The Song of Songs, or Song of Solomon, can be a difficult book of the Bible to study. It is not necessarily hard to understand, and it isn't necessarily hard to relate to. The problem is that it's about the intimate love between a man and a woman. It is full of very intimate love language.
The problem, we find, with Song of Songs, is how to apply it to our every day life, especially if we aren't in a relationship?
We can apply Song of Songs quite easily if we consider Jesus Christ in the role of the man, and the Church in the role of woman. So then, Song of Solomons 4:7 says, "You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." A groom might say this to his spouse. He is completely in love with her, and she is absolute ideal of beauty. Amazingly, this is how Christ sees us!
Charles Spurgeon says, "It is His purpose to present [us] without 'spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing' (KJV, Ephesian 5:27). [We] shall be holy and unblameable and unreproveable in the sight of the Omniscient God."
Jesus isn't blindly in love with us. He isn't simply choosing to ignore all our faults and problems. Christ washed us clean and healed us, so that no blots or blemish even exist. When we are brought pure before God Almighty, the All Seeing, All knowing One, He see us as completely pure. It does not matter what happened to us here on earth. Jesus Christ makes us eternally pure and blameless before God.
Living Life
Sunday, July 31, 2011
The Good Shepherd
God declares in John 10:14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." It is hard for people to relate to this specifically in the context of shepherds and sheep (since most people are not literal shepherds). However, we can understand this through the modern day analogy of pets. Our pets know the difference between their owners and strangers. Even though animals and people think on different wave lengths, there is still a bond that is formed between a pet and its master.
No one knows us better than our God. He is more than just our God; He is our Savior, Father, and He is our Good Shepherd. It is God who keeps a constant watch over us. God keeps us safe when the enemy comes to shallow us up. He leads u through the desert to places of rest, growth, and nourishment. Thomas Watson writes, "Jesus Christ is a better Shepherd than any on earth was before or after-because Christ PRAYS for His sheep! Many shepherds scarcely pray for themselves. Christ prays for all His elect sheep. John 17:9, "I will pray for them." As Christ knows every sheep by name-so Christ prays for every sheep by name."
This is God, whom we serve. He petitions for us, and He is able to petition for us, because He knows us. He knows what we really need. He knows when we need strength and support. God knows when we need to be pushed. God knows not only our physical needs, but our emotional, mental and spiritual needs as well. God knows our complete needs, because He knows us very, very intimately.
Living Life
No one knows us better than our God. He is more than just our God; He is our Savior, Father, and He is our Good Shepherd. It is God who keeps a constant watch over us. God keeps us safe when the enemy comes to shallow us up. He leads u through the desert to places of rest, growth, and nourishment. Thomas Watson writes, "Jesus Christ is a better Shepherd than any on earth was before or after-because Christ PRAYS for His sheep! Many shepherds scarcely pray for themselves. Christ prays for all His elect sheep. John 17:9, "I will pray for them." As Christ knows every sheep by name-so Christ prays for every sheep by name."
This is God, whom we serve. He petitions for us, and He is able to petition for us, because He knows us. He knows what we really need. He knows when we need strength and support. God knows when we need to be pushed. God knows not only our physical needs, but our emotional, mental and spiritual needs as well. God knows our complete needs, because He knows us very, very intimately.
Living Life
Thursday, July 28, 2011
God's Omniscience Restrains Sin
What would you do if you could really do anything? What would you do if you could "Get away with" anything? For example, there is a movie called, Hall Pass. It is the story of married men whose wives give them permission to have an affair without any repercussions.
What if you could be granted a "hall pass" to do anything you wanted for one day? Would you use it ? There are certain things in life which restrain our behaviour. Thomas Watson writes, "The consideration of God's omniscience would be preventive of much sin. The eye of man will restrain from sin; and will not God's eyes much more?... Men judge the heart- by the actions. God judges the actions by the heart." God knows all things; He knows our actions as well as our hearts. We can always adjust our actions depending on who we are- or aren't- with. But, you can;t just adjust the desires of your heart.
Consider this passage of Scripture from 1 Samuel 16:7: "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." When we look at all the various kings of Israel and Judah, we see that god always mentions the states of their hearts. God mentions the states of people's hearts not so that we can find ways to judge others, but so that we consider our own. God isn't calling us to become better judges of our peers, but to become better judges of ourselves.
Living Life
What if you could be granted a "hall pass" to do anything you wanted for one day? Would you use it ? There are certain things in life which restrain our behaviour. Thomas Watson writes, "The consideration of God's omniscience would be preventive of much sin. The eye of man will restrain from sin; and will not God's eyes much more?... Men judge the heart- by the actions. God judges the actions by the heart." God knows all things; He knows our actions as well as our hearts. We can always adjust our actions depending on who we are- or aren't- with. But, you can;t just adjust the desires of your heart.
Consider this passage of Scripture from 1 Samuel 16:7: "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." When we look at all the various kings of Israel and Judah, we see that god always mentions the states of their hearts. God mentions the states of people's hearts not so that we can find ways to judge others, but so that we consider our own. God isn't calling us to become better judges of our peers, but to become better judges of ourselves.
Living Life
God Knew We Needed Law
Except for the rare exception, everyone has a moral compass. Somehow, regardless of beliefs, culture, time or place, we all know intrinsically what is right and wrong. Scientist, psychologist, and sociologist can all give various reasons why we people have moral compasses. It can be argued that evolution favors those who are socially conscious, or perhaps that we learn our social morals from our parents.
God, however, gives a different reason for why we have moral code. He decreed it. Job 35:5. Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:19-20, Romans 2:14-16, Acts 14:15-17, and Acts 17:24-27 are some examples of how God makes His presence known in His creation, and how He makes Himself known to our consciences. God did not have to make His presence known. He did not have to send us laws to follow. Arthur Pink writes, "God was alone when He made His decrees, and His determinations were influenced by no external cause. He was free to decree or not to decree, and to decree one thing and not another .This liberty we must ascribe to Him who is Supreme, Independent and Sovereign in all His doings."
God gave us moral codes to follow from the beginning of time; this shows that God shows how we would act, and He knew how we would need to be directed. Still, it has always been our choice to follow God or not to follow God. We are responsible for what we do, and we will need to give an account to God for how we act. This shows that God does influence us, but He still gives us a choice: obey or disobey.
Living Life
God, however, gives a different reason for why we have moral code. He decreed it. Job 35:5. Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:19-20, Romans 2:14-16, Acts 14:15-17, and Acts 17:24-27 are some examples of how God makes His presence known in His creation, and how He makes Himself known to our consciences. God did not have to make His presence known. He did not have to send us laws to follow. Arthur Pink writes, "God was alone when He made His decrees, and His determinations were influenced by no external cause. He was free to decree or not to decree, and to decree one thing and not another .This liberty we must ascribe to Him who is Supreme, Independent and Sovereign in all His doings."
God gave us moral codes to follow from the beginning of time; this shows that God shows how we would act, and He knew how we would need to be directed. Still, it has always been our choice to follow God or not to follow God. We are responsible for what we do, and we will need to give an account to God for how we act. This shows that God does influence us, but He still gives us a choice: obey or disobey.
Living Life
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Omniscience Is Not Omnipotence
One popular modern idiom is "knowledge is power." The problem, however, is that this is not entirely true. Knowledge can lead to power, knowledge can empower us, but knowledge does not equal power. Knowledge instructs us about the world, but it does not necessarily empower us to affect the world around us.
God is often referred to us being omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent (which are just big words to say God is all knowing, all powerful, and all present). But while these attributes are often listed together, they are distinguishable. Charles Hodge writes, "The possibility of knowledge in God is virtually denied by those who deny any distinction between knowledge and power. Knowledge, which is power, ceases to be knowledge; and therefore if omniscience is only a different name for omnipotence, it cease to be a distinct attribute of God."
It is important for us to have a clear picture of God; as we grow to know God more and more, who He is should become more clear to us. Blurring God's attributes not only diminishes who God is, but it also takes away from our relationship with Him as well.
Love and grace are similar, goodness and righteousness are similar, and faith and trust are similar. However, while these attributes of God may bare similarities to each other, they are all distinctly separate from each other. Knowledge and power are similar, but they are not the same thing, and they each give us different understandings of who God is. As much as we are capable, we should be deepening our understanding of God, not seeking ways to undermine our understanding of Him.
Living Life
God is often referred to us being omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent (which are just big words to say God is all knowing, all powerful, and all present). But while these attributes are often listed together, they are distinguishable. Charles Hodge writes, "The possibility of knowledge in God is virtually denied by those who deny any distinction between knowledge and power. Knowledge, which is power, ceases to be knowledge; and therefore if omniscience is only a different name for omnipotence, it cease to be a distinct attribute of God."
It is important for us to have a clear picture of God; as we grow to know God more and more, who He is should become more clear to us. Blurring God's attributes not only diminishes who God is, but it also takes away from our relationship with Him as well.
Love and grace are similar, goodness and righteousness are similar, and faith and trust are similar. However, while these attributes of God may bare similarities to each other, they are all distinctly separate from each other. Knowledge and power are similar, but they are not the same thing, and they each give us different understandings of who God is. As much as we are capable, we should be deepening our understanding of God, not seeking ways to undermine our understanding of Him.
Living Life
Monday, July 25, 2011
God Is All Wise
Consider James 1:5-6: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who give generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
Knowledge and wisdom go hand in hand. Knowledge typically refers to the various facts and general stores of information we have in our brains. Wisdom typically refers to how well we conduct our own personal lives, as well as how we interact with other people. Wisdom comes from experience, whereas knowledge comes from academic learning.
In this modern world, we spend a lot of time pursuing knowledge, but we don't necessarily pursue wisdom. Proverbs 8:34 says about wisdom, "Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." Wisdom should be something that we chase after, and perhaps we would if we grasped where wisdom comes from. John Gadsby is arguing that wisdom, like love,is Christ Jesus Himself. In the same way that we should want Christ, we should want wisdom. And how should we approach Christ and wisdom? By daily seeking Him out and waiting on Him. Christ compels us again and again to chase after His good gifts. God continually instructs us to seek and pursue gifts such as wisdom, love, self-control, and so on. Only a fool would reject God; only a fool would reject wisdom.
Living Life
Knowledge and wisdom go hand in hand. Knowledge typically refers to the various facts and general stores of information we have in our brains. Wisdom typically refers to how well we conduct our own personal lives, as well as how we interact with other people. Wisdom comes from experience, whereas knowledge comes from academic learning.
In this modern world, we spend a lot of time pursuing knowledge, but we don't necessarily pursue wisdom. Proverbs 8:34 says about wisdom, "Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." Wisdom should be something that we chase after, and perhaps we would if we grasped where wisdom comes from. John Gadsby is arguing that wisdom, like love,is Christ Jesus Himself. In the same way that we should want Christ, we should want wisdom. And how should we approach Christ and wisdom? By daily seeking Him out and waiting on Him. Christ compels us again and again to chase after His good gifts. God continually instructs us to seek and pursue gifts such as wisdom, love, self-control, and so on. Only a fool would reject God; only a fool would reject wisdom.
Living Life
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Men’s grooming habits that turn women off
Men’s grooming habits that turn women off
By Sarah Bernard
The Thread – Mon, Jul 18, 2011 2:52 PM EDT
..
Ladies, tell me you agree. There is a horrific beauty double standard going on that we have to do something about. Now that it's summer, we've all been upping our beauty game— more shaving and waxing, keeping toenails in check— so the terrible grooming habits of our guys have become all the more glaring. Why is stomach-turning neglect (or in certain cases, too much attention) the norm? We're not asking guys to do anything we don't do ourselves. If you're feeling extremely grossed out by what you're seeing thanks to flip-flops and bathing suits, take comfort in this: You are not alone.
We asked our Facebook friends (affectionately known as "Threaders") to share the grooming issues that irk them the most, and the answers were awfully familiar. One Threader asked if we could please paste the comments "on a huge billboard that all men can see." Well, here's our billboard equivalent! See the top ten offenses below and add more by posting on our Facebook wall.
1. Long, dirty toe nails. Or, as one Threader called it, "Hobbit feet." I love that. It's true. Guys, you don't have to sit for a pedicure, but there's no excuse for claws filled with dirt.
2. Hair where it shouldn't be. Nose hair was the number-one complaint with ear hair a close second. "Why is it so hard to buy a trimmer and a mirror?" asked a completely reasonable Threader. We don't have the answer.
