Mark 10:17 to 22 -- Jesus and the Rich Young Man

By Paul Hoffman The Gospel of Mark is a narrative, in the oral tradition of early Christian teaching. To understand the story of the rich mans conversation with Jesus, one needs to view the Gospel in total. In this Gospel, Jesus is a mentor and teacher of the people. Jesus is teaching the truths of the Kingdom of Heaven. Moreover, Jesus is leader to the disciples/apostles. Mark wrote his narrative in active voice telling the events in the discipling of the apostles and ministry to the Chosen People of God. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus talks with people in all walks of Jewish life. Thimmes (1992) helps explain the constituents of Marks Gospel. For Mark, constituents are groups of people, the twelve (apostles), religious leaders, Jesus family, crowds of people, and women. She continues to write that individual characters, like the rich young man, appear at times; however, they appear in justification of Jesus, His actions, His mission.
Inner Texture/Intertexture The inner texture - repeated patterns of speech and structure (Bekker, 2005) include the theme of teaching, preaching to the people, offering insight to the apostles, challenging the teachers of religion, and commanding followership. To the people following Jesus, He tells simple stories for their understanding, to the apostles, He explains the parables in depth as to assure their understanding and their ability to spread the truth after the Accession. To the scholars of Jewish religion, Jesus traps them in their own words. Intertexture the tapestry woven into modern society (Bekker, 2005): The Church today continues to teach and interpret for the faithful. The Gospel of Mark uses intertexture through social topics common to the time in a manner that reflects culture.
Mark wrote based on oral tradition and oral history (Dewey, 2004). Like organizational leadership today, Mark shared Jesus vision through story telling, in Marks situation, as suggested by Dewy (2004) and Robbins (2005), Mark wrote as scribe of Peter. Peters oral history became written history through Mark. Oral histories and traditions of a great leader adhere to that leader over time. Like modern organizations, myth and folklore help preserve organizational history. We tell the stories in pieces in a way that people can understand the context, and then weave the stories into a text. More than myth and folklore, Marks gospel is a factual accounting resulting in little change over time.
Inner Texture in Mark
There are several recurring themes in the Gospel of Mark. We read that Jesus preached, He spoke with authority, He taught. These references tell us Jesus was a teacher. However, teacher has a different meaning today than the time of Jesus. Daily Bible Study (2005) offers a definition of teacher used during the time of Jesus. Teacher: Rabbi, meaning Teacher, or Master was, and is, a dignified title given by Jews to doctors of the religious law and distinguished teachers. In the New Testament, it was most often recorded when used by His disciples for Jesus Christ. Therefore, Marks use of teacher referring to Jesus is of respect for Jesus knowledge of sacred scripture and ability to relate it to disciples and followers.
In the passage, Mark 10:17-22, the word teacher appears twice as spoken by the rich young man, once in the beginning of the story and again in the middle. The rich young man recognizes that Jesus speaks with authority when preaching. This young person did not come upon Jesus; rather he ran to Jesus giving homage by falling to his knees, and addressing Jesus as teacher. Hebrews 7:7 offers some insight to the young mans behavior, It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. Other accounts suggest the rich young man was a local leader (ruler) to whom others would bow in respect (Luke 18:18). Recognizing the historical perspective of the teacher and the action of the rich young man to kneel before Jesus, one can understand how this person felt toward Jesus as a leader and teacher of the people. However, did this young man recognize Jesus as the Son of God?
As the story unfolds, the young man also addresses Jesus as good, good teacher. Good appears three times in this short passage all in the opening verses. After the young man addresses Jesus as good teacher, Jesus replies by asking the young man to qualify good, as No one is good but God alone. This line of questioning seems to have a rational logical progression. First Jesus asks why the young man considers Jesus good. Second, Jesus states only God is good. Third, the unanswered question in logical progression is, you address me as good, I say only God is good. Therefore, if only God is good and you address me as good, do you recognize me as God? This appears a challenge to the young man to accept Jesus as the human manifestation of God.
What word might the young man have spoken that we translate as good. Searching online sources for good in relation to it use in this passage, one Hebrew derivative appeared tov. In Greek, one finds agathos, meaning that which is good or goodness. Another Greek term is kalodidaskalos, meaning teacher of good things or teaching what is good. After researching the meanings of the good and teacher used in this passage, one can conclude the rich young man recognized Jesus as a scriptural teacher, with scholarly knowledge, who taught good things. One cannot conclude the young man recognized Jesus as the Son of God.
