Interesting charm from Japan... It's expensive too..
Friday, February 11, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
TruGreen's Sweepstakes Gives You the Chance to Win $37,000 Cash and More
How would you like the chance to win a huge $25,000 MasterCard RewardsCard to spend however you please? Would you be worried about paying the taxes on that mega shopping spree? Well, don't be. TruGreen is giving you the chance to win the MasterCard shopping spree AND cash to cover taxes, as well as other prizes, in their TruStories Sweepstakes.The grand-prize winner will receive a $25,000 MasterCard RewardsCard plus $12,878.79 to defray taxes for a total prize value of $37,878.79.
In addition, 50 first-prize winners will each receive a $500 MasterCard Reward Card, while 38 second-prize winners will take home a $250 MasterCard Reward Card.
Entry into TruGreen's TruStories Sweepstakes is open to US residents above the age of majority. Enter once before October 16, 2011.
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Teen Vogue's Sweepstakes Gives You the Chance to Feel Like a Model
How would you like to meet the famous actress and model Ashley Greene, one of the stars of the hit movie series Twilight, while having the chance to get a bit of star treatment yourself? Teen Vogue is giving you the chance, if you enter their Meet Ashley Greene Sweepstakes.
The grand-prize winner will receive a trip for two to New York City to meet Ashley Greene at the Mark. campaign photo shoot. Aside from airfare and hotel, the prize also includes a meet and greet with Ashley Greene, a beauty makeover from a Mark. makeup artist, and $100 worth of Mark. cosmetics. The total prize value is $1,700.
Note that this is a magazine sweepstakes, so be sure you don't accidentally sign up for a subscription unless you want to pay for the magazine.
Entry into Teen Vogue's Meet Ashley Greene Sweepstakes is open to US residents above the age of 13. Enter once before March 6, 2011.
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Win a Trip to Your Choice of Disney Locations Around the World worth Up to $11,880
Disney is giving you the chance to win a big Disney vacation or other prizes. The grand-prize winner of the Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes will receive a trip to a Disney location around the world, and other Disney vacations are also up for grabs.The grand-prize winner will receive a trip to their choice of Disney parks in Florida, California, Paris, or Hong Kong. Depending on the trip you choose, the prize is worth up to $11,880.
In addition, weekly winners will receive trips to Disney Resorts in either California or Florida worth about $5,000 each.
Entry into the Disney Parks Memories Sweepstakes is open to US residents above the age of majority. Enter daily through February 28, 2011.
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This Month's Travel Channel Sweepstakes Gives Away a Trip to Greece
Every month, the Travel Channel has been giving away a trip to a different exciting location. This month, enter the Travel Channel - Greece Travel Bug Sweepstakes for your chance to win a trip to Greece, including in part a cruise around the Greek Islands.
The grand-prize winner will receive a trip for two to Greece including airfare to Athens, Greece, a stay at the Park Hotel Athens, daily breakfasts, a 1/2 day group tour of Athens with visits to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. The trip also includes a three-night cruise that makes port in Mykonos, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Patmos, Greece; Crete, Greece; and Santorini, Greece. The prize is worth $7,300.
In addition, if you refer a friend to the contest and your friend wins, you'll receive $1,000 cash. And daily instant winners will each receive a Gemline Urban Backpack II worth about $8.
Entry into Travel Channel's Greece Travel Bug Sweepstakes is open to US residents above the age of 18. Enter daily through February 28, 2011.
More Sweepstakes Like This:
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Wednesday, February 9, 2011
TNT's 'Lucky Charm' and PAL Interclub - Manila Standard Today
UNKNOWN to many, Talk ‘N Text had one, almost invisible, weapon in winning the 2011 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup last Friday.
The Texters actually called him “Lucky Charm” even before the Finals started on Jan. 22.
That’s because Larry Fonacier, a.k.a. “Lucky Charm,” got aboard the TNT just before the season started – thanks mainly to Arben Santos.
It was a master stroke in that its hatching was even met with searing cynicism from no less than the TNT coach himself, Chot Reyes.
“Why would Alaska do such a thing?” said Chot Reyes then when Arben broached up the idea of Larry Fonacier finally landing on Chot’s laps.
Chot had a point.
It would, indeed, look silly if Alaska would ship out Larry Fonancier. Alaska had just won the PBA’s last title of the 2010 season. And Larry Fonacier played a key role in that historic Alaska victory.
But then, Arben, whose business acumen is legend in the shipping world, had a potion without antidote in his obra maestra called “Oplan Lucky Charm.”
“Trust me,” Arben said to Chot.
Next thing I see, I was face-to-face with Larry Fonacier over lunch at Wack Wack. Aside from Arben, “Lucky Charm” was also with Chot Reyes, his new coach.
“How Arben did it, I’m still in the dark up to now,” Chot had said to me.
But, honest, I was not surprised at all. Knowing Arben, nothing seems impossible with him.
