Recipe For A Happy New Year

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Take twelve whole months,
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy,
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.
Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or thirty-one different parts, but don't make up the whole batch at once.

Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.
Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work.
Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness.
You're bound to have a happy new year!

Fitness By Marilyn
Rockport, TX 78382
fitnessbymarilyn@gmail.com
http://www.fitnessbymarilyn.com
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

A Different Christmas Story

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" For barely a moment; I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers. "My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam, 'And now it is my turn and so, here I am'. I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue ... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right." "But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?" It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son." Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

Through A Rapists Eyes

This is important information for females of ALL ages.

When this was sent to me, I was told to forward it to my lady
friends. I forwarded it to most everyone in my address book. My men
friends have female friends and this information is too important to
miss someone. Please pass it along.

A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on
what they look for in a potential victim and here are some
interesting facts:

1) The first thing men look for in a potential victim is hairstyle!

They are most likely to go after a woman with a ponytail, bun, braid
or other hairstyle that can easily be grabbed . They are also likely
to go after a woman with long hair. Women with short hair are not
common targets.

2) The second thing men look for is clothing.
They will look for women whose clothing is easy to remove quickly.
Many of them carry scissors around specifically to cut clothing.

3) They also look for women on their cell phone, searching through
their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are
off guard and can be easily overpowered.

4) Men are most likely to attack & rape in the early morning,
between 5:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

5) The number one place women are abducted from/attacked is grocery
store parking lots.
Number two is office parking lots/garages.
Number three is public restrooms.

6) The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a
woman and quickly move her to another location where they don't have
to worry about getting caught.

7) Only 2% said they carried weapons because rape carries a 3-5 year
sentence but rape with a weapon is 15-20 years.

8) If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged
because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going
after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming

9) These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas,
or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their
hands.

Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the
attacker to use them as a weapon.
So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.

10) Several defense mechanisms he taught us are:
If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or
with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask
them a question, like what time is it, or make general small
talk: "I can't believe it is so cold out here", "we're in for a bad
winter."
Now you've seen their face and could identify them in a line-up; you
lose appeal as a target.

11) If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of
you and yell STOP or STAY BACK ! Most of the rapists this man talked
to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she
would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an
EASY target.

12) If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate
of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yell I HAVE PEPPER
Spray and holding it out will be a deterrent.

13 ) If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you
can by outsmarting them!
If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker
either under the arm (between the elbow and armpit) OR in the upper
inner thigh VERY VERY HARD .
One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm
pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she
broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands - the guy needed
stitches.
Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it;
it hurts

14) After the initial hit, always GO for the GROIN .
I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a
guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll
anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing
these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will
not cause a lot of trouble.
Start causing trouble, and he's out of there.

15) When the guy puts his hands up to you , grab his first two
fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure
pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me
without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both
knuckles cracked audibly.

16) Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware
of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you
see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, go with your instincts!!!
They are God-given instincts.

You may feel a little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse
if the guy really was trouble


And ladies, just because you live in a small town or rural area,
this doesn't always mean you are safe.

Dirty Shoes

Dirty Shoes

I showered and shaved...............
I adjusted my tie. I got there and sat..............
In a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer.........
As I closed my eyes. I saw the shoe of the man next to me.....
Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side......
I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine...
But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: "Our Father"............
I thought, "This man with the shoes.has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched.
Even worse, there are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said...............a quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer.......
But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best.....
When walking through that door?
Well, this certainly isn't it," I though t,
Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended...........
And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud......
Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters.........
His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear....
The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering........
And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached....
Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out............
What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft "clink" ....
as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me..........
To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man.....
For tears fell from his eyes

At the end of the service........
As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors....
And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow.............
And wanted to meet the s hoe man.
So after the closing prayer..........
I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark.....
And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming.........
For being our guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie..........
I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes.........
But he had a large, wide grin.

Let me explain," he said...........
Wiping tears from his eyes.
I've been coming here for months....
And you're the first to say 'Hi.'" "

I know that my appearance.........
Is not like all the rest.
But I really do try.................
To always look my best."

I always clean and polish my shoes....
Before my very long walk.
But by the time I get here.........
They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."


My heart filled with pain............
and I swallowed to hide my tears
As he continued to apologize........
For daring to sit so near.


