In early October 2006 Charles Carl Roberts a 32 year old truck driver brutally shot down five young Amish Girls in the town of Nickel Mines Pennsylvania. Following this slaughter of innocent children the news media made fair coverage but the tragedy was quickly overshadowed by the news about e-mails sent to a congressional page by Florida congressman Mark Foley. Now the debate rages about the resignation of House Speaker Dennis Hastert who allegedly had full knowledge of Foley’s behavior.

Commenting on the indiscretions of congressmen Foley one commentator said “the real issue is keeping our children safe.” Some have equated just sending our children to a public school could be the equivalent of criminal negligence. Safe? If police presence, metal detectors and drug sniffing dogs can’t do that, then what will? God forbid we hold Hollywood and the media culpable. A sex and violence drenched media, a cesspool like ocean of internet porn, a money hungry pop culture full of sexually fired music and images, just couldn’t be what makes our schools unsafe. Naw!

Our children bring those sounds and images with them every day to the public halls of learning and there they create a social peer community in layers. Each layer with its own appointed appellation to keep the strata’s uniquely separate like geek, jock etc. etc. Some kids describe it as something like “hell” itself. Home schooling, private schools and other means of escaping the public school experience are now being sought by millions as relief. Until recently, perhaps becoming a member of an Amish community might have been an option by which to save children from the public school horror show.

The Amish don’t recruit or evangelize but they will accept people who are serious about joining and have fully acquainted themselves with all the Amish customs and rules. In Pennsylvania Dutch country the website of The Fulton Steamboat Inn answers the question “Can an outsider join the Amish church/community?”

“A local Amishman recently remarked, “You do not need to move here to adopt a lifestyle of simplicity and discipleship. You can begin wherever you are.” Yes, it is possible for outsiders, through conversion and convincement, to join the Amish community, but we must quickly add that it seldom happens. First, the Amish do not evangelize and seek to add outsiders to their church. Second, outsiders would need to live among the Amish and demonstrate a genuine conversion experience and faith that results in a changed lifestyle. Third, it is extremely difficult for anyone who has not been raised without electricity, automobiles, and other modern conveniences to adjust to the austere lifestyle of the Amish. And to truly be a part of the Amish community one would need to learn the Pennsylvania Dutch dialect.”

It may not be easy to get in the Amish community and very few from the outside ever do but what comes out of that community is something we should take a long look at…and maybe we can learn something.

With his head turned away from the camera the grandfather of two of the slain girls described a scene that could rip the heart out of anyone. While holding the two in his arms they drew their last breath and expired in his loving arms. On Wednesday October 5 2006 a CNN news women asked him what his feelings were towards the gunmen Charles Roberts. He relied with “we forgive him.” But the story doesn’t end there. The news women then asked “how can you do this?” In a short reply he said “With God’s help.”

All those who glibly put down the entire Christian church and its message with “Oh, the church is just full of hypocrites” can see by this single remark that the church is not quite “full” of the fakers. Here is a profession of faith being put to practice that only someone without brain, heart or conscience could fail to see.

We live in an era where Islam is threatening to kill people for anything they consider insulting to it, much less for not joining it. Hatred seems to be the driving force behind what has been almost jokingly referred to as a “peaceful religion.” Add to this worldwide perverted idea of God, western civilization’s penchant for sleaze, violence and sex and the statement made by the grandfather of the two slain Amish girls looks like a welcome light from the shore in a turbulent storm that threatens to drown the world itself.

People who are genuinely searching often pass by the ceremonies, liturgies and general religious hokey pokey and keep searching until they find something that gives real meaning to life and life itself. That search ends for most people when they discover the power of God’s love. He doesn’t crack the whip of judgment until all else has failed. That is why all judgment is reserved until the end.

Through Christ the gift of salvation is offered freely but it is only free to the taker, the giver paid the very highest price to purchase it by his death on the cross. It was there where the greatest example of forgiveness the world will ever see was fully displayed. Writhing in anguish and pain Christ looked upward to God the Father and cried “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

Forgiving us was the costliest thing in the world for Christ and for us to forgive each other also has a high price attached to it. The world view of forgiveness is that it is a show of weakness. This notion is not just off by a few degrees it is diametrically opposite the truth. Forgiveness is the costliest matter on earth and it the most powerful substance known to man. It dwarfs the implications of E=MC2 and cheapens the price of gold.

