Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Treatment For Candida

By Cara Ettiene

Yeast infections can easily be caused by many things. These include wearing restrictive jeans or underwear and certain antibiotic drugs such as steroids and birth control pills. To add to the trouble, this pertains particularly to women of child-bearing age. If you're feeling some itchiness around your vagina, it could mean you're beginning to get a yeast infection. The good news is, you can clear it up with home treatments.

Cranberry pills may be helpful and are sold without prescription in pharmacies. What makes them so effective is that the ingredients help the body's immune system to manage the spread of the fungus until this once more reaches normal levels.

You can also use cotton balls dipped in apple cider vinegar. Try mixing this with a little bit of garlic before you resolve to try it, and that will aid with the stinging. Of course, there will then be an odor to this vital organ. Dilution in water will resolve this problem.

Yogurt is always a good alternative. The treatment can be applied directly to the region with a teaspoon or smeared on a tampon that is then inserted. If yogurt is not convenient, curds can be applied twice a day until the infection symptoms disappear.

Grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf, and water may be mixed together and applied with a cotton bud. To reach this outcome, use raw garlic juice. All that is needed is to dab a little on your fingers and then rub it on the affected area.

No matter of what you use, don't ever engage in sexual intercourse since this is an STD which could be spread to your partner. If curative for yeast infection takes about seven days, this could lasts longer than you expected.

If over the counter products are failing you need to see a doctor so they can prescribe you something more powerful for your yeast infection. There are creams, pills or suppositories which are often advocated rather than using oral medication.

women should know that although Candida is usually present in the vagina, it is also the fungus that produces yeast infections. If you are not getting any symptoms that are connected with it such as itching, soreness or burning then it should not be cured because it is not a disease.

Apart from the fact that yeast infection is curable, there are also ways to keep this from ever occurring. The best is to drink a glass or two of milk day-to-day as this ensures that there will never be an overgrowth of yeast down there. You need to wear underwear and pants that aren't very tight. Do not use feminine sprays, douche bags, scented toilet tissue and deodorant tampons when going to swimming and take off your wet swimsuit quickly afterwards.

You can stay home and struggle with a yeast infection or you can go to the physician for assistance because if a woman is pregnant there is a different curative. Occasionally it will take care of itself without your even dealing with it. Yet, if it recurs, your doctor should examine you more thoroughly and start you on hormone therapy to deal with it. - 15784

About the Author:

I Want My Ex Back

By Cheryl Pierce

Everyone is searching for someone they can pass the remainder of their life with. When you discover this person, you may feel happier than ever before, and capable of doing anything. Unfortunately, break ups are possible, and they can happen to anyone. Some break ups are essential, while others can be unmade. Do you want an ex back, because you recognize that you cannot or will not live without them? Here are some tips for getting your ex back!

1 - First and foremost, you need to have a clear head if you want your ex back. People can always tell if you have too much getting on in your mind, and if you have a lot on your mind considering the break up, your ex will know. You need to stop thinking about how badly you want him or her back, stop stressing about the future of your relationship, and simply clear your head. It will improve your communication with your ex, which will better the chances of getting back with your ex.

2 - If you want your ex back, you need to avoid being a sell out. I know you want to do everything humanly possible to get your ex back, but don't drop to your knees begging and apologizing simply because you want him or her back so badly. Instead, you need to be firm, calm down, and center on doing fine without him or her to get their attention again.

3 - To get your ex back, create a wow factor. The same old you is not going to do much when it comes to getting back with your ex. The old you contributed to the end of the relationship, so it is time to produce a wow factor. Do a brief bit to change your life, like working out more, or taking a better job. Do something to create a better image of who you are, and you ex will certainly notice and answer well to the positive changes.

4 - To get your ex back, do not forget. You should not allow your past to obsess you, but you should not forget about what led to the break up either. Take what materialized in the past and turn these events into a learning experience. This is the best way to make sure that you do not make the same mistakes in the future, should you get back together with your ex sometime in the future.

5 - Produce a plan, finally! You cannot just emotionally go all out, hoping for good results. Put a logical plan together instead, thinking logically and functioning accordingly. If you put some thought into the process you will be much more successful at seducing your ex back. Walk into the situation with a plan and you will be able to get your ex back in no time at all. - 15784

About the Author:

Free Marriage License Search

By Ben Dave

Marriage is much more serious than it's treated by many. In the US, the state steps in to help make the point. Like other cosmopolitan environments, there are variations among the ethnic and religious groups in joining people in matrimony. The requirements can also differ from state to state but people other than the couple are always involved. Yes, there will be a conducting official.

