Simple Bruschetta

Great recipes from Chef Mark Anthony:
One of the most practical ways to make bruschetta is to broil the bread with a light coating of olive oil and no other toppings.  Any bread will work, but is most often done with a french baguette. You can also grill the bread in a pan if you like. The reason you want to do a grilling with oil and no toppings, is that water and oil don’t mix, so when you do a quick searing of the oil on the bread, it will resist moisture and the juices from the toppings won’t penetrate into the bread.
The last thing you want is soggy bread that is falling apart. I would recommend also keeping a well drained topping, we don’t want to squeeze every flavor out of the tomatoes and toppings, but we do want to keep it on the drier side.   
Toppings can consist of virtually anything, don’t let your mind be limited to traditions and tomatoes. Try vegetables of every kind, just make sure that they are a softened vegetable and not a crunchy type.   You can also do a great number of fruits, but make sure not to over cook them into a watery state that will make the bread soggy.  
Adding some vegan cheese to the top and browning is a nice compliment to many bruschetta.
Flavors can run in many directions; salty and savory are great, but try some tart and sweet, even an element of bitter can really round out an amazing flavor. 
Simple Bruschetta Topping
Ingredients:
4  Roma Tomatoes, diced
1/4 red onion,thinly diced
1 clove garlic, finely minced
Splash olive oil
Pinch Salt 
Pinch Red Pepper, 
Pinch Basil 
Pinch Oregano 
Avocado Mango Bruschetta
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp olive oil 
1 avocado, ripe but firm 
(peeled pitted, and diced)
1 cup fresh mango, diced
1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 Tbsp lime juice
salt & pepper to taste 
Mushroom Bruschetta
Ingredients: 
3 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 lb. mixed mushrooms, chopped & sauteed
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 Tbsp thyme
Salt & pepper.

Apple Crisp

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, so why not get your daily apple dosage through this delicious apple crisp? This sweet treat is secretly healthful!

Makes 9 servings

Ingredients

4 green apples, peeled and cored 
3 tablespoons lemon juice 
1 tablespoon sugar ( Use 1/4 teaspoon Stevia powder or 7 drops Liquid )
1 teaspoon cinnamon 
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats 
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts 
1/3 cup maple syrup 
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Slice apples thinly and spread in a 9″×9″ baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon.

Combine oats, walnuts, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Stir to mix, then spread evenly over apples.

Bake 45 minutes or until topping looks crunchy and apples are tender.

These results are based on the Tablespoon of Sugar in the recipe. The sugar will be lower if you use Stevia like I do.

Per Serving: 182 calories; 7.3 g fat; 0.8 g saturated fat; 36.2% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 3.8 g protein; 27.6 g carbohydrates; 14.9 g sugar; 2.9 g fiber; 70 mg sodium; 33 mg calcium; 1.1 mg iron; 3.7 mg vitamin C; 11 mcg Beta Carotene; 0.2 mg vitamin E

Source: Healthy Eating for Life for Children by Amy Lanou, Ph.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

Ratatouille

This dish is perfect for the end of summer and beginning of fall months when all of the vegetables you need are in season and can be found at your local farmers market!

Makes 10 1-cup servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
2 onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large eggplant, diced
1 bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 medium zucchini, sliced
2 pounds tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped, or 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Heat the water in a large pot and add onions and garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until onions are soft, about 5 minutes.

Stir in eggplant, tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cover and simmer, stirring frequently, until eggplant is just tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.

Stir in bell pepper and zucchini. Cover and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

Per Serving: 47 calories; 0.3 g fat; 0.1 g saturated fat; 5.3% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 1.5 g protein; 11.4 g carbohydrates; 5.2 g sugar; 2.8 g fiber; 124 mg sodium; 21 mg calcium; 0.7 mg iron; 19.5 mg vitamin C; 293 mcg Beta Carotene; 0.5 mg vitamin E

Source: Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Diabetes by Patricia Bertron, R.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

Mixed Greens and Spicy Roasted Tempeh with Maple-Sage Dijon Dressing

Protein-rich tempeh is a great addition to this light summery salad. Drizzle it with Maple-Sage Dijon Dressing for a taste bud tantalizing meal!

