Useful Arabic Word and Phrase for Expressions

Good/Bad/ So-So.	Jayed/saye'/ 'adee
Big/S mall	Kabeer/Sagheer
Today/Now	Alyawm/ Al aan
Tomorrow/ Yesterday	Ghadan/Albareha
Yes/No	Na’am/Laa
Of Course	Tab’an
Here You Go! (giving something)	Khod!
Oh! That's Good!	Yala Arraw’a
Mr/Mrs/Miss…	Assayed/ Assayedah/ Al anesah
I Will Be Right Back!	Sa arje’o halan
I Have To Go Now	Yajebu an adhaba al aan!
Do You Like It?	Hal a’jabak?Hal a’abaki? (fem)
I Really Like It!	A’jabanee haqqan!
I'm Hungry/ I’m Thirsty.	Ana jae’/ ana ‘atshaan
I'm Just Joking!	Amzah faqat
It Doesn't Matter (no big deal)	La yahom!
In The Morning/ Evening/ At Night.	Sabahan/ masaan/ laylan
This/ That. Here/There	Haza/ zalek. Huna/ hunak
Really!	Haqqan!
Shut Up!	Ekhrass!E kh rassee! for female
What? Where? How?	Maza? Ayn? Kaif ?
Me/ You. Him/ Her.	Ana/ anta/ anti (you female)Houwa/Hiya
What Time Is It Now?	Kam assa’a al aan?
It's 10 o'clock. 06:30pm. 09:15 am	Al 'asherah. Asadesah wannesf.At ase' ah warub'
I'm (Muslim/ Christian)	Ana (muslem/ maseehi)
I'm (Muslim/ Christian)	Ana (muslemah/ maseehiah) for female
Wait For Me!	Entazernee / entazereene! for female
Not Yet.	Laysa baa'd
Look!	Onzor / Onzori for female
Give Me This!	A’tenee hatheh! (th as in bath)
I Love Cooking/ Languages!	Ohebbo attabkh! / alloghaat
I Congratulate You!	Ohayyeeka/ohayyeki for female
Hurry Up!	Asre'/ Asre'ee for female
I Love You!	Ohebbok/Ohebboki for female

Useful Arabic Words and Phrase for Help and Direction

Help & Directions

Can I Help You?	Hal beemkani mosa’adatak/(add i for female)?
Can You Help Me?	Hal beemkanek mosa’adati?
Where Can I Find (a drugstore/milk)?	Ayna ajed (saidaliah/ alhaleeb)
It's Not Far!	Almakan laisa ba’eeda
I'm Looking For John.	Abhatu ‘an John
One Moment Please!	Lahda men fadlek/ (fadleki for female)
Hold On Please! ( phone)	Lahda men fadlek/ (fadleki for female)
How Much Is This?	Kam howa thamanoh? (th as in bath)
Ok? (Is that alright?) - Ok (answer)	Okee? –Tayeb
Can I? Sure!	Hal beleemkan? – Tab’an!
Excuse Me! ( to ask for something)	Men fadlek/( f adl eki for female)
Excuse Me! ( to pass by)	Alma'derah!
Come With Me!	Tafaddal/ (Tafaddali for female) ma' ee
Follow Me!	Etba'nee/etb a'een i !

United Arab Emirates - Travel facts and figures

Location: Middle East

United Arab Emirates (UAE), federation of seven independent states located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by the Persian Gulf to the north, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and Sultanate of Oman and the Gulf of Oman to the east. Its seven member states are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Al Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain formed in 1971 after independence from Britain.

National Emblem:

  

   National Flag:

Government type: Federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE federal government and other powers reserved to member emirates

Geographic coordinates: 24° 00’ N 54° 00’ E
Area: 83,600 sq km
Highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

Population: 4.600.000 (estimate is based on the results of the 2005 census)

Population density: 52 / sq km

Capital: Abu Dhabi, geographic coordinates 24° 28’ N 54° 22’ E

Population: 1.500.0000

Local time: GMT + 4 hours

Life expectancy: 76 years

GDP – per capita: $ 43,803

Value of petroleum exports: (billion $) 74.55

Proven crude oil reserves: (billion barrels) 97.80

Proven natural gas reserves: (billion cu. m.) 6,072

Crude oil production: (1,000 b/d) 2,529

Crude oil exports: (1,000 b/d) 2,343

Natural gas exports: (billion cu. m.) 7.55

Burj Khalifa, Dubai:

