Wise Counsel

Spinach and Lentil Salad With Toasted Walnuts

1 cup water
1/2 cup brown or french lentils, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
6 cups torn spinach or mixed salad greens
1/4 cup sweet and sour dressing (see previous blog for recipe)

In a small saucepan combine the water and lentils.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, drain the lentils, and place in a bowl.  Stir in the bell pepper, green onions, parsley, celery and walnuts.   Divide the spinach among the serving plates.  Top with the lentil mixture and drizzle with dressing.


When you are down who do you consult?  If you need help and encouragement are there a group of strong, affirming friends and family that give you wise counsel?  This is very important to establish, remembering that the people that surround you will most likely determine the path in your life.  If you have these people in your life, great!  If you don't,  develop some of these relationships now. This past week, our pastor referred to these encouraging people as being fellow "dolphins".  When a dolphin is injured, other dolphins will swim up to the injured dolphin and lift it up with a flipper.  Allow others to lift you up if you are in need of strength.  If you have the opportunity to be the encourager, try to be the one that lifts up your fellow man (or woman).    Thank you to all who have been my dolphins!

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.  
Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, 
but rather healed. 
                                                Hebrews 12:12-13
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
                                                Proverbs 4:26