3. Mouth madness. This is just basics. We're brushing, flossing, and whitening, but certain guys seem to think they can get away with "yuck mouth," as a Threader called it. Not true.
4. Unattractive smells. This can mean not showering often enough or not embracing deodorant. This is also related to #3 (see above).
5. Eyebrow issues. Either overgrown or over plucked. We don't want unruly, caveman hairs, but we also don't want you to look more sculpted than we do.
6. Too much cologne. If everything you touch starts to smell like your medicine cabinet, that's not good.
7. Too much waxing. There's grooming and then there's grooming. No one wants to feel like they're with a newborn.
8. Dry, cracked heels. You can put lotion on them, you know.
9. Hair that never moves. If your hair is as hard as a car door, you've got to rethink your products.
10. Letting your blackheads live on. Everyone has zits, especially in the hot and sweaty summer. But, jeez, if you have blackheads on your face, deal with them or book a facial where someone else will.
..
Quoted: http://shine.yahoo.com/the-thread/men-grooming-habits-turn-women-off-185222742.html
By Sarah Bernard
The Thread – Mon, Jul 18, 2011 2:52 PM EDT
..
Ladies, tell me you agree. There is a horrific beauty double standard going on that we have to do something about. Now that it's summer, we've all been upping our beauty game— more shaving and waxing, keeping toenails in check— so the terrible grooming habits of our guys have become all the more glaring. Why is stomach-turning neglect (or in certain cases, too much attention) the norm? We're not asking guys to do anything we don't do ourselves. If you're feeling extremely grossed out by what you're seeing thanks to flip-flops and bathing suits, take comfort in this: You are not alone.
We asked our Facebook friends (affectionately known as "Threaders") to share the grooming issues that irk them the most, and the answers were awfully familiar. One Threader asked if we could please paste the comments "on a huge billboard that all men can see." Well, here's our billboard equivalent! See the top ten offenses below and add more by posting on our Facebook wall.
1. Long, dirty toe nails. Or, as one Threader called it, "Hobbit feet." I love that. It's true. Guys, you don't have to sit for a pedicure, but there's no excuse for claws filled with dirt.
2. Hair where it shouldn't be. Nose hair was the number-one complaint with ear hair a close second. "Why is it so hard to buy a trimmer and a mirror?" asked a completely reasonable Threader. We don't have the answer.
3. Mouth madness. This is just basics. We're brushing, flossing, and whitening, but certain guys seem to think they can get away with "yuck mouth," as a Threader called it. Not true.
4. Unattractive smells. This can mean not showering often enough or not embracing deodorant. This is also related to #3 (see above).
5. Eyebrow issues. Either overgrown or over plucked. We don't want unruly, caveman hairs, but we also don't want you to look more sculpted than we do.
6. Too much cologne. If everything you touch starts to smell like your medicine cabinet, that's not good.
7. Too much waxing. There's grooming and then there's grooming. No one wants to feel like they're with a newborn.
8. Dry, cracked heels. You can put lotion on them, you know.
9. Hair that never moves. If your hair is as hard as a car door, you've got to rethink your products.
10. Letting your blackheads live on. Everyone has zits, especially in the hot and sweaty summer. But, jeez, if you have blackheads on your face, deal with them or book a facial where someone else will.
..
Quoted: http://shine.yahoo.com/the-thread/men-grooming-habits-turn-women-off-185222742.html
8 Signs He's Totally Into You.
8 Signs He's Totally Into You
Unfortunately, after a first date, it's rarely as simple as: "I like you, I had fun, let's get together again."
I'm coy after a first date because:
I don't want to look too eager/desperate. I won't ignore my attraction, but I'll at least try to temper it.
I want to look like I have a life. Even though I don't have a life, I might try to look a little aloof.
I'm not sure if you like me. It's scary to take the dive and show I'm interested when I'm not sure if the girl is interested.
Despite attempts to look calm, cool, and collected, there are a number a things I'll do around an initial date that clue you in that I'm interested. Here are a few:
Completing the Date
It may not indicate that you're the apple of my eye, but it does indicate that you're not a total disaster. Most people are courteous enough to do the absolute minimum on a date: finish whatever activity you're doing together and devote sufficient time out of respect for the other person. But some situations are such utter disaster, things must be cut short.
I once went out with a girl who spewed embarrassingly stupid things I couldn't respond to. Finally, I suggested changing plans to meet up with my buddies. Once a date is officially a bust, I'll look for any way out.
One on One
If I'm into you, and comfortable, I won't want to "share" you. A common tactic to combat a boring date is calling in "reinforcement" friends to "dilute" you. I'm naturally talkative with those around me, but if I invite everyone else around us into our party, I might be looking for a more interesting outlet.
Extending the Date
Suggesting something (other than going back to someone's place) after dinner like taking a walk, grabbing a drink, going for dessert, catching a movie, etc., indicates I'm asking for an encore. Although a masochist like myself might ask a girl to spend more time with me if I'm not enjoying her company.
Suggesting Another Date
Sometimes I get so excited during a first date I play my cards by suggesting other things we should do together. A common time to suggest another date is at the end of the date, though some guys just say this to be friendly. But it can't be bad if the guy is enthusiastic enough to suggest a second date. He just has to make good on his word.
Friendly Follow-Up Right After You Say Good-bye
Sometimes after a date, I'll text the girl telling her I had a great time, out of sheer giddiness. If I'm not interested after the date, I'll head straight home and begin my process of fading out of this girl's life (following up is not part of that process).
Striking While the Iron's Hot
I'll appear to be flaky or uninterested if I wait too long. If I enjoyed the date I'll contact her within a few days. This doesn't necessarily mean I'm asking her out again just yet. I'm just keeping the conversation going. If I'm not interested, I won't ever contact her again. Regardless of how great you thought things went, if he doesn't contact you again he's clearly not interested.
Consistency
Hold me to a higher standard than one extra date, or one call back after the initial date. How many times have you gone on a few dates only to have it fizzle out? You can't be sure I'm interested until we've gone out consistently for more than a month.
Non-Cliché Dates/Spontaneity
Take notice when I ask you to do random little things: run errands, go to the park. It's that next step when I'm getting to know you and showing you I want you around whenever, wherever. Spending this "informal" time with you indicates I'm interested.
Remember, guys sometimes act interested just to get laid, and there are guys who feel guilty cutting a date short when it's not going well. "Trying to be nice" actually sends the wrong signals if a guy is not interested.
My advice: Use these indicators as guidelines (they usually build on each other as things progress). Be vigilant, because reading the signals incorrectly will get you hurt. Hopefully you'll meet a good guy who is sending honest signals.
How do you show you're interested after a first date? Do you wait for a guy to make the next move after a first date? What signals are you looking for in guys after a first date? Do you agree with my signals, and that it's tough to read them in the beginning?
Quoted: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/sex/8-signs-hes-totally-into-you-2513796/
Smart men, foolish relationship choices
Smart men, foolish relationship choices
By Kent Miller
Men — even very smart men — can find themselves in all sorts of pitfalls, pratfalls and bizarre situations on the journey to finding true romance. Do any of these distinctly XY uh-ohs ring true with you?
Choosing a mate for her looks
Sure, looks matter. But be careful what you wish for: “What I find is often true with a guy who is dating a beautiful woman is that he starts out by feeling great that he’s with this hot person,” says Ron May, a psychologist in private practice in Madison, WI, who is on the editorial board for The Psychology of Men and Masculinity. “But then, he starts to fear that other men might want her. He becomes jealous, and that can undermine the relationship.”
Assuming you’re always the “reasonable” one
Men often take undeserved pride in being more rational, but the reality is that “everyone has a reasonable side and a side that can get unreasonable at times,” says Daniel L. Buccino, a clinical social worker and assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. “In the early stages of a relationship, when there are a lot of hormones and lust, people sometimes overlook the underlying issues. If a woman behaves poorly, her partner could try to convince himself that this is OK, that it will pass and that she’s acting this way because all women are more emotional than men. The reality could simply be that she’s not a good match for him.”
Buccino adds: “I often see the scenario of the so-called ‘nice guy’ dealing with the so-called ‘mean’ girlfriend, when it turns out they’re both being difficult. Despite his mellow exterior, a man can be very controlling about many issues. He really needs to have things his way. He tries to do this in what seems to be a very nice and reasonable way, but when she gets emotional in response to his inflexibility, he can step back and say, ‘Of course I am the reasonable one.’ Then he feels more righteous.”
Trying to “fix” everything
When presented with a relationship challenge, men often revert to Mr. Fix-It mode. “It’s a product of growing up in a male culture that emphasizes being in control. A lot of our work is oriented toward figuring things out and rationalizing things,” May says. Such skills are less valuable when it comes to relationships, where facial expressions and unspoken messages are key to good communication. “A woman might say, ‘When you’re off traveling on a business trip, I begin to feel lonely and scared,’” May says. “The classic “overly rational” male response — ‘That doesn’t make sense, you are a successful woman with lots of friends’ — invalidates her true feeling, which is that she wants to feel close to and desired by her husband.”
Suppressing negative emotions
Surprisingly, many men find the quintessential male emotion as scary as a dark room is to a small child. “Men are often afraid that if they allow themselves to feel angry, they will be violent. As a therapist, I try to get them to talk about whether they have lost control of their anger. I ask, “Have you ever hit someone or destroyed property?” says Bob Maslow, a clinical psychologist in private practice in Charlottesville, VA, and the author of Men, Women and the Power of Empathy. “When they realize they haven’t, that gives them the support they need to trust that they will be able to express their anger in a nondestructive way.” Says Maslow: “If you always bury your anger, you become distant and withdrawn. To a mature woman, that’s more threatening than an expression of anger.” Gloria Tate, a Dallas-based family counselor, observes that a man who’s learned to conceal his anger can punish his partner in many ways: “The public thinks that only women withhold affection, but it’s a controlling behavior on the part of men, too. Some men do it for years. Men also cheat when they’re angry.”
Picking partners that need to be rescued
Both genders can suffer from “White Knight Syndrome” — the desire to rescue a romantic partner from his or her personal problems. But because a white-knight man is also fulfilling the traditional role of caring for a woman, he might end up hiding his true motives from both his partner and himself according to LeslieBeth Wish, a social worker in Sarasota, FL, who writes the “Relationship Realities” column at qualityhealth.com. “If you feel damaged or empty psychologically; if you were the black sheep of your family, for example, you might choose someone who is more needy and therefore more vulnerable than you are,” Wish says, adding: “A man should ask himself, ‘Do I tend to be in cyclical patterns with women who look up to me? Would I be comfortable with a woman who makes as much as or more money than me, has lots of interests and capabilities, and doesn’t have any serious limitations?’”
Cheating
Despite the swaggering image, the “player” or “lady killer” (to use that quaint term from our grandparents’ time) may not be as self-confident as he appears. “Cheating is a way of putting up a shield against intimacy and protecting yourself so you don’t get hurt,” says Karen Shanor, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist in private practice in Washington, D.C., and author of seven books on relationships. “A lot of times, very early on in a relationship we will get a lot of signals that a person is not trustworthy,” Shanor says. Emotionally aware people respond to these warning signals by getting out as fast as they can. But some men engage in what Shanor calls “defensive cheating,” thinking: “I better cheat on her first so she doesn’t hurt me.”
If any of the above behaviors sound a little too familiar, what can you do?
Self-awareness is critical to relationship success
Maslow says: “Typically, men won’t share vulnerable feelings with other men. But a man can get a lot of terrific support from a close female friend or possibly a sister.” Wish advises: “Get outside your comfort zone and date different kinds of women.” Buccino tries to get his patients — both male and female — to seek a partner who provides what he calls the “Confucian virtues” of being “responsible, reliable and trustworthy.” After all, explains Buccino, “The best way to elicit good behavior from others is to behave that way ourselves.”
Kent Miller is currently writing a comic young adult novel. His articles have appeared in Nintendo Power magazine, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The San Francisco Chronicle and The St. Petersburg Times (Florida).
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/cp.aspx?cpp=/cppp/yahoo/article.html&articleid=12313&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=798070&ER=sessiontimeout
By Kent Miller
Men — even very smart men — can find themselves in all sorts of pitfalls, pratfalls and bizarre situations on the journey to finding true romance. Do any of these distinctly XY uh-ohs ring true with you?
