Easter Edition - Home Advisor "We don't just sell flooring, We sell Trust" - Creating Your Space
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Home Advisor
"We don't just sell flooring, We sell Trust"
Reliable news for healthy living, saving money, and having fun!! April 2021
Easter Edition
1
April 2021
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2* 3
4** 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22*** 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30
* ~ Good Friday
** ~ Easter Sunday
*** ~ Earth Day
2
Dear Friends,
I’m so thankful for Easter and exactly the events that took place…
The Death, Burial & Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He said he would be crucified, buried & raised from the dead in 3
days & history proves He did just that. Jesus said “I am the resurrection
and the life: whoever believes in me, though he were dead,
yet shall he live: and whosever lives and believes in me shall never die.”
John 11:25-26
“It is not for you to know the times or dates the father has set by his own
authority. But you will receive Power when the Holy Spirit comes on you
and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judea
and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8
What an awesome God you are, thank you!!
P.S. Hope you & yours have the best Easter ever – hide & find bunches of eggs.
Happy Easter
Your Friend,
Jimmy Williams
3
Earth Day - ~ Earth Day was inspired by Vietnam war protesters. It was started in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, after he noticed people protesting the Vietnam War, but not putting any pressure on government about the damage being done to the planet via contaminants like oil spills, pesticides, and deadly smog. ~ The Earth Day movement drove the creation of the EPA. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was approved by President Richard Nixon in 1970 as a result of the Earth Day movement. Legislation on clean air, clean water, toxic substances, and endangered species were passed, too. ~The date was chosen to appeal to college students. April 22 was chosen intentionally by Senator Nelson and grad student Denis Hayes (who went on to internationalize Earth Day and start the Earth Day Network, among other foundations). They strategically selected April 22 in order to attract more college students, who were known for being politically active during that era of protest. The date fell between spring break and final exams. ~In an Earth Day celebration in 2011, 28 million trees were planted in Afghanistan by the Earth Day Network. In Panama, 100 endangered species of orchids were planted and maintained to prevent their extinction in honor of Earth Day. April Fool’s Day - ~ Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. In the Julian Calendar, as in the Hindu calendar, the new year began with the spring Equinox around April 1. ~There’s also speculation that April Fools’ Day was tied to the vernal equinox, or first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, when Mother Nature fooled people with changing, unpredictable weather. 4
Don’t visit any flooring dealer until you read our
FREE CONSUMER’S GUIDE! You will learn: ~While all vinyl flooring shares some commonalities
Each application has slight differences that set it apart.
● 4 predatory sales tactics
● 7 costly misconceptions about flooring ~ Sheet Vinyl: Due to its lack of seams, sheet vinyl is
best for areas that need to be sterile, such as operating
● 5 questions to ask the dealer before buying Call theaters. It is also budget friendly.
& Receive your FREE guide today 919-775-3346
~ Flexible LVT: This format is glued to the subfloor,
"It’s not about what it is, requiring a perfectly level subfloor. This makes it great
It's about what it can become."
~ Dr. Seuss
in areas that will withstand heavy rolling loads.
~ WPC (floating): Rigid WPC can be installed over an
imperfect subfloor thanks to t its core structure. It is
typically softer and warmer underfoot than other
rigid core options and can provide sound abatement.
~ SPC (floating): Rigid SPC is denser than WPC and
can be installed over an imperfect subfloor. It offers
superior resistance to dents and scratches. SPC is best
for active households with kids and pets.
~ MgO: Rigid MgO has a mineral core, which may make
it lighter than other rigid core flooring. It is the newest rigid
option on the market.
Time Saver…
Peel garlic in a flash!!!
Separate a head of
garlic and place in a
jar with a lid.
Then shake vigerously
for 15 - 20 seconds.
the cloves of garlic
should practically peel
themselves .
5
Did You
Know…
April starts on
the same day
of the week as
July and ends
on the same
day of the
week as
December in
common
April 2 –
years. During
leap years,
Birthday - Fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen
(1805-1875) was born in Odense, Denmark. He created
April starts on 168 fairy tales for children including the classics
the same day The Princess and the Pea, The Snow Queen and
The Nightingale.
of the week as
January. April 6 –
~ April 6, 1896 - After a break of 1500 years,
the first Olympics of the modern era was held in
Athens, Greece.
