As I often do I was taking a stroll around the interwebs and I came across an article on the King James Version of the Bible. I know many people highly regard this version of the Bible and I would say some down right worship this Book. I've always wondered why? Well...let's look at the article for a little insight, shall we?
For the almost 300 years from 1611 to 1900 there was really only one Bible in the English language. That was the AV 1611. It was translated in a period which God said "kept" his word (Re. 3:8). It has been honored by God with the greatest period of spreading the gospel in history. It has gone to, and been preached in, the farthest reaches of the globe. The AV 1611 has reached more people and been effective in the winning of more souls to Christ than all the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts and all the other versions combined.
It is the Bible that John Bunyun preached from Bedford prison. It is the Bible that William Carey and Adoniram Judson took as missionaries to India and Burma. It is the Bible that David Brainard preached to the Indians of New England. It is the Bible that David Livingstone preached in Africa. It is the Bible George Muller preacher in his orphanages in England. It is the Bible that Charles Spurgeon preached in England.
But starting in 1881 with the Revised Version, then in 1901 the American Standard Version we have seen a multitude of "Bibles" in the English language. At last report, there have been more than three hundred different versions of the "Bible" published. Is the AV 1611 so difficult to understand that we need 300 newer "Bibles" to help us? It was simple enough to use as a grade school reader 200 years ago, why can’t we understand it today?
Is it possible Satan knows something we don’t, and he is trying one last ditch effort to destroy the word of God? Is the motive of the translators of these newer versions really truth? Or is it money? If it is truth or clarity, then why do they refuse to translate certain words (like Hades) into English? Why do they make Joseph Jesus’ father? Why do they take out the deity of Christ? Why do they take out the blood?
They real question is not, "Could God preserve his word?" but rather, "Did God preserve his word?" He promised to do so. Was he lying or did he just fail? We don’t think so. We believe God haskept and preserved his word and has given it to us in the form he wishes us to have. We believe that the AV 1611 commonly called the King James Version is the word of God.
How lucky we are that God chose to give the "real" Bible to those who speak English!! But wait, we're not done yet.
Many have asked the question, "Do you believe the AV 1611 is better than any other translation?" Not only do we believe it is better than any other so-called translation, we believe that the AV 1611, commonly called the King James Version, is better than the originals
Really? That seems a little...arrogant. But let him explain....
1. It is available. The originals are not. If the scriptures are profitable (2Ti. 3:16), then the originals are totally without profit. They don’t exist anywhere on earth.
2. It is in the universal language of the end time. Greek as a language is dead. It constitutes less than one percent of the world’s spoken languages.
3. It has chapter and verse numbers that the originals do not have. The originals don’t even have word separation. This enables you to find things quickly and spot counterfeits easily.
4. It was translated in a period which God said "kept" his word (Re. 3:8). It has been honored by God with the greatest period of spreading the gospel in history.
5. The order of its books reveal premillennialism. The originals do not.
6. The chapter and verse system manifests mathematical phenomena that no one can explain. These things do not exist in the originals.
Do you feel better now? No? Me either. But if the originals do not reveal what you believe…then obviously they are wrong.
How about the Dead Sea scrolls? That they supported the KJV readings is not important, for if they were at variance, they would have been equally unimportant. Why? Because: “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89).
So even if some of the very original contexts were contrary to the KJV, we should believe the KJV instead because it's superior to anything else on earth? Oh well…yes, of course.
Why can’t other versions be the word of God? Simple! The words aren’t the same!
Yes, we have already concluded that the English version of the KJV is the only real, true, genuine word of God. Forget the fact that the men who write the Bible as given to them did not write the KJV. Forget the fact that Moses who spoke directly with God had never heard of the KJV. It doesn't matter, the KJV is superior to all writings that have ever been and will ever be on this earth. Oh, you need more proof? Don't fear….He's got it!
There were seven editions:
1. 1611
2. 1613, an edition without the Apocrypha between the Testaments.
3. 1644, an Amsterdam edition with a preface by a Baptist (John Canne) printed in Edinburgh and London in 1696, 1701, 1762, and 1766.
4. 1676, a Cambridge edition with parallel texts by Dr. Scattergood.
5. 1680, an edition with Ussher’s Chronology added.
6. 1701, an edition under Dr. Tenison and Dr. Lloyd with tables added to the back in an addendum by Dr. Cumberland of Peterborough. Because of typographical errors in this edition King George (April 24,1724) ordered more proof-readers at the press to ensure better copies.
7. 1769, an edition under Dr. Blaney (started in 1767) where the Oxford copies were carefully collated with the folio edition of 1611, that of 1701 and two other editions. This edition was finally published at Claredon in 1769, and has been regarded as the standard copy for over 200 years.
Purified seven times, the number of perfection! Coincidence??
Coincidence? Couldn't be!! It has to be translated seven times to give God time to perfect it. His word surely couldn't be perfected the first time He gave it. Duh. Oh and if you still aren't convinced...
The AV1611 contains 31,102 verses. Each half contains 15,551 verses. The middle verses are Psalms 103:1 and 2 (verses 15,551 and 15,552).
-so-
• Psalms 103:1 is the last verse of the first half of the Bible
-and-
• Psalms 103:2 is the first verse of the last half of the Bible
-and-
• Psalms 103:1 just happens to be verse number 1611 of Psalms.
Just Coincidence???
No, no, I'm sure it isn't. I am very convinced the KJV is the only real Word and all others are false. But I'm not sure everyone else is convinced...
You can depend on the Scoffers to be in league with Satan
Okay, they’re convinced!!!!!
Now, this post was mostly in jest but I think this is a serious topic. I think the claims are serious claims. I don’t have many of problems with the KJV version of the text (though I think there are better versions). I myself own this version and have memorized Scripture using this same text. However, the audacity to claim that it’s the only real Word of God is absurd at best. The arrogance, the ignorance and the blatant disregard for all others is baffling to me. I feel sad, angry and perplexed all at once. I wonder what God would have to say? How would He feel upon hearing that His Words as given to Moses isn’t good enough anymore? Upon hearing that Believers would disregard those texts if they didn’t measure up to their own personal beliefs? I can’t imagine He would be too pleased. Can you?
I will include a link to the article in case anyone wants to read it for themselves. There were several pages so I could not include each one in this small post. http://www.twinbrook.net/index.php?p=1_76_Forward
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Let's talk about chocolate
We all love it...well, those of us who are not completely insane. I have heard of a few individuals who did not like chocolate. I will pray for their poor souls. The human (and sometimes animal) love for chocolate didn’t start with Godiva; it’s been around for centuries. In ancient times cocoa beans were so important they were actually used as currency. Smart people I say.
Etymologists trace the origin of the word "chocolate" to the Aztec word "xocoatl” which was a bitter drink made from the cocoa beans. Today we use the world “cocoa” to refer to the plant and the beans. The word “chocolate” is used for anything made from the plant and beans.
Chocolate was once thought to have been around for 2000 years but these days research suggests it’s been longer. Anthropologists have found cacao residue in pottery that may date back to 1400 B.C. in Honduras. It appears they were using it to make some sort of alcoholic beverage. The Aztecs and Mayans loved chocolate so much they felt it worthy of use in rituals for birth and death. It’s been said they used it to cheer up the melancholy sacrifice victims before they were marched to their death (who cares if you are to take an arrow to the heart so long as you’ve got chocolate, right?).
The Aztecs are also credited with introducing chocolate to the Europeans, who mixed it with honey or sugar cane making it the sweet treat we are familiar with today. Up until that time chocolate was bitter and only used as a beverage. In 1828, a Dutch chemist found a way to make powdered chocolate which led to the creation of solid chocolate. By 1868, a company called Cadbury was marketing boxes of chocolate candies in England. A few years later, milk chocolate hit the shelves under the name Nestle (Smithsonian Magazine)
For many years chocolate was only enjoyed by the wealthiest of families. It was rare and very expensive. King Louis XIV established a court position court entitled Royal Chocolate Maker to the King. Napoleon insisted that chocolate be available during military campaigns. Even in recent decades in the US, chocolate was a rarity enjoyed only by the rich. It was with the invention of the steam locomotive that a larger population was able to enjoy the deliciousness. Thank goodness for trains!!
Here are a few fun facts from Candyfavorites.com
- In the 17th Century, the first recorded case of “Death by Chocolate” occurred.
- In 1765, the company, Walter Baker Chocolate, was founded by Dr. James Baker and his chocolate maker John Hannon, in a converted wooden mill on the banks of the Neponset River in Massachusetts and thus the term “Baking Chocolate” came into being.
- In 1849 during the “Gold Rush” of San Francisco, Dominbro Ghirardelli of Italy began making chocolate.
- 1871 was a landmark year for American Chocolate as Milton Hershey, at the age of nineteen (19), founded his company in Pennsylvania.
- In 1875, Milk Chocolate was introduced. After over eight (8) years of experimentation, Daniel Peter of Switzerland created this concoction.
He sold his creation to his neighbor, Henri Nestle, and thus Nestle Chocolate came into being.
- In 1879, Rodolphe Lindt, the founder of Lindt Chocolates, invented the process of “Conching” which is used to refine chocolate thus enhancing it’s quality.
- In 1896, the recipe for chocolate brownies, an American snack food staple, was introduced in the Fannie Farmer Cookbook.
- In 1907, the iconic Milk Chocolate Hershey's Kisses were introduced. They are one of the most successful chocolates and Hershey produces approximately 20-25 million per day in a variety of flavors.
- In 1939, Nestle introduced Chocolate Chips.
- During the Second World War, the U.S. Government commissioned Milton Hershey to create a candy bar to be included in soldier’s rations. The candy bar chosen was the famous Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar.
- In 1960, Chocolate syrup was used to simulate blood in the famous shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, “Psycho”. The scene, featuring Janet Leigh, took over seven (7) days to shoot.
- The American palette prefers milk chocolate, approximately ninety two (92) percent, but dark chocolate's popularity is growing rapidly.
Etymologists trace the origin of the word "chocolate" to the Aztec word "xocoatl” which was a bitter drink made from the cocoa beans. Today we use the world “cocoa” to refer to the plant and the beans. The word “chocolate” is used for anything made from the plant and beans.
Chocolate was once thought to have been around for 2000 years but these days research suggests it’s been longer. Anthropologists have found cacao residue in pottery that may date back to 1400 B.C. in Honduras. It appears they were using it to make some sort of alcoholic beverage. The Aztecs and Mayans loved chocolate so much they felt it worthy of use in rituals for birth and death. It’s been said they used it to cheer up the melancholy sacrifice victims before they were marched to their death (who cares if you are to take an arrow to the heart so long as you’ve got chocolate, right?).
The Aztecs are also credited with introducing chocolate to the Europeans, who mixed it with honey or sugar cane making it the sweet treat we are familiar with today. Up until that time chocolate was bitter and only used as a beverage. In 1828, a Dutch chemist found a way to make powdered chocolate which led to the creation of solid chocolate. By 1868, a company called Cadbury was marketing boxes of chocolate candies in England. A few years later, milk chocolate hit the shelves under the name Nestle (Smithsonian Magazine)
For many years chocolate was only enjoyed by the wealthiest of families. It was rare and very expensive. King Louis XIV established a court position court entitled Royal Chocolate Maker to the King. Napoleon insisted that chocolate be available during military campaigns. Even in recent decades in the US, chocolate was a rarity enjoyed only by the rich. It was with the invention of the steam locomotive that a larger population was able to enjoy the deliciousness. Thank goodness for trains!!
Here are a few fun facts from Candyfavorites.com
- In the 17th Century, the first recorded case of “Death by Chocolate” occurred.
- In 1765, the company, Walter Baker Chocolate, was founded by Dr. James Baker and his chocolate maker John Hannon, in a converted wooden mill on the banks of the Neponset River in Massachusetts and thus the term “Baking Chocolate” came into being.
- In 1849 during the “Gold Rush” of San Francisco, Dominbro Ghirardelli of Italy began making chocolate.
- 1871 was a landmark year for American Chocolate as Milton Hershey, at the age of nineteen (19), founded his company in Pennsylvania.
- In 1875, Milk Chocolate was introduced. After over eight (8) years of experimentation, Daniel Peter of Switzerland created this concoction.
He sold his creation to his neighbor, Henri Nestle, and thus Nestle Chocolate came into being.
- In 1879, Rodolphe Lindt, the founder of Lindt Chocolates, invented the process of “Conching” which is used to refine chocolate thus enhancing it’s quality.
- In 1896, the recipe for chocolate brownies, an American snack food staple, was introduced in the Fannie Farmer Cookbook.
- In 1907, the iconic Milk Chocolate Hershey's Kisses were introduced. They are one of the most successful chocolates and Hershey produces approximately 20-25 million per day in a variety of flavors.
- In 1939, Nestle introduced Chocolate Chips.
- During the Second World War, the U.S. Government commissioned Milton Hershey to create a candy bar to be included in soldier’s rations. The candy bar chosen was the famous Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar.
- In 1960, Chocolate syrup was used to simulate blood in the famous shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie, “Psycho”. The scene, featuring Janet Leigh, took over seven (7) days to shoot.
- The American palette prefers milk chocolate, approximately ninety two (92) percent, but dark chocolate's popularity is growing rapidly.
I am not complaining but...
I still haven't been able to get my hands on the Complaint Free World. I'm beginning to think the library branch next to my house doesn't really have it though their catalog lists it as being on the shelf. Maybe I could blog about another book?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Why People Complain?
Bowen says there are five reasons people complain. They are:
1. To get attention
2. To avoid action
3. To excuse poor performance
4. To brag (if you complain about someone you imply you don't have that same trait)
5. To control others
I can see myself in #1, #3 and #4. Not that I don't complain for others reasons but I can predominantly see myself in those three. I complain about various situations and circumstances in order to "vent". But what is venting really? It's a ploy to get people to pay attention to us, agree with us and validate our feelings.
I also use complaints as a justification for poor performance. I'm so stinkin hot....that is why I didn't get much done today. It actually could be a legitimate reason. When it's very warm I sometimes get asthma attacks so I have to sit down and rest. But in the "heat" of the moment I just end up complaining instead of stating the facts and the consequences. I may also come up with a lot of illegitimate excuses for why things did not get done or done well.
And then there is bragging. I don't think of myself as a person who brags. I don't go on and on about how wonderful I am or let everyone know how well I do something in particular. However, I am quick to point out where others fail and in so doing, I'm really saying "Hey, I'm better then they are!". Wow. I'm am quite guilty here!!
