Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 4

How are you doing with your "Love Dare" challenge? What did you purchase or make for your spouse or family member that spoke to their heart? My husband is the perfect example of "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach." Since it was Friday and Lent, it was a challenge to come up with something that would fit the bill.
I came up with something simple, yet required love and attention. Bread. Fresh homemade bread fit into our meal plan, but also showed him that I was thinking about him throughout the day. He walked into the house tired after a long day. Then he smelled the fresh bread coming out of the oven and a smile spread across his face. "Ah, you really love me, don't you" he said. Yes dear, I really do. I consider the day a success.

Day 4
Love is thoughtful
" How precious also are Your thoughts to me...How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand" Psalm 139:17-18

Love thinks. It's not a mindless feeling that rides on waves of emotion and falls asleep mentally. It keeps busy in thought, knowing that loving thoughts precede loving actions.

Today's dare:
"Contact your spouse (or family member) sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing or if there is anything you could do for them."

The above italicised text comes from "The Love Dare" by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Being that it's a Saturday, your spouse or family member may be with you through the day. So calling may not be an issue. But take a moment and see how they are doing. With your children, actively listen to what's going on with them. It's all about time. Open your heart to them and they will share theirs with you. Know that I will be praying for each of you. Please pray for me as well.
Blessings,
Mary

The Lenten Kitchen ~ Black Bean Soup

This soup is a staple in our home during Lent. It's hearty, filling and has a little heat to it. You can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd. Add some sour cream to the top if you wish for a creamier texture.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Black Bean Soup

adapted from The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook

(published 1999 by Oxmoor House)

1 pound dried black beans

(to save time, I replace these with 3 (14.5 oz) cans of black beans drained and rinsed. Place in Dutch oven. Then I go to step 4 in the cooking instructions and decrease the broth to 2 cans)

3 (14 1/2 oz) cans ready-to-serve chicken broth

(or use veggie broth for meatless days)

2 cups chopped onion

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 (10oz) can diced tomatoes and green chile's, undrained

1/2 cup lemon juice

1//2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 (8oz) container of sour cream

Directions:

1. Sort and rinse beans, place in Dutch oven. Cover with water 2-inches above beans.

2. Bring beans to a boil; cover and remove from heat, and let stand one hour. Drain beans and return to Dutch oven.

3. Add chicken broth to beans in Dutch oven. Partially cover, and cook on medium-low heat 3 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Saute chopped onion and garlic in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until tender.

5. Reduce heat to medium; stir in tomatoes and next 3 ingredients. Cook 5-15 minutes until heated through.

Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 3

So Day 3 has arrived. How are you doing? Things got challenging for me last evening when my husband and I had a "laundry" moment. We do things very differently domestically, and he had combined clothing that I would not have. There was also  shrinkage of a few garments from the dryer. None of this was life threatening nor did it require anything to be replaced. I was just annoyed. Needless to say, I was NOT patient or kind. But God in his infinite mercy showed me how wrong I was. 

After all, hubby took the initiative and was willing to help me do the laundry. What do I do? Skin him alive because he didn't do it MY way. Well, that shows me doesn't it? Who was successful at the dare? That would be husband #1,  the one who I am supposed to be loving. I fall for the first time. 

Thank goodness our Lord is ever merciful and stays with us even when we fail. He is ALWAYS there, whether we feel his presence or not. We KNOW He is there. Once again, I am called to die to self, be kind and patient for love comes from these two gifts. I apologized to my husband and then helped him with his evening chores as an unexpected gesture of kindness, after I took his head off for the laundry. Yikes! Do I have some work to do or what? Thank goodness Lent is 40 days. Maybe I will get it right by then. Jesus certainly did! Leave a comment and let me know how you did with your day. We need to support in other in this journey. It will only get more challenging from here. 

Day 3

Love is not selfish

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor."  Romans 12:10

"Whatever you put your time, energy and money into will become important to you. It's hard to care for something you are investing in. Along with restraining from negative comments, buy (or make) your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."

