PaydaySamba

dancing to the tune of money

March 5, 2009

Win Against Sin! Now THAT’s Good News!

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 11:39 pm

Regarding sin, here’s a test: try NOT to think about a crystal bowl of Red & Green M&M candies. Now, try not to sin. As long as we walk around in these earth suits, we’re going to have a VERY hard time NOT sinning. Frankly, even if I never sinned, I’d get pridefull about how good I am in comparison to you. Pride is a sin; a very serious matter that got Lucifer booted out of Heaven. Pride really does come before a fall, according to Scripture. Even babies know how to sin. No one has to tell a little kid how to be selfish or steal.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1) If even a minister serves up a message of condemnation for you, quite simply, it’s NOT from God. How do we know? Because those things that are from the Holy Spirit manifest themselves in Edification, Exhortation, Comfort (1 Cor 14:3). The Spirit Himself has come to convict us of our sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:5-11). Jesus said, “But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, `Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin (ministering conviction and leading to godly sorrow, repentance and resulting in more followers of Jesus), because they do not believe in Me; concerning righteousness (because, with Jesus gone, the Spirit would continue reminding us of who we are in God’s eyes so that the Cause of Christ – this Kingdom work of ours – would continue), because I go to the Father, and you will see Me no more; concerning judgment (what God had prepared for the devil and his angels and those who willfully follow him), because the ruler of this world is judged.

Conviction of sin? Yes, NOT condemnation. Once that conviction leads to godly sorrow, it will lead to repentance (2 Cor 7;10).

Conviction of righteousness? Yes! We MUST become convicted of our righteousness – our right standing with God. If not, we will find ourselves wallowing in the condemnation Satan heaps upon us in relation to our pasts.

Judgment? As one speaker said, “God votes you go to Heaven. Satan votes you go to Hell. YOU cast the deciding vote.”

Let’s remember that, although Eph 2:8,9 declares that, “For by grace you have been saved through faith…,” though are saved by God’s grace, that same grace is NOT a license to sin. Guess what? We’re going to sin ANY WAY!

That’s the Good News (Gospel) about sin; that even though we may do our level best NOT to sin, when we do – and we WILL – we have an advocate (Jesus) with the Father. Sure, you may never fly a plane into a tall building, or have an affair with a high ranking official. But do you ever Doubt? Do you ever Fear? Lie? Steal? Lust? Covet? Gossip? Isaiah 64:6 says Our righteousness is filthy rags in God’s sight. Romans says There is NO ONE righteous; not even one. ALL have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Folks, at our BEST, we’re not good enough. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:12. “…When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

Think about it; who among us had sinned before Jesus died on that cruel cross? No one. So, logically speaking, if ALL our sins were atoned for at Calvary, ALL includes ALL the sins you and I ever committed AS WELL as all the sins you and I will EVER commit, right?

Now, despite the fact that we are so good at holding one another to our own self-righteous measuring stick, merciless standards of what is good and acceptable, though man looks at the outside, God looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7). Are there consequences for our sins? You’d better believe it. Gal 6:7,8 says: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”

The principal of reaping and sowing – the seedtime-to-harvest existence we have here on earth, was set in motion by God back in Gen 8:22. But be of good cheer; though those negative seeds of sin will bring forth a negative harvest, those positive seeds of blessing will bring forth blessings from God that will overtake you, to. So, remain blessable at all costs!

So, what’s the Good News about sin? The Good News about sin is that the debt has been paid. The key is simply in making Jesus the real Lord of your lives though experiential relationship. We are encouraged by Scripture to GROW in grace and in the KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3;18). How does a person fall in love with anyone or anything? By spending TIME with that person or thing. Jesus WANTS to be a REAL Person in all of our lives. Sadly, too often, He never shakes His status as a mere historical figure. The plain truth is that most who call themselves Christians are doing so only because they weren’t born in Baghdad or Islamabad or Pakistan. Many consider themselves Christians despite having ZERO relationship with Christ. Christless Christianity is no Christianity at all.