1. To get attention
2. To avoid action
3. To excuse poor performance
4. To brag (if you complain about someone you imply you don't have that same trait)
5. To control others
I can see myself in #1, #3 and #4. Not that I don't complain for others reasons but I can predominantly see myself in those three. I complain about various situations and circumstances in order to "vent". But what is venting really? It's a ploy to get people to pay attention to us, agree with us and validate our feelings.
I also use complaints as a justification for poor performance. I'm so stinkin hot....that is why I didn't get much done today. It actually could be a legitimate reason. When it's very warm I sometimes get asthma attacks so I have to sit down and rest. But in the "heat" of the moment I just end up complaining instead of stating the facts and the consequences. I may also come up with a lot of illegitimate excuses for why things did not get done or done well.
And then there is bragging. I don't think of myself as a person who brags. I don't go on and on about how wonderful I am or let everyone know how well I do something in particular. However, I am quick to point out where others fail and in so doing, I'm really saying "Hey, I'm better then they are!". Wow. I'm am quite guilty here!!
Complaint Free...It's the Way to Be!
I heard of A Complaint Free World months ago but had forgotten to look into it at the library. Today I stumbled across it again on a day I really needed it. I watched a few videos and I'll be picking up the book at my local library. I intend to share the chapters and my thoughts here.
What is a complaint?
- a complaint is expressing grief, pain or discontent
So is it wrong to admit you are sick? Upset? Sad? No! Of course not. There is a way to be honest about how you are feeling or experiencing without whining or complaining. Here are examples of "complaints" verses "facts"
“It’s hot today” [FACT]
“I am so tired of this hot weather; will it ever cool off?” [COMPLAINT]
“You didn’t bring in your homework” [FACT]
“Over and over I ask you to bring your homework in on time and you still
don’t’ listen to me.” [COMPLAINT]
“I feel tired” [FACT]
“I’m so tired!!!! [COMPLAINT]
“She’s wearing a green sweater and purple pants” [FACT]
“I can’t believe she’d wear that ugly outfit to school” [COMPLAINT]
“Our team has lost 7 games in a row this season” [FACT]
“Our team stinks!” [COMPLAINT]
To avoid complaining doesn't mean you put up with bad quality, poor work, or being treated badly. It's okay to admit something is wrong and needs to be fixed. But state the facts. Tell your wife the soup is cold and needs to be cooked longer. Don't whine about her awful cooking skills.
“You can complain because roses have thorns; or you
can rejoice because thorns have roses”—Ziggy
What is a complaint?
- a complaint is expressing grief, pain or discontent
So is it wrong to admit you are sick? Upset? Sad? No! Of course not. There is a way to be honest about how you are feeling or experiencing without whining or complaining. Here are examples of "complaints" verses "facts"
“It’s hot today” [FACT]
“I am so tired of this hot weather; will it ever cool off?” [COMPLAINT]
“You didn’t bring in your homework” [FACT]
“Over and over I ask you to bring your homework in on time and you still
don’t’ listen to me.” [COMPLAINT]
“I feel tired” [FACT]
“I’m so tired!!!! [COMPLAINT]
“She’s wearing a green sweater and purple pants” [FACT]
“I can’t believe she’d wear that ugly outfit to school” [COMPLAINT]
“Our team has lost 7 games in a row this season” [FACT]
“Our team stinks!” [COMPLAINT]
To avoid complaining doesn't mean you put up with bad quality, poor work, or being treated badly. It's okay to admit something is wrong and needs to be fixed. But state the facts. Tell your wife the soup is cold and needs to be cooked longer. Don't whine about her awful cooking skills.
“You can complain because roses have thorns; or you
can rejoice because thorns have roses”—Ziggy
Monday, February 16, 2009
Love According to Children
Johnny, Age 4
When a person loves you, they say your name different. You just know your name is safe in their mouth.
Dallas, Age 7
Love is when your mom makes a cup of coffee for your dad and she takes a sip of it before she gives it to him, to make sure it is okay.
Sue, Age 6
If you want to learn how to love better, you should start with someone you hate.
Donna, Age 6
My mommy loves me more than any one else. You don't see anybody else kissing me good night when I go to bed.
Sandi, Age 8
When my grandma got arthritis, she couldn't bend over to paint her toenails anymore. So my granddad does it for her, even after he got arthritis, too. That's love.
Andy, Age 7
Love is what is in the room on Christmas if you stop opening your presents and listen.
Jake, Age 6
Love is when a little old man and a little old woman are still friends, even after they know each other so well.
Dennis, Age 5
Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on after shave and then they go out together and smell each other.
Georgia, Age 7
Love is when you tell a boy you like his shirt and then he wears it everyday.
Chloe, Age 4
Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.
Annie, Age 5
Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken.
Jenny, Age 8
When I had my piano recital, I was on the stage and I was scared. I looked out at all the people looking at me. Then I saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that and I wasn't sacred anymore.
Amy, Age 8
Love is when you kiss all the time. Then after you are tired of kissing, you still want to be with each other and you talk more. My daddy and mommy are like that. When they kiss, they look gross.
Andrea, Age 7
You know you love someone because your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.
Leo Buscaglia, author and lecturer, once judged a contest where they wanted to find the most caring child. He told this story:
A four year old lived next door to an elderly man who had recently lost his wife. One day, the boy saw his neighbor crying. He went over, climbed into the neighbor's lap and just sat there. When he came home, his mother asked him what he had said to the man.
"Nothing," he said. "I just helped him cry."
When a person loves you, they say your name different. You just know your name is safe in their mouth.
Dallas, Age 7
Love is when your mom makes a cup of coffee for your dad and she takes a sip of it before she gives it to him, to make sure it is okay.
Sue, Age 6
If you want to learn how to love better, you should start with someone you hate.
Donna, Age 6
My mommy loves me more than any one else. You don't see anybody else kissing me good night when I go to bed.
Sandi, Age 8
When my grandma got arthritis, she couldn't bend over to paint her toenails anymore. So my granddad does it for her, even after he got arthritis, too. That's love.
Andy, Age 7
Love is what is in the room on Christmas if you stop opening your presents and listen.
Jake, Age 6
Love is when a little old man and a little old woman are still friends, even after they know each other so well.
Dennis, Age 5
Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on after shave and then they go out together and smell each other.
Georgia, Age 7
Love is when you tell a boy you like his shirt and then he wears it everyday.
Chloe, Age 4
Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.
Annie, Age 5
Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken.
Jenny, Age 8
When I had my piano recital, I was on the stage and I was scared. I looked out at all the people looking at me. Then I saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that and I wasn't sacred anymore.
Amy, Age 8
Love is when you kiss all the time. Then after you are tired of kissing, you still want to be with each other and you talk more. My daddy and mommy are like that. When they kiss, they look gross.
Andrea, Age 7
You know you love someone because your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.
Leo Buscaglia, author and lecturer, once judged a contest where they wanted to find the most caring child. He told this story:
A four year old lived next door to an elderly man who had recently lost his wife. One day, the boy saw his neighbor crying. He went over, climbed into the neighbor's lap and just sat there. When he came home, his mother asked him what he had said to the man.
"Nothing," he said. "I just helped him cry."
Laughter is the Best Medicine
A young man finds the woman of his dreams and asks her to marry him. He tells his mother he wants her to meet his fiance, but he wants to make a bit of a game out of it. He says he'll bring the girl over with two other women and see if his mother can guess which is the one he wants to marry. His mother agrees to the game.
That night, he shows up at his mother's house with three beautiful young ladies. They all sit down on the couch, and everyone has a wonderful evening talking and getting to know each other.
At the end of the evening, the young man asks his mother, 'OK, Mom, which one is the woman I want to marry?'
Without any hesitation at all, his mother replies, 'The one in the middle.'
The young man is astounded. 'How in the world did you figure it out?'
'Easy,' she says. 'I don't like her.'
A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: “My friend is dead! What can I do?”
The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: “Just take it easy. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead.” There is a silence, then a shot is heard.
The guy's voice comes back on the line. He says: “OK, now what?“
When I was a young minister, a funeral director asked me to hold a grave side service for a homeless man with no family or friends. The funeral was to be at a cemetery way out in the country. This was a new cemetery and this man was the first to be laid to rest there.
I was not familiar with the area and became lost. Being a typical man, of course, I did not ask for directions. I finally found the cemetery about an hour late. The back hoe was there and the crew was eating their lunch. The hearse was nowhere to be seen.
I apologized to the workers for being late. As I looked into the open grave, I saw the vault lid already in place. I told the workers I would not keep them long, but that this was the proper thing to do. The workers, still eating their lunch, gathered around the opening.
I was young and enthusiastic and poured out my heart and soul as I preached. The workers joined in with, "Praise the Lord," "Amen," and "Glory!" I got so into the service that I preached and preached and preached, from Genesis to The Revelation.
When the service was over, I said a prayer and walked to my car. As I opened the door, I heard one of the workers say, "I never saw anything like that before and I've been putting in septic systems for twenty years."
The baby was coming way too fast so the paramedics were called. To make it worse, when they arrived, there was a power outage. The paramedics asked the four year old sister to hold the flashlight for them.
Despite the difficulties, all went well and the mother delivered a baby boy. The paramedic smacked him on the behind and he began to cry.
Looking over at the wide eyed little girl, the paramedic asked her what she thought about what she had just witnessed. She said, "That naughty boy should have never crawled in there. Spank him again!"
That night, he shows up at his mother's house with three beautiful young ladies. They all sit down on the couch, and everyone has a wonderful evening talking and getting to know each other.
At the end of the evening, the young man asks his mother, 'OK, Mom, which one is the woman I want to marry?'
Without any hesitation at all, his mother replies, 'The one in the middle.'
The young man is astounded. 'How in the world did you figure it out?'
'Easy,' she says. 'I don't like her.'
A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: “My friend is dead! What can I do?”
The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: “Just take it easy. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead.” There is a silence, then a shot is heard.
The guy's voice comes back on the line. He says: “OK, now what?“
When I was a young minister, a funeral director asked me to hold a grave side service for a homeless man with no family or friends. The funeral was to be at a cemetery way out in the country. This was a new cemetery and this man was the first to be laid to rest there.
I was not familiar with the area and became lost. Being a typical man, of course, I did not ask for directions. I finally found the cemetery about an hour late. The back hoe was there and the crew was eating their lunch. The hearse was nowhere to be seen.
I apologized to the workers for being late. As I looked into the open grave, I saw the vault lid already in place. I told the workers I would not keep them long, but that this was the proper thing to do. The workers, still eating their lunch, gathered around the opening.
I was young and enthusiastic and poured out my heart and soul as I preached. The workers joined in with, "Praise the Lord," "Amen," and "Glory!" I got so into the service that I preached and preached and preached, from Genesis to The Revelation.
When the service was over, I said a prayer and walked to my car. As I opened the door, I heard one of the workers say, "I never saw anything like that before and I've been putting in septic systems for twenty years."
The baby was coming way too fast so the paramedics were called. To make it worse, when they arrived, there was a power outage. The paramedics asked the four year old sister to hold the flashlight for them.
Despite the difficulties, all went well and the mother delivered a baby boy. The paramedic smacked him on the behind and he began to cry.
Looking over at the wide eyed little girl, the paramedic asked her what she thought about what she had just witnessed. She said, "That naughty boy should have never crawled in there. Spank him again!"
Homebirth vs. Hospital Myths
I plan to go more in detail on my beliefs relating to this topic in the future but for now I will just be sharing some information written by David Stewart, Ph.D.
Myth #1 — Hospital births are statistically safer than homebirths.
Safety in childbirth is measured by how many mothers and babies die and how many survive childbirth in less than perfect health. Studies done comparing hospital and out-of-hospital births indicate fewer deaths, injuries and infections for homebirths supervised by a trained attendant than for hospital births. No such studies indicate that hospitals have better outcomes than homebirths.
A six-year study done by the Texas Department of Health for the years 1983-1989 revealed that the infant mortality rate for non-nurse midwives attending homebirths was 1.9 per 1,000 compared with the doctors' rate of 5.7 per 1,000. Certified nurse midwives' mortality rate was 1 per 1,000 and "other" attendants accounted for 10.2 deaths per 1,000 live births.
A study of 3,257 out-of-hospital births attended by Arizona licensed midwives between 1978-85 shows a perinatal mortality rate of 2.2 per 1,000 and a neonatal mortality rate of 1.1 per 1,000 live births.
Myth #2 — You can get more professional attention in a hospital than you could get at home.
In the hospital, obstetricians do not routinely sit at the bedsides of their laboring patients but rely on machinery and others for information then appear at the last minute in the delivery room. Most physicians do not build a relationship of supportive rapport with each patient or offer much encouragement to give birth naturally.
Labor and delivery room nurses by and large enjoy giving support to women during childbirth. Hospital life, however, involves a great deal of paperwork, personnel changes by the clock and wild fluctuations in how many women each nurse must be responsible for.
Myth #3 — The more modern technology you have on hand, the easier the birth will be.
In a sincere effort to catch complications early and produce healthier babies, medical science has changed the atmosphere surrounding birth from one of a circle of loving support around laboring women to one of space age technology in a laboratory setting.
Though technology can save lives in a crisis, the routine use of technology can interfere with the normal birth process.
It is common in hospitals to use intravenous fluids and electronic fetal monitors to ensure that the mother stays well hydrated and that each contraction and beat of the baby's heart is recorded. However, many women dislike being confined to a bed with needles in their arms and belts around their abdomens. Women who are allowed to move about freely during labor complain less of back pain, and many childbirth authorities feel the motion of walking and changing positions can enhance the effectiveness of the contractions.
Some hospitals still require women to birth lying flat on their backs with their legs held high in stirrups. Because the position defies gravity and makes pushing less effective metal forceps are sometimes used to pull the baby out of the vagina. Research shows that forceps are rarely used when women are allowed to assume a position of comfort during the bearing down stage.
Obstetricians frequently rupture the bag of waters surrounding the baby in order to speed up the birthing process. This procedure automatically places a time limit on the labor, as the likelihood of a uterine infection increases with each passing hour in the hospital after the water is broken.
Once the protective cushion of water surrounding the baby's head is eliminated, the belt monitoring the baby's heartbeat may be exchanged for a scalp electrode — a tiny probe that is screwed into the baby's scalp to continue monitoring the heart rate and to collect information about the baby's blood.
Each of these interventions in a normal labor has its own set of risks, and none of the above procedures has ever been proven to be more advantageous in eliminating complications or to produce healthier babies.
