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Thursday, 31 May 2012

Did the US ever occupy Mexico?

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
I've been hearing weird things lately from the media that the brutal, cruel United States is actually "occupying" Mexican territory, or what used to be Mexican territory. They claim that all of California, Nevada,  New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah, and parts of Colorado originally belonged to Mexico and were stolen by the US and now occupied.

So, I thought I'd do some research and set the record straight. Now, mind you, I have nothing against Mexico or Mexicans. I am not racist at all. I simply want to reveal the facts.

Cortez conquered present day Mexico in 1519 and ruled much of Mexico as well as the disputed land in the US for 300 years.  This is why Mexicans speak Spanish. This entire area was called the Vice royalty of New Spain.

Mexicans fought and won their independence from Spain in 1821. However skirmishes between Americans living in present day US and the new Mexicans increased until in 1836, Texas declared it's independence from Mexico. This means that Texas was only considered part of Mexico for 15 years. Before that, it had been ruled by Spain for 300 years.

When in 1845, Texas became part of the United States, our army sent soldiers to patrol the border. Eleven of those men were murdered, prompting President Polk to declare war on Mexico.  Over a year later, we had defeated Mexico and taken back all the territories that are now considered part of the United States.

The treaty of Guadeloupe signed in 1848 called for these provisions
US would withdraw from Mexico, including Mexico city
US would get Southwestern US, including Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado

In addition, even though we WON the war, we agreed to buy this land from Mexico for $15 Million. We are not occupying Mexican land. We won it in war and then paid for it.

Oddly, this seems quite familiar to another country struggling with accusations of "occupying" territory they also won in war.  Israel. 


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Posted in Dive into History, Mexico occupied | No comments

Wednesday, 30 May 2012

Wordless Wednesday!

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
Warmed by the finger of God

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Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Emperor Constantine, Friend or foe to Christianity?

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
Emperor Constantine (285-337) is known as the Emperor who became a Christian and then granted Christians freedom of worship, expanded their privileges, and made Christianity the religion of the empire.  But what sort of "Christian" was Constantine?

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Last week we saw how Constantine's influence brought Christians out of homes and into huge church buildings.  But what was his reasoning? Was it purely to glorify God and lift up Jesus?  What many people don't know is that Constantine's thinking was dominated by superstition and pagan magic. Even after his conversion to Christianity, he never abandoned sun worship. He placed the image of the sun on his coins and erected a statue of the sun god that bore his own image in Constantinople. He also built a statue of the mother goddess, Cybele.  He borrowed the notion of sacred objects and places from the pagans and thus relic worship became common in the church, rising to such a frenzy that some Christian leaders spoke out against it.  Constantine's mother made a pilgrimage to Palestine and is said to have brought back the nails and cross used to crucify Christ. Constantine then declared that the wood from the cross possessed spiritual powers.

In AD 321 when he decreed that Sunday would be a day of rest, his intention was to honor the god Mithras, the Unconquered Sun, hence the name "Sun" day.   He functioned as the high priest of paganism, retaining the pagan title, Pontifex Maximus which means chief of the pagan priests.  When he dedicated Constantinople as his new capital in 330 AD, he decorated it with treasures taken from heathen temples, and he used pagan magic formulas to protect crops and heal diseases.

When he built the Church of the Apostles in Constantinople, he added monuments dedicated to the twelve apostles and formed them in a circle surrounding a single tomb, reserved for himself, in effect making him the thirteenth apostle.  Last but not least, Constantine is noted for instituting the idea into the Christian faith of a "Holy site" or "Sacred place" which led quite nicely to the belief that the new church buildings he was erecting were places where God dwelt and were thus holy.

This flies in the face of everything Jesus tried to teach us, that we are the church, that only God is holy, and that we are the living temple of God's Spirit. Constantine's negative influence on Christianity cannot be overstated. By the third century, Christianity had borrowed so much from the heathen culture that it changed the face of our faith forever. No longer was the church a group of Holy Spirit filled people meeting together to worship god. It now became, much like the pagan temples, a physical building made with hands where they believed God dwelt in a special way.

Taken from Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna




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Monday, 28 May 2012

You are not alone!

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city.  And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”  2 Kings 6: 14-15 NKJ

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Do you ever feel like you are surrounded? Maybe not by an actual army as in the verse above! But it certainly feels like that sometimes, doesn't it? You may have an army of overdue bills, unemployment, sickness, addictions, family problems, lost loved ones, sleeplessness, heartache, rejection, insecurity, fear, anxiety, homelessness and countless other generals, all fully armed, surrounding you, hurling threats your way! 


So, of course you do just what Elisha's servant did above.. you run to your master (God) and cry out to Him "What shall we do?" In other words. "Help! I'm beaten! They've won and I'm doomed!"
  
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 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.  So when the Syrians came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, and said, “Strike this people, I pray, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.  2 Kings 6: 16-18 NKJ


I've often asked God to open my eyes so I could see all the angels battling around me. Wouldn't that be cool? But God has always responded. that I couldn't handle it. That seeing both the demons and the angels would be far too frightening. I know He's right. I would probably freak out!  So, I go about my day and I usually forget about them. 


