Monthly Archives: August 2012
Our Daily Bread – Eyes To See
Read: Joshua 3:1-11
My first glimpse of the Promised Land from the hills of Moab was disappointing. “Did this look a lot different when the Israelites got here?” I asked our guide as we looked toward Jericho. I was expecting a dramatic contrast from the east side of the Jordan. “No,” she answered. “It has looked the same for thousands of years.”
I rephrased the question. “What did the Israelites see when they got here?” “The biggest oasis on the face of the whole earth,” she replied.
Then I understood. I had ridden across the barren desert in the luxury of an air-conditioned bus stocked with cold bottled water. To me, an oasis was nothing spectacular. The Israelites had spent years wandering in a hot, dry desert. To them, the sprawling patch of pale green in the hazy distance meant refreshing, life-sustaining water. They were parched; I was refreshed. They were exhausted; I was rested. They had spent 40 years getting there; I had spent 4 hours.
Like an oasis, God’s goodness is found in dry and difficult places. How often, I wonder, do we fail to see His goodness because our spiritual senses have been dulled by comfort. Sometimes God’s gifts are seen more clearly when we are tired and thirsty. May we always thirst for Him (Ps. 143:6).
a deer panting for cold, refreshing water. Please
don’t allow comfort or worldly success to keep us
from seeing You in every detail of our lives.
Spaghetti Salad
Let me tell you a quick story: I remember the very first time I saw this dish. We were over my cousin’s house for a family gathering and there it was; sitting on the table with the other delectable delights. Now to be honest at first sight I squenched up my face and whispered to my husband. “I’m not eating none of that. Looks like someone didn’t use enough spaghetti sauce.” Hence the reddish-orange color. So in comes my cousin into the kitchen who was hosting the gathering. She was like “Girl you have to try this new spaghetti dish I made. It’s to die for.” All while she was piling up my plate with this stuff I just told my husband I was not going to eat. What am I suppose to do now? She is looking me dead in my mouth. Waiting to see what I thought of this concoction of noodles and red stuff. I smiled and amused her curiosity with a little nibble. And to my surprise it was good. I’m mean Really, Really Good. So much so I asked for the recipe. Boy am I glad that I took a bite. I would have missed out on real treat. Like the saying goes, “Never judge a book by its cover.”
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 large tomato or 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese – Store bought powdered version works best
- 1 (8 oz) bottle of Zesty Italian Dressing
- 2 tablespoons McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning
Instructions
1. Wash all veggies. Dice and set aside.
2. In a large pot bring salted water to a boil. Then cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and then immediately run it under cold water.
3. In a large bowl combine all of the vegetables, salad dressing and salad supreme seasoning. Next toss noodles in dressing mixture until well coated. Lastly sprinkle in parmesan cheese and give one good final toss.
4. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight. Serve the next day and enjoy!
Ranch Chicken & Bacon Pasta Salad
I know some may look at me crazy when I say this but it is true; I am not a fan of Ranch Dressing. My only exception is this pasta salad. I don’t know what it is but I just can’t get enough of it. I make this recipe all the time. Which I must admit in the beginning I would buy the box kind. But why should you when It’s really so simple and easy pea-sy to make from scratch. I mean the mayo/ranch combo mixed with the chicken and bacon is a surefire winner no matter what else you put with it. Sometimes I kick it up a notch and add pepperoni. So go ahead. Experiment and have fun! Besides who knows you better than you?
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup Ranch salad dressing
- 2 cups Peas & Carrots
- 1 cooked boneless skinless chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 8 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and diced
- 1 lb. pasta of your choice, cooked and rinsed with cold water
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and Ranch dressing. Add the veggies, cooked chicken and bacon. Stir to combine.
2. Add the chilled pasta and toss to coat. Stir in the shredded cheese. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve Immediately or if you like it on the cold side; chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two.
DIY Monday: “No Sew” T-Shirt Necklace
The last time you made a necklace, it probably involved macaroni. Well here’s an idea inspired by a project on the blog aprettypennyblog.com: Turn an old shirt into a piece of wearable art that’s quite grown-up.
Read more to find out how to make one of your very own!
Here’s What You Need:
an unwanted cotton t-shirt
a pair of sharp scissors
about half an hour
Lay the shirt on a flat surface and smooth it out with your hands. Start by cutting off and discarding the hem.
Beginning at the bottom of the shirt and working your way up, cut 1-inch strips to make loops. Vary the width of your strips based on your desired necklace thickness. I wanted a lot of tubes, so I kept my strips small.
