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Favorite Find Friday: Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara Limited Edition Collection
Written on August 9, 2013 at 9:00 am , by Fitness Magazine
Even the most beauty-obsessed girl can find herself in a routine rut. Shimmery champagne eye shadow, a bold winged cat eye and peachy-pink blush is my go-to beauty look, but let's be honest—wearing the same shades day after day can get a bit boring. While I love to switch up my humdrum routine with a bright lip or smoky eye, I never even thought of messing with my classic beauty staple of black mascara until now. Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara Limited Edition Collection ($7, drugstores) has upped the ante in the mascara game with six insanely gorgeous shades available only for the month of August. From Wink of Pink, a flirty bubblegum hue, to Green with Envy, a gorgeous grown-up emerald, these in-the-moment mascaras are sure to shake up your makeup look. While you might think these jewel-toned hues seem a bit much, I swear, they are subtle enough for office wear. Plus, they have the same lash-thickening formula that has landed the original version in every beauty maven's makeup bag. My trick: I love to keep my eye makeup minimal and skip the shadow so these mascaras can take center stage.
—Karee Hackel, beauty intern
Categories: Beauty On the Go, Favorite Find Friday | Tags: Beauty, colored, eye makeup, Great Lash, lashes, mascara, Maybelline
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Soccer Star Julie Foudy Talks Self-Esteem, Sports & Staying Fit
Written on October 19, 2011 at 11:54 am , by Fitness Magazine
Former U.S. Women's Soccer Team Captain and current ESPN host Julie Foudy has teamed up with the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem, encouraging women to commit to spending one hour doing a self-esteem building activity with a girl in their life during Dove Self-Esteem Weekend (October 21st – 23rd). We got the chance to ask Julie about her participation in the program as well as her own empowering endeavorer, Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy (plus a bit of beauty, of course!).
FITNESS: What was the inspiration behind starting your own leadership academy?
Julie Foudy: I was running soccer camps for a long time and it was solely just soccer. When I retired in 2004, I thought oh-my-gosh, we should be teaching these girls so much more than just how to kick a ball. The beauty of sports for me has always been life lessons, confidence, self-esteem, how to deal with adversity and being apart of a team. So a small group of us got together to create and mix all of those elements together. We all realized the tremendous value that the game has on building strong character traits, so we started the academy with the message of self-esteem and confidence-building.
FITNESS: What do you feel is the most beneficial aspect that your foundation provides to girls?
JF: It's that they leave empowered.A real epiphany occurred when the girls would leave camp,and we would get constant feedback from parents about how their kids are more confident and starting their own leadership projects. It's really empowering to have these young girls be leaders in their own communities and take chances.The truth is only 4% of women identify themselves as beautiful, so it's incredibly important to put the seeds of knowledge into young girls.We use soccer as the vehicle to transport a greater message.
FITNESS: Why did you decide to get involved with the Dove Movement for Self-Esteem?
JF: I got involved with Dove because they matched up with my own beliefs. At the academy, I have my girls watch the Dove Evolution video. Dove's campaign is so important to me especially since I have a 4-½ year-old, Izzy. She is already saying things like, "Mommy, do I look beautiful?" In my house, I'm teaching that beauty is on the inside; even at an early age this issue needs to be addressed. At the leadership academy that is exactly what we are doing.
FITNESS: What advice would you give to young women to improve and maintain a healthy self-esteem?
JF: To laugh out loud, to take that step. To not be afraid to be silly, to have fun and to take risks! One of the things girls tend to do is step back instead of forward; follow your gut and surround yourself with a good support system.
FITNESS: What is your beauty routine before going on camera? In everyday life?
JF: I'm lucky when I'm at ESPN because they do my hair and makeup. I'm not the best with makeup at all; I didn't learn how to apply mascara until I was out of college. So, in my everyday life, I don't wear that much makeup.
FITNESS:What are your go-to beauty products for when you are on the go?
JF: I love M.A.C. Cosmetics, and my go-to mascara is Maybelline Great Lash. It's the best and makeup artists swear by it!
FITNESS:What types of workouts do you do?
JF: When I played soccer,I had a good motor and I loved to run. I still run quite a bit, but after having two kids,I realized I needed to be a little more organized. So, I've been trying to start running with my friends.When I was playing soccer, workouts were fun because we thrived off of each other; we were a collective team, so I need to get back that team support system.
FITNESS: What's your proudest fitness-related achievement? Why?
JF: It has to be winning the 2004 Olympics.The team was getting older, we had gone into a second overtime and I had a sprained ankle. It didn't look good, but we all wanted it so much,so we were going to do what ever we could to win! And I actually ran the Santa Barbara half marathon without training and after being pregnant. I ran the whole thing, but I thought I was going to die at the end of it!
—By Jaclyn Smock, beauty intern
Categories: Beauty On the Go | Tags: Dove Movement, Julie Foudy, Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy, MAC Cosmetics, Maybelline, self-esteem, US Women's Soccer Team
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Staffer Beauty Snoop: Web Editor Colleen Moody
Written on September 15, 2011 at 9:50 am , by Fitness Magazine
In this week's Staffer Beauty Snoop, we asked Web Editor Colleen Moody (a former beauty editor!) for the scoop on her tried-and-true primping habits and must-haves.
Describe your beauty style in three words or less: Natural, polished and simple.
What are the three beauty products you can't live without? Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye Roller and Maybelline New York Volum' Express Falsies Mascara.
What's your beauty routine in the morning? As I've gotten older, I've definitely adapted to the "less is more" philosophy. In the morning, I use a dab of undereye concealer, do a few coats of mascara and a swipe of bronzer along my T-zone. I work out in the mornings, so I'll use Pureology Colour Stylist Antisplit Blowdry on wet hair after showering to give myself a quick blowout. Or, if I'm really tired that day I just spray some Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray all over, throw it up and walk out the door!
At night? If I get home from work, and I'm in for the night, I'll wash my face as soon as I walk in the door– I like to let my skin breathe when it can! I'm very big on eye creams, and I'm always testing out new ones. Right now, I love Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Cream: It keeps the skin under my eyes perky and fresh. Instead of using a moisturizer at night, I use Tarte 100% Pure Cold Pressed Maracuja Oil– it hydrates my skin while I sleep and makes it ridiculously soft!
Post-workout? Again, I'd be lost without my trusty dry shampoo. I have a ton of hair and washing it every time I exercise is not only bad for it but very time-consuming! Like our fitness editor Jenna, I make sure to take off all my makeup before a workout to prevent any breakouts. Afterwards, I'll splash my face with cold water and moisturize for a quick pick-me-up.
What beauty product or treatment instantly makes you feel good? This is kind of weird – but hairspray! I used to have really short hair (think Rihanna circa 2008) and it's taken me forever to grow it out. I love that with a quick hair flip and spritz of hairspray you can give your style a boost that looks great all day! Other than that, I'm a fan of a good manicure. I type all day long, so having a pretty pair of nails to look at while I work makes me happy.
What's the best beauty tip you've ever received (or thought of yourself)? It's important to protect your skin but also your hair! Whether you color it or not, you should never, ever use heated tools like a flat iron or blow dryer without spraying heat protectant in it first. It protects your hair's health, prevents split ends and keeps your highlights from fading. For those sunny beach days, I spray L'Oréal Paris Everpure UV Protectant to shield my hair from damage from the sun and any other elements. Why spend money on your strands if you're not going to take care of them?
—By Jaclyn Smock, beauty intern
Categories: Beauty On the Go | Tags: aveeno, Colleen Moody, FITNESS staff, Fresh Black Age Tea, Garnier, L'Oreal, Maybelline, Oscar Blandi, Pureology, Tarte, web editor
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Favorite Find Friday: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Concealer
Written on August 26, 2011 at 10:33 am , by April Franzino
Concealers have come a long way since the old lipstick-style sticks. The latest and greatest? Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Concealer. The creamy, hydrating formula blends seamlessly and lends the perfect amount of coverage. Plus, it has a built-in cushiony, soft sponge applicator that fits in the crevices of your face and feels so pampering on skin.
Tell us: What's your go-to coverup?
Categories: Beauty On the Go, Favorite Find Friday | Tags: concealer, coverup, makeup, Maybelline, skin
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Staffer Beauty Snoop: Art Intern Heidi Smith
Written on August 18, 2011 at 9:52 am , by Fitness Magazine
Next up in our Staffer Beauty Snoop series, Art Intern Heidi Smith shares her quick and simple beauty tips, tricks and obsessions:
Describe your beauty style in three words or less: Fresh, relaxed and playful.
What are the three beauty products you can't live without? Clean & Clear Morning Glow Oil Free SPF 15 Moisturizer, Soft Lips Lip Balm SPF 20 and Maybelline Great Lash Blackest Black Mascara.
What's your beauty routine in the morning? I put my makeup on while my hair is still wet to save time and let my hair air dry as much as possible to save it from the blowdryer. I like an easy, fast routine.
At night? Before bed, I wash off all my makeup and put on moisturizer.
Post-workout? I don't like when I see girls with caked-on makeup at the gym. I want my skin to breathe, so I keep my face clean while I workout and wear only sunscreen. Afterward, I jump in the shower.
What beauty product instantly makes you feel good when you use it? A light-textured lip gloss like Lancôme Paris Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss. Anytime I'm nervous, like before a date or special event, I put on this gloss and it instantly makes me feel sexy and more confident.
