Monday, December 31, 2007

Why I Am A Presbyterian

With so many types of Christian churches available today how do you choose the faith community that best fits your individual beliefs and needs? The best way to do this is by simple visiting the different churches. Not only attend a regular service but also take part in some other activity as well. Plus you should talk with members to get a sense of the individuals that make up that church community. In order to help others who are looking for a church community I would like to share just why I am a Presbyterian.

One of the primary reasons I am a Presbyterian can be summed up in one word -- tradition. My family has long been Presbyterians and that was the church that I was raised and married in. Whenever I have moved it is always the Presbyterian Church in the community that I visited first and because of my own personal tradition that is the church that I feel most comfortable with. Aside from my own personal tradition with the Presbyterian Church I also enjoy being part of the larger Presbyterian tradition which can trace its routes back to the earliest Protestant Reformation. While the Presbyterian Church is a living body that is constantly changing and evolving it also has a long tradition.

Mission is another important part of Presbyterianism. Presbyterians have long built schools and hospitals in parts of the world where health care and education are lacking. This tradition continues today. Presbyterians attitude toward mission work is not to convert by offering a helping hand to those in need but rather to demonstrate what it means to be a Christian by helping others. We hope to spread the word of God's love by our actions rather than our words. Presbyterians walk the walk while some other Christians simply talk the talk. This is why you find Presbyterian churches in unlikely locations such as remote villages in Africa, cities in China, and small communities in Appalachia. Because the Presbyterian Church came to offer help to that community then the people living there were inspired to become Presbyterians.

Evangelism, or rather the understatement of it, is a key component of being a Presbyterian. Presbyterians believe that you will know we are Christians by our love. I am always suspicious of someone who needs to tell me they are a Christian. I believe that I should know this by your actions and deeds. Presbyterians believe we are a Christian nation but strongly believe in separation of church and state. While many Presbyterians might be community leaders they hold their faith and their leadership apart from each other. Our witness is rooted in the gospel ministries of preaching, teaching, and healing, and in Christ's example of advocacy for the poor, the hungry and the oppressed. Presbyterians believe they are already saved by Jesus Christ and so can focus their life on helping others rather than saving themselves.

Tradition, mission, and evangelism are the reasons why I am a Presbyterian and why other Christians should at least consider joining this community of faith when seeking out a new church.

Read more articles by Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle at http://deannamascle.com

Friday, December 28, 2007

Why You Should Volunteer At Your Local School

I started volunteering at my son's school when he was in preschool because the school's director required all parents to do volunteer duty. At first I rather resented the burden especially when it meant giving up my lunch hour to supervise the school lunch room and recess. Now that my son attends public school I willingly give up four hours a week to help his teacher. What has changed my mind about being a school volunteer? There are three key reasons that I changed my mind about being a school volunteer and whether or not you are a parent these reasons should apply to you as well.

Unless you live in a cave or under a rock you are well aware of that problems that our society is facing today. Today's children are in desperate need of mentors and role models to help them navigate the challenges life will throw in their path. Due to the high prevalence of broken homes in American society it is also important that children receive at least a portion of their affection and positive reinforcement outside the home. If you care at all about the future of our country, our society, and our world then you should care very much about providing this essential function in some children's lives. Equally important, many children are simply not getting the support necessary for their academics from home. Public school teachers do the best they can but a volunteer can provide invaluable assistance with a little one-on-one work that teachers simply cannot offer. Many children need help with basics of literacy and/or math and having some special help might make all the difference in their future.

If you want your community to be a good place to live both now and in the future then you must do everything you can to make the schools strong and successful. Education is key to the future for these children but their future success and happiness will have a direct impact on the overall success of your community. One person cannot change the world but you can change your little corner of the world through some volunteer work at your local school. It is easy to think that there are people paid to teach our children and so there is no need for school volunteers but the simple truth is that there are so many demands on today's public school teachers that volunteers are essential to school success.