Tallest building in the world

At over 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 stories, Burj Khalifa holds the following records:

Tallest building in the world; Tallest free-standing structure in the world; Highest number of stories in the world; Highest occupied floor in the world; Highest outdoor observation deck in the world; Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world; Tallest service elevator in the world 

Visas: Tourist Visa This special category of visit visa is available for individual tourists from East and West Europe who are not entitled to be issued with a visa on arrival, as well as visitors from Thailand, South Africa and China. The tourist visa, which must be sponsored by hotels and tour operators, entitles its holder to a 30-day stay and is non-renewable. The fee is Dh100, with an additional Dh10 for delivery.  For more information visit Government.AE

Safety: The UAE is one of the safest places in the world to visit. In fact, it has been designated the world’s safest holiday destination by the international travel industry.

Currency: The dirham (UAE Dh) is the official currency of the UAE. Dirham notes are in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations. The dirham is divided into 100 fils, coins include Dh1, 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils. The value is written in Arabic. Check the latest exchange rates in the UAE or visit the currency converter (Courtesy of Travelex).

Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

Customs: Customs clearance in the UAE is fast and efficient. No customs duties are applied to personal belongings however, since the UAE is an Islamic country, religious propaganda, potentially offensive printed material, CD's videos or films should not be brought into the country.
The importation of firearms and dangerous weapons is also restricted.

Duty free allowances
•    2000 cigarettes
•    400 cigars
•    2 kg tobacco
•    2 litres of spirits and 2 litres of wine (non-Muslims only) and perfume.
It is prohibited to import alcohol into Sharjah and you are generally not allowed to bring alcohol into the country if you are travelling by land.

Climate: The climate in the United Arab Emirates is sub-tropical and arid. During summer (April to September) the weather is hot (around 50 °C) and extremely humid. At other times the humidity is less and the temperature generally ranges from 20-35 °C, with an average night time temperature of 15 °C. Rainfall is infrequent and usually occurs between November and March, with an average annual rainfall of 152 mm (6 in.). There can be occasional sandstorms from the desert and some winter mornings bring fog, although this usually dissipates fairly quickly.

Clothing: Lightweight summer clothing in cottons or blends is ideal for most of the year. Sweaters, a light jacket or a shawl may be needed for the cooler evenings. The dress code in UAE is comparatively relaxed, but extremely revealing and inappropriate clothing may be considered offensive.

Religion: Islam is the official religion; other religions are also respected. Ramadan: Ramadan is the holy month of fasting when Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours. As a sign of respect, visitors are also required to refrain from these activities in public between sunrise and sunset.

Public holidays in 2013
01 Jan New Year's Day
24 Jan Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
06 Jun Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet)
10 Jul  Ramadan
08 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
15 Oct Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
04 Nov Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
02 Dec National Day

Friday is the general day of worship and a public holiday. This is not the best day for cruise calls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as it is a public holiday and also a day of prayers. Individual & groups will have to note certain sightseeing that may be closed.


Weekend: Government, schools and commercial Friday and Saturday

Electricity: The electrical system is based on 220 and 240 volts / 50 Hz. The most frequently used plugs are the square three-pin type.

Alcohol: Drinking or possession of alcohol without a United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and could result in arrest and imprisonment. Alcohol is served at bars in most major hotels (although not in the Emirate of Sharjah) but is intended for guests of the hotel. Travelers who are not guests of the hotel, and who consume alcohol in the restaurants and bars, are required to have their own personal liquor licenses. Liquor licenses are issued only to non-Muslims who possess United Arab Emirates residency permits. These licenses only permit the holder to purchase or consume alcohol in the Emirate which issued the license.

Drugs: Penalties for possession of illegal drugs include imprisonment. The presence of illegal drugs in the body is considered possession. Medications that are available over the counter or by prescription in Australia may be illegal in the United Arab Emirates. Travelers, including those intending only to transit the United Arab Emirates, are advised to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United Arab Emirates before travelling for further information.

Credit cards: All major credit cards are accepted, as are travellers cheques (best carried in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling) in main hotels, stores and larger shops, but in traditional souks, cash is mostly used and bargaining power is increased with the ready availability of currency. ATM machines are available. Banking hours are generally Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 1pm, but some are also open between 4pm and 8.30pm.