What's the best beauty tip you've ever received (or thought of yourself)? Don't wear mascara at the beach or pool: Raccoon eyes are not attractive!
—By Amanda Downs, beauty intern
Categories: Beauty On the Go | Tags: Beauty, beauty tips, Clean & Clear, FITNESS staff, Lancome, Maybelline, SPF, Staffer Beauty Snoop, tricks
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Great Lash Gets Dressed Up!
Written on August 15, 2011 at 3:18 pm , by April Franzino
It's been 40 years since Maybelline Great Lash Mascara was born, and the brand is celebrating with a Limited Edition Designer Collection of the iconic wands decked out in designs by fashion stars Tracy Reese, Max Azria and Vivienne Tam (above, from left). A few fun facts about the lash classic:
- The original pink and green tube was inspired by the color scheme of designer Lilly Pulitzer, who was just starting out when the mascara launched.
- Great Lash is the #1-selling mascara in America.
- One tube is sold every 1.7 seconds in the United States.
Pick up your collector's edition exclusively through Target while supplies last!
Categories: Beauty On the Go | Tags: 40th Anniversary, designer, Great Lash, mascara, Max Azria, Maybelline, special edition, Tracy Reese, Vivienne Tam
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Staffer Beauty Snoop: Art Intern Abby Silverman
Written on July 27, 2011 at 7:24 am , by Fitness Magazine
For the first installment in our new Staffer Beauty Snoop series, we asked art department intern Abby Silverman to spill the beauty products, tips, and tricks that she can't live without. Here's what she said:
Describe your beauty style in three words or less: "Trendy, bold, glamorous."
What are the three beauty products you can't live without? "MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15, Marc Jacobs Lola Perfume and Maybelline New York Colossal Volum' Express Mascara."
What's your beauty routine in the morning? "When I get of the shower I always brush my teeth and apply moisturizer to my face and body. Then I do my hair, and last, I apply my makeup."
At night? "I use Neutrogena Deep Clean Makeup Remover Wipes for my face as well as Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover with cotton balls to remove eye makeup. I follow with a face wash and finish off with Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer."
Post-workout? "I typically wash my face before I work out because I like to feel refreshed and ready to go. If I don't wash my face pre-exercise, I always wash it after because I don't like leaving sweat and makeup on my skin."
What beauty product or treatment instantly makes you feel good? "I absolutely love getting my nails done. When I look down at my hands and see perfectly polished nails it makes me feel girly, clean and put together! When I don't get my nails done, I have a secret obsession with painting my nails. I probably paint them every other day."
What's the best beauty tip you've ever received (or thought of yourself)? "If you're trying to grow your hair out, it's better to get it regular trims every two to three months rather than waiting to get it cut every six months. If you don't cut your hair, it will cut itself!"
—By Amanda Downs, beauty intern
Categories: Beauty On the Go | Tags: beauty products, beauty secrets, beauty tips, Clinique, FITNESS staff, MAC, Marc Jacobs, Maybelline, Neutrogena, staffer
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Beat the Heat
Written on July 21, 2011 at 7:03 am , by Fitness Magazine
It's the season of ice cream cones, long nights, pool parties—and scorching temperatures (it's 100 in NYC today!) that throw a wrench in your standard beauty routine. No need to panic or flee for the indoors: These summer essentials will keep you feeling fresh and looking great.
- Yes To Cucumbers Facial Towelettes: These refreshing, cucumber-scented wipes are great for calming sensitive skin: One towelette gently removes any sweat and dirt on your face.
- Visine Summer Spectrum Relief Eyedrops: Say goodbye to itchy, dry eyes. This special summertime formula combines three different moisturizing ingredients to soothe eyes inflamed by the sun, salt, and wind. Put one drop in each eye after a swim or whenever your eyes feel irritated.
- Philosophy Supernatural Superglossy Lip Gloss SPF 15: This SPF 15-infused gloss is packed with antioxidants to keep your lips looking young and feeling hydrated, while shielding them from the sun's drying rays.
- Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum: Formulated with hydrating argan oil, this serum helps hair stand up to humidity. When strands are dehydrated, they literally lift off your head in an effort to suck moisture from the air—hence, frizz. The oil infuses hair with the moisture it needs, so it won't become fuzzy in its quest for more.
- Maybelline Lash Stiletto Waterproof Mascara: The perfect mix of length and shine without any dreaded clumps. My lashes feel light and weightless—especially nice in summer, and it's waterproof, so it won't sweat or swim off!
What's in your summer beauty survival kit?
—By Kelly Garner, beauty intern
Categories: Beauty On the Go | Tags: eye drops, face cleanser, Frizz, Garnier Fructis, lip gloss, mascara, Maybelline, philosophy, summer beauty, Visine, Yes to Cucumbers
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Olympic Swimmer Summer Sanders Chats with FITNESS
Written on June 21, 2011 at 10:56 am , by April Franzino
Gold medal-winning Olympic swimmer, TV host, and mom of two Summer Sanders is busy supporting Coppertone's World's Largest Swimming Lesson, but recently took the time to chat with FITNESS. Here's what she had to say about swimming, sunscreen, and beauty must-haves:
-FITNESS: What made you want to get involved with Merck/Coppertone's World's Largest Swimming Lesson?
Summer Sanders: "As a mom of two little kids, swim and sun safety are a priority and the opportunity to share that info was the main reason. I've worn Coppertone Sport forever and it's what I put on my kids everyday."
-FITNESS: What do you love most about swimming?
SS: "Being outside and getting a chance to see my kids push their boundaries, have fun with friends, and enjoy the water. It makes me feel like a kid myself!"
-FITNESS: What are your top tips for fellow swimmers?
SS: "For a swim workout, choose the non-peak sun hours in the morning or evening. If you are playing in the pool, remember to always put on sunscreen and don't forget your sensitive areas, feet, ears and scalp. I highly recommend checking out the Coppertone MyUVAlert app."
-FITNESS: What's your proudest fitness-related achievement? Why?
SS: "The New York Marathon in 2002 because I soaked up every ounce of energy from my fellow competitors and the thousands of people who came out to cheer us on."
-FITNESS: What's your best beauty advice for fellow swimmers?
SS: "Sunscreen! And moisturizer post-swim."
-FITNESS: What beauty products can't you live without?
SS: "Coppertone Sport sunscreen. I put it on under my makeup every day. My Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara and Kiehl's lip balm."
Categories: Beauty On the Go | Tags: Beauty, Coppertone, Kiehl's, Maybelline, Olympics, products, Shu Uemura, Summer Sanders, sunscreen, swimmer, swimming, World's Largest Swimming Lesson
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Kiss of Approval
Written on February 23, 2011 at 7:53 am , by Fitness Magazine
In preparation for Valentine's Day last week, I scoured the beauty closet for the best products for my kisser. I've glossed, blotted, stained and have finally found the few that gave me the perfect pout.
Stain it:
I admit it: I was afraid of lip stain, but now I want to shout my devotion from the rooftops! My favorite was the Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstain in Wink of Pink. It gives the perfect hint of color that actually lasts the several hours that other lipsticks and glosses boast. Since this product is a stain (so yes, it stains your lips), you need to make sure you pick the right color for your skin tone. Start off with neutrals to be safe, and if you choose something too bright, try layering gloss or tinted balm on top to mute or change the color.
Smear it:
While I went with a stain for a bold punch of color, I loved MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Bare Again for its understated and easy-to-wear tone. It goes on like a lipstick, looks like a gloss and hydrates like lip balm: The lip product jackpot!
Hydrate it:
Silky Korres Lip Butter is my pick to hydrate winter-worn pouts while providing a brightening kick of color. And the flavors are so yummy that you'll never got back to ordinary balm again. My favorite: jasmine. Pucker up!
—By Lindsay Richardson, beauty intern
Categories: Beauty On the Go | Tags: Korres, lip balm, lip moisturizer, Lip Stain, Lipstick, MAC, Maybelline
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The following quote is taken from a letter by Mother Thekla (sometime Abbess of the Monastery of the Assumption in Normanby, England) to a young man who was entering the Orthodox faith. Some of her comments drew my attention.
Are you prepared, in all humility, to understand that you will never, in this life, know beyond Faith; that Faith means accepting the Truth without proof? Faith and knowledge are the ultimate contradiction –and the ultimate absorption into each other. Living Orthodoxy is based on paradox, which is carried on into worship – private or public. We know because we believe and we believe because we know.
Above all, are you prepared to accept all things as from God?
These are tough questions for a young convert. It is as if someone preparing to enter the waters of Baptism were asked if they were ready to be martyred. But such tough questions are precisely the sort of things that Christ said to His disciples. And like many things He said, they are hard to hear.
I have often stumbled over the relationship between faith and knowledge. Over the years I've come to have less and less regard for "proof." The knowledge that I can prove often seems no more valuable than the faith I cannot prove. A more searching question for me is: what knowledge (by proof or faith) are you willing to act on? The answer to this question, it seems to me, sets the parameters of my life's spiritual struggle.
Abbess Thekla well describes the mystery between faith and knowledge – they stand in paradox and contradiction – but, she adds – they ultimately end with an "absorption" into each other.
