REMINDERS FROM GOD:

Isaiah 1:13-15

(13) Bring no more futile sacrifices; 

Incense is an abomination to Me. 

The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies— 

I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. 

(14) Your New Moons and your appointed feasts 

My soul hates; 

They are a trouble to Me, 

I am weary of bearing them.

(15) When you spread out your hands, 

I will hide My eyes from you; 

Even though you make many prayers, 

I will not hear. 

Your hands are full of blood. 

The context gives no indication that the Israelites were not observing the Sabbath on the seventh day. Rather, their attitude and way they were observing it contrasted with God's desire. Carnally, man feels free to worship God as he good and well pleases. These attitudes, as well as the practices, break the second commandment.

This passage parallels Amos 5:21-27, which was preached about the same time as Isaiah 1:13-15. Both show crowds in a festive attitude, yet God rejects their "worship" as worthless. Their "holiness" was a sham because it was not backed by righteous conduct in their daily lives. The spirit behind their worship was wrong. Their futile sacrifices indicate their hypocrisies: These people had the morals of alley cats; eyes hot with lust and greed; and fortunes built on crime, envy, murder, and deceit. In reality, they were stingy, hateful gossipers who on the Sabbath appeared before God as if everything was okay.

What kind of a god would accept the conduct that the Israelites exhibited? Certainly not the true God! They were going through the motions of punctilious observance, but their hearts were elsewhere, as their daily conduct showed. God is more concerned about right relationships between people than an overly scrupulous regard for formal worship on the Sabbath. Worship cannot be separated from the character and attitudes displayed in daily life. It is a person's reaction to God all through the week, not just on the Sabbath, that matters. We cannot mock God and somehow believe that we will get away with it.

In Isaiah 2:5-18, God testifies of a culture immersed in all sorts of idolatry. He sees a people enslaved by the superstition of astrology—they do not seek God's judgment, but they will seek and do what the omens read! Their material success has produced a self-confidence that deceives them into believing that God is unnecessary. This chapter reveals what resides at the foundation of much idolatry—pride, as expressed in the phrases, "The lofty looks of man" and the "haughtiness of men." Pride drives mankind to resist God, so they will not submit to the way He wants our response—our worship—done.

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WORD FOR THE DAY:

redivivus red-uh-VY-vuhs; -VEE-, adjective:

Living again; brought back to life; revived; restored. 

Augustine redivivus, R. contends, would find in the history of the present century confirmation of his pessimistic views of human nature.

-- Roland J. Teske, "Augustine: Ancient Thought Baptized", Theological Studies, June 1, 1995

She is the young Magda redivivus to the last degree, including the way she arches her eyebrow when she speaks.

-- Judith Dunford, "Exit Laughing", Newsday, May 8, 1994

As for Neeson -- of the nose-heavy, asymmetrical countenance and shrewdly darting, soul-searching eyes, he is a lopsided Gary Cooper redivivus -- hardly something to sneeze at.

-- John Simon, "Michael Collins", National Review, November 25, 1996

Redivivus comes from Latin, from the prefix red-, re-, "again" + vivus, "alive."

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How to Understand and Help Prevent Black Dog Syndrome

Black Dog Syndrome (or BDS, also known as black dog bias) is a phenomenon now being recognized by many dog rescues and shelters.[1][2] The theory (and actual experience is bearing this out) is that large, black dogs, have a much lower chance of being adopted, and a much larger chance of being euthanized.[3]

This article will explain the reasons behind why Black Dog Syndrome exists and, if you work at or support a dog adoption shelter, will give you some ideas on how you can help to get more big, black dogs adopted at shelters.

Steps

1   All dogs need good homes, including black ones Understand why BDS occurs. If you're going to tackle the problem of BDS, then you need to understand the motivations behind it in order to respond to them. There are quite a number of possible reasons for BDS (these are theories as there are no hard facts on the phenomenon):[4]

The most common reason people don't like to adopt these dogs is due to their perceived aggressiveness. Aggressive rottweilers, doberman pinschers, and some breeds of pit bull, give all big, dark colored dogs a bad name.

 A very 'safe' looking golden retriever When looking at a black lab and a golden retriever, most people will choose the golden retriever as the "safe" dog.

Another reason people don't tend to adopt black dogs is guilt by association. Black cats, and other dark animals, have always had negative superstitions associated with them. This negative association seems to carry over to dogs as well, since almost all dogs used for security purposes have dark coats to make them appear more menacing.

The concept of black for evil and white for good in many things from books to movies might have an impact on some people. Hollywood seems to favor this approach, possibly because black dogs are harder to photograph. Also, "the black dog" is a term applied to depression, making some people associate black dogs with feeling down.

Black dogs are also thought to shed more hair than lighter colored dogs. This is untrue, but since the black hair may be more visible on light surfaces, this "nuisance factor" is yet another reason people don't adopt black dogs.

Another reason people don't tend to adopt large black dogs, is that they 'go gray' in the muzzle area earlier. This makes them look older than they really are, and most people don't want to adopt a dog 'past his prime'.

2  Cute tricks sell dogs Train the black dog. Several cute tricks may be the ticket to help get a black dog adopted. A higher education is many dogs' hope for a successful interview with a new family.

See How to train a dog, How to teach a dog to drop it, How to teach your dog to take your socks off, and How to teach your dog to hold an object for just a few of many training ideas.

3  Good lighting, and a contrasting background Use a bright background when photographing a dark dog, even a quilt will do. Dark dogs don't stand out in photos, so they don't tend to look their best photographed in a shelter. Black is a difficult color to photograph well, so select someone from the shelter staff or volunteers who loves a photography challenge!

If your camera has a "fill-in flash", use it. Hopefully the photo will then show the dog's eyes and face.

4   Sell the breed, not the color. Sell the breed, not the color. Think of all the qualities of the breed that will suit the person who might be adopting the dog and make these a strong selling point. For instance, rottweilers and dobermans are both very loyal breeds, and would be good for a one-master home. Perhaps print up a card or make a poster with the great new photo of the black dog and point out all the excellent traits of the dog's breed, using bullet points to make them stand out.

5  Make good points out of bad points. Make good points out of bad points. If the person considering the adoption of a dog says something like, "Oh, but he's too big!", promote the qualities of a big dog. Large dogs may be much more laid back than smaller, more energetic breeds, and also many large breeds have been shown to get along better with other dogs, which can be helpful for an owner looking to create a multi dog household. (Just make sure these qualities actually apply to the dog you are trying to get adopted.) If the person wants a dog for security, point out that people tend to be more afraid of black dogs.

6  Have all pets spayed and neutered Tell everyone to spay and neuter all their pets. None of the black dogs came on a UFO from a distant planet; each came from a non-fixed pair of pets, as a result of poor human decision-making (or lack thereof). Encourage all owners to be responsible by having the dogs spayed or neutered before they leave the shelter (include the cost in the adoption price).

Edit

Tips

These are tips to help shelters overcome Black Dog Syndrome, and get all those dark doggies forever homes.

Black Dog Syndrome is contributing to the death of many dogs, due to them being euthanized to make room for new dogs in shelters.

Anything you can do to help people appreciate and love big black dogs, is worth doing, as it may save the life of one of man's best friends.

Edit

Things You'll Need

Digital camera and props

Poster making gear

Research sources for breed information (online, dog care books, etc.)

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Snowball Cake 

This is my Mom, Vicy's, recipe, and it is really good. It is wonderful on a hot day, very refreshing and light. It's a delicious, tropical tasting treat. 

Ingredients:

2 envelopes plain gelatin 

4 Tbsp. cold water 

1 cup boiling water 

juice of one lemon 

1 large can crushed pineapple, well drained 

2 small cans mandarin oranges, well drained 

1 cup sugar 

1 large angel food cake, broken into bite-size pieces 

6 cups Cool Whip* 

1 1/2 cups coconut 

maraschino cherries, well drained 

Note: For those of you not in the States, Cool Whip is a non-dairy substitute for whipped cream. It is sold in the freezer section of the grocery store, and you let it thaw before using. Many people prefer it to real whipped cream. It is more stable than whipped cream, so is better suited to this particular cake. 

The original recipe called for three packets of Dream Whip, prepared according to package directions. This is a shelf stable powder that you mix with milk and vanilla and whip until it is light and fluffy. It is actually pretty good, especially since you can have it on hand for when you want whipped cream and don't have it. 

Directions:

Mix the gelatin in the cold water to soften. Add the boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add the lemon juice, pineapple, orange sections, and sugar and mix well. Put in refrigerator to chill. When the gelatin mixture is partially set, fold in 4 cups of the Cool Whip until well blended.

Using a decorative glass bowl, or a trifle bowl, or a 9 x 13 inch pan, arrange alternating layers of cake and the gelatin and fruit mixture. It looks very nice if you arrange the top in small mounds so that it looks like snowballs when done. Make each snowball the size of one serving. Chill this 6 hours, or overnight. 

When the cake mixture is thoroughly chilled, spread the top with the remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip. Sprinkle the top evenly with the coconut, then put a maraschino cherry in the top of each snowball (whole or halved).

Make sure you drain the fruit really well or your gelatin mixture might not set up as well as it should.

This cake was a family favorite. We had a lot of recipe requests for this delicious dessert.

You can use flavored gelatin, but I like it best with the plain. It allows the flavors of the fruit to shine

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Seafood Gumbo

8 oz. Cajun sausage or kielbasa, cut in 1 inch slices

1/3 cup olive oil

1 lb. okra, stems removed (frozen and thawed okay)

2 cups diced onions

1 cup each coarsely chopped green and red bell pepper

4 cloves garlic, minced

5 cups chicken stock

3 cups canned whole plum tomatoes, drained and slightly crushed

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 bay leaf

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined

12 oz. sea scallops

12 oz. cooked lobster meat

8 oz. crabmeat

2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

In large dutch oven, saute sausage until brown (approximately 15

minutes). Remove from pot and set aside.

Add 1/2 of oil to pot. Add okra and cook over medium heat until

slightly soft (approximately 15 minutes). Add remaining oil and

onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir and cook 10 minutes.

Add chicken stock, tomatoes, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer 30 minutes.

Add cooked sausage, shrimp, and scallops. Simmer 5 minutes. Add lobster, crabmeat, and parsley, adjust seasonings, and heat through (2-3 minutes).

Splash some extra hot sauce on this seafood gumbo recipe for an extra kick.

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Buffalo Chicken Dip

PREP TIME 10 Min

TOTAL TIME  15 Min

SERVINGS  32

INGREDIENTS

1 cup chunky blue cheese dressing

2 to 3 tablespoons buffalo wing sauce

2 cans (10 oz each) chunk chicken, drained, chopped

2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

2 medium stalks celery, finely chopped (1 cup)

1 bag (8 oz) Gardetto's Special Request roasted garlic rye chips, as desired

DIRECTIONS:

1 In large microwavable bowl, mix dressing, sauce, chicken and cream cheese. Cover; microwave on High 2 to 3 minutes or until hot. Stir in celery.

2  Spoon dip into serving dish. Serve with chips.

Expert Tips

Keep these ingredients on hand and you'll ready to whip up this dip at a moment's notice.

Keep the buffalo-chicken theme going by serving this tasty dip with cut-up stalks of celery.

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Lemonade Party Cake

PREP TIME  20 Min

TOTAL TIME 3 Hr 10 Min

SERVINGS  12

INGREDIENTS

1  box Betty Crocker SuperMoist lemon or yellow cake mix

Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box

1  can (6 oz) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

3/4 cup powdered sugar 

1  container Betty Crocker Whipped fluffy white or fluffy lemon frosting

Yellow colored sugar, if desired

DIRECTIONS:

1  Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Make cake as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan. Cool 15 minutes.

2  Mix lemonade concentrate and powdered sugar. Pierce top of warm cake every 1/2 inch with long-tined fork, wiping fork occasionally to reduce sticking. Drizzle lemonade mixture evenly over top of cake. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled.

3  Spread frosting over top of cake. Sprinkle with sugar. Store covered in refrigerator.

Expert Tips

Dark and nonstick pans tend to absorb heat more than other bakeware, which may result in shorter bake times.

