Girls, God and the Good Life

God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform!! I found Girls, God and the Good Life quite by accident-- "no" quite by His design!! I had a beautiful butterfly sit on the back of my hand several years ago. It was awe-some!! I knew I had been touched by God!!!!!! Today I needed that reminder because I've experienced a very difficult year. I was dismissed from a job I loved; a very, very dear friend rejected me; I experienced depression, followed by acute ozone poisoning; I attempted to build my nutritional supplements business on the Internet (and was scammed by Dotless Domain, and others). Just looking at that butterfly photo, the miracle of those precious moments flooded my body with renewed life, and love. Praise God, praise God, praise God!!!

Great Taste with Amazing Nutrition

Green smoothies are not only a unique color but they also offer unique health benefits. Made with leafy greens that are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, green smoothies are an excellent way to enjoy a delicious drink that satisfies hunger and offers maximum nutrition. You may think that turning leafy greens into a smooth, sweet delicious drink can be a bit of a challenge—and it is—for any kitchen appliance other than the Vita-Mix 5200.

The Vita-Mix 5200 has the unique ability to break right through the cell walls of green smoothie ingredients and turn those greens into a smoothie that is, well, “smooth!” Vita-Mix processing releases fabulous flavor, delivers a drink that is amazingly smooth and creamy, and makes the valuable nutrients more bioavailable.

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits of leafy greens: Leafy greens are packed with nutrition. They are a great source of non-dairy calcium, magnesium and Vitamin C. And they contain carotenoids that may help protect against macular degeneration and folate to guard against heart disease and cancer. See more about health benefits below.

As good as greens are, simply chewing them cannot release all that amazing nutrition. When fresh, whole foods are taken down to the cellular level by the Vita-Mix, the nutrients become readily available to nourish your body. Working at a high speed, the Vita-Mix stainless-steel blades and precision-designed container creates green smoothies quickly, keeping oxidation to a minimum. There’s nothing quite like green smoothies made in the Vita-Mix 5200!

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Green smoothies are a part of my diet!!

Share the Cause

The TV news is preoccupied with the Swine Flu. In my humble opinion, we would not suffer the numerous health problems if we listened to Mike Adams, Dr. Robert Young, Kevin Trudeau * and others. Listen to another voice, visit Share the Cause.

*Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About; More Natural "Cures" Revealed; The Weight Loss Cure

Personally, I found products--and a company--that support my health. Listen to DiscoverMax.net and then visit my web site for additional information. Wishing you MAXimum health!!

Swine Flu Update from Natural News

Mike Adams, the Health Ranger says: The swine flu looks to be heading for pandemic status, now infecting victims in New York City, Ohio, Kansas, Canada and even (suspected) Israel and Spain. There is already evidence emerging that health authorities are lying about the true numbers of people being infected and killed by H1N1 swine flu.

I've posted three announcements on this breaking story today:

First, here's the update on the spread of the swine flu and why the U.S. isn't doing anything to halt it: http://www.naturalnews.com/026140.html

Secondly, I've posted an article exploring the possibility of laboratory origins for this swine flu: http://www.naturalnews.com/026141.html

And finally, I'm announcing a Swine Flue Advanced Preparedness LIVE Teleconference for this Thursday evening: http://www.naturalnews.com/026139.html

This teleconference offers urgent, practical guidance on preparedness and family safety for pandemic outbreaks of infectious disease. It's a live call-in conference where we take live questions from listeners. The event is limited to 1,000 participants due to the teleconference system limitation. Read more about this event here: http://www.truthpublishing.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=LIVE-CAT2547

More (4/29/09) http://www.naturalnews.com/026160.html and http://www.naturalnews.com/026156.html
More (4/30/09) 36,000 People Do Not Die Each Year from "Regular Flu"

~~~~~~
From another perspective, Consumer Affairs writes: HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for Swine Flu. Also, Swine Flu: What You Need to Know, Don't believe rumors; listen to the experts and No Reason To Panic Over Swine Flu. Furthermore, Don't Panic — It's Just Allergy Season
What appears to be swine flu is probably just hay fever.
~~~~~~
More... from Wellness Resources.
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From Natural Solutions Foundation, Weaponized Vaccines and Pandemic Protection.
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From Dr. Mercola, Critical Alert: The Swine Flu Pandemic--Fact or Fiction .

Understand the power of healthy chocolate!

I received this with an e-mail. Check for yourself?!?! Quite honestly, I don't eat chocolate but I am the exception.