Legal witnesses of the ceremony are also required in certain states. Even God and deceased ancestors may also be involved by religious and customary practices. Rejection and protest from certain religious groups or beliefs notwithstanding, it is mandated by law that a marriage can only legally proceed after a Marriage License has been obtained from the state authorities.

The requisites for application are typically age, identity, residency, medical examinations and clearance from any previous marriages if any. They can be issued by the state of residence of the couple or where the marriage ceremony is planned to be officially conducted. Fees are usually nominal but lead time can be long, up to a month in some states.

After the ceremony, the license is then signed off by the new couple and the official to file for certification and the issuance of the Marriage Certificate. Both the license and certificate are then entered as public marriage records into the respective files of the new spouses. They will then be maintained as public records at the county or state where the marriage has taken place, whichever is the revailing practice. Being public records, they will be subject to public retrieval and view as long as procedures are complied with and fees are paid.

Same-sex, or gay marriages are a little bit trickier. They are recognized in less than half the states. A handful others are fuzzy about it, recognizing them as legal union and offering explicit marriage rights and responsibilities while not calling them marriages. Be prepared for some surprises with such states. - 15784

About the Author:

How to Cope with Divorce

By Carol Cavanaugh

Ending a marriage is considered one of the most stressful situations a person will be in during the course of their lives. With up to 50% of marriages ending in divorce, it helps to understand that others have been there before. There are methods that can help a person deal with the idea of losing their spouse.

One of the major things to remember is that you do not have to be alone. Support groups abound that can help you to understand what is happening in your life. Separations can be painful, confusing, and overwhelming. By making use of support groups, whether religious, social, or otherwise, you can find some comfort and understanding.

Another important thing to do is acknowledge to your family and friends that the divorce is happening instead of shutting down and pretending nothing is wrong. Let your family and friends into your life. Chances are, they already know something is wrong and would dearly love to comfort you. Shutting them out will only lead to another painful loss.

Be aware of the needs of any children that may be involved. Kids are resilient and can surprise you with their levelheadedness. You do not need to go into overwhelming details about you and your spouse's dirty laundry, but some measure of explanation and reassurance is absolutely necessary. They aren't stupid, just inexperienced in adult interactions. Give them the information they will need to understand and adapt to this change in their lives.

Legal action can sometimes get a bad name when it comes to divorce. Lawyers, however, can help keep the divorce proceedings calm and fair. A lawyer can be a mediator for couples and offer valuable perspective from someone outside of the situation. Because lawyers have dealt with divorce proceedings before, they can make sure that what takes place is fair and legal.

Finally, realize that divorce is not the end of the world. Sure, ending a marriage is not a happy time, but you can face this as a new opportunity to learn from your mistakes in your marriage and improve your life. Just take things slowly and give yourself plenty of time to heal and grow. Each day, it will get better.

A divorce doesn't have to ruin your life. By taking it on in a calm and mature way, you can learn and grow from this experience and even become a better person. Remember, you are not alone. Look around you for all of your available resources. There are many people today who have gone through the same ordeal. Seek them out and listen to their advice! - 15784

About the Author:

4 Mistakes Interacial Online Daters Make

By Jennifer King

Interracial internet dating web sites supply millions of interracial dating singles all over the world an excellent chance to meet someone they're completely compatible with. Why is it that these singles are not using this hugely successful method of meeting another single to it's best potential?

Mistake 1

The first faux pas interracial singles make is just signing up to one internet dating web site. Only joining one internet dating web site restricts your opportunities of dating someone, and doesn't allow you any room for any mistakes. When you join more than one service ( they're all free to join ) you can experiment with your profile to see which approach gets you the most results. You can easily find out what works best for you.

Signing up to more than one interracial internet dating web site offers you a much better opportunity of being sent messages. You can also see which web site has the most members living in your area.

Mistake 2

Not putting your photo on your personal ad will severely effect your online dating. singles that upload a photo can receive up to 20 times more emails than people without one.

Most interracial singles will choose to have only the profiles with photos appear in their search results. For you, this means that if you haven't got a photo on your online dating personal ad you're not even going to be seen. Even if they never choose to see profiles with photos only no one is going to click on a personal ad that hasn't got a photo on it.

