Keep it Salty!

First and foremost I must acknowledge that the inspiration for this blog is from none other than the ever so salty Cross-Eyed Robyn! No she is not actually cross-eyed but her eyes are steadily on the Cross of Calvary! She has this catch phrase about us getting rid of swag and bringing in the SALT! This whole salty movement has peaked my interest....

Of course I know the scripture reference Matthew 5:13...we are the salt of the Earth! Familiar scripture right? But before I completely embrace a thing I must have full understanding. I am drawn to the phrase....but why? God always has a meaning that is more than meets the eye I have come to find out. Lets look at the natural....what is salt? What are the benefits? What detriment can it cause? Follow me on this salty trail....we are going somewhere!

So according to a graduate student's best friend (namely Wikipedia.com) salt is an ESSENTIAL mineral. So without it we will DIE...interesting! Point taken! Next we find it is a basic taste and a powerful preservative. It is an important regulator of fluid balance and with overconsumption can cause high blood pressure. Lets review...

1. Salt is ESSENTIAL
2. Salt is BASIC
3. Salt is a PRESERVATIVE
4. Salt is a REGULATOR OF FLUID
   
5. Overconsumption can cause HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

So...lets bring this back to the spiritual so we can apply it to our lives shall we? As Christians we should automatically be the salt Jesus was speaking about. So a Christian should display these five characteristics aforementioned. What does the word say....

Lets start with ESSENTIAL...
To be essential is to be something that is NEEDED. Without the essentials, there is no life. So are Christians essential? The book of Revelations tells us that the Earth would get HURT if it was not for the SERVANTS of God.

AFTER THIS I saw four angels stationed at the four corners of the earth, firmly holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind should blow on the earth or sea or upon any tree.

²Then I saw a second angel coming up from the east (the rising of the sun) and carrying the seal of the living God. And with a loud voice he called out to the four angels who had been given authority and power to injure earth and sea,

³Saying, Harm neither the earth nor the sea nor the trees, until we have sealed the bond servants of our God upon their foreheads. [Rev 7:1-3]

Well! That settles that! NOTE: the Word says its the SERVANTS of God who will be sealed not just proclaimers...BUT SERVANTS! Those who labor in this gospel...and that is not just preachers....we all have a ministry to reconcile this world back to God....are you working? So...that's ONE out of FIVE for salt!

Next is BASIC....
I didn't know what to do with this one initially but I was determined to find an answer...
So basic is something that is foundational, fundamental, at the base...hmmm Usually foundations are pretty strong...they last through any storm. Like the foundation of a house. Is this true for the believer?

The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. [Prov 10:24-25]

That's 2 for 2 salt....its looking pretty good!

PRESERVATIVE...that is easy! Reference back to Revelation 7....we are the reason the earth hasn't been destroyed! Sounds like a preservative to me....doesn't it? Only two points left....

A REGULATOR OF FLUID. I like this one because in my current field Ive learned a lot about this aspect of salt. Let me explain, in the cell water always unless hindered will follow salt out or into a cell to keep the cellular environment from being disturbed. If this didn't happen, some cells would shrink and others would burst. How in the world does this apply to Christians? When we see water in the bible it usually has something to do with new life....baptism, floods, rain, etc... Well as believers new life follows us everywhere we go. We carry the GOSPEL (the truth...the key to EVERLASTING LIFE)!

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. [Prov 21:21]


But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. [John 4:14]

We have the answer to new life (Matt 28:16-20)...and those that follow after us will find it and have new life.

Overconsumption causes high blood pressure. Too much of most things usually turns out to be to our detriment. The bible tells to be wise with this gospel. How can our saltiness be a bad thing? We all know high blood pressure can kill you. Well when we "over spiritualize" and get "spooky" by putting pressure on people to conform....it drives them away from us! That pressure we apply can turn away the lost and that will kill them! God is the perfect gentlemen...He will never force us to accept Him...we should be the same.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. [Luke 14:34]

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned (NOT DROWNED IN...) with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. [Colossians 4:6]

So we see here that servant of Christ and salt go hand in hand! With that I'm sold! My aim is to be that pure holy salt you've been missing!

Make sure you check out the saltiest one....my fellow Cross Pusher @ http://ph7vlogazine.blogspot.com/!