You will find volunteering to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Not only can you see a difference as a result of your efforts, but you will receive a tremendous emotional benefit in terms of affection from the students. I collect hugs from a number of students every time I visit the class and all the warm smiles and affectionate greetings I receive just warm my heart. That along makes my time worth while but it is very rewarding to see the children I work with learn and blossom. Some students just need a little extra confidence while others need a little extra attention, but I am just as excited about their success as they are. Chances are there was some special adult who made a big difference to your childhood. Isn't it time you repaid that debt and did the same for a child?

If you have never considered volunteering in your local school then you should because it can make a huge difference in the lives of the children, it can be very beneficial to your community, and it can be good for you as well. Just a few hours a month can make a big difference in the lives of others as well as your own.

Renaissance Woman Deanna Mascle writes about family and other topics at http://renaissancewomanonline.com

Thursday, December 27, 2007

College Guide - All about the SAT and Passing with Flying Colors

The Scholastic Aptitude or Assessment Test is now known as the SAT Reasoning Test and is an examination that all high school students are required to take in order to get into college. The SAT is conducted by the Educational Testing Service but it’s the College Board that computes the results of the test.

The Components of the SAT
There are three primary parts that make up the SAT: critical reading and writing and lastly, mathematics. Each part is further divided into three sub-sections. There are ten sub-sections all in all, with one sub-section made up of questions that are included for experimental purposes. This particular sub-section can belong to any of the three major parts of the SAT and results are excluded from the overall score.

Majority of the questions in the SAT provide students with multiple choices for their answers. The SAT takes five hours to complete. Questions are arranged according to their level of difficulty.

SAT Schedules, Candidates, and Fees
The SAT is administered to students seven times a year. It is in the months of February and July to September that there is a hiatus for SAT takers. The schedule also alternates between March and April in administering the test. Students who wish to take the SAT will be assisted by their respective schools in registering for the test.

If, however, such assistance is unavailable for a student, he may register by mail, telephone or online correspondence. Registration must be done at least three weeks prior to the preferred SAT testing schedule. The SAT costs approximately $40 to $50 although fees vary for international test takers.

SATs are administered on a Saturday but students who have valid reasons for requesting to take the test on a Sunday instead may always request for a change in test schedule to the appropriate authorities. Approval however depends on a case to case basis. Test takers with certain disabilities are given allowances in order to take the test with comfort. Again approval for such privileges depends on a case to case basis.

How SAT Scores are Tallied
A scale of 200 to 800 is used for each section, bringing the total score for SAT to 2400. One raw point is given whenever a student provides the right answer but 1/4th of a point is subtracted from the student’s score whenever he provides the wrong answer. The scoring system is set up in such a way that a student won't benefit if he were to randomly guess the answer.

How to Get It Right on the SAT Essay Question
The first part of the test that you will be asked to answer is the essay category and which represents 30% of the final score for the Critical Writing category of the SAT. The essay question is typically general and philosophical in nature. To effectively answer the essay part, students are usually advised to use various sources for their answer by citing situations and drawing examples from their personal life, history, the arts and so forth.

Tips on Preparing and Taking the SAT
Study at least six months prior to your preferred testing date. As the SAT tests you on the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the years, make sure that you don’t overlook any important subject in your review. For best results, create an outline in order to review for the SAT methodically and efficiently.

Avoid cramming. This can cause you to experience added stress and anxiety about the upcoming SAT. If you wish to study on the night before your testing date, you can simply review the main principles of each subject matter. Do your best to enjoy a good night’s sleep before the exam.

In the critical reading section, your vocabulary and ability to comprehend the text provided are being tested. If you’re finding it difficult to determine the right choice in vocabulary questions, cross out what you feel are immediately inapplicable to further narrow your choices. For reading comprehension questions, skim the text provided to get the gist then look up details when you have the time.

