Soup For Sunset Suppers......

Ajiaco Santafereño

(326 cal. per serving, 26% from fat)

Ingredients:

6       cups fat-skimmed chicken broth

1       russet potato (1/2 lb.), peeled and thinly sliced

3       red thin-skinned potatoes (2 in. wide), scrubbed and cut in half

12     to 16 Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 in. wide; 1 1/4 lb. total), scrubbed

2       tablespoons chopped fresh jalapeño chilies

1       cup packed fresh cilantro

1/2    cup cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen (1 package, 10oz.)

         About 1 1/2 pounds boned, skinned chicken breasts, cut crosswise into 1-inch strips

1       firm-ripe avocado (1/2 to 3/4 lb.)

1       tablespoon lemon juice

6       tablespoons (a 3-oz. jar) drained large capers

6       tablespoons whipping cream

2       hard-cooked large eggs, diced

         Salt

Preparation and Cook Time: About 45 minutes

Notes: If small Yukon Gold potatoes aren't available, cut large ones into 1 1/2-inch chunks. Big capers (about 1/4 in. wide) or caper berries with stems look dramatic in this soup, but 4 to 6 tablespoons of smaller capers will do.

Serves: 6 to 8

1. In a 6- to 8-quart pan, combine broth and sliced, halved, and whole potatoes. Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the potato slices are very soft (they should fall apart when pressed) and the other potatoes are very tender when pierced, about 25 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, puree chilies, cilantro, and vinegar to make salsa. Set aside.

3. Add corn and chicken to soup, cover and simmer very gently until meat is no longer pink in center (cut to test), about 5 minutes.

4. Peel, pit, and dice avocado and mix with lemon juice.

5. Put avocado, capers, cream and eggs in separate bowls.

6. Ladle soup into wide bowls and add equal portions of avocado, capers, cream, and eggs. Add salt and salsa to taste.

Per serving: 326 cal., 26% (86 cal.) from fat; 31g protein; 9.6g fat (3.4g sat.); 29g carbo; 432mg sodium; 115mg chol.  

Hi everyone.....

I miss u all blogger.... i was not in blog for the past days cause  i was so crazy and enjoy playing my farmville in facebook. I need to plant my farm and harvest the crops to earn much money cause i want to buy a new house. I'm so excited also to finish building my horse stable and nursery barn... And at last it all done, by opening the facebook of my children just to gift myself the remaining materials that i need. But in my nursery barn i decided to buy one of the material and it cost only $1 using my farmville cash. So now, my horses have a nice place to stay and also my baby animals.

                                 

                                                   Maria Fe''s Dream Farm       

SELF-AWARENESS..........

Sex... ♥ ♥ ♥ "If it feels good do it, right? Besides, we're in love."



It's on billboards an TV, in magazines and movies. Advertisers use it to sell us their goods. It's in the music we listen to, and floods the internet. Sex is suggested by styles of dress. It's been used to destroy the innocence of children and has made a mess of way too many lives.

Sex is definitely here to stay. Easy to get, anytime with whomever, no commitment, and no responsibility. But sex has come a long way from the original design God intended. That's right - believe it or not, sex was designed by God. He created men and women different physically for the purpose of sexual intimacy. Although one purpose for the sexual relationship is for bringing children into the world, God also planned for sex to be pleasurable.


Everything that God created has purpose. But it also has order. God's design for sex, then, must be enjoyed within the boundaries of marriage, love, and a lifetime of commitment. Beyond this, sex results in confusion, conflict and chaos.


Outside of marriage, sex does not build up self-worth, but rather destroys it. Those who use it as currency to "buy" things they want emotionally or physically end up bankrupt. Couples who choose not to wait until marriage bring the weight of guilt, loss of respect and mistrust into their relationship.


Sex that is practiced outside of God's plan has long term consequences, like the heartache of unwanted pregnancies, abortion, rape and other forms of sexual abuse. Then there is the long list of tragic sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS.


