BUT IF NOT....

Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

The characters in this story stood for righteousness not for what it would bring them out of, though they believed God could, they stood for righteousness for righteousness sake. They had refused to eat the king's meat. Now they were refusing not to bow down to the king's idol and since they refuse...into the furnace they will go. Here's where it gets good!

They tell the king directly, God is ABLE and WILL deliver them from the fiery furnace. Then they go one step further! They tell him, "BUT IF NOT"! HA! GOTCHA! BUT IF NOT indicates that the outcome if this particular test is irrelevant. Do it or don't - what they not gonna do is go against their God! The spirit of NON-COMPROMISE is what Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah had. Up to this point it had gained them favor in the eyes of the king. Now, however, the king's ego was in the way and it was time to put their money where their mouth is!!

Doing what is right often NOT easy. Its usually NOT what everyone else is doing AND it may NOT be immediately gratifying but right is RIGHT! Will you do what is right for your health and the temple of God (your body) just because it is right? Will you have a BUT IF NOT attitude with the scale? Or you will compromise out of fear, convenience or lack of commitment?

Congratulations Time:

Jerri - Philly/DC - Stay out them 2's sista! You got this - Go higher!

Olivia, Roz, Porshe, Conya - Thanks for the RSVP see you at the Do Over RAP Session!

Our first 'start over' date is next Tuesday August 24th, 2010 @ Redemption (301 W. 24th Street, Charlotte, NC 28206) @ 7pm. A healthy dinner will be provided with a brief 'RAP' (Review All Pitfalls) of the program along with some 'sister/brother' time just to focus on our success. I need you to RSVP to me via email at thatchl@yahoo.com or facebook so that I can be sure to have enough to feed you. Feel free to bring a friend, even if they are not on the program. I will be reaching out to some of you in Charlotte to help with the get together- every joint supplieth. (Newbees are welcome too - we can learn from each other). (We'll be brief - we'll eat, talk, pray all at the same time and out of there by 8:30pm)

Recipe: Eggplant Frittata

1 Medium Eggplant (rinsed, peeled, julienned (cut into slivers)
1 Medium Vidalia onion (sliced)
1 TBSP McCormick Garlic Pepper seasoning (no salt added)
1/4 tsp Lite Salt (morton)
3-4 sprays of Pam olive oil
1/4 tsp Olive Oil
1/4 cup Egg Beaters

Prepare the eggplant (rinsed, peeled, julienned) by bringing 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the eggplant to the boiling water and make sure it is covered. Allow to cook for 5-10 mins, rinse and drain. Remove excess water by pressing out in strainer with large spoon. Cover with papertowel and set aside. In non-stick skillet (sprayed with Pam) cook onions until translucent. Remove from pan. Add 1/4 tsp of olive oil to hot pan. In separate bowl, combine onions, seasonings and eggplant. Place in pan, then pour egg beaters over mixture. Allow to cook until set (do not stir). Remove from heat and cover. Allow to continue cooking (off heat) for 5 mins. May be eaten with our without a carb. I enjoy it with jasmine rice or on its own.

Exchanges: 1 Protein A, 1 Veggie A in the WHOLE PAN. Add 1/2 cup of rice and it is a meal you will enjoy but won't be able to finish! Lots of fiber from the eggplant and if you leave some of the skin on, wonderful antioxidents!

Prayer: God, we know that 'diet' is not on the front of our minds in the midst of so much of 'life' that we are going through. Help us to make this a lifestyle that we can cling to that will strengthen us and dicipline us to be used in all the areas of our lives. Lord remind us today that you desire us to have life and life more abundantly. By putting our focus on your love and letting you guide and direct our paths, we will succeed. It is in your will that we have safety. It is under your holy spirit that we find comfort. Cover my sisters and brothers today with your arc of saftey. Touch their minds and spirits in all they endeavor to do today. Let them go forth with AUTHORITY and CONFIDENCE in YOUR abilities not their own. Lord, I ask you to remind me that my life is in your hands. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Thank you for your LOVE being greater than my mess.

Special Prayer: TR & RD. The power of God is greater than any problem, any situation, any obstacle you face. He has placed in you the resource of the Holy Spirit which will provide you clarity. Walk in the clarity of God. Know that He is able to keep you in perfect peace. Love you my sisters.