I recently had some people ask me why I choose to be a vegan. They pushed, am I a vegan because of religious beliefs? Am I a vegan for health reasons? Am I a vegan to make some kind of statement? Although all of these reasons have credible answers, I am a vegan simply to live an easier life. Being a single parent, an unmitigated allows freedom. I no longer worry about my diet, need more sleep or wish I had more energy. I’m free of worrying over illnesses, allergies, common ailments and most other daily anguishes regarding health and fitness. I’m relieved of all those monotonous diversions, focusing on what I deem important – spirituality.
A vegan lifestyle enables me to explore my spirituality without contrition.
While exploring my spirituality I discovered the practice of ahimsa. To me, ahimsa means to refrain from causing any pain or harm to any living thing. Not eating animal products relieves me of that guilt. I live a kinder, gentler life; and in doing so it brings me closer to my source, or the universe, or God, or however it makes more sense to you. Veganism also empowers me to refrain from causing myself harm.
Over 60% of all male and female deaths in the United States are a direct result of heart disease or cancer. By eliminating animal proteins from your diet, you are preventing disease from ravaging your body. Although there has been little information distributed linking cancer, unlike heart disease, to a daily diet some studies have proven a vegan lifestyle can prevent cancer from ever occurring in the body. Because I’m a vegan, I obtain the majority of my protein from Soy. According to the Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Soy isoflavones have been identified as dietary components having an important role in reducing the incidence of breast and prostate cancers. The complete article is listed on pubmed.gov.
Maintaining a vegan lifestyle allows freedom from doing harm to me or any living thing; and veganism accords me the autonomy to explore my spirituality – guilt free.
Have a great day and God Bless.
Tags: ahimsa, cancer and eating habits, causing no harm, eating animal proteins, free from animal products, healthy eating, isoflavones, soy, vegan diet, veganism, vegans and spirituality
The title of this post was made famous by our 16th President – Abraham Lincoln. The sentence was taken from his first inaugural address on March 4, 1861. This statement is easily the most quotable from the speech, more so than, “the mystic chords of memory” or “by the better angels of our nature” articulations. At first, I was taken aback by the quote, simple because Lincoln also wrote, “Good things come to those who wait, but only what’s left over from those who hustle.” He contradicts himself with opposing quotes. After some contemplation, and a little research, I found the “hustle” quote was written earlier and the “taking time” quote was written years later. The point I’m making is Lincoln was no different than any of us. We can change our personal philosophy at any time.
Lincoln changed his philosophy on life, so can anyone else.
People often get hung up on an idea or belief and never waver from it. Political commenter’s often refer to a “changing of the mind,” of any kind, as “flip-flopping.” Don’t let a ratings craving media protagonist alter your quest for enlightenment. If you decide to change your personal philosophy, like Lincoln, from constantly hustling all the time to realizing nothing can really be lost by taking your time, then do so. As the calendar passes, we become wiser, if we pay attention to our surroundings that is; so why not change your mind on issues, parenting, diet, exercise or spirituality? Altering your point of view shows maturing. Personal beliefs change over time.
People grow spiritually and become aware, or, if fortunate, awaken.
Don’t let life overcome you and, in turn, become a cynic. Become Lincoln-like, contemplate, meditate and realize nothing valuable can be lost by taking time, or keeping an open mind.
Tags: Abraham Lincoln quotes, changing your mind on life, Lincolns first inaugural address, personal philosophy, taking time
I have an acquaintance that is a practicing Hindu. Although, I am a practicing Christian our religious beliefs, core beliefs anyway, are the same. We both believe in God, we both pray to God, and we both believe in living a kind, understanding, and loving life. After those key traits, the rest is very different; but isn’t that what religious tolerance, or understanding, is all about?
Accepting others religious beliefs or practices which differ from our own?
There is no right or wrong or best religion – there is only god. If you look at some major religions the repeated mantra of “one god” is always there for those who look beyond some differences. In Islam there is Allah, or God; in Christianity there is God; in Judaism there is God; in Hinduism there is Brahman, or simply put, God. Most people will point to the thousands of gods in Hindu and a Hindu’s idol worshiping practices claiming both to be blasphemous. In actuality their religion is really no different than anyone else’s.