Choosing a mate for her looks
Sure, looks matter. But be careful what you wish for: “What I find is often true with a guy who is dating a beautiful woman is that he starts out by feeling great that he’s with this hot person,” says Ron May, a psychologist in private practice in Madison, WI, who is on the editorial board for The Psychology of Men and Masculinity. “But then, he starts to fear that other men might want her. He becomes jealous, and that can undermine the relationship.”
Assuming you’re always the “reasonable” one
Men often take undeserved pride in being more rational, but the reality is that “everyone has a reasonable side and a side that can get unreasonable at times,” says Daniel L. Buccino, a clinical social worker and assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. “In the early stages of a relationship, when there are a lot of hormones and lust, people sometimes overlook the underlying issues. If a woman behaves poorly, her partner could try to convince himself that this is OK, that it will pass and that she’s acting this way because all women are more emotional than men. The reality could simply be that she’s not a good match for him.”
Buccino adds: “I often see the scenario of the so-called ‘nice guy’ dealing with the so-called ‘mean’ girlfriend, when it turns out they’re both being difficult. Despite his mellow exterior, a man can be very controlling about many issues. He really needs to have things his way. He tries to do this in what seems to be a very nice and reasonable way, but when she gets emotional in response to his inflexibility, he can step back and say, ‘Of course I am the reasonable one.’ Then he feels more righteous.”
Trying to “fix” everything
When presented with a relationship challenge, men often revert to Mr. Fix-It mode. “It’s a product of growing up in a male culture that emphasizes being in control. A lot of our work is oriented toward figuring things out and rationalizing things,” May says. Such skills are less valuable when it comes to relationships, where facial expressions and unspoken messages are key to good communication. “A woman might say, ‘When you’re off traveling on a business trip, I begin to feel lonely and scared,’” May says. “The classic “overly rational” male response — ‘That doesn’t make sense, you are a successful woman with lots of friends’ — invalidates her true feeling, which is that she wants to feel close to and desired by her husband.”
Suppressing negative emotions
Surprisingly, many men find the quintessential male emotion as scary as a dark room is to a small child. “Men are often afraid that if they allow themselves to feel angry, they will be violent. As a therapist, I try to get them to talk about whether they have lost control of their anger. I ask, “Have you ever hit someone or destroyed property?” says Bob Maslow, a clinical psychologist in private practice in Charlottesville, VA, and the author of Men, Women and the Power of Empathy. “When they realize they haven’t, that gives them the support they need to trust that they will be able to express their anger in a nondestructive way.” Says Maslow: “If you always bury your anger, you become distant and withdrawn. To a mature woman, that’s more threatening than an expression of anger.” Gloria Tate, a Dallas-based family counselor, observes that a man who’s learned to conceal his anger can punish his partner in many ways: “The public thinks that only women withhold affection, but it’s a controlling behavior on the part of men, too. Some men do it for years. Men also cheat when they’re angry.”
Picking partners that need to be rescued
Both genders can suffer from “White Knight Syndrome” — the desire to rescue a romantic partner from his or her personal problems. But because a white-knight man is also fulfilling the traditional role of caring for a woman, he might end up hiding his true motives from both his partner and himself according to LeslieBeth Wish, a social worker in Sarasota, FL, who writes the “Relationship Realities” column at qualityhealth.com. “If you feel damaged or empty psychologically; if you were the black sheep of your family, for example, you might choose someone who is more needy and therefore more vulnerable than you are,” Wish says, adding: “A man should ask himself, ‘Do I tend to be in cyclical patterns with women who look up to me? Would I be comfortable with a woman who makes as much as or more money than me, has lots of interests and capabilities, and doesn’t have any serious limitations?’”
Cheating
Despite the swaggering image, the “player” or “lady killer” (to use that quaint term from our grandparents’ time) may not be as self-confident as he appears. “Cheating is a way of putting up a shield against intimacy and protecting yourself so you don’t get hurt,” says Karen Shanor, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist in private practice in Washington, D.C., and author of seven books on relationships. “A lot of times, very early on in a relationship we will get a lot of signals that a person is not trustworthy,” Shanor says. Emotionally aware people respond to these warning signals by getting out as fast as they can. But some men engage in what Shanor calls “defensive cheating,” thinking: “I better cheat on her first so she doesn’t hurt me.”
If any of the above behaviors sound a little too familiar, what can you do?
Self-awareness is critical to relationship success
Maslow says: “Typically, men won’t share vulnerable feelings with other men. But a man can get a lot of terrific support from a close female friend or possibly a sister.” Wish advises: “Get outside your comfort zone and date different kinds of women.” Buccino tries to get his patients — both male and female — to seek a partner who provides what he calls the “Confucian virtues” of being “responsible, reliable and trustworthy.” After all, explains Buccino, “The best way to elicit good behavior from others is to behave that way ourselves.”
Kent Miller is currently writing a comic young adult novel. His articles have appeared in Nintendo Power magazine, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The San Francisco Chronicle and The St. Petersburg Times (Florida).
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/cp.aspx?cpp=/cppp/yahoo/article.html&articleid=12313&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=798070&ER=sessiontimeout
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Gift We DO Receive
Each member of the church is important. We all have different roles and places in the church. Some are teachers, while others are worship leaders and greeters. Some are simple people whom we can fellowship with and relate to. Still, each part is important. Pastors may be the leaders of their congregation, but the pastor must have a congregation (otherwise he is not a pastor) just as a congregation must have a pastor (otherwise it is not a church).
As a unified body, the various body parts bless the whole. Eyes bless the body with gifts of sight, and ears bless the body with gifts of hearing. In this same way, each ministry blesses the rest of the church with their own unique gifts.
We all, in turn, make up the body of the church with Christ Jesus as the head. Not so surprisingly, a body without a head is dead. A church without Jesus Christ as its head and the Holy Spirit as its heart is also dead. Jesus Christ is necessary for our survival (individually and collectively). John Piper argues that, because there is this union between Christ and His church, "Everything that he is, and everything that he has that can be shared will be shared. And there is only one thing that can't be shared-his deity, and its unique God-defined attributes (like omnipotence and omniscience and eternality).
There are certain attributes that God reserves only for Himself (i.e. Christ will never share His omniscience). However, Christ does gives us many other precious gifts such as grace, redemption, justification, forgiveness of sins, no condemnation, eternal life, complete providence, a new creation, and love (just to name a few).
Living Life
As a unified body, the various body parts bless the whole. Eyes bless the body with gifts of sight, and ears bless the body with gifts of hearing. In this same way, each ministry blesses the rest of the church with their own unique gifts.
We all, in turn, make up the body of the church with Christ Jesus as the head. Not so surprisingly, a body without a head is dead. A church without Jesus Christ as its head and the Holy Spirit as its heart is also dead. Jesus Christ is necessary for our survival (individually and collectively). John Piper argues that, because there is this union between Christ and His church, "Everything that he is, and everything that he has that can be shared will be shared. And there is only one thing that can't be shared-his deity, and its unique God-defined attributes (like omnipotence and omniscience and eternality).
There are certain attributes that God reserves only for Himself (i.e. Christ will never share His omniscience). However, Christ does gives us many other precious gifts such as grace, redemption, justification, forgiveness of sins, no condemnation, eternal life, complete providence, a new creation, and love (just to name a few).
Living Life
Friday, July 22, 2011
Omniscient Judge
God has declared judgment on the Earth. As God establishes His eternal Kingdom, every person will be judged by their actions. For those that trusted in Christ to be their Savior, they will enter Heaven. For all the rest who reject God, they will be sentenced to hell.
But why is it necessary for this to happen? After all, if God knows what everyone will do, what is the point in waiting for judgment day? Samuel Davies writes, "The design of this judicial inquiry will not be to inform the omniscient Judge-but to convince all worlds of the justice of His proceedings. And this design renders it necessary that all these 'secret things' should be laid open to their sight, that they may see the grounds upon which He passes sentence."
First, we see that God never force someone to sin, even if He knows they will. God declares in Revelation 22:11-12, "Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy . Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." God judges us based on what we do, not what we might do.
Furthermore, we see that God desires His creation to see Him as just. God never makes a statement about Himself without every providing proof. God declares He is just, and we will witness this when we see Him on His judgment throne.
Living Life
But why is it necessary for this to happen? After all, if God knows what everyone will do, what is the point in waiting for judgment day? Samuel Davies writes, "The design of this judicial inquiry will not be to inform the omniscient Judge-but to convince all worlds of the justice of His proceedings. And this design renders it necessary that all these 'secret things' should be laid open to their sight, that they may see the grounds upon which He passes sentence."
First, we see that God never force someone to sin, even if He knows they will. God declares in Revelation 22:11-12, "Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy . Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." God judges us based on what we do, not what we might do.
Furthermore, we see that God desires His creation to see Him as just. God never makes a statement about Himself without every providing proof. God declares He is just, and we will witness this when we see Him on His judgment throne.
Living Life
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Family Doesn't Replace God
God gives us the perfect example of what it means to be a father. Scripture gives us examples of what a father should look like, but it also instructs us on how to approach our families here on earth. One of the ten commandments found in Exodus 20:12 is, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Clearly, how we treat our families is very important. Ephesians 6:1 further expands on this by instructing "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."
But does this mean that we always have to do everything that our parents tell us to do? Simply put, no. Jesus Christ emphasizes this in Mark 3:33-35. Tyler Kenney writes, "There is a real threat for us to idolize our families... So if, instead of listening to the gospel and bowing to the Christ as Lord and Redeemer, we put it second place to the well-being of our families, we make a dangerous mistake."
Father and mothers, it is incredibly foolish to push our children to financial and academic success without pushing them to have a real relationship with God. People do not get to Heaven based on their high school G.P.A; it is based on their relationships with Christ. Furthermore, children obey your parents , but not at the cost of your relationship with God. No job, money, prestige, or education can every replace God. God is irreplaceable, make sure you don't misplace Him!
Living Life
But does this mean that we always have to do everything that our parents tell us to do? Simply put, no. Jesus Christ emphasizes this in Mark 3:33-35. Tyler Kenney writes, "There is a real threat for us to idolize our families... So if, instead of listening to the gospel and bowing to the Christ as Lord and Redeemer, we put it second place to the well-being of our families, we make a dangerous mistake."
Father and mothers, it is incredibly foolish to push our children to financial and academic success without pushing them to have a real relationship with God. People do not get to Heaven based on their high school G.P.A; it is based on their relationships with Christ. Furthermore, children obey your parents , but not at the cost of your relationship with God. No job, money, prestige, or education can every replace God. God is irreplaceable, make sure you don't misplace Him!
Living Life
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
God Watches over Us
The Mighty God that we serve is the Great Judge, but He is also our loving Dad, our Constant Companion, and our True Love. God watches over us not to condemn us when we misbehave, but because He loves us. God doesn't guard us like terrible prisoners, but He keeps watch over us a a father should for his children. While not everyone can draw from a positive paternal experience, Scripture shows us the relationship a father should have with his children.
1 Thessalonians 2L11-12 says, "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory."
Therefore, God watches our lives as that He can encourage us in difficulty, comfort us in pain, and urge us to keep moving forward. David Harsha writes, "Jesus has a perfect knowledge of every event that is transpiring in the remotest part of His mighty empire... this is an unfailing spring of joy and consolation for the real Christian... come then, you afflicted, tempest tossed child earth, and lay all your sorrows before an omniscient and compassionate saviour!"
God does hate sin, but He loves us. Most importantly, our God is the Savior who came specifically to free us from sin. God does not desire to see us held in bondage to anything. God knows our circumstances, our upbringings, and our hearts. Because He knows us, and what we've been through, our all knowing God knows how to give us His full support, love, and strength.
Living Life
1 Thessalonians 2L11-12 says, "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory."
Therefore, God watches our lives as that He can encourage us in difficulty, comfort us in pain, and urge us to keep moving forward. David Harsha writes, "Jesus has a perfect knowledge of every event that is transpiring in the remotest part of His mighty empire... this is an unfailing spring of joy and consolation for the real Christian... come then, you afflicted, tempest tossed child earth, and lay all your sorrows before an omniscient and compassionate saviour!"
God does hate sin, but He loves us. Most importantly, our God is the Savior who came specifically to free us from sin. God does not desire to see us held in bondage to anything. God knows our circumstances, our upbringings, and our hearts. Because He knows us, and what we've been through, our all knowing God knows how to give us His full support, love, and strength.
