Facts about the Archangels

The first fact that amazed me about the archangels is that there are 15 of them. I have always considered myself a spiritual, and in my younger days, religious person. However, I had no idea that there were so many archangels. We all know about Michael, Gabriel and Rafael, but there are twelve more. This intrigued me so much that I did a little bit or research and I would like to tell you a little bit about each one of them.

Ariel – whose name means “Lion or lioness of God.” She is associated with healing and protecting beings in nature and that includes the animals, fish and birds. Ariel is considered the Patron Angel of Wild Animals.

Azrael – His name means “Who God Helps.” His role is primarily to cross people over into Heaven when their physical life has ended here on earth. The “Angel of Death,” Azrael aides in the comfort of the dying and helps them to accept the welcome they receive on the other side. Azrael is the Patron Angel of the Clergy.

Chamuel – whose name means “He who sees or seeks God.” He is a powerful healer and a leader in the Angelic hierarchy. He protects you from fearful and lower energies. He helps you find unconditional love and strengthens relationships. He is the Patron Angel of Peace and Calmness.

Gabriel – whose name means “God is my strength.” Gabriel helps those whose life purpose involves communication. Gabriel is the Patron Angel of all who work in the communications field, and postal workers.

Haniel – Her name means “Glory of God.” She helps up to enjoy and accept more grace into our lives. Haniel is involved with the Moon energy, clairvoyance and grace. She is the Angel of Feminine Support.

Jeremiel – His name means “Mercy of God.” He helps those newly crossed over souls to review their lives as well as helping the living to make positive changes in their lives. He is the Angel of Emotional Healing.

Jophiel – whose name means “Beauty of God.” She helps us to add and attract beauty into our lives. She helps us to perceive, with thoughts, the beauty in our lives. She is the Angel of Beauty and Patron Angel of Artists.

Metatron – He is a fiery and energetic angel who has a special place in his heart for children. He is also one of only two archangels who had lived as a human man. While on Earth he was known as Enoch, a prophet and a scribe. The new Indigo and Crystal children are under his guidance. Metatron is known as the Patron Angel of Children.

Michael – “He who is like God.” Michael’s main function is to rid the Earth of fear. He is the leader of the Archangels. He is the Angel of protection, justice and strength. He is known as the Angel of Protection and Courage and the Patron Angel of Policemen.

Raguel – His name means “Friend of God.” His primary role is in Heaven making sure that the Angels and Archangels are working together in harmony and according to the Divine Order. Raguel is considered The Relationship Angel.

Rafael – whose name means “God heals.” Rafael is the healer of physical bodies for both humans and animals. He is the angel of love, joy and laughter. He helps to heal your mind, body and soul. He is known as the Healing Angel and Patron Angel of those in the medical field.

Raziel – His name means “Secret of God.” He knows the secrets of the universe and how it operates. He helps you to know and feel Divine guidance. Raziel is the Patron Angel of Lawyers and law makers.

Sandalphon – mean “brother” in Greek. He is the twin brother of the Archangel Metatron. He was, like Metatron, originally a mortal man. Sandalphon carries human prayers to God. He is the Patron Angel of Music.

Uriel – “God is light.” He helps with natural disasters. He is an angel of nature, visions and the custodian of prophecy and spiritual understanding. Uriel is the Angel of Wisdom and The Patron Angel of Literature and Music.

Zadkiel – His name means “Righteousness of God.” Zadkiel helps us to have mercy and compassion toward ourselves and others. He is the Angel of freedom and mercy and Patron Angel of all who forgive.

Well, I hope that you enjoyed learning a little bit about the Archangels. I enjoyed researching and writing about them. In the future I hope to go a little more “in-depth” about them. I find the facts fascinating and educational.

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“About the author: Kathy Zengolewicz, The Ardent Author http://www.ardentauthor.com is a freelance writer and author of business, spiritual growth and every day living articles. You can contact Kathy at kathyze@gmail.com

Living in a Recession

What is a recession? Basically a recession is when there is a decline in industrial production, employment, real income, and wholesale-retail trade that lasts for six months or more. It spells trouble for all of us. Sometimes it’s hard making ends meet in the best of times, but trying to raise a family in the midst of a recession is doubly hard to do. It helps to stay optimistic in this type of a situation. We can tighten our belts a little and still share some quality time together as a family. Tough economic times call for finding ways to cut down on spending, but not on activities, even when we’re on a budget. After doing a little bit of research I’ve come up with a few ideas that may help to weather this recessional storm.

