Leftovers

“Cooking Tip: Wrap turkey leftovers in aluminum foil and throw them out.” (Nicole Hollander)

Aluminum foil is prepared in thin metal leaves with a thickness less than 0.2 millimeters. Aluminum foil replaced tin foil in 1910.  Approximately 75% of aluminum foil is used for packaging of foods, cosmetics, and chemical products. 25% is used for industrial applications (e.g. thermal insulation, cables and electronics). The first use of aluminum foil in the United States was in 1913 for wrapping candy bars, gum, and identification leg bands for racing pigeons. Life Savers Pep O Mints followed in 1925.

It was made popular by Reynolds Metals, the leading manufacturer in North America.  Aluminum foil was introduced in France in 1903, but it didn’t enter the world of food until 1908, when Swiss chocolate maker Tobler (known for its iconic triangular Toblerone bar) started placing its chocolate bars into foil.

Aluminum foil has a shiny side and a dull side. This is a result of the manufacturing process in which layers of foil pass through a rolling mill. One side is not different from the other unless you’re using nonstick foil. (In that case, put food on the treated, or dull, side.) No matter how you wrap leftovers, bake a potato, or grill vegetables in foil, the heat will conduct just the same. Here are some unusual used for aluminum foil that you may have never thought of:

1.     Anti-bug mulch-Reflective mulch can help keep invading insects away from your vegetable garden. Cover pieces of cardboard with aluminum foil. Cut 4-inch diameter holes and plant seeds inside, or simply lay the aluminum foil between planter beds and bury their edges in soil. One study associated aluminum foil mulch with a 96 percent reduction in aphids over a growing season. 

2.     Conceal a credit card-If you have a "swipeless" credit card, it's possible that con artists can scan it and collect certain account information through your wallet. The risk is very minimal — these scans won't give thieves enough information to make a fraudulent purchase in your name. If the thought still makes you uneasy, wrap your card in a piece of aluminum foil to deflect the scanner.

3.     Cupcake holder-Make an easy-to-carry disposable cupcake or muffin holder by lining a regular cupcake pan with a layer of foil. Make sure to push the foil all the way into the recesses of the pan, creating cupcake-shaped indents. Pop it out, and wrap the whole thing (cupcakes inside) again in foil. 

4.     Dish scrubber-When the rough side of your sponge isn’t enough for set-in grease and food remains, use a balled-up piece of foil to wipe your baking dishes clean. Foil works just as well on a dirty grill. 

5.     Dryer sheet-Throw a crumpled up foil ball or two into the dryer with your laundry instead of dryer sheets. While this trick doesn’t make your clothes quite as soft as a commercial softener, the foil will keep garments static-free. 

6.     Grilling tray-Keep melty or loose food from dripping and falling into your grill by turning your metal spatulas into miniature grilling trays. Fold around two feet of heavy-duty foil in half, put a griddle spatula in the middle, and fold the foil up around it to create a tray. See an example (pictured) in this grilled cheese tutorial by Alton Brown. 

7.     Hair curler- Wrap a piece of hair around two fingers and cover the resulting loop in foil. Clamp the packet of foil in a straight iron for a few seconds to heat up the hair, and then let it cool. Instant waves. 

8.     Iron clothes faster-Aluminum foil reflects heat so try placing a sheet under your ironing boards cover, to smooth wrinkles a bit quicker.

9.     Light reflector-Perk up the shadowy areas of your photos with a reflector made out of foil. Just tape foil to a large display board (like the kind you'd use for the science fair) and angle it to get the lighting conditions you want. Note that the two sides of aluminum foil aren’t the same—one is shinier. Make sure to keep the same side facing up throughout the board. 

10.            Line cabinets and drawers-Not only is the foil easy to clean with a damp sponge, but it will help reflect light in a cabinet's dark corners.

11.            Makeshift funnel -Twist a piece of foil into a cone shape, and stick it in whatever bottle (or flask) you’re transferring to. Just make sure to hold the foil in place, and don’t pour too much too fast, or your funnel will come apart. 

12.            Move heavy furniture-Wrap the feet of your couch in a few layers of heavy duty foil to help move it across carpeting (but avoid using this trick on delicate surfaces or furniture that the foil could scratch).

13.            Photography background-Crinkle up a large sheet of aluminum foil and tape it to the wall as a mod set piece for your photography. 

14.            Protect pie crust-Worried about burning your pie? Cover the edges with a ring cut out of aluminum foil to keep the crust from getting too brown.