The paradox and contradiction are never resolved on the level of thought, but on the level of a life lived. Our lives, regardless of how committed someone might be to rationality and consistency, are full of contradictions and paradox. To a large extent, I believe this to be part of the "irreducible" character of reality. Rationality and "provable" knowledge are mental constructs that have limits. Much (perhaps most) of the reality we experience stands beyond our ability to reason or prove. And yet it remains. We ultimately agree to live and allow the presence of contradiction and engage the unprovable, or we diminish our lives to the insanity of our own reason.
I once knew a man who suffered with a severe bi-polar disorder. He would engage religious questions with a violence of purpose that I've rarely seen anywhere else. But after a short engagement, he would inevitably come up against contradiction and paradox. These irreducible elements always defeated his need to comprehend. They were torments within his life.
The most frightful and irreducible paradox of faith is contained in the question: "Are you prepared to accept all things as from God?" No one has stated the objections to this question better than Dostoevsky. The character, Ivan Karamazov, examines the problem of the suffering of innocent children – and in the face of such a grave contradiction to the love of God, states, "I refuse the ticket." He refuses the contradiction, regardless of the explanation offered.
Such a refusal must be respected, for it is an existential cliff that cannot be negotiated. Abbess Thekla is fearless in posing such a problem to a new convert. Old monks tremble in the face of such things.
I believe that the question of innocent suffering and the existence of God may be the most significant and essential question of our time. The explosion of knowledge in our world has made an awareness of innocent suffering more apparent than at any time in history. At the same time, people seem not to be crippled by this knowledge. Most live with the contradiction posed by their own happiness and the suffering of others quite comfortably. We change the channel, or wait for the news cycle to shift. The war and suffering that were daily front page stories three months ago, are now no more than a column inch on page four. The suffering has not changed – but our attention has shifted.
Elsewhere in her letter, Mother Thekla notes that the contradiction presented by the cross demands vigilance.
Are you prepared, whatever happens, to believe that somewhere, somehow, it must make sense? That does not mean passive endurance, but it means constant vigilance, listening, for what is demanded…
This is the vigilance of living, for the suffering and contradiction make a demand. They cannot and must not be passively endured.
Belief in God, the crucified God, is not a proclamation that we have solved the paradox. Rightly lived and believed, it is the living of the paradox – a living that truly embraces the whole of life, without reduction. In the end, it turns out to be love. Just love.
Author comments have a tan color background for you to easily identify the posts author in the comments
"A more searching question for me is: what knowledge (by proof or faith) are you willing to act on?"
"The paradox and contradiction are never resolved on the level of thought, but on the level of a life lived. "
Absolutely excellent post, essential reading!
Most live with the contradiction posed by their own happiness and the suffering of others quite comfortably.
And this, it seems to me, is exactly why suffering continues. If we all became like Christ, fully entering into the suffering of others and co-suffering with them, giving our all to end that suffering, the consummation of the Kingdom would be at hand and suffering would cease to be.
da boat was leaking I have the knoledge to fix it but I sure needed the faith to get it back to shore. A lot like life what I know sometimes is right sometimes is wrong. What I have Faith in never changes
By love of God do you in anyway include devotion to him? I don't know Him ,as He is unknowable ,but I'm devoted to His service if He helps me to be and do and say what He wants in any circumstance which presents itself . If I remember to ask Him, that is and don't go off at a tangent.
Faith means accepting the Truth without proof
Say rather that "Faith means declaring something to be the Truth without proof" and I think you will be correct.
The Apostle tells us that faith is itself evidence of things unseen. How does that factor into this?
Fr. Stephen: This got very long. Please edit or delete it as you see fit.
I read a comment on a prior blog, that "Fr. M. Tate," said, "God was kicked out of the schools." The comment came from someone asking "where was God" when the children at Sandy Hook School in Connecticut were killed. The question implies, "Why didn't God stop this from happening?" On first reading, Fr. Matthew's remark seems harsh and even incorrect. (I know Fr. Matthew very well. He is my parish priest.) Isn't God everywhere present? Of course He is and of course Fr. Matthew knows this. I think Fr. Matthew was saying that God does not cause the evil in this world, but rather it is we who, by abandoning Him, i.e., by "kicking Him out," allow evil to enter the world and then events like this happen. It is our separation from God that allows evil; we cannot blame God for not being there and by implication, for not intervening.
For years I argued with God in an effort to convince Him that He made a mistake creating a world where evil was allowed to happen. I knew the theology of free will and understood how arrogant it is for the creature to question the creator, but I couldn't help myself. I read Dostoyevsky's Brothers Karamazov decades ago and again this past year. The passage where Ivan rejects God based on Ivan's perception that is is wrong to allow the suffering of innocents is compelling. To our rational mind, it IS wrong. How then do we understand a God who allows it, who created a world knowing evil would enter it, and still believe Him to be love, not just loving, but to actually be love?
What I have come to understand is that God sees life, the world, the cosmos, all creation in a different manner than I do and that He treasures that creation beyond all measure. Each human life, even each sparrow as scripture says, has unquantified value and is held dear. He does not see the suffering of the innocent as senseless. He loves this world in an incomprehensible way and because of His love, He neither abandons the suffering one, nor devalues a world where evil exists. He chose to go ahead with creation already knowing the outcome.
Does not a parent make the same choice? Each time a new human being is purposefully brought into this world, it is an act of faith – faith that this world and this life is worth it. We know our children will suffer. We hope they will not suffer over much, but it will happen. It is inevitable and yet, at least in our Orthodox faith, children are a blessing, a happiness bestowed on us, and brought into this world as the fruit of our love. It is not just the faith which is paradoxical, but we ourselves. We lament the pain in this world, but we rejoice with each new human life brought into it. Insofar as we embrace this life, we are our Father's children. We too love this world and see its value regardless of the evil that exists, even if it doesn't quite make sense to us to do so.
I have come to understand that Love sees things differently. It is not rational, but as I try to learn to love God and strive to come closer to Him, I no longer wonder "where was He," or "how could He allow this to happen." I have come to agree with Him that the world is worth it, that all the suffering is worth it, that this world is beautiful and glorious and as Sam tells Frodo in the Lord of the Rings, "There is some good in this world and it's worth fighting for." It was not the troubled young man who alone killed those children in Connecticut, for we do not fight against flesh. It was the work of the devil and his minions, and it is the prince of this world who is trying to "kick God out." This is a battle and a battle to the death.
The biggest paradox in our faith is that we must die in order to live, for as Christ conquered death by His death, so we also conquer by entering into that death. In the writings of St. Ignatius, he says he is seeking to become a human being by laying down his life for Christ. God as Love offers up, not only the material of the world, but Himself as well. He did not abandon us. He did not recoil at us in our evil. He became one of us.
Perhaps I was wrong. Perhaps the biggest paradox is the person of the God-Man Jesus Christ. He joined Himself inextricably to our humanity that through Him we might become truly human. Whether we live or die, suffer or celebrate, understand or lack understanding, in whatever state we find ourselves, God is with us and somehow that makes everything alright.
thank you for this post. I struggle every day with the paradox of suffering for lack in most of the world, and the suffering of over abundance in the rest. the world has enough, but too few have too much, and too many have too little. there is a direct correlation that is hard to ignore. with regards to the question of why does God allow suffering, i offer this word from Mother Theresa … i cant find the verbatim but it was in response to a question from a reporter, who argued that a good God wouldnt allow so many children to die in India for lack of love, food and care. Mother Theresa responded that 'when a child dies alone in a back alley in Calcutta, God was with that child, suffering with that child and ready to receive that child. The real question (mother Theresa asked the reporter) is WHERE WERE YOU?
Susan & Kathy,
beautiful comments…
The Parable of the Prodigal Son from the beginning of the narrative reveals the answer to our question here…
That's because the Father accepts that His son has the right to behave like his Father is dead. The son can ask for his share of inheritance as if his Father is already deceased… This means that Man has been given from his very creation this scandalous freedom, a perfect and absolute freedom in this respect: to behave as if his "Begetter" is non-existent.
God has left Man free to treat him like He did not exist, as if He, the Creator, is dead.
In this respect the creation of man contains the Cross within it. And a human person would never be able to become a true human person without this dangerous liberty…
That is why a Saint is truly great in his voluntary and free union with God! (because a Saint is someone who CAN sin, yet doesn't, no matter how compelling or 'enslaving' the temptation, -he is not someone who lacks this potential to sin).
To re-cap:
The creation of man by God, as an act of emptying of self, includes the death of God on the Cross from before the foundation of time…
I wonder if faith and knowledge goes beyond…like this excellent article that I am constantly faced with:
Wow… Amen to that! The ending to the piece is the best summary. "In the end it turns out to be love. Just love." To love self-sacrificially is really all that matters. This is the hardest thing for us to hear. God help us.
Simmmo if I may, to complete the circle, Fr. Stephan's "just love" is the cause of freedom.
Just another thought on this post. The seemingly unending quest for "consistency" really is a kind of idolatry. You see this principle applied rigidly in legal studies, science and, alas, protestant biblical studies (as if the holy scriptures had to be somehow "internally consistent" in every detail). You are right, rigid adherence to "rationality" and "consistency" are tremendously limiting. I prefer strawberry ice cream to chocolate and vanilla over strawberry. Does this mean that we can infer that I will always prefer vanilla to chocolate? Of course not. Would it be irrational and inconsistent of me if I did choose vanilla over chocolate? Perhaps. But who cares. Life is far more complex and interesting without trying to limit our experiences in such ways. And for what purpose? Merely for the sake of consistency? This is a kind of idolatry I think.
