generational curse http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for generational curse Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:45:37 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/generational+curse Battle Prayer To Break A Generational Curse Line http://www.artwoo.com/article/battle-prayer-to-break-a-generational-curse-line http://www.artwoo.com/article/battle-prayer-to-break-a-generational-curse-line#comments Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:20:00 +0000 generational cursedemonsbibleparentsspiritual warfaredemonic spiritssins of the father http://www.artwoo.com/article/battle-prayer-to-break-a-generational-curse-line spiritual warfare against - one of the ways that can enter into a person's life is through a line. A curse line can be formed out between a parent and a child if that parent has engaged and crossed over into any type of heavier transgression against the Lord.

The tells us that the can be "visited" down the blood line of 3 or 4 generations of future children. The Bible tells us that the wages of sin will always be death. As a result of a sinning severe transgressions against the Lord - sometimes demons will be allowed to attach to the sinning parent - and then they will attempt to jump and transfer onto some of the children to form out this curse line.

If that curse line gets formed out - then the demons will follow that child into his adult life and try to get him to commit the same type of sins his sinning parent may have been committing. That is why alcoholic fathers sometimes produce children that also end up becoming alcoholics themselves - all as a result of a curse line that had formed out between the sinning parent and the child - with demons feeding and operating on that curse line trying to influence the child to go in the same direction as his father has been going in.

Here are the 6 steps that will need to be taken in order to properly break a curse line:

1. The first thing you will have to do is be willing to make a full surrender of you and your entire life over to the Lord. The Bible tells us that we first have to be fully submitted to the Lord before we can begin to resist the devil to make him flee from us.

2. The second step is to go before the Lord and confess out the sins of the sinning parent or parents.

3. The third step is to then be willing to fully forgive your parents for whatever they have done to you - no matter how bad or how vicious the abuse has been over the years.

4. The next step is to verbally break any unhealthy soul ties that may have developed between the child and the bad parent.

5. The fifth step is to then verbally, out loud, break the curse lines that the demons have been operating and feeding on over all of those years operating under the power, anointing and authority to be able to do this.

6. The last and final step, once the curse line has been fully broken and severed, is to then verbally command the demons to now leave you in the name of Jesus Christ.

Curse lines can be broken. Christians do not have to put up with the torments and attacks from demons who have may have been following them into their adult lives and into their own marriages as a result of the legal rights given to them by the sinning parent.

The Bible tells us that having lack of knowledge can cause us too go into captivity. However, the reverse is also true. Having the right kind of knowledge can help set you free and get you delivered from any kind of captivity you may have fallen into. Article written by Michael Bradley from http://www.bibleknowledgebookstore.com ]]> Saying Goodbye to the Curse of Bambino http://www.artwoo.com/article/saying-goodbye-to-the-curse-of-bambino http://www.artwoo.com/article/saying-goodbye-to-the-curse-of-bambino#comments Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:01:26 +0000 curse of bambinonew york yankeesjoe croninboston red soxroger marisheartbreaking worldpromising star http://www.artwoo.com/article/saying-goodbye-to-the-curse-of-bambino
Some of the best players of all time have played for the team. In fact, some of the most famous hall of famers was once part of the team. Cy Young and Babe Ruth were some of them.

However, the good years for the did not last long. After winning the World Series in 1918, they experienced a very long championship drought. Most blame it to the .

How the curse began

The curse began when the Red Sox financer sold the , Babe Ruth, also called as the Bambino, to the . After the sale, the Bo Sox fans had the most Series experiences in history. On the contrary, Ruth experienced the prime of his career with the Yankees.

The team was hitting rock bottom. Ed Barrow, the team manger, left the team in 1920 and joined the Yankees. Some of the Sox best assets did the same.

Red Sox bounced back with the leadership of Thomas Yawkey. After buying the team, he invested in finding and having talented players. He had veterans and Jimmy Foxx. Over the years, he has come up with one of the strongest teams in baseball.

However, it seemed that no team is strong enough to defeat the curse. They lost most of the World Series in seven games.

Who is Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth was 19 when he first joined the Red Sox. He set a record in 1919 when he hit 29 home runs in a single season. He set many records, which include 60 home runs in a singles season. It stood for 34 years. It was only in 1961 that broke it. He was also the home run king for 39 years. A name he earned after setting making 714 home runs.

Hank Aaron broke it in 1974.

Many named him as the best baseball player ever. This is not just because of the records he set but also because of the contributions, he made for the sport. The popularity of the game skyrocketed because of him.

Batting out the curse

2004 was probably the best year for the Boston Red Sox fans, World Series, at last! Many could not believe it. It was a huge comeback for the team. After being down 0-3, they bounced back winning the remaining 4 games, beating the Yankees.

It took a while before the team finally broke the curse of the Bambino. Whether it was real or not, fans are definitely relieved to cheer for their team for winning the infamous World Series. It seemed that the curse has left for good. The Red Sox is the World Series Champion for 2007. They also hold the championship crown for the American League-Eastern Division, as well as the American League.Rick Grantham is an expert on sports equipment, specially on Red Sox Fan Gear for more information on MLB Discount Stores visit BooYah Village]]> Got Dysfunction? How To Break Your Destructive Family Cycle http://www.artwoo.com/article/got-dysfunction-how-to-break-your-destructive-family-cycle http://www.artwoo.com/article/got-dysfunction-how-to-break-your-destructive-family-cycle#comments Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:24:56 +0000 parentsdestructive habitsforgivenesshealthy habitssounds familiarlearn to forgivedestructive behavior http://www.artwoo.com/article/got-dysfunction-how-to-break-your-destructive-family-cycle parents. You've probably vowed to be different when you had your own children =96 but now that you do, are you noticing little things you say or do make you cringe, when you discover that you're repeating your parents' mistakes? You don't have to keep the cycle going. Believe me... if I can break the parental mold, so can you.

What makes me so sure? I come from a home with nine divorces. My mom struggled with alcoholism, my dad was a bartender, and my stepfather produced pornography for a short time... needless to say, my family was crazy! Today, I am a happily married minister and conference speaker. I speak to well over 100,000 people a year.

Maybe this to you. The statistics speak for themselves. At present, more than 70 percent of the world's families suffer from generational dysfunction and conflict. Often when the dysfunction is handed down to the next generation, the cycle repeats itself with greater severity. Parents struggle to keep their families from eroding as they helplessly watch their children =96 or themselves =96 fall into familiar patterns of self-destruction. Fortunately, there is a way to change your future.

So, how did I get from point A to point B? I had to leave my excess baggage behind. This is the simple five-step process I went through:

1. Learn to see things from a different perspective. I must realize that change is not only possible, it is part of my forecast. It will happen!

2. Learn where my comes from. I must identify my and their origins.

3. Learn to start new and . I must begin to replace those old destructive habits with new and healthy ones.

4. and be forgiven. I must ask of everyone I have offended and extend forgiveness to all who have offended me.

5. Learn to make friends who build me up instead of tear me down. I must form a group of trusted confidants who will push me to be a healthy person instead of pull me down to a lower level.

No matter what type of family you came from, you can overcome generational dysfunction. If you dread looking in the mirror one day, only to see one of your parents staring back at you, you can prevent what seems inevitable. You can become the parent you always wanted to have, instead of the parent you had while you were growing up.

