The Real Deal

Our Daily Bread
Today is the first big day of college football for the 2013-14 season.  How exciting!  I love college football!  There is a lot of speculation about which teams are good, which teams are great and which team might ultimately win the national championship.  There have few teams that started the season at number 1 who ended up at number 1!  Which team is the real deal as some sportscasters might say?

As Christians, we already know the real deal -- our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  How else could our faith be made complete unless Christ was who he said he was, died, rose from the dead and then ascended to heaven to the right hand of God Almighty!  Glory to you Lord Christ!  Praise God!  We have the real deal.  Let's share it like we would a great deal at the grocery store!  ha!

Lord, thank you for being the real deal!  We love you and praise you!

Simply Saturday
Remembering someone special
I am spending the day with my mother.  Today is her 75th birthday.  It is rare for someone to be remembered in writing before they pass away, so I want to do that today.

I got Mom a card that says "Mom, I looked at myself in the mirror today and all I can say is....."  <> "Great job!"  ha!  We all look at our families and wonder what our lives would have been like if we were in a different family.  I am doing that in this entry, but in a different way.  I am listing the things that I probably wouldn't have experienced if I were raised in a different family by a different mother.

1. I probably wouldn't have learned a solid work ethic.
2. I probably wouldn't have learned a compassion for those without a family or folks to spend the holidays with.
3. I probably wouldn't have had a strong sense of fairness instilled in my silly head.
4. I probably wouldn't have been encouraged to learn as much as I could about all the things I was interested in, which was a lot of things.
5. I probably wouldn't have learned my way around a kitchen or the laundry room or cleaning the house.
6. I probably wouldn't have developed the same habit as my mother -- giving folks nicknames as terms of endearment.
7. I probably wouldn't have learned to give of myself til it hurt, often going without.  
8. I probably wouldn't have learned to rise from the ashes like a phoenix.

I learned these things from my mother and her side of the family.  What better gift could a mother give?  She did the best she could to make my life work even though my body didn't cooperate some of the time with all my health issues.  Thanks, Mom.  I wish you many more birthdays.  I hope I make it to that age and look as great as you do!

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Excavating your heart will unearth the beautiful things God has planted in you. - R. Howerton

Hero?

Our Daily Bread
I read a lot of stories online and see scenarios in movies where an average citizen steps up to save the day.  An example is the lady who confronted a shooter in a school in Georgia.  Every time I read about these incidents I wonder what I would do in those situations.  I have fantasized about being brave and being a hero. I don't know what I would really do in a real life situation.

As children of God, we have a responsibility to be brave for Christ.  What does that mean?  IMHO, it varies for each person.  Standing up to bullies may be bravery for one person.  Telling others about our relationship to God may be bravery for another.  Saving lives may be the calling for others.  For some of us outspoken folks, trying to warn people about spiritual danger is our calling.  All have their risks and possible consequences.  All have eternal rewards!

Lord, please help us be brave for you.  You give a reason to speak up!

Foodie Friday
Tailgating recipes!
Here are a couple of recipes that I plan to make for tailgating parties!

Buckeye Brownies

For Brownie layer:
19 1/2 ounce package of brownie mix
egg
vegetable oil
water
or whatever the package calls for

Prepare and bake brownie mix in a greased 13"x9" baking pan according to package directions. Let cool.

For Middle Layer:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (8 ounce) jars creamy peanut butter

Mix powdered sugar, 1/2 cup butter and peanut butter.
Mix well and spread over cooled brownies.
Chill for one hour.

For Top Layer:
1 (6 ounce) packages semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 tablespoons butter, softened

Melt together chocolate chips and remaining butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until melted.
Spread over brownies.
Let cool; cut into squares.

Guacamole
Photo: Ralph Anderson; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey


TIP: While storing in the refrigerator, keep your guacamole from changing color by placing a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture.

Ingredients
5 ripe avocados
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
3/4 teaspoon salt
Tortilla chips

Preparation
1. Cut avocados in half. Scoop pulp into a bowl, and mash with a potato masher or fork until slightly chunky. Stir in chopped red onion and next 4 ingredients. Cover with plastic wrap, allowing wrap to touch mixture, and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Serve guacamole with tortilla chips.

Cilantro Guacamole: Mash avocado, and stir in ingredients as directed. Stir in 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro and an additional 1 Tbsp. lime juice. Cover mixture, and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.

Southern Living
MAY 2007

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Love one another

Our Daily Bread
We have all heard the sermons "love one another" over and over again at church or on TV or in our daily devotionals.  I don't know about you, but I think I have gotten sort of numb to the message.  I find myself brazen enough to think "How could I possibly love others any more than I already do?"  Whoa....  No lightning.  Whew!

How can we love others better?  Christ tells us in John 13:34 -- we are to love others like Christ loved us.  What?  How can we possibly do that?  To be frank, we cannot under our own power.  We can only love others through the love that God showed us!  Let us pray to love others better.  Let us pray for a humble heart so we can do our best!

Lord, thank you for the love you showed us.  Please help us show that love to others!

Technology Thursday
Be careful!
I know I use this line at the end of my Facebook greeting each morning when I speak about being active.  I mean be careful with your computer, phone and tablet in this blog entry!  Here are a few reasons.

New viruses and malware for PCs
There is a retro type virus going around again that locks up your PC with a fake FBI or NSA security warning, then requires a $300 money card code to unlock it (supposedly paying the fine for the violation).  This is a fake.  Do not fall for it.  You can try running updating your anti-virus and malware software, then running a full scan to get rid of it, but I doubt it will work.  You will probably have to get your machine reinstalled.  As a precaution to this kind of virus, always keep current backups of your data.  Always be careful of the files you open and the emails you read.

Android viruses
Everyone is raving about the Android operation system for phones and tablets.  The problem is that 80% of the malware and viruses written for mobile devices is written for the Android OS.  It is much easier to write malicious code for this operation system because it is so "open".  Be careful!

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We are far from perfect, but despite our mistakes and our sins, we will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon us - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide

Da-do-run-run

Our Daily Bread
Yes, I did it.  I referenced a silly Shaun Cassidy song in my blog entry title.  Sorry!  I thought I had used my other "run" themed titles.  I was desperate.  ha!

The theme of the devotional is "running to God".  I don't think we need any lessons on that because it seems we do that ALL the time!  ha!  We spend a lot of time running to God when we mess things up so bad that we don't know what to do or how to get out of the situation.  I finally understood the point of the devotional -- run to God before you mess things up!  Go to God for strength to avoid the sin!  What a concept!  Just kidding,  We all know that.  We often forget as we live our lives and try to live for God.  Da-do-do-run-run to God!  ha!

Lord, please help us run to you in times of temptation so you will deliver us from evil, just like the prayer says!

Wellness Wednesday
8 lessons for living a full life
I found this cool article last week.  I listed the eight things below.  Read the full article for more details.

Marry someone like you
Honor your vows
Share your kids' lives
Learn from bad experiences
Choose happiness
Stay connected
Accept life as it is
Don't worry about dying

Of course, I would add having a strong, active relationship with God to that list as well!  I would put that at number one!

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I pray the weight of my sins doth not crush me back to dust from where I came. I pray that God create in me a new, clean heart and place a right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation. Praise the Almighty God from whom all blessings flow.

I need thee, O, I need thee

Our Daily Bread
I am a very independent person.  In many ways, I like living on my own so I can do what I want when I want, or more accurately, I can do what God wants me to do when He wants me to do it.  I don't have to ask permission.  I don't have to plan around someone else's schedule.  I am independent.

Yeah, right.  If there is one lesson I have learned over the past year, it is that I am not as independent as I think I am.  God blessed me with a great roommate that I can usually count on to help me.  I am usually available to help him with stuff.  We are closer than brothers.  I realized after a few months that God has me in training for living with my next partner.  Living with this straight, Christian man made me realize that I am really not independent.  I am intertwined with the family of God who surrounds me, even in my home.  What lessons is God trying to teach you?

I need thee, Lord, O I need thee.  Please take my life.  Let me live it for you.  O, I need thee.

Teaching Tuesday
I still haven't started on the next book.  I will start it tonight.  I was deep in thought over the weekend and didn't feel like reading.  I really liked the two short entries I made on Saturday and Sunday.  I am re-running them below in case you missed them.  I hope they mean as much to you as they did me.