God's design for sex is something quite the opposite and a whole lot better! Those who wait until marriage not only avoid the dangers of premarital sex, they are also setting themselves up for a lifetime of discovery, satisfaction, and fulfillment within love. And that's something worth waiting for!


Want to know the TRUTH?


Is using sex to get what i want all that bad?

Yes.  

• First of all, sex is not a "strategic move" like in a game. It is so much more. God created sex for a husband and wife. It is a powerful part of their commitment, love and intimacy.

• Secondly, sex is way too powerful to "use" to get what you want. Outside of marriage it can easily "backfire" on you, resulting in emotional letdown, guilt, an unwanted pregnancy or many possible diseases. For best result - save it for what it was made for!

IT'S YOUR CHOICE;

• There's a lot of confusion about sex. But God's plan is clear. He made sex for a husband and wife. This physical union is part of the commitment these two people share. God's desire is for you to be pure in every area of your lfe, including your sexuality.
• If you make the choice to wait to have sex until you are married, you will find that God is in the business of keeping you pure and helping you out when you are tempted. He offers strength and places in your heart the desire to do what's right.
• If you have already had sex outside of marriage, God is in the business of second chances. He offers forgiveness and a fresh start.
• If you have ever been forced to have sex, God is in the business of restoring what has been stolen from you. He offers healing and freedom from the pain of the past.
• Here's a way to help you with your commitment of purity. Fill it out and keep it as a constant reminder of your promise to God.
• "Believing that the God who created me loves me and wants what is the absolute best for my life, II commit to God amd my future marriage partner to maintain sexual purity from this day forward."

Signed:__________                                                                    Date:____________

FUTURE HOPE........

"What? Are you kidding?"☺☺☺"What do I have to look forward to?"



HOPE. Having a hard time feeling hopeful about the future? With all the violence, craziness, and uncertainty in the world today, that's understandable. If we have been placed on this earth and left to work it all out on our own we would be in for some serious trouble!
But we're not here on our own. That's why Jesus came. He came to offer us hope, both in this world and the world to come. Jesus promised, the "place" he talks about there is heaven, which is being with God after you die here in earth. Your life in heaven with him will last forever - free from tears and anything that causes fear or pain. Now that's something to look forward to!

That's great, but what about right now? What about tomorrow?

Jesus said that only people who don't know God worry about their future. On the other hand, he promised that for those who get to know him, God himself would see to it that all their needs are met! When you put your hope in him, God promises to live with you today on earth one day in heaven as well. All you need to do to get this kind of hope is to put your trust in him. You take the first step - God will do the rest.

A Decision to Make;

There is a longing inside each of us. It is a longing that no one or nothing in this world can fill. It is a need that God created inside your heart from the very beginning. Only God can show you love lke you've never been shown. God can make you whole, and it begins with a relationship with Jesus. God sent Jesus as our Savior. "Savior" might be a new word for you. A savior is someone who rescues you.
We all need rescuing from the wrong and immoral things we do, which is sin. We all fall short of the standard of holiness set by God. We can try to achieve it by being good, but that is like reaching for the unreachable. It's impossible. We cannot save ourselves. The good news is that God is not waiting around for you to clean yourself up; that is something he will help you with.
God sent Jesus to earth to save us. Jesus took the judgement and punishment we deserve when he died on the cross. Even while we were sinners, Jesus died for us. That's how much he love us. And, came back to life in three days, proving he has all authority, even over death. He was sent by God, and he is with us now, even though we do not see him.
Jesus' part was to take the punishment on the cross. Your part s to believe and act on what Jesus did by admitting your sin, going to him for forgiveness, and asking him to be your Savior, your rescuer. If you are saying "yes" to these things, then tell Jesus. Just turn your mind and hearts to him and talk. If you need help in what to say, you can pray along as yoou read this:


"Jesus, I believe you were sent by God to take the punishment. I deserved and to be my Savior. Please forgive me and free me from my sin. Come into my life and fulfill the longing in my heart that i have had for so long. Guide me to understand and follow your ways. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. I love you, Jesus. In your name i pray. Amen."

