Decisions! Decisions!
My husband treated me to a trip to the fabric warehouse yesterday. For anyone who lives in Southern California, M&L Fabrics on Ball in Orange County is the place to go for designer fabrics at Wal-Mart prices. The trip was a 25th Wedding Anniversary present so I got to indulge quite drastically. When I got home yesterday, I had an enjoyable time refolding my fabric stash and putting away my new fabric. A lot of ideas were running through my head about what I could make with the fabric. I also have six almost completed quilts waiting for final stitches. My conscience said to finish those before starting yet another project. My new fabric seemed to tell my conscience to 'shut up' and go with the creative flow lest it be lost. My son just reminded me I promised him a trip to Barnes & Noble and lunch out. Guess I'll discuss quilting priorities with my fabric when I get back from the bookstore. Sigh . . .
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A favorite, fast, meatless meal . . .
1 pound spaghetti
10 peeled cloves of garlic
1/2 stick butter
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth
Freshly ground pepper
Fresh basil (optional), shredded in strips
Salt to taste
1 cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan Cheese
Smash the garlic with the flat of a knife blade and finely chop. Smashing the garlic helps release the flavor. Very gently saute the garlic in the butter until the garlic is soft but not browned.
Meanwhile, boil the spaghetti until it is just barely done. It will cook a bit more in the final preparation and you don't want mushy pasta. Drain, and put spaghetti back in the pot. Add the garlic,/butter and mix thoroughly. With the stove set on a low flame, add the eggs and quickly stir them in so they cook and spread out evenly. Add the cheese, pepper, and basil and mix. Add salt and serve immediately.
This is a nice meal for a meatless Friday and goes well with a big salad and some sour dough bread, lightly toasted.
Interesting thing about Fridays and no meat. Everyone (I hope!) strictly observes them during Lent but seem to think that it does't apply the rest of the year. Unfortunately, many pastors have not been clear on this. Meatless Fridays have not exactly been changed but we are offered the option of choosing another form of penance for Friday. Too many Catholics I have talked to seem to view meatless Fridays as a thing of the past. The 'rule' is that unless you come up with a definite alternative, you should still refrain from meat. We have found it more of a penance and less of a strain on our brains to observe all Fridays as a meatless day.
Another year, another Lent . . .
I just realized that the Lenten Season is nearly upon us . . . again! There always seems to be that slight feeling of dread about what we can't have in order to be sacrificial during Lent. Yes, we should 'give up' things in order to strengthen our spiritual resolve, but we can add things to our life, during Lent, to bring about change in our outlook, too.
Our family always does meatless on Wednesdays as well as the mandatory Fridays of Lent. We also try to stick to the 'old-fashioned' notion of fasting. We have our three meals a day and avoid snacking. It is always interesting to note, during the first few days of Lent, how many times we actually find ourselves absentmindedly putting food in our mouths.
That is our 'give ups' of Lent. This year, however, I'm thinking I'd like to put some more positive spins on the six weeks. I'm going to be a better steward of our grocery budget taking more time and creativity in meal preparation. I usually fix a decent meal for my family but am thinking about watching the health aspect more and incorporate more healthy foods in a way that will add to their nutrition as well as their happiness. I guess I want to cut down on the unnecessary edible extras (like fats and sweets) yet present an acceptable meal that is enjoyed. It is sort of like the 'good' way of fasting where you wash your face and put on a smile so people don't know you are being penitential thus making your sacrifice more meaningful as you aren't looking for admiration.
Anyway, I'm going to spend time researching meatless recipes and healthy recipes recipes this week in preparation for the next six weeks. I'm hoping that some of the habits we put into play will last us beyond Lent, too. Seems like the incorporation of extra prayers and healthy habits that remain kind of give you a good report card for Lent!
I'll share any meatless recipes I discover and enjoy. Anyone with like-minded ways, is welcome to also give us the benefit of their experience.
"It is better not to fast and be thereby humbled, than to fast and to be self-satisfied therewith." Pascal Pensees 17th century
Our family always does meatless on Wednesdays as well as the mandatory Fridays of Lent. We also try to stick to the 'old-fashioned' notion of fasting. We have our three meals a day and avoid snacking. It is always interesting to note, during the first few days of Lent, how many times we actually find ourselves absentmindedly putting food in our mouths.