He said, "When I get here...........
I know I must look a sight.
But I thought if I could touch you..
Then maybe our souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment..........
Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison...
I spoke from my heart, not my head.

Oh, you've touched me," I said......
And taught me, in part;
that the best of any man............
Is what is found in his heart."

The rest, I thought,.................
This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am...
That his dirty old shoe touched my soul

You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
I respect you, and truly cherish you.

Pyschology Of A Suicide Bomber

Psychology behind suicide bombings

By - Pierre Rehov, documentary filmmaker

On July 15, MSNBC's "Connected" program discussed the July 7th London attacks.

One of the guests was Pierre Rehov, a French filmmaker who has filmed six documentaries on the intifada by going undercover in the Palestinian areas. Pierre's upcoming film, "Suicide Killers," is based on interviews that he conducted with the families of suicide bombers and would-be bombers in an attempt to find out why they do it. Pierre agreed to a request for a Q&A interview here about his work on the new film.

Q - What inspired you to produce "Suicide Killers," your seventh film?
A - I started working with victims of suicide attacks to make a film on PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) when I became fascinated with the personalities of those who had committed those crimes, as they were described again and again by their victims. Especially the fact that suicide bombers are all smiling one second before they blow themselves up.

Q - Why is this film especially important?
A - People don't understand the devastating culture behind this unbelievable phenomenon. My film is not politically correct because it addresses the real problem, showing the real face of Islam. It points the finger against a culture of hatred in which the uneducated are brainwashed to a level where their only solution in life becomes to kill themselves and kill others in the name of a God whose word, as transmitted by other men, has become their only certitude.

Q - What insights did you gain from making this film? What do you know that other experts do not know?
A - I came to the conclusion that we are facing a neurosis at the level of an entire civilization. Most neuroses have in common a dramatic event, generally linked to an unacceptable sexual behavior. In this case, we are talking of kids living all their lives in pure frustration, with no opportunity to experience sex, love, tenderness or even understanding from the opposite sex. The separation between men and women in Islam is absolute. So is contempt toward women, who are totally dominated by men. This leads to a situation of pure anxiety, in which normal behavior is not possible. It is no coincidence that suicide killers are mostly young men dominated subconsciously by an overwhelming libido that they not only cannot satisfy but are afraid of, as if it is the work of the devil.Since Islam describes heaven as a place where everything on Earth will finally be allowed, and promises 72 virgins to those frustrated kids, killing others and killing themselves to reach this redemption becomes their only solution.

Q - What was it like to interview would-be suicide bombers, their families and survivors of suicide bombings?
A - It was a fascinating and a terrifying experience. You are dealing with seemingly normal people with very nice manners who have their own logic, which to a certain extent can make sense since they are so convinced that what they say is true. It is like dealing with pure craziness, like interviewing people in an asylum, since what they say, is for them, the absolute truth. I hear a mother saying "Thank God, my son is dead." Her son had became a shaheed, a martyr, which for her was a greater source of pride than if he had became an engineer, a doctor or a winner of the Nobel Prize.This system of values works completely backwards since their interpretation of Islam worships death much more than life. You are facing people whose only dream, only achievement goal is to fulfill what they believe to be their destiny, namely to be a Shaheed or the family of a shaheed.They don't see the innocent being killed, they only see the impure that they have to destroy.

Q - You say suicide bombers experience a moment of absolute power, beyond punishment. Is death the ultimate power?
A - Not death as an end, but death as a door opener to the after life. They are seeking the reward that God has promised them. They work for God, the ultimate authority, above all human laws. They therefore experience this single delusional second of absolute power, where nothing bad can ever happen to them, since they become God's sword.

Q - Is there a suicide bomber personality profile? Describe the psychopathology.
A - Generally kids between 15 and 25 bearing a lot of complexes, generally inferiority complexes. They must have been fed with religion. They usually have a lack of developed personality. Usually they are impressionable idealists. In the western world they would easily have become drug addicts, but not criminals. Interestingly, they are not criminals since they don't see good and evil the same way that we do. If they had been raised in an Occidental culture, they would have hated violence. But they constantly battle against their own death anxiety. The only solution to this deep-seated pathology is to be willing to die and be rewarded in the afterlife in Paradise.

Q - Are suicide bombers principally motivated by religious conviction?
A - Yes, it is their only conviction. They don't act to gain a territory or to find freedom or even dignity. They only follow Allah, the supreme judge, and what He tells them to do.