Salad For the Day.......

Potsticker and Roasted Pepper Salad

(238 cal. per serving, 13% from fat)

Ingredients:

1        pound frozen potstickers (vegetable filling)
1        jar (7 1/4 oz.) peeled roasted red or yellow peppers, drained
  1/4  cup prepared hoisin sauce
2       tablespoons lemon juice
1       teaspoon Asian (toasted) sesame oil
1       teaspoon sugar
1      teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1      clove garlic, minced
8      cups (about 9 oz.) tender salad mix, rinsed, drained, and crisped


Preparation and Cook Time: About 30 minutes
Serves: 4
1. In a 10- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan, arrange frozen potstickers n a single layer and add 2/3 cup water. Cover and bringto a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until liquid cooks away and potstickers begin to brown, 12 to 17 minutes. (Or cook as package directs.)
2. Cut the roasted red peppers into thin strips.
3. In a large bowl, mix hoisin sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, and garlic.
4. Add salad leaves to bowl and mix with dressing.
5. Spoon salad onto plates and top with equal portions of red peppers and hot potstickers.

Per main-dish serving: 321 cal. 27% (86 cal.) from fat; 12g protein; 9.5g fat (1.1g sat.); 53g carbo (14g fiber) 178mg sodium; 0 mg chol.  

INJUSTICE.......

Image via Wikipedia

"Who cares about what I'm going through?"   "It's not fair!"

Lots of things in life are not fair. Maybe your parents' marriage has fallen apart. Or one of them is living away from the family in order to earn more money. Maybe you've lost a parent through death. Is there alcoholism or some other addiction in your home? Has someone you love been victimized by the corruption and greed to others?
Circumstances like these leave you feeling like there's no way out and no one to understand your hurts and confusion. But the fact is, God cares. He sent Jesus to show you his love and he sent his Holy Spirit to be your wise counselor, your constant companion, and your source of comfort.
Because of the presence of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was able to reassure his followers that no matter what happened he would always be with them and see them through any difficulty - clear up to the end! He makes the same promise to you.

1. REAL LIFE; 
Jesus pointed out that we have an enemy who s out to "rob, kill, and destroy" every hope we have of a future. Jesus called him a "thief" and referred to us as "sheep." But then Jesus declared himself to be the "Good Shepherd" who would do anything to protect his lambs, even if it meant his life. Here's what else he promised: "I came so that everyone would have life, and have it to the fullest."

2. STRESS and DEPRESSION;
What stresses you out?

• Studies
• Negative thoughts and feelings
• Broken relationships
• Problems at home
• Changing schools
• Chronic illness
• Lack of money
• Traumatic memories

Just one of the above is enough to cause stress, but you may find that you're having to deal with more than one of them at a time. When this happens stress can turn into depression. Sometimes the progression is so gradual we don't even realize it. What are some signs of depressions?

• Sadness that won't go away
• Irritability over even small things
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Lack of enthusiasm or motivation
• Anger, rage, anxiety
• Sudden decline in grades
• Thoughts of death or suicide

What should you do about it?

You are not alone. Feelings of depression are far too common. Reach out and talk to friends, parents, or teachers whom you trust. Avoid hanging out with those who use drugs and alcohol to cope with difficult situations. Above all, do not do anything that can cause permanent damage or death. Remember - "suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem."

If your friend is talking about thoughts of suicide you are not betraying them if you tell a responsible adult. Even if you promised not to tell, your friend needs your help, and you would rather have them temporarily angry at you than gone forever.

3. FATIGUE;

Maybe you think you have too much living to do, so you're adding hours to your day by cutting out on sleep. But does it really work? Here's what a habit of short nights will get you (less than 6 hours):

• Difficulty waking up n the morning
• Inability to concentrate and impaired memory
• Falling asleep in class
• Moodiness, irritability, depression, or anxiety

Establishing a consistent sleep routine in one of the best ways to improve your mental, physical, and emotional health.

