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By John Bradley Jackson Positioning is what the customer believes about your products value, features, and benefits; it is a comparison to the other available alternatives offered by the competition. These beliefs tend to based on customer experiences and evidence, rather than awareness created by advertising or promotion. Marketers manage product positioning by focusing their marketing activities on a positioning strategy. Pricing, promotion, channels of distribution, and advertising all are geared to maximize the chosen positioning strategy. Generally, there are six basic strategies for product positioning: 1. By attribute or benefit- This is the most frequently used positioning strategy. For a light beer, it might be that it tastes great or that it is less filling. For toothpaste, it might be the mint taste or tartar control. 2. By use or application- The users of Apple computers can design and use graphics more easily than with Windows or UNIX. Apple positions its computers based on how the computer will be used. 3. By user- Facebook is a social networking site used exclusively by college students. Facebook is too cool for MySpace and serves a smaller, more sophisticated cohort. Only college students may participate with their campus e-mail IDs. 4. By product or service class- Margarine competes as an alternative to butter. Margarine is positioned as a lower cost and healthier alternative to butter, while butter provides better taste and wholesome ingredients. 5. By competitor- BMW and Mercedes often compare themselves to each other segmenting the market to just the crme de la crme of the automobile market. Ford and Chevy need not apply. 6. By price or quality- Tiffany and Costco both sell diamonds. Tiffany wants us to believe that their diamonds are of the highest quality, while Costco tells us that diamonds are diamonds and that only a chump will pay Tiffany prices. Positioning is what the customer believes and not what the provider wants them to believe. Positioning can change due the counter measures taken at the competition. Managing your product positioning requires that you know your customer and that you understand your competition; generally, this is the job of market research not just what the enterpreneur thinks is true. John Bradley Jackson brings street-savvy sales and marketing experience from Silicon Valley and Wall Street. His resume also includes entrepreneur, angel investor, corporate trainer, philanthropist, and consultant. His book is called First, Best, or Different: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know About Niche Marketing. Check out his website at: http://www.firstbestordifferent.com or his blog at http://www.firstbestordifferent.com/blog Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Bradley_Jackson http://EzineArticles.com/?Product-Positioning-Strategies&id=474245 personal loan companys seattle wash cheap payday loans people loaning people money no fax payday

By Kaye Bailey Families who dine out with their loved ones whove had gastric bypass surgery often complain the patient takes an unusually long time to order food. Rose, whose mother had gastric bypass about eight months ago asked, Whats wrong with her? Its so frustrating! There are a number of reasons gastric bypass patients are indecisive when ordering a meal at a restaurant. Consider some of these: Perhaps shes worried about getting sick dumping or vomiting. All WLS patients worry about getting sick in public. Perhaps she has some unresolved emotional issues about leaving too much food on her plate. (Remember the clean up your plate threat of childhood and habit of adulthood.) She may fear she wont like what she orders: to a bariatric patient taste takes priority over quantity. Maybe nothing sounds good to her, in the early stage after WLS food can seem unappealing and even nauseating. She may not be hungry, but doesnt want to offend you by rejecting your invitation to dine out. Some patients in the early stage of living after weight loss surgery feel grief or loss for the foods they once loved gluttonously. She may be feeling loss seeing a menu of many things that she can no longer enjoy. These things considered, is it possible to ask the family member if there is a specific reason shes struggling to order her meal? That may be touchy and her feelings are probably raw in this early phase of weight-loss, so be cautious. Some bariatric patients I know look at on-line menus before dining out. They make a plan ahead of time and know what they will order and enjoy based on the very specific needs of the low-volume, high-protein WLS diet. I believe Roses mother, and others, will gain confidence in eating out and ordering skillfully for their needs. It is important to be patient as the family member attempts to bust a lifetime of bad habits thus finding the way to better health. Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com LivingAfterWLS is a no-nonsense resource for people Living After Weight Loss Surgery. Our community is growing in numbers even as we are shrinking in pounds. Together we support one another in this lifestyle, that it turns out, is NOT the easy way out. Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often. To subscribe to the LivingAfterWLS monthly newsletter “You Have Arrived” click on http://www.livingafterwls.com and enter your details in the subscription box. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Bailey http://EzineArticles.com/?WLS-Patients-Take-Too-Long-to-Order-Food:-Whats-That-About?&id=44010 no teletrack cash advance payday loan bad credit small loan personal service loan cash loan requiring no checking account

