Opportunity

"And of some have compassion making a difference" ~Jude 1:22~





We have opportunities to do good all around us. We just have to look around!

The Power Within.

Each of us is striving to find purpose in this life. We all want happiness and peace. Each day we must face new challenges, triumphs, joys, and pains. Whether we are being given happiness or facing challenges, it is how we handle each situation that is important. In my own life I feel that I have been given many blessings and good examples to follow that lead me towards a sense of self worth and lasting happiness. A healthy lifestyle is more then just taking care of our physical bodies. It is taking care of our mental and emotional natures as well. I would like to share 5 tips that I have received over the course of my life that have helped me to recognize my own self worth and be happier despite what is going on in the world around me.

1.) We must first recognize our divine worth. We are not here by chance. We all came from God and we will all return to God one day. It is important that we remember that we are special. That we are children of a loving Heavenly Father and that He wants us to be happy. It is our choice what we will be and what we will do in this life.

2.) We must be constant. In a world that it is ever changing it is only those who are consistent and steadfast that accomplish what they want to. It is easy to get discouraged and want to give up but we must not falter. If we do falter or struggle we must get back up and try again.



3.) Surround yourself with good people. Who or what we surround ourselves with is who or what we will be come. If we our surrounded by negativity we will develop negativity; likewise, if we surround ourselves with positivity and those that lift us up and help us to be better then we will achieve great things.

4.) Love and serve all who you meet. Amy Carmichael once said, "You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving." My favorite scripture from the Bible is Jude 1:22 "And, of some have compassion making a difference." We can all make a difference every day by the way we treat others.

5.) Be a person of Integrity. “I hope that I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider to be the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” (George Washington) Our integrity is one of the greatest gifts we posses. It is easy to be led away into false security to think that it is okay to lie a little or take advantage of someone else. These are false ideas and will only lead to unhappiness in the end.
As we strive to recognize and put in practice these five tips I promise that we will live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

How to Avoid Common Health Quackeries

Everyday we are bombarded with advertizements via the internet, magazines, tv infomercials , ect. Inviting us to try new products at a low affordable prices. We live in a consumer age and we are constantly looking for ways to feel better and get more for our money. However, with so many products available it is hard to distinguish if we are getting a quality product or just falling victim to another gimmick or quackery.

" 'Quackery' derives from the word quacksalver (someone who boasts about his salves). Dictionaries define quack as "a pretender to medical skill; a charlatan" and "one who talks pretentiously without sound knowledge of the subject discussed." These definitions suggest that the promotion of quackery involves deliberate deception, but many promoters sincerely believe in what they are doing." (Stephen Barrett) The term Quackery can be used when referring to a product or service.


Here are 4 tips to help you avoid common quackeries especially concerning products and services for your health.

1.) Make sure the product or service comes from a reliable source. Look for .org or .edu websites they are usually government based or done by non-profit organizations. These websites are more likely to give you quality information then .com websites, which are usually trying to get you to purchase something. Check who is posting the information and if the site is linked to any other reputable ones.
2.)Consult your physician or medical staff. Your physician is up to date on standard procedures and treatments. He will be able to guide you to what would be useful along with your normal medical treatment.

3.) Beware of buzz words in the advertisement. Secret or secret formula, miracle, fast acting, and guranteed are all examples of buzz words. If these products really were 100% guranteed then we would see medical professionals, and main stream society using them.

4.) Be aware of any product that tells you to use them in place of professional medical treatment. Any hollistic or natural products treatments should always be used along with standard professional medical treatment not in place of.

In the end health and happiness aren’t something that we can buy in three simple payments of $29.95. They are earned through patience, research and weighing the pros and cons.
So do your homework and don't get duped into wasting your money or time.

How to Make a Budget That Works for you!

Budget,That awful six letter word that even our government can't seem to figure out. In economic times such as these it is ever important that we get our finances in order. 

The First step is to get organized. O Magazine gives 4 simple steps for getting your finances in order:

Step 1: Get the Tools You Need

Step 2: Dig In

Step 3: Start Sorting

Step 4: Stay on Track

One of the biggest burdens that people create for themselves involves debt, especially credit card debt. Jean Chatzky of O Magazine shows how we can begin to consolidate and eventually eliminate our credit card debt. click on Jeans name to hear her great tips.