PEACE!

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The Tree of Life

Angry, frustrated, pissed off and confused! These are the adjectives that would describe how I have been feeling right this past week (and even now writing this blog). Yet I am a child of a the King, a royal priesthood or just simply I'M SAVED! The joy of the Lord is my strength, right? What place do these types of emotions have for a Christian? Now I'm even more frustrated because I don't know why!!! How often do we feel this way and how often do we wallow in this low state of mind. I cant front it is comforting to be down in the dumps and everyone kissing your behind to figure out whats wrong...attention of any kind is appealing when you not feeling like OptimusPrime. Now that is straight from the TRUTH.COM....don't front y'all! At the same time I just wanna be Dallas again....cracking jokes, laughing and eating some good viddles! So what is we to do? I need understanding, I need answers, I need comfort and I don't want to talk to anyone. Psalms 119:130 says "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Sounds simple right....well why do we run to everyone or everything else when the answer is clear? Well, Ive decided not to be just a hearer but a DOER of the word...so I open my devotional bible. Now the first entry starts in Genesis 1:1....my first instinct is THIS IS NOT IT! Though its wonderful that God created the heavens and earth I just really don't want to read about this right now....give me something else! But that salty Holy Ghost swag in me just prompts me to continue on. In other news, get filled with Holy Spirit He (notice "He" and NOT "it") is such a help to you if you allow Him to be.

We all know the story, heard it many times before but this time it was different for me. This is truly an example of how the Word of God is inexhaustible, new revelation every time! I get to chapter two and one familiar verse just POPS out! Genesis 2:9 "And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." So?!? You may ask. Something about that tree of life piece just triggered more study. My first thoughts were "Isn't Jesus Christ the tree of life? Does this mean He was in the garden....I WAS HYPE about that discovery. Hmmm....I needed to know!

I embarked on a search of what the tree of life was and my discovery was a help to me and hopefully to you reading this blog. Here we go...

I proceed to look up every scripture in the bible with the phrase "tree of life" and found thirteen scriptures in both the New and Old Testaments. I started by defining what life really means...so according to my concordance it means alive, to revive and flowing fresh (I'll take some of that!). In the NT the definition is even better life means real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever....YESSSSSSS! I need to feel like this....so this tree of life is something I need.

Now after the fall of man God went so far to drive man as far away from the tree of life as He could....not only that but He protected the tree with a flaming sword and some warring angels (Gen 3). He knew that Adam knew all he had to do was eat of the fruit of the tree of life and he would have EVERLASTING LIFE. The bible goes on to describe this tree as WISDOM (Prov 3:18), RIGHTEOUSNESS (Prov 11:30), FULFILLMENT (Prov 13:12), a WHOLESOME (of sound mind, of profit) TONGUE (Prov 15:4), and a GIFT TO THE OVERCOMER (Rev 2:7). Revelation 22 talks about how this tree will yield 12 fruits each month and the throne of God and the lamb shall be there. This tree has a location and similar characteristics to the tree found in Ezekiel 47 (one of my favorite books in the bible)....this tree was able to provide healing and food. Fruit in the bible usually signifies some sort of spiritual characteristic (i.e. fruit of the Spirit)....so how can I access this tree? The answer is found in the aforementioned scripture Rev 2:7, Jesus says to him that overcometh I WILL give access to the tree of life. So my fulfillment, source of wisdom, and all of that is something I had access to all along? The question was not HOW but is THROUGH WHO?

Through Christ is the way of fulfillment! Duh? Yet sometimes I get so caught up with ME and why I AM feeling this way and my answer has been there calling out to me. Wisdom cries out to me my answers but I am too consumed with self to realize. Only through the word did I find my answer, I didn't need to sit on anyone's couch.....I just needed time with my man Holy Spirit (he is the best man you could ever have!). Isaiah 26:3 You [God] will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

Ahhhhh I feel so much better!

So you mean to tell me that Eve was deceived with the tree of life sitting right there; not only that but the throne of God was in the tree!!???!!! How stupid was she!?! Well how stupid are we when we are saved, filled with Holy Spirit and we fall? Pretty dumb I would say. No wonder He drove them so far away from the tree.....God's throne can't dwell with sin! Praise God for Jesus, through Him we can find refuge at the foot of the tree seated at the throne of the most high God! His grace is sufficient and his mercy is new every morning...its not too late access that Tree of Life today. Isn't he sooo good! Jesus is the ONLY way and he is just standing there waiting for you! Romans 10:9 will show you the way....don't let the enemy steal your joy!

