He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God. —Joshua 4:24 Thoughts on Today's Verse... God brought the Israelites miraculously through the Jordan River during the flood season because of his love and grace and to fulfill his promises to them. But he was also making an important statement about himself and his people. He always wanted Israel to "reverence" him. In addition, he wanted Israel's enemies to quake with fear. They did. And God won a great victory for himself and his people because of his faith. My Prayer... Holy and majestic God, you are clothed in righteousness and bathed in glory. I want to always treat you with the respect and reverence you deserve. Please forgive me for the times when I was not as reverent or respectful of you as you deserve. Forgive me when I didn't hold your name up as holy when others were using it in vain. You are worthy of my life, my love, and my all. I want to bring praise to you now and forever. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Ingredients: 50g/a couple of squares Fairtrade dark chocolate (grated if not using a Vitamix) 1 avocado – super-ripe, stone removed, scooped out 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds – or you can use flax seeds 1 teaspoon honey, we used local honey 2 tablespoons raw oats or up to one Weetabix biscuit 500ml/2 cups warm milk – we used whole milk NOTE: You could also use a banana in place of the avocado.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. —2 Corinthians 12:9 Thoughts on Today's Verse... When I pray, I often catch myself simply wanting God to do what I want, not necessarily what is best or most expedient for those around me or for the good of the Kingdom. I don't like to hear that God told Paul that he had asked enough about deliverance from his problem. Instead, Paul needed to learn that God's gracious strength and mercy were enough to sustain him even in trial. While I know I need to learn this same lesson, it is daunting. I want God to keep things nice and tidy for me. But then I remember I am a follower of Christ. If I am to become like my Savior, then I have to let go of my requirements on God's answers and open up to God's work to redeem others through me, no matter the personal cost. Only then can I truly know that his grace is sufficient for me! My Prayer... Patient and loving Shepherd, guard my heart from discouragement in tough times and guard it from arrogance in good times. I know that without you I have nothing that is permanent. Thanks for giving me a permanent, steadfast hope of heaven with you, because of your grace and strength shared with me. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
INGREDIENTS ¼ cup peanut butter ½ cup vanilla yogurt ½ cup milk ⅓ cup oatmeal ½ tsp cinnamon 1 banana (frozen or fresh) 2 Tbsp honey (optional) ¼ cup chocolate chips (optional) INSTRUCTIONS 1. Combine all ingredients in the blender. 2. Blend until smooth. 3. Enjoy!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. —Ephesians 3:20-21 Thoughts on Today's Verse... Sometimes there is nothing left for us to do except praise God! While we may sometimes dream of doing great things for God and his Kingdom, the dreams aren't as big as God's plans. While we may be richly talented, influential, powerful, or rich, these are merely tools in God's hands, not symbols of our sufficiency. "God is able" has to be one of the best and most accurate phrases in the Bible. But this time, it's said about his work in you in me. He is able much more than we imagine to work through and in us. What can we say to that? Hallelujah! My Prayer... Loving Father, please help me better know and live your will. I want to be your vessel of ministry, healing, blessing, and hope to those around me at work and play. Please use me to your glory today, and always. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups baby spinach 3 oranges, peeled 1 dried pitted date 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup coconut milk DIRECTIONS Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until desired consistency. Enjoy immediately.
INGREDIENTS 5 ounces vanilla yogurt 1½ cup fresh or frozen peaches ½ cup crushed ice ¾ cup coconut milk* (if needed, substitute milk of choice) ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon sugar (adjust type of sugar and sweetness to preference) INSTRUCTIONS Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. NOTES Makes 16 ounces. * The Coconut Milk referred to here in this recipe is the refrigerated coconut milk. NOT canned coconut milk that separates into fat and liquid.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. —Ephesians 3:16 Thoughts on Today's Verse... What is one of the most important things we can do for those we love in the Lord? We can pray for them. But more than that, we can pray that God will strengthen them with power through his indwelling Spirit. This same Holy Spirit raised Jesus from death (Eph. 1:19). This same Holy Spirit is God's great gift for those who ask (Luke 11:13). This same Holy Spirit reanimated a valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37). And this same Holy Spirit will strengthen those we love in the Lord if we ask for him to! My Prayer... Mighty and awesome God, I have several brothers and sisters in Christ who need your grace, mercy, and power poured into their lives by your Spirit. Some need to be convicted of their sinfulness. Some need strength and courage for their difficult road ahead. Some need power to overcome besetting sin in their lives. Please strengthen them with your power in their inner being through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
I think you’re going to love this smoothie. It’s: Creamy Refreshing Perfectly sweet Subtly spiced Ginger-y Nutrient-rich And seriously delicious This smoothie is perfect for days when you want something healthy, filling and a little sweet. Plus, it’s simple with less than 10 ingredients. That’s my kind of breakfast.