~Renaissance artist Raphael (1483-1520) was born in
Urbino, Italy. He created some of the world's greatest
masterpieces including 300 pictures with a Madonna theme.
He died on his 37th birthday in Rome.
April 14 –
~ April 14, 1828 - The first dictionary of American-style
English was published by Noah Webster as the American
Dictionary of the English Language.
6
CUOC & Breadbasket Food Drive
JUST A REMINDER THAT FACTORY
FLOORING & DESIGN IS A DESINATED DROP-
OFF LOCATION FOR ANY DONATIONS. IF
YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL
KRIS @ (919)-774-1040
(Please check Event Coordinators or websites to make
sure events are not postponed due to Covid-19)
April 7 – 11 – North Carolina Azalea Festival
Wilmington, NC
(910) – 794-4650
Website & information: ncazaleafestival.org 1-877-945-6386
April 9 & 10 – 3rd Annual FESTIVAL D’AVION
Carthage, NC
Friday April 9 Concert 5pm -7 pm
Saturday April 10am – 6pm
Website & information: festivaldavion.com (910) – 215-0861
April 9 & 10 - 2021 Biennial Pilgrimage Tour of Historic Homes
Edenton, NC
Saturday & Sunday 10am – 4 pm
Website & Information: edentonpilgrimage.org (252) – 482-2637
April 17 & 18 - 27th Annual Loch Norman Highland Games
Huntersville, NC
Website & information: lochnorman.com (704) – 875- 3193
April 24 – Sanford Farmer’s Market Opens
8am to 11 am
115 Chatham Street
Sanford, NC 27330
(520) 204-4686
7
Kidz Corner ~
EASTER BUNNY CUPS
AND BUNNY BAIT
• White paper cups
• Easter Bunny Ear Template
• Googly eyes
• Mini pink pom poms
• Black wire whiskers
• Cotton Ball
• Hot glue or glue dots
Directions:
Cut out your bunny ears
1. Hot glue the eyes to the cup. Next, put a
small dab of hot glue just below the nose
and arrange the whiskers. Once you have
the whiskers in place put a small dab of glue
on the pink pom pom and put it on top of
the whiskers
2. Glue the bunny ears to the back of the cup
3. Add a fluffy cotton ball tail to the back
4. Fill with the sweet and salty bunny bait
Bunny Bait Recipe
~ 1 bag of popcorn
~ 1 cup white chocolate melts
~ Easter Sprinkles
Directions:
1. Pop the popcorn and empty it into a large mixing bowl.
2. Melt the white chocolate melts according to the
directions on the package.
3. Pour the melted chocolate over the popcorn and gently
stir.
4. Shake your Easter sprinkles over the popcorn.
5. Fill your Easter Bunny Cups with the bunny bait.
8
What Happens to Your Body When You Do Yoga?
By Dr. Mercola
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
• Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that combines postures, breathing techniques and
meditative practices to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being
• The physical health benefits of yoga make it a useful workout for athletes like runners and
swimmers, since it helps improve athletic performance and prevent injuries
• While yoga is generally beneficial to many people, you should consult a professional trainer
before including it in your routine
Yoga may seem like a hip and modern fitness routine, but it's actually an ancient mind and body
practice that was developed in India more than 5,000 years ago. Its positive effects encompass your
physical, mental and emotional health. So whether you're looking to shed a few pounds or you simply
want to alleviate your stress, this meditative activity can surely benefit your health.1
What Is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that combines postures, breathing techniques and meditative
practices to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Numerous studies also
suggest that yoga is good for alleviating several medical conditions. The term "yoga" comes from the
Sanskrit word "yuj," which means to join or unite, indicating this practice's ability to unify the mind,
body and soul.