After your finances have become organized it is time to create a budget that works for you. Every person is different and so every budget is different as well. The key is to find one that is right for you. Some simple steps to follow when creating a budget our:

1.)  Start by tracking your expenses. Determine which expenses are necessary for every day life ( rent, mortgage, food, car, ect.) and which ones are casual or optional expenses (eating out, movies, games, vacations ect.)

2.) Then make a list of current debt and make a plan to start paying it back.

3.)It is important to begin saving now even if it is only  a small amount each month

4.) Next, take your monthly income and subtract out your necessary expenses. Take the left over portion and subtract the money you want to use towards paying off your current debt. If there is still money left over, put the rest in savings.  You may choose to put a little bit aside for recreational purposes.

Once you find a financial strategy that works for you and your budget stick to it. Some times the results take a little bit of time to start showing. So be patient. In the end consitancy is the most important factor in maintaining a sucessful budget. 

Recipe of the Week # 3

Sister Worthen's Amazing Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup crisco
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cup applasauce
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp nutmeg
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• chocolate chips
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup nuts (optional)
• 2 cups oats (optional)

Directions:

Cream Crisco and Sugar together and set aside. Add applesauce Baking Soda, and cinnamon together. Then mix in salt, nutmeg, flour, and eggs. Mix well and then add in chocolatechips and nuts and oats if desired. Bake at 375 for 15 mins.

The applesauce makes them healthier without losing out on taste! I give them two thumbs up!

Recipe of the Week # 2

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

"My vegetarian husband goes crazy over these every time! They are really cheesy, a little bit spicy, and a little bit sweet. Feel free to play around and add chicken or veggies, if you desire. Don't forget the salsa and sour cream!"

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PREP TIME	10 Min
COOK TIME	30 Min
READY IN	40 Min
Original recipe yield 8 small quesadillas

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in beans and corn, then add sugar, salsa, and pepper flakes; mix well. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.

• Melt 2 teaspoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle evenly with cheese, then top with some of the bean mixture. Place another tortilla on top, cook until golden, then flip and cook on the other side. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

• To cut out some of the fat. Cook the tortillas with out adding butter. Also, chose whole wheat tortillas and low fat beans.
  

Recipe of the Week #1

Cranberry-Buttermilk Scones

Preparation Time: 15 minutesCooking Time: 30 minutes16 servingsIngredients
3 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
1-3/4 tsps. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsps. unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 tsp. water

InstructionsPreheat oven to temperature 375°F. Butter 2 9 inch diameter cake pans. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a food processor or bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add cranberries. Combine buttermilk and 2 eggs in another bowl. Whisk until blended. Add to dry ingredients and process until just combined. Turn out onto floured surface. Knead briefly until soft dough forms. Divide dough into 2 pieces. Form each piece into a ball. Transfer each ball to 1 prepared pan. Press out dough into 8 inch diameter round. Score top of each round into 8 wedges. Whisk remaining egg with water in a small bowl. Brush over scones. Sprinkle with additional sugar. Bake 30 minutes, until golden. Cool 5 minutes. Invert scones onto platters. Turn over and cut along score marks. Serve warm.

When You're Helping You're Happy

Someone once was told me that when you are feeling down, or sorry for yourself the quickest way to feel better, is to reach out and serve someone around you. A large part of the happiness that I have had in my life, I owe to the times that I was able to serve, or reach out to someone around me.

Arthur C Brooks the President of American Enterprise Institute recently gave a Brigham Young University Devotional. In his message, Arthur explained that those who truly are happy in this life, are happy because they give. One of his books titled Gross National Happiness statistically shows that those who giving are happier than people who don't. With the statistics clearly showing that those who serve live happier lives, which also means healthier lives. Why then are people so cautious to serve? Brooks gives some inside into this question by explaining four common myths that usually limit people from giving.

Myth # 1 Giving makes us poorer: Brooks dispelled this myth by showing the money earned by two families of the same background demographic ect. Both families gave to charity but family A gave a $100 more than family B. After tracking them for a while family A earned more money by giving then family B by about $300.