Do you want to grow in that relationship? Years ago, I was asked to pick up a wonderful godly woman for a church service as her car was in the shop. I thought, “Here’s my chance!” As we drove along, I asked her what it was that made her seem so “different” than so many other Christians I had met. She smiled knowingly and said it came down to three very simple ingredients. 1) Pray all the time. “It’s a 2-Way form of communication, talking and listening.” 2) Study the Word. “It’s a love letter; the word “Bible” stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth,” she quipped. 3) Fellowship. “Not merely attending Church services but surrounding yourself with people whose Faith-Walk you admire and want to emulate. Remember, we all need a Paul, a Barnabas and a Timothy in our lives.”

A few years back, I performed a wedding for a Catholic man and his Church of Christ bride. The groom’s mother was a beautiful 40-something woman who had gone through an ugly divorce 20 years prior. In counseling the couple, the young man revealed to me that his mother would not take communion as a result of her feelings of unworthiness by way of her divorce. I was able to discuss this matter with her at the reception. I reminded her that the cross of Christ was all that would ever be needed for our forgiveness. There are NO VIP SINNERS and that she was as forgiven by God through Christ as anybody EVER. Friends, I think I could hear shackles and chains falling off the woman as she beamed with delight! OK. I exaggerate a bit. But it was a glorious moment, that’s for sure.

WHAT IS SIN?
Appearing 827 times in the Bible, the Greek word for “sin” is hamartia {ham-ar’-tee’-ah}, and it literally means “to miss the mark” as when an archer fails to hit the center of the target.

Who has sinned? According to Rom 3;23, ALL have sinned. Rom 3:19 says there is no one righteous; no, not one. Isaiah 64:6 describes our own righteousness as “filthy rags” in the sight of God. Basically, being good isn’t good enough.

Finally, there’s this verse from 1 Jn 1:8,10: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. if we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us.” We’re LYING to ourselves if we think we don’t sin or that we can obey the 10 commandments. I recall the very first sermon that ever stuck with me. I chose to listen to Billy Graham on a small transistor radio on my bed. He was describing how we all break the ten commandments all the time. Adultery? Jesus said you’ve committed adultery through lust in your heart. Murder? Jesus said your as guilty of such if for merely hating another person. NONE of us was innocent.

Even Al Capone, the gangster, considered himself quite the benefactor to society. The evidence? The public was buying what he was selling. Likewise, pornography is a $7 Billion a year business. Is it beneficial? By Capone’s definition, it is, obviously, as so many are buying the product of porn. “But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin,” (Hebrews 3;13). Sin causes a person to be deceived. The more a person sins, the more he may be deceived.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SIN – NOT VARYING DEGREES

Unpardonable sin – if you’re worried about it, you haven’t done it. Numerous Christians are afraid they had committed the unpardonable sin. Christians who believe they have committed the unpardonable sin have a difficultif not impossibletime accepting the doctrine of eternal security.

Hundreds of verses in the Bible promise the forgiveness of our sins, but only one passage refers to an unforgivable sin. Jesus healed a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute (Matt12:22). The multitudes began to say, “This man cannot be the Son of David, can He?” They wondered if Jesus was the Messiah. The Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by Beelzebub, ruler of demons. Jesus’ response to their accusation led Him to conclude what He said in Matt 12:31-32. In this passage He refers to blasphemy, defined as “defiant irreverence.” i.e., cursing God or willfully degrading things considered holy. Here the term refers to the declaration of the Pharisees who had witnessed undeniable evidence that Christ was performing miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet they attributed the miracles to Satan. In the face of irrefutable evidence they ascribed the work of the Holy Spirit to that of Satan.

Many Bible scholars agree that this unique circumstance can NOT be duplicated today. The Pharisees had seen proof of Christ’s deity. But instead of acknowledging God, they attributed the supernatural power to Satan instead of the work of the Holy Spirit. Christ is not in the world as He was. Although the Holy Spirit still accomplishes supernatural things through His servants, they are merely representatives of the King. The circumstances of Matthew 12 make it impossible for this sin to take place today. This incident is the only one in which a sin is declared unforgivable. The Bible states, “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom 10:13). No invitation to salvation carries with it an exception clause, “unless you have committed the unpardonable sin.”