In the critical writing question, it’s all about finding the choice that completes the sentence or thought in the clearest possible way.

As for math questions, consider using variables if you feel unable to solve a problem. For grid-in questions, it’s important to provide an answer even if you’re unsure of it because this won’t be counted against you.

Find your college guide at http://www.teenslearnmore.com/

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Words Of Wisdom - Why It Is Necessary To Keep Your Desire To Learn

Necessary reasons to keep your desire to learn. Have you ever dwelled upon how key learning is to your life in terms of your ability to not only survive but also to thrive both professionally and personally? Becoming a lifelong learner is important to your health, your success, and your happiness, but if that is not enough reason to learn more then consider these three key reasons to keep your desire to learn and to live and learn.

Change is healthy. Change is healthy for your diet, your physical well being, your mental state, and your brain's health. While change is not always comfortable its benefits usually far outweigh its challenges. We know change is good for us but that doesn't make it easy to force ourselves to change.

Learning can decrease your weaknesses. Most of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to conceal or compensate for our weaknesses when that time would be much better spent simply learning more about that particular aspect of our lives and learning how we can decrease that weakness. Perhaps with time and effort that weakness can become a strength.

Learning keeps your mind sharp. Study after study shows that when it comes to the brain it really is use it or lose it. Challenging your brain by learning new skills and experiencing new things can foster brain growth and development no matter what your age. One of the reasons why young children's brains grow at such a rapid rate is because they are constantly learning new things. As we grow older we tend to slow and even stop learning which is damaging to our brains.

These are just three key reasons to keep your desire to learn that should give you food for thought and hopefully start you on the road to learning more and improving yourself today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows to come. Now go forth and live and learn so you too can reap the benefits of becoming a lifelong learner!

Find more words of inspiration story and quick inspirations at http://wordsofinspirationonline.com/

Live And Learn Direct - Why It Is Essential To Keep Your Desire To Learn

Essential reasons to keep your desire to learn. Have you ever pondered upon how essential learning is to your life in terms of your ability to not only survive but also to thrive both professionally and personally? Becoming a lifelong learner is important to your health, your success, and your happiness, but if that is not enough reason to learn more then consider these three essential reasons to keep your desire to learn and to live and learn.

Change is healthy. Change is healthy for your diet, your physical well being, your mental state, and your brain's health. While change is not always comfortable its benefits usually far outweigh its challenges. We know change is good for us but that doesn't make it easy to force ourselves to change.

Learning can decrease your weaknesses. Most of us spend a lot of time and effort trying to conceal or compensate for our weaknesses when that time would be much better spent simply learning more about that particular aspect of our lives and learning how we can decrease that weakness. Perhaps with time and effort that weakness can become a strength.

Learning keeps your mind sharp. Study after study shows that when it comes to the brain it really is use it or lose it. Challenging your brain by learning new skills and experiencing new things can foster brain growth and development no matter what your age. One of the reasons why young children's brains grow at such a rapid rate is because they are constantly learning new things. As we grow older we tend to slow and even stop learning which is damaging to our brains.

These are just three essential reasons to keep your desire to learn that should give you food for thought and hopefully start you on the road to learning more and improving yourself today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows to come. Now go forth and live and learn so you too can reap the benefits of becoming a lifelong learner!

Find out how you can learn more and live and learn direct at http://howyoucanlearnmore.com/

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Family Fun Vacations - 10 Fun Things for Kids To Do On A Camping Trip

No doubt about it, camping trips are fun. A vacation in the wild outdoors, fresh air, roughing it can be such a fun break from the hectic routine of city life. However, a lot of people think they cannot enjoy or even survive a camping trip because of kids. Children can indeed add enjoyment to anybody’s life, but to be honest, it is really hard to bring kids along on a camping trip. Imagine having no television or computers to keep them busy (and quiet). For the average parent, that could spell disaster. But you should not despair, there are many activities in the outdoors that can keep kids entertained during a camping trip. Here are ten of them.

