Transparent

Our Daily Bread
Transparency means different things to different people. Older folks think it means those sheets of clear film that we used to write on and project on a screen before Powerpoint came along! Gosh, I am old!

I have written my blog with a high level of personal transparency over the years. It takes people off guard. It can also make people feel umcomfortable -- especially me! LOL Reading today's devotion reminded me why I write this way and why I need to keep working on transparency. Letting others see in can help them overcome their similar issues. It can encourage others to know that other folks have things they deal with. We can also encourage each other as well share our experiences. Living our Christian lives in community is how things are supposed to work!

Lord, transparency is not easy. Please help us put aside our pride, selfishness ande arrogance so we can get closer to you!

Technology Thursday
Old School
I admit that I use too many harsh chemicals around the house. To clean the toilet. To kill weeds. To get all the germs off the kitchen counters. I found two old school, all natural alternatives that I plan to try. Both involve white vinegar. I will let you know how it goes.

Weed killer

Toilet bowl cleaner
Pour about a cup of white vinegar in your toilet. Let sit for 15 - 20 minutes. Brush around the edges and flush. Your toilet is clean and sparkly! (and disinfected!)

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

Even in Ohio?

Our Daily Bread
If you can imagine, I have a joke with friends about the passage "be content in whatever state you are in" -- even if it is OHIO! LOL You can substitute your state name if you want!

Being content and peaceful in your current circumstances is a great goal. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't try to improve ourselves or our station in life. The point is that we should move forward for the glory of God, not for our own glorification or worldly desires. God wants what is best for each of us. There are so many times that we push ourselves too hard for the wrong reasons. If you have any questions about this topic, check out the lyrics to Praise you in this storm by Casting Crowns. God is there whether you are up, down, in Ohio or Kentucky, wherever!

Lord, our state of mind and heart do not need to be linked to our circumstances -- only to you!

Wellness Wednesday
6 Foods You Should Make Yourself (and Not Buy!) [article]

Oatmeal
Oatmeal packets are typically full of sugar and other preservatives and it's much cheaper to make your own! If your mornings are really rushed, you can even make your own packets ahead of time!

Hummus
Once you make your own hummus, you'll never be able to go back to buying it from the store. It comes together in minutes and is SO much better (and cheaper)!

Salad Dressing
My favorite salad dressing is super easy and you can combine all ingredients in a jar, shake until combined and keep right in the jar - it won't last long!

1 part olive oil + 2 parts vinegar + diced shallots + dijon mustard + salt & pepper

Soup
Making soup at home means you know exactly what goes into it and you won't need to add unnecessary ingredients or preservatives. Soup also freezes nicely, so make a big batch and freeze in portions to eat later.

Guacamole
It can be tempting to buy packaged guacamole, but making your own is much tastier and only takes a few minutes. Combine an avocado with a lime or lemon and season with salt and pepper.

Extra additions: chopped cilantro, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, chopped jalapeno peppers

Croutons
Stale bread need not be thrown away! Simply cut into 1 inch pieces, drizzle with olive oil, season with spi

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

Grace and endurance

Our Daily Bread
Have you ever watched a NASCAR race? I watch clips from races sometimes. It amazes me how some drivers escape danger during crashes.  It also amazes me how long they drive so fast!

These observations brought me to the title for today's entry - Grace and endurance. NASCAR drivers are "lucky". We have grace to get us through dangerous times in our lives. NASCAR drivers have endurance. They had to develop that just like we need to develop spiritual endurance in our lives. Our race was started. Let us drive our race the best we can so we can see Jesus waving the checkered flag!  

Lord, you let us drive and drive.  Please help us seek your will so we can experience grace and build endurance.

Teaching Tuesday
Surprised by Hope 
by NT Wright

I finished my quick read of this book last week. I liked it OK, I guess. As one friend posted on Facebook "God's Kingdom - A Holy Ambiguity?" I suggested this book as a reference to a different viewpoint than what we were taught in Sunday School and college. 

My personal opinion is that we can try to piece together scriptures all we want, but we don't know. Lots and lots of smart people have tried to figure it out over the years. I think it is what way for several reasons:

1. human pride - we are bad enough now! Can you imagine what we would be like if we had all the answers? Humans would try to find the easiest path to get to whatever is after this life. There is also the pride of "knowing", people lifting themselves up instead of God.
2. faith - we are to trust God for every breath and for what comes after this life. That is easily said, but not easily done!
3. God is God - We try to restrict God because out tiny minds can't understand his awesomeness. Imagine our afterlife being a million times more wonderful than we can comprehend - then multiply that by a million! 

Reading books like this is a good exercise. Check it out on Amazon or your local Christian bookstore.

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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

Truly wondrous

Our Daily Bread
I saw a video on Facebook over the weekend that explained how magicians do the "bend the spoon trick". There is a special kind of metal that returns to the shape it was given at a certain temperature. A magician uses a spoon made out of that material and "bends" the spoon to its original shape. The metal in the spoon actually does all the work!

I know that completely blows your mind like it did mine! ha! I thought about how God does truly wondrous things in the lives of his children. We are made of a metal that is in the image of God. We spend our lives seeking the ways to get back to God after the world and sin bends our lives out of shape. God is there. No magic involved.  Just love and his Holy Spirit to lead and guide us!

Lord, please help us love you and thank you for the way you straighten out our lives!

