuatirkan apa yang sedang terjadi di rumah. Anda bisa menonton film <em>box office </em>terbaru di bioskop atau mungkin menonton opera atau konser jika Anda berdua adalah pecinta musik klasik. Nikmati malam itu senyaman mungkin dengan menikmati makan malam di tempat makan favorit Anda dan jika terdapat lantai dansa, jangan ragu untuk menarik pasangan Anda berdansa bersama. Alternatif lainnya, Anda dapat menciptakan kencan pertama dengan menemui pasangan Anda dimana Anda pergi berdua untuk pertama kalinya, makanlah menu yang sama, dan jika memungkinkan, menarilah dengan musik yang sama. Hal ini tidak hanya membuat Anda berdua menghidupkan kembali kenangan gairah muda tetapi juga memungkinkan Anda untuk menegaskan kembali cinta di antara Anda satu sama lain.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Jika Musik Adalah Makanan Cinta, Mainkanlah...</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Banyak hal dapat disampaikan melalui musik yang mungkin sulit Anda ungkapkan dengan kata-kata. Hadiahi pasangan Anda dengan Mp3 player terbaru di hari valentine atau yang lebih baik lagi, isilah ke dalam Mp3 player milik pasangan Anda beberapa lagu romantis favorit Anda berdua. Untuk menambahkan sentuhan spesial di dalamnya, pilihlah lagu-lagu yang memiliki kenangan dengan masa lalu Anda berdua, misalnya saja lagu dimana liriknya dikutip oleh pasangan saat melamar Anda atau lagu yang dinyanyikan di pesta pernikahan Anda.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Lakukan Apa Yang Anda Nikmati</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Hari Valentine merupakan waktu yang tepat untuk merencanakan aktivitas yang disenangi Anda berdua. Jika itu berarti menghabiskan waktu yang tenang di tengah alam, pesanlah perjalanan tur yang membuat Anda dapat menikmati burung atau melihat konservasi satwa liar. Jika Anda berdua pecandu adrenalin, habiskan hari dengan <em>scuba-diving </em>atau mendaki pada fasilitas olahraga petualangan terdekat. Para pecinta seni di sisi lain dapat menghabiskan waktu dengan mendatangi galeri seni maupun pameran sambil menikmati kopi panas mengebul. Inti dari seluruh ide ini adalah memiliki waktu yang baik untuk melakukan apa yang Anda sukai sambil menikmati kebersamaan satu sama lain.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Memesan Resort Peristirahatan</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Sebagai pasangan suami istri yang mungkin sudah memiliki anak-anak, Anda berdua bergumul dengan tanggung-jawab antara pekerjaan dan keluarga. Jadi, apa lagi yang lebih baik daripada merayakan Valentine dengan menyewa resort terdekat dan menghabiskan hari dengan bersantai dan dilayani dengan baik? Misalnya saja jika resort itu memiliki kolam renang khusus, bersantailah di pinggiran kolam sambil menikmati minuman kesenangan Anda berdua. Setelah itu, Anda dapat berkeliling dan menikmati klub kesehatan mereka, termasuk jacuzzi dan sauna. Dan terakhir, sambil menghabiskan sisa malam di restoran khusus resort tersebut, nikmati makanan unggulan sambil merayakan cinta antara Anda dan pasangan.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Menikmati Valentine Tak Terlupakan Di Rumah</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Di sisi lain, jika Anda ingin menghindari menu yang mahal dan banyaknya tawaran paket liburan yang terlalu tinggi, mengapa tidak merayakan Valentine dalam kenyamanan dan kehangatan rumah Anda sendiri. Hal ini hanya membutuhkan sedikit perencanaan terlebih dahulu. Titipkan anak-anak di tempat mertua atau teman terpercaya dan belilah semua keperluan sehari sebelumnya. Saat Anda tinggal berdua, ciptakan nuansa malam romantis dengan lilin beraroma wangi, musik lembut dan sebotol minuman dingin. Jauhkan makanan pembuka dan ingatlah untuk mematikan semua sumber gangguan termasuk telepon seluler dan BlackBerry. Habiskan malam dengan menonton film sentimentil dengan DVD atau berdansa dengan lagu kenangan romantis dan Anda tidak akan pernah mau keluar lagi.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Membuat Kupon Cinta Untuk Pasangan Anda</strong></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Ini adalah hari Valentine dan suntikan beberapa hal yang menyenangkan dalam hubungan Anda dengan menghadiahi satu set kupon cinta yang dapat ditebus kapan saja ia menginginkannya. Kupon tersebut dapat berupa pijat selama satu jam, memasak makan malam di rumah, ataupun ide lainnya. Sambil menyiapkan kupon, ingatlah apa yang Anda bisa lakukan dan apa yang Anda ingin lakukan bagi pasangan tanpa Anda perlu merasa tertekan atau juga berupa hal-hal yang seringkali menjadi permintaan pasangan kepada Anda. Pasangan Anda akan menerima isyarat cinta Anda dengan penuh sukacita dan bergairah dan Andapun akan memiliki daftar hal-hal romantis yang harus dilakukan satu sama lain sepanjang tahun.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Sebagai pasangan suami istri Anda menyadari bahwa permen dan mawar di hari Valentine berbeda dengan cinta yang Anda maknai saat ini – cinta yang cukup dewasa untuk menghadapi tantangan hidup sehari-hari tapi masih cukup bersemangat untuk membuat Anda saling tertarik satu sama lain. Jadilah kreatif dengan cara yang sederhana untuk mengekspresikan cinta Anda kepada pasangan . Dan dalam menyambut Valentine di tahun ini pastikan untuk memperkaya momen bahagia dan saat-saat romantis yang Anda habiskan bersama.</span></span></div><h2>Source : futurescopes.com/jawaban.com</h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-10237021050233977882010-12-21T18:10:00.000-08:002010-12-21T18:10:35.459-08:00Jangan Singkirkan Roh Kudus Dari Natal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/171210-T-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/171210-T-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Tidak akan ada cerita tentang Natal jika tidak ada kuasa Roh Kudus.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sebagai orang Kristen, sering kali kita membatasi pekerjaan Roh Kudus. Banyak gereja menempatkan Dia di bangku belakang atau bahkan terkadang mengabaikan Dia sama sekali. Beberapa orang memperlakukan Roh Kudus sebagai pribadi ketiga Trinitas, seakan-akan Tuhan itu bukan satu kesatuan. Atau kita beranggapan Roh Kudus itu seperti jin yang muncul di awal bangkitnya gereja mula-mula dan menghilang ketika gereja sudah mulai kokoh berdiri.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tuhan bukanlah jin. Roh Kudus, pribadi yang sama yang melayang-layang di atas permukaan air pada saat penciptaan, menginspirasi para nabi di Perjanjian Lama dan memperlengkapi para murid di hari Pantekosta masih melakukan mukjizat yang sama hingga hari ini. Penting juga bagi kita untuk belajar bahwa Roh Kudus terlibat penuh dalam peristiwa Natal dua ribu tahun lalu. Menjelang liburan Natal ini, mari kita menaruh perhatian lebih lagi akan karya Roh Kudus dalam mukjizat inkarnasi.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lukas, penulis Kisah Para Rasul, menunjukkan perhatian serius pada karya Roh Kudus dalam kitab Injil yang memuat namanya. Dalam catatan Lukas tentang kelahiran Yesus Kristus yang sangat detil, dia menggaris bawahi tentang pekerjaan Roh Kudus dalam kehidupan lima orang di dua pasal pertama.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kita cenderung memandang rendah Zakharia, ayah dari Yohanes Pembabtis karena dia meragukan kemampuan Tuhan dalam membuka rahim istrinya yang mandul. Tapi Lukas mengingatkan kita bahwa Zakharia dipenuhi Roh Kudus dan bernubuat ketika anaknya lahir (lihat Lukas 1:67). Direndahkan dan dihukum oleh Tuhan, Zakharia mendapatkan kekuatan baru dari Roh Kudus dan mengucapkan salah satu janji Mesianik terkaya yang pernah dicatat dalam Alkitab,</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dari kisah Zakharia ini, mengingatkan saya bahwa Roh Kudus memurnikan dan mengoreksi kita, dan akhirnya memakai kita sekalipun kita dalam kelemahan dan gagal. Kita jangan merasa jemu dengan disiplin yang Tuhan lakukan – karena pada akhirnya, kita akan menerima pesan dari-Nya.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Elisabeth, ibu Yohanes Pembabtis sangat jarang muncul dalam adegan kelahiran Yesus ataupun ilustrasi kartu Natal. Sepertinya dia hanya pemain kecil. Namun Lukan membukakan rahasia pada kita bahwa ia dipenuhi Roh Kudus ketika Maria datang mengunjungi rumahnya di Yehuda (Lukas 1:41). Bagaimana kuasa Roh Kudus dimanifestasikan dalam hidupnya? Lukas mengatakan dia “menangis dengan suara keras” dan mengumumkan bahwa Maria mengandung sang Mesias. Nubuatan penguatan darinya sangat penting bagi hidup Maria saat itu. <br />