Well put Simmmo.
Love IS rational; but itg has a rationality, a logic, all its own.
Would it help understand St. Paul's definition if we said reality is what we can experience, while truth is as much of that as we can think? In that case, faith concerns our experience, and truth concerns the proclamation of it?
Somewhat off-topic, Father, but your explanation of "logikos" has opened to me better insight into Romans 12:1-2 — "which is your [reasonable?/spiritual?/logical?] service." Not that it makes the "presenting" any easier; it just drives home the conclusion of Chapter 11!
Thank you.
Indeed. Father has discussed that verse a number of times in that light.
A sad story but one has to remember that England has a small Orthodox population and calling among Orthodox women is probably negligible. Don't know what the article means about about the Monastery of the Assumption in Normanby, England being the only 'strict' one left in the country. Are the 'strict' Anglican (if there are any left) and Roman Catholic women's Orders growing? Here in the USA the Catholic ones are. Don't know about the Orthodox ones though. Also, I am surprised they haven't asked the Greek Church to send a small group of younger nuns to help.
"Are you prepared, in all humility, to understand that you will never, in this life, know beyond Faith; that Faith means accepting the Truth without proof? Faith and knowledge are the ultimate contradiction –and the ultimate absorption into each other….Are you prepared, whatever happens, to believe that somewhere, somehow, it must make sense?"
WOW! This blog spoke volumes to me as I read it over and over yesterday, and shared with many—who had the same reaction. Thank you for sharing Mother Thekla's words, Fr. Stephen.
Another wonderful post… One could take a lifetime pondering Mother Thekla's words.
I'd like to add an image, to Father Stephen's comment to TLO:
I understand the thought, but it would not be the same thing at all. Nor would "declaring something to be the Truth," and "accepting something" be the same thing. There's too much "declaring" and not enough "accepting." The is a very deep spiritual and psychological difference between the two and they yield very different fruit."
I knew a minister once who made the distinction between belief and faith (which I am relating to "declaring" and "accepting"). He said that believing is like saying to someone, "Yes, I believe that you can push that wheelbarrow over that tightrope." Faith is getting in the wheelbarrow and letting him push you across.
An odd image but one that has stuck with me for over 30 years. Quite a difference indeed.
Mother Thekla's questions are indeed tough. I completely believe them from her mouth, but I've heard the same sentiment from less credible sources. How is one supposed to discern truth? The way is dark and few seem to know it. I am ALMOST reminded of this Lord of the Rings quote:
"The way is shut. It was made by those who are Dead, and the Dead keep it, until the time comes. The way is shut."
But Fr. Stephen answered it well: You don't. You rely on that very God to lead you. You can't follow Him if you don't trust Him, and you can't trust Him if you can't follow Him.
sorry, "you can't trust Him if you don't follow Him."
Hi Mary and Fr. Stephen – I have been reading and re-reading this and the only sense I get is that this satisfies a need to have some kind of an answer. Humans are very uncomfortable with admitting an inability to understand things. So for those things that are not understood, the only mental relief is to invoke "Faith."
I must not be wired the same as most of the rest of humanity. I have no problem whatsoever with living life knowing what I am able to understand while simultaneously leaving all those things in the ethereal realm inside Pandora's Box without opening it.
From my perspective, Faith is based in fear. One must be fearful, at the core, to even want to delve into that which simply cannot be known. I think it is that core fear that is at the root of all the conflict we see.
What is so difficult about admitting some things simply cannot be known and then just leave them alone?
The obsession with religious ideas which are disputed and debated for thousands of years with no real resolution just seems strange to me. (I feel precisely the same way about politics.)
Hi TLO,
You wrote: "From my perspective, Faith is based in fear. One must be fearful, at the core, to even want to delve into that which simply cannot be known."
It is hard for me to imagine that a bright person like you really believes this… But, perhaps the only "faith" you have experienced WAS based on fear – and therefore correctly rejected.
Remember Puddleglum's speech. Hardly based on fear. (I know, you're going to say "that's fiction", but CS Lewis was writing something much grander than a fairy tale.) There are many, many real life examples that reflect the same thing. St. Maximillian Kolbe is one who comes to mind…
I don't mean to insult you, but I am getting this sense of you chanting "The dwarfs are for the dwarfs." Is there a reason you feel safer in the dark? (A rhetorical question – of course there is.)
Continuing to wish you blessings on your journey…
I don't know why God allows suffering. It almost has never seemed important to me to ask why. He's so much more than I am. The question feels like a waste of time. All I know is that if I let go of my grip on Him during times of suffering, I would cease to exist. Suffering, as terrible as it is, keeps Christ's image ever before my eyes, as does the beauty of God's creation and the many blessings I have undeservedly received. Suffering is often the string, bridge, road, to the God who constantly forgives and graces me. Without it, I may very well find faith in God completely implausible.
TLO, Drewster,
there is a fabulous exposition of Saint Isaac he Syrian concerning Faith and Knowledge in his ascetical homilies.
I will worn you though, it is obvious that his exposition of "Faith", obviously shows someone talking with first hand experience of those 'proofs' you can only enjoy once you have taken the same plunge as him.
Let me give an example: science might have proved that we can go on for so many days without water, food, sleep, sitting down, etc. yet he (Saint Isaac for instance) has caught himself (engrossed in God) having gone for many times that length of time against what Science has proven…! The resulting knowledge is ofcourse not exactly "rational" yet also cannot be called irrational as it has an experiential proof, even though it was Faith that got him there in the first place. Rationality would have cowered away long ago…
I just found a part of it here:
St Isaac the Syrian on the Three Degrees of Knowledge (Homily 52)
On the First Degree of Knowledge
When knowledge cleaves to the love of the body, it gathers up the following provisions: wealth, vainglory, honour, adornment, rest of the body, special means to guard the body's nature from adversities, assiduity in rational wisdom, such as is suitable for the governance of the world and which gushes forth the novelties of inventions, the arts, sciences, doctrines, and all other things which crown the body in this visible world. Among the properties of this knowledge belong those that are opposed to faith, which we have stated and enumerated above. This is called shallow knowledge, for it is naked of all concern for God. And because it is dominated by the body, it introduces into the mind an irrational impotence, and its concern is totally for this world. This measure of knowledge does not reckon that there is any noetic power and hidden steersman over a man, nor any Divine care that shelters and takes concern for him. It takes no account of God's providential governance; but on the contrary, it attributes to a man's diligence and his methods every good thing in him, his rescue from what harms him, and his natural ability to avert the plights and many adversities that secretly and manifestly accompany our nature. This degree of knowledge presumes that all things are by its own providence, like those men who assert that there is no Divine governance of visible things. Nevertheless, it cannot be without continual cares and fear for the body. Therefore it is a prey to faintheartedness, sorrow, despair, fear of the demons, trepidation before men, the rumour of thieves and the report of murders, anxiety over illnesses, concern over want and the lack of necessities, fear of death, fear of sufferings, of wild beasts, and of other similar things that make this knowledge like a sea made turbulent by great waves at every hour of the night and day. For knowledge does not know how to cast its care upon God through the confident trust of faith in Him; wherefore in all things that concern it, it is constantly engaged in devising devices and clever contrivances. But when in some instance the modes of its contrivances prove fruitless, it strives with men as though they hindered and opposed it, since it does not see in this the mystical hand of providence.
The tree of knowledge of good and evil, the tree that uproots love, is implanted in this very knowledge. It investigates the small faults of other men and the causes thereof, and their weaknesses; and it arms a man for stubbornly upholding his opinion, for disputation, and aids him in cunningly employing devices and crafty contrivances and other means which dishonour a man. In this knowledge are produced and are found presumption and pride, for it attributes every good thing to itself, and does not refer it to God.
Faith, however, attributes its works to grace. For this reason it cannot be lifted up with pride, as it is written: "I can do all things through Christ Which strengtheneth me"; and again, "Not I, but the grace of God which is in me"; and also "Knowledge puffeth up"; which the blessed Apostle said of this same knowledge, since it is not mingled with faith and hope in God, but he said it not concerning true knowledge, far be it!
By humility true knowledge makes perfect the soul of those who have acquired it, like Moses, David, Esaias, Peter, Paul, and the rest of the saints who have been accounted worthy of this perfect knowledge to the degree possible for human nature. And by diverse theorias and divine revelations, by the lofty vision of spiritual things and by ineffable mysteries and the like, their knowledge is swallowed up at all times, and in their own eyes they reckon their soul to be dust and ashes. But that other knowledge is puffed up, even as is meet, since it walks in darkness and values that which belongs to it by comparison with things of earth, and it does not know that there is something better than itself. And so all who cling to such knowledge are seized by the uplifting of pride, because they measure their discipline according to the standard of the earth and the flesh, they rely upon their works, and their intellects do not enter into incomprehensible matters. But as many as reflect upon the waves of the glorious splendour of the Godhead, and whose labour is on high, their minds do not turn aside with inventions and vain thoughts. For those who walk in the light cannot go astray, and for this reason all those who have strayed from the light of the knowledge of the Son of God, and have turned away from the truth, journey in these pathways just mentioned. This is the first degree of knowledge; in it a man follows the desire of the flesh. We find this knowledge blameworthy and declare it to be opposed not only to faith, but to every working of virtue.
