National Go Fishing Day on Saturday!

Go Fishing Day

Do you like to fish?  Or, what if you don't fish?  This day could be a step for you to take to get some needed rest and relaxation.  But first, let's go fishing...

On June 18, you can dig up your dusty or spider-dabbed fishing rods, reels, and lures out of storage and seek out a lake or river and just go fishing.  Yes, it's the day when we can take a rest from all our hard work and cares to escape into the beauty of nature.  Where I live, around Melbourne, Florida, there are several fishing spots within easy driving distance for you to get some much needed recuperative rest.  First, there's the ocean, and each city and town nestled on the beach appears to have a nice long pier off of which you can fish and even make an acquaintance or two.  Just click on this link, and you'll find fascinating locations where you can take all your equipment and have a refreshing adventure and even the opportunity to taste the local food: fishing piers in Brevard County  .  If you're not an ocean person, follow this link to discover the many tranquil lakes and waterways wherein you can caste your fishing rod, or fly fishing pole, and have a great time: Things to do in Brevard County .

You might ask now, What if I don't fish?  Hey, feel free to take a nice easy drive to one of these sites and enjoy the food, natural wonders, birds, manatees, and sunsets.  You won't regret having your own unique "fishing day."  After all, on this day, isn't it what we make of it?

Bye for now, care for yourselves, and have a wonderful, fantastic, exquisite, restful Fishing Day.

J.P. Osterman

Today is National Egg Day

June 3, National Egg Day

We don't have to limit eggs to breakfast.  Did you know, eggs are a great source of protein and vitamin D?  And there are more than a hundred ways to cook an egg.  My favorite method after breakfast hours is the following:  Scramble an egg; smear it with your favorite salsa; sprinkle a little wheat germ over it; and, hit the dish with a dollop of sour creme. Yummy.   So, enjoy eatin' some eggs today!

Bye for now,

J.P.

Today is National Lipid Day! What to do?

Today is National Lipid Day  

Yes, it's the day to be aware of the amount of cholesterol or fat in your blood.  Do you know your cholesterol levels?  Do you know how they can harm you, or help you?

Dyslipidemia is the abnormal amount of fat in our blood, and it's the major cause of cardio-vascular disease worldwide.  Yes, worldwide!  However, we can take steps to prevent this debilitating illness.  We can change our diets and lifestyle.  I'm going for a nice power walk today.  How about you?

You can find out more about Dyslipidemia at Be Healthy Now .

Have a great day!

J.P. Osterman

A Death

Death.

How can a person find inspiration when someone you love dies?

Last Wednesday night, my husband died in front of my eyes.  I tried to revive him.  "Come back! You come back right now, damn it!!"

You'd think a person would listen with someone like me screaming in their ears.  He couldn't.

We'd been married nineteen years.  We shared experiences, memories, and raising a child.  He was my soul mate.  We had made plans.  We anticipated every day together.  We had dreams and goals...

Gone!

Crush.  Numb.  Hollow.  Those were the only feelings I experienced while watching my darling husband die.  What's left????

"He will swallow up death forever.  Adonai Elohim [God] will wipe away the tears from every face" (Isaiah 25:8).

My husband is with Jesus.  Heaven must be magnificent for him, and he's not suffering anymore.

That's God inspiring, right? 

Bye for today, J.P.

p.s.  Cherish every moment you have with loved ones and friends.

National Peanut Butter Lover's Day

Peanut Butter, PB&J, Peanut Butter Fudge, Peanut Butter Rum Cookies...

It's all Peanuts today 'cause today is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day.  Come read all about it...

Did you know, 90% of the U.S. population eats peanut butter?  And we spend almost $800 million on peanut butter a year.  You you ever asked the question: how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll?  You might also ask: How many peanuts does it take to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter?  540 is the answer.  A walloping 540 peanuts! Think on that the next time you lick the last lingering bits off that sticky pea-nutty flavored spoon.  To find out more about this delectable holiday, follow this simple link:  National Peanut Butter Lover's Day

 Today, I also find myself contemplating the exhaustive supply of God's love and how He satisfied my soul: 

"With you, I lack nothing on earth" (Psalm 73: 25-26).

