Friday, May 30, 2008

Reflections on a Difficult Gospel Passage: Genealogies of Jesus

By Saundra L. Washington Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38. The genealogies of Jesus have been a source of tension and contention within the Church. Believers throughout the ages have experienced great confusion and apologetic difficulties over what appears to be nothing less than plain contradictions that come into view when studying Matthew and Lukes account of Jesus pedigree. The two primary prophecies concerning Jesus Christs coming were that he would be Jewish and that He would be a descendant of King David. Hence, the genealogy of Matthew shows that Jesus, as a descendant of Abraham is Jewish, and as a descendant of David inherited regality. Luke on the other hand, traces Jesus line back to Adam thereby stressing the humanity of Christ. Stein support the view that Matthews record list the genealogical line of Joseph and Luke records the genealogy of Mary. He notes the apparently special interest Luke seems to have had in Mary as indicated by the space he allots her. Many of the difficulties these genealogies present, Stein admit are perplexing and hard to reconcile. The purpose of Matthews genealogy, according to Barclay, was to prove that Jesus was the son of David and so he arranged the pedigree so as to make it easy for people to remember since few people during that time had access to actual copies. Luke, he suggests, traces the line back to the founder of the human race thereby removing the national and racial boundaries even from the ancestry of Jesus. McKenzie concurs with Barclay. He observes the difference between the two writers for the period from David to Joseph and comments that there is no convincing explanation. He considers both genealogies however, to be highly artificial. There are those who do not believe any discrepancy exist and are able to provide what seems like rational explanations, until scrutinized under the microscope of Biblical historical facts. It is apparent that the discrepancy between the two genealogies constitutes a severe problem to interpreters. A final resolution to so intricate a question may be long in coming. And when it does come we may discover we made a mountain out of a molehill. Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, veteran social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach which can be reviewed on her site. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, though delayed in publication, is expected to be available early 2006. You have an open invitation to visit us at AMEN Ministries: Your Soul’s Service Station for reviewing spiritual services being offered, obtain spiritual refreshing and soul edification, get your daily dose of humor, browse our newly expanded Stop & Shop Store and to visit our prayer sanctum for quiet time with God. Blessings to all! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saundra_L._Washington http://EzineArticles.com/?Reflections-on-a-Difficult-Gospel-Passage:-Genealogies-of-Jesus&id=89475 how to decide how much to claim on withholdings on my paycheck johnny paycheck syndrome unsecure bad credit installment loans washer dryer utah county monthly payments no credit check
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

History of Abortion

By Eric Morris Abortion has been around for a long time, and it has impacted women and men in a variety of ways, in different times and places. Christian influence in Western civilizations has caused widespread disapproval of this practice. Many nations passed laws by the 19th century that banned abortion. It was not until the latter half of the 20th century that some nations began to legalize it. Up to this time, debates about the moral issues of abortion continue to rage on. At times, these arguments become very heated and lead to violence. Early Accounts of Abortions There is anthropological evidence and written historical documentation that refer to abortion practices before the middle ages. During these times, women would induce abortion by using sharp sticks, poisonous herbs, abdominal pressure, special exercises and other crude techniques. Even late-term abortion was tolerated by some civilizations during this time. The main opposition to abortion, as with today?s time, came from the Christian community. They used the Bible to justify their disapproval of this practice. But the debate on the moral issues of abortion has extended to even within the Christian community. Prominent Christians such as Saint Augustine refers to writings in the book of Exodus that say that abortion is not murder and is thus moral. Abortion Debate The controversy surrounding the practice of abortion has been around throughout its entire history. Without any factual breakthrough, the debates look to continue well into the future. One of the biggest things being weighed today is the right of a woman to choose against the morality of the practice. The types of abortion are also a subject of debate today. The practice of partial-birth abortion and late-term abortion is a very touchy issue. Nowadays, most citizens are more moderate in their views of abortion than the politicians who create these abortion laws. Abortion provides detailed information on Abortion, Abortion Clinics, Abortion Pills, Abortion Statistics and more. Abortion is affiliated with Christian Adoption Agency. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Morris http://EzineArticles.com/?History-of-Abortion&id=353821 oregon online phone loans guaranteed approval payday loans paycheck caculator unsecured loans with poor credit
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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Top Tips for Fantastic Skin - Keep Young and Healthy from the Inside Out