15.            Scare away birds-Chances are you love seeing brightly colored feathered friends around your garden, but if you have a fruit tree, you might not want birds feasting on your bounty. Like the reflective tape sold at garden stores, strips of aluminum foil hung in your tree can help keep them away.

16.            Scissor sharpener- Fold a piece of aluminum foil several times. Cut a few straight lines through the foil with your dull scissors. This cleans and sharpens the blade, sort of like a razor strop. 

17.            Scrub dishes-Like steel wool, a ball of aluminum foil can help clean cookware you can give a good scrub like glass casserole dishes or cast-iron skillets.

18.            Silver polish-Silver becomes darker with age because of a chemical reaction with the sulfur in the air. Aluminum foil can help reverse the process by converting silver sulfide back into silver with the help of some baking soda and hot water. Coat the bottom of a pan with aluminum foil, and put whatever silver you’re looking to polish on top. Pour a mixture of boiling water and baking soda (one cup of baking soda for every gallon of water) into the pan, covering the silver, and wait until the tarnish disappears. If your silver is too big for a pan, use a bucket like in the video above. 

19.            Soften hard sugar-When a recipe calls for a tablespoon of brown sugar but it’s hardened, a little heat can help. Wrap the brown sugar in a piece of aluminum foil and toss it in a 350-degree oven for five minutes.

20.            Vegetable crisper -To keep celery crisp, wrap it in aluminum foil before you put it in the fridge, so when it produces ethylene gas, it doesn’t get trapped in a plastic bag. 

 “Wrap fish fillets, sliced veggies, and other quick-cooking items inside foil packets with bundles of fresh herbs and throw them directly on the grill; the steam will release the herb's perfume and flavor anything contained inside the pouch.” (Emeril Lagasse)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “11 Who-Knew Uses for Aluminum Foil” by Lauren Piro

·         “15 Amazing Things Aluminum Foil Can Do” BY Shaunacy Ferro

·        “5 Things You Didn't Know About Aluminum Foil” By Cheryl Brown

·        “Aluminum foil” From Wikipedia

Treatment

“How people treat you is their karma. How you react is yours.”  (Wayne Dyer)

The root of the word karma comes from the Sanskrit word kri: कृ. It means “to do” or “to act.” Karma is an action not a result. It is an energy created by willful action through thoughts, words, and deeds. The karma you create affects us all the time. The future is not set in stone. You have the ability to change the course of your life by changing your intentional acts and self destructive patterns. Karma has nothing to do with “fate”. If you do something negative, it doesn’t mean that something negative must happen to you to “even things out”.
The Buddha explained karma as “this arises, that becomes.” It is not exactly the same as cause and effect. It is more circular. Take for example life and death. Cause and effect would have us think that you die because you are born. It is almost as if these 2 concepts can are separated as though they are polar opposites. Karma teaches us that life and death involve each other and are linked. Life implies death. Death implies life.

The 12 Laws of Karma are meant to educate you to make the necessary changes within yourself. To set you on a path of good karma and free yourself from bad karma as it were. If the world around you is chaos, it is because there is chaos within yourself. Once you are at peace with yourself, you can be at peace with the world.  

1.     The Great Law-Whatever you put into the universe will come back to you.

2.     The Law of Change-History repeats itself until you learn from it and change your path.

3.     The Law of Connection-The past, the present, and the future are all connected.

4.     The Law of Creation-Life does not happen by itself. You have to make it happen.

5.     The Law of Focus-You cannot think of two different things at the same time.

6.     The Law of Giving and Hospitality-Your behavior should match your thoughts and actions.

7.     The Law of Growth-By changing yourself, you change your life.

8.     The Law of Here and Now-You cannot be present in life if you are looking backward.

9.     The Law of Humility-We must accept something before you can change it.

10. The Law of Patience and Reward-The most valuable rewards require persistence.

11. The Law of Responsibility-You are responsible for what happens in your life.

12. The Law of Significance and Inspiration-Rewards are a result of the effort and energy you put into it.

 

“People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it simply: by the lives they lead.” (Edith Wharton)[i]

 

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[i] Sources used:

·        “12 Laws of Karma & How They Can Help You” by depressionalliance

·        “Karma meaning: Here’s what a Buddhist Master says” by Lachlan Brown

 

The topic for this post was suggested by my friend, Jan Bahr.

