Grace Notes: Big difference between prayers and superstitions
By Lorraine V. Murray
For the AJC
Every so often, I get a chain email that contains a prayer, and then the admonition that I should forward the prayer to 10 or 15 friends, and sit back and wait for something wonderful to happen.
I always delete it.
There’s a huge difference between prayers and superstitions. Superstitions involve doing something — whether it’s carrying a rabbit’s foot or sending out chain letters — and then expecting definite results.
But it’s dangerous to believe prepackaged formulas will produce predictable blessings in our lives.
This notion is the premise of “The Prayer of Jabez,” in which author Bruce Wilkinson claims there is a certain prayer found in the Old Testament that God will always answer.
Religion can deteriorate into superstition, when folks believe that if they do X, Y and Z, they can force God’s hand. After all, God isn’t a slot machine, and you can’t deposit your prayers and then wait for the big payoff.
It is superstitious, for example, to think God will keep you from getting in a car accident because you’re toting your Bible in the glove compartment or wearing a cross around your neck. You might as well depend on a four-leaf clover or a lucky penny.
There’s nothing wrong with wearing a crucifix or carrying a prayer book with you, but they aren’t amulets, charged with some secret power to protect you.
And tithing to the church can be a good thing, but some people do so because they think it will ensure God’s blessings. This sounds suspiciously like knocking on wood to ward off evil.
“I went to church and said my prayers, but my life still caved in,” says the disappointed person who thought religion was as straightforward as following the directions in a recipe.
Truth be told, when it comes to God, there are no magical fixes.
We may spend years dutifully obeying the Ten Commandments, praying fervently and doing good works. And still we may lose our spouse, our job and our own health.
As the story of Job reveals, there may be sound reasons, which only God knows, for why we must confront the things we dread.
Reading Scripture, praying and attending services, as many well-meaning people do, are all wonderful practices. Still, there is something deep and mysterious that must underpin all the trappings.
It’s a sincere heart that surrenders entirely to God. A heart that realizes God never promised that if we followed a certain formula, we would be guaranteed an easy life.
As for me, I pray for a heart that keeps me centered on God. And I pray to fully accept that God doesn’t always answer our prayers exactly in the way we envision.
But he will give us the grace to endure whatever comes.
Lorraine Murray’s most recent books are “The Abbess of Andalusia,” a biography of Flannery O’Connor, and “Death of a Liturgist,” a fun-filled mystery set at a fictional parish in Decatur. Her email is lorrainevmurray@yahoo.com.
4 H Club Gift is a good luck gift ideafor anyone that is involve in the 4 H Club of America,
Lucky Clover
Lucky Clover
Luck of the Fryish ( Irish )
Lucky-Four-Leaf-Clover
Couldn’t you brighten someone’s day with a four-leaf clover?
You probably associate four-leaf clovers with St. Patrick and Shamrocks, but the tradition started long before that. In the early days of Ireland, the Druids believed that they could see evil spirits coming when they carried a shamrock, or three-leaf clover, giving them a chance to get away in time! They thought four-leaf clovers offered magical protection, and warded off bad luck.
The Irish often say that the green hills of the Emerald Isle (Ireland) contain more four-leaf clovers than anywhere else. Hence, the “luck o’ the Irish.”
Each leaf of the clover represents something very special: 1) hope, 2) faith, 3) love, and 4) luck! In Irish tradition the Shamrock or Three-leaf Clover represents the Holy Trinity. One leaf for the Father, one for the Son and one for the Holy Spirit. When a Shamrock is found with the fourth leaf, it represents God’s Grace.
Children in the Middle Ages believed that they could see fairies if they carried a four-leaf clover. It became a great game for them to search the garden first for a four-leaf clover, and again for fairies!
The odds of finding a four-leaf clover have been calculated at 10,000 to 1! If you do find one, you are lucky indeed.
The mystique of the four-leaf clover continues today. If you find a four leaf clover, it is believed to be an omen of good luck.
Don’t You Know Someone Who Could Use A Bit of Luck?
Our four leaf clover necklace make perfect gifts for yourself or someone special! Whether, it’s for a birthday, St. Patrick’s Day, or graduation, these lucky charms are sure to make someone’s day!