No matter how evil our sins, there is pardon for them. God forgave David for his adultery, dishonesty, and murder (2 Sam 12:13, Ps 51). Simon Peter’s denial of our Lord accompanied by profanity was forgiven (Matt 26:74-75). The apostle Paul was forgiven of his preconversion merciless persecution of Christians (Acts 9:1). Just about every possible sin is listed somewhere in the New Testament. And every one of them falls into the category of “Forgivable.” That’s Good News!

Sin of Commission: When we actively do something sinful.

Sin of Ommission: When we fail to do something we should do. (James 4:17) To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin.

The Sin Unto Death: The phrase “sin unto death” describes the final stage of divine discipline in which God removes from the earth the person who is totally alienated from God. Calling home a disobedient child who disgraces the family name. The “sin unto death” is described in 1 Jn 5:16; Psalm 118:17,18;Ezek. 18:21-32.

Some case histories of the “sin unto death”:

* Acts 5:1-10.
* 1 Cor 11:30,31.
* 1 Chron10:13,14; 1 Sam 13:9-14.
* Isa 38.
* Num 31:8; 1 Tim 1:19,20.

(1 Peter 1:18) At the moment of salvation, you were changed SPIRITUALLY. You were crucified with Christ, you died to the world, and you were “redeemed with the precious blood of Christ from worthless ways of living.”

(Col 3:3) “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Not only that, but at the time of your conversion, the Holy Spirit – God Himself – came to live on the inside of you. Satan wants you to believe that you’re no different now than before you were saved. If he can convince us that we haven’t changed on the inside, we will live a lifestyle that’s not much different than anybody else’s. We are to make them JEALOUS.

WHAT JESUS SAID ABOUT SIN

CHRIST TAUGHT THAT TEMPTATION IS NOT SIN
(Lk 22:28). 40/40 nights Jesus was tempted by Satan. He never yielded.
(Jn 8:46) Jesus describes His entire LIFE on earth as a period of trials.
(Heb 4:15) Jesus never sinned, because He never yielded to temptation.

Temptation is not sin—ONLY an opportunity to do either right or wrong–to serve either God or Satan. You can’t stop a bird from landing on your head. But you can stop it from building a nest there.

JESUS TAUGHT THAT MISTAKES ARE NOT SIN

HERE ARE 4 statements of Jesus all leading to a conclusion that sins are not mistakes and mistakes are not sins.
(Jn 9:41; Jn 3:19-21; Jn 15:22 and Jn 15:24).

99 out of 100 people who read these passages will understand that sin is relative to light; that sin never occurs without a conscious and willful choice of evil. Wherever Jesus spoke of sin this moral principle was clearly implied or plainly taught.

Dr. George Lamsa, widely known as world’s foremost authority on Aramaic language, the language Christ spoke, stated: Sin separates us from God—Mistakes are not sin—No one can be forgiven without repentance—When a sinner repents he is no longer a slave to sin and Satan.

AN ILLUSTRATION

When I was a boy, I decided to “help” my dad by pounding the crooked teeth on his handsaw to straighten them out. For those who aren’t aware, the teeth on a hand saw are SUPPOSED to be crooked, like a sharks’ teeth. Dad pulled up just in time before I could make a dent. He lovingly explained and I was not punished.

(Matt 5:48) Was I sinning? Should I have been punished? No, I made a mistake. As long as the heart stays right we are not sinning, even though the head lacks information. No one is perfect in knowledge, though any one can be perfect in heart. This is what Jesus meant, “Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect” Remember, 1 Sam 16:7, ‘Man looks at the outside; God looks at the heart.”

Many accuse and beat themselves up about sin when they have only been tempted but have not yielded. Of course, if one is tempted and yields to the temptation enough to entertain the will to do it, when he knows it is evil, he is then sinning.

IT’S A BATTLE FOR YOUR MIND!! Thoughts become a stronghold. Control is lost. We are SLAVES to sin. RENEW our minds! (READ 2nd Corinthians 10:15) Cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and to bring every thought into captivity to God.

(Matt 5:28).Billy Graham said, “the first look is free; after that we’re accountable.” Here it should be remembered the thought of sin was deliberately entertained—and the looking was done with the purpose of lusting.