It's never too late. Change is within your power. When you break the cycle, you will enable your children to continue your success, and start a new trend of generational function in your family. Jason Frenn is the author of Power to Change, an inspirational book that lays out his five-step process for personal transformation in greater detail. Visit him online at http://www.frenn.org or http://www.summitbooks.net. ]]> Marketing To My Generation ... And Yours http://www.artwoo.com/article/marketing-to-my-generation-and-yours http://www.artwoo.com/article/marketing-to-my-generation-and-yours#comments Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:19:57 +0000 cohort groupbaby boomersmarin luther king jrgreenpeacegenerational cohortsworld war iiseptember 11 2001 http://www.artwoo.com/article/marketing-to-my-generation-and-yours Baby Boomers are redefining retirement and old age, just as they have previously redefined marriage, parenting, grandparenting and other lifestages. They want to do it "their way." The same goes for Generation X and the emerging Internet Generation. These younger groups are also putting their mark on each new lifestage that they enter, too. How is a savvy marketer to keep up?

Each group, or "generational cohort," has its own mindset, tastes, and array of hot buttons shaped by generational defining moments, such as Pearl Harbor, the Kennedy assassination, and the events of September 11, 2001. How can you ensure that your company's products and brands attract new customers across generations?

The answers lie in learning to use marketing to tap into these defining moments, the shared experiences that bind a together. In our research, we have identified seven distinct :

The Depression Cohort: Aged 86-95 in 2007, this group came of age during the Great Depression. As a result, financial security =96 what they most lacked when coming of age =96 rules their thinking.

The Cohort: Aged 80-85 in 2007, this group came of age during World War II. Sacrifice for the common good is a common value. Overall, this cohort is more team-oriented and patriotic than other cohorts.

The Post-War Cohort: Aged 62-79 in 2007, this group came of age during the prosperous era that followed World War II. They experienced a time of remarkable economic growth and social tranquility. They participated in the rise of the middle class, and have sought a sense of security and stability ever since.

The Leading-Edge Baby Boomer Cohort: Aged 53-61 in 2007, this group remembers the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and Marin Luther King, Jr. It was the loss of JFK that largely shaped this cohort's values. They championed causes, such as , civil rights and women's rights, yet were simultaneously hedonistic and self-indulgent (pot, "free love," and sensuality).

The Trailing-Edge Baby Boomer Cohort: Aged 42-52 in 2007, this group witnessed the fall of Vietnam and Watergate, and Nixon's resignation during their coming of age years. They tend to be less optimistic about their financial future than older cohorts.

The Generation X Cohort: Aged 31-41 in 2007, these are the latchkey children of divorce, and have received the most negative publicity. They have delayed marriage and childrearing, but tend to take these commitments very seriously. They tend to be "free agents," rather than team players.

The Internet Generation, or N-Gen, Cohort: Aged 30 and under in 2007, this group came of age during the "Information Revolution" of the 1990s and beyond. The advent of the Internet is a defining event for them, and because of their size, they are expected to be the engine of growth over the next two decades. They tend to be more idealistic and social-cause oriented, without the cynical mindset of many Xers. Janice Karlovich is the co-author, with Geoff Meredith and Charles Schewe, of "Defining Markets, Defining Moments: America's 7 Generational Cohorts, Their Shared Experiences and Why Businesses Should Care." A free sample chapter is available at http://www.booklocker.com/books/2780.html. ]]> Are You Stepping Out Into Success? http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-stepping-out-into-success http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-stepping-out-into-success#comments Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:15:37 +0000 tommy lasordarush hour trafficcommute timehour and a halfarenashighwaysvocabulary http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-stepping-out-into-success
Pressure is a word that is misused in our . When you start thinking of pressure, it's because you started to think of failure.

When you stop and think about what happens in life, pressure is being applied constantly in many different . An example would be that puts more and more pressure on the . As the population grows more and more pressure is added. What happens? Do we, as a society, give up and say 'oh, well. Too Bad? It's just going to take you that much longer to transit into work'? Your , instead of being an , is going to be 2 hours. And in 3 years from now, it's going to be 4 hours. Or do we take the action, as a society, as a city, as a person and do something to relieve that pressure? Yes we do something that will alleviate the pressure for all of that traffic coming into the downtown core.

We as a society, as a city, step into success. We do something to alleviate that pressure. We can learn to apply that concept in our life. Instead of taking a look at the pressure as a bad thing we can use it to build something new, a bridge to our future. Do we do what Tommy Lasorda said--misuse that word 'pressure' and think of it as 'oh, I'm going to fail, I'm going to fail' and then give up? -- or do we CHOOSE to do something different and step into our own success?

We all have habits. What is your 'it'? What is the 'it' that stops you? When you start to feel that pressure, what do you do? Next time that happens, I want you to stop and think, 'what am I automatically doing here'? Then decide to do something different in order to get a different result.

When I was first introduced to this concept, I did not recognize what habit I fell into until I was all the way in it. Stress eating was one of the things I used to do. As I learn to recognize where that pressure point is, what my habit is, what my 'it' is, I, can learn how to change it, how to react differently.

I just watched the movie 'What the Bleep?! - Down the Rabbit Hole'. One of the concepts in the movie is that we, as human beings, are bombarded every second with 400 billion bits of information. We only process 2000, therefore we need to choose carefully which bits we pay attention too. When we succumb to the pressure and fall into a negative habit, like I used to when I was stress eating, we are selecting only a narrow negative portion of information from the 400 billion bits..

I have decided that I am going to choose a different 2,000 bits of information. It really is just a choice.. We need to recognize what our habits, and that we can change our habits. Millions of people have learned how to stop the stress eating habit. Millions of people have learned how to quit smoking. Millions and millions of people have learned how to make their life better, how to step into success. If they can do it, I can do it. If I can do it, you can do it. It's all just a simple choice, to make a different decision.

If you are a parent ask yourself, if you choose non-success habits, what are the habits and passions that you are creating in your children? Are you creating a generational curse or a generational legacy? Another great quote is "children have never been good at listening to their elders. But they have never failed to imitate them". by James Baldwin. Even if you aren't a parent what about the influence you have on the people around you?

We need to learn to recognize when we are backing off from pressure, when we are moving into the habits that are not success habits (the ones that we need to change). We also need to recognize the habits that we have that are good, that are leading us towards success, leading us to our financial freedom. We need to be aware so that we can make changes in our negative habits and reinforce our positive habits.

We need to learn to recognize that when we wish for something, ask for something, pray for something or when we say affirmations for something, it's not going to just happen. It's not going to be handed to us on a silver platter. One of my affirmations is "I am building a team of dream achievers" Now, I know that that is going to take patience and perseverance and that this whole team of dream achievers are not just going to be dumped in my lap. I have to go looking for them and attract them into my life.

As I go down the personal development journey and build my home-based business I come up against pressure points all the time. When I think back to the pressure points in my life last year at this time versus this year -- whoa! -- last year's ones seem really simple now. What happens? We are not given exactly what we want right off the bat. But we are given the opportunity to develop the skills so that we get better. On my journey, I am becoming a better team leader. I am practicing my patience and my perseverance in my own learning so that I become that better learner that attracts, using the Law of Cause and Effect, that team of dream achievers, the team of business builders.

When that pressure is applied in our lives, patience and perseverance, is what we need in order to grow through that pressure point. Once we do grow and find different habits to allow us to get past that pressure point, to allow us to develop the skills, to learn those new things that we need to learn, we come to a better place and we can handle more pressure. We have new skills. We know something different. We react in a different away. We remain patient. We practice the perseverance and can step into success.

Are you applying enough pressure? Are you stepping out into success? Take a look at your habits. What do you do when the pressure hits? Are you giving yourself the opportunity to develop a new skill, to become even better than you already are? I would love to hear about those experiences.. Send me an email at Carla at retirewithcarla.com or give me a phone call at (778) 835-4032 and let me know, what are the habits that you've come across? What are some of the things that you have done differently?

