The word "psychosis" is used to describe conditions that affect the mind, in which there has been some loss of contact with reality. The terms "early psychosis" or "first episode psychosis" mean that an individual is experiencing psychosis for the first time. Hallucinations, delusions (false beliefs), paranoia and disorganized thoughts and speech are symptoms of psychosis. These symptoms can seem so real that often the person does not realize that they are experiencing psychosis. Psychosis also affects feelings and behaviour.
Psychotic episodes are periods of time when symptoms of psychosis are strong and interfere with regular life. Although the lengths of these episodes vary from person to person and may only last a few hours or days, psychosis is most likely to continue for weeks, months or even years unless the person is given proper treatment.
The experience of psychosis varies greatly from person to person and individuals experiencing psychosis may have very different symptoms.
Who gets psychosis?
Approximately 3% of people will experience a psychotic episode at some stage in their life, although a first episode usually occurs in adolescence or early adult life. Psychosis occurs across all cultures and levels of socioeconomic status and affects males and females equally.
Being able to treat psychosis early is very important, since it usually starts during a very critical stage of a young person's life. Adolescents and young adults are just starting to develop their own identity, form lasting relationships, and make serious plans for their careers and future. A successful recovery leads to a healthy, productive future.
Phases of a psychotic episode
UpThere are three phases to psychosis; however, not all people having a psychotic episode will experience clear symptoms of all three phases. Each person's experience will differ.
The first phase is called the Prodromal Phase.
This is the period before the psychosis becomes more obvious. There are often changes in feelings, thoughts, perceptions and behaviours. Prodromal symptoms vary from person to person and some people may not experience a prodrome. The duration of this phase is quite variable, although it usually spans several months.
The second phase is the Acute Phase.
This is the stage when the typical psychotic symptoms emerge. It is also the stage that is easiest to recognize and diagnose. Therefore the acute phase is when most people begin receiving treatment.
The third phase is Recovery.
Some of the symptoms that are apparent in the Acute Phase may linger in Recovery. With appropriate treatments, the great majority of people successfully recover from their first episode of psychosis.
Signs and Symptoms
Early Signs (Prodromal Phase)
Prior to the onset of acute psychosis people may have symptoms that are characterized as Prodromal symptoms. Some of the more common Prodromal symptoms include:
* social withdrawal
* reduced concentration, attention
* depressed mood
* sleep disturbance
* anxiety
* suspiciousness
* skipping school or work
* irritability
These symptoms are very general and could be signs of many different things, including normal adolescent behaviour. It is always important to be on the alert for such changes in thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviour especially when they are continuous over a period of time. The earlier the treatment starts, the greater the chance of a successful recovery.
Definite Psychotic Symptoms
UpIt is in the Acute Phase that typical psychotic symptoms emerge. These are the symptoms that are hard to miss. They are intense, active and continuous. They interfere with normal life functioning. These symptoms are frequently separated into "positive" and "negative" categories.
Positive symptoms are referred to as "positive" because they are viewed as an excess or distortion of the person's normal functioning.
Some of the positive symptoms include:
Delusions (Fixed false beliefs)
Such as:
* being followed or monitored
* being plotted against
* having special abilities or "powers"
* certain songs or comments are specifically directed toward oneself or communicating a hidden message
* being controlled by forces or other individuals
* having one's thoughts broadcast so others can hear them
Hallucinations
Hallucinations involve seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not actually there. The most common type of hallucination involves hearing things - such as voices or particular sounds. These hallucinations can be so real that the individual may not realize that what they are hearing is false. It is often the odd behaviour that happens as a result of the hallucinations that gets recognized as a problem.
Disorganized Speech or Behaviour
The speech of individuals with psychosis may be disorganized in such a way that the person moves quickly from one topic to the next, or to the point where the person's speech may not be understandable.
The behaviour of individuals with psychosis also may be disorganized. The person may have difficulties performing activities of daily living (e.g., cooking, self-care) or display inappropriate behaviours or responses (e.g., laughing while describing a personal tragedy).
Negative symptoms reflect a decrease in, or loss of, normal functions. These symptoms are often less evident than positive symptoms and require careful assessment.
Some examples of negative symptoms include:
* little display of emotions
* not speaking very much
* difficulties in thinking or coming up with ideas
* decreased ability to initiate tasks
* lowered levels of motivation or drive
It is also common for other symptoms or problems to occur along with the psychotic symptoms.
Some examples of other problems include:
* depression
* anxiety
* suicidal thoughts or behaviours
* substance abuse
* difficulties functioning
* sleep disturbance
Recovery Stage
In the recovery stage, the acute symptoms mentioned above will lessen and start to fade; however, some symptoms may linger. Even after the psychosis has responded to treatment, problems such as depression, anxiety, decreased self esteem, social problems and difficulties with work or school may occur.
What causes psychosis?
UpUnfortunately, at this time there are many theories about what causes psychosis, but no definite answers. Psychosis occurs in a variety of mental and physical disorders; therefore, it likely has multiple causes. Biology, stress and drug use are three of the most common theories.
Biology
Neurotransmitters. There is strong evidence that some psychoses involve a dysfunction in neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are the "chemical messengers" of the brain. They transmit impulses throughout the brain and the central nervous system. Of particular importance is the neurotransmitter dopamine. Most antipsychotic drugs that control the positive symptoms of psychosis also block the transmission of dopamine.
Genetics. Individuals whose close relatives experience psychosis are themselves at increased risk. For example, the risk of developing psychosis associated with schizophrenia in the general population is approximately 1%, yet the children and siblings of those with schizophrenia have respective lifetime risks of 13% and 9%.
Brain Changes. Changes have been found in the brains of some individuals with schizophrenia, which appear to have been present since birth or early childhood. Possible causes of the changes include: genetic transmission, abnormal neurodevelopment and pregnancy or birth complications (e.g. exposure of mother to a virus during the second trimester of pregnancy).
Stress
Some psychoses appear to occur primarily in response to stress. In most cases, it is believed that a vulnerability to psychosis combined with stress will lead to psychosis.
Drugs
Psychosis can be induced by drugs or can be drug assisted. For example, it appears that amphetamines can cause a psychotic episode, while other drugs, including marijuana, can increase a person's natural vulnerability to psychosis resulting in a psychotic episode.
Vulnerability and Stress
UpVulnerability to psychosis is acquired through a genetic predisposition, or as a result of an environmental insult to the brain (brain damage). Vulnerability can be measured by a family history of psychotic disorders, birth complications (e.g. oxygen deprivation of the baby) or brain injuries.
Stresses can be such things as significant life events (e.g. death of a loved one, moving to a new city, etc.), abuse of alcohol and drugs or stressful living conditions (e.g. high levels of family conflict or financial problems).
The degree of vulnerability varies from person to person. Likewise, the amount of stress that may trigger psychosis likely differs for each individual. For example, a person with a low vulnerability might withstand a large amount of stress without experiencing psychosis, whereas, a person with a high vulnerability might only withstand a minimal amount of stress without experiencing psychosis.
Is a psychotic person dangerous?
Although some individuals with psychosis may experience mood swings and increased feelings of agitation, they are more likely to present emotional dampening and social withdrawal. While strong delusions and hallucinations may cause a person to react unpredictably or even aggressively, individuals with psychosis are rarely violent and, in fact, they are at much greater risk of causing harm to themselves than to others.
http://www.psychosissucks.ca/epi/whatispsychosis.cfm
4/01/2010
3/31/2010
Writing Tips for Task 1 of Academic Paper
It's important to study the data and information carefully before you write. Then mentally structure your essay as if you're reporting the information to someone who are interested in knowing more about the subject.
Remember you have only 20 minutes to write 150 words. In other words, you can write a little bit more than 150 words.
Think about the overall structure as if it contains an introduction, main body and a conclusion. Since the essay is not meant to express your opinions but to describe and analyse the relevant data and/or information by comparing and contrasting the main findings.
Try not to directly copy words from the question, graphs and diagrams. But it takes time to rephrase or mentally search for synonyms, so you must practise writing various types of data descriptions: charts/Graphs - pie charts, flow charts, bar charts, line charts, trend charts, and flow charts ; diagrams - tables, maps, floor plans, life cycles, etc.
----------------
First Paragraph
Assume that the examiner won't look at the charts or diagrams. Start by Briefly stating what it is about, i.e. The chart is about xxx. Please also mention the date and time if they are given. Also mention the overall information and trends that may emerge from your general analysis.
Other Paragraphs
Report the relevant information in terms of the main features or topics of the subject; e.g. length of route, number of visitors, means of vehicles, etc. Start with the key findings, i.e. important trends, summarize other data to support your key description. But avoid unnecessary details.
However, you need to write to ensure a full coverage of the task requirements. For example, you will provide all the names of cities ( London, Paris, Tokyo, Washington DC, Kyoto, Los Angeles). You must summarize as much information as you can with the skill to organize the relevant information by comparing and contrasting the data.
Last Paragraph
The conclusion can be as short as a couple of sentences. Briefly summarise the main points. You may also leave reader with a predictive thought drawn from the major trends of your findings.
Remember you have only 20 minutes to write 150 words. In other words, you can write a little bit more than 150 words.
Think about the overall structure as if it contains an introduction, main body and a conclusion. Since the essay is not meant to express your opinions but to describe and analyse the relevant data and/or information by comparing and contrasting the main findings.
Try not to directly copy words from the question, graphs and diagrams. But it takes time to rephrase or mentally search for synonyms, so you must practise writing various types of data descriptions: charts/Graphs - pie charts, flow charts, bar charts, line charts, trend charts, and flow charts ; diagrams - tables, maps, floor plans, life cycles, etc.
----------------
First Paragraph
Assume that the examiner won't look at the charts or diagrams. Start by Briefly stating what it is about, i.e. The chart is about xxx. Please also mention the date and time if they are given. Also mention the overall information and trends that may emerge from your general analysis.
Other Paragraphs
Report the relevant information in terms of the main features or topics of the subject; e.g. length of route, number of visitors, means of vehicles, etc. Start with the key findings, i.e. important trends, summarize other data to support your key description. But avoid unnecessary details.
However, you need to write to ensure a full coverage of the task requirements. For example, you will provide all the names of cities ( London, Paris, Tokyo, Washington DC, Kyoto, Los Angeles). You must summarize as much information as you can with the skill to organize the relevant information by comparing and contrasting the data.
Last Paragraph
The conclusion can be as short as a couple of sentences. Briefly summarise the main points. You may also leave reader with a predictive thought drawn from the major trends of your findings.
3/22/2010
Lesson of Giving - Proverbs 22:9
Proverbs 22:9
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Generosity brings blessings. Are you bountiful and liberal in giving to the needy? Do you look for opportunities to give, or do you hide your eyes from needy causes and persons (28:27)? When you pity the poor, you lend to the LORD, and He repays well (19:17)!
God will bless the man who gives eagerly and generously. He looks out for the poor, for He withheld from them the abilities and opportunities He gave the rich. He is pleased to see a successful man giving cheerfully to help those in trouble. But it is not enough to think kindly about the poor; there must also be performance (II Cor 8:11; Jas 2:16).
Solomon wrote about caring for the poor elsewhere (19:17; 21:13; 28:27). And he also wrote about the financial returns to generous men, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (11:25). Contrary to arithmetic and the depraved human heart, giving your money away is a simple way to get ahead! Give, and it shall be given back to you in the same degree, so give generously (Luke 6:38)!
The LORD provided for the poor in the Law of Moses, when He commanded Israel to keep their hearts tender and their hands open wide to any brother in need (Deut 15:7-11). And there also He promised a blessing on those who would give. Job knew these principles well, and he appealed to his careful attention to the poor (Job 31:16-23).
David described many blessings on those who help the poor. Consider them. He wrote, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness” (Ps 41:1-3).
David also identified giving to the poor as a mark of a righteous man (Ps 112:1-9), which will bring many and precious rewards on a man and his descendants. Isaiah warned that the true worship of God required mercy on the poor, and he promised many wonderful blessings for the effort (Is 58:7-12). God is well pleased with such sacrifices (Heb 13:16), and He is able to repay in proportion to a man’s liberality (II Cor 9:6-11).
Capitalism motivates the most to produce the best for the highest standard of living, while justly punishing the foolish and lazy. Yet, God warns against charging whatever price the market will bear, when you control a needful commodity (11:26). God and men will reward fairness and generosity, though free market economics may allow gouging.
