"It always PROTECTS, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:7
What has happened to this generation of men? Or should I say boys. What happened to the men who long to protect a woman from the evil instead media and Hollywood has distorted that image. They have trained the boys of today to chase after the woman to conquer her and take her as their own. If you have ever read a fairy tale you know that the woman needs to be protected from an evil stepmother or dragon or whatever. A man comes and protects her. And in the end BY PROTECTING her, he wins the fair woman’s heart. (insert “aww” here). That is what a man should do protect the woman! Protect her innocence! Protect from the predators that the media call men. There are a few MEN in this world I have the privilege of knowing. And guess what I consider them; MEN. Yet, most are only in their teens. Funny, huh?Most of the older boys (adults) that I know, I consider them only boys. Why, you ask? Because they fall into the trap of the media. They chase after women, sure, I know when it comes down to it, they will eventually protect me, BUT they teach boys and their sons to chase and conquer woman also. They accept it and come off with the phrase "boys will be boys". NO! Boys should not be boys, but should be men!! They should rise up and conquer EVIL, not INNOCENCE!! What would be different in this world if Men would be men? How many of you men have dreamed of being a William Wilberforce or a King Arthur? You can be!!! You can become a generation of MEN who can change the WORLD!!!!!!!!!!I love this. This iswhat the media should be saying.
“No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.” ~ 1 John 4:12
We come to know God through the love of others. Others come to know God through our love.
When you think of changing the world, what comes to mind?
We know that the two greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love others as we love ourselves.
Love.
Such a simple word and yet living it out sometimes seems so hard. Why? Because we’ve made it a complex thing. Really though, love is simply showing concern for the well-being of another person.
Love (noun): unselfish loyal and benevolent (or kind) concern for others
Changing the world sounds like a huge impossible feat But it can be done! Even the smallest gesture of love can impact someone in a major way and turn their life around. Think of the message the preacher gave that God used to bring Rev. Billy Graham to Christ. Think of all the thousands and thousands of people God has brought to Himself through Billy Graham!
Here are a few easy steps you can take to start carrying out God's command to love:
Decide to be a difference maker. Make the choice to impact someone’s life.
Answer these questions:~Who do you already know that you can impact? What does he/she need?
~What abilities and gifts has God given you?
~Put ‘em together. How can you use what God’s given you to impact this person?
Do one thing to share God’s love. Don’t overwhelm yourself thinking you have to be that person’s savior. That’s what Jesus is for. :) Just meet a need that he/she has.
[By the way, here's a hint: It's a good idea to ask God who HE would like you to share His love with today. Chances are He's got someone specific in mind that you may not have thought about, maybe even someone you wouldn't think needs to see His love. Trust your gut instinct. God knows what each person needs, and He will tell you who and what if you ask Him.] Here are some practical ideas on what you can do:
Be available for them.
Help them see their situation from a different perspective.
Do a random act of kindness for them…even anonymously
Put an encouraging Bible verse on their Facebook page (or send them a text or email)
Give them a gift. Put a note on it that says, “God loves you and I do too!”
"Knowing you love them is encouraging, but knowing God loves them is life changing." ~Shannon Primicerio
Make them laugh when they’re down.
Be a good listener and let them vent.
Refuse to judge them.
Read a quote, magazine or passage in a book that makes you think about them? Type it up and give it to them.
Pray with them. And definitely pray for them.
"Prayer is the greatest act of kindness." ~Unknown
Fight for them. Show them you've got their back.
Give sacrificially (maybe even in a way that they’ll know you made a sacrifice for them)
Have more ideas? Leave a comment & share with us. :o)
CHALLENGE: We're challenging everyone to DO ONE THING.
You simply can’t get any easier than this and … it’s absolutely delicious! My Red,Whiteand BlueTrifle only has four basic ingredients. And it has an awesome “wow” factor! It looks so pretty when you bring it to the table. Everyone will think you worked for hours. :)
For an extra special presentation on the Fourth ofJuly, you can top the trifle with sparkler candles. You can find these in the bakery department of your grocery store or at a craft store. They are very tall, skinny candles that give off subtle sparks when you light them! Do NOT, however, try to use regular Fourth of July sparklers. They make a huge mess and will ruin your dessert!
OK – here’s the recipe. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you do serving and eating it!