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Swedish Meatballs

1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs 

1/2 cup light cream 

1/2 cup water 

7 oz. ground beef 

7 oz. ground lean pork 

1 1/2 tsp. salt 

1/2 tsp. ground allspice 

2 tbl grated yellow onion (and/or 2 crushed garlic cloves) 

1 egg, beaten 

3 tbl margarine or butter 

Mix the bread crumbs, cream and water. Set aside for 5 minutes. Mix the beef, pork, salt, allspice and onion. Gradually add the bread crumbs, then the egg. Blend well.. Shape into balls. Make large meatballs to be served for dinner or small meatballs for the smörgåsbord. Heat part of the margarine or butter in a skillet. Add 10 to 15 meatballs. Fry over moderate heat until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. Transfer to a serving dish and keep hot while frying the remaining meatballs. Serve with boiled potatoes, lingonberry preserve and a tossed salad.

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THE OLD FISHERMAN 

Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore . We lived downstairs & rented the upstairs rooms to out-patients at the Clinic. 

One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. 'Why, he's hardly taller than my eight-year-old,' I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. 

But the appalling thing was his face, lopsided from swelling, red & raw. Yet, his voice was pleasant as he said,'Good evening. I've come to see if you've a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, & there's no bus 'till morning.' 

He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon but with no success; no one seemed to have a room. 'I guess it's my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments...' 

For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me, 'I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning.' I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside & finished getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us. 'No thank you. I have plenty' And he held up a brown paper bag. 

When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see that this old man had an over sized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children & her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. 

He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was prefaced with thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He was thankful for the strength to keep going. 

At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children's room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded, & the little man was out on the porch. 

He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, 'Could I please come back & stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair.' He paused a moment & then added, 'Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind.' I told him he was welcome to come again.

And on his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish & a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they'd be nice & fresh. I knew his bus left at 4 a.m., & I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us. 

In the years he came to stay overnight with us there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden. 

Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish & oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these & knowing how little money he had made the gifts doubly precious. 

When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbor made after he left that first morning. 'Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!' 

Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice But, oh if only they could have known him, perhaps their illness would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint & the good with gratitude.. 

Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket. I thought to myself, 'If this were my plant, I'd put it in the loveliest container I had!' 

My friend changed my mind. 'I ran short of pots,' she explained, 'and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in this old pail. It's just for a little while, till I can put it out in the garden.' 

She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven. There's an especially beautiful one,' God might have said when he came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman. 'He won't mind starting in this small body.' 

All this happened long ago -- and now, in God's garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand.. 

The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.' 

Friends are very special. They make you smile & encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear & they share a word of praise. Show your friends how much you care. 

Pass this on, & brighten someone's day. 

Nothing will happen if you do not decide to pass it along. 

The only thing that will happen if you do pass it on is that someone might smile because of you !

Never look down on anybody, unless you're helping them up.

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How my achievements mock me!

  - William Shakespeare

How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.

  - Henry David Thoreau

A nation is a society united by delusions about its ancestry and by common hatred of its neighbors. - William Ralph Inge

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You might be a REDNECK if...  

    ...you consider a three piece suit to be: a pair of overalls, a plaid flannel shirt and thermal underwear. 

--------------------------------------

For My Positive Friends

To: 

This is something to think about when negative people are doing their best to rain on your parade. So remember this story the next time someone who knows nothing and cares less tries to make your life miserable..   

A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip to  Rome with her husband..  She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, who responded:   

       " Rome ?    Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded and dirty.. You're crazy to go to  Rome .    So, how are you getting there?"   

       "We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great rate!"   

       "Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser."    That's a terrible airline. Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they're always late.    So, where are you staying in Rome ?" 

       "We'll be at this exclusive little place over on  Rome's  Tiber   River called Teste."   

       "Don't go any further. I know that place.  Everybody thinks its gonna be something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump." 

       "We're going to go to see the  Vatican and maybe get to see the Pope.." 

       "That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. You and a million other people trying to see him..  He'll look the size of an ant.     Boy, good luck on this lousy trip of yours.     You're going to need it."   

       A month later, the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresser asked her about her trip to  Rome     

       "It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time in one of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked, and they bumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I had a handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot.   

       And the hotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job, and now it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city.. They, too, were overbooked, so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at no extra charge!" 

       "Well," muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good, but I know you didn't get to see the Pope."   

       "Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, a Swiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likes to meet some of the visitors, and if I'd be so kind as to step into his private room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me.   

       Sure enough, five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand! I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me."   

       "Oh, really!  What'd he say ?"     

He said: "Who fucked up your hair?" 

---------------------------------

We are getting older.

Garage Door 

The boss walked into the office one morning not 

knowing his zipper was down and his fly area 

wide open. His assistant walked up to him and 

said, 'This morning when you left your house, 

did you close your garage door?' The boss told 

her he knew he'd closed the garage door, and 

walked into his office puzzled by the 

question.

As he finished his paperwork, he 

suddenly noticed his fly was open, and zipped it 

up. He then understood his assistant's question 

about his 'garage door.'

He headed out for a 

cup of coffee and paused by her desk to ask, 

'When my garage door was open, did you see my 

Hummer parked in there?'

She smiled and said, 

'No, I didn't. All I saw was an old minivan with 

two flat tires.'

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Jokes, Tips n More

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REMINDERS FROM GOD:

"Go forward fearlessly and you will pass over to your promised land of freedom."  -- GOD

Our Daily Devotional:

The Lamp of the Body

Matthew 6:22-23, NIV: "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"

Look into their eyes. What do you see? Hard times? Difficulties? Defeat? Do you see happiness, or hope, or joy? Look into the eyes of many Christians, and you might see a lot of the same things you see in the eyes of non-Christians. There is often a distinct desire in the heart of believers to be lights in the world. But is that desire hidden beneath the proverbial bushel, characterized by sin, worries, and worldly pursuits? If the light within us is hidden behind the cares of this life, then how will others see within our eyes the Light of Christ in us? "You are the light of the world," Jesus said, "so let your light shine..." It may very well be the light of Christ in us-- seen in our eyes--that draws a lost soul to Jesus. When others look into your eyes...what do they see?

Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

- Isaiah 29:14

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WORD FOR THE DAY:

netsuke • NETS-kay  â€¢ noun

: a small and often intricately carved toggle (as of wood, ivory, or metal) used to fasten a small container to a kimono sash 

Examples:

During the Tokugawa period in Japan, from 1603-1868, netsuke were indispensable items of dress as well as fine works of miniature art.

"After our lunch he'd open the sliding doors of the long vitrine that took up most of one wall of the sitting-room and would get out the netsuke one by one. The hare with the amber eyes. The young boy with the samurai sword and helmet. A tiger, all shoulder and feet, turning around to snarl." -- From Edmund de Waal's 2010 book The Hare with Amber Eyes

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CONFUCIOUS QUOTE:  Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.

THINGS TO PONDER:  How does the Cheshire cat only show his smile?

You might be a REDNECK if...

...your satellite dish payment delays buying school clothes for the kids.

"Success seems to be largely a matter

of hanging on after others have let go." 

- William Feather 

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Easy Chicken Pot Pie

1 2/3 cups mixed veggies, drained 

1 cup cubed cooked chicken, beef, turkey or ham 

1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup 

1 cup bisquick mix

1/2 cup milk 

1 egg 

Pepper to taste 

Ms dash to taste

Shredded cheese, I used taco blend

Heat oven to 400. Mix veggies, chicken and soup. Stir in spices. Pour into ungreased casserole dish. Stir together the remaining ingredients until blended with fork. Pour over veggie mixture in the 

Casserole dish. Sprinkle cheese over top. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. Can add any other spices you like or used other condensed cream soup like celery or mushroom.

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Baked Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes When working with jalapeños, it helps to wear disposable gloves. If you don't have gloves, coat your hands with some oil before working with the peppers, then once you are done, wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water. Do not touch your eyes for several hours after handling the peppers.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Filling Version

12 jalapeño peppers* 

1/4 cup minced onion 

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 

3/4 cup cream cheese 

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin 

1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste) 

2 ounces jack cheese, cut into 2 1/2-inch long batons

Bacon and Jack Cheese Filling Version

12 jalapeño peppers* 

1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon 

1/4 cup minced onion 

1/2 cup shredded jack cheese, plus another 2 ounces of jack cheese cut into 2 1/2-inch long batons 

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin 

1 teaspoon dried oregano

* When buying jalapeños for this recipe, if you want mild peppers, look for peppers with smooth skins. Striations tend to indicate that the pepper has been stressed while growing, and that can mean a hotter pepper.

Method

1 Preheat the oven to 375°.

2 You can either slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise or you can slice off the top one-third (lengthwise) of each jalapeño to make a boat shape out of each pepper. The halved jalapeños will go further (twice as many stuffed peppers), but you can put more filling into the boat-shaped peppers. Your choice. If you choose to make the boats, you can mince the tops and add them to the filling if you want some extra heat, or save them for another recipe. Scrape out all the seeds and ribs from each jalapeño with a spoon (a grapefruit spoon works great).

3 Mix together all the filling ingredients except the jack cheese batons. 

4 Pack the filling into the peppers and nestle a baton of jack cheese onto the filling of each one. Arrange the peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, and the peppers are cooked.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Yield: Makes 12-24 servings (depending on how you've cut the jalapeños).

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Chicken Flautas

2 chicken breasts; boneless & skinless

1 white onion 

2 garlic cloves 

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 

3 1/2 ounces queso fresco, crumbled

12 corn tortillas 

cooking oil

salt & pepper to taste

Add chicken to pot of water and boil. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked. 

Remove chicken from pan and set aside to cool. After cool, shred with fork or fingers. Mince onion and garlic. 

Add onion and garlic to heated oil and sauté on low heat until onion is soft, but not browned. Season chicken with salt & pepper to taste. Remove from heat and add in cheese. 

Mix well. Soften tortillas in microwave for 30 sec. 

Heat frying oil until small piece of tortilla floats and bubbles. 

Place chicken mixture in each tortilla, roll up tightly and secure with toothpick. Turn flautas frequently, cooking 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve with sour cream and salsa.

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Bobotee

2 lb ground beef

2 thick slices white bread

1 cup milk

3 onions, chopped

butter

3 Tbsp curry powder (or paste)

1/2 tsp sugar

salt

juice of 1 lemon

10 almonds, slivered

3 eggs

1/2 cup strong beef stock

2 bay leaves

1/2 cup chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Grind meat coarsely Soak bread in some milk. Squeeze until dry; retain milk. Saute onions in butter. Add curry powder and continue to saute 1 minute. Add meat, sugar, salt, lemon juice, and almonds. Beat eggs; add half to meat mixture.

Whisk other half into milk. Thoroughly mix bread into meat mixture; add stock. Put meat mixture into greased oven proof dish; smooth top. Pour egg mixture over; top with bay leaves. Cook in oven 30 minutes or until set. Remove from oven. Serve with plain boiled rice and chutney

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Arroz Con Pollo 

Chicken

3 Tbsp olive oil 

1 broiler-fryer chicken, about 2 1/2-3 pounds, cut into serving pieces, or 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in, with skin on, rinsed and patted dry 

1/2 cup of flour for dredging 

Salt 

Freshly ground black pepper 

Paprika

Rice

2 tablespoons olive oil (can use up to 1/4 cup) 

1 medium yellow onion, chopped 

1 garlic clove, minced 

2 cups of medium or long-grain white rice 

3 cups* chicken stock 

1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste or 1 cup of diced fresh or cooked tomatoes, strained 

Pinch of oregano 

1 teaspoon salt

*Check the instructions on the rice package for the proportions of liquid to rice. They can range from 1:1 to 2:1. If your rice calls for 2 cups of water for every cup of rice, then for this recipe, use 4 cups of stock for 2 cups of rice.

Method

1 Heat 3 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet (a skillet that has a cover) on medium high heat. Put the flour in a wide bowl, mix in a generous sprinkling of salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the chicken pieces lightly in the flour mixture and put in the pan to brown. (You can skip the flour dredging part if you want. It just makes a nicer coating for the chicken.) Cook a few minutes on each side, just enough so that the chicken has browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove from pan and set aside.

2 Add the rice to the pan to brown. Add a little more olive oil if necessary. Stir first to coat the rice with the olive oil in the pan. Then don't stir too much or you will prevent it from browning. Let it brown and then stir a little to let more of it brown. Then add the onion and garlic. Cook the onion, garlic and rice mixture, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened, about 4 minutes.