Business hours: The weekend has traditionally been Thursday afternoon and Friday, but some organisations now close on Friday and Saturday, working through Thursday afternoon instead. Government offices are open from 7.30am - 2.30pm (Sunday - Thursday and off on Friday and Saturday).
Private sector office hours vary, but are generally from 8am - 1pm, re-opening at either 3pm or 4pm and closing at 6.00pm or 7pm for those that work in split shifts. For most other offices regular working hours are 9am to 5pm.
Shop hours are similar in their opening times, but most shops remain open until 9am–10pm. Department stores, boutiques, souks and many food shops remain open on a Friday, apart from prayer times (between 11.30am and 1.30pm), while larger shops re-open on a Friday afternoon at around 4 –5pm. Embassies and consulates are generally open from 8.45am–12.30pm and are closed on Fridays and in most cases on Saturdays.

Health: While tap water is safe for drinking, a variety of locally bottled mineral water is widely available. Most hotels have medical help available and there is a modern medical infrastructure in terms of private and government medical facilities.

Hotels: Accommodation in the UAE is of a very high standard and most of the world’s top hotel chains run five-star hotels in the Emirates. There are also a number of excellent locally run properties suitable for both tourists and business travellers. Several of the hotels are outstanding examples of modern architecture. Swimming pools, tennis courts and fully equipped health centres are the norm. Most waterfront hotels have excellent beaches and extensive watersports facilities.
Facilities for the physically challenged: Most hotels and public places provide facilities and make special arrangements for physically challenged visitors.

Social conventions: Muslim religious laws should be observed. Women are expected to dress modestly and men should dress formally for most occasions. Alcohol is tolerated, with non-Muslims allowed to drink alcohol in the city’s bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels. Smoking is the same as in Europe and in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke, except during Ramadan when it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public.

Photography: Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.

Mobile: telephony is widespread and of excellent quality. The system used is GSM. MMS, WEP and GSRM services are also on hand, and 3G services are available.

Traffic system: Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side.

Taxis: Moderate bargaining is needed.

Getting around: Most tourists visiting the UAE on all-in package tours will base themselves at one or more hotels in the UAE, using the ubiquitous and inexpensive taxis for sightseeing and shopping, and local tour companies for more extended trips. However, it is worth remembering that cars and four-wheel drives are readily available for hire, the road network is excellent and there are intriguing places to visit far from the cosmopolitan cities.

Getting there: The 2 national airlines Etihad Airways and Emirates offer a comprehensive air service to the UAE's six international airports at Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ra's al-Khaimah and Fujairah. Air Arabia based in Sharjah.

UAE airports:
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
t +971 2 5757500, flight enquiries: +971 2 5757611)
w www.abudhabiairprt.ae

Dubai Airport (DXB)
t +971 4 2245555, flight enquiries: +971 4 2066666)
w www.dubaiairport.com

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
t +971 6 5581111, flight enquiries: +971 6 5581000)
w www.shj-airport.gov.ae

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT)
t +971 7 2448111)
w www.rkt-airport.com

Fujairah International Airport (FJR)
t +971 9 2226222
w www.fujairah-airport.com

Internet country code: .ae
Telephone dialing code: + 971


By Emirates Pocket Guide

D.I.Y. Grapefruit and Salt to clean your Bathtub

When it comes to making your own green cleaners, we like to change things up once in awhile. Sure, you can throw a few things together in a spray bottle and get busy, but once in awhile we like to keep it simple, fresh and smelling oh so amazing! We've been preparing our bathtub for the last month (aka not cleaning it) in preparation for this morning's super simple fruity cleaning trick!

What You Need

Materials
1 Grapefruit
1/4 cup kosher salt
Instructions

1. Halve Grapefruit: 1 medium to large grapefruit will clean your entire bath or shower from top to bottom, including all the fixtures. Simply cut it in half with a knife and you'll be all set.

2. Sprinkle With Salt: Using 1 grapefruit half at a time, sprinkle liberally with salt. Wet your bathtub and sprinkle the remaining salt around the bottom.

3. Take That Scrubbing Bubbles!Scrub your grapefruit around your shower or tub, making sure to slightly "juice" the citrus over each fixture and lifting it every few seconds to pick up fresh salt from around the tub instead of just pushing it around.