Serves 2

Ingredients

8 ounces tempeh, cut into bite-size squares
Pinch of ground allspice
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Pinch of ground cumin
1 small head red leaf lettuce, chopped
1 1/2 cups kale leaves, chopped
1 cup baby arugula
2 tomatoes, sliced
4 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup Maple-Sage Dijon Dressing

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Place the tempeh cubes in a baking dish and spritz them with water. Add the allspice, cayenne, and cumin and toss to coat. Cover the baking dish, place in the oven, and roast for 7 to 10 minutes.

Combine the lettuce, kale, arugula, tomatoes, and green onions in a salad bowl and toss with the dressing. Add the tempeh and toss to coat.

Per Serving: 319 calories; 6 g fat; 16% calories from fat; 30 g protein; 51 g carbohydrates; 37 g sugar; 18 g fiber; 63 mg sodium

Source: Power Foods for the Brain by Neal Barnard, M.D.; Recipe by Jason Wyrick.

Real Cornbread

Recipe is from the Book: The Simple Art of Eating Well Page 190


Makes: 8 servings
Active time: 10 minutes Total time 30 minutes

To Make Ahead: This cornbread can be made up to 3 hours in advance. Reheat, wrapped in foil, in a warm oven.

This traditional cornbread is made without flour, isn’t sweet and has a crumbly texture. You can change the adaptable recipe to suit your cornbread preference.

If you’re looking for a more muffinlike texture, substitute flour for half the cornmeal.

3 Tablespoons Canola Oil
2 cups yellow or white cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 and 1/2 cups soy milk
1 egg *

* I use Energ Egg Replacer and the cornmeal turns out just as good as if you use a real egg.

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Place oil in a 9-inch glass baking dish and transfer to the preheating oven.

2. Mix cornmeal, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Add Egg Replacer and soy milk; stir until just combined. Remove the dish from the oven and swirl the oil to coat the bottom and a little way up the sides. Very carefully pour the excess hot oil into the cornmeal mixture; stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the hot pan. ( I recommend a quick spray with olive oil spray around the edges to prevent sticking ).

3. Bake until the bread is firm in the middle and lightly golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Per serving: 186 calories
7 g fat ( 1 g sat, 4 g mono )
29 mg cholesterol ( not if you use Egg Replacer )
26 g carbohydrate
0 g added sugars
5 g protein
2 g fiber
254 mg sodium
165 mg potassium

The above numbers vary depending on whether you use sea salt and egg replacer like I recommend.


Lessons to Learn

Sermon preached by Pastor Robert Taylor on Sabbath, 27 July 2013 at Santa Barbara Seventh-day Adventist Christian Church.

There are many challenges in the world today. There were many challenges in the world during Jesus time on earth 2,000 years ago.

John 4:6-10

Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.

10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

Jews saw themselves as special. Racism existed. The Samaritan woman came to draw water from Jacob’s well. She was a reject. There was a strange man sitting at the well. That strange man was Jesus.

Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for some water. The woman recognized that Jesus was a Jew. Jews did not talk to women-especially a Samaritan woman. Let’s look at the rest of the scripture now to learn the lesson Jesus taught all mankind.

John 4:11-42

The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”

17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.”

Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”

19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”

21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.”

26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

The Whitened Harvest

27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why are You talking with her?”

28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him.

31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”

32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”

33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

The Savior of the World

39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His own word.

42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

Jesus projected kindness and a gracious spirit to the Samaritan woman. Jesus does not allow Theology to be a barrier to people He loves. What would happen if Christians would quit fighting and just let Jesus explain everything when He comes?

The Samaritan woman replied to Jesus: “I know the Messiah is coming”. Then Jesus proclaimed: “I am the Messiah”.The Theological debate today is that Jesus didn’t teach about His being the Messiah in the temple at Jerusalem. Jesus chose Jacob’s well and a conversation with a Samaritan woman to teach mankind many lessons.

In the book Desire of Ages, page 189, Ellen White reflects that Jesus spoke of no condemnation. Jesus knew that the woman had five husbands in the past and was not currently married. “Jesus had convinced her that He read the secre
ts of her life; yet she felt that He was her friend, pitying and loving her. While the very purity of His presence condemned her sin, He had spoken no word of denunciation, but had told her of His grace, that could renew [190] the soul.”

The Samaritan woman because an instant evangelist after she realized who Jesus was. Read Desire of Ages page 190 to The woman was a practical witness. She explained to her community that Jesus had told her of her past. Many Samaritans were converted to Christianity because of the Samaritan woman at the well.

“The water of life, the spiritual life which Christ gives to every thirsty soul, had begun to spring up in her heart. The Spirit of the Lord was working with her.”

“The plain statement made by Christ to this woman could not have been made to the self-righteous Jews. Christ was far more reserved when He spoke to them. That which had been withheld from the Jews, and which the disciples were afterward enjoined to keep secret, was revealed to her. Jesus saw that she would make use of her knowledge in bringing others to share His grace.” Desire of Ages page 190

2 Corinthians 5:14-20

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Have you accepted Christ’ quench thirsting water in your life? Will you share Christ with thirsty people? Who is the Samaritan woman in your life? Who has Christ put into your life to share and witness to about Jesus and His Love?

Want a Real Happy Meal That Gives You Energy?

Nutrition Is the Key to Health

Why is a fast food meal of a hamburger, french fries and a sugar soda known as a Happy Meal?

Are the tens of millions of people that eat fast foods really happy?

The latest reports are that over 70 percent of North Americans are either overweight or obese.

I saw a man eating fast food in his economy car  today. His stomach was so large that it barely fit in the front seat when the man sat down in the driver’s side of the car! The steering wheel was touching his shirt.

I was overweight myself from 1994 until 1999. I ate what is known as the SAD diet ( Standard American Diet ). A typical day for me was having a pot of caffeinated coffee in the morning with sugary donuts or cereal that was sweetened by the manufacturer.

For lunch I would eat either bologna sandwiches or go to a fast food restaurant and have fried chicken, hamburgers or tacos. I drank sugar sodas and always ate desserts that may be part of employee picnics or events.

My supper was often spaghetti and meatballs or ordering a pizza. My body was not getting any nutrition so even though I was eating a large amount of food everyday, I was not getting the nourishment I needed for good health. I would get sleepy in the afternoon and not understand why I could be hungry only 90 minutes after eating a big lunch. The hunger signs were being sent by my body that the nutrients it needed for health were lacking.

What happened and how did I make a major change in what I ate and what I started doing to properly feed myself?

Sometimes a bad event can actually kick start a human in a better direction or path. In 1999, I met a group of people that were hiking up some small mountains in Southern New Hampshire. I had quit smoking the year before and realized I had gained about 70 pounds from years of eating a poor diet. I started hiking everyday and began to gradually modify what I put in my mouth.

In 2002, I had to attend some physical therapy sessions a couple of times a week after injuring my lower back from working at Alaska Airlines in Seattle, Washington. I was in my middle 40’s and realized that I had better take better care of myself. I have been using many of the exercises I learned from those therapy sessions ever since and am proud to say that I have some firm and tone muscles even though I am even older now. The 70 pounds of excess weight went away rapidly in 2000 and I have been eating a vegetarian diet since. I am almost a vegan. Giving up wild Alaska seafood was very hard for me so I still enjoy some cod, halibut or salmon about once a month.

