Follow the Rules to Self-Control…

In the last message, we discussed the definition of self-mastery, which is the control of one’s behavior.

So how does one go about controlling their behavior?

You can start by taking a long, hard look at yourself. I suggest that you make a list in your journal (you have started your journal, right?) of the things you would like to change about your life. For example:

 - I want to lose 25 pounds.
 - I would like to have more time to myself.
 - I would like to read more/pray more/travel more etc.
 - I would like to spend more time with my family and friends.
 - I would like to make more money.

You get the idea. Once you have done this, ask yourself, “How can I accomplish this?”

My opinion is that we have to set some rules to live by. If we have no self-discipline, then how will we ever be able to obtain self-control?

Discipline can be defined in numerous ways. For our purposes, the definition of discipline is to instruct a person or animal to follow a particular code of conduct or the training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior.

So, it is really simple. We, no matter what age we are, need to constantly train ourselves to control our behavior, our time, our thoughts, our speech and our actions. We were expected to live by the rules as children, and forced to suffer the consequences when we did not. The rules were there for a reason, right? Somehow, over time, “playing by the rules” has taken a back seat to other qualities.

What is stopping you from achieving mastery over yourself?

For many of us, it comes down to the fact that we have forgotten the importance of discipline and setting rules to live by. Without being too hard on yourself, take the time to identify some rules for yourself and ask yourself these two questions.

1. What area of my life is out of control?
2. What can I do today to start the process of bringing forth the change I would like to experience?

Once you have identified the areas in your life that need to change, then you can start on the path towards change. We have to take control over our own lives – ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

Mila Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 scoop Mila placed in a 1/2 cup measure, then filled with whole wheat flour level to top
2/3 cup very warm water
1 envelope (8 gram or 2 1/4 tsp) Fleischmann’s quick-rising yeast1 Tbsp. cornmeal
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
Olive oil cooking spray
In a medium bowl, combine flours, Mila, yeast and salt. Mix well.

Measure very warm water in measuring cup, then stir in olive oil and honey.  Pour over dry ingredients and mix using a wooden spoon to form a ball.  Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.  Knead for 2 minutes.  Spray bowl with oil spray and place dough inside, adding another quick spray on top of dough.  Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until double in size, about 20 mins.  Spray a 12-inch pizza pan with spray oil and dust with cornmeal.
 
Once dough has risen, turn out onto the pizza pan and flatten to fit the bottom and up the sides of pan.  A quick spray on top will stop your hands from sticking to the dough.  Top with sauce, toppings and cheese, as desired.
 
Bake in a 425 degrees F oven for about 15 minutes.  Cut and serve hot.

Submitted by Mabel Cline

Mila Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

1 1/3 cup sugar
1 scoop Mila placed in 1 cup measure and fill to top with white flour
1 cup mini chocolate chips or pecans or 1/2 cup walnuts and 1/2 cup raisins
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup cooked or canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
2 eggs
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

 
In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin, oil, water and eggs; beat well with an electric mixer. Combine dry ingredients, gradually add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Stir in mini chocolate chips (or nuts if desired) by hand.
 
Pour into a greased 9 X 6 X 2 1/2 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 65 minutes or until bread tests done with a toothpick. Cool 10 minutes in pan before removing to a wire rack.

Submitted by Mabel Cline

Mila Cookies with Peanut Butter and Oat Bran

1 1/2 cups oat bran
1 cup whole grain flour
3/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
1/2 cup melted non-saturated fat margarine
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup white sugar equivalent using sugar substitute such as Splenda
1/2 cup brown sugar equivalent using brown sugar substitute
1/4 cup water
6 scoops Mila
1 egg or 2 egg whites
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp baking soda
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix melted margarine and applesauce with sugars. Add egg or egg whites and mix well. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla; beat until smooth. Add remaining dry ingredients, including Mila, and mix well. Drop mix by teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Makes about 36 cookies.

Submitted by Dennis Farley

Filipino Torta (Pork Patty)

1 lb ground pork
1 cup thinly sliced potato
¼ cup chopped onions
¼ cup chopped tomatoes
5 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp minced garlic
½ tsp seasoned salt to taste (if desired)
2 eggs
3 – 4 scoops of Mila

In a frying pan with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, sauté garlic, onions and tomatoes for a minute (medium heat), add ground pork then cook about two (2) minutes, add potato and desired amount of Mila and cook for another two (2) minutes or until ground pork is lightly brown.  Put in a bowl, set a side (it cool down for 5 minutes).  Add the 2 eggs then mix. 