A simple sweet potato smoothie packed with nutrients and naturally creamy and sweet. Healthy, easy and so nutritious. Author: Minimalist Baker Recipe type: Beverage Cuisine: Breakfast, Vegan Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS 1 cup loosely packed sweet potato puree (~1 large potato), skin removed (or sub pumpkin puree + extra banana or maple syrup for sweetness) 1 medium ripe banana, previously sliced and frozen 1 Tbsp almond butter (optional) 1/4 tsp each ground turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger (if using fresh ginger, use 1 tsp chopped) 1/2 Tbsp flaxseed meal or chia seeds 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/4 cup orange juice (optional) Large handful ice INSTRUCTIONS 1. To bake your sweet potato, preheat oven to 400 degrees F and split in half lengthwise. Lightly oil and place face down on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until soft - 25-30 minutes. Or, to steam, place in a steamer basket over 2 inches of simmering water and cover to steam for roughly 5-10 minutes or until fork tender. Let cool slightly before adding to blender. 2. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasonings/sweetness as needed. Add more banana or orange for added sweetness, and more ice to thicken. 3. Split between two small glasses and serve. Garnish with extra cinnamon.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. —2 Corinthians 4:7 Thoughts on Today's Verse... While there are many talented and successful Christians in the world today, they are merely vessels for God's message of grace, hope, and power. Our focus should never be on the container for the message. Instead, what is most important is the integrity of the messenger no matter the situation, so that the message can be seen without distraction. God's power is what sustains us, not our own, we are simply a vessel, a tool, in the hands of the Lord. My Prayer... Almighty and all-powerful God, thank you for using me to minister to others as your partner in the work of grace. May my service help them more perfectly see the glory of your truth and grace you gave us in your Son. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
I know I'm a little late on the New Years resolution train but at least we're still in January, right?
Any who, its been a SUPER busy month for me and I promised myself that before the year was over, I was going to take some time out and create my very own vision board...
For those of you who would like to join me, here are a few reasons, pointers, and tips on a successful vision board. - Raya Sunshine
Your vision board can be about anything that makes you happy. It can have pictures of places you want to go to, things you want to acquire, people in your life, those you want to meet, and even pictures of famous people that inspire you.
How to Make a Vision Board
Step 1: Get a piece of paper and write down what you want. Hand write specific goals that you envision for your career, love life, marriage, school, health and wealth – all aspects of your life. If you are not sure yet, then write down all of the things that you believe will make you happy. For example, you can write about dream vacations, meeting great people, eating delicious food, etc. The sky’s your limit, and your personal power lies in your belief and emotional connection.
Step 2: Prepare all the materials you need to make your Vision Board/s. Scissors, magazines, photos, glue, cork/card board or what ever you want to use as a surface. Remember, you can use the internet to find pictures to print and use.
Step 3: Paste/pin all the pictures, sayings, quotes, or what ever you have prepared. Put them in order of importance, or any other way you want to see them on your board. At the center you might even place a picture of yourself with a big smile so you will remember to smile when you see your board. Remember that you are not just putting up pictures, you are finding ways to create a different emotional state!
Step 4: Place your board/s in places that you will be able to see them everyday. Give yourself at least a minute (five minutes is better) each day to look at your board and find your attitude of gratitude. Imagine you have already acquired everything on your board. Close your eyes and visualize yourself clearly as the happy, grateful person that you want to be.
The fastest way to acquire the things on your vision board(s) is to visualize, be grateful, be happy and take advantage of the opportunities you have every day. The Law of Attraction will work for you, and you will begin to find the people, events, things and things that you want will move towards you as you move towards them.
At first, applying the Law of Attraction may seem hard, but as long as you keep your faith, as long as you find ways to be happy, as long as you are being grateful and as long as you are good to yourself and to others, you will receive what you desire.
Types of Vision Boards
Specific Goals Vision Boards
You should make this type of vision board if you know exactly what you want to happen in your life. This board will serve as your guide in your journey towards achieving your dreams. Be very specific in using pictures and other props so that you can truly feel the feelings of gratitude even by just looking at your board.