There are lots of ways to cut back including in the kitchen so let’s start there. First, get rid of all prepared meals. Aside from being too expensive, they are loaded with excessive fat, sugar, salt and all kinds of preservatives. These are things that your family doesn’t need. Plan wisely and schedule specific meals for each day of the week. Do your grocery shopping once a week and get exactly what you need for each meal. Try going meatless twice a week. Do a little research and find recipes for low cost meals that you can make like pasta and vegetables or a home made veggie pizza. These are nutritious meals and won’t cost a lot of money.

Even when arranging for a vacation or just family time together, put a schedule in place and so that you don’t miss a minute of fun. Check with the local visitor’s bureau in your city and see what attractions they offer. Some cities sponsor summer festivities for a minimal fee or no cost at all. Spend the day at a local park; take along Frisbees, a baseball and bat and maybe even a set of horseshoes. Stop by your local public swimming pool one day for an afternoon of aquatic games. Even pack a lunch to serve up, after the swim, picnic style, at a nearby park. Everyone develops an appetite after a day of sun and fun. This is an ideal way for a family to spend a day together. The next day, spend the afternoon watching a movie in your local theatre. If you get there early, you can get the matinee price. It’s another great way to spend the day, and see a great movie in the process.

After this much activity, you deserve to pamper yourself a little. If you like to read, don’t go out and spend money on a new best seller, join your local library and read all of the books you want for free. Also, stock up on some inexpensive candles and some aromatherapy bath beads (you can get them at the dollar store) and treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the tub. If you close your eyes, you can pretend you’re at a fancy spa. You’ll feel any stress that you may have acquired from the long day begin to melt away.

You can find ways to cut back on spending and not on activities, it just takes a little bit of strategy and imagination. So plan to cut back, have fun and make some great memories to treasure for years to come.

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This article may be reprinted, as long as it includes the following author box

“About the author: Kathy Zengolewicz, The Ardent Author http://www.ardentauthor.com is a freelance writer and author of business, spiritual growth and every day living articles. You can contact Kathy at kathyze@gmail.com

Finding Your Happiness

What is happiness? I could ask 10 different people that question and assuredly get 10 different answers. Happiness according to the dictionary is “an agreeable feeling or condition of the soul arising from good fortune or propitious happening of any kind.” But, is that all there is to happiness? I think being happy is definitely a state of mind. Happiness isn’t something you feel only when you buy something new or meet a new romantic interest. Happiness goes much deeper than that. There a quite a few things to consider here; happiness is not something that we’re aware of on a daily basis. It sometimes takes a little bit of probing to find the answer.

Materialism is usually toxic to happiness. Look at all of the wealthy people in the world. If you were to ask them, confidentially, if they were happy, I bet the majority of them would say no. Oh, sure, we’d all love to have a lot of money, but what I’m saying is that just isn’t enough. You need to feel a presence within yourself to be happy. To me it seems like an overwhelming feeling of good intent.
I think that the happiest people are surrounded by friends and family and take the time to show their love for the important people in their lives. They don’t embark on petty jealousies and they tend to forgive easily.

Happiness is usually something as simple as keeping a whole brood of people in your heart or it as minuscule as seeing a flower in bloom. Happiness is different things to different people, but it always comes from the inside.

Find a person who is optimistic people and you’ll find someone who is happy. Even in the midst of sorrow, a glint of happiness usually shines through. It’s all in the way we look at things. I think that optimism and happiness go hand in hand.
Most times people aren’t very good at predicting what will make them happy. Happiness can be found in many things. I suggest that you look inside of yourself to find it. What really would make you happy? Is it something material like a new car? I’m sure a new car would make you feel good, but I don’t think it’s a way to find happiness.

Try sitting in a quiet room and thinking, what one thing could I change in my life to bring me happiness. Use your imagination or try making a wish list. What would you wish for that might bring you the happiness you deserve? I think you will be surprised to learn that we make our own happiness. I’ve made my own and I know that you can too. One surefire way to find happiness is to count your blessings!


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This article may be reprinted, as long as it includes the following author box
“About the author: Kathy Zengolewicz, The Ardent Author http://www.ardentauthor.com is a freelance writer and author of business, spiritual growth and every day living articles. You can contact Kathy at kathyze@gmail.com

2012, What Can We Expect?

What is this world coming to? How many times have you heard that expression? It used to be a rhetorical question, but in the year 2009, I think people are anxious to know the answer. I don't think anyone really has an answer to that question.