(Matt 5:29, 30).Jesus follows this thought of “looking to lust.” He was saying that if any part of our body actually forces us to sin we’d beer off to literally tear it off because sin, unrepented, is fatal to the soul.

Remember, this was before a drop of blood was shed at the cross! Up till that time we were STILL under the Law of the old covenant.
GRACE = the Power to do what is required of us.

JESUS REDEEMED US FROM SIN
(1 Jn 2:1)

(1 Jn 3:8)

(Rom 8:4)
(1 Cor 10:13)
(Rom 6:10-14)

(Titus 2:11-14)
(2 Cor 10:5
(1 Jn 5:3-5)
(Jn 15:7-8
(Jn 14:150

(1 Jn 3:3-10)

WHEN WE SIN, WHAT NEXT?
I do not believe or teach that it is impossible for a Christian to sin. Even as Jesus was tempted by the devil, Christians will continue to be tempted. As a Christian relies upon God, no temptation will be too difficult (1 Cor. 10:13). If a Christian takes his eyes off of Christ, sin is almost sure to follow.

“If any man sin…” Notice first of all that this verse says “IF”. If a Christian sins then he needs to confess the sin and repent of it.

(James 5:19-20) if a Christian wanders from the truth and commits sin, he needs to be restored in order to be saved from death.

(Heb 2:11), If you seek to live a holy life, cling to Jesus, the One who MAKES us holy

(Gal 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16). WHEN you sin, TURN from your sin. Don’t try to turn God’s grace into a license to continue in your sin and do not try to cover up your sin.

(Prov 28:13) And after you have confessed and repented of your sin, trust God to give you the grace and strength to overcome it in the future.

(Rom 6:14)Don’t be weakened in your faith. Don’t let your trust and reliance in God waiver, for he is able to keep you blameless and present you before his presence faultless and with great joy (Jude 24).

Struggling With Sin or defeated by it? We become what we surround ourselves with.

“Struggling with sin” is a phrase that is used rather lightly in many religious circles. The word “struggle” means to “fight against”; it means to “strive not to give in”. It does not mean or imply that the one who is struggling is on the losing side of the struggle. And yet, many “Christians” when they say that they are struggling with sin they mean that they are committing sin(s) even while trying not to. They mean that they have struggled and then they were defeated by sin. And so perhaps the word “defeated” rather than “struggling” more accurately describes such people. Sadly, many people accept such “struggling” (actually defeat) as a way of life. They have not truly struggled so hard that they have suffered any great deal striving with all their might not to give in to temptations

(Heb 12:4).

ALL FLESH SEEKS AFTER ITS OWN COMFORT

Many would say that they “struggle with” lust, greed, covetousness, anger, selfishness. Actually, they mean that they fight against it a little, but end up giving in to these temptations. They claim that they are trying not to sin. But in reality they watch commercials that promotes lust; they watch movies and television programs that encourages coveting; and they listen to music that contains all sorts of self-oriented lyrics. Can anyone actually say they are truly trying to overcome temptations? Will God believe them when they say that they tried? Make every effort to enter the kingdom of heaven through the narrow door, Jesus says, because many will simply try but not be able to (Luke 13:24).

(James 4:7)

(1 Cor 10:13)

(Heb 2:18)

But don’t believe the lie that because you struggle you are in sin. It is not true.

GOOD NEWS ABOUT YOU! Struggling against sin does not mean that you are displeasing God.

Struggling against sin is one of the main evidences that you HATE sin. God looks at the heart.

Christians do struggle with sin…and get the victory through faith. The “struggle” of the Christian is not a vicious cycle of try-fail, try-fail, try-fail,… No, the struggle of the Christian echoes the sorrowful, yet rejoicing words of the Apostle Paul, “we faced trials far beyond our ability to endure” (2 Cor 1:8); “God has delivered us and will continue to deliver us” (2 Cor 1:10). “Now thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in Christ” (2 Cor 2:14).

Perhaps you are convicted by God. Perhaps there is sin in your life that you cannot seem to give up. Do not lose hope. Rather, repent and get rid of everything that hinders you (Heb 12:1-2). Truly submit to God. Resist the devil and do not give your temptations a foothold.

