Reading- The importance of Bible study and prayer!

Beautiful study.

“It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others to follow his example. We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help we are to form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God.

The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers. It was to such a class that Jesus declared: “Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God.” Mark 12:24. The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed. Christ has given the promise: “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” John 7:17. If men would but take the Bible as it reads, if there were no false teachers to mislead and confuse their minds, a work would be accomplished that would make angels glad and that would bring into the fold of Christ thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in error. –

We should exert all the powers of the mind in the study of the Scriptures and should task the understanding to comprehend, as far as mortals can, the deep things of God; yet we must not forget that the docility and submission of a child is the true spirit of the learner. Scriptural difficulties can never be mastered by the same methods that are employed in grappling with philosophical problems. We should not engage in the study of the Bible with that self-reliance with which so many enter the domains of science, but with a prayerful dependence upon God and a sincere desire to learn His will. We must come with a humble and teachable spirit to obtain knowledge from the great I AM. Otherwise, evil angels will so blind our minds and harden our hearts that we shall not be impressed by the truth.

Many a portion of Scripture which learned men pronounce a mystery, or pass over as unimportant, is full of comfort and instruction to him who has been taught in the school of Christ. One reason why many theologians have no clearer understanding of God’s word is, they close their eyes to truths which they do not wish to practice. An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness.

The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God’s word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist’s petition our own: “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” Psalm 119:18. Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19.

Jesus promised His disciples: “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26. But the teachings of Christ must previously have been stored in the mind in order for the Spirit of God to bring them to our remembrance in the time of peril. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart,” said David, “that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11.”

Great Comtroversy, pp 598-600

Reading

I love the book of Romans. Here is a reading from the first chapter. 

Rom 1:15  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Rom 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Rom 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Rom 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Rom 1:21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Rom 1:22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Rom 1:23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Rom 1:24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Rom 1:25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Rom 1:26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

Rom 1:27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Rom 1:28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Rom 1:29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

Rom 1:30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Rom 1:32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Reading

This weeks reading is taken from a book called Our Father Cares! P. 275


“Thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isaiah 43:1.

Every obstacle to the redemption of the people of God is to be removed by the opening of the Word of God and the presentation of a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The true light is to shine forth, for darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. The truth of the living God is to appear in contrast with error. Proclaim the glad tidings: We have a Saviour who has given His life that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Obstacles to the advancement of the work of the Lord will appear, but fear not. To the omnipotence of the King of kings, our covenant-keeping God unites the gentleness and care of a tender shepherd. Nothing can stand in His way. His power is absolute, and is the pledge of the sure fulfillment of His promises to His people. He can remove all obstructions to the advancement of His work....

The church of Christ is God’s agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him to do a special work, and if she is loyal to God, obedient to all His commandments, there will dwell within her the excellency of divine power. If she will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no power that can stand against her. If she will be true to her allegiance, the forces of the enemy will be no more able to overpower her than is the chaff to resist the whirlwind.

There is before the church the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, withdrawing from all alliance with the world. The members of the church need now to confess their backslidings, and press together. My brethren and sisters, allow nothing to come in that will separate you from one another and from God. Talk not of differences of opinion, but unite in the love of the truth as it is in Jesus. Come before God and plead the shed blood of the Saviour as a reason that you should receive help in the warfare against evil. I assure you that you will not plead in vain. As you draw near to God, with heartfelt contrition and in full assurance of faith, the enemy who seeks to destroy you will be overcome.

Turn to the Lord, ye prisoners of hope. Seek strength from God, the living God. Show an unwavering, humble faith in His power and willingness to save. From Christ is flowing the living stream of salvation. He is the Fountain of life and the Source of all power.

Lifestyle and health

Today’s video is a presentation taken from Lifestyle Matters Diet and Stress: Simple Solutions. Much of the information in the past few weeks posts has also come from that program which was put together by Vicki Griffin. You can see more about this program by going to www.lifestylematters.com.