How would you like to change your life and circumstances? You can achieve more freedom, more time with the people you love, and more peace of mind simply by helping people to understand the power of healthy chocolate! Please take your time exploring the information available on this site ....

Again I say "I am the exception." Saturday, a friend offered me an awesome-looking chocolate chip cookie. I could just as easily eaten... and it probably would not have damaged my health in any way!! However, I've felt led--of the Lord--to follow a "vegan" diet based on Genesis 1:29. Most people would say that my diet of large green salads, and other veggies, and fruit, is boring. In fact, at Church yesterday, a friend said "You've lived this long, a little meat isn't going to hurt you." (Just like "a little bit of sin won't hurt you"????) I eat a healthy diet (as I understand it) so that I may better serve my Lord. I also take nutritional supplements to meet any possible deficiency in my diet. Read about MaxGXL, Max N-Fuze, and MaxWLX (weight loss accelerator). Learn about Max International.

Teardrop Trailers Hall of Fame

Just for the fun of it, browse through the pictures of unique tiny travel trailers. ~~~ Here's my 2008 Little Guy Silver Shadow after a 2009 snow storm.

Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing

OK, I'm convinced!! (Big smile.) Despite the number of comments / complaints on the web I've been assured that this is not a SCAM. So, if you are interested, check Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. Let me know what you think?!?! (God forgive me if I have to confess on this blog, at a later date, that I made another costly mistake.)

Postscript: Check my GDI website.

This "old dog" learned a "new trick" !!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I learned to upload pictures to the computer from a digital camera. It was really quite simple. My challenge was attempting to send the images from my Juno e-mail account. An old saying "If at first you don't succeed, try try again." I did continue to try and (as far as I know) the pictures reached their destination. ~~~ FYI: My own bed, sheets, and blanket!! (Actually, a sleeping bag inside a sleeping bag.) Sure beats paying for a motel (and maybe encounter a bedbug or two)!!!! (Have you seen the horror stories [expose'] on 20/20, and Dateline, regarding unsanitary conditions in motel / hotel rooms??)

Dotless Domain - SCAM !! SCAM !! SCAM !!

Perhaps--if I had not been SCAMMED by Dotless Domain--I could have taken a vacation in this exotic location. One can dream, can't one?? Aren't these images absolutely gorgeous?? So take a three minute vacation and enjoy the scenery.

Beautiful North Carolina !!

Arrived home in the late afternoon; total of 243 miles. Even with an occasional light rain, the weather was delightful!! The scenery was easy-on-the-eyes. Very blue skies, fluffy white clouds, beautiful Spring-green trees, Dogwoods in bloom.... I saw a smorgasbord of colors!! Even "California" Poppies along Interstate 77. ~~ The meeting was informative. ~~ I spent the night in my little Teardrop trailer, in a Wal-Mart parking lot.

Observation is like a muscle....

"Observation is like a muscle. It grows stronger with use and
atrophies without use. Exercise your observation muscle and you
will become a more powerful decoder of the world around you."
— Joe Navarro: Former FBI agent and expert on nonverbal language

Never end a day without first learning something new, experiencing something new, or meeting someone new. That's one of the secrets to a fulfilling life. But that can be accomplished only when you make a point to watch, listen, and experience more of the world around you. Believe me, your life right now would be in some way different and better if you were always 100% in tune with your surroundings. Former FBI special agent Joe Navarro strengthens your observation skills.

The Power of Body Language
by Joe Navarro

Last night I observed the FHTM meeting. Today I throw a few things into the trailer, hitch it to the KIA, and drive across the state to a meeting tonight. I'm always eager to learn something new.

Too good to be true?? FHTM SCAM ??