You probably already know what caffeine (a stimulant) can do to keep you from getting the rest you need, but what about the effects of nicotine and alcohol? Both of these substances prevent you from being able to fall into a deep sleep, the kind of sleep that fuels and repairs your body for the next day.

Home Sweet Home.....

New Monitor i buy. 

Someone advice me try AOC monitor for best quality and more energy savings. And it's true and proven until i received my monthly electric bill. Really amazing!!! I saved 25% from my bill.       

OMG! Not Feeling We'll......

Image by twid via Flickr

Hello folks, yesterday don't have time to open my blog cause yes, i'm not feeling well. Everyday in my life, as a mother of 3 kids i'm always busy. Wake up early in the morning at about 5 am to cook food for breakfast of my 2 high school teens cause i don't want them to go to school without food in their stomach and also food for their lunch. After my kids left to school i went back to sleep while my youngest kid were still sleeping. Then at 11:30 am, i'll bring my daughter in school for her class afternoon schedule. While going back to home, i saw my friend fetching her son, same school of my daughter, she told me to come with her in their house. You know why? OMG! She was drunk. They were starting drinking Red Horse at about 6 am in the morning with her friends. We'll, to make it short, i go with her and i found out that she was telling me the truth. One of her friend eventually just sharing his blessings to others. Guess what? They offer me to drink and there's no reason to refuse, i grab it! by the way it's totally free..... and oh my, What a kind of Red Horse is that? i got drunk so easily, a little bit tipsy only cause  i'll gonna fetch my daughter in school at 5:30 pm then.           

Menu For the Day.....

Duck Breast with Escarole and Toast

(427 cal. per serving, 14% from fat)

Ingredients:

2      boned Pekin duck breasts (about 2 lb. total)

2      tablespoons salt

1      tablespoon sugar

2      heads escarole (about 1 1/2 lb. total)

8      diagonally cut French bread slices (each about 1/2 in. thick); 10oz. total)

1      tablespoon oil

 1/4  cup chicken broth

        About 4 teaspoons prepared wasabi (green horseradish)

        About 1/4 cup pickled ginger

Preparation and Cook Time: About 45 minutes

Notes: The breast of Pekin Duck, a bird typically sold whole (and used in the Chinese dish Peking duck), is available by special order at poultry and meat markets and some supermarkets; order one or two days ahead. Boned Pekin breast cost about $12 a pound. Another knd, Muscovy duck, is more readily found but stronger-tasting and more expensive. Treated with a salt-sugar cure, both kinds of duck breasts become more succulent, and the Muscovy gets milder in flavor. If using boned Muscovy breasts (which are usually packed as individual halves), you need 4 halves, 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total.

Serves:4 

1. Pull skin from duck, cutting where needed to release. Discard skin or reserve for another use. Cut breasts into halves.

2. Mix salt and sugar and rub all over the duck breasts. Put meat in a bowl and let stand 15 to 20 minute; discard liquid that forms. Rinse duck well and pat dry.

3. Rinse and drain escarole. Trim out and discard core; coarsely chop leaves.

4. Meanwhile, lay bread in a single layer in a 10- to 15-inch pan. Bake in a 300° oven until pale gold and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Keep warm.

5. Put 2 teaspoons oil n a 10- to 12-inch oven proof frying pan over high heat. When hot, add breasts and brown on each side, about 6 minutes total. Put duck in 300° oven. Bake until just pink in the center (cut to test) and a thermometer inserted in center of thickest part reads 130° to 140°, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and keep warm. Let stand at least 10 minutes for juices to settle.

6. When breasts have rested at least 5 minutes, put 1 teaspoon oil and the chicken broth in a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat. Add escarole and stir until barely wilted, about 2 minutes.

7. Using a slotted spoon, transfer escarole to warmed dinner plates.

8. Slice duck breasts across the grain and lay equal portions on escarole. Accompany with toast, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Per serving: 427 cal., 14% (60 cal.) from fat; 42g protein; 6.7g fat (1g sat.); 48g carbo (5.1g fiber); 898mg sodium; 179mg chol.