A recent study published in a medical journal states that the routine use of electronic fetal monitors, compared to the old-fashioned method of listening to the baby's heartbeat after contractions with a fetoscope, may actually cause more problems than it prevents. In eight randomized clinical trials, perinatal mortality was not reduced with electronic fetal monitoring. And perhaps because electronic monitoring can lead to unnecessary cesareans, birth outcomes were mostly superior in the groups monitored by fetoscope.
Today at least 25 percent of all birthing mothers are delivered surgically. This compares to an average c-section rate of about 10 percent in other countries with better mortality rates. These numbers indicate that we are not getting better outcomes with more c-sections.
Several decades ago, in an effort to lessen the pain of childbirth, physicians routinely gave laboring women pain-killing and anesthetic drugs. Over the years the use of most of these medications has subsided somewhat after studies revealed that drugs given to the mother had adverse effects on the baby, including asphyxia, hypoxia and even brain and central nervous system damage.
Drugs are still available to laboring women in the hospital, though no drug given in childbirth has been proven to be safe for the baby.Women who have taken drugs in labor report decreased maternal feelings towards their babies and an increase in the duration and severity of postpartum depression.
The artificial hormone pitocin, a drug given to intensify labor and to contract the uterus after childbirth also has potential side effects, including rare cases of uterine rupture and a slight increase in jaundice in the newborn.
Interrupting the natural process of birth with technological wizardry can cause more harm than good.
Myth #4 — A hospital is a more sanitary place to have a baby than at home.
Each family becomes accustomed to its own household germs and develops a resistance to them. Since fewer strangers are likely to be present at a homebirth than at a hospital birth, the chances of acquiring foreign germs are less likely in a homebirth situation.
Every effort is made to provide a clean environment at homebirths. Midwives and homebirth doctors wear sterile gloves and use sterilized instruments for cutting the umbilical cord.
Homebirth research studies indicate much lower rates of infection in the mother and the baby than is likely in the hospital. In a 10-year study (1970-1980) of 1,200 births at the Farm in Summertown, Tennessee, 39 mothers suffered postpartum infections, and only one baby developed septicemia.
Myth #5 — A hospital is the most comfortable place to have a baby.
The idea of being comfortable during childbirth may strike many mothers who have delivered in the hospital as impossible. They remember being confined to a hospital bed, denied food and water, separated from their other children and supportive family members and friends, enduring frequent internal examinations and vital sign checks, being transferred from one room to another on a stretcher at the peak of labor's intensity and having their legs strapped into stirrups.
Birthing rooms and their homey furnishings are an effort to eliminate some of the stress and discomfort that comes from being in the strange surroundings of the hospital.
Studies show that labor can be compromised by an unfamiliar environment. Discomfort and fear can actually increase the pain experienced in childbirth, while relaxation can diminish maternal stress, improve oxygen flow to the baby and facilitate labor.
In her own home a laboring woman has "the home court advantage." She can move about freely, wear what clothing she chooses, sip on energizing juices, continue caring for other children as she is able, relax in a warm tub of water, have her feet rubbed by loving friends and try different birthing positions. Normal labor is a healthy stress for the baby, clearing the lungs of fluid and preparing it to take its first breaths.
After the birth, the baby is never taken from its mother's side. The entire family can climb into a clean bed for a much needed cuddle and nap. The emotional bonding that takes place in the moments after birth between mother and child and between the baby and the entire family promotes well being, encourages breastfeeding and speeds recovery of the mother.
Myth #6 — It's impossible to find any qualified person to assist you in having a baby at home.
While discussion over the pros and cons of homebirths and who should attend them continues in medical circles and around supper tables, thousands of healthy babies are being born in their own homes each year.
Homebirth is not for every woman. It takes a high degree of commitment to health and learning and a high level of responsibility to go against the majority who believe hospital births are better.
As you consider where to give birth, Talk to women who have given birth at home, in birthing centers, in birthing rooms and in hospital delivery rooms. Discuss your concerns with your physician and your midwife.
Interview several alternative birth practitioners in your area. Assess the level of skill, integrity, knowledge and philosophy of each to discover if they are compatible with your expectations. Whereas obstetricians deliver the great majority of babies in hospitals, some are operating alternative birthing centers. Family practitioners who attend births can still be found, but their ranks are decreasing because of the soaring expense of malpractice insurance.
Certified nurse midwives are located in many metropolitan areas, and in some hospitals offer primary maternity care in a clinic and birthing room setting. Well-educated and trained direct-entry midwives are specialists in normal childbirth. Some operate birth centers, and many have homebirth practices all across the country.
If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more I recommend:
- The Business of Being Born directed by Abby Epstein
- Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper
- The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
- Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
- Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
- Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read
- Birth Reborn by Michael Odent
- http://gentlebirth.org/
- http://www.midwiferytoday.com/
Myth #1 — Hospital births are statistically safer than homebirths.
Safety in childbirth is measured by how many mothers and babies die and how many survive childbirth in less than perfect health. Studies done comparing hospital and out-of-hospital births indicate fewer deaths, injuries and infections for homebirths supervised by a trained attendant than for hospital births. No such studies indicate that hospitals have better outcomes than homebirths.
A six-year study done by the Texas Department of Health for the years 1983-1989 revealed that the infant mortality rate for non-nurse midwives attending homebirths was 1.9 per 1,000 compared with the doctors' rate of 5.7 per 1,000. Certified nurse midwives' mortality rate was 1 per 1,000 and "other" attendants accounted for 10.2 deaths per 1,000 live births.
A study of 3,257 out-of-hospital births attended by Arizona licensed midwives between 1978-85 shows a perinatal mortality rate of 2.2 per 1,000 and a neonatal mortality rate of 1.1 per 1,000 live births.
Myth #2 — You can get more professional attention in a hospital than you could get at home.
In the hospital, obstetricians do not routinely sit at the bedsides of their laboring patients but rely on machinery and others for information then appear at the last minute in the delivery room. Most physicians do not build a relationship of supportive rapport with each patient or offer much encouragement to give birth naturally.
Labor and delivery room nurses by and large enjoy giving support to women during childbirth. Hospital life, however, involves a great deal of paperwork, personnel changes by the clock and wild fluctuations in how many women each nurse must be responsible for.
Myth #3 — The more modern technology you have on hand, the easier the birth will be.
In a sincere effort to catch complications early and produce healthier babies, medical science has changed the atmosphere surrounding birth from one of a circle of loving support around laboring women to one of space age technology in a laboratory setting.
Though technology can save lives in a crisis, the routine use of technology can interfere with the normal birth process.
It is common in hospitals to use intravenous fluids and electronic fetal monitors to ensure that the mother stays well hydrated and that each contraction and beat of the baby's heart is recorded. However, many women dislike being confined to a bed with needles in their arms and belts around their abdomens. Women who are allowed to move about freely during labor complain less of back pain, and many childbirth authorities feel the motion of walking and changing positions can enhance the effectiveness of the contractions.
Some hospitals still require women to birth lying flat on their backs with their legs held high in stirrups. Because the position defies gravity and makes pushing less effective metal forceps are sometimes used to pull the baby out of the vagina. Research shows that forceps are rarely used when women are allowed to assume a position of comfort during the bearing down stage.
Obstetricians frequently rupture the bag of waters surrounding the baby in order to speed up the birthing process. This procedure automatically places a time limit on the labor, as the likelihood of a uterine infection increases with each passing hour in the hospital after the water is broken.
Once the protective cushion of water surrounding the baby's head is eliminated, the belt monitoring the baby's heartbeat may be exchanged for a scalp electrode — a tiny probe that is screwed into the baby's scalp to continue monitoring the heart rate and to collect information about the baby's blood.
Each of these interventions in a normal labor has its own set of risks, and none of the above procedures has ever been proven to be more advantageous in eliminating complications or to produce healthier babies.
A recent study published in a medical journal states that the routine use of electronic fetal monitors, compared to the old-fashioned method of listening to the baby's heartbeat after contractions with a fetoscope, may actually cause more problems than it prevents. In eight randomized clinical trials, perinatal mortality was not reduced with electronic fetal monitoring. And perhaps because electronic monitoring can lead to unnecessary cesareans, birth outcomes were mostly superior in the groups monitored by fetoscope.
Today at least 25 percent of all birthing mothers are delivered surgically. This compares to an average c-section rate of about 10 percent in other countries with better mortality rates. These numbers indicate that we are not getting better outcomes with more c-sections.
Several decades ago, in an effort to lessen the pain of childbirth, physicians routinely gave laboring women pain-killing and anesthetic drugs. Over the years the use of most of these medications has subsided somewhat after studies revealed that drugs given to the mother had adverse effects on the baby, including asphyxia, hypoxia and even brain and central nervous system damage.
Drugs are still available to laboring women in the hospital, though no drug given in childbirth has been proven to be safe for the baby.Women who have taken drugs in labor report decreased maternal feelings towards their babies and an increase in the duration and severity of postpartum depression.
The artificial hormone pitocin, a drug given to intensify labor and to contract the uterus after childbirth also has potential side effects, including rare cases of uterine rupture and a slight increase in jaundice in the newborn.
Interrupting the natural process of birth with technological wizardry can cause more harm than good.
Myth #4 — A hospital is a more sanitary place to have a baby than at home.
Each family becomes accustomed to its own household germs and develops a resistance to them. Since fewer strangers are likely to be present at a homebirth than at a hospital birth, the chances of acquiring foreign germs are less likely in a homebirth situation.
Every effort is made to provide a clean environment at homebirths. Midwives and homebirth doctors wear sterile gloves and use sterilized instruments for cutting the umbilical cord.
Homebirth research studies indicate much lower rates of infection in the mother and the baby than is likely in the hospital. In a 10-year study (1970-1980) of 1,200 births at the Farm in Summertown, Tennessee, 39 mothers suffered postpartum infections, and only one baby developed septicemia.
Myth #5 — A hospital is the most comfortable place to have a baby.
The idea of being comfortable during childbirth may strike many mothers who have delivered in the hospital as impossible. They remember being confined to a hospital bed, denied food and water, separated from their other children and supportive family members and friends, enduring frequent internal examinations and vital sign checks, being transferred from one room to another on a stretcher at the peak of labor's intensity and having their legs strapped into stirrups.
Birthing rooms and their homey furnishings are an effort to eliminate some of the stress and discomfort that comes from being in the strange surroundings of the hospital.
Studies show that labor can be compromised by an unfamiliar environment. Discomfort and fear can actually increase the pain experienced in childbirth, while relaxation can diminish maternal stress, improve oxygen flow to the baby and facilitate labor.
In her own home a laboring woman has "the home court advantage." She can move about freely, wear what clothing she chooses, sip on energizing juices, continue caring for other children as she is able, relax in a warm tub of water, have her feet rubbed by loving friends and try different birthing positions. Normal labor is a healthy stress for the baby, clearing the lungs of fluid and preparing it to take its first breaths.
After the birth, the baby is never taken from its mother's side. The entire family can climb into a clean bed for a much needed cuddle and nap. The emotional bonding that takes place in the moments after birth between mother and child and between the baby and the entire family promotes well being, encourages breastfeeding and speeds recovery of the mother.
Myth #6 — It's impossible to find any qualified person to assist you in having a baby at home.
While discussion over the pros and cons of homebirths and who should attend them continues in medical circles and around supper tables, thousands of healthy babies are being born in their own homes each year.
Homebirth is not for every woman. It takes a high degree of commitment to health and learning and a high level of responsibility to go against the majority who believe hospital births are better.
As you consider where to give birth, Talk to women who have given birth at home, in birthing centers, in birthing rooms and in hospital delivery rooms. Discuss your concerns with your physician and your midwife.
Interview several alternative birth practitioners in your area. Assess the level of skill, integrity, knowledge and philosophy of each to discover if they are compatible with your expectations. Whereas obstetricians deliver the great majority of babies in hospitals, some are operating alternative birthing centers. Family practitioners who attend births can still be found, but their ranks are decreasing because of the soaring expense of malpractice insurance.
Certified nurse midwives are located in many metropolitan areas, and in some hospitals offer primary maternity care in a clinic and birthing room setting. Well-educated and trained direct-entry midwives are specialists in normal childbirth. Some operate birth centers, and many have homebirth practices all across the country.
If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more I recommend:
- The Business of Being Born directed by Abby Epstein
- Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper
- The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
- Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
- Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
- Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read
- Birth Reborn by Michael Odent
- http://gentlebirth.org/
- http://www.midwiferytoday.com/
Taking Your Thoughts Captive
The body is controlled by the brain. We all know and understand this when it comes to moving our limbs, pumping blood our blood or breathing. But what about our behavior? Our thoughts spur our actions. If we think evil, we will do evil. If we think hurtful things we will say hurtful things. If we think bitter thoughts we will be mean and hateful to those around us. Our sinful behavior stems from our sinful thoughts. So what is the answer?
I Corinthians 10:5 says we are to we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. If we want to change our behavior we MUST first change our thoughts. We need to think the way God thinks. Philippians 4: 8 tells us “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”. In the fitness world there is a certain phrase to describe nutrition. If you put junk in, you’ll get junk out. If we think about “junk” we’ll have “junky” behavior. If we strive to think about that which is good in the eyes of the Lord our actions will follow. Our attitude will change. Our behavior will change. Our outlook on life will change and our interaction with the world will change for the better.
Rabbi Abraham Twerski explained it this way. I am the master of my mind. If I do not want certain thoughts in my head then I should keep them out. I have many different thoughts going through my head every moment of the day. Some of them are negative. Some of them are downright awful! But I am chairman of the board here in this body and I do not have to listen to any of them!! I can learn to replace those bad thoughts with good thoughts.
This may sound difficult. After all we are all human. We are bombarded daily with opportunities to think negative, sinful thoughts. But remember the Lord is with you always. If you ask Him to help you He can give you the strength to change. Confess your sin to Him and turn over your thought life to Him. Let Him guide your mind and heart to think about that which is good and pleasing to Him.
I Corinthians 10:5 says we are to we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. If we want to change our behavior we MUST first change our thoughts. We need to think the way God thinks. Philippians 4: 8 tells us “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”. In the fitness world there is a certain phrase to describe nutrition. If you put junk in, you’ll get junk out. If we think about “junk” we’ll have “junky” behavior. If we strive to think about that which is good in the eyes of the Lord our actions will follow. Our attitude will change. Our behavior will change. Our outlook on life will change and our interaction with the world will change for the better.
Rabbi Abraham Twerski explained it this way. I am the master of my mind. If I do not want certain thoughts in my head then I should keep them out. I have many different thoughts going through my head every moment of the day. Some of them are negative. Some of them are downright awful! But I am chairman of the board here in this body and I do not have to listen to any of them!! I can learn to replace those bad thoughts with good thoughts.