The earliest written record of yoga appeared in the yoga sutras, which are written by the Indian sage
Patanjali. The yoga sutras contain the fundamental principles, practices and philosophies of yoga,
which are passed down from one generation to the next and are still followed by yoga practitioners
today.2
According to Patanjali, there are eight "limbs" or stages of yoga. The first two, yamas and nyamas, are
centered on ethical disciplines. The third and fourth stages are focused on physical postures
(asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama). The remaining four stages are meditative practices,
which include sense withdrawal (pratyahara), concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and
enlightenment (samadhi).3
9
Because it's generally a low-impact exercise, yoga is typically safe for beginners and even for kids or
seniors. There are also different types of yoga, so finding one that suits your needs and preferences
shouldn't be a problem.4
9 Different Types of Yoga That You Can Try
Yoga instructors didn't just pass down the basic fundamentals of yoga to their students, but they also
created their own approaches and techniques. This led to the development of numerous types of
yoga. Although these types have slight differences from each other, they're still aimed to unify the
mind, body and spirit. Here are some of the most common types of yoga that you can perform:5,6,7
1.Hatha yoga — Considered the most popular type of yoga taught in the U.S., hatha involves basic
breath-controlled exercises and yoga postures that are great for beginners.
2.Ashtanga yoga — Ashtanga is a vigorous form of yoga that involves quick movements, with the aim
of improving strength and endurance.
3.Bikram yoga — Bikram involves 26 patented poses, which are practiced in a room that's heated to
105 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity of 40 percent. It's aimed to help loosen the muscles, cleanse
the body and relieve symptoms of chronic diseases.
4.Vinyasa yoga — Vinyasa is adapted from the traditional ashtanga techniques, which means that it's
also an active form of yoga. The only difference between these two types is that vinyasa involves
varying poses, while ashtanga sticks to a single routine.
5.Kundalini yoga — Kundalini emphasizes fast-paced flow of poses, proper breathing techniques and
meditation to improve balance of the body. This form of yoga is more challenging than others, so it
may not be suitable for beginners.
6.Hot yoga — Similar to bikram, hot yoga is also performed in a heated room. However, the room
temperature and humidity for this yoga style is not defined. The routine may also be composed of
varying poses.8
7.Core power yoga — Also known as power vinyasa, core power yoga is a strenuous routine that's
aimed to stretch, strengthen and tone the muscles while emphasizing mind-body connection.9
8.Prenatal yoga — Prenatal yoga includes a series of postures that are specifically designed to help
pregnant women prepare for labor, delivery and postpartum recovery.
9.Aerial yoga — Aerial yoga makes use of soft, fabric hammocks that are held up by carabineers,
straps and support chains. You need sit on the hammock and use it for support while you perform
aerial adaptations of traditional yoga poses.10
When choosing the type of yoga that you want to take up, make sure that you consider not just your
interests, but your fitness level and health condition too. Talk to a yoga instructor to find out which
style matches your health goals. Don't hesitate to ask about the physical demands and intensity of
the type of yoga that you're interested in.11
10Pilates Versus Yoga: Learn the Difference Between These Two Exercise Routines
Yoga and Pilates are very similar low-intensity workouts that are aimed to improve both the mind and
body. Both activities require mental focus and proper breathing techniques. But despite their
similarities, they still have distinct differences, which include:12,13,14
•Origin — As mentioned above, yoga originated from India more than 5,000 years ago. On the other
hand, Pilates is a relatively new form of workout that was developed by Joseph Pilates toward the
end of World War I to rehabilitate wounded soldiers.
•Principles — Pilates only focuses on the connection of the mind and body, whereas yoga involves
spirituality into its practices.
•Objectives — The practices of Pilates are focused on core strength, whereas yoga is centered on
flexibility and balance.
•Routine — Yoga routines are more flexible, since different postures and sequences can be
performed. On the contrary, Pilates classes are more structured when it comes to routine.
When choosing between Pilates and yoga, consider your health goals and your fitness priorities. If
you're looking for both flexibility of routines and spiritual experience, then yoga may be your best
bet.15
Yoga Provides a Wide Array of Health Benefits
It's no big secret that yoga can improve your overall well-being in a variety of ways. Here are some of
the major physical and mental health benefits that you can get from this workout routine:16
• Increased flexibility
• Better balance
• Improved strength
• Higher stamina
• Better body alignment
• Reduced stress levels
• Improved mood and behavior
• Enhanced mindfulness
The physical health benefits of yoga also make it a useful workout for athletes, like runners and
swimmers, since it helps improve athletic performance and prevent injuries.17 Yoga's potential for
healing has also been the subject of numerous studies over the past years. Research shows that the
right set of yoga poses may indeed help relieve several medical conditions, such as:18,19
11• Chronic low-back pain
• Hypertension
• Mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Asthma
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
6 Easy and Beneficial Yoga Poses That You Can Master
Complicated yoga positions can be really intimidating, especially if you're just new to this workout routine.