Even if a religions core belief differs from our own, accepting their practices and doctrines is what a good spiritual person should do. God approaches all of us in different ways, so who are we to judge him and his contrivances? Practicing tolerance and acceptance is a common trait in every religion. We should all be at peace with one another.
Seek peace, and pursue it. – Proverbs 34:14
Tags: core beliefs in major religions, religious acceptance, religious beliefs, religious tolerance, seeking religious tolerance, teaching religious tolerance
Our cat, Sally, got loose the other day. I was barreling up the garage stairs, with my hands full of groceries, when I opened the door and our six month-old, snow white cat bolted by me in a premeditated break for the outdoors. I think she’s been planning this run for some time. She’s been sitting in window sills, meowing, and staring out glass doors, meowing, for a month. She wanted to feel the fresh air on her whiskers and run without sheetrock boundaries at her every turn. I can sympathize with her plight. Who wants to be coup up all day in a house?
She’s a Felis catus, a skilled predator, a button lioness, needing to experience the thrill of the hunt in a natural environment.
After she darted past me, I dropped the bags and ran after her. The alarm was ringing incessantly and we were all attempting to surround her, but she was too quick. Sally effortlessly breezed through our blockade and headed to the backyard. I shouted, “Grab her, quickly,” but everyone stood frozen unable to move from the shock of, “the cat is loose.” She slinked through a small opening in the bottom of the deck and was out of sight.
I gathered myself, corralled the children and the groceries into the house; while my mom snagged the flashlight and headed for the dark and mysterious underbelly of “the deck.” No one has been underneath the deck since it was built. No one really knows what lurks beneath those treated timbers. It’s always too dark to see.
The girls ran outside, as well, to find Sally while I was left alone to put the groceries away. For some reason I thought they all had this planned, until ten minutes later my oldest daughter came back crying and yelling, “I’m never going to be happy again”- tough words for a Dad to hear from a mouth of a six year old. I threw on my jacket, smiled and while I lightly brushed back her tears consoled her with the words I repeated so many times, “It’s going to be alright.” As I opened the back door my mom was walking towards us with the cat, kicking and struggling, in her arms. I’m guessing Sally wanted to do some more exploring, but my little girl needed to her kitten back.
Later that night, my daughter fell asleep with her hand draped over Sally’s belly; they both lay silent and content, completely removed from the events that occurred less than a few hour ago. For now on were placing the cat in the bathroom, with the door shut, when we leave the house – no more close calls. Sally is just going to have to be content with chasing her toys and lying around the house. There is just too much happiness at stake.
Have a great day and God Bless.
Tags: chasing the cat, chasing the cat outdoors, chasing your cat, the cat got loose
If it’s real comfort food you crave than Paula Deen’s cheesiest chicken empanadas with chili con queso dip is just for you. Being a vegetarian, I really can’t comment on the taste but judging by my family and how long these empanadas were in plain sight I’m thinking they’re pretty good. I was suppose to make these for a party, but I couldn’t get everything together in time so when I opened the refrigerator to see what to through together for everyone later I thought – why not? Paula has wonderful recipes and they’re easy to put together in short amounts of time.
Note: I passed on deep frying these empanadas for a healthier alternative; instead of frying, place them on a baking sheet and baking them at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Make sure to preheat the oven. I also added a cayenne pepper egg wash to give it a little kick – BAM! Add one egg, a teaspoon of water and a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a bowl and whisk the ingredients together. After placing the empanadas on the baking sheet brush them with the egg wash.
Ingredients
nocoupons
- 3 cups chopped, cooked chicken, about 4 to 5 chicken breasts
- 1 (8-ounce) package shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese blend
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- Water
Directions
Preheat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl using a rubber spatula, combine the chicken, Colby and Monterey cheese, cream cheese, red pepper, jalapeno, cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove 1 pie crust from pie tin onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 15-inch circle. Cut out rounds, using a 3-inch cookie cutter. Re-roll dough as needed. Repeat procedure with remaining pie crusts, making 12 to 15 circles total. Arrange 1 round on a clean, flat surface. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the edges of crust with water. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of chicken mixture in the center of the round. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal. Repeat with the remaining rounds and chicken mixture. Place empanadas in deep-fryer for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Top with con queso dip.