But they do not forget about me. Nor does the God who sends them to help me. Nor does God forget about you and the army of struggles surrounding you. In fact, at the first sign of the enemy's attack, God already dispatched his host of warring angels... don't believe me? Don't believe God sends angels to help one insignificant person

He did it for Daniel. Daniel was a lone man in a foreign land who saw a terrifying vision from the Lord, read the ancient Scriptures, and understood that he and his people the Jews were in a heap of trouble. So he began to pray and fast. For three weeks he ate no pleasant food and did not clean himself. For three weeks he didn't hear a word from God. No answer. Nothing. Then finally, the archangel Gabriel shows up. We're talking here the General of God's angels.. not some puny low-ranking dude.  Here's what he tells Daniel

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Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia Daniel 10:12-13 NKJ


The first day, God sent his highest ranking angel to help a single human on earth. Who is this prince of Persia who held Gabriel back and fought against him?  One of Satan's evil angels in charge of the Kingdom of Persia. Gabriel couldn't take the guy.. so Michael, another archangel, shows up to help!  That's 2 of God's Top Generals fighting so Daniel would have his prayer answered.!


I don't know about you, but that really humbles me. It really blows my mind! And it makes me realize just how much God loves us. 


So, the next time you feel surrounded by the enemy, the next time you feel outnumbered and defeated, remember, you are not alone! There are a host of angels fighting on your behalf. It may take them awhile to get there, but they are on their way!


Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  Hebrews 12:1 NKJ
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Friday, 25 May 2012

Funky Friday - I'm sailing away!!

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
http://alturl.com/yzy4i
Yesterday and today, my daughter and I are up in San Francisco taking sailing lessons!!!  We've had this planned for months and are very excited.  Although I have done tons of research on historic tall ships, I've never had a chance to actually try my hand at sailing a modern sail boat. So, this should be quite an adventure!  I'll be sure to post pictures sometime next week.

On another topic, next Friday starts VEIL of PEARLS month!!   This is the regular pre-release party I like to throw for my upcoming books.  This is how it works. Every Friday I will post something about my new book Veil of Pearls.  It could be something about the characters, an excerpt, trailer, as well as the fan favorite, "Guess what the character says next"!    Each week I'm giving away 2 copies. All you have to do is leave a comment. If you get a friend to come leave a comment (and they mention your name), then I'll enter your name twice!   So, spread the news and drop by next Friday!!  Hope to see you there.

And now, I'd like to recommend a book I read recently. Protection for Hire by Camy Tang.   There are really only two authors I read who write contemporary books. (I normally prefer historical) And those authors are Camy Tang and Ronie Kendig.

Tessa Lancaster's skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo's Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn't commit. Now, three months after her release, Tessa's abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son. But there's a problem or two ... or three .... There's Elizabeth's abusive husband whose relentless pursuit goes deeper than mere vengeance. There's Uncle Teruo, who doesn't understand why Tessa's new faith as a Christian prevents her from returning to the yakuza. And then there's Elizabeth's lawyer, Charles Britton, who Tessa doesn't know is the one who ensured that she did maximum time behind bars. Now Tessa and Charles must work together in order to protect their client, while new truths emerge and circumstances spiral to a deadly fever pitch. Factor in both Tessa's and Charles's families and you've got some wild dynamics---and an action-packed, romantic read as Tessa and Charles discover the reality of being made new in Christ.

I adored several things about this book.
  • The main character, Tessa, was such a fascinating character!.. more so than your normal romantic heroine. She had many different sides to her. I mean, she was an enforcer for the mob!! Yet she went to prison for something she didn't do in order to protect family.  She's both tough and tender and I loved watching how she struggles with her new life in Christ while battling the old Tessa.
  • Fast paced and action packed.  You'll be turning the pages quickly!
  • Camy has a quirky sparky wit to her writing that is really amusing. It adds an air of humor to the tenseness of the story that, in my opinion, deepens it even more.
  • Plus all the Asian influence and Japanese Mafia stuff is just plain cool!

Anyway, I encourage you to order yourself a copy!  
Amazon, BarnesAndNoble, ChristianBook.com

And visit Camy at her Website  or Blog
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Thursday, 24 May 2012

Dolly Madison - a woman to admire!

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
Dolly Madison is one of my favorite historical women. If you've read my book, Surrender the Night, you may remember her brief appearance as she defended the White House in Washington DC against an invasion of the British.  Can you imagine? Her husband is gone. The 100 men who were left to guard her have run off to fight. And she is alone with a group of servants making a stand against the the advancing British military.

But before we get to that. Who was Dolly Madison?  Born on May 20th 1768, Dolly grew up in a strict Quaker home, extremely devout and very religious. But it was her extreme social skills that won her a place among the elite in Washington. She was what we would call today a social butterfly, trained in all the social graces. She loved to entertain, always set the perfect table, knew the right thing to say, the right joke to tell at the right time. She as also an expert at decorating. All these combined to make her the perfect First Lady.  But what most people didn't realize was that she was also very brave.

While she waited for the British to descend upon Washington DC, unaware if her husband was even alive, and with the assistance of Jean P. Sioussa or "French John", her doorkeeper, she gathered as many of the irreplaceable items in the house she could. Things like papers, memoranda from the President's desk, silver, books, velvet curtains, even a small clock, stuffing as much as she could into a waiting carriage. Hanging on the dining room's west wall was a portrait of George Washington that Dolly had no intention of leaving for the British.  But the painting was encased in a heavy guilt frame and she couldn't free it. Finally it was French John who managed to free the painting in tact. When  Shipowner Jacob Barker and Robert Depeyster of New York stopped by to ask if they could help her, she handed the portrait over to them. Later that day, they deposited it for safekeeping with "a widow lady at a country house some distance from the road"

At 3:00 PM August 24th, 1814, Dolly sat down and wrote her sister: "Mr. Madison comes not! God protect him! Two messengers covered with dust come to bid me fly, but I wait for him. . . "

All day long she turned her spyglass in every direction "watching with unwearied anxiety, hoping to discover the approach of my dear husband and his friends, but alas, I can descry only groups of military wandering in all directions, as if there was a lack of arms or of spirit to fight for their own freedom"

Soon after, James Smith, a freed slave who had accompanied Mr. Madison to Bladensburg (where the fighting was), galloped up to the house, waving his hat and cried out "Clear out! Clear out! General Armstrong has ordered a retreat!" He also bore a note from the president, directing Dolly to flee at once. Mayhem ensued. Dolly ordered her carriage readied and "passing through the dining room, caught up what silver she could crowd into her old fashioned reticule and then jumped into her chariot with her servant girl Sukey and Daniel Carroll who took charge of them; Jo. Bolin drove the over to Georgetown Heights."