Movie Monday
I saw two movies this week - a brand new one and an old one that was new to me.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
I was hesitant to see this one. After reading the reviews and user opinions, I paid my money for the 3D ticket. I am not sure the 3D was worth the extra money, but the movie was pretty good. The story line is about how the apes and the humans meet up again after not having contact for several years. The apes are thriving. The humans are struggling. The thing that struck me most about the movie was that there is good and bad in ALL of us no matter what our species!

I give this movie 3 bear paws. See it on the big screen, though 3D is not necessary.

North by Northwest
I hadn't heard of this movie until I saw it on the CAPA summer movie list. It stars Cary Grant. Need I say more? LOL It is considered a Hitchcock masterpiece for it suspense and the balance of a charming performance by Cary Grant. It is a little over two hours long, which is very long for a movie made in 1959, but it held my attention.

I give this movie three bear paws. Rent it. The last showing on the CAPA series was last night.

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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.

Yes. Virginia, there is grace

Our Daily Bread
There was a famous movie about Santa Claus and a little girl named Virginia that wrote a letter to him. The first line in the letter has been immortalized in movie lore "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus..."  While reading the devotional, I thought about Virginia writing God about his existence!

"Yes, Virginia, there is grace" might be a line in the letter. Each of us probably asks this question many times in our lives, especially after we make mistakes! Dealing with the wages of our sins can be a horrible thing. As humans, we think we can get a way with stuff, then are surprised over and over when reality hits! Yikes! Let's pray for each other that we live our lives in the glow of God's grace!

Lord, we know you know everything. Please help us live that way!

Sunday Wisdom
Today is the first day of "Sunday Wisdom". I will post one of the Proverbs each Sunday. I love reading the wisdom of the Proverbs!  I hope you do too! Proverbs 1 talks about the call of Wisdom and the danger of evil companions!

Proverbs 1 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

Prologue
2 For learning about wisdom and instruction,
    for understanding words of insight,
3 for gaining instruction in wise dealing,
    righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to teach shrewdness to the simple,
    knowledge and prudence to the young—
5 let the wise also hear and gain in learning,
    and the discerning acquire skill,
6 to understand a proverb and a figure,
    the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
    fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Warnings against Evil Companions
8 Hear, my child, your father’s instruction,
    and do not reject your mother’s teaching;
9 for they are a fair garland for your head,
    and pendants for your neck.
10 My child, if sinners entice you,
    do not consent.
11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood;
    let us wantonly ambush the innocent;
12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive
    and whole, like those who go down to the Pit.
13 We shall find all kinds of costly things;
    we shall fill our houses with booty.
14 Throw in your lot among us;
    we will all have one purse”—
15 my child, do not walk in their way,
    keep your foot from their paths;
16 for their feet run to evil,
    and they hurry to shed blood.
17 For in vain is the net baited
    while the bird is looking on;
18 yet they lie in wait—to kill themselves!
    and set an ambush—for their own lives!
19 Such is the end of all who are greedy for gain;
    it takes away the life of its possessors.

The Call of Wisdom
20 Wisdom cries out in the street;
    in the squares she raises her voice.
21 At the busiest corner she cries out;
    at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing
    and fools hate knowledge?
23 Give heed to my reproof;
I will pour out my thoughts to you;
    I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused,
    have stretched out my hand and no one heeded,
25 and because you have ignored all my counsel
    and would have none of my reproof,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity;
    I will mock when panic strikes you,
27 when panic strikes you like a storm,
    and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
    when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
    they will seek me diligently, but will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge
    and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30 would have none of my counsel,
    and despised all my reproof,
31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way
    and be sated with their own devices.
32 For waywardness kills the simple,
    and the complacency of fools destroys them;
33 but those who listen to me will be secure
    and will live at ease, without dread of disaster.”

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Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. - Hebrews 13:8

Power in a name

Our Daily Bread
Have you ever noticed in the Old Testament how powerful names are? The same is true in the New Testament. Names were an important part of the Jewish culture. Abram to Abraham. Sarai to Sarah. Jacob to Israel. Saul to Paul. There are several instances of where God told fathers to name their sons unexpected names (John the Baptist and Jesus).

We see the power of names and nicknames today. There are some words you just DON'T say because of the negative power they have. Instead of lifting othets up, we use names or nicknames (or slurs) to tear people down. I told a concert band friend one time "I don't understand how a slur can be so beautiful in music, but so awful otherwise!"  Be careful what names or nicknames you use!

Lord, you have a nickname for us "beloved children of God"! 

Simply Saturday
This song seems to go hand-in-hand with the devotional. Read the lyrics or listen to the song and think about it.

"Words" as sung by Hawk Nelson [video]

They've made me feel like a prisoner
They've made me feel set free
They've made me feel like a criminal
Made me feel like a king

They've lifted my heart
To places I'd never been
And they've dragged me down
Back to where I began

Words can build you up
Words can break you down
Start a fire in your heart or
Put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

You can heal the heartache
Speak over the fear
(Speak over the fear)
God, Your voice is the only thing
We need to hear
(We need to hear)

Words can build us up
Words can break us down
Start a fire in our hearts or
Put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You
(Back to You)

Let the words I say
(Let the words I say)
Be the sound of Your grace
(Sound like Your grace)
I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

I wanna speak Your love
Not just another noise
Oh, I wanna be Your light
I wanna be Your voice

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You
(Back to You)

Let the words I say
(Let the words I say)
Be the sound of Your grace
(Sound like Your grace)
I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You
(Back to You)

Words can build us up
Words can break us down
Start a fire in our hearts
Or put it out

I don't wanna say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

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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).