Being open
I think it is very cool to be open to learning any time, any where,  God has a way of humbling me in that way.  I look around and think "what can a man with so much education and so many life experiences learn from THESE folks?"  ha!

Short posting today.  I am still processing some of the things I learned this weekend while traveling and relaxing and talking to folks.  God works in mysterious ways!

Let us all be open to the Holy Spirit as we travel our journey to learn and grow in God's grace and mercy!

Taking time
Another short entry today as I close out my get away weekend.  I don't always take time to "get away".  I take vacations.  I enjoy long weekends.  The problem is that I usually plan out my activities for the vacations and long weekends so completely that I don't always take time.  I had a loose schedule this weekend.  I could attend some seminars or not.  I could attend some parties or not.  I was determined that I would not wander off and shop (except for the Foot Locker outlet store that I couldn't resist).  The weekend was about taking time.

How did it turn out?  I learned a LOT about myself.  I have been praying more about humility (specifically the lack of it) and not judging folks.  The humility part was accomplished in many ways this weekend.  So was the not judging folks part.  I also learned some very important things about relationships that got through to me in a unique way.  It was an interesting weekend.

I guess I will get over the fact that I couldn't find any irresistible bargains at the Foot Locker outlet.  ;-)

I encourage you (or you and your significant other) to take time.  It really is worth it.

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Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40

Deeeeeeeeeeeeep rooted

Our Daily Bread
I like all kinds of music.  One "fringe" group from my youth was Sha-na-na.  They sang 50's music and dressed the part with slicked back hair and black leather jackets!  I always admired the bass who had a deeeeeeeeeeeeep voice.  I found out later that he was a classically trained basso profundo!  Wow!

God spoke a timely message to me again this morning.  First, He reinforced my journey to be deeeeeeeeeep rooted in his Word and in prayer.  How else can you learn discernment about what to do?  Second, he spoke to me about a specific situation in my life.  There are times you have to let friends (trees) waver and struggle to grow roots on their own.  They have to learn from their own choices.  It is difficult to watch someone you care about learn those lessons.  It often ends badly when you try too hard to spare them those very personal lessons.  Lastly, God reinforced the importance of seeking wisdom in every part of your life.  Praise God!

Lord, thank you for offering us a better way of life than we could ever device ourselves.  Thank you for offering wisdom for those who truly seek it.

Movie Monday
I saw the movie Elysium last week.  The plot was an interesting mix of sci-fi and human interest.  The movie is set in 2156 AD and shows how the planet and society has declined.  That is except for the folks who are rich enough and fortunate enough to live on a luxurious space station called Elysium.  There is technology on Elysium that can heal any illness.  The healing bed was very cool.

If you didn't get too hung up on the actual technology needed to make a space station like Elysium happen, it was much easier to enjoy the story and the characters.  Matt Damon and Jody Foster were great in their respective roles.

I give this movie two bear paws.  It is definitely rentable or go to a matinee (or use a Groupon like I did...).

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Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Taking time

Taking time
Another short entry today as I close out my get away weekend.  I don't always take time to "get away".  I take vacations.  I enjoy long weekends.  The problem is that I usually plan out my activities for the vacations and long weekends so completely that I don't always take time.  I had a loose schedule this weekend.  I could attend some seminars or not.  I could attend some parties or not.  I was determined that I would not wander off and shop (except for the Foot Locker outlet store that I couldn't resist).  The weekend was about taking time.

How did it turn out?  I learned a LOT about myself.  I have been praying more about humility (specifically the lack of it) and not judging folks.  The humility part was accomplished in many ways this weekend.  So was the not judging folks part.  I also learned some very important things about relationships that got through to me in a unique way.  It was an interesting weekend.

I guess I will get over the fact that I couldn't find any irresistible bargains at the Foot Locker outlet.  ;-)

I encourage you (or you and your significant other) to take time.  It really is worth it.

Being open

I think it is very cool to be open to learning any time, any where,  God has a way of humbling me in that way.  I look around and think "what can a man with so much education and so many life experiences learn from THESE folks?"  ha!  

Short posting today.  I am still processing some of the things I learned this weekend while traveling and relaxing and talking to folks.  God works in mysterious ways!

Let us all be open to the Holy Spirit as we travel our journey to learn and grow in God's grace and mercy!

Got light?

Our Daily Bread
Have you ever lost power in the middle of the night?  Have you ever camped out in the wilderness with little or no civilization around?  You have experienced the absence of light.  I also experienced some when I was going through my eye issues and had to wear patches on my eyes occasionally.  It is an uncomfortable feeling to me.

After thinking about this more, I appreciate the bravery of my blind friends to live and prosper.  They can feel light or at least the effects of it, but can never actually see it.  Can you imagine wandering around with no light in your life?  There are billions of folks on our planet that walk around every day without the light that really matters - Jesus Christ.  At this point in my life, I could not even imagine a life without Jesus.  Can you?  He is the Way, the Truth and the Light.

Lord, thank you for giving the light of your Son Jesus.  Please help us walk towards the light!

Foodie Friday
A close friend invited me to the CRAVE Columbus event at Tucci's on Monday night to celebrate my birthday.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  I decided I would try everything they had on the fancy menu for the evening.  Here is what I think about it.

Tucci's Mussels - Never had mussels before.  These were pretty tasty.  I think I will try them again!

House cured Breasola style beef - this flavorful beef was gently placed on top of a light crusty bread  with parsley salad, creamy mustard dressing and antipasto garnish.  The capers really added a nice mix of flavors to the rest!

Calamari "fries" - The calamari was not your usual quarter or half dollar size rounds.  It was cut into meaty strips, lightly battered and deep fried.  They were served with grilled tomato dip and cucumber-yogurt sauce.  Wow!  This is the only way I have ever liked calamari!  I would definitely eat this again!

Tuna Poke - This was a tasty piece of tuna in tamari soy syrup, wasabi honey and srirachi aoli in a squid ink cone.  It sounded really gross when I read the description, but it was great!  I recommend it!

They also had assorted cheeses and crackers and crudite (veggies) and hummus.

The restaurant is located at 35 N HIgh Street in Dublin, Ohio.  Give it a try!

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The Lord gives us His grace to live purposeful lives of faith as we await His coming.- Our Daily Bread

What's my motivation?

Our Daily Bread
I laughed and laughed at some of the movies about movies when I was growing up.  I liked to act and be on stage, so I tried to learn more about acting.  One of the funniest lines (to me) was the actor's question "What is my motivation?" said in a very overly dramatic way!  Ha!

When Christ was teaching about the scriptures, he asked the same question of the religious leaders of the day "What is your motivation?".   Are you presenting a "white-washed tomb" on the outside, but are dead inside or harbor anger and sin inside?  He presented the fulfillment of the law of the Old Testament -- a new heart.  The inside must be pure, not just the outward appearances!  What about us?  Do we have a new heart from God that shows in our lives?

Lord, thank you for teaching the way to live -- a new heart with pure intentions.  That is our motivation!

Technology Thursday
Is the smartphone industry out of ideas?
The news came a few days ago that the next generation of Apple Inc.’s iPhone will come in gold. Not real gold, mind you, or even vermeil or gold plate like cheap costume jewelry. That’s gold color, in addition to the now-classic silver and slate.

Because this is Apple AAPL   , it won’t be just any gold color. It won’t be a vulgar shade of gold like, well, real gold. It will be a more subtle shade, more like “champagne colored,” according to TechCrunch.

In which case, it could probably be more accurately described as “platinum colored” than gold.

The fact that this news has been leaked to TechCrunch and other popular tech sites probably tells you all you need to know about the coming product, expected to be called the Apple iPhone 5S.

It might also tell you more than you wanted to know about the state of the smartphone industry in 2013.

That is, it’s out of ideas, out of energy, and out of gas. It’s reduced to putting lipstick on that pig... or gold color on that case.

Unless — and this is a long shot — the new iPhone also has a fingerprint recognition feature, as has been rumored but is by no means certain. The combination of that new capability and a gold-colored case really would be extremely attractive and, as TechCrunch points out, it also would create an irresistible Goldfinger analogy.

The gold iPhone, if it happens, is not the only less-than-earth-shattering recent advance in smartphone design. Here are a few more from other smartphone makers. They may not be category-killers, but their oddball status may move some units.