Stevenson (no date) wrote of the encounter that the rich young man was mistaken that he and Jesus were equally good because of their acts. However, the young man had already stored his good works on earth and related in Matthew 6:16-18. In the midst of the encounter, Jesus commands the rich young man to obey the commandments. However, Jesus seems to speak to the young man is terms he understands from the Scribes and Pharoses. The pattern Jesus used was unassailable do not violate a Commandment. The instruction do not repeats five times. Upon Jesus telling the young man to obey the commandments, the young man replied he obeyed since being a child. He felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him (Mark 10:21).
This story concludes with Jesus final attempt at the young mans transformation, Jesus tells him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Me. Jesus asks this young person to give up his earthly treasure for heavenly treasures. Unable to accept this command, he turns and leaves Jesus. At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions (Mark 10:22). Although the passage ends with verse 22, Mark writes of Jesus continuing to instruct the disciples on the value of knowing God rather than trusting riches. The young man was unable to surrender riches, position, and title on earth for heavenly treasure. Social and Cultural Texture In the time of Jesus as today, wealth was power and status was important. The case to make is the rich young man wanted a place in heaven; however, on his terms. Jesus spoke of the rule of Jewish law obeying the commandments, give up riches, and follow Him. The result is the young man rejects Jesus offer and goes away.
Ideological Texture Marks gospel, unlike the others opens with Jesus as the subject, Here begins the wonderful story of Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God (Mark 1:1). Therefore, Mark places Jesus as central in the passage of the rich young man to teach others on the dangers of wealth. Jesus projects himself onto the rich young man drawing him into scene. The disciples traveled with Jesus, yet they are not a part of the story until verse 23 and Jesus begins His instruction.
Sacred Texture Jesus tells the young man only God is good. He asks why the young man addresses Him as Good Teacher. In this passage, Jesus reinforces the Jewish law as interpreted by Jewish teachers of the law. Jesus offer to follow Him was not the short cut the young man wanted since it meant giving up worldly goods for Gods good.
Opening-Middle-Closing Texture This passage fits the Robbins (1996) texture pattern having an opening, middle, and a closing. Opening, Mark 10:17: Jesus was leaving on a trip when a rich young man came running up to Him asking how he could get to heaven. Middle, Mark 10:18-21: Jesus had a conversation with the young man telling him to obey the commandments to reach heaven. Jesus loves the man offers the young man a chance to follow Him, and he rejects Jesus offer. Closing, Mark 10:22: As a rich person, he was unable to give up material goods for spiritual goods to attain heaven. Christian Leadership How does leadership in the time of Jesus compare to modern leadership? Christian leadership is simple according to Smalling (2005). However simple, he iterates it is not easy. Organizational leaders understand the management paradigm of hierarchical structure; however, fail to recognize the biblical paradigm of servant leadership taught throughout the gospels. Christian leadership, biblical leadership shared in the New Testament is a gift from God. Mathew 20:20-28 tells of the sons of Zebedee seeking position power in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus says in verse 23 that He (Jesus) cannot say who sits where in Heaven, Those places are reserved for persons my Father selects. Zebedees sons had ambition which is good in a leader; however, they were self-focused not God focused in the leadership desires. Modern Christian leaders must possess humbleness. Winston (2002) writes of humble and haughty leaders. The former is servant to the goals of the organization and the latter is servant to his/her own goals.
Christian leadership, biblical leadership shared in the New Testament is a gift from God. Mathew 20:20-28 tells of the sons of Zebedee seeking position power in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus says in verse 23 that He (Jesus) cannot say who sits where in Heaven, Those places are reserved for persons my Father selects. Zebedees sons had ambition which is good in a leader; however, they were self-focused not God focused in the leadership desires. Modern Christian leaders must possess humbleness. Winston (2002) writes of humble and haughty leaders. The former is servant to the goals of the organization and the latter is servant to his/her own goals.
Many texts cite leaders as charismatic, seeking a relationship between the leader and those led. This is probably true of all leadership situations; however, has an exceptional gift for inspiration and nonrational communication (DuBrin 2004, pg. 65). Charismatic leaders may be social doing what is best to benefit others, or personal doing what is best for self. Christian leaders need to concern themselves for the whole rather than the one.
