author unknown
posted by: helpmeet Sue Pollock
Thanks Sue!
A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone! Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look good outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy but we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth. May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Develop Your Mind for God
Author: Whitney Hopler
Source: Crosswalk.com
The following is a report on the practical applications of James
Emery White's new book, A Mind for God, (IVP Books, 2006).
In today's world, a myriad of views clamor for your attention, while
popular culture distracts you with mindless entertainment. It's a
challenge to develop your intellect and use it to think biblically
about the world – but it's vital to do so. If you don't, you'll be
taken captive by competing worldviews and fail to make the truth
heard above the chaos.
So make it a priority to develop your mind for God. Here's how:
* Recognize that ideas have consequences. Know that ideas have great
power to influence people. Come to understand ideas that are
prevalent in the world and challenge biblical truth, such as: moral
relativism (which claims that moral values are a matter of personal
opinion or private judgment instead of something grounded in
objective truth), autonomous individualism (which claims that moral
authority rests with individuals alone, with no higher moral
authority to guide or determine choices), narcissistic hedonism
(which claims that personal pleasure and fulfillment are what
matters most), and reductive naturalism (which claims that anything
that can't be examined in a physically tangible, scientific manner
is unknowable and meaningless). Ask God to show you how these
worldviews commonplace in secular culture have affected your own
thinking. Then use your understanding of these perspectives to
engage the world for Christ, seeking to help meet people's unmet
needs. Consider how you might begin to live in ways that could
intersect with their deepest longings and questions.
* Read with a purpose. Don't read simply to entertain yourself;
instead, seek to expand your mind through your reading. Schedule
time regularly to read and seriously study the Bible. Select a wide
variety of books to read that represent thoughtful literature and
help prepare you to understand and engage the world's ideas. Be sure
to read Christian books, but don't limit yourself to those alone.
Recognize that God's truth can be found in some secular books, as
well, and that those that contain opposing worldviews can help you
understand the need for dialogue and redemption. Include some old,
classic books on your reading list, because doing so is like
engaging in a conversation with some of the noblest people of
history and benefiting from their ideas and experiences. Don't be
intimidated by writing styles that demand more effort to understand
than others; know that exercising your mind is worth it.
* Go beyond information to wisdom. As you encounter the vast amounts
of information available to you through the media, don't just soak
it in without thinking about it. Instead, ask God to help you
analyze and interpret the information well and grow wiser from what
you learn. Ask yourself questions such as, "What's right?", "What's
wrong?", "What's reputable?", "What is without merit?", "What does
this mean?", "How does this relate to God's purposes?" and "What
should my response be?".
* View learning as a lifelong process. Recognize that learning is
something you should constantly be doing throughout your life. No
matter how old you are or how long ago you graduated from formal
schooling, see yourself as a student and devote yourself to learning
as much as you can. Build biblical literacy (understanding God's
Word well), historical literacy (understanding the significance of
historical events, especially as they show God at work in ages
past), and theological literacy (understanding biblical answers to
life's great questions, and why they matter to you today). Pursue
continuing education opportunities through community colleges,
churches' educational ministries, seminaries, the Internet,
universities' distance learning programs, libraries, mentoring
programs, book discussion groups, etc.
* Learn how to think well. Carve out time regularly for reflection
in silence and solitude, prayer, and Scripture reading so you can
learn how to think wisely. As you ponder your thoughts, ask the Holy
Spirit to renew your mind and help you separate fact from fiction
and what is true from what is merely clever. Take time to consider
our culture's messages, and how they're aiming to make you feel.
Engage those messages by asking yourself tough questions about them
and how you should respond. Don't compartmentalize your life;
instead, integrate your worldview into every aspect of your life so
you think about every subject in light of your faith.
* Develop disciplines. Know that, to cultivate your mind well, you
must do it intentionally and often counter-culturally. Don't let
life's urgent activities crowd out what's most important in your
life. Decide that you will make it a priority to develop your
intellect, no matter what your current circumstances. Schedule time
to read four days a week, for about 30 minutes a day, in a place
that's as free of chaos and interruptions as possible – and guard
your reading time. Sign up for a class that meets regularly, or
schedule regular time to study something that interests you. Use
your downtime (time spent waiting in line, in traffic, etc.) to
learn by reading, writing, or listening. Every day, enjoy some quiet
time reading the Bible, praying, and perhaps journaling as well.
Periodically, get away for a retreat (either on a trip, or simply a
walk in your yard or local park) to reflect and pray.
* Be able to answer, "So what?" Understand that the deepest question
the world has about Christianity is, "So what?" Decide that you will
use your intellect to help answer that question for people who are
seeking the truth. Don't simply explore ideas and arguments for your
own sake; instead, prepare yourself to defend the faith, present
reasons to believe, and motivate people to consider why the Bible's
message is important and should matter to them. Ask God to give you
courage to use your mind to reach other minds for Christ.
..............
Adapted from A Mind for God, copyright 2006 by James Emery White.
Published by IVP Books, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, Downers
Grove, Ill., www.ivpress.com.
James Emery White is the president of Gordon-Conwell Theological
Seminary, with campuses in South Hamilton (Massachusetts), Boston,
Charlotte and Jacksonville. He holds M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees in
theology, history and biblical studies. He is the author of 12
books, including Embracing the Mysterious God, Serious Times and
The Prayer God Longs For.
Source: Crosswalk.com
The following is a report on the practical applications of James
Emery White's new book, A Mind for God, (IVP Books, 2006).
In today's world, a myriad of views clamor for your attention, while
popular culture distracts you with mindless entertainment. It's a
challenge to develop your intellect and use it to think biblically
about the world – but it's vital to do so. If you don't, you'll be
taken captive by competing worldviews and fail to make the truth
heard above the chaos.
So make it a priority to develop your mind for God. Here's how:
* Recognize that ideas have consequences. Know that ideas have great
power to influence people. Come to understand ideas that are
prevalent in the world and challenge biblical truth, such as: moral
relativism (which claims that moral values are a matter of personal
opinion or private judgment instead of something grounded in
objective truth), autonomous individualism (which claims that moral
authority rests with individuals alone, with no higher moral
authority to guide or determine choices), narcissistic hedonism
(which claims that personal pleasure and fulfillment are what
matters most), and reductive naturalism (which claims that anything
that can't be examined in a physically tangible, scientific manner
is unknowable and meaningless). Ask God to show you how these
worldviews commonplace in secular culture have affected your own
thinking. Then use your understanding of these perspectives to
engage the world for Christ, seeking to help meet people's unmet
needs. Consider how you might begin to live in ways that could
intersect with their deepest longings and questions.
* Read with a purpose. Don't read simply to entertain yourself;
instead, seek to expand your mind through your reading. Schedule
time regularly to read and seriously study the Bible. Select a wide
variety of books to read that represent thoughtful literature and
help prepare you to understand and engage the world's ideas. Be sure
to read Christian books, but don't limit yourself to those alone.
Recognize that God's truth can be found in some secular books, as
well, and that those that contain opposing worldviews can help you
understand the need for dialogue and redemption. Include some old,
classic books on your reading list, because doing so is like
engaging in a conversation with some of the noblest people of
history and benefiting from their ideas and experiences. Don't be
intimidated by writing styles that demand more effort to understand
than others; know that exercising your mind is worth it.
* Go beyond information to wisdom. As you encounter the vast amounts
of information available to you through the media, don't just soak
it in without thinking about it. Instead, ask God to help you
analyze and interpret the information well and grow wiser from what
you learn. Ask yourself questions such as, "What's right?", "What's
wrong?", "What's reputable?", "What is without merit?", "What does
this mean?", "How does this relate to God's purposes?" and "What
should my response be?".
* View learning as a lifelong process. Recognize that learning is
something you should constantly be doing throughout your life. No
matter how old you are or how long ago you graduated from formal
schooling, see yourself as a student and devote yourself to learning
as much as you can. Build biblical literacy (understanding God's
Word well), historical literacy (understanding the significance of
historical events, especially as they show God at work in ages
past), and theological literacy (understanding biblical answers to
life's great questions, and why they matter to you today). Pursue
continuing education opportunities through community colleges,
churches' educational ministries, seminaries, the Internet,
universities' distance learning programs, libraries, mentoring
programs, book discussion groups, etc.
* Learn how to think well. Carve out time regularly for reflection
in silence and solitude, prayer, and Scripture reading so you can
learn how to think wisely. As you ponder your thoughts, ask the Holy
Spirit to renew your mind and help you separate fact from fiction
and what is true from what is merely clever. Take time to consider
our culture's messages, and how they're aiming to make you feel.
Engage those messages by asking yourself tough questions about them
and how you should respond. Don't compartmentalize your life;
instead, integrate your worldview into every aspect of your life so
you think about every subject in light of your faith.
* Develop disciplines. Know that, to cultivate your mind well, you
must do it intentionally and often counter-culturally. Don't let
life's urgent activities crowd out what's most important in your
life. Decide that you will make it a priority to develop your
intellect, no matter what your current circumstances. Schedule time
to read four days a week, for about 30 minutes a day, in a place
that's as free of chaos and interruptions as possible – and guard
your reading time. Sign up for a class that meets regularly, or
schedule regular time to study something that interests you. Use
your downtime (time spent waiting in line, in traffic, etc.) to
learn by reading, writing, or listening. Every day, enjoy some quiet
time reading the Bible, praying, and perhaps journaling as well.
Periodically, get away for a retreat (either on a trip, or simply a
walk in your yard or local park) to reflect and pray.
* Be able to answer, "So what?" Understand that the deepest question
the world has about Christianity is, "So what?" Decide that you will
use your intellect to help answer that question for people who are
seeking the truth. Don't simply explore ideas and arguments for your
own sake; instead, prepare yourself to defend the faith, present
reasons to believe, and motivate people to consider why the Bible's
message is important and should matter to them. Ask God to give you
courage to use your mind to reach other minds for Christ.
..............
Adapted from A Mind for God, copyright 2006 by James Emery White.
Published by IVP Books, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, Downers
Grove, Ill., www.ivpress.com.
James Emery White is the president of Gordon-Conwell Theological
Seminary, with campuses in South Hamilton (Massachusetts), Boston,
Charlotte and Jacksonville. He holds M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees in
theology, history and biblical studies. He is the author of 12
books, including Embracing the Mysterious God, Serious Times and
The Prayer God Longs For.
Mother's Need for Guiltless Solitude
hi pastor's wife, here's an article by Mary M. Byers.
my sincere apologies,i forgot to note the source
I clearly remember the day that The Mother Load overwhelmed me, and I sought refuge in our walk-in closet. I was sleep-deprived, exhausted, and surrounded by crying, needy children. My four-year-old had missed the toilet, wetting herself and the floor. My two-year-old had dumped his cereal, complete with milk. The kitchen was strewn with undone dishes from breakfast, the family room was littered with toys from the toy box, the phone was ringing, our pet birds were chirping, and the dryer was buzzing. My mind was swirling with sound, and I couldn’t hear myself think. What I needed was a moment of solitude before I exploded into a thousand pieces.
And so I did the only thing I could think of: I hid in the closet.
On that particular day, it was just what I needed. Three minutes to calm my nerves, take a deep breath, reassure myself that I was a good mother (even though I was, at the moment, hiding from my children), and gain my composure so that I could face the rest of the day. The bad thing was that it was only 9:00 a.m. when I took cover.
