Positive thinking

Vegan Corn Chowder (Huge hit at the neighborhood party tonight!)

3 large carrots, cut in small pieces
3 stalks celery, cut in small pieces
1 onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 small potatoes, diced
1 small pepper, diced
2 quarts water
1 cup water, with 4 TBSP flour dissolved in the water
1 TBSP dry mustard
1 can organic creamed corn
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
salt and pepper to taste

Add the first seven ingredients to a large pot and boil until vegetables are tender.  Add the mustard to the flour water.  Slowly add the flour water to the boiling liquid just until it thickens.  Add the creamed corn and the corn kernels.  Salt and pepper to taste.  I usually add a bit of soy milk as well for flavor and texture.  Delicious with a big salad and fresh rolls.
 

Have you ever been so excited, anticipating something so much, that when the event or reward finally is received, you are a bit let down?  One thing that I have learned over my brief time on this planet is that each and every moment needs to be appreciated, savored, and enjoyed to the fullest.  Even if everything does not turn out to be what I thought it should have been or could have been, I try to look at the positive side of things.  And who knows; many times events and experiences turn out to be better than I thought they would!

"Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot."
                                                                                                           -Ecclesiastes 5:18          

Influence your society

Red Beans (the kids go crazy over this one)
1/2 pound red chili or kidney beans
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup tomato puree
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
1 medium red onion, chopped

Rinse and drain beans, then place in a large pot and cover with water.  Bring to a boil, cover, turn off the heat, and let sit for one hour.  Drain, rinse again, the return to the pot and add three cups water, and the next seven ingredients.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer three hours, stirring occasionally. Uncover and cook for 20 minutes.  Remove the bay leaf and serve with the sour cream and chopped red onion.

"If we are pessimists and think we are capable of doing nothing in society today, I venture to say that we are theologically extremely unbalanced, if not heretical and harmful.  It's ludicrous to say Christians have no influence in society."
                                                                        - John R.W. Stott

The last days of warm weather

Fellowship is a group of people meeting to pursue a shared interest. Try to plan a simple coffee or tea time this week with the purpose of fellowship in mind.  Answer the question, "How can we influence our society?"  Volunteer, encourage, role model, listen, recycle, etc...the possibilities are endless!

Flowers in your hair

Walnut Rice Salad

5 cups cooked rice (any kind, although I prefer long-grain brown rice, or whole grain rice)
11/2 cups chopped walnuts, toasted
1 large, tart apple
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 large carrot, grated
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

Dressing:  1/3 cup lemon juice
                 2 TBSP honey
                 2 garlic cloves, minced
                 3/4 tsp salt
                 1/2 tsp curry powder
                 1/2 cup olive oil

Combine the first six ingredients.  Combine the lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt and curry powder.  Whisk in the oil and drizzle over the rice salad.


And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears.
And love will not break your heart, but dismiss your fears.
Get over your hill and see what you find there,
with grace in your heart and flowers in your hair. 


                                      Chorus to "After the Storm" by Mumford and Sons


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZMUgZRew3w