This time I'm doing my homework before attending a meeting!! As I said in an earlier blog, I must have "gullible" written in bold across my forehead for everyone to read. People see... and believe they have a new recruit for their MLM business. A friend approached me last week and invited me to an "opportunity meeting" tonight. ~~ I've spent hours doing Google searches and find many complaints about Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing. Likewise many positive comments from distributors who advocate the merits of the business and report they are making money. What's a gal to believe?? So, I will attend and hopefully have a "gut feeling" about the business. ~~ For the record: 726 comments / complaints on topix.com; 449 on Scam.com. Numerous other sites with fewer posted complaints / comments. Don't take my word, check them out, incuding Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing--Is FHTM a scam?.
~~~~~
From a recently viewed website: “The first step to believing something is true is wanting to believe it is true....or being afraid it is.”
“The era we are living in today is a dream of coming true.” Walt Disney
“All our dreams can come true...if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney
“Voyage upon life's sea, To yourself be true, And, whatever your lot may be, Paddle your own canoe.” Sarah Bolton
~~~~~
Lorraine here to say "My arms are very tired!! I've been 'paddling my own canoe' for over fifty years!! I want a team!!"
~~~~~


God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Christians ~~ by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin'.'
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain....
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say...
'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Pretty is as Pretty does... But beautiful is just plain beautiful!

This arrived as an e-mail message, in attractive calligraphy. The features available to me--when I prepare my blog--do not support calligraphy so you have to enjoy this in a traditional font. ~~~ More....

Prayer for the Brokenhearted

Do you have little desktop daily motivational cards?? I have several. April 18th, from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope by Charles R. Swindoll: The Checked Path to Victory. "It was Theodore Roosevelt who said, 'Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.' Keep on daring mighty things."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
O God,
whose love restores
the brokenhearted
of this world:
pour out your love,
we beseech you,
upon those who feel lonely,
abandoned, or unloved.
Strengthen their hope
to meet the days ahead;
give them the courage to
form life-giving friendships;
and bless them with the joy
of your eternal peace.
Amen.

- Vienna Cobb Anderson

Source: Adapted from "Prayers of Our Hearts" © 1991 Vienna Cobb Anderson. Reprinted with the permission of the author.

And copied from Beliefnet.com.
~~~~~~~
Postscript: Yesterday, after receiving the Income Tax Refund, and applying it to the Dotless Domain debt, I "celebrated" by driving to Big Lots. I purchased a buggy-full of food items to donate to the local Senior Center's food pantry. I understand they (S.C.) have more requests for food than they have items. Why Big Lots? Because I can buy twice as much!! Today I'll shop one of the Dollar stores. Despite the setbacks this last year, I am so blessed!! My cupboards are full of organics; my rent and utilities are paid. I'm gradually recovering from acute ozone poisoning.

Turbo Tax & Dotless Domain

Why have I linked Turbo Tax and Dotless Domain?? I received my Federal Income Tax refund (automatic deposit to my checking account) and immediately applied it to the $2,985. debt incurred when I foolishly purchased the Dotless Domain SCAM. Because of the current tragic National economic situation, North Carolina is running a month (or more) behind on refunds. When received, that too will be applied to the debt. When, or if, we receive the "Stimulus" money, I'll immediately transfer it to the debt. Sorry, President Obama, I won't be spending big money in the community or at my local Mall (where several stores have gone out of business). All over the Nation, people are being ripped off (by StoresOnline and Dotless Domain) and states Attorney General, and Better Business Bureau, don't shut them down. It would have been nice to book a cruise (fares are very reasonable) or ______________ (you fill in the blank).

I've been searching the 'net regarding Grant money to start (or promote) my business, etc. I'm being cautious because undoubtedly that is another fertile area for a scam. With a Google search, I found the Government Grants Report web site, with helpful information. Check it out?!?!

A Tuber That Tames Your Appetite

Want a low-cal, low-fat, and highly nutritious veggie that can also tame your appetite? Try jicama (pronounced HICK-a-ma).

Jicama takes a huge bite out of your appetite because it's crammed full of fiber -- a plant substance that helps you feel full longer. One medium-sized tuber has a whopping 32 grams of the stuff!

Fiber Is Fatal for Appetite
In his book The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, Jonny Bowden, PhD, writes that one medium-sized jicama contains about three times the fiber most Americans consume in one day. And you want that fiber, because it makes you feel fuller by increasing volume in your digestive tract and triggering satiety hormones.

And That's Not All, Folks!
Check out a few of the other vital nutrients found in crisp, juicy jicama: Calcium & magnesium, Potassium, Vitamins A and beta carotene, Vitamin C

I love jicama but I can't recall seeing it in North Carolina. Just reading about jicama (in the e-mail link) elevated my appetite!! Food items, and eating habits, are much different (here) than my former home state of California--where jicama is a staple. With my fetish for raw fresh food, I'm surrounded by people who eat fried food.

Dear God, I pray for the cure of cancer. Amen

All you are asked to do is keep this circulating. Even if it's only to one more person.

In memory of anyone you know who has been struck down by cancer or is still living with it.

A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle...

