It's As Plain As It Looks

"The gospel - the good news - to the poor" (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18). If you've spent any time at all in church, you've probably heard that particular phrase at least a dozen times. And, if you spend any time around here (and I hope you do), you're gonna hear it a whole lot more! Good news to the poor. See?

When we as Christians hear or read the Word of God, we often try to get real "spiritual" with it. Now, don't misunderstand; the Word itself is spiritual. Jesus said so when He clearly revealed the nature and character of His words, that "they are spirit and life" (John 6:63). But that's not what I mean; I'm making no reference here to the Word at all. I said that we tend to get all 'spiritual' when we read or hear the Word; my indictment is of us. We often try to look for the "deepest" meaning possible, and thereby miss a simple truth that's staring us right in the face.

Again, please don't misunderstand. The depths of God's Word I'm quite sure we'll never fully comprehend until we get to Heaven (1 Corinthians 13:12). And, the more we study and spend time with Jesus in His Word, the clearer our vision and depth of wisdom and understanding becomes. But even so, His Word still says what it says when you first read it; and it often has a simple, very 'real' meaning that can be applied to the natural and physical just as correctly as that 'deeper' meaning corresponds to the spiritual realm. It's easy to overlook that 'surface truth' and consequently lose out on a physical manifestation of God's power in the here and now - because our eternal life from Him doesn't start in the sweet by-and-by; we already have it right now.

Consider the well-known promise, "By His stripes, you [were] are healed" (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). Do you take those words only figuratively (that is, 'spiritually') to mean that "I'll be perfectly fine and well and whole once I get to the other side, but right now I'll just have to suffer for Christ and deal with it."? Or, do you also attach to them a more 'literal' meaning for today, one that causes you to start hoping and expecting the pain in your leg or back to go away now while you're still in this ol' body here? You know, a really simple, black-and-white, "the-Word-says-'I'm-healed'-so-I'm-healed" type of meaning. Isn't it just as true as any other deep, 'spiritual' meaning that Scripture may bring?

Okay, then... back to "preaching the gospel to the poor." People have typically said, "Well, that 'poor' means the meek, the downtrodden, the lowly or the humble." Granted. But, if you were to do a study of that word (in either the Hebrew or Greek languages), you'll find that it also refers to the 'lowly in physical circumstances' - that is, needy, beggarly, paupers. In other words, po folk! And, just what, pray tell, would be good news to po folk, hmm? C'mon, now, that's an easy one... no more poordom! But, just like our first example, in order to benefit from that freedom here and now, it needs to be taken literally (remember, how you measure it determines how it's measured to you [Luke 6:38]). Hey, God said it... and can you think of a better person to take at His Word?

Applying For a Job and Preparing For Interviews

Whether you are new to the Job market, looking for a new Job after redundancy or returning to work after a break it is a daunting prospect.

Sometimes we wonder where to begin our search for employment. Do we go for the option of looking through local and national newspapers or magazines or should we register with high street recruitment agencies or go online to the Job boards and Job sites and register our CV.

Firstly, be sure of what kind of position you are looking for and ensure you have a well written CV/Resume that relates in some way to the positions you intend to apply for. Point out your previous work history and education/qualifications. List your key accomplishments, transferable skills and personal and professional strengths.

Internet Job Boards will give you the opportunity to apply for as many positions as you want in all sectors of business and nationwide or even overseas. If you go to a local recruitment agency, you will have to wait for them to suggest opportunities although they are going to get a fee if they successfully place you, so will spend time and effort looking for suitable vacancies.

If you are lucky enough to get the opportunity to go for an interview, ensure you are prepared. Research the company and the Job on offer. Visit the premises if you are able so you can assess the travelling time to ensure that you do not get lost or delayed for your interview. Create a list of Job related questions but do not ask about benefits, salary or holidays at this stage of the interview process. Make sure you are well groomed and smart and dress conservatively.

When you meet the person interviewing you, give a firm handshake, make eye contact, smile and introduce yourself.

Answer any questions confidently and prepare your own customised answers to any difficult questions you may be asked. It is very off putting if you are put on the spot and if there are long silences. Some common interview questions might be "Tell me something about yourself", "What are your goals and where do you see yourself in five years","What can you offer us","What are your salary requirements","What are your strengths and weaknessess".

You will need to match features and benefits of the job and company with features and benefits you have and can offer the company. Ask them if they have any reservations about you and overcome the objection if you are able. Highlight the positives and don't be afraid to ask for the Job if you really want it. It is also important for the Job interviewer to sell you the position on offer. There is little point in taking the process any further if it is not what you expected.

Lastly, don't be put off if you are unsuccessful. Today's job market is very competitive and you may have to go through the interview process several times in order to find the perfect job.