In organizational change, especially reorganization, and reculturing, leadership is often transformational. A leader may evaluate the organization in terms of forces. There are forces for change and forces against change. The transformational leader must minimize or eliminate the resistance factors so the forward motion of change progresses positively. The rich young man could not rid himself of resistance forces. A Christian transformational leader needs to know Acts 20:28, to keep watch over yourself, the leaders spiritual welfare. This person must also keep watch over all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseer. This element of the verse is very similar to agapao love explained by Winston (2002). Finally, Acts 20:28 concludes Be shepherds of the church. Church in organizational terms is the population of people making up the organization.
The first inkling of Jesus leadership comes in the first chapter of Mark, verses 21-22. In these, we read how Jesus went into the synagogue and taught them as one that had authority, not as the scribes. Modern learning organizations teach employees leadership skills through mentoring, preparing the younger employees for the time that they will take over leadership.
Jesus is not a titled leader; yet he has many followers and fierce official resistance to His authority. Sims (1996) refers to Jesus leadership in Mark as a call from power as dominance to power as participation. Mark 10:44 relates the servant leadership teaching of Jesus, And, whoever wants to be greatest of all must be slave of all. DuBrin (2004) acknowledges leadership as a partnership or relationship over the long-term. DuBrin continues by citing Peter Blocks stewardship theory of leadership. As mentioned elsewhere in this paper, the stewardship theory supposes the greater good of the whole rather than the individual. Successful leaders in modern business recognize their strength come form the collective strength of the group.
Pfeffer (1998) writes of the seven practices of successful organizations in chapter three, and similar to Mark 10:44, he says successful organizations (r)educe status distinctions and barriers. (pg.65), and be selective in hiring new people. Jesus was selective in hiring his inner circle. He picked fishermen to make them fishers of men (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17). He chose a tax collector (Matthew 10:3, Luke 5:27), although their people considered tax collectors behavior unethical (Mark 2:16, Luke 7:34). The Christian leader, servant/leader selectively gathers others around whom he/she can teach. Then they, in turn, carry the vision and values forward to the next level. The Christian leadership rests on multiple points. The rich young man passage offers a glimpse of three balance points, God, others and self. Blue (1999) takes leadership in journeys, three separate journeys, yet each dependent on the others. The first journey is upward, having a spiritual relationship with God, integrating God into our lives, being God oriented. The second journey is inward. The inward journey according to Blue is where we (attend) to our own healing, attending to the stuff that's wrong with us. Do not deny your feelings, try to interpret them and learn from them. Feelings are the bodys way of giving us information and we often choose to ignore them. The third, final journey is outward. We cultivate relationships with many and intimacies (platonically - agapao) with a few. We find those who are honest with us and us with them. Conclusion Mark 10:17-22 is Jesus call to action to give up secular gods. In reciting the Commandments in verse 19, several are not included. Notably, Jesus does not include the First Commandment. Jesus is already aware the rich young man has put other gods before God. Modern leaders need to observe the events of Mark 10:17-22. It is not a social interaction. Jesus asks this young man to accept a new position, a new work ethic in support of Jesus mission. Leaders have a call to service, to serve the organization, its constituents, its community, and its human resources. Winston (2002) charges that too often leaders put people into positions because of technical ability without taking into consideration the overall good of the organization. Pat Boone in Robertson (2004) asks what if the rich young man had sold everything, What would he have become (pg. xiii)? This seems a leadership gamble, select someone because they have technical skills or for their potential to influence the organization. Leaders often feel they need skill over potential; however, the true servant leader does not need to gamble with human assets. True Christian leaders hire the right person who fits into the organizational culture and begins an educational mentoring program. Unfortunately, we do not know the answer to Pat Boones what if question. The interview did not go well for the rich young man. Reference: Bekker, C. (2005). Exploring Leadership through Exegesis. Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. Blue, K. (1999). Healthy Leadership. The Grace and Healing Conference in 1999. Retrieved November 8, 2005 from http://muchloved.tripod.com/love/kblove1.html#journeys Dewey, J. (2004). The Survival of Mark's Gospel: A Good Stroy? Journal of Bibical Literature, 123(3). DuBrin, A. J. (2004). Leadership: Research Findings, Practices, and Skills (4th Edition). Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. Hoffman, P. (2001). Retail Leadership Strategy in Tight Labor Markets: Bellevue University
