Happy birthday son!

Today is my son's birthday. Thirty five years ago on this day my little baby boy was born. That day is very vivid in my mind. After his delivery the nurse laid him on my chest, where he seemed to have found comfort by listening to my heart beats. He must have thought he was still in his comfort zone. He grasped my index finger with his tiny fingers like he did not want to let go. After a while the nurse took him into the room where the newborn babies were kept.

The responsibility of taking care of him has made me a stronger person. He has grown up to be a wonderful young man and has brought much joy to my life.

Six tips on good blogging

I often wonder what it takes to be a good blogger. Since I started my blog three weeks ago I am enjoying it more and more. I must admit, however, there are times when I do not know what to write about. Because I consider myself to be a spiritual person, I tend to write mostly about spiritual things. It may not appeal to everyone and that's ok. I am sure there are those who are interested in the spiritual content. Since there are other areas of my life besides my spirituality, I also write on topics that pertains to those areas.

I wanted to learn from the pros about blogging and went searching for tips. I was impressed with Shannon Paul's blog on Problogger at www.problogger.net/archives/2009/03/27/six-very-official-ways-to-improve-your-writing/. In her blog she stated there are six things that make a person a good writer, they are:

1. Stop trying to sound intelligent;
2. Give yourself permission to write garbage;
3. Be a ruthless editor;
4. Use mighty verbs;
5. Read aloud before posting;
6. Do what works for you.

Blogging done well, she emphasized, has the power to engage, excite and evangelize people around a business or product like nothing else.

The idea is to hold people's interest so that they would want to follow your blog. It's like a Soap Opera. What one person might find interesting the other might not. From my point of view, people tend to follow blogs that entertain as well as educate.

World Economic Crisis

I was touched this morning by the sermon - 'Set Thine House in Order'- by Pastor Jeremiah Davis . He talked about the economic crisis in the world today and our need to be prepared for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He said the stage is being set. Bible prophecy is being fulfilled.

Revelation 18: 11 - "And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise anymore. The merchandise of gold and silver and precious stones, and of pearls and fine linen, and purple, and silk and scarlet, and all thine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble."

Verse 17 - "For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off."

When a hurricane is predicted to hit a certain area, people are often warned to pack up and leave their homes in order to avoid being injured or killed. Most people would leave. However, there are those who would insist on staying, risking their lives. They do not want to leave their possessions behind - reminds me of Sodom and Gomorrah. Hurricane Katrina was a good example. Katrina caused unprecedented damage to New Orleans in 2005. A large number of people lost their lives. Just like New Orleans residents were warned of Katrina, we are warned of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I don't think we can really imagine what it would be like when that happens.

Matthew 24:36 (NIV) - "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

Matthew 24:42-44 (NIV) - "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Let's take heed and be prepared for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lemon rice with golden raisins and almonds

I came across this recipe that is heart healthy. I will be trying it out this weekend.

Ingredients

1/2 cup slivered almonds, coarsely chopped
2 tsp. lemon zest
3 tbs. lemon juice
1 cup uncooked brown rice
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 3/4 cup unsalted chicken broth
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tbs. trans fat-free margarine
1/3 cup water1/2 cup golden raisins
1 cup frozen peas
5 tbs. honey

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally until golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
Add water to the bottom of a double boiler.
In the top section, place the lemon zest, lemon juice, rice, broth, onions, nutmeg, cinnamon and margarine. Heat the double boiler, stirring occasionally.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
In a small saucepan, add the water and raisins. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add the peas and simmer an additional minute. Add the raisin and pea mixture to the rice in the double boiler and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, about 15 to 20 minutes more.
Mix and fluff the rice mixture and transfer it to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and drizzle with honey. Serve immediately

Our destination depends on our choice

As I tarried along this morning on my usual walk around the neighborhood, I tried to tolerate the cold breeze as it beats against my face. I gazed at the dried plants and shrubs, their roots buried deep into the frozen ground waiting for the warm temperature so they can come alive again after a long and harsh winter. As I moved swiftly along, anxious to get back into my warm home, I couldn’t help but notice the figurines in people’s gardens. There was one that caught my attention, it was a little boy and girl sitting on a bench with the boy’s arm around the girl’s shoulder as he points to something far away. There was another one with a little boy carrying a little girl on his back. I thought they were so cute. The melodious sound of the chimes on people’s porches, as the wind tossed them back and forth, stole my attention.