If you’re the mother of young children, I know that you, too, have sought refuge from your children. It’s okay; you can admit it. You may not have actually shut yourself in a closet, but I’m sure there have been times you’ve wanted to.
Mothering is an intense, around-the-clock job. Being physically and emotionally available to other humans—often with no concern for your own needs—is tough work. But the tough work is made easier when we can find, or make, small pockets of time in order to reconnect with ourselves, organize our daily work, plan for the future, and communicate intimately with the God who created us.
Do you need solitude? Here are some possible indicators:
• You lose your temper more quickly and are more frustrated with your children than usual.
• You cannot think clearly.
• You’re disorganized, unable to find things you need, and are forgetful.
• You feel disconnected from yourself, your family, and your Creator.
• You feel overwhelmed.
Although I’ve craved solitude almost every day since becoming a mother, I didn’t discover its true power until lately. One night my kids asked me to join them in a game of Hide and Seek. I told my daughter to cover her eyes and count to ten while my son and I hid. He went to my room and I went to his and hid in the closet. (I seem to spend a lot of time in closets, don’t I?) Minutes passed. Then more minutes passed. I relaxed and started enjoying the solitude in the closet. As I sat amidst the clothes and the shoes, I marveled that in my hiding spot there were no clothes to fold, no sandwiches to prepare, no school parties to organize, no appointments to keep and no groceries to put away.
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the smooth closet wall. More minutes passed and I used the time to reassess how I had spent my day and to make a mental "To Do" list for the next day. When that was done, I began to pray, thanking God for kids and closets and the unexpected solitude I’d found.
More time passed. I couldn’t imagine why my kids hadn’t found me yet. Then I heard my husband’s voice. "Honey, are you up here?" he asked. I whispered back, "Are the kids still looking for me?" My husband followed the sound of my voice to my son’s room and entered just as I slid the closet door open a crack. When he saw me, he doubled over with laughter. "What’s so funny?" I asked, feeling a foolish staring at him from the depths of the closet. He was laughing so hard he couldn’t answer. Finally, when the laughter subsided, he confided that the kids had stopped looking for me long ago and were now involved in a game of "Farm Families" in our bedroom.
As I climbed out of my hiding spot, I realized that I had just experienced solitude in the truest sense. The dictionary defines it as "the state of being alone or remote from others; isolation." In the closet, I was truly isolated. The moments alone gave me the opportunity to be a human "being" rather than a human "doing," as I usually am. Instead of furiously working, I was "busy" sitting still.
My minutes in the closet helped me discover what solitude is all about. It’s really about the beauty of silence and how it touches our soul. It is in our quiet times that we are most able to concentrate on what’s important, and in so doing, we are able to simplify life, regain our focus, and gather the energy necessary to continue along life’s path. Now, when I’m alone, I try to practice the art of simply existing for at least five minutes. It’s difficult. But spending time doing nothing often produces great results: ideas flow, thanksgiving wells up in my soul, peace settles in, energy is restored. And more than anything, I reconnect with the deep sense of purpose that encouraged me to become a mother in the first place.
I used to feel guilty and selfish when I set aside time for myself, but the more I mother, the more I realize that one of a mother’s greatest needs is time to rest and refuel in order to be able to keep on giving of herself. When I’m depleted, it’s difficult to find the means to assist and respond to my children and their varied needs. But when I’m well-rested and rejuvenated, I find it much easier to embrace the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
More importantly, I find it easier to pass these same fruits along to my children.
Adapted from The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for your Family by Mary M. Byers; copyright 2004 by the author. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR; Used by permission.
my sincere apologies,i forgot to note the source
I clearly remember the day that The Mother Load overwhelmed me, and I sought refuge in our walk-in closet. I was sleep-deprived, exhausted, and surrounded by crying, needy children. My four-year-old had missed the toilet, wetting herself and the floor. My two-year-old had dumped his cereal, complete with milk. The kitchen was strewn with undone dishes from breakfast, the family room was littered with toys from the toy box, the phone was ringing, our pet birds were chirping, and the dryer was buzzing. My mind was swirling with sound, and I couldn’t hear myself think. What I needed was a moment of solitude before I exploded into a thousand pieces.
And so I did the only thing I could think of: I hid in the closet.
On that particular day, it was just what I needed. Three minutes to calm my nerves, take a deep breath, reassure myself that I was a good mother (even though I was, at the moment, hiding from my children), and gain my composure so that I could face the rest of the day. The bad thing was that it was only 9:00 a.m. when I took cover.
If you’re the mother of young children, I know that you, too, have sought refuge from your children. It’s okay; you can admit it. You may not have actually shut yourself in a closet, but I’m sure there have been times you’ve wanted to.
Mothering is an intense, around-the-clock job. Being physically and emotionally available to other humans—often with no concern for your own needs—is tough work. But the tough work is made easier when we can find, or make, small pockets of time in order to reconnect with ourselves, organize our daily work, plan for the future, and communicate intimately with the God who created us.
Do you need solitude? Here are some possible indicators:
• You lose your temper more quickly and are more frustrated with your children than usual.
• You cannot think clearly.
• You’re disorganized, unable to find things you need, and are forgetful.
• You feel disconnected from yourself, your family, and your Creator.
• You feel overwhelmed.
Although I’ve craved solitude almost every day since becoming a mother, I didn’t discover its true power until lately. One night my kids asked me to join them in a game of Hide and Seek. I told my daughter to cover her eyes and count to ten while my son and I hid. He went to my room and I went to his and hid in the closet. (I seem to spend a lot of time in closets, don’t I?) Minutes passed. Then more minutes passed. I relaxed and started enjoying the solitude in the closet. As I sat amidst the clothes and the shoes, I marveled that in my hiding spot there were no clothes to fold, no sandwiches to prepare, no school parties to organize, no appointments to keep and no groceries to put away.
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the smooth closet wall. More minutes passed and I used the time to reassess how I had spent my day and to make a mental "To Do" list for the next day. When that was done, I began to pray, thanking God for kids and closets and the unexpected solitude I’d found.
More time passed. I couldn’t imagine why my kids hadn’t found me yet. Then I heard my husband’s voice. "Honey, are you up here?" he asked. I whispered back, "Are the kids still looking for me?" My husband followed the sound of my voice to my son’s room and entered just as I slid the closet door open a crack. When he saw me, he doubled over with laughter. "What’s so funny?" I asked, feeling a foolish staring at him from the depths of the closet. He was laughing so hard he couldn’t answer. Finally, when the laughter subsided, he confided that the kids had stopped looking for me long ago and were now involved in a game of "Farm Families" in our bedroom.
As I climbed out of my hiding spot, I realized that I had just experienced solitude in the truest sense. The dictionary defines it as "the state of being alone or remote from others; isolation." In the closet, I was truly isolated. The moments alone gave me the opportunity to be a human "being" rather than a human "doing," as I usually am. Instead of furiously working, I was "busy" sitting still.
My minutes in the closet helped me discover what solitude is all about. It’s really about the beauty of silence and how it touches our soul. It is in our quiet times that we are most able to concentrate on what’s important, and in so doing, we are able to simplify life, regain our focus, and gather the energy necessary to continue along life’s path. Now, when I’m alone, I try to practice the art of simply existing for at least five minutes. It’s difficult. But spending time doing nothing often produces great results: ideas flow, thanksgiving wells up in my soul, peace settles in, energy is restored. And more than anything, I reconnect with the deep sense of purpose that encouraged me to become a mother in the first place.
I used to feel guilty and selfish when I set aside time for myself, but the more I mother, the more I realize that one of a mother’s greatest needs is time to rest and refuel in order to be able to keep on giving of herself. When I’m depleted, it’s difficult to find the means to assist and respond to my children and their varied needs. But when I’m well-rested and rejuvenated, I find it much easier to embrace the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
More importantly, I find it easier to pass these same fruits along to my children.
Adapted from The Mother Load: How to Meet Your Own Needs While Caring for your Family by Mary M. Byers; copyright 2004 by the author. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR; Used by permission.
Feed Your Face: 10 Foods for Better Skin
Feed Your Face: 10 Foods for Better Skin
You Are What You Eat
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Source: Life Script
Wouldn’t it be great if the food you ate made you more beautiful? Well it can – if you’re eating the right stuff, that is. You can’t just shove junk food in your face and expect to have radiant skin. But if you swap those cheese puffs for a cup of cottage cheese, you just might get glowing results. Read on for 10 yummy foods that’ll fill your belly AND nourish your skin. Plus: Take our quiz to find out if you’re skin care savvy…
At some point, you have to realize that what shows on the outside is a reflection of what’s on the inside. A dull, dry complexion is a blinking neon sign that you’re not eating right. Lucky for you, you can put your best face forward with a better diet.
Face Food #1: Avocadoes
You had to know we couldn’t talk about face foods without mentioning the avocado. This creamy, green fruit is abundant in essential oils and b-complex vitamins that nourish your skin inside and out. Niacin (vitamin B3) is especially important for skin health, and is found in abundance in avocadoes. As an anti-inflammatory, niacin soothes irritated skin and can calm down red, blotchy skin. One avocado has 3.8 mg niacin – 27% of your daily need.
Blend half an avocado with yogurt and frozen berries to make a tasty morning smoothie. The creamy, nutty flavor will make you seriously question why you’ve been using bananas as a thickener all these years. Plus: Keep reading for a great avocado face mask recipe that will solve your dry skin problems instantly.
Face Food #2: Mangoes
Mangoes have more than 80% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, which is why they’re such a great face food. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells, which is why you’ll have a dry, flaky complexion if you’re deficient in this nutrient. As an antioxidant, vitamin A also fights free radical damage that can prematurely age the skin. And with less than 70 calories per serving, this succulent fruit is the perfect pick for your figure as well as your face.
Face Food #3: Almonds
Not only is it a great shape for your eyes, almonds are also great food for your complexion. With 150% of your daily need for vitamin E, it’s no wonder that getting a bit nutty is good for you. The rich oils in vitamin E moisturize dry skin, while the antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature aging of facial tissue.
Face Food #4: Cottage Cheese
Dairy isn’t just good for your bones, it’s great for your face, too. But it’s the selenium in cottage cheese, not the calcium, that has us really going wild for these creamy curds. Selenium, a mineral, teams up with vitamin E as a powerful free-radical fighting antioxidant. Plus, it’s been touted to protect against skin cancer and even fight dandruff.
Face Food #5: Acerola Cherries
Your average cherry doesn’t supply a significant amount of vitamin C, but don’t tell that to this particular cherry. One single Acerola cherry supplies 100% of your daily allowance for vitamin C, which is great news for your skin. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights skin damage and wrinkles. It also plays a central role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin. Ain’t life just a bowl of cherries?
Face Food #6: Oysters
Whether they’re an aphrodisiac or not, oysters are certainly in love with your skin. As a rich source of zinc, oysters may help fight acne. Since zinc plays a role in sebum production, a deficiency may contribute to acne problems. Not only can getting enough zinc in your diet help clear up acne, it can also help boost elastin production with the help of vitamin C.