By Lance Winslow Often when franchising companies use strategies of Master franchising to expand their brand-name they will make a deal with the Master franchise to split the royalty payments. Sometimes it Master franchise will take over an area which already has franchisees in its region. This is done by some franchisors to help alleviate the burden of management of single franchise outlets in remote regions, which were previously sold. It also provides upfront monies from the Master franchise to help with the ongoing cash flow of the franchising organization. The payments and royalty split of these monies must be clearly defined an addressed in the franchising agreements. Below please find a copy of a clause that I inserted into my franchising companies franchise agreements. 2.2.1.1 Royalties From Sale of Additional Franchises In consideration of any franchise of The Car Wash Guys or Wash Guys Systems that the Master Franchise sells, Master Franchise shall pay to Franchisor, a royalty for each truck/unit of $100.00 per month. This royalty fee is due and payable in full on the seventeenth (17th) calendar day of each calendar month. These royalty payments are to be paid for every truck and trailer unit the Franchisees operate. Payments of continuing royalty fees are not refundable and must be made via bank wire or such other electronic funds transfer procedure as Franchisor may require. The remainder of the royalty collected by the Master Franchise shall be retained by the Master Franchise for operating expenses. ————- ———– ————- Careful attention should be given to the clauses in the Master franchise agreements to protect the cash flow of the franchisor into the franchising company. To insure that your company is protected it behooves you to consult with an experienced franchise attorney. Consider this in 2006. “Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; www.WorldThinkTank.net/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow http://EzineArticles.com/?Master-Franchise-Agreements-and-the-Royalties-From-Sale-of-Additional-Franchises&id=160640 quick loan accounting for a personal loan for business purchase fast cash vermont personal loans no security

By Patrick Malcolm The first historical accounts of walnut trees growing under civilized cultivation was in ancient Babylon (Iraq) about 2000 B.C.; however, walnuts have evidently been attached to mankind much earlier by excavations from cave fossils as suggested by archeologists. There is a reference point in the Biblical record in the Old Testament, that King Solomon was growing nuts (identified as walnuts by some translators), however, the likelihood of these nuts being other than almonds is very remote, because of the almond nut image that was used as symbols commonly in Hebrew icons and stone carving displays in Jerusalem inside Solomons temple. The adaptability of almonds is much more likely for almond trees to succeed than for walnut trees in the climate and soils of Israel. The Greeks were credited with the first certified improvements in the size and quality of the Persian (Iran and Iraq) today called English walnut trees through selection and cultivation. The Romans soon established the Persian walnut trees throughout most of Europe and much of North Africa, that have most popularly become known today as the English walnut trees. English Walnuts, Juglans regia, were brought into the United States by Spanish missionaries in the early 1800s by Franciscan monks, who settled along the California coast. Because the English walnut orchards, that were rapidly established in Central California came from the seeds planted from those walnuts that grew in the Catholic missions, the walnuts were sold and distributed under the name Mission Walnuts. Central California walnut tree growers today produce 99% of the total U.S. commercial walnut supplies of English walnuts. This production capacity of California also produces 65% of the world supply of English walnuts. Famous chefs of the world use walnuts in many types of cuisines including meats, vegetables, desserts, and soup preparations. A world famous dessert–made from walnuts, honey, and paper-thin, buttered, flakes of crusts–is called Baklava. Important commercial types of walnuts that are grown today for profit are Juglans regia, the English (Persian) walnut, that is mainly grown and produced in the United States. Trees can live to an age of approximately 60 years and grow to about 60 feet tall at maturity. Black walnut, Juglans nigra, a native walnut tree in America is grown mainly from New England to Minnesota and Nebraska and southwards down to the Gulf of Mexico. The black walnut tree can grow to a height of 60 feet and can live past 100 years. Black walnut trees have been grown mainly for their value in making expensive furniture; the nuts are harvested in considerably large quantities to use in baking, ice cream, and in candy recipes. The nuts can be easily shelled into large pieces if soaked overnight in water. The nuts are known for their crunchy flavor, which is distinctively spicy and enriched in its oil content. Butternut