This may sound difficult. After all we are all human. We are bombarded daily with opportunities to think negative, sinful thoughts. But remember the Lord is with you always. If you ask Him to help you He can give you the strength to change. Confess your sin to Him and turn over your thought life to Him. Let Him guide your mind and heart to think about that which is good and pleasing to Him.
Benefits of Weight Training for Women
Many women shy away from the weight section of the gym. They have all sorts of reasons. Some are under the impression that weight training makes you bulky. Some think it’s too hard. Others say it’s a masculine activity that should be left to the men. Some women would actually like to train with weights but they are intimated and feel out of place.
First, let me say, weight training does not make you bulky. You are a woman. You do not have the hormones to get bulky. The women you see with big muscles did not get that way by accident. They train like crazy, eat like crazy, have fantastic genetics and often times are taking “performance enhancers” of some sort.
Secondly, if you would give it a chance I bet you would be amazed at how much weight you can actually lift. Think about it. Can you pick up a gallon of milk? That’s 8lbs right here. What about carrying groceries? That could be 20lbs. And lifting a toddler? That’s 30lbs-40lbs. You’re well on your way!
As for weight lifting being a man’s sport, I would have to completely disagree. Being strong is not just for men. Women need to be strong every day. We take on the responsibility of our homes, husbands and children. We need to be strong. We are living longer and longer and we need to make sure our bodies can keep up with the demands that will be made on them well into old age. Proverbs 31:17 says the virtuous wife “girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms.” This woman who is regarded as far above rubies sees the important of making her body strong. She is not masculine. She is not trying to prove she can do anything a man can do. She is taking care of her body and making it strong so she can be a good wife, mother and servant to God. There is nothing wrong with a woman being strong. There is nothing unfeminine or sinful about it.
And for those who are intimidated by the men, don’t be!! Most of the men will be happy to see you in the gym working hard to be strong. They do not think it’s silly. Everyone else in the weight room will respect you for taking charge of your health and making an effort to strengthen your body. No matter what your size, shape or weight! If you are uncomfortable with training in the gym due to modesty then consider making space in your home. It doesn’t take much room to store a set of dumbbells. You can often find fairly inexpensive, pre-owned sets on sites such as craigslist or free cycle. So go ahead and try it out. If you don’t like it you don’t have to continue. However, I think once you try it you will appreciate the benefits so much you won’t want to quit. What are these benefits? Well, I’ll give you a few.
- Improved body image not just because you look different but because you FEEL different
- Helps you lose body fat while maintaining muscle mass
- Increased self confidence from your achievement in lifting heavier weight
- Better sleep
- Improved libido and desire for your husband
- Everyday activities such as carrying groceries, picking up children , lifting laundry, and climbing stairs become easier and less taxing
- Increase in your metabolic rate
- Strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis
- Strengthens ligaments and tendons
- Reduces risk of coronary disease and diabetes
- Helps keep aging bodies in good working condition
- Reduces risk of arthritis and back pain
- Has been found to reduce depression
- Improves balance which becomes increasingly important as we age
- Improves energy
- Can reduce blood pressure and lower your resting heart rate
- Improves posture
- Increases good cholesterol
- Improves immune function
First, let me say, weight training does not make you bulky. You are a woman. You do not have the hormones to get bulky. The women you see with big muscles did not get that way by accident. They train like crazy, eat like crazy, have fantastic genetics and often times are taking “performance enhancers” of some sort.
Secondly, if you would give it a chance I bet you would be amazed at how much weight you can actually lift. Think about it. Can you pick up a gallon of milk? That’s 8lbs right here. What about carrying groceries? That could be 20lbs. And lifting a toddler? That’s 30lbs-40lbs. You’re well on your way!
As for weight lifting being a man’s sport, I would have to completely disagree. Being strong is not just for men. Women need to be strong every day. We take on the responsibility of our homes, husbands and children. We need to be strong. We are living longer and longer and we need to make sure our bodies can keep up with the demands that will be made on them well into old age. Proverbs 31:17 says the virtuous wife “girds herself with strength and strengthens her arms.” This woman who is regarded as far above rubies sees the important of making her body strong. She is not masculine. She is not trying to prove she can do anything a man can do. She is taking care of her body and making it strong so she can be a good wife, mother and servant to God. There is nothing wrong with a woman being strong. There is nothing unfeminine or sinful about it.
And for those who are intimidated by the men, don’t be!! Most of the men will be happy to see you in the gym working hard to be strong. They do not think it’s silly. Everyone else in the weight room will respect you for taking charge of your health and making an effort to strengthen your body. No matter what your size, shape or weight! If you are uncomfortable with training in the gym due to modesty then consider making space in your home. It doesn’t take much room to store a set of dumbbells. You can often find fairly inexpensive, pre-owned sets on sites such as craigslist or free cycle. So go ahead and try it out. If you don’t like it you don’t have to continue. However, I think once you try it you will appreciate the benefits so much you won’t want to quit. What are these benefits? Well, I’ll give you a few.
- Improved body image not just because you look different but because you FEEL different
- Helps you lose body fat while maintaining muscle mass
- Increased self confidence from your achievement in lifting heavier weight
- Better sleep
- Improved libido and desire for your husband
- Everyday activities such as carrying groceries, picking up children , lifting laundry, and climbing stairs become easier and less taxing
- Increase in your metabolic rate
- Strengthens bones and helps prevent osteoporosis
- Strengthens ligaments and tendons
- Reduces risk of coronary disease and diabetes
- Helps keep aging bodies in good working condition
- Reduces risk of arthritis and back pain
- Has been found to reduce depression
- Improves balance which becomes increasingly important as we age
- Improves energy
- Can reduce blood pressure and lower your resting heart rate
- Improves posture
- Increases good cholesterol
- Improves immune function
Monday, September 29, 2008
Send a Message of Love
I found a cute idea a few months ago when looking for cute ways to bless my husband. What I came up with was a message written on the sidewalk in chalk. All you need is some chalk and a little love. You can write whatever message you like and add a little pizazz with hearts, flowers, etc. It's just a cute way to say "I love you" and let your spouse know you are thinking about them.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
In Defense of the Mentally Ill
I am not so naive to believe that discrimination doesn’t exist against the mentally ill. I know mental illness is wildly misunderstood by the general public and the media sure doesn’t help. But what I cannot understand or accept is blatant rudeness and hatefulness directed toward those who suffer from this form for illness. Let’s first get something straight. All people with mental illness are not raging, homicidal lunatics. Even if they are, they don’t deserve to be treated like dirt. They need love, attention and medical care. I’m not advocating that you put yourself in harms way physically or emotionally but to turn your back on them in coldness goes against what God has taught us. The Lord says we are to care for the needy, not turn our backs on them and avoid them like the plague. If you feel someone you know has reached a point where they are dangerous or completely non-functioning, then try to get them help. There are so many resources available for those who are suffering and for those who are trying to help them through it.
That being said, not all mentally ill persons are a dangerous. Most of them are not. Some may be difficult to deal with but they are not dangerous. Mental illness encompasses many different disorders from Depression to Schizophrenia. Some are harder to deal with than others but this is not to say that they are impossible. Many of the mentally ill are walking around today having fairly normal interactions with the public and just trying to live their lives. They can have normal conversations and participate in the same activities as everyone else. They have feelings and emotions just like we all do. They have families, spouses, children; they go to school and hold down jobs. You cannot identify them by looking at them. They do not wear labels on their foreheads. They sit next to you at work. They hand you your money at the bank. They bag your groceries. They sit across from you in Sunday School. In short, they are people too, just like you.
That being said, not all mentally ill persons are a dangerous. Most of them are not. Some may be difficult to deal with but they are not dangerous. Mental illness encompasses many different disorders from Depression to Schizophrenia. Some are harder to deal with than others but this is not to say that they are impossible. Many of the mentally ill are walking around today having fairly normal interactions with the public and just trying to live their lives. They can have normal conversations and participate in the same activities as everyone else. They have feelings and emotions just like we all do. They have families, spouses, children; they go to school and hold down jobs. You cannot identify them by looking at them. They do not wear labels on their foreheads. They sit next to you at work. They hand you your money at the bank. They bag your groceries. They sit across from you in Sunday School. In short, they are people too, just like you.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Having Children Will Destroy Our Planet!!!
Had Toni Vernelli gone ahead with her pregnancy ten years ago, she would know at first hand what it is like to cradle her own baby, to have a pair of innocent eyes gazing up at her with unconditional love, to feel a little hand slipping into hers - and a voice calling her Mummy.
But the very thought makes her shudder with horror.
Because when Toni terminated her pregnancy, she did so in the firm belief she was helping to save the planet.
Toni Vernelli was steralised at age 27 to reduce her carbon footprint
Incredibly, so determined was she that the terrible "mistake" of pregnancy should never happen again, that she begged the doctor who performed the abortion to sterilise her at the same time. He refused, but Toni - who works for an environmental charity - "relentlessly hunted down a doctor who would perform the irreversible surgery.
Finally, eight years ago, Toni got her way.
At the age of 27 this young woman at the height of her reproductive years was sterilised to "protect the planet".
Incredibly, instead of mourning the loss of a family that never was, her boyfriend (now husband) presented her with a congratulations card. While some might think it strange to celebrate the reversal of nature and denial of motherhood, Toni relishes her decision with an almost religious zeal.
"Having children is selfish. It's all about maintaining your genetic line at the expense of the planet," says Toni, 35.
"Every person who is born uses more food, more water, more land, more fossil fuels, more trees and produces more rubbish, more pollution, more greenhouse gases, and adds to the problem of over-population."
You can read the rest of the article here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-495495/Meet-women-wont-babies--theyre-eco-friendly.html#StartComments
What I would like to know is why people who are willing to kill their unborn babies to spare the planet another burden are still alive themselves? Are they not consuming food, water, land, fossil fuels, tress and emitting greenhouses gases? If it so important they would sacrifice the life of an innocent child, why would they not sacrifice their own as well? They easily hand over that child's life while clinging to their own and spewing their own agenda of evil.
I cannot expect these woman to understand that God gives children as a blessing. I cannot expect them to understand life from my point of view as a Believer and follow of the Lord. If they don't want children, that is their choice. But their complete disregard for human life is sickening and heartbreaking. They have been so consumed by their desire to "save the earth" they cannot see anyting else. I can't help but to think these woman are trying to find self-worth by their "sacrifices" but they are never going to find it. They are trying to feel important, to feel like they have made a difference in the world. Sadly, they will never know that being a mother could have fulfilled that dream.
But the very thought makes her shudder with horror.
Because when Toni terminated her pregnancy, she did so in the firm belief she was helping to save the planet.
Toni Vernelli was steralised at age 27 to reduce her carbon footprint
Incredibly, so determined was she that the terrible "mistake" of pregnancy should never happen again, that she begged the doctor who performed the abortion to sterilise her at the same time. He refused, but Toni - who works for an environmental charity - "relentlessly hunted down a doctor who would perform the irreversible surgery.
Finally, eight years ago, Toni got her way.
At the age of 27 this young woman at the height of her reproductive years was sterilised to "protect the planet".
Incredibly, instead of mourning the loss of a family that never was, her boyfriend (now husband) presented her with a congratulations card. While some might think it strange to celebrate the reversal of nature and denial of motherhood, Toni relishes her decision with an almost religious zeal.
"Having children is selfish. It's all about maintaining your genetic line at the expense of the planet," says Toni, 35.
"Every person who is born uses more food, more water, more land, more fossil fuels, more trees and produces more rubbish, more pollution, more greenhouse gases, and adds to the problem of over-population."
You can read the rest of the article here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-495495/Meet-women-wont-babies--theyre-eco-friendly.html#StartComments
What I would like to know is why people who are willing to kill their unborn babies to spare the planet another burden are still alive themselves? Are they not consuming food, water, land, fossil fuels, tress and emitting greenhouses gases? If it so important they would sacrifice the life of an innocent child, why would they not sacrifice their own as well? They easily hand over that child's life while clinging to their own and spewing their own agenda of evil.
I cannot expect these woman to understand that God gives children as a blessing. I cannot expect them to understand life from my point of view as a Believer and follow of the Lord. If they don't want children, that is their choice. But their complete disregard for human life is sickening and heartbreaking. They have been so consumed by their desire to "save the earth" they cannot see anyting else. I can't help but to think these woman are trying to find self-worth by their "sacrifices" but they are never going to find it. They are trying to feel important, to feel like they have made a difference in the world. Sadly, they will never know that being a mother could have fulfilled that dream.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Turmeric, It's Not Just For Curry
I have recently discovered a new health food I never would have guessed – Turmeric! I’m always looking for new things to try in an attempt to be healthier so this is right up my alley. This week I was listening to a radio program when this topic caught my attention. I got on the internet the next day to do some research. Turns out Turmeric has many benefits that have been known for years in other cultures. It’s been used for thousands of years for a myriad of health concerns.
It is actually the Curcumin in the Turmeric that does all the work. It provides curcuminoids, which have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can be used on all sorts of foods but can also be taken in capsule form. Please do be cautious if you are pregnant, have gallstones or are taking certain medication. Turmeric can have blood – thinning effects and so should be avoided by those taking anticoagulants. Also, those with stomach ulcers may want to avoid Turmeric. Here are just a few of Tumeric’s uses
- Reduces inflammation and joint pain
- Is a natural liver detoxifier
- Works as an antioxidant
- Makes a great, natural painkiller
- Can be used as an antibacterial ointment when applied topically
- Boosts the immune system
- Can be used in the bath for glowing skin
- Heals blemishes
- Relives eczema
- Research shows it may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
- Believed to be helpful in blocking the growth of colon, breast and melanoma cells.
- May also reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia.
It is actually the Curcumin in the Turmeric that does all the work. It provides curcuminoids, which have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can be used on all sorts of foods but can also be taken in capsule form. Please do be cautious if you are pregnant, have gallstones or are taking certain medication. Turmeric can have blood – thinning effects and so should be avoided by those taking anticoagulants. Also, those with stomach ulcers may want to avoid Turmeric. Here are just a few of Tumeric’s uses
- Reduces inflammation and joint pain
- Is a natural liver detoxifier
- Works as an antioxidant
- Makes a great, natural painkiller
- Can be used as an antibacterial ointment when applied topically
- Boosts the immune system
- Can be used in the bath for glowing skin
- Heals blemishes
- Relives eczema
- Research shows it may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis.
- Believed to be helpful in blocking the growth of colon, breast and melanoma cells.