Don't let this discourage you, though, since there's actually a lot of yoga poses for beginners. These basic yoga
postures are also great for kids, as they're not too strenuous to reenact. They include:20,21,22,23
1.Mountain pose (tadasana) — The mountain pose is considered the base of almost all poses. It's aimed to
improve your posture and strengthen your core. To do this, stand with your feet together and heels slightly
apart. Rest your arms at the side of your torso and bring your fingers together. Hold this pose for five to 10
seconds.24
2.Tree pose (vrikshasana) — This pose helps improve your balance, clear your mind, and strengthen your leg
and back. You simply have to stand on one leg then bring your other foot up to your ankle, shin or thigh. Once
you find your balance, put your arms in the air and bring your palms together.
3.Warrior II pose (virabhadrasana II) — This basic yoga pose is aimed to strengthen the lower portion of
your body, including your hips, groin and legs. You can do this by standing with your feet wide apart. Turn
your right leg out on a 90-degree angle, and then point the toes of your left foot to the front.
Stretch your arms out to the sides, with palms facing forward, and then slowly bend your right leg while
keeping the other leg straight and firm.
4.Child's pose (balasana) — This is a resting posture that you can perform in between vigorous poses. You
just have to bend your knees and sit on you heels, then slowly lower your head to the floor and stretch your
arms out in front of you.
5.Chair pose (utkatasana) — This is a powerful pose that aims to strengthen the muscles in your arms and
legs. To do this, you have to stand straight with your feet apart, then stretch your arms over your head. Slowly
bend your knees as if you're sitting in a chair. Be sure to keep your back straight and your hands parallel to the
ground.
6.Triangle pose (trikonasana) — The triangle pose helps stretch your hamstrings, thighs, calves and ankles.
Stretch your right foot out to a 90-degree angle, while keeping the left leg close to your torso. After that, extend
your right arm up and slowly stretch it toward your left side. Be sure to keep your waist straight.
Some of the poses mentioned above are used in hatha yoga,25 while others are included in the 26 patented
bikram yoga poses.26 Performing these regularly can help you become more flexible over time. Whichever pose
you decide to take on, make sure that you adjust it according your fitness level to avoid straining yourself.27
Yoga Essentials: Basic Equipment That You Need
12If you're new to yoga, it can be a bit confusing to figure out the basic equipment that you need for your classes.
The good news is that this workout does not really require a lot of accessories, so you don't have to spend too
much money. Here are some of the basic yet essential equipment that you'll need:28
•Yoga mat — Also called sticky mat, a yoga mat keeps you from slipping while doing your routines, since they
provide traction for your hands and feet. They also cushion you from the hard floor, and define your personal
space inside the room.
•Yoga clothes — Wearing comfy and breathable clothes is extremely essential when performing yoga, since
you don't want your clothes to hinder you from properly recreating different positions.
Women usually wear yoga pants and sports bras so they can move freely, while men often wear shorts. Shoes
and socks are no longer needed, since yoga is usually performed barefoot. If you don't have these clothes, then
any form-fitting and stretchy clothing will do. Some of the other equipment that you may need include blankets,
blocks and straps — these are used as props to improve posture, provide extra support or avoid injury.
Take Note of These Precautions Before Adding Yoga Into Your Workout Routine
Keep in mind that everyone's health condition, fitness level and health goals are different. While yoga is
generally beneficial to many people, you should consult a professional trainer before including it into your
routine. While this form of meditative activity is generally considered safe for any age or gender, there are still
situations wherein it may put your safety at risk.
If you have underlying health issues, such as a herniated disc, eye conditions, severe bone disorder,
uncontrolled blood pressure or balance problems, you should consult your doctor before taking up yoga, since
there may be poses or stretches that are not suitable for your condition.
Make sure that you also seek the guidance of a professional trainer if you're planning to do yoga while pregnant,
since there are certain poses that you may need to avoid.29 Remember that the goal of yoga is to improve your
physical, mental and emotional well-being. The last thing that you want is to harm yourself just because you
tried to perform it without ample knowledge or help from a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Yoga
Q: Why is yoga good for you?
A: Yoga is a good workout routine since it not only improves your physical health, but also enhances your
mental, spiritual and emotional state.30
Q: What does yoga do for your body?