Announcement: Jennifer Lopez – I’m into you feat Lil Wayne
JLo is feeling lucky like a four leaf clover
[Lil Wayne]
Hi, I’m Tune, the man on the moon
I live on the beach, get the sand out ya shoes
And all of that changed since I met you
So we can leave that old shit in the restroom
noo Money!
[J Lo]
You’ve got me and I could not defend it
I tried but I had to surrender
Your style got me under the spell
Let me no other choice but to get down
It’s too late, it’s too late
It’s too late, it’s too late
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
When I look into your eyes, it’s over
You’ve got me hooked with your love controller
I’m trippin’ and I could not get over
I feel lucky like a four leaf clover
I’m into you, I’m into you
I’m into you, yeaaah
I’m into you, I’m into you
I’m into you, yeaaah
Nana nananana nana-na-eh
Nana nananana nana-na-eh
Listen, now I’m strong baby I bring the fire on
week shooter you can call me the zion
I’m the one easy to get to
But all that changed, baby when I met you
It’s too late, it’s too late
It’s too late, it’s too late
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
You’ve got it, you’ve got it
[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/im-into-you-lyrics-jennifer-lopez.html ]
When I look into your eyes, it’s over
You’ve got me hooked with your love controller
I’m trippin’ and I could not get over
I feel lucky like a four leaf clover
I’m into you, I’m into you
I’m into you, yeaaah
I’m into you, I’m into you
I’m into you, yeaaah
Ok, I’m into you, like you never knew
I’m falling for you baby, I need a parachute
So wet, I need a wetsuit
You’re way too fly, I could be ya jet fuel
Now tell me what you like
I like what you tell me
And if you understand me, you can overwhelm me
It’s too late, it’s too late
Every finish line is the beginning of a new race
When I look into your eyes, it’s over
You’ve got me hooked with your love controller
I’m trippin’ and I could not get over
I feel lucky like a four leaf clover
I’m into you, I’m into you
I’m into you, yeaaah
I’m into you, I’m into you
I’m into you, yeaaah
Nana nananana nana-na-eh
Nana nananana nana-na-eh
I’m into you, I’m into you
I’m into you, yeaaah baby
I’m into you, I’m into you
I’m into you, yeaaah
Lucky You – You found Your Four Leaf Clover
You can really get lucky with four leaf clover. If you believe… you will be lucky!
Announcement: Lucky Four Leaf Clover Proved to Win Mega Millions Jackpot
Mega Millions reports 2 winning tickets in $355 million jackpot
Published: Wednesday, January 05, 2011, 6:21 AM Updated: Wednesday, January 05, 2011, 9:33 AM
Although the idea sounds crazy to some, Bekins attributes the luck to a four-leaf clover her husband found in the store’s back room shortly after opening 26 years ago. That clover now is taped to the lottery ticket machine, and he makes sure to wipe each customer’s ticket over it before making the sale.
Party World one of MI’s luckiest stores: woodtv.com
Locally, at Party World, 5568 Alpine Ave. NW, co-owner Anna Bekins said a line reached from the counter to the back of the store for parts of the day Tuesday as customers came to try their chance at winning millions.
The store has sold its share of winning tickets, including prizes of $1 million, $300,000 and $100,000 in recent years, Bekins said.
And although the idea sounds crazy to some, Bekins attributes the luck to a four-leaf clover her husband found in the store’s back room shortly after opening 26 years ago. That clover now is taped to the lottery ticket machine, and he makes sure to wipe each customer’s ticket over it before making the sale.
“A lot of people don’t want it wiped even once, but twice. They might even have to touch it themselves,” Bekins said of the clover. “One lady a couple years ago tried to walk out the door with it, but we stopped her.”
Store owners appreciate the increased business large jackpots generate.
Cory Morse | The Grand Rapids PressDan Bekins, left, and Dave Castor sell Mega Millions lottery tickets at Party World, 5568 Alpine Ave. NW, Comstock Park on Tuesday night. The store claims to be the luckiest store in Michigan saying they've had five major lottery jackpot winners after Bekins found the leaf clover behind the store 24 years ago. The Mega Millions lottery jackpot is up to $355 million. Bekins is the owner and Castor works as the store manager.