- May also reduce the risk of developing childhood leukemia.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Just a Funny
This joke is about as close to political as I'll get on this board. I just thought it was funny so I'm going to post.
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, 'Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am.
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, 'You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.
She rolled her eyes and said, 'You must be a Republican.'
'I am,' replied the man. 'How did you know?'
'Well,' answered the balloonist, 'everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me.'
The man smiled and responded, 'You must be a Democrat.'
'I am,' replied the balloonist. 'How did you know?'
'Well,' said the man, 'you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but, somehow, now it's my fault.'
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, 'Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am.
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, 'You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.
She rolled her eyes and said, 'You must be a Republican.'
'I am,' replied the man. 'How did you know?'
'Well,' answered the balloonist, 'everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me.'
The man smiled and responded, 'You must be a Democrat.'
'I am,' replied the balloonist. 'How did you know?'
'Well,' said the man, 'you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but, somehow, now it's my fault.'
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Belly Castings or Belly Masks are plaster molds of a pregnant women’s growing belly. It’s a nice way to capture what she looked like while she was pregnant. The mold can be decorated in all sorts of ways and put on display in the home as a reminder of their pregnancy. They can be done in art studios, you can get a kit or you can just whip up your own. I like this particular one because it covers the chest area. This one could easily be put on display without being in appropriate. I also think the ribbon ads an artistic flair. I love the hands too as it symbolizes their whole family being together. This is a great project for the husband and wife, or even for the siblings of the new little one.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Arranged Marriage: Part V
Analysis
In Hindu society, marriage has been, and remains, a religious duty of every individual. It is only through marriage that children will be born and by which the ancestral debt paid off by serving one’s children. A man and a woman remain incomplete without finding each other (The Angirasa Guide to Planning a Hindu Wedding).
We can use the functionalist perspective to explain what arranged marriage does to keep society together in cultures like that of traditional Nepal and India. In these societies, family is the most important aspect of life. The family is more important than the couple themselves. When two people marry it is not a marriage between just a bride and groom but of the entire family. The new partner has to get along well with the family. Arranged marriage is the answer to ensuring that families get along and that conflict is avoided whenever possible. When the families are given the responsibility of finding a mate they can choose someone who they know will be a good fit. Arranging marriages allows families to protect themselves and to stay together.
Arranged marriage provides a support system for both the bride and groom. The couple lives with the groom’s family which can be the voice of reason when a couple becomes unhappy with one another, a source of socialization for children, and a moral support during difficult times. These marriages are based on commitment, partnership, and shared responsibilities. It is the responsibility of the entire family to ensure that each marriage remains in tact and that families are not split apart.
Arranged marriages also involve materialism in different forms. When families come together they bring with them their wealth. When a family acquires a bride for their son they expect her to bring something to the table. Though not discussed, many Hindu families still participate in giving a dowry. A woman may bring with her money, animals, or human capital in the form of an educational degree from attending college.
Since sons do not move away on their own after marriage, the family shares and provides everything for one another. Everyone provides economic resources for the rest of the family whether it be money from working a job, labor in taking care of the home or land, or childcare so others can take jobs outside of the home. Arranged marriages and the family system that goes along with them have shown to be a way for people in this culture to meet their material needs.
As I mentioned previously, I would like to look at the role of networking in arranged marriage. In each of the marriages shown, they have one thing in common, they all involved networks. The families had been networking in all sorts of places searching for a mate for their child. In the Subedi’s marriage they ended up finding a mate for their daughter in another country, through friendships made on vacation. In the Pant’s case, their network was so large the two of them don’t even know how they were brought together! With Domodor and Kalpana’s marriage, Kalpana’s parents found Domodor through the friend of their relative. In arranged marriages, the network system is very important and is usually how people find mates. At times one individual could have up to 100 pictures of eligible partners whose families have heard they are looking for a mate (that doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me).
I only spent a short time doing this project, I was not able to gather the information I would have liked. You can’t learn all there is to know about an entire culture and their marital practices in one short semester. But even if I had the rest of my life, I wouldn’t be able to do justice to my subject. There is always more to see, more to hear, more to learn, more to know and more to share.
In a book of thesis compiled by Anne Norton, the final statement is this: “These -these people, this person, this date, this house, this nation, this hand, this document, this letter-are not carriers of a single idea or manifestations of a small complex of abstractions. No theory can exhaust the materiality, the signifying capacity, the ideality, of the particular. Each instance, each thing, is a gate into the infinite (95 Theses on Politics, Culture, & Method).”
Bibliography
Nanda, Serena, “Arranging a Marriage in India.” Talking About People, Reading in Contemporary Cultural Anthroplogy, 2002.
Norton, Anne, 2004. 95 Theses on Politics, Culture, and Method, Yale University Press, New Haven.
Salzman, Phillip Carl, 2001. Understanding Culture: An Introduction to Anthropological Theory, Waveland Press Inc, Prospect Heights, Illinois
In Hindu society, marriage has been, and remains, a religious duty of every individual. It is only through marriage that children will be born and by which the ancestral debt paid off by serving one’s children. A man and a woman remain incomplete without finding each other (The Angirasa Guide to Planning a Hindu Wedding).
We can use the functionalist perspective to explain what arranged marriage does to keep society together in cultures like that of traditional Nepal and India. In these societies, family is the most important aspect of life. The family is more important than the couple themselves. When two people marry it is not a marriage between just a bride and groom but of the entire family. The new partner has to get along well with the family. Arranged marriage is the answer to ensuring that families get along and that conflict is avoided whenever possible. When the families are given the responsibility of finding a mate they can choose someone who they know will be a good fit. Arranging marriages allows families to protect themselves and to stay together.
Arranged marriage provides a support system for both the bride and groom. The couple lives with the groom’s family which can be the voice of reason when a couple becomes unhappy with one another, a source of socialization for children, and a moral support during difficult times. These marriages are based on commitment, partnership, and shared responsibilities. It is the responsibility of the entire family to ensure that each marriage remains in tact and that families are not split apart.
Arranged marriages also involve materialism in different forms. When families come together they bring with them their wealth. When a family acquires a bride for their son they expect her to bring something to the table. Though not discussed, many Hindu families still participate in giving a dowry. A woman may bring with her money, animals, or human capital in the form of an educational degree from attending college.
Since sons do not move away on their own after marriage, the family shares and provides everything for one another. Everyone provides economic resources for the rest of the family whether it be money from working a job, labor in taking care of the home or land, or childcare so others can take jobs outside of the home. Arranged marriages and the family system that goes along with them have shown to be a way for people in this culture to meet their material needs.
As I mentioned previously, I would like to look at the role of networking in arranged marriage. In each of the marriages shown, they have one thing in common, they all involved networks. The families had been networking in all sorts of places searching for a mate for their child. In the Subedi’s marriage they ended up finding a mate for their daughter in another country, through friendships made on vacation. In the Pant’s case, their network was so large the two of them don’t even know how they were brought together! With Domodor and Kalpana’s marriage, Kalpana’s parents found Domodor through the friend of their relative. In arranged marriages, the network system is very important and is usually how people find mates. At times one individual could have up to 100 pictures of eligible partners whose families have heard they are looking for a mate (that doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me).
I only spent a short time doing this project, I was not able to gather the information I would have liked. You can’t learn all there is to know about an entire culture and their marital practices in one short semester. But even if I had the rest of my life, I wouldn’t be able to do justice to my subject. There is always more to see, more to hear, more to learn, more to know and more to share.
In a book of thesis compiled by Anne Norton, the final statement is this: “These -these people, this person, this date, this house, this nation, this hand, this document, this letter-are not carriers of a single idea or manifestations of a small complex of abstractions. No theory can exhaust the materiality, the signifying capacity, the ideality, of the particular. Each instance, each thing, is a gate into the infinite (95 Theses on Politics, Culture, & Method).”
Bibliography
Nanda, Serena, “Arranging a Marriage in India.” Talking About People, Reading in Contemporary Cultural Anthroplogy, 2002.
Norton, Anne, 2004. 95 Theses on Politics, Culture, and Method, Yale University Press, New Haven.
Salzman, Phillip Carl, 2001. Understanding Culture: An Introduction to Anthropological Theory, Waveland Press Inc, Prospect Heights, Illinois
Arranged Marriage: Part IV
Blame it on Your Parents
This weekend Dr. Subedi had a large party celebrating a Hindu holiday. She called me Sunday morning, November 14th to tell me she had a young couple staying with her and I should come to her house to interview them for my ethnography. I was greeted by Dr. Subedi, her family, and the Poudels, the couple I had come to interview.
The Poudels marriage was arranged by their families through a relative. Kalpana’s mother had been looking for a groom for her daughter for a while, though Kalpana had not realized this. On a trip to Nepal one of Kalpana’s relatives gave her mother the name of a man they thought might be suitable for Kalpana. The relative had given them the name of a friend, Damodar. Kalpana’s family was looking for well educated man who was settled in his life and ready to take on a wife. Damodar, a doctor, and according to himself, the best looking guy around, fit the bill. His family had also been looking for a wife for him but up until now he had not considered anyone who had been brought to his attention. For him, as the groom, it was important to find a woman who was attractive, of the same religion, and of a similar caste. Kalpana is of a lower caste but there is only a slight difference between the two. Women are never permitted to marry below their caste but many do marry into a higher caste.
Both of the families were only visiting Nepal and waited to begin the wedding process until they returned to the United States. Upon their return they arranged for an interview with Damodar. The couple was permitted to meet and talk to one another in the presence of her family. They were allowed to ask very general and basic questions of each other and their conversation was monitored to make sure they did not step out of the bounds of those basic questions. Later on they talked many more times on the phone and went on a few outings together. After the family had decided that Domodar would be a good match for their daughter, he met his Kalpana’s father. Kalpana’s father was very ill with cancer and had only been given two weeks to live. It was his last wish that he would be able to see his daughter marry. Thankfully the doctors were wrong and Kalpana’s father lived eight more months and did indeed get to see his daughter on her wedding day.
On June 8th, their engagement day, Kalpana and Demodar went to the court house for a civil or “paper” marriage. Later that day they also went to the temple for the garland ceremony. The garland ceremony is a time for the couple to exchange gold wedding bands and to welcome each other into their lives with garlands. Afterward is a dinner party for the family and friends of the couple.
At the time of the civil ceremony Domodar was living in New York and Kalpana was living in Virginia. After the ceremony Domodar went back to New York until it was time for their formal Hindu wedding. On June 16th 2001 Kalpana and Domodar were married in Arlington, Virginia. He had come with friends and relatives from New York bringing with him all of the things Kalpana would need for the ceremony. The groom was responsible for bringing the clothes she would wear, the jewelry, the makeup, the bangles, and the sindoor, the red powder placed in the brides hair during the ceremony.
The formal ceremony lasted five hours and was performed around a fire. The fire symbolizes eternity, knowledge, happiness, and a clean and pure witness to the ceremony. Many Hindu weddings involve taking seven steps around the fire together. It is said in Hindu philosophy that if two people walk seven steps together then they will remain lifelong friends. They exchange sacred vows at the beginning of each encircling walk.
Before the wedding, Kalpana had been nervous about leaving her family and living with a man she barely knew. She was unsure of what kind of man he would be, if they would get along, or if he would love her. She was also nervous because she would be leaving her home and moving to another state. After the wedding she says it didn’t take her long to get used to living with Domodar. The adjustment wasn’t as hard as most of us would think. For Domodar the adjustment wasn’t at all hard. He was happy to come home to a clean house and dinner everyday.
It seems to me that the main goal in arranged marriages is security. Families choose partners for their children to avoid the pitfalls of romantic relationships. It’s a measure to protect children and families. Domodar and Kalpana chose an arranged marriage because of the culture they were raised in and because they felt they would have a better marriage. If they chose to forego arranged marriage and find their own partners it would likely be very secret and private. In keeping it from their family they may not get to know the person the way they should before the marriage and they might realize only afterward that their partner was not the person they had thought. Both kinds of marriage have their drawbacks but at least this way, Kalpana says with a laugh, if something goes wrong in the marriage you can always blame in on your parents.
This weekend Dr. Subedi had a large party celebrating a Hindu holiday. She called me Sunday morning, November 14th to tell me she had a young couple staying with her and I should come to her house to interview them for my ethnography. I was greeted by Dr. Subedi, her family, and the Poudels, the couple I had come to interview.
The Poudels marriage was arranged by their families through a relative. Kalpana’s mother had been looking for a groom for her daughter for a while, though Kalpana had not realized this. On a trip to Nepal one of Kalpana’s relatives gave her mother the name of a man they thought might be suitable for Kalpana. The relative had given them the name of a friend, Damodar. Kalpana’s family was looking for well educated man who was settled in his life and ready to take on a wife. Damodar, a doctor, and according to himself, the best looking guy around, fit the bill. His family had also been looking for a wife for him but up until now he had not considered anyone who had been brought to his attention. For him, as the groom, it was important to find a woman who was attractive, of the same religion, and of a similar caste. Kalpana is of a lower caste but there is only a slight difference between the two. Women are never permitted to marry below their caste but many do marry into a higher caste.
Both of the families were only visiting Nepal and waited to begin the wedding process until they returned to the United States. Upon their return they arranged for an interview with Damodar. The couple was permitted to meet and talk to one another in the presence of her family. They were allowed to ask very general and basic questions of each other and their conversation was monitored to make sure they did not step out of the bounds of those basic questions. Later on they talked many more times on the phone and went on a few outings together. After the family had decided that Domodar would be a good match for their daughter, he met his Kalpana’s father. Kalpana’s father was very ill with cancer and had only been given two weeks to live. It was his last wish that he would be able to see his daughter marry. Thankfully the doctors were wrong and Kalpana’s father lived eight more months and did indeed get to see his daughter on her wedding day.
On June 8th, their engagement day, Kalpana and Demodar went to the court house for a civil or “paper” marriage. Later that day they also went to the temple for the garland ceremony. The garland ceremony is a time for the couple to exchange gold wedding bands and to welcome each other into their lives with garlands. Afterward is a dinner party for the family and friends of the couple.
At the time of the civil ceremony Domodar was living in New York and Kalpana was living in Virginia. After the ceremony Domodar went back to New York until it was time for their formal Hindu wedding. On June 16th 2001 Kalpana and Domodar were married in Arlington, Virginia. He had come with friends and relatives from New York bringing with him all of the things Kalpana would need for the ceremony. The groom was responsible for bringing the clothes she would wear, the jewelry, the makeup, the bangles, and the sindoor, the red powder placed in the brides hair during the ceremony.