New approach

Our Daily Bread
There is a common meme or saying: "doing the same things over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity". LOL How true is that in our lives? We try to do things on our own and expect different results than the last time!

I loved this saying in the devotional:
A faithful person organizes his or her life around a common perspective of trust, not fear. Despite the apparent chaos of the present moment, God does reign. Regardless of how I may feel, I truly matter to a God of love

Wow! How about we all try a new approach to life! Faith and trust in God!

Lord, your ways are not our ways. Please help us learn your ways!

Foodie Friday
A friend gave me a juicer so I am going to try some juice recipes. Some friends from work are "juicers" as we jokingly call them. I got this recipe from one of them.

Mean Green Juice
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1-2
Serving Size: 16oz. (500 mls)

Ingredients
 1 cucumber
4 celery stalks
2 apples
6-8 leaves kale (Australian tuscan cabbage)
1/2 lemon
1 tbsp ginger

Directions
Wash all produce well
Peel the lemon, optional
Juice
Pour over ice
Enjoy!

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The only remedy for hearts that “want it all” is the contentment found in the presence of the living God. He is sufficient for our needs and longings, and He alone can bring us the peace and contentment we’ll never find in the pursuits of this life. - Our Daily Bread

Point of reference

Our Daily Bread
Have you ever traveled to a large city like NYC, Chicago or San Francisco that has tall buildings or other landmarks that you use as a point of reference? "Oh, there's the Chrysler Building, we need to go this way..." might be heard many times. I have a joke with some friends that you can always tell the tourists by the way they look up at the buildings! ha!

I don't mind be called a "spiritual tourist" if it means that I am looking at our Savior all the time for direction! I know I don't. Like many tourists of this world, I think I know the right way to go. Finally, in frustration, I might ask directions. Might  LOL As spiritual tourists, we need to follow our directions, stop immediately to ask for clarification if we get off track and continuously move towards our Heavenly Father!

Lord, please  help us always be willing to ask for directions and be willing to follow them!

Technology Thursday
25 totally unnecessary but desirable travel gadgets
By Jill Becker and Tamara Hinson, for CNN

Yes, it's great to travel light.

Sure, too much tech can make life trickier, not easier. No, that's not going to stop us listing some of the coolest gadgets, gizmos and accessories that could just make you the happiest traveler this side of the Apple store. (If only till you lose them/have them stolen.)

Narrative clip-on camera
This is a tiny five-megapixel camera that clips onto your clothes and does the work for you, automatically taking two photos every minute when turned on. The accompanying app lets you save, organize and search the images. Narrative, $279.

Modern-twist mark-mat
A washable mark-mat is a great time-waster for kids to draw on. The doodle-friendly placemats feature scenes from several top cities, including Paris and New York, and come alone or with four dry-erase markers so kids can wipe off their work and start over again. Modern-twist, $18-25.

Dom Reilly Watch Roll
This layer of high-tech foam (the same stuff used in F1 cars) protects your timepieces from 97% of the shock from an impact. Dom Reilly, $500.

Smythson Chameleon Collection Travel Journal
Jotting down your travel-related musings is made less choresome by this luxurious notebook, which has a goatskin cover and ultra-thin pages. Smythson, $280.

Fitkit fitness solution
This portable fitness solution combines resistance bands, handled resistance tubes, a jump rope, pedometer and more in a handy package weighing less than two pounds. Fitkit, $34.99.

SleepPhones
A "headphone in a headband" that fits snugly around your ears and provides hours of audio to help reduce ambient noises? Finally!
The wireless version ($99.95) syncs with your smart phone or other Bluetooth-enabled device.
SleepPhones, $39.95.

Scottevest Blackout Pocket
You can foil, or at least delay, digital thieves with this high-tech clothing pocket. The totable 5x6.5-inch pouch is lined with an RFID-blocking material, securing the info on credit cards and cellphones from scanners, skimmers and the like. SCOTTEVEST, $20-40.

Panasonic HX-A500 wearable camcorder
This is the world's first 25-frame-a-second, 4K (very high resolution) wearable camcorder, worn on any part of the body and operated with a separate control panel. It can record underwater and if your shots are wonky, it'll automatically level them out. Panasonic, $399.99.

BioLite CampStove
The BioLite CampStove can toast your marshmallows and charge your smart phone. By burning a few sticks inside, enough electricity is generated to charge multiple electronic devices, while you heat water, grill some burgers or sear some s'mores. Biolitestove, $129.95.


Clever Travel Companion secure clothing
Cash, passports and other treasures can be secured in the hidden pockets of a stylish line of T-shirts, tank tops and, yes, even undies and long johns. Clever Travel Companion, starting at $21.90.

SwaggerTag
This is a colorful ID tag to personalize your baggage using a family photo, the logo of your favorite sports team or any other image. Your personal information is stored safely inside. SwaggerTag, $3.99.

SteriPEN Ultra
This clever piece of kit eliminates 99.9% of bacteria from water in just 48 seconds. The UV lamp can be used to treat 8,000 one-liter containers. SteriPEN, $99.95.