On to the slideshow! 

Reading

Here is this weeks reading.

Php 2:1  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Php 2:2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Php 2:3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Php 2:4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Php 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Php 2:9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Php 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Php 2:11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ isLord, to the glory of God the Father.

Recipe

I am a little late this week with my recipe post because Victor was home over the weekend so we had a lazy few days just relaxing together as a family. Anyway, I thought I would share the favorite gravy recipe that we had for lunch on Monday.

I usually don’t measure and just eyeball everything but here is the basic recipe I use.

1 cup of raw cashews washed in hot water
4 cups of water
1/4 cup  cornstarch
1 tsp salt
1 Tbs onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder

Blend well in blender then pour into pot. Heat over medium to high heat while stirring constantly until it thickens.

Sometimes instead of onion and garlic powders I use raw onion and garlic. It changes the flavor a bit but is super yummy. Also, sometime I add a bit of soy milk if I have it, or some braggs liquid aminos (soy sauce substitute) for added flavor.

Reading

I was studying Revelation 14:6, 7 recently, and wanted to share a few verses that I discovered.

Rev 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Rev 14:7  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

In verse 7 it says “the hour of his judgment is come.”

Here are some of the verses I found about judgment.

Job 29:14  I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.

Psa 9:7  But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.

Psa 9:8  And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

Psa 9:16  The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.

Psa 37:5  Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psa 37:6  And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.  

Pro 2:8  He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

Pro 2:9  Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

Isa 1:21  How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.

Isa 1:22  Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water:

Isa 1:23  Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

Isa 1:24  Therefore saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the mighty One of Israel, Ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies:

Isa 1:25  And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:

Isa 1:26  And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

Isa 1:27  Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness.

There are SO many more verses about judgment and righteousness, but this is just a sampling of some I found. Something to think about.

Lifestyle and health

In this post we are going to look at fats. What’s good and what’s bad.

First of all, why do we need to eat fat?
1. Fats are important for absorbing fat soluble vitamins — A, D, E, K.
2. Fats help us stay full longer, by slowing down the digestion.
3. “Good fats” are what build cells in the brain and nervous system.
4.  They help meals taste better!

The best types of fats to eat are the kind that are naturally in foods, like nuts, seeds, avocados, and olives.

The amount of fat you need is based on your caloric need. Typically it is recommended that you eat 20-30 % of your calories from fat, which comes out at about 30-50 grams of fat per day.  Make sure you take into account your body size, age, climate, and activity level when figuring this out.

Are you eating too much fat? Most people do. Consider that fat is in much of what we eat- fast food, snack foods, meats. 1 tsp of fat is 5 grams. Which means that 1 Tbs of fat is 15 grams.

Watch this video here about fat in your foods!

 Notice how much fat is in processed and junk foods! Opt instead for healthy fats, like a handful of nuts whizzed up with some lemon juice and seasonings for a dressing on your salad, or an avocado dressing. 

Healthful fats that are in nuts add trace minerals and photochemical that boost our immune system and reduce your risk of heart disease. 

The best foods are plant foods, so make the right choice for your health today!

Comment below if you have found this helpful, or if you have any questions! 

Quick and easy sandwich spread

Today’s recipe I have made before, but somehow, I think it was better today! I really love the flavor and creaminess of it. I would love to be able to make it without using the highly processed mayo that I usually put in it, but haven’t been able to make it taste as good, or as creamy without it yet. Something to work on!

Share your favorite sandwich spreads in the comments below!


Tofu sandwich spread

1 block of firm tofu
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp Braggs liquid aminos
1 tsp nutritional yeast flakes
3 Tbs Just Mayo or other mayonnaise

Smoosh the tofu with a fork in a bowl and then add the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Adjust seasonings to taste, then spread in your favorite whole grain bread with some tomatoe and lettuce, and maybe some avocado. Enjoy!!