Inevitable

It was inevitable that Jesus Christ should be crucified. It was also inevitable that He should rise again.” (H.R.L. Sheppard)

Very early on the first day of the week, the women came to the tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. They brought the spices they had prepared. ² They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance of the tomb. ³ They went in, but they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴ While they were wondering about this, two men in shining clothes suddenly stood beside them. ⁵ The women were very afraid; they bowed their heads to the ground. The men said to the women, “Why are you looking for a living person here? This is a place for the dead. ⁶ Jesus is not here. He has risen from death! Do you remember what he said in Galilee? ⁷ He said that the Son of Man must be given to evil men, be killed on a cross, and rise from death on the third day.” ⁸ Then the women remembered what Jesus had said. ⁹ The women left the tomb and told all these things to the 11 apostles and the other followers.  (Luke 24:1-9, ICB)

Three implications of the resurrection of Jesus:

1.   Because of the empty tomb, your soul can be filled.

9 Suddenly, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings.” The women came up to Jesus, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go on to Galilee. They will see me there.” (Matthew 28:9-10, ICB)

2.     Because of the empty tomb, your life can be full.

A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. But I came to give life—life in all its fullness. (John 10:10, ICB)

3.     Because of the empty tomb, your future can be firm.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has great mercy, and because of his mercy he gave us a new life. He gave us a living hope because Jesus Christ rose from death. 4 Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children. These blessings are kept for you in heaven. They cannot be destroyed or be spoiled or lose their beauty. (1 Peter 1:3-4, ICB)

““If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” (Timothy Keller)[i]

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[i] Inspired by the sermon “360 Jesus: Living Jesus” (installment six, final) Easter Sunday April 21, 2019, Pastor Dave Jansen, CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH.

Pain

A “Ruth” is a woman who has experienced great loss and pain yet has remained faithful and loyal no matter what. She has found her strength in God. (A Modern Day Ruth)

The Book of Ruth is one of only two books of the Bible to be named after women (the other is Esther). No matter your season of life, there is wisdom to learn from the lessons that unfold as we walk along with Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Here is a quick overview for those of you who have never read this four chapter book, or have forgotten its story over the years:

A woman named Naomi packed up and moved from Judah to Moab due to a terrible famine that was affecting her family. She and her husband moved there with their two sons, who eventually took wives while living in Moab. Tragically, Naomi lost her husband and two sons. Broken and empty, Naomi decided to move back to Bethlehem in Judah. Her daughter-in-law Ruth came with her, since she had also lost her husband. Keep in mind that Ruth was a Moabite woman, and she was now moving to Judah as a foreigner. This was a big deal in their culture, but she was committed to Naomi as her daughter-in-law, and she wanted to follow after the God of Israel.

While in Judah, God worked out an amazing plan for a man named Boaz to take Ruth as his wife, give her a child, and provide for her and Naomi. What’s remarkable about this plan was that Boaz was qualified as a “kinsman redeemer” to take Ruth as his wife. A kinsman redeemer is a custom based upon Deuteronomy 25:5–6. A relative of a man who dies should marry that man’s widow in order to continue his lineage through this woman.

According to God’s remarkable sovereignty, it turned out that Boaz was a relative to Ruth’s husband who had passed away. He was qualified to marry Ruth and complete his lineage. So, even in the midst of Ruth and Naomi’s awful affliction, God still had a plan to take care of them. The book of Ruth has much it can teach us in today’s world:

1.   The Book of Ruth Teaches Us Bitterness Happens-When Naomi and Ruth made it to Bethlehem, townswomen stated, ““Can this be Naomi?”” (Ruth 1:19) But when Naomi (which her name means “pleasant,) heard she answered with, “Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi?

The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”” (Ruth 1:20-21). Needless to say, Naomi was upset. She knew that she had been blessed to have her husband and sons, and then she felt like God just took everything away from her.  Returning to her hometown, she felt empty, and bitter for what had happened to her. Have you ever felt that way? Bitter and mad at God for what may feel like a ruined life? You’re not alone. 

2.   The Book of Ruth Teaches Us Loss Is Hard-The book of Ruth starts with the life of Naomi. Naomi was from Bethlehem and moved to Moab with her husband Elimelech and two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. Naomi later on lost her husband and she was left with her two sons. Her two sons found wives, Ruth and Orpah, but 10 years later, both sons died as well. Talk about a hard time.

It was then that Naomi decided to return back home to the land of Judah. Because Naomi had lost her husband and sons, she was moving back home to Bethlehem as a widow. Her heart and life had crumbled. This is a reminder that loss and change is hard, and it's more common than we realize. Many times while dealing with grief we can feel forgotten. Naomi knew all too well how that felt. 