Apa yang dialami Elisabet mengingatkan saya bahwa Roh Kudus adalah pribadi yang menguatkan dan menghibur kita, dan saya tidak bisa menjalani kehidupan rohani saya tanpa Dia. Saya juga melihat bahwa kadang Tuhan menuntun seseorang masuk dalam kehidupan kita untuk menyampaikan kata-kata penguatan.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bahkan Yohanes Pembabtis yang masih dalam kandungan ibunya di penuhi oleh Roh Kudus (Lukas 1:15). Ini adalah keajaiban yang luar biasa – saya belum pernah bertemu bayi yang dipenuhi oleh Roh Kudus! Tetapi hal ini karena Yohanes mengemban sebuah tugas yang besar – memanggi Israel kepada pertobatan dan mempersiapkan jalan bagi Yesus – dia membutuhkan kekuatan yang luar biasa.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ketika Maria bertanya pada Gabriel bagaimana dia bisa mengandung Mesias sebagai seorang perawan, jawab malaikat itu kepadanya: <em>"Roh Kudus akan turun atasmu dan kuasa Allah Yang Mahatinggi akan menaungi engkau; sebab itu anak yang akan kaulahirkan itu akan disebut kudus, Anak Allah.”</em> (Lukas 1:35). Para sarjana Alkitab, termasuk komentator Matthew Henry berspekulasi bahwa Maria mulai mengandung setelah tiba di rumah Elisabet, atau ketika bayi Yohanes melonjak di kandungan. Pada momen tersebut Maria mulai memuji Tuhan dengan luar biasa, memuji Dia untuk anugrah, kekuatan dan kesetiaan-Nya.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maria mengingatkan saya bahwa salah satu kunci manifestasi Roh Kudus dalam hidup kita adalah pujian dan penyembahan. Dipenuhi oleh Roh Kudus secara otomatis membuat kita bebas untuk memuji Tuhan tanpa hambatan. Jika saya memuji Tuhan dengan biasa-biasa saja, atau bahkan menahan diri saya, maka saya butuh di segarkan lagi.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dalam kisah Natal, Lukas juga memperkenalkan seorang pria tua bernama Simeon yang telah bertahun-tahun berdoa untuk kedatangan sang Mesias. Roh Kudus turun atas pria ini (Lukas 2:25), dan Roh Kudus membukakan kepada dia bahwa dia tidak akan mati sebelum bertemu Yesus. Hal ini menjadi kenyataan, ketika Simeon menggendong bayi Yesus dengan tangannya, mengucapkan nubuatan dan berkat atas anak itu dan juga bernubuat bagi ibunya.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Simeon mengingatkan saya bahwa Roh udus akan memberikan kekuatan kepada saya untuk terus memegang janji Tuhan, tidak perduli butuh berapa tahun hingga hal itu terwujud.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Natal yang sebenarnya penuh dengan kuasa Roh Kudus. Pada libur Natal kali ini, saya berdoa agar Anda tidak hanya fokus pada dekorasi dan kemeriahan Natal sehingga Anda melewatkan bahwa Roh Kudus ingin melakukan sesuatu di dalam dan melalui Anda. (J. Lee Grady, kontributor editor majalah Charisma.)</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-82327697654183867812010-12-21T03:24:00.000-08:002010-12-21T03:24:58.198-08:007 Tips Menikmati Natal Penuh Makna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/Natal-Makna_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://www.jawaban.com/news/userfile/Natal-Makna_main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Musim Natal selalu menjadi masa-masa tersibuk sepanjang tahun. Saat di mana kita harus bersiap bertamu dan didatangi tamu dari luar kota. Keluarga dan teman-teman datang silih berganti dan sangat mudah bagi kita untuk masuk dalam jebakan untuk menghibur dan melayani para tamu kita. Kita selalu sibuk memastikan bahwa semua orang bahagia dan terus menolong orang lain sehingga seringkali kita melupakan seseorang yang sangat penting dalam hidup kita – pasangan kita.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Saya tahu saya tidak sendirian dalam hal ini – musim Natal memang membawa sukacita tetapi juga stres yang dapat mendatangkan ketegangan pada pernikahan dimana seharusnya setiap orang merasakan sukacita. Pada musim Natal kali ini, daripada membiarkan hiruk-pikuk teman dan kerabat mengalihkan fokus saya dari pasangan terkasih, saya pastikan agar kami meluangkan waktu khusus hanya untuk kami berdua. Meskipun mungkin kami terlibat konflik, namun banyak hal kecil yang bisa saya lakukan untuk membuatnya menyadari bahwa saya peduli dan meskipun semua hal sepertinya menggila karena libur, saya masih memikirkan dia.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Berikut adalah beberapa hal yang bisa membahagiakan pernikahan di musim Natal ini:</span></span></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Luangkan waktu sejenak untuk memberikan beberapa tanda ciuman di kotak makan siang pasangan Anda.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Masukkan catatan singkat penuh kata cinta ke dalam kotak makan siang pasangan Anda.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Luangkan waktu sejenak untuk memuji pasangan Anda atas sesuatu yang dilakukannya baru-baru ini yang membuat Anda tersenyum.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Sapa pasangan Anda dengan pelukan dan ciuman di pagi hari atau ketika salah satu dari kalian pulang kerja – tak peduli apa yang terjadi sehari sebelumnya.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Setiap kali Anda berdua hendak berpisah – tinggalkan pasangan Anda dengan pelukan dan ciuman – tak peduli apapun situasinya...</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Luangkan waktu yang cukup untuk mencari hadiah yang diinginkan pasangan Anda, bukan hadiah yang Anda inginkan untuk mereka miliki. Ya, itu berarti bisa saja Anda harus membeli peralatan olahraga khusus yang sudah jarang beredar di toko (atau sepatu cantik yang menjadi impian istri Anda).</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Luangkan waktu untuk berkolaborasi dengan anggota keluarga lain saat mencari hadiah Natal – berbelanja bersama dan ciptakan masa-masa yang tak terlupakan sepanjang tahun hanya untuk Anda berdua (bisa saja Anda menyelinap untuk mengadakan kencan makan malam singkat setelah seharian berbelanja dengan seluruh anggota keluarga).</span></span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">Tak peduli apapun yang Anda lakukan, pastikan untuk tetap menunjukkan cinta sepanjang musim Natal ini. Jangan biarkan ketegangan masalah finansial ataupun rumah yang dipenuhi sanak saudara membuat Anda memuntahkan komentar negatif atau kebencian kepada pasangan Anda. Ingat, Anda berdua menghadapi hal ini bersama-sama. Pilihlah untuk tetap menunjukkan cinta dan bergembira di musim Natal ini! Pilihlah untuk menyingkirkan segala hal yang membuat Anda tidak dapat menikmati Natal yang penuh dengan makna ini!</span></span></div><h2>Source : ezinearticles.com/jawaban.com</h2>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-62993939849404330252010-05-20T18:14:00.000-07:002010-05-20T18:14:10.229-07:00The Zero Based Thinking Connection By Scott Bywater Platinum Quality Author<div id="body"> I'd like take a moment to touch on a concept which came to me on the weekend.<br />
Years ago, I heard Brian Tracy talking about an interesting concept. Couldn't quite remember all the details, but had a few words in my head and thought I would do a word search.<br />
So I went to Google and tapped the following into the search engine:<br />
"zero based thinking" + "brian tracy"<br />
Incidentally, those speech marks allow you to knock out any search terms which are not on a particular page, therefore allowing for more focused searches.<br />
Anyway, let's talk about zero based thinking and what it can mean to you.<br />
Basically, it's a concept Brian uses in his books and seminars which considers the following question:<br />
Knowing what I now know, would I get into this business/job/situation again?<br />
Now this can be applied to any aspect of your business.<br />
If you had to start over again, would you focus on marketing to the same group of customers you are focusing on now?<br />
For instance, some businesses complain that their customers are too tight and won't spend the money.<br />
If that's the case, then you are obviously doing something to attract them.<br />
You are sending out flyers... or running advertisements... or internet marketing campaigns... etc which attract the wrong type of person.<br />
Would you choose to do that if you had to start over?<br />
If the answer is no, then your next step should be to stop doing it as fast as humanly possible, go back to zero and start the process over.<br />
What about your staff?<br />
Knowing what you know now, would you hire certain members of your staff again?<br />
How about your suppliers such as your bookkeeper, accountant, web designer, virtual assistant?<br />
Knowing what you know now, would you hire them again?<br />
Interesting question, isn't it?<br />
And it's an important one as well because sometimes we have so much going on that we can get lazy and just "go with the flow" when drastic changes are required.<br />
But here's the problem I see with many business owners.<br />
They will answer yes to this zero based thinking question simply because they don't know any better.<br />
Simply because they don't have the foundational knowledge to do it differently.<br />
For instance, if you don't know much about getting new customers and someone asked you the question:<br />
Knowing what you know now, would you continue to attract customers in the same way?<br />