In 2010, I was introduced to a powerful organic greens product that is grown in volcanic soil. The product gives the body dense nutrients and I have felt the extra energy ever since I started using Caldera Greens. The organic Alfalfa, Barley, Oat and Wheat grasses are grown in Utah on a caldera that is rich in fulvic acid, enzymes, and minerals. The company that markets the product also included some sea vegetation and spirulina to make the greens a very powerful super food.

How to Be Energetic with a Real Happy Meal

There are several ways people use the Caldera Greens. I have made tropical fruit smoothies every morning since 2010. I make enough for a large smoothie in the morning for breakfast and one for my lunch. The nutrition is so powerful that you can even replace your meals with the smoothies. I then have a sensible supper that includes some steamed fresh organic vegetables and some whole grains.

If you are ready for a change and want to give your body some powerful nutrition, you can take the money you spend on Happy Meals at a fast food restaurant and redirect that cash to purchase a 250 gram container of Caldera Greens. Just think about this math. If you spend $5 a day on eating lunch at a fast food restaurant and multiply that by 20 work days in a month, you come up with $100. One canister of our Organic Greens shipped to your door is only $51. So you could actually replace the money spent out on fast foods, sugary sodas and coffee and easily have enough to provide your body with some powerful nutrients. Read some of the testimonials that people have shared with me.

Testimonials

Diane in Ontario, Canada shared that she can now get out and walk for a longer time with her dog since she started using the Caldera Greens. She had been injured in a car wreck and had suffered some pain. Diane is enjoying being more active and working in her garden.

Judy in Wisconsin remarked that are digestive system is working much better. A close friend remarked about her complexion being so clear. Judy is very happy with the healthy glow her skin has now!

Luz in Washington works with her hands as a hair dresser. She was having sharp pain to the point where doing her job was difficult. She is able to move her hands without having the pain symptoms and noticed an improvement right away after taking the Greens.

Chuck in Montana remarked that he is able to stay alert all day. Before he got tired in the early afternoon.

Ella Mae in British Columbia, Canada shared that she noticed her day has much more energy, focuses better on her work and being level all day long without needing any caffeine. Ella recommends Caldera Greens to everyone that wants more energy and needs to be able to focus better on mental tasks.

Elizabeth in Ontario, Canada shared that she is now walking without her cane and feels much better on the 2nd day she has used Caldera Greens. She said that it was not easy to get up but now she can get up and be more active now.

Daniel in USA has plenty of energy to get through the day now. He is up at 05:00 every morning and lives an active lifestyle that includes daily physical activity like cycling, golf, hiking, walking, weight-bearing exercises, and yoga. Before using Caldera Greens, Daniel would get sleepy about an hour after lunch. His day is full and he can work well into the evening on websites and blog articles. Watch my video below as I share how passionate I am about the Greens.

If you would like to order the Greens, please visit my webpage below. Call me if you have any questions!

Tell Me More About Caldera Greens

Be aware that I am not a licensed medical provider and my FDA disclaimer is found on the bottom of all my websites pages. I have had excellent results with fitness & wellness and promote products & services that I believe in. By taking effective action and using common sense, I am prescription free and living an abundant life of wellness.

Your Partner in Success!

Daniel Parsons

Black Bean Fiesta Salad

This salad is great on top of any type of lettuce, served with chips, or eaten straight out of the bowl!

Makes 2 servings 
Ingredients
2 cups cooked or canned low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups cooked corn kernels
1/4 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, minced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Sea salt and pepper to taste 
Dash of cayenne pepper, or to taste (optional)
Directions
To make the salad, place all the ingredients in a large bowl and stir gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Per Serving: 394 calories; 2 g fat; 5% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 21 g protein; 80 g carbohydrates; 13 g sugar; 21 g fiber; 158 mg sodium
Source: Power Foods for the Brain by Neal Barnard, M.D.; Recipe by Christine Waltermyer.

