What do you mean, you don't have a website yet? Websites these days aren't just for businesses and people who want to share their obsession with Buffy the Vampire Slayer with the world. These days, websites are one of the most important tools for writers...Why get a writer's website?First of all, ask yourself why you write in the first place. If you can honestly put your hand on your heart and say that you write only for yourself, and you don't care if no one ever reads your work, then I'll concede the point: you probably don't really need a website.If you're like the vast majority of aspiring writers, though, and you'd secretly (or even not-so-secretly) love to see your name in print, or to actually make a living from your writing, then I'll say it again: you need a website.But why?Well, if you're serious about carving out a career for yourself in writing, the first thing you need to know is that a successful writing career isn't just about writing. If you're really serious about selling your writing, you need to get serious about marketing it.Here's an interesting fact for you: the most successful freelance writers aren't necessarily the best writers. In fact, some of them aren't even all that great at writing in the first place. They're good at marketing. Selling themselves ? and their writing. And what's one of the easiest ways to start marketing your writing? By getting a website.Promoting your writing with your own writer's websiteLet's face it ? selling ourselves isn't always something that comes naturally. As writer's (and often just as people) we're used to self-effacement. Some of the best writer's I know are the most modest. They know how to write: they just don't know how to sell themselves.If you fall into this category, a website can be a fabulous work-around for the problem of how to sell yourself effectively. In simple terms, once you have your own writer's website, you don't have to worry about selling yourself ? your website will do it for you.A writer's website allows you to:* Post samples of your writing so that prospective clients can see for themselves how well equipped you are to write for them.* Give potential publishers, employers and fellow writers a means of contacting you to offer you work and ask for quotes.
* Position yourself as an expert in the field of writing, thus making it more likely that people will actually want to make use of your service.* Display testimonials from your satisfied clients.* Take advantage of the fact that the web is where employers are looking for their writers.It's the last of these points which is possibly the most significant. Let's look at why: The number one reason why writers need websitesWhen an employer is searching for a freelance writer, editor or proofreader, where do you think they look? Well, they may look in their local yellow pages or business directory, or they may go by word of mouth, but for most people, the very first place they'll look is online. Trust me, when you run an online agency for freelance writers, you find out very quickly just how many employers there are who use the internet to find a writer!If you don't have a presence on the internet (i.e. a website), how will these employers ever find you? Yes, you can rely on using an agency like my own, but with a little bit of hard work, and a well-designed website, you could be bringing in clients yourself.Still think you don't need a writer's website?Hot Igloo Productions Ltd., offers bespoke websites for writers starting at only

If your product or service can be given as a gift, a publicitywindfall awaits at the end of the year - but you need to startworking in June. Each December, media outlets cover the newest,the hottest and the most unusual Holiday gifts. The reportersassigned to develop these pieces typically depend on two sourcesof information:
1. Phone interviews with local store owners
- and -
2. Press materials that have been sent by publicity seekers.
Let's deal with Point 1. Here's a cool trick: In earlyNovember, write a letter to stores and major websites that carryyour product. Remind them that they may be hearing fromjournalists soon about hot gift ideas, and request that theyconsider mentioning your product when that happens. Point out afew reasons why your product is the newest, coolest, best orwhatever. Ask the vendor to drop you an e-mail or give you acall if a story results that mentions your product.
Now, on to old-fashioned publicity. When to contact the mediadepends on the publication or program's lead time (how far inadvance of publication or airing the material is developed).Magazines like Woman's Day have a lead time up to six months, soget materials to them now. Newspapers have a lead time as shortas a week for feature material, so send materials in November. Inbetween are wire services, medium-lead magazines, "in-flight"magazines and others. To learn the lead time of a particularmedia outlet, call the editorial department. If that doesn'twork, try the advertising department.
What you send should be kept simple -- a press release about yourproduct/service, a pitch letter explaining why it's such a greatgift idea, and, if applicable, a disk with color product photos.See our articles "How to Write a Great Pitch Letter" http://www.publicityinsider.com/pitch.asp and "How to Write aGreat Press Release" http://www.publicityinsider.com/release.aspfor more details.