Face Food #7: Baked Potatoes
Unlike the greasy French fry, a plump, steaming baked potato is actually good for your skin. One baked potato (with the skin) supplies 75% of your daily recommendation for copper. This mineral works hand-in-hand with vitamin C and zinc to produce the elastin fibers that support skin structure. Too little copper in your diet can reduce your skin’s ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.
Face Food #8: Mushrooms
This fungi isn’t only great for shish kebabs and stir fries, it’s also rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that’s vital to your skin. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, but actually goes beyond basic skin care to improve skin blemishes caused by rosacea. This vitamin is so important for skin repair that the body will use up large amounts after sustaining a burn or wound, or undergoing surgery.
Face Food #9: Flaxseed Oil
It’s no secret that Omega-3s are great for your skin, but did you know that flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid? That’s great news if you’re not a fish-lover. Just one teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day provides 2.5 grams of Omega-3s, which in turn hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids are also beneficial for diluting sebum and unclogging pores that can otherwise lead to acne.
Face Food #10: Wheat Germ
Don’t let the “germ” scare you – it’s actually just the embryo within a grain of wheat, meaning it’s very nutritious. Wheat germ is a good source of biotin, a B vitamin that is crucial to skin health. Biotin is so important that even a mild deficiency can actually cause dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by itchy, scaly skin. Sprinkle wheat germ on yogurt for a tasty way to get more biotin in your diet.
Slather it on!
Not only can eating all of these foods nourish healthier skin from the inside out, some make for great facial masks, too.
Try this avocado mask to instantly moisturize your skin:
Mash one whole avocado.
Add 1 tsp flaxseed oil and 1 tsp honey.
Mix together until smooth and creamy.
Apply to face and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse clean with warm water.
Take care of your skin by eating right and having fun with your food. Also be sure to drink plenty of water and exercise daily to flush out toxins, and don’t put toxins right back in your body! Smoking damages healthy skin and makes it more prone to wrinkles and an ashen, gray color – not pretty. And, finally, always wear sunscreen, especially on your face, whether it’s clearly sunny out, or cloudy and gray. Buy a face moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15 to protect your face or wear a hat that provides shade.
You Are What You Eat
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Source: Life Script
Wouldn’t it be great if the food you ate made you more beautiful? Well it can – if you’re eating the right stuff, that is. You can’t just shove junk food in your face and expect to have radiant skin. But if you swap those cheese puffs for a cup of cottage cheese, you just might get glowing results. Read on for 10 yummy foods that’ll fill your belly AND nourish your skin. Plus: Take our quiz to find out if you’re skin care savvy…
At some point, you have to realize that what shows on the outside is a reflection of what’s on the inside. A dull, dry complexion is a blinking neon sign that you’re not eating right. Lucky for you, you can put your best face forward with a better diet.
Face Food #1: Avocadoes
You had to know we couldn’t talk about face foods without mentioning the avocado. This creamy, green fruit is abundant in essential oils and b-complex vitamins that nourish your skin inside and out. Niacin (vitamin B3) is especially important for skin health, and is found in abundance in avocadoes. As an anti-inflammatory, niacin soothes irritated skin and can calm down red, blotchy skin. One avocado has 3.8 mg niacin – 27% of your daily need.
Blend half an avocado with yogurt and frozen berries to make a tasty morning smoothie. The creamy, nutty flavor will make you seriously question why you’ve been using bananas as a thickener all these years. Plus: Keep reading for a great avocado face mask recipe that will solve your dry skin problems instantly.
Face Food #2: Mangoes
Mangoes have more than 80% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, which is why they’re such a great face food. Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells, which is why you’ll have a dry, flaky complexion if you’re deficient in this nutrient. As an antioxidant, vitamin A also fights free radical damage that can prematurely age the skin. And with less than 70 calories per serving, this succulent fruit is the perfect pick for your figure as well as your face.
Face Food #3: Almonds
Not only is it a great shape for your eyes, almonds are also great food for your complexion. With 150% of your daily need for vitamin E, it’s no wonder that getting a bit nutty is good for you. The rich oils in vitamin E moisturize dry skin, while the antioxidants protect against skin damage and premature aging of facial tissue.
Face Food #4: Cottage Cheese
Dairy isn’t just good for your bones, it’s great for your face, too. But it’s the selenium in cottage cheese, not the calcium, that has us really going wild for these creamy curds. Selenium, a mineral, teams up with vitamin E as a powerful free-radical fighting antioxidant. Plus, it’s been touted to protect against skin cancer and even fight dandruff.
Face Food #5: Acerola Cherries
Your average cherry doesn’t supply a significant amount of vitamin C, but don’t tell that to this particular cherry. One single Acerola cherry supplies 100% of your daily allowance for vitamin C, which is great news for your skin. As an antioxidant, vitamin C fights skin damage and wrinkles. It also plays a central role in the production of collagen, the structural protein in your skin. Ain’t life just a bowl of cherries?
Face Food #6: Oysters
Whether they’re an aphrodisiac or not, oysters are certainly in love with your skin. As a rich source of zinc, oysters may help fight acne. Since zinc plays a role in sebum production, a deficiency may contribute to acne problems. Not only can getting enough zinc in your diet help clear up acne, it can also help boost elastin production with the help of vitamin C.
Face Food #7: Baked Potatoes
Unlike the greasy French fry, a plump, steaming baked potato is actually good for your skin. One baked potato (with the skin) supplies 75% of your daily recommendation for copper. This mineral works hand-in-hand with vitamin C and zinc to produce the elastin fibers that support skin structure. Too little copper in your diet can reduce your skin’s ability to heal and cause it to become rigid and lifeless.
Face Food #8: Mushrooms
This fungi isn’t only great for shish kebabs and stir fries, it’s also rich in riboflavin, a B vitamin that’s vital to your skin. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is involved in tissue maintenance and repair, but actually goes beyond basic skin care to improve skin blemishes caused by rosacea. This vitamin is so important for skin repair that the body will use up large amounts after sustaining a burn or wound, or undergoing surgery.
Face Food #9: Flaxseed Oil
It’s no secret that Omega-3s are great for your skin, but did you know that flaxseed oil is one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid? That’s great news if you’re not a fish-lover. Just one teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day provides 2.5 grams of Omega-3s, which in turn hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids are also beneficial for diluting sebum and unclogging pores that can otherwise lead to acne.
Face Food #10: Wheat Germ
Don’t let the “germ” scare you – it’s actually just the embryo within a grain of wheat, meaning it’s very nutritious. Wheat germ is a good source of biotin, a B vitamin that is crucial to skin health. Biotin is so important that even a mild deficiency can actually cause dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by itchy, scaly skin. Sprinkle wheat germ on yogurt for a tasty way to get more biotin in your diet.
Slather it on!
Not only can eating all of these foods nourish healthier skin from the inside out, some make for great facial masks, too.
Try this avocado mask to instantly moisturize your skin:
Mash one whole avocado.
Add 1 tsp flaxseed oil and 1 tsp honey.
Mix together until smooth and creamy.
Apply to face and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse clean with warm water.
Take care of your skin by eating right and having fun with your food. Also be sure to drink plenty of water and exercise daily to flush out toxins, and don’t put toxins right back in your body! Smoking damages healthy skin and makes it more prone to wrinkles and an ashen, gray color – not pretty. And, finally, always wear sunscreen, especially on your face, whether it’s clearly sunny out, or cloudy and gray. Buy a face moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15 to protect your face or wear a hat that provides shade.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Five promises essential to a great marriage
for personal/ministry resource
by Manda Gibson
source: Rick Warren's Ministry ToolBox
I Promise small group curriculum Looking for a small group curriculum that can help the marriages of your church? Look no further! This new Purpose Driven curriculum focuses on the
five promises that can revolutionize a marriage. For more information about the I Promise curriculum,
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (PD) — Relationship expert Gary Smalley used to wonder why marriages are so difficult. "Why did God put a man and a woman together?" he asked.
Then 10 years ago, his son and researchers at the Smalley Relationship Center set out to eradicate divorce in America. Though they didn't end divorce, they discovered what Smalley believes is the single greatest factor for building a successful marriage: security.
All people need satisfying relationships, Smalley said. "The more we're connected in a loving relationship, the healthier we are on all levels. That's a natural, God-given desire that people have everywhere."
People only stay connected in meaningful, loving relationships when they feel secure, he said. "Most of my books in the past were all about skills and ways to better connect, but what I never understood is that you can use skills all day long, but if you don't have security, nothing works."
Security means feeling safe (that you won't be criticized or condemned), feeling honored (that your mate values who you are and wants to understand you), and having commitment (that you will stay together for life).
"You can have all the candlelight dinners and romantic sunsets on the beach in Hawaii that you want, but if you don't feel safe, none of that matters," he said.
Security is achieved when a couple keeps five promises, Smalley said.
Promise 1: I promise to conform my beliefs to God's truthWhat your mate does or says doesn't determine your happiness, Smalley said. Happiness is the result of the beliefs you have in your own heart.
"As I hide God's Word in my heart, that develops my own beliefs," he said. "My beliefs determine my feelings, my thoughts, my words, and my
actions."
For 38 years, Smalley tried to change his wife's exercise habits. His efforts always resulted in arguments. Three years ago, he stopped trying to change
his wife. Now he spends his time working to change his own heart by memorizing Scriptures that help him live according to God's truth. He no longer feels the need to criticize, judge, or blame other people.
"The first promise is so powerful that it gets the husband and wife's focus off of changing their mate and onto changing themselves," he said. "Instead
of noticing the speck in my wife's eye, I want to notice the log in my eye."
Promise 2: I promise to be filled by GodPromising to be filled by God means you establish God as the only source of life and stop trying to make your spouse fill God's role, Smalley said.
He says people should do five things every day to be filled by God:
Crave God with your whole heart.
Be grateful that God sent Jesus.
Allow the Holy Spirit to give you love, life, and fulfillment.
Accept every trial as a gift of God, a trophy conforming you into his image.
Recognize you're a server of people, not a user of people.
Promise 3: I promise to find God's best in every trial"With all the trials I'm going to face, I can boast, be thrilled," Smalley said. "It gives me patience, endurance, more of his character."
Years ago, Smalley worked for a well-known Christian leader. "He used to hurt my feelings all the time," Smalley said. "He's my number-one trophy.
God used him to break me and mold me into his image."
Smalley says that most mates try to change the characteristics they find irritating in the other. "That's the worst thing you can do," Smalley said. "What
you want to do is thank your mate in creative ways – flowers, gifts, whatever you can. You say, ‘I'm so grateful for you because God's using you to make me more like him.'"
Promise 4: I promise to listen and communicate with loveA spouse's goal in every marital disagreement should be to help the other person win. "If you help your mate win while they help you win, then you stay in harmony. Your mate's not your enemy. They're on your team," Smalley said.
Instead of looking at disagreements as negative conversations, view them as doorways to intimacy, he suggested.
Promise 5: I promise to serve you all the days of my life"When you're a servant of your mate and you lay down your life for your mate, it's pretty easy for them to respond," Smalley said. "I've never met a woman anywhere in the world who wouldn't submit to a man who has already laid down his life for her and her well-being."
In order to serve your spouse, you need to discover what they need, Smalley said. "Meet those needs where you can," he said. "Where you can't, God promises to meet all their needs anyway."