Received as an e-mail (from my brother, suffering from cancer) and want to share it with you. Actually, there is a "cure" for cancer but if the medical profession, and pharmacy companies, promoted a cure they would go out of business. For more information, read my earlier blogs.

115 and Counting for World’s Oldest Person

By Peter Elliott

Looking at sprouts of gray hair and bemoaning other signs of aging are pretty typical. But none of us have anything on Gertrude Baines.

Baines celebrated her 115th birthday Monday [Apr. 6th] in Los Angeles. She is believed to be the world’s oldest person. She has lived for the past decade at a convalescent home after working for years as a maid in Ohio University dormitories.

An African-American, her family history spans a mind-boggling spectrum. Her father is believed to be a freed slave. In November, local news coverage followed her when she voted for President Barack Obama.

On the USA Today Web site, she is pictured with her pastor Warren Smith; her doctor says that Baines owes “her longevity to the Lord” and her lifestyle. One of the first stories we published at Everyday Christian was about Edna Parker, a southern Indiana woman who died as the world’s oldest woman in November. In honoring her, her pastor spoke at length about her faith.

It strikes me that it would be nearly impossible to live to such an age without a sense of a greater purpose and enduring beliefs.

Some teach that the unnaturally advanced ages of Abraham, Moses and others Old Testament are metaphors that illustrate that a long life in the service of God points towards eternity. Baines and Parker are two modern examples of that connection between faith and a long life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Common Traits of the Long Lived
Byron Richards, CCN, Tuesday, April 07, 2009

The oldest living person, Gertrude Baines, just turned 115. The California resident was born April 6, 1894, in Shellman, Georgia, to parents who were born into slavery. As People.com reports: Baines enjoys life’s simple pleasures, such as extra crispy bacon and sweets, as well as daily viewings of “The Price Is Right” and “Jerry Springer.” Pressed for her secret to longevity, Baines begs off the question. “She prefers not to have the title [of world’s oldest],” says her nurse, Cynthia Thompson, who has looked after her for nine years and quotes Baines as saying, “Of all the people in the world, why do I have to be the one? I didn’t ask for this.”

It appears that the secret to her longevity may not be so mysterious, and may boil down to enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures. A new study would suggest there is more to this behavioral approach than meets the eye. Researchers at the American Geriatrics Society have recently completed a study evaluating the behavioral traits of the children of centenarians.

The researchers found that these individuals had very low scores on neuroticism – meaning they didn’t fret and worry about the little things in life – or even the big things too much. They also had higher scores on extraversion – meaning they had desire and interest in others and in participating in activities. Women, but not men, were also found to be more agreeable with others (meaning less chance for conflict).

While different personality traits obviously have pros and cons depending on the given situation, this is an unmistakable pattern of behavior that is common in the long lived. Sometimes we evaluate the rightness of our behavioral traits based on solving a current situation or problem. But then we must pause and ask, “How right is that strategy if it ends up killing me?”

From a technical point of view it is easy to see that the net result of these behavioral traits is less wear and tear, in other words, less inflammation. The take home message is that no matter how you approach and deal with life, ensure you set aside time to relax and rejuvenate – the length of your life may depend on it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read more information from LA Times.
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Regarding GERD & acidic diet

Dear Reader -- I thought you might enjoy the information presented in the following email letter concerning GERD, or acid reflux, and Tachycardia, or heart disease, or cardiovascular disease. Copied from material presented by Dr. Robert Young.

Hey Bro,

I think I forgot to mention a few things when we started talking about the important stuff like basketball and March Madness.....:-)

Part of the reason you are having "heart pangs" and stress tests is because of your Mammy and Pappy's diet and menu which were served up in lots of home cooking, church dinners, school lunches, holiday feasts, and cottage cook-outs across a number of little towns in Wisconsin.

You see, you and your clueless allopathic doctor (who still believes in the germ theory) did not address the cause of your GERD/acid reflux problem several years back. He/she just helped you mask the symptoms for several years with a "miracle drug" and allowed you to go on with dangerously delicious ball park fare.

But his/her goofy medical school treatment of you..... funded by drug companies.... has caused you to now move on to another level.... thanks to ignoring the first earlier warnings.

The same problem that causes GERD also causes heart problems and every other health illness known to man. (By the way, a car wreck is not an illness....nor is a broken leg.....an earthquake.....or a gunshot wound. Therefore, doctors, in the larger scheme of things, do have a PLACE. Unfortunately, half of them just haven't found it yet....:-) )

So then, in addition to continuing with the SAME diet that caused the GERD, your doctor got you started working on a second problem with the same old crappy diet.