The personalized Motorola Moto X
The first device to be developed entirely under the guidance of Google GOOG   since it bought Motorola will come with an appealing perk: the Moto Maker site.

Available initially for AT&T T customers only, Moto Maker will permit the buyer to personalize the appearance of the device. The choices are all cosmetic tweaks, but at least they go well beyond the usual black or gray, with options for the colors of the case, accents, buttons, and accessories. Users also will be able to enter a “signature,” or custom message that will appear on the device and at startup.

Initial choices for the device shell include a frankly hideous fake wood grain that is reminiscent of an old microwave.

Still, Moto Maker may have real appeal to some consumers. Moto Maker director John Renaldi told DigitalTrends.com that the concept is known as “the Ikea effect.” That is, if a buyer is able to customize a product, “[their] affinity for that product goes through the roof.”

It also serves as a reminder that the Moto X is built in the USA, a choice that made the production process fast and flexible enough for Moto Maker to work.

The device and the site are expected to be available as early as Friday, although some sources say that some features of Moto Maker may not be ready by the launch date.

The monster Samsung Galaxy Mega
Korean electronics maker Samsung SSNLF  just announced that it is bringing its monster-sized Samsung Galaxy Mega smartphone to the U.S.

It’s basically a Galaxy S4 with a screen that is swollen to 6.3 inches, definitely qualifying it for the hybrid name “phablet.”

This phone is bigger than the Amazon AMZN   Kindle e-reader, at six inches, and not much smaller than the ASUS Nexus tablet, at seven inches.

Samsung may be on to something here. Smartphones have been getting larger as they’ve gotten lighter and slimmer. Voice calling increasingly is the last and least important function of a phone. It may be smart to maximize the usability of all of those other functions, like texting, searching for information, messaging, watching videos, and viewing images.

On the other hand, Samsung is not the only company out there stretching phones. Sony SNE -1.45%    has produced the (slightly) larger Sony Xperia Z Ultra. Nokia NOK -0.74%    is reportedly working on a jumbo model for release later this year.

The Nokia Lumia 1020’s Super Camera
The headline number is a stupefying — but essentially meaningless — number: 41. That’s how many megapixels the camera in the Nokia Lumia 1020 has.

For comparison, the current best-selling digital camera on Amazon is a Sony Cyber-Shot model that has 18.2 megapixels.

Camera-savvy reviewers who have tested the Nokia Lumia 1020 say its camera has more than just that headline number to brag about; it also has a high-quality sensor and a real flash.

In any case, its specs add up to pictures that are far better than the usual smartphone images, even in poor lighting conditions, as some sample pictures in the New York Times demonstrate.

So, in this case at least, a smartphone maker might have sprung a real innovation on the public.

Carol Kopp is a Minyanville contributor .
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13

ALWAYS in control

Our Daily Bread
Have you ever tried to fly one of those radio controlled mini-helicopters?  A niece and nephew went through that stage several years ago.  We flew the helicopters in expert fashion until we tried to get too fancy (like landing on the dog's back) or just got a little bored.  We lost control and crashed.

Aren't you glad that God doesn't work that way with us?  First, he doesn't not "remote control" us!  We have freedom of choice to make good or not so good decisions.  Second, he doesn't lose interest and let us crash and burn if we are following his will.  Yes, we have freedom to crash ourselves.  He allows us to do that so we can learn how to serve him better.  Lastly, he never loses control of his creation.  Every thing that happens to us must go through him first.  He never allows more things to happen to us than we can bear, sometimes testing our endurance to its limits.  What an amazing God who gives us a life that is not ordinary if we follow him!

Lord, thank you for always being in control.  I sometimes wish you were more in control, but I understand you made us in your image.  Please help us be more like you!

Wellness Wednesday
The Secret To Loving Your Beautiful, Imperfect Life
We all strive for this thing called happiness. But according to Sean Meshorer, author of "The Bliss Experiment," we should instead work to unearth bliss.

"Bliss is an inward, authentic form of happiness that isn't contingent on any outward circumstance," the author and spiritual teacher told The Huffington Post in an interview. And compared to regular, everyday "happiness," the contrast becomes clear. "There's almost always an external component to happiness... Even when you think about the kinds of things that are more important -- like a warm, loving relationship -- happiness requires that other person outside of ourselves with whom we're having that relationship."

Bliss, instead, relies on just one individual: You.

Bliss isn't a matter of perceiving your life as utopia. "We can't be Pollyannaish," Meshorer says. "In our lives, things always go wrong. None of us have perfect lives." The wonder of bliss, however, is that it prevents the inevitable things that do go wrong from devastating us. When we tap into bliss, "things really can shift."

To activate the transformational principles of bliss, you have to make tapping into your bliss a daily practice. But this isn't as daunting as it seems. "None of this is very hard to do, you just have to do a little bit every day and you can make tremendous progress very quickly," the teacher encourages.You have control of your thoughts, and there are a few tried and true techniques to guide these thoughts toward bliss.

Learn to have reflexive compassion instead of reflexive hatred or criticism.
You're driving along the highway, bopping your head to your favorite song, feeling entirely zen, when, suddenly, a maniacal driver speeds past you and -- just barely missing your headlight -- cuts you off.

Stop. What's your first instinct? In this instance, most of us immediately put blame on the disruptive driver: He's inconsiderate, reckless and -- you know, a !$#% multitude of expletives. This reaction is a product of reflexive hatred. When you practice reflexive compassion instead, you give the driver the benefit of the doubt -- he's racing his wife, who's in labor, to the hospital; he's 10-minutes away from missing his flight.

You'll actually be doing yourself a favor when you choose compassion. Instead of working yourself up, you'll be able to sooner return to enjoying your road trip. Meshorer says that putting yourself in someone else's shoes when in a tense situation is the key to feeling more blissful every single day.

Practice gratitude.
Make an actual gratitude list. This practice does not discount the hard fact that life can be rough -- "you're not reframing the negative," Meshorer says, but just pulling out all the positive in your life to examine.

This exercise isn't preachy, it's practical. "Just take the time every day to remember the things in your life that are going right," says Meshorer, who believes if you have a warm cup of coffee in the morning, then you've got it good. The benefits of practicing gratitude reach far beyond feeling content with your life as is: Being thankful has been shown to strengthen relationships, promote better sleep and increase immune health, to boot.

And if you're sitting at your desk feeling anything but bliss, this may just be the remedy for you. "You can do the whole practice in 10 - 20 seconds in your head," Meshorer advises. Recall a couple of wonderful things about your life, or craft a physical list to revisit and add to when the inspiration hits.

Try a Japa meditation.
Japa, a spiritual discipline that involves the repetition of a mantra, could help you pull out of a stressful situation and discover a calmer disposition. Meshorer, who has used this practice to overcome panic attacks, recommends coming up with a sacred word formula that has meaning to you. This collection of words doesn't have to have a spiritual or religious connotations, just a centering quality to offer some peace of mind.

You can take this practice anywhere: In line at the bank, a high-stress meeting at work, even in a crowded bar. All Japa requires is silently repeating your word formula in your mind. "What that does is crowd out negative thoughts, because you're replacing them with something positive -- there's not enough space for reflexive negativity." This is an especially useful practice for anyone who finds meditation intimidating or too time-consuming. "It's very informal," Meshorer assures. "The sacred word formula takes some of the aspects of what meditation does and makes it flexible for your life circumstances." The practice, he says, quiets your mind and helps you focus on "positive, beautiful things."

Spend some time thinking about your "purpose."
The whole "why am I here?" question can be a bit, well, existential to tackle in one sitting. Fear not: There are ways to explore your purpose on a smaller scale. And you'll want to.

"If you can have that underlying sense of meaning and purpose in your life, it infuses everything you do and helps give you the resources to move forward." Meshorer suggests asking yourself questions like, "What kinds of things make me smile?," "What kinds of things make me lose track of time?," and "What makes me feel good about myself?" These are starting points to help you better understand -- and appreciate -- your being.

Even more, understanding your purpose provides clarity. "It gives you confidence. With that confidence comes an inner peace, a sense of connectedness." And. perhaps most importantly, finding meaning in your existence will build you a more resilient shell. Just that fact can be very comforting. "We all have good days and we have bad days. Bad things happen to us. Good things happen to us. When things are a little bit chaotic, if we have that kind of anchor inside ourselves, we still know what overall direction we’re headed in, we have a way to course-correct."