America and the world community are undergoing a transfer from the forces and wrangling of mere ideologies to the heretofore ignored implications of theologies. A loving Savior or a wrathful and vengeful God as presented by Islam are the only choices. Those who have previously remained aloof to these theologies are finding that they can not escape the turbulence that is now emerging as an outgrowth from them.

Now and then a great reflection of the mercy of God shown to us through forgiveness comes across the waves. One gentlemanly old Amish grandfather has just sent a bright light along with those who share his faith. We can only hope that all churches and the whole world will not let this beam of light be blocked out by the raging storm of societies other urgencies’ and distractions.

Rev Bresciani is the author of two books and hundreds of articles both online and in print. Enjoy a visit to http://www.americanprophet.org

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Health spa treatments can be costly. Have you ever considered creating your own home spa by using lavender and other herbs from your own herb garden? After all of the hours you spent planting and tending to your herb plants, reap another benefit by using your herbs to make herbal cosmetics, herbal teas or herbal medicines and by all means as ingredients for a home spa. Some people have spaghetti herb gardens, or salad gardens even headache gardens, consider this your own Spa Herb Garden!

For very soft touchable skin use Lavender or Calendula leaves and petals. Bruise the leaves and petals and put them into a glass jar. Pour enough olive oil into the jar to cover the herbs. Set the jar on a sunny window and shake everyday for two to three weeks. Strain the oil through cheese cloth pressing on the solids to remove all essential oils. Reseal the jar and place in a dark place. The herbal oil should last up to one year. This soothing Lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin or used in a bath.

Put lavender flowers and leaves into a warm bath and soak. Or put them in a muslin bag which you will hook over the running water while filling the tub. The Lavender will fill your bathroom with a wonderful scent. Since Lavender is known for its calming effect, what better way to relax after a day of gardening than a long soothing bath filled with Lavender?

Lavender is a natural anti depressant so place bowls of dried lavender around the house. Or since Lavender is known for its claming effect, boil a large pot of water, throw in the lavender, and place a towel over your head as you bend down over the pot. Inhale in the delightful smell and feel its soothing properties from the steam on your skin.

Another lovely way to use Lavender is to sew them into little bags and put them between your pillow and pillow case. The beautiful calming scent will help you sleep.

Calendulas may also be used in the bath. An even better way to use this herb is as an antiseptic. Again, bruise the leaves and flowers and add them to olive oil. It will relieve stings, chapped lips, cuts and burns.

To make you’re won spa loofahs plant Luffa aegyptiaea. For a home spa tool grow the plant in full sun in a place where the plant can climb. When you harvest it, soak it in water to soften the brown skin, peel and set out in the sun to dry. Save the seeds for your next years Spa Herb Garden.

Now let’s make some refreshing teas using herbs from your herbal garden for use in your mini home spa. Most people look at roses as just beautiful blooms, but rose hips have more vitamin C than oranges. The little round balls in the center of the rose is the hips. Gather them and grind them in a coffee grinder. Steep them in very hot water, not boiling, for about ten minutes and enjoy your fruity tea.

For a calming tea try Chamomile or for a refreshing tea try Lemon balm. All of these herbs can be grown in your own yard and will create a wonderful home health spa experience.

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

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Designer Clothing on a Budget
by: Dominique Ardoin

Few of us realize just how much high-end designer merchandise is available at our fingertips. Designer clothing for the entire family is available at your local discount store and online at rock bottom prices. Discounters are able to offer brand name fashions by designers such as Prada, Kenneth Cole and Vera Wang at such great prices because they don’t have to stock the same merchandise at each store. This gives the buyers the flexibility to bargain with the designers and pass the savings on the consumer. Discounters are also required to agree not to advertise within the stores.

Local discounters such as TJ Maxx, Ross Dress For Less, Marshalls and Loehmann’s offer the same designer fashions you would find in fashion department stores at 40-60% off. Signing up on the e-mail lists of these discounters will enable you to receive information on the latest styles and savings which will be delivered straight to your inbox. Visit the websites to find the stores closest to you. Shopping at your local store will allow you to see the clothing up close and try them on if necessary. Remember, if you make a fab find scoop it up immediately because great bargains don’t last long. Also, shop often because new merchandise arrives weekly. Discount designer child clothing, discount designer plus size and maternity clothing and items for the home can also be found.

Shopping online can also net some great designer deals at fabulous prices. More and more consumers are purchasing their clothing online where they are afforded the luxury of shopping from home and avoiding crowded stores. Online discounters such as Overstock.com, ClassicCloseouts.com, Bluefly.com, and Ebay.com and many others allow you to purchase discount designer clothing from the convenience of your home.

