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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Doing You Well Wednesday #19

Every now and then, we all need to be reminded that it is okay to move out of our comfort zones, and we will only achieve certain goals when we do!  Today's post is a repost from Jan. 15, 2012.  I pray that it will motivate you to move from complacency to productivity!

Get Out Of The Boat!


In Matthew's gospel, chapter 14, Apostle Peter teaches us a valuable life lesson. He teaches us that it is possible to do the impossible. When this particular passage is preached, preachers often teach us about Peter's failure (he began to sink - Matthew 14:30). However, they often fail to tell us about Peter's success (he walked on the water - Matthew 14:30) .

If we only focus on Peter's failure (he began to sink), we would never be motivated to move from where we are to where we want to be. It is only when we focus on Peter's success will we move from ambition to action. So, I ask

Are you going to get out of the boat and venture into the unknown - do something that you have never done before?

OR

Are you going to stay in the boat - become a lifetime rider and play it safe?

Monday, May 27, 2013

Meatless Monday #13

This veggie breakfast sausage was pretty tasty.  On a scale of (1-5), I would rate it a (4).  It was filling and satisfying.  The texture was about the same as any other sausage.  It was a great compliment to my grits and cheese toast sandwich.   (I added grape jam to the sandwich!) 

 
I will definitely buy this meatless sausage again!

 
Fruit Bowl
(fresh chopped peaches and cantaloupe)

Fresh Salad
(chopped celery, sliced sweet red peppers, diced tomatoes, carrots, chives over a bed of curly kale and iceberg lettuce)

 
topped with a chopped Gala apple


 
plus dressing and flaxseeds

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Happy Sunday! AND (MBC Day #7)

1 Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
 
Linking up with Deidre and the Sunday Community, and Scripture and a Snapshot!
 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Mini Blog Challenge - Day#6

Advice To Anyone Itching To Start Their Own Blog
Participate in Linky Parties (Blog Hop)
What is a Linky Party (Blog Hop) 
According to the Blogossary, a Blog Hop, also known as blog hopping, is to move from one blog after another to read the entries or to leave comments.  For more about Blog Hops, go to Blogaholic Social Network.

Within the past few months, I discovered Blog Hops.  And, wow!  They have made a BIG difference in blogging.  When I started blogging at the end of 2009, I didn't have a clue about blogging or Blog Hops.  Since discovering them, I have met so many amazing bloggers with fabulous blogs.  I have acquired so much exposure. My comments skyrocketed, and I have awesome new followers!





Friday, May 24, 2013

Mini Blog Challenge - Day #5 (DIY)

DIY Project
 Hair and Body Butter

This all natural hair and skin butter is easy to make, and it has multiple uses.   It can be made just the way you like it!  If you choose to use a different natural oil than coconut oil, feel free to add another natural oil of your choice.  I have made this mix using other oils -  almond, apricot, castor, grape seed, olive, etc.  It all depends on what I need and what I have on hand at the time.  This mix can also be scented with essential oils.  I hope you enjoy the video by Sparkwisdom!

** I usually slowly melt my butters in a porcelain container on the stovetop.  ** 
 
 

Mini Blog Challenge - Day #4

Why Should I Eat More Plant Based Foods?
 
I hope you take a few moments to check this video out.  It is about a vegan trailblazer and public health nutrition expert, Tracye McQuirter.  Tracye is the author of By Any Greens Necessary, a must-read for anyone serious or just curious about making plant -based diet changes.  I read this book for the first time over a year ago.  Since then, it has served as a knowledgeable reference for incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables into everyday meals.
 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Mini Blog Challenge - Day 3 (My Passion....)

I am passionate about healthy eating. I believe that eating well can prevent so many health problems. Too often, I hear people complain about so many ailments that can be improved or eliminated just by making dietary changes. Approximately 20 years ago, I was carrying around a bag of medicine that I had to take daily. I had migraine headache medicine( preventative pills and pills for pain), acid reflux medicine( 3 different pills), asthma medicine, and acne medicine. One day, I decided that "enough was enough". I felt that I was way too young (back then, I was still in my 20s) to be dependent upon all of that medicine. Determined to improve my health, I researched holistic ways to feel better. One of the first things that I learned was that there is a direct correlation between "eating right" and health.
 