On the Second Degree of Knowledge
But when a man renounces the first degree and turns toward deep reflections and the love of the soul, then he practises the aforementioned good deeds with the help of his soul's understanding, in co-operation with the senses of his body, and in the light of his soul's nature. These deeds are: fasting, prayer, mercy, reading of the divine Scripture, the modes of virtue, battle with the passions, and the rest. For all these good things, all the various excellences seen in the soul and the wondrous means that are employed for serving in Christ's court in this second degree of knowledge, are made perfect by the Holy Spirit through the action of its power. This knowledge makes straight the pathways in the heart which lead to faith, wherewith we gather supplies for our journey to the true age. But even so, this knowledge is still corporeal and composite; and although it is the road that leads us and speeds us on our way toward faith, yet there remains a degree of knowledge still higher than it. If it goes forward, it will find itself raised up by faith with the help of Christ, that is, when it has laid the foundation of its action on seclusion from men, reading the Scriptures, prayer, and the other good works by which the second degree of knowledge is made perfect. It is by this knowledge that all that is excellent is performed; indeed, it is called the knowledge of actions, because by concrete actions, through the senses of the body, it accomplishes its work on the external level.
On the Third Degree of Knowledge,
which is the Degree of Perfection
Hear now how knowledge becomes more refined, acquires that which is of the Spirit, and comes to resemble the life of the unseen hosts which perform their liturgy not by the palpable activity of works, but through the activity accomplished in the intellect's meditation. When knowledge is raised above earthly things and the cares of earthly activities, and its thoughts begin to gain experience in inward matters which are hidden from the eyes; and when in part it scorns the recollections of things (whence the perverseness of the passions arises), and when it stretches itself upward and follows faith in its solicitude for the future age, in its desire for what has been promised us, and in searching deeply into hidden mysteries: then faith itself swallows up knowledge, converts it, and begets it anew, so that it becomes wholly and completely spirit.
Then it can soar on wings in the realms of the bodiless and touch the depths of the unfathomable sea, musing upon the wondrous and divine workings of God's governance of noetic and corporeal creatures. It searches out spiritual mysteries that are perceived by the simple and subtle intellect. Then the inner senses awaken for spiritual doing, according to the order that will be in the immortal and incorruptible life. For even from now it has received, as it were in a mystery, the noetic resurrection as a true witness of the universal renewal of all things.
These are the three degrees of knowledge wherein is brought together a man's whole course in the body, in the soul, and in the spirit. From the time when a man begins to distinguish between good and evil until he takes leave of this world, his soul's knowledge journeys in these stages. The fullness of all wrong and impiety, and the fullness of righteousness, and the probing of the depths of all the mysteries of the Spirit are wrought by one knowledge in the aforementioned three stages; and in it is contained the intellect's every movement, whether the intellect ascends or descends in good or in evil or in things midway between the two. The Fathers call these stages: natural, supranatural, and contranatural. These are the three directions in which the memory of a rational soul travels up or down, as has been said: when the soul works righteousness in the confines of nature, or when through her recollection she is caught away to a state higher than nature in the divine vision of God, or when she recedes from her nature to heard swine, as did that young man who squandered the wealth of his discretion and laboured for a troop of demons.
The homily (52) is:
<blockquote.St Isaac the Syrian on the Three Degrees of Knowledge
I am sorry for the mistaken post. I wish I could make some corrections at a slightly later stage…
Fr. Stephen:
But it doesn't work for you – or you wouldn't be reading this.
I suppose that there is no hope of ever escaping 40+ years of indoctrination. And I am here more because my social outlets are quite limited. I do very poorly in a room full of people or even one-on-one but in this medium I find that I am able to communicate clearly. I could hang out on exchristian_dot_net and other such sites but I find very little value in hanging out with people who all agree with me. That's no way to grow.
To be candid, I just flat out like you guys and appreciate you putting up with me.
I don't know about "reductionist" though. It's hard to peel through many layers and get to the core of matters but this is what I try to do. It's the only way I can make sense of things. I've had a lifetime of peels with very little core. I have found it interesting, though, that any time you try to name a thing, it is like touching a nerve. People want to talk around a subject. No one wants to just get to the essentials (I don't mean about Christianity per se but also in politics and philosophy).
I was strongly moved by George MacDonald's treatment of protestant thought in which he said that the foundation of it is Hell and therefore the first line of their creed is "I believe in hell." Most protestants will immediately recoil from this statement and protest loudly. To me, though, it struck a chord of truth and (though it hurt at the time) I had to give it its due consideration (this was many years ago). I don't know many humans who are willing to do that when it comes to their beliefs. I know no Mormons who are not able to refute anything that an Orthodox Christian might say about their faith. I know very few people of any faith who are willing to even try to be objective about what they hold to be true. (Again, it's one of the reasons I like you guys. You haven't abdicated your brains.)
Which circles back to "I don't know." Early on in my journey, Father Rusty Matheny said to me, "I believe it. That's it. I have no other explanation to offer that would help you." I have always revered him for this.
You have stated before that Christ's victory is over death. It seems to me that death (and the fear thereof) is at or near the center of Judeo-Christian or Muslim faith. Remove death from the equation and I don't think you have the same faith. Please correct me if I err.
It has been a strange part of my journey; assuming that there is nothing after death I have less reason to fear it. Having lost that fear, I find that I have also lost interest in diving into the mysteries as I did in the past. It is no longer a critical question to answer and the mysteries no longer have a hold on my emotions. Rather,I am interested in understanding as a sort of forensic examination. Much of my querying is in a further attempt to understand the human animal. But I would also welcome comprehending the faith (which I cannot, if this article is any guide). Failing to be able to understand the Faith, I am left to observe the idea of faith as its own area of study.
Humans fascinate me. I am very uncomfortable being around them, by and large, but I am intrigued by them. I would dearly love to understand why people gravitate toward faith and why there is so much disagreement between them. We see the same reality but how we interpret it is so wildly varied. How then can anyone hope to arrive at any objective truth?
Hi fr Stephen – I didn't consider it a "low blow." Unless you insult my mother, there's not a whole lot that I'll get offended over. I actually appreciate your candor and perspective.
It's not heaven I want. It's God – here and now.
Ah. If only. That'd be nice, IMHO (provided one is talking about a good god).
The more I read from neurotheologians, though, the less likely god seems to me. Rephrased; all of our realities are experienced neurologically. Those who experience god may be having real experiences. How could one tell the difference? The same areas of the brain light up when one talks to an invisible person as when one talks to a physical person. So the experience is real to that person. For me, those synapses just don't seem to be firing. Whether that is because god isn't interacting with me or I simply am unable to get those neurons working, who knows? Perhaps this is also why I have trouble relating to people. In short, I may very well be brain damaged.
I was in nursing for 11 years. I'm fairly familiar with pain, suffering and death as well. My AIDS and Cancer patients were the most troubling. I tend to agree with Tolkien when he said that death is Illuvitar's gift to men.
to Dinoship ~ thank you so much for posting above the 3 degrees of knowledge. it is going to take me a while to get through it and absorb it, but I am very much drawn to read and understand it as best as I can. I really appreciate it.
To TLO – as someone who was raised Roman Catholic, and then left the church at 16 (as so many of us do) and lived a very secular life until I was 48; I think the world indoctrinated me thoroughly in its ways. When several years ago, I found myself (at first, unwillingly i admit) drawn back to faith, I had reached a point in life where i was going to drown, or learn to swim. And in the years since I had this persistent urging to try to make sense of 'faith' I have struggled in many of the ways that you describe. I also have found it difficult to understand 'the human being'.
from my perspective, from my experience, your need for understanding and … faith … is a gift from God. There is a great deal of grace involved in leading people away from the world and onto the seekers path. I am not a theologian, I am not a bible scholar, I don't have learned discussions with Christians, Catholics or secular – but I do believe that when God chooses people to 'call out' of the world, the ones he finds most receptive to the call are often those who are for one reason or another 'invisible' to the world, or in moral / ethical or spiritual conflict with the world as it presents today. I don't have close friendships with secular, nor Catholic. I am still invisible in many ways, but I am now visible to God. My life is still a fairly solitary one, but i am no longer dependent on how MY will, will get me through the turbulence of life, I rely on God to get me through everything.
Everyday I wake up and pick up my faith journey again as I make my way in the world. Which brings me back to the beginning of this blog …
"Are you prepared, in all humility, to understand that you will never, in this life, know beyond Faith; that Faith means accepting the Truth without proof? Faith and knowledge are the ultimate contradiction –and the ultimate absorption into each other. Living Orthodoxy is based on paradox, which is carried on into worship – private or public. We know because we believe and we believe because we know.
Above all, are you prepared to accept all things as from God?"
I can choose to reject the above statement, and try to negotiate and make sense of my life and the world with my limited human understanding, or I can choose to see my life through eyes of trust and faith – not needing to understand as much as just needing to accept, learn patience, humility, take my mind off 'myself' and see things as they are, and not how I would like them to be. Of course, I want to 'understand' as well, I always will, but I find that my conflicts are often resolved with Gods help whenever I ask. I am led through scripture, through writings of others, and through my children, my family, the words of strangers … to the level of understanding i need to find some peace and resolution. One of the most important verses in the bible for me has been … Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you … these are not words, they are the beginnings of a supernatural journey with God.