4. Rinse: When all is said and done, simply rinse away the pulpy bits and the salt and your shower is as good as new. Not only is it clean, it will smell so fantastic you'll want to curl up in it and read a book. Ok, probably not, but you get the idea!

Additional Notes:
This technique will get thick grime and dirt rings off your shower area and does amazing work on cast iron tubs especially. You can also use this method to clean your sinks, toilets, tile and more — it just depends on how grapefruit crazy you want to get!

By Apartment Therapy

Useful Arabic Words and Phrase for Personal Information

Do You Speak (English/Arabic)!	Hal tatakallamo alloghah al enjleziah/alarabiah?
Just A Little.	Qaleelan!
Yes, Very Well	Na'am, Jayedan!
What's Your Name?	Ma esmouk?Ma esmouki?
My Name Is...	Esmee...
Nice To Meet You!	Motasharefon/ motasharefatun (f) bema'refatek
Where Are You From?	Men ayna anta/(anti for female)
I'm From (the U.S/ Morocco)	Ana men (amreeka/ almaghreb)
I’m (American)	Ana (amreeki/ amrekiah for female)
Where Do You Live?	Ayna taskun?Ayn a taskuneen? for female
I live in (the U.S/ France)	A'eesho fel welayat almotaheda/faransa
What Do You Do For A Living?	Ma mehnatuk? (Mehnatuki for female)
I Work As (Teacher/ Translator)	A'mal ka(modarres/ motarjem)
I’ve been Studying (Arabic)f o r( 6) years	Adrosu (al arabia) mundu( set ) sanawat
How Old Are You?	Kam howa ‘omrok? (‘mrokee for female)
I'm (twenty, thirty) Years Old	Omri (esh reen / thalatheen) sanah (th as in bath)

7 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Refurbishing Tips

People who are attracted to practicality often favor a stainless steel kitchen sink. They rarely get rusty and they’re usually quite easy to clean. Over time, however, a stainless steel kitchen sink will show some wear and will need to be refurbished. It’s not too difficult, and with a little work you can have your stainless steel sink looking as good as new.

1. Vinegar

Vinegar is excellent for cleaning dirt from a stainless steel sink. Simply moisten a clean cloth and then pour some vinegar into it. Rub over the dirt, being sure to go along the polish lines with the cloth. After you’ve finished, rinse with warm water.

2. Rust

Although it shouldn’t happen, sometimes you can get rust on your stainless steel sink. It’s not that difficult to remove using cream of tartar and lemon juice. All you need to do is mix 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Apply it to the rust area and then rinse off. If the rust doesn’t come off immediately, put more on the area and allow it to sit for an hour. Wash off with warm water. This should remove even the most stubborn rust from a stainless steel sink.

3. Things to Avoid

There are several things to avoid when you refurbish a stainless steel sink. Don’t use chlorine, including chlorine bleach, as it can react with stainless steel. Not should you use steel wool or scrub brushes. The finish on stainless steel is delicate and using these can damage it, leaving deep scratches in the surface that look ugly.

4. Olive Oil

If there’s bad streaking in your stainless steel sink you can remove it by rubbing the sink with olive oil. Put a little on a clean soft cloth and rub along the polish lines to take out all the unsightly streaks.

5. Heat Stains

It’s rare that you’ll end up with heat stains on a stainless steel sink, but it can happen. If they’re on your sink, you can remove them using club soda. Put some on a cloth and rub along the polish marks on the stainless steel until the heat stains are all gone.

6. Baking Soda

There are several ways to polish a stainless steel sink. A cloth dipped in ammonia will work well for the job, although beware of the smell. A much better method is to dampen the sink and a sponge and then sprinkle a little baking soda on the sponge. Rub gently all over the sink and then rinse with warm water before polishing dry with paper towels. This will leave the sink shining.

7. Toothbrush

When you’re cleaning, remember to use a toothbrush around the drain area and also around the faucets. This will allow you to clean into the crevices around these areas where dirt and grime will have built up. Scrub gently and push the bristles in deep to remove as much of the dirt as possible. Rinse with warm water after to send everything down the drain.

Read more: DoItYourself 

How to Add Scent to a Candle

Candle can go from merely lighting up a room to freshening up the entire area with its fragrance. You can place a scented candle in the bedroom, beside the bath, or on a coffee table in the living room, so that you and your guests can have an easier time to lighten up and relax.