3.   The Book of Ruth Teaches Us Noble Character Is Important-As Ruth went to Boaz to ask for his covering, he knew there was another man in line ahead of him for Naomi’s land. He stated that if the man wanted to be her guardian-redeemer, then he would have the rights to her land and her hand, but if not, then Boaz was more than happy to oblige. He didn’t let Ruth just leave after their conversation in the middle of the night as to protect her reputation because she was a “woman of noble character.”

He was a gentleman even in a vulnerable position and did the right thing. She rested at his feet until dawn and left when no one would notice her. On top of that, he didn’t let her leave empty handed as he gave her and Naomi 6 measures of barley.

4.   The Book of Ruth Teaches Us Our Decisions Matter- after Boaz purchased the land and acquired Ruth's hand in marriage, she became pregnant with a son. This son was named Obed who later became the father of Jesse who later became the father of David who, as we know, is in the direct family line of Jesus Christ! How awesome to see how the braveness and commitment of a young woman would later meet a man that would help to bring the family lines of Jesus Christ into fruition.

God also brought joy back to Naomi as she lovingly helped to take care of Obed. How awesome is our God that He can take such a dark and lonely season for Naomi and Ruth and turn it into joy, love, and prosperity! Never underestimate the power of your decisions, commitment, humility, and integrity.

5.   The Book of Ruth Teaches Us That God Uses Little Things to Accomplish Great Plans-What an amazing plan God had for a series of “little” things that all added up to important pieces in God’s big plan. God intended for Ruth to be a part of the story of the lineage of Jesus. So, He pulled together events such as the famine, Naomi’s relocation to Moab, their return to Bethlehem, Boaz’ s bloodline, and many other events just to ensure that Ruth could be a part of His plan. God does that same thing in our lives today.

6.   The Book of Ruth Teaches Us to Get to Work-When they had reached their new home, Ruth decided to get to work. “And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi “Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor.” (Ruth 2:2) She was in a new town, with new people, and wanted to help take care of Naomi and herself.

She decided to glean in a nearby field and follow the harvesters. Her work ethic did not go unnoticed as a foreman would speak about her labor to Boaz shortly after his notice of her: "She’s been at it steady ever since, from early morning until now, without so much as a break.” (Ruth 2:7 MSG) 

7.   The Book of Ruth Teaches Us to Keep Our Commitments-Ruth and Orpah were both given the blessing from Naomi to go back to their hometowns after their husbands had passed. Naomi knew she couldn’t provide the women new husbands and she wanted them to take the obvious choice for “moving forward” for another marriage, if it was God’s will.

Orpah took the option, but Ruth decided to stay with Naomi and head to Bethlehem together. How many times have we made choices to be in a place that we “think” will give us what we want? Ruth was brave in keeping her commitment to Naomi, staying with her instead of looking to her own interests.

8.   The Book of Ruth Teaches Us to Leave a Legacy-Perhaps one of the best parts of Ruth’s story is the legacy God established through her. God brought her and Boaz together and they conceived a child. That child would be in the lineage of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Can you believe that Ruth, a Moabite, was made part of the lineage of Christ? If you commit your life to God and your calling is firm in Him, there is no limit to what God can do through you. Leave a legacy to your family and those all around you, a legacy of faith. It wasn't an easy life for Ruth.

She grew up in a wicked nation. She suffered the loss of her husband. She followed Naomi to a foreign land and lived in poverty. All of this was difficult for her. God’s fingerprints are all over Ruth’s story, and there is no doubt God was at work the entire time. It was a long and difficult journey, but it ended with redemption. Ruth started out with an empty heart, but she ended with an overflowing heart.

 No matter what your age may be, remember that God is at work in your life. He is weaving a beautiful tapestry. It's not finished, but it is in progress. Know that God is gracious, good, and that He loves you. If you find yourself discouraged on your journey, take another look at the life of Ruth and remember that God works for the good of His people.

9.   The Book of Ruth Teaches Us to Not to Let the Past Hold Us Back-At the beginning of the book, Ruth is living in her home nation of Moab; a place and people that the Israelites didn’t care for. On top of that, she has lost her husband, is childless, and is living with her widowed mother-in-law. The pain Ruth must have been in was immense. As she embarked on her first journey to Israel, she must have been nervous.

Ruth had so many reasons to live in obscurity. But Naomi didn’t. Ruth didn’t allow her past to hold her back but believed there was life still to be lived and moved forward in that confidence. You have a purpose regardless of what lies behind you. Although your confidence might be wavering, your calling is unwavering.