Pfeffer, J (1998). The Human Equation: Building profits by putting people first. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. Robbins, V. K. (2005 October 26). The Intertexture of Apocalyptic Discourse in the Gospel of Mark. Emory University. Retrieved on November 8, 2005 from http://www.religion.emory.edu/faculty/robbins/Pdfs/ApocIntertexture.pdf. Robbins, V. K. (1996). Exploring the Texture of Texts: A guide to socio-rhetorical interpretation. Valley Forge, PA: Trinity Press International. Robertson, P. & Buckingham, J. (1972, 1995, 2004). The Autobiography of Pat Robertson: Shout it from the housetops. Gainsville, FL: Bridge-Logos. Smalling, R. L. (2005). Christian Leadership: Principles and Practicalities [Electronic Version]. Retrieved November 6, 2005 from http://www.smallings.com/Books/CHRISTIANLEADERSHIP.htm. Sims, B. J. (1996). Gospel Text, Mark 10:46-52 - The healing of blind Bartimaeus. The Center for Progressive Christianity. Retrieved November 7, 2005 from https://www.tcpc.org/resources/articles/let_me.htm Stevenson, J. (No Date). Entering the Kingdom of God: Mark 10:13-31. Retrieved November 3, 2005 from http://www.angelfire.com/nt/theology/mark.html Thimmes, P. (1992). The Gospel of Mark as Good News [Electronic Version]. Catechist, 26, 36-40. Retrieved November 7, 2005 from http://homepages.udayton.edu/~thimmepl/mark.html. Winston, B. (2002). Be a Leader for God's Sake. Virginia Beach, VA: Regent University School of Leadership Studies. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Hoffman http://EzineArticles.com/?Mark-10:17-to-22----Jesus-and-the-Rich-Young-Man&id=282550 medi ambien
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Ease your Cash Flow: Invoice Finance

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Paul_Allen]Paul Allen There are several benefits that can be gained when a company decides to invoice finance. A business that deals in the sale of products or services to other businesses will receive the advantage of improved cash flow by using an invoice finance service. Basically, to invoice finance means to sell or assign your outstanding invoices to an invoice finance company. This company in most cases will give you instant access to a percentage of the total amount of the unpaid invoices assigned to them, commonly from 70-90% of the value of approved invoices. In many cases they may also take responsibility for invoicing, chasing and collecting owed invoices as well as accept a percentage of the loss on unpaid invoices. Having access to these funds greatly increase the cash flow within your company. Cash on hand for increased production, savings by way of discounts on company expenses, decrease or even elimination of business expenses, and improved opportunities for business loans. By using an invoice finance service there is no waiting 30-45 days for people who pay on time, and even longer for late payments on invoices. That cash on hand can be more readily available for production, creating an immediate availability for more sales. Another area the right business can gain greater cash flow from using invoice finance is in taking advantage of discounted payments of business expenses. Many companies offer discounts of as much as 10% if their invoices are paid on receipt or within a certain period of time. With invoice finance you have cash on hand to pay your bills sooner, rather than having to wait until your customer pays you for your product or service. Increased cash flow also increases your companies purchase power, making it possible to negotiate better terms or discounts from suppliers. The savings in these two areas alone will in most cases outweigh the fee from the invoice finance service. There are other business expenses that can be cut back or even eliminated when using invoice finance, for example: administration costs, stationery, and office equipment. When adding the expense of employing an accounting clerk, not only their salary but also company benefits, its easy to see some great advantages to using an invoice finance service. Invoice finance can be particularly helpful to a business in the start-up phase. Most lending institutions have strict rules on lending to new businesses. A bank or lender will only consider a small portion of outstanding (unpaid) invoices owed, often only 40% of the total amount of outstanding invoices, when administering a business loan. By invoice financing your ledger shows cash on hand in place of a large amount tied up in outstanding invoices. There are some disadvantages to using an invoice finance service. The goods or service your company supplies can have a huge effect on whether your company should use invoice finance. Businesses providing recurring services or product orders are good candidates, while invoices for one-time orders might find it difficult to obtain this type of funding. These companies prefer to know the debtor and their track record in paying debts before accepting invoices owed by that debtor. Another disadvantage would be if the mark-up sale price of the goods or service provided were less than the amount of the invoice finance fee. For the right business combining the improved cash flow with a reasonable profit margin along with increased sales orders the business is in a position to expand and the cost to invoice finance can easily be absorbed in increased profitability. [http://www.carbonfinance.co.uk]Carbon Finance Ltd Carbon Finance Ltd is an Independant Finance Broker in the UK Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Allen http://EzineArticles.com/?Ease-your-Cash-Flow:-Invoice-Finance&id=259664 zolpidem buy online