Let's look at what is being said about "2012" and the years leading up to it. Supposedly, 2008 to 2012 will be the years of change, positive or negative depending on who you speak to, in the way we live our lives. Pretty general,huh? I don't claim to know more than anyone else what to expect. Do I think it will be the end of the world? Nah, I really don't think so. However, I do think that this year and the next couple of years will be a time of major changes in just about everything that has to do with our Earth. We have really abuse Mother Earth and it seems she refuses to take it anymore. I don't blame her.

The year 2012 is being labeled as the end of "The World as we know it." As I sit here I ask myself, Is this a bad thing? Take a look at our world. What a mess we've made here! I have been doing a little bit of research on the subject of "2012" and I find it more interesting than scary. Mayan prophecy has it that 2012 is sometimes claimed to be a great year of spiritual transformation or apocalypse. Mayan prophecy also claims that we are entering our Galactic Day. Although the Mayan prophecies tend to be accurate, keep in mind it is a prophecy and prophecies are read differently by various people.

On December 21, 2012 there is talk of a cosmic event that will result in humans being pushed toward a readiness to enter The Golden Age. After more research I came across a site with information regard the galactic alignment. The Galactic Alignment is the alignment of the December solstice sun with the Galactic equator. The galactic equator is pretty much the same as the Earth's equator, only it helps people understand the geography of the galaxy.

Okay, so the planets in our Milky Way Galaxy will be in alignment with the Sun. I don't see what harm that should do, but then I'm not a scientist. Even if I was a scientist or astronomer, I don't see how we can change what the planets and Sun will be doing in the year 2012.

Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see, but I don't think it's Armageddon. I think it's time that we all woke up and became responsible. It's time to take an interest in what we contribute to the Earth and begin to treat our planet
with care. This is the only world we have.

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This article may be reprinted, as long as it includes the following author box
"About the author: Kathy Zengolewicz, The Ardent Author http://www.ardentauthor.com is a freelance writer and author of business, spiritual growth and every day living articles. You can contact Kathy at kathyze@gmail.com

Meditation For A Healthy Life

I have adopted the practice of meditating each morning and night. When I first started to meditate, last fall, I must confess that I didn’t think it would do much of anything for me except maybe to give me a few minutes of peace and quiet, and sometimes not even that. However, since I have disciplined myself to meditate everyday I have discovered that my life has changed in small, discreet ways and I like the feeling.

I have learned that meditation has taught me to live, learn and love in a different way than I’m accustomed to doing. It has changed the way I look at life and has afforded me more freedom, a freedom to explore my feelings, surroundings and even my life. It takes you out of the physical world for a short time and into a sort of peaceful state. I guess you could say it’s a little bit like letting your imagination take over for a while. It’s like a small, deserved mini vacation from a sometimes, or should I say most times, demanding world.

When I first started to meditate, I didn’t do well at all. I started out by closing my eyes and trying to get the noise of everyday life out of my head. I soon discovered that that is one of the hardest things to do. Each time I closed my eyes I was bombarded with thoughts and worries about this, that and everything else. It took some time and a lot of practice to be able to close my eyes and actually enjoy the quiet that I discovered I could find there when I tried. The trick is to keep at it until you succeed.

There are different forms of meditation, but Transcendental Meditation seems to be the most common. Transcendental meditation takes you into a kind of restful alertness. It benefits your mind, body and your relationships. Once you’ve added meditation to your daily routine you’ll realize that a lot of things you thought of as important, no longer matter to your well being.

There are many reasons to meditate. Meditation is enjoyable. You’ll start to feel an inner tranquility almost immediately. It leads to clearer thinking, better relationships, improved health and less stress in your life.

I look at the world much differently now than I did. Some things, like going outside and seeing that I have a flat tire, would have really put a damper on my day. Now, I may not be happy about the fact that I have to have my tire changed and that it will cost me money to have the old tire fixed, but I can look at it in the proper perspective. I attribute that to my meditation practices. Remember that old saying, “Don’t sweat the little things,” well I try to live by that motto and to also to “Let go and let God.” Life doesn’t have to be so hard, and I think that meditation is what we need in this changing world of ours.

If you would like to learn how to meditate there are plenty of courses online for you to take, for a price, but I would suggest that you just close your eyes, get the noise out of you head and you’d be surprised how good you’ll feel afterwards.