Myth# 2: People are naturally selfish: brooks stated that when looking at statistics the average American gives away more then any other culture and not just because we are richer. However, we can always work to be better.

Myth # 3: Giving is a luxury: Goes along with the answer to myth # 1. People need to remember that we can give with more than just money. People can give by sharing their talents, a good deed, warm greeting, and even just a smile to a stranger on the street. Remember whether you are giving $5 to a homeless person or 1 million dollars to a charity, every little bit helps and makes a difference.

Myth #4: It doesn't matter if I give the Government will do it for me. Brooks stated that this was a dangerous way of thinking. If we let the government step in and take over giving, we will see a much different country. We benefit from giving of ourselves on so many levels that it would be harmful to us as individuals and as a society to stop giving and let the government take over.

In the end giving must start with each of us. No matter who we give to good will come of it. President George Washington stated: “It is not everyone who asketh that deserveth charity; all however, are worth of the inquiry or the deserving may suffer.” May we also be like George Washington and learn to give more and judge those around us less.
Brooks stated that "people who are healthier, wealthier, and happier are givers." I agree with his philosophy and invite everyone to reach out to those around you. You will be surprised by the difference you can make. My favorite scripture is Jude 1:22 "And, of Some have compassion making a DIFFERENCE." We can all make a difference! Start GIVING today!

Excercise 101

Everyday people are constantly looking for new ways to lose weight and stay healthy. Especially, with summer right around the corner. It is hard to know what workout programs really work and which ones are right for you.



The American Heart Association gives some tips for excercise success:

- If you've been sedentary for a long time, are overweight, have a high risk of coronary heart disease or some other chronic health problem, see your doctor for a medical evaluation before beginning a physical activity program.
- Choose activities that are fun, not exhausting. Add variety
- Where comfortable footwear and clothing
- Find a convenient time and place to do activities.
- Use music to keep you entertained.
- Surround yourself with supportive people.
- Don't overdo it.
- Keep a record of your activities.

Recipies and More . . . . .

Despite the hustle and bustle of a normal day there is still time to eat well and enjoy doing it! Research has shown that those who take time to make and eat there meals especially as families have better relationships and healthier lifestyles.

Quick tips for better meals:

• Choose a variety of foods
  
• For those with children:
  -Teaching children good food nutrition facts and healthy food choices at an early age is essential, as lifelong habits are formed early. By offering healthy food choices and sensible food nutrition facts to children, they will learn that a balanced diet and a variety of healthy foods are important for good health.
  
  
• Eat with friends/family:

- Families that eat together stay together.

- For those living with roommates or alone:
*Call over friends or start a dinner group.

• Eat slowly and avoid overeating
  
• Drink water instead of soda or alcohol with meals
  
• Plan meals ahead of time
  

Here are a few websites with free recipe tips and ideas. Mypyramid.gov also provides helpful hints of which food groups to keep mind when planning and preparing meals.

- http://www.foodnetwork.com/
- http://allrecipes.com/
- http://www.recipezaar.com/
- http://www.mealsmatter.org/

-http://www.momsmenu.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Organic Food and is it better for you?

Organic food is grown without chemicals and preservatives and said to maintain more of the natural vitamins and minerals found in food. There is a lot of controversy as to whether this pricey alternative is better for you or not. Research done on this subject has yielded very few results that organic is better. The FDA has provided a certified label to look for when purchasing Organic foods so as not to be duped by counterfeits.

2. Buying in bulk or single servings?

Coming from a family of 10 I have spent a fair share of my life waiting in lines at Costco and Sam's club. Even now as a single college student I find myself still drawn to these bulk buys in hope of getting more for my money. From talking to both singles like myself and those with families the best advice i have been given is to do both. Buying in bulk has been seen as more Eco-friendly and can save money, and fewer trips to the store. On the other hand buying single servings allows you to not worry about wasting leftovers, over spending, or eating.

3. Store Brands versus Name Brands?

Store brands and name brands for the most part provide the same quality of product. Much of peoples like or dislike for either one stem from habits and childhood memories of growing up on one or the other. I have personally found that by buying store brands on many regularly purchased items such as canned goods and cereals that I have been able to save money each month without lacking in quality or taste. In the end it comes down to your personal preference and your budget.

