A Cherokee Legend- Fairs Well Spiritual Warfare

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

This Cherokee Legend holds truth when you apply it to Christianity & Spiritual Warfare.  One wolf is Sin & Satan and the Other is Truth & God.  The bible teaches us that we will we face wickedness, but we must hold on to the only thing that can overcome this evil, God.

“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:10-13, 17.

In this spiritual war, which wolf are you going to feed? Are you going to choose to be sinful, and ultimately “dead in your transgressions?” Not only do we have to battle our own sin, but we also must fight evil spirits working against us.  We are unknowingly under Satan’s control in a fight against God, if we feed the wolf of sin. 

Or are you going to feed the wolf of truth?  By faith, we believe that Jesus Christ has already won the victory on the cross and all our sins are wiped away and we are saved.  And again, like I have said so many times before, truly believing in God means that your actions will be more like him, it’s a “side-effect”, if you will!

I say to non-believers, have you ever thought that maybe Satan is filling your mind with lies?

Most of the attacks of the enemy are aimed at filling the minds of people with lies so that they cannot think clearly about God's truth. Jesus told us that the devil is the father of all lies and there is no truth in him. (John 8:44)

I hope you choose to feed to wolf of God! He is a loving God & his way is a better way that will always overcome evil! So I pray that you will pray this with me.  God, take the wheel, guide me to the truth, keep my eyes focused on you!

Amen! 

 

Working out is not Glamorous!

My “personal trainer” literally kicked my butt this morning!  I was drenched in sweat and really had to work hard to get through the workout! The best part is that my personal trainer is FREE! This is because I recently discovered the best Nike App!   

The Nike Training Club: Your Personal Trainer.  Anytime, Anywhere.

Choose a Goal: Get Lean, Get Toned, Get Strong, Get Focused.

 Choose Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced.

Choose Workout: There are 100+ custom- built workouts! You can also unlock exclusive extra workouts, by of course, working out more! 

The best thing about this app is that it guides you through the workout using three techniques.  The first gets you motivated, you can select any playlist you want from your iTunes library.  Second, you can temporarily pause your workout and watch quick instructional videos, if you are not exactly sure how a certain move should be performed.  And lastly, the personal trainer coaches you by giving you important tips (“stay on the balls of your feet, keep your abs tight”) while encouraging you and telling you when it’s time to do the next drill!

The Nike Training Club App also synchronizes with NikePlus to track all your progress in one place.  This is especially helpful if you use other Nike Apps, such as Running!

 I have recently decided to drop the gym- Goodbye $50/monthly bill! Hello Marathon Training and Nike Training Club App! 

The "Green Monstah".... Smoothie

In honor of Boston, I declare this smoothie the "Green Monstah!"

Ingredients
1frozen banana
1/2 c. frozen spinach
1 tbps peanut butter (organic, unsalted, no sugar added)
1/2 c. -1 c. unsweetened coconut milk (depending on the consistency that you like)
4 ice cubes

Toss all ingredients in a blender, liquify, enjoy!

Why should you drink this smoothie?

• It's delicious, less than 300 calories, and fills you up 
• Bananas are a great source of potassium. Potassium helps muscle and nerve cells work the way they need to. 
• Spinach contains high levels of vitamin A & K essential for Vitamin A aids in the growth and repair of body tissues and helps maintain smooth, soft, disease-free skin. healthy bones 
• Peanut Butter, besides being delicious & keeping you full, is full of protein and healthy fats. Our body uses the amino acids found in protein to build and repair muscle tissue. The poly- and monounsaturated fats can lower your risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 
• So Delicious Coconut Milk is packed full of vitamin A, calcium, & potassium - great for active people!

"Does Eating Fruits and Veggies Make Us More Attractive?"

According to the ABC News Article by  By Kim Carollo, they Do! 

Luckily, this one is plain and simple to understand:
"The yellow-red pigments found in fruits and vegetables, called carotenoids, are associated with changes in skin color. They also found that the skin pigment changes may be viewed as healthier and more attractive."

In two separate studies:

One. Measured fruit and vegetable intake vs. skin color changes. The results were that increased consumption of carotenoids is associated with a more yellowish skin tone, and eating more fruits and vegetables correlated with skin that appeared to have a healthy red tone.

Two. Investigated how attractive people found the skin color changes associated with the 

increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. 

** It's important to note the difference 

between the underlined scientific phrase.

It Gets Better!  You only have to moderately increased your fruit and veggies intake to get the benefits of skin color change (not sure what "moderately" means in this case, buy HEY, I'll take it)! Also, carotenoids offer protection against UV radiation (however, I'd still suggest sunscreen)!  Oh yeah, and don't forget the fact that Fruits and Vegetables are really good for you- providing vitamins, minerals, & fiber essential to your overall health!

More Fruits & Veggies = Attractiveness, This Could Catch On! 

HelloMornings! God, To Dos, & Exercise.

 

The HelloMornings Challenge encourages Christian women to wake-up early and…. 

1. Experience quality time with God

2. Intentionally plan their days

3. And exercise regularly

The 2012 Session Dates are August 20^th- November 16^th. You choose a group that fits most with what you are looking for or form your own group.  An Accountability Captain will contact you before the challenge begins with more details.  However, the Challenge is a daily check-in via Facebook.  On top of it all, each group will be provided with resources: Bible Study for each session, simple exercise routine, and various planning tips!  