The key part of that question is "what you know now" and the key to continually improving your business is improving "what you know now" and acting upon it.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> As a direct response copywriter, Scott Bywater strives to educate business owners on how to generate more leads, get more of the "right type" of customers, differentiate themselves from their competition, and convert their leads into sales via his underground and "outside of the box" strategies. You can get his copywriting and marketing tips delivered to your inbox via his eye opening "Copywriting Selling Secrets" newsletter available at <a href="http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/" target="_new">http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au</a><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Scott_Bywater"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Bywater </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-35913210756942825692010-05-20T18:09:00.000-07:002010-05-20T18:09:44.105-07:00Three Ways a Home Removals Firm Can Save You Money By Marqus Smith Platinum Quality Author<div id="body"> If you are considering relocating, maybe after having found a job in another city or something like that, then you will come to learn that you have two ways through which you can move house (from your current place, to the new place). You could decide to handle the relocation yourself, or you could decide to make use of a home removals firm. So as the day of the relocation keeps inching in, you could find yourself increasingly at a loss as to which of these two approaches you should use, in making your relocation.<br />
As you go about researching on this subject, you are likely to find lots of resources suggesting that you should opt for a home removals firm. One of the factors that is likely to be quoted, as a reason why you should opt for a home removals firms, is that 'you stand to save yourself money by opting for a home removals firms.' Being a pragmatic person, you could find yourself wanting to know how, exactly, you stand to save yourself money by opting to go that (home removals firm) route. It is those ways, then, through which the services of a home removals firm can save you money, that we now proceed to explore.<br />
1) In order to be in a position to understand the ways through which the services of a home removals firm can save you money, it is important to have an appreciation of the three main factors you need, to make a successful relocation. The first one of those is labor. This would be required in packing your wares in readiness for the move, loading them to the relocation truck, unloading them on arrival to your new placing, and unpacking once in the new place. The second thing you will need, in order to make a successful relocation is a means of transportation, usually a truck. Relocation materials, things like the packing materials in which you pack your wares in readiness for the move collectively make the third essential thing you need to make the move.<br />
2) Now with regard to the labor factor, you come to realize that the home removals firm tends to have people who work full time for it, and who are therefore willing to work for it -and for you, as a client of the firm by extension - at an extremely lower rate than casual laborers, employed just for the day, would work for you. Of course, with a home removals firm, you don't even normally pay for labor as an item. You usually pay for a service package in which the labor element turns out to be just a fraction of what you would otherwise pay. Turning to the relocation materials factor, you will tend to find the home removals firm having its own packaging materials, which it avails to its clients during their relocations. You can't even start to compare the service fee element that goes into hiring such materials with what you would have wastefully spent buying packaging materials for single use.<br />
3) Finally, looking at the transportation factor, you will tend to find the home-removals-dedicated-trucks the firm makes available to you coming at unbelievably affordable rates; compared to what you would have had to pay a generalist firm for hiring its truck in order to make the move. This is to say nothing of the fact that the trucks you get from the home removals firm are likely to be purpose-made, and specially insured - increasing your chances of getting safer relocation.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> To find <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/Removal-Services-Company" target="_new">removal companies</a> in your locality, simply visit our site <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/Removal-Services-Company" target="_new">http://www.squidoo.com/Removal-Services-Company</a>. You will find all the information you desire.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Marqus_Smith"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marqus_Smith </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-1822494259934015592010-05-19T20:39:00.000-07:002010-05-19T20:39:34.305-07:00Mobile DJ Lighting - Designing a Practical Light Show For Your Mobile Disco By Steve JJ Bradley<div id="body"> Most mobile DJs will need some form of lighting to illuminate the guests and the dance floor. This guide is intended to help beginner mobile DJs design their first lighting rig by considering some of the less obvious issues that become apparent only after working with a mobile lighting rig for some time. Tempting as it may be, the best option is not to jump straight in to buying the latest and greatest lighting effects. By taking a step back and planning the overall package, you will be able to design an impressive, practical setup that serves you well for a variety of functions and won't break your back or your bank balance.<br />
There's no right or wrong way, and the relative importance of each of these issues will vary depending on the type of functions at which you perform, your preferences, and even your transport. You might choose to ignore some of them altogether, but it's important to give them some thought before you start assembling your equipment.<br />
<b>Practical Considerations</b><br />
Mobile DJs perform in all sorts of different venues, with wildly varying dimensions and facilities. One day you might be in a hotel ball room with all the space and power you need, and the next in a marquee with a low ceiling, uneven floor, and restricted power supply. Most of a DJ's equipment is adaptable enough to fit into most spaces without too much trouble. Speakers, whether they're on stands or not (and in most cases they should be), can be positioned independently of each other so they don't need a space of rigidly fixed dimensions. However the lighting rig can often be the largest item to be set up and might need a significant amount of power, and can therefore be the most difficult to accommodate in a variety of venues.<br />
The layout of your lighting rig needs to take into account various practical considerations: <br />
<ul><li>Size when packed -- will it easily fit into your vehicle?</li>
<li>Size when set up -- will it easily fit into most venues, or be adaptable enough that you can quickly modify it if necessary e.g. by using a shorter length of truss or just one T-bar?</li>
<li>Weight -- some lighting fixtures are heavy. Can you carry all of the components without hurting yourself? Are your lighting stands strong enough to support them all safely?</li>
<li>Carrying in/out -- how many trips will it take to carry all of your equipment into/out of a venue?</li>
<li>Speed to set up -- you'll often find you don't have much time to set up, and nobody wants to wait around for hours while you pack down at the end. How long will it take to assemble/disassemble?</li>
<li>Power -- how much power will be required to run all of your lighting combined? Finding more power sockets takes time and power supplies are sometimes limited (e.g. in a marquee running from a generator). Modern, LED-based lighting effects use very little power and can be a great help here.</li>
</ul><b>Stands</b>Lighting effects work best when raised up high so that the beams shine down from above and are in a good position to cover a wide area. While others do exist, the types of lighting stand that are most practical for a mobile DJ are: <br />
<ul><li>T-bar -- a horizontal bar mounted on a tripod.</li>
<li>Truss -- a horizontal metal structure mounted on two vertical stands, consisting either of tripods or more truss sections.</li>
</ul>Both can be very effective. Trussing can look very impressive but is generally more bulky to transport, takes longer to set up, and is less adaptable. T-bars are easier to transport/setup, and can be positioned independently to allow greater flexibility when setting up. Depending on your transport arrangements both types can sometimes be pre-rigged with cables and even lighting effects, saving time and effort when setting up and packing away, although in the case of trussing this can make it even more bulky and difficult to set up in a tight space.<b>Lighting Effects</b><br />
Not only will your lighting rig need to be adaptable enough to physically fit into a variety of venues, it also needs to be adaptable in terms of the effects it produces. Including a variety of effects will mean you have something appropriate to all events and types of music, and also helps to keep the show interesting by varying the effects throughout the party.<br />
The main types of effect to consider including, in order of importance, are: <br />
<ul><li>Colour wash -- PAR cans, LED bars, etc. to throw coloured light over a wide area.</li>
<li>Room-filling effects -- twisters, gobo flowers, etc.</li>
<li>Scanners/moving heads -- scan beams and patterns around the room / dance floor.</li>