4- Leaf Clover - the most recognized and powerful good luck charm
Massive Jackpot Won on Clover Rollover
Lucky Four-leaf clover
Looking for a four leaf clover?
You found one!
Need Good Luck?
4 Leaf Clover – Magnet of Good Luck
A perfect present for any occasion!
Do you need better luck? Do you know someone that could use better luck?
Four Leaf Clover Bring You Good Luck and Fortunes.
A prefect gift for anyone!
4 leaf clover brings good luck and happiness
According to legend, each leaf represents something:
the first is for hope.
the second is for faith.
the third is for love.
and the fourth is for luck.
Another Popular Interpertation
One leaf for fame,
One leaf for wealth,
One for a faithfully lover,
One for glorious health,
All in this four-leafed clover.
All these make the four leaf clover magicial
It is the most universal symbol of good luck and great fortune.
For yourself or as a gift.
four-leaf clover makes a prefect good luck gift
as present or for yourself
Who couldn’t use more good luck ?
Getting married has long been known as one of life’s most emotionally stressful events. Not only is it a huge and life changing commitment, the logistics of planning a wedding have become so complex that it is almost a full time job organising one.
There are numerous rules, traditions and etiquettes to follow involving dresses, venues, flowers, food and not least Wedding presents. Not only is there the list of wedding gifts that the bride and groom would like to receive themselves, there are presents for mothers, bridesmaids, the best man and any other person involved in the ceremony. Add to that favours for guests and the list becomes huge.
No surprise then that the bride and groom may often not consider their own exchange of Wedding gifts – most often in the groom’s case!! Men are well known for being bad at choosing gifts, regardless of the occasion or the recipient. Wedding gifts are of course immensely important to the bride and the groom should always bear this in mind.
A groom may give his bride a gift for their wedding day for various reasons but it is by and large a way to thank her for arranging the special day and for the wonderful gift of love and marriage. Sometimes the first gift can begin a tradition or theme for forthcoming anniversary presents but even the simplest gifts can be an intimate expression of love and appreciation, the perfect sentiments for a wedding day.
By keeping in mind the three ‘Ps’, which are “Poignant, Personal and Permanent”, an excellent choice can be made. Poignant or thoughtful gifts will show appreciation for the bride and reflect the things he loves about her. Personal gifts can be literally personalised with her name or can be something she particularly likes, such as a special (ideally wedding related) edition of a collectible. Permanent reflects gifts which can be kept forever and therefore emphasise the permanency of the marriage.
Whilst a string of white pearls, given to the bride on the morning of the wedding is the original tradition, in modern times there are many quaint, thoughtful and memorable wedding presents available which may cost much less and have much more lasting appeal. If money is tight, a hand written love letter or a CD of the bride’s favourite tunes can be as special as a very expensive piece of jewellery but if money is no object there is no end to the possibilities.
Breaking types of wedding presents down further into categories such as romantic, practical, sentimental or frivolous/funny can also help with the choice. A romantic gift could simply be a book of love poetry or perhaps a completely personalised gift book entirely dedicated to the bride and filled with images of her, each with a hand written love quote.
Some brides may prefer practical Wedding presents, perhaps appropriate to the honeymoon destination. This could be anything useful such as designer clothing, beach wear, ski wear or specific sports equipment. Equally practical would be items such as photo frames, either personalised or digital or an unusual ‘keepsake’ box for safe storage of all the bride’s mementos of the special day.
Sentimental gifts are often pieces of jewellery which can be added to over the years. A charm bracelet is a popular choice and is often purchased with its first three charms a star (representing dreams for the future), a four leaf clover (for luck) and a heart (representing love). Other ideas could include naming a star, a paperweight with a personal message inside or even a solid silver ‘Last Rolo’ pendant or ornament.
A frivolous or funny gift should only be chosen if the bride has the right sense of humour to see it for what it is. Causing disappointment or even offense to the bride or possibly even her family is definitely not a good idea. It could be something as small and simple as sexy underwear or as big as an erotic painting or sculpture.
