HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY? ANSWERS BY CHILDREN

 

1. YOU GOT TO FIND SOMEBODY WHO LIKES THE SAME STUFF.

 LIKE, IF YOU LIKE SPORTS, SHE SHOULD LIKE IT THAT YOU LIKE 

SPORTS, AND SHE SHOULD KEEP THE CHIPS AND DIP COMING.
>ALAN,AGED 10
2. NO PERSON REALLY DECIDES BEFORE THEY GROW UP WHO 

THEY'RE GOING TO MARRY. GOD DECIDES IT ALL WAY BEFORE,

AND YOU GET TO FIND OUT LATER WHO YOU'RE STUCK WITH.
>KIRSTEN, AGE 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
1. TWENTY-THREE IS THE BEST AGE BECAUSE YOU KNOW THE 

PERSON FOREVER BY THEN.
>CAMILLE, AGE 10
2. NO AGE IS GOOD TO GET MARRIED AT. YOU GOT TO BE A 

FOOL TO GE MARRIED.
>FREDDIE, AGE 6 (VERY WISE FOR HIS AGE)

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE

 ARE MARRIED?

1. YOU MIGHT HAVE TO GUESS, BASED ON WHETHER THEY 

SEEM TO BE YELLING AT THE SAME KIDS.
>DERRICK, AGE 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD
HAVE IN COMMON?
1. BOTH DON'T WANT ANY MORE KIDS.
>LORI, AGE 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
1. DATES ARE FOR HAVING FUN, AND PEOPLE SHOULD USE THEM

 TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER. EVEN BOYS HAVE SOMETHING TO 

SAY IF YOU LISTEN LONG ENOUGH.
>LYNNETTE, AGE 8 (ISN'T SHE A TREASURE)
2. ON THE FIRST DATE, THEY JUST TELL
EACH OTHER LIES AND THAT USUALLY GETS THEM INTERESTED 

ENOUGH TO GO FOR A SECOND DATE.
>MARTIN, AGE 10


WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE
THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?
1. I'D RUN HOME AND PLAY DEAD. THE NEXT DAY I WOULD 

CALL ALL THE NEWSPAPERS AND MAKE SURE THEY WROTE

 ABOUT ME IN ALL THE DEAD COLUMNS.
>CRAIG, AGE 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
1. WHEN THEY'RE RICH.
>PAM, AGE 7
2. THE LAW SAYS YOU HAVE TO BE EIGHTEEN, SO I 

WOULDN'T WANT TO MESS WITH THAT.
>CURT, AGE 7
3. THE RULE GOES LIKE THIS: IF YOU KISS SOMEONE, 

THEN YOU SHOULD MARRY THEM AND HAVE KIDS WITH 

THEM. IT'S THE
RIGHT THING TO DO.
>HOWARD, AGE 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
1. I DON'T KNOW WHICH IS BETTER, BUT I'LL TELL YOU ONE 

THING; I'M NEVER GOING TO HAVE SEX WITH MY WIFE.

 I DON'T WANT TO BE ALL GROSSED OUT.
>THEODORE, AGE 8
2. IT'S BETTER FOR GIRLS TO BE SINGLE BUT NOT FOR BOYS. 

BOYS NEED SOMEONE TO CLEAN UP AFTER THEM.
>ANITA, AGE 9 (BLESS YOU CHILD)

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT
IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
1. THERE SURE WOULD BE A LOT OF KIDS TO EXPLAIN,

 WOULDN'T THERE
>KELVIN, AGE 8

AND THE FAVORITE IS........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE 

WORK?
1. TELL YOUR WIFE THAT SHE LOOKS PRETTY, EVEN IF 

SHE LOOKS LIKE A TRUCK.
>RICKY, AGE 10

A STRONG WOMAN

 

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape …
but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape… 
A strong woman isn’t afraid of anything …
but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear…
A strong woman will not let anyone get the best of her …
but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone…
A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future…
a woman of strength realizes life’s mistakes can also be God’s blessings and capitalizes on them…
A strong woman walks sure footedly …
but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls…
A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face …
but a woman of strength wears grace…
A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey …
but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong…
a strong woman is one who gets her heart broken time and time again and still has the strength to gather the pieces to create a new life for herself.
Remember that no matter what pain you have been through, tears will dry, broken hearts will heal, and somewhere out there the person who truly cares is waiting. YOU ARE A WOMAN AND YOU ARE STRONG.

Natural Ways to Remove Acne Scars

   

For many acne sufferers, the prospect of living blemish-free can easily lead to a medicine cabinet full of chemical creams and oral medications. While these treatments may offer immediate and powerful results, they also tend to carry a long list of side-effects. For those who desire a safe alternative to get rid of the scars left behind from pimples and acne, try some of these clever natural solutions.

1. Aloe Vera

Fresh aloe vera gel is a potent source of vitamins which can help to heal skin and fade scars. Aloe is gentle, so you won’t have to worry about further damaging or irritating skin. Also, because aloe is such a wonderful natural moisturizer, it will leave your skin looking and feeling softer and healthier.