Ready?  Sign-up here. Want to know more? Read the eBook!

I’ve got the “FIVERR”

What would you do for $5?  It’s quite interesting to see what others would do on Fiverr.com!

From the ridiculous…

“I will sing Happy Birthday as MARILYN Monroe or do endorsement voice overs audio or video for $5”

“I will dance to 2 minutes of any song of your choice in a hot dog costume for $5”

“I will create a talking object of your choice to say anything for $5”

To the more serious…

“I will have a 45 minute parent coaching strategy session with you for $5”

“I will analyze any stock for you for $5”

So how does it work….

 

"Why Do We Pray at All if God Already Has a Plan?"

This is a question I hear from time to time: “Why Do We Pray at All if God Already Has a Plan?" In other words, why do we pray for certain events to go a certain way if God already has a plan and it'll happen according to plan regardless of what we ask for?

I think the best way to answer to above is simply through this verse: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

However, I think it is important to explain this further as well as breakdown why prayer is so important. Proverbs 16:9 is saying people have dispositions of the heart (emotional outlook, tendencies) and these determine what we desire and ask for, pray for, however the Lord will answer and deliver in the way that he deems proper. The greatest thing about prayer is that we always get an answer. It may not be the one you want nor in the timing that you want, but we always get an answer from God. And if the answer isn’t what you wanted, just know that it’s all a part of a bigger, better plan that God has in store for you. Remember, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “ – Jeremiah 29:11.

Jesus taught us that prayer is about re-aligning ourselves to him and his purpose, it’s about submitting to God and building a relationship with him.

So why not, keep a prayer journal and see how God answers down the road!

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything… If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Amen!

 

Raw and healthy pecan pie!

My absolutely favorite dessert would have to pecan pie! And many of you who know me, know this will be served at my wedding one day! However, the disgusting truth about this pie is that is packs on nearly 500 calories per slice, that is why I have searched for a healthy alternative! I'm excited to share it with you....

Ingredients:
2 cups almonds (raw, if available), soaked for one hour, drained, dried
3 dozen pitted dates, soaked for one hour, drained (save water)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups raw pecans, soaked for one hour, drained, dried
Extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:
1. Put almonds and 10 dates in a food processor and blend until they come together into a crust-like consistency. Add a small amount of water (saved from soaking the dates) if necessary to aid in bringing almonds and dates together.
2. Grease a pie plate or 9-inch square baking pan with a light coat of extra-virgin olive oil - this will help prevent the pie from sticking to the plate.
3. Use a spatula or the underside of a spoon to press the almond-date crust into the bottom of the plate or pan. Be sure to spread it up the sides of the plate or pan to form a full pie crust. Put the finished crust in the freezer until you are ready to fill it.
4. Combine the remaining dates, fresh lemon or lime juice, cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla, and about half of the pecans in a food processor and blend until the mixture takes on a smooth, homogenized consistency. Use a small amount of water (left over from soaking dates) if necessary. The leftover pecans will be placed on top of the pie. Alternatively, you could save all of the pecans to provide more coverage of the top of the pie in the final step.
5. Spread the date filling evenly over the almond-date crust.
6. Arrange raw pecans on top of date filling and press down lightly to help keep the pecans in place.

Enjoy!

Thank you Dr. Ben Kim

Amazing Bible App!

My absolute favorite smart phone app is called "Bible" by LifeChurch.tv! I love this app because of many reason, however my favorite feature is that I can pick from many reading plans.  The app helps me to stay on track via reminders and the ability to "catch up."  Better yet, it can also be an audio-book! I'm currently reading: "Eat this book: Bible in a year and daily Psalms.

The bible app allows you to navigate in many English translations as well as many foreign languages.  Additionally, the app comes with many great features!  These include the ability to easily search the bible for either reference or a keyword, connect your Twitter and Facebook accounts to easily tweet and post verses, bookmark verses and take notes that sync with YouVerson.com, and the app even lets you interact with church services and conferences using the "Live" icon. 

Download the FREE app on to your Smart Phone or simply access it online here where you can discuss what you have read!

Healthy Butternut Squash, Kale, & Lentil Soup!

Ingredients 
32 oz chicken broth
32 oz water
1/4 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks of celery, washed and chopped
Half a butternut squash, cut into half inch cubes
1 cup of lentils
Garlic Salt & Pepper to Taste
Colander full of kale, chopped

Directions
1. Add chicken broth & water to a large cooking pot
2. Bring onion, carrots, celery, butternut squash, and lentils to a boil
3. Reduce heat, cook 20 minutes
4. Add kale, cook an additional 10 minutes

 Why Eat Butternut Squash, Kale, & Lentils?

Butternut Squash provides significant amount of potassium, important for bone health, and vitamin B6, essential for the proper functioning of both the nervous and immune systems. It also contains folate, which makes if  heart-healthy and helps guard against brain and spinal-cord-related birth defects!

Kale is high in iron (important for cell growth and proper liver function),  Vitamin K (fends off cancer), Vitamin A (great for your vision and skin), Vitamin C (boost immune system and metabolism), & Calcium (fights osteoporosis)!

Lentils are high in fiber which reduces the risk of heart disease, regulates blood sugar levels, and help to lower cholesterol.  Lentils are also a great source of Vitamin B, Iron, & Protein!