4. Vitamin Supplements?

Vitamin supplements are advertised in abundance at grocery stores, pharmacies, in magazines, TV ads, and even at medical facilities. Most healthcare experts state along with the website nutrition.gov that: "First and foremost, nutritional needs should be met by eating a variety of foods as outlined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In some cases, vitamin/mineral supplements or fortified foods may be useful for providing nutrients that may otherwise be eaten in less than recommended amounts. If you are already eating the recommended amount of a nutrient, you may not get any further health benefit from taking a supplement. In some cases, supplements and fortified foods may actually cause you to exceed safe levels of intake of nutrients." Most people should consult a doctor or reliable health care professional so, as not to put themselves or their families at risk. Even herbal supplements should be carefully monitored.

5. How do I know if I'm getting enough nutrients and do I need vitamin supplements?

Many people wonder, myself included, if they are getting the correct amount of daily nutrients. Mypryamid.gov provides an excellence resource for finding out which foods provide the needed nutrients, and how much of each serving we actually need. As mentioned above most vitamins should come from the foods we eat.

6. Can food taste good and still be healthy?

Yes it can. Thanks to technology and a more health conscious society there are numerous resources available for health/tasty eating. Many online health websites and such as mayoclinic.gov and mypyramid.gov provide healthy choices and nutritional info on how to get the most out of what you eat.

7. How can I tell if the information I am finding on websites is valid or not?

With so much information available with just a click of a mouse it can be hard to know what is a reliable site. Some tips are to look for are sites containing the HON symbol. The Hon foundation is a non-governmental organization offering to internet users reliable and trustworthy information through more than 5,000 accredited medical and health web sites according to the HON Code of Conduct (HONcode). Sites containing the HON symbol have been reviewed and approved.
Also look for sites ending in .gov or .org before going to .com websites. .Websites ending in .org and .gov are done through the government or non profit organizations and are intended for promoting health, whereas, many .com websites are trying to sell products.

8. Do my finances affect my health?

Yes they do. It is important that we organize ourselves, create a financial plan, and beware of excess spending that can lead to considerable debt and strain on relationships and are own health. Elizabeth Scott, M.S., states that financial problems can lead to :Unhealthy Coping Behaviors, Less Money For Self-Care, lost sleep, and unhealthy emotions.

9. Dose using coupons and checking sales adds really save me money or just waste my time?

Clipping coupons and pouring over sales ads was a weekly event in my house growing up. In today's fast paced world many wonder if clipping a coupon to save an extra thirty cents or driving to three different stores to get the best deals really is worth the hassle. In researching I found pros and cons. Eric Tyson author of personal Finance for Dummies said “people may buy products they wouldn’t normally buy, which are overpriced to begin with,” however it also stated that "Of course, coupons are useful when they save you money on what you’re already planning to buy." "Clipping coupons may not be your idea of fun, but it can mean saving hundreds of dollars on things that you use each and every year."

10. What are the benefits of regular exercise?

Research has shown that regular physical activity helps to promote a happier and healthier lifestyle. The American Heart Association states: "Regular aerobic physical activity increases your fitness level and capacity for exercise. It also plays a role in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke and is linked to cardiovascular mortality." Healthy Discovery.net also reminds us of the importance of regular exercise: The benefits of any exercise program will diminish if it's disrupted too frequently. A "stop-start" routine is not only ineffective, but can cause injuries. Being consistent with exercise, therefore, is probably the most important factor in achieving desired results.

Intro: To a Healthy Lifestyle

The purpose of this blog is intended to promote ideas on how to have a healthy lifestyle on a small budget. Life is busy and hectic. In america today over 30 % of men and women and over 16 %of children are obese or overweight. This is a problem that is increasing and it is our job to curb this trend and to start living healthier lives. Whether you are a parent striving to meet the health needs of your family or a starving student trying to find health amidst top ramen and fast food. Here are some tips for you. I will be posting recipes, budget tips, exercises ideas, and many more helpful hints to creating your own healthy environment.