Meanwhile, you began taking a HIGHLY ACIDIC pharmaceutical drug for "GERD" ......a purple pill as I recall......which in large part FURTHER caused the second problem....the flippy floppy heart action.

So now, for your everyday enjoyment.....you have:

a) the same crappy diet.....:-)
b) two different serious problems,
c) two or more acidic poisonous drugs (gut & heart) designed to mask and hide everything from your awareness.....and
d) no awareness or focus on the cause

Truth is, the doc doesn't even want you to think about it any more than they think about it. It's been 20 years for them since medical school, and they just want you to keep coming back for checkups and more prescriptions...and don't ask too many questions.

After all, many docs have one wife, two alimony payment, three mortgages, four kids in private schools, five car payments, six cell phones and seven employees in an eight million dollar practice to help keep everybody focused.

So now, here you are, at age 58, basically dependent on two of the most lucrative professions in the world.....medicine and pharmaceuticals......without ever having to address or discuss the CAUSE.....a crappy acidic diet. (Think Real Chili....:-) ) If you ask your doctor what causes cancer or heart disease....they will usually tell you the truth....they don't know for sure. At least they're honest. Blindfolded, but honest.

There is no disease called GERD, or Acid Reflux, or Tachycardia, or heart disease, or cardiovascular disease.
There is no disease called diabetes, arthritis, stroke, obesity, osteoporosis, Parkinson's....and on and on.
Those are all symptoms.....just a few of thousands in the doctor's diagnostic manual.....to match up with tens of thousands of drugs....:-)

Did you ever wonder who made up the name "restless leg syndrome?" A pharmaceutical company....and now there are four or five drugs for that!!!!!!!!

Hey little Bro, there is only one disease and it is called "acidosis."

There is only one cure....and I'm pretty sure you can read about it in the Bible, the Koran, the Upanishads, the Vedas, the Talmud....and all the other Sacred Scriptures handed down throughout the ages. It's called eating from God's Green earth. VEGETABLES!!!!

YUK.

As sister Judy says......Life's a bitch....and then you die....!

And you're too young, and I wouldn't be the only one who would miss you greatly.

Have a nice day....:-)

Love, Bro

P.S. Here's the way it works. You don't run on calories. You run on electricity. Your energy comes form electron rich food....LIVE food in great part. From the sun's energy comes the cause of photosynthesis in the plant ....which makes chlorophyll...... which turns into food....which turns into healthy RBCs (red blood cells) when eaten.....which makes healthy cells, tissues, muscles, and organs. (Sun, photosynthesis, chlorophyll, nutrition, blood)

Only BLOOD makes cells or healthy bodies. Not food. Not calories. Not protein. Just healthy blood. Many "fit" people are not healthy. You have been known to work out like crazy. For what? Tread mills can't ever keep up with a life of rugged, runaway banquets. For instance, fit guys often collapse or die in the middle of a marathon....and sometimes right after receiving a clean bill of health from the doctor...

Bottom line, you run on electricity from the sun...:-) No wonder we're depressed when we don't see the sun for weeks at a time. And no wonder you, like your long-gone pappy, like to sit in the sun and soak it up!

Anatomically, the hemoglobin (blood) molecule looks like the chlorophyll molecule.

The anatomical makeup of the two are EXACTLY the same except for the center atom.

The center atom of blood is iron. The center atom of chlorophyll is magnesium.

In WWI, when they ran out of blood on the battlefield, they sometimes used chlorophyll for transfusions.

That should give you a pretty good idea of the importance of chlorophyll (blood) in your body.