Q - Do all Muslims interpret jihad and martyrdom in the same way?
A - All Muslim believers believe that, ultimately, Islam will prevail on earth. They believe this is the only true religion and there is no room, in their mind, for interpretation. The main difference between moderate Muslims and extremists is that moderate Muslims don't think they will see the absolute victory of Islam during their lifetime, therefore they respect other beliefs. The extremists believe that the fulfillment of the Prophecy of Islam and ruling the entire world as described in the Koran, is for today. Each victory of Bin Laden convinces 20 million moderate Muslims to become extremists.

Q - Describe the culture that manufactures suicide bombers.
A - Oppression, lack of freedom, brain washing, organized poverty, placing God in charge of daily life, total separation between men and women, forbidding sex, giving women no power whatsoever, and placing men in charge of family honor, which is mainly connected to their women's behavior.

Q - What socio-economic forces support the perpetuation of suicide bombings?
A - Muslim charity is usually a cover for supporting terrorist organizations. But one has also to look at countries like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran, which are also supporting the same organizations through different networks. The ironic thing in the case of Palestinian suicide bombers is that most of the money comes through financial support from the Occidental world, donated to a culture that utterly hates and rejects the West (mainly symbolized by Israel).

Q - Is there a financial support network for the families of the suicide bombers? If so, who is paying them and how does that affect the decision?
A - There used to be a financial incentive in the days of Saddam Hussein($25,000 per family) and Yasser Arafat (smaller amounts), but these days are gone. It is a mistake to believe that these families would sacrifice their children for money. Although, the children themselves who are very attached to their families, might find in this financial support another reason to become suicide bombers. It is like buying a life insurance policy and then committing suicide.

Q - Why are so many suicide bombers young men?
A - As discussed above, libido is paramount. Also ego, because this is a sure way to become a hero. The shaheed are the cowboys or the firemen of Islam. Shaheed is a positively reinforced value in this culture. And what kid has never dreamed of becoming a cowboy or a fireman?

Q - What role does the U.N. play in the terrorist equation?
A - The U.N. is in the hands of Arab countries and third world or ex-communist countries. Their hands are tied. The U.N. has condemned Israel more than any other country in the world, including the regime of Castro, Idi Amin or Kaddahfi. By behaving this way, the U.N. leaves a door open by not openly condemning terrorist organizations. In addition, through UNRWA, the U.N. is directly tied to terror organizations such as Hamas, representing 65 percent of their apparatus in the so-called Palestinian refugee ! camps. As a support to Arab countries, the U.N. has maintained Palestinians in camps with the hope to "return" into Israel for more than 50 years, therefore making it impossible to settle those populations, which still live in deplorable conditions. Four hundred million dollars are spent every year, mainly financed by U.S. taxes, to support 23,000 employees ! of UNRW A, many of whom belong to terrorist organizations (see Congressman Eric Cantor on this subject, and in my film "Hostages of Hatred").

Q - You say that a suicide bomber is a 'stupid bomb and a smart bomb' simultaneously. Explain what you mean.
A - Unlike an electronic device, a suicide killer has until the last second the capacity to change his mind. In reality, he is nothing but a platform representing interests which are not his, but he doesn't know it.

Q - How can we put an end to the madness of suicide bombings and terrorism in general?
A - Stop being politically correct and stop believing that this culture is a victim of ours. Radical Islamism today is nothing but a new form of Nazism. Nobody was trying to justify or excuse Hitler in the 1930s. We had to defeat him in order to make peace one day with the German people.

Q - Are these men traveling outside their native areas in large numbers? Based on your research, would you predict that we are beginning to see a new wave of suicide bombings outside the Middle East?
A - Every successful terror attack is considered a victory by the radical Islamists. Everywhere Islam expands there is regional conflict. Right now, there are thousands of candidates for martyrdom lining up in training camps in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Inside Europe, hundreds of illegal mosques are preparing the next step of brain washing to lost young men who cannot find a satisfying identity in the Occidental world. Israel is much more prepared for this than the rest of the world will ever be.

Yes, there will be more suicide killings in Europe and the U.S. SADLY, THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.

Installing LOVE

How to Install Love.


Tech Support: Yes, ... how can I help you?

Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me through the process?

Tech Support: Yes, I can help you! Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running ?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not run on external components." What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.

Customer: So, what should I do?

Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.

Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventuallyeverything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.