You can also cut a variety of sizes for one necklace if you want a less-uniform texture.
Stretch out the loops you just made so the cotton curls in on itself and forms long tubes.
Double up each tube, matching up the seams at one end.
If you break a loop at the seam while you’re stretching it out, just tie it back together with a simple knot and trim the excess.
{This really is a fool-proof project}
Group all of your tubes by size, keeping the seams together at one end.
The illustration shown here uses a women’s tee, so the tapered fit resulted in a great variation of tube sizes.
If you’re using a men’s tee, you can cut the tubes into various sizes and tie them back together as shown above.
Gather them all together, with the longest tubes on the bottom and the shortest on the top, but save one!
Cut the tube you saved in half to make it a long string. Tie the string in a knot near one end of the section of seams. Tightly wrap the string around all of the seams to cover them. Be careful not to get the tubes twisted or tangled as you’re wrapping.
When everything is smooth and covered, tie off the other end of the string in a knot (using one of the necklace loops if you need to).
That’s it! A Fabulous Necklace. Hand made in about 30 minutes flat!
*DESIGNER’S NOTE: Want to turn this necklace from fabulous to Fan-Tabulous?
Show off your wild side by Mixing & Matching other colors.
Plug In!
Today’s Scripture:
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. – Isaiah 40:29, NKJV.
Today’s Word:
Everyone goes through seasons in life that seem overwhelming; times when you’ve felt drained of strength and power. But, you haven’t been left without hope. You haven’t been left without an answer. The God of heaven and earth is near you, and He promises to give you strength and might to overcome.
Where does this strength and power come from? It comes directly from Him. When you connect with Him, you are connecting to your power source. It’s like plugging a lamp into a light socket. You “plug in” through prayer, reading the Word and worshipping Him. You “turn on” the switch by the words of your mouth—by declaring what God says.
Remember, you don’t have to let the difficult times overwhelm you. Rise up and connect with Him because He is your source of strength! He promises to equip and empower you for victory in every area of your life!
Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your favor, strength and grace at work in my life. I turn my focus on You today. I turn my thoughts on You. I set my heart and love upon You because You are good. Thank You for filling me with might and power to overcome in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Take Off The Limits
Today’s Scripture:
I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]. – Psalm 119:96, AMP.
Today’s Word:
Did you know you can limit your life by dwelling on the wrong things? So often, wrong thinking keeps people stuck right where they are. If you think you’ll never accomplish your dreams, then you’ll stay stuck where you are. If you think you don’t have the talent, the connections or the funds, then you are limiting yourself.
We have to remember that God’s promises never return void. His Word stands true forever! Don’t limit what God can do in your life by focusing on what you see in the natural realm. You have to realize that you serve a supernatural God, and just because you don’t see a way doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a whole new level. He has explosive blessings in store that can blast you out of where you are and into a place of abundance. If you’ll shift your focus from this limited realm and start looking at God’s supernatural realm, you’ll see His unlimited possibilities for your future. Take the limits off by setting your thoughts on what Almighty God can do in your life today!
Prayer for Today:
Father in heaven, today I lift my eyes to You. You alone are the source of my strength, peace and provision. I choose to delight myself in You knowing that You will give me the desires of my heart in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
The Nutrition Of Whole Wheat Bread
So what is the big deal with the nutrition of whole wheat bread? As far as calories go, refined white bread and whole wheat bread are very similar. Both breads contain approximately 70 calories per slice. The difference is what kind of calories you are getting. Whole wheat bread gives you many important nutrients. Many processed breads add vitamins to the flour, but it is best to get your nutrients from the grain itself and not artificially through the refining process. It is important to note that white bread can come from “whole wheat” and wheat bread can become as processed as white breads. The key is to make sure you are buying bread that says whole grain wheat. This article discusses the nutritional components of whole wheat bread.
Fiber
Unlike processed white bread, whole wheat bread contains bran, which contributes to its high fiber content. Processed white bread has undergone a refining process which strips it of fiber. White bread contains approximately .5 grams of fiber per slice, whereas whole wheat bread contains approximately two grams of fiber per slice. Fiber is beneficial for many reasons. Fiber will leave you feeling satisfied for a longer period of time. Fiber decreases low-density lipo-protein cholesterol, and contributes to a healthy heart.