Have a God-inspiring great day.  J.P.

9 Leap Year Traditions

But first, if it's your birthday today...

a really good happy Leap-Year birthday to you!

Photo courtesy of:  www.Quotesgram.com

For centuries, people around the world have bestowed nine superstitions on Leap Year.  After reading these, you might want to indulge in them or forget them, however! February 29 happens only every four years, so here goes those nine traditions-superstitions.  Are ya ready?

1)  A woman can ask a man to marry her today!  If the man says no, he has to buy her 12 pairs of gloves.

2)  People in Greece say it's unlucky to get married today.

3)  Today, "Leap Year, Gloomy Year," say the Italians, or "anno bisesto, anno funesto."

4)  If you're Russian, you're extra cautious today because you believe you have a higher chance of dying and the weather's going to be extra freaky.

5)  If you live in Taiwan during this month, because of the greater risk to the parents’ life during this time, a married daughter should return home with pig trotter noodles for her parents – to wish them good health and good fortune.

6)  In Scotland, “Leap year was ne’er a good sheep year.”  So pay extra attention to your farm animals.

7)  In northern Italy, they believe it's whales' year.

8)  In southern Germany, there’s a tradition of boys putting up a small May tree in their love interest’s back garden during the night before May Day.  In leap years, the girls put up the trees.

9)  There exists a "Leap Year Capital of the World."  See more about these superstitions by following the link:

Leap Year Traditions and Superstitions

I'm still inspire by this true fact:  "God, in you I take refuge" (Psalm 7:1).

Superstitions are all around us, like fearing black cats and shattered mirrors.  No fears when we have God in our lives guiding us.

Have a God-inspiring day.

Follow the link to my book that has 366 Days of inspiration--one for today, February 29...

God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration

Bye for today!

National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Grab a seat or gather around an open fire ...
Today is National Tell a Fairy Tale Day.

Photo courtesy of: www.mamawriteswords.wordpress.com

What's your favorite fairy tale?  I like Snow White by the Brothers Grimm.  In German, the title is written "Schneewittchen."  I remember reading it in high school German class.  I know most of you probably don't speak German, but I love the first sentence of this story written in German.  Don't fret!  I'll translate it after I give you the German words.  The story goes like this:

"Es war einmal mitten im Winter, und die Schneeflocken fielen wie Federn vom Himmel herab. Da saß eine Königin an einem Fenster, das einen Rahmen von schwarzem Ebenholz hatte, und nähte."

Here's the translation:

"Once upon a time in the middle of winter, when the flakes of snow were falling like feathers from the sky, a queen sat at a window sewing, and the frame of the window was made of black ebony."

It's pretty easy to see some of the German words that appear to translate naturally into English.  Let's take a phrase as an example:

"Die Schneeflocken fielen wie Federn vom Himmel herab" means, "The snowflakes were falling like feathers from heaven [the sky]."

There's alliteration with the repeated "f," and "h".  So beautiful!

If you'd like to read both the German and English versions side-by-side, you can follow this link:  Snow White

Yet, so many times it's hard to interpret--translate, really--the things people say and do.  Sometimes, I find myself standing back in a conversation and asking myself, What did he/she mean by that?  Words can have so many meanings, right?  In Greek, the word for "love" can be "eros," "philos" or "agape."  They each have different meanings.  So when you tell someone in Greek, "I love you," you're being specific about which "love" you mean.  "Eros" is romantic or attraction; "agape" is sacrificial love, and "philos" is brotherly love.  Wow!  But at least you know what you're dealing with if someone is specific, wouldn't you agree?  

When Moses asked God who He was, God told him:

“Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh [I am/will be what I am/will be]" (Exodus 3:14).

God doesn't change.  That quality about Him is in his name.  "I am, will be what I am, and will always be."  What does that mean?  We can count on Him.  He's listening to us, knows our situations, and is walking with us through our trials.