Zeiss Victory HT 8x42 binoculars
These binoculars claim to offer the best light transmission on the market, which means you'll still get great vision on the cloudiest of days. They're also extremely tough, with housing made from high tensile magnesium and a coating that repels water. Cabelas, $2,249.99.

Trakdot luggage tracker
Trakdot is a compact unit outfitted with a GSM chip that you tuck in your bag, allowing you to track its location on your computer or smart phone. The price tag includes activation and your first year's service. Trakdot, $89.99.

Bentley Mulsanne B-001 WG sunglasses
First step on the road to owning a Bentley car -- the Bentley sunglasses. Made from white gold and featuring the same B found on your Bentley Mulsanne gear lever (if you own one), even the case is impressive -- a reassuringly solid box designed to fit perfectly into the center console of your Bentley. Again, if you own one. Bentley Eyewear, $15,950.

"Dog Lover's Guide To Travel"
Kelly Carter's new book dishes advice on everything from prepping your pooch for a trek to the beach (yes, they should wear sunscreen) to finding the most Fido-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks and more in 75 cities across North America. "The Dog Lover's Guide to Travel," $22.95.

Ultimate Bag on Wheels pet carrier
Sherpa's Ultimate Bag on Wheels pet carrier is a medium-sized bag with wheels for animals weighing up to 16 pounds. It's part of the company's Guaranteed on Board program, ensuring acceptance on Delta, Southwest and most other major airlines. Ultimate on Wheels, $147.

Simple.be metal-free belts
Simple.be makes metal-free belts that won't set off airport security detectors. They're made of sturdy polypropylene or polyester webbing and feature an acetal buckle.
The belts are available in a multitude of colors and feature either a diamond or zigzag pattern. simple.be, $19-29.

Mytask Urban iPhone case and toolkit
This iPhone case protects your precious cellphone, yes, but it also features a slide-out drawer outfitted with a mirror, tweezers, bottle opener, stylus, screwdriver, USB drive, mini LED light and even a pair of scissors. It's TSA compliant, so it's safe to go through the X-ray machine. Mytask URBAN iphone case, $60.

Louis Vuitton shower-trunk
If a standard suitcase won't cut it, you'll be pleased to know one of LV's made-to-order options now includes this shower-in-a-trunk -- a suitcase that turns into a shower. The bad news is you'll only be given a price quote if you commission the brand to make one. Risky. Louis Vuitton, price on request.

Williams Handmade luggage
Williams Handmade is a luxury leather luggage company founded by creative genius Sarah Williams -- a British designer whose background includes stints at some of the world's top leather goods companies. Her the cross-shaped Emmett case is lovely, but if you're an imaginative traveler with money to burn, her bespoke service is the easiest way to guarantee your luggage stands out. Williams Handmade, from $146.

Two-Person Sandless Beach Mat
This towel was reportedly developed for military use, made from a woven polyurethane material that sand won't stick to. It also won't absorb moisture, so it won't go moldy. Hammacher, $59.95.

Bang and Olufsen Beolit 12 travel speaker
This is just about the coolest-looking iPhone-ported speaker set you'll find. It comes with an eight-hour battery life. Beoplay, $599.

Hendrick's Gin with Traveler's Case
Why reduce yourself to a hip flask when a leather satchel says so much more? A bottle of gin isn't the only thing inside this leather bag -- you also get a hip flask and a cashmere and silk scarf. Harrods, $1,349.

The Orator's Briefcase PA System
This multipurpose suitcase is designed for businessmen making speeches on short notice. The case comes with a built-in, 20-watt amplifier, a pop-up lectern and two microphones. Hammacher, $349.95.

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“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21 niv).

Don't always understand

Our Daily Bread

I read an article the other day talking about how well-meaning Christians can unwittingly say the cruelest things, especially during someone else's tragedy. "It is all part of God's plan." "God will use this if you let him" "He's in a better place". "They aren't really ours -- they are just on loan from God". Oh boy... I know. I have said some of the same things.  Yikes!

The only thing we can say is something like "May the Lord be with you during this time of grief" or my favorite text "u r a bcog U r fawm" Reassuring without assuming God's plan for the whole situation. Stuff happens. God is there for us. Remember the end of the book of Job. Our God reigns!

Lord, it is not always easy to remember our place in this life and the life to come. Please help always trust you.

Wellness Wednesday

Medical myths: What doctors thought they didn't need to say

By Caitlin Schmidt [link]

Common knowledge when it comes to all things health and medicine might not be so common after all.

Inspired by a topic on Reddit, CNN reached out to health care providers, seeking stories of patients armed with surprising medical misinformation.

The responses ranged from amusing to concerning. We picked a few in hopes that you can learn from their mistakes. Here's what doctors thought they didn't have to tell patients:

Don't stare directly at the sun

"Once I had a 15-year-old patient tell me she couldn't see. ... She had stared at the sun for five minutes straight and burned a hole in the center of both retinas, resulting in a blind spot in the middle of her vision for the rest of her life."

Dr. Cindy Wang of the California Optometric Association thinks this is the only patient she's ever had who didn't know not to look directly at the sun. But Wang has seen other ocular problems arise from sun exposure. Eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and cataracts, can develop due to frequent sun exposure.

"Always wear sunglasses when you're outside," Wang said. "I tell all my patients and still get some that are surprised to hear that."