or White walnut, Juglans cinerea, is genetically closely related to the black walnut, Juglans nigra, that forms oval shaped nuts, with a thick corrugated shell, 2 inches long with white kernels; richly flavored and preferred by many people to have a superior flavor over other cultivars of walnuts. The white walnut can grow 100 feet tall with a life expectancy of 75 years. The white walnut tree is the most cold hardy of all walnut trees, growing vigorously in zones 3-9. The roots of these trees, like black walnut trees, will exude a poisonous chemical that kills other plants (phytotoxic) growing nearby, thus other vegetation does not grow well if located within 80 feet of the trunk of the tree. The tree has a broader, leafy canopy than other walnut trees, but the wood is soft and inferior. Walnut kernels are universally known to contain many antioxidants that offer health benefits and will lower cholesterol in the body, thus lowering heart damage from disease and cause a dramatic reduction of fatty coagulants in veins and arteries. The leaves have been used as a laxative since antiquity, as well as to induce vomiting, stop bleeding, stop diarrhea, as a cure to many skin diseases and herpes, and to kill human internal worms. Walnut hull extracts have been used to treat liver problems, to kill ringworms, and to help lose weight. Walnuts are highly beneficial in providing all of the Vitamin B series, Vitamin E, and many minerals that are beneficial to keeping a healthy body. Walnut hulls have found many uses in a powdered state as a metal polish, as a thermal insulator in rocket nose cones and as a mysterious, secret ingredient in womens cosmetics. Walnut tree extracts have been used for centuries to make ink and dyes. The Egyptians used walnut kernel oil to embalm mummies by replacing the blood with walnut oil. Greek mythology records that Carya, (the Latin genus name for walnut), who fell in love with the Greek God, Dionysus, was transformed into a walnut tree at her death. The wooden walnut columns (and later, marble) at the Acropolis that stand above the city were transformed into her human image (catyatides) that today can be seen by tourists in Athens, Greece. Luther Burbank in 1893 introduced fast growing walnut tree hybrids that only required 15 years of growth to reach maturity, rather than the usual 50-60 years of growth. One hybrid he named, Paradox walnut tree, Juglans x Paradox by crossing the English walnut tree, Juglans regia, with the California black walnut, Juglans hindsii. This walnut tree is used as a grafting understock for commercial cultivars. Royal walnut tree, Juglans x Royal, by crossing the American black walnut tree, Juglans nigra, with the California black walnut, Juglans hindsii. This walnut tree still today produces almost a ton of nuts per year. Other minor species of walnuts include the Heartnut walnut tree, Juglans ailantifolia, that is as hardy as the American black walnut, easily grown, very productive, especially after the trees grow older. It bears strings of nuts sometimes 30 or more in a single cluster that hangs down 1 foot in length. The kernels of these heartnut walnuts drop out into a container completely intact when the thin shells are cracked. Luther Burbank felt that this walnut was an intermediate variant of the Japanese walnut. The Manchurian walnut tree, Juglans mandshurica, was introduced as a variant of the Japanese walnut during the Civil War of the United States. The flavor of these nuts is considered spicy and superior in taste to other walnuts, while being crunchier. These trees grow to 100 feet tall or more and are cold hardy from zones 5 to 10. This walnut tree produces a staple food crop in Korea (Manchuria). Many excellent food products are available using the nuts from this walnut tree. Copyright 2006 Patrick Malcolm Learn more about various trees by visiting the author’s website: http://www.tytyga.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_Malcolm http://EzineArticles.com/?History-of-Walnuts&id=260033 sunbank secured personal loans secured personal loans uk payday advances au citibank branch cash advance

By Thomas Morva Plastic bags have been the packaging of choice for most people for many years now due to their sheer durability and reusable properties. Plastic bags are usually made of low density polyethylene and are produced in a variety of types such as plastic grocery bags, dry-cleaning bags, garbage bags or trashcan liners among others. Plastic bags are also more widely used in the trade industry as compared to their paper counterparts because it is more inexpensive, more durable, and is widely available. There are also a lot of companies that offer personalized plastic bags that also offer free help in designing the bags that would best fit your business, considering size, materials, use, closure, graphic design, even special pictures. Common Plastic Bags Companies that use semi- or fully-automatic packaging machines that usually package food including breads or meats, Wicketted plastic bags are recommended to match the needs of the said machines and the industry itself. There are also plastic bags with tape enclosure which may be resealed plenty of times called slug tape plastic bag. A lot of specialty apparel stores prefer cotton drawstring bags which are plastic bags with a string on the top brim for when to be pulled close. Hotels and dry cleaners