The formal ceremony lasted five hours and was performed around a fire. The fire symbolizes eternity, knowledge, happiness, and a clean and pure witness to the ceremony. Many Hindu weddings involve taking seven steps around the fire together. It is said in Hindu philosophy that if two people walk seven steps together then they will remain lifelong friends. They exchange sacred vows at the beginning of each encircling walk.
Before the wedding, Kalpana had been nervous about leaving her family and living with a man she barely knew. She was unsure of what kind of man he would be, if they would get along, or if he would love her. She was also nervous because she would be leaving her home and moving to another state. After the wedding she says it didn’t take her long to get used to living with Domodar. The adjustment wasn’t as hard as most of us would think. For Domodar the adjustment wasn’t at all hard. He was happy to come home to a clean house and dinner everyday.
It seems to me that the main goal in arranged marriages is security. Families choose partners for their children to avoid the pitfalls of romantic relationships. It’s a measure to protect children and families. Domodar and Kalpana chose an arranged marriage because of the culture they were raised in and because they felt they would have a better marriage. If they chose to forego arranged marriage and find their own partners it would likely be very secret and private. In keeping it from their family they may not get to know the person the way they should before the marriage and they might realize only afterward that their partner was not the person they had thought. Both kinds of marriage have their drawbacks but at least this way, Kalpana says with a laugh, if something goes wrong in the marriage you can always blame in on your parents.
Arranged Marriage: Part III
Married Forever
I began this section of my ethnographical journey in the home of Prahlad and Bindu Pant, who insisted that I must have something to drink before the interview began. I gave the Indian tea a shot and actually thought it was quite good. I drank every drop because I had no idea whether leaving some would be offensive. Then I thought about how in some cultures not leaving some would be offensive. I was so nervous about doing something wrong. I finally decided that drinking it all would be a safer bet but in the end neither of them saw whether my cup was completely empty or partially full.
Prahlad and Bindu came to the United States from Nepal in 1976. Prahlad is an engineering professor at the University of Cincinnati and Bindu is currently caring for the home. The couple had a very traditional arranged marriage many years ago. They will not give the exact number of years for it’s a surprise. Next year they will be having an anniversary party and there they will reveal how long they have been married. The only clue Prahlad gives now is that everyone will be very surprised.
Like most other young couples in Nepal, Prahlad and Bindu’s marriage was arranged through their families by word of mouth. Bindu’s family wanted a well educated man with a nice family. Prahlad's family was looking for “Khandani”, family prestige. A woman from khandani, or a prestiges family, would have a good value system. She would not start trouble in her new home; she would be a good wife and daughter-in-law. The family also makes sure that the bride is younger than the husband. The difference in age depends on the family. In some relationships the difference may be a few months, in others it may be nine years. The important thing is that a bride must always be younger than her husband. In Nepal it is also important that the family make sure that there have not been marriages between the two families for at least five to six generations.
Once the families had decided on one another, the couple was not asked if they would like to marry each other, they were told that they would marry and that was final. Before the marriage they did not meet, speak, or much to the amazement of Dr. Subedi, even get to see a picture of one another. They were complete and total strangers until the day of their wedding.
The family chooses the days for the wedding by consulting the calendar. The sun and moon have to be in certain positions. The sun and moon give blessings to the couple on their weddings day. The first day of Prahlad and Bindu’s ceremony was the Formal Engagement. At this time the Prahlad's family sent a priest to Bindu’s home to ask her parents if they wanted to give away their daughter, and they said yes. Next, Prahlad himself went to his bride’s house to exchange rings and garlands made with flowers, silver thread, and special grasses. The next evening he went again, but with a large procession of family, friends, neighbors, and a band playing instruments. He rode in the best car they could find, though limousines were not around at this time. The car was decorated with beautiful flowers for this special occasion. The groom is very well received by the bride’s family, and the ceremony continues on into the middle of the night with prayers. This is the moment when Bindu’s family gave her away. Once the bride has been given away, her husband puts a red powder between the part in her hair. The powder is a special symbol of marriage. Only she and her husband can place it on her head, and only a married woman is allowed to wear it. The day her husband dies she is no longer permitted to wear the powder.
Prahlad stayed at Bindu’s house that night, but since the ceremony was not complete they did not sleep in the same room. The next day was the sending of the bride to live with the groom and his family. Bindu was accepted into the family by her new mother-in-law and by all the other members of the family. She had to meet each member, one by one. As she greeted each family member they gave her a gift of money or jewelry. The next day the new bride and groom, Prahlad and Bindu, went to stay with her parents for one night as a sign of respect and for him show that he was now a part of their family.
When I asked the couple how they felt before the wedding, Prahlad didn’t think he felt much. He said that he was not sensitive enough to be nervous about it. Bindu on the other hand was concerned about living in a new home. She wondered what the new family would be like and how they would treat her. In this culture the burden to make the marriage work falls on the wife. It was she who had to move into a new home with people she doesn’t know, not even her husband. She had to learn about each individual in the home, their likes, dislikes, and their temperament. Bindu had to meet not only the expectations of her new husband but of his entire family.
During this generation divorce was not allowed. If a couple were having problems the families would try to settle the matter and work everything out. If it was an extreme case, such as the wife was being beaten, her family was allowed to take her back home to live with them but the couple was not permitted to divorce.
Today Prahlad and Bindu have a twenty-one year old daughter who is attending college at the University of Colorado. She is very outspoken against arranged marriages, and according to her parents will tell you exactly how she feels and why. Her parents would not expect her to have an arrange marriage and say they don’t believe that children living in the United States should have arranged marriages.
I began this section of my ethnographical journey in the home of Prahlad and Bindu Pant, who insisted that I must have something to drink before the interview began. I gave the Indian tea a shot and actually thought it was quite good. I drank every drop because I had no idea whether leaving some would be offensive. Then I thought about how in some cultures not leaving some would be offensive. I was so nervous about doing something wrong. I finally decided that drinking it all would be a safer bet but in the end neither of them saw whether my cup was completely empty or partially full.
Prahlad and Bindu came to the United States from Nepal in 1976. Prahlad is an engineering professor at the University of Cincinnati and Bindu is currently caring for the home. The couple had a very traditional arranged marriage many years ago. They will not give the exact number of years for it’s a surprise. Next year they will be having an anniversary party and there they will reveal how long they have been married. The only clue Prahlad gives now is that everyone will be very surprised.
Like most other young couples in Nepal, Prahlad and Bindu’s marriage was arranged through their families by word of mouth. Bindu’s family wanted a well educated man with a nice family. Prahlad's family was looking for “Khandani”, family prestige. A woman from khandani, or a prestiges family, would have a good value system. She would not start trouble in her new home; she would be a good wife and daughter-in-law. The family also makes sure that the bride is younger than the husband. The difference in age depends on the family. In some relationships the difference may be a few months, in others it may be nine years. The important thing is that a bride must always be younger than her husband. In Nepal it is also important that the family make sure that there have not been marriages between the two families for at least five to six generations.
Once the families had decided on one another, the couple was not asked if they would like to marry each other, they were told that they would marry and that was final. Before the marriage they did not meet, speak, or much to the amazement of Dr. Subedi, even get to see a picture of one another. They were complete and total strangers until the day of their wedding.
The family chooses the days for the wedding by consulting the calendar. The sun and moon have to be in certain positions. The sun and moon give blessings to the couple on their weddings day. The first day of Prahlad and Bindu’s ceremony was the Formal Engagement. At this time the Prahlad's family sent a priest to Bindu’s home to ask her parents if they wanted to give away their daughter, and they said yes. Next, Prahlad himself went to his bride’s house to exchange rings and garlands made with flowers, silver thread, and special grasses. The next evening he went again, but with a large procession of family, friends, neighbors, and a band playing instruments. He rode in the best car they could find, though limousines were not around at this time. The car was decorated with beautiful flowers for this special occasion. The groom is very well received by the bride’s family, and the ceremony continues on into the middle of the night with prayers. This is the moment when Bindu’s family gave her away. Once the bride has been given away, her husband puts a red powder between the part in her hair. The powder is a special symbol of marriage. Only she and her husband can place it on her head, and only a married woman is allowed to wear it. The day her husband dies she is no longer permitted to wear the powder.
Prahlad stayed at Bindu’s house that night, but since the ceremony was not complete they did not sleep in the same room. The next day was the sending of the bride to live with the groom and his family. Bindu was accepted into the family by her new mother-in-law and by all the other members of the family. She had to meet each member, one by one. As she greeted each family member they gave her a gift of money or jewelry. The next day the new bride and groom, Prahlad and Bindu, went to stay with her parents for one night as a sign of respect and for him show that he was now a part of their family.
When I asked the couple how they felt before the wedding, Prahlad didn’t think he felt much. He said that he was not sensitive enough to be nervous about it. Bindu on the other hand was concerned about living in a new home. She wondered what the new family would be like and how they would treat her. In this culture the burden to make the marriage work falls on the wife. It was she who had to move into a new home with people she doesn’t know, not even her husband. She had to learn about each individual in the home, their likes, dislikes, and their temperament. Bindu had to meet not only the expectations of her new husband but of his entire family.
During this generation divorce was not allowed. If a couple were having problems the families would try to settle the matter and work everything out. If it was an extreme case, such as the wife was being beaten, her family was allowed to take her back home to live with them but the couple was not permitted to divorce.
Today Prahlad and Bindu have a twenty-one year old daughter who is attending college at the University of Colorado. She is very outspoken against arranged marriages, and according to her parents will tell you exactly how she feels and why. Her parents would not expect her to have an arrange marriage and say they don’t believe that children living in the United States should have arranged marriages.
Arranged Marriage: Part II
Arranged Marriage Between Friends
I wait in a tiny office on a dreary, freezing afternoon at the Miami University Campus. On the walls there is a poster of the mountains of Nepal, a few Van Gogh prints, and a character drawing, one of those with the enormous heads, little bodies, and exaggerated features. My professor arrives soon. Looking at her, a well educated, upper class, Indian born American professor, most people would be surprised to learn that Dr. Subedi’s marriage was arranged.
Sree Subedi was born in Kolkata, India, and raised in New Delhi, the capital of India. She comes from an upper class, Hindu family. Her father, Rupesh, worked for the Indian government at the National Statistical Institute and was also a member of the Indian Cabinet. Her mother, Rupali, was a traditional housewife but had attended two years of college. The family was fairly wealthy; they employed servants, gardeners, and a chauffeur. Like all other affluent children in India, Sree attended a private school at a convent run by missionaries.
Sree Subedi was born in Kolkata, India, and raised in New Delhi, the capital of India. She comes from an upper class, Hindu family. Her father, Rupesh, worked for the Indian government at the National Statistical Institute and was also a member of the Indian Cabinet. Her mother, Rupali, was a traditional housewife but had attended two years of college. The family was fairly wealthy; they employed servants, gardeners, and a chauffeur. Like all other affluent children in India, Sree attended a private school at a convent run by missionaries.
In India it is not uncommon for a bride and groom to have never met before their wedding. Sree’s case was different in that she actually knew Jon, and they had become friends before her parents began to look for a groom. Dr. Subedi parents had moved to Nepal for her father’s work while she stayed in India. She met Jon while vacationing with her parents and they became friends. They had similar interests and Jon was the only person she had to visit with who was her age, and not older like her parents or grandparents.
By age 24 Dr. Subedi’s father was thinking about marriage for his daughter. They were looking for someone with a good background. He needed to have a good background and a nice personality. They wanted a man who came from a good family and who would mesh well with their family. Because they had previously lost a son, it was important to them that their future son-in-law be someone who would join the family not only as son-in-law, but as a son. They also wanted someone who would be a good match for Sree as far as education and in similar interests. Her parents preferred someone who was several years older, for it is important that the groom be well established and able to care for his bride.
Sree’s parents thought Jon might be a good match for their family and Sree agreed, so they contacted him by mail and asked him if he would be interested. He said that he would, but that he would have to get approval from his parents, which they granted. In March Rupesh and Rupali took a trip to Nepal to formally meet with Jon and his parents. The meeting went well and without any input from Sree, a date was set for the wedding to take place two months later, in May (not much time for a bride to prepare!).
The months before the marriage are a time to prepare the bride for not only the actual wedding ceremony, but also for the marriage. The mother, aunts, sisters, cousins, and neighbors all give advice to the bride about what it means to be a wife and mother, and what to expect after marriage. Sree’s mother told her that no marriage is perfect, and that she shouldn’t set her expectations too high. No husband would be perfect, or think just as she did, or be just like her. As long as he was a good provider, a good father, and did not abuse her, he was a good man and she should appreciate him. She was taught that as the woman she would have to sacrifice more, and that the home would be what she made it. It was up to her to keep the home and family happy. A bride spends her life trying to please others. In most marriages, the new couple lives with the groom’s family, and the bride is constantly trying to adjust and fit in.
Before the wedding Sree was excited, but also anxious and sad because she would be leaving her family. In Indian culture a daughter’s identity is that of her father, and with marriage her identity would be taken away, and she would now belong to her husband.
After the wedding, Sree was sent to live with Jon in his own apartment. His family threw a big party and invited everyone they knew, including Sree’s family. Sree wore all of the jewelry and nice clothing she was given before the wedding, as a way to show her new husband was taking care of her. The party after the wedding was a time for Jon’s family to show off their son, and for the families to come together and accept one another.
In Western culture the idea of an arranged marriage turns stomachs, but in Eastern culture it’s considered the right way to do things. In India, marriage is meant to last forever. Divorce is not an option. Parents feel that it’s too risky to let children date and choose a spouse. It’s too easy to make a mistake, and marry the wrong person. Arranged marriage is a way to put the search for a partner in the hands of the family, and give them the control. Children can trust their parents because they know they have their best interest at heart, and they will be wise in choosing a partner rather than letting superficial feelings get in the way of their decision. Sree trusted her parent’s decision with her marriage, and knew they would pick the right husband for her. She admits that marrying a man she barely new was hard, and it was awkward for a long time. Despite this, she felt a great sense of security with Jon. She new his intentions were good and that he would be committed to her for life.
Arranged Marriage: Part I
This ethnographic work is a set of life histories involving three Hindu couples and their arranged marriages. The first is the marriage of Dr. Sree Subedi, a professor of Sociology at Miami University. Her marriage took place 22 years ago in India. The second is of Mr. and Mrs. Pant, a couple married in a very traditional setting many years ago in Nepal. The third is of Kalpana and Domodor, a young, less traditional couple married three years ago in Arlington, Virginia. The goal of this ethnography is to tell the story of three Hindu three Hindu marriages and to explore why arranged marriage still exists today in Eastern Culture.