Sunglasses are the best way to prevent ocular damage by UV rays; for those who don't wear sunglasses, contact lenses or eyeglasses with UV coating provide protection.

'Pulling out' is not a form of protection

"During group session I had one particular patient say, 'You know during intercourse if a guy withdraws before ejaculation, then you cannot contract HIV."

Some of the misinformation about HIV/AIDS can be attributed to fear, said Tasha Kornegay, a sexual health counselor. Many patients are afraid to speak with their doctors about HIV and instead believe the associated myths.

"When discussing and educating people about HIV, we tend to present general information instead of scientific information," Kornegay said. "People may know to wear condoms, but they don't necessarily know why."

HIV can be found in all sexual fluids, including pre-ejaculatory fluid, which is why it's important to always practice safe sex. In order to prevent further transmission, people need to get tested and start dialogues about sexual health.

"Talking can be lifesaving," Kornegay said.

Overdosing on fiber won't cure constipation

"I had a patient come in because of severe constipation, unable to move her bowels for at least a week. She said that the more time that passed without a bowel movement, the more she increased her fiber intake. This 'overdosing' of fiber actually created her constipation issue."

This misunderstanding is common in Dr. Neville Bamji's practice at New York Gastroenterology Associates.

"Many people think fiber cures constipation," he said. "It can help with minor constipation, but it isn't meant to be a cure."

Fiber draws water into the intestine and increases stool bulk, but it isn't digestible. The accumulation of too much fiber in the digestive system can lead to side effects such as gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort. Bamji said that it's an old wives' tale that fiber is the way to fix constipation.

If a person is constipated, he or she should try an over-the-counter laxative, which is a little stronger than fiber and made to relieve constipation.

Don't delay lifesaving medical treatment

"I had a professional basketball player who I called with his biopsy of a melanoma, and he told me he was too busy to come for the surgery. Imagine having to explain to someone that they wouldn't be busy for long -- they would just be dead."

Imagine having to explain to someone that they wouldn't be busy for long -- they would just be dead.

Dr. Debra Jaliman, assistant professor of dermatology

Many people don't believe it's possible to die from a mole, said Dr. Debra Jaliman, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. But melanoma can quickly spread to major organs.

"Early detection is lifesaving," Jaliman said. "It can be a cure, or it can mean death, should a person choose to ignore their diagnosis."

To prevent skin cancer, it's important to use sun protection even on cloudy days and to see a dermatologist for annual skin checks.

Wet hair doesn't cause colds

"One patient I saw recently came in complaining of a cough and sore throat. She said she was totally to blame for catching a cold since she'd left the gym with wet hair."

Leah Rothman, an osteopathic physician who practices family medicine in San Francisco, says this isn't the first patient who's presented her with this theory.

There's absolutely no connection between wet hair and getting sick. The myth stems from an Old English saying about "catching your death of cold," she said. When the phrase was coined, people would avoid bad weather by staying indoors and it was the close proximity to other people that would lead to fatal illnesses, such as pneumonia.

"It's likely the playroom where she dropped off her child or the shared gym equipment she used," Rothman said. "Both those places are good sources for germs."

The best defense for avoiding illness is practicing good hand hygiene and wiping down any shared equipment.

Exercise alone isn't enough to lose weight

"The patient tells me he or she has been on the elliptical each day for 45 minutes, and that the machine says 700 calories have been burned. They get on the scale, and find there's been no weight loss."

It's a common myth that exercise alone will help a person lose weight, said Brad Saks, a clinical psychologist who serves as science adviser for Retrofit, a data-based weight-loss program. People tend to overestimate the number of calories they burn and how hard they worked out.

Even if you're on the stair stepper, "machines highly overestimate the amount of calories burned," Saks said. 

"The maximum calories burned in an hour is 200 to 250, tops."

Saks says that when people exercise more, they tend to eat more.

"They'll make up the deficit quickly," he said.

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We can thank the Lord that through His grace and power, our past is forgiven, our present is changed, and our future is bright with hope for all He has prepared for us - Our Daily Bread, 10/13/13

In times like these

Our Daily Bread
"This Rock is Jesus, yes he's the one. This Rock is Jesus, the only one! Be very sure, be very sure. Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!" Those lyrics are from one of my favorite songs from the Billy Graham Crusades. Wow! Singing that hymn at church seemed like heaven in my little mind!

When thinking about the metaphor of the anchor, I thought about the boats my family owned when I was growing up. We used the anchor to keep the boat in a specific spot, regardless of good weather or bad. Some folks think that the Jesus "Anchor" is only for bad, stormy times. The Anchor is also there to steady our location when we need to stop motoring around!  The Anchor can keep us steady in a storm or keep us from floating around aimlessly! Praise God!

Lord, you are our Solid Rock. Please help anchor our hearts and lives in this Rock!

Teaching Tuesday
Surprised by Hope
by N.T. Wright
I finally started on this book last week. While the premise of the book seems sound -- finding hope in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ -- I have the feeling that I don't need convincing. I believe in all the things I have read so and have for a long time. I will keep reading.

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“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21 niv).

Spiritual CPR

Our Daily Bread
I joke with some friends about doing the Heimlech maneuver or mouth to mouth resuscitation. Noooooooo, not you! we would joke! Ha! I don't think we would joke about it if one of us acutally needed it! No sir!