Living Life
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Why Confess Sins to an All-Knowing God?
What is the point of prayer, if God knows what we are already going to say? For what reason should we confess our sins, if God already knows what they are? But then again, why should you tell a loved one that you love them, or point out that a friend got a haircut?
These questions are not necessary; these cynical questions transform relationship into burdens rather than blessings. We talk with God, our friends, our family, and our loved ones because we care for them. Our relationships are important, and words are important in all relationships.
As we build into our relationship with Christ, He will build into His relationship with us, and draw us nearer to Him. We confess our sins to God as an act of faith to demonstrate to God what we believe. We confess our sins, because God asks us to, and because there is power and freedom in doing so.
You may have a problem with gambling or alcohol. You know it, your friends know it, and your family knows it. But until all of you talk about your issue, there can be no healing, reconciliations, or redemption. This too, is true when we confess our sins to God. Andrew Murray writes, "But for Thy people, Thine omniscience is a comfort and a refuge. Thou are He who can help them against themselves and the deceitfulness of their own hearts. They invite Thine omniscience to search their heart and to cleanse them from their secret faults."
Why confess sins? So that we might be restored, and that is a good thing.
Living Life
These questions are not necessary; these cynical questions transform relationship into burdens rather than blessings. We talk with God, our friends, our family, and our loved ones because we care for them. Our relationships are important, and words are important in all relationships.
As we build into our relationship with Christ, He will build into His relationship with us, and draw us nearer to Him. We confess our sins to God as an act of faith to demonstrate to God what we believe. We confess our sins, because God asks us to, and because there is power and freedom in doing so.
You may have a problem with gambling or alcohol. You know it, your friends know it, and your family knows it. But until all of you talk about your issue, there can be no healing, reconciliations, or redemption. This too, is true when we confess our sins to God. Andrew Murray writes, "But for Thy people, Thine omniscience is a comfort and a refuge. Thou are He who can help them against themselves and the deceitfulness of their own hearts. They invite Thine omniscience to search their heart and to cleanse them from their secret faults."
Why confess sins? So that we might be restored, and that is a good thing.
Living Life
Monday, July 18, 2011
God Knows about Injustice
If you could, would you really want to know everything everyone says about you? Would you really want to know all the thoughts people have about you, and how everyone perceives you? It might be nice for a little while to know what are friends really thought about us, but more than likely, we would hear stuff that we do not want to hear.
If you could know the daily life of your closest loved ones, would you really want to know all their dark, dirty secrets? While these might be nice tricks - for the sake of gossip-no one would really want to live this way forever.
This is, of course, part of what it means to be all knowing. God does see every evil deed that happens on this earth. John Angell James writes, "He is also omnipresent and omniscient. There is no nook or corner of the land from which He is excluded. Of every scene of iniquity He is the constant, though invisible witness. The whole mass of national guilt, with every the minutest particular of it, is ever before His eye!"
This is why judgment is coming: because if sin and how we treat God. God has not brought judgment yet because, as 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
God is merciful, but God is also just. God is patient, but He will not abide injustice and sin forever. One day, God will come back, and He will bring judgment on the Earth. God loved Israel, and yet He brought down judgment on His chosen people. Judgment will come again.
Living Life
If you could know the daily life of your closest loved ones, would you really want to know all their dark, dirty secrets? While these might be nice tricks - for the sake of gossip-no one would really want to live this way forever.
This is, of course, part of what it means to be all knowing. God does see every evil deed that happens on this earth. John Angell James writes, "He is also omnipresent and omniscient. There is no nook or corner of the land from which He is excluded. Of every scene of iniquity He is the constant, though invisible witness. The whole mass of national guilt, with every the minutest particular of it, is ever before His eye!"
This is why judgment is coming: because if sin and how we treat God. God has not brought judgment yet because, as 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
God is merciful, but God is also just. God is patient, but He will not abide injustice and sin forever. One day, God will come back, and He will bring judgment on the Earth. God loved Israel, and yet He brought down judgment on His chosen people. Judgment will come again.
Living Life
Saturday, July 16, 2011
None But God
God is the only one who is omniscient. He is the only one who will ever know all things, at all times. He alone knows the full history of earth from beginning to end, as well as the history of those who inhabit it. Furthermore, God alone is the only one who truly knows-not guesses-what is in our hearts. 1 Kings 8:39 states, "Then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive and act; deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know every human heart)." Since God alone knows the hearts of all men, by extension this means that humans, animals, angels, and demons, and any other spiritual powers do NOT.
We will fight spiritual battles in this life, and sometimes it can seem that our enemy knows exactly what we are thinking. Satan and his demons torment us with cruel thoughts, but once we belong to Jesus, they can never control us, nor can they read our minds. Randy Alcorn writes, "I do think a clear understanding of exactly what we're thinking is limited to the omniscient God who created us... [our enemy] can bang on the door and yell in the windows and shout his accusations, but he can't invade the premises of my mind... because the Holy Spirit is in residence."
Satan is a powerful adversary, at least as far as humans compare. But he is nothing compared to our all-powerful God. Satan may know a lot, and Satan may be very clever, but he is far from all knowing. None-not man, woman, child, angel,demon, psychic, counselor or any other power or authority-is all knowing; none but God.
Living Life
We will fight spiritual battles in this life, and sometimes it can seem that our enemy knows exactly what we are thinking. Satan and his demons torment us with cruel thoughts, but once we belong to Jesus, they can never control us, nor can they read our minds. Randy Alcorn writes, "I do think a clear understanding of exactly what we're thinking is limited to the omniscient God who created us... [our enemy] can bang on the door and yell in the windows and shout his accusations, but he can't invade the premises of my mind... because the Holy Spirit is in residence."
Satan is a powerful adversary, at least as far as humans compare. But he is nothing compared to our all-powerful God. Satan may know a lot, and Satan may be very clever, but he is far from all knowing. None-not man, woman, child, angel,demon, psychic, counselor or any other power or authority-is all knowing; none but God.
Living Life
Friday, July 15, 2011
Spells To Use on Significant Others
Spells To Use on Significant Others
By Yahoo! Singapore
Harry Potter Mania – Wed, Jul 13, 2011
..
By Maui R. Drilon
Admit it: when the first Harry Potter film came out, you wanted to take that trip down Diagon Alley and get yourself a wand at Ollivander's. Who wouldn't, with the many spells you could cast, especially on unknowing muggles (that is, once you're of age to do so!).
With the last Harry Potter film coming out, we thought of having a little fun and making a list of some made-up spells we'd absolutely love to cast on our significant others.
So take out your wands (or fine, a chopstick will do), and practice these spells before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 opens on July 14!
The "Mind-Reading" Spell. Imagine if you could put a stop all the guesswork when it comes to dating. Does she like me? Does he think I'm fat in this dress? When she said "no", did she really mean "yes but I'm too shy to say it so I'll say no and now you have to keep insisting so I'll say yes?" This spell instantly gives you the knowledge you crave for, but to keep things interesting, you can only use it three times on a person. C'mon, you still have to do some of the hard work in a relationship!
The "Instant Beautify-Me" Spell. Never seem to have enough time to prettify yourself for a date? Who does, what with that fifteen-minute window between commuting home from work and stepping out the door to meet Mr. Right? This spell instantly does your hair and make-up, and even puts together the best ensemble to wear—all in thirty seconds! Boyfriends love this spell too, because it cuts their waiting time by 55 minutes, finally giving them the opportunity to catch the trailers before the movie.
The "Lower the Volume" Spell. There's no need to get frustrated when the wife starts nagging about your comic book collection for the umpteenth time. Whip out your wand and cast this spell, which makes her voice go down a few notches (or make it go away altogether, if you like). Works wonders too when your mother-in-law drops by the house.
The "Instant Replay" Spell. The next time your significant other asks you, "Didn't I tell you to take the trash out yesterday?" make like ESPN and cast the "Instant Replay" spell. This spell allows you to step back in a specific time to verify certain events, so you can tell if she really did tell you to take the trash out or not. This spell can also be used to prove that yes, it was the dog, not you, who made the mess in the kitchen.
The "Perfect Gift" Spell. For those instances when you forgot that it's your anniversary/Valentine's Day/your partner's birthday—use this spell. The "Perfect Gift" spell is like having a personal shopper in your wand. Casting this spell produces exactly that "perfect gift" that your significant other has "always wanted". Imagine her surprise when she unwraps those red patent lace-up booties she saw in the store on the way home from work ("Oh honey, how did you possibly know I wanted these!").
The Vanishing Spell. You just had the guys over for pizza and beer and the place is a mess—and guess what? Your wife is coming home in five minutes! Clean up the evidence with The Vanishing Spell, which sends anything you want into a "nothing space". The caster must use this spell with caution, though. Mistakes cannot be undone, and it would be pretty hard to explain to your girlfriend where her annoyingly yappy Chihuahua went while she was out.
The "Break-Up Gently" Spell. Save the "It's not you, it's me" spiel—breaking up is hard to do, and most of the time, it's hard to the find the right words to do so. Using the "Break-Up Gently" spell softens the blow by re-writing your break-up speech to make it sound like you're actually doing the other person a favor by leaving them. The outcome? You got your freedom, and your ex will think you're the most considerate, thoughtful person on the planet.
The "Lobotomy" Spell. When the "Break Up Gently" spell doesn't take effect on the dumpee, the next best thing he or she can do is cast the "Lobotomy" spell. With a wave of your wand, memories of your now-ex will be wiped from your brain, instantly making you forget about that jerk that broke your heart. Use sparingly though, as it could cause early Alzheimer's.
..Quoted: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/harry-potter-mania/spells-significant-others-101117583.html
By Yahoo! Singapore
Harry Potter Mania – Wed, Jul 13, 2011
..
By Maui R. Drilon
Admit it: when the first Harry Potter film came out, you wanted to take that trip down Diagon Alley and get yourself a wand at Ollivander's. Who wouldn't, with the many spells you could cast, especially on unknowing muggles (that is, once you're of age to do so!).
With the last Harry Potter film coming out, we thought of having a little fun and making a list of some made-up spells we'd absolutely love to cast on our significant others.
So take out your wands (or fine, a chopstick will do), and practice these spells before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 opens on July 14!
The "Mind-Reading" Spell. Imagine if you could put a stop all the guesswork when it comes to dating. Does she like me? Does he think I'm fat in this dress? When she said "no", did she really mean "yes but I'm too shy to say it so I'll say no and now you have to keep insisting so I'll say yes?" This spell instantly gives you the knowledge you crave for, but to keep things interesting, you can only use it three times on a person. C'mon, you still have to do some of the hard work in a relationship!
The "Instant Beautify-Me" Spell. Never seem to have enough time to prettify yourself for a date? Who does, what with that fifteen-minute window between commuting home from work and stepping out the door to meet Mr. Right? This spell instantly does your hair and make-up, and even puts together the best ensemble to wear—all in thirty seconds! Boyfriends love this spell too, because it cuts their waiting time by 55 minutes, finally giving them the opportunity to catch the trailers before the movie.
The "Lower the Volume" Spell. There's no need to get frustrated when the wife starts nagging about your comic book collection for the umpteenth time. Whip out your wand and cast this spell, which makes her voice go down a few notches (or make it go away altogether, if you like). Works wonders too when your mother-in-law drops by the house.
The "Instant Replay" Spell. The next time your significant other asks you, "Didn't I tell you to take the trash out yesterday?" make like ESPN and cast the "Instant Replay" spell. This spell allows you to step back in a specific time to verify certain events, so you can tell if she really did tell you to take the trash out or not. This spell can also be used to prove that yes, it was the dog, not you, who made the mess in the kitchen.
The "Perfect Gift" Spell. For those instances when you forgot that it's your anniversary/Valentine's Day/your partner's birthday—use this spell. The "Perfect Gift" spell is like having a personal shopper in your wand. Casting this spell produces exactly that "perfect gift" that your significant other has "always wanted". Imagine her surprise when she unwraps those red patent lace-up booties she saw in the store on the way home from work ("Oh honey, how did you possibly know I wanted these!").
The Vanishing Spell. You just had the guys over for pizza and beer and the place is a mess—and guess what? Your wife is coming home in five minutes! Clean up the evidence with The Vanishing Spell, which sends anything you want into a "nothing space". The caster must use this spell with caution, though. Mistakes cannot be undone, and it would be pretty hard to explain to your girlfriend where her annoyingly yappy Chihuahua went while she was out.