As you craft the materials, think about where yourproduct/service fits. Based on its nature, cost, rarity orusefulness, it may work with a variety of typical Christmas Giftstories such as: Great Stocking Stuffer Ideas, Gifts forTeenagers, Gifts for the Person Who Has It All, Gifts forExecutives, Gifts that Relax, etc. By suggesting a category foryour product, rather than simply stating "Here's a product thatwould make a nice holiday gift", you're making yourself stand out-- and maybe even giving the journalist an idea for a story anglethat he or she wouldn't have thought about otherwise. Eitherway, your chances of getting coverage are greatly improved.Bill Stoller, the "Publicity Insider", has spent two decades asone of America's top publicists. Now, through his website, eZineand subscription newsletter, Free Publicity: The Newsletter forPR-Hungry Businesses http://www.PublicityInsider.com/freepub.asp , he's sharing -- for the very first time -- his secrets of scoringbig publicity. For free articles, killer publicity tips andmuch, much more, visit Bill's exclusive new site:http://www.publicityInsider.com

Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze or rash, your dog's allergies can manifest as itchiness -- or even ear infections. In fact, if your dog's allergic to his food, it can cause him to scratch himself constantly, even with no obvious parasite problem.Dog allergies rarely get solved with medicine, so the best we can do for our four-footed friends is focus on prevention. Providing the right type of food is essential to stopping your dog's scratching habit.Many people like to share their food with their dogs or let them help "clean up" the kitchen after a meal. Little do they know, their dogs just may not be able to take the tasty food we love so much, and some breeds (like the greyhound) are extremely sensitive. Even common foods like cheese, beef sausage and tuna may cause allergic reactions in some dogs. So it's best to let dogs enjoy dog food and not human food, even though they clearly adore and want what we're eating!Narrowing Down the ProblemTo determine the exact ingredients your dog is allergic to, try an elimination diet. Although powerful, it also requires patience. In fact, the elimination diet can call for eliminating specific food for up to 12 weeks before you'll notice the effects. And if you still haven't found the right (and wrong) ingredients, you'll have to repeat the process all over again.So is there an alternative to the lengthy elimination diet? Yes -- give your dog a brand or type of food he's never eaten before. But simply changing to a new brand of dog food might not be enough to eliminate his food allergies, since many brands contain similar ingredients. Instead, study the existing ingredients your dog is eating to determine which types of protein source he hasn't been exposed to. Then, hunt for a dog food that doesn't contain any of the ingredients you saw listed. For example, there are many brands of dog food that contains unusual protein sources such as rabbit or venison -- great for testing allergic reactions to other, more common proteins.Perhaps the best way for you to get control of dog's allergies is to whip up your own dog food. That way, you'll know exactly what he's getting and what he isn't -- something that's extremely hard to tell from reading the back of a dog food bag. Making your own food is especially helpful in elimination diets. To start, combine a portion of rice with baby food and lamb -- so long as your dog isn't already eating lamb and possibly displaying a reaction to it.Dog food allergies are a special condition that can be frustrating and take patience to solve. Since allergic reactions don't disappear overnight, you'll need lots of time and thoughtfulness to help your dog overcome this problem -- but his goofy smile and those scratch-free days ahead will probably make it all worth it.About the AuthorBlake Kritzberg is proprietor of Poodle-oo: Fashion for Toy Dogs. Stop by for toy dog couture and home decor, free dog postcards and the Toy Dog Blog.http://www.poodle-oo.com/

Waterproof consultants perform a wide variety of functions. Why should you hire a waterproofing consultant for your project? Firstly, professional consultants in this field are often very knowledgeable in finding the problem and the best way to fix it. Since they are waterproofing specialists, they have had intensive training or years of experience in the industry. Hiring a waterproof consultant is often less time consuming than your own attempts at locating leaks or other problems. In addition, consultants can often perform the job for you or refer you to a contractor for the project.One service typically available among consultants is a survey and inspection of the area. The survey and inspection can include visual inspections, laboratory testing, investigation and discovery of leaks, moisture measurements and of course, a price estimate. Many waterproofing consultants also provide drawings and specifications. By mapping out your basement, for instance, and highlight trouble spots, the consultant can easily formulate a plan-of-action to repair your home. Some waterproofing consultants also offer quality control management for your project. If you hire an outside contractor for the work, the consultant's on-site quality control can ensure your needs and specifications are being met. In addition, these consultants offer follow-up inspections, when necessary, which can save future damage and costs.As with nearly any service, prices for hiring a waterproofing consultant can vary from area-to-area. Since different specialists study each area, you can be assured that your home's needs are met. Costs can exceed a thousand dollars depending on your needs and whether or not a local specialist is available. If you hire consultant