Bye for today, and have a God-inspired day.  Maybe you can use this day to write your own fairy tale, or tell one of those classic tales to a child.

J.P.

Today in 1964: Sunny Liston Brawled with Muhammad Ali

He was born January 17, 1942 as Cassius Clay ... 

photo courtesy of: www.mirror.co.uk

He could "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee," as the popular saying of the day portrayed him.

I remember a little of that famous fight that occurred today in history in 1964.  It's the year Ali also changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali.  He was 22, and he won the world heavyweight championship.  At 22!  Amazing, right?  You want to know the sad thing?  He suffered great adversity.

On religious grounds, he objected to enlisting in the Vietnam War.  The government arrested him, and boxing officials stripped him of his title.  But he appealed that drastic judgement; and in 1971, they overturned his conviction. Still, bad press and hostile public opinion kept him from boxing for four years.  Four years absence as a boxer is detrimental to a boxer's career!

Isn't it something when we let people, situations, opinions, and judgements keep us from our dreams?  Many people quit under the pressures of criticism and hatred.

Muhammad Ali didn't!  In 1974 and 1978, he came back fighting and won the world heavyweight title again.  He was, and still is, a man of God.

"Love Adonai your God with all your heart, all your soul and with all your strength.  This is the greatest and most important commandment.  And love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39).

Have a God-inspired day!

J.P.

National Tortilla Chip Day

Eat 'em while they're hot, 'cause today is ... National Tortilla Chip Day!

You can eat them with salsa, munch on them with corn relish, dip 'em in various sour cream mixes, or enjoy them with tacos.  Here's an simple recipe for tortilla soup if you follow this link:  Easy Tortilla Soup Recipe .

Where did this national day begin?  In the 1950s, Rebecca Webb Carranza invented the tortilla chip.  She and her husband owned the El Zarape Tortilla Factory in Los Angeles, and they were the first to mass produce the product when Rebecca refused to discard the "rejects" but instead called them "chips."  The rest is history, especially since 2003 when Texas proclaimed the tortilla chip the state snack.  You can include this wholesome food in your diet plan today.

And God has a plan.  He is love, and He works in great ways for you and me.

"I know what plans I have in mind for you, plans for well-being, not for bad things so that you can have hope and a future. When you call to me and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you seek me, you will find me, provided you seek for me wholeheartedly" (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

This is great news, wouldn't you say?  Bye for now and have a God-inspired day!

J.P.

Celebrate National Banana Bread Day!

Today is National Banana Bread Day,

and Dog Biscuit Day,

and Spay Day USA,

and, today is the last Tuesday in February...

Photo courtesy of:  Banana Bread Recipe by Justine Marie @ www.midnightcrafting.com

I've discovered all kinds of banana bread recipes.  In my own recipe file, I unearthed twenty-seven of them!  Some recipe cards are peppered with brown stains and partial fingerprints from bygone years when my stepmom and I would measure all the banana-bread ingredients and the house smelled of cinnamon and bananas.  Those memories still linger so strongly that my mouth waters at the sight of those old tattered recipe cards.  Maybe you have some of your own such cards ... and it's been ages since you pulled them out of storage to bake with them.

If you're diabetic like my husband, follow this link to find a diabetic-friendly banana bread recipe!  Banana Bread Recipe for Diabetics

Or, maybe you're too busy to bake, but you have a pet.  You can feed your little darling a tiny treat for Biscuit Day.

Whatever we do today and are busy with, we can know that our Maker is standing alongside us all the way!

 "God, please let me succeed today; and show your grace" 

(Genesis 24:12).

Have a God-inspired day--Banana Bread Day!

J.P. Osterman

High Tea

Delicate finger foods, exquisite little sandwiches, flavorful teas, and great company with friends all make for a wonderful afternoon high tea.  I attended a high tea this afternoon for the first time in my life, and my friends and I had a fantastic time.