10.       The Book of Ruth Teaches Us  to Value Great Character-Character is who you are when nobody's watching. Ruth had no idea her story would be showcased for millions to read, and yet showed incredible character. She went above and beyond in showing respect and honor to her bitter mother-in-law.

She worked hard in the field to provide food for her and Naomi. Ruth proved to be a woman of integrity with Boaz. Everything she did represented a woman of great character and God honored her. Be a woman of character. Cut gossip in the name of a prayer request. Stop relying on food to make you feel better. Be the woman you know God created you to be.

¹⁵ Naomi said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her own people and her own gods. You should do the same.”

¹⁶ But Ruth said, “Don’t force me to leave you! Don’t force me to go back to my own people. Let me go with you. Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you sleep, I will sleep. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God. ¹⁷ Where you die, I will die, and that is where I will be buried. I ask the Lord to punish me if I don’t keep this promise: Only death will separate us.” (Ruth 1:15-17, ERV)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “10 Powerful Lessons from the Book of Ruth” by Mandy Smith

·        “5 Essential Lessons You Need to Know from the Book of Ruth” by Chris Russell

·        “5 Lessons Women Can Learn from Ruth” by Brittany Rust

 

 

God

“God is a philosophical black hole-the point where reason breaks down.” (Kedar Joshi)

Scientists have been looking into black holes since 1783, when scientist John Mitchell first proposed the idea that they were possible. At the center of most galaxies is one of the strangest and deadliest things in the universe, a black hole. Most black holes (regardless of their size) are born when a giant star runs out of energy. The star implodes, and its center collapses under its own weight.

This causes an explosion called a supernova. The giant star is eventually squashed into a super small dot you can’t see. Though astronomers can’t see black holes, they know they’re there by the effect they have on objects that get too close. Black holes don't live forever. They slowly evaporate over time, returning their energy to the universe. Though scientists may still be learning about these space marvels, read below about what they do know:

 

1.   Black holes helped create galaxies-While astronomers aren’t entirely sure yet what part the black holes have played in the creation of galaxies, one theory is that a large star exploded, a black hole formed and the rest of the galaxy was created around it.

 

2.   Black holes used to be stars-Stars live a very long time but, just like us, they don’t live forever. They slowly burn through the fuel that keeps them shining. When they run out, one of three things happens, mainly depending on its mass – the star will transform into a white dwarf, a neutron star or a black hole. If the star is big enough (say 10 or 15 times as weighty as the sun) it will explode when it reaches its end.

 

The explosion causes the star to cave in on itself, decreasing its size dramatically. Because the size of the star gets smaller but the mass of it does not, the gravity surrounding the star becomes so strong it absorbs everything around it, including light, and a black hole is born.

3.   There are 3 types of black holes-Primordial: Considered to be tiny – these range from the size of a single atom to a mountain. Mountains probably don’t seem tiny to you but space is a mighty big place. Stellar: These are the ones most often found. They are about 20 times bigger than the sun. Supermassive: The recently discovered black hole falls into this category. To be amongst this group the hole has to be more than a million times heavier than the sun.

 

4.   There’s a black hole in the Milky Way-It’s believed by scientists that there’s a supermassive black hole in the middle of almost every galaxy. In fact, there’s one at the center of the Milky Way known as Sagittarius A.* Because the pull of a black hole is so strong you might wonder whether Earth is in any danger of being sucked into one of the supermassive varieties. Well, worry not. Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way’s black hole, is 26,000 light years from Earth - too far away for it to affect us.

 

5.   You can’t see them with the naked eye-The reason black holes are black is that the gravitational pull at their centre is so strong it consumes everything around it, including light. Because there is no reflection, we have no instrumentation that can detect the hole directly. So what scientists do instead is look for the traditional effects a black hole has on its surroundings. When a star is being pulled into the hole it breaks apart and becomes distorted. As it’s sucked in, the bits of matter from the star move faster, and create intense heat and throw off a glare of X-rays. That’s what astronomers can use to identify a hole.

 “When I was a kid, I was fascinated by space, and I learnt that time slows near a black hole.
Inside a black hole, time stops altogether. Whether or not this theory will ever be proved,
I’m moved to believe this would be the perfect place to love someone.”  (Shane Koyczan)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “5 Things you didn’t know about black holes” by Cbc Kids

·        “Black Holes” by National Geographic Kids