The devotional made me think about "spiritual CPR". What would we do to rescue our friends and family from spiritual danger? Would we do more than pray? It can be tough to talk to them since they actually know you! Ha! We need to try. Live the right way to show them God's love. Talk the right way so they hear his love!

Lord, you give us the power to reach out to others. Please help us use it!

Movie Monday
The only movie I saw at the theater last week was a repeat because a friend hadn't seen it. I rented a recent movie off of Uverse Saturday night.

Out of the Furnace
This film received some critical acclaim because of the cast. It was a truly amazing cast! The plot is about a man who is constantly trying to keep his younger brother out of trouble while still managing his own life and problems after spending time in jail for a drunk driving accident that killed two people. The acting was amazing. The story line sort of predictable. I thought it was too long for the story they were trying to tell.  That is just me.

I give this one two bear paws. Not a bad rental, but it is not the feel good movie of the the year.

At the theater I saw Maleficent again. I liked that movie.

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God has two dwellings, one in heaven and the other in a meek and thankful heart. —Walton

Prophet

Our Daily Bread
It must have very, very difficult for a small town boy to become a prophet for the entire nation of Israel! There are examples of God using the least of these to do great things for him because they believed and were obedient.

 I can't imagine trying to be one of those guys (or gals) today! The media coverage would be suffocating! Fox News trying to find the flaws in your past. CNN trying to scoop everyone on everything from your diet to your bathroom tissue. Paul Harvey (is he still alive?) trying to tell the rest of the story. LOL Seriously, folks then and folks now usually focused on the unimportant stuff instead of the message God sent. Folks today would also refuse to follow God's instructions.

God doesn't call each of us to be a national prophet. We are called to love God and love others to the best of our abilities. Praise God!

Lord, please help us follow you so we can lead others to you!

Psalm Sunday
Can you believe we read ALL the psalms now!?! Almost three years in the process! Today is Psalm 150. May songs are based on this psalm. It is amazing!

We will start on the Proverbs next week (Sunday Wisdom). There aren't as many of those!

Psalm 150

Praise for God’s Surpassing Greatness

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty firmament!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
    praise him according to his surpassing greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
    praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
    praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with clanging cymbals;
    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

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 “The highest pinnacle of the spiritual life is not happy joy in unbroken sunshine, but absolute and undoubting trust in the love of God.” = A. W. Thorold

Grow together

Our Daily Bread
I liked the reference to measuring the growth of children over time. My family never lived anywhere long enough where we could do that. Nice idea. I wondered what our spiritual lives would be like if we could "measure" it like our physical growth!

Then I think of how full of pride we are. I am sure we would wear tshirts or have fantasy spiritual teams to compete with each other! All kinds of silly possibilities!  I think the formula that God has for us is best (Amen!).  We are to share our experiences in community. When we do that we find that we all are at different levels, many times with different areas in our lives.  We can help each other grow based on our gifts and abilities from God and the many experiences we have had. It is amazing when you experience it! Praise God!

Lord, your ways are not our ways. Please help us share, love and grow together!

Simply Saturday
While I usually prefer upbeat songs, slow songs like All I've Ever Needed often catch my attention. Check out the lyrics to this beautiful song.

All I've Ever Needed [video]

Honestly it's time for honesty
My heart is on my sleeve
Oh will you hear me out?
I've got nothing left to give of me
I gave up everything
So there is nothing less to loose from me now
But you forgive me somehow

I've chased a million things
Bright lights and empty dreams
Now here I am
Right where I thought I wanted to be
I'll trade it all right now
Leave it all and lay it down
To get back to where I belong
Lord all I've ever needed was your love.

Truth be told I made this world my home
I let it steal my soul, but now I want it back
Cause all I need is waiting
In your arms a place to hang my heart
Where I am known at last
You're the one true thing I have

I've chased a million things
Bright lights and empty dreams
Now here I am
Right where I thought I wanted to be
I'll trade it all right now
Leave it all and lay it down
To get back to where I belong
Lord all I've ever needed was your love.

And I know that I was meant to be
More than just a melody
I know that You had hopes for me
I hope you still believe in me...

I've chased a million things
Bright lights and empty dreams
Now here I am
Right where I thought I wanted to be
I'll trade it all right now
Leave it all and lay it down
To get back to where I belong
Lord all I've ever needed was your love
Lord all I've needed was Your love.

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Waiting for God is never a waste of time. - Our Daily Bread Jan 26 2014

Every breath

Our Daily Bread
I may have shared this story before, but I am telling it again since it fits so well with the devotional! While talking to a seminary professor and his wife, we discussed relying completely on the Lord. The professor said something like "Oh YES, for every breath!" His wife and I looked at each other in amazement. We agreed that we need to work harder towards this goal!

I also pondered this devotional from the point of view of a person getting older and wondering how long I can retain my "independence" with all of my health issues. Even the injury last weekend that resulted in 14 stitches and "taking it easy" left me a little wounded otherwise. I am praying about it. While I don't have a roommate any longer, I am fortunate to have many friends that are willing to help me out. I guess my pride keeps me from asking and "being a bother". I am praying about that too.

Regardless of our life situation, we need God, OH how we need God!

Lord, we need thee, really need thee.

