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By Aaron Brooks Self-storage is a popular option with people who are moving, expanding, or are collectors. Long term lease of self-storage benefits those who want to store things that are too large or too many to keep at home or in the office and yet valuable enough to retain and not give away. Once you have decided that a storage unit is essential to your smooth function you need to make up your mind whether you would like self-storage or pick up and delivery storage. Use a check list like the one we have designed when considering a storage unit: 1. Determine how far the unit is from where you are and whether the roads are accessible even in bad weather. Also check out whether the area is prone to flooding. 2. Find out whether the self-storage company offers any discounts and whether they offer free pick up of items. 3. Make a list of the number and size of things you wish to store and then check out the various sizes of units on offer. Choose one that will accommodate your things comfortably. Also consider whether in the near future you may be adding many more things to the unit. If yes, then opt for a larger unit. 4. Be sure to check the facility at least twice. Determine whether the units are clean and whether the surroundings show any signs of rat droppings or insects like white ants or cockroaches. 5. Ask about security arrangements. Find out whether the facility has 24 hr guards, surveillance cameras, inspections, smoke detectors, or alarms installed. 6. Find out whether the lock and keys will be provided or whether you will need to bring your own. 7. Find out about insuring your things and also whether the facility is maintained in accordance with rules and regulations of safety. 8. Find out whether you will have 24/7 access or whether they facility will charge you for operating your unit at inconvenient times. 9. Many units have climate control find out as much as you can about whether the unit has climate control and about humidity control. 10. Be sure to ask whether they have had any break ins . 11. Ask for references from users and do check them out. As a user it is up to you to ensure that your things remain safe. So, before signing a lease or making payment ask to read the contract and check online whether there are any complaints about the company or negative comments. Sites which give information are: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/movers/storage_lockers.html and www.complaints.com/directory/2005/april/6/12.htm . Be a knowledgeable person and make the effort to determine how reliable the companies are and do a comparison shopping before choosing a service. Reap the benefits of self-storage but protect your interests. Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for http://www.1888movingcompanies.com , the premier website to find help on Moving including topics on moving companies search, compare movers, moving insurance, auto transport, moving tips and more. He also freelances for the premier REVENUE SHARING Discussion Forum Site http://www.1888discuss.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Brooks http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Useful-Check-List-when-Considering-a-Storage-Facility&id=312254 phentermine online doctor consultation phentermine cheap fast phentermine diet pills for sale phentermine no prescription mastercard

By Jaelin K. Reece Do you have people in your life that like to create dramas? Do they like to stir up energy and conflict, adding fuel to the fire and then reveling in it? Do they fit the term Drama Queen? It can be a challenge to be around people who are addicted to drama. When you’ve been working diligently to lessen drama in your life by creating peacefulness and calm, drama can be very noticeable. It becomes uncomfortable and it stands out to get your attention. You begin to notice the woman in line at the coffee shop who doesnt get the right coffee and proceeds to get so loud that the entire shop notices, or the man at the convenience store who is rude and obnoxious to the clerk and proceeds to drag the other customers into the attack, or the mother-in-law that blows everything out of proportion so that she has some adventure in her life, even if the entire family is miserable. The list goes on and on. If you are undertaking a healing journey to achieve more balance and peace within your life, drama comes up and tests you. The test is whether you chose to ‘Buy into it’ or ‘Move right by it’. It’s a choice, just like choosing happiness. You can make any choice on your path. If drama feels uncomfortable to you and you’ve decided it’s not for you, then move right on by it, but it’s easy to get sucked into the old pattern- especially if it is coming from family members. The test is to see whether or not you choose to see it for what it is: buying in or moving by? Family patterns have more emotional charge attached to them. You grew up with this family. You lived with them day in and day out. You know them better than they know themselves. However, you also slip right into the family role playing dynamic when you are with them. Buying into the drama can happen so subvertly that