Photo courtesy of: www.lastminute.com

What is High Tea, or Afternoon Tea?  As a bridge between lunch and dinner, tea time is a mid-afternoon break.  Having tea used to involve eating veggies, bread, cheese, and meat.  The British upper classes indulged in High Tea and delighted in this extensive snack time while socializing at a formal table.  The lower classes ate in comfortable and at informal settings.  Now, everyone just partakes in afternoon tea.  But if you prefer to feel pampered, you can say, "I'm going to a High Tea this afternoon."  It just sounds really special that way, right?  Rather than just having "afternoon tea."  I'll tell ya, I sure enjoyed having tea this afternoon with my friends.  You can click here to find out more about High Tea and maybe find a restaurant in your area that puts on "teas" now and then.  They're fun!  Afternoon Tea



"For the sake of my family and friends, I say, “Shalom be within you!" 

(Psalm 122:8)

Bye for now, and have a God-inspired day.

J.P. Osterman

What Kind of Pizza Is Your Favorite?

Today is National Pizza Day ... so Eat up!

Whatever pizza you like, it's gotta be hot, right?

However, I remember eating cold pizza.  When?  At slumber parties, of course. Here's a picture of what looks like my favorite pizza:

Photo courtesy of: www.en.wikipedia.org

Pineapple, sausage, thick tomato sauce, lots of cheese, mushrooms, and a bam of black olives.  Yes!

Yet, when I need spiritual advice, I turn to God for help, as I have today when I discovered my husband has to go back to the emergency room.  I'm a bit despondent.  Yet, I can't let turmoil win.  God can put all my fearful thoughts back into a sea of calmness.  I can't be any good to anyone when I'm feeling and acting "scattered."  

"A tranquil mind gives health to the body" (Proverbs 14:30).

Bye, and have a God-inspired evening!

J.P. Osterman

Best Friends

While on car rides, our dog Sparky always shares peaceful moments with our son Andrew.  He'll nudge Andrew's hand and stick his head over his arm.  Sparky is so full of love and caring.  Have you noticed, pets love people unconditionally?

  

God loves us unconditionally, too.

"God loves justice and will not abandon his faithful; they are preserved forever" (Psalm 37:28).

Nice to know we'll one day exist with Him forever.

Have a God-inspired day...

J.P. Osterman

Keep Your Heart Healthy

February is Heart Healthy Month!

Photo courtesy of: www.multicare.org

A Document About Heart Healthy Month

What are some ways we can protect our hearts?  Watch our weight, quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke, control cholesterol and blood pressure, drink alcoholic beverages in moderation, and get active with exercise.

Easy to do?  Sometimes yes; sometimes no.  But we have to stay well for those who love us and count on us.

God also cares about our health.  He asks us to care for ourselves, even though self-care might be difficult at time, so we can be the best for others.

"Don’t forget doing good and sharing with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:6).

Have a God-inspired day.  Until next time,

J.P. Osterman

Groundhog Isn't the Only One With Shadows

Everyone has a shadow, and everyone has parts they want no one--and I mean absolutely no one--to see.  Famous Swiss psychologist Carl Jung once said about shadows: "Everyone has an unknown 'dark side' to their personality."  You can find the link below to read more details about the source of the quote.

Yet, God sees everything.  He tells us in Revelation 2:19 the following:

"I know what you are doing, your love, trust, service and perseverance."

I think that God's ability to see everything and to see (and know) us for who we really are is a great wonderful attribute.  In every micro-second of our days and ways, He's there in all the spaces around us.  What's He doing?  Loving us, listening, waiting for us to ask Him into our lives.  "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son to die for us" (John 3:16).  You've probably seen this quote plastered in many places because it's the basic tenets of Christian faith.  It means that I don't have to hide from anyone because God sees everything anyway.  We can simply talk to Him, and know He's listening ... and watching.  

You can find out more about "the shadow" by following this link:

The Shadowy Sides of Our Personalities

Have a God-inspired day today...

J.P. Osterman

Yesterday's Winners and Losers

After yesterday's caucuses, can we finally take a break from politics?