A small group curriculumSmalley leads couples through the five promises in a new Purpose Driven small group curriculum – I Promise: How 5 Commitments Determine the
Destiny of Your Marriage – and the book, I Promise, released by Integrity Publishers.
"Five years after the average couple divorces, they wish they wouldn't have," Smalley said. "They didn't know that they actually could have worked this out.
"That's why this is such a powerful, important project that I've worked on. It's the essence of 40 years of ministry put into one curriculum and one book."
Ultimately, Smalley says, marriage is about two people becoming godly, not about them being happy, although happiness results from a healthy marriage. "The more we are like him, the safer our mate is going to feel. The safer they feel, the more naturally we become best friends."
by Manda Gibson
source: Rick Warren's Ministry ToolBox
I Promise small group curriculum Looking for a small group curriculum that can help the marriages of your church? Look no further! This new Purpose Driven curriculum focuses on the
five promises that can revolutionize a marriage. For more information about the I Promise curriculum,
LAKE FOREST, Calif. (PD) — Relationship expert Gary Smalley used to wonder why marriages are so difficult. "Why did God put a man and a woman together?" he asked.
Then 10 years ago, his son and researchers at the Smalley Relationship Center set out to eradicate divorce in America. Though they didn't end divorce, they discovered what Smalley believes is the single greatest factor for building a successful marriage: security.
All people need satisfying relationships, Smalley said. "The more we're connected in a loving relationship, the healthier we are on all levels. That's a natural, God-given desire that people have everywhere."
People only stay connected in meaningful, loving relationships when they feel secure, he said. "Most of my books in the past were all about skills and ways to better connect, but what I never understood is that you can use skills all day long, but if you don't have security, nothing works."
Security means feeling safe (that you won't be criticized or condemned), feeling honored (that your mate values who you are and wants to understand you), and having commitment (that you will stay together for life).
"You can have all the candlelight dinners and romantic sunsets on the beach in Hawaii that you want, but if you don't feel safe, none of that matters," he said.
Security is achieved when a couple keeps five promises, Smalley said.
Promise 1: I promise to conform my beliefs to God's truthWhat your mate does or says doesn't determine your happiness, Smalley said. Happiness is the result of the beliefs you have in your own heart.
"As I hide God's Word in my heart, that develops my own beliefs," he said. "My beliefs determine my feelings, my thoughts, my words, and my
actions."
For 38 years, Smalley tried to change his wife's exercise habits. His efforts always resulted in arguments. Three years ago, he stopped trying to change
his wife. Now he spends his time working to change his own heart by memorizing Scriptures that help him live according to God's truth. He no longer feels the need to criticize, judge, or blame other people.
"The first promise is so powerful that it gets the husband and wife's focus off of changing their mate and onto changing themselves," he said. "Instead
of noticing the speck in my wife's eye, I want to notice the log in my eye."
Promise 2: I promise to be filled by GodPromising to be filled by God means you establish God as the only source of life and stop trying to make your spouse fill God's role, Smalley said.
He says people should do five things every day to be filled by God:
Crave God with your whole heart.
Be grateful that God sent Jesus.
Allow the Holy Spirit to give you love, life, and fulfillment.
Accept every trial as a gift of God, a trophy conforming you into his image.
Recognize you're a server of people, not a user of people.
Promise 3: I promise to find God's best in every trial"With all the trials I'm going to face, I can boast, be thrilled," Smalley said. "It gives me patience, endurance, more of his character."
Years ago, Smalley worked for a well-known Christian leader. "He used to hurt my feelings all the time," Smalley said. "He's my number-one trophy.
God used him to break me and mold me into his image."
Smalley says that most mates try to change the characteristics they find irritating in the other. "That's the worst thing you can do," Smalley said. "What
you want to do is thank your mate in creative ways – flowers, gifts, whatever you can. You say, ‘I'm so grateful for you because God's using you to make me more like him.'"
Promise 4: I promise to listen and communicate with loveA spouse's goal in every marital disagreement should be to help the other person win. "If you help your mate win while they help you win, then you stay in harmony. Your mate's not your enemy. They're on your team," Smalley said.
Instead of looking at disagreements as negative conversations, view them as doorways to intimacy, he suggested.
Promise 5: I promise to serve you all the days of my life"When you're a servant of your mate and you lay down your life for your mate, it's pretty easy for them to respond," Smalley said. "I've never met a woman anywhere in the world who wouldn't submit to a man who has already laid down his life for her and her well-being."
In order to serve your spouse, you need to discover what they need, Smalley said. "Meet those needs where you can," he said. "Where you can't, God promises to meet all their needs anyway."
A small group curriculumSmalley leads couples through the five promises in a new Purpose Driven small group curriculum – I Promise: How 5 Commitments Determine the
Destiny of Your Marriage – and the book, I Promise, released by Integrity Publishers.
"Five years after the average couple divorces, they wish they wouldn't have," Smalley said. "They didn't know that they actually could have worked this out.
"That's why this is such a powerful, important project that I've worked on. It's the essence of 40 years of ministry put into one curriculum and one book."
Ultimately, Smalley says, marriage is about two people becoming godly, not about them being happy, although happiness results from a healthy marriage. "The more we are like him, the safer our mate is going to feel. The safer they feel, the more naturally we become best friends."
36 CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS
author/source unknown
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what
may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even
if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say NO to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will
compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too
many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over
time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out
what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do
anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary
purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an
enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of
life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems
in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a
good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they
can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that
you've never been grateful for before.
An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what
may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even
if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say NO to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will
compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too
many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over
time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out
what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do
anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary
purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key
buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an
enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of
life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems
in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a
good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they
can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that
you've never been grateful for before.
5 Things to Do When Your Buttons Are Pushed
Written by Joy Emery
Source: LifeWay
In every area of ministry you will find perpetual whiners and people drainers. While one might want to believe that we are insulated in the Body of
Christ and immune to people irritants – sometimes quite the opposite is true. Since we are in the Body of Christ, we tend to expect better conduct and
sometimes forget that we are all sinners saved by grace. Sometimes because our expectations are high, we end up frustrated with people who push
us to our limits.
Because you are in a role that requires you to interact with people, meet others’ needs and hear others’ opinions and stories, you must learn how to
deal with difficult people and manage your frustration.
People Who Push Our Buttons
Perpetual Whiners – The perpetual whiner will always have something to complain about. The best prescription for a whiner is to say, “I really
appreciate your input. Why don’t you write down your suggestions for me so we can consider your ideas for next year.” Whiners can then get it all off
their chests or choose to just let it go when they are required to expend energy on their own complaints.
Story Tellers – You see her coming and you want to run. You just don’t have time to hear another story. Greet her and then be honest about your time
constraints. If the person needs your encouragement, you can call her later. Then call her and end the call when you need to.
Gossip Spreaders – You find someone eager to share neighborly news. Instead of hearing the entire story, end the conversation by saying, “I don’t
need to know all the details, I have enough information to know to pray for her.” Or just let the person know that you don’t feel comfortable talking
unless the other party is present to defend herself or to tell her side of the story. Offering to get both parties together to clarify the information is
usually enough to stop the gossip.
What to Do When the Button Is Pushed
Because you are in a position to minister to folks, you can’t write off the ones you just don’t get along with or the ones who drive you nuts.
Here are five things to remember to deal with these difficult people:
Address the person’s real life need.
What causes the woman to need to gossip and share more information than needed? Can the complainer be used to better your ministry? Does she have a need to be more involved?
Talk directly with the woman and share your concern.
Be honest and don’t skirt the issues. Take another woman with you if you think you will need the support.
Refuse to act ungodly.
The biggest mistake you could make is say things you might regret later. Choose your words carefully and don’t share your frustration with others in the form of gossip.
Remember that the woman is worthy of ministry in God’s eyes.
While we may want to ignore the person or mark her off the friend list, God can and will work in all things.
Ask God to intervene and give you the insight you need to know how to handle the person and how to release the tension you might feel regarding the situation.
God has called you to minister to all types of people. Don’t let personality differences and difficult people keep you drained and ineffective. Invite others who have more ministry experience to help you know how to respond and thank God for allowing you to grow through difficult experiences and gain new perspectives to help others in the future.
Joy Every is a former education minister. She lives with her husband and three children in Mt Juliet, Tennessee and helps start new Sunday School
classes at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church.
Source: LifeWay
In every area of ministry you will find perpetual whiners and people drainers. While one might want to believe that we are insulated in the Body of
Christ and immune to people irritants – sometimes quite the opposite is true. Since we are in the Body of Christ, we tend to expect better conduct and
sometimes forget that we are all sinners saved by grace. Sometimes because our expectations are high, we end up frustrated with people who push
us to our limits.
Because you are in a role that requires you to interact with people, meet others’ needs and hear others’ opinions and stories, you must learn how to
deal with difficult people and manage your frustration.
People Who Push Our Buttons
Perpetual Whiners – The perpetual whiner will always have something to complain about. The best prescription for a whiner is to say, “I really
appreciate your input. Why don’t you write down your suggestions for me so we can consider your ideas for next year.” Whiners can then get it all off
their chests or choose to just let it go when they are required to expend energy on their own complaints.
Story Tellers – You see her coming and you want to run. You just don’t have time to hear another story. Greet her and then be honest about your time
constraints. If the person needs your encouragement, you can call her later. Then call her and end the call when you need to.
Gossip Spreaders – You find someone eager to share neighborly news. Instead of hearing the entire story, end the conversation by saying, “I don’t
need to know all the details, I have enough information to know to pray for her.” Or just let the person know that you don’t feel comfortable talking
unless the other party is present to defend herself or to tell her side of the story. Offering to get both parties together to clarify the information is
usually enough to stop the gossip.
What to Do When the Button Is Pushed
Because you are in a position to minister to folks, you can’t write off the ones you just don’t get along with or the ones who drive you nuts.
Here are five things to remember to deal with these difficult people:
Address the person’s real life need.
What causes the woman to need to gossip and share more information than needed? Can the complainer be used to better your ministry? Does she have a need to be more involved?
Talk directly with the woman and share your concern.
Be honest and don’t skirt the issues. Take another woman with you if you think you will need the support.
Refuse to act ungodly.
The biggest mistake you could make is say things you might regret later. Choose your words carefully and don’t share your frustration with others in the form of gossip.
Remember that the woman is worthy of ministry in God’s eyes.
While we may want to ignore the person or mark her off the friend list, God can and will work in all things.
Ask God to intervene and give you the insight you need to know how to handle the person and how to release the tension you might feel regarding the situation.
God has called you to minister to all types of people. Don’t let personality differences and difficult people keep you drained and ineffective. Invite others who have more ministry experience to help you know how to respond and thank God for allowing you to grow through difficult experiences and gain new perspectives to help others in the future.
Joy Every is a former education minister. She lives with her husband and three children in Mt Juliet, Tennessee and helps start new Sunday School
classes at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Smooth Sailing
by Greg Asimakoupoulos
The ebb and flow of ministry doesn't need to swamp your marriage.
It seemed to be a match made in heaven. Wendy had grown up on the mission field and dreamed of being a minister's wife since she was a little girl. I grew up as a PK loving the church, and I sensed a call to ministry by the age of 12. I'd envied my parents' mutual involvement in the congregation and prayed God would give me a wife with whom I could be a partner in ministry.