from out of your local area, they often expect to be compensated for travel expenses. Because of the expense of hiring a waterproofing consultant, many people choose to perform the entire project by themselves. Some people have found that their own mistakes are more costly than hiring a consultant from the beginning. If a professional waterproofing consultant is too pricey or not available in your area, a professional waterproofer often has the experience and skills to diagnose and treat your home's ailments.Waterproofing Info provides detailed information on waterproofing systems, including injection waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, deck waterproofing, basement waterproofing, and waterproofing basement walls, as well as waterproofing contractors and consultants. Waterproofing Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Ever wonder why we refer to convincing an editor a story is worthy by "pitching a story?" I have. I'm a baseball enthusiast, and it makes a lot of sense to me. When the editor is at bat with you, he or she has a few swings to make before making a connection ? through the story idea (ball) that could end up being a base hit or a home run. Naturally, everyone wants to hit a home run when they go to bat with an editor. Sometimes publicists and writers do have to walk to first base for the story assignment. Here are some helpful tips on how to pitch a story to an editor ? and how to at least hit a single, double, or triple ? if not a home run on occasion.Use an Editor's Time ProductivelyTime spent on the telephone with an editor is more like a gift from God. If you want to be successful at purveying a story idea, it's best to have the information you want to convey rehearsed, or in note written form prior to your call. Try not to spend more than 10 or 15 minutes speaking about your story idea. Always ask the editor, "Is this a good time for you?" before beginning your pitch. Another great way to reach an editor is by a well-written e-mail pitch. In either case focus the presentation or conversation on your story idea(s). If the editor is interested, he or she may ask more questions. If not, the editor should tell you.Facts, Sources, ImagesThe editor needs to be interested in the theme of your story. A quick 2-3 sentence synopsis should offer an original focus or angle on a topic related to the publication. For example, if I wanted to pitch to Ms. magazine, I'd want to have a feminist event, profile, or feature idea that would be appropriate. Identify potential research sources for your story, or elaborate upon contacts with experts in the area, to let the editor know you are capable of tackling the subject. This expansion on your topic is key to keeping the editor's interest. Many magazine and newspaper editors will also ask you up front about the availability of photographs to go with the story. Be prepared answer this question with some viable suggestions for photos and a creative approach. By now you've sold the story idea. So, don't forget to ask about the availability of a staff photographer from the publication to assist with photos.Where do I Find Stories to Pitch?Whether you are working for yourself or an organization or company, you have your comfort zones. These are vendors you are doing business with, your immediate environment, and social functions that seem aligned with your work. Go outside of your usual boundaries, experiment in other social venues, and talk to people as often as possible. I look for story ideas when I'm on assignment with a story. Because I write daily, I know that one story will inevitably lead to another. I also pick up story ideas in the bar, at the university where I work as a teacher, from other clients, from students, local activists, or during outdoor group activities such as hiking and camping. I listen closely to what people say, and I carry around my favorite pocketbook sized bungee notebook to record my thoughts and story ideas. When I have an editor on the telephone, or am lucky enough to meet one in person, I act like I did when I played ball: I just start pitching.Tools of the TradeOnce, I had a bead collection I acquired from a friend who was sick of beading. She said to me, "if you just look at the collection long enough, you'll have ideas." This is what I did, and this is how I made my necklaces.For writers, I recommend they look at as many hard copy and on-line publications as possible. Don't forget to obtain a copy of the current Writers Market. It's a useful publication for profiling buying publications. I suggest the budding writer look into publications in sync with their personal interests. For example, I enjoy backcountry hiking and camping. I would probably want to contact outdoors magazines to pitch them some stories. I also have an interest in local newspapers, travel, educational, and holistic healing magazines. I've pitched to all of these types of publications. When you find a publication you really like, write down the editor's name, e-mail, phone number and start to pitch. There's also a great writers' site called www.writingformoney.com. For $8 per month you can review an interactive on-line listing of publications which are currently buying new work. With these links, you can visit the publications directly, read about them, and e-mail the editor your pitch. The longer you look at these tools of the trade, the more ideas will percolate.Hit a Home RunYou want to hit a home run with an editor and land a story? Well, try going to bat with two to three story ideas instead of just one. Or the story you've developed can be pitched at different angles, which may make it more suitable for your publication of choice. Make sure to view at least several articles from the publication itself before pitching an editor, so you can have an idea of that editor's taste in material and style. All of these tips should help you land a great story, and even more in the future. As with baseball: practice. With practice, you'll learn how to pitch like an expert.About The AuthorElizabeth Kirwin has published work in national magazines and newspapers. She is co-owner of Sidhe Communications http://www.sidhecommunications.com in Asheville NC. She develops web sites, newsletters, brochures, and other marketing materials for companies and health care ogranizations nationally.For more information, e-mail ekirwin@bellsouth.net.ekirwin@bellsouth.net