Mistake 3

Expecting your free trial to be a lifetime membership will not give you the option to begin sending emails to other interracial singles. Many singles begin their free trial, and that's it, and then they can't comprehend why no one replies to their free, one line messages. Other online daters, notably the women, want to be sent emails that have a message in them. They want to receive something that has meaning, and lets them know that you have looked at their profile.

Before you upgrade make sure you have given all the interracial internet sites a good test first. Upgrading too soon could lead to you signing up with the wrong dating agency.

Mistake 4

Interracial singles that don't login hardly ever are missing out on being sent messages. Most internet dating sites will show the number of days it has been since you last logged in to your account. This lets other people know how serious you are on wanting to find a partner online. If you only login every 3 weeks to have a look at your messages you probably won't have any.

Logging in ever day lets the dating web site know that you're determined to find a partner online. They will reward you when they put your profile nearer the top of the search results, and sometimes even on the homepage of the web site.

Avoiding these mistakes will assist you in getting a much more rewarding interracial online dating experience. 90% of singles get no where with their online matchmaking because they make the faux pas' above.

You will soon be meeting someone offline, and starting a new relationship when you do online dating how it should be done. - 15784

About the Author:

Do You Want Your Ex Back

By Cheryl Pierce

Everyone is looking for someone they can spend the remainder of their life with. When you discover this person, you may feel more euphoric than ever before, and capable of doing anything. Regrettably, break ups are possible, and they can happen to anyone. Some break ups are necessary, while others can be unmade. Do you want an ex back, because you realise that you cannot or will not live without them? Here are some points for getting your ex back!

1 - Most Importantly, you need to have a clear head if you want your ex back. People can always tell if you have too much getting on in your mind, and if you have a lot on your mind considering the break up, your ex will know. You need to cease thinking about how badly you want him or her back, stop stressing about the future of your relationship, and merely clear your head. It will improve your communication with your ex, which will improve the chances of getting back with your ex.

2 - If you want your ex back, you need to avoid being a sell out. I know you want to do everything humanly possible to get your ex back, but don't fall to your knees begging and apologizing simply because you want him or her back so badly. Instead, you need to be strong, calm down, and center on doing fine without him or her to get their attention again.

3 - To get your ex back, create a wow factor. The same old you is not going to do much when it comes to getting back with your ex. The old you added to the end of the relationship, so it is time to create a wow factor. Do a small bit to change your life, like working out more, or finding a better job. Do something to create a better image of who you are, and you ex will surely notice and react well to the positive modifications.

4 - To get your ex back, do not forget. You should not allow your past to haunt you, but you should not forget about what led to the break up either. Take what happened in the past and turn these events into a instructing experience. This is the safest way to make sure that you do not make the same errors in the time to come, should you get back together with your ex sometime in the future.

5 - Create a plan, finally! You cannot just emotionally go all out, going for good results. Put a consistent plan together instead, thinking logically and working accordingly. If you put some thought into the procedure you will be a lot more successful at scoring your ex back. Walk into the place with a plan and you will be able to get your ex back in no time at all. - 15784

About the Author:

Collaborative Divorce Can Save You Money

By Mike Mastracci

The collaborative divorce model is starting to reach the tipping point. More and more attorneys are becoming trained in collaborative practice as a solution oriented approach to offer their clients. Collaborative divorce is appealing to many people because they view it as a way to save money that would otherwise be spent on huge litigation costs.

In a collaborative case the parties and their respective collaboratively trained attorneys engage in a series of 4-way meetings with the goal of reaching acceptable resolutions for each spouse. It simply costs more to fight and it sure doesn't do much good when there are children involved. People are often totally shocked at the costs of divorce when everyone is in fight mode.

Most often, children of separation and divorce face a future with significantly less financial security than children from intact marriages. It simply costs more to maintain two households. Funds for school trips, enriching activities, and college are often limited or non-existent. Collaborative divorce allows you and your spouse to design a child support arrangement that meets the unique needs of your family.

For many, collaborative divorce allows both parties to dissolve their marriage while maintaining respect for each other and establishing positive ongoing communication. Where children are involved, collaborative divorce allows them to benefit from the continued emotional and financial support of both parents. Protecting our children from adult conflicts is something that you can't put a price on.

