Sunday Morning Bit

Our Daily Bread

By: David C. McCasland

RBC Ministries 

February 3, 2013

Read: Nehemiah 8:1-12

Savor The Flavor

In a fast-paced culture of “eat and run,” few people make time to enjoy a leisurely meal in the company of friends. Someone has even remarked that the only way to enjoy a seven-course meal today is to get it all between two pieces of bread!

After many of the Israelite exiles in Babylon returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the walls of the city, they gathered to hear Ezra read from the Book of the Law given by God through Moses (Neh. 8:1). They listened to God’s Word for hours, while teachers among them “gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading” (v.8).



When they wept because of their shortcomings, Ezra, along with Nehemiah the governor, told them this was not a time for sorrow but a time for rejoicing. The people were told to prepare a feast and share it with those who had nothing, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (v.10). Then “all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them” (v.12).

The spiritual banquet God has prepared for us in His Word is a cause for great joy. It is worth taking time to savor.

Lord, give us a hunger and a thirst to know You more

that can be satisfied only by time spent with You in Your
Word. Help us to savor that time and, as we do,
to grow more in love with You each day.

Christ the Living Bread satisfies our spiritual hunger through the Living Word.

Super Bowl XLVII

The Super "HarBowl"

I hope everyone is excited about Super Bowl XLVII. It is going to be a great and physical game. As I told you guys earlier in the week, I will be offering my amateur analysis on this big match up between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers.

This is an interesting game because the teams are very identical in their game plan and structure. However, the difference between these two teams lies with the quarterbacks. Every knows what Colin Kaepernick (SF) is all about, the pistol speed option, but as far as Joe Flacco, (BAL) the critics have ate him alive. Personally, I believe Joe Flacco is the real deal. He is elite. He can make the throws. He understands the game and his playoff stats for postseason 2012 says it loud and clear. I believe this is his year to validate his claims about being elite. The remaining difference between Joe and Colin is that Colin is more athletic. Playing quarterback is the toughest job on the field, you're basically orchestrating an offense to score points but it is not always that simple with the new defensive schemes and stunts. With the 49ers offense being run heavy and thrives off the play-action, I can see Colin putting up gaudy numbers, but I can also see the Ravens D getting a lot of takeaways.

With Baltimore making the switch from Cam Cameron to Jim Caldwell at Offensive Coordinator, Joe and the offense have been about to move the ball more effectively and take deep shots often. Joe Flacco might just be a quarterback from the University of Delaware, but he can launch the ball. The gel that holds the offense together is the play from running back Ray Rice (BAL). Ray can carry the ball, pass protect, and work in space. He is an all-around back and keeps the Ravens offense on schedule. 

I know that San Fran comes in with the hottest offense but Ray Lewis (BAL) and his corps will handle their business. I applaud the 49ers and Patrick Willis (SF) for their apparent success, but if I had to choice between the niners defense or the inspired ravens defense, I will go always go with the Ravens because Ray Lewis knows how to motivate the masses. I am positive that the Ravens D will be discipline and handle their responsibilities concerning who has who in the pistol offense. 

This season has been magical. I wish Ray Lewis had some more years left because I love watching the man play. He is an inspiration to his family, team, the city of Baltimore, and the NFL. He is best to have every play middle linebacker. It was great watching him I hope to see that squirrel dance one last time. Ravens 20-17. Party up in Baltimore, the Lombardi is in town.

February One

History Made Simple

To you the first of February is just another winter day; to others its a reminder that Valentine's Day is approaching, but to the city of Greensboro and the community at North Carolina A&T State University, February One was a defining moment that drastically changed the outlook on life.

On February 1, 1960, four freshmen A&T students, David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair, Jr (Jibreel Khazan), and Joeseph McNeil, decided to do something that's never been done. They decided to go down to Woolworth's Diner for a bite to eat. [For some background, Woolworth's Diner was an all white diner.] So, the owner did not want to serve the young men in his diner so he told them to retrieve their meals from the back door. As a result, Richmond, McCain, Blair, and McNeil thought that living as a second class citizen was not acceptable so they decided to start a non violent protest to gain equality. The action these four men took was very simple, a sit-in.

In this era of the Civil Rights Movement, the A&T four did not see sudden success. They came back to Woolworth's weeks upon end, but all they wanted was social equality. The store owner thought that if he ignored them long enought, the boys would just give up, but that did not happen. Instead, the sit-in started growing in number and gaining tons of media publicity because social inequality was a national issue. The sit-in grew from just four A&T students to students from Bennett College, what is now UNC Greensboro, and citizens of the community. The actions that Richmond, McCain, Blair, and McNeil took sparked a movement in the south where students and other people in communities were sitting in public entities demanding social equality.

What these four freshmen students started on February 1, 1960 changed how African-Americans live America. I believe this action also paved the way for other races to have equality in America. The courage and audacity of these men speaks volumes about their maturity; to be freshmen students and have the desire to change the world is awesome and that is pride, Aggie Pride.

These men helped resurrect the Civil Right Movement spearheaded by Martin Luther King, Jr that was on a decline. However, with the efforts of Richmond, McCain, Blair, McNeil, and the community around them, the Civil Rights Movement took off and the rest is history. So now you know, February One should always be in your heart because what these men did not just affect them, but you also. The A&T Four will not only last for eternity, but it will inspire others to be great. The moral of this powerful story is that, at any age, you can make a change. The change could be in the nation, community, or in someone's life. So, lend a helping hand because no one knows the effect it could have.