Customer: Thank you, God.


Fitness By Marilyn
Rockport, TX 78382
fitnessbymarilyn@gmail.com
http://www.fitnessbymarilyn.com
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

NINE-ELEVEN

TWO THOUSAND ONE, NINE ELEVEN (2001-911)

Two thousand one, nine eleven Three thousand plus arrive in heaven
As they pass through the gate, Thousands more appear in wait
A bearded man with stovepipe hat Steps forward saying, "Lets sit, lets chat"
They settle down in seats of clouds A man named Martin shouts out proud
"I have a dream!" and once he did The Newcomer said, "Your dream still lives."

Groups of soldiers in blue and gray Others in khaki, and green then say
"We're from Bull Run, Yorktown, the Maine" The Newcomer said, "You died not in vain."

From a man on sticks one could hear "The only thing we have to fear.
The Newcomer said, "We know the rest, Trust us sir, we've passed that test."
"Courage doesn't hide in caves You can't bury freedom, in a grave,"
The Newcomers had heard this voice before A distinct Yankees twang from Hyannisport shores

A silence fell within the mist Somehow the Newcomer knew that this
Meant time had come for her to say What was in the hearts of the five thousand plus that day
"Back on Earth, we wrote reports, Watched our children play in sports
Worked our gardens, sang our songs Went to church and clipped coupons
We smiled, we laughed, we cried, we fought Unlike you, great we're not"
The tall man in the stovepipe hat Stood and said, "Don't talk like that!
Look at your country, look and see You died for freedom, just like me"

Then, before them all appeared a scene Of rubbled streets and twisted beams
Death, destruction, smoke and dust And people working just 'cause they must
Hauling ash, lifting stones, Knee deep in hell, but not alone
"Look! Blackman, Whiteman, Brownman, Yellowman Side by side helping their fellow man!"
So said Martin, as he watched the scene "Even from nightmares, can be born a dream."
Down below three firemen raised The colors high into ashen haze
The soldiers above had seen it before On Iwo Jimaback in '45

The man on sticks studied everything closely Then shared his perceptions on what he saw mostly
"I see pain, I see tears, I see sorrow -- but I don't see fear."
"You left behind husbands and wives Daughters and sons and so many lives
Are suffering now because of this wrong But look very closely. You're not really gone.
All of those people, even those who've never met you
All of their lives, they'll never forget you

Don't you see what has happened?
Don't you see what you've done? You've brought them together, together as one.
With that the man in the stovepipe hat said "Take my hand," and from there he led
Three thousand plus heroes, Newcomers to heaven On this day, two thousand one, nine eleven

Author UNKNOWN (What a shame!)

Ode To America

We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial about the USA Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescuand published under the title "C"ntarea Americii, meaning "Ode To America" in the Romanian newspaper Evenimentulzilei "The Daily Event" or "News of the Day".

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

~An Ode to America~

Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs. Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart.

Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, and the secret services that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about.

The Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing their traditional song: "God Bless America!"

I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people.

How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put in a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy.

What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their galloping history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace. I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion... Only freedom can work such miracles.

Cornel Nistorescu

Letter From IRS Customer

The Honorable Paul S. Sarbanes
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington DC , 20510

Dear Senator Sarbanes,

As a native Marylander and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the process for becoming an illegal alien and they referred me to you.

My primary reason for wishing to change my status from U.S. Citizen to illegal alien stem from the bill which was recently passed by the Senate and for which you voted. If my understanding of this bill's provisions is accurate, as an illegal alien who has been in the United States for five years, all I need to do to become a citizen is to pay a $2,000 fine and income taxes for three of the last five years. I know a good deal when I see one and I am anxious to get the process started before everyone figures it out.

Simply put, those of us who have been here legally have had to pay taxes every year so I'm excited about the prospect of avoiding two years of taxes in return for paying a $2,000 fine. Is there any way that I can apply to be illegal retroactively? This would yield an excellent result for me and my family because we paid heavy taxes in 2004 and 2005.

Additionally, as an illegal alien I could begin using the local emergency room as my primary health care provider. Once I have stopped paying premiums for medical insurance, my accountant figures I could save almost $10,000 a year. Another benefit in gaining illegal status would be that my daughter would receive preferential treatment relative to her law school applications, as well as "in-state" tuition rates for many colleges throughout the United States for my son.