At the end of the day ask yourself  "What did I choose to give my spouse (family member or friend)? What happened when I gave it?

The above italicised text comes from "The Love Dare" by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

If Lent is all about "dying to self" then this is a perfect challenge. Our culture is built around extreme self-esteem and  personal desires. Almost every sinful thing we have ever done can be traced back to pride and selfishness. This is our opportunity to put someone else first by using our time, talent and treasure to show them how we feel about them. How we truly feel. We are asked to do the same for Mother Church. Remember, this challenge is not just about our spouse or family member. It's about drawing closer to Jesus, our Beloved. We can do that by serving his people. 

I can't wait to hear what you come up with for this dare. Remember that prayer strengthens all things.  Leave a comment and let me know how it goes. I will be praying for you (and me)!

Blessings, 

Mary

Barefoot Bloggers ~ Meringues Chantilly

Alas I have no picture to share with this very elegant desert. The one I took was dismal, and since a friend has borrowed my cookbook, I have no visual. I am so sad too. This was a stunner visually with the red raspberries and blueberries. Just lovely. Thanks to BMK @ Reservations Not Required who chose this weeks Barefoot Bloggers recipe.
I made these this past weekend, knowing that Lent started yesterday and there would be no sweets or snacks for me except on Sunday for the next six weeks. What a treat! They were light as a cloud with a little crisp and crunch. The berries were a wonderful topper, so sweet and quite delish! For those of you giving up chocolate this lent, have a go. You won't be disappointed.
Bon Appetite!Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Meringues Chantilly
2004, Barefoot in Paris, All Rights Reserved
Ingredients
6 extra - large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Kosher salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Whipped Cream with Orange Liqueur, recipe follows
Stewed berries, recipe follows
Directions
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a small glass and a pencil, draw 6 (3 1/2-inch) circles on each piece of paper. Turn the paper face-down on the baking sheets.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and a large pinch of salt on medium speed until frothy. Add 1 cup of the sugar and raise the speed to high until the egg whites form very stiff peaks. Whisk in the vanilla. Carefully fold the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar into the meringue. With a large star - shaped pastry tip, pipe a disc of meringue inside each circle. Pipe another layer around the edge to form the sides of the shells.

Bake for 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp but not browned. Turn off the heat and allow the meringues to sit in the oven for 4 hours or overnight.

Spread some of the sauce from the stewed berries on each plate. Place a meringue on top and fill with whipped cream. Top with berries and serve.

Whipped Cream with Orange Liqueur:
2 cups (1 pint) cold heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange liqueur
Whip the cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. When it starts to thicken, add the sugar, vanilla and orange liqueur and continue to whip until the cream forms stiff peaks. Don't overbeat, or you'll end up with butter!

Yield: 4 cups

Stewed berries:
1 half-pint fresh blueberries
3 half-pints fresh raspberries, divided
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon orange zest
2 teaspoons framboise (raspberry brandy)
Combine the blueberries, one-half pint of raspberries, 1/3 cup water, the sugar and zest in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook uncovered over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes. The juice will become a syrup and the berries will be slightly cooked. Off the heat, stir in the remaining raspberries and the framboise. Set aside.

Yield: 8 servings

Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 2

So, how did you do yesterday? Things here were a bit crazy, but I was able to accomplish my goal and speak kindly to my husband throughout the day. I also wrote my son, who is away at college, and encouraged him in his Lenten journey. I tried to smile and be uplifting with everyone I met. I have to admit to a few "bad" moments in traffic, but overall, not bad for Day 1.

Hey, there are only 39 more to go. Ugh! Let me know how you did. Leave a comment, so we can pray together for our growth in love this Lenten season. Onward we go. 

Day 2 

Love Is Kind

" Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, or forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."  Ephesians 4:32

"In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse (or family member) again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.The four pillars of kindness are gentleness, helpfulness, willingness, and initiative. "

At the end of the day ask yourself this:

What discoveries about love did you make today? What specifically did you do in this dare? How did you show kindness?