Photo courtesy of:  www.todayinsci.com

As long as we're alive, we're going to be part of a government system.  I don't know about you, but I'm so thankful to God and grateful that we living in a Democratic Republic and have one of the best governments in the world.  Our country, the United States of America, is not perfect; but nothing will be perfect until we arrive in our ultimate destination--Heaven.  One day, we'll have the greatest leader of all.  We'll share eternity with God.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no one’s heart has imagined all the things that God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Today, we'll see and read in the media, some presidential candidates dropping out of the race.  Gradually, as time ticks forward, more candidates will dwindle toward the quitting line.  There can be only one winner, right?

As we watch them experience their successes and losses, we'll have our own successes and losses--struggles and wins--happening in our own lives.  However, we can know for certain that God is preparing a wonderful place for us.  He's in control, and He can re-mold a success out of any loss.  One needs only ask: "God, please help me."

Bye for today, and have a God-inspired day.

J.P.

Happy Black History Month

Photo courtesy of:  www.percaritatem.com

We can look to Frederick Douglass (February 1818 - February 20, 1895) for inspiration today.  Here are a few facts about Mr. Douglass that will amaze you.  He actually escaped from slavery!  And did you know, in 1845, his book, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, was a bestseller?  He was also the first African-American nominated for Vice President of the United States, and he advised President Lincoln during the Civil War.  He was also married to an underground railroad worker, Anna Murray Douglass, who helped slaves escape to freedom.  And he supported the women's rights movement.  What a trailblazer for his time.  Thanks, Mr. Douglass.

"Without a struggle, there can be no progress." -- Frederick Douglass

If you're struggling today, know that hard times will life, and you'll rise out a different and stronger person.  How do we know that hard times improve us, even as we look to Mr. Douglass for inspiration, hope and encouragement?

The Apostle Paul tells us:  "We know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope; and this hope does not let us down, because God’s love for us has already been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:3-5).

Be God-inspired today, and have a great day!  And don't forget to sign up to receive my inspirational right into your email box.

J.P. Osterman

1 Cup, 2 Cups, 3 Cups, Oh My!

This morning, I noticed how I always pick up the same cup in spite of the fact that I have seven more cups hanging on a coffee cup tree.  What's our tendency to collect so many things that we really don't need?

Photo courtesy of:  www.creditscore.net

When we look to "things" as distractions, we tend to get carried away with them, wouldn't you say?

"My soul, wait in silence for God alone, because my hope comes from him" (Psalm 62:6).

God can handle every care, trouble, worry, and situation.  "Wait in silence for God alone," David tells us through the ripples of time.  Remember David?  He was King of Israel, yet he also dove into some ugly waters for committing adultery and then killing one of his generals.  Now, I don't think today that you're lumbering through type of muddy waters, but I'm sure, like me, you've got a few heavy things going on in your life.  The answer?

"I pray from my soul, God, for you to guide me with your answers.  Amen."

I like taking a little Bible verse, rewording it, and then saying it into the air so I can hear the prayer.  Then, I wait ... and God and time have a wonderful way of fixing off-kilter things in my life.

Be God-inspired today, and I'll post another day.  Meanwhile, submit your email address on this blog and get an inspirational, encouraging post from me a couple times a week.

Bye for today,

J.P. Osterman

If you'd like more inspirationals and encouragement, you find my book, God Designed: 366 Days of Inspiration at www.CreateSpace.com/5787841 .

Remembering Our Challenger Astronauts

You took your courage to the sky, leaving us way too soon.

We'll remember you always: Francis, Michael, Ronald, Ellison, Judith, Gregory, and Christa...

photo courtesy of:  www.spacesafetymagazine.com

"When my cares within me are many, your comforts cheer me up" 

(Psalm 94:19)

We can still find God and inspiration even in the shedding of our tears.  Today, we remember the brave heroes who died so that science could learn hard lessons.

God, your comfort sustains us, and only then can we regain our strength to move forward with our lives, amen.

Bye for today, and have a God-inspired day.