I choose God, I choose the Son of God. I choose Faith. Without it, I am adrift in the seas of life, with no compass, no deck, no anchor and no land in sight.
And yes Father, your last words are what I seek … to think about "life after death" would be to take my "eyes from the prize." It's not heaven I want. It's God – here and now.
I know my writing is clumsy, and I know the words I choose are 'mine', and often I don't clarify my meaning or intent very well, but I wanted so much to respond to TLO, because my spirit said to.
all of our realities are experienced neurologically
and how did our neurology be designed in such a way as to prompt all living beings towards a greater reality, and a yearning for the divine
One thing I love about the sciences, is that the more you look, the more you see; the more you see, the further there is to look, the less you know (for sure) … there is something infinite about the scientific quest for greater understanding ! Quantum science to me, is our most profound science for the existence of a God that supersedes all states, all dimensions and is in fact the very 'field' on which our human experience is written. Many many distinguished and dedicated scientists, have found themselves confronting the inevitability, after a long career in their fields, of the existence of a Creator.
I can appreciate your dilemma with the neurology of spirituality (so to speak). One of the things I find challenging is trying to comprehend that I might exist after my brain is dead. Who am "I" apart from my brain/body? Since I have no (remembered) experience of such existence, it doesn't seem possible.
Because there are mysteries like this that I know I cannot know (at least not yet), there is that "leap of faith" thing that is essentially a choice. As Fr Stephen and some others related, I too experienced my first "existential crisis" early in life, wondering if life had meaning and if I could bear to keep living if I concluded it did not.
I struggled for quite some years with this, not wanting to believe in God just to relieve that fear of meaninglessness. I believe I have had many experiences of God that have bolstered my believing – but, as I wrote elsewhere, I accept that I could be deluding myself. But I can think of no better way to live. And so, in the face of doubts (that will always resurface), I make a choice – along with Puddleglum.
"Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things–trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have. Then all I can say is that, in that case, the made-up things seem a good deal more important than the real ones. Suppose this black pit of a kingdom of yours is the only world. Well, it strikes me as a pretty poor one. And that's a funny thing, when you come to think of it. We're just babies making up a game, if you're right. But four babies playing a game can make a play-world which licks your real world hollow. That's why I'm going to stand by the play-world. I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia." (The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis)
Extremely well said Mary Benton. I agree with you – and with CS Lewis.
concerning the neurology of faith (a classic "logismos" -temptation, if you like), especially when one is confronted with the fact that
"you will never, in this life, know beyond Faith"
I know the "difference" well.
although I do not feel comfortable talking from personal experiences (disclosing them here I mean), I do indeed know that there is a difference, even though a person is always in danger of forgetting even his knowledge from first-hand experience – it is the nature of humanity. It is also why death from a Christian's perspective is simply 'the ticket to permanence', to the immutability of the life in God he experiences here and now…
Concerning "neurophysiological explanations":
One can experience (1) a delusional/"demonic" Heaven and Hell, (2) a "natural" Heaven and Hell, as well as (3) a Heaven and a Hades through the action of God. They all have neurological consequences… Only the "natural" one is a consequence of neurology itself however, the others are vice versa! The fact that many people have had psychological 'replica' experiences of the real thing does not mean the real thing does not exist. The existence of the real thing (whether you have experienced it or not yourself), is totally incontestable. (For those that have the experience that is – others can always try to explain away even the most miraculous signs such as resurrections, it is part of the 'freedom of choice' that we have been granted in the matter of faith).
Take the martyrdom of Saint George for example: a great multitude of the opposition was converted (including his torturers) through the incontestable signs over the many days of his unbelievable tortures and re-vivifications to the point that Diocletian would explain "this guy will simply NOT die!". However, Diocletian would rather believe that St. George must be using some kind of 'Magic' rather than be converted to the Truth…
There is nothing that anyone can do to make someone else believe if that person does not want to take the "plunge."
Concerning the "fear of death" you mentioned, it is not that difficult to sweep that under the carpet, it is surprisingly effective in our culture. We are often like the irrationally confident, ignorant child who wants to jump in the swimming-pool without his dad or arm-bands, despite any warnings on the contrary.
However, someone who is granted the, (admittedly "extreme beyond extreme") vision of eternal death (a rare occasion perhaps) knows that Man's only problem is that he is designed for eternal life in God, yet is in constant danger of voluntarily opting for death, ignoring the seriousness of the matter…
I'm currently re-reading the science fiction trilogy by CS Lewis and I'm on the second book, "Perelandra". This conversation in the comments section here is reminding me a lot of the subject addressed in that book in particular, as well as addressed by the trilogy total. Just a thought and a recommendation for extra reading!
"Humans are very uncomfortable with admitting an inability to understand things. So for those things that are not understood, the only mental relief is to invoke "Faith.""
I feel that I admit my ignorance more as a theist than I ever did as an atheist-leaning agnostic.
"From my perspective, Faith is based in fear. One must be fearful, at the core, to even want to delve into that which simply cannot be known. I think it is that core fear that is at the root of all the conflict we see."
I agree that, at least initially and in part, the search for God is driven by fear, specifically fear of death. But so what? It is a natural enough fear, given that our souls are configured for communion with the Eternal One, and that separation from Him is eternal death. In a similar way, the search for food is driven by fear of starvation. Yet hunger is not in and of itself bad, nor is starvation imaginary. In fact, the existence of the appetite necessarily implies the existence of its object.
"What is so difficult about admitting some things simply cannot be known and then just leave them alone?"
Because not everyone finds agnosticism reasonable and convincing…?
"The obsession with religious ideas which are disputed and debated for thousands of years with no real resolution just seems strange to me."
But you are part of the dispute, John. This is what I find so frustrating about agnostics in particular: They posture as though they are somehow external to the theistic debate. Yet they are most definitely not. They advance a very specific set of ideas based upon certain premises. They have a stake in the argument. Their position is also vulnerable to psychological and emotional explanation.
"To be candid, I just flat out like you guys and appreciate you putting up with me."
Eh, you ain't so bad yourself, kid.
But seriously, it's good to have you around, John. Despite all of your protestations, I believe that the flame of Christ still burns within you: I pray that it does not die!
"I'm not afraid of death – though I have a great respect for it. It is a very great mystery. What I think about death and life after death would probably frighten many people (perhaps more than death itself). That has to do with how the fathers understand the nature of Person and the Self – quite distinct from the ego. Much that most people want to see beyond death, I do not expect."
Forgive me if I misunderstand you, Father, but this seems a bit … nontraditional. Considering that both Mary and Elijah (and perhaps Enoch) were assumed bodily into heaven, I have to assume that there is quite a bit more "continuity" than you seem to be willing to grant. Clearly, heaven ultimately defies our reason, but tradition and Scripture both appear — to my naive eyes at least — to affirm a realm in which our "personalities" persist. Many saints have communicated from heaven to those still in this world, and they are substantially the same. The fathers, by my reading, have a strong "theory" of the immaterial soul and its ability to exist apart from the body.
As I said, I may be misunderstanding you, and if so, I apologize.
"The more I read from neurotheologians, though, the less likely god seems to me. Rephrased; all of our realities are experienced neurologically. "
The brain can tell us nothing, or next to nothing, about the existence or nonexistence of God, John. None of the sciences can. By definition, the sciences are incapable of theological application. If you think that science can "prove" or "disprove" God, or even tilt the argument one way or the other in any significant way, then you still don't understand what we believe, you still aren't hearing us.
It is actually because of your protestations that you are good to have around. To the best of your ability, you are speaking the truth in love. You are bringing forward objections from your reality – but with no malice or rancor. You have a keen desire for the truth. And for one so ambivalent about death, you have a real zest for life in these conversations.
You are more than good to have around. Thanks for being here.
The first chapter of the book, Bread & Water, Wine & Oil by Archimandrite Meletios Webber gives an excellent description and examination of the way the mind works and the way that we are created by a loving God to live in communion with Him here in this life and throughout eternity. Fr. Webber has a doctorate in psychological counseling and he is very "read-able".
The first chapter is titled "The Mind, the Heart and the Mystery." I have found this very comforting and an absolute foundation to put under the very true comment that Mary Benton makes above in citing Puddleglum.
Chesterton's Orthodoxy is also good reading, and amusing, since he is the master of one-liners, as is Lewis's Surprised by Joy.
The brain can tell us nothing, or next to nothing, about the existence or nonexistence of God, John. None of the sciences can. By definition, the sciences are incapable of theological application. If you think that science can "prove" or "disprove" God, or even tilt the argument one way or the other in any significant way, then you still don't understand what we believe, you still aren't hearing us.
Indeed. This is the classic stumbling block of some modern 'science'… It keeps deluding itself that it can explain everything, not realising that it has a defined sector all to itself.
Dinoship….SO true!