Mathematics and personal finance are only true to a point. If you withhold money that you could give to someone in need, you are heading toward poverty! If you scatter your money to godly charitable causes, you are heading toward increase (11:24)! Though you cannot calculate it or explain it, giving money away without worrying works (Ec 11:1-6)!
How about a long life and good life? The surest and fastest way is to honor your parents (Eph 6:2-3), and verbal respect and birthday cards are not enough. Full honor includes financial honor, or giving money to provide for them or make their lives comfortable and pleasant (I Tim 5:3-4). To not do this is to deny the religion of Jesus Christ and be worse than an infidel (I Tim 5:8). Have a bountiful eye to your parents, if they are in need.
But giving also proves eternal life. Paul told the rich to be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” By so doing, they could lay “up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (I Tim 6:17-19). Jesus Christ will remember any act of charity done to the least of His brethren (Matt 25:31-46).
Who can you bountifully help? It ought to be a priority of your life to help those that need assistance. It should be exciting! God has not charged you to help all the world’s poor, but He will bring opportunities your way (Luke 10:25-37). And He loves a cheerful giver, so be sure you do not begrudge the giving (II Cor 9:7; Acts 20:35; Rom 12:8).
The most bountiful eye in the universe belongs to the blessed God of heaven, the LORD Jehovah. He sends sunshine, rain, and fruitful seasons on all men, even His enemies (Matt 5:45; Acts 14:17). The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all His works (Ps 145:9). But far beyond daily natural blessings, He gave His only begotten Son to die for those who had no strength to help themselves (Rom 5:6; II Cor 8:9; 9:15).
Extracted from Let God Be True
He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Generosity brings blessings. Are you bountiful and liberal in giving to the needy? Do you look for opportunities to give, or do you hide your eyes from needy causes and persons (28:27)? When you pity the poor, you lend to the LORD, and He repays well (19:17)!
God will bless the man who gives eagerly and generously. He looks out for the poor, for He withheld from them the abilities and opportunities He gave the rich. He is pleased to see a successful man giving cheerfully to help those in trouble. But it is not enough to think kindly about the poor; there must also be performance (II Cor 8:11; Jas 2:16).
Solomon wrote about caring for the poor elsewhere (19:17; 21:13; 28:27). And he also wrote about the financial returns to generous men, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (11:25). Contrary to arithmetic and the depraved human heart, giving your money away is a simple way to get ahead! Give, and it shall be given back to you in the same degree, so give generously (Luke 6:38)!
The LORD provided for the poor in the Law of Moses, when He commanded Israel to keep their hearts tender and their hands open wide to any brother in need (Deut 15:7-11). And there also He promised a blessing on those who would give. Job knew these principles well, and he appealed to his careful attention to the poor (Job 31:16-23).
David described many blessings on those who help the poor. Consider them. He wrote, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness” (Ps 41:1-3).
David also identified giving to the poor as a mark of a righteous man (Ps 112:1-9), which will bring many and precious rewards on a man and his descendants. Isaiah warned that the true worship of God required mercy on the poor, and he promised many wonderful blessings for the effort (Is 58:7-12). God is well pleased with such sacrifices (Heb 13:16), and He is able to repay in proportion to a man’s liberality (II Cor 9:6-11).
Capitalism motivates the most to produce the best for the highest standard of living, while justly punishing the foolish and lazy. Yet, God warns against charging whatever price the market will bear, when you control a needful commodity (11:26). God and men will reward fairness and generosity, though free market economics may allow gouging.
Mathematics and personal finance are only true to a point. If you withhold money that you could give to someone in need, you are heading toward poverty! If you scatter your money to godly charitable causes, you are heading toward increase (11:24)! Though you cannot calculate it or explain it, giving money away without worrying works (Ec 11:1-6)!
How about a long life and good life? The surest and fastest way is to honor your parents (Eph 6:2-3), and verbal respect and birthday cards are not enough. Full honor includes financial honor, or giving money to provide for them or make their lives comfortable and pleasant (I Tim 5:3-4). To not do this is to deny the religion of Jesus Christ and be worse than an infidel (I Tim 5:8). Have a bountiful eye to your parents, if they are in need.
But giving also proves eternal life. Paul told the rich to be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” By so doing, they could lay “up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (I Tim 6:17-19). Jesus Christ will remember any act of charity done to the least of His brethren (Matt 25:31-46).
Who can you bountifully help? It ought to be a priority of your life to help those that need assistance. It should be exciting! God has not charged you to help all the world’s poor, but He will bring opportunities your way (Luke 10:25-37). And He loves a cheerful giver, so be sure you do not begrudge the giving (II Cor 9:7; Acts 20:35; Rom 12:8).
The most bountiful eye in the universe belongs to the blessed God of heaven, the LORD Jehovah. He sends sunshine, rain, and fruitful seasons on all men, even His enemies (Matt 5:45; Acts 14:17). The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all His works (Ps 145:9). But far beyond daily natural blessings, He gave His only begotten Son to die for those who had no strength to help themselves (Rom 5:6; II Cor 8:9; 9:15).
Extracted from Let God Be True
3/19/2010
Children Chastening (Proverbs 19:18)
Read the article below. Summarise the ideas and reflect on the suggested teachings regarding today's parenting skills on chastening children.
------------------------
Proverbs 19:18 (New King James Version)
"Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.趁 有 指 望 ， 管 教 你 的 兒 子 ； 你 的 心 不 可 任 他 死 亡 。"
-------------------------
Train your children today: tomorrow may be too late. Do not waste a single day. You do not have forever. They quickly grow beyond training, and then they are gone from your control. Efforts to train or chasten磨鍊 then will only provoke對...挑釁 them. It will be too late.
God gave them to you helpless and open to instruction. He gave you only a window of time to train them, which closes quickly. Then you must pray for a miracle, which He has not promised to give, if you chose to ignore or reject His wisdom earlier in their lives.
Our proverb makes two strong points. Child training and chastening must be done early in life, and they must be done severely without regard for foolish pity or tearful appeals.
Child training is not an option; it is a commandment (22:6; Eph 6:4). Chastening is not an option; it is a commandment (23:13-14). Chastening is the enforcement of training.
Chasten. To inflict disciplinary or corrective punishment on; to visit with affliction for the purpose of moral improvement; to correct, discipline, chastise.
The corrective punishment God teaches is by the use of the rod (13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). As horses are trained to run fast with a whip, or riding crop; and as asses are kept controlled and made useful by bridles; so a fool is corrected from foolishness by a rod (26:3; 10:13). Some stripes on the back are a wonderful training method, as many generations of sober Americans can testify (19:29; 20:30). See the comments on 22:15.
Two generations have neglected chastening, and youth today are given to pride, selfishness, laziness, rebellion, and social dysfunction. Traits not allowed fifty years ago in any children are now accepted as the norm. Public, academic, and employment standards must be reduced regularly to accommodate an undisciplined generation.
Children, daughters included, will be well behaved when they are old, if we train them when young (22:15). We must chasten them betimes – early in life, while there is hope, before it is too late (13:24). Dear parent, get a strong sense of urgency today!
Betimes. At an early time, period, or season; early in the year; early in life. In good time, in due time; while there is yet time, before it is too late.
Chastening is God’s method for training your children for godly and successful lives, but it must be done early in life. If you wait too long, children become hardened in rebellion, established in their own thoughts, formed in their own habits, resentful of corporal correction, and able to leave the home and live on their own. As we know from the delay of civil punishment, the hearts of men become set to do wickedly (Eccl 8:11)
You must begin when they are very young, and then only reminders will be needed later. Self-discipline and right conduct can be taught early, and they must be taught early. Every year of life makes it more difficult to change habits and attitudes. Train them now, while they are young. Consistent chastening early will do more good than harder and more frequent chastening later. The earlier you begin, the less is required. Start today!
Training can begin in infancy嬰兒期, for we read that Hannah delivered Samuel permanently to the priests at Shiloh immediately after his weaning (I Sam 1:24-28). He was prepared to live away from home, follow instructions, and worship God from a very, very early age.
We must chasten early, and we must also chasten severely. Do not let their tears and crying move you, for children quickly learn to beg, plead, promise, cry, and scream to avoid discipline. Ignore his tears now to save him and you much worse crying later. It is ungodly pity that hinders us from doing our duty for their happiness and good. Eli’s choice to compromise with his sons brought infinitely more pain to him and his entire family than any short difficulty that chastening them would have caused. Consider it!
No good parent enjoys chastening his child, for he would much rather hold him tenderly and enjoy his happy company. But the goal of saving him from hell in life must drive us in our duty. True love is not just hugs and kisses: true love is correction; withholding correction is hatred (13:24). If you spare the rod, you hate your son, for you are creating future trouble for him; and this choice will come back to haunt both of you (29:15). David chose to spare the rod on Adonijah, and it cost his son his life (I Kings 1:6; 2:23).
Exalting friendship with children will lead to problems, for it will be hard to chasten with the right consistency and severity. You must first be a parent. Chasten them, and you will bring rest to your soul; reject the tempting and momentary ease now when they are young, so you can take perpetual ease later when your chastening has earned it (29:17).
If you have young children, there is hope today. Do not plan on tomorrow, for your case may soon be hopeless. If you have been negligent in the past, then confess your sin fully to God and beg Him for mercy for the children already past the point of no return. He does forgive and can mercifully help you recover the lost opportunity (Joel 2:25-27).
We are God’s sons by adoption through Jesus Christ (Gal 4:4-7), and He proves His love by correcting us when we disobey. He does pity our frame (Ps 103:13-14), but He chastens and scourges every adopted son (Heb 12:6). Chastening proves His love, for only bastards are ignored to go their own way (Heb 12:7-8). If you receive painful results in your life for sin, on the inside or outside, you can know you are greatly loved!
------------------------
Proverbs 19:18 (New King James Version)
"Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.趁 有 指 望 ， 管 教 你 的 兒 子 ； 你 的 心 不 可 任 他 死 亡 。"
-------------------------
Train your children today: tomorrow may be too late. Do not waste a single day. You do not have forever. They quickly grow beyond training, and then they are gone from your control. Efforts to train or chasten磨鍊 then will only provoke對...挑釁 them. It will be too late.
God gave them to you helpless and open to instruction. He gave you only a window of time to train them, which closes quickly. Then you must pray for a miracle, which He has not promised to give, if you chose to ignore or reject His wisdom earlier in their lives.
Our proverb makes two strong points. Child training and chastening must be done early in life, and they must be done severely without regard for foolish pity or tearful appeals.
Child training is not an option; it is a commandment (22:6; Eph 6:4). Chastening is not an option; it is a commandment (23:13-14). Chastening is the enforcement of training.
Chasten. To inflict disciplinary or corrective punishment on; to visit with affliction for the purpose of moral improvement; to correct, discipline, chastise.
The corrective punishment God teaches is by the use of the rod (13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). As horses are trained to run fast with a whip, or riding crop; and as asses are kept controlled and made useful by bridles; so a fool is corrected from foolishness by a rod (26:3; 10:13). Some stripes on the back are a wonderful training method, as many generations of sober Americans can testify (19:29; 20:30). See the comments on 22:15.
Two generations have neglected chastening, and youth today are given to pride, selfishness, laziness, rebellion, and social dysfunction. Traits not allowed fifty years ago in any children are now accepted as the norm. Public, academic, and employment standards must be reduced regularly to accommodate an undisciplined generation.
Children, daughters included, will be well behaved when they are old, if we train them when young (22:15). We must chasten them betimes – early in life, while there is hope, before it is too late (13:24). Dear parent, get a strong sense of urgency today!
Betimes. At an early time, period, or season; early in the year; early in life. In good time, in due time; while there is yet time, before it is too late.
Chastening is God’s method for training your children for godly and successful lives, but it must be done early in life. If you wait too long, children become hardened in rebellion, established in their own thoughts, formed in their own habits, resentful of corporal correction, and able to leave the home and live on their own. As we know from the delay of civil punishment, the hearts of men become set to do wickedly (Eccl 8:11)
You must begin when they are very young, and then only reminders will be needed later. Self-discipline and right conduct can be taught early, and they must be taught early. Every year of life makes it more difficult to change habits and attitudes. Train them now, while they are young. Consistent chastening early will do more good than harder and more frequent chastening later. The earlier you begin, the less is required. Start today!
Training can begin in infancy嬰兒期, for we read that Hannah delivered Samuel permanently to the priests at Shiloh immediately after his weaning (I Sam 1:24-28). He was prepared to live away from home, follow instructions, and worship God from a very, very early age.