Reading

This is what we read this morning! So good!

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Revelation 16:15.
A terrible contest is before us. We are nearing the battle of the great day of God Almighty. That which has been held in control is to be let loose. The angel of mercy is folding its wings, preparing to step down from the golden throne and leave the world to the control of Satan, the king it has chosen, a murderer and a destroyer from the beginning.
The principalities and powers of earth are in bitter revolt against the God of heaven. They are filled with hatred against all who serve Him, and soon, very soon, is to be fought the last great battle between good and evil. The earth is to be the battlefield—the scene of the final contest and the final victory. Here, where for so long Satan has led men against God, rebellion is to be forever suppressed.
Christ came to this earth in human form that He might stand as the Captain of our salvation, so that we should not be overcome by Satan’s power. And when the enemy has seemed to be gaining a signal victory over righteousness, God has been working in mercy and power to counteract his designs.
Determined to efface the image of God in man, Satan works with an intensity of effort to hide God from view. Not openly does he work, but secretly, mingling the human and the divine, the spurious and the genuine, so seeking to bring confusion and distress. But in proportionate power divine mercy is revealed to counteract this wicked working, and bring to light the enemy’s hidden purposes.
God’s people are to hear a bold, decided testimony for the truth, unfolding the purposes of God by the witness of pen and voice. In place after place they are to proclaim the message of God’s Word, arousing men and women to comprehend the truth....
There is a reality in sound doctrine. It is not as a vapor, which passes away. Light is to shine forth from the Word of God. God calls upon His people to draw near to Him. Let no one interpose between Him and His people. Christ is knocking at the door of the heart, seeking for entrance. Will you let Him in?

Our Father Cares devotional book, September 24 page 246

Lifestyle and health

Todays blog post is a fun TED talk by Rip Esselstyn Jr. Enjoy!


Plant Strong and Healthy Living

Recipe demo

Last week I made granola and decided to show you how I do it. Forgive the quality, and I didn't realize I had cut off my head in the video. The recipe is also in the description  of  the video. If you click over to YouTube you can find it there.

Here is the recipe.

24 cups oats, I use half quick oats and half regular rolled oats.
1 package shredded coconut, unsweetened
1 package or 2-3 cups almonds or other nuts
1 cup flaxseed meal or cornmeal
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup honey
1 cup water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp each vanilla and almond extract

1 package trail mix of choice, added after baking

1. Heat oven to 250 degrees F.
2. Toast oats in oven while prepping liquid mixture.
3. In a saucepan, mix liquids and salt. Heat until honey is runny and everything is well mixed.
4. Place oats, meal and nuts in large bowl and mix well.
5. Pour liquid over oat mixture a little at a time, mixing well with a large spoon.
6. Turn oven down to lowest setting or about 170 degrees F.
7. Bake granola mixture on low heat overnight or about 8-10 hours.

Reading

Luk 11:9  And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Luk 11:10  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Jer 33:2  Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name;

Jer 33:3  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Lifestyle and Health

There are many kinds of foods that you might be eating that actually cause stress.

These could be things like processed and refined foods, large amounts of saturated fats, caffeine, and simple sugars.

Today's post is about Carbohydrates. The good and the bad.

Everyone loves sweets. The best way to satisfy the sweet tooth is to eat sweets in their natural form. Fresh fruit. Dried fruit in your cereal, like rasins, dried apricots.

If you have a craving for something such as chocolate or sweets, maybe you're not getting enough fiber in your diet. Fiber foods have tons of good carbohydrates known as complex carbohydrates. They release energy for 4-6 hours after you eat them. If you don't have enough of these kinds of foods, your body might begin to crave simple sugars. So eat more fiber foods, for longer lasting energy.

Notice the effects of high sugar intake in the picture below under simple sugars.

US Dietary Guidelines suggest limiting sugar intake to 10% or less of calories from added sugars.