Equally important to the choice of gift is how and when to present it to the bride. There are no specific guidelines and it is entirely up to the groom to decide. To a great extent this will be dependent upon what the gift is of course. It would not be practical to hand over exotic lingerie at the wedding reception for example! For many grooms, however, the ideal time is when a quiet moment can be found to be in private with the bride, because this gift is considered to represent a very personal expression of love and a new life together.
About the Author:
To explore our range of wedding presents further, please visit our website at http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.
Bowel problems are nature’s warning for serious health problems. The colon is the route to expel toxins. When it does not work effectively, toxins accumulate which results in various health disorders. When all the food that we consume does not get excreted, the remnants of it stick to the walls of the colon and gradually become toxic.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition can include mental confusion, depression, irritability, fatigue, gastrointestinal irregularities, and even allergic reactions such as hives, sneezing, and coughing. Many intuitionalists and researches believe that this toxicity can eventually lead to more serious disorders.
Colon cleansing can rid the colon of debris, and help prevent and treat a variety of health problems. The colon extracts moisture from digested food before it is excreted during a trip to the bathroom.
One of the most common reasons for a colon cleanse is to improve functionality, as well as ease the symptoms or prevent constipation.
HERBAL AYURVEDA DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Herbal supplements made from pure organically cultivated herbs which are very useful in colon cleansing without nay side effects..
HOME REMEDIES
Aloe vera, calendula, and peppermint help to restore the acid/alkaline balance of the colon and promote healing.
Burdock, Echinacea, horsetail, and licorice have detoxifying properties. Licorice also supports the organs.
Barberry, butternut bark, cascara sagrada (a natural laxative made from the bark of rhamnus purshiana), flaxseed, red raspberry, rhubarb, and senna can be used to flush the colon and release waste.
Grind aloe leaf, fennel, garlic, ginger and cayenne pepper together and consume this to kill harmful bacteria growing inside the colon and to prevent gas formation.
Use a wheat grass, fresh lemon juice, garlic, or coffee enema. If the bowel problems or related symptoms are chronic, repeat.
Spinach contains organic nutrients that are known to cleanse and repair even the most severely constipated intestinal tracts. It can be used raw in salads or about 100 ml of its juice added to an equal quantity of water can be taken twice a day to cleanse the colon.
An effective way of cleansing colon is drinking two glasses of warm water with two pinches of salt added to it every morning on an empty stomach.
Boneset, elecampane, fenugreek, lobelia, and yarrow loosen and flush mucus from the intestines.
Burdock root, milk thistle, and red clover cleanse the blood and support the liver.
Fennel restores the acid/alkaline balance of the colon, promotes healing, flushes the colon, and releases waste.
To get your insides moving and active, implement a daily exercise routine, such as aerobics, walking the dog, biking, swimming, or using indoor equipment.
Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Fasting is a good method for colon cleansing. Fasting helps other organs such as the liver and the kidneys to eliminate toxins from the body. It also
provides rest to your system. During fasting you can drink fresh fruit or vegetable juices.
About the Author:
Read more on natural colon cleansing also check ORGANIC HERBAL BATH to get relief from stress, fatigue, joint pain and varies disorders visit www.herbalayurvedaremedies.com
It would be ideal if we all had green thumbs, if we could each turn a seed into a brightly blooming bud that would return year after year to add fragrant beauty to our yards and windowsills. But we don’t. Most of us can barely keep a pot of mums alive. Fortunately, the few individuals blessed with a true skill at gardening are willing to share the aesthetic scenes they create. In Austin, those people have done so through Zilker Botanical Gardens, a 31-acre area of variable and beautiful topography.
Zilker Botanical Gardens is actually a complex comprised of many different gardens. At the garden center are the garden offices with the gift shop and restrooms. Educational displays inform visitors of the flowers and plant life they have or will be viewing throughout the remainder of Zilker. These displays are in the Green Room, which was created and donated by Tony Novak. A beautiful stained glass window pictures numerous bromeliads, and a bust of Isamu Taniguchi adds to the aesthetics. From the center, you can see the Violet Crown Fountain, awash in natural beauty, birds and of course flowers. But the most important thing obtained at the garden center is a map that allows you guides you through the rest of the Gardens.