Dolly often entertained her husband and several of his staff and military men for an afternoon meal. Even today, she had set the dining room table complete with silver settings and china and laden with all manner of exquisite fare. Unfortunately, it was the British troops who ended up enjoying the meal.
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Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Wordless Wednesday!

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
Beware the ghost ship!

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Tuesday, 22 May 2012

Why do we have the church building?

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
"In the process of replacing the old religions, Christianity became a religion."  Alexander Schmemann, teacher and writer

Bare with me here. I'm going to start a series (or at least hope to) that helps explain how we as a Christian culture ended up in buildings, sitting in pews or chairs, facing forward,  and listening to sermons each Sunday. Where did all our present "Christian" methods, rituals, schedules, events.. whatever you want to call them, come from? And are they Biblical? 

http://alturl.com/hw6qf
Do you realize that Jesus came to abolish temples, priests and sacrifices. He said so on more than one occasion. He called his followers temples of the Living God. Collectively, he called them the church. Nowhere in the New Testament do we find the terms church (ekklesia) refer to a building. It always referred to an assembly of people, not a place. You never went to church. You were the church.

New Testament scholar, Graydon F. Snyder states, "The first churches consistently met in homes. Until the year 300 we know of no buildings first built as churches."

http://chathamchurchofchrist.org/article_acts242.html
In fact, as you read through the New Testament, you'll see that all of the epistles were written to home churches. Some have argued that Christians were not permitted to erect churches or didn't have the money, but this is simply not true. They chose to remain in homes. In fact, if a church grew too large, they would often knock down a wall or remodel the house to accommodate more people. Larger than that and they expanded into other home churches.

Although Christians had picked up some other pagan practices along the way, it wasn't until Constantine, emperor of Rome (285-337) came on the scene that things began to change.  After Constantine's questionable conversion to Christianity, he was determined to make the Christian faith legitimate.  In his pagan beliefs, that meant a sacred building, priests, and sacred rituals. So after 327 AD, he began erecting the first church buildings throughout the Roman Empire. In doing so, he followed the path of pagans in constructing temples to honor God (More on Constantine's pagan beliefs in a later post)

http://www.irishviews.com/canada-photos.html
He named his church buildings after saints just as the pagans named their temples after gods.
He built church buildings upon cemeteries of dead saints because these places were considered "holy"
These early buildings were magnificent and spacious designed after Greek pagan temples with large basilicas which provided ample space for seating passive and docile crowds to watch a performance. And much like the Roman basilicas they possessed an elevated platform where the clergy ministered with a rail separating them from the laity. In the center of the building was an altar or altar table considered the most holy place in the building because it often contained relics of martyrs and because the elements of communion, the sacred bread and the cup sat on top.

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The bishops and priests and "Holy" men sat behind the altar on  ex cathedra or thrones. The sermon was preached from the bishop's chair which was believed to hold the power and authority and was covered in a white linen cloth.

Interesting, don't you think? As I've been reading about this, it has brought several questions to my mind. Many of us were raised in Christian churches. We don't know anything else. It's what our parents did, and their parents before them. Church is just church. It's just the way things are and always has been.

Now, I'm not bashing church or church buildings at all. I still go to church. But all I'm saying is what if all these years we've been doing it wrong?

Information taken from Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna




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Monday, 21 May 2012

Live a life of contrast!

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
http://alturl.com/kutu2
Whether you were a merchantman or a sailor or a naval officer or even a pirate, when you were on land, most people could tell that you lived a life at sea!  How? Sailors in the past had a different way of dressing, of walking, of talking. In any port town, it was easy to spot the seamen. Their checkered shirts, baggy pants, hobbled gait and sun-tanned skin told people they worked on a ship. But even the blind could determine that fact by only a few minutes listening to the sailors speak. They had a language all their own. Words such as windlass, leadline, keelhaul, starboard, bulkhead were known only to those hardened by wind and wave.

If a sailor didn't understand the lingo. If he dressed funny and couldn't preform his duties, he was cast off from the ship and the profession.

Let's face it, all of us want to belong. We want to fit in. Have friends. Be popular. But in order to do so, you have to behave a certain way, dress a certain way, speak a certain way.  You have to become a sheep. Remember High School? It was all the kids that were different who got picked on, who stood out from the crowd and weren't allowed in.

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But I'm sick of sheep! The world is full of sheep, following the latest trends in fashion, music, entertainment, values, cultural ideas, etc. Do you even notice the sheep? Not really. There are so many of them, they all blend together. We don't notice them because they are all doing the same thing!

So, who do you notice? It's the person doing something different. The person swimming against the tide. The person doing something extraordinary and totally unexpected.

Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead let your lives be so in contrast as to expose and reprove and convict them. Ephesians 5:11 Amplified

What saddens me is that when I examine the lives of many Christians in America, I can't tell them apart from anyone else. They get divorced, have wayward kids, have drinking and drug problems, have extramarital affairs, cuss, throw temper tantrums, behave selfishly. They hoard money for their future, buy luxury items, and are stingy with their charity (Good grief, do we believe in Heaven or not? Why are we storing up riches here?). In addition, many are sick and dying and impoverished. (I realize people get sick and die, but when we profess in a God who heals, shouldn't we have a lower rate of illness? Just saying).