also use these as laundry bags. A cheaper alternative to cotton drawstring bags are plastic bags that use plastic tape instead of cotton strings to pull the bags closed. Another common plastic bag is the back flip bags used for quick and easy packaging since it only requires folding over the top to actually secure the products. A lot of manufacturers and those in the packaging industry utilize staple packs which are plastic bags that are grouped together then stapled at the lip for efficiency and convenience. Probably the most popular plastic bag are the gusseted plastic bags which are basically pleated plastic bags that do not require much storage yet the pleats offer increased capacity. Plastic provides detailed information on Plastic, Plastic Bags, Plastic Containers, Plastic Pants and more. Plastic is affiliated with Custom Plastic Bags. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva http://EzineArticles.com/?Plastic-Bags&id=277617 bad credit loan mortgage get a paycheck working online with no sign up fee personal short term loans in mo quick payday loan

By Carol Solomon A few weeks ago, I wrote about feeling deserving to lose weight. But this is about a different issue . . . It is that feeling you get . . . sometimes an almost imperceptible thought before you overeat. “I deserve it.” “I have worked so hard.” “I have put up with so much.” “I deserve this.” It is JUST that easy to sabotage yourself. And it is probably the very best, believable rationalization you can make. After all, you HAVE worked hard, and tolerated a great deal. You probably have exhausted yourself in the process. It is SO easy to reach for food. And so easy to justify it. To get that instant sense of relief, the sense of giving yourself something . . . to pay yourself back for the endurance of working so hard, doing so much (for everyone else) and tolerating it all. If you can’t have what you REALLY want (e.g. a lighter schedule, a deep rest, fewer responsibilities, a week at a spa . . .), then it is SO easy to SETTLE for food. Yes - food is easy. Life is hard. Next time . . . think about what it is you REALLY want. The truth is . . . food is NOT going to solve it. It’s NOT the answer. ASK yourself - is this going to solve the problem? The extent to which you can be honest with yourself and act accordingly is the extent to which you can make progress. The extent to which you are still convincing yourself that it’s what you really need is the extent that you sell out on yourself. Ask yourself what you REALLY need. And try to give it to yourself. Chances are . . . it won’t be chocolate. Here’s to getting the real thing. With love, Carol Carol Solomon, Ph.D. is a psychologist and personal coach who specializes in helping people who want to lose weight and eliminate food and weight issues. By going from food obsessive to charge neutral (i.e. Did I eat today?), she became dedicated to making it easy for others to step off the vicious cycle and live free of anxiety about food and weight. She is the author of “Lose Weight Now Stay Slim Forever,” a practical “how-to” manual for learning to lose weight without dieting. Sign up for her free email newsletter, Slim Forever at: http://www.lose-weight-now-stay-slim-forever.com http://www.LoseWeightWithEFT.com http://www.MoreMoneyWithEFT.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Solomon http://EzineArticles.com/?Weight-Loss-Sabotage:-I-Deserve-It&id=96213 payday loan in minutes fast cash ri uma thurman paycheck mpegs law for issuing paycheck after employee quits

By Mark E. Baker Jesus sent the comforter to lead us and guide us unto all truth. Jn.16:7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. Jn:16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 1: Pe.1:1 An apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2: Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 3: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4: To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Col.1:12. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Jesus is called the only begotton son in the Gospels. After the Gospels, He is called the 1st born. He is not the only begotton Son of God any more, He is the 1st born. That implies there is a 2nd born a 3rd born and so on down the line. Vs.13. Who hath delivered us from the authority of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear son. 14: In whom we have redemption Not in whom we are going to get redemption. Col:1:15: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 22: In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: That is the redeemed man in the sight of God! We need to see that we have been bought with a precious price. 