January 21, 2011Read: 1 Chronicles 4

“Oh Lord, that you would bless me indeed and increase my land. Keep your hand upon me and protect me from the evil one, so that I may not cause pain.” –-1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Most news networks finish their broadcast on a lighthearted note, and if you missed this one, allow me. A high school basketball coach was bet by the students that he couldn’t make a shot from half court. If he made it, they’d give him courtside tickets to the NCAA Final Four Tournament; a crown jewel to many a basketball fan. But in order to make it to the promised land of hoops, he’d have to make the shot…blindfolded.

Okay, I’ll be quick…he made it alright. I mean, they gave him the ball, he dribbled it a couple times and woosh…nothin’ but net. The students went crazy, partly because it was an unbelievable shot, but also because they never had those tickets in the first place (oops!). Improbable odds with an impossible prize.

You know, I wonder what Noah thought, when he felt that first drop of rain. Or the look on Peter’s face when his boat was sinking from all the fish he caught. I’m sure any doubts were either washed away or grilled.

Friends, it’s time to pray big and give God the ball. He can make our one-in-a-million shots with our eyes closed. JP COZY FOODS FOR THE SNIFFLES By Dana Angelo White The Food Network's Nutrition Adviser and Prayfit Contributing Dietitian

There are countless supplements that promise to cure the sniffles, but they can be waste of money, or downright dangerous. You can’t go wrong with the real thing: fresh foods. Here are 5 cozy recipes packed with nutrients to help your winter woes.

Mexican Chicken Soup Soothe a scratchy throat with a warm bowl of soup. The protein-rich broth helps achy muscles, while canned tomatoes and fresh veggies pack in the antioxidants.

3-Bean Chili When made with the right ingredients, chili is a warm and bubbly superfood! Meat and beans are packed with zinc, a mineral that helps with immune function. Don’t count out a kick from chili powder to help clear out those sinuses.

Ginger-Spiced Hot Chocolate Get comfy with a mug of hot chocolate. Ginger and cocoa contain inflammation-fighting antioxidants and ginger can help tame an uneasy stomach.

Lemon Pasta with Roasted Shrimp Nothing says comfort like pasta. Toss it with protein-packed shrimp and fresh lemon for a dose of vitamin C.

Quinoa with Garlic Pine Nuts and Raisins Quinoa and pine nuts are good sources of zinc and dried fruit, like raisins will help you get more iron, another important mineral for your immune system.

TELL US: What’s your go-to food to beat the winter sniffles?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition

(source:http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2011/01/20/cozy-foods-for-the-sniffles/#more-20923)