Lastly, I understand that illegal status would relieve me of the burden of renewing my driver's license and making those burdensome car insurance premiums. This is very important to me given that I still have college age children driving my car.

If you would provide me with an outline of the process to become illegal ( retroactively if possible) and copies of the necessary forms, I would be most appreciative. Thank you for your assistance.

Your Loyal Constituent,

Pete McGlaughlin

This should be etched in stone someplace.

In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity, we should remember England's Prime Minister Tony Blair's words during a recent interview.

When asked by one of his Parliament members why he believes so much in America, he said:

"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in ... and how many want out."

American GI

Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes.

He stays up for days on end.
_________________________

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.

He goes days or weeks without running water.
__________________________

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.

He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
__________________________

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.

He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
__________________________

You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.

He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
__________________________

You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.

He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
__________________________

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.

He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
__________________________

You complain about how hot it is.

He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his
brow.
__________________________

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.

He doesn't get to eat today.
__________________________

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.

He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
__________________________

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.

He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
__________________________

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.

He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
__________________________

You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.

He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
__________________________

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.

He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
__________________________

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.

He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet
__________________________

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.

He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
__________________________

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.

He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
__________________________

You see only what the media wants you to see.

He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
__________________________

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.

He does exactly what he is told.
__________________________

You stay at home and watch TV.

He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
__________________________

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.

He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gunfire.
__________________________

You sit there and judge him, saying the world is probably a worse place because of men like him.

If only there were more men like him!


Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you,
Jesus Christ and the American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom!

Create Your Own Mission Statement For Your Personal And Professional Life

by Denis Waitley

Two of life's greatest tragedies are:

Never to have had a great mission in life; and to have fully reached it so there is no challenge remaining. Are you going where you want to go, doing what you want to do, and becoming who you want to become? These are the questions we must ask ourselves. Set some quiet time aside after you have finished this program and see the two you's in the mirror of your mind:

1. There is the reflection of the person you are today.

2. There is the image of who you will be in the future.

Looking at my own life, I am incredibly different in many respects from the person I was ten years ago. As you reflect on your past and anticipate the future, understand that virtually nothing you have experienced has been wasted. It all blends together into wisdom and knowledge, and creates your own unique brand of cultural diversity.

Action Idea:

In your professional life, what is most important for you to achieve in the remainder of career?

In your personal life, what is most important for you to achieve in the remainder of your life?

Find a close friend or associate you trust and network with often, and challenge each other to continuously strive to reach these objectives.

As you consider your mission in life, you may want to use this final action step, Number Twenty-one, as your guidepost for the 21st Century: Chase Your Passion, Not Your Pension. Passion in your purpose will help you take control of your life, and also give you one other advantage that is not widely recognized: About ten more years of life, on average. Pursuit of a goal wears out very few people. But they rust out by the hundreds of thousands when their pursuit of happiness turns into a geriatric park.

A job is something you do for money. A career is something you do because you have an inner calling to do it. You want to do it. You love doing it. You're excited when you do it. And you'd do it even if you were paid nothing beyond food and the basics. You'd do it because it's your life.

A Great Recipe

Prescribed by the Great Physician
****************************

~*~A GREAT RECIPE~*~

Fold two hands together,
And express a dash of sorrow.
Marinate it overnight,
And work on it tomorrow.

Chop one grudge in tiny pieces,
Add several cups of love.
Dredge with a large sized smile,
Mix with the ingredients above.

Dissolve the hate within you,
By doing a good deed.
Cut in and help your friend,
If he/she should be in need.

Stir in laughter, love and kindness,
From the heart it has to come.
Toss with genuine forgiveness,
And give your friends some.

The amount of people served,
Will depend on you.
It can serve the whole wide world.
If you really want it to!!!

author unknown

Senior Citizen

Two patients limp into two different medical clinics with the same complaint. Both have trouble walking and appear to require a hip replacement. The first patient is examined within the hour, is x-rayed the same day and has a time booked for surgery the following week. The second sees his family doctor after waiting a week for an appointment, then waits eighteen weeks to see a specialist, then gets an x-ray, which isn't reviewed for another month and finally has his surgery scheduled for a year from then.

Why the different treatment for the two patients?

The first is Golden Retriever.

The second is a "Senior Citizen".

