Bowl of Vegetables by Susan Branch, taken from "The Summer Book"


Gather at a picnic table set out a giant, wooden bowl or plate of grilled vegetables with an array of color and flavors.  Have a hot, crusty loaf of bread to serve alongside.  Roast all veggies in a 400 degree oven.

Include in your bowl:
     Rosemary potatoes and carrots (shake in zip-lock with oil and bake 30 min)
     Green beans (shake with oil, salt and pepper and bake 15 minutes)
     Red Pepper (brush with oil and place in oven whole, remove when blackened)
     Garlic (shake the bulb in oil and place in sealed aluminum foil, bake 30 minutes)
Sprinkle the veggies with Calamata olives and garnish with sprigs of rosemary.
Drizzle with Roasted Veggie Dressing.  Whisk together:
     1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
     2 crushed anchovies
     1 TBSP dijon mustard
     1 crushed clove of garlic
     1 TBSP minced parsley
     1 TBSP fresh rosemary leaves
     1/2 cup olive oil



     "Your cold mornings are filled with the heartache about the fact that although we are not at ease in this world, it is all we have, that it is ours but that it is full of strife, so that all we can call our own is strife; but even that is better than nothing at all, isn't it?  And as you split frost-laced wood with numb hands, rejoice that your uncertainty is God's will and His grace toward you and that that is beautiful, and part of a greater certainty... the ache in your heart and the confusion in your soul means that you are still alive, still human, and still open to the beauty of the world, even though you have done nothing to deserve it."
                                      -Tinkers by Paul Harding, page 72

Do you ever feel alone?  Everyone has times of sadness.  We all ask the questions, Am the only one who feels this way? or, I wonder if things will get better?    Know that this life will certainly bring heartache, discontent, and a heap of problems, but know that Jesus promises to always be with us.  And that comfort may come from someone else who has more strength then you do right now.  Just ask.  I encourage you to talk to your family and your friends.  The definition of fellowship is a friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests.   We are all in this together, so let's be there for each other.  Many of you have been there for me and helped me through the hard times. Thanks.