Join Carla for the Terrific Tuesday Teleclass, the inspiration for these articles.
Be on the call live at 1-218-486-7200 Bridge 549706
Every Tuesday at 5:30 PM PacificCarla McNeil a HR Consultant. She spent 20+ years in the hospitality industry she realized that if she continued doing what she was doing she would retire dead or dead broke just like 97% of the population. Carla has now discovered the beauty of a home based business. http://www.RetireWithCarla.com]]> Everlasting Mortgages http://www.artwoo.com/article/everlasting-mortgages http://www.artwoo.com/article/everlasting-mortgages#comments Mon, 09 Oct 2006 14:27:05 +0000 interest only mortgagemortgage paymentsrepayment mortgagemortgage amountinterest only mortgagesinheritance taxcuckoo clocks http://www.artwoo.com/article/everlasting-mortgages
It seems that there is a distinct possibility that lifetime s, which we could pass on down the family, may be the answer to a lot of home buying problems and worries.

The way the scheme works is the borrower takes out an interest only mortgage. This means that your monthly repayments are for interest only and no part of the original sum borrowed is repaid. Monthly interest payments are appreciably lower than that of a . If you borrow £100,000 the saving on repayments could be around £130 per month.

A major feature of the scheme is that it means that your children will be able to inherit your home and very much reduce the dreaded .

In the event of your death the mortgage could pass on to your children, or other beneficiary.

On your death the mortgage passes on to your children, who have the choice of either continuing the and moving into the house or selling the home and repaying the loan. They could choose to live in the property, treat it as a buy-to-let or maybe a holiday home for family use. The implications of this as regards inheritance tax are interesting as only the value of the house, less the , would be counted as part of your estate.

There is no time limit on the mortgage and your children could continue to enjoy the property for as long as they wished.

Your first reaction to all this may be that you don't want to pass debts to your children but in fact these mortgages are extremely popular in other parts of the world. The careful Swiss have found it works well for them and they're not known for anything but neat, tidy and methodical practices, whether it is for sourcing mortgages or making ! If it helps to you both pass on your home to your dependants and also reduce the amount of your hard earned money paid to the taxman, then it's got to be worth some careful thought.

With more and more estates coming into the inheritance tax bracket (£285,000 in 2006) someone living in a relatively modest house could be affected by this tax. Many older people would be amazed to think that their estate could fall into this category.

It's an increasingly common situation for older people to take out equity release schemes where they raise money against their home's value to enable them to live more comfortably in retirement. These schemes can be really expensive. A mortgage which can be passed on to their children could be a far better bet. The interest rate would be much lower and this in turn would give them money to spend on themselves and they could have the pleasure of helping their children and grandchildren in their lifetime. Assuming that the equity in their home is greater than the mortgage, their children are still inheriting an asset worth more than the debt.

It looks as though we'll be hearing a lot more about inter-generational mortgages. For more information and help on this and other mortgage choices we recommend you get on line and get some independent advice.

You never know, they might eventually come up with a more user-friendly name for it ......maybe the everlasting mortgage will catch on. Get great articles on Mortgages from the Mortgages Manager http://www.mortgages-manager.co.uk ]]> Adult Autism: Growing Old With Autism http://www.artwoo.com/article/adult-autism-growing-old-with-autism http://www.artwoo.com/article/adult-autism-growing-old-with-autism#comments Sat, 29 Dec 2007 07:20:02 +0000 stress and anxietyautistic adultsfive senseseffects of autismdetrimental effectswhat this meanstantrums http://www.artwoo.com/article/adult-autism-growing-old-with-autism
This Disorder is Not a Curse

There many people who do not see adult autism as a curse. In fact, there are many people who actually enjoy being autistic. They considered being autistic a part of who they are and wouldn't have it any other way. They don't want to be cured; they just want to be accepted by everyone. Yes, they too have strengths and weaknesses like everyone else, but most of all, they are people and have every right to enjoy life just like you and me.

Generally speaking, autism starts in infancy. is that this person has been living with this disorder for some time now. see the world differently from others. Their work normally, however their brains just process the information differently. The way information is processed and stored and interpreted are slightly different from that of a normal person. Some experts believe that this may cause some of the more detrimental , such as fits and . Reacting to the world normally would be extremely difficult for someone that already has a lot of .

Heightened Senses

With some individuals, they have heightened senses or uncontrollable senses. What this basically means is that very often they can't decide if they're hungry or stuffed, hot or cold. Some autistics can't stand bad, strong odors or loud noises; and most do not like being touched or any other forms of contact from other people. Often times, they will reject hugs and kisses or any other acts of affection. Some people will see this as weird or unusual.

Trying to socialize with others can be a real challenge for people with adult autism. That is why it is a good idea to get them involved in programs and activities that encourage human contact and teach them how to socialize with others. And just as important, we must educate those around us about this disorder, so that we can assist autistic adults in their struggle to fit in. By teaching others about this disorder, we can hopefully develop into a more understanding and accepting society. Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Autism Info Blog. Click here for more great helpful information about autism: http://www.autisminfoblog.com ]]> College Basketball Analysis http://www.artwoo.com/article/college-basketball-analysis http://www.artwoo.com/article/college-basketball-analysis#comments Wed, 16 Aug 2006 12:27:17 +0000 college basketball gamesports handicapperssports bettorhandicap gamescursencaa tournamentucla http://www.artwoo.com/article/college-basketball-analysis
The Internet has been a blessing and a . It's been a blessing, because we now have access to all sorts of data that helps us better. Anyone remember the old days when your information source was the lousy box score in the local paper? However, it's been a curse, because there is so much information out there that it drowns most .

It's really important to know what stats and other pieces of information matter. Being able to pinpoint information and accurately forecast a consistently is a process that you can fine-tune over time. The number of colleges in the United States is another factor that can hurt a college . Sure, it's great, because of all the opportunity. It's also bad, because you must be very focuses to win consistently.

On the college level, one key element to factor into your decision for making a selection is motivation. Sure, every team is motivated to win. However, some teams have other motivating factors. These players are playing for pride, reputation and perhaps a future paycheck in the NBA. Here's a quick checklist of motivational items to look out for.

I. Does the team have a deep rivalry, not just in basketball, but on campus as well? An example would be USC vs. .

II. Has one of the two teams been dramatically upset or disgraced by the other team recently? If so, are many of the same players still on the teams? An example would be two teams that played last season and one of the teams crushed the other team--especially on the home turf.

III. Is one of the teams fighting for a possible bid?

IV. Has the program/school suffered a recent embarrassment or traumatic event? For example, a player being arrested, killed or a program being suspended by the NCAA can all be negative motivation factors.

There are four motivational items you need to be on the lookout for when selecting a college basketball team. All too often, sports bettors make their wagers based on surface appearance of teams. Motivation--negative or positive--comes and goes. It can drive teams up and down. To use this article, the following links must be included and work when clicked. http://www.advantagesportsbetting.com http://www.sportsgamblingreview.com http://www.sportsbettingfootballonline.com ]]> Home Buyers And Sellers Come From All Different Generations: Agents Need To Master The Art Of Generational Housing http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-buyers-and-sellers-come-from-all-different-generations-agents-need-to-master-the-art-of-generational-housing http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-buyers-and-sellers-come-from-all-different-generations-agents-need-to-master-the-art-of-generational-housing#comments Sun, 27 May 2007 18:14:59 +0000 echo boomersbaby boomersgenerationsreal estatemillenialsexact dateslong term relationship http://www.artwoo.com/article/home-buyers-and-sellers-come-from-all-different-generations-agents-need-to-master-the-art-of-generational-housing exact dates for categorizing each generation are often in debate, Stefan Swanepoel, author of the 2007 Swanepoel Trends Report, says there is no debate about their existence and the fact that each has very different characteristics, resulting from the events that shaped them.