1. Get wet and go splashing. More likely, you would be able to find a nice swimming spot. Whether a big lake or a small brook, you are bound to locate a nice body of water to splash around and have wet fun. Swimming amidst nature can be so much more enjoyable than swimming in a man-made pool. Just be sure that the swimming hole you find is safe for people, normally camping parks would tell you which ones are good for dips and which ones are not. Also, be careful about diving and never leave your kids swimming alone.

2. Bike together. Most camping sites have great bike trails. Riding bicycles is very fun when the view is great. It is faster and cooler than just traveling on foot. Make sure to bring a map and plan your trip so that you would not easily get lost. Do not ride too fast, or you might leave each other behind, anyway, you would not be able to enjoy the scenery if you speed so much.

3. Watch for birds and animals. Most camping sites and forest parks have primers and leaflets about the various animals thriving in their area. You may also bring books about wild animals and see if you could spot them. Try having a contest – the one who spots most kinds of animals wins. See the different animals that come out during the night compare them to those that come out during the day. Just keep your children from a safe distance so that they would not disturb the animals.

4. Play games in the outdoors. It may be the classic sac race, tug-o-war, or just plain tag. Nothing beats the time-tested games when done in the woods. Just be sure to play games in a clear area to avoid accidents. Also, avoid creating so much noise so that you would not disturb the wildlife.

5. Organize a scavenger hunt. Kids love to go on quests and adventures. Scavenger hunts can be a great alternative to the role playing games kids play these days, not to mention that it is more physical, allowing your kids to exercise rather than just sit in front of the computer screen all day. Just be warn your kids about the many prickly plants that could be lurking in the woods, such as poison ivy, oak and sumac.

6. Learn how to read maps and compasses. The great outdoors is a nice way to teach your children about navigation. Take out your map and compass while exploring the forest. Show your kids where you are in the map and show them where you are heading. This can also be done in conjunction with the scavenger hunt.

7. Light a campfire. Perhaps this is among the most awaited activities during camping. This can be the best way to end the day. Gather around the campfire to sing songs and tell stories (scary ones if you would like). Roast marshmallows and hotdogs. Play riddles and other word games.

8. Watch the stars. This is another night activity that can be both fun and educational. You may just simply lie on the grand and appreciate the free light show in the sky, or you may bring out a star chart and look for famous constellations and other heavenly bodies. Look for shooting stars and make your wish.

9. Bathe in the rain. The weather can be unpredictable in many places, you cannot expect to have clear and sunny skies all the time. But do not pout if the rain does pour. You can have fun playing in the rain and enjoy mother earth’s natural shower. Just be careful not to go out when there is thunder and lightning.

10. Just relax and simply enjoy the moment. You are in the outdoors for only a few times in a year (or even in a lifetime). Enjoy what nature has to offer. Avoid bringing any electronic gadget and simply bask in the quiet of the forest. This is the time to bond and enjoy each other’s company.

There are hundreds of other activities to do out doors, these ten are just a fraction of the many activities you can do with your kids on a camping trip. The point of it all is to enjoy spending the time together as a family.

Find out more about family fun and family entertainment at http://familyfunforyou.com

Party Games - Kiddie Games for Kiddie Fun!

What can be more enjoyable than a kiddie party? All those fun foods, party hats and mascots that make children's parties so much fun! But the fun aggrandizes the moment everyone starts with the games!

What are the best games for these cute kiddie parties? Read up and get some ideas so the next time you throw a party for your five-year-old, it will be a blast!

1. Limbo.

An upbeat music, a limbo stick and the kids just go together. The limbo master must keep his body from sticking to the stick while he is limbo-ing.

2. Balloon Target

This is fun because upon blowing up a balloon, the kid allows it to deflate and hit a target!

3. Blind Cow

This is like a guessing game wherein within a circle, the kids listen to a bell and find out where it is.

