A Cheerful Giver

Roasted Winter Squash Salad

1 pound cooked winter squash, cut into 1 inch chunks and skin removed 

                     4 celery stalks

1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup dried currants or dried figs

2/3 cups beer

2 tsp dijon-style mustard

2 TBSP cider vinegar

3 TBSP olive oil

1 and 1/2 tsp honey

1/4 tsp sea salt

     Make a dressing by whisking together the beer, mustard, vinegar, olive oil, honey and salt.  Toss the squash in a large bowl with half the dressing.  Allow to sit for a few minutes, then add the celery, red onion, and figs, saving a little of each to sprinkle on top of the salad.  Add the rest of the dressing just prior to serving.  



      Christmas is a time for celebrating with family and friends.  Usually, the food is rich and unhealthy, but ever so tasty!  During this time of feasting, take smaller portions.  Limit your intake of alcohol, fat, and sugars. Ensure balanced portions of vegetables and fruit, along with all the Christmas food.   If you feel healthier at night and when rising in the morning, you can better function for your family, not to mention keep off that holiday five pounds.

    "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
                                                                               - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

    Think about all that God has given you and be generous.  Invest your time, talents, gifts, and love in others and watch how hearts will change.