P.P.S. I think I'll send this to your pretty wife so she can rag on you when I'm not available....:-) And maybe your sisters too. They all eat like crap, don't they? We were all raised in Wisconsin with cheap milk, ice cream, beef, bacon, butter, corn, bratwurst, beer, and cheese. It's amazing anyone is alive in Wisconsin...:-)


~~~~~~~~
Click here to visit the Official Website of Dr. Robert O. Young, Shelley Young, and the pH Miracle Center. Click here to Join the 'pH Miracle Fan Club'.

For another viewpoint, read the article by NBC's Robert Bazell at The costly side effects of Nexium's ad blitz; Heartburn pills may be safe enough, but their marketing is hazardous .

Lost in cyberspace ?

Don't search for me via In My Humble Opinion (IMHO). You'll never find me!! I'm somewhere beyond number 2000 on a Google search. Better to search Lorraine Frantz Edwards because IMHO comes up 8th plus lots of other links to references regarding my earlier devotion to family history. Why am I writing this blog?? Because I hoped, and prayed, that I could establish a health and nutrition business on the web. I'm lost in cyber-space; nobody can find me and my Max supplements. As you may recall (details on earlier blogs) I attempted to "buy" the tools to rocket my "key words" to the top of Google and Yahoo search engines. That was the $2,985. Dotless Domain scam. Then I attended the StoresOnline seminar and (by the grace of God) escaped a $6,000. scam. I've "invested" in several other less expensive marketing tools and they, too, seem to benefit the seller and not the buyer. One in particular, regarding Daegan Smith, is also listed as a "scam." Read the many complaints on Scam.com. I would have to double check my bank statements for the total amount spent; Daegan Smith was debiting my account because I failed to read the fine print!! and failed to scrutinize my statement for two months!!

Are you screaming at me?? Are you wondering why I was so gullible?? By nature, I am very trusting!! I live by "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." I've given the shirt off my back if someone needed it--or someone admired it. (Many years ago I was the victim of a $40,000. loss because a licensed financial advisor manipulated the funds to his advantage!!) I never made any money as an EcoQuest distributor; I have an inventory of air purifiers that may never sell (not even at a yard sale or flea market). Complaints about EcoQuest can be found at Consumer Affairs and Rip Off Reports. Perhaps you've read my article regarding my acute ozone poisoning. While I'm confessing the magnitude of my foolishness: This time last year I was a distributor of Vemma and Verve. Likewise, almost no sales and absolutely no support from my sponsor and upline organization. That, too, is considered a scam if you do a Google search. Read a few of the complaints regarding Vemma.

As evidenced by the major subject material of this blog: I believe in holist medicine and nutritional supplements. I've been involved with sales of health products for over thirty years (everything from Amway to Yurika). But I've never made any money!! What's wrong with me?? What's wrong with my approach to network marketing?? I've devoted long hours to the business; I've invested thousands of dollars--and I was supportive of my downline distributors!! (My distributors quit because they weren't making any money.)

Being even moderately successful... has been important because I am an old lady ("young" old lady, LOL) that would like to live in a residential community where I'd have assistance when (if) I need it. Even with my faith in God, sometimes I'm afraid of being alone. (Especially when I was so very sick with acute ozone poisoning!! And several years ago when I fell the split my skull [reminiscent of recent Natasha Richardson accident]. Or the broken arm and problems that created!!)

Motivational Quotes to Bring You Courage