The "Break-Up Gently" Spell. Save the "It's not you, it's me" spiel—breaking up is hard to do, and most of the time, it's hard to the find the right words to do so. Using the "Break-Up Gently" spell softens the blow by re-writing your break-up speech to make it sound like you're actually doing the other person a favor by leaving them. The outcome? You got your freedom, and your ex will think you're the most considerate, thoughtful person on the planet.
The "Lobotomy" Spell. When the "Break Up Gently" spell doesn't take effect on the dumpee, the next best thing he or she can do is cast the "Lobotomy" spell. With a wave of your wand, memories of your now-ex will be wiped from your brain, instantly making you forget about that jerk that broke your heart. Use sparingly though, as it could cause early Alzheimer's.
..Quoted: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/harry-potter-mania/spells-significant-others-101117583.html
God Knows Our Spiritual States
WARNING: We may hide our spiritual life from our friends, but we can't hide it from God! And when it comes to spiritual matters, God's opinions trump all others!
So how serious do you take your walk with God? Our walk with God is never meant to be a burden to us, however, we are meant to have a thriving walk with God. This means that we need to make sure that we have a well established, two-way relationship with Him. Yet, this is not the example that we see in our society or many of our churches.
Especially in the majority of western society, it is very important to be tolerant of other people. We need to respect all people and all their values and beliefs, even if they are different from us. This ideology doesn't sound bad. But realize this: God is pushed out of the forefront of your mind as a result! God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. He is powerful, wonderful amazing God. Yet, many people barely find 50 minutes a week for Him (which accounts to less than 2 full days a YEAR!) We live in a society which says we no longer have to worship God with everything, and this atmosphere not only permeates the church, but our own personal lives as well. John Piper writes, "In this atmosphere humility cannot survive. It disappears with God. When God is neglected, the runner up god takes his place, namely man. And that by definition is the opposite of humility, namely, pride."
God knows the spiritual states of His church. He knows our spiritual states. So the questions becomes do you?
Living Life
So how serious do you take your walk with God? Our walk with God is never meant to be a burden to us, however, we are meant to have a thriving walk with God. This means that we need to make sure that we have a well established, two-way relationship with Him. Yet, this is not the example that we see in our society or many of our churches.
Especially in the majority of western society, it is very important to be tolerant of other people. We need to respect all people and all their values and beliefs, even if they are different from us. This ideology doesn't sound bad. But realize this: God is pushed out of the forefront of your mind as a result! God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. He is powerful, wonderful amazing God. Yet, many people barely find 50 minutes a week for Him (which accounts to less than 2 full days a YEAR!) We live in a society which says we no longer have to worship God with everything, and this atmosphere not only permeates the church, but our own personal lives as well. John Piper writes, "In this atmosphere humility cannot survive. It disappears with God. When God is neglected, the runner up god takes his place, namely man. And that by definition is the opposite of humility, namely, pride."
God knows the spiritual states of His church. He knows our spiritual states. So the questions becomes do you?
Living Life
He Knows the Number of Your Days
You are not just a statistic. You are not an accident. You are a person, and God knows you. We can get lost in news stories which tell us how 1000 lives were lost in an earthquake, or how 30,000 people commit suicide in Japan every year. While these may just be statistics from the news, every number represents someone's life.
The Bible confirms that God oversees everything. People do not die, in any sense of the term, by random chance. Just as there is no such thing as spontaneous life, there is no such thing as spontaneous death. Every moment, from life to death, for every individual, is a string of events that plays out under the ever present eye of God. Deuteronomy 32:39 states, "See now that I myself am he! There is no god beside me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand."
Death is scary, and it is inevitable for each and every one of us. But, as J. A James says, "O, what comfort does this impart to us, in reference to our own lives.... that we cannot die by a random stroke, or by random chance! The key of death must be turned by Him who is infinitely wise, and powerful, and good!" God knows all things, and He knows not only the length of our days, but the purpose each life serves. There is no such things as random death or random life.
Living Life
The Bible confirms that God oversees everything. People do not die, in any sense of the term, by random chance. Just as there is no such thing as spontaneous life, there is no such thing as spontaneous death. Every moment, from life to death, for every individual, is a string of events that plays out under the ever present eye of God. Deuteronomy 32:39 states, "See now that I myself am he! There is no god beside me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand."
Death is scary, and it is inevitable for each and every one of us. But, as J. A James says, "O, what comfort does this impart to us, in reference to our own lives.... that we cannot die by a random stroke, or by random chance! The key of death must be turned by Him who is infinitely wise, and powerful, and good!" God knows all things, and He knows not only the length of our days, but the purpose each life serves. There is no such things as random death or random life.
Living Life
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
You'll Understand Later
Life has many seasons. As Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 describes, there is a time and a season for everything from laughter, joy, and love to tears, sorrow and hate. Learning to understand life in its various season is important. God does not always give His reasons for the season that we encounter. He prompts us to move, or change our jobs, or to take various other leaps of faith, but He does not always tell us why. As people, we often get caught up in "why." Why do I have to go to church? Why do I have to listen to you? Jesus once told His disciples in John 13:7 "Jesus replied, 'You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'" The disciples could only guess at Christ's purpose on Earth. They knew that He had come to bring salvation to His people, but they could not conceive just how Christ was going to accomplish His mission. J.R. Miller writes, "How great and wise God is- and how vast are the affairs he controls! It is any wonder, that we are puzzled and perplexed sometimes concerning his dealings with us? Could we expect to understand all the reasons for his actions, and always to see at once the wisdom and beauty in his vast and complex purposes?" We need to give credit where credit is due. God knows vastly more than we do, and he understands the consequences of our actions better than we do. When God asks us to do something, it is not because He is bored and wants to watch you suffer. God wants to see how your heart will respond to Him because He has big plans for you. But you won't understand that until later.
Living Life
Living Life
Monday, July 11, 2011
Don't Try to Be Omniscient!
Raising children can be difficult. No parent should want to see their children fail. We want our children to succeed and to have the best possible life in the future. As Christians, we want to see our children rise up and follow the Lord with their whole heart. But what is the best way for us to accomplish this? Is it better to shield children from the evil world, or to show them how evil the world really is? The best course of action is to love God ourselves, trust Him, and to love our children.
Unlike God, we will never be omniscient and omnipresent. We cannot know all things about how our loved ones will act in any given situation. We want our children to make good decisions, but that does not mean that we should be there to make all of their decisions for them. Trying to make ourselves omniscient and omnipresent in a loved one's life never accomplishes anything; instead, it is more likely to damage the relationship rather build it. Parents do not decide whether or not their children go to heaven. God does. As such, there is really only one thing that we can do, as Mike Bickle says, "Sit at the Lord's feet. It's the great commandment. It's the first commandment... Why do you not be in His presence and bring brightness to your kids? Your children need you for sure, but they need brightness in your spirit." This applies to every relationship we have. Love God, trust Him, and then love others. God knows all things, and He certainly knows what He is doing. We were never intended to control our family member's lives. We were intended to love them.
Living Life
Unlike God, we will never be omniscient and omnipresent. We cannot know all things about how our loved ones will act in any given situation. We want our children to make good decisions, but that does not mean that we should be there to make all of their decisions for them. Trying to make ourselves omniscient and omnipresent in a loved one's life never accomplishes anything; instead, it is more likely to damage the relationship rather build it. Parents do not decide whether or not their children go to heaven. God does. As such, there is really only one thing that we can do, as Mike Bickle says, "Sit at the Lord's feet. It's the great commandment. It's the first commandment... Why do you not be in His presence and bring brightness to your kids? Your children need you for sure, but they need brightness in your spirit." This applies to every relationship we have. Love God, trust Him, and then love others. God knows all things, and He certainly knows what He is doing. We were never intended to control our family member's lives. We were intended to love them.
Living Life
Saturday, July 09, 2011
What Your Teen Isn't Telling You.
What Your Teen Isn't Telling You
On a recent Tuesday afternoon, my daughter Maggie, 15, didn’t come home on time from school. I tried her cell phone; no answer. To my knowledge, she didn’t have any activities or specific plans. By five o’clock, genuine worry kicked in.
At 5:13, she walked in, dropped her backpack on the floor, and said with infuriating nonchalance, "Hey. What’s for dinner?"
"Where have you been?" I asked, sounding just as shrill as my mom had when she had asked me the same question.
"If you’re going to interrogate me, forget dinner," she replied. "I’m going to my room."
Related: Are You a Pushover Parent?
The child who used to sit on my lap while we watched American Idol now thinks I’m a nosy, judgmental, critical, interfering rube. She’s right. But still. I’m not curious about my daughter’s private life for my sake. I just want to make sure she’s OK...and, if not, to reassure Maggie that I want to help. Communication and conversation: That’s what I want.
And so, seeking to grease the wheels of teen/parent relations, I ferreted out strategies from experts plus some other unlikely (but wise) suspects. Read on for steps to improve communication with your teenager.
Take the side door
When talking to teens, the straightforward approach will likely lead you into a brick wall. Instead, initiate a conversation with seemingly harmless questions. "You might be trying to find out the name of your child’s new friend. Don’t say, 'Who’s that kid you’re always texting lately?'" says Robin Haight, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in adolescents and who is in private practice in Vienna, Va. "Instead, ask banal questions: 'What video game are you playing?' 'Do you get high scores?' Your son might start talking about the game and mention that 'Brian' gets better scores. A few days later, you might hear more about Brian. With teens, information comes in snippets. As a parent, you gather those bits and try to fill in the big picture."
Related: Be a Calm(er) Mom
Second that emotion
When chatting, "don’t echo back what they’ve said to prove you’ve been listening. A typical teen might reply, 'Duh, I just said that,'" observes Haight. "Instead, describe the emotion they’ve expressed." For example, if your son brings home a D in geometry and says, "I suck at math," show empathy by saying, "It’s scary to feel like you don’t get something." You’re keying in to the emotion, not telling him he’s wrong ("You’re not stupid!") or going into fix-it mode ("We’ll get a tutor").
And don’t always try to lighten the mood when your child brings up unhappy feelings; you may shut down a conversation before it starts. "Put yourself in her shoes," says Lauren Ayers, Ph.d., a psychologist in Saratoga Springs, NY, and author of Teenage Girls: A Parent’s Survival Manual. "Remember what it was like to feel vulnerable in a high-pressure situation. You may think a joke puts the problem in perspective, but you’re really belittling her." Instead, empathize with the emotion. Odds are, she’ll tell you more about how she’s feeling.
Related: 125 Ways to Be a Better Parent
Aim Lower
"If your kid doesn’t talk to you much, you can’t take it personally," says Haight. "Part of raising kids involves becoming aware that they have a separate life, and that they will make decisions that don’t necessarily reflect on you." Accepting that is critical as your child matures. I find solace in this comment from Ayers: "If you’re circulating enough in your kids’ lives — driving them places, having dinner together — you hear and see enough to spot trouble. Just because kids don’t talk, that doesn’t mean there’s a problem. The fact is, teens aren’t so good at communicating. Were you as articulate at 15 as you were at 25? Set expectations low, and raise them as time passes."
So meet my new mantra: Less is more. There’s a limit to how much I can and should know about my daughter’s private life. It hurts — I won’t lie — to feel excluded from her thoughts. But as an adult, I have to put my feelings aside. Right now, I need to do what’s right for her, which means giving her room to grow...and accepting that running commentary may not always be part of the picture.
- By Valerie Frankel
Quoted: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/what-your-teen-isnt-telling-you-2508218/
We Aren't All Knowing
The older we get, the wiser we get, right? But the fact remains, we never know all things, and we never will. As positions of authority are given to us, it becomes natural to tell people what to do, and how they should do it. This is fine in a professional setting, but this can create problems in our personal lives.
Once we have been given power or authority, it is difficult to relinquish control. No one wants their parents to tell them how to live their lives, yet even as we become parents, we think we still have the right to tell our children how to live their lives. Even so, letting someone fail is an important lesson. Failure is often a better teacher than success.