Red Potato Salad

This mayo-less potato salad is a great addition to summer barbecues and picnics.

Makes about six 1-cup servings 

Ingredients

4 large red potatoes, scrubbed 
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 
1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced 
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley 
1/4 cup cider vinegar 
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar 
juice of 1 lemon 
2 garlic cloves, pressed 
2 teaspoons stone-ground mustard 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and steam over boiling water until just tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water, then transfer to a large bowl. Add onion, bell pepper, and parsley.

Combine vinegars, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour over salad. Toss to mix.

Per Serving (1 cup): 124 calories; 0.3 g fat; 0.1 g saturated fat; 2.2% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 2.7 g protein; 28.8 g carbohydrates; 4.8 g sugar; 4 g fiber; 307 mg sodium; 40 mg calcium; 2.6 mg Iron; 59.3 mg vitamin C; 458 mcg beta carotine; 0.4 mg vitamin E

Source: Healthy Eating for Life to Prevent and Treat Cancer by Vesanto Melina, M.S., R.D.; recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.

Wellness Update for 6 August 2013

hippocrates

Whole Wellness Club

I do hope you are enjoying your summer vacations, time with friends and family and the warm weather. As summer quickly goes by, I have great news for you!

Whole Wellness Club is passionate about being the best wellness company on the planet. Three new products are going to be added into our back office over the next couple of months. Here is this week’s short update video:

1. Comfrey product is an anti-inflammatory product that comes from an herb.

2. Stabilized Allicin is nature’s anti-biotic. There are many health benefits associated with using Allicin including boosting the Immune System, reducing number and severity of any viral outbreaks like colds and flus, and lowering blood pressure. Mosquitoes do not bite people that have allicin in their blood stream.

3. Aloe Vera product will be the third new product we will have available to members. The formulator of our product cured his brain cancer using the specific formulation he has made. You will have the best and highest quality as a member of the Club.

Remember that Customers earn 20 percent commissions when they share Whole Wellness Club products with other people.

There is a 30 minute weekly webinar that I have on Monday evenings at 7 pm Eastern time. I share how I am finding new customers and people interested in a home based business. You can access my conference room without having to download any software to your computer. You will need to make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player on your computer. Just click the link to my webinar below and enter your real full name so we can get to know you. You do not need to enter a password:

Monday Webinar

You can also get Dr Chappell’s Wellness Guide for no charge by asking for it below. We hate spam more than you do and will never sell or violate your privacy!

Full Name:
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We Are All Americans

FINALLY – – Someone in the teaching profession had the courage to set the standards so badly needed NOW.