Now, scroll to the bottom of this article. RATE IT and FORWARD to your friends. Someone out there needs to read this!

Michael Tummillo - EzineArticles Expert Author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Michael is founder of t.e.a.m. ministries (team1min@aol.com). His eMail broadcasts, known as “Your Town for Jesus” (SEARCH it!) are reaching tens of thousands WEEKLY. He ministers by way of email and Instant Message, too. Write him at team1min@aol.com if you’d like to SUBSCRIBE to receive his messages directly.
Michael’s mission is to bring Discipleship and Encouragement to the Body of Christ. Michael is the author of numerous booklets on a variey of subjects that will interest the thinking Christian. Since 1999, he has written and broadcast hundreds of inspirational articles and a dozen booklets, all designed to accelerate the process of spiritual development in God’s people.

Business Web Site Hosting – What Type Should I Choose?

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 9:19 pm

If you plan to offer goods and services for sale on your business web site, you will have to decide on the best business web site hosting. There are so many business web site hosting services and options now available. When considering business web site hosting there are three types of options. Dedicated Server, Virtual Hosting and Co-location. You may be asking yourself, “How can I get the best business web site hosting?”

When you are looking for business web site hosting you will see a number of ads and links that promise many great options for your business. You will see options that vary from free web hosting and cheap web hosting, to expensive business web site hosting. It’s best to stay focused on what you really need for your business situation and try to ignore all the hype.

Some of the basic questions you may have to answer when considering business web site hosting are, “What type of server should I have? Am I going to have a business that is a simple business site or a complex Ecommerce site with real time statistics and payment functionality?” Only you can answer these type of questions when considering business web site hosting.

Dedicated Server business web site hosting is a type of hosting service where you rent the entire server. This is a good solution for webmasters who lack the startup capitol to buy their own server. With Dedicated Server hosting you have a lot of control with disk space and file transfer capacity available for your business web site hosting needs. This will give you fast connection because your business is the only one being served by the Dedicated Server. In most cases you will have top quality service with everything you need for business web site hosting. The disadvantage is that a Dedicated Server will cost more than Virtual Hosting and does not offer the same level of control that is available from Co-location business web site hosting.

Virtual Hosting business web site hosting is a type of hosting service where you rent space on a large server and share the server with other web sites. This type of business web site hosting is very cost effective and has many features and options for almost any type of business web site. The major disadvantage with Virtual Hosting is that if you have the server go down, you may lose sales and customers visits. With business web site hosting you can not afford the loss of sales with a start up. This is why it is so important to pick a good quality hosting service for your business web hosting needs.

Co-location business web site hosting is a type of hosting service that uses your server equipment located in a secure state of the art facility in another location. The great advantage of Co-location business web site hosting is that it provides you with total control over the reliability and data transfer speed of your web site. It is tough to beat the quality of Co-location business web site hosting, but it can be a very expensive hosting solution to consider with a business start up. If money is not a concern, Co-location can be a great alternative for serious business webmasters.

Business web site hosting services are available with so many different options. Take time to compare the business web site hosting options for your type of business. Only you can decide on what is right for your business.

CY Fok is a webmaster with many years of experience. His latest site is “Information About Web Hosting”: http://www.infoaboutwebhosting.com/

March 4, 2009

The Perfect String Quartet Repertoire for Your Wedding

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 4:02 pm

Here follows suggestions and tips that will help you determine the ideal programme for your Wedding day. A String Quartet can provide music for every stage of your Wedding.

First of all, we have the Brides breakfast. If you are hiring the services of a String quartet for the whole day, you may be able to arrange for one or two of the players to come along for this early stage of the wedding at reasonable extra cost. A single string instrument, such as the cello, can provide gentle background music with Schubert’s Ave Maria or the solo suites by Bach. It is considered good form to invite the musicians to have a meal with your guests, especially if there is a long interval between wedding stages.

