The Living Principles

The Living Principles Take a walk on the path of truth.  Because the earth 's paths are bumpy, they only showed partial reality and not get you anything useful insights.

Think of the life God gives you an opportunity to do good and help others.  Do not stand between the lines to look back and just struggling with what you 've done or forgeten to do.  If just thinking about the past, whether positive or negative, you will be at risk of dropping to do good deeds.  In contrast, let's take a helping hand to people who need you.  Some words of love and encouragement for the blessing of Christ as divine.  A smile can heal many bad things and relieve the pain.  Take life by preserving hope and bright attitude. And you will be rewarded.
Try to keep your maximum calmness.  Do not look for continuous operation, as you can not have peace and quiet of righteous living and good works.  Do not say that the external pressure make you panic spirit: noisy reality of the world must depend on internal harmony of fulfilling their daily duties, and never become pretext to cause upset or troubled.  You always bring peace envoy and love.
In each of us there is a curious thing demons are interested in promoting other people's lives, to judge by actions, explain and magnify mistakes, as it is the judgment of cough..You just think: if we observe others, criticize and defame us, we consent to or protest?  So, do not judge
An optimist is a person trying to live a good and outward to other people to be happy.  Sadly when exposed to those who see evil everywhere, and just thinking about it wrong.  Living with people like that is unfortunate.  They are the ones who ruin the day of anyone who lives in contact with them.  How to face your life?  Are you ready to discover where you, or direct you to what the purest and most beautiful?
Life is one long struggle journey.  Be content with your past in the present to enjoy your achievements you do.  Do not rush when you are on your way.  Do not expect to jump through a few steps, but step by step, you make your destiny is to fight and to win. What you get is your conquest, is due to the success of your wants and hardships.  Do not worry about what other people life.

Make it a simple life.  Simple living is not just an act of virtue, but also a behavioral understanding.  Attitude simply makes people become cute, and easy to embrace.  The presence of sympathy cause you where you live, in your work environment.  The simple life will entice many friends.  Only the new simple life brings true happiness.
If your conviction in your opinion, you preserve and maintain.  Some people are able to live the good ideas have convinced themselves that the good and honorable.  The dare die for such a cause as well.  Do not change your mind as long as your not going to find themselves mistaken.  But also do not forget to respect the opinions of others..You can change the way of thinking, but not so that you have the right to force others to think like you.. Please avoid any argument you can make is satisfied because you won the contest.

Humility is not flaunt his own man, nor conceal or deny their value. The humility is to respect what people value, what is true, but not arrogant, and is always expressed gratitude: keep it as a rule of life.

According to the philosopher Descartes, man is a thinking being.  He said: I am thinking, should I be.always thinking about the good and useful?  Stay away from negative ideas.  Do not just think about the body, the pain, disorders, disorders of you.  When you pay attention to the health and happiness of their development, try to change your life into the right path.

Please ask to be strong in faith.  Life is always difficult, but faith is the most effective remedy that people have in hand.  So please pay attention to potential sources of strength in the deep realms of you.  Thanks to wield that power, you can step by step, overcoming difficult physical, mental and moral, is not lacking in the lives of human beings.
Living at peace with his conscience as security for a happy life.  Rich riches brought material comfort, but only the harmony of the new spirit brings peace, joy, happy smile..You think, speak, and live as people enjoy the taste of kindness and love.  Do not be satisfied with a temporary material.  Do not be a slave to materialism.  Do not just worry possessed of wealth for many, as if no value besides other important and more essential.  You remember that we have a wealth becomes meaningless death.  You have value because of what you do, not what you have.  Do not let others evaluate you according to material possessions.  The true value of your possessions is your spirit, in addition to all that can be considered redundant.

Cinnamon Sausage Recipe

Cinnamon sausage, a traditional dish from Northern Vietnam, is a must-have in meals, parties, and celebrations in the region.  Its unique flavor carries a sense of home, evoking nostalgia for those far away.  Traditionally made with lean pork and pork fat, cinnamon sausage is blended with cinnamon spice and cooked by steaming or grilling.  However, in this modern variation, ground turkey or chicken is used as a healthier alternative while maintaining the dish's signature taste and texture.