~~~~~~~~
You will face many defeats in your life, but never let yourself be defeated.
---Maya Angelou
~~~~~~~~
Our society is so caught up in winning, we forget that most of the great men and women in history have, at one time or another, failed at something. Often repeatedly, and discouragingly. But each failure is nothing more than a brick in the wall that forms the foundation of our success. We can't forget that.
---Carlton Young
~~~~~~~~
Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks
for everything that happens to you, knowing that
every step forward is a step toward achieving some-
thing bigger and better than your current situation.
---Brian Tracy
~~~~~~~~
We gain strength, and courage, and
confidence by each experience in
which we really stop to look fear
in the face... we must do that which
we think we cannot.
---Eleanor Roosevelt
~~~~~~~~
You must have long range goals to keep you
from being frustrated by short range failures.
---Charles Noble
~~~~~~~~
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, "Press on," has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
---Calvin Coolidge
~~~~~~~~
Action is the antidote to despair.
---Joan Baez
~~~~~~~~

Tell the Whole Truth About Easter !

To Learn the Whole Truth, Read Josh’s Evidence for the Resurrection

Christ’s resurrection is more than an historically documented event to be shared. It is a transforming reality. When our families and friends know why Jesus rose, they will discover the whole truth. To discover this for yourself or to lead your church group, click here.

Christ's resurrection is as relevant today as it was in the first century--our present and eternal lives depend upon it. Easter happened. The resurrection is an historical and living reality that can empower us to live a life full of meaning and purpose. For six pages of absolute-must-read, click here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Postscript (4:30 PM): Frost all over my KIA at 6:30 AM when leaving for Sunrise Service. The thermometer in front of the bank said 41 degrees. No, I wasn't dressed warm enough!! ~~ After Worship Service (after 12:30) I took a long drive because an incredibly beautiful, warm afternoon. Some trees are so-o-o-o green while others (ornamentals) are magnificent with pink, or white, flowers. I saw purple Iris, yellow Daffodils, various colors Azaleas, Tulips; too many to name. After what seemed an incredibly long Winter, North Carolina is "Springing" to New Life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring is the Birthday of the World

'Tis like the birthday of the world,
When earth was born in bloom;
The light is made of many dyes,
The air is all perfume:
There's crimson buds, and white and blue,
The very rainbow showers
Have turned to blossoms where they fell,
And sown the earth with flowers.

—Thomas Hood
(Poem quote from BeliefNet.com.)

The Passion of the Christ

As I said yesterday, I was reflecting on the price Jesus Christ paid for my salvation. I did a Google search (regarding The Passion of the Christ) and read interesting information. Then I found, and read, an article that shattered my esteem for Mel Gibson, Jim Caviezel, and The Passion of the Christ. I direct you to the website of Moriel Ministries. As the late Paul Harvey would say: "The other half of the story." I'm not endorsing David Lister. However, his articles are very thought provoking.

The Passion of the Christ

This is not a "good" Friday. This is a somber day for Christians. I am planning to watch (on DVD) the Mel Gibson film The Passion of the Christ, staring James Caviezel. I found this very beautiful description of the film at http://www.mylifeafter.com/.

From: Therese Heckenkamp, Female, 22
Location: WI, United States
Date: April 9, 2004 9:14 pm

Take courage, watch The Passion

Mel Gibson's masterful rendering of The Passion of the Christ is not a popcorn movie. Try tossing fluffy kernels into your mouth, and your hand will freeze midway. Your mouth won't close. Your teeth won't chew. Your throat won't swallow. The very light and airy nature of this typical movie-going snack cannot compete with the gritty substance of The Passion.

By no means a "feel good" movie, The Passion nonetheless makes you feel—in a most powerful way which works for good. Troubles in your own life shrink in proportion as you focus on the One who redeemed us, who shed His innocent blood to pay our colossal debt—a debt which too many of us are ignorant of. Now that Gibson has brought Christ's passion to life so that we may experience the ultimate, sacrificial death (in the convenient space of a mere two hours), those who wish to avoid the film's impact rationalize their stance by saying the film is too graphic. Yet difficult as it is to watch, this is a film to be received with reverence, wonder, and thankfulness. Gibson should be commended for his courage to show it like it was, in all its dark and grisly details. Moreover, his having made such a movie available to the world is a stunning accomplishment in itself. Modern media has been used in ways so horrendously harmful to faith and morals, that it is bittersweet justice to see this movie used as a tool of God.

The Passion is an intense paradox of divine proportions. How can a movie so graphically disturbing be refreshing and encouraging? The fact that it is so disturbing tells us something. In our own thoughts of Christ's life, we all too easily breeze by the painful parts, or else sugar-coat them so that they're palatable. But in doing this, we're in danger of minimizing the greatest act of love. How can we ponder upon the way Christ brings so much goodness out of evil if we refuse to recognize the evil? Christ assures us as He labors under the weight of the cross, "I make all things new." This applies not only to His mutilated body, but to our sin-stained souls.

Only by moving past personal prejudices to realize Gibson doesn't mean this film to be a celebration of gore, but as a means to expose the very vile nature of sin, can the viewer hope to understand why such suffering is essential. During the scourging, the soldiers delight in the spray of blood, the way many of us delight in our sins, failing to see their truly foul nature. Likewise, our moral carelessness is contrasted to Mary's tender, meticulous devotion as she mops up her Son's precious blood. As the movie progresses, every gruesome act is balanced by remarkable moments of mercy and love, such as Christ embracing the cross, Veronica wiping His face, and Mary kissing her Son's bloody feet. We respond not only to the sorrow, but to the goodness, truth, and courage. If Christ can bear all this for us, His love knows no bounds. Faith is bolstered, hope is enkindled, and life takes on new meaning.