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• imabonehead: Duck Breasts in Caramel Wine Sauce and Grilled Summer Fruits or the Quintessence of French Cooking (frombatoparis.blogspot.com)

What does curing do?

Meat, fish, or poultry rubbed with salt or immersed n a brine of water and salt, changes physically because of natural chemical processes. Although salt firms the meat by drawing out liquid, curiously, it also helps keep the flesh juicy when it's cooked. But salt alone can make the meat hard. For smoother texture, you need sugar in the mix. It keeps the membranes tender and flexible, and balances the saltiness if the mixture is well proportioned (typically 2 parts salt to 1 part sugar, or equal amounts of each).

You also need sugar f you want seasonings to penetrate the meat. Salt can't transport flavors through protein membranes, but sugar can because it dissolves more completely and allows the flavors to seep in.

Smoking contributes a mellow flavor to cured foods; curing n turn masks acrid components of the smoke.

Health & Addiction......

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"My friends smoke...how can i be part of the group?" "Why didn't he tell me before?" "What is going to happen now?"



Drugs. Pornography. Alcohol. Cigarettes.


At first they seem like the cool thing to do. So you try some, and then some more. And before you know it, what begun for fun has become a "have to have" that seems impossible to shake. It's out of control and you're hooked.
If that describes you (or someone close to you), you don't have an addiction - it has you. The good news is that God never declares any situation hopeless. "There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything."
He can give you friends to talk to, along with teachers, family members, and counselors to help you break your addiction. But he can and wants to do even more than that. He offers to become your source of strength.
Jesus has the power to enable you to break free from the chains of addiction, just like he set free those who were held captive by demons. It starts by establishing a relationship with him. 


want to know the TRUTH?
How can  separate the facts from fiction about HIV/AIDS?
There are a lot of myths and rumors about this deadly disease, but here are some facts:

• You cannot get HIV/AIDS by drinking from the glass of someone who is infected.
• Hugging someone who is HIV+ does not give the disease.
• You cannot cure HIV/AIDS by having sex with a person who is not infected.

But ...

• You can get HIV/AIDS from having sex with someone who is infected. And without medical tests, you would not know if that person has it or not.
• You can get HIV/AIDS if you were born of an infected parent/parents.
• You can get HIV/AIDS from a blood transfusion if the donor of the blood is infected with the disease.
• You can get HIV/AIDS if you share a needle to inject drugs with someone who is infected. 

What if all this scares you? First, you can greatly reduce your risk by not having sex before you are married, even sex that is supposed to be "protected." Second, if you or someone you know has been infected, Jesus is a friend you can count on who offers you hope. When you put your life in his care you find out that no situatiion is ever too difficult for him. 

Prayer For You ☺☺☺

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Please read with sincere Faith.  This is an awesome prayer.
Believe it and you shall be blessed.The problem with many of us is that we don't believe that God will open a window and pour out blessings that we won't have enough room to receive them. I dare anyone to try God. He is true to His Word. God cannot lie and His promises are sure. 

Three things will happen to you this coming week:

(1) You will find favor with someone you don't expect;  

(2) You will be too relevant to be ignored;

(3) You will encounter God and you will never remain the same.

My prayer for you today:

The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hands that will send this message to others shall not labor in vain, the mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall laugh forever. Remain in God's love as you send this prayer to everybody on your list. Have a lovely journey of life! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will never fail you because He is AWESOME! If you truly need a blessing, continue reading this email: 

Heavenly Father, most Gracious, and Loving God, I pray to you that you abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in You. Father, I send up a  prayer request for blessings for not only the person who sent this to me, but for me and all that I will forward this message on to. And that the power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in You is more powerful than anything. I thank You in advance for Your blessings. 

Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from debt and debt's burdens. Release Your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me Father, for I know how wonderful and mighty You are and how if we just obey You and walk in Your Word and have the fa i th of a  mustard seed that You will pour out blessings. I thank You now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come because I know You are not done with me yet.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Take 60 seconds and send this on quickly and within hours, you will have caused a multitude of people to pray to God for each other. Then sit back and watch the  power of God work in your life for doing the thing that you know He loves . 