So, where do you find collaboratively trained professionals? The biggest and most valuable network can be found at www.collaborativepractice.com You can also find many useful articles on collaborative law at www.DivorceWithoutDishonor.com

Generally speaking, lawyers often to not require as much as an upfront retainer in collaborative cases as they might otherwse charge in a contested case. From the attorney's perspective, collaborative billing methods work well because when the money stops, so does the attorney's obligation to work on your behalf. In contested cases that are already in the court system., a lawyer must generally file a motion with the court and get permission to get out of the case, once he or she is in the case, this is not true with collaborative cases, as they are handled outsde of court. - 15784

About the Author:

Helpful Information On Background Check

By Don Pedro

Trusting someone who is not worth the trust you are putting in can turn out to be a big mistake and it can harm you greatly in times. A background check needs t be done to avoid these situations. Its not only for the justifications needs but it also says about the capability of the person.

We can know the real color of a person, the beliefs that he stands for and the kind or nature he has only by judging his actions. The things someone did in the past are the report that needs to be analyzed to evaluate someone. And this is the only way to make sure that you are not depriving the most deserving candidate or selecting the worst person.

Some positions require the best reliable persons to be assigned. If you put someone in these positions where huge amount of funds are being transferred everyday, you should fist scan through the background report of that person. Without doing so, you cant tell how honest will he be in cases where temptations will be undeniable.

But one should also keep in mind that, everybody isn't allowed to background check anyone without the authorization. To carry on such actions firs you yourself will need to take the necessary measures and go through the legal procedures. When you are selecting employees for a job you will need to abide by those legal bindings as well.

Background check can be performed on the internet nowadays. With the advancement of modern science and technology its now we don't need to travel miles to get the background information, thanks to the internet based database recording system.

Background checking investigation is of utmost importance for employers. It needs no telling that they need to find the best applicant for the best outcome. And f failing to do this can not only hinder their progress but also affect them in a negative way.

There are some positions where a background check carries unmatched value. Some of those sectors embrace posts like law enforcing agencies, government posts where national security and secrets are trusted with the employees. No matter what the CVs say, no matter how many testimonials you have a background check in these cases are a must. - 15784

About the Author:

Get Your Ex Back With This Key Ingredient - Confidence

By Marc Sandford

A breakup can really knock you off your feet but it doesn't mean that your relationship with your ex is finished. You're feeling very low right now but know this, others have fixed their relationship troubles and so can you. However things work out for you in the end, it begins with you. This means it starts with the right attitude.

You will naturally be feeling a lot of confusion and loneliness but it's important to get these emotions under some control. You must not let them control you. These negative emotions will pull you down and cause you to do the wrong things and generally reduce your chances of getting your ex back.

Loneliness and depression will make you act desperate and needy. You'll be bothering your ex constantly with pathetic pleading or perhaps with a lot of angry yelling. Pleading or yelling will simply start another fight and drive the two of you further apart.

Too much self pity and gloom will begin to affect the way you behave as well as your appearance. Eventually, the people in your life will sense this and keep their distance. Your ex will begin to be repelled by this too.

So make the effort to keep up a winning attitude that projects confidence. This affects not only the people that you know in a good way but it will be hugely beneficial to you too.

You attitude is very powerful and will exert a huge effect on your life. Confidence always succeeds in the end. The negative person always has a harder time of it and then fails to succeed.

In order to stay optimistic, you must continue being social and continue to enjoy your other interests. It's essential to get out and enjoy yourself.

Maintain your appearance. Never let your looks reflect the negative aspects of your life. Every detail of your appearance is important. This includes your clothes, your hair, your stride, your make up, your shoes and even your voice.

When your ex notices the confidence and strength that you have and sees that you have friends that like you, he or she will reassess their opinion about you. They'll see that you're getting along just fine and are making it on your own. Your ex will know that leaving you is a mistake. Keeping up with appearances alone may not be enough, but it will make getting your ex back a good deal easier. - 15784

About the Author:

5 Effective Natural Home Remedies for Constipation

By Xylene Belita

Constipationis when a person only has infrequent bowel movements (3 or fewer per week). The feces is often dry and hard making it sometimes extremely painful to expel. This happens when the colon absorbs too much water from the food or if the food moves through the gastro-intestinal tract too slowly. The causes of constipation vary. It may be due to hormones, medications, illnesses, but most often it is dietary.

Here are some natural home remedies for constipation that would help you prevent and stop constipation in its tracks:

1.Drinking water regularly would be very great and therapeutic. Make sure to drink at least 6 glasses of water a day. Large amounts of water aids quick digestion and enables easier bowel movement.