Note: Up to this point, the recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month
nocoupons Chili Con Queso Dip
- 1 pound package Cheddar (recommended: Velveeta)
- 1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
In a medium sauce pot, slowly melt Cheddar over medium/low heat. When cheese is fully melted add tomatoes, chiles, and hot sauce, stirring with spoon until combined well.
Pour cheese dip into a small casserole dish and serve as a dip for the cheesy empanadas or pour on top for a real cheesy effect.
Bon Appétit!
Tags: chicken empanadas, chicken empanadas with queso, comfort food, cooking comfort food, cooking with dad, empanadas, single parent cooking
People often ask me,
“How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“You know the kids, writing; finding time for relationships, family and schooling.”
“Yes, the important things that makes up a life. I meditate every morning.”
Meditating assists in calming the mind. Have you ever felt like your head is going to erupt with your “to-do” list? They can be very much overwhelming. After I wake every morning – at five – the first thing I do is meditate. My routine is simple and consistent. I thank God for everyone and everything in my life. I’m not only referencing the easy things; I thank him for everything. I thank him for the lessons I learned the prior day, for example, like when I was making a right at a traffic light and someone attempted a U-turn from the opposite direction and cut me off. I began to get angry, but stopped myself and forgave that person; then put the incident out of my mind.
A lesson in patience and awareness came without notice and we often brush it aside, as just another daily hiccup, in our seemingly more important lives.
Daily meditation requires very little time, but a substantial commitment. Everyday set aside ten minutes after you wake up and meditate on all the things in your life you are grateful for having and experiencing. It’s something very simple and relaxing. Actually, what could be better than starting your day off being appreciative and happy? Try it on and see how it fit.
Have a great day and God Bless.
Tags: appreciation, being thankful, focusing on becoming thankful, meditating, waking up and meditating
Fall is upon us. The summer came very gently and left without notice. As the weather begins to change, leaves start to fall and Halloween costume outlets litter vacant store fronts for the next month; the amount of free time with the children is quickly nil. I’m spending the majority of time working, schooling, working out and preparing meals; couple my schedule with my oldest daughters schooling, add in the ex-wife having the kids every weekend and I feel like they are unreachably travelling ten feet in front of me down a water slide – and I’m struggling to catch up.
My kids went from being around all the time to non-existent in a week. How do we spend more time with our children given our hectic lives?
I’m beginning to include them in more of my daily activities. The kids assist with the laundry, cooking, other projects and I try to keep them close when they are home. Resisting the natural impulse to withdraw into my daily activities and send the kids off into another room is essential with keeping them close. I try not to let the children venture off into seclusion. They don’t operate the stove or clean out the lint screen, but I make them feel part of the process. Bringing the children into my daily activities has given us an added opportunity to bond, teach them responsibility and how to take care of themselves. The time isn’t much, but every little bit counts and they seem to enjoy playing a part in the activity. Any time with Dad is quality time. Have a great day and God Bless.
Tags: finding time for children, kids assisting with chores, kids helping out around house, playing with kids, quality time with children, spending time with kids
When immediate family members live long distances away life continues; sometimes without giving them much thought. In our personal lives we dread over maintaining a long-distance relationship. People will comment long-distance attempts at love are impossible to maintain. The excuses are endless. Regarding family though, how could we so easily dismiss them because they live a considerable distance away? Going further, I know people with family members living within miles they only see a few times a year – if that. Life is too short to live alone. Our children need family to maintain a sense of history in our world.
A constant grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child. Adolescents crave to achieve a sense of belonging as they enter adulthood and extended family members can give that to them. As we venture out on our own we can do so, with comfort, knowing our immediate and extended family will always be there for us. A loving family will do all those things for our children.
As fall approaches and people tend to stay indoors try reaching out to all those family members you’ve always wanted to “catch-up” with; rejoice in conversations about your childhood and tell them how important they were in deciding the person you’ve become today. People come and go in our lives, but family is forever. Why not reach out and reconnect with them? A close family is invaluable – not just for our children – but to us as well.