Theme Boards
This type of vision board is when you want specific things to happen by a specific date, or in a specific time frame for a specific occasion. For instance, you may want to have the perfect Valentines Day or the best birthday party or the best Christmas, complete with all your loved ones. It can be any occasion or event that you want to be perfect.
Inspiration Boards
From the word itself, this type of vision board is for those who are not yet sure of what it is they truly want in their future. They just know that they want to be happy. Are you one of them? If so, then you should include things that you know will keep you inspired and happy about being alive.
Put pictures of your family, closest friends, all those happy memories, cherished small memorabilia, or even cut outs of certain inspirational stories. You can also include favorite words, affirmations or your favorite quotes of all the successful and happy people you know.
How many vision boards should you make?
Having more than one vision board, or different forms of vision boards, allows you to see your goals almost anywhere you are. You can place them in your bedroom, office, kitchen, living room or just about anywhere you constantly see them.
You can take a picture of a board and use that as a screen saver on your computer, tablet or cell phone. No matter how busy you are, you will be able to look at your board and remind yourself of what makes you feel inspiration and gratitude.
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. —Acts 4:31 Thoughts on Today's Verse... Prayer changes us. Prayer calls on God to change circumstances. Prayer is powerful. Prayer brings revival. Prayer transforms God's people and brings about salvation. Prayer makes us bold for the Lord. So why do we find it so hard to find time to pray? My Prayer... Majestic God, please raise up prayer warriors who will help transform your church and who will battle Satan. Please fill your Church with the Holy Spirit and with boldness. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
1) Spend less money than you make. 2) Don't blame other people for your problems. 3) Admit it when you make a mistake. 4) Give all the clothes that you haven't worn in the last three years to charity. 5) Do something nice for someone often and try not to get caught at it. 6) Listen more than you talk. 7) Stop thinking you need to have a strong opinion about everything. 8) Invite a university student to eat lunch at your home periodically. 9) Take a thirty-minute walk or run every day. 10 Skip two meals a week and give the money to the hungry or the homeless. 11) Have a daily devotional. 12) Attend Sunday school and worship every Sunday. 13) Be on time. 14) Don't make excuses. 15) Be kind to the kind and to the unkind. 16) Get organized. 17) Spend time with your family. 18) Don't argue. 19) Read good books, especially the Bible. 20) Read a newspaper daily and a newsmagazine weekly. 21) Strive for excellence, not for perfection. 22) Cultivate good manners. 23) Don't be critical of other people. 24) Take your responsibilities seriously but not yourself seriously. 25) Don't get set in your ways. 26) Learn something new every day. 27) Have at least four friends with which you maintain contact. 28) Live in the present but plan for the future. 29) Maintain your property and possessions. 30) Don't sweat the small stuff. 31) Watch your diet and your weight. 32) Be as gracious to other people as you want God to be to you. 33) Live by these three priorities: God, others, and self. 34) Practice recycling and ecology. 35) Don't be envious or jealous. 36) Count your blessings often. 37) Finish what you start. 38) Have short term, long term, and lifetime goals. 39) Learn to say the four magic words of success: I need your help. 40) Listen to good music. 41) Watch less television. 42) Take vitamins. 43) Develop a hobby. 44) Participate in a sport. 45) Reduce the obligation that diminishes you spiritually and emotionally. 46) Be generous with your money. 47) Mind your own business. 48) Stop thinking you have to own everything you enjoy. 49) Keep a daily journal of your thoughts, prayers and dreams. 50) Give some time every week to solving a problem in the community that concerns you. 51) Get eight hours sleep per night. 52) Do more work than your employer can reasonably expect. 53) Take a day off each quarter and a vacation each year. 54) Have an exercise program. 55) Grow something. 56) Keep up to date with your correspondence. 57) Be kind to animals. 58) Do only one thing at a time. 59) Never get out of touch with young people. 60) Show respect for your elders. 61) Have a date with your mate once a week. 62) Be aware of how vulnerable you are to bad habits and addictions. 63) Get up early in the morning. 64) Make the best of your circumstances. 65) Don't try to please everybody. 66) Work smarter not harder. 67) Be the best you can be at whatever task is set before you. 68) Know your strengths and your weaknesses. 69) Say "please," "thank you", "sir," and "ma'am" a lot. 70) Laugh and smile a lot. 71) Never betray confidences. 72) Compliment someone every day. 73) Vote. 74) Write your elected representatives from time to time. 75) Keep your will up to date. 76) Sign a living will and an organ donor card. 77) Keep your promises. 78) Never lie, cheat, or steal. 79) Remember people's names. 80) Don't procrastinate. 81) Praise in public and criticize in private. 82) Tell your loved ones you love them often. 83) Don't discuss salary, property, debts, or net worth. 84) Buy the best shoes, chair and bed that money can buy. 85) Don't gossip or repeat gossip. 86) Learn to appreciate good art. 87) Always have something to which you are looking forward. 88) Maintain control of your sexual urges. 89) Forgive others and yourself. 90) Spend time periodically in silence and solitude. 91) Be yourself even if it means you are different from others. 92) Never use profanity. 93) Learn CPR. 94) Turn off the television, radio, and telephone during meals. 95) Have regular physical and dental checkups. 96) Avoid negative people. 97) Read the fine print. 98) Drive the speed limit. 99) Drink a lot of water. 100) Make up your mind to be happy.