Foodie Friday
So I combined two different recipes for a bourbon and chocolate lover cupcake recipe. I made it last night. They turned out great. A hint of bourbon, but not too strong. I used the 85% Cacao chocolate from Aldis. I also only made a half recipe of the frosting.  It was plenty for 24 cupcakes.

Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Cupcakes

Cupcakes
Ingredients
1 box Betty Crocker™ SuperMoist™ devil's food cake mix
1  cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions
Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan).

Generously spray 24 regular- size muffin cups with cooking spray. Make cake batter as directed on box, using cake mix, water, oil, bourbon, eggs and vanilla.

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about two-thirds full).

Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

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FROSTING
Chocolate Bourbon Buttercream:

8 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
6 cups confectioners' sugar
16 Tbsp. (2 sticks) unsalted butter
6 Tbsp. milk, plus more, if needed
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. good-quality bourbon whiskey

Directions:
Melt the chocolate and cool to room temperature.

With an electric mixer, combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, milk, vanilla and  salt, and beat on low speed until combined, about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, then reduce the speed to low.

Add the chocolate and bourbon, and beat until combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat for 1 minute more.

If the frosting is dry, add more milk, 1 tsp. at a time, until it is creamy but still holds peaks.

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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

Weighted down

Our Daily Bread
I accidentally got my days mixed up this week. I am writing about yesterdays devotional today since I wrote about today's yesterday morning. Been that kind of week for me! Oh well. But I digress...

While trying some new training techniques when I was younger, I tried wearing a weighted vest while exercising. I also wear wrist wights many times while I am walking. The extra weight added additional difficulty and made my body work harder.

Worry is like that too, but not in a good way! I kept thinking about the exercise stuff while reading the devotional this morning. I also thought about King David. If he could give his situation to God, shouldn't we be able to give over our cares and worries to God as well? I don't know about you, but I don't have NEARLY the problems that David did!

Lord, you have assured us of your faithfulness over and over in your Word!

Technology Thursday
5 Great Reasons to Surf the Internet with Private Browser Windows
by  Alyssa Bereznak

Whether you like it or not, your actions online are being monitored by social media networks, advertisers, and even the U.S. government. But it’s also pretty easy for other people — your kids, your significant other, or your boss — to see where you've been on the Internet.

When doing normal Web browsing, your computer keeps track of all the websites you’ve visited. Anyone with access to your computer can check out your Web history.

That’s where the private browsing options available in the popular browsers come in handy. In Chrome, the feature is called Incognito Mode, and you can open a new incognito window with Ctrl+Shift+N in Windows or space bar-Shift-N on a Mac. In Internet Explorer, you can access InPrivate Browsing by holding down Ctrl+Shift+P. To open a Private Browsing window in Firefox, it’s Ctrl+Shift+P in Windows or Command-Shift-P on a Mac. In Safari, you’ll have to access it manually by clicking on the Safari menu bar and selecting the Private Browsing option.

These are good tools to ensure that not every online footprint will be seen. See below for some especially good times to use the private option:

1. When using a public computer.
Maybe you’re checking your email real quick on the hotel lobby’s guest computer, or logging in to Facebook while you wait for assistance at the Genius Bar. Whatever you’re doing, a regular browser window will automatically save every Web address you visit to its history folder. If you forget to clear that history, or to log off, someone might be able to see everything you were doing, or even access any accounts you left open.

2. When using a communal computer.
Take it from me, a kid who would relentlessly search every corner of the house for my Christmas gifts from my parents: If you are sharing a computer in your home, a family member will find a loophole to spy on your search history. And if you happen to be shopping online for birthday gifts, engagement rings, or anything else special, all your planning for a memorable surprise will be ruined once another person wanders into the History folder.

The same goes for when you’re sharing a computer with your significant other. Just one quick click on another girl’s Facebook page can pique suspicion, even if it’s completely innocent.

3. To see what others see while searching.
Most search engine algorithms take into account your search history and the basic information you’ve given them to bring up the most relevant, personalized results. That’s usually helpful, but it also means that when you search your own name, you might not see what a potential employer sees. To test your results against a clean search history slate, open a private browsing window. This is how the rest of the Internet views you.

4. To get past paywalls.
Some news sites (cough, The New York Times, cough) have erected paywalls that allow readers to view only 10 articles a month. It tracks the number you’ve clicked and then blocks you from reading any further unless you sign up for a digital subscription. If you don’t care to do that, however, you can simply open a private browsing window, and it’ll have no memory of your past browsing on the site. Sneaky, huh?

5. To keep your shopping history private.
Suggested shopping results at Amazon, for example, work by using cookies to track your browsing. They’ll then advertise similar products when you log back in to the site, or even visit another one. After I bought kitty litter on Amazon, for instance, every single YouTube ad became cat related. That’s a little creepy. And if you happen to be searching for a nose trimmer, or a wart cream, it could even be embarrassing.

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

Tender hearted

Our Daily Bread
Many folks are surprised to find out this old bear, who is sometimes a grizzly bear, is also very tender hearted.  I inherited this from my grandfather. Our family joke is our bellies are so big to hold our oversized hearts!  LOL

I can relate to Paul who was also seen as a grizzly bear of sorts for the way he wrote to the fledgling churches. Most folks don't remember him for the kind, nurturing father/mother images that he wrote about at times. He tried to take folks where they were in their journey and gerntly guide them along. Wow! I wish I were more like that! Though I am very good at the grizzly bear thing! Ha!