So I ask you, why would anyone be drawn to Christianity?  Where's the contrast with the world? It would seem to me that it's a pretty bum deal. You have all these rules to follow, have to go to church on Sunday, and you still have all the same problems as the world does. No thanks.

For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light  Ephesians 5:8 Amplified

Just imagine with me for a moment what a group of Christians completely sold out for the Lord would look like: 
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  • Families would stay together and love each other. Kids would grow up normal and loved.
  • No drug or alcohol addictions. No abuse.
  • People would live a life of high morals. Honesty, Integrity, Goodness. You could count on them
  • People would help each other in time of need
  • People would love each other
  • People would always have enough
  • People wouldn't be sick all the time
  • People would be happy, joyful and fulfilled with their daily tasks

Now, wouldn't that be attractive to this dying world?  I know it would have been for me before I met the Lord. I was looking for this kind of life. I wanted fulfillment, happiness, peace and love. I looked everywhere in the world.. even at Christians I knew, and couldn't find it.

(note: I don't advocate the prosperity Gospel which says the Christian life is all fun and happiness. We do have struggles. But they are good struggles with good endings, driven by God and used for our good. And it's how we handle these struggles that matters. With faith, patience, love, perseverance? or do we grumble and complain and walk away from God? The World is watching! )

Why are we melding with the world? Our lives should be so different than those around us, that we should be a beacon for all to see. Some will be drawn to us. Others will mock. But at least we are letting God's light shine through us. At least we are doing something rather than spending our time here on earth pleasing ourselves.  

Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon you and give you light. Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise, sensible, intelligent people, making the very most of the time because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:14-17 Amplified

http://australiansforpalestine.com/6330
So, don't be a sheep. Don't be afraid to be different. To be the outcast. The person swimming against the stream. The person people whisper about behind raised hands. Be a light. Be bold in your faith and your convictions. And love people. Love them like Jesus does. 

Live a life of contrast!
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Friday, 18 May 2012

Funky Fridays! My Organic Garden!

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown

Well, it may not look like much now.. but hey, my daughter and I started most of this from seed!  The huge plant in the front is Zuchinni, to the right are tomatoes and California greens and a bean plant (which I need to get a trellis for)  In front of that are Butter lettuce, more tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, corn (on the very right), more green beans, oregano, basil, thyme, summer squash and garlic. 

Completely organic! At least so far.  So, how are we doing it?  From what little I've read, you plant your crops in groups of different crops. In other words don't plant a row of beans and then a row of tomatoes, plant a group of beans, tomatoes, squash, carrots..etc.. and then another group somewhere else of the same veggies.. the idea being that different plants have different defense mechanisms that can help each other against certain pests.

Another thing I did was plant fragrant herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) among the groups. Apparently this helps keep pests at bay too. I also planted patches of garlic. (There are four groupings throughout the garden) to keep away critters who are offended by the smell. (Not this critter! I love garlic)  And lastly, we planted marigold flowers everywhere. They are also a bug deterrent. 

Other than that, I've been watering it and weeding it everyday. So far, we have enjoyed some radishes and some wonderfully fresh butter lettuce. You can't imagine the nutrients that are in a freshly picked bunch of lettuce or in a fresh carrot or any vegetable! I pick them and take them right to the kitchen to make a salad.  But we are only in the beginning stages, so there's more to come!

Here's another view. It's actually not very big.. probably 10 feet by 6 feet.


Cool, huh? Well, this city slicker thinks it is!!  We'll see how we do. Sorry about my unmowed lawn. :-(  Hubby has been gone on business for awhile.

So how about you? Do you garden? Do you know anything about organic farming? Any tips you can give me? 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
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Thursday, 17 May 2012

Code Duello: The Rules of Dueling

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
I've always found dueling fascinating! As if you couldn't tell from my books. :-)  It was such a barbaric practice, yet quite often it was the more refined gentlemen who took part in it.  The practice began in the Middle ages, grew in popularity, and spread to America where it survived quite nicely until the late 19th century!

In fact, many of America's most important citizens defended their honor by dueling. One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Button Gwinnet, was shot down by General Lachlan McIntosh in a duel. Commodore Stephen Decatur of the United States Navy, an experienced duelist, died in a duel with Commodore, James Barron. And Abraham Lincoln narrowly averted a battle with swords by apologizing to an Illinois state official he had ridiculed in a local newspaper.

The most famous American duel was the one held between Vice President Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton (who was on track to becoming President) in 1804, where Aaron Burr shot and killed his opponent  

In a typical duel, each man had a friend or acquaintance act as a second. The seconds' main duty was to try to reconcile the parties without violence. The offended party sent a challenge through his second. If the recipient apologized, the matter was over. If, however, he chose to fight, the recipient was allowed to choose the weapons and the time and place of the duel. Up until that determining moment, apologies could be given and the duel stopped. After combat began, it could be stopped at any point after honor had been satisfied.

Duels were fought for honor and if a man refused to fight when challenged, he was often shamed in public, his name printed in the newspaper. A refusal  could essentially ruin him and his career.

Most duelist chose pistols over swords. Flintlock pistols were known for their inaccuracy so choosing them might prolong one's life!

By the time of the Civil War, dueling was in decline, mainly due to preachers tirades and public opinion against the barbaric practice. I'm surprised it lasted that long!