1Cor:6:20: For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1Cor: 7:23: Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Ep.2:1: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Eph:2:6: And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: We were made to sit together with Him in heavenly places. According to Gods Word, thats where we are right now. We have been redeemed, we are not going to get redeemed someday. [If you are in Christ, You have been redeemed.] Our redemption can not be based on what we feel, but only on the Word of God. God accepts the price Jesus paid for me! And I have to accept the price Jesus paid for me as well. When sin comes up we have 1st Jn. 1:9 We can restore our fellowship, our right standing with God. The devil has no right to condemn you. Your sin is really none of the devils business, hes not our god. If you confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. I believe that I receive my forgiveness, therefore, Rom:8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Paul went on to say in the 34th verse. Rom:8:34: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. We are right there with Jesus! So when you sin, ask and receive your forgiveness and go on! Dont let the devil beat you over the head with it. He is faithful and just. I believe I have received, not because I feel like it. Feeling can be fickle. On any particular day you can feel good or bad, but the Word of God is true and abides forever, whether we feel like it or not. Rom:3:4: By no means! Let God be true though every man be false, as it is written, “That thou mayest be justified in thy words, and prevail when thou art judged.” You are justified in your words. My feelings better get in line with Gods Word. My words better get in line with Gods Word. Dont base your faith on feelings, feelings can and will change. 1.) I have been bought with a price. We already read. 1Cor:6:20: For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 2.) I belong to God. 3.) I have been redeemed. God has a tremendous investment in us. We are His children, we are not an after thought. According to Gods plan of redemption, there had to be an incarnation. Jesus fulfilled that plan. He has totally and completely delivered us from the dominion of darkness! Col:1:13: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: We already read in 2Co. 5:17 that we are new creatures in Christ Jesus We must realize we have authority over Satan. When the Word comes and is sown in your heart, Satan immediately comes to steal it. Hide the Word in your heart. His Word will brings light and understanding . The entrance of His Word giveth light. Meditate on who you are in Christ. I believe in the redemptive power of the blood of Jesus Christ. I take my position as His child and His son. I am a joint heir with Jesus. I am a believer, and I believe Gods Word is true. All things are possible unto me because Im a believer, and because the Word of God can not return void. I believe it in my heart and I confess it with my mouth. Glory to God. This is where you put yourself in a place where you begin to partake of your privileges as a child of God, and God will respond to you. We are worthy in Christ Jesus and must come to that realization, before we can walk in it. This is not some kind of bravado. True humility accepts what the Word says, even though you know you know didnt or could not have earned it. False humility is just that, false. True humility says Lord Your Word says I am worthy, therefore I am worthy because Im in Christ Jesus. The Father sees us in Him. Arent you glad that He does. Jesus paid the highest price that could be paid for our redemption, there was no greater price that could have been paid, therefore if He says that I am worthy, then I am. It doesnt matter if I feel like it or not, I am the righteousness of God in Christ. Another good one to meditate on. I have the mind of Christ. 1Cor:2:16. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Phil:2:6: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: I dont call it robbery to be called a joint heir with Jesus, I am in Him, I am in Christ Jesus. He bought and paid the ultimate price for me. I accept that, and will act like it is so. We are joint heirs together with Him. We didnt earn it, or couldnt have earned it. Its a free gift, and I accept and acknowledge it. Ps.119:89. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. — Revised Standard Jeremiah 1:12 Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.” Jn:16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. When Jesus was raised up from the dead, and we partook of that resurrection, we received the Nature of God within us. Because of that fact, The Spirit of truth will guide us into all truth, but we have to renew our minds with the Word of God. Rom:12:2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. If you already have received Jesus as our Savior and Lord, You still have to renew your mind in order for the transformation to happen in your life. If we dont know who we are in Christ Jesus, we cant renew our minds. Pray like Paul prayed, ask God to open the eyes of your understanding, and begin to meditate on who you are in Christ Jesus. Then watch the transformation happen. It wont happen overnight, but it will happen. You wont get into spiritual shape overnight, you didnt become a spiritually slug overnight. ( I’m not implying anybody here is a spiritual slug) You have to prove it. If you havent accepted Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, then I would like to invite you to pray this prayer and receive eternal life right now. Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Your word says, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (Jn.6:37), So I know You wont cast me out, but You take me in, And I thank you for it. You said in your Word, “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Ro. 10:13). I am calling on Your name, So I know You have saved me now, You also said, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. (Ro.10:9,10). I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe He was raised from the dead for my justification. And I confess Him now as my Lord, Because Your Word says, with the heart one believes to righteousness and I do believe with my heart, I have now become the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:21), And I am saved! Thank You, Lord! I can now truthfully say, I see myself as a born again child of God! Glory to God!!!! Amen. I was raised Catholic, and was born again at the age of 17. I received God’s call into ministry at the age of 19 and began to prepare for ministry. I graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in 1979. The Lord has called me to teach. My desire is to help all that are seeking to come into a deeper understanding of what God has done for us through Christ Jesus and I have started a web site for this purpose called The Olive Branch; Please visit us for more free studies and resources to help you on your journey. Mark Baker http://www.olivebranchministries.us Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_E._Baker http://EzineArticles.com/?Knowing–(Part-2)&id=343253 rental homes lithonia ga no credit check virginia payday loan law unsecure bad credit installment loans what happens when you default on a payday loan

By Malay Mala Can we find an explanation of the great universe? Is there any convincing interpretation of the secret of existence? We realize that no family can function properly without a responsible head, that no city can prosperously exist without sound administration, and that no state can survive without a leader of some kind. We also realize that nothing comes into being on its own. Moreover, we observe that the universe exists and functions in the most orderly manner, and that it has survived for hundreds of thousand of years. Can we then say that all this is accidental and haphazard? Can we attribute the existence of man and the whole world to mere chance. Man represents only a very small portion of the great universe. And if he can make plans and appreciate the merits of planning, then his own existence and the survival of the universe must also be a planned policy. This means that there is an extraordinary power to bring things into being and keep them moving in order. In the world then must be a great force in action to keep everything in order. In the beautiful nature there must be a Great creator who creates the most charming pieces of art produces every thing for a special purpose in life. The deeply enlightened people recognize this creator and call him Allah “God”. He is not a man because no man can create or make another man. He is not an animal, nor he is a plant. He is neither an Idol nor is He a statue of any kind because non of these things can make itself or create anything else. He is different from all these things because he is the maker and keeper of them all. The maker of anything must be different from and greater than things which he makes. There are various ways to know God “ALLAH” and there are many things to tell about him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of the world are like open books in which we can read about God. Besides, God Himself comes to our aid through the many Messengers and revelations He has sent down to man. These Messengers and revelations tell us everything we need to know about God. The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God ‘Allah’ as revealed to His Messengers Muhammad is the religion of Islam. Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of Allah, which makes man aware of meaningfulness of the Universe and of his place in it. This belief frees him from all fears and superstitions by making him conscious of the presence of the Almighty Allah and of man’s obligations towards Him. This faith must be expressed and tested in actions, faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal Omnipotence of God the Creator and Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea of chosen people, making belief in God and good actions the only way to heaven. Thus, a direct relationship in established with God, without any intercessor. Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance which Allah revealed to all Prophets. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ismael, David, Moses and Jesus (PBUT). But the message which was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUT) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete and final form. The Quran is the last revealed word of Allah and the basic source of Islamic teachings and laws. The Quran deals with the basis of creeds, morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, God-man relationship, and human relationship in all aspects. Comprehensive teaching on which, can be built sound systems of social justice, economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, are important contents of the Quran. Hadith, the teachings, sayings and actions of Prophet Mohammed (PBUT), meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions. Explained and elaborated the Quranic verses. THE FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM The true faithful Muslim believes in the following Principal articles of faith:- 1. He believes in One God ‘Allah’, Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider. 2. He believes in all Messengers of God without any discrimination among them. Every known nation had a warner or Messenger from God. They were chosen by God to teach mankind and deliver His divine message. The Quran mentions the name of twenty five of them. Among them Mohammad stands as the last Messenger and the crowning glory of the foundation of Prophethood. 