By Penny Williams When you meet people, what do they see? Your face, your skin, thats what. Your skin condition can say a lot about your health and your lifestyle. Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? An adult human skin weighs around 5kg (11lbs) and has a surface area of 2 sq. metres (22 sq. feet), which is approximately the size of a double bed. Even with your clothes on thats a lot of target for damage from the outside injury, sunlight, cigarette smoke, environmental pollution. So your skin can be damaged by what it is exposed to, and at the same time, it reflects internal emotions (e.g. when you sweat or blush) and conditions (especially the health of your digestive system). The condition of your skin is closely dependant on what you eat. Nutrition and Your Skin Nutrition is fundamentally involved at every stage of your skin development. Collagen makes up 70% of your skin and depends on vitamin C. Dry, rough skin (caused by the build up the protein keratin on the outer layers) can be prevented by Vitamin A. The membranes of skin cells are made from essential fats. Dry skin can be caused by a lack of these fats. The flexibility of your skin is reduced as you get older mainly because of oxidation damage caused by free radicals from pollution, cigarette smoke, fried and burnt foods, sunlight. This damage can be limited by nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E and selenium. Lack of zinc can lead to stretch marks and slow wound healing, and is associated with a wide variety of skin problems from acne to eczema. Foods to Keep You Young and Beautiful Foods that can enhance your appearance need to feature as many of the following as possible: antioxidants, antibacterials, fibre to clear toxins, essential fats to support skin and reduced levels of saturated fat and sugar. The sorts of foods where youll get this kind of combination are: fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, fish, pulses, nuts and seeds. So, to improve your skin, include the following in your diet: Apricots, cantaloupe melon, carrots, eggs, liver, pumpkin, red peppers, watercress - contain Vitamin A and beta carotene. Blackcurrants, broccoli, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, papaya, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and sprouted seeds contain Vitamin C. Almonds, avocado, eggs, hazelnuts, olive oil, Sunflower seeds, walnuts contain Vitamin E. Brazil nuts, cabbage, chicken, eggs, liver, molasses, mushrooms, onions, seafood, tuna contain Selenium. Almonds, chicken, cauliflower, carrots, cucumber, eggs, oats, potatoes, sardines, tuna contain Zinc. And reduce your intake of these: Alcohol Coffee/tea (no more than 2 cups per day) Sugar Saturated fat (found in meat and dairy products). And think about these other factors: Avoid strong sunlight and use a sun block (sunlight causes oxidative damage and speeds the ageing process of your skin). Wash your skin with a gentle oil-based cleanser, not soap, and consider what is in your skin products such as your moisturiser (many cosmetics contains strong petroleum/alcohol based substances remember these are absorbed through the skin). Take regular exercise (it stimulates blood flow, which will enhance delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells). Drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses per day (1- 1 litres)) to hydrate the skin. Too little water can be a major factor in dry skin. Consider taking some nutritional supplements: a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement; vitamin C; an antioxidant blend (containing at least vitamins A, C, E, zinc and selenium); and an essential fatty acid supplement (linseed oil, fish oil or evening primrose oil or oil blend). Remember supplements should be considered as an addition to a good diet and healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for one. Use a skin brush for your body (upward strokes working from feet to torso) and an exfoliation cream for your face. Exfoliation helps to clear blocked pores and smooth away dead, dry skin. If that sounds a lot to think about, dont let it put you off. You can have the skin you deserve, the skin that reflects a healthier you. Just take it step by step. First introduce apricots, cantaloupe melon etc (the Vitamin A foods). Then when youve worked through introducing the healthier range of foods, start reducing the alcohol and sugar. In no time at all youll be on the road to better health and better skin. Penny Williams is a nutritional therapist. Her website and newsletter can be found at http://www.lifefirst.info Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Williams http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Tips-for-Fantastic-Skin—Keep-Young-and-Healthy-from-the-Inside-Out&id=75702 sba loans georgia w knight knight enterprises llc loan cash mortgage christmas cash advance american cash advance
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Anniversary Gifts - Forty-Eighth Anniversary