Arben is one mate of mine (my wife’s cousin, actually) who’d unselfishly dunk buckets of bills if only to ensure that a player of his would land a team that would treat him nice and accord him the respect due an Ateneo Blue Eagle.
Larry “Lucky Charm” Fonacier is one such player.
That’s because Arben, like many if not practically all Ateneo alumni, is a dyed-in-the-wool Eagle protector.
Other Eagles that Arben virtually surrogates for in the PBA include Enrico Villanueva of Ginebra, Wesley Gonzales of Air 21 and LA Tenorio of, yes, Alaska.
And these Eagles have only glowing words for Arben.
Know why?
Arben doesn’t get any single centavo from any deals these Eagles might clinch with any PBA team. He’s way above any deal in the league, if you know what I mean.
To Arben, never will an Eagle become extinct, let alone become an endangered species.
* * *
AFTER 63 years, the PAL Interclub golf on Feb. 16 to 26 in Cagayan de Oro will undergo a major facelift, handicapping-wise.
In a bid to balance out the playing field, organizers have decided to adjust handicaps of players.
As a result, rated players have now been dispersed to make the tournament, expectedly, even-steven in the men’s regular beginning Feb. 23 in the country’s longest running and most prestigious amateur golf team event.
It’s like the PBA of old under the eminent, former PBA Commissioner Rudy Salud, the man who didn’t allow behemoths Ramon Fernandez, Philip Cezar and Abet Guidaben play together in just one team.
Hurt most by the new rule is defending champion Canlubang, who lost World Amateur veteran Jessie Balasabas.
PAL president Jaime Bautista will hit the ceremonial drive on Feb. 16 in the event backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, RMN, Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW) and Business Mirror.
* * *
GUESS WHAT. Sienna Olazo, the super-energetic Araneta Coliseum VP for special events and promotions, has her hands full ensuring that the Trini Lopez Show on Feb. 10 at the Cubao Big Dome will be another smashing success. The good thing is, aside from Trini Lopez whose fans here have remained loyal after all these years, also performing are RJ & The Riots and the unsinkable Pilita Corrales, Asia’s first Queen of Songs and who to me will remain firmly perched on that throne forever. Trini’s “If I Had A Hammer” and “Lemon Tree” have shaped part of my music-teen life. See you there, fellers!
via news.google.com
True Woman | Are You Treating Jesus Like a Good Luck Charm?
Are You Treating Jesus Like a Good Luck Charm?
Posted on 02.03.11 by Erin Davis
Topics: Relationship with GodI’m not much of a sports fan so when I sit down to catch a game with my husband or head to the ballpark with my two boys I tend to pay attention to anything but the plays. Maybe that’s why I noticed that when things go well, a lot of athletes point up.
I think I understand what they are trying to say. Pointing skyward after a killer play or big score has become a symbol for giving God the glory. I get that they are trying to thank God for giving them the talent and ability to compete. But I notice no one ever gives God credit when they stumble, fall, or fail. They all seem to be depending on Him to help them succeed. It’s as if He’s their good luck charm.
I’m not an athlete (maybe that’s why I’m not much of a fan) but I’m just as guilty of treating Jesus like a good luck charm. When I want to do well, want things to go my way, or even want to succeed for my own glory, I sometimes run to Him like I would a lucky rabbit’s foot or pre-game ritual. And when life throws me a curveball, I find myself wondering “Where were you on that one Jesus.”
I know I'm not alone. In fact, when I traveled the country talking to teenagers doing research for Lies Young Women Believe, most girls told me that their prayer lives reflect the belief that God should fix their problems. Instead of creating a balanced prayer life that includes praise, thanksgiving, listening, and confession, most of them told us they tend to simply offer God a to-do list. In other words, they count on Him to make things go their way. I recently heard LYWB co-author Dannah Gresh say she believes "God should fix my problems" is the biggest lie young women believe. I tend to agree.
I can see how this lie starts to form in our hearts. God does tell us that we can talk to Him about the circumstances of our lives and even gives us permission to ask for things to go our way.
Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
If it’s okay to pray in every situation, then certainly we can pray for God to change our circumstances. But it is important to keep in mind that God is more interested in changing us to be a reflection of Christ than He is with solving all of our problems. If the chips are down in the game of life, it doesn’t mean that God’s power has worn off, it simply means that in His sovereignty, He has chosen to use difficult circumstances to make us more like Him.
One writer, Kyle Idleman, put it this way, “In the Gospels Jesus never seemed too interested in fans. Is that how you define your relationship with Him? An enthusiastic admirer? Close enough to Jesus to get the benefits but not so close to require sacrifice? There’s got to be more than just going to church, praying when in a jam, and volunteering at a shelter.
Maybe Jesus is okay with the fact that I’m not a fan. (I’m not talking about sports anymore). I know He wants me to move beyond seeing Him as a superhero I give a shout out to every once in a while or a genie I depend on to make sure life goes my way. Yes, He wants me to ask for help with the details of my life, but He also teaches me that He is still in charge and He is still good even when my life isn’t going as I’d like it to.