Unfortunately, scented candles have become so popular that many stores have raised their prices way too much. While you may love lighting a candle and inhaling the soothing aroma that wafts from its wick, your pockets may not be as happy. There is a solution to this, though, and that is to add your own scent to a store-bought, fragrance-free candle.

Step 1: Choose Fragrance Oils

Make sure that you understand how fragrance oils work before you actually use them for your candles. There are fragrance oils that are inappropriate for adding scent to a candle; therefore, you should always ask the salesperson. It is also important to note the temperature at which the oils will burn. Likewise, note the concentration of the oils.

Step 2: Melt the Candle Partially

Light a candle and let it burn for several minutes until an inch-deep pool of melted wax has grown around the wick. Blow out the candle.

Step 3: Pour the Fragrance Oil

Use the eye-dropper to add a few drop of fragrance oil into the pool of melted wax. How much you want to add depends on how rich a scent you want to have. 3 to 4 drops into the melted wax will assure you of a light fragrance. If you want a steadier, fuller scent, pour at least a couple more. As an alternative, you can also place a few drops of your fragrance oil in your basket of potpourri or reed diffuser to maintain the room’s fragrance, even when you have not lighted a candle.

Step 4: Stir the Melted Wax

Use a toothpick and begin with small circles at the center of the melted wax and gradually extend to the outer edges of the candle. Blend the fragrance oils thoroughly into the wax to avoid pockets of unmixed oil catching up in flames.

Step 5: Let the Wax Cool

Allow the melted wax to cool for a few minutes before lighting up the candle again. This will allow the fragrance oil to be absorbed into the candle.

Step 6: Test If the Scent Works on the Candle

Light the candle again. You should be able to detect the scent easily while within inches of the lighted candle and the room should also be filled with a light fragrance.

Step 7: Add More Fragrance Oil

Repeat Steps 3 to 5 if you have put out the candle and want it to emit a scent once lighted up again. This way, you can enjoy the same lovely fragrance the next time you want to light it.

Always be careful when adding scent to a candle. Never ever pour fragrance oil when the candle is burning or else you will risk burning yourself.

Useful Arabic Words and Phrase for Greetings

Hello! Welcome!	Ahlan! (or) Marhaban
Hi!	Salam!
Good Morning!	Sabah el kheer
Good Afternoon/ Evening!	Masaa el kheer
Good Night (when leaving)	Tosbeho/to sb eh een a (fem) ‘ala khair/
Good Bye!	Ma’a salama
See You Later!	Araka/ (Araki for female) fee maba'd
How Are You?	Kaifa haloka/ haloki (female)
I'm Fine! And You?	Ana bekhair, wa anta? wa anti? (female)
Thank You (Very Much)!	Shokran(jazeelan )
You're Welcome!	Al’afw
What's New?- Nothing new!	Maljadeed? - Lashai jadeed
How is everything going?	Kaifa taseeru al omoor?
Pretty good!	Bekhair, alhamdu lellah
Hey Friend!	Ahlan sadiqi/sadiqati!
I Missed YouSo Much!	Eshtaqto elaika/elaiki (female)kat h eeran
Take Care!	E’tanee benafsek/ benafseki (female)

"Henceforth you will be catching people"

Daily Reading & Meditation

05 September 2013

"Henceforth you will be catching people"


Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

1 While the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennes'aret. 2 And he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5 And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, 7 they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." 9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zeb'edee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

Meditation: Why did Jesus perform the miracle of the great catch of fish? No doubt the great crowd of people who had pressed upon Jesus had something to do with this miracle. They were very hungry for God and were eager to hear his word. Jesus wanted to use this occasion to teach his disciples an important lesson. Although Simon was wearied from a night of fruitless toil, he nonetheless did what the Lord Jesus told him to do: At your word I will let down the nets. When you meet disappointment and failure, do you press upon the Lord, like Simon, to hear his word and to receive his command?