Ingredients:

• Meat Mixture Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey or chicken
• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 tbsp annatto oil
• Marinade Ingredients:
• 5 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp chicken powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 3 tbsp potato starch or cornstarch

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Meat:

·         Place the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl.

·         In a separate bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until well combined.  Pour the marinade into the turkey and chill the meat in the refrigerator for 30–40 minutes (or freeze briefly) to keep the meat cold and firm during processing.

2.    Grinding the Meat:

·         After chilling, transfer the mixture to a food processor or meat grinder and process until smooth.

·         Add the oil and cinnamon powder to the meat and adjust seasoning to taste.

3.    Preparing the Annatto Oil Mixture:

·         In a small bowl, combine the remaining annatto oil with cinnamon powder to create a vibrant, flavorful topping.

4.    Shaping and Cooking:

·         Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

·         Line a non-stick baking tray with aluminum foil.  Brush the surface with a layer of the annatto oil mixture. Spread the meat mixture evenly on the tray, smoothing it with a spatula.

·         Brush the top with the remaining annatto oil mixture.

5.    Baking or Steaming:

·         Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.  Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the meat—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

·         Alternatively, you can steam the sausage until cooked through, then pan-fry for a crispy outer layer if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon sausage pairs wonderfully with sticky rice, bánh giầy (glutinous rice cakes), bánh ướt (steamed rice rolls), or as a side dish in family meals.  Enjoy the delicious blend of fragrant cinnamon and savory meat!

Learning to Forgive

There was a young man who was repeatedly awakened at night by a recurring dream.  In the dream, he found himself swimming in a vast lake, moving skillfully like a professional athlete.

But the lake was too wide, and his body gradually became exhausted.  When he felt he could no longer continue, he saw his father rowing a boat toward him.  His father extended a hand and said, "Grab my hand, and I’ll help you!” However, the man recalled the times his father scolded and even punished him during his childhood.  With a dry smile, he refused, saying, "Thank you, Dad, but let me handle it myself!"

He continued to swim, despite his growing fatigue.  Not long after, his younger sister rowed a boat toward him.  She threw a life buoy to him and said, "Take the buoy, brother!” But he remembered the many times she had been stubborn and argumentative. Once again, he refused: "No need, I’ll manage!"

After tremendous effort, he finally reached the shore.  Collapsing on the wet sand, his body was drained, and his mind was foggy.  A crowd of familiar faces—family, relatives, and friends—gathered around him.  Each person wanted to help: one suggested taking him to the hospital, another wanted to light a fire to warm him, and someone else offered dry clothes and a towel.  Yet, every time someone tried to assist, he remembered moments when they had wronged him, even in small ways.  And he replied, "No, thank you, I’ll handle it myself!"

He stood up, soaking wet, covered in sand, and utterly exhausted. Leaving the crowd behind, he walked away.

The dream repeated for several nights, prompting him to seek out his grandmother—the one person he felt had never wronged him and whom he trusted most.

"I’m not an expert in interpreting dreams," she said, "but I think you’re harboring a lot of resentment and bitterness."

"Resentment? Bitterness?  I don’t think so!  If I did, I’d feel it, wouldn’t I?" he exclaimed.

His grandmother calmly replied:
"The lake in your dream represents what you’re struggling with in your mind.  You need help, but you don’t trust anyone.  You managed to reach the shore this time, but what about the next time?  Forgiveness isn’t for others; it’s for yourself.  If you don’t forgive, aren’t you building up more and more resentment and anger inside you?"

She paused and then gently added:
"As they say: No one is perfect, so everyone makes mistakes.  If you forgive the mistakes of others, you, too, will be forgiven for your own."

---

Reflections

The story teaches us many meaningful lessons about life and how to interact with others.  Here are some key takeaways:

1.    Forgiveness is a gift to yourself:
Forgiving others not only frees them from their mistakes but, more importantly, it releases you from resentment and bitterness.  Holding onto grudges only weighs your spirit down.

2.    No one is perfect:
Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes, including yourself. Learning to accept this helps you develop empathy for others and build stronger relationships.

3.    Trust and accept help:
No one can overcome all of life’s challenges alone.  Refusing help due to past grievances or misunderstandings only isolates and exhausts you further.  Opening up and trusting others brings strength and joy.