We must chasten early, and we must also chasten severely. Do not let their tears and crying move you, for children quickly learn to beg, plead, promise, cry, and scream to avoid discipline. Ignore his tears now to save him and you much worse crying later. It is ungodly pity that hinders us from doing our duty for their happiness and good. Eli’s choice to compromise with his sons brought infinitely more pain to him and his entire family than any short difficulty that chastening them would have caused. Consider it!
No good parent enjoys chastening his child, for he would much rather hold him tenderly and enjoy his happy company. But the goal of saving him from hell in life must drive us in our duty. True love is not just hugs and kisses: true love is correction; withholding correction is hatred (13:24). If you spare the rod, you hate your son, for you are creating future trouble for him; and this choice will come back to haunt both of you (29:15). David chose to spare the rod on Adonijah, and it cost his son his life (I Kings 1:6; 2:23).
Exalting friendship with children will lead to problems, for it will be hard to chasten with the right consistency and severity. You must first be a parent. Chasten them, and you will bring rest to your soul; reject the tempting and momentary ease now when they are young, so you can take perpetual ease later when your chastening has earned it (29:17).
If you have young children, there is hope today. Do not plan on tomorrow, for your case may soon be hopeless. If you have been negligent in the past, then confess your sin fully to God and beg Him for mercy for the children already past the point of no return. He does forgive and can mercifully help you recover the lost opportunity (Joel 2:25-27).
We are God’s sons by adoption through Jesus Christ (Gal 4:4-7), and He proves His love by correcting us when we disobey. He does pity our frame (Ps 103:13-14), but He chastens and scourges every adopted son (Heb 12:6). Chastening proves His love, for only bastards are ignored to go their own way (Heb 12:7-8). If you receive painful results in your life for sin, on the inside or outside, you can know you are greatly loved!
3/15/2010
7 Ways to Get Your Teen Closer to You
Have you ever felt that 'time flies' and your kids are older than you feel they are? Before you knew it your infant started toddling around, finished kindergarten and primary school and got all set for the rebellious teens. Suddenly all the love and affection that you had been showering that they loved seemed like interference and over indulgence to them. They began to hate you and kept complaining of the 'generation gap'. Everything you did seemed wrong to them and they did not want to listen to anything you had to say. Have you ever felt that you just don't know how to handle them anymore? Here are a few tips to help you out.
1. Listen. We are so used to talking and lecturing as to what we believe is right and better for them that we never notice or make time to listen to them or their point of view. Teenagers have over the years developed a mind of their own. Their set of limited experiences has taught them quite a few things too. They believe they know what's good for them. Make time to hear out their point of view. If you feel the need to change it, first empathize with it, win your child's confidence and then suggest a change. Half your battle is won the moment you stop correcting and imposing instead start listening and suggesting.
2. Let them make mistakes. As parents we always want to protect our children and make sure nothing hurts them. However, teenage in an age when children want to experiment and learn. Overprotecting them frustrates them. So does this mean we just watch them do what they want? Definitely not. We need to warn them about all potential dangers of the experiment and encourage them to make an informed choice rather than follow an order. They will commit more to their choice than your order.
3. Give them responsibility. Make them feel like an adult in charge of certain things in the family and their life. For example, make them in charge of their finances by giving a fixed pocket money for the month. Do not indulge them over and above that amount so that they learn to value money and budget.
4. Negotiate. Teenagers need their freedom and space to grow. You cannot keep controlling their timings and activities. It is important to let them feel in charge. However you can set the limits with their consent. For example you want them home by 10pm from a party and they want to stay till 11pm, suggest a 9pm deadline and they will be happy with 10pm. That way they feel they got their way and stick to the deadline with a smile rather than a sulk and fight.
5. Trust. Teenagers are vulnerable and parents get paranoid. The more you doubt them, their friends, their activities the more they tend to lie to you. This obviously makes you trust them less and makes them distance themselves from you more. Have faith in them and their judgment. Give your opinions about their friends, activities etc as suggestions rather than doubts.
6. Do not criticize. None of us like being criticized and teenage is a time when we are a lot more sensitive. It is very important as parents that we are supportive and encouraging in these years rather than critical and corrective. Focus on what your child has done well and either ignore or casually suggest ways of improving for wherever he has not well.
7. Be open to learn. We as parents don't always know best. Our teenagers have a lot to teach us if we are willing and open to learn. Accept your mistakes and give them their due credit. You will become best friends and relationships will become very smooth and easy.
Teenage is a time when children want to discover themselves. It is a time when they develop their individuality and identity. It is important for us as parents to understand and respect this. We need to give them the space to learn by their experience and mistakes and yet gently guide them with our experience and knowledge.
| I'm a clinical psychologist practicing in Mumbai, India. Helping people explore and enhance their potentials is my passion. You can get to know more from my blog http://www.makethemostoflife.net Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saloni_Sawnani |
3/12/2010
IELTS Writing Task 2 (Acadamic Paper)
Task 2
You should spend no more than 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic.
Is the protection of environment the responsibility of individuals or of the Government? Discuss. What is your opinion regarding the issue?
Give reasons for your views and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
You should spend no more than 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic.
Is the protection of environment the responsibility of individuals or of the Government? Discuss. What is your opinion regarding the issue?
Give reasons for your views and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
You should write at least 250 words.
IELTS Writing Task 1 (Acadamic Paper)
Writing Task 1You should spend no more than 20 minutes on this task.
The bar-chart below shows the percentage of primary students who exercise regularly in different countries. The pie-chart records the three reasons why children in Hong Kong did not do exercise regularly.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main findings, and compare and contrast the data to describe your findings.
You should write at least 150 words.
3/10/2010
'Blind' Communication VS Insightful Communication.
'Blind' Communication
Insightful Communication
- Matt. 7:1-4 "1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?"
Insightful Communication
- Phili 2:3-4 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
3/05/2010
Chinese Style of Pain Killing & Health Maintenance
What is the main healing concept of Chinese medicine?
The overall concept is to engage one's life style with a full use of automated self-repairing systems of human body. To maintain one's health, it is necessary to ensure a healthy life style which enhance the operational systems of human body.
Life Style
The good life style includes physical, mental, and even spiritual well beings of individuals. It can help determine how well our health will be like. Those who live according to hostile nature guarantees a poor conditions to one's health; but those who live in accordance with the harmonious nature, a strong health is granted.
Body Meridians
One of the concepts mentioned in the book, "The User's Manuel For Human Body" by Alex Wu regarding the anger illustrates the point. Anger can be considered as a way to venting negative and hostile "air" in one's spleen. The "air" can break the veins in the spleen. The spleen will emit the damaged blood cells and turn them into toxic substance. If the toxic substance accumulate too much, they will clot and turn into tumor.
Meridians
Meridian is the vein system spread over human body. They are the basic energy carrying system of human body. The meridian control the energy gas, body fluid to run along the main meridians, between the various parts of the body in conjunction with each other channels.
Stretching Exercise
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Headache Healing
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The overall concept is to engage one's life style with a full use of automated self-repairing systems of human body. To maintain one's health, it is necessary to ensure a healthy life style which enhance the operational systems of human body.
Life Style
The good life style includes physical, mental, and even spiritual well beings of individuals. It can help determine how well our health will be like. Those who live according to hostile nature guarantees a poor conditions to one's health; but those who live in accordance with the harmonious nature, a strong health is granted.
Body Meridians
One of the concepts mentioned in the book, "The User's Manuel For Human Body" by Alex Wu regarding the anger illustrates the point. Anger can be considered as a way to venting negative and hostile "air" in one's spleen. The "air" can break the veins in the spleen. The spleen will emit the damaged blood cells and turn them into toxic substance. If the toxic substance accumulate too much, they will clot and turn into tumor.
Meridians
Meridian is the vein system spread over human body. They are the basic energy carrying system of human body. The meridian control the energy gas, body fluid to run along the main meridians, between the various parts of the body in conjunction with each other channels.
Stretching Exercise
">
Headache Healing
">
3/03/2010
Figure of Speech
Figure of Speech - Word, phrase or sentence that (1) presents a “figure” to the mind of the reader, (2) presents an imaginative or unusual use of words that the reader is not to take literally, or (3) presents a special arrangement or use of words or word sounds that create an unusual effect. Ordinary language that does not contain a figure of speech is called literal language. Language that contains a figure of speech is called figurative language. Figurative language is also sometimes called imagery because it presents an image to the mind. Consider the following sentences:
The leaves blew across the lawn. (Literal language)
The leaves danced across the lawn. (Figurative language)
Notice that the second sentence presents a figure to the mind of the reader: The leaves are dancing as if they were people. Obviously, the writer does not mean that the leaves literally danced. However, they “figuratively” danced. Now consider the following additional examples:
Mr. Piper harvested a bushel of green vegetables. (Literal language)
Peter Piper picked four pecks of peppers. (Figurative language)
The repetition of the "p" in the second sentence is considered a figure of speech because it presents a sound to the mind. This glossary contains definitions of various figures of speech. The most common figures of speech are Alliteration, Irony, Metaphor, Metonymy, Onomatopoeia, Oxymoron, Paradox, Personification, Simile, and Synecdoche.
Alliteration - Repetition of consonant sounds. Examples: (1) But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound into saucy doubts and fears.–Shakespeare. (2) Duncan is in his grave; after life's fitful fever he sleeps well–Shakespeare. (3) When I was one-and- twenty–A.E. Housman. (Note that "one" has a "w" sound. (4) I sent thee late a rosy wreath–Ben Jonson. (Note that "wr" has an "r" sound.)
Irony (1) Saying the opposite of what is meant, or verbal irony; (2) result or ending that is the opposite of what is expected, or situational irony; (3) situation in which the audience attending a dramatic presentation grasps the incongruity of a situation before the actors do, or dramatic irony. Examples: (1) "What a beautiful day," Maxine said, opening her umbrella. (2) In the movie Planet of the Apes, an astronaut who lands on another planet where intelligent apes rule discovers a startling irony at the end of the movie: When looking over a vast wasteland, he sees the head of the Statue of Liberty and realizes he was on earth all the time. Apparently, a nuclear war had destroyed humankind while he was time-traveling. While in his Einsteinian time warp, the apes had evolved to an almost human level. (3) In Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, Oedipus is unaware that he has married his own mother even though the audience is well aware of the incestuous union.
Metaphor - Comparing one thing to an unlike thing without using like, as or than. Examples: (1) The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve.–Shakespeare. (The striker or clapper of the bell is being compared to the tongue of a speaking human being.) (2) The sea being smooth, how many shallow bauble boats dare sail upon her patient breast .–Shakespeare. (The sea is being compared to a woman with a "patient breast.") (3) I am a man whom Fortune hath cruelly scratched.–Shakespeare. (Fortune is being compared to an entity that can be cruel.) (4) In battle, the soldier is a tiger. (5) Michael Casey's face is a map of Ireland.
Metonymy - Substitution of one word or phrase to stand for a word or phrase similar in meaning. Examples: (1) In Shakespeare's time, the crown was anti-Catholic. ("Crown" stands for Queen Elizabeth I.) (2) The White House was severely criticized for its opposition to the tax increase. ("White House" stands for the president or the president and his advisers.) (3) Wall Street welcomes the reduction in interest rates. ("Wall Street" represents investors.) (4) Sweat, not wealth, earned her the respect of her peers. ("Sweat" stands for hard work.)
Onomatopoeia Figure of speech in which (1) a word mimics a sound or (2) an arrangement of words in a rhythmic pattern suggests a sound or an image. Examples of No. 1: burp, varoom, oink, crackle, moo, hiss, gong, thud, splash, zip, creak, boom, slurp, crunch, quack, twitter, honk, hoot, squeak, buzz, and zoom. Example of No. 2, from Sylvia Plath's poem "Daddy," in which the the rhythm of the words in one stanza imitates the chug of a locomotive:
An engine, an engine
Chuffing me off like a Jew.
A Jew to Dachau, Auschwitz, Belsen
I began to talk like a Jew.
I think I may well be a Jew.
Notice that the words mimic the rhythm of a chugging locomotive–an engine, an engine; like a Jew, a Jew.
Oxymoron - Combining contradictory words to reveal a truth. Oxymoron is a form of paradox. However, unlike paradox, oxymoron places opposing words side by side. Examples: (1) Parting is such sweet sorrow.–Shakespeare. (2) Working in a coal mine is living death. (3) The hurricane turned the lush island retreat into a hellish paradise.
Paradox - Contradictory statement that may actually be true. Paradox is similar to oxymoron in that both figures of speech use contradictions to state a truth. However, paradox does not place opposing words side by side, as oxymoron does. Examples: (1) They called him a lion. But in the boxing ring, the lion was a lamb. (2) For slaves, life was death, and death was life.