Sometimes it can be hard to escape that shivery feeling that happens when you get too cold. A good immediate remedy for this is to wrap yourself up in a douvet and stick a hairdryer up it, (making sure the air flow is not restricted) until you feel warmed up.Colds are the body's escape mechanism. When the whole system is overloaded it crashes. The body stresses out and the immune system drops its threshold. The nose releases toxic wastes in the form of mucous and the body often aches and feels exhausted. Pay attention to what your body is saying because an unchecked cold can become far more serious if you keep it buried.If you are one of those people who can tell when you have a cold coming on, then it can be stopped, or at least minimised, in several ways. Firstly, rest is essential. There is no way your body will self-heal in a stressful situation. If you have to work, take it easy or delegate a bit more. Lemon juice, rose hips, parsley (not if you're pregnant) and fresh orange all contain vitamin C, so take them.Some colds can actually be completely stopped dead by gently sniffing a mixture of lemon juice and warm water up your nose, if you are brave enough. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds contain zinc which is important in cold prevention so take some of those. Otherwise its time to sweat those built up toxins right out through the skin. Start with a peppermint tea and take some garlic or garlic capsules. Then boil a large onion in milk for an hour, eat it, and drink the milk. Follow on with a steaming cup of lemon juice, honey, cinnamon and grated ginger which will stimulate circulation and sweating. Enjoy it in a mustard footbath which will also warm up the blood - use multiple and layered remedies and take them as an opportunity to treat yourself.For a mustard footbath, take 1 tsp. yellow powder mustard and one of household soda (if you have hard water) and put them in a deep basin with some water as hot as you can stand. Keep your feet and lower legs in for about ten minutes, topping the bath up with fresh hot (not boling) water. Dry off, put on thick socks and climb into a freshly warmed bed, the earlier the better.Nature's First Aid http://www.simonthescribe.co.uk/natkit.html

Stress is all around us, from the office to the front yard and everywhere in between. Homeowners are buying hammocks and porch swings to create that stress free zone they need to unwind after a busy day. All hammocks and porch swings are not created equal. A hammock can come with a stand for easy set up anywhere such as at poolside or by a lake; or others are hung between trees or from a ceiling. You will have to decide what type and style you want as there are so many sizes and types available. You might also want a chair style that can be hung from the ceiling. There are different sizes available in these as well. These are especially nice if you live in an apartment or townhouse. A hammock and swing are great sources of leisure for any backyard or porch. Combine a quality hammock with all of your other patio furniture and create a getaway in your very own backyard that rivals any trip to the islands. Hammock stands can be placed anywhere in your backyard to create the perfect oasis setting.Some basic things to consider before buying a hammock, hammock stands, or porch swings are?? Size
? Construction quality
? General styling
? Care
? materialsSome hammocks are washable, but you want to make sure that you tie the two ends together first before putting it in the washing machine. You also want to enclose it in a pillowcase before washing and use a mild detergent. Keeping the hammock properly dry is a consideration because you do not want it to mildew. If your hammock does not have removable spreader bars, your only option for cleaning is to place it on the driveway and hose it down. Again, allow enough time in the sun for proper drying.Hammock accessories are a key source for creating that perfect stress free zone. Hammock stands, hammock pillows, outdoor swing cushions, and patio swing, are just a few of the options that are available. The pillows come in various shapes and sizes for your style of hammock. You will want to consider the type of element protection that is afforded the hammock. You will want a pillow that is good for indoor and outdoor use. The goal of the pillow is to keep your head from resting on the bar. You might also want added comforted by purchasing a hammock pad. This will increase your hours of enjoyment. A hammock blanket is lightweight and is great for cool evenings by the lake. Add in the misters and cup holders, and you will never want to leave your backyard. Take a deep breath, and let your cares melt away. Go outside on the porch and swing along in the breeze. Spend time in a hammock with a hammock stands, or porch swing, add a little music, and a cold glass of lemonade and you have everything you need to stay in the zone.Bev Hlavka is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying outdoor kitchens, hammocks, picnic tables and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.patio-furniture-4u.com. She gives information and tips at http://www.patio-furniture-4u.com/Hammocks.htm to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.