3 Place the chicken pieces, skin-side up, on top of the rice. In a separate bowl, mix together the stock, tomato, salt, and oregano. Pour the stock mixture over the rice and chicken. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Let cook for 20-25 minutes, depending on the type of rice and the instructions on the rice package, until the rice and chicken are done. Fluff the rice with a fork. If you want you can sprinkle with some peas. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 4-6.

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In the courtroom where I worked as a court reporter, a dentist was called as a witness. He took the oath a few feet from my desk, and I noticed his upraised arm was trembling, apparently from nervousness. After he finished, I couldn't resist saying softly, "Sit down, Doctor. This won't hurt a bit."

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In school a boy was asked this question in physics: "What is the difference between lightning and electricity?"

And he answered: "Well, you don't have to pay for lightning."

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** EARTH FIRST! We'll strip mine the other planets later.

** If you can read this, I can hit my brakes and sue you.

** No, I don't have a license to kill; it's just a learners permit.

** Stop repeat offenders. Don't re-elect.

** Sure you can trust the government! Just ask an Indian!

** Taxation WITH representation Ain't so hot, either!

** White water... It's all over when the First Lady sings.

** Who were the beta testers for Preparations A through G?

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My sister landed a good job with an accounting firm, and after a while she got a generous raise. The day she found out about it, her husband picked her up from work, and on the way home they stopped for ice cream. As they continued home, my sister blurted out, "Isn't it hard to believe I have a job that pays this much money?" 

Just then, she went to toss the last of her ice-cream cone out the window. However, the window was closed, and it smacked against the glass. Her husband calmly replied, "Yes, it is."

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One of my friends, a musician, is always upbeat. Nothing gets her down. But when she developed ringing in one ear, I was concerned it might overwhelm even her. When I asked if her condition was especially annoying to a musician, she shook her head. "Not really," she said cheerfully. "The ringing sound is in the key of B flat, so I use it to tune my cello a half-tone lower."

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A clerk showed forty patterns of ginghams to a man whose wife had sent him to buy some for her for Christmas, and at every pattern the man said: "My wife said she didn't want anything like that."

The clerk put the last piece back on the shelf. "Sir," he said, "you don't want gingham. What you want is a divorce."

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This just in:

A well known college professor has been arrested and accused of putting marijuana in the food that seagulls consume. When asked why he did this he stated -

"I want to leave no tern unstoned"

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Before a burglary trial, the judge explained to the defendant, "You can let me try your case, or you can choose to have a jury of your peers." The man thought for a moment. 

"What are peers?" he asked. 

"They're people just like you your equals." "Forget it," retorted the defendant. 

"I don't want to be tried by a bunch of thieves."

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The patient shook his doctor's hand in gratitude and said, "Since we are the best of friends, I would not want to insult you by offering payment. 

But I would like for you to know that I had mentioned you in my will." "That is very kind of you," said the doctor emotionally, and then added, "May I see that prescription I just gave you? I'd like to make a little change..."

****************************

Two Irish friends greeted each other while waiting their turn at the bank window. 

"This reminds me of Finnegan," remarked one. 

"What about Finnegan?" inquired the other. 

"'Tis a story that Finnegan died, and when he greeted St. 

Peter,

he said: 'It's a fine job you've had here for a long time.' 'Well, Finnegan,' said St. 

Peter, 'here we count a million years as a minute and a million dollars as a cent.' 'Ah!' said Finnegan, 'I'm needing cash. 

Lend me a cent.' 'Sure,' said St. 

Peter, 'just wait a minute.'"

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"Tom," said an Indiana youngster who was digging in the yard, "don't you make that hole any deeper, or you'll come to gas."

"Well, what if I do? It won't hurt."

"Yes, 't will too. If it spouts out, we'll be blown clear up to heaven."

"Shucks, that would be fun! You an' me would be the only live ones up there."—I.C. Curtis.

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A fellow in a bar notices a woman, always alone, come in on a fairly regular basis. After the second week, he made his move.

"No thank you." she said politely. "This may sound rather odd in this day and age, but I'm keeping myself pure until I meet the man I love.

"That must be rather difficult." the man replied.

"Oh, I don't mind too much." she said.

"But, it has my husband pretty upset."

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REMINDERS FROM GOD:

 Matthew 7:15-20

(15) "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (16) You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? (17) Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. (18) A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. (19) Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (20) Therefore by their fruits you will know them. 

The description here is very apt—wolves in sheep's clothing. They appear on the outside to be something they are not. When Jesus uttered this, He was probably thinking of false ministers who would insinuate themselves into the church by appearing to be sheep within the sheepfold.

Jesus uses this terminology in regard to His relationship with the church. He was the Shepherd, and we are His sheep. Here we have wolves (false ministers) who look like sheep, but it is hypocrisy. They only look that way on the outside. He tells us we will know them by their fruits. The fruit that is produced will not necessarily appear quickly. But Christ guarantees that over a period of time the church will be stripped of its true spiritual vitality in terms of the character that will be produced within the flock, making the rise of wolves in sheep's clothing more likely.

What is He saying? The implication is that Jesus is connecting belief with practice. If we believe a certain set of doctrines, we will practice something because of the teaching. A religious creed or the dogma that a group is following will produce a certain kind of conduct by the people. Belief and practice, creed and conduct—Jesus is saying they are vitality connected. In other words, the teacher cannot hide what he is going to produce. Eventually it will come out. Their false philosophies, no matter how attractive they may appear at first sight, will in the long run be exposed for what they really are.

Matthew 19:14

“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””

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WORD FOR THE DAY:

panache • puh-NAHSH  â€¢ noun

1 : an ornamental tuft (as of feathers) especially on a helmet 

2 : dash or flamboyance in style and action : verve 

Examples:

Ever the showman, he not only caught the ball, he made a diving catch and caught it with panache.

"During the war, Donovan wanted panache to be shown by his 'cowboys' at the OSS, and he usually got more panache than results." -- From Gary Wills' 2010 book Bomb Power: The Modern Presidency and the National Security State

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TODAY'S PET TIP

Dogs and cats commonly eat things that they shouldn't. The problem is that many items can't be digested or passed through the intestine causing a "Foreign Body Obstruction". 

An indigestible object can become lodged in the stomach or intestines and may require surgery to remove it. Untreated, ingestion of these types of items can be fatal. 

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, they compiled a list of most common items surgically removed from pets. 

Do you know what is #1? 

It is the sock! 

Here is the list: 

Top 10 Surgically Removed Items

1. Socks

2. Underwear

3. Panty Hose

4. Rocks

5. Balls

6. Chew Toys

7. Corn Cobs

8. Bones

9. Hair Ties/Ribbons

10. Sticks

The cost of treatment for this type of problem ranges from $800.00 to $1740.00 depending on the severity of the illness and extensiveness of the surgery.  This is a lot of money. 

One thing to consider is that pet insurance can help pay for this type of medical expense. You never know what a dog will get in to so if you have a dog...take a minute and consider pet insurance. It could save your dogs life by allowing you to give the care your needs in the case of an emergency. 

Finally, I know it can be hard in most busy households, but please make sure you keep items picked up that might interest your dog.  Socks, underwear and panty hose are the top three items...so make sure that you don't leave them laying around the house.

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Cat Stress and Nutrition

Adult cats under stress are inclined to decrease their food intake, and they tend to refuse foods that remind them of a stressful experience. The area of feeding can also affect a cat's stress level. Noise and harsh lighting can make a cat refuse to eat. Cats will also refuse foods that are deficient in certain trace minerals and vitamins like thiamine.

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Cats can't talk, but many cat owners can understand what their cat is trying to tell them - most of the time. We know from the way our cats act, from the sounds they make, and simply because we know our cats. 

But what is your cat trying to tell you when he stops using the litter box and instead urinates in other places around the house?

He could be saying, "Hey, you changed something and I don't like it." 

Cats are creatures of habit, and the smallest change in their life can cause them stress. It can be something as small as moving furniture around, to something more drastic like a new person moving in or someone moving out. The way cats deal with changes like this is by spreading their scent around the house. So if your cat starts to have "accidents," he might actually be doing it to ease his discomfort with a recent change.

On the other hand, your cat might also be saying, "Help me!" 

Cats sometimes learn to associate the pain of urination with the litter box. This is why they pick soft spots to try to go if they experience pain when urinating. So if your cat suddenly starts to urinate outside the litter box, he could be crying out to you and letting you know something is wrong.

Urinating outside of the litter box is a symptom of a potentially lethal health issue called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (otherwise known as FLUTD). Other symptoms include:

    • Frequent attempts to urinate without producing much urine

    • Straining to urinate or urinating in a tense, hunched posture

    • Behavior changes such as restless, listlessness or hiding away

    • Refusing to eat

    • Increased grooming or licking of the urinary opening

If you notice that your cat is displaying these signs, see your veterinarian as soon as possible! FLUTD can be treated, but spotting it on time and acting quickly are essential.

FLUTD is caused by a mineral or crystal buildup in the cat's lower urinary tract. It is a common problem in cats, especially male cats. 

The right nutrition is essential to preventing and treating FLUTD. Your cat's food might be the culprit here. You should strongly consider changing your cat's diet, or there is a risk that your cat will have to deal with this health issue again, even if you treat it once. To help your cat recover from FLUTD and to prevent future recurrences, you should look into changing your cat's diet. A Diet that is  specially formulated to limit the buildup of crystals and minerals, and to prevent the formation of bladder stones.

Any unusual or seemingly random change to your cat's behavior may be a sign that something is not right. Listen to what your cat is telling you, and he will soon be telling you, "Thank you!"

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DOG TIP:

TODAY'S PET TIP

Dog Adoption

Are you thinking about getting a new dog? 

There are several factors to consider before you bring a dog into your home. 

If so, there are several things you should consider when getting a dog including: 

1. Are you ready for a dog?

2. Do you have enough money for a dog?

3. When is the wrong time to get a dog? 

4. What kind of dog should you get? 

5. What age is best for you? 

6. Where do you get your dog? 

7. Is adoption right for you? 

8. What's in an adoption contract? 

9. How do I choose between dogs? 

10. How do I plan to include the dog in my home? 

11. What do I need before taking my new dog home?

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Cajun French Fries

Ingredients

6 Medium Idaho potatoes (6 oz. each), peeled and sliced into eighths

1 tblsp. Canola oil

1/4 tsp. Cayenne pepper

1 tsp. Chili powder

1/2 tsp. Cumin

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Ground black pepper

Cooking Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine potatoes and oil in a large bowl and toss well to coat. In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle over potatoes and toss well until all potatoes are coated with seasoning. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread potatoes evenly on baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

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Make Pita Chips at Home 

 recipe for homemade pita chips that were awesome! Who knew it was so easy? Just cut whole wheat pita bread into triangles with scissors, and separate pieces. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 5-7 minutes at 375 degrees F. Let cool and enjoy 

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Poor Man's T-Bone 

I love the smokey flavor of this very easy recipe. 

Ingredients:

3 1/2 lb. round bone roast 

1/4 cup oil 

2-3 drops liquid smoke 

1 Tbsp. vinegar 

1 tsp. celery salt 

1 Tbsp. ginger 

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 

1/2 cup soy sauce 

2 cloves minced garlic 

1 tsp. dry mustard 

1/4 cup brown sugar 

Directions:

Mix thoroughly and marinate 3 1/2 lb. round bone roast for 3 hours out of refrigerator. Turn occasionally. Broil over low charcoal for med. rare about 35 minutes. Can be baked in oven instead of over charcoal. Wrap in aluminum foil and cook slowly at about 300 degrees F for 2-3 hours. Sauce that is left can be used (if frozen) for hamburgers and it is delicious!

Servings: 8-10 

Prep Time: 15 Minutes 

Cooking Time: 3 Hours 

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Apple Brown Betty

Serves: 5

Cooking Time: 2 hr 30 min

Ingredients

4 cups small bread cubes (1/2 inch thick)

1/2 cup butter/margarine, melted

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

4 cooking apples, peeled and chopped

Instructions

Mix bread cubes with butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and brown sugar. 

Arrange in alternate layers with apples in slow cooker. 

Cover and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours or until apples are tender. 