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The Problem with Autograph Authentication

By Adam McFarland As recently as 1997, the FBI estimated that between 50% and 90% of all collectibles in the marketplace are not authentic. Everyone that cares about the hobby agrees that something must be done. And most think that autograph authentication paying a third party company to certify that an autograph is real - is a logical solution that benefits everyone involved and eliminates counterfeiting. Last month, we featured a story by a small business owner (and friend of mine) who would strongly disagree with that statement. He sold a Michael Vick autographed mini helmet on eBay. The buyer sent it to be authenticated by PSA/DNA and, upon not receiving authentication, demanded a refund. My friend stood his ground and denied this request. In my opinion this was the right move the autograph is real and he cannot set the precedent of letting PSA/DNA dictate his sales. No business owner wants to have to make a decision that will result in an unsatisfied customer, but what was he supposed to do? Give the customer a refund on a perfectly good item because its another companys opinion that the item is fake? That would be even worse for his reputation than an unsatisfied customer! It seems that as collectors we have given authentication companies far too much control over the hobby. Autograph Authentication Kills Small Businesses Consider my friends business for a second either he himself or one of his associates obtains each and every autograph that he sells in person. He produces a certificate of authenticity that states the date and location of the signing. In todays industry, this simply isnt good enough. How is an entrepreneur who wants to form a legitimate autograph business supposed to start out? PSA/DNA is making it virtually impossible for these businesses to get their foot off the ground. When they do start to establish their business, one false positive can ruin their reputation. My friend will have no way of knowing how bad his name has been ruined by this customer who thinks he purchased a fake item. Autograph Authentication Gives PSA, Steiner Sports, and Upper Deck Too Much Control I certainly hope that it is not PSAs intention to crush small businesses, but the fact that they have the power to do so disturbs me a great deal. Everyone should realize that all PSA is doing is giving their OPINION as to the validity of the autograph. PSA states this on their website in the FAQ section http://www.psadna.com/faq.chtml: Q: Do you guarantee that the autographs you certify are genuine and those you do not are fake? A: No. We do not guarantee autographs under the Vintage Certified program. By using this program, you are paying for the opinion of the top experts in the world, using state-of-the-art examination tools and techniques. The problem with this is that most people dont treat it like an opinion. For one reason or another people are mislead to treat it like it is fact. And by doing this they give PSA power that they shouldnt have. Their findings are treated as definitive if PSA says its real then it is real. If PSA says its fake then it is fake. It behooves them as a business to scare consumers into believing in their service. We have to ask ourselves the question: is this good for our hobby? Autograph Authentication Means Higher Prices for Collectors Along the same lines, exclusive autograph companies like Steiner Sports and Upper Deck benefit by scaring collectors. By making collectors think that everything that is not exclusive to them is not real, collectors are scared into paying outrageously high prices for their memorabilia and taught that anything reasonably priced is fake. This is just simply not true. So What Should You Do? My Recommendation get your autographs yourself. It will give you the most satisfaction and there will never be a question of authenticity. However, if you must purchase an autograph, research the signature you are looking for, research the company you are buying from, and find a seller that you trust is selling you something authentic. If in doing this you decide to pay PSA/DNA for their opinion, keep in mind that is what you are getting - an opinion. Adam McFarland owns SportsLizard.com - an online marketplace for buying and selling sports collectibles http://www.sportslizard.com Try our new search feature that enables you to search eBay, Amazon, and SportsLizard.com all at once to make sure that you get the best deal on what you are looking for! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_McFarland http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Problem-with-Autograph-Authentication&id=76776 information on the medication ambien