Now you go get in your Word....what will your revelation be today?

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So Fresh and So Clean

This is random....let me tell ya!
So I been on this cleaning tip lately...trying to get my house in order should I say. While doing so it has made want to get my skin in order as well. Most people would say I have beautiful skin, I get compliments on it all the time. I must admit my skin has been approved by the truth.com! But lately my skin has been lacking its luster :( so Ive been looking for a new soap to use...the only problem is my skin is VERY SENSITIVE so I am limited in my choices. I wanna smell good too though! THE AGONY! So Dove has come out with this new line called GO FRESH! So I decided to give it a try here it is....
I was a little apprehensive about it because of the strong aroma coming from this body bar. That is usually a tell-tell sign that my skin is going to erupt in an itching frenzy after use. Since Dove has such a good repertoire with me Id figure I would give it a shot.

As usual DOVE never disappoints! This bar smells absolutely delicious, the 1/4 moisture bar is infused with nectarine and white ginger...doesn't that sound delightful. I must say that it does! Not only that but it holds to Dove's standard of NOT leaving that awful residue that soap usually leaves behind NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU RINSE....ugh! YUCK! The citrus aroma is not only refreshing to the nose but it also helps wake you UP! We can all use that on those mornings when we just cant get it together honey!

I give this beauty bar two thumbs and a big toe UP! I would highly recommend it....

Don't I look clean...hehe!

The bible says we should have CLEAN hands and a pure heart....hehe!

SMOOCHES!!!!

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MOCHI FROZEN YOGURT!!!

MY VERY FIRST BLOG ON THIS SITE!!!

Well as you all know I have a sweet tooth and that I am always on a quest to find a way to satisfy that while keeping the calories LOW!! Well my lab mate introduced me to a new frozen yogurt sensation called MOCHI FROZEN YOGURT. What is mochi you may ask....well its actually a rice snack typically found in Asian cultures. It has nothing to do with the actual yogurt, they do actually offer this snack as a topping along with fresh fruit, nuts, granola and much much more...

I must say I was a bit hesitant to try this treat because of the smell I encountered when I walked in the shop....a bit of a pungent, sour smell filled the room chile....YUCK! NOT THE BUSINESS! WELL HONEY when I tried my FREE sample cup (which they offer so you can get a chance to taste any flavor you want before you purchase a cup).....HALLELUJAH SALVATION AND GLORY! I was in heaven....not only did I have one cup but I had one cup for SIX SUBSEQUENT DAYS...still working on that self control y'all! Its fat-free low in calories and oooo soooo goood. I prefer to top mine off with walnuts and strawberries. My favorite flavors are cocanilla, mango and strawberry-bananna!

One time for Mochi!!!

Unfortunately there is only one shop...located in Gainesville, Fl but the way its making a buzz down here I'm sure there will be one near all of you soon. I'm telling you this place be jamming (pardon my English, I am educated....LOL!) like the LET OUT every night

You can also find similar yogurt at places like Pinkberry or Lollicup!

http://www.mymochiyogurt.com/
www.pinkberry.com
www.lollicup.com

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Smoothies.....BEWARE!!!

Older Post from other site....June 22, 2009

Hey Now!!!

I'm back again to talk about my favorite summer treat....SMOOTHIES!!! Woooo!

Man on a hot summer day (especially living in Florida) there is nothing more refreshing than a tall cold glass of water or the sweet delight of a good ole' fruit smoothie! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Calgon take me to the smoothie shop! NO! DON'T DO IT! Ive done some research on pre-made smoothies...NO BUENO KIDS! Though they claim its a "fruit" smoothie there are hidden belly bulgers hiding inside. Most pre-made smoothies are made from fruit purees (packed with additional sugars), SUGAR, ice-cream, high calorie juices and a bunch of other mess you dont need!! They are soo good though....I WANT ONE RIGHT NOW!!!

