As I begin to prepare my home and my heart for Holy Week, I am reminded that Jesus Christ made a choice to be obedient to God the Father. Love was that choice. Showing His love for me a sinner, by giving His very life for every transgression I would ever commit. This love takes my breath away. I am loved that much! You are loved that much! I came across this powerful video this afternoon and was compelled to share it. I am that young girl in the arms of her father wondering "Why?" I am not worthy of that love...and yet by grace I receive it everyday. Thank you Jesus for always being there for me...no matter what.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 30
Day 30
"Love Brings Unity"
"Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are."
~ John 17:11
"Therefore, love this one who is as much a part of your body as you are. Serve this one whose needs cannot be seperated from your own. Honor this one who, when raised upon the pedestal of your love, raises you up too in the yes of God, all at the same time."
Today's Dare:
"Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss thismatter openly, seeking God for unity."
Monday, March 30, 2009
A lovely day...
I had a wonderful Sunday. It was one of those days where either everything was going to right, or it would be one great train wreck. Praise God, the train stayed on the track and things went smoothly.
The Phases of Womanhood Tea was delightful. Mary Beth Hicks was funny and insightful talking about "God's Eternal Grocery List". The company was sublime and the tea hot, which made for a wonderful afternoon. It was lovely to catch up with so many dear friends.
My evening was capped off by an hour of Adoration led in song by the wonderfully talented Mark Forest. Anytime you combine and Irish tenor and Jesus, it's a pretty special night.
We have only two weeks left of Lent. How is the "Love Dare" going in your house? Things here are moving along. Some days easier than others. I have to remind myself that in order to love fully and completely, I have to go to the source that is complete love, Jesus. Prayer is the answer to any question in life. Of that I am certain.
Know that I am praying for each of you.
Blessings,
Mary
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 29
Day 29
Love's Motivation
"Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men."
~ Ephesians 6:7
"Love motivated by mere duty cannot hold out for very long. And love that is only motivated by favorable conditions can never be assured of sufficient oxygen to keep it breathing. Only love that is lifted up as an offering to God - returned to Him in gratitude for all He's done - is able to sustain itself when all other reasons have lost their ability to energize us."
Today's Dare:
"Before you see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say "I love you," then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person - unconditionally, the way He loves both of you."
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Barefoot Blogger ~ Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts
This weeks Barefoot Bloggers recipe comes from Anne @ Anne Strawberry. It is Ina's Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts. Unfortunately due to the flu, I wasn't able to make these, but I didn't want to disappoint. So here are a few other Barefoot Bloggers showing off there culinary genius. I will be back at it next week, I promise.
Bon Appetite!
Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 27 & 28
Day 27
Love Encourages
"Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed. for I take refuge in You."
~ Psalm 25:20
Today's Dare:
"Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spouse has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you're sorry for being so hard on them about it. Promise them you'll seek to understand and assure them of your unconditional love."
Day 28:
Love Makes Sacrifices
"He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers."
~ 1 John 3:16
Today's Dare:
What is the greatest need in your spouse's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpose to do what you can to meet the need."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Lenten Kitchen ~ Veggie Not-sagna Pasta Toss
This dish hit the spot on a very cold and rainy March afternoon. It came together very quickly last night. It is chock full of veggies and has a creamy Alfredo sauce. It was superb! I paired it with a little fresh veggie side salad and we were good to go. You could really customize this dish however you wish. I think next time I will add some broccoli. Yuummm!Bon Appetite!Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Vegetable Not-sagna Pasta Toss
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
Ingredients
1 pound curly pasta (recommended: campanelle or cavatappi by Barilla)
Coarse salt
1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium zucchini
12 cremini or baby portobello mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 roasted red pepper, drained, pat dry, quartered lengthwise then thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 rounded tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup vegetable or chicken stock
1 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg, eyeball it
1 1/2 cups part skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, a couple of handfuls, plus some to pass at the table
1 cup fresh basil leaves, about 20 leaves
Directions
Heat a pot of water to a boil for pasta. Salt boiling water and cook pasta to al dente. Heads up: reserve a ladle of the hot cooking water just before you drain pasta.
