Election Day Prayer

With today being election day, we have no higher calling than to stop and ask the Lord for His blessing. Together with close to 50,000 others, we join hands and circle around Max Lucado as he prays for the country:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You have given us this promise: ”...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

So, we pray to you. We turn from evil and look to you, our God. Please:

Unite us

Strengthen us

Appoint and anoint our next president

In the name of Christ we pray,

Amen

SNACK SWAP: PITA CHIPS AND PRETZELS Snack foods don't have to be unhealthy. Use this healthy substitution to limit

Pita chips are only a marginally better choice than potato chips because they have a bit less fat, but you usually get a similar amount of calories per portion. Unless they’re made from 100% whole-grain pita bread, it’s just another source of refined grains, which during processing have been stripped of many of the nutrients that you would get from whole grains, such as vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.

The same goes for pretzels –- yes, these are a low-fat food, but they’re usually made from refined flour.

Better bet: 100% whole-grain pita chips or pretzels made from 100% whole wheat. Even better, use zucchini or celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, or carrot chips (look for them by the bagged salads in the supermarket) to scoop up your salsa or hummus.

Emily Ann Miller, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian and works at a Washington, DC-based independent, nonprofit science organization, where her work is currently focused on environmental and policy solutions to obesity prevention. She also speaks to groups about health and nutrition and provides nutrition education to patients at a free medical clinic that serves low-income, uninsured adults in the Washington, DC area. You can view more of Emily’s nutrition tips and updates by following her on Twitter, @EmilyAMillerRD.

SIDE SHOW

May 11, 2011Read: Psalm 148

"Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name is exalted..." --Psalm 148:13

"The kid's got skills," I said to myself as I sat at a traffic light. Waiting my turn, I looked to my right to see this kid on the corner. He was dancing with one of those big cardboard ads, flipping and turning it with ease. Effortlessly, he'd toss it up and catch without even looking. He had all the drivers mesmerized. He probably flipped it a dozen times while I sat there and never once did he drop it.

Well, the light changed, and I went on my way. "The kid's got skills", I said again with a half smile as I drove off, but then it hit me. I have no idea what he was advertising. Talented? Absolutely. Dedicated? Unquestionable. But for the life of me, I couldn't tell you what he stood (there) for. All I know is that whatever he was asked to promote took a back seat to his show.

I couldn't help but think that we're sometimes like that kid on the corner. We've been called to share the truth of Jesus, but we often do our own song and dance, amusing or confusing those around us. Lord, help us remember that you're the star of the show, and we'd be wise to drop the act.

--J.P.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Roasted Tofu In need of a small departure from the norm? Try this delicious, low-fat vegetarian dish

Serves 4

Ingredients: 1 package extra firm tofu 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 teaspoons rice vinegar 2 teaspoons honey 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon chili sauce (such as sriracha)

Directions: Slice tofu into pieces approximately ½ inch thick and 2 inches long (domino sized pieces). Place pieces in a bowl lined with paper towels and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to remove excess water.

Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl whisk canola oil, vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili sauce. Add tofu and gently toss to coat. Transfer to a sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes (turning once), until golden brown.

Nutrition Info Per Serving: Calories: 105 Total Fat: 5 grams Saturated Fat: 1 gram Carbohydrate: 4 grams Protein: 10 grams Cholesterol: 0 milligrams Sodium: 172 milligrams Fiber: 1 gram

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.

>> FIT READING: Find out what all the buzz is about by picking up your own copy of “PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days.”