Dueling was a deadly sport. And like any sport, it had rules. The following rules, called The Code Duello, were created in 1777 by a group of  gentlemen-delegates for general adoption throughout Ireland. I thought you might like to browse through them. They are quite interesting and even morbidly amusing.



Rule 1. The first offense requires the first apology, though the retort may have been more offensive than the insult. Example: A tells B he is impertinent, etc. B retorts that he lies; yet A must make the first apology because he gave the first offense, and then (after one fire) B may explain away the retort by a subsequent apology.

Rule 2. But if the parties would rather fight on, then after two shots each (but in no case before), B may explain first, and A apologize afterward.

N.B. The above rules apply to all cases of offenses in retort not of stronger class than the example.

Rule 3. If a doubt exist who gave the first offense, the decision rests with the seconds; if they won't decide, or can't agree, the matter must proceed to two shots, or to a hit, if the challenger require it.

Rule 4. When the lie direct is the first offense, the aggressor must either beg pardon in express terms; exchange two shots previous to apology; or three shots followed up by explanation; or fire on till a severe hit be received by one party or the other.

Rule 5. As a blow is strictly prohibited under any circumstances among gentlemen, no verbal apology can be received for such an insult. The alternatives, therefore -- the offender handing a cane to the injured party, to be used on his own back, at the same time begging pardon; firing on until one or both are disabled; or exchanging three shots, and then asking pardon without proffer of the cane.

If swords are used, the parties engage until one is well blooded, disabled, or disarmed; or until, after receiving a wound, and blood being drawn, the aggressor begs pardon.

N.B. A disarm is considered the same as a disable. The disarmer may (strictly) break his adversary's sword; but if it be the challenger who is disarmed, it is considered as ungenerous to do so.

In the case the challenged be disarmed and refuses to ask pardon or atone, he must not be killed, as formerly; but the challenger may lay his own sword on the aggressor's shoulder, then break the aggressor's sword and say, "I spare your life!" The challenged can never revive the quarrel -- the challenger may.

Rule 6. If A gives B the lie, and B retorts by a blow (being the two greatest offenses), no reconciliation can take place till after two discharges each, or a severe hit; after which B may beg A's pardon humbly for the blow and then A may explain simply for the lie; because a blow is never allowable, and the offense of the lie, therefore, merges in it. (See preceding rules.)

N.B. Challenges for undivulged causes may be reconciled on the ground, after one shot. An explanation or the slightest hit should be sufficient in such cases, because no personal offense transpired.

Rule 7. But no apology can be received, in any case, after the parties have actually taken ground, without exchange of fires.

Rule 8. In the above case, no challenger is obliged to divulge his cause of challenge (if private) unless required by the challenged so to do before their meeting.

Rule 9. All imputations of cheating at play, races, etc., to be considered equivalent to a blow; but may be reconciled after one shot, on admitting their falsehood and begging pardon publicly.

Rule 10. Any insult to a lady under a gentleman's care or protection to be considered as, by one degree, a greater offense than if given to the gentleman personally, and to be regulated accordingly.

Rule 11. Offenses originating or accruing from the support of ladies' reputations, to be considered as less unjustifiable than any others of the same class, and as admitting of slighter apologies by the aggressor: this to be determined by the circumstances of the case, but always favorable to the lady.

Rule 12. In simple, unpremeditated recontres with the smallsword, or couteau de chasse, the rule is -- first draw, first sheath, unless blood is drawn; then both sheath, and proceed to investigation.

Rule 13. No dumb shooting or firing in the air is admissible in any case. The challenger ought not to have challenged without receiving offense; and the challenged ought, if he gave offense, to have made an apology before he came on the ground; therefore, children's play must be dishonorable on one side or the other, and is accordingly prohibited.

Rule 14. Seconds to be of equal rank in society with the principals they attend, inasmuch as a second may either choose or chance to become a principal, and equality is indispensible.

Rule 15. Challenges are never to be delivered at night, unless the party to be challenged intend leaving the place of offense before morning; for it is desirable to avoid all hot-headed proceedings.

Rule 16. The challenged has the right to choose his own weapon, unless the challenger gives his honor he is no swordsman; after which, however, he can decline any second species of weapon proposed by the challenged.

Rule 17. The challenged chooses his ground; the challenger chooses his distance; the seconds fix the time and terms of firing.

Rule 18. The seconds load in presence of each other, unless they give their mutual honors they have charged smooth and single, which should be held sufficient.

Rule 19. Firing may be regulated -- first by signal; secondly, by word of command; or thirdly, at pleasure -- as may be agreeable to the parties. In the latter case, the parties may fire at their reasonable leisure, but second presents and rests are strictly prohibited.

Rule 20. In all cases a miss-fire is equivalent to a shot, and a snap or non-cock is to be considered as a miss-fire.

Rule 21. Seconds are bound to attempt a reconciliation before the meeting takes place, or after sufficient firing or hits, as specified.

Rule 22. Any wound sufficient to agitate the nerves and necessarily make the hand shake, must end the business for that day.

Rule 23. If the cause of the meeting be of such a nature that no apology or explanation can or will be received, the challenged takes his ground, and calls on the challenger to proceed as he chooses; in such cases, firing at pleasure is the usual practice, but may be varied by agreement.

Rule 24. In slight cases, the second hands his principal but one pistol; but in gross cases, two, holding another case ready charged in reserve.

Rule 25. Where seconds disagree, and resolve to exchange shots themselves, it must be at the same time and at right angles with their principals, thus:

If with swords, side by side, with five paces interval.

N.B. All matters and doubts not herein mentioned will be explained and cleared up by application to the committee, who meet alternately at Clonmel and Galway, at the quarter sessions, for that purpose.
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Posted in Code Duello, Dive into History, Dueling | No comments

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Wordless Wednesday!