subset: commoncrawl


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I got the idea for this post when I read this GigaOM blog when I was surfing the Net recently. Although it doesn't necessarily need a heart attack to get me thinking, I know that by counting backwards (and looking at the good and the bad which have happened this year) I am in a […]Read More
Presenting My Rosemary Raisin Bread 9
Doesn't my bread look glorious? Yup, after 35 minutes in the oven (160 C), it came out nicely baked. I brushed some butter on the top while it was still warm. Made them into 9 buns as you can see. But the texture was perfect unlike my other bread experiments. Thanks BG for giving me […]Read More
Back into Bread-making Mode 3
Since today is a public holiday, I decided to make some bread. Yes, I am back into THAT mode again. I think it's because BG gave me some kind words and encouraged me to try his pre-ferment or biga or sponge method which he says is easy peasy. OK, and since I love easy peasy […]Read More
Putting You In A Great Mood 5
I love classical music but this has to be one of my personal favourites. For a quiet, undemanding Sunday of Internet surfing. For a good deep breath. For a great way to relax without doing the retail therapy grind (which I have been doing for the past few days and eating myself a bit silly). […]Read More
Did You Have A Merry One? 4
I had a quiet but busy Christmas yesterday. Actually I started early as I was shopping the whole of Wednesday, Christmas Eve. Which was odd considering I am not Christian! (If you like warehouse sales, head on over to the PISA/Metrojaya Warehouse Sale. Lots of household stuff, lots of clothes, lots of cosmetics on sale. […]Read More
The 2 New Men In My Life 3
I think I go crazy once in a while. And Nic tolerates that coz I am often more sane than insane. But this time, he caused it. He has been watching The Legend of Bruce Lee on 8TV on most weekday nights (if you don't know, it's from 8.30pm to 9.30pm) and he started getting […]Read More
Cakes Etc, My Secret for Freshly Baked Cakes 7
I first got to know about Ai Tee from Kim. Kim's one of the ladies in our business women networking group and she's a big foodie (just like me!). Kim had ordered a durian cheesecake from Ai Tee for our WomenBizSense 2nd anniversary and from that moment onwards, I was hooked. Then I got the […]Read More
Meet Mr Cooking Engineer 4
It's great when friends appear in the newspapers (positive news of course!). This one is an interview which The Star did with Eddie, who is a friend of mine and Nic's. He is a cooking engineer which means he is an engineer but he also cooks. He's also based in the USA. He was featured […]Read More
A Little Christmasey Do at Penang's 32 1
Another successful year for WomenBizSense! Another year to celebrate. That was how I felt on last Friday as we had our super early Christmas luncheon at 32 The Mansion. As a co-organiser/co-founder/head of emailing/all round Jill, I am thankful that 12 ladies showed up too. We have 45 ladies in our group but not everyone […]Read More
I Succumbed… and Went to the PC Fair 5
I don't like admitting this but I actually willed myself not to visit this year's PC Fair (which ended yesterday at PISA). But I did. I succumbed and plunged into the crowd of IT-mad people, pushing and jostling each other to get their nerdy fingers on the latest technological gizmo. I didn't want to go […]Read More


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Business Ideas in the News / April 4, 2011
After a warm welcome from the community they serve, ColorTyme held a special Grand Re-Opening event celebrating its success as the area's preferred choice in rent-to-own. The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce joined Derrick Vinson and Eddie Edwards, the owners, and staff along with ColorTyme executives, Bob Bloom and Albert Kohut, to commemorate the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"The Montgomery store has had remarkable success since its opening in November of last year, and we are eager to see even more progress after its Grand Re-Opening," said Bloom, ColorTyme president and CEO. "Derrick and his staff show important values in the store everyday. Their reliability, hard work and passion for helping people truly create a winning business."
The ColorTyme store offers competitive prices on a wide selection of home furnishings including furniture, appliances, computers and electronics. In addition, customers will find convenient payment terms as they obtain merchandise without the hassles of meeting credit requirements. Vinson and his staff are committed to maintaining ColorTyme's focus on customer service and fulfilling customer needs.
Originally posted by Mark on April 4, 2011 in Franchise Site.
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Home > Post > Post 16 > Post 16 News Release > 2007 News Releases > News Release
News Release
TFC Corey King
Public Affairs Officer
Kentucky State Police
Post 16, Henderson
(270) 826-3312
Click here to e-mail TFC Corey King
Fleeing Or Evading Police 2nd Degree Arrest
Date of News Release: 03/01/2007
(Henderson, KY) - On 03/01/2007 at approximately 08:10, KSP Trooper Chris McKee attempted to stop a red 2006 Ford Focus operated by Eric Fuqua, for a speeding violation on US 41. Fuqua attempted to elude police by pulling into Thorton's on US 41 at Barrett Blvd. Trooper McKee followed Fuqua into the parking lot at which time Fuqua stepped out of the vehicle, but was ordered back into the vehicle by Trooper McKee. Fuqua fled on foot behind Thorton's and Trooper McKee pursued on foot. Fuqua was overtaken by Trooper McKee on Barrett Blvd and arrested. Investigation revealed that Fuqua was driving on a suspended license and had a warrant for his arrest for failure to appear in Muhlenberg County. Fuqua was lodged in the Henderson County Jail.


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Perquimans County Middle - School Profile
Enrollment Information (2009-2010 school year)
Helpful Resources
Corrections to the school database are encouraged! School Edit Form.
Perquimans County Middle - School Boundaries Map (School Attendance Zone)
Nearby Public Schools (within a 15-mile radius)
Perquimans County Middle, NC
(< 0.1 mile)
Perquimans Central, NC (0.7 miles SE)
Hertford Grammar, NC (2.3 miles S)
Perquimans County High, NC (2.5 miles S)
Chowan Middle, NC (10.4 miles W)
D F Walker Elementary, NC
(10.9 miles WSW)
White Oak Elementary, NC (10.9 miles WSW)
Northeastern High, NC (11.6 miles ENE)
Central Elementary, NC (12.8 miles ENE)
John A Holmes High, NC (13.1 miles SW)
Nearby Private Schools (within a 15-mile radius)
Victory Christian School, NC
(9.5 miles ENE)
Albemarle School, NC (11.3 miles ENE)


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I made this for my daughter's birthday and everyone loved it. I used butter flavored shortening and 2 tbsp vanilla bean paste. It tastes like sugar cookie cookie dough, very moist, tender and to die for, also not too sweet either. I doubled the frosting recipe since I made it a 2 layer cake, ran out of mascarpone so for the other half I used cream cheese. I had to ban people from the kitchen just so I could have enough frosting to frost the cake. I'm making it again 4 days later for my son's birthday. Don't expect to have leftovers, I didn't.
White Linen Cupcakes
White Linen Cupcakes are a light combination of Mascarpone Frosting and white chocolate curls over a tender cupcake. Perfect for a tea, party, or shower, they're delicate and delicious. Serve them with an ice-cold glass of milk.
More From Oxmoor House
- Vanilla Bean Cake:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose soft-wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 to 2 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
- Paper baking cups
- Vegetable cooking spray
- Mascarpone Frosting:
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 12 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Toppings:
- White chocolate curls
- To prepare Vanilla Bean Cake, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in vanilla bean paste.
- Place paper baking cups in 2 (12-cup) muffin pans, and coat with cooking spray; spoon batter into cups, filling about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely. Makes 24 cupcakes.
- To prepare frosting, beat cream at high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl at medium speed with mixer until blended. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until blended. Makes 3 cups. Frost each cupcake. Top each generously with white chocolate curls.
Chocolate curls make quite an impressive topping. At Dreamcakes Bakery, they recommend using a good quality milk chocolate or white chocolate bar without nuts or fillings. Soften it very slightly in the microwave about 10 seconds on HIGH; microwave again an extra 5 seconds at at time; if needed. Pull a sharp vegetable peeler along narrow end of bar, letting curls fall onto a chilled sheet pan. The secret is having the chocolate at just the right temperature and using gentle pressure with the vegetable peeler.
My Notes
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White Linen Cupcakes Recipe at a Glance
- COURSE: Cakes/Frostings, Cupcakes, Desserts
- COOKING METHOD: Bake
- OCCASION: Weddings
- PUBLICATION: Oxmoor House
More Recipes Like This
Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean FrostingCooking Light
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Spiderman CupcakesMyRecipes


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Previous Day's Reflection Next Day's Reflection Go to Today's Reflection
"See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you." (Zechariah 2:14-15)
The prophet Zechariah reminded his people that, now released from their exiled condition in Babylon, they should return to the land given them by God and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. They had "settled" in Babylon and had lost sight of God's deliverance and care for them. He reminded them that, though the road back to their homeland would be difficult, God was always with them. They understood the Temple to be the physical dwelling place of God, "The Holy of Holies." For this reason, Zechariah exhorted them to rebuild this living connection to God.
In the Gospel for today Jesus mentions to His disciples for the second time that he expects to be "delivered into the hands of men." This Gospel and the reading from Zechariah tell us that helping make the reign of God present here and now includes some tough episodes: exile, the cross, deliverance into the hands of men. At the same time, in faith we know the Spirit lives and moves within us and through us, so we are never completely on our own. That knowing is our "temple."
To be entrusted with the ongoing mission of Jesus is an honor, which gives us courage even in the tough times. We see this manifest in some of the strong and heroic colleagues among us.
Sister Lynn Marie Welbig, PBVMBoard Member, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital
A collection of prayers appropriate for times of illness.
For the full text of today's readings visit http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/
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Dry Lake
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Go to Admin » Appearance » Widgets » and move Gabfire Widget: Social into that MastheadOverlay zone
UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman talks about his second victory over longtime titleholder Anderson Silva and why he's ready to take on another "mad, angry Brazilian."
Like MMAWeekly.com on Facebook and Follow @MMAWeeklycom on Twitter.