Overstock.com sells discount, brand-name merchandise up to 80% off the suggested retail price and ships every product, big or small, for only $2.95. Discount designer clothing for men, designer handbags and designer items for your home are also available at many online stores. Search google.com for discount designer clothing for many other stores where bargains can be found.

Obtaining discount designer clothing has never been so easy as it is today. The choices, availability and quality of the items available are amazing. Whether you prefer to shop directly at your local store or shop from the comfort of your home, designer items for your family and home are within reach.

Visit www.inspirationforlife.com/blog for more inspirational articles, tips and motivational material. Don’t forget to sign up for our free newsletter!

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Clean teeth and gums are very important to the overall health of your Shih Tzu. Here is some information on the most common dental problems in dogs and ways of treating them.

Common dental problems

- Periodontitis

It is very common among Shih Tzu and all dogs to have gum disease. At the age of two or three, many dogs have either periodontitis or gingivitis.

The most common dental problem for canines is periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease. The disease is caused by various factors: plaque, food debris, cell mucus, and a mixture of bacteria. This results in a film characterized by milky-white on the dog’s teeth as well as the gums. When this film gets combined with saliva, the plaque it causes becomes tartar, and very hard to remove.

- Gingivitis

Gingivitis, also known as gum disease, happens when gum tissue suffers from an inflammation. Without treatment, it can lead to periodontitis, teeth loosening, bone loss, and ultimately, loss of teeth.

- Tooth fractures

Tooth fractures occur when Shih Tzu or any dog chew hard substances, such as hard rocks and cow hooves. The fractures result to infection inside the broken tooth, which is known as the endodontic disease.

How to prevent dental problems

Your Shih Tzu can fight off these dental problems by removing the plaque before it actually develops as tartar. How to do it? The most effective way is by brushing the teeth of your Shih Tzu in a mechanical fashion. The brushing would reduce much of the bacteria presence in the mouth, not to mention making your Shih Tzu’s breath smell sweeter. Make it a habit of brushing your Shih Tzu’s teeth on a daily basis.

Toothpaste: There are toothpaste products made especially for dogs. Brush your Shih Tzu’s teeth using dog toothpaste. Human toothpaste is specifically designed for humans to spit the paste washings out. Dogs cannot do that, so pick dog toothpaste that is safe enough for your Shih Tzu to swallow.

Toothbrush: Using a toothbrush in its teeth will take some time for the Shih Tzu to get used to. Let your dog be acquainted and get used to this is by putting some garlic salt, mix the salt with water, and dip the solution in an old toothbrush. Hold the old brush, and let your Shih Tzu taste and chew it. Your Shih Tzu will start to realize that chewing a toothbrush is and tastes good. Make it a habit a few times, until he feels comfortable brushing with it.

Finger brush: You could also use a finger brush instead of a toothbrush. A finger brush is a good alternative, although nothing could replace the good toothbrush. The finger brush just fits onto one’s fingertip and can let you brush the Shih Tzu’s teeth without the dog knowing it. Well, at least almost. The disadvantage of getting a finger brush to clean your Shih Tzu’s teeth is that its bristles are quite large for the brush to go under the gum line’s margin as effectively compared with regular toothbrush.

Professional cleaning: If you don’t want to do the cleaning by yourself, you could take your Shih Tzu to a veterinarian and have his teeth professionally cleaned. A good veterinarian will take additional measures in ensuring your Shih Tzu’s clean teeth by anesthetizing your Shih Tzu, scraping the buildup of plaque from all over the gum line areas, and polishing the teeth for a sparkling finish.

Home checkup: Try to make it a regular habit of checking the teeth of your Shih Tzu for any cracked or broken teeth. If you see some problematic teeth, check promptly with the veterinarian.

Home safety: Of course, cleaning your Shih Tzu’s teeth does not mean you should disregard other areas of concern. Tough substances, such as bones, rocks, hard nylon, or cow hooves should be removed from areas where your dog could see. Buy your Shih Tzu chewing toys that are safer like rubber-made toys. You could also provide bones that are soft enough for your dog to chew.

Mouthwash: There are some products in the market that deal very well in helping to kill the bacteria in your dog’s mouth and could actually help heal damaged gum tissues. Do not forget to ask your veterinarian on the best products in the market.

Dental problems do not only happen to humans. Shih Tzu and all dog breeds also have dental issues. It is up to the owners on how to help their pet dogs overcome their dental problems.