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
Just another day of pirating!

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Posted in Wordless Wednesday | No comments

Tuesday, 15 May 2012

Have we lost the purpose of marriage?

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
http://alturl.com/todyv
Marriage is getting a bad rap in this culture. Many people I talk to, especially young people, have a negative opinion of marriage. In light of all the divorces and heartache, many don't see the point of getting married. I mean if the main purpose of marriage is to have sex and enjoy someone's company, in this culture you no longer need a marriage commitment to do that, so why get married?   I truly see their point.

But the problem isn't the institution of marriage, the problem is that our culture has redefined marriage. If I asked you what the purpose of marriage was, what would you say?

  • To raise children in a stable, loving environment
  • To have a partner to enjoy life with
  • To share the burden of finances

All good things. Now, what about divorce? What are the main reasons you hear that people get divorced?

  • Incompatibility
  • Extra-marital affairs
  • Person doesn't fulfill me anymore
  • I fell out of love with him or her
  • We grew apart

Oddly none of those reasons have anything to do with the above reasons for getting married in the first place. There seems to be a disconnect somewhere.

In earlier days, marriage was a permanent contractual union for the purpose of mutual love, procreation, and protection.
Presently that's been defined to a Sexual contract designed for the gratification of the individual parties.

http://fruity072.wordpress.com/
The earlier definition came out of a Christian heritage that understood that God gave marriage to us not just for our own happiness but for the benefit of all humanity. Lifelong monogamous marriage created a social stability in which children could thrive and grow, a healthy loving environment which had ripple effects in the entire community.  Marriage used to be a public institution for the common good. It used to be other centric. But now, it has become s a private arrangement for the satisfaction of the individual. Self-centric.

Now, when the sexual fervor fades and couples have problems, as couples will (We are flawed humans), they split up and move on to the next exciting relationship, living for one romantic experience after another, addicted almost to the pleasure it brings them.

Today, we expect our wife or husband to "make us happy" or "fulfill" us. We expect them to be there for us, listen to us, care, love, protect, defend, honor, agree with us, put up with our faults, never let us down, never be in a bad mood..etc..  really?  Sounds like we expect our spouse to be God. Trouble is, they aren't. They can never live up to our expectations. And we can't live up to theirs. No one can fulfill us. That's what God is for. We used to stay married for commitment's sake and turn to God for those things in which our spouse couldn't provide.  But we've taken God out of our marriages and decided our spouses exist to make us happy. When they don't.. they are out of there!

http://alturl.com/ydd3b
Don't get me wrong. I love romance! I'm a romance author, after all! But I do think we need to change the way we look at marriage. It isn't about finding your soul mate or being fulfilled or being happy or living in bliss. That makes marriage all about you. Let's make marriage about honoring God and about improving society and about raising good kids. Let's approach it with a "what can I do for you" mentality instead of a "what can you do for me".

When you do that, when you do things God's way, the romance that follows may take you by surprise!
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Posted in Christianity and Culture, marriage | No comments

Monday, 14 May 2012

What is the Goal of Life?

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
http://www.day-trips-and-weekend-getaways.com/toshiba-tall-ships-festival.html
In the Age of Sail, whether you were a pirate or a regular sailor, whenever you signed onto the crew of a ship, it was for one of following reasons:

  • Wealth, (Booty for pirates!)
  • Success/Status - success as a naval office, merchantmen, or privateer would often increase one's social status 
  • Fame - If the ship was a pirate ship or privateer or a naval vessel that captured many prizes, you could indeed become famous!
  • Education:  Learn the ropes, learn how to sail
  • Power - Move up in position of authority on board
  • Beauty - get a nice sun tan! 
 
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1315265
Aren't we the same today? Aren't these the things the world tells us are most important in life? The things we should all strive for?  Get an education, get a good job, buy a house, store savings for your retirement, grab more power at work, move up that corporate ladder, buy buy buy things and all the while look as good as you can!

But the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.

Garbage? Worthless. Empty. Worthy to be tossed aside as refuge when compared with one thing. Knowing Jesus. Knowing the captain of your ship. When we sign up to take that eternal voyage with Jesus, we still must do our duties on board. We must learn and work and grow and try to be as diligent and successful as we can. But our main goal in being aboard is so eloquently put by Paul below

For my determined purpose is that I may know Him. That I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly, and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed in spirit into His likeness even to His death.  Philippians 3:10

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1315265
 How do we get to know the Captain? Hang out with Him. He's waiting by the ship's wheel. He is in His cabin, hoping you'll come down and chat.  He's charting your course on the quarterdeck. Wherever you are on board, His loving eye is upon you, watching as a Father watches an only child. So, go to Him.

"But I've been horrible. I've done too many bad things."

But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the supreme and heavenly prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. Philippians 3:13-14

Jesus calls you upward. Never downward. He calls you forward, never backyard. So, go to Him. Make knowing Him your life's goal. And hang on! Cause He loves great adventures!




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Friday, 11 May 2012

Funky Friday's Veil of Pearls Trailer

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
Okay, well, I wasn't going to post this until I have Veil of Pearls month next month, but I just can't stand it! This is the best trailer I've ever seen. (At least for my books!)  My publisher, Barbour, hired a new company and they did a great job!  I can't tell you what it feels like as an author to see your characters come to life on the screen.. even if it is just a glimpse! But to see them move and smile and act and have your story just blossom before your eyes. If they ever made a movie out of one of my books, I don't think I could stand the excitement or the emotion. They'd probably have to put me in a straight jacket with a gag in my mouth just to contain so I wouldn't drive everyone crazy!!