Bossiness is an issue that some people struggle with. We believe that we know what is right, and we believe that we know how to get things done. But tangled in bossiness is an issue of pride. Rarely in life is there only one way of accomplishing a goal. There is, for example, only one path to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ, but the road people take to get there will be different. Noel Piper, wife of John Piper, says, "I'm not all-wise and omniscient. Only God is. It's a relief not to have be God." Regardless of what we know, or what we think we know, we don't have all the answers to life. People might make horrible mistakes, but that is where wisdom comes in. Not all battles are worth fighting, nor are they necessary. Give advice when people ask for it; but your tongue when they don't. Humility is better than pride.
Living Life
Once we have been given power or authority, it is difficult to relinquish control. No one wants their parents to tell them how to live their lives, yet even as we become parents, we think we still have the right to tell our children how to live their lives. Even so, letting someone fail is an important lesson. Failure is often a better teacher than success.
Bossiness is an issue that some people struggle with. We believe that we know what is right, and we believe that we know how to get things done. But tangled in bossiness is an issue of pride. Rarely in life is there only one way of accomplishing a goal. There is, for example, only one path to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ, but the road people take to get there will be different. Noel Piper, wife of John Piper, says, "I'm not all-wise and omniscient. Only God is. It's a relief not to have be God." Regardless of what we know, or what we think we know, we don't have all the answers to life. People might make horrible mistakes, but that is where wisdom comes in. Not all battles are worth fighting, nor are they necessary. Give advice when people ask for it; but your tongue when they don't. Humility is better than pride.
Living Life
Friday, July 08, 2011
Don't Complicate God
How often do we make our lives more complicated than they really need to be? We let stress from jobs or school take over our lives. We complicate our lives with sin, we complicate our lives with stress, with unhealthy relationship, and with our schedules.
It would only seem natural to complicate our lives with God as well. We take a measure of all the good things that we have done against a measure of all the bad things we do. we often cause a matrix in our brain to determine how much the good things in our lives offset the bad, and we use that formula to determine how well we are walking with God.
But God does not exist in a formula, and our walk with God does not need to be complicated. God gave the Israelites 613 laws to follow. The Israelites, who wanted to live holy lives and to give proper respect to God's word, then proceeded to create more laws to ensure they would never break God's laws. They took the system God gave them and made it more complicated.
We still do this today, in various form. What we need to learn, however, is to take life simply. Jim Burns says, "Learning to appreciate the simplicity of our faith is an essential component of effective Christian living. So, take time to enjoy the simple things-in your faith, your family and your friendships. Though He's omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, having a relationship with God really isn't all that complicated!"
Living Life
It would only seem natural to complicate our lives with God as well. We take a measure of all the good things that we have done against a measure of all the bad things we do. we often cause a matrix in our brain to determine how much the good things in our lives offset the bad, and we use that formula to determine how well we are walking with God.
But God does not exist in a formula, and our walk with God does not need to be complicated. God gave the Israelites 613 laws to follow. The Israelites, who wanted to live holy lives and to give proper respect to God's word, then proceeded to create more laws to ensure they would never break God's laws. They took the system God gave them and made it more complicated.
We still do this today, in various form. What we need to learn, however, is to take life simply. Jim Burns says, "Learning to appreciate the simplicity of our faith is an essential component of effective Christian living. So, take time to enjoy the simple things-in your faith, your family and your friendships. Though He's omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent, having a relationship with God really isn't all that complicated!"
Living Life
Thursday, July 07, 2011
No Regrets
It is easy to say that we might die for a friend, especially if that person is very close to us. If a friend or family member was about to be killed, we might step in and try to save their life, even at the risk or cost of our own. Perhaps, if someone is truly altruistic, we might do this same thing for a stranger. Yet even as we say this, we don't typically completely grasp the full implications of sacrifice; especially on the scale of a life for a life.
Yet Jesus knew what He was doing, when He did this very same thing. He knew what was required of Him, and He did it. He knew He must voluntarily die as a sacrifice (who wants to be sacrificed, much less voluntarily?) Octavious Winslow writes, "He willingly rushed to the rescue of ruined man... And did He regret that He had undertaken the work? Never! It is said that it repented God that He had made man, but in no instance is it recorded that it repented Jesus that He had redeemed man." People are often filled with regret for one reason or another. If we knew what would happen as the result of all our actions we would live our lives differently. God knows that we will sin against Him, and He knows that even His church will continue to sin against Him and grieve His Spirit even after redemption. Nonetheless, God will never regret saving us. He will never regret setting us free from the bondage of sin, even if we continue to backslide throughout the rest of our lives. Jesus Christ knew what He was doing from the start, and still He saved us- with no regrets
Living Life
Yet Jesus knew what He was doing, when He did this very same thing. He knew what was required of Him, and He did it. He knew He must voluntarily die as a sacrifice (who wants to be sacrificed, much less voluntarily?) Octavious Winslow writes, "He willingly rushed to the rescue of ruined man... And did He regret that He had undertaken the work? Never! It is said that it repented God that He had made man, but in no instance is it recorded that it repented Jesus that He had redeemed man." People are often filled with regret for one reason or another. If we knew what would happen as the result of all our actions we would live our lives differently. God knows that we will sin against Him, and He knows that even His church will continue to sin against Him and grieve His Spirit even after redemption. Nonetheless, God will never regret saving us. He will never regret setting us free from the bondage of sin, even if we continue to backslide throughout the rest of our lives. Jesus Christ knew what He was doing from the start, and still He saved us- with no regrets
Living Life
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Jesus Is a Paradox
Jesus is amazing. He not only performed incredible miracles whenever He wanted to, but He spoke powerfully to the people as well. In no instance did Jesus ever sin, in no case did Jesus ever cease to be perfect. Jesus is fully human and fully God. But how can that be? Isn't Jesus, as the Son of God, a demigod? Shouldn't Jesus be part man and part God? How can He be 100% man, and 100 % God at the same time?
Furthermore, if Jesus is 100% man and 100% God, doesn't that mean that He is both limited and unlimited at the same time? Doesn't that mean that He simultaneously is all knowing and not all-knowing?
Mark 13:32 states:" But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." So does this mean that Jesus is not omniscient? However, John 21:17 says," Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him for the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.'" Paul sums up Jesus' divinity and humanity the best in Philippians 2:5-11. Jesus' mission was to show us how to live, so He humbled himself. Jesus did not feel we should understand Godhood; He did feel we should understand our God's will and desire for us. What's important to Jesus should be important to us.
David Matthis suggest, "He has both an infinite, divine mind and a finite human mind... Paradoxical as it is, we affirm that Jesus both knows all things and doesn't know all things. For the unique, two-natured person of Christ, this is no contradiction but a peculiar glory of God-man."
Living Life
Furthermore, if Jesus is 100% man and 100% God, doesn't that mean that He is both limited and unlimited at the same time? Doesn't that mean that He simultaneously is all knowing and not all-knowing?
Mark 13:32 states:" But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." So does this mean that Jesus is not omniscient? However, John 21:17 says," Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him for the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.'" Paul sums up Jesus' divinity and humanity the best in Philippians 2:5-11. Jesus' mission was to show us how to live, so He humbled himself. Jesus did not feel we should understand Godhood; He did feel we should understand our God's will and desire for us. What's important to Jesus should be important to us.
David Matthis suggest, "He has both an infinite, divine mind and a finite human mind... Paradoxical as it is, we affirm that Jesus both knows all things and doesn't know all things. For the unique, two-natured person of Christ, this is no contradiction but a peculiar glory of God-man."
Living Life
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Omniscient Lover
How do you respond to the statement "God is omniscient"? God knows what we say, what we think, and why we do the things we do. He has witnessed every deed of every man, woman and child, and we will each be held accountable for our lives on Earth. While this thought may fill many of us with a sense of dread and despair, it should fill us with hope. Arthur Pink says, "The infinite knowledge of God should fill us with amazement... The whole of my life stood open to His view from the beginning. He foresaw my every fall, my every sin, my every backsliding; yet, nevertheless, fixed His heart upon me. Oh, how the realization of this should bow me in wonder and worship before Him!"
God loves us regardless of our past lives. It doesn't matter who we are, or what we have done. It is true that God knows what evil things we have done, yet God still loves us. Not only does He love us, but He desires to have an intimate relationship with us. Humanity grades sin on a scale, whereas God views sin as sin. To do any sin is worthy of eternal death; still God knows we aren't perfect. That is why every commandment can be summed up in two laws; love God, and love others. God understands completely the implications of our sins will have on ourselves and others, yet He loves us. This is grace: to be all knowing, and still love us anyways. This grace is available to everyone. No exceptions
Living Life
God loves us regardless of our past lives. It doesn't matter who we are, or what we have done. It is true that God knows what evil things we have done, yet God still loves us. Not only does He love us, but He desires to have an intimate relationship with us. Humanity grades sin on a scale, whereas God views sin as sin. To do any sin is worthy of eternal death; still God knows we aren't perfect. That is why every commandment can be summed up in two laws; love God, and love others. God understands completely the implications of our sins will have on ourselves and others, yet He loves us. This is grace: to be all knowing, and still love us anyways. This grace is available to everyone. No exceptions
Living Life
Monday, July 04, 2011
Confessions: 8 reasons why guys cheat
Confessions: 8 reasons why guys cheat
By Chelsea Kaplan
Sometimes, when the going gets tough, the tough get busy looking for someone else. But what really makes men stray? A nagging girlfriend? Bad chemistry? An escape from loneliness? Yes, yes and yes. Hear why these men slipped away from their girlfriends and landed in someone else’s arms. Then — whether you’re a guy or a girl — use the confessions below to sidestep this kind of situation in your own love life.
Reason #1: For payback
“I once cheated on my girlfriend after I saw on her cell phone that she had been text-messaging with her ex. They were pretty harmless messages, but it angered me that she had been communicating with him in the first place — I’d always thought they were a little too chummy. That night, I was out with friends and got it all off my chest. I got so worked up about those messages that I pretty much made it my mission to find another girl and kiss her or get her number, which I did. I think it was a payback thing. We eventually broke up, but not because of that incident — I never told her — but more so because we just weren’t right for each other. I know it wasn’t the best way to handle my anger, but at the time, it sure did feel good.”
– Christopher, 29, Oakland, CA
Reason #2: The chemistry just isn’t there
“Ever since I can remember, I have always been attracted to women who looked a certain way. My ex-girlfriend was great in many ways, but she was completely opposite of my usual type, looks-wise, which did absolutely nothing to make me physically attracted to her. I tried to get past it, but it was hard. About two months into our relationship, I was out with a bunch of friends and our incredibly attractive (and single!) waitress was really hitting on me. She gave me her number and asked me if I wanted me to meet her after her shift was over. I agreed, and we ended up spending the night just kissing and holding each other. It was just for one night, but it helped me realize I needed to end things with my girlfriend because I had to be with someone I was madly attracted to, not just someone who was a great friend.”
– Dave, 26, Roanoke, VA
Reason #3: Spending almost no time together as a couple
“I cheated on my ex at a time when she was traveling so much that I never saw her. It was almost as if I didn’t have a girlfriend. I got so lonely — especially on the weekend nights. I missed that companionship, both physically and emotionally. When she was gone, I began seeing someone else while I was still technically seeing my ex. I ended up telling my ex and she broke it off with me. In the end, I think things ended for the better, even though the steps I took to make it happen weren’t very honorable. I now make sure that whoever I choose to date doesn’t have a job that requires big-time traveling.”
– Scott, 30, Jessup, MD
Reason #4: Wanting to play the field instead of settling down
“I had dated Melanie all through college ever since we met at freshman orientation. After we graduated, I moved to New York and she moved to Chicago, but we decided we’d stay together. I spent nearly every weekend traveling to see her, but during the week, I’d go out with my friends in New York and have a blast. After a few months of that schedule, I knew staying true to her would be tough; going out in the city made me realize how many smart, beautiful women are out there, and never having been with anyone other than Melanie made me feel like I was missing out on a lot of fun. One night I met up with another girl, which finally made me realize I had to end things with Melanie. I told her what happened, and, as it turned out, she had done the same thing a few times. While we were both hurt, we realized we needed to take some time off. We stayed friends, and still are today, even though we’re married to different people.”