4.    Let go of the past:
The past is behind you, and clinging to it prevents you from enjoying the present.  Even small grudges can grow over time and overshadow your happiness.

5.    The power of family and community:
Despite past conflicts or misunderstandings, your family and loved ones are often the ones who stand by you in times of need.  Cherish these bonds, as they can provide comfort and support during difficult times.

The story emphasizes that to live a lighthearted and happy life, we must learn to forgive, let go, and open our hearts to the love and care of those around us.

Quick and Easy Blueberry Muffins

 

Over the years, I've shared numerous muffin recipes, but many of them involve making the batter from scratch, which can be time-consuming. In America, sweets are a staple for desserts, snacks, or breakfast, adding a delightful touch to any meal. However, in our fast-paced society, busy moms and college students often don't have the time to make muffins from scratch. That's why I'm excited to introduce this new Blueberry Muffin recipe using self-rising flour. This simplified recipe uses self-rising flour to cut down on preparation time while still delivering moist and delicious muffins. You can even substitute your favorite berries for a personal touch!

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup frozen blueberries

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment:

• Muffin tin (line with 6 small or 4 medium paper liners)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and frozen blueberries.
3. Blend Wet Ingredients: In a blender, mix the egg, oil, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin: Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling them about 2/3 full.
6. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tip: For extra sweetness, sprinkle a little sugar on top of the batter before baking. These muffins are perfect for busy mornings or an easy snack!

Basic Sweet Dough Recipe

Making sweet bread dough at home can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort because this versatile dough can be used for recipes like doughnuts, croissants, dinner rolls, and cinnamon rolls. After years of refining, I’m excited to share this simple and reliable recipe.  You can prepare it using a bread machine, a stand mixer, or by hand in just a few minutes.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp softened butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg

Directions:

Using a Bread Machine

1.    Place all ingredients into the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.

2.    Select the "Dough" function and let the machine knead and rise the dough for you.

3.    Once ready, shape and use the dough as desired.

Using a Stand Mixer (KitchenAid)

1.    Add all ingredients to the bowl of the mixer.

2.    Attach the dough hook and mix on medium speed for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3.    Cover the bowl and let the dough rise until it doubles in size before using.

Kneading by Hand

1.    Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until the dough starts to come together.

2.    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3.    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.

This basic sweet dough recipe is a game-changer.  Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious homemade bread can be!

Banana Brownies Steamed Cake

Steamed cakes are made with simple ingredients: flour or cake flour, milk, egg, sugar, and oil or butter.  This easy cake is very popular in Japan, possibly because kitchens there are often small and not equipped with ovens like those in the West.  This method of baking is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for preparing cakes or even bread.

Today, I'm sharing a banana brownie cake recipe that uses a brownie cake mix, eliminating the need for baking powder and other rising agents.  This saves time for lazy bakers like myself, but the result is fantastic.  Make this recipe when you want to use up ripe bananas.

Ingredients:

• 2 or 3 ripe bananas
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2  box brownie mix (9 oz)

Directions:

1.    Caramelizing the Bananas: Peel and slice the bananas in half lengthwise.  In a 9-inch nonstick pan, add the butter and brown sugar, then place the banana slices in the pan.  Heat on low until the bananas are caramelized.

2.    Preparing the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, oil, milk, cinnamon, and brownie mix.  Beat until smooth.

3.    Steaming the Cake: Pour the batter over the caramelized bananas in the pan.  Cover with a lid and steam on low heat for 20 minutes, or until set.

4.    Serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing.  Serve warm or at room temperature.  Enjoy your moist, banana-infused brownie cake!

This method saves time and is perfect for a lazy, indulgent treat.

Cabbage Stir-Fry with Eggs

This quick and nutritious "lazy dinner" is a favorite go-to meal in my kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 small carrot, shredded
• 2 eggs
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup white onion, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp peanut oil

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2.    Cooking the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.  Add the eggs, scramble until cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.

3.    Stir-Frying the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining oil.  Sauté the garlic and white onions until fragrant.  Add the shredded carrots and cabbage, stirring for 3-4 minutes.

4.    Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce to taste, adjusting as needed.

5.    Combining: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan, mixing well with the vegetables.

6.    Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot with cooked rice.

Enjoy this simple, wholesome meal!