Place the frozen spinach on a plate and microwave to defrost it according to your microwave's directions. Place defrosted spinach in a clean kitchen towel and wring out the liquid.
Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Halve the zucchini lengthwise then thinly slice into half moons and add to the pan along with the mushrooms. Cook 2 to 3 minutes then add onions and garlic to the pan. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper. When the onions are tender, about 5 minutes, add defrosted spinach, separating into small bits as you handle it, and the roasted red peppers and toss to heat through. Transfer veggies to a dish and return skillet to stove top. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and the butter. When the butter melts into extra-virgin olive oil, add 2 rounded tablespoons of flour and cook a minute or so, then whisk in stock and milk. Bring to a bubble and thicken the sauce, reducing it 2 to 3 minutes. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Slide vegetables back into sauce.
Place the part-skim ricotta in a large shallow bowl and combine with a ladle of boiling, starchy pasta cooking water. Stir to combine then add in a couple of handfuls of grated cheese.
Drain pasta and toss with cheeses. Add half the vegetables and sauce to pasta and toss to combine. Tear or shred basil and toss into pasta. Adjust seasonings. Top bowlfuls of Vegetable Not-sagna with remaining veggies in sauce and pass extra grated cheese at the table.
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 26
Day 26
"Love is Responsible"
"When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things."
~ Romans 2:1
"Love doesn't make excuses. Love keeps working to make a difference - in you and in your marriage."
Today's Dare:
"Take care to pray through your areas of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if they respond with criticisim, accept it by receiving it as counsel.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thought For The Day...
So many people in need of prayer right now. I have kept this song close to my heart today. May you feel God speak to your heart and heal what is broken.
Blessings,
Mary
Blessings,
Mary
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 25
Day 25
"Love Forgives"
"What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes on the presence of Christ."
~ 2 Corinthians 2:10
'Forgiveness has to happen, or a successful marriage won't."
Today's Dare:
" Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to "forgive us our debts" each day, as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, "I choose to forgive."
Monday, March 23, 2009
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 24
Day 24
"Love vs. Lust"
"The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever."
~ 1 John 2:17
"It's time to expose lust for what it really is - a misguided thirst for satisfaction that only God can fulfill. Lust is like a warning light on the dashboard of your heart, alerting you to the fact that you are not allowing God's love to fill you. When your eyes and heart on on Him, your actions will lead you to lasting joy, not to endless cycles of regret and condemnation."
Today's Dare:
"End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed - today - and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love."
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 23
Day 23
"Love Always Protects"
"Love always protects"
~ 1 Corinthians 13:7
Today's Dare:
"Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse."
Saturday, March 21, 2009
"Speechless"...
This says so much. We are "Speechless" at how faithful and true Our Lord is to us. Always there, never failing, no matter what. He gave everything for us. Let us never forget...
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 22
Day 22
"Love is Faithful"
"I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord."
~ Hosea 2:20
"He (God) showers His favor on us without measure, though in return we often don't pay attention. At times we have acted shamefully and deemed His love an intrusion, as if it's keeping us from what we really want. We have rejected Him in many ways - even after receiving His gift of eternal salvation - and yet He still loves us. He remains faithful."
Today's Dare:
"Love is a choice, not a feeling. It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost most of their interest in receiving it. Say to them today in words similar to these, "I love you. Period. I chose to love you even if you don't love me in return."
Friday, March 20, 2009
My Prayer for the Day...
This is my new favorite song. It is called "Vessel" and it is sung by Chris Sligh. The video is a little rough, but just close your eyes and listen to the words, then pray them each day."Lord, make of me a vessel that you can always use..."