According to Swanepoel as the Boomers make way for X and Y, the world is gradually dealing with the change =96 is no exception. Each new generation reacts and seeks to change what the previous generations have done, leaving their own footprint on society and business. Although there is no agreement on the exact dates, the following is the generally accepted rule of thumb.

G.I. Generation (1901 =96 1924) Silent Generation (1925 =96 1945) (1946 =96 1964) Gen Xor Baby Busters (1965 =96 1976) Gen Y//(1977 =96 1994)

The first Echo Boomers (Generation Y) are turning 30 next year, which puts the majority of them in their twenties today. They are a determined, daring and smart group that grew up in a period in which the Internet already existed. As a result, they are very comfortable with every aspect of the medium. They have surfed, watched, recorded, listened and downloaded just about everything they can and are now beginning to effect significant change in the real estate industry.

Even as homeowners Echo Boomers approach matters very differently. They are more likely to buy a home at a younger age than previous generations. They are also not like their Boomer parents that waited for marriage or even a long-term relationship before becoming homeowners. Their thoughts, desires and perspectives are going to change the way the industry conducts itself =96 like it or not.

The real estate industry is facing a large, escalating change in customer demographics. The Internet is maturing and the door is opening for entry into the industry by newer business models that are heavily focused on fulfilling consumer needs rather than just completing a sales transaction. In 2005, 40% of homebuyers were first time buyers and 50% of them were between the ages of 25 and 34 (Gen X and Echo Boomers). Even more telling =96 38% of all homebuyers in that period were under the age of 35.



According to numerous studies undertaken by NAR and the California Association of Realtors=AE (CAR), approximately 70% of all homebuyers start their search on the Internet. In 2003 the percentage of Internet Buyers and Traditional Buyers was equal.

In 2000 Internet buyers represented only 30%.



These new savvy online consumers are looking to the Internet as a tool to fulfill their home buying experience. What they use the Internet for and the extent and quality of service available are starting to shape the real estate process. "Home buyers and sellers are a generational melting pot and understanding each generation will soon become paramount for all brokers and agents," Swanepoel says. "It is quickly becoming a necessity for agents to become a generational expert in order to effectively serve all their home buying and selling customers."

Learning to work effectively with each different generation is as much about improving one's personal skill set as it is re-engineering the real estate professional. That said, according to Tom Stevens, immediate past president of NAR, the next generation of homeowners is already beginning to exert its influence on the housing market so there is no time to lose.

Between 2001 and 2005, NAR reported that the number of first time homebuyers under the age of 25 increased from 11% to14%. When you increase that age to 35 the percentage jumps to 64%. Add to that the fact that the median age of buyers who used the Internet to search for homes in 2005 was 38 and the picture becomes very clear. In 2005, 40% were Generation X and 39% were Echo Boomers =85 that's 8 out of every 10 new homebuyers.

Gen X and the Echo Boomers represent the push for newer approaches and processes that are integrated into the "technology" platforms they are not only familiar with but the very ones they helped develop. Companies like Edina and others that are re-engineering their businesses to understand, market to and focus on this growing younger market are smart and wise.



For the others, don't wait too long or you may find your business eclipsed as fast as new concepts like MySpace, YouTube and Facebook became mainstream. If you are looking for more information on how to restructure your company, look no further than the 159-page Swanepoel TRENDS Report. Swanepoel Swanepoel (http://www.swanepoel.com)is a sought after public speaker and author of 13 books and reports. He is highly regarded on topics of motivation, management (http://www.realsure.com), change and real estate trends (http://www.retrends.com. ]]> What Are The Underlying Causes Of Depression And Stress To You? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-underlying-causes-of-depression-and-stress-to-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-underlying-causes-of-depression-and-stress-to-you#comments Sun, 15 Oct 2006 02:27:04 +0000 cause of depressioncauses of depressionstress anxietyextreme stresslight and darknessnegative tendenciestype of food http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-the-underlying-causes-of-depression-and-stress-to-you negative tendencies are the cause of unhappiness. Well, , anxiety and frustration pave a clear way towards depression.

It is the same old story through the ages- the eternal conflict between the . These two forces can not exist at the same time at the same place. When the Light arrives, we need not order the darkness to go. It automatically disappears. Rather it has to. Similarly when the Light goes without thinking a wee-bit, Darkness arrives to boss over once again!

It is worthwhile here to contemplate over the common and stress found in most of the people today. Distorted or ill-balanced economic condition is one major reason. Well, to have fallen short of the required funds shall not be the cause of your depression. With the right type of efforts, you can always overcome this trivial problem.

Next, your un-doings and wrong doings are one definite harbinger of depression and stress.

Nobody has ever said or ever proved that bad habits are good! Drinking alcohol, for example! Smoking is the other vice! If you drink and smoke regularly, can you really claim to be happy? You curse the habit always and yet you carry the curse on your head! This state of helplessness is one of the causes of your depression and stress.

An innocent looking habit like eating could also be the major and stress. As the wise saying goes, "You should eat to live, not live to eat." Human body for its proper maintenance requires certain discipline. Whether you are hungry or not, whether the food is wholesome or not you go on eating without worrying for the consequences. The that you eat has a direct bearing on the various organs within the day. They are there to perform a particular type of job in a particular manner. Eating wrong type of food means extending invitation to obesity, heart failure and serious diseases like diabetes. These diseases could then cause serious types of depression and stress.

Coping with the various situations in life could also be the cause of depression and stress. Inability to cope with the circumstances can be due to your own creation or certain birth defects. Each one has limitations of performance. Sometimes the result you get may not be in proportion to the degree of efforts put forth by you. There is no sure or cut-out solution for meeting such situations. One needs to develop the right type of working philosophy in life. This can be achieved only by experience and gradually developing the expertise.

Make a periodical review of your habits, matters related to day-to-day disposition and try to identify the causes of depression and stress. Instead of going all out to reform yourself it is better to try to removes the deficiencies, one by one! http://www.aboutstressmanagement.com/stressrelief/ and Stress Management website provides detailed information on stress management, ways to manage stress, stress management tips and more. ]]> Guitar Lesson: The Power Of Guitar Speed Goals. http://www.artwoo.com/article/guitar-lesson-the-power-of-guitar-speed-goals http://www.artwoo.com/article/guitar-lesson-the-power-of-guitar-speed-goals#comments Wed, 12 Jul 2006 18:27:09 +0000 target speedgoalsdefinitelypicking exercisearsenalgoal settingmetronome http://www.artwoo.com/article/guitar-lesson-the-power-of-guitar-speed-goals definitely not alone!

Learning guitar can be a bit overwhelming at times. There are literally enough things to learn to keep anyone busy for MANY lifetimes. This can be both a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because you'll never run out new and exciting things to learn. It can also seem like a curse because you'll never get to the bottom of your andquot;to doandquot; list! So how do you keep motivated and constantly have the feeling of progress? That's where speed come in...

I've been using speed goals for about the last 15 years. They are one of the most powerful weapons in my guitar practice . Let's take a look now at what they are, and what benefits you'll gain by setting speed goals.

***What Are Speed Goals?****

A speed goal is a goal that you set to reach a particular setting. For example, you might say that your speed goal for a particular sweep is sixteenth notes at 160bpm (beats-per-minute). You would practice that exercise daily until the has been reached.

An effective speed goal has these qualities...

1. No Deadline. Unlike traditional , there are no deadlines with speed goals. This is because you must allow your technique to develop in a relaxed and natural way. If you set a deadline, you may be tempted to increase your metronome speeds at too fast a rate in order to meet the deadline. Result? You'll basically program tension into your muscles and most likely get frustrated.

2. Challenging. Your speed goal must be challenging. It should be fast enough to make you grow as a player. For example, if you can currently play an exercise at 120bpm then something like 144bpm would make a good goal. Once you reach 144bpm, then you might set another speed goal of around 160bpm. See how this works?