Personification - Giving humanlike qualities or human form to objects and abstractions. Personification is a form of metaphor. Examples: (1) Thou has done a deed whereat valor will weep.–Shakespeare. (Notice that valor, an abstraction, weeps.) (2) Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered–Shakespeare. (3) Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me. –Emily Dickinson. (4) The house pleaded for a new coat of paint.
Simile - Comparing one thing to an unlike thing by using like, as, or than. Examples: (1) The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne, burned on the water.–Shakespeare. (2) And the muscles of his brawny arms are strong as iron bands–Longfellow. (3) His hand was small and cold; it felt like wax.–Margaret Truman. (4) In the morning the dust hung like fog, and the sun was as red as ripe new blood–John Steinbeck.
Synecdoche - Substitution of a part to stand for the whole, or the whole to stand for a part. Examples: (1) The Confederates have eyes in Lincoln's government. (The word "eyes" stands for spies.) (2) Jack bought a new set of wheels. ("Wheels" stands for a car.) (3) The law pursued the bank robbers from Maine to Florida. ("Law" stands for police.)
Extracted form Cummings Study Guides
The leaves blew across the lawn. (Literal language)
The leaves danced across the lawn. (Figurative language)
Notice that the second sentence presents a figure to the mind of the reader: The leaves are dancing as if they were people. Obviously, the writer does not mean that the leaves literally danced. However, they “figuratively” danced. Now consider the following additional examples:
Mr. Piper harvested a bushel of green vegetables. (Literal language)
Peter Piper picked four pecks of peppers. (Figurative language)
The repetition of the "p" in the second sentence is considered a figure of speech because it presents a sound to the mind. This glossary contains definitions of various figures of speech. The most common figures of speech are Alliteration, Irony, Metaphor, Metonymy, Onomatopoeia, Oxymoron, Paradox, Personification, Simile, and Synecdoche.
Alliteration - Repetition of consonant sounds. Examples: (1) But now I am cabined, cribbed, confined, bound into saucy doubts and fears.–Shakespeare. (2) Duncan is in his grave; after life's fitful fever he sleeps well–Shakespeare. (3) When I was one-and- twenty–A.E. Housman. (Note that "one" has a "w" sound. (4) I sent thee late a rosy wreath–Ben Jonson. (Note that "wr" has an "r" sound.)
Irony (1) Saying the opposite of what is meant, or verbal irony; (2) result or ending that is the opposite of what is expected, or situational irony; (3) situation in which the audience attending a dramatic presentation grasps the incongruity of a situation before the actors do, or dramatic irony. Examples: (1) "What a beautiful day," Maxine said, opening her umbrella. (2) In the movie Planet of the Apes, an astronaut who lands on another planet where intelligent apes rule discovers a startling irony at the end of the movie: When looking over a vast wasteland, he sees the head of the Statue of Liberty and realizes he was on earth all the time. Apparently, a nuclear war had destroyed humankind while he was time-traveling. While in his Einsteinian time warp, the apes had evolved to an almost human level. (3) In Oedipus Rex, by Sophocles, Oedipus is unaware that he has married his own mother even though the audience is well aware of the incestuous union.
Metaphor - Comparing one thing to an unlike thing without using like, as or than. Examples: (1) The iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve.–Shakespeare. (The striker or clapper of the bell is being compared to the tongue of a speaking human being.) (2) The sea being smooth, how many shallow bauble boats dare sail upon her patient breast .–Shakespeare. (The sea is being compared to a woman with a "patient breast.") (3) I am a man whom Fortune hath cruelly scratched.–Shakespeare. (Fortune is being compared to an entity that can be cruel.) (4) In battle, the soldier is a tiger. (5) Michael Casey's face is a map of Ireland.
Metonymy - Substitution of one word or phrase to stand for a word or phrase similar in meaning. Examples: (1) In Shakespeare's time, the crown was anti-Catholic. ("Crown" stands for Queen Elizabeth I.) (2) The White House was severely criticized for its opposition to the tax increase. ("White House" stands for the president or the president and his advisers.) (3) Wall Street welcomes the reduction in interest rates. ("Wall Street" represents investors.) (4) Sweat, not wealth, earned her the respect of her peers. ("Sweat" stands for hard work.)
Onomatopoeia Figure of speech in which (1) a word mimics a sound or (2) an arrangement of words in a rhythmic pattern suggests a sound or an image. Examples of No. 1: burp, varoom, oink, crackle, moo, hiss, gong, thud, splash, zip, creak, boom, slurp, crunch, quack, twitter, honk, hoot, squeak, buzz, and zoom. Example of No. 2, from Sylvia Plath's poem "Daddy," in which the the rhythm of the words in one stanza imitates the chug of a locomotive:
An engine, an engine
Chuffing me off like a Jew.
A Jew to Dachau, Auschwitz, Belsen
I began to talk like a Jew.
I think I may well be a Jew.
Notice that the words mimic the rhythm of a chugging locomotive–an engine, an engine; like a Jew, a Jew.
Oxymoron - Combining contradictory words to reveal a truth. Oxymoron is a form of paradox. However, unlike paradox, oxymoron places opposing words side by side. Examples: (1) Parting is such sweet sorrow.–Shakespeare. (2) Working in a coal mine is living death. (3) The hurricane turned the lush island retreat into a hellish paradise.
Paradox - Contradictory statement that may actually be true. Paradox is similar to oxymoron in that both figures of speech use contradictions to state a truth. However, paradox does not place opposing words side by side, as oxymoron does. Examples: (1) They called him a lion. But in the boxing ring, the lion was a lamb. (2) For slaves, life was death, and death was life.
Personification - Giving humanlike qualities or human form to objects and abstractions. Personification is a form of metaphor. Examples: (1) Thou has done a deed whereat valor will weep.–Shakespeare. (Notice that valor, an abstraction, weeps.) (2) Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered–Shakespeare. (3) Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me. –Emily Dickinson. (4) The house pleaded for a new coat of paint.
Simile - Comparing one thing to an unlike thing by using like, as, or than. Examples: (1) The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne, burned on the water.–Shakespeare. (2) And the muscles of his brawny arms are strong as iron bands–Longfellow. (3) His hand was small and cold; it felt like wax.–Margaret Truman. (4) In the morning the dust hung like fog, and the sun was as red as ripe new blood–John Steinbeck.
Synecdoche - Substitution of a part to stand for the whole, or the whole to stand for a part. Examples: (1) The Confederates have eyes in Lincoln's government. (The word "eyes" stands for spies.) (2) Jack bought a new set of wheels. ("Wheels" stands for a car.) (3) The law pursued the bank robbers from Maine to Florida. ("Law" stands for police.)
Extracted form Cummings Study Guides
2/26/2010
One step a time
by Manish Wilson
There is no sudden leap to greatness.
Your success lies in doing day by day.
Your upward reach will come from working well and carefully.
Adopt the pace of nature.
The secret is patience.
A bottle fills drop by drop.
Good work done little by little becomes great work.
The house of success is built brick by brick.
There is no sudden leap to greatness.
Your success lies in doing day by day.
Your upward reach will come from working well and carefully.
Adopt the pace of nature.
The secret is patience.
A bottle fills drop by drop.
Good work done little by little becomes great work.
The house of success is built brick by brick.
Build Me a Son - A Poem
By Douglas A. MacArthur
Build me a son, O Lord,
who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,
and brave enough to face him self when he is afraid;
one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,
and humble and gentle in victory.
Build me a son whose wishbone will not be
where his backbone should be;
a son who will know Thee- and that
to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.
Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,
but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.
Here, let him learn to stand up in the storm;
here, let him team compassion for those who fall.
Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high;
a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men;
one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep;
one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.
And after all these things are his,
add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor,
so that he may always be serious,
yet never take himself too seriously.
Give him humility, so that he may always remember
the simplicity of true greatness,
the open mind of true wisdom,
the meekness of true strength.
Then I, his father, will dare to whisper,
"I have not lived in vain."
Build me a son, O Lord,
who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,
and brave enough to face him self when he is afraid;
one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,
and humble and gentle in victory.
Build me a son whose wishbone will not be
where his backbone should be;
a son who will know Thee- and that
to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.
Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,
but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.
Here, let him learn to stand up in the storm;
here, let him team compassion for those who fall.
Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high;
a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men;
one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep;
one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.
And after all these things are his,
add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor,
so that he may always be serious,
yet never take himself too seriously.
Give him humility, so that he may always remember
the simplicity of true greatness,
the open mind of true wisdom,
the meekness of true strength.
Then I, his father, will dare to whisper,
"I have not lived in vain."
2/24/2010
A Letter to A Christian Friend
Dear Friend,
Regarding your encouter with an annoying neighbour, you must know that people can't change people especially those who do not want to change. Trying to do what you can't do will keep your from making progress in your life. You will only spend your time and energy in vain.
God has given us the grace and peace. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. " Anger cannot help solve any problem. Be a serious and committed Christian. Learn to control your anger. No one can do it for you.
You must let Holy Spirit rule your life and help you change your negative emotion. With God's grace, bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Remember the real you is the one who live behind the closed door at home. Stop blaming others and bear the good fruits instead of the evil ones. The evil deeds will do you no good. They will only make you more bitter and resentful and take you to hell. This is what the enemy, devil is trapping you into, and they will make you stay in the loop of anger without making any progress in term of your spiritual war .
The end time is approaching and our time is also coming, and we'll all stand before God and each man has his own account to present before God. Make your decision in changing in your life style. So, you can present your homework to God eventually. Be a responsible Chritian!
Are you getting the peace that God has promised. Don't get upset so easily. Don't miss the log in your own eyes while you are trying to pick speck from your neighbour's eyes. (Matthew 7:3-4)
If you realise that you are not making any progress at all, especially when you see the annoying neighbour. Think about your in-laws are visiting you, standing in the front yard of your house. Your annoying neighbor is also around. I'm sure you will be able to control yourself in front of someone you want to impress. Don't forget God's watching. This is what so-call self controll.
Think about what Holy Spirit want you to learn a head of of your trouble time. This will help you better manage your own anger. Make a good use of your time that God gives us a purpose to fullfil. I would also like to remind you read at least one chapter of the Bible every day. For you, I think Proverbs is a good place to start.
With Love
Terri
Regarding your encouter with an annoying neighbour, you must know that people can't change people especially those who do not want to change. Trying to do what you can't do will keep your from making progress in your life. You will only spend your time and energy in vain.
God has given us the grace and peace. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. " Anger cannot help solve any problem. Be a serious and committed Christian. Learn to control your anger. No one can do it for you.
You must let Holy Spirit rule your life and help you change your negative emotion. With God's grace, bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Remember the real you is the one who live behind the closed door at home. Stop blaming others and bear the good fruits instead of the evil ones. The evil deeds will do you no good. They will only make you more bitter and resentful and take you to hell. This is what the enemy, devil is trapping you into, and they will make you stay in the loop of anger without making any progress in term of your spiritual war .
The end time is approaching and our time is also coming, and we'll all stand before God and each man has his own account to present before God. Make your decision in changing in your life style. So, you can present your homework to God eventually. Be a responsible Chritian!
Are you getting the peace that God has promised. Don't get upset so easily. Don't miss the log in your own eyes while you are trying to pick speck from your neighbour's eyes. (Matthew 7:3-4)
If you realise that you are not making any progress at all, especially when you see the annoying neighbour. Think about your in-laws are visiting you, standing in the front yard of your house. Your annoying neighbor is also around. I'm sure you will be able to control yourself in front of someone you want to impress. Don't forget God's watching. This is what so-call self controll.
Think about what Holy Spirit want you to learn a head of of your trouble time. This will help you better manage your own anger. Make a good use of your time that God gives us a purpose to fullfil. I would also like to remind you read at least one chapter of the Bible every day. For you, I think Proverbs is a good place to start.
With Love
Terri
2/18/2010
At The Cross
You may download the beautiful and sweet hymns at the Hillsong Website.
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Oh Lord You’ve searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There’s no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now
You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done
And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me
">
Oh Lord You’ve searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail You
I know You love me
Your holy presence
Surrounding me
In every season
I know You love me
I know You love me
At the cross I bow my knee
Where Your blood was shed for me
There’s no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now
You go before me
You shield my way
Your hand upholds me
I know You love me
You tore the veil
You made a way
When You said that it is done
And when the earth fades
Falls from my eyes
And You stand before me
I know You love me
I know You love me
Continuous Chest Compression CPR
Imagine you're at the mall and a man or woman collapses. Fortunately, you can increase or even triple that person's chance of survival if you start CPR. Mayo Clinic doctors say that a modified form...