A: Yoga provides a variety of physical benefits, such as increased strength and flexibility, better balance and
improved range of motion. It may also help maintain or improve your cognitive and mental health by improving
your memory and concentration, reducing your stress levels, and fighting mental disorders like depression and
anxiety.
Research also shows that yoga may help ease several medical conditions, like arthritis, asthma and heart
diseases, among others.31
Q: How many calories does yoga burn?
13A: It's hard to tell exactly how many calories you can burn by doing yoga, as it depends on a variety of factors,
including the type of yoga that you're practicing, the intensity of your workout, the poses that you're doing and
the duration of your routine.
According to Harvard Health, a person who weighs 155 pounds may burn 149 calories after doing 30 minutes
of hatha yoga.32 Rigorous forms of yoga such as ashtanga may burn many more calories since they keep your
heart rate up.33
Q: Is meditation a part of yoga?
A: Yes, meditation is an integral part of yoga. In fact, the last stages of yoga are all focused on meditative
practices to unify the mind, body and soul. Almost all yoga types and poses emphasize the importance of
meditation.34
• MedicineNet, Yoga
1, 2, 6, 18, 30
• 3 Yoga Journal, Get to Know the Eight Limbs of Yoga
• 4 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Yoga: In Depth
• 5 Mind Body Green, 14 Styles Of Yoga Explained Simply
• 7 Health, Which Type of Yoga Is Best for You?
• 8 Boston Magazine, Hot Yoga vs Bikram Yoga: What’s The Difference?
• 9 Do You Yoga, What Is Core Power Yoga?
• 10 Huffington Post, Why You Should Try Aerial Yoga
• 11 National Health Service, A Guide to Yoga
• 12 Active, Yoga vs. Pilates: Which One Is Right for You?
• 13 WebMD, Is Pilates Better Than Yoga?
• 14 The Guardian, "Yoga Versus Pilates," September 29, 2007
• 15 The Chopra Center, What’s the Difference Between Yoga and Pilates?
• 16 Mayo Clinic, Yoga: Fight Stress and Find Serenity
• 17 Active, Why Every Athlete Should Practice Yoga
• 19 Harvard Health Publishing, Yoga – Benefits Beyond the Mat
• 20 Yoga Journal, Poses for Kids
• 21 New Delhi Television Limited, Yoga for Beginners: 10 Basic Poses (Asanas) to Get You Started
• 22, 27 Health, 12 Yoga Poses For People Who Aren't Flexible
• 23 Self, 10 Beginner-Friendly Yoga Poses Anyone Can Master
• 24 New Delhi Television Limited, How to Do Tadasana (Mountain Pose): Steps and Benefits
• 25 "Hatha Yoga Illustrated" October 20, 2005
• 26 Style Craze, The 26 Bikram Yoga Poses – A Complete Step-By-Step Guide
• 28 VeryWell, Yoga Equipment Guide for Beginners
• 29 Mayo Clinic, Yoga Precautions
• 31 Medical News Today, Yoga: What Is Yoga? How Does It Work?
• 32 Harvard Health Publishing, Calories Burned in 30 Minutes for People of Three Different Weights
• 33 Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies January 2007 Volume 11, Issue 1, Pages 91–95
14• 34 "Chakras For Beginners: Restful Yoga For Stressful Times, How To Balance Chakras," p.144, July 2014
1516
Kooking Korner~
No-Bake Easter Egg Fruit Tart
Ingredients ~
1 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cup oats, dry
3/4 cup Greek yogurt, vanilla
3/4 cup strawberries
3/4 cup blueberries
1 medium banana
3/4 cup grapes, green
Instructions ~
In a microwave safe bowl, add almond butter, honey, vanilla and salt. Microwave
for 20 seconds, then stir until smooth.
Take 1 cup of the oats and place in a blender. Blend until the oats are finely chopped
and resembles flour. Set aside.
Add the other cup of oats to the almond butter mixture and stir. Slowly add in a
little of your homemade oat flour at a time until you get a mixture that you can
form into a crust. Depending on your brand almond butter the amount of flour may
vary.
Take small amounts of the mixture and form Easter egg shaped disks. Place onto
parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Once all the Easter eggs are formed, spread on a layer of greek yogurt.
Top with sliced fruit to make your designs and enjoy!