So we have a challenge ahead of us as well as an opportunity to bless our loved ones as Christ continues to bless us each day of our lives. We have a chance to be proactive in showing our love for those we hold close to our hearts. 

Kindness is love in action. Jesus is constantly showing kindness and love for those who walk with him. It's all over scripture. Do you have a favorite bible story where Jesus showed his love in action? Leave a comment or send an email. Let's inspire each other as we continue to walk this Lenten path toward the cross of our Lord. 

Peace, 

Mary

~~~~~~~~

The above italicised text comes from "The Love Dare" by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 1

Today's Theme:

Love is Patient

"Be completely humble and gentle: be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

"The First part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse (or family) at all. If temptations arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll regret"

So my friends, here we go. Our first challenge. Try to apply this to everyone in your family, especially your spouse. Remember to see the face of Christ in everyone you meet. 

Our question at the end of the day is this:

"Did anything happen today to cause anger toward your mate (or family member)? Were you tempted to think disapproving thoughts and to let them come out in words?"

Know that I will be praying for each of you. Please pray for me as well. Leave a comment sharing what you learned today. Let's make this a prayerful, grace filled Lent, learning to love our families more, thereby loving our Lord the best way we know how. 

Blessings, 

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~

The above italicised text comes from "The Love Dare" by Stephen and Alex Kendrick

40 Day Lenten "Love Dare"

Today we begin 40 Days of Lenten prayer and fasting. As Catholics, we look upon these weeks as preparation for our hearts, minds and souls preparing the way for the way for our risen Savior on Easter Sunday. It is a time ripe with possibilities for spiritual growth and many graces abound. 

This past weekend, one of the things Our Lords placed on my heart during the retreat was to come to him as a bride, to get to know him as "my beloved". I have always been comfortable with Jesus the Mighty Counselor or God the Father but to look upon him as the lover of my soul is more difficult. So when I was trying to figure out what to do as my action for this Lenten season, with the help of my spiritual director, I came up with the 40 Day Lenten "Love Dare".

So for the next 40 days of Lent I will be blogging about LOVE. Love of God, Love of my spouse, Love of my children and my community. For God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son. He is waiting for us, his bride, the church. Will you join me?

I will post the theme for the day each morning and then post on what worked and what didn't in my prayer and actions for the day. I will be using the "Love Dare" by Stephen and Alex Kendrick as my guide. If you wish to join me in this journey, please leave a comment so we can be praying for one another, by name , as we walk this road to Calvary together, as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

May you have a fruitful Lent filled with sacrificial love and may the blessings and grace of Our Lord Jesus abound in your life. 

Peace, 

Mary

Fat Tuesday!!

Today is my godson Peter's second birthday. We had a wonderful time sharing a fabulous meal with him, his parents and his seven siblings. Gotta love a Fat Tuesday birthday celebration.

Happy Birthday Peter! May God continue to bless you and bring you close to him. I love you.

Your Godmother,

Mary

Me and my wonderful godson.

Cindy and Greg (Peter's parents) and hubby Jerry.

Peter's birthday cake. Yummy Raspberry Cloud Cake. Made by the loving hands of his Godmother :)

"I do believe, help me in my unbelief" Mark 9:24

This past weekends retreat was filled with tremendous graces, miracles and blessings. The Holy Spirit was present in a way I have never experienced before and I can't wait to share some things with you over the next few days. Thank you for all of your prayers and sacrifices for me, the other team members and the teens. They were felt, all of them!

Today's Gospel hit home for me as I return from my own spiritual "mountain". It's an incredible story of healing and grace for a father who wanted peace for his son. Jesus challenges each of us in every crisis of our life, "Do you believe in me, even if my answer to your prayer is NO?"

This is the very place God brought me to this weekend. So when I opened my Bible this morning and read, I was convicted once again to step out in faith and believe that there is a plan for my life, and to trust that God will reveal that plan in His time. The only way for that to happen is to continue to seek Him in prayer. To continue to get to know God and find out who I am in the process. 