How about you?
Do you spend most of your prayer time asking God to make you the star of your own life? Do you give Him the glory when things are going great but not when you’re circumstances are tough or your abilities limited? Are you a fan of Jesus who points toward Him when the road is smooth, or a follower who adores Him in all circumstances?
Is Jesus your good luck charm or the God you trust in all circumstances?
Comments
Thank you for this reminder. God has been teaching me something similar...it is not about the here and now, it is all about the there and then. We are being prepared to be presented as His bride...we are in the process of receiving "beauty treatments" (think Esther)...being refined, like silver...so we will be ready on that day. I am learning to trust Him in all circumstances, bending and yielding to His perfect process. I want to be ready!
posted by Karen
on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 7:31 amI agree with Karen! It is His plan to change us and make us into His image. He IS coming back for a PURE bride (the church) How can we be made pure if we are not put through trials and tests? These are the things which change us, not sitting back on our earthly thrones begging God to deliver us from all evil and from the negative in this life. I, too, have been learning to yield, trust and praise Him in ALL circumstances and to give Him my heart and not expect a quick fix for every problem that comes my way. He will bring enough blessings into our lives as He sees fit to do. I always remind myself that "in due time" we will reap what we sow and God will give us exactly what we need according to His will...
posted by Bee
on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 8:54 amYesterday I came across a couple of blogs that mentioned the need that Americans have to be in control. We want to avoid defeat. Erin, your post has the same theme. It is hard to let go of our vision of our life. During the times that my life seemed out of control and hard things happened, I learned more about God. The Psalmist gives us a good example of being in a continual conversation with God. Our heavenly Father wants us to know him and trust him as he refines us. David, the Psalmist, is called "a man after God's own heart".
posted by Carol
on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 9:24 amJust read right before this from my devotional, Jesus is less interested in the right circumstances than in the right response to whatever comes our way.
Right circumstances don't help us change into the likeness of Christ. He said we will have tribulation in this world, but we can be of good cheer, we can rejoice, we can have hope because HE has overcome this world. Because of that, we can point to Christ in those failures or in those bad circumstances and say, "I love you Lord. I'm going to praise you no matter what and I have hope in the fact that you said that all things work together for our good."
posted by C
on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 9:26 amThat's a great word for this generation, Erin! I'll be passing this on to our teens and others in our church to read. Thanks!
posted by Tisa
on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 9:37 amIn my earlier days, I fit firmly in the category of people wanting a good luck charm. I always wanted things to go "my" way. I was also under the (mistaken) assumption that when I was in a "close" relationship with the Lord that "my" way and His way would line up.
Number 1, at that time, I didn't have a clue what a close relationship with God was. (I think, still, I'm only beginning to scratch the surface.) But I've come to learn that its not about how well things are going for me. Its all about God and what brings Him glory. What I had to realize is that I may be in a right relationship with Him, but still have to face some tough things. It doesn't necessarily mean that I've done something displeasing, or that I didn't pray "hard enough" for another outcome. The Bible talks in many places about God refining us with fire. That doesn't really sound pleasant no matter how you think about it. But is is still "good".
Another thing that I had to learn was that I was working with the wrong definition of "good". God's idea of good and mine weren't lining up.
I garnered a great deal of help from reading books by Elisabeth Elliot. God has given that woman such great insights, and I praise Him for sharing them with me through her writing.
The post by C reminded me of what Jennifer Rothschild said in her talk at the True Woman 10 conference at Chattanooga, "It may not be well with your circumstance, but is it well with your soul?" (this is not an exact quote)
posted by Jacki M.
on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 11:16 amThis is a fantastic post.
posted by Jennifer
on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 6:11 pmI think Lies Young Women Believe is great! I lead a middle school girls' group at church and I too, have found that it's very important to know what goes on in these young ladies' minds. It has unfolded during our time together that most of them were led to Jesus, literally. As young children they were given a version of Jesus that entitled them to have an all-powerful God at their beck and call. More a promise of a magical ending, than a lifestyle of godliness they would need to adopt once they had accepted the gift of salvation. Many of these girls have decided they may not truly be saved as they aren't even able to vocalize what being saved means, other than to say they "accepted Jesus." We now focus our time together on learning the Gospel Message and studying the books following that teach us what God desires our lives to look like. Girls are now determining whether they want to accept Jeus and how that will change their life. It is having a genuine and lasting impact on them that goes far beyond kneeling by someone as they lead you to Jesus.
posted by Tammy Rhoden
on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 9:09 pmGreat post, I will share it on my blog...
posted by 4 leaf clover
on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 5:53 amLeave a Comment:
We love hearing from you, and will post your comment as long as it is appropriate, and is written in a tone that is encouraging, edifying, and loving to others. Even then, know that the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts.
I’m not much of a sports fan so when I sit down to catch a game with my husband or head to the ballpark with my two boys I tend to pay attention to anything but the plays. Maybe that’s why I noticed that when things go well, a lot of athletes point up. via google.com
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