God answered both prayers. As newlyweds in our first church, Wendy and I looked for ways we could minister side by side. It wasn't hard. I discipled the husbands; Wendy counseled their wives. Together we led a weekly Bible study. We entertained church leaders and new members in our home, sharing in the planning, cooking and cleanup. We loved each other. We loved our congregation. We loved our identity as a ministry couple.
Soon, however, we discovered that, while the flood of pastoral demands could irrigate the work of ministry, they could also drown our marriage. Fortunately, we found some points at which we could regulate the flow.
We take up separate hobbies outside the church.
Wendy turned to gardening; I took up photography. Getting outdoors and celebrating the splendor of creation not only took our minds off the church; it filled each of us with joy that we could share with each other.
We protect our days off and spend them together.
Sunday may be holy, but Monday is sacred to us. Sleep in. Enjoy a cup of coffee. Leisurely read the paper. Go for a long walk. Plant flowers. Take pictures. Go antique hunting. Linger over lunch at a favorite restaurant. This was easier before kids, but when babies came we took them along. As much as we loved the church, we needed the routine of simple pleasures that had nothing to do with ministry.
We create fun traditions in our home.
Wendy and I decided to celebrate holidays and special days in ways that were unique to us. We decorate the house and have special menus for Valentine's Day, Academy Awards night, the Fourth of July and Santa Lucia Day. We have even created our own family holiday: July 31st commemorates the day 35 years ago when my parents moved our family to our new hometown. And don't even try to schedule a church board meeting on one of the special days we observe in our home!
We return to our roots regularly.
Wendy and I both have wonderful families -- we want to spend time with them! But throughout our marriage we have lived far away from our parents and siblings. So we have determined to visit our respective hometowns during vacations. Thus, every year we trek to places where we are known and loved, apart from our professions. Those times remind us of who we are as real people.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taken from Pastor's Family Bulletin, September 1999
The ebb and flow of ministry doesn't need to swamp your marriage.
It seemed to be a match made in heaven. Wendy had grown up on the mission field and dreamed of being a minister's wife since she was a little girl. I grew up as a PK loving the church, and I sensed a call to ministry by the age of 12. I'd envied my parents' mutual involvement in the congregation and prayed God would give me a wife with whom I could be a partner in ministry.
God answered both prayers. As newlyweds in our first church, Wendy and I looked for ways we could minister side by side. It wasn't hard. I discipled the husbands; Wendy counseled their wives. Together we led a weekly Bible study. We entertained church leaders and new members in our home, sharing in the planning, cooking and cleanup. We loved each other. We loved our congregation. We loved our identity as a ministry couple.
Soon, however, we discovered that, while the flood of pastoral demands could irrigate the work of ministry, they could also drown our marriage. Fortunately, we found some points at which we could regulate the flow.
We take up separate hobbies outside the church.
Wendy turned to gardening; I took up photography. Getting outdoors and celebrating the splendor of creation not only took our minds off the church; it filled each of us with joy that we could share with each other.
We protect our days off and spend them together.
Sunday may be holy, but Monday is sacred to us. Sleep in. Enjoy a cup of coffee. Leisurely read the paper. Go for a long walk. Plant flowers. Take pictures. Go antique hunting. Linger over lunch at a favorite restaurant. This was easier before kids, but when babies came we took them along. As much as we loved the church, we needed the routine of simple pleasures that had nothing to do with ministry.
We create fun traditions in our home.
Wendy and I decided to celebrate holidays and special days in ways that were unique to us. We decorate the house and have special menus for Valentine's Day, Academy Awards night, the Fourth of July and Santa Lucia Day. We have even created our own family holiday: July 31st commemorates the day 35 years ago when my parents moved our family to our new hometown. And don't even try to schedule a church board meeting on one of the special days we observe in our home!
We return to our roots regularly.
Wendy and I both have wonderful families -- we want to spend time with them! But throughout our marriage we have lived far away from our parents and siblings. So we have determined to visit our respective hometowns during vacations. Thus, every year we trek to places where we are known and loved, apart from our professions. Those times remind us of who we are as real people.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taken from Pastor's Family Bulletin, September 1999
God's Reason
author unknown
source: Empowering Women through Christ
I don't know how to say it
But somehow it seems to me
That maybe we are stationed,
Where God wants us to be.
That little place we're filling
Is the reason for our birth
And just to do the work we do
He sent us down earth.
If God had wanted otherwise
I'd reckon He'd have made
Each one of us a little different
Of a worse or better grade.
And since God knows and understand
All things of land and sea
I fancy that He placed us here
Just where He wanted us to be.
Sometimes we get to thinking
As our labors we review
That we should like a higher place
With greater things to do.
But we come to the conclusion
When the envying is stilled~
That the post to which God has sent us
Is the post He wanted filled.
And there isn't any service
That we honestly can scorn~
For it may just be the reason
God allowed us to be born.
source: Empowering Women through Christ
I don't know how to say it
But somehow it seems to me
That maybe we are stationed,
Where God wants us to be.
That little place we're filling
Is the reason for our birth
And just to do the work we do
He sent us down earth.
If God had wanted otherwise
I'd reckon He'd have made
Each one of us a little different
Of a worse or better grade.
And since God knows and understand
All things of land and sea
I fancy that He placed us here
Just where He wanted us to be.
Sometimes we get to thinking
As our labors we review
That we should like a higher place
With greater things to do.
But we come to the conclusion
When the envying is stilled~
That the post to which God has sent us
Is the post He wanted filled.
And there isn't any service
That we honestly can scorn~
For it may just be the reason
God allowed us to be born.
A Recipe for Joy
author:Adrian Rogers
source: Empowering Women Through Christ
These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11
Joy is the birthright of the child of God. Every child of God ought to have a conscious, conspicuous, continuous, and contagious joy. If you are not living a life of joy, you are living beneath your privileges as a Christian.
The Source of Joy
What is the source of your joy? John 15:11 says the joy that you are to have as a Christian is the joy of Jesus. He says "My joy." Jesus literally wants to take the joy that He has and place it in you. We think of Jesus as a Man of Sorrows, but there was a genuine joy in Jesus; and if you do not have that joy, you are not like Him. Jesus is the source of joy.
The Stability of Joy
Jesus not only wants you to find His joy; He wants you to keep it. This is not a joy that comes and goes. Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." First Thessalonians 5:16 is even more clear: "Rejoice evermore." It is important to note, however, that there is a difference between joy and smiling. Even when the tears are coursing down your cheeks, there can still be joy in your heart. If you get your joy from amusement; when you can no longer be amused, your joy is gone. But Jesus never changes. He is always there, and that is why your joy can remain:
Steadfast in Sorrow - Being a joyful Christian does not mean you will not have sorrow. In fact, John 16:20 states, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice ..." But you can have joy in spite of sorrow.
Triumphant in Tribulation - Not only are you going to have sorrow, you are going to have tribulation. In John 16:33 we read, "... In the world, ye shall have tribulation ..." But Paul sang praises to God at midnight in the Philippian jail. The same joy is available to you.
Abundant in Affliction - Afflictions may come and go, but Jesus is still there. Jesus knows your afflictions and offers joy in their midst. First Thessalonians 1:6 says, "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost"
The Sufficiency of Joy
Not only is His joy here to stay, but the joy of the Lord is enough. Other things can give you joy in an area of your life; but unless you have joy in Jesus, your joy is not full. The fullness of joy is only in Christ. Psalm 16:11 says, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
The Secret of Joy
Even though this joy is available to us, not every Christian has joy. You can be a Christian and still be miserable. As a matter of fact, the most miserable man on Earth is not an unsaved man but is a saved man out of fellowship with God. David, after he had committed sin, prayed in Psalm 51:12a, "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation." He hadn't lost his salvation, but he had lost the joy of it. We also read where Peter wept bitterly even though he was saved (Matthew 26:75).
Many Christians are joyless. They need to know the secret of joy found in John 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." There are three significant things about the life of a branch:
A branch is absolutely dependent upon a vine.
The vine sustains the branch and provides everything needed.
The branch never has to worry about its provisions.
The branch is not called on to do anything for God, just abide in the vine. What we do on our own has no eternal value. The branch surrenders to the vine in order to be useful. It is the vine that produces the grapes - the fruit of the Spirit - which includes joy. In order for there to be this dependence and restfulness, there must be total surrender.
Have you brought all of the issues of your life into one burning focus and said. "I have no greater ambition, desire, or responsibility than just to abide in the Lord Jesus Christ?" Dear friend, that is the recipe for joy in your life.
source: Empowering Women Through Christ
These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11
Joy is the birthright of the child of God. Every child of God ought to have a conscious, conspicuous, continuous, and contagious joy. If you are not living a life of joy, you are living beneath your privileges as a Christian.
The Source of Joy
What is the source of your joy? John 15:11 says the joy that you are to have as a Christian is the joy of Jesus. He says "My joy." Jesus literally wants to take the joy that He has and place it in you. We think of Jesus as a Man of Sorrows, but there was a genuine joy in Jesus; and if you do not have that joy, you are not like Him. Jesus is the source of joy.
The Stability of Joy
Jesus not only wants you to find His joy; He wants you to keep it. This is not a joy that comes and goes. Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." First Thessalonians 5:16 is even more clear: "Rejoice evermore." It is important to note, however, that there is a difference between joy and smiling. Even when the tears are coursing down your cheeks, there can still be joy in your heart. If you get your joy from amusement; when you can no longer be amused, your joy is gone. But Jesus never changes. He is always there, and that is why your joy can remain:
Steadfast in Sorrow - Being a joyful Christian does not mean you will not have sorrow. In fact, John 16:20 states, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice ..." But you can have joy in spite of sorrow.
Triumphant in Tribulation - Not only are you going to have sorrow, you are going to have tribulation. In John 16:33 we read, "... In the world, ye shall have tribulation ..." But Paul sang praises to God at midnight in the Philippian jail. The same joy is available to you.
Abundant in Affliction - Afflictions may come and go, but Jesus is still there. Jesus knows your afflictions and offers joy in their midst. First Thessalonians 1:6 says, "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost"
The Sufficiency of Joy
Not only is His joy here to stay, but the joy of the Lord is enough. Other things can give you joy in an area of your life; but unless you have joy in Jesus, your joy is not full. The fullness of joy is only in Christ. Psalm 16:11 says, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
The Secret of Joy
Even though this joy is available to us, not every Christian has joy. You can be a Christian and still be miserable. As a matter of fact, the most miserable man on Earth is not an unsaved man but is a saved man out of fellowship with God. David, after he had committed sin, prayed in Psalm 51:12a, "Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation." He hadn't lost his salvation, but he had lost the joy of it. We also read where Peter wept bitterly even though he was saved (Matthew 26:75).
Many Christians are joyless. They need to know the secret of joy found in John 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing." There are three significant things about the life of a branch:
A branch is absolutely dependent upon a vine.
The vine sustains the branch and provides everything needed.
The branch never has to worry about its provisions.
The branch is not called on to do anything for God, just abide in the vine. What we do on our own has no eternal value. The branch surrenders to the vine in order to be useful. It is the vine that produces the grapes - the fruit of the Spirit - which includes joy. In order for there to be this dependence and restfulness, there must be total surrender.