While aloe vera gel may be found in any drug store or pharmacy, fresh organic aloe is best. Potted aloe plants are easy to find and require almost no maintenance to grow even without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Should you choose to use fresh aloe to combat your acne scars, just break off a small piece of one leaf, peel away the outer flesh to expose the gel, and massage gently into your skin. For best results, let the gel soak in for at least thirty minutes before washing it off.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common household item with literally hundreds of uses, including the ability to help heal scars. Baking soda is composed of sodium bicarbonate crystals which gently exfoliate skin when used as a cleansing scrub. Just mix a few teaspoons of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste then massage into skin where scars are present. Once applied, you should leave the mixture on for a minute or two. This will allow the soda to cleanse pores and help prevent further blemishes. After a couple of minutes, wash your face in lukewarm water and apply a good natural moisturizer like rose hip seed, jojoba, coconut, or olive oil.

Do this about once every other day for great results!

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is at the top of the list when it comes to natural moisturizers with healing properties. Scoop about a quarter of a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil into the palm of your hand and let it melt as it comes up to body temperature. With your fingertips, massage oil directly onto scarred skin and let it soak in. There is no need to wash coconut oil away as the vitamins and essential fatty acids will continue to work and improve skin health as long as you wear it. However, if the oil is too heavy for your comfort, leave it on for at least thirty minutes before removing with an all-natural cleanser.

http://www.naturallivingideas.com/

NEVER BE AFRAID TO REINVENT YOURSELF.

Don't downgrade your dream just to fit your reality.

Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.

The will to win, the desire to succeed,, the urge to reach your full potential,

these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.

Know there is something bigger than you guiding you, helping you,

embracing you and taking care of you.

One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be,

rather than being yourself.

Love yourself enough to make your wellness a priority.

All flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today.

Everything depends on what you believe about yourself. If you want to change your life, you have to change your self-concept.

7 Mistakes You're Making with Olive Oil

 

We all know that extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the Seven Wonders of the Food World. It contains antioxidants and heart-healthy fats galore—and, of course, it tastes amazing. EVOO is one of the most common kitchen staples, but most home cooks don’t know much about it, says Lauren Winstead, a buyer for Whole Foods Market's exclusive brands who recently underwent extra virgin olive oil savant training (kind of like the olive oil equivalent of sommelier training). Here, Winstead share the top mistakes you are probably making:

Mistake #1: Buying Plastic or Clear Glass
The two biggest enemies of EVOO quality are oxygen and sunlight, says Winstead—so if you're buying plastic or clear glass, your oil's in trouble. "Once [air and light] touch the oil, it can begin to go rancid," she says To preserve EVOO's pristine quality, opt for glass bottles that are dark green or dark brown.

Mistake #2: Storing Your Oil Near Heat
Heat exposure—whether from the stove or direct light through a sunny window—is also a no-no. "When EVOO is exposed [to heat], it can cause the polyphenols [a.k.a., a type of antioxidants] to degrade and lower the flavor or sensory profile," says Winstead. "You want to store it your pantry, not on a windowsill or above the stove."

MORE: Size Matters: How Much Fat is Healthy? 

Mistake #3: Judging Oil by Its Color
"Consumers mistake color for indication of quality," says Winstead. "Color is only an indicator of when the olive was harvested and when oil was pressed." Quality EVOOs can range from anywhere from vibrant green to soft golden yellow—so don't discount an one just because the color's a little different than what you were expecting.

Mistake #4: Believing One EVOO Fits All
When confronted with six shelves of olive oils, do you grab the cheap store-brand option or the fancy bottle that costs more than a tank of gas? The fact is, most people go with a middle-of-the-road pick and use a one-size-fits-all approach. While Winstead says there's definitely a place in your pantry for an everyday olive oil, she recommends also selecting a premium oil with a more robust flavor profile for when the oil needs to shine through, such as in homemade salad dressings and atop pasta dishes. Naturally, Winstead loves the new line of Whole Foods Market Oils, which range from peppery to fruity.

Mistake #5: Cooking Over High Heat
High-temperature cooking methods can destroy the antioxidants in EVOO and alter the flavor, says Winstead. You shouldn't use olive oil for any cooking method that requires temps above 360° F. So by all means, sauté veggies and poach fish in the oil—just don't fry anything with it.

Mistake #6: Cooking with Delicate Oils
More delicate olive oils—those with milder flavors—shouldn't be exposed to heat at all to protect their aromatic properties and flavors, says Winstead. Instead, use them as finishing oils to bring out the flavors in a pasta dish, bruschetta, or cold salad.

Mistake #7: Hanging On To Your Oil Too Long
Ever bought one of those gas can-sized jugs of olive oil and saved it for years? Never again! Winstead says that the shelf life on EVOO is about 24 months, so toss those old bottles before they overstay their welcome. A rancid EVOO—which you can spot by its obviously unpleasant taste—has lost its health benefits, as well as its flavor profile.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/

BEAUTIFUL TOUCHING STORY

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning..'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt.. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.

Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first!

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.

Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home. All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third!

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming,

'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

StevenAitchison

@ChangeYourThoughtsToday

"The Quilt Holes"

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. 

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles, an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. 

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labelled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. 

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. 

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. 

Finally, the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise. 

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I had not had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life.. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. 

And now, I had to face the truth.. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. 

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. 

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. 

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. 

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.' 

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! 

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go.'

Author Unknown