Ingredients:*Assorted berries (I buy a package each of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries)
*1/3 cup of sugar
*Angel Food Cake (Make from scratch, from a box, or purchase a ready-made angel food cake from your grocery store)
*Two 8 oz. containers of Cool Whip, thawed* (see note below)
If using strawberries, set one aside to use as garnish then remove the green leaves and slice the remaining berries into a large mixing bowl. Add the other berries and the sugar and mix to combine. Set aside so the berries and sugar start making some juice. This will only take about 30 minutes.
Tear the angel food cake into chunks (about the size of golf balls).
In a pretty glass bowl or trifle dish, layer as follows:
1/3 of the Angel Food Cake
1/3 of the Berries
1/3 of the Cool Whip
Repeat two more times so that you have three layers. Garnish with a whole strawberry or a few scattered berries.
*TIP: When you purchase Cool Whip it will be frozen. Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. DO NOT try to thaw Cool Whip in the microwave. Trust me … it will make a horrible mess and the Cool Whip will melt, not thaw. It will be unusable.
“Trust in Him at all times…Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8 (NASB)
God wants us to trust Him enough to pour out our hearts to Him – all our thoughts and feelings, joys, concerns, and fears. He is our refuge ~ our safe haven, our sanctuary, the One to whom we can come and trust with our hearts.
What keeps you from trusting in God always?
Challenge: Spend 5 minutes writing down the areas of your life in which you are not completely trusting God. Also write down all the areas in which you ARE completely trusting God. Ask God to show you how to trust Him more today with the things you struggle to trust Him with. Thank God that He cares about all the details of your life and what is in your heart.
“With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:10-11 (NKJV)
I was filled with guilt as I realized a decision I made recently, with the best of intentions, had actually caused more harm than good. Feeling frustrated and disappointed that I wasn’t measuring up to God’s standards, I came across today’s key verse.
Right away, I knew that the Lord had led me to this verse. Everyone makes mistakes; we’re human, and we’re going to disappoint one another and ourselves.
My biggest mistake was not focusing on God and His Truth.
When I fail to do that, too often I follow the sinful desires of my heart rather than patiently listen for and follow God’s instruction.
Are you struggling today to forgive yourself for the mistakes you make in your everyday life? Have you ever let a bad decision cause you to doubt the work God is doing in your life and believe you have no redeeming value in His eyes?
It is in these times when we are fully aware of our own human weakness and the ways in which we fall short of His glory. We know how much we need God’s Truth imprinted on and locked in our hearts.
I love the truth in the words to this worship song: “Lord I come to you, let my heart be changed and renewed, flowing from the grace that I've found in You, and Lord I've come to know, the weaknesses I see in me, will be stripped away, by the power of Your love.”
Will you join me today in purposing to put our faith in God’s promises instead of believing and letting those lies sink into our hearts? When I acknowledged my own sinful nature and opened my heart and life to God again, in that moment He showed up and changed my life all over again.
Let us see the Bible, not simply as words written in a book but as something meant to be lived. Today, when we spend time with our Savior, we can trust that the same God who speaks so wonderfully and clearly in the Bible speaks to us in our lives today.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your unchanging and constant Truth revealed to us in your Holy Word. Forgive me when I act selfishly and do not turn to You for help and direction. Lord, I ask You into my heart to renew and strengthen me. Please give me the wisdom and the courage to, not only read Your Word but to keep it in my heart and to live it each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
GO DEEPER:
Ponder: “He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3 (NKJV)
Apply: Read Psalm 119 today and make a list of some of the amazing ways God's Word can help us every day.
Each time you sit down to read your Bible, ask God specifically to help you understand, process and apply what you're learning.
Earlier this morning I was enjoying chatting on the internet with a friend who lives many miles away and it occurred to me how much of a blessing technology is in the pursuit of staying connected in our relationships. Today, we have cell phones, text messaging, the internet, and web cams to help connect us. However, I have learned over the years that in order for friendships to remain strong and vibrant, they need more than a gadget. They need to be appreciated.
In this day and age with all the new communication tools, it should be much simpler than in days past to stay in touch, but that doesn’t always seem to be the case. Though today's tools can bridge the gap of distance and allow us to remain directly connected with people, it takes more than the technology available to make it happen. It is all too easy to let a relationship quietly drift away simply because we don’t make the effort or take the time to foster it. When we don’t show that we value the relationship before we know it, it is gone.