– Tom, 35, New York, NY
Reason #5: Emotional and/or lifestyle incompatibility
“I met my ex in a Weight Watchers meeting, of all places. When we started dating, we were both about 50 pounds overweight. As the months went by, I took the program really seriously and quickly dropped weight. She didn’t adhere to the program and her weight didn’t come off. After I lost the weight, I felt this new sense of confidence — women who had never spoken to me before began approaching me and it felt great. My ex, on the other hand, was depressed about being heavy and was always jealous of other women. One weekend when she was out of town, I met this gorgeous woman at my gym and we spent time together. I never told my ex, but I did end up breaking up with her a few weeks after that incident. I’ve realized since then that I need to be with women who are on the same page as me about the things in my life that are important.”
– Brad, 41, Houston, TX
Reason #6: There’s too much drama in the current relationship
“My ex and I used to live together, and we fought all the time. The constant tension made me miserable. In contrast to my ex, there was a girl at work who was easygoing, friendly and fun. One night we were both working late and ended up getting dinner together after we left. One thing led to another, and it ended up being more than a platonic night. As bad as this may sound, after that happened, I felt free. It was as if I finally had the courage to just end it with my ex already. When I came home the next morning, my ex went crazy, but for the first time, it didn’t bother me, because I knew what I was going to do. I told her exactly what had happened and that I’d be moving out that week... and I did. I began seeing the girl from work, and we’ve been together for about four months now.”
– Nate, 34, Boulder, CO
Reason #7: To provide a sorely needed shot of self-esteem
“I’m really shy and have never felt very comfortable approaching women. I once had a girlfriend who was just as shy. Our relationship was fine — nothing too exciting — but I was resigned to the fact that it was my best option. I went to a conference for business, and during one of the dinners, a really attractive, intelligent woman at my table began hitting on me like mad. I was so shocked; nothing like that had ever happened to me before. It made my self-confidence skyrocket, and I felt like I was on top of the world. She and I hung out that night and a few other times during the conference. I never told my ex about what had happened, but I did end things with her a few months later. After the conference the other woman and I never saw each other again, but the experience gave me the confidence that I could go out and approach interesting, exciting women — I just needed that push.”
– Charlie, 33, St. Louis, MO
Reason #8: To pursue the one that got away
“I once cheated on my girlfriend of six months when a girl I had been pining over for quite some time came on to me. She had been with someone else for a long time, so I knew she was off-limits. I have to admit, I’d still probably do it again; it was like my fantasy finally came true. I broke up with my girlfriend and dated this girl awhile, but we didn’t last. Sometimes the fantasy is better than the reality!”
– Mark, 44, New York, NY
Chelsea Kaplan is a Senior Editor at The Family Groove. Her blog, “I’m Somebody’s Mother?” can be found at www.rumymother.blogspot.com. For the other side of the story, read Confessions: 7 reasons why women cheat.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/magazine/article.aspx?articleid=12114
By Chelsea Kaplan
Sometimes, when the going gets tough, the tough get busy looking for someone else. But what really makes men stray? A nagging girlfriend? Bad chemistry? An escape from loneliness? Yes, yes and yes. Hear why these men slipped away from their girlfriends and landed in someone else’s arms. Then — whether you’re a guy or a girl — use the confessions below to sidestep this kind of situation in your own love life.
Reason #1: For payback
“I once cheated on my girlfriend after I saw on her cell phone that she had been text-messaging with her ex. They were pretty harmless messages, but it angered me that she had been communicating with him in the first place — I’d always thought they were a little too chummy. That night, I was out with friends and got it all off my chest. I got so worked up about those messages that I pretty much made it my mission to find another girl and kiss her or get her number, which I did. I think it was a payback thing. We eventually broke up, but not because of that incident — I never told her — but more so because we just weren’t right for each other. I know it wasn’t the best way to handle my anger, but at the time, it sure did feel good.”
– Christopher, 29, Oakland, CA
Reason #2: The chemistry just isn’t there
“Ever since I can remember, I have always been attracted to women who looked a certain way. My ex-girlfriend was great in many ways, but she was completely opposite of my usual type, looks-wise, which did absolutely nothing to make me physically attracted to her. I tried to get past it, but it was hard. About two months into our relationship, I was out with a bunch of friends and our incredibly attractive (and single!) waitress was really hitting on me. She gave me her number and asked me if I wanted me to meet her after her shift was over. I agreed, and we ended up spending the night just kissing and holding each other. It was just for one night, but it helped me realize I needed to end things with my girlfriend because I had to be with someone I was madly attracted to, not just someone who was a great friend.”
– Dave, 26, Roanoke, VA
Reason #3: Spending almost no time together as a couple
“I cheated on my ex at a time when she was traveling so much that I never saw her. It was almost as if I didn’t have a girlfriend. I got so lonely — especially on the weekend nights. I missed that companionship, both physically and emotionally. When she was gone, I began seeing someone else while I was still technically seeing my ex. I ended up telling my ex and she broke it off with me. In the end, I think things ended for the better, even though the steps I took to make it happen weren’t very honorable. I now make sure that whoever I choose to date doesn’t have a job that requires big-time traveling.”
– Scott, 30, Jessup, MD
Reason #4: Wanting to play the field instead of settling down
“I had dated Melanie all through college ever since we met at freshman orientation. After we graduated, I moved to New York and she moved to Chicago, but we decided we’d stay together. I spent nearly every weekend traveling to see her, but during the week, I’d go out with my friends in New York and have a blast. After a few months of that schedule, I knew staying true to her would be tough; going out in the city made me realize how many smart, beautiful women are out there, and never having been with anyone other than Melanie made me feel like I was missing out on a lot of fun. One night I met up with another girl, which finally made me realize I had to end things with Melanie. I told her what happened, and, as it turned out, she had done the same thing a few times. While we were both hurt, we realized we needed to take some time off. We stayed friends, and still are today, even though we’re married to different people.”
– Tom, 35, New York, NY
Reason #5: Emotional and/or lifestyle incompatibility
“I met my ex in a Weight Watchers meeting, of all places. When we started dating, we were both about 50 pounds overweight. As the months went by, I took the program really seriously and quickly dropped weight. She didn’t adhere to the program and her weight didn’t come off. After I lost the weight, I felt this new sense of confidence — women who had never spoken to me before began approaching me and it felt great. My ex, on the other hand, was depressed about being heavy and was always jealous of other women. One weekend when she was out of town, I met this gorgeous woman at my gym and we spent time together. I never told my ex, but I did end up breaking up with her a few weeks after that incident. I’ve realized since then that I need to be with women who are on the same page as me about the things in my life that are important.”
– Brad, 41, Houston, TX
Reason #6: There’s too much drama in the current relationship
“My ex and I used to live together, and we fought all the time. The constant tension made me miserable. In contrast to my ex, there was a girl at work who was easygoing, friendly and fun. One night we were both working late and ended up getting dinner together after we left. One thing led to another, and it ended up being more than a platonic night. As bad as this may sound, after that happened, I felt free. It was as if I finally had the courage to just end it with my ex already. When I came home the next morning, my ex went crazy, but for the first time, it didn’t bother me, because I knew what I was going to do. I told her exactly what had happened and that I’d be moving out that week... and I did. I began seeing the girl from work, and we’ve been together for about four months now.”
– Nate, 34, Boulder, CO
Reason #7: To provide a sorely needed shot of self-esteem
“I’m really shy and have never felt very comfortable approaching women. I once had a girlfriend who was just as shy. Our relationship was fine — nothing too exciting — but I was resigned to the fact that it was my best option. I went to a conference for business, and during one of the dinners, a really attractive, intelligent woman at my table began hitting on me like mad. I was so shocked; nothing like that had ever happened to me before. It made my self-confidence skyrocket, and I felt like I was on top of the world. She and I hung out that night and a few other times during the conference. I never told my ex about what had happened, but I did end things with her a few months later. After the conference the other woman and I never saw each other again, but the experience gave me the confidence that I could go out and approach interesting, exciting women — I just needed that push.”
– Charlie, 33, St. Louis, MO
Reason #8: To pursue the one that got away
“I once cheated on my girlfriend of six months when a girl I had been pining over for quite some time came on to me. She had been with someone else for a long time, so I knew she was off-limits. I have to admit, I’d still probably do it again; it was like my fantasy finally came true. I broke up with my girlfriend and dated this girl awhile, but we didn’t last. Sometimes the fantasy is better than the reality!”
– Mark, 44, New York, NY
Chelsea Kaplan is a Senior Editor at The Family Groove. Her blog, “I’m Somebody’s Mother?” can be found at www.rumymother.blogspot.com. For the other side of the story, read Confessions: 7 reasons why women cheat.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/magazine/article.aspx?articleid=12114
Confessions: 7 reasons why women cheat
Confessions: 7 reasons why women cheat
By Chelsea Kaplan
You’ve probably heard that men cheat for physical reasons, women for emotional reasons. Sure, there’s some truth to that, but when we asked real women around the country to share why they strayed from their boyfriends, we learned they had a whole host of explanations — from bad kissing to sheer revenge. Read on for the truth about why women have given in to temptation.
Reason #1: There’s no passion
“I had been with John for about three years — he was a really nice guy, and I enjoyed being with him, but there wasn’t a ton of passion. Most everyone we knew had gotten engaged, and though John would have proposed in a second, whenever he brought it up, I’d change the subject. I took a trip to Australia for work and while I was gone, I got together with a coworker to whom I’d always been insanely attracted. I had a fantastic trip, probably because for the first time in a long time I experienced that excitement I’d been missing. I broke up with John soon after I returned home and began dating the guy from the trip. Even though I’m not super-proud of my actions, things ended up for the best: after dating for a few years, the guy from the trip and I got married and we’re incredibly happy together.”
– Giselle, 30, Montvale, NJ
Reason #2: To delay a breakup
“Right before I was going to break up with my ex, Sean, he found out that he had to put his beloved dog to sleep. He was so broken up about it that I didn’t have the heart to end things, so I waited a month or so until he was in better shape. When things seemed to be better and I was ready, he lost his job, so I felt like I was back to square one! By that time I had met someone else that I really wanted to start seeing, so I went ahead and did it. I eventually ended things, never telling Sean about my extracurricular dating. I think I rationalized that I was trying to spare his feelings.”
– Stacy, 30, Lexington, KY
Reason #3: Because absence doesn’t make the heart grow fonder
“My boyfriend Greg and I decided to do the long-distance thing after I was accepted to a graduate program 200 miles from where we lived. The first few months were fine, but I soon found myself becoming extremely attracted to my lab partner, Henry. What began as innocent flirting eventually wound up with us getting physical. After the program was over, I returned home to Greg. Being with him was really difficult, but I didn’t break up with him initially because I was still attracted to him, too. I visited Henry a few times and realized that he was really more of a fling, probably done out of boredom, and that Greg was the one for me. I eventually stopped communicating with Henry. I never told Greg about what happened, which occasionally makes me feel guilty, but I chalk my cheating up to being young and silly. He and I are still together, four years after my program ended.”
– Tamara, 33, Portland, OR
Reason #4: To avoid being left out in the cold
“I began dating Eric shortly after I had been dumped by Dave, my boyfriend of two years. I was devastated and Eric was definitely a rebound thing. After Eric and I had dated for five months, Dave came back and wanted to give things another shot. I still really missed him, so I began seeing him, but never ended things with Eric. I think I sort of kept Eric around for insurance purposes, just in case things didn’t end up well with Dave. Dave and I didn’t make it on round two, and after Eric discovered through mutual friends that I had been seeing him again, he ended things with me. I definitely learned my lesson about dating two guys at the same time, not to mention trying to rekindle a relationship that’s just plain over.”
– Jen, 28, Oak Park, IL
Reason #5: To make a break from a bad relationship
“When I was younger, I dated a guy named Ethan who was really critical of me. He constantly made little snide comments about my weight, how stupid I was and how clumsy I was. For whatever odd reason, I was into him, despite the fact that all of my friends and family hated him. One weekend when he was away, I met Will at a party and we completely hit it off. He was the complete opposite of Ethan — kind, sweet and generous, yet completely cool and fun, too. We hung out all weekend and it was like a light bulb went off in my head: This is how mature, relationship-worthy guys act. I kissed Will the night before he left and broke up with Ethan soon after. Will and I dated for three years and now we’re married.”