2.Add roasted black gram powder to chapatti made of wheat to water, including the husks, can enhance constipation relief.

3.Molasses is also very good for constipation relief. Beware though as it has a strong taste and high calorie content. You'll want to add fruit juice or milk to it when taking it. All you really need is two tablespoonfuls of blackstrap molasses just before sleeping at night.

4.Take half a cup of cabbage juice twice a day. This is very effective in treating and curing constipation.

5.If you got access to mango, take one in the morning right after brushing before breakfast, and one at night after dinner. Mangoes are very effective bowel movers. There is a sure guarantee that you'll have to "go" at least twice before nightfall.

However, if you suffer from painful constipation, you can treat it with maximum results in a very short time with Bowtrol. Even with only one bottle of Bowtrol can work wonders since it completely cleanses and empties your colon leaving you feeling well. - 15784

About the Author:

3 Basic Rules in Attracting Girls

By Ada Denis

One of the most challenging, and somehow pleasing, dilemmas of guys is to learn how to attract girls. If truth be told, women just want the same thing. They need a man that can give them security, they want a man with passion and purpose, they want a man that will treat them as equal and yet as a princess too.

The very basic step to attract girls is to be confident. It may sound redundant but confidence can really make or break your purpose. For a woman, a confident man is a sexy man. You don't have to power-dress to appear confident because if you really have it inside, it will show.

Another tip in attracting girls is to be observant. Observing is different from stalking. The latter can be creepy and the last thing you want to do is to spook your lady love. Just pay attention with her favorite drink, her mannerisms and any small things that revolves around her. This knowledge can help you a lot in making your moves.

The third rule in attracting girls is to take everything seriously in a fun-filled manner. Show your true intentions to her in a way where you can make her smile or laugh. Don't be pushy but subtle insist what you want. Ask her for a dance, if she declines, gauge her feelings. If you think she meant "NO" then don't push it. If you think she meant "no" then try to invite her again. You'll know the difference between the two no's when it's directly said to you.

Guys if you are serious about getting the girl of your dreams then you need to seriously work on solid techniques to achieve your goal. If you know what a girl is thinking it is far easier to approach her.

People mostly wonder what's in a woman's mind? What is she thinking about? Do you know that women do not always mean what they say? - 15784

Excersise for the Soul in 2009

By Cheri Cowell

Spiritual Formation is today's buzzword for what is actually an ancient practice. This kind of spiritual exercise loosens stiff necks and bends proud knees. It works from the inside out, conforming us to the Holy One by growing within us an awareness of His Ways.

The goal of spiritual training is to facilitate taking one's faith into the heart and letting it form, inform, and transform every move and thought. Thus, it's the required exercise program for those who long to make wise and godly decisions.

The Bible tells us the Nation of Israel had all they needed to become God's people, to shape their hearts and minds after God. They had the Law, or Torah, with its stories that declared God's character, but they also had something else. Known as the Wisdom Literature, it consisted of the Psalms, Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes.

I've heard the Wisdom books described as 'godliness in working clothes.' These ancient books of wisdom showed the People of God how to put into practice what the Torah was teaching, namely, how to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength. Unfortunately, much of the power of the Wisdom Literature has been lost on us today. We use parts of it as comfort food at funerals and weddings, as pithy quotes for calendars and trinkets, and in words to pop-chart songs, but as far as shaping our lives-no way!

Often we see the book of Proverbs as being too secular and not spiritual enough. But if the Jewish nation had all they needed within the Torah and the Wisdom books to become all God called them to be-a Holy People set apart for His purposes-then perhaps we should re-examine them.

Proverbs 9:10 tells us where to begin: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." (NIV) Much of Proverbs teaches how we are to "fear the Lord," in our everyday life. Fearing the Lord involves humility (Prov. 3:7), hating evil (Prov. 8:13), acknowledging God's authority (Prov. 24:21), and guarding against idols usurping God's place in our hearts (Prov. 30:8-9).

Another key teaching in Proverbs is that we must have the right attitude in order to receive wisdom. This includes a teachable spirit (Prov. 19:20), accepting correction (Prov. 10:17), and respecting earthly authority as training for respect of God's authority (Prov. 13:11-12). Proverbs is the manual for living the godly way, and living a God's way life is the first step in making wise and godly decisions. Said another way, if we wish to make decisions according to God's will, then we must conform ourselves to His ways, and Proverbs gives us a blueprint for doing so.