During that time, I didn't know much about the connection between eating right and feeling better, but I did notice that certain foods were real acid reflux triggers. So, I drastically decreased the amount of fried and spicy foods in my diet, and I increased my water consumption. During that time, I stopped buying so much junk food. My thoughts were, "if it's not here, then I can't eat it." Within a few weeks, I started to feel better. I was experiencing very little reflux, and the migraines were occurring less frequently. Within a couple of months, I no longer needed the migraine and acid reflux medicine. ( My acne did not improve until I started eating more plant-based foods). I really felt good about the changes, and I wanted to share them with others. However, I quickly learned that so many people would rather take medicine than to alter their diet. I also learned that so many overindulge in the wrong foods and they are comfortable with it. Our church often does corporate fasts, and there are so many people who refuse to participate - not because of health reasons, but because of lack of discipline.
 
I am a firm believer that God wants us well, but I believe that we must be active participants. And, we do so by controlling that which we can control - diet and exercise. By no means, do I eat perfectly. I am a work in progress, and I have come a long way!

 

Doing You Well Wednesdayl #18

It's Subject To Change!

It is subject to change! Does not matter what your "IT" is, nor how long you have dealt with your "IT" Whatever has not aligned itself with the WORD of GOD is subject to change.

Pain in your body - subject to change!

Don't have a job - subject to change!

Marriage messed up - subject to change!

 

2 Corinthians 4:18
The Message (MSG)

16-18 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.

Disobedient children - subject to change!

No money - subject to change!

Troubled mind -subject to change!

Be encouraged that your present circumstances are not permanent situations. Remain firmly fixed on that which is good and right in the eyesight of God. Cast your cares on HIM. Trust HIM!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Mini Blog Challenge - Day 2 (Letter To Bloggers)

Dear Wonderful Bloggers,

Thank you for visiting Victory. Victory is an inspirational blog that focuses on the total man - the spirit man, the soul man, and the physical man. As author of this blog, I believe that God wants HIS people to be spiritually whole, mentally whole and physically whole!

According to 3 John 1:2,

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

and 1 Thessalonians 5:23

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.


God wants us well!
 

Therefore, the posts that I share on Victory are all about how to become whole - prosperous in spirit, mind, and body! I start the week with my Happy Sunday post that provides spiritual food designed to nourish the spirit and the soul (mind, will, emotions). Then, on Meatless Monday, I share simple meatless meals that include a variety of fruits, grains and vegetables to edify the body. And, on Wednesdays, I link up with Michell and share something I'm doing well that benefits the spirit, mind or body!

Thanks for dropping by. I hope that this letter to you is beneficial, and I hope that you will come back again!

Anticipating your next visit,

Trinity

  

Monday, May 20, 2013

Mini Blog Challenge - Solve A Problem

Have You Ever Resolved To Eat Healthier?
 

Google Image
 

At the beginning of the year, did you resolve to eat healthier? Perhaps, you started off pretty good. Maybe, you loaded your grocery cart with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables - only to throw them away after you realized that you were growing some type of science experiment in your refrigerator! (HA! HA!) That probably happened because you had a plan, but you didn't have a process. Today, I will share with you just 5 simple steps to adding more fruit and vegetables to your diet!

Plan - Incorporate more fruit and vegetables into each meal.

Process - 1) When you go to the grocery store, decide on one fruit/ vegetable that you are sure to eat between grocery visits. Dice, slice or chop that fruit and place it in ziploc bags or small containers. Place them in the fridge so that you can have easy access to them.
2) Eliminate at least one of your usual processed snacks. Simply put - DON'T BUY IT! Replace it with the fruit(s)/vegetable(s)
3) Experiment with various yogurts and dips. Dipping fruit and veggies into dressings, sauces or yogurts is a good way to start eating more of them. This tip is also helpful in encouraging kids to eat more of the good stuff!
4) Include at least one serving of fruit/vegetable with every meal. The more the better!
5) Each week, add another fresh fruit/vegetable to your grocery cart.
Remember the goal is to eat FRESH - as much as possible! Steer away from only eating canned and frozen fruit/ vegetables.

YOU CAN DO IT!


 






Meatless Monday - Taco Salad

This is a simple meatless taco salad made with black beans, corn, grape tomatoes on cilantro and kale.



Sauce
cilantro, tomatoes, ,chopped red bell peppers, cayenne, sea salt, parsley (puree in blender)
 
 
 
Top it with shredded cheese.  Enjoy it with your favorite chips.  I used Salsa Sun Chips!

 

 

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Happy Sunday!