As I continued to travel on my journey, it reminded me that life is a spiritual journey. We could walk that journey either on a broad and smooth road with no restrictions nor rules (everyone do as they please) which leads to hell and damnation, or it could be on the rough and narrow road with lots of rules and restrictions, which leads to the kingdom of God and eternal life. The choice is ours. Many people choose the broad road simply because it’s much easier. Our destination depends on our choice.

Knowing that Christ Jesus came to this earth for the purpose of dying for our sins and to redeem us is enough reason for me to choose the rough and narrow road. Being a Christian is the most difficult thing in the world. Only with God’s help can we overcome temptation and be successful as Christians. That’s why we need to put on the whole armor of God, which is his word. We're fighting a spiritual war against the devil. God's word is the only weapon against the devil. Therefore we need to pray and read his word daily so that we can be protected.

Ephesians 6: 11

Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Ephesians 6: 13

Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time
of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Pineapple torte cake

I haven't baked anything in a long time, simply because I am trying desperately to keep the weight off. When I was in my twenties or even thirties I could have eaten anything. Times have changed. Whenever I baked a pineapple tote cake it would last only a day. My son would have a second and a third slice. Now that he is on his own I seem to bake less. I think it's time I bake one again, but this time instead of putting sugar I would substitute Splenda, since my mother cannot have sugar. She would be very happy. Here's the recipe:

Pineapple Torte Cake

2 cups flour
1 ½ cups sugar
1 tsp . baking soda
2 tsps. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
3 eggs
½ cup oil
1 tbs. lemon juice
¾ cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla essence
1 cup crushed pineapple (well drained)
2 cups carrots
1 cup flake coconut
1 cup finely chopped almonds

Add lemon juice to milk in cup and set aside to sour
Sift together all dry ingredients - flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt
Beat together eggs, oil, sour milk and vanilla essence
Add sifted dry ingredients and mix well
Sitr in pineapple, carrots, coconut and almonds
Pour batter into greased and floured pan and bake at 350 degrees Farenheit for 1 hour or until cake springs back.

A good way to start the day

After I sat down this morning to have breakfast, I turned on the TV. Sanford and Son was on, a sitcom from the 70s. I had to be careful not to choke while laughing, as Fred, looking like Mohammed Ali, bouncing on his feet and making fists at the man that Donna (Fred’s fiancée) brought along with her when Fred invited her to dinner at his home. The man, apparently, is a patient who is in her care. The man makes it obvious he thinks of Donna as more than his nurse. Lamont tries to turn Fred’s mind against Donna after she told Fred she’s ashamed of his behaviour and left with the man. A few minutes later Donna returned and gave back the engagement ring to Fred. He later told her how much he loves her. She obviously was flattered. While they were embracing each other, Fred made a threatening fist to Lamont behind Donna's back after he walked in on them. Lamont then left.

That bit of comedy, along with the soothing sound of jazz and the beautiful sunshine, and above all a prayer to my Creator, put me in a good mood to start the day. The rest of the day went smoothly. Tonight I looked at Dancing with the Stars. I have a few favourites, Melissa is one of them, perhaps my most favourite. Some, I think, should not be there.

Advice for the unemployed

I just read in Lee Anna's blog at http://www.ourwholelife.blogspot.com/ some advice given by experts to those who are unemployed. Being unemployed myself, I would certainly try to follow them, at least those that I can. It says #1 Reinvent yourself and be willing to follow a new career path - That is something I've been trying to do. I am tired of playing on the legal field. #2 Schedule physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise helps to fend off depression - I must admit, I am lacking in that department, although not totally. I had a walk yesterday and again this morning. I am getting better with time. #3 Redo your resume - That I've accomplished. I've attended a 3-day workshop on Job Search, which was very helpful. It has helped me to be more confident and motivated. #4 Network, Network. - I did a bit of that, no luck and #5 Relax, Relate, Release - Relax, I try to be. The rest I have to work on.