you dont even notice that you did it. Your unconscious habit slid into place and it just happened, without you realizing it. You may not even notice until well after the fact. Regardless of how long it takes to discover, you got caught. You bought into it! Now what? Awareness is the first step. Becoming conscious to your surroundings and relationship dynamics is the next step. You need to pay attention. Become an observer within your family. Watch how they relate to one another and to you, without getting too involved in the outcome. You are simply there to be a witness, not to participate. Think of it as gathering research or an investigation. You are collecting data that will help you to analyze upcoming interactions you may be involved in. You need to begin to recognize when drama addiction is happening. The addiction to drama is not much different than an addiction to gambling. When drama is happening in a relationship dynamic, excitement happens, your body produces adrenaline and there is a rush of energy. People addicted to drama are seeking that rush of adrenaline, or the thrill that the rush of energy brings them. For people that lead a very uninteresting or monotonous life, that rush of adrenaline helps them feel alive. Its like a mother living her life through her children because her life has become mundane and flooded with boredom. Creating drama means stirring up the energy. Think of it as a thrill seeker trapped in a mundane life. Stirring up drama by creating family conflicts and blowing things out of proportion may be the only expression the thrill seeker has left. Even if this is the case, it is still up to you to choose whether to play the game and buy in or choose to see it for what it is and subsequently moving by. It is a choice. When you are looking to create peace and calm within your life, drama begins to take a back seat. The adrenaline is no longer as important. Meditation and the energy high that comes from knowing you are connected and one with the flow of the universe is more than enough to know that you are alive. What path do you choose- buying in or moving by? 2005 Jaelin K. Reece Jaelin K. Reece, is a whole life coach, intuitive and guide. Jaelin uses her complementary skills as a gifted intuitive to facilitate people in realizing their true potential in their personal lives, relationships, career, and prosperity. She assists people in transforming their lives and creating the life they love to live. Jaelin serves as a mentor, consultant and success partner for her clients. She is also the featured columnist Ask a Life Coach for About.com Holistic Healing. If you are interested in partnering with Jaelin as your mentor and life coach you may arrange a session with her through her website: Jaelin K. Reece, Life Coach or by visiting her blog Intuitive Innovations Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jaelin_K._Reece http://EzineArticles.com/?Are-your-Relationships-filled-with-Drama?&id=84689 get a prescription for phentermine phentermine no prescription needed cheap phentermine overnight delivery buy phentermine 37.5

By Matt Norman Choosing an online education program should be exciting and fun. While there a many good, recognized diploma or degree programs available through online education, choosing the one which is right for you can seem like a daunting task. There are many factors which you should take into consideration, when choosing your online college. For example, you’ll need to consider which technologies are used in the program. Does the institution use print, audio, or video delivery media? How will you interact between the instructor and the rest of the class? Will it be via asynchronous means, such as email, listservs, or newsgroups, via synchronous delivery methods, like streaming online audio and video, or shared whiteboards? The technological delivery of the course content will be key to your decision, as it will determine the amount and frequency of your interaction with the instructor and other students. You should also be diligent about researching the college’s accreditation and its reputation. In order to be certain that you are getting the best education possible, you must be certain that the institution has some sort of official recognition. Accreditation is the process through which a college’s educational programs are evaluated to ensure that certain standards are upheld. This process is usually done by a form of peer review, and the standards tend to vary from awarding body to awarding body. Being aware of the university’s accreditation is usually a good indicator of what sort of value that you are getting for your tuition. Likewise, it is very important to check out your instructor’s credentials and experience in the field, as well. Your experience of the course will depend upon his or her knowledge and delivery style, so make sure that you know with whom you will be working. Finally, you may want to consider speaking with one of the college’s former students, as this will give you an insider’s look into the program and the university. Alumnae are often honest about their experiences- whether good or bad- and they can give you a better idea of what to expect from the course. Pursuing a degree online can be a rewarding and memorable experience, especially if you do your homework before logging-in to the course. Matt Norman is the founder of Easy Distance Learning a website providing information on learning online Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Norman http://EzineArticles.com/?What-to-Look-for-When-Choosing-an-Online-Degree-Program&id=54188 buy phentermine with no prescription direct pharmacy phentermine buy phentermine cash on delivery ordering phentermine online