When looking for information on how to fly fish, fly fishing tips or fly fishing techniques, many anglers, or anglers to be,who limit their search to books or material written ithin the last few years or decades are short-changing themselves.Fact is, many anglers continue to miss out on great fly fishing information by not reaching back into the rich history of the sport and seeking the advice and wisdom of true fly fishing pioneers.Now when I say pioneers, I'm talking about the guys who didn'thave anyone to learn from - the groundbreakers.Remember that when dry-fly fishing first made its appearance here in America from England it came without instructions.That's when anglers such as Emlyn Gill, George La Branche, Theodore Gordon and Samuel Camp, just to name a few, came up with their own set of instructions for dry-fly fishing.Yes, they were the true pioneers - and they wrote the first books about the artistry and craftsmanship of what it took to successfully fly fish in these American waters.For some strange reason, the last few generations of anglers have not been exposed to this classic fly fishing information that helped shape American dry-fly fishing.True, there are many fine fly fishing books being published today. But, for some reason, it's the story-telling aspects, only found in the older classics, that can get your blood racing and beckons you to the nearest stream or river.It's these older classics that represent the very heart and soul of fly fishing; its mystery, its allure.You've felt it, haven't you?Fly fishing classics every angler should have as part of their library include a wide array of books written by fly fishers for fly fishers and span anywhere between the early to mid 1900's.Here is a glimpse of the quality and quantity of fly fishing instructions you can find in any one of these classics. Feel how smooth and flowing they are when being told as a story, as opposed to some stuffy, boring tutorial or manual.Within these two excerpts (taken from George LaBranche's, Dry Fly and Fast Water) there are no less than 20 fishing tips; at least 10 in each paragraph!See if you can you spot them.**********************************Exercising patience, he may walk slowly and quietly into the water at the tail of the stretch and as closely as possible to the bank the fish are under. Having attained the desired position, he should remain there long enough to allow all commotion made by his entry to cease, during which time no motion of the rod should be made, because the sight of any moving object will send the now alert trout scurrying, while the ripples will make him uneasy for a short time only. The horizontal cast should be used if possible. The fly should be floated down about a foot from the bank, and it should not be retrieved until it has traveled more than half the distance between the angler and the spot where it alighted....When satisfied that no trout are within the section covered by the fly, the angler should lengthen his line and fish the fly a few feet above-always permitting the fly to travel over the water already fished. He should continue this until the maximum line that can be handled neatly without moving from the original position is being cast. When the line becomes unwieldy (in this method and position it is courting failure to attempt anything over thirty-five to forty feet, even if one is expert) an advance may be made a few yards up-stream as closely to the bank as the depth of the water and free casting space will permit. As it is quite possible-and likely, too-that a trout has been under the fly all the while, but was not interested in it, the angler's advance will drive him ahead, and indications of this should be sharply looked for. The discovery of the fish will save much valuable time, for in that case the immediate stretch may be abandoned, because any fish above the one seen will have certainly taken alarm at the actions of his ! fellow and will have lost all desire to feed for some time.**********************************How did you do? And, that's just within 2 paragraphs! Imagine the number of tips you'll find throughout an entire book!Reading the early American fly fishing classics is a must for all anglers who are passionate about learning as much as they can about the world's oldest outdoor sport.Remember, it is from these now classic books that America learned how to fly fish using the dry-fly. Surely, these books haven't lost the capacity to continue to teach more generations the art and craft of fly fishing.Don Berthiaume has uncovered fly fishing tips and techniques that were almost lost forever. To discover more about fly fishing, and claim your free, 4-part mini-course, visit this site:
Fly Fishing