Have a great day and God Bless.
Tags: aunts, cousins, family bonds, family reunions, family traditions, grandparents, staying close to family, staying in touch with family, uncles
I was speaking with some friends the other day about our countries current hardships. The topic of passion came up, in regards to what we do for a living, and I was taken back regarding the groups point of view. A majority of them agreed that it was nearly impossible to show passion in a job interview – I disagreed. I feel it’s easy to have and show passion on a daily basis. Granted I’m a writer and projecting my feelings is a daily task I enjoy; I still believe showing ones passion for a career can be witnessed by an interviewer. I have both projected passion as an interviewee and seen passion in people as an interviewer. The group made a valid argument though.
Their basis was how can someone be passionate about working in a convenient store? And when you need to pay bills and the kids have to eat you’ll begin to show false passion in an interview to get a job, any job, real fast.
I believe in both scenarios a person can have and show passion. It doesn’t matter what career you choose having passion comes from working at what you were meant to be doing with your life. If you were meant to be a convenient store clerk than you are going to excel at your position and have passion in your career. Applying for a job because you need a paycheck is a poor example. People who bounce around from job to job have no direction and I doubt have any passion in their lives – personal or professional. Although, their point of view is common; I didn’t buy into it for a second.
My example was simple. The person who has passion in their lives wakes early because there aren’t enough hours in a day for them. They are far too busy attempting to accomplish their life’s ambitions and enjoying the gifts god has bestowed upon them. For these individuals, passion is their companion. On the side of the coin, those whom passion is a stranger are constantly bored, sicknesses come and go frequently, complain incessantly about life, are downtrodden with life’s hardships and their moods come and go with the weather. I’m sure you’ve seen these “weather” people in your office; they’ll call out of work because it’s raining. They have no idea what it means to be passionate; I’m not judging them, just making a point.
We must all follow our own path in life.
We should all be fortunate to have passion in our lives and you can. We just need to find our life’s purpose and you will never have enough time in the day. Have a busy day and God Bless.
Tags: having a purpose in life, passion, passionate life, showing passion for a career, showing passion in personal life, take your passion and make it happen
I recently wrote a critique on this film and even though I’ve loved it since the first day I seen it, seventeen years ago, I never really understood the premise until now. The film is about violence and its uselessness. What an odd premise to have for a western film; with all the gratuitous violence in the western plains of the United States from 1865 through 1900. I always enjoyed the character role reversal between Gene Hackman and Clint Eastwood. Hackman portraying a violent lawman that administers spontaneous justice on whomever he wishes and Eastwood plays a penitent, pig farming, former assassin raising two young children on his own in Kansas during the early 1880’s. Eastwood is approached by the young, brash Schofield Kid to ride off for one last job and would give his family an opportunity to start over.
Reluctantly, he leaves his children and heads off to recruit his former partner and friend, Ned Logan, masterfully acted by Morgan Freeman.
The story ensues and culminates with Eastwood and Hackman facing off in the small town of Big Whiskey, Wyoming. There is no high noon shoot out or a subsequent ride off into the sunset. This film ends on a cold, dark and rainy night. As Eastwood’s character slowly prepares to end Hackman’s life the best line of the movie is uttered by Eastwood, “Deserves got nothin to do with it.” Hackman is wondering why his life is being ended by Eastwood’s murderous, child and woman killing self. He states prior to Eastwood’s famous line, “I don’t deserve this – to die this way – I was building a house.” This film is riddled with the uselessness of violence and how we all end up paying for our actions.
A western denouncing violence is a concept no one has approached before or since. Viewed from a perspective of no violent deed goes unpunished; we can understand what Eastwood is attempting to say in this film. The lesson we can all learn from this cinematic masterpiece is no matter how noble or just our intentions – violence is never the answer.
Have a great day and God Bless.
Tags: clint eastwood, critquing films, gene hackman, modern westerns, morgan freeman, richard harris, unfogiven, unifrgiven film, uselessness of violence, violence solves nothing
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