Have you brought all of the issues of your life into one burning focus and said. "I have no greater ambition, desire, or responsibility than just to abide in the Lord Jesus Christ?" Dear friend, that is the recipe for joy in your life.
The Search For Peace
author: Marybeth Whalen, Speaker Team Member
source: Crosswalk
Key Verse:
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Peace. The very word settles down in my soul and sits quietly there, hopeful and waiting. How I long for peace to well up to overflowing inside me. Instead, I search in vain for this elusive part of God’s promise to me. Didn’t Jesus say that He was leaving us with peace when He ascended into Heaven? Then where is my peace? How can I have peace in my life?
I make the mistake of seeking peace by trying to control my life, my circumstances and the people I love. Surely if I can exercise some control over what happens to me, then peace will be a byproduct of that control. Right? Yet, peace still eludes me. I realize that control is not the answer I had hoped for.
I know I am not the only woman who struggles with desiring to control my life. I think that it is in our nature to want to control things. When Adam and Eve were cursed by God, He told Eve, “Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16) God was telling Eve that her desire for control would be a struggle for the rest of her life. She would want to rule over things, yet that was not the responsibility God had assigned her. Eve and every women after her has struggled with this ever since.
In my search for peace, I found that peace was not a product of control but the very opposite of it! I find peace when I surrender control. When I say to God, “I can’t,” I feel the absolute serenity of knowing that He can. I have found that being “out of control” is actually a very peaceful state of mind! When I am “out of control,” I allow God complete control.
To help myself remember this valuable lesson, I developed an acronym for “Peace” that I want to share with you:
Purposefully
Embracing
All
Circumstances
Everyday
I don’t have control and never will. When I purposefully embrace all the circumstances that God allows to come into my life, and accept that He has allowed them according to His perfect plan to accomplish His purposes, then I can experience the freedom He intended and experience the peace that passes all understanding. Try peace God’s way today! It may not be what you expected, but I can testify that His peace is truly perfect peace.
Dear Lord, Help me to embrace everything You allow in my life. Help me to surrender the control that I have tried to have and to trust You instead. Thank You for giving me perfect peace as You promised. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Write down the acronym for PEACE and the verse from John 14:27 on an index card. Carry it with you throughout your day. Ask God to help you surrender control and submit to His plans for you, whatever they may be. When you feel yourself starting to wrestle with your desire for control, reflect on the acronym and the verse on your card. Meditate on the Power Verses below. Spend more time in prayer seeking ways to give up control so that you can know God’s peace.
Reflection Points:
Why do you want to control things around you?
What steps can you take to lay down the control habit? What does the Bible instruct about this?
In what ways will it benefit you to replace control with peace in your life?
Power Verses:
John 16:33, “I have told you all these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
Psalm 34:14, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (NIV)
Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
source: Crosswalk
Key Verse:
John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Peace. The very word settles down in my soul and sits quietly there, hopeful and waiting. How I long for peace to well up to overflowing inside me. Instead, I search in vain for this elusive part of God’s promise to me. Didn’t Jesus say that He was leaving us with peace when He ascended into Heaven? Then where is my peace? How can I have peace in my life?
I make the mistake of seeking peace by trying to control my life, my circumstances and the people I love. Surely if I can exercise some control over what happens to me, then peace will be a byproduct of that control. Right? Yet, peace still eludes me. I realize that control is not the answer I had hoped for.
I know I am not the only woman who struggles with desiring to control my life. I think that it is in our nature to want to control things. When Adam and Eve were cursed by God, He told Eve, “Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16) God was telling Eve that her desire for control would be a struggle for the rest of her life. She would want to rule over things, yet that was not the responsibility God had assigned her. Eve and every women after her has struggled with this ever since.
In my search for peace, I found that peace was not a product of control but the very opposite of it! I find peace when I surrender control. When I say to God, “I can’t,” I feel the absolute serenity of knowing that He can. I have found that being “out of control” is actually a very peaceful state of mind! When I am “out of control,” I allow God complete control.
To help myself remember this valuable lesson, I developed an acronym for “Peace” that I want to share with you:
Purposefully
Embracing
All
Circumstances
Everyday
I don’t have control and never will. When I purposefully embrace all the circumstances that God allows to come into my life, and accept that He has allowed them according to His perfect plan to accomplish His purposes, then I can experience the freedom He intended and experience the peace that passes all understanding. Try peace God’s way today! It may not be what you expected, but I can testify that His peace is truly perfect peace.
Dear Lord, Help me to embrace everything You allow in my life. Help me to surrender the control that I have tried to have and to trust You instead. Thank You for giving me perfect peace as You promised. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Write down the acronym for PEACE and the verse from John 14:27 on an index card. Carry it with you throughout your day. Ask God to help you surrender control and submit to His plans for you, whatever they may be. When you feel yourself starting to wrestle with your desire for control, reflect on the acronym and the verse on your card. Meditate on the Power Verses below. Spend more time in prayer seeking ways to give up control so that you can know God’s peace.
Reflection Points:
Why do you want to control things around you?
What steps can you take to lay down the control habit? What does the Bible instruct about this?
In what ways will it benefit you to replace control with peace in your life?
Power Verses:
John 16:33, “I have told you all these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
Psalm 34:14, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (NIV)
Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)
NBC Puts Sliced 'Veggies' on Saturday Morning Kids Menu
NBC Puts Sliced 'Veggies' on Saturday Morning Kids Menu
Jenni Parker
source: CrossWalk
Network Airs VeggieTales Cartoons With Religious Content Cut Out
The popular Christian-themed VeggieTales cartoons, which feature loveable talking vegetables Larry the Cucumber, Bob the Tomato, and other "veggies," are now being broadcast on Saturday mornings on NBC. Fans will notice some changes, however, as the network has insisted any biblical or evangelical messages in the animated shows be edited out.
According to an Associated Press report, VeggieTales creator and consultant Phil Vischer is, at NBC's insistence, retooling the popular cartoons for network television. The cartoon still presents Bible stories, he notes, but the network has said they cannot preach to kids or show Scriptures at the end of each episode, so "we have had to make some edits."
The major TV networks have "some sensitivities," Vischer explains, "about 'preaching to kids' when you have an audience that's going to have atheist kids and, you know, Hindu kids," and so on. "And so we can tell Bible stories," he says, but "what we can't do is really turn to the audience and preach at them. What we can't do at the end is go to the computer and show a Bible verse, which clearly doesn't pass network standards."
For example, Vischer recalls, in one VeggieTales episode a character states, "The Bible says God gave Samson his strength," and NBC "didn't have a problem with that. But then the character kind of turns to the camera and says, 'And God can give us strength, too.' And that's kind of where [NBC] said, 'Okay, now you're preaching.'"
The animator notes that there was some initial miscommunication about what NBC would allow and what was off limits. "Some of it came as a surprise to us, what we needed to cut," he says. Nevertheless, he does not believe the end result of the editing has compromised the Christian integrity of the programs' basic messages.
"There is the kind of compromise that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do," Vischer says. "But there's also the kind of compromise that [the apostle] Paul did when he said, 'I will be all things to all people' -- where he wanted to kind of adopt the culture of the people he was trying to reach; not offend them, but find a way to get the gospel in front of them. And I think that's a little more what we're trying to do here."
It remains clear, even in the edited episodes, "that we're telling a Bible story and we're communicating something from the Bible," Vischer contends; but "what we haven't been able to do is really turn to the audience and apply it to them." He acknowledges that he and his associates are "not thrilled" about all the cuts, but says "we're doing the best we can. If someone invites you to a dinner party and you get to talk there, you kind of have to live by the rules of the host."
But even though the Veggies' creator admits he wishes he did not have to make the cuts, he says he believes the cartoon's broadcasts will still teach kids good lessons that are based on biblical values. Meanwhile, he hopes the NBC broadcasts of the cartoon will help attract a new audience to the unedited VeggieTales videos.
So the Veggies will be a little bit chopped before being served up for Saturday morning network TV; but Vischer asserts, "we still think it's a good thing because kids can meet Bob [the Tomato] and Larry [the Cucumber] through this broadcast."
And then, the cartoon's creator adds, when young viewers who have been introduced to the characters through the NBC broadcast "go into Wal-Mart or Target, they'll bump into these VeggieTales videos, and they'll discover the whole story."
© 2006 AgapePress all rights reserved
Jenni Parker
source: CrossWalk
Network Airs VeggieTales Cartoons With Religious Content Cut Out
The popular Christian-themed VeggieTales cartoons, which feature loveable talking vegetables Larry the Cucumber, Bob the Tomato, and other "veggies," are now being broadcast on Saturday mornings on NBC. Fans will notice some changes, however, as the network has insisted any biblical or evangelical messages in the animated shows be edited out.
According to an Associated Press report, VeggieTales creator and consultant Phil Vischer is, at NBC's insistence, retooling the popular cartoons for network television. The cartoon still presents Bible stories, he notes, but the network has said they cannot preach to kids or show Scriptures at the end of each episode, so "we have had to make some edits."
The major TV networks have "some sensitivities," Vischer explains, "about 'preaching to kids' when you have an audience that's going to have atheist kids and, you know, Hindu kids," and so on. "And so we can tell Bible stories," he says, but "what we can't do is really turn to the audience and preach at them. What we can't do at the end is go to the computer and show a Bible verse, which clearly doesn't pass network standards."
For example, Vischer recalls, in one VeggieTales episode a character states, "The Bible says God gave Samson his strength," and NBC "didn't have a problem with that. But then the character kind of turns to the camera and says, 'And God can give us strength, too.' And that's kind of where [NBC] said, 'Okay, now you're preaching.'"
The animator notes that there was some initial miscommunication about what NBC would allow and what was off limits. "Some of it came as a surprise to us, what we needed to cut," he says. Nevertheless, he does not believe the end result of the editing has compromised the Christian integrity of the programs' basic messages.
"There is the kind of compromise that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do," Vischer says. "But there's also the kind of compromise that [the apostle] Paul did when he said, 'I will be all things to all people' -- where he wanted to kind of adopt the culture of the people he was trying to reach; not offend them, but find a way to get the gospel in front of them. And I think that's a little more what we're trying to do here."
It remains clear, even in the edited episodes, "that we're telling a Bible story and we're communicating something from the Bible," Vischer contends; but "what we haven't been able to do is really turn to the audience and apply it to them." He acknowledges that he and his associates are "not thrilled" about all the cuts, but says "we're doing the best we can. If someone invites you to a dinner party and you get to talk there, you kind of have to live by the rules of the host."
But even though the Veggies' creator admits he wishes he did not have to make the cuts, he says he believes the cartoon's broadcasts will still teach kids good lessons that are based on biblical values. Meanwhile, he hopes the NBC broadcasts of the cartoon will help attract a new audience to the unedited VeggieTales videos.
So the Veggies will be a little bit chopped before being served up for Saturday morning network TV; but Vischer asserts, "we still think it's a good thing because kids can meet Bob [the Tomato] and Larry [the Cucumber] through this broadcast."
And then, the cartoon's creator adds, when young viewers who have been introduced to the characters through the NBC broadcast "go into Wal-Mart or Target, they'll bump into these VeggieTales videos, and they'll discover the whole story."