The meditation below comes from The Word Among Us. I could not say it or pray it better than this, so breathe in the spirit and rest with Our Father. He is waiting for you. He wants to get to know you better and for you to know Him and the love that is waiting to be freely given to you. So let Him love you through His living word.
Blessings,Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meditation: Mark 9:14-29
This story of the healing of an epileptic demoniac is more than a story of a father trying to help his son. It’s a story about Jesus calling forth deeper faith.

When Jesus comes down the mountain, a crowd gathers around him, presumably waiting for him to do something spectacular. They had just seen his disciples fail in trying to cast out a demon; would Jesus fail as well? They had to find out. There doesn't seem to be a desire for more teaching or greater holiness—just the continuation of a controversy.

And the crowd got their wish. Jesus did indeed cast out the demon and heal the afflicted boy. But that wasn’t what Jesus was focused on. In fact, the whole healing episode seems to be a mere afterthought tacked on to the real story—that of the boy’s father and his growing faith.

“I do believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). It is in situations like these that faith is really tested. It’s in times when all our comfortable theorizing is challenged, and we are called to trust in God’s goodness in the face of a crisis. You can just imagine the man thinking, “What if my son isn’t healed? Can I still believe that God has my best interests at heart? Can I still trust that this Jesus, whose words sound so true, is the Messiah? Is my faith based only on whether I get what I want? Or is it based on trust, love, and surrender?”

We don’t know how the boy’s father ended up. But we do know that Jesus took the opportunity to teach his disciples that faith is not a matter of performing miracles as much as it is a matter of prayer (Mark 9:28-29). It’s not a matter of asking God to do things for you as much as it is a matter of submitting your philosophies, agendas, and intentions to him. Jesus knew that if they were ever going to take his gospel into the world, the disciples had to learn how to stay close to God—more than they had to learn how to heal. After all, when we are close to the Lord, miracles happen all the time!

“Jesus, I believe; help my unbelief! I want to invite you in to every relationship and situation that burden me. Come, Lord, and work wonders according to your plan and wisdom, and not according to mine.”

Retreat...Prayers Needed!

I am off to the mountains for the next three days ministering with an incredible team to 50 teens. Please pray for good weather, a listening heart and LOTS of patience! I know that the Holy Spirit will take care of everything, but we need to do our part. 

Thanks in advance for your prayers and sacrifices for this retreat. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this weekend. See you Monday!

Blessings, 

Mary

Lenten Meal Ideas and Resources...

Today Faith and Family LIVE! is hosting a roundup of Meatless Lenten Meal ideas and recipes. As we prepare for the Lenten season which begins next Wednesday, now is a good time to try making a menu plan for those six weeks. This way your prepared and stress free when it comes to creating easy meat free family meals.

I have shared many meatless recipes on this blog in the past year or so. My favorite would be the Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup. Oh so good with a crusty loaf of bread. I will be posting many more meatless meals in the coming weeks, so please come back and give them a try. So, here is what I've done so far:

Green Minestrone

Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup

Jonathan's Favorite~Classic Macaroni and Cheese

Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

Vegetable Pot Pie

CrockPot Split Pea Soup

Sweet Potato Soup with Sauteed Mushrooms

I have also used the following cookbooks to help create healthy, uncomplicated meals for my family. Some are available at your local library and in second-hand bookstores. Others at Amazon, Borders or Barnes and Noble.

"The Lenten Kitchen" by Barbara Benjamin and Alexandria Damascus Vali

"Catholic Traditions In Cooking" by Ann Ball

"The Secrets of Jesuit Soupmaking: A Year of Our Soups" by Rick Curry

"The Secrets of Jesuit Breadmaking" by Rick Curry

"A Continual Feast: A Cookbook to Celebrate the Joys of Family and Faith

Throughout the Christian Year" by Evelyn Birge Vitz

