Matthew 18 Community - A Primer on Relationships

Introduction

Aahhhhh, relationships...you can't live with 'em and you can't live without 'em!

We are relational beings and every role that we fulfill, whether at home, work, school, church or society is vitally connected to other people. (Isn't that the pits?) But seriously, doesn't the quality of your life depend completely on the quality of the relationships that you cultivate every day? If we are off in even one of the above spheres (let alone a few of them), then we are left to trudge through our daily existence without much joy, depth or satisfaction.

A neglected investment

It is interesting to note that we can spend time and money to improve virtually every aspect of our life. Whether it is a gym membership, a pair of new glasses, a nicer car, our kids' piano lessons, a new wardrobe, dinner and a movie, or what have you. We are often even willing to sacrifice to procure these things.

And yet, in this area of relationships, the part of our being that is so crucial and so central to our existence, we find it easy to skimp, and we don't invest the time (or the money) that these personal connections deserve. A lot of times, we let them run on auto-pilot, and little grievances with our spouse, partner, parent or co-worker seem to grow into these walls of indifference, or bitterness, or resentment that simply rob us of so much valuable energy and fulfillment.

Matthew 18 Community

I coined the phrase Matthew 18 Community as a way to describe a core set of relational principles found in the 18th chapter of Matthew's gospel. It is my desire that these ideals would be embodied in every one of the critical spheres of our lives that touch other people. Thus, if you put these principles into practice, you automatically become part of the Matthew 18 Community.

If you want, you can go and read the chapter now to get a sense for the ideas. Over the next several weeks we'll be diving into many great topics including:

- How humility can transform your relationships

- Are you a relational stumbling block?

- The nature of conflict

- Confronting conflict head-on

- Reconciliation in relationships

- The power of forgiveness to heal you

And much more! I do hope you can make a commitment to become an integral part of the Matthew 18 Community. Look for more updates in the coming weeks!

Til next week...

Our next post will be on a very misunderstood topic, "Humility" and on how it can absolutely transform all of your relationships.

I look forward to speaking with you again soon!

Six Secret Ways to Protect Pets From Fleas And Ticks Without Chemicals

It's all so gross! Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and bed bugs prey on us and our pets, feasting on our blood, injecting us with germs and potentially deadly pathogens, excreting poop in our hair, on our skin and in our homes.

This is completely unacceptable!

But to many of us, the toxic chemicals in many flea and tick treatments are also unacceptable. Have you read the warnings on those labels lately?

The good news is that there are plenty of safe, natural treatments for fleas and ticks so we don't have to rely on chemicals.

If you're like me and you'd prefer a much safer, natural way to protect our pets and our families from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, flies and other pests, here are my six secret natural weapons in the war against these pests. Most or all of them are completely safe, drug and chemical free, pleasant, natural and affordable:

1. Secret treatment Number One: Garlic. In addition to its many other valuable health benefits as an anti-fungal and antibiotic, garlic makes your pet's blood completely unattractive to pests like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes that would otherwise make a meal of your pet's blood. Easy-to-give garlic supplements are available and with a pet's advice you can also give your pet raw garlic. (Don't try raw garlic without instructions from your veterinarian.)

2. Secret treatment Number Two: Neem Spray. Neem spray is made of natural neem and citronella. It can be sprayed directly on your pet (follow instructions) to repel and kill fleas, ticks and larvae.

3. Secret treatment Number Three: Neem Shampoo. Again, made of valuable Neem from the near east, this shampoo works synergistically with Neem spray to kill and repel fleas and ticks effectively and naturally without side effects.

4. Secret treatmentt Number Four: Herbal sprays. Certain compounds such as cedar oil, geranium oil, rosemary and clove oils repel fleas, ticks and flies. Natural, herbal sprays contain these helpful ingredients and smell great to humans but repel fleas, ticks and flies. They can be sprayed directly on pet (watch out for eyes) and on their bedding.

5. Secret treatment Number Five: Diatomaceous Earth. A powerful secret weapon in your fight against fleas, ticks, bed bugs and other insects, diatomaceous earth, which is a white powder made of fossils, cuts into insects and kills them. Around people and pets, be sure you only use food grade diatomaceous earth which does not contain more than 1% crystalline silica and can be used as directed on pets skin and coat, bedding, rugs and other places where fleas and ticks can come into contact with it and die.