Remain Blessed!

Snacks for the day......

Image via WikipediaWhat a yummy burger snacks i have......I always been eat this especially at night after work before going home, me and my youngest daughter always dropped by at Mc Donalds just to eat our favorite snacks at midnight with matching Coke Float, oh! my gosh!!!!! so yummy forever and ever..........

Safe Beef Burger

(338 cal., 29% from fat)

Here's how:

Juicy burgers without worry

Pan-brown or barbecue these beef or turkey burgers; both methods produce delicious results. To barbecue, place patties on a lightly greased grill over hot coals or high heat on a gas barbecue (you can hold your hand at grill level only 2 to 3 seconds); close lid on gas grill. They cook in about the same amount of time as in a frying pan. Embellish burgers as desired, adding to taste Dijon mustard, Mayonnaise (low-fat, if desired), Del Monte Catsup, pickles, lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.

    

Ingredients:

1       pound ground lean (7% fat) beef

2       large egg whites

 1/2  cup minced onion

 1/4  cup fine dried bread crumbs

1       clove garlic, minced

          About 1/2 teaspoon salt

          About 1/4 teaspoon pepper

4        hamburger buns, split and toasted

Preparation and Cook time: About 15 minutes

Serves: 4

1. Mix beef with egg whites, onion, bread crumbs, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Form mixture into 4 equal patties about 1/2 inch thick.

2. Place an 11- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. 

3. When pan is hot, add beef patties and brown on each side, cooking until a thermometer inserted in center of thickest part reads 160° and there is no pink in the center (cut to test), 8 to 10 minutes total.

4. With a slotted spatula, transfer beef patties to buns. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Per serving: 338 cal., 29% (99 cl.) from fat; 30g protein; 11g fat (4g sat.); 29g carbo. (1.4g fiber); 687mg sodium; 65mg chol.

Safe Turkey Burgers

Ingredients:

1      pound ground lean turkey breast

2      large egg whites

 1/2  cup minced green onions

 1/4  cup fine dried bread crumbs

1      tablespoon minced fresh sage leaves or 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage

        About 1/2 teaspoon salt

        About 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

4      Kaiser rolls, split and toasted

        About 1/2 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce

Preparation and Cook time: About 15 minutes

Serves: 4

1. Mix turkey with egg whites, onions, bread crumbs, sage, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Form into equal patties about 1/2 inch thick.

2. Place an 11 to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat.

3. When pan is hot, add patties and brown on each side, cooking until a thermometer inserted in a center of thickest part reads 160° and there is no pink in the center (cut to test), 8 to 10 minutes total.

4. With a slotted spatula, transfer turkey patties to rolls. Add cranberry sauce; season to taste with salt and pepper.

Per serving: 388 cal., 8.2% (32 cal.) from fat; 36g protein; 3.6g fat (0.7g sat.); 50g carbo (2.1g fiber); 760mg sodium; 70mg chol.

      

Erika's Gift

A very nice gift Sony PSP6.0 version! Isn't It? My husband buy this gadget in Qatar as his gift to Erika our youngest daughter who was received an award in her school as a top1 of the class. Since this is Erika's wish for, my husband surprised her with this gift. We were very excited and happy when a friend of my husband finally handed it to us at the airport. My kids were very much enjoy playing it that even myself try it and gosh!!! I'm screaming and laughing out loud. What a kind of game i play, wonderful!!! 

One of my favorite song ever.....

My birthday gift....

 Nice gift! I love it! This is my gift N95 during my birthday last April. A very memorable day for me because i received my gift at exactly on my birthday through the kindness of his friend who is home on that day also from Qatar. Thanks to him for being so kind and understanding. My husband bought this thing in Qatar. But this not really my most wanted cellphone that i wanted him to buy for me. I like most N97 and i want to buy it here, to choose a nice color. But he insist to buy there in Qatar because of a good quality and less cheaper.        