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2/16/2010
Cinemassacre's Top 10 Jackie Chan Stunts
Watch the video clip below and see if you can get the meaning of the two words,
cinemassacre and stunts
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cinemassacre and stunts
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2/12/2010
Water - A Miracle Cure
Read and summarise the article below with no more than 100 words.
Many people never drink water. Some don’t like the taste of water, or they were never taught the importance of drinking it. Maybe their parents gave them juice, soft drinks, milk - anything but water. As a result, many people spend their day going from one caffeinated含咖啡因的 or sugar-based drink to another. They jump-start their mornings with coffee. By mid-morning they have a soda for another boost, then drink sweetened caffeinated iced tea for lunch. Late afternoon it’s another coffee-based or “10 percent juice” drink. Little do they know that all that caffeine and sugar are actually stealing water from their bodies, doing them more harm than good.
There are people in the States whose bodies are starved for clean, natural water. They are neglecting the most basic pillar of health, and their bodies and minds pay a terrible price. By the time I see them they often suffer from headaches, back pain, arthritis關節炎, skin problems, digestion problems, and other ailments病痛. Often they have gone to another doctor, who might have given them medications that didn’t address the problem but only turned off the symptoms病徵. This is similar to a red warning light blinking訉號 on your car’s dashboard informing you to check your engine.
If you simply decide to remove the fuse to turn off the warning light instead of taking your car in for service, you will eventually ruin your car’s engine. That is a simple illustration of what many individuals do by taking medications instead of addressing their body’s “warning light” that they are dehydrated and need an adequate intake of clean water.
Many Americans live in a mildly dehydrated缺水 state狀態 with various irritating令人煩躁 symptoms and never realize it. I often tell patients that when they have a headache, they don’t have a Tylenol deficiency. When they have joint pain, they don’t have an Advil deficiency. When they have heartburn, they don’t have a Pepcid deficiency, and if they are depressed, they don’t have a Prozac deficiency. In each of these cases, their body is often crying out for water.
Extracted from
http://www.sevenpillarsofhealth.com/water.html
Many people never drink water. Some don’t like the taste of water, or they were never taught the importance of drinking it. Maybe their parents gave them juice, soft drinks, milk - anything but water. As a result, many people spend their day going from one caffeinated含咖啡因的 or sugar-based drink to another. They jump-start their mornings with coffee. By mid-morning they have a soda for another boost, then drink sweetened caffeinated iced tea for lunch. Late afternoon it’s another coffee-based or “10 percent juice” drink. Little do they know that all that caffeine and sugar are actually stealing water from their bodies, doing them more harm than good.
There are people in the States whose bodies are starved for clean, natural water. They are neglecting the most basic pillar of health, and their bodies and minds pay a terrible price. By the time I see them they often suffer from headaches, back pain, arthritis關節炎, skin problems, digestion problems, and other ailments病痛. Often they have gone to another doctor, who might have given them medications that didn’t address the problem but only turned off the symptoms病徵. This is similar to a red warning light blinking訉號 on your car’s dashboard informing you to check your engine.
If you simply decide to remove the fuse to turn off the warning light instead of taking your car in for service, you will eventually ruin your car’s engine. That is a simple illustration of what many individuals do by taking medications instead of addressing their body’s “warning light” that they are dehydrated and need an adequate intake of clean water.
Many Americans live in a mildly dehydrated缺水 state狀態 with various irritating令人煩躁 symptoms and never realize it. I often tell patients that when they have a headache, they don’t have a Tylenol deficiency. When they have joint pain, they don’t have an Advil deficiency. When they have heartburn, they don’t have a Pepcid deficiency, and if they are depressed, they don’t have a Prozac deficiency. In each of these cases, their body is often crying out for water.
Extracted from
http://www.sevenpillarsofhealth.com/water.html
2/09/2010
Word Quiz
Match the meaning of Chinese words in the left-hand column with the correct sentence in the right-hand column.
*Answers are located in "comments"
*Answers are located in "comments"
2/08/2010
Life Warrior - Nick Vujicic
Nick's Vujicic life was filled with difficulties and hardships. One was being prohibited by Australian law from attending a mainstream school because of his physical disability, even though he was not mentally impaired. During his schooling, the laws were changed, and Vujicic was one of the first disabled students to be integrated into a mainstream school. He learned to write using the two toes on his left "foot", and a special device that slid onto his big toe which he uses to grip. He also learned to use a computer and type using the "heel and toe" method, throw tennis balls, answer the phone, shave and get himself a glass of water.
Being bullied at his school, Vujicic grew extremely depressed, and by the age of 8, started contemplating suicide. After begging God to grow arms and legs, Nick eventually began to realize that his accomplishments were inspirational to many, and began to thank God for being alive.
A key turning point in his life was when his mother showed him a newspaper article about a man dealing with a severe disability. This led him to realize he wasn't the only one with major struggles. When he was seventeen, he started to give talks at his prayer group, and eventually started his non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs.
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Being bullied at his school, Vujicic grew extremely depressed, and by the age of 8, started contemplating suicide. After begging God to grow arms and legs, Nick eventually began to realize that his accomplishments were inspirational to many, and began to thank God for being alive.
A key turning point in his life was when his mother showed him a newspaper article about a man dealing with a severe disability. This led him to realize he wasn't the only one with major struggles. When he was seventeen, he started to give talks at his prayer group, and eventually started his non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs.
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1/30/2010
Two IELTS Writing Topics
Write 250 words about one of the following topics:
1. Children today spend more time reading comic books than they did in the past. Describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of reading comic books.
2. Children today spend more time watching TV than they did in the past. Describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your experience and knowledge.
1. Children today spend more time reading comic books than they did in the past. Describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of reading comic books.
2. Children today spend more time watching TV than they did in the past. Describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of watching TV.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your experience and knowledge.
1/29/2010
You should spend no more than 20 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words by following the sample writing that summarize the trend line in red color. Write a similar description to recount on the trend chart of 2000 ELI enrolments in blue.
The chart below shows the numbers of ELI enrollments of Sydney International Language Centre in 2001. Now write another description, summarize the trend line in blue which shows the ELI enrollments of the language Centre in 2000.
The chart shows the fluctuations in the numbers of international students attending the Sydney International Language Centre in 2001.
At the start of the year numbers were quite high at 170, this was because there were a large number of students referred to take the course as part of the University Preparation Programme. The student population remained the same until the end of February. In both April and May, 15 extra students enrolled into ELI courses. There was a sharp increase in June when 20 new students entered UP courses.
In July there was only an increase of five students as the Winter course intake was at the end of July and this was too late for students who were entering university in the second semester. In comparison to the first semester, there was a sharp drop in numbers as 50 students left, leaving only 135 students in ELI for August. From here until the end of the year there was a steady rise in student numbers to a peak of 180 in December.
Overall it shows a steady growth when compared to the 2000 enrolments of the Sydney International Language Centre in 2001 .
1/28/2010
Tips for IELTS Writing Test
- Task 1 of the Academic Writing Module gives candidates some visual input (a diagram or table) and asks them to present the information in their own words.
- Task 1 of the General Training module involves reading a short prompt about a particular problem and using the information it contains to write an appropriate letter of response.
- Task 2 for both modules presents a point of view, argument or problem which candidates must read and respond to in their writing.
- You must aware of the fact that all tasks contain some indication of audience and purpose for writing.
- Organise your time to: plan, write, and revise. Use a mind map to begin your writing.
- The four marking criteria include: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy.
- Write 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. You will lose points if you write less than the requirement.
- Don't directly copy words from the question, paraphrase your ideas. Use synonyms and antonyms to add variety to your writing.
- Fully cover the requirements of the task.
- Skilfully manage and organise your paragraphing.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary and sentence patterns.
- Express yourself clearly and accurately; e.g. for Task 1 - present clearly and accurately the overview of main trends, differences or stages; for Task 2 present a fully developed message in response to the issue with relevant, fully extended and well support ideas.
1/26/2010
IELTS Reading Comprehension Task
Read the text below and answer Questions 1-6
Advice for Employees -Safe computer use
Most people suffer no ill-effects from using VDUs (Visual Display Units) as they don’t give out harmful levels of radiation and rarely cause any kind of skin complaint. If you do suffer ill-effects, it may be because of the way you’re using the computer and this can be avoided by well-designed workstations. When working at a VDU, make sure you keep a good posture and that your eyes are level with the screen.
Under health and safety regulations your employer should look at VDU workstations, and reduce any risks by supplying any equipment considered necessary (e.g. a wrist rest). They should also provide health and safety training. This also applies if you’re working at home as an employee and using a VDU for a long period of time. There is no legal limit to how long you should work at a VDU, but under health and safety regulations you have the right to breaks from work using a VDU. This doesn’t have to be a rest break, just a different type of work. Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests it’s better to take frequent short breaks but if your job means pending long periods at a VDU, for example as in the case of data input, then longer breaks from your workstation should be introduced.
If you’re disabled, your employer's duty to make reasonable adjustments for you may mean that they will provide you with special computer equipment. You can also get advice and maybe help with paying for equipment from the local job centre.
Studies haven’t shown a link between VDU use and damage to eyesight, but if you feel that using a VDU screen is making your eyes tired, tell your employee safety representative. You have the right to a free eyesight test if you use a VDU a lot during work hours. If you’re prescribed glasses your company must pay for them, provided they’re required in your job.
If you have any health problems you think may be caused by your VDU, contact your line manager. He/she has a duty to consult you on health and safety issues that affect you, and should welcome early reporting of any issue.
Questions 1- 6
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers by typing in the missing words into the dotted space in red colour.
1. It is unusual to get a ………… as a result of using computers.
2. Employers may be required to provide you with items such as a ………… to use while at work.
3. If your job involves tasks such as ………… , the advice from the HSE may not apply.
4. Financial assistance in the case of special requirements may be available from the ………….
5. The company is obliged to cover the cost of ………… if you need them while working.
6. Any concerns about the effect of using a VDU on your general well-being should be reported to ………… .
Advice for Employees -Safe computer use
Most people suffer no ill-effects from using VDUs (Visual Display Units) as they don’t give out harmful levels of radiation and rarely cause any kind of skin complaint. If you do suffer ill-effects, it may be because of the way you’re using the computer and this can be avoided by well-designed workstations. When working at a VDU, make sure you keep a good posture and that your eyes are level with the screen.
Under health and safety regulations your employer should look at VDU workstations, and reduce any risks by supplying any equipment considered necessary (e.g. a wrist rest). They should also provide health and safety training. This also applies if you’re working at home as an employee and using a VDU for a long period of time. There is no legal limit to how long you should work at a VDU, but under health and safety regulations you have the right to breaks from work using a VDU. This doesn’t have to be a rest break, just a different type of work. Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests it’s better to take frequent short breaks but if your job means pending long periods at a VDU, for example as in the case of data input, then longer breaks from your workstation should be introduced.
If you’re disabled, your employer's duty to make reasonable adjustments for you may mean that they will provide you with special computer equipment. You can also get advice and maybe help with paying for equipment from the local job centre.
Studies haven’t shown a link between VDU use and damage to eyesight, but if you feel that using a VDU screen is making your eyes tired, tell your employee safety representative. You have the right to a free eyesight test if you use a VDU a lot during work hours. If you’re prescribed glasses your company must pay for them, provided they’re required in your job.
If you have any health problems you think may be caused by your VDU, contact your line manager. He/she has a duty to consult you on health and safety issues that affect you, and should welcome early reporting of any issue.
Questions 1- 6
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers by typing in the missing words into the dotted space in red colour.
1. It is unusual to get a ………… as a result of using computers.
2. Employers may be required to provide you with items such as a ………… to use while at work.
3. If your job involves tasks such as ………… , the advice from the HSE may not apply.
4. Financial assistance in the case of special requirements may be available from the ………….
5. The company is obliged to cover the cost of ………… if you need them while working.
6. Any concerns about the effect of using a VDU on your general well-being should be reported to ………… .
1/25/2010
Tips for IELTS Reading Test
- Read the title and headings. Make prediction about the topic.
- Look over the questions quickly. Always read twice the section that is relevant to the question.
- Tasks in the Reading test can involve note taking, labeling, classification,and table/ flowchart completion.
- In relation to Reading, the Academic and General Training modules are different in terms of: the choice of texts: topic, text type, length, number, etc.
