In 2015 are you going to be a turkey or an eagle?

You may be asking yourself many questions as you end this year to head into a new one. ‘Will this year be better? Will I be better? How can I improve myself? How will I survive financially?’ But, the question you should be asking yourself is ‘Will I be a turkey or an eagle?” Let me explain.

An eagle egg was accidentally left among a herd of turkeys. The little eagle hatched and began his life as a turkey, never knowing his true origin. Every day, he learned to walk like a turkey, gobble like a turkey, and his wings were never outstretched.

As it happened, an eagle was soaring high above in the sky within the viewpoint of the eagle/turkey. The other turkeys said, “Don’t worry about that eagle. We don’t fly. We gobble and we waddle here close to the ground.” But, the eagle/turkey couldn’t help but feel that there was more to his life. You see, he had spent so much time among the turkeys that he lived like a turkey. He was capable of soaring, but he would never try because he never thought of himself as more than a turkey.

An important question we must ask ourselves is ‘are we turkeys or are we eagles?’ As children of God, we are meant to soar high above the turkeys of this earth. And when we choose to live a life of defeat, we look just as silly as an eagle going “gobble gobble.”

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans that I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope.”

Many ‘eagles’ have existed throughout time. These are people who chose to look beyond their limitations and their struggles. The eagle in the story had the one thing he needed to soar: wings. As Christians, we have everything we need for success: Jesus Christ.

And sometimes, when these ‘eagles’ take the opportunity to thrive in the midst of struggles, the pessimistic turkeys will say, “No, you can’t.”

Louis Zamperini endured a plane crash, being stranded at sea, being tortured in a prison camp, and depression that followed these events. When he gained Christ, he was able to inspire the masses with a message of “Don’t give up! Don’t give in!”

George Washington Carver faced racial prejudice as a southern black man of the nineteenth and twentieth century. This did not stop him from living out Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He was a revolutionary inventor who transformed farming through some of the smallest objects, such as a simple peanut and sweet potato.

So, are you a turkey or an eagle? Will you rise above your circumstances in 2015 and soar like an eagle? Or will you remain in your old, turkey ways, fearing to be different? Will you let depression and guilt hold you back? Will you give up and give in to the temptations that have entangled you for so long? Or will you take the smallest truths and allow them to transform your life? It can begin with a peanut of hope that will transform your 2015. Allow God to strengthen your wings and be an eagle.

http://blackbluedog.com/2014/12/uncategorized/in-2015-are-you-going-to-be-a-turkey-or-an-eagle/

Mason Jar Meals: My Experience

It’s a sad day when you realize that all three of your meals came from the office vending machine.

Luke Saunders spotted a dire need for nutritious food on the go, and therefore he founded Farmer’s Fridge, a new Chicago, IL based company has revolutionized automated dining with a healthier alternative.   You swipe your credit card, and affordable salads, sides, breakfast dishes, and healthy snacks (all made early each morning) are delivered by 10 a.m. to the company’s kiosk in jars.

I commend this company for making a new healthy way to get food on the go, but I challenged myself to take this idea a step further and create my own mason jar meals.

8 Cooking Tips

1. Purchase and lay out all the food you are going to prepare
2. Wash and dry your jars and lids. It helps to have a variety of jar sizes giving you different portion options. Meals I knew I would take to work went in pint-sized jars, snacks in half pint jars, and larger salads that more than one person would eat, went in the quart-sized jars.
3. Roast all your vegetables in one giant aluminum pan, setting your kitchen timer for the items that need to be removed first. In this case I set my timer for 18 minutes for the green beans. The potatoes took another 40 minutes or so.
4. Cut your potatoes or veggies in uniform pieces. Season each as you would like.
5. Roast your meats in the same fashion. I cooked my salmon and chicken together removing the fish after 18 minutes and the chicken at 22 minutes.
6. Multi-task! Fry bacon, boil grains or pastas, and hard cook eggs while the meats and vegetables are roasting.
7. Clean up as you go.
8. All cooked items must cool before placing them in jars or you will wilt salads or cause other items in the jar to get mushy. As things came out of the oven, I placed them on plates to cool, shredded the chicken, and cut the fish in bite-sized chunks.