© 2006 AgapePress all rights reserved
Friday, September 15, 2006
Jimmy Draper on 4 Ways to Set Boundaries in Ministry
author: Jimmy Draper
source: LifeWay
It is important to acknowledge that most of us are our own worst enemies in thinking we have to be present at everything that happens at the church. It was a liberating day for me and for the church when I discovered that meetings could go on without me! It also is empowering for church members to know you trust them enough to do their work.
To evaluate how you are doing at protecting time for your family and yourself, consider these questions.
How often do you work on your days off?
What do you do when a church meeting or appointment conflicts with an event important to one of your children?
How often do you take your wife out on a date?
How long has it been since you enjoyed a round of golf, a tennis match, or some other sports or hobby activity?
On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate your physical fitness?
On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate your spiritual fitness? How long has it been since you ate dinner at home?
How often do you spend time alone with one of your children?
Did you take all of your vacation time last year? The year before?
If your responses to these questions indicate you have progress to make in setting and maintaining boundaries, don’t despair! You can make changes.
Here are four suggestions, based on my 35 years of pastoral ministry. I didn’t start out practicing all of these. Some were learned through the crucible of wrong choices. I offer them for your consideration.
1. Review the activities at the church.Decide which require your attention and which do not. This may require handing off assignments to the staff or lay leaders. Work with the appropriate
persons to make those changes as needed.
2. Get a physical check-up. If you haven’t had a physical examination recently, get one. Then develop a plan for eating, exercise, and recreation, and follow it. You will feel better and
have more energy for ministry and for your family.
3. Evaluate your present habits of prayer and Bible study.Are you allowing adequate time to prepare for teaching God’s Word? What about your own needs for personal spiritual renewal? Make changes as needed.
4. Schedule time with your family.Make time for the entire family as a whole and with individual members. Place these times on your calendar, along with church meetings and appointments
with church members.
All of us need to spend time with our children, attending their important events, and building strength into family relationships. Establishing boundaries and
respecting family engagements and needs is the only way to do that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James T. Draper, Jr. recently retired as the president of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Before joining the LifeWay staff in August 1991, he served as pastor of Southern Baptist churches in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. He is a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention and also served as chairman of trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He is the author of more than 20 Christian books and has traveled in 33 countries around the world, leading in evangelistic services and activities, as well as other types of conferences and meetings with missionaries and nationals.
source: LifeWay
It is important to acknowledge that most of us are our own worst enemies in thinking we have to be present at everything that happens at the church. It was a liberating day for me and for the church when I discovered that meetings could go on without me! It also is empowering for church members to know you trust them enough to do their work.
To evaluate how you are doing at protecting time for your family and yourself, consider these questions.
How often do you work on your days off?
What do you do when a church meeting or appointment conflicts with an event important to one of your children?
How often do you take your wife out on a date?
How long has it been since you enjoyed a round of golf, a tennis match, or some other sports or hobby activity?
On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate your physical fitness?
On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate your spiritual fitness? How long has it been since you ate dinner at home?
How often do you spend time alone with one of your children?
Did you take all of your vacation time last year? The year before?
If your responses to these questions indicate you have progress to make in setting and maintaining boundaries, don’t despair! You can make changes.
Here are four suggestions, based on my 35 years of pastoral ministry. I didn’t start out practicing all of these. Some were learned through the crucible of wrong choices. I offer them for your consideration.
1. Review the activities at the church.Decide which require your attention and which do not. This may require handing off assignments to the staff or lay leaders. Work with the appropriate
persons to make those changes as needed.
2. Get a physical check-up. If you haven’t had a physical examination recently, get one. Then develop a plan for eating, exercise, and recreation, and follow it. You will feel better and
have more energy for ministry and for your family.
3. Evaluate your present habits of prayer and Bible study.Are you allowing adequate time to prepare for teaching God’s Word? What about your own needs for personal spiritual renewal? Make changes as needed.
4. Schedule time with your family.Make time for the entire family as a whole and with individual members. Place these times on your calendar, along with church meetings and appointments
with church members.
All of us need to spend time with our children, attending their important events, and building strength into family relationships. Establishing boundaries and
respecting family engagements and needs is the only way to do that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James T. Draper, Jr. recently retired as the president of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Before joining the LifeWay staff in August 1991, he served as pastor of Southern Baptist churches in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. He is a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention and also served as chairman of trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
He is the author of more than 20 Christian books and has traveled in 33 countries around the world, leading in evangelistic services and activities, as well as other types of conferences and meetings with missionaries and nationals.
Devotional: “Satan Yells, God Whispers”
author: Marybeth Whalen, Speaker Team Member
source: CrossWalk
Key Verse:
Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (NIV)
Devotion:
One of my favorite passages in the Bible is found in I Kings 19:3-13. In this passage Elijah has run into a cave and is hiding from King Ahab, afraid for his life.
He is at a real low point, with which we can all sympathize. He wants to know if God is really there. Have you ever asked that question in your heart?
Unfortunately, I don’t struggle with knowing whether Satan is in my life. He announces his presence with authority. I see him in my own sinful nature. I sense him lurking, waiting to strike. He crawls up on my shoulder and says horrible, crippling things in my ear. His voice is loud and persistent. I want to silence him forever but I must wait for God’s timing for that. In the meantime, I know that I must contend with my enemy.
Unlike Satan’s shrill hiss, God’s voice is a gentle whisper - something I don’t so much hear as feel in my soul. God is the great lover of my soul. He does not enter uninvited but is always the gentleman, waiting to be asked in. He says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). In His graciousness, He seeks permission to enter our lives and does not barge in unbidden.
Back to the passage in I Kings, we see God did not come to Elijah in the wind, the earthquake or the fire. He came in a gentle breeze that soothed and comforted Elijah’s troubled heart. He comes to us in the same way. Remember this about His character when you are facing tough times. Just because He is quiet does not mean God isn’t there. He will not yell at you and condemn you. That is the Enemy talking. Get to know God’s character so you can recognize His sweet voice.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, thank You that You care enough for me to speak to me. Help me to know You so well that I instantly recognize Your voice. Help me to know when it is Satan speaking to me and to learn not to listen to him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Determine what God is asking you to step out and do. Don’t go by ability or emotions. Go by Truth and God’s leading in your life. Set a goal to practice whatever that is and watch God work on the rest!
Get out your Bible and read I Kings 19:3-13.
Reflection Points:
What can you do to better hear God’s voice and silence Satan’s? Do you recognize the two distinct voices? What does each voice say about their character?
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 30:20, “And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
Psalm 29:4, “The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.”
John 10:3, “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
source: CrossWalk
Key Verse:
Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (NIV)
Devotion:
One of my favorite passages in the Bible is found in I Kings 19:3-13. In this passage Elijah has run into a cave and is hiding from King Ahab, afraid for his life.
He is at a real low point, with which we can all sympathize. He wants to know if God is really there. Have you ever asked that question in your heart?
Unfortunately, I don’t struggle with knowing whether Satan is in my life. He announces his presence with authority. I see him in my own sinful nature. I sense him lurking, waiting to strike. He crawls up on my shoulder and says horrible, crippling things in my ear. His voice is loud and persistent. I want to silence him forever but I must wait for God’s timing for that. In the meantime, I know that I must contend with my enemy.
Unlike Satan’s shrill hiss, God’s voice is a gentle whisper - something I don’t so much hear as feel in my soul. God is the great lover of my soul. He does not enter uninvited but is always the gentleman, waiting to be asked in. He says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). In His graciousness, He seeks permission to enter our lives and does not barge in unbidden.
Back to the passage in I Kings, we see God did not come to Elijah in the wind, the earthquake or the fire. He came in a gentle breeze that soothed and comforted Elijah’s troubled heart. He comes to us in the same way. Remember this about His character when you are facing tough times. Just because He is quiet does not mean God isn’t there. He will not yell at you and condemn you. That is the Enemy talking. Get to know God’s character so you can recognize His sweet voice.
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, thank You that You care enough for me to speak to me. Help me to know You so well that I instantly recognize Your voice. Help me to know when it is Satan speaking to me and to learn not to listen to him. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Determine what God is asking you to step out and do. Don’t go by ability or emotions. Go by Truth and God’s leading in your life. Set a goal to practice whatever that is and watch God work on the rest!
Get out your Bible and read I Kings 19:3-13.
Reflection Points:
What can you do to better hear God’s voice and silence Satan’s? Do you recognize the two distinct voices? What does each voice say about their character?
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 30:20, “And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”
Psalm 29:4, “The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.”
John 10:3, “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
Devotional:“Yes You Can”
author: Wendy Pope, Coordinator of Development, Speaker Team Member
source: CrossWalk
Key Verse:
Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (NIV)
Devotion:
It is amazing to me how, from a very young age, children come to believe whether they will be successful or not. Some children are brimming with confidence, and some need encouragement at every turn. I have one of each. My son never assumes that he will fail. He never lets his size or his age affect his belief in himself. My daughter, on the other hand, got her confidence from her mother’s gene pool. She will quickly give up on something just because it is not going well.
This started during her preschool days. When the puzzle piece would not fit, or when the shape would not go into the sorter, the first words out of her little mouth were, "I can’t do it." Knowing that I had grown up being a slave to this lie, I was determined to set a new pace for my children.
I started this new pace by teaching her to ask for help when she got frustrated. I had her say, "Mom, I am having trouble, will you please help me?" After many months of training, this became second nature. As she would come to us , we would help her, but we would also direct her to God’s Word (and today’s key scripture). After many years of teaching this principle, she is finally beginning to believe she can do all things through Christ.
Has the enemy robbed you of potential success in an area of your life by convincing you that you cannot do it? It grieves my heart to think of the time I wasted giving the enemy victory in the area of self-confidence. I have spent the latter years of my life choosing to overcome the enemy’s lies by defending myself with Scripture and, like my daughter, asking for help. I am now able to live free and enjoy life by daring to try new things.
My Prayer for Today:
Lord, help me to believe your words. Help me to overcome any unbelief. I know my confidence and competence comes from you. Enable me to live like it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Make a list of some things you do well. Thank God for your abilities.
Make a list of things you struggle to achieve with excellence. Ask the Lord for help.
Reflection Points:
Is there an area of my life where I am giving into the enemies' lies?
How do I react when I am having trouble succeeding at a task?
Who do I call first when trouble comes my way?
Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 3:4, "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God." (NIV)
2 Corinthians 3:5, "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes form God." (NIV)
Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)
source: CrossWalk
Key Verse:
Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (NIV)
Devotion:
It is amazing to me how, from a very young age, children come to believe whether they will be successful or not. Some children are brimming with confidence, and some need encouragement at every turn. I have one of each. My son never assumes that he will fail. He never lets his size or his age affect his belief in himself. My daughter, on the other hand, got her confidence from her mother’s gene pool. She will quickly give up on something just because it is not going well.
This started during her preschool days. When the puzzle piece would not fit, or when the shape would not go into the sorter, the first words out of her little mouth were, "I can’t do it." Knowing that I had grown up being a slave to this lie, I was determined to set a new pace for my children.
I started this new pace by teaching her to ask for help when she got frustrated. I had her say, "Mom, I am having trouble, will you please help me?" After many months of training, this became second nature. As she would come to us , we would help her, but we would also direct her to God’s Word (and today’s key scripture). After many years of teaching this principle, she is finally beginning to believe she can do all things through Christ.