As important as it is to cultivate our bond with the people God has blessed us with, it is even more essential to strengthen our connection with the One who gifts us with those relationships. I read very thought provoking devotional a few weeks ago that really got me searching my heart. It asked how connected I am with the Lord. While reading it, I questioned myself as to what I am doing to strengthen that connection. I read the Bible, I worship and I pray. But do I truly appreciate the availability of prayer? Do I come before God with a thankful heart that truly values the privilege it is to come before Him? Not always. That revelation caused me to pause. Being connected to God through prayer is a joy and a gift of immeasurable value...but so often, that gift is taken for granted.
In the days of the Old Covenant, leading up to Christ’s crucifixion, only the High Priest was allowed to pass through the curtain that separated the people from the Most Holy Place in the Jerusalem’s Temple. Once a year, the High Priest entered that sacred place to offer sacrifices before the Lord as atonement for the people’s sin. “But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance”(Hebrews 9:7).
When Christ offered Himself as the final sacrifice for our sins the curtain was torn and a new covenant was made. At the moment of Christ’s death, the barrier between God and humanity was split in two enabling all people to approach God directly through our Eternal High Priest – Jesus Christ. “It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When He had said this, He breathed his last” (Luke 23:44-46).
How precious is the gift of prayer when we understand the measures our Savior went to allow us direct access to Him! Not only did Christ’s sacrifice on the cross pay for our sins, it also tore down the barrier between us. No longer are we separated! God invites us into the Most Holy Place where we can continually share in sweet communion with Him. There is no longer a divide in our communication. We are linked through the One who gave His all for us.
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By His death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water”(Hebrews 10:19-22).
Praise God for the Gift of prayer! I am so thankful God desires this connection with me...and with all of us! As we move forward, let us always appreciate the great privilege and joy it is to come before Him! As we remember the lengths to which Christ went to connect us, let us continually pray with thankfulness, rejoicing in the Lord.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
Anything really. We need toasters, blenders, plates, sheets, furniture, Chairs, book cases, fridge,ETC. Its for a intern house anything you can give will be much appreciated. Drop off in Fresno or Clovis area. Email Kendieroo@yahoo.com if you have anything or you need to ask any questions.
It’s hard to understand how God really feels about us and what He wants to say to us especially when we don’t have a stellar relationship with our earthly father.
Whether this describes you or not, God has something special He wants to say to you. Read this letter from God, straight from the Bible and especially for YOU.
My Beloved Daughter,
I am so proud of you. Just thinking about you makes me sing (Zephaniah 3:17). You are the apple of my eye, my daughter in whom I have found great delight (Psalms 17:8, 149:4, Song of Solomon 4:10). Even in your struggles, you look to me. You have not broken your covenant of love with me, and I am so pleased with you. Though you do not see, you believe; though you do not always hear, you listen and obey. Yes, you are yet imperfect. Sometimes you fall down, but I love you in your struggles. Your weaknesses are beautiful, because it is from that place of repentance that you realize how much you need me (2 Corinthians 12:10, Song of Solomon 1:5).
You are beautiful, my darling, unique, one of a kind (Song of Solomon 1:15, 6:9). How lovely are the works of my hands (Isaiah 64:8)! Who is there to say that my creation is not beautiful (Is 45:9)? I created your inmost being; I knit you together in your mother’s womb (Ps 139:13). See, before I established the foundations of the Earth, I knew you. Before I parted the oceans, I was waiting for you, peering through the lattices of time: Let me hear your voice! (Song of Solomon 8:13). Your voice is like the choicest perfume, like sweet honey to my lips (Song of Solomon 4:11). Do not be afraid (Isaiah 41:10).
Dark are you, but lovely (Song of Solomon 1:5). I have chosen you among you companions, I called you by name, and you are mine (Psalm 45:7, Song of Solomon 2:16). Nothing can separate you from my love (Romans 8:38-39). I am here for YOU, every day, every moment. There is nothing I would not do for YOU, because I have already given you the greatest gift of all, my Son (John 3:16). Here I am, laying before you a banqueting table of my riches (Song of Solomon 2:4). Take, and be filled! Do not be satisfied with the mediocre life that the world has to offer (Song of Solomon 2:4). Only in me can you find the abundant life you are searching for (I Timothy 6:19, John 10:10).