1 cup granulated white sugar 1/3-1/2 cup organic coconut oil 1 Tbs green tea (loose leaf or from tea bags) 1 tsp matcha green tea powder – available at most health food stores Directions: 1. In a bowl combine all ingredients and mix until well blended with a wooden spoon. You may want to add more coconut oil based on your own personal preference. I found that 1/3-1/2 cup of oil was perfect and very moisturing. 2. Store in a glass jar or air-tight container.
For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. —1 Peter 2:19 Thoughts on Today's Verse... Unjust suffering! Ouch, even the sound of those words sends a chill up and down my spine. Such a thing doesn't seem fair or appropriate — and it probably isn't. Yet we have many brothers and sisters bearing up under pain and unjust suffering because of their commitment and loyalty to the only True God and to his Son, Jesus Christ. Wouldn't it be incredible if those of us who are not touched by terrible persecution or hardship would begin each day praying for those in our spiritual family who do face hardship, persecution, suffering, and mistreatment? As they display the grace of Christ in the face of such difficulty to honor God, let's pray that our Father will not only give them strength to endure, but that he will also deliver them soon! My Prayer... Holy and merciful Father, please bless your children today who suffer pain and hardship while displaying the grace of Jesus. Whether these problems are because of persecution or because of life's difficulties, I pray that you strengthen my brothers and sisters who are suffering. But Father, I know the only permanent answer for this suffering is for Jesus' return, so please send him soon. In the name of the Coming Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.
If your workout resolutions fell to the wayside when that first snow storm hit (guilty!) and freezing temperatures have made getting off the couch and into the gym a struggle, we’re here to help. If you need that extra push to get that rump into gear, take a moment to check out our fave fitness channels on YouTube. Your future, super-strong body will thank us! 1. Tone It Up (https://www.youtube.com/user/ToneItUpcom): On this channel, you can work out with beach babes Karena Dawn and Katrina Hodgeson. Their fitness workouts take place on sandy beaches and their lifestyle motivations will get you extra amped to rock your bikini. 2. Blogilates (https://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates): Cassey Ho is a YouTube fitness star with nearly 2 million subscribers. She offers full-length POP pilates videos and fun bootcamp workouts to Top-40 hits. 3. Sarah Fit (https://www.youtube.com/user/SarahsFabChannel): Sarah Dussault uploads a new video every Tuesday for her subscribers. The videos not only offer great workouts, but also provide healthy lifestyle tips, like tasty recipes and tips on healthy grocery shopping. 4. XHIT (https://www.youtube.com/user/XFitDaily): If you wanna have a butt like Rihanna or want to know what it takes to get in shape like a Victoria’s Secret model, the XHIT channel is the place. 5. Yoga With Adriene (https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene): Adriene Mishler is a professional actress who created this yoga and yoga-lifestyle channel to inspire her subscribers to be their true, best selves. 6. Fitness Blender (https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender): This channel was created by husband-and-wife team Daniel and Kelli. If you subscribe to this channel, you may never need a gym membership again. They offer three to six fat-burning workouts a week. 7. Tiffany Rothe Workouts (https://www.youtube.com/user/TiffanyRotheWorkouts): Tiffany Rothe is a veteran in the fitness industry and offers 10-minute routines in both English and Spanish that are fun and effective. As a subscriber, you can mix and match your workouts to lose body fat, tighten your butt and shrink your waist. 8. Sarah Beth Yoga (https://www.youtube.com/user/SarahBethShow): Here, you’ll find hatha, power, vinyasa and resorative yoga videos uploaded every Friday. As a yoga instructor, Sarah Beth believes everyone can benefit from regular yoga sessions to achieve good health and happiness. 9. Natalie Jill Fitness (https://www.youtube.com/user/nataliejillfitness): Natalie Jill offers advice on how to live a happy, healthy and fit life by un-processing your diet, training effectively and using your own body weight. 10. Body Rock (https://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975): Looking to have rock-hard abs by summer? Body Rock TV has everything you need to reach your fitness goal. The channel offers daily, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises such as HIITMax, HIITLean, HIITCore and so much more.
Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." —Acts 4:19-20 Thoughts on Today's Verse... We can't contain what we've experienced in Jesus. We can't help but tell about what we've heard. No ruler, no threat, has been able to completely stop the voice of God from being heard through his people's witness. Sharing our faith happens out of the overflow of our experiences in Christ and our relationship with Christ. When we share our faith in this way, the authenticity of our witness can be rejected or ridiculed, but it can't be erased. We have experienced God's work in our lives. How dare we keep silent? We can't! My Prayer... God of the nations, please give your missionaries and ministers words of truth and power, especially as they face ridicule and hostility. Please help me better know how to reach the lost around me and please bless our evangelistic leaders as they try to strategize and discern your way of reaching the lost in our world today. In the name of Jesus, the atoning sacrifice for my sins, and the sins of the whole world, I pray. Amen.
Lemon Coconut Body Scrub makes about 8oz 1 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup coconut oil 5-6 drops lemon essential oil zest of one lemon Directions: 1. In a medium sized bowl, mix sugar and coconut oil with a wooden spoon. You can adjust the texture of the scrub to your preference by adding more oil or sugar as desired. 2. Mix in essential oil and zest. Spoon into a clean jar with a lid. Note: Scrub should keep for two weeks.
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. —2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Thoughts on Today's Verse... What motivates you to do what you do? What drives you to accomplish, to achieve, and to pursue even more? Paul said that love was his compelling force. What would happen in our lives if love was truly THE compelling factor in our motivation and behavior? What if our desire to love those who do not know Jesus' saving grace became our all-consuming concern out of love? He died so that it would be! Let's not disappoint him. My Prayer... God of eternity, please be with me as I seek to allow love to be my primary compelling motivation in life. I want to show Jesus my love and appreciation for all that he has done to save me. I want to live for Jesus so others know he is Lord of my life. I want my words and life to show his love to others so they can truly experience it and come to know him. Please bless me as I pursue this goal. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
It seems like body image is a neverending topic of discussion. Whether you’re hitting the gym for “Michelle Obama arms” or doing 100 squats a day for a Kim K. kind of booty, there seems to always be some kind of body ideal we’re striving for. But we’ve got some unfortunate (and also kind of fortunate) news for you: By the time you’ve finally buffed up those arms and behind, the popular body ideal is probably going to have shifted. Before you know it you’ll be doing minimal lifting to de-buff those biceps and wearing a corset for a smaller waist. Don’t believe us? Well then it’s a good thing the folks over at The Greatist have created this eye-opening infographic showing us just how drastically the ideal silhouette has changed over the last century.
They start just after the turn of the century, when Gibson Girls and corsets reigned supreme. A tiny waist and voluptuous hips were what every lady longed for. Skip along to ten years later and we’re all familiar with the curves desired for during the roaring ’20s – none at all! Narrow hips and flat chests were what flattered those flapper dresses best.
Perhaps the most voluptuous decade, the ’50s flaunted a woman’s curves and aimed to accentuate them almost to an extreme. Hip and booty padding was commonly sold, and who can forget about those hourglass-loving mid-century dresses?
However, when you fast forward just a decade later, it looks as though ladies bounced right back to that stick skinny, ’20s ideal. With the rise of Twiggy and amphetamines used for weight loss, an oft-unhealthy body ideal rose back to popularity.
And eventually we come to today, which is apparently all about that bass. Between Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj’s behinds and Meghan Trainor’s big booty anthem, ladies are longing for a dramatically curved derriere. So what’s the moral in all this madness? The Greatist sums it up best when they mention this crucial point, “Body ideals, like everything else in pop culture, are a trend.” They are but a trend, people. Rock the bod you’ve got. For all you know the next big fad could be staring right back at you in the mirror.