Ovarian Cancer and Oral Contraceptives

Ovarian cancer is an especially deadly form of cancer because it often goes undetected until it spreads to a vital organ and disrupts the organ's functioning. Thus, it earned the name "silent killer." While an estimated 13,580 women have passed away in 2010 due to cervical cancer, this number is gradually decreasing. Doctors and researchers believe that the increasing use of oral contraceptives plays a role in ovarian cancer's decrease.

Ovarian cancer can begin with three different tumor types on and around the ovary. These small, almond-shaped organs can mutate and develop tumors in the epithelium, which is the thin layer of tissue that covers the ovaries. This accounts for 85-90% of ovarian cancer cases. Two rarer forms of tumors begin in the actual egg-producing cells, or germ cells, as well as the supportive and hormone-producing tissue, called stromal tumors.

From here, ovarian cancer can spread in two different ways. It can leach into nearby tissue, such as the pelvis, cervix, and lower digestive system. Additionally, pieces of the tumor can break off and spread through the circulatory and lymph systems. From here, the tumors can anchor themselves anywhere in the body and begin to grow again.

In a study conducted by the Harvard Medical School, researchers found that even using oral contraceptives for one year decreased a woman's risk of developing ovarian cancer by 10-12%. After five years of using oral birth control, the risk dropped by half. At first, doctors found that this reduction in cancer rates occurred no matter the hormone in the oral contraceptive. However, a more in-depth study found that a higher level of progestin decreased the cancer risk better than low-progestin pills.

While many women turn to oral contraceptives solely to prevent unwanted pregnancy, it also has the proven benefit of protecting you from ovarian cancer as well. Frustratingly, though, not all birth control pills are created equally. Some, such as YAZ, Yasmin, and Ocella, have been linked to devastating side effects such as stroke and heart attack.

Got The Winter Blues?

Are you tired of the winter that just won't end? You are defiantly not alone. Many people especially in the central and eastern states have been pounded by one storm after another. The relentless cold along with snow and ice can take is toll on your sanity.

Have you ever considered sending a gourmet gift basket to a friend or relative to help raise his or her spirits. There are a growing number or online stores that offer a huge selection of gift baskets, wheat free all natural cookies, gourmet chocolates, nuts and toffee and coffee and tea that would be sure to improve the spirits of a friend a relative, or even a co-worker who needs a pick me up after the endless days of cold.

A Chocolate gift baskets filled to the top with gourmet chocolates and candies is a great way to say hang in there to a friend who has just shoveled out their car for the third time in the past three days. A gourmet coffee or tea gift basket along with all the treats that they include would be a huge deal to an elderly person who has not been able to leave the house much at all due to all the snow, icy sidewalks, and frigid temperatures.

Have you ever thought about your state, city and private snow removal professionals who have worked so hard day and night to keep the road clear and sanded so you can reach your destination safely and on time? A "Thank You" gift basket or a gourmet nuts and toffee gift would be a super way to show your appreciation for a job well to the hard working people who sacrificed so much of their personal and family time to keep the roads and driveways clear from snow.

Many online stores you can send a gift basket with a personal message to anyone who has the winter blues with out ever leaving your warm house. From chocolate gift baskets to Holiday gift baskets, from wheat free al natural cookies to a 24 carat gold dipped rose we offer over 125 different unique, affordable gift baskets and other gifts for anyone who can't wait for spring.

Busted - The Millennium Dome Diamond Heist

Built in celebration of Y2K, the Millennium dome was conceived under a John Major-led conservative government to celebrate the coming of the third millennium. In the planning stages much hype surrounded the dome. It was to be 'London's answer to the Eiffel Tower' and 'the envy of the world'. However, critics claimed it to be a 'White Elephant' and a 'triumph of insignificance' saying that the £758m price tag could have been far better spent on improving education, health care, sports facilities or affordable housing.

The dome was never far from the headlines for overspending or corruption claims; but whilst most of this news has faded away, one story remains strong in the mind of the public: that of the dome diamond thieves. This group of men had plotted an extraordinarily ambitious raid on the dome to steal the Millennium Star, a 203 carat, flawless stone which is one of the world's most iconic diamonds; as well as the Millennium Jewels and 12 blue diamonds that were part of a De Beers exhibition and worth upwards of £350million.

It was a heist of Hollywood proportions involving smoke grenades, sledgehammers, automotive weapons and a get-away speedboat. However, even with all these tools and months of meticulous planning, it wasn't enough to get the goods; the men were arrested by armed police within moments of crashing into the dome with a JCB and De Beers had already switched the diamonds with crystal replicas after being warned by the police that a raid was imminent.