<li>Special effects -- lasers, strobes, etc.</li>
</ul>A haze or fog/smoke machine helps to highlight the light show by making the beams visible in mid-air, but beware of using them in venues with fire alarms. The consequences of triggering a venue's fire alarm system could include an evacuated venue, a ruined party, and a visit from the local fire service!<b>Controlling the Lights</b><br />
Having a variety of effects is no use without a way of controlling and switching between them. This can be as simple as a power switch panel (19" rack-mount versions are available), or for better control use a DMX controller. With a suitable DMX controller and DMX compatible lights, it is possible to control your effects such that they synchronise and complement each other. Although it is more complicated and requires more effort and equipment, this is the best way to create a truly professional looking show.<br />
Use gentle, slow-moving effects for slow music, and more energetic effects for faster music. Everything gets boring after a while, so vary the effects throughout the event and use special effects sparingly at appropriate moments.<br />
<b>Presentation</b><br />
The look of your system is important. Although most people won't recognise specific makes/models of lighting fixtures, they will notice if your setup is untidy or unprofessional. Try to aim for fairly consistent looking fixtures. Stick to a colour scheme if possible -- most lighting effects, clamps, and stands are black and silver. Use all black cables and keep them tidy by taping or strapping them to your lighting stands. Try to set up the effects so that they are evenly distributed and symmetrical on your stand(s).<br />
Although they might not be visible during a performance, the look of any boxes or cases is also important. A neat row of professional flight cases gives a far more professional appearance to guests and venue staff than a pile of tatty cardboard boxes.<br />
<b>Cost</b><br />
There's a vast array of lighting effects available, ranging from very affordable to extremely expensive. Be realistic about what you need and what you can afford. Set a budget and try to stick to it. Buy the best you can afford within your budget -- you'll regret buying cheap equipment if you're quickly forced to upgrade to something better. However, don't worry about getting the best of everything -- a well designed setup of consistent quality is what's most important.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> Steve Bradley runs Bright Lights Entertainment, a professional mobile disco company based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.<br />
<a href="http://www.brightlightsentertainment.co.uk/" target="_new">http://www.brightlightsentertainment.co.uk/</a><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_JJ_Bradley"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_JJ_Bradley </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-89700673211871674852010-05-19T19:39:00.000-07:002010-05-19T19:39:22.347-07:00How to Live Life the King's Way By Aqeel Aziz<div id="body"> It sounds like a very typical title for ears but the fact of the matter is that its time for us to act and act well for our own health. This article will basically talk about the importance of being physically and mentally fit & its fruitful effects in our day-to-day life.<br />
We have started living our lives like a high speed broadband internet & in doing that what we forget is the basic principles of maintaining good health.<br />
our usual breakfast is on the way to work,non hygienic lunch followed by the dinner full of junk food.<br />
these are the facts & figures collected by one of the largest online survey companies, besides the inappropriate dietary habits smoking cigarette and alcohol have also played a major spoil sport.<br />
The world is in danger of getting effected with serious diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart related deceases ETC if we fail to act in timely manner.<br />
We need to build a strong workforce to fight against the most terrible and devastating pandemic ever, which should be capable enough to foresee the challenges and also have the great passion and agility to make the proverb "prevention is better than cure" come true.<br />
Following are the points to follow to live the life the king's way because kings do not live under pressure and they are seen to be the most relaxed individuals in the world.<br />
Proper dietary habits<br />
This is very important to keep ourselves mentally fit and also physically. Avoiding junk food, having little but good breakfast with nutrition will keep us up and running and will set us up for the whole day.<br />
Lunch @ work.<br />
While most of us will be at work by lunch time its indeed a great idea to try and pack some stuff for lunch from home itself as some rightly said "there is no place like home in the world" similarly there is no food like the one cooked at home which of course will save us few dollars.<br />
Dinner @ home with loved ones.<br />
Its also nice feeling to have dinner to end the tiring day with family and friends and sleep for the required number of hours to keep us ready for the next day, week and month avoiding alcohol and smoking cigarettes do surely contribute towards good health "Give up or Give in" the harmful effects of cigarette and alcohol would damage kidneys and lungs so either give them up or give in before these brutal deceases.<br />
Physical fitness is associated with mental fitness and vice versa to lead a healthy and long life we need to gain momentum in both branches of fitness which is only possible when we more than dedicatedly follow what experts advice but we sure can keep away from unhygienic and junk food if possible may be we can join anti smoking and anti alcohol campaign its just optional.if you have decided to follow what's been told so far then you truly will live your life the kings way.Be healthy and be happy forever.<br />
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<tr><td valign="top"> <div class="sig" id="sig"> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Aqeel_Aziz"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aqeel_Aziz </a> </div></td> <td> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-28716161974808655372010-05-19T19:22:00.001-07:002010-05-19T19:22:24.957-07:00Treatment Planning and Action Steps Against Eating Disorders By Badshah Salamat<div id="body"> * Do not attempt to treat an individual whose symptoms are affecting her health.<br />
* A girl whose eating disorder is endangering her life or well-being should be in the hospital or an inpatient treatment program.<br />
* Even if the eating disordered person must be hospitalized, there is still a family that is hurting. Focus on them and their needs. Help them to avoid blaming themselves or their child. Help them instead to have hope for recovery.<br />
* Keep reminding everyone involved that God is always working and there is always hope for recovery. Eating disorders are very difficult, but not impossible to overcome.<br />
* Watch for evidence of suicidal feelings (see section on Suicide) and get help immediately if you see signs.<br />
* If the behavior has gone on for some time, you will do best to seek the assistance of a professional who is a specialist in eating disorders. The young woman's health Will continue to be compromised until she gets help.<br />
Action Steps<br />
1. Identify a target weight<br />
* It is important to identify an ideal weight and target weight. Ideal weight refers to the best weight for the person when the persons height and body type are taken into account. The body mass index (often abbreviated as BMI) is the most accurate measure of ideal weight, but few persons can easily work with this index.<br />
* A target weight is the lowest safe weight; it is the bare minimum you want someone with an eating disorder to be at. Target weight is calculated as 90 percent of midpoint of the ideal weight. It is best to have agreement on a target weight with a doctor or dietician because persons with eating disorders often try to negotiate this number.<br />
2. Focus on relationships<br />
* You will want to build a positive relationship with the person. Those with eating disorders tend to have a very hard time being open and accepting help. You will need much patience and you will need to be willing to speak the truth. Let the young woman know that she must be willing to hear the truth.<br />
* Encourage family members to show unconditional love to the eating disordered person. Do not criticize or compare or ask questions in a manner that causes the person to feel condemned.<br />
* Healing relationships with people and with God are essential to the recovery process.<br />
3. Take the focus off of food<br />
* Unless the girl is in immediate danger from starvation or electrolyte problems, examine what weight loss means to this person, what eating stands for, and what she most fears about eating.<br />
* Help the family to take the focus of food at home. They need to see that focusing on food is part of the problem, not the solution.<br />
4. Watch for triggers<br />