Anyway, now that I've totally hyped it up, I hope you aren't let down. Although I don't see how you could be:
I would love to hear your thoughts, comments, opinions, even if you didn't like it.. K?




Awesome, huh? Anyway, have a great weekend! I'm thinking of going to see The Avengers, or maybe that new Pirate movie? It looks cute.
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Thursday, 10 May 2012

Freed slaves in 1738 America?

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
A couple of years ago, I was doing research for a new series set in St. Augustine, Florida, and I came across this really cool fact.  We so often hear of the horrors of slavery in America (much of which is true), but have you ever heard that as early in our history as 1738,  a colony of freed slaves existed and thrived?

More than a century before the Emancipation Proclamation, the Spanish governor of Florida chartered the settlement of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or Fort Mose for short, as a settlement for those fleeing slavery from the English colonies in the Carolinas to the north. Slaves escaping their masters traveled the original underground railroad not to the north, but to the south, to the Spanish colony of Florida where they were given their freedom in exchange for declaring their allegiance to Spain and joining the Catholic church.
Fort Mose was the northern defense of St. Augustine where nearly 100 Africans made their home in freedom. combining African, Indian, Spanish and English cultures. 
Along these lines if you were asked which city in the United States is the oldest? You might say

Jamestown settled in 1607 or perhaps Plymouth in 1620. When in reality the oldest European City of the United States is  St. Augustine, settled by the Spanish in 1565.  But did you know that Africans helped to settle the city, forming 12 % of the population in which 1 in 5 was free? In fact they brought valuable skills from Africa, including Black-smithing, cattle ranching, and carpentry that greatly aided the city's progress.

Another interesting fact is that the first Africans to come to the New World weren't brought here as slaves but aboard the ships of Spanish Conquistadors whereby Africans arrived as artisans, seamen, navigators and adventurers, forever establishing their presence in North America.

Over the next 25 years, Fort Mose and Spanish Saint Augustine became a sanctuary for Africans seeking liberation from the tyranny of English slavery. 


Fort Mose was declared a National Landmark in 1995
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Posted in Dive into History, Slavery, St. Augustine | No comments

Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Wordless Wednesday

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
God looks down on pirate ships!
http://exploredia.com/greatest-pirate-ships-of-all-time/

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Posted in Pirate ships, Tall Ships, Wordless Wednesday | No comments

Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Christians bullied in America-only the beginning.

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
When I first saw this video, I wasn't terribly shocked. I mean, we are seeing more and more prejudice toward Christians and people who hate Christians spouting off their claims on TV, the internet, and YouTube. It seems to be a new trend in America. When I was growing up, being a Christian was pretty mainstream and those who didn't believe in Jesus weren't angry about Christian's beliefs and visa versa. That's one of the biggest advantages of our free speech society. We can each believe what we want and state what we believe without fear of being bullied or castigated for our beliefs.  Those days are over.

What really shocked me about this video was the place where this speech took place.  Dan Savage is an American author, journalist and editor who writes the internationally syndicated relationship and sex advice column, Savage Love.  Recently he ventured forth on what he calls an anti-bullying crusade throughout the country. In particular, he focuses on bullying gay people.

 Sounds great! I'm also against bullying anyone! Whether for race, size, personality, religion, gender, sexual orientation or anything else.  But as it turns out Mr. Savage had an ulterior motive in a speech he gave at a High School Journalism conference last month.  Yes, I said High School.

I've copied the video below. I warn you, there is adult language used. (yes, I said High School)
And the people you see walking out are people (probably Christians) who oppose what he is saying.



Yes, I said this was an ANTI-BULLYING speech.  Why do I show you this? Because twenty years ago, this man would have been escorted out of this high school for foul language and defaming a religious belief.  Both of which would have been completely suitable at an atheist rally or even standing on a soap box in the middle of Times Square. I still do believe in Free Speech!. Just not when you cowardly hide your agenda behind a the guise of a good cause in order to indoctrinate a group of impressionable kids. And where were the teachers? The principal?  If you want to have a discourse on what you perceive as fallacies in the Bible or certain doctrines, then be man enough to engage in a professional mature debate with a Bible expert. Not fling your hate-filled drivel at a bunch of young people.

Folks, this is just the beginning. Know your Bible. Be able to give an answer to those, like this man, who pluck verses out of context and spout untruths.

And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  Mark 13:13
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Posted in Christianity and Culture | No comments

Monday, 7 May 2012

Jesus meets you where you're at

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”
“No,” they replied.
Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.  John 21: 4-6


As far as we know,  and aside from the ascension, this is Jesus's final time hanging out with the men who had become his close friends and companions for three years.  To them, their friend and savior died on the cross and has now been resurrected! They've all seen Him, talked with Him, but still they have no idea what to do. They don't know where to go from here. 


Have you ever felt like that? You've met Jesus, spoken with Him, followed Him, but in your day to day life you don't know what else to do but what you've always done. You don't see that anything has really changed. 


So what did the disciples do? They went back to what they knew before Jesus. They went fishing! 
But something had changed. And they would never be the same. Jesus showed up again and turned their ordinary fishing expedition into a catch so abundant they couldn't haul in the net!  Part of me wonders if Jesus wasn't showing them right then and there how many people they would catch and bring to a saving knowledge of Him. More than they could believe! More than they could haul in!  

http://www.pastorgraphics.com/Fishers_Of_Men_PowerPoint_Sermon-33925.html
And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17

Yes, indeed, their lives had changed. They would never be the same. They would never be ordinary fishermen again. And neither will you. But the choice is yours.  You may think you're just an ordinary smoe. leading an ordinary life, with ordinary skills and talents. You may even think that you're not sure you're up to the adventurous, abundant life Jesus offers. You may be worried what He'll ask of you. You may think you're not dedicated enough, brave enough, or maybe, that honestly, you're not sure you love Jesus enough to sacrifice everything.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 
 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.  John 21: 15-17


Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times. The first two times He used the Greek word for love, Agape, which is an unconditional, self-sacrificing, all-encompassing love which is completely independent of the actions or character of the one being loved. It is the way God loves us.