One of those gardens is Austin’s Green Garden. To inspire the residents of Austin, it is filled with landscape that positively rather than negatively impacts the environment. Native and adaptive plants are presented in arrays designed by nine different landscapers, in a way that allows homeowners to learn which plants go well together and what will work in their own yards. This creates both an eye catching and practical garden for any Austenite to see.
The Cactus and Succulent Garden pictures are what many Yankees think of when they imagine the Southwest: a desert, but a desert bathed in glory. Dedicated in 1989, this beautiful arrangement is best viewed between April and May. It is certainly a delight for the eyes and spirit.
For those interested in a more historic arrangement of plant life, the Hartman Prehistoric Garden gives guests a glimpse into the past – the prehistoric past, when dinosaurs rather than humans roamed the earth, and wildlife was free to grow wild. Tracks and bones discovered in 1992 in the area are housed in this 2-acre plot, for an even more realistic look at history.
Perhaps the luckiest part of Zilker Botanical Gardens is the Herb Garden. Shaped like a four-leaf clover, the garden involves raised beds and a number of fragrant, delicious herbs. At the center of the clover is Rosemary, goddess of herbs casting a blessing on all that grows within her reach.
Nearby, the Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden, built by Taniguchi himself, give visitors a taste of Japan with a decidedly Austin twang. The ponds in the first part of this section spell out the word Austin, proving that the garden was in fact a gift to the city. The Mother Tree and Bridge to Walk over the Moon also fill this space, creating a garden that is both delightfully exotic and simply beautiful.
Other gardens include the Mabel Davis Rose Garden, the Doug Blachly Butterfly Trail and Garden and the Pioneer Village. Each has its own theme and twist, but one thing is always certain – all are uniquely beautiful and not to missed by any visitor or resident of Austin.
About the Author:
About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Round Rock REALTOR and Austin Realtor can be found on the net.
Tea is known worldwide because of the wondrous health benefits it provides. Tea has been used in different countries starting from the ancient world. Some of these countries include Japan, China and India and Korea. It has six varieties namely white, yellow, green, oolong, black and pu-erh. Amongst all of them, it is the green tea which is most popular in the market. Green tea is believed to regulate body temperature and blood sugar, promote digestion and improve mental processes. But recently, it is also associated with fertility.
Chinese fertility herbs and a proper diet can help your body regulate the delicate balance of estrogen and progesterone that is vital to conception. Recent clinical studies have proven that chasteberry, one of the most widely used Chinese fertility herbs, is effective in women with progesterone deficiency. Because fat cells produce estrogen, a diet which helps you attain a healthy weight is an essential complement to the use of Chinese fertility herbs. It will improve your energy levels and immunity too.
Many different fertility problems can influence the chances of getting pregnant, and these include both, those that can be controlled by human behavior and habits and those that cannot. The biggest problem that couples face is trying to figure out the underlying cause of their infertility. Fertility problems can be divided into lifestyle or health problems.
Ovulation herbs include Red Clover Flower, False Unicorn Root, Kelp, Nettle Leaves, Red Raspberry Leaves, Black Cohosh, Don Quai Root, Wild Yams, Pumbpkin Seeds, Saw Palmetto Berry, Sarsarparilla Root, Ginseng and Bee Pollen. These ovulation herbs are added to supplements to enhance and maintain a healthy reproductive system both for the woman and the man. It is often advised not to take self-medication based on your own knowledge of the possible effects of these ovulation herbs because of the other risks it may involve. It is still best to consult a health care practitioner who specializes on fertility drugs before consumption of any ovulation herb.
Another helpful fertility tool is ovulation tracking. This method is used by people in many countries, including the Chinese, for generations. By tracking what days of the month a woman is menstruating, it is easier to determine which days she is ovulating. By knowing her most fertile days, the womans chances of obtaining a pregnancy increase.
Vitamins to conceive are combined in one treatment called “Mother’s Hope Natural Fertility System”. Chasteberry is used to get hormones to a normal level. Red raspberry leaf prevents miscarriage. This system also has vitamin c, selenium, and zinc. All these combined help increase ovulation and helps hormone secretion.
About the Author:
Looking to find info on fertility forum – Signs Of Infertility In Women, then visit our website to find the latest advice on Oocyte donation in India at advance infertility hospitals of Mumbai and Delhi for you.