3. Realistic. Don't set your speed goal too high. If you can currently only play an exercise at 120bpm, then 240bpm would probably be too high. I generally set speed goals that I think I can achieve within a month or two.

***Benefits of Speed Goals***

A few benefits of setting speed goals include...

1. They give you something to work towards. This helps you to stay motivated and enthusiastic about your guitar practice.

2. They give you a feeling of progress. You'll feel great each time you reach a speed goal. These small wins help you feel like you are progressing steadily towards the larger goals that you have set for your guitar playing.

3. They tell you when you can STOP practicing an exercise. Once you've achieved your goal you can then move onto something else. The speed goal stops you from mindlessly practicing an exercise that you have already mastered.

4. They give you measurable results. If your speeds are increasing then you have quantitative proof that you are improving. You KNOW for sure that you are getting better. This helps you become more confident about your guitar playing.

I encourage you to set a few speed goals now. If you set them consistently, I think you'll be amazed at how fast you'll progress. Craig Bassett is a professional guitarist, author and guitar tutor. To gain TOTAL mastery of the guitar fretboard notes, please go to: www.GuitarNoteMastery.com ]]> Three Keys To Amassing Wealth On An Abrahamic http://www.artwoo.com/article/three-keys-to-amassing-wealth-on-an-abrahamic http://www.artwoo.com/article/three-keys-to-amassing-wealth-on-an-abrahamic#comments Mon, 12 Jun 2006 06:32:10 +0000 god causespromisesscripturesprosperitycursecornpoverty http://www.artwoo.com/article/three-keys-to-amassing-wealth-on-an-abrahamic
Prov 11:24-26 24There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to . 25The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. 26He that withholdeth , the people shall him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. (KJV)

The above show the activities of the man whom God prospers. In other words, there are some things we must do to come into Abrahamic .

First, we must learn to scatter. This means we must give away (to God and to others) a portion of what we possess and earn. This will cause us to increase.

Second, we must not withhold more than we should according to God's laws of increase. This is the opposite of what we have been taught all our life. This is what makes sense to our human mind, i.e., "we must save, save, save" in order to get ahead.

But notice God's way. He said this "tends to poverty!" For these who fail to give as they should, even the people around them curse them.

Third, God two things to the liberal soul who scatters and waters according to His Abrahamic law of Increase. (1) He promises to make him fat. (2) He promises to give him ample water.

These two things mean that God assumes responsibility for the accumulation of wealth for those who follow His simple prescription above. In other words, follow these three rules and you do not have to worry about wealth again. God will see to it. He promised.

There is another thing in the above Scriptures. When we scatter to the needy, blessing to come to those who release the corn they need. Blessing always includes healing, prosperity, family well being as well as salvation for the Abrahamic Seed Group.

Consequently, a saved person that distributes "corn" to the needy, can expect to possess healing, prosperity, and well being for his family in addition to his salvation.

You see, "bless" translates a Hebrew word that means "the beneficial endowment of God's power to produce well-being in every area of a person's life." In the Abrahamic covenant, this word "bless" contains healing, prosperity, family well being in addition to salvation.

Do you need a financial blessing? Do you need healing? Do you need family wellness? Distribute your corn to the poor. This doesn't make sense according to the world's economic system. Nevertheless, it is the miracle working power of God according to heaven's economic system.

Scatter! Be liberal! Distribute the corn! These three things unlock heaven's prosperity laws. They also contain healing, and family well being as well as prosperity. Dr. Jay Snell authored eleven books proving the healing, prosperity, family well being, eternal security, pretribulation rapture and salvation provided for Christians in the Abrahamic covenant. These books presented many times on TBN. http://www.jaysnell.org ]]> The Chicago Cubs' Legend - Ernie Banks http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-chicago-cubs-legend-ernie-banks http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-chicago-cubs-legend-ernie-banks#comments Wed, 02 Aug 2006 22:27:12 +0000 ernie banksbaseball gamechicago cubsmajor league baseballteam sportmlb historylets play http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-chicago-cubs-legend-ernie-banks Major League Baseball in that by making comparisons based on statistics, the focus generally falls on the sheer performance on the field. It also tends to reflect on what effect those numbers have had in the teams' success and how an individual players' success has bolstered a team to championship levels. Other players, no matter how individually successful, are too often viewed in an also-ran status because of the perception that their effort never was enough to allow the team to stand on a championship podium. Baseball is a , yet a team sport loosely based on individual effort. Looking past the numbers to the intangibles of attitude and enthusiasm for the game, the greatness of a player cannot be judged merely on statistics. is one such player in .

Ernie Banks was one of the greatest players, coaches and personalities to ever don a Cubs Uniform. Considered by many to be the most popular player ever, Banks was known to be a likable fellow. He was easy-going and was a friend to everyone he knew. Some sources say that he originated the phrase "I never met a man I didn't like." Banks was quiet and unassuming. He let his bat and his glove do the talking for him. He had an unending enthusiasm for the game of baseball. As the legend goes, after the Cubs finished getting stomped twice in a double-header, Ernie Banks reportedly suggested; "let's play three." On numerous occasions, Banks was quoted as having said; "It's a beautiful day for a . Let's play two!" Any picture of Ernie Banks from his playing days exudes the joy he derived from playing the game of baseball. There are none that don't feature that broad, infectious smile that he has become famous for. He was so popular, in fact, he became known as Mr. Cub. Many sources attribute the never-say-die and "baseball is fun" attitude of the Cubs organization directly to Ernie Banks.

Even though the ' last World Series triumph was in 1908 and their last appearance in the World Series was in 1945 (which they dramatically lost in a seventh game), there still exists no greater hopeful and inspired team in MLB than Chicago's "lovable losers". Hope springs eternal, as they say, and after nearly 100 years, "eternal" is starting to live up to its reputation as being a very, very long time.

The woes of the Cubs have been compounded over the years. They produced a twenty-year stretch (1947-1967) of finishing in the lower half of their division for the regular season, partly during the Ernie Banks era. Yet, every new season brings with it the possibility of getting to the World Series and finally breaking the "billy goat curse", a curse put on Wrigley field and the Cubs during the fifth game of the 1945 World Series. As the story goes, a local Chicago bar owner attended the game and was allowed entrance under somewhat unusual circumstances. When ordered to leave Wrigley field for bringing his goat with him, reportedly a "foul smelling goat", Billy Sianis' curse was issued to the effect that a World Series would never again be played in the confines of Wrigley field.

As the myth surrounding the validity of the curse grows with each passing non-contention season, it has a simple and comfortable existence in baseball, the sport that prefers urban myth, legend and superstition to logic. In 2003, the curse was nearly broken when the Cubs matched up with the Atlanta Braves for the National League Divisional Series. With a 3-game to 2 lead in the series and winning game 6 at 3-0 in the top of the eighth inning against the Florida Marlins, the "billy goat curse" infused itself once again. The Cubs lost game 6 and then eventually lost game 7, which meant no chance for a World Series game to be played at Wrigley Field. The Marlins went on to win the World Series in 2003.

Ernie Banks never had the opportunity to play in the League Championship Series, the World Series, or any post-season game. He did, however, take pride in himself, and his ball-club by consistently leading the league in many areas. Banks was an all-star every season from 1955 to 1962. He also made the all-stars cut in 1965, 1967 and 1969. Setting an early standard for future Iron Men, Banks played in 424 consecutive games from the day he became a Cub, a record at the time. His longest consecutive game streak stands at 717. He hit 40 homeruns in 1955, a record for MLB shortstops, and led the National League in homers in 1958 with 47 over-the-fence blasts. Banks hit 5 grand slams in 1955, and topped 100 RBIs. He was awarded the NL Most Valuable Player in 1958 and again in 1959. A mind-blowing accomplishment if we take into consideration the fact that the Cubs were no where close to being in contention for winning the division pennant. His 1959 MVP season boasted 45 homeruns and led the League with 143 RBIs. Ernie Banks earned the NL Golden Glove award at shortstop in 1960, and had the fewest errors in MLB. He also led the National league in homers and RBIs that year.