Serve warm with cream, hard sauce or ice cream

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Hash Brown Scalloped Potatoes 

Love the cheese in this recipe. 

Ingredients:

1 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen hash browns 

1 cup shredded cheese 

1/4 cup sliced green onions 

1 chicken bouillon cube 

1 Tbsp. butter or margarine 

2 triangles American cheese (optional)

Directions:

Use 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Combine thawed potatoes, shredded cheese, and sliced onions. Dissolve chicken bouillon cube in 1/2 cup boiling water, and pour over potatoes. Dot with butter or margarine. Bake, covered, in 375 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir gently once or twice. If desired, top with American cheese, then bake 1-2 minutes more until melted.

Servings: 8 

Prep Time: 10-15 Minutes 

Cooking Time: 30-32 Minutes 

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Bob Evans Chicken Salad (Copycat) 

This reminds me of Bob Evans chicken salad. It's as close as I can get it at home, but just as good. My husband says he likes mine better! It's a great light summer supper. 

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped and shredded 

1 1/2 cups diced celery 

2-3 Tbsp. diced onion (I prefer sweet) 

salt and pepper, to taste 

mayonnaise (I prefer miracle whip, you could use whatever you like) 

1 cup halved red or white grapes 

1/4 cup chopped pecans 

pimento or relish, to taste (Optional - I use these depending on my mood) 

iceberg lettuce 

Directions:

In a large bowl combine chicken, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Add mayonnaise a tablespoon at a time, until just moistened or until desired consistency. Add pimento or relish if you wish. Gently fold in grapes.

Serve on lettuce-lined plates, topped with pecans. If you wish, you can serve with fruit (like they do at the restaurant) or with vegetables, such as carrot sticks, bell pepper slivers, etc., or with crackers on the side.

Servings: 2-4 

Prep Time: 15 minutes Minutes 

Cooking Time: 5 minutes Minutes 

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Four-Letter Words 

A young couple got married and left on their honeymoon. When they got back, the bride immediately called her mother. "Well, how was the honeymoon?" asked the mother. 

"Oh, mama," she replied, "the honeymoon was wonderful! So romantic." Suddenly she burst out crying. "But, mama, as soon as we returned, Stan started using the most horrible language. He's been saying things I've never heard before! All these awful four-letter words. You've got to come get me and take me home. Please mama!" 

"Frannie, Frannie," her mother said, "calm down! Tell me, what could be so awful? What four-letter words has he been using?" 

"Please don't make me tell you, mama," wept the daughter, "I'm so embarrassed. They're just too awful! You've got to come get me and take me home. Please mama." 

"Darling, baby, you must tell me what has you so upset. Tell your mother these horrible four-letter words." Still sobbing, the bride replied, "Oh, Mama, words like dust, wash, iron, and cook . . . " 

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Adam's Rib 

At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Austin seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of Adam's rib. Later in the week, Wendy, his mother, noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and asked, "Austin, what's the matter?" 

Little Austin responded, "I have a pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife." 

-----------------------

Memo 

To: Experimental Weaponry Research & Development - 

Nuclear Hand Grenade Tests

From: Experimental Weaponry - Product Testing

Subject: Test Results 

Gentlemen: 

Congratulations on the development of the US arsenal's first nuclear hand grenade. As expected, your demonstration models functioned flawlessly. All test devices detonated as designed, hence the test must be deemed a success. 

However, in light of the fact that the device can only be thrown 25 yards, we STRONGLY SUGGEST you reduce the 100 yard killing radius. 

P.S. We suggest offering the current stock to Iran and Iraq as part of a buy-one get-one FREE sale. 

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Mechanical Engineers vs. Civil Engineers 

Q: What is the difference between Mechanical Engineers and Civil Engineers? 

A: Mechanical Engineers build weapons, Civil Engineers build targets. 

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As the commander made his way up front to speak, tension was high. Plans to move the Camp Lejeune Marines north for cold-weather exercises could all be for naught. "General," an officer spoke up, "there's no snow in the forecast."

The general called out to a member of his battle staff. "Chaplain, I believe that's your department."

"With all due respect, sir," said the chaplain, "I'm in sales, not production."

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I was visiting my parents with my new husband, a Navy frogman, when he drew me aside. "I don't think your mother likes me," he said. "I was explaining that I can't wear my wedding ring when I dive, because barracudas are attracted to shiny things and might bite off my finger. And she said, 'Well, can't you wear it on a chain around your neck?' "

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The amateur artist was painting sunset, red with blue streaks and green dots.

The old rustic, at a respectful distance, was watching.

"Ah," said the artist looking up suddenly, "perhaps to you, too, Nature has opened her sky picture page by page! Have you seen the lambent flame of dawn leaping across the livid east; the red-stained, sulphurous islets floating in the lake of fire in the west; the ragged clouds at midnight, black as a raven's wing, blotting out the shuddering moon?"

"No," replied the rustic, "not since I give up drink."

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Several elderly nuns were in their second floor convent one night when a fire broke out.

They took their habits off, tied them together to make a rope, and climbed out the window.

After they were safely on the ground and out of the building, a news reporter came over to one of the nuns and said to her, "Weren't you afraid that the habits could have ripped or broken since they are old?

The nun Replied, "Nah, don't you know old habits are hard to break!!

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REMINDERS FROM GOD:

Romans 2:1-3

(1) Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 

(2) But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 

(3) And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 

Psalm 119:30

“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.”

The apostle Paul comments on the hypocrisy that often occurs when judging others. This is a clear explanation of Jesus' illustration of a man with a plank in his eye critically pointing out the speck in someone else's (Matthew 7:3-5)!

In the original Greek, "inexcusable" in Romans 2:1 is literally "defenseless." In the spiritual court of law, there is no defense for the actions of a person who commits the same sin of which he accuses another. An interesting aspect of this appears when we understand a more thorough meaning of the word "practice" (prassoo) that occurs later in the verse. It means to perform repeatedly or habitually, to do exactly. We can infer from this that Paul means these accusers have not only committed the particular sin before but are also continuing to commit it!

We cannot properly assess what a righteous standard is if we use others or ourselves—fallible human beings—as the standard. True judgment is according to the truth of God. Paul makes this very point in the next verse: "But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things" (Romans 2:2).

God's righteous judgment is based on truth. This means that His decisions are reached based on reality, on the facts of the case, not on appearances or intentions. It also means He judges without partiality to rank, wealth, station, or position. Finally, it means that He judges against an authoritative and unchanging standard: His own character as revealed in His Word.

Judging our lives according to how others live is a sure way to neglect and ignore serious problems in our own lives. Continuing in verse 3, Paul writes, "And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?" God pronounces judgment on those who make a practice of indulging in sin. The apostle makes it quite certain that all sin will be judged. No one will "get away with it."

Some, indulging in self-praise, write their own testimonials to promote themselves because they are full of impatient pride, unable to wait for the acknowledgment and praise of others for their accomplishments. In their own foolishness, these people try to establish their own conduct as the norm and then find great satisfaction in always measuring up to the standard that they have set.

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WORD FOR THE DAY:

sagacious • suh-GAY-shus  â€¢ adjective

1 : of keen and farsighted penetration and judgment : discerning 

2 : caused by or indicating acute discernment 

Examples:

Uncle John tried to stump Natalie with a series of riddles, but for each one the sagacious child managed to deduce the correct answer.

"However, the new learning from Arab and ancient Greek sources recovered in the twelfth century showed that even the most sagacious ancient authors, including the likes of Ptolemy himself, believed in astrology." -- From James Hannam’s 2011 book The Genesis of Science

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George Carlin

"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house."

Mark Twain

"Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please."

Benny Hill

"Just because nobody complains doesn't mean all parachutes are perfect."

THINGS TO PONDER:   Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injection?

You might be a REDNECK if...

...your high school basketball game got rained out.

"All blame is a waste of time. No matter

how much fault you find with another, 

and regardless of how much you 

blame him, it will not change you" 

- Wayne Dyer

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TODAY'S PET TIP - CATS

Dealing with Hair Mats

Removing hair mats is fraught with potential complications. Many mats are firmly attached to the skin, so you must be extremely careful not to cut the skin as you cut off the mat. Many small mats can be removed with a thorough brushing. If mats remain, try to make the mat smaller by brushing the hair near the mat. 

Once you are sure that the mat can only be removed by cutting the hair, then go for the scissors. Clippers are the safest and best way to remove matted hair. Unfortunately, most people do not own clippers and must make do with scissors. Be very careful. For severely matted pets, it is easier and safer to see a groomer for professional help.

Scent Marking

Scent-marking is a form of communication, which has territorial and personal implications. It allows cats to advertise their priority with respect to living space, objects, other cats and people. It also serves as a method of advertising the breeding status of females. 

Domestic cats often engage in scent-marking of one form or another and while we enjoy their bunting, other forms of marking behavior involve urine, feces, or furniture scratching. These are not as attractive to us! 

When a cat defecates on its owner's bedspread or urinates on an owner's legs, this behavior should be viewed as a great compliment, signifying close attachment.

However, this is often not the pet owner's interpretation.

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This is a common scenario. A cat urinates outside the litter box - maybe on the bed, on the carpet or somewhere else in the house.  This is a frequent and frustrating problem among cat owners. In fact, inappropriate urination is the most common reason cats are euthanized, given up to shelters or put "outside". 

I receive so many emails about this topic that I want to discuss it today. 

First, let me define what I mean by inappropriate urination.  In simple terms, inappropriate urination is the act of going outside of the litter box.  

So the first question is, "Why do cats do that?" 

Well, there are several reasons. It can be either a medical problem or a behavioral problem, but nothing in your cat's actions will tell you which type of problem it is.  

One thing that I've learned the hard way is that you NEVER want to assume that it is simply behavioral. That can be disastrous. 

Since there are a variety of behavioral problems as well as medical problems that can cause the exact same behavior, how can you tell the difference?  The safest and very best thing to do is to have your cat examined by a veterinarian to determine if there is a medical cause.  Your vet will most likely do a test on the urine, called a urinalysis, which will look for underlying medical abnormalities. Blood work may also be done to determine kidney function and overall health. 

So what's the bottom line? If your cat is going outside of the litter box, don't assume the problem is behavioral.  Cats can get several different urinary tract diseases that can cause them to go outside of the litter box.  

Vets have had many clients who assumed their cat had a behavioral problem causing inappropriate urination. After becoming fed up with the situation, they wanted to discuss extreme measures (such as euthanasia!).  I talked them into a medical examination and found underlying urinary tract problems such as infections or bladder stones.  Once those conditions were cleared up, the cat began using the litter box again. 

These poor cats were blamed and punished for months for their inappropriate urination and the poor things had a medical problem that the owners didn't even bother to look for. So the moral of the story is...look for medical causes first. If there are none, then you can begin to look for other reasons for the behavior. 

If your cat is urinating outside the box, do your cat a favor and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.  

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Orange Frosty 

A yummy, fruity summer drink. 

Ingredients:

1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate 

3 cans cold water or ginger ale (I prefer ginger ale) 

1 pint orange sherbet 

Directions:

Mix frozen concentrate with water or ginger ale. Add half the sherbet and beat with rotary beater or electric mixer until smooth and blended. Pour into tall glasses or mugs. Garnish each glass with a scoop of remaining sherbet. Makes 4 servings. 

Variations: Frozen pineapple juice with pineapple sherbet, frozen lemonade with lemon sherbet, or frozen limeade with lime sherbet.

Servings: 4 

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

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Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes 

This tastes just like the real thing, at least to me. Oh my, it is wonderful! 

Ingredients:

pancakes made and chilled in the refrigerator. 

strawberry yogurt 

maple syrup 

Directions:

Make the pancakes - I used a mix like Bisquick. Chill them in the refrigerator, I left them all day. 

Put them on a plate, chilled, and then pour some syrup on them first, then some strawberry yogurt. Be generous, about one half inch thick on them and enjoy. 

Servings: 1 large pancake equals one serving 

Prep Time: 5 minutes Minutes 

Cooking Time: 15 minutes to cook pancakes, and all day to chill them Minutes 

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Poor Mans Pasta

Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni or shells any size except large ones. 