Family......

"I just can't get long with my family." ☺☺☺ " I can't wait to leave home."

FAMILY:
The family is the most important social structure of any society. The choice of a lifetime marriage partner is certainly one of the most important decisions a person can make. Every family is unique, with each marriage partner bringing experiences and values from his or her own family. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect marriage, a "marriage made in heaven." There are, however, principles that, if followed, will help each family to be all that God intended it to be.

First, is the foundation of love. Jesus demonstrated this principle by laying down his "rights" when he came to earth to live as a man and died on the cross. f we truly love our spouse and our children, we would be willing to lay down our lives so that they might live in some emergency situation. The true test, however, is if we lay down our rights and demands on others in the everyday situations of life. Love is proven not just by the words we say, but also by our actions.

Second, is the foundation of respect. Family members must show respect for each other, even when there is disagreement on a particular matter. This is where healthy communication plays an important role. If we offend in any way, we need to quickly ask forgiveness.

Third, is the foundation of commitment. No matter what happens, commitment is necessary for a family to survive. There are many voices in contemporary society that tell us if the marriage is not working, just get out. But this is not the solution. God is the solution and help can be found through prayer, studying God's Word, and the wise counsel of those who love God.


Fourth, before you marry, be at peace with your own family as much as is possible. Unresolved conflicts will often be reflected later in the relationship you have with your husband /wife, children, and in-laws. Ask forgiveness of those you have offended, and forgive those who have offended you, no matter how deeply you have been hurt. Freedom comes when we learn to forgive others in the same way that God has forgiven us.


How Does a Family Grow?
Everyday ways to be an awesome member of your family!
1. Get Informed - Ask an adult in your family what they remember most about being a teenager. What was the hardest part for them?
2. Get Dirty - Do a chore around the house without being asked.
3. Get Bold - Admit to something you have done or said to hurt a family member and ask their forgiveness.
4. Get Wisdom - Ask a wise member for advice and listen to their counsel. Maybe they don't live nearby. Send an e-mail or write a letter. They'll be happy to hear from you!
5. Get Connected - Ask a family member about their day. What was the best part? What didn't go so well or was really tough?


Before You Marry☺☺☺♥ ♥ ♥
♦ Be at peace with your own family.
♦ Make loving God the first priority in your life.
♦ Establish clear career goals & the steps you will take to reach those goals.
♦ When you fall in love, use your mind as well as the heart.
♦ Seek guidance and affirmation from your family, friends & spiritual leaders.
♦ Commit to sexual purity until marriage.

Food for the day....

Sweet Corn Risotto

(637 cal. per serving, 6.3% from fat)

Ingredients:

2  ears corn(about 8 in.)
2  cups finely chopped mild onions
1  to 3 teaspoons butter or margarine
1  cup arborio rice or short-grain white rice(such as pearl)
    About 1/4 cup lime juice
4  cups fat-skimmed chicken or vegetable broth
1  to 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion tops or chives
    Finely shaved parmesan cheese
    Salt and fresh-ground pepper

Preparation and Cook time: 35 to 40 minutes
Serves: 2

1. Husk corn, pull off silks and rinse ears. Cut kernels from cobs.
2. In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan, combne 1 cup onions, butter, and 2 tablespoons water. Stir often over medium-high heat until liquid has evaporated and onions are limp, about 5 minutes. Add rice and stir often until t turns opaque, about 3 minutes.
3. Add 2 tablespoons lime juice and 3 cups broth to the rice. Stir often over high heat until liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Add one more cup broth, corn, and the remaining onions. Str often until rice is tender to bite and mixture s creamy, 6 to 7 mnutes more.
4. Spoon risotto into warm wide bowls; sprinkle with green onon and top with parmesan shavings. Season to taste with remaining lme juice, salt, and pepper.

Per serving: 637 cal., 6.3% (40 cal.) from fat; 29g protein; 4.4g fat(1.6g sat.); 123g carbo (8.2g fiber); 203mg sodium; 5.2mg chol.