4. Charades

Let the kids act out the names of cartoon characters, persons or animals and make sure they don't talk!

5. Copycat

This is one silly game as the children simply copy each other's movements.

6. Creepy Crawlies

This is another guessing game in which a kid acts out a kind of insect and everyone guesses what insect it is.

7. Dress Up Relay

This is a relay race where the kids get to dress up in hilarious clothes and race against each other to the finish line.

8. Freeze Tag

This is a game of tag when the kid does not move or is "frozen" in his place.

9. Ha Ha Ha

The rule of this game is simple: laugh until everyone does!

10. Heads Up Seven Up

This is a guessing game intended for huge groups of kids.

11. Hide and Seek

Who does not know how to play this game? Kids love hiding and having someone seek for them!

12. I Love

This game solicits "aww" because the kids are asked to think of all the things they love.

13. Kick The Can

This game is a fusion of hide-and-seek and tag.

14. Mother May I

This is the game for kids where they ask their "mother" to take funny steps before they get tagged.

15. Pinata Party

Every kid loves a pinata party! They just have to break the pinata open to get all those candies inside.

16. Sock Mania

This is where kids put as many socks as possible on one foot.

Make sure every kid plays these games and the party will surely get a hundred times better and crazier!

Find out more about family fun and family entertainment at http://familyfunforyou.com

Lifelong Learning Keeps You Young

If you're approaching retirement age and wondering what you can do to enjoy a long and healthy life in your golden years then consider adopting the attitude of a lifelong learner. Most people think of lifelong learning as being confined to academic endeavors however the lifelong learning approach covers all areas of life including spiritual, social, academic and physical.

Lifelong learning is based on an attitude of constantly growing and evolving in various areas of your life. It is known in nature that whenever anything is not growing it is decaying and this is also true for us as humans. No matter what a persons age there are great benefits to be gained by challenging yourself in all areas of your life including physical challenges such as exercise, mental challenges such as a course of academic study or even other areas of learning such as challenging your limiting beliefs or habits, enhancing your communication skills, or even expanding your comfort zone.

Lifelong learners live by the motto "you're never too old to learn" and this attitude is the reason that people who approach life with this mindset are seen to not only live longer but also enjoy a better quality of life. This can be attributed to the law of nature known as the "use it or lose it" law. As we age it can be observed that those who are considerably inactive develop mobility problems as they age, whereas those who are quite active do not develop these mobility problems. A similar effect takes place with anyone who takes no part in any mentally challenging activity or pursuit. After years of mental inactivity you lose the mental abilities and clarity that you once had and when old age approaches the effects of not giving your brain the stimulation required to grow becomes more evident.

The Good News
The good news is that no matter what your age you can adopt the lifelong learner attitude and reap the benefits in any number of ways such as:

- Improved self-confidence
- Improved dexterity and hand-eye co-ordination
- Learn new skills
- Improve memory
- Improve and maintain social skills
- Overcome social isolation
- Improve physical, mental, and emotional health
- Improved outlook on life

When deciding to embark on a course of study or activity a good starting point is to think about the things you might enjoy doing or learning. For physical activities many gyms have fitness programs not only for young people but also senior programs as well. Another fun activity is Tai Chi which is very popular with many seniors as it helps to calm the mind and also improves breathing.

Some hobbies that are popular include painting, craft making, flower arranging, pottery and wood carving with all of these being relatively inexpensive and easy to learn. When is comes to a course of study it is mostly an individual choice weather to participate in an adult learning program through a local community center or to do an extensive study program through a college.

Regardless of your individual choices the important thing is to be involved in a number of physical, social, spiritual, or academic activities and approach these with the right attitude. By adopting the lifelong learner approach to life you will not only extend your life but reap the benefits of a quality of life that most people your age could only dream of.

Find out more about learning styles and how to live and learn direct at http://youcanlearnmore.com/