9-10 cups boiling water 

half of 1/3 cup onion 

half of 1/3 cup bell pepper (optional) 

half of a medium potato, cut in small cubes (optional) 

1 tsp. garlic, or to your taste 

1 tsp. cumin, or to taste being careful as it is very spicy 

1 (6 oz. can) tomato paste 

salt and pepper, to taste 

1 slice cheese (optional) 

Directions:

Brown the pasta (very browned) in 3 teaspoons cooking oil or olive oil. Boil 9-10 cups water (as you are browning the pasta). Add water to pasta, then add garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste, stirring as you add it. Add potato, bell pepper, and onion. 

Cook for 25 minutes. Do not let it get depleted of water. If needed, have boiling water ready to add and boil for another 5 minutes. Add 1 slice cheese to the food 5 minutes before it's done, unless you want to let everyone add cheese to their food as it's served. 

Serve in a bowl with homemade pinto beans, ranch style beans, or pork and beans. We also like to eat this with French bread, regular bread, or good hot flour tortillas! 

Servings: 4-6 people 

Prep Time: 15 to 20 Minutes 

Cooking Time: 25 Minutes

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No Mix Coconut-Cherry Bars 

Super easy and super good. 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter 

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 

2 cups mini marshmallows 

1 1/3 cup coconut 

1 (6 oz.) jar maraschino cherries, drained and coarsely chopped 

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 

1 cup chopped nuts 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slice the butter and place in a 13 x 9 inch pan. Place in oven until butter melts. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crumbs over evenly. Press down firmly. 

Top with marshmallows, coconut, and cherries. Drizzle milk over evenly. Top with the nuts and press down firmly with the back of a spoon. 

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and cool. Chill thoroughly, then cut to size you like.

Servings: 16 (or 1 lol) 

Prep Time: 5 Minutes 

Cooking Time: 30 Minute

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3 Bean Salad 

One of my mom's favorites 

Ingredients:

1 (regular size) can green beans 

1 (regular size) can wax beans 

1 (regular size) can kidney beans 

1 large red onion, sliced thin 

1 green pepper, sliced thin 

1 cup vinegar 

1 cup sugar 

1/2 cup salad oil 

Directions:

Drain cans of beans and place beans in a bowl. Add onion and green pepper. Blend together remaining 3 ingredients. Combine with bean mixture and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. Serves 10.

Servings: 10 

Prep Time: 15-20 Minutes 

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Potato Chip Chicken

One of my favorites! So easy! 

Ingredients:

1 (4 oz.) pkg. potato chips, crushed 

1/4 tsp. garlic salt 

dash pepper 

1 (2-3 lb.) chicken cut up 

1/3 cup melted butter or margarine 

Directions:

Roll chicken in butter and crumbs or brush on butter and sprinkle crumbs on chicken. Place skin side up in shallow pan not too close together. Bake at 375 degrees F for 1 hour. Do not turn.

Servings: 8 

Prep Time: 10 Minutes 

Cooking Time: 60 Minutes

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JEWISH DIVORCE...

A Jewish daughter says to her mother, "I'm divorcing Joe." All he

wants is sex, sex and more sex.. My vagina is now the size of a 50

cent piece when it used to be the size of a nickel."

Her mother says,

"You're married to a multi-millionaire businessman, you live in an 8

bedroom mansion, you drive a $250,000 Ferrari, you get $2,000 a week

allowance, you take 6 vacations a year and you want to throw all that

away.....over 45 cents?"

***********************

Mom was getting swamped with calls from strangers. The reason? A medical billing service had launched an 800 number that was identical to hers. When she called to complain, they told her to get a new number. "I've had mine for twenty years," she pleaded. "Couldn't you change yours?" They refused. So Mom said, "Fine. From now on I'm going to tell everyone who calls that their bill is paid in full." The company got a new number the next day.

***********************

The Mistress: "Oh, Jane, if I had known who sent those flowers I would have returned them unopened."

The Maid: "Shure, Miss, couldn't ye take a few out, and sind the rist back unopened?"

***********************

"Yes," said the old man to his young visitor, "I am proud of my girls, and would like to see them comfortably married, and as I have made a little money they will not go penniless to their husbands. There is Mary, twenty-five years old, and a really good girl. I shall give her $1,000 when she marries. Then comes Bet, who won't see thirty-five again, and I shall give her $3,000, and the man who takes Eliza, who is forty, will have $5,000 with her."

The young man reflected for a moment and then inquired: "You haven't one about fifty, have you?"

***********************

There was a mamma mole, a papa mole, and a baby mole. They lived in a hole outside of a farm house out in the country.

The papa mole reached his head out of the hole and said, "Mmmmm, I smell sausage.

The mama mole reached her head outside of the hole and said "Mmmmmm, I smell pancakes."

The baby mole tried to reach his head outside the hole but couldn't because of the two bigger moles.

The baby mole said, "The only thing I can smell is molasses!"

***********************

The problem with physicists is that they tend to cheat in order to get results. 

The problem with mathematicians is that they tend to work on toy problems in order to get results. 

The problem with program verifiers is that they tend to cheat at toy problems in order to get results. 

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Jokes, Tips n More

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REMINDERS FROM GOD:

"Give me the moments. The little things you planned to do, given up gladly at My Suggestion, the little services joyfully rendered. See Me in all and then it will be an easy task." -- GOD

Our Daily Devotional:

The Offerings of Sufferings

Hebrews 5:7-9, NASB: "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation."

We often remember that Christ Jesus suffered the cross for us (Heb. 2:9; 12:2; 13:12); sometimes we recall that He "himself suffered when he was tempted...yet was without sin" (Heb. 2:18; 4:15); but how often do we consider that Jesus suffered to learn obedience? As His followers, will we not also suffer? We do suffer many things in this life and we often wonder why. We may think that Christians who suffer do so as punishment for sin or perhaps they lack faith. Yet Jesus suffered and did not sin or lack faith. It could be that the suffering we endure is at times simply what God allows in order that we might learn obedience. God is always at work in our lives in various ways (Phil. 1:6). Suffering is not pleasant (Heb. 12:11), but when used as an instrument of our Father it is always purposeful. As we learn to trust God completely we must humble ourselves, place ourselves beneath His hand, and offer ourselves up before Him to suffer whatever He deems necessary to shape us after the likeness of Jesus. It's as though Christ, being the great Physician, looks into our eyes with parental love and providential care, and says, "My child, this is going to hurt a bit..." Our job is to be still and trust. It's not easy, but it is necessary.

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

- Psalm 24:4

*************************

WORD FOR THE DAY:

convoluted • KAHN-vuh-loo-tud  â€¢ adjective

1 : having many twists and curves 

2 : involved, intricate 

Examples:

According to my sister’s convoluted reasoning, I still owed her $20.

"Given a plot so convoluted as to be almost nonsensical -- one of Shakespeare's few originals -- Carpenter's majestic if wrongheadedly noble Titus and Ross' sinister Tamora keep us fixed on the central action." -- From a review by Robert Hurwitt in The San Francisco Chronicle, June 6, 2011

**********************

THINGS TO PONDER:  Why do we have to dry raincoats?

You might be a REDNECK if...

...you have a very special baseball cap, just for formal occasions.

"You have achieved success if you have lived well, laughed often 

and loved much." - Author Unknown 

Benny Hill

"Just because nobody complains doesn't mean all parachutes are perfect."

Al Franken

"It's the Power of the Almighty, the Splendor of Nature, and then you."

Chris Farley

"In the land of the skunks he who has half a nose is king."

To me, boxing is like a ballet, except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other.

–Jack Handey

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Hiding Out the Heat Wave

Winter has gone and taken with it the cold, achy joint pain and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder individuals with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome sometimes experience during the season. Warm weather provides an opportunity for leisurely outdoor activities than can help sufferers stay active, but too much time in the sun can leave one feeling exhausted or over heated, which can lead to symptom flare ups, including swelling and throbbing pain. Here are a few tips to keep your cool this season.

Take a Dip: Swimming has long been one of the most recommended activities for elderly individuals and those with severe joint and muscle pain because of its highly aerobic, yet low impact quality. Whether indoors or out, taking a dip not only cools you down after taking in the sun's rays, but allows you to partake in physical activity with little stress on the body.

Bathe at Home: If swimming isn't your thing, a cool bath will also do the trick. While most people opt for quick showers - which will indeed help you cool down in the summer heat - baths have a relaxing property that shouldn't be overlooked. Bath therapy - soaking in a mineral bath for about 20 minutes - has also been shown to relieve fibro symptoms. Recommended minerals include magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Try a Chillow Pillow: The Chillow Pillow Cool Comfort Device is designed to keep you cool so you can get a good night's sleep. The thin pillow insert is made of medical grade materials and is designed to absorb body heat and disperse it to surrounding areas, leaving you cool and relaxed without the use of electricity, dampness, or the need to refrigerate the device.

Go on a Night Stroll: Summer nights are one of the best parts of this season. The weather is still warm, but not nearly as hot as the daytime, and refreshing breezes having a calming effect on not only your mood but your body temperature, ensuring you won't overheat. Walk along the water, if possible, for an even better experience.

Keep Water Nearby: Always travel with a water bottle or have a cool glass of ice water nearby. Having a cold drink is one of the quickest and easiest ways to bring your body's temperature down and make sure you stay hydrated. Cocktails and beer are summer signatures, but as always, these should be especially avoided in the heat due to the fact that alcohol causes dehydration.

Sit in the Shade: Nothing's wrong with enjoying the great outdoors during the summer, just be sure not to sit in direct sunlight for too long. Shaded areas provide much needed protection from the sun's rays (in addition to sun block) and will help keep your body temperature at a tolerable degree and reduce sweat.

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TODAY'S PET TIP

Cold Wet Noses in Dogs

Does a cold, wet nose mean the dog is healthy?

This is not entirely true. Yes, a dog's nose is often cool and moist, but this does not necessarily indicate health. 

It is possible for an ill dog's nose to feel this way, and it is possible for a healthy dog to have a dry, warm nose. 

More appropriate meters of your pet's health are his appetite, energy level, and overall comfort level. 

If you are concerned about your dog's temperature, rather than feel his nose, it is best to use a thermometer and take the temperature rectally.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Additional Dog Info:

Following are the top 10 conditions-ranked by frequency-to cost pet owners more than $1,000 in 2010. This information is from Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), America's #1 provider of pet health insurance. 

1. Torn Knee Ligament/Cartilage - This is a hard one to prevent. It often occurs when dogs are out playing. You can't prevent them from playing...

 2. Intestinal - Foreign Object - This one is easily preventable. If your dog or puppy chews on stuff (or if you have a new dog or puppy and you aren't sure how it will behave), monitor your pet closely. Keep trashcans secured and pick up anything the dog might chew. Common foreign bodies ingested include socks, panties, toys, wrappers off meat, contents of the trash and more.

3. Stomach - Foreign Object - This is easily preventable. (Same advice as Intestinal Foreign Object.)

4. Intervertebral Disc Disease - There is not a lot you can do to prevent this. For dog breeds that are predisposed to this condition, the best thing you can do is to minimize their jumping. For example, if I had a Dachshund I'd make sure to provide puppy stairs or a ramp to help the dog get off and on the bed and sofa. 

5. Stomach Torsion/Bloat - This is a disease of large breed dogs that can occur after the stomach becomes enlarged with air or after drinking lots of water. Be careful how much you exercise your dog in the heat. If your dog is older and is stressed at the kennel - consider getting a pet sitter. A lot of dogs seem to bloat when boarding. 

6.  Broken Leg  - This is one you can prevent. Don't let small dogs jump out of your arms and keep your dog on a leash. The most common cause of broken legs is trauma such as being hit by a car. 

7. Laryngeal Paralysis - This is a condition of the airway where part of the larynx is paralyzed. This causes a problem when the dog is hot or excited. If you suspect your dog has this condition, keep him cool, out of the heat as much as possible and in a low stress environment. 

8. Tumor of the Throat - Not much you can do to prevent this. 

9. Ear Canal Surgery -This is often a problem due to chronic ear infections. The best way to prevent it is to treat ear infections and allergies thoroughly. Follow the recommendations of your veterinarian. 

10. Ruptured Bile Duct - Again, there is not much you can do to prevent this.

As responsible pet owners, we need to do everything in our power to keep our dogs safe and happy.  But things happen, and when they do it is also our responsibility to be prepared so that we can provide our pets with the care they need.  The best way to do this is to get a pet health insurance policy right now, while your pet is still healthy.