- Scribble or underline the important parts as you read.
- Follow the rubric and instruction carefully. If the instructions ask you to use no more than three words, follow it or else you will lose points.
- Be careful not to mix up True/False with Yes/No. These are considered by many to be the most difficult questions.
1/21/2010
The Climb
A very beautiful song, I love it!
Yeaaaah!
It's the action - The process of your hard work will be remembered and counted!
Enjooooy!
The Climb lyrics
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;
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I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
Yeaaaah!
It's the action - The process of your hard work will be remembered and counted!
Enjooooy!
The Climb lyrics
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;
">
I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
1/20/2010
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic. High Blood Pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which blood pressure levels are above the normal range. Blood pressures of 120-139 mm Hg and/or 80-89 mm Hg are considered prehypertension. Blood pressure is considered high if it is 140 mm Hg and/or 90 mm Hg or higher.
High blood pressure increases the risk for heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral artery disease (PAD). High blood pressure may also increase the risk of developing fatty deposit in arteries (atherosclerosis). The risk of heart failure also increases due to the increased workload that high blood pressure places on the heart.
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Some ways to control high blood pressure without medication
- Lose extra wieght
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy diet
- Reduce salt, sugar, and oil
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
- Drink less coffee
- Reduce stress
- Get regular health care
- Check up regularly
1/19/2010
How many stars are there in the Universe?
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Have you ever looked up into the night sky and wondered just how many stars there are in space? This question has fascinated scientists as well as philosophers, musicians and dreamers throughout the ages.
Look into the sky on a clear night, out of the glare of streetlights, and you will see a few thousand individual stars with your naked eyes. With even a modest amateur telescope, millions more will come into view.
So how many stars are there in the Universe? It is easy to ask this question, but difficult for scientists to give a fair answer!
Stars are not scattered randomly through space, they are gathered together into vast groups known as galaxies. The Sun belongs to a galaxy called the Milky Way. Astronomers estimate there are about 100 thousand million stars in the Milky Way alone. Outside that, there are millions upon millions of other galaxies also!
Hipparcos mapped millions of stars in our galaxy, but how many more are there?
It has been said that counting the stars in the Universe is like trying to count the number of sand grains on a beach on Earth. We might do that by measuring the surface area of the beach, and determining the average depth of the sand layer.
If we count the number of grains in a small representative volume of sand, by multiplication we can estimate the number of grains on the whole beach.
For the Universe, the galaxies are our small representative volumes, and there are something like 1011 to 1012 stars in our galaxy, and there are perhaps something like 1011 or 1012 galaxies.
With this simple calculation you get something like 1022 to 1024 stars in the Universe. This is only a rough number, as obviously not all galaxies are the same, just like on a beach the depth of sand will not be the same in different places.
Extracted from ESA - Space Science
Have you ever looked up into the night sky and wondered just how many stars there are in space? This question has fascinated scientists as well as philosophers, musicians and dreamers throughout the ages.
Look into the sky on a clear night, out of the glare of streetlights, and you will see a few thousand individual stars with your naked eyes. With even a modest amateur telescope, millions more will come into view.
So how many stars are there in the Universe? It is easy to ask this question, but difficult for scientists to give a fair answer!
Stars are not scattered randomly through space, they are gathered together into vast groups known as galaxies. The Sun belongs to a galaxy called the Milky Way. Astronomers estimate there are about 100 thousand million stars in the Milky Way alone. Outside that, there are millions upon millions of other galaxies also!
Hipparcos mapped millions of stars in our galaxy, but how many more are there?
It has been said that counting the stars in the Universe is like trying to count the number of sand grains on a beach on Earth. We might do that by measuring the surface area of the beach, and determining the average depth of the sand layer.
If we count the number of grains in a small representative volume of sand, by multiplication we can estimate the number of grains on the whole beach.
For the Universe, the galaxies are our small representative volumes, and there are something like 1011 to 1012 stars in our galaxy, and there are perhaps something like 1011 or 1012 galaxies.
With this simple calculation you get something like 1022 to 1024 stars in the Universe. This is only a rough number, as obviously not all galaxies are the same, just like on a beach the depth of sand will not be the same in different places.
Extracted from ESA - Space Science
1/14/2010
IELTS Listening Strategy - 15 Tips
Read the description below regarding some strategies I extracted and adapted from various sources for doing the listening test.
When you read, regroup the 15 tip items into three categories: before the test, during the test, and after the test. List them chronologically.
When you read, regroup the 15 tip items into three categories: before the test, during the test, and after the test. List them chronologically.
- There are a total of 40 questions presented in four sections, 10 in each section.
- Understand different types of questions presented in the test. Be prepared for what the question might ask you to do, such as complete a sentence in three words, tick a box, or choose a letter.
- Concentrate. The key skill to master here is ATTENTIVENESS. You cannot allow your concentration to falter for even a second. Do not let your mind wander.
- While listening silently, take notes in your question booklet. You can circle possible answers and change your mind later when you transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
- Use the time before each listening section to underline key words in the question such as who, where, what, etc…
- Mark your answers carefully. Write according to the instruction.
- Listen more attentively to the second statement of the speakers who correct themselves. This is usually the asked answer for the question.
- Be careful not to make simple spelling mistakes. These will be penalized.
- Incomplete or shortened answers (i.e. times and dates) will be marked as incorrect.
- A variety of accents are used including British, Australian, and American, Practice listening to different English speakers.
- Remember that answers that exceed word limits (even use of a or the) will be marked as incorrect.
- Questions are read out in order of answers, so be calm and you do not need to search up and down.
- Be highly alert. Watch out for questions that involve intentional deviations from the most obvious answer. Remember an inattentive mind may attract you to the obvious but incorrect answer.
- Don't get stuck on a single question. If you didn't hear the answer, go on.
- You will be given time to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
1/13/2010
50 Ways to Get Your Life in Order
It grasps my attention when I read the article post by Mark Foo at Litminds.org
I was wondering how Mark got such a long list of ideas to share.
Read and get the tips that will help you!
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There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of chaos in your life. As Albert Einstein once stated, “Three rules of work: out of clutter find simplicity, from discord find harmony, in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
Unexpected challenges are what make us stronger, so don’t avoid them. Keep in mind the following 50 tips and you’ll be able to streamline your life and get back on track in the New Year.
- Recycle old papers that are filling drawers in your house. If you’re anything like me, you have drawers overflowing with old receipts, junk mail, records, and notes to myself.
- Get rid of all of this. Invest in a paper shredder to reduce clutter and maintain privacy.
- Mentally prepare yourself for change by visualizing your ideal self. Who do you admire the most? How do you envision yourself in the future? Who do you want to be? Visualize yourself to be that person.
- Realize that unexpected events can be a good thing.
- Ask people you admire how they got where they are today. I’ve always admired my grandfather. Learning more about how he started up his business, dealt with difficulty throughout his life, and maintained grace throughout it all has helped me in my personal endeavors.
- Cut back on alcohol, cigarettes and other vices. These can be crutches that cloud judgment. The money saved by not purchasing or cutting back on this type of material can then be put into something rewarding such as a vacation.
- Remove elements of negativity from your life, be they people or a job you don’t want to do. If you have friends who are bringing you down, there’s no need to keep hanging out with them out of obligation. Cut your ties and cut your losses.
- Start each day with a clear to-do list along with your cup of morning coffee. Knowing what you need to do in the day ahead helps keep you on track.
- Clean your house from top to bottom and throw away anything outdated. Not only receipts, as mentioned above, but any old junk that should be donated to charity or sold in a garage sale.
- Institute a clear filing system for your personal records. Investing in a simple filing cabinet and folders with labels is something you don’t need a personal secretary for and makes your life much easier when you are looking for a specific item.
- Do your grocery shopping for the week on the day it’s most convenient. Make a list, budget, and get only what you need to save time and money.
- Take a career test that will help you identify your strengths. If you are unhappy with your career but don’t even know where to begin in the process of moving on, this can be a good way to identify strengths and new possibilities.
- Meet with a professional counselor if there are issues you need to discuss. Many people are struggling with dead weight from the past or emotional baggage that is holding them back. Deal with them and move on with professional assistance.
- Go through cabinets and throw out expired medications or food items. The last time I did this, I found everything from 3-year-old curry powder to 5-year-old aspirin. Throw them out.
- Make a clear diet plan with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet plan has a tremendous effect on your overall energy levels.
- Add vitamin pills to your daily diet. Vitamin supplements can help reduce the possibility of cancer and osteoporosis, among other disorders.
- Work out a clear exercise plan with an activity that you enjoy such as dancing or biking.
- Set appointments you’ve been putting off. It’s easy to put off going to the doctor or dentist until we are sick, but preventive care is extremely important in overall health levels.
- Take up a mental exercise. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or other word games along these lines are more than just a good way to pass time. They have been shown in studies to help improve overall mental capabilities.
- Publish your own book. This is easier than ever before with Internet publishing. You can get your ideas out there and start making money from them. I’ve published my own eBook, The 77 Traits of Highly Successful People, check it out.
- Make a reading list and join a book club. Most people state that they want to read more, but without an actual plan you may not make the time to do this. Joining a book club not only serves as a social activity but also keeps you up to date with your own reading list.
- Spend time with yourself each day. Susan Taylor states that “spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order.”
- Practice breathing exercises or meditation. Stress can have an overarching effect on our overall productivity levels. When stressed, I personally forget to breathe at times. Take the time to take deep breaths and improve oxygen flow to the brain.
- Speak and act with honesty. Are you able to stand by what you do and say? If not, it may be time to reexamine your own words and learn to articulate your thoughts in an open, honest way. This helps eliminate mistakes down the road.
- Learn from past mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Usually, we make a lot of them during our lifetime. As long as they aren’t repeated too many times, and are looked at as a learning experience, they can in fact be a good thing in the long run.
- Volunteer to help others in your community. Helping others is a rewarding way to get your own life together.
- Take up a new language or hobby.
- Read inspirational biographies. For new ideas, find out how others got their lives in order.
- Talk to a stranger. Unplanned conversations can be surprisingly inspiring.
- Reconnect with friends and relatives who live far away. Call those people you miss but keep putting off calling. With the Internet and Skype at your disposal, even an online chat can help you reconnect.
- Change your toothbrush. It can be a hotbed of bacteria.
Take more naps. Sleep is often sadly underrated in its ability to boost energy, mood, and - keep reaction times sharp.
- Drink at least 6 cups of water per day. Staying hydrated helps keep energy levels up.
- Organize your photo collection. Get both digital files and physical printouts in albums. If you’re anything like my family, your photographs could be sadly sitting tucked away in shoeboxes in the closet, taking up space.
- Take an interest in art in your community. Visiting galleries can help introduce you to the artists in your community and help stimulate thinking.
- Join a hobbyist club. My friend decided to learn more about building model airplanes and was so deeply into it that he recently obtained his commercial pilot’s license. You never know where a simple hobby can lead you in life.
- Keep a calendar with commitments. Having a visual reminder in front of you can be extremely helpful. We are all different types of learners.
- Don’t put off difficult conversations. Deal with problems directly and immediately. This will result in a much lower level of anxiety for all involved.
- Make a list of priorities and do what makes you happy. If you have lost touch with your own priorities lately, it can be beneficial to take the time to sit and think about what actually makes you happy. Work toward achieving this as much as possible.
- Spend more time outdoors. Nature has an ability to help soothe a troubled mind and clear your thoughts. Taking a walk in the woods or climbing a mountain, at any level of difficulty, gives a sense of pride and accomplishment.
- Attend lectures. These could be science lectures or other types, but it’s helpful to keep up-to-date on what’s going on in the world and plan accordingly. Keeping the mind active helps you in all aspects of your daily life.
- Take the time to stretch muscles. Get a massage to improve muscle tone and circulation, then use this new energy and apply it to your work routine.
- Make laughter a priority. Hang out with some of your most entertaining friends for a good laugh, or simply sit back with some favorite old comedies. Laughter counts as exercise and has been shown to expand your life span.
- Clear some time each day to do nothing. As a child, I remember that we had “free time” scheduled into our school activities every day. This could be used for reading, drawing, or simply staring into space if that’s what we felt like doing. What a novel idea, and one that keeps the brain at ease.
- Schedule a much-needed vacation.
- Learn new tips for entertaining. You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to throw a great dinner party, and learning how to be a host or hostess with minimal effort can give a big boost to your confidence levels.
- Throw out old clothing that doesn’t fit. Too many of us are squeezing into outdated clothes that are doing us no favors. Look and feel your best with clothes that are tailored to fit.