3. Muslin believes in all scriptures and revelations of God. They were the guiding light which the Messengers received to show their respected peoples the Right Path of God. In the Quran a special reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. But long before the revelations has been lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete book of God in existence in the Quran. 4. The true Muslim believes in the Angels of Allah. They are purely spiritual and splendid beings whose nature requires on food, drink or sleep. They spend their days and nights in the worship of God. 5. Muslim believes in the last Day of Judgement. This world will come to an end someday, and the dead will rise to stand for their final and fair trial. People with good records will be generously, rewarded and warmly welcomed to the Heaven of Allah, and those with bad records will be punished and cast into Hell. 6. Muslim believes in the timeless knowledge of God and His power to plan and execute His planes and nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His will. His knowledge and power are in action at all times and command over His creation. He is wise and merciful, and whatever He does must have a meaningful purpose. If this is established in our mind and hearts, we should accept with good faith all that He does, although we may fail to under stand it fully, or think it is bad. THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM Faith without actions arid practice is a dead end, as far as Islam is concerned. Faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most effective. When it is not out of practice or out of use, it quickly loses its liveliness and motivation power. There are five pillars of Islam: 1. The declaration of faith: To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Mohammad (PBUH) is His Messenger to all human beings till the Day of Judgment. The Prophethood of Mohammad obliges the Muslims to follow, His exemplary life as a model. 2. Prayers: Daily, prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrong - doings and evil. 3. Fasting the month of Ramadan. The Muslims during the month of Ramadan not only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset but also sincerity and devotion. It develops a sound social conscience, patience, unselfishness and will - Power. 4. Zakkah: The literal and simple meaning of Zakkah is purity. The technical meaning of this word designates the annual amount in kind or coin which a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakkah is much deeper and more lively. So it has humanitarian and sociopolitical values. 5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): It is to be performed once in a lifetime, if one can afford it financially and physically. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Malay_Mala http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-Our-Religion&id=366085 costa rica money lenders undecured personal loan easy loans with no credit check advance payday loans palm coast fl

By Lana Varner In 1994, I had a RNY surgery. At 350 lbs and 26 years of age, I felt like my life was over, I felt like my husband and my child would be better off without me. I felt like I could not face life at all. Knowing that suicide was totally against my religious beliefs, I had to find a solution and find one fast to get out of this prison called a BODY. I heard from a friend about the RNY surgery and what it had done for her, she went from fat to fabulous what seemed to be overnight to me. Inside, I was desperate to find what she had done, so I called her doctor in Michigan, yes I did no research, I had no idea what it was all about, all I knew is, what she had and the results she had I had to have it, if it caused my life. Long story short…I went to Michigan to have the RNY surgery. I was not scared until they wheeled me into the operating room, it looked like a chop shop, not what I had been a custom to with previous surgeries, but I was down for whatever, I put my life in God’s hands and I went to sleep…you know God watches over children and Fools. I was not prepared for what drastic changes and alterations that had taken place. I had no sound eating advise, my doctor never said stay away from carbs ( what was carbs) , all I knew is that I would be thin in a couple of months ( 7-15 month). I had no support groups, no doctors in my area knowledgeable on the RNY and possible risk and care for RNY patients. I didn’t know I was not supposed to drink sods pop, I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to eat and drink at the same time, all I knew is that I would be thin….now I did hear but I did not exercise, drink plenty of water, take vitamins daily, come for yearly check-up….all I heard is that the weight will come off and you will be thin. I can’t leave out I was told about the dumping but I was not told that it would stop, so as a hard head person, I ate sweets as much as could be tolerated, you know a candy bar here and there, a piece of cake here and there. Two babies later( Dec. 1996 & Jan.1998) I found that my 199 lbs body was getting to tight for my clothes, and I was buying bigger