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We are far from perfect, but despite our mistakes and our sins, we will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon us - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide

Like my father

Our Daily Bread
I hope this isn't too personal to share, but I never met my biological father.  He took off after he found out my mother was pregnant and wanted nothing to do with us.  There is a story about my grandfather and a shot gun, but the details are sketchy!  I can only imagine what my biological father might look like when I look in the mirror, then factor out the characteristics I inherited from my mother's side of the family.

We don't have to "guess" when it comes to our Heavenly Father.  The Bible tells us the characteristics we inherited from him.  It also tells us the characteristics we inherited from the first generations of mankind.  We have a choice about how we want to live our lives -- with our Heavenly Father leading us or as orphans wandering this life without meaning and purpose.  What choice will you make today?

Lord, thank you for creating everything around us, even the stuff we still haven't discovered!  Please help us choose to be like our Heavenly Father!

Teaching Tuesday
Pay attention
I didn't take the time to start the Mere Christianity book over the weekend.  I had a nasty cold and couldn't focus on what I was reading.  I had something happen that I wanted to share today.

The topic is "pay attention".  God reinforced what I already knew, but didn't practice on a daily basis.  Paying attention to the events and experiences in your life and asking God to teach you something from each one.  It seems so obvious.  We get busier and busier and don't take the time to think, pray and meditate.

I had an epiphany over the weekend.  Yes, I seem to learn through epiphanies.  I am not sure why.  I think it is because it can take a while for things to get through my thick skull!  But I digress...  God used a friendship to teach me about some things that I need to change in my life.  What?  Me change?  Yikes!  I also realized that I wronged some folks in the past.  I texted or emailed them to apologize.  I never realized.  DOH!

My prayer for you is that you will be more aware than me.  Pay attention!

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Forget me not

Our Daily Bread
Like the author of the devotional, I also worked in a nursing home for a few years after college.  It was a very humbling experience as I saw many forgotten folks live our their lives, sometimes in utterly despair and confusion.  I couldn't see that every day and had to get out of that vocation!

Can you imagine what it must be like for God to watch us each day?  I am sure we walk around, lost and alone, in despair and confusion, as we try to live our lives on this planet.  Yes, I realize that is an over dramatization!  It is what I do!  ha!  I ask each of us to take a look at our life to see how we can better serve God, how we can give more of ourselves to him.  Praise God!

Lord, please listen to your children praying.  Please help us to trust and follow you!

Movie Monday
I saw something old and something new this week: The Conjuring and One for the Money.

The Conjuring
This movie is one of the best scary movies I have seen in a long time, if you like that kind of thing.  It is spooky and scary and disturbing all in one well-done package!  It is based on a true story, which makes it even spookier!  The plot is about a family that is haunted by several spirits after they move into their home.  They finally get in touch with the demonologist and his clairvoyant wife, who help them.  It was very well done, with just enough "hokeyness" to make it fun, too!

 I give this one three bear paws.  It is rentable preferably on a dark and stormy night...

One for the Money
I didn't see this movie in the theaters last year.  It has some cute parts to it, but it is not a great movie.  I think the main character would have been dead the first day on the job in the real world!  The plot is about a woman who is desperate for work, so she becomes a bounty hunter for her bond agent cousin.  The big catch is an ex-boyfriend who skipped his court date.

I give this movie one bear paw.  It is free on Amazon Prime.

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Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40

Fashion statement

Our Daily Bread
I haven't been a fashion maven during my time here on earth.  I enjoy looking nice (or at least not bad), but I don't really care if I am not wearing the latest fashion looks.  I think it is part of being a bear and partly because I am frugal!  You won't usually see me make a big fashion statement!

I chuckled when I wrote the title of this blog entry: fashion statement.  I had never linked that term with the scriptures about "clothing yourself" in the likeness of Christ mentioned in Col 3:12.  How cool is that!  We are to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, then bind them all together with love!  Love is the necessary accessory for every outfit!  ha!

Lord, thank you for expressing your concepts in ways we can understand -- getting dressed.  Please help us dress ourselves appropriately each and every day!

Psalm Sunday
Let's look at Psalm 108.  I starts out as a wonderful praise psalm, the transitions that praise into what I call a war psalm.  David praises God for his military victories and for those to come.  I like verses 1-6 the best.

Psalm 108

A song. A psalm of David.

1 My heart, O God, is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand,
    that those you love may be delivered.
7 God has spoken from his sanctuary:
    “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem
    and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.
8 Gilead is mine, Manasseh is mine;
    Ephraim is my helmet,
    Judah is my scepter.
9 Moab is my washbasin,
    on Edom I toss my sandal;
    over Philistia I shout in triumph.”
10 Who will bring me to the fortified city?
    Who will lead me to Edom?
11 Is it not you, God, you who have rejected us
    and no longer go out with our armies?
12 Give us aid against the enemy,
    for human help is worthless.
13 With God we will gain the victory,
    and he will trample down our enemies.

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If we’re gonna pray about it
There’s no use in worrying
If we’re gonna worry about it
Why are we praying
Just leave it in the hands of the Father
Leave it in the hands of the Healer
Leave it in the hands of Jesus
And walk away
Walk away   -- Brandon Heath & Thad Cockrell

Time out

Our Daily Bread
It is my understanding that a "time out" is something a parent uses to teach children their actions are not appropriate.  When I was growing up, we either had to stand in the corner until we apologized or we were spanked.  Times have changed, probably for the good!

God can use a "time out" for multiple purposes.  He can use it to teach us that our actions are not appropriate.  More often, he uses a time out to get us to slow down and spend more time with him.  To rest in him.  To recharge ourselves so we can serve him better.

I have been thinking about this a lot since I hurt my foot.  I have been reading more.  Talking more with friends.  Praying more.  Maybe this is a sign I need more time outs?  How about you?

Lord, thank you for knowing what is best for us. Please help us take a time out when we need it!

Simply Saturday
pa·tience
/ˈpāSHəns/
Noun
The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

I like the definitions I have found so far for the fruits of the Spirit in the Google dictionary.  It makes writing these entries so much easier!  Look at the definition of patience above.  It describes what the Bible describes as patience over and over.

I know I can tolerate delay, trouble or suffering, but I can't honestly say that I don't get angry or upset!  I really try to fulfill the entire definition.  I am human.  It is difficult.  That is why we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to grow these fruits in us.  How?  Prayer, time with God (see above), Bible study and serving others.  We can move past our silly human emotions and actions into a Godly mode of living!  Praise God!

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I pray the weight of my sins doth not crush me back to dust from where I came. I pray that God create in me a new, clean heart and place a right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation. Praise the Almighty God from whom all blessings flow.

Herding cats

Our Daily Bread
I was helping a buddy catch his cats so we could put them the laundry room before a house showing.  The cat thought we were playing a game, so I chased him around the large house.  He went into one of the bedrooms, so I shut the door with us both inside.  After almost reaching him under the bed, I trapped him under a bench.  I kept leading him so an area when I could take him to safety for the afternoon.

God sort of does that with us in my opinion.  He tries to lead us in the paths that are best for us, but we can play games or not want to go down the paths that are best for us.  God sends the Holy Spirit to speak to us and take us to a safe place for our own good.  God only wants what is best for us.  Let's follow him today and every day!

Lord, I know it must seem like you are herding cats at times, but please don't give up on us!

Foodie Friday
I saw this recipe on Facebook.  It looked yummy.  Not sure when I will try it.

On a separate note, I whipped up some homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing recently.  I highly recommend the homemade stuff.