**********************

Apple Nutmeg Waffles

Makes  12 waffles

These waffles will quickly become the apple of your eye. The cinnamon and nutmeg give this morning meal the perfect taste that'll go great with a tall glass of milk.

Ingredients

2 cups baking mix

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. ground nutmeg

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

6 tbsp. butter, melted

1 cup peeled apples, chopped

Methods/steps

In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix and spices.

Combine the eggs and milk in a separate bowl.

Add the egg mixture to the dry mixture and stir until smooth.

Stir in butter and apple.

Bake in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown.

Additional Tips

Ready in 30 min

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How to Freeze Green Tomatoes

If you still have quite a few green tomatoes hanging on at the end of the gardening season, don't worry. You have lots of options for dealing with the unripe fruit. You can toss them into the compost bin where they will decompose. You can harvest the fruit, wrap them in newspaper, bring them indoors and hope they ripen. Or you can freeze them! This article will go over how to freeze green tomatoes--it's ultra easy and it ensures that the fruit won't go to waste--because you can make fried green tomato sandwiches all winter long!

Instructions

1 Before your first fall frost, harvest all of the remaining green, unripe tomatoes. Larger tomatoes, including beefsteak, roma and slicing types, freeze best. Bring the fruit indoors, wash them thoroughly in cool water and dry with a clean cotton towel.

2 Stem and core the tomato by inserting a small, serrated paring knife into the tomato right where the base of the stem meets the top of the tomato. Cut the stem free by working the knife around the entire edge of the stem. Pull out the stem and core and discard.

3 Then, using a large serrated knife (I find a bread knife works great), slice the tomato into ¼ to ½-inch thick slices. Pack the slices into plastic freezer containers, placing a piece of freezer wrap in between each slice. Place the lid on the container and stick it into the freezer.

4 To prepare fried green tomatoes in winter, simply dip the frozen tomato slices in egg, dredge them in your favorite breading mix and immediately fry until golden brown. The breading adheres to the tomato best if it does not thaw prior to frying.

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Golden Corn Casserole

Active Time:  10 Minutes

Total Time:  1 Hour

This yummy corn casserole is versatile, which is great! You can make it to please any audience. Make it spicy w/jalapenos for those of us who love a kick! Or make it cheesy for the kids! Bon appetite!

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup butter (1 stick)

1 15 oz can creamed corn

1 15 oz can corn

1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix

2 eggs

1 cup sour cream

Optional: 1 - 4oz can chopped green chilis OR 1 - 4oz can chopped jalapenos for an extra kick! Can also add 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works well).

DIRECTIONS

Melt butter in microwave (approx 1 min). Pour corn & creamed corn in bowl w/butter & mix. Add cornbread mix & stir. Add eggs (can beat them before adding, or stir vigorusly). Add sour cream & mix well. Add any optional ingredients & stir to incorporate. Grease a 3 quart baking dish & add corn mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 50-60 minutes uncovered. Enjoy!

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Crab Roll

This healthier take on a lobster roll uses crab because it’s usually easier (and less expensive) to buy. But by all means use lobster if you prefer. Serve with coleslaw and an ice-cold beer.

4 servings, about 2/3 cup crab filling each

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest

3 tablespoons lemon juice

10 dashes hot sauce, such as Tabasco

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup finely chopped shallot

1/4 cup finely chopped celery

1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives, divided

12 ounces cooked crabmeat (about 2 cups; see Tip), drained if necessary, any shells or cartilage removed

8 leaves red or green leaf lettuce

4 whole-wheat hot dog buns (toasted, if desired)

PREPARATION

Whisk mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, hot sauce, pepper and salt in a medium bowl. Thoroughly mix in shallot, celery and 3 tablespoons chives. Mix in crab very gently so it doesn’t break up too much.

Line each bun with lettuce and divide the crab filling among the buns. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon chives.

TIPS & NOTES

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the crab filling (Step 1) for up to 1 day.

Tip: Crabmeat (already removed from the shell) can be purchased canned, in shelf-stable pouches, frozen or pasteurized. Pasteurized usually has the best flavor; look for it in the fresh seafood section of the market. Crab from the U.S. and Canada are both considered good choices for the environment. If you live in an area known for crab, you may be able to get freshly cooked crabs at the seafood counter of your local market.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 238 calories; 5 g fat ( 1 g sat , 1 g mono ); 102 mg cholesterol; 2 g carbohydrates; 4 g added sugars; 21 g protein; 4 g fiber; 716 mg sodium; 269 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Iron (32% daily value), Vitamin A (26% dv), Vitamin C (17% dv), Calcium (16% dv)

Carbohydrate Servings: 2

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1/2 carbohydrate (other), 2 lean meat, 1 fat

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Macaroni & Cheese With Corn

Active Time:  15 Minutes

Total Time:  1 Hour 25 Minutes

suggest adding chopped ham to the casserole to make it a meal. Throw in a salad and you have supper!

 INGREDIENTS

1 Can Corn (do not drain)

1 Can Creamed Corn

1 C Shredded Cheddar

1 C Dry Macaroni

1 Stick Margarine

2 T Dry Onion

DIRECTIONS

Melt Margarine in 2 Qt Casserole in Microwave. Stir in Dry Onion. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Bake for 40 minutes covered and 30 minutes uncovered at 350 degrees.

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Twisted Pizza Dogs

Serve a twist to plain ol' hot dogs. Bisquick® mix creates a fun and tasty stand-in for ordinary buns.

PREP TIME 15 Min

TOTAL TIME  30 Min

SERVINGS  8

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cups Original Bisquick mix

1/3 cup milk

1 can (8 oz) pizza sauce

8 hot dogs

1 tablespoon milk

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1  Heat oven to 425ºF. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray.

2  In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, 1/3 cup milk and 2 tablespoons of the pizza sauce with fork until soft dough forms; beat 30 seconds. Place dough on surface dusted with Bisquick mix; roll in Bisquick mix to coat. Shape into a ball; knead 10 times.

3  Roll dough into 12x8-inch rectangle. Cut dough lengthwise into eight 1-inch strips. Shape 1 piece of dough around each hot dog in a spiral design; seal ends if necessary. Place on cookie sheet.

4  Brush 1 tablespoon milk over dough; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with remaining pizza sauce, heated if desired.

Expert Tips

Pack these dogs for a portable meal on the run. Omit the remaining pizza sauce, and wrap dogs in foil.

It's easy to trim the fat from these twisted hot dog treats by using reduced-fat or fat-free hot dogs.

Add color and flavor to this recipe with kid-appeal by mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons pizza seasoning with the Parmesan cheese. You can use regular pizza seasoning or a spicy version.

**********************

At the maritime museum where I work, we occasionally use midshipmen to do the "dirty work" of restoring a 100-year-old cruiser. One day the Navy sent a crew of 20 men, while the Marines sent a crew of three. Teasing one Navy midshipman, I said, "You mean it takes twenty Navy guys to do the work of only three Marines?" 

"Sir, no, sir," he snapped back. "The truth is, sir, it takes six or seven of us to supervise each one of those Marines!"

**********************

The traveler in the Blue Ridge Mountains made his toilet as best he could with the aid of the hand basin on its bench by the cabin door and the roller towel. He made use of his own comb and brush, tooth-brush, nail-file and whiskbroom. The small son of the cabin regarded his operations with rounded eyes, and at last broke forth:

"By cricky, mister, I wantta know! Be ye allus thet much trouble to yerself?"

**********************

The headwaiter of an elegant restaurant recoiled in disgust as a man in boots, torn jeans and a leather jacket approached him. 

"Hey, man," he said, "where's the toilet?" "Go down the hall and turn left, "replied the headwaiter. 

"When you see the sign marked 'Gentlemen; pay no attention to it and go right on in."

**********************

There are a lot of folks that can't understand how we ran out of oil here in the USA.

Well, here's the answer: It's simple. nobody bothered to check the oil.

Didn't know we were getting low. And of course the reason for that is geographical.

All the oil is in Alaska, Texas, and Oklahoma,

and all the dipsticks are in Washington, D.C.

**********************

A mother-in-law visits her son-in-law before leaving for a trip. They are sipping coffee and chatting.

Suddenly, mother-in-law looks at the clock and jumps off her chair exclaiming, "My god! It's already three P.M. I'm about to miss my train!" She begins to gather her luggage together.

At this moment, the son-in-law's daughter runs up to her and before he can stop her, she announces, "Don't hurry, granny! Daddy moved the clock two hours ahead!"

*********************

TWO OLD FRIENDS

Russ and Sam, two friends, met in the park every day to feed the pigeons, watch the squirrels and discuss world problems.

One day Russ didn't show up. Sam didn't think much about it and figured maybe he had a cold or something.. But after Russ hadn't shown up for a week or so, Sam really got worried. However, since the only time they ever got together was at the park, Sam didn't know where Russ lived, so he was unable to find out what had happened to him. 

A month had passed, and Sam figured he had seen the last of Russ, but one day, Sam approached the park and-- lo and behold!--there sat Russ! Sam was very excited and happy to see him and told him so. Then he said, 'For crying out loud Russ, what in the world happened to you?' 

Russ replied, 'I have been in jail.' 

'Jail!' cried Sam. What in the world for?' 

'Well,' Russ said, 'you know Sue, that cute little blond waitress at the coffee shop where I sometimes go?' 

'Yeah,' said Sam, 'I remember her. What about her? 

'Well, one day she filed rape charges against me; and, at 89 years old, I was so proud that when I got into court, I plead 'guilty'. 

'The damn judge gave me 30 days for perjury.'

**********************

Restoring British cars is one of my hobbies, so I often visit Internet chat groups on the subject, where members exchange tips and share humor. Someone posted this joke:

Q: Why are there so few British-made computers? 

A: It's almost impossible to get them to leak oil.

**********************

The theatrical manager exclaimed: "Your last role was magnificent, Mr. 

Brown. 

You enacted so well that officer wounded on the battlefield. 

Your suffering looked very much like real." "It was. 

I've got a large nail in my shoe." "Well," said the manager, "for heaven's sake leave it in until the end of the run of the play."

*************************

Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Jokes, Tips n More

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REMINDERS FROM GOD:

"Lessons cannot be learned without difficulty. Not to him who walks on with no obstacles, but to him that overcomes is the promise given."  -  GOD

Our Daily Devotional:

The Offerings of Sufferings

Hebrews 5:7-9, NASB: "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation."

We often remember that Christ Jesus suffered the cross for us (Heb. 2:9; 12:2; 13:12); sometimes we recall that He "himself suffered when he was tempted...yet was without sin" (Heb. 2:18; 4:15); but how often do we consider that Jesus suffered to learn obedience? As His followers, will we not also suffer? We do suffer many things in this life and we often wonder why. We may think that Christians who suffer do so as punishment for sin or perhaps they lack faith. Yet Jesus suffered and did not sin or lack faith. It could be that the suffering we endure is at times simply what God allows in order that we might learn obedience. God is always at work in our lives in various ways (Phil. 1:6). Suffering is not pleasant (Heb. 12:11), but when used as an instrument of our Father it is always purposeful. As we learn to trust God completely we must humble ourselves, place ourselves beneath His hand, and offer ourselves up before Him to suffer whatever He deems necessary to shape us after the likeness of Jesus. It's as though Christ, being the great Physician, looks into our eyes with parental love and providential care, and says, "My child, this is going to hurt a bit..." Our job is to be still and trust. It's not easy, but it is necessary.

And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

- Job 19:26

Romans 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

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WORD FOR THE DAY:

propitious • pruh-PISH-us  â€¢ adjective 

1 : favorably disposed : benevolent 

2 : being of good omen : auspicious 

3 : tending to favor : advantageous 

Examples: A time of high unemployment is not the most propitious moment to start searching for a new job. "The fact that at least one of Johnny's old buddies, a wiseguy named Skinny, immediately began calling the bridal suite from the hotel bar downstairs was not a propitious omen for the marriage." -- From Howie Carr's 2011 book Hitman: The Untold Story of Johnny Martorano: Whitey Bulger's Enforcer and the Most Feared Gangster in the Underworld 

Did you know? "Propitious," which comes to us through Middle English from the Latin word "propitius" (same meaning as "propitious"), is a synonym of "favorable" and "auspicious.