It is estimated that 80 percent of communicable illnesses are spread through touch but only about 30 percent of adults wash their hands after using the toilet and still fewer wash thoroughly. The very people who ought to know better are among the worst offenders. Nosocomial infections, or those occurring as the result of hospital caregivers not washing properly, kill 30,000 people each year and sicken another 70,000. In fact, the CDC estimates that as many as 15% of all hospital patients catch some type of nosocomial infection. The vast majority of these illnesses and deaths could easily be prevented by careful, deliberate handwashing with plain soap and clean water.As early as the 1840s a few doctors were championing handwashing to limit disease transmission. In 1843 American physician Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes created a scandal in his workplace by requiring handwashing as a means to prevent childbed fever. Dr Holmes believed that this disease, which killed up to 25% of women delivering in hospitals, was transmitted to women by their physicians. Dr. Holmes wasn't alone in his crusade. A few years later an Austrian, Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, observed delivery room death rates of women assisted by medical students to be up to 3 times higher than the death rates of women assisted by midwives. Dr. Semmelweis correctly guess that the medical students were carrying germs from the autopsy rooms right into the delivery rooms. His program of using chlorinated water to wash his medical students' hands brought the mortality rate down to less than 1%. Unfortunately his colleagues were enraged by his actions and ordered the handwashing to stop.Though handwashing was important in years past, it is equally vital today. Sixty percent of America's children are under six years of age and many of them spend a great deal of time in day care or preschool where they are at increased risk for diarrhea illnesses such as rotavirus. According to the FDA, diarrhea is 30 percent more common in day-care children than preschoolers cared for at home. In America the diarrhea from rotavirus is usually short lived but in other parts of the world it is major cause of death in children under five, killing an estimated 5 million children a year.Diarrhea-borne diseases aren't the only issues that a well designed handwashing campaign could help. According to the CDC 22 million schools days are lost each year just to the common cold. Not surprisingly, children who exercise proper handwashing habits miss less school than those who don't. Elementary school children practicing good handwashing technique miss 2.42 days a year while children the same age practicing inadequate handwashing habits miss 3.02 days per school year.In 2004 the Karachi Health Soap Study studied the effects of handwashing education in 36 Pakistani neighborhoods. Researchers found that children who received plain soap along with handwashing instructions had a 53% lower incidence of diarrhea (and a shorter duration of diarrhea when it occurred) than children in the control group. The study also showed antibacterial soaps to be no more effective at reducing diarrhea episodes than plain soap.The Karachi Health Soap Study confirmed the suspicions of many in the natural health industry. Diligent handwashing programs clearly lower the risk of diarrhea illnesses but antibacterial soaps and bath products are unnecessary for most families. Some in the natural products industry have even feared that the every-day use of germ killing products may eventually lead to the development of resistant strains of bacteria. A study by Tufts University looked at the effect of Triclosan, the chemical that makes products antibacterial, on E. coli bacterium. Researchers discovered that Triclosan kills by acting upon a specific bacterial gene. This discovery seems to prove that the threat of future resistance is very real.Unlike antibacterial soaps, which actually kill germs, traditional soaps work mainly by removing germs. The mechanical action of rubbing your hands together dislodges germs so that running water can flush them away.Concerns about creating resistant strains of bacteria have led some disease experts to recommend plain soap and clean water as a disease transmission preventative. Whether those fears are well founded or not it seems indisputable that deliberate, frequent handwashing with plain soap and water is an effective way to protect against person-to-person transmission of some of the most common communicable diseases.Lisa Barger is a traditionally trained naturopath specializing in illness prevention. For information about Ms. Barger's free seminars for churches, day cares and non-profit organizations please see our web site at http://www.LisaBarger.com.