Next follows the Prelude. This is the stage when your guests arrive at the actual venue where the ceremony will take place. This is often a different venue from where the Brides breakfast and / or Reception takes place. You should allow enough time for the musicians to arrive at the wedding venue before your guests! By this stage, the full quartet (all 4 players) will need to be on site for the main part of the ceremony, so it makes sense to take advantage of their presence and ask them to play for the Prelude as well. The Pachelbel Canon is an ideal piece of music for this purpose. As this stage is probably the longest (with exception of the reception), the quartet will need to have a substantial repertoire of peaceful arrival music in order to avoid repitition. Selections such as the Flower Duet from Delibe’s Lakme and The Swan by Camille Saint-Saens are perennial favourites. A good string quartet will be aware of these requirements, and should be able to assure you that their repertoire is varied, extensive and appropriate. Allow up to 30 minutes for this stage.

Now comes the big moment of your Wedding day, the Processional (walking down the aisle!) This is when you’ll be very pleased that you hired a String Quartet. The actual music for the infamous ‘Here comes the bride’ is the Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner. If your prospective ensemble doesn’t know this piece (and it’s proper title), walk away! They most likely will of course. If you have your heart set on something else, you must make sure that the quartet either already has it in their repertoire, or has the resources to acquire it. More obscure musical requests may need to be written specially for quartet. Arrangements of most show tunes etc. should be within the grasp of the quartet musicians themselves. You should however, expect to pay an additional fee for this service. A good arrangement takes time.

The Signing of the register is the next stage of the Wedding which requires music. The Andante Cantabile by Tchaikovsky or Alexander Borodin’s Quartet no.2 are both very appropriate for this stage of the wedding, as they are relaxing and soothing pieces of music. Bach’s Air on the G string is also wonderfully effective. This allows everyone in the room to have a bit of a breather and will help to release any tension in the room! You should ensure that the quartet you have hired has the entire selection prepared, and not just excerpts, again to avoid endless repetition of ‘the famous bits’.

That’s it, you’ve done it, you’re married! All that’s left for you to do is to walk back down the aisle, the Processional. Unless you have very strong feelings about an alternative piece of music, it is advisable to stick with the Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn. Everybody expects to hear it, it suits the occasion perfectly and is a fantastic piece of music perfectly matched to the sound of the String Quartet.

It’s party time! The reception follows the processional, and often takes place at a different location from the wedding ceremony. In order to ensure that the musicians arrive before the guests, it is advisable that you allow them to leave the ceremony immediately following the conclusion of the processional. There is a huge amount of very good Quartet repertoire which is suitable for a Wedding reception. It would be possible to satisfy the needs of your reception with the music of Mozart alone! Of course, an experienced quartet should have a balanced repertoire. Even so, It is worth checking that the musicians have certain pieces in their arsenal. Make sure that they have on hand all the well-known baroque and classical masterpieces by Mozart, Haydn and Handel, some light music classics, jazz standards, show tunes and arrangements of other popular songs. You should expect to hear Ein Kleine Nachtmusic (a little night-music) by Mozart, Boccherini’s Minuet and The ragtime music of Scott Joplin to name but a few.

About The Author

Warren Zielinski is a top Professional violinist and musician. As Chief co-creator of the comprehensive and useful musicians-anytime.co.uk website, Warren has an enviable reputation amongst live classical wedding music specialists in the UK and abroad. Musicians-anytime specialises in providing the best young professional string quartets and ensembles for all types of events, parties and ceremonies.

info@musicians-anitime.co.uk

Wedding Save-the-Date Cards – A Complete Guide

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 2:04 pm

Although save-the-dates are not absolutely necessary, these cards have increased in popularity with the rise of destination weddings and modern guest lists spread throughout the country. Since they are a relatively modern concept, no real rules apply – a fact which sometimes causes confusion for brides when planning their wedding stationery. I’ve sorted through the information that’s out there to bring you the real ins and outs concerning save-the-dates…

Who Needs them?
If your guest list includes a number of out-of-towners, or if your wedding takes place during a holiday or other peak time, you are a prime candidate for save-the-dates. Since invitations don’t go out until 6-8 weeks before the big day, save-the-dates are the perfect way to give wedding guests a preliminary heads up so they can begin making travel arrangements. These days, however, more and more brides send these cards regardless of the time and location of their wedding. Why? Save-the-dates provide a fun opportunity to get the word out and foreshadow the style of your big event.

