The 20 Worst Foods In America

Check this out. I couldn't believe the calorie and fat content of some of these items!! Some of those dishes contain enough calories for a whole day and enough fat for two or three days. Is there any question left as to why Americans have so many health problems??

New Layout

I know I just started my blog, but something about the layout wasn't quite working for me. I hope it doesn't bug you too much that I have already changed it! :)

My "Christian" Peers

Something really bothered me today. Rather, it disturbed me. It came up during Sociology class this afternoon. Actually, a lot of things that grieve me have come up in class discussions lately. Anyway, today the topic was religion. The conversation had turned to churches, their styles, denominations, and beliefs. That is when I learned something that to me was absolutely shocking.

Many of the young men my age who I have been listening to (or rather trying not to listen to) for weeks now whose talk is filthy, crude, and disgusting, who openly and loudly disrespect the teacher (One went so far as to wish she would kill herself and not show up to class. As he was making the comment, she walked in behind him.), and skip out on class halfway through to go and get a drink (not soda...), claim to be born again Believers!!

They know Bible theology and stories probably better than I do, they proved this in the discussion today. All of them have grown up in churches and had Christian upbringing. I just can not believe it. I would have NEVER guessed these guys would claim to be Christians. Their actions, attitudes, and words don't back it up. It just goes to show that the label "Christian" doesn't mean very much nowadays. Sadly, they aren't the first ones like this I've met at school. It is very disturbing to think this is the majority of our Christian witnesses on the college campus today (Please don't take me wrong, I know that there are a lot of great, wonderful, strong Christians out there as well).

It makes me very upset. When there are those going around giving Christians a bad name, it makes the witness of true, God-honoring Believers much more difficult. I'm sure it shows those who are watching that Christians aren't any different from the rest of the world. It should never be so.

I wonder, where we are headed if this is the next "Christian" generation? How long will the Lord allow people to take His name in vain without severe consequences? The thought, quite frankly, scares me.

Considering Organic

I have been doing research for a while now on organic foods. I have always considered organic to be more beneficial to one's health, but I didn't realize just how much healthier it can be. This article talks about incredibly high percentage of flavo-noids in organic tomatoes in comparison with commercially grown varieties.

Also, in an article titled The Results Are In: Organic Foods More Nutritious Than Conventional Foods , author Katherine East discusses a study performed by Newcastle University that reveals even more evidence to support the claim that organic truly is the best option.

Organic produce contains up to 40% more antioxidants than ordinary produce and organic dairy products contain between 50% and 80% higher antioxidant levels. That and the fact that the U.S. uses a growth hormone called rBGH (which has been baned in Europe, Australia, Japan, and Canada...just to name a few) in cows raised for dairy production is enough to make me want to steer away from some of those convenient, mass-production (focus is put on quantity, not quality) foods.

Organic foods (can) cost more, yes, but in the long run I believe it is worth it. It makes so much sense really. If we go around changing the genetics and structure of God's perfect creation, we can only expect that we will get less than wonderful results.

From the Inside Out

I'm on a song kick right now. This one is very similar to the one I posted yesterday. It is a good reminder to let go of EVERYTHING and let Him transform us from the "inside out" as we praise Him and give Him all we have and are.

All My Praise

This song made me stop and think. We sing and hear these praise songs all the time, but I believe most of us have (at least I have!) ceased to let the words sink in deep. I was convicted when I heard this during my drive to school. (There really is something about the early morning hours that enables me to hear things more clearly from Him.) We say we'll follow Him anywhere, but are we serious when the storm is raging? Do we still praise Him when we feel as if the world is caving in around us? Just listen and read these words, I think you'll be challenged.

Thanksgiving Deal

This was my Thanksgiving/Black Friday deal. Valued at $101. 36. I paid out of pocket $1. 74!! Needless to say, I had sooo much fun!