By Michael Russell Hard to believe that you’re only a couple of years away from your golden anniversary. Well, you still have to get through this one and if you’re thinking that the anniversary gifts have been a little unusual of late, this year doesn’t get any better. You’re going to have to really put on your thinking cap to come up with some ideas for this year’s anniversary gift. But don’t worry, we’ll give you a few things to consider when picking out something for your spouse of 48 years. This year’s anniversary gift idea is optical goods. Now for those of you thinking that this means you have to get your spouse a pair of cheap sunglasses, think again. Optical goods can be anything that contains a lens. That covers a lot of ground and therefor gives you a lot of food for thought. Hopefully, some of the following suggestions will strike just the right chord with you. Of course, you can go with the obvious here. Unless you’re blessed with really great eyesight, by the time you’ve been married 48 years you most likely are wearing glasses. Because your eyes don’t really change much as you get older, you probably don’t get your prescriptions changed all that often. Even if you have had your prescriptions updated recently, most likely you haven’t changed your frames. This can be a great opportunity to get your spouse a whole new look. The days of the Clark Kent glasses are long gone. Eyeglass frames have become very fashionable and it’s actually become very cool to wear glasses. So if your spouse has been stuck in that same old rut and you think a new look would be just the ticket to a new attitude, this is your chance to get a gift that will really make an impression. Don’t think that glasses are a cheap gift; frames and lenses these days can easily run you several hundred dollars. Of course, you can also get away from the obvious as well. This could be an excellent time to get into something that you never even considered. Do you remember as a kid how your dad would get you one of those cheap little telescopes and have you look up at the stars? Remember how you really didn’t see much? Well, those days are long gone as well. Telescopes have become very powerful these days and they don’t cost an arm and a leg either. You can get a really good telescope for a couple of hundred bucks easy. You might want to pick up a book on astronomy to go with it. Let’s not forget something else that comes with a lens. It’s called a camera and today, your options go far beyond cameras. You can get video cameras, digital cameras, camcorders and a number of other items that can capture the moment. Prices have also come down a lot as well, so you can get a really nice setup for very little money. This can be a very interesting and enjoyable anniversary and if you do get those cameras, you can use them to go along with next year’s anniversary gift. We’ll just keep that a secret for now though. Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Anniversary Gifts Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell http://EzineArticles.com/?Anniversary-Gifts—Forty-Eighth-Anniversary&id=309675 personal loan unsecured fast pay day loan religious right distribution advance pay day money lenders in singapore
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Monday, May 19, 2008

Want to Choose the Best Camera Phone

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Andy_Maingam]Andy Maingam What is it with these all-singing all-dancing bells and whistles cell phones these days? They’ll be going to the toilet for us next! I mean, just how much more gadgetry are the manufactures planning to cram into these tiny devices? Apart from the communication function of a mobile, the only other 2 features I’ve used are the radio and the camera. All the internet, games, planners, calculators and other bits that they come equipped with these days, fall by the wayside with me I’m afraid. Even the camera was nothing but a novelty to begin with, but now that the image quality is improving, it just might be a replacement for the standard digital camera. But just how do you choose the best camera phone? All of the big cell phone brands have models with cameras and they’re all are telling us that theirs are a cut above the rest, but they can’t all have the greatest cell phone camera out there. This is why we need as much info as possible in order to make an informed decision prior to purchasing our new camera phone. Although the technology is improving all the time, even the best camera phone is substandard to regular digital cameras, simply because they lack the versatility and functionality of the real deal. If you simply want a cell phone camera for quick snaps shots or to record images for reference material, then you may not care too much about image quality. If, on the other hand, you want to be able to take nice photos for posterity, then you really do need to compare between the models. So, the biggest set back with the camera phones have been with image quality. Quite often the results are grainy, not too sharp, and lack perspective. Up until quite recently, the resolution on a mobile phone camera was around 640 x 480 pixels. Now compared to the digital cameras, which literally have millions of pixels, you can quite clearly see why there is such a drastic difference in image quality. However, that was then and this is now. The new age of camera phone is upon us and there are models available which also boast resolution in millions of megapixels. In fact, in 2005, Pantech announced an impressive 5 Mega-Pixel Mobile Camera Phone and was hailed as the first real camera phone, simply because it dramatically enhanced quality of images for users. There are lots of other models too which are now introducing millions of pixels into their camera phones, so choosing the best one is becoming less of an ordeal than it was say a couple of years ago. There’s the Samsung i320N 1.3-megapixel camera (inclusive of flash), which is great for happy snappers. The snazzy Palm Treo 750v also has a 1.3-megapixel camera but without flash. In fact the list is endless and at the time of writing 1.3 megapixel seems to be the new standard, but with the speed of technology, that’ll all change pretty soon. The bottom line is that the higher the resolution (resolution simply refers to the number of pixels in an image), then the higher the image quality will be. The internet is a wonderful tool for consumers of all goods and services. With the pace in which technology changes, I urge anyone who is seeking to purchase a new camera phone, to hop online first and read ‘real’ reviews on the latest products. This way, choosing the best camera phone at that time will a much less arduous task. Andy Maingam is a proficient writer and webmaster for Modishphones.com where he writes about the [http://www.modishphones.com/]Pre Paid Cell Phone Plans and [http://www.modishphones.com/long-range-cordless-telephones.php]Long Range Cordless Telephones. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Maingam http://EzineArticles.com/?Want-to-Choose-the-Best-Camera-Phone&id=341428 sba loan package loans against tax money texas bad credit car loan what you need to apply for an unsecured small business loans
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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Put Down That Brownie! Just One Bite Can Knock You Off Plan