sizes even after the pregnancies, even when there was no baby people thought I was pregnant….Now spinning out of control and wondering what went wrong, and so fast…I knew I had to do something, but what……. I did not know, remember no support groups, limited information, and new procedure in my area ( I was only aware of the surgery being done in Michigan 6-7 hours away - one way). Feeling sluggish and trying to mother my children and my husband I couldn’t get a handle of my tiredness and why I was not feeling like myself. Every meal after the pregnancy was a meal of convenience meaning something that won’t make me sick, and something that didn’t require me to be on my feet for a long time, so I opted for fast food, I ate pizza at least 3-4 out of 7 days, hey it’s the only food I can feed a family of 8 for under $16.00 for 2 extra large one topping pizza’s. Now the scale is tipping 250 lbs and every month I see a pound creep on here and there but, hey… I think I got this….then I wake up from this dream with severe anemia, and 181 B-12 level, mild memory loss, and all the old symptoms of Lupus (soreness, stiffness, and joint pain). 10 years wiser, I began to take my life back by using proper supplementation, and regular doctor visits, but why is the weight not coming off, I’m logging my food, I’m exercising, I even got a personal trainer, and still something was wrong, and I became tired of going to the gym 2-3 times a day for 1.5-2 hour a time. I began to reach out for help, even though I was shame when people found out I had a RNY several years ago. I got sick of people asking me what happen, your still fat, as if I couldn’t see that every time I ran by the mirror…you know…… I was a diva from the shoulders up( I was always told I had a pretty face), so I thought,…… but what about the rest of me. I was fooling myself, and every time I went up a flight of stairs, I knew that rest of me needed the attention that I gave my face. After much soul searching and research, I decided to have the lap band around my RNY pouch. I knew it was a fairly new procedure but here I go again, that’s what my husband said, then I would reply but I’m not that same old Lana, I’m 10 years wiser and I see the fault in me, and my surgeon which cause me not be successful in 1994, so don’t put me on the HISTORY channel cause I got a new preview, staring the sensible Lana who loves herself, and who has learned that you don’t get nothing in life for free. You pay for everything you get and everything you get you pay for( with regards to the WLS Surgery). AND HERE I AM BANDED AND LOVIN IT! Mother of six who refuses to give up on her dream of being thin. I share my joy and sorrow of my gastric bypass and weight loss surgery adventures. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lana_Varner http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Lost-Road-of-a-Failed-Gastric-Bypass-Surgery&id=64314 sba loan for women apartment private money loans unsecured personal loans with bad credit sba loan interest rates

By Ken Marlborough A DUI record is the information book of an individual’s DUI arrests. Offenses that can be considered criminal in any DUI related accident are reported in DUI records. Registrations of DUI records are done by agencies like the legal system, the motor vehicles department and law enforcement agencies. DUI records remain with these organizations for years and can be easily accessible at any point of time by anybody. Factors like repeating offenses, higher blood alcohol level, children involvement in the accident, vehicle’s speed, injuries, etc. could increase the harshness of DUI records. Drunk driving is the worst crime and could hamper your life if you have any DUI records. You should clear the DUI records to lead a normal life. Having a DUI record means you are criminal and thus cause considerable damage. The whole process is confused and fearful so that person could not repeat it again. You could lose your job because no one wants to hire a person who has DUI records. It gives you emotional and mental frustration and a state of helplessness. Besides, you have to take alcohol classes, pay enormous fines, high insurance costs, etc as a punishment. The effect of the punishments will harm you for many years to come. A well-qualified and professional DUI attorney can help to minimize the severity of DUI records and in some cases they can eliminate your DUI records completely. Removing DUI records from a personal profile is a great relief to the person charged in a DUI case. You should clear your DUI record and minimize your personal damage. DUI record is a criminal label and thus causes damage and confusion. On one hand it is important that it teaches the drunk driver a lesson but on the other DUI records affect your life badly even after the incident. So you should take immediate action to minimize the damage and clear your DUI record as soon as possible, with the help of any reputable attorney. California DUI Lawyers provides detailed information about California DUI lawyers, California alcohol treatment, California DUI arrests, California DUI defense and more. California DUI Lawyers is the sister site of Florida DUI Attorneys. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Marlborough http://EzineArticles.com/?California-DUI-Records&id=137337 unsecure installment loans sba loan payday advance loans in alabama rapid payday loan