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). Be still and listen. Turn off every distraction. In the secret place you shall find me (Psalm 91:1-2). In the temple of your spirit, I have built my resting place (1 Corinthians 6:19). Many search for me, but do not find me, because they fear the cost of my friendship (Luke 9:23). They do not know that true love is not measured on the scales of emotion, but of quiet devotion (John 14:15). So, draw near to me, and I will draw near to you (James 4:8). Even when you do not feel me, I am there. I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). Rejoice, then, rejoice! Give thanks to me and praise me name! (Psalm 100:4). For “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV). My love for you remains as steady as the rising sun (Psalm 103:17). It never changes, because you are my child, my creation, and I am well pleased with you (Hebrews 13:8).
“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 (NASB)
Do you ever find yourself striving constantly for something but never attaining it? Maybe you’re striving to be better at something or to do more or to get ahead. However, the harder you try to accomplish that thing, the worse off the situation seems to get. You get frustrated, angry, and want to quit.
Sometimes we need to just STOP.
To stop. To cease striving, as Psalm 46 says. The dictionary defines striving as this: “to exert oneself vigorously; to make strenuous efforts toward any goal.” The definition itself makes me tired! Striving is like reaching for something but never fully attaining it. We’re not content with what we have so we reach for something else to make us happy.
The problem is when we strive for things that aren’t part of God’s plan for us, we’re never going to be truly happy. When we try harder and harder to accomplish something that it gets further and further away from us. Henry David Thoreau said, “Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.” When we quit striving for happiness and decide to trust in God’s plan, then we find true happiness.
Psalm 46:10 shows us that when we stop striving and remember that God is God, He will be exalted, or honored, in and through our lives. Isn’t that awesome?! People will see God shining through our lives even more when we’re not striving against Him.
Many times in my life I’ve strived for something … perfect grades, a boyfriend, to please others, peace at all costs in relationships. I was really striving for love, acceptance, and worth.
I was striving for these things because I thought they would fill the hole in my heart. However, striving for all these things only caused me stress and anxiety that God did not intend for me to have. God wanted me to know He loved me, He accepted me, and I was worthy in His eyes.
What are you striving for that’s leaving you frustrated, angry, stressed and unfulfilled? God does not intend for you to carry those burdens. Stop striving. Rest in God’s care. Know that He is God; He is in control, He will give you His very best, and you can trust Him completely.
GO DEEPER:
Ponder: Psalm 127:1-2, “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (NLT)
Apply: Write down all the things you are working to accomplish in your life. Ask yourself why you want to accomplish these things. Does your reasoning line up with what God thinks and says in His Word?
What do you think would you ever wear it? Leave a comment saying yes you would or no you wouldn't and tell me why. Tell me something you would change or would you leave it the same.
She might have been playing the role of wholesome girl next door, Hanna Montana at the time, but it's clear Miley Cyrus had the dance moves of a grown woman.
Miley was at a wrap up party last summer in Georgia for the movie 'The Last Song' when she and 44 year old producer Adam Shankman hit the dance floor for some dirty dancing.
Shankman who is gay seemed to be really enjoying himself as Miley grinds her butt into his crotch.
Does it make it ok because Shankman is gay?
In my opinion no, because there should be a limit to the kind of contact an adult should have with what the law considers to be a child.
According to TMZ the people who shot the video were said to be offended by what they saw.
No wonder Miley is in such a hurry to push her career into the adult arena with her new video for "Can't Be Tamed" . Looks like the age of innocence for her was lost a while ago.
Over the last decade Christianity has battled against the culture that says that Christians must be “nice.” A lot of men and women were taught that we can never be blunt or harsh. While I believe in kindness, grace and mercy there are times when being direct is exactly what God wants, even if it sounds mean.
There are some good examples of this in the New Testament. There are times that God wants us to be direct, even if it might be offensive to the other person. I like to imagine being with Jesus or the disciples or John the Baptist and hearing them make these comments. I think I would be surprised to hear these words come out of their mouth.
1. Luke 3:7: “You brood of vipers, who warned you of the wrath to come?”
These are the first words that John the Baptist speaks to the crowd that gathers to see him in Jordan. By calling them a brood of vipers he was saying that that are children of the devil.
2. John 8:44: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire.”
Jesus is talking to the Jews who tell Him that they are heirs of Abraham. Jesus tells them that they are children of the devil, right to their face. 3. Acts 8:21: “You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.”