Over the course of his career, Ernie Banks became the Cub's all-time leader in:

* Games played (2,528) * At-bats (9,421) * Total bases (4,706) * Home runs (512)

Banks also established many NL records, entered into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1977, and his number 14 was the first to be retired by the Cubs. When finished with playing in 1971, he went on to coaching with the Cubs. In May of 1973, when Cubs manager Whitey Lockman was ejected for arguing a call, Banks managed the rest of the game. He was technically the first African-American to manage in Major League Baseball.

Infused into the heart of every Cub fan (and there are many) is the spirit and exuberance and the love for the game of baseball that was epitomized by Ernie Banks. He brought so much more than just outstanding performances and good statistics to the game. He did so with vigor, zest and a capacity to enjoy the game that has incurably infected Cub fans all over this planet. By FR Penn sponsored by http://www.stubhub.com/ . Stubhub sells baseball tickets: http://www.stubhub.com/ concert tickets, theater tickets and more to just about any event in the world. Please link to this site when using this article. ]]> Facts About Dementia http://www.artwoo.com/article/facts-about-dementia http://www.artwoo.com/article/facts-about-dementia#comments Tue, 22 Aug 2006 04:27:09 +0000 alzheimers dementianerve cellsprogressive diseasehttpfamily membersmemory losspersonality changes http://www.artwoo.com/article/facts-about-dementia progressive disease that over a period of years eventually robs a person of their ability to recognize or take care of themselves and their daily needs. Alzheimers is only one form of dementia and is the best known.

Studies have indicated that 5% of people over the age of 65 and 20% of those people over the age of 80 will suffer from dementia. There doesn't seem to be any scientific evidence that indicates that old-age dementia is suffered on a generational basis by way of genetics. Dementia is brought about by aging through the destruction of in the brain. As each of us ages we all have some naturally occurring loss of nerves cells by when someone suffers from the loss of nerve cells is much more rapid.

Early symptoms of dementia may be a change in a loved ones personality or behavior. Your loved one may have and difficulty performing tasks. Eventually dementia affects language, comprehension, personality traits and daily functioning.

One of the most difficult things for families of those suffering from dementia to deal with may be the . Some people who suffer from dementia can become combative both physically and verbally. As the dementia progresses the person may lose all ability to physically care for himself/herself and need help with the most simple of tasks such as dressing and bathing.

At some point in time it usually becomes impossible for family members to care for those with advanced Alzheimers. At this time they may want to look into a round-the-clock home for their loved one.

There are many organizations dedicated to the fight against Alzheimers who also offer support and guidance for family who are impacted by the disease. To learn more about http://www.all-dementia.info please visit http://www.for-dementia.info ]]> Unravelling The Mystery Of Life http://www.artwoo.com/article/unravelling-the-mystery-of-life http://www.artwoo.com/article/unravelling-the-mystery-of-life#comments Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:25:02 +0000 time warpprofound truthtrust issuesdisillusionnew realityinventorsinsecurity http://www.artwoo.com/article/unravelling-the-mystery-of-life inventors." Mark Twain

I thought I understood. But then the veil of what I thought I understood was lifted and I came to know the . I knew very little about hardly anything.

Shall I explain?

I think I became concussed for a decade, walking around in a fog that began when I fell, headfirst, from fourteen feet.

It's fair to say that on that day, it wasn't just my skull that got smashed. My whole life shattered. It was then that I entered the - a period where I thought I understood things, but clearly didn't.

Following the tragedy I thought I'd been reborn. In a sense I guess I had. The illusions of my life shattered and I realized that: marriage didn't always last forever, accidents do happen, death could arrive at any moment and some people find honesty difficult.

You could say, I woke up. But then I might say, 'Yes, but only to a new sleep'.

The reason I might say this is that my thoughts were building new references to a where I thought I had all the answers. Meantime my nervous system was rewiring and endeavoring to dull down my already hurt feelings.

In my new reality I had doubts. I had fears. I had . I often couldn't be bothered. I listened to music at full volume. I watched too much TV - even programmes that didn't entertain me. Sometimes the stereo and the TV would be on together. I drank too much on occasions and overate.

And for a time, all the noise and stuff in my life took over.

But then this veil - this decade of concussion lifted and I could see the benefits of this whole experience. I could see how I'd been born into an illusion where security and permanence of structure and stability existed.

Beyond that I could then see how of fear and failure and .

Having seen both sides of my opposite I came to the conclusion that all I needed to do now, was decide what I liked best and create a new illusion.

It's hard to see through the noise and stuff and it can be hard to decide what you want your idea of life, your illusion to be about, especially when life turned tough.

When things go wrong, it's hard to not blame, either yourself or others. It's often impossible to see the blessing in times of hardship. We can, and do, beat ourselves up. Make ourselves feel less.

But I, and I hope you, will see when you look back at the time warp of your life, that a very special person passed through the adventure of our life and had some pretty awesome experiences.

When we take the time to identify with that passing person and see them as us and understand what's been happening we can begin to understand what's unfolded in our life. When we know that we will understand how to straighten out any kinks.

Sometimes situations begin, as mine did, with an accident. That accident could be looked at as a curse or a blessing. When you look at it as a curse, the future clouds over. When you look at it as a blessing, the canvas is clean and the future is hopeful.

Recently I was working with someone who told me how his life was a mess. Yet following the events of his life, I could see clearly it wasn't. It was a tapestry of amazing events, all orchestrated to guide him. Yet he'd been missing the guidance and was therefore in pain.

When I unraveled the mystery he'd been living, I saw him relax and put his hand on his chin. He wagged his finger at me, but couldn't find words. And then he smiled and I knew he had, at last seen through his mist.

From that moment on he was enabled to recreate his illusion, to begin to make of life whatever he wanted.

Understanding and hope is what he took away from our session. His life had unfolded. His future begun.

With love and good wishes Neil On the CommunitySoul website you'll find an abundance of resources - including a newsletter where best-selling authors and top life coaches make regular contributions. Take a look now http://www.communitysoul.co.uk ]]> Affordable Designer Fashions and Handbags http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-designer-fashions-handbags http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-designer-fashions-handbags#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2006 00:27:09 +0000 designer handbagseluxurybag borrow or steallew magramhouse of dereonsalvatore ferragamodesigner handbag http://www.artwoo.com/article/affordable-designer-fashions-handbags
If you desire to carry a but can't handle the cost the place for you to visit is Bag, Borrow or Steal. They have wide array of which they rent out monthly, or for however long you want. You can choose handbags from dozens of top designers such as Dooney andamp; Bourke, Perlina, , Louis Vuitton and Chanel. These bags are guaranteed to arrive to you in like new condition, and you decide how long you carry it. Just like Lindsay and Paris and Britney you can carry the designer bag of your dreams. Imagine how envious your friends will be when they see you carrying a Fendi bag one month and a Yves Saint Laurent bag the next.

Another thing to remember is that there are plenty of clothing options out there that are reasonably priced and just as fashionable as their high-priced designer label counterparts. If you have the pocketbook to shop at that's a wonderful thing, but if you don't there are lots of alternatives for you.