So if you need 1500 calories a day- 10% is 150 calories.
Sugar has 4 calories per gram. 150 calories is 38 grams of sugar. 1 teaspoon is about 4 grams.

Here is a video to show you how much sugar is in one soda drink. Sugar in soda


Here are some ways to sweeten your life naturally.

Reading

This week was very busy so I didn't get a chance to hop on here until today. But here is the reading for this week!

This is dedicated to all the many people who are having to evacuate because of fire or hurricane, flood or famine.

Psa 91:1  He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psa 91:2  I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Psa 91:3  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

Psa 91:4  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Psa 91:5  Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Psa 91:6  Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

Psa 91:7  A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Psa 91:8  Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Psa 91:9  Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

Psa 91:10  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Psa 91:11  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Psa 91:12  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Psa 91:13  Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Psa 91:14  Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Psa 91:15  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Psa 91:16  With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Yummy Recipe

Today, I want to share with you my SUPER secret bean recipe. I may have shared it before, but I can't remember. I use this recipe all the time for potlucks, and for haystacks. Sometimes I adapt it and make it into baked beans for picnics.

By the way, it's also super easy. And not really so secret!

2 lbs of dried beans, give or take.
Salt to taste, usually about 1- 2 tsps.
1 cup of salsa, homemade or storebought. I usually put in Paces medium salsa.

Put in crockpot, fill with water and cook overnight on low, or 5 hours on high. I have to watch mine because sometimes I have to add water, if I didn't put enough in.

I always like a bit of tomato flavor in my beans, so if I don't have any salsa, I add tomato sauce or leftover spaghetti sauce.

For my baked beans, I add some tomato ketchup, molasses and maple syrup.

Fun Family

This week was super busy! We drove back with my parents to our house after spending some time with my grandmother and uncle and other relatives. Then we got to spend a couple of days with them before they headed back home this morning.

Here are some pictures!

Lifestyle and health

What things have you done this week to improve your health? What challenges did you encounter? How did being more healthful help you deal with stress?

In the last few blog posts we focused some on how stress affects nutrition. This week we will start looking at how nutrition affects stress.

Today's video is about twins and how diet affected them.


Twin sisters case study

Quick and yummy travel recipe

The last few days we have been traveling and visiting with family. On Thursday we left for Idaho. I packed breakfast and lunch sandwiches and fruit for the trip. For breakfast, we has fruit and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For lunch, I made tomatoes and lettuce sandwiches, and cream cheese with olives sandwiches. Most of the kids preferred the peanut butter and jelly, and even the salad sandwiches over the cream cheese ones, which is ok with me since they would be healthier choices anyway.

So, I thought I would share my salad sandwich recipe with you since I thought it was the most flavorful and best one of all of them.

I bought the bread at the local bakery outlet and the produce at the local ranch market in town. The beans I got at the 99 cents only store.

So for 6 sandwiches this is what I used.

12 slices of bread
6 leaves of green leaf lettuce
6 slices of a large tomato.
Mayonnaise of choice, I used a vegan mayo.
1 can of Rosarita's vegetarian re fried beans


Spread 2 slices of bread with mayo, then spread 1 of the slices with a thin layer of beans. Place a slice of tomato, and a leaf of lettuce on the beans, then top with the other slice of bread. Do this for all the sandwiches you desire to make! Now, put them all in a container to go in the cooler with ice or other cooling device. Then you're good to go for lunch or other meal on the go!


Anyway, I intend to, in the future, try my hand at making my own version of refried beans that I will then share with you! If you have any recipes you would like to share, you do so in the comments below!

Reading

Here is this weeks reading. My favorite verses about righteousness by faith.

Eze 36:22  Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.

Eze 36:23  And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

Eze 36:24  For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

Eze 36:25  Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Eze 36:26  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Eze 36:27  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Eze 36:28  And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Fun Friday on Sunday

I missed posting Friday, because we are visiting my grandmother in Idaho to celebrate with her on her 90th birthday! Happy Birthday Grandma!