- Live in the present, not the past. The past is over. Move on and enjoy every moment as it occurs. Take stock of what needs to be accomplished and move forward with this information.
- Learn from past mistakes and move forward with your life. Get your life in order by looking forward, not back.
- Budget for possible home repairs. Set aside some money in the proverbial cookie jar to keep home maintenance within the realm of possibility in this coming year.
http://www.77SuccessTraits.com.
1/09/2010
A Comprehension Task
Read the article and answer the question that follows.
Write about 50 words to discuss the question below:
Do you think the Hong Kong government should stop the H1N1 vaccination as soon as possible? Give at least two reasons to support your answer.
Fewer swine flu jabs as doc falls ill
Mary Ann Benitez and Patsy Moy
Friday, January 08, 2010
A 58-year-old cardiologist who received a human swine flu (H1N1) vaccination is in serious condition with Guillain- Barre syndrome, a disease that affects the nervous system.
But an expert group said it could not be determined if the doctor's disorder was directly caused by the vaccine.
A doctors' group said the case led to a decline in the number of people receiving vaccinations yesterday.
Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, Thomas Tsang Ho-fai, said it is impossible to say whether the man's illness was caused by the flu jab.
"The [expert] group thinks it is not possible to differentiate with reasonable certainty whether the relationship between the vaccine and patient's symptoms is causal or coincidental, meaning that we are unable to conclude one way or the other based on a single case," Tsang said.
"We have vaccinated over 100,000 people in Hong Kong and if we look at overseas experience, the vaccine has not been associated with an increased rate of Guillain-Barre syndrome."
He added: "So we are of the view that for high-risk groups the benefit of receiving the vaccine definitely outweighs the risk and we recommend members of such groups to receive the vaccine."
The cardiologist, Kwok Hong-tai, who has an underlying medical condition, received the vaccine on December 24 and began feeling weakness in his lower limbs on December 28, Patrick Li Chung-ki of Queen Elizabeth Hospital said.
Kwok was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on January 2 where he remained in serious but stable condition yesterday.
A nurse at the cardiologist's clinic in North Point declined to confirm whether the doctor is the one suffering from Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Li said the patient has shown weakness in all four limbs and his symptoms were "compatible with Guillain-Barre syndrome."
The rare disease occurs after receiving vaccines, while other patients develop it after viral or bacterial infections.
For some patients, there is no underlying cause but is "incidental," Li said. Hong Kong Doctors Union president Henry Yeung Chiu-fat said there were significantly fewer people who came forward to be vaccinated at private clinics.
But government figures showed at least 8,872 were vaccinated in the 24 hours ending 1pm yesterday. Of those, 1,717 went to private doctors, compared with 2,171 the day before.
Infectious disease specialist Lo Wing-lok said the case is more likely related to the vaccine "because of the time sequence and because of various clinical observations and tests done."
He said the case is a "very strong deterrent" for people not to be vaccinated.
Extracted and adapted from http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=11&art_id=92850&sid=26627549&con_type=1&d_str=20100108&fc=8
Write about 50 words to discuss the question below:
Do you think the Hong Kong government should stop the H1N1 vaccination as soon as possible? Give at least two reasons to support your answer.
Fewer swine flu jabs as doc falls ill
Mary Ann Benitez and Patsy Moy
Friday, January 08, 2010
A 58-year-old cardiologist who received a human swine flu (H1N1) vaccination is in serious condition with Guillain- Barre syndrome, a disease that affects the nervous system.
But an expert group said it could not be determined if the doctor's disorder was directly caused by the vaccine.
A doctors' group said the case led to a decline in the number of people receiving vaccinations yesterday.
Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, Thomas Tsang Ho-fai, said it is impossible to say whether the man's illness was caused by the flu jab.
"The [expert] group thinks it is not possible to differentiate with reasonable certainty whether the relationship between the vaccine and patient's symptoms is causal or coincidental, meaning that we are unable to conclude one way or the other based on a single case," Tsang said.
"We have vaccinated over 100,000 people in Hong Kong and if we look at overseas experience, the vaccine has not been associated with an increased rate of Guillain-Barre syndrome."
He added: "So we are of the view that for high-risk groups the benefit of receiving the vaccine definitely outweighs the risk and we recommend members of such groups to receive the vaccine."
The cardiologist, Kwok Hong-tai, who has an underlying medical condition, received the vaccine on December 24 and began feeling weakness in his lower limbs on December 28, Patrick Li Chung-ki of Queen Elizabeth Hospital said.
Kwok was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on January 2 where he remained in serious but stable condition yesterday.
A nurse at the cardiologist's clinic in North Point declined to confirm whether the doctor is the one suffering from Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Li said the patient has shown weakness in all four limbs and his symptoms were "compatible with Guillain-Barre syndrome."
The rare disease occurs after receiving vaccines, while other patients develop it after viral or bacterial infections.
For some patients, there is no underlying cause but is "incidental," Li said. Hong Kong Doctors Union president Henry Yeung Chiu-fat said there were significantly fewer people who came forward to be vaccinated at private clinics.
But government figures showed at least 8,872 were vaccinated in the 24 hours ending 1pm yesterday. Of those, 1,717 went to private doctors, compared with 2,171 the day before.
Infectious disease specialist Lo Wing-lok said the case is more likely related to the vaccine "because of the time sequence and because of various clinical observations and tests done."
He said the case is a "very strong deterrent" for people not to be vaccinated.
Extracted and adapted from http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=11&art_id=92850&sid=26627549&con_type=1&d_str=20100108&fc=8
1/08/2010
Self Motivation
If you want to succeed in life, I believe that a person needs to be able to learn continuous self motivation. This is what drives us internally and externally to succeed in our endeavors. Self motivation is not only about work and business, it can be about anything that we want to attain in life – you need self motivation to lose weight, break a bad habit and to learn a new skill.
So what is the secret to continuous self motivation? Here are some of the things I’ve learned:
Set goals that are simple, easy and achievable
If you want to lose 30 pounds, break it down and instead make it your goal to simply lose a pound every week. If you want to start a business but you don’t have the capital to start, I suggest that you stop thinking too much about it and concentrate on how you can get and save a portion of the capital that you need every month.
Write down your goals and put it in a place where you can often see it
Whenever you see and read your note, take a moment to imagine yourself achieving that goal. You will feel refreshed and inspired by the emotional reward. This is one of the basic principles of the law of attraction.
Don’t procrastinate
Once you have set your goals, start immediately. Don’t make excuses. Procrastination if often a coping mechanism against the anxiety we experience when faced with a difficult or unwanted task. To help you stop procrastinating, I suggest that you reset your goals and break it down further to make it more achievable.
Share your goals
Tell your family and friends about your goals. These are the people who want to see you succeed and will definitely help you stay inspired and dedicated. Sharing to them your dreams and aspirations will help you stay motivated to work towards your goals because you don’t want to let these people down.
Stay positive
Even if you’re experiencing a hard time, always remain optimistic that you can reach the finish line. During these rough times, it helps to keep good company. Spend time with your family and friends who are positive and motivated. Share your doubts and fears with them and ask for words of encouragement.
Take a break when times are tough
If you are familiar with the Don’t Quit poem, always remember the first stanza which goes:
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will.
When the road your trudging seems all uphill.
When the funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Reward yourself for achieving your goals
There is no greater motivation to continue towards the finish line than by giving yourself a pat on the back for conquering the small battles. One reason why you need to break down your goals into smaller tasks is because it gives you a chance to congratulate yourself and harness the desire to achieve more. When you reward yourself for moving closer to your ultimate goal, your self-esteem goes high and self motivation becomes easier.
Adapted from the link:
http://fitzvillafuerte.com/the-secret-to-continuous-self-motivation.html
So what is the secret to continuous self motivation? Here are some of the things I’ve learned:
Set goals that are simple, easy and achievable
If you want to lose 30 pounds, break it down and instead make it your goal to simply lose a pound every week. If you want to start a business but you don’t have the capital to start, I suggest that you stop thinking too much about it and concentrate on how you can get and save a portion of the capital that you need every month.
Write down your goals and put it in a place where you can often see it
Whenever you see and read your note, take a moment to imagine yourself achieving that goal. You will feel refreshed and inspired by the emotional reward. This is one of the basic principles of the law of attraction.
Don’t procrastinate
Once you have set your goals, start immediately. Don’t make excuses. Procrastination if often a coping mechanism against the anxiety we experience when faced with a difficult or unwanted task. To help you stop procrastinating, I suggest that you reset your goals and break it down further to make it more achievable.
Share your goals
Tell your family and friends about your goals. These are the people who want to see you succeed and will definitely help you stay inspired and dedicated. Sharing to them your dreams and aspirations will help you stay motivated to work towards your goals because you don’t want to let these people down.
Stay positive
Even if you’re experiencing a hard time, always remain optimistic that you can reach the finish line. During these rough times, it helps to keep good company. Spend time with your family and friends who are positive and motivated. Share your doubts and fears with them and ask for words of encouragement.
Take a break when times are tough
If you are familiar with the Don’t Quit poem, always remember the first stanza which goes:
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will.
When the road your trudging seems all uphill.
When the funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Reward yourself for achieving your goals
There is no greater motivation to continue towards the finish line than by giving yourself a pat on the back for conquering the small battles. One reason why you need to break down your goals into smaller tasks is because it gives you a chance to congratulate yourself and harness the desire to achieve more. When you reward yourself for moving closer to your ultimate goal, your self-esteem goes high and self motivation becomes easier.
Adapted from the link:
http://fitzvillafuerte.com/the-secret-to-continuous-self-motivation.html
1/07/2010
Lambert the Sheepish Lion
Lambert the Sheepish Lion is a Disney animated short film that was released in 1951.
The 8-minute film focuses on Lambert, a lion that is mistakenly left with a flock of sheep by a stork. Lambert lives his life thinking he is a sheep until he is forced to defend the flock from an attack by a hungry wolf. Lambert the Sheepish Lion was directed by Jack Hannah, and the voice of the narrator and the stork was provided by actor and Disney legend, Sterling Holloway. Holloway also was the voice for the stork in Dumbo, in which the stork plays a similar role in the plot.
The original print of the film was given as a gift to Emperor Hirohito of Japan because it was his favourite Disney cartoon.[1] In 1952, the film was nominated for an Academy Award in the category "Best Short Subject, Cartoons," but lost to The Two Mouseketeers, a Tom and Jerry cartoon.
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For more video clips visit http://howdyhumor.blogspot.com/2009/07/lambert.html
The 8-minute film focuses on Lambert, a lion that is mistakenly left with a flock of sheep by a stork. Lambert lives his life thinking he is a sheep until he is forced to defend the flock from an attack by a hungry wolf. Lambert the Sheepish Lion was directed by Jack Hannah, and the voice of the narrator and the stork was provided by actor and Disney legend, Sterling Holloway. Holloway also was the voice for the stork in Dumbo, in which the stork plays a similar role in the plot.
The original print of the film was given as a gift to Emperor Hirohito of Japan because it was his favourite Disney cartoon.[1] In 1952, the film was nominated for an Academy Award in the category "Best Short Subject, Cartoons," but lost to The Two Mouseketeers, a Tom and Jerry cartoon.
">
For more video clips visit http://howdyhumor.blogspot.com/2009/07/lambert.html
1/06/2010
Classical Music: Vivaldi - Four Seasons - Spring
Studies show that we can accelerate our learning process by getting into the 'Alpha' state during learning. Nice music helps improve concentration and absorption of the materials.
One way to get into the Alpha state before learning is to listen to classical music.
Baroque music for example, are around 40 to 60 beats per minute and it helps enhance concentration. Play it at the background for a more effective learning experience.
">
One way to get into the Alpha state before learning is to listen to classical music.
Baroque music for example, are around 40 to 60 beats per minute and it helps enhance concentration. Play it at the background for a more effective learning experience.
">
Church Succeeds With 'Pay What You Can' Restaurant
Extracted from Ministry Today
A church-sponsored restaurant is attempting to change its community by using an unusual pay system many are calling a "Robin Hood model." At A Better World Café, housed in the Reformed Church of Highland Park, N.J., visitors can eat as much as they want and pay whatever they can. So far, the unique business model isn't just successfully impacting the church's neighborhood, it's furthering an innovative movement among restaurants.
The café's premise is to allow those who can afford more to subsidize those who can't, while also remaining environmentally friendly. The nonprofit, which attracts between 50 to 125 customers each day, uses mostly locally grown produce, composts leftover food and stays away from plastics or Styrofoam.