Protein
One slice of whole wheat bread contains just less than five grams of protein. The protein concentration varies in whole wheat breads. As a general rule, the more “hard” the wheat bread is, the more protein it contains. Processed bread contains less than two grams of protein per slice. The protein found in whole grain can contribute to the daily recommended amount, without adding saturated fat. The protein in whole wheat bread comes from wheat gluten.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrates in whole wheat bread can provide your body with the energy it needs. One slice of whole wheat bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates in whole wheat bread can actually contribute to weight loss, so don’t fear them. These carbohydrates are low on the glycemic index, so they won’t increase your blood sugar, like many simple carbohydrates.
Wheat Germ
Whole wheat bread still contains the wheat germ. Wheat germ is a part of the seed of the grain. Wheat germ contains many nutrients like vitamin E and folate. These vitamins are important for a healthy heart. Vitamin E promotes healthy skin and hair. Wheat germ also contains essential omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3’s protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids have also shown to contribute to brain function.
As you can see whole wheat bread can be an important source of nutrition and part of a balanced diet. If you prefer the sweeter taste of white bread, don’t worry. You can buy whole wheat “white” bread which is actually wheat bread that is made from an albino grain, instead of the red grain from which traditional whole wheat bread is derived. The albino wheat grain, which resembles the taste of “white” bread contains as many nutrients as the red grain wheat bread.
Whole-Wheat Bread vs. Multigrain Bread
In order to have a productive day, you need a healthy breakfast. Toast is a staple of the most important meal of the day. However, it can be difficult to know which bread offers you the most health benefits and can help you create a well-rounded, heart healthy diet. Though multigrain bread is all the rage these days, research suggests that whole wheat bread may be healthier for you. In fact, experts recommend that adults eat at least three servings of whole grain products, such whole wheat bread a day. Here are some of the ways that whole wheat bread differs from multigrain.
Whole Grain Contains More Essential Nutrients
The term “whole grain” refers to flour that is made from all parts of the wheat grain kernel–the bran, germ and endosperm. The bran and germ are the most nutritious parts of the wheat grain. They contain vitamin B1, B2, B3, E, folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, 
cooper, iron and dietary fiber. During the refinement process, the majority of these nutrients get lost. Multigrain bread is made from a variety of different types of grains, such as wheat, oat and barley. However, unless the label indicates that a product is made from whole grain, your multigrain bread may be made of refined flour and missing the key nutrients found in the bran and germ.
Whole Grains Take Longer to Get Absorbed into the Body
Eating a diet full of whole grains can reduce your risk for diabetes and heart disease. It takes the body longer to absorb whole grain products like whole wheat bread. The slower absorption rate prevents sharp rises in sugar and insulin levels. If multigrain bread is not whole grain, it gets absorbed by the body at a quicker rate and could spike insulin levels.
Whole Grains Have More Dietary Fiber
Dietary fiber is a crucial part of any weight loss regime. Soluble fiber slows down the digestive process, allowing the food to spend more time in the digestive tract and increasing the amount of nutrients absorbed into the body. Fiber also creates a feeling of fullness, making you less likely to over indulge. Fiber can also reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Whole wheat bread has a ton of dietary fiber, as the majority of the fiber is found in the germ. However, most multigrain bread is refined and does not have the fiber content of whole wheat.
Whole Wheat Bread is a Great Source of Complex Carbohydrates
Your body needs sufficient fuel to get through challenging workouts. Whole wheat bread is a great source of complex carbohydrates. A few slices of wheat bread can give your body the energy it needs to get through even the most grueling exercise routines. Unless it is made with whole grain, multigrain bread is full of simple carbohydrates. These carbs take less time to process and are quickly converted into glucose.
If you’re looking to lose weight and build muscle, whole wheat bread is the safest and smartest food choice. Multigrain may sound appealing. However, unless it’s made with whole grains, it has the same nutritional value as processed white bread. Consumers should choose anything that says whole grain. Read labels carefully. Something that says “made with whole grain” usually means made with very little. I look for 100% whole grain or if the first ingredient is whole wheat flour. If it says wheat flour that means it is refined flour, not whole wheat. Consumers need to be familiar with which grains are whole grain and look for those as ingredients. The Whole Grain Council also has a stamp that they put on whole grain products, so people can look for that whole grain stamp on the packages of whole grain products.
So there you have it – this information should make us all better-informed whole wheat/whole grain shoppers.