As you make your New Year's resolutions, consider this. God is calling you and I to a life of spiritual exercise where wisdom is practiced in the day-in and day-out decisions of life. The good news is we have a Personal Trainer who is stretching, growing, and strengthening us till our decisions are molded after the One who is Wisdom, Jesus the Christ. And this time next year, when the New Year rolls around again, may you and I be stronger, wiser, and more like Christ because of our knee bends and wisdom weights we lifted in God's gym this year.

Lifting Memory Weights

To strengthen those wisdom muscles, you may wish to try the Index Card Method. Simply write one or two Proverbs on five index cards and place them around the house, in your car, or at work where you will see them. Then read them several times each day for a week. Lifting weights a little every day through memorization will strengthen the memory muscle used in wise decision-making.

Proverbs for Memorization

Proverbs 9:10-Fear of the Lord Proverbs 11:2-Humility Proverbs 8:13-Evil Proverbs 34:21-God's authority Proverbs 30:8-9-Idols Proverbs 19:20-Teachable spirit Proverbs 12:1-Correction Proverbs 13:1-Authority Proverbs 27:6-Training Proverbs 3:5-7-Obedience Proverbs 25:7-8-Lawsuits Proverbs 17:14-Anger Proverbs 14:31-Charity Proverbs 19:11-Offended Proverbs 23:4-5-Money Proverbs 24:27-Priorities Proverbs 10:5-Laziness Proverbs 14:23-Hard Work Proverbs 13:14-Want/Need Proverbs 21:5-Planning Proverbs 12:24-Diligence Proverbs 18:15-Listening Proverbs 24:10-Perseverance Proverbs 27:21-Pride Proverbs 10:12-Hate Proverbs 10:19-Tongue Proverbs 11:13-Gossip Proverbs 11:25-Generosity Proverbs 12:15-Advice Proverbs 12:22-Truthfulness Proverbs 13:24-Discipline

Excerpted from, Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life by Cheri Cowell, (Beacon Hill Press, 2007).

Cheri Cowell is a speaker and the author of Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life, which offers a biblically-sound, non-nonsense approach to making God-centered life choices. - 15784

About the Author:

21 First-Rate Cheap Date Ideas

By Ada Denis

These cheap date ideas are by no means second-rate. If you're a real romantic, you know that romantic living need not be expensive. Rather, it's simple, but a little involved as you'll see in these 21 cheap romantic date ideas.

What makes a date romantic is not how extravagant the price tag is but how much you reveal of yourself and how creatively you interact with one-another. Most free romantic date ideas are far more enjoyable than their pay counterparts. These cheap date ideas require something of your creative, and sometimes wild and risky side. One or two are downright outrageous. You'll enjoy!

Cheap Date Idea

1. Pay your local library a visit, and ask the librarian where you can read aloud. Choose an engaging mystery or steamy romance and spend the afternoon reading aloud to one-another.

2. Take two pads of lined paper, some nice pens and visit a quiet coffee shop. Order two cappuccinos, and write the stories of your lives. After one hour, read them aloud to one-another. Then ask lots of questions.

3. Take a digital camera, go to a downtown or busy area of town and make believe that you are paparazzi, gathering as many candid shots of interesting people as you can. Next date, see number four.

4. Upload your paparazzi shots which you took in number three to a computer either at home or at an internet cafe and write fantastic or crazy news stories incorporating the photos. Email them to a friend or post them on a free web site and send friends a link.

5. Take some nice watercolor paper or sketch pads with brushes, paints and pencils and go to a town square or park. Situate yourself at a table or bench and find something beautiful in your surrounding to paint or sketch. Sign and exchange your works and post them at home or work.

6. Here's a romantic date idea for when you don't know one-another well. Go to a cemetery where your relatives are buried, plant flowers and share with your sweetheart some stories about your family history.

7. Take bicycles or roller blades, pack a lunch and choose an easy trail ride or wander through some country roads. Stop often when you find something interesting to look at or just to rest and talk.

8. Visit an art museum, conservatory or botanical garden and pretend it's your first date. Unless of course it is your first date, then you won't need to pretend. Stop to sit on every bench, hold hands and kiss.

9. Get tickets to a local high school or college musical or drama performance. Ask the stars of the show for their autographs on your program. Afterward, go for a walk in the dark.