Hints on Filling the Jars

1. Choose the jar size you are going to work with for a particular meal. Some recipes divide well in half forsmaller families, while other recipes would need to be doubled for larger families.
2. Lay out all the ingredients you need for that particular jar meal and start layering the items in the jar with the dressing always on the bottom and more delicate ingredients on the top such as leafy greens or fresh herbs.
3. Make the meals look visually appealing by making the layers look nice and even.
4. Layering helps also for when the meal is removed from the jar. For example, in my Salmon Salad as I removed each layer, I was easily able to remove the potatoes for a bit of heating. Although the salad can be eaten cold or at room temp, I wanted to take the chill off my potatoes.
5. Items that need to remain crispy, like ramen noodles for a chicken ramen salad, store them in a little baggie or container and place with the jarred meal.
6. I am no expert on this, but I am going to keep my jarred meals up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator, anything leftover beyond gets tossed out.
7. If you choose to freeze these jarred meals, it is the same concept as freezing any meal. Only freeze items that are freezer-friendly. Lettuce does not freeze and be sure the items are cool before freezing or you will have condensation and ice crystals.

So will you try this out? These ready-made Mason Jar Meals have kept me from reaching for the chips or running to the vending machine. I have found this to be a great way to take lunch to work and the bonus, they’re pretty! I don’t know about you, but pretty food makes me hungry !

Check out more mason jar meal recipes CLICK HERE

http://kissthechaos.com/mason-jar-meals/3/

Prisoner Sues Maury Povich For ‘Fright & Horror’ Suffered After Daughter Appeared On Show

A Florida prison inmate claims watching Maury Povich interview his ex-wife and daughter almost drove him to suicide — and he wants the talk show host to pay.

Alan Griffin, who is serving 30 years for sexual battery and attempted murder, filed a federal lawsuit this month asking for $100,000 each from Povich and NBC to compensate him for the “great emotional shock, grief, shame, and embarrassment” he suffered.

Griffin’s handwritten federal complaint says he was watching Povich in a Florida prison on December 11, 2010, when he realized the guests were talking about him.

“The emotional distress was so overbearing … too much for Mr. Griffin to overcome,” the filing says. “The next day Mr. Griffin had suicidal thoughts which derived from seeing his only child being exploited by the named defendants in this complaint.”

Prison doctors placed Griffin, 46, “under suicidal watch for 72 hours,” the suit continues. “Then Mr. Griffin was sent to a crisis suicide unit for 22 days for therapy and counseling.”

His psychiatric counseling continued for another year.

“Mr. Griffin still suffers from the fright and horror of seeing his daughter on the Maury Show,” the complaint says.

Griffin claims that since he had joint custody of his daughter, who is now a high school student, producers should have gotten his consent to have her on the show even though he has been in prison since 2002.

Povich and NBC “made millions of dollars at the mental and emotional distress of Mr. Griffin,” he claims.

Florida prison records show that Griffin, who is a registered sex offender, is set to be released in 2029. He was convicted of sexual battery and attempted murder in 2002.

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2014/12/maury-povich-lawsuit-suicidal-prisoner-alan-griffin/

Round Two? Bravo Orders Extra Security Measures For ‘RHOA’ Reunion After Last Year’s Brawl

Hoping to avoid another potential repeat of the hair-pulling beatdown between Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Porsha Williams and Kenya Moore, producers of the Bravo hit reality show have issued a stern warning to the ladies ahead of the reunion filming that no physical violence will be tolerated. But just in case, they’ve ordered up extra security!

“Producers have drawn a very hard line in the sand, and have reached out to each of the ladies making it very clear, there will be no violence tolerated,” an insider told Radar. “There will extra security on hand, prepared to deal with any potential problems.”

“The cast members will be required to sit in their assigned seats, and not allowed to get up until there is a break, or unless given permission,” the source continued. “Any deviation will result in immediately being removed from the filming, no questions asked.”

Alcohol will also be banned from the set, although it has always been a staple of previous reunions.

On Sunday night’s episode, NeNe Leakes called a pow-wow so that she, frenemy Cynthia Bailey, and feuding divas Kenya Moore and Porsha Williams might bury the hatchet.

“Hi, Porsha, are we speaking today?” laughed Moore, who was physically attacked by Williams at the last reunion show.

“The four of us have had our issues,” Leakes said in the understatement of the season.

After more yelling and screaming at the lunch, Moore and Williams agreed to move on from the drama.

Moore got up and offered Williams a hug and even owned up to her own abrasive antics at the reunion show.

“I take full responsibility: can you give me a hug?” Moore said.

The two embraced and Moore suggested, “Let’s wipe the slate clean.”

