How much do you value discipline?

In this year of 2011 our Nation is in trouble because we have not used discipline to live within our means. We can not balance our budget so it was purposed to cut our military pay when their job is to protect and serve our Country. How ungrateful can we be? Are we also ungrateful to God who protects us and provides all our needs even when we are not as disciplined as we should be.

Being Thankful and showing it through our self discipline is REQUIRED of God

Discipline does matter!  It is needed to strengthen our FAITH and our FITNESS

God’s plans for us include discipline in physical exercise. Our bodies are the temple of God’s Holy Spirit. It is our reasonable responsibility to acknowledge and honor God by taking care of ourselves both spiritually and physically.

We feed ourselves spiritually on “God’s Word”

We feed ourselves physically on the wonderful foods God has provided for us.

Everything that passes through our lips to our stomach should first be acknowledged as a gift from God. It is the first step toward that valued discipline required of us.

Being thankful and acknowledging that all good gifts come from God,  will bring his blessings.

Psalms 92 verse 1-2

1) It is good to say “Thank You” to the Lord, to sing praises to the God who is above all gods.

2) Every morning tell him “Thank You for your kindness,” and every evening rejoice in all his faithfulness.

It is spring and my garden already has plenty of fresh lettuce, radishes, asparagus, garlic chives with their beautiful purple eatable flowers.

I also have many other wonderful herbs. Theses herbs include oregano, sage, and lots of mint. We have been really enjoying mint tea with natural stevia as a sweetener. I usually grow stevia during the season, but buy it  already processed at the health food store and it is now available in most groceries stores

A healthy salad recipe can be a beautiful work of art and taste delicious at the same time. Begin with an attractive salad bowl and plenty of fresh greens. When using salad as the main course of a meal you might want to include grains, beans, artichoke, avocados, carrots, celery, broccoli and cauliflower, eggs and meat. Grilling your meat and vegetables can really make for that special salad. When used sparingly, parmesan, feta and blue cheese can really add a lot of flavor. Nuts (used sparingly also) such as walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin  add that extra little something.

Use a low fat dressing or even omit any dressing, so as to enjoy the true flavor of all your fresh ingredients.

Basic Dressing: 2 garlic cloves, peeled 6 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Variation of  Basic Dressing

2 T. Dijon mustard 1/2 C. olive oil 1/2 C. white wine vinegar 2 - 3 cloves garlic minced

Blend, all until combined.

Garlic-Sesame dressing

1 Tsp. olive oil

1 clove garlic

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 Tsp. sesame seeds for garnish

Warm oil in large skillet over medium-high heat,

Add garlic and stir until lightly browned, about 45 seconds.

Add greens toss until just wilted, 2 to 4 minutes.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all and May he bless you beyond measure in all things.  Amen