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Being Visible on a Budget

By Claire Cunningham Once upon a time a company introduced a new product. They didnt want their competition to know, so they didnt advertise or even send out a news release. Sales of the new product were disappointing. The manufacturer was unhappy. What went wrong? Any thoughts? My answer is that this kind of stealth marketing doesnt work. You need to be visible to sell something. When this manufacturer started promoting their new product, sales picked up. So visibility is good for business. But how do you get visible with limited resources? Here are some programs I recommend. 1) Postcard marketing - Use postcards to ask for referrals, announce events, build website traffic, say thanks, and more. Of course, for best results you need a good list. 2) News release program - Does your company bring new products or services to market? Publish literature? These are great subjects for news releases. Send releases to editors at relevant publications regularly to get more than your fair share of coverage. Public relations activities like this are time-intensive, but cost much less than advertising. 3) Feature coverage - Getting major coverage in the right media outlet can enhance visibility and credibility quickly. Use research and planning to ensure your topic is timely. Then target specific editors. 4) Case history articles - Highlight your company's capabilities with problem/solution articles. Well-written case histories are in demand -- by readers and editors alike. These stories make great website content, too. 5) Internet - Creating and maintaining a website is relatively low cost, especially compared to printed pieces like brochures. If you need to reach young adults, teens or business people, the Internet is where you need to be. E-mail marketing can be a good tool, too, but be sure to get the recipients permission. 6) Newsletters - Developing a good newsletter takes market intelligence and careful planning. Then you need discipline and skill to crank out something worthwhile on a schedule. But its worth it! A good newsletter can gain you loyalty, credibility, and oh yeah visibility. 7) Identity - Maintaining a consistent identity is a low-cost way to maximize impact. Consistency and professionalism help any business over time. Consistency means repetition. That's what solidifies ideas in our brains. Professionalism is about looking good. If you want to be taken seriously, present a professional image. Whatever you do, repeat, repeat, repeat! A single mailing (for example) may get disappointing results. Dont be surprised or discouraged. Keep at it with a consistent look, message and audience, and over time your message will sink in. Copyright 2005 Clairvoyant Communications, Inc. About the author Claire Cunningham, president of Clairvoyant Communications, Inc., helps companies jumpstart their sales with increased visibility. Claire shares her marketing communications expertise at http://www.clairvoyantcommunications.com and through monthly e-newsletters Communiqu and Communiqu-Small Business. Avoid costly errors with Claires Top Marketing Communications Mistakes Companies Make. Call 763-479-3499 or e-mail claire@claircomm.com for a copy. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_Cunningham http://EzineArticles.com/?Being-Visible-on-a-Budget&id=79633 zolpidem online
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Seven Words a Guy Likes to Hear from His Sweetheart

By Rod Froseth Believe it or not beneath the confident, silent exterior of a guy, lies a feeling or two. Ladies, we understand, are more verbal than men, and relationship experts tell us--as if it's big news--that the feminine of the genders has a need to hear words of affection. Expressions of love and frequent compliments for their beauty and character strengthen relationships with their sweethearts and build a healthy self-image. Unfortunately, with this bit of knowledge, the presumption is that the masculine minority has no such need and guys are quite secure without such verbal applause. The truth is that, whether needed or not, guys enjoy occasionally hearing such fair words, and they do take root in their souls also bearing fruit in stronger relationships and confidence. Especially valued by men are expressions of approval spoken by their very own romantic better half. You can do it!
Maybe it's the primal, animal instinct that comes from gallons of testosterone coursing through guys' bodies, or maybe it's just the way God made them, but guys usually show themselves fairly confident. It's just show. Well, not always, but most guys are a little uncertain of themselves from time to time. It's tough on the street to find someone to believe in you. You can look, but once you find someone, it might not be exactly the kind of person you want to believe in you. So, for your guy, it's really nice when his sweetheart really does believe in him and says so. Mind you, it needs to be sincere. Insincere confidence doesn't go far these days. That's a great idea!