The insider added, “Bravo wants the ladies to sign a legally binding document that they won’t engage in any physical fighting. However, several cast members are refusing to sign it because fighting back as self defense isn’t included in the language.”

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2014/12/real-housewives-atlanta-reunion-no-violence/

Man Shoots, Robs Woman He Met on Online Dating Site

Authorities say the man, who used names like “King Lucciano” and “Cash,” pulled a gun on the woman after she agreed to meet him for a date, ordering her to hand over her purse and phone before shooting her and making off with her car.

 

Georgia police are searching for an assailant said to target his victims via online dating after he allegedly robbed and shot a woman on Christmas Eve, WXIA reports.

College Park, Ga., police released photos of the suspect from the dating website Badoo, where he is known as “King Lucciano.” He told the 34-year-old woman, whom police have not identified, that his name was “Cash,” authorities say.

The woman is recuperating after police say “Cash” robbed her, stole her car and then shot her.

According to police, the two met on Christmas Eve at a Days Inn hotel before the suspect took her out to dinner at a Waffle House. The pair apparently left the Waffle House without getting food, WXIA reports. As they made their way back to the hotel in the woman’s car, according to the report, the man pulled out a gun, demanding that she stop the vehicle, give him her purse and cellphone and get out of the car.

“She gives him the purse and as she was attempting to get out of the car, he shoots her in the face,” poice Maj. Ernest Strozier told the news station.

The man then took off in the woman’s 1999 black Jeep Cherokee, authorities say.

“Based on how calm she said he was when he did it, it would appear that he did it before and kind of perfected it and he’ll probably do it again,” Strozier added.

Strozier also encouraged those who use online dating tools to be careful because “most of the time the profile they put on there is not really them.”

“If you’re going to meet them, do it in a very public place and don’t go anywhere with them until you feel comfortable,” he added.

There’s a $2,000 reward for anyone who sees the victim’s car, which has a Rhode Island tag, or recognizes the assailant. Tips should be given to Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (-8477)

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2014/12/man_shot_robbed_woman_he_met_on_online_dating_site.html?wpisrc=topstories

Gov. Martin O’Malley to commute all remaining Maryland death sentences to life without parole

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley announced on Monday that he will commute all remaining death sentences to life without parole. The move comes after the General Assembly repealed the state’s death penalty in 2013.

The Democratic O’Malley said in a statement that “In a representative government, state executions make every citizen a party to a legalized killing as punishment” and that “leaving these death sentences in place does not serve the public good of the people of Maryland — present or future.”

This is O’Malley’s last month in office. Republican Larry Hogan, the governor-elect, has said that he would have opposed the repeal of the death penalty but that he would not push for its return.

There is a lot of speculation that O’Malley is planning to run for president.

Gov. Martin O'Malley to commute all remaining Maryland death sentences to life without parole

10 Resolutions To Spiritual Strength In 2015

 

I’m sure by now many of us would have thought about or even have decided on a resolution to achieve something in 2015. This article is meant to give an insight into making a faith filled New Year.

It shouldn’t come as surprise to us that the majority of us would have abandoned and even seen failure with resolutions by the end of January. In fact research indicates that 80% of us would have broken our resolves by January 31! Sadly only 5% of us would have continued in our quest to see through the resolution by year end. At the end of day when we prepare our New Year resolution, we are half-hearted about it. The major cause of failed resolutions is our expectation of success or level of confidence of achieving our objective. Simply put, if you expect to fail, it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy and if you have the confidence to succeed, you will achieve your goal 100% or close to it. So let’s keep this in mind trying to formulate our New Year resolution.

There is a key method that can be used for sticking to New Year’s Resolutions. They must be specific, measurable, and achievable, with a realistic and have a real deadline.

1.  To read the Daily Readings
2.  To say morning and night prayers
3.  To abstain from buying luxury goods, or to spend money frivolously
4.  To endure with, provide comfort to and pray for a loved one undergoing suffering
5.  To cease arrogant or condescending attitude
6.  To spend time with the elderly in nursing homes weekly or monthly
7.  To volunteer your time and effort at soup kitchens daily, weekly, monthly
8.  To restore our dented relationship with family members or friends or neighbors
9.  To bring about peace among dueling family members, friends or neighbors
10. To practice, display and discuss my faith openly in public schools and institutions although they will attempt to silence me.