* Help her to see what triggers her binging behaviors and try to identify situations that aggravate it.<br />
* Help her to see what is behind her actions. Chances are, some kind of anxiety and stress is driving these actions.<br />
5. Change thinking Patterns<br />
* Gently question the girls thinking. Help her begin to see the lies behind the behaviors that are trapping her.<br />
6. Examine Perfectionism<br />
* Examine her perfectionism. Chances are she holds herself to standards to which she does not hold her loved ones.<br />
* Help her to examine these standards and how they square with God's truth revealed in Scripture.<br />
7. Keep a Journal<br />
* Encourage the person to write in a journal about her feelings and the events of each day. She may have difficulty identifying feelings. Help her to view her feelings as normal and acceptable.<br />
Take help of <a href="http://www.ecounseling.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">web counselor</a>.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> eCounseling.com is the leading provider of online counseling and telephone counseling technologies, and exists to connect people who hurt with people who help, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. eCounseling.com was created by counselors who perceived a need for better online counseling methods. eCounseling.com now boasts a full range of distance and in-person counseling capabilities in video and text chat, HIPAA-compliant secure email, and fully searchable counselor listings, all organized strategically around the top 40 most commonly seen counseling issues. Its directors include Dr. Badshah Salamat, who practices therapy at Thrive Boston Counseling, and Ryan Neace, of the nearly 50,000-member American Association of Christian Counselors.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Badshah_Salamat"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Badshah_Salamat </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-71651947894102963602010-05-14T18:54:00.001-07:002010-05-14T18:54:25.751-07:00Five Things You Should Never, Ever Say to a Pregnant Woman By Ellen Sorg<div id="body"> New mothers: beware! When you become pregnant, certain people are going to say certain things to you, some of which you might find offensive (if you're human). If you happen to be pregnant now, or you've been pregnant before, you will no doubt recognize some of these lovely lines that you're bombarded with on a day-to-day basis. Make no mistake, people will make comments to you (or about you) for the entire time you're pregnant. However, as you reach the last couple of months, things really begin to get ugly. Since I'm about twenty months pregnant right now, I can speak from experience-it's brutal out there. I feel it's my job to forewarn you of what's to come.<br />
Here's a list of the top five things that people should never, ever say to a pregnant woman (in no particular order):<br />
1. "You look tired!" Really? Thanks for the compliment! When people say this to me, I swear I just want to ask them how restful their sleep is when there's a watermelon protruding from their abdomen-not to mention the back pain, constipation, leg cramps, and all the other wonderful shit mothers-to-be get to deal with during pregnancy. Of course we look tired, stupid! We are tired! Pregnancy is nine months of tired, so shut up about it. It doesn't make anything better.<br />
2. "I only gained 12 pounds when I was pregnant." In this case, I immediately think "suck it!" That's not necessarily what I recommend saying in response (though I'd like to be there if you do). Why do people feel the need to tell you how much they gained or didn't gain? Who cares? I find this especially offensive when it's clear (like in my case) that I've gained more than twelve freaking pounds. So, to you, twelve pound gainer, I say shut up and quit rubbing it in my face that you were skinny when you were pregnant. If karma has a say here, you might gain eighty pounds next time.<br />
3. "Wow, you really are eating for two!" Okay, now this really gets on my nerves. First of all, why are people examining my plate anyway? This is the one time in life where women should be able to eat freely with no judgment. Most of the time, our lives are filled with diets and restrictions and off-limits foods. Dammit, I want to eat while I'm pregnant. I'll go back to a "diet" after the baby comes (well, maybe), but right now, I don't need to hear it. So what if I have a piece of cake? I eat vegetables, too (I do!...sometimes).<br />
4. "You must be due any day now." When someone said this to me at the beginning of my seventh month, I had a mixed reaction. At first, I felt like punching the imbecile who had the nerve to say this to me. I mean, this is a dangerous statement; if you don't know when the baby's due, don't make a comment. You're asking for trouble, I swear. My second reaction was to cry a little. Obviously I'm hormonal. Regardless, it's not like you're feeling great about your figure at this point, so people should just shut up about it and move on with their lives. On the other hand, I'd like to conduct an experiment wherein I cry every time someone says something rude and insensitive, just to see the reaction. It would be nice, wouldn't it, to make that person feel bad? Perhaps people would start thinking a little if all of us preggos cried every time a stupid comment came our way (though I think fixing my makeup might get a little overwhelming, since people say this crap regularly. Yes, regularly! Be ready).<br />
5. "Are you sure you're not having twins?" What kind of a question is this? No, actually I'm not sure, despite the multitude of ultrasounds and doctors visits I've had. In fact, it probably is twins; the doctor wouldn't have noticed. Seriously, people. What is this? I'll tell you what-it's a roundabout way of saying how huge you are. Thanks. This is exactly what a pregnant woman needs to hear. When a woman said this to me the other day, it basically rendered me speechless. (Also, I'd like to point out that I heard this from a woman who is quite large herself). But anyway, how do people expect you to respond to this? It's not nice, so shut up! If it was twins, I would have told you.<br />
So, as you embark on the wondrous journey of pregnancy, keep in mind that you are bound to run into a dozen idiots a week (or sometimes a day). These people don't know when to keep their comments to themselves, and they are rarely what we might call "quick thinkers." So, if you happen to hear one of these comments (and it's likely you will...unless you're the woman who gained twelve pounds), prepare some witty comebacks so you can stun the hell out of the offender. Or, perhaps, you could consider saying nothing, smiling, and writing an article about it later.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> Ellen Sorg is a very pregnant woman who spends her days working as a Writing Program Manager at a local community college. She resides with her husband, daughter, and baby-to-be in Northwest Ohio.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Sorg"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Sorg </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-68302654157302262392010-05-12T03:45:00.001-07:002010-05-12T03:45:22.586-07:00Article Submission Service - A New Way of Getting Links By Giovanni Ali Y Jones<div id="body"> Article Submission Service is a new and reliable way to improve awareness, create quality in content back links, develop word-of-mouth and hence attract target audiences for your site. By creating and submitting a good article, you are not just informing your potential customers about your service, but are likewise sharing your knowledge with them. Article directories offer you an opportunity to publicize to people regarding your site services and products. Moreover you also get up to four inbound links with unique anchor text.<br />
Article promotion in simple term is internet marketing using articles. The end in mind of writing an article is to have targeted visitors for the website. Many times the article that you submit to article directories is picked up by search engines. These articles can get ranking on search engines that provide benefit to your website, and make indirect traffic to search engines. These articles are also picked up by many smaller site owners to publish the article online, so that is also one way which helps you to generate permanent backlink from websites.<br />
Article submission service provides professional content creation. Submission service enables you to share your knowledge, generate targeted visitors and one-way deep links to your website. The service also enables you to make the most of the following benefits:<br />
1. Construct in your business credibility, as you can have a detailed interaction with your target audience.<br />
2. Build quality one way links to your inner pages or deep links. This is one of the major advantages which is unique to article submission and helps you to increase the page rank of the inner pages.<br />
3. They also allow you with a chance to inform readers about yourself and your business.<br />