By Benji Paras It is very important for low carb dieters to stick to the exact plan prescribed in a book or by a doctor or dietitian. Taking even “one bite” of something that is not on the plan can easily ruin a dieters progress on a low carb plan. This is especially important in the early “no carb” phase of many low carb diets. For instance, in the “induction” phase of the Atkins diet, taking even one bite of carb-rich or sugar-rich sweets will not only knock a low carb dieter out of ketosis– and prevent the massive and rapid shedding of fat–but it will also increase cravings for more carb-heavy foods, making it harder for dieters to stick with the plan in following days. If you are on a low carb diet or are planning to start one, it is important for you to think ahead, so you dont fall into this trap. If you are planning to eat somewhere that you cannot control what is being served (i.e. a friends house or your parents house) during the early, “no carb” phase of your diet, it is a good idea to come up with a plan ahead of time. You may want to either tell your host that you are on a special diet–or simply wait until the upcoming week to start the first phase of your low carb diet. When you get into the later phases of your diet, you will have a little more flexibility. If you are planning to eat at a friends house, you can save up some of your carbs from the week (if your diet allows it) and then use them at your friends house. No matter what your plan is, it is important that you stick to it. Decline the carb-heavy meals when they do not fit your prescription. There has probably never been a single low carb dieter who hasnt been put in this situation. But then again, there probably arent too many successful low carb dieters who dont know how to say no. Next time someone asks you if you want dessert, remember: even “one bite” can ruin all your hard work. Say no. Benji Paras runs http://www.list-of-low-carb-food.com, specializing in the benefits of the low-carb lifestyle. The site contains a treasure trove of information for losing weight, and includes a list of low carb foods along with informative articles and the latest low-carb headlines. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benji_Paras http://EzineArticles.com/?Put-Down-That-Brownie!-Just-One-Bite-Can-Knock-You-Off-Plan&id=56509 cash loans buy generator money personal loans done online no fax no credit check payday loan payday lenders in arizona
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