Simon the Sorcerer thought he could buy the gifts of the Spirit. Peter had no problem telling him exactly what he saw in his heart. 4. 3rd John vs 9: “but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first.”
Diotrephes has been talking “wicked nonsense” against the disciples and refused to welcome the brothers. John had no problem exposing his selfishness.
There is a time to be full of mercy and there is a time to be bold and blunt. We need to pray that we can discern the difference.
If you have other examples please leave comments below…
There really isn’t a time of day when I wouldn’t be content eating pizza. Whether it’s for breakfast or a late night snack, I don’t discriminate. I came across this recipe a few weeks back and have probably made it five times since then. It has no tomato sauce, but the lemony garlic butter complements the roasted potatoes and chicken perfectly. You could easily spend the day kneading the dough, but I buy mine for a few dollars at a local pizzeria. Plus, that extra time would be better spent making something like this for dessert.
{Vanilla cupcakes with coconut cream cheese frosting}
It’s funny how birthdays evolve as you get older. When you’re a kid, you’re mainly concerned with who’s coming to your party, what dress you’re going to wear (or baseball cap in my case) and which flavor of ice cream cake to serve. With each passing year, things seem to get more complicated and there’s a new sort of pressure associated with your “special day.”
{Table setting with white and natural touches}
{Fruit salad with berries, mango and kiwi}
{Bagel spread with cream cheese, lox, tomatoes, onions and capers}
{Mimosas with colorful mermaids to distinguish people’s glasses}
pesky things. Always announcing their presence when I least want them too.
My complexion has never been that dewy skin I find so elusive. It’s about time to do some natural healing.
Want to get rid of those bally blackheads without spendy loads of your hard-earned cash on costly creams and extractors?
Try some of these natural home remedies. I’m going to try one a week and let you know my progress. Home remedies do take longer to produce results, but long term they are more rewarding. 1. Coriander Leaves
This is another easy to apply night pack for blackheads. Apply a mix of 1 teaspoon of coriander leaves juice and half teaspoon of turmeric powder before going to bed. And next morning, wash it with the cold water. Not only your blackheads will be reduced but your skin complexion will also be improved. 2. Honey -antibacterial moisturizer
Honey is really good for your skin. If you apply warm honey on the affected area and wash it after 10 minutes, you will benefit a lot. Honey will act as a natural peel to your blackhead affected skin. Besides, removing blackheads, it will also improve your skin. 3. Baking Soda & Water
a) This is a blackhead extraction method. By mixing equal amounts of baking soda and water, make a solution and rub it for few minutes. Now wash off with luke warm water and some of your blackheads would be removed.
4. Epsom salt and iodine
Take a cotton wad and soak it in a solution made from Epsom salt, iodine and warm water. Dab the cotton wad on your blackheads and it will loose the pores. Next, you can use any of the effective face scrubs like green tea scrub to remove the blackheads.
5. Lemon Juice – Pore minimizer
a) Lemon is another gift from nature to have an ever shiny skin. Squeeze a piece of lemon to get its juice, and put it directly on the affected areas. Repeat this twice-thrice a day. It will clear your skin of blackheads by tightening your pores.
b) Mix equal ratio of limejuice with evenly powdered cinnamon and apply it in the night. You can wash this pack in the morning and have a clear skin.
c) Another effective blackhead pack can be made from a mixture of a grounded and roasted skin of pomegranate and lemon juice.
d) Or, blend crushed drumstick pods and leaves with lemon juice to make the pack.
6. Rose & Oatmeal Mask -Oil fighting mask
Mix oatmeal powder with rose water and apply this natural mask on your blackhead prone area. This is a very effective remedy for blackheads and checks future out break as well. Wash it off with cold water after 15 minutes.
7. Potatoes- No more wrinkles
This one works against your pimples, wrinkles, whiteheads and blackheads! Just grate one potato and apply it directly on the problem area. It is that simple!
It feels like summer is right around the corner and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve been preparing for its arrival by incorporating seasonal fruit into each meal, wearing my Toms just about everywhere, eating chocolate-dipped ice cream cones, buying Gerber Daisies in cheery colors and finding the sweetest of packaging for my abundance of baked goods.
When the alarm on a woman's biological clock starts ringing, no snooze button on earth can truly turn the thing off.