I put my trust in God and pray that he will provide me with, not only a job, but the right one. God has promised to supply our needs if we abide in him. He does not lie. It's against his nature.

Philippians 4:19

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus".

The Day of Rest

Thank God for the Sabbath Day! God loves us so much that he not only sent his son to die for us, but he gave us a day on which we can rest from all our toils and labour. It's the only day that I can refrain from any kind of work and not feel guilty. I have his permission.

I went to church this morning. The pastor talked about longing for peace in a world of turmoil. He said that our leaders can either create wars or try to achieve peace, but because we live in a world of sin, that peace would not last. Only God, the Prince of Peace, can bring lasting peace. Most of us long for lasting peace. Sitting on a white sandy beach looking at the waves rolling towards the shore and looking at the blue skies gives us a feeling of peace, walking in a beautiful garden also gives us a feeling of peace, but that peace does not last. In the new earth there would be lasting peace.

I went for a long walk this afternoon, which is long over due. I said that because I spend countless hours during the week on the computer sending out resumes and updating my blog. I really should be taking a long walk every day. It's good for my health. As the temperature gets warmer I most certainly would be doing more walking and gardening.

Depressing News

Every time I listen to the news it leaves me feeling sad. It’s either someone got shot, someone died in a house fire, a plane crash, an innocent girl was raped and her life destroyed forever, and it goes on and on…. There is hardly any good news. Although it makes me sad, I remind myself that these things will happen more frequently in the last days, as the Bible predicted.

Matthew 24: 6

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet”

“Do you see all these things?” he asked, “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down”

If we trust in God and live by the Bible we have nothing to fear.

Luke 12: 32

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom”

“Behold I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book”

Kingsway College

When I was a child my dad used to wake us up every morning to kneel beside him to pray before he goes to work. He would often teach us to memorize verses from the Bible. While half asleep, I and my older sisters would gently slide down from the bed onto our knees, while my younger sisters remained in bed. My mother, who grew up as a Catholic, never attended church. My father grew up as an Anglican, but later became a Seventh Day Adventist after he marry my mother. A few years after my father died my mother finally decided to get baptized in the Seventh Day Adventist church. A decision, she said, she never regretted. After my father's death, my sisters and I stopped going to church. I guess we were trying to prove that we can make our own decisions - typical teenagers. It could be also that we missed our father going to church with us.

I came to Canada in 1970 on a student visa through the help of my lovely aunt (my father’s sister). I attended Kingsway College in Oshawa www.kingswaycollege.on.ca/admin/ with my cousin (her daughter). While living on campus we had to attend morning service before classes. After service my cousin and I, along with some friends, would walk over to the antique-looking cafeteria for breakfast. One of the items on the breakfast menu was toast with peanut butter and apple sauce on top - which was called Vandamin. I have no idea where that name came from. We also had to attend 'vespers' on Friday evenings and devine service on Sabbath mornings. Sometimes in the fall, on Saturday nights we would gather in the valley under the tall maple trees and sing songs of praise. Even though it was a bit cold outside, our bodies were kept warm by the fire and our hearts were kept warm by our singing. I have nothing but good memories of Kingsway College. It has brought me back to the Lord. My best girlfriend and I got baptized together. Unfortunately, after a few years I again stopped attending church. I began to experience that void and empty feeling again. It was then I realized the only way I can feel at peace is to have a relationship with the Lord. Therefore I started praying and reading the Bible more often and attending church. Going to church alone cannot save anyone. It's our relationship with Him and our obedience to His word. I still have problems like everyone else, but now I know I have a Father who is always there to help me through my struggles.

Our connection to God

We are all made up of four components – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. We need the proper food to be nourished physically. We need love and care to satisfy our emotional needs. We need to keep learning in order to gain knowledge and to stimulate our brain. We need to pray and read the Bible (God’s holy words) to be nourished spiritually. When we neglect to nourish one of these components there’s bound to be a negative result. We either get weak and sick, feel lonely, lack confidence and knowledge, low self esteem and an empty void feeling. In praying and reading the Bible daily we maintain a relationship with our Creator, the One who breathed the breath of life in us. According to the Bible, he "beathed the breath of life in man and man became a living soul". Therefore, there’s a part of God is in each and every one of us, regardless of our differences or status.