The successful police operation was a result of months of planning and involved more than 100 officers and members of the Metropolitan Police's elite Flying Squad. There was a window of 24 days when police believed that the heist would be attempted, and during this time, armed officers disguised as tourists and cleaners (concealing their weapons in bin bags) where lying in wait for the gang. They pounced as four robbers tried to break their way into the display using sledgehammers and a nail gun, after first donning gas masks and setting off smoke bombs and ammonia gas in the vault. A further five men were arrested following raids in a hotel in London and in the villages of Collier Street, and Horsmoden in west Kent.

Had it been successful, the Dome diamond raid would have been the biggest robbery of all time, though police believed that the diamonds would have been very difficult to sell on, as they were so well known.

Kauai Vacation on a Budget

When you are planning your Kauai, Hawaii, vacation it would do you good to consider the best times of year to travel, and these are not the best times of year regarding the weather or local festivals, but the best times to travel that are the least expensive. Many individuals are dreaming of vacationing in Hawaii, and while the location of the islands makes it a beautiful destination year round, there are some times of the year to travel that are considerably less expensive than others. If you know when to travel and other ways to save money you will be able to have an amazing Kauai vacation on your budget.

For example, the fall month when school is in session and the summer has just ended is a good time to travel because hotels and airfare will be cheaper. Generally, the low and shoulder seasons in Kauai are mid September through mid December and January through May. The summer months are the most expensive in regard to airfare and hotels and frequently everything is booked up many months in advance. As a result, you should travel in low season where you will get a better deal, not have to share the island with so many visitors, and simply enjoy the beauty of Kauai. Also, while the low season might be a bit cooler than the summer, it is not exceptionally so and the sun still shines and the ocean is still warm for swimming and other activities. Since Hawaii is great for sunshine and tourist activities year round there is really no reason why you should not travel in the off season.

Beyond saving significantly on your accommodations and airfare when you travel in the off and shoulder seasons, there are other ways you can save on your Kauai vacation as well.

Other Ways to Save in Kauai

Rent a Vacation Rental Condo or Home: Many individuals book hotel rooms in Kauai to enjoy during their vacation. However, hotel rooms are expensive and do not offer the same type of comfort and privacy that a home or condo could offer. Also, hotels in Kauai are very expensive, significantly more expensive than the equivalent cost of renting a condo or home for a week, month, or the duration of your vacation. There are many homes, cottages, and condos that are available for rent on the island of Kauai. In addition, many of them have ocean front views, extras like TV, DVD, Internet, kitchen, luxury linens, as well as a variety of other options you can choose from. Additionally, there are condos and homes you can rent with one bedroom and others with significantly more. The size home you need depends on the amount of travelers needing accommodation.

If you are interested in renting a Kauai vacation rental home, cottage, or condo then you should look online for the variety of options that are available. You can find something that is just the right size to meet your travel party needs and in the right price range to meet your budget. Remember, when you travel in the off season your accommodations will be less expensive than if you decide to travel in high season. Not to mention you will have more options and be able to choose the best location to meet your needs.

Cook Some Meals: Many individuals go on vacation in Kauai and end up spending more money on food than other diversions. This should not be the case and if you are staying in a hotel or condo then there is no reason for you not to cook some meals from local ingredients while on vacation. You will save hundreds of dollars by simply eating in at least once or twice each day. Plus, if you have any dietary requirements it will be easier to meet these as well by cooking in. All of the money you save can be used on more exciting activities available on the island!

Look for Internet Discounts: The Internet has it all, even discounts for accommodations, water sports, spas, and any other activity you might want to engage in on Kauai. All you have to do is put forth some effort to search the web and find a variety of options with discounts. Sometimes the discount applies to a certain day or timeframe, or a certain number of people, however by searching the web you will find discounts that will save you lots of money. The easiest way is to simply visit a search engine, type in "Kauai Discounts" and wait for the results to be returned. You will find so many things to look through that you will be surprised of all the discounts really available. Take advantage of them, enjoy the island, and save money.

By choosing to travel to Kauai in the off season and stay in a condo or home rental, cook some of your own meals, and look for discounts you will end up saving yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your Kauai vacation. This is a significant amount of money and will allow you to engage in some of the Kauai activities and tours that are not to be missed. You might think that despite these recommendations a Kauai vacation will cost more than you can ever afford, however this is not necessarily the case and you should do some research and will find that sometimes Kauai really is an affordable destination and a great place for a family vacation, honeymoon, or even Spring Break. Don't miss traveling to this amazing destination simply because you believe it is out of your price range. Instead, take advantage of all of the money saving opportunities and book your once in a lifetime trip to Kauai, Hawaii, and enjoy the island life.