Loaded Baked Potato & Chicken Casserole 

Ingredients

2lbs chicken breast
8 potatoes
1/3 cup Olive Oil
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 TBS fresh Ground Pepper
1 TBS Paprika
2 TBS Garlic Powder
6 TBS Hot Sauce
{Toppings}
2 cups Shredded Cheese
1 cup crumbled Bacon
1 cup diced Green Onion

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 500F
2. In a large bowl mix Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder & Hot Sauce
3. Cube the potatoes & add to the bowl
4. Coat a 9x13 dish with cooking spray
5. Add potatoes, allow for excess sauce in the bowl
6. Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes, stir every 15 minutes
7. Cube the chicken & add it to the bowl with the left over sauce
8. Mix together cheese, bacon & green onion in a small separate bowl
9. Once potatoes are done, add the uncooked marinated chicken
10. Then layer the toppings over the chicken
11. Bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked

For more ideas and recipes, follow https://www.facebook.com/sheri.johnson.1650 or join me https://www.facebook.com/groups/350404505062278/

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Solid Rock

Our Daily Bread
I like decorative rocks -- really big ones.  I have some neighbors that have them in their landscaping.  I am envious.  The rocks are large (by my standards) and very heavy.  They are expensive to purchase and have delivered.  In an effort to save some money (because I am frugal), I noticed some lower cost lookalike synthetic rocks.  They were much cheaper and lighter, but I was afraid that even a large one would blow away!

The most comforting thought about our salvation with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is that he is our rock or anchor!  Praise God!  He is the real deal.  He is immovable, not like the synthetic rock!  We can build our lives around serving him and feel confident that we will have a full and meaningful life!  God is so good to his children when we seek him!

Lord, thank you for being our rock and anchor if we will just turn our lives over to you!

Technology Thursday
10 tech terms everyone needs to know for 2014
Information Technology (IT) is getting more pervasive and complicated every day. Although most of us experience IT in terms of personal computing devices (smartphones, tablets, or laptops), office productivity tools (word processors or spreadsheets), or infrastructure functionality (routers and servers), IT is steadily becoming more sophisticated and critical to everything we do.

At the Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) at Vanderbilt University, we conduct basic and applied research on the science and engineering of complex software-reliant IT systems to help industry, academia and ultimately, the general public.

The terms below suggest some of the key areas of technology development in the near future. Some of these may seem a bit more esoteric than others, but our future is clearly headed in these directions. To make intelligent decisions about our lives, our safety, our computers and more, here are the Ten Technical Terms Everyone Should Know for 2014.

1. Cyber-physical Systems (CPS) are an integrated set of hardware and software that controls physical things, which can involve humans or not. Classic examples of CPS’s include anti-lock brakes and automated mass-transit systems, like the subway. More sophisticated emerging CPS’s (such as driverless cars) are adaptive and intelligent, often solving problems as they occur in real time without direct human input. Among the hardest problems facing engineers is how robust and secure CPS’s should be to do what it is intended to do. More ‘robust and secure’ usually means more complex, expensive and apt to fail (ever had to reboot your car?), thus potentially costing time, money, lives or other unintended consequences.

2. Cloud Storage has become ubiquitous when talking about managing one’s growing cache of information, media and other data. The idea here is that your data is hosted by a third party, presumably secure and accessible anywhere you have an internet connection. The concept of a ‘cloud’ means many different resources connected together acting as one, thus increasing redundancy (and conceivably reliability) by creating many copies of data and storing it in many places. More copies in more places generate a potential security issue. If I store my file cabinet in your office, anyone with access to your office can get to my file cabinet. How good is your office door lock? Are you telling me the truth? Which files am I now comfortable storing in that file cabinet? These are the issues facing popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive and iCloud.

3. Industrial Internet is an emerging communication infrastructure that connects people, data, and machines to enable access and control of mechanical devices in unprecedented ways. The Industrial Internet leverages the power of Cloud Storage and Computing to connect machines embedded with sensors and sophisticated software to other machines (and end users) so we can extract data, make sense of it, and find meaning where it did not exist before. Machines—from jet engines to gas turbines to medical scanners—connected via the Industrial Internet have the analytical intelligence to self-diagnose and self-correct, so they can deliver the right information to the right people at the right time (and in real-time).

4. 3G / 4G / 5G – The G stands for Generation, thus typically the speed of data transmission over wireless networks increases with each generation. U.S. wireless providers are far into the process of converting their networks from 3G to 4G, as are the device makers (Apple's iPhone 5 was its first 4G smartphone). Recently two competing 4G platforms were in use by various wireless telecom companies. For many reasons, LTE (long-term evolution) won out over WiMAX for North American cellular phone markets in 2012, thus moving all of us closer to a common broadband platform for the world. You can expect to see 5G roll out within the next decade.

5. Advanced Manufacturing involves the integration of IT-based systems and processes in the creation of products (fit, form, and function) to high levels of quality and in compliance with industry-specific certification standards. Products are increasingly complex and users demand more performance and reliability from them. With complexity comes cost and time, thus in order to keep costs and manufacturing time economical, methods like rapid prototyping and computer modeling are essential. For example, GE Aviation is applying Advanced Manufacturing technologies to develop new types of ceramic that outperforms the most advanced metallic alloys within a gas turbine and jet engine environment. Paramount to advanced manufacturing is a highly skilled workforce operating in lean and continuous improvement cultures.

6. Big Data refers to the massive amounts of data collected over time that are hard to analyze and handle using conventional database management tools. Big Data analytics operate upon a wide range of datasets, from organized to seemingly random, including business transactions, e-mail messages, photos, surveillance videos, and cyber incident activity logs. Scientific data from sensors can reach mammoth proportions over time, and Big Data also includes text posted on the Web, such as blogs and social media. Big Data analytics has traditionally focused on offline processing (download the data and process it locally somewhere). However, advances in computing clouds, analytics, programs, and automation for cyber-physical systems are broadening the applicability of Big Data techniques for use using the conventional Internet and the emerging Industrial Internet.

7. Cybersecurity involves preventive methods to protect information and machines connected to networks from being compromised or attacked. As we migrate more of our personal and business data to cloud storage—and as cyber-physical systems connected via the Industrial Internet and next-generation wireless networks become more integrated and essential to our health, economy, society, and homeland defense—we need better methods and tools for identifying and neutralizing potential cyber threats, such as viruses and other malicious code, as well as human vulnerabilities, such as insider threats. A cybersecurity plan is critical when company information is highly sensitive, such as medical records, financial information and other personal information. Recent arguments have been made regarding the intentional access of private information in the name of cybersecurity and national security.

8. Augmented Reality is the interaction of superimposed graphics, audio and other enhancements over a real-world environment displayed in real-time. A key challenge in cyber-physical systems is that users often can’t see the cyber information they need in the real-world setting. For example, as construction workers walk around a site, they can’t see the 3D building plan for the project directly overlaid on the walls in front of them to determine if they are built as planned. Augmented reality technologies enable these workers to reduce costly mistakes by visualizing what they are building atop what actually exists in the physical world. Retailers are currently experimenting with augmented reality to get more customers into the stores by allowing shoppers to ‘see’ the clothes on them without having to actually try them on. Some of these apps are a bit gimmicky now, but have the potential to change how we shop, train for new skills, game, build, and make other important decisions.

9. Agile Development Methods are a principled means of anticipating the need for flexibility in creating IT solutions. Agile software development focuses on keeping code simple, testing often, and delivering functional bits of the application as soon as they're ready. The goal of agile methods is to build upon small client-approved parts as the project progresses, as opposed to delivering one large integrated solution only at the end of the project. Now that agile methods are well-established throughout the commercial IT industry the challenge is to scale them up so they are suited in larger-scale mission-critical and life-critical environments, such as the Industrial Internet, automotive and avionics, space exploration, etc., that require balancing agility and discipline with large teams and long lifecycles.

10. Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a web-based class environment aimed at large-scale global participation and open access via the Internet. MOOCs have been dubbed a potentially disruptive technology trend that poses many challenges for traditional higher education. They are particularly relevant to the discussion of the other Tech Terms presented above because it’s likely that future researchers and practitioners of these topics will received a significant portion of their education through MOOCs and associated digital learning methods and tools. I recently taught one of the first four MOOCs offered by Vanderbilt on “Pattern-Oriented Software Architecture for Concurrent and Networked Software,” to 30,000+ students from all over the U.S. and scores of other countries. My experiences—both pro and con—teaching a MOOC underscored the point that in the rapidly changing and globally competitive environment in which we live, learn, and work, we need to continue to clarify and refine the value of—and affordable access to—high quality education.

Douglas C. Schmidt is the Associate Chair of Computer Science and Engineering and Professor of Computer Science at Vanderbilt University.  He works at ISIS at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

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Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Something better

Our Daily Bread
I have traveled a lot via car and van in my life.  I remember many times when we would get hungry and want to stop at the first exit to find a restaurant.  We would scan the highway signs and the large advertisements to see what restaurants were available at the exit.  Many times we would wait until the next exit or the next exit after that for "something better"!