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CONFUCIOUS QUOTES:      Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!

"What we think or what we know or what we believe is, in the 

end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do"

- John Ruskin

THINGS TO PONDER:  How does the snow plow driver get to work?

You might be a REDNECK if...

    ...you've ever been kicked out of the zoo for heckling the monkeys.

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TODAY'S PET TIP

Onion Toxicity in Dogs

Does your dog sit in the kitchen while you cook, nibbling away as you chop onions with wild abandon? 

Next time be careful not to let stray onions make it past your dog's lips. Onions can be toxic. 

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Harvey Wallbanger drink 

Ingredients to use:

0.5 oz  Galliano

4    oz  Orange juice

1    oz  Vodka

Directions:

Pour vodka and orange juice into a collins glass filled with ice cubes and stir. Float galliano on top by pouring slowly over a teaspoon turned bottom-side up.

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Chicken Fricassee

Serves 4

All you need are some simple ingredients and a whole lot of appetite to enjoy this delicious Cuban-style chicken dinner. Your family will flock to the table come supper time.

Ingredients

1 lb. chicken drumsticks 

1 Tbsp. adobo seasoning 

1/2 (.18 oz) packet sazon seasoning 

1/2 tsp. salt 

5 large red potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced 

1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 

1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 

1 large onion, chopped 

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped 

2 Tbsp. olive oil 

1/2 cup cooking wine 

1 tsp. ground cumin 

1 tsp. dried oregano 

2 fresh or dried bay leaves

Methods/steps

1.Wash the chicken and pat dry; place into a large bowl. Season with adobo seasoning, sazon seasoning, and salt. Place the legs into a slow cooker, and cover with the potato slices. 

2.Puree the red pepper, green pepper, onion, cilantro, olive oil, wine, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano in a blender. Pour over the chicken and add the bay leaves.

3.Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is easily removed from the bone.

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Poblano Chile Casserole with Corn and Cheese

Active Time:  25 Minutes

Total Time:  1 Hour

Yield:  6 servings

Like a lightened chile relleno, this is a great, easy casserole for weeknight entertaining. You can avoid last-minute jitters by putting the casserole together in the morning or the night before and then just placing it in the oven right before your guests arrive.

 INGREDIENTS

6 large fresh poblano chiles

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups fresh corn kernels, or frozen thawed (from about 6 ears or two 10-ounce packages)

1 cup grated manchego or monterey jack cheese

4 cups cooked white rice

1 cup crema or sour cream

1 1/3 cups Red Salsa

1/2 cup grated queso anejo or parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

Char chiles over gas flame or under broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in plastic bag and let stand 10 minutes. Peel chiles. Starting at stem end, carefully cut one slit down length of each chile, leaving stems and tops intact if possible. Carefully remove seeds and veins from chiles.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt butter in heavy large saute pan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute longer. Add corn and saute 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool completely. Stir in manchego or Monterey Jack cheese. Stuff chiles with corn mixture.

Butter 15x10-inch baking dish. Place rice in prepared dish. Nestle stuffed chiles in single layer into rice. Mix crema and Red Salsa in medium bowl; pour over chiles and rice. Sprinkle with anejo cheese.

Bake until chiles are heated through and sauce bubbles, about 25 minutes (about 40 minutes for refrigerated casserole).

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Braised Beef Short Ribs with Mushrooms

Active Time:  30 Minutes

Total Time:  2 Hours

Yield:  Serves 4-6

A braise is a worry-free technique whose long, slow simmering allows the serious cook ample time to prepare other menu components, and gives the casual cook a relaxing afternoon and a substantial one-pot meal. Serve the short ribs over some creamy polenta and pair with a hearty red wine.

INGREDIENTS

For Bouquet Garni:

1 leek, trimmed and well-rinsed

1 celery stalk

5 sprigs fresh Italian parsley

5 sprigs fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

For Ribs:

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 lb meaty beef short ribs

2 white onions, quartered

1 cup peeled and diced carrot

2 celery stalks, diced

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 1/2 cups dry red wine

1 cup peeled, seeded and diced tomato

5 cups beef stock

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

For Mushrooms:

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 lb fresh mushrooms such as morel, chanterelle, or porcini, brushed clean and sliced

1 teaspoon chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

DIRECTIONS

FOR BOUQUET GARNI: Gather together the leek, celery, parsley, thyme and bay leaves and tie securely with kitchen string; set aside.

FOR RIBS: In a large, heavy saucepan over high heat, warm the olive oil. Place enough of the short ribs in the pan to cover the entire bottom. Cook, turning once, until well browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and repeat with the remaining ribs, transferring them to the platter as well.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the quartered onions. Sauté to color lightly on all sides about 5 minutes, then transfer to the platter. Add the carrot, celery and garlic and sauté until lightly colored, about 5 minutes. Drain off any excess grease and add the red wine. When the wine boils, deglaze the pan by stirring to dislodge any browned bits from the pan bottom. Add the tomato and return the onions to the pan. Pour in the beef stock, add the bouquet garni, salt and peppercorns and return to a boil. Return the short ribs to the pan, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the meat falls easily from the bones, 1 1/2-2 1/2 hours.

FOR MUSHROOMS: While the ribs are cooking, place a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the butter and when it melts, add the mushrooms. Sauté until very tender, 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

TO SERVE: When the meat is ready, using tongs, transfer the ribs to a warmed deep platter. Transfer the onions to the platter as well, arranging them around the meat; keep warm.

Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Skim off any oil from the surface and reduce the liquid by one-third. Add the mushrooms and any accumulated juices, the parsley and thyme and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then pour over the ribs and serve.

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Deviled Short Ribs with Drunken Beans

Active Time:  20 Minutes

Total Time:  5 Hours 5 Minutes

Yield:  Serves 4

Short ribs, cut into 2-inch lengths, are a mouthwatering delicacy when cooked perfectly. If you enjoy spicy, complex, rich flavors, then this is the dish for you!

INGREDIENTS

For Marinade:

3/4 cup olive oil

4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup dijon mustard

1 1/2 tablespoons hot pure red chile powder

1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

3/4 teaspoon ground allspice

For Ribs:

4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths

For Beans:

1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 jalapeno chiles, seeded and minced

4 roma tomatoes, diced

1/2 bottle dark beer (such as Negro Modelo)

1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

FOR MARINADE: Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl, stirring until all the sugar dissolves. Add the ribs and marinate for 6 to 8 hours, or at least 3 hours, turning occasionally.

FOR BEANS: Rinse the drained beans under cold running water and transfer to a saucepan, covering with 2 to 3 inches of water, Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 2/3 to 2 hours, or until only just tender. Add more water as necessary to keep the beans covered while cooking. Drain and reserve the beans. Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan and cook the onion, garlic and chiles for 5 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes beer, and salt, stir well, and bring to a boil.. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, until just a little liquid remains.

FOR RIBS: While the beans are cooking, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Remove the ribs from the marinade, reserving the marinade, and place the ribs on a rack in a roasting pan lined with foil. Roast for 25 minutes, and then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Transfer the ribs to a clean roasting pan and add the marinade. Cover and cook for 1 hour longer, or until completely tender. Remove the ribs and keep warm.

FOR SAUCE: Scoop off the fat from the surface of the roasting pan and add the stock (mix the cornstarch or flour with 2 tablespoons of the stock in a cup first if you wish the sauce to have a thicker consistency).

Serve the short ribs with the sauce and beans. Garnish the beans with cilantro.

WINE RECOMMENDATION: A zesty Pinot Noir from the West Coast or a regional Burgundy to complement the richness of this dish.

HELPFUL TIP: Finish the ribs on the grill for 5 to 10 minutes to give them an irresistible smoky flavor.

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Macaroni & Cheese With Corn

Active Time:  15 Minutes

Total Time:  1 Hour 25 Minutes

suggest adding chopped ham to the casserole to make it a meal. Throw in a salad and you have supper!

 INGREDIENTS

1 Can Corn (do not drain)

1 Can Creamed Corn

1 C Shredded Cheddar

1 C Dry Macaroni

1 Stick Margarine

2 T Dry Onion

DIRECTIONS

Melt Margarine in 2 Qt Casserole in Microwave. Stir in Dry Onion. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Bake for 40 minutes covered and 30 minutes uncovered at 350 degrees.

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  Third Place: 

A man bumps into a woman in a hotel lobby and as he does, 

his elbow goes into her breast. 

They are both quite startled. 

The man turns to her and says, 'Ma'am, if your heart is as soft as your breast, 

I know you'll forgive me.' 

She replies, 'If your penis is as hard as your elbow, I'm in room 221.' 

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Runner Up: 

Bill worked in a pickle factory.   

He had been employed there for a number of years when he came home one day 

to confess to his wife that he had a terrible compulsion.   

He had an urge to stick his penis into the pickle slicer.   

His wife suggested that he should see a sex therapist to talk about it, but Bill said he would be too embarrassed.  He vowed to overcome the compulsion on his own. 

One day a few weeks later, Bill came home and his wife could see at once that something was seriously wrong. 

'What's wrong, Bill?' she asked. 

'Do you remember that I told you how I had this tremendous urge to put my penis into the pickle slicer?' 

'Oh, Bill, you didn't' she exclaimed. 

'Yes, I did.' he replied. 

'My God, Bill, what happened?' 

'I got fired.' 

'No, Bill.  I mean, what happened with the pickle slicer?' 

'Oh...she got fired too.'

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Winner: 

A couple had been married for 50 years. 

They were sitting at the breakfast table one morning when the wife says, 'Just think, fifty years ago we were sitting here at this breakfast table together.' 

'I know,' the old man said.  'We were probably sitting here naked as a jaybird fifty years ago.' 

'Well,' Granny snickered.  'Let's relive some old times.' 

Where upon, the two stripped to the buff and sat down at the table. 

'You know, darling,' the little old lady breathlessly said, 'My nipples are as hot for you today as they were fifty years ago.' 

'I'm not surprised,' replied Gramps.   'One's in your tea and the other is hanging in your porridge'!

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This is SO Politically Incorrect, But Funny

A twin-engine plane has an engine failure and the altitude and speed are decreasing rapidly.

The pilot speaks over the intercom ... "I'm sorry it has come to this ladies and gentlemen, but unfortunately we are going to have to get rid of the luggage in order for the aircraft to remain airborne".

Baggage is thrown out but still the plane's speed continues to decrease. Once again the pilot gets on the intercom, "I hate to do this folks but in order to save the majority we are going to have to start off-loading some passengers. The only fair way is to do this alphabetically, so we'll start with the letter 'A'".

"Africans? Are there any Africans on board?" There was no answer so the pilot calls, "Black people, are there any black people on board?"

Again silence.

"C - Coloured people? Are there any coloured people on board?" Silence.

A little black boy sitting near the rear of the plane turned to his mother and said, "Mum, ain't we African? Ain't we black?" Ain't we coloured?"

She replied, "Yes son but for the purpose of this exercise we is Niggers. Let them do the Muslims first". 

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Plants That Repel Roaches and Other Insects

Related Entries: roaches catnip roach osage insects

Instructions

Catnip

Step 1:

As the name suggests, Catnip is an aromatic plant from the mint family that is famous for attracting cats. It is also a very good insect repellent that keeps roaches, ants, beetles, mosquitoes, fleas and aphids away. Catnip can be easily grown at home and is non-toxic to humans and household pets. This perennial plant produces small lilac or white flowers and grows up to 5 feet tall. Nepetlactone is the chemical in catnip that keeps roaches away. According to Iowa State University, catnip oil is more effective in repelling mosquitoes than DEET, the active chemical in heavy-duty insect repellents.

Osage Orange

Step 1:

Osage orange or hedge apple is a tree found in North America. This tree is considered a good insect repellent, and its smell is greatly disliked by roaches. The three compounds in osage orange oil are known roach repellents. These trees produce inedible, wrinkled and large fruit that is orange in color. The tree is commonly grown in the American Midwest as a wind break. You can make your own roach repellent by crushing the fruit and extracting its oil. The oil can be diluted with water and sprayed around boundaries of the house that might be entry points for roaches.

Garlic

Step 1:

The pungent odor of garlic repels mosquitoes and other insects. Freshly minced cloves work the best. However, the smell might be disturbing to humans as well. For a milder garlic roach repellent, sprinkle garlic powder in corners of the house, doorways and windowsills to keep roaches away.