In order to gather information and perspective I interviewed the couples, with the exception of Dr. Subedi’s husband, to get details on how the marriage came about, what ceremonies were involved, and the couple’s personal feelings on arranged marriage. I gained access to my personal tutors through my professor, Dr Subedi. I asked Dr. Subedi if she would be interested in taking part of my ethnography and she agreed. With her help I was able to contact the other two couples in this ethnography.
My research for this project was limited in part because I had to rely solely on interviews and could not take part in participant observation. Finding individuals willing to be interviewed was quite difficult. I tried to make contacts through several organizations but got no reply. Others were interested but they simply didn’t have the time. Even with those who did participate, time was limited. I would have liked more time with my tutors but unfortunately in this society, time constraints often rule our lives.
I visited with each couple separately, taking a few minutes to get to know them before getting started. With the prodding of Dr. Subedi I had devised a list of questions to help my tutors begin thinking about their marriage. In each interview I went down the list of questions, asking the ones I thought would be pertinent to that particular couple and their situation. Each couple had a strong point in a certain area. Dr. Subedi, coming from an academic background was very matter of fact in her answers and gave little attention to minor details but wanted to give me a broad overview of arranged marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Pant were very detailed oriented. I was actually surprised at the number of details they remembered about their five day ceremony that took place so long ago. Kalpana and Domodar added modernity to this ethnography because they were married just a few short years ago and their arranged marriage took place within the United States, and unlike traditional Hindu marriages, they were permitted to talk and date before the wedding took place.
The final section of this paper will contain the analysis. I will use the functionalist perspective found in Salzman’s Understanding Culture as the function of arranged marriage pertains to “contribution to continuity and survival as the whole (Salzman, 30).” I will explain what role marriage plays in the life of Hindu society and how it holds together the most important unit in this culture - the family.
Next I would like to discuss materialism within the arranged marriage family system. In Salzman’s Understanding Culture, materialism is shown to be an explanation for many things within a culture that others outside of that culture may not understand. As member of Western Culture we may not see how the system of marriage in India benefits families economically, but upon looking closer, we see the economics involved in arranged marriage.
Lastly I would like to use the concept of networking found in Serena Nanda’s article, “Arranging a Marriage in India.” On a trip to India, Nanda met many men and woman who were in the process of arranging a marriage. She soon learned that marriage in India involves multitudes of networks to find just the right mate. This ethnography gives a small glimpse of the networking that takes place in arranging a marriage.
In order to gather information and perspective I interviewed the couples, with the exception of Dr. Subedi’s husband, to get details on how the marriage came about, what ceremonies were involved, and the couple’s personal feelings on arranged marriage. I gained access to my personal tutors through my professor, Dr Subedi. I asked Dr. Subedi if she would be interested in taking part of my ethnography and she agreed. With her help I was able to contact the other two couples in this ethnography.
My research for this project was limited in part because I had to rely solely on interviews and could not take part in participant observation. Finding individuals willing to be interviewed was quite difficult. I tried to make contacts through several organizations but got no reply. Others were interested but they simply didn’t have the time. Even with those who did participate, time was limited. I would have liked more time with my tutors but unfortunately in this society, time constraints often rule our lives.
I visited with each couple separately, taking a few minutes to get to know them before getting started. With the prodding of Dr. Subedi I had devised a list of questions to help my tutors begin thinking about their marriage. In each interview I went down the list of questions, asking the ones I thought would be pertinent to that particular couple and their situation. Each couple had a strong point in a certain area. Dr. Subedi, coming from an academic background was very matter of fact in her answers and gave little attention to minor details but wanted to give me a broad overview of arranged marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Pant were very detailed oriented. I was actually surprised at the number of details they remembered about their five day ceremony that took place so long ago. Kalpana and Domodar added modernity to this ethnography because they were married just a few short years ago and their arranged marriage took place within the United States, and unlike traditional Hindu marriages, they were permitted to talk and date before the wedding took place.
The final section of this paper will contain the analysis. I will use the functionalist perspective found in Salzman’s Understanding Culture as the function of arranged marriage pertains to “contribution to continuity and survival as the whole (Salzman, 30).” I will explain what role marriage plays in the life of Hindu society and how it holds together the most important unit in this culture - the family.
Next I would like to discuss materialism within the arranged marriage family system. In Salzman’s Understanding Culture, materialism is shown to be an explanation for many things within a culture that others outside of that culture may not understand. As member of Western Culture we may not see how the system of marriage in India benefits families economically, but upon looking closer, we see the economics involved in arranged marriage.
Lastly I would like to use the concept of networking found in Serena Nanda’s article, “Arranging a Marriage in India.” On a trip to India, Nanda met many men and woman who were in the process of arranging a marriage. She soon learned that marriage in India involves multitudes of networks to find just the right mate. This ethnography gives a small glimpse of the networking that takes place in arranging a marriage.
Arranged Marriage: Introduction
I would like to share with you a project I did several years ago on arranged marriage. I will admit this is not my best work. Not at all. I really struggled with this project, called an ethnography. An ethnography is "a genre of writing that uses fieldwork to provide a descriptive study of human societies."
I find ethnographies to be different from anything else I've ever written and so I had problems grasping what exactly I needed to do and how I needed to present my ideas. I did manage to complete the assignment on a topic I found interesting and I thought I would share it here. Please do remember that while doing my research I only looked at arranged marriage within the Indian culture. I did not looking at other cultures such as Saudi Arabia where arranged marriage is most likely much different. I am not advocating these marriages nor am I saying they are wrong. I am just sharing what I learned.
Because this was originally a 14 page paper I will post in five parts. If you like the paper...or you hate it, please feel free to leave comments.
I find ethnographies to be different from anything else I've ever written and so I had problems grasping what exactly I needed to do and how I needed to present my ideas. I did manage to complete the assignment on a topic I found interesting and I thought I would share it here. Please do remember that while doing my research I only looked at arranged marriage within the Indian culture. I did not looking at other cultures such as Saudi Arabia where arranged marriage is most likely much different. I am not advocating these marriages nor am I saying they are wrong. I am just sharing what I learned.
Because this was originally a 14 page paper I will post in five parts. If you like the paper...or you hate it, please feel free to leave comments.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Butter is Better
Before 1920 heart disease was not an issue in the United States. Since then it has been on the rise and is known now as our #1 killer. The medical community and most definately the weight loss community have touted that margarine is better for your health, will not cause heart disease and will keep your weight down . They are misleading you. They have tricked our society into eating something that isn't good for us by claiming it will help us live longer and be thinner. It's absolutely false. Margarine is an unnatural, chemically made "food" substitute. It is not healthy. It will not prevent weight gain. It will not prevent heart disease. It's nothing but yellow tinted chemicals. Butter on the other hand is a natural, healthy source of fat for our bodies. It does not cause heart disease nor does it make us fater. Here I have a list of ways butter if beneficial to the body. This list can be found on several websites but I took it from this site. http://www.bodyecology.com/07/07/05/benefits_of_real_butter.php
You can also read more at http://www.westonaprice.org/foodfeatures/butter.html but do be aware that this foundation advocates eating raw dairy products that have not been pasturized. While I do see the benefits of this I am not suggesting everyone go out and consume raw dairy without educating yourself first. I would however suggest looking for organic butter and being careful about which butter you choose. Look at the ingredients and know exactly what is in your butter.
1. Butter is rich in the most easily absorbable form of Vitamin A necessary for thyroid and adrenal health.
2. Contains lauric acid, important in treating fungal infections and candida.
3. Contains lecithin, essential for cholesterol metabolism.
4. Contains anti-oxidants that protect against free radical damage.
5. Has anti-oxidants that protect against weakening arteries.
6. Is a great source of Vitamins E and K.
7. Is a very rich source of the vital mineral selenium.
8. Saturated fats in butter have strong anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.
9. Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is a potent anti-cancer agent, muscle builder, and immunity booster
10. Vitamin D found in butter is essential to absorption of calcium.
11. Protects against tooth decay.
12. Is your only source of an anti-stiffness factor, which protects against calcification of the joints.
13. Anti-stiffness factor in butter also prevents hardening of the arteries, cataracts, and calcification of the pineal gland.
14. Is a source of Activator X, which helps your body absorb minerals.
15. Is a source of iodine in highly absorbable form.
16. May promote fertility in women.
17. Is a source of quick energy, and is not stored in our bodies adipose tissue.
18. Cholesterol found in butterfat is essential to children's brain and nervous system development.
19. Contains Arachidonic Acid (AA) which plays a role in brain function and is a vital component of cell membranes.
20. Protects against gastrointestinal infections in the very young or the elderly.
You can also read more at http://www.westonaprice.org/foodfeatures/butter.html but do be aware that this foundation advocates eating raw dairy products that have not been pasturized. While I do see the benefits of this I am not suggesting everyone go out and consume raw dairy without educating yourself first. I would however suggest looking for organic butter and being careful about which butter you choose. Look at the ingredients and know exactly what is in your butter.
1. Butter is rich in the most easily absorbable form of Vitamin A necessary for thyroid and adrenal health.
2. Contains lauric acid, important in treating fungal infections and candida.
3. Contains lecithin, essential for cholesterol metabolism.
4. Contains anti-oxidants that protect against free radical damage.
5. Has anti-oxidants that protect against weakening arteries.
6. Is a great source of Vitamins E and K.
7. Is a very rich source of the vital mineral selenium.
8. Saturated fats in butter have strong anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.
9. Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is a potent anti-cancer agent, muscle builder, and immunity booster
10. Vitamin D found in butter is essential to absorption of calcium.
11. Protects against tooth decay.
12. Is your only source of an anti-stiffness factor, which protects against calcification of the joints.
13. Anti-stiffness factor in butter also prevents hardening of the arteries, cataracts, and calcification of the pineal gland.
14. Is a source of Activator X, which helps your body absorb minerals.
15. Is a source of iodine in highly absorbable form.
16. May promote fertility in women.
17. Is a source of quick energy, and is not stored in our bodies adipose tissue.
18. Cholesterol found in butterfat is essential to children's brain and nervous system development.
19. Contains Arachidonic Acid (AA) which plays a role in brain function and is a vital component of cell membranes.
20. Protects against gastrointestinal infections in the very young or the elderly.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
For The Sake of Your Health
If you have ever been diagnosed with a thyroid condition or suspect you have a thyroid problem I greatly suggest you take a look at the link over in my blogs, Stop the Thyroid Madness. This is an excellent site on how the conventional treatments for thryoid conditions and adrenal issues do not help. Millions of people are being ignored or given treatments that have not improved their symptoms. This site will tell you why they aren't working and what you can do. The link will take you to a blog but from there you can also access the rest of the website. Please take a look.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Headcoverings
In this post I would like to address headcoverings. Most of my readers (I’m going to pretend I actually have readers) have probably not given much thought to headcoverings. You may not even know what I’m talking about so I will explain. I’m sure just about everyone has seen a Mennonite woman or a Muslim woman who wears some sort of bonnet or scarf on their head. This is a headcovering. Most of us probably don’t give much thought past “wow, that must be hot in the summer." We don’t take time to understand why these women cover their head and what it means to them. In my experience, when most people see a woman who covers her head they automatically think she is a Muslim. They also think she’s oppressed and her husband probably beats her if she doesn’t wear what he forces her to wear it in public. The act of covering one’s head was not started by Islam and was around long before Muhammad wrote the Qur’an. In fact, pp until the fifties or so, most women in this country covered their heads in church and until about the turn of the twentieth century, they covered their heads when they left their home to go out in public. It is only in recent years that it has become common for a woman not to cover her head. Also, the fact that a woman chooses to wear a covering does not mean she’s oppressed, it does not mean her husband is abusive, it does not mean she is unintelligent or that she cannot think for herself. Many women around the world and in the United States choose to cover their head for various reasons. They make the choice. No one forces them to wear the covering. It’s something they want to do. Yes, it is true there are many women around the world and in Middle Eastern countries that are forced to cover their entire bodies or they are at risk of being killed. These women absolutely are abused and are at the mercy of very evil men. But for our purposes here, we are talking about free women who make these choices on their own because they believe it is the right thing to do. And as I have already mentioned, Muslims are not the only group who cover. The Amish, Mennonites, Baptists, Quakers, Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Jewish and even some Pagans practice headcovering as well.
Now, if you are already aware of headcoverings you’ve likely heard quite a few opinions on the subject. In today’s culture a woman covering her head is often viewed as legalistic or just plain silly. I went along with this thought for a long time because it was how I was taught. I never knew a woman who covered her head, not even during church services. No one ever wore hats to church either unless it was Easter and you were three years old. Lately I’ve been introduced to women who do choose to cover and I’m growing to like the idea. As I look into the practice more and more I am beginning to have an appreciation for the “veil”. I do not see it as a practice only of the oppressed or the legalistic who condemn all others who are not like them. I do not think it’s silly. I think it can be really beautiful. So, on that note, I would now like to share with you just a few reasons women from every walk of life, from every corner of the earth, from every age group and of every faith have made the decision to wear the headcovering.
Respect as an Individual
Many women wear a headcovering because want to be judged for who they are instead of what they look like on the outside. They do not appreciate how woman are viewed as sex objects in our modern society. They seek to prevent themselves from being seen this way by covering their bodies. They feel they are honoring themselves and demanding respect from others. It sends the message that they want to be judged for who they not whether they are beautiful. They want to be related to as human being not just as a female body.
Obedience to God
Many women who choose to cover do so in obedience to God. They seek to please Him by obeying His Word. Those who follow Islam base this belief on what was written in the Qur’an. In the Orthodox Jewish faith (and other sects of Judaism) a woman who is married or has been married covers her hair because it is an obligation found in the Torah. For the Christian woman, the calling to cover her head can be found in I Corinthians, Chapter 11. [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2011&version=9;] A friend of mine who covers during prayer explained it this way. Paul was addressing disorder in the church services. He wanted the Corinthians to understand headship in the church. God is the head of the man and man is the head of woman. He went on to further state that when a man prayed or prophesied with his head covered, it dishonored God. The women however, were called to cover their heads as a sign of honor to her husbands.
Some believe this chapter is only saying a woman should cover her head to pray. Some say she should always cover her head. Some say the “covering” just means hair. Some say it means a literal cover. There are women who only cover during prayer or church but there are many other women who cover their head at all times based on this Scripture verse.