I hope these recipes and resources help to simplify your meal time preparations during this most holy season, allowing more time for prayer and penitence.

Blessings to All,

Mary

The Furture of the Church...

The future of the church is well in hand with this young lady at the lead. May God bless "Lia" and her family who have formed her conscience well. An astounding video. Read the full story here.

Thanks Maria for passing on this awesome testimony!

Happy President's Day...

Prayer for Our President

God of power and might, wisdom and justice,

through You authority is rightly administered,

laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.

Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude

the President and other government leaders of these United States.

May they always seek

the ways of righteousness, justice and mercy.

Grant that they may be enabled by your powerful protection

to lead our country with honesty and integrity.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Thanks Danielle for sharing!

Image from flickr.com/.../ 390837204/

Exodus 14:14

"The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."

Exodus 14:14

The above verse is this years theme for our high school youth ministry. I thought it really spoke to the teenage heart. Little did I know what God had in store for me and my own heart.

For the past two years, I was in charge of the kitchen, being guided by the principal that when you feed their bodies, they will listen long enough for God to feed their souls. Our numbers began to increase from 20 teens to now around 50 teens on a weekly basis. Food draws people together and this was a wonderful way to reach many of our teens. I was happy being a part of such a large extended family table. Then J graduated from high school last June and I was at a cross-roads. I was tired and worn out. I did not find as much joy in ministering as I once did, so on advice from my spiritual directer, this past September, I stepped away from Youth Ministry. I thought that God was calling me to serve elsewhere in the church, so I searched for that place.

Nothing felt right. So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with my life. How was I to serve Him? If not with the youth then where? who?

"The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."

While I prayed, meditated and listened for God's direction, He was renewing my spirit. God was fighting my war, the war inside my heart. I kept silent, waiting for Him to reveal his plan to me.  I came to realize that during the last several months before leaving youth ministry, my relationship with ministry had become disordered. Instead of giving of myself freely and expecting nothing in return, I looked forward to the compliments and the adulation that service can sometimes bring. I realized that I was eager to be seen and appreciated. It had become about me and not about serving the youth. 

Once this truth was brought to my attention, I began to pray in earnest that my heart be changed. If I was to return to ANY ministry, it had to be with a servants heart. One free of pride but filled to the brim with love and humility. Once again I was silent and God fought another war in my soul, all the while preparing the world around me, my husbands heart, my daughters heart and those on the Youth Ministry core team to welcome my service with openness and love. 

What happened? Well three weeks ago, I returned to youth ministry with great joy and a renewed appreciation for the silence God calls each of us to. However, I didn't return to kitchen duty. I am now one of the small group leaders. God made known to me during my time away, that I was to be more like my name sake Mary, than Martha. I was being called to serve in a different capacity way outside my comfort zone. It was time for me to walk in faith, that God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called! I realize now that I must rely totally on Him for  sufficient grace and knowledge to serve these teens. Needless to say, I feel naked and vulnerable these days, much like a teenager in a new school. Funny, that's just how many of my youth ministry kids feel. God needs me to be this way, in order to bring His message of life and love to the kids.  

I have rededicated myself to prayer and fasting specifically for my teens and for all of  who bring Christ to them. I have placed central in my heart and mind that they don't want US, they want Christ and we are there to cheer them on, to encourage them in their relationships with Our Creator and King.

I thank God each day that He healed my pride and refocused my service. I now go each Sunday with a smile on my face and a restored sense of purpose to listen and support.