5 Simple Rules for A Great Job Interview

By Donna Monday Many years ago, when I was a young job-searching greenhorn, I ventured to New York City to take a bite out of the big apple of opportunity. When it came to finding a job in a crowded city of millions, I quickly learned that its much easier on ones sanity to sign up with one of the many employment agencies which helps job seekers looking for work. I scoured the newspaper and found a large ad for one such well-known employment agency. True to their word, they promptly sent me off on several interviews none of which I felt particularly comfortable at. Needless to say, I didnt get any job offers. While nursing a cold, I decided I needed a change. So, I contacted a much smaller agency and decided to see if my luck would be different. These people rocked! They were down-to-earth friendly and genuinely concerned about helping me find a job. Before they sent me out on any interviews, they put me through a mock interview session and evaluated my performance (something the larger fancy-pants agency didnt do). Afterwards, an advisor sat me down and we chatted about the results of my mock interview. I am forever grateful for the feedback I got that day, because the interview preparation tips they gave me have served me well over countless interviews these many years. Ive condensed their pointers into five simple rules that anyone can follow for better success at a job interview. Eye Contact Look directly at your interviewer. Dont cast your eyes down. Sit up Straight Dont slouch in your chair it makes you look lazy and uninterested. Good posture makes you look like a confident person. Dont Fidget Keep your hands in your lap when youre not making a point in the conversation. Fidgeting looks unprofessional. Speak Up Dont mumble your words. Speak directly at your interviewer with a clear, strong voice. Smile and Show Some Personality Its ok to be a little nervous, but remember to stay loose and be yourself. Personality counts for a lot. Of course, theres a lot more to think about when preparing for an interview. But even if you only remember these five simple interviewing rules, youll be able to make a good impression on the one person standing between you and a job your interviewer. About The Author Copyright 2004 Donna Monday writes employment related articles for http://www.get-a-job-interview-quick-tips.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donna_Monday http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Simple-Rules-for-A-Great-Job-Interview&id=11442 texas refinance car loan bad credit bad credit signature loan help to find a phone number for cmg group llc payday loan how much income tax will be held from my paycheck
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Monday, May 5, 2008

Troubled Relationships, Seven Signs For Relationships Problems And Their Solutions

By Nili Sachs, Ph.D In the best of intimate relationships, there are those subtle and not so subtle waves of difficulties. Some disagreements make sense; his words against hers, her values in the face of his values, old traditions vs. new ideas and so on. However, over few years living with a partner, attempting and working on intimacy, you could see few patterns emerging. Those patterns might be complicated for you to detect when you are a part of the drama. For me, after thirty years of marriage-therapy and relationship-coaching, I find them simple to detect. Solving relationships problems take commitment, education and good will. From here the solutions are pretty much straightforward. Some of these patterns are signs of troubled relationships. Here is the list of the seven most damaging intimate relationships troubles and their solutions: 1. Inability to be emotionally open; the uniqueness and secret of intimate relationships in comparison to other social, workplace and family relationships is in staying emotionally open. By exercising daily confession with each other, couples learn to become emotionally open towards each other. 2. Lack of physical closeness and sings of affection may starve the relationship. It is not easy to undo the pain, shame and hurts of the past. Learn to be affectionate. Do it for the sake of this relationship. 3. Not paying attention while listening: you might be listening to each other, even giving the right cues as in ‘active listening’. But do you get the meaning of each others message without the attempt to ’solve’ the problem? Don’t solve each others’ problems. Share the gift of listening. Being heard is a treasure! 4. Difficulty articulating what you feel; many adults don’t know to express what they feel. Instead, you communicate what you think. Learning about emotions and their logic is valuable to every intimate relationship. Taking a risk to expose your accurate feelings in your relationship is a wise investment. As the relationship grows and thrives, that risk of exposure becomes safe. 5. Anger, fear, shame and other pains block the passages to feel tenderness, joy and love. Those painful emotions are not bad; they are information that should be shared so that your love will surface again. 6. Power struggles on sex, money, children, free time, relatives or friends are all signs of other issues surfacing in the relationships. Learn to decode these symptoms and see the meaning beneath the issues. 7. Contempt and its expressions are the ‘deadliest sin’ of all troubled relationships. This will take a bit longer to solve; I suggest treating this symptom deeper as in a root canal. Find the roots of those feelings of contempt or they’ll destroy your intimate relationship. It is challenging to get your intimate relationship out of trouble. The effort is worth it; as your intimate relationship is the most important investment of your time energy and endeavor. How would you like to improve, strengthen or even save, in some cases, your intimate relationship? For background information on Dr. Nili Sachs please visit http://www.DrNili.com For relationship coaching and /or therapy appointment please contact Dr. Nili directly: nilisachs@msn.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nili_Sachs,_Ph.D http://EzineArticles.com/?Troubled-Relationships,-Seven-Signs-For-Relationships-Problems-And-Their-Solutions&id=501465 discover cash loan impact financial payday loan no employment verification payday loans baton rouge car loan for people with bad credit
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