A dear friend of mine pointed out that many people reject the teaching of headcovering based on I Corinthians stating that it was just a cultural teaching of the time. However, many churches use the same chapter for the basis of their Communion beliefs. She also points out that these writings were not just directed to the church at Corinth but to “them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus” which would imply all those who are believers and followers of Christ. That being said, she still feels the church does not have the right to make rules regarding coverings and that it needs to be a decision between husband and wife.
Reminder of Who They Are and Who They Serve
Many say that wearing a headcovering is a way to show their faith without opening their mouth. They want to be identified as a Believer simply by what they wear. They want people to know they serve their God and strive to obey Him.
For some, the headcovering is helpful during prayer time. They can feel the presence of the covering on their head and it keeps them from drifting off or daydreaming during prayer. It can help them remain focused on bonding with the Lord. It can also be a constant reminder for why they are here on earth. They have a physical covering on their head that reminds them at all times to be a witness for God and to live the life they should be living.
Modesty
Covering one’s hair is often seen as a form of modesty. Women who cover for this reason may feel its part of their obedience to God to be modest. God does not want us to flaunt our bodies and our beauty all around town. In our society its become common for women to wear next to nothing and reveal all parts of their body. Yet, there are still many women who feel this is wrong. Of course not all of them cover their heads but some of them do. For others, headcovering for modesty’s sake may just be the way they feel most comfortable. I have heard comments from a Pagan who covers because she feels it’s better for a woman’s self esteem if she covers herself. She is uncomfortable with the clothing being sold to women today and feels that if women would cover ourselves we would have fewer issues with low self esteem and body image issues. I personally tend to agree with this position. I myself am taking time to consider what I wear in public and give thought to whether or not I am dressed modestly.
Types of Headcoverings
Hijab – The hijab is a cover that goes around the head and neck. It’s popular among Muslims and also some Christians. They come in hundreds of different colors, prints and textures. There are also many different ways to wrap use them based on your style preferences.
Niqab – The niqab covers the entire face and as far as I know, is only worn by Muslim women. It is often referred to as a burqa.
Kippah – The kippah is a small, round cap worn by Jewish men but also sometimes worn by Jewish women. It is probably better known as the yarmulke.
Snood – A snood can be described as a sack of yarn or netting that goes around the forehead and holds the hair. They were quite common in the Middle Ages. They are often worn by Jewish women but others wear them also, even women who do not cover. Interestingly, they are very popular at Rennasiance Fairs and look very lovely on dark hair.
Scarf – The scarf is a very simple headovering. You can get them anywhere and do a lot of things with them. They come in a variety of shapes and more colors than you can imagine
Cap – These are usually worn by the Amish, Mennonite and Quakers.
Bonnet – Bonnets have been a very common headcoverings since the 18th century. They are still worn by some women today though most of us probably think of them as something for babies to wear.
Wraps – There are many different types of wraps. You can actually use a scarf for these or buy something made specifically for head wraps. There is really no limit to what you can do with a piece of cloth. Some of them cover all the hair, some leave the ends free. These are often worn by more “bohemian” types or women with a lot of thick hair who want get it up off their neck. But they can also make a very cute headcovering. I’ve always liked these but haven’t figured out how I would get them to stay on my head.
Now, if you are already aware of headcoverings you’ve likely heard quite a few opinions on the subject. In today’s culture a woman covering her head is often viewed as legalistic or just plain silly. I went along with this thought for a long time because it was how I was taught. I never knew a woman who covered her head, not even during church services. No one ever wore hats to church either unless it was Easter and you were three years old. Lately I’ve been introduced to women who do choose to cover and I’m growing to like the idea. As I look into the practice more and more I am beginning to have an appreciation for the “veil”. I do not see it as a practice only of the oppressed or the legalistic who condemn all others who are not like them. I do not think it’s silly. I think it can be really beautiful. So, on that note, I would now like to share with you just a few reasons women from every walk of life, from every corner of the earth, from every age group and of every faith have made the decision to wear the headcovering.
Respect as an Individual
Many women wear a headcovering because want to be judged for who they are instead of what they look like on the outside. They do not appreciate how woman are viewed as sex objects in our modern society. They seek to prevent themselves from being seen this way by covering their bodies. They feel they are honoring themselves and demanding respect from others. It sends the message that they want to be judged for who they not whether they are beautiful. They want to be related to as human being not just as a female body.
Obedience to God
Many women who choose to cover do so in obedience to God. They seek to please Him by obeying His Word. Those who follow Islam base this belief on what was written in the Qur’an. In the Orthodox Jewish faith (and other sects of Judaism) a woman who is married or has been married covers her hair because it is an obligation found in the Torah. For the Christian woman, the calling to cover her head can be found in I Corinthians, Chapter 11. [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2011&version=9;] A friend of mine who covers during prayer explained it this way. Paul was addressing disorder in the church services. He wanted the Corinthians to understand headship in the church. God is the head of the man and man is the head of woman. He went on to further state that when a man prayed or prophesied with his head covered, it dishonored God. The women however, were called to cover their heads as a sign of honor to her husbands.
Some believe this chapter is only saying a woman should cover her head to pray. Some say she should always cover her head. Some say the “covering” just means hair. Some say it means a literal cover. There are women who only cover during prayer or church but there are many other women who cover their head at all times based on this Scripture verse.
A dear friend of mine pointed out that many people reject the teaching of headcovering based on I Corinthians stating that it was just a cultural teaching of the time. However, many churches use the same chapter for the basis of their Communion beliefs. She also points out that these writings were not just directed to the church at Corinth but to “them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus” which would imply all those who are believers and followers of Christ. That being said, she still feels the church does not have the right to make rules regarding coverings and that it needs to be a decision between husband and wife.
Reminder of Who They Are and Who They Serve
Many say that wearing a headcovering is a way to show their faith without opening their mouth. They want to be identified as a Believer simply by what they wear. They want people to know they serve their God and strive to obey Him.
For some, the headcovering is helpful during prayer time. They can feel the presence of the covering on their head and it keeps them from drifting off or daydreaming during prayer. It can help them remain focused on bonding with the Lord. It can also be a constant reminder for why they are here on earth. They have a physical covering on their head that reminds them at all times to be a witness for God and to live the life they should be living.
Modesty
Covering one’s hair is often seen as a form of modesty. Women who cover for this reason may feel its part of their obedience to God to be modest. God does not want us to flaunt our bodies and our beauty all around town. In our society its become common for women to wear next to nothing and reveal all parts of their body. Yet, there are still many women who feel this is wrong. Of course not all of them cover their heads but some of them do. For others, headcovering for modesty’s sake may just be the way they feel most comfortable. I have heard comments from a Pagan who covers because she feels it’s better for a woman’s self esteem if she covers herself. She is uncomfortable with the clothing being sold to women today and feels that if women would cover ourselves we would have fewer issues with low self esteem and body image issues. I personally tend to agree with this position. I myself am taking time to consider what I wear in public and give thought to whether or not I am dressed modestly.
Types of Headcoverings
Hijab – The hijab is a cover that goes around the head and neck. It’s popular among Muslims and also some Christians. They come in hundreds of different colors, prints and textures. There are also many different ways to wrap use them based on your style preferences.
Niqab – The niqab covers the entire face and as far as I know, is only worn by Muslim women. It is often referred to as a burqa.
Kippah – The kippah is a small, round cap worn by Jewish men but also sometimes worn by Jewish women. It is probably better known as the yarmulke.
Snood – A snood can be described as a sack of yarn or netting that goes around the forehead and holds the hair. They were quite common in the Middle Ages. They are often worn by Jewish women but others wear them also, even women who do not cover. Interestingly, they are very popular at Rennasiance Fairs and look very lovely on dark hair.
Scarf – The scarf is a very simple headovering. You can get them anywhere and do a lot of things with them. They come in a variety of shapes and more colors than you can imagine
Cap – These are usually worn by the Amish, Mennonite and Quakers.
Bonnet – Bonnets have been a very common headcoverings since the 18th century. They are still worn by some women today though most of us probably think of them as something for babies to wear.
Wraps – There are many different types of wraps. You can actually use a scarf for these or buy something made specifically for head wraps. There is really no limit to what you can do with a piece of cloth. Some of them cover all the hair, some leave the ends free. These are often worn by more “bohemian” types or women with a lot of thick hair who want get it up off their neck. But they can also make a very cute headcovering. I’ve always liked these but haven’t figured out how I would get them to stay on my head.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Creative Schooling
It’s back to school time again and for many children, they don’t have to go far. In 2003 there were 1.1 million children being education at home in the U.S. The number is likely much greater this year as homeschooling as been on the rise for quite some time. Despite this fact, I’m hearing a lot of negativity concerning those who choose to educate their children at home rather than in the public or private school system. I’m going to be honest; homeschooling has a very bad reputation around here. I’ve heard very nasty comments on the families who choose to homeschool and even personal attacks on the children. Everything from how these kids are going to be stupid and unable to function to how they are socially inept and unable to interact with other human beings. I don’t find this to be true at all and I’m not certain from where these ideas stem but it’s certainly not coming from actually observing homeschooled children.
As I was growing up I knew that homeschooling existed but I didn’t quite understand what those kids really did at home. I thought all they did was fill out books and take tests. In other words, it was mind numbingly boring. Now that I’ve met more homeschoolers and gotten to know more about them, I have realized I was wrong.Very wrong. Homeschooling can actually be really neat.
The way I see it is that homseschooling gives you flexibility, options and room to be yourself. If grandma needs extra care because she isn’t feeling too well, the kids can take a break to help grandma with chores around the house. If dad is suddenly surprised with an out of town business trip to Florida with a free cottage, the family can pack up and head out for a mini vacation and time spent together. When you educate at home you can mold your schedule around all the little bumps that pop up in daily living. Life happens. We all have to deal with it. Homeschooling gives families the opportunity for flexibility that other families cannot afford.
Another thing I like about the idea of homeschooling is that parents and children can pick and choose things they want to do. Of course everyone needs to the basic reading, writing, math, science and history but they can do so much more! If a child is interested in horses they can do a unit on horses. If a child is interested in the ocean they can do a unit on oceans. If one child is interested in religion in Mesopotamia during the reign of Hammurabi, they can do a unit on it. Mom may be confused as to why this child would want to do such a study but that is okay. The child’s individual interests do not have to take a backseat as they do in public or private schools. Their interests are front and center and a love for learning can be cultivated by allowing them to explore what they find interesting and useful.
Another argument against homeschooling is that children miss out on so much, including socializing. Well, that may be true for some children. I’ve just learned of some children in this area who are not allowed out of their homes for much of any reason. They do their schooling online and that’s all the do, period. But this is an oddity and it doesn’t have to be this way. I set out to see what I could find for homeschoolers in my area and I was shocked at all the opportunities for these kids to be involved with education and fun activities. Just within my area there are several different organizations for homeschoolers who get together to have classes, play sports and go on field trips. These groups are usually called co-ops. The co-ops around here vary in how often they meet. One of them actually meets everyday with classes from morning to afternoon. It seems somewhat like a private school except that you pick exactly what you want your child to do and they can take one class or stay there all day. Other groups usually meet once or twice a week. The classes are taught by other homeschooling parents based on their abilities. For example, if I had a child in a co-op I could teach a class on art history while my child is in the next room with another mother who is teaching algebra. This allows parents to get help in areas where they struggle or let their kids learn something fun that they don't feel prepared to teach themselves. The co-op groups address more than just academic education by offering sports, dance classes, art, drama, music and a variety of other special interest classes. They also provide a great way for children to make friends and interact with their peers.
I would challenge those who feel homsechooling is a terrible idea to take a look at what home education really can be and not what you think it is based on limited observations. There are many stereotypes and ideas out there that simply are not true. Homeschooling is really only limited by your own imagination. I personally think it’s a wonderfully creative, fun and challenging way to educate children and I hope that one day I have the opportunity to homeschool my own children.
As I was growing up I knew that homeschooling existed but I didn’t quite understand what those kids really did at home. I thought all they did was fill out books and take tests. In other words, it was mind numbingly boring. Now that I’ve met more homeschoolers and gotten to know more about them, I have realized I was wrong.Very wrong. Homeschooling can actually be really neat.
The way I see it is that homseschooling gives you flexibility, options and room to be yourself. If grandma needs extra care because she isn’t feeling too well, the kids can take a break to help grandma with chores around the house. If dad is suddenly surprised with an out of town business trip to Florida with a free cottage, the family can pack up and head out for a mini vacation and time spent together. When you educate at home you can mold your schedule around all the little bumps that pop up in daily living. Life happens. We all have to deal with it. Homeschooling gives families the opportunity for flexibility that other families cannot afford.
Another thing I like about the idea of homeschooling is that parents and children can pick and choose things they want to do. Of course everyone needs to the basic reading, writing, math, science and history but they can do so much more! If a child is interested in horses they can do a unit on horses. If a child is interested in the ocean they can do a unit on oceans. If one child is interested in religion in Mesopotamia during the reign of Hammurabi, they can do a unit on it. Mom may be confused as to why this child would want to do such a study but that is okay. The child’s individual interests do not have to take a backseat as they do in public or private schools. Their interests are front and center and a love for learning can be cultivated by allowing them to explore what they find interesting and useful.
Another argument against homeschooling is that children miss out on so much, including socializing. Well, that may be true for some children. I’ve just learned of some children in this area who are not allowed out of their homes for much of any reason. They do their schooling online and that’s all the do, period. But this is an oddity and it doesn’t have to be this way. I set out to see what I could find for homeschoolers in my area and I was shocked at all the opportunities for these kids to be involved with education and fun activities. Just within my area there are several different organizations for homeschoolers who get together to have classes, play sports and go on field trips. These groups are usually called co-ops. The co-ops around here vary in how often they meet. One of them actually meets everyday with classes from morning to afternoon. It seems somewhat like a private school except that you pick exactly what you want your child to do and they can take one class or stay there all day. Other groups usually meet once or twice a week. The classes are taught by other homeschooling parents based on their abilities. For example, if I had a child in a co-op I could teach a class on art history while my child is in the next room with another mother who is teaching algebra. This allows parents to get help in areas where they struggle or let their kids learn something fun that they don't feel prepared to teach themselves. The co-op groups address more than just academic education by offering sports, dance classes, art, drama, music and a variety of other special interest classes. They also provide a great way for children to make friends and interact with their peers.
I would challenge those who feel homsechooling is a terrible idea to take a look at what home education really can be and not what you think it is based on limited observations. There are many stereotypes and ideas out there that simply are not true. Homeschooling is really only limited by your own imagination. I personally think it’s a wonderfully creative, fun and challenging way to educate children and I hope that one day I have the opportunity to homeschool my own children.
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