Anti-Aging Advice: 99 Steps to 100

Anti-Aging Advice: 99 Steps to 100 by Walter M. Bortz, M.D. Enjoy a healthy retirement with Dr. Walter Bortz's anti-aging strategies. This leading aging expert offers 99 simple steps for longevity that show how diet, attitude, exercise and renewal can help you control your body's change, growth and repair.

Step 1: anti-aging nutrition
Step 2: read well to eat well
Step 3: time to eat?
Step 4: your body's need for calories
Step 5: fat alert
Step 6: count cholesterol
Step 7: push carbs
Step 8: protein pros and cons
Step 9: don't dry up
Step 10: slash the salt
Step 11: keep your fiber up
Step 12: vitamin care
Step 13: calcium matters
Step 14: a coffee break for longevity
Step 15: alcohol: anti-aging foe or friend?
Step 16: chemical cuisine?
Step 17: beware free radicals
Step 18: cancer-fighting diet
Step 19: believe in longevityStep 20: be necessary

More anti-aging steps:
Read more about Dr. Walter Bortz!
Buy the Book!
What Will Be Your Retirement Strategy?
DARE to Be 100, the best-selling book by Dr. Bortz, contains his fundamental program for living a long, enjoyable and healthy life.

The DARE Philosophy "DARE to Be 100" is based on Dr. Bortz's "DARE" philosophy: Diet, Attitude, Renewal and Exercise.

Diet. Regarding diet, Dr. Bortz focuses on variety and activity, likening inactive people to zoo animals: "When you're a zoo animal, you must be carefully fed, but wild animals can eat anything." Through exercise, you can boost your metabolism and help slow the aging process. "The most important step is to stay physically active," says Dr. Bortz.

Attitude. This is a crucial and sometimes overlooked category. "Believe in 100," Bortz challenges. If you want to become a centenarian, you must believe you can. Set goals for your retirement, develop a plan and remain optimistic.

Renewal. "Recharge, keep working and stay in the mainstream," says Dr. Bortz. Remain resilient because "it's not how many times you fall -- because age brings losses -- but how many times you stand up" that's important.

Exercise. The anti-aging benefits of aerobic exercise are clear. However, Dr. Bortz cautions us to be strong, stay loose and stay balanced. "The most important organ in an older person is not the heart or lungs but the legs." Legs are what give a person an active, independent lifestyle.

About Walter M. Bortz II, M.D.

Walter M. Bortz is one of America’s most distinguished scientific experts on aging. After training at Williams College and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, he has spent his career at Stanford University, where he holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine.

His research has focused on the importance of physical exercise in the promotion of robust aging. Dr. Bortz’s books include We Live Too Short and Die Too Long, Dare To Be 100 and Living Longer for Dummies.

Dr. Bortz has been president of the American Geriatric Society and co-chair of the American Medical Association's Task Force on Aging, and chairman of the board of directors of Fifty-Plus Lifelong Fitness.

An avid runner, the 75-year old physician completed thirty-five marathons and is a columnist for Runner’s World magazine.

The Cracked Pot

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" "That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them."
"For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

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Pebble Or Boulder

Yesterday I was walking across a parking lot when my left foot stepped on a pebble and I almost lost my balance. Fortunately, I was holding on to my fiance's hand and he was holding on to mine.

I began to think how a small pebble could make one stumble. If the rock had been a boulder I would have easily sidestepped it but I really did not see the pebble until I stumbled. God once again spoke to me in His still small voice. He said, "Satan is not going to put large boulders, temptations, in your Christian walk. Satan knows you will not rob a bank nor murder someone so he throws pebbles in your path."

One of these pebbles is laziness. He whispers to us just sleep in, it won't hurt to miss your quiet time or church just this once. There is also the pebble of fear of looking foolish, a pebble that keeps us from witnessing. Another pebble he may toss into our path is the pebble of what's the use also known as the pebble of discouragement. You struggle while your co-workers seem to have it all together without Jesus. However, Satan does not need to throw pebbles in their paths - they are on the broad path that leads to destruction.

Pebbles come in different shapes and sizes and believe me they will come. Satan longs to see you fall. What will keep you from falling ? As I mention earlier I was holding my fiance's hand and that is what kept me from falling. Well, one day we will be marrying Jesus so that makes Him our fiance. We need to be holding on to HIs hand and realize He is holding on to our hand. We need to realize we will stumble but if we are praying, reading the Bible and worshipping, God will hold us up. Also know that if we fall our loving heavenly Father is there to pick us up, embrace us, brush off our skinned knees and get us walking on His path again.

Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

Easter Story Cookies

* What a unique way to explain Easter to children!*

EASTER STORY COOKIES

To be made the evening before Easter

You need:

1 cup whole pecans

1 cup small chocolate chips (optional)

1 tsp. Vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch salt

1 cup sugar

zipper baggie

wooden spoon

tape

Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don'twait until you're half done with the recipe)!

Place pecans in zipper baggies and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. Vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain in that the color white Represents -- in God's eyes -- the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto waxpaper- covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain thatJesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.

Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow!

On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9

How To Plant Your Garden

How To Plant Your Garden

First, you Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses....



FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,


PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:

1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul


PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:

1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness


PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:

1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another


NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:

1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another


TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:

1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends


WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW!

Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

Not The Fruit Of The Action

It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
-- Mahatma Gandhi

Fitness By Marilyn
P. O. Box 834
Rockport, TX 78381
fitnessbymarilyn@gmail.com
http://www.fitnessbymarilyn.com
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

Fruit Of The Tree

"The fruit of the tree shall be your meat, the leaf thereof, your medicine." ...Ezekial 47:12 and again in Ecclesiastes.

And God said, "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which [is] upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which [is] the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." - Genesis 1:29

Fitness By Marilyn
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

Plenty Of Fish

Green Friends

GreenFriends.com - The best place in the world for meeting vegetarian friends and singles.

Fitness By Marilyn

My VOTE Will Count

Billy Graham once said, "Bad politicians are elected by good people who don't vote."

Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 7, is the primary election day in Texas. Be sure to go vote and ask others to do the same.

Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

The Secret To Health Is Love

Love may very well be the most important factor to keeping us healthy and young. Thousands of hours of research show that love and intimacy ( or lack of them) are at the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, what makes us suffer and what leads to healing.

Being alone increases our chances ( by between two and five times) of getting ill; and dying young, no matter how healthily we live. Among patients who survive heart disease, the ones who did best after five years were married, but some had someone to confide in. The next healthiest were patients who where married and had a Confidant. Following were those who were married but didn't have a Confidant. The group who were unmarried and had no close friend to talk to did worse, half died within five years.

You'd think that the more people you talk to the more likely you'd catch a cold from one of them. But research as found the exact opposite. The wider variety of people you talk to often, including partners, children , neighbors, co-workers, fellow volunteers, etc - the lower your chances of getting symptoms of a cold, even if you've been infected. Experts speculate that if you're meeting lots of people you'll be happier and therefore have a stronger immune system.
When women marry, they cut their chances of dying young by half. Men reduce their chances of dying young by five times when there married. Researchers found that married people are most likely to take better care of themselves, for example by eating breakfast, wearing seat belts, exercising regularly etc. Their healthier habits may also explain why they spend fewer days in bed ill, half as much time in the hospital and are less likely to become disabled as they get older.

Happily married men live eight to ten years longer than single or divorced men. Happily married women live three to four years longer than single or divorced women. Women who are in happy relationships are less prone to strokes and heart attacks after menopause, when they're most at risk for heart-relatedproblems. Single women and women involved in dissatisfying relationships are significantly worse off than women in happy relationships in terms of heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Lonely people, particularly single men, who don't have deep friendships have higher stress and blood pressure , don't get as much sleep and are more hostile.

Displays of affection like hugging or kissing, between people in committed meaningful relationships can help heal the sick and soothe away worries. The act of touching increases the production of oxytocin, a chemical that affects the emotional centers of the brain and can trigger warmer feelings of affection.Touching also boosts the immune system, stabilizes blood pressure levels, relieves stress and produces endorphins, the body's natural pain reliever.

Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

My Yahoo Pilates Group

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Cancer News From Johns Hopkins

Subject: CANCER NEWS FROM JOHNS HOPKINS

1. No plastic containers in micro.
2. No water bottles in freezer.
3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.

Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body.

Instead, he recommends using glass, Corning Ware or ceramic containers for reheating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc.

He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons. Also, he pointed out that Saran wrap is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

This is an article I believe you should forward to your family and friends -- anyone who is important in your life!

This article does not have a date and the information has been around since the 70's at least but it is good to be reminded of these things. All are possibly safer than they were at that time but still cause for concern.

Fitness By Marilyn
Independent AIM Member - Marilyn Wilson Price

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