最近為了重新立志每天靈修，買了蘇穎智牧師所著《每日與主同行》一書，此書鼓勵信徒於一年內有系統地讀完聖經一次，每天讀兩至三章聖經，並附有簡單釋經、應用及默想指引。於是，我便由創世記開始這為期一年的讀經之旅，到現今已過了一個月，進入出埃及記神帶領以色列人過紅海的場景。

誰知剛開始這靈修計劃，便再次被聖經中描述人類的源起、以色列人的歷史、有血有肉的人物、上帝奇妙的計劃和帶領所吸引，每每看得津津有味，亦有許多新的領受。

自神與亞伯拉罕立約，應許萬族因他得福，並承諾永遠作以色列的神，其後，神一直賜福給他的後裔。每當他們經歷神的祝福和帶領時，便會築壇和立石為柱，獻祭給神，並會為那座壇和石柱起名，目的是記念神的作為，也成為自己將來、或世世代代可以回顧的記號。如雅各曾往伯特利築壇獻祭，「他在那裡築了一座壇，就給那地方起名叫伊勒伯特利，（就是伯特利之神的意思）。因為他逃避他哥哥的時候，神在那裡向他顯現。」（創三十五7）摩西帶領以色列人戰勝了亞瑪力人，其後他「築了一座壇，起名叫耶和華尼西。（就是耶和華是我旌旗的意思）」（出十七15）

在我們的人生中不是也有不少經歷神的時刻嗎？我們是否也有向神築起內心的祭壇，獻上感恩的祭？人是善忘的動物，你看那一群以色列人，這刻方才見證了雲柱火柱、紅海分開的神蹟，那刻便埋怨神不照顧他們的需要；他們的內心沒有裝載和銘刻神的恩典，因此，稍為遇到生活的不順境便忘記神曾如何真實地幫助他們。

所以，不要作個忘恩負義的信徒。讓我們回首人生路，察看、默念神如何施恩給我們、如何幫助我們、如何安慰我們、如何與我們同在。把這些與神相遇相交的經歷銘刻於心，便成為我們人生路上的祭壇和石柱，在那裡，可回想神的奇妙恩典和作為，讓自己在不如意的日子、在困苦來臨時能回顧、能徘徊、能懷緬，能浸潤在神的愛中，能在那裡重新得力。

當我回想神在我人生路上的作為，心靈滿溢著感恩。其中兩個重要的石柱，一是我於約十年前參與名為「經歷耶穌」的靜修營，在五日的營會中神親自醫治我生命中曾遇過的傷痛，對我說話，讓我經歷祂的真實。另一個石柱是我曾有十年的時間，面對經濟的困境和情緒的幽谷，然而，神卻奇妙而及時地供應我生活所需，令我生活沒有欠缺，也讓這段流淚谷的日子磨練了我的性格和信心。

神在你身上有何恩典和作為呢？你有為此築壇立柱，好讓自己能常常回首，記念神的作為，重拾對神的信心嗎？

何靜

I was trying to turn on the computer last night and nothing happen..........my father in law and my hsuband said it's the problem with the transformer.......hopefully it can be repaired! #_#

By Green Living Online

There’s no denying that plastic containers and water bottles make life easier. But is it dangerous to combine plastic and food? Reason for concern
Both the FDA and Health Canada warns that using plastic containers and wrap for anything than their original purpose can cause health problems. In most cases this means not reusing plastic containers or water bottles.

The main concern is with food becoming contaminated due to leakage of the chemicals used to manufacture plastic, especially when the plastic is heated or damaged. Depending on the type, plastics can contain bisphenol A (BPA), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-2-ethylhexyl-adipate (DEHA) or polyvinyl chloride/PVC. While none of these chemicals are healthy for us, BPA is proving to be highly toxic, linked to different cancers along with endocrine and hormone disruption.

H20 and plastic
Most plastic water bottles are intended for one time use only and will not hold up to everyday wear or being washed in hot water. The most popular brands use #1 polyethylene terephthalate (PETE or PET). PET is often touted as the guilt-free plastic because it’s recyclable. But according to the Container Recycling Institute, 86 percent of plastic water bottles used in the United States ends up in a landfill or becomes litter.

Water bottles made from #3 polyvinyl chloride/PVC are even worse. This plastic easily leaks BPA, DEHP and DEHA chemicals when heated, washed or exposed to acidic foods. Hard plastic bottles, such as the coloured Nalgene Lexan sports bottles, made from #7 plastic (polycarbonate), can also leak BPA, especially if scratched or put through the dishwasher. Aluminum bottles, such as those made by SIGG or stainless steel water bottles, like the ones created by Klean Kanteen, are considered safer alternatives.

Re-usable plastic containers
Disposable plastic utensils (forks, spoons, knives), cups and containers (cottage cheese, sour cream, chip dip, margarine, milk) should never be used again since they will start to break down almost immediately.

Avoid any containers made with #6 polystyrene since it leaks styrene, which attacks the central nervous system and can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, confusion and drowsiness.

The safest containers are made from #2 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), #4 low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or #5 polypropylene (PP).

Always let food cool before storing it into plastic containers and throw out any visibly damaged, stained or unpleasant smelling containers. If you have concerns store your food in glass or ceramic containers.

Plastics and the microwave
Never use plastic bowls or wrap in the microwave unless labeled as microwave safe. This label means the plastic can withstand high temperatures without melting, warping or leaking chemicals. If neither the item nor the package is marked, it’s best to use a different container. If you are at all concerned then use wax paper to cover the food or use microwave safe ceramics or glass.

The Harvard Medical School makes the following recommendations for using plastic in the microwave to heat food:

Most takeout containers, water bottles, and plastic tubs or jars made to hold margarine, yogurt, whipped topping, and foods such as cream cheese, mayonnaise, and mustard are not microwave-safe.

Microwavable takeout dinner trays are formulated for one-time use only and will say so on the package.

Don’t microwave plastic storage bags or plastic bags from the grocery store.

Before microwaving food, be sure to vent the container: Leave the lid ajar, or lift the edge of the cover.

Don’t allow plastic wrap to touch food during microwaving because it may melt. Wax paper, kitchen parchment paper, or white paper towels are alternatives.

If you’re concerned about plastic wraps or containers in the microwave, transfer food to glass or ceramic.