Has the enemy robbed you of potential success in an area of your life by convincing you that you cannot do it? It grieves my heart to think of the time I wasted giving the enemy victory in the area of self-confidence. I have spent the latter years of my life choosing to overcome the enemy’s lies by defending myself with Scripture and, like my daughter, asking for help. I am now able to live free and enjoy life by daring to try new things.
My Prayer for Today:
Lord, help me to believe your words. Help me to overcome any unbelief. I know my confidence and competence comes from you. Enable me to live like it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Make a list of some things you do well. Thank God for your abilities.
Make a list of things you struggle to achieve with excellence. Ask the Lord for help.
Reflection Points:
Is there an area of my life where I am giving into the enemies' lies?
How do I react when I am having trouble succeeding at a task?
Who do I call first when trouble comes my way?
Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 3:4, "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God." (NIV)
2 Corinthians 3:5, "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes form God." (NIV)
Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (NIV)
Paradoxical Commandments
author: Dr. Kent M. Keith
sources: http://www.paradoxicalcommandments.com/
helpmeet Sherry :) THANKS!
The Paradoxical Commandments were written by Kent M. Keith in 1968 as part of a booklet for student leaders. The original text are as follows:
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
Below are some more of these Paradoxical Commandments set on nice baby backgrounds...
http://ptrswife.blogspot.com/2006/09/paradoxical-commandments.html
http://ptrswife.blogspot.com/2006/09/other-illustrated-paradoxical.html
sources: http://www.paradoxicalcommandments.com/
helpmeet Sherry :) THANKS!
The Paradoxical Commandments were written by Kent M. Keith in 1968 as part of a booklet for student leaders. The original text are as follows:
People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.
Below are some more of these Paradoxical Commandments set on nice baby backgrounds...
http://ptrswife.blogspot.com/2006/09/paradoxical-commandments.html
http://ptrswife.blogspot.com/2006/09/other-illustrated-paradoxical.html
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Top 10 Healthy Party Snacks
source: LifeScript
a health resource
NOTE:"published articles of authors in this blogsite does not warrant FULL endorsement of the author's values and that of his website. Readers are reminded to subscribe only to advice/ information that does not go against the Scriptures and/or their own Christian preferences"
Healthy Party Foods #1: Red Wine
Most of us see parties as a chance to drink up and let loose, but when it comes to alcohol, choosing red wine over cocktails can save you hundreds of calories. Not only that, red wine is also rich in antioxidants that protect your heart and help your body to maintain healthy cells.
(apologies to those who do not approve of drinking red wine ,etc. the whole article must be published in whole, as originally taken from the source in order to avoid plagiarism issues)
Healthy Party Foods #2: Nuts
You might be accustomed to shying away from the nuts since they are high in fat, but nuts are full of the good kind of fat – unsaturated. Unsaturated fats help promote healthy hair, skin and nails, nourishing them from the inside out. Rather than snacking on greasy chips, grab a handful of nuts – they’ll also keep you satisfied longer. For the best total fat to unsaturated fat ratio, grab a handful of hazelnuts – they’re 94% good fat!
Healthy Party Foods #3: Raw Veggies
The veggie tray is always a hit at any party! No matter what kind of veggie you love, you’ll most likely find it on the veggie tray. If you’re hosting the party, get creative and blanch asparagus, green beans and other greens for tasty dippers. Vegetables are full of nutrients and water, low in calories and 100% fat-free. But watch out for those calorie-loaded party dips!
Healthy Party Foods #4: Healthy Party Dips
Speaking of calorie-rich party dips, we’ve got some great alternatives for you. Instead of mayonnaise, sour cream or cream cheese based dips, reach for the hummus (blended chickpeas) or fresh salsa. They’re both tasty, loaded with nutrients and low in calories and fat.
Healthy Party Foods #5: Tomato Juice
If you’re not the type who likes to eat your vegetables, drink them instead! You can get one or more servings of vegetables in a glass of tomato or V8 juice, and it’s a low-fat, low-calorie drink. And, if you must have a cocktail, try a Bloody Mary for the tomato juice benefit, and don’t forget to munch on the celery!
(apologies to those who do not approve of drinking cocktails,etc. the whole article must be published in whole, as originally taken from the source in order to avoid plagiarism issues)
Healthy Party Foods #6: Fruit Galore
Chances are, whichever party you’re at, there’ll be desserts – and tons of them! Fixing an aching sweet tooth is as easy as reaching for the fresh fruit. Just like veggies, fresh fruit is nutrient-dense, full of water and low in calories and fat – and they’ll help fill you up before the main courses, which are often the fattiest.
Healthy Party Foods #7: Fish
You might not think of serving fish at your party, but it really does make for a fancy and nutritious treat. Try mini sushi rolls for an oriental twist or smoked salmon pieces to really light up your table. Both are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fat that is lacking in the typical American diet. Increasing your Omega-3 intake can also help promote healthy hair, skin and nails.
Healthy Party Foods #8: Air Popped Popcorn
It’s the perfect snack for those of you who need to constantly be handling food. One cup of air popped popcorn has only 30 calories and provides more than one gram of fiber. Just don’t slather on the butter, because this health-conscious snack will quickly become waistline-sabotaging. Instead, try Mrs. Dash seasonings for a tasty kick.
Healthy Party Foods #9: Angel Food Cake
Serving cake or eyeing the cake in the kitchen? Forget the really rich and dense cakes and opt instead for angel food cake – a light and fluffy variety of cake that is low in fat and high in flavor. For an even tastier angel food cake, top your slice with fresh fruit like strawberries and a low-calorie whipped topping. If you choose well, you can literally have your cake and eat it, too!
Healthy Party Foods #10: Lemon water
OK, so this drink doesn’t sounds that festive for a party, but it’s a tasty alternative to water, and not nearly as bland. If you have a hard time wanting to drink water, squeeze a fresh lemon wedge into your glass to quench your thirst and replenish any water lost from drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages. Drinking water is great for you and doesn’t have the calories of other party drinks.
Parties are seen as a welcome time to indulge, but just because you’re feeling festive and celebratory doesn’t mean that your waistline should suffer, especially when there are so many other deliciously healthy party snacks available. Making a commitment to yourself to eat right and watch your caloric intake shouldn’t get thrown to the wayside just because of a social event.
It means becoming more knowledgeable of not only the so-called “bad” foods, but the good-for-you foods as well, and keeping within the boundaries of moderation no matter where you are. So snack healthy and snack happy!
NOTE:"published articles of authors in this blogsite does not warrant FULL endorsement of the author's values and that of his website. readers are reminded to subscribe only to advice/ information that does not go against the Scriptures and/or their own Christian preferences"
a health resource
NOTE:"published articles of authors in this blogsite does not warrant FULL endorsement of the author's values and that of his website. Readers are reminded to subscribe only to advice/ information that does not go against the Scriptures and/or their own Christian preferences"
Healthy Party Foods #1: Red Wine
Most of us see parties as a chance to drink up and let loose, but when it comes to alcohol, choosing red wine over cocktails can save you hundreds of calories. Not only that, red wine is also rich in antioxidants that protect your heart and help your body to maintain healthy cells.
(apologies to those who do not approve of drinking red wine ,etc. the whole article must be published in whole, as originally taken from the source in order to avoid plagiarism issues)
Healthy Party Foods #2: Nuts
You might be accustomed to shying away from the nuts since they are high in fat, but nuts are full of the good kind of fat – unsaturated. Unsaturated fats help promote healthy hair, skin and nails, nourishing them from the inside out. Rather than snacking on greasy chips, grab a handful of nuts – they’ll also keep you satisfied longer. For the best total fat to unsaturated fat ratio, grab a handful of hazelnuts – they’re 94% good fat!
Healthy Party Foods #3: Raw Veggies
The veggie tray is always a hit at any party! No matter what kind of veggie you love, you’ll most likely find it on the veggie tray. If you’re hosting the party, get creative and blanch asparagus, green beans and other greens for tasty dippers. Vegetables are full of nutrients and water, low in calories and 100% fat-free. But watch out for those calorie-loaded party dips!
Healthy Party Foods #4: Healthy Party Dips
Speaking of calorie-rich party dips, we’ve got some great alternatives for you. Instead of mayonnaise, sour cream or cream cheese based dips, reach for the hummus (blended chickpeas) or fresh salsa. They’re both tasty, loaded with nutrients and low in calories and fat.
Healthy Party Foods #5: Tomato Juice
If you’re not the type who likes to eat your vegetables, drink them instead! You can get one or more servings of vegetables in a glass of tomato or V8 juice, and it’s a low-fat, low-calorie drink. And, if you must have a cocktail, try a Bloody Mary for the tomato juice benefit, and don’t forget to munch on the celery!
(apologies to those who do not approve of drinking cocktails,etc. the whole article must be published in whole, as originally taken from the source in order to avoid plagiarism issues)
Healthy Party Foods #6: Fruit Galore
Chances are, whichever party you’re at, there’ll be desserts – and tons of them! Fixing an aching sweet tooth is as easy as reaching for the fresh fruit. Just like veggies, fresh fruit is nutrient-dense, full of water and low in calories and fat – and they’ll help fill you up before the main courses, which are often the fattiest.
Healthy Party Foods #7: Fish
You might not think of serving fish at your party, but it really does make for a fancy and nutritious treat. Try mini sushi rolls for an oriental twist or smoked salmon pieces to really light up your table. Both are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fat that is lacking in the typical American diet. Increasing your Omega-3 intake can also help promote healthy hair, skin and nails.
Healthy Party Foods #8: Air Popped Popcorn
It’s the perfect snack for those of you who need to constantly be handling food. One cup of air popped popcorn has only 30 calories and provides more than one gram of fiber. Just don’t slather on the butter, because this health-conscious snack will quickly become waistline-sabotaging. Instead, try Mrs. Dash seasonings for a tasty kick.
Healthy Party Foods #9: Angel Food Cake
Serving cake or eyeing the cake in the kitchen? Forget the really rich and dense cakes and opt instead for angel food cake – a light and fluffy variety of cake that is low in fat and high in flavor. For an even tastier angel food cake, top your slice with fresh fruit like strawberries and a low-calorie whipped topping. If you choose well, you can literally have your cake and eat it, too!
Healthy Party Foods #10: Lemon water
OK, so this drink doesn’t sounds that festive for a party, but it’s a tasty alternative to water, and not nearly as bland. If you have a hard time wanting to drink water, squeeze a fresh lemon wedge into your glass to quench your thirst and replenish any water lost from drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages. Drinking water is great for you and doesn’t have the calories of other party drinks.
Parties are seen as a welcome time to indulge, but just because you’re feeling festive and celebratory doesn’t mean that your waistline should suffer, especially when there are so many other deliciously healthy party snacks available. Making a commitment to yourself to eat right and watch your caloric intake shouldn’t get thrown to the wayside just because of a social event.
It means becoming more knowledgeable of not only the so-called “bad” foods, but the good-for-you foods as well, and keeping within the boundaries of moderation no matter where you are. So snack healthy and snack happy!
NOTE:"published articles of authors in this blogsite does not warrant FULL endorsement of the author's values and that of his website. readers are reminded to subscribe only to advice/ information that does not go against the Scriptures and/or their own Christian preferences"
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