It is amazing to me how I can't seem to do this in my Christian life at times.  God used this devotional to remind me of this lesson at a much needed time.  Whenever this relationship doesn't work out or that job ends too soon or a trip falls through at the last minute, it is all because God has something better for us.  He uses everything that happens to us to teach us something, to work for our good, if we listen, trust and obey.  What disappointments have you faced?  How did God ultimately work things out for your good?  Let us all think and pray on these questions and thank God!  Think of the Garth Brooks song "Unanswered prayers"!

Lord, thank you for answered prayers.  What was I thinking?!?  

Wellness Wednesday
6 bad excuses for overeating

(CNN) -- Most every woman has a food angel and devil resting on either shoulder, one giving permission to indulge even as the other advises against it.

"We've come to label foods as 'good' and 'bad,' so we feel guilty when we eat something we believe we shouldn't," says Harley Pasternak, celebrity trainer (to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry) and author of the book "The Body Reset Diet."

But we've also become masters at rationalizing what we put into our mouths, which can lead to overeating, dubious food choices and even weight gain.

Evelyn Tribole, a registered dietitian and nutritionist in Newport Beach, California, says, "Let's get rid of the guilt! Women need to remember that having foods they love won't make or break their diets as a whole."
 How personal trauma impacts weight gain Healthy eating habits and dieting myths

Readers bravely let us into their heads to hear how they justify dining decisions, then experts shared some eye-openers. Bet you can relate!

"As long as it's a 'good' fat, like the kind in avocados or almonds, I can have as much as I want," -- Stacy Rogers Sharp, Austin, Texas.

Reality check! For sure, certain fats are beneficial.
"Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats help reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease and stroke," says Dr. Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Still, they are just as fattening as the bad-boy saturated kind found in cheese and red meat. There are 9 calories in every gram of fat, generally twice the density of proteins and carbohydrates, points out Caroline Kaufman, a registered dietician nutritionist in San Francisco.
Nutrition guidelines to keep in mind: 30% of your calories should come from fat, with less than 10% from the saturated kind.

In other words, favoring heart-healthy fats like the ones in nuts, avocado and olive oil: good. Treating them like an all-you-can-eat buffet: bad.
Health.com: Good fats, bad fats

"I tell myself that if I have mostly salad all week, I can pig out on the weekend," -- Elizabeth Upchurch, Jackson, Mississippi.

Reality check! Enjoying an indulgence is fine, says Willett, "but a whole weekend of pigging out may undo progress made during the week."

Weight control boils down to basic math: There are approximately 3,500 calories in a pound of fat, so unless you burn more calories than you consume, you're likely to gain weight.
Many people kick off their food fiestas on Fridays, notes Tribole, co-author of the book "Intuitive Eating." That means they're overdoing it 156 days a year, not just the 104 of weekends. "Overeating promotes a disconnect between you and your body," she continues. "You should be focusing on hunger, fullness and satisfaction anytime you eat."

And don't fool yourself about sticking to salads, adds nutrition pro Pasternak: "The reality is that most salads are far from healthy, loaded with calories from dried cranberries, bacon bits and dressing."
Health.com: 25 fattening foods you should never eat

"Of course I can have two slices of pizza at lunch -- I'm going to the gym tonight," -- Hope A. Rising, Clearwater, Florida.

Reality check! Props for working out, but sadly, calories burned at the gym do not necessarily cross out calories consumed, says Pasternak. Two slices of pizza, on average, pack close to 800 calories.
A 130-pound woman burns roughly half that calorie amount during an hour of high-impact aerobics.
Some days, says Tribole, we're hungrier than others; it's often due to sleep deprivation. "Think about what your here-and-now body needs," she says. "If it's a slice of pizza you want, have it. You don't have to justify it." Just don't rationalize having the whole pizza.

"When I have PMS and my body is craving salt and sugar, all bets are off. Either I eat or I kill someone," -- Liz Seccuro, Alexandria, Virginia.

Reality check! There's a scientific reason your body yearns for potato chips and cookies when you're PMS-ing: It's the bliss fix.

Studies show that production of serotonin -- a hormone that regulates mood and weight --slows down during PMS; starchy foods tend to boost it, improving your mood ... but not your waistline.
One MIT study showed women ate about 1,100 more calories per day during that time of the month.
Your best pick: complex carbohydrates with a little protein (it inhibits the production of serotonin).

"By eating rice, pasta and oatmeal, women in our studies felt better," says researcher Judith J. Wurtman, co-author of the book "The Serotonin Power Diet."

And when only a super sugary treat will do, "have your special food -- just don't buy a whole box of it," says Melinda Manore, professor of nutrition and exercise at Oregon State University. "Get one cookie and eat just that."

"Popcorn is one of those 'free' foods, so I can eat as much of it as I want," -- Cynthia Fabian, Somerset, New Jersey.

Reality check! With all the low-carb, low-fat choices out there, nutritionists say many clients mistakenly deem them "free" foods.

"I see some women do this with frozen yogurt and diet gelatin," says Tribole.
Low-fat foods are particularly deceptive, adds Brian Wansink, a researcher in food psychology at Cornell University: "People often believe that low-fat foods have 44% fewer calories than they do, but when companies remove fat, they add sugar, so these alternates typically have only about 10% less calories."

Popcorn may taste like air, yet 3 cups (without anything on it) is the caloric equivalent of a slice of bread. But, he says, don't think too hard about produce: "If you start counting calories in fruits and vegetables, you'll talk yourself out of eating them -- and you shouldn't."

"If I eat too much, drinking lots of water will flush it out of my system," -- Diana Lynn, Woodland Hills, California.

Reality check! Although guzzling glass after glass of water will help whoosh out toxins from your body, it won't do much for the massive plate of spaghetti carbonara you feasted on.

When you eat, your body breaks down the food and shuttles the nutrients off to your cells for energy or stores them, explains Willett: "Even drinking gallons of water won't compensate for eating too much."
Copyright Health Magazine 2011

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As wise King Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

Mr Simon

Our Daily Bread
I have fond memories of the music of Ken Medema from my high school and college days.  One of his songs, Mr Simon, is a modern day paraphrase of Luke 18:9-14.  Very cool!

The parable is very poignant because it speaks to the most common complaint about the church over the centuries: hypocrites!  We have all seen them.  We are hypocrites at times as well!  Ouch!  The truth hurts!  My favorite line in the devotional is the quote from CS Lewis:
A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you” (Mere Christianity).

That quote is an answer to prayer -- what book to read next!  I have the book and the study guide on my desk at home!

Lord, please help us all look up instead of looking down!  

Teaching Tuesday
I finally finished the book The Mountain of Silence over the weekend.  It only took me two years to read its 240 pages!  I believe that the material had to "bake" in my silly head and heart for a while before I could finish it.  It was not time for me to understand some of the things that I learned in the past ten days!  God's timing is not always our timing!

The major concepts I learned:

• Trust God, even if "conventional" wisdom tells you do something different
• Mystery: the ways of our God are mysterious and beyond our understanding many times
• There is more: there is more to spirituality than what we are traditionally taught in the Western Christian churches.  So much more.
• Put aside our filters and presuppositions.  God wants to commune with us. God wants to work through us.  Don't limit him because we don't understand.  
• Confide in a trusted spiritual friend.  There are times when we need to talk things out with a trusted spiritual friend to ensure that we are discerning things correctly.
• Keep pushing.  It doesn't matter where we are on our spiritual journey compared to others.  Keep pressing forward to get even closer to God.
• Most important: Humility is the ultimate key to a close relationship with God.  It opens the doors to our hearts and minds.  

The book is pretty intense.  Take time to pray about the things you read and don't just dismiss them since they are unfamiliar or radical!

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13

Finish strong...

Our Daily Bread
Ever watch sporting events where you hear a coach or player say "OK, let's finish strong!".  The team may be winning or losing.  The individual may be winning the race or in last place.  Finishing strong is important!

The devotional talks about living our lives in a way so that we "finish strong" for our Lord.  We don't know how long we have on this earth.  We don't know when Jesus will return.  I understand how difficult the concept of "finishing strong" is for most folks, including myself.  It seems reasonable and attainable to "finish strong" for a defined period of time like the last quarter of a football game or the last few miles of a marathon.  Finishing strong for an undefined period of time can be exhausting and frustrating!  Our Heavenly Father can help us if we just ask!