There is a solution to this....its called MAKE IT YOURSELF! Ive been making smoothies for a few months now and I must say that mine are just as good and sometimes better than your local Smoothie King. Did you know that a smoothie from Smoothie King can have up to 11oo calories! ELEVEN HUNDRED CALORIES MAN!!! (Generally 350-500 calories in a 20 oz smoothie) Ridiculous!

Here's how I made a typical smoothie!

3-4 frozen strawberries
3-4 chunks frozen mango
3 tablespoons of low fat yogurt
4 oz 100% juice (whatever you like)

BLEND IT UP.....its about 165-200 calories per glass (16-20 0z glass)!

Now the thing is smoothies are not really a beverage that you drink on top of a meal. You will go over your calories if you do. This is my problem....I WANT LIKE 5 of them a day plus normal food....gotta get self control....I know Im working on it!!!

Hope this was helpful to someone!!! LOL!

Toodles!

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Snacks of the Day II

Older Post from other site.....June 17, 2009

Im back with more snacks people!!! Get into these crackers guys:




Special K has been known for the past few years for helping folks lose the extra poundage they may have gained over time. Prevention magazine recommended these as a great healthy snack. I must say these small packs of crackers hit the spot around 11am at work when you just need SOMETHING to eat! The very first ingredient is WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR...that's what I am talking about FIBER! Keeps ya nice and regular! LOL! Next is Raisin Nut Bran!!! YESSSSS! I love this cereal! Another whole grain item that gives your morning (or anytime for that matter) a boost. In the morning and late at night are my hungriest times of the day so this cereal keeps me from eating like a bulldog throughout the morning. Remember simple sugars get digested QUICKLY and leave you HUNGRY AND RAVENOUS!! This is why you cant just eat one potato chip....these manufactuers know what they are doing....they changed the box up so let me show you....



Next is a little treat! I love sweets yall...my new motto is MODERATION NOT DEPRIVATION! When I completely deprive myself of something...I end up attacking that item in the midnight hour like a hawk swooping down on a poor squirrel. So I give myself a bit of happiness through this precious treat:


I love these! Each roll is only 90 calories! BEWARE once you eat one...those signals will SCREAM EAT ANOTHER ONE! I have actually eaten a whole box in a day....DISPICABLE and a DISGRACE! Its one of those simple sugar items. So this is truly a treat to have once and a while. Since I love candy so much....I do these sometimes.... With that Im Out....LOVE YA!

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Snacks of the Day!!!

Ive decided to come on every now and then and give you guys my picks for healthy snacks of the day! I love this blogging thing! If any of you are like me you know how it is to be HUNGRY (or just plain greedy) ALL THE TIME! That is not entirely a bad thing! Studies show that frequent eating can help speed up the metabolism and help you LOSE WEIGHT (the bane of my existence!!!). So snack lovers dont be dismayed....you can keep your snacking habits just got to switch up the doritos for something else (you can have a bag every now and again but everyday....just trifling!)....LOL! I am a delivered Doritos addict let the church say AMEN!


Now on to the first snack....if you follow me on twitter or facebook you already know what Im about to say....





CRYSTAL LIGHT HAS DONE IT AGAIN FOLKS! Have you ever just eaten a sensible (or maybe not so sensible meal) and withing 30 min you want something else to eat! I have! I hate that feeling because you feel like a big ole glutton! Well, the Lord God almighty as downloaded a witty idea to Crystal Light and has come up with this to save us all! It contains 5 g Fiber (WE NEED THAT...) 3g Protein to satisfy our hunger pangs between meals and snacks. AND IT WORKS!!! I started drinking it at work....it really curbs the appetite and only at 30 calories! GET IT!





Next here are these cute little crackers! I keep a bag in my desk. Who doesnt love goldfish?? Now who told them to add whole grain to these crackers....YES! Im glad somebody is filled with Holy Spirit over there at Pepperidge Farm...because they heard my prayer! Like most of us, I desperately need fiber in my diet and dont get it like I should. This is a good way to get some in! You can have 55 goldfish at under 200 calories....that is alot of fish! LOL! No artificial flavors, they are baked and they taste GOOOD! I highly recommend it!

Dont forget your fruits and veggies too...they are always good to munch on as well....

Thats all folks! Love ya! Till next time...

Look out for Slim Down Saturday #18!!!

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