All three times when Peter answers. Yes, I love you.. but he used the Greek word Philia which means brotherly love, the strong bond of friendship. In other words, Peter cannot lie to Jesus. He is not sure he loves Jesus with agape love. All he can offer is Philia love.


http://ruinedfortheordinary.com/you-are-loved-believe-it/
But here's the catch. The third time Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him, he uses Philia, not Agape. That blew me away!  Jesus wasn't offended that Peter couldn't return the same kind of love Jesus offered him. Even after all Jesus had suffered, He didn't storm off in a huff because Peter couldn't give Him what He well deserved. So, what did He do?  He lowered Himself, His expectations down to Peter's level. He met Peter where he was.


And He does the same for us!  All He asks is that we follow Him. Bring all your worries, fears, inhibitions, lack of dedication, lack of love, lack of faith and doubts to Him. He understands how weak we are. He will meet you where you're at!  He only asks for honesty and a heart that truly wants to follow Him.  Then watch what He will do with what you give Him!

Peter became the leader of the Christian church in Jerusalem!
http://www.wilsonsalmanac.com/book/jun29.html
Many historians believe Peter ended up being crucified as well for his belief in Jesus. Yet he demanded to be crucified upside down because he didn't feel worthy to hang in the same way Jesus did.  Do you think Peter finally achieved Agape love for Jesus, after all?
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Friday, 4 May 2012

Vitamix and Health - my review

Posted on 00:30 by Unknown
I know many of you have come to expect a writing lesson on Fridays (and I do hope they've been helpful!), and though I have other topics I could discuss in that regard, and I truly do love to help other writers, this blog's main focus surrounds these themes
  • Bringing God glory
  • Encouraging the Saints
  • Christianity and Culture
  • News about my books!
  • History
  • Bringing your attention to other great books and products
  • Tall ships and pirates!
 So, I've decided to change Friday's format to what I'll call Funky Friday.  Which basically means anything goes! It will be a time for me to just blab about anything in particular that's been on my mind during the week, which could be anything from the state of our world, the coming apocalypse, politics, new products I've bought and loved, a book review and recommendation (with a giveaway sometimes!), how my organic garden is coming along (I know you're dying to know), and of course any book news I have regarding my own books.

http://www.theheartlinknetwork.com/blog/?p=2601
I also want to make it a time when you can ask me anything. In fact, if you're too shy to leave a comment, you may email your questions to marylu_tyndall@yahoo.com and I'd be happy to answer them here on Friday. Or if you simply have some comment or something to say, you can email that to me as well.

For those of you non-shy people (And you know who you are), I'd like to hear from you, so please pour your hearts out to me and let's have a Friday chat!

Before we get to today's blabbing, I'd like to announce that June will be Veil of Pearls Month !  Yes, you heard it here first. Every Friday in June, I'll be posting something about my new release, Veil of Pearls.. things like an indepth look at the characters, a video trailer, a you-guess-what-the-character-says-next contest, and other surprises. All you have to do is leave a comment and your name will be entered to receive a free, signed copy of the book!

Topic of the week: My New Vitamix!

Some of you may remember that I'm on a quest to lose ten pounds before July when hubby and I are going to a Sandals resort in Jamaica!  Well, so far I've lost 4 pounds. Doesn't sound like a lot, I know. But hey, I'm only 5'1" and over 50, so give me a break!  In addition to my weight loss, I'm trying to become super healthy. Everything I read on the topic leads me to believe that my diet should consist of a bunch of organic fruits and veggies, whole grains, limited lean meats and chicken, less sugar and more exercise.

So I bought a Vitamix! My husband call it my Woman's Power Tool.     It's a glorified, awesome blender that doesn't just blend, it does so much more!  You know how some people have juicers that extract juice from veggies and fruit? Well, the Vitamix actually takes the whole fruit and veggies and grinds them up so small that you can make a smoothie out of them, using the whole fruit and not just the juice. So, it's SUPER good for you.

Here you see me about to make my smoothie. I put into the Vitamix
1 Orange
Frozen strawberries and blueberries
1/2 Zukinni
Kale
Grapes
Spinach
1/2 Banana
1 cup of coconut milk
1/2 cup Kefir 

I usually also add an apple and some broccoli. Actually, you can put anything you want in it

Here's the result.  It's a delicious smoothie that really fills me up and lasts all day.  Plus, I'm getting all those nutrients from all the fresh organic fruits and veggies! (I mean, who wants to eat all that stuff raw?)

I have to tell you that since I've started this, I feel really good!! 
The Vitamix also does other things. It chops veggies for salads, makes salsa, hummus, ice cream, soup, peanut butter, and grinds whole grain then kneads dough to make bread.. 

The only trouble is, it is expensive. But it comes with a 7 year warranty and I can tell you, it's top quality.  If you are considering becoming healthier and eating right, this is the way to go.. and it is worth saving your pennies for. (And no, I'm not being paid by Vitamix to say any of this) :-)


Have a great weekend!!!



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Posted in Funky Fridays, Health, Vitamix | No comments
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      • Did the US ever occupy Mexico?
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