Clean the frying pan and add the rest of the cooking oil and put in a medium heat. 

Then fry.  Put a half cup or a cup of meat in the frying pan and flat them until it looks like a patty, then turn it and cook the other side.

Submitted by Theresa Hickey

Omega-Rich Festive Nut Balls

1 cup Mila
1 cup Walnuts, chopped medium to fine
1/2 cup carob, white, milk, or dark chocolate chips
1/3 cup Organic Blue Agave or honey
1/3 cup fresh Basil, finely chopped
1/4 cup Walnuts, chopped fine for rolling
1/4 cup Dark Cocoa Powder
2 Tbsp Cinnamon
2 tsp Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
Water to moisten

Combine Mila and 1 cup chopped walnuts along with cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt and mix thoroughly.

Add olive oil and agave and work all ingredients into paste-like texture. Add additional water, teaspoon by teaspoon until ingredients hold together and are able to be formed and rolled into a ball. Add carob chips and fresh basil and work into the mixture.

Roll Mila mixture into bite-size balls (approx. 1 tsp each) and then roll balls into remaining chopped nuts. Serve on a festive holiday platter and arrange with fresh basil or sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Makes 16-20 nut balls

Submitted by Rebekah Gillette

Two-Bean Chicken and Rice

1 chicken, cut up (approx. 2 1/2 to 3 pounds)
2 16-oz. cans stewed tomatoes
1 10 oz. package frozen green beans
2 16 oz. cans chick peas, drained
2 medium onions, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 scoops Mila
2 bay leaves

1 1/2 cups hot cooked white rice
 
Remove skin from chicken pieces. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken and brown on all sides. Add onions and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes or until onions are brown.

Add undrained tomatoes, basil, allspice, Mila and bay leaves to skillet. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat. Cook, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves.Add green beans and chick peas to skillet. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until beans and chicken are tender. Spoon rice onto a serving platter. Arrange chicken and vegetables over rice.

Submitted by Irene Gonzalez

Turkey Loaf

1 lb. ground turkey
1 small onion, minced
½ medium green pepper, finely chopped
2 slices sourdough bread
2 eggs
2 scoops Mila
1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp oil
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1 Jar meatless spaghetti sauce
Parsley for garnish
 
In small skillet, sauté onion and green pepper in oil for about 5 minutes. Crumble bread into bowl. With fork beat in eggs, Mila, seasonings and ⅓ cup spaghetti sauce.  Stir in onion-pepper mixture.

Add turkey and, with hands, mix lightly but thoroughly. Pack into a loaf pan. Spread ¼ cup spaghetti sauce over top. Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour. Let stand in pan about 10 minutes. Then lift out and set on small platter. Garnish with parsley.

Submitted by Irene Gonzalez

Chicken Wing Dip

8 oz. shredded chicken or chicken chunks (canned or fresh)
16 oz. cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup Anchor Bar wing sauce
1/4 cup blue cheese dressing
1-2 scoops Mila
 
 
Mix cream cheese, chicken, ½ cup wing sauce and Mila in a bowl with electric mixer.
Spread mixture into an 8″ x 8″ baking pan.

Mix together remaining wing sauce (¼ cup) and ¼ cup blue cheese dressing together.
Pour on top and spread with a spoon. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving with your favorite chips or crackers.

Submitted by Terry Pierce

“Marilyn” Blue Crab Dip

1 8oz. package cream cheese, softened
2 cup crab meat
1/4 cup diced green onion
1 tablespoon minced red chili pepper
1/4 teaspoon Mila
1 tablespoon mild green chili or fine bell pepper
2 tablespoon shredded parmesan cheese

Garnish:
paprika
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley

Preheat oven to broil. Combine all ingredients except 1 tablespoon of cheese (save the other for the garnish). Spread mixture into bottom of an oven safe dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the surface of the dip.Broil for 3 or 4 minutes or until cheese on top begins to brown. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, remaining cheese and fresh minced parsley. Serve with tortilla chips, pitas or crackers for dipping.

Makes 2 cups.

Submitted by Marilyn Lester

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