Vessel
Vessel
By Chris SlighSafe inside your hands you hold me
Pain and tribulations mold me
I try to run away from you
The pain's too great you put me through
I find myself on my knees to pray
Then you hear the words you long for me to say
Make of me a vessel that you can always use
No matter how you break me, what I win or what I lose
Let me be a vessel pure and holy, perfect in your eyes
Lord, hear me when I cry, for you to make me, a vessel
Deep inside my heart you've shown me
Despite all my sins you've known me
I try to run away again
I break your heart with all my sin
I fall to you with tear-filled eyes
I run to you with broken heart and cry
Make of me a vessel that you can always use
No matter how you break me, what I win or what I lose
Let me be a vessel pure and holy, perfect in your eyes
Lord, hear me when I cry, for you to make me, a vessel
Make me into what you want for me to be
Oh, Lord, may my prayer be
Make of me a vessel that you can always use
No matter how you break me, what I win or what I lose
Let me be a vessel pure and holy, perfect in your eyes
Lord, hear me when I cry, for you to make me, a vessel
Oh Lord make me, a vessel
Pain and tribulations mold me
I try to run away from you
The pain's too great you put me through
I find myself on my knees to pray
Then you hear the words you long for me to say
Make of me a vessel that you can always use
No matter how you break me, what I win or what I lose
Let me be a vessel pure and holy, perfect in your eyes
Lord, hear me when I cry, for you to make me, a vessel
Deep inside my heart you've shown me
Despite all my sins you've known me
I try to run away again
I break your heart with all my sin
I fall to you with tear-filled eyes
I run to you with broken heart and cry
Make of me a vessel that you can always use
No matter how you break me, what I win or what I lose
Let me be a vessel pure and holy, perfect in your eyes
Lord, hear me when I cry, for you to make me, a vessel
Make me into what you want for me to be
Oh, Lord, may my prayer be
Make of me a vessel that you can always use
No matter how you break me, what I win or what I lose
Let me be a vessel pure and holy, perfect in your eyes
Lord, hear me when I cry, for you to make me, a vessel
Oh Lord make me, a vessel
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 21
Day 21:
"Love is Satisfied In God"
"The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire"
~ Isaiah 58:11
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
~ Philippians 4:6-7
"In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled...I can do all things through Him who strengthens me".
~Philippians 4:12-13
"God is our everyday supply. Of everything you need."
Today's Dare:
"Be intentional about making a time to pray and read your bible. Try reading a chapter out of Proverbs each day (there are 31-a full months supply), or reading the Gospels. As you do, immerse yourself in the love and promises God has for you. This will add to your growth as you walk with Him."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 20
Day 20
"Love is Jesus Christ"
"While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."
~ Romans 5:6
Today's Dare:
"Dare to take God at His word. Dare to trust Him"
We are halfway there! This journey has taught me so many lessons already, I am anxious to see where it leads from here. I have realized that without God, I cannot fulfill my vocation. Without His daily presence in my life, I cannot love as I am called to. I am a sinner, unworthy of God's unfailing love, so how am I supposed to reconcile this? How do I seek His help, when I feel I don't deserve it?
Romans 4:20-22 says:
"Counting on the promise of God, he did not doubt or disbelieve, but drew strength from faith and gave glory to God, fully convinced that whatever God promised He has the power to perform.This is the faith that was reckoned to him (Abraham)as righteousness."
I am called to trust unconditionally in Him! I am called to a daily act of faith, hope and love that He knows all and will provide the daily grace I need to love and be patient with the circumstance of my life. He has died for me and my sins. All He asks in return is the faith of a mustard seed.
Remember as Catholics what we say before receiving His body and blood in the Eucharist:
"Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed"
So ask Him to heal whatever is broken. Ask Him in today and let Him give you all you need. He is the only one who can.
Blessings,
Mary
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
The Flu has arrived...
I thought maybe it would pass over us but alas that is not to be. The Flu has arrived and we are in it for the long hall. Hopefully not more than a week. I have set the "Love Dare" to post automatically over the next few days. Any prayers you wish to send our way would be greatly appreciated.
I leave you with the following video about God's unfailing love for us. We cannot get through this life without Him, no matter how "holy" we think we may be. He is always "Unfailing". May we strive to be the same.