J.P. Osterman

An entrepreneur's guide to winning at failure

I thought you'd like this inspirational article!  Enjoy

An entrepreneur's guide to winning at failure

How to Forgive?

You've gotten cuts, scrapes, or burns, right?  After a few days, they heal, right?

Emotional cuts, scrapes, and burns aren't the same.  And the people who do us harm sometimes leave, never seeming to pay the price.  What are we left with?  Cuts, scrapes, and burns!  What's the answer?

photo courtesy of: soulseeds.com

Whenever I get stuck in the steam bath of wrongs done to me in the past, I get stomach aches, headaches, and my mind won't stop spinning.  Meanwhile, the people I'm "thinking" about and what they "did" to me aren't even considering me.  They've moved on.  They're long gone.  So, it's time to move on from the hurt, right?  How?  That's why I selected the above quote.  It's an intervention tool I use to unstick my thoughts from the glue of the past and move forward with my day.  "Forgive them, even if they aren't sorry for what they've done [or are doing] to me, God, amen."  Remember the Lord's Prayer?  "Forgive us our sins," Jesus begins, "as we forgive those who sin against us."  With these words, forgiveness becomes a shield, protecting us from ourselves.  If we continue to ponder our hurts and those who have wounded us, we're really only hurting ourselves in the long run.  It then becomes an internal war, right?  

"Take up every piece of war equipment God provides," Paul says in Ephesians 6:12-13.

So, forgive!  Forgiveness is your war equipment.  Use it, and move on.

And have a God-inspired day today.  Until next time...

J.P. Osterman

You can read daily devotionals and receive daily encouragement in my book, God Designed: 360 Days of Inspiration.

Here's a Dose of Faith

Photo courtesy of:  ibelieve.com

In the smallest and largest things you do, and in the smallest of problems and grandest of fears ... He's with you.

“See! This is our God!

We waited for him to save us.

This is Adonai.  We put our hope in him.

We are full of joy, so glad he saved us” (Isaiah 25:9)!

Have a God-inspired day today,

J.P. Osterman

"Saditude" to Gratitude ... Yes, it's a new word I've coined. Check it out!

courtesy of:  mojitomother.com

We can let our circumstances dominate our lives and moods, or we can ask God to help us make a change.  How?

"Brothers and Sisters, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy," the Apostle Paul suggests in Philippians 4:8. 

Paul has a point.  Have you ever noticed, that when you act differently from how you feel, change naturally occurs?  It's in our DNA to change with our actions.  So if you're having an "off kilter" day, just reboot with a kind word or act to someone around you.  See the change!

Bye for today, and be God inspired.

J.P. Osterman

Can you tell me the full moon names? | EarthSky.org

Can you tell me the full moon names? | EarthSky.org: For both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the full moons have names corresponding to the calendar months or the seasons of the year.

Want Change in the World?

courtesy of www.likesuccess.com

God said it Himself:  "Always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that sums up the teaching of the Torah and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12)

Today, I began singing the song, "You Gotta Friend in Me," to my little dog.  Strange how when we don't feel like we have friends we turn to our wonderful loving pets.  Even in nature we can encounter little wonders that we can pass on to others around us.  What makes the world a better place?  Treating others the way I would like them to treat me.  Can you relate?

Have a God-inspired great day!

J.P. Osterman

Don't give up.

photo courtesy of:  www.quotesblog.net

"Follow the Holy One who called you, become holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16).

We don't always do the right thing, but we can change.  Give God a chance.  Examine the evidence for God.  You're smart.  You can find Him.  Just search for Him.  It's that easy.  No!  Just ask Him.

Be God inspired today.

J.P. Osterman

Persevere

Feeling like giving up?

photo courtesy of:  www.smartpassiveincome.com

Never give up because you are valuable ... to God!

"I am establishing my covenant between me and you, along with your descendants ... as an everlasting covenant, to be God for you" (Genesis 17:7).

Give God a chance.

What do you have to lose?

I hope you find God's inspiration for you today.

J.P. Osterman