4. And more importantly, it spreads like viral advertising without any effort from your end. All you need to do is that you submit your article to good article directory sites and it will be picked up and published at other places automatically.<br />
Article submission will definitely increase your online marketing campaigns by both generating backlinks and traffic. It is a powerful approach of having high quality one-way incoming links to your site. Virtually every professional search engine marketer views article submission as among the primary part in their link building process. It's an easy way to construct links at cheap costs. All of us know that search engines like links from content-rich pages. If you are reliable in submitting your articles, it guarantees a steady flow of top quality inbound links. This is what search engines like. Article submission helps to construct your website as an authority website. This is among the most successful marketing techniques.<br />
To submit your articles to many article directories one-by-one by yourself can be a really time consuming activity. Sure there are automated software programs you can purchase. That may blast your articles seem to all the directories but inquire any internet advertising expert and they'll tell you that hand-submitting the articles is far more beneficial. This is because the software program basically can't adhere to article directories' policies, for instance, in choosing the proper category. This will result in an immediate disapproval of your articles in the directories. We are sure you don't want that to happen. That's the reason article submission service is important.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> For any individual who is interested to discover so much more relating to the <a href="http://freelancevirtualassistant.com/article-submission-service/" target="_new">article submission service</a>, an up and coming business process outsourcing sector which can most absolutely help jump start your small business and help you to save cash, then login to <a href="http://www.freelancevirtualassistant.com/" target="_new">virtual assistants</a>. You'll love it!<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Giovanni_Ali_Y_Jones"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Giovanni_Ali_Y_Jones </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-84877395904819550832010-05-12T03:44:00.000-07:002010-05-12T03:44:04.677-07:00Know the Advantages of Article Marketing By Phillip Degraso<div id="body"> When I first started doing work on the web I knew absolutely nothing with regards to such things as search engine optimization (SEO), linking, and article promotion. I was a complete amateur who thought that if I just put up an internet site I would have a massive flood of guests to my site and I would make a small fortune. However, as quite a few of you already know it doesn't function this way. If you merely put up a web site without performing any sort of promotion it is extremely improbable that you'll get much of any traffic. You'll be sitting around discouraged and banging your head against the wall.<br />
Luckily, after some exploration I came across article marketing in a number of discussion boards. A lot of the people within these community forums kept referring to how it had done wonders for the credibility of their web page and business, along with their traffic. Obviously, I became intrigued and I began to perform my own article writing experimentation to determine what I could make of it. Here I'll illustrate how it has helped my business grow steadily to a level where I never imagined it could be.<br />
First, writing articles permitted me in making a name for myself. Whenever you produce an article and publish it at an article directory site your name will appear close to the article title. This gives you credit as the author of the piece of work. If your readers that visit your web site constantly see your name across the internet on other web sites (article directory sites) they will start to think you're considerably more important. If your name shows up in more spots across the internet you will get higher recognition among your readers.<br />
Second, article directory sites commonly let you place a couple of links to your site at the bottom of every article. This helps with a couple of things. First, the major search engines will give your website extra authority since it's being linked to through other internet sites which will boost your search engine traffic. Second, the hyperlinks give the viewers of your articles an opportunity to visit your site. Thus not only will you be acquiring more visitors from the major search engines, you're also getting additional site visitors directly from your articles. This is a win win scenario for everyone who puts some energy into article marketing.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> If you'd like to learn more about the amazing benefits of <a href="http://www.ubscure.com/" target="_new">article marketing</a> be sure to check out this <a href="http://www.ubscure.com/" target="_new">article directory</a>.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Degraso"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Degraso </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-67829649021917744562010-05-11T00:44:00.000-07:002010-05-11T00:44:15.863-07:00The Desire For the Highest Money Market Rates By Mary L. Thompson Platinum Quality Author<div id="body"> Obviously, people are wanting the greatest return on their investments. This is the reason to seek out the highest money market rates. When people express their longing for the highest market rates, it's hard to tell if they are talking about APY (annual percentage yield) of money markets funds, or about APY of market accounts. These two investment channels - money market funds (MMFs) and money market accounts (MMAs) - both depend on the outcome of transactions taking place in the market, but they are entirely different things.<br />
To understand the differences between the two, and to have an idea as to which of them is referred to in the investing public's desire for highest money market rates, it's good to review market fundamentals.<br />
In the broadest arena there's the financial market, the economic mechanism which brings people together so that they can trade -buy and sell - in what they call "commodities" and "financial securities". Commodities are precious goods from gold and silver to wheat and dairy, while financial securities consist of things you often hear from business news on TV: stocks and bonds.<br />
The financial market has component markets: stock market, bonds market, commodities market, and money markets.<br />
In the financial market, the assets that are traded are papers that evidence indebtedness of large corporations. An illustration follows.<br />
John borrows $1,000 from Peter and writes down on a piece of paper, "IOU $1,000 payable in 6 months with 2% interest". That paper is evidence of John's indebtedness to Peter. If Peter wants to make early money out of John's IOU, he can go to the financial market and sell the IOU at a discount in order to attract a buyer. When sold to Paul at a selling price of $950, the discount is 5%. After 6 months Paul sells the IOU to Matthew for $980, and makes $30 from the sale. Finally, Matthew collects the $1,000 face value plus interest from John and makes a profit of $20 plus the interest on the IOU.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> There are many things to consider when you are looking for a good return on your investment. Click here to learn more about the highest <a href="http://openafreecheckingaccount.org/Highest_Money_Market_Rates.html" target="_new">money market rates</a> and <a href="http://openafreecheckingaccount.org/" target="_new">free checking accounts</a>.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mary_L._Thompson"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_L._Thompson </a></div><a name='more'></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-27202281917174733962010-05-11T00:40:00.001-07:002010-05-11T00:40:54.257-07:00Flight to the Safety of Gold By Ken Gibert Platinum Quality Author<div id="body"> May 6, 2010 may turn out to be a watershed day. For the first time in this writer's recollection, a widespread, panicked flight to safety included a massive flight into gold. This reversed what has been the dominant trend over the past few years and presages an eventual sharp rise in the price of gold and its equities.<br />
The day started quietly enough. After two days of moderate declines, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (used here as a proxy for the general market, which followed a similar pattern) opened slightly down and drifted gradually lower. Physical gold was up $10/oz. and the equities were somewhat higher. And this was the pattern till about 2:00 p.m., when things began to unravel. The Dow dropped fairly suddenly to minus 400. Within the next half hour or so the Dow had dropped another almost 600 points.<br />
There must have been shock and awe on the trading floor, and one can only imagine what the Plunge Protection Team was doing. Flooding the world markets with liquidity I would expect. In any event, the market turned sharply back up and finished the day less than 400 points lower than yesterday's close. The metals themselves finished the day well up, with gold gaining about $35/oz on the day. The metals equities plunged briefly when the market plummeted, but they finished in positive territory.<br />