10. When in season, go to a strawberry patch or apple orchard and pick a few baskets of your own. Have a cup of coffee and enjoy some of your freshly-picked fruit. Finally, return home with your produce and create a special fresh-fruit-in-season dessert.

11. Visit an invalid or elderly person in your neighborhood, and plant some flowers in their yard or flower box for them. Stop in and share a cup of tea to brighten their day.

12. Stay Home! If you're married-with-children, send the kids out to a babysitter and just stay home. Order some Chinese take-out, leave the TV off and spend some really intimate time together.

13. Make a trip to the grocery store and pick up some creative pizza ingredients. Take your groceries home and assemble your masterpiece pizza together. Choose a CD of music from your youth, light candles and enjoy.

14. Check with your local parks and recreation for the schedule of summer dramatic and musical performances in the parks. Prepare a picnic supper, take in the concert, then go for a quiet stroll after the show.

15. Get your school district's community education program literature and choose a class on a subject about which you know absolutely nothing. Attend together. You'll be surprised at what you've been missing.

16. Check your yellow pages for the locations of two or three used book stores. Visit them together and unearth some literary treasures. Stop at a coffee shop and examine your finds over a cappuccino.

17. Pick up your Sunday newspaper and look up the local parade of new homes. Get in the car and visit three of the most expensive homes making believe that you're really rich. Be careful that you don't sign anything! Afterward, stop at a service station to pick up their 3 for $1 hot dog special and a Coke.

18. Call your local college or university and inquire about their film society's schedule. Take in a screening of a foreign or art film and join the discussion group afterward. You'll enjoy the departure from the usual theater and DVD fare.

19. Take your digital camera, choose 10 or 12 unusual or even bizarre locations and ask a stranger at each location to take a picture of the two of you. Go home and prepare an album of your day out or post them on a free website and send friends a link.

20. Go to a second hand clothing store together and select an outfit for each other without the other knowing what it is. Exchange outfits, and change into them. Go out for an inexpensive romantic dinner and find out how merciful (or not!) the other is.

21. Here's our simplest, yet most traditional and romantic cheap date idea. On a hot August night, take a stroll to your favorite ice cream shop. Get a cone or sundae and stroll down the city street to check out the shop windows. - 15784

Goal Setting God's Way

By Cheri Cowell

Every New Year I encounter the same interior battle between the good business practice of setting goals and my Christian understanding of God's outworking of our purpose and plan. When does goal setting or making New Year's resolutions cross the Christian line into self-determination?

On the goal-setting side, I've taken business courses on time management and goal setting. I believe you can't get where you want to go without a clearly defined plan.

On the God's will side of this equation, I know God is in control and if He planned for me to be the next Beth Moore, that is what I'd become. But, if that was not His plan, I could work my fingers to the bone and never achieve success (or if I did, it would be hollow when I got there).

So how do we marry these two concepts? While searching the Scriptures, I discovered the answer tucked within Paul's letter to the Romans. Paul writes,

"I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong- that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles." (Romans 1:9-13 NIV)

We can glean several things from Paul's goal-setting process. First, Paul knew God well enough to make a decision that would be in line with God's character. This sounds so easy, but if it were then we'd all where WWJD bracelets and be done with the whole thing. So, the first goal I am setting for myself this year is to grow in my knowledge and understanding of who God is. This means setting aside the time necessary to build a relationship. It might also mean taking some things off my schedule.

Second, Paul did not shy away from opposition or a challenge. When his plans to visit his brothers and sisters in Rome were derailed, he looked for the opportunity in the delay. How our lives would change if we saw every setback and every delay as an opportunity?

And finally, Paul repeatedly refers to his willingness to submit his plans to God's sovereignty. It is interesting to note that Paul submits his plans to God; he isn't seeking to know God's plans for him. I meet so many people who are waiting for God to direct their steps instead of making choices with God-given wisdom and then saying, "here are my desires Lord, this is what I believe I am to do, but your will be done." In our Scripture passage, we see Paul fully embracing his gift of free will while resting in the knowledge that, in the end, God is still in control.

What does this mean for you and I? It tells me we are free to set goals and make plans to achieve those goals. But it also reminds me that God is bigger and wiser than you and I, and He will, in His sovereignty, guide us as He walks with us each and every day in this New Year.

Cheri Cowell is a speaker and the author of Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life, which offers a biblically-sound, non-nonsense approach to making God-centered life choices. - 15784

About the Author: