Today's Thoughts: To Stay or To Go

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. John 17:15

Jesus prayed that we not be taken out of the world but that the Father would keep us from the evil one. There are times when some of us want to be taken out of this world as soon as possible just to be in heaven with Jesus. When you love someone, you want to be with them, and as Christians, our hearts yearn to be closer to Jesus. Other times, life here on earth is so hard and such a struggle that we want to be taken out just to get out of here. Admit it; we all have felt this way at times. But these feelings are no surprise to the Lord.
Jesus' prayer to keep us in the world was truly based on love. He has provided everything we need for life and godliness, despite our circumstances. He has given us creation to see His handiwork and understand His unlimited abilities. He has given us His Word that sanctifies us and sets us apart for Him. And He has given us His own testimony as Jesus, Son of God, who walked on this earth and lived in this world. He prayed that the Father would not take us out of this world but to keep us from the evil one. Jesus prayed that we be made one with Him while remaining on earth. At times, it seems impossible to walk against the pattern of this world. We can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands what we are going through. Our only hope is to depend on Him, which is exactly what He wants in the first place.
Where are you today? Do you secretly desire at times to be taken to heaven? Only you know the reasons why you feel this way but know today that Jesus has a plan for you being right here, right now. He loves you and has a plan for your life. Ask the Lord to give you strength in times of trouble, peace in times of struggle and hope when the world seems to be hopeless. Only in Jesus can we stay in this world and experience heaven on earth.

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Stop simply surviving and start thriving.

Don't let difficult circumstances stop you from making the most of each day you're alive.  Realize that even when times are tough, you can do much more than just endure your current situation.  You can actually enjoy life to the fullest - even in the middle of the worst circumstances - when you remember that life if a gift from God and decide to embrace it.  Ask God to help you notice His presence with you in every situation, and rejoice when you sense Him nearby.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind each day so you can have the positive attitudes you need to thrive no matter what is going on in your life.

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Attract others to faith as they watch you

Other people are watching you as you deal with difficult situations.  If you respond by being faithful to Jesus, they'll be drawn to Him themselves because you'll show them what real faith in action looks like, and that's attractive.  So rather than complaining about your struggles or compromising your values as you try to deal with them, invite Jesus to shine His light through your life, and reflect His character qualities so other people can see how a relationship with Him can help them when they face their own struggles.

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Learn and grow from your struggles

God allows you to experience challenging circumstances so you can learn to love and trust Him in deeper ways, and so you can grow more mature, developing a strong character to become more like Jesus.  Keep in mind that God is more interested in your lasting holiness than your temporary happiness, because holiness will help you learn to choose what's best for you.  Ask God to help you see your struggles from His perspective.  Let your struggles teach you whatever God wants you to learn from them.  As you deal with the difficulties in your life, stay focused on what matters most - eternal values - so you can grow into a stronger person in the process.

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Shrimp Lemon Pepper Linguini

Prep Time:
15 Min

Cook Time:
25 Min

Ready In:
40 Min

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package linguine pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• salt to taste
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add linguine, and cook for 9 to 13 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and saute garlic about 1 minute. Mix in chicken broth, wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer until liquid is reduced by about 1/2.
3. Mix shrimp, butter, parsley, and basil into the saucepan. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, until shrimp is opaque. Stir in the cooked linguine, and continue cooking 2 minutes, until well coated.

Nutritional Information 

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 481 | Total Fat: 18.3g | Cholesterol: 203mg

Serves 4

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The Goal: Two Weeks to a Slimmer, Trimmer You!

1. Log Your Calories
Set your daily calorie budget with the BMI calculator first, then track, track, track.
Goal: 1 Log in/day

2. Veg Out
The USDA's new nutritional guidelines recommend filling half your plate at every meal with vegetables and fruits, and the other half with whole grains and protein.
Goal: 1 "Plate" of fruits and veggies/day

3. Sleep In
Did you know that a lack of sleep can stimulate your appetite and bring on sugar cravings? Combat cravings, and strive for at least seven hours of sleep. Talk about lazy days of summer!
Goal: 7 Hours/day

4. Play Outside
Use those extra hours of daylight! Get on your bike, take a stroll, throw a Frisbee – it doesn't matter what you do, just get out there and get moving!
Goal: 420 minutes/week (or just 60 minutes/day!)

5. Turn Off the Tube
Curb your recreational screen time (TV, video games, online shopping) to one hour a day. You can do it!
Goal: Limit: 1 Hour/day

If you would like more information about this challenge go to http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/i-heart-summer-slim-down.aspx?xid=nl_MyCalorieCounterNewsletter_20110727

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FOR THE LADIES IN A HURRY TO GET MARRIED, here's a quick piece of Biblical advice: Ruth patiently waited for her mate, Boaz. While waiting on YOUR Boaz, don't settle for ANY of his relatives: Brokeaz, Poaz, Lyinaz, Cheatinaz, Dumbaz, Cheapaz, Lockedupaz , Goodfornothinaz, Lazyaz, or Marriedaz, and especially his third cousin Beatinyoaz . Please wait on your Boaz & make sure he respects Yo-az!

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