Lord, please help us "finish strong" for you! 

Movie Monday
I didn't get to the theater last week, but I watched some old movies on Amazon Prime.  Are you familiar with Amazon Prime?  The service includes several features including free two-day shipping on Amazon.com orders, one popular book per month, and a large library of streaming movies and TV shows.  I watched Expendables 2, Safe and Hook last week.

Expendables 2 and Safe are both fun action movies.  Check them out when you get a chance.

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Let go, my friends!  God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!

Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Our Daily Bread
It wasn't one of his classic songs in my mind, but Elton John recorded a nice song called "Sorry seems to be the hardest word".  The song is slow and pensive.  The words are sad and longing for reconciliation.

Have you ever felt that way in your relationship with God?  I know I have.  We feel separated.  We feel alone.  We lost the joy of our salvation due to our sin.  Sin separates us from God.  A book I am reading says that separation from God is the most serious of human conditions!

God is there.  Even though he knows your sins, he is waiting to talk to you about them.  He will forgive you if you sincerely repent.  Restore that relationship today.  Don't waste another moment of this brief life.

Lord, thank you for the power of repentance and grace.  Please help us open our hearts to you and restore our relationship with the Almighty God!

Psalm Sunday
There are two parts to Psalm Sunday this week: Psalm 107 and my personal psalm.  Here is my psalm:

Praise God for his deliverance!
  For delivering me from my health issues as a child and teenager.
  For delivering me from temptation.
  For delivering me from the bitterness and hate that life can bring.

Praise God for his mercy!
  He has shown me his mercy each and every day.
  He showed his mercy in helping me recover from the sins of not taking care of myself.
  He showed mercy in healing me from emotional challenges I faced in my life.
  He showed mercy in the ways of dealing with others.

Praise God for He is faithful.
  He reveals himself to me when I truly seek him
  He comforts me when I need him.
  He teaches me when I am open to learning.
  He restores me when I am too exhausted from the daily battle.

Pondering the works of the Almighty God is the theme of Psalm 107.  Like the people of Israel, we often need reminded of God's workings in our lives.  Praise God!  Read this psalm out loud... with feeling!

Psalm 107

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
    those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
3 those he gathered from the lands,
    from east and west, from north and south.
4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
    finding no way to a city where they could settle.
5 They were hungry and thirsty,
    and their lives ebbed away.
6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
    to a city where they could settle.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9 for he satisfies the thirsty
    and fills the hungry with good things.
10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
    prisoners suffering in iron chains,
11 because they rebelled against God’s commands
    and despised the plans of the Most High.
12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
    they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
    and broke away their chains.
15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
    and cuts through bars of iron.
17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
    and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
18 They loathed all food
    and drew near the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he saved them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them;
    he rescued them from the grave.
21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
    and tell of his works with songs of joy.
23 Some went out on the sea in ships;
    they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24 They saw the works of the Lord,
    his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
    that lifted high the waves.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
    in their peril their courage melted away.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
    they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
    the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
    and he guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
    and praise him in the council of the elders.
33 He turned rivers into a desert,
    flowing springs into thirsty ground,
34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,
    because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
35 He turned the desert into pools of water
    and the parched ground into flowing springs;
36 there he brought the hungry to live,
    and they founded a city where they could settle.
37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
    that yielded a fruitful harvest;
38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
    and he did not let their herds diminish.
39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
    by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
40 he who pours contempt on nobles
    made them wander in a trackless waste.
41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
    and increased their families like flocks.
42 The upright see and rejoice,
    but all the wicked shut their mouths.
43 Let the one who is wise heed these things
    and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13

Giver

Our Daily Bread
Yes, I am a giver.  I prefer to give rather to receive.  God has been teaching me to accept the good will of others the past five years.  It has been a challenge for me.

It is a challenge for many folks to accept the Grace of God, the mercy of God.  When I have trouble accepting things, it is for several reasons.  I don't always trust the other persons intentions.  I don't want to "bother" anyone.  I don't feel worthy of the effort by others.  For humans, God already made the effort by giving his Son for us.  He continues to make the effort to reach out to us through his Holy Spirit.  He reassures us that we are his beloved children even when we don't always act like it.  God wants to be with us.  He wants fellowship with us, his special creation.  Put aside the things that are keeping you from him today.

Lord, thank you for reaching out to use and giving us your love and grace.

Simply Saturday
Longsuffering
I learned more about this Fruit of the Spirit this week.  We all have situations in our lives that we ask God "What the heck?"  I have had one specific situation for over five years where I asked something much strong of God.  I will let you imagination fill that in...

While reading my latest book, I read about a monk who was assigned to an elder that was abusive to him for 42 years!  42 years!  At the death of the elder, the monk asked God "What next?"  God finally explained that he had been answering the monk's prayer to learn more about God's love and God's grace for the last 42 years.  The monk felt in his spirit that, as always, God was right.  The monk had served God faithfully all this time to learn the lessons he needed.

I had trouble reading this story.  I was brought up in the United States of America where folks stand up for themselves and always want things to be "fair".  What did I learn?  Sometimes God allows us to experience unpleasant things because he knows he can use them to his glory.  He never allows more to happen to us than we can bear.  He knows exactly when our endurance fades and sends his Holy Spirit to comfort us.

I can testify to these things.  I was released from my situation last weekend after realizing that I learned the lessons I needed to learn.  My prayers were answered.  I had no idea along the way what the end result would be, but I knew that I was doing that God instructed.  It was not easy.  It was not always pleasant.  It was my journey.  I traveled it to the best of my ability.

I want to encourage you.  Whatever you are facing, whatever you think you can't handle, whatever you think is impossible, pour it all to God.  He already knows, but it will bring you closer to him to express all your fears and emotions and joys with Him!  I can testify!

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Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Many mansions

Our Daily Bread
I have only experienced "mansions" in very limited quantity!  My most vivid memory is attending a wedding with a boyfriend in Beverly Hills, California.  I felt very out of place, even in one of the smaller mansions!

I don't think we will have that problem in heaven!  Praise God!  Thought we really don't know exactly what Jesus meant when he told his disciples about the mansions in heaven, we know that heaven will be an incredible place.  Seriously, does it matter if we have a mansion?  We will be with Jesus!  We will be worshiping the Almighty God!  What else could compare?  Not some silly old mansion!  ha!  Think on these things today when life gets us down and earth doesn't feel much like home.

Lord, thank you for preparing a place for us, whatever it is.  Please help us serve as best as we can while still on this earth.

Foodie Friday
A friend shared this recipe on Facebook.  I will try it with whole wheat pasta shells and ground turkey.  It looks so good!

Mexican Stuffed Shells
Ingredients

12 -18 large pasta shells, cooked
1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons taco seasoning, I use Bulk Taco Seasoning Mix
1/2 cup water
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups salsa, divided
1 cup grated cheese, divided ( jalapeno Monterey Jack is especially good, but cheddar will work well too.)
750 ml tomato sauce
chili powder, to taste
green onion, for garnish

Directions

1. Brown ground beef and drain.
2. Add seasoning, water, onion, and 1/2 cup of salsa and 1/4 cup cheese.
3. Mix together remaining salsa, tomato sauce,and chili powder.
4. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 12 baking pan.
5. Fill each shell with the ground beef mixture and place in pan.
6. Pour remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese on top and garnish with green onion. Cover and freeze at this point.
7. Defrost overnight and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. (Cook from frozen for 2 hours at 300°F).
8. If desired sprinkle additional cheese on top after baking and return to oven for 5 minutes longer or until cheese melts.

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Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God - William Carey

Through a glass, darkly

Our Daily Bread
I have had a lot of trouble with my eye sight the past five years, mostly from 2008 to early 2012.  There were many days that looking at my computer screen at work was a challenge for me.  Trying to read a book or read music in tempo was a challenge for me.  I prayed to see clearly again.  God answered my prayers (and the prayers of others)!  I now have acceptable eye sight without glasses and 20/20 vision with glasses!  Praise God!

Our spiritual lives can be like this, too.  Because of things we have said or done, we feel like we can't clearly see God's direction for us.  We can't see what he has in store.  We can't see that he is working to our ultimate good because we love him and serve him the best we can.  We can't see nuttin'!  ha!  Through the power of His Love and His Grace, the scales drop away so we can see clearly.  No fog.  No condensation on our spiritual eyeglasses.  No junk obscuring our view of our blessed lives.  Praise God!