I ask that you keep our team and teens in prayer this week as we prepare for next weekends retreat. God is doing wondrous things these days, opening hearts and minds to Him and His love. It is my hope to not be a hindrance to that, but a safe place to land whenever rest and a listening heart is needed. I thank you in advance for all of your prayers and sacrifices this week. 

May God be praised in ALL we do and say! AMEN!

Blessings, 

Mary

Happy Valentine's Day...

I hope you are able to share some special time with your sweetheart today.

Thought For The Day...

"Don't give in to discouragement. If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride because it shows you trust in your own powers. Never bother about people's opinions. Be obedient to truth. For with humble obedience, you will never be disturbed."      

--- Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Barefoot Bloggers ~ Real Meatballs and Spaghetti

It time for another round of Barefoot Bloggers celebrating the brilliance and culinary skill of Ms. Ina Garten. Rebecca @ Ezra Pound Cake chose this weeks recipe of Real Meatballs and Spaghetti. This recipe was hearty and delish, but took some time to prepare. I loved combining the three meats. I had not done that for any previous meatball recipe. It really changed the texture of the meatballs. They were tender and juicy. I also loved the red wine which added such depth to the tomato sauce.

Thanks Rebecca for choosing a comforting and generous meal for a cool February night. For more information about our group or for details how to join, please visit the Barefoot Bloggers Website today.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Real Meatballs and Spaghetti
Copyright, 2002, Barefoot Contessa Family Style, All Rights Reserved

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:
1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 pound ground pork
1 pound ground beef
1 cup fresh white bread crumbs (4 slices, crusts removed)
1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 extra-large egg, beaten
Vegetable oil
Olive oil
For the sauce:

1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion (1 onion)
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup good red wine, such as Chianti
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, or plum tomatoes in puree, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For serving:

1 1/2 pounds spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
Freshly grated Parmesan
Directions
Place the ground meats, both bread crumbs, parsley, Parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, egg, and 3/4 cup warm water in a bowl. Combine very lightly with a fork. Using your hands, lightly form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs. You will have 14 to 16 meatballs.

Pour equal amounts of vegetable oil and olive oil into a large (12-inch) skillet to a depth of 1/4-inch. Heat the oil. Very carefully, in batches, place the meatballs in the oil and brown them well on all sides over medium-low heat, turning carefully with a spatula or a fork. This should take about 10 minutes for each batch. Don't crowd the meatballs. Remove the meatballs to a plate covered with paper towels. Discard the oil but don't clean the pan.

For the sauce, heat the olive oil in the same pan. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until translucent, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the wine and cook on high heat, scraping up all the brown bits in the pan, until almost all the liquid evaporates, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer on the lowest heat for 25 to 30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through. Serve hot on cooked spaghetti and pass the grated Parmesan.

How Clean Are Your Windows?

Thanks to my dear friend Anne for sharing this insight. It made me pause for a moment and think about how I look at those around me.

Blessings, 

Mary

Win a Dress from Shabby Apple...

Click on over to Betty Beguiles and enter to win a lovely dress from Shabby Apple. It's modest and trendy to boot. Thanks Miss Betty for inspiring us to be more lovely.

Blessings, 

Mary

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes...

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Courtney was dedicated to Our Lady in 2000. She made her First Communion in Lourdes, France on May 7, 2000. 

POPE JOHN PAUL II'S PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES:
"This prayer was said during the Holy Father's August 15, 2004 visit to Lourdes, France. The Pope asked her among other things to "be our guide along the paths of the world."
Hail Mary, poor and humble Woman, Blessed by the Most High! Virgin of hope, dawn of a new era, We join in your song of praise, to celebrate the Lord’s mercy, to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom and the full liberation of humanity.
