Joy

Arugula Salad with Avacado Citrus Vinaigrette
1 avocado peeled, pitted and diced
1/4 cup red onion
2 TBSP fresh lime juice
2 TBSP grapefruit juice
2 TBSP rice wine vinegar
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1 TBSP honey
3 TBSP cilantro
1 fresh mint leaf
1 fresh basil leaf
2 and 1/2 cups baby arugula leaves
2 ounces kalamata olives, pitted and halved
2 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
2 TBSP fresh shaved parmesan cheese, optional

Blend the first 12 ingredients to make a dressing.  Pour over the last 4 ingredients.  This looks and tastes fancy, but only takes 10 minutes to make!  I sometimes throw in some spinach, as well.


How many of you allow your mood to be affected by everything and everyone around you?  I know that I do.  This is called "situational happiness."  I sometimes think of my happiness like a blown up balloon that deflates slowly or pops rapidly based on what comes my way.  But there is a constant joy that can be attained through our long walk and constant restarts with Jesus.  In fact, the Bible says that our struggles and hardships make us better people!  So be joyful, take heart, and persevere through the hard times.

"No only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. "
                                                                                               - Romans 5:3-5

I was taught the acronym,  JOY: always think of Jesus, then Others, then Yourself