September 3

Malachi 3:6 - NLT
I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.

God was such a big help when Gwen began her diet, but He didn't seem to care much anymore. Lately, Gwen's diet had become almost intolerable. She began to wonder if God knew what she was going through. She had prayed daily when she started her diet, and it had gotten so easy that she really didn't need to pray all the time. Then, it started getting harder. Why did God let that happen? Poor Gwen never realized that God hadn't changed, but she had. She included God all the time at first, then she left Him out more and more. God will help us just as much as we allow Him to. Often we are our own, and God's, worst enemy when we take our lives out of God's hands and put them into our own.

Today's Thought:  God and I are dieting together!

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Today's Tip:  Allergy Times

Pollen counts are often highest during the late morning and early evening. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, try to stay indoors in air conditioning during these times. For more information on allergies, see your physician.

- M. Ellman

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Deviled Eggs

4 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and halved lengthwise
1 tbsp finely chopped chutney
2 tsp reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp salt

Remove the yolks from the egg halves; set the whites aside. In a medium bowl, mash the egg yolks with a fork; mix in the chutney, mayonnaise, mustard, cayenne and salt. Spoon (or use pastry bag) the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.  Sprinkle with paprika, if desired.

August 17

Psalm 121:4-5 - NLT
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.  The Lord himself watches over you!  The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

The Hebrew people had great confidence in God. They believed His promises to them, and they lived their lives accordingly. No matter how difficult their situation got, the children of Israel held onto their faith. Through that faith, they were able to do amazing things. The God of Abraham and Isaac is also the God of Jesus Christ. If we will put our faith in Him, He will enable us to do amazing things. He will allow us to lose the weight we need to lose, and He will comfort us when our diets get particularly tough. Trust in the Lord. He is watching over you.

Today's Thought: I'd better watch what I eat as closely as God watches me!

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Today's Tip:  Health and Diet

It’s barbecue time! Skip the commercial brand marinades for summertime grilling. Sugar is often the primary ingredient. Instead, experiment with lime or lemon juice, red wine vinegar, low sodium soy or Worcestershire sauce, spicy mustard, herbs, or low-fat Italian dressing. Be creative in your healthy cooking and discover the chef within!

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Egg Salad

8 eggs
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 red onion, minced
salt and pepper to taste

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.

In a large bowl, combine the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, dill, paprika, onion and salt and pepper. Mash well with a fork or wooden spoon.

Serve on bread as a sandwich or over crisp lettuce as a salad.

July 2

Luke 21:19  - NLT
By standing firm, you will win your souls.

Arlene asked the Lord for just a little more patience. She looked at the clock. She had eaten lunch just three hours before, and now her stomach was telling her to eat again. She knew she really couldn't need food again so soon. She concentrated all her attention on the project she was working on and repeated again and again that she wasn't hungry. Before she knew it, she was finishing the project, her hunger had died down, and it was almost five o'clock. Quickly, Arlene thanked God for helping her hang on awhile. It wasn't nearly as hard to get by with God giving her strength and support.

Today's thought: Decide to control your stomach instead of letting it control you!

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Today's Tip:  Yogurt used to be thought of as health food. Now it lines the grocery shelves in a variety of forms. It's portable, convenient, full of nutrients like calcium and protein, and it makes an excellent snack or mini-meal. Low-fat yogurt is filling and nutritious, but keep in mind that it can be loaded with sugar. So read labels to make the best choice.

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Artichoke Quiche

1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/4 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 cups (8 ounces)  light or Fat free shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (14 ounces) water-packed artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped

In a skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, oregano, pepper and hot pepper sauce. Stir in cheese, artichokes and onion mixture. Pour into a greased 9-in. pie plate. Bake at 350° for 22-26 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Yield: 6 servings.