The moment a wiggly little sperm finds a willing egg, and the chromosomes are right to make a boy, the gates open for a fresh barrage of bizarre and scary ideas to descend upon the world. If your guy isn't testing ideas on you regularly, check his pulse. If his pulse is strong, maybe someone discouraged his penchant for great ideas once too many times. Guys have lots of ideas. They just do. It's the way God made them. Before you panic, isn't going to really do all these wild ideas; he just needs to dream. However, when his dreams are suppressed so is his soul. Dreams are fuel for a guy's soul. Your sweetheart needs to put his feet up and think of how things could be, what difference he could make in his world. Critics can and do kill this sensitive nerve in a guy by pointing out the nonsense of it all. Don't you be that critic. Encourage your guy with these four frightening words: What a great idea! Here's where you panic. Your man has to try stuff once in awhile, and it's a given that not every great idea is going to fly. In most cases it's won't be a problem, but sometimes these attempts at conquest can sting a little. Ask yourself what you really want: a guy with great self-esteem thanks to his lover's support, or one who feels like a failure. Avoid those crushing words, I told you s.... No, no, we don't say that here. Sure, I'd love to.
Centuries of tradition across the cultures and the seas have put the task of invitation and initiation between the sexes in the camp of the male. For guys it's pretty ok that things are this way, because guys like to come up with great ideas, remember? That means everything from dinner at the new Mahican restaurant to a motorcycle trip across Canada to a shower and a romp together depend on the invitation of your sweetheart. Give him time, he'll refine. While your man learns the art of more sensitive and romantic ideas, don't discourage him or even hesitate. Remember, his soul is connected to his ideas and dreamsa tender place for a man. The more he feels your heartfelt acceptance and enthusiasm to run with him, the more fun you'll have. Besides, I've heard Mahican fare isn't bad. Geeze, you're good at that!
Two things guys long for which our world is reluctant to give: significance and recognition. Neither is costly and neither has any negative side-effects. If you'd like to help someone grow in virtually any sphere of life, pour out lavish love, praise and affirmation. Countless proverbs and even a short life have taught us that you catch flies with honey, not vinegar so why is it fashionable to correct other's erroneous ways through disapproval? Someone started this fad centuries ago and I see it lived out everywhere I travel. What I don't understand is why we withhold affirmation when our honey does something right? Think of how great it would be. Don't worry. It will be fine.
Life has gone wrong. Again. Remember the donkey, Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh's friend for whom nothing goes right? His constant lack of luck sort of colored his personality and made him quite lovable. Maybe there's a guy in your life like that. If you're not sure, perhaps you don't know many guys. Life goes wrong, and guys have a skill for suffering and torturing themselves. I think it's a religious thing regardless of religious persuasion. For some reason, guys feel they deserve life's misfortune, and if misfortune doesn't find them, they create it for themselves. Our pain probably subconsciously buys points somewhere. How interesting. Tell me more.
To be known is a most other-worldly sensation. More bizarre yet is to be known, accepted and even loved. How many people know you and all of your secrets? You don't need many fingers to calculate that, do you? If your guy is past his mid-twenties, statistically, he's likely made all the really close friends in life that he will ever make. If he has one close friend who really knows him and accepts him, he's doing really well. Life doesn't really deliver much in the way of others who know us intimately and accept us. We can wish all we want that things would be different, but it's not likely to happen. The only way we can singlehandedly change our part of our world is by taking an interest in others, listening and knowing them. You'll notice a pleasant change. Do you want to see your sweetheart be at a total loss for words, fall off his chair and roll on the floor laughing? Next time he starts to tell a personal story, simply put your elbow on the table, place your chin in your hand, lean forward and say, How interesting. Tell me more. Try it. It will be fun. More than that, your guy will melt for being known. I knew you'd do the right thing.