This week we went to the park and immediately got driven back home by a sandstorm. Then on the drive up to Idaho we got to stop at the Hoover Dam for a little bit just to take in the sights, first time for the kids. Then we spent some time with my mom and dad after we got to Idaho, which was fun, to catch up a bit. It's very smoky up here because of all the fires, so the sky is hazy. Anyway, here are some pics of the week!

Lifestyle and health

This post is a continuation of last weeks post on stress.

Head over to this article  by Dr. Vicki Griffin, Dr. Edwin Neblett and Evelyn Kissinger for some interesting information! 

Then answer this question. How stressed are you? On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being super stressed and 1 being very mellow, how would you rate yourself? 

How do you notice stress in your body? Look at the symptoms of stress above and mark off the ones you notice in yourself. 

Life events can have an effect on how much stress you feel.

Nutrition makes a big difference in how well your body is able to handle the days stress. If you have good nutrition, you can handle stress better, and there won't be as much damage to your body and brain from it. 

Here is what happens when you have good nutrition. 

     1. You have nutrient reserves ready for when your metabolism speeds up in response to stress. 

      2. Enough nutrients means your body can protect and restore your system when damage occurs, like free radical damage to the cells.

If you don't have food nutrient those reserves aren't there, and stress can cause damage. 

      1. This increases your risk of disease.

      2. It affects your moods and thought processes.

      3. And increases your cravings for foods that aren't healthy, that might make you feel good for a short time, but are no good in the long run. 

How can you add power to your nutrition?

Check out these tips below. 

You would be amazed at how these easy solutions can have a positive influence on your health. 

Comment below what works for you! 

Healthy recipe and tips

This week I was introduced by my friend to an awesome little store in our big city that has a ton of produce for cheaper than any other place I've found. They even had a rack of clearance items, so I got a box of bell peppers for $1.00. I spent way less on produce than I would otherwise including melons and strawberries. Another store she told me about was a bakery outlet store where they sell their bread at a discount. I stopped there and got about 6 loaves of bread for $1- $1.50 each. One other place I found, courtesy of my friend, is the 99 cent only store in which most things are 99 cents. Here I found bags of lentils, and some produce and other healthy foods for cheaper than even Walmart! Make sure though to compare the prices, because not everything is cheaper, or may be cheaper quality.

My tip for you is to look around your area for local markets or stands that may sell food items at a discount either because they are local, or because it's overstock items, or close to its sell buy date.

Today's menu consists of some whole grain bread, and a bowl of lentil stew with greens and veges.

The recipe for my throw together lentils is as follows:

1 lb. lentils, any kind
Boil in water until tender.
Add choice of veges and greens. Today we have 2 small bunches of kale, and a package of frozen okra.

I added half a tablespoon or so of vegetable bouillon, then salt, onion powder and garlic powder to taste. Cook until veges are just tender.

We served ours with whole grain bread on the side.

What are your favorite cheap but healthy meals?

Reading

i had a very busy day yesterday and didn't have a lot of time to do a blog, so I will do it now, before I do the next one.

Today's reading is from 2 Kings chapter 5.

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

2Ki 5:2  And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.

2Ki 5:3  And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord werewith the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.

2Ki 5:4  And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

2Ki 5:5  And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

2Ki 5:6  And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.

2Ki 5:7  And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.

2Ki 5:8  And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

2Ki 5:9  So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

2Ki 5:10  And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

2Ki 5:11  But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

2Ki 5:12  Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

2Ki 5:13  And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

2Ki 5:14  Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

Fun Friday happenings

This weeks Fun Family Friday happenings are things we have done in the past few weeks.

VBS on Sabbath

Kids repeating the evening themes

Joshua's sermonette along with 2 other kids

Camping with old friends in Utah! Fun times!

Fun times with friends at our open house!

Watching the eclipse on live NASA YouTube 

And pinhole viewing

Doing Math