Cake Decorating Ideas: Fourth of July

I hope you all like these great 4th of July cake ideas. They can be difficult, but are worth it when your friends and family gather to celebrate and admire your work! Have a happy holiday!

Flag Colored Layers Cake

Double Layer Star Cake

Star with Flag Cake

Star Cake

Uncle Sam Cake

Daily Thought: The Act of Charity

1 Corinthians Chapter 13 verses 1 through 8

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not ^acharity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of ^aprophecy, and understand all ^bmysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the ^apoor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 ^aCharity ^bsuffereth long, and is ^ckind; charity ^denvieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself ^aunseemly, seeketh not her ^bown, is not easily ^cprovoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in ^ainiquity, but rejoiceth in the ^btruth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never ^afaileth

It is difficult to be kind at times when we are rushing though this world of activities.

People get in our way we feel as we are just trying to do our best. We would be better, we say, if it weren't for so and so, or such and such. Brothers and sisters may we be more patient with each other and really exhibit charity to those around us. May we spread feelings of love and good cheer as we are kind to one another. May we exemplify the example of Jesus Christ as we choose to love more quickly and more strongly than we choose to hate.

Great Recipe: Inside Out Bacon Cheeseburgers

Hey Everyone! I wanted to share a recipe for all you burger lovers out there. This one is great and relatively easy to put together. I recommend using kaiser rolls or grilled sour dough bread with the burger and your favorite bbq sauce. Enjoy!

Inside Out Bacon Cheeseburgers

Home Decorating Ideas: WOW...Kids Rooms

Wow, I'm not sure if this is what parents are in for when it comes to decorating, but these are certainly amazing, and very expensive, ideas. Personally I would have a fit if my little one played in this room for a couple days then expected everything changed because they were bored. Even if we wouldn't do this type of overblown decorating though, it's sure fun to look at!

Great Recipe: Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Ok everyone, if you have ever been to Red Lobster and loved their cheddar bay biscuits, I've finally found a recipe that's about as close as you can get to the real thing! These are awesome, but best warm of course, and go great with soup or casserole. Really any rainy day warm fuzzy meal. Some of the ingredients seemed strange at first, and I substituted honey mustard for dijon mustard, but when they were done I absolutely loved them, and so did my family. Enjoy!

Cheddar Bay Biscuits

Great Recipe: Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak

Hey Everyone! This recipe looks fabulous, especially if you're a steak lover. It would also go really well with a side of roasted fresh veggies or red potatoes roasted with olive oil, sea salt, and rosemary. Although steak isn't in a lot of everyday budgets, it's a nice splurge once in a while, like on 4th of July for instance ;)

Hope you enjoy!

Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak

Health and Fitness: Living the Word of Wisdom

I hope you all had a happy father's day! Here is a thought to uplift and inspire. I've been thinking about the topic of health, and the following scripture chain and thought came from my pondering and study.

It begins with the word of wisdom from the Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:

THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 89

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 27, 1833. HC 1: 327–329. As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.

1–9, Use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks proscribed; 10–17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18–21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.

1 A ^aWord OF Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—

2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the ^aword of wisdom, showing forth the order and ^bwill of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—

3 Given for a principle with ^apromise, adapted to the capacity of the ^bweak and the weakest of all ^csaints, who are or can be called saints.

4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of ^aevils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of ^bconspiring men in the last days, I have ^cwarned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—

5 That inasmuch as any man ^adrinketh ^bwine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.

6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, ^apure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.

7 And, again, ^astrong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.

8 And again, tobacco is not for the ^abody, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.

9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.

10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome ^aherbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—

11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with ^aprudence and ^bthanksgiving.

12 Yea, ^aflesh also of ^bbeasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used ^csparingly;

13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be ^aused, only in times of winter, or of cold, or ^bfamine.

14 All ^agrain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;

15 And ^athese hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.

16 All grain is good for the ^afood of man; as also the ^bfruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—

17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.

(Doctrine and Covenants section 89)

This is wonderful to read, because it outlines many principles of bodily health that were not known in the day that this revelation was recorded. This includes avoiding completely the use of tobacco, strong drinks (coffee and tea as well as alcohol), and addictive substances. This revelation describes a healthy diet as including good herbs, whole grains, as well as fruits and vegetables in their season. Also, that meat in excess is not healthy.

Along with guidelines to healthy living, this revelation continues, and includes blessings that are promised to those who are obedient to the tenents of living as outlined here by the Lord. The scripture reads:

18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

(Doctrine and Covenants section 89)

These blessings are amazing. By being healthy and living in the way outlined in this revelation we can find both physical and intellectual treasures of strength and wisdom.