Source:Fit Day
Our Daily Bread – Seek And Save
Read: Luke 19:1-10
Lachlan Macquarie, governor of New South Wales from 1810–1821, had a way of making everyone feel included in the new colony. When the “exclusives” (free settlers, civil servants, and military officers) shunned the society of the “emancipists” (transported convicts given conditional or absolute pardon), Governor Macquarie insisted that they be treated as social equals.
Jesus showed interest in Zacchaeus, a shunned tax collector in Jericho, and included him in the recipients of His salvation plan (Luke 19:1-10). A marginalized and hated man because of his profession, Zacchaeus was desperate to see Jesus and climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Him. When Jesus passed by, He saw Zacchaeus’ desire and told him to come down because he had a divine appointment at his house. Some complained that Jesus was spending time with a sinner. His loving attention changed Zacchaeus’ life. He repented and offered restitution for those he had defrauded. Salvation had come to his house.
Jesus’ mission was simple: Diligently search for lost people, whatever their social standing, and offer them God’s salvation plan. As followers of Christ, we too have that as our mission.
To a world that’s lost in sin,
So when we share the gospel,
Hungry souls for Christ we’ll win. —Sper
The Wounded Healer
by Joyce Meyer – posted August 10, 2012
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. —2 Corinthians 1:3,4
The best healer is often the wounded healer, because he knows what he is dealing with since he has suffered it himself. That’s what Paul was saying in this passage from his letter to the church in Corinth. If you have suffered through some hard times in your life, you are going to be even more successful in ministering to those who are going through the same kind of suffering in their lives. That doesn’t mean that those who have never suffered hardship or pain cannot be used by the Lord. Some of the greatest and most powerful ministers I know have lived almost perfect lives.
But just because you and I have suffered does not keep us from ministering successfully also. Even though you may have had a rough time in your life, God can use what you have been through for His glory—if you will allow Him to do so! If I were still back where I started out, feeling sorry for myself, I would be no good to myself or anyone else. In fact, I would probably be on the devil’s lunch plate! He would be chewing me up and spitting me out.
But because the Lord gave me the grace to lay down my self-pity and take up the challenge of living for Him, now I am able to help hundreds of thousands of people all over the nation and beyond.
To me the greatest testimony in the world is to be able to say, “God took what Satan tried to use to destroy me, and He turned it around for His glory and used it for the betterment of other people in the kingdom.” It takes God to do that! No matter where you may be today or what you may be going through, God can turn your situation around and use it to further His kingdom and bring blessings to you and to many others.
From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Published by InProv. All rights reserved.
Happy Now? Gabby Douglas’ hair is styled.
It is shameful that many people in the African American community have overshadowed Gabby’s success by criticizing her hair. Yes, she was on television for the entire world to see, but people there is more to life than hair and there is definitely more to life than appearances. All this chatter around “Gabby Douglas gotta do something with this hair! These clips and this brown gel residue aint it” and “Gabby Douglas needs to tame the beady beads in the back of her hair.” is unnecessary and just highlights how shallow and superficial many of us are.
How about focusing more on fitness than hair. There are thousands of African Americans suffering from illnesses brought on my poor diets and lack of exercise. Many women are constricted by their hair refusing to swim or exercise because of the effect it may have on their hair. What were you doing when Gabby was practicing for the Olympics? Sitting on the couch eating a bag of Cheetos, while looking up the latest natural hair YouTube video? Your hair looks great, but your dying from poor lifestyle choices? You don’t want to exercise because you don’t want to sweat out your perm or wear a headscarf to the gym?Would you prefer to be in shape like Gabby Douglas or have a killer blow out or twist out?
For decades we have forgone extracurricular activities like swimming, camping and hiking because we just can’t get our hair messed up. Although many of us have joined #teamnatural, we still have a defeatist attitude where what we do is controlled by our hair. If Gabby were like the average woman she may not have won two gold metals because she would be too concerned that all that flipping, jumping and sweating may interfere with her hair. Many Olympic female athletes wear their hair in ponytails with clips. Why are we only focusing on Gabby?
We praise those crazy Basketball Wives and Love & Hip Hop reality stars because they wear Louboutins with weaves down to their backsides-paid for by laying on their back. But we criticize a woman who is magnificent and made her country proud because of her passion for a sport? Not every woman is going to be a glamour girl, we just need to accept that. It is OK to be who you are, flaws and all. Let’s stop all this negativity and give Gabby the praise and recognition she deserves.
In the words of Gabby: “What’s wrong with my hair? I’m like, ‘I just made history and people are focused on my hair?’ It can be bald or short; it doesn’t matter about [my] hair.”
I Am Lady Fab 