June 15, 2010Read: 1 Corinthians 14 "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." --1 Corinthians 14:33

I've never been very good at riddles. My brain just doesn't work like that. Crosswords? Forget 'em. For the life of me, I can't keep from looking up the answers in the back of the book. But puzzles? Well, that's a different story. Loretta and I enjoy a good puzzle.

Shopping for one is easy...you just find a cool picture, and that's it. You bring it home, spread the puzzle out on the table, prop up the box cover with the photo on it and get to work. It's not long before what used to be in pieces begins to take the shape of the goal.

But how easy would it be if you took away the box with the picture on it? Tough, right? Or what if you turned off the lights, what then? No wait, I know...what if you never saw what the picture was supposed to be in the first place and you turned the lights off? How easy would it be to put that life, I mean, that puzzle together?

For those without Christ, that's how they live. They piece together hours, days and weeks, assembling a life without Christ, come what may.

As Christians, our lives are not easily assembled either. Though we have Christ as our picture of perfection, the bible as our compass, and more than enough light for a million-piece-life, we still stumble and struggle to put it together. Yet deep inside, we have peace. You know, there are many around us -- at work, at the gym, at school -- who try and assemble their life all on their own who don't have that peace. They're going on feel alone. In fact, maybe someone you know comes to mind as you read this sentence?

Maybe the only piece of their puzzle that's missing is you? Let's commit to sharing Christ with someone today.

--J.P.

LOW-CARB DIETING: THE TRUTH Reducing your carb intake can have a drastic impact on your body composition There are plenty of good things to be said about carbs. They are vitally important to performance and overall health. However, some of you have tried the low-carb route. And if you're like me, you've enjoyed it. I'm here to tell you that I am a believer in low-carb diets and their benefits for your physique -- when done correctly.

Carbs are a curious thing. Here's what I mean: your body does not require carbohydrates to function. This is because your body can make glucose out of amino acids when necessary. In other words, in the absence of readily available carbs, your body will find a way to make glucose for our brains to function. So while for athletic performance, carbs are important, if you're trying to trim down and lose weight, there's nothing in the world with going low-carb within reason.

If you're beginning a low-carb diet, the first step you might take is modifying your nightly meal, making it a high-protein, moderately high-fat meal. Fish, like salmon, is a good choice for evening meals because it has high protein and high healthy fat. But the low-carb mantra does not mean no carbs -- simply modifying your daily intake of carbs at each meal can drastically change your body, especially if you're currently on a high-carb diet. If you do choose to begin a low-carb diet, don't neglect fibrous carbs and green leafy vegetables throughout your day.

>> THE LOW-CARB DEBATE: Do us a favor and hit the boards and let's discuss low carb diets!

Originally posted 1/21/10.