Here is a recent speech given by the new high school principal to the student body in Colorado. Mr. Prager set the standards for the school.
We watched high school principal Dennis Prager of Colorado , along with Sarah Palin and Tom Brokaw on TV a couple of weeks ago….what a dynamic, down to earth speaker. Even though Palin and Brokaw were also guest speakers they did little but nod and agree with him. This is the guy that should be running for President in 2016!
A Speech Every American High School Principal Should Give.
By Dennis Prager
To the students and faculty of our high school:
I am your new principal, and honored to be so. There is no greater calling than to teach young people.
I would like to apprise you of some important changes coming to our school. I am making these changes because I am convinced that most of the ideas that have dominated public education in America have worked against you, against your teachers and against our country.
First , this school will no longer honor race or ethnicity. I could not care less if your racial makeup is black, brown, red, yellow or white. I could not care less if your origins are African, Latin American, Asian or European, or if your ancestors arrived here on the Mayflower or on slave ships. The only identity I care about, the only one this school will recognize, is your individual identity — your character, your scholarship, your humanity. And the only national identity this school will care about is American.
This is an American public school, and American public schools were created to make better Americans. If you wish to affirm an ethnic, racial or religious identity through school, you will have to go elsewhere. We will end all ethnicity, race and non-American nationality-based celebrations. They undermine the motto of America , one of its three central values — e pluribus Unum, “from many, one.” And this school will be guided by America ‘s values. This includes all after-school clubs. I will not authorize clubs that divide students based on any identities. This includes race, language, religion, sexual orientation or whatever else may become in vogue in a society divided by political correctness.
Your clubs will be based on interests and passions, not blood, ethnic, racial or other physically defined ties. Those clubs just cultivate narcissism — an unhealthy preoccupation with the self — while the purpose of education is to get you to think beyond yourself. So we will have clubs that transport you to the wonders and glories of art, music, astronomy, languages you do not already speak, carpentry and more. If the only extracurricular activities you can imagine being interested in are those based on ethnic, racial or sexual identity, that means that little outside of yourself really interests you.
Second , I am uninterested in whether English is your native language. My only interest in terms of language is that you leave this school speaking and writing English as fluently as possible. The English language has united America ‘s citizens for over 200 years, and it will unite us at this school. It is one of the indispensable reasons this country of immigrants has always come to be one country. And if you leave this school without excellent English language skills, I would be remiss in my duty to ensure that you will be prepared to successfully compete in the American job market. We will learn other languages here — it is deplorable that most Americans only speak English — but if you want classes taught in your native language rather than in English, this is not your school.
Third , because I regard learning as a sacred endeavor , everything in this school will reflect learning’s elevated status. This means, among other things, that you and your teachers will dress accordingly. Many people in our society dress more formally for Hollywood events than for church or school. These people have their priorities backward. Therefore, there will be a formal dress code at this school.
Fourth , no obscene language will be tolerated anywhere on this school’s property — whether in class, in the hallways or at athletic events. If you can’t speak without using the f -word, you can’t speak. By obscene language I mean the words banned by the Federal Communications Commission, plus epithets such as “Nigger,” even when used by one black student to address another black, or “bitch,” even when addressed by a girl to a girlfriend. It is my intent that by the time you leave this school, you will be among the few your age to instinctively distinguish between the elevated and the degraded, the holy and the obscene.
Fifth , we will end all self-esteem programs. In this school, self-esteem will be attained in only one way — the way people attained it until decided otherwise a generation ago — by earning it. One immediate consequence is that there will be one valedictorian, not eight.
Sixth , and last, I am reorienting the school toward academics and away from politics and propaganda. No more time will be devoted to scaring you about smoking and caffeine, or terrifying you about sexual harassment or global warming. No more semesters will be devoted to condom wearing and teaching you to regard sexual relations as only or primarily a health issue.
There will be no more attempts to convince you that you are a victim because you are not white, or not male, or not heterosexual or not Christian. We will have failed if any one of you graduates this school and does not consider him or herself inordinately fortunate — to be alive and to be an American.
Now, please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our country. As many of you do not know the words, your teachers will hand them out to you.

Rainbow Salad

Update your everyday salad by topping it with fruit, nuts, and veggies for power packed combination! You can mix this basic recipe up and substitute vegetables and fruits that are in season.

Eating colorful fruits and vegetables is one key to great health. When we give our bodies nutrient rich foods, we will feel more energy!

Serves 2 as a main dish or 4 as a side dish 

Ingredients

1 head red leaf lettuce, shredded
1 large orange, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 cup seedless grapes
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground white or black pepper

Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a large salad bowl and toss.

Per Serving: 249 calories; 3 g fat; 10% calories from fat; 10 g protein; 60 g carbohydrates; 39 g sugar; 17 g fiber; 29 mg sodium

Source: Power Foods for the Brain by Neal Barnard, M.D.; Recipe by Jason Wyrick.

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

These seasoned sweet potatoes are the perfect nutritious side dish to any meal.

Makes 4 servings 

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into wedges 
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 
1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt 
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 
1/8 teaspoon black pepper 
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 F.