Lord, please help us to be what we need to be to bring others closer to you.

Wellness Wednesday
10 Ways to Ditch Your Cravings for Sugar, Salt, and Fats
by Mark Hyman, MD [article]

According to a recent article in the New York Times, "Food Corporations Turn to Chefs in a Quest for Healthy Flavor," Big Food companies like PepsiCo, Kellogg's, and even fast food giants like Taco Bell are changing their ways in response to the increasing public demand for healthier food options. To improve their image as healthy food manufacturers, Big Food corporations have called upon top chefs to help them create healthy menu makeovers, infusing real, fresh, whole food into old recipe favorites.

Why is this happening now? Intense pressure brought on by politicians and their constituents (you and me!) has given these food manufacturers no choice but to respond to the public outcry for healthier food. It's no longer enough for these companies to earn a profit by selling food that tastes good. People are beginning to use the power of the pocketbook to show these companies that the food they sell must also be nutritious.

That's because people everywhere are waking up. They are beginning to see the dangers of genetically-modified ingredients and all the sugar, salt, and fats hidden in our food supply. From fancy restaurants to fast food chains, chefs are catching on that people want their food to make them feel good, not just while they are eating it but hours, days, and years afterward.

Really, this news shouldn't make the headlines. This is common sense! Paying for food that makes us sick is as crazy as shooting ourselves in the foot. It just doesn't make sense.

Big Food is finally getting the message and getting on board.

But remember, no processed or fast food option will ever be better than a healthy home-cooked meal. The best way to ensure you are eating the highest quality, most nutritious food possible is to prepare your own food in your own kitchen. We are all chefs. You don't have to be trained at Le Cordon Bleu to know your way around a kitchen. You just need a little knowledge, some imagination, and a sense of adventure.

A desire for real food is a fundamental part of our basic biological blueprint. Given the chance, our taste receptors will naturally gravitate toward the inherent sweetness found in vegetables, fruits, and even nuts and seeds.

So, how do you reprogram your taste buds to ditch the cravings for sugar, salt, and fats? You can start by eating real, fresh, whole foods. Avoid fake, commercialized foods that come in convenience packages or are made in a lab.

Here are 10 more tips to get you excited about ditching the sugar, salt, and fats:

1. Sauté or roast your veggies to bring out their natural sweetness. Properly searing your chicken or meat brings out the inherent sweetness by way of the Maillard reaction. This is a fancy name for what happens when you create that nice, brown crust on your meat.
2. Play with herbs like cilantro, parsley, dill, basil, and oregano to add flavor and phytonutrients! Finish a meal by adding fresh herbs before plating or serving. This last-minute addition kicks the flavor up a notch!
3. Healthy fats found in avocado, coconut, and tahini not only increase the flavor of your meal, they also add that creamy, luscious texture found in many rich foods.
4. Try creating a savory, umami (Japanese for "delicious") flavor. Add moderate amounts of tamari, umeboshi plum paste, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, dried mushroom, or sea vegetables to your next stew, soup, sauce, or stir-fry.
5. Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, clove, ginger, and even cayenne or chipotle pepper powder are all extremely flavorful additions to a meal. Spices like these excite your taste buds and grab your attention. This is helpful, because, as studies show, when we are focused on actually tasting our food rather than mindlessly gobbling it up, we actually need less food to feel satisfied.
6. Befriend some kitchen must-haves like real vanilla extract or vanilla bean or coconut butter. Or use common, every-day foods like lemons in some creative ways. For example, use lemon zest to add real zing to any meal!
7. For the most flavor, eat seasonally and locally. Canned or packaged foods or foods that have traveled great distances in the back of a truck just can't compare to the succulence of a fresh piece of locally grown fruit.
8. Check your hydration. Digestion starts in your mouth with your saliva, which helps us taste all the magnificent flavor in food. If you are dehydrated and not producing enough saliva, you won't really be able to enjoy your food.
9. Check your medications. Believe it or not, most medications interfere with the body's ability to taste and smell. Some of them can even create an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth. Wondering how you might decrease the number of pills you take? Learn more about functional medicine.
10. Got nutrition? Nutrient deficiency is an important cause of improper taste perception. A lack of certain vitamins and minerals can markedly impair your ability to smell and taste food. Most Americans have several nutrient deficiencies, but there is one in particular that can especially keep you from enjoying your next meal: zinc. Try adding foods like oysters, pecans, sunflower seeds, and lentils to increase your daily intake of this important mineral.

To your good health,

Mark Hyman, MD

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For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.- Psalm 117:2

I heard about a man

Our Daily Bread
I heard a beautiful song by Cynthia Clawson decades ago called I Heard about a Man [video]. The song talks about some of the things that Jesus did in very creative language. I love this song! Click on the link above to watch and listen.

Who was Jesus? Sooooooooooooo many folks have offered their opinions over the centuries! Each of us needs to make oue own discovery and answer the question for ourselves.Listen to and watch the beautiful video above and decide for yourself!

Lord, please help each of us find our way to you!

Teaching Tuesday
Not sure
I am not sure about the first book I planned to read this summer. I read the preface and was not impressed. It sounds like the author is going to explain all the details of the after life and how all that is going to work. What? He says he is going this under the guise of "hope" in the future. Hmmmmm. I will try skimming some more before I try a full fledged reading.  This sounds like a LOT of speculation!  Oh well.

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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