Just ask Zoe. Sure, some folks might assume that she already owns everything the average Manhattanite could want: a comfortable apartment, a thriving business, the looks of Jennifer Lopez. But Zoe feels like something's missing … something small and warm and burpy.
No, no. We're not talking about a Boston terrier. She already has one of those. She wants a baby. And since she's not in a relationship, she sets up a date with a fertility specialist and a vial of sperm.
Wouldn't you know it, the day—nay, the very hour—after her first clinical rendezvous, Zoe runs into Stan, a hunk-a-hunk-a-hunky cheese farmer from upstate. Edam! Zoe exclaims to herself. He's just too gouda to be true! But too true he is, just like a nice, ripe feta, and it's not long before they're going on picture-perfect dates, spending long weekends on the cheese farm and falling in love.
Oh, yeah, and growing a baby, too.
When Stan first finds out, he sours a bit on the whole relationship. But not wanting to be a curd, he decides to stick around, molding true love out of an unusual baby-makes-three arrangement.
Which leaves us with just one question: If it's a boy, will they name him Colby?
Positive Elements
We don't see Zoe interact much with children, even after she has them. (She delivers twins.) But we do know that she dotes on her dog—supplying the canine (whose back legs don't work) with special carts so he can walk/wheel himself around. And not once considering abortion as an option—even when Stan goes a little green at the thought of having kids—her yen for them is nice, so far as it goes.
But the real hero here is Stan. Once he comes to grips with the fact that kids are on their way, he does everything he can to support his ever-expanding sweetie—dealing with her cravings, her neuroses and, for a time, even her omnipresent full-body pillow. He contracts a custom-made stroller and manfully breeches the great unknown with a sense of understated sacrifice and humor.
When Zoe asks him why he would want to deal with her children, he answers, "Because I love their mommy—and what I want more than anything else in the world is to be their daddy."
Cheesy? Naturally. But admirably so—as is the fact that the two eventually marry.
Spiritual Content
When Stan and Zoe gather to watch one of Zoe's friends give birth, they find the place filled with women pounding on drums and chanting in a vaguely Native American/New Age sort of way. Zoe believes it's lucky to pick up a penny—but only if it's showing "heads."
Sexual Content
Here's where this review takes a sharp downward turn. Zoe and Stan wait until their third date to have sex—hardly laudable self-control. And once they've started, they don't stop.
We hear from Mona, Zoe's friend, that because Zoe's pregnant, her body's particularly sensitive and she's apt to be particularly orgasmic. And so we're soon exposed to a scene in which Zoe climaxes during the early stages of foreplay. During intercourse, she has three or four orgasms. Stan rips open Zoe's dress on one occasion, and we see her bare back.
Zoe examines her nearly naked self in the mirror. (We see a brief glimpse of her thong-clad backside.) She tells Stan how much better her rear used to look—offering him pictures to illustrate. She wears some tight-fitting outfits with plunging necklines. For his part, Stan often wears no shirt at all, and the film treats him very much as a sex object—more so even than J.Lo's Zoe.
Beyond all the shown and talked-about orgasms, there's all sorts of conversation about pre- and post-baby vaginal conditions, nipples, "penis partners," pubic hair, sperm, sexual habits and rapid-fire serial monogamy.
The camera watches as a woman breast-feeds her 3-year-old girl. And there's a bit of explicit content related to pregnancy itself. We first meet Zoe in her fertility doctor's office where the camera doesn't blink very often during her insemination. A later appointment includes a vaginal ultrasound and a doctor who repeats the word vagina many, many times to make Stan uncomfortable.
We see one of Zoe's friends give birth in a tub of water. Shots include her pubic region.
Violent Content
Zoe crashes into a tree with her SUV. One woman, in the throes of delivery, threatens Zoe with bodily injury, clawing at her.
Crude or Profane Language
One f-word and about 20 s-words are mixed in with "a‑‑," "b‑‑ch," "h‑‑‑," "d‑‑n" and "douche bag." God's name is misused more than a dozen times (once with "d‑‑n"), and Jesus' name is abused twice.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Zoe drinks wine and champagne—but not when she knows she's pregnant. Others drink those intoxicants, too, along with beer.
