Memorization and Meditation

I have been challenged to get back to faithful Bible memory.

Friends and family asking me how the memory is going,

Asking how many books I have committed to memory now.

Total strangers challenging me by starting their own plans.

I had definitely fallen away from faithful, consistent memory and review.

I think that sometimes I try to bite off more than I can chew.

You know, too much ... too fast.

I also have to be more disciplined to rise earlier to give it the time that it needs.

So my goal is to learn the book of Galatians in a year's time.

Three verses a week should do it.

I am reviewing the book of James as well.

I love that book - so practical.

There are 17 "little" books in the New Testament.

I guess that will keep me busy for the next 17 years :)

That is a great way to work to keep the mind and spirit STRONG!

Black Beans and Corn with Salsa Dressing

I mentioned that were having company on Saturday night.  I was making Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas - a recipe that I received from a friend in Washington.  I love the enchiladas, but they do look a little boring on a plate, so I needed a bright side dish.  This cold salad fit the bill and balanced out the spice of the the green chilies in the enchiladas.  Hubby said that it was a "keeper" and that is good enough for me.  I like it because it can be made ahead to help the entertaining go smoother.

Black Beans and Corn with Salsa Dressing

1 - 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 c cooked whole kernel corn

1 red sweet pepper, cut into 1/2 inch pieces (3/4 c)

1 celery stalk with leaves, sliced (2/3 cup)

1 T snipped cilantro or parsley

1 recipe Salsa Dressing (below)

(combine 1/4 c plain yogurt, 1/4 c mayonnaise, and 1/4 c salsa)

1/2 of a medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced (optional)

Combine beans, corn, sweet pepper, celery, and cilantro. 

Add dressing. 

Toss to coat. 

Cover; chill 2-24 hours. 

Garnish with avocado slices. 

(6 side dish servings)

Promising Day

After a lot of gray and rain this week,

today promises to be a beautiful day.

High in the 50's with sunshine!

Working on tract distribution with the ladies this morning.

Hanging laundry out.

Perhaps finishing leaf removal from underneath the trees.

Preparing for some company tonight ... think Mexican food!

Looking forward to services tomorrow.

Is this Winter?

Been amazingly warm this winter.

I have the windows open today while I clean,

and the temperature inside is staying at about 68!

Seems hopeless to wish for snow,

but we have been known to see the white stuff in February and March.

Maybe, maybe, maybe ...

Most families can afford

to do without

the wonderful household necessities

no family can afford

to be without.

* You might have to read this twice :) *
It all comes back to perspective and contentment.

Tasks

Today I am thankful for the things that fill a day.

the cleaning project,

the sewing project,

the meals to prepare,

the music lessons to teach,

the people to visit,

even the time of exercise :)



Broken

I just hate when things are broken.

I have been wrestling with a computer with issues this week.

Absolutely no fun!

Then there is the broken glass while I am trying to get dinner together ...

or the broken clothespin ...

or the broken pipes ...

fill in the blank with your trial.

All of these broken things are of no use unless they are fixed.

A broken object needs just to be thrown out.

And yet, that is what my Savior wants.

A broken spirit.

A humble heart.

I know that I posted this verse last week, as well.

But it is still having an impact on me.

It is not about me ... or you ...

God must have reign in ALL things.

Psalm 51:17

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:

a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Good Behavior

1 Samuel 18:14

And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways;

and the LORD was with him.

Have this verse running through my mind.

Working to learn a song based on this text.

Hopefully will teach it to the kiddos at church.

It is quite the inspiration for my actions today.

Another Dip

Hubby is a dip fanatic (perhaps that is why he loves me!)  He would be happy with pretzels and dip, bread and dip, crackers and dip for every meal!  I did not grow up as a dip lover, but have found some favorites.  I thought the only dips were sour cream and onion or blue cheese - neither of which are a personal favorite.  Here is one I discovered a few years ago and used at a Christmas party this year (due to the red and green specks - which could be changed with the holiday/season).  This is another of Kraft foods "winners."

Parmesan Confetti Dip

1 c sour cream

1/2 c grated parmesan cheese

1/2 c mayo

1/2 c each finely chopped green and red peppers

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix all ingredients.  Cover.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve with pretzels, wheat thins, veggies ...

When one door closes, another opens;

but we often look so long and so regretfully

upon the closed door

that we do not see the one which has opened for us.

– Alexander Graham Bell