What I bought:
1 Gillette Venus razor
1 Gillette Fusion razor
1 Bic Soleil razor
3 Colgate toothpastes
2 Packages of holiday M&Ms
2 Maybelline nailpolishes
2 Maybelline eyeshadows
1 Softsoap shower gel
3 Packages of CVS storage bags
1 Package of Hershey's assorted chocolates
1 Johnson&Johnson body lotion
1 Advil PM*
1 Excedrin*
*not in photo

Airbrushed Hollywood

I saw a link to this clip at Crystal’s blog today. I've seen and heard these things before, but it is a good reminder. Amazing, isn't it? Hollywood gives us so many lies to believe. We need to be cautious and remember that everything is not as it appears. None of us can ever compete with Hollywood, and why is that? Well, because it's not even reality.

Wisdom Apart From Christ

To search for wisdom apart from Christ means not simply foolhardiness, but utter insanity.

John Calvin

Eccleciastes 2:10-11 (The Message)

"Oh, how I prospered! I left all my predecessors in Jerusalem far behind, left them behind in the dust. What's more, I kept a clear head through it all. Everything I wanted I took—I never said no to myself. I gave in to every impulse, held back nothing. I sucked the marrow of pleasure out of every task—my reward to myself for a hard day's work!
Then I took a good look at everything I'd done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing."

~I don't want to look back on my life and say, "Nothing". I want to look back and know I followed the Lord in my life. I don't want to regret the time I let slip away because I was too busy pursuing "every impulse". It's hard to go against our "me first" culture and world, but when my focus stays on the One who created and controls this earth, it becomes a little easier. At the end of my life, I want to hear Him say, "Well done".~

So Tired...

I am so exhausted. I just got home a few minutes ago after being gone since 6 this morning. After my classes were over at around 3, I went to babysit. May I just say this, anyone who thinks a woman can do it all, be at work or school all day then come home to a tired, cranky 2 year old, is absolutely out of their mind. The 2 year old was not mine, no, but having to listen to a temper tantrum for over an hour (with the 4 year old joining in just because) is enough to wear me completely out and almost drive me to...well, I really don't know what. I thought I was tired before I got there!

It just made me wonder though why some women attempt to raise children, care for a home, be a wife, and have a career at the same time (by choice!). To me, it seems to be a ridiculous notion, but unfortunately one that too many women have bought without question. They have to compete and chase after what the world says is most important...Recognition, money, power, etc. They put their energy, strength, and focus into empty pursuits and give the kids the left overs at the end of a long day. That's really sad. Our culture's concept of what is important is just a LITTLE messed up.

Beatitudes

Beatitudes of the World/Satan

1. Blessed are the rich and famous, for they will be recognized as important people.
2. Blesses are the people who party, for they will enjoy life to the fullest.
3. Blessed are the aggressive, for they will inherit the earth.
4. Blessed are the people who do their own thing, for they will find personal fulfillment.
5. Blessed are those who take care of number one, for they don't need to worry about anyone else.
6. Blessed are the wheelers and dealers, fot they are winners in the dog-eat-dog world.
7. Blessed are those who do not get involved in other people's problems, for they will not get caught in the middle.
8. Blessed are those who don't rock the boat, for everyone will like them.


Jesus' Beatitudes
Matthew 5:3-11

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
2. Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted.
3. Blessed are the gentle, because tehy will inherit the earth.
4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled.
5. Blessed are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy.
6. Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, because the kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
9. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely.

Time Flies

Disclaimer: I really wanted to get something posted today, so I decided to go ahead with this. However, I must warn you, this post has not gone through extensive editing. I just got home from a busy day of babysitting and I do not possess my full brain power at this point in the day. I hope you can follow me through this one!

Is it just me or does time go by too fast? I cannot believe that it is already well into November. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away! I wish I could get some of this precious time back, but yet, I know that wishing will never bring it back. It makes me think though...What am I doing with each day? Am I using every minute as God would have me? Am I taking a few moments each day to enjoy some little thing in His great creation? Do I slow down often enough to savor a few moments enjoying Him? Do I stop to smile at a child's innocence? Do I pause long enough to talk to a stranger at the cash register or a fellow student at school?