"It's about how we're going to need to change our systems if we're going to survive as a planet," said Tina Weishaus, a board member of the Who is My Neighbor? group at the Reformed Church, which co-owns the café with Elijah's Promise, a New Brunswick soup kitchen and culinary school.
According to Denise Cerreta, who founded a similar eating establishment in downtown Salt Lake City in 2003, the idea behind A Better World Café is catching on around the country. Besides the five existing "Robin Hood" restaurants, she says more than 50 groups on the East Coast have approached her about launching similar ventures, and she currently travels full-time teaching people how to start their own socially conscious eateries.
At the Highland Park location, customers find a new menu each day with a dozen items and only suggested prices. In addition, one "complimentary community entrée" is always offered for free. Those who want to eat more than the free offering but are unable to pay can volunteer at the café for an hour to receive a bigger meal.
"It's an idea whose time has come," said one director. [nj.com, 11/18/09]
A church-sponsored restaurant is attempting to change its community by using an unusual pay system many are calling a "Robin Hood model." At A Better World Café, housed in the Reformed Church of Highland Park, N.J., visitors can eat as much as they want and pay whatever they can. So far, the unique business model isn't just successfully impacting the church's neighborhood, it's furthering an innovative movement among restaurants.
The café's premise is to allow those who can afford more to subsidize those who can't, while also remaining environmentally friendly. The nonprofit, which attracts between 50 to 125 customers each day, uses mostly locally grown produce, composts leftover food and stays away from plastics or Styrofoam.
"It's about how we're going to need to change our systems if we're going to survive as a planet," said Tina Weishaus, a board member of the Who is My Neighbor? group at the Reformed Church, which co-owns the café with Elijah's Promise, a New Brunswick soup kitchen and culinary school.
According to Denise Cerreta, who founded a similar eating establishment in downtown Salt Lake City in 2003, the idea behind A Better World Café is catching on around the country. Besides the five existing "Robin Hood" restaurants, she says more than 50 groups on the East Coast have approached her about launching similar ventures, and she currently travels full-time teaching people how to start their own socially conscious eateries.
At the Highland Park location, customers find a new menu each day with a dozen items and only suggested prices. In addition, one "complimentary community entrée" is always offered for free. Those who want to eat more than the free offering but are unable to pay can volunteer at the café for an hour to receive a bigger meal.
"It's an idea whose time has come," said one director. [nj.com, 11/18/09]
Hypocrisy 偽善
I read the article with quite a heavy heart. I don't mean to load you with unnecessarily burden but to share with you the wisdom revealed in God's words!
We're not perfect. As children of God, let's join together and work to guard our heart with all diligence to become more Jesus-like Christians in our pilgrimage天國之旅 journey!
Hypocrisy 偽善! Holding sins while pretending to worship God. Hypocrisy! Privately loving sin while publicly pretending religion. Hypocrisy! Singing and praying to God with the lips, while playing with lusts慾念 in the heart. Hypocrisy! Approaching the holy presence of God with sin staining沾污 your soul. Hypocrisy! Being tormented折磨 with the knowledge of God and the pleasure of sin that He hates. The soul pain of the religious fornicator信仰的不忠 is horrible!
We're not perfect. As children of God, let's join together and work to guard our heart with all diligence to become more Jesus-like Christians in our pilgrimage天國之旅 journey!
I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.14 我 在 聖 會 裡 ， 幾 乎 落 在 諸 般 惡 中 。 Proverbs 5:14
Hypocrisy 偽善! Holding sins while pretending to worship God. Hypocrisy! Privately loving sin while publicly pretending religion. Hypocrisy! Singing and praying to God with the lips, while playing with lusts慾念 in the heart. Hypocrisy! Approaching the holy presence of God with sin staining沾污 your soul. Hypocrisy! Being tormented折磨 with the knowledge of God and the pleasure of sin that He hates. The soul pain of the religious fornicator信仰的不忠 is horrible!
Solomon in this chapter warned his son and children of the horror of adultery (5:1-2,7). From the desirable, and seemingly innocent, enticement of a strange woman (5:3), a foolish man is brought down to destruction and misery (5:4-10 When the sin has worked its course, he cannot believe his folly at rejecting so many warnings (5:11-13). In the words before us, he described maybe the greatest agony of all – religious hypocrisy!
In the place that should have been for his comfort and peace – the house of God, he was tortured with fear, guilt, and shame. With the knowledge of the Most Holy and His hatred for sin pounding his stricken conscience, he tried to worship, while bound by the cords of his enslaving sin (5:22惡 人 必 被 自 己 的 罪 孽 捉 住 ； 他 必 被 自 己 的 罪 惡 如 繩 索 纏 繞 。). ). The internal conflict was too great to bear – his new man crying against the old man – the Holy Spirit convicting against the lustful thoughts of the devil! O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Reader, keep your heart with all diligence (4:2323 你 要 保 守 你 心 ， 勝 過 保 守 一 切 ， 因 為 一 生 的 果 效 是 由 心 發 出 。)! God hates hypocrisy! He wants your heart, all of it! He does not care about your lips, if your heart is not all His first. He does not care about your attendance出現, if you are thinking approvingly about sin. Men who pray in public with eyes full of adultery are marked for the darker regions of hell (II Pet 2:13-19). God seeks the sacrifice of a broken and contrite悔罪的 heart (Ps 51:17). Forsake拋棄 your sins!
Self- righteous自義 woman! Have you read this warning with disdain蔑視 for such foolish men and with joy at the tormenting令人痛苦的 consequences of their(men's) sin? Your wickedness is worse, for you have no conscience, nor is there much hope of your recovery. You have already drowned in the self-flattering deceit騙局 and pride of your wicked heart and simple mind. If you can find even a twinge of conscience, confess your arrogant presumption推定 before it is gone.
Monogamous 專一 man and virtuous道德的 woman! Do not think this warning has no value for you. Hypocrisy can occur with any sin – and there is no difference in the sight of God. Neglecting or defrauding詐騙 your spouse is at least as bad as adultery! Backbiting背後中傷 and whispering are just variations on murder! Negative murmuring負面的抱怨 and lack of thankfulness are sins that God hates! James warned his readers that offending in one sin is to be guilty of all before God (Jas 2:10). Any form of hypocrisy is a horrible sin. Be warned!
This proverb has warning words for young men. You will face this horrible agony and misery of conscience, if you play at all with other women, whether by pictures, words, activities, or thoughts. Get away from her! There is no greater temptation than the strange woman, and she will take you all the way down to death and hell (2:18; 5:5; 7:27; 9:18).
1/04/2010
THAI STICKY RICE WITH MANGO DESSERT
Today I learnt to prepare the Thai Sticky Rice with Mango Dessert following the steps introduced in the video below. It tastes really great. Enjoy it!
- 2 cups glutinous (sticky) rice, soaked in cold water for at least one hour and drained 1 1/4 cups coconut milk, canned or freshly prepared pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- In a saucepan bring to a boil: rice, coconut milk, salt, sugar and 1 1/4 cup water. Stir.
- Lower heat and simmer, uncovered, about 8-10 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
- Transfer rice to a steamer or double saucepan and steam 15-20 minutes over boiling water, until rice is cooked through.
Mold the cooked rice into individual ramekins or small cups lined with plastic wrap. Cool to room temperature. At serving time unmold onto a plate and top with mango or even strawberries.
Here comes another video clip.
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1/03/2010
1/01/2010
New Year Resolution 新年願望/志願
Happy New Year! The year 2010 has just arrived. I am now posting my blog message in Tokyo. I am exicited about the new year and hopefully we will all enjoy more peace, happiness, and freedom this new year!
What is a new year's resoluation?
A New Year's resolution according to the online Wiki is a commitment (not just a wishful thinking) that one makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day.
In early 20th-century, the New Year's resolutions in the United States, or the popular goals include resolutions to:
- Improve health: lose weight, exercise more, eat better, drink less alcohol, quit smoking;
- Improve finances: get out of debt, save money;
- Improve career: get a better job
- Improve education: improve grades, get a better education, learn something new (such as a foreign language or music);
- Improve self: become more organized, reduce stress, be less grumpy, manage time better, be more independent;
- Start or Maintain a diary;
- Take a trip; or
- Volunteer to help others
What is my new year resolution?
I'd like to commit myself to learn and know the truth better. So, I have more wisdom and freedom to do what is right to my children, students, and people I encounter in a daily basis.
In fact, my resolution comes from the verse in the Bible. John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.你 們 必 曉 得 真 理 ， 真 理 必 叫 你 們 得 以 自 由 。"
God will also lead us to the truth through conscience, careful consideration, God's commandments, and through Jesus Christ.
How about you?
12/29/2009
Tokyo DisneySea
It was quite a cold day yesterday. We left the hotel at about half past seven. We had rice as our breakfast in a nearby restaurant before we headed to the DisneySea.
Tokyo DisneySea is next to Tokyo Disneyland. The amusement park consists of seven theme ports: Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, and American Waterfront. They present the stories of the ocean for the guests.
We arrived there at half past nine. The first program was "Meet & Smile". We met the main park characters near the entrance area. We then watched the four entertainment shows: Mystic Rhythms at Lost River Delta, Big Band Beat at American Waterfront, Over the Waves at Arabian Coast, and Disney's Aladdin at the Magic Lamp Theatre.
Mystic Rhythms was performed at Lost River Delta. The show was performed by a group of dancers. The Hanger Stage presented the depth of the mysterious jungle. Animals, insects, spirits, and humans were interacting with one another that brought the ever-changing rhythm of life to the audience.
Big Band Beat was a live band show performed by experienced singers and dancers. It highlighted a dazzling revue featuring lively singing and dancing with swing jazz. At the end of the show, both Mickey and Mini appeared and created a cheerful atmosphere to the audience.
Both the shows: Over the Waves and Disney's Aladdin were performed at Arabian Coast. The first show was a joyful boat ride for family. It staged a "dream cruise" with some unexpected adventure. Disney's Aladdin was shown in the Magic Lamp Theatre. We had to wait for a whole hour. There were illusions combining live actors, magic, music, and the 3D movie.
At around 3 o'clock, we had a ride known as Jouney to the Centre of the Earth at Mysterious Island. It was really scary at the beginning. Carol wanted to withdraw at the last minutes. She scared me and said something like, "People are lining up for their death". Frank insisted that we finished the ride and comforted that it was just a mild ride. Well, I dared not to say anything. It was in fact a mild ride with an exciting bit at the end of the ride. We managed to survive and felt excited.
The day was spent leisurely. It was not as excited as we expected. We talked a lot and recalled the time we had at the Disneyland in Los Angeles in 2003. Anyway, the family bond gets tighter through the new experience we encounted in the park!
Tokyo DisneySea is next to Tokyo Disneyland. The amusement park consists of seven theme ports: Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, and American Waterfront. They present the stories of the ocean for the guests.
We arrived there at half past nine. The first program was "Meet & Smile". We met the main park characters near the entrance area. We then watched the four entertainment shows: Mystic Rhythms at Lost River Delta, Big Band Beat at American Waterfront, Over the Waves at Arabian Coast, and Disney's Aladdin at the Magic Lamp Theatre.
Mystic Rhythms was performed at Lost River Delta. The show was performed by a group of dancers. The Hanger Stage presented the depth of the mysterious jungle. Animals, insects, spirits, and humans were interacting with one another that brought the ever-changing rhythm of life to the audience.
Big Band Beat was a live band show performed by experienced singers and dancers. It highlighted a dazzling revue featuring lively singing and dancing with swing jazz. At the end of the show, both Mickey and Mini appeared and created a cheerful atmosphere to the audience.
Both the shows: Over the Waves and Disney's Aladdin were performed at Arabian Coast. The first show was a joyful boat ride for family. It staged a "dream cruise" with some unexpected adventure. Disney's Aladdin was shown in the Magic Lamp Theatre. We had to wait for a whole hour. There were illusions combining live actors, magic, music, and the 3D movie.
At around 3 o'clock, we had a ride known as Jouney to the Centre of the Earth at Mysterious Island. It was really scary at the beginning. Carol wanted to withdraw at the last minutes. She scared me and said something like, "People are lining up for their death". Frank insisted that we finished the ride and comforted that it was just a mild ride. Well, I dared not to say anything. It was in fact a mild ride with an exciting bit at the end of the ride. We managed to survive and felt excited.
The day was spent leisurely. It was not as excited as we expected. We talked a lot and recalled the time we had at the Disneyland in Los Angeles in 2003. Anyway, the family bond gets tighter through the new experience we encounted in the park!
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