Why Good Things Happen to Good People defies the myths that drive so many of our ideas about success and the good life. This book shows that the real secret of happiness and success lies in giving of yourself to others, and presents striking new science that shows that giving boosts both our physical and emotional health—across an entire lifetime.

1. Where there is a desert, plant a rose. In the preface, Reverend Otis Moss, Jr. uses the images of a desert and a rose to describe times of hardship and joy. What different kind of deserts does he describe? How did Sister McNair plant a rose in her desert? Can you think of a desert and a rose from your own past? What rose can you plant now in another person’s life–a rose that will bring joy to both you and the other?

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From The Most Decadent Diet Ever by Devin Alexander. I dreamed about eating a cake like this for years (both in my sleep and just rapid-fire thoughts during the day). I’m serious. I’m one of those “There’s no such thing as chocolate cake that’s too rich” types. I was dieting, but I would have to “cheat” with chocolate from time to time just to keep my sanity.

And then came this cake. It’s as rich as they come and I love it more than any other flourless chocolate espresso cake I’ve had. Plus, it packs six grams of fiber, so it really is guilt free!

If you really want to impress your friends, store some, unbaked, in the ramekins in an airtight container in your freezer. When you need a no-fuss dessert, pop them in the water bath and bake them 30 to 32 minutes. (more…)

From The Most Decadent Diet Ever! by Devin Alexander. Can be made in 30 minutes or less / No more than 20 minutes ­hands-­on prep time.

The barbecue bacon cheeseburger is usually a guilty pleasure. Here, I’ve combined these favorite flavors in a ­reasonable-­sized burger that’s even more scrumptious because the ingredients are fresh and guilt free. Please, though, don’t cheat when buying the beef. Some people think that buying 93% lean ground beef isn’t that much different from the 96% lean, but it is. Four ounces of the 96% lean has about 150 calories and 4-1/2 grams of fat. Four ounces of the 93% lean has 170 calories and 8 grams of fat. Yes, the 96% lean is more expensive, but you’re worth it (plus, in the long term, you’ll be saving money on doctor bills)! (more…)

From The Most Decadent Diet Ever by Devin Alexander. Ooey, gooey, and out-of-control drippy! That’s what I think of when I think “sticky bun.” So how could they be in a diet book? And if they are, how can they be good? Well, rest assured this is a recipe to try. Yes, it takes more time than most others in the book. But even my friends with small children who’ve never worked with yeast before report having made these over and over. They claim to always be the star of their mommies groups when the other moms learn that these decadent treats are so low in fat and calories. And my friend John, who’s quite the bachelor and had never cooked before trying my recipes, had success on the first attempt.

Be careful not to add too much flour to the dough or on your work surface. The dough should stick just a tiny bit so you can roll it out thin. Otherwise, it will bounce back too much. You should, however, definitely flour the rolling pin. You don’t want that to stick at all. But please don’t let this intimidate you. I promise it really is easy! (more…)

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