Articles written by A. D. McDowell

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About me - A. D. McDowell

Life has a way of constantly shaping who we are. I am greatful for the many experieces I have had over the last 30 years. Even the most painful experiences have defined the woman that I have grown to be.

I enjoy many things and believe it is important to expand

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Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Why I love him/her: 1 of 12

Having endured the heart aches of love lost, I look back on past relationships for insight on what love really is. I now see that in my youth, what I thought was love was actually infatuation. Through lessons learned, as well as a bit of maturity and personal growth, I now know more about the art of love. So if any one appro...
Relationships & Family > Dating Dilemmas & Advice Defining the ideal mate: 1 of 9

The trials and errors of dating and relationships help each of us to shape our views concerning our "ideal mate". Whether we are male or female, we are each searching for our own version of the perfect person for us. We are all searching for completion in some form or fashion. So, what is the criteria for the "ideal mate"? I...
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: I saw love today: 2 of 17

Growing up, our heads are filled with fairy tales of knights in shinning armour and princesses finding prince charming. All those fairy tales end with a "happily ever after". With all the relationship problems of the "real world", our minds our now flooded with the down sides of relationships. The " happily ever afters" are ...
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture The benefits of Christian youth mission trips: 1 of 7

For the young person with a heart that wants to change the world, Christian Mission trips are a means to get involved in doing just that. A mission trip does not have to be one that takes you across the globe. In fact, it may be a trip across your community or state. There are people in our every day lives that are in need o...
Relationships & Family > Romance & Sexuality Intimacy: Keeping the intimacy alive in your relationship: 1 of 5

To keep intimacy alive in your relationship, you must first know the meaning of intimacy. Too often it is given the association to sex and our sexual connection with our partner. However, intimacy goes beyond the sexual attraction and interactions in a relationship. Once you can define what intimacy is, then you will be able...
Parenting & Pregnancy > Teen Issues Teens views: Why dating is not worthless: 1 of 5

Dating can be the most stressful or exciting time in a teens life. Most adolescents in their early teens are filled with the anticipation of beginning a dating relationship. However, dating should be considered very carefully in order to gain a positive experience from it. Regardless of the out comes of teen relationships, d...
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture Starting a Christian youth ministry: 2 of 9

Wow! The diverse universe of being a teenager in America! From mohawks to hip-hop, artists to geeks, the Church is made up of a vast population of young people. It is some one's responsibility to lead them and you are the chosen one. So where do you start? First and foremost, it is imperative that you have an unconditional h...
Relationships & Family > Dating (Other) Recognizing the signs of an abusive relationship: 3 of 10

I am a survivor of abuse. I say survivor because I am no longer the victim of physical, verbal and mental abuse. You see, I didn't recognize the early warning signs of an abusive partner, clearly because I was blinded by love. However, I was lucky enough to know I deserve better and to remove myself from my abuser before the...
Relationships & Family > Communication Skills Saying "I love you" without the spoken word: 6 of 12

We've all heard the saying, "actions speak louder than words". In the case of expressing your love for some one, this saying truly defines how you go about saying, "I love you". Too often is the case that our actions do not back our words. If some one tells me over and over that they love me, yet fail to meet my physical and...
Food & Drink > Cooking (Other) Thick, delicious and soft 'hotcakes': 1 of 1

Nothing smells better on a Saturday morning than a delicious breakfast cooking. Especially the warm, sweet smell of hotcakes/pancakes! They are definitely a 'hot' item on the family breakfast menu. Pancakes can be made in a variety of ways. I like to present my family with gourmet pancakes made at home. They are simple to ma...