17Healthy Carrot Cake with
Light Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 2/3 cups Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached
All Purpose Flour
3/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat
Pastry Flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg at room temperature
2 large egg whites at room temperature
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar lightly packed
1/4 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 3 large or 4 small/medium)
1 cup crushed pineapple drained
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
2/3 cup buttermilk at room temperature
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
1/4 cup raisins, golden raisins, or dried cranberries (optional)
For the Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting:
3 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract optional
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly
spray a 10-inch springform pan with
nonstick spray.
In a medium bowl, stir together the all-
purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and
salt. Set aside.
18In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a
large mixing bowl, beat together the egg, egg whites, brown sugar,
canola oil, and vanilla extract on medium speed until well combined.
Add the grated carrots and beat for 1 minute. Add the pineapple and
shredded coconut and beat just until incorporated. With a wooden
spoon, stir in half of the flour mixture, just until the flour almost
disappears. Stir in the buttermilk. Add the remaining flour mixture,
continuing to stir in by hand, just until combined. Gently fold in the
walnuts and raisins.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 40 to 45
minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
(Check at the 30-minute mark—if the edges of the cake are browning
too quickly, tent with foil, then
return to the oven to finish
baking.) Remove the cake from
the oven and let cool completely
in the pan. Run a dull knife,
such as a butter knife, along the
edge of the cake to loosen, then
unmold it. Carefully transfer the
cake to a serving plate.
Meanwhile, prepare the frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat
together the cream cheese,
Greek yogurt, butter, vanilla
extract, almond extract (if
using), and salt at medium
speed for 2 minutes, until fluffy
and well combined. Reduce the
mixer speed to low and
gradually add the powdered
sugar, increasing the speed to medium as you go. Beat for 1 to 2
minutes until well combined. Spread the frosting evenly over top of
cooled cake. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and serve.
19“In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Php 2:3 NKJV
LOVING AND ACCEPTING OTHERS
You can learn to love and accept someone, without necessarily agreeing with their opinions and
endorsing their actions or lifestyle. An important key is learning to see people as individuals. The more
we realize that despite certain differences we’re all human and all created by our Father in His image, the
freer we become to focus on our common needs. When we don’t understand someone else’s motives, views,
personality, it’s easy to assume the worst about them and project irritation and anger. Communication
and trust go a long way toward increasing our patience and understanding towards those who do things
differently from us. You can provide these two things in a relationship by simply asking the right questions.
Too often we’re afraid to ask someone where they’re coming from, or what the problem is. Or when we do
ask, we do it in a way that only increases the fear and hostility the other person is experiencing. If we ask
with kindness, or at least ina respectful and gracious manner, we free the person to open up and we get to
know them better. Keeping a sense of humor can help smooth things out if there’s discord or conflict. Such
a constructive exchange builds trust, which increases the probability for more and better communication
between the two of you. The Bible sets the bar high when it comes to loving and accepting others: Paul says,
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong
or a clanging cymbal” (1 CO 13:1 NLT)
20“All of you will…stumble.” Mt 26:31 NKJV
HAVE YOU STUMBLED?
On the night before His death, Jesus made this statement: “ All of you will be made to stumble because of
Me this night, for it is written: “I will strike the Shepherd, and the…flock will be scattered.’ But after I have
been raised, I will go before you to Galilee” (vv. 31-32 NKJV). Think about it! If the disciples who had been
spent three-and-a-half years walking and talking with Jesus, hearing His messages and seeing His miracles
could stumble, then any of us can. “All of you will…stumble.” But the promise was lost on Peter. “Even if all
are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble” (v.33 NKJV). This was not one of
Peter’s finer moments. “Even if all…” Arrogant. “I will never be made to stumble.” Self-sufficient. Peter’s trues
was in Peter’s strength. Yet Peter’s strength would peter out. Jesus knew it: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan
has asked you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and
when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Lk 22-31-32 NKJV). Satan would attack and test
Peter, but would never claim him. Why? Because Peter was strong? No – because Jesus was. “I have prayed
for you.” And here’s a wonderful truth – Jesus prays for you too: “Father, you have given me your name; now
protect them by the power of your name…I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will
ever believe in me” (Jn 17:11,20 NLT) Will God answer Christ’s prayer on your behalf? What do you think?
Of course He will!
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