The Creator of the Universe doesn't need your cash.

 

It really is something. To think at one time, that I thought I had to pay God 10% of my income so I could get blessings. What rational person does this? 

Well, it isn't that easy. The Bible does say that certain people gave 10% to God in a couple places, and greedy pastors and churches (Like the Mormons AKA Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) milk that for millions, and in the case of the Mormons, hundreds of billions. Yes, billions with a B. 

My own mother in law even tells me we cannot get blessings without giving God his 10%. Is he the federal government, or what? Does God have some sort of car payments he needs to make? Payments on his debt? Does he have wars to pay for? I don't think so. 

Let's tackle this from a rational perspective and a Biblical one. First of all, 10% tithing is NOT Christian. It was a strict legal mandate of Old Testament Mosiac Law to support Priests, festivals and the poor. Jesus came to fulfill the old testament laws, according to the Bible...or in other words, to pay the price for us. Instead, it points to us being a cheerful giver. It doesn't mean not giving to help keep the lights on at your local church, or to the poor. But there is no mandate too. The Mormons are very bad at this....you are required to pay 10% of your income in order to access their temple to get the "highest" blessings and in order to be with your family for eternity. Talk about blackmail. That is worse than the mob. Any Christian trying to tell you that you are required to give 10% of your income for blessings or that you are obligated to you, is not a Christian. 

So even if you disagree with that somehow (because you don't have a drop of the Holy Spirit in you), let's just look at this from a rational side. Tithing doesn't affect Atheists, and they are fine. Many of them have the same or greater blessings than Christians. And some of our "blessings" are based on the fact we are in a western country with huge opportunity, and those opportunities are available to anyone, Christian or not...."tithe" payer or not. The Creator of the freaking universe has gotten along JUST FINE without your cash for millions of years. The Gospel of Jesus was written without the support of people giving 10% of their income. 

Today's prosperity gospel is nothing but a shame, a giant scam. People are manipulated into giving their hard earned dollars over to "ministries" that do little more than promote the prosperity gospel. You are actually funding their scam with your donations. Sometimes they give a little to the poor, but it sure isn't 10%. The Mormons love to say how they give a billion a year to non-profit causes....but there really is no public records issued, no legal statements and it's their word only. Very cult-like. 

In other words, keep your 10% and help a neighbour who needs it. Do an errand for the senior citizen next door to you. Shovel their snow once in a while. You will be better off for it. 

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Supporting the Canadian Football League.....is it our patriotic duty as football fans?

 Full disclosure here.....I am a massive fan of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and of my Edmonton Elks team. The CFL has had its share of ups and downs over the last few decades. Some have tried to paint the league as failing, and see the older stadiums with empty seats as a problem. In the last few years, especially since covid, I have noticed that we have more and more empty seats in the stadiums.....especially in Edmonton. I do notice places like Calgary, Ottawa, and Hamilton are also seen a decline in attendance, and Toronto....well, it has always been low. 

The problem here is not the game. The Canadian Football League is a very fun game to watch with top football players.....guys that have no problem fitting in on an NFL practice roster. There are so many athletes at a pro level in North America that the NFL could not possibly absorb them all....which is why many come to Canada. 

So getting back to the question.....football fans....do we have a patriotic duty to support our league? I would argue if you are a massive NFL and shun the CFL, you are really missing out and doing yourself a huge disservice. If you love football, why not enjoy the crazy CFL action and help water the sport here in Canada? The CFL has different rules and it is a more entertaining game than the NFL. I really believe if you are a football fan and a proud Canadian, it is important we pick a team and get behind it. That can be watching it on TSN, buying season tickets and buying some gear. 

It really is part of being Canadian. And right now we need patriotic people in this country supporting our institutions.

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Traditional Fried Bannock Recipe

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a slightly sweeter bannock)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
• ¾ to 1 cup water (or milk)
• Vegetable oil or lard for frying (about ½ inch deep in the pan)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
2. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of oil or melted butter.
3. Gradually add the water, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Knead gently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Don't overwork it, or the bannock can become tough.
5. Let the dough rest for 10–15 minutes.
6. Divide the dough into 4–6 pieces and flatten each into a circle about ½ inch (1–1.5 cm) thick. You can also poke a small hole in the centre to help it cook evenly.
7. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat (around 350°F/175°C).
8. Fry each piece for about 2–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Serving ideas

• Butter
• Jam or jelly
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Peanut butter
• Cinnamon sugar
• Chilli
• Beef stew
• Soup
• Taco filling (as a base for Indian tacos)

Tips

• If the outside browns too quickly, lower the heat so the inside has time to cook.
• Avoid making the dough too wet, as it will absorb more oil during frying.
• Fresh bannock is best served warm, but leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or toaster oven.

This version makes 4–6 servings and produces a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy centre.

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All things Canadian

 Welcome to my new blog. Why Fried Bannock? Because it is something I really enjoy and I needed a catchy name. This blog won't be the best written blog you have ever come across, but I do intend to post mainly about Canadian things, such as Canadian politics, sports, food and culture. 

These are my opinions mostly, and as I see things from my perspective. You can agree, or disagree and I will be downright wrong sometimes. 

I would also like to make a disclaimer that I may profit directly from affiliate links on this blog....hey, I got bills to pay too, so don't take too much offence. I am hoping these links also benefit you in some way if you choose to take advantage of such offers. 

So saying that, I am going to post the first one below....which is from a nifty Canadian company called Shakepay. They are basically a bank that also allows you to buy Bitcoin and Ethereum and you earn free Bitcoin daily when you open the app and shake your phone, which you can do once every 24 hours. You also get free Bitcoin on your purchases, which is cool. AND you get $20 free when you buy or sell your first $100 worth of Bitcoin or Ethereum. I have earned about $5000 in free Bitcoin over the years, so check it out at https://shakepay.me/r/DGHN03H (again my affiliate link and we will both get $20 free if you sign up and buy or sell $100 in Bitcoin or Ethereum)