I take it as an honor to have met the A&T Four. I met them last year during the 52nd Anniversary of the Sit-in and will be seeing them again, today, February 1, 2013 for the 53rd Anniversary. It is a privilege to even walk the same campus as these great men. I just hope someday I can leave my impact on this world for the better.

 AGGIE PRIDE!!!

If you get the chance, come down to North Carolina A&T State University and experience the history.

Super Bowl Half-Time Treat

Beyonce'

As I am sure everyone knows that Beyonce' will be Super Bowl XLVII's half-time show, but I bet a lot of people are wondering whether the sixteen-time Grammy winner will lip sync...again.

For the record, I did not have a problem with Beyonce' lip syncing the Star-Spangled Banner. I think professional singers know when they have to dial things back for the sake of preserving their vocals. I do not think people understand the demand that is involved with singing as a living. Think about this: if you received hundreds and hundreds of request to perform a physical task that you make your living off of and you want to continue your career, will you knowingly deteriorate your gift to accommodate the requests? No. But people, I completely understand that it was not just some high school football game Beyonce' was singing for, but still I believe she did what was best for her career. What more could you ask for?

As for Super Bowl XLVII, she will definitely be in full effect. I did not say that to say the Super Bowl is better than the President's Inauguration because there is no comparison, but Beyonce' should not be criticized for this. I am sure that the President could request a charity show from her and she would be on board. So, people, don't worry Beyonce' will be in full effect on February 3rd.

Make Someone's Day

The Silver Lining

Today is Wednesday and I want you to know that you are the most amazing person. That made you smile right? Well spread the love. Take the time to make somebody's day today. Take a second and forget about which coffee your going to get or what's coming on TV tonight and give someone a compliment.

Sharing a compliment or a positive observation, can change the outcome on  anyone's day. Compliments are what make society function without strife. Think about it, if ten people give out one compliment each and those ten people receiving one in turn give out one, that's a thirty-person chain of compliments. How much more people could we impact if the chain kept going? 

So, for today, I want you guys to take the opportunity to slow down during your busy day and give someone a compliment. Whether it ix your spouse, child, friend, co-worker, or whomever; just make their day.

Like Really?!

Why Would You Do That?

In coming up with things to write about during the weeks, you have the pleasure of running up on some great stories. Although, sometimes, the stories are so outlandish that they have to be pushed through the press. This post in particular is about why the New Orleans Hornets owner Tom Benson wrecked the reputation of the New Orleans Hornets with a name change.

ESPN dropped this story five days ago and it's picked up some steam. The Hornets announced that they will be changing the name of their franchise from the New Orleans Hornets to the New Orleans Pelicans....Yeah, that's not a typo, Pelicans. Like what (insert phrase)?!!

Now you don't have to be a basketball fan to say that there is something wrong with a GROWN man saying, "I'm a Pelican, I'm here to win Championships." It is ridiculous. I know this franchise has been through ups and downs with Hurricane Katrina, depressing seasons, and sub-par management, but whoa, Pelicans. I know I'm just one person, but I am not feeling it.
 
Out of all New Orleans sports franchises [Saints (NFL), VooDoo (AFL), and now Pelicans (NBA)] the Pelicans have to be the worse idea for a name. New Orleans lost a great name with the Jazz when they uprooted and headed west in 1979. The only constellation prize I can have is that the NBA Commissioner has the final approval, but it doesn't look promising that it will be decline.

"The NBA still has to approve it, but commissioner David Stern has said he wouldn't object to any name Benson chose. The league is expected to expedite the change at the start of next season." -ESPN

 Lost story short, the change was inspired by the BP Oil spill in the Gulf. The Louisiana state bird, brown pelicans, fell victim to the spill but was restored from the endangered list in 2009. Tom Benson thought that the name Hornets didn't mean anything to the town and by changing it to "Pelicans," it will inspire the town and the team. Benson is trying to duplicate the influence and effect the New Orleans Saints have on the city, but I think that idea is farfetched.

So NBA fans prepare yourself for a new squad in New Orleans, the New Orleans Pelicans. Personally, I would go for the New Orleans Ducks, but I don't make the rules.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8878315/new-orleans-hornets-announce-name-change-pelicans

Tasty Treat Monday

Good morning everyone. I hope you all had a great weekend. My weekend was straight: I got to relax, eat, and catch up with some friends. But I want to bring something sweet to your Mondays. As of today, every Monday will be Tasty Treat Monday. Each Monday morning I will post a great, sweet recipe that makes Mondays bearable again.

First up is the Marble Swirl Pound Cake. This kind of pound cake is the best because it has another taste other than plain pound cake. The appearance of the Marble Swirl Pound Cake is the best part because it looks too good to eat.

Try it out. It'll surely make anyone happy.

 

You will need:

• 2 cups of white sugar
• 1 cup of butter, softened
• 3-1/2 cups of cake flour
• 1 cup of milk
•  1-1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoons of salt
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cups of unsweetened cocoa powder

  Directions:

1. In a large bowl, with electric mixer at low speed, beat sugar and butter or margarine until blended. Increase speed to high, and beat until light and fluffy. Add flour, milk, baking powder, vanilla, salt, and eggs; beat at medium speed until well mixed. Increase speed to high, and beat batter 4 minutes longer.
2. Remove about 2 1/2 cups batter to a medium bowl. With a wire whisk or fork, beat cocoa into batter in medium bowl until well blended.
3. Grease a 10 inch tube pan. Alternately spoon vanilla and chocolate layers into prepared pan. With a large spoon, cut and twist through batters to obtain marbled effect.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool cake in pan, and on a wire rack, for 10 minutes. Remove cake from pan, and cool completely.

Enjoy this. Let me know what you think. Remember, every Monday tune in and leave with something sweet ;).