That is our 'give ups' of Lent. This year, however, I'm thinking I'd like to put some more positive spins on the six weeks. I'm going to be a better steward of our grocery budget taking more time and creativity in meal preparation. I usually fix a decent meal for my family but am thinking about watching the health aspect more and incorporate more healthy foods in a way that will add to their nutrition as well as their happiness. I guess I want to cut down on the unnecessary edible extras (like fats and sweets) yet present an acceptable meal that is enjoyed. It is sort of like the 'good' way of fasting where you wash your face and put on a smile so people don't know you are being penitential thus making your sacrifice more meaningful as you aren't looking for admiration.
Anyway, I'm going to spend time researching meatless recipes and healthy recipes recipes this week in preparation for the next six weeks. I'm hoping that some of the habits we put into play will last us beyond Lent, too. Seems like the incorporation of extra prayers and healthy habits that remain kind of give you a good report card for Lent!
I'll share any meatless recipes I discover and enjoy. Anyone with like-minded ways, is welcome to also give us the benefit of their experience.
"It is better not to fast and be thereby humbled, than to fast and to be self-satisfied therewith." Pascal Pensees 17th century
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Today's Quote to ponder . . .
"Never try to tell everything you know. It may take too short a time."
-- Norman Ford
-- Norman Ford
Monday, February 16, 2009
An interesting point . . .
Our pastor made an interesting point in his sermon yesterday. He said that God has a plan while man has free will.
God's plan for us is always good while our free will could and often does lead us astray. In the matter of the unborn, there is always a reason a child is conceived because God doesn't create 'trash'. When man, using his free will, deliberately kills that unborn child, he changes God's plan for that baby and changes a bit of the course of the world.
Naturally, man can and does make good choices and his good choices can improve the future of the word from his small corner of it. Abortion, however, never makes a change for the good and a life is lost each time this 'freedom of choice' is made.
Remember to support the bishops' postcard campaign to send our message to the president. Also consider participating in the red letter campaign, too. If you can't find red envelopes in the stores, they can be ordered on-line. I found mine at Paperworks.
God's plan for us is always good while our free will could and often does lead us astray. In the matter of the unborn, there is always a reason a child is conceived because God doesn't create 'trash'. When man, using his free will, deliberately kills that unborn child, he changes God's plan for that baby and changes a bit of the course of the world.
Naturally, man can and does make good choices and his good choices can improve the future of the word from his small corner of it. Abortion, however, never makes a change for the good and a life is lost each time this 'freedom of choice' is made.
Remember to support the bishops' postcard campaign to send our message to the president. Also consider participating in the red letter campaign, too. If you can't find red envelopes in the stores, they can be ordered on-line. I found mine at Paperworks.
A Quote and no comment!
"Anybody who wants the presidency so much that he'll spend two years organizing and campaigning for it is not to be trusted with the office."
-- David Broder
-- David Broder
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Red Letter Day for the Unborn . . .
I just received the following message and think that it is an incredibly FANTASTIC idea!!!!! Please join me in spreading this message and bombarding Washington with these RED envelopes . Pray that this pro-life message changes and converts the hearts of all who see and read the message in all the red envelopes!
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:55:39 -0500
Subject: Help send a message to Washington
From: belonginghouse@gmail.com
Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.
As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.
Here is what I would like you to do:
Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message.
"This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception."
Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.
Warmly, Christ John Otto
This letter was signed by "Christ John Otto." Christ (pronounced with a soft "i") John Otto is working in lay ministry in the boston area right now. He did not support one candidate over another in this election, but chooses his battles carefully.
The silent majority" can’t remain silent especially regarding the sanctity of all life. We have to do what we can and this is a peaceful symbolic way to make our voices heard. Also pray that millions of red envelopes will be delivered to the White House.
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:55:39 -0500
Subject: Help send a message to Washington
From: belonginghouse@gmail.com
Dear Friends and Intercessors:
This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.
As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.
Here is what I would like you to do:
Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500
On the back, write the following message.
"This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception."
Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.
Warmly, Christ John Otto
This letter was signed by "Christ John Otto." Christ (pronounced with a soft "i") John Otto is working in lay ministry in the boston area right now. He did not support one candidate over another in this election, but chooses his battles carefully.
The silent majority" can’t remain silent especially regarding the sanctity of all life. We have to do what we can and this is a peaceful symbolic way to make our voices heard. Also pray that millions of red envelopes will be delivered to the White House.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)