Stores such as Carabella, , Avenue and Monterey Bay have wonderful women's fashions for a fraction of the cost of high-end designers. A fairly recent arrival on the fashion scene is the . The fashions from the House of Dereon are classic and multi-generational. Their fashions would look good on any 20-something, 30-something, 40-something and even on a fashionable 50-something. To learn more about Women's Fashions please visit http://www.fashionblast.net ]]> Spirituality Information-A Matter Of Sight And Insight http://www.artwoo.com/article/spirituality-information-a-matter-of-sight-and-insight http://www.artwoo.com/article/spirituality-information-a-matter-of-sight-and-insight#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:55:02 +0000 thomas anthony dooleycafeteria fooddr dooleychemistry bookchemistry testlight one candleprofessors http://www.artwoo.com/article/spirituality-information-a-matter-of-sight-and-insight chemistry test.

Tests seemed to be a major part of my life in those days. I longed for the time when I would never have to take another quiz, study for one more test or await the results of final exams.

I took a break from the to reflect on the injustices of life. The food in the cafeteria seemed designed for nutrition and not enjoyment. The were unfair, so many projects, too much homework, too little time, too much this and too little that.

Shaking my head, I reached for a book a friend had dropped off the day before, leaned back in my chair, and switched my attention away from studying, at least for a short while. I looked at the title of the book. It was "The Night They Burned the Mountain," by Dr. .

I casually flipped it open and thought I'd skim a few pages. My eyes settled on a sentence that was to determine, to a great extent, the path my life would take. The words read, "It's better to than to curse the darkness."

I looked once more at the words. They seemed to burn into my mind. I closed the book, went back to studying for another hour or so and then went to bed.

Before falling asleep, I looked at my professors in a different light. Instead of seeing them as demons intent on making my life miserable, I now saw them as dedicated teachers trying to impart their knowledge and wisdom to me. Perhaps the was not so bad after all. Tests were there so that we could measure ourselves of today against ourselves of yesterday.

What Dr. Dooley said to me on that night long ago was this: Bring light into the situation, don't berate the darkness; be grateful for what you have, don't be angry at what you don't have; change the way you look at events and the events will change the way they appear to you.

I took the test the next day and got an "A". From that day on, I realized that the circumstances and events around us somehow reflected our inner landscape. That perspective is important and by changing the way I look at my world, I could change my very world.

Decades have come and gone since that first year in college. I have acquired various degrees in chemistry, mathematics and business and have worked in the hallowed halls of corporate America. I have written best-selling books and have lectured from Sydney, Australia to San Francisco, California; from Bali, Indonesia to Bombay, India.

There are many things I have done and still many more I have left undone. Yet, wherever I go or whatever I do, I use as one of my guideposts in life, "It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." Those words have stood me in good stead through the darkest nights of my soul. I heard again Dr. Dooley's voice when I stood at the deathbed of my wife. It kept my company through the loss of my business. It was with me when my car was repossessed and when they foreclosed on my house.

Times have changed dramatically since my journeys through the "Valley of the Shadow." But have times really changed or have I changed the way I look at things? Life is a lot more pleasant now or could it be that I have learned how to look at life differently?

Change the way you look at life and life will appear the way you look at it. Look for the good in everything and the good in everything will look right back at you. The way I figure it, you could berate the thorns on the rosebush or tenderly pick a rose and enjoy its beauty.

Perspective, choose it and use it. Use it or lose it. The Universe is biased on your side. Trust the process. Lecturer, entrepreneur and MBA business consultant, John Harricharan is the author of the award-winning book, "When You Can Walk on Water, Take the Boat." For more information, visit: http://www.spiritual-simplicity.com http://www.vish-writer.com ]]> Are You Cursed If You Don't Tithe? http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-cursed-if-you-dont-tithe http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-cursed-if-you-dont-tithe#comments Sat, 05 Jan 2008 21:34:59 +0000 israelite tribesstudy scripturespasture landreligious traditionslevitescubitslevite http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-cursed-if-you-dont-tithe study scriptures on your own, you run into a couple of problems.

#1. Scriptures that may challenge will often get left out of the normal rotation of scriptures that are studied (and everyone who has gone to church for a while knows that there is a specific rotation).

#2. The Second Problem that you run into when you don't study the bible on your own, is that the scriptures that DO get into the normal rotation often get taken out of context.

We've all heard, "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse" Some people hear it every Sunday. But what does this really mean? Let us explore.

What is a tithe?

Believe it or not, most people don't really know what a tithe is! The word Tithe simply means 1/10th. That is all it means. So the word Tithing (or Tenthing) simply means to set aside a tenth. The word Tithe DOES NOT mean to GIVE a tenth of what you have. This may seem irrelevant, but in a minute you will see that it is not.

So how did tithing get started?

You see, in Genesis, God promised Abraham that his seed would inherit the Promised Land (Gen. 15:18). So the , after being freed from Egypt, inherited the land. But not all of the tribes inherited the land. The tribe inherited the tithe, instead of the land. Look at these verses. Deut. 10:8-9 and Num. 18:23-24. You see, the tithe was given to the as a substitute for the inherited land. But this was given on one condition. That condition was that they serve and minister to their brethren. Now, this was not the only thing that the Levites and/or Levite priests inherited. Look at Numbers 35:1-8. You see, the Levites also inherited 2,000 (about 3,000 feet) of and 48 cities! I'm glad that most preachers don't ask for all of that!

So how did the system of tithing work?

There is a good description in Deuteronomy. Look at Deut. 14:22-29. Also, look at Deut. 26:11-13. You see, this is how it worked. The people would tithe from the increase of their seed (FOOD) every year. Yes, they would share their tithe with the priests as they all ate the tithe in a place that was chosen by God. If they could not carry all of their tithes or if the place that God had chosen was too far away, they could exchange their tithe for money. Then they would take the money to the place God chose and buy whatever their hearts desired and eat before God.

They were instructed not to neglect the Levites because they didn't have any inheritance. But in the THIRD year (which is called the year of tithing), the people would bring the full tithe of that year and give it, so that it could be stored within the gates for the Levites, the strangers, the motherless, the fatherless and the widows to eat. See also, Amos 4:4.

Questions to all my Tithers out there.

1. The tithe was never, ever, money! It may have been exchanged for money, but it was not money. [ II Chron. 32:28, II Chron 31:5-6, Neh. 13:5] Do you bring food or money to your church?

2. The Israelites would consume their own tithes (1/10th of the food set aside), as they shared them with the Levites, at the place which God chose. Do you eat your tithe with the preacher? Do you spend your tithe with the preacher?

3. It was only in the THIRD year in which the Israelites were required to GIVE their tithes. How often does your pastor require you to give your full tithe for the church to keep?

Will you be exceedingly blessed if you tithe?

Malachi 3:10 clearly states, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

So this means you will be blessed right? Let's take another look at the phrase "open up the windows of heaven". Look at Genesis Gen. 7:11-12 and Gen. 8:2. Also, look at I Kings 8:35. You see, God wasn't promising blessings. He was promising RAIN! This is why God continued in Malachi 3:11 by saying, "And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts".

You see, the Israelites inheritance was conditional also. If they obeyed God's commandments, He would continue to pour rain from the windows of heaven and their seeds would be blessed. If they disobeyed God's commandments, he would shut up the windows of heaven and stop the rain, causing a drought.

Was the nation cursed for not tithing?

Malachi 3:8-9 clearly states, "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee?" In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation." Now the first thing one must ask of one's self is this. Who was God talking to? Was he talking to the nation of people, or the priests?! Think of this. Why would God say, "even this whole nation", if he were talking TO the nation?