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This article may be reprinted, as long as it includes the following author box
“About the author: Kathy Zengolewicz, founder of The Ardent Author http://www.ardentauthor.com and a freelance author of informative business, self-growth and spiritual articles. Kathy can be reached via email at kathyze@gmail.com

Book Giveaway #1

The men on board HMS Terror have every expectation of finding the Northwest Passage. When the expedition's leader, Sir John Franklin, meets a terrible death, Captain Francis Crozier takes command and leads his surviving crewmen on a last, desperate attempt to flee south across the ice. But as another winter approaches, as scurvy and starvation grow more terrible, and as the Terror on the ice stalks them southward, Crozier and his men begin to fear there is no escape. A haunting, gripping story based on actual historical events, The Terror is a novel that will chill you to your core.
About Author

Dan Simmons is a recipient of a Hugo Award and the author of critically acclaimed suspense and science fiction novels. He makes his home in Colorado.


Here is your chance to win Dan Simmons' book.

Guidelines
1. Residents of U.S. and Canada only are eligible to win.
2. You must furnish a postal address, nothing will be shipped to a P.O. box.
3. You will be notified via email that you have won and you will have 3 days to respond or another winner will be chosen.

To enter, please submit the following to me at kathyze@gmail.com
Name
Email
Your favorite book or author
How you heard about this giveaway

This contest begins on Thursday, February 12th and ends on Sunday, February 22nd. Winners will be notified by email on Monday, February 23rd. Five winners will be chosen at random.

A special thanks to Valerie M. Russo and Hatchette Book Group for making this giveaway possible.

Branding Your Virtual Business

Branding, by definition, is a mark of ownership. It’s a combination of your name, logo, tagline or any graphics that you may use in your business. It’s your identity, how your business is perceived by your clients.

Logos play a big part in branding. Once you have a logo you need to use it in creative ways to gain maximum exposure in your advertising. Your logo needs to describe what your business is all about. Once you have a logo you’ve taken your first step towards branding your business.
Branding is whom you are, whom you want to be and it will become an attestation or a declaration of how clients perceive your business, and how you perform within that business.

You may be wondering why branding is important. A brand is a representation of your business personality. It goes beyond a name and tagline. Aside from the services you offer, a brand is the most important facet of your business. Choosing just the right tagline and logo are important to successful branding. You’ll need to use visuals, auditory, and textural methods in your brands.

A Strong brand will make the difference between being noticed or overlooked. Your brand is a promise to your clients, a promise to deliver every time you take on a project. It tells them what to expect from your services and sets you apart from your competitors. It’s also a foundation for your marketing communication.
How should you create your brand. Be distinctive and do something different. This will take some brainstorming. Finding a mentor will help you to get the creative juices flowing. Create a mission statement. We are all in business to make a living. We all want to be successful. When creating your mission statement concentrate on how you will achieve that success and how you will define that success.

Create your ethics statement. I think this is essential for Virtual Assistants since we don’t really see our clients face to face. When creating the ethics statement, or code, concentrate of what basics are for your business ethics.

Make sure to describe what you are branding. A great way of doing this is by using your logo. Are you a writer? Maybe you can have a pen, pencil or an old fashioned typewriter on your logo. Or if your niche is Internet Research, try placing a small magnifying glass along side of your business name and other information.
Start using your logo as soon as possible. Use it on everything from your web site to all of your advertising and communications, including signatures on networking forums.

When advertising of marketing, be consistent. Don’t advertise one time as “The Best VA in Town” and then the next time as “The Best Virtual Assistant in Town.” Be unwavering, use the same colors, theme, symbols and even fonts on all of your materials.

Networking is an important part of a VAs life. This is how you get to know each other and earn the trust of your fellow VAs, which in turn can help your reputation as a virtual business or company.

The secret to success in branding is repeat, repeat, repeat. Be persistent. Put your logo on every page of your site. The more people see it, the more they will remember it. Whatever you do, don’t lose an opportunity to brand. Always keep it in the back of your mind. If a new opportunity arises, ask yourself “what’s the best way to use this opportunity to my advantage” and then do it.
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This article may be reprinted, as long as it includes the following author box
“About the author: Kathy Zengolewicz is founder of The Virtual Independent Contractor (http://www.thevirtualindependentcontractor.com) and author of informative business and entertaining articles. Kathy is expanding her horizons and writing about everyday occurrences and happenings that may be of interest to people in all walks of life. For now, you can contact her at kathy@thevirtualindependentcontractor.com.”