Lord, thank you for giving us vision, a heavenly vision, if we seek you and love you!

Technology Thursday
Here are some miscellaneous topics in technology today.

The good news: technology buys can easily be found with back to school specials!  The bad news: most new desktops and laptops have Windows 8 on them.  Ewwwww!

Ten types of tablets for students

First there were "iPhone killers".  Now there are Samsung Galaxy S4 killers!  LG releases the Optimus G phone to compete with the S4.

Why you should never let Chrome store your passwords

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We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site

A firm foundation

Our Daily Bread
Ever tried playing sand volleyball?  Ever tried walking in deep, deep snow?  Ever try walking on grass that is soaked from too much rain?  Then you understand how important it is to have a firm foundation!  It is the key to moving forward!

The devotional talked about the importance of teaching children a firm foundation in the scriptures as they grow and develop.  The example was priceless!  What if you didn't grow up that way?  Is it hopeless?  NO!  Start building your firm foundation today!  Start reading scriptures, even if you don't understand what you are reading.  They will have an effect on you!  God's Holy Spirit will touch you and help you grow.  Start your firm foundation today!

Lord, thank you for the examples in your Word about firm foundations.  Please help us start and continue to build ours today!

Wellness Wednesday
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF HANDLING CONFLICT

“I love mankind - it’s people I can’t stand.” Charlie Brown, in Charles Schulz’ timeless comic strip, “Peanuts”

Charlie Brown had a point: relationships with other human beings are wonderful – in theory. In reality, they can be difficult and messy. But nothing determines our success in life as much as our ability to work with other people.

And nothing is more messy in relationships than dealing with conflict. But I believe there are both constructive and destructive ways to approach it. Here are my top ten responses:

1. Obey the 101% Principle.
What’s that? “Find the 1% that you agree on and give it 100% of your effort.”
Writer Cullen Hightower said, “There’s too much said for the sake of argument and too little said for the sake of agreement.” The first and best response when conflict emerges in a relationship is to actively search for the areas where you already agree. It’s the quickest way to start moving the conflict toward resolution.

2. Love people more than opinions.
Do you know anyone who does the opposite? How much conflict does he or she experience in life? It’s my belief that anyone who loves his opinions more than his friends will defend his opinions and destroy his friends. Focus on the relationship over and above the issue, and you’ll keep the lines of communication open.

3. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
I’ve often said that to handle yourself, you should use your head. But to handle others, you should use your heart. It’s natural to do the opposite: To let ourselves off the hook while we demand perfection from others. Assume right motives from the person you’re in conflict with. This defuses defensiveness and allows you both to focus on solving the problem at hand.

4. Learn to be flexible.
Thomas Jefferson famously said, “In matters of principle, stand like a rock. In matters of taste, swim with the current.” Ask yourself two important questions: “Does this really make a difference?” and “Will I care about this tomorrow?” If you answer “no,” then perhaps you can compromise on your position.

5. Provide an escape hatch for the other person in the conflict.
Years ago, in their policy for dealing with angry customers, Enterprise Car Rentals urged staff to “never let the customer lose face.” It’s tempting in a conflict to try to argue the other person into a corner, to try to force them to agree with you. But it’s more realistic and effective to gently persuade them, so they can compromise without feeling like they’ve lost.

6. Check your own attitudes.
It’s been said that if Joe has a problem with Paul, and Joe has a problem with Karen, and Joe has a problem with Samuel, then maybe Joe is the problem. Is conflict a frequent part of many of your relationships? Perhaps it’s time to take a look in the mirror and see if your actions or attitudes are the cause of the recurring conflict.

7. Don’t overreact.
When conflict arises, it’s important to keep it in perspective and react appropriately. How big of an issue is it, really? Does your reaction match it in intensity? If not, then you might be responding to an underlying issue or something from your past. I believe that when my response is more intense than the issue at hand, then my response is often about something else. That’s something I need to resolve with myself.

8. Don’t become defensive.
Contrary to how it makes us feel, most conflict is not directly about us. Instead, it’s a problem to be solved by two or more people. Avoid the blame game, and you’ll have a clearer head for approaching the problem logically.

9. Welcome the conflict.
In spite of our best efforts, we will all have conflict with other people, because they’re not just like us. They have different personalities, beliefs, and desires, so there will be disagreements and misunderstandings. Rather than running from conflict, or reacting with horror when it comes up, focus on resolving it together and making it a learning experience. It’s been said that conflict can give you either ulcers or understanding.

10. Take a risk.
This is the hardest part. When faced with the potential for conflict, we may be tempted to disconnect and distrust. We think that will avoid pain. But the reality is that everyone in relationship gets hurt. I made the decision a long time ago that I would rather risk being hurt than keep people at a distance. So I choose every day to be vulnerable with others, to believe the best about them, and trust them.

Conflict is an inevitable part of life. And these ten commandments aren’t all that can be said about handling it. But following them will help you approach conflict in a healthy and constructive way, setting the stage to work together to find a resolution that allows both of you to win.

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Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site

Without equal

Our Daily Bread
While my roommate was flipping channels last night, he asked me if I had ever watched "Worlds Strongest Man" competitions.  I said "Yes, I watched that a few times..."  hehehe  He didn't know my love for hunky strong men, of course!

While these strong, strong men can pull buses, dead lift small cars, and push large stone spheres over their heads, their strength pales in comparison to our Almighty God!  Whatever these men can move, God created.  Whatever they can lift with their massive muscles, God can think into being.  God has the same power over the evil in this world.  It is not a yin and yang scenario.  It is our Almighty God allowing us to have free will and allowing evil to exist.  There is no equal to our God!

Lord, thank you, our Almighty King of heaven and earth, for having a personal relationship with us!

Teaching Tuesday
I finished the book Surprised by Joy this weekend.  It is amazing how much reading, mending pants and watching movies you can get done while sitting on the couch with your left foot elevated!

I was fascinated by the early life stories of C.S. Lewis.  Nothing prepared me for the last few chapters as he wrapped up his stories with his epiphany.  He expertly wove the thought patterns together to figure out the source of real joy.  The source of meaning of life.  His journey to God and his ultimate surprise of the joy only God can give!

NEXT UP: I started a book called The Mountain of Silence in 2011.  I stopped reading about page 140 (our of 240 pages), and put the book down.  I was losing interest because I didn't understand the things I was reading.  God lead me to pick the book up again on Sunday.  As always, he knew exactly what he was doing!  The passages began to speak to me, you know the ones that I just didn't "get" before.  I was highlighting and underlining like crazy!  I will finish the book this week and write about it next Tuesday.

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You are a success in God’s kingdom if you are faithful where He has placed you. - Our Daily Bread

Hopeless

The Upper Room (the odb.org site was down today)
When I use the word "hopeless", I am usually joking with someone or someone has joked with me.  "Yes, I know, I am a hopeless flirt" or "I know that teaching me to ice skate is a hopeless endeavor".  ha!  Beyond that, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt of the hope I have in God!  Praise God!

Yes, our hope is from the Lord.  He gives us every good thing in our lives (or at least gives us the strength to obtain every good thing in our lives).  I have thought about hope a lot the past few months.  What are you hoping for?  Do you place your hopes and dreams in the hands of God?  Do you believe in the things that He promised you without a doubt?  Please know that there is hope in the power of our God even when things seem beyond hopeless to the human eye!  Like the solitary flower in the devotional, I pray that we can all look for the signs of hope in our lives today!

Lord, our hope and strength come from you.  Please help us have faith and serve you!

Movie Monday
I saw the movie The Way, Way Back last week.  It wasn't on my movie radar until I looked over my options.  I noticed that the critics and viewers agreed that this is a great movie.  That is unusual!  I must admit that I agree with them as well.  It is a great movie!

The plot is a coming of age story of a 14 year old boy that goes to the summer house of his mother's boyfriend.  There are lots of sub plots and interesting characters, which endeared me to the movie.  There is more than just the boy coming of age!  If you like these kinds of touching movies, and I usually don't, you will love this movie.

I give it three bear paws.  It is a great matinee movie or an excellent NetFlix view when it is available.

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Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40