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adam_Jaylin]Adam Jaylin Sony Ericsson K750i is making waves in the UK mobile market and needless to add, it is minting money and gaining popularity in the high end mobile phone segment. The K750i looks like a good package, a standard looking phone with all the high end features including 2 Mega Pixels camera, high quality multimedia player, great connectivity features plus a dozen of other innovative applications. Let us try to unravel its features in detail. Sony Ericsson K750i works on tri-band GSM network with high speed data transfer features as GPRS and Bluetooth for local file movements. You can surf the web easily through its WAP browser on the go and the e-mail client allows you to send or receive e-mails in a hassle free manner. K750i is powered with 2 Mega Pixels camera that delivers great picture quality and you can click great pictures without any problems thanks to its auto focus feature. In fact, its high quality camera is the most talked about feature of this phone. As far as memory is concerned, Sony Ericsson K750i has internal memory worth 38MB plus bundled memory stick worth 64 MB, so you don’t need to worry about the memory space. And still if you do, then you can further expand it with the help of external memory stick. This handset has a brilliant multimedia player in terms of the audio quality and versatility. So, you enjoy the best music with a great music quality. [http://www.ukonlinemarket.co.uk/mobile/Phone_Deal.asp?Ph=sony--ericsson--K750i]Sony Ericsson K750i is catching up like a wild fire around UK with its simple looks and impressive technology. Adam Jaylin is an [http://www.ukonlinemarket.co.uk/mobile/]mobile phones expert, providing here the best and latest info on [http://www.ukonlinemarket.co.uk/mobile/Phone_Deal.asp?Ph=Sony--Ericsson--W880i--Black]Sony Ericsson W880i Black. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Jaylin http://EzineArticles.com/?Sony-Ericsson-K750i—Impressive-Indeed&id=476941 cheap phentermine without a perscription buy phentermine without rx no prescription needed for phentermine phentermine canada pharmacy

By Lawrence Cole In the age of information, many of the principles ofhealth and fitness have become all but common knowledge. Nevertheless, there still is a very clear divide betweenthose people who become successful and losing weight and/orstaying fit and those who do not. Why is that? And what can you do to improve your chancesof being in the successful minority as opposed to theunsuccessful majority? When it comes to the world of weight loss and being fit,there are generally two areas that help to determinewhat you can expect for your efforts. Genetic FactorsPsychological Factors Most of the information out there is geared aroundthe Genetic factors and how to compensate forany natural shortcomings with a certain amount ofphysical activity and dieting. One of the most popular topics along the lines ofgenetics is that of Body Type. Anatomical body type is generally broken down into 3 basicgroups: Ectomorphic, Mesomorphic, and Endomorphic. Ectomorphic types are characterized as people withthin, up and down body frames who have the easiesttime keeping their weight under control. Basketballplayers and runway models will often fit into thiscategory. Mesomorphic body types are characterized as peoplewith athletic frames and generally muscular,well-proportioned bodies. Bodybuilders and dancerswill often fit in here. Endomorphic body types tend to be generally roundfigures and will often have the most troublein keeping unwanted weight off of their bodies. Most of us are combinations of two or more of thesetypes with one being more dominant than the others. One important note about these anatomical typesis that while they may give some insight to howyou look on the outside, they can deceive us asto how healthy you are internally. Many peoplewho may be “thin” are literally decaying insidedue to bad habits (poor diet, smoking, lack ofexercise). By contrast, there are many peoplewho are not stereotypically thin, but are picturesof healthy due to healthy lifestyles (propernutrition, physical activity). The general role of knowing your body typeis to get an explanation of how your body willtend to respond to your diet and lifestyle interms of how easy or challenging it may be foryou to “hold it together” in certain areas.Another way of classifying your body is by whichof your hormone-producing glands dominatesthe way you process nutrients in the food youeat. These Glandular (”metabolic”) types will fall intoone of 4 categories: Adrenal, Thyroidal, Pituitary,or Gonadal. The explanation of each is very