Keep a journal of your successes and failures. You will be spiritually stronger if you try. Monitor on a monthly interval to analyze progress and take corrective measures – don’t monitor weekly as over monitoring can cause exasperation and discourage you

Happy New Year and God Bless you! I hope you achieve whatever you set out to do.

http://elev8.hellobeautiful.com/292295/10-resolutions-to-spiritual-strength/

Prayer For A Blessing Of The New Year

O Holy Creator, hear our prayers on behalf of  all that are in authority over us and our humble selves. Bless, we beseech Thee, during the coming year, the whole country; convert heretics and unbelievers; soften the hearts of sinners so that they may return to Thy friendship; give prosperity to our country and peace among the nations of the world; pour down Thy blessings upon our friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and upon our enemies, if we have any; assist the poor and the sick; have pity on the souls of those whom this year has taken from us; and do Thou be merciful to those who during the coming year will be summoned before Thy judgment seat.

May all our actions be preceded by Thy inspirations and carried on by Thy assistance, so that all our prayers and works, having been begun in Thee, may likewise be ended through Thee. Amen.

http://elev8.hellobeautiful.com/1211035/prayer-for-a-blessing-of-the-new-year/

No laundry and no crying! More New Year superstitions

If you’re worried about having a great start to 2015, it might be worth paying heed to these oddball superstitions…

According to some cultures and traditions, there are some very strange ways to guarantee a happy and successful New Year. On-demand laundry service ZipJet has unearthed these top 10 superstitions to abide by – all of which will, supposedly, help you to avoid bad luck in 2015.

No sweeping

We’ll start with one that many will only be too happy to follow. The idea is not to sweep or dust on New Year’s Day, because you could ‘sweep your good luck away’ – so let the dust accumulate, along with your luck.

No laundry

That’s right, let that laundry basket fill up for a bit longer. The universal rule seems to be that laundry shouldn’t be done on January 1, but some traditions go further and say that it shouldn’t be done during the entire period between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Myth has it that washing your clothing on these days can actually lead to ‘washing a loved one away’.

Wear new clothing on New Year’s Eve

Not only because you want to look your best on this special evening, but apparently also to ensure that the next year will bring no shortage of garments, and you’ll continue to look and feel your best.

Say no to chicken

It seems chicken should be left off the menu on New Year’s Day because if it is eaten then, like the birds in question, diners are fated to scratch in the dirt all year for their dinner – in other words, they’ll be bringing poverty upon themselves.

Don’t cry

Besides it being a shame at a time of celebration, it’s just not a good idea to start your new year crying or feeling sad – it’s said that this sets the tone for the rest of the year.

Eat healthy, eat hearty

To promote physical wellbeing in 2015, make sure you start the year off properly with a healthy and plentiful meal.

A lemon and some noise

It’s a noisy night for good reason: fireworks, bells, whistles and unabashedly loud clamour are said to ward off evil spirits and thoughts. And hanging lemons in doorways is another old-fashioned tradition designed to keep that good energy flowing.

Be debt-free

One superstition has it that you should pay off any outstanding debts before January 1 rolls around, to bring better financial luck in 2015. Conversely, don’t pay back loans or lend money on New Year’s Day. To do so guarantees you’ll be paying out all year.

Avoid crying cats

If you hear cats mewling, run in the opposite direction to avoid that bad omen. And even if you’re not superstitious, running away is probably a natural response to that awful sound….

Open the doors

Open your doors and windows to let the new year come in and send the old one out! New Year’s Day is about fresh beginnings, so let that fresh air and energy breeze in.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/house-home/no-laundry-and-no-crying-ten-strange-new-year-superstitions-11363952249028

What Foods Are Considered Unlucky To Eat New Year’s Eve?

There are foods many traditions avoid eating New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. It is a tradition in the African American community to eat Black Eyes peas. Cooked greens, including cabbage, collards, kale, and chard, are consumed at New Year’s in different countries for a simple reason — their green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune. Cooked greens, including cabbage, collards, kale, and chard, are consumed at New Year’s in different countries for a simple reason — their green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune.

While these all symbolize prosperity, there are equally as many foods that don’t.

• Lobster, for instance, is a bad idea because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks.
• Chicken is also discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past.
• Another theory warns against eating any winged fowl because good luck could fly away.

Now that you know what to eat, there’s one more superstition—that is, guideline—to keep in mind. In Germany, it’s customary to leave a little bit of each food on your plate past midnight to guarantee a stocked pantry in the New Year. Likewise in the Philippines, it’s important to have food on the table at midnight. The conclusion? Eat as much lucky food as you can, just don’t get too greedy—or the first place you’ll be going in the new year is the gym.