Hail Mary, lowly handmaid of the Lord, Glorious Mother of Christ! Faithful Virgin, holy dwelling-place of the Word, Teach us to persevere in listening to the Word, and to be docile to the voice of the Spirit, attentive to his promptings in the depths of our conscience and to his manifestations in the events of history.
Hail Mary, Woman of sorrows, Mother of the living! Virgin spouse beneath the Cross, the new Eve, Be our guide along the paths of the world. Teach us to experience and to spread the love of Christ, to stand with you before the innumerable crosses on which your Son is still crucified.
Hail Mary, woman of faith, First of the disciples! Virgin Mother of the Church, help us always to account for the hope that is in us, with trust in human goodness and the Father’s love. Teach us to build up the world beginning from within: in the depths of silence and prayer, in the joy of fraternal love, in the unique fruitfulness of the Cross.
Holy Mary, Mother of believers, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Amen.

May you be blessed this day by Our Lady's healing touch.

In Peace, 

Mary

Read more about her here.

Menu Planning 101

I have used a Menu plan for the last 15 years. It has saved my family thousands of dollars and is really quite simple to manage. In today's economic times, making every dollar you earn work for you is key. I had intended to write out how I do it, then as I was researching resources for links, I found so many wonderful posts already explaining everything in complete detail, why re-write it. I will just point you in the right direction.

Remember to read the comments and go to the other links in these posts. There is a ton of information and ideas. I have learned so much, I know you will too!

So here you go - Menu Planning 101:

"18 Everyday Hack for Cooking from Scratch" @ simplemom.net

"Menu Planning: Save Time in the Kitchen" @ Organized Home

"A Basic Guide to Menu Planning" @ simplemom.net

"Menu Planning Resouces: Useful links, sites, free download" @ simplemom.net

"A Month Long Menu Plan" @ simplemom.net

"Frugal Fridays: How I Plan My Menus ~ Part 1" @ BiblicalWomanhood

"Frugal Friday: How I Plan My Menus ~ Part 2" @ BiblicalWomanhood

"Meal Planning Made Easy" @ hillbillyhousewife.com

"Make Dinner Every Day and Like It" @ Like Mother, Like Daughter

"Did You Have Fun Making Your Menus?" @ Like Mother, Like Daughter

"Just In Case You Were Wondering What Weekly Menus Look Like" @ Like Mother, Like Daughter

"Buy Low, Sell High, or the Efficient, Frugal, Do-Able Grocery List" @ Like Mother, Like Daughter

"6 Menu Planning Websites" @ RealSimple.com

Toffee Brownies

These come from the one and only Paula Deen. They are spectacular! When I bring them to my Youth Group at church, they are gone within minutes. They are a chocolate toffee extravaganza, a "Symphony" for your mouth. They would be a fabulous addition to your Valentine celebrations.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Toffee Brownies
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2007

Ingredients
1 (17.6-ounce) package brownie mix with walnuts
Vegetable oil cooking spray
3 (6-ounce) candy bars with almonds and toffee chips (recommended: Symphony brand)
Directions
Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions.

Line a 13 by 9-inch cake pan with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable oil cooking spray. Spoon in half of the brownie batter and smooth with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Place the candy bars side by side on top of the batter. Cover with the remaining batter.

Bake according to package directions. Let cool completely, then lift from the pan using the edges of the foil. This makes it easy to cut the brownies into squares.

What's Hidden...

The stimulus disaster that is now being voted on by the senate contains so much bologna, I really don't know where to begin. This one piece however, terrifies me. The government will be " watching and guiding " my families physicians on their medical decisions, to make sure it's "cost efficient". So now we have to follow the governement's opinion on what sort of treatment we need to seek? Please Lord, save us from this!

SOCIALIZED MEDICINE ANYONE???

Be afraid, very afraid. Call your senator and tell them to vote no!

Feast of St. Scholastica...

Today is the Feast Day of Courtney's Confirmation saint, Scholastica. She is one of the the patronesses of those who have seizures.

 "O God, to show us where innocence leads, you made the soul of your virgin Saint Scholastica soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant through her merits and her prayers that we may so live in innocence as to attain to joys everlasting. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen."

Read more about Scholastica here

here 

or here

Red Envelope Campaign