Rules & Etiquette
Again, few rules apply. The only information you must include is your names and wedding date, although I suggest including location information as well so wedding guests can begin their travel plans. Aim to send save-the-date cards soon after you secure your date and venue, or about 4-6 months prior to your wedding. Remember, everyone who receives a save-the-date also receives an invitation, so have your guest list finalized prior to sending them. You can, however, always add guests later (there is no rule that says everyone must receive a save-the-date card). Although formal replies are not required, you can get preliminary attendance estimates through word-of-mouth.

Trends & Ideas
These cards will be the first impression of your wedding festivities, so take advantage of this opportunity to build excitement amongst your wedding guests. If you already know the colors and/or theme of your wedding, now’s your chance to provide a sneak peak. Or try including a favorite love poem or quote that symbolizes your relationship. Here are some of my favorite ideas and trends:

• Use vibrant colors that will “pop” as soon as guests open the envelope.

• Incorporate graphics that correspond with the season and/or location of your event. If you are planning a fall wedding, try including colorful leaves, or include seashells for a wedding on the water.

• If the timing is right, turn your save-the-date cards into holiday greetings. Incorporate your engagement photo or another photo taken shortly after the proposal.

• Who says they have to be printed stationery? Set yours apart by turning them into scrolls, pens, stickers, magnets or a creative calendar-marker. You are only limited by your imagination!

Wording Samples
The content of your save-the-dates should be short, sweet, and to the point – providing a basic who, what, where and when. There is no standard wording; they may be as formal or as whimsical as you’d like. In any case, make sure to include “Formal invitation to follow” somewhere on the card.

Here is the basic layout for the save-the-date cards:

Save the Date: [bride & groom's name] are getting married on [wedding date] in [city, state]

Here are some wording samples you might want to consider:

• Traditional:

Please save the date:

May 4, 2006 for the wedding of

Bob & Judy in Charleston, South Carolina

• Fun & Cutesy:

We’re Tying The Knot!

John popped the question, and Katie said yes.

Please join us on October 2, 2006

Orange County, California

• For a destination wedding:

Please join us in paradise on June 17, 2006

when Lisa & Jay say “I Do”

in Maui, Hawaii

For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit http://www.elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource.

Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for http://www.elegala.com and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today’s wedding trends and styles.

Cori Locklin - EzineArticles Expert Author

March 3, 2009

Web Conference Calling Offer Opportunities to Reduce Fatty Sales Overhead

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 8:19 pm

Crude oil costs are climbing and this is making company expenses are spread short harder than even in the 1970s. With an global economy sputters and capital remains rare, intelligent decision makers acknowledge additional costs should reduced. Company directors across the country have to make some important choices to shrink expenses. Perhaps the best way to cut department costs is to hack away at unnecessary travel expenses, and the solution is online conferencing.

Internet conferencing calls permit anyone to speak with stakeholders wirelessly in a conference in a distant metropolis, on a distant coast or especially in a distant shore. Your every day online conference calling utilize revolutionary networking technology. Because that they are streamed online, they merely consume no additional organizational outlays. Just from going to the Internet, can a business person make a distant meeting from literally any office that has an Internet connection. Its not just easy as a computer and an Internet connection, it has huge potential to reduce big travel five digits or more in a year.

Leaps in communications technology make Internet conferencing so easy for executives to exchange presentations and information in real time. Web conference attendees can see and hear as though they were really there, despite the fact that halfway around the planet earth. The detail of the audio, video and presentation is crystal clear given the top in network communications.

Its hard to miss how just about any business will reduce expenses by using web conference calls in place of spending thousands dispatching a team on a long-distance trip. You shouldnt waste money on hotels, meals or even transportation. Big savings that quickly add up. Any dollar saved is higher productivity for a company. It’s not surprising that some businesses are implementing online conferencing to save expenses on needless business trips.

Drinking Laws in Europe

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 2:04 pm

Tipplers have their sanctuary in the Old World. In a report commissioned by the European Union in June 2006, their youth start drinking as early as 12 years old.

