http://factoidz.com/profile/marlenebricker/ Marlene Bricker articles on Factoidz en-us http://factoidz.com/a-mothers-joy/ http://factoidz.com/a-mothers-joy/ For me, being a mother has been my most difficult and most rewarding job.  Now that my three sons are grown with families of their own, I am experiencing an entirely new adventure.  Right now I am beginning the adventure of a lifetime. Our oldest son Eric, informed us when ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/sex-and-nudity-in-movies-precautions-to-take-to-protect-your-kids.jpg http://factoidz.com/where-is-the-shame/ http://factoidz.com/where-is-the-shame/ Living in the here and now, right here in this very time, on this very planet, the question is, "Where is the shame?"  What is happening in our world today?  Every time we pick up a paper or watch the news there is another example of people using others for their own benefit a... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/how-10-of-americans-got-to-control-91-of-the-wealth.jpg http://factoidz.com/what-is-the-secret-to-a-happy-life/ http://factoidz.com/what-is-the-secret-to-a-happy-life/ Why is it that so many people are unhappy?  They are unhappy in their jobs.  They are unhappy in their marriages.  They have problems with their friends.  Basically, many are not happy with anything in their lives.  How do we know this?  It is quite simple.&n... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/dealing-with-the-different-phases-in-relationships.jpg http://factoidz.com/a-self-centered-life-is-hazardous-to-your-health-2/ http://factoidz.com/a-self-centered-life-is-hazardous-to-your-health-2/ Each person that has the opportunity to walk upon this earth is on a very individualized journey.  There are many obstacles to overcome as we move through our lives.  We face many experiences. Many of us face similar experiences.  Yet, if you discuss these similar experiences with ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/work-kids-and-stress-relief.jpg http://factoidz.com/what-is-knowledge-verses-attainment/ http://factoidz.com/what-is-knowledge-verses-attainment/ Knowledge Verses Attainment It seems like our society is addicted to knowledge. We have programs like Jeopardy and other quiz shows. It seems like the more data one can tout, the smarter they are and admired by society. Knowing information is commendable. We can see how this plays out ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/on-writing-book-reviews.jpg http://factoidz.com/julius-shulman-life-and-work-of-the-architectural-photographer/ http://factoidz.com/julius-shulman-life-and-work-of-the-architectural-photographer/ Is there ever a good time to say good by?  Does it matter if the person is twenty or ninety?  Saying good by is always the same.  It means we continue our life without someone who meant a great deal to us. Julius Shulman was that kind of man.  I met Julius about ten ye... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/images/post/julius-shulman-life-and-work-of-the-architectural-photographer.jpg http://factoidz.com/how-would-it-be/ http://factoidz.com/how-would-it-be/ How Would It Be? Have you ever been immersed in your daydreams deep in the thought of how the world could be  if etc. etc. etc.? I have.  Have you ever thought about a world of gold lined streets and all the people living on them had enough of everything they needed?  Have you eve... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/images/p/default-3.jpg http://factoidz.com/what-mask-am-i-wearing-today/ http://factoidz.com/what-mask-am-i-wearing-today/ What Mask Am I Wearing Today? Oh, how I remember the days when I had a drawer full of masks. Each morning I asked the question, " And, which one shall I wear today?" Truthfully, if depended on who I was with. If I was with you, I would wear the mask of joy so you would be happy. ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/images/post/what-mask-am-i-wearing-today.jpg http://factoidz.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-married/ http://factoidz.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-married/ So you said yes and now you are getting married.  What exactly does that mean?  Will you be whisked away on a white horse to live happily ever after?  Will everything that was wrong with you before you got married be fixed when you say, "I do."  If you think this is ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/how-to-make-it-work-second-time-round.jpg http://factoidz.com/choosing-an-officiant-to-do-your-wedding/ http://factoidz.com/choosing-an-officiant-to-do-your-wedding/ I have been doing custom wedding ceremonies for almost ten years.  It has been an amazing experience as I consider every service an honor and a privilege.  Truly, the ceremony is the most important part of the wedding and not only sets the stage for the following reception, but for the ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/weddings-best-man-and-groomsmens-responsibilities.jpg http://factoidz.com/spiritual-attainment-what-does-it-mean/ http://factoidz.com/spiritual-attainment-what-does-it-mean/ Most people born into their family of origin have certain religious or spiritual practices they follow.  In many there is a specific religion that is handed down to the children in that family.  So, essentially, the children receive a "hand me down" explanation of views their ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/how-to-share-your-faith.jpg http://factoidz.com/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-group-and-a-cult/ http://factoidz.com/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-group-and-a-cult/ During our lifetime, most of us will be a member of some type of group.  It might be a religious group, a twelve step program, a self help group, or a myriad of other groups.  How can one really tell the difference between a group or a cult?  Discovering whether you have or have no... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/images/p/default-12.jpg http://factoidz.com/america-in-crisis/ http://factoidz.com/america-in-crisis/ What happened to America?  What happened to the streets paved with gold and opportunity for everyone?  The stock market is down more that fifty percent.  Unemployment is up. The housing market has tanked. Jobs are being lost daily.  And so it is!  Every day brings a new surprise. America has... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/america-in-crisis.jpg http://factoidz.com/what-happened-to-america/ http://factoidz.com/what-happened-to-america/ There was a time not too long ago when the United States of America was the pinnacle of greatness.  The world looked to the United States for leadership.  America became the moral compass of the world.  It seemed that when international events occurred, it was America that stepped in and rose abo... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/images/p/default-1.jpg http://factoidz.com/what-happened-to-us/ http://factoidz.com/what-happened-to-us/ What Happened to Us? There was a time not too long ago when the United States of America was the pinnacle of greatness.  The world looked to the United States for leadership.  America became the moral compass of the world.  It seemed that when international events occurred, it was ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/images/p/default-15.jpg http://factoidz.com/politics-spiritually-speaking/ http://factoidz.com/politics-spiritually-speaking/ Politics seems to be a topic everyone is afraid to talk about, especially with others.  Yet, there are so many political junkies that cannot get enough of it.  All we have to do is look at MSNBC or Fox News.  They present politics twenty four hours a day all seven days of the week. America has... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/politics-spiritually-speaking.jpg http://factoidz.com/how-is-your-life-working/ http://factoidz.com/how-is-your-life-working/ Have you ever truly thought about the quality of your life?  Does it feel as though you are living the life you were put on the planet to live?  Are you in touch with your heart's desire?  How do you feel about your career, your friends and your family?  If today was the last day of your life, w... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/how-is-your-life-working.jpg http://factoidz.com/my-lifes-journey-with-new-thought/ http://factoidz.com/my-lifes-journey-with-new-thought/ Have you ever wondered about the journey of life?  Why are you here?  Is there something specific you came to do?  Have you ever noticed those stubborn patterns that keep appearing in your life?  Somehow these very questions are what bring people to begin a spiritual quest.  Certainly that has ... Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:33:29 CST marlenebricker http://factoidz.com/wp-content/themes/gabtheme/images/my-lifes-journey-with-new-thought.jpg