A Fabulous Idea! I know that I will be sending mine out tomorrow.

Check it out:

Pro-Life Presidential Valentine @ SFO Mom

Red Envelope Brigade @ Faith and Family Live

Prepare Ye The Way...

Lent begins on February 25 this year, only two weeks away. Are you ready? I have decided not to allow this season to sneak up on me. I have begun to pray about what my Lenten sacrifice should be, what I should read and if there are any specific works of mercy Our Lord might be calling me to during this time. As I get older, each Lent means more to me. I don't want to let go of such a HUGE opportunity for grace. I have included two wonderful blog posts below that have helped me tremendously. I hope they do the same for you.

What are your plans for Lent? Leave a comment and share how your family celebrates this penitential season.

Blessings, 

Mary

"A Meaningful Lent" @ Enjoy the Journey

"How Can I Better Prepare for Lent This Year?" @ Catholic Spiritual Direction

Fabulous French Toast!

I love Saturdays. They are the slowest day of my week. Hubby and I can sleep in a bit if we want to and I get to make something other than oatmeal for breakfast! Yea! This is my favorite French Toast recipe. It is from The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook, one of my favorites. I have never disappointed in one single recipe from this book. I give it to all my new brides because it is fool proof.

I use whatever bread I have on hand. This morning it was a cinnamon raisin bread which just takes the flavor scale over the top. Loved it! So give it a try, you will be so happy you did!

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

French Toast

recipe from "The America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook" pg. 276

8 slices high quality whit sandwich bread ( I use whatever I have on hand)

6 TBSP unsalted butter

1 cup milk

1 large egg

2 TBSP sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup all-purpose flour ( I use whole wheat pastry flour as a substitute)

1.Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Arrange the bread on a wire rack set over a cookie sheet and bake until slightly dry, about 15 minutes. (I just leave them on the counter overnight and they "dry" just fine)

2. While the bread is in the oven, melt 2 TBSP of the butter and whisk it together with the milk, egg, sugar, vanilla cinnamon and salt in a med. bowl. Slowly whisk flour until mixture is smooth. Pour batter into a large shallow dish.

3. Transfer 2 pieces of the bread from the oven into the batter and soak both sides, about 30 seconds per side. Meanwhile melt 1 more TBSP of butter in a 12-inch non-stick skillet (I use our griddle) over medium heat until beginning to brown, swirling to coat the pan. Remove the bread from the batter, allowing the excess to drip back into the dish and lay in the hot skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 1/2 min. per side. Transfer the french Toast to the wire rack and keep in the oven. Repeat with remaining butter, bread and batter.

Sausage~Lentil Soup

I haven't posted any recipes in awhile, so I thought I would share this hearty soup with everyone. It's filled with veggies and lentils which are high in fiber. It pairs well with a crusty loaf of bread or a light salad. In my house, it's usually both! It's simple to swap out the kielbasa for turkey sausage and omit the salt for a healthier version. It came from my friend Cathy B. and I don't have the original source. So if you recognize it please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due.

Bon Appetite!

Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sausage -Lentil Soup

recipe from Cathy B.

1 Bag lentils

1 pkg of polska kielbasa

14 cups of water

1 cup chopped onion

2 TBSP instant beef bullion or 6 cubes of bullion

1 tsp salt

1.2 tsp of dried basil

1/2 tsp pepper

20 oz broccoli

4 carrots, thinly sliced

*rinse and drain lentils

*combine lentils, water, onion, carrots, bullion and spices in dutch oven

*bring to boil - cover and simmer for 25 min.

*Add rest of ingredients - cover and simmer 15 more minutes until tender.

Must Reads...

I have been working at Court's school for the last four days, so my posting has been slow, but I came across these posts in the blogger world and they are MUST READS! Both speak to different parts of my heart as a wife, mother and child of God. I hope they move and inspire you. Thanks to Kristen, Ann, and Susan for their beautiful words.

Blessings, 

Mary

"It Is Enough" @ Small Treasures

"10 Good Things For Daily Balance" @ High Desert Home

"Healed Release" @ Holy Experience

"Little Is Much"

I came across this song today ( Thanks Owlhaven) and it just spoke to me. Remember that "Little is Much" when God's in it. May you and yours be blessed,Mary