Some days it is hard to let go – the negative thoughts, the guilt, the anger, the tiredness, the silliness – so that we can embrace what the Lord has for us that day.
This quote helped me: "Wait before God until you feel saturated with His presence; then go forth to your next duty with the conscious freshness and vigor of Christ." ~Dr. Pardington
"The silences of Jesus are as eloquent as His speech and may be a sign, not of His disapproval, but of His approval and of a deep purpose of blessing for you." (Streams in the Desert)
Matthew 15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word…
"She knows Me so intimately, and trusts Me so utterly, that she is independent of words or looks or any outward intimation of My approval. She is not dismayed, not discouraged by any circumstances through which I arrange that she shall pass; she trusts Me when sense and reason and every finer instinct of the natural heart would rebel – because she knows that I am working in her for eternity, and that what I do , though she knows not the explanation now, she will understand hereafter." (Streams in the Desert)
The Best Vegetarian Chili Ever
Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Stir in onions, bay leaves and salt. Saute until onion is translucent. Stir in celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Cover, reduce to low and simmer for five (5) minutes. Add all spices. Add tomatoes. Add beans. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in corn and simmer until corn is heated through.
We serve this over jasmine rice.
(Doug made a huge pot of this over the weekend and we are still enjoying it today. It is so full of yummy veggies and beans that I promise – you won't even miss the meat!!!)
Enjoy!
Alesha
This week:
I worked with these lovely pieces for the Bead Soup Blog Party.
I chose some lovely gemstones for a custom piece of jewelry.
I spied this crimson-capped fella in my orange tree again.
I took out some of my frustrations by hammering on copper.
(It is very cathartic!)
I also spent much time in prayer for my precious friend Robin Boyle. Robin required an emergency c-section to deliver her 7th child, a baby boy named Mark Seth. She then needed 32 pints of blood, and is currently still in ICU, due to blood clots in both lungs and failing kidneys. If the Lord lays it on your heart, would you pray with me for Robin?
Thanks.
Then, on a much smaller scale, would you please pray for Isaac? He caught our caregiver's cold, and has developed quite a cough. Praise the Lord, he has only run fever one night, and we are praying that he stays stable and that the cough doesn't turn into pneumonia.
Blessings,
Alesha
I easily tire of eating salad, especially in the winter. My brain tells me that if it's *cold* outside, I should be eating something *warm*! So I find it quite a challenge to make a salad that appeals to me.
Over the weekend, I came up with a salad that is tasty and pretty. I thought I'd share it with you. It's nothing fancy, but has a nice balance of flavors.
Beat the Winter Blahs Salad
Let me know if you try it. I'd love to know what you think.
Blessings,
Alesha
I've been spending some time outdoors each morning, when I take the dogs out for their morning exercise. We've had some absolutely beautiful weather, and I'm trying to enjoy it while it lasts.
The last few days, along with Kepler, I've had another friend join me in the backyard. Can you see him?
He's a cute little red-headed woodpecker!
Some days he fusses at us, but other days he has a little breakfast while we watch.
I had no idea that they drilled right into the fruit!
He was not bashful at all, as he enjoyed his daily dose of vitamin C!
I was talking with my dad today about growing some vegetables in the backyard this spring.
I sure hope our little friend will not be peck-peck-pecking into my tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers!!!
Hmmm…I might need to do a little "googling" about what woodpeckers eat and then we could plant something especially for him.
Do you plan to do any gardening this spring? Have you started your preparations yet? I'd love to hear what you have planned!
Blessings,
Alesha
I am so glad that this verse:
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:"
is followed by this verse:
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
(I Peter 5:6-7)
I don't really like to humble myself;
However, I do like casting my cares on Him.
Humbling myself is difficult;
But carrying my own cares is even more difficult.
When I am willing to submit to His will, I can release those worries and needs to His control;
And then I rest in His care.
So, why would I choose to be stiff-necked and rebellious toward a loving Heavenly Father Who promises to take care of me?
(Yeah…I don't know either.)
It's not a good choice, but it's one I sometimes make.
I always thought this was such a trite saying, but it seems full of meaning today:
"Let go…and let God."
Thank you, Lord, for the reminder.
May I not stubbornly hold on to my life.
Rather, let me humble my will to Yours, Father, and give to You all the burdens weighing so heavily on my mind and heart today.
Blessings to you, my bloggy friend,
Alesha
Obtaining Mercy 