Author: Connie Limon. I raise Shih Tzu puppies from top champion bloodlines in many different colors of blues, reds, chocolates, blacks. We have the small AKC standards, imperials and teacups at reasonable prices. We offer you educational material, dog bows and dog clothes. Visit us online at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com and sign up for our newsletter. We are the largest privately-owned informational Shih Tzu site on the World Wide Web.

This article is FREE to publish with resource box.

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Every bride has lots of things to think about when she’s planning her wedding, but so many tend to forget about taking care of themselves on the day of their wedding. And it’s important that those small, but mighty, details not escape even the most well prepared bride!

What should be at the TOP of every bride’s list on the day of her wedding is to relax and enjoy it! Whether you’ve been working with a wedding consultant or have done all the planning and preparation on your own, it’s now the big day and you deserve to have at least as much fun as any of your guests.

Here are 5 simple, but practical tips to help pave the way to truly enjoying your wedding day:

1. Making Up is (not) Hard to Do – Create a Wedding Day Make-Up Bag

Two weeks before the wedding, do a complete test of your wedding-day look (make-up, hairdo and shoes) – for as long as you expect to have it together that day so you’ll know if it will “go the distance.” Put together a little make-up bag for touch ups that you can take along with you the day of the wedding to keep you looking your best. And on the big day, have a friend, bridesmaid or family member hang on to it or stash it somewhere handy so you can get to it when you need it. Be sure to use waterproof mascara, and don’t forget to pack the hairspray!

Hint: When purchasing your make-up, see if you can persuade the sales gal at the cosmetic counter into giving you samples of everything you’re buying (they’ve got ‘em, you know they do) They won’t take up much room and it will be more than enough for the day!

2. Wedding Day “Emergency” Kit – Create an Emergency Kit For Those Unexpected Emergencies

Just like the back-up, make-up bag for touch ups (say that three times fast!), consider an “emergency kit” filled with items you may need on your wedding day. Fill a small bag with items such as a travel size sewing kit (you’d be amazed at the magic tricks just one safety pin can perform), clear nail polish (for panty hose/stocking runs), an extra set of panty hose or stockings, throat lozenges and aspirin. Other ideas for the “emergency kit” include tissues, breath mints, tampons, hand cream and band-aids.

Hint: Most of these items can be found in the travel size bins in your local drug store.

3. Food for Thought – Start Your Wedding Day With Healthy & Filling Nourishment

Since most brides don’t get to enjoy the meal served at the reception, you really should consider having something to eat before the wedding, no matter how worried you are about how the dress fits!

While food may be the last thing on your mind on your wedding day, it’s nonetheless important that you start the day with some healthy and filling nourishment. It’s going to be a long (and wonderful) day and you’ll want to have plenty of energy so you can keep dancing and socializing for hours!

Hint #1: Stash a power bar snack in your purse or “emergency kit”

Hint #2: Pre-arrange for there to be something to eat at your honeymoon hotel (believe it or not, most couples are starving after the wedding day festivities and will want to re-fuel before the wedding night festivities!)

4. If the Shoe Fits – Kick Off The Heels & Settle Into a More Comfortable Shoe

You know those stunning, sexy, strappy, ultra-high heels that work perfectly with your wedding gown? They’ll be great for the ceremony and for the formal pictures, but if you’re planning to kick up your heels at the reception, you’ll be better off kicking off the heels and settling into something more comfortable. So get a pretty, more practical pair of shoes that you can change into to keep your dogs from “barking” the entire week after the wedding!

Hint #1: It’s not a bad idea to practice walking in the shoes you’ll be wearing during the ceremony. Take a test run in the shoes AND the wedding gown and get used to both.

Hint #2: Kenneth Cole Reaction makes a snappy little flat, beaded thong that is heavenly comfy, inexpensive and just fancy enough to go with your gown. I’ve got a pair in bronze and black (and they come in white as well) that I carry with me everywhere. Not a bad gift for your bridesmaids either!

5. Point It Out To A “Point Person” – Keep Track of Time With An Itinerary & a Point Person

Whether you’ve worked with a wedding consultant or carefully planned everything yourself, you should have an itinerary for the big day. Make copies, give them to a few good friends and/or close family members, then choose someone to be the “point person” who will make sure things are running smoothly and reasonably on time. You will be able to rest easily knowing at least one of your deputies will keep track of the time while you’re busy greeting those out-of-town guests and brand new in-laws whose names you can’t quite remember!