As "Catholic" means "universal," so is this film. While working on multiple levels, it speaks to us all, no matter that the language is foreign. The subtitles, far from being distracting, appear naturally, while the use of Aramaic and Latin increase the sense of historical authenticity. What viewer could sit through this heart-wrenching drama unmoved? Voice tone, facial expressions, and actions all speak to the heart with a universal language of love, pain, and forgiveness. Ruthless acts are interspersed with skillful flashback scenes of touching proportions. The relationship of Mary and Jesus brings home to us a very human, personal aspect.

"It's just too disturbing," people still protest as an excuse to avoid the experience that may force them to alter their lives. We're fortunate Christ didn't take such an outlook when it came to saving us, for it's due to this extremely disturbing nature that forgiveness was merited and the gates of heaven were opened to us. At Christ's death, this realization is what makes the devil unleash his hellish shriek. If Christ had the courage to carry the cross and die for us, surely we can find the courage to sit back in cushy seats and behold this courage. Christ suffered excruciatingly; the least we can do is make ourselves aware of it. In this way, perhaps we can begin to appreciate just how much He suffered.

It is an understatement to say that The Passion demands your full attention. Christ endures such severe savagery from the soldiers; indeed, He invites more torture by his unwavering submission to the will of His father. Your eyes remain riveted to the screen, though forced to avert their gaze at particularly excruciating moments. Unlike the devil's unyielding black eyes, we don't delight in these brutal images. The goodness in us flinches at every whiplash. So powerful are the images portrayed—such as the sweating of blood in the garden of Gethsemane, the horrifying scourging, the forcing on of the crown of thorns—that those who have never meditated—indeed, who barely know the meaning of the word—will find themselves doing so; while others who have attempted this contemplative form of prayer will discover just how far short they have fallen from envisioning the real passion.

Conditioned by the world to avoid pain, it is all to easy to flit over Christ's sufferings briefly, even casually, as we minimize them in our imagination. This movie changes that. Faced with the stark, soul-shaking reality, one must embrace it, lest he flee like Judas, driven to despair. Only by embracing the truth can one discover the depths of supernatural beauty and love concealed in Christ's sufferings. You find yourself thinking, Christ did so much, suffered so much for me . . . What can I do for him? In contrast to the worldly attitude of, "What can I get?", the viewer now asks, "What can I give?" Like Simon who was forced to help carry the cross, we may protest at first. But then, having come so close to Christ, a holy allegiance is formed so that we will endure anything for Him—because we are with Him, and He gives us strength. And when the journey is accomplished, we do not want to leave Christ's side.

Yes, The Passion is a disturbing movie, but in a most beneficial way. It rocks mellow Christians out of a comfort zone of passive, sketchy views of the passion. So skip the popcorn, take courage, and watch The Passion. If you can bear it, you will be rewarded with the final triumph—made all the more triumphant because it is not final at all, but a glorious victory for all eternity.

The film ends, but it is not the end. Christ offers this triumph of salvation to us all—if we'll only pick up our cross and follow Him.
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Therese Heckenkamp, a traditional Catholic, is the 22-year-old author of Past Suspicion, a suspense novel with a Christian slant. Her other writing credits can be found on http://www.pastsuspicion.com/.
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After those inspiring written words, I invite you to watch Martha Williamson and her inspiring video Easter in Black and White.
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Incidentally, a gloomy, rainy day in North Carolina. It's like God is weeping over the Crucifixion of His Son, Jesus Christ, and weeping at the indifference of most of the population.
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The "third hour" (3:30 PM to be precise) and we've had rain all day. However we now have a thunderstorm, and torrential rain (God's tears). (5:30 PM and still raining hard but somewhere in our nearby area "pennysize" hail according to weatherman on the evening news.)
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12 Secret Homemade Uses for Eggs

Why Eggs Aren't Just for Eating

The egg is a symbol of Easter, and of rebirth, as well as one of our most versatile foods. But it is so much more…

The egg is one of the most versatile items used in cooking, but its list of uses does not really end within the borders of a frying pan.

It can be used in many other activities including arts and crafts, skin care, creation of musical instruments and even gardening. If you have plenty of spare eggs at home, you can try out the some of these cool egg-based items.

Make your life “eggciting” by enjoying the many uses of eggs.

Lorraine here with a comment: As a "vegan" I avoided eggs for many years. More recently, however, I started buying Eggland's Best... from vegetarian fed hens... at more than $3.00 a dozen. I boil them to add to my large salads. Sometimes I drop peeled boiled eggs in a glass jar of beet juice with vinegar (attractive in a salad). Once I poached....

Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods money can buy.

This brings a big smile to my face !!

Laugh along with me. This is amazing!! I marvel at the technology of the Internet!! Click this link to see if you get a message with the name Lorraine Edwards. I'm asking a serious question: How did they get my name on all items??
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If you have been following my "blog" you know that I am very serious about health and nutrition. Writing about several "scams" was by necessity, not choice. I wanted to include this blog because I find it so humorous and it brings a big smile to my face!!