Our world forces us to fragment. You need to be one person on the job, another at the club and someone altogether different at home. After awhile you begin to forget who you are. Unfortunately, our values are challenged and integrity is often compromised. That's what fragmentation results inlack of integrity. We're not one integrated person any longer but many, and as much as we hate it, we end up representing ourselves and our values dishonestly. Most people want to be honest and represent themselves for who they really are. Most people want to be realthe same person to everyone. However, in our fragmented world that has become quite a challenge. A guy can be much more firm in his integrity when he knows his sweetheart believes in him and shares his values. He's not standing alone trying to do right in the face of a world that demands so much wrong. Your convictions and belief in him does more to strengthen his character than anything. Words have power to effect change like nothing else. Words of affirmation, acceptance and love are so much easier to say and powerful than critical words. The source of applause for your sweetheart is bottomless. Use these simple words of affirmation liberally! Rod Froseth is a freelance writer, photographer and webmaster of http://www.theromanticway.com, inspiration for a romantic way of life. Visit TheRomanticWay to subscribe to Rod's free ezine, "Along TheRomanticWay", here http://www.theromanticway.com/romantic-ideas-ezine.http. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rod_Froseth http://EzineArticles.com/?Seven-Words-a-Guy-Likes-to-Hear-from-His-Sweetheart&id=174760 ambien warnigns
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Top Ten Signs That You Are Baking Cookies Too Often

By Trinh Lieu As a child, I often counted sheep when I had trouble falling to sleep. Since counting sheep does not work for me anymore, I turn on the television to catch up on late night entertainment. My favorite show is Late Night with David Letterman, that has obviously inspired me to write this list, "Top Ten Signs That You Are Baking Cookies Too Often." 10. Your kids are bouncing off the walls because you keep feeding them cookies. 9. You are always out of eggs, butter, flour. 8. You constantly look for training courses on baking cookies and wish that you could attend them. 7. Every time the telephone rings, you think it's the oven timer going off. 6. You spend hours in public libraries looking for cookie recipes that you have not yet prepared. 5. You answer to the name "Cookiesi". 4. You experiment with gluten free cookie mixes even though no one in your family is sensitive to gluten. 3. You think that the kitchen is an actual laboratory and you are a real chemist. 2. The first things you do in the morning are preheating your oven and lining cookie sheets with parchment paper. 1. You start a Web site to explain and illustrate proper cookie baking techniques, and can not stop building it. Nevertheless, I insist that one can never bake enough cookies.:-) Without specifically naming them, 7 items on this list are applicable to the author. Her Web site is Baking Perfect Homemade Cookies with Five Essential Rules where visitors can find, among other useful baking information, a growing collection of cookie recipes, especially those from around the World. Copyright 2006 by Trinh Lieu Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trinh_Lieu http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Ten-Signs-That-You-Are-Baking-Cookies-Too-Often&id=242322 www ambien com ambian zolpidem
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I Can't Diet Because I Am Hungry

By Keith Quackenbush Every time I decide to go on a diet I go into overdrive with the "need" to eat more. I feel as if since I am going to go on a diet I have to eat as much as I can because soon I am going to be deprived of food. This is a mindset that has set me up for failure too many times. I have tried so many diets. I bet you have too. The problem has been that when I decided to try...say the the Atkins diet I felt that I was being deprived of the things that I love to eat. I love to eat bread and cereal and when I could not have them (and other foods) I just wanted them more and felt as if I was being cheated out of food. After trying (and failing) at numerous fads or diets I have decided that in order for me to lose weight I have to have a fundamental change of lifestyle. I cannot and will not lose weight by the latest fad or the latest pill. In order for me to be a success I need to change from a diet to a "live it". This may sound corny but it is the truth. A person cannot have long term success with a diet if the diet is outside of your lifestyle. You need to embrace your diet from within and not make it something that you have to deprive yourself. I have come to grips with the fact that I love to eat cookies and ice cream. I just will not eat the entire pack or gallon. I still eat the things that I like but now I try to exercise portion control. I find it easy to eat one or two tacos and am not sad I won't eat taco three four and five. I find it easier to eat a one scoop ice cream cone instead of a triple ooper duper with syrup. I have learned that by exercising portion control I have stopped gaining weight. Not gaining weight is only half of the battle with the other half being the part where I lose the weight. It is sort of like stopping a sinking ship. You know the ship is sinking and before you can get it to keep floating you have to stop the water from coming in. Only after you stop the leak is when you can concentrate on bailing out the water. Well, through portion control I have learned I have stopped the leak, the ship is safe from sinking. In my next article I will discuss how to get some of that water (weight) out of the ship (your body). A diet...no.. it will be a "live it". I like the food I eat and I am sorry it took me so long to realize that I would not be a happy person, on the inside, if I can't eat the foods I like. I have changed my mind set. I now eat to live and not live to eat. Portion control with some self control has helped my ship from sinking. The next article will be how to lose some fat when you hate to exercise. http://www.IChooseThin.com Keith Quackenbush is a graduate of St. John's University, New York. He has spent considerable amount of time traveling throughout the world for the United States Government as a Marine Officer. He has spent considerable amount of time being educated in life through his very existence. Currently spends too many hours per week in big box retail management. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Quackenbush http://EzineArticles.com/?I-Cant-Diet-Because-I-Am-Hungry&id=569303 re ambien vs xanax
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