Lesley Mattos, Founder of Adesso Albums helps people all over the world capture the Now in life’s most important moments. Of all the ways to capture your wedding memories, the Adesso Instant Wedding Photo Guest Book is the only guest book alternative that provides an instant memory of your wedding event in both pictures and words. Buy the complete kit today at: http://www.adessoalbums.com/begin-polaroids-p-30.html

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The one day we remind ourselves to tell our Sweetest how sweet they really are on Sweetest Day. What gift to give your sweetest on Sweetest Day, here are a few suggestions:

Flowers – Flower will make them feel great all over on Sweetest Day, but they only last a week and you have to remember to water them.

Gift Card – Give your Sweet, a gift card to their favorite place, Starbucks, favorite restaurant, lunch spot and your Sweet will be sure to remember that you remembered them on Sweetest Day.

Message in a Bottle – do it yourself or go online there are numerous services that offer Message in a bottles as gift. Imagine the smile on their face as they open a box with a bottle filled with a splash of hearts, x’s and o’, some colorful sand and a wonderful love message from you on Sweetest Day. He or she will be sure to thank you in a very special way…

Lingerie for her – nothing makes a woman feel more sexy than lingerie, and nothing makes your woman look hotter than sexy lingerie, so get your sweet some lingerie and enjoy her on Sweetest Day.

Dinner for Two – Nothing say your sweet on Sweetest day as dinner for you and your sweet at their favorite restaurant.

Lunar Development – Send you Sweet to the Moon, on Sweetest Day, with a Luminary Destination, or order some lunar property many services on the web.

Name a Star – name a star after your sweet on Sweetest Day this will surely be a unique gift.

On Sweetest Day the most important thing is to let your Sweet, know how much you care, whether it be a simple rose, a handwritten note, just be sure to let them know – on Sweetest Day.

For other unique gift ideas please visit Message in a Bottle Shop

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After watching the care my husband received from the New Orleans VA and further damaged by the Denver VA. My husband received EXTREMLY sub standard care after a surgery in the New Orleans VA. He developed a disease that is know as RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) and was renamed CRS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome) in recent years. Bottom line it is a pain syndrome that is so bad that he can’t walk without crutches. The problem is it can spread to other limbs. When trying to seek better care from a Medicare doctor, and we tried to have the VA fill the recommended prescription. Basically the VA in Denver REFUSED to fill the scripts because they didn’t agree with the outside Doctors recommendation. And they told us in no uncertain words, that it was there way or the highway.

My husband served in the Army and in Dessert Shield/Storm, and he will never walk again. Eventually he will more likely then not be in a wheelchair permanently. The problems are our veterans should NOT be treated badly or receive sub standard care. In fact veterans should receive the best care in the world period. Veterans have served to protect our freedoms and especially in my husbands case where they ARE at fault they should be bending over backwards for him. Illegal aliens and people who just are freaking lazy can get Medicaid and receive far superior care then a veteran receives. Illegals are just that and it really sad that the people that made our country free, and have kept it free and are treated like garbage rather then treated with the respect they have earned.

Please Respect and most importantly RESPECT a Vet.

Thanks,
Colleen
http://www.spiritoftherockies.net
303-845-1914
God Bless the USA

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Baby showers are always a fun occasion. People are willing to play crazy
games and everyone ends up having hilarious baby shower fun. With the
following game ideas are all hilarious baby shower fun online games that can
easily be found through an internet search.

One way to get people laughing and having a good time is to introduce
anything that may be considered odd. When people are confronted with
something questionable or weird it makes others laugh. Watching people make
faces and get grossed out is always a lot of fun. There are a wide range of
odd baby shower games that are sure to bring on the fun. Smell the Diaper
is a fun one where candy is melted or crushed and placed inside disposable
diapers. Guests then have to smell each diaper and guess what type of candy
it is. This games gets plenty of laughs for its grossness factor,
especially when it comes to chocolate candy.

Another great way to bring on the hilarious baby shower fun is to get people
acting goofy. Anything that will get grown adults to dress up or act like
children is going to make everyone laugh. One such game is Pin the Pacifier
on the Baby. This is just like the old party game Pin the Tail on the
Donkey. Blindfolded people who have been spun around several times are
going to get a lot of laughs as they stumble around like a child.

Hilarious baby shower fun is one way to make a baby shower memorable.
People are not soon to forget how hard they laughed and the mother-to-be is
guaranteed to have a good time. Keeping the mood light and fun is a great
way to prevent awkward moments between unfamiliar guests and to ensure
everyone has a great time.

This article is brought to you by The Baby Shower Zone - your experts on all baby shower related topics. For more information please visit our site: The Baby Shower Zone

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