similarto that of the anatomical body types above. Theadrenal type tends to correspond with the mesomorphicanatomical type. The thyroidal is similar to the ectomorphic,and the pituitary to the endomorphic. The gonadal typeis a women-only classification that is a hybrid ofbeing slender on the top but somewhat larger below thewaist with a greater amount of body fat. The gonadalbody type among women is more commonly referred toas being “pear shaped”. There is a third type of body classification thatyou may come across that originated in Ancient India.It has to do with “Doshas” - how the energy fieldsof the earth and your physical mass interact toinfluence how you feel. This is not directly related to the physical aspectof weight loss but tends to give you an idea on howwhat psychological advantages or challenges youmay have when it comes to getting and staying fit. This brings me to a major point of clarity in thisarticle: As valuable as all of the body type information maybe to learning your body, it is not the “end all”that it is often marketed to be. You are neither “guaranteed” to look and feel greatnor “doomed” to be overweight and unhealthy simplybased on your genetics and body classification.Body types should only be used to give you insighton what advantages or challenges that you may havein your quest for life-long fitness—not a lifeor death sentence that limits what you can achieve. In reality, the Psychological factors related to how youlook and feel are really where the rubber meets theroad in weight loss and staying healthy and fit. It is here that you will find the tools to overcomewhatever physical challenges that you are faced with.Therefore, it is here where you absolutely focusthe MAJORITY of your energy if you are become andstay successful with your health and fitness goals. One thing that many people do not consider is howthe knowledge of their “body type” and what that meansaffects their psychological outlook in the first place. Many “fit” people who look great because they eatright and exercise do so because they already believethat they’ve “got something” that is valuable andmaintained. Therefore, their healthy lifestyle is justa matter of course. The importance of the effect that your outlook onyour results cannot be ignored. To put it plainly, youroutLOOK directly affects your outPUT. If you don’t happen to be one of those people who seemto “naturally” have it together when it comes to yourbody (or you have been before but have since lost the “magic”),then what you will need to do is simply tap into thestrength of your own psyche to push you toward success. There are 5 Key Steps that you need to follow in orderto take advantage of your own reservoirs of power, drive,and confidence. Self Acceptance In order for ANY of this to work, you will want to eitherhave or develop of certain level of self acceptance for yourbody and all of its great points as well as its weaknesses. This doesn’t mean that you have to be satisfied with yourselfwhen you may be out of shape. What is DOES mean, however, isthat you have to be “ok” with having YOUR “best body”—notsomeone else’s. Find the Keys to Your Own Motivation Different things work for different people. While there maybe 4 or 5 body types, there are even more different personalitytypes. You may want to try several different types of motivationaltools to see which one you respond to best for the resultsyou want. Here are a few ideas of things to try: Having a workout/diet buddy (or buddies)Motivational books and tapesImagining how you will look and feel when you reach YOUR personal bestThinking of the quality of life benefits of being healthy and fit And there are tons more. Setting Attainable Goals after You’ve Gotten #1 and #2Firmly Under Your Belt Most people try to simply pull random goals out of the sky.This can often lead to first failure then disappointment whenissues with self acceptance are combined with a lack ofunderstanding what motivates you. Drown Yourself in Those Things that Motivate You Once you’ve figured out what works for you, DROWN yourself in it!If it works, then work IT. Take full advantage of the#1 factor in successfully achieving weight loss and maintainingphysical fitness. Maintain Your Progress by Making Fitness a Lifestyle As many of you know by now, I am NOT a fan of traditional diets.They simply do not work. More than anything else, it is yourday-to-day lifestyle that will determine what results you get,and your psychological outlook is what either drives you toor pulls you away from the activities that form that lifestyle. There is simply no reason on earth that you cannot be one ofthe “Successful” people when it comes to weight loss andfitness. Educate yourself on your body’s strengths and weaknesses, thendevelop a winning attitude by provided your psyche with effectivemotivation that it will respond to. That’s the hardest part. Andits very doable with the right information and coaching, whichis why I came up with the YourBestBodyNOW web site and weight lossprogram for people just like you. The rest, as they say, iswill be a cinch. To YourBestBody, Lawrence ColeYour Lifestyle and Fitness Coach YourBestBodyNOW.com See this Weight Loss article on YourBestBodyNOW.com Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning. 