Europeans could be so young boozers, for they’re backed by very lenient drinking laws. Under them, the general drinking age for Europeans is as young as 16, and not older than 18. Truth be told, Swiss people are legally able to drink at age 14. Youngsters in Portugal, Poland and various others even deign to no drinking age at all.

Alcohol is sold in supermarkets throughout the continent. French people in fact buy wine as holiday gifts to their children.

The tradition of drinking in Europe goes way back. To this day, one pint at a pub is not a cause for worry. The legal gist is for people to familiarize with drinking early in life, to lessen drunkenness and corresponding traffic casualties.

Anyway, Europe’s traffic enforcers rule with an iron fist. When caught, drunk drivers in Europe have their licenses suspended immediately, with little in the way of legal defense. Plus, the level at which one qualifies for intoxication is getting lower. Although the legal age to have a driver’s license is 18, the licensure test itself is very hard to pass, with exorbitant insurance policies to boot. Young people in Europe also prefer to commute, unlike their American counterparts.

As much as Europe is tolerant, the United States has been very stern about drinking ever since President Ronald Reagan forbade drinking to anyone under age 21. The country is one of the few with the highest drinking ages in the world.

There, alcoholic drinks are relegated to shopping corners where minors are not allowed. Even as adults, Americans still find themselves convincing sellers they are of legal age.

Let Trilegiant help you plan your next trip.

Learn more about Trilegiant CEO Nathaniel Lipman on the Business Bios site.

Clever Clubhouse, a division of Trilegiant, is a safe and fun website just for kids.

March 1, 2009

Buying Knickers for a Lady Is Categorically the Most Intricate Hazard to Accomplished. This Is My Pants Buying Guidebook for Male

Filed under: Uncategorized — @ 7:26 am

Getting woman lingerie for young women can be one of the most nice things guys could achieve – and at the same time the most nerve-racking and dodgy present to get for a present.

Keep in mind it’s not your present, but your girlfriend’s. Stop thinking about leather, PVC, or French Maid outfit, choose something smooth or lacey and are fine.

Do not attempt to guess your girl’s size, favourite type Unluckily, girls don’t work in S, M, L, and extra large sizes similar to guy. Do your investigation firstly. Wait in anticipation of she set off and then break-in her pants drawer.

Try to discover things with the sticker in it and take a note of the shapes and designs she is keen on. Consider that flourishes like lace and fringes can be attractive and sexy if you comprehend what your lady likes. I found out that my girlfriend likes bikini lingerie. I didn’t know Lingerie were barely for the seaside.

Lingerie underwear instead can refer to effectively any tight, skimpy, or tiny undergarment that provides less coverage to the midsection than customary underwear, panties or knickers. In reality Bikini Knickers copies what you observe on the coast. Check this sexy lingerie from Mademoiselle, Valisere, Freya, Odille, Sielei and Passionata.

The Lingerie turned out to be a US$811 million business per annum and it’s maybe the generally fashionable lady swimsuit all-round the earth as a result of the combination of the women’s power and fashion.

It is a very old innovation. Bikini garments put on by lady for athletic intent are shown on Greek pots and images dating back to the XV Century Before Christ.

An antique mosaic entitled “Bikini Girls” dating back to the Diocletian time (286-305 AD) in the island of Sicily in Italy shows ten girls in mosaics on the flooring.

In Pompeii there are also several images of the Roman idol Venus wearing a bathing suit.

The contemporary Lingerie begin to become known yet again in 1907, when Annette Kellerman was detained on a Boston coastline for having very tight bathing suit which became expected bathing costume for women by a few years later.

The current bikini was invented by French engineer Louis Réard just after WW2 and was a shock when it became visible on French shores in 1947. He named it after Lingerie Atoll in the Pacific ocean, the place of a nuclear blast test on July in 1946. The connection was that the blow up of thrill produced by it would be like a nuclear explosion.

On the subject of acquiring bikini for presents, remember that most shops will efficiently gift wrap your acquisition for you if you ask for a little charge and this is well worth paying a little more for. And also I recommend to store the receipt – you never know.

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