Blessings,
Mary
St. Joseph Novena ~ Day 6, 7, 8 & 9
NOVENA PRAYER
*(prayer to be said at the end of each day's devotion)
Saint Joseph, I, your unworthy child, greet you. You are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have special confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I place all my hope of salvation in you, for you are especially powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants. Therefore I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
(Mention your request).
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 19
Day 19
"Love is Impossible"
" Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."
~ 1 John 4:7
"How many times has your love proven incapable of controlling your anger? How many times has your love motivated you to forgive or brought about a peaceable end to an ongoing argument?
It's this failure that exposes mankind's sinful condition. We've fallen short of God's commands (Romans 3:23). We've all demonstrated selfishness. hatred and pride. And unless something is done to cleanse us of these ungodly attributes, we will stand before God guilty as charged (Romans 6:23). That's why if your not right with God, you can't truly love your spouse because He is the source of that love."
Today' Dare:
"Look back over the dares from previous days. Were there some that seemed impossible to you? He you realized your need for God to change your heart and to give you the ability to love? Ask Him to show you where you stand with Him, and ask for the strength and grace to settle your eternal destination."
Mary's note:
As Catholics this is something we do everyday by choosing to follow Christ, be receiving , the Sacraments especially the Eucharist and Confession. All these things are strengthened through daily prayer and conversation with God. Remember, we are NEVER alone.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
from "The Breastplate of St. Patrick"
"Christ shield me this day: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me."
St. Patrick
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 18
Day 18
" Love Seeks to Understand"
" How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding."
~ Proverbs 3:13
"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established: and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." (Proverbs 24:3-4). there is a depth of beauty and meaning inside your wife or husband that will amaze you as you discover more of it. Enter they mystery with expectation and enthusiasm. Desire to know this person even better than you do now. Make him or her your chosen field of study, and you will fill your home with the kind of riches only love can provide."
Today's Dare:
"Prepare a special dinner at home , just for the two of you. The dinner can be as nice as you prefer. Focus this time on getting to know your spouse better, perhaps in area's you've rarely talked about. Determine to make it an enjoyable evening for you and your mate."
Monday, March 16, 2009
Lenten Kitchen - Creamy Potato Soup
I have made this recipe every Lent for the past twenty years and have never been disappointed. I got it from one of my neighbors in Brunswick, Maine when we were stationed there in the late 80's. It is very simple to make and really hits the spot on a cold damp day.
Bon Appetite!
Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Creamy Potato Soup
6 potatoes - peeled and chopped
2 onions - chopped
3-4 carrots - peeled and chopped
3-4 stalks of celery - chopped
Saute carrots, onion and celery in butter or olive oil until onions are softened. Add potatoes. Cover with water. For each cup you add, use one chicken bullion cube (or if you want a complete veggie meal, use vegetable bullion).
Cook to boil - 10 minutes
Mix 1/2 cup flour and 1 14oz can of evaporated milk. Pour slowly into pot, stirring constantly. Cook on low 15-20 minutes.
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 17
Day 17
" Love Promotes Intimacy"
" He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
~ Proverbs 17:9
"And yet God, who knows secrets about us the we even hide from ourselves, loves us at a depth we cannot begin to fathom. How much more should we - as imperfect people- reach out to our spouse in grace and understanding, accepting them for who they are and assuring them that their secrets are safe with us?"
Today's Dare:
"Determine to guard your mate's secrets (unless they are dangerous to them and you) and to pray for them. Talk with your spouse, and resolve to demonstrate love in spite of these issues. Really listen to them when they share personal thoughts and struggles with you. Make them feel safe."
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Thoughts on a Sunday...
"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."
--Thornton Wilder
This one's easy. Family. The joy of visiting with my son during his Spring Break. Listening as he shares all the ups and downs of his first year of college. What his dreams are and how should he ask a girl out? So many firsts in that conversation.
It is pure joy for me to watch him lift his sister to the couch and sit and read to her, smiling and laughing with her. She has missed that deep voice and loud laugh.
Right now there is a battle extraordinaire going on over wii bowling. So far Dad is winning, but big J is going to make a comeback.
The greatest treasures in my life are surrounding me as I write this. I thank God each day for the blessings and crosses they represent to me. I willingly carry them all.