Other Negative Elements
Mona, a mother of four, tries to dissuade Zoe from having a baby, telling her that kids are "awful" and "I hate them." A playground father echoes this to Stan, telling him that fatherhood is "awful, awful, awful … and then something beautiful happens … and then it's awful, awful." When Stan notices that one of this unnamed dad's children is eating sand, the man says, "By the time you get to the third one, you don't worry about that stuff." Later, a child carries over a piece of poop for his dad to inspect, and the father merely asks him whether it's from a cat or from him or from some other undetermined source.
Zoe and Stan both initially keep information from each other (Zoe her pregnancy, Stan the fact that he's going to night school). We see both Zoe and her dog throw up. Mona talks about the effect pregnancy had on her bladder. We see Zoe sit on the toilet and hear her urinate as she's taking a pregnancy test. During Zoe's friend's birthing scene, fishing out excrement is played for laughs.
Conclusion
"Some things can last forever," Stan tells Zoe. He's trying to reassure her that one of those things is their love for each other—that he'll never leave her no matter how much she may believe he has no reason to stay.
So they've got that going for them.
But then there are things that simply seem to last forever. Like, for instance, this film. The Back-up Plan was supposed to be, I think, an update of a classic romance—one that starts out with having kids, rather than ending there. It culminates in engagement and, apparently, true love. Along the way, it studiously avoids all that old-fashioned traditionalism seen in romances of yesteryear.
But I still believe in love, marriage and family, in that order. You might too. And partly because of that, The Back-up Plan didn't much resonate with me. And it strikes me that it may actually do some harm.
While the premise of the romance centers on the desire to have children and the unstated belief that acquiring them will bring happiness, most of what we actually hear about kids is negative. They put dinner on their heads. They play with unfamiliar feces. They're "awful." They're "horrid."
Zoe, while she desperately wants children, seems to see them not as sacred responsibilities, but rather accoutrements. She's obsessed with their clothes, consumed with their strollers. And when asked why she wants kids, she says she doesn't want to be alone.
So The Back-up Plan is about Zoe and Stan and their love for one another. The children, rather than being the film's ultimate gift, are its reoccurring obstacle. And as those twins were born, I couldn't help but think that they'd better grow up pretty quickly—just in case their parents get bored with them.
Perhaps I'm not giving due credit. After all, we do see Stan reading a bedtime story to them before tucking them in at night. Few of us, when we become parents, are truly ready. It's hard to grasp the joys, the trials and somber responsibilities that come with parenthood, and most of us learn along the way. So I should probably be more forgiving when it comes to Zoe and Stan.
But if this film has some sweetness to it, the content it displays is as sour as a hunk of gorgonzola left in the sun for six weeks. And that makes me a bit cranky. Its foul language and frank sexuality spoil whatever meager charms it might've offered.
For the most part, I think it’s a decision the parents make with their kids. But then I saw this video that the hilarious team of Tripp Crosby and Tyler Stanton made. They showed it at a friends church because they had a bajillion babies storm service like a SWAT team. Slight exaggeration. Check it out and let me know what you think of the following question:
Should little kids be allowed in big church?
In public, Sandra Bullock has been through the best and worst of times this year – from winning her first Oscar to enduring the breakup of her marriage. In private, she was quietly keeping a joyful secret – his name is Louis, and he is her newborn son.
"He's just perfect, I can't even describe him any other way," Bullock reveals exclusively in the new issue of PEOPLE, announcing that she is the proud mother of Louis Bardo Bullock, a 3½-month-old boy, born in New Orleans. "It's like he's always been a part of our lives."
Bullock, 45, and husband Jesse James, 41, began the adoption process four years ago and brought Louis home in January but decided to keep the news to themselves until after the Oscars. Their close friends and family – including James's children Sunny, 6, Jesse Jr., 12, and Chandler, 15 – were essential in keeping the adoption a secret.
Then, just 10 days after the March 7 Oscars, Bullock and James separated following reports James had cheated. Bullock says she is now finalizing the adoption as a single parent.
For much more, including an in-depth interview with Bullock and exclusive photos of the star and her baby boy, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday
He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
And oh, how He loves us oh
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all
He is jealous for me, Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
And oh, how He loves us oh,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all
He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
And we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…
That He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
I can say with complete honesty that I have never been a fan of biscotti. It always seems like something you eat when there’s nothing else available and you’re simply settling for a stale cookie. I had never even thought about how they were made until I considered making some from scratch after seeing this recipe. Turns out, they’re twice-baked (which makes them seem extra special) and when they’re homemade, there’s quite a difference. They’re crunchy, but full of flavor and the hint of orange makes them the perfect complement to cup of tea in the afternoon.