There is a lot of speculation as to what exactly happened to cause the market to drop so precipitously or bounce so strongly. If any explanation is needed, I have not found an adequate one. What was most significant to me was the performance of the metals relative to the general market. For the past few years (at least) every large flight to safety has consisted of a general flight from the "risk" assets, including the metals and commodities more generally, into the relative "safety" of U.S. treasuries and the dollar.<br />
This time it was different. This time, although there was a flight from essentially every equities and commodity futures market in the world, the physical metals ended the day significantly higher, and the metals equities were also higher on the day. It was a change of paradigm. On May 6, 2010, panicked investors fled into gold and silver as well as the dollar.<br />
No one knows for sure what the next few days, weeks or even months may bring, but May 6 cannot be erased from history. Even if the paradigm shift is not yet complete and continuous, the door has been opened. If future flights to safety include a flight into the metals, as it looks like they will, then the metals are about to begin a monumental increase in value. The metals markets are far too small to harbor even a small amount of the fleeing hot money without enormous price increases.<br />
I find it hard to believe that gold could roar upward to new historic highs in the face of a massive decline in the world equities and commodities futures markets (which I expect to happen). The evidence of the past few years points too strongly in the opposite direction. But May 6 suggests that the metals markets may be more resistant to sell-off and capitulation than I had expected. It also strongly suggests that after a correction, the first hints of inflation will send the metals to levels that would sound absurd today.<br />
It looks like a paradigm shift.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> Ken Gibert is a professional writer and business marketing consultant and operates Golden Sun Consulting. He specializes in writing--articles, copywriting, ghostwriting...any kind of writing--and marketing consulting. He has long advocated investing in the precious metals and has written extensively on the stock and commodity markets.<br />
If you're interested in the author or for more information on marketing or writing samples, please see my site at: <a href="http://www.goldensunconsulting.com/" target="_new">http://www.goldensunconsulting.com</a>.<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-28623071594341916272010-05-11T00:38:00.001-07:002010-05-11T00:38:22.901-07:00Assessing Investment Risks By Dominic Bartalino Platinum Quality Author<div id="body"> Using the past to predict the future is never a wise thing to do. With that in mind let's look at some of the averages that certain investments have earned historically. During the last century ownership investments like real estate and stock have given returns of about 10% per year. This beats out their counterpart of lending investments like bonds which clock in at 5% and savings accounts coming in at 4%. Inflation itself has a maintained a 3% average.<br />
Since more risk comes in the stock market you may be wondering why you should put up with all the extra stress for a few extra percentage points. This is because after a number of years a few percentage points adds up to make real difference in your bank account. Let's say you have $10,000 to invest. If you put it in your savings account at 4% interest you'll have about $26,000 after 25 years. If you put that same amount into the form of a bond earning 5% interest you'll have about $33,000. Not bad. But if you put that same amount in stocks or real estate and manage to average a 10% return you'd have over $100k. If you extend that out another fifteen years to 40 years the difference is more than threefold.<br />
You'll want to ask yourself 3 questions when you start to invest:<br />
What am I saving for? What you need the money for will play a big part in how you invest it. Establishing your goals from the start is the only way to have a successful outcome. If you go into your investments with no end game, you will just scatter your money around and not have any sort of plan for how or when to take your returns out. Plus, if you don't have a goal, you will find it hard to motivate yourself to keep investing with no purpose other than making more money.<br />
When will I need the money? If you will need the money soon, you will want to forgo any investment that doesn't let you see a good return early on, or one that requires you to leave your money in for long periods of time without touching it. If you will be using the money to pay for your kids college and they are 12 years old, you don't want to take buy and hold stance because you don't have 20 years to wait for it to mature. If you child is a newborn, then you can be a bit riskier with the money because you can wait out all the bumps and dips in the market and your child will be able to attend any university they want.<br />
What am I comfortable with? Establish your comfort zone early, and stick to it. Nothing takes the fun out of investing more than putting the milk money into an investment that is riskier than you can tolerate.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> Dominic invests daily - in himself! Take a gander at his latest website that features <a href="http://www.californiakingcomforterset.org/" target="_new">California King comforter sets</a> with detailed info on <a href="http://www.californiakingcomforterset.org/california-king-sheet-sets" target="_new">California King sheet sets</a> so you'll have a great looking bedroom ensemble.<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-58405495851385716082010-05-10T23:22:00.000-07:002010-05-10T23:22:20.809-07:00Property Investing - Should I Sell My Property? By Suzie C Crawford Platinum Quality Author<div id="body"> In a previous article, I wrote about the importance of knowing what type of investor you are, and being that type of investor only.<br />
I believe there are two types of investors.<br />
- passive or buy and hold investors who create their wealth by building a property portfolio over the long-term, and <br />
- active investors who would rather create equity or growth in their property in the short-term using such strategies as buy, renovate and sell.<br />
Here's a story to help explain why it is so important to work out what type of investor you are, before you actually begin investing.<br />
I was running an information session for a Property Investment Program I facilitated a few years ago. A lady asked a question about an investment property she had recently purchased and renovated. The property was now on the market for sale. She was undecided on whether to sell it or not, and wanted my opinion.<br />
I was unable to answer the question directly, as there were too many variables that needed to be taken into consideration. I answered her question by asking her a series of questions. Only she knew whether she should sell or not, depending on what her investment strategy was with the property.<br />
However her question had a huge impact on me. By asking the question, it told me that she had not taken a planned approach on her property-investing journey.<br />
This is where many people fall over. People jump into investing without having any sort of plan... and just hope they will make money.<br />
A passive, or buy and hold investor does not buy a property with the intention of selling it. A passive investor would have completed extensive research before making the purchase. They would have only purchased property in an area with potential for high capital growth over the long-term. She is not a passive investor.<br />
Her actions of buying, renovating and selling shows she is an active investor, or an investor creating equity in the property in the short-term through renovating, and then selling it for a profit.<br />
She was asking the questions at the end of the project. Her intent was to buy the unit, renovate it and sell it for a profit. Before she bought the property, she should have completed extensive research, to determine if she would make a profit when she would eventually sell the property. Below is just a sample of the many questions that should be asked before a purchase is made.<br />
o How much are comparable properties selling for in the market? <br />
o How long are comparable properties taking to sell? <br />
o Have renovators already entered the market? If yes, what sort of renovations are they completing? <br />
o What is the right type of renovation in that market? <br />
o What is the budget for the renovation? <br />
o What return will the renovation generate? <br />
o How does this return compare with other investment strategies?<br />