Bay Laurel

Step 1:

Bay laurel is popular for its culinary uses. Though the mild smell of bay leaves is enjoyed by humans, it is abhorrent to roaches. These leaves also have compounds that are excellent roach repellents. The leaves of this plant contain compounds, such as eucalyptol, that are used in many insecticides. The leaves also contain several essential oils that are ingredients in insect repellents. This plant can be used in storage areas to repel roaches and other insects from food. You can keep bay leaves on shelves, cabinets and in the pantry to repel pests. Fresh leaves are more repellent to insects as they contain a higher amount of essential oil than old or dry leaves.

Lavender

Step 1:

Lavender is known for its rich, pleasant and refreshing fragrance. However, it is also a very good insect repellent. This plant is not favored by roaches, moths, ticks and other insects. This hardy plant produces bushy purple flowers that can be easily grown in the garden. The flowers produce healthy and refreshing fragrance, and also keep roaches away from the home.

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Civil Examination

A scholar was preparing to take the civil examinations. His wife was very puzzled by his constant worrying.

"Look at you, you worthless wretch," she said. "Your probably think that it's more difficult for a man to write an essay than for a woman to give birth to a child."

"How's that?", she asked.

"You women can bear children easily because you carry the child in your stomach", the scholar said. "But I have nothing in my head, so how do you expect me to think of something to write?"

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Comparing Cultures

A Jewish man and a Chinese man were conversing. The Jewish man commented upon what a wise people the Chinese are.

"Yes," replied the Chinese man, "Our culture is over 4,000 years old. But, you Jews are a very wise people, too."

The Jewish man replied, "Yes, our culture is over 5,000 years old."

The Chinese man was incredulous, "That's impossible," he replied. "Where did your people eat for a thousand years?"

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"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." - Isaiah 55:12

Tags: Religion, Recipes, Jokes, Tips n More

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REMINDERS FROM GOD:

"Allow nothing to disturb your calm heart with Me. Stop all work until this is restored. Do not let those about you spoil your peace of heart and mind." -- GOD

Our Daily Devotional:

Pieces

2 Corinthians 4:8-10, NIV: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."

You have most likely heard the old saying, "Behind every cloud, lies a silver lining." There is more truth to that in the life of a Christian than perhaps anywhere else. But it is not because God has sheltered us so that we will not experience pains, troubles and trials--but because He has come to show us a new way to do life. Paul writes, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." We are at times shattered. The pieces of our lives lay in disarray. But within the pieces there are the fingerprints of God, moving to keep you from being utterly destroyed. Even as the death of Christ was Victory, so also the valleys of a Christian's life can carry significant triumph. It's often a matter of perspective. God's wisdom seems like foolishness to the world. Because of that, followers, like Paul, can be bound in chains and hold a deep assurance of victory. It can be the same for us. When we are in pieces, that's when we should say, "Now then, all is laid open for God to arrange things in a fashion to bring victory."

 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

- Deuteronomy 7:4

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WORD FOR THE DAY:

juggernaut • JUG-er-nawt  â€¢ noun 

1 chiefly British : a large heavy truck 

2 : a massive inexorable force, campaign, movement, or object that crushes whatever is in its path 

Examples: Led by their talented shooting guard, the high school’s basketball team was a juggernaut , winning the state championship three years in a row. "During most of the year, Claire Handleman pays the rent working at Del Posto, the Bastianich-Batali Italian juggernaut that won four stars from the New York Times last year." -- From an article by Keith Wagstaff on the Village Voice Fork in the Road blog, June 16, 2011 

Did you know? In the early 14th century, Franciscan missionary Friar Odoric brought to Europe the story of an enormous carriage that carried an image of the Hindu god Vishnu (whose title was "Jagannath," literally, "lord of the world") 

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Curried Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole

Prep Time: 15 Min 

Cook Time:1 Hr 

Ready In: 1 Hr 15 Min

 Yield 4 servings  

Ingredients

1 cup water

1 (8 ounce) can stewed tomatoes

3/4 cup quick-cooking brown rice

1/2 cup raisins

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 teaspoons curry powder

1 cube chicken bouillon

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf (optional)

3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1 inch pieces

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a skillet, stir together water, stewed tomatoes, brown rice, raisins, lemon juice, curry powder, bouillon, ground cinnamon, salt, garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; then stir in chicken. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish.

Cover, and bake in the preheated oven 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and chicken juices run clear.

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Easy Steak Sandwich

Prep Time: 10 

Min Cook Time: 15 Min 

Ready In: 25 Min

 Yield 1 sandwich  

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 medium onion, sliced

4 large fresh mushrooms, sliced

1/4 green bell pepper, sliced into long strips

1 (1/2 pound) well-marbled beef steak of any type, sliced as thinly as possible

3 tablespoons chopped pickled hot peppers

1 teaspoon Hot pepper sauce

2 slices sharp Cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

1/3 French baguette, cut in half lengthwise

Directions

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion; cook and stir until tender. Push onion to the side of the pan, and add the mushrooms. Cook and stir until softened, then add the bell pepper and cook just until tender, about 3 minutes. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, and set aside.

Add the remaining butter to the skillet. No need to clean the pan, just let it heat up a little bit. Place the steak in the skillet along with the pickled peppers. Season with salt and pepper. The steak cooks really fast, just a couple of minutes. Once the steak is mostly browned, return the onion and pepper to the pan. Cook until heated through.

Turn off the heat, and place the slices of cheese over the top of the pile so they can melt. Scoop the whole pile into the awaiting bread, making sure to pour some of the juices onto that wonderful sandwich.

Footnotes

Tips

When shopping for steak sandwich steak, I advise you pay more attention to the way the meat looks than the cut. You can't go wrong with a nice tender 'New York', but I tend to look for the cheap steaks with some nice marbles (fat).

If you have time, freeze the steak. Then, with your sharpest knife, slice the frozen steak as thin as you can. That is the hardest part. 

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Lemon Granita

Serves 6.

Note: This is best served the day it is prepared, when the ice crystals are large and flaky. They almost look like tiny snowflakes. Meyer lemons are particularly good with this. Garnish with fresh mint, if available. From "Come One, Come All/Easy Entertaining With Seasonal Menus," by Lee Svitak Dean.

• 3 c. water

• 1 c. sugar

• Zest of 2 lemons

• 3 c. fresh lemon juice (from about 6 large lemons)

Directions

In a saucepan, boil the water, sugar and lemon zest together until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and mix in the lemon juice. Cool. If desired, strain liquid.

Pour mixture into a shallow container, such as a 9- by 13- inch pan. Freeze, uncovered, until edges of mixture are frozen, about 1 to 2 hours. Remove the pan from the freezer and, using a fork, scrape the ice, moving from the edge to the center. Return to the freezer.

Repeat at least 3 times, every 30 minutes or so, until the mixture has large ice flakes.

Right before serving, stir up the granita again with a fork. To keep the crystals from melting too quickly, serve in chilled bowls or goblets.

Variation: Substitute rhubarb "juice" for the lemon juice by simmering about 4 cups water with a lot of cut-up rhubarb until the rhubarb is tender; strain and discard solids.

STRAWBERRY GRANITA

Serves 6.

• 1/2 c. water

• 1/2 c. sugar or to taste

• 1 lb. fresh or frozen (and thawed) strawberries, hulled

• 3/4 c. orange juice

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 1/3 c.)

Directions

In a saucepan, boil the water and sugar together until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool.

Purée the strawberries until smooth in a blender or food processor.

Combine the cooled sugar syrup, the berries, orange juice and lemon juice. Taste and add more sugar, if preferred. Strain, if desired.

Pour mixture into a shallow container, such as a 9- by 13- inch pan. Freeze, uncovered, until edges of mixture are frozen, about 1 to 2 hours. Remove the pan from the freezer and, using a fork, scrape the ice, moving from the edge to the center. Return to the freezer.

Repeat at least 3 times, every 30 minutes or so, until the mixture has large ice flakes.

Right before serving, stir up the granita again with a fork. Serve in chilled bowls or goblets.

TEA GRANITA

Serves 4.

Note: Use whichever tea leaves you prefer -- such as Earl Grey, jasmine, mint or green tea.

• 4 c. water

• 2 tbsp. loose tea or 6 tea bags

• 1/4 c. to 1/3 c. sugar

• 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Directions

Pour boiling water over tea leaves and steep for about 5 minutes; strain. Add sugar to dissolve. Then add lemon juice and taste. Use additional sugar and lemon juice, if preferred.

Pour mixture into a shallow container, such as a 9- by 13- inch pan. Freeze, uncovered, until edges of mixture are frozen, about 1 to 2 hours. Remove the pan from the freezer and, using a fork, scrape the ice, moving from the edge to the center. Return to the freezer.

Repeat at least 3 times, every 30 minutes or so, until the mixture has large ice flakes.

Right before serving, stir up the granita again with a fork. Serve in chilled bowls or goblets.

CUCUMBER AND MINT GRANITA

Serves 4 to 6.

Note: Use this as an appetizer or between courses. 

• 2 large English cucumbers

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 1/3 c.)

• 3 tbsp. sugar

• 1/3 tsp. salt

• 11/2 tbsp. finely chopped mint leaves

• 1 c. yogurt or dry white wine, optional

Directions

Peel the cucumbers and chop them into a food processor. Add lemon juice, sugar and salt; purée until smooth.

Strain mixture through a fine sieve, stirring with a spoon but not pressing all the solids through; discard the solids.

Mix in the mint and yogurt or wine, if using.

Pour mixture into a shallow container, such as a 9- by 13- inch pan. Freeze, uncovered, until edges of mixture are frozen, about 1 to 2 hours. Remove the pan from the freezer and, using a fork, scrape the ice, moving from the edge to the center. Return to the freezer.

Repeat at least 3 times, every 30 minutes or so, until the mixture has large ice flakes. Right before serving, stir up the granita again with a fork. Serve in chilled bowls or goblets.

CANTALOUPE GRANITA

Serves 6 to 8.

• 11/4 c. superfine sugar

• 1/2 c. water

• 1/4 c. lightly packed fresh mint leaves

• 2 medium cantaloupes (about 4 lb. each), peeled and seeded, cut into 1-in. wedges

• Pinch gray salt

Directions

Combine sugar and water over low heat until sugar has dissolved. Add mint. Remove pan from heat and let cool.

Purée fruit in food processor until liquefied. Pour fruit into medium bowl and add salt. Remove mint leaves from syrup. Add syrup to puréed fruit and mix well.

Pour mixture into a shallow container, such as a 9- by 13- inch pan. Freeze, uncovered, until edges of mixture are frozen, about 1 to 2 hours. Remove the pan from the freezer and, using a fork, scrape the ice, moving from the edge to the center. Return to the freezer.

Repeat at least 3 times, every 30 minutes or so, until the mixture has large ice flakes. Right before serving, stir up the granita again with a fork. Serve in chilled bowls or goblets.

PEACH BELLINI GRANITA

Serves 4 to 6.

• 1/2 c. water

• 1/2 c. granulated sugar

• Zest of 1/2 lemon

• 4 large ripe peaches

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 1/3 c.)

• 11/2 c. prosecco or other sparkling white wine

Directions

Heat the water, sugar and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. When the sugar dissolves, remove pan from heat.

Peel the peaches by immersing them in boiling water for about 1 minute and then slipping off their skins. Cut the peach flesh into chunks. In a food processor, purée the peaches, sugar syrup and lemon juice. Chill the purée, then stir in the prosecco.

Pour mixture into a shallow container, such as a 9- by 13- inch pan, uncovered. Freeze, uncovered, until edges of mixture are frozen, about 1 to 2 hours. Remove the pan from the freezer and, using a fork, scrape the ice, moving from the edge to the center. Return to the freezer.

Repeat at least 3 times, every 30 minutes or so, until the mixture has large ice flakes.

Right before serving, stir up the granita again with a fork. To keep the crystals from melting too quickly, serve in chilled bowls or goblets.

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Sweet Potato Souffle

Makes  10 servings

There's no denying the health benefits of scrumptious sweet potatoes. Here's a twist so tempting you'll have a hard time deciding whether it's dinner or dessert.

Ingredients