Combine sweet potatoes, cinnamon, salt, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder in a plastic bag. Seal and shake. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet (do not overlap) coated with vegetable oil spray. Bake for 20 minutes or until very tender, flipping potatoes once during cooking.

Per Serving (1/4 of recipe): 53 calories; 0.1 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 2.1% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 1.2 g protein; 12.1 g carbohydrates; 4.8 g sugar; 2 g fiber; 106 mg sodium; 24 mg calcium; 0.5 mg Iron; 11.3 mg vitamin C; 6561 mcg beta carotine; 0.4 mg vitamin E

Source: Brie Turner-McGrievy, M.S., R.D.

I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb

This post contains notes from Pastor Robert Taylor’s sermon given on 6 July 2013 at Santa Barbara Seventh-day Adventist Christian Church.

Have you had time to reflect this week about what it means to be an American? America is so much more than picnics, parades, and fireworks!

In your Bible, look up Revelation 13:11.

The Beast from the Earth

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.”

We as Seventh-day Adventists realize this verse in Revelation is where our nation is.

Our founding fathers include great men like Patrick Henry, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. These men wrote moving messages and were great leaders of our nation after winning Independence from Great Britain. Here is some of the rational thoughts these leaders wrote.

Patrick Henry declared that our nation was founded not upon religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

George Washington wrote in his farewell address that religion and morality are the basis of our nation.

Thomas Jefferson wrote: Believing with you that religion is solely between man and His God. Legislators should never write a law declaring a religion.

John Adams wrote: “Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people.”

The year was 1775. There were men and boys ready to defend Massachusetts. They began calling themselves Patriots. They made a bold declaration. They fought for the right of freedom.

One third of the population were ready for change. There were 56 men that signed the Declaration of Independence. How do you and I value the freedom that we have?

What about the choice of being a believer in Jesus Christ? Do you remember the day when you publicly declared you wanted Jesus to be your Lord and Savior? You made a bold statement that day. Knowing Jesus and proclaiming Him as Lord of your life is a bold commitment.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
 
Jesus comes first in your life when you are born again! If you are living as a committed follower of Christ, you made a bold statement!

Joshua 24:14-15

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! 15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

We are in a war. The devil is going to do everything he can to cut us off and pull us down. The devil knows our weak spots. Turn back to your Bible and remember that Christ says: “I will be with you always.” You do not have to be in this war alone.

Rewards are great. Victory is assured. Victory is available to all even in our greatest loss.

Many will say that they Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb but they have not let go to Jesus. Jesus asks us to Abide In His Word.

John 8:36

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

One day we will reap what we have sown.

Revelation 7:9-17

A Multitude from the Great Tribulation

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever.
Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”

14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.”

So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

The reward is beyond our imagination. Why would we want anything else?

I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb of God!

Oyster Mushroom Frittata

This frittata uses tofu to create a smooth and creamy protein packed base!

Ingredients

12 ounces extra-firm tofu
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 small red potatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch spinach, chopped
6 green onions, sliced
Nonstick cooking spray 
1 cup chopped oyster mushrooms

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

Place the tofu into a blender and add the turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Blend until smooth.

Cook the potatoes in a sauté pan over medium heat with a very thin layer of water until they are only slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, spinach, and green onions and cook until the spinach has wilted, about 3 minutes.

Add the mixture to the blended tofu and divide the mixture between a pair of ramekins or an ovenproof skillet. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

While the frittata is in the oven, toss the mushrooms with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Coat a sauté pan with cooking spray (or use a nonstick pan) and heat over high heat; add the mushrooms and sear them until they turn brown and slightly crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Once the frittata comes out of the oven, top it with the oyster mushrooms and serve.

Per Serving: 173 calories; 5 g fat; 28% calories from fat; 12 g protein; 22 g carbohydrates; 3 g sugar; 4 g fiber; 167 mg sodium

Source: Power Foods for the Brain by Neal D. Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Jason Wyrick.
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