When the research has been completed and the questions answered, you can then assess a property and know if it is an ideal property to suit your investment strategy and give you the return you are seeking. It is about getting the right property, in the right location, for the right price, for the right type of investment strategy. A property that may be ideal for a long-term buy and hold strategy, may not be ideal for a short-term buy, renovate and sell strategy.<br />
Another option could be for her to renovate the property and keep it. This strategy is a combination between a passive and active investor. However, this strategy depends on her financial situation. Does she have the cash-flow to hold the property and build wealth in the property over the long term, or does she need to sell it for a profit in the short-term? Is it the right property in the right location for that specific investment strategy?<br />
Let your Primary Aim tell you what sort of investor you need to be. Your property investment strategy plus your strategy for your life need to be well aligned.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> Suzie Crawford works with people who are tired of working for others and want expert guidance on how to make money through property. Register here for free 8-week online Training Program PLUS receive bonuses to the value of $162. <a href="http://www.youcan.com.au/" target="_new">http://www.youcan.com.au</a><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Suzie_C_Crawford"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzie_C_Crawford </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-90184545153279391012010-05-10T23:08:00.001-07:002010-05-10T23:08:50.707-07:00How to Make Money Quickly By Maryrose Malinao<div id="body"> Have you ever imagined yourself earning a thousand or even millions of dollars? Are you an optimist who strives harder to make money quickly? Or are you the type of person who wants to earn more money in a quick and easy manner?<br />
Global recession and economic concerns are tough issues that every country and every citizen endlessly deal with. The rise of goods and service prices makes the issue even more problematic that people strive harder to earn money for a stable living. Issues on money matters are scattered everywhere. We all see and hear them both online and offline. The continuous search for money even makes more people greedy and lazy that they always look for a way to earn it in an easier and faster manner. No matter what strategy for quick money-making business you have, it is always best to look for legal and ethical business ventures.<br />
I am not here to tell you about the negative side of all money-making adventure but rather enlighten you of a new and smart way to do it. I am quite determined to help you succeed in everything you do in your business to make money quickly in a professional and ethical way of fulfilling your dreams. You don't have to do something illegal just to get rich quickly and easily. Everything can be achieved in every legal and honest way and the key to unravel your ultimate search is simply "opportunity investment." This term is not about the classic bonds, shares and the stock market trend. This is actually all about you! You have all the responsibility to become your own "investor source."<br />
Opportunity investment even gives you the freedom to make money quickly with a small amount of funds. Digging deeper into this concept means handing over some funds to invest to "professionals." We then get dramatic result6s or financial returns from these funds we invest. It's basically about compounding and eventually becoming an investor source.<br />
Everyone here needs to be more familiar and become experts in identifying "investment objects." Investing your funds on profitable things and ideas that are yet hidden or somewhat unpopular to the general public gives you the opportunity to make money quickly by compounding the pyramid to greater volumes. For a concrete example, you can start putting in a capital of $100 to your "opportunity investment" project which you can compound to a thousand or millions of dollars over time in a faster and lesser stress manner.<br />
Opportunity Investment is best explained in a book entitled "The inside Secrets to an Opportunity Investor." This great opportunity book was written by Hayden Muller to help more and more people get higher awareness in investing smaller amounts for higher profits in shorter periods for greater lasting results in achieving your dreams for a better lifestyle.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> Maryrose Malinao is an internet marketer, researcher, teacher and an online supervisor for international services. She loves to share current trends in the online world especially about international business concerns on the road to quick wealth and success for lasting impact. To know more about great secrets revealed on how to make money easily and other business tips and exciting opportunities on your way to success, visit our website - <a href="http://www.credit4profits.com/" target="_new">http://www.credit4profits.com</a> and see the results effectively in less than a year for more profits and increased business success each month.<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maryrose_Malinao"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maryrose_Malinao </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4748232524700343698.post-67196336379742314352010-05-10T04:24:00.001-07:002010-05-10T04:24:53.134-07:00How to Live a Long and Healthy Life - Secrets of the Okinawans By Jane J Simmons<div id="body"> One of the longest living people in the world is the Japanese. Numbers vary each year and many factors can make statistics quite volatile, but the United Nations had Japan at number one in life expectancy at birth at the ripe old age of 82.6 for its overall population in the years 2005-2010. The CIA World Factbook ranked Japan at number three (after Macau and Andorra) at a slightly lower number of 82.12 in 2009. Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the islands of Okinawa in Japan boast 50 centenarians per 100,000 people - possibly the highest number in the world. Not only do the Okinawans enjoy long life, they also are among the healthiest people in the world with remarkably low rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease.<br />
Studies on longevity of the Okinawans have revealed a few factors that contribute to such a long and healthy life.<br />
1. A positive outlook towards life - Research has shown that positive thinking adds years to your life. When you actually look forward to aging and living life to the fullest, you tend to have less stress and worries. Okinawans are cheerful, energetic people who maintain an active social life way beyond 70 or 80 years of age.<br />
2. Exercise - It is not a rare sight in Japan to see an elderly out manually working in their farms, fields or gardens. Japanese elderly, Okinawans included, tend to keep themselves busy and stay in good shape with various physical activities such as gateball (a croquet-like game enjoyed by the elderly in Japan), traditional Japanese dances, and martial arts.<br />
3. Genetics - This is the one factor that there is not much one can do anything about. However, the fact remains that if you come from a family with long lives, chances are you yourself will have a long life.<br />
4. Diet - Perhaps the most important reason for longevity in Okinawa is their diet. Okinawans eat a lot of fish, fresh vegetables, soy and legumes and seaweed. Fish is rich in omega-3 and helps reduce cholesterol, which can cause cardiovascular diseases. Vegetables, especially leafy greens, are excellent sources of vitamins and folate that have cancer-fighting properties. Soy products are low-caloric food that is rich in calcium, a food source that contributes to low rates of osteoporosis and natural menopause with far fewer complications such as hot flashes among women.<br />
Most of the things listed above can easily be emulated by anyone who wants to live a long, healthy life. Some lifestyle changes will have to be made, but it is absolutely doable. A long, healthy life awaits.<br />
</div><div class="sig" id="sig"> For more information on a healthy Japanese diet and some specific food items enjoyed by the Japanese and especially the Okinawans, please visit <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Japanese-diet-live-longer-with-healthy-Japanese-food" target="_new">http://hubpages.com/hub/Japanese-diet-live-longer-with-healthy-Japanese-food</a><br />
The author holds a MA in Asian Studies from the UK and is a proud SAHM to a bilingual preschool-aged daughter. Her interests are broad and varied, but her current passions include parenting, early childhood education and development, culture and languages, and traveling. She plans to devote her time and energy into a lot of writing now that her daughter is in nursery school.<br />
The author's personal blog is <a href="http://yummymummysteahouse.blogspot.com/" target="_new">http://yummymummysteahouse.blogspot.com/</a><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jane_J_Simmons"> http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_J_Simmons </a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0