I would like to now focus on the last verse which reads:

21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

(Doctrine and Covenants section 89)

The plagues that haunt our society often attack various parts of our physical system, but the major causes of death are listed as the following:

For high-income countries the top ten causes of death are:

1. Heart disease
2. Stroke
3. Lung cancer
4. Lower respiratory infections
5. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
6. Colon and rectum cancers
7. Alzheimer's disease
8. Type 2 diabetes
9. Breast cancer
10. Stomach cancer

For low- and middle-income countries the top ten causes of death are:

1. Heart disease
2. Stroke
3. Lower respiratory infections
4. HIV/AIDS
5. Fetus/ newborn (perinatal) conditions
6. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
7. Diarrhea
8. Tuberculosis
9. Malaria
10. Road traffic accidents

Click Here for source and more information

The top two causes of death for low, middle, and high income countries are heart disease and stroke, and are both directly associated with the circulatory system and the flow of blood through our bodies. Both a stroke and heart disease are described in the following quote:

Stroke Overview

Stroke is brain damage caused by a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. The signs of a stroke may include weakness, numbness, blurred vision, confusion, and slurred speech. Getting to a hospital quickly is vital for a good outcome with a stroke.

Source

Heart Disease Overview

Heart disease includes conditions affecting the heart, such as coronary heart disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Keys to prevention include quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising.

4 Factors That Increase Odds of Heart Failure
Smoking, high blood pressure, excess weight, and diabetes are major risk factors for increasing the size of the heart's left ventricle, a new study shows.

Source

Both stroke and heart disease are worsened with diets high in fat and low in fiber, as well as lifestyles void of exercise. They are diseases of the circulatory or blood system that are caused by impurities (directly associated with unhealthy lifestyle practices as well as genetic factors) in our blood stream that can build up into the form of plaque or clots. If a clot in our body breaks loose it can create a blockage in our arteries which prevents blood flow. When this happens in our heart, it is called a heart attack. When this happens in our brain, it is called a stroke. There are other forms of stroke, but often this is the most common description of this disease.

We can summarize heart disease and stroke as being related to impurities in our blood that are the result of unhealthy eating habits and lack of appropriate exercise. The word of wisdom

suggests that we make both a part of our lifestyles while staying away from addictive and destructive substances such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or using other recreational drugs or stimulants. When we read the story that the Lord relates in the last verse of the doctrine and covenants we receive greater understanding about the statement he makes concerning the importance of this revelation on living in a healthy manner.

5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:...

7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the house...

12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.

13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

(Exodus 12 selected verses 5, 7, 12-13)

The lamb whose blood was to be used to avoid the plague had to be without blemish, and the Hebrews were told to eat that lamb and put the blood from that pure sacrifice on the beams around the doors to their homes. That would protect them from the destroying angel that would kill all the first born in Egypt. In our day plagues still occur and as we can see from the most common causes of death, having a healthy diet which cleanses our blood from impurities that lead to deadly disease is one way we can prevent ourselves from becoming a victim of such a common threat.

The food pyramid (right) is a great visual reference for what a balanced diet looks like.

Now, looking again at the most common causes of death, there are others that are somewhat preventable when following the word of wisdom as well as keeping the ten commandments. COPD is a disease of the lungs which is directly correlated with smoking as is lung cancer. Colon and rectal cancer has been correlated to low fiber, high protein/fat (meaning meat) intake. HIV has been linked to promiscuity as well as abuse of illegal substances. Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity, which is also directly linked to unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Diarrhea and Tuberculosis are also highly preventable with regular balanced diet, and living in a sanitary environment.

Of course I must mention that I am in no way a physician, and you should always consult your doctor with questions about nutrition and your health. Also, you can live a healthy lifestyle while exercising regularly AND STILL become ill with these diseases, and it doesn't make you a bad person. What I am saying is that prevention is always better than recouperation if yours is a case where you might not have had to endure the suffering or lose your life earlier than necessary by following principles of healthy living.

Now here is a final scripture which can also help us improve our lifestyle and be healthier and happier people.

124 Cease to be ^aidle; cease to be ^bunclean; cease to ^cfind fault one with another; cease to ^dsleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be ^einvigorated.

125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of ^acharity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and ^bpeace.

126 ^aPray always, that ye may not faint, until I ^bcome. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen.

(Doctrine and Covenants section 88 verses 124-126)

I hope you all have enjoyed the insights I have tried to highlight in this article. Overall I want the message to be one of hope. We do have some control over our future because we can dictate often the state of our health. Where we can't, we still must do our best. May we all live a little better, eat a little healthier, exercise more regularly, and enjoy all the blessings and benefits that come from those good habits.

Home Decorating Ideas: Beautiful Bathrooms

It is really difficult to find great home decorating ideas on the web unless you know where to look, especially if you don't want to pay a fee. Here are a few sample ideas, and a link you can follow for more awesome ideas. Eventually it will try to solicit your info, but you can see a lot before it does. Go ahead and mix and match ideas that you like that fit your style to transform your living space! And of course, you can cater different ideas you love to your budget. Enjoy!

More Home Decorating Ideas

Great Recipe: Fresh Fruit Dip

This fruit dip is awesome but I recommend adding pineapple or orange juice to get it the consistency you prefer. Pair it with your favorite fruit and cookies for a great treat!

Fresh Fruit Dip