But let's backtrack. Look at Neh. 10: 37-39. This describes the process in which the Levites would collect the tithe from the Israelites. They would first take the tithe and then they would bring 1/10th of the tithes brought to them, up to the storehouse. In verse 39 it says that the children of Israel and the Levites would bring the tithes to the storehouse. So, my point is, whenever the bible says, "Bring tithes into the storehouse" it doesn't necessarily mean the people. It could mean the Levites and/or priests.

So who was robbing God? Could it have been the priests? Well, it wouldn't have been the first time. If you read Neh. 13:3-14, you'll see what I mean. You see, a few priests were always put in charge of the storerooms. It was the job of those priests to distribute the tithe to all of the rest of the priests and Levites. In this case, the priest Eliashib was in charge. He was crooked, and he had formed a partnership with Tobiah. Tobiah was an Ammonite. The Ammonites were known for worshipping the pagan-god Molech. Eliashib was letting Tobiah get some of the tithe that the priests' should have been getting, so the Levites had to go out into the fields and work in order to survive. More trustworthy priests had to be put in charge of the storeroom.

Now, I would suggest that everyone read the entire book of Malachi, but I will highlight a few verses. Look at Malachi Mal. 1:6-7 and 2:1. You see ladies and gentlemen, this entire book is God's message to the priests! As a matter of fact God tells the priests specifically in Malachi 2:2, "If YE will not hear, and if YE will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon YOU, and I will curse YOUR blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because YE do not lay it to heart." God had ALREADY told the priests that the curse was because of their doing!

You see, this is very simple in my opinion. It was the priests who were robbing the tithe. God said to them, "YE have robbed me, even this whole nation." Even the nation was suffering under the curse due to the actions of the priests. So, God's message to the priests was this. Bring ALL the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in MY house. If you do this, I will then free the nation of the curse, by letting it rain and ending the drought.

Why would God be talking to the priest the entire book of Malachi, and then suddenly in chapter 3 and verse 8, start talking to everyone? And what does the word rob mean? Does it mean not to give what is owed? Or does it mean to take what has already been begotten?

Now, the last point I want to make about the tithe is a very obvious one, but for some reason, nobody notices it. The tithe was set up for the Israelites under the Mosaic law. All Christians should know what I am about to write by now. We are not under the Mosaic law anymore! Jesus fulfilled (or accomplished) the law, when he died on the cross! The old covenant was passed away and has been replaced with the new covenant (Luke 18:31-34, Luke 24:44, Acts 13:27-33). Now why would we pick one mosaic law (out of all of them) and just decide that we wanted to keep doing that one?

In the new covenant, Heaven is the promised land (our inheritance), we are all priests (1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:9, Rev. 1:6), and we all are entitled to our share. Here is a description of the original church. Acts 4:32-37, Acts 2: 42-47. You see, in this church, there was no such thing as a person in church that was in need. People sold their possessions and divided them amongst everybody! Since they were all priests, they all got their cut. So the people that were in need were not giving, they were receiving!

Nowadays you have churches where the pastor drives a Royce and lives in a mansion, but if a person is struggling and asks for help, they often times can't get it. They are just told to "keep tithing" and you will be blessed. Sounds like politics to me. If you are in church and you are struggling, and you are being told to tithe, you have to realize that there is something wrong! Your church should be helping you. You deserve your cut!

The point of this article is not to give people an excuse to give zero money to the Church. As I wrote before, the people of the church sold their possessions and divided them amongst members. I believe that they gave their entire surplus. I don't think they were out of house and home because in Luke in talks about people giving alms (charitable donations Luke 11:41).

What I'm saying is this. If you are living on the brink, paycheck to paycheck, almost bankrupt and you are giving 10% of your money to your church because you have been intimidated into believing that you are cursed if you don't, or blessed if you do, you are not being a good steward of your money. You are not being Godly. You are not giving of your own free will (II Cor. 9:7). You are being a bad steward and not taking care of home first!

Be a good steward of your money. Look through the illusion of the Tithe Matrix! Matt Mason is the expert and founder of Free Your Mind Online, which is designed to empower individuals to take control of their finances and achieve wealth. For free info, as well as this FULL article, go to http://freeyourmindonline.net and subscribe to the free online monthly newsletter. ]]> Web Directories Software http://www.artwoo.com/article/web-directories-software http://www.artwoo.com/article/web-directories-software#comments Sat, 28 Oct 2006 14:27:05 +0000 web directoriesseotediousblessing and a curseamount of timesoftware technologyblack listed http://www.artwoo.com/article/web-directories-software web directories, which is essential to the success of any site and that of the of the site as well. This is why there is web directories software available on the web these days. The matter is that you will need to make sure that you are choosing the right web directories software without making a huge mistake in the process. There are some web directories software programs available that are nothing more than malware that will actually cause your web site to get by the companies that run the directories. This can spell certain doom for the new web sites as the SEO of the site is highly important. Being listed in the web directories is probably one of the most important of all the SEO skills that you will learn when you are taking part in the building of a web site.

Web directories software is designed to improve the speed in which you can submit the web site that you own to the directories. In all truth, the submitting of the web sites to the directories is rather all the way around. There are hundreds if not thousands of top end web directories, and part of SEO for a web site is too get listed in as many of them as possible. Sadly though this is not possible within a reasonable because each of the directories wants this and that from you. This is where web directories software comes in very handy. Using the best in you can easily find that the software will guide you through the process without having to worry about logging into each site one at a time. This will improve the amount of time and the number of web directories that you are getting listed in many times over. There is a case that this may not be the way to go but in all things there is always going to be someone who does not like it.

Web directories software can be a at the same time. Make sure that the software program you choose is allowed by the many directories that dot the web. If you use software that is not approved then the chances of getting banned from the web directories is very large and that will spell a lot of problems for getting traffic to your site. http://www.dirpro.net/ Free listing web directory ]]> When The Old And The Young Date http://www.artwoo.com/article/when-the-old-and-the-young-date http://www.artwoo.com/article/when-the-old-and-the-young-date#comments Thu, 09 Aug 2007 08:25:05 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/when-the-old-and-the-young-date Some relationships just don't seem to fit right in our conscious. We see the couple and they look alright from a distance but as we move closer to them we notice one is much older than the other. With a puzzled look on our face we watch in amusement as they fawn over each other like newlyweds. In the back of our minds we can't seem to put together why the couple would be attracted to each other in the first place.

There are many reasons why the old and the young come together. Sometimes it is for love, other times because of psychological urges and other times because of finances. When two people of different age brackets become a couple there must be something that attracts them much stronger than the social stigma of their relationship. Therefore, their needs must supersede their appearance.

Let us say that he is fifty and she is thirty-five. The difference between these two people is not that pronounced. Therefore there is a good possibility that they are physically and emotionally attracted to each other. It is possible that the two are even in love with each other. However, when that age bracket changes to twenty years or more we have what is called cross-generational dating.

Under such wide age differences the factors that bring people together are both psychological and in many cases financial. Some young ladies prefer the politeness, culture and affection that older people give them. They are not concerned with finding the most attractive man but carrying on the feelings of being appreciated and loved. This feeling is a very important characteristic of the relationship.

However, when young men date woman that are twenty or more years older then them the factors seem to change. Certainly men want to feel loved and appreciated as much as women do but in these cases the men are usually looking for a mother figure. They want someone to tell them how to live their lives, encourage them to do better and to be there when they fall. They are looking for stability in their relationships.

Then there are those who are looking for financial help. This is not prostitution as so many people perceive it. Both parties are interested in a good relationship and may actually be faithful to each other. However, the younger party is looking to find a relationship that will help them to survive in the big and cold world. If you are going to date someone it makes sense to date someone with money. Murad Ali is a two time published book author, an online publication owner, a human resource manager and a doctoral candidate. He runs http://www.datingdesires.blogspot.com and http://www.thenewbusinessworld.blogspot.com ]]>