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By Lance Winslow Many say the economy has never done better. Well that is true we have a strong economy and one of the best ever in fact. We have ultra-low unemployment; under 5% by quite a bit. The economy is quite robust considering the housing market dip and the auto-industry, high fuel prices, trade deficits and rising interest rates. In fact the economy is so strong no one can understand why it just keeps moving like it is. Good for us all in the here and now; that is to say in the present period, but for how long will it all last? And what about future periods? Well, if and when the Democrats get into office they will raise your taxes and increase social spending making people weak and thus further destroying work ethic. The Democrats will further increase regulation on top of the current over regulation driving businesses off shore and preventing foreign investment. All this will further widen the trade deficit and the economy will resemble nothing you see today under the leadership of our current team. In fact as great as the economy is today imagine how bad it will be when the Democrats take office. The economy, which is not even an issue now, because it is so good, will be the only issue after the Democrats get into office. The best thing the citizens can do is to vote all Democrats out of office and boot their asses off the podium come election time. Who need them? Consider this in 2006. “Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; www.WorldThinkTank.net/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow http://EzineArticles.com/?Economic-Future-of-the-United-States&id=163315 buying phentermine without a prescription phentermine without doctors prescription phentermine for cheap cheap phentermine diet pills

By Joey Bilotta Most parents believe that self-esteem is directly related to success in life. Yet, it is one advantage they cant directly give their children. Self-esteem is gained through personal accomplishment and the expanding confidence of children as they take on more responsibility. However, parents can give their children experiences and education that encourage achievement and independence. A combination of activities that challenge a childs mind and body are a perfect way to help children grow into confident, well rounded adults. The benefits of participating in youth sports Research indicates that participation in sports often promotes healthy development in kids and teens. According to a study done by the American Sport Education Program, athletic training builds an appreciation of personal health and fitness in young people. They also found that it improved self image, social skills and taught children how to cope with disappointment. The advantages of athletic training at professional and international levels Kids that show an affinity for a particular sport, such as soccer, can really benefit from professional training at an international level. The world of international soccer is highly competitive and offers new opportunities for achievement to youngsters who love the sport. Look for camps, schools and training programs that are lead by coaches with experience playing soccer professionally in the international arena. Full-immersion international programs are especially desirable since they give children an opportunity to strengthen athletic skills and expose them to another language and culture The benefits of learning foreign languages Students who learn foreign languages tend to score higher on the standardized tests in English. Thus, learning a new language actually improves a students grasp of English. Evidence also suggests that children who study a second language are more creative and better at complex problem solving. Americans fluent in other languages have a deeper understanding of our culturally diverse world and more career opportunities. In addition to sharpening a childs mind, learning a second language can directly impact their chance of future success. The advantages of full-immersion language learningFull-immersion language programs are a fast growing, wildly successful way for kids become bi-lingual. In these programs, students travel abroad and spend a great deal of time speaking and listening to a second language. Immersion programs are possibly the most effective type of foreign language instruction available. Students involved in such programs can be expected to achieve more fluency than those studying in traditional settings. These advanced skills foster pride and pave the way for adult accomplishments Full-immersion sports and language training uniquely encourages kids potential Traveling abroad is an experience that gives a sense of independence in children, a key aspect to creating self-esteem. When this is combined with the advantages of professional sports training and serious foreign language study kids are destined to win in the game of life. EduKick offers a full-immersion soccer and language experience in several European countries. (http://www.edukick.com) Visit http://www.edukick.com/soccercamps.asp?cat=122 today to register your child for a full-immersion soccer and language experience. You can also sign up for a free newsletter about international youth sports and studying abroad at http://www.edukick.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joey_Bilotta http://EzineArticles.com/?Balanced-Mind-and-Body-Training-Develops-Excellence-in-Todays-Youth&id=427857 phentermine forums where to buy phentermine online overnight phentermine from online pharmacy cheap phentermine

