STARTING OFF THE NEW YEAR
WITH A BAD ATTITUDE IS NOT
WHAT I HAD PLANNED.
This past year had been one of suffering, pain and
dissapointment. After several months of intense
rehab, I was at square one.
The surgery to correct the pain and numbness
in my leg had not reduced the effects. The
concensus from several medical providers was
that something else was wrong.
So, what was I to do? I was mad about the results,
especailly when I did due diligence before surgery
and sought out several competent medical
professionals. All gave me the same answer.
Much prayer and consultation went into my
decision. Now I felt betrayed and alone.
Many had prayed for me, with me and over me. I
cannot imagaine my emotional state if this had not
happened. But now, what should I do?
Several days of being alone with God, being in
His Word and finding the words to a 17th-century
hymn has given me a different perspective.
Paul Fleming, a German poet, 1609-1640. penned
these words that live with vibrancy and truth
hundreds of years later:
“Naught can befall me
that God did not choose
And that would not serve
to my ultimate good.”
— Paul Fleming —
This prose summed up hours of prayer and
reading. My waiting now does not seem to be so
bleak. God has a purpose for each of us. He is in
control of everything, including the hard things,
that come into our lives. There is a purpose to all
suffering and hardship.
The suffferings of this present time are
not worth comparing with the glory
that is to be revealed to us.”
— Romans 8:18, ESV —
One of my greatest joys is my gift of hospitality.
I have learned to pace myself, ask for help and
delight in being able to use my gift in serving others
… just in a more simple way. For now, the recipes
are not complex, nor are the decorations and the
table settings. I still see the joy of joining hands
around the table and breaking bread together.
My daughter-in-love, Carmen, gave me this recipe.
It’s easy and quick, but very delicious. Serve with
a tossed salad and garlic bread for a fun, colorful
and tasty dinner.
Tomato, Chicken and Feta Cheese
Casserole
2 cups of grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup feta cheese
¼ to ½ cup olive oil
1 cup chopped fresh basil
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
Rice or pasta (I like to use Black or Basmati Rice
Medley from Trader Joe’s.)
In a 9 x 13 glass dish, mix together all of the
above, except the basil and rice.
Bake in 375º oven for 25 minutes
Take out of oven and stir in fresh basil.
Serve over rice or pasta
Enjoy!
