Being in control from the start is all about knowing what you want and knowing how to get it. Car salespeople can seize control from people who don't know what they want by trying to sell them a car that's not right for them. Don't let that happen to you. Be prepared. Know what you want. Take ownership of your car search! Get the most recent annual auto issue by Consumer Reports magazine, which is usually put out in April. Consumer Reports will give you a wide range of reports — everything from the best cars priced under $25,000 to the worst cars of the year. Nothing beats a good old-fashioned conversation with a human being. Why is that? Because reports made by "industry experts," while valuable in their own right, might not hit home with Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Solicit feedback from people you trust about the cars they love. What's the most important feature to you in a new car? Do you have a small, but growing family you need to accommodate? Look for roomy sedans, SUVs and/or minivans with stellar safety ratings. Do you have a job in sales and want to project an image? A sports car or coupé might fit the lifestyle. Do you plan on hauling or towing cargo on a regular basis? A truck is probably what you're looking for. Try to match the vehicles you're interested in with the lifestyle you want or have. You won't be as happy if your needs and your car are at crosscurrents.
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One-sentence summary -- Do your homework. Talk to people. Figure out your priorities.


Quiet time can involve you reading various gospel oriented books or listening to devotionals or even Christian music. Just taking some time off to sit and think about certain verses or passages from the Bible would also amount to quiet time. It's frankly just isolating yourself from this noisy world and letting God know that you are waiting on him. So quality quiet time would surely make you feel closer to Jesus. It doesn't matter what church, as long as it is Bible based and teaches the truth. Be sure when you are attending you try to engage yourself in the mass. When hymns are being sung, sing along from the heart, when scripture is being read listen intently and focus your attention on the words. Being engaged in church can have you learning much more fulfilled and feeling closer to Jesus. If you belong to a church that has sacraments (the Roman Catholic church, for example) talk to a priest about receiving the sacraments. And before each one, study what their meaning is and how they will affect your walk with Jesus. Whether it be your first communion (receiving Jesus's body) or Confirmation (confirming that you will follow Jesus), think about Jesus and pray to him to prepare yourself. Be sure to read your bible (as stated in the last step). The Lord has blessed you with the Bible so that you can get to know Him better, among many other reasons. So, take advantage of having this great book with you by exploring it and enjoying it. Try to also follow the instructions He has given in the Bible. Try to analyse how each verse or passage can be applied in your life. For instance, Psalm 46 verse 1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." So next time you see trouble brewing at your workplace, school, college etc, you can look it in the eye and recite this verse aloud. This will surely bring you closer to Jesus and  you will feel His presence in you. To Jesus you are his precious child. He loves you no matter what problem you are facing. Tell him what you are up to or what your plans are or why you are sad or what you need and so on. He is your Father. He wants what's best for you and most of all he wants you! Go to him for everything and you will feel closer to him in no time. He wants you to pray in the Spirit as well as in the understanding and He wants you to pray for other people so that they will repent and so that they will be healed.
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One-sentence summary -- Spend quality quiet time with Jesus. Attend church regularly. Receive the sacraments. Read the Bible. Talk to Jesus through prayer.


Lay your fabric flat (or folded in half, if the pattern directs you to do so) and place your pattern over the top. Follow your traced lines and the guide to cut out your fabric in the matching shapes. If you are using a dress for the pattern use your traced outline of half the dress, drawn after being folded in half and placed along the folded edge. Cut along this line, and unfold the fabric to expose a complete front of your dress.  Add ½ inch of extra fabric around the edges of the dress for seam allowances. Most patterns already have this included in their measurements, but you will need to keep this in mind if you are tracing a dress for your pattern. If you want to add sleeves to your dress, these will need to be cut as separate pieces from the body of the dress. Cut your dress fabric in a tank-style top and then sew your sleeves on later. Be sure to cut the fabric for the back of this dress as well at this point, using the same method as you did to cut the front. Follow the sewing directions on your pattern. Typically the sides of the dress will be sewn first. Turn your fabric inside-out and fold ¼ of an inch over on either side, using an iron to flatten it out. Then, use a zigzag stitch to sew the front and back together, and a top stitch to attach your newly formed seam to the body of the dress. The top stitch will help the fabric to lay flat along the seam and add a more professional look to your dress.  Follow any specific directions on your pattern for sewing additional sections of your dress. If your pattern directs you to sew something other than the sides first, do so. For a simple neckline, fold over ¼ inch of fabric along the edge and iron it flat. Use a straight stitch along the collar to sew the edges in place and keep them from fraying. You can adjust how deep the neckline plunges by measuring the distance from your waist to the desired area on your bust, and adjusting your fabric accordingly. On the bottom of the dress, fold over ¼ of an inch of fabric and iron it down flat. If you have one available, use a serger to secure the ends and keep them from unraveling. Then, use a straight stitch to attach the folded edge to the bottom of the dress, holding it in place. So you won't make a mistake. If you want, add a zipper to the side or back of your dress to allow for easier opening/closure. You can also choose to add a lace overlay, ruffles, trim, or beading to your dress for an added touch. It’s your dress, and your opportunity to show your style! Do so as you please.
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One-sentence summary --
Cut your fabric. Begin sewing. Sew the neckline. Add the hem. Finish off your dress.