By Jeff Herring What can couples do when they run across an issue where each person feels so strongly that there is no room for compromise? Is this an automatic deal breaker? The good news is that there are times in relationships when both partners feel strongly enough about their beliefs that neither can move nor come to the side of the other person. There are certainly some issues in marriage in which this could signal the end of the relationship. One spouse wanting children and the other spouse not wanting children comes to mind as an example. How to co-exist on an issue In most circumstances, however, couples can simply agree to disagree and move on. They learn to co-exist on the issue in question. I know of many couples who have taken this route on various issues and continue to have a very strong relationship. What can happen over time, after being given the room to each have his or her opinion, is that spouses are able to move into a healthy compromise. But even when couples remain in a co-existing position on an issue they can still have a great relationship. Consider some of these examples: Republican-Democrat, Black-White, Christian-Jew, Vegetarian-Meat Eater, Seminole-Gator, etc. All of these couples have learned how to co-exist on issues that are important to them. Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Herring http://EzineArticles.com/?Relationship-Advice:-The-Power-of-Co-existence&id=100587 cheap phentermine pills get phentermine prescription buy phentermine online with mastercard phentermine waterview pharmacy

By Michael Tummillo Would you agree that the majority of those in America’s pews who call themselves “Christian” don’t REALLY believe in “The Church”? Shocking thought, but I believe it’s true. Very few Christians ever give a second thought to the fact that the word “Church” (coming from the Greek word ekklesia, meaning: “the called out ones”) ever refers to anything other than a building made of brick and mortar, OR that the word refers to their own denomination or their own particular house of worship. So what DOES the majority of American Christendom believe in if they don’t believe in “The Church”? Simply put, the majority merely believe in “Religion.” Ok, so what’s that? Webster’s Dictionary defines it, in part, as “a system of religious beliefs.” System? How can the word “system” have anything at all to do with the beautiful Bride of Christ, a living, breathing entity? She’s not a cyborg, after all. No, it sounds like so much hoop-jumping to me; a list of do’s and don’ts intended to manage this huge “religion” we call “Christianity.” THE ONLY GOOD CHRISTIAN IS A DEAD CHRISTIAN Problem is, Christianity is not a religion; it’s a new lifestyle based upon RELATIONSHIP between the Creator and those He created. Sadly, most who claim to be Christians prefer religion to a new life. Two reasons: we get so comfortable with even the worst of our behaviors, habits and addictions that we cannot fathom life without them ans, secondly, to live a new life, we’ve got to die. Funny, the one thing God and Satan have in common is that they’re BOTH trying to kill us. In other words, the only good Christian is a dead Christian; dead to sin, alive to God through Christ (Rom 6:10-11). Regarding religion, we have to remember that there are three types of doctrine referred to in Scripture: the doctrine of devils, the doctrine of man and the doctrine of Christ and of God. Thinking Christians ought to ask why their group teaches this or that, why this or that tradition gets so much attention and from whence this or that doctrine actually came. There’s only one thing more powerful than the Word of God: that’s the traditions of man. Jesus said our traditions make the Word of God of no effect (Matt 15:6). Some powerful traditions, huh? What else does Webster’s say? It traces the word ‘religion’ back to the Latin word religio meaning to tie, to bind, to restrain. The word is actually a combination of two words, re (to return) and ligare from which we get our word ligature, means to bind. In other words, a return to bondage. Perhaps no word more accurately describes the man-centered, performance-based, reward-punishment systems that men have devised to earn Gods acceptance and favor than this word religion. Hmmm. Jesus said He came to set us free. Interesting. The Scripture also asserts that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” It appears that “religion” cannot co-exist with a relationship with Christ. No wonder Jesus was always butting heads with the most religious people of His day. PASS OUT THE BLUE RIBBONS! As a whole, the religious nature of mankind actually PREFERS a hoop-jumping rating system by which to position ourselves and determine our