I don't like to think of my answers to these questions. It is painfully revealing. Each day is filled with so many opportunties and I consistently fail to take advantage of them.

We all need to slow down. We need to simplify. We need to realize that we only have one life, one chance to be here on this earth. One of Satan's strongest weapons against us as Believers is busyness. It encourages us to brush aside relationships, God, and pleasure in His creation. We might come to the end of a week and be able to list all of the things we did, but what things is God going to ask us about when we reach the other side? What will we regret at the end of our life? Will we wish we obtained another degree? Maybe worked harder to get that coveted luxury vehicle? Will we wish we had made it to the top of the career ladder? Will we wish we had a more comfortable lifestyle?

I challenge you (and myself), let's make this life count for more than our own self-centered (and yes, I believe most of our ambitions have nothing to do with God or fellow man) accomplishments. Let's stop doing things and start being the kind of person that can always make time to talk to the cashier, set aside the laundry to play a game with the kids, turn off the TV to listen to the family, or make the commitment to never let school, career, or even ministry overtake the needs that those close to us have... love, time, support, encouragement, understanding, and a listening ear.

How To Be Vigilant by Gail Rogers

I receive e-mail devotionals from Christian Women Today. I really enjoyed today's reading as it was a reminder to not let the busyness of life erode relationships with God or others. We must be vigilant and guard our hearts and minds.

How To Be Vigilant

By Gail Rogers

In the noise and commotion of life it's easy to miss the still small voice within us. It is easy for our awareness of God to diminish in our busy schedules. It's easy to lose our observant eye and ear as we rush from one thing to the next! It is wise to stop and ask, "Am I being vigilant in my life?"

A vigilant woman is watchful and alert. She is observant...with an eye to the future and is on guard for danger or pitfalls.

A vigilant woman pays attention to the little things in her life and in her relationships. She is careful with her money knowing that the little things can add up to be big things. She is alert to the subtle slip in important relationships.

A vigilant woman is wise in seeking to sow seeds of approval, appreciation, affection and attention. She takes the time to mend the small tears in the relationships around her, knowing this will make them stronger in the future.

"Be very careful, then, how you walk ~ not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

As you walk through this day ask God to help you be observant to His still small voice nudging you. When you are attentive in your relationship with God He will help you grow to become more aware and vigilant in your life and relationships.

Jesus Christ did not say, 'Go into the world and tell the world that it is quite right.'

C.S. Lewis

I believe that if there is one thing which pierces the Master's heart with unutterable grief, it is not the world's iniquity but the church's indifference.

John Owen

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman

I heard this song the other day on the radio as I was driving to school at 6 a.m. It brought tears to my eyes. (Not a good thing when I nor the sun had woken up yet.) Why is it that we don't slow down and take time for the simple, precious, and sweet things of this world anymore? Sometimes we just need to put aside all the seemingly urgent things and soak up those opportunities that only come once in a lifetime.

The Duggars

How this family does it, I do not know, but I'm fascinated with their documentaries. This is one of their most recent TV interviews.

Getting started

I began blogging for the first time during this past summer while in interning in Huancayo, Peru. (You can read about it here by clicking on the "My Peru Experience" link on the right-hand side the page.) I enjoyed blogging more than I thought I would and loved being able to write about the every day experiences I had. Also, I was able to express things I otherwise would have either completely forgotten or would have had difficulty verbally expressing. So, I've decided I am going to start regularly blogging. (When I say regularly, I am thinking at least 3-4 times per week.) I need to get some of these thoughts and ideas out there and out of my overloaded head! I hope and pray this will be an enjoyable, encouraging, and refreshing read for everyone as you all pursue the Lord in each of your own lives. Please feel free to comment or discuss anything I post here and let me know what you think.