Isaiah 55

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

 Linking up with Deidre and the Sunday Community, and Scripture and a Snapshot!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Doing You Well Wednesday

I Can't Let A Day Go By Without Praising His Name! 
 
Today, I choose to praise Almighty God.  In spite of what I have or what I don't have, I will give HIM praise.  HE is worthy of my praise and so much more!

  

 

Psalm 34:1

 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 

 

 

 

Monday, May 13, 2013

Meatless Monday #11


Frontier Natural Products Co-Op Bac 'Uns Vegetarian Bits - 2.7 oz
I used this brand

I usually decide on Saturday what I will enjoy for Meatless Monday.  And, if it requires a bit of preparation, I also prepare it on Saturday.  By Monday, the flavors have marinated together, and it usually tastes even better!  Well, after watching several YT videos (of vegetarian shepherd's pies), I decided that I would try another Shepherd's Pie.  The last time I made one was last spring, and I used vegetable crumbles to replace the meat.  My children said it was okay.  Definitely filling!  But, at that time, I had only used meatless crumbles a few times - not the brand that I currently use.  So, the taste was still new to us. 


So, after Monique over at Brown Vegan shared her enchilada recipe with lentils,  I decided that I would replace the meat with lentils.  And, this is what I came up with!

  1. First, I sautéed a half cup of chopped onion with olive oil (about 10 minutes or so). Afterwards, I added in about a half cup of chopped carrots, a half cup of bell peppers, a half cup of celery, and 1 chopped zucchini.  I allowed this to cook about 5 minutes before adding 1 small can of tomato sauce.  Then, I covered this with a lid and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or so.
  2. I had already cooked the lentils, and I was allowing them to drain while I sautéed the vegetables.  I poured the lentils into the vegetable mixture, mixed everything together,  and seasoned to taste.  Almost forgot!  I also added in one small can of vegetarian beans.  After adding all of this, I did have to transfer everything to a larger saucepan. 
  3. The mashed potatoes which I used to top my vegetable mixture was also prepared ahead of time.  I pureed a small bag of cauliflower and mixed it with the mashed potatoes.  Then, I sprinkled the bottom of my olive oil coated Pyrex dish with vegan bacon bits.  Afterwards, I poured in the vegetable mixture and topped it with cheese before I added the potato mixture to the top.
I allowed this to bake at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes.  As it cooled, I topped it with more shredded cheese.












And with a salad - DELICIOUS!

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Happy Sunday!

"Can You Hear Me?"
 

by Trinity Grace
Can you hear me?

I'm sobbing incredibly,

Unbelievably,

No relief in sight.

Can you hear me?

No one to talk to,

The secret is too deep.

With whom can I share it?

No one; Therefore, I weep.

Can you hear me?


When there is no one to talk to - but God, understand that HE sees you, HE hears you and HE knows all about you. Regardless to what you are facing, HE promised in HIS WORD,

  1. ...and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:20)
  2. ...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrew 13:5)
  3. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. (Psalm 6:8)

Linking up with Deidre and the Sunday Community, and Scripture and a Snapshot!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Doing You Well Wednesday #16

THANKFUL

 

I thank each of you who

  1. follow along,

  2. leave comments,  and/or

  3. stop by.

You are greatly appreciated.  So, today, I express my gratitude for each of you.  I pray that you will abound with the peace of God and that HIS blessings will overtake you! 

 

Psalm 118:24

New King James Version (NKJV)
24 This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
 

Deuteronomy 28:2

New King James Version (NKJV)
And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:

 

Monday, May 6, 2013

Meatless Monday #10

1 boiled egg
1 bowl of sliced cantaloupe and peaches - topped with Greek Yogurt
grits topped with shredded cheese
biscuit with organic blackberry jelly 

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Happy Sunday!




Absolutely No Other Way!


Google Image

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Doing You Well Wednesday!

Be the friend that you want as your friend.  Most people don't enjoy being involved in one-sided relationships.  Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31).

If you want others to listen to you, become a good listener.
If you want gifts, learn to give.
If you want compliments, compliment someone else.
If you want others to be there for you, be there for others, ...etc,

TOO OFTEN,
  1. People fail to return the loving kindness that was once shown to them.
  2. People forget the bridge that brought them over.
  3. People take others for granted.
 
Take good care of your relationships.  Nurture them, and they will last a long time!  Go tell someone "Thank you", "I miss you", "I appreciate you, "I love you".  Make somebody's day, and have a wonderful Wednesday!