6. Secret treatment Number Six: Homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies treat many conditions ranging from pet anxiety to skin problems. Specific remedies can help protect pets from fleas and ticks and their affects on skin, without side effects or chemicals. Just squirt in your pet's mouth as directed.

If you're afraid of the labels on some flea and tick products and reluctant to bring those controversial chemicals into your home and on your pets, join me in using all natural treatments to protect our beloved pets from fleas and ticks naturally.

Grooming For Your Pet

Our pets are special to us. They're part of the family! Keeping them well-groomed is an essential part of their care. Having the right tools to work with helps make their care easy for you and your pet. Beginning to groom a pet early in life is ideal, as they will become accustomed to the process and enjoy the special time with their parent.

Selecting a good trimmer is easier than ever if you know what to look for. Select one that fits your pet. Some models come with multiple attachments. You have the option of selecting a battery operated model if you do not have access to an outlet where you trim your pet. With the convenience of cordless operation you are not limited to where you do the trimming. Choose a slim, lightweight model to keep you from getting tired on larger animals.

If you need to trim delicate areas, such as around the eyes or ears, choose a trimmer that is small, compact and made for trimming that area.

A professional trimmer gives you options. Select one that is maintenance free where it will not need oiling or greasing of internal parts. These clippers are quiet to help ease your pet's anxieties. Motors are usually powerful in the professional models and are designed for heavy-duty use and long life. Features can include detachable blades for easy changing and cleaning, cool running motors, break-resistant housing, contoured to fit your hand and reduce fatigue, multiple blade attachments and multiple speeds.

Trimmers are now available with a duel LED light positioned to cast ultra bright white light that allows expert grooming, even in dark, shadowed areas.

Don't forget their nails! All pets get jagged nails from time to time. Keep them well manicured and avoid scratches on floors and furniture. Your pet will look great too! You can choose from a two-speed nail grinder to the more traditional nail clippers.

Brushes and comb are essential to your pets health. Stiff, nylon bristles smooth coat for shiny appearance and helps distribute healthy coat oils. A flea comb removes fleas/eggs and grooms around face and eyes.

When purchasing a shampoo for your pet, consider if your pet has any skin problems. Shampooing your pet regularly promotes a healthy and shiny coat.

Keeping your pets teeth clean has never been easier! Your pet can now have his/her own toothbrush! They are also available in a mini finger toothbrush where you can slide the tip onto your finger and gently brush your pets teeth.

Having a healthy pet is what everyone wants. Give your pet the best care you can and the rewards you receive will be worth it.

Time And Space Continuum

Space...the final frontier..." Not!!!

There is something much larger, much deeper and much darker. Try marriage. Time rifts, black holes, even alien beings...have nothing on being married. You talk about a final frontier...yeah buddy...marriage is definitely a voyage that can turn out to be the ride of your life, with or without a spaceship!

When you're on the launch pad of life and the countdown to your future with your mate is ticking away as you're about to be lifted into the great unknown and you're strapped in for dear life...the imagination has a tendency to run a little rampant. There's nothing spacey about marriage, in fact, it's as vast as space itself. Like the rings placed on the fingers of those to be wed, the symbolism that binds the two is indeed an infinite and wonderful prospect.

Being married for these 30 plus years has led to some very interesting "trips" into the realm of the space of a different kind. No, I have not come across any little green beings in these many years of travels, but I must say that there have been times when I've been awakened to be staring at the face of something very alien looking in various shades of lime green, pastel peach, very berry or passionate purple staring back at me! Cold creams to make that face look more appealing and tempting...errr...ok.

Man...there was this one time I woke up and there was a shade of blue on her face that nearly stopped me cold in my tracks. Marriage is neither alien nor foreign, if fact, it is considered by most to be a great voyage to be taken well into the stars of far off places like love, compassion, peace, harmony, trust and security. Some pretty far flung planets to navigate indeed.

There are many, many bright things to encounter along the way and yes, I know...it's not at all bright and shiny all the time. But that is one of the beauties of being married. Getting to the bright and shiny things in life together. Traveling to and through the many voids of life and space and time to seek out and define a new life together. To go where many men have gone before you. Nothing alien about it. Yours is to be a lasting journey, blazing the trails of those who have gone before you and at the same time, making your own path to Mars (her family) and beyond. Never mind the theory of men, women,mars and venus...you have your own planets to explore, your own galaxies to discover.