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About This Author
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Each Day Already is a Challenge
A Texas Sunrise
 
A friend, William Taylor, took this picture. He visits Surfside Beach with his dogs almost every morning, watching the sun rise while the dogs prance about at the water's edge.
This is only about ten miles from where I lived in Lake Jackson, Texas. Sadly, I only visited this beach about four times in the six years I lived nearby.
Each day is a challenge. A challenge to get by without thinking about the fibromyalgia pains. A challenge to stay awake when chronic fatigure wants to take over. And a challenge to navigate through fibro fog.
I haven't been writing as much as in the past. For years, I wrote at least 500 words a day. Now, I'm lucky if I write 500 words in month. Sigh.
For more information about what my day (or life) is all about with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic pains, IBS, depression and everything else thrown in, check this out:
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Yesterday, I had the Travel Chanel on for some reason. I found a show that talks about regional foods.
My hometown - Pittsburgh, PA - was mentioned in the show and it really surprised me. Why, you ask? Well... It turns out that there's a special Pittsburgh sandwich that I don't think I've ever eaten. Or even heard about. Ever. The Devonshire.
The guy who first created it did so in the 1930's, so I should have at least heard of it. I didn't leave the 'Burgh until 1974 and my folks didn't move from there until 1984. My last visit was in about...1999. Weird.
What's especially strange is that the creator was Frank Blandi. There is a bunch written about the Blandis. The family's first venture in Pittsburgh was The Blandi's, a restaurant and nightclub in Fox Chapel. Frank Blandi also opened the Stratford Club in Oakland, where - by most accounts - Pittsburgh's Devonshire sandwich was born.
In the 1950s, James Blandi, Sr. owned the Fox Head Grill, Dormont, and was a partner with his uncle, Frank Blandi, in the Park Schenley, Oakland. He also operated the Lemont Restaurant in Mount Washington.
And my mother knew Karen Blandi. I'm not sure how she was related...I think the wife of either James Blandi Sr. or Jr. In fact, I think that my mother and dad attended Karen's wedding or wedding reception at The Lemont on the night before (or maybe the same night, I'm not real sure...) that my youngest sister was born.
Since I lived in Mt. Washington, and since my mother had some friendship with a Blandi, you would think that I would have at least have heard of this sandwich. Hmmm.
The original Devonshire was composed of crisp bacon and slices of turkey placed on a single piece of toast and then covered with a rich creamy cheese sauce and served bubbling hot from the oven. According to the TV show last night and the web sites that mention this sandwich, now there are variations with other meats and seafood.
Sounds yummy. And not very healthy. 
In my internet travels I came across this list of other foods for which Pittsburgh is "famous." It includes Clark Bars, Heinz Ketchup, Iron City Beer, and Klondike Bars.http://pittsburgh.about.com/cs/diningtraditions/
I also found this page by the Pittsburgh-Tribune Review called, "Souls who enriched our lives, our region." The names include: Jimmy Stewart, Willie Stargell, Gene Kelly and Perry Como. Lots of others too, of course. http://pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/specialreports/10year/s_105329.h...
Okay, class is over. Pop quiz coming soon. 
By the way...
I discovered that last month there were a few days when I had twice as many viewers as usual. The only thing different about those entries was that I mentioned some famous folks. And a few of our other WDC bloggers.
So, I've covered the famous folks - above.
About the WDC bloggers...do keep clicking on some of my favorites seen at the left:
Budroe  
TexansBeatTheMiamiDolphinsBy3
winter
flicka
Ta
Angela's Niece needs Praye
hoosiermomma2
Daizy May 
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I guess when I fell last week, I totally forgot about posting sermon notes. So, here they are now. 
Turn Your Problems Into a Plus
Sermon Series: Faith Works (Part 2)
Imagine getting this as a letter. Dear friend...
James 1:2-3 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
Right. Imagine getting that as a letter from a friend. Some friend, huh? Yes, some friend.
Like someone said (well, my pastor for one): If you don't have problems, check your pulse.
Problem Particulars:
 Problems are part of life.
John 16:33 ESV
In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Problems are not predictable.
1 Peter 4:12 NLT
Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.
Problems are plentiful.
Problems are purposeful.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NJB
None of the trials which have come upon you is more than a human being can stand. You can trust that God will not let you be put to the test beyond your strength, but with any trial will also provide a way out by enabling you to put up with it.
Three Positives of Problems:
Problems purify my faith.
Remember James 1:2-3 above? "...you know that the testing of your faith..."
Job 23:10 NCV
But God knows the way that I take, and when He has tested me, I will come out like gold.
Christians are like tea bags. You really don't know their flavor until you put them in hot water.
Problems produce patience.
Again, James 1:2-3 above. "...the testing...develops perseverance."
Learning to be a follower of Christ is like learning to ride a bike. At some point, we're left to struggle on our own. We might fall and even get hurt. But we get back up and start over, knowing that our teacher is there if and when we need help. Eventually, we get the hang of it. Then we can ride off with our teacher and have some glorious times together.
Problems perfect persona.
James 1:4 NIV
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Have you seen the movie Evan Almighty yet? In it, there are some great questions about how God teaches (and provides) patience and courage.
Prescription for Problems
Praise.
Check out James 1:2-3 again. "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials..."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Note that it says we should thank God in our trials, not for them.
Pray.
James 1:5 NIV
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
...pray continually...
Pray for wisdom. Do not waste any opportunity for growth.
For every problem a non-Christian has, a Christian will have the same problem. Why? So the world can see the difference in the way they react and respond.
You can use your problems for your growth and to His glory.
Peace.
James 1:6 NIV
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 MSG
The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!"
Relax and let God be God. He has your back.
Needed to survive:
Wisdom to understand.
Faith to endure.
James 1:12 NIV
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
The devil uses problems to defeat.
God uses problems to develop.
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