I think many people are having a hard time dealing with Weidman as a "champ" because there is no single defining characteristic, as with so many other greats
He's just a big, tough, strong, ferocious guy
(which I find interesting, all to itself)
I wonder if you're from the east coast u.s., cause this is the first time I felt like someone I grew up with became a UFC champion.
Silva tried to kick weidmans knees repeatedly with his corner yelling for him to do so. Guess silva got what he intended
Chris was Anderson's cryptinite! Had his number. A strong chin and no fear! But I'm kinda nervous for him against Vitor ! Could be lights out!
© 2014 MMA Weekly All Rights Reserved.


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See You - Yuya Matsushita.mp3
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See You - Yuya Matsushita is the opening song of anime Natsuyuki Rendezvous.
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Wiii thank you!!!
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Thank you ! ^^
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great song...
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What did I just see.
Did I really just see people having sex in the alley. Really guys? We're turning into that kind of town?
Did I really just see people having sex in the alley. Really guys? We're turning into that kind of town?
Minus the coat.
By the end of the impromptu conversation, Carter had been accused of not only sleeping with one of his well known acquaintances, but it was also insinuated that he hated the girl which he hardly knew. He'd tried to explain that for the same reason she'd not known or remembered his name, he had no reason to carry any animosity towards her. Hate wasn't something that he felt towards anyone or anything. Maybe there was some bitterness, anger hidden under all that, but it wasn't directed at anyone in particular, unless there actually was a higher power. The only thing which really gave the man any reason to have such feelings was the loss of his family. That hole in his heart was the only thing which caused him pain and frustration, and the only person he ever hated was himself for not having been able to save them somehow. Even if there was nothing he could've done.
Shaking his head free of any grim thoughts, the security officer made his way through the rest of Alpha Sector. He'd lift a hand to wipe at his forehead absently—brushing away the beads of sweat which had formed and were now slicking down his skin. The internal temp of his body was riding high after Carter left his jacket with the Moriarty girl, the fluctuations of his emotions always caused his powers to react. Normally he was a levelheaded man, not just because he was taught to be polite as a child, but because he had to be, otherwise the inferno within him would rage out of control. Carter hadn't lied about having a personal heating system, because his entire body was capable of staying warm. It was the keeping cool part which was hard for him sometimes. Which was what that jacket provided him with, the intuitive body temperature regulation unit helped to manage how hot the wearer's core temp was, constantly trying to keep him within normal levels. The girl wouldn't be in any danger of freezing or overheating so long as she kept that heavy coat wrapped about her.
Why Carter had given her his jacket was beyond him, because it wasn't like she was the only one suffering. The rest of this section was freezing just like she was. Yet he'd felt sorry for her, even after hearing that mouth of hers carry on like it did. He could understand her frustration, even forgive her for taking it out on someone who was innocent, he just couldn't help but judge her for what kind of outlook she seemed to have on the world. At least what he'd been able to glimpse through their first and only dialogue. It was something he was used to seeing, all those who lived in this sector feeling as if they're better than everyone else, glaring down their noses at those below them; which irked him more than a little bit at times because that wasn't how he was brought up. His father and grandfather had made sure Carter knew how hard everyone worked, and it was something easy to teach the boy while in such close contact with the people responsible for maintaining Novum. After so many years it seemed that people forgot that everyone was here for a reason, well almost everyone. There were some who'd bought their way onto the floating city. But even they provided something, even if it was only money.
Maybe it was fact that he was lost in his own thoughts, but Carter hadn't realized that he all but finished his rounds like a mindless drone. His feet were already leading him back to the Moriarty household when that fact hit him in the brain. The last stretch of distance to the entrance of the living quarters would be done while fully conscious of the destination, stopping at the door before pressing the intercom button, raising his eyes up to the holo recorder which would no doubt capture his image for display. "Reporting back for that escort to the market, Miss Moriarty, whenever you're ready" With hands clasp behind his back, the head of security for Novum would stand in front of the door, awaiting the woman he wasn't entirely sure why he was even concerned about.
Cold wasn't the word. Cold was an understatement - freezing, was an understatement. Morgans teeth were chattering so loud she could barely hear herself thinking. "Why…" why did the heat always have to go out at night. Night, not in the day, never in the day when it would be moderately warmer or when she was at work. Nah, the coils had to crap out in the middle of the night when it was already freezing. Morgan wasn't fond of the cold regularly, but when it dropped to the point of the pipes icing and her fingers turning blue? There was a serious problem. "Stupid." she growled low, kicking the little portable heater that was doing nothing more than teasing her with the idea of warmth.
It wasn't long after that when she found her unexpected hero; Carter Jensen, coming to the rescue with a coat. Yes, a simple coat - a coat with it's own heating properties and the ability to regulate her body completely but a coat never the less.
The sudden rise in temperature sent shivers through her body, luckily Carter had already taken off at this point and she was pushing back into her house. "This is a nice jacket…" she huffed and cuddled into it, huge and comfortable. It was a nice Jacket, she had never seen one like it. She'd never really had a need for it, Morgan wasn't one to spend much time outside in the cold but clearly she'd need to consider investing in one. "Toasty." she'd make a low cooing sound, curling up on the couch and wrapping herself into the warm fabric. It was very damn comfortable, and she literally fit inside it. Having zipped it up all the way, she tucked her arms and legs inside and cuddled up against a pillow, nuzzling the cool face of it while enjoying the heat coming from the coat. It was the perfect contrast, just enough to let her nod off. The fact that it smelled absolutely fantastic didn't hurt. The fact it smelled an awful lot like him hadn't clicked yet…
Honestly, Morgan had no idea how long she'd been asleep but a sudden bang woke her up. "Hnnnnnn." she growled, rolling around and ignoring the sound. When the same crash came again but louder she jumped off the couch and stood, wrapped tightly in that jacket and staring toward the back door. "The hell…" Morgan pursed her lips and moved toward the banging; which only got louder and louder. There was someone standing at her back door. "Not even going there…" she wasn't quite that stupid. However, for a long time she stood there staring into the blackness, watching the trace of fingers down the window. Thank god those things were shatter-proof. Then, the sound of Carters voice rolling through her house made her jump. "CHRIST!" she huffed, leaning over with a hand to her chest before straightening herself out and heading for the front door - having already decided not to bring up the thing she'd just seen.
"Slow…" she yanked the door open and pushed by him, taking off down the street. She would have greeted him with a normal hello had she not been so on edge. But, being around the city's defender did manage to calm her nerves rather quickly. "Thanks for the coat though." She noted, nodding over at the tall man. "And walking me." it wasn't in his job description really, this wasn't something he had to do, this was out of the kindness of his heart - and yet, she was being nothing but a bitch. The walk wasn't particularly long, or particularly dangerous, Morgan just wasn't fond of wandering the roads this late at night.
Coming up on the Lexor she cracked a bright smile, throwing up her hands like 'thank god!' then dropped them back down, not even noticing that one had gripped his and she was trying to tug him along behind her while running full speed (in heels, no less) toward the building. Barely even looking where she was going, Morgan made a B-line for the bar and hopped the counter; the tender long since retired for the night. "Drinks?" she asked, grabbing two glasses and a bottle of whiskey, not exactly giving him a chance to decline.
Chuck Testa Claire Tesla.
Who's going to buy me a drink? My throat is sore from all that singing.
Gosh, what gave you that idea?
You know what? I think I should be getting back to the lab right about now. Break's over and I have work to do.
Good luck with that then.
Well that sounds fun…
Sarcastic, are we?
Gosh, what gave you that idea?


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Darynkd Wrote:
Sep 28, 2012 10:55 AM
His goal is to "transform" America to turn it into a socialist marxist system and to level it to equal all the downtrodden nations of the world. It is true he has no interest in the presidency as we have always understood it. But at his actual goal he is brilliant and at that, he is succeeding.


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National Oilwell Varco Inc. Stock Buy Recommendation Reiterated (NOV)
- ACTIVE STOCK TRADERS: Get trading ideas for stocks under $10 for less than $6/week. Start with a 14-Day Free Trial.
- The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 24.5%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 42.2%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share.
- NOV's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.08 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. Along with the favorable debt-to-equity ratio, the company maintains an adequate quick ratio of 1.01, which illustrates the ability to avoid short-term cash problems.
- The stock has risen over the past year as investors have generally rewarded the company for its earnings growth and other positive factors like the ones we have cited in this report. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year.
- NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO INC has improved earnings per share by 14.4% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO INC increased its bottom line by earning $4.69 versus $3.98 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($5.95 versus $4.69).
- The company, on the basis of net income growth from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly outperformed against the S&P 500 and exceeded that of the Energy Equipment & Services industry average. The net income increased by 15.0% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $532.00 million to $612.00 million.
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Semiconductor Manufacturing Int'l (ADR)
The Future of Chinese Technology – Social Manufacturing?
By Nick Slepko - December 27, 2012 | Tickers: FXCNY, RENN, SMI, SINA, TCEHY.PK
Prior to joining Global X Funds, Alex Ashby lived and traveled extensively throughout Asia. He currently manages a group of six ETFs covering the consumer, energy, financial, industrial, material, and technology sectors of the Chinese economy. The Global X NASDAQ China Technology ETF (NASDAQ QQQC) provides investors with exposure to technology companies in China and is designed to be a transparent, cost-efficient way to get access to the country's more »