WhenWhen we have feelings for someone or something, we have given birth to those feelings through thought. Proverbs Chapter 23 verse 7 reads: "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. 'Eat and drink!' he says to you, but his heart is not with you." This is an example of how bad relationships begin. What is in a person's heart is what they consider important. It is essential to understand what is in our heart and where our thoughts come from. When we discover that what is in our heart does not match what Gods word says, it is extremely important to realign our heart with Gods word. We must guard our mind, because 365 days out of the year, the devil constantly tempts us with thoughts and suggestions in our mind, lustful thoughts, which can ultimately cause the break-down of our relationship. James Chapter 1 Verse 14 says, "But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own lusts."HowOften we find ourselves in subtle situations which cause us to have thoughts which, on a good day, we would not follow through with. These thoughts fall into two categories: The spirit of our enemy, the devil and from the spirit of our advocate, Jesus Christ. The thoughts from our enemy usually have to do with anger, envy, strife, gossiping, committing sexual sins, vengeance, etc. For instance, if a married woman sees a handsome man and thinks to herself, "I wonder what it would be like to have a relationship with that handsome man?" This is a bad thought. Another example would be if a married man has an opportunity to have sex with "no strings" attached and he thinks to himself, "Why not? My wife will never find out." These bad thoughts are an illustration of the types of battles within the mind that people must contend with. An important note, one does not have to act on the bad thought and it is this point that is so critical to understand.In personal relationships we look for fulfillment. In our quest for personal fulfillment, we have to put aside the things that society says to look for in a mate and focus on what God says. In Philippians Chapter 4 Verses 6 through 8 it says:"6": Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."7": And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."8": Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.The Devil uses society to get us to buy into certain stereotypes that are against what God says is true. We should focus on thinking on truth, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness, good report, virtue and praise to God. This will keep our hearts in a state of being able to act out in a way that will attract what we seek for a great relationship with someone. Society wants us to believe that we must achieve a lot of material things in order to get the relationship we desire. Society says to look for wealth, money, power, position, looks and a determination to do well in the world. In truth, we need to make sure we search for those things that will keep our hearts pure, honest and with praise for God. It is God who blesses us and he has left clear instructions on what we need to do to complete our quest for a good, healthy relationship. After all, what we are really seeking in a relationship is someone who can complete who we are, a person who provides qualities that we need help with. The idea is to know the difference between our own good and bad thoughts in our quest for a relationship. The rest will be easy. If someone brings bad thoughts to you, then more than likely, this person is not right for you. If you can be an example for them, God may work in their life and they could change, but don't you try to change them. Only God can change hearts and minds. Just work on your own heart and be an example to others. This is what God wants all of us to do. This way, we will not allow the bad thoughts from the devil to make us take action and do bad things, just to be in a relationship with someone.WhyIt is important to know that there is a battle raging in our mind because it makes a difference in the choices we make for our own life. There is an old saying, "Knowing is half the battle." Humans are such unique beings. We have a built in desire to seek answers to our existence. In that quest for answers, we need to know Gods word to help us choose the right path to take. In comprehending the difference between good and bad thoughts, society has created a world based on laws. These laws are now becoming more and more in question because of terrorist threats, wars and rumors of wars, men marrying men and women marrying women. One law becomes a distraction for the other and in your mind, you struggle with the truth. The laws are now causing people to become more afraid and more dependent on what societies believes. With this fear, people have become less likely to depend on God and more likely to engage in depending on their own understanding. Proverbs Chapter 3 verse 5 ? 6 says 5: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. 6: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."Try this exercise for yourself. Write your answers down and keep them in a safe place to remind you to study Gods word. If you are honest, your answers will shock you.1) Ask yourself, "Has my life changed in a good way or a bad way?"2) Ask yourself, "Do I know the truth about Gods word?"3) Ask yourself, "Have my thoughts been good or bad lately?"Thoughts make a difference in our life. It is good to know that we do have control over what we choose to think and believe. I choose to believe in Gods word and I try to keep only good Christ like thoughts in my mind because as it says in the book of Proverbs Chapter 23 verse 7: "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he?" What are you thinking?Nevada York has based one of her characters: "Pastor Ethan", in her book Mahogany's Revelation on Ethan Berry, A.K.A. "Pastor Ethan." He resides in the Bay Area of California.
http://nevadayork.com