This incident tells us an important truth about how God works in and through each of us for his glory. God expects of us greater things than we can do by ourselves. When we cooperate in his works, we accomplish far beyond what we can do on our own. Therese of Lisieux, a Carmelite nun who died of tuberculosis at the age of twenty-four, wrote to a friend: "Jesus has so incomprehensible a love for us that he wills that we have a share with him in the salvation of souls. He wills to do nothing without us. The Creator of the universe awaits the prayer of a poor little soul to save other souls redeemed like it at the price of all his Blood." When God's word is spoken his kingdom is revealed and his power is released. When people respond to God's word with faith and obedience they are changed and made "a new creation" in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God chooses ordinary people, like you and me, as his ambassadors and he uses the ordinary circumstances of our daily lives and work situations to draw others into his kingdom. Jesus speaks the same message to us today: we will "catch people" for the kingdom of God if we allow the light of Jesus Christ to shine through us. God wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and witness the joy of the gospel. Paul the Apostles says, "But thanks be to God, who in Christ Jesus always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing" (2 Coronthians 2:15). Do you witness to those around you the joy of the gospel and do you pray for your neighbors, co-workers, and relatives that they may come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in the knowledge of his love and truth?


"Lord Jesus, fill my heart with love and compassion for those who do not know you or follow you. May I be a good witness of your truth and salvation to my family, friends, and co-workers."


Psalm 98:2-6

2 The LORD has made known his victory, he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!

Daily Gospel

Thursday of the Twenty-second week in Ordinary Time



Letter to the Colossians 1:9-14.
Brothers and sisters: from the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God,
strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy
giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.


Psalms 98(97):2-3ab.3cd-4.5-6.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.

Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.



Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 5:1-11.
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.
He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.
Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch."
Simon said in reply, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets."
When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing.
They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that they were in danger of sinking.
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."
For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him,
and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men."
When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

D.I.Y. How to Make Your Own Aromatherapy Oils

Distilling essential oils is a long process, and it means quite a large capital outlay for a small amount of oil. Buying essential oils is also expensive, but there is a way you can get the therapeutic benefits of aromatic oils and vinegars quite cheaply at home.




Instructions:

To begin, you will need a collection of clean, sterilized bottles and jars. You can recycle jam jars, and glass bottles, but you need to wash them thoroughly first in hot soapy water, then boil in a large saucepan for 20 minutes.

You will need at least one standard American cup of plant material. For your first attempts, use strongly aromatic plants like lavender, rose petals or rosemary. These will give you an oil that can be put to many uses around the home.

The oil you use should be related to the purpose you have in mind – you can use baby oil or almond oil for cosmetics, safflower or canola for general purposes, and olive oil for cooking.

Place the plant material in your jar or bottle. If you are using a bottle, you can push stems of lavender or rosemary into the bottle.

Now pour the oil over the plant material, making sure the bottle or jar is full. As a rough rule of thumb, use two cups of oil to one cup of plant material. You don't need to warm the oil before you pour it in the bottle or jar.

Now cap the bottle or jar tightly and place it in a warm spot. This could be a sunny place on the veranda or windowsill, or in a warm cupboard, such as an airing cupboard or next to the hot water heater. Leave the oil to infuse for a few days, or until the plant material begins to brown. Take the cap off and sniff - if it is not strong enough for you, strain the liquid, fill the jar with fresh plant material, and pour the oil back over it. Leave for another few days. Keep doping this until the mixture is as aromatic as you want.

Additonal Tips:

If the plant material used is very strong, such as a strongly scented rose, or jasmine, you should get a good scent just changing the plant material once or twice.

When the oils are done to your liking, strain thoroughly and put in a clean bottle. Keep your aromatic oil in a cool place, or add to recipes for lotions and creams.

For example, if you want a rose scented cleansing cream, make up a batch of rose oil and add a tablespoon to a jar of plain sorbolene cream and whip it up. To make a wrinkle fighting night cream, add the contents of six Vitamin E oil capsules and whip them in as well.

You can use any strongly scented flower petals, and the range is as wide as the scented flowers in your garden. Try jasmine, frangipani, honeysuckle, marigold, violets - the choice is endless.

For culinary use, put some sprigs of herbs, such as rosemary, thyme or basil, into a tall bottle, and pour over good quality cooking oil such as safflower or olive. You can also add garlic, chilies or whatever seasoning takes your fancy. Leave where the sun can warm the bottles for a couple of weeks.

You use the same method for making aromatic vinegar. Choose a good quality wine or apple cider vinegar and pour it over your herb sprigs. Leave for a few days in a warm place and you will have a delicious addition to salad dressings.

By Gail Kavanagh of Gardening, Decor & Home Improvement