– Allison, 30, New York, NY
Reason #6: To find that missing piece
“I’m from Florida, so I adore going to the beach and boating, but my former boyfriend, Chris, a total city boy, hated it. We always argued about where we’d take trips, and he always won. About eight months into our relationship, I took a trip to Key West with my friends and we chartered a boat for the day. The captain of the boat was this totally hot, complete ‘beach guy for life’ type, and I spent the whole day flirting with him. We met him out that night and spent time alone together. I never told Chris about it after I got home and I never felt guilty; I think part of me felt like that’s what Chris got for being so stubborn! Chris and I didn’t make it, and after we broke up, I made sure any future boyfriends loved the beach!”
– Lizzie, 32, Chicago, IL
Reason #7: To give him a taste of his own medicine
“My last boyfriend was a total player before we got together. I thought I could change him but I was wrong. I always heard rumors that he was seeing other girls while we were dating, but he always denied it. One night, I got a call from a girl he had been secretly dating, and she detailed their three-month-long relationship to me and told me about another girl she had discovered he was seeing as well. I was so mad that I went out with my friends that night, dressed to kill, and spent time with the most attractive guy; I felt like it was the least he deserved! I loved seeing the look on his face when I told him about what I did and that I knew about the other girls. And then I dumped him!”
– Ashante, 25, College Park, GA
Chelsea Kaplan is a Senior Editor at The Family Groove. Her blog, “I’m Somebody’s Mother?” can be found at www.rumymother.blogspot.com. For the other side of the story, read Confessions: 8 reasons men cheat.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=12113&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=693282
By Chelsea Kaplan
You’ve probably heard that men cheat for physical reasons, women for emotional reasons. Sure, there’s some truth to that, but when we asked real women around the country to share why they strayed from their boyfriends, we learned they had a whole host of explanations — from bad kissing to sheer revenge. Read on for the truth about why women have given in to temptation.
Reason #1: There’s no passion
“I had been with John for about three years — he was a really nice guy, and I enjoyed being with him, but there wasn’t a ton of passion. Most everyone we knew had gotten engaged, and though John would have proposed in a second, whenever he brought it up, I’d change the subject. I took a trip to Australia for work and while I was gone, I got together with a coworker to whom I’d always been insanely attracted. I had a fantastic trip, probably because for the first time in a long time I experienced that excitement I’d been missing. I broke up with John soon after I returned home and began dating the guy from the trip. Even though I’m not super-proud of my actions, things ended up for the best: after dating for a few years, the guy from the trip and I got married and we’re incredibly happy together.”
– Giselle, 30, Montvale, NJ
Reason #2: To delay a breakup
“Right before I was going to break up with my ex, Sean, he found out that he had to put his beloved dog to sleep. He was so broken up about it that I didn’t have the heart to end things, so I waited a month or so until he was in better shape. When things seemed to be better and I was ready, he lost his job, so I felt like I was back to square one! By that time I had met someone else that I really wanted to start seeing, so I went ahead and did it. I eventually ended things, never telling Sean about my extracurricular dating. I think I rationalized that I was trying to spare his feelings.”
– Stacy, 30, Lexington, KY
Reason #3: Because absence doesn’t make the heart grow fonder
“My boyfriend Greg and I decided to do the long-distance thing after I was accepted to a graduate program 200 miles from where we lived. The first few months were fine, but I soon found myself becoming extremely attracted to my lab partner, Henry. What began as innocent flirting eventually wound up with us getting physical. After the program was over, I returned home to Greg. Being with him was really difficult, but I didn’t break up with him initially because I was still attracted to him, too. I visited Henry a few times and realized that he was really more of a fling, probably done out of boredom, and that Greg was the one for me. I eventually stopped communicating with Henry. I never told Greg about what happened, which occasionally makes me feel guilty, but I chalk my cheating up to being young and silly. He and I are still together, four years after my program ended.”
– Tamara, 33, Portland, OR
Reason #4: To avoid being left out in the cold
“I began dating Eric shortly after I had been dumped by Dave, my boyfriend of two years. I was devastated and Eric was definitely a rebound thing. After Eric and I had dated for five months, Dave came back and wanted to give things another shot. I still really missed him, so I began seeing him, but never ended things with Eric. I think I sort of kept Eric around for insurance purposes, just in case things didn’t end up well with Dave. Dave and I didn’t make it on round two, and after Eric discovered through mutual friends that I had been seeing him again, he ended things with me. I definitely learned my lesson about dating two guys at the same time, not to mention trying to rekindle a relationship that’s just plain over.”
– Jen, 28, Oak Park, IL
Reason #5: To make a break from a bad relationship
“When I was younger, I dated a guy named Ethan who was really critical of me. He constantly made little snide comments about my weight, how stupid I was and how clumsy I was. For whatever odd reason, I was into him, despite the fact that all of my friends and family hated him. One weekend when he was away, I met Will at a party and we completely hit it off. He was the complete opposite of Ethan — kind, sweet and generous, yet completely cool and fun, too. We hung out all weekend and it was like a light bulb went off in my head: This is how mature, relationship-worthy guys act. I kissed Will the night before he left and broke up with Ethan soon after. Will and I dated for three years and now we’re married.”
– Allison, 30, New York, NY
Reason #6: To find that missing piece
“I’m from Florida, so I adore going to the beach and boating, but my former boyfriend, Chris, a total city boy, hated it. We always argued about where we’d take trips, and he always won. About eight months into our relationship, I took a trip to Key West with my friends and we chartered a boat for the day. The captain of the boat was this totally hot, complete ‘beach guy for life’ type, and I spent the whole day flirting with him. We met him out that night and spent time alone together. I never told Chris about it after I got home and I never felt guilty; I think part of me felt like that’s what Chris got for being so stubborn! Chris and I didn’t make it, and after we broke up, I made sure any future boyfriends loved the beach!”
– Lizzie, 32, Chicago, IL
Reason #7: To give him a taste of his own medicine
“My last boyfriend was a total player before we got together. I thought I could change him but I was wrong. I always heard rumors that he was seeing other girls while we were dating, but he always denied it. One night, I got a call from a girl he had been secretly dating, and she detailed their three-month-long relationship to me and told me about another girl she had discovered he was seeing as well. I was so mad that I went out with my friends that night, dressed to kill, and spent time with the most attractive guy; I felt like it was the least he deserved! I loved seeing the look on his face when I told him about what I did and that I knew about the other girls. And then I dumped him!”
– Ashante, 25, College Park, GA
Chelsea Kaplan is a Senior Editor at The Family Groove. Her blog, “I’m Somebody’s Mother?” can be found at www.rumymother.blogspot.com. For the other side of the story, read Confessions: 8 reasons men cheat.
Quoted: http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=12113&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=693282
What Is Omniscience Anyways?
As Christians, we believe that not only is God omniscient, but it is vital to our faith that He is all knowing. But what exactly does that even mean? If we knew exactly what omniscience meant, there would be no predestination vs. free-will debate. In this debate, some believers feel God has already predetermined what will happen in our lives, while other believers feel people are not puppets, and that they have the freedom to make any choice they want.
Wallace Smith provides some suggestions on the omniscience of God. He contends, "The Bible tells us that God does perceive things, which means that no fact can be hidden from His Knowledge." Evidence for this includes: Psalm 139:12; Psalm 44:21; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Hebrews 4:12-13; and 1 Corinthians 2:10 He goes on to say, "Nothing can escape His gaze and His knowledge. If it can be known, He knows it!"
The Bible does NOT say that God perceives every possible reality. This doesn't mean that God can't, or doesn't, or won't. The Bible just doesn't tell us. The Bible tells us He knows what IS in our hearts (not what may be in our hearts). God says He knows what we DO. God knows everything that does happen, but does God know everything that can't happen? This is the exact same question as "Can God make something so big he can't lift it?" Delving into this in a fruitless exercise. Imagine having a competition to break your leg as fast as possible. What's the point? We are meant to have a relationship with God, not a philosophy about Him. God knows everything that happens in His creation. Trust God, and take that for what it is worth.
Living Life
Wallace Smith provides some suggestions on the omniscience of God. He contends, "The Bible tells us that God does perceive things, which means that no fact can be hidden from His Knowledge." Evidence for this includes: Psalm 139:12; Psalm 44:21; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Hebrews 4:12-13; and 1 Corinthians 2:10 He goes on to say, "Nothing can escape His gaze and His knowledge. If it can be known, He knows it!"
The Bible does NOT say that God perceives every possible reality. This doesn't mean that God can't, or doesn't, or won't. The Bible just doesn't tell us. The Bible tells us He knows what IS in our hearts (not what may be in our hearts). God says He knows what we DO. God knows everything that does happen, but does God know everything that can't happen? This is the exact same question as "Can God make something so big he can't lift it?" Delving into this in a fruitless exercise. Imagine having a competition to break your leg as fast as possible. What's the point? We are meant to have a relationship with God, not a philosophy about Him. God knows everything that happens in His creation. Trust God, and take that for what it is worth.
Living Life
Saturday, July 02, 2011
God Must Be Omniscient
God alone is perfect. God alone knows everything. But if God really knows everything, why isn't the world different? Why doesn't? Why doesn't He stop horrible things from happening? Ultimately, these questions, and others like them, serve no other point but to discredit God. These questions all come down to a core belief: God either exists, or He doesn't. To exist as God means to be the perfect, supreme being. Believers accept this truth, while non-believers reject it. God does exist, and He is all knowing, but how or why God works the way He does is not a mechanism that we are meant to understand. We are finite. We were born, and we will die. We exist in a finite space for a finite time. Our God, however, is infinite. He was not born, and He will not die. God exists in all space and all time. It's not possible for the limited to understand the limitless. It's simply isn't possible, nor is it important.
It is important for believers to understand they serve the omniscient(all knowing) God because, as Charles Hodge writes, "[A perfect] being cannot be ignorant of anything; his knowledge can neither be increased nor diminished... Unless God were thus omniscient, He could not judge the world in righteousness." We know that our God is just, and we know that our God is righteous. Because we know these things, we know that our God will judge righteously. In order for God to judge righteously, He must be capable to judge righteously.
Living Life
It is important for believers to understand they serve the omniscient(all knowing) God because, as Charles Hodge writes, "[A perfect] being cannot be ignorant of anything; his knowledge can neither be increased nor diminished... Unless God were thus omniscient, He could not judge the world in righteousness." We know that our God is just, and we know that our God is righteous. Because we know these things, we know that our God will judge righteously. In order for God to judge righteously, He must be capable to judge righteously.
Living Life
Friday, July 01, 2011
God is Omniscient
What is the square root of 289? What was the capital of West Germany in 1972? What does the word "mesonoxian" mean?
(The answer are 17, Bonn, and "pertaining to midnight", respectively) If you were asked to answer these questions on the spot, they would all take a certain level of knowledge and intelligence to answer.
Intelligence is something that many people pride themselves in, or at the very least, desire to have. No one desires to look dumb or silly; from school into adult lives, we are exhorted to have intelligent discussions and debates.
Over the course of our lives, we can learn a lot, and some people manifest a lot of intelligence. But, even the smartest person on earth doesn't know everything. As smart, clever, and intelligent as humans can become, we will never know everything. But the same does not hold true for our God. William Plumer states, "God is omniscient. His knowledge is infinite from His all-seeing eye... His knowledge embraces all plans, all truths, all systems. God can neither learn nor forget anything." God not only had the power to bring everything into existence, but He also had the wisdom and intelligence to do so. God alone knows everything, because it is bu Him and through Him every laws of nature was created. It is by God and through God that every even of history came to pass. Through Him every future event will come to pass. God alone knows all things, because it is through God alone that all things were created.
Living Life
(The answer are 17, Bonn, and "pertaining to midnight", respectively) If you were asked to answer these questions on the spot, they would all take a certain level of knowledge and intelligence to answer.
Intelligence is something that many people pride themselves in, or at the very least, desire to have. No one desires to look dumb or silly; from school into adult lives, we are exhorted to have intelligent discussions and debates.
Over the course of our lives, we can learn a lot, and some people manifest a lot of intelligence. But, even the smartest person on earth doesn't know everything. As smart, clever, and intelligent as humans can become, we will never know everything. But the same does not hold true for our God. William Plumer states, "God is omniscient. His knowledge is infinite from His all-seeing eye... His knowledge embraces all plans, all truths, all systems. God can neither learn nor forget anything." God not only had the power to bring everything into existence, but He also had the wisdom and intelligence to do so. God alone knows everything, because it is bu Him and through Him every laws of nature was created. It is by God and through God that every even of history came to pass. Through Him every future event will come to pass. God alone knows all things, because it is through God alone that all things were created.
Living Life
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