Blessings,Mary
Friday, March 13, 2009
Barefoot Bloggers ~ Chicken Piccata
Lindsey @ Noodle Nights and Muffin Mornings chose this weeks Barefoot Bloggers Recipe. Thanks Lindsey! We had this for dinner last night and oh what a delight it was! The chicken was crispy on the outside and tender inside. The lemon sauce packed quite a zing! I served it with steamed broccoli and buttered noodles. I look forward to making this dish again and again.
This recipe can be found in Barefoot Contessa at Home on pages 96-97. Check out what the other Barefoot Bloggers thought. There are always great tips and swap outs with each recipe we make.
Bon Appetite!
Mary
Lenten "Love Dare" ~ Day 15 & 16
I will be away from the computer for the next few days. I have posted both Friday and Saturday's "Love Dare".
My son is home from college and we will be preparing for him to get his wisdom teeth out on Monday. Prayers are appreciated. I hope the "Love Dare" is bearing fruit for you and your families. I know that it is in mine.
Day 15
"Love Is Honorable"
"Live with your wives in an understanding way...and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life."
~ 1 Peter 3:7
Today's Dare:
"Choose a way to show honor and respect to your spouse that is above your normal routine. It may be holding the door open for her. It might be putting his clothes away for him. It may be the way you listen and speak in your communication. Show your mate that he or she is highly esteemed in your eyes."
Day 16
"Love Intercedes"
"Beloved, I pray that in all aspects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."
~ 3 John 2
" Prayer really does work. It's a spiritual phenomenon created by an unlimited, powerful God. And it yields amazing results. Do you feel like giving up in your marriage? Jesus said to pray instead of quitting (Luke 18:1). Are you stressed out and worried/ Prayer can bring peace to your storms (Phil 4:6-7) Do you need a major breakthrough? Prayer can make the difference (Acts 12:1-7)"
Today's Dare:
Begin praying today for your spouse's heart. Pray for three specific areas where your desire for God to work in your spouse's life and in your marriage."
St. Joseph Novena ~ Days 3, 4 & 5
NOVENA PRAYER
*(prayer to be said at the end of each day's devotion)
Saint Joseph, I, your unworthy child, greet you. You are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have special confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I place all my hope of salvation in you, for you are especially powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants. Therefore I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
(Mention your request).
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
CrockPot LOVE ~ Overnight Oatmeal
I have spent part of my week researching ways to cook steel cut oats in the crock pot. I needed to find a way to streamline breakfast preparation during the week while maintaining healthy eating habits. Oatmeal is wholesome, nutritious and inexpensive. It helps control cholesterol levels and the high fiber content helps control the appetite. This is crucial for losing weight or sustaining a healthy weight.
I am happy to report that I have found a recipe that works and everyone in my family loves it. The best part is the cooking takes place while I sleep! You just can't beat it! You can also adjust this recipe with the add-ins. The dried fruit plumps up and bursts in your mouth with so much flavor. It's a fabulous way to start the day. So get creative! In the picture above I have put in cinnamon, brown sugar, dried figs and cranberries. The figs make it very dark but oh so good!
Bon Appetite!
Mary
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown
Ingredients
1 cup steel cut oats
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup dried figs
4 cups water
1/2 cup half-and-half
Directions
In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and set to low heat. Cover and let cook for 8 to 9 hours.
Stir and remove to serving bowls. This method works best if started before you go to bed. This way your oatmeal will be finished by morning.
In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients and set to low heat. Cover and let cook for 8 to 9 hours.
Stir and remove to serving bowls. This method works best if started before you go to bed. This way your oatmeal will be finished by morning.
I have also used these combinations:
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup dried apples
OR
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup dried apricots
Novena to St. Joseph ~ Day 2
NOVENA PRAYER
*(prayer to be said at the end of each day's devotion)
Saint Joseph, I, your unworthy child, greet you. You are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have special confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I place all my hope of salvation in you, for you are especially powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants. Therefore I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
(Mention your request).
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
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