own progress as part of that system. We judge ouselves with ourselves. We forget that, according to Isaiah, “…we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags,” (Is 64:6). God is not impressed with our “good” deeds. In fact, Scripture declares that “there is no one righteous; not even one,” (Rom 3:10) Doesn’t that run contrary to everything we’re taught throughout our secular lives? Aren’t we, as kids, awarded gold stars and encouraged to win blue ribbons? As adults, we strive for recognition and promotion. We love displaying our trophies and plaques and stuffing our scrapbooks with newspaper clippings. How are we ever to understand that, where God is concerned, our best is never good enough? Face it, if ALL have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, then EVERYONE, including the “holiest” and most piously “nice” person who ever walked planet Earth, needs a Savior. Not a soul has EVER been exempt. Not even one. The Good news? God provided a Savior - Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” (Jn 3:16). Whosoever? YOU-soever! BEING CHRISTIANS 24/7 If we were all being honest with ourselves, most people who are warming pews across the nation would have to admit that “The Church” - the ekklesia - rarely enters their minds. What the masses DO believe in - whether they recognize it or not - is a Body of Christ that is malformed at best. They would most likely agree that gatherings like theirs (especially amidst their OWN denomination) surely must represent the best the Christian world has to offer. What most would NOT acknowledge is that “The Church” is anything more than another of our nation’s many subcultures. Truth is, it’s MUCH more than that; we are supposed to be a COUNTER-culture who merely SETTLES for subculture status. We are the bearers of the Ark of the New Covenant, carrying with us a radically new orientation toward the world. We hold a revolutionary power whose source, Jesus Himself, was a radical revolutionary. Its by His power that WE have been empowered to penetrate the world in order to help it recognize its own reason for existence. Most Christians do not see themselves as the special people of God who have a secular task to perform for the world Jesus came to set free. The mindset of most is that we have a spiritual life on one hand and a secular life on the other. Sadly, we do a good job of keeping them separated. Too good. THE CHURCH IN TIMES OF NEED Did Jonah step up to the plate and warn Ninevah of impending disaster? Yes. Did Paul respond to the Mecedonian call? Sure thing. Why is it that The Church in America isn’t instantly ready to assist during times of tragedy such as, let’s say, hurricane Katrina? We can blame the President, the Governor, the Mayors, the National Guard and FEMA all we want to. But we, The Church, must NOT miss these opportunities to harvest souls, not merely making converts but DISCIPLES as Jesus commanded. We must peel back the onion skins and get to the heart of these matters. If we, The Church, don’t learn from history, we’re doomed to repeat it, yes? Our nation is only as strong as The Church, after all. As a whole, The Church is not very strong. Let’s face it, too often we project “…a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof …,” (1 Timothy 3:5). We are SUPPOSED to be the world’s change agent but we’re content to play Church rather than BE the Church because we don’t understand the PURPOSE of the Church. Hint: it’s MUCH more than merely “being nice” or, too often, getting downright “professional” at being spiritual. Knowing when to say “Amen!” or sit, stand, kneel and recite memorized invocations is more CHURCHIANITY than Christianity and has very little impact on anyone but the Christian religious adherent. Statistics reveal how few Christians believe in the teachings of Scripture, even among the clergy. We really cannot expect any more of “Churchianity” than we are currently observing. Don’t get me wrong, where Katrina is concerned, I’m proud of the disaster relief effort going forth here in the USA. My wife and I have pitched in ourselves. But it’s not only Christians who are lending a hand in the relief effort. I heard that even Fidel Castro has even offered to help. This recent disaster CAN be the impetus for a great revival IF The Church will take people in and disciple them according to Scripture rather than stepping aside and allowing the government to deal with them; rather than merely housing them and being kind to them. Fidel has offered to do that much. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pastor Michael is founder of t.e.a.m. ministries (team1min@aol.com). His eMail broadcasts, known as “Your Town for Jesus” (SEARCH it!) are reaching tens of thousands WEEKLY. Log on at http://www.PlanetaryMinistry.orgMichael’s mission is to bring Discipleship and Encouragement to the Body of Christ. Michael is the author of numerous booklets on a subjects that will interest the thinking Christian. Since 1999, he has written and broadcast hundreds of inspirational articles and a dozen booklets, all designed to accelerate the process of spiritual development in God’s people. 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