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoon honey 3 tablespoons chili garlic paste 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil lime wedges for serving Yogurt sauce: 1 cup plain greek yogurt 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons snipped chives 1 tablespoon honey 1 lime, juiced 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Directions: Add the chicken pieces to a baking dish or large resealable plastic bag. In a bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, garlic paste, salt and pepper until combined. Pour it over the chicken and mix until all of the chicken is covered. Place in the fridge and marinate for at least 2 hours or even overnight. Soak a few bamboo skewers in water. Skewer 4 to 5 chicken pieces on each skewer. Heat a large skillet (or your grill!) over medium-high heat and add the olive oil (not if using the grill). Add the chicken skewers and cook on each side for 4 to 5 minutes, until cooked through. Serve immediately with the yogurt sauce and extra lime wedges. Yogurt sauce: Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until creamy and combined.
For a glowing skin cleanser, try a frozen facial scrub. Cucumbers are naturally cooling while they gentle clean and moisturize the skin. Puree a cucumber add a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of honey, pour into an ice tray and freeze. Before using, I like to let the cube sit for 30 seconds or so to soften slightly. Gently rub the cube over your face and neck, using the icy slush to exfoliate. You can let the juice sit on your face for 5-10 minutes before rinsing.
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. —Luke 12:11-12 Thoughts on Today's Verse... When we need help most, Jesus promises he will be there and will send his Spirit to give us the words we need. Throughout the centuries, this promise has sustained those facing persecution and ridicule. It helped them realize that they were not alone and that they didn't need to worry about having the perfect answer to everything going in to face a hostile audience. This same promise sustains Christians today whether they are under governmental persecution or facing the hostility of unbelievers in the workplace, at school, or at home. When facing our enemies, we know we are not alone; our Savior goes with us. My Prayer... Loving God, I need your strength and the Holy Spirit's help as I speak with those who are opposed to your message of salvation. I want your words, not mine, to be what others hear in that crucial moment of confrontation. Please give me wisdom to know when to speak, what to say, and when to remain silent. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
For some reason, for the past couple of days I've been sneezing like crazy so I decided to post a few things I found about sneezing!
Ahh..Choo!
Some say you sneeze because of dust in the air. Some say it’s a reaction that starts with your nerves. Those who are superstitious think it could be something more .
Sneezing has intrigued us since ancient times. There are so many myths about sneezing that cause wonder and bewilderment to a lot of us. Did you know that the estimated speed of a sneeze is 100 miles per hour? The force is like that of a fire hose. Sneezes pack a healthy punch. Don’t hold back that sneeze! With that kind of force you might bust a blood vessel. Here are some other things you may not know about sneezing:
The myth about the phrase “God bless you” after a sneeze says that during the time when the plague was prevalent, folks would say “God bless you” to ward off the disease. If you didn’t say “God bless you”, it could be fatal to the sneezer.
Another myth says if you don’t say “God bless you” to someone, their heart might stop.
Scientists are unclear as to why but during a sneeze, our eyes shut and it is impossible to keep your eyes open. Try it. The myth that coincides says if you do open your eyes, your eyes will pop out of your head.
Bacteria sent from our sneeze can travel up to 150 feet away.
In biblical times, people once thought that when you sneeze it was your soul trying to escape.
An old Asian myth says that if you sneeze someone is talking bad about you. If you sneeze twice in Canada, it stands for joy if you are pregnant if you’re not pregnant, someone is talking smack about you.
What do your sneezes say about you?
Divide Caroline says there are types of “sneezers”. This is what she says.
The “Correct” carries Kleenex and is careful to cover your mouth when sneezing, meaning you’re respectful of others and likes to maintain a dignified disposition.
The “Supporter” tends to hold in sneezes rather than risk sneezing on someone, which indicates a quiet and caring character.
The “Expressive” makes a big production out of sneezing and often sneezes multiple times at once, possibly making you a showy and dominating person.
The “Driver” sneezes loudly but quickly, making her direct and forward-thinking.
[Jesus] said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. —John 6:20-21 Thoughts on Today's Verse... Jesus comes to his disciples to comfort them in their worst nightmare - a storm on the sea. He literally tells them, "I Am, do not be afraid." Two key things are here for us to notice. First, Jesus uses a name ("I Am") that identifies himself with God who delivered Moses and the Israelites from Egypt. Second, he uses a surprisingly frequent command found throughout the Bible: "Don't be afraid." When we are willing to invite Jesus into our lives during the middle of our storms and messes, he not only says, "I Am, don't be afraid!" but he also helps us find our way to our most important destination, ultimate deliverance. My Prayer... O God, the great I Am, you redeemed Israel from Egypt, you won great victories for David, and you raised Jesus from the dead. I know you can deliver me from what may come my way. Please forgive me when I don't act with the boldness that is called for by this kind of faith and strengthen me to more confidently trust in your presence. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