After seeing countless pictures of stylish ladies at Coachella in patterned shorts, I’ve been dying to recreate the look (minus the bikini tops that were worn out at the desert). I typically rely on multiple stores to provide an adequate variety of shapes and styles, but Topshop has a firm grip on this season’s trend. I love how butterflies and abstract watercolor prints suddenly seem fresh and crisp, though I’m fairly confident that I owned both such patterns as a child. Whether you throw on a gauzy tunic or slouchy tank, these shorts all provide a welcomed departure from my normal routine.
1. Butterfly Print Skirt Shorts, $60
2. Tropical Print Hareem Shorts, $80
3. Eyelet Floral Shorts, $65
4. Daisy Chain Shorts, $65
5. Floral Fluid Shorts, $65
6. Slouchy Shorts, $90
7. Botanical Shirred Shorts, $50
8. Lace Pleat Shorts, $65
I’d be happy dressing in slight variations of J.Crew’s entire spring line from here on out. A crisp blazer, t-shirt, tangle of chains and you’re out the door. Of course I’ll make sure things don’t ever get too monotonous by throwing on different pants (rolled up khakis one day and boyfriend jeans the next), switching between oxfords and wedges and occasionally doing my hair differently.
j.crew blazer
1 (12-ounce) box Nabisco Nilla Wafers (no substitutions!)
4 cups sliced ripe bananas
In a small bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat well, about 2 minutes more. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight, before continuing. It is very important to allow the proper amount of time for the pudding mixture to set.
In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the pudding mixture into the whipped cream until well blended and no streaks of pudding remain.
To assemble the dessert, select a large, wide bowl (preferably glass) with a 4-5-quart capacity. Arrange one-third of the wafers to cover the bottom of the bowl, overlapping if necessary, then one-third of the bananas and one-third of the pudding. Repeat the layering twice more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer of the pudding. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours - or up to 8 hours, but no longer! - before serving.
If you taller like me (5'6") you don't really like high heels. But if you are short (fun sized) like my mother who tops out at 5'4" . You love and live for them. All the shoes my Mom has are high heels. So for my shorter readers here are just a few of my current favorites. I love all of the wooden options this season since they’re sleek, but have a natural vibe that’s perfect for warmer months.
Vintage Days is a four-day, student-planned celebration which attracts over 50,000 people from Fresno and the surrounding communities to the Fresno State campus. The annual spring event combines numerous social, cultural and recreational activities into a series of coordinated programs over an extended weekend. Each fall semester, applications are accepted and student coordinators are selected to plan, organize, and execute all of the events and activities. Events and activities include: Boomtown Carnival, Casino Night, Concerts, Crafts Faire, Kid's Zone, and Special Events.
How many things do you think you buy in a week? If your like me when you sit back and think of it you really don't know. Its a lot though. Have you ever thought of where it comes from of where it goes when your done with it. Here is a link to a website i would recommend for women.
Also here is a video that has in a lot of ways opened my eyes.
The weather has been so erratic lately that meal planning has become close to impossible. One day it’s sunny and stifling, the next it’s gray and wet. Why don't you make Tyler Florence’s Black Bean Soup with fresh lime crema and cilantro you will be seriously impressed with yourself. Not only does it make my entire place smell incredible, but it tastes just as good the next day, served cold.
{Washed black beans}
{Pureed garlic, onion, cilantro, jalapeno and green pepper}
My Dearest Allie, I couldn't sleep last night because I know that it's over between us. I'm not bitter anymore, because I know that what we had was real. And if in some distant place in the future we see each other in our new lives, I'll smile at you with joy and remember how we spent the summer beneath the trees, learning from each other and growing in love. The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds, and that's what you've given me. That's what I hope to give to you forever. I love you. I'll be seeing you. ~Noah to Allie in The Notebook
Doctor Marcia Fieldstone: Tell me what was so special about your wife? Sam Baldwin: Well, how long is